I sat up and swung my legs over the edge of the bed, smiling when I felt Jared's soft lips leaving a trail of wet kisses up my bare back. "Hey, where are you going? Maybe I'm not finished with you yet." He whispered, scooting closer.
"I was just going to shower and make us something to eat, but feel free to join me. I'm hungry and to be honest, a little nervous about Lola being on the back of that bike."
He sat all the way up, sliding one of his legs on either side of me and wrapping arm around my belly. With a gentle tug, he pulled back so that I was leaning against his warm chest. "Worried about Jesse's driving abilities?"
"It's not just that. I'm sure he's a safe driver, but let's face it, accidents happen, Jared. But my God, they're both so immature right now. They have no idea how the world really is and even though I believe he truly cares for her, he's a young, rebellious guy. Guys like him get bored really fast. I mean, I saw the way she looks at him. She's totally in love. What if he dumps her, breaks her heart? At sixteen it's like the end of the world."
"Then you will be there to pick up the pieces."
"From a distance? Comforting someone over the phone is shit. It's not the same as being there in person." My lips trembled and I could feel the tears ready to fall any second. "Believe me, I know what it feels like to have your whole world ripped away."
"I know you do and I wish I could say something to make you feel better." His stubbly chin brushed along my collarbone, setting my skin ablaze with goosebumps. "Carrie, just say the word and I'll call my lawyer. We can find out what your options are. You're an adult now and have a great job. You can fully support her."
I covered his arm with my own and gave it a squeeze. "I appreciate the offer, but I have zero parenting experience and besides, my life is not exactly kid friendly. And anyway, I'm sure the adoption was perfectly legal and clearly Kim's done an outfuckingstanding job of raising Lola. She's intelligent and extremely high strung. What good would it do to cause waves now? I'm sure she'd be pissed off to be in the middle of all of that anyway. I'll just have to wait it out."
"You are so amazing. After everything you've been through, you still think of others first. That's crazy to me, but it also shows me that I've got the right girl. I love you so much."
Shifting slightly, I turned enough to accept the kiss he was offering. "Don't misunderstand, I'm doing this for Lola only, not them. Fuck them! I don't give a shit about their feelings. But I do know that Lola wouldn't appreciate me inserting myself into her life like that. She's made it crystal clear that she wants to call the shots and if I want a relationship with her, then I have to allow it. Jesus, what if she never really lets me in."
"Stop thinking negatively. She was here and she promised to stay in touch, right? Baby steps, Carrie."
"I know. I can't help but worry. Jared, she's still mine and I just don't want anything to happen to her before I get the chance to know her."
"Did you ask her to call you when she got in safely?"
"No, I didn't want to push her too hard. She's fragile right now and feels like everyone fucked her over, me included."
"You did nothing wrong. This whole fucked up thing was caused by a shit decision made by your mother and sister. Lola can't fault you for something you had no control over." I rubbed my hand along the outside of his leg. "I'm sure she's still processing everything. Give her a little time, she'll understand that eventually."
"I hope so. Maybe you're right I need to give it time."
He flipped me so fast and I wasn't expecting it. Wedging himself firmly between my legs, he forced my arms over my head. "Maybe I'm right?"
I focused on the small patch of gray hairs protruding from his chin. Instead of making him appear aged, they made him even more attractive if that's possible. "Well, you're not always right, you know?"
His gorgeous blue eyes narrowed and he chuckled. "I'm right most of the time, but most importantly, I'm definitely right this time." Pausing for a few seconds, he just stared down at me. "You're so beautiful."
"Ugh, don't get all sappy on me! Shut up and kiss me." One tender kiss and my apprehension shifted to enthusiasm. I could so get used to how sweet and gentle he was with me. My heart felt like it would burst from the emotional roller coaster I was on. Sex was a wonderful distraction, but I was falling even harder for Jared. He had been my rock lately and without him I have no idea how I'd survive this sanely.
An hour later I emerged from the shower and went straight to the kitchen to make something to eat. I was busy slicing up an avocado when I heard Jared call out. "He's just stopping by for a drink this afternoon, right?"
"What? Who?"
"Colton."
I dropped the knife and exited the kitchen, stalking down the hallway. Stopping in the doorway, I frowned when we made eye contact. "Why in the hell would he come back over here?"
The muscle in his jaw tightened and he stood up. "He caught me before I came back inside and said he had already talked to you about it."
"I see what's happening here. He totally manipulated us," I fumed. "I had zero intention of speaking to him again, unless Lola specifically requested that we all get together." Throwing my hands up, I paced back and forth. "What time is he coming?"
"I think he said six." Great! He chewed his bottom lip and watched me slide into the beginning stages of a brand new meltdown. "You think his intentions are questionable?"
"I just don't see the point of him hanging around. I mean, the damage has already been done and so much time has gone by that there's not really a chance of salvaging a friendship. He can't possibly believe that we're gonna get together and like double date or something, right? Seriously, he abandoned both Lola and me!" I was so irate that I wanted to break something. "Am I wrong for feeling that I can only tolerate him in small doses and trust me, I've reached my limit for a good long while?" I spun around and started back toward the kitchen with Jared following me.
"You're not wrong. I'd be a little leery too and I fucking hate the way he keeps calling you Tish! Between him and Shan, I feel like I need to mark my territory."
I froze, turning around to face him. "Shannon didn't do anything."
