Trust in Love

Chapter 11

Justine opened the door and asked, 'What are you doing here?'

'We need to talk,' Jared replied firmly.

'How did you find me?' she asked.

'Sandy guessed where you might be,' Jared answered. 'Can I come in?'

Justine sighed inwardly. She was too ashamed to let Jared see where she was living.

Reluctantly, she backed up a bit so Jared could come in. He entered the room and shut the door. She couldn't look him in the eye. She knew he was looking at her belongings and her cheeks grew warm.

'Why didn't you tell me that you mom kicked you out?' he demanded.

'You wouldn't answer my call,' she replied morosely.

Jared sighed.

'I'm sorry, Justine. I was dealing with a major problem.'

'I understand,' she replied, looking down at the floor.

'I feel like this is partly my fault,' Jared said ruefully.

Justine shook her head.

'I made the choice to stay at your house,' she replied. 'I knew my mom would get mad at me.'

'You don't deserve to live like this, Justine,' Jared stated. 'Let me help you.'

'This is just temporary,' she explained. 'I'm looking for an apartment.'

Jared sighed.

'You don't need to find an apartment. You can move in with me.'

'What?' she asked.

'I want you to live with me,' Jared urged.

'But you barely know me,' Justine responded. She backed away from him.

'I don't want your pity.'

'This isn't about pity,' Jared argued. 'This is about us. You're the first woman I've met since Meredith died who makes me think I can have a future with somebody. I've been resisting the idea of having a relationship, but you've given me hope that that's possible.'

Justine felt tears come to her eyes. Jared stepped close to her and grasped her upper arms.

'I want to wake up with you every morning,' he continued. 'I want to share my life with you. Please take a chance on me. You won't regret it.'

Justine felt a tear roll down her cheek.

'You're very convincing,' she admitted softly.

'Is that a 'yes'?' he asked hopefully.

Justine nodded, smiling.

Jared pulled her into his embrace and she sighed in relief.

He kissed her and her heart filled with joy.

****************************

It took Justine an hour to pack her bags and check out of the hotel. As she drove to Jared's house, she wondered if she should tell him about her heart condition. She hadn't had any spells for a few days. Maybe it wasn't as bad as the doctor thought. She decided not to say anything yet. She didn't want to cause Jared any worry since he already had enough on his plate.

When she got to Jared's house, he helped her carry her bags inside.

'Is this all you have?' Jared asked, surprised.

Justine nodded.

'My mom only gave me twenty minutes to pack,' she replied.

'Wow. That's harsh,' he responded.

Jared showed her to their bedroom. He had a king-sized bed and a walk-in closet.

'I've made some room for you in the closet,' Jared said, showing her an empty area.

'Thank you,' Justine said gratefully. 'I just need to hang up a few things so they don't get wrinkled.'

'Take your time,' Jared replied. 'I'm going to go make us some hot chocolate.'

'Okay,' she said.

It felt strange to see her clothes hanging next to Jared's suits. She'd never lived with a man before. She never thought in a million years that she would be living with Jared. Her mother's judgements and antiquated opinions seemed so far away from her present circumstances.

After she put her toiletries on the counter in the ensuite, she went downstairs to the kitchen. She found Jared sitting on a stool at the counter drinking hot chocolate.

She sat down next to him and he passed her a mug.

'Thanks,' she said gratefully.

'Are you settled in?' Jared asked.

'Mostly. I will need to do laundry tomorrow,' she replied.

'Of course,' Jared stated. 'The machines are pretty easy to use. I'll show you.'

Justine nodded.

They shared an amiable silence as they drank their hot chocolate.

'What are you thinking about?' Justine asked curiously.

Jared set his mug down on the counter. He turned toward Justine and caressed her back.

'I'm thinking that I'd like to take you upstairs and show you happy I am that you're here,' He murmured, nuzzling her neck.

She turned toward him so he could put his arms around her.

'That sounds like a wonderful idea,' she replied softly, caressing his cheek.

Jared kissed her so deeply that she forgot to breathe. He took her by the hand and led her upstairs.

*******************************

Living with Jared was like a fairy tale for Justine. As she got to know him better, she fell more deeply in love with him. She was too shy to tell him how she felt because she didn't want him to feel pressured to express his feelings. She wanted to make the most out of living with him because in the back of her mind, she didn't know how much time she had left.

When they were together she showed him how much she cared by being affectionate and loving. He made her feel loved with his kindness and generosity. She craved their intimate moments because each one was precious to her. She especially loved cuddling with him because it made her feel like she belonged to somebody. She had never been so happy in her life and she hoped Jared felt the same way.