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Second Chance Ch. 02

By: CinderLaw



Here is the second installment of Second Chance. BTW my grammar is so even though I appreciate people telling me where I missed up, I am still working on actually writing correctly. So bare with me. Again thanks to MaaddMaaxx for editing, I know that you have a crazy schedule and I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out. - CinderLaw

*

Jared woke with a start after having another dream about Trista. She had been standing in front of him holding their baby, blood streaming down them in rivers, telling him that he killed them both. When he opened his eyes open he saw a little face about 3 inches from him. He jerked awake and pulled his head back staring back at the little face.

"Hi,"

"Hi," he said back.

"What is your name?"

"Jared. Are you Chloe?"

"Nope."

"Then who are you?"

"Princess Ariel."

"Okay. Where is the Queen then?"

"Still asleep. Do you want to watch Dora?"

"Who is Dora?"

"Dora the Explorer. Her and Boots go on trips together."

"I kind of feel like I am on one already."

"I'm hungry."

Jared sighed and got up, glancing at the clock he saw that it was a little after 7 am, "Well let's go see if we can fix something to eat. What do you want?"

"Chocolate cake."

"Yeah I don't think that your mom would like that very much, how about cereal?"

"No, eggs and bakey."

"What is 'bakey'?"

"You know loooong lines and when you cook 'em they kinda curl."

"Oh, bacon?"

"Yes bakey. And make my plate into a smiley face."

So Jared sat about making up some breakfast as the little girl, that he was pretty sure was Chloe, talked nonstop. She talked about everything from her, her mom, the babysitter and her boyfriend to the guy that runs the grocery store they go to who makes homemade taffy. She asked why there were clouds in the sky, why he was so tall, why did he have hair on his chest and no matter what he answered she would tell him, "Nope, because that is the way that God made 'em." 

Jared dished up Chloe a plate of food and set some back for Olivia. He had dished himself up a plate and just sat down to eat with Chloe when Olivia walked into the room. Jared looked up at her walking towards the kitchen and forgot how to chew. Damn she is sexy in the morning! He thought to himself. How in the hell am I going to make it for two days?

"Morning," she said, then leaned down to kiss Chloe on the head. "Chloe are you being nice to Jared?"

"Yes mama but...who is Trissa?"

"Who" she asked.

"Trissa, he talks in his sleeps."

"Um, her name was Trista and she was my wife." He said.

"Was? Are you divorced?" Olivia asked curious why someone would not want to be with him.

"No, she was killed."

"Oh! I am sorry, if I had known then..."

"No harm, it was a couple of years ago so I not as sensitive as I once was." He told her as he took a bite of his food. "I put a plate for you in the microwave."

"Thanks but I don't normally eat in the mornings."

"You should, have you never hear 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day'?" he looked at her with an inquisitive look.

"I am just not hungry." She told him looking away so that he could not see the look in her eyes, the last thing she needed was a stranger feeling sorry for her.

He stood up and walked over to her so they were standing with his front right against her backside and leaned down to whisper in her ear, "Is it because you don't have much money to buy groceries?"

"No, it is just because I don't like to eat breakfast." She whispered back.

"Funny, people who are telling the truth have no problem looking in my eyes. I will have Jason pick some stuff up today."

"Neither you nor your brother is going to buy me groceries, thank you very much -- we are fine."

"Yeah, but I will be eating here for a couple of days and I saw your cabinets -- I will have him grab some things. Besides, there are some things that I like to eat that you don't have here." He told her as he walked over to the microwave and pulled her plate out for her, "Now come over here and eat this."

She huffed like a pouting child but walked over to the table and sat down and started eating slowly.

"When is your brother going to be here?" she asked him.

"Don't know -- he has to call." He looked up and smiled at her.

Chloe had finished her food and jumped up, "Can I go watch Dora?"

"Take your plate to the sink then you can watch one Dora but then you have to write your numbers for me, okay?"

"Ohhh, do I have to?"

"Yes." Olivia said. She watched her as she went running towards the TV. "I hope that she did not bother you that bad this morning."

"She is fine. I woke up anyways just was not expecting her right there."

"Well you seemed to do pretty good with her." "Yeah my brother has two kids -- it is kind of an experience that we are going through together since he knew just as much as me when Laysea had the twins."

"She had twins also? Wow -- you know if you ever decide to have kids might want to let whoever she is know the whole twins factor." She smiled at him.

He smiled back, "I'm sure that she would have met my brother at that point could probably figure it out."

Her cell phone rang and she stood up and grabbed it, "Hello?"

"Raven? Is that you? No wonder you chose a different name to perform to. Olivia is so stuffy, I approve of your choice. Now, why have you been such a bad little girl and take him with you? Don't you know how dangerous he is? And what about Chloe? Now I have to punish you."

Olivia hung the phone up quickly, threw it on the counter and back away from it staring at it like it was possessed.

Jared walked over to her, "Olivia? Are you okay? Who was it?"

She was fighting tears when she whispered, "It was that creepy guy that hit you. He knows who I am, that you're here and my phone number so he probably knows where I live. He said that I was a bad girl for helping you and that now I would have to be punished. Jared he knows about Chloe!" She looked up at Jared fear shining in her eyes. 

Jared picked the phone up and dialed a number rather quickly, "Mac, Jared. Tell Jas this is not going to work Tom has found us and now we gotta get out of here...hurry up, I am packing them right now... talk in 5." Then he hung the phone up. "Go get some clothes for Chloe and yourself -- take just what you need nothing else. We have to be light and fast."

It took less than 5 minutes for her to get their clothes together and then get herself dressed. She dressed Chloe as quick as she could, but dressing a three year old is not always the easiest thing. When she walked back into the kitchen Jared was looking out of the window. "What is happening?"

"We have to go back to my place."

"But..."

"Olivia -- he knows where you live. I have seen pictures of his handy work and trust me you do not want to be the next project."

"So do we drive?"

"Yes and no."

Olivia waited on him to say more but he showed no interest in doing that so she said, "You know that was not really an answer, right?"

He turned to look at her with a big, sexy smile, "Yeah that is what Laysea says also when I say things like that. Jas will come and get us in the SUV. They are bulletproof and dark so we will be safe. Not to mention my brother and friends will be around us." He then looked down and looked up with a serious look, "You know what you did last night was probably the bravest and stupidest thing that anyone has ever done for me. I want to thank you for saving my life but in the same breathe apologize and shake the hell out of you for putting your self in jeopardy."

"I had to do it -- something inside of me told me it was the right thing."

"Yeah well let's make sure that 'the right thing' does not end up getting you or Chloe killed."

There was a knock on the door, Jared walked over and looked through the peephole, and then he opened the door. She knew that he was a twin but seeing two of him standing there was a little bit strange for her. His brother walked in and looked around and gave an expression that seems to say he could not believe how below their standards her place was. She felt a little insecure -- she knew that her place was not the best but it was by far not the worst. 

It was at that moment in seeing them both, there, together that she realized just what Tom had meant about him being dangerous. Shit! I just saved a mobster. Now he wants to take me and Chloe to his place! He has been linked to so many deaths, just a couple of years ago that one mobster was found dead with 30 other people, his house half exploded, and no one knew what had happened. These guys were taken in and questioned then released because there was not enough evidence to hold any of them. Olivia's reaction must have shown on her face because Jason stopped talking raised an eyebrow and jerked his head toward her to Jared. 

Jared turned around and looked at her. "When did you figure it out?" He asked her. 

"When I seen you both standing there together."

"Are we going to have an issue?" Asked Jason looking from Jared to Olivia, "Your call Jared."

"Olivia? Are you going to fight me on this?" Jared asked walking over to her and pinning her with those silver- blue eyes that seemed to harden.

"No, you two are obviously the lesser of two evils. My skin does not crawl when you look at me, so I won't cause a problem." She responded, she noted that his eyes soften up to look more liquid then hard, cold stone. 

He smiled at her, "Good, I did not want to have to force you to go. Get Chloe." With that he gave her a light push towards the other room. 

She started walking away but still watching him. He of course was still watching her and suddenly begins to point at her. She gave him a confused look when WHACK! She walked into the wall that separated the kitchen from the great room. With that she walked around the wall waiting just out of sight. She was not sure if she was waiting to hear what was said or if she was trying to hide her embarrassment. Probably both knowing her, she really did want to know what was being said. 

"Olivia, that's not getting Chloe -- go."

Damn it! How did he know she was there? She thought as she walked off to get Chloe.

Jared grinned, that woman is going to keep him on his toes! He turned to back to Jason to find him studying him very closely, "What?"

"You like her! I know she is a stripper and everything but damn don't make it that obvious that you're sleeping with her."

"What is that Laysea calls you...? Asshole! That's it. First off she saved my life, Jason. So, yeah I am being nice to her. Then again, it is kind of nice to come across someone that small that is willing to stand up to me. You should understand that. First one you came across you married! And I want to point out that, yeah, she strips. But she has a really good reason. And just FYI -- I did not sleep with her! So fuck off." Jared said while giving Jason a nasty look.

Jason held up his hands. "Okay, sorry but you have to admit -- you do like her don't you?"

Instead of answering Jared asked him, "So we are going back to the penthouse?"

"Nope, gonna send you some place different."

"What about Olivia and Chloe?" Jared asked.

"Yeah, um, who in the hell is Chloe?"

"Olivia's reason for stripping -- just wait you'll see." Jared told him with a knowing grin on his face. 

"Okay, well, I am going to send you all together to the lake house."

"As in the lake house that dad and mom dragged us to every summer?" Jared looked at him like he was crazy.

"Yep, I called Kaleb and had him full stock the cabin then hand pick guys, Trenton and Jerry is with them, to provide security."

Suddenly Chloe came running into the kitchen and came to a quick stop. She looked from Jared back to Jason then back to Jared. She then walked over to Jason staring up at him in awe, then without the least bit a hesitation she poked him in the leg. She jumped back from him and asked in a rather loud voice, "How did you do that? Had did you make a Jared two?"

Jason looked down at her with an odd expression on his face, "A Jared two? What is that?" he asked her. 

Jared chuckling offered some help, "This is Chloe."

Chloe turned to look at Jared and said "No, Jared One. I am Chloe. That is Jared Two."

Jason decided to reason with her. "No, I am Jason -- Jared's older brother -- we are twins."

Chloe looked at him like he lost his mind, "Hold on. I will be right back." With that she ran into the other room after a few minutes she came back with two pink, heart shaped post it notes. She then stuck one on Jared and the other on Jason, "There now you will not get confused anymore." Jason looked down at his which had a 2 wrote on it while Jared's had a 1 wrote on it. Jared was busy during this time laughing so hard he had to sit down or fall down.

"It is not that funny Jared! Chloe, honey, where is your mommy?"

"She is putting her toys in her bag." Chloe told them as she sat down at the table and finished eating Olivia's bacon. 

Jared and Jason shared a confused look with each other. Jared then walked out of the room to go find Olivia. He needed to know what 'toys' she had. As he walked quietly into her room he saw that she was indeed shoving something into a bag. 

He walked up behind her, looking over her shoulder and whispered, "What are you trying to hide?"

Olivia jumped like she had been shot, and then began to frantically try to close the bag, "Um you know some uh some woman things you know."

He reached around her and pulled a pair of g-string underwear out of her bag that was string but mostly lace. "These are nice. Can you model them for me later?"

"I am not a model." She said.

"Then dance in them for me." He told her then placed a soft kiss on the crook of her neck.

Olivia grabbed the underwear from him, "I don't do private dances, sorry."

"Can you make an exception for me?" He put his arms around her waist and pulled her hard up against me, "We are going to have plenty of time together."

"Won't you go to work or something like that?" she asked him trying to pull away from him then she felt that she was actually wiggling against him which was turning him on since something was growing in her back. She then decided that it would be best to stand perfectly still.

"Don't stop!" He told her as he nuzzled her below her ear. "As for work, no. We are going to a lake house instead of the penthouse. Jason still wants to try and get a handle on Tom so we will be safer there."

"Us? Who is 'us'?" she asked. Jared slides his hands upward slipping under her shirt. She kept pushing them away but he seemed pretty determined then again after last nights dream she may not have been trying that hard to stop him anyway. When he finally reached her bra he rubbed his thumbs over the lace covered nipples causing them to poke out sharply. Olivia could not stop the moan that escaped her mouth -- it had been too long since a man had touched her like this.

Jared began to hear Jason, Jerry and Chloe's voices as they broke through his conscious. Damn he wanted to continue down this road. This woman had him so turned on but there was no way he could take her to bed with her daughter awake and just a couple rooms away from them. "Me, you, and Chloe -- those us." He stepped back away from her even thought he really did not want to. "We will finish this later." He told her.

"No I think that we should consider this finished. I am not in a position to get involved with anyone right now Jared. I don't want to be dragging men in and out of Chloe's life and end up making her confused. That is why I have not dated before."

"First off, like hell we will consider this finished! Second I am one man not many men so I should not confuse Chloe -- especially since she already likes me. Look I am Jared One" He said pointing at his post it note. Olivia looked at the pink, heart shaped post it note then started laughing. Then suddenly she stopped. A look of horror crossed her face. She started thinking if Jared was one she knew who two was. She went to bolt out of the room when Jared grabbed her around her waist, 

"No one that is here will hurt her, I won't let them and neither would Jason. Calm down we are not the enemy, okay?"

"I just want to make sure that she is behaving herself."

"She is fine. Now get Chloe's bag, I will grab yours."

"Okay." She said as she walked out of the room at a much slower speed then she had been going a couple of seconds ago. 

Jared turned around and saw the bag still slightly open, he wanted to find out what "toys" she wanted to bring. He opened the bag and noticed what looked like a make up bag, however when he open it he saw that her toy was actually a 6 inch, pink, vibrator that was about an inch thick. He chuckled as he pulled it out and put it in the top drawer of her dresser. If that was what she had used for the past few years she was in for a big surprise because he was definitely bigger than that soft. With that he closed her bag up and walked out to the kitchen. 

Chloe was instructing Jerry and Jason how using bad words was not allowed and that her mommy would use soap to wash out their mouth. Jerad gave them both an odd look. Olivia walked in at that moment and Chloe without missing a beat told on them, 

"Mommy Jared Two said a bad word!" Then in a loud whisper she said, "He said the D word." Olivia looked at Jason who looked at a complete loss of what to do. Jason said, "I told her that the cabin had a lake beside it and part of it had been dammed up by the beavers. She then started to tell me that I should not cuss because it makes me a potty mouth."

Everyone looked at Olivia as if she would fix it all. She sighed and looked at Chloe, "Honey the dam he is talking about is what a beaver's home is called. Also Chloe that is Jason not Jared, they are brothers who were born at the same time so they look alike."

"I wish that I had a brother or sister." Chloe pouted.

"I know you do sweetheart but I already told you that a daddy has to give a mommy a baby." She told her as she turned to go through a drawer to get the little bit of extra money she had.

"Jared?" Chloe said.

"Yes?" Jared said while trying to see what Olivia was doing in the drawer -- he did not want her sneaking any more toys. Chances were if she was as turned on as he with no toys then it would end faster with them in bed together. "Will you give mommy a baby?" Olivia's eyes swung around to look shocked at her daughter. The only ones who did not seem to be shocked were Jared and Jason. Jason was busy laughing and Jared was smiling while watching Olivia's reaction.

"Chloe, sweety you can not..." Olivia began.

"We'll see." Cut in Jared. Olivia gave him a nasty look.

Jason chose that moment to change the subject. "Okay, kiddies let's get you to the lake house."

Second Chance Ch. 02



Thanks again to KevH for all of his efforts, and to DawnJ and Aruban for their many suggestions and support. This chapter is part of a larger story, and does not work as a stand-alone story. There is also no sex in the chapter, so please keep that in mind if you decide to continue.

~~~~~ 

October, 2004

"Shit!" Tim swore in frustration, slamming his hands against the steering wheel. He shot a quick glance at his watch and knew there was no way to make it on time. His fingers drummed impatiently against the steering wheel as he waited for the light to change. Damn thing seems to catch me every day, he fumed. 

"Whose dumb-assed idea was it to put it here in the first place?" he complained impotently.

The light finally turned green and the wheels screeched as he turned sharply into the parking lot, his eyes immediately searching for an open space. The only one available seemed to be a mile from the front door so he hurried into it, then began sprinting in a vain hope of making it before eight. Tim ran into the lobby, breathing heavily and quickly threw a cursory wave to Tammy at the front desk.

"They're already in the meeting Tim, you better hurry," she called out, a twinge of mirth betrayed by her voice. He rushed by, casting a quick glance over his shoulder which confirmed that she was openly laughing at his plight.

Tim reached the conference room just as Pete started his presentation. "Shit!" he muttered under his breath, trying to open the door quietly, hoping not to be noticed. Like he ever misses me screwing up?, Tim thought miserably, reaching for the door handle.

"This figure shows the problem we're having with the rail voltage on the new model," Pete was saying as his protégé discreetly slipped into a chair, ignoring the amused grins from the others around the conference table. Without turning he pointedly said, "Perhaps Mr. Sullivan could explain why this problem hasn't been fixed yet, since he's so graciously decided to join us this morning."

Damn, Tim thought. How does he do that?

"Well," Tim said, trying to calm his breathing, "I was going over the specs yesterday and noticed that we were having trouble sustaining the output from the power supply section. We can correct this if we..." 

He laid out the ideas discovered over a weekend spent researching every variation of every power supply the company had produced over the last three years, hoping to redeem himself for the embarrassing start to the day. Some of the other engineers were shaking their heads in disbelief, unable to fathom that the young man didn't have anything better to do on his weekend than go over specs and diagrams. As Tim opened the folder to pull out the handouts he had prepared at home, he tried not to think about the fact they were right.

When the meeting ended, he walked up to Pete tentatively, hoping he wasn't annoyed. Despite affinity for Tim, his being late could be considered a reflection of Pete's leadership and he hated the idea of making his best friend look bad. "Sorry, I was up late on this stuff and overslept."

Pete looked him over from head to toe and shook his head. "You look like crap! You could have waited to finish it until today. Did you even take a shower this morning?"

"It was important to have it ready for the meeting," Tim said defiantly. "And yes, for your information, I did shower this morning." With a wry smile, he added, "If you're that interested, I even used my brand new cologne. Want a whiff?"

Pete threw his head back and laughed so loudly it earned a curious stare from his secretary. "Rhonda, could you please make sure wonder-boy here gets the rest of his work to my desk?" As Tim turned to leave, Pete added, "For heaven's sake, can you find him a comb?"

She ran her hand through Tim's hair as if he was a child, telling him not to worry about Pete's teasing. He handed her the completed work and took the discs back to his office to try to tie up any loose ends before lunch. Pete was taking him out to extract any information about the weekend. Tim tried to focus his attention on the work. Everything else was a mess, as usual.

~~~~~

"So, how was Maria?" Pete asked with his usual lack of tact as they waited for the waitress. 

Tim shrugged his shoulders vaguely. "She was nice."

"Nice?" he hissed, sounding shocked. "She looks like a model, has a great job and is smart as hell. Trisha said that she would be perfect for you. All I get is 'nice'? My wife is going to kick your ass Wednesday night."

"Yeah, I'm not looking forward to this one," he mumbled, unable to look his friend in the eyes. "There wasn't anything wrong with her, we just didn't click. She was way out of my league anyway." 

Pete stared at him intently, like he was about to say something Tim wasn't going to like, but just then the waitress came back. They ordered lunch, then Pete quickly let his protégé know he wasn't ready to let it drop.

"Look Tim, this has got to stop. You work all the time, you don't ever enjoy yourself. You put every penny into that ridiculous house, but don't do anything with it. Shit, it's bigger than my house, but it's just you living there. You don't even seem like you want to find someone to share it with. I don't understand what you're doing with your life." 

He had touched a nerve, and it wasn't something Tim wanted to hear. 

"What I'm doing is my business," he snapped, more harshly than intended. "I love my house. It proves..." he stopped for a second, unwilling to reveal that bit of his personal history. "...I enjoy my life. If you don't like the way I do things, you can stop trying to set me up with your friends."

Pete leaned back, looking stung by the tone. When Tim saw his expression, he immediately regretted his harshness.

"I'm sorry, Pete. That was totally uncalled for. Please apologize about the date to Trisha for me. I appreciate the thought, but Maria just wasn't the right one." 

"Well, it seems that none of them are the right one," Pete sighed cynically. With a shrug, he changed the subject to something neutral. "All right, let's talk about your idea to fix the problem with the new line."

They spent the next hour trying to work out the details of Tim's idea and how it could be implemented without throwing off the production plans. The new line was going to make the company a ton of money and would ensure that Pete would secure yet another promotion. That was good because he always made sure that Tim was taken care of as well. 

After his help on what was easily the worst night of the young man's life, Pete had pulled strings to get Tim into his alma mater. He needed to carry a larger class load and take a couple of correspondence courses during the summer, but had somehow managed to graduate on time. True to his word, Tim walked right out of school and into a high paying job with Pete's company. 

It had been mutually beneficial because he was soon promoted to a supervisory position in the department. Pete was brilliant when it came to coordinating projects. He continually put Tim with groups that were doing the really crucial jobs dealing with the most cutting-edge technology. That helped the young man to become invaluable to the company; someone that could always be counted on to come through in the clutch.

Working sixty-hour weeks, plus taking projects home to work on in his free time wasn't exactly fun, but in three years he had become the youngest engineer to ever be in charge of a major project for the company. 

He's right about my drive though, Tim had to admit to himself. He knew he was in danger of burning himself out, but then again how many twenty-five year olds had their own home, car, and investment portfolio? Especially when it was all earned by their own hand? 

Tim didn't like to think about it, but his friend was probably also correct about what was wrong in his love life. Something was obviously screwed up, but nothing he tried seemed to make a difference. In the end it didn't matter. Work made him happy, it made sense, and it allowed him to get his life where he swore it would be and that was enough for the time being. Still, knowing Pete's wife and the hell she was going to give him, their weekly dinner wasn't something he was looking forward to.

~~~~~

Wednesday night finally arrived, but Tim was running a little late from working over. There was just enough time to change and clean up before heading to Pete and Tricia's. He finally grabbed his coat to head out when the doorbell rang. 

"She's going to kill me," he muttered, rolling his eyes at yet another interruption. He hurried to the door, expecting to find someone selling something useless. However, opening the door he was greeted by a sight that made his knees buckle. He could literally feel the blood drain from his face as his coat fell forgotten to the floor. Standing in front of him was the one person Tim never expected to see again.

"Donna," he stammered, feeling like the victim of some cosmic joke.

"Hi Tim."

It took several seconds to regain his senses. He felt like a fighter who'd just caught one to the temple. Everything seemed to be moving slowly and out of focus. 

"What are you doing here?" he stammered. 

She looked nervous, and a little wary. "I was wondering if we could talk?" 

In a daze, he stepped back and motioned for her to come in. She stepped past him into the living room, looking around in wonder. Tim bent over and picked up the coat, trying to find some way to deal with the flurry of emotions that all seemed to hit him at once. In addition to the emotional turmoil, he couldn't help but notice how stunning she still looked; almost as if she stepped right out of one of his dreams. Tim walked behind her, hoping she wouldn't notice his legs were so wobbly there was a very real danger he might fall at any moment. 

"Your house is beautiful," she said in open admiration. 

"Thank you," he answered robotically, still trying to gather his wits. Suddenly an idea occurred to him. 

"I was just on my way out to meet with friends. I need to let them know I'll be a few minutes late." 

She nodded, although her expression indicated she was disappointed he expected to leave so quickly. 

He turned and walked into the kitchen, dialing the phone. "Hello Tim, why are you going to be late this time?" Trisha greeted him with mock irritation.

"I need to talk to Pete, now," he said urgently, ignoring her sarcasm. Something in the tone must have alerted her that he wasn't fooling around because she immediately called for her husband. "He'll be here in a second. Is everything all right?" she said, the concern evident in her voice.

Struggling to answer, Tim was saved by Pete taking the phone, asking what was wrong.

"Donna's here," was the only words Tim could think to say. There was dead silence on the other end of the line for several seconds. "Hey, is there anyone there?" he asked in frustration. "What the hell am I supposed to do?"

There was a moment of silence. "Did she say why she's there?" Pete asked.

"I didn't think to ask," he hissed sarcastically. "I haven't seen her in five years, now she shows up out of the blue? I'm freaking out. I need time to get my head together."

"Well, just tell her the truth. You have to go to your boss' house and you can't be late. She's the one who just showed up unannounced. There's no reason you should feel pressure to make excuses."

Trisha's voice chimed in, "Just make sure you find out what she wants. You'll drive yourself crazy wondering if you don't know why she's there." 

"All right, I'll be about fifteen minutes late. I'll let you two know what happened when I get there. Thanks." 

Tim hung up and took a deep breath, starting to feel a little more in control of his emotions. Pete was right. There was no reason to come up with some elaborate excuse for not wanting to talk to her. She was the one who showed up unannounced out of the blue. It wasn't his job to accommodate the woman who had screwed his life, then dropped in without even a phone call. He strode into the living room, ready to deal with whatever Donna had to say.

"So do you have a little time?" she asked nervously. 

"I just have a few minutes; I'm supposed to be meeting my boss and his wife. I called them, but don't want to be too late." Tim searched his mind for a way to ask why she was there without sounding like he cared about her answer either way. 

After a moment of uncomfortable silence, she spoke. "Well, since I only have a few minutes, I don't want to waste it. I'm in town for a week or two and wanted to take you out for dinner. I thought...well, maybe we could catch up on what's been going on in our lives."

Tim didn't even try to hide the displeasure he felt at that suggestion. Yeah, I want you to tell me about your wonderful life with Jake. That'll be special, he thought bitterly. 

His irritation must have been transparent because she suddenly turned away. "I know it's strange to show up like this," she said, sounding uncharacteristically unsure of herself. "There are some things that I wanted to say a long time ago, but didn't get the chance." She paused, then looked at him with a determined expression. 

"I know you weren't expecting to see me, but I've waited a long time to have the chance to be honest with you."

He snorted, "Honesty? That'll be a change for you." A hurt look flashed across her face, but she didn't back down.

"You have every right to be angry with me, Tim. But I can't leave without at least giving you the chance to know what happened. I gave up before, and it was a horrible mistake. It's important that I don't let it happen again." She turned and grabbed her purse, then walked toward the door. Stopping there, she turned and faced him with an apologetic look.

"Tim, it's really good to see you again. I'm happy you're doing so well. I always knew you would."

Tim paused for a second, then decided that Trisha was right. He did want to find out why she was there and what she wanted to say. Part of him wished she had never come back because just seeing her was already causing him physical distress. Another part had always wanted to to find out why she had betrayed him, especially with someone like Jake. 

"I'll be busy tomorrow, but should be free all Friday night," he said evenly, trying not to betray his inner turmoil. "I think it might be good to catch up on things."

Her shoulders relaxed visibly and she gave him a grateful look. "Good. I'll call you Friday to find a time works for you." 

They exchanged numbers, then Donna walked toward the door. As she reached it she turned. "Thank you Tim, this means a great deal to me." 

The veil of stress lifted from her face, and he could see the old Donna again, young, beautiful, and full of life. She turned and stepped through the doorway. Tim watched her gracefully walk to her car, leaving him adrift in her wake, yet again.

~~~~~

"But if she wants to talk about things, that could be good," Trisha insisted. "Maybe she wants to apologize."

Pete gave his wife an exasperated look. "Who cares if she wants to apologize? After what she did..." his voice trailed off as Trisha gave him a pointed glare.

"Tim," Trish carefully chose her words, "for years, I've watched you go through your personal life like you were only half alive. It kills me because you're such a good person. Marie said you acted like you were counting the minutes until the date was over." Tim cringed at the assessment, which wasn't far from the truth.

"For some reason, you're stuck in the past. Whether it's because Donna hurt you so badly that you're afraid to take a chance or something else, you need to find a way to move on. Maybe you just need to find out what really happened and why in order to get that closure."

Trisha stared at him with an unabashed fondness that made him blush. "You do what you think will make you happy. Pete and I will support you, no matter what. If you ask me though, this is the chance to get all the answers you didn't get the first time around."

Tim looked at her with a sheepish grin, feeling relieved. "Well, Pete constantly tells me that you're always right. I suppose I should start listening to him."

She smiled and leaned over tenderly kissing his cheek. "You really are such a sweet man."

~~~~~

Tim called Donna when he arrived home. The conversation was tense, but she seemed genuinely grateful to hear that he hadn't changed his mind about meeting with her. Something unexpected happened after he hung up though. The thought of her trying to wash away what she had done with a simple conversation nagged at him. He wrestled with it until well into the night before drifting off into restless slumber. By the next morning, he had decided to prove to her that he wasn't the sap he used to be.

On Friday night, he arrived at the restaurant at seven o'clock sharp. Donna was already sitting at a table, trying not to appear uncomfortable. He greeted her pleasantly and inspected the menu. They didn't say much until the waitress took their order. After she left, Tim leaned back in his chair with an air of authority. 

"Well?"

As he sat staring at her, Tim felt confident and strong. He was a successful professional with a good life. Even if she was still with Jake, Tim knew he didn't make the NFL, so it was doubtful she was doing nearly as well. Judging by her shocked expression when she saw the house, he was convinced she was envious.

Unfortunately, her reaction was not exactly what he had anticipated.

"Well what," she replied, looking confused.

"I've been waiting for two days to find out why you just show up on my doorstep after five years. Is this supposed to be some kind of 'Gee, sorry I screwed you over and fucked up your life' speech?"

Her face betrayed a hint of pain, but she quickly suppressed it. "No," she simply said.

He stopped in confusion, caught off guard by her answer being different from what he expected. 

"Tim," she began quietly, "what could I possibly say that would make any difference to you now? Being sorry doesn't fix what I did. If I could go back and change things, I swear to you I would. That's not a possibility." She cleared her throat, sounding like she had rehearsed a speech of her own.

"I need to explain to you what happened and why. You deserve to know the truth...at least if you want to. I was also hoping I could talk to you kind of like old friends...at least for one night. It would mean a lot to me." She looked into his eyes pleadingly. 

"Later, if you still want me to apologize, I'll be happy to do so. I would do anything to take away the pain I put you through." She looked away. "I promise you, saying I regret what I did is the easy part."

Tim sat quietly, gathering his thoughts. What she said seemed to make sense, but a part of him was screaming that he was missing the other shoe about to drop. Who is she to pity me? he thought angrily. 

"Fine," he said curtly. "You want to talk, I have some questions. You're here alone, where's Prince Charming?"

"I left Jake a long time ago," she answered quickly, staring at her hands.

"So he dumps you and all of the sudden you want to see what I'm doing? Is that the plan?" 

Donna brought her eyes up to meet his. "Tim, I would never do something like that." Ignoring the disbelieving snort, she continued, "I left him a few months after it started. I know it's hard for you to believe, but I didn't come here to justify what I did." 

Tim shook his head; suddenly realizing dinner had been a bad idea. Not only was this not turning out the way he expected, but she was doing the whole I'm just here to make you feel better bit. The only good news was that her relationship with Jake hadn't worked out. 





Second Chance Ch. 02



Even that doesn't help because it turns out she ruined my life for a short-term fling, he thought bitterly.

Tim felt his anger over the situation growing. There were many things he'd been keeping inside for years, unwilling to talk about to anyone. He could feel them bubbling to the surface and pushing him to strike back at the source of that pain.

"So let me get this straight, you're expecting me to take the word of the woman who had been fucking around on me for who knows how long?"

She shook her head, glancing at the tables around them. "It wasn't like that, Tim." She looked at the people around our table. "This really isn't the place to have that conversation. I was hoping to answer anything you wanted afterward, when we could speak somewhere private."

"You mean I actually have to talk to you again?" He took a great deal of pleasure from the pained reaction in her eyes. 

"Fine, we won't talk about you stabbing me in the back with Jake. We'll move on to a different topic...Just how many times did you screw around on me while we were dating? I'm impressed at how easily you fooled me into believing you were such a loving, faithful girlfriend. Those are some excellent acting skills; you really picked the wrong profession."

"There was never anyone else," she said quietly. 

"OK, we'll assume you're telling the truth, based on your long history of honesty with me. So when you decided to move up to someone better, why didn't you just tell me instead of letting me make a fool of myself," he spat. "Unless that was the plan...let me think we had something we didn't so that you could laugh at me with your new friends."

"Jake was a lot of things, but being better than you was not one of them," she replied, dropping her eyes. "I was planning on telling you when it happened, but you were so busy...it just all went wrong."

"Oh, so it's my fault you couldn't keep your pants on?" Tim asked vindictively.

"No, of course not. Everything was my fault," she said, looking intently into his eyes. "I just meant that I couldn't find a way to talk to you about it. I felt horrible about what I'd done."

"Yeah, I definitely got that impression when you walked out of his bathroom asking where your clothes were. You sounded utterly miserable."

Normally, Tim was the kind of person who was content to keep his feelings inside, refusing to share what he really thought with others. However, since he hadn't been able to get the kind of satisfaction he expected, he chose to use her as a verbal punching bag. Five years of doubt and anger was mercilessly unloaded on her, oblivious to her reactions to the vitriol. 

By the time dinner finally arrived, Tim had spent his anger and just wanted to leave. He told the waitress to put his food in a box. She gave him a strange look, then walked back toward the kitchen.

He stood, grabbing his jacket. "Thanks for dinner, Donna. You were right. This was really helpful. I do feel a lot better." He watched her struggling to hold herself together, then turned to grab dinner from the waitress and stormed out the door. 

Instead of going straight to the house, he drove to the store down the street to grab some aspirin for the pounding headache he was starting to feel. The high from the confrontation was beginning to wane and his mood was turning, leaving him exhausted and confused about what he should be feeling.

On the way back, he passed a park at the side of the road. There was one lone car sitting under one of the streetlights, and it immediately caught his attention. It took about a block to realize that it looked like the car Donna had driven to his house Wednesday. 

What's this all about? he wondered. An uncomfortable feeling in his gut began to grow. He drove for two more blocks, unable to push the questions from his mind. Something even stronger than anger was gnawing at him. He couldn't identify the emotion, but it was powerful and finally won out, causing him to turn around and head back to the park. 

He pulled into the lot to take a closer look. There was no doubt in his mind that it was Donna's car. It was a beat up older four-door model with a dent in the driver's side door. Tim parked several spaces down, trying to decide if he should check on her or just let it go. 

It's not my responsibility, he tried telling himself.

Despite his attempts to talk himself out of it, something kept pushing him to see what was wrong. No amount of anger on his part could compensate for the feeling that he needed to be sure she was all right. Finally he gave up fighting and got out, slowly approaching her car. As he got a little closer, the streetlight light above suddenly came on, illuminating the interior of her car. 

The discomfort in his stomach turned into a painful knot as he could clearly see her arms folded across the steering wheel, her head down against them. She was crying, her body shaking violently as she sobbed out of control. 

The emotion that had been bothering him was now easily recognizable...guilt. Tim was sure that Donna knew he might tear into her, especially after his less than warm reception Wednesday. It finally dawned on him that she probably expected the scene in the restaurant and came anyway, giving him the chance for payback. She hadn't tried to excuse her actions, and refused to try to seek sympathy. Instead, she held it together until he left, then drove to the parking lot to be alone. 

Tim knew that he should have every right to be angry with her, and to even despise her for what she had done to him. However, watching her in so much pain reached him in a way that he didn't believe possible. The feelings he held for her years earlier rushed back like an avalanche, making him feel unbearable remorse for his behavior. 

Cautiously, he stepped forward and tapped on the window, but she didn't respond, so he hit a little harder. Donna jerked back and turned her head quickly, startled by the unexpected intrusion. She looked at Tim and immediately turned her face away, hiding it in her hands.

"Go away please! I can't talk to you right now," she whimpered. He could barely make out her words through the sobs. 

Tim watched her for a moment, his heart in his throat. Suddenly he didn't see the older, less confident Donna. He didn't see the woman who betrayed him with Jake. Instead he only saw the girl who was his best friend in college, who was his first lover, and who had been a part of so many of his happiest memories. His need to "win" the confrontation was instantly forgotten, and all he could think of was trying to find a way to fix what he had done. Seeing she had left the door unlocked, he reached for the handle and pulled. 

Donna turned and saw Tim opening the door and tried to slide away across the seat. He put a hand on her arm gently, trying to show her that he was genuinely concerned. 

"Come here," he scolded softly. Cautiously, she let him tug her closer, then allowed herself to be pulled from the car. He didn't think twice, just put both arms around her and crushed her against his chest. She put up a token resistance, then allowed her head to rest against his shoulder. Tim could feel her body shaking as she gave up attempting to control her emotions. She pulled herself against him tightly, and allowed years of holding back to spill out unconstrained. 

Tim was surprised to find himself feeling emotions he wasn't prepared for and was instantly uncomfortable with the embrace. The way his feelings were thrown into chaos was dizzying. He found it impossible to pull away though. The only thing running through his mind was how fragile and lost she seemed, and how he had been the cause. 

"I'm so sorry for everything," she sobbed. "There's just no way make you understand..." She trailed off, continuing to cry against his chest.

"It's okay, just let it out," he encouraged her, trying to redeem himself for his earlier performance. He continued to speak softly while stroking Donna's hair and holding her close. She settled against him, her body fitting against his exactly as he remembered from years before. It was the first time since then he could recall it feeling natural to hold a woman.

Don't do this, he thought frantically, trying to will himself not to respond to her closeness. The person you remember is a ghost. You don't know if she was ever real. 

Finally, her sobs abated and her breathing returned to normal. She pulled away and looked into his eyes. 

"Thank you," she said and wiped her face with her sleeve. She turned away and tried to compose herself. "You didn't have to do that. I promised myself that I wouldn't fall apart in front of you."

"Why?" came his puzzled response.

"Because, it's not fair to you. When I decided to try to talk to you, it was just to be honest about everything. I didn't come here to make you feel sorry for me."

Tim sat down on the hood of her car and patted the spot next to him. Obediently, she sat down. 

"I'm sorry Donna. I was horrible to you tonight. What you said just caught me off guard. The truth is, I do wonder about what really happened, it's just complicated for me. I was really angry with you for a long time. The truth is I still am."

"You have every right to be," she said quietly. "If the situation was reversed, I don't know if I'd ever want to talk to you again."

Tim sighed; it was obvious this wasn't going to be easy for either of them. "Let me make you a deal, we'll pretend the restaurant didn't happen. You follow me to my house, we'll warm up this delicious looking dinner you bought me, and catch up on each other's lives. No more talk about anything bad, just old friends who haven't seen each other in a long time. What do you say?"

Donna looked stunned, but grateful. "I'd say that you are full of surprises. I would love to have the chance to spend just a little time catching up before..." She took his hand and squeezed. "I know that this is all very hard on you. It is for me too. I want you to know how much I appreciate you being so kind. It's more than I deserve."

"Uh, uh," he scolded. "We agreed, no more talk about bad things." 

She smiled, looking a little embarrassed, then slid back into her car. Tim jogged back to his, then pulled out of the parking lot. 

As he turned onto the street, the thought occurred to him that he felt good. Unlike the feeling of euphoria at the restaurant, this wasn't tinged with guilt. The way he handled the situation made him feel strong and in control. More in charge of his life than he could ever remember.

Donna followed him home where they finished dinner. They talked until well after midnight, reliving stories from college and laughing without reservation. Tim carefully steered the conversation away from potential problem areas, noticing her reluctance to take charge. He was a little unsettled to see how unsure of herself she had become, but assumed he'd learn more about it when they talked about what had happened. 

When the conversation ground to a halt and he saw her yawn, Tim decided to call it a night. "You look like you're ready to fall out Donna. We don't have to do everything in one night. Why don't you get some sleep?"

"That might be a good idea," she conceded. "Could I get some coffee, I need a pick-me-up before I get behind the wheel."

He gave her a dubious appraisal, trying to decide if he wanted her driving. She appeared to be exhausted. 

"Donna, the motel is over a half hour away, why don't you just stay here tonight. I have a nice guest room with a really comfortable bed and you're welcome to it. You can go back first thing in the morning instead." 

She carefully considered the offer, weighing the possible consequences. "I don't know," she said warily. "Are you sure it wouldn't be any bother?"

"No bother at all," he answered, surprised the answer came out sounding more eager than intended. "Come on, let me show you around." 

Tim led her from room to room, happily listening to her go on about how much she loved the house. She couldn't get over the inground pool in the addition. He showed her how to turn on the lights and made sure the shades were drawn in case she wanted to take a dip before bed or in the morning. She was obviously impressed, which made him feel a deep sense of pride at what he'd been able to accomplish since she last saw him. 

"Here's something you can wear for bed," he said, handing her a pair of shorts, an oversized t-shirt and a robe. "Oh yeah, my cupboards are a little bare. If you get up first and feel hungry, just wake me and I'll take you out. Sorry," he said, feeling a little embarrassed. 

"That's perfect," Donna said, gratefully accepting his modest offer. "I can't thank you enough for all...of this," she finished, gesturing around her. "Whatever we do in the morning is fine with me."

As she disappeared up the stairs, Tim felt torn. A part of him actually enjoyed seeing her again, especially with him able to show off his success. It was impossible for his thoughts not to turn to the dark places, however. Even though there were still plenty of questions about her and what she might divulge about their past, for now he was determined to remain upbeat. He decided to worry about the rest later.

~~~~~

Tim was lying on his back, looking up at the most beautiful face he had ever seen. Donna was straddling him, moving her hips back and forth, impaling herself on his erection. He let her do all the work, content to reach up with his hands to massage her breasts. The feeling of being so close to her was threatening to suffocate him; it was like drowning in love. He could feel an orgasm approaching and pulled her down against his chest as he came so hard it felt like the life was draining out of him.

"Donna..." he moaned, sitting up suddenly. He looked around the room in confusion for a moment, then realized he was having the dream again. It was one that he refused to tell anyone about; mostly because no one would be able to understand. It would just lead to a lecture about him 'getting on with his life' or something similar. Pete was the biggest offender; he had a dislike for Donna that was completely out of line with his normal, good-humored approach to life. 

Tim couldn't blame him. Pete was the one who woke up in the middle of the night to drive him to the hospital. He basically held Tim's hand all night as he dealt with insane thoughts of getting a gun to go after Jake or even doing something to himself.  

