Wrecked and Yours Trilogy: A Second Chance Love Story

by CeeCee James

  “What? You’re throwing me to the wolves so soon?”

  Chloe laughed. “You can do it. It’s just a social worker. You know what the kid needs. Be the best advocate you can for them.”

  The last month had been a whirlwind of change for Miranda. But she’d loved every minute of it. Jason hadn’t wanted to pick up where they left off. He was being cautious— annoyingly so— and said he needed to build trust with her again. “But you have my heart. You’ve always had my heart,” he reassured her. So she was willing to be a little patient.

  Three new kids came through the front door, wearing the same countenance as every new teen that entered. Suspicion wrapped in bravado, like they didn’t have a care in the world.

  Miranda knew better. She saw how many were hurting and scared. She also knew the center might not be able to help everyone who came through those doors. It was a partnership between the teen and the program. The sign at the front door explained the boundaries to be in the program. The first one was: Respect each other. We all have problems.

  And most of these kids came with problems. But everyone working there had a taste of what they’d been through. Neglect, child abuse, drug, and alcohol use came in every package—wealthy families, poor families, educated families, split families.

  The most important thing was to give them hope, make them believe there was a way out.

  Jason walked over to the kids. Miranda’s heart skipped a beat. He was just so good-looking. He smiled his easy grin, flannel shirt layered over a t-shirt, holey blue jeans on. His eyes flashed as he nodded at something one of the kids said.

  The kids liked him. He listened.

  After a few minutes, he led them to another counselor who handed out a couple brown bags of sandwiches. The kids took them and left, the oldest boy giving a nod to Jason on his way out.

  Jason wrote something down in the notebook he always carried. As if sensing her watching, he glanced towards her. A warm shiver ran down her spine. Tucking the well-worn notebook into his back pocket, he strode over. “How’s my favorite helper doing today?”

  “Good.” Miranda stood and put her arms around his neck.

  He wrapped his hands around her waist and gave her his crooked grin. “You’re looking way better than good, Sunshine.”

  Miranda laughed. “Glad you like my cutting edge ponytail, no make-up style. I have a feeling you’re going to be seeing a lot of it.”

  “How soon until you can take lunch?” he asked. They had a weekly date at the taco stand.

  “Chloe?” Miranda looked around for her lead. Chloe rolled her eyes and said, “Go on, get out of here.”

  Jason grabbed her hand and they headed outside.

  “How are you handling the split shift with the dental office?”

  “It’s been good.” Three days there, two days here, working pretty good actually.

  “We could make this a full time position, you know.”

  “Aww, maybe someday. But I can’t leave Claudia in the lurch like that.”

  “You mind if we take a walk first, before lunch?”

  She shook her head and he squeezed her hand. “All right, come on. Let’s head to the park.”

  They passed his truck, sitting by the curb. Jason reached into the bed and pulled out a plastic Frisbee.

  “We’re going to toss a Frisbee?” Miranda raised her eyebrows incredulously.

  “Well, I want you to stay active and all, especially now you have a desk job.” He winked at her. “I know you’ve been too busy to go hiking lately.”

  ”I’ll have you know I had a desk job before.”

  He looked at her legs with concern. “They’re kind of getting a bit puny. Maybe we should run some laps too.”

  “Ohhh, buddy.” Miranda whacked him on the arm. “You just wait and see. You were the one living the high-life, eating that caviar and éclairs stuff.”

  “That insult doesn’t even make sense. Who eats caviar with éclairs?”

  “You know what I mean,”

  He grinned and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “I’m just teasing you sweetheart. You’re beautiful just the way you are.”

  Miranda rested her head on his chest for a second, feeling sparks of heat fly down her spine from his touch. Her smile stretched across her face.

  The day was gorgeous and, even though it was still winter, the air held the faintest scent of fresh life. The tree’s branches were nubbed with future leaf buds. Some early crocuses had already pushed up through the dirt. The park had just been mowed for the first time that year, the grass brilliant green in the sunshine. They walked over the hill and into an open area.

