Chapter Eight #2
She rolled her eyes. Was he serious? “Jared, you’re forgetting I have an investment in you. I’d like to see your life continue, preferably without injury.”
“I’m not going anywhere, Bella. You don’t have to worry.”
Sadness filled her heart. “That’s what Paul would tell me. I don’t have to worry. And then he died and it hurt for a really, really long time. It still hurts, Jared.”
“I know, Bella. I hate to see you hurting.” He rose and approached her.
“Fact is, it’s the last thing I want for you,” he said softly.
This time when he reached for her, she flowed into his arms. His solid strength surrounded and settled her.
It amazed her how easily his touch could do that.
Being tucked into Jared’s broad shoulders cocooned her in warmth and heat began to grow in her belly.
He tenderly kissed her forehead and lifted her chin.
She looked into his blue eyes, blazing with heat and hunger, and she couldn’t fight it any longer.
She knew what it was like to be with Jared now, to be joined with him flesh-to-flesh.
He was a beautiful man, flawed in only one way: his love for speed and danger.
Could she overlook her doubts and open her heart fully to him?
A deep plea rose from her throat. “Jared.”
It was a call to him. To take her. To be with her. To make love to her the way he had last night.
“I’m here, angel.” And then he lifted her into his arms. The move didn’t seem to strain him or to hurt him in any way. “And you don’t have to worry.”
Jared held her tight, her head resting on his bare chest. They’d made love just a few minutes ago and Bella’s body was still humming like a sweet bird.
There was nothing selfish in the way they pleasured each other.
Jared worked his magic on her, hitting all her sensitive points, making her whimper.
And she was beginning to discover what he liked her to do to him, with her mouth, her hands.
Which seemed to be pretty much anything she wanted.
His wild responses to her, his deep guttural groans, gave her a sense of power and command in bed. She loved pleasing him.
Earlier, Jared had mentioned his mother’s visit, but she hadn’t had a chance yet to ask him about it.
“So, your mother is coming on Friday?” Bella whispered, wondering what her role would be once she got here.
She stroked Jared’s chest with the palm of her hand, absorbing the feel of him.
Already, tingles of awareness were plotting against her tranquility.
“Yeah, she’s anxious to see me. I’ve spoken with her on the phone, but with the party and all, she wants to be here.”
“I can understand that. She has to see you for herself. You may be all grown up and resilient, but you’re still her boy.”
“Boy?” He grinned. “I’ll show you boy,” he said, rising up. He planted his mouth on hers and kissed her senseless. The heat of his palm covered her derriere and he gave it a long, proprietary squeeze.
She could easily give in to him again—she wanted to—but this was important. She gave him a shove, startling him, and he landed back on the bed. “Jared, we’re having a serious conversation here.” She smiled.
“We are? I thought we were going to—”
She covered his mouth, stopping his next words. They turned her on and he knew it. “Later. Right now, tell me about your mother.”
Jared sighed. “She’s as good a mom as we could’ve ever asked for.
Cooper and I put her on a pedestal, continuing in my father’s footsteps.
He adored her and made us see how wonderful she was every day of our lives.
We always knew our mom was on our side when it came to the really important things.
She’s smart and fun to be around. I guess that’s why, when she met Grant six years ago, Cooper and I didn’t stand in the way of her getting remarried.
Once we scoped him out, that is, and figured out he was worthy. ”
Bella was floored by his admission. The Stone boys were protective of their mother. “Wow. She’s lucky to have you both.”
“Yeah, I guess so.”
What would it have been like to have a mother who loved you unconditionally and a father who supported your wishes and stood behind your decisions?
She’d had neither, but she wasn’t going to have a pity party over it.
She’d come to grips with her situation a while ago, but still, every so often, she would fantasize about growing up in a normal, loving household.
That’s what she desperately wanted for Sienna.
She touched Jared’s cheek, scrutinizing his profile. Was he the man who could make that happen? Was Jared Stone the one?
He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “My mom’s gonna like you, Bella.”
“I hope so.”
“I know so.”
“I’ve been working with Marie and Lauren a bit on the party. Now that I know your mom is coming, I’m getting a little nervous.”
“Why?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess if I were in total control, it might be different. But I wasn’t asked to cook anything.”
He turned his head to look into her eyes. “Are you upset about that?”
“No. Just curious.”
