Page 13 of Love Buzz

The music indicating the end credits echoes throughout the living room. I sigh heavily as Jonas kisses the crown of my head. The last thing I want right now is the absence of Jonas’s arms. Or to go home.

But a voice in my head has me hesitant to stay. Whispering ways Leo will use my relationship with Jonas against me to obtain custody of Clementine.

And how did Leo know where I live? Has he been watching me all this time? Following me? I shiver at the invasion. If that’s the case, he more than likely knows where Jonas lives too. Where I work.

My stomach rolls as if I just stepped off the Tilt-A-Whirl. I swallow down the urge to vomit.

Every bone in my body opposes, but I pull away from Jonas and sit up. Rest my elbows on my knees and drop my face in my palms.

Why has this become my life? Why am I the one nauseous over being with someone I care for? Deeply. This is horseshit. I shouldn’t be made to feel guilty over wanting companionship and affection. And I shouldn’t be punished—nor my daughter—for wanting more out of life.

I take a deep breath. Then another. And another. Jonas softly strokes up and down my spine. Soothes the pain a fraction. Again, I hate that we have to leave. But I suck it up and sit taller.

“Pumpkin, we need to head home.”

Clementine snuggles closer to Spartan. “Why can’t I stay with Sparty?”

“Not tonight. Maybe we can see Sparty again tomorrow.”

Clementine groans and reluctantly slides off the couch. “Fine.”

I watch my daughter pout as she puts her shoes on slower than any other time in her life. Occasionally acting as if the shoe doesn’t fit her foot. She takes it off, loosens the laces more, then does it all over again. God, if she behaves this dramatically at seven, no telling what nonsense I will deal with when she is a preteen or teenager. Someone better rescue me.

Ten minutes later, Clementine finally has her shoes on and is ready to leave. She hugs Spartan so hard I hear him exhale. But he doesn’t seem to mind. Jonas walks us out to the car. After Clementine hops in and buckles up, I start the car. As I shut the door to say good night to Jonas, Clementine mutters something about kissing and I shake my head.

Jonas tugs me close and bands his arms around my waist. “After having you here, I don’t want to let you go.”

“Me, either.”

“Let me know when you get home. Would love to see you tomorrow. We can talk about it in the morning.”

I fist the back of his shirt before leaning away and tipping my head back. Without hesitation, Jonas lowers his lips to mine and kisses me breathless.

In the kiss, he tells me how much he cares, how he will be at my side through thick and thin, and how we will get through this together. I match his fervor and pray he is right. Pray this ordeal with Leo ends quickly. That Clementine remains with me and comes out of this whole scenario unscathed.

Our lips break apart and Jonas places one last kiss on my nose. “‘Night, scarlet. Talk to you in the morning. We’ll plan the day then.”

I nod, opening the car door. “‘Night. Talk to you in the morning.” And I almost slip up. Almost drop theL-bomb, but catch myself as I duck into the car.

Jonas closes my door and pats the roof. After buckling my seat belt, I throw the gearshift in reverse and back onto the street. Jonas waves and waits for us to drive off before going into the house.

I thought I should slow our relationship down, but I haven’t the slightest idea how. And if I am honest with myself, I don’t want to slow down. Quite the opposite, actually. The urge to sprint forward screams from every corner of my mind.

But the dark cloud that is Leo hovers over me with threats of robbing me of my joy. A joy no one can replace.

What the hell am I supposed to do? Standing at the proverbial fork in the road, I ponder which direction to take. As I steer the car left, I pray to whoever listens.

Please let this be the right decision.

SIX

JONAS

Coldness jabs my elbow. I groan and tuck my elbow more securely to my side. Just as I drift off, wetness replaces the jab. Poke. Nudge. Another round of moisture.

Argh!

I bolt upright, swatting the air. Spartan grumbles when I connect with his furry chest. With each breath in, disorientation fades as reality comes into focus.

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