A Million Faces in a Crowd
Chapter 17.
Carly walked down the familiar hallway towards the studio, dressed in her low-rise jeans and form fitting t-shirt and couldn’t help but smile. Her break to visit JC was just what her tired body needed. He was becoming more special to her as the days past by. He’d not only become her boyfriend but her best friend as well as her lover. Never in a million years would she have suspected that he, out of all people would be the one she fell for and vice versa. Her laid back personality and sassy attitude were nothing she’d expect JC to fall for.
Once learning that her information of him getting around with women had proved untrue, she found it one hundred times easier to find out who the real JC was and truth be told, she was crazy about him. Carly could tell that he cared for her through and through and each day he kept proving that. She was eager to see what her life held in store for her.
Turning the handle on the door, glad to be back into the studio, she was met with a somber Gavin, hunched over on the couch in the corner and looking like he’d just been through hell and back. This couldn’t be good.
She approached him slowly. “Gavin?”
He looked up, his eyes blood shot and stressed. “Hey you.”
Taking a seat beside him, she placed a hand on his leg carefully. “What’s wrong?”
Looking up, it was almost like he spoke in slow motion. She could tell whatever it was couldn’t be good. “She left me.”
Carly’s face immediately fell. He’d flown back home to try to fix things with the woman he loved and came back empty handed and broken hearted. Pulling him into a hug, Carly embraced him tightly in small gesture between two friends. “I’m so sorry Gav. What happened?”
He pulled away after a moment and swallowed thickly before he went on. “I don’t even know where to begin. I fly back home, willing to do whatever it took to keep us together because I do love her and she just came up with excuse after excuse as to why we would never work. Distance, schedules, you name it. I honestly think she’s seeing someone else.”
“That’s such bullshit. She doesn’t know what she’s giving up.”
He laughed slightly before his face went somber again. “I love you.”
“I love you too. You don’t deserve this shit. You’re a great guy!”
“I used to think. Now I’m not so sure.”
“I know things suck right now but seriously. You’re an amazing guy. It won’t be too long before your beating women away with a stick once they find out you’re on the market.”
He laughed, shaking his head as he stood and stretched his aching limbs. “You’re wonderful for my ego Carly Piper.”
She smiled brightly at him, whipping her hair off her shoulder. “What can I say? I try.”
“Enough about me. How was your mini vacation with your guy?”
Carly couldn’t help but smile widely, her heart skipping a beat at the memory. “It was wonderful. You’re the best for letting me go.”
Gavin pretended to punch Carly in the arm but it turned into a friendly brush of her shoulder. “Well what can I say? We’re a rare breed.”
Shaking her head, she walked over to the soundboard and sat down. “Ha. You’re too much. But yes, it was wonderful. That little break was just what I needed.”
“Good. Let’s get back to work though. I’m in the mood to write some sad and angry ex girlfriend songs.”
“Oh my. I thought we got past that phase. I think you’re going to end up calling this CD ‘The Saga of Gavin’s broken Heart’ or something”
“Ha, thanks a lot, Carly. Knowing my luck, the record company will listen to it and think I’m some depressed, love sick freak and deny me the power to even release this.”
Carly shook her head. “Whatever. Your music already kicks ass and we’re a team here. They’ll like it or I’ll have to do some damage.”
Gavin laughed loudly, throwing his head back. “Carly Piper is ready for a show down. Ladies and gentlemen, watch out now.”
She looked at him seriously, raising an eyebrow. “You’re sarcasm isn’t your best feature. Are you denying my ability to hurt someone?”
He held his hands up in defense as Carly grabbed his shirt in her fist and pulled him against her, her eyes catching his gaze. Once he was fully against her, their eyes met, held for a moment before Gavin swallowed thickly. Neither of them moved for what seemed like several minutes when only seconds had ticked away. Carly’s eyes never looked away, keeping their peering position as the look on her face was blank. What the hell was going on? Gavin tried to stop the sudden thud in his throat as they stood their, the clock on the other side of the room ticking quietly. He coughed softly before an awkward smile appeared across his lips. “No. I’d never do such a thing.”
Shaking her head, Carly rolled her eyes and let his shirt slip from the grasps of her fingertips before returning to her position at the soundboard. “Ha, I thought that’s what you were thinking.”
