Being next door to Jax is surreal. I’ve been numb for so long I don’t know how to feel. Overwhelmed—that’s a good word for it. Jaxson’s the dream. He was out of reach for so long and now I’m next door. He’s right on the other side of the wall. When he kissed me I thought I might die. Part of me always held onto a hope that we’d be together again, but I always thought Leonard would kill me before it came to fruition.

I’m a mess—need a shower. Thinking about Jax kissing me while I smell like a rotten ashtray makes me cringe.

I walk to the master bathroom and start the shower even though I’d love to soak in the tub. I need to wash this filth away first. The last thing I want to do is sit in a tub and marinade in it. A bath can wait.

As I wash off the grime from the past few days, I feel rejuvenated. My mind clears like the water swirls everything down the drain. I’ll do whatever it takes to win back my Jax and keep him for good. After seeing his smile and tasting his lips I know I can’t live without having him.

I love him so much it hurts.

I want to look into his eyes every day. I want to see him look like the boy he once was, not the man I turned him into.

I just need to rid myself of Leonard first.

Walking from the bathroom, I wrap a towel around my body and put my hair up with another. I didn’t even think to look for clothes. Thoughts of being clean trumped everything else.

I stroll into the master bedroom and look for something to wear but all I find is a t-shirt. I slip it over my head and it hangs down to my thighs. I’ll have to make do with washing my one pair of clothes until I can go shopping.

The laundry room sits just off the kitchen connected to the pantry. I start a load, the only thing I really still have in the world, and search for a pen to make a list of things I need. Looking around, I can’t help but smile a little at the fact that he really did go after his dreams. He did it. All on his own. It makes him even more attractive. I never would’ve imagined him in this posh building wearing a suit and tie every day, but I’m not surprised that he found success.

I don’t expect him to take care of me or buy me anything. I can handle myself. It’s sweet that he wants to, but I can’t let him do it. He’s done enough already. I brought all this on myself. I can tell he wants to take the blame for some of our past, but it was me. I thought I was doing the right thing, but now, I’m not so sure.

I’m bent over the counter writing when Jaxson walks in carrying a bag of takeout. His eyes instantly brighten when I look at him over my shoulder. I forgot the shirt is probably riding halfway up my ass.

“Jesus. You trying to give me a heart attack?” He places the bag on the dining table and crosses the room in three strides so that he’s right behind me.

His hands go to my ass and shivers immediately dance up my spine. He peppers kisses along my neck. “I brought food.” His fingers dig into my hips. “Think I found a better menu, though.” Sliding a hand around to my stomach he presses his hard cock against me. Heat pools between my thighs and I know I want him. There’s nothing stopping us from being together.

I’m only married on paper. Not in my heart. Jaxson owns my heart. He always has.

“And I’m hungry.” Spinning me around to face him, he lifts me onto the counter. With one knee he spreads my legs forcefully, and then kneels down.

I watch him, wondering how this will compare to when we were younger. He’s all man now.

A growl leaves his throat when he feels how wet I am for him.

I have no shame. There’s no hiding how much I want him. His torturous lips meet the sensitive skin of my inner thigh. He teases the spot I want him most, rubbing his finger over my clit just enough to make me purr.

It’s been so long since I’ve been loved by a man who actually cares for me.

He’s the only one.

Ever.

His mouth latches onto my pussy as he hums against my clit. He watches every single one of my reactions to his touch, then slowly slides a finger inside me.

Tangling my fist in his hair, I hold on as he finger-fucks and licks me. It’s better than I remember, and I’m already on the edge. He’s improved his technique. I want to be jealous that he’s been with others, but all I can think is that he’s mine now.

“Fuck, your pussy is so damn tight, Jenna.”

“I haven’t been with anyone in years.”

“How long’s it been since someone made you feel good, baby?”

I arch my back when he hits the spot deep inside me just right.

A devilish grin spreads across his face.

I gasp when he does it again. “The-the last time I was with you.”

“I’m going to make it up to you every goddamn day. I’ll give you an orgasm for every day we’ve been apart.”

He flicks his tongue across my clit.

“Holy shit.” I nod at him. “May take a while.”

“I’ve got time.” He speeds up his fingers and tongue, to the point I’m squirming on the counter ready to explode.

He works his fingers in and out while his thumb circles my clit. “You ready?”

“For what?”

“To come all over my face.” He dives back between my legs and takes my clit between his teeth, sucking and pulling.

My head flies back. “Oh my God, Jaxson.” Fireworks go off behind my eyelids and waves of pleasure roll through my limbs.

It’s the most intense orgasm I’ve had in my life.