Hot Ride (Summer Lovin’)

Chapter 10

Scarlett

Iam tagging behind Jessica as we return to the house after our mani-pedis, the rest of the bridesmaids chattering excitedly. It's the day before the wedding and the house is a hive of activity, with people bustling about carrying decorations and arranging flowers.

I'm so distracted by the wedding preparations, I almost collide with Jett, who's hanging fairy lights in the entryway. My breath catches as I stumble, our eyes locking for a brief, charged moment.

Jett's lips part, about to speak, but I avert my gaze, fearing his stare will unravel me.

“Scarlett, can you help me with the place cards?” Jessica’s voice cuts through the noise.

I nod, relieved when Jessica calls me over to help with the place cards, sparing me from the awkward moment with Jett after nearly crashing into him.

I hurry over to where she’s sorting through a stack of elegantly scripted cards. Jessica deserves a flawless day so I plaster on a smile even as my heart feels like it’s being squeezed in a vice. “These look amazing.”

She is beaming. “I hope so. I just want everything to be perfect.”

I throw myself into the wedding prep frenzy, grateful for the distraction. Anything to avoid dealing with the mess of emotions churning inside me. I can't shake the image of Daniel's fist connecting with Jett's face, the shock and hurt in Jett's eyes as he tried to explain.

The memories flood in, vivid snapshots of our time together—his eyes crinkling when he smiles, his full lips curving as he whispered tender words in the darkness.

And the kisses. God, the kisses—soft and sweet—or hard and hungry as his rough hands gripped my hips. My body yearns for the heat of his touch, for the rasp of his stubble on my neck, the weight of him pinning me down.

I squeeze my thighs together, my core clenching, the throbbing between my legs insistent. The things that man can do with his wicked mouth and skilled hands.

How can I arrange place cards and tie ribbons when Jett consumes every thought?

Daniel gently touches my shoulder. I look up, surprised to see him, his face softer than it’s been since the confrontation with Jett.

“Got a minute?” His voice is low, careful not to draw attention.

I nod, following him to a quiet corner of the porch. The wooden steps creak as we sit. He rubs the back of his neck, his cheeks coloring.

“I owe you an apology. I overreacted yesterday.”

It means a lot to hear those words from him, but it also stings knowing how quickly things escalated. “I know you were trying to look out for me, but it was pretty brutal.”

Daniel’s sheepish look is almost comical, in a way only my brother can manage. “Yeah, I guess a punch to the face is a bit much for a greeting.”

“More than a bit,” I say, but there’s a hint of a smile tugging at my lips.

Daniel’s eyes, so like my own, search my face. “Those rumors in the tabloids are not true. There was no baby. It was all a setup. Jett explained everything.”

“But the things people are saying in the tabloids… “ I swallow hard, a tear sliding down my cheek. “How can you be sure?”

“Because I know Jett. He isn’t perfect, but he’s loyal to a fault, and he’s never lied to me. Not once in all these years.”

The sincerity in Daniel’s eyes, the conviction in his voice, melt my resolve. I manage a watery smile, swiping at my damp cheeks. “So, what are you saying?”

Daniel pulls me into a hug, his solid warmth comforting. “I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you. Like you hung the damn moon.”

I cling to him, the knot in my chest loosening. “Thank you. For understanding, for being there.”

Daniel chuckles, ruffling my hair like when we were kids. “That’s what big brothers are for.”

I blink back tears as Daniel’s words settle in my heart. The knot in my chest loosens, clarity replacing the storm of confusion. A profound sense of relief washes over me, but it’s quickly replaced by a new urgency.

I need to find Jett. I need to hear his side of the story.

“Where is he?” I ask, still wrapped in my brother’s comforting embrace.

Daniel pulls back, his brow furrowing slightly. “He left a while ago. Said he needed some air. I don’t know where he went.”

“I have to go,” I say, standing up abruptly. “Can I borrow your car?”

“I thought you might say that.” He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a set of keys. “Take the Mustang.”

I blink, confused. “But isn’t that Jett’s car?”

Daniel’s smile widens. “Not anymore.”

