I put my empty glass of beer down on the table and find myself feeling a little more relaxed. The Oceanfront Tavern is one of my favorite places to come in the summer: there are candle-lit ceramic tables scattered across the beach, tiki torches lit at dusk and soft background music. It all combines for a relaxing, romantic ambiance. Tonight is quieter than usual, which I’m thankful for. I’m not in the mood for a big crowd.
“Another one?” Wyatt asks charmingly, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I really want to say no. I’m trying to be good company but my thoughts are consumed with Jaxson, which makes me mad. Over the year I’ve worked hard trying to dismiss him from my thoughts. I went from thinking about him every second of the day to only once or twice a day. Wyatt and I have only been here a half hour and I don’t want to be rude, “Sure, maybe one more. Thank you.” I’m hoping he catches on to the one more part.
Wyatt waves my empty glass at the waitress letting her know to bring another. “I have to say Julia, it surprised me to find out you’re a beer girl.” He doesn’t say it rudely, but something about the way he says it seems like he disapproves. If he only knew why I like it…
“So have you heard back about your interview yet?” he asks, pulling me from my traitorous thoughts.
“Not yet, I’m hoping soon though. I know summer vacation just started but if I don’t get in I’ll have to look into a different school. Which wouldn’t be so bad, I just have my hopes set on Foothills. I really enjoyed doing my practicum there and I want to teach elementary. I would really like to stay here in Sunset Bay.”
“I’ll get my dad to talk to the principal for you,” Wyatt says catching me off guard.
“Oh no! Really that’s not necessary, but thank you.”
“Why not? He’s in a position of power Julia, let him use it.”
I completely disagree with that statement but I tread carefully, not wanting to offend him. “No really Wyatt, it’s important to me that I get it on my own. I want them to hire me because they want me there, not because of your father.”
“Alright, suit yourself,” he shrugs, seeming annoyed I turned down his offer.
Feeling uncomfortable I change the subject, “How’s work been going for you?”
“Great!” he says smiling easily again, “I just landed a big client from Charleston. There were three of us fighting for this company and I received the call yesterday that I got it. I’m getting quite the reputation already,” he says proudly. Wyatt has just started up his own private practice, specializing in Corporate Law.
“That’s really great Wyatt. Congratulations.” I’m about to ask another question but the words get stuck in my throat when my gaze lands on the 3 people walking in: Jaxson, Cooper and Kayla.
What the hell?
Wyatt notices my shock and turns around, “You’re fucking kidding me.”
Kayla looks at me apologetically as they take a seat at the bar. Jaxson sits with his back to it and I can feel him staring at me. When our eyes meet my heart starts to pound from the intensity of his gaze. I hate that after all this time he can still make me feel this way.
“You told him we were coming here!” Wyatt asks accusingly, breaking me out of my thoughts.
“No, I didn’t.”
Jaxson takes his eyes off me when Wyatt turns around. They glare at each other and you can feel the hatred roll off them in waves. It causes my stomach to fill with dread.
“Maybe we should just go,” I say apprehensively.
“Fuck that, we aren’t going anywhere. If that asshole wants to watch then let him, he’s going to have to get used to it anyways.”
His last remark adds to my anxiety. I have to be up front with Wyatt tonight. I feel awful, but I don’t want to lead him on. He already thinks this is more serious than it is.
Kayla gets up from her chair and nods her head for me to follow. “I’ll be right back, I’m just going to head to the ladies room.”
Wyatt nods distractedly while texting someone furiously on his phone. I get up and trail behind Kayla. As soon as we enter the bathroom she turns to me quickly and starts apologizing, “I’m so sorry Julia.”
“What the hell is going on Kayla?” I know something has to be wrong because not much can make Kayla squeal, she’s a tough one to crack.
“Listen Jules, Jaxson went ape shit, like I mean crazy! He and Coop got into a fist fight over this.” My stomach sinks, hating that he and Cooper got into a fight because of me. “He was demanding to know where you guys went. Of course I gave him a piece of my mind and told him to go to hell. But… both he and Coop say you’re in danger Julia. I know they’ve said it before but, this time was different,” Kayla pauses for a moment looking worried. Then she shocks me when she says: “Jules they told me that Wyatt physically abuses the girls he’s with.”
