“Is that a promise?” he asks. “’Cause I don’t like broken promises.”
“I promise,” she says. “On one condition.”
“And what’s that?”
She pulls her head back so she can dream into his blue eyes. “I want to be the only one.”
“Is that what’s holding you back from coming to my house?”
“No. I want to know if I’m the only one you are intimate with.” Meghan holds back from using the word girlfriend, afraid to frighten him. She wouldn’t want to scare him into thinking she was cornering him. He might want to run the other way.
He makes a straight face. “You are.”
She swallows. “I don’t want us to be seeing each other and then I find out you’re seeing someone else.”
“I wouldn’t do that.”
She eyes him thoroughly as though she could see if there was anything he was hiding.
“I want us to be honest and when you’re on the road . . .”
He lifts his finger to her chin. “I’ll be honest with you.”
“That’s all I want,” she says, satisfied.
“I’ll be honest right now. I want you so bad.” He kisses her neck, making her head fall back.
“It’ll have to wait.”
“You’re not fair,” he teases.
“You don’t play fair, do you?”
“Always,” he says between kisses.
Their lips part and they are a breath away from each other. “We should go,” she whispers.
“Go where?”
“You need to get your car.” She adjusts herself in the driver’s seat and Jared puts on his seat belt. “Do you feel like coming back to my house?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
Meghan drops Jared off to pick up his car and he follows her home.
“I don’t have any beer,” she says, looking into her fridge. “I have orange juice, a couple of bottles of wine, and cans of 7UP.”
“I’m good.” He takes a seat on the couch.
“You don’t want anything?” She reaches for a can of soda.
He shakes his head, sits back, and stretches his arm out on the couch.
Meghan turns on the TV. “You probably want to watch sports highlights,” she says, turning the channel.
“I want to know more about you.”
“About me?” She sits beside him, her finger on the tab ready to open the can, but she’s stuck looking at those kind eyes of his. “Okay. I think you know a lot about me.”
“I don’t know,” he says, sinking his eyes into hers.
“I think you should tell me more about you.”
“What do you want to know?” he asks.
“Why do you have such a big house for just yourself?”
“You can ask me any question and that’s all you got?” Jared puts his arm down. “I liked it. I was moving from Carolina and was given a few houses to choose from. I had to make a quick decision and it had to be ready to move into.”
She studies his face, the rounded chin, the scar on his jawline . . .
“How did you get that scar?” she asks.
He touches it, knowing exactly where it is. “A puck.”
“Ouch. I bet that hurt.”
“I felt it more after the game. Adrenaline is like a drug. I was caught up in the moment . . . A guy took a shot, it was a lucky bounce off the ice and hit me. I happened to be in the wrong spot.”
“Have you been hurt a lot?” she asks, feeling his ache and the pain he experienced. She can’t picture him bruised and cut; seeing him in distress doesn’t sit right with her.
“It’s part of the game . . .”
“I guess it is.” She folds her hands on her lap.
“When can I meet your parents?” he asks.
“Oh, I don’t know. . . .” She opens the can and takes a sip. “When do you want to meet them?”
“Christmas?”
“You’re not going to be here,” she says, taking another sip.
“Maybe after? In the new year?”
“If you want to.”
“Did you tell them about us?” he asks.
She puts down her can on the coffee table. “Honestly, I didn’t know there was an us.”
“There is, isn’t there?”
He takes his hand and threads her waves through, bringing her face close to his. He kisses her full on the mouth. He is gentle and sweet. He’s kissing her with a soothing motion as though they know where it will lead. There is no competition, no struggle to see who wants it more. They are both making the moment last as long as they possibly can. Meghan touches his face, runs her fingers along his scar and down his neck, circling around his strands.
Jared abruptly scoops her body up and moves it to the other end of the couch, laying her down as he kisses her mouth. Her hands look so small as they wrap around his powerful shoulders. It’s like a surge of energy between them, needing and wanting more as though there are time constraints. Jared’s body weight has shifted to the outside, letting Meghan be cornered into the cushion. With one hand, Jared pulls off his shirt and throws it to the floor, revealing his oh-so-fine stacked muscles. She can’t help herself, she loves touching him. She runs her hand down his chest as he kisses her neck, finding the hem of her shirt. His warm, thick hand finds her bare skin and slowly he ravels her shirt up and over her head. As he kisses her so freely, he unbuttons her jeans and slides them off without hesitation. Then he does his own.
“Let’s go to your bed,” he tells her, and helps her up. She leads him to her bedroom where he gently lays her down on her pillow.
Why does this feel so right? Is she afraid to lose him? Giving him what he wants so that he will stay with her?
Meghan feels a lot more between them than she should. They hardly know each other, yet it seems like they share a deeper connection. He is making an effort to know her, so why does she sense this isn’t going to last? What is she afraid of?
Meghan tells herself that she does know Jared as he pulls her shirt over her head. She likes him a lot, maybe more than she should at this stage of their . . . relationship. She can’t quite call herself his girlfriend, as they haven’t had that discussion yet. He hasn’t made it clear, but she is feeling a bond between them. Does Jared feel it too? Is she what he needs? He’s never said, but maybe this is all she’ll be.
