fluttered.
Placing Brynn back in her highchair, my feet carried me to the door before I could stop myself. Groceries could wait. I needed him. This was more important.
“Jaron,” I called out before he could get in the car.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, closing the driver’s side door.
I ran up to him and threw myself around his middle, hoping for the moment that it was enough.
“Piper.” He wrapped his arms around my shoulders, hugging me against him.
“I never told you to drive safe.” I grabbed the collar of his hoodie and pulled him down to meet my mouth. “And I also wanted to tell you that you don’t have to go now. We can go together in a few days.”
Jaron hugged me tighter, every hard line of his body pushing up against me.
I leaned back, cupping his cheek.
“I should go. I won’t be too long.”
I nodded but we stood there like that for a few minutes, just staring at each other.
“The sooner I go, the sooner I can get back to you, baby,” he whispered.
My heart stuttered. I kissed him one last time before pulling away and running back to the house.
When I reached the front door, I looked back at him.
Jaron stood there, staring at me. He lifted his hand, giving me a small wave.
I blew him a kiss and headed back into the house. With my back to the door, I let out a slow breath, a small smile creeping on my face.
***
(Jaron)
When Piper left the house and ran toward me and into my arms, that single moment would forever be burned in my memory. It had only been a couple of days since I gotten out of jail. Things weren’t all hunky-fucking-dory right away, but this was a start.
When I originally stepped out onto the porch, I stared out at her car and my bike sitting in the driveway. Sammy or Cyrus must have dropped off my bike. I didn’t even notice. Being too wrapped up in Piper and reconnecting with her, I had no idea they had even shown up.
My eyes scanned the street. The house was in a quieter part of town. Neighbors were few and far between. Even though Piper’s home was small, both the front and backyard were huge. My eyes flicked to a light on the wall beside the door. I remembered seeing a security panel on the wall as soon as you stepped into the house. Knowing that Piper had protection when I wasn’t around, set some of the anxiety rushing through me at ease. Her father wouldn’t have it any other way and made sure to keep his girls safe. My girls safe. I made a mental note to thank her parents for taking care of them when I couldn’t.
With my hand still on the screen door, I hesitated.
Before I could stop myself, I went back into the house in search of Piper.
She was in the living room, placing Brynn in her playpen. When she rose to her full height, she let out a soft sigh.
I rushed to her, letting my feet guide me to the person I needed most.
Her head whipped around. “Jaron, I thought you left.”
Instead of answering her, I crashed into her and enveloped myself around her.
Her breath hitched as she latched on to me.
I didn’t know what to say but I hoped, no, I prayed she could hear my words through my touch alone. I realized then I needed to spend as much time with her as I could. I couldn’t just walk away. Even if it was just to get groceries. I’d figure that out later.
“Jaron.” Her voice was muffled by my shirt.
I squeezed her, wrapping my hand in her hair. “I’m sorry,” was all I said, fisting her hair with both hands and crushing my mouth to hers.
Let me in, baby.
She opened to me, flicking her tongue along mine.
A rough growl left me as I deepened the kiss.
Piper sighed, tilting her head back.
Breaking the kiss, I leaned my forehead against hers.
“What was that for?” she asked, her voice husky.
“It was an apology.” I released her and grabbed her hand, pulling her to the couch. While Brynn played, I wanted to hold Piper.
“I thought you were going to the grocery store,” she said softly, letting me tug her onto my lap.
“I changed my mind.” I pulled the blanket off the back of the couch and wrapped it around her. “I can text Cyrus and Sammy and get them to pick stuff up if needed.”
“Okay.” Piper rested her