Chapter 9
I set my alarm extra early so I would have enough time to get everything ready for today, but I can barely get out of bed this morning. I stayed up way too late last night. As if I didn’t get home late enough already, after everything that happened, I couldn’t fall asleep. My mind kept replaying everything over and over. The alcohol also didn’t help.
I slowly make my way into the kitchen where Reed is already making coffee. God, his back looks good. He didn’t bother putting on a shirt this morning and is only wearing his sweatpants. The muscles in his back flex as he grabs the coffee pot and pours himself a cup. He glances at me and smirks. “Rough night?”
I make a mocking face back. Then I pour myself a coffee. “I’m sure you slept like a baby.” I turn and look at him. “You know with all that ugh oh Wren baby last night.” I make a jacking off motion and dramatic moaning noises.
He sets his cup down roughly. “Jesus Christ, Wren! It’s six in the fucking morning.”
I laugh and walk up to him. I run my finger lightly down his chest. “Oh, I’m sorry. Have you not relieved your morning wood yet?” I joke. I glance down to his sweatpants and smirk. “Would you like help with that?”
He closes his eyes and grips the counter behind him. He sighs. “Step away, Wren.”
Instead of doing that, I slide my hand down his stomach until I’m hovering over his cock. Before I can go further, he shoots his hand out and grabs my wrist hard. He gets up in my face, and his voice lowers. “Touch me there and you will regret it.”
Before I can respond, the doorbell rings. I open my eyes wide, surprised. “Are you expecting someone?”
He shakes his head. “No.” He takes a few steps toward the door. “Stay here.”
I roll my eyes. “It’s a good thing I have a big, strong man here to protect me,” I say jokingly.
He peeks through the peephole and sighs. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” he whispers to himself.
He opens the door, and his body goes rigid. “Mom, what are you doing here?”
She laughs and pushes her way past him without being invited in. “I’m here to help of course!” she says cheerfully.
She walks into the kitchen and sees me. She smiles really big and gives me a hug. “How are you doing, sweetie?”
I open my eyes in shock at Reed, considering I don’t think she’s ever hugged me hello before. I pull back awkwardly a few seconds later. “I’m okay.”
She looks me up and down in my oversized t-shirt. “You look thin darling. Have you been eating okay? Maybe you should have someone else come stay with you. You know, to take care of you for a while.”
Reed steps forward into the kitchen. “She eats fine,” he says harshly.
His mom waves him off. “Oh, don’t be so sensitive, Reed. No one expects you to know how to take care of a woman.”
He balls his hands into fists on the counter. “Thanks,” he says sarcastically.
She glances his way. “For goodness’ sake, Reed. Why aren’t you dressed?”
He glances down his body, and I do the same, well, because I have an excuse to and I’m not about to deny myself. He shrugs. “This is my home, Mom. You’re the one who showed up unannounced.”
She narrows her eyes at him. “This is Wren’s home.”
He raises an eyebrow. “She doesn’t care. Isn’t that right, Wren?” he asks cockily.
When his mom turns back toward me, this motherfucker goes ahead and runs his hands down his chest, over his abs, and then seductively grabs himself.
I try to keep my face neutral, but I’m failing miserably. I give her a half smile. “It’s okay. I don’t even notice. I’ve been in a fog lately. You know, since Jake,” I lie right through my teeth.
She gives me sad eyes, and I glance back to Reed. He shakes his head and sticks his tongue in the side of his mouth in disbelief. He knows I’m lying.
His mom seems to believe me. She turns to Reed again. “Reed,” she says, and he sighs.
“Whatever,” he says as he walks into his room and comes back a minute later with a T-shirt on.
His mom looks giddy as ever, and I am not really sure why. She pats my arm. “I think this is great what you’re doing. Jake would be so happy.”
Reed lets out a disgusted laugh. “He didn’t let her work.”
She ignores him. “Well, cooking isn’t really work. Wren likes to cook. Isn’t that right?”
Reed laughs again. “Pretty ironic coming from someone who has a personal chef who cooks all their meals.”
She ignores him again. “Have you thought of a name yet?” she asks.
“A name?” I repeat back.