Part 35 (1/2)

He rummaged around in the bag and pulled out the dream catcher. He deposited it on the dresser and then climbed in bed, with the bag still in his hand.

”I got you something,” he grinned like a little boy, holding out the plastic white bag that said 'Thank you', in teal and pink letters.

”What's the special occasion?” I asked, taking it from him.

He smiled at me, the smile that reached his eyes and made them crinkle at the corners. ”Katy, I don't need a special occasion to give you a gift, because every day with you is special.”

I gasped a little at his words. No one had ever said something so sweet to me.

”I- Jared-”

”Katy, please don't sit here and stutter for five minutes,” he grinned. ”Just open the present.”

I nodded, and turned the bag upside down. A small white box fell out, onto my lap.

I picked it up, turning it around, and gave it a small shake. It was small, and fit in the palm of my hand.

”For the love all that's holy, open it!” Jared was about ready to jump out of his skin. Somebody liked to give gifts.

With a small smile, I lifted the lid off the box.

Inside, nestled between tissue paper, was a bracelet.

It was wine colored, made of some kind of cord, with a gold clasp. A single charm dangled from the clasp and said, 'Made with Love.' There was a twisted knot on top, which I ran my thumb over.

”I love it. It's beautiful,” I looked up at Jared, with awe in my eyes. Would this man ever cease to amaze me?

”It's called a Forget Me Knot, bracelet, at least that's what the lady at the store, said,” he shrugged. ”But I want you to look at it every day, and when you do, I want you to think about how much I love you and never forget it.”

I swallowed thickly and glanced over at Jared, my lashes sticking together with moisture.

”I will,” I rubbed the material of the bracelet, ”this is the best gift I've ever been given.”

”It's just a bracelet,” He whispered, like if he spoke any louder I might crack.

”I know,” I said, ”but the meaning behind it? That's priceless. You are priceless,” I leaned over and kissed his cheek. ”Thank you.”

I undid the clasp and began to struggle to get it on.

”Here, let me help you,” Jared breathed. His long fingers flicked out and in no time he had the bracelet secured to my wrist. He stared at my wrist for a long moment, a determined gleam in his eye. He bent his head down, his warm breath caressing the sensitive skin of my arm. ”You are mine,” he declared, before pressing his lips to my wrist, right next to the bracelet. A s.h.i.+ver ran up my spine as he brushed his nose along my arm. ”I really want to kiss you,” his voice was husky.

”Then kiss me,” I rasped, my voice barely above a whisper.

He cupped the back of my head.

”Are you sure?” he questioned, looking my face over for any indication that I was about to flee.

”Yes,” I said, breathlessly. If he didn't put his lips on mine in ten seconds, I was going to attack him and cling to him like a spider monkey. ”Kiss me, Jared.”

With a growl, his lips met mine.

Heat exploded across my body.

He pushed me back, so that I was lying flat on the bed and he was hovering over me.

My fingernails raked his back as his mouth devoured mine. It was like I was his oxygen and he needed more.

I felt his tongue flick out and my mouth opened in response.

When his tongue flicked mine, my heart stopped.

Not because I was scared, but because an emotion consumed me that I'd never felt before.

Pa.s.sion.

Jared made me feel things that no one else could.

My fingers dug into his skin and he moaned in response.

I realized in that moment, that Jared owned me, body and soul.

Forever.

27.

IT WAS WEIRD, BEING BACK HOME, ALONE. I had grown so used to Jared and Karlie; their stuff and the comforting sounds of a home.

This place, I looked around the spa.r.s.ely decorated condo, was not home.

The old saying was right, it's not the place that makes a home, but the people.

I missed seeing them every day.

A knock on the door sounded and I opened it up to greet Piper.

”Hey, girlie, how you feeling?” she asked, stepping inside.

”Fine,” I shrugged. ”The pain in my ribs is almost gone and my cast should be coming off sometime in the next two weeks.” I rubbed at it. ”I really can't wait for it to be gone. It's itchy.”

Piper chuckled. ”Just don't break any pencils off, trying to scratch down in there.”

”Eww,” I made a face of disgust.

Piper sat down on the couch, quickly making herself at home. I took the spot beside her, drawing my legs up and facing her.

”I feel like I haven't seen you in forever,” she said sadly. ”I didn't mean to just bail on you. When I heard about the accident it just... freaked me out. I'm sorry about that. I just don't like being reminded that life can be cut short, so quickly. There is no guarantee that we get to grow old. It made me think about my own life and how I'm not doing what I love. I'm dropping out and I'm going to pursue fas.h.i.+on design.”