He sweeps her hair away from her face, touching her cheek and looking at her with a keen eye, before kissing her hard on her mouth. She puts her arms around his neck and he enters her with a thrust, leaning into her, their bodies as one.
As she loses herself in the moment, she realizes how much she wants Jared in her life. She feels a sense of belonging with him, like he truly wants her. A change from what she is used to, being the giver that she is. Will she be just another one of his girlfriends or does he genuinely care enough about her to be exclusive? The way it’s going, her heart could break easily if she’s not the only one.
Chapter 16
“What’s wrong?” Dana asks. “You look like something’s bothering you.”
“I’m fine,” Meghan says, taking out her cell phone to check messages.
“Personal stuff?”
“No.”
“Is it the season? It can bring people down.”
“That’s not it.” Meghan puts her phone away. Jared hasn’t even gotten in touch with her after he spent the night. He left early in the morning and she hasn’t heard from him. Didn’t he say he would be here? At least he could be more considerate and tell her where he is and why he can’t make it.
Dana lowers her head. “Are you mad because Jared didn’t show up again?” she asks in a whisper.
“Oh, no . . . why would I be . . . mad?”
Dana giggles. “You’re always mad at events when he doesn’t show up.”
“He’s the only one who doesn’t take these events seriously,” Meghan mutters under her breath. Maybe she should have reminded him last night that he’s expec
ted to show up. Does he think because she slept with him that he has a free pass?
Regardless of what’s happening between them, this is still her job. Doesn’t he understand that? She wants to make a difference in people’s lives. Having this job gives her the opportunity to reach out to a variety of charities and people in need. Why can’t Jared be more understanding and giving of his time?
“Why do you care if he shows? He’s not the only one who hasn’t shown up for something.”
“But he does it most often and doesn’t apologize. It’s like he doesn’t care.”
“He probably doesn’t.”
“That’s what bothers me.”
“Don’t let it. You can’t make him come to events. Players do it because they want to and it means something to them. I’m sure Jared has his reasons.”
“He does have his reasons,” Meghan says. “He told me he doesn’t care about the events, he only wants to play hockey, but it would be nice if he would take part, at least show his face for his fans. Meghan sucks in her lips. And show up for me. Does he even care what I think? This is my job, he should be supporting me if he really wants to be with me. Maybe he doesn’t and it’s his way of telling me.
“Are you and Jared together?” Dana asks.
“Ah, no, not exactly,” Meghan says. She should have been more prepared for this question. “A little. We’ve seen each other now and then. . . .” She realizes this is the first time she’s admitted to seeing Jared to anyone, besides Brie. Will Jared care if anyone knows?
“You have? Really?”
“Shhh.” Meghan looks around. “Please, I don’t want anyone to think we’re together, you know?”
“Well, are you?”
“Kind of. We’ve been out a few times. Dinner . . . we’re friends.” She let the word hang on her tongue. If only she could admit they were more than friends.
“You’re so lucky.”
“Am I?”
Dana’s eyes grow wide. “He’s gorgeous.”
“He is.” Meghan tries playing it cool, but the thought of his washboard abs and cheeky smile make her insides turn upside down. Her whole body feels a buzz as she thinks about being with him . . . naked . . . in the shower . . . waking up in his bed . . . in her bed . . . She’s getting dizzy. Does Jared feel the same about her? Surely, he feels something. He keeps coming back for more.
“Meghan, are we taking donations on footwear?”
“Just coats,” she answers.
“The bin is almost full,” one of her coworkers says.
“That’s great. There’s a lot of people we can help out,” she says.
“How long do you need me for?” Alex Price asks, holding a Sharpie in his hand. There are people crowded around, wanting autographs and pictures.
Meghan takes out her cell phone to check the time. “Is a half hour okay?”
“Fine.” He walks away and begins talking with fans.
The grocery store has been sectioned off so that it gives Alex Price and Mason Ward room to move without getting ambushed. Maybe Jared knows how popular he is and doesn’t want to be bothered by obsessed fans.
Meghan watches over the production of the event to make sure it runs smoothly and is easy for the players. She has a view of the semitrailer that is parked outside a short distance from where they are standing.
Someone hands Meghan a plastic bag filled with what looks like coats. “Thanks,” she says, and takes it outside. As she throws it into the bin, she spots Lauren walking toward the store. She is tall, wearing a long coat and pumps. She doesn’t look like the waitress with a messy ponytail, damp forehead, and flushed cheeks. Lauren looks made up and businesslike.
A sense of relief comes over Meghan. Finally, Lauren wants to talk to her and tell her how sorry she is about that night at Buckley’s. She wasn’t in the mood to talk then and realizes now that she misses their friendship. Perhaps Lauren was self-conscious, unable to spill her guts about how she moved away and was unable to keep in touch with her. How did Lauren know she was going to be here today?
