Derailed (Clayton Falls #1)(36)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

“You don’t have to wait until I fall asleep. You can go.”

“Uh uh. I’m not leaving when you fall asleep.”

“You’re not?” I asked.

“Nope. I might go downstairs and watch TV, but I’m here at your service.”

“I feel bad.”

He leaned down close to me, kissing my forehead. “I know you do. You’re sick.”

“That’s not what I mean.”

He laughed. “Just relax. I’m here because I want to be. Besides, you’d better get used to me taking care of you. And just so you know, you’re a VIP, because I wouldn’t do this for just anyone.”

“No? I made the short list?”

“The very short list.”

“How short?”

“One name.”

I closed my eyes, leaning back into my pillow. “Wasn’t there some nostalgia to experience?”

“Yes. Shall I start by rereading some of my award winning letters? It looks like you kept them all.”

“I knew they might be worth something one day.”

I relaxed as he read his letters in one ridiculous voice after another. I must have nodded off because, when I woke up, I was sweaty again. Ben was there with more Tylenol and his mom’s famous chicken soup. He propped me up with pillows and gently helped me balance the bowl.

After a few bites, the way he watched me made me self-conscious. “Wow, I bet I look really hot right now.”

“Yeah, but hopefully the Tylenol will help.”

“Ben!”

“Okay, okay. You look sick, but beautiful as always. I’ll take it as a good sign that you are feeling well enough to even question it.”

We spent the afternoon looking at old pictures and playing card games between naps. I felt much better until four o’clock rolled around.

I moaned and groaned as I curled up, trying to find a comfortable spot.

“I wish I could do more to help.” He looked at me sweetly.

“You’ve done plenty. Don’t you want to go home?”

“I told you, I’m not leaving.”

“What, are you going to stay here all night?”

“Yeah. I figure Shayna can’t complain if I sleep in her room, right?”

“Seriously?”

“Please don’t sound so surprised. You’re hurting my ego,” he teased.

“I love you.” The words slipped out without warning, and my stomach did flip flops. For a split second, I debated blaming it on the auto pilot, but the truth was, I’d never stopped loving him.

He smiled, picking up my hand and squeezing it. “I love you too.”

Ben kept his word. He spent the night in Shayna’s room, coming in to give me medicine just when it was time for more. The next morning, he made sure I had breakfast and a shower before he left.

Chapter Seventeen

I must have had a 48 hour virus, because two days later, I felt like myself again. I was glad to be better in time for Ben’s show. After the way he’d taken care of me, I wouldn’t have missed it unless I absolutely had to.

Kelly didn’t think she could make the show because she had a tasting scheduled with the caterer. I wasn’t sure if Ben was serious about me going with Jake rather than alone, but I decided to call and find out. He was. He arranged for Jake to pick me up. Part of me was glad. We needed to clear the air. We’d known each other our entire lives. There was no reason we couldn’t call a truce.

It felt funny to be picked up by Jake. He still drove the same black Jeep Wrangler he’d had in high school. He had the top off, and I couldn’t completely hide my excitement. I’d always had a soft spot for jeeps.

“Hey, thanks for the ride,” I said politely as he pulled away from the curb with just a nod in my direction.

“Not a problem. Ben was pretty insistent.” Jake was more dressed up than usual, wearing a collared shirt. I wondered what occasion warranted the upgrade.

“I’m sorry you got pushed into it then. Is being in my presence that loathsome to you?” I turned toward him, daring him to answer.

“No, it’s not completely loathsome.” He smirked.

“So… any reason why you’ve been such a jerk? I’m used to us fighting, but this feels way too personal.”

He looked over at me before turning onto the main road. “You really want to know?”

“Yeah, I want to know.”

“You nearly destroyed my brother. You took his heart and smashed it, and because that wasn’t enough, you had to make him think it was his fault.”

It felt like whiplash. If I’d known how much the truth would hurt, I wouldn’t have asked for it. I couldn’t respond.

I stared out at the darkening sky. I should never have broached the subject, I told myself. All I wanted to do was get out of the car and go home. I fumbled with my seatbelt, ready to do just that when I realized that doing so would hurt Ben more. I couldn’t run from him again. At that moment, I made a decision. I came to the realization that the whole casual label had to go. There was no way I could crush Ben again. Pretending that I could protect him from me would have to stop. The truth was that Ben never had a chance.

“Molly?” I realized that I must have been silent for some time.

“Yes? What do you expect me to say?”

“Anything… Call me an ass**le, something.”

“Why do you want me to fight with you so much?”

“Because it’s easier that way. I like being mad at you. I don’t like feeling sorry for you.” He shifted gears.

“Then don’t feel bad for me.”

“I won’t. Because you know what? You are a lucky son of a bitch.”

“You do realize I’m a girl, right?”

“You know what I mean. You’re lucky to have Ben, and you aren’t going to screw him over again. I know you’re in love with him, so try not to deny it this time.” Jake half smiled as we pulled onto the interstate.

“I’m not denying it. I’m thinking of telling him I want more tonight.”

“Good.” Jake turned up the radio, blaring some classic rock song I didn’t know the name of.

The wind in my hair felt freeing, and I tried to unwind. Jake and I rode in silence. Things felt better now that he’d said his piece.

He broke the silence by turning down the volume. “You know if you end up marrying Ben, your name is going to be Molly Mathews.”

Talk about random. “Um, okay. Your point is? Besides, I wouldn’t worry about us getting married quite yet.” Even with the radio turned down, I had to yell over the wind.