“What!?” I look at Kayla like she’s crazy.
“I know, I told them that he has never laid a hand on you, but they’re both swearing it’s only a matter of time. Please don’t be mad at me, I didn’t know what to do. I was worried about you.”
“I’m not mad at you. I just don’t know what to think. Wyatt has never even attempted such a thing. It has to be a misunderstanding,” I say, desperately wanting to believe that. He’s always been so calm with me, although I have seen some stuff tonight that surprises me. But still, can I really see Wyatt physically hurting a woman?
“I don’t know Jules, if this was just Jaxson then maybe. But we both know Cooper, most of the time, is pretty reasonable. I don’t know why they never told us before. Even now it seems like they’re holding something back.”
“Well you guys don’t need to worry about me because this is going to be the last date for us. I really tried to have feelings for him Kayla but they just aren’t there,” I say feeling guilty.
“Don’t feel bad Julia, you can’t change what you feel for someone.”
Isn’t that the truth.
“Anyways Cooper and I are here to make sure Jaxson doesn’t cause trouble. He promised he wouldn’t.”
“Ya right, him just being here causes trouble,” I sigh tiredly, “I’m going to get Wyatt to take me home after our drink, which will hopefully be soon. Please try to contain Jaxson, I don’t need anymore drama tonight.”
“I will. I’m really sorry again Julia.”
I hug her tight, “Don’t be sorry, I understand. I would have done the same thing,” I give her an easy smile showing her I mean it.
“Ok, let’s get back out there, before all hell breaks loose,” Kayla says opening the door.
I feel Jaxson’s gaze on me the moment I follow Kayla out the door but I ignore it and don’t look over in his direction. Wyatt watches Kayla return to her seat. “Everything alright?” he asks with annoyance.
I try to think of something fast to say. I don’t want to tell him the real reason why Kayla told Jaxson where we were.
I nod and try to paste a reassuring smile on my face. “Yes everything is fine. Unfortunately Kayla just got bullied into telling them where we went.” Which isn’t a lie… it’s just not the whole truth.
Wyatt grunts angrily, “It’s none of their fucking business.”
I stiffen from his comment, he reaches over and grabs my hand, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. Can we just ignore him? I don’t want this to ruin our night.” He’s stroking my hand with his thumb and I can feel Jaxson’s gaze burning a hole in my back.
I give Wyatt an easy smile and remove my hand from his making it look like I need it to grab my beer. “Yes, of course.”
I take big gulps of my beer, wanting desperately to finish it and get the hell out of here. When I finish I put the glass on the table and feel a good buzz. I haven’t eaten much today and I still rarely drink. I look at Wyatt’s glass to see his still half full of whisky.
Great!
“Another?” he asks hopefully.
“No I better not, I’m getting up early to go visit Gram at the senior home tomorrow morning. They’re having a pancake breakfast to celebrate her birthday.” It’s actually more of a brunch, so it’s not that early, but he doesn’t need to know that.
Wyatt looks disappointed but asks, “How old is Margaret turning?”
“Seventy,” I say smiling proudly. One would never guess her age, she looks at least 10 years younger.
I notice Wyatt looking around distractedly, it’s as if he’s looking for something. I follow his gaze but don’t see anything out of the ordinary.
“Everything ok Wyatt?” my question startles him out of his distraction.
“Yes, sorry… so I have some big news to share. My dad has decided to run for Mayor,” he says proudly.
Wyatt’s dad running for Mayor scares me a little to be honest, especially after his earlier comment about his position of power. But I keep that to myself.
“Wow, that’s great. Are you going to help with his campaign?”
