Se connecterI didn't realize Nevada was such a long hours away from Chicago, I would've rethought my options, or taken two flights instead of a straight passage.
I must've dozed off a couple of times, allowing myself a treat from the snacks and beverages by the porter. I was lucky enough to have the seat next to me empty and the cabin quiet. It wasn't first class but it was definitely comfortable throughout the entire ride. We arrived at Nevada in the early hours of the day, it was still dusk and the sun was yet to rise. I grabbed my bag and asked for the nearest motel to lodge. Thankfully, two other passengers, couples from the way they kept touching each other, were going the way so the three of us boarded a bus to the motel. When we got there, I gave the place a suspicious look. It had the aura of those haunted motels in movies and I wasn't sure I liked it. "Easy, princess," the guy passenger said with a laugh, "you look like you just developed a hernia." His girlfriend smacked his chest. "Stop it, Todd," she gave me an apologetic look. "Don't listen to him, it's a lovely place." I heavily doubted that. "You come here often?" I asked as we walked through the front doors and she nodded. "Yep, I'm a native so this is kind of my childhood." "Oh," I said with a smile and she winked. We got our respective rooms, and unfortunately, we weren't close to each other at all. It was sad because I would have to leave the moment the sun was out. "Jess," I called before they would head for their rooms and she gave me an open look, "Is there a diner nearby?" She smiled softly, "The motel has one, just go down the hall and take the first turn by your right. You'll find it." "Thank you," she nodded and waved goodbye before walking off with Todd. As I stared after them, I briefly thought of my parents and how they would soon realize that I was gone. I smiled, but it wasn't out of guilt but out of a thrill I hadn't felt in years. I followed Jess' directions and found the diner, the smell of eggs and bacon thick in the air. "Good morning," I greeted the waitress behind the counter. "Can I get a cinnamon roll and a cup of coffee?" The redhead bobbed her head with a bright smile. "Sure, darling," she had that southern drawl and it was kind of comforting. I gave her a polite smile and was about to turn away when I felt a presence beside me. My breath caught when I looked up to see the dazzling male standing by my side. He had a head of shaggy dark blonde hair and towered over me by several inches. I sucked in a breath, inhaling his fresh pinewood and mint scent. It was intoxicating and sent a chill down my spine. He didn't even give me a look, and I could barely hear what he was saying. My eyes were too fixated on the thickness of his neck and the bulge in his arms. He was too delicious looking for a man and I couldn't tear my eyes away. "Sorry," the waitress's voice popped in my ear. "the last cinnamon roll just went to the lady " He turned, ever so slowly, locking eyes with me and I whimpered. "You stole my breakfast." Damn it. Why did he have to have such a seductive voice too? It wasn't fair! I quickly caught myself, clearing my throat. "Technically, I ordered it first. First come, first served " He laughed, the deep timbre running down my spine. I liked the way it sounded on him. I didn't know who led who but somehow we found ourselves in a table, conversing over cups of coffee and a shared cinnamon roll. "Do you always flirt this hard over pastries?" I teased, sipping from my cup. He shrugged, leaning back and giving me a generous view of his defined face. "Only when the thief is this cute." The corners of my lips tugged upwards and he chuckled, his deep blue pools twinkling with mirth. I didn't know if it was just his face or his charm, but there was something different about him. Something I hadn't seen in a long time. "So would you give me the honour of knowing your name?" I cocked a brow and he laughed. "What? We can share a cinnamon roll but not give names." I laughed softly and stretched a hand. "Tara." "Tara," my name rolled out of his tongue smoothly and I nearly moaned in response. "I'm Jason." He took my hand and electricity shot up my arm and I exhaled. It was loud enough for him to hear because his plump lips curled wickedly. "Do you believe in fate, Tara?" I frowned, "What?" He pulled me closer, and I grabbed the edge of the table to keep me grounded. Our noses were nearly touching and his breath fanned my face. "Because I think we were meant to meet each other, Tara." Oh, damn. I loved the way he called my name. It made me feel so dirty and my mind spurred with ideas. "Oh, really?" He