Over the next week things seemed to change. Jared was around a lot more, staying over almost all week and sleeping in the guest room. I loved to see him spending more time with Emily because this was her last year home before school started. He was so sweet, taking advantage of their time together, waking her up every morning and making breakfast together. I had to laugh because he usually burned everything, but he really took the time to allow her to help out. This was the part I really missed and let's face it, Emily had him wrapped around her little pinkie.
She was so much happier with him in the house and I knew I couldn't make him leave again. However, that didn't mean that we were back together. Jared offered to keep her busy so that I could have lunch with his mother.
I had really missed Connie and it was great to finally sit down together, again. She understood that he fucked up royally, and didn't make any excuses for him. That's what I loved about Connie the most, her honesty when it came to really important issues. She wouldn't hesitate to tell you if you were wrong, but she did it with compassion and love. We both agreed that Emily was the top priority in this situation and she was relieved to hear that he and I were on good terms. She did tell me more than once how she hoped that we would one day make it work.
After almost two hours, I arrived home to find Jared cuddled on the couch with Emily. He was reading to her, but once I walked in she bolted on his ass ran right over to me, wrapping her little arms around my leg and telling me about her fun time with dad. I leaned down and hugged her back, glancing over at Jared. "So, how was lunch?" He asked, slouching in place and putting his feet up on the coffee table.
"It was great. We had fun catching up. You know, I really miss her a lot. Your mom is amazing." I walked over to the couch and sat next to him, tossing the book that he had been reading next to his feet.
"How about you, have a fun day?"
He looked exhausted and I backed up, crinkling my face and tilting my head to the side. "Oh, well, let's see... we had a tea party with her baby dolls, she gave me a makeover, which by the way, I don't think makeup will be a career choice for Em," he pointed out the glittery lipstick on his lips, "and we finally settled to read a book." He frowned and smirked at Emily, who was telling him how pretty he looked. "She's probably a little hungry, I'm sure. I gave her lunch right after you left, but she only picked at it." He grabbed her and pulled her into his lap, tickling her wildly. "I thought we'd get a nap in, but apparently she's too old for that, or so she says.
"My mom wants to keep her tonight." I informed him. "I need to go get her ready." I took her by the hand and pulled her with me, letting her know grandma's plans of going to the movies. She was pretty excited and didn't fight me when I changed her clothes and packed her bag.
A few minutes later, Jared came into her room to join us. "She picking her up?"
"No, I'm dropping her off." I said, shoving her pj's into the pink bag.
"I'll take her." He offered, helping Emily pack some of her toys. I knew that he was trying to be extra nice and help out, but he also wanted as much time as he could get with her before he left next month.
"Sure, no arguments here." I handed him her bag and watched him pick her up, carrying her to his truck. I marched out to the kitchen, expecting there to be a mess, but everything was cleaned up. He never used to do that. I unloaded the dishwasher and put the toys away that were on the floor in Em's room. After grabbing my phone, I plugged it in and pulled my hair up.
All I really wanted to do was get out of my clothes and into some pajamas. I didn't realize that Jared had returned and was standing in the doorway. He waited until I was almost naked to say anything. "Very nice..." He said, making me jump.
"What the hell?!!" I looked over at him rolling my eyes. "Can I please get dressed without being spied on?"
He darted over, wrapping his arms around me. "How long are you going to keep this up? I know that you miss me." He asked, running his fingers through my hair. Jesus, his warm hands felt so good on my skin. Fuck! I missed him.
"Until you realize how badly you hurt me." I knew that he was sorry, but I still wasn't over it. Before I could say anymore, he was pulling his shirt off and kissing along my neck.
