Chapter 33: Book 2 Chapter 7
Jenna
My mouth stretched into a yawn as I laid on the sofa. I dreamed of Colton during my nap. How I wished it was true. I dreamed he laid under the stars with me as he held our child. I sniffed, smelling the aroma wafting through the air. Someone was in the kitchen preparing dinner. I sat up slowly, groaning in discomfort. This was only my fourth month and my muscles already ached.
“Oh good, you're awake. Did you have a good rest?” Chloe asked extending her arm.
She helped me up and smiled. I returned the friendly gesture and pulled on her arm to stand.
“Yes. Is Benjamin making dinner?”
“Yeah, you hungry? How silly of me. Of course, you are. Benjamin is making steak, potato salad, and mac and cheese.”
“It smells so good.”
I followed Chloe to the kitchen and widened my eyes in shock. There was Benjamin in a bright pink apron. The sight of an overgrown man in a girly apron was something I'd never seen.
“Here,” Chloe pulled out a chair, “I'll make you a plate.”
“It's okay, I can get it.”
“Nonsense, you're our guest.”
Chloe fixed me a plate of food and set it down in front of me. Benjamin slipped the apron over his head and hung it on the hook on the wall. He reached into the fridge and grabbed three cans. Two sodas for Chloe and I. One beer for himself.
I ate in silence, not knowing what to say. I took a bite of the potato salad and glanced across the table. Benjamin kissed Chloe's temple, making me feel like a third wheel. Adverting my gaze, it felt like I was imposing on an intimate moment between two lovers. It also made me think of Colton. He used to do the same thing when he came over to my house.
Benjamin took a sip of his beer and asked, “You alright?”
“I'm fine.”
“You look like you're thinking hard. Something on your mind?”
“I shrugged, “It's just—I just miss Colton. After seeing him once, it brought back a lot of memories.”
“Look,” he sighed, “I know it's hard, but he'll be out before you know it.”
“I think I'm going to step outside for a minute.”
“Stay close.” Chloe said.
“I will. I got my phone on me.”
I stepped outside, breathing in the fresh air. I sat down on the porch swing and pulled out my phone. I still had a picture of me and Colton as my screensaver. I couldn't bring myself to take it down. My phone lit up, an unknown number flashing across the screen. I pressed answer and whispered, “Colton?”
“It's me, baby. I got your letter.”
“You did?”
“Yes, Jenna. I most certainly did.”
“You're mad.”
“I am, but not at you. I could never be mad with you, my love. I miss you.”
I whispered, “I miss you too, Colton. I miss you so damn much.”
God, was I crying?
“It feels so good to hear your voice. Jenna baby, don't cry. I hate it when you cry.”
“I'm not sad. These hormones are all over the place. I'm just happy to hear your voice.”
“Sweetheart, I'll spend the rest of my life making this up to you.”
“Colton—”
“No, let me finish. I love you so damn much. I wish I could go back in time. I would do everything over and stand up to my father.”
“I dreamed of you earlier.”
“Sweetie, I dream of you every night. I hate to cut it short, but I just wanted to call and hear your voice. Remember, I love you. Sweet dreams, love.”
“Sweet dreams. I love you.”
I kept it together on the phone, but as soon as I saw call ended flash on the screen I caved. I clenched the phone in my hand, bring it to my chest. Tears started to fall down as I cried. I let out a choked sob and broke down for Colton. My chest tightened at the thought of all we've been through.
I heard the faint voice, but blocked it out. “Jenna?”
I shook my head violently, sobbing silently. The swing swayed and an arm wrapped around my shoulders. I couldn't hold it in anymore. So much aching in my chest. It hurt. It hurt so badly. I buried my head in their chest and fisted their shirt. In my head, I was imagining it was Colton holding me.
“Shh, it's okay. It will be okay, Jenna.”
Another choked sob.
Another cry of despair.
My throat tightened—so hard to breathe.
“Breathe, Jenna. Breathe with me.”
Oh. My. God.
Was I having a panic attack?
“In and out, Jenna. Inhale.” A masculine voice said, “Inhale. Exhale.”
“I-I can't—I'm—”
A pair of rough hands cupped my face, “Look at me, Jenna.”
I kept my eyes closed and shook my head, “No.”
“Fuck, Jenna. Let me help you.”
I shook my head again, “Nobody can help me. Nobody but Colton—I need him.”
“Dammit, just look at my face!”
Another choked sob.
Another cry of despair.
My throat tightened—so hard to breathe.
When I opened my eyes, Colton was gone, and I was looking into the eyes of Tommy. He softened his expression and sighed in relief. My breathing was slowly going back to normal. He inched his face closer, making me jerk back. “Please, Tommy. I told you I needed space.”
“I came to apologize.” Tommy frowned, still cupping my face.
“Let go of me.” I whispered and attempted to push him away.
I heard the door slam and I gasped as he was thrown from me. Benjamin slammed Tommy down on the ground and hissed. “What the fuck did you do to her?!”
“I swear. I didn't do anything.”
“Fucking liar.” His hand wrapped around his neck, “I've had about enough of your ass. Now, tell me what the hell you did to her, or else I'll choke you out.”
I blurted out, “Benjamin, please. I'm okay.”
Benjamin kept his hand wrapped firmly around his neck, his head turning to face me. “Did he hurt you?”
“He said he was coming to apologize. He didn't hurt me.”
“Then, what happened?”
“Colton called me and after I hung up with him—I'm sorry. I just couldn't deal with everything. Tommy didn't do anything to me.”
“Get out of here, Tommy. I don't want to see your ass back on my property. Do I need to tell Jeff everything that's been going on? How you're trying to steal someone's girl. Again. We all know what happened last time, don't we?”
Benjamin released him and stood up, dusting off his hands. Chloe gave me a sad smile and offered her hand to me. “Come on, let's get you inside. Benjamin?”
“Go inside, I'll be right behind you.”
Before I stepped through the door, I turned to look at Tommy and whispered. “I'm sorry I caused this.”
What did Benjamin mean by we all know what happened last time?