16. Amberlee
Chapter 16
Amberlee
N o matter how hard I try to keep my distance from Jeremiah, I fail. He remains present, like a thorn in my side. His intoxicating cologne envelops me, causing me to long for him even more.
The only way I survived sitting so close to him this morning, was because I found great amusement in watching Ryan eat waffles, knowing how he hates them so much. I blame that on my parents. It was their weekend meal of choice all the time, and Ryan had an issue with the texture. It took everything in me to hold back my laughter until it reached a point where I couldn’t anymore. My giggles earned a disapproving glare from Ryan.
Ryan seemed to be by my side all day as well. I have never loved having an overprotective brother as much as I do right now.
We are all now standing, watching the kids play in the bounce house. Easy conversation flows between us. Maddy and I are talking about when the babies get here when I see Jeremiah glance at me and then back at Ryan nervously. What is he up to?
“So Ryan, are you and Maddy still planning to watch the kids tonight so I can take Amberlee out for a night on the town.”
He gazes at my brother intently, his jaw clenched and eyes hard with steely determination.
I’m praying that my brother sticks to his overbearing personality and puts Jeremiah in his place.
“Depends, what are you planning to do?” He stands with his feet apart in a wide stance, arms crossed at his chest. His body is rigid as he exudes calm.
Jeremiah stands just as firm, but I can see the muscles in his jaw visibly tense. His face softens just before he lets out a short laugh.
“Well, it’s her vacation too, isn’t it? It seems all she’s done thus far is hang with us and the kids. Which is fine, but, I thought maybe she’d like some time with other adults and enjoy the nightlife.”
“And you think you’re the one to take her to do that?” My brother isn’t giving in and I can’t help but squeal internally, as I keep my face down, concealing my grin.
“I do.” Jeremiah’s Adam's apple bobs, his voice solid and firm.
“You know, Jeremiah, I think that’s an amazing idea. Ryan and I would love to watch Angel for you. She can spend the night, so you don’t have to wake her when the two of you come in.” Maddy beams as she interjects herself into the conversation and my heart sinks. Ryan’s going to cave and do as Maddy says.
“No, that’s okay.” I step forward, shaking my head. “I’m good.”
“Nonsense, Amberlee. You should go out and have some fun. You both deserve it.” Maddy winks and I swear if she wasn’t pregnant with my future nieces or nephews, I’d kill her right now.
“Then it’s settled. I can pick you up at eight and we can drop Angel off and head out.” Jeremiah grins like he just won the gold medal at the Olympics.
“Just keep an eye on her and don’t let any of these horny ass fuckers here mess with her,” Ryan warns as he slips his arm around Maddy.
My heart pounds and my palms get sweaty. I can’t do this. I can’t be alone with him for the night. There’s no way. I’ve got to find a way to get out of this. Wringing my hands, I chew on my bottom lip as I run through all the things I can try to get out of Jeremiah’s clutches.
“I’m really tired. I’m sure Jeremiah would have more fun going out by himself than babysitting your baby sister, Ryan.”
Hopefully, Ryan sees how insane it is for me to go out with Jeremiah.
“Stop. It’ll give us a chance to catch up. It has been seven years since I saw you, especially since these two decided to elope versus having a wedding.”
“Don’t worry, I’m giving her the destination wedding of her dreams when we hit ten years of married bliss. Maddy and our moms are already planning it. You’ll be right there beside me at the altar, best man.” Ryan kisses Maddy on the cheek and I crave to have what they do one day.
“There’s no place I’d rather be. Just like I want you by my side when I get married. This time to the woman it should have always been.”
It doesn’t escape my notice how he’s staring directly at me. Almost as if he’s telling me in an indirect way that I’m her. That I’m the girl he pictures in a white dress.
My fingers tingle with the need to touch him, and my skin heats. I crave having his hands on my body.
I rub my chest, trying to ease the ache. I hate that I still want Jeremiah Dawson. Why can’t I just forget about him and have feelings for someone else? Someone who isn’t so forbidden—who's not my brother’s best friend.
“I’ll make sure Angel has a bath and her PJs on before I drop her off,” Jeremiah adds. Just when I had just a glimmer of hope that he’d forgotten this insane idea of us going out tonight. I fully plan to ignore his comment about marriage and write it off as him having too much sun today.
