Chapter 27
The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the bedroom. Erin stirred first, blinking against the sunlight as she shifted slightly, only to realize she was practically glued to Jay. His arm was wrapped firmly around her waist, his face buried against her shoulder, like he had zero intention of letting her go anytime soon.
She smirked sleepily, her fingers absentmindedly brushing through his hair. "Jay," she murmured, her voice still heavy with sleep.
He let out a low groan in response, tightening his hold around her. "Five more minutes," he mumbled against her skin.
Erin chuckled. "You said that ten minutes ago."
"You woke me up ten minutes ago?" Jay cracked one eye open, looking up at her with a lopsided smirk.
"No, but I had a feeling you'd say it," she teased, stretching her legs under the covers.
Jay sighed dramatically, finally shifting to look at her properly. "This is bad," he said, his voice rough from sleep.
"What is?" Erin asked, amused.
He smirked. "I think we're turning into one of those couples. You know, the ones that can't go a few nights without sleeping next to each other without acting like it's some kind of tragedy."
Erin raised an eyebrow, playing along. "You mean the kind that's all over each other every second, finishing each other's sentences, constantly attached at the hip?"
"Exactly." Jay gave her waist a light squeeze. "Real gross stuff."
Erin laughed, shaking her head. "Yeah, so gross."
Jay grinned, rolling onto his back and stretching. "We should probably start worrying if we get matching outfits or start calling each other schnookums or something."
Erin snorted. "I'd break up with you on the spot if you ever called me that."
"Good to know," Jay said, turning back onto his side, his arm draping lazily over her stomach. "Guess I'll have to stick with babe then."
"Babe works," Erin agreed, her hand settling over his.
They laid there for a moment, just enjoying the quiet, the warmth of being close again after the past few nights apart. Eventually, Erin sighed, glancing at the clock. "I do have a meeting later, but not for a few hours."
Jay smirked, his fingers tracing slow, lazy circles on her hip. "So… you're saying we've got time?"
Erin smirked back. "Maybe."
Jay hummed, his grip tightening slightly as he pulled her closer. "Well then, babe," he murmured, lips brushing against hers, "we should probably make up for lost time, don't you think?"
Erin rolled her eyes playfully but didn't argue, her laughter getting lost between his lips.
After spending a little longer wrapped up in each other, they finally dragged themselves out of bed—mostly because Erin insisted they couldn't just stay there all day, no matter how tempting it was. Jay, of course, had tried to argue otherwise, but eventually, he followed her into the kitchen, yawning as he ruffled his hair.
Erin stood by the coffee maker, pouring them both a cup. "So, you've got a big day of taking fancy photos with your sponsor today, huh?" she teased, handing him his mug.
Jay rolled his eyes as he took it, leaning against the counter. "Yep. Some new ad campaign for workout gear. They're gonna make me do a bunch of 'candid' action shots, like I'm casually lifting weights or throwing a football in slow motion."
Erin snorted, sipping her coffee. "Oh, so basically you just have to look pretty for a couple of hours?"
Jay smirked. "Pretty much." He took a sip before adding, "Then I've got practice after that, so my day's basically set."
Erin leaned against the counter next to him, her shoulder brushing his. "Yeah, well, I've got my meeting over lunch. Mostly about the movie stuff, the book's adaptation. I swear, the number of emails I get about casting and script changes is getting out of hand."
Jay raised an eyebrow. "Any big decisions you have to make today?"
"Not really," Erin said, rolling her eyes. "More like hearing a bunch of people argue about how a scene should be changed, even though I already told them how I wrote it."
Jay chuckled. "Sounds fun."
"Oh, so fun." She sighed dramatically, then pushed off the counter. "Come on, let's eat before you have to go look effortlessly cool in workout gear."
Jay grinned, following her as they started pulling out things for breakfast. They kept it simple—scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit—because neither of them had the energy for anything more complicated. They moved around each other easily, a comfortable rhythm settling between them. Jay buttered the toast while Erin plated the eggs, passing things back and forth without even needing to ask.
"This is weird," Jay commented as he grabbed his coffee again.
"What is?" Erin asked, grabbing a piece of toast.
He smirked at her. "Domesticity."
Erin rolled her eyes. "Oh, please, it's just breakfast."
"Yeah, but it's nice," Jay said, flashing her that boyish grin. "You, me, coffee, making breakfast together…" He shrugged. "I like it."