The situation with Jake had scarred Tim more than he thought possible. Part of it was the loss of Donna in such a horrible, immediate way. The other part was something more primal. No matter how much success he ever achieved, Tim knew somewhere in the back of his mind that Jake was out there laughing about what he did. Until the parking lot, Tim had assumed Donna was laughing along with him. Now he wasn't so sure.

Shaking his head, Tim tried to push those thoughts from his mind. The dream left him sweaty and confused. He needed to get a drink to calm down, so stumbled out of bed and threw on a pair of sweats. As he opened the door, there was movement on the stairwell and he realized Donna was there heading down. He stepped back inside to give himself a second to cool down. That dream always left him with an erection that would cut diamonds and he didn't want to bump into her in the hallway in a condition that impossible to conceal.

After taking a minute to gain control, he slipped into the hallway and headed for the kitchen. To his surprise, there was no sign of her. He opened the fridge to grab a beer when he heard a noise from inside the pool house.

Walking over to the door, he turned the handle and opened it slightly. The lights were dim, but Tim could see Donna moving a chair closer to the edge of the pool. She had a drink in her hand and was wearing the robe he had lent her. 

He watched as she untied the sash, allowing it to part with a teasing glimpse of her midriff. She then shrugged it off of her shoulders. It felt like the world was happening in slow motion as it slid down, briefly catching on her breasts, then fell away from the rest of her body. Turning, she carefully folded it and set it on the chair. Tim didn't want to invade her privacy, but couldn't force himself to turn away. It was the first time he'd ever seen a woman skinny-dipping, and it was the woman he'd been dreaming about only minutes before. 

She turned giving him a perfect view of her body, which was every bit as spectacular as in college. Her breasts looked exactly as he remembered, medium-sized with large nipples. They sat on her chest exquisitely as if they'd been carefully placed their by a master sculptor. Letting his eyes roam lower, he could see her flat stomach leading to her trimmed pubic hair. 

The dim lighting caused shadows to play across her skin like the photos of models in fashion magazines. She was slightly pale and a little thinner than he remembered, but it didn't detract from her beauty. She took one step forward, then dove gracefully into the pool. 

Shaking the water from her face, she emerged with her eyes closed and a remarkably peaceful expression as she lay back and began an unhurried backstroke. Tim realized that look was something she hadn't demonstrated since she showed up on his doorstep. It took his breath away as his mind flashed back involuntarily to their days together before it all went so wrong.

Closing the door he leaned against the wall for support. Don't get carried away. Just a ghost, he tried to remind himself again. He trudged back up the stairs, feeling more conflicted than ever. 

In the morning Tim woke feeling incredibly well rested. Glancing at the clock he was startled to see that he'd slept until after ten, which was unheard of. He threw on some clothes and went into the hall, wondering if Donna had left. Once at the stairs he smelled the unfamiliar scent of breakfast cooking. As he entered the kitchen, there was Donna in the clothes he had laid out for her, making bacon and eggs at the stove.

"Good morning! I thought I was going to have to bring you breakfast in bed for a minute," she said cheerfully. She turned and pulled fresh biscuits out of the oven, giving Tim an uncomfortably good look at her shapely legs tapering up to her ass, which was not nearly covered well enough for his comfort level.

"Wow, this is something I didn't expect to see anytime soon," he teased. "Where did you find real food in this house?"

She gave him a mock frown. "I didn't. When I woke up I realized that it was either dry cereal or I was going to have to wake you. It sounded like you were fast asleep and I didn't have the heart to disturb you so I ran to the store around the corner and grabbed a few things. I hope you don't mind," she said apologetically, hoping he would appreciate the gesture.

"Mind?" he smiled. "I told you to make yourself at home. It's been about two years since I had a real breakfast at home. This is great. Please, knock yourself out."

Donna giggled and went back to work. It was a warm, happy sound that he realized sadly had rarely been heard in his home. Tim asked if there was anything he could do, but she insisted on handling everything. She firmly told him she wanted to repay his hospitality. 

Sitting at the table, they chatted amiably while she finished. Donna shyly related the details of her midnight swim and how much she enjoyed it. Tim pretended to be surprised, but the mental image of what he saw made it almost impossible to concentrate. They finished breakfast, then she went back to the motel to get a fresh change of clothes.

While she was gone, Tim dwelled on the range of emotions he had been feeling. He was trying not to allow himself to think about her the way they had been in the past. It was a lifetime ago. Doing so only made things more complicated, especially considering what they would be discussing when she got back. Still, it was almost impossible to get the image of her crying in the car out of his head, not to mention the one of her disrobing by the pool. 




Second Chance Ch. 02



There was another part of him that was still hurt and very angry, even after all this time. Tim tried not to indulge those emotions either, not wanting a repeat of the scene at the restaurant. He knew that taking it out on her wasn't going to make him any happier in the long run. 

More than anything, he wished he could go back to the happy-go-lucky kid he used to be instead of the miserable guy who worked alone every weekend. The question was, did that kid even exist anymore?

Donna came back around three o'clock. Tim opened the door and immediately felt the urge to back out of the entire discussion. As opposed to the night she first showed up, or at dinner, Donna chose to dress casually in faded jeans, a sweater, with her hair pulled back in a pony tail, and just enough make-up to accentuate her natural beauty. It was exactly the way he saw her in his mind, those times he allowed himself to remember her fondly. It made what was coming next so much harder.

"Donna, I think it's time we talked about what happened," he said with as much faux confidence as he could muster. He watched to gauge her reaction, but she simply nodded. They went to the couch and sat next to each other. 

"Where do I start," she mused sadly. "First, to answer your question from last night, I need you to know that there was never anyone else. Jake was the only one and it only happened that week. Once we were...together," she stammered with some difficulty, "I would have never asked you to take me back. I knew I had betrayed you and that what we had was over." She had trouble meeting his gaze, but as she paused she took a deep breath and forced herself to look at him.

"It started during the summer break. You were working for Pete while I stayed at school, taking a few classes and working at the local hospital part time to earn extra money. I ran into Jake one day after he finished football practice. Although we had met a few times at parties, we never had really talked." 

"He offered to buy me lunch at the cafeteria. I didn't see anything wrong with it, so I accepted. We talked for a long time about ourselves, expectations we faced, and how much we both felt overwhelmed by school. He never indicated any interest in me and I made sure to mention how happy you and I were so that he wouldn't get the wrong idea." She continued, but her pained expression was impossible for Tim to ignore. 

"We saw each other a few times a week over the rest of the summer, having lunch together so neither of us would have to eat alone. It was always public, and he never acted like he was interested in me as anything other than a friend, which is how I felt toward him. After a few weeks, I started confiding in him about some things in our relationship I was nervous about."

The look on Tim's face must have matched the aggravation he felt at that statement, as Donna glanced away from the piercing stare. 

She continued, her voice now trembling. "I know how naïve I was. At the time, I thought that being able to talk about my concerns to someone would help me sort them out in my mind. All my girlfriends were home for the summer. He made it seem like we had things in common, so I thought he understood me." 

She lowered her head and fidgeted with a loose string on her jeans. "I should have known better than to trust him."

Donna raised her eyes to meet Tim's again. "When school started, I was so anxious to see you that I paid your roommate to be gone for the day so we could be alone together. It was a wonderful afternoon, and I thought maybe that was what we needed. After that I kept trying really hard to make things even better. The truth was, I was over-compensating for my insecurity."

Although he had tried to be patient, Tim couldn't stop himself from interrupting her. "So why not just talk to me?"

"I didn't talk to you because I was a foolish, stupid girl," she said bitterly. Noticing his perplexed look, she quickly continued. "I wasn't sure if my concerns were justified or if I was being silly. Part of me didn't want to admit I wasn't sure what I was doing. Maybe I was scared that if we talked, I might find out something I didn't want to know." She looked away and wiped a tear from her eyes.

"What do you mean, something you didn't want to know?"

She shrugged. "I don't know...that we were growing apart, maybe that I had doubts about what we had, that I was reading things into the relationship that just weren't there. It was your first serious relationship. Was it really possible for us to live happily ever after? I just didn't know. If I had talked to you, maybe things would have turned out differently. Instead I leaned on Jake and..." she trailed off and took a moment to gather herself.

"Tim, I need you to believe me on one thing," she said, suddenly staring into his eyes intently. "I never, for one second, thought things would end up the way they did. I convinced myself that our talks were just him being concerned for my welfare. There was no hint that he thought about me as anything but a friend."

Tim wasn't sure what to make of her story, because it wasn't what he expected. At the same time, he vividly remembered what Jake said about her outside the frat house and knew if he did seduce her the way she described, it was most definitely an act on his part. The man simply wasn't capable of that kind of emotion.

Donna took a deep breath and began again. "The week that everything fell apart, my friend Cindy and I were offered a job working on the party that the football team was having at their frat house. It seemed like such a lucky break. It just fell in our lap; at least that's what I thought. I had been laid off from the hospital so I really needed the money. We were there every day that week putting together the plans and decorating the house." 

"Jake and I hadn't spoken as much after school started, but we did stay in touch. That week he was there every day while we were working; volunteering to help, making small talk, and waiting on us hand and foot. I never saw it coming, but all that time I spent with him led to something changing between us. Instead of us just being friends, it suddenly felt different." 

She looked away, guilt written all over her face. "Thursday night, he helped us work and talked to me all night. When it was time to leave, he asked me to stay a little while longer to talk to him about something personal." 

"Cindy must have had her suspicions because she tried to talk me into leaving, but he wouldn't take no for an answer. I told myself that nothing had changed, so there was no reason to leave. I wish I could tell you why I did it, but the truth is I just don't know. Whether I let him fool me, I fooled myself, or some part of me was flattered that he was interested...I've thought about it for five years and I don't have any good answers."

She stopped because of the sick look on Tim's face, but now that they'd come this far, he needed to hear the rest. 

"Go ahead," he murmured. "Let's get this over with."

She sighed. "He got me a few beers, he talked about problems he was having, and managed to get me to his room. Once I was there, he seduced me. I won't make any excuses. It was my fault for putting myself in that situation. For some reason, he seemed to know what to say to keep me off balance. Now I know that's what he was doing the whole time, just maneuvering me to use me." 

"I walked out of the house afterward knowing I had just ended what we had because you'd never be able to forgive me. I was so confused because I didn't even understand why I had done it. The whole reason I had been talking to him was because of how I felt about you, then I turned around and betrayed you. It was awful."

She glanced down, giving up trying to meet Tim's pained stare. "I skipped class and stayed home all Friday, trying to understand why I did it, and how I was going to tell you. In the end I just sat in my bed hating myself." 

"Saturday I promised myself I was going to tell you no matter what. I didn't want there to be any chance of you finding out some other way. I got your message that you were going to be out studying, so I went to the library but couldn't find you. I went back to your room, but both you and your roommate were gone. In the end I went back to my room and left you a message. Then I sat and waited to see if you'd call back."

"That's when Jake showed up and refused to leave without me. He said it was because I had done so much work on the house that I had to be there, at least to take the credit. I didn't want to go, but he refused to leave and was making a scene. I was so afraid that someone would find out what I had done, so I gave in."

Donna's expression changed from sad to disgusted. "Once I was there, he paraded me around, telling everyone what a great job I did. It was all flattery and compliments with everyone making me feel like a star. He made sure I had a drink in my hand all night. After a couple of hours, he started trying to get me to go up to his room. He didn't stop pushing until he got his way again."

She paused, forcing herself to look up again. "Tim, I'm so sorry. Even though I knew I had already ruined everything, I swear I didn't want that to happen. I never wanted to hurt you like that. I was so sure I could handle myself...I was such a fool."

"As soon as it was over, I went into the bathroom to be alone. I thought about how I had screwed everything up. I decided to leave and go to your room and wait there for as long as it took."

The tears fell down her face as she continued her story. "I walked out of the bathroom to get my clothes and saw him at the door talking to someone. When he stepped back and I saw you, I knew there wasn't anything I could do to take back what I had done or how hurt you must have been. I panicked and ran back into the bathroom. I refused to come out for hours; I just couldn't face anyone."

"The next day I tried to call you, even though I had no idea what to say. Unfortunately, you were already gone. I tried everything; talking to your roommate, trying your cell phone, then finally calling your parents house. That turned out to be a huge mistake." Her look changed to a melancholy grin as she wiped away tears now streaming freely down her cheeks. 

"Your mom let me know exactly what kind of a low-down slut I had been. She told me if I had any decency, I'd leave you alone." Donna's expression turned sad again. "I knew she was right, so I stopped trying to contact you."

Tim leaned back, trying to appear more together than he really felt. "I don't know what to say. I knew Mom must have let you have it, but she never told me what she said. She's pretty protective of her only son." He took a deep breath trying to let the emotional rollercoaster to slow down. "So you really fell for him?"

Her expression was difficult for him to read. "No. I was confused about my feelings, but I never fell for him. I can't tell you how much I wish I could go back and stop myself from the choices I made. There's just nothing I can say that could possibly make up for what I did. I was a stupid, arrogant little girl who thought she could handle herself no matter what."

She touched his hand. "It's easy to understand why so many people were so upset."

"Upset?"

Donna looked like she was going to start crying again. "Most of my close friends were really upset with me over what happened. Cindy was so angry that she could barely be civil towards me." 

Her crying was getting worse, so Tim told her to go to the bathroom and got her a cognac to help. When she got back, she actually looked worse than when she left. She gratefully took the drink with shaking hands and took a quick sip. 

"Tim, this next part is very hard for me. I haven't told anyone about it since college, except for one person who has been trying to help me deal with the consequences. I will tell you because I owe you the whole truth, but please let me tell the entire thing and get it over with."

Her warning was making Tim very uncomfortable. He had assumed what she said up to now would have been the hard part. After he promised, Donna took a large sip and braced herself for something that was obviously very difficult.

"After you left, I hid out for weeks, but Jake wouldn't leave me alone. Several of the younger girls in my house were seeing other players on the team and kept trying to help him get in touch with me. I was really lonely and feeling terrible about myself, so I finally gave in started seeing him. That's when Cindy and some of the others cut me off completely." She stopped and took another sip, her hands shaking noticeably.

"I found out quickly he wasn't anything like you. He was all smooth talk and friendship when he was trying to get me, but it changed almost immediately. His mood was unpredictable and it could be scary sometimes. He would get angry with me if I didn't do what he expected, or if I wanted to stay home and study instead of going out with him and his friends."

"He demanded sex almost any time we were together and didn't seem to care if I was in the mood or not. I started feeling really badly about myself because of what I was putting up with. No one had ever treated me like that, but I just kept letting him. I think I was afraid to admit how wrong I had been about him, because of what it cost me. Instead of standing up for myself, I just kept hoping it would get better."

"It took four months of living like that, but he finally pushed it too far. We had a big fight and I finally got the backbone to tell him off and walk away." She took another sip, and Tim thought she looked like she was going to completely lose it. 

He took her hand and softly began stroking it. When he asked if she wanted to keep going, and she nodded. 

"When I got back to the dorm, I ran into Cindy. She could tell right away how upset I was and immediately walked me back to my room where she insisted I tell her everything. I was so grateful that she didn't say it was my fault for being stupid in the first place. I stayed in my room for a week, ignoring Jake's calls and refusing to see him when he came by." 

"When I went to classes again the next week, I found out that he was really angry with me for leaving him. He spread rumors about me and what happened between us all over campus. It was completely devastating. She set down her glass and stood. 

"I'm sorry Tim, I need a minute," she pleaded.

"Sure," he replied. "Take as much time as you need." The truth was, he needed a minute to process as well. 

She went up the stairs to the bathroom and Tim poured himself another glass. 

Everything he'd assumed about how her life had gone on as before had been completely wrong. Although he tried to keep his old feelings in check, he couldn't help but be infuriated over what she had been through. If what she said was true, Jake manipulated her and managed to derail both of their lives while coming out smelling like a rose. Tim couldn't help wondering how someone could be that much of a scumbag and not have to pay for it. 

Still, the story she told him was a lot to take on faith. Even though he wanted to believe her, a part of him knew there had to be some kind of proof first. Even if there was, the only thing it changed was that she didn't set out to humiliate him and break his heart. That was hardly something that moved him to forgive her and move on with his life.

Donna looked a little better when she came back. The way she suddenly seemed overwhelmed made Tim suspicious about what she wasn't saying, but he was content to let it pass until he heard the rest of the story and could decide if it mattered. 

He stood up and gave her a quick hug. "Are you ok?" he asked with genuine concern.

She smiled, the strain of her visit momentarily relieved. "Yes, thank you." She sat back down beside him. "Where was I?"

"You were telling me about what happened when you left Jake," he said gently, trying to read her reaction to see how much he should ask.

"Yes," she said, her earlier relief immediately gone. "No one had ever questioned my reputation before. Now everyone thought...well, they didn't think much of me. I stopped going out and I dropped out of all my extracurricular activities. It was good because I was already so far behind in my classes because of the way he monopolized my time, but it was impossible to catch up."

"I failed two classes and lost my scholarship, so I was forced to drop out." She finished off the glass and gave him a rueful smile. "I couldn't have destroyed my life more completely if I used a sledgehammer. I managed to go from happy and successful to alone and a failure in one semester." She edged away imperceptibly. 

"And I managed to hurt you horribly in the process." She indicated she would like another refill, then braced herself noticeably. 

"My parents were devastated. They couldn't believe I failed, especially my dad. I didn't have the heart to tell him why." 

"He still doesn't know?" Tim asked.

"He passed away just over two years ago," she replied, tears threatening to start all over again.

"Oh Donna, I'm so sorry." Tim felt his own tears welling up at the memories of her father, who had treated him so kindly. He reached out and took her shoulder, pulling her against him as much as for himself as for her. They shared the embrace for a time, then Donna pulled back and looked into his eyes.

"He really adored you, you know," she briefly smiled at the happy memory. "Then I had to spend the last two years of his life not telling him the truth about what happened." She pulled away again, settling into an awkward silence that Tim was hesitant to intrude on. 

"All right, your turn," she said unexpectedly. Tim cocked his head to the side in confusion. "You must have questions about all of this. I'd rather get it out of the way now than have to wonder if it's all out in the open as far as you're concerned." Her expression left no doubt that she was resolute in her decision to continue and was not going to ask for any more sympathy.

He took a deep breath, racking his brain to think of a considerate way to ask one of the many questions bouncing around in his head. Donna was obviously emotionally wrung out, and he wasn't sure how to ask without upsetting her. He was surprised how much that thought was beginning to bother him.

"So were you planning to break up with me to date him?"

She looked down, "I had never, not for one moment thought of breaking up with you until I slept with him. After it happened, I knew that I had crossed a line that I couldn't come back from. I don't know how I could have looked you in the face again." 

"I never thought of dating him until after you were gone. I've been talking to someone about all of this; to try to understand, but to be honest there are no good answers for why I did something so stupid and thoughtless. It just all sounds like excuses."

"You're seeing a shrink...er, a doctor?" he said clumsily.

Donna chuckled. "I don't think we should talk about that. I've had some issues since everything happened. That's not your problem and I don't want to sound like I'm asking for you to feel sorry for me. Let's just say I've been talking to someone who's more of a mentor. She's helped me to deal with the mistakes I've made, and the consequences they brought."

"So why now?" Tim asked. "After all this time, why did you choose now to come see me?"

"It was her idea," Donna answered sincerely. "I always wanted to tell you what really happened. I'm sure the things you assumed about what I did were pretty terrible. Even though I deserve whatever contempt you felt for me, a part of me thought it might make it easier for you to live with what I did if you knew the whole truth. After I gave up trying, I wrestled with it for a long time. Finally she suggested that I talk to you, that enough time had passed that you might not hate me so much that you wouldn't want to listen to what I had to say." 




Second Chance? Ch. 02



The rest of the week just seemed to fly by. I woke up Friday morning and was a bundle of nervous energy. I know this was only a drink but maybe just maybe this could be a new beginning for Roberto and I. Don't rush things I kept saying to myself as I got dressed for work. I had made the mistake of rushing things back when we were in high school and look where that had gotten us. 

As I drove to work that day, I was planning out what I was going to wear that night. Finnegan's was a little hole in the wall Irish pub so it did require anything too fancy when it came to clothes. Yet I don't want to dress to casual because I want make a good impression. Maybe I should wear my tight tan slacks with the zipper on the side . Yeah those would definitely work. They were just tight enough to show off my ass but not so tight that they were bursting at the seams. Now what the heck am I going to wear with them . I wanted to wear my black sandals but did I have time paint my nails when I got home. If I didn't have time then there was no way I could even think about open toed shoes. My feet looked horrendous. Now let's see the shirt has to be sexy but not too sexy I don't want him stripping me naked right then and there. The black and white floral print that I had gotten the garage sale last weekend would be perfect. It showed just enough cleavage but not so much that I looked like a hooker. 

I pulled into work and seriously wish I could skip working all together. All I could think about was tonight . I had not spent any time with him in years. Was the chemistry still there or was I imagining things? While the rest of the week had flown by today seemed to drag. Eight hours felt fifteen and I could not wait for four o'clock to arrive. When the clock struck four, I bolted for the door. 

I drove home, I had to remind myself not to speed . It would not help me have time to get ready if I got stop by a police officer. In my mind , I started a check list of everything I had to do in order to get ready.

As I opened the door to my apartment, I reminded myself to breath. You have an hour and a half. Finnegan's is only ten minutes away. First thing I did was to grab a brand new razor . It might be funny but even though I had no intention of letting him touch me down there I just never feel comfortable going on a date without being completely smooth. Next I started the shower, I made sure it was nice and hot. After regulating it to the perfect temperature, I jumped in. It felt so good to have the warn water cascading down my body. If I had not had some place to go, I could have stayed there forever.

After I got out of the shower , I went over to my closet and pulled out what I was going to wear. Oh and of course, the pants are a wrinkled mess, I quickly grab the iron. This was just what I needed. Thankfully it did not take long for me to get the creases out. I finished getting ready to go.

It was five forty as I pulled out of my driveway, I figured I would give myself a bit of extra time just in case I ran into traffic on the way there. As I drove, I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel. Ten minutes later , I pulled into the Finnegan's parking lot. So much for the two tons of traffic, you prepared for I said to myself. Now you are here ten minutes earlier and your lucky is that he is going to be late . Might as well go inside and wait instead of sitting in the car and looking like an idiot. I got out of the car, locked it, and set the alarm.

As I walked towards the building, I could feel my heart beating almost out of my chest. He may not even be here yet and you are getting this nervous calm down you moron I said to myself. As soon as I opened the doors, I saw Roberto. He was sitting at the very end of the bar farthest away from the door. I walked over to him. 

"I guess I wasn't the only one who was eager to get here," he said with his trademark grin on his face. 

"I thought I might hit traffic," I said.

"Yeah right, you just couldn't wait to see your old pal, Roberto."

"Okay maybe you are a little right. It has been way too long."

"That's for sure. Why haven't you called?"

"I could ask you the same thing. If I remember our last conversation correctly, you told me to lose your number so that's exactly what I did."

"I was just angry. You should have known I did not mean it."

"Yeah, well you could have called me. I never told you to lose my number."

"I know and I should have. I feel like a complete jerk for that."

"It's all water under the bridge, We can't change the past."

"Put the past in the past and look forward to the future. So what are you drinking?"

"Blue Moon Ale with no orange please."

"Can we have one Blue Moon Ale hold the orange for the lady and a Yuenling for me?"

"Coming right up." The bartender handed us our drinks. 

"Let's toast."

"To what?"

"To the renewal of a wonderful friendship." Roberto raised his glass. 

"To new beginnings and second chances." As our glasses clinked, I thought to myself. Maybe even a second chance at romance. As the night rolled on I wished it would never end. After our third beers, we both switched to soda that we would be sober enough to drive home. It felt like old times . We laughed so much my side started to hurt. 

"I can't believe that we waited this long for a reunion," Roberto said. 

"Me neither." I seriously was regretting losing his number years earlier. I took a look at my watch. It was almost midnight. "Sadly this reunion must come to an end because I have to be up early for work in the morning."

"Let me walk you to your car." He paid the bill. "This has been a wonderful night."

"Yes it truly has." In the back of my head I kept saying please ask me to hang out again but I kept my mouth shut. We walked through the parking lot hand in hand. "Well this is me," I said. Before I could open the car door, he leaned in and kissed me. "We should definitely do this again some time."

"Do you mean the date or the kiss?"

"Both. How does Wednesday sound?"

"I would really like that but we would have to make it an early night because I have to be up for work at six." 

"That's fine. Maybe we could have dinner."

"Sounds good." He leaned in for one more kiss. "Good night."

"Good night." As I drove off I could not help but get this incredibly warm feeling in my heart.



Second Chance Ch. 03



Sorry it has taken so long, I have been changing some of the story as I go along rereading it. Special thanks to MaaddMaaxx for editing. Hope you all still enjoy it! - C



The ride to the lake was an interesting one. Jason had a SUV waiting to take them up to the lake. He told Jared that Jerry would go up later and that Trenton had already taken most of the crew up. He then handed Jared two high end cell phones; actually they were the new touch screen phones that are the craze of the cell world. 

Olivia asked, "Why do you need two cell phones?" 

"One of them is for you." Jason said.

"But I have one already."

"Yeah, and Tom has that number. Give the cell phone to Jason so he can give Tom an alternative target to follow." Jared said.

"I like this cell phone." she said holding it close to her.

"Olivia, give it to Jason!" Jared ordered.

"Has anyone told you that you are too bossy?" she asked in a huff.

"No one but you. But in the last 24 hours you have given me many firsts." He told her as he walked away with Jason. 

A short time later, Jared, Olivia and Chloe were on their way to the lake house in the black, tinted SUV. Before they had left Olivia had questioned Jared ability to actually drive. Jared had given her a look and told her that he could drive rather well. In fact all of the guys there took exception to her questioning Jared's ability to drive. Jason made a smartass reply that even though they had money they did know how to do things for themselves. Olivia had responded that she was glad since she did not want to have to teach a grown man to do basic things. 

Chloe was awake until they made it out of the city. The whole time she talked about everything that she saw. As soon as there were no more buildings or people to comment about, she fell asleep. Olivia leaned back in the front passenger seat and just enjoyed the peace and quiet for the moment. Jared was thinking that he had never heard one person say so much in such a short time before. He wondered if his niece and nephew would talk that much in another year or so. God he hoped so. It would drive Jason crazy!

It was then that he noticed that Olivia was sitting very quiet and looking out her window and he wished she was a little bit more like Chloe and just spoke whatever was on her mind. 

"What are you thinking?" Jared asked her as he glanced at her.

"I am thinking that I love my daughter but I so love precious moments like this when she stops talking for just a bit and there is silence!" she said softly. She turned to glance at Jared. She was struck again with how much she physically found him attractive. "Do you have any kids?"

He turned and looked at her then turned back to the road looking in the mirrors to see if they were being followed. "My wife ended up pregnant when we first got together. But when she was 6 months pregnant she was in a really bad car accident and lost the baby."

"You two didn't have any more?"

"No, she was unable to after that. We always talked about adopting but for the longest time Jason and I just figured that we weren't intended to be fathers. Our lives are not the best environment for a child to be in."

"Well your brother obviously changed his mind."

Jared laughed, "No, he was so worried about getting Laysea back when she was kidnapped that he forgot to grab her diaphragm when he took off to get to her. Then once they were back together he didn't think it through and just went with the moment's flow. He died and she ended up pregnant."

"What!?!" she screeched at him.

"Yeah he had decided to pretend to be dead to get her out of danger. It was only supposed to be for a couple of months but by the time we went to get her, she had just found out that she was pregnant. Jason didn't want her to disappear just yet so she could receive doctor's care. Then we found out she was having a boy and, well, that changed everything. So we got her and brought her to Jason. Needless to say she was not happy to discover that he was alive. She did calm down though. We came back to town and Jason took his place again."

"I assume that was after that other guy's house was blown up and all those people died?"

Jared looked back at her, "Around that time. Mitch had kidnapped Laysea for a third time at that point she was a couple of weeks from her due date. He wired his whole house to explode at different times. I happened to be the one that found Laysea and she was in full blown labor. So I was with her when she delivered. My nephew Dylan was born but then my niece Trista came as a complete surprise to us all. Laysea named her after my wife because a few months before that Trista had jumped in front of a bullet to protect Laysea. Look Olivia, my life... well it is not simple to say the least. So if after all of this you want as far away from me as possible I will give you the money to get the hell out of here – no strings attached."

"Why would I need to go away? All I did was help you out last night. It is not like I have been in a turf war with you. Besides, once you and I go back to our normal lives what strings would be attached?" she asked him.

"I want you. I am not sure that once this is over that I can offer you what you deserve and want." He told her honestly.

"Wait, so you want to just get into my pants, right? Then what? Move on to your next conquest? Just let me know what you are wanting or willing to be involved in so I can have a better understanding of what you are looking for."

"I don't know what I want. I know I want to go to bed with you but I don't know if I want anymore than that."

"Well, I won't be someone's whore, so that leaves us just like we are."

"Something tells me that you will eventually be a willing bed partner." He smiled at her. 

She smiled back, "Something tells me that you are wrong." With that she folded her arms across her chest and looked out her window.

The next 30 minutes were silent. Neither one talking to the other, Olivia started missing Chloe's nonstop chattering. God he is stubborn! She thought maybe I should try to be nice it may help with the next few days. 

"Wait, how long are we going to be at the lake house?" she asked. 

He shrugged his shoulders at her without even looking at her. That was the moment that she thought she was going to physically assault him! 

"Pull over!"

"No."

"I'm going to get sick." She almost got thrown into his lap at the speed that he pulled over onto the shoulder. She got out of the truck and walked away from it. She closed her eyes and breathed in and out slowly trying to calm herself down. She heard the door open and close behind her. 

"Are you okay?"

"No, I am not." She turned around and smacked him in the arm. "Damn it Jared, this is my life also! I am sorry that you got stuck with a woman that you can not just fuck and leave but I have a kid to worry about. I am not going to jump in bed with you just because you are hot and sexy! I need more, Chloe needs more! I can not be ruled by my sexual needs – did that already and got pregnant!" She faced away from him and bent in a squat, her head in her hands, "I just want to know how long I am going to have to endure you teasing me. How far behind I will be in work and paying bills. How long before I can claim my life back and get some sense of a routine again."

Jared stood there in shocked silence, "I'm not being an ass on purpose Olivia, I just really don't know how long it will be. I also know that you're not the type of woman to jump into bed with someone. Trust me your character values are screaming at me! At the same time I can't stop myself from trying. And I like Chloe plus she likes me, maybe if life ever settles down...hell I don't know. Don't worry about your bills – Jerry is taking care of them."

"I don't need Jerry to take care of them" she stood up, "I don't even know Jerry why..."

Jerad grabbed her and pulled her to him hard kissing her. At first it was just to shut her up but then she responded by kissing him back with as much passion as he was giving her. Then her hand went up around his neck, her fingers lightly entwining in the ends of his hair. He grabbed her ass and pulled her closer then lifted her up to grind against her. Her legs wrapped around his waist as if they had a mind of their own. The friction that their jeans were causing in the overheated area was pure torture on them both. She groaned into his mouth while he continued to keep the pressure on her. He was not about to let her back away from him or lose the feeling of his cock next to her pussy.   

HONK!!!!



Second Chance Ch. 03



This chapter does not work as a stand-alone story and there is limited sex, so please read the first two chapters if you are interested in the whole story. I submitted it in chapters because I know how daunting a 20 page story is to read in one sitting, and I hoped that the beginning would be intriguing enough to entice many to tackle this piece. It will not be entertaining for people looking for a short, erotic tale. 

Thanks again to KevH, DawnJ, and Aruban who offered so much advice and support, plus Longhorn, Ohio, Hard Days Knight and others whose stories inspired me to try my hand at writing in the first place. They each brought a unique element to the LW category, making it really enjoyable to be a loyal Lit reader.

~~~~~ 

"I'm sorry, but you're wrong this time," Tim growled, clearly frustrated.

Trisha gave him a knowing smile, "Haven't you learned by now, I'm never wrong."

"I can vouch for that," Pete enthusiastically agreed. "It's been eleven years and I'm still waiting to win my first fight." 

They shared a laugh as the couple tried to raise his spirits. In contrast to the previous week, the last three days had been anything but wonderful for Tim. Although he had seen Donna every day, the feeling of optimism and joy seemed to be gone. He had come to the conclusion that Saturday was as far as this thing between them was going. Trisha disagreed and, as usual, wasn't shy to share her opinion.

"If you ask me, you're both scared shitless." He gave her an annoyed look, which she promptly ignored. "You both know she's leaving, but neither of you wants to be the one to step up and do anything about it."

Tim could feel his level of irritation rising, but knew better than to let it show. "So what's with the looks she gave me or how secretive she's been about her errands? I'm sure she's hiding something."

They both looked at him sympathetically. Finally Pete spoke. "What if she isn't hiding something? Maybe she's just scared like Trisha said. If you knew that she did like you, what would you do about it?"

"What are you suggesting? Asking her out for what, three days? She's going back home Sunday, a thousand miles away."

Pete looked at Tim with a Cheshire grin. "You've never learned how to think out of the box, have you?"

~~~~~

Thursday night Tim had to work overtime to finish the diagnostics on a new piece of test gear that was supposed to be ready for production the following Monday. It was incredibly important and forced him to call Donna and cancel their plans. Pete and Trisha invited her to their house so that she wouldn't be sitting alone in her motel room. 

Tim appreciated the gesture, plus hoped his friends would be able to get a little bit of a read on her mood. Although he asked them not to pry, if Donna volunteered something that he should know about before making a fool of himself, that seemed like fair game.

Friday night he took her out to a new restaurant that Pete had claimed was the most romantic in town. Considering how awkward things had been all week, Tim knew there would be a lot of work to do to get her in the right mood to at least consider his proposal. He knew it was too soon, but there seemed to be no other options.

When he arrived at the motel, Pete's advice began appearing more astute. Donna was dressed in a stunning red evening gown with a matching shawl. The dress reached just below her knees and the top showed enough cleavage that it eliminated any doubt that friendship was the only thing on her mind. He suddenly felt remarkably under dressed.

"Wow," was all Tim could manage to say. 

She smiled at the sincere reaction and leaned forward to kiss his cheek. "I just wanted to dress up a little for you, I hope you don't mind."

Tim struggled to find the words to adequately express his admiration of her. Donna had always been a very attractive woman. Even tiny imperfections seemed to add a charming element to her appearance. She had a girl next door quality that, to him, made her incredibly beautiful. Tonight was different because she looked gorgeous by any standard. 

They headed out to the restaurant without further delay. To Tim's delight, the conversation was much more relaxed and fun than it had been that week. He found himself forgetting about anything other than enjoying her. Donna seemed to be happy to do the same. 

Afterward, he took her dancing. They had a great time and he began to feel more at ease with his decision. It actually appeared that she might be inclined to say yes, as his friends had insisted. He hoped so. For the first time in as long as he could remember, Tim could see himself in a real relationship. It still felt dangerous to him with their history and her sudden reappearance, but every instinct he had was screaming it was worth the risk.

At around eleven, they left the club and shared a quiet drive. When they reached the hotel, she invited him in to her room. Tim followed her inside, then immediately wished he had gone to his house where he could soothe his nerves with a couple of stiff drinks.

"Donna, the last couple of weeks have been very unexpected for me," he started. "When you got here, I still was still really angry about what happened in college. Since then, I've started to feel differently."

She held up her hand. "Stop Tim, please don't say any more." Before he had a chance to react, she stood up. "Before you say anything else, I need to tell you something."

"What?" he groaned, wondering if Trisha really had been wrong after all.

She looked into his eyes, appearing incredibly conflicted. "I never believed you'd be so kind to me after everything that happened." She stopped and began rubbing her hands together furiously. "This is so complicated," she moaned. 

"I didn't think you'd be able to treat me like a friend again and I don't want to do anything to ruin that. There's something that I have to tell you, and I'm afraid it might change things." Dropping her gaze to the floor again, she continued. "I didn't just show up at your house on a whim."

The discomfort in his gut quickly built as Tim began to imagine all kinds of unsettling scenarios. "Why did you show up then?"

"I was invited," she said quietly.

"By who?" he demanded, his anger flaring.

She answered quietly, her eyes returning to his, "Your mother."

It took a second for the comment to sink in, then Tim reached for the bed as knees gave out. "Why . . . how . . . what the hell is going on?" he finally sputtered.

"I can't tell you." She saw his intense reaction and quickly added, "I promised that I would let her talk to you about it. I'm sorry, but I won't break that promise for anything." Her voice was wavering and he could tell she was on the verge of tears.  

Taking a long look at her to gauge her sincerity, Tim couldn't see anything but the woman he had begun to care about again in a lot of pain, caught between betraying a trust or risking his outrage. His initial instinct was anger, but the more he tried to focus on her revelation, the more the absurdity of the situation became clear. 

Donna lowered her eyes, preparing herself for some kind of outburst. When it finally came, it was nothing like what she expected.

Her head snapped up at the unexpected sound of Tim trying to control his laughter, his breath slipping from between his lips in a half spitting, half hissing sound. He saw her eyes go wide before the tears in his made it impossible to see. That's when he gave up and erupted into a loud, full, gut-wrenching laugh that prevented him from thinking about anything except the fact that he was having trouble breathing. 

"This isn't funny," she protested in vain. Donna stomped her foot and put her hands on her hips in an outraged pose, then repeated, "Tim, this is not funny!" A few seconds later, he wiped the tears from his eyes and saw her struggling to maintain her composure. 

A grin began creeping across her face, then he heard her sniff, trying to clear her nose. Finally, the sound of her soft laughter joined his as he fell back on the bed, hands over his face, trying to find a way to stop. 

After a minute, he managed to gain control of himself enough to start making sense of the situation. Donna was now sitting on the bed beside him, laughing openly and holding her sides. It seemed to be a release from the tension she had been feeling about her secret and what his reaction might be. 

"This is my mother's doing, huh? So, how the hell did you convince her to talk to you? Last I heard, she wasn't exactly your biggest fan." 

Donna dried her eyes with the back of her hand, his statement finally breaking the spell they seemed to be under. "I already said, I can't tell you. Please don't ask me, I feel badly enough about this." She made a sound like she was clearing her throat, then fell back into laughter, the irony of her statement causing them both to lose control again. 

When they calmed down, Tim leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, trying to assure her that he wasn't angry. "So is this why you've been acting different for the last few days?"

She nodded, contritely. "Things were starting to move too fast and I didn't want to go any further with there being secrets between us. You've been so generous with the way you've treated me. I won't do anything to risk hurting you again. I didn't think you'd take it this way," she finished, a perplexed, but relieved look on her face. 