“We’ve used the same caterers every single year. And...well, to be honest, I don’t want you working that night.”
“Because the party is mainly for your employees?”
Jared’s eyes grew wide. “Is that what you think? Hell, woman. I don’t want you behind the scenes because I want you by my side. You and Sienna.”
“Like a date?”
“Yeah, like a date.”
She stared at him for a long while. Was he dense? And then finally he shook his head, as if shaking out cobwebs.
“Uh, sorry. I should have asked you formally.”
“Well?”
“Bella, will you be my date for the Stone Family Christmas party?”
It was really ridiculous how giddy she was about this. Here they were, buck naked in each other’s arms after having mind-numbing sex, and Jared was asking her on a date.
“Yes, of course. Sienna and I would be happy to be your date.”
“Great. It’s settled then.”
“Yes, settled.”
Jared’s hand wandered to her backside again and this time she didn’t shove him away. This time she was eager and ready for whatever pleasure they could bring each other.
The next morning, in the privacy of her bedroom, Bella picked up her phone and texted her friend.
Miss you, Amy. How are you?
Amy was attached to her phone by the hip and she texted back right away.
I’m good. What about you? Any news? How’s the hunky cowboy?
She made a goofy face at the reference. Jared was fine. As in FINE. She smiled.
All is good here. No problems. What about you? Has anyone else come around looking for me?
No, thank goodness. But I did speak with your father. He’s persistent. I led him astray, I think. Told him you might’ve gone to Oregon to visit Miranda Davies. He shouldn’t think you’re in the Dallas area. I hope.
Oh, wow. Miranda was a high school buddy. Her father barely knew any of her friends. He’d never taken an interest. He’d always been too wrapped up in his company.
Brilliant. Thank you. Call you when I get a minute.
She ended the message with half a dozen purple-heart emojis and released the breath she’d been holding. If Amy was right, her father wouldn’t be looking for her in Texas, which bought her a good deal of time.
Marco thought her an unfit mother, but if she held down a job long enough to prove she was providing a good life for Sienna, his case against her wouldn’t stand a chance.
At least, that’s what she believed after doing extensive research on the subject.
And then with that issue settled, she could look to the future and dream her dream again of opening up a restaurant.
She was taking baby steps now, but with larger leaps to come.
A few minutes later she put Sienna in a pale blue jumper and pulled her hair back in two big bows, getting her ready to go down and decorate the Christmas tree.
Sometimes she’d look at Sienna and simply melt.
The maternal need to protect her overpowered Bella at times.
She was living a big fat lie to keep her safe.
It was necessary, but along with it came tremendous guilt.
It had crossed her mind several times to trust Jared.
Would she have the nerve to tell him the truth?
God, she wanted to. She didn’t like lying to anyone, especially Jared.
He was becoming truly important in her life.
She was scared...about losing Sienna, and that fear kept her mouth buttoned up tight. She kept telling herself when the time was right, she’d tell him.
Bella dressed in a pair of black slacks and a flowery blouse to offset the cold, dreary day outside. She put her hair half up and secured it with a pretty clasp to keep the strands out of her eyes while she cooked breakfast.
Halfway out the door with Sienna in her arms, she stopped up short. “Whoops. We can’t go down without our angels.” Bella opened the dresser drawer and handed Sienna hers. “Here you go. Hold on to it carefully. It’s very special. Mommy’s got hers, too.”
“Angel, Mommy.” She grasped her ornament with as much care as an almost-two-year-old could possibly manage.
As they descended the stairs and approached the kitchen, the sound of female voices reached Bella’s ears. She slowed her pace and stood in the doorway. She found Marie serving coffee to a pretty brunette woman, her eyes as deep and blue as Jared’s.
“Come in, Bella,” Marie said, waving her inside the kitchen. “Come meet Jared’s mother.”
The woman stood and smiled. Dressed impeccably in beige slacks and a soft, silk blouse, her face sunny and bright, she put out her hand. “I’m Veronica. So glad to meet you.”
“I’m Bella. Very nice to meet you, too,” she said, hiding her confusion. Jared’s mother wasn’t due until tomorrow.
“Yes, Bella. And this must be Sienna.” Veronica focused on the baby with delight in her eyes. “Hello, Sienna. I hear nothing but sweet things about you.”
Sienna turned away, burying her head on Bella’s shoulder. “She’s a bit shy with new people.”