leaned forward, his hot breath close to my ear. "Come with me, let me show you what else fate has in store for us." Was he actually- I leaned back, staring at his face and my eyes widened. He really wanted us to do it. I had to admit, I'd never done this before. One night stands wasn't really my thing but that was old Tara and this was the new me. The new Tara who wasn't afraid of challenges and wouldn't back down from one. "Okay then, cowboy," I whispered into his ear, running my fingers through his arm. "Show me what you got." He grabbed my wrist and tugged me up, his eyes blazing with a passionate fire and I enjoyed it. We stumbled out of the diner like drunken teens, giggling and kissing all the way. My hands roamed everywhere, touching and grabbing as much as I could. He didn't refrain from doing the same either, and when we arrived in front of his door, we had to step apart so he could open it. The moment the door was open, our mouths found each other again, and I mewled into his mouth when he grabbed my ass, squeezing tightly. He pushed me back and I landed on the bed with a gasp. I watched dazed and panting as he took off his shirt, the smoothness of his chest and stomach stole my breath. "Jason," I whispered, when he leaned forward to capture my mouth in his, his hand palming my sensitive breast. He groaned when I rubbed my thigh against the hardness in his jeans. "Fuck, Tara!" He groaned, biting into my neck and I screamed. A mix of pleasure and pain exploding inside me. "Can you see it?" He asked, panting as he hurriedly took off his jeans while I tore away my clothes. "Can you fucking feel it, Tara?" He growled into my ear, rubbing his length against my wetness. "Can you feel what fate has in store for us?" My mouth dropped open but no words came out. What in the hell was this? I've had sex before but it was nothing like this. Never like this. Pools of tears gathered in my eyes, my chest tightening with increasing pressure. Jason grabbed fistfuls of my hair and tugged, releasing the pent up moan from my mouth. "Say my name, Tara!" He sunk into me with tenacity and I cried out, my fingers gathering the blankets in a fist. "Jason!!!"Tara’s POV Tracy and Sandy were having a full-blown crisis in my room on Saturday afternoon, and I couldn't help but laugh at their panic."This is so important!" Sandy was pacing back and forth. "First impressions matter when you're meeting your boyfriend's parents!"I rolled my eyes. "They're not his parents," I pointed out, but my anxiety was already spiking. "Just his aunt and grandmother." The words left my lips as a mumble.Sandy shot me a look over her shoulders while I grinned back at her. "Same difference!" Tracy threw her hands up. "What if they don't like you? What if they think you're not good enough for Jason?"Now I was genuinely nervous. "Thanks for that vote of confidence.""What should she wear?" Sandy asked Tracy. "Something sophisticated?""No, something that shows personality!" Tracy countered. "But not too casual.""But not too formal either!""She should definitely wear heels!”Sandy scrunched her face. "Heels are too much.”I held up my hands as they started
Tara’s POV He was still standing there, and my heart was hammering against my ribs so hard I thought he might be able to hear it."I want to pay you back for this," I said, gesturing to the bag of sweets.He chuckled, a low, warm sound. "Will you actually be able to afford it?"There was definitely flirtation in that question. I stammered, heat flooding my face. "I… well, I mean-"He leaned closer, and I held my breath. "It's a gift, Tara. Just accept it."He smiled and then he walked away, leaving me standing there with my legs feeling like they might give out at any moment.I spent the rest of the day avoiding him, gravitating toward Daniel and the other guys and keeping myself surrounded by people. I texted Tracy intermittently, confirming times and what I should bring because I needed the distraction.When we finally closed up for the day, Daniel asked if anyone wanted to grab drinks. Joshua eagerly agreed, but Eren said he was crashing early, and I declined as well."Boo!" Danie
Tara’s POV I stared at my laptop screen without really seeing it, my head pounding with a dull ache that no amount of water seemed to help. Jason hadn't reached out to me since he rushed out of my apartment. He sent a single text this morning.‘Don't forget about Saturday by 6pm. Also, wear something nice.’There was no apology or explanation for why work had been more important than keeping his promise. Just a reminder about the family dinner I was absolutely dreading."You okay?"Jeremiah's voice pulled me from my thoughts. I snapped to attention, realizing I had been staring blankly at my screen for who knows how long."What? Yes. Sorry." I tried to smile, but it felt forced.He studied me with that intense gaze that always made me feel exposed. "You don't have to stay if you're not feeling well. Go home, rest.""I'm fine," I said automatically, then immediately regretted it because he raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing me.I chewed on my lower lip, warring with myself abou
