Page 25 of Before I Deserved You
“Is she alright? Did she have too much to drink?”
“No, nothing like that,” I wave off her misplaced concern. “She’s perfectly fine. Carter is taking real good care of her.”
“Why would Carter be taking care of—” she breaks off mid-sentence and does a double take as realization strikes. “No way, José!”
I chuckle at the glee in her eyes.
“Well, it’s about damn time. I hope he’s serious about her because I swear to God, if he hurts my girl, I’ll rip his balls off and stuff ’em down his throat until he chokes.” I cringe, swallowing hard at the disturbing image.
“And that right there is why I’d never cheat on you. I’m rather fond of my balls.”
“Well, that’s a good thing then because I’m rather fond of them myself,” she says with an impish grin that makes my dick twitch.
“I sure hope those two hurry the fuck up,” I whisper against her neck, grinning when I feel her full-body shiver. “I wouldn’t mind having access to a soft mattress myself right about now, even if it smells like Carter’s sweaty ball sack.”
“Ew, Jake.” Tessa slaps at my shoulder, scrunching up her adorable nose. “Your truck sure sees a lot of action these days. You should start charging by the hour,” she suggests with a giggle.
“That’s actually not a bad idea. I bet I’d make a killing. I’d be able to buy you that matching leather purse you’ve had your eye on forever.” Tessa glances at me with a tender look that never fails to make me feel like Superman. I guess that’swhat happens when your own father can’t find it within himself to show you even an ounce of affection. You soak up every bit of adoration thrown your way. It’s a nice break from feeling like a waste of space most of the time.
“I love you, Jake. I’m really sorry I was such an idiot earlier. I didn’t mean to ruin our night.”
“You didn’t ruin anything, and the night isn’t over yet,” I tell her as I rest my cheek on the top of her head. “I understand why you got mad, but I promise you have nothing to worry about. You’re it for me, Tessa. Always have been. Always will be.”
And just when I think everything is right with my world, I stare past the flames of the crackling bonfire and into the eyes of the girl responsible for our troubles. Jessica’s face is a twisted mask of rage, her eyes promising retribution before she spins around and heads in the opposite direction. I do my best to brush her behavior off as nothing but silly infatuation but try as I may, the feeling of foreboding that’s taken up residence in the pit of my stomach stays with me through the remainder of the night.
Sixteen
Tessa
Senior Year
It’s Thanksgiving, and Carter’s mom—the absolute angel she is—invited the Nelson kids, Megan, and myself over for the biggest feast I’ve ever laid eyes on.
“These poor kids have been through so much, and I doubt their father is putting much effort into celebrating the holidays,” she’d told me in the kitchen earlier when I once again thanked her for feeding us. “You girls have been such good friends to our Carter over the years; the least I can do is send everyone home with a full belly.”
We’re gathered in the living room, where Mr. Evans is doing a great job entertaining us with hilarious childhood stories about his son. Carter’s cheeks are a vibrant beet red, and he’s all but begging his father to stop. Megan and I laugh so hard that our stomachs hurt when Mrs. Evans calls us to gather around the big harvest table.
Once seated, I catch Anna’s wide-eyed gaze as she openly gapes at the spread laid out before her. Seeing the wondrous look on her face makes me realize what I’m most thankful for this year. My wonderful parents, who always do their best to make the holidays feel special. A mother who’s always there for me, no matter what, and a father who never hesitates to show me how truly loved I am. But today, I’m especially thankful for kind-hearted people like Mr. and Mrs. Evans, who genuinely care about us and always make us feel like family. We link hands and listen to Mr. Evans’ deep, soothing voice say grace before a resounding, “Amen,” echoes through the room. Then, it’s finally time to dig in.
“Thank you so much for having us, Mr. and Mrs. Evans,” Jake says, around a mouthful of mashed turnips, giving his siblings a nudge when they don’t immediately follow suit.
“Yes, thank you very much. The cranberry sauce is really yummy,” Anna points out, backing up her statement by showing off her sticky fingers. Jude, who’s been unusually quiet all evening, keeps his gaze glued to his plate, pushing his food around it in an almost apathetic way.
“The pleasure is all mine.” Carter’s mom smiles warmly before her eyes land on the younger boy. “Jude, love. You don’t want any vegetables? I have carrots if you don’t like asparagus. You should really add some color to your plate.”
“I’m fine,” Jude mutters under his breath, not bothering to meet her gaze.
“Hey,” Jake hisses, and Jude’s eyes lift long enough to glare at his big brother before he continues to stab at his meat.
“Are you sure? There’s some in the fridge from last night. It wouldn’t be a bother to heat them up for you.”
Jude’s utensils hit the table with a resounding clatter, making everyone jump. “I said I’m fine. I don’t want your damn carrots, and you’re not my mother.”
“Jude,” Jake barks, looking mortified. Narrowing his eyes at his brother, he silently urges him to apologize.
“This is stupid. I’m out of here,” Jude spits before he pushes to his feet and stomps toward the front door. Jake glances at everyone in uncomfortable silence before his apologetic gaze lands on Mrs. Evans.
“I’m so sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into him.”
