Trust in Love

Chapter 5

Justine's heart was pounding by the time she pulled up to Jared's house just before six. She popped a pill, hoping her heart would calm down enough for her to enjoy her evening. She didn't know why she was so nervous; maybe it was because this whole scenario felt like a forbidden thing for her to be doing.

She hoped she looked okay. She had changed into jeans and a red cashmere sweater. She took a deep breath before she rang the doorbell.

When Jared opened the door, he was wearing a black turtleneck and jeans. He looked relaxed and sexy and he took Justine's breath away.

'Hi, Justine! It's good to see you again. Come on in.'

He waved her inside and shut the door behind her.

Jared's foyer led into a living room that was spacious with modern furniture.

'Something smells good,' Justine said nervously.

'Dinner's almost ready,' Jared replied, smiling back.

She followed Jared to the kitchen, which was also spacious and had stainless steel appliances.

'What can I get you to drink? Some wine?' he asked.

She knew wine was the mature expected choice, but she didn't think she should drink alcohol with her pills.

'Do you have any iced tea?' she asked nervously.

'Of course,' he replied. 'I'll get you some.'

Once Justine had her drink, Jared finished dishing up the food. She followed him to the dining room where the table was already set.

'Your house is very nice,' Justine complimented.

'Thanks,' Jared replied.

He had prepared a stir fry with noodles and roast chicken breasts.

'This is delicious,' Justine commented a few minutes later.

'I'm glad you like it,' Jared replied in a pleasant tone.

'Do you enjoy cooking?' Justine asked curiously.

'When it turns out okay, I find it relaxing,' Jared replied, making Justine laugh. 'Most of the time I'm quite busy so I end up getting Skip the Dishes.'

'Running the university must keep you very busy,' Justine said.

Jared shrugged.

'It's nothing I can't handle,' he replied. 'I do a lot of delegating.'

Jared asked Justine how she liked working at the university. She told him she enjoyed working for Nigel and helping him stay organized.

'Nigel says he wouldn't know what to do without you,' Jared said.

Justine's cheeks grew warm as she tried to downplay the compliment.

They sat and talked until long after the food was gone. Jared was surprisingly easy to talk to. Justine told him a bit about living with her mom and brother.

'Why haven't you moved out on your own yet?' Jared asked gently.

'My mom kind of fell apart when my dad died,' Justine replied. 'I think she likes having us around because we give her life purpose.'

'What about your life?' Jared asked suddenly.

Justine shrugged, feeling uncomfortable all of a sudden.

'I don't really know how to break the pattern,' she finally admitted.

'I don't think it's about breaking a pattern,' Jared opined. 'I think you just need to take control and live your life for yourself.'