Tara’s POV I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe, the cold water from the hose mixing with my sweat as I spun through the spray. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt completely present in the moment. There was no anxiety about my father or overthinking. Gerald suddenly stopped spraying us, and everyone's attention shifted to something behind me.“What’s wrong?” I asked, panting gently but they still had the same surprised looks on their faces.I turned around, still dripping wet and breathless from laughter, to find Jason standing there. There was a bouquet of flowers laying at his feet, abandoned on the grass."What are you doing here?" I asked, surprise making my voice high."Why is he here?" Chuck asked loudly, earning himself a sharp look from Sandy."Go," Sandy told me with a knowing wink. "Go say hello to your boyfriend."I laughed and rushed toward Jason, still asking "What are you doing here?" but before I could get another word out, he pulled me cl
Jason’s POV I cradled the phone between my ear and shoulder while juggling a bouquet of roses with one hand.My assistant Naomi was fluttering around trying to help with the other."Stop fussing, Naomi, I've got it," I said, even as a stem pricked my thumb.Her eyebrows were puckered above her glasses. "But you're going to drop them-""I won't.” I interrupted gently, flashing her a smile. “Just relax.""Tara?" I spoke into the phone, finally getting it settled against my ear properly. "Hey, beautiful. Listen, I'm heading out now and I want to spend the rest of the day with you.""Jason, you really don't have to come here." She was trying to convince me otherwise but her voice was uncertain.My lips curled even higher. I liked how coy she acted, it was almost cute. "Too late. I already closed up shop and even arranged takeout at that Italian place you mentioned.” I arranged my bag and bouquet properly. “Just get ready for me, okay, sweetheart?"There was a loud noise in the backgroun
Tara’s POV The hospital discharged me by late afternoon with strict instructions to rest and see a therapist. The doctors gave me more recommendations I nodded along with while having absolutely no intention of following through on the therapy part.Jeremiah drove me home himself, and the moment we pulled up to the boarding house, it became clear that word had spread.Susie was on the porch before we even came to a complete stop, her face creased with worry. "Oh, Tara! Thank God you're okay! Thank you so much for bringing her home, Jeremiah.”"I just took her to the hospital," he said with a bright grin, but Susie was already ushering me inside like I was made of glass.Tracy appeared from nowhere, immediately taking my arm. "Come on, let's get you upstairs. You need to rest."Chuck bounded down the stairs, practically vibrating with energy. "Tara! I heard you collapsed! Are you okay? Do you remember anything? What did it feel like?""Chuck," Tracy said, stifling a laugh. "Let her
The sound of the alarm clock woke me from my slumber, and I groaned, dragging myself from the bed. My muscles protested as I moved around, heading to the bathroom first. Today was yet another of applying for more jobs. After yesterday's rejection, I was prepared to just lie in my bed today but my
The sterile white walls of Jason's office felt surreal, adorned with dental charts and gleaming instruments that I kept poking at every chance. My fingers traced the laminated brushing technique poster, I still couldn't believe he was actually a doctor. A part of me felt he was lying or trying to
"What do you think you're doing, Anderson?" Anders huffed, jamming his hands into his pockets. "Nothing, officer. Just giving the lady a nice Elko welcome." His friends seemed terrified of Kennedy as well, they kept their faces fixed to the table, avoiding his glare. I wondered if his demeanour
My phone buzzed, interrupting the moment and I looked down to see a text from Jason, indicating that he was here. It was eight on the dot and I had to give him credit for his punctuality. "Is that him? Tracy asked and I nodded. "So, what are you waiting for then? Go get him."I chuckled, grabbing







