Love on a Dirt Road (The Roughneck Series Book 1) (13 page)

  "Moon was outside in the barn and heard glass breaking in the guest house. He ignored it at first but then he heard it again. He got nervous so he went over there."
Oh my God, Oh my God.

  "The door was locked" She continued. "He kept banging but Jase wouldn't answer. He had an extra key so he went in. "

  "And?" I asked, knowing my eyes were wide with fear.

  "He was hammered on whiskey and just flipping the fuck out.  Moon tried to calm him down, but he wouldn't listen. Moon said he broke everything he could break. They got in a scuffle but Moon finally got him settled down."

  "Shit. Are they ok? Are they hurt?" I asked. I couldn't believe this was happening. Jase wasn't much of a drinker, especially whiskey.

  "I think Moon has a black eye. But he's ok. And he said Jase' hands are all cut up. Apparently Jase broke the picture of you two that was on the bar. Once he noticed what he did, he tried to put it back together, glass and all. Moon said he was really fucked up."

  "What about now?" I had to know.

  "He's passed out now. Moon said once he calmed down he was out. He drank almost a whole bottle of Jack. Moon's gonna stay the night over there, just in case he wakes up or something."

  "Moon's a good guy" I told Sam. "Tell him thank you for taking care of him. I wish this didn't happen. I don't know what to do next."

  "You give him time, Lainey. His dad obviously has his head all fucked up. He needs to figure it out."

  "But I'm the one he's pissed at"

  "Sweetie, you're just the one who forced him to face what he's been burying all this time" Sam said, her voice full of sympathy.

  "What if he doesn't face it? What if he kicks me out of his life too?" I asked, hoping to God that wasn't the case.

  "He loves you Lainey. Just wait, I'm sure he'll come around.  I don't know what else to say." Sam said as she shrugged her shoulders.

  But I wasn't so sure he would come around. He had been avoiding his dad for years. Jay had been trying, for years and Jase wouldn't budge. What if he did the same thing to me? What if he just walked away and never looked back?

  "Wine?" Sam asked, breaking my thoughts.

  "Yes, please. My nerves are shot" I said.

  We went through two bottles of wine. Enough to calm my nerves so I wasn't shaking anymore. Not enough to take away the sadness. I was physically and emotionally drained. I crawled in my bed around midnight hoping for sleep. The faster the night went, the faster it would be a new day and hopefully Jase would call or come over or text. Something. But sleep didn't come easily. I tossed and turned all night, constantly checking my phone. Nothing.

  The next morning I woke up and didn't move. I wanted to call Jase. But I couldn't. I wouldn't be that girl. I wouldn't beg him to talk to me, even if it killed me. Because I wanted to beg. I wanted to plead with him. But instead I would wait. Who knew how long I would be waiting, but that's what would do.

  Sam tapped on my door as she walked in with a cup of coffee.

  "Bless you" I said to her and took the cup.

  "Jase is awake."

  "And?" I asked.

  "He just apologized to Moon but didn't say much else. Moon went home once he knew Jase was ok."

I looked down at my phone for the hundredth time. Nothing.

  The day was dragging. I managed to take a shower but that was about it. Other than that, I just moped around all day. It was early evening and still no word from Jase.

  "You know what would make you feel better?" Sam asked.

  "What's that?"

  "If you made me cupcakes. I think it would help" She said and gave me a wink.

  I couldn't help but give a pathetic little giggle.

  "Baking is your stress reliever." She laughed.

  "Fine" I said and got my depressed ass off the couch.

  It didn't really relieve my stress but it did occupy my mind a little. Sam even offered to help. And by helping, she meant taste testing. We were standing in the kitchen when I heard the beep of a text message. My stomach did a flip flop. Please be Jase. But then Sam grabbed her phone off the bar. It wasn't mine. Damn it. The nausea in my stomach started once again. This sucked so bad.

  "Lainey, I need to run an errand." Sam said. It was probably Moon.

  "Ok" I said trying not to let myself tear up. I wasn't going to be a baby. I could be home alone and not break down. Couldn't I?

  A few minutes later Sam emerged from her room with her purse and keys in hand.

  "I'll be back soon, ok."

  "K" I said and kept stirring the frosting. I heard the front door shut and put my face in my hands. My eyes started to fill with tears again. But then the door opened back up and I tried to get myself together. I had tears in my eyes, I wasn't going to look at Sam.

  "Did you forget something?" I said with my back turned, trying to keep my voice as even as possible.

  I felt his arms wrap around me from behind.

