Free Defensive by J.D. Rivera Page A

house, I stood behind her and wrapped my arms around her, kissing her neck. “You smell amazing.”
    “Mmmm. Thanks,” she said as she turned around to face me.
    My hands found her ass and squeezed while I crashed our lips together. She moaned as I kissed her. Her hands traveled down my chest, unbuttoning each button as fast as she could. Once she had freed all of the buttons, she yanked my shirt back. I pulled the shirt the rest of the way off, throwing it on the living room floor. As soon as it was off, she pulled my T-shirt up and explored my chest. I loved knowing she was just as attracted to me as I was to her. I pulled her shirt off and my hands quickly unhooked her bra. I kissed her again, with more force as she kissed me back. My hands roamed all over her chest, drawing out small moans and gasps from her.
    I let my hands travel down her back and her ass. Then, I grabbed her by the back of her thighs. She gasped as she wrapped her hands around my neck and legs around my back. I had intended to walk us upstairs to the bedroom but I couldn’t wait to have her any longer. I moved us over to the couch, dropping her and letting her hair fan all around her face. She looked incredibly sexy. I lowered myself on her and kissed all the way around her neck from one ear to the other. She let out small moans as I finally nipped at her ear. “You. Are. So. Sexy.”
    Afterwards, we picked up our clothes from the living room floor and walked upstairs to the bedroom. We climbed in bed and I was overcome with how right it felt sharing my bed with her. This should be our bed and this house should be our home. “Have you thought any about moving in here?” I asked again as I pulled her closer to me.
    “Jackson, let’s not ruin a good night by talking about this.”
    I kissed her temple. “Why would that ruin a good night? I was just wondering if you had thought about it recently.”
    “I haven’t. And with everything going on in your life, I doubt it would be a good idea.”
    I kissed her temple again and then her shoulder. “Vanessa, you are my life. I wish you’d understand that. I’m not going to pressure you though. Just know that when you’re ready, this will be your home.”
    She rolled over to face me. “You’re my life, too. I love you so much. I just can’t think about that right now. Just give me some time.”
    “No pressure. I’ll give you time.” I said before capturing her lips with mine.

Vanessa
    I was in a really good mood the entire afternoon at work. I wasn’t sure why but it seemed like the students were also in a better mood. We spent the afternoon working on math and art. I loved seeing the students’ different drawings and paintings. It was by far the messiest subject but watching the students enjoy themselves and come up with different pictures was fun.
    After the bell rang and the students had left, I got busy cleaning up the room. I cleaned the students’ desks with antibacterial wipes and thought of the day Jackson had visited my classroom. I had been so shocked to see him. The memory made me grin so I went over to my desk, grabbed my cell phone, and sent him a text.
    Me: I miss you. Love you.
    I placed my phone back in my purse but as soon as I walked a few feet it buzzed.
    Jackson: I miss and love you, too. I’ll call you tonight.
    Me: Can’t wait. Good luck.
    Jackson: Thanks, babe.
    I left the building only to find Shane leaning up against his truck. Great. Just what I needed. I walked slowly to my car, trying to ignore him but he moved toward me. I stopped in front of him. “What are you doing here?”
    He put up his hand. “I know what you’re thinking. I’m not here to fight or anything. I’m here to say… sorry.”
    I barked out a laugh. “Sorry? You’re here to say sorry?”
    He nodded. “Sorry isn’t a good enough word. Look, can we go somewhere and talk? I promise I’m not here to say hurtful things or manipulate you. I just… need to talk to you. Please.”
    His