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Her brain felt fuzzy and she was tipsy from the wine, but one thing was crystal clear: she had to clear the air with Ryan. She had to apologize for hurting him, and she had to tell him that they could be nothing more than friends. And she had to do it—now—before she lost her nerve. “I’m going to go talk to Ryan.”
    “What? Now?”
    “I have to.” Jessie headed toward the door. “Thanks for everything, Lisa.” She smiled and waved before walking outside. Jessie felt good about this. It was just another step toward rebuilding her life and finding her independence.

Chapter 5
    R yan stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist. When he kissed Jess earlier, he hadn’t planned on it ending with him in the shower jerking off. He hoped it would’ve ended with them in bed together, with them spending the night in each other’s arms, making love through the night like they used to. Christ, he was getting hard again just thinking about it, thinking about her and how incredible she’d felt, how wet and warm she’d been for him, how sweet her lips tasted. “Mmm.” He licked his lips at the memory.
    He was still having trouble believing that Jessie Taylor was back in his life. Living next door to him, for god’s sake. All those nights he’d gone to bed alone, hoping and praying he’d get another chance with her, and now he finally had it. The only question, what was he going to do with it? It was obvious they still had the same level of sexual attraction they’d had from the moment they met. But Jessie had proven once before it wasn’t enough. Ryan loved her. He always had, but he needed answers. He needed to know why she ran out on him that night. She’d left without a goodbye, without a real explanation. Just a note claiming she was sorry.
    She’d really done a number on him and his heart. God. Maybe he was crazy for even considering getting involved with her again. How could he be sure she wouldn’t break his heart a second time? Was it worth the risk? His entire body screamed yes while his mind said no. He already knew which side was going to win that argument.
    He heard a sound and he paused, trying to identify it. It came again, louder this time. Someone was knocking at his front door.
    Ryan hesitated for a brief second, deciding if he should put on some pants first. Nah, he was covered. He went to the door and swung it open, expecting to see Jim. The last person he expected to see was her. “Jess?”
    Her hands were tucked in her back pockets, and she rocked on her heels. “I’m sorry to come over so late, but...”
    “Don’t apologize.” He smiled and stepped aside. “Come in. Can I get you something to drink?” Ryan closed the door behind her and walked into the kitchen.
    “No, thank you. I’m fine. Lisa and I polished off a couple bottles of wine with dinner.” She laughed.
    Ryan leaned up against the counter, crossed his arms over his chest and smiled. “So you’re drunk?” That explained why she showed up at his door.
    “I’m not drunk, just a little fuzzy around the edges.” She laughed again.
    He remembered how much fun she was when she drank. Her inhibitions were gone, she was more of a wildcat in bed, and she liked to talk. Now would be the perfect time to get the answers he wanted. Jess sauntered toward him, a sultry smile on her face. He reached for her, and she stepped into his arms. “Why are you here, Jess?”
    “Do you want me to leave?” She put her palms on his chest and he tightened his hold on her.
    “No. I’m just curious why you’re here.”
    “If you think it’s because I’m drunk, you’re wrong.”
    “Am I?” he asked with a raised brow.
    “Mmm hmm.” She lowered her head and puckered her lips against his bare chest. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the feel of her in his arms, of her hot mouth on his cool, still damp skin. “I want you, Ryan.”
    Not once had he ever told her no, and he wasn’t about to start now, despite the