A/N – Thanks for your patience! This week will be very busy. Hubby's surgery is on Thursday. Unfortunately, once he's recovered, I need to get surgery, but that probably won't be for a few months. Hope you are doing well.
Chapter 13
Carly sat at a small table on the balcony of the Metro Court in between the lunch and dinner rush. Her life had changed so much in the last six months. She had gone from one complex man to another and then back again, but nothing with Sonny is the same. Scoffing at the thought of Sam, she took a sip of her iced tea and sighed heavily. There is no way she wants to live her life like this. None of her relationships have ever been easy. Jason has distanced himself and she'd be lying if she said she can handle it.
"Penny for your thoughts…"
She almost groaned. "What do you want, Ric?" Just his voice makes her cringe.
He smirked. "Hello, Carly."
"Sonny isn't joining me, so no need to stick around and kiss ass."
"I've never kissed his ass or yours."
"Please… You beg for his acceptance daily."
"I heard about your Sam problem." It pays to have spies.
She rolled her eyes. "Sam isn't my problem anymore."
He smiled. "Keep thinking that…"
Her eyes narrowed. "What are you getting at?"
He lifted his hands. "Nothing… If want to find out the truth, you know where I'm at."
Her eyes shot daggers as he walked away. "Asshole…" she muttered. There is no way she's falling for his bullshit. Pushing aside any doubt he elicited, she got up and headed home. It's time to change the game and get Sonny back under her thumb.
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Sam smiled as Sonny ran his hand over her stomach.
"Do you feel anything yet?"
"A little bit…"
"I can't wait to meet our baby."
"Me too…"
"When is your next appointment?"
"Tomorrow…"
"Can I come?"
She studied him for a long moment, unsure of his true feelings for her or this baby. After all the cons and heartache in her life, she won't let another man dictate her life again. Sure, she loves him, but she recognized right away that Sonny can be manipulative. The situation with Carly had hurt her more than she wants to admit.
He watched her expression fall. "Hey…wherever you went…"
She forced a smile. "I'm okay."
He kissed her languidly. "Let me be there for you." While he has a feeling, she is holding back to protect herself, she's different than Carly in a lot of ways. For the most part, she's easy-going and at least considers his opinion, something Carly stopped doing a long time ago.
"Okay." Time will tell what kind of father Sonny will be. She just hopes it all works out.
"Thank you." He eased off her shoes and then rubbed her feet.
"That feels so good."
A sigh left her lips as she reclined against the cushions.
As he gave her a massage, he allows himself to think about what he wants for the future, and quickly surmises that it's not Carly. That ship has sailed. He wants Sam, but he needs to help Michael get better before this baby is born so that he can move on and finally be happy.
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Jason dropped his keys on his desk and then moved forward into the penthouse. It's slowly going from barren to seeming like a place he wants to come home to. Just seeing her sketchbook lying on the coffee table and the blanket strewn across the couch makes him smile as he wonders where she is hiding.
"I'm in the kitchen," Liz yelled.
He locked up his gun and then headed there. "Hey."
She smiled. "Hey." He looks handsome as usual, but a little worn out.
"What's going on?"
"I'm working on my cooking skills."
His brow rose.
"Why do you look scared?"
"Should I be?"
She threw a dishtowel at him which he caught before it hit him.
"No. Grams was here and walked me through it."
He sat at a small table. "What did you make?"
A smile eased onto her face. "I hope you like pot roast."
His mouth watered. "Yes."
She smiled. "Hopefully, it will taste good." She put a plate in front of him and then grabbed a beer from the fridge for him and some water for her.
"Thank you, Elizabeth."
"You're welcome. Never saw this coming, did you?"
He chuckled. "Not with me surviving."
She playfully glared at him, watching him carefully as he took a bite and then sucked in a breath when he frowned and grabbed a napkin. "Seriously?"
When he saw her tear, he quickly corrected the situation. "I was teasing you. It's good."
She sighed. "You can't mess with a pregnant woman like that."
He watched her navigate around the kitchen for several minutes before speaking up. "Elizabeth?"
"Yeah…"
"I wanted to talk to you about something."
She briefly glanced at him before putting her plate down and sitting across from him. "Okay."
"I want you and the baby to feel at home here. We need a nursery."
Her heart swells, thankful that he brought it up. "I know. I just…"
"You wanted to give us time to adjust?"
"Yes. I didn't want to be pushy. I think we needed time to get used to each other and everything."
"I agree. So, I'm not sure what you want to buy, but I'd like to pay for it."
She groaned.
"Elizabeth, this is my child too. I can't help you with a lot, but I can do this. Please let me. There's a small bedroom next to mine. You can do whatever you want to it. I'll make it happen."