Erin tried to ignore the way his words made her stomach flip. Instead, she smirked. "Careful, Halstead, you're starting to sound like one of those guys in rom-coms."
Jay pointed at her with his fork. "Hey, I already told you, we're dangerously close to being one of those couples. Might as well embrace it."
Erin just shook her head, biting back a smile as they finished eating.
After they were done, Jay stretched, checking his phone. "Alright, I should get going soon. Gotta go be the face of athletic gear."
Erin smirked. "Don't forget to flex dramatically."
Jay smirked back. "Oh, babe, that's literally the whole point."
She laughed, walking him to the door. He hesitated for half a second before pulling her in, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. "I'll see you later?"
"Yeah," Erin said, squeezing his arm. "Go be pretty."
Jay chuckled as he headed out, and Erin just shook her head as she grabbed her own things, heading off to tackle her own busy day.
As soon as they stepped out of Jay's place, the morning chill still lingering in the air, Erin turned to him with a smirk. "Alright, superstar. Go flex for the cameras."
Jay groaned, rolling his eyes. "It's a sports shoot, not a modeling gig."
"Yeah? Then why do they always have you standing there, arms crossed, all broody?" she teased.
Jay sighed dramatically, reaching to pull her closer, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. "Because apparently, I have the look."
Erin laughed, stepping back toward her car. "Well, have fun looking very serious while they make you pose for hours. I've got a meeting to survive."
Jay gave her a look. "You'll be fine. Just don't let them make any weird decisions about The Light Within. I don't want to see the main character suddenly turned into a vampire or something."
Erin gasped in fake horror. "Damn. That was my next suggestion."
Jay chuckled, backing toward his own car. "Text me later."
"You better answer," she called, already getting in.
"Always," he said, flashing her a grin before shutting his door.
Erin barely had time to grab coffee before heading home, where she rushed through getting ready. Her meeting was a big one—discussions about the script, finalizing casting decisions, and probably some frustrating back-and-forth with the studio heads who wanted to make things more marketable.
By the time she pulled her hair back into a sleek style and slipped into a chic but professional outfit, she was already running five minutes late.
"Shit," she muttered, grabbing her laptop bag and keys before hurrying out the door.
Jay, meanwhile, was standing under bright studio lights, shifting on his feet while the photographer adjusted angles.
"Alright, Jay, arms crossed—good, good—now look off to the side, a little more serious," the photographer instructed.
Jay exhaled through his nose, following the directions as the cameras clicked. This was the part of his job that he barely tolerated—sponsors wanted new promo material, magazines wanted cover shots, and somewhere down the line, someone decided this was a necessary part of being a pro athlete.
Still, he sucked it up, going through the motions. It wasn't that bad—until the journalist from Sports Focus started throwing in personal questions.
"So, Jay, you've been making a lot of headlines outside of football lately," the reporter said, tapping his pen against his notebook.
Jay raised an eyebrow, already bracing himself. "That so?"
The guy smirked. "Dating Erin Lindsay—bestselling author, media darling. Not exactly your usual scene."
Jay kept his expression even. "Didn't realize I had a scene."
The reporter chuckled. "You know what I mean. So, how serious is it?"
Jay stared at him for a beat before shrugging. "We're happy. That's what matters."
The guy clearly wanted more, but Jay didn't give it to him. He wasn't about to let some sports magazine turn his relationship into tabloid fodder.
After another twenty minutes of shooting and a few more dumb questions, Jay was finally free. He checked his phone, spotting a message from Erin.
Meeting's over. I need alcohol.
He grinned, shaking his head before typing back.
How bad was it?
Her answer was almost sudden,it made him smile as he was heading towards the locker rooms to start training.
Let's just say if one more exec suggests turning my book into an action thriller, I might scream.
He laughed at the antics of her message,shaking his head.
Damn. So no vampires, but explosions are fine?
Exactly.
He laughed, running a hand through his hair as he grabbed his bag. He still had practice ahead, but tonight? Tonight was about them.
As soon as Jay finished practice, he grabbed his phone from his locker, wiping sweat from his face with a towel. He had a couple of messages—one from Adam about some ridiculous play they messed up, another from Will asking if he'd be free for dinner this weekend, and then a notification from Erin.
Home. Finally. That meeting drained my soul.
Jay smirked, leaning back against the locker as he typed out a reply.
Damn. Guessing they still want explosions and maybe a car chase?
