Juicy Rebound (IceCats 1)

“Amelia—”

I choke out a small sob before I continue, opening my eyes again. “I got out, I did, and I’m so much better.”

“Amelia, how? Why didn’t you tell—” Her words fall off as she stares deep into my eyes. “Because I wasn’t there for you, baby, I’m so—”

Tears are glistening in her eyes that are so like mine as I slowly shake my head. “Don’t apologize. You didn’t know. Only Shelli knew.”

“I knew Shelli would always be my favorite.” My lips quirk as our eyes meet once more. She reaches out, wiping my tears away. “You confided in her?”

I nod. “Yeah, and she was mad I asked her to keep quiet, but she promised not to tell. I didn’t want anyone else to get involved, and I never thought she would hit him for it.”

“She’s got Adler blood in her—she’s feisty.”

I smile in agreement. “Please don’t tell anyone?”

Compassion fills my mother’s face as she nods curtly. “Never. You’re right, no good will come from that. Ryan and Shea will have records next.”

“Exactly,” I whisper, and I feel her anger vibrating off her in waves. “Mom?”

She looks at me, moving my hair out of my face. “Yes?”

“I know Chandler would never lay a hand on me…but I used to think that about Drew. So what if I’m wrong again?”

I can see in my mother’s face the murderous feelings that are fighting to take over. She cups my cheek, kissing my nose before leaning her head into mine. “Because why would that man hurt the one thing he worships? His option two after a shitty marriage.”

“You think I’m his option two?” I ask, breathless, and she nods.

“Oh, darling, that boy won’t ever let you go.”

Her words remind me of that song Chandler and I danced to. I won’t let go either. I can’t. I love him. Emotion burns in my throat while I gaze up at her. I swallow hard as I blink back the tears. “You’re not mad at me for the whole Drew thing?”

She shakes her head, and relief floods me. I know she’s not mad at me, but I’m pretty sure even God won’t be able to help Drew if he’s ever in a dark alley with my mom. “How can I be when I am so proud of you, not just for what you have endured but for the woman you have become. I’m pretty sure it has a little to do with Chandler, and I think I might just love him a bit more than I already did.”

“So you don’t think we’re crazy?”

“No, my darling, I don’t. You two complete each other. It doesn’t take a genius to see that. You can’t ignore it, Amelia.”

Tears stream down my face. I gaze into the same eyes I have, and I whisper, “I’ve always wanted my option two. I want what you and Daddy had.”

“You have it.”

She’s right. I think I knew that night on the side of the road. Chandler held me so close, cherished me as he sang the lyrics to the song in my ear.

Chandler is my option two.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Amelia

“So, who do we have left?”

“Your mom and dad,” I read off my list as I lean into Chandler’s side. We’ve spent the morning at the mall, and while my mom thinks it’s a travesty to go to the mall on Christmas Eve, I’m thoroughly enjoying it.

He leans his head down on mine, reading the list, and then he clears his throat. “And you.”

A flash of confusion fills my face. “Me?”

“Yeah, I haven’t gotten your present.”

“You slacker!” I accuse, pushing him away. “You should already have my gift!”

“What? You already have mine?”

“I bought yours in Florida.”

He narrows his eyes. “What did you get?”

“I’m not telling!” I laugh as he pulls me in close, wrapping his arm around my neck so that I’m trapped in his grasp.

“I have everything I want. Right here.” He kisses my mouth, hard, and I don’t care that people are pushing past and around us. I’m lost in his sweet kisses. As we part, I’m grinning, and so is he. His eyes are so gorgeous, such a pretty gold color, as he looks down at me. “So before I take you to the nearest dark space, what are we getting my parents?”

I’m out of breath as I wrap my arms around his waist, nuzzling into his chest, just wanting him. “I was thinking a bracelet for your mom and a money clip for your dad.”

“Both sound awesome,” he says, kissing my temple. “But we’re running out of time. We have to be at your uncle’s in an hour.”

“Okay, so we split up. You go get the clip, and I’ll get the bracelet.”

But he shakes his head. “Other way around. I need to get you something, remember?”

I shoot him a playful look. “I’m not one to drip in diamonds.”