Bad Seed

“Joshua,” I said with a nod. “I know about his accident and about your biological mom. I know everything.”

“How?” Michael blinked and took a step toward me. He searched my face, more confused than ever.

“Joshua called me to explain everything,” I said. “He told me all about the accident. He said you were at the hospital all night and that’s why you never called.”

“I was going to,” Michael said. “I had my phone out, ready to dial your number when Sheila walked up.”

I nodded. “Joshua told me about that, too.”

“I didn’t forget about you,” Michael said firmly. “I could never do that. I just… I didn’t think. I was distracted. Everything happened so fast.”

“You don’t have to explain,” I said. I hurried forward and took his hands. He looked surprised, but he didn’t pull away. “You don’t have to explain anything.”

“I’m sorry.” His voice was soft and low.

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” I said with a laugh. “I’m the one who should apologize. I should have been there for you. I should have been the person you could talk to about this, and instead, I just pushed you away. I’m so sorry, Michael.”

“I’m just glad you’re here now,” Michael said.

His smile was weak and uncertain, but it was there. Now that I had a chance to really look at him, I saw how tired he was. His dark blue eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep. There were bags beneath them, and his cheeks looked sunken. I hated myself for leaving him to deal with everything alone.

“How was it, seeing your mother?” I asked gently.

Michael sighed and led me over to the couch. We sat down together, still clinging to each other’s hands.

“It was hard,” he said. “But also kind of nice. I don’t know. We’ve talked a few times since then, but I don’t know what our relationship is right now. It’s confusing.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you,” I said.

“I missed you,” Michael said.

Our eyes met, and I couldn’t stop myself from kissing him. The second his lips touched mine, I felt my entire body melt. I sighed and sank into him, letting him wrap his arms around my waist and pull me tightly against his chest.

The kiss was slow, gentle, and soft at first. He kissed me lightly, barely teasing my tongue with his. But soon, his grip on my waist tightened, and his lips grew more insistent against mine. I was breathing heavily, my cheeks flushed with desire.

Michael pulled away just long enough to look in my eyes.

“I love you,” he said. “I should have said that sooner, but I do. I love you, Julie.”

“I love you, too.”

I smiled, and Michael kissed me again. We fell backward on the couch, Michael pinning me down with his strong arms. He kissed me hard and fast, running his hands all over my body and making it impossible for me to think.

I never imagined I’d be with him again. We’d put each other through so much in such a short amount of time that I was sure we were done for good. Being back in his arms felt like a dream, something out of someone else’s life. It was all surreal, but I didn’t care. I gave in to my emotions and finally let myself fall.

CHAPTER 32

MICHAEL

Julie’s body was pressed firmly against mine as I laid her back on the couch. Our kiss had turned from gentle to lustful and needy. I couldn’t pull myself away from her. All I wanted was to feel her naked skin against mine. I’d waited too long for this moment. We were barely apart for a week and, still, it was too long. Too much happened. Too much came between us. As I kissed her, I let my hands explore her body like I’d never felt anything like her before.

She moaned against my lips and wrapped her legs around my waist. I stroked her legs, wishing her jeans would vanish and leave nothing at all between us.

“I missed this so much,” Julie moaned while I moved my lips down to her neck. I kissed every inch of her skin I could reach. She tasted amazing and, soon, my dick was trying to break free from my pants.

“You have no idea how badly I want you right now,” I growled and nibbled her skin. She moaned and wrapped her legs even tighter around me.

She pulled me into her, lifting her hips up to press against me. I moaned and bit her neck again. My lips traced a line from her neck to her earlobe, making her shiver and arch her back with need.