Lifeline

JJ stops halfway to the car, a wide smile spreading over her face. “Damn, you’re right.” She throws her arms around my neck and pulls me down, pressing a kiss to my lips. “Aww… my hero,” she teases me.

I slap her ass, giving her a look of warning, “Keep teasing me like that and see what happens.”

Chuckling, she walks to the passenger door, and for a moment, I’m awestruck by the beautiful smile on her face. Again it hits – this woman is mine. After all the shit, the pain, the absolute hell, Julie Jefferson is mine.

“You keep looking at me like that and see what happens,” she sasses me before climbing into the vehicle.

PART 4

SECOND CHANCES

Chapter 28

JJ

Six months later…

After going out for dinner, O’Brien parks the Camero in the garage, then reaches back to grab my overnight bag.

My stomach tightens with nerves because it will be the first whole weekend I’ll spend at his place. It was my idea.

He’s been super patient and supportive, going for counseling with me, not pushing for more than I was willing to give, and making one hell of an effort to take me out on romantic dates.

The poor man has groveled enough, and I feel we’re solid as a couple to move to the next stage of our relationship.

Climbing out of the car, I follow O’Brien to the back entrance. I watch as he unlocks the door, and stepping inside the dark house, my nerves hum with anticipation.

After six months of dating, you’d think I’d be used to us as a couple, but after dreaming about it for a year, it still feels surreal.

At the office, O’Brien’s his usual demanding self, expecting only the best when it comes to my work. He doesn’t show me favoritism, which I really appreciate.

When we’re alone, he makes a point of getting to know me better. We talk about our childhoods, our likes and dislikes. Having him answer every one of my questions alone is a miracle in my books.

We’ve kissed, but he always pulls back before it can derail into an overheated mess.

Like I said, he’s gone out of his way, giving me time to get used to us as a couple.

I follow him through the living room, then he asks, “Want something to drink before we head up?”

“No, thanks,” I whisper, my heartbeat starting to speed up.

Heading up the stairs, my palms grow clammy, and I quickly rub them over my sides. He switches the lights on and sets my bag down on a dark gray dresser.

When O’Brien turns to look at me, a soft smile forms around his lips. “Relax. Nothing’s going to happen you’re not ready for.”

I nod quickly, and just wanting him to hold me, I rush forward and slam into his chest. His arms wrap me up in their safety, his mouth pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

We hold each other until the nervous tension eases, and wanting to clear my own conscience, I say, “I have to apologize to you.”

He pulls back and frowns down at me. “For what? You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Well,” I take a step back, shove my hands in my jeans’ pockets, and rock on my feet, giving him a sheepish look. “I kinda did. But hear me out before you react.”

His eyes search mine, then he murmurs, “Okay.”

“Remember when you were drunk?”

His frown deepens, then his eyes sharpen on me. “What did I do?”

I shake my head, then admit, “You weren’t stable on your feet, and I tried to keep you standing.” It takes a lot to keep eye contact with him, and my nerves have me rambling, “We lost our balance, and you kissed me, and things escalated pretty quickly. I told you to stop because you were drunk. You did, then rolled over and fell asleep.”

O’Brien shakes his head. “Sounds like I owe you an apology.”

I grimace, lowering my gaze to his neck. “I… ah…” Closing my eyes from the embarrassment surging through me, I spit it out, “I kinda took advantage of the situation and masturbated… right next to you. I’m sorry.” My tongue darts out, wetting my dry lips. “It was a heat of the moment thing, but there’s really no excuse, and I’m sorry.”

I feel O’Brien step closer to me, and opening my eyes, they widen when I see the predatory look on his face.

He wraps an arm around my waist and yanks me hard against his body. Lowering his head until his lips brush over my ear, his voice is a low rumble when he asks, “You made yourself come?”

I nod quickly.

“Did I make you sexually frustrated, baby?”

I nod again.

“That won’t happen again.” His warm breaths tease the sensitive skin beneath my ear. “Next time, I’ll finish what I start.” He pulls back, a sexy smirk on his face making him look hotter than any man has the right to look. “No need to apologize, JJ. I think it’s fucking hot you took what you wanted after I left you hanging.”