“Of course.” He starts to tell me what their plans are when something catches my attention out the corner of my eye. I look over at the others and see none other than Melissa Carmicheal rubbing herself against Jaxson like a dog in heat. Wow! This night just keeps getting better and better. The black cocktail dress she’s wearing is a few sizes too small and her heels are so high she can barely stand in them. Melissa used to be very pretty in high school, but the last few years have not been good to her. She’s Jaxson’s age, so 2 years older than me, but she looks 10 years older. I’ve heard rumors that she has a drug problem and the way she’s gone downhill it wouldn’t surprise me. I watch her whisper suggestively in Jaxson’s ear and I hate the instant jealousy I feel. Jaxson’s disinterest should make me feel better, but it doesn’t.
“Go figure, those two are made for each other,” Wyatt grunts, annoying me with his comment.
I turn my gaze away from Jaxson not wanting to watch if he decides to go home with her. Just the thought of them together makes me feel sick.
My attention reverts back to them though when I hear Melissa raise her voice.
“Come on Jaxson! Don’t you remember how good we used to be?”
“Enough! I mean it. Go home and sleep it off,” Jaxson says, trying to shrug her off.
“Come with me and I’ll show you what you’ve been missing.”
I roll my eyes at her arrogance, someone needs to put her in her place. The 2 beers I just drank is making me think I should be that person.
Leave it alone Julia, this isn’t your problem.
“I’m serious Melissa, leave! You’re only embarrassing yourself!”
This pisses her off and she turns into a bitch. “Heard you couldn’t cut it in the Navy Jaxson. I guess you’re not as tough as you thought.”
I gasp hurtfully at her comment to him. Okay that’s it! This bitch is going down! I stand up from my chair purposefully.
“What the hell are you doing Julia? Stay out of it!” Wyatt shouts furiously under his breath. Ignoring him, I march over to them and stand in front of Jaxson protectively.
“Back off! He said he’s not interested, so stop trying to whore yourself out and take a hint!” I try to keep my voice as low as possible, not wanting to draw more attention to us. I notice her eyes are glazed over and she has a wet white substance on the bottom of her nose confirming the rumors I’ve heard.
“Mind your own business bitch,” she says giving my a hard shove, knocking me into Jaxson. So much for not drawing attention…
Jaxson grabs my shoulders to steady me. “Don’t put your fucking hands on her again Melissa!” Jaxson threatens.
“Of course! We wouldn’t want anything to happen to your precious Jules. Would we now?” She spats and moves her glare from Jaxson to me, “Do you really think you’re any different to him than the rest of us?” She smirks and leans close, “After we were done fucking we used to laugh at how pathetic you were. Why do you think he left in the first place? He couldn’t wait to get rid of you.”
I hate that her words hurt me. Jaxson tenses then leans over me, grabbing her arm roughly and for a moment her smug expression turns to one of apprehension. “You’re a fucking liar and she knows it. Don’t try to pull that shit. We had one night together, one that I regret. Don’t make it out to be more than what it was. Now get the fuck out of here before I force you out.”
She rips her arm angrily out of Jaxson’s grasp, “I think you forget where you come from Jaxson. You think just because you joined the Navy you’re a better person? You’re still nothing but trash, you always have been and always will be.”
I take a menacing step towards her, “The only trash here is you, so do everyone a favor and go back to whatever street corner you came from tonight. And while you’re at it, wipe your nose,” I pick a napkin up off the bar and throw it at her. I hear Kayla cough trying to cover up her laugh.
Melissa touches her nose realizing what’s there. Instead of being embarrassed like most people would she turns into more of a bitch. She leans in close to my face, her expression filled with so much hatred it causes a shiver to run down my spine. “You think you’re better than everyone else. You’ve fooled many with your innocent little act but I’ve always known better. You’re nothing more than a whore, just like your dead mother was.”
I hear Kayla gasp and before I can control myself I pull my fist back and punch her square in the face causing her head to snap back. I hear a sickening crunch and blood pours between her fingers where she cups her nose.
I go to jump on her but Jaxson catches me mid-air before I can reach her. “How dare you bring my mother into this you bitch!” I scream trying to kick free of Jaxson’s hold. I hate that tears are streaming down my face showing her just how much her comment hurt.
“I hate you! Why does it always have to be you?” Before she can say anymore Wyatt grabs her arm and drags her out of the restaurant.
