The Final Chapter
“Hurry up, Alex!” Jaida yelled at her sister. She’d been ready and waiting in the living room for an hour. Ally and her family would be there to pick them up any minute and Alex was still trying to decide what to wear. “Just put on the jeans and your jersey!”
A.J. regarded herself in the mirror. Her jeans were snug and the jersey tugged a little across her breasts but she didn’t look half bad. Why did she care so much? Gah! A.J. chastised herself for worrying about her appearance when she really needed to figure out what the hell she was going to say to him. If she even got to talk to him. A.J. remained unconvinced that he really wanted to see her and she highly doubted he would respond favorably to what she had to say.
“Alex!” Jaida’s screech jolted A.J. into motion. She grabbed her earrings and popped them in on her way down the hall.
“I’m coming! Hold your horses!” A.J. found her sister standing in the doorway.
“They’re here.” Jaida pointed toward the driveway, clearly irritated with her sister’s lack of urgency.
A.J. peered outside at the unexpected procession. “What the hell is that? I thought it was just Ally and her family and us?”
“And the kids from the hospital and the guys from the rec center,” Jaida said gleefully. “Jared arranged all of this with some help from Ally’s family.”
“What?” A.J. felt sick. “No. No. He didn’t do this. No.”
“Yeah, he did.” Jaida looked at her sister, confused. “I thought you’d be excited. He’s doing this for you, for us.”
“I thought we’d just be a small group going to a football game, not drawing attention.” A.J. leaned against the wall. The room spun around her and her heartbeat quickened. “This is going to draw some serious attention.” Signs were tacked onto the buses being used to transport the kids and their families, all drawing attention to their support of Jared. Even Ally’s family’s cars were covered in Panther colors that called out support for number forty-two.
A horn blared signifying the impatience of the caravan. Jaida tugged at her sleeve. A.J. stood frozen in place. This was not what she had in mind, not what she imagined. How could she talk to Jared with all of these people around? Shit.
“Alex?” Jaida looked worried now. “Are you feeling okay?”
“Y-yeah, sorry, just a little lightheaded. Probably just need a little more caffeine.” A.J. dismissed her concerns and glumly followed her little sister to the SUV driven by Ally’s new husband.
“It’s about time,” Ally sang from the front seat. “You two are with us.”
A.J. half-smiled at her friend and climbed in after her sister. “I didn’t realize we’d have so much company.”
“Jay arranged it all.” Ally echoed Jaida’s announcement that Jared had indeed arranged this grand caravan.
“So I hear,” A.J. mumbled.
“C’mon, A.J., don’t be so glum. This is going to be really fun and Jay went through a lot to make this happen. He talked half his team into getting tickets for us so we could all sit together,” Ally explained. “And I hear you’ve been brushing him off since he left.”
“I wouldn’t say that,” A.J. muttered.
“Then what would you say?” Ally pressed. “Because I hear he’s been texting and calling and even sending very well written letters.”
A.J. glanced at her sister who seemed very focused on the scenery passing by her window. “I see. So you all have been talking about me and conspiring behind my back.”
“Conspiring sounds so horrible, A.J.,” Ally chastised. “I prefer looking out for your best interests since you seem hell bent on ruining the best thing that ever happened to you.”
“Ouch.” A.J. pretended to take a shot to the heart.
“Truth hurts.” Ally shrugged. “You should have called or texted him back. Then maybe we wouldn’t have had to go to such lengths to get you two back together.”
“He left without saying good-bye,” A.J. defended herself, “then showed up in L.A. with a tiny blonde cheerleader on his arm. And, he didn’t reach out to me for two days. What would you have done?”
“Whatever you have to tell yourself so you can sleep at night,” Ally replied, “but there may be very reasonable explanations for all of that.”
“There are!” Jaida chimed in. “He wrote them all in the letter he sent her.”
“Enough!” A.J. frowned. “You are both incorrigible. I will go, enjoy the game, and thank him for his kindness. Maybe he and I can find a way to be friends but I don’t see how we could ever be more with him living in L.A. and me living here.”
“Indeed.” Ally winked at Jaida and let the subject drop.
A.J. took advantage and looked out the window, watching the scenery fly by as she considered what she knew. Jared arranged for all of the kids to attend the game in Nashville. But why? What did he get out of it? He fired his agent and hired Ameryst. Could he really have meant what he said to her? But then why didn’t he say good-bye? Why not reach out to her for two days? And then the blonde at the party. What was real? The Jared he was in Amherst or the Jared he was in L.A.? Or, was the real Jared something entirely different altogether?
