Chapter3
Jared sat in the back of the church for the ceremony. He’d never been particularly comfortable around religion but Rick asked him to be there. Then Marie insisted. Paul even tried to convince Jared to sit with them but he politely declined and opted for a row in the far back that gave him an excellent view of the attendees.
Unsurprisingly, A.J. was not among them. Jared watched everything, the way couples interacted, mothers doted on their children, even an elderly couple that held hands and looked at each other with the same love that Ally and Colin shared. Mercifully, the ceremony went fast and the minister was highly amusing.
“You look lovely, Ally.” Jared led the procession line in his hurry to avoid the crowd. “Congratulations to you both.”
“Thank you, Jay.” Ally leaned up and kissed him lightly on the cheek.
Jared slid out of the way so he could tackle the steps since they remained a bit of a challenge. He leaned heavily on the railing to descend. It creaked and he worried that it may give way more than once.
“You shouldn’t be doing stairs like that yet.” A.J. appeared at the bottom of the steps, dressed in a simple blue dress that highlighted all of her best assets.
“I’m doing just fine, thank you very much,” Jared retorted.
“Mmhmm.” A.J. grunted. “Let me help you.” She climbed the five or six steps to reach him and slipped one arm around his waist to offset the weight from his bad leg. “I should have known you’d be here.”
“I was invited,” Jared said sharply.
“Happy accident, huh?” A.J. asked.
Jared didn’t respond. His leg ached a bit but he would not let her know that. “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to dance the night away.”
A.J. almost laughed but instead rolled her eyes and headed back up the steps to see Ally. Jared leaned against the wall for a rest. He hung toward the back of the pack as they gave the newlyweds a proper send off – something Jared never really understood since they would all see the bride and groom again in a few hours at the reception. Shouldn’t the sendoff be after the reception? He puzzled the irrationality until Rick popped up beside him.
“I could really use a drink.” Rick leaned against the wall next to Jared and pulled a flask from the breast pocket of his tuxedo. He took a swig and passed it to Jared. “Want some?”
Jared grinned and accepted the flask, downed a bit and relished the burn. “It was a lovely ceremony.”
“Yeah, I guess. Seen one, seen ‘em all.” Rick took another drink from the flask and Jared realized his friend had already crossed over to the realm of tipsy. “My last kid is married off.”
“Congratulations, Rick.” Jared patted him on the shoulder. “You have an awesome family and I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done for me.”
“Aw, it’s what anybody would do for somebody in need.” Rick brushed off the compliment as was his style.
“No, Rick. Not everybody would do what you’ve done for me. Trust me. People aren’t like this, people don’t welcome a stranger into their homes and include them in weddings after knowing them for a month.” Jared’s voice filled with more emotion than he expected. “People don’t do this and I want you to know that I won’t forget it.”
“Hey! Will you two stop sipping on that flask and get moving?” Marie called over to them, her face a mixture of elation and amusement. “We need to get to the reception hall!”
Rick winked at Jared and headed off toward his wife and family. He turned back to Jared and gestured for him to follow. “C’mon, kid, you’re a part of this family whether you like it or not.”
**
The reception hall buzzed by the time Jared walked in with Rick and the family. Dozens of people milled around the tables with drinks in hand and the gift table was already piled high with white and silver packages. The DJ played boring elevator music as they entered – a travesty that Micah vowed to correct before disappearing into the crowd. Paul guided Jared and Max toward the bar and ordered up three beers.
“It is time to drink up and let loose.” Max grinned and guzzled half the bottle down, finishing it with a long, low belch.
“Max!” Marie hollered in her most motherly voice. “Manners!”
“Sorry, Mom!” Max apologized hastily.
“Ah, your lady hath arrived,” Paul gestured toward the door.
Jared turned slowly, moving to lounge casually against the bar so he could get a better look. Paul was right, A.J. entered the hall with a silver-wrapped package. She looked even lovelier in the sparkling lights of the hall than she did outside the church. Jared took another drink from his bottle and turned back to Paul and Max as if nothing changed.
“Dude, really?” Max didn’t even try to cover his disapproval.
“What?” Jared asked. “I’m not going to run right over like some pathetic loser.” In truth, he needed to rest his leg. This was the longest he’d been on it and the first day he’d gone without his brace. The bandage just didn’t have the same effect. He slid onto the nearest stool and waited for the guys to call him on the stupidity of his actions.