Jaxson carries me out and takes me to the opposite side of the parking lot from where she is. “Let me go Jaxson, I’m not done with her yet,” I say still trying to kick free. I’m so insane with rage all I wanna do is hit her again.
“Easy Julia, she’s not worth it. Let it go baby,” Jaxson whispers soothingly in my ear. I slump in his arms and sob as hurt takes over my anger. “I can’t believe she said that about my mother.”
“She knew it would hurt you, don’t let her win Julia.”
He’s right. I settle down and try to get myself under control. Jaxson turns me around so I’m facing him. He puts his hand under my chin forcing me to look at his face and wipes away my tears affectionately.
Then he surprises me when he asks: “When the hell did you turn into Mike Tyson?”
I burst out laughing through my tears and he smiles back. I can only imagine how I looked, I’ve never hit anyone before. I’m a little embarrassed but I don’t regret it. My laughter dies when I think about her comment about my mother, “She deserved it,” I whisper sadly.
He nods his smile fading, “Ya, she did,” then he pulls me to him and wraps me in his arms. I wrap mine around his waist and breathe in his familiar scent. Being up against his hard, warm body brings a familiar comfort that I’ve missed. I hug him tighter and forget about our problems, just for a little while. “You didn’t have to come to my defense Jules,” he whispers in my hair.
“Yes I did, she was way out of line. And it’s not like you can hit her. Plus I had two drinks, so I felt like it was my place.”
He chuckles and rubs my back in comforting circles then leans down and kisses the top of my head.
“What the hell are you doing? Get your fucking hands off of her!”
Oh shit! Wyatt’s rage breaks our moment. Jaxson tenses and pushes me behind him.
“Wyatt calm down!” I say panicked.
Jaxson and Wyatt start towards each other when Cooper and Kayla come running out of nowhere.
“Easy Jaxson,” Coop says standing in between them with his hand on Jaxson’s chest.
Kayla runs up and hugs me tightly, “Jules are you alright?”
“Yes I’m ok,” I hug her back, wondering where they have been this whole time.
She steps back, “I can’t believe what that bitch said! If you hadn’t broken her nose I sure the hell was going to.”
Wyatt interrupts us, “Let’s go Julia, we’re leaving right now!”
“Watch your tone asshole!” Jaxson leans over Cooper and shoves Wyatt.
“It’s ok Jaxson, I wanna go home anyways,” I hug myself feeling cold without his body heat anymore. I go to walk around him when he puts his arm out, stopping me.
“You don’t have to leave with him Julia, come home with us.”
A part of me wants to do just that, especially since Wyatt seems so angry at me. But I’ve already made myself too vulnerable with Jaxson and I need to be up front with Wyatt and end whatever it is he thinks this is.
I don’t look at Jaxson when I answer, afraid I will back down if I do, “I need to go with Wyatt, I’m sorry. We’ll talk later, I promise.”
I start to walk away when Kayla puts her hand on my shoulder, “Julia are you sure?” she looks at Wyatt worriedly.
I give her a reassuring smile, “I’ll be fine Kayla.”
I don’t miss Wyatt’s smug smile at Jaxson before he turns around.
I look up at Jaxson as we drive away and guilt tears into me at the expression on his face.
“What the hell were you thinking, Julia, getting involved with that shit?”
I whip my head around and look at him in shock. Before I can say anything he continues, “You completely embarrassed me. I have an image to uphold, especially for my father.”
Oh my god! He might be the most arrogant person I’ve ever met. “I can’t believe you’re mad at me for standing up for myself. Did you not hear what she said about my mother?”
“She wouldn’t have said anything if you would have minded your own fucking business,” he shouts back at me.
“I was standing up for my friend. She needed to be put in her place.”
“Right! The same friend who threw you away a year ago!”
Ok, that stings. I wish now I would have never told Wyatt about that. Tears prick my eyes at what an asshole he is.
“You know, Melissa didn’t say anything to him that was untrue. Jaxson is a fucking loser, I don’t know why you can’t see that.”
“He is not a loser! Don’t talk about him like that,” I scream at him, angry and hurt. He grips the steering wheel harder and glares at me, sending a jolt of fear through me.