**
“Jump! Are you up for a pregame interview?” Coach Smith yelled for him.
“Sure.” Jared pulled on a Panthers t-shirt and made his way toward his Coach.
“Did you invite a bunch of kids from the Amherst Hospital to come to the game?” Coach Smith asked.
“Um, yeah, why?” Jared played dumb, he’d expected this.
“Well, apparently, the local news channels picked up the story and they want to interview you.” Coach Smith seemed puzzled but not angry.
“Huh,” Jared shrugged, “I’m okay with that if you are, Coach.”
“Of course, Jump.” Coach bobbed his head and led the way toward the field. “I’ve been hearing rumors.”
“You have?” Jared asked innocently. “About what?”
“You.” Coach didn’t look at him. “That you’re looking to leave L.A.”
Jared didn’t know what to say. He walked beside his coach unsure of whether to confirm or refute the truth.
“You don’t have to say anything, Jump. Just hear me out.” Coach Smith exhaled a long, slow breath. “Your comeback has been remarkable. To return from an injury like that and perform as you have is a testament to your willpower. But you’ve changed in other ways, too. Firing that shithead, Derek, was a good move. I might have done so in a less public forum, but it was the right thing, nonetheless. Still, pressing for a trade is gutsy. I’m not saying it’s impossible but it’s going to take a lot to convince the team to let you go. Unless you had an ace in the hole, so to speak.”
Jared pulled up and stopped his coach with a light hand to his arm. “What are you saying, Coach?”
“I’m saying that if you can call off your agent, I might be able to get you exactly what you want.” Coach Smith’s brow furrowed. “This is a business, Jared. It’s always been a business and at the end of the day, you and your teammates are the currency of that business. I’m going to be leaving L.A. myself. Coach Davies is retiring today and they’ve offered me his position. That’s why I flew in a few days early and that’s how I knew about your agent’s maneuvers. None of this has been made public, of course, but it will be today. You will be a Nashville Cougar after today’s game.”
“Are you serious, Coach?” Jared couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“Yes, I am.” Coach Smith held out his hand. “I don’t know why and I don’t need to, but I would love to have you come with me.”
Jared shook his hand firmly. “Thanks, Coach. It would really mean a lot to me.”
“Go out and take care of that interview but save some charm for the press conference after the game.” Coach Smith dismissed him and headed back toward the locker room.
“Hey, Coach,” Jared half-turned back, “what about Trent?”
Coach Smith nodded. “It’s a done deal. You and Trent for Wilson, McMasters, and a third round draft pick.”
Jared beamed. “Thanks, Coach.”
“Everybody is entitled to find their own happy endings, Jared. Just make sure you’re finding yours.” Coach gave a half wave and disappeared down the hall.
Jared sauntered out onto the field where reporters were waiting expectantly. He brushed his hair out of his face and smiled at the group before him.
“I heard you all had some questions for me?”
“Jump! Is it true you invited children from a local hospital to attend the game today?”
“Who are those kids, Jump?”
“How did you score so many tickets for this game, Jump?”
“Is this a publicity stunt?”
Jared shook his head. “Whoa, slow down. Yes, I absolutely invited a large group to this game. I figured it was a great place to start thanking all of those people who helped me through my recovery.”
“A bunch of kids helped you recover, Jump?”
“Yeah, they did,” Jared confirmed. “When I was having a tough time with physical therapy, those kids reminded me that there’s something to fight for. They never asked anything of me, never begged for autographs or expected me to perform for them. Those kids reminded me why I love the game of football and that I can do amazing things. They are accompanied by a group of people who have come to be a second family to me.”
“What about your medical team? You’ve given them a lot of praise, are they here?”
“I believe some of them will be.” Jared hesitated for a minute. She said she’d be here in that text but that’s all he’d heard. What if she didn’t come? “But I won’t know until I catch up with them after the game. Speaking of the game, I really need to get ready.”
He spun on his heel and headed back toward the locker room pushing everything else out of his head to focus on the game. If everything went according to plan, his crowd would fill a good part of one end zone and he hoped to score at least one right in front of them. Jared hoped for at least a glimpse of A.J. before the game started.
