If Only

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Awkward Sunday

JADE

The following morning, I was roused from my slumber by Jared's gentle shaking. The curtains were drawn wide, allowing the relentless sun to invade the room and rudely disrupt my sleep. I groaned in protest, turning away from Jared, who seemed to find humor in my grumpy state. He chuckled softly as he took hold of me and turned my body to face him. He knelt beside me, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Hey, baby... Your mom was knocking on the door nonstop," he informed me, his warm breath tickling my ear.

I grumbled in response, rubbing the sleep from my eyes and slowly adjusting to the harsh light filtering in. "Is she still there?" I asked, my voice filled with sleep-induced irritation.

"No, she left a few minutes ago," he replied, coaxing me to sit upright on the bed. I reluctantly complied, sporting a displeased look that I was sure matched my disheveled hair. I remained defiant, though, about the prospect of confronting my mother and whatever she might have to say. The memories of last night came crashing down on me like a collapsing building, making me even more apprehensive about facing the day.

Today was Sunday, and despite my reluctance, I knew I had to drag myself out of bed and join my parents in church. It was a duty I couldn't avoid, no matter how much I dreaded it.

Jared's complaints about his throbbing head and a potential hangover reached my ears. I heard him, but I couldn't summon the energy to respond. My immediate priority was the shower. The sun's angle told me it was no longer early morning; I had to hurry.

I entered the bathroom, only to find Jared right behind me, removing his leather jacket. I spun around, instinctively placing my hand on his chest. He looked at me with curiosity, casually placing his jacket on the counter.

"Whoa, what are you doing?" I asked.

"Taking a shower?" He shrugged, his actions speaking for themselves.

I didn't mean to be rude, but the morning grumpiness had a firm hold on me, especially since it was a Sunday.

"Interestingly, I was just about to do the same thing."

"Yeah? Exactly." He stated the obvious, then strolled past me into the bathroom. Placing his leather jacket on the counter, he began to unbutton his shirt.

"Wait a second... Things seem to be getting a little out of hand here. Are you suggesting...?"

"Yep. I'm joining you in the shower," he said plainly. My mind struggled to grasp the concept.

"What?" I still didn't get it.

He removed his shirt, revealing the figures imprinted on his skin. Then he started to unbutton his jeans, the clanking of his belt buckle echoing through the air. Jared stepped into the shower curtains, expertly adjusting the water temperature.

Meanwhile, I remained rooted in place, mouth agape, watching Jared go about his routine.

"Jared Thompson." The words left my mouth with sincere surprise. I couldn't help but anticipate the unfolding events as I contemplated stepping into that shower, the steam rising, with Jared... Naked.

Jared snapped his head towards me, a droll expression on his face.

"What? Too late, baby. I'm already here. Why don't you just hop in? The water's damn hot."

I let out an awkward laugh, finding his description of the water quite inappropriate. But then again, the whole situation was entirely wrong to begin with.

With a final sigh, I cast aside my reservations and surrendered to Jared's allure. I shed my clothes, dropping them on the floor, and followed Jared into the shower, purposely closing the shower curtains, just in case.