A smile comes over Meghan as she waits for Lauren to approach her. She’s excited to talk to her, find out what she’s been up to. Meghan keeps her smile as she steps out of the event circle so she can talk to Lauren and give her a hug if she is willing. Meghan lifts her shoulders and eyebrows at the same time when she makes eye contact with Lauren. Is it a hug or just a friendly nod? To Meghan’s surprise, Lauren isn’t smiling. In fact, she looks really perplexed, like something is troubling her. Maybe she’s thought about their friendship in depth and feels bad about the whole thing. Yes, that’s it, Meghan convinces herself. She would feel the same had she been in Lauren’s shoes. Meghan closes in and gives Lauren a nod, saying hello when she is in arm’s reach of her.
“Good to see you,” Meghan says. She can’t help but feel the joy that has come over her. Finally, they’ll be friends again.
“I thought Keri was working today,” Lauren says.
“She’s in the office today. I’m on location.”
“I see. Okay.” Lauren stands on her tippy-toes, trying to see over Meghan’s shoulders.
Meghan gazes behind her. What can Lauren be looking for?
“Is Jared here?”
Meghan throws her head back and stares at her wondering why she’s asking, but Lauren isn’t paying attention. She’s more concerned about what’s happening with the event than talking about the friendship they used to have. She shakes her head. “Can I help you with something?” She has no idea what Lauren would need help with, but there must be something on her mind. Meghan bites her lower lip subtly waiting for Lauren’s response. “You were really busy at Buckley’s when I saw you,” she says, making small talk. Maybe Lauren doesn’t know how to start the conversation. Meghan can help her.
“It always is.”
“Run off your feet,” she says with a light laugh, desperately trying to ease up the tension. Why is Lauren so tense? She could probably balance a plate on her head, she is standing so straight.
“I’m going,” Lauren says. “I’ll talk to Keri later.”
“You were asking about Jared,” Meghan says, her head cocked. She wants to get to the bottom of this.
Lauren makes a straight face. “I wanted to talk to him. I was taking a chance, thought he’d be here.”
“You’re not together,” Meghan tells her. What is wrong with Lauren?
“He’s my boyfriend.”
Meghan’s stomach sinks. Her throat is dry and she licks her lips to moisten her mouth so she can ask, “Your what?”
“Jared’s my boyfriend. I told him I would meet him here. I wanted to surprise him.” She looks around. “Guess I’ll run by his house.”
“Lauren, you and he used to date.”
“We’re still a couple.”
Meghan bites her bottom lip. The pressure is enough to put a small puncture in it. She wets it with her tongue.
“I need to talk to him.”
“Why didn’t you call him?” Meghan regrets asking. She can’t imagine Jared and Lauren together. The thought tears her heart apart. She wants him. Lauren can’t have him. She’s too late.
“I did. He didn’t return my calls. I’ll stop by his house.”
“He was supposed to be here,” Meghan says, not sure why she is telling her this.
“I’ll find him. He won’t be far.” She lets out a laugh like she’s got an evil plot.
“Do you want me to give him a message? If he, uh, comes by?”
“You can tell him I was looking for him and that I have to talk to him. It’s important.”
“Okay.”
Lauren turns on her toe to leave.
“I have something to ask you,” Meghan says, stopping Lauren in her step. “Why are you ignoring me? We used to be best friends when we were in school, then you moved away and now you pretend you don’t know me.”
Lauren’s face softens. “We were best friends?”
“Don’t tell me y
ou’ve forgotten. We hung out all the time. We rode our bikes to the corner store for Popsicles and you used to play in my tree fort. How could you forget?”
“It’s one of those things.” Lauren looks smug. “You know, I thought it was you . . .”
“Come on, seriously, Lauren. Why are you pretending to not know me?”
“I’m not pretending.”
“Yes, you are.” Meghan won’t let Lauren go without an explanation. “What did I do to you?”
“Nothing.”
“Then why are you pretending you don’t know me?”
“Okay, okay.” Lauren shoves her hands into her coat pockets. “Yes, I remember you.”
“And?”
Lauren rolls her eyes. “We can’t be friends. You like my fiancé.”
“Who’s your fiancé?”
“Jared!”
“What? He’s your ex-boyfriend!”
Lauren laughs. “Jared’s my boyfriend. I know you like him, I saw how you two were talking at Buckley’s, but he’s with me.”
Meghan is stunned. She can’t believe what she’s hearing. “I had no idea.”
“I’m outta here,” Alex tells Meghan. He nods at Lauren as he walks by.
“Thanks for coming out,” Meghan calls after him, noticing Eli Cooper is still there and probably will be until the very end. She turns to Lauren. “I still don’t understand. Why have you pretended to not know me?” Meghan presses.
“Don’t you think it’s weird that you like my boyfriend?”
Meghan shakes her head.
“You tracked Jared down at the pub—”
“I was there to see you,” Meghan says.
“You always wanted what I had.”
“You came from a wealthy family. You had what most girls wished for.” Meghan looks away, taking note of the event and how many people are left. It’s about time to clean up. It went rather smoothly, she thinks. Perhaps people are busily doing Christmas shopping and this event is a stop-by, so the crowds are minimal. If Jared or Devin Miller were here it would be a much crazier event.
“You had a real dollhouse,” Meghan says in wonder. “You had money and could buy more than what I ever had.”
“My parents had money.”
Practice Makes Perfect Page 19