She slowly stood and then moved in front of him. "Can you stand?"
He nodded before rising to his feet taken aback when her arms wrapped around him. When he returned the sentiment, Elizabeth sighed.
"Thank you, Jason." It makes her feel more assured that he's so willing to embrace this child and take care of them. Even though she tends to be more independent, she's facing a lot, and having him by her side is helping her in more ways than one.
His arms engulfed her. "You deserve it. You're going to be a great mom."
"I'm gonna try."
He kissed the top of her head.
"I'll probably keep her in my room for a while. It will just make it easier."
"Whatever you think is best."
"That was nice." He always gives the best hugs, maybe it's because he doesn't do it often and he seems to savor it.
"Yeah…"
She retreated with a smile. "I'm glad you're not too macho for a hug."
"Never…" While he doesn't like most people to touch him, she is not on that list.
She sat and took a bite. "It's good—maybe not Gram status, but close."
He took a big bite and from the look on his face, she can tell that he liked it. "I won't mind you making it again."
They happily ate and then sat back, stuffed and content.
"That hit the spot," Liz said.
"No dessert?"
"You want it?"
"No, but you are an addict."
"Ha! Smartass… There's an apple pie on the counter. I'll get it."
"You don't have to."
"It's okay. This is my way of thanking you."
Instead of arguing with her, he observed as she retrieved it allowing himself the memory of how easy things can be between them when no one is interfering.
Her fingertip tapped against her lip. "You know, I asked my doctor if I could still ride on the bike, and she said yes."
His jaw dropped. "What was in that roast?"
She smacked his arm. "Only good stuff. I could drive so that my belly doesn't get in the way."
Jason started typing on his phone.
"Who are you talking to?"
About two seconds later, the door flies open.
"Hell no!" Johnny said as he walked toward him.
"Johnny…" Liz said.
"No! You are not getting on a motorcycle."
Liz's hands found her hips. "You have no say!"
His eyes narrowed. "I don't have to say anything, but you won't get past me."
"Men!" She typed furiously on her phone.
Johnny's head tilted. "Who are you talking to?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
A few minutes later, Emily strode toward them.
"What is going on?"
"They are ganging up on me."
Emily fought a smile. The guys are trying to look stern, but the tears in Liz's eyes are killing them. "Well, you aren't into your third trimester yet, so you can ride."
Liz clapped her hands together. "See, I told you."
"Absolutely not," Jason said.
"Ditto…"
"I'm not an invalid."
"Elizabeth, it's dangerous. I know you trust me, but what about the bad drivers out there? Supposed there is an accident?" Dear God, it would kill him if she got hurt on his bike.
She pouted, almost making him smile because he's thinking she'll back down.
"Can we compromise?"
"I don't see how."
Emily and Johnny share a glance. The atmosphere is slowly changing and it's fascinating to watch them communicate without speaking as well as their verbal interaction.
"The driveway at the mansion is long."
Jason shook his head. "You're not going to back down, are you?"
She shook her head. "Just a little ride, Jason."
He sighed heavily. "Give me twenty minutes and then meet me at the car."
Her brow rose. "Okay."
He pulled Johnny into the hallway, and they got in the elevator.
"I can't believe you cowered."
"Did you see the light in her eyes? This whole thing has been so hard on her, so I want to make it good for her."
He checked his phone and smiled. "Alright, I'll go pick it up. Drive her to me."
"Okay."
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Elizabeth was practically bouncing in the car. Emily thought it was hilarious. Johnny is trying his best to look miserable but a few times, as Liz excitedly chatted, she caught him smirking.
"Where are we going?"
"Jason called in a favor."
Liz's brow rose. "How bad?"
"Not bad at all. He gets along with Dominic who is the head of one of the five families. He has a farm and there is a road that wraps around the perimeter of the property, so it there will be no other traffic and the scenery is nice."
She grinned. "He thought of it that fast?"
"I think you know that he'd probably do anything to put a smile on your face."
She slightly blushed as Emily turned to look out of the window to hide her smile.
They pulled up to a gate and a minute later, it opened. The drive to the house was beautiful and she gasped when she saw it.
"Wow, it's huge."
"He's got it like that. His wife is nice. She'll probably come out and say hello."
She looked around but saw no sign of Jason.
When the car stopped, a man opened the door and she slid out.
"Thank you."
He nodded and then held out his hand to Emily.
"Thanks."
The door flew open and a pretty, middle-aged Italian woman with long hair emerged with a smile.
"Hello, you must be Elizabeth."
Liz moved towards. "I am."
"I'm Abriana but everyone calls me Ana."
"Well, it's nice to meet you. If you prefer, you can call me Liz, most do."
