LOGINShare
Pressure
Last Updated:
2023-10-26 04:04:14Related chapters
Jaded She'll Forget Me
JakeHe shouldn't have come. The way Kari's brother was eyeing him it was obvious that she'd come home and her emotions had spilled over. He felt like shit for doing anything that might make her feel any way other than what she was - perfect, beautiful, sweet, and kind. He took a scone as she spoke to him with falseness hanging on her that just didn't belong.He lifted it and smiled. "Good to see you, too.”He turned and caught the grimace on her brother's face. He needed to get to work. Why had he thought stopping by to apologize would be a good idea? He looked over at Lisa and smiled. "I just wanted you to know that I'll be stopping by on Tuesday afternoons from now on to deal with the yard.”She smiled and picked up her coffee. "Sounds great to me. I'll just give you our rent check on the Tuesday before the 1st then.""Perfect." He took another bite of the scone and turned to the dark-skinned girl wearing an apron. "This is delicious. You should open a bakery.""I am!" She beamed a
Last Updated : 2023-10-26Jaded Save Me
KariThe rest of the week went by quickly and she avoided going anywhere that Jake might be. She would have to talk to Sicily and Lisa about him as both of them spent the rest of the week asking. They all met on Friday for lunch at a little café just across from Judy's bakery to chat. Kari slipped out of her car and looked over at the bakery, reminding herself that she needed to talk with Sicily about the sweet little old lady who really ran things there.She walked in as a large man yelled from behind the counter, "Seat yourself, kiddo, and we'll be right with you."Kari smiled at him and walked toward the back where Lisa and Sicily sat, both of them with a glass of wine. She pointed to their drinks as she sat down."One glass of that at this time of the day and I'd be asleep."Lisa shrugged and took a long drink, draining her glass. "Who's to say I'm not asleep?"Kari and Sicily laughed, Sicily's face changing quickly."Okay, spill. Something is wrong with you and I want to know wha
Last Updated : 2023-10-26Jaded Just a Kiss
KariThe drive inland was beautiful, and she listened to her favorite playlist the whole way there. She was proud that Jake had only crossed her thoughts a million times and yet it was almost refreshing to have a new hurt to cover the old one. Frank wasn't part of her meanderings, but Jake remained ever present. The night at the hotel alone had been a treat as well. She'd curled up with a good love story and fallen asleep with a seed of hope for her own romantic life. It was void and painful, but whatever was down must come up.She woke up late and hurried to get herself together, slipping into a pair of jeans and a Bar Harbor Boys Basketball T-shirt that Martha had given her to wear. She pulled on her lanyard that read "press" and rushed to the car, driving like a bat out of hell and praying that she wouldn't get lost.Kari pulled into the large high school parking lot, the stadium much bigger than she'd expected. She grabbed her camera and got out, making sure her license and a few
Last Updated : 2023-10-26Jaded Could It Be Love?
KariKari walked out of the gym, the sound of the crowd almost deafening behind her. Reaching up, she brushed her fingers across her lips and let a shaky breath go. Jake's kiss had tainted her resolve. How weak was she? Emotions spinning out of control left her confused and feeling dizzy. She needed to go, and yet, what if he was the one? She languidly walked to her car, her head tilted toward the ground, heart beating so fast it hurt.His rejection earlier that week hadn't been harsh or really a true rejection, but more of a hesitation. Rather than getting in the car she turned and leaned against the door, looking up at the early morning sky and trying to determine her next steps.Stay, take the picture, and end up with him wrapped around her for the evening?Go and hopefully save herself from her next great heartache?"But what if it isn't a heartache in the making?"Closing her eyes, she dropped her head back and let the serenity of the moment move around her. The passion in his ey
Last Updated : 2023-10-26Jaded That's A Win
KariKari watched, taking pictures here and there as the game dragged on for most of the morning. Martha and Cliff had been right - the boys’ team was top notch. They moved around the court like they owned it, Kari finding herself yelling and cheering right alongside the fans for them. The desire to learn how to shoot or play a little herself kept washing over her as she got more and more excited. The win was only a few points from being theirs and the last few minutes of the game were highly intense, a large blond kid hitting a three-pointer just before the final clock sounded.The crowd went wild and the joy on Jake's face caused her to laugh. Her heart filled at the sight of the boys jumping all over him and him jumping right alongside them. She grabbed her camera, pulling it up and taking a few shots of the first win of the morning.The team played a total of three games before noon, two of them back-to-back. The lunch bell rang and all games stopped for a two hour break, Kari put
Last Updated : 2023-10-26Jaded First Date
JakeThey pulled up to the small bistro and Jake got out of the truck, his body aching, his palms starting to sweat. Damned if she wasn't as straightforward as he was, and here he thought she was shy or at least a bit introverted. Hadn't she said she was introverted? No, he was making that up, right? He opened her door, moving back as she stepped out, the perfect fit of her jeans on her nice sized rear not helping at all.He reached for her hand, wrapping his around hers and walking toward the restaurant. Friends didn't hold hands, but he figured their ruse to try and take things slow was a joke in the making. He hadn't felt physical chemistry with someone like this ever. He and Bethany had been together since they were kids, so the passion wasn't explosive, but more an adolescent curiosity that morphed into something comfortable. He figured this burning desire with Kari would start to fade a little too, which would be great. It was killing him from the inside out. He couldn't go spor
