Holiday Second Chance Romance (Clarice and Trevor) novel Chapter 25

<25 Don’t You Speak to Them

25 Don’t You Speak to Them

Clarice POV

As soon as Nick stepped out of the truck, our conversation replayed in my head. I really do want to try to fix things with my mom. If I’m being totally honest with my dad too, if he truly has changed. Movement out of the corner of my eye has my heart sinking the minute I realize that Loretta is approaching the truck from across the street. I quickly lock the doors and turn my head, not giving her an ounce of my attention. I thought seeing her again would cause me more pain, but honestly the only thing I feel is anger.

She needs to leave me the f**k alone. Whatever I once felt for her is long gone. I will have to deal

with Trevor because of the baby, but I owe her nothing. Without a moment of reservation, I pull the

phone from my pocket just as she reaches my window. She starts to blabber on about how I need

to forgive her, and how she is my best friend. Blah blah blah is all I hear as I dial Judy. She picks up

on the second ring.

“How is my favorite author? I hope relaxing,” she says. “Unfortunately, no. I’m actually back in my hometown.” There is a long pause and I wonder if the call dropped. “Clarice, what’s going on? Who is that I hear carrying on like a nut in the background,” she asks. “Well, the short version is that my soon–to–be ex–husband has been f**king my ex–best friend, and I’m pregnant.” “What the f**k? Are you f**king kidding me,” she practically screams.

I love how angry she is on my behalf. “I wish I wasn’t. Actually, that’s not true. I’m happy where I

am,

and I’m not wasting any more time on the ba**ard. I’m calling because I need to handle a few things.” “What do you need me to do? I can be your alibi,” she says and I laugh. “No need for an alibi but I do need a lawyer. I want to file for divorce as soon as possible. There is no going back at this point. I’m moving on.” Loretta is banging on the window now and people passing by are

starting to stop.

“Judy, I need to go deal with the crazy b**ch that just can’t take a hint.” “Is this the crazy b**ch

“Unfortunately, can you call that slept with your husband screaming about loving you,” she ask me later with the contact information for a really good lawyer.” “Absolutely, but you be careful. She doesn’t sound like she is wound too tight. I don’t want anything happening to you, Clarice,” she says. I look toward the diner just in time to see Nick step out. “Don’t worry, I’m safe.”

“I’ll try not to worry. I’ll call you later with the name of the best lawyer I can find,” she says and disconnects the call. I almost laugh when Nick moves toward Loretta, and she takes a step back. I know he would never hit her, but seeing her scared has me giddy inside. I love that Nick, despite his anger, is concerned about me. My body freezes when I hear my mother ask Loretta what’s going on. I’m ready to open the door and scream that she is a back–stabbing wh*re, but Nick does

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25 Don’t You Speak to Therm

it for me.

I watch my mother’s face contort from concern to rage. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that look on my mother’s face. Tears spring to my eyes when she tells Loretta to leave. My mom is defending me even after I abandoned her. “This is none of your business. She hates you both, you know,” Loretta says, and my control snaps. I throw open the door of the truck and jump down. I stalk toward her ready to beat her a** when his arms around my waist.

kwrans

“Let me go, Nick. I’m going to beat her into the ground. How f**king dare you say that to my parents? The only one I hate is you. Now leave, go back to that lying sack of sh*t that was worth our friendship. We are done Loretta. Stay the f**k away from my parents, my man, and my new sister, or I will show you just what crazy is.” “Clari,” she starts to say but my father steps in front of her. “Your father is on his way and is quite upset about what you’ve done. I suggest you leave my daughter alone,” my father says.

She starts to finally back away, and I look up at Nick, who is smiling like a fool. “You’re s*xy when you are angry at someone else. If your parents weren’t here, I would put you back on my lap and let

you

kiss me some more. As it is, I’m going to need a very cold shower,” he whispers. I’m sure my cheeks are pink. I look past him and there is a soft smile on my mother’s face as she looks between me and Nick. My father though still looks angry. Before I can say anything, Nick turns to face them. “We will see you later he starts to say, but I cut him off, “Both of you.”

My father’s features soften as he stares at me. Tears well in the corner of his eyes and my mother. wraps her arm around his waist. “We will be there,” she says, tears rolling down her own cheeks. Nick helps me back into the truck before he slides into the driver’s seat. We both seem to be lost in thought on the drive back to the Inn. Once we step inside, a wave of exhaustion washes over me. Nick, I’m going to lay down before dinner.” Concern flashes in his eyes. “Are you alright? Is the baby alright,” he asks.

I smile and reach my hands up to cup his cheeks. “I’m fine and so is jelly bean.” Without a moment of hesitation for where we are, I pull his lips down to mine. The kiss isn’t long, but it still makes my toes curl. A throat–clearing has us breaking the kiss. “Oh my God. You really have melted the ice king’s heart, Jack says, and I giggle.

Nick glares at him and he raises his hand in surrender, “Come on, I’ll walk you to the apartment and tuck you in,” he says. I’m just about to protest, but he gives me a warning look. He threads his fingers with mine. “Nick, do you think we can talk when you’re done tucking in my new sister,” Jack says. Despite his teasing, I can see he’s nervous. Could he want to talk to Nick about Chrissy? I hope so. They both deserve to be happy.

Jack POV

< 25 Don’t You Speak to Them

Clam

I have never been this nervous in my life. I am the f**king CEO of a corporation and a supernatural being, and I’m petrified to tell my best friend I’m in love with his sister. “What the hell is wrong with you?” Chrissy’s voice breaks through my thoughts. “Nothing, pixie girl. I’m just waiting to talk to your brother. He was taking Clarice to rest.” “Is she alright,” she asks, taking a step toward the

back entrance.

“She seemed alright. I think she was just tired, but I’m honestly not sure.” “What do you need to talk to Nick about” she asks. “I’m going to talk to him about us.” She laughs, and I wonder what the hell is funny about what I just said. “There really isn’t an us, Jack. In order to be an us, we would

brother’s have to be dating and last time I checked we weren’t. Besides, if you think you need my permission to date me, then you definitely don’t know me at all,” she says. She starts to walk toward the door again, but I move to block her path. “What the hell are you doing,” she says.

I move until there is only a wisp of space between us. “This conversation is a courtesy to my best friend, not permission. If he has a problem with us being together, then he will have to deal with it. The minute I’m done talking to him I’ll be coming to your apartment. I’m taking you out on a date at my favorite restaurant in New York.” “For a man that is known for being a ladies‘ man in the supernatural world, you really don’t have any game. You are supposed to ask me out, not tell me what we are doing,” she says.

Without a second thought, I wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her body against mine. Her eyes dilate, and I lower my face so close to hers I can feel her breath on my lips. “I’m not giving you the chance to say no. You are my one. I told you, pixie girl, I will be showing you exactly who I am and how important you are to me.” “What the hell is going on here?”

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