**
A.J.’s heart thrummed in her chest. Most of the kids were cleared to attend and their eyes were as big as saucers as they entered the stadium with their families. She expected seats in the upper deck but Rick led them toward the lower levels where an usher directed them to seats in the end zone. These were her favorite seats and Jared knew it. She loved being so close to the field when players scored so you could see their faces, the effort and relief when the whistle blew. A.J. settled between Jaida and Ally in the second row.
“These are great seats!” Ally exclaimed. “I can’t believe he did this!”
“I don’t even want to know how he pulled this off,” Rick commented as he scooted past them to join Marie.
“Alex! Look, it’s Jared!” Jaida shrieked and pointed, not that anybody in that stadium needed to alert her to his presence.
“Calm down,” A.J. said out of the side of her mouth as the row in front of them turned to look. “Sorry,” she apologized to the Nashville fans.
“You’re the group that’s here for Jump Jackson, right?” one of the guys asked.
“Um, yeah, I guess we are,” A.J. answered. “Why?”
“Awesome! We heard how y’all helped him get back in the game,” the guy said.
“You heard how?” A.J. probed.
“It’s all over the news.” The guy nodded toward the field. “He did a short interview about thirty minutes ago. The press ate it up, said he’s gonna play a hell of a game today for the kids.”
“He did, did he?” A.J.’s suspicion grew; it was just a show after all. He was just using them for more publicity.
“Yeah, he gave a great speech and said some of his medical team would be here, too.” The guy looked at her quizzically. “did I say something wrong?”
“No, no you didn’t.” A.J. frowned. “He’s just about what I expected him to be.”
“A great guy?” the Nashville fan asked. “Cuz that’s what everybody around here is sayin’ about him.”
“Really?” A.J. wasn’t convinced.
“Yeah, he’s all kinds of grateful and says he can’t wait to hang out with y’all after the game. Rumor is that he has something planned for after the game.” The Nashville fan shrugged. “Nobody knows what because he’s worked real hard to keep it a secret but my cousin works for the team and he says there’s all kinds of whisperin’ goin’ on and his agent was here yesterday.”
“His agent was here?” A.J. practically choked. Ameryst was in Nashville and didn’t call her?
“Yep,” the Nashville fan nodded seriously, “but that’s all I know. I hope y’all enjoy the game, I’m gonna go grab me some food before kickoff.” He took off with a few of his buddies leaving A.J. to process these new developments.
“You weren’t supposed to know about all that,” Jaida whispered. “It’s a surprise.”
“I hate surprises,” A.J. whispered back.
“Not this one,” Jaida said smugly. “I think you’ll like it.”
“Jaida, are you sure this isn’t just a big publicity stunt?” A.J. watched Jared warm up. Had he seen her? Should she stand up? Try to go see him? Ignore him completely and run away? Her palms were sweating.
“Alex, will you just relax and enjoy the game?” Jaida reprimanded her. “Stop being so suspicious. Who cares why he did this? Look at the kids. This is fun. Besides, I am pretty sure he did this because he loves you. That’s why we’re all here.”
“Yeah, I’m pretty positive he is desperately in love with you, A.J.,” Ally added. “Give the guy a break, okay? You heard what that guy said. When the opposing team thinks you’re awesome, you pretty much rock the world.”
A.J. had to admit that it all seemed pretty great. The kids were really having a great time and even though a few parents were clearly anxious, it seemed to be a pretty great experience for them. The squeals of delight rippled through the entire end zone and A.J. noticed that several of the locals were chatting with their group, much as the guy in front of her had.
“The game’s about to start!” Jaida exclaimed as the teams lined up for kick off.
A.J. had seen Jared’s first few games, impressed at how well he played, but nothing prepared her for seeing him in person. He ran faster and jumped higher than A.J. though humanly possible after an injury like his. Every hit made her cringe, worried that they’d hit his bad leg. No, his leg is healed, it’s not bad anymore, she reminded herself each time. Then she’d recoil again the next time he was hit. Why did it affect her so much? Wasn’t she over him? Hadn’t she convinced herself that she was better without him?
Halfway through the second quarter, the Panthers lined up at the fifteen in a spread formation so that Jared was directly in front of her. The play unfolded in slow motion, or it felt that way in her mind as Jared leapt to catch the pass in the back of the end zone and was hit as he came down.
A.J.’s heart skipped a beat as she waited for him to get up. The safety who’d made the tackle peeled off him and Jared held the ball up. Both referees called the touchdown but Jared didn’t get up. A.J. grabbed Ally by the arm, stricken. Jared rocked up and leaned forward as if winded. She couldn’t tell what he was doing, was he hurt?
