Divorce With Benefits: A Second Chance At Love
Chapter 58: The Interruption

Chapter 58: The Interruption

Jerica’s fingers clenched the sheets as his mouth explored, each kiss setting her pulse racing, each touch grounding her deeper into the intimacy they shared. She felt the muscles of her stomach tighten under his kisses, the faint ache in her lower back and legs only accentuating her desire to keep him close. There was no pain she wouldn’t bear for this closeness, no moment she wanted to end.

As Jared lifted his head, a playful glint danced in his eyes, his lips curving in a way that sent a thrill down her spine. He looked at her, seeing her invitation without words, feeling the heat radiating between them. He let his fingers wander down the line of her abdomen, hovering just above where her skin was most sensitive. "Will it be fine?" he murmured, leaning close, his breath grazing her ear. A shiver ran through her as he whispered, his voice thick with promise. "I’ll give it a trial run..."

She closed her eyes, surrendering to the sensation as his finger slipped inside, her body responding instinctively, legs parting to let him delve deeper. Her breath turned into soft moans, each one drawn from a place she had longed to feel again. She could feel herself approaching a peak, desire building as her body moved against him. But then, in an instant, she felt him pull back.

Jerica’s eyes snapped open, confused and a little frustrated by the interruption. She looked up to find Jared’s brow creased, his expression laced with concern. "Are you hurt? Does it hurt?" he asked, his voice soft yet tinged with a hint of panic.

Taken aback, she shook her head, her voice firm yet reassuring. "No!" She felt perfectly fine, wonderful even—until her eyes fell on his hand, and she noticed the trace of blood on his fingers. Her heart sank as realization dawned, bringing with it a soft disappointment she hadn’t expected.

"Sorry..." Jerica murmured, gently reaching for Jared’s hand, her fingers wrapping around his as she cast a cautious glance down at the sheets. Relief washed over her upon finding no further traces, but a pang of disappointment lingered in her eyes. "My period must have started," she whispered, the words barely escaping her lips, carrying a soft note of regret she hadn’t intended. Despite the letdown that weighed in her heart, she looked up, offering him a small, apologetic smile. "You should wash your hands."

A flicker of understanding crossed Jared’s face. His tension melted, and he let out a quiet breath, meeting her gaze with a soft, reassuring smile as he leaned forward, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "Don’t be sorry," he whispered, his tone rich with warmth. Rising, he made his way to the bathroom, leaving Jerica sitting there with cheeks flushed, a gentle melancholy settling in the place of the passion she’d felt just moments before.

As he finished washing up, Jared’s voice broke through her thoughts, bringing her back to the present. "Do you have tampons?" His words carried through the door, spoken with a gentle murmur that revealed his attentive nature.

She blinked, momentarily surprised. A hint of warmth bloomed in her chest at his thoughtfulness. "I... I don’t think so," she said, considering the faint memory of a few tucked away in a drawer somewhere. "Maybe in my room, though they’re probably old."

When he stepped out, a towel slung low around his waist, she couldn’t help but take in the sight of him. The soft glow of sweat clung to his skin, each defined muscle like sculpted marble, his physique a testament to strength and grace. The faint marks of their passion lingered on his skin, and for a second, the simple, possessive thought pulsed in her mind: He’s mine.

He met her gaze and offered a gentle, knowing smile, his eyes full of promise. "Don’t worry," he murmured, snapping her out of her reverie. She realized she had been almost openly admiring him, quickly averting her gaze as she wiped an imagined droplet from her lip. With a quiet finality, he closed the door, leaving her with a sense of comfort and care.

Just as Jared stepped out of her room, he came face-to-face with Alex, who was casually strolling down the hall with a tray in his hands, laden with breakfast. Jared instinctively stepped forward, positioning himself in front of the door to prevent Alex from walking in unannounced. Despite the brotherly bond Jerica had with Alex, Jared felt an urge to protect her privacy.

"Oh, you’re here," Alex remarked, his tone amused as he noted Jared’s stance. It didn’t take much for him to see through the situation. A quick, knowing glance at Jared’s towel-clad figure and the lingering traces of last night’s passion told Alex more than he needed to know.

"Breakfast for Jerica," he announced with a teasing smirk, making a move to step inside. But Jared’s slight shift blocked him again, a subtle yet unmistakable refusal. Alex chuckled. "You know, I’ve seen her naked plenty of times," he commented, his voice edged with light provocation. But the truth, layered beneath his teasing words, reminded him that he had always been there for her, from childhood through some of her hardest moments.

Without missing a beat, Jared gave him a polite, unruffled smile. "You used to babysit her? That’s adorable." His voice was calm, his confidence unshaken. Having cleared the air with Jerica earlier, Jared felt nothing but ease in his response.

The unexpected comeback caught Alex off guard, and he gave a slight nod, an amused glint in his eye. "That’s right," he replied, masking his surprise. He tried to step past Jared again, but Jared didn’t budge. With practiced calm, Jared extended his hand and smoothly took the tray from Alex. "I’ll take it," he said, his tone polite but firm.

Alex’s lips curled into a knowing smirk as he observed Jared. It was clear Jared felt deeply for Jerica, and Alex saw this as both endearing and entertaining. After a pause, Alex raised an eyebrow. "Do you grill?"

Jared lifted his chin slightly, his chest swelling with pride. "I cook," he replied, the hint of a grin playing on his lips as he thought of how much Jerica enjoyed his meals.

"As expected..." Alex laughed, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "She always said she’d marry a man who could cook because she’s hopeless at it. The girl can’t even make a decent sandwich."