Page 19 of Pedal to the Metal

“Jagger?” I turn around at the sound of Farrah’s voice. “Be careful with her.” I just nod and head out of the room.

Chapter 12

Londynn

I awoke the next morning with the sunlight bouncing off the overly white walls of the hospital room. I felt the warmth of a hand resting on my wrist. I shake my head because I had told Farrah to sleep in the extra bed. There was no reason for her to sleep in the chair next to my bed, there was no way that was comfortable. The hand on my wrist moves slightly and I realize it’s not Farrah’s, this hand is too big, and the skin has that roughness of someone who has used their hands during their life. My eyes fly open and to my surprise Jagger is slumped forward in the chair, his head resting on the bed and his hand on my wrist.

The sun illuminates his hair and I notice a few strands that are almost the same odd color as mine. His sleeping face looks much younger than I’ve ever seen before. I take a moment to appreciate his face, it’s always a face that most painters dream of but seeing it like this, totally unguarded is breathtaking. My eyes land on his lips and I remember that kiss and how good it felt. My lips tingle at just the memory of it. I want Jagger James, more than I’ve ever wanted anyone before and that scares the hell out of me.

Jagger stirs, and his eyelids open slowly as he takes in his surroundings. As he searches the room his face finally lands on mine. “Hey pretty girl," he says, his voice all husky and full of sleep. Why is it a guy always sounds sexiest when he’s just woken up? The minute my ears hear is voice my stomach does little flip flops.

“Hey” I whisper back as I feel the blush creep up my face. “What are you doing here?”

He sits up and stretches, I watch as his shirt rises, and I get just a glimpse of his six pack and tan stomach. “Connor had to go to work this morning and he didn’t want to leave you guys.”

“So, you just stayed?”

He shrugs like it’s no big deal. “Yeah, I don’thaveto be at work today like he does. How are you feeling Londynn?”

“I’m okay, my throats a little sore but other than that I’m good. Ready to go home.” The minute I say home I realize I don’t really have a home. “Well back to Farrah’s.”

“Well, I’m sure the doctor will stop by in a bit. Y’all want some breakfast?” He offers.

“Yeah, that sounds good. I’m sure Farrah is starving too but beware when you wake her. She’s not a morning person," I warn him as I sit up in the bed and feel his eyes on me. I look up and see him studying me, “What?”

He shakes his head, and that smirk comes across his face. “Nothing really. I was just thinking only you could make a hospital gown look that good.” A chuckle escapes his mouth, and he heads over to Farrah.

Farrah jumps up at the touch of Jagger’s hand. “What? Is Londynn okay?”

“Yeah, she’s fine. I was going to get us all breakfast, but I don’t know what y’all eat," Jagger tells her.

Farrah gets out of the bed trying to adjust her dress while she does. “You okay Londynn?”

“I’m fine," I tell her, but I can tell she doesn’t believe me, so I add, “I promise but I am hungry so will you please go with Jagger and get some food and something to drink?”

“You sure you want me to leave?” She asks.

“Yes! Go please," I tell her pushing her off the bed.

“Okay, we’ll be right back," Farrah tells me as they head for the door.

Just before they reach it, I holler out, “But nothing with nuts!” I hear them both laugh at that. Once I’m alone in the room I take the first deep breath I’ve had since before our family dinner. A part of me wants to cry for my parents not really being parents. Another part of me wants to be angry because of the whole situation. Then there’s another part of me that feels guilty and embarrassed that now people know about my time at Spirit and it’s only a matter of time before the rest of them find out.

I shake my head as I get out of bed and head for the bathroom. As I stare at myself in the mirror it’s like I recognize myself, but I don’t really know myself. I’m so different from the girl I use to be. I used to daydream about marrying Ryce and starting our life together and now I daydream about Jagger and his lips. It’s ridiculous because we have no chance, he probably just sees me as some young, stupid, rich girl. Wanting Jagger is dangerous because the more you want something the more it hurts when it doesn’t work out.

As I climb back on the bed a thought occurs to me, what will Jagger say or think when he finds out I was in Spirit? Will he think I’m crazy? Or will he just give me that same sympathetic look Creed and Alivia do? Even Connor gave me that look last night when I had my melt down. Or maybe he’ll just feel so uncomfortable that he’ll avoid me altogether?

Considering that Sadie is engaged to his brother there is a chance he already knows but I don’t see Sadie doing something like that. The last thing I want is for Jagger to treat me differently because of this but how could he not? Just like that those fleeting thoughts of happiness and freedom fly right out the window.

****

Later that morning I was released, I sat in the back seat while I watched the town pass by as Jagger drove us back to Farrah’s.Even though I was fine they both continued to hover over me. Finally, Farrah went to take a shower, leaving Jagger and I in the living room watching reruns ofSons of Anarchy.I can feel Jagger’s eyes on me before he even speaks. “So, I was wondering if you’d like to go out some time.”

Was Jagger James asking me out on a date?, “Like on a date?”

“Well, yeah. On a date," he answers.

I sit there and contemplate everything. I wanted to go, I had never wanted to go anywhere so bad before, but I wasn’t sure it was the best idea. However, instead of going with my better idea I just blurted out, “Yes!” It came out sounding as overly excited as it did in my head. I heard him chuckle and felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

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