  “Okay, stay here. I’ll pass the Frisbee to you first.” Jason jogged ahead, before spinning around. “Ready?” he called.

  “Yup!”

  Jason sent the disc spinning in a smooth arc towards her. Leaping, she caught it midair and quickly sent it back. She frowned as the disc arced to the far left of him. He ran after it and caught it just in time.

  He threw it again, directly to her. Again, she returned it to his left making him chase after it. He wiped the sweat off his forehead. “Have you ever done this before?”

  Miranda laughed. “I’m sorry! The wind is catching it.”

  “Throw it like this,” he mimed, then tossed it again.

  She threw it, this time over correcting in the opposite direction. He flopped on the grass after he caught it, his chest heaving.

  “Come on, throw it back!” Miranda yelled.

  He shook his head.

  Miranda loped over and stood above him. “What’s the problem? You said you wanted exercise.”

  He opened one eye and glared at her. “You did that on purpose.”

  She laughed and sat next to him. Grabbing the Frisbee from his hand, she laid it under her head.

  Clouds, shaped like popcorn, floated overhead. “Hey,” Miranda pointed. “See that one? A little sheep.”

  Jason squinted up at the sky. “A sheep?”

  “It’s cute.”

  He stared harder. “I see a motorcycle.”

  “What? You’re kidding.”

  “It’s about to mow down your sheep. Tell it to run!” he mocked. Jason rolled on his side and tickled Miranda’s ear with a grass blade.

  “You are a pest,” she said, swatting it away.

  “Yeah, takes one to know one, Miss Frisbee Champion.” He rolled closer, his green eyes studying her intensely. Suddenly the space between them felt electrified.

  “Are you ever coming home again?” she asked.

  “You want me home?” His question was slow. He tickled the grass blade down her arm.

  “It’s your place as much as mine. Uncle Stew left it to the both of us when he died.”

  He stared at the track the grass blade was taking. After a moment he continued, “You know, I kind of like where I’m at, staying above TECH. It gives me an opportunity to do something I’ve never done before.”

  “What’s that?”

  He smiled at her and lightly dragged the grass stem down her nose, before tracing her eyebrows. “When we first got together we lived in the same house. But, for the first time, I can take you out on a date.”

  She closed her eyes as her heart did a double beat.

  His voice dropped an octave. “If you’ll let me. What do you say?”

  “I say finally!” She bit her lip as the grass blade lightly went over. His thumb traced after it and rubbed the tickle away. “I’ve freaking missed you so much.”

  “Me too. Now, where should we go? Not the Red Dragon.”

  Miranda smiled. “I’ll make you dinner.”

  His green eyes flickered with uncertainty. “You don’t want to go out?”

  “You know what they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”

  He flopped on his back. “Oh, you really are mad at me. I can’t tell what you’re saying there.”

  “What do you mean?” she moved toward him with her own gr
ass blade.

  “You’re looking for revenge.”

  “Jason!”

  He sat up, laughing. “I guess I’ll find out. So, are we eating Toasty O’s or not?”

  “I don’t know what you have against cereal.” She followed him, picking grass out of her hair.

  “Meat. It’s what’s for dinner.”

  “Don’t you worry, I’ll cook meat. It’ll be a great dinner.” She looped her pinky around his as they walked back to the office. “Pinky promise.”

  31

  Winter

  Miranda hummed as she moved around the kitchen, placing a cup of water in a pot and spun the burner to high. She carefully measured out the instant rice and dumped it in. At the sound of the cupboard opening, Archer appeared out of nowhere and hovered underfoot. She returned the box of rice, almost stepping on his paw.

  “Shoo!” she told the dog. Instead of leaving, he sat, blocking her way to the pantry, his mouth opened wide and begging. Miranda rolled her eyes, and maneuvered around him.

  She rummaged through the refrigerator for a package of pork chops before glancing at the recipe. “Rinse, dip in egg, dip in flour and bake.” Easy peasy! She pulled open the cellophane covering the meat and picked up the first raw chop, grimacing at the touch.