I stare at the keys in my hand, the cool metal digging into my palm. Jett’s prized Mustang—the car he’s loved and babied since we were teenagers—he was going to give it to Daniel all along.

A shaky laugh bubbles up as I realize who Jett is—loyal, humble and generous to a fault. Of course Jett would make this grand gesture—handing over his beloved Mustang like it’s no big deal.

But it is a big deal. At least to me.

“I need to find him,” I blurt out, the urgency building inside me.

My brother nods, seeming to read my mind. “Go get him.”

I clutch the keys tightly, the metal biting into my skin as I hurry down the porch steps.

I park the Mustang outside the pie shop, my heart racing. I spot Jett through the window, slumped in a corner booth under some invisible weight, a half-eaten slice of cherry pie before him.

I stride inside, the bell announcing my arrival, and slide into the booth across from him. “Is this seat taken, or can anyone join the pity party?”

His head snaps up, surprise flickering across his face before a lazy smile spreads across his lips—a shadow of his usual grin, but enough. “What are you doing here?”

I lean across the table, fingers brushing against Jett’s calloused hand as I steal a forkful of his cherry pie. Heat rises in his chiseled cheeks as I slowly lick the tines of the fork clean, savoring the sweet tang.

“Thief,” he breathes out, voice low and husky, his smoldering eyes burning into me.

My lips curl into a wicked grin. “Mmm, worth it.”

Jett’s gaze drops to my mouth, as if drawn there by an invisible thread. His lips part, the tip of his devilish tongue peeking through. It’s enough to make my heart race and my pussy clench with need.

We’re in a diner, people all around chattering and scraping forks on plates, but it feels like the world has shrunk to just this corner booth.

Shifting in my seat, I purposely brush my calf against his under the table. Jett’s eyes darken, pupils blown wide. He leans in, his arm resting on the tabletop as he lowers his voice.

“You’ve got a little—“ He gestures vaguely at the corner of his mouth.

Before I can react, Jett reaches across the table, thumb grazing my bottom lip as he swipes away the crumb. Jett’s thumb lingers a beat too long, and I can’t stop the shiver that ripples through me.

My tongue darts out instinctively, savoring the taste of his rough skin. He freezes, eyes locked on the intimate gesture.

But before I can fully pull back, Jett’s hand cups my jaw and he presses his lips against mine in a searing kiss.

I gasp into his mouth, my fork clattering to the plate as I wrap my arms around his neck.

My breath hitches as he trails light kisses along my jawline and down to my neck.

“I want you,” he whispers against my skin, sending shivers down my spine.

I moan softly and tilt my head back to give him better access as his hand moves higher up my thigh.

Things are about to escalate, but the sound of a clearing throat interrupts us, shattering the moment.

Jett pulls back, jaw clenching as he rubs the back of his neck self-consciously. “Yeah, about that...”

I shift uncomfortably, silently cursing the interruption and the sudden rush of cold where his touch had been.

“So...” I clear my throat, desperate to regain my composure. “Your car.”

Jett blinks, thrown by the subject change.

“Why would you give Daniel your prized Mustang? That thing is your baby.” I tease lightly, relieved to steer us into safer conversational waters.

A lopsided grin tugs at the corner of his mouth. “She may be my first love, but you know how it is with high school sweethearts. Had to let her go eventually.”

I raise an incredulous eyebrow. “So you’re just gonna hand over your most prize possession to my brother? Just like that?”

Jett chuckles, shaking his head. “Daniel’s stuck by me through everything—the shitty home life, the crappy garage band gigs, getting signed and all the craziness after. Never asked for anything.”

My breath catches as Jett’s gaze finds mine. A sharp pang shoots through my chest at seeing this other side of Jett-the guy who has never forgotten his roots, who values loyalty above all else.

“Daniel’s getting married, starting a new chapter. Seems about time I returned the favor, you know? Let my boy enjoy life before the whole picket fence and 2.5 kids thing.”

I blink rapidly, my throat tightening at the pure, unguarded affection in his voice. This is the real Jett Silver-generous, humble, fiercely devoted.

For a moment, it’s as if the past day’s turmoil never happened. But as our laughter fades, reality settles in.