Last Updated : 2023-10-26Jaded Scared
KariJake bit at his lip as he moved back, his arms crossing over his chest as if protecting his heart from what was about to happen. Knowing how bad it hurt to bring up the shit from the past, she almost told him to forget it. To have tragedy hit you in a way that caused you to uproot yourself and start somewhere totally new was deeply private."I met her in sixth grade." He paused and chuckled, his eyes taking on a faraway look. "She wasn't my type either, blond hair and big blue eyes. She would play basketball for hours with me though, and she was persistent as hell. She wanted me and she just wouldn't accept no for an answer, so we started a friendship. It turned into adolescent curiosity, her being my first and me being hers. We just really grew up together."He paused and Kari felt the weight of that type of relationship. Jake wasn't over the girl and probably would never fully be. Her four years paled in comparison to his ten plus years with this girl. He reached up and rubbed
Last Updated : 2023-10-26Jaded Shower
Kari"Congratulations, coach." Kari reached over and rubbed his large shoulder, Jake turning and pulling her into a hug in the middle of the crowd. He lifted her off her feet as the crowd around them went wild. Bar Harbor had been crowned champions of the northeastern high school basketball conference, and Jake as their coach got a standing accolade. He set her down and she laughed, the smile on her face almost hurting as she enjoyed his victory alongside him.Things started to settle, Jake taking her hand and moving them out of the gym. He turned to wave at a few of the boys that called after him. Squeezing his hand, she moved in closer to his side."Damn that was fun." He laughed and held the door open for her."Winning always is.""Nah... I mean it is, but playing is the fun part. Seeing what you're capable of no matter what odds are stacked against you." He looked down at her and tugged her closer. "Let's go change and head downtown. I want to show you some of the little shops and
Last Updated : 2023-10-26
Latest chapter
Jaded Easter Proposal
Drake"You sure you don't mind stopping by my momma's house real quick? I just want to give everyone a hug before we head back to Maine." She leaned over and puckered up, looking too cute for her own damn good."I don't mind at all, plus, we're already here." He kissed her. "Tease.""You don't have to come in." She kissed him once more and got out of the truck, jogging toward the door. Her white coat fit her well, her jeans beautiful on her pert little butt.He smiled, letting his thoughts dive into the night they would have when they got back to his place.A knock right beside his head on the window had him stifling the need to jump. He turned to find Johnny standing out in the snow.Drake rolled down his window and nodded. "What's up, man?""I was thinking about what you said the other day about loving my sister." He glanced around, obviously uncomfortable. "I can't do anything about who she falls in love with, and I know I don't need to do the 'kick your ass if you hurt her' spiel,
Jaded You're My Gift
Drake"You sure you don't mind stopping by my momma's house real quick? I just want to give everyone a hug before we head back to Maine." She leaned over and puckered up, looking too cute for her own damn good."I don't mind at all, plus, we're already here." He kissed her. "Tease.""You don't have to come in." She kissed him once more and got out of the truck, jogging toward the door. Her white coat fit her well, her jeans beautiful on her pert little butt.He smiled, letting his thoughts dive into the night they would have when they got back to his place.A knock right beside his head on the window had him stifling the need to jump. He turned to find Johnny standing out in the snow.Drake rolled down his window and nodded. "What's up, man?""I was thinking about what you said the other day about loving my sister." He glanced around, obviously uncomfortable. "I can't do anything about who she falls in love with, and I know I don't need to do the 'kick your ass if you hurt her' spiel,
Jaded Perfect Christmas
DrakeDrake woke up the next morning before Sicily, realizing it was Christmas and he had everything he needed. He rolled onto his side and reached out, brushing his hand down her back as gratefulness washed over him in suffocating waves.D and Michael Carrington had gone to great lengths to help him restart his life. They'd helped fake his death in a warehouse explosion, put on the funeral and D had played the part beautifully through the event. It was horrifying to think he let his brother go through that shit, but D wouldn't have had it any other way.Drake rolled out of bed, his heart aching in his chest. He'd been wrong the night before. He and Sicily couldn't just look away from D and Izzy's bullshit situation. Where he wasn't sure he could get involved in the syndicate again, he could browbeat his brother into being a man and taking Izzy as his woman. There was no other girl for Demetri.After ordering a huge Christmas morning breakfast, Drake wrapped up in an extra blanket, sl
Jaded Kadia
