On Time, Not Every Time

Jason's eyes snapped open, and he began to scramble out of Kelsi's bed. "Shit," he muttered, the unfamiliar room spinning momentarily - a hazy reminder of the incredible night before. He'd planned to rest his eyes for a few minutes and slip out, but he'd crashed hard after the intimacy shared with the beautiful woman beside him. Fumbling into his jeans, his eyes traced Kelsi's form under the soft sheets. The white fabric covered her loosely, one leg exposed in a tempting display.

She stirred at his muttered curses, a self-recrimination for falling asleep here. "What's wrong?" Kelsi mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

"I have to get home before work," he whispered, raking a hand through his hair. "I'll be late if I don't move it."

"Relax, it's still dark out," Kelsi whispered back, reaching for his arm in the dim room. "What time is it anyways?"

He fumbled for his phone, the harsh light illuminating his panicked expression. "It's 4:45."

Kelsi's hand fell away from his arm, a hint of disappointment crept into her hushed voice. "Wow, you're really in a rush, huh?"

"I didn't mean to stay so long." He shrugged on his t-shirt and fastened his belt, then stuffed his socks into his pocket and grabbed his sneakers.

She sat up and pulled her knees to her chest. "So is that how you usually do it ? Get the girl and slip out?"

He winced as her words cut through his panic. The guilt washed over him, a tidal wave of remorse. It wasn't only about being late for work as he thought; it was about how he was making her feel, reducing their connection to something fleeting and meaningless.

He sat back on the bed, cupping her face. "Hey, that's not true," he said softly. "I wish I could stay in bed with you all day, Kels, but I have to work early. I don't want this to be a one time thing. Unless you do… I'll understand if you don't want to see me again."

"I don't either," she said with a soft smile. "I'm sure I'll see you around." She gave him a gentle kiss, but stopped herself before she got too eager. "Let me walk you out."

Moments later, Jason was tiptoeing down the stairs, Kelsi trailing behind as the stairs softly creaked under their bare feet. The house was still silent, her parents unaware of their late-night escapade. At the front door, they paused, the cool morning air a stark contrast to the warmth they'd shared.

"Where should I meet you later?" she asked hopefully, her eyes sparkling.

He quickly slipped his shoes on and leaned close. "I'll call you on my lunch, around noon?" She nodded in agreement and he planted a soft kiss on her lips. "And Kels?"

"Yeah?"

"You are so worth being late." He kissed her deeply once more before slipping out into the dark of the early morning. Jason took a deep breath as he rushed to his car, the scent of the dewy desert air filling his lungs. Work was waiting, a full ten hours of what he loved to do, but it was going to be a hard day when he couldn't wait to see Kelsi again.

Kelsi closed the door as quietly as she could, the heavy oak door making a gentle thud that she hoped wouldn't wake her parents. Her breath caught when she turned around to return to her room.

"Dad!" she gasped at the sight of him coming down the stairs, a confused look on his face.

"What's going on, K? I thought I heard another voice, was someone here?" he asked, glancing towards the sound of a heavy V8 burning down the street.

Kelsi felt her face burn. "Um, yeah, someone was here," she admitted, unable to meet her father's eyes.

Her father's eyebrows shot up. "Who was it?"

Kelsi hesitated. "Jason."

"Jason? At this hour?!" Her father's voice was a mixture of surprise and disapproval. "Kelsi, it's four in the morning. What was he doing here?"

Kelsi's face flushed in embarrassment, trying to come up with an explanation.

Her mother's voice broke the silence as she too descended the stairs in confusion. "What's everyone doing up?" she asked, her voice groggy with sleep.

"I think Kelsi has some explaining to do," Steven said with a huff.

When she looked up and saw calm and curious expressions on her parents' faces, she decided the truth was the best option. "Mom, Dad, I'm sorry. Jason was leaving, he was here all night."

A look of shock crossed Lina's eyes. "He spent the night here?!" she exclaimed. "Kelsi, did you… did you sleep together?"

"I'm sorry, Mom. When he dropped me off last night, he kissed me goodnight and I got a bit carried away." Her parents shared a look of surprise, caught off guard by this startling revelation, but they softened at their daughter's honesty.

Steven let out a sigh. "Kelsi, you're twenty-three, we know that, but you're still living under our roof. And sneaking guys that we don't know out at this hour isn't exactly respectful." He paused, his expression softening more.

Her mother interjected. "We're not trying to control you, sweetheart, but I can't help but worry. I don't want to see you get hurt."

Kelsi's cheeks flushed even deeper. "I know, Mom. I'm sorry. I'm going to see him again, but I won't sneak him in or out of the house like this, I promise."

Her father nodded. "I appreciate that. We can talk about this later and make sure we're all on the same page while you're back this summer."

Kelsi retreated to her room, her heart pounding in her chest. She felt a mix of guilt and frustration. She was an adult, after all. But she also understood her parents' concerns. Living back at home came with its own set of rules, even if they weren't teenagers anymore.

Jason swung open the auto shop door, his heart pounding a staccato rhythm against his ribs. He was only a couple minutes late, but the clock on the wall seemed to tick with malicious glee. Allan, the shop foreman, was already on him, his usual gruff demeanour amplified.

"Cross! You're cutting it close, aren't you?" Allan barked, the smell of motor oil and stale coffee clinging to his words.

"Sorry, Allan," Jason mumbled, trying to dodge his boss's glare. "Overslept."

"Overslept, huh?" Luke drawled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Someone have a little too much fun last night?"

Heat crept up Jason's neck, a blush painting his cheeks. "Shut up, Perry." He shot Luke a warning look, but the damage was done.

Dylan was on him, demanding answers. He tried to deflect, but the relentless teasing only intensified. "C'mon, fill us in dude! Did you finally score with Kelsi?"

Jason's heart hammered in his chest. "Fuck off, Dylan! It's none of your business."

"Hey now, just 'cause you done wore yourself out and you're late doesn't mean you take it out on us," Luke said, effectively putting Jason in his place.

"Alright, alright, sorry" Jason relented, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, it happened."

Luke clapped a hand on his shoulder as they crossed the shop to their next job, "Well hot damn, brother," he jeered and called to Allan. "Hey there, boss, cut the guy some slack today, huh? Gettin' laid does funny things to a man."

Allan, surprisingly, just shook his head and chuckled. "Just don't make a habit of it, Cross," he warned, but there was a hint of amusement in his voice.

Jason nodded, a sense of contentment settling in his chest. He might be late, but it was all worth it. Last night had been special, and he had spent it with Kelsi.