Page 11 of Bound by Destiny
“Who in their right mind would pick on you?”
His smirk is sexy as hell. “Hadn’t grown yet. Was scrawny as hell. Probably could’ve broke me like a toothpick.”
“Well, you don’t have that problem anymore.” I lift the food to my lips and chew as I watch the sexiest smirk play on his lips.
“Nah, but that’s why I joined. Know most people think it’s because of Coop and Green and they do have some to do with it, but not the majority.”
It’s strange how learning some little bits of information about a person makes you feel closer to them. That’s how I feel about Jacks right now. We finish eating while making small talk and before I know it, I’m dropping Jacks off at the clubhouse.
“Um… thanks.”
His dark shades cover his eyes as the sun gleams down on him from above. I notice his angled jaw and pronounced nose in the reflection of the light. Why I’d never taken notice of how attractive this man is before this moment I’ll never know. But it stirs something inside of me that I’m not willing to put a name on.
“Hey, Jacks!” one of the club mommas calls out and waves over to him. He lifts his chin in recognition but doesn’t leave me. She’s beautiful as are all the mommas. They’ve always been around, but not every moment of the day. When Pops, my grandfather, was president, he started limiting the time the girls were here because us kids were around so much. Now that we’re getting older, it appears the mommas are coming back. Great. I have nothing against them technically, but the twist in my gut at the way this one is looking at Jacks like he’s her next meal makes me want to yack. This sense of possessiveness hits me out of nowhere, and I tap it down quickly. A man does something nice for me and my instinct is to protect—you’ve already made stupid decisions, Emery. Knock it off!
Letting out a breath, I get back in my car and shut the door. “I’ve got some studying to do.” It’s a lame ass excuse, but I need to get out and away from this situation. My mind is playing tricks on me and I need to get my shit together, put everything back together and not be so twisted up.
Jacks leans down into the open window. “Take care of yourself, Em.” He taps the car twice and walks away.
The dark-haired bombshell throws her arms around his neck as I pull away wanting nothing more than to rip her away from him.
4
Micah
"Thanks for coming,"I say, wrapping my arms around my mother. It isn’t lost on me the looks from the other male graduates to my mom, but she doesn’t pay them any mind. She’s always been pretty, but never had eyes for anyone but my dad. As I scowl at some of them, they turn away. It’s been about a week since I saw them last. After getting back to school and finishing out the paperwork needed, I’ve been working.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Do you want to grab a bite to eat before we head out?” my mom asks.
Looking over her shoulder, my dad shrugs. “Yeah, that’d be good.”
“Micah!” Jacklyn yells, coming over to the group as my mother steps back and Jacklyn enters my arms. “I’m so happy for you!”
“Thank you. Got the paper, now to figure out what to do with it.”
Jacklyn looks up at me with bright eyes. “You’ll do it. Go with your gut, it’s always the right answer.” She steps back.
“Would you like to come to dinner with us?” my mother graciously asks, and I can see the tick in my father’s jaw. He obviously doesn’t care for Jacklyn, but that is my fault for bringing her to the club like I did. Neither of my parents knows much about my school life, or life in general. That realization hits me hard. Do they know me at all?
“No thanks. My girlfriend graduated today too and we have stuff with her family, but thanks for the invite!” Jacklyn rolls up and kisses me on the cheek before heading off. My mom recovers quickly from the statement, wiping the stunned look off her face. She no doubt believed Jackie was my girl. Nope, she doesn’t care for dicks, it’s all about the chicks. If they would’ve stopped to ask instead of assuming shit, I would’ve told them.
My father clears his throat, “Let’s head out.”
The restaurant is full once we get there, so we have to wait a while. My mother and I have polite conversation, while my dad doesn’t say much. It sucks. I feel like I don’t even know him anymore. Like he’s not my father but a stranger.You did it to yourself.I wish I could go back and change things. I wish I would’ve learned from him instead of having my head in a computer.
At least I’m not dead yet and there is time to fix it.
The young waitress seats us giving me a wink and shaking her ass for effect. Ever since seeing Emery though, no woman has done anything for me at all. It would be nice if it did, and maybe I could fuck the tension in my body out.
My parents sit on one side of the booth and I on the other. The waiter brings chips and salsa, drinks and we order.
Mom and I continue our idol conversation and when there is a lull, my father asks, “So now what? You graduated early, what are you gonna do now?”
“I’m not sure. I work in my apartment. Depending on if I keep doing that, I guess I'll decide what happens.”
“What is it exactly that you do?” my father asks.
I’ve never really talked about my job with anyone. It’s not like some huge FBI is going to come and arrest me secret or anything. I just don’t talk about it. And I can’t remember a time when my father asked me. He probably assumed I just went to college and my mother sent me money.