"I'll talk to her tomorrow, then you and I are going to finish this discussion, do you understand me?" he demanded, trying to sound authoritative. It seemed pointless considering the talk that would be in store for him in the morning.

~~~~~

Tim rang the doorbell to the modest, three bedroom ranch house. It was unheard of for him to not just walk in, but he was determined to make a point. Somehow, he doubted it would succeed. 

The door opened and a middle-aged woman's curious face appeared. "Tim, what in heaven's name are you doing?"

"Well," he said, maintain a serious tone, "since you decided it's your prerogative to run my life, I wasn't sure if I was supposed to walk in or wait to be ordered." He paused to see what her reaction would be.

She stared at him blankly for a moment, then casually held out her hand, palm upward, and slowly extended her middle finger. Tim opened his mouth in mock indignation as she broke into a wide grin. His attempt to salvage his dignity was forgotten as the familiar gesture diffused any seriousness from the situation. 

It started Tim's Junior year of high school. He had always been close to his parents, especially his mom, rarely having the kind of blow-ups that friends routinely had with their folks. However, one day Tim had asked to go to a party that friends were having, but she refused. She found out that he had been asked to participate in obtaining the alcohol and was trying to buy their acceptance instead of earning their respect and while she understood all teens participate in these kinds of parties she didn't approve of the way he was involved. 

In a rare moment of teenage rebellion, his anger flared. Words failed as he could feel his cheeks flush and hands tremble with rage. Without thinking, he held out his hand and flipped her the bird. 

She stood there with a shocked expression. Suddenly reality intruded through Tim's angry haze. He realized what he had done; something that had never happened between them, and waited for the yelling or slapping that surely had to follow such a disrespectful act. The fact that he continued to stand there, frozen in the same pose was a testament to his shock at what he had done. 

Her eyes crinkled and for a moment Tim was afraid she was going to burst into tears. She continued staring at the ridiculous sight of her son, a straight A student, never in trouble in school or away, always kind and loving, trying to appear defiant but failing miserably. 

She brought her hands to her face and he flinched, hoping she'd strike him rather than cry, something he couldn't bear. Suddenly he saw her shudder and there was a barely audible giggle. His hand dropped to his side and Tim watched in shock as tears appeared in her eyes. Not from crying as he feared, but from the laughter that built into an uncontrollable fit. 

After a moment of feeling a mixture of relief that she wasn't angry and indignation that she was so amused, Tim couldn't resist the urge to join her in laughing at his ill-conceived attempt at independence. He sat down next to her on the couch and they continued to laugh for several minutes. Every time one would begin to gain control, the other would break into a fit of giggling, starting the whole process over again. Finally, they both managed to recover and hugged each other.

"I'm sorry mom, I didn't mean that."

"That's all right sweetheart, I know," she answered with the kind of compassion only a mother can show.

"So does this mean I'm not in trouble?"

Looking at him with a straight face, she calmly returned his gesture with a matching one of her own, launching them both back into hysterics.

That was the exact moment that Tim felt their relationship change. She began giving him more freedom and allowing him to make his own decisions. In return, he made sure to extend every courtesy to her, never being late, calling to let them know where he was, and always doing his best to make her and his dad proud. 

They never forgot that moment and the obscene gesture became a joke between them, always diffusing any tense situation. As Tim watched her do it now, he had to smile, knowing that anything she had said to Donna would undoubtedly be something he'd agree with in the long run. She was a brilliant woman, both in terms of the intelligence he had inherited from her and in the wisdom he was only beginning to learn from. 

Tim spoke respectfully, all efforts to be annoyed now washed away. "So I'm guessing you're not going to deny any of it?"

Her expression became serious. "No, it's true, but please let me explain why." She gestured for him to come in and they sat down in the living room, where she continued.

"It started about two and a half years ago. She just showed up at the door, out of the blue. I wouldn't have talked to her, but her behavior convinced me that I needed to listen." Mom's face changed, she looked like she was reliving a painful memory.

"Donna told me that her father had just passed away. It deeply affected her. He was quite fond of you. She told me how disappointed he had been about you two breaking up and her dating Jake, even though she never told him how it happened. When he died, she felt very guilty for letting him down, then lying on top of it. She needed to do something, but didn't think she could face you. Instead she came to see me."

Tim couldn't hide his surprise. "I don't know why she thought that would be easier."

Mom gave him a stern glare. "She didn't. It's just that she didn't want to do anything that could make things worse for you, so she did the next best thing she could think of; to give me the chance to punish her. She told me some of what happened, although she insisted that if she ever told the whole story, it would only be to you. We talked for a long time. By the time she left to see her friend Cindy the next day, the way I felt about her had changed; at least somewhat."

Shaking his head in confusion, Tim interrupted. "Two and a half years ago? Why didn't you say something?"

"Because I really didn't want to meddle, honey," she said sincerely. "It's your life and it wouldn't have been right to try to get involved. Besides, just because my feelings had changed didn't mean I would approve of her trying to contact you. After all, you were starting a whole new life after school and it seemed like you were finally over her.

"Anyway," she continued, "we talked on and off for the next couple of years, every few months on the phone. She came by to see me any time she was visiting her friend. Even though I could tell she wanted to see you, she never asked. It was difficult because I knew she was unhappy but she wasn't willing to risk involving you to make herself feel better.

"About two months ago, she was having so much trouble dealing with her personal problems, she called and told me what was going on. It was obvious that she just couldn't move on with her life without talking to you to set things right. I told her that I thought it was time for you two to talk."

I looked at her suspiciously. "Why?" I asked.

She gave him a pained look. "Because you weren't moving on with your life. You're my son, I know you better than anyone. You haven't been the same since that night. I was hoping that seeing her could help you finally get past it."

"Is that all?" he asked, already knowing the answer.

"No, mister smarty-pants," she conceded, annoyed that Tim had read her motivations. "After talking to her for so long, I thought that maybe something was there; something the two of you could find. You had been angry for so long, but I thought you might have reached a point where you could get past what happened and really listen to her. At least I hoped you could."

"Well, maybe you should have thought to warn me. I almost blew that the first time we sat down and talked. I was so mean to her it's a miracle that she ever talked to me again. We're lucky that anything got resolved."

She shrugged her shoulders. "That was up to you. It's your life; I just told her that I thought it was a good idea to see you."

"So last Sunday when she was busy, she was . . ."

"She was here. We talked and she let me know everything that had happened. She was excited that you seemed to really enjoy being with her again, but she didn't want to push it too far. She was afraid of getting hurt since it couldn't last more than the week." Mom arched her eyebrows in a questioning way.

Tim took the obvious hint. "Well, I have a plan to extend her visit, if she's interested." 

She smiled, looking genuinely relieved. "That's wonderful. I really believe that would be good for both of you, no matter what you two eventually decide."

He glanced at his watch and saw that it was already four o'clock. Quickly, he ran through everything he was planning, vowing to make it as difficult as possible for Donna to say no. He then let her know that he needed to go so he could get everything ready.

She gave him a long hug at the door. "Good luck honey," she said, affectionately brushing his hair back. "I think you're doing the right thing." 

"Of course you do," he said wryly. "It was your idea." 

She smiled and kissed his cheek, giving him the look that she'd given hundreds of times in his life. It let him know that she was supremely confident in her plan. Tim shook his head as he walked to the car, wondering if he'd ever be as sure of himself as she was.

~~~~~

Tim was just finishing the table when the doorbell rang. After a quick check to make sure everything was in place, he walked slowly to the door, trying to appear calm and confident despite the anxiety coursing through his body. He took a deep breath and reached for the handle.

As the door swung open, his breath caught in his throat. Donna stood there, bathed in the light spilling out from the living room. She looked angelic, her face framed by the gentle glow from inside. Suddenly it occurred to him that the reason the light made her look so radiant, was that she was standing in the dark. In his haste to make everything perfect for dinner, he had forgotten to turn on the porch light. 

"Gee," Donna said with a grin, "I was wondering if I got the wrong night."

"Oops," was all Tim could think to say.

"It's okay," she said cheerfully, stepping forward to kiss him on the cheek. 

"Would you mind if we ate right away?" he asked, hoping to avoid any immediate questions about his visit to his mom and to get things off on the right foot. "Dinner is ready and I don't want it to get cold."




Second Chance Ch. 03



Donna smiled, "That would be nice, Tim. It smells delicious. Did you make it?" she asked with a sly grin.

"Yeah right, I'm going to ask you to my house for a nice dinner, then risk poisoning you with my cooking?" he laughed. "It's from this restaurant Pete and Trisha took me to a while back. The food is excellent. Just hurry, before I accidentally ruin it."

They went to the dinning room where the table was set with care. He had purchased a tablecloth specifically for the occasion, along with the candles, which cast a soft glow across the scene. He pulled out a chair and motioned for her to sit, then moved to the other side. 

The food was delicious, but there was tension in the air as they tried to make small talk. Tim needed everything to be perfect, so did his best to keep things light between them for the moment. 

After they finished eating, he went to the fridge and retrieved the French Silk pie that had been delivered from his favorite bakery. Donna always had a weakness for chocolate, and French Silk was her favorite. Her expression let him know he'd hit a home run with the gesture. They had a large slice each, but had to put away the rest for later. 

"I can't believe I ate that much," she complained. "I think you're going to have to carry me out of here."

"Well, the question is, did you like it," he said, fishing for a compliment. The truth was, it was easy to tell that she had loved everything. 

"Tim, it was wonderful," she said sincerely. "This entire trip has been beyond anything I could have imagined. Thank you."

He beamed at her praise. "Well, can we move to the living room? I have one more surprise left." She smiled and walked into the living room, while he stayed behind and grabbed a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses. Then he took a deep breath and went to join her.

After pouring her a glass, Tim raised his. "To old friends, finally reunited," he said, studying her face closely. She looked so happy, he knew it was finally the right time to ask. After taking a sip, he started the speech he had been rehearsing ever since the talk with Pete.

"Donna, I wanted to tell you how glad I am that you came back here. I understand how hard it was for you. I'm sorry that I didn't make it easier."

"Tim, you didn't do anything wrong," she protested. He put his finger to her lips to stop her so he could finish. 

"This isn't about who's right or wrong. What happened is in the past and we can't change it. Now we have to figure out what to do about the present." She looked like she wanted to interject, but heeded his unspoken warning. 

"The last couple of weeks have been wonderful for me and I don't want it to end." He paused to see what she wanted to say.

"I don't want it to end either, Tim," she said, her eyes beginning to tear up. "This has been the best I've felt in as long as I can remember. But what can we do? I have to go home tomorrow. Work won't give me any more time off and..." she paused and looked away in embarrassment, "I can't afford it if they did."

Reaching out, he gently took her hand. "What if you could?" She stared at him in confusion. "Donna, if there was a way for you to stay here, would you consider it? Would you think about going out with me again? Taking the chance to see if there is something between us?"

"But how? You're not suggesting I stay here," she protested, looking around the house.

"No," he answered, shaking his head. "That would put impossible pressure on both of us. But what if I had a place you could stay at that would be really nice and very affordable?"

"Tim, I would love to stay here," she cried, a tear trickling down her cheek. "There's nothing for me back home. I just can't afford it. I'm completely broke. This trip has wiped me out." 

"Listen Donna, you've already told me that you don't like your job that much and it's taking forever to get where you want to be. My company sells a lot of equipment to one of the big hospitals here and we have a special program we established where we refurbish old equipment for the tax write-off. Pete proposed the deal and has overseen it since it started. He has a lot of pull with their administrators and has already been assured that a job application from you would be viewed...favorably," he said with a smile.

"You'd be looking at a better position. One that paid more, plus had great opportunity for advancement. Cindy lives nearby and I know how close you two still are. You'd be able to see her all the time. I've talked to my mother," he said with a mock grimace, "and found out you're welcome there any time." 

She smiled apologetically. "I am very sorry about that, Tim. I never meant to deceive you. When I went to talk to your mom, I didn't think I'd ever see you again. To be honest, I expected her to really let me have it. She was so nice to me," her eyes took on a faraway look, "I can never tell you how much it meant. Thank you for not being upset about it."

He shrugged. "What am I going to do? She was the instigator, and I'm way more scared of her than you." When Donna laughed, he turned serious again. "So what do you say? Take a chance."

Donna wiped her face with the back of her hand. "That sounds so amazing; I can't believe you went through all that trouble for me. But I just can't. I never really told you how tight things are for me. The job sounds wonderful and I would really like to spend more time with you, but I couldn't afford to move right now." Her eyes took on a determined expression. "And I couldn't take charity from you either. It wouldn't be right." She let her guard down and stared through him, just the way he remembered from college.

"I want you to know Tim; I would love to find out if there was a chance for us. You are a wonderful man and I am so impressed by what you've done with your life. It's amazing. If things were different, I swear I would be happy to stay."

Taking another breath, Tim sprung his last surprise. "Well, what if there was a way to stay until you had the money you needed? Trisha has a friend named Maria who just lost her roommate. They talked and Maria said if you were willing to commit to signing a lease for a year, you could stay there for the first two months free. The woman who moved out paid ahead, so Maria doesn't need the money, but she wants someone she can trust without having to go through a million interviews. All she would want is for you to pay your share of the utilities at the end of the month."

Donna looked at him in shock. "I don't know what to say," she stammered. 

"Well, I'd love to hear you say you'll at least consider it. I kind of have to give a bunch of answers soon."

Her expression softened, changing to hopeful. "You really want me to stay that much? You're not just being kind?" 

Tim was surprised to see fear in her eyes, and it snapped him out of the giddy mood. "Donna, I would not have done all this if I hadn't given it a lot of thought. I really want you to stay. This is hard for me," he let his eyes drop from hers. "I haven't felt like this in a long time and am afraid of getting kicked in the teeth. You mean so much..." 

He was interrupted by Donna suddenly throwing herself against his chest, her arms wrapping around his neck and her lips pressing firmly against his. She kissed him hungrily, devouring his lips with her own. Her fingers worked their way through his hair as she held tight, refusing to let him move. Finally, she relinquished her hold and pulled away, looking slightly embarrassed at her behavior.

"Um...so can I take that as a yes," he stammered.

Donna smiled and kissed him on the tip of his nose. "That's definitely a yes."

~~~~~ 

"You know, if you had told me this was going to be part of my responsibilities as your girlfriend, I probably would have moved back to my mom's." Donna grinned as she held up a ratty pair of sweat pants. They were ones Tim continually forgot to throw away, despite her constant reminders.

"They're not that bad," he insisted, trying to defend himself. "You wouldn't believe how comfortable they are." 

She raised an eyebrow and shot him a disapproving glare. "I'll never find out. I prefer my clothes to be from this century, thank you very much." Despite his protests, she went down the stairs, determined to not let him get away with hiding them again. 

Tim smiled as he watched her walk away. The way her jeans hugged her hips and ass never failed to catch his attention. It made the awkwardness between them even more puzzling. Despite the fact that they had been dating regularly for two months, there had been a decided lack of rhythm. They enjoyed each other's company, but intimacy had been nothing more than a wishful thought. The word "love" hadn't come close to making an appearance. He was concerned that despite their fondness and their history, it might be a case of something that just wasn't meant to be.

He realized it might not be that surprising a development. Despite the intense relationship in college, they had both grown and changed so much in the years since. The comfort level that he enjoyed with her was long gone. She reacted differently to things than he anticipated, and she often seemed surprised by how he responded to situations. They constantly were feeling each other out, making it impossible to move forward in the relationship. 

There were still ghosts from the past that haunted him despite his sincere efforts to bury them. He had to assume that she felt the same, although that was something they rarely talked about. The memories were too painful to both, so they tried creating a fresh start. Tim was certain that the desire to avoid those thoughts was keeping them from opening up to each other as they needed to. But he still couldn't bring himself to broach that subject.

He pushed the doubts from his mind as he saw her come back up the stairs. Nothing could distract him from the sight of the tight fitting tee shirt straining across her chest, outlining her breasts. Tim swore to himself as he noticed that she hadn't worn a bra. 

Just what I needed, he thought in frustration. 

Just because they hadn't been intimate, didn't mean the thought hadn't crossed his mind. The memories of their lustful encounters were burned into his memory, causing him to see them as clearly as if they happened yesterday. Plus he had the more recent image of her skinny dipping in his pool to contend with. That was front and center as she walked closer.

"Are you alright?" she asked, breaking his reverie. 

"Huh...Oh yeah, sorry," he mumbled. "I was just daydreaming." 

"Yeah, well don't even try whining to me. They're gone and you'll never get them back," she teased him.

Tim tried to act more annoyed than he felt, hoping she wouldn't realize that he had been staring at her body, not thinking about his old clothes. "Keep this up and I won't ask you to help again."

"Promises, promises," she laughed. Donna walked over to the dresser and started digging through a drawer to find the matching shirt she knew was stashed away. Tim was so entranced by watching how sexy she looked that he failed to notice which drawer she was digging in.

"What's this?" she asked unexpectedly.

He stepped forward to see what she had found and could feel the blood drain from his face. Donna stood in front of him holding a small jewelry box. She opened it without looking up, then Tim saw her face go pale as well. Slowly her eyes rose until they met his, the intensity of her stare causing him to look away.

"Well, um..." he stammered, unprepared for how to explain an expensive engagement ring buried in a clothes drawer in a worn jewelry case that was obviously several years old. His evasive behavior confirmed instantly that what she had found was something from their past.

"Tim," she said, her voice thick with emotion, "please tell me what this is." 

He didn't want to admit the truth, but was caught without any other explanation. Unsure of what else to say, he turned away in embarrassment. 

"I bought it in college, before we...you know," he mumbled, feeling a twinge of the humiliation tied to those memories. Although a voice was screaming inside his head to be strong and not fall apart, Tim could feel tears welling up in his eyes. 

Damn it! the voice in his head screamed. Not now! Things were just starting to feel normal again. He was searching for a way to make a tactful retreat from the room with some semblance of self-respect when there was a touch on his shoulder.

"You bought this for me," she whispered, her voice trembling.

He nodded, refusing to look, trying to prevent her from seeing his shame. 

There was a moment of silence, then hands were touching his cheeks. Tim tried to shake them off, not wanting her pity, but she refused to be deterred. Her fingers gently forced him to turn his face toward her. When their eyes finally met, he was surprised to see tears raining down her cheeks. 

Donna tilted her head back and brought her lips up slowly. As they met his, Tim felt electricity that had been absent since they began dating again. Her mouth opened as her lips danced across his hungrily, her body melting against him. 

He felt a stirring in his groin, when she unexpectedly pushed against him, forcing him into the wall with a loud thud. Her kiss intensified, her tongue moving between his lips, while a hand snaked behind his head forcing him against her. She pulled back, kissing his face and neck. 

Without warning, Donna spun him around and shoved him to the bed, falling hard on top. Her mouth moved back to his and she nibbled at his lips, seemingly intent on devouring them. Her hands were at his shirt, her fingers fumbling at the buttons as the kissing intensified. They worked down quickly until Tim felt her reach his belt and unlatch it in a single motion. Before he could make a move of his own, she kissed her way down his chest; nibbling and biting a path toward her goal.

His head fell back as she reached his navel, briefly running her tongue across it, then continuing down. Her hand slid into his boxers, her fingers grasping his erection around the middle. He could feel the cool air on it for just a moment before her lips wrapped around the head. She quickly ran her tongue around the tip, then plunged her mouth downward, softly raking her teeth across the sensitive skin. Donna's head moved back and forth several times before letting it slowly, agonizingly slip from her lips. Her hand cradled it, her mouth moving to the shaft, where she went from the tip to the base, dragging her tongue lazily across the surface. 

"Harder," he moaned, grabbing the sheets with his hands and squeezing. 

She responded by closing her lips around the underside of the shaft and sucking. The sensations were overwhelming, both because it had been so long for him and because this level of aggression was out of character for the woman he knew. 

"Baby, you have to stop or I'm going to cum." Despite the pleasure, he wanted to be inside her.

Her eyes locked on his as her effort instead intensified. She took the hand rapidly back and forth while she kept her head still, her cheeks hollowing as she applied even more suction. Tim jumped involuntarily as her other hand came up between his legs, stroking from his scrotum to his anus. Her fingertips brushed across the sensitive skin several times before moving back up. 

Without a word, she pulled away and quickly slid out of her jeans. She climbed on the bed and straddled him, reaching down and guiding his cock inside. Tim shuddered as the tip pushed past her lips, then sank deeper as she sat down hard on his lap. There was no attempt at subtlety, she just moved her hips up until only the tip remained inside her, then slammed back down. She repeated the motion over and over, gaining speed with each thrust. Tim's hips moved up to meet hers, increasing the speed dramatically as he felt himself reach the point of no return. Sensing his impending orgasm, Donna moaned, "Come for me baby...I want to you to come. Please Tim, do it now. Come inside me." 

"Ah!" he groaned, as an emotional and physical wave rushed over. He grabbed her hips and pulled her down, holding her tightly against her as he came. Her hands braced against his shoulders as her body shuddered in it's own orgasm. When it waned, she fell against him, the ferocious display having exhausted her.

He lay back, exhausted, sweat dripping from his body. Turning to look at Donna in amazement he asked, "Where did that come from?"

She cupped his face with her hands affectionately and said, "You are a wonderful man and I don't deserve you."

Tim shook his head in confusion, but decided not to press the issue. The sex had been like something out of a fantasy and he didn't want to kill the mood. He guessed that she felt badly about another reminder of what happened, but promised himself to assure her later there was no need. The past was gone and it was time for them both to move forward. 

Watching her lying there, basking in the afterglow of a wonderful orgasm, Tim felt the final piece of the wall he had built around himself crumble away. A part of him came alive for the first time in years. He knew without needing to hear it from her that whatever had been holding them back was gone. 

~~~~~

"Hurry up, we're going to be late," Tim complained

"Keep your pants on, I'm not going to go meet your friends looking like I just fell out of bed," Donna answered, irritation clearly evident in her voice.

"First of all," he said, amused by her annoyance, "if you just fell out of bed, I'd be tempted to make them wait for us." He walked up behind her and squeezed her breast playfully as he kissed the side of her neck. Donna shooed him away, trying to finish her hair.

"Secondly," he said, retreating from the bathroom, "they're not my friends, they're our friends." 

Donna stopped what she was doing and looked at him contritely. She walked over and took his hands. "I'm sorry honey, I shouldn't have said that. I love both of them dearly. It's just hard sometimes to think about them that way after all that happened. They loved you and hated me for years. I don't blame them, but they still know you far better than me." She kissed him on the cheek and stared deeply into his eyes. 

"They are our friends," she said with exaggeration, "and it's important that I look my best so they know I'm not taking you for granted. Now let me get finished so we can go." She kissed him again and went back into the bathroom. 

Tim watched her getting ready, trying to take in every detail of how she behaved and looked. This was a big night and nothing would be the same afterwards. He thought about the six months that had passed since the day she found his old ring. They made love so passionately that day; he couldn't imagine anything being able to top it. 

Watching her primp, Tim reflected on the folly of his assumption. After finally making love after so long, they immediately fell into a rhythm that was relaxed, comfortable, and more than he could have hoped for. Everything had been so different than when they were together in college. They were both more mature, and felt connected in many small ways that he didn't even know were possible back then. 

Sometimes he wondered if it would have actually worked out so well if they hadn't had the break up. Whenever that thought came, it was accompanied by another, darker one. It was possible that he was just trying to find ways to get past the pain. Tim loved her so much that it was difficult to even deal with the memory of what happened. After a lot of work, he found ways to avoid the subject. He wasn't sure if it was the best way to handle things, but it had gotten him to this point, which was more than he ever expected. 

"Since you're in such a hurry, why are you just sitting there daydreaming?" she chastised him. 




Second Chance Ch. 03



Tim shook his head, knowing that there was no way to explain to her what he was thinking. He barely understood it himself, but it didn't matter. He was truly happy for the first time since college. In fact, he was much happier. Now he had the respect of his peers and the financial means to do what he wanted. Having Donna in his life made it perfect.

They left for the restaurant an hour early. He told Donna it was because he promised to stop and pick up Pete's watch at the jewelry store since it was on the way. Tim had given her the receipt to hold, telling her it was because they both knew how forgetful he could be about that kind of thing. 

The car pulled up in front of the business. Donna turned and said, "Honey, the sign says closed. I hope Pete won't be upset."

Tim shrugged my shoulders, "Well, let me go check to see if anyone's still inside." He got out and ran to the front door, peering through the glass for some sign of employees. When he saw movement inside, he banged on the glass. A pleasant looking middle-aged man opened the door and they spoke briefly before Tim turned and waved for Donna to bring the receipt. She got out and hurried to the door, which the man held open for them both. 

The man walked back behind the counter and turned to wait. Donna started to walk toward him, but Tim caught her arm. She gave him a puzzled look, which brought a smile to his lips. 

So far, so good, he thought.

"Donna," Tim said, with a serious tone, "I want to tell you how much I love you." 

She smiled and blushed, "Tim, I love you too, but we need to get going or we're going to be late."

"No we're not." Her expression showed a mixture of confusion and annoyance, so he knew it was time to stop teasing her. 

"Sweetheart, the last eight months have been more wonderful than I thought was possible. When you showed up at my door, I couldn't have imagined my life was going to change so much, so fast." He got down on one knee and saw a tear wind down her face.

"I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. Would you marry me?" Tim held his breath because they hadn't talked about marriage a single time, so he wasn't entirely confident what her response would be.

Donna was quiet for a minute, just staring at him with her lips trembling, tears now streaming down her face unrestrained. "Yes," she said finally, "I'd be so happy to marry you!" 

Tim stood and took her into his arms, kissing her with abandon. She tilted her head from side to side, leaving kisses across his lips, cheek, then finally burying her face against his neck. He squeezed her so tightly that it brought a whine of protest.  

Finally, she pulled back. "I've been waiting so long for you to say that. I love you, Tim." Then she leaned her head against his chest, and sobbed quietly. 

After holding her for a minute, he turned his attention to the salesman. He knew they had to hurry. The man hadn't said how much longer he could stay. Tim had only paid him until seven. The idea came from a popular movie he'd seen.

He let her go and stepped away. "Donna," he said proudly, "choose," waving his hand at the rings on display. 

She looked around in wonder at the beautiful rings in the shop for several seconds while Tim held his breath in anticipation. Finally, she looked at the salesman and said, "I'm sorry sir, but the ring I want isn't here."

He tried to assure her that he would be able to order any design she wanted, or even custom-make something, but she shook her head and turned back to her new fiancée. 

"My ring is at your house Tim. You bought it for me five years ago and it was my fault that I've had to live without it this long. I won't wear any other one."

Tim blinked back tears as her words moved him more than he thought possible. Even though that ring had held such bad memories, he hadn't been able to part with it because it also represented something else; a hope for the future that seemed like a childish dream. He had never considered the possibility that she'd want it over anything she could choose. Knowing that she did, touched him more deeply than he thought possible.

"I wish there was some way to tell you how much I love you." 

"There is," she said smiling. "Take me home and get me my ring so I can show Pete and Trisha." She leaned forward and kissed him again, then they walked to the door. He turned and shrugged an apology toward the salesman, glad that he insisted he pay the man in advance instead of just depending on the commission the jeweler was planning to earn. 

They drove the ten minutes to the house in silence, Donna snuggled against his arm. Tim wanted to say something, anything, but couldn't seem to find words to express his feelings. There were times when he really did still feel like the awkward geek from high school. 

While she waited in the living room, Tim ran upstairs two at a time to reach the bedroom. The ring was in the drawer where he always had kept it, even after Donna had found it. Although he couldn't explain why, there was a superstition about it staying in the same place that felt important to him. He grabbed it, paused for just a second to glance at it one more time, then hurried back down the stairs. 

When he reached the bottom, Donna was waiting. Tim could see her trembling. She looked so fragile and innocent he wanted to hold that memory forever. 

"If you don't mind, I'd like to do this all over again," he asked, worried she would think it was a little silly.

She gave him an understanding nod. "I was going to ask if you'd do it anyway." 

Tim got down on one knee again and repeated the proposal. When she said yes, the emotions felt every bit as strong as before for them both. He opened the box and put the ring on her finger, having to steady her hand. He rose and kissed her passionately then stepped back, and held her hands as he savored the moment. Donna was looking at the ring when she noticed her watch. 

"Oh shit, Pete and Trisha are waiting for us." They both laughed, knowing that our friends knew Tim well enough to expect him to be late. 

Thirty minutes later, they walked into the restaurant and saw the couple waiting at a table. Donna ran to them to show off the ring. There were congratulations and hugs all around as they ordered champagne to celebrate. Trisha cried as Donna related the proposal and her insistence on the old ring. The night dragged on for hours, as the women started talking about how to plan the wedding.

"Guys," Tim finally pleaded, feel exhausted. "We've been engaged for a couple of hours, can't this wait until tomorrow?"

Trisha gave him an exasperated look and turned to Donna. "Men are completely clueless."

~~~~~

October, 2006

Tim walked into the house at five o'clock sharp. He smiled, planning the things he wanted to do for Donna before she got home. It was pretty rare that he made it home from work before her. She had been remarkably tolerant of his schedule since the marriage, and he tried to make it up to her every opportunity he could. 

As he walked toward the kitchen, he looked at their wedding photo, taken eleven months earlier. When it came to Donna, Tim always found it difficult to see her as anything other than stunningly beautiful, but seeing her that day left him speechless. He felt a twinge of pride, remembering the feeling of watching her walk down the aisle. Since her father had passed away, she asked Tim's dad to escort her. It was an incredibly thoughtful gesture and he had never forgotten it. 

If anything, their lives had continued to improve since that day, with both finding contentment and security with each other. That didn't make everything perfect, however. There were some issues between them that had never reared their head in the college relationship. Tim found that for the first time in his life he felt jealousy. It didn't happen often, but a part of him couldn't seem to get past the idea that something bad could happen.

His newfound problem was without any apparent cause. Donna never gave him a reason to doubt her and seemed willing to bend over backward to address any of his concerns. She wasn't without her limits, however. Several times, Tim pushed too hard and found himself on the receiving end of his wife's normally hidden temper. When it came out, she could hold her own against anyone. Luckily, she was usually quick to forgive as well. 

Those problems weren't overwhelming, however. They had a wonderful marriage and a sex life that was beyond Tim's wildest dreams. Donna had a great job that she loved, yet always found time to put their family first. 

He smiled again at the picture of her from the wedding and turned to walk into the kitchen, intending to make dinner for her for a change. The sound of the phone ringing startled him out of his reverie. He walked over and picked up the receiver.

"Hello," he said pleasantly.

"Hi, is Donna there?" a man's voice asked.

Tim's stomach churned like he'd been sucker-punched. "No, she's not here. This is her husband, can I help you?" he replied tersely.

There was a click as the line went dead. Tim set the receiver down and stared at it, trying to make himself believe he had just imagined what he'd heard. Looking up he saw his reflection in the mirror, which showed a shaken man who looked like he'd seen a ghost. 

Mother Fucker, he swore to himself. He stared at the phone, knowing there was no way he'd ever forget that voice, Jake. 

~~~~~ 

"This is fabulous honey," Donna said pleasantly. "What's the occasion?"

Tim tried to hide his dark mood. "I just got home early and wanted to do something for you." 

She sensed his discomfort. "Tim, is something wrong? You've been distracted all night."

"No," he lied. "Just a tough day at work."

"Well," she said with a smile, "since you did something so thoughtful for me, how about if I clear the table, then return the favor?"

He thought about telling her he was too tired, but decided that it would be unfair since there was nothing indicating she'd done anything wrong. All night he had studied her closely for any sign of some problem or clue as to why Jake called or even why he had their number, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. The voice in his head screamed that he should talk to her about it, but he pushed it away, opting to wait and not let her in on how much he knew. 

Donna finished with the dishes and held out her hand. He took it and followed her upstairs, trying to shake off his doubts. 

She hasn't done anything, he reminded himself. At least nothing that I know of, the other voice added. 

As they stepped into the bedroom, he did his best to put it out of his head, not wanting to spoil what was supposed to be a wonderful night with unsubstantiated suspicions. 

Donna walked to the bed, undoing the buttons on her blouse. She shed it quickly, then stepped out of her slacks, turning to face him.

"Wow, I'll never get tired of that view," he said with a chuckle.

"And I'll never get tired of you telling me you like it," she answered with a smile, reaching behind to unclasp her bra. She shrugged her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor, then slid her panties down her legs. She stepped out of them, and put her hands on her hips, standing in front of him invitingly. 

Tim stepped forward, taking her in his arms and kissing her longingly. She pulled away with a sly grin, her fingers working their way down his shirt. When she reached the last button, she leaned forward, kissing his neck. She moved lower, running her tongue down his chest, pausing to take a nipple in her mouth. Her eyes stared into his as she pulled back her lips and nibbled softly with her teeth.

"Oh wow," he moaned, realizing that her hands were skillfully loosening his belt while he was distracted. Donna made a throaty moan as she kissed her way lower, sinking to her knees in front of him. His pants fell to the floor of their own weight, and her hand reached into the top of his boxers to grip his erection. She leaned forward, softly nibbling the shaft through the cloth. 

"What do we have here?" she asked innocently, pulling the waistband down and sliding her mouth over the tip. Tim's head fell back blissfully as her hand worked it's way up and down, her tongue circling the tip. She looked intently into his eyes as her tongue ran up the shaft and across the head, pulling a strand of pre-cum with it and making a show of playing with it, before she took the head back into her mouth. 

"Baby," he moaned, as she urged him back until he was laying prone on the bed. She slid the rest of his clothes to the floor, then resumed her hand's motion. She moved her mouth lower, taking his balls into her mouth, first one, than the other. Her tongue ran back up the shaft, taking one last nibble at the head, then she continued moving up his body, leaving a trail of saliva across his skin. 

She reversed her grip, and aimed the tip at her opening, running it through her wet folds several times. When she was ready, Donna pushed back, allowing the shaft to sink inside her slowly. 

"Oh yeah," she groaned, reversing direction, sliding up a few inches, then pushing down until he was fully inside her. Her lips sought out his as she moved her hips forward and back in small motions, never rising off of him. Tim knew that when she was this aggressive, she was very turned on and knew exactly how to move to achieve a quick orgasm. He allowed her to control the tempo, content to let his hands run across her sides and back, savoring the softness of her skin. 

"Almost...almost," she cooed, letting him know not to move. "There!" she called out as her body shook uncontrollably. 

Tim pulled her tightly against him, delighting in her obvious bliss. She kissed him hungrily as he rolled her to her back taking charge with long thrusts. He hooked an arm under her knee and raised it higher, achieving maximum penetration. His lips found her breast, and he nibbled at her nipple just hard enough to draw a moan of protest without altering the rhythm of his strokes. 

Her breathing took on the cadence of his thrusts, letting him know she was already approaching a second climax. With a sudden motion he withdrew, causing her to whine in protest. 

"Turn over," he scolded. She rolled to her stomach and he pulled her up to her hands and knees. "You have such a great ass," he said appreciatively, leaning forward to bite her on the cheek.

"Ouch!" she yelped in protest. 

"Sorry...couldn't resist." He pulled her back onto her knees while standing on the floor behind her. His cock slid back inside her warmth easily, allowing him to increase the force of his thrusts.

"That's it Tim, fuck me harder!" she cried. 

He held her hips tightly, using the leverage to crash against her over and over in a frenzy of motion. 

"Almost," she whined. Tim knew he only had seconds before he lost control, so he reached under her and strummed her clit. Her body was covered in sweat and slid against him, the sensation so erotic that he couldn't hold out any longer. 

"Ah!" he cried, pushing against her as she collapsed to the bed. His body lay on hers as he came, his hand still trapped underneath. His fingertips continued stroking her as he thrust deeply and froze, lost in the sensation of her warmth. 

Donna screamed into the pillow as her own orgasm hit just as his was finishing. Her body went through spasms more fierce than before, the walls of her sex gripping him so tightly he felt like he could come again. 

He laid against her, feeling the ripples flow through her body. Gently he moved his arms around her, holding her close as she wound down from the exertion. When she stopped moving, he rolled over, pulling her with until they were on their sides, spooning. He could feel her heartbeat against his chest, her breathing slowly returning to normal. Tim leaned forward and kissed her behind the ear, drawing an additional shudder.

"Don't start it unless you're going to finish it," she threatened. 

"I surrender," Tim said chuckling, still holding her tightly. 

She looked so peaceful laying there, chest heaving, sweat glistening on her skin. Donna rolled over and kissed him tenderly, then squirmed under the blanket and snuggled back against him.

"That was wonderful," she said sleepily. "I love you so much."

As Tim watched her drift off to sleep he tried to assure himself that he believed her with all his heart.

~~~~~

"Are you out of your mind?" Trisha asked in disbelief. "There is no way she has anything to do with that asshole calling your house. Please tell me you are going to talk to her about it."

Tim looked to Pete for help, but didn't see any coming. He knew talking to them wasn't going to be easy; they both had grown to love Donna and wouldn't want to believe anything negative about her. The problem was, he didn't know what to do and didn't have anyone else to talk with. Despite Trisha's strong objections, Tim still felt he needed to proceed cautiously, in case something was going on under his nose.

"What if she does know about it? If I tip her off then I'll never know for sure what's going on. He didn't just call my house by accident, he asked for her. He knew that she was supposed to be there. I'm not going to jump to conclusions, but I want to keep this to myself for now." 

"Tim," Trisha pleaded, trying to sound encouraging, "you told us yourself that he hurt her. Why would she want anything to do with him, even if she wasn't married? She loves you and would never risk hurting you again."

"I'm not accusing her of anything, Trisha," he said, trying to sound restrained. "I do know that she agreed to do a lot of stupid things because she couldn't seem to say no to the asshole. It doesn't mean that I think she's done anything wrong, but I need to know for sure. If she knows and hasn't told me, I'd rather find out as much as I can before I talk to her. Otherwise, I'm always going to wonder if I know the whole story."

Neither of his friends looked too happy about the decision, but Tim knew they respected him enough not to interfere. 

Trisha looked at him sadly, "I hope you know what you're doing."

~~~~~

Tim watched closely for unusual happenings for two weeks. He had considered looking into a private eye or buying a bug for their phone, but thought that seemed too extreme. He still didn't have any indication from Donna that she had a clue about what was going on. If he overreacted and did something stupid, it could lead to major problems between them. It was only two weeks until their anniversary, and the last thing he wanted to do was ruin it with some half-baked accusations.

There had been numerous calls on the answering machine where there was no message left. Tim continually checked the caller ID, but the ones that weren't telemarketers came from an unlisted cell phone. Since there were a half-dozen calls from the same cell, he was very suspicious. However, it wasn't the number that Jake called from the first time, so Tim was still stuck without knowing anything more than before. 

He was trying to decide if he was just losing his mind when his cell phone rang. He saw that it was from Donna's cell and picked it up immediately. "Hey gorgeous."

"Hi sweetheart," Donna answered. "I'm so sorry, but they want me to work over again. Michelle called in sick and there's no one to cover until seven."

Damn it Tim swore to himself. He tried to hide his disappointment. "This is the fourth time in two weeks, aren't they going to get any help there soon."

She sounded contrite, "Trust me honey, I'd much rather be home with you. I know this is a pain, but they are really understaffed here. They warned me that this might happen when I took the transfer. Please don't be mad. I promise to make it up to you when I get home," she said playfully.




Second Chance Ch. 04



Sorry everyone...School has been crazy and I just have not had the time between the new job and classes to write as much as I have wanted to...Thanks for reading!  Enjoy~CinderLaw

*

Both Jared and Olivia jumped at the horn. Olivia turned to try and compose herself while Jared turned to see Jerry, his brother, and Ty waving at him. He made a gesture that showed them that they were number 1 in his book. 

He turned around saying to Olivia, "Go get back in the truck I'll be right back." Then he walked back toward the second SUV. When he got close, the window rolled down and Jason sat there with a grin that looked like he was proven right. Damn, Jared thought to himself, I kiss her to shut her up and I get caught by the one person I'd rather not found out about the kiss! 

"You know if we didn't come along I'd swear that you would've preformed a XXX movie for the toddler in the truck." Jason observed.

"She's asleep." Said Jared.

"Not anymore." Jason said pointing to the truck in front of them. 

Jared turned to see Chloe's arms waving at Olivia or anything the child thought might wave back at her. 

"Are you seeing us to the lake?" Jared asked him, trying to change the subject from the kiss.

"Yeah we wanted to make sure that you don't get... sidetracked. We were almost too late." Jason said.

"Looked like you had your hands full a few minutes ago" Jerry threw in.

Jared began to feel a foreign feeling, when Jerry said that then kept looking at Olivia he wanted to rip him apart. "Stay away from her Jerry. She doesn't need your shit." Jared growled at him.

"You know for someone who doesn't care about her you're sure protective of her. I think that you may be getting too close to the job if all you want is to insure her and the kid's safety. Maybe I should send them some place away from you. " Jason said. He could tell that they were getting under Jared's skin but it was kind of nice to see his brother reacting for the first time on a deeper level then sex with a woman. 

"Fuck you!" He told Jason as he turned and walked back to his truck.

"We could take the kid so you can continue with what you were doing!" Jason yelled after him. 

Jared ignored him and continued on to his truck. When he climbed in Olivia was quiet and wouldn't look at him. "Olivia?"

"I'm sorry, I, uh, I shouldn't have done that. I don't know why I kissed you."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"You said a bad word Jared One!"

"Chloe, honey, please not right now, Jared's just upset and please stop calling him Jared One. His name is just Jared." Olivia told her.

"But mommy, there is two of him and you said there's never a good reason to say bad words."

"He's not two people Chloe he has a twin who's a separate person named Jason. As far as the cussing, you're right honey, but he's a grown up so I can't tell him what to do."

"Chloe your right. I'm sorry that I used a bad word. It wasn't nice. I'm not upset Olivia. I'm frustrated and really wishing that we didn't have to drive right now or have my brother right behind us." Jared said letting his irritation with the whole thing show. "Olivia, you have a horrible memory, because I kissed you. You just responded to me."

"Jared, listen to me, I'm not a tease and I feel like every since I've met you I've teased you. I'm not even sure how we went from me pulling you into my car, unconscious, to us driving up to your family's lake house. You make me think of things that are possible and yet offer a lot less and tell me that when it's done that you will give me the money to leave. In the next breathe you tell me that you want me in your bed but that you aren't sure how much farther, then that you can go."

"I told you my life is complicated." He reminded her.

"What happens if I'd end up pregnant?" she asked.

He looked at her then turned back to the road, "I'd wear protection."

"Yeah, I'm sure that Jason said exactly the same thing." She said as she turned to look back out her window again.

"That was different. Jason had to marry Laysea because she was a virgin. Since he was the first one with her, if he didn't marry her then he'd have been killed for it. Besides, if you ever get to meet her then you'd see how perfect they are for each other. Hell everyone sees it, always has." Jared concluded.

The rest of the ride was very quiet. Chloe fell back to sleep very quickly. Olivia began to doze in the passenger seat while Jared drove in silence. 

When the truck came to a stop she woke up looking around. "Is this like a resort or something?" she asked while looking at the huge house sitting in front of her. 

"No, this is our family's summer lake house." Jared said as he climbed out of the truck.

The house looked like a large single floor log cabin. She thought that it looked very picturesque, with the cabin in front of a lake backdrop. It reminded her of a summer camp picture she had seen as a child that had very nice bunk houses. She had begged her mom to let her go to it but she just told Olivia to get away from her. 

Olivia got out of the truck and stretched after the long ride. Then she opened the back door to get Chloe out. Like any child at her age, Chloe was a little slow to wake up but when she got a look around she was filled with energy. She hit the ground and ran on high speed in every direction possible. Olivia was actually surprised that she did not climb the cabin. She followed behind Chloe trying to insure that her daughter would not get harmed by nature or curiosity or vice versa. They ended up going down to the lake and looking at the water. When a fish jumped out of the water Chloe decided that she'd get into the water and catch the fish. Olivia barely caught her before Chloe jumped straight in. It was that point that Olivia suggested that they go see about getting a snack. 

"Can I have chocolate cake?" Chloe asked in an excited child voice.

"Let's see what Jared's friend has put in the kitchen okay? If there is chocolate cake then you can have some as long as you promise to eat all of your supper." Olivia told her.

"Okay I promise! Pinky swear!" She said while hold out her little pinky.

Olivia wrapped her pinky with Chloe's little one. She knew that it would be hard to get her to eat her dinner -- even if she did pinky promise. But when she used those big baby eyes to look at her while promising to do what she was told, it was very hard to tell her "no". 

As they made their way back to the house Olivia saw that everyone was still there. Jason, Jerry, Jerad, and two other guys that she didn't know. They were talking in a hush tone when she and Chloe walked up. That's when they stopped talking looking at her as if she needed to explain her sudden appearance to them.

"Chloe's decided that she'd like a snack so we're going to see what's in the kitchen."

"I'm going to have chocolate cake Jared!" she yelled excited.

"Will you save me some?" he asked her.

"Yes, but you better hurry. My belly might rumble again." 

"Okay, I'll see what I can do." He told her.

After Olivia and Chloe went into the house, Trenton commented, "Cute kid, you gonna be daddy?"

Jared gave him a dirty look.

"Careful. He threatened to kick my ass for saying something about the mom." Jerry warned him. 

Jared rolled his eyes at them both, "Just go do your jobs. Don't worry about what is happening between Olivia and me."

"Yes, want to share with us what is going on between Olivia and you?" Jason asked in a softer tone.

"Nothing, she stuck her neck out for me so I just want to make sure she doesn't end up one of Tom's new toys for it."

"Alright. Well we'll get going, but first, I think that I'll go have a word with Olivia." Jason announced.