“Jett, I,” I start, then pause, taking a deep breath. I fidget with my napkin, struggling to find the right words.

Jett reaches across the table, his calloused fingers wrapping around my wrist. The contact sends a wave of heat, my skin pulsing where he is touching me.

“You have to know, Scar...none of it was true. All that bullshit in the papers? Complete lies.” His voice is low but intense, eyes boring into mine, willing me to believe his sincerity.

“I know. Daniel explained everything.” I let out a shaky breath, his warm fingers wrapped around my wrist, anchoring me.

“I won’t let him down.” Jett lets out a long breath, the tension visibly draining from his shoulders. “I won’t let either of you down. You’re my family, Scarlett. You and Daniel both. I promise to always honor that trust.”

Throat tight, I turn my hand over, twining my fingers through his, silently forgiving and accepting him. “I’m sorry. I should have trusted you, given you a chance to explain before jumping to conclusions.”

“God, Scarlett,” he breathes, his voice rough with emotion. “I love you. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone or anything in my life. My life is complicated. But I swear I’ll do everything I can to make this work.”

Jett lets out a shaky breath, leaning his forehead against mine. “I’m not gonna lie to you, Scarlett. I’m a mess. My life is one tangled knot of complications and bullshit 24/7.”

Reaching up, I brush a lock of those meticulously styled chestnut waves from his eyes. “Well, for what it’s worth...I’ve always seen you as more than just Jett Silver, rock god extraordinaire.”

A smile tugs at the corner of his full lips. “Baby, I’m a world-famous rock star who still goes by the dumbass nickname ‘Jett Silver’ that Daniel gave me in high school. I haven’t taken my head out of my ass for air in over a decade.”

I can’t help but let out a surprised laugh at his self-deprecating honesty.

Jett’s gaze softens as he regards me, a look of tender wonder crossing his striking features. “You never bought into my bullshit, did you? You always insisted on seeing the real me.”

“The real you happens to be one of my favorite people,” I admit quietly, a slight blush warming my cheeks.

In a move of surprising tenderness, Jett cradles my face in his calloused palms. His thumb skims my flushed cheek as he murmurs, “And you’re my favorite person too.”

“I’m in this for the long haul, if you are,” I confess. “So what do we do now?”

Jett’s thumb traces the curve of my lower lip, sending tingles ricocheting through my body. “We take this one day at a time, one step,” he rumbles. “And we don’t run anymore. Deal?”

The sincerity in his voice, the depth of his loyalty to both me and my brother, fills me with a sense of rightness. This is what love should be—not just passion and excitement, but also trust, respect, and unwavering commitment.

I give a shaky nod, rendered speechless yet again. Jett’s lips quirk in that trademark half-smile before he leans in and captures my mouth in a searing kiss.

Jett brings our joined hands to his lips. “Thanks for having my back.”

I lean in, dropping my voice to a husky murmur. “Well, I’d hope so, seeing as you’ve had my back against more than a few surfaces over the past few days.”

“Fuck, Scar,” Jett’s tongue darts out, wetting his lips. The unconscious has me squirming in my seat. “You can’t just say shit like that.”

Emboldened by the rasp of his voice, my free hand drifts to his thigh. “Why not? Can’t handle the truth?”

Inch by torturous inch, I drag my fingers higher, teasing along the inseam of his jeans. His breath hitches, muscles tensing beneath my palm.

“What’s the matter, Silver?” I purr.

He lets out a strangled laugh. “You’re playing with fire, baby girl.”

The endearment rolls off his tongue like a prayer, like a promise, igniting a slow burn low in my belly.

I reach into my pocket, pulling out the keys to the Mustang. I dangle them in front of him, enjoying the way his eyes light up. “Care to take me for a ride?”

Jett’s grin widens as he reaches for the keys. “Darlin’, I thought you’d never ask.”

We slide out of the booth, our hands finding each other naturally. As we walk towards the exit, I’m struck by how right this feels—Jett’s hand in mine, our steps in sync,

This is a leap I’m more than ready to take. And I have a feeling the landing is going to be one hell of a ride.