His Rebound Love

by Melissa Bender

  Sienna grabbed a serving spoon, leaning towards the honey chicken. “True. You just have to stack the plate full.” She took a serving, placing it down on her plate with a grin. “I haven’t eaten all day. I apologise for not being very lady-like right now. I’m so hungry.”

  She ate two plates full of food, not embarrassed whatsoever as she ate. We chatted the whole time about things that would come up, about books she has read and how she is a fan of dirty ones. She laughed when I told her about my stash of Playboy that my mum found when I was moving out, and she burned the lot.

  We finished eating deep fried ice cream, sharing a bowl and not leaving any leftovers.

  The time was nearing midnight. I knew that our night would be ending soon. “Dinner was great. Thanks,” I told her, meaning it. “Next time, you come over to mine.”

  “Will it be like a weekly thing, sharing takeout?” She wiggled her brows next. “Why Jax, you sure know how to woo a girl, don’t ya?”

  I laughed, standing up and taking the empty plates to the sink. “I’m trying, but I’m not that good at wooing.” I winked at her. “If you want to make this a weekly thing, then why not?” It was only dinner, right?

  “Sounds good. Yours next Friday night and then mine the following. At least it makes eating not so lonely.” She looked down, a sad smile across her face.

  I wanted to tell her she would never be lonely again.

  As I went to place the lids back on the takeaway containers, she stopped me. Her hand covered mine, pulling it back, and then reached with her other to take the lid. “You have to take some back home. There’s enough for you to have dinner tomorrow night.”

  “No seriously, you keep them. I’ll feel bad if I do.”

  “Jax, take them.” She ignored me, proceeding to grab a clean plate from the drawer and loading up another plate full. I didn’t feel so bad when I knew she would have enough for her to eat. Still, I shouldn’t have let her do it. Why I did? I have no idea.

  Because I like her? Yeah, that was probably right.

  As I neared the door, the feeling of dread washed over me. I really didn’t want to go. “Want to come over to watch a movie?” I had to ask.

  Her hand lingered on the open door for a moment. She closed it, and I assumed it was a flat-out no. Then she reached for a set of her keys and gave me that look of shyness. Damn, she wasn’t going to get all shy on me now? Was she?

  I hoped not.

  “Just a movie.” Her voice was nervous and shaky as I watched her.

  “Just a movie.” I assured her back. It was clear. Nothing but dinner and a movie was going to happen tonight. I was more than ok with that. “Nothing else. Except popcorn.”

  I wasn’t some bastard expecting to get laid. Sure, I would have loved to, but I wasn’t going to hold expectations over her. Having gotten to know her more, it was obvious that one night stands were not her thing. She was a date me and romance me kind of girl.

  Unfortunately, that sucked for me. I wasn’t ready for another relationship. It just wasn’t going to happen.

  She looked through my list of DVDs, settling on Hitman. “I haven’t seen this, but gosh! He looks hot.”

  I cocked a brow, sitting down and grabbing the remote. “Really? Bald men do it for you?”

  “The suit does it for me.” She pointed out as she joined me on the opposite side of the couch.

  I couldn’t stop myself. The words were already coming out. “I wear a suit to work every day.”

  “I know. Please don’t remind me.” Her words were soft, but I heard that low groan in the back of her throat.

  Sitting there and smiling, I held my tongue. The movie was starting, so I grabbed the popcorn from the table and sat it beside us. With a beer in her hand, she tucked her legs up underneath her bum, and we began our movie.

  I had seen this film many of times before, but that wasn’t the reason for my lack of attention. It was the woman beside me with her feet on my lap. She had passed out and very well stretched out, using me as some kind of footstool. Her hair has softly fallen around her face, her lips apart as she gently breathed in and out. I was focused on her and the way she slept, picking up her little snores now and then that made me break out into a smile

  The right thing to do would have been to wake her up and kick her out.

  But I wasn’t the man who always did the right thing.

  Carefully, I held her feet as I slowly stood up and laid them back down. I had another blanket somewhere in the cupboard, so I went to get that and brought it back out to her.