"What do you have to talk to her about?" asked Jared.

"None of your business actually, there is 'nothing' going on between you two. Ty, I don't want to be interrupted."

"Jas, leave her alone. I don't want her drug into this anymore then she already is. And she certainly doesn't need any shit from us, which could put more pressure on her." Jared pleaded.

Jason walked over to stand toe to toe with his brother, "What? Do you think I want to fuck her? Are you fuckin' crazy? Laysea would kill me for doing it and all of you for not stopping it. Relax this has nothing to do with whatever is going through your imagination." With that Jason turned and walked into the cabin.

He found Olivia in the kitchen sitting with Chloe while she ate some cake. "Olivia, may I have a word with you please?"

Olivia looked up at him and gave a nod then stood up to walk into the other room, saying first, "Chloe, stay there and finish your cake, okay?"

"Okay, mommy." 

Once Olivia got up close she realized that it was not Jared standing in front of her because his eyes were different. "Yes, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?" She asked Jason softly.

"I just want you to understand a couple of things before I head out. First, no harm will come to you or your daughter. We don't fight woman and children. Second, this lake house is the most secure place that you can be. We are on privately owned land which is fenced off and there is only one way in and out which is through a guarded post. All ID's are checked. Then when you finally get to this lake house, I had it surrounded by a concrete wall after the twins were born. I have men patrolling the wall since you all are here. Okay?"

Olivia nodded, "Okay, I would imagine that you would want to make sure your brother was safe during this whole thing but I appreciate you telling me so that I know Chloe is safe. Thank you for allowing us to come up here." 

Jason gave a little chuckle, "Jared can take care of himself. Hell, for that matter he can take care of all three of you. I just wanted to give you the piece of mind to understand where you're at."

"Oh! Okay, well, thank you anyways then." She said in a surprised tone.

Jason gave her a small smile then turned to walk back outside. As he reached for the door he turned to look at her again, "Look, my brother has been through hell and back. Now I'm not going to get into everything that he's went through, that is his story to tell, but don't expect too much from him. He has pretty much cut himself off from any relationship type of thing with women. I just don't want you to get something in your head that shouldn't be there. I mean, you've got a kid and all. I can see where Jared would be a prime catch."

Olivia gritted her teeth when she spoke again, "Well Jason, thanks for the most male chauvinistic advice I have gotten yet. And so you sleep better tonight, understand this. I don't want to sleep with your brother. I don't have any desire to be closer to him, and I most assuredly don't want to expect anything out of or from him! Besides the last thing I want is a man who feels like I've trapped him to be my kid's dad!" With that she stomped back to the kitchen.

Jason stood there for a couple more minutes with his mouth open in surprise. Then he slowly opened the door and walked back out to the porch.

Jared looked up at him, "Jas, you okay?"

Jason still appeared to be in shock when he said, "She yelled at me. If I didn't know better I would think that Laysea had given her lessons on how to do it!"

Jared stood up fast, "What the fuck did you say to her?"

"Relax..."

"Fuck that!"

"I just told her about the lake house being in the middle of a secure area and that the property is surrounded by a wall."

"Well why would that set her off?" Jerry asked.

"Because that is not all he said, dumbass!" Jared glared at Jason now. "What in the fuck did you say to her?"

"I also told her not to get her hopes up where you're concerned. Look Jared, I don't want some chick to come up and get you into playing daddy!" Jason glared back at him.

"That is not your call. So that's why she's pissed? Nice going!"

"Jared, I don't want you jumping into something that you aren't ready for. I need you thinking with the big head not the little one right now."

Ty was barely able to jump between the two brothers before they came to blows. "BACK THE FUCK OFF BOTH OF YOU AND COOL DOWN!" he yelled at them.

It took a few minutes for them to finally step back from where they smashed Ty between them but they finally did almost reluctantly. 

Jason was the first to break the long, drawn out silence, "Sorry, I shouldn't have stepped in but damn, dude! I watched you handle her today! Hell you pretty much offered to father her next child, then we drive up and you two are almost trying to make that baby."

"I know, I know. Still not your place though."

"Maybe not, but we all stood by you when they lowered Trista into the ground and you said then, 'I never want to put another woman into this place because she's with me.' Have you changed your mind?" Jason said.

"No." Jared said in a whisper.

"Well, I want to make sure, as your brother, that you don't get scammed into something that you don't want. I was not trying to be malicious. Just honest with her for my brother."

"All right, point taken. But don't fuckin' do it again."

Jason nodded at him.

Jason and Ty left shortly after that. Jared stayed outside with Jerry and Trenton going over the watches and the possible hot spots that they needed to keep an eye on. Finally he could not put off going inside any longer. It was dinner time and he was getting hungry.

Dinner that night was nothing special. They had hamburgers and chips, the best part of dinner was the company. Chloe was a delight to be around. Jared never knew that anyone could talk that much! Chloe asked so many questions that he was convinced there was nothing else that she would not know. Of course she always had the answers but asked anyway. 

Jared was beginning to be surprised at how much he was enjoying being around Chloe. He started thinking about Jason being a father and a little part of him wanted to also experience this event that had changed Jas so much. Then he looked at Chloe and started think maybe...but would snap himself out of it just as quick. He didn't think he could handle watching a little child's coffin being lowered into the ground.

After dinner Chloe wanted to watch TV. When Jared opened up the DVD cabinet to show her all of the DVDs that he had brought up to the cabin with her in mind, he experienced yet another first -- Chloe standing, her mouth in an O shape but not a sound came out. It did not last very long but for a couple of seconds he had managed to make her speechless. Jared had asked his assistant to send all Disney and Pixar videos. They had the occasional adult film but those were hidden from Chloe's little eyes. He also had his assistant purchase a game system called Leap Frog for Chloe. The sales clerk had assured Jared's assistant that this was an educational learning system that would teach the child things they needed to know while not making it feel like learning. He had hooked it up to the TV also. 

"Oh my gosh!!!! Who are these movies for Jared?" Chloe scream when she got over being stunned.

"Well I thought that you might want to watch something since we have no TV reception up here. Too many trees for satellite and the cable company doesn't have wires out this far. So I had my assistant send some movies up that I thought you and your mom would enjoy." Jared and bent down on one knee to talk to her. 

Without much notice, Chloe threw herself in his arms and gave him the biggest hug her little arms could manage. 

This was the sight that Olivia walked into. Her daughter and Jared hugging each other as if they had just received the world from the other. The strings to Olivia's heart gave a little tug. Damn she better watch that or she'd be following him around like a love sick puppy dog before long. The last thing she wanted to do was prove Jason right. She did not know how many times she had watched a father and daughter interaction either on TV or in person and wished that her daughter could experience that with someone. Now here was someone that fit in perfectly, if you don't count that he carried a gun and was a womanizer. Most importantly you had to get past the fact that he didn't want it and she wasn't into forcing someone to be "daddy".

Chloe realized that Olivia was standing in the doorway, "Mommy! Come lookie what Jared got me." She said pointing in excitement to the rows of videos. "Can we watch them?"

"Sure, pick one but then when it is over you will need to go to bed." Olivia told her.

Chloe stuck her lip out and began to pout, "No. All of them, please momma. I really love these movies!"

"Chloe you do not have time to watch them all tonight." 

Tears welled up in Chloe's little dark brown eyes as her bottom lip began to quiver. Olivia thought does she really think this will work with me? Then the answer hit her like a flash. She looked at Jared and knew he had just been wrapped around a tiny little finger.

"Come on Liv, let her watch movies until she falls asleep." Jared said.

"Liv? Are you giving me a nickname?" she asked with surprise.

"Yeah, I guess I am. Olivia seems very old and stuffy. Liv just seems to suit you better." He said with a shrug.

"Oh." She replied to Jared, "Alright, Chloe, you can watch them until you go to sleep." 

She caved, she knew she had, but something in her wanted to give Chloe a small taste of what it was like to have two parents, even if it was an act. She turned around and sat on the couch next to Chloe waiting for Jared to get the movie ready. 

When he was done Jared turned back to them, "I'm going to go out and check how everything is for the night."

"Oh, okay." Olivia said trying to hide her disappointment. Then she watched him turn and walk out the front door, never once looking back.

Half-way through the first movie, Chloe was out like a light. She had laid her little head on Olivia's lap and fallen asleep. She didn't want to move for fear of waking her up. Olivia had finally decided that she would have to just sleep on the couch all night or at least until Chloe moved.

Jared chose that moment to walk through the door. He walked over to them and seen the sleeping Chloe, "Hey, I guess the movie worked. She's out for the night."

Olivia cracked a smile, "Yes, trapping me in the process."

"Do you want me to move her?"

"Don't worry about it. She will eventually move and I can sneak out then."

"Liv, it's no big deal, she will sleep better in a bed anyways."

"Well okay, if you don't mind." She whispered.

Jared picked Chloe up in on fluid motion and carried her off. From where Olivia sat it didn't look like Chloe even stirred a bit. 

Olivia stood up and began to stretch out the kinks that had set in her back and legs. 

Jared walked in at the moment that she bent over to touch her toes. He saw her ass in the air and was assaulted by all the nasty things he could do to her in that position. He physically gave himself a shake to rid the thought from his head. 

"Um, well I guess that I'll head to bed and let you get to whatever you're doing."

"Hey, Liv, why don't you sit up with me a bit. We can talk so that we at least get to know something about each other since we'll be stuck here together for some time."

"Okay," Olivia said walking back over to the couch, "what do you want to talk about?"

"Listen, about Jason..."

"Sorry but I can't talk about that right now. I'm still mad at him!"

"No, no, come on Liv, we need to talk about this. Look. What he said, I don't think that's something you'd do to me. It's just that Jas has been with me through some pretty messed up shit. I think that it's probably best if you realize that nothing like that can happen. It's too hard for me to think in that sense. Because...well let's just say that I'm no good as a husband or boyfriend."




Second Chance Ch. 04



 Thanks again to KevH, DawnJ, and Aruban who offered so much advice and support, and to those who've enjoyed the previous chapters enough to continue on. I promise this chapter will give you all the answers left open in the previous ones, perhaps even offer a few surprises.... 

~~~~~ 

"Tim, it's Donna, I don't know why you believe what you do, but it's not true. Please call me..." He hit a button and the answering machine croaked, "Deleted."

"Tim, where are you? Please, I'm going out of my mind. I didn't do anything, why won't you believe me? I'm begging you, call..."  

"Deleted"

The messages went on and on. There were over two dozen. As he went from one to the next, the tone in her voice gradually changed, sounding more emotionally overwrought as they went on. 

He reached the last one only to find her sounding tired and detached. 

"Tim, don't bother trying to contact me. I was willing to listen to whatever nonsense made you believe the worst about me, but I'm done. The way you treated me was unconscionable. I didn't have any idea you could be that cruel. Now you ignore me on top of it? It's too much and I'm not going to beg anymore. I love you and I'm sorry... for both of us. Goodbye."

Something in the tone of her message took the anger right out of him. It was already a forgone conclusion that they were through, but to hear her say it was still crushing. He had been so sure that she was the one he'd be spending the rest of his life with. Now he would have to start all over, if he even had it in him to try. 

The distraction of his thoughts caused him to miss the chance to delete the message, and the machine proceeded to the last one. A woman's voice, sounding nervous and uncertain sounded through the machine. 

"Yes, uh...this is for Tim Sullivan. My name is Marcie and you need to get in touch with me as soon as possible. I'm going out of town, but I need to talk to you about your wife. You need to know the truth about what happened in the restaurant with Jake. Please don't put this off; you really need to call me right away. I...I don't want to talk about it on the phone, but it's very important. My number is . . ." 

Tim stood there in shock, missing the rest of the message. Who the hell was she and how did she know about the restaurant? What did she mean "the truth?" He snapped out of it and replayed the message, writing down her number, completely forgetting about Donna's last message.

~~~~~

Tim walked into the bar, looking around anxiously for the woman in blue jeans and a red blouse. He spotted her at the other end of the room already seated at a booth. She half waved with a grim expression, giving him the impression that she wasn't happy to be there. He headed toward her, troubled by an uncomfortable feeling, like the stillness you sense right before a tornado strikes. 

"Hi Mr. Sullivan, thank you for meeting me," she said, not extending her hand.

"Marcie," he replied guardedly. "Your message was impossible to ignore. What's this about?"

"Right to the point, huh?" she said sadly. "Good for you. Well, I don't really know where to start. This is very difficult for me to discuss."

The events of the last few weeks left Tim with no patience for small talk. "Listen, I don't know who you are, or what this is about, but I'm not going to play games. You said you know something about the restaurant and Jake, so start talking."

She nodded, her face reflecting shame. "I guess I can't blame you. It was a terrible thing to do. I was just hoping that it didn't cause a rift between you and your wife."

His temper flared. "A rift?" he said in disbelief. "She screwed her old boyfriend on our anniversary. I threw her cheating ass out of my house. Now please stop wasting my time and tell me what you want."

Marcie looked up at him sadly, "I'm so sorry Mr. Sullivan, I swear to you I had no idea. If I had known, I never would have helped him."

"Him?"

"Jake," she confirmed. "I was the one who helped him trick you."

"Trick?" he said, suddenly feeling sick.

"Your wife never had sex with him. She wouldn't give him the time of day."

"No," Tim groaned. "You're lying. He told me..."

"Yes, he told you exactly what he thought would keep you from believing her. We met right after he moved here and we've," she paused, looking uncomfortable, "we've been intimate on and off since then. A few days before your anniversary, he called me and asked for a favor. He said that this guy who had screwed him over was going to be at this restaurant with his wife, celebrating their anniversary. Jake asked me to help him convince the guy that she was cheating on him." 

"The way he told it, you were some awful man who was making his life miserable. He said that your wife used to go out with him, and was making terrible threats toward him at work. My head was telling me how wrong it was, but I wanted to believe him. It took some time for him to convince me, but I finally agreed to help." She looked away, the shame she felt clearly evident on her face.

"We got to the restaurant just after you and sat at the bar. After a while, Donna got up to go to the bathroom. Jake and I followed her, and he waited in the hall while I went inside. When she was washing her hands, I walked up to her with a glass of wine and..."

"And you spilled it on her dress," he finished, feeling distraught at the memory of Donna trying to explain her absence. 

"Yes. I apologized and told her that it was going to ruin her beautiful dress, so we needed to get someone to help. I walked out and told Jake to go ask a waiter for some club soda for the stain. It was his plan to keep her in there long enough for you to think something could have happened. I went back in and kept her busy until the waitress arrived. When she did, she took over and I just kept apologizing and tried to keep her talking. Because I spilled the wine on the bodice, she had to take it off to clean it, so the waitress ran out to get her something to put on."

"When she came back, Donna took off the dress and put a smock on. That's when I saw the underwear she was wearing. That was what Jake said he needed, but I noticed that the panties she was wearing were sheer and it was obvious that she...well, you know." 

"I told her that my man loved the fact that I did that too. She seemed embarrassed, but told me that she had just done it that day to surprise her husband for their anniversary. I knew it was exactly what he needed and excused myself to go tell Jake everything. Then I went back in and tried to stall them while he talked to you."

She finished her story and looked up at him sadly, "That's everything."

Tim wanted to scream that she was lying, that this was some kind of intricate plot, just to fuck with him. People couldn't be this devious. In the end it was all so overwhelming all he could do was make himself ask, "So why are you telling me now?"

"He was so thrilled with how well it went that he got loaded afterward. When we got back to his place, he told me the truth about everything. I was disgusted with him, but the more I thought about it, the more I hated myself. It was idiotic to believe what he told me and worse to do something that horrible to people I didn't know. He just had a knack for convincing me to do what he wanted. " 

"After he finished bragging, he fell asleep. I left and haven't spoken to him since. To be honest, I don't think he's even noticed." Her expression showed disgust. "I felt like the least I could do was make sure you knew the truth. I just hoped that it wasn't too late for you and your wife. Neither of you deserved this and I can't tell you how sorry I am for my part in it."

Tim's mind swam with confusion, trying to sort out the truth from the lies. "So why did it take you two weeks to get around to calling me?" he said accusingly.

She tried to make him understand her regret was sincere. "If you had done something this horrible, would you be anxious to meet the person whose life you helped to destroy? Besides, I did call you several times, but got your machine. I wanted to talk to you in person. This isn't the kind of story you can leave on a machine and hope for the best. I waited as long as I could, but I'm leaving in a few days and don't know when I'll be back, so I finally left a message."

They talked for a few more minutes, but she didn't have any insights into Jake's motivation. Tim wanted to be angry with her, but was too busy hating himself. Still, after everything that had happened, he knew he couldn't just take her word for it. He didn't know who to trust at this point. The only thing he could think of to do was to go back to the restaurant and try to confirm what she claimed. 

An hour later, Tim arrived and asked to talk to the manager. He was a well-dressed man with graying hair, who appeared to be in his early forties. 

"Hi, my name is Robert, how can I help you?"

Although he had played out a dozen scenarios on how to address what happened, in the end Tim decided the truth was the best. He told the man about Jake's claims, but didn't mention the incident in the bathroom. 

"Mr. Sullivan, this is a fine dining establishment. I can assure you that there is nowhere on the premises that an encounter like this man described could have taken place."

"Well," he said, choosing his words carefully. "Do you know about any unusual things happening two weeks ago Friday night? My wife said that there was an incident in the ladies room with another woman and a glass of wine."

"Wine," he said thoughtfully, stroking his chin. "That sounds familiar, let me check." He reached over and picked up his phone. "Tammy, could you find Louise and send her in please." 

He hung up the phone and looked at me, "Louise is in charge of the wait staff and would know if anything happened." They waited a moment, then a young woman in her mid-twenties walked in.

"Yes sir," she said formally.

"Louise, did anything strange happen two weeks ago Friday night? It would have had something to do with an accident in the ladies room."

Suddenly her eyes lit up, "Oh, you mean the woman in the Red dress." Tim's stomach exploded in pain so severe that he was forced to wrap his arms around it and lean forward. She gave him a strange look, but continued. 

"There was an accident where another woman spilled some wine on her dress. I brought club soda and got her a smock from the kitchen to wear while we cleaned it. She was very nice, but terribly embarrassed about the situation. Are you her husband?"

He nodded, unable to say anything.

"She couldn't stop talking about you and your anniversary. It was so sweet. I hope I'm that happy some day. Did her dress..." She stopped abruptly as he stood and rushed toward the door without a word. 

"Did I say something wrong?" she asked as he ran from the room.

~~~~~

Tim walked hurriedly through the hospital doors, hoping to see one of Donna's friends at the front desk. The maternity ward was high security so there would be no way to get in to see her. The best he could hope for was to find someone he knew to try to help. Unfortunately, the two women behind the front desk didn't look familiar. He took a deep breath and walked up to them.

"Hi, I'd like to talk with Donna Sullivan please. She's a nurse in the maternity ward," he added, trying to sound nonchalant.

The older woman eyed him wearily. "And you are..."

He couldn't help letting out a small sigh of disappointment. Her expression wasn't pleasant. "I'm her husband Tim."

She turned to the other nurse and they shared a look. "I'm sorry sir, Mrs. Sullivan expressly asked not to be bothered." He could almost hear the unspoken phrase, By you. 

He thought quickly, "Could I leave her a note?" 

The first woman shrugged her shoulders. "If you'd like. I'll make sure someone leaves it in her box."

Tim quickly scribbled down an apology, making sure to tell her he knew that she had done nothing wrong and how terrible he felt for the way he treated her. It seemed terribly empty, but he had to find a way to get her to talk so he could tell her everything. He begged her to call any time, promising to meet anywhere she wanted. After signing it "Love Tim" he felt a wave of guilt rush over him, remembering his astonishingly harsh words for her. Feeling humiliated, he handed it to the nurse, who acted as if just touching it was offensive. 

Tim thanked her and left, wondering if Donna would ever even see it. 

~~~~~

"Oh Tim," Trisha said sadly. "What are you going to do?" 

"I don't know," he answered. "She won't see me at all. It's been two days and I've been to the hospital three times. Her cell phone is disconnected. I even tried calling her mom, but I'll spare you the gory details. Suffice to say, I won't be getting a Christmas present from my Mother-In-Law this year." Seeing Trisha's distraught expression he quickly added, "But I don't want you getting upset about it. This is my mess and I'll find a way to fix it." 

"Donna's got to be hurting so much," she said, wiping a tear from her eye. "She hasn't talked to either of us since just after you left. I told her we couldn't get in the middle and that the only thing I knew was you said you had proof she cheated. I told her if she needed to talk I was here for her, but she hasn't called back. She must believe we'd take your side."

Tim nodded in agreement, feeling his own tears begin to flow. The last two days had been the hardest of his life, far outdistancing the pain he felt at Donna's supposed betrayal. He had thrown away a wonderful marriage based on the word of a man he despised, not to mention the horrible things he said to the only woman he had ever loved. His misery combined with the guilt had been overwhelming. 

"At least Pete found a way for me to deal with what I've done," he said with an effort to appear hopeful. 

"Your husband took one look at me and told me to go straight to HR and ask Monique for the number of the family counselor the company recommends to their employees. As soon as I find a way to talk to her, I'm going to let her know that I will be going until I find a way to fix the problems I've been dealing with since she came back. I'm not going to stop until I know that I can be the man she deserves. I'm going to make sure she knows it too."

"Just don't you give up, no matter what it takes," she said, drying her eyes.

"That's the easiest promise I'll ever make," he replied. 

They hugged and he went to the living room where he met Pete. They walked toward the front door, where Tim's friend leaned in closely and whispered, "You know, there's something else you have to do."

"I know," Tim said quietly, "it's something that should have been taken care of a long time ago."

"So what do you want to do about it?"

He looked at him with a quiet fury burning in his eyes. "I want to kill him."

~~~~~ 

It was just after ten o'clock when Jake finally stumbled out of the bar toward the parking lot. It only took the private eye four hours to find him someplace away from prying eyes. Tim smiled thinking about how convenient having money could be. He watched the larger man walk toward him with his head down, lost in some thought.

As Jake came closer, he finally noticed the man sitting on his trunk, staring at him. "Hey you, what are you doing on my car," he said threateningly. 

Tim couldn't refrain from answering sarcastically, "Aren't you Joey, that washed up football player." 

He laughed, "Well, well, well, it's the computer geek," he said mockingly. "How's the wife?"

"We'll be fine, Jake. You on the other hand, have been a really bad boy."

He came closer. "Are you planning to do something about it?"

"What if I am?"

"We did this dance before. It doesn't turn out too well for you. Maybe you should walk away and let her be with the guy she's supposed to be with, like you did last time." 

"Oh, this isn't going to be anything like college, Jake," Tim said confidently. 

Jake sneered, "Yeah, why is that?"

"Well, in college, you had all your friends around you. This time it's my turn." 

He looked around, apprehensively. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means, dumb-ass, that you are in a shit-load of trouble," came a baritone voice from behind him.

Jake spun and to Tim's delight, the color drained from his face as a hulking figure stepped out of the shadows. The man was African-American, standing six foot four inches tall and weighing in the neighborhood of three hundred pounds (although he constantly told his wife he was down to two hundred eighty). Although he had lost some of the muscle that made him an all-American defensive end and a sure fire first round draft pick, he still was a person that made virtually everyone he met step aside when he passed. If it hadn't been for the horrific knee injury in his senior year of college, Tim probably would have never met him.

"Jake, I'd like you to meet my friend Pete."

He looked over his shoulder, trying not to appear unnerved. "Hey, listen, I don't want any trouble," he stammered. He turned back to face Pete, while slowly backing away.

"Mother fucker, you've got nothin' but trouble," Pete growled. 

Jake looked around for a way to escape, then evidently decided that he had no other choice, so sprung at him, hitting him with a body block. Tim saw his momentum move Pete back about a step, then he calmly grabbed the smaller man under one shoulder and, using his knee for leverage, threw Jake a good five feet. He landed with a terrible thud on his back, the concrete knocking the wind out of him. 

Pete was on him in a flash, sitting on his chest, a knee on each arm to keep him from fighting back. Now helpless, Jake watched as Pete brought a huge hand back and struck him hard across the cheek. Tim watched with satisfaction as Pete hit him over and over. 

"That's enough. I think he got the point." 

He looked over and nodded. "It's your party." He rose slowly, then added, "This is for messing with my little brother," dropping back down with a tremendous shot to Jake's ribs. 

Tim could hear the crack and winced, unable to stop himself from wondering ironically if Jake would be doing his own rehab or if he'd have to hire someone. Pete stood back up and stepped away, leaving Jake writhing on the ground in agony. He looked over to Tim, who moved close.

"You listen to me, you son of a bitch," he hissed, close to Jake's ear. "You got off light. The only reason that Pete got to kick your ass was because he was afraid of what I was going to do. If you ever bother Donna again..." To accentuate the point, he pulled out a modified stun gun he had worked on with the guys in engineering. It had just enough juice to be painful, and leave a tingling that Jake would remember well into the night.

"Ahhhh," he screamed as Tim hit him in the groin with a jolt.

Jake stopped rolling and Tim knew he had his full attention. He grabbed Jake's face with one hand and stared into his eyes. "Do you believe I don't know how to take care of you? Really? Don't ever fuck with my wife again!" 

He leaned close and whispered menacingly. "Listen up, I want some answers, and every one I don't believe is going to earn you another little kiss from my toy here, do you get me?"

Jake looked up at him in shock, wondering if Tim had lost his mind. "Are you crazy?" he started to ask, but was cut off by another jolt, drawing a strangled cry. 

"Okay, okay," he begged, "What do you want to know?"

Pete watched out for trouble as Tim made sure he got all the answers he was looking for. When he was finished, he stepped away. 

"Now Jake, in case you get the idea to whine to anyone about our little talk here, I want to point something out to you. Do you see that brown four door across the street?" he said, pointing at a parked car. When Jake nodded, he continued. 




Second Chance Ch. 04



"That's the private eye I hired to find you. He's got pictures of this visit, including us trying to talk to you and you responding by attacking Pete here. I'd hate to have to add felony assault and drunk & disorderly to what you're already facing." 

"What do you mean, what I'm already facing?" he asked, confused.

"Do you know a man named Thomas Walker?"

Jake eyed him carefully. "That's my boss at the clinic," he answered, holding his side.

"Well, as soon as you feel up to returning to work, he wants to see you. You are going to have a long talk with him about stalking women who work at the hospital, and creating problems between the clinic and one of their biggest business partners. He also golfs with Pete here on the weekends," Tim added with a wink at his friend. He doubted Jake would think to check up on that little white lie, and it would be a good way to keep him looking over his shoulder.

"And he doesn't appreciate having to clean up messes like this for low-level employees," Pete added.

"So I'm not going to be talking to you again, Jake," Tim said calmly, "But that doesn't mean I'm not having someone pay attention to the kind of shit you're doing. My advice would be to move to a better climate now before things get more difficult for you, but that's your call. However, if you ever see Donna again, I suggest you run, don't walk, in the opposite direction. If she tells me she even saw you, I promise you that I'm going to turn your life to shit. Do you believe me?" he hissed, letting the stun gun hover inches above his body menacingly, then hitting the button causing the electricity to arc brightly in the dimly lit parking lot.

"Yes, yes!" Jake whined. "I'm sorry." 

He stepped away and headed toward the car, quickly climbing in. As they pulled out of the lot, Pete looked at Tim and asked, "Do you feel better?"

He shook his head resolutely. "I don't give a fuck about him. I just want to find Donna." 

~~~~~

Three days later, nothing had changed. Donna was ignoring all of Tim's attempts to contact her. Around noon, Pete received the call that Trisha had gone into labor. 

"We're leaving now," he relayed. "If you want you could come with us and see what happens." 

Tim chuckled, despite his mood. "Thanks buddy, but somehow I doubt they're going to believe I'm a relative. Go take care of your wife and meet your baby. I can't wait to hug them both. Trust me, you guys are what's keeping me going through this."

Pete wanted to say more, but couldn't find the words. It hurt him so much to see Tim like this, and he ached for Donna as well. He wasn't used to feeling helpless, and didn't like it. As he hung up the phone, he heard his wife call his name, and happily bounded up the stairs, grateful for his good fortune, and hopeful that he could find a way to make his last ditch idea work.

~~~~~

Tim finished up Pete's work which he had agreed to take care of, then let Rhonda know everything was done and that he was leaving early. He had an important meeting that he couldn't miss. An hour later he walked into the house, wishing more than anything that he could avoid the upcoming conversation. 

"I just can't believe it," his mother said, disturbed beyond words at the turn of events. "How could you do something like that?"

"Mom, I wish I had an answer. I was angry, I was hurt, and I thought there was proof that she had cheated on me. After not telling me he talked to her, then seeing them together at that restaurant...I just lost it. I didn't want to hear what she had to say. I was sure it was all lies."

"And now?" 

He sighed. "Now I know the truth. Now I see how badly I screwed up this whole thing. All I had to do was be honest with her about him calling our house and we would have put it together. She is the only woman I've ever loved, even after college when I pretended that she was nothing to me. After everything she went through to make me believe, I still kept her from getting all the way inside my heart. I was a scared, stupid idiot."

Diane leaned forward, pulling her only son tightly against her, trying to comfort him. 

He accepted the gesture before gently pulling away. "I've thought of everything possible, even getting the private eye to help me get in touch with her. I'm just afraid that if she feels like I'm pushing too hard, she'll resent it. It would just push her away and I might never get to make this right."

"The thing that keeps running through my mind is how carefully she acted around me when she came back. If she had come storming in saying how sorry she was, I'd have told her to get lost and never opened myself up to her again. The way she acted...it threw me off balance, which made me want to keep talking to her. That's what gave us a chance to get through the bad memories. That has to be the best way to get through to her."

"Tim, I've never talked to you about the things Donna said to me during that time. I promise you she never believed you'd forgive her. She wanted to see me, because she wanted to find a way to help take away the pain she had put you through. I told her that it was best to give you space, and maybe that's what you need to do right now as well."

"That's unacceptable," Tim said firmly. "She's suffering right now because of me. I have to find a way to at least let her know how I really feel. If she needs time after that, I will respect her wishes. I just need to find a way to get through to her."

"Tim, I can't tell you what to do, and I can't promise you what will work. You've hurt her terribly. What I can do is tell you that she loves you with all her heart. After all the conversations we had, I believe more than anything that even when she made those horrible mistakes, she loved you the way that you love her. Maybe what you need is to make sure she knows you understand that?"

Tim pondered her words quietly, suddenly an idea occurring to him. "Thank's mom," he said, giving her a hug. "I think I understand what I have to do. I just feel stupid that I didn't get it a long time ago."

He left and drove home, trying to convince himself that it wasn't too late. When he stepped through the front door, he knew something was wrong. Things appeared to be moved around, and some of her possessions were missing. 

"Donna," Tim called out cautiously. He went up to their bedroom and found more of her personal items gone. The closet was open and her side was empty. His shoulders slumped and he walked back down the stairs. When he had come back from the two week vacation, there were only a few necessities missing. It looked like Donna had taken just enough to survive, probably hoping to come back home. There was enough gone now that it seemed likely she wasn't planning on ever coming back. 

He walked back into the living room and noticed the envelope. Tim wasn't sure how he missed it the first time, but it was in the center of the coffee table. With shaking hands, he picked it up and opened the flap. As he pulled out the note inside, there was a soft clink. He looked down to see Donna's engagement ring bounce off of the table and onto the floor. Tim bent over and picked it up, his breath catching in his throat. Clutching it in one hand, he opened the letter and read.

Tim, You can have this back now, I don't need it any more. Please don't try to contact me at the hospital again. You made your feelings about me clear. I want you to know that other than the two times you already know about, I haven't seen or even spoken to Jake since college. There is nothing that could make me want to be with that man again; you are all I wanted, although I don't expect you to believe me. I love you and am sorry that you couldn't trust me. I realize some of this is my fault for the mistakes I've made, and for that I am sorry. 

There is nothing of yours that I want. You can keep your house and everything in it. Just let me go and we can try to get on with our lives.

Donna 

When Pete called two hours later to tell him about little Cynthia Marie, Tim tried to sound happy for him, but it was obvious that his heart wasn't in it. He didn't say anything about the ring or letter because this was a time for Pete to be concerned about his family. After giving him a chance to tell all the details about the birth and how mother and daughter were doing, Tim told him to give Trisha a kiss and said goodnight. Hours later he fell asleep on the couch, still staring at the ring and wondering if there was anything that could possibly undo this mess.

~~~~~

"Hello," the woman's voice answered, sounding openly hostile.

"Caroline, it's Tim," he said, out of courtesy. It was obvious from her tone that she knew who was calling. "Can I please talk to you for a second?"

Just when Tim thought she was going to hang up on him again, she hesitated. Maybe it was something in his voice this time, or perhaps it was something else, but she gave him a small opening.

"Go ahead," she said grudgingly.

He took a deep breath, gratefully giving silent thanks for finally catching a break. "Caroline, I did a terrible thing. The reasons aren't important, although I want you to understand that I know Donna didn't do anything wrong. I'll tell you what happened if you want me to, but they are just excuses. The bottom line is that I hurt your daughter terribly because of my jealousy and insecurity."

There was silence on the line as he paused to give her the chance to interject. "Go on," she said, giving him a ray of hope.

"The only thing that matters right now is that Donna understands that I never meant the horrible things I said to her, even when I believed the worst. I said them because I was hurt, but they were just to try and make her feel what I was feeling. There was never any time, not a second, that I hated your daughter. She is the best thing that ever happened to me and I will love her until the day I die."

"Well," Caroline said, "that certainly sounds more like the young man I thought I knew. But Donna is devastated. I don't believe that there's anything you can say to make up for what you did."

"No, there isn't," he agreed. "But I'm not important right now. Since she won't talk to me, I want to tell you what happened. If you understand how it did, maybe there's something you can do for her." He struggled to find the words, realizing that his prepared speech wasn't going to move her. He needed to reach deeper and tell her how he really felt.

"If something happened to me tomorrow, she'd think I actually believed the terrible things I said for the rest of her life and I can't let that happen. At least if she knows the truth, it might not be as painful for her. Even if she can't forgive me, I need her to know how I really feel." 

"Fine," she said, a little more relaxed. "You tell me what happened and I'll tell her. I won't promise anything else."

Tim held his hand over the phone as he breathed a huge sigh of relief. "All I ask is that you meet me somewhere. If I'm going to tell you everything, I can't do it over the phone. I'll fly out there tonight if you want me to." He crossed his fingers, hoping she would see the logic in his request. He knew there was no way to really make her see how sincere he was if she couldn't see him. 

"That won't be necessary," she said stiffly.

"Why?" he replied, his hopes crashing.

"Because I'm already here."

Yes! he thought gratefully, resisting the urge to cheer.

"Where do you want to meet and when?"

~~~~~

"Do you think that will really work?" Pete asked doubtfully. 

Tim shrugged his shoulders. "If Caroline knows everything, at least Donna will too. It might not get me any closer to her winning her back, but that can wait. I tried to sleep last night but all I could do was lie there and think about her sitting in bed somewhere alone. Just imagine how much she's suffering." He shook his head sadly. "The things I said to her, then I threw her out...on our anniversary."

Pete put his hand on Tim's shoulder reassuringly. "It was a terrible mistake, but beating yourself up isn't going to solve anything."

Tim nodded. "I know, but until I'm sure she's okay, there's no way I'll be able to deal with this. You still haven't seen her at the hospital, right?"

He shook his head. "I know she's there, but I only get to go straight from the door to Trish's room. I feel bad about it, she and Trish had gotten so close. She must be avoiding us because she thinks we'll try to get in the middle of things."

"Look Pete, you've done way more than I have any right to ask. Trisha warned me not to jump to conclusions, but I didn't listen. This is the time for you to take care of your wife and little girl. I got myself into this mess, I'll find a way out. If you see Donna, don't do anything but introduce her to Cynthia. I know that would mean the world to her right now."

"I guess you're right, but I still wish we could help."

"Me too," he said sadly, "but this is something I need to do myself." There was a brief silence while they both struggled to find the right words. Finally Pete broke the awkward pause.

"So where are you going to meet her?" he asked quietly. 

~~~~~

It was just after five o'clock when Tim walked into the restaurant. After briefly checking up and down the aisles, he spotted Caroline sitting in a booth between two other empty ones, facing the door. He took a deep breath to steady himself, then walked toward her, grateful the booths had tall backs so they'd have some privacy.

"Caroline," he said nervously.

"Tim," she replied tersely. Her greeting wasn't as cold as he had anticipated. He tried to take comfort from that small mercy. He slid into the seat facing her and took a sip of the water the waiter had brought. She glanced down and he wondered if she saw how much it was shaking.

"How is she?" he asked.

"How do you think she is?" came the hostile reply, causing him to wince. "Look Tim, I'm not here for pleasantries. I always liked you and that's the only reason that I'm giving you the opportunity to talk. I..." her voice trailed off and she looked over his shoulder momentarily losing her train of thought. Snapping her eyes back to him she continued. 

"I wanted to know how you could have acted that way toward my daughter. She loves you more than anything and from what she told me, you were positively cruel."

Looking down, he tried to think of a way to explain his actions. Instead he thought about how he'd been avoiding the truth with Donna and what it had led to. The truth, just tell her the truth, the voice screamed in his head. He took another deep breath and decided to plunge headfirst. 

"I was cruel," he said, looking at her. "Mean, selfish, and cruel." His response seemed to startle her. "I believed the worst about her and instead of acting like a man and talking about it, I made the worst mistake of my life. Everything I said to her was me trying to make her feel as badly as I did. It was juvenile and she didn't deserve any of it. Then when I found out she was innocent..." Tim stopped, unable to find any words to express the rush of emotions he felt. 

"It took two years, but I finally understand why Donna came to see me, and why she said what she did." Seeing Caroline's confused expression he pressed on. "Your daughter isn't just the woman I married, she's part of my heart, and has been since the day I met her. I don't want to find her so I can say I'm sorry and hope she forgives me. I need to find her so I can try to take away the pain I caused. The idea of her suffering...it's more than I can take. I feel like I'm dying inside."

"When she hurt me in college, she had to live with that pain for years. Finding out she was wrong about Jake, having to leave school," he looked into Caroline's eyes empathetically, "losing her father; it was all too much. There was no way to absorb that much pain. The one part of it she could control was to find a way to help me. She knew if she could make some of my pain go away, then there was a way she could heal and go on with her own life."

"Well, that's exactly how I feel now. I can't just go on and let her be in pain because of me. She might never forgive me...maybe she shouldn't," he said sadly, "but what I can do is to make amends for what I did to her. If she can understand what happened and why, then I will accept whatever she decides. Even if it's a future without me," he finished with a great deal of difficulty.

Caroline's eyes seemed to soften. "What on earth made you think she would have taken up with that man in the first place?" she asked.

Tim looked down at his hands. "He told me." He heard her gasp, but was feeling so disoriented the sound seemed to come from everywhere. He took a quick sip of water and tried to clear his head.

"It started a couple of months ago. He called the house one day, then hung up after asking for her. After that there were more calls from a number I didn't know, but there were no messages. I didn't tell Donna about it because I was suspicious about why he'd have our number. When I found her at the restaurant with her friends and him, it was almost the end. I was so angry." He paused to sip his water.

"Donna gave me a couple days to cool down, then explained everything and apologized. She was so sincere that I forgave her."

"But there was still a part of me that just couldn't fully accept what she was saying. I tried to tuck it away and enjoy the anniversary, but I know it was still there, eating away at me. When we got to the restaurant, Donna left for the restroom. About fifteen minutes after she left, Jake showed up and told me they'd been having sex since he moved to town. He also said that she was gone so long because they were...together in the back of the restaurant." 

He paused, finding it incredibly difficult to continue. Caroline didn't have the same problem.

"So a man you hate walks up and tells you he's having sex with your wife and you just believe him?" she said incredulously.

"No," he said, carefully trying to avoid sound like he was making excuses. "I told him it was a lie, but he said he had proof."

"What kind of proof? she asked, bewildered.

"This is going to sound crazy. A woman spilled a drink on Donna in the restroom. She had to get out of her dress to clean it before it was ruined. The woman was Jake's friend and ran out to tell him what she was wearing and a couple of personal details. That's how he convinced me he was telling the truth."

She sat back, clearly stunned. "He went through all that? For what?"

Tim shrugged his shoulders. "He claimed that he never got over her leaving him. When he moved here for the job and found out she was working at the hospital, he thought he could come between us. He used a couple of her friends at work to get information about what was going on in our lives. They never had any idea that they shouldn't talk to him about it, or what he would do. None of that matters. He isn't going to be bothering her again," he finished resolutely.

Caroline took a moment, appearing to gather herself. "Tim, I'm sorry. Neither of you should have had to deal with something like that." She looked down for a moment, still trying to take everything in. "But that doesn't excuse the way you treated my daughter."

He looked at her sincerely. "Nothing could excuse the way I acted. I love her more than anything, yet I did everything I could to hurt her. Every night I try to sleep, but just lay there thinking about how she must be feeling; wishing I could hold her and tell her I didn't mean it. I know it doesn't make much difference, but I'm so sorry I don't know how to even begin to tell her...or you. I would do anything to be able to take it back." 

It didn't take any theatrics on Tim's part to make the tears come. After days of his emotions being on edge, the strain of talking to Caroline pushed him past his breaking point.




Second Chance Ch. 04



"Please excuse me," he sputtered, rising with the intent to go to the men's room. As he stood, she caught his arm.

"No, don't go," she said so abruptly it surprised him. Her voice softened. "I mean...could you tell me why?" When Tim could only stare in confusion, she took his hand. "Why didn't you talk to her. I don't pretend to understand why you could have believed what he told you, but all you had to do was tell her what he said. She's your wife, why didn't you ask her."

Here it is, the moment of truth, he thought. 

After endless soul-searching, Tim finally understood it himself, but explaining it to Donna's mother was a different matter entirely. He took a deep breath, knowing that he needed to make her understand. It was too important to hold back.

"It's because I expected her to leave."

"What?" came the half-question, half-outraged reply.

"Caroline, I'm going to tell you something that I've never told Donna. I should have, but was afraid to. I'm ashamed of myself for holding it back because I think we could have avoided everything if I just hadn't been so afraid." 

