FLAME (Spark Series) (23 page)

25

“Are you ready?” Drew asks, reaching for my hand. I nod and stand up, clenching my hand in his.

“I’m ready,” I breathe out. We grab our carry-ons and head for our gate.
Today’s the day.

I’m nervous as hell to be flying, but Drew is doing his best to comfort me. We booked with a completely different airline, helping me be more at ease as we fly directly to London.

We get comfortable in our seats as we wait for take off. I plug my headphones in and listen to music. I have so much anxiety—the flight, the move, the whole new living in a different country—but it’s a positive anxiety.

When I have to shut my phone off, Drew talks to me and keeps my mind busy. It’s sweet, really. He tells me about the plans for when we arrive. We’ll have a drive, but I’m so excited to see everything that I know I won’t mind it.

I lean into his chest and close my eyes. The flight is finally smooth, and I can put my headphones back in and relax. Images from my past flood my mind. Velaney and I moving into our apartment the first day. Working at the bar together. Having our Sunday movie nights. Velaney meeting Eric. Me meeting Drew. Velaney moving away. And now me…packing up everything I own and walking out of the apartment for the final time.

“You okay?” he asks, leaning down and brushing his lips against my ear. It sends a shiver down my spine, jerking me from my thoughts.

I smile sincerely at him, pulling the ear buds out. “I’m great.”

The flight is long. Exhausting. But we make it,
finally
. The time change has my body completely fucked up, but I’m on such an adrenaline high, I ignore how tired I am.

There’s a car waiting for us at the airport. I keep my head glued to the window the entire time.

“Oh my god! This is beautiful!” I gush as we drive through the city. “Seriously? You live here?”

I hear him laugh behind me. “You live here now, too.”

I shake my head, still not believing that I’m actually here in London. “This is incredible. So beautiful.”

“We’ll make lots of time to do stuff. We can do tours and check out the museums. There’s so much to do here.”

“I can’t even imagine…” My jaw drops as I take in my surroundings. I’m simply in awe…

We arrive at his mother’s house after dark. I try to peel my eyes open so I can make a somewhat appropriate introduction.

His mom barrels out the door, arms flailing as she runs toward us. “Oh, my sweet baby!”

I look as Drew’s cheeks heat with embarrassment. I laugh to myself as I think how sweet it is she missed him so much.

“Hi, mum,” he says casually as he lets her arms wrap around him in a tight hug. He hugs her back and lets her hold on for as long as she needs to.

I hear her tearing up and can’t help tearing up myself. The reunion between Drew and his mom is the sweetest thing ever.

She finally lets go of him and aims right for me. “You must be Carissa!”

She catches me off guard as she squeezes me. I wrap my arms around her, welcoming it.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs.—”

“Oh, please, dear, call me Hilary. It’s so lovely to finally meet you!”

“Thank you. You, too. I’m really excited to be here.”

“Oh, Drew, you forgot to mention how beautiful and tiny she is!” she says, giving me a once over. I stand there feeling awkward as she talks about me to Drew.

“Alright, mum. Let’s get her inside. She’s knackered.” He chuckles lightly, giving me an apologetic look.

His mom lays out tea for us after we settle in. We’re leaving most of our bags packed since we plan to start looking for a place together.

“Are you sure you guys don’t want to stay here? There’s plenty of room. Plus, it’ll save you money,” she insists as we all sit around the table.

I swallow, feeling bad that I’m taking him away from his home.

“Mum, we cannot live here. It’s best we get our own flat.”

I hear the sadness in her voice and speak up. “We can stay if you want.” I grab Drew’s hand letting him know it’s alright.

His mom looks hopeful just before Drew replies. “No, no. We’ll just get in the way. Mum will want to do your laundry and cook dinner every night.”

My head pops up as I jokingly say, “Well, then why the hell
aren’t we staying here?”

His mom’s eyes widen as she nods desperately. “Yes, see?”

Drew lets out a loud sigh of defeat and drops it. “I think we need to get some sleep first, mum. We’ll talk about it later.”

We all say goodnight before heading into Drew’s old room. It’s like a time machine, going back to Drew’s teen years.

“Oh my god!” I laugh out loud as I look at his room surrounded in supermodel and band posters.

“Oh shit,” he spits out. “Forgot about these.”

I can’t help laughing. It’s just too funny watching him get embarrassed. “It’s okay. They can watch, I suppose.”

I walk up to him and press a hand against his hard chest. “I mean, it’s kind of erotic, isn’t it? Your mom only downstairs…” I wink, although I’m dead serious.

He adjusts himself, clearly hesitant. “I thought you’d be too tired.”

“I am…but I have this overwhelming urge to have you right now.”

I stalk him backward, pushing him onto his bed. “We can be quiet.” I smirk.

He forcefully grabs my hips, making me straddle him. “You are never quiet,” he growls. “Unless I gag you.”

I adjust myself, rocking my hips against his hard cock that is threatening to pop out of his jeans. “Do whatever you have to do…”

*   *   *

-
Two months later-

Summer in London is amazing. Waking up to Drew is even better. I’m
still adjusting, but I don’t regret my decision one bit. His mother is the sweetest person I’ve ever met, and I love having her around, even if Drew insists we need to move out soon.

The past two months have been
unbelievably life changing. Not only have I grown to know and understand Drew better as I person, but I’ve discovered who I am as well. I feel changed—for the better—as if I’m finally growing up and realizing what’s important.

I get to meet Cassia and Luke. Luke was visiting his grandparents for the summer and Cassia was visiting colleges when I first arrived. They are both the sweetest and look exactly like Drew. I don’t have any siblings, well, except Laney, who I consider a sister, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, they are pleasant and welcoming.