Gavin looked on confused, wondering what had just happened between the two of them. Their friendship was a good one, where he was lucky enough that they understood each other and could joke around but still get down to business but still, keeping things at a ‘friends only’ level with Carly Piper was going to prove to be a challenge.
****
JC slipped out of the studio quietly, reaching for his cell phone. It had been a couple days since Carly had left and the same amount since he’d spoken to her last. Knowing they had planned on going back to work full force, he hadn’t expected her to call and he was fine with that, at least that’s what he told himself. He just wanted to hear her voice.
Pushing seven on his speed dial, he listened for the phone to begin to ring before pacing back and forth down the hallway. He didn’t expect her to pick up so soon. The smile that formed on his lips quickly disappeared at the sound of what he could only guess was the voice of his girlfriend crying. Carly had never once cried in front of him before but he knew he’d know it if she did.
“Carly, what’s wrong?” his voice came out rushed and with panic laced thickly.
He could hear her sniffle. “My sister. She’s been in a car accident. I’m headed to the airport to get back home right now.”
Wishing he could be there to hold her, he offered the only words he knew how. “I’m so sorry, baby. Did they say what happened? She’s going to pull through right?”
“They’re not sure. I’m not sure. I’ve just got to get there and be there for her and for Ava. My brother in-law is barely holding it together. I don’t know how I’m going to last on the plane ride home. I just want to be there with her.”
“Do you want me to meet you there? I’ll drop what I’m doing and I’ll-.”
“No Jace. You don’t have to do that. I don’t even know what I’m going to do once I get there and I’m sure your busy and-.”
“Carly, stop. If you need me, nothing else matters. I’ll find a way to get to you.”
She smiled through her tears. “You’re amazing but I’ll go by myself for now. I appreciate your offer though.”
“The offer doesn’t expire sweetheart. Call me when you get there or if you find out anything. Have a safe flight. I love you.”
Wiping her eyes with new tears, she swallowed the gut wrenching feeling to reach out and hug him and never let go. “I love you too Jace. I’ll call as soon as I can.”
JC hung up his cell phone, sliding it back into his pocket before walking back into the now quiet studio. “I think we’re done for the day guys. Let’s wrap it up.”
***
JC rolled over for the tenth time in his bed, begging his eyes to stay closed but it was useless. It was another night where the space he slept in felt empty without Carly beside him and the loneliness he felt was multiplied with the worry he was feeling on top of it. He knew he’d never get to sleep unless he knew how she was doing and if she’d made it safely back to Chicago. He pictured her there with her sister, her stubborn head strong form putting up a front until she crumbled. He wanted to be there for her, holding her and letting her know that everything was going to be alright.
He picked up the frame that sat on his beside stand as his eyes scanned over it lovingly. It was a picture of himself and Carly on the beach that she’d taken on her first visit out to LA to stay with JC. Everything he had felt that day had come flooding back. Not being able to prevent the smile, he traced the outside of it before setting it back in it’s former spot.
Touching the bridge of his nose, he sighed deeply before glancing at the screen of his phone, frowning and then rolling back over and willing his eyes shut. Forty-five minutes passed by and JC was just about to fall into a peaceful slumber when the light chirping of his phone brought him back to life.
Grabbing the silver object, he’d hit send to answer it and had it to his ear in seconds flat.
“Carly?”
“She’s in a coma, Jace.”
Hearing the hurt and fear in her voice, JC ran a hand over his face before sitting up to give her his full attention. “Calm down. Why don’t you start from the top.”
“She- she was on her way to the grocery store I guess and was hit on the drivers side. They said they’ll know more within the next couple of days. She broke her arm and broke several ribs and her face has a really bad gash on the side. This just isn’t fair. Thank god Ava wasn’t in the car with her though. But her daughter--she needs her mother and she’s sitting in there laying in a hospital-.”
“Car, honey, calm down. She’s going to be okay.”
“What if she isn’t Jace? Ava is four and a half months old. Evan is hardly holding in together. They’re a family. They need each other.”
“You’ve got to believe she will be alright. You’re going to have to be strong for Kassidy and for Ava and Evan. Turn the tables around and you step up and be the big sister. Be brave enough for all of you.”
He heard her let out a shaky breath, doing her best to hold it together. “I’m trying so hard Jace. Trust me.”
“You’re brave. I know you are. I‘m here if you need anything.”
Carly was silent for a second. “I really miss you.”
“I miss you too. Just say the words and I’ll come to you.”