Thankfully we pull up to my house 2 minutes later. I get out quickly not wanting to be in there with him a second longer. Wyatt shuts his car off and I look at him wearily when he walks around to stand in front of me.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m coming in, we aren’t done talking.”
“I have nothing more to say to you. I don’t want to see you again Wyatt, so stay the hell away from me!” I turn to walk away when he grabs my arm in a firm grasp, causing me to wince. His expression is so full of rage that my heart starts to pound in fear.
“Wyatt, let go of my arm!” I say firmly trying to hide the shakiness of my voice.
He yanks me against him, “You aren’t going to fucking do this to me. I’ve been patient for years while you have been nothing more than a cock-tease. I’m not letting you go just because that asshole is back in town.”
“This has nothing to do with Jaxson.”
“Don’t fucking lie to me! It has everything to do with him,” he screams in fury.
“No it doesn’t, I swear. Wyatt, I was going to tell you tonight after our date. I don’t have the same feelings for you that you do for me.” I’m trying to stay calm so I can find a way out of this. Shit, I should have listened to Jaxson.
“I’ll prove to you Julia, just how good we can be,” Wyatt looks at my mouth like he’s going to kiss me, causing my body to fill with revulsion.
“No! Stop! I mean it Wyatt, let go of me!” I scream. All of a sudden I hear tires squeal as bright lights blind my eyes. This time, when I pull harder, Wyatt lets go at the same time, causing me to fly backwards. I land roughly, hitting my head on a rock and slide across the gravel of my driveway. I grab my head as pain radiates through it.
My body fills with white hot fury when I see Julia hit the ground. I jump out of the truck before Cooper comes to a stop. “I’m going to rip you apart asshole, you’re fucking dead!” I take Wyatt to the ground full speed and start pounding him with my fists.
“Enough Jaxson!” Cooper tries pulling me off but I fight against him, not letting him slow down my blows… I know if I don’t stop I will kill him, but my rage shreds any control I have. “Goddamn it! I said enough!” Cooper finally gets a good grip and pulls me off Wyatt.
“Oh my god Julia, you’re bleeding!” I look over in a panic at Kayla, on her knees next to Julia, helping her sit up.
“Shit!” I rip free from Cooper and run to Julia’s side. “Let me see baby,” I grab her face gently. She looks at me disorientated as blood runs down from the corner of her forehead. Kayla rips the scarf from around her neck and hands it to me. I hold it to her head to try to stop the bleeding.
“I think I’m ok,” she says weakly.
“I want him arrested McKay! I’m pressing charges,” Wyatt yells as he stands up, spitting blood from his mouth.
“No!” Julia cries then winces, holding her head in pain.
“Shhh, it’s going to be ok,” I pick her up and start carrying her over to the truck. “Let’s move Coop, she needs to see a doctor now!”
I look over at Wyatt, “You’re going to fucking pay for this!”
“It was an accident. Julia, you know I would never hurt you, right? I love you!”
What the fuck did he just say? He tries walking up to her while she’s cradled in my arms, the guy has more fucking balls than I thought.
Thankfully Cooper stops him before he even comes close… “Get out of here Jennings, I’ll pay you a visit later,” then he rushes a crying Kayla into the truck ahead of him.
I get in the back and hold Julia between my legs. I cradle her head to my chest, holding the scarf in place. I look down at her tear-streaked face, “I’m so sorry, I should have listened to you,” she cries weakly, causing my chest to tighten.
My throat is too tight to speak so I just lean down and kiss her head. Then her eyes start drifting close. Shit! “Hey Jules don’t fall asleep. I need you to stay awake ok? Come on look at me.”
“I’m so tired,” she mumbles sleepily, barely keeping her eyes open.
“I know baby but not yet, you can sleep after the doctor sees you.”
I can tell she’s trying but I’m not sure she’s going to be able to hold off much longer. “Hurry up man, what the fuck is taking so long?”
“We’ve only been driving for 2 minutes. We’re almost there.”
Sure enough less than a minute later we pull up to emergency. Kayla holds opens the back door while I run out with Julia in my arms. As soon as I walk through the doors a nurse spots me and comes running with a bed.
