Chasing Stars ✔️

23.

"We came spinning out of nothingness, scattering stars like dust." – Rumi.

She

Tendrils of warmth wrapped around my body in a soft caress. Even half-asleep, my instincts made me search for the source of the sensation. Turning on the bed, I blinked awake, meeting the sight of a large strip of sunlight pricking from underneath the blinders, spreading into the bedroom and casting its comfort on my bed. No, not my bed. Jake's bed, the place I seemed to have a hard time leaving for the past three days.

I smiled, rolling on my stomach as I buried my face in my boyfriend's pillow, heat hitting my cheeks at memories of last night. Jake's sweaty chest against my back, his arm enclosed around me so his fingers could assist me to reach my pleasure, the things he was whispering in my ear... oh the things he whispered in my ear... I tossed the sheets aside, unable to stand them on my burning skin.

Grabbing my phone, I saw a message from Jake wishing me a good day. He had left early in the morning, something about meeting the place where he was going to work and buying some stuff he still needed. I had a second text from Jax, who was supposed to pick me up today. I was meeting Matt, and giving their last interaction I was skeptical of having Jake drive with me, but he was way more supportive than I expected, and since he had things to do, it all worked out.

I had just finished putting on my shoes when the doorbell rang. My friend stood outside, his copper hair tied messily in a man's bun. He sported a stubble that screamed "I don't give a damn about how I look", but I knew better. He could pull that off and he knew it. Opening his arms, he smiled widely at me "now, give me a proper hug, girl."

I complied, "You saw me yesterday, and I always hug you."

"I know," he said releasing me, "but your man... he behaves, but he gives me this look... "

I shook my head, turning around to grab my purse and a light jacket. "He does not. He likes you, and if he has a problem with our hugs, which he doesn't," I added raising my finger, "he better get used to it."

Jax smiled, "Nah... I think it's more likely that I'm the one that needs to get used to those looks he sends my way, but as long as he keeps that smile on your face, I'm good with it." Then it was my turn to smile, Jax could as well be the most adorable person in the universe.

It was a short drive from Jake's house to the park where I was meeting with Matt. "So, this cop," Jax spoke next to me, "can we trust him?"

I frowned. "Yes, why do you ask?"

He shrugged, "I don't know, Alexa. You know you don't have to tell me anything you are not comfortable with. I know little about your father, except that you are more scared of him than you ever were of your mother, and look what she did to you..." his jaw clenched. "What can this guy tell you that would interest you? His address?" he visibly winced, glancing at me.

"No, Jax," I shook my head. "I'm not going to knock on his door if that's what you're asking. I just want... something. I know it doesn't make sense."

I looked back at him when I felt his hand gently dropping over mine. We drove the rest of the way silently.

"Oh, Matt is already here," I said, unbuckling my seat belt as I saw him fidgeting with his phone as soon as we parked. As if he could hear me, his eyes darted in the car's direction. He pocketed his phone and smiled.

Next to me, Jax whistled, "Damn... Are all the men in St. Patrick's police force that hot? Because if the answer is yes, I'm ready to commit a crime."