“Really? What words do I have to say?”
JC laughed quietly, loving that she could still be smart and sassy even in her weakest moments. “Say you want me there with you, helping you get through this.”
“I want you here with me, Joshua.”
He smiled again, loving the rare moments that she’d call him by his full name. It was usually when she was speaking seriously, wanting to address him in the most proper way possible. He glanced at his clock. It was 4:15 LA time so that meant it was still early morning in Chicago. Standing up, he grabbed a duffle bag and began throwing his clothes inside.
“I’ll be there as soon as I can Carly. Where are you at?”
“I’m at my sisters outside of the city. I’m taking care of Ava so Evan can sit with Kassidy. I’m texting you the address.”
“Alright. I’ll be there soon. Just know that I love you and you’ll get through this.”
“I know Jace. I love you too.”
***
Six hours later, an exhausted Carly walked towards the light knocking coming from the front door. She glanced over at the monitor that showed her sleeping niece snoring softly in her bedroom once more before she finally got their and turned the handle. All her worry, anger, fears and everything in between all came to the surface and seemed to dissipate the moment she glanced up at the skinny but strong male form standing in front of her.
He stood, in all of his 5’11” glory, loose fitting jeans and blue t-shirt, his feet casually covered in a pair of lightly colored leather flip flops. His face was showing the signs of a light days growth indicating that he had indeed left in a hurry but he had never looked more gorgeous. The square framed glasses that rested over his eyes were more than enough to take her breath away. It only took a minute for him to open his arms to her and even less than a second for her to fill the space in-between his arms. Her hands snuck around his slim waist as his large ones slid around her shoulders to hold her against him strongly. Carly couldn’t stop the tears from coming, the longer he held her, the more intense the feeling became. Finally when she pulled back, he took the few steps into the house as the door was closed behind them.
His fingertips traced her eyelids, swiping away the tears that lay there. She shivered at his touch, remembering just how much she’d missed it and she’d only been apart from him for a couple of days. “I’m so glad you’re here. You have no idea.”
Cupping her jaw softly in his, he traced the dark circles under her eye with his thumb before placing a kiss over each eye and smiling softly at her. “I want to be here for you, Carly. It’s only been a few days, but believe it or not, I missed you too.”
Pulling her arms from his body, she took one of his big hands in hers and laced their fingers together before laying his bag down by the door and pulling him into the living room. She indicated the large sectional couch where JC took a seat and pulled Carly into his lap, his arms loosely around her waist.
Her head immediately went to his shoulder savoring the feel of him. It felt more than words could express to have him there. “How was your flight?”
“Flight was good. Any news on Kassidy?”
Carly shook her head. “Nothing since I spoke to you this morning. Evan’s sitting with her though and they say her vitals are all good. I guess right now it’s just the little things that mean a lot.”
“You’re right. It is. How’s the baby doing?”
Carly pointed to the monitor beside the couch, smiling softly as she continued to sleep. “She’s good. Sleeping like a rock. I just fed her”
“That’s good. Have you eaten yet? You look exhausted.”
“I haven’t really had an appetite. I’ve just been worrying about Ava and keeping her taken care of.”
JC ran a hand up her back and felt her shiver before she leaned heavier against him. “Not an excuse babe. You’ve got to be taking care of yourself. I know how you get. Let me make you something.”
Turning fully to straddle his waist, Carly pushed JC so he fell back against the pillows laying down with her on top of him. “I just want to rest, maybe take a nap- with you.”
JC kicked his flip flops off and allowed the sweet weight of his girlfriend decked out in thin cotton sweats and a white t-shirt rest on top of him. His arms closed around her swiftly as she rested her face in the crook of his neck. “I can live with this.”
“Good. You smell good. Gosh I’m so glad you’re here. If I weren’t so tired, I might have to jump your bones, Mr. Chasez.”
JC chuckled, his fingers running through the soft tresses of her hair. “Rest baby. Their will be plenty of ‘bone jumping’ time another day.”
“Mmm, keep that up and I’ll be out in no time.” JC laughed softly but continued his gentle movements. “I love you Jace. Thank you so much for being here.”
“I love you too, now rest.”
He relaxed when her even breathing indicated that she was finally asleep. If rest and comfort were all he could offer to bring her mind some kind of sanity, then flying all this way was already worth it.
