Chapter 4 04

04

Rowan

“Came to see me for what, Jenny?” I asked, sliding out of the pool. I found the idea both amusing and unbelievable. “You and I know you didn't come for me. So just say why you're here.” I squeezed my shirt as I walked, dripping water across the marble tiles and onto the green grass.

Jenny struggled to keep up with my brisk pace. “Your mom said I could come.” There was a slight hint of excitement in her tone that pricked at my nerves, but I ignored it.

“Go be with her then,” I snapped. I walked through the door and slammed it behind me, hoping she’d take the hint and just fuck off. Jenny was the last person I wanted to see right now.

But no. Instead, she yelped, “Come on, Rowan!” Her voice and running footsteps quickly reached me again.

“Go away, Jenny!” I yelled right before slamming my bedroom door shut. I didn't lock it, though. I purposely left it unturned because, the truth was, I needed closure. I’d always wanted to go head-to-head with her and ask why she had done that to me.

As I expected, she knocked briefly before twisting the knob.

Perched on the edge of my mid-sized bed, I pinned my eyes on hers as she stood in the doorway. “What now, Jenny?” Even though I didn't want it to, my voice came out sounding thin, heavy with sadness and hurt.

Not bothering to shut the damn door, Jenny strode toward me.

“Don't come any closer,” I warned. She acted as if I hadn't spoken, nearing me anyway. “Jenny, stop right there.”

Like before, she didn't listen. She reached me, her eyes melting as she stared down at me. The bright sunlight filtering through the blinds made her fair skin look radiant. Her brow creased as if she were the one who was sad. But no, I was the one who should be miserable, mad, pissed, and hurt.

I averted my gaze, looking out the window to avoid her, but she whined. “Ro. I'm sorry,” she whispered.

That earned a scoff from me. “You're sorry?”

“At least look at me,” she pleaded.

I didn't comply, but then I felt the softness of her finger on my chin as she turned my face toward her. I finally met her gaze. “I didn't do it. I just wish you'd believe me.” Her eyes were soft and pleading, but I knew that could just be a ploy or bait to get me to believe her lies.

It's not that easy, I wanted to tell her. My mouth barely opened before Jenny leaned down to my level and ran her tongue over her bottom lip.

“What are you trying to do?” I asked. Her eyes roved from my gaze to my lips, and that was all the invitation I needed. Before I could even think to resist, Jenny’s thin, soft lips were on mine.

I didn't get the chance to think it over. Jenny doubled down, capturing my mouth, and for reasons I couldn't fathom, I gave in.

She had never kissed me like that, as if she truly missed me, wanted me, and was actually sorry.

Her mouth tasted like faint mint, and the sensation sent my mind into disarray. Even though I’d only locked lips with Max once, his mouth had possessed that exact same taste. This should have been my clue to stop and kick her out, but instead, something inside me pulled her closer.

Jenny fell into my lap. I guided her legs around my waist, letting her straddle me as I gripped the nape of her neck, pulling her into me. I wanted to taste her better, to feel her against my skin.

She let out a soft moan that drew a groan from my throat, shivers running down my spine.

“Ro,” she murmured against my lips. Her movements slowed, but I didn't want her to stop. I didn't want this moment to end.

As if she noticed, Jenny pulled back slightly, biting my lip as our mouths disconnected. Our eyes met, and I could see the same desire I felt mirrored in hers.

Although I had imagined she was Max during that intense moment, I felt something for Jenny, didn't I? Enjoying this meant that it wasn't only Max who had that effect on me.

Looking at her flushed face and her lips glistening from the kiss, I felt like I could almost forgive her. Things could go back to the way they were. I could forget this mess with Max that wasn't going anywhere anyway.

“I promise I didn't sleep with Max,” she whispered, probably thinking that would help.

Oh, my fucking God. Why say that now and ruin the moment?

I rolled my eyes, preparing to move her off my lap, when she cupped my chin with both hands. “Please, Rowan. You have to believe me.”

I was struggling now to maintain eye contact. At this point, I was no longer interested in the details of how it happened.

I opened my mouth to tell her she could leave, but she beat me to it. “I swear the baby is yours, Rowan.” Her voice cracked slightly.

I snorted, not even wanting to process the words. I figured I had heard her wrong. There was no way. “That's enough, Jenny,” I sighed, unwrapping her legs from my waist.

Jenny slid to the floor as if her legs had given out. Looking at her, I wanted to laugh at how ridiculous she was being, but the humor didn't reach my throat. She readjusted herself to sit on her knees. “I'm pregnant, Rowan,” she whispered. “For you.”

I froze. My gaze remained pinned on Jenny until the clattering of glass forced both of us to whip our heads around.

My mom stood there, looking paralyzed. No doubt she had heard exactly what Jenny just spewed. Our eyes met, and I saw her turn on her heels. “Mom, wait!” Driven by pure instinct, I bolted after her, catching up instantly.

Her pace slowed, and in the heavy silence, I knew I had to do damage control. I had just turned eighteen and had always played the role of the good son so perfectly; I couldn't afford to ruin it now.

“It's not mine. Jenny’s not pregnant for me.” The lie felt like lead on my tongue. “She's pregnant for Max. We were just practicing how she’ll deliver the news to him.”

I watched her shoulders slump as she heaved a massive sigh of relief.

I should have felt the same, but I couldn't. One would think I had just gotten out of a mess, but I had actually just walked into a much bigger one with Max.