Her message took a couple of minutes to arrive,he already took a shower and changed.
You joke, but one guy actually suggested a "more dynamic third act."
Jay huffed a laugh, shaking his head. Then, before he could second-guess himself, he typed out another message.
Listen, instead of just crashing at my place or yours again, how do you feel about going out tonight? Like, actually out?
He stared at the screen, half-expecting her to turn it down. They'd spent so much time trying to dodge the media, avoiding places where people could watch their every move. But honestly? He was tired of that.
A moment later, his phone buzzed again.
You feeling brave tonight, Halstead?
A smirk pulled at his lips.
More like I don't give a fuck anymore.
There was a pause, then another message popped up.
Okay, I'm in. Where are we going?
Jay grinned as he tapped out the message, his mind already racing with thoughts of the night ahead. He could tell Erin was in the mood for something different, and he wasn't about to let the paparazzi or anyone else get in the way of a fun night out with her.
Mouse is hosting one of his DJ nights. Chill bar, good drinks, loud music. I figured we could do something different.
A few moments later, Erin's reply popped up.
So we're going clubbing now? Wow, who even are we?
Jay laughed under his breath, shaking his head.
Couple of badasses, obviously.
Another pause before her reply came through.
Meet you at yours in an hour?
Can't wait, babe.
He felt a little lighter now, the weight of the week slipping off his shoulders. It wasn't often they did something that wasn't entirely low-key, but tonight felt like the right time to mix things up. Jay sent a quick message to Adam, letting him know he'd be out, then grabbed his jacket and headed for the door.
It had been a while since they let their hair down, and tonight, he was determined to make it count.
Erin stood in front of the mirror, excitement humming through her veins as she surveyed herself, knowing tonight would be something special. It had been ages since she'd truly dressed up for a night out, especially for herself. Between her writing, the movie deal, and everything else that had been happening, the idea of just being—of not having to worry about everything else—was a breath of fresh air. And for the first time in a long while, she wasn't just getting ready for herself. She wanted to stand out, to look her best—for Jay.
The usual casual comfort she was known for, the worn jeans and blouse, was swapped out for something far more glamorous. She picked out the dress she had been saving for a night like this: a deep red satin dress that clung to her in all the right places, hugging her curves effortlessly. The slit up the side added just enough edge to give it a little sass, but the neckline, a delicate scoop that framed her collarbones, remained classy.
She couldn't help but smile as she admired it in the mirror. This is it.
Next, her makeup. Erin took her time with it, wanting to make sure it felt just right. She started with a smooth base, her foundation flawless, and a touch of concealer to brighten up any tired spots from her long days. Her eyes were the focal point—smoky and sultry, with deep shades of brown and gold that made her green eyes pop. She carefully blended the eyeshadow, adding a subtle winged liner that elongated her gaze. Her lashes were full and voluminous, perfectly framing her eyes with a soft, seductive curl.
She reached for her lip gloss, a shade of soft pink with just enough shine to complement the boldness of the eyeshadow. She ran it over her lips and smiled at the effect—a perfect balance of elegance and flirtation. She took one more glance in the mirror, satisfied with the way everything came together.
The scent of her perfume lingered in the air as she reached for the bottle, spritzing a bit of her signature scent—sweet and floral with a touch of vanilla, just enough to make a statement but not too overpowering. She spritzed it lightly around her neck and wrists, letting the scent sink into her skin, knowing Jay would be close enough to catch a hint of it later.
For her hair, she wanted it sleek and effortless, so she pulled it into a loose, soft wave, leaving a few strands free to fall around her face. It was the kind of look that felt put together without seeming like she tried too hard.
Then, the shoes. She slid her feet into a pair of strappy silver heels, the delicate straps crisscrossing up her ankles before clasping at the back of her calf. The heels added height, giving her legs an extra length, and the shimmer of the silver matched perfectly with the understated elegance of the dress.
For her accessories, Erin chose simple yet elegant silver earrings—small hoops that caught the light just right, adding a subtle sparkle to her look. The finishing touch was a delicate bracelet that Jay had once given her, a small reminder of how far they'd come.
She stood back for a moment, taking in the reflection. She looked different—confident, radiant, like a version of herself that had been tucked away for a while. It felt good. But it wasn't just for the cameras, or for the night ahead. This was for her.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket, snapping her out of her thoughts. She checked it quickly, finding Jay's name lighting up the screen. A grin tugged at her lips as she tapped the message.