As I finish packing, I think about the first place he took me. A real British pub—like the ones I’ve always seen in movies. We ordered fish and chips and drank beer out of huge mugs. It was so simple, yet easily one of the best times of my life.

“Have everything you need?” Drew asks, peeking into the bedroom.

“I think so. I packed for a week, just in case.” I zip up the last suitcase. “Are you sure you can’t come?” I give him my best puppy dog eyes.

“I wish, Doll.” He walks over and kisses me tenderly. Drew nailed an internship in preparation for graduate school this fall. I couldn’t be more proud of his s
uccess. He really makes it look easy.

“Kind of cool we’ll be attending the same school in a couple months.” I smile, just thinking about it. I never thought I’d enroll in college, but I did. And was surprised when they accepted me. Luckily, it hosts undergrads and graduates
, so Drew and I will be there together.

“You’ll be the hot graduate student dating the young freshman,” I tease.
He sits on the bed as I happily straddle him.

“Hmm…that
does
sound hot. And very naughty. I have a feeling graduate school is going to be much harder than college, and not because of the school work.” He grins foolishly.

“Oh
, I can help you study if need be.” I rub a finger down his chest.

“You’ll be a distraction…” he purrs as I grind my hips deeper into his.

“And your point?” I lean into him, letting his mouth capture mine.

“I have a feeling you are going to want to help me study a lot…” he says between kisses.

“It’s very possible.” I laugh.

I’m flying to Texas today. Well, tomorrow by the time I arrive. Laney is due any day and is anxious for me to get there right away.

“Alright, I better go. The car will be here soon to drive me.” I reluctantly get off his lap, grinning at the bulge I’m leaving behind.

We say our goodbyes by the car. I’m sad to be leaving him behind, but I’m also excited to be seeing Laney and Eric again.

*   *   *

“Where the hell are you?” Velaney screams into the phone. I’ve just arrived in Texas and am grabbing a cab.

“I just landed! I’ll be there soon. Are you okay?” I ask nervously.

“I’ve been having contractions. A person is about to come out of me! How do you think I am?” she snaps.

I try to hold back a laugh. “I’ll be there as soon as I can,” I promise.

End of July in Texas is bloody hot.
Oh shit.
Drew’s slang is totally getting to me. Not to mention, his mother’s thick accent.

I end up passing out against the window before arriving at her house. The cab driver wakes me up, getting a good view of the drool.

I wipe my mouth and apologize, completely embarrassed. I’ll never get used to the damn time change.

“Thanks,” I say as he helps grab my luggage.

Eric opens the door, greeting me. I can tell how excited he is about becoming a dad soon.

He wraps his arms around me while I hug him back.
“I actually missed you and your sassy mouth.”

“Thanks, ass. I missed you, too,” I snort. “How’s Laney?”

He gives me a cringing look. “She’s intolerable. She’s in the living room.” He points.

“Great.” I smile back at him. If there is one thing I know for sure, it’s that Velaney is strong, but doesn’t do pain well. Especially in the vaginal area.

“Oh, thank god! You’re here!” She’s lying on the couch, feet up. Her big belly is the first thing I notice as I walk over to her.

“You look good, Lil’ Mama.”

“Please get it out of me,” she begs. “The baby doesn’t stop kicking! Stop kicking me!” she yells at her belly, lying back in defeat.

I kneel down and rub a hand over her swollen belly. I feel the kicks and instantly feel giddy.

“This is the coolest thing ever.” I gleam.

“I’m glad you think so,” she snickers. “It really is amazing, though. When it doesn’t feel like your insides are being beaten alive.”

“Hey there, little baby. Be nice to your mama. She’s not pretty when she’s mad,” I tease, rubbing and talking to her belly. The baby kicks in response, making me jump and laugh simultaneously.

Eric joins us, bringing us both iced tea. “Texas is seriously a different world.” I smirk. “Hot tea in London, iced tea in Texas. Look at me all cultured and smart.” I snort.

“You better tell me all the juicy details. Distract me.”

I grab Velaney’s legs and lift them up so I can sit on the couch, resting her legs back on me.

“Well, we’ve been seeing all kinds of amazing places. He just started his internship, so I help his mum during the day and hang out with Cassia and Luke. She tells me all kinds of history about the places we plan to see. She talks about Drew’s childhood. We talk about the future. It’s sweet, ya know? I’ve never really had a mother before, and now she’s practically taken me under her wing—er…roof technically—and she is just the sweetest person ever. She’s been through a lot, and yet she doesn’t hold any of that against anyone. She just lives—
happy and content.”
I pause, smiling as I think of her and Drew. “I hope to find a job on campus when school begins. Some work-study thing, I guess. Not sure what I’ll be able to do, but I’m excited for even that. And school. I just don’t know what to major in yet. Drew says I have a couple years before I actually need to pick one, but it makes me nervous not having one and—” I realize I’m rambling and quickly look at Velaney who’s panting heavily, breathing in and out slowly. “Are you alright?”

She only shakes her head no. I yell for Eric, who soon rushes to her side.

“It’s time,” I hear her whisper.

I push her feet off me gently and stand up.

“What can I do?” I ask panicky.

“Let’s get her to the hospital. I’ll call her doctor on the way.”

I help Eric as much as I can, grabbing her overnight bag and anything else we think she needs.

She squeezes my hand the entire ride to the hospital. I try not to let it show that I’m freaking out, but inside, I totally am.

“Breathe…Laney…breathe,” I coach, unsure of what else to really say. This is all so new and scary.

Eric acts like a natural, a pro
. As soon as they get her into the hospital bed he begins bringing her ice chips, rubbing her back, and placing a washcloth on her forehead. I watch in awe, thinking how Laney really got lucky in finding a good man for herself.