“What happened?”
“She fell and hit her head,” Kayla tells the nurse as I lay Julia down reluctantly, not wanting to let her go. I follow the nurse as she starts to wheel her away.
“Is she allergic to anything? Any medications?” Jesus! I don’t know, is she? She never used to be… I don’t think. Goddamn it! I should know this.
“No,” Kayla answers crying.
“Can you hear me miss? What is your name?” the nurse yells, causing Julia to moan in pain.
“Jesus lady, do you need to fucking yell like that, she has a goddamn headache.”
“Easy Jaxson, she’s just trying to do her job,” Cooper says trying to calm me down.
“Well she can fucking do it quieter.”
When we get to a room the nurse tries stopping me from entering. “Sir you can’t come in, you have to wait out here.”
“I don’t think so lady. I go where she goes.”
“Sir I’m sorry…”
“Please let him stay with me,” Julia whispers weakly grabbing my hand.
I look at the nurse and dare her to say no. “Alright fine!” she says giving in, “But you better watch yourself or you’re out. Sheriff, I want you in here in case I need him removed.”
“I’ll wait for you guys out here. Just come tell me right away when I can see her,” Kayla says.
Cooper kisses her, “She’s going to be okay baby. Why don’t you grab us some coffee from the cafeteria? Hopefully by the time you’re back we’ll have some answers.”
I miss the rest of the conversation since I follow close with the nurse while Julia still grips my hand.
Julia opens her eyes a little more when the nurse dims the lights.
“That better?” the nurse asks softly.
Well at least she’s stopped fucking yelling for the time being.
“Yes a little. Thank you.”
“On a scale from one to ten what’s your pain?”
“About an eight.”
“Are you hurt anywhere else?”
“My ribs,” she says pointing to her left side.
Shit I didn’t even think to check her for other injuries. The nurse grabs a sheet to cover Julia’s lower half and then lifts her dress exposing her beautiful toned stomach. I suck in a sharp breath at the sight of her ribs. They’re already turning blue and she has road rash starting from her hip all the way up to where her bra is.
“Wow, what did you fall on dear?” the nurse asks in astonishment.
“On my driveway, well I more slid, I guess,” Julia looks at me anxiously. I sit in the chair by her bed and bring her hand up to my mouth. I’m trying to control the rage that is consuming me, not wanting to upset her more.
“The doctor will be in any minute. In the meantime, I’ll go get you something for the pain.”
When the nurse leaves Julia looks at me sadly, “How did you know to come?”
“Kayla told me you were ending it with him. I knew it wouldn’t end well.”
“I’ve made a mess of everything. I’m so sorry,” she says touching my mouth that’s cut from when Cooper and I went at it.
I shake my head, “It’s not your fault baby,” before I can say anything else the doctor comes in looking more like a med student than a doctor.
“Hi Julia!” he says smiling familiarly at her.
“Hi Doctor Carson.”
“Call me Blake, remember?” he says with a wink.
Who the fuck is this asshole?
I see him glance down at Julia’s hips where the sheet isn’t covering. I rip them up covering half her stomach. When he looks at my narrowed gaze he loses some of his confidence.
“And you are?”
“A friend,” I say menacingly.
He looks away wearily then he clears his throat, “Nurse Debbie says you had quite the fall,” he walks to Julia’s injured side and removes the scarf. “This is going to need a few stitches.”
Before he starts the stitches he asks her simple questions like her age and name. I decide if the prick asks for her phone number I’m going to lay him out, thankfully he doesn’t.
He shines a light in her eyes checking for a concussion then starts probing her forehead around the cut with his fingers, making her gasp in pain.
“Watch it asshole,” I say warningly.
“Jesus Jaxson lay off. He’s trying to help her,” Cooper says.
Shit! He’s right I need to chill out. I take a deep breath to calm myself and look at the doctor, “I’m sorry, just be careful with her. She’s in a lot of pain.”