  When she’d finished all four pork chops her hands were covered white in doughy gloves. Don’t get this on my red dress! Miranda tentatively attempted to juggle the water knob on with her elbow, just as Cassie came barreling around the corner.

  Her sister’s blonde head jerked back and she gave a double blink. “What in the world are you up to?”

  “Dinner. Now give me a hand and turn on the hot water.”

  Cassie leaned over and flipped the water on. “You scare me when you’re in the kitchen.”

  “Shut up. This is going to be awesome.”

  Cassie eyed her sister’s hands as Miranda ferociously scrubbed at them. “Am I supposed to eat that?”

  “No, actually you’re not. It’s for Jason.”

  “I think the goal is to actually win him over, not make him run screaming for the hills.”

  Miranda frowned, scraping at the dough. “It’s going to be delicious.”

  Cassie continued to look skeptical. “If you say so, Sis.”

  Miranda scowled.

  “Nervous?”

  “No. Why would I be nervous?”

  “No reason. You just seem extra jittery.”

  “I’m not jittery. I’m expressing my domesticness in the kitchen.”

  “Erm, your pot—” Cassie pointed. The water frothed over the top and bubbled down the side.

  “Seriously?” Miranda yelled and raced to turn the burner down. Grabbing a wooden spoon, she stirred frantically at the ingredients.

  “What was it?”

  “Rice. It’s fine.” Miranda grumbled. She scraped at the bottom and lifted it to her nose to see if it smelled burned. Maybe not so fine.

  “Change of plans,” she announced, dumping the ruined rice in the trash bin. “We’re having potatoes instead.” The bottom of the pot was black so she hid the it in the dishwasher. Snatching out the bag of potatoes, she dumped a couple in the sink and scrubbed them.

  Cassie watched in silence.

  “Will you quit staring at me?” Miranda asked crossly.

  “It’s like a train wreck. I want to look away, but I can’t.”

  Miranda glanced at her through slitted eyes.

  “I’m leaving, I’m leaving.” Cassie backed away with her hands up. “I have to get my college application papers together anyway.”

  “Good idea. Keep occupied for the rest of the night. Go check out your celebrity gossip sites.”

  “Aww, and miss you two being all lovey-dovey again? Poor me.”

  “When were we lovey-dovey? Ever?”

  “You guys used to be like those skunks on Bambi. All twitter-pated.”

  Miranda sprinkled water at her. “Get out of here. And take Archer with you.”

  “Come on Archer. I can see we aren’t appreciated.” The black dog panted his smile, his dark eyes darting between the girls. He stayed seated, clearly not wanting to leave the kitchen and its promises of treats.

  “Fine, you can stay.” Miranda rubbed his tummy with the top of her foot. “You’re better-looking anyway.”

  “Miranda! Stress makes you cranky.”

  Grinning, Miranda finished slicing the potatoes before adding them to a fresh pot of water.

  * * *

  Jason’s Porsche rumbled down the driveway at six on the dot. Miranda ran to light the candles and did a quick double-check. Tablecloth was out and the table set. The wine glasses sparkled in the candle light. Her red dress fit her like a glove, and she wore the shoes he liked, even though she felt like a tottering fool. And more importantly, the oven was off. Nothing more had burned. She wanted to hug herself with satisfaction.

  Her heart pounded as he came up the porch steps. There was a moment of silence and then a knock at the door. Miranda tipped her head and giggled, excitement thrumming through her.

  Hurrying to open the door, she nearly twisted an ankle.

  Jason’s back was to her and he slowly turned. Still wearing his trademark torn blue jeans, he had on a button-up green oxford. Its color heightened the shade of his green eyes. He flashed her a crooked smile, filled with a newfound confidence.

  The sight of him took her breath away.

  “These are for you,” he said.

  She glanced down at his hands. Hard working hands, calloused from years of machine work, held a bouquet of flowers. Pink roses, her favorite.

  “Thank you,” she said softly. Opening the door wider, she grinned. “Come on in.”