They didn’t. Instead, Max slid onto the stool next to him and started pointing out various guests of interest. Apparently, there were several available cousins who would be more than happy to tend to Jared’s needs. Jared only half listened, far more intent on watching A.J.
“Just go talk to her.” Max noticed Jared’s focus and nudged him lightly with an elbow.
“I think I need more beer before that happens,” Jared insisted.
“Nope, you are cut off my friend,” Paul intervened. “You aren’t going to make a very good impression if you’re drunk.”
“You’re right.” Jared set the empty beer bottle down and headed for A.J. He grabbed two flutes of champagne from a waitress walking by. “You look like you could use a drink.” He extended one of the glasses to A.J.
Surprisingly, A.J. accepted the champagne. “Thanks.”
“You look beautiful.”
She gave him a strange look, as if waiting for a punchline. “Thanks again.”
“Can we call a truce and be nice to each other for one night?” Jared decided to take the direct route.
“We aren’t at war.” A.J. rolled her eyes at him. “We’ve been over this.”
“Just for one night do you think you could put aside all of the things you don’t like about me and give me a shot?” Jared tried a slightly different approach.
A.J. seemed to consider his suggestion for a long while. He watched the indecision flicker across her face and felt certain she’d refuse him. But she didn’t. “Okay. I can do that.” She extended her hand. “I’m Alexis, it’s nice to meet you.”
Jared grinned and shook her hand. “I’m Jared. It is a pleasure to meet you, Alexis.”
“Lovely reception, isn’t it?” She gestured around them.
“Yes, it is,” Jared agreed. “Would you care to sit with me?” She nodded and he led the way to an unoccupied table, even pulled a chair out for her. He sat and extended his bad leg so that he still faced her. “So, Alexis, what do you do?”
She smiled. “I’m a physical therapist.”
“That sounds interesting.” Jared leaned back in his chair. “Any interesting patients?”
A.J. chuckled. “Actually, there is this one guy. He has a huge ego and is incredibly stubborn.”
“Sounds like an ass.” Jared played along. “You must be a saint to deal with people like that.”
“Actually, I usually work with kids.” A.J. relaxed some, she leaned back in her chair and crossed her long legs. “They are much easier to work with. It’s quite rewarding, actually.”
“Must be.” Jared recalled how the kids reacted to her. “You have any kids of your own?”
“Nope,” A.J. shook her head, “but I’d like to someday.”
“Me too,” Jared blurted before he realized what he’d agreed with.
They talked through dinner, mostly about their likes and dislikes, avoiding the heavy topics -especially his job. Jared could not recall ever having a conversation like this with a woman. They actually had a lot in common and he found himself making excuses to touch her, even a little brush of the arm or leg. He was surprised at how easy it was to make A.J. laugh and even more surprised when she agreed to dance with him. Jared led her to the dance floor and pulled her close.
“Don’t stress your leg,” A.J. warned.
“I won’t,” Jared assured her. “Why do you think we sat for so long?”
A.J. accepted this and leaned in close, rested her chin on his shoulder, and allowed him to lead. She smelled incredible. Jared was keenly aware of her closeness, how she felt in his arms, how she took on some of his weight when they rocked toward his bad leg. Nobody else existed but her, and Jared realized for the first time in his life that this is what life was all about, this is what made people want to marry and spend a full life together. Jared could spend the rest of his life with A.J. in his arms. Then the song ended and she pulled away, led him off the dance floor and toward the door.
“I have to go, Jay.” A.J. sounded apologetic, even seemed genuine. “I really enjoyed tonight but I have to get home.”
“Did I do something?” Jared asked.
“No,” she shook her head, “you were wonderful, surprisingly wonderful. I just have responsibilities and I have to go.”
“Can I see you again, like this?” Jared held her hand, dragging out the good-bye.
A.J. hesitated, she bit her lip. “I’ll think about it.”
Jared seized the opportunity to convince her. He pulled her in until her body was flush against his, every curve melting into him. A.J.’s eyes flared and then closed as he slanted his mouth on hers. Jared’s heart beat faster. A.J.’s soft lips actually kissed him back, her fingers roved up his spine sending chills over his whole body. He slid his hands down to the curve of her ass and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. Jared pushed his tongue into her mouth, loving her taste and wanting more.
A.J. ended the kiss and looked into his eyes as if searching for something. “I’ll see you Monday. We’ll talk then.”