The doctor nods and continues his work. The nurse brings Julia the pain medication while the doctor starts on her stitches. It’s only a few minutes before he steps back and looks at her, “Well Julia, you’re all finished. Now you do have a small concussion. So we have two options, either you can stay here for the night as you will need to be woken up every 2 hours or, if you have someone at home who can do this, then I can let you go home with them. I will also give you something for the pain to take with you. You might need it for a day or two.”
“I’ll be taking care of her,” I say before Julia can answer.
“I figured,” the doctor mutters under his breath causing me to glare at him again.
Julia looks at me in surprise, “No! It’s fine Jaxson, I’ll stay here. No need to keep you or anyone else up all night,” she says guiltily.
“Don’t argue Julia, I said I’ll do it.”
She lets out a tired breath, “Ok, thank you.”
The doctor looks at me, “As I said, it’s important to wake her every two hours. Ask her simple questions like her name or her age. The drugs could make her drowsy and a little disorientated so expect that. But she should be able to answer the easy questions. If she seems worse bring her in, otherwise I expect a full recovery.”
“Thank you Blake.” I tense when Julia uses his first name.
“No problem-o,” he winks again at her. What a jack-ass. He sees my glare and clears his throat. “Nurse Debbie will bandage your ribs and show you how to care for the dressing. Take care Miss Julia.”
I turn to Julia when he leaves the room, “How are you feeling?”
“The pain has lessened, I’m just really tired. Where’s Kayla?”
“I’m going to get her now,” Cooper says walking out the door.
The nurse comes in as he leaves, “Alright dear, I’m going to put some ointment on your ribs and bandage you up. Keep this up for a couple days, it will prevent infection. Cover it with saran wrap when you shower ok? You will probably need some help with it.”
“I’ll be helping her,” I say reassuring the nurse. I watch and listen carefully to her instructions.
“Ok all set, you can leave when you’re ready. Take your time.”
“Thank you,” Julia says tiredly, barely keeping her eyes open.
Kayla comes rushing in the door, her eyes blood-shot from crying. She leans over and hugs Julia gently, “I’m so glad you’re ok.”
“I need to know what happened tonight Julia,” Cooper says cutting in.
“Not now! She’s too tired. We can talk about it tomorrow,” I say firmly.
Cooper lets out a frustrated breath, “Fine, but we can’t leave it past then. I have a feeling I’ll be having that dick-head’s father on my ass, so I need to know details.”
I forgot about Cooper being the sheriff. I can only imagine what shit he puts up with when he has to deal with arrogant pricks like the Jennings.
“Come on Jules, let’s get out of here,” Kayla says helping her out of bed.
“Whoa,” Julia grabs on to Kayla unsteadily.
I quickly come around and pick her up.
“I can walk Jaxson, I just need a minute.” I ignore her protest and keep walking. Once we reach the truck I look down to see her sound asleep. Jesus, that didn’t take long.
Ten minutes later Cooper and Kayla help me get Julia into her house. “Her room is at the top of the stairs to the right,” Kayla says quietly.
“Thanks,” I look to Coop now, “I’ll call you tomorrow when she wakes up.”
I start walking up the stairs when Kayla starts in at me, “No funny business Jaxson, or I will kick your ass.” I shake my head, whatever Cooper has been showing her he needs to tone it down. That’s the second time she has threatened to cause me physical harm.
I keep the lights off as I walk into Julia’s room and lay her down gently on her bed.
Fuck! What the hell am I going to do about her dress? I run downstairs hoping Kayla and Coop haven’t left. I see the tail lights on Coop’s truck as they drive away. Shit! I go back in and stare down at Julia with indecision… Just don’t think about it and do it. Taking a deep breath I turn her so she’s laying on her uninjured side and unzip her dress then roll her to her back again. I start sliding the dress down her body when she moans, “Mmmm Jaxson.” Holy fuck! I freeze thinking she’s awake, my semi-erect cock goes painfully hard now. When I look closer I see she’s sound asleep. Christ! I take a deep breath and try to control the need that’s consuming me. Once I get her dress all the way off I decide to torture myself more and stare down at her beautifully sculpted body. Jesus! She’s fucking perfect. Of course her bra and panties match the dress she was wearing, the pale yellow looks good against her smooth olive skin. Rage tears through me again when I see her bandaged ribs looking so out of place on her. Shaking my head I pull the blankets over her and sit on the floor by her bed.