  I shouldn’t have laid it down over her small body, but I did.

  I shouldn’t have run my fingertips softly across her jaw, tracing those soft lips, but I did.

  I found myself leaning in to kiss her forehead… but I didn’t.

  I left her there to sleep and went to my room, closing the door so temptation wouldn’t eat me alive.

  This woman was going to break me.

  CHAPTER TEN

  I barely slept.

  How could I, knowing that she was out on my couch? It drove me mad. I felt like a jerk for going to bed and leaving her sleeping there. The couch wasn’t big. Although she was smaller than me, she couldn’t have been that comfortable.

  Lying in bed, I was unsure how to go out there and react. Do we just go about as if nothing happened? I questioned myself. Nothing did happen, but she spent the night. Not in the way it should have been, but she still slept here. Did I want something more to happen with her? I wasn’t sure about anything anymore.

  Colt. He was probably licking her face as she slept.

  The usual morning vibrating began. I didn’t need to look at my phone to tell who was calling. I picked up the phone as the screen lit up flashing. It was Jasmine. Jesus, she doesn’t give up, I thought in exasperation. I ignored it once more. The need to ignore her was my focus. I didn’t know what could happen if I picked up and heard her voice after so long; it scared me.

  Setting the phone back down, I took it as my cue to get out of bed, throw on some clothes, and go face Sienna. My heart was slightly pounding as I threw on a pair of sweatpants and hoodie. I ran a hand through my hair as I walked into the bathroom and reached for the toothbrush. Brushing them were a first, especially after the alcohol I had consumed the night before.

  My worry grew when I walked out into the living area. She wasn’t there. The navy-blue blanket I covered her with was neatly folded up and set on the empty couch arm, near where she had slept. There was no sign of her anywhere. She had even cleaned up the empty beer bottles.

  Well, fuck. I had not expected she would leave before I woke.

  One could suppose it was all right that she had taken off, no awkwardness to try and talk through things. It really irked me, though. She just left without a word. Was that what she did after a night with a guy? Did she just slip out when they were asleep? Who even does that?

  Colt jumped up on the couch where she lay and looked at me with those big, sad eyes. “Don’t even start that,” I muttered, turning around to make myself a very strong coffee.

  I desperately needed caffeine to get me through the morning.

  Coffee didn’t help one bit. I couldn’t help but feel irritated and annoyed. I had tried getting my mind off her, but I couldn’t. Did she not want to face me? Surely not.

  What could she be embarrassed about? I was the creep who covered her with a blanket and almost kissed her forehead.

  Screw this shit. Come lunchtime, I was really starting to annoy myself with my inner thoughts. There was only so much pacing a guy could do.

  I walked over the hallway and knocked loudly.

  Her eyes widened when she answered the door. I had clearly caught her off guard. Good, because I wasn’t leaving. “Jax, I’m kind of busy.”

  Refusing to make eye contact, she went to close the door. Oh, no. She wasn’t blocking me out. My hand came up, stopping her from doing so. “No, you’re not.”

  Her green eyes widened.
She looked bewildered that I had accused her of lying. Then she glared at me. It was a lovely sight to see. “No, but I could have been.”

  “Why did you leave this morning?” I had to know.

  Her brows raised, then her eyes half rolled. “Why do you think?”

  “I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking. You just up and left without a word.” I raised a brow, waiting for this explanation that I had been worrying about all morning. Worrying, huh? More like going crazy about.

  Her gaze lowered to the floor, and she whispered so softly that I barely heard her. “I was embarrassed.”

  “Why?”

  “Why do you think?” She looked back up, expecting me to know. I didn’t.

  “I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking you. We watched Netflix and chilled with popcorn and beers. You’re making it seem like I took you to bed and fucked you all night.” Sometimes being blunt was the only way to go.

  “Do you want to fuck me?” That was the first time I had ever heard her curse, and it was hot.

  I wasn’t going to lie to her. “Yes.” Oh baby, I really want to fuck you.