"The night that I found out about Donna and Jake, something happened after I left. Jake followed me out of the house and said some things about her...bad things. I went a little crazy and took a swing at him."

She regarded him doubtfully. "You two had a fight?"

"Well, I guess you could call it a fight. It was more like me volunteering to be his punching bag. I wound up in the hospital and it was a week before I was up to going back to school and getting my stuff." She squeezed his hand sympathetically.

"Even though I thought I had forgiven Donna, part of me couldn't let it go. What happened in college proved every negative thing that had been said to me or that I had thought about myself while I had been growing up."

"What do you mean?"

He pulled his hands away and began rubbing them together nervously. "That I wasn't good enough for someone like her. Someday, no matter how much I loved her or how hard I tried to make something of myself, someone like Jake could walk in and take her away from me."

Caroline's eyes began to show comprehension. "Someone like Jake," she repeated.

"Someone better looking, more popular, stronger. No matter how much I loved Donna, he decided he liked her, then walked in and took her. There was nothing I could do. It made me feel weak, pathetic, and helpless. When he moved here, I was afraid it would happen again. He just told me exactly what I was expecting to hear, deep down." He dropped his head, unable to look her in the eye.

"Tim Sullivan...that is the stupidest thing I've ever heard you say!"

His head spun around, unable to believe what he'd heard. Donna was standing next to him, caught between looking furious and heartbroken. 

"Donna?" he stuttered, "what are you doing here?" 

She sat down next to him and threw her arms around his neck, pulling him against her tightly. Her hands turned his head toward hers, wiping his tears away. Her lips found his, kissing him hungrily. Tim's confusion was forgotten at her touch. He brought a hand up to caress her face and realized it was wet.

"You're crying," he said worriedly. He peered anxiously into her eyes, everything suddenly rushing back. "Donna, I'm so sorry about what I said. Please believe me..." She put her fingertips across his lips, stopping him mid-sentence.

"I heard you Tim, and I do believe you." she cried, resting her head against his shoulder. "I missed you so much."

He couldn't think of anything to say that didn't involve the words, 'I'm sorry', so settled for holding her and stroking her hair as she sobbed. Having her warmth against him again was like finally waking from a terrible nightmare.

Their surroundings faded away as he held her for what seemed like hours, wordlessly assuring her of his love with tender caresses. Finally Tim allowed the situation to intrude on their intimacy.

"What in the world are you doing here?" he asked, turning his eyes from her to Caroline. 

"Don't look at me," her mother protested. "I didn't know anything about it." 

"Then how..." he started to ask.

"Well, that's kind of a long story," came the reply from the next booth. The voice was deep and powerful. Tim would have known it anywhere.

"Son of a bitch," he said, standing up. "Pete?" He was sitting in the booth next to theirs, facing Tim with a grin from ear to ear. "You told me you hadn't seen her. What the hell is going on?"

Donna pulled him back down beside her. "It's my fault, Tim. When Trisha came to the hospital having contractions, of course I wanted to be there for her. I just asked them not to talk about you or tell you that they'd seen me. It wasn't fair for them to be in the middle of our mess at a time like that. There was no way I was going to miss my God-daughter's birth." 

Pete moved to their booth and sat down next to Donna's mother, taking her hand in a greeting. The two then turned back to stare at the young couple and he spoke.

"I feel bad for not telling you about seeing her, but both of you were asking us to stay out of it, and I didn't want to take the chance of making it worse by interfering. That is, until you got Caroline to talk to you. That was just too perfect to pass up. I had been working on a way to help, but needed a catalyst. This was exactly what I'd been hoping for.

Donna chimed in. "Trisha insisted that I needed to hear what really happened and why you reacted the way you did. I tried to tell her that I wasn't ready. After all, I gave you two weeks and you wouldn't even talk to me." She paused, not wanting to take the conversation back in a negative direction.

"I'm sorry. I was so upset by what I thought happened, that I went away for a couple of weeks. Nobody knew where I was, not even my folks. I wish I could take it back. I wish I could take it all back," he whispered, caressing her face. "I love you."

"Not again," Pete said sarcastically. "You two definitely need some alone time." They all shared a laugh.

"There's one question I have that hasn't been answered yet," Donna said looking at Tim with a raised eyebrow. "The whole hospital was talking about Jake coming into the emergency room in bad shape the other night. You wouldn't happen to know anything about it, would you?"

"Don't look at me," he said defensively, staring at Pete.

"Peter Briggs," she said accusingly. "You did that, with your wife due to give birth any day? What if you had gotten hurt or arrested? What were you thinking?"

"It's not my fault," he said, giving her his best 'Aw shucks' expression. "I was just there to make sure nothing happened to your husband and the fool attacked me. I swear that boy isn't too bright," he said, clearly amused. 

Donna tried to keep up her stern expression, but failed and broke into a grateful smile. "Whatever you were thinking, thank you." She got out of the booth and leaned over, kissing him on the cheek. He broke into the broadest grin imaginable.

Tim spoke up. "We really were there just to warn him not to mess with you again. The situation got out of control. On the bright side, I don't think Jake will be bothering us anymore."

"Since he pulled that stunt away from the hospital, we can't exactly get him fired for what he did, but our company has a lot of influence because of all the business we conduct with them. Someone will be talking to him to let him know he doesn't have a long future at the rehab clinic, or any other one, if he harasses you again." Tim allowed himself to smile. "Besides, somehow I doubt he'll be anxious to see Pete again."

Pete chuckled. "You would have been proud of your husband. He was positively spooky."

Donna gave Tim another questioning stare, but he shook his head so she let it pass.

"Pete...Caroline...I hope you don't mind, but I really want to take my wife home. It has been far too long since she was there." He took Donna's hand, suddenly feeling overwhelmed by his emotions. "Plus, I have a lot of making up to do." She smiled and kissed him again. 

She moved her lips to his ear and whispered, "You've got that right, buddy." 

They all rose to leave. Tim gave her mother a firm hug, whispering, "Thank you for this chance, Caroline. I promise you won't be sorry." 

She brushed her hand against his cheek affectionately. "I believe you, Tim."

~~~~~

The door to their home burst open, the young couple oblivious to anything but each other. Their caresses turned to kissing, which led to them exploring each other so aggressively that they stumbled into the wall.

Donna broke away, trying to catch her breath. "Tim, I need to tell you something..." 

"Shhh," he scolded. "No more talking. I need you...right now."

She nodded and pulled him close. After a few seconds of frantic kissing, she broke away and hurried toward the stairs, pausing to look over her shoulder briefly, then running up. 

Tim took in the breathtaking picture; her long hair falling across her cheek, giving her a look of youthful innocence that staggered him. Shaking his head to force himself into motion, he jogged toward the stairs, giving thanks to whatever power had brought her back. 

When he reached the top, he took a deep breath to calm himself before walking through the bedroom door. Rounding the corner, he saw Donna standing in front of the bed, her blouse unbuttoned, hanging loosely. The material parted just enough to see the swell of her breasts, a tantalizing glimpse of the treasure just out of sight.

"You look amazing," he said, drinking in every detail. 

"Thank you," she said, pointing her finger then curling it toward herself, beckoning him closer. 

He crossed the room and kissed her lightly, stepping back as he pulled apart the blouse to watch her breasts come into view. Her nipples were erect and there were goose bumps all over her skin. He leaned close and softly blew across her naked flesh, drawing a shudder.

"Tim, I want you so much. I've missed you more than you know." Her hands touch his face and she kissed his forehead, then rested against him. "I didn't know how I was going to make it without you. The hardest thing I've ever done was take off my ring...Oh no!" she said abruptly.

He pulled back, looking into her eyes with concern. "What's wrong?"

"My ring. I want my ring. Please, can you wait while I get it?" Tim was surprised to see real distress apparent on her face. 

"I don't think that will be a problem," he assured her. Reaching into the top of his shirt, he pulled a small gold chain until her ring popped into view. "I had to keep it close. It was the only way I was going to get through that meeting with your mother."

Donna smiled ruefully, "I know what you mean." There was no need to elaborate. Tim now understood completely how painful it had been for her to seek out his mom years before. 

"So why did you keep the wedding ring but leave this one?"

She sighed. "I was so angry I was going to leave both, but there was a part of me that just couldn't give up hoping there was a way to fix whatever was wrong. I had to hold on to something from you just in case. You know how important that ring is to me. I knew that leaving it would let you know how hurt I was, and how serious things were."

He stared intently into her eyes. "I did understand, and I am truly sorry for the things I said. More importantly, I'm sorry that I didn't trust you when it mattered. It's a mistake I'll never make again."

"Here," he said, unhooking the necklace and sliding the ring off. He placed it on her finger. "Now things are the way they should be."

She looked at the ring for a moment, then back at my eyes. "Not until you're inside me." 

Tim touched her shoulder tenderly, letting his fingertips brush her blouse further over until it began sliding down her arm. She reached up to help, but he shooed her hand away. 

"Patience," he scolded. 

His fingertips slid up her arm, across her shoulder, then down to her breasts, where they skimmed across her chest, taking a moment to circle her nipple several times before resuming the journey. He delighted in watching her breasts rise and fall with her breath as it quickened, signifying her heightened arousal. His fingers reached the other shoulder and began sliding the material down her arm as slowly as he could, leaning in to kiss the skin as it was exposed. 

He gripped her sleeve near her wrist, and tugged gently, watching the cloth fall away from one side completely. Instead of shrugging off the garment, Donna raised her other hand, inviting him to finish at the pace he desired. 

Tim gently urged her to sit down on the bed, kneeling between her legs and kissing his way back up her arm, across her shoulder, then down to her breast. He ran his tongue lazily across her skin to her nipple, then fastened his lips around it, nibbling as she threw her head back at the sensation. Tim could feel her heartbeat; taking his time to delight in the simple pleasure of feeling her close again. Finally he moved his lips up to her shoulder, then down her other arm as he pulled her sleeve free, tossing the shirt to the floor.

He put a hand on her shoulder, causing her to lie back as his fingers stroked her breasts. When she reclined fully, he slowly dragged both hands down her body, drawing a moan of approval. Tim popped the snap on her jeans, then eased the zipper down. His hands gripped the belt loops and pulled, while Donna lifted her hips to help. After they joined her blouse on the floor, he worked his way up the inside of her legs, pausing to pay attention to every erogenous zone discovered over years of time together. 

His fingers slid behind her knees, stroking the sensitive areas as he eased her legs apart, nibbling his way up her thigh. When he reached her panties, he hooked a finger under the side, sliding it over. He leaned close enough for her to feel his breath.

"Tim, please...stop teasing me. I need you," she begged.

With a secret smile, he drew a deep breath, then blew softly across her lips. Donna shuddered, trying to move her hips toward him, but he stubbornly maintained his distance. 

"No cheating," he scolded softly. 

He moved his mouth forward, running his tongue across her panties, tracing the cleft of her sex softly. Donna moaned, her hips writhing on the bed. Tim took both of her hands and pinned them by her sides, using his unfettered access to run his tongue up and down, steadily increasing the pressure. She twisted in his grasp, desperate to force contact where she knew she'd find relief. Instead, he moved his tongue to the side, sliding it along the junction of the material and her skin. 

"I'm so close," she pleaded. 

"I know," he teased, sucking gently at the sensitive skin mere inches from what she craved. Donna squealed in frustration, trying to will herself to orgasm.

"Are you ready?" he said, looking up at her from between her legs.

"Please Tim!" she practically shouted. 

"Don't move your arms," he warned her playfully. He grabbed her panties roughly and pulled them to the side, closing his mouth over her clit. 

"Yes!" she cried in relief. 

Tim sucked the tender bud between his lips, flicking his tongue rapidly against it. He felt her hand in his hair, holding him in place and promptly pulled away. 

"No!" she moaned in disapproval. 

"What did I say?" 

Donna made a pouting noise, then put her arms back down, lowering her hips to the bed, waiting impatiently for him to resume.

"That's better," he admonished, lowering his mouth again. His lips resumed their assault of her clit, this time alternately sucking it between, then letting it slide back out. 

Donna laid on the bed, forcing herself not to move as the tremors began, moving outward from her core, each ripple larger than the next. Sweat poured from her face as she fought to remain still, desperate to keep from giving him an excuse to tease her further. 

"Oh fuck!" she shrieked, as the orgasm finally struck, her entire body shaking from the release of the energy. It felt like an explosion inside as she forced her eyes shut, seeing stars from the exertion. She gave up trying to obey him, grabbing his head firmly and holding him in place as her body thrashed on the bed, the waves from the climax extending longer than she could ever remember. 

"Stop...please!" she shrieked, pushing his face away. Tim stood up, calmly undressing, watching her body go through it's final gyrations. Her skin was covered in a fine sheen of perspiration, causing her breasts to glisten in the sunlight spilling across the bed. He watched in open admiration as her breathing slowly returned to normal, the heaving of her chest fading into a regular rhythm. 

"God you're beautiful," he declared in open admiration. He dropped his slacks and underwear, then slid between her legs, kissing his way back up her body. 

"I love you, Tim," she said, a tear running down her cheek. "I'm so happy to be home."

He brushed her lips gently with his own as he slid himself inside her, finally feeling like his life was as it should be. Donna threw her head back, moaning her encouragement. 

"Do you think you can top that?" she asked, her body quivering in anticipation of another orgasm.

"I'm sure as hell gonna give it my best shot," he answered wryly.

"And I love that about you," she replied with a giggle. 

"Your choice, hard or soft?"

"Baby, it's been too long," she moaned, as he slid in and out teasingly. "Hard, please."

Tim pulled away, standing at the foot of the bed and ignoring her protesting whine. He grabbed her by her ankles and pulled her to the edge of the bed. Sliding his arms under her knees, he forced them up until they rested against her chest. He used the advantageous angle to thrust inside her deeply with long, smooth strokes. 

"Oh yes baby. That feels so good...I'm going to cum again," she moaned.

He increased the tempo, ignoring the friction it was causing against his shaft. Again he listened to her breathing as it matched his strokes. Her fingers scratched against his arms, helpless to do anything else as he crashed against her body with every stroke. 

"That's it...I'm cumming!" she cried, throwing her head back, her eyes rolling upward.

Donna thrashed against him, a wail emanating from her mouth that was more a scream than a moan. Instead of stopping to let her catch her breath, he pulled her closer to the edge of the bed and gripped around her thighs with his hands. Tim leaned back, pulling her hips off the bed and fucked her with short, rapid thrusts, the slapping of their bodies echoing in the room above her now constant moaning.

"Say it," he insisted, straining to hold back his climax long enough to push her to one more. 

"Fuck me harder Tim!" she screamed. "Oh yeah, fuck me harder!"

He pulled her upward until she was even with his hips, allowing him to pull her to him as he thrusted; the cacophony of their bodies colliding becoming all he could focus on. Faster and faster he crashed into her until he couldn't hold out any longer. 

"I'm cumming!" he howled, releasing her legs and collapsing on top of her. Tim bit at her neck as his fingers wrapped in her hair, holding his last thrust as deeply inside her as he could reach.

Donna moaned loudly one final time, then came with him, her body too exhausted to respond beyond an uncontrollable trembling. 

They lay together for several minutes, frozen in that position, each savoring every last ripple of their mutual climaxes. Finally Tim leaned his head back to look into her eyes. 

"What do you think? An 'A' for effort?" he asked with a chuckle.

"I really missed you," she cooed, wrapping her arms and legs around his body, trying to force him as close to her as possible.

They basked in the afterglow of the intense encounter as long as they could; neither wanting to disrupt the intimate moment. Finally Donna rolled away and turned to him.




Second Chance Ch. 04



"I have to tell you something Tim. You were completely honest back at the restaurant, and you deserve the same from me." He gave her a curious stare, but refrained from interrupting. 

"There's something that I never told you about college. I wanted to, but the time never seemed right. I was afraid it would be hurtful, but after what you said to my mom, I started wondering if you knowing would have prevented all of this." She paused, deciding the best way to say what was on her mind. 

"When Jake started acting like a friend during the summer break, there was a reason the things he said were able to resonate with me." She paused again and fidgeted nervously. "He told me that he had a lot of problems with women who just wanted to be around him because he was so well known or because they thought he'd be rich some day. That struck a chord with me."

"Why?" he said suspiciously.

"Because I wasn't sure how you felt about me," she said quietly.

Tim sat still, completely stunned. "Wasn't sure? How can you say that? We...I..." His voice trailed off, too astonished to think of how to respond.

"I knew you loved me," she assured him, "but I wasn't sure it was for who I really was. I wasn't sure what our future was."

"I don't understand, Donna. What do you mean, if it was for who you were?"

"Tim, you were a wonderful person and I loved you, but try to think about what it was like back then. We were so young. I was your first real girlfriend. You cared for me, but how often did you stand up to me to voice the way you felt about things?"

"Probably not very often," he admitted trying to remember past the fog of the fond memories.

"Almost never," she replied. "At some point, you and I were both going to grow, but what was going to hold us together when we did? Were we going to grow apart? Was there enough there to make us last?"

"Donna, that's crazy," I said, unable to stay quiet any longer. "I told you every day how much I loved you."

"You told me every day how beautiful I was and how much you enjoyed being with me, but where were the difficult talks? To move forward, we needed to challenge each other and not be afraid to speak our minds. At some point it became more physical than emotional and I started wondering," she looked away, "if maybe I was wrong about the way you felt about me, and maybe you were in love with the fantasy of me."

"What was going to happen when I couldn't live up to the fantasy?"

"Donna, I just can't imagine you being that insecure."

Her eyes lit up and he could see her cheeks redden as her temper flared. "Of course not. I'm not supposed to feel afraid or insecure, I'm beautiful," she said, her voice thick with sarcasm. "You think that because you see me that way, I didn't have a worry in the world? Well, I've got news for you. I get scared, the same as you. I did back then and I still do today."

She took a deep breath and her voice became softer. "You said you saw yourself as someone who didn't deserve someone like me. Did you even for a second consider what I have to worry about?" Seeing his disbelieving stare, she continued.

"I don't know how you can't see it, Tim. In ten years, you're going to be handsome and even more successful. In ten years, I'm going to be ten years older. How do you not understand how scary it is for me to think about the women who will look at you as a prize catch? Younger women who'll do anything to turn your head? I'll be older and probably have a couple of kids. How will I compete?"

"Donna, there is no competition. You are all I've ever wanted, from the moment I saw you." He smiled at the memory. "You know, right before I walked into the wall." They both laughed and the mood seemed to lighten a little. "So why did you want to tell me now, after so much time?"

"Because of the things you said about yourself to mom. When you asked me to stay, I realized that there was nothing I could do to fix your assumption of what happened back then. I thought I could make up for the past by being the best girlfriend, then wife that I could be. But I couldn't. Nothing I said or did could make you believe that I'd be there forever for you. Because you saw yourself as the lucky one and never considered the fact that I am the one who feels blessed to be in this relationship." 

"After everything I did, everything that happened to me, I got to not only be with you again, but you were a different person; a stronger person. You were confident, unafraid, and willing to deal with me like your partner, your equal. That's all I ever wanted." She took his face in both hands and stared into his eyes, willing him to believe she was telling him the unvarnished truth.

"Trust me, there was never a point in my life where I thought he was a 'better man' than you. He used lies, tricks, and my own fears to come between us. That's all there ever was, and you need to know it so you'll stop believing that you have to worry about men like him."

Tim kissed her gently, hoping to reassure her. "Why didn't you tell me all this when you came back?"

She visibly tensed again. "How could I have done that? I show up after five years, then tell you the reason I cheated was because I was insecure about our relationship? What would you have thought?"

He paused to consider his feelings at that time. "That you were making excuses, trying to put the responsibility for what happened on me. I would have been furious," he admitted. 

Donna nodded, her face contorting into a pained expression. "There was no way to be honest with you that wouldn't end up making everything worse, and maybe drive you even further away."

"When you asked me to stay, I was thrilled, but still a little nervous about what might happen. That's why I took things so slowly. I wanted to be sure before things went further again. Right until I found the ring."

"Yeah," he said with a chuckle, "I remember that day."

"It was like a lightbulb went off for me," she confided. "If I had been honest with you back then, you would have had the chance to give it to me in college, and maybe we could have worked through the problems. Not only would I have avoided all the bad things that happened to me after you left, but I could have spent that last year of college with you and watched you go from the guy who was afraid to stand up to me into the man who I was intimidated to talk to. That's a journey that I will regret missing for the rest of my life."

"It all became so clear, about what I lost and how important the time I have with you is, because we just don't know when something could happen to end it. That's why I was a little...enthusiastic."

"Enthusiastic?" I laughed, "as I remember it, you basically attacked me." 

"Well," she said with a sheepish grin, "I had good motivation." 

"Enough," Tim said firmly, tilting her chin up with his hand. "There's nothing you or I can do about the past. It's time to let it go; for real this time...for both of us." He pulled her close and rested his cheek against her head. 

"I've got you home and I'm never going to let you go again."

She looked intently into his eyes. "Is that a promise?"

Tim kissed her softly, then nuzzled her cheek. "I swear on my life. I'll do everything in my power to make you happy. You are the most important thing to me and I will be the man you deserve. I promise." 

She snuggled against him contentedly, her head resting against his chest. "That goes double for me. I know exactly how close I came to losing you again. I'll do whatever I have to in order to make sure nothing ever comes between us again."

He couldn't help but smile at her touch and her words, his mind already working on a way to start making up to her what his jealousy had cost them.

~~~~~

"Tim, this is crazy. You don't need to take me out for our anniversary. It was a month ago. I love that you care so much, but this is not necessary. Besides," she said, gesturing at her clothes," I'm not dressed for a nice dinner. You could have at least let me go home and change."

Tim regarded her with a wide grin. "You look beautiful. Just indulge my insanity. Think how much better I'll feel if we can have a nice quiet dinner to remember for our first anniversary instead of that nightmare I caused."

"We caused," she said, emphasizing the first word. Remember what the doctor said, everything needs to be we from now on."

He leaned in and kissed her as the elevator doors closed. The man standing in front of them hit the button for his floor. He turned slightly toward the couple. "Where are you folks heading?"

"All the way up...ninety-six," Tim said proudly. "My wife and I are celebrating our anniversary with a nice dinner and a beautiful view of the city. It's our first time to visit the John Hancock building. I've heard it's great."

The man looked at his watch, then smiled, continuing to look forward as he spoke. "You'll love it. At this time of the day, the sun setting is incredible. By the time you eat, it'll be dark and it will be even better. Make sure to check out Lake Shore Drive and Navy Pier. They are amazing after nightfall." The stranger punched their floor, then gave them their privacy.

Tim looked at Donna and beamed, kissing her lightly on the lips. "That sounds perfect." 

The doors opened at the ninety-fifth floor and the man stepped out. "You two have a wonderful night," he said, looking at the couple with a mischievous grin. 

"It's nice to see two people so happy. Take care." He waved as the doors closed and Tim felt the elevator lurch as they went up again. 

It stopped a few seconds later. The doors opened and they stepped out. Tim turned to the right and asked Donna to wait for a moment as he stepped into the men's room. Looking at himself in the mirror, he desperately tried to rein in his enthusiasm. He thought of the beautiful woman waiting outside. 

"Worth every penny," he whispered.

He stepped out into the hallway again and took her hand. Looking her over quickly, Tim brushed his hand through her hair. She gave him a questioning look, and he responded with a shrug.

"You look so beautiful, I just can't believe it."

Donna leaned in and kissed him, brushing her fingers across his chin. "You are a handsome man and I am the lucky one, not you."

"Well, I can't argue with you there," he laughed. She elbowed him in the ribs as they walked into the bar at the end of the hallway.

"Surprise!" came the screaming voices, catching her completely off guard. Tim turned to see the shock on her face as the flashes from a half-dozen cameras went off simultaneously. 

In front of them standing and clapping were Pete, Trisha, Cindy, her fiancée, Tim's parents, Caroline, and dozens of friends and coworkers. Across the windows on the other side of the bar was a banner that read, Happy First Anniversary + One Month. 

Her smile was infectious as everyone rushed to congratulate them. Tim turned just as Pete caught him in a bear hug that threatened to end his ability to breathe. 

"Donna," Trisha's voice interrupted them. "I think you might need this." She held out the dress Donna had worn on their anniversary. 

Looking at the people around them, she laughed, saying, "Well, I told him I was underdressed." She left with Trisha and Cindy, heading for the ladies room to get changed. 

Tim talked to their friends and family while they waited. Everyone was thrilled to be able to share the special evening. Pete grabbed a drink for Tim as he tried to thank everyone for changing their plans at the last minute to help make this day special for Donna. 

In the middle of the madness, he felt a tug at his arm. He turned to see Donna there, cheeks flushed, with everyone standing next to him in open admiration. It was amazing what the ladies had accomplished in the ten minutes she had been gone. Her hair was done up beautifully, her make-up was immaculate, and she looked stunning in her dress. Tim was powerless to do anything but stare at how gorgeous she looked and how lucky he was to have her in his life despite everything that had happened to them both.

"I love you more than I thought was possible, Tim Sullivan," she said, wiping away a tear.

Beaming with pride Tim said, "Then you love me about half as much as I love you, Donna Sullivan." They embraced, drawing oohs and ahs from everyone. 

He felt her jump as a loud female voice announced, "Everyone, let's hear it for the happy couple." As the applause started up again, she turned towards the voice to see her favorite local band in the far corner of the room. They immediately launched into Stevie Wonder's For Once In My Life and everyone began moving to the beat as they continued to wish them well.

Tim dragged her from the crowd to the dance area and enthusiastically spun her into his arms as several of their friends joined in. They danced a little more subdued than usual, content to hold each other and sway. They stayed on the floor for several songs, then walked back to a table next to the bar where they could talk.

"So do you like your party?" Tim asked with unconcealed pride. 

Donna looked at him with such adoration, it made him blush. "It's perfect. How did you do this?" 

"Well sweetheart, sometimes you're not quite as observant as you think you are. Is she John?" he asked, looking over her shoulder. She turned and saw the man from the elevator.

He nodded, "I guess I don't make as much of an impression as I thought."

Her eyes got wide. "Oh my gosh, John! I'm so sorry, I didn't recognize you." She got up and threw her arms around the man who had planned their wedding and made the day perfect; the only person Tim trusted with something as important as this night. 

"That's Ok Donna," he said with a smile. "You were a little distracted. The hat and sunglasses probably didn't help, but we wanted to make sure not to spoil your surprise. I was telling the truth, it's great to see two people so happy." Tim saw a very attractive woman walk up behind John and touch him gently on the shoulder.

He turned and took her hand, then turned back to them. "Tim, Donna, this is my wife Jenny. Jenny, these are two of the nicest people I've met since I've been in the business." 

She reached forward and took Donna's hand, "It's very nice to meet you. I've been hearing stories about how wonderful you two are together for an hour now. I can see that they weren't exaggerating." She stared purposefully at Tim. "It's nice to meet you too. You're a very good dancer. Do you think your wife would mind?"

"Not at all," Donna said with a smile. "He wears me out. I'd be grateful for the break." 

John tried to suppress a laugh. "Good luck with this one." When Tim gave him a confused look, John patted his shoulder. "You've definitely met your match here. Jenny used to be a professional dancer. If you can even remotely keep up with her, you're a much better man than me."

Tim laughed, then let her lead the way to the dance floor. She was thin, graceful and supremely confident. He had no doubt that John was telling the truth, just from watching her stride purposefully toward the stage. When the next song started, he was shocked to find someone who made Trisha look like a beginner. Jenny was actually significantly better than his dance instructors.

After several songs, Tim thanked her and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. They walked back to the table where Pete and Trisha had joined Donna and John. Trisha was looking at him enviously.

"That was impressive," she said grudgingly. 

He shrugged, "Don't look at me, I was just trying not to step on her toes." They all shared a laugh and Jenny thanked him. 

"I'll have to give you two discounts on any future parties if you agree to keep dancing with her like that," John said. "I haven't seen my wife that contented on the dance floor in a long time. I have a bad feeling we'll be having the talk about me taking lessons again on the way home." He grimaced, but looked at his wife with a level of affection that was unmistakable.

"I'm sorry folks, but I need to get going," Jenny said suddenly. "We've got two kids at home and our sitter is probably pulling her hair out."

"I told you to bring your whole family," Tim scolded.

John shook his head. "We couldn't. Dani would have loved it, but the youngest is still too little. Damn express elevators."

Trisha nodded, "Speaking of that, I've been away from my daughter for far too long. I feel like I'm going to have a panic attack. I don't want to leave your party, but we can't stay much longer."

Jenny said goodbye to them, then John escorted her to her car. Pete and Trisha retrieved their coats and came to say goodbye. 

"Pete," Tim said curiously. "There's something I have been meaning to ask about the night we...talked to Jake." He glanced nervously at Trisha, not wanting to get his friend into trouble.

"It's okay Tim," she said sternly. "My husband doesn't keep secrets from me. He is still paying for that little stunt, but I forgive him. I know he's been wanting to kick that son-of-a bitch's ass for years." She leaned forward conspiratorially. "To be honest, I'm only pretending to be mad. When he gets home tonight, he's going to get lucky."

"I heard that, woman," Pete laughed loudly. "You better believe I'm going to hold you to it." They all laughed briefly, then Tim's expression turned serious again.

"Well, right before you nailed him in the ribs, you told him that he deserved it for messing with your little brother. Not that I mind the sentiment, but it was kind of odd. Plus you had an intense look on your face that I've never seen before."

Pete sighed, looking long and hard at Trisha. She gave him an almost imperceptible nod, and he turned back to Tim.

"I guess it's time you knew the truth," he said, his tone suddenly becoming melancholy. He spoke, holding Trisha's hand like it was a lifeline. 

"When I was in younger, my little brother looked up to me like I was his hero. He was five years younger than me and a great kid. His grades were even better than mine. Mom kept both of us in line and never let us get involved with the crazy stuff that happened in our neighborhood."

"During my first few years in college, everything was great. Everyone told me I'd be making a mint in the pro football and Daryl was in high school, winning science fairs. He was never like me physically; he was a lot more like you." Tim noticed the past tense Pete was using, and began to get an uncomfortable feeling. 

"My Senior year, everything changed. He was getting picked on by people who were jealous of how well he was doing in school. Some of them were even jealous of me, so they went out of their way to hassle him. Mom kept telling me she was worried, but I was so wrapped up in the attention I was getting that I didn't take her seriously." 

Tim was startled to see a tear trickle down his cheek. He had never seen his friend so emotional. He felt Donna's hand squeeze his arm, and knew she was equally distressed.

"The morning of a nationally televised game against USC, I got a call from Mom. She was crying hysterically. When she finally calmed down enough for me to understand her, she told me that Daryl had been killed in a fight with a gang member who had been picking on him at school."

"He was my little brother and I wasn't there for him when he needed me. I swore I was going to play the game and dedicate it to him. It worked too. I had an amazing first half. The announcers said I was making a case for moving up to being a top ten pick. Unfortunately, I was so determined to take out my anger on the quarterback, I never saw the tight-end coming to chop block me. That's how I lost my knee. I tried to come back, but I was never the same on the field."

Pete looked at him sadly, "The truth is, part of me died that day. I don't know if I had it in me to keep playing. I finished my education and got the job he would have loved, if he had been able to grow up. I've been there ever since."




Second Chance Ch. 04



Tim could feel his own tears welling up in his eyes. "Pete, I'm so sorry. Why didn't you ever tell me?"

He shrugged, "I couldn't. After a couple of years of going through some bad depressions, Trisha made me see her preacher. He convinced me that the only way I could learn to live with the guilt I felt was to find someone who reminded me of Daryl; someone who needed help. He told me to treat that person the way I wish I had treated my brother. It was based on something Gandhi had once said to a man who had done something horrible. 

I was doing a job fair for the company at your high school, where I saw you for the first time. I took one look and knew you definitely fit the bill." 

They all laughed, breaking the somber moment. "The truth is," he said, "you were my second chance. I got to watch you grow up and succeed. In a way, I felt like it was letting a part of Daryl live on." He shrugged, "It probably sounds dumb, but it really helped me cope."

"Pete," Tim said firmly, "it doesn't sound dumb at all. I wish you had told me, but I guess I understand." He thought for a second. "Damn, no wonder you broke Jake's ribs. He's lucky you didn't do worse."

"I almost did," Pete said seriously. "He's lucky you stopped me. I looked at him and all I could see was that little punk who killed my brother." Pete shook his head, trying to gather himself. "Anyway, that's the story. Now that you're all grown up," he said with his usual grin, "I guess it's Ok for you to know the whole thing."

Not knowing what to say, Tim stood and embraced his friend, whispering, "Thank you." He stepped back, wiping his eyes. 

Not wanting Pete to have to speak any more about something so obviously painful, Tim told him he better go see his little girl. He and Trisha congratulated the young couple one more time, then walked away. It looked like his tiny wife was actually supporting the enormous man as they walked away. Tim felt sorrow for what his friend had been through, but astonishment at the impact it had on his life.

Donna took Tim's hand and leaned close. "Daryl," she said thoughtfully. "That would be a nice name for a little boy." He turned and studied her closely. "Well, we said we wanted to start a family right away. Can you think of a better name?"

