“It hurts a lot more today, but I just took the meds they gave me.”
“Good. Are you hungry?”
“What time is it?”
“It’s ten-thirty.”
“Shoot, I’m supposed to babysit.”
“Your roommate already spoke to them. They called to cancel because the wife is sick. Strange, both of you forgot to mention her yesterday.” He narrows his eyes at me with a bemused smirk on his handsome scruffy face. Wow, the change from smooth babyface to the five o’clock shadow is super sexy on him.
“She was trying to get you worked up, and I was curious how you’d react.”
“Did I pass the test?” He runs his fingers over my hand and up my wrist. It takes everything not to give in to his touch. I want to drag him down and kiss him until we’re both panting.
“Yes. The perfect amount of jealousy, I’d say. Although I’ve never had a thing for married men, so there are no worries there.”
“Good to know. How about I get you something to eat and then we can spend the day getting to know each other.”
He stands up and gets ready to pick me up, but I have to pee. “Sorry I have to use the bathroom. Can you give me a minute and I’ll meet you in the kitchen?” He scoops me up anyway and walks me into the bathroom.
“I’ll be waiting for you when you’re done. Just let me know, but I don’t want you walking around on it just yet.”
“I need to walk it out.”
“Not when it’s that swollen you don’t. Maybe by tonight, it’ll be smaller.”
Three hours into his visit, and I’m falling asleep again. I really hate that I’m so damn worn out from these pain meds. Tomorrow I’m calling the doctor to see if a regular over the counter medicine will do the trick.
Emmitt has to go to his family’s house for dinner, so Addison and I decide to watch a movie.
Our doorbell rings around seven at night, but we’re not expecting anyone. Addison looks out the window and says, “It’s some older, well-dressed woman.”
Instantly, I have a bad feeling about this. She rings the bell again; this time, she holds it down. “Ugh, whoever this cunt is, I don’t like her already.”
“God, I hope that’s not Emmitt’s mother.”
Addison goes to the door and says, “Excuse me, can I help you?”
I lean against the chair and listen. “I’m looking for my son.”
“And who would that be?”
“Don’t lie to me. I know Emmitt’s in there.”
“Actually, he’s not inside. He left hours ago.”
“Ugh, that boy.”
“I think he’s a grown man, Ma’am.”
“Of course you think he is. I bet you can’t wait to get pregnant to sink your claws into his inheritance.”
“Ma’am. I’m doing my best to be polite, but not only am I not the one dating your son, you’re working my damn nerves. Have a good night. When he calls my friend, I’ll let him know you stopped by.” She closes the door on the woman and walks into the living room.
“Oh my God. I’m sorry girl, but that woman has wacko written all over her. Mother Dearest comes to my mind.”
“I can’t believe she’s Emmitt’s mom. Maybe this relationship is doomed from the start. I can’t see him again.” Tears well up in my eyes. I can’t believe I said it, but his mother’s not going to like my broke ass and I don’t want to come between them. “I’m going to bed, Adds.”
She throws her arms around me. “Don’t let that old bat get to you. If you really like him, then don’t let anyone get in the way.”
“Oh, girl, you know I’m not like you. I’d buckle under that woman’s bark.”
“I won’t let that happen. Get some rest and you’ll feel better in the morning.”
Chapter 5
Emmitt
As soon as I walk through the door of my stepdad’s mansion, I see him and Tanner having a drink. “Dad, Tanner, I’m in love.”
“What?” Tanner nearly spits out his drink.
“No kidding? Who is she? When did you meet her?” My stepdad floods me with questions as he hands me a beer. We always shoot the shit before dinner’s done and then spend the night hanging out.
I take a swig and then let it out. “I met her yesterday before the race.”
“Yesterday? And you’re in love?”
“Isn’t that a little too fast, bro?”
“When you know, you just know. I saw her getting ready for the race and I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. She’s amazingly beautiful, smart, shy, and when I look at her, well…all I can say is I feel like I’ve come home. It’s nuts, I know, but damn.”
“So why didn’t you bring her here tonight? I would have liked to meet the young lady.”
“She didn’t make it to the end of the race. She fell or was pushed, I keep getting conflicting stories on that part, but then someone stepped on her, causing her to sprain her ankle. As soon as I found out I rushed to the hospital and helped her get home. We had a great time just talking until she fell asleep. Then I came over first thing in the morning and spent the day with her.”