  “Oh.” She seemed surprised. Her cheeks flushed as she tried avoiding eye contact again.

  “I’m not going to, though.” I had to make that clear. No mixed signals anymore. I couldn’t lead her on.

  A little crease formed between her brows. “Oh?”

  “Not unless you want it… but I don’t think it’d be good for this friendship.” I couldn’t fuck her only once and then be around her, wanting more but trying to act normal. “I don’t do friends with benefits or one night stands. I’m not that kind of guy.”

  “Good. I agree. Best we keep our pants on. Do you want anything else?” She seemed annoyed or looking more as if she was agreeing with herself.

  Shaking my head, I dropped my hand and leant into the door frame, crossing my arms over my chest. “No. That’s all I came to tell you.”

  She laughed, starting to relax again. “You’re crazy.”

  I had to agree with her. “You’re making me go crazy. So, what were you really doing inside?”

  “Not much. Playing Lep’s World 3 and trying to kill the giant troll.” She began to laugh as she leant against the opposite side of the door, smiling at me. “I don’t do much, Jax. Pretty boring over here.”

  She was far from boring. “Which level?”

  “Sky land, twenty.”

  My smile grew wider. I knew the level well. “Come over. You’ll finish the movie and let the dogs have a playdate while I kick this troll's ass for you.”

  “Really?” she asked, cocking a brow upwards. “You make it sound so… knight in shining armour-ish.”

  “Sure, why not? I’ve got nothing else on today.” Even if I did… you are who I’d want to spend it with. Which reminded me. “Sienna... Why were you embarrassed earlier?” She never answered my question.

  She rolled her eyes. “Can we not discuss that, please?”

  I shook my head. That was not going to cut it. “Sorry. I want to know, and the troll won’t be getting kicked anywhere until you answer my question. Tell me.”

  I could see she really didn’t want to say it aloud. Finally, she sighed in frustration and crossed her arms over her chest. “I didn’t want you to kick me out. I never meant to fall asleep, and when I woke… I just assumed you’d tell me to leave and it’d get awkward.”

  Oh. Well, that explains everything.

  I was quiet for a moment before stepping in closer to her. Reaching up, I brushed a piece of stray hair behind her ear and trailed my finger down her nose slowly. “Don’t ever assume things with me, Sienna. If you want to know something, ask. I’ll be honest with you as I have always been. You staying over, it was accidental. It wasn’t a problem for me.” Dropping my hand and pulling back with a boyish grin, I add, “I was going to make you my famous pancakes for breakfast.”

  She leant in, and for a moment, I thought she was going to kiss me. Her nose scrunched up in a cute way, and she pushed me further out the door. “How about you make them for lunch instead? I am pretty hungry.”

  I cocked a brow, stepping back towards my door. “Deal. Grab your phone and come over.”

  “Sammie.” She turned, calling her dog.

  Sammie came walking out, taking one look at me, and like a queen, she walked through my apartment door and made herself right at home. “Well then. By all means, come in, Sammie.” I grinned as I shook my head, following her inside.

  I waited by the door as Sienna grabbed her phone, locked her apartment up, and came skipping across the hall. Yes, she skipped into my place.

  “When do you go back to work?” I asked, grabbing a bowl from a drawer in the kitchen. I had no frigging clue how to make pancakes. Milk and flour, right?

  She looked up from her place on the floor, sitting with legs wide open and the dogs climbing all over her. “Tomorrow. Do you ever work weekends?”

  “Not really. I can do a lot from home also. Just depends on how busy the week goes.” I looked in the fridge. Something was missing. “Uh, what do you have on your pancakes?” I called out.

  “Maple syrup, ice-cream, whipped cream, strawberry topping, or sprinkles.”

  My body shook as I laughed. Yeah, I should have planned this better before trying to impress her. Wait, was I trying to impress her? I thought about it for a moment. Maybe. I never willingly cooked for anyone, not even Jasmine.

  Her voice rang right behind me as she peeked over my shoulder. “You have no idea how to make pancakes, do you?”

