James
"God, Kelly, you're so beautiful. Let me look at you." She held Kelly at an arm's length by her face and looked her over. Kelly's eyes were still leaking tears but she held the realest smile I had seen her don since Lily. It made my heart squeeze and if possible, I even felt a twinge of jealousy that her mother could do that to her and I couldn't. It was irrational and stupid, but here I was, irrationally, stupidly, jealous of Kelly's mother. They talked quietly to each other as I stood there awkwardly behind them and finally, after a few minutes, she glanced at me with a bright smile. "And look at you. Jesus, did you get more handsome or is that I haven't seen a male without a uniform in so long?" "I think it's the latter." I joked with her and she laughed heartily. She took Kelly's hand and nodded towards the door. We walked out of the jail and she squinted against the sun stopped walking on the stepsMy mom was driving me insane and she has only been home a week. She was doing stuff and saying stuff that put me in a hard place with James and even though I knew it bothered him, he would just grin and bear it. She would nitpick on the different foods we kept in the kitchen. Yes, we had mostly junk food because neither of us cooked, but she didn't either and still complained about not having fresh vegetables or different flavors of pizza rolls and stupid stuff like that. When she wasn't complaining about food, she was walking around the house half-naked in a bra and a pair of shorts, and even though James didn't say anything about it, it was uncomfortable.She had disgusting habits like leaving half-eaten food in the fridge or sticking her hands in the cereal boxes. And she was a complete slob. Even though she hadn't resumed drinking, she left soda cans, water bottles, candy wrappers, and various other sh*t lying around the house like she was too lazy to put it i
I stepped into the bathroom and took a deep inhale of the steam filled with the scent of James' body wash."I'm taking my mom to the pharmacy. Do you need anything while I'm out?""I'm good. I'll start something for dinner. And..." He poked his head out of the shower and looked me over. "Think about it. I know you think she needs you, but she doesn't. And we don't need to deal with all of the sh*t she's doing."I bit my lip and nodded."Okay, I will. I love you.""Love you too."We left and I drove her to the nearest pharmacy. She took her purse and looked back at me. "I'll be back." I nodded and watched her walk in, then I pulled my phone out and took a deep breath.I dialed Chloe and felt like I needed to get everything off of the chest. When she didn't answer, I sat and stared out of the damn windshield at the store for what felt like an eternity, waiting on her.When, after thirty minutes passed, she didn't come out,
My stomach was in constant knots. I couldn't concentrate on school because all I could think about was my mom. Where was she? What was she doing? Was she even alive?I looked for her after I dug all of her crap out of the dumpster and put it back in her bedroom. I didn't unpack it, because she wasn't going to stay. But I took it out of the trash because I couldn't stomach the thought of my mom living without any clothes or any of her stuff.But I was pissed too. I was worried and angry that she had left without a word and I was out looking for her at bars and countless other places because I couldn't do anything else without knowing that she was safe.A couple of weeks after she left, I checked in with her parole officer to see if she had shown up for her mandatory pee test and felt my heart drop when the officer told me that she hadn't shown up and that she couldn't reach her on her cell either.So automatically, if my mom dared show her face, sh
James and I sat in his old bedroom and I laid back on his bed. His parents hadn't allowed anyone to move into it yet because they weren't sure about our housing situation as of yet. Because I was a screw-up and left my bank card out where she could see it. Also, using the last four numbers of my social as my pin was a bad idea on my part.But laying in his room gave me a sort of comfort that being at home didn't. It was probably because it was the last safe place I had been when everything went sideways."So, what are we doing?" He asked me,laying next to me."Laying down, obviously."He snorted. "Duh. I meant tonight. Your night off. Friday. You want to go out?"I was tired but I knew that he was tired of staying holed up in the apartment so I nodded."Okay, where to?""It's Vegas, baby. Wherever you want."I snorted and thought about the voucher his dad gave me for a free tattoo. "Maybe we can go get
Everyday, I held out hope that my mom would pop up, just so that I knew that she was alive. I knew if she ever did show her face, she would have to go back to jail for breaking her parole, but at least I knew she was in there instead of lost and in the streets. We were so close to graduation now and while my grades had improved marginally, I was having to go in earlier for extra credits because I was so close to not being able to walk the stage. James was always the amazing boyfriend and would even do some of my assignments for me while I was at work. Today he was hanging around the counter, talking to me in between customers when a couple of women walked in wearing next to nothing, grinning. They were gorgeous and had no reason to be on this side of town. That's what was unusual about them. One of them had long, bleach blond, wavy hair and her face was made up with natural makeup. She wore a tube top with giant double d breasts a micro
