Whispered Promises

Chapter 13 - A Line Between Fantasy and Reality

Josy's POV

I don't know what's happening right now. We're just staring into each other's eyes, the moment heavy with something I can't quite name. But then, as if to break the spell, Jackson opens the center console and hands us both gum. Neither of us is done eating, so the gum catches me off guard.

"If we're going to kiss, you better get rid of the gum in your mouth," I say, immediately regretting how blunt I sound.

He grins. "No worries, it'll be gone before my lips touch yours, my lady."

I can't believe he just said that. My heart skips a beat.

"Are we actually doing this?" I ask, trying to keep my cool.

He shrugs casually, like it's no big deal. "Only if you want to."

I mirror his shrug, trying to match his calm. "I'm open to it."

"Great," he says, as if we're discussing something as ordinary as the weather.

Before I can overthink it, his hand cups my chin, tilting my face toward his. His lips meet mine, soft and surprisingly gentle. There's a playful tickle from his mustache. We pull away after a few seconds, both of us grinning like idiots.

"Not bad," I admit, my voice a little breathless.

He groans appreciatively and moves in for more. This time, it's slower. His tongue grazes my lips, asking for permission, which I grant. His control over the pace drives me wild, and we lose ourselves in the kiss. It grows heated quickly, little moans escaping between breaths. Time becomes meaningless. It's just us.

Finally, we stop, panting.

"We should probably get your pretty butt home," he whispers, his voice still husky from the kiss.

I nod, realizing it's already 3 a.m. "Yeah, you're right."

We share a quick kiss before he starts the truck, and soon we're cruising down the street, music blasting. To my surprise, he lets me play a Taylor Swift song, and we sneak glances at each other, smiles tugging at our lips. What is going on? I feel this ridiculous sense of happiness bubbling up inside me.

My stomach flips. I just made out with my hot, fake boyfriend. And, damn, he's a good kisser.

He parks in front of my apartment, gets out, and opens my door. Gentlemanly as always, he walks me to the elevator. It feels so natural, but I can't help but wonder—does he expect to come inside?

Jackson, being a gentleman? Sure. Jackson having manners? Sometimes. Jackson doing something nice without expecting anything in return? Highly doubtful.

I unlock my door, and to my surprise, he follows me inside without hesitation.

"What now?" I ask, trying to figure out his intentions.

"Another drink?" he offers, like we haven't had enough already.

I shrug. "Sure. I've got some High Moons, beer, and tequila in the fridge."

He heads to the fridge, grabbing a beer for himself and a High Moon for me.

"I prefer the passionfruit one. Not a big fan of watermelon," I remind him as I lean against the counter. He rolls his eyes but switches the flavor anyway.

"Thank you," I say as he hands me the can.

We stand there for a moment, sipping our drinks. "That went well, right?" he chuckles.

"It went great," I agree. "Do you think people believed us?"

"Oh yeah. Guys were coming up to congratulate me," he says with a grin. "They'll definitely talk about us."