Hopelessly Broken by Tawny Taylor Page B

chocolate.”
    Aeron, standing behind Jenn, said, “That’s really nice of you, buddy. But I have to go.”
    “But I made this for you! And I put in extra marshmallows.”
    “I’ll drink it,” Jenn offered, trying to help Aeron make the hasty getaway he seemed so determined to make. Trying to hide her feelings, knowing if she appeared upset that would only make things worse, she stepped inside, taking the mug from Logan and taking a sip. “Mmmm. Delicious.”
    “That was for Aeron. You don’t even like marshmallows, Jenny.” Logan leveled a hurt look at Aeron.
    Jenn was hurt, thanks to Aeron’s hot and cold treatment of her, but even she had to feel bad for Aeron right now. Logan had t he most pitiful pleading look on his face. Nobody could resist it.
    Aeron yanked off one glove and shoved his fingers through his hair. “Okay. You win, Logan. I’ll come in for one cup. But then I have to go.”
    Logan gave a whoop of glee. “I have cookies too! Jenny made them. Come on!” He swung an arm in a wide arc.
    Jenn handed the mug of hot cocoa to Aeron after he shrugged out of his coat and pulled off his wet, snow-packed boots.
    He mumbled a quiet thanks and loped into the kitchen after Logan.
    Jenn refused to follow him. She plopped on the couch, pulled her laptop onto her lap and stared at the screen for roughly two seconds before her fingers started flying over the keyboard.
    In such a short time, Aeron had managed to crush her heart, more than once, but this angst was good for one thing—it inspired her writing.
    At least there was that.
    * * * * *
    “Well, someone got worn out from too much fun,” Jenn said, an hour later. Standing in Logan’s bedroom doorway, she couldn’t help smiling. The view of her little brother, crashed, out cold on his bedroom floor, was priceless. But it was the view of Aeron, sound asleep next to him that made her heart melt.
    Aeron looked like an angel. A powerful, beautiful, otherworldly being.
    Moving quietly to avoid waking them, she softly closed the door and tiptoed to her room to gather some clothes. With the impromptu snowman building, she hadn’t had a chance to shower yet. She grabbed some fresh underwear then closed herself in the bathroom, cranked on the hot water and steamed and scrubbed and shaved herself until she was smooth everywhere and clean. By then the chill from being wet and cold earlier was completely eradicated. Moving quickly, she toweled off, put on her underwear and bra then wrapped the fluffy white towel around her, toga style, and opened the door.
    Aeron.
    His eyes snapped to hers then immediately dropped to roughly breast level. “Oh. Sorry,” he said, yanking his gaze away. “I was about to get going.”
    “I…thought you were sleeping.” For no reason at all, Jenn tightened her grip on the towel. She had no expectations that he would try to rip it off her, though she wouldn’t have stopped him if he did. Earlier, when he’d pinned her to the ground outside, every cell in her body had rejoiced. Before she’d met Aeron, she hadn’t the kind of girl who threw herself at a guy. Nor had she been the kind who had sex before marriage. But for him she would make an exception. There was just something about him. Something so irresistible.
    “I guess I nod ded out for a minute.” Loitering in the hall, he shouldered the wall. “But now that we have a minute alone, I want to apologize for being such an asshole earlier.” He shook his head. “I don’t know what it is about you.” His gaze lifted to hers. His tongue darted out, moistening the world’s most perfect lower lip. Her gaze locked on that lip, and a heavy throb beat deep in her center.
    “I…it’s okay ,” she whispered.
    “No it’s not. I’ve been acting like a complete asshole lately. I’ve never been like this with a girl.”
    I’ve never been like this with a guy, either. She jerked up her chin and planted an expression on her face that she hoped resembled a smile.