I’m not worried about falling asleep so I don’t bother to set my watch. Being in the Navy we were trained to go with little or no sleep for days at a time. I lean my head back against the wall and watch her sleep.
An hour and a half later I try waking her, “Jules,” I shake her gently while sitting next to her on the bed. She gets a frown on her face, “Come on baby I need you to wake up.”
“No!” she mumbles and slaps my hand away, making me chuckle.
“What’s your name?” I ask in amusement. When she doesn’t answer I shake her again, “Come on I need you to answer me.”
She surprises me when she growls, “My name is Julia, I’m 24 years old and you are Jaxson… my EX-best friend. Now shut up and leave me alone,” she rolls over and is out cold again.
Shit! She’s pissy when she’s tired.
I settle back down in my spot on the floor. Clearly by her EX-best friend comment she’s far from forgiven me. I will find a way to make this right. I would have made it up to her before now if I hadn’t been holed up in that fucking rehabilitation clinic for 9 months.
I stretch out my legs and come into contact with something under her bed. I reach under to see what it is, hoping I didn’t break it. I’m shocked as shit when I pull out a framed picture of Julia and I from my graduation. I forgot that she had Sawyer take this; she looked so fucking beautiful that day. I remember how shocked I was when I heard her cheering when they called my name, shocked and happy as fuck.
Staring at the picture brings back memories of her graduation. I went to surprise her, just like she had me. It had been three years since I’d last seen her. I found out when I got there that she had a boyfriend, someone more in her league, a med student. She had no idea I was there, I didn’t want to fuck up her relationship. And well, to be honest, I didn’t want her to realize just how different I was from the guy, to realize how unworthy I truly was of her, even her friendship. From what Coop could gather from Kayla, the guy was good to her. It drove me crazy thinking of anyone touching her but me. I know I don’t have a right to feel that way, especially after what I’d done, but I can’t help it. My emotions and feelings have never made sense when it comes to Julia.
I snap out of my thoughts when I hear Julia moan. It’s only been an hour since I woke her last. I look over to see her holding her head. I put the picture back under the bed then get up quickly and sit beside her.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” I ask moving a piece of hair out of her face.
She squints up at me in confusion, “Jaxson?”
“It’s me, do you remember tonight?”
She looks around disorientated, “Some… I think. What time is it?”
“2 am.”
“My head really hurts,” she says in a painful whisper.
“Here take some more of these,” I grab her pills and shake out 2 giving them to her. I grab the water I got earlier and help her sit up to take them.
“Thanks,” she mumbles. I go to move back down on the floor when she grabs my arm looking panicked, “Don’t leave me!”
“I’m not. I’ve been sitting right over there,” I point over at my spot on the floor.
“Lay here with me,” she says softly. Jesus! This is a different Julia than I woke up an hour ago. Can I control myself? I look down at her pleading eyes. Shit! I can’t say no to her and I don’t want to either.
As I go to lay down she opens the blankets to invite me in. Oh fuck! Clearly she doesn’t realize she isn’t wearing anything but her underwear. “Don’t do that baby!” I say, quickly closing the blankets back around her, “I’ll lay on top of the blankets.”
I lay down beside her and she rolls on her side to look at me. Her eyes are glazed over and I’m not sure if it’s because of the drugs or her head injury. She reaches over and tenderly lays her hand on the side of my face, “I’ve really missed you Jaxson.”
My chest tightens painfully at the sadness in her voice. I grab her hand off my face and bring it to my mouth giving her a gentle kiss, “Me too baby,” is all I can manage to get out. She moves in close and lays her head on my chest. Julia is the only woman I have ever held. It’s a foreign concept to me, but it feels natural and so goddamn good with her. Her sweet scent envelopes me and I try really hard not to think about what she’s wearing, or rather not wearing, under the blankets. I trail my fingers up and down her bare arm and within seconds she’s asleep again. I set my watch and follow along with her, feeling the most peace I have since the night I was buried deep inside her.