Part 15 (2/2)
”It is, just a bit small, but it has enough s.p.a.ce for just me. Rollo ends up staying over a lot, and then it's kind of a tight squeeze. Plus, he eats all my food,” I laughed.
”Don't you know, that's what best friends do,” Jared laughed as he pushed the b.u.t.ton for the lobby level of the building. ”I swear, when Holden comes over he eats everything.”
”I like the company though, so I try not to complain too much,” I clutched the handles of my purse tighter.
”You're really lonely, aren't you?” He looked down at me.
”I- well, it's my own fault,” I stammered.
He chuckled. ”I guess it is, you don't like to let anyone in.”
Except for Jared. He was slowly breaking down every wall I had built around myself. Soon, I'd be bare to him, and I was afraid when he found out the root of my problems, he'd run the other way.
Jared led me to his car, his hand hovering over the small of my back, but not touching. I liked the fact that he seemed to want to touch me, but knew I wasn't ready. He was respectful of my needs, and that helped me to trust him.
I hoisted myself into his ma.s.sive vehicle, and this time I didn't struggle as much. Jared chuckled from behind me; I blushed, figuring I'd probably given him a shot of my pale pink underwear.
”Where is the ballet recital?” I asked, when Jared got on the highway.
”Not far out of Greenville,” he said. ”It's only about a twenty minute drive, if that.” He fidgeted in his seat and then said, ”So, do you feel better?”
”Huh?” I asked, confused.
”After you punched the c.r.a.p out of my punching bag, do you feel better?” He glanced at me.
”Oh, um, yeah,” I tucked my hair behind my ear and gave him a small smile. ”A lot better.”
”Good,” he grinned, and it was the crooked one that I was growing more accustomed to. ”Would you be up to doing it again?”
”Definitely,” I replied, playing with my purse strap. I was getting really nervous about meeting Jared's sister. I could tell she meant a lot to him, and I was afraid she wouldn't like me.
”Monday?” he asked.
”It's a date,” I smiled, and then that smile faded when I realized my words. ”No! I didn't mean like a date-date. I don't-”
”You don't date, I know, Katy. It's okay. s.h.i.+t!” Jared exclaimed, suddenly, making me jump.
”What?” I asked, afraid he was mad at me over something.
”I forgot to get flowers for Karlie! d.a.m.n it!” He cursed, smacking the heel of his hand against the steering wheel.
”It's okay, Jared,” I said, calmly. ”I'm sure there's bound to be a florist along the way.”
”Yeah, yeah, I'm sure you're right,” he said, and I could tell he was calming down. He didn't clench the steering wheel so tightly and his jaw wasn't firm. ”Could you do a search on your phone?”
”Sure,” I said, already bringing the Internet up. In no time, I was directing him to a nearby florist.
He pulled in front of the flower shop and hopped out of the car.
He came out with a bundle of sunflowers. ”They didn't have her favorite,” he grumbled, handing me the flowers.
”Which is?” I questioned.
”She loves purple tulips,” he said, looking back before he pulled out.
”Well, these are very nice,” I sniffed the sunflower and promptly sneezed.
Jared chuckled. ”They're better than nothing. They didn't have much of a selection. It was either those,” he pointed to the sunflowers, ”carnations, or roses. Carnations are cheap, ugly things, and roses are hardly appropriate for me to give to my sister.” He winked. ”She'll probably chew me up and spit me out, for not getting her favorite, but oh well,” he shrugged.
”It's the thought that counts,” I said.
”You know, most people say that, but don't mean it, I get the impression that you do.”
I swallowed.
”I also get the impression,” he continued, eyes steady on the road, ”that you're not used to such... gestures,” he waved his hand to the flowers. ”You deserve everything, Katy, and I'm not sure I can give you that, but I'm d.a.m.n sure going to try,” he looked over at me and our eyes met for a few seconds, his a heated chocolate.
My heart stuttered in my chest, as his eyes flickered away from me and back to the road.
In just a matter of weeks, Jared had clawed his way into me; body, heart, and soul. It was all happening so fast, but I really was falling for him.
After what happened with Preston, I never wanted a man to touch me again. I was ruined. I didn't deserve love or happiness.
But Jared made me think differently, because he was different.
He made me want to feel again. And maybe, just maybe, fall in love for the first time.
I was a few steps away from taking that leap.
The one Jared had promised he'd catch me from.
15.
WE PULLED INTO A PACKED PARKING LOT OF WHAT APPEARED TO BE A SCHOOL. Jared cursed as he looked at the clock in the car.
”It starts in two minutes,” he grumbled, getting out of the car and taking the flowers.
I opened the door and tumbled to the ground. Luckily, I caught myself before I sc.r.a.ped my knees on the asphalt.
I had to run, which wasn't easy in heels, to catch up with Jared's long stride.
”It's in the auditorium, of the high school,” he said, more to himself than me. ”They expected a high attendance and the ballet school she goes to is small. They only have room for attendance of fifty people.
Jared pushed open the doors to the school and we followed the signs to the auditorium.
<script>