He smiled, warmed by her thoughtfulness as usual. "Daryl would be perfect."

~~~~~



Second Chance Ch. 05



Sorry about how long it took. Thanks to all who have sent me emails about how much you have liked the story so far. Hope it was worth the wait! -- CinderLaw

*

The next day as Jared sat at the table, he could feel someone watching him as he cleaned his gun. He figured that it was Olivia since her could hear the cheerful music of Chloe's video. When he looked up it was to see Olivia watching him with a weary look on her face.

"Why are you doing that?" She asked.

"It helps relax me. Same, familiar motions that I have know for a long time, it sooths me and allows me to think." He responded.

"It makes me nervous." She said as she turned to wipe of the counter for the hundredth time.

"Have you ever held a gun before?" Jared asked.

"Are you kidding? Hell no, guns kill people!" she screeched back at him.

"No, Olivia, people kill people by using guns. It's not like the gun gets an idea to go out and hurt someone. A person develops that idea and then grabs a gun. You know guns can also be use to protect you from someone who wants to hurt you or even to hunt for food to feed your family." He said with a sigh.

"Whatever, thousands of children die because they find a gun and decide to play with it then they shoot themselves or a friend. Guns are not safe to have around children." She spouted to him.

"And parents like that should not be allowed to have children or guns. Look, I lock my gun up unless it is in my possession. No child could get to it since they can not get in the locked gun safe that I have for it." Jared replied. Then added for good measures, "You seem a little on the cranky side. Didn't you sleep very well?" Glancing up at her to see just a glimmer of wanting still in her eyes.

"I slept fine, thank you. I slept very sound and it was a satisfying slumber." She said as she turned a light shade pink.

Jared put his gun back into his shoulder holster before walking over to her. He leaned right up against her and asked in a husky whisper, "Did you let your fingers finish what I started?"

"I'm not going to tell you if I masturbated or not." She said in a hissing whisper.

Jared began to lightly kiss from her ear down her neck to the sensitive spot where her shoulders began. He wrapped his arms around her to pull her closer. He was not sure if it was to bring her closer or prevent her from stopping him. 

Olivia felt herself getting turned on by his actions. The fact that she didn't masturbate last night added to her heighten arousal. She had tried, she really had! But the feeling was just not the same and felt very cheapened especially since she was pretty sure he would not have given himself a release that way. So she had instead went to sleep or actually tried to go to sleep.

Suddenly Jared stopped, "Come on."

In her disordered state of mind Olivia didn't even consider refusing or asking questions. She just followed along like a child.

Jared led them out the front door, telling the guy sitting guard on the front porch to go watch Chloe. He grabbed Olivia's hand and took her over to the 4 wheeler that was parked out front. They got on and Jared took off down a trail that had been made for the 4 wheeler. They were on the other side of the lake when he stopped and that was about the time that Olivia began to develop a thought again. 

"What are we doing here?" She asked as he got off.

"I am going to teach you how to shoot a gun." He replied simply.

"ARE YOU CRAZY?!? I'm not going to shoot a gun!" She screeched at him as she got off the 4 wheeler. "I am going back to the cabin..."

"We are three miles from the cabin, so it will be one hell of a long walk for you."

"I don't care!" she said as she stomped off.

"Watch out for the snakes." Jared said simple.

"Snakes? What snakes?" She asked as she ran back to him. 

He had never seen anyone move that quickly before. He thought that she might jump on his shoulders to stay as far away from the ground as possible.

"There are snakes around here. But since you're going to stay, why don't you come over here so I can teach you how to shoot a gun." He told her.

"I don't want to learn Jared."

"What if Tom shows up at your place, huh? What then?" He asked her.

"You said that you would take care of him." She said as she smiled sweetly at him.

"What if I'm not around?"

"Well then I guess that I will just die, because I won't have a gun to shoot at him. Doesn't matter that I know how to shoot that damn thing, if I don't own one then I still can't shoot it." She said with a huff.

Jared went cold the minute that she announced that she would die. Before she realized what he was doing he spun around and grabbed her by the shoulders and grit out hard between his clenched teeth, "Don't ever say that you will just die! You will fight to the end, never give up!"

Olivia's eyes were wide in shock, "Okay I won't." He let go of her appeased that she had agreed to do as he said. "What do I do instead Jared? If I have no gun..."

"I will make sure that you have a gun and a gun safe."

"Okay and if I can't get to it?" she asked softly.

Jared just looked into her eyes. After a few minutes he said, "come on let's get your targets set up.

It didn't take them long to get a bulls eye paper attached to a bale of hay for her to shoot at. He went through each step on how to load the gun, first showing her how to load the clip then finally how to put the clip in the gun. Finally they were up to the aiming and actually firing the gun. 

Jared stood behind her, helping her aim then making sure that her arms were locked. "Now you are going to squeeze the trigger, don't pull it. There is going to a loud noise and the gun will kick back. Now since you are so new at this, take your time to aim. We are in no hurry. Keep you eyes on the target and squeeze the trigger when you're ready."

The heaviness of the gun weighted in her hand as Olivia tried to remain calm but between the anxiety of having the gun in her hands and Jared pressed against her backside it was a little hard. Then she took a deep breath and as she exhaled she squeezed...BOOM! It felt like time had stood still as she watched the smoke waft away from the barrel of the gun.

"Nice job." Jared whispered in her ear before kissing her on the neck. "Now do it again."

After 20 minutes of shooting Olivia was feeling more at easy with the gun. They had decided that they would head back to the house. Jared reloaded the gun before he holstered it. 

Olivia decided to ask a question that was heavy on her mind. "Jared, why is it so important to you that I not give up. You got really intense and... well you kinda scared me."

Jared let out a long sigh, "Look, I don't want you to give up even if there is a slim chance you will succeed. I don't want to be the reason that you end up getting killed."

"You wouldn't be, Tom would. Remember he is the one that is after me."

"Yeah well if I don't make sure that you can take care of yourself then it's still my fault. Liv, I know you won't understand this completely but I can't be the reason that another woman dies. It almost killed me last time, I am pretty sure that I won't survive it again."

"You blame yourself for your wife's death?"

"Every waking moment in my life and most of the sleeping ones also." Jared replied without looking at her.

"But you said she died saving Laysea and the babies. How is that your fault?"

"I should have made sure she was safe. I told you that you won't understand this." He said as he turned away.

Olivia walked up behind him, touching him lightly on the back, "Then explain it to me. If nothing else I think that it would help you get over this burden that you have been carrying around."

Jared turned and looked at Olivia and saw something in her eyes that told him he could trust her. "We are supposed to marry for love. Trista and I were never in true love we were very comfortable and familiar to each other. The night we met her boyfriend had just dumped her. I was young and stupid and just looking for a good time. In the end, we drank too much and went too far. I had to marry her, it's our code and her father is in this business also. 

I knew that I had to marry her the next day when I woke up beside her and we were both naked. That is the last time that I had more then 2 drinks in a night. We went to her father and I asked for her hand in marriage. He was happy to give it to me and never questioned that he had never seen us on a date before. He just saw that he was now connected to us. 

We were married 7 days later and began our life together. Her boyfriend came back and begged her to run away with him but she knew that if they did I would kill him and drag her back. 

Instead she spent the night before our wedding with him saying goodbye to the great love of her life that she would never get a chance to be with again. She found out 6 weeks later that she was pregnant so the baby could have been either of ours. She told me about their night together on our wedding night. I slept on the couch and she cried in the bedroom. I was so mad but I refused to touch her. The next day I went to find him but he skipped town and has never come back. Regardless of who was the father of the baby, I chose to be the father. Then she lost the baby and, well, it took a good year before she quit blaming me for ruining her life. In the end we had reached a place where we enjoyed each others company. We took what had been dealt to us by our own actions and we made the best of it. I loved her but not like she should have been. If I had let her go all those years ago, maybe she would still be alive." Jared said.

Olivia could see the naked pain etched into his eyes. She leaned into him and kissed him softly on the cheek. 

"How can you go against every rule and behavior that has been ingrained into your very soul your whole life Jared? You did what you had been taught to do and was expected to do. Would it have made you feel better if you slept with her then left her alone and possibly pregnant? What if she had married the boyfriend then announced she was pregnant? Would you have spent your life wondering? You know, I have been on the flip side of this coin. I can tell you the heartache of knowing that there is no one there to take care of your child is very scary. I can't watch those Hallmark specials where the single mom dies and the child has no one left in the world and is thrown into the system. Sure, those end happy but in real life how many of those happen? 

You're one of the decent guys Jared, even if your work is questionable. It takes more of a man to be able to stand up and take responsibility than to pull a trigger."

He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips, "Thanks, but I'm not a saint." He whispered to her a breaths space separating their lips.

"No, you're not. But at least you know that you're not." She whispered before pressing her lips against his again.

Jared wrapped his arms around her and pulled her up against him. He began to deepen the kiss, nipping at the corner of her mouth until she opened up for him. He then slipped his tongue in to start an erotic dance with hers. He knew that he was going too far, especially when he began to make excuses for laying her in the tall grass and slipping her out of her clothes and onto him. He groaned as he pulled back from her, seeing her passion glazed eyes look at him questioningly. 

"I want you so bad Liv, but not here, not like this. I want to have plenty of time to explore every dip and curve of your luscious body. I want you to be cushioned by a soft mattress beneath you, not poked by a weed in your ass. I want you to scream my name not scream in fear if you see a snake." He ended with a chuckle.

"Okay, good point." She whispered back to him. 

He reluctantly put space between them, trying to give his overheated body time to relax before she smashed back up against him for the ride back to the cabin.

"Jared? Are you going to be okay?" She asked him with a look of concern on her face.

"Yeah I am just trying to get my body under control." He stated, "Just give me a sec..."

BOOM! The area was shattered by the sound of a gun shooting.

Olivia went from standing and smiling at Jared, to being thrown to the ground with him on top of her. Within the space of a couple of seconds Jared went from flying through the air, landing on top of her, to returning fire. Olivia saw the man fall out of the tree that he had been hiding in. Jared grabbed Olivia and put her on the 4 wheeler in front then jumped on behind her. Starting the machine and took off, driving extremely faster then they had when they first came out. They made it back to the cabin in record time, Jared yelling for the guys. Trenton was the first to reach them. 

"Trent grab Chloe and Olivia get them the hell out of here." He grabbed Trenton's arm, "Don't stop until you reach Jason. Tell him to hide them out at the penthouse."

"Okay." Trenton replied as he took off to grab Chloe.

Jared turned and grabbed Olivia looking her over, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, um, yes, I-I t-think so." She stuttered.

"Get in the truck, Trent will take you and Chloe some place safer."

"Jared what about you?" she questioned.

"I'm fine." He replied as he began to walk away shouting orders to the guys.

"No what are you going to do?" she grabbed his arm.

"I will follow you after a few hours okay. I just have to know that you're safe." He said as he kissed her on the lips.

Suddenly Trenton was standing beside her holding Chloe and pushing her toward the truck. Olivia got Chloe in and buckled then got in herself, fastening her seatbelt as Trenton took off like the hounds of hell was on his heels.

It took them about two hours to get to the lake house from the city and yet only an hour and 15 minutes to get back to the city. Chloe had fallen asleep but was very upset about being taken so fast. Olivia was still shaken up from being so close to a gun fight. Every time she closed her eyes she saw Jared shoot the assassin and him fall from the tree again. Strange, she was not upset by it. She knew it would be him or Jared and herself that would have been killed. Then she would begin to fret and worry about Jared still being out there with people trying to kill him.

They pulled up in front of a very tall apartment building; Olivia noticed that Jason and Ty were out front waiting on them. Jason opened the door before the trucked stopped and yanked her out and got her in the building before she had time to breath. She turned back to look at the truck and Chloe was handed to her.

"Come on we need to get you some place without a front door access." Jason said as he hurried them behind a partial wall to the elevators.

"Is Jared ok?"

"Yeah, but he has to finish up some business. Until then we need you to stay hidden." Jason replied in a monotone.

"What business? Were there more men there?"

Just then the elevator doors slid open and she was escorted inside. "This is Jared's place, make yourself at home. If you need anything then call me or Ty. Our numbers are by the phone."

"Jason, wait!"

Jason turned and looked at her.

"What other business?"

"Police." Without saying another word he got on the elevator and was gone.

Olivia sank down onto the couch, still holding Chloe. She had forgotten. Jared had killed a man. There would be questions and now she was the only witness to a murder.

"Crap! What the hell am I going to do now?"



Second Chance Ch. 06



Okay everyone, here is the next chapter for Jared and Olivia. I'm working on the next chapter right now. Hoping that I don't crash another computer (cross your fingers!) or that I'm not hit with another case of writers block. I have known where I wanted this chapter to end for months but couldn't get there. Once again special thanks out to MaaddMaaxx for his editing skills. I have tried to take some advice given to me by readers so I hope this chapter is easier to read for you. A final note, if there is mistakes (and I am sure that there is some) they are mine...just keep in mind this is a learning process for me. I'm trying my best. Enjoy! CinderLaw

*

Jared closed his eyes while trying to stretch the stiffness out of his neck. It'd been a hell of a night. He had just gotten back from a pleasurable evening at the up state police station that had stock in hard ass steel folding chairs. He was tired, but he knew that he had to talk to his brother and give a report. So here he stood waiting on the coffee to brew and Jason to get his ass out of bed. 

"Morning Jared." Said a sleepy sounding Laysea. 

Jared looked up at her and said a simple, "morning." He wasn't in the mood to really talk that much but that was just because he was what Laysea would call cranky right now.

"Is the coffee about done?" Laysea asked, noticing the exhausted look on Jared's face.

"Yeah, Jas about up?"

"Of course I am." Jason responded as he walked through the door with a twin on each leg. "No way in this world these two little tyrants would allow someone to sleep with the sun up!" He gave Jared a good look over, "You look like hell, bro."

"Yeah been a while since I had to pull an all nighter in a Police station."

"And?"

"We need to talk...want to do this somewhere else?" Jared asked as he glanced over at Laysea who was listening to every word they said.

Jason glanced as his wife, as much as he knew he would pay for it later he replied, "Yeah, go on to the office, I will be there in a bit."

Jared let out a snort when Laysea all but threw daggers at Jason for saying that. He grabbed a cup of coffee and gave Laysea a smile as he headed towards the office while Jason tried to sooth his pissed off wife and get the twins in their highchairs.

As Jared walked into the office he nodded to Jerry and Trenton, as they sat waiting for everyone to arrive. The next person that came through the door was Ty, no one was surprised to see him. Jason didn't have just one second he had two: his twin brother and his best friend. A couple of minutes later, Jason walked into the office, closing the door quietly before turning to walk towards the group.

"How bad?"

"Someone tipped the cops off about Olivia being there, not sure who...yet." Jared stated. "That's what took me so long; they wanted to talk to 'the woman' that was at the cabin with me."

"What did you tell them?" Ty asked.

Jared looked up at Ty as if he had just grown an extra head, and said, "What woman? Then Kaleb came in and worked his magic to get me out of there."

"After I dropped Olivia and Chloe off yesterday, I made the rounds here in town. Jake's crew didn't make a move. In fact our sources say they have not done much moving at all this week. However, Tom and his spliced group of misfits have been all over. I got people telling me how they have seen them taking pictures of our buildings around town and meeting at the establishments that are in business. But we knew that he was. No one seems to know why he is taking the pictures thought. Plus didn't you say, Ty, that Maxie claimed someone took a picture of her but when she went to confront the guy he took off?" Trent questioned.

"Yeah, and if I ever find the bastard..." Ty ground out.

"So do we know why it is Tom that has made the attempt against Jared? Or are we assuming that he is after Jared? How do we know that he hasn't decided to take Olivia out of the equation?" Jason asked.

"Hell at this point, he could be willing to take them both out." Ty stated. "If he hits one of them he has made an impact on us - either to Jared or through him."

Jared walked over to the window and looked out over the city that lay beneath him. "Jas, your call man, but personally I think Tom is a big enough threat we need to get the woman and the children out of here. Whatever he wants we can figure it out better if he doesn't have so many targets available to him."

Jason met the steel eyes identical to his; he saw the pain etched into Jared's eyes saying, "I think you're right. Go pass the word, woman and children are to go to Stan's place. It is the only place they will be absolute safe without needing too many of the guys to protect them. I want it done by tonight...if anyone gives you flack you tell them it is a direct order from me. If they don't like it then they can get the fuck out of my organization. No one is above this order from me! I will be sending my own wife and children so I don't want to fuckin' hear from any body how they don't want to be separated!"

As everyone filed out of the office to do Jason's bidding, he paused Jared, by touching his arm, waiting until everyone was gone before he began to speak. "What happened?" He asked. "As your brother, I'm asking you to tell me what happened between you and Olivia."

"I let her in. I began to let myself imagine what it would be like to have a family of my own, not just any family but her and Chloe. I just need some space from her so I can focus on this right now. I will be okay." Jared replied.

"It's not bad to want those things, man. She could be good for you, but you're not going to know until you try to find out." Jason told him.

"I know, it's okay too, but this...just feels different. I mean, when I wanted to protect Trista it felt like an obligation, with Olivia -- it feels like it's essential to me living. And Chloe, man that little girl has been busy wrapping me around the little baby pinky of her's since I met her. Look, just get them to safety Jas, let me deal with what will happen between the two of us later. But if she is not safe then I run the chance of losing her before I can find out."

"Okay, they will go with everyone to Stan's place. But Jared you're going to have to admit to her and yourself that she is something to you. Don't mess it up with her by not telling her." Jason advised him. "Now you better go downstairs and explain to her what is going on."

"This from the one who was warning her not to hope for too much. Change of heart?"

Jason looked him straight in the eyes and said, "No. Just giving you the time to accept certain things on your terms this time. Now go tell her she has to leave, and when she refuses and you start to come up with reasons why she should stay with you, know that I have ordered it and she has to leave anyways. Besides, if I have to face the fury of hell with my wife, you can suffer the fury of hell that Olivia will dish out to you. So have fun telling her." 

Jared chuckled, "Yeah have fun telling your pregnant wife that you are sending her and the twins away."

Jason smiled at him saying, "Yeah but mine knows that I'll be doing it for her best interest. What is yours going to think? Unless you plan on telling her something to give her hope."

Jared grunted as he left the office. Before he exited the apartment Jason heard him cheerfully holler, "Goodbye Laysea, thanks for the coffee!"

Jason rolled his eyes at his brothers tactics to annoy him as he sat in the office for a few more minutes - waiting. He knew what would happen in the matter of moments. They may have only been married for three years but he knew her better then any other woman. 

"Jason? What is happening and what are you planning?" Laysea asked as she stuck her head into the office.

Now the part he dreaded because she may understand but that didn't mean that his sweet, little wife would be willing in the least. In fact, she probably wouldn't admit to understanding why until the end when everything was done and they were back together as a family.

"Well sweetheart, there's a slight change in plans for today..."

****** As Jared walked into the living room, he listened for any sounds. He didn't hear any so he figured that they were both still asleep. He walked over to the sofa table to empty his pockets into the glass bowl that was suppose to be for decoration but he just used it for a catch all for his pockets. 

"HI JARED!" Screeched a high pitch voice that could only belong to one person.

"Hi Chloe, when did you get up? " He asked as he turned to look at her.

"Chloe was up with the sun this morning." Said a tired sounding voice.

Jared looked over at Olivia, she looked like hell warmed over. He felt a little guilty since he had not called her. "Did you get any sleep?" 

Olivia smiled slightly at him, "A bit. You?"

"They don't let you sleep when they interrogate you." He said cracking a grin.

"Why did they keep you so long?" She asked with concern in her voice.

"Trying to get more information out of me. Kaleb, our lawyer, came to the rescue and finally was able to get them to release me for the time being. He told them something along the lines that the only real reason they were still holding me was because my last name was DeGeo. They were not able to deny it, so they released me." Jared explained with a shrug.

Olivia gave him a weak smile then looked at Chloe, "Sweety, why don't you go finish your breakfast?"

"Okay momma." Chloe said and ran all the way back to the kitchen.

Jared watched the little girl run off and had a bad feeling begin in the pit of his stomach. There was only one reason why she would have Chloe leave the room and that was to talk to him about something that Chloe wasn't suppose to hear. He look back at Olivia and waiting for the proverbial other shoe to fall. He didn't have a long wait.

"I don't think that we should stay here." Olivia said in a tight voice as she looked everywhere but at Jared.

"I can't agree more." Jared said.

Olivia was shocked by his statement, it showed in her eyes as she now looked at him with wide open eyes. She figured that he would fight her on this decision. That he suddenly seemed to agree with it confirmed that he was tired of her, Chloe and the trouble that they had brought to his life. She swallowed to get past the knot that suddenly formed in her throat. "Good then it is settled, Chloe and I will leave right after breakfast."

Jared looked at her, knowing she was talking about something different then he was but going along with it. "Okay, I will let Jason know that you will be ready then."

"When did you decide that sending us away would be the answer?" She asked him.

"I thought it last night but after talking to Jason this morning we have discussed it believe it's the best choice for all involved." Jared replied gruffly, hoping she would not notice the pain that had to be present in his face. Especially since he winced at the thought of what she thought the plan was. How in the hell this beautiful, smart woman thought that he would just randomly drop her off at her place while a psychopathic killer was still targeting her was beyond him. In that moment Jared realized that he would lay his life on the line for Olivia and Chloe. He knew when this was done and over he didn't want to say goodbye to her. He just didn't know if she was willing to be a part of his life.

Olivia found it hard to say anything more because the knot kept growing so she just nodded and headed the direction that Chloe had taken a few minutes before.

Jared picked up his cell phone and pushed the # 1 button then send. Jason picked up on the second ring apparently still trying to convince his little, "sweet" wife that this was for her best interest. "...I told you that I am not doing this for any other reason then you and the children's safety!"

"Whatever! You are using this as a guise to have your little tart come over! So don't you dare lie to me!" Laysea screamed at Jason.

"What tart? I am sending you to the island with all of the other woman and children! What do you think that we are going to have a boy's night out? Honey, this is just you being hormonal." He explained to her in a calming voice.

Jared sighed and rolled his eyes at the completely stupid comment his brother had just made.

"I know you didn't just call me hormonal, you jackass! I am pissed at you not hormonal! You promised me -- swore to me -- that you would never leave me in the dark again. I don't expect details but you can give me enough to understand what the hell is going on. And if you EVER call me hormonal again, well you wont have to worry about that, because I will cut your balls off THEN we will talk about someone being hormonal!" She screamed at him. SLAM!

Jared assumed that she had slammed the door on her way out of the room. "Do I need to grab the team and come protect your balls?" Jared asked.

"No, I can't believe I just told her that...I mean I've thought it a lot but I never meant to say it to her." He sighed, "Okay just so you know, my wife is being very difficult with this order so if you are calling me with some reason why Olivia needs to stay I may grab my gun and shoot you. Just so we are clear." Jason said in an aspirated voice.

"Nope, she said her and Chloe will be ready after breakfast."

"How in the hell did you get her to agree so fast?" Jason yelled at him.

"It was her idea." Jared said simply.

"Sometimes I really dislike how easy you have it. Hey on second thought, why don't you come talk to Laysea?" Jason asked.

"Because, I like my balls...and you obviously need practice talking to pregnant woman...hell Jas, last time she slapped you and try to launch things at your head!"

"Pussy!" Jason said into the phone right before he disconnected the call.

Jared chuckled. He knew that Jason thought he had it easy with woman and that he thought Olivia knew she was going to the island. He also knew that Olivia thought he was sending her home to get rid of her. Jared sighed; they would both have a big surprise at the airplane strip when they learned the truth. For now he was going to take a shower to get ready for the fight that would be happening shortly. 

*** The rest of the morning went pretty smooth. Everyone was loaded up in the SUV separately so that it didn't look like they were all running away. Jason and his family went first -- Laysea made it very obvious that she would rather talk to anyone but Jason. Ty and Maxie left with them also. About every 15 to 30 minutes someone else left and some came back only to leave at a later time again. It was so that if anyone was watching the building it would look like a typical day of people coming and going. With any luck someone would be confused by all the coming and going. 

The truck that Jared, Olivia and Chloe went in was one of the last ones. He had kept her at bay by saying that there was a lot going on so they were unable to leave just yet. When Chloe asked, before they left the condo, where they were going, Olivia told her home and Chloe turned to Jared asking him if he was going to stay with them again. When Olivia answered for him and told Chloe that Jared had to stay here, Chloe began to crying and clinging to him. Jared looked up at Olivia and for a split second wanted to tell her that she wasn't leaving him. Luck was on his side though, Olivia turned and walked away from them and he didn't have to fight with Jason about changing his mind to send them away. The heavy feeling that he had been feeling since this morning when she said she wanted to leave was finally gone. He had seen in her eyes that she really didn't want to leave him. That was enough for now.

As they rode in the truck, Jared and Olivia being very quiet and Chloe still sniffling about leaving. He knew exactly when Olivia would start talking to him again -- as soon as they turned away from town and headed to the private airport. Sure enough... 

"Um, wait, you turned the wrong way." She called out to the driver, who acted like he didn't even hear anyone talk.

"No he didn't." Jared said simply.

"Yes he did! This is leaving town and since I live in town I am pretty sure that he is going the wrong way to my place."

"You would be right. If we were going to your place."

"What do you mean if? I said that we should leave and you agreed."

"I still agree, but I am not taking you back to your place to be at the whim of a psycho."

"Then where in the hell are you taking us?" She said in a near scream.

"Mommy! You said a bad word!"

"Yes, Liv, you should watch you language around impressionable children."

Olivia closed her eyes as she felt her frustration building up, she took a couple of deep breathes until she felt she could talk again without screeching at him, "Jared?"

"You are going with the rest of the woman and children to Stan's Island. He use to be the one in charge of the organization before Jason. He was the one who took over after our father was killed. Everyone will be safe there." He replied simply.

"That's what you said about the cabin. What's different now?"

"There's only one way on or off the island."

"Which is?" Olivia asked suddenly feeling tired from trying to drag every answer out of him.

"Air." He replied.

"What about you?" She asked him as the realization that he wasn't pushing them away he was protecting them. The only sliver of fear was that he wouldn't be with them.

Jared sighed and looked at her, "I gotta get a handle on this, I need you away from here and safe. Stan can do that. I gotta deal with this shooting thing and get them off of you then I gotta get Tom off of both of us."

"Then what?" she asked in that small voice she was beginning to hate.

"That's up to us. We will talk later, but we both can admit that there is something here." He said as he opened the door and got out on the tarmac. 

Olivia opened her door and stepped out she turned around and got Chloe out of the SUV, by the time she turned back around Jared was there with their bags that he handed off to one of the guys loading the baggage on the plane. He leaned down and picked up Chloe and grabbed Olivia's hand to walk them to the plane. 

When they reached the plane Jared let go of Olivia's hand and gave his complete attention to Chloe. "Hey Princess, you do me a big favor and mind your mother. Okay? The place you're going has lots of water and fun things to do. So have lots of fun, and I will see you soon." He told her then gave her a big hug, feeling her little baby arms wrapping around his neck, hugging him back.

"Jared, will you come see me?" Chloe asked still sniffling a bit.

"Yes I will. And when everything is done here, I will come and get you and bring you both back, okay? Then you will see me all the time again."

"Pinky promise?" she asked.

Jared stared at the little pinky that she held out to him with tears rolling down her little cherub face. He smiled and twisted the top part of his pinky with hers, "Pinky promise."

She smiled through her tears and said, "I love you Jared!" Wrapping her arms back around his neck tightly.

"I love you too, Princess." He whispered to her as he hugged her back.

He then handed her to one of the other mothers assisting with getting all the children seated. He turned toward Olivia, who he noticed was wiping her eyes. He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly, whispering in her ear, "We will talk, I promise. The only reason that I want you both to go is because those bullets that they are shooting are real. I can't bear for you or Chloe to get hurt by them."

"I know, you can't bear to be the reason that another woman loses her life." Olivia said as they separated from the hug.

Jared looked at her with a stunned expression, "At one time that was right -- but it isn't now. Without you two, I can't imagine living." He leaned into her to lightly kiss her but then he felt her kiss back. He pulled her body closer to his and deepened the kiss by slipping his tongue into her willing mouth, tasting her, while he tried to memorize everything about her. 




Second Chance Ch. 06



He would have been happy to stand there the rest of the day and do nothing more then kiss her, however at the sound of a throat being cleared, he reluctantly ended the kiss and put a small space between them. He held her for support for a few more seconds because she had a dazed look still in her eyes. He smiled when seeing this, knowing that he was the reason that it was there. 

"You better get on the plane before me and Jas end up fighting cause I change my mind and want you to stay." He said in a deep voice.

From behind him they both heard, "Don't piss me off Jared, I am packing today." Jared smiled at her and gave her a slow seductive wink. Olivia smiled and proceeded to get on the plane. 

After the doors shut, the plan began to taxi almost immediately. As they lifted off the ground and began to climb Olivia looked over Chloe's head out of the window. See a group of men that the city considered to be dangerous and ruthless. Yet here they were standing around watching the center of their world fly away so they could deal with the demon that threatened their happiness. Olivia smiled slightly as she realized that is exactly why Jared put her and Chloe on this plane. They were his happiness. If Olivia wanted to admit it to herself, Jared was also her happiness. He was everything she ever wanted, and she knew that the minute that she saw him "pinky promise" with Chloe. 

***** They had been on the island for six weeks. Olivia had loved and hated every minute of it. The island was absolutely amazing but at the same time, she worried about Jared and missed him horribly. More then one night, she had been awakened by her desire for him. She had gotten to know the other wives really well to help pass the time. The bad thing was, the longer she was around everyone the harder it was to think of leaving them. However, Laysea and Maxie both thought that this would never be a problem. They figured if Jared had kept her with him this long there was no way he was sending her home. She just rolled her eyes and would go on with whatever she was doing. Yes, she knew that they had something going on; as Jared had said, they would talk about it later. That didn't mean that she was marrying into the family. The one that she had to most problem arguing with was Jared and Jason's mother. 

It had to be just a slip of the mind that Jared forgot to tell her that not only was this Stan's Island but that his mother lived there also. Their mother, Colleen, who insisted that Olivia call her 'mother' since she was positive that her son meant for them to be family, she was impossible to argue with! Now Olivia understood where Jared got it from. She may feel like beating her head against a wall when she argued with Jared but she felt like jumping off one of the cliffs when it came to arguing with Colleen. No matter what you said eventually she would work it so all along you have been agreeing with her without realizing it. 

The family history lesson was held during a beautiful poolside dinner reserved for the adults, which in itself was odd since Colleen loved the children all being around as much as possible. So a couple weeks after they were there Olivia was thrown for a loop when she was told that the children would eat early so that the adults could enjoy an adult dinner. She soon discovered that the dinner should have been labeled more immediate family since the only one who was not directly related by birth or marriage was herself. It actually had the feeling of more like "Welcome to the family, by the way here is a crash course on how we came to be" type of dinner conversation. And Olivia learned much during the dinner.

From what Olivia understood, about 15 years ago John, Colleen's husband and the children's father, had been killed in a surprise attack by a hired hit man. Stan, who was John's second in command, took the gunman out but not before he got a fatal shot off at John. Stan had been best friends with John since they were children so his grief was immense. On the other hand, John and Colleen were very much in love. What happened next was something no one could have foreseen but Stan and Colleen found that the only release from their own grief was to help the children come to terms with what happened and to offer each other an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes both at the same time. After spending endless hours together working on a common goal and sharing very private feelings, they began to open up a little more to each other. 

Colleen told everyone during the evening dinner family discussion, "I experienced my youthful love, where everything was new and it happened so fast with John. But with Stan, I have found a love that was built on friendship and shared experiences making this a love that will take me through my twilight years."

Stan smiled at her from across the table, adding, "John was always worried about what might happen to you if something ever happened to him. I swore to him that I would take care of you. But even I thought that would be me dropping by and checking on you, not falling hopelessly in love with you and spending the rest of my life doing anything possible to make that beautiful smile of yours appear and shine to light my world." He raised his glass in salute to her, everyone at the table following suit.

Olivia smiled but soon confusion set in, "If you don't mind, I do have a question for you both."

"Go ahead dear, we've nothing to hide." Stan replied, as Colleen nodded and smiled encouragingly at her.

"Why didn't you ever get married if you're in love so much? I would think that you would have taken that step at some point by now." Olivia said.

Everyone at the table gave her a smile that made her feel like she had missed something along the way. It was Colleen who explained it to her though, "When you found out Jared's whole name, did you recognize him?" she asked.

"Actually, he didn't have to tell me his whole name. Well at first he just told me his first name, but I figured it out the next day when I saw him and Jason standing side by side then next day." Olivia replied.

"But you did recognize him? Did you have any doubt about what he is able to do?" Stan asked her.

"I knew that he was dangerous, both of them were. But as I told them I was more scared of Tom then of them. I knew that Jared wouldn't hurt me and was pretty confident that he wouldn't let his brother either." Olivia clarified.

Stan leveled his glaze to her, "What if his last name wasn't DeGeo and he wasn't a twin. Instead his last name was Smith or Johnson. What then? He is a different person would he have gotten the same response from you?"

Olivia thought about it, "Honestly, no I wouldn't have been able to place anything about him. He would have been a different person."

"Exactly." Colleen replied, "John's name offers me a security that wouldn't be recognized if I had Stan's name."

Stan explained, "As much as we love each other, no one messes with Colleen because she is John's Widow, Jason and Jared's mother. Same thing that Laysea would face if anything ever happened to Jason..." 

"Nothing is going to happen to Jason though! Not now, he would know better then to put me through that during this pregnancy." Laysea injecting into the conversation.

Stan chuckled, "Of course Jason wouldn't be that careless. I am just saying the name 'DeGeo' offers you so much more then any other name would. Olivia what did you do before you met Jared?"

"Oh...um...I was a dancer." She said feeling self conscious about her job for the first time. She glanced up at Colleen, who was smiling at her. 

"As Jared told me you were an exotic dancer who was working to provide a better life for your daughter than state assistance would allow you to." She reached over and covered Olivia's hand with her own. "If I had been in your shoes, I would hope that I had enough courage and strength to do what I had to do for my child -- no matter how much it effected me. You pursued any means necessary to provide for your daughter, not for your own enjoyment, not to get rich, not to make a career. Jared told me that when you danced your eyes were blank, like your body was going through the motions but your heart and soul was tucked away."

"It was always something I had to do. I have bigger plans for a career and they have nothing to do with dancing or porn." Olivia stated.

Jared and Jason's younger siblings -- Jeremy and Jenna were also present for the dinner. Jeremy was quiet like his older brothers and would in fact be in the organization -- if Jason hadn't told him that he needed a degree in something useful. So he was working on his Masters in Criminology. His reasoning was simple when he explained it. 

"By knowing the criminal mind I will be more use to Jason. It would give him an edge on the competition. Besides, Chad is going to join at the same time I do so we go up in rank together, making us a good force to have on a team."

"Who is Chad?" Olivia asked.

"Trenton's younger brother. We became friends after having to both fight off the older brother trying to protect us crap that we have to deal with." Jeremy griped.

"Watch the language at the dinner table!" Colleen corrected.

"I apologize for my inappropriate language mom, I spoke without thinking." Jeremy offered in a softer voice.

Colleen smiled at him, "I know you think that the boys are being hard on you but they just want you to know that there is no special treatment just because you are their brother."

Olivia asked, "Do Jared or Jason have a degree in something?"

The minute that the question was out she had wished she could take it back. Everyone became very uncomfortable and looking around at each other. 

Colleen finally cleared her throat and said, "No, they don't have degrees in anything. However Jason decided that Jeremy needed one so that his horizon was broadened more. See I had another son between the boys. His name was Josh. He went out on assignment with the twins and was killed. Jason still believes to this day that if he had made him look at schooling more, that Josh would still be here." 

"I'm so sorry. I didn't have any idea." Olivia said in a small voice.

"How could you my dear? There is no harm done. Besides you're never going to learn about your new family if you don't ask questions."

Jenna was completely different from any of the brothers. She was very outspoken and sometimes overstepped her boundaries. She was also gorgeous and from what Laysea had said Jenna's goal in life was to completely piss Jason and Jared off at every turn if she could. They ordered her to not date anyone in the organization and the rumor was that she was in fact doing just that. It was a rumor and no one put real stock in it. Jenna seemed very subdued at dinner and didn't speak out of turn and was extremely polite. 

She offered bits of the lesson on family history but as she said, "I was 3 years old when dad died, so I don't remember him very well at all. I usually don't see Jason and Jared until there is a crisis, death or major holiday. So for the most part they are just a voice on the phone. Josh passed away when I was 12 so I was just the bratty little sister to him for the time he lived with us. I am closer to Jeremy but he doesn't want his little sister around that much. Besides, there is no way that Jason would even entertain the thought of me joining the organization. So he expects me to go to school and major in something then settle down for a nice, long, and incredible boring life."

After the dinner ended, life went back to a routine type existence. Peppered with short calls from Jared to check on her and see how she was. He never mentioned them or what was between them and he never told her what was going on at home. His voice brought tears to her eyes as she would have to remember how much she was really missing him now that he wasn't around.

Olivia's days were filled with Laysea and Maxie, long walks, playing with Chloe, and learning the basics of self defense. When Colleen found out that she didn't know how to protect herself if she was attacked she immediately set to righting that wrong. Stan and Colleen took up the task of teaching her what she needed to know. 

It was during one of these lessons when Colleen imparted a valuable piece of advice for her. After the 50th time that Stan was able to restrain her, Colleen called for a stop and stooped in front of Olivia as she set on the ground trying to get her breath back.

"If my son has to worry about your safety all the time he will never be able to focus on the securing the area around all of you. He needs to know that if push comes to shove you can leave the apartment without being taken down by a mugger. Laysea had to learn, Maxie had to learn, and damn it Olivia so will you!"

"It's very hard work." Olivia said.

"Anything worth having is going to be hard work otherwise it won't be worth the price you have to pay to get it. If Jared has to worry about you all the time he is going to get tired very quickly. Then it doesn't matter how much you wiggle your ass at him -- he will find someone else. Don't think for a second that there are not 50 young ladies out there right now that wouldn't catch his eye if they shook their ass at him. Don't give him a reason to go looking. And don't give them the chance to try." Colleen ordered her.

Olivia stared at her in complete shock. She had never heard Colleen speak this way! But, she was right, Jared wanted a self sufficient woman -- not someone he had to coddle at every step. She nodded her head in understanding at Colleen, standing up and facing her, "Alright, let's do this again."

From that point on Olivia made leaps and bounds at learning the basic moves. She knew that if someone attacked her, she at least would slow them down. Probably wouldn't stop them but if she slowed them down it gave Jared more of an edge to be able to help her. That was until she gained more knowledge and ability to protect herself. 

But even with all the activities she had to do with the family, Chloe and all her new friends, it still left a lot of time to reflect on her self. Especially since Colleen kept all the children busy most of the day with a couple of ladies to help her. She kept claiming it was helping make up for the time she missed in spoiling the children. Every day she walked to the beach near the air strip and watched the sky for anyone coming. Then when she got back to the big house, she would wallow in a depression because she felt so alone, scared and vulnerable. 

A couple of different things happened during her walks. The first was that she came across the island cemetery. She found Jared's dad's grave, his brother Josh's, and his wife Trista's. She sat at her grave and wondered if she ever had real feelings for Jared before she was killed. Or did she die still longing for her long lost lover that had ran for his life? It all seemed to click at once - she kept watching for Jared to come. He had managed to be there to save her just as much as she had been there to save him the first night. She missed him. His smile, teasing, humor and awful sense of trying to protect her. She had his phone calls to look forward to so she knew he was okay. She could hear the tension and tiredness in his voice every time and it just seem to get worse every passing night. He kept promising that he would come soon. All the time his family is making her feel like she was a part of them already...

"Shit, I'm falling for him!" It was like cold water had been dumped on her as she sat in front of Trista's grave.



Second Chance Ch. 07



Sorry this has taken so long...very long story but hopefully I am through with it all and will be able to focus on my writing. All mistakes are my own, I apologize for them. As always a big thank you to MaaddMaaxx, without you I wouldn't even get to post!

Jared rode the elevator up to Jason's apartment, for what he hoped was the last time for the day. He was tired -- physically, mentally, and emotionally. He was sleeping very little and he knew Jason wasn't sleeping much at all either. In fact no one was really sleeping. That is how they were all pulling 20 hour days. They couldn't sleep. Jared had been fine at first, her scent was on his bed from when she slept there the night before she left. It faded fast though and now he was left feeling very lost and empty. The ding above the elevator told him that he was at Jason's now. The doors slid open and he walked into the room, noting that most of the team was present, including Kaleb.

"What's going on?" Jared asked the room as a whole.

"Well the DA closed the case against you for a lack of evidence. They are ruling the shooting as self-defense. So you don't have to worry about a trial." Jason informed him.

"That's good, right?" Jared asked confused as to why everyone seemed too quiet.

Trenton, who appeared to be the most alert of the bunch, gave his update, "Well we were thinking that Tom was at the last building that we hit. My sources on the street says that he is being listed as dead by his crew. They are scattering like roaches in a newly lit room."

"Yeah, well just remember that roaches may scatter but they actually regroup where you can't see them." Jason stated, giving a sigh as he ran his hand through his hair. "Look we give this one more week. We keep hitting all his place just like we have. If we don't shake him out -- we consider it done and go get our families."

Everyone there had a big grin on their face at the thought of rejoining their families. Trenton even was happy, "Thank God, you all need laid -- badly! You're shitheads without these woman to keep you on the straight and narrow!"

Jared started laughing and replied, "You just wait until you find yours. Let's see how you react to her not being there."

The rest of the guys joined in on the laughter, they all begun to feel the tension leaving their bodies as they felt the end nearing. Jason had an odd look on his face while he looked at Jared.

"So when are you going to ask her?" Jason asked.

"Ask her what?"

"To marry you? You don't think that we've missed the way that you are without her? You've been acting like a man being driven with a purpose in the last two months, not someone under an obligation for a favor returned."

Jared smiled at him, "I haven't decided yet, I want to make it memorable for her."

Jason replied, with a grin on his face, "Well, mother will enjoy planning and having one of our weddings on the island -- just an idea."

Jared laughed, "I am sure she will but when you tell her -- remind her that I have to actually ask Olivia to be my bride still!"

"No promises, you know mom." replied Jason.

"Hey can we stop yacking and start working so I can see my wife this month sometime?" asked Ty in an aspirated voice.

Jason slapped him on the back, "Let's get this week over, and go get our ladies."

Two weeks later...

Jared sat back and closed his eyes as the small plane began to taxi down the runway after it landed. He was exhausted. In the first week they had continued to hit all of Tom's hot spots. They never got it confirmed if he was dead but they did know that he wasn't in the city anymore. The top people in his crew hadn't seen him in over a month and didn't hold much hope that he was alive. So just to be on the safe side they hit his spots hard another week. 

Jason ended up with several of Tom's guys wanting to join him but no one trusted them yet. Jason told them that they needed to prove themselves first. Leaving it up to those few to figure out exactly how they would do that.

All Jared wanted to think about was landing on the island and seeing Olivia and Chloe. He needed to feel them as he hugged them and feel their arms around him. He was tired of them just being a voice on the telephone. As he felt the plane come to a stop he and the other guys began to get up and collect their bags that they carried on. When they all left the plane and walked out onto the tarmac you could feel the rejuvenating that seemed to surge through them as the moment of reuniting with their loved ones suddenly was a tangible moment for all of them.

"You know your mother has been making lots of plans ever since she found out the plane would be heading down here. Don't think that she will not say anything about it being a week late."

"Stan, how have you been?" Jason asked as he gave the man who taught him almost everything he knew about the business a hug. Stan was like an uncle to most of the guys on Jason's team.

"I've been busy. First you send a lotta women and children down here. If that wasn't enough most of the woman are pregnant so let's not even start talking about the hormones that are raging on this island! Now I can handle a lot of things but I tell you what, when you send in your secret weapon -- well that's where I gotta say my piece."

Jason looked at him oddly, "Stan are you drunk? What the hell are you talking about."

Jared began to smirk before Stan even answered, "Chloe. That child can round all the others up and get them to agree to anything she wants. She simply has to look at your mother and give her an innocent smile and even your mom is puddy in her hands. If you don't want a revolution of around here from the children -- well the rules are clear, keep Chloe happy! About the only person she doesn't have wrapped around her finger is Olivia. That little shyster was crying the other day and acting like her world had simply been destroyed -- all because she was asked to go get her bath. She all but had your mom willing to let her skip the night when Olivia walked in. She took one look at Chloe and informed her that she wouldn't speak twice, Chloe better shape up and do what she was told to do or Olivia would make sure she had a really good reason to cry. That little girl jumped right up and took off as if she had never been even remotely upset. Do you know she got me in trouble too? She convinced me that chocolate cake was okay for breakfast. After all it has eggs and milk in it! How could it not be okay for breakfast?"

Jared broke out laughing, he remember all too well the little minx trying to convince him that Olivia wouldn't mind him giving her chocolate cake for breakfast the first morning that he met her.

"Next time -- warn me that you have a secret weapon a coming and I will prepare myself better. You know your mother is still not very happy with me about the cake. And when we got caught -- the little faker told them that she begged for cereal because it was 'a healthy way to start the morning'. I got in so much trouble from not just your mother but all the mothers...well except Olivia who actually believed that Chloe would try to get chocolate cake for breakfast. Anyways now they are your problem along with the leader of the resistance against the adults -- Chloe. Wish you the best of luck Jared!"

"Is that why you are hiding down here at the tarmac? Because Chloe, a little girl not in school yet, has gotten you in trouble?" Jared asked unable to keep the chuckle out of his voice.

"No, I'm down here cause the pilot radio ahead and let me know that you all would be here soon. Smart ass!"

Jason couldn't help himself from asking, "So are you upset because Chloe got you in trouble or because she has interrupted your sleep. Or could it be that since Chloe has been here she is interrupting those moments with mom that 'mean so much' to you?"

By the look that Stan gave them, the guys knew; Chloe has had a radar setting and has been interrupting Stan and Colleen's adult time. 

As they continued to walk up to the house, Stan filled everyone in on everything that had been happening and where everyone should be right now. When the group reached the patio they broke off and went their own way to reunite with their loved ones.

Jared took the path from the house that lead down to the beach houses. According to Stan, Olivia had been placed in the beach house that was typically used by him. When he reached the door to the beach house, he paused, this was it. He knew that the next few minutes may change the course of his life -- hell he was hoping that it would. With his fingers crossed he quietly let himself into the house with his personal key.

* * * 

Olivia had just gotten out of the shower only drying her hair. She had taken to leaving the balcony door open so that the cool breeze from the ocean could dry her. She loved the breeze blowing over her body after a shower, it had become one of her favorite, private activities. She stretched out on her back on the bed, relaxing and for the millionth time wishing that Jared hadn't put her toy back. She had several erotic dreams the night before starring Jared and herself. 

"Woman, you have a choice either wear some clothes and get me up to my mom's house or get ready to not leave that bed for a while." Said a very gruff voice.

Olivia looked up quick and saw Jared standing in the doorway of the bedroom. Her mouth went dry instantly, he looked so good she wanted to lick him all over. It took a couple of seconds for his words to register in her brain. Then with an evil smile she decided to start teasing him the way that he had been teasing her in her dreams every night. She slid her legs apart and began to slide a finger up and down her slit. She knew by the feel that she was drenched and there was no way to hide the evidence of her arousal from him. Jared suddenly looked more like he was unable to move, but he remembered how very quickly. He slowly walked into the room his eyes on her finger as it slid lightly up and down the puffy outer lips of her pussy. When he reached the bed he removed his shirt as he watched her finger slip into her soaked pussy. 

Olivia groaned as she pushed a finger in. She had seen this was driving him crazy and couldn't help herself. When he took his shirt off she wanted to reward him for taking the next step. As she looked at him now, his shirt still hanging off of his arms after being pulled over his head, he looked like he might not be able to finish getting undressed.

"Jared..." she moaned at him.

Jared looked up from her handy work on her own pussy and up into her eyes, he saw the desire, and it seemed to make him jump into action. He placed his knee on the bed and placing his face mere inches from her overheated core. With a soft touch he pulled her hand away from her slit, taking the soaked finger and licking her juices off with slow actions. Then he placed her hand up on her stomach, as he looked up in her eyes as she lounged on her elbows watching him with lust filled eyes.

"Are you sure?"

Olivia just nodded her head unable to speak anything at the moment.

"You asked for it sweetheart." Without notice he leaned down and began to lap at her outer pussy lips. Only after her juices were cleaned up to his standard did her peel back the outer pussy lips and uncover the sloppy pink skin on the inside. He went straight to work with his tongue lapping everywhere he could reach. He could hear her moaning and knew that he would probably have her very close at this point. With a great reluctance he pulled his mouth back and began to finger fuck her slowly as he watched her writhe around on the bed. After a few minutes he stopped and removed his finger sucking it into his mouth and cleaning the digit clean of her juice. He then unbuttoned his pants and stepped out of them. He leaned back down and began to lightly rub light her clit peaking out from it's hiding spot within her folds. 

She began to squirm her ass around as he rubbed her. She could see his cock peaking out of the front of his boxers and licked her lips in anticipation of tasting him. She scooted up further on the bed away from his finger of joy. He gave her a confused look. She got up from the bed and walked around him. He turned to watch her and she pushed him backwards so he landed on the bed on his back. Olivia grabbed his boxers as he lifted his ass up a little bit off of the bed. She pulled them down his legs watching his cock leap out of them. Her mouth began to water at the sight of him. As she crawled up between his legs on the bed he scooted up a bit to make room for her. He put his hands behind his head watching her every move. She gave him a wicked smile. Then she leaned down swirling her tongue around the head of his cock, taking special care the lick the clear fluid that was leaking out of the little eye. Jared released a long moan. As she swirled her tongue around the head she took a little more of it into her mouth. When he was half into her mouth he was hitting the back of her throat. He touched the back of her head, no pressure just a touch to let her know that he enjoyed what she was doing. She worked him back out of her mouth then slowly started working him back in. After a few times she had been able to work him completely into her mouth and deep throat him. 

Jared continued to moan, "Oh god baby that feels so good." His breathing was becoming more labored. Each time she got him into her throat she swallowed clinching her throat muscles around his thick cock. She got to do that just twice before he grabbed her leg and spun her around so she was laying on top of him in a 69 position. 

She tried to concentrate on working his cock in and out of her mouth but found it to be very hard as he began to lick her outer pussy lips again. She began to moan which vibrated on his cock. He then started to lick up and down her flooding slit. As he did this she began to squirming her pussy in his face. He stiffened up his tongue and began to tongue fuck her, sliding it in and out of her sloppy hole. She pulled off of his cock and released a long moan before lowering her mouth back to his cock. He felt her begin to fuck back on his face that is when he slid his mouth down to her clit. He sucked it in and began to rub his tongue lightly over the hardened pea that was peaking out of its little hood. He would have continued with this course of action to get her to cum on his tongue but every time he hit her clit she tightened her throat on his cock and he knew that he was not going to last much longer. So he pulled her off of his cock even though all he wanted to do was push her down further. 

He brought her around and they began to kiss as he rolled her under him. She began to suck on his top lip then slipped her tongue into his hot mouth. His tongue came forward to dance an erotic dance. He began to rub her nipple feeling it come to a point. He slowly began to kiss down her chin then following the slope of her throat, following an invisible line right through the middle of her cleavage. He slid to one nipple sucking it into his mouth lashing at it with his tongue after making her nipple as hard as he thought it could get he kissed his way to the other nipple again giving it a tongue lashing.

He shifted his legs so they were in between hers then he grabbed his cock and rubbing it up and down her soaked slit. He slid it slowly into her pussy. She was so tight he did not think that he would last long enough to get all in her. As soon as he was half in her, she wrapped her legs around his hips pulling him closer to get him deeper in her. When he bottomed out he was fully seated in her. He pulled back then pushed in while she rocked her hips in tempo with him. They kissed each other deeply moaning into each other's mouth easily finding the right rhythm to bring pleasure to them both. She felt her orgasm building then he slid right against her g-spot.

"JARED!!!" she screamed. She exploded; her muscles clinched his thick cock as she began to rock hard against him. 

He felt himself swell then before he had another thought he exploded, "OHHH!" cumming deep into her womb.

They laid there in the same position feeling each other's heart beat race, listen to each other gasp for breath. Jared finally came to his senses enough to think that he might be too heavy for her so he rolled onto his back, reluctantly feeling his cock slide out of her warm, wet sheath. With a sigh he pulled her into his arms as she continued to recover.

"Wow...that was amazing!" she whispered to him.

He chuckled, "Yeah, well keep greeting me with a personal show of you playing with yourself while laying naked in a bed and I promise it will just keep getting better."

"When did you get here?"

"Just a bit ago. I haven't even seen my mom yet, all I wanted to do was come and see you."

Olivia leaned up and kissed him on the lips softly. "I missed you."

Jared smiled, "I missed you too. I need to talk to you about something though."

"What is that?"

"We have hit Tom's places for the last couple of months. We have no proof but his people seem to believe that he is dead. We hit a building that he was confirmed in but then his body was never recovered. This isn't the way that I would have preferred bringing you home but it has been about a month since anyone has seen him. And I am being selfish and want Chloe and you back with me."

Olivia looked at him, tears in her eyes, "We want to be with you also Jared. If you think that you got him then I have faith in you."

Jared leaned up and kissed her softly on the lips trying to get the courage up to ask her the one thing that he had figured he would never ask again.

"Liv? I want to ask you something."

Olivia sat up on the bed, swinging her legs over the side, "Yes?"

"These last few months have really got me to thinking as I said before, I really missed you both. And..." Jared noticed that she had went sheet white and had a sudden scared look on her face. "Olivia are you okay?" He asked coming off the bed to get to her to do whatever it took to take the fear away from her.

"Oh my God, Jared! You forgot to wear a condom!" She whispered in a low voice.

"I know, it's fine, Liv you have to listen to me. I didn't wear a condom because I have no intention of ever wearing a condom."

"But I can get pregnant still! I am not on birth control, it is very important that I don't get pregnant!"

"Why? Why is it so important?" he asked her confused.

She released a small sob, "Because I don't want anyone to think that you are with me because I trapped you by getting pregnant." She jerked a long t-shirt on over her and sat back on the foot of the bed.

"No one will think that." Jared replied.

"Yes they will."

"Who do you think will think that?" Inquired Jared.

"Jason for one. Then your mother -- who I really like a lot and I don't want her to think bad things about me!" She replied with a sob.

Jared chuckled and stood up walking over to his pants and slipping them on. He grabbed his bag and brought it over to the bed. Sifting through it until he found what he was looking, and then he sat beside her on the bed. "First off, my mother loves you! Short of killing me...nope scratch that she would probable still love you...so short of never talking to her again there is literally nothing you could do that would make her hate you. As for Jason, a done deed can't be held against you."

"He could say that I did all of this on purpose."

"You didn't know we were coming, you didn't know I was going to be standing there right then, and you didn't have any way of knowing that we would end up making love. Let alone that I wouldn't have had a condom. Besides, all that isn't going to be the most important point. The most important point is you have no way of knowing about this." He told her as he slid onto his knees in front of her.




Second Chance Ch. 08



Little fast then last time, hope everyone enjoys it! Thanks a bunch to MaaddMaaxx for not only editing but listening to me~CinderLaw

*

Olivia woke slowly from her deep slumber. She sighed with a smile then stretched out feeling completed rested and relaxed. Thinking back to the last week and the drastic changes her life had taken. Jared had proposed, looked very serious, and retold everyone who would listen about the pure shock look that was on her face when he asked. However he wasn't laughing long. She managed to get the last laugh when she made him work for it.

One week earlier...

"Uhh, Jared, are you serious?" Olivia asked, her head spinning from the events that seem to unfold in front of her.

"I've never been more serious about anything in my whole life." He whispered to her, stroking a piece of her hair behind her ear.

"But...I thought,...I mean..."

"Yes, I see how that could be confusing to you." He said with a grin.

Olivia stood up in frustration walking out to the balcony and leaning over looking out into the crystal blue waters that lined the beach as far as a person could see.

"Liv, baby, talk to me." Jared said softly as he came up behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him, resting his chin on her shoulder and began to do the hardest thing he ever had to do. He waited. Waited for this beautiful woman that he had fallen in love with to tell him what he had to do to make her willing to marry him.

After what felt like several agonizing hours she finally spoke, in a tense voice, "Did you mean what you said?"

"I have meant everything that I have said today. But could you tell me exactly what it is that you're questioning?"

"You want to be Chloe's father?" she asked her voice getting tighter.

"Absolutely! First, you two are a package deal and second, I can't imagine my life without her in it anymore then I can imagine it without you in it."

Olivia turned into his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck hugging him while tears rolled down her checks. 

"What is the matter? Did you really think that I wouldn't want her also?"

"I have had ended relationships before because they'd see Chloe as baggage that had to be dealt with. I don't want my daughter to feel like a third wheel. If I get married then my husband becomes the only father figure she'll have. I don't want her to feel anything less than special. She doesn't deserve that. She's had enough crap from men already, starting with her own sperm donor."

Jared pulled her back and looked into her watery eyes, "Just because he's a loser doesn't make you two damaged. This is his loss and my gain -- and I always take advantage of all my gains. If you agree to marry me I'll not only become Chloe's father but I'll adopt her and give her the security of my name. Regardless of what you decide from this day forward she's my child. Whether or not you marry me you'll have to deal with me because I already had Kalab draw up the papers for the adoption to happen. Besides, I've enough money to buy a judge that would sign the papers without your consent. Hell I could demand a paternity test then buy off the lab so the results show she is my daughter. So, see you will still have to deal with me for the rest of your life! We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Might as well marry me, have great sex, lots of laughter, and many more babies!" 

Olivia laughed, "I could be single, collect child support...you make enough I bet it would be a nice chunk of change every month, have great sex with my toy, have plenty of laughter at your expense, and be very happy with my life."

"I don't think so, because I would destroy any relationship that you end up having, be a constant pain in your ass, and make sure you are as miserable as me." Jared replied.

"I could get a court order for you to stay away from me." She smarted at him.

"I could buy a judge to say that you need me in your life to retain your sanity." He smirked back.

Olivia laughed, "Well then I just have two questions for you then. Will you put the ring on my finger and when will we be getting married?"

Jared leaned down and kissed her breathless. He then turned, walking back into the master bedroom and came back out a few minutes later slipping the ring on her finger. He then turned her hand over and kissed the palm of her hand. "Before we leave the island. There is no way that mom will let one of us leave engaged. Hope that is okay, but we are probably gonna have a beach wedding."

Olivia laughed, "No, that is fine. Besides, your mom has an amazing knack of making everything look so nice together. So does that mean that we will be on the Island for a few more months?"

"Uhh, no. We will be leaving by the end of the week." He said before dropping a kiss on top of her head then turning toward the room to get a shower started.

"Wait! What do you mean by the end of the week? There is no way that we can get a wedding put together that fast!" She screeched at him.

"Honey, if we told my mom we wanted to get married by tonight -- she would get it done." He told her as he gathered clean clothes to put on after his shower.

"I think that might be pushing it a bit -- even for your mom."

Jared gave her an evil grin, "Make a deal with you. If she can pull it off by tomorrow night then I don't want to hear anymore about birth control and we start trying to have a baby now. If she can't pull it off, well, then I will wear condoms and it is up to you when we start trying and how many babies we have. Deal?"

"Deal."

"By the way, I'm planning on keeping you pregnant, because I want to have several children." He said with a laugh as he walking into the bathroom.

"Only if you win!" She yelled after him.

After they had both showered and changed, they walked to the big house to break the news. To Olivia's relief everyone took the news very well. In fact his mother jumped up, clapped her hands together and demanded that they have the wedding before they left the island. Jared told her that this was their plan but they were hoping the wedding could be the following evening. The woman lit up like a kid on Christmas morning! After that there was flurry of action and she was off with her assistant trailing behind her at a fast pace walk.

Olivia had a shocked and startled look on her face when Jared leaned over and whispered, "Your gonna look even more beautiful swollen with our baby in your body." Then he gave her a kiss on the cheek. 

The next 24 hours were a whirlwind of plans and arrangements. Colleen began working on the wedding before dinner was even over. Olivia even suggested to her that if it was too much they could have the wedding the following day. Colleen looked at her as if she had just told her that she wanted a spiritual bind instead of a wedding while Jared looked at her in a silent accusation of being a cheater.

"My dear, I have waited this long to be a part of one of my children's wedding. I'll be damned if I'm going to push it off because it's a rush job!" Colleen said as she fluttered off to begin assigning all her additional "assistants" their jobs. 

Jared gave Olivia a smug conquered grin until his mother returned and informed him that all the men would be responsible for the children since the woman would all be needed to get the wedding together in time. Then his mother looked him straight in the eyes and said, "You will just have to wait for your wedding night."

With that said, Colleen announced that the men were on their own with the children then demanded that all the ladies follow her. 

When they arrived at Colleen's private rooms, everyone got a glimpse of the wedding that Colleen must have been working on for years.

"I've always thought that I would only get to plan Jenny's wedding, but I secretly hoped that one of the boys would allow me to help." She walked over and put an arm around Olivia's shoulders and another one around Laysea, "Now I get that chance and I have my beautiful daughter and my second, future, beautiful daughter in law to help me!" 

Olivia could only smile and secretly hope that Colleen went easy on her.

