Page 454 of Now and Forever

Chapter 171

“Jared!” I greet him at the door before he gathers me in his arms and kisses me on the lips.

That definitely surprises me. Sure, we’ve kissed and fooled around, but it never goes further than that.

After leaving Drake’s home, feeling dejected and with my insecurity at the highest level, I decide to dress up a little. I wear a nude, tight-fitting corset dress that my lithe body and legs look amazing in paired with my sand colored Prada platform pumps to finish the look. I look pretty decent, if I do say so myself. I straightened my usually wavy hair. I forgot how changing hairstyles actually does wonders to a woman’s look alone. I keep my make-up light, but don’t hold back with my scarlet lipstick.

No more Drake, I can’t think about him tonight with Jared. Jared deserves my undivided attention. It also helps that Drake hasn’t tried to call me or text. It hurts that he can’t bother to send me even a quick text; yet, I’m relieved that he doesn’t. Fucking confusing. I want to scream my frustration.

Jared steps back. His eyes heatedly admire my look as he whistles. “You look like a supermodel. I know you’re gorgeous and all, but you never used to dress up this way for me.”

I blush and murmur my thanks. A big part of me is pleased that there is a guy out there that appreciates my efforts.

Yeah, I was pretty laid back before. I guess Jared can thank Drake for making me feel like shit. After I found that picture of him and Shannon, I couldn’t get it out of my head. Jared is a good-looking guy. Six-feet tall with a well-honed body, wavy blond hair, light brown eyes and armed with a charming, amiable personality.

“Where are we going?” I ask before I get my things and start heading out the door.

Jared looks at me, grinning. “Well, since you’re asking, it’s actually my parents’ thirty-fifth wedding anniversary. They’re having this bash at their house. I’m taking you there as my date.”

I can feel my body grow taut. “You want me to meet your parents?” I ask in a whisper.

“Don’t freak out, okay? I just thought since you’re deciding if you want to seriously date me, and be exclusive . . . I want to show you where I come from. Of course, I want Mom and Dad to meet you. It’s only a party. It’s nothing to be scared of. Well, I hope they don’t scare you away.” He looks thoughtful for a moment.

“I’m not scared, Jared. You just caught me by surprise, that’s all.” It’s more like I’m feeling along the lines of a slut because I spent all night having sex with Drake and here comes Jared, sweet and perfect, wanting to introduce me to his parents.

Jared kisses the top of my nose. “You’ll be fine. You’re great. You’re perfect. Well, I think you’re perfect, anyway.”

Shit. Just shit, fuck, shit, shit, shit.

The ride to his parents’ home in Calabasas is pretty engaging. Jared is studying to be a doctor in cardiology and he’s passionate about it. He’ll be doing his residency program at UCLA medicine soon. Jared is actually friends with Nick. I had declined Jared’s invitation for a whole year before I finally decided to give him a shot. Now, exactly when I realize I’m ready to move forward, Drake happens to show back up in my life.

It’s fucked up.

Jared glances at me before he reaches out to give my bare thigh a tight squeeze. His hand stays there, unmoving, just there. “Masie mentioned that you two are planning on opening a business?”

“Since she and I have this obsession with cupcakes and we loved making them in college, we thought . . . well, why not go for it? It hasn’t been finalized yet, though. We need to look for a location first, and then go from there.”

His hand hasn’t moved, but his fingers are stroking my skin, back and forth. “Your cupcakes are delicious. I can’t get enough of them.” His voice lowers, full of innuendo.

Um, is he still talking about cupcakes here? The way he mentions them . . . it sounded downright sexual.

When my phone rings, I decide to get it. It’s Mom. “Hey! What’s up, Mom?”

“How are you, Dear? I’m actually calling to tell you that Patricia is having a luncheon this Sunday. I was hoping you would come.” Mom sounds nervous.

Weird, why would she be nervous? “Sure. Is that all because I’m getting the vibe that there’s more?”

Mom clears her throat. “There is . . . but I’m not sure if telling you over the phone is the best way to tell you.”

There is no way in Hell I am letting my mother off the phone without telling me. “It is, actually. My mind is going through the scenarios right now and I would greatly appreciate it if you would relieve me of that kind of tension.”

“Fine, if you insist. I’m seeing someone. I started dating again.” Huh? Since when did she start dating?

For the last nine years, Mom never even mentioned another guy. So, I had assumed that she wasn’t dating. When did that change?

“Who are you dating?” I am in shock.

“Colin Sandberg”

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