"Why don't you come in? Jason will be a little while longer." She thinks what Jason is doing is very romantic, and has a little something planned herself.
"Thank you. This is his sister, Emily."
"It's so lovely to meet you." She sees no resemblance but feels rude asking.
"Same to you. Your house looks fabulous."
"I shall give you a tour."
She grabbed some bottles of water and then walked them throughout the house and then to the back deck which overlooks a beautiful pool and entertainment area.
"It's pretty enough to paint," Liz said.
"Are you an artist?"
"She is a great artist," Emily said.
Ana smiled. "Well, I love art, so we'll get along famously. How far along are you?"
"I'm in my sixth month."
"Well, congratulations. I can tell that Jason is a lucky man."
Liz slightly blushed. "I'm lucky too."
Johnny appeared. "He's here."
"Why do you look so miserable?"
The girls laughed. "He's being overprotective."
"I see."
They followed Liz to the front step and heard a gasp before seeing why.
Jason is standing next to the motorcycle holding a blue helmet and looking very hot.
Liz's eyes went from him to the bike which has a sidecar on it. "Seriously?"
"Take it or leave it." He figured she could be comfortable, get her adrenaline going, and be safe.
"I'll take it." She moved forward. "You just don't want me to drive," she muttered.
"I heard that," he said with a smirk.
He helped her snap the helmet strap and get in. "Comfortable?"
"Yes, but you know once I tell Lila about this, she'll want to go for a spin."
He grinned. "I didn't think about that."
"You just want to drive Edward crazy."
"Maybe…"
When he gunned the engine, her face lit up.
"I haven't seen her this happy in a long time," Johnny said.
"I wasn't sure that I truly understood their dynamic, but they seem to know what each other needs. There's an easy vibe between them." The longer they spend time together, the more can see their feelings are deepening. In the end, if they can find happiness out of this mess, she'll encourage it.
Ana cleared her throat. "He's protective and listens. The handsome part is nice, but I don't think she'd care. He's different when he speaks to her. She's in good hands."
Emily smiled.
Jason took off as Elizabeth laughed. It's a different feeling, but exciting nonetheless, even though she misses him in front of her. He's feeling the same way as he makes his way down the road, careful to avoid a lot of bumps and not going as fast as normal.
While she can tell he is a little hesitant, she loves the wind whipping around her. Nothing bad could even enter her mind as the trees blurred beside her. Several minutes later, Jason pulled over and parked. He motioned for her to stay as he secured the bike and then helped her stand.
"Well?"
She grinned. "That was amazing. It's different but very cool."
He took the helmet from her and then put it on the seat before grabbing a bag. "Hungry?"
Her eyes lit up again. "Seriously?"
"Ana insisted on it."
She chuckled. "I like her."
Jason led her through some trees, and she is amazed to see a lake.
"Wow."
He laid out a blanket and they sat.
"This is amazing. Do you think they'd let me paint here?"
"Probably…"
He pulled the tops off some containers that revealed some fruit, olives, cheese, and meats. There are some crackers and napkins along with two water bottles.
"This is perfect."
"It's a nice day."
"Thanks for agreeing to do this."
"I like seeing you happy." She has been dealing with too much stress for too long.
"Today was wonderful. I missed riding with you."
"I'm sure you did since you only want me around for your bike."
"Very true…"
He tried to look offended, but she is laughing so he ended up smiling. His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he ignored it.
"Are you sure you don't need to get that?"
"I'm sure." He had told everyone he'll be unavailable for the next few hours.
"You mind helping me try to come up with a girl's name?"
"Really?"
She nodded.
"I guess. What were you thinking?"
"Agatha…"
He swallowed hard but said nothing.
"Too old-fashioned?"
His brow raised.
She laughed. "I was teasing you."
"Thank God."
"Well, Mr. Smarty Pants, what do you suggest?"
"I met someone in my travels and her name meant beauty."
"What was it?"
"Alana…"
"Which happens to have your father's name in it."
He grimaced. "I didn't even think of that."
"It's alright. I do like it. I wrote down a few—Kayleigh, Cameron, Abigail…"
"They are okay."
"This is so much pressure. I like Lily, Kyra, and Myla for shorter names."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure…"
"Are you giving the baby my last name?"
Her attention briefly shifted down before meeting his gaze again. "What do you want?"
"I think—I want her to have my last name."
"Okay…" The fact that he's willing to commit so fully made her tear up.
Understanding her shift in emotions, he moved his hand closer. "May I?"
"Yes."
He placed his hand on her belly. "Everything is going to be okay."
"I know because I have my more than friend back."
He slightly smiled. "Yes, you do."
