If Only...

Chapter 5

Jason's gaze shifted from Sonny to Carly and back. "What's going on?" He felt an inexplicable rush of anger at seeing them so close.

Sonny met Carly's eyes, trying to determine how she wanted to handle the situation. She smiled up at him and squeezed his hand, which was still holding her by the waist. Moving to stand by his side, she turned to Jason, giving him a complete view of her face. "This is what happened."

"Oh my..." Jason rushed to her side, examining her face. "Carly...what?" Nudging Sonny over slightly, Jason looked over Carly's bruises. Sonny watched them intently for a moment before moving to his desk. He pretended to be interested in the mail. Carly studied him carefully. Something was bothering him. She turned her attention to Jason. "I got mugged." She glanced briefly at Sonny's surprised face.

"You got mugged?"

"Yeah." Carly walked over to the couch, fiddling with one of the pillows. "Um... I was... it was stupid. I thought I'd take a shortcut, you know? Anyway, these guys jumped me and took my pearls and wedding ring."

"Carly, your face is completely..."

"It's not that bad, Jason," Sonny cut in quickly, noting the color draining from Carly's face.

"Not that bad?" Jason caught the look on Sonny's face. "All right then, what happened? I mean, why didn't you call me?"

"I couldn't." Carly mumbled, wrapping her arms protectively around her waist. "After they left, I found a phone, but I couldn't, for the life of me, remember your number. My mind just went blank." She cleared her throat, stalling for time. She still wasn't sure why that had happened or why she had just lied to Jason. She just knew Sonny needed time to figure it all out. To try and fix the problem with Hannah on his own. He needed to save face and she was more than willing to help him.

Sonny's voice brought her out of her thoughts. "Sometimes, when you panic, things just happen."

"Yeah, I guess that was it." She looked into Sonny's eyes, smiling slightly at him. "But I remembered your number. That's something."

"Yeah. That's something." Sonny came to her side, rubbing her back gently. "Do you need to lie down for a while?"

"That would be nice."

"Okay. Why don't you get your things, Carly, and I'll set you up in the guestroom," Jason stated.

Carly hid her disappointment at the offer. She felt safe with Sonny, but it would seem strange if she didn't jump at the offer. Why wasn't she jumping at it? Nothing gave her more pleasure than to have Jason fawning all over her. She glanced quickly at Sonny, who nodded his head. "All right. Let me just call AJ and..."

"AJ?" Jason asked.

Carly shrugged her shoulders. "I had to call and let him know I wasn't coming home last night. He almost blew a gasket until I explained what happened." Carly noticed Sonny arch his eyebrow at her. She grinned, her face lighting up. "Hey, we may not like each other, but the guy isn't a monster. Besides, I think he was... busy." She wiggled her eyebrows comically, causing Sonny to burst out laughing.

"Junior? Really?"

"Oh. Wait till I tell you." She walked to the stairs, turning back to Jason. "I'll be down in a minute."

Sonny made sure she was out of earshot before turning back to Jason. "Let it go." He walked past his best friend, avoiding eye contact.

"Let it go? Sonny, if this has anything to do with me or you then I have a right to know." Jason waited while Sonny looked over his papers. "You know I didn't buy any of that crap about a mugging." He paced across the living room. "Did you notice how she avoided me?"

"Jase." Sonny ran his hand through his hair. "Just give her some time. And, as for the rest, the less you know, the better. All right?" Sonny looked directly at him, making his point clear.

Jason nodded in agreement. Sonny had his reasons for doing things. When he was ready, he'd let him know. "I'll be next door."

"I'll send her over when she's ready."

"All right." Jason patted Sonny's shoulder before walking to the door. Sonny relaxed when he heard the door close behind him. He rested his head in his hands, taking a deep breath. Putting down his papers, he made his way up the stairs. He stood in front of the guest bedroom about to knock when he heard Carly's voice coming from further down the hall. Realizing she was using the phone in his room, he smiled to himself. He could hear her talking to Michael.

"I know, Mr. Man. But I promise to be there as soon as I can...What?...I'm staying with Uncle Sonny right now..." Carly paused, then let out a soft chuckle." I'll tell him you miss him... yes... Goodnight, baby. I love you... Let. Hey... no...Let, I'm fine...woman, I'm fine, geez. Sonny's taking good care of me... That's sick... Shut up, you big dope. Tell Bobbie I said I'll call her tomorrow. Yeah... Love you too." Carly placed the phone back in the cradle and gave a start when she realized Sonny was standing in the doorway.

"You always listen to private conversations?"

"No. Just yours." He smiled, showing off his to-die-for-dimples. Carly's breath caught in her throat, and she shook herself mentally.

"You know, I bet you got away with a lot as a kid." She rose from his bed where she'd made herself comfortable. She noticed Sonny's face redden slightly. "You did, didn't you? Used them dimples all the time."

"Don't know what you're talking about."

"Ha. Right." Carly blocked his path, reaching up to pinch his cheeks. "Like you don't know they're damn near irresistible." Sonny took her hand, and they froze. Pulling her closer, their faces now inches apart, he spoke in a low voice.

"You think so." His eyes fell to her mouth, holding back a groan when she bit her lip nervously. Bringing his hand back up to her face, he pushed her hair away, letting his hands enjoy the silkiness. "I think you should go get some rest."

Carly nodded, unable to find her voice. She moved away from Sonny reluctantly. She stopped suddenly, leaned over, and gave his cheek a soft kiss, wiping away the smudge immediately. "Thank you, Son."

Sonny's eyes followed her all the way out the door. He waited until he heard the front door close. "Anytime."