Trace of Innocence (No Control Book 3)

Chapter 29

(No Control - 29. Teenage Kicks)

"That'll teach you to mock my buns of steel," I mutter breathlessly.

Fucking hell that was good. Amazing in fact. My knees feel weak.

Jess pushes me gently off her. I flop onto my back and close my eyes, my heart still hammering.

"Well if that was punishment, I wish I'd done it sooner," she says, and I crack open one eye to look at her. She's sitting up and wearing a cheeky smirk. "OK now seriously, I have got to get a move on," she says, pushing herself off the bed and disappearing into the bathroom.

I remove the condom and lay on the bed for about five minutes, deep in thought, while she has a shower.

I like her. She makes my heart pound and my stomach flutter.

I want to see her again, but how is it even possible? My life at the moment is all about the tour. What am I supposed to say, 'hey, can I take you out again one day next year?'

I am so torn with this. I know I'm not going to be able to get her out of my head, but I can't pretend this could ever go anywhere. Not yet, anyway.

What the hell am I going to do?

I hear Jess coming out of the bathroom. I quickly sit up on the bed. She comes into the bedroom wearing nothing but a towel, and tosses a clean one at me. I catch it and stand up, and wink at her cockily as I slip past her without a word. Out of the corner of my eye I see the giddy smile on her face and I can't help but grin stupidly as I walk into the bathroom and get in the shower.

By the time I get back into the bedroom Jess isn't there. I pull last night's clothes on again, which is a bit gross, but it's only until I get home.

I check my phone - Niall's replied: Yesssssss get in there boy. Details later, don't leave out the good stuff.

I shake my head, shove my phone in my pocket and walk into the kitchen where Jess is putting toast onto a plate. My stomach flutters at the sight of her. She looks amazing.

"You look great," I tell her. "What time do you have to leave?"

"Anytime in the next 10 minutes. I can get on the tube, you don't have to drive me."

Like hell am I letting her get the tube when I have my car. Especially when I could spend an extra few minutes with her.

"I'd like to," I persist, and she smiles at me, causing another flutter.

"OK, well thanks, if you're sure."

I nod at her, and reach for a slice of toast. I watch as she puts all her stuff away into a large bag, and picks up her keys.

Should I throw out the idea of another date?

I chew my toast thoughtfully and consider this.

I was thinking maybe we could do this again some time?

Fuck, no - that sounds like I want to be fuck buddies or something. Been there, done that.

I'd like to take you out again when I'm home, if you fancy it?

I don't even know when I'm going to be home. At least, not England-home. I plan on going to LA after this next leg of the tour.

Can I text you while I'm away?

For fuck's sake, I don't need permission to text somebody.

Jess suddenly looks up at me and smiles and for a second I'm scared I said something out loud, but I realise she's got her jacket in her hand and is looking at me expectantly.