~~~

It had been decided that the wedding would take place at sunset, followed by dinner/reception. Colleen hadn't slept since the evening before and looked like she had slept plenty and was well rested. Olivia on the other hand thought she must looked more like Frankenstein's Bride. Colleen had a dressmaker on staff who spent most of the night before the ceremony poking Olivia with needles. At one point Olivia thought maybe this was how Colleen planned to keep her from marrying Jared. 

When she mentioned this to her soon-to be sister, Laysea began to laugh so hard that she couldn't breathe and tears flowed down her face. It was that moment when pregnancy reared its head and Laysea lost control of her bladder. Like dominoes Olivia began to cry, which made Laysea start to cry, followed by Maxie crying. The dressmaker ran out and five seconds later, in ran Colleen. After piecing together what happened, Colleen took charge, sending Laysea into the bathroom off the dressing room, Olivia off to her personal bathroom, and Maxie to bed. 

When Laysea began to cry harder, Colleen told her she needed to get cleaned up. There would be fresh clothes for her outside the door to then Jason would take her back to the hut. She told Olivia to relax and enjoy being pampered. She ordered Olivia to go to bed but informed her that Jared wouldn't be waiting for her because Colleen had a room made up for her in the house. So off they all went as they were ordered to do by Colleen the matriarch.

After her bath, Olivia felt a lot better. When she got in bed she didn't even remember falling asleep -- it just happened. Her dreams twisted together between fantasy and nightmare, which is probably why she now sat now in her wedding dress feeling ragged and exhausted. She tried to cover yet another yawn as one of the ladies work diligently on her hair. 

"You know, I sent you to bed last night to sleep. Did my son try to sneak in to see you or did you sneak out to see him?"

Olivia gave a little laugh, "Neither, I just had some very weird dreams. Although, if Jared had been there I might not..."

"Don't give me that, if Jared had been there you wouldn't have gotten any sleep!" Colleen remarked. "Besides, he was busy learning how to be a dad. And from what I heard, Chloe gave him quiet a lesson."

"She does have that special talent for breaking newbies in." Olivia gave a laugh.

Before Olivia knew it, the time had come to walk down the aisle. Butterflies suddenly seemed to take flight in her stomach until she laid eyes on Jared. She knew that if she needed strength all she had to do was lean on him and he would give her whatever she wanted and needed. 

The wedding was a blur. As was the reception, during which Jared presented Chloe with a beautiful locket that had "Daddy's Angel" engraved on it. 

It was only as Jared and Olivia were saying goodbye to their guests that Olivia became emotional with Colleen. "Thank you for making this day absolutely perfect for me...us." She corrected herself with a chuckle as tears ran down her face. "I couldn't ask for a better mother or wedding planner."

Colleen, with tears of her own overflowing her eyes pulled Olivia into her arms and gave her a huge hug, "You are more than welcome, but that is what family does honey. We give you strength when you are weak, we give you hope when you are depressed, and we give you love when you are sad."

Their honeymoon was to take place in a hut that was further away on the island. It had its own private, natural pool surrounded by a heavy border of trees and wild plants. Jared carried her across the little bridge and through the front door into a comfortable day room/enclosed porch area. He dropped her legs and let her slide down his body until she could touch the floor. She turned away from Jared feeling suddenly very shy. She smiled back at Jared over her shoulder then turned towards the open doorway of the little hut to see what exactly it had. She found a very comfortable living room area with a TV cabinet, a small but fully stocked kitchen, a beautiful bedroom and a bathroom that she would have died for with a huge, sunken rock tub in the center of the room in addition to a huge shower area. Olivia's breath was taken away by the little hut that she would spend the next few days in with Jared. He promised her no interruptions and no business. 

She felt his arms wrap around her waist, "Running?" he asked in her ear.

"No. I just wanted to become familiar with the place, don't want to try and go to the bathroom in the closet or anything." She explained

He kissed her along the side of the neck, "Liar." He said his hands rubbing up and down her sides from the swell of her hips up to the lift of her breast, where he lightly caressed the underside of her breast before making the slow descent back down. Between his hands and lips nipping and caressing, she was starting to feel the effects of his "magic". 

She turned to face him and wrapped her arms around his neck to bring his lips down to hers. She gave him a soft kiss then began to kiss him passionately. Jared picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. She was not sure how they made it to the bed without falling over furniture or walking into walls. When they got there she slid slowly down until she stood on her own feet. 

They finished their kiss and then she turned around for him to undo her dress. As he began to unzip her dress he kissed her where her neck met her shoulders. As the dress slid down to pool at her feet, she turned back to him. Their lips met as she slid the jacket off of his wide shoulders, when it reached his wrist he flicked it away from them. Then she started in on his shirt, when all the buttons were opened she ran her hands over his chest feeling the tickles of the hair on his chest. She slid her hands from his breastbone outward slowly over his nipples then upward towards his shoulders, where she was able to slide the shirt off of him. As she let him deal with the shirt in the same manner as the coat she went back to his chest, rubbing her hands down the outside of his chest feeling his muscles ripple under her hands, then running them back. While she explored his chest he opened his pants, sliding them and his boxers to the floor.

He leaned down and began to kiss her again on her lips. He brought his hands up her back until he reached her bra clasp and began working on the tedious job of undoing the row of clasps that he was sure was designed to drive a man insane. He finally got all of them undone and pulled back away from Olivia, breaking their kiss, and watched as her breasts seemed to shed the bra like a second skin. He then noticed that there was a red line from the bottom of the bra that was left on her skin. He placed both hand on the outer sides of her breast and began to massage the skin trying to erase the lines. Olivia let her head fall back, enjoying the massage that felt so good after being confined in the offending bra for most of the day. When Jared saw her exposed neck he could not stop himself from leaning down and kissing and nipping all over her neck. He showed special attention to where her pulse showed through her skin. He let his hands wonder on down her sides until he was able to grab hold of her ass. He lifted her so he had better access to her breasts. She wrapped her legs around him in response. He began to lick her nipple, sucking it into his mouth as his finger slid under her panties and lightly over her folds that were already slick with her excitement. 

"Ohhhh, Jared that feels so good!" she told him.

He gently bit her nipple as he looked up at her giving her the best grin that he could manage with her nipple still in his mouth. He began to slide his finger around her hole the was releasing her juices in abundance. She began to rock her hips and twist them so that she could get his finger to go inside of her instead of teasing her on the outside. 

"Not yet sweetheart, you need to learn a little patience." He whispered to her as he walked over to the bed and laid her down in the middle of it. He kissed her on her stomach causing her to suck in her breath then he ventured lower. He slid her panties off before grabbing her legs to put them over his shoulders. With his face inches away from her very center he breathed her scent in deeply - the smell that was exclusively hers. He gave her slit a lick all the way up above her clit. When he hit her clit her hips jumped. As he worked his way back down he took special care to not get too close to the overheated nerve ending. He slid his hands under her ass to lift her just a bit to his face and began to tongue her pussy, lightly lapping around the outside of the hole. She began to twist her hips about in a thrashing effort to get him inside of her. He got a better grip on her hips so that she did not have the ability to move as much as she was. Then he slid his tongue deep into her then pulled it slowly out. He tasted her excitement and began to tongue fuck her faster. Olivia clawed at the sheets bunching them up in her hands as she was arching her back and trying to get his tongue deeper. Jared could tell that she was close to climaxing so he pulled back a bit and lowered her back to the bed. She released a groan of frustration until she felt his finger. Jared slid one finger in her curling it forward a bit then lightly began to rub her g-spot. He then put in a second finger noticing how much her body sucked his fingers in as if it wanted more of him. He slipped a third finger into her body and leaned forward to tongue the area around her clit peaking out of its little hood. He knew that it would not take much to get her to orgasm so he was trying to prolong it as much as possible for her. 

"Jared!" She yelled, "I want you inside of me...now!" as she continued to hump his fingers. "Please..." she said making eye contact with him pleading with him with her eyes.

Jared removed his fingers from her soaked pussy, but took one last lick of her before he climbed up and began to kiss her thoroughly. She could taste herself on his tongue and it made her even more excited. He rolled over causing her some alarm, when they pulled apart from the kiss she realized that she was now astride him. Jared lifted her up and began to settle her on his hard, throbbing cock. She slowly slid down his cock enjoying the feel of him entering her at such a slow rate. Then she looked into his eyes, which were more like liquid silver at the moment, "You control our love making this time." He told her. 

She was excited by the thought that she had him at her mercy this time. She lifted herself off of him just a bit then slid back down. She tried rocking her hips a bit and found out that fantastic feelings came when doing that. She then combined the two moves together and after a few attempts found a rhythm that she could follow. She felt her climax was close and by the look on Jared's face she did not think he was too far behind. The closer she got the faster she rode Jared. When she rocked this time he seemed to hit the right place and she was hit with the first wave of her orgasm. Her body clinched and milked at Jared's cock as she came hard. She continued to shudder as she slowed down sliding up and down his cock until she was completely spent and fell forward. Jared caught her, she knew he would, and just held her close allowing her to catch her breath. 

After a couple of minutes she realized that he was still hard inside of her. She leaned up and looked at him with a questioning look. He just gave her that sexy smile then pulled her off of him and turned her around getting her on all fours while he stood behind her. She felt him line his cock back up with her pussy and then he slammed into her. She began to feel electric jolts like the start of an orgasm, but that could not be happening she just had one of the best orgasms of her life! Surely she could not be getting ready to have another one. He continued to slam into her, his balls slapping at her. She arched her back so that more of her pussy was exposed to him. He rubbed a finger around their connection gathering up her juices that had escaped while he was not plugging her up. He balls now slapping at her clit that was once again coming out of hiding. She felt another orgasm building up when she felt a new sensation. Jared was probing her ass hole with his lubricated finger and the sensations coming from it was both strange and pleasant. As he got the finger into her virgin hole he moved it in a way that set her orgasm off once again. This time she clinched his cock and his finger but he was not able to hold out. She felt him spew his hot seed deep into her waiting body. She once again collapsed onto the bed, feeling the finger leave her asshole, and then Jared followed her. 




Second Chance Ch. 09



*Thank you to all that have patiently waited for an update. Sorry it took so long. Hope you enjoy it! Special thanks to MaaddMaaxx - Thanks for helping me out and listening when I need you to. ~CinderLaw

When they got to the penthouse Olivia spent some time actually looking at the building and was surprised to find technology and design intermixed together. On the outside it looked like a normal apartment building but just inside the door you saw how very secure it actually was. In the entry way there were chandeliers hung to light every corner, and mirrors placed so that you had a good look around the room no matter where you were. There were elevators that were hidden from anyone unfamiliar with the building. Cameras lined the ceiling and there was a security desk smack down in the middle of the lobby. 

She was shown how to get Jared's apartment first. He showed her their private entry code to the elevator and gave her a key that she would have to use. "Without this key someone has to open the elevator door for you on the inside. Just so you know, security and Jason have a master key which means if they want in - nothing is going to stop them."

When the elevator doors opened up she began to really look at her new home; the modernized look that everything had. Even though she had been here before this time she was looking through the eyes of a mother looking at her new home. He seemed to use metal, glass, and darker colors to decorate in. "It is really nice but ..."

"Whatever you want to change you can - I am not attached to anything."

"I love the colors they are very earthy but we are going to have to get rid of the glass because it is a bitch to keep clean with kids and the metal all have sharp edges so it has to go also. Maybe some wood and fabric covered frames on the furniture?" she looked at him.

He walked over to her and pulled her in his arms leaned down and gave her a light kiss on the lips saying, "Whatever you want dear."

After they dropped off their bags , he took her on up to Jason and Laysea's apartment. Chloe had been taken up to Jason and Laysea's place so Olivia could be given the security walk through without interuptions. She got to experience "knocking" on someone else's door from an elevator. When the door slid open there stood Jason, 

"Well now that the honeymoon is officially over and mom isn't around to smack me in the back of the head, I have a few things to tell you both about my experience with Chloe! Do you know that no matter what Chloe asks you, you always give the wrong answer and she always knows the correct answer but ask anyways? She also wants chocolate cake all the time! And she literally falls asleep in the middle of a sentence. However on the up side at least she does not call me Jared 2 now. She has settled on Uncle Jason." With that he let out a long pent up breath. "You owe me big time Jared." 

"Oh Jason, let them in, you would think that you had never been around a child before." Laysea came up behind him.

"Children - yes but they don't interrupt 'adult time' Chloe seemed to not just interrupt but know when I was trying to initiate it!" he said.

"Oh, did you not get some last night? Poor baby - how are you going to be able to get through the day now?" Jared taunted him.

"Jared you know I could be a real ass..."

"Yes you can Jason." Laysea cut him off. She walked up to Olivia and gave her a hug. "So did you get the crash course in the security or did they actually show you how to use everything Olivia?"

"They must have had some extra time on their hands because they were very complete in there training. Was she really bad?"

"No she was typical. Jason is just cranky. Especially after Stan made Jason and I take her at nighttime. He said it was because we had the twins but Jason thought Stan was trying to torture him." She replied with a chuckle. "It really was no big deal." The sounds of the children playing from the nursery wafer into the room. 

A few minutes Jason's cell phone rang after a brief conversation he hung up and looked at Jared. "Sorry, but we gotta go deal with this." 

"Don't worry about Olivia, I will help her if she needs anything." Laysea offered. 

"Actually, as energetic as Chloe and the twins seem to be maybe we should take them to a park or something." Olivia offered.

"There is a Gym-4-Kid a couple of blocks over." Laysea said sounding encouraged. "Since Maxie is at the doctor with Ty then we can take the children over there."

Jason leaned down and kissed Laysea, "Have a driver drive you and take your cell phones." He said as he walked toward the door he looked pointedly at both of them like he knew they both hated the damn phones. 

Jared leaned down and gave Olivia a kiss, "Be back soon, have fun." He said. Then he tried to follow Jason out the door but was attacked by an upset Chloe.

"Daddy you forgot me!"

He threw her up in the air and caught her giving her a big hug until she squealed then he gave her a noisy kiss putting her back down saying, "Be good."

It did not take too long for Olivia and Laysea to work together to get the children all ready to go to the Gym-4-Kid. Then it just took a couple of minutes for the driver to get them over there - even thought they had to take two vehicles. By the time they got the children inside and out of their jackets they were so excited they hardly could wait for the woman to get their shoes off. However when that was done off they went. 

A woman that was standing nearby laughed at seeing the children's excitement. "It's amazing how much they want to go play on the colorful equipment." She said.

"Yes, I personally am happy that this is here otherwise they'd have to play outside in the weather at it's worse." Laysea said.

"Or worst yet, inside the apartment and destroy it in the process." Olivia said.

The other woman laughed, "Oh, I have had to experience that - and then you spend half of the night cleaning it up to get up early so they can do it all over again! My name's Callie." She said to them holding out her hand.

"Laysea and this is Olivia." They both shook hands with her. 

"Which one is yours?" Olivia asked Callie.

"The little boy with the curly black hair climbing up the ladder behind the older little girl that came with you. His name is Bret."

"That is my daughter Chloe." Olivia offered.

"So are the little ones cousins or twins?" she asked.

"Twins and they're mine, the boy's Dylan and the little girl's Trista." Laysea responded.

"Trista? Wow that is an unusual name - although I do know one. I was friends with her back when I was in high school but I have never met another... until now I guess." She chuckled softly. 

The three women were on their way to being friends bound together by their children's ability to play well with each other. They sat on a bench watching the children play for a couple of hours talking about everything from kids to life in general. When it came lunch time Callie invited them to join her and Bret for lunch. They had packed a picnic lunch basket and had more than plenty for everyone. They agreed on a couple of stipulations, Laysea could buy everyone dessert and Olivia bought everyone a drink. So they all sat down on the ground near one of the wall size windows. Callie had brought a blanket to sit on and began to pass the food out. She had fried chicken that had been removed from the bone and cut into little bite size pieces, potato salad and raw vegetables. After lunch and dessert the children went back to playing for just a little bit before they all headed back to their homes to give the children a needed nap. Callie had given them her number and both Laysea and Olivia had given her theirs so they could make plans later this week to come back and let the kids play again. 

After spending most of the morning together they knew that Callie Donovan was a single mom who had just moved back to town to take care of her ailing mother. Bret's dad was not a part of his life but not by his choice - Callie said she freaked out when she found out she was pregnant and ran away from the city. She did not even tell her mom until Bret was 3 and he was now 5 because she would have bugged her about telling him.

"Do you plan to contact him now that you are back?" Olivia asked.

"Maybe, now I am just scared of his reaction to me not telling him all these years. He was a really good guy - better than anyone that I have met since."

"I can't believe that you two could ever be single parents! I don't know what I would do if I was alone." Laysea said.

"You do what you have too." Olivia told her. "That is why I stripped to make ends meet for Chloe. All I thought about was what was best for her and I was able to go on stage every weekend."

Callie said, "When I found out I was pregnant I knew what would happened if I stayed around, that to me was far scarier than being a single parent."

"I just don't..."Laysea started.

"Where are the children?" Olivia cut her off. She got a chilling feeling in the pit of her stomach as she took off running toward the other side of the playground area, "Chloe? Honey where are you?"

Callie caught up with her faster than the pregnant Laysea; both were looking all over the area to see if they could see the four little faces. Laysea saw a white envelope sitting up on a bench on the backside. As she walked closer she noticed it was addressed to "My Raven" on it. Olivia walked up beside her, "Oh my god!" she said as she grabbed the envelope and tore it open:

My Dearest Raven,

I warned you that there were consequences to your actions. Yet, you bluntly ignored me and married the bastard! That disregard of my directive can't go without punishment. So I have decided to teach you a lesson. Don't worry Chloe is safe with me as are Jason's twins and little Bret. I will be in contact, please do not disappoint me this time.

Love,

Tom

P.S. I always believe in bringing a family closer together so, ask Callie who her child's father is - I am sure that you and Laysea will both know him.

A cold chill ran through Olivia as the letter sunk in. "Callie?" Olivia said with an even tone thinking back to the curl black hair and the familiar silver blue eyes. "Who is Bret's dad?"



Second Chance Ch. 10



Okay here is chapter 10, hope that you all enjoy it. As I have said the story is completed and the rest of it is with my editor who is swamped with his company so he will try to get them back to me as soon as possible and I will post them right after that! Happy Holidays everyone! - CinderLaw



Jared stood behind Jason along with Ty in what he had deemed as the most boring meeting of his entire life. The guy that they were meeting was someone that they had been doing business with for years. Now the guy was scared shitless at the thought that they would be working with Tom. Even though Jason had already told him that they had no intention of doing any shipping from Tom the guy just did not buy it. 

He kept saying that "He has ways of getting what he wants." 

That sent a chill up Jared's spine - he wanted Olivia. Actually he wanted Raven but since they were one and the same the details didn't matter. Jared would die before he let the psycho get a hold of her. He really wanted this meeting to hurry up and get over so he could get home to his new wife and daughter. He wondered briefly when he began to think of them as a source of his happiness. Before they came along his life was barren. He concentrated only on his work and what little family and close friends that he did have. He had always figured that he would never have a kid but after Olivia being open to the option to the point of condoms not being mentioned before or after them making love. It was like someone had uncovered the sun for him. He knew he would have a child and at the rate that they were going they would have their first baby by the time they celebrated their first anniversary. His phone began to buzz in his pocket interrupting his thoughts of what their baby would look like. He walked away from the group and looked at the screen, he had every intention of pushing the ignore button but say "Olivia" on the caller id. "Sweetheart I am little busy right now..."

"Chloe's gone Jared!"

"What do you mean she's gone?"

"Tom, he took her, the twins and another little boy that they were playing with! Jared you have to get them back – they're all just babies, innocent babies!"

"Where are you?"

"Gym-4-Kids still, the manager has called the police already. Jared? He left me a note."

"We'll be there in 5 minutes. It's okay. We'll get them back."

"Jared there is one more thing - the other little boy..."

"We will find him also - don't worry."

"No Jared his mom is Callie. Callie Donavan. The little boy is 5 years old."

Jared pulled the phone away from his mouth and let loose a string of curses then he pulled the phone back down to his mouth. "Does she know that you're married to me?"

"She does now. Jared, Tom knows who she is. That's why we even found out because he told us in the note to ask."

"Tell her if she moves I'll hunt her down and then she'll wish she never ran the first time let alone the second time."

"Jared! Don't threaten her! She's in this with us - like it or not."

"Fine just keep her there and I'll do my best to ignore her." With that he hung up. He looked up at Jason, "We got to go now!" With that Jason, Ty, Jared and Jerry left the meeting.

As they got out to the trucks the other three stopped and looked at Jared, "We have to get to that inside playground that Laysea and Olivia took the kids to."

"What happened?" asked Jason.

"Tom made a strike against us - he kidnapped the twins and Chloe."

Fury showed on Jason's face, "That son of a bitch dies! Jerry you take a group..."

"Jerry needs to come with us." Jared interrupted.

"Why do I need to go with you?" Jerry asked looking at Jason and Ty who both wore the same confusion.

"Because there was another kid taken with ours."

"You want me to hit on the mother? Seems kind of crazy and all."

"Let's just go!" With that they all got into the trucks and took off.

Back at the gym...

"Okay they're on their way here." Olivia told the other two women.

Callie stood there with a worried looked on her face as she rang her hands together. "How did Jared take it?"

Olivia sighed, "He said don't leave or he'll find you. Look Callie you have to own up to the past."

"Yeah we'll stand by you - trust me they'll not hurt you."

"I don't honestly know which one I fear more." Callie whispered.

"The important thing right now is to get the kids back." Laysea said, "Besides do you know any other bunch that can get it done faster?"

Callie gave her a weak smile, "You're right - I want my son back bad enough to even confess to... well those guys to get him back."

The police began to show up when an officer came up to the three women, "My name is Detective Russell, I will be asking you several questions in order to help try to locate your children. First off can I have the children's names?"

"My twin's names are Dylan and Trista DeGeo..."

"Wait - are these Jason DeGeo's kids?"

"Uh, yeah." Laysea replied with a look on her face that she thought the guy was a moron.

"Oh, okay hold on and I'll be right back." The detective turned and ran back out to the car grabbing the handset to the radio.

That was when black SUV's began to pull up in abundance. Everyone but the drivers seemed to jump out before the trucks came to a complete stop. Ty stopped and talked to the detective as Jared and Jason rushed into the building followed closely by Jerry. Jason pulled Laysea in his arms and gave her a kiss and a hug when he pulled back he put his hand on her protruding stomach and asked, "Are you and the baby okay?"

"Yes Jason except that someone stole my other babies!" She said as tears began to fall down her face and she was unable to stay calm anymore.

"I know we will get them back, I promise." He swore to her.

"Now Jason! Get them back NOW!"

"Baby we already have our people out looking right now."

When Jared got to where Olivia still sat on the bench with her head in her hands, he sat down beside her and rubbed his hand down her hair. "Sweetheart? We'll get her back."

"Jared she was taken because of me!"

"No she was taken because Tom is crazy and is trying anything to get under my skin."

Olivia handed him the letter and he quickly read over it as Jason, Laysea and Jerry walked up to them. Jared handed the letter to Jason to read. "How am I supposed to keep our baby safe if I can not even stop one guy from getting close to Chloe and she is old enough to scream."

Jared wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him as she continued to cry on his shirt. He kissed the top of her head and said, "Olivia this isn't your fault! We'll get them back! Jason already put the order out for everyone to look for this guy. Look you just don't miss with the kids..."

Olivia sat up and looked at him with tears streaking her face, "You said that no one messed with the wives yet that guy kidnapped Laysea how many times? Now you say that they don't miss with the kids but look around Jared; Chloe, the twins, and Bret is all missing!"

Jason gave her a funny look, "Wait who is Bret's dad - he asked that in the letter - but I'm not sure what this has to do with us. Tom would not randomly take a kid and this kid is apparently connected to us but how?"

Laysea piped up, "He is connected to you all but...um that...that is where it becomes harder to explain."

Jason gave her a very confused look and noticed that she was looking to the far left of the group. Jason followed her line of vision and saw ... "Oh shit! What in the fuck!?!" He removed his arm from Laysea's shoulder, his eyes never leaving Callie and he started to walk towards her but Laysea jumped in front of him. Jerry looked in the same direction that everyone else was a look of stunned disbelieve clouded his face.

"Jason, this is not your issue."

"The fuck it isn't! I, unlike her, was there - we all were. WHERE THE FUCK DID YOU GO?" he yelled at Callie.

Callie visible jumped at facing Jason pissed off. "I um, I ..."

"Callie?" Jerry asked in a complete confusion. "What are you doing here?"

"My...um, Bret is my um..."

Jared looked at her and knew that Callie was not going to be able to tell him. He wasn't sure if Jason or Jerry had figured it out yet and Laysea and Olivia were too upset to actually spell it out for them. "Jerry, Bret is your kid. I don't know if she knew when she took off but apparently Callie was pregnant at that time." Then he looked at Jason, "Jas right now we have to get our kids back – we'll deal with the outstanding issues later. Okay? Jerry? Okay?"

They both looked at Jared and said in unison, "Okay."

Jerry then walked over to Callie, "He's mine?"

"Yes." She whispered to him.

"Fine I'm going to get our son back but then we get to the bottom of all of this. Got it?"

Callie just nodded at him, "Okay first Bret then we'll talk."

Jared's phone rang when he looked at the caller id and it came up "Unavailable". He flipped it open, "Jared."

"So nice to hear your voice again - especially when I thought I'd killed you the other night." Said the voice that Jared easily recognized as Tom's.

"What the fuck do you want so we can get our kids back?" Jared gritted out as both Jason and Jerry walked toward him.

"What do I want? Well if you give me Raven then I'll give you back all of the children including the little brat of hers. I just want her.  Nothing else..."

"No. Pick something else. My wife isn't in the bargain." Jared interrupted.

"FINE!" Tom yelled at him. "Then I'll take you in trade. You come to the pier 14 and I'll call Jason and let him know where to pick the brats up at." 

"Deal. When?"

"Be there in two hours - and don't leave your beautiful bride with any nasty future surprises." Then Tom hung up on Jared. 

Jared slowly lowered and closed his phone, looking down. "What did he say?" Jason asked him.

"I have to go to pier 14 in two hours once he has me he'll call you with the kid's location."

"NO!" Olivia screamed, "There has to be another way..."

"The only other thing he wanted was you..."

"Fine then let me go instead." She argued with him.

"I'm not sending you to him - I can't lose you!" he told her with a cracked voice.

"Jared I can't lose you either! I-I love you! I could be carrying your baby right now! Isn't that something to fight for?"

Jared leaned over and kissed her softly on her lips, "I truly hope that you are carrying my child right now. Nothing would make me happier."

"Jared are you sure?" asked Jason.

"Jas, I have no choice." He replied in a monotone.

"Okay then let's get going so we can get everything taken care of. Jerry call Kaleb and get him to get the papers together to sign so that Olivia, Chloe and any baby will be taken care of." 

Jerry began to walk toward the door dialing on his phone. Jason leaned over and kissed Laysea on the head then started to walk towards the door. After he left the building he motioned to several guys who ran inside and toward the group. Jared stood there waiting for the guys to get near; he knew that Olivia was going to object. He just did not know how hard she would try to fight him.

"Jared? You can't do this there has to be another way! He's going to kill you!" Olivia told him. 

When he looked at her and seen the tears pouring out of her eyes and down her cheeks unchecked. "It's the only way that we have." He told her as he pulled her into his arms then began to kiss her with all the passion that he felt for her inside. He pulled back slowly and unwrapped her arms from him and turned walking towards the exit.

"JARED!" Olivia screamed as she started to chase after him only to find a couple of the suits that worked from them grabbed her to hold her back. "JARED, DON'T DO THIS!!" She screamed fighting the guys that were holding her. Jared never looked back and as the doors shut behind him and she saw him get into one of the trucks then drive away, she slid down to the floor. Laysea ran up to Olivia's broken form huddled on the floor sobbing uncontrollable.

"Shhh, oh sweety! Calm down, your going to make yourself sick." Laysea told her as she hugged her. 

"No Laysea nothing will ever be okay again."

"Sure it will, honey in a few hours Chloe will be back Jared wanted to do this for you and her."

"But he didn't even say he loved me. He didn't even say he loved me..." she sobbed to Laysea.

"I know, I know." She said over and over while rocking her where they still sat on the floor with police and bodyguards lingering around them.



Second Chance Ch. 11



Okay so I just got the rest of Second Chance back from my editor so posts should happen within a few days of each other. Here is the next installment. Thanks MaaddMaaxx for your tireless work this weekend!

Hope you enjoy! ~ CinderLaw

*

As Jared got into the truck he had to close the door fast, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to stop himself from going back to Olivia.

"I do hope that you have some sort of plan, Jared. You know, other than the stupid one that you told Olivia." Said Ty.

"She bought it -- that's all that was important." He replied.

"Laysea didn't. She whispered to me that she hoped you did NOT do anything stupid like pretend that you were dead. My wife has a particular idea about that subject - her advice is not to do it." Jason added.

"Got any ideas Jas? I really have nothing besides trading myself and I'm not really that excited about dying now when I've just found Olivia." Jared asked softly while turning to look at his twin.

"Maybe - look we know someone has to be keeping him off the grid. Someone that has a lot of power so that really limits it."

"Jake?" Ty asked.

"Well let's shake his tree and see what falls out shall we?" Jason said with a sinister smile as he pulled his phone out and began to dial. "Mac, hey I need Jake's mobile number...Yeah I know that it's unlisted... Dude if anyone can get it has to be you... Give me a call back, hey by the way this is a priority. Work on nothing else other than this." With that Jason flipped his phone shut. 

Silence settled in the truck as each man was in their own thought. Jared thinking of the woman who he left completely destroyed after she told him that she loved him. The joy that was running through him right now! On a sadistic note he wondered if he was only to know love to lose it to his own death.

Jason was more concerned about saving his brother and children. There was no way he would let this bastard walk away if he brought harm to any of his family. Just then his phone started to vibrate in his hand he flipped it open, "Jason...555-7345?...got it thanks Mac." 

He pushed the end call button then began dialing, it seemed to take almost a minute before someone answered the other end. 

"Tell Jakey boy that Jason wants to talk to him - and if he refuses then I'll find him and he will feel the massive amount of pain that I'm able to inflict on him...Jakey, you hiding from me?... What do you know about Tom Oberman and I want to know fast... Don't give me that shit Jake - the fucker took my kids, my niece and my cousin's son then on top of that he wants my brother and something tells me that it is not to go fuckin' clubbing with him!... What do you know about it?...Yeah well mother fucker if it's not you protecting him then you know who the hell is...Jake I'll put a bullet straight through that little Vienna sausage that you call a cock, I will detach your balls from your body then feed them to you and while you're about to die from the massive blood loss, I'll give you a blood transfusion so that I can keep you alive enough to start cutting each of your digits off one by one and feeding them to a tank of piranhas as you watch, making sure to burn the cuts closed so that you will survive that much longer until you're just a torso then I'll put you in the tank with them to be eaten alive! Do you fuckin' hear me? 

"Now you fucking tell me where the kids are!...I fuckin' know he is psycho! Did you miss the part where I said he kidnapped kids to get to my brother's wife? Since Jared won't...what?...Yes you fuckin' idiot Jared got married, now as I was saying since Jared won't give her up then the fruit wants Jared. HE WANTS TO FUCKIN KILL MY BROTHER! And if you think that for one second I'm just going to stand by and...What?... 

"That's what I thought you fuckin' bastard! You fuckin' helped kidnap babies! I hope that you are fuckin' happy with yourself...You better fuckin' believe that you are going to give them back to me right now and you're going to keep the information from Tom - 

"We'll see to getting rid of that scum from the face of the earth! Where the fuck is my kids...Ty write this down 27453 West Hempton Street, Room 1265...Jake? Don't let me catch you in the city for a very long time." Jason snapped his phone shut. 

"Let's go get the kids. Ty I want you to jump in the other truck and get your rifle then find the highest perch that you can around pier 14 and shoot to kill. Tell Jerry to jump in with us so we can go get our kids. Ty pick 5 or 6 other sharp shooters and put them around the pier. I want this bastard dead and nowhere near my brother to hurt him!" Jason said in a tone that showed his level of anger. 

