Act Like You Love Me (Jessica) novel Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Jessica’s POV

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I flipped off the lights after I was done getting ready, leaving the room bathed in the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the half-drawn curtains.

I’d kept it simple-just a touch of gloss on my lips, mascara to make my lashes pop, and a quick swipe of eyeliner for that subtle definition. I’d even attempted a lip liner for the first time in forever, hoping it made me look a bit more put-together,

more attractive.

Staring at my reflection in the full-length mirror, I smoothed down the front of my outfit: a flowy black midi dress that hugged my curves without clinging too tight, paired with strappy sandals that added a few inches to my height.

A small smile crept onto my lips as I twirled once, watching the fabric swish around my legs.

Who would’ve thought this day would become reality? A date with Aaron. Aaron Tyrone-the boy who’d been the center of my universe since forever, the crush that had shaped so many of my quiet dreams.

He hadn’t come back since the game, probably crashing at Jason’s place to unwind with his buddies.

Unhealthy thoughts flashed in my head and it made me fidget. I adjusted a stray hair from my loose waves. What if he’d reconsidered the whole ‘date’ idea.

Was I overthinking this? Probably. But the butterflies in my stomach wouldn’t quit.

Then, taillights flashed through the window, cutting across the dim room like a signal. The subtle hum of his engine purred outside, and my heart raced into overdrive, pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat.

Excitement and shock glued me to the spot-I still couldn’t believe this was happening. Me, on a date with him felt like a fever dream, one I might wake from any second

The front door creaked open, and with every deliberate step he took down the hallway, goosebumps prickled across my

skin.

My breath caught, anticipation building like static in the air. Finally, he stopped at the bedroom door and pushed it open, stepping inside.

The room permeated instantly with the rich, intoxicating scent of his cologne-woody and fresh, with a hint of citrus that always made my head spin.

He flipped on the lights, and I was awestruck.

Aaron looked devastatingly handsome in a tailored black suit that fit him like it was custom-made, but it was the black turtleneck underneath the jacket that made him utterly irresistible, perfectly accentuating the strong lines of his neck and shoulders.

His hair was slightly tousled on top, giving him this perfectly imperfect edge.

But it wasn’t just his physical appearance that held me spellbound-it was the huge bouquet of tulips cradled in his arm. vibrant pinks and whites exploding into color against the dark fabric.

Tulips were my absolute favorite, but I’d never once mentioned that to him. How did he know? A lucky guess, like the time he’d nailed my love for chili dogs? Or did he just… pay attention? Had he started noticing me, really noticing, in a way that meant something more?

I blinked hard, deliberately pushing the thought away. I didn’t want to get ahead of myself and create an illusion that would inevitably shatter.

Chapter 34

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“Aaron….” I whispered, my voice barely stable as he closed the distance between us, a small, cocky smile tugging at his lips.

“I see you tried to get on with the lip combo, huh?” His coy remark landed like a playful jab, shattering the romantic haze just enough to make me roll my eyes.

Typical Aaron-couldn’t let a sweet moment breathe without poking at it.

“You don’t have to be an ass all the time, Ronnie,” I snapped back, crossing my arms with mock indignation.

He raised a brow, clearly not impressed by the choice of nickname. He’d warned me a dozen times about that nickname, but where was the fun in listening?

“You know I hate that name,” he said, his voice dropping an octave, but a corner of his mouth twitched.

“I know,” I countered, a playful fire in my eyes.

“That’s why I use it. Now, are you going to stand there and scowl, or are you going to let me admire my beautiful flowers?” I reached for the tulips, and buried my face in their cool petals.

“You clean up nice, by the way. You actually did try for this ‘date’?”

“I always try, Jess,” he corrected smoothly. “You just weren’t always paying attention.”

I pulled back, suddenly defensive. “That’s not fair. I was always paying attention.” I gestured vaguely at my reflection.

“It’s me who has to try harder. Look at me, Aaron. You’re immaculate. I’m just…” I trailed off, the confidence I’d felt minutes ago crumbling.

Before I could finish the self-deprecating thought, Aaron’s hand shot out.

His expression shifted instantly, the playfulness fading as he grabbed my chin gently yet dominantly, his fingers firm enough to tilt my face up to meet his intense gaze.

He pulled me close, our bodies inches apart, the heat from him making my skin tingle.

“Jess, I don’t want to ever hear you talk down on yourself again.” His tone was stern, those caramel eyes blank and unyielding, but it only turned me on more—the butterflies in my belly dancing wildly, pulling me deeper into whatever spell he had over me.

“But… it’s the truth,” I whispered, unable to hold his gaze.

He just sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose like he was gathering patience.

“I guess I had a part to play in your insecurities.” He mumbled, before gently taking my arm and pulling me fully into his

space.

“Jess, I’m sorry for all those years I was a pussy, okay? I promise to make it right.” I just stared, words failing me again, my heart swelling at the raw honesty in his voice.

“And to correct that,” he continued, lifting my face again, “I’ll start by reminding you: you are beautiful.”

He closed the remaining distance and kissed me. It wasn’t a desperate, intense kiss like the ones before. It was soft, promising, and completely overwhelming.

When we pulled apart, he caressed my check one more time, his eyes soft now, searching mine.

A million questions swirled in my head-how did this happen? What did it mean? Was this real?—but I decided against voicing them. Not tonight. I wanted to savor the moment, let it unfold without overanalyzing.

13:12 Mon, Jan 12

Chapter 34

I’set the bouquet gently on the nightstand, and he offered his arm. I linked mine through it, and we left the apartment together.

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He opened the car door for me like a gentleman, and I smiled, murmuring a soft “Thanks” before sliding into the passenger

seat.

The few seconds he took to walk around gave me a chance to catch my breath, fanning myself subtly as excitement buzzed through me.

He got in, settled, and then tilted his head a degree to meet my gaze. “Are you ready?” he asked, his voice low.

I bit my bottom lip and nodded slowly, my heart racing with anticipation.

He pulled the windows down, then hit a switch, retracting the roof panel. The cool night breeze immediately engulfed us, a refreshing change from the heated tension of the apartment.

He turned the music on. The rich, soulful opening notes of “Adorn” by Miguel filled the car, instantly setting a mood that was both romantic and slightly electric.

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13:12 Mon, Jan 12