  "I'm sorry baby. I'm so sorry." Jase said and just squeezed me tight. I didn't move. I didn't reach for him. I stayed still. I think I was in shock. But then the tears started to fall. I turned around and fell into his arms. Thank you God.

  "I'm sorry too" I said through shallow breaths. The ugly cry was right around the corner.

  "No, Lainey. Listen to me. It's not your fault. He makes me fucking crazy."

  "I shouldn't have answered the phone, I was only trying to help" I said into his chest.

  "I know" He said and kissed my head. "We need to talk" Oh no. I hated the sound of that.

  "Do you want to go to my room? I'm not sure when Sam will be back" I said.

  "Come on" He said and grabbed me by the hand. We walked into my room and he shut the door. I laid down on my side and he laid down facing me. He put his hand on my waist. We didn't speak for a couple of minutes. I was trying to keep my tears back and I knew if I spoke they would start up. Jase just stared at me.

  "You were right" He finally said.

  "I was?" I whispered.

  "I should have at least answered his calls, especially when he wasn't going to give up. But I was so pissed at him for the way he changed after my mom died. But this morning, when I woke up, my house was a fucking disaster and I was alone. It finally hit me."

  "What did?" I needed to know what he was thinking.

  "If I lost you Lainey, if I didn't have you, I would lose my fucking mind. And I know that's what happened to him. He lost her. She was the love of his life and she was gone. I can't even imagine. That doesn't excuse the way he treated his kid, but I get it. And I know you were just trying to help. I'm sorry for pushing you away. Please baby, please forgive me."

  "Baby, I love you. I'm just sorry for butting in when I shouldn't have."

  "You're about to be my wife" He said and rubbed the pad of his thumb down my cheek. "You're supposed to butt in" He gave me that crooked smile.

  I couldn't help but laugh a little. God, I loved this man.

  "I called him back" He said with his eyes looking down at the bed.

  "You did?" I said in shock and sat up on my elbow

  "He's been clean for four years. He wants to see me" He said quietly.

  "What did you say?"

  "I agreed to go to Midland and see him"

  "Oh Jase, I'm so glad." I said and wrapped my arms around him. "But are you ok with going?"

  "I need you go to with me"

  "Of course, when?"

  "This weekend." He said.

  "Whatever you need Babe, of course. I love you so much."

  "Thank you Lainey. I love you more." He said and gave me a kiss "God, I missed you. I hate being away from you if I don't have to."

  "Let's not do that again." I said with my lips touching his.

  "Definitely not" He said as he started kissing my neck. "I love you so much baby"

"mmm" It was my only response.

"Wait just a minute" Jase said "Don't move" He jumped off the bed and hurried out the door.

I didn't have time to wonder what was going on because he was back in about five seconds. With the bowl of frosting.

"What's that for?" I asked with a devious smile.

"My two favorite flavors. Chocolate and Lainey. I need to see how they taste together. "He said as he grazed his teeth across his bottom lip and kicked the door shut.

Chapter 14

  We headed to Midland after I got off work on Friday.
 
The drive was a long one, but just being with Jase made it better. I could tell he was nervous by his facial expressions though, his jaw kept flinching and he was biting the inside of his cheek.

  "It's gonna be ok" I tried to reassure him.

  "I know" He said, although I'm not sure he believed his own words.

  I ran my fingernails along his hairline and the back of his neck, trying to get him to relax.

  "Thanks for coming" He said and squeezed my knee.

  "Whatever you need babe, I'll do it" I said. And it was the truth.

  "I love you" Jase said. The fight had really taken a toll on both of us. The thought of losing one another had really freaked us out. I know I couldn't handle a life without Jase, and he had let me know that he felt the same way.

  "Love you more" I said and put my head on his shoulder.

  "Nope"

  We pulled into a steakhouse for a late dinner. We were both starving. It was a Friday night but since it was so late, it wasn't too crowded.

  "This place has the best fried pickles" Jase said as he led me inside the restaurant with his hand on the small of my back.

  "Good, I'm starving."

  We were seated at our table and started looking over the menus when Jase let out a loud exhale.

  "Alright, I got a serious question" He said.

  Oh God, I was nervous already.

  "Ok. Go ahead" I said nervously.

  "Can I wear my hat in the wedding? I know most guys probably don't but babe I hate not wearing a hat. If you don't want me to I w...."

  "Babe" I interrupted him. "Stop rambling" I said with a laugh.

  Jase just laughed and raised his cocked his eyebrow waiting for my answer.

