Love is Beautiful (She's so Ugly)

Chapter Ten

Leo tried calling Merida—three times already. Each time it went straight to voicemail. You know how the rule goes: if no one answers on the third try, don't bother them anymore.

He sat on the roof of his house, turning the idea of distancing himself from that "ugly girl" over and over in his head. He'd gotten too involved when he shouldn't have cared in the first place. Next thing he knew, he'd be that knight who stepped in when it should have been Jacob's job.

"Damn it! She has my favorite hoodie," he muttered.

He sighed and started eating. He thought of the old days when his mother used to make egg rolls for him and his sister. He hadn't tasted them since—until Merida gave him one.

Merida.

He shut his eyes in frustration. Dammit—he was thinking about her again. This wasn't supposed to happen.

Chapter Ten

Merida woke up and Jacob was just staring at her.

"Good morning, Love," he greeted.

She snuggled into his chest and Jacob smiled, hugging her. They stayed like that for a few minutes until someone knocked on the door.

"Merida? Awake yet?"

Their eyes widened.

"It's Mom." Merida mouthed. She pointed toward the bathroom and hurriedly pushed Jacob to move.

Once Jacob and his things were in the bathroom, Merida opened the door for her mom. "Hey—good morning."

Beth raised an eyebrow at how rattled Merida looked. "I know Jacob is here, young lady. His car's outside."

Merida started to look guilty—but Beth only chuckled. Merida looked up in surprise, frowning.

"You silly girl. Go get Jacob and let's have a great breakfast," Beth winked, then left.

Merida was dumbfounded. She had expected her mother to be furious about a stranger in her room—but Beth was cool.

"Jacob—mom—"

"Who owns this?" Jacob asked, holding a familiar hoodie, annoyed.

"Uhm... it—it's Leo's. He lend—"

"How the—You two were together?" Jacob's face hardened.

"I can explain—"

Jacob cut her off with a quick kiss. "You're mine," he murmured with a smile.

He took her hand, the hoodie in his other, and pulled her downstairs. Merida felt light—this morning felt good.

"Good morning, Mrs. Hollyn," Jacob said at the table. "Sorry I slept in last night."

Beth grinned as she set the last dish down. "It's alright! I'm glad you're here. It's a wonderful morning—let's eat!"

They sat and ate like a family. For a moment Merida forgot the nightmare of the night before.

"So, are you two together?" Beth asked mid-breakfast.

"No!" "Yes!" Merida and Jacob blurted at the same time, then looked at each other.

Jacob gave Merida a look, then smiled at Beth. "We are together," he answered.

"You didn't ask me about being in a relationship," Merida protested.

He wore a satisfied smirk. "Why would I ki—"

"Okay! We are in a relationship!" Merida shouted, face hot, then laughed awkwardly. "You heard it right, Mom—I'm in a relationship!"

Beth giggled and kept eating. Merida glanced at Jacob and teased him with a little "tch." She didn't want her mom to know they'd already kissed—he was so open about it that it surprised her.

After breakfast Jacob kissed Merida's forehead. "I'll call you," he said, then left. On the way out he noticed Leo's hoodie in the passenger seat—he'd tossed it there. He sighed, made a U-turn, and decided it was time to deal with Leo.

Perfect timing: Leo was just about to get into his car when Jacob pulled up. Jacob stepped out looking furious.

Leo crossed his arms and smirked. "So, what brings a 'Jacob' here?"

Jacob flung the hoodie at Leo. Leo caught it with ease.

Jacob didn't want to waste time. He turned to go, but Leo called out, "So you went to her house? She was soaked last night. I had to let her wear my hoodie. The least you can do is make sure she isn't hurt!"

Jacob slammed his car door and marched toward Leo. He grabbed Leo's collar, but Leo didn't flinch. "You stay away from her. She's mine!" Jacob growled, then let go.

He hopped into his car and sped away. Seeing Leo's face always sent his temper sky-high. Those two couldn't be in the same room without a mess.

Ignoring the fact Leo had told him Merida was bullied, Jacob fumed all the way home.

"What a stupid guy," Leo muttered as he climbed into his car. He placed his hoodie on the dash and smiled to himself. "At least you're back with me. I'll wash you later—after we pick up something good to eat."