Jared popped upright, winked, and tossed the ball to her. A.J. caught it automatically, more of a reflex than anything. She fell into her chair, folded her arms over the ball and put her head down. A.J. choked back the sobs that threatened to let loose.
“A.J.?” Ally nudged her. “Hey, he’s okay.”
“I know.” A.J. lifted her head. “What was he doing?”
Ally shrugged. “Who knows? Maybe some new end zone dance?”
A.J. looked at the ball, turned it over in her hands. Something was written on it. He was writing on the ball, that’s what he was doing. A.J. couldn’t help but smile. Jared was good, really good.
“What?” Ally asked.
“He wrote on the ball,” A.J. explained and held it out for her friend, “see?”
“What the hell does that mean?” Ally studied it.
“It’s an inside joke,” A.J. replied. “I think you guys may be right about him.”
“It’s about damn time, sheesh” Jaida chimed in.
“Hey! Watch your mouth!” A.J. teased her sister. Maybe things would work out alright after all. A.J. looked at her football and traced the question he’d written. “Convinced?”
**
“That was amazing!” Jaida’s eyes danced with excitement as they were ushered toward their meeting with Jared.
“Yeah, it was pretty great,” A.J. admitted, still clinging to her football.
“Right this way.” The portly usher had collected them at the end of the fourth quarter and insisted they accompany him so they could meet with Jared after the game. They were escorted to a large press room that seemed prepped for a Nashville Cougars press conference, not the L.A. Panthers.
A.J. asked the usher but he claimed to be doing exactly what he was told. They were given seats in the back of the room, behind a few members of the press who’d apparently been too bored by the blow-out on the field to watch the end of it.
“Jump looks great,” one of the reporters said to nobody in particular.
“Yeah, who knew an injury like that could change a guy so much?” another chimed in.
“Anybody know what this is all about?” A woman walked in, seemingly bored by what she found there. A.J. recognized her and shrunk behind Rick’s family. Gloria Castle. She loathed that bitch and her tendency to gossip. It took everything in her to not hit her once before, A.J. really hoped she didn’t give her a reason today.
“Some big story, apparently.” The first reporter attempted to sound bored but the simple fact that he’d selected a seat in the front row betrayed his eagerness to land whatever story they were cooking up.
“Nobody knows anything?” Gloria pressed, clearly annoyed she didn’t have them all scooped.
“Nope, it’s been real hush, hush. We’ve been waiting, hoping to get a clue, but nothin’ exciting has happened other than Jump’s fan section.” The chatty reporter gestured toward their corner. Gloria’s eyes followed but she dismissed them almost immediately. Apparently a group of sick kids wasn’t flashy enough for Gloria Castle’s column.
A.J. watched the mousy woman scrutinize her competition and ultimately settle in a folding chair at the end of an unoccupied row. Gloria flipped out her notepad, ever the old school reporter, and crossed her plump, veiny legs. A.J. longed to throw something at her but opted to hug her football tighter instead.
The room filled up, several faces that A.J. recognized entered the mix. She began to realize that whatever this press conference was about, it must be pretty big because some of the most recognizable names in sports journalism were clamoring to find a spot in the room. Finally, a PR rep from Nashville strolled in and took a seat at the table. “We’ll be starting in a few minutes, folks. We ask that you hold all questions until the end. Thank you.” The rep slid over to the furthest chair and watched the door he’d just come through.
A ruddy-faced man with sprouts of white hair over his ears emerged from that same door a few moments later sending a wave of whispers through the room. A.J. leaned forward, she knew that face well enough, none other than Nashville Cougars head coach, Bill Davies. She nudged Ally who just raised her eyebrows in response.
Davies took the seat beside his PR rep and greeted the room with his warm, southern drawl. “Hey, y’all, thanks for sticking around today. I promise it’ll be worth yer while.” He paused as if trying to catch his breath, then continued with an easy grin. “It’s a bear gettin’ old, ain’t it? I’m about as old as they come in this league and I recently got some bad news.” Davies paused again, the PR rep patted his shoulder encouragingly. “It turns out that smoking is real bad for you.”
Nervous titters rippled through the crowd as the room began to understand what was coming. Several of the more seasoned reporters hung their heads.
“I have stage IV lung cancer and after discussing options with my family and the team,” Coach Davies sucked in a breath, “I’ve decided that it’s time for me to retire and spend what time I have left with my family.” Davies raised a hand as the crowd threatened to erupt in objections and questions. “Now, I’m not done, y’all. I’m plannin’ to leave the Cougars in capable hands and thanks to the negotiations by our owner and our GM, I’m pleased to announce my replacement as none other than Bill Smith from L.A.”