  Trying to keep my composure as her warm breath hit my ear, I internally groaned. “Would you be mad if I said no?” I turned back around with a grin.

  Her green eyes rolled as her finger poked into my side, causing me to laugh from the ticklish spot she hit. “Scoot over. I’ll make them, and you can get the ingredients out for me. We need eggs.” She began to list out the ingredients off the top of her head as she grabbed a whisk and measuring cups from the drawer.

  “What can I do to help?” I knew I was useless at cooking, but I wanted to help. I might possibly learn how to make this for next time.

  Next time, huh? I smiled at the thought.

  “How about you get the fry pan heated up, and don’t be shy about butter. Butter is amazing… but in moderation. You know, coz of heart attacks and all.”

  “You know what else is amazing?” I said as I walked up behind her, the butter simmering away into a melt. I glanced down, my eyes trailing lower until they landed on her round ass that was covered by a pair of black yoga pants. “A place down the road. They make the best pizza ever.”

  She turned so quickly that I was unaware how close our bodies would be. We were almost touching as she was pushed against the bench. “Pizza?” she asked, looking at the space between us. She felt it also.

  The heat, the insane pull that was drawing our bodies closer to one another.

  My hands were on either side of the bench, trapping her in. “Pizza.” I nodded, keeping my eyes on her as I dipped my finger into the batter mixture behind her back. “You want to get a couple pizzas tonight?”

  “Can we play the Xbox as well?” Fuck. Marry me.

  I was almost lost for words as I nodded, trying to gain control and focus back after that silly thought that had almost slipped out my mouth. Never ever have I almost said that to anyone. Not Jasmine. Not any other exes. Not one. Then this woman came in my life, and within a few weeks she was asking to play Xbox, and I was on the verge of proposing. We weren’t even dating.

  That was how fucked up this was.

  She was shocking me, every day. She would do or say something to make me crazy, in a good way.

  “We can play the Xbox if you don’t pass out on me.” I winked teasingly as I pulled my hand up and went to smear batter across her face.

  She grabbed my wrist, her small hand closing around it. Her green eyes widened as she laughed, shaking her head. “Don’t you dare, Jackson.”

>   The smile grew even more, and she leaned in as I had her completely pressed against the counter. With our bodies touching, I shift my thigh between her legs as I grabbed her other wrist before she could try to escape. My cock began to stir, and I had no doubt she would soon feel it pressing against her stomach. It wasn’t avoidable, just an innocent touch. She aroused me. She consumed me.

  “I think you’d look good with this over your face,” I spoke and was soon afraid of my own voice as it came out gravelly.

  My finger was nearing her nose, but she kept still. “I’ll get you back.” She threatened, but there was no promise in her words. It was an empty threat. Her breathing began to pick up, her chest rising and falling with each soft breath she took.

  I waited for her to react, to make her next move. She did something that completely and utterly stunned me instead.

  She sucked the batter from my finger.

  “Did you just?” I blinked, staring down at her as she licked her lips.

  “Mm, so good.” She grinned back, giving me a shove as she stood on her tippy toes, leaning in closer. Her breath hit my ear, and my cock could have blown like a balloon bursting. “The butter’s burnt.”

  I didn’t give a shit about the butter.

  I was still trying to come to terms with the fact she had sucked my finger. Like, literally sucked it and used teeth, scraping against my skin as she drew it back out. Jesus. The feeling it sent through my body… The reaction I had gotten from something so… It was completely new. My dick was jumping with joy. If that was how she sucked batter, then he couldn’t wait to feel how she sucked cock.

  “I… uh...”

  “Lost for words, finally!” Her face broke out into a joyous expression as she did a little victory jump.

  “Finally?” I frowned, eyeing her suspiciously. I didn’t understand. Was she waiting to stun me? If only she knew she did it every time we spoke. “What do you mean?”

  She took a spoonful of mixture, dropping it into the frypan, and turned back around. Her hair a tangled mess, her eyes bright, and her smile that seemed to make any shitty day better… God! “I’m just saying, you make me fumble for words. I thought I’d make you do the same.”