Bad Seed

“What’s going on with you?” I asked, falling into the chair but keeping my hold on her hand. “You’ve been distracted this entire session.”

“I’m fine,” she said.

“Bullshit,” I snapped. “Just talk to me.”

“I’m confused, okay?” she said, throwing her hands up in frustration. The motion ripped her hand from my grasp, and I sighed, already missing the contact. “I don’t know what the hell to do anymore.”

“You’re overthinking everything,” I said. “Just relax and let yourself be happy for once. Jesus, Tara, this doesn’t have to be so complicated.”

“Except that it is,” she shot back. “It became complicated the day my dad married your mom.”

“Who the fuck cares about that?” I asked. “We didn’t grow up together. We aren’t siblings. God, we didn’t even meet until we were seventeen!”

“That doesn’t matter,” Tara said. “Our parents won’t approve.”

I pushed myself to my feet and stumbled toward her as fast as I could. Without letting her finish, I grabbed her around the waist and pressed my lips to hers. The kiss was deep and hard. I threw all my emotions behind it, every ounce of desperation I felt pouring out of me. Tara kissed me back, sighing against me and letting herself be free for just a few seconds.

The kiss was hot. It melted Tara’s resolve and strengthened my own. I had to have this woman. No matter what, I couldn’t let what happened between us became a one-night stand.

“When’s your next day off?” I asked when we pulled away from each other. I was still holding onto her waist, but I could feel my leg trembling beneath me. She looked down and sighed, leading me back toward the chair.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” she said softly.

“You loved it,” I grinned wickedly.

“I’m not talking about the kiss,” she said. “I’m talking about your damn leg. You can’t push yourself that hard.”

“It was worth it,” I said.

She met my eyes and sighed deeply. When she kissed me, it was soft, and it barely lasted a second. She just brushed her lips against mine and closed her eyes. I could tell how much she wanted me, but something was still holding her back. She wouldn’t let herself go. Not completely.

“When’s your next day off?” I asked again. “I want to see you somewhere that isn’t this damn building.”

“I’m off tomorrow, but I already have plans to see Stephanie,” she said quickly.

“Oh,” I said, nodding. “How is Stephanie doing?”

“She’s great,” Tara said with a smile. “Working at a bar downtown and loving it.”

“Bartending?” I raised my eyebrows.

“You know Stephanie,” Tara said. “She never takes life too seriously.”

“Yeah,” I said.

I tried to keep the disappointment out of my voice, but it was impossible. Tara was right there, just a foot away from me and yet, we felt so far apart. I wanted to spend the entire day with her so I could remind her what it really felt like between us. Then, she wouldn’t be able to resist it any longer.

Still, I couldn’t fight her. She was spending the day with Stephanie, and I had to be okay with that, just like I had to be okay with the injury to my leg and the fact that Tara still insisted on listening to her father after all these years.

My life no longer felt like my own. Everything had spiraled out of control, and it just fucking sucked.

CHAPTER TWELVE - TARA

After all the confusion with Caleb, I was in desperate need of a day off. I woke up on Wednesday morning, grateful that my head felt fine. I was still worried about whatever was causing my severe headaches, but for the first time in a while, I decided to let myself relax for the day. I climbed out of bed and took a long, hot shower. The water cascaded over my body, loosening my muscles and propelling me toward the rest of my day.

My dad called early that morning, wanting to meet up for an early lunch. He knew I had the day off and his schedule was light. It was the perfect opportunity for us to spend some time alone, which meant he wanted to lecture me without an audience. I wasn’t looking forward to it, but I knew it was inevitable. Now that I was back in town and spending time with Caleb, my father’s protective nature had been kicked into overdrive.

I walked inside the restaurant and hurried over to him. He rose from his chair and kissed my cheek, smiling as we both sat down.