Coach Smith stepped through the door on cue and took the seat beside Coach Davies. He grinned at the crowd and addressed them with his usual air of authority. “I have to admit that I was surprised to get the call from Coach Davies because I expected him to coach football until the end of time. Bill Davies taught me everything I know about coaching football and I am honored to succeed him in this position.”
Hands shot up in the audience but Coach Davies waved them off. “Now, now, in case you haven’t noticed, there are two empty chairs at the end of this table and I am to fill them before I leave so if y’all will give me just a few more moments of your time I’d be much obliged.” The hands all went down.
“A wise man once told me that you should always bring a gift when you sign on with a new team,” Coach Smith began, “and I have always honored that tradition. So, today, as I take on the role of Head Coach of the Nashville Cougars, I bring with me two phenomenal offensive weapons who I hope will help get us to the playoffs.” Coach Smith paused. “Please welcome your new Nashville Cougars, tight end Trent Roberts and wide receiver Jared “Jump” Jackson.”
A.J. clapped a hand over her mouth as Jared burst through the door and popped up to the table followed by the other man who she vaguely recognized. The crowd around them erupted into a flurry of questions and flailing hands, all vying for attention.
“Now calm down, everybody, one at a time.” Jared smiled his 1,000-watt grin at the crowd. “I’m sure you all have a lot of great questions but my man, Trent and I can’t hear you if you ask them all at once.” Jared gave them a few minutes to collect themselves, flashes snapped and he just kept grinning at them. Once they stopped yelling questions, he continued. “Now, I’m sure you’re wondering why we made this move. Trent can tell his own story, but for me, it’s about a woman.”
The crowd erupted again. A.J. scrunched into a ball in her seat, wrapped around the football. Her group ignored the media circus and focused on her instead, very aware of which woman Jared was referring to.
“He’s talking about you, Alex!” Jaida whispered excitedly in her ear. “C'mon, sit up. Don’t hide back here!”
“Oh! You want to know who she is?” Jared’s voice carried back to them. “I don’t think she’d like the way you’d treat her so I’ll just keep it quiet for a while if you don’t mind.”
“C’mon, Jump! We’ve seen all your flames!” a voice called out from the other side of the room.
“My man, there haven’t been any other flames. This woman is the only woman, period,” Jared said firmly into the microphone in front of him. “And anybody who says otherwise is perpetuating the lies set out by my former manager, who, in case you haven’t heard, is facing several charges for his illegal actions.
“If you have any questions about the lady in my life, please feel free to refer them to my agent, Ameryst Rice. In the meantime, I would ask that you respect my privacy as I make the move to my new team and try to get things moving with the lovely woman who sparked this transition.”
“Where are you going to live, Jump?” another voice chimed in.
“Now, I’m not stupid enough to tell you that. And I can assure you that my new agent’s not so easy to buy off.” Using his hand, he shielded his eyes and scanned the crowd. “Ah! There they are! If you will excuse me, I have a very special group of kids here and I’d really like to take them out on the field if you don’t mind.” Jared stood, shook hands with both coaches, patted Trent on the back and pushed through the throng of writers until he reached their group.
Rick stepped forward and embraced him. “Well done, Jay, well done.”
“Thanks, Rick.” Jared grinned, he looked so relaxed. “Now, how’s about we go out on the field and have a little fun?”
Jared led the way, ushered the whole group out of the room and ignored the media begging for his attention. It occurred to A.J. that he was really making a statement with this. The media would never forgive him for this, would never look at him the same way. A.J. fell into step behind Jared who was already chatting happily with Ally’s brother, Paul.
“So, I need to talk to you about a job,” Jared said, “as in, would you like one?”
“What?” Paul gasped, “Are you serious?”
“Absolutely. Coach Smith was really impressed with the tips you gave me and I explained how you had a lot more to offer. So, the job’s yours if you want it.”
“Of course I do!” Paul exclaimed. “Thank you so much!”
“You deserve it,” Jared clapped him on the shoulder, “just thank me by helping us win some games.”
“Absolutely!” Paul agreed.
The group followed Jared onto the field where players from both teams were milling about as if waiting for something. A.J. thought it peculiar but kept quiet and followed Jared to mid field.