  "Do you think I expected you to go without your hat?" I shook my head

  "You don't care?"

  "Babe, you can wear whatever you want. I don't care. I just want to marry you." I said and leaned across the table with my lips puckered out waiting for a kiss. Jase leaned in and then I heard an annoying high pitched screech.

  "You've got to be shitting me." Jase mumbled and leaned back in the booth.

  "Well look who came back to town?" I heard a high pitched female voice and looked over in that direction.

  She was tall with blond hair and her shirt was too tight. She had on too much make up and I'm not sure how she was walking in those heels. She was the complete opposite of me. I knew right then who it was. The Slut. And she was headed right for our table.

  "Jase Foster! How the hell are ya?" She said and leaned in and gave him a hug. A hug Jase didn't return. She didn't even look in my direction.

  "I'm good. Misty, this is my fiance Lainey. Lainey, this is Misty." He said with apologetic eyes.

  I didn't even have a chance to say anything when The Slut gasped.

  "Engaged? You didn't tell me you were getting married Jase." She said with her hand still on his shoulder.

  This disrespectful bitch.
My jealousy was about to kick into overdrive.

  "That's cause I haven't talked to you in months." Jase said without even looking at her.

  "It has been a while Jase" She said with a flirty little giggle.
I hated the way she said his name. I hated everything about her.

  "Not long enough" Jase mumbled.

  "Why don't you give me a call sometime sweetie and we can catch up."

  Fuck this bitch!

  "Listen,
Sweetie"
I said sarcastically. "My fiance and I are about to order dinner so why don't you just move along. And I suggest you get your hand off his shoulder before I snap that wrist of yours." I said in my sweetest voice.

  "You heard the lady" Jase said.

  The Slut just stood there for a second with her mouth gaped open. So I shooed her away with my hand and then picked up my menu. I was completely calm on the outside but on the inside I imagined myself leaping over the table and scratching her eyes out.

  She let out a huff and walked away. I watched her out of the corner of my eye as she made her way out the door. Thank God.

  "Come here" Jase said.

  I looked up and he motioned for me to come over to him. I got up and sat on his lap.

  "My little badass" Jase said and nibbled on my neck.

  "I'm a little protective over what's mine." I admitted and kissed his lips.

  "That's why we're perfect for each other" He said. And I knew he was exactly right.

  The next day we pulled into Jay's driveway around noon. We were both nervous. Jase didn't admit it, but he didn't have to. When he killed the ignition, he let out a long exhale.

  "You can do this." I reassured him.

  "I know." He said.

  "You wanna give it a minute?" I asked

  "No, let's get this over with" Jase said and opened his door. I followed right behind him when he hopped out. Jase squeezed my hand and kissed my temple. "Thanks for coming with me"

  "I'm right beside you, no matter what." I said and squeezed his hand back as we started to walk to the door.

  When Jay opened the door, I had to hold back a gasp. Jase looked so much like his dad. The same height, although Jay was thinner. The same dark hair, but Jay had just a touch of grey. And those emerald eyes. I see where Jase got them from. But the difference was Jay showed a lot of age around his eyes. He looked a lot older than he should. But when he looked at Jase, his eyes lit up. He beamed.

  "Jason" Jay whispered and put his arms around Jase. Jase was stiff for a second and then he finally returned the hug. My eyes immediately filled with tears.
Not now Lainey.

  When Jay pulled away from Jase, he kept his hands on his forearms.

  "Let me look at you" He said, with tears in his eyes.
I was about to lose it.

  "Son, you look so good. I'm so glad you came." He just stared at Jase for a second before he continued. "Sorry, come in, come in." He said and stepped aside so we could walk in.

  It was a modest, older home, but very well taken care of. It definitely had a woman’s touch to it. I looked at Jay's hand but didn't see a wedding ring.

  Jase still hadn't spoken.

  "Please sit down" Jay said.

  We both sat down on the sofa and Jase grabbed my hand. His hand was shaking. It wasn't bad, but I definitely noticed. I squeezed his hand.

  "Thank you for coming. Both of you" Jay said.

  "I figured it was time. Oh shit, sorry. Uh, Jay this is Lainey, my fiance."

  "Fiance? You're getting married?" I couldn't tell if he was happy or sad. He was smiling but there was a sadness in his eyes. Maybe it was the fact that Jase referred to him as Jay. But I wasn't sure.

  "We are, in a couple of months"

  "I'm happy for you son. And Lainey, it's nice to meet you"

  "Nice to meet you too" I said quietly.