Ready, babe?
She ran her hands over her dress one last time, feeling the excitement bubble up again. Tonight was for them. Tonight, they would escape the chaos and the noise.
Leaving now.See u soon.
She grabbed her clutch, made a final check of her look, and walked out the door, her heart racing in anticipation for what would be a night to remember.
As Erin stepped out of the elevator and onto the floor of Jay's penthouse, her pulse quickened. She hadn't seen him in a few days, and though she tried not to let it show, she could feel the anticipation building inside her.
Tonight felt different—like a fresh start, a break from the usual whirlwind of their lives. She took in his outfit, her eyes briefly sweeping over his sharp black jacket that fit perfectly across his chest, the sleek lines of his pants, the way the dark colors made his eyes pop. His usual effortless swagger was still there, but there was something a little more polished tonight. His hair was a little more styled than usual, and he had that extra shine to him—like he was fully present, fully in the moment.
"Don't you look handsome?My god."
Jay caught her gaze, and a playful smile tugged at his lips as she looked him over. "I'm glad you like it," he said, stepping closer. His eyes darkened slightly as he took in the way her dress made her look tonight—so elegant, yet undeniably sexy.
Jay's eyes practically devoured Erin as she stood in front of him, every detail of her looking nothing short of breathtaking. For a moment, it felt like time slowed as his gaze lingered on her, taking in the soft, intricate curls of her hair, the way the dress flowed perfectly over her curves, and the subtle sparkle of her makeup that highlighted her natural beauty. The way she looked tonight was beyond anything he could have imagined. She was stunning, powerful, and utterly captivating in a way that made him forget how to breathe for a second.
He stood frozen, momentarily speechless, as if his mind had short-circuited. His lips parted but no words came out. All he could do was stare at her, his chest tightening with the realization of just how lucky he was to have her in his life. Her beauty wasn't just physical—it was in the way she held herself, the confidence she exuded, the intelligence and strength that radiated from her. It was the kind of beauty that hit you in the gut and made you want to keep her all to yourself. The urge to just lock the door behind them, throw away the key, and keep her there was almost overwhelming.
But this was their night. They had plans, and as much as Jay wanted to keep her all to himself, he knew they couldn't stay cooped up in his place forever. They had things to do, the world to face. He had to remind himself of that, even though his mind kept trying to imagine just how perfect it would be to keep her close, to keep her to himself.
He finally found his voice, though it came out in a low, almost awestruck murmur. "God, Erin… you're… stunning. I… I don't even know what to say." His voice was rough, as if he was still trying to process how she managed to look like that. His eyes scanned her once more, his gaze almost reverent. "I just want to lock us in here and never let anyone see you like this," he admitted quietly, his hands almost itching to reach out and pull her closer, keep her safe and to himself. But he forced himself to take a step back, knowing they had to go.
Erin laughed softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement at his reaction. She could tell he was struggling with his words, his admiration so clear in his gaze. "Jay," she teased gently, stepping toward him, "As tempting as that sounds, we do have a night out ahead of us, remember?"
He swallowed, a soft chuckle escaping him as he tried to shake off the intense pull to keep her close. "Yeah, yeah… I know," he said, almost reluctantly, as if every part of him wanted to ignore the night and just stay in with her. "But damn, Erin… You're making it hard to leave this place."
Her lips curled into a smile as she approached him, reaching up to adjust the collar of his jacket with a playful glint in her eyes. "Well, maybe next time, we'll stay in," she teased, her fingers brushing against his chest as she gave him a flirtatious wink. "But for now, let's have some fun."
Jay chuckled softly, shaking his head as he stepped back to let her walk past him. His hands rested on his hips for a moment, watching her move with a mix of admiration and something deeper—a need that was hard to ignore. "I don't think I can focus on anything tonight except you," he muttered under his breath, but Erin caught it.
"Good," she teased back with a wink. "That's the point of tonight."
As they walked out of his penthouse, Erin couldn't help but feel the warmth in her chest at his reaction. She could tell how much he wanted her to stay with him tonight—just the two of them, alone. But this was the beginning of something new for them.
They had a whole night ahead of them, and despite the wild emotions swirling between them, she couldn't help but feel a thrill at the thought of stepping out with him. Together.
She looked back at Jay, who was still watching her with that same, intense look, and smiled to herself. This night was theirs. The world could watch, the paparazzi could follow—but they were in it together. And for tonight, that was enough.
