Jen_C’s Reviews > Uncontrollable > Status Update

I stood back, waiting for Jett to give me the word that we were going after Jude. He wore a determined look on his face. “You with me?” he asked. “I know this night was about the baby, and I couldn’t be happier for you and Avery, but I gotta figure out what’s going on with him. I’ve been ignoring it entirely too long.”
“I’m in,” I said. “Me too,” Easton said.

I had never wanted anything more than I wanted this moment with Avery right now. I had to erase my mistake by creating a new first time. Our first time together as a couple. This time I would look her in the eyes and make sure she could see what I tried so hard to hide before. After tonight she would no longer question how I felt about her.

I have no idea what came over me. I had kept my distance from Avery, but seeing her looking so lost and broken, I couldn’t help but rush to her and take her in my arms. The instinct to comfort her was almost automatic. When she zoned out after the doctor updated us, it scared the shit out of me. I was so relieved when she finally looked into my eyes that I couldn’t contain the need to kiss her.

I desired nothing more than to march back down to the beach and pull her body against mine. I wanted to tell her I needed her and I’d been an idiot to think I could stay away. Only I couldn’t, because I had to be sure I was able to move forward completely. I didn’t want to hurt Avery any more than I already had.

“So you’re still drinking away your days and nights, huh? Pretending your issues will just disappear if you have one more drink.” I looked up a little too fast and had to brace myself against the wall at the side of my door. Avery sat hidden in the dark just outside the entrance of my building. “I see you’re back from your cruise,” I mumbled.

Dance with me,” he said. “Please.” After a moment, he reached out and took my hand in his, then led me toward the dance floor. Once there, I let him pull me close again, allowing him to take whatever comfort he needed. We swayed through several songs, and he held me near without speaking.

Avery was the one girl who had me rethinking my decision to refrain from anything long-term, but so far, this was a battle I hadn’t won. Every time I tried to find ways around my resistance to love again, visions of Jenna’s body and her mangled car always won out.