  “Lovely house,” he joked, his gaze sweeping the living room. Then he stopped, his attention locked in the direction of the kitchen. “Wow. Dinner smells good.”

  A small frown creased her brow. “Don’t act so surprised, Mister.”

  He set the flowers on the table before reaching out to her. “Come here,” he whispered. The intensity of his desire made her stomach flip.

  Miranda stepped toward him. He wrapped her in his arms, buried his nose against her neck and inhaled a deep, satisfied breath. “Mm, you smell so good.”

  Slowly, Jason traced the skin on her neck with soft kisses. Miranda melted into him. He trailed up to her ear and spoke in a husky whisper, “There’s never been a man alive who’s loved a woman the way that I love you.” Her knees felt weak as she clung to him, her pulse speeding up. His hand swept up her bare arm, and she shivered. He made his way up to her mouth and kissed her with the assurance that she was his.

  All Miranda could think was, “Finally.”

  * * *

  They kissed for a long while, before Archer joined the party. He nudged Jason and Miranda several times begging for attention, before finally jumping up and resting his paws against Jason’s hip. After being jostled around, they broke apart and Jason crouched to the floor. “Hey old buddy. That’s not how it’s supposed to work,” he scolded while scratching the dog’s belly. “You’re supposed to help me get the girl, not break us apart.” He gently pushed at Archer in a playful way. The dog pranced and barked, his butt waggling, about to pounce. “Oh! You’re going to get me, huh? Going to be that way?” Jason pushed the dog again, and the two of them wrestled in a playful tussle.

  Miranda nearly giggled as joy bubbled up inside her. I don’t know how we finally got here but thank God we’re here.

  After a minute, Jason stood. “Did I hear something about food?” He rubbed his stomach and sniffed at the delicious odors filling the kitchen

  Reaching for his hand, Miranda led him over to the table, where the food sat on gleaming dishes.

  “Wow, sweetheart. You outdid yourself.” He pulled her close and kissed her again.

  “It’s not my fault if the food’s cold.”

  “I like cold food,” he murmured back, not releasing her.

  She laughed.
“Your wish is my command.”

  “Hmmm, I like the sound of that.” His half-grin cheekily appeared.

  They sat at the table and Jason poured the wine. “How about a toast,” he said, holding his glass out.

  “Go ahead.” She held up hers.

  He thought for a moment, staring into her eyes. “To truth, faith and life with the one you love.”

  Her lip lifted up at the corner. “Cheers.” They softly clinked glasses and took a sip. The candlelight glimmered off the dishes, bathing everything in warm light. Miranda sighed with contentment.

  “So, where’s Cassie?” Jason asked, and scooped up a forkful of potatoes.

  “I banished her to the dungeon.”

  “I’m right here!” Cassie called from upstairs. Miranda rolled her eyes and Jason laughed.

  “Hi, Cassie!” he called.

  She leaned over the stair rail and waved. “Hi, Jason!” Then she caught sight of her sister’s irritated face. “I’m going. I’m going.” She disappeared back into her room, slamming the door behind her.

  Miranda smiled and stabbed at her green beans.

  “So what do you think of TECH?” Jason asked.

  “I love it. I can’t even tell you how much.”

  “Me too. I feel like I was born to do this.”

  “I agree. I think you were.”

  “And cars,” he added. “Something about tearing an engine apart is soothing.”

  Miranda paused. “Hmm, soothing for me is a cup of hot cocoa and my favorite book. But different strokes, I guess.”

  “I don’t know. You looked pretty good helping me bleed my brakes.”

  “That wasn’t fun,” she reminded him. “That was love.”

  He took the last bite of his food, adding, “It was love. As in, I loved seeing the grease on your hands.”

  She frowned, her gaze dropping to her hands at the memory. “That was actually disgusting.”

  Jason chuckled and balled up his napkin, leaving it on his plate. “Sorry, it’s what you signed up for with that whole Bonnie and Clyde thing.”

  “You’re saying you want me to help change the brakes out on your Porsche?”