As the elevator doors slid open, Jay's hand found Erin's, his fingers brushing against hers gently. The cool night air greeted them as they stepped into the hallway, and Jay leaned in just slightly, brushing his shoulder against hers as they made their way toward the building's exit. There was a subtle comfort in the way they moved together now—naturally, like they'd been doing this for years, even though it had only been months. The closeness felt effortless, as though they'd always been meant to be in sync.
The city lights outside flickered as they made their way to the car, the hum of the night surrounding them. Jay opened the passenger door for Erin, his hands lingering on the doorframe for a beat longer than necessary before stepping back to let her slide in. He couldn't help but smile at how easy it was to be around her, how right it felt to be with her in this moment.
Erin shot him a quick, teasing smile as she settled into the seat, her legs crossed and her fingers brushing against her phone. She couldn't quite get rid of the nervous excitement buzzing in her veins. It had been so long since she had done something like this—no responsibilities, no worries about deadlines or paparazzi. Just her and Jay, enjoying a night out. She could already feel the weight of the world starting to lift, and for the first time in a while, she felt free.
Jay slid into the driver's seat, glancing over at her with a small grin. "Ready to have some fun?" he asked, his voice full of lightheartedness but with a glimmer of something deeper. His hand rested on the wheel, but his attention never fully left her.
"More than ready," Erin replied, her voice lighter than it had been in days. "This is exactly what I needed."
With a quick flick of his wrist, Jay shifted the car into drive, and they pulled out onto the busy Chicago streets, the city lights reflecting off the windows as they headed toward Mouse's place. The drive wasn't long, but the anticipation in the air felt heavy, the excitement for what was ahead settling between them.
As they approached the club, the neon signs and flashing lights grew brighter, and Jay pulled the car into a nearby parking space. The energy of the area was palpable—people milling about, the sound of music in the distance, and the unmistakable vibe of a good night out in the making. It wasn't the kind of place that cared about who you were or what you did; it was all about enjoying the moment, and that's exactly what they planned to do.
Jay reached for Erin's hand once more as they stepped out of the car, his fingers entwining with hers effortlessly. "I can't believe we're actually doing this," he said, his voice low, but full of excitement. "Feels like we're finally getting a chance to breathe, huh?"
Erin glanced up at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, it does," she agreed. "I didn't realize how much I needed a night like this."
Together, they walked toward the entrance, the bass of the music getting louder as they approached. The bouncer at the door gave them a nod, recognizing Jay, and waved them in without a second glance. They stepped inside, the atmosphere instantly enveloping them—the thumping beat of the music, the flashing lights, and the crowd of people who were all there for one thing: to have a good time.
As they made their way toward the bar, Mouse caught sight of them from across the room, flashing them a grin. He waved them over, his energy infectious, and Erin couldn't help but laugh at the sight of him. Mouse was exactly what she had imagined—full of life, confident, and the kind of guy who made everyone feel like they were his best friend.
"Well, well, if it isn't the two most fashionable people in the room," Mouse called out, gesturing for them to join him. "I knew you'd show up looking like a million bucks."
Jay grinned and nodded at him, but his attention immediately shifted back to Erin, his gaze softening. "Yeah, well, she's the one who needs to be celebrated tonight," he said with a playful wink. "I'm just along for the ride."
Erin rolled her eyes, her cheeks flushing slightly at the compliment, but she couldn't help the smile that stretched across her face. "You're ridiculous," she teased, nudging him playfully as they settled in next to Mouse.
Mouse handed them both a drink, a gin and tonic for Erin and a whiskey neat for Jay. The night was just starting, but Erin could already feel the shift—the fun, the laughter, the undeniable connection between them. No cameras, no expectations, just a night where they could forget everything else and enjoy each other's company.
As the night wore on, they danced, talked, and laughed, the music pulsing around them. Jay's hand never strayed far from Erin's, and every time their eyes met, the world seemed to fade away. There was no pressure, no worrying about what the world might say. It was just them, together, in the moment.
And for the first time in what felt like forever, Erin felt completely at peace.
The music thumped around them, the heavy bass vibrating through the floor as the crowd swayed to the beat. Jay's hand remained on Erin's waist, guiding her with a confidence that came naturally when they were this close. The lights flashed in time with the music, casting a neon glow over the room, but it was Erin—her presence, her energy—that kept Jay's focus.
