Page 52 of The TV Show Rival
“Jamie, I’m sorry. I’m deeply sorry for what I did. I… I care about you. More than you can imagine. I messed up, but my feelings for you are real. I love you. I fell in love with you on that beach under the moonlight. And I just… I had to say it.”
Jamie stared at her, the poet’s words swirling in her mind. Forgive. Love again. Was it foolish? Was it naive? But as she looked at Jess, she decided to give it a chance.
“I’m not asking you to forgive me now, Jamie, Or maybe ever. But I had to let you know. What we shared, the way I felt… it was real.”
Jamie remained silent, a battle raging within her. The hurt was still fresh, a throbbing wound. Yet, the raw honesty in Jess’ eyes sparked something. Not forgiveness, not yet, but a reluctant understanding.
“I’ll be heading out now,” Jess finally stated, pushing herself up from the chair.
Jamie’s gaze snagged on Jess’ gaunt face, the telltale dark circles under her eyes. “Why do you look like you haven’t eaten in days?” she blurted out before she could stop herself.
Jess gave a helpless shrug as her only response.
Suddenly, a strange impulse took hold of Jamie. “I, uh, actually have some ground beef, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce in my fridge. I could whip up your favorite lasagna if you want.”
Jess’ eyes widened in disbelief. “Really? I’d love some.”
“This isn’t some grand gesture. I just don’t want to see a woman faint on my watch,” Jamie warned, her voice hardening slightly.
“Thank you, Jamie. It means a lot.”
“By any chance, did you bring your car?” Jamie asked, a hint of practicality returning to her voice.
Jess nodded. “Yeah. I’m parked a few blocks down.”
“Lead the way.”
As Jess walked out of the bar, Jamie followed close behind. A faint smile, barely perceptible, played on her lips. Maybe forgiveness was a long road ahead, but for now, a simple bowl of lasagna and a shared memory seemed like a good first step.
Stepping into Jamie’s apartment reminded them both that the past few weeks had been difficult. Empty beer bottles and takeout containers littered the coffee table and clothes were strewn across the single armchair.
Jamie, as if sensing Jess’ internal debate, offered a wry smile. “Looks like we both haven’t been exactly picture-perfect lately,” she said, catching Jess’ eye.
“Yeah, depression does strange things to your housekeeping habits.”
Jamie nodded, her expression softening. They headed to the kitchen ready to whip up a good meal when a plate slipped off Jamie’s hand. It shattered with a loud snap, the sound echoing through the quiet apartment.
Jess’ heart jumped, and she reacted instinctively, grabbing Jamie’s hand before she could pull away. “Careful!” she exclaimed.
Their eyes locked. Without a word, Jess leaned in, bridging the gap between them.
The kiss was hesitant at first, a tentative exploration of forgiveness and a lingering spark of affection. Jamie, surprised by the suddenness, met her halfway, her touch gentle, a plea for understanding.
Jess’ hand cupped Jamie’s face, as the kiss deepened, a wave of emotions washed over them—regret, longing, a desperate hope for a second chance to rebuild the trust that had been so carelessly broken.
Jamie couldn’t believe this was happening. The tension between them had been building throughout the car ride, but now, in the intensity of the moment, she couldn’t hold back any longer.
With a surge of desire, Jess lifted her off her feet, her hands circling around her waist, and they stumbled through the living room, knocking over a lamp and a few books, but neither of them cared.
They crashed onto the couch, their lips never breaking apart. Jamie’s hands were in Jess’ hair, tugging and pulling her closer.
In a frenzy, they started tearing off each other’s clothes, hungry to feel skin against skin. Jess’ shirt was the first to go, quickly followed by Jamie’s blouse, both discarded onto the floor without a second thought.
Jamie’s heart raced as Jess unhooked her bra, making her breasts spill free. Jess cupped them in her hands, feeling Jamie’s nipples harden against her palms.
“Damn, you’re so beautiful,” Jess murmured, trailing kisses down Jamie’s neck and across her collarbone.
Jamie let out a soft moan, arching her back to press closer to Jess who went on her knees between Jamie’s legs, stripping her of the last of her clothes and spreading her thighs wide. Jamie felt the rush of desire along with the rush of love.