Page 49 of Forever Fickle

That she’d finally found someone for her; someone had looked past the nerdy girl with the braces and pimples, to see that she had something to give just like anyone else.

Only it had been a sick joke.

A ruse.

The most abusive prank caused her to change schools because of the repeated harassment she’d received. The moment she’d walked into the gymnasium, she’d heard the words that echoed for years in her mind.

Whore…

That football player had told everyone that she’d slept with him.

The entire team had begun chanting it when she arrived, standing there in shock, and heard her other classmates laughing at the poor, pathetic girl who’d fallen for the oldest trick in the book.

The cruel ones pick on the most desperate, the most naïve…

Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized that she’d trusted Jace because he’d been wrongly accused, too. His words, his protested innocence, had struck a chord with her, giving her a chance to see the real him… and that is the only reason she gave him the time of day.

She’d been there – and it wasn’t fair to be condemned without cause when all he wanted was to be a friend.

“Hey…” he smiled, walking around the breakfast bar, before squatting down nearby. “I thought I’d wake you up to tell you breakfast was ready, Tink.”

Karen couldn’t help the tear that escaped her eyes, trailing back into her hair. His tender smile faded as he knelt down, immediately lying down beside her and speaking.

“Shhh… Tink,” he said gently. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she whispered, quickly wiping her eyes. “Just being silly and…”

“Talk to me,” he urged, his finger brushing over her cheeks, watching her as she lay there, unbelieving that this sweet man was so incredibly beautiful on the inside as well. “Why are those pretty eyes looking so sad?”

“Jace…” she began and hesitated for only a moment. “I’m scared you are going to hurt me.”

“Never,” he replied, saying the same thing he had before when she’d admitted her fears. “In fact, I’m more serious about this than anything I’ve ever been in my entire life. I can’t explain it, but it’s true. I’m so stupidly excited to meet your parents this afternoon and hope I make a good impression on them…”

Karen rolled to her side, looking at him.

“I want to make a good impression, so you aren’t nervous to show me off as your boyfriend,” Jace admitted. “I can be a real dork… and I want you to meet my parents when we get a chance.”

“How can you be so sure about all of this?”

“It’s never felt so perfect or so right… and I love the idea of you being my girlfriend.”

Karen felt her heart seize at his words, realizing that he might just be the most amazing man she’d ever met.

“Is that okay?” he said softly, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “Can I call you my girlfriend instead of just a friend?”

“I’d like that,” she smiled.

“Good,” he replied, matching her smile, before winking at her. “I have it on good authority that lukewarm bacon and biscuits just don’t taste the same as they do when they are piping hot.”

“You’re gonna make me plump,” she laughed as he got to his feet, before pulling her up in front of him.

“It’s just more to love on whenever you finally get up the nerve to kiss me,” he taunted, before winking at her, reminding her of his promise. He was waiting patiently for her to make the first step, keeping his word to her, and she was going to have to brave these waters for the first time.

“Prepare to be disappointed,” she muttered embarrassed and saw him hesitate, looking at her questioningly, before he hid his expression quickly.

She’d never kissed a guy and had no idea how to even start or what to do. After that disastrous fiasco, she’d never even bothered to acknowledge another glance, look, or invitation… resigning herself to being alone.

Hours later, she had driven Jace back to Flyboys so she could return, get a shower, change, and pick up a few things before heading out to her parents’ house.

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