They moved together, their bodies in sync with the rhythm, the heat between them building as they danced. Erin's movements were fluid, every step, every twist an invitation. She was breathtaking, her dress catching the light every time she spun, her eyes locked on his, daring him to resist. But there was no resisting. Not when she was this close.
Jay's breath hitched as she pressed back against him, her body fitting perfectly against his. He felt the pulse of her heartbeat, the softness of her skin against his. The desire coursing through him was nearly impossible to ignore now. Every time she moved, every time she turned, he felt that familiar pull, the need to have her, to hold her close.
His hand slid down her waist, his thumb brushing along the curve of her hip as he drew her in even tighter. Erin responded without hesitation, pressing herself back against him, her body language making it clear she wanted this just as much as he did. Her breath was shallow, her chest rising and falling as she met his gaze, that unspoken connection between them more potent than ever.
"God, you're impossible," Jay muttered under his breath, his voice rough with barely contained desire. His hands roamed to her back, guiding her against him as their movements grew more intimate, more urgent. He could feel her every shift, every breath, and it was nearly too much to bear. He wanted to kiss her, pull her closer, lose himself in her, but they were out in the open, the music and the crowd swirling around them, heightening the tension.
Erin grinned, her lips curving up in that playful yet seductive way that always made his heart race. "You're the one who can't stop touching me," she teased, her voice low, breathy, barely audible over the music. She leaned in close enough that he could feel the heat of her body radiating off her, and for a moment, it was just the two of them in the room.
Jay's hands found her hips, his grip tightening as he responded in kind, pulling her closer still. "I can't help it," he admitted, his voice hoarse with desire. "When you look at me like that, when you move like that…" He couldn't finish the sentence. He didn't need to. They both knew exactly what he meant.
Erin leaned back slightly, her fingers trailing up his chest, the tips of her nails brushing against his skin as she teased him with a slow, deliberate motion. It was as if she was giving him a taste of what he could have, of what they both wanted. He could feel the tension in her body, the same almost unbearable pull, and it only made his desire grow stronger.
Her lips brushed against his ear, the soft caress sending a shiver down his spine. "You're making it hard for me to keep my hands to myself," she whispered, her breath hot against his skin. The sensation sent a jolt of heat through him, and Jay had to fight every instinct in him not to lose control right then and there.
He pulled back, needing to steady himself, but his hands lingered on her waist, his fingers tracing lazy circles as he looked down at her. "You're killing me, Erin," he muttered, his voice thick with the effort to hold himself back.
Erin's eyes sparkled with mischief, her lips parting in a grin that told him she wasn't done teasing him just yet. "We're having fun, right?"
Jay chuckled softly, his forehead resting against hers. "Yeah, we are. But we're not going to give in to this here. Not with everyone watching."
Her eyes softened, a small, playful smile tugging at her lips. "Fine," she said, though there was a hint of disappointment in her voice, "but you owe me, Halstead."
"Oh, I know I do," Jay replied, a grin spreading across his face as he pulled her closer once more, their bodies swaying together in perfect sync to the music. He was still holding himself back, but only just, his patience running thin with every second that passed. "Just wait till we get home," he murmured, lips brushing against her ear. "That's when we'll really have some fun."
Erin's laughter was the only sound that cut through the music for a moment, the sound warm and light, but with a hint of something else beneath it. Something that told Jay the night was far from over—and they were both in for an unforgettable ride.
As the night went on, the music thumping and the atmosphere charged, Erin and Jay were completely in sync with each other, dancing closely, moving as if they were the only two people in the room. But just as they were getting lost in the moment, an unwelcome interruption occurred.
Erin was laughing at something Jay had said when she felt a hand rest too firmly on her lower back. The touch was invasive, deliberate, and it made her freeze for a moment. She turned to see a man standing way too close, a cocky grin plastered on his face.
"Hey there," he said, his voice smooth and more than a little presumptuous. "Mind if I buy you a drink?"
Jay's eyes immediately darkened, a shift in his posture that was impossible to miss. His hand instinctively moved to Erin's side, pulling her just a little closer to him. He stood taller, the muscles in his jaw clenching.
Erin, slightly taken aback by how bold the man was, shifted her body slightly, just enough to subtly indicate she wasn't interested, but the man didn't seem to get the message.
"Come on, gorgeous," he insisted, a little too forward now, his hand gripping her waist a little too tightly.