After my shift, James took me home and we showered before bed. Laying down, he curled up behind me and kissed the back of my neck. "You know, I think I kind of was jealous of that girl flirting with you."I laughed and turned around quickly, wrapping my arms around his neck."What? Why?""Because...I've said it before. You're f*cking gorgeous. I still don't know what you see in me, because you're completely out of my league, but I'd like it if you stay blind to my awkwardly skinny body and gap tooth."I looked at his face feeling my heart melt. "I like the gap and you're not awkwardly skinny. You're amazing and if anything, I'm the lucky one to have you. You're...everything I've ever wanted in a man and I'm glad I found you when I did. And even though she was extremely hot and had giant boobs and pretty lips and was completely kissable, I would never trade you for her."He chuckled and rolled his eyes. "If I didn't know any better, I'd th
The girls came back every afternoon and hung out with me for a little bit before leaving for work. That's why they were always so dressed up. Kimmy had a house nearby and Hayley lived with her. They were both students at the university, which surprised the crap out of me and James alike. Kimmy was going to school to become a registered nurse and Hayley was studying business. James usually tried not to stay too long when the girls would come around because usually they were scantily clad, but when he learned that they were going to school, he seemed impressed.They talked about their job a lot and not so subtlety hinted they would love to have me work with them. Kimmy was the one who got Hayley on with her when she met her at school."I have a gift for picking the rare gems out. Kade gets really happy when I get him a new girl.""And what makes you think I'd be any good at it?" I asked her one afternoon. James had gone out to get him and me some f
I screamed and laughed, banging on his back as he raced us upstairs, grinning as people gave us weird looks on our way.Once inside the apartment, he locked it quickly and turned around, his eyes dark with lust, a small smile playing on his lips."Are you sure?""Yes?""Is that a question or...?""No! I want to. Anything. Everything."He attacked me, caressing my face and devouring my lips. The nibbles and the feel of his tongue sent jolts of pleasure down my spine. I tangled myself against him, letting him unbutton my smock and pull it down my arms, moving his long fingers over my pebbled n*pples under my spaghetti strap undershirt.I moaned into his mouth and yelped as he moved his hands down to my butt and lifted me against him. I wrapped my legs around his waist and let him carry me into our room. He laid me down, standing above me pulling his shirt off quickly. I pulled up at my undershirt and threw it aside enjoyi
I have found myself to be more relaxed than I have ever been before and it all has to do with Liam. I go to school and because my schedule for work is so different now, I actually have time to study. I have lunches with him almost every day and when I'm off and he comes home, I'm deliriously happy.It feels almost too good to be true, which is the scariest part. I feel like here lately I've been too happy and something sh*tty is about to come around the corner and bite me in the ass. And I wait for it. I may be comfortable, but it doesn't mean that I'm not waiting for my happiness to turn to ashes in my mouth.Until then, I'm enjoying just being with him. When his stuff arrives from Boston I unpack most of it while he's at work after school. I hang up his expensive looking suits and fill the bathroom vanity with all of his toiletries. I'm happy seeing my space being shared by someone I care about. I'm excited and also scared of the future that is coming o
LiamIt's done. Everything to do with my parents and my old life is finished. I'm home. It's exactly how it feels, laying next to a sleeping Kelly, watching her chest rise and fall underneath her sheets.I have an important interview in the morning, but I'm too wired to sleep. I had been at the airport when I had talked to Kelly before she went to work and although I was tired as hell, especially after ravaging my beautiful woman, I couldn't sleep.Seeing her walk into the club in the lacy lingerie had me wired. She was sexy as hell, I knew that, but seeing her in action at work, even before I paid for six dances, there was no denying that she was a goddess. I smile at the memory of her shoving my money back in my hand as soon as we get home. "I didn't dance for you, so you take it back." "I don't care, Kelly. Keep it. It's from your job.""Ew. No. It makes me feel icky if you pay for me to do stuff for you. I like giving it to
Leaving Liam this time was hard. We were so close now, closer than ever to not have to do this anymore. But I ugly cried in the SUV when it was time to say goodbye. I mean, snot and tears and everything. It was bad. And Liam, who was usually so put together and happy go lucky teared up as well."It's okay, Kel. I'll be there soon. I've got some loose ends to tie up, but don't worry. I'll be in Vegas before you know it. I promise."And so I got on my plane alone and went back home. I started getting ready for Liam's arrival as soon as I did. I would go to class and instead of hitting the gym, I started organizing my closet and taking clothes and shoes out to donate. I made drawer space and cleaned out my spare bedroom to give him a special surprise.I ordered some office furniture so that if he wanted to, he could work from home as soon as he found himself something here. Did I tell him about it?No. I was afraid that if I did, he would tell me I was doing too much but I was just excit
