Unraveling (Second Chances) - By Micalea Smeltzer Page 0,87
anyone this way, it felt amazing. It was a sense that everyone took for granted. Touch, was everything.
Jared’s arms squeezed gently around me, “You awake?” he asked quietly, yawning.
“Yeah,” I whispered, not wanting to pop the peaceful bubble we had created.
“I didn’t mean to fall asleep,” he cradled me to his chest. “I meant to take you home.”
“Jared,” I said.
“Yeah?”
“I’m right where I want to be,” I kissed his stubble covered cheek.
“Good,” he smiled.
28
JARED CARRIED HIS SUITCASE DOWN THE STEPS AND LOOKED BETWEEN KARLIE AND ME.
“Don’t burn the house down,” he pointed at his little sister.
She rolled her eyes. “You tell me that every time you leave; look around Jare, the house is still standing.”
He chuckled. “Give me a hug, squirt.”
Karlie wrapped her arms around her big brother. “I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you, too,” he held on tight.
I loved how much Jared cared about his sister.
“Win your fight for me,” Karlie pulled away.
“I always win,” Jared chuckled.
Karlie laughed. “Not always, Jare.”
Jared shook his head. “Let’s put it this way, I haven’t lost a fight since I met my good luck charm.” He grabbed my hand, pulling me against his chest.
“Oh, so now, I’m good luck charm?” I raised a brow.
“Yep,” he grinned, “you’re the best charm out there and I’ll wear you proudly.”
“Ew,” Karlie gagged. “I’m out of here. I can’t watch my brother put the moves on, that’s just gross.”
I heard her feet pound up the steps.
Jared licked his lips. “I’m really going to miss you.”
“You’re only gone for two days,” I reminded him.
He grinned. “The thought of you, here in my house, sleeping in my bed and not getting to wake up to your pretty blue eyes, is going to drive me mad.”
I blushed at his words, a shiver skating up my spine.
“I love when I make you blush,” Jared skimmed his thumb over my heated cheek. “I love how your body reacts to me, how you hum when I touch you,” his fingers glided down my neck, and of course my treacherous body sang at his touch. My body had a mind of its own when it came to Jared. He made me feel things, do things and apparently hum things. Apparently, I just have no control.
“I’m going to miss you, too,” I finally, said and then gasped as his mouth pressed against my neck and then his tongue flicked out. The moan that came out of my mouth was embarrassing.
Oh, dear God, save me.
Jared chuckled and then lightly bit the spot he’d just licked.
“I love you, kittycat. I’ll call you when I get there,” he kissed my lips and quickly let me go, grabbing up his suitcase.
My legs were like Jell-O, so I leaned against the stair railing for support. Hopefully, my knees would stop shaking once he was gone.
“I’ll keep my phone on me,” I told him. He opened the door and was almost gone when I cried, “Jared!”
“Yeah?” he opened the door all the way.
“Be careful… please? Don’t get hurt,” I pleaded, even though I knew he had no real control over whether or not he got hurt.
“I won’t,” he smiled, closing the door again.
“And I love you, too!”
“Bye Katy,” he chuckled, and then closed the door all the way.
I stood in front of the window and watched him leave. He looked back and I waved, hoping he would see me.
I watched until I couldn’t see his car any more and then went upstairs, knocking hesitantly on Karlie’s bedroom door.
“It’s unlocked,” she said.
I opened the door and leaned against the jamb.
“I should have asked if you already had plans, but I made an appointment for you to get a pedicure and manicure.”
The scream that came out of her mouth was high pitched enough to shatter glass.
I waited for the ringing in my ears to stop and then said, “I take it that you’re excited?”
“Yes!” She squealed, tossing the book she was reading on her flower bedspread. “Please, marry my brother so we can do girl stuff, all the time.”
I laughed. “Let’s keep it at just dating for a little while longer. I can only handle so much change.”
“When are we supposed to go?” Karlie asked.
“The appointment is an hour from now,” I looked at my watch.
“Good, that gives me time to change,” she began rummaging through her dresser drawer.
“I’ll be downstairs. Take your time. We can stop and get some frozen yogurt on our way,” I told her, backing out of her room.
“Sweet,” she said, clutching a new outfit to her chest.