  "Do you live here alone?" Jase asked as he looked around. He must have gotten the same vibe I did.

  "Uh, no actually. I got remarried about a year ago. I didn't want to tell you over the phone. I was desperate to see you and I didn't want to push you further away when I finally thought there might be a chance. Please don't be mad." Jay said with worry in his voice.

  "I'm not mad" Jase said casually. "I’m glad you found someone"

  Jay let out a shaky exhale and cleared his throat.  He was fighting back tears.

  "Her name is Helen. She's in the kitchen. We just wanted to make sure it was ok before I introduced y'all."

  "It's fine" Jay said quietly.

  Jay got up and walked to the swinging kitchen door. We both stood.

  "Honey" He said quietly as he peeked through the door.

  A short woman with a cautious smile walked out. She had an apron around her waist and silver streaks in her hair.

  "Jase, Lainey, this is Helen."

  "I'm so glad y'all came" She said with a thick southern accent. She walked up to Jase first.

  "You are so handsome" She said with her hand over her mouth. "It's so nice to finally meet you" She beamed. "Can I give you a hug?"

  "Uh, sure" Jase said as Helen leaned in and hugged him tight. When she let Jase go she looked my way and threw her arms around me.

  "Thank you, thank you, thank you" She whispered in my ear. It was so quiet, I almost didn't hear it.

  "You sure got you a beauty here" Helen said to Jase. Her eyes were misty.

  "I sure do" Jase said and gave me a smile. A smile that met his eyes.

  "I was just in the kitchen working on lunch, I hope y'all are hungry" She said and started towards the kitchen.

  I looked at Jase and he gave me a nod.

  "Can I help?" I asked Helen.

  "You sure can sweetie, come on" She said with a wave of her hand.

  When I walked into the kitchen, I immediately felt a sense of comfort. It was a pale yellow with fresh sunflowers on the counter. And the smell of fresh bread made my stomach growl.

  Helen walked up to me once again and gave me a big hug.

  "Thank you so much for coming. These last few years have been so hard on Jay. He knows how bad he messed up and he's wanted to make it right for a long time now." She said as she pushed a single tear away that slid down her cheek.

  "I'm glad Jase decided to call him back. It's been tough." I said quietly.

  "Oh honey, I can't even imagine what that boy went through when his daddy was acting a fool. But I know that Jay regrets the things he did and he will always be sorry for it. I just pray to the Good Lord that Jason can let that man back in his life. It would mean the world to him."

  "I can tell and I hope so too" I said.

  Later that night we were back at our hotel just relaxing on the bed.

  "So?" I asked "What are you thinking?" I squeezed Jase closer to me as he snuggled against my back.

  "I'm glad we came" Jase said after a few moments.

  "Yeah?" I said and rolled over to face him.

  "Yeah. I mean I can't forget everything that happened but it's fucked with my head too long dwelling on it." Jase admitted.

  "He calls you Jason" I said as I remembered how Jase froze up when I called him that.

  "My momma called me Jason too. I never went by Jase until I moved out. I wanted to leave everything from my past behind. I didn't want any part of it."

  "It's understandable" I said as I stroked his arm. "Are you ok with him being married again?"

  "Yeah, I think so." He said and I think it surprised him to say it. "She seems like a nice lady. My mom isn't coming back so at least he's not alone."

  "I like her. She's really sweet." I said "Do you think you're going to keep talking to him?"

  "I think so" Jase said.

  "Oh, baby, I'm so glad" I said and wrapped my arms around him.

  "I couldn't have done this without you" Jase said as he ran his finger down my cheek.

  "Because I don't know when to mind my own business?" I said with a small laugh, trying to make light of that situation.

  "Because you knew what I needed and you want what's best for me"

  "I was hoping it was what you needed" I said quietly.

  "You know what I need now?" Jase said as he turned me on my back and crawled on top of me.

  "What's that?" I asked as I bit my lip, not to keep from wearing a goofy grin but because I knew what it did to Jase.

  "I need to slide into that sweet pussy of yours" Jase said as he put his hand between my thighs.

  "What are you waiting for?" I said as I grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him to my lips. His dirty mouth was a huge turn on.

  "God, you're so beautiful" Jase said as he looked at me and ran his thumb across my bottom lip.

  "I love you Jase" I said as I kissed his neck.

  "I love you baby" Jase said as he unbuttoned my jeans. "Now let's get these things off so I can taste you."

  I helped him get those jeans off as quick as possible. Whether it was romantic Jase, or dirty mouth Jase, they were both perfect. And they were both hot as hell.