Liam and I sat on the floor of his apartment with our gifts in front of us. After our laughing fit in the car, we came inside and neither of us really knew what to say or do.I felt guilty as hell for everything that happened at his parents house. I felt selfish because I didn't want to let him go and I felt responsible for him losing his job and his family. I just...I didn't feel good at all. I mean, I loved that he defended me. It made me feel..I felt loved. I felt like someone really cared for me and it felt like for the first time ever that I was chosen first.But of course, I felt guilty for wanting to be first. I chose my mom over James. Even when she was a raging b*tch, I still chose her. I wanted to choose James, but I didn't. Liam chose me. He chose me. I had no idea why. I mean, yeah, we were together, but...he was losing a lot. He didn't even have a job. He didn't have his parents anymore and it was all my fault. I stared down at my g
We went last-minute Christmas shopping. Despite me being here, his parents still wanted me over for Christmas because Liam flat-out refused to join them if I couldn't go, which made me feel amazing. Not.So even though I bought Lillian a cashmere sweater, I still had to buy it for his dad even though Liam kept telling me I didn't have to. I didn't care if they got me anything or not. I half expected to get sh*t in a box, courtesy of his mother, but it was okay. I would accept it gracefully, just to piss her off.And it wasn't like I was aiming to piss them off. I just wasn't going to give in to their bullsh*t wishes.On Christmas Eve we had dinner with his friends and had a white elephant gift party which was pretty fun. I enjoyed my time there, even though Vivian was there. She avoided talking to either of us the whole time which suited me perfectly. I even drank a little because I was feeling the holiday spirit. I came home with a cute set of Tiffany earrings because these rich peop
When we step off of the elevator I feel almost a permanent blush up my neck and cheeks. I'm not sorry for what we did but Vivian saw and from past experiences, she wasn't very good at keeping her trap shut.I walk into the event center with my arm in Liam's and thank God no one is really paying attention to us. Some people glance at us, but it seems like the drinks have been flowing and people are talking loud and gesturing with their hands. So that's a good sign.I look around and see Vivian sitting at a table with a drink in her hand looking forlorn and I smirk to myself. Serves her right for coming and looking for us. Thoughts have been going on in my head, wondering what she was doing, looking and all I could come up with was that she didn't expect me to be with him.I felt like she thought that maybe she could corner him, thinking I was in the bathroom or some stupid sh*t after what his dad told me. I probably would have been if Liam hadn't noticed I was upset right away. But Lia
LiamI looked around to see if anyone was watching us and took Kelly's hand in mine. Whatever one of my parents told her had her looking like she was going to be sick and I was not going to let that happen. It took me entirely too long to get Kelly to agree to be mine and I wasn't going to lose her so quickly.I took Kelly out of the event center and to the bank of elevators in the main lobby. We hopped into the elevators and I wrapped my arms around her after I clicked on the fortieth floor, where my office was located."You want to tell me what my parents said to you?" I nuzzle her neck, my favorite place to be and she sighs and leans her body back against mine and gives me more of her neck."No. Nothing you didn't prepare me for. It just sucks.""Who was it?""Your dad.""What did he say?"She takes a deep breath and I watch her chest rise and fall. She looks absolutely stunning in her red dress. The mom
I stare at myself in the mirror, feeling nervous. I run a hand down my red, satin dress and smile. My hair is up in an intricate bun that took me an hour to do and I did my makeup as perfectly as I could get it without looking like I over did it. I have smoky eyes and red lips. My dress drops down into a deep v in between my breasts and it hangs down to mid calf with a high slit up to my hip. It's sexy and formal and I hope it says that I don't give a flying f*ck what anyone thinks about me.I put on my matching red stilettos and turn to my side and grin.I walk out into the living room where Liam is waiting for me and watch his eyes dance and darken as I step into the room. He swallows hard and pulls at his bow tie, then runs both hands down his chest. He looks hot as hell in a tuxedo and my mouth goes dry. "Do we have to go?" He asks as he steps closer to me. His cheeks are red and I smile at him. "Yes." I raise my eyebrows at him. "We have to go." He grabs my hips and brings me
The days are passing by slowly. It's almost painful, but there's absolutely nothing to be done. So I go to class, go to the gym, go to work and do it all over again. Liam, since I officially decided to be his girlfriend, has been checking in on me nonstop. It's a complete one eighty from how James would do when he was in school. It didn't matter if he was in a meeting or doing important business man sh*t, Liam would call or text me just because he missed me. We would even just be on the phone while he did paperwork in his office, not speaking, but just being on the line.And every day he would tell me about how many companies he has reached out to. He hadn't told his parents yet because he wanted to make sure he had a job first before he dropped the bomb on them.But he also hinted that his father was getting suspicious. I was on the line with him one day when his dad walked into his office. I knew it was his father because he greeted him as such. I muted