Before Erin could even respond, Jay's voice cut through the air, thick with authority, "You heard her. She's not interested."
The guy blinked in surprise, but didn't immediately back off. Instead, he smirked at Jay, dismissing him like a non-issue. "Hey, I'm just being friendly."
Jay didn't even flinch. His eyes locked onto the guy's, sharp and challenging. "She said no,buddy.So I suggest you to leave."
The man's confident exterior faltered for just a second, before he chuckled nervously, as if trying to play it off. But Jay wasn't having it. He was protective, possessive, and Erin could feel the intensity radiating from him.
When the man reached out again, his hand landing on Erin's arm this time, Jay's voice was colder, sharper. "I said, back off."
Erin's breath caught in her throat, feeling the heat of Jay's presence surround her, the way he shielded her without even thinking twice. But she could tell the guy was still testing him, trying to gauge just how serious Jay was.
"I don't think you understand who you're dealing with," Jay said, his voice low and dangerous now, eyes burning with the intensity that had once made him a name in his field.
Erin could sense the situation escalating, and with a quick glance at Jay, she reached out, gently placing a hand on his arm to ease him back just a fraction. "Jay, it's okay," she murmured softly. "Let's just go get that drink."
Jay's jaw clenched for a moment, but he didn't argue. He knew Erin could handle herself, but the possessive side of him didn't want anyone getting too close to her, especially not in such a blatant, disrespectful way.
With a final, deadly look at the guy, who was starting to realize his mistake, Jay wrapped his arm around Erin's waist, pulling her closer. The man quickly backpedaled, giving them some space as he retreated, probably counting himself lucky to still be standing.
Erin turned to Jay, her expression amused but with a touch of tenderness. "You sure know how to make an impression," she said lightly, trying to ease the tension.
Jay's eyes were still intense, though they softened slightly when he looked at her. "He was disrespectful.No is no."
As they made their way to the bar, the tension from the moment faded, but the heat between them never truly did.
As Jay kept his arm wrapped around Erin's waist, the lingering tension in the air slowly began to settle. The guy had retreated, wisely choosing not to press his luck any further. Erin was still processing what had just happened. Her body was a little tense, not from the confrontation but from how Jay had reacted, almost as if she needed defending, as if she were something that needed to be protected in a way she wasn't entirely comfortable with.
She stopped walking for a moment, turning to face Jay with a soft but firm expression on her face.
"Jay," she started, her voice calm but carrying a note of seriousness. "I get that you want to protect me. I really do. But I'm not some fragile thing that needs to be locked away or defended every time some idiot comes around."
Jay immediately paused, concern flickering across his face. He opened his mouth, but Erin placed a hand on his chest, a gentle but clear gesture for him to listen.
"I appreciate how you handled it," she said, her eyes softening a little. "But you know,I can handle myself.I've been doing that since I was little."
Jay looked at her, his expression a mixture of confusion and understanding. He didn't want to hurt her feelings, he didn't want to make her feel as if he didn't respect her, but the protective side of him had just acted instinctively. He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated, trying to find the right words.
"I didn't mean it like that," he finally said, his tone more careful now. "I just… I don't know, Erin. You're… you're important to me.I dont think you can't handle yourself,I damn well know you can.I-Iwant to make sure you're treated the way you deserve.By everyone."
Erin's eyes softened at the vulnerability in his voice. She took a step closer, her gaze searching his for understanding.
"I know, Jay," she said, her voice gentle, but her gaze firm. "And I'm not saying I don't appreciate you standing up for me. But I'm not some damsel in distress. I don't need you to fight my battles all the time. I can handle myself, and I need you to see me as your equal, not as someone you have to protect or claim."
Jay nodded slowly, the realization dawning on him. "I hear you," he said, though the words felt a little heavy, as if he was processing a new way of seeing things. "I'll try not to act like you need protecting all the time. But just know that I've got your back, always, no matter what."
Erin smiled, her thumb brushing over the fabric of his shirt as she gave him a reassuring look. "I know you do. And I've got yours. But we've got to trust each other, right? Not just in moments like this, but all the time."
Jay's gaze softened, and he gave a small smile, clearly relieved that she wasn't angry with him. "Yeah. I trust you, Erin. I really do."
She leaned in, her voice playful now, as she teased, "Good. Because if you don't, we might have some issues." She gave him a wink before turning toward the bar again, pulling him along with her.
Jay chuckled, the last remnants of tension fading away. "Deal."