Fractured ( Fractured #1) by Holleigh James

Author:Holleigh James [James, Holleigh]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC
Published: 2013-12-19T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

Dad, Bryan, and Jimmy had their heads under the hood of Bryan’s Mustang. Dad was instructing the boys on how to make sure the engine was fine-tuned. Dad’s white tee shirt was spotted with grease, while Bryan was trying with great effort not to get dirty. Jimmy’s blue shirt was rolled up on the grass next to the driveway. I guess he knew that a car lesson with my dad could get messy.

Rob didn’t let go of my hand as we walked up to them.

Bryan was first to notice us. “Hey, man,” he nodded. “Thanks for not trying anything with my sister last night.” Dad gave Bryan a look that warned him not to say another word about it. My muscles tightened.

“Bryan, I’d never—“

“Just kidding, man.” Bryan patted Rob on the back. They shook hands.

Dad looked up and shook Rob’s hand, too. That surprised me. My muscles relaxed, but just a little. Jimmy was on the far side of the car. He never offered his hand, and he never took his eyes off me.

Dad and Bryan turned their attention back to the car. Jimmy did not. He watched as Rob walked me to the door.

“Thank you for another nice day,” I said.

“I should be thanking you,” he said. He dropped his gaze. “Mandy, before today, I didn’t think I could be happy again. Not for a while anyway. Not since my parents…” He looked up and his beautiful blue eyes were wide and clear. “Well, you make me see things differently. You are… easy to talk to. Understanding. Gentle.” My cheeks got warm. I think he realized that I wasn’t comfortable with the compliments. “Thank you for showing me your special place.”

“I’m glad to have someone to share it with. Now it truly is special.”

“I have to work the late shift tonight, but would it be all right if I called you tomorrow when I wake up?”

“I’d like that.” My heart beat faster.

“Okay, I’ll call you tomorrow.” He leaned over and kissed me long enough where I didn’t want to let go, but swift enough not to anger my father, who was trying hard not to stare at us from under the hood of the car.

It was difficult for either one of us to let go of the other’s hand, but we did. Rob walked back towards his car. He said good-bye to my father, Bryan, and Jimmy as he passed them. I was glad that Rob didn’t ask to come in. My mother was sprawled out on the couch, unconscious. Dillon was sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of her, watching cartoons. I put my things down and went through the usual motions of getting my mother upstairs. This time, I kept my eye on her hands, just in case she formed a fist and tried for another swing.

Surprisingly, I got her to her bed and lifted her feet without a negative comment. Instead, as I pulled the blanket over her, she opened her eyes and said, “Your cheeks are pink.

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