Sicily"That was fun tonight." Sicily squeezed Drake's hand as they walked toward Kadia in downtown New York. The sign lit up the night, taking attention from anyone who passed by. It was magnificent, the largest club she'd seen."Yeah. I had a good time," he glanced down at her, "and I was serious about what I said. We can go back and join your family after we spend a little bit of time with D and Izzy. I doubt they’re staying long. We just wanted to see each other, and it's safer if we do it in the middle of a large crowd."The line was wrapped around the building, people huddling together and singing Christmas songs with all sorts of odd costumes for the event that night. Sicily smiled and snuggled closer to Drake as they walked to the front of the line."The line is back there, man. Go get in it." A sexy bouncer with a great smile and beautiful aqua-colored eyes barked at them. She let her eyes move down to his name tag, wondering who he was for some reason. Had she seem him befor
Jaded Tradition
DrakeDrake let his eyes run across Sicily as she stood in front of the mirror in the hotel bedroom and turned slowly, checking herself out."You look amazing."She walked toward him as he fiddled with his tie, taking over and working on it for him."My brothers never could get a tie on right. The last time I did this for someone, it was at Momma’s funeral." Her hands shook a little. "I did it multiple times that day."He reached up and ran his hands over her hips, enjoying the soft silky black material of her dress. "I'm really good at it. I just wanted you closer."She laughed as a tear ran down her nose. "I'm sorry.""Don't be sorry." He stood and pulled her into a hug, kissing the top of her head as he brushed her hair back. "You can be sensitive over your mom anytime you want, for as long as you want. I'm right here to hold you up."She nodded and pressed her face to his chest. "I just have so many memories of Christmas Eve with her. My chest hurts so bad it feels like acid is ea
Jaded Live with Me
Sicily"What did you do while I was shopping?" Sicily stood beside Drake later that afternoon as he loaded up the truck with her packages."I was taking a nap honestly." He put the last of them in the truck and gave her a look. "What in the world did you get?""Presents for all of our friends and something for you." She shrugged and walked around the truck, getting in on her side.He got in and buckled up as the scent of his cologne filled her nose. She breathed in deeper and let out an appreciative growl.Drake chuckled. "What was that for?""You smell good.""Stop diverting. You shouldn't have gotten all those gifts, baby.""Why not? We didn't fly. We'll just put them all in the back seat when we go back home, right?""It's not about where to put them on the ride home, Sis. It's about you spending your hard-earned money on gifts for us. We don't need anything, at least I don't. I have you, baby. That's more than enough." He pulled out his wallet. "Let me give you some money so you c
Jaded Just the Siblings
Sicily"You sure you don't want to come with me?" Sicily forced a pout on her face. She knew without a doubt that Drake would do anything she wanted him to, but shopping was too much. Having some time with her brother and sister for the afternoon would be fun for her, but most likely a drag of sorts. Especially seeing that the brother going was Johnny."I’m sure, beautiful girl." He pulled up to her mother's house. "I'll catch up with you this afternoon.""Will you take me out to see my momma’s grave before we have to get ready for dinner and church?" She leaned over and touched the side of his handsome face. Butterflies danced in her stomach, which seemed silly, but she hoped that he would always have such a strong pull on her."Of course I will." He leaned in and kissed her softly before deepening it a little. She opened herself up, letting him in as he rolled his tongue past her, dominating the kiss in a way that made her blood boil."Behave." She pulled back and smiled."You're th
Jaded It's Going Down
DrakeThe night was filled with him and Sicily taking turns to explore each other. By the end of it, he was weak, exhausted and completely infatuated with the beautiful woman tucked against him. Not ever being able to sleep well, he was shocked when he woke the next morning to the smell of bacon and the sound of Sicily talking.He jolted up in the bed, worried that he had missed something. "Baby?""Right here." She opened the various trays sitting on the counter by the TV. "I ordered room service because I didn't want to get dressed yet. Besides, it's snowing like crazy out there."He dropped back down and ran his hand over his chest, watching her as she moved around in a large fluffy white robe. She looked adorable. Sexy."Mine," he grumbled and pulled the covers up. "You know that? You're mine.""I know, you gorilla. You made that more than obvious last night." She nibbled on a piece of bacon and walked over to sit down on the edge of the bed. "You want some?""Of course I do." He r
Jaded A Night on the Town
Sicily"Wow. This place is...""Fancy?" Drake asked as he pulled out her chair. "I heard they have the best steaks in New York.""Something tells me that you're probably right." Sicily sat down, feeling way underdressed for the steakhouse Drake had brought her to. He had on a sports coat over his jeans and white polo, and looked like a million bucks. The best thing in her suitcase was a plain white skirt and a blue sweater with winter boots. She felt cute, but that didn't seem like enough."Evening, folks. Glad to have you in the city and here with us tonight for dinner. May I make some suggestions?" The server wore a white pressed shirt, black slacks and a tux jacket.Sicily sat quietly as Drake encouraged the guy to give his spiel. Once he was done, Drake ordered their drinks and an appetizer. He moved his seat closer to hers and draped his arm over the back of her chair. "You look amazing.""You're just being sweet." She smiled and worked to get her napkin in her lap, not wanting t