“Okay guys, I’ve got the field for the next few hours and all of these guys,” he gestured toward the remaining players, “have decided they want nothing more than to hang out with you. We were trying to figure out something fun to do and thought you might be up for some football practice, what do you think?”
“YES!” The kids screamed and cheered. Players ran over with kid-sized footballs and began working with kids and families, even Jaida joined in.
“I was afraid you weren’t going to come.” Jared appeared at A.J.’s side.
“I almost didn’t,” A.J. admitted.
“What did you think?” Jared asked, watching the action on the field.
“About what?” A.J. asked coyly.
“The trade,” Jared said evenly as he studied her. “You look different.”
“You are different,” A.J. deflected.
“You would know better than anybody,” Jared stated. He took her hand. “I did this to be near you. I know things got messed up when I left but I meant every word I said in that letter.” Jared exhaled and pulled her into his arms. He looked into her eyes, his voice husky. “Dammit, Alexis, I want to be with you. I want you. I left everything because you changed me and now I’m asking you to be with me.”
A.J. couldn’t breathe. The air around her felt thin and the world spun around her. She thought she might pass out but he squeezed her lightly and the world went right again.
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes. Say you love me. Say you’re happy I’m here,” Jared suggested
“I’m pregnant,” A.J. blurted.
Jared’s face changed several times. He opened and closed his mouth at least half a dozen times before he composed himself enough to answer and when he did, it was not with words. Jared slanted his mouth over A.J.’s and let her know everything he felt better than words ever could have.
He released her and whispered in her ear, “Come with me.” Jared tugged her toward the tunnel.
“What about Jaida?” A.J. looked over her shoulder for her sister. “I have to let her know.”
“She’s fine, trust me,” Jared promised.
“I don’t know.” A.J. tugged back but Jared wrapped his hand around her wrist and pulled her into the shadows.
“Come with me, I promise it will be worth it.” Jared pushed open a door and pulled her in after him. He yanked the door shut and locked it.
“This is somebody’s office!” A.J. exclaimed as the light flipped on and she grasped her surroundings.
“Yep, it’s gonna be Paul’s but right now it’s just a private room,” Jared pointed out, “a private room with a rather comfortable couch.”
“How did you know about this?” A.J. accused.
“I have friends in high places who thought we could use some private time to talk,” Jared looked mischievous, “or do other things.”
He was on her before she could react, his hands roving over her body, lips kissing her jaw, her neck. Jared pulled her jersey off revealing the snug cami and bra struggling to contain her noticeably larger breasts.
He gasped. “Holy shit, have I missed you.”
Jared buried his face in her cleavage, groaning his approval as he worked at her jeans until they fell to her ankles.
A.J.’s hands found his head, wrapped her fingers in his curls as she pulled him closer. Jared pushed the hem of her cami up to expose her stomach. He peppered kisses along her abdomen to the very edge of her bikini line before hooking his thumbs in the sides and shimmying them down her legs. Jared traced his fingers up her legs, strategically kissing along her inner thigh and back up the length of her body, pausing at her now glistening mound. He growled low in his throat at the realization that she was ready for him.
Jared maneuvered A.J. to the couch and slipped out of his shorts. He covered her body with his, shifting slightly to offset his weight. Jared traced the line of her jaw and ran the pad of his thumb across her lips. He pressed his arousal against her thigh, close enough to tease them both. Her scent seemed stronger, sweeter than before.
He moved her into position, and looked into her eyes as he pushed inside of her. He watched her face change as he entered her, filling her slowly until he was fully encased inside her. Jared had not forgotten how A.J. felt, yet he shuddered with need as her juices flowed down his shaft. A.J. moaned and wrapped her arms about his shoulders, pulling him into her. She called his name as he bucked and rolled, struggling to gain leverage to drive further into her, to feel every inch of her body, every curve and valley. All Jared could think or feel revolved around A.J. until he exploded inside her, pulling her closer and burying his face into her neck, breathless and spent. Jared kissed his way up her neck and back to her mouth, tugging at her lower lip before brushing his lips lightly across the tip of her nose.
“I’ve missed you,” he told her. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”
“Me, too.” A.J. nodded, eyes brimming with tears. “But I thought you went back to your old life and I was afraid you’d hate me when you found out and…”
“Stop,” Jared said firmly. “I’m happy, I promise you that I am not even a little upset with you. I meant every word I said. I’m coming here to be with you. I want you, us, a family. And if that means now then it means now.
You are mine, Alexis Thompson, and I’m not letting go again.”