She detached from him, brushed her lips over his cheek, and slipped away leaving Jared feeling tense and frustrated in more ways than one. He hung out alone in the lobby for a long while, willing his body to obey. Monday could not arrive soon enough.
“There you are!” Rick, obviously intoxicated, stumbled up to Jared. “Tell me you didn’t screw things up, you looked so cozy earlier.” He threw and arm around Jared’s shoulders and turned him back toward the reception.
“It went well, Rick,” Jared assured him, “really well.”
“Good! That’s what I was hoping to hear.” Rick slapped him on the back. “Let’s go celebrate!”
He led Jared toward the bar but Paul and Max intercepted them, apparently aware of their Dad’s condition.
“There you are, Dad!” Paul greeted his father. “Let’s get you home, okay?”
“No! Let’s celebrate some more!” Rick swayed a bit but Jared helped keep him upright.
“We can celebrate at home, okay, Dad?” Max countered. He winked at Jared. “Jay will come with us and everything, right Jay?”
“Yep, sure. Let’s all go back to your house and celebrate some more.” Jared played along and helped navigate Rick toward the cars.
“I see what you’re doing, boys,” Rick slurred as he stumbled into the back of the SUV.
“You go ahead and ride up front, Jay. I’ll stay in back with Dad,” Max suggested.
Jared closed the door behind Rick and limped around to the passenger seat. His leg ached and all he wanted was a nice, soft bed. As expected, Rick passed out before they made it back to the house. With Jared’s leg he could only hold doors open while Paul and Max carried their Dad into the house and got him tucked into bed.
“I can take you home if you want, Jay,” Paul offered, “or you can just crash in the guest room. Mom will make a huge breakfast in the morning and then we can get you home.”
Worried about what his leg would be like in the morning after being on it for so long, Jared asked Paul to drive him home. He fell into bed without even undressing, too tired all of a sudden and he had a lot of planning to do before Monday.
**
“Calm down,” Rick told him yet again.
“I’m calm,” Jared snapped.
“Yep, real calm,” Rick muttered. He pulled up to the hospital and put the SUV in park. “Good luck.”
Jared didn’t respond, just slid out of the car and shut the door, albeit with a bit too much force. His heart beat so fast he felt sure everybody in the lobby could hear it as he walked through, but they just waved at him, apparently oblivious to his inner turmoil.
“Hey.” A.J. greeted him first.
“Hi.” Jared grinned like an idiot in response. He couldn’t help himself.
“How’s the leg?” A.J. asked.
“Sore, actually,” Jared admitted, “I may have overdone it a bit this weekend.”
“Let’s see it.” A.J. gestured for him to take his pants off.
“Whoa, I don’t know what kind of guy you think I am but it definitely takes more than a kiss, even that kind of kiss, to get me out of my clothes,” Jared joked.
“Funny,” A.J. commented, not so amused. “Did you want that date or were you just going to talk yourself right out of it?”
“Touche,” Jared said and pulled his track pants down to show A.J. the scar on his leg. She bent down and palpated around the wound. Jared hissed.
“You definitely overdid it,” A.J. agreed. “Why didn’t you tell me it was that bad?”
“It wasn’t,” Jared said as he pulled his pants back up. He stepped toward her so that their noses practically touched. “Nothing about Saturday night felt bad, except maybe when you left.” He reached up and touched his fingertips to her cheek. “You are so beautiful, do you know that?”
A.J. exhaled sharply. “Wow. How often have you said that one?” She stepped back, putting some distance between them.
Jared’s eyes burned through her. “Never.”
“Right.” A.J. turned away from him but he could feel her respond to his attentions.
He crossed the room, took her arm, and turned her toward him. “I have never said those words to another woman.” Jared didn’t let her respond, didn’t let her call him a liar, he kissed her. He put his arms around her, determined to kiss the truth into her. For a second she hesitated, held back, but then she arched into him and returned the kiss. His fingers trailed along her sides causing her to shiver. Jared pressed her up against her desk.
A.J. paused the kiss and put her fingers over his lips. “We shouldn’t do this here.”
“Why not?” Jared asked and leaned in for another kiss.
“Because it’s unprofessional,” A.J. began, “and you are technically my patient.”
“Actually, I’ve got that figured out,” Jared began. “I’m good with PT at this point, it’s more about training and getting back in shape. So, discharge me from PT and we can date, no ethical issues at all.”
A.J. laughed. “We still can’t do this here.”
“Then let’s go somewhere else,” Jared suggested. “I have a few ideas if you’re up for it.”