“Really, it’s no problem at all. I'm good staying in tonight. In fact, I can watch the kids and give the three of you a chance to go out and have fun without worrying about them.”
My gaze scans between the three of them, praying with every fiber of my being they take me up on my idea.
“Go out and have fun. We’re going to have snacks and watch movies, and if I’m lucky, my fine ass man is going to massage my feet.” She winks at Ryan, and I make a gagging sound, which has everyone erupting in laughter.
“Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!” I mumble as I check myself in the mirror for the millionth time.
It’s seven fifty-nine. Any second, there’s going to be a knock on my door, and Jeremiah Dawson will be standing on the other side.
I’m going to be alone with him tonight. Holy fucking hell.
A million scenarios run through my mind of how I could still potentially get out of tonight. There’s always being sick. I could even stick my finger down my throat, making myself throw up.
Before I can decide on the best course of action, three firm, loud knocks sound at my door.
He’s here.
I take one final look in the mirror and slowly make my way to the door, stepping slowly and purposefully as if I’m heading to the electric chair. God, please don’t let me embarrass myself tonight.
I grab the handle, take a deep breath, and blow it out slowly, calming my nerves before opening the door.
He stands in front of me in a tight-fitting shirt that shows off his muscular torso. My eyes drift down to find him in a pair of tight jeans and sneakers. Comfortable and hot at the same fucking time. His short hair is styled as best as it can be, and his rugged face is only enhanced by the stubble across it.
His hand reaches out, his thumb gliding across my lips, and my body shudders under his touch. “You have a little drool there.”
I can feel my face heat up, and instantly look at the floor as I shift back and forth nervously on my feet.
He leans into me, his hot breath dancing along my neck as he whispers, “I like that I do that to you. Make you blush like that.”
“Come on, Daddy, I’m missing my sleepover,” Angel's sweet voice breaks us from our moment.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. Amberlee, shall we go?”
“Uh… um… yeah. Let me get my purse and room key.” I turn and rush over to my dresser, making sure to check that I have everything in it, before taking my phone off the charger and slipping it into the back pocket of my jean shorts.
My legs become weak, and I feel a sudden urge to sit down, but I push through it. I can do this. It’s just one night. We go out, do whatever it is Jeremiah wants, and I’ll make up an excuse to come home. Simple.
“Okay. I’m ready. Let’s get you upstairs.” I smile at Angel, getting one in return.
“I even get to sleep over with RJ and Uncle Ryan and Aunt Maddy.” She beams before skipping toward the elevator, singing a song that I can’t even make out.
“She’s excited.” My eyes stay focused on Angel, unable to look at him, knowing if I do, it will give away everything I’m feeling.
“So am I.”
I glance up at him, quirking an eyebrow. What’s he excited about? As if he’s reading my mind, he answers my unspoken question.
“I’m excited to finally get you all to myself.”
I swallow, nervously fiddling with my purse strap. Did he really just say that? Stepping past him, I join Angel at the elevator.
“Can I push the button, Daddy?”
“Of course, sweetheart. Remember, we’re going up, though.”
Angel pushes the button, the tiny arrow lighting up, putting me one step closer to being alone with the man I’ve been in love with since I was a teenager.
Jeremiah listens to Angel animatedly tell him all the things she and RJ are going to be doing tonight as I rock back and forth on my heels, watching the circle continuously glow until it goes out, signaling my doom.
The elevator is here.
The doors slide open, and I see an older couple standing closely as they make their way outside and a man inside who looks to be about my age. He keeps his head down, his fingers quickly typing something on his phone. He doesn’t even look up to acknowledge us. We get on, and Jeremiah pushes the four as the doors slide shut.
“The two of you have such a beautiful daughter,” the older lady whispers.
My jaw drops as I struggle to process what she just said. Daughter. The two of us.
“Thank you,” Jeremiah says confidently as Angel lets out a little snicker.
The elevator comes to a halt, jumping slightly, causing my stomach to flutter. The doors slide open and Angel runs out giggling.
I blow out a breath and follow behind her, knowing Jeremiah is right behind me.
A million thoughts run through my mind. But the one that sticks out the most is, ‘Is he staring at my ass?’