Page 129 of You & Me: Part One

I let out a heavy sigh and look into the most beautiful pair of eyes I have ever seen. “I’m okay, just glad that this whole mess will hopefully be over soon. Besides, I have you to hold on to so I know that everything will be okay in the end.”

Jonathan leans forward, and whispers in my ear. “Damn straight, baby. There’s no getting rid of me. I’m here for the long haul so I’m glad you’re good with it. Now, let’s get out of here.”

As we walk towards the front doors, we pass a set of parents that don’t look too happy to be paying the school a visit. I can’t help but follow them over my shoulder to see them enter the office and be greeted by Sgt. Callahan.

Jonathan leans towards me and says, “Kayla’s parents you think?”

“Must be.”

We cross the lot to Jonathan’s truck and he helps me up and into the cab. He takes my hand, kisses the back of it and says, “Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be right back.”

Thinking he’s running back into the school, I’m surprised when he runs around the front of the truck and then jumps into the driver’s side of the cab. “I’m back!” He looks like a kid on Christmas morning and those dimples are on full display. There’s a twinkle in his eye as he leans over the console and I know what he’s going to say before he gets the words out. I don’t stop him because to be honest, I love it every time he does it. “Gracie, I’m going to kiss you now.”

And to say he kisses me is an understatement. As always, that connection that we have shoots through me and he fills me with warmth. That warmth that always comforts me all the way down to my toes. His lips tell me exactly what he wants me to know, and I can feel his love and want with every touch.

He releases my lips, leans his forehead against mine and says, “Let’s go for a little field trip. What do you say? Ireland is with your mom, so let’s go for a drive.”

“Sure. If it will make you happy, and I get some alone time with you, then a drive it is.”

We end up at the Rose Gardens and have a perfect view of Portland with Mt. Hood off in the distance. Even though it’s a cold and rainy day and the mountain isn’t completely visible, it’s still beautiful.

Just as he shuts the truck off, he gets a text and reads the gist of it off to me.

“Mick says that Kayla got scared and confessed to the whole thing. Since she’s been eighteen for the last six months, she will have some serious charges to face. To sum it up, she won’t be bothering you anymore, Em.”

Jonathan hops out of the truck and comes around to my side. He opens the door and takes my hand. I think he’s going to take me for a walk, but instead he opens the back door on my side.

“Get in, babe, I want to hold you in my arms, and that just won’t work up front.”

“Jonathan Kelly, are we parking? Are you trying to get me in the back seat to take advantage of me?” I ask in mock horror.

“Oh, Miss Jacobs, nothing would please me more, but I am not sure today is the day for that. Right now I just want to hold you, and celebrate your safety and peace of mind. Now get in, baby.”

I do as I’m told, and true to his word he holds me and we talk. He apologizes for not taking a shower before coming to get me, but I don’t mind a sweaty, salty Jonathan at all. He doesn’t try to take advantage of me. He is the perfect gentleman. I can tell he’s afraid to make any moves that might push me further than he thinks I’m ready for, and this just makes me love him even more.

After a couple of hours in the back of his truck, we agree it’s time to go.

Just as we’re about to move to the front seat, I get a text from Austin.

Austin: Miss J, I just want to say how sorry I am. I had no idea what Kayla had been doing. If I had known, I would have stopped her or told you. I hope you are okay?

Miss Jacobs: I’m fine, Austin. Thank you so much but it’s not your fault.

“Poor kid. I knew he would feel bad,” I sigh.

“He’ll be okay, Em.” Jonathan tries to assure me.

“I know he will, but I still feel bad for him. I feel like I did something somehow to cause all of this.”

Jonathan opens the truck door and jumps out onto the pavement to help me out. “All you did was care and offer support. You didn’t do anything wrong, and I don’t want you to dwell on it.” He opens the passenger door, and as I walk in front of him to climb in he slaps me on my ass. “Now, get that sweet ass of yours in my truck!”

I don’t know why, but in that moment I have the most random thought.

I let out a gasp at my thoughtlessness and ask, “Jonathan, I can’t believe I never asked!”

“What are you so excited about?” He asks entertainingly confused.

“Your truck . . . don’t you always name your trucks?”

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