The truck came to a stop and Ty jumped out and ran back to the truck behind them. Jerry switched places with him in that truck then ran to the first truck and jumped into the seat that Ty had just vacated. "What's the plan?" He asked the backseat.

"We have the address where the kids are. We're going to get them then we're going to take care of Tom." Jason said.

"Who had the kids?"

"Jake." Jared replied.

"The mother...did he know who they belonged to?"

"Of course he did. Granted he may not have known that Bret is yours or Chloe is mine - he fuckin' knew that Dylan and Trista is Jason's." Jared gritted out.

"So we're going to get the kids but how are we going to make sure that Tom isn't clued in?" Jerry asked.

"We'll make sure that Jakey keeps his mouth shut." Replied Jared.

True to Jake's word the children were right where he said they would be. When the guys walked into the room with their bodyguards the children were watching children shows on TV with one guy in the room. Bret saw them first but Chloe recognized them first. "Daddy!" She yelled running to Jared, the twins catching her excitement also yelled "Daddy!" Then took off towards Jason almost throwing him off balance. Chloe without missing a beat thought that she needed to give Jared the play by play action that he missed. 

"Daddy, guess what? There was some men and they grabbed us then they covered our eyes and mouths and took us! Then when we could see again we were here and he", she pointed to a man cowering in a corner, "said that we were big babies and that we had better shut up or he would give us something to cry about! Tell him that was not nice to say daddy, cause it is not, not even a little. When I told him that you would tell him so he pulled my piggy tail that Aunt Laysea put in my hair! It really hurt daddy." She told him while rubbing her head.

After she had pointed to the man Jared never stopped watching him. "You touched my daughter?"

"I...uh...um..." suddenly a wet spot appeared in his crotch area then he fainted dead away.

"Ewwww," Bret yelled, "He peed his pants! He is a big pee pee baby!"

Jason picked up both of his kids and looked at Jerad and Jerry, "Let's get the kids out of here - he is not worth the kids being traumatized. You", he nodded to one of the extra bodyguards, "bring him along - he needs to learn that you don't touch kids." Then he turned and carried his kids out to the trucks followed closely by Jared who had Chloe in his arms. 

That left Bret and Jerry standing in the room looking at each other. From the moment that Jerry laid eyes on the little boy he knew this was his son. He had the same DeGeo black hair that curled when it started growing out, and the silver-blue eyes that they all had. He looked at Jerry with such innocence that Jerry's heart just melted. This was he and Callie had created. Hell he probably even knew the night that Bret was conceived. He had loved Callie with every fiber of his being, but he knew that she was scared of the lifestyle that he was part of. 

She had fought against dating him for months. Every time he pursued her she would duck and run away from him. Until that the night that her best friend had been gunned down. After he heard that the girl had been trapped in the middle of a gun fight and died at the scene he went looking for Callie. 

He spent hours looking for her everywhere before he found her in the lobby of his apartment - back when they all lived on the lower floors. He took her upstairs and comforted the best he knew how; he made love to her. From then on they were together; she moved in unofficially that night but moved her stuff in a couple of days later. 

He was ready to propose to her after she had lived with him the first year but three months after they celebrated their year anniversary she disappeared leaving only a note. "I thought that I could do this, I was wrong. I'm so sorry! Love Cal" 

He reread that note so many times that if he closed his eyes he could see the paper as clear as if he was holding it. 

Jason of course put an order out to report in if anyone saw her but she apparently had learned a great deal in her year with Jerry because she left no trail. Not even her parents knew where she had gone to. When her dad died a few years later Jerry went to the funeral and reception also hopping that he'd run into her but he never saw her. 

Everyone thought that she had just skipped it but he knew her better then that - she was there but hiding from him, which ripped his heart out for some reason she found him to be too dangerous. He cleared his throat; he knew that Jason and Jared would allow him as much time as he needed to have to deal with his son. "Hi, Bret how are you?"

"Fine. How do you know my name?"

"Well I know your mom."

"You look like my dad." Bret told him.

"Oh?"

"Yeah mommy has a picture of her and him together and she showed it to me. It was on her dresser in her bedroom. But every time grandma sees it she tells mommy that she had no right to keep me a secret. I don't know where it's now cause she put it away."

"Is that all you know about your dad?" Jerry asked suddenly curious how open Callie was with him.

"Nope, mommy also told me that his name was 'Jerry Nathaniel DeGeo'." His little brows scrunched up a bit as he thought. "My middle name is Nathaniel -like his, but my last name isn't DeGeo."

"Why did she tell you his name?"

"Because in case something happened... Scott, always boxes with her and then she gets all bloody and cries. That's when she reminds me of who my daddy is and where I can find him." Bret said in a hushed voice.

"Where can you find him Bret?" Jerry asked softly.

Fear entered the little boy's eyes and he asked frantically, "Did something happen to mommy?"

"No, no, no she is fine. I was just curious what she told you."

"Oh well she said to come to the city and look on Huntington Avenue for the glass building with a covered driveway. Then go in the front door walk up to the desk, don't be scared of the men there; they are big and scary but they'd never hurt me, and tell them 'My daddy is Jerry Nathaniel DeGeo and I need his help.' Then they would get him for me and everything would be okay."

"Well that's interesting. Why haven't you done that yet?"

"Because nothing happened yet. Who are you?" the child asked in an inquisitive tone.

"Jerry Nathaniel DeGeo. I'm your dad." He said.

Bret looked up at him with a wide mouth expression. "Really?"

"Yeah and I'm going to take you back to my place where I'm sure that your mother will be. As soon as I'm done helping Jared who's Chloe's dad then I'll take care of Scott. Okay? I'll make sure that you don't have to worry about anything happening to mom again."

Bret ran at him throwing his little arms around Jerry's neck and burying his little face in his neck. Jerry wrapped his arms around the little boy - his little boy - and carried him out of the room and on down to the truck.

When they got to the apartment buildings they all headed inside. One of the guards posted at the desk piped up "The ladies are in the top penthouse sir."

"Thank you." Replied Jason.

Chloe true to her nature continued to chatter about everything occasionally catching Jared off balance. "Can you lift me up so I can swing from the lights?"

"Sure sweetheart let me...wait, what?"

"Swing from the lights daddy."

"Hell no!"

"You said a bad word!"

"Sorry Chloe I'm just not thinking like I should've. I should've said 'Heck no!' but it didn't seem strong enough. Let's just get you back to mom, okay?"

"Aren't you going to stay?"

"No, me and Uncle Jason have to go take care of some business."

Just then the doors slid open and there was Maxie. "Where is everyone?" asked Jason.

"Laysea is trying to get Olivia to take a sedative in the bedroom or have the doctor give her a shot. Olivia keeps telling her no, that she doesn't want one. She says she has to be alert when Chloe gets here."

"Where is Callie?" Jared asked.

"Bathroom. She's kind of given us a brief rundown of what happened over the years. I know that you don't want my advice..."

"Then don't give it." Jason told her.

"...but since I was there I'll throw in my two cents. Listen to what she has to say. You really have no idea what it feels like for us to sit on the sidelines and have to deal with the aftermath of your guy's lives and business. I'm not making excuses for what she did or how she went about it I'm just saying really listen to what she says before you make a judgment call. Also Jason, Jared - I love you both very much but Jerry don't listen to them, listen to this." She told him pointing to his heart. Then she smiled at Bret and ran her hand over his hair. Then she got on the elevator and pushed a button the doors slid silently closed. All three men left standing there in their own thoughts. 

The three decided to go find their child's respective mothers. First the children were taken to the nursery where the nanny was waiting on them. Jason had to act first or Olivia would be unconscious - thanks to his very overprotective, pregnant wife. When he got to the master bedroom he heard Laysea tell someone, "just stab her in the ass with the needle! She needs to relax or she is going to be sick!" 

God he hoped she was talking to the doctor. Then he heard Olivia sobbing her heart out, she really did sound like she was close to hyperventilating and probable would need something to calm her down. 

But her voice was as strong as ever, "Laysea if he stabs me with that I'll make sure you get just as much as me!" Jason chuckled then walked to the door. "Laysea sweet why don't you come out here and let Olivia be for a while."

"Are my children back?"

"Yes, dear." He answered.

"Oh, thank god!" With that she ran out of the room and almost tackled Jason but he moved and pointed her down the other hall towards the nursery.

Jason turned back and saw that Olivia had come to the door. "Chloe?"

"She is in there also." He told her.

"Jared?" she asked her voice cracking into a sob at the end.

"He's in there with her."

Once again Jason was almost tackled and this time it was to get to someone who looks exactly like himself! He followed at a slower pace but not too late to hear his darling little wife giving his brother hell for what he put Olivia through. Jason wondered if she remembered that not a couple minutes ago Laysea had wanted to medicate Olivia by needle to knock her out. 

Olivia burst through the door, stopped until she spotted Chloe then picked her up in her arms and hugged and kissed her. After she had assured herself that Chloe was okay she looked up at Jared, into the eyes that held so much emotion in them. She put Chloe down on and walked over to Jared allowing him to pull her close to him; he kissed the top of her head and held her close as long as she wanted to be near him. When she had enough she pulled back from him. SLAP! She planted her hand print into his left cheek.



Second Chance Ch. 12



I told everyone that it would be faster! Hope that everyone is still enjoying the story. ~CinderLaw

SLAP!

Then before Jared could even react to the slap she jumped back into his arms wrapping hers around his neck. "You're such a jackass Jared!"

"Next time can you just tell me that instead of smacking me?" he asked holding her tightly to him.

"Why did you walk out? I thought that I would never see you again. Do you know how bad that hurt?" She cried.

"Baby, I never intended to hurt you; I was just worried about getting Chloe back to you. Besides, if I hadn't had you held back from me I would have never been able to leave you." He told her.

"So it is over now?"

"No, sweetheart. I still have to go to the pier." He said.

Olivia stepped back from him, "What do you mean? We have the children can we just forget about it?"

"Just because we got the children back does not mean that he'll not try again, Liv. Next time you could be very pregnant with my baby except when the baby comes he may try to hurt him or her, not just kidnap them! Liv, I've got to try and finish this thing so you're all safe."

"Jared he is going to kill you! Does that not mean something to you?"

"Baby I am not going into this blind, we have the children back and he does not know that so we have the advantage. Ty has some guys in strategic places around the pier so that we can bring him down. I am not going to get hurt - hell Jason has already ordered me not to get hurt by doing anything stupid."

"Okay - I don't like it but okay. Jason," she turned to look at her brother, "please don't let anything go wrong."

"Don't worry Olivia, nothing is going to happen. I have enough men there that will have guns trained on Tom that he'll not be able to draw without getting shot. Plus I am making Jared wear a vest so if he pops off a lucky shot." Jason told her.

"Yeah just don't do the whole pretend that you're dead thing. It doesn't have a good following." Laysea threw in.

Jerry and Bret stayed in the living room area waiting for Callie to come out of the bathroom. A few minutes after Jared and Jason took the kids to the nursery she came out. She had made it a few steps out into the living room when she suddenly stopped and looked up at Jerry and Bret sitting on the sofa.

"Hi mom." Bret said not showing any indication that he wanted to get up. He stayed sitting right beside his dad that he looked so much like. Callie was taken back for a moment, how many times she had thought of this very thing. 

"Hi. What are you doing?" She asked more to Jerry, who she had maintained eye contact with so far, then to Bret. 

"Me and dad is just sitting here waiting on you to come out of the bathroom. Man what took you so long mom?"

"You told him?" she asked Jerry.

"He first told me what you had told him about me then added in what he was supposed to do if Scott hurt you too bad. Then I told him my name. Hey buddy why don't you go into the playroom where the other kids are at? Mom and I need to talk some adult talk." Still never losing eye contact with Callie. Jerry figured if she wanted to hold his then he was going to hold hers.

"Okay but remember dad - you were going to take care of Scott." Bret told him as he stood up.

"What?!?" Callie raised her voice in questioning.

"Don't worry Bret I have not forgotten." He finally turned and smiled at his son. Bret ran from the room towards the nursery and as soon as he was out of sight Jerry turned back towards Callie. "What?" he asked her in question to her look that was something between shock, fear and gratitude.

"What did Bret mean when he said you would take care of Scott?"

"Why would you run away from me to a loser who beats the crap out of you?" Jerry asked a little harder then he intended but damn he was hurt by her choice.

"I met Scott about a year ago. I had not dated anyone else and I was tired of being alone. For the first few months he was great but then he started drinking heavy, I guess that he always had but just never showed me that side of him. When we first started dating Scott asked about Bret's dad and I told him some things about you but not who you were or specifics about you. I didn't want a whole bunch of people knowing because it would get back to you and someone that hated you could hear it then come after Bret. When I moved here to help mom I told Scott to leave me alone that I didn't want to date him but he followed anyways then he forced me to let him move in with me in mom's basement."

"Why are you telling me all of this?"

"Because Jerry I know you - you'd just keep asking questions of me or Mom or whoever until you found out whatever you wanted to know. I found it easier to just tell you every thing and let you sort through it all." She told him with a sigh.

"Why did you run?"

"Because I was scared. I knew the laws you all live by. I know the chances that you will get shot or that some crazy ass bullshit like this would happen. I remember the day I found out that I was pregnant was the day that your friend Fred, his wife and their little girl were all gunned down. I freaked - I am sorry but I had no ability to think and then you came home and you were so upset so I stayed. I just didn't tell you I was pregnant. When you had gotten over their deaths I was four months pregnant and knew that if I didn't leave right now that I would never leave. So I left. I walked out of this building knowing that Jason would probably be so pissed at me for hurting you that I would have a hit out on my head. So I took off to Maine. I stayed low keyed and I didn't do anything to bring attention to myself. When people asked about my husband I told them that he had died tragically in a car accident leaving me pregnant and penniless. I worked at a local café and worked hard to save money so I could take off a couple of weeks when Bret was born. A couple of years ago I moved to North Carolina where I met Scott. My intention was never to hurt you but I knew that was something that would happen anyways. I just wanted to keep Bret safe - that's all." She told him in a defeated voice.

"Did you ever think that maybe I could've help more than hurt you and Bret? Hell you didn't even go to your own dad's funeral!"

"I did go! I saw you there but I sat in another part of the church that couldn't be seen from the main section then I parked my car across the grave yard until everyone was gone. I saw you there, Jerry - I knew that you would be there. I'm not stupid! You knew how important he was to me, but in order to keep this little boy out of harms way I had to grieve on my own! That's the price I paid for running away from you! So you can judge me all you want but I always had my - our sons best interest at heart." 

She stood up walking away as tears began to burn at her eyes. She suddenly stopped, "You know the worse thing about it? I know you would never harm me or Bret but Scott using my fear that something will happen to Bret in order to keep me with him. I have to be used by a man who has no problem threatening the life of a sleeping boy while making me beg him to stay and never leave because I can't live without him. Now he has me in a position that I can't get rid of him or Bret really will get hurt. So I in fact ran from you for the potential danger that could come and now am stuck with a man that is a real danger to my son. I literally started dating my own worse nightmare."

"Do you still love me or did you ever love me?" he asked her from the couch.

She gave him a weak smile, "You were my knight in tarnished armor. I loved you then and I still love you. You're as much a part of me as Bret is - I can't just simple turn the feelings off. Besides, when you were chasing me I always liked you but figured once you got a piece of ass you would be gone. That's why I lost my virginity to a dildo. So if that was what you wanted then there wouldn't be any strings attached." She told him as she turned again. Jerry reached out and grabbed her arm when she turned back toward him she saw that he had a shocked look on his face. "What?" she asked him.

"What do you mean that you 'lost your virginity to a dildo'? Had you ever been with a guy before me?" He asked her.

"No, Jerry but I didn't want you to be obligated to have to stay with me. Therefore, I removed the obstacle so either you could get it out of your system or we would end up together. What's the matter with you? You look pale."

"Damn it Callie! Why would you do that?"

"Maxie's cousin Sara told me that Maxie told her that was the loop hole to the law."

"Fuckin' Hell Woman! If that was the loop hole to the law then why would we all not just use vibrators to remove a woman's virginity!" Jerry yelled at her. 

Jason, Laysea, Olivia and Jared came back to the living room when Jerry began to raise his voice. The ladies to offer Callie assistance and the men to get to yell at her. 

Jerry turned and looked at Jason, "What the fuck happens now?"

"What do you mean?" Jason asked him.

"When I slept with her the first time she had never been with a man just a vibrator. I had no idea she had even done it." He told him.

"Wait, she was a virgin?" asked Jared.

"No..." Callie began.

"Callie the law is simple unless you have had sex with a man then you're considered a virgin. No toy can change that. I was the first man that was inside of you therefore I took your virginity. I don't care what Sara told you - she was wrong." He said with his hands on his hips.

"Jerry you know what it means." Jason said

"I know what I have to do. I just want to make sure there are no repercussions because I didn't know until now." He clarified. 

"I have the paper in my office - it is when you discover the fact and what you do after it that matters." Jason said.

"Fine let's go sign."

"You going to ask her if she wants to at least?" Jared asked him.

"She ran away pregnant with my son - hell no." He turned and looked at Callie who wore a look of confusion. "Sara lied to you Cal. I have to go sign papers in Jason's office and from that point on we ARE married. I took your virginity - the law still applies. Look at the bright side though - I can take better care of Scott so he'll leave you alone and you get to come back to my bed." Jerry told her, and then walked off with Jason and Jared.

"But I didn't want to trap you...that's why I did it...hurt like hell for nothing." She sat down on the sofa and put her face in her hands silently crying. Olivia and Laysea both came over sat beside her hugging her as she let out all of the tears.

A few minutes later the guys came back out to the living room. "It is done. If you want an actual wedding we can do that, but there are a couple of loose ends that need to be taken care of first. I'll stop by your mom's house and talk to her about hiring a live in assistant to help take care of her. While I'm there I believe I'll have a nice talk with Scott. No time like the present to make sure he has a better understanding of the situation. By the way - don't leave." Jerry said. 

The elevator buzzed, Jason opened it the door to see Mac stepping off. 

"Okay so here are the bands you wanted for the kids and here is Olivia and Callie's. I also brought up a cell phone for Callie. I have already sent the number to everyone's phones." Mac said as he handed various things out to Jason, Jared and Jerry.

"What are those?" asked Olivia.

"These are GPS systems that will let us know where you're should we need to get a hold of you... or if you run away." Jared added looking at Callie.

Callie looked at Jerry who was also looking at her, "Alright, I won't go anywhere." She said throwing up her hands.

"Promise?" Jerry asked.

"Yes." She told him.

"That's good but I still want you to wear it." He told her as he turned toward the nursery.

"Wait you ask me for a promise but you still don't believe me?"

"No, I asked you for your promise to build trust but I want you to wear it anyways because there are a couple of crazy guys running around out there in case you forgot. One of them kidnapped our son and the other has threatened to hurt him." He told her as he again started toward the nursery. 

Jared had already reached the nursery when Jerry arrived, "You sure you want to do this?" He asked Jerry.

"Just because she took off and hurt me doesn't mean that I stopped loving her - hell Jared she gave me my son! If nothing else I have to make sure that he's taken care of."

"As long as you know what you're getting yourself into. I don't want to have to watch you go through what you did last time." Jared told him with a pat on the back.

"I'm okay Jared." Jerry told him. "Now let's go deal with psycho number one."

"Yeah then we go talk with Scott." Jared said with an evil smile.

Leaving was not as hard as Jared thought it would be. Olivia actually was very calm about it; of course she reminded Jason not to let anything happen to him but still she didn't cry. 

The ride to the pier was nerve racking since no one knew what they were walking into. Before they got there Jason called Ty to make sure everyone was in place.

"No one has been here. We've checked all possible hiding spots and no one is here at all Jas." Ty told him.

"Well then we'll just see if he shows and what happens then." Jason told him before closing his phone. "I don't like this Jared. Tom isn't stupid; he probably already knows that we have the kids."

"So you think that he'll show up?" Jerry asked.

"Probably not." Jared said, "We'll just continue on another day. Drop me off here then get out of sight. Let's see if he shows."

"If you need anything then say the code word -- we'll storm this pier, okay?" Jason told him.

"Yeah, yeah I got it."

Jared got out of the truck and walked over to the center of the pier. Well this was a stupid idea! Now all I have to do is wait at least in the truck I could talk to someone. He looked at his watch, 5 damn minutes left to wait. He walked over to a crate and had a seat crossing his arms across his chest. Leave it to the fucker to be late. Just then his phone rang. "Jared"

"I see that you have arrived - good I hate to be left waiting."

"Where the fuck are you, you psycho fucker!"

"Patience Jared - how can you ever have been a good lover for Raven if you do not have patience?"

"Her fuckin' name is Olivia, not Raven! And trust me she has no complaints about me in bed in fact just a little bit ago she was screaming my name as her pussy was clinching my cock as I emptied my ball sack into her." Jared told him knowing that he would get a reaction.

"WHY YOU LITTLE FUCKER..." with the Tom hung up on him. 

Jared chuckled God it is so easy to get under his skin! That is when a black limo pulled onto the pier. Jared didn't move towards it he figured let the fucker come to him. Instead what he saw was a rifle barrel poking out of the window then seen a pop of light. He felt like someone just slammed into his right peck with a baseball bat soon after that. He fell back over the crate landing on the ground behind it. He heard the car sped off then come to a sudden halt as Jason's truck blocked it off. The guys then moved toward the vehicle only to hear a pop come from the back seat. When Jerry reached to open the door they saw the backseat was now covered in the shooter's brain matter and blood. The shooter wasn't Tom and no one else was in the back. Jason had the driver taken in to find out what he knew but he was a rent a driver for a rent-a-limo place a few blocks over. Jason then turned and walked over to where Jared was, he had sat back up on the crate at this time but was holding the upper right of his chest. 

"You okay?" Jason asked him.

"Fuck no. It hurt like a mother fucker getting shot in this thing!"

"Just imagine if you had no vest on - bet that would have hurt more." Jason told him as he turned to walk back to his truck. Jared got up slowly and followed him climbing into the truck also.

"Man you really are an asshole sometimes, Jas."

"Yes, but you're alive so your wife will be happy."

"You could at least be considerate of how much it hurt." Jared told him.

"I could shoot you in the foot - then you won't remember how much your chest hurts." Jason told him.

"Fuck you! I think Liv wants me unshot. Don't think your line of reason will work for her."

"I offered." Jason said as Jerry climbed into the truck, "Okay Jerry let's go take care of your problem."

"Okay let's go." Jerry replied.

Fifteen minutes later they were pulling up in front of Callie's mom's house. As they got out and started walked up toward the door it opened and out walked an elderly lady that looked a lot like Callie. "Jerry! What are you doing here?" She asked.

"Couple of things. These are my cousins, Jared and Jason."

"Hello to both of you." She said as they both nodded at her.

"I hear that you have been sick and Callie came back to help you."

"Yes, that is right - Jerry you know I like you and everything but you really need to talk to my daughter some interesting things might come up. Course might not knowing her..."

"I know about Bret." He told her.

Relief showed on her face, "Oh thank God! I had hoped that she would come to her senses."

"Well, she really didn't have a choice - someone kidnapped Brett but we got him back and afterwards we had our little talk. When she explained her reasons for leaving she slipped and told me a very interesting fact, so the organization laws go into effect - we are married and her and Bret will stay with me. Which brings me to you; I know she was here to help you but since she'll be living with me from now on I'ld like to get you a live-in assistant or I can set you up in an assisted living apartment if you prefer." He told her.

"No, I'm fine but an assistant is so expensive..."

"Trust me I can afford it, besides what kind of son would I be if I didn't help you out when you needed it?"

She smiled up at him and patted him on the cheek, "Okay if you want to I'ld appreciate that. Now if you could help me with one more problem."

"Scott?"

"He is a terrible burden to everyone Jerry. He's a leech that just keeps sucking until someone is dry."

"Don't worry that was on my list to take care of when I came over. Where is he?"

"In the basement where he always is." 

"Thanks, we'll take care of him." He told her as they walked toward the house.

"Do you know where the basement is?" Jared asked him.

"Well of course - not the first time I have been in the house you know." Without any problems Jerry lead them to a door, when he opened it there was stairs going down into the basement. 

As they began to walk down they heard Scott begin to yell, "Where the fuck have you been, you fuckin' bitch! Have you been pampering your little bastard? I told you what would happen when you next ignored me..." Just then Scott turned around and saw the three men standing at the foot of the steps all three making no point to hide their guns.

"Well the wonderful, intelligent, and handsome little boy that you're calling a 'little bastard' is my son so if you want to take another breath in this life don't ever let me hear you call him that. Callie willn't be coming back here and you won't need to worry about her ignoring you anymore," Jerry began to walk towards him, "because if you come close to my wife I'll make sure you die a slow, painful, death. Right now we're going to help you relocate. Don't contact my wife or son and you better fuckin' never threaten them again." With that Jerry threw a hard right and connected to his jaw popping Scott's head up and back before he fell to the floor out.

"Damn! Who would've thought you had that in you?" Jason said, "I need to put you in hand in hand combat instead of guns."




Second Chance Ch. 12



"Hey what the hell we going to do with him now?" asked Jared.

"Got a boat going to India?" asked Jerry.

"No, but got one going to Australia." Jason replied.

"That will work - what the hell do you have a boat going to Australia for?" Jerry asked.

"Cause you need one." Said Jared.

"Well, let's grab him." Said Jason.

Jerry grabbed Scott's hands and Jared and Jason grabbed his legs. They dragged him up and out of the house. Jerry told his new mother that him, Callie and Bret would come by soon to visit her. He also told her that any time she wanted to she could come by the apartment.

She replied, "Thank you for everything Jerry. And if you're free, you all come by tomorrow and I'll make up some pot roast."

"I'll have Callie give you a call tomorrow morning to let you know if we can make it."

"Okay."

With that they got Scott into the back of the truck and took off to the docks. When they reached the ship they packed him on and handcuffed him in one of the cabins. Jason gave the captain the keys to the handcuffs with strict orders not to let him out of them until the ship was at least three hundred miles off shore.

"Let's go -- Jared and I have our own new brides waiting for us."

Jason laughed as they started climbing into the truck, "Why do I get the feeling that tomorrow I am going to have a couple of extra kids at my house? Let's go so you both can have your wives bring you to your knees!"



Second Chance Ch. 13-16



Here is the rest of the installments. I hope that you all have enjoyed Jared and Olivia story. Thanks to MaaddMaaxx for all your hard work ~ CinderLaw

*

The guys got home to discover that the girls were still all together at Jason and Laysea's apartment. They had called Maxie up earlier so when Ty got home from the pier he had to locate his wife - which he did, and now was being subjected to a lot of female attention. He wasn't very happy about it which he showed by calling Mac repeatedly and asking him if he needed any help programming anything. 

Ty was willing to program alarm clocks if it meant he didn't have to be trapped in an apartment with these women together. Laysea kept calling him 'Satan' which he never understood, Maxie kept telling him that they really loved him then giving him a kiss on the lips, Callie and Olivia avoided him - but Callie kept a wary eye on him. Then Laysea started the one conversation that was bound to make him uncomfortable - men and their high handed ways of getting a wife. "How in the world are we, as normal women, supposed to know the laws that this organization lives by? I mean if I had known that by Jason taking my virginity I was married to him I would probably have held out some! Especially after meeting Jared, sorry Olivia, but he was a jackass."

"No offense - before my time so for all I know he might have been."

"He was" came from three mouths none of which were Ty's.

"Oh please, you three have each had your own wars with Jared that he was just responding to. Maxie you are the one that got most of his girlfriends to break up with him - remember? You use to tell them that he either had an incurable STD or that he was gay trying to be straight." 

Maxie just shrugged her shoulders and chuckled, "Ty, you know as well as I do that I had a really good reason for it."

"Just because Jared kept catching you out on dates with other guys and would call me and let me know so I could go and have a heart to heart with the dumb ass of the week, that thought he could date my girlfriend because she was pissed at me, does not give you the right to start all that shit with those girls for him! And Laysea, let's be honest first time he met you was when you were running away from his brother. This is after Jason had already explained the situation. He knew you were a virgin and he took it that means that Jason had taken you as a wife also. So he knew that if we did not get you back Jason was going to experience a big loss... there would be big consequences. Which brings me to you Callie, I am not attacking you in any way cause quite frankly I don't want to fight with Jerry. You just have to understand that Jared and Jason took a lot on themselves when you left. Jerry began to drink heavy and didn't want to live anymore. There was more than one time that we pulled his gun out of his hand before he ate it. They were pissed that you'd cause him that much pain - it would have been better if you had just broken it off with him face to face..."

"Ty you know that he would never have let me go!" Callie interrupted him.

"Especially not if he found out you were pregnant with his baby. He would have moved the moon and the sun for you. After you left and he got through the drinking and trying to kill himself, well then he began to womanize. Never the same girl for more than one night and he made well damn and sure that none of them was virgins. He told everyone that he had met the love of his life and she didn't want to be with him so he wasn't going to try and find another one - it was too much work."

Callie looked down at her hands tears welling up in her eyes, "I never meant him to grow cold."

"Why did you think that he couldn't protect you?" asked Olivia.

"The day that I found out I was pregnant his best friend Fred, his wife Tina and their 7 year old daughter Mable were gunned down. So I came home from the doctors to find Jerry completely destroyed. He told me that he never wanted children for that very reason. In hindsight I'm sure that if he'd known that I was pregnant, he would have changed his mind...but I was barely 19 at the time. All I could think about was that I was pregnant with a child that could very well be gunned down and his father didn't want him. I never wanted Jerry to be trapped with me. I didn't want him to resent us later."

"So you took it upon yourself to decide what he really wanted? You never considered that he was talking based on the emotions that he was feeling?" Ty asked her.

"You know what I don't understand?" Maxie said. "Why my cousin would tell you that shit about using a toy to avoid the law?"

"When I heard that I almost beat the shit out of Jason! I kept thinking that jackass didn't have to marry me he could've used something else to take care of my virginity but then I'm glad that I didn't because... you know...it's not true." Laysea commented.

"Yeah I'm glad you didn't try to beat the shit out of me also." Jason said as he walked in. 

"You know that you would've liked it."

"Not really into sex in public baby. Now if we were alone and you began to... well that would be a different thing." He said as he wiggled his eyebrows at her.

She gave him a light slap on the arm, "Down boy!"

Jerry walked in and looked at Callie, "I figured that you wouldn't be here." Then he got a sheepish look on his face while Callie got a pissed off look on hers. She walked right out of the room. "Damn it, I didn't mean it like it sounded." Jerry said as he turned to follow her. He found her in the nursery getting Bret. 

"Callie...it came out wrong."

"Did it Jerry? Or will I have to live with the stigma of what I've done for the rest of my life? I can't make amends for something I did when I was 19, I can't go back and change what I've done. No matter how much I might want to." She said as tears flowed freely down her face.

"Momma why are you crying?" Bret asked her.

"It doesn't matter honey. Let's get you ready to go." 

"But...wait...I want to stay with dad...mom I don't want to go back to grandmas. Scott is there and I - I hate him!" Bret yelled.

"Bret." Jerry said with just that 'dad' tone, "you and mom live with me now. So you're just going down stairs to our apartment." He explained.

"Oh, okay." With that Bret got his coat on and was ready to go. 

Callie glared at Jerry, "What if I want to go to my mother's house."

"We will tomorrow."

"No. Now. I don't want to live with you." She told him.

Jerry step up to her, "You're my wife..."

"By your doing. I don't remember anyone asking me if I wanted to..."

"You're the one who had the big revelations today, not me."

"Well maybe I should talk to an attorney about a divorce. Surely this isn't legal to be forced into a marriage!" She yelled at him.

Something flashed in Jerry's eyes and she knew that she'd gone too far. He grabbed her and threw her over his shoulder. "Bret stay here and be good!" He said as Callie started to hit his back. As he turned to walk away he smacked her ass hard enough that he knew it stung good. As he came through the living room Jared was walking towards the bathroom. "Tell Jas I'll be back, Bret is in the nursery, but there is something that I need to take care of right now!" Jared nodded at him.

Jerry pushed the button, the doors slid open and he got on. Callie began to start hitting him again, "Don't make me pull your pants down and spank you good and sound!"

When Jerry got off he was in his apartment. Callie glanced around - nothing had really changed. Everything was exactly where she had put it. She realized too late where he was heading; a scant second later he threw her down on the bed. Then he walked over to the dresser and pulled something out of the top drawer. 

Callie, however, wasn't going to wait around to find out what he was going to do. She made it just outside of the master bedroom when he grabbed her and dragged her back. He put her back on the bed and this time laid on top of her. He grabbed her hands and before she knew it he had snapped handcuffs on her. She looked up and realized that he had also wound the cuffs around the decorative iron bars on the headboard. She pulled hard but he had made sure that the cuffs would not allow her to escape. Then he stood up and walked out of the room.

"JERRY! You can't leave me like this!" She cried out as she started to yank on the cuffs.

"Calm down, I did not leave you." He said as he walked back into the room. "You know that you can't break iron, right?"

"Fuck you! Let me out of here!"

"Nope we do this my way. First off, what I said upstairs came out wrong. I meant that I figured you would come down here and not stay up there the whole time. I knew you wouldn't leave - you promised, remember?"

"Fine I understand, now...let me out of these." Jerry gave her the smile that she could never resist and pulled out a pair of scissors. "Not yet, you know it is our wedding night for all intents and purpose."

"So what are you going to do with those?"

"Cut your clothes off."

"Jerry, don't do that just uncuff me and I'll let you do what you want to."

"Oh no, first off I am going to make sure that you want me." He lightly rubbed the back of his hand over one of her breast seeing the nipple poke up as if to beg for his touch. "Not too far away from that are we?" he told her with a chuckle.

The scissors were cold against her warm skin as he began to her shirt off. When the shirt was completely cut open he put the scissors down and slowly slid the sides open to expose her bra. He leaned down and flicked his tongue over her nipple that was still entrapped in the lace bra. Callie moaned and turned away from him. "You know that I'm not going to let you act as if you don't want this, right?"

"Just do it, so that I can go get Bret."

"Naked? I don't think so. What would my family say?"

"Jerry!"

"Yeah you will be screaming just like that in a bit." He told her as he began to kiss the spot between her neck and her shoulder. He knew that she could not resist the sensations that happened when he touched that spot. He continued to kiss, lick and gently nip her right there then slowly kissed up to the spot right behind her ear. 

Callie moaned when he reached his destination. He gently began to knead her breasts as if they were balls of dough. She did not know how she could fight the one person who knew all the spots that made her wild. 

He picked the scissors up again and cut each of the straps of her bra. he uncovered one breast as if it might be damaged should he do it too fast. When the breast was fully exposed on that side he leaned in and lapped at the nipple with the rougher part of his tongue. He had known that her nipple would extend even more than it was. He began to twirl his tongue around her nipple sucking it gently into his mouth. Then he pulled back just a bit and blew on it. He felt her hip twist from side to side. He sucked her nipple back into his mouth and this time he bit her nipple. Not enough to break the skin, but he knew that her nipples were extremely sensitive to the pain sensation and that she loved to have her nipples bit as she had an orgasm. What he had not planned on was her having the orgasm right then. 

"Ohh, Jerry!" she cried out.

He sat back and looked at her glazed eyes, "Been a while?"

"Let's just say that the last time I had an orgasm was at your mercy also."

"The last time you had a dick inside of you should've been with me."

"Well the last one that I let one in me willingly was you."

He looked up at her and then turned his attention to the other breast. This time he just tongued it a bit, he knew that her nipples were extremely sensitive after an orgasm. 

He then stood up, unbuttoned her pants then walked to the end of the bed, another good thing about her orgasms, she did not have the strength to fight after one. He pulled off both of her shoes then pulled on the legs of her pants until they began to slide down her legs. She had worn a black lacy pair of underwear he smiled up at her and cocked an eyebrow. 

"Thinking of me today? You know black, lacy underwear always turned me on." He reminded her. 

She continued to lay there not saying anything. He crawled onto the bed, between her legs. Pulling them apart enough for him to settle between them he put his face down in her pussy taking a deep breath, savoring the musky smell of her previous orgasm juices. Without removing her underwear he lightly licked along her pussy lips. He could taste her, not a strong taste, just a teaser. By the fourth time he licked her through the lacy underwear he felt her push her hips up toward him. He grinned, then leaned back on his legs and pulled her underwear off, exposing her trimmed pubic hair. 

"You still do the landing strip? Wonder if it had anything to do with it being my favorite?" Again she refused to say anything to him. He went back down to her pussy this time spreading her lips apart looking at the glistening pink flesh hidden between her legs. He began licking around her clit knowing that she was getting more turned on; he could see her little pea coming out of its hood. He slid a finger smoothly into her depths.

"Ohhh!" she yelled out.

He stopped and looked up at her, "I'm sorry, did you say something?"

"Alright! Fine! You know all of my weaknesses and whether I want to or not you can and will make me cum as much as you want. I get it."

He climbed up so that he was directly over her face to face, "Tell me what I want to hear." He whispered to her.

"I won't leave you Jerry."

"I know that - not what I want to hear."

"Then you are going to have to tell me what you want..." He shoved two fingers back into her steaming hot pussy and began to rub circles around her clit. She began to fuck his hand back, he could feel her beginning to get close to another orgasm and pulled his hand away from her core. 

"Damn it, Jerry!" She yelled at him.

"Tell me."

"I want you, inside of me, deep, deep inside of me."

"Deep, deep?"

"Jerry..." she whispered.

He stood up and got undressed in record time.

"Are you on birth control?" he asked her.

"You know that I can't take it, the medicine makes me really sick."

"Then how did you and dumb ass not get pregnant?"

"You mean besides the fact that he can hardly get it up? He is impotent and had to wear a condom so that I would feel him." Jerry started laughing until she said, "keep laughing but when he was born there was a mess up with the circumcision and too much was taken off. He never got that far in, hell your finger went farther then he did."

Jerry shook his head, "Then you should have come back a lot sooner - I could have given you what you needed..." Just then he slid into her, "...what you wanted."

She couldn't deny that she definitely wanted and needed what he was able to do. She felt him thrust further into her and she thrust her hips upward to help get him in as far as he could reach. She had forgotten how good Jerry was at this! She wrapped her legs around his hips and brought him even deeper. 

He could feel his own orgasm coming fast but wanted to feel her orgasm around his cock. It used to be one of his favorite feelings when they had been together. He slid one of his hands between them and began to rub her clit while sliding in and out of her at increasing speeds. When he knew she was getting ready to crest her leaned down and bit her nipple again. With that her pussy muscles clamped down tight on his cock doing a series of squeezes and releases. After the third series he released his own orgasm into her. The force of his orgasm set her off again, her muscles milking his cock of all his cum. 

After the last tremor was felt, they laid there trying to get their breath back. He reached over to the nightstand and picked up a key then undid her cuffs. She brought her arms down and wrapped them around his neck keeping him close. He grinned; it was her way of telling him exactly what he wanted. They were in it together, forever.

Jared and Olivia stayed until after dinner, visiting with the two other couples as the children played for a bit longer. Maxie and Ty went home just before Laysea went to start getting the children ready for bed. That was when Jason looked at Jared and Olivia and said, "If you want we can let Chloe sleep here with the others. Why don't you two just go home - enjoy a night of just each other's company."

"You sure?" asked Jared.

"Yeah, after all I think that they have all decided where to sleep and what they are going to do in the morning." Jason told them as he headed off to help his wife get everyone ready for bed. Without further argument Jared grabbed Olivia's hand and walks swiftly to the elevator doors, climbed on and took them right to their apartment. As soon as they were inside he twirled Olivia into his arms and began to kiss her. Olivia wrapped her arms around him keeping him from pulling back. It was that moment that his phone started to vibrate in-between them, "Please tell me that you are just really excited." Olivia told him. 

He sighed and pulled back from her growling. 

"Sorry."

She laughed, "Its okay just get it done so that we can get back to matters at hand."

He pulled his phone out and flipped it, "Jared and this so better be fuckin' good...who is he...Yeah I'll be down" He hung his phone up then. "I gotta go downstairs. Some guy is down there that I need to talk to."

"Wait. Are you sure it's not someone who works for Tom?"

"Doubt it, he's asking for you."

"Well who would know that I'm here?"

"Don't know, that is what I am going down to find out."

"Well I'm going with you." She told him.

"Like hell! Get your ass in that bedroom and start getting undressed! I will be back in a couple of minutes."

"Jared I am not going to get undressed and wait in bed for you. What fun would it be if I had to undress myself? Besides I would rather undress you. Plus I would know if I know the guy or not."

"Fine but you stay on the elevator." As they got on the elevator he told her, "You know the only reason that you are coming is because of the comment about undressing me."

"I know." She smiled at him. 

When they got to the lobby the doors slid open and Jared got off and walked around the partitioned wall. "Who the hell are you and what the hell do you want with my wife?" Jared asked.

"Who the hell are you? I said I wanted to talk with Olivia not you - hell I don't even know who you are." 

Olivia's blood ran cold at the sound of the new voice. She ran off of the elevator and around the wall to Jared's side, "What the hell are you doing here?" she demanded.

Jared turned to look at her and probably would have said something to her about staying on the elevator but she stay mostly behind Jared and was holding on to his arm.

"Well now, it seems that you have been a very busy little girl. Anyways, I came to tell you I am taking you to court." He said in a snide tone.

"For what Rich?" she yelled back.

"For my daughter - can't have her living with a mobster and all." He said with an ugly grin that showed off his yellowing teeth.

Chapter 14 Jared moved towards Rich with his fist clinched, "I'll show you mobster..." he said through gritted teeth.

Olivia jumped in front of Jared and yelled at the security desk, "Call Jason!" Then looked up at Jared, she could tell by the feel of his body that he was beyond pissed. "Jared, he wants you to hit him! It'll give him reason to justify why she isn't safe around you." She told him hoping that she could break through to him before he did hit Rich.

Jared looked at her, his eyes completely hard steel, "I'd never hurt that little girl! You know that, right?"

"I know that Jared but he's pushing your buttons and going to use anything he can to prove his point. Don't let him win."