“I can’t, I still have work here,” A.J. protested.
“I know. The kids, right?” Jared asked.
“Yes.” A.J. nodded. “I can’t let them down. It’s our thing.”
“I know.” Jared nodded his head. “Sheesh, you thought I was suggesting we do something dirty?”
A.J.’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Seriously?”
“You think you’re the only one with skills?” Jared taunted. “Come on, let’s go.” He led her out of the office and toward the pediatric wing.
“What did you do?” A.J. hesitated at the double doors.
“Come on, it’ll be fine,” Jared assured her. “I’m actually pretty good with kids as it turns out.”
“Again, I ask, what did you do?” A.J. arched an eyebrow at him.
It was unbelievably sexy but he managed to suppress the urge to push her into one of the empty rooms to show her what he really wanted to do.
“Me? Now why do you suspect me of nefarious behaviors?” Jared feigned offense and pretended to stab himself in the heart. “You wound me.”
“Don’t quit your day job,” A.J. scoffed playfully and proceeded down the hall without him.
“Right now my day job is recovering from a terrible injury so I’ve got a lot of free time on my hands.” Jared caught up to A.J. “You can’t walk in there before me. I’m up first.”
“Are you really taking over here?” A.J. gaped at him. “You aren’t kidding, are you?”
“Not so much,” Jared smirked. “Remember, I have had a lot of down time on my hands. Now, don’t mess this up, we’ve worked really hard on this.”
Jared greeted the kids silently, made sure they were all set, and inserted himself in the middle of all of them just like they planned, before calling A.J. in. He couldn’t have planned it better. When she saw all of the kids holding up signs they decorated for her, tears welled up in A.J.’s eyes.
“Oh, you guys!” A.J. was on the verge of squealing but the kids rushed her with a group hug. She looked over their heads at him and mouthed “thank you.”
Jared unveiled the rest of his surprise, a big screen television for the pediatric common room complete with Blu-ray player and an entire library of movies. He brought in a popcorn machine and scheduled a movie afternoon for the kids to get their minds off their illnesses for a while. Jared had no idea that most of these kids were long term inpatient cases and several had never even been to a movie theater. Sure, this would make A.J. happy but after being laid up in a hospital for a month, Jared had to do something for these kids who were cooped up for far longer.
“You did all of this?” A.J. slid her arm around his waist.
“Yep.” Jared nodded, “after being inpatient for a while I developed a healthy respect for long term patients. These kids need some fun in their lives. I was thinking about a game system but then realized there would be a lot of fights if only two or three people can play at once.”
“Good thought.” A.J. grinned. “I can’t believe you did this.”
“I’ve been feeling useless for a while now. I never have this much time on my hands to just think,” Jared confessed. “I really wanted to do something for somebody and these kids ask nothing in return. They just want to be kids and part of that is watching movies and eating popcorn.”
She looked at him as if seeing him for the first time. He liked it. The way A.J. looked at him had definitely changed. “You are very different that I thought you were,” she said.
“I tried to tell you that but you didn’t want to listen,” Jared teased.
“Funny, very funny.” A.J. punched him playfully in the arm. “How are you going to settle the argument over what to watch first, genius?”
“There is no argument,” Jared said simply, “the kids and I agreed that the first movie would be my all-time favorite childhood film.”
“This ought to be good.” A.J. rolled her eyes. “I’m almost afraid to ask.”
“Hey! I have great taste in movies!” Jared called over to one of the older kids, “Go ahead and start the movie, Jake.”
Jake gave them a thumbs up and hit some buttons on the player. The opening credits rolled and A.J. started laughing. “This is your favorite childhood movie?”
“The Karate Kid is a classic,” Jared argued, and then, complete with gestures, began quoting the film, “wax on, wax off.”
“You aren’t one of those people who has to say every line in the movie two seconds before the actors do, are you?” A.J. asked.
“Of course not,” Jared replied, “and while this is a lot of fun, I really do have better ideas for a real date, if you accept.”
Several of the kids “shushed” him. A.J. stifled a snicker but nodded her assent. “I’m willing to give it a try.”
“Good. Meet me at this address at seven,” Jared whispered and slipped her a piece of paper.
“Okay,” She whispered back.
“Don’t be late,” Jared said, a little too loud because he got shushed again. “I have to go; Rick will be waiting for me. I’ll see you at seven.”
He took off before she could change her mind or ask him questions. Jared had a lot more to do before seven.