***
Carly bounced the screaming infant in her arms, willing her to stop fussing. With her green eyes glossed with tears, she seemed to find comfort by stuffing her chubby thumb in her mouth and sucking it. She bussed her nieces forehead once before taking a seat in the rocking chair and wrapping the blanket around her now rested form, rubbing a hand up and down her back soothingly.
She repeated the process for about ten minutes before smiling at the fact that Ava was finally asleep. Once she had placed her in the comfort of her crib, she placed the pink fleece blanket over her small sleeping form before Carly kissed two of her fingers and brought them to meet Ava’s cheek.
Hearing a light noise enter the room, she turned weary eyes to the door to see JC standing against it. He looked around, taking in the sites of the baby’s room. “She asleep?” he whispered.
Carly nodded. “Yeah. Took a little longer than I planned but she’s fine now. Out like a light.”
She signed as JC came up behind her, enveloping her body in his arms as he looked over her shoulder, down at the sleeping baby. “She’s cute!”
Turning in his arms, she smiled up at him. “She’s a doll. I’d give my life for her. The apple of her Aunt Carly’s eye.”
“I can tell you love her. She kind of looks like you.”
“You think she looks like me?” Carly beamed.
“Yeah I do. She has your chin and your nose.”
“Wait till Kassidy hears that! She’ll flip.” She laughed but then her smile disappeared.
“Hey! Positive thoughts. She’s going to pull through Car. You’ve got to keep positive.”
“I am. It’s just hard. I look at Ava and I keep waiting for her to barge through the door and steal her daughter from my arms, telling me how much she missed her. Or I keep waiting for her to grill me on every detail of my life since we last spoke. It’s almost an eerie feeling.”
JC followed Carly’s eyes to a framed photo sitting on top of Ava’s oak dresser. It was the day Kassidy had brought Ava home from the hospital, all wrinkly and red and her mother and father flocking around her, displaying the perfect little family they made. “I take it this is her and Evan?”
Nodding, Carly picked up the frame and staring at it intently before saying a silent prayer and setting it back down again. “They’re so in love after all these years. They met in Jr. high and have been together ever since. I’ve never been anything but happy for her. I love my sister way to much to live without her.”
“No wonder Ava looks like you, baby. You and your sister could pass as twins!”
Carly leaned back into JC’s strong body before she let out a watery chuckle. “I used to see that when we were young but as we got older, I thought we both just took on our own individuality. I guess it’s a compliment people still think that though. It was always Carly Ann and Kassidy Elizabeth, identical sisters.”
JC let out a cross between a laugh and noise of admiration. “Carly Ann.”
She craned her neck to meet his eyes. “Yeah?”
He kissed her cheek quickly. “I didn’t know your middle name was Ann. Carly Ann. It’s cute.”
She shrugged. “Thanks. I guess we never got down to discussing middle names for you to use against me.”
“Ha. You‘re screwed now babe but enough about that. Do you need anything? You look like you’re about to crash and burn.”
She turned in his arms, facing him once more, looking up at his gorgeous face. “Just a hug from you, maybe.”
JC smiled down at her, his lips meeting hers in a sweet kiss. “I’ve got plenty of those for you.”
Sighing, she squeezed him tighter and inhaled the manly scent of him, drinking him in. “Good. I may need a few million more. And I know I’ve already said it but I’m really glad you’re here. It means a lot to me.”
JC smiled, bussing her forehead softly and then placing a kiss on each of her eyes before trailing down her jaw where he stopped at her ear and did the same. “Don’t mention it babe. If you need me, this is where I want to be. I’m glad I came, I just wish it was under better circumstances. Have you heard anything from Evan at all?”
“No I haven’t. I’m hoping he calls soon though. I’m going insane not knowing.”
“I’m sure he’ll call.”
Carly nodded, pulling away from JC long enough to lace their fingers together and track down the hallway and into the living room where she flung herself heavily onto her boyfriends lap. “Why don’t you go take a bath or something? Maybe a shower.”
Looking up into blue eyes, she eyed him curiously. “Why? Do I smell?”
JC chuckled shaking his head as he ran his long fingers through the tresses of her hair draped over his lap. “No! Of course you don’t. I was just thinking maybe you’d want to relax.”
“The idea does sound tempting but I’m not sure I could relax even if I tried. And if Evan calls and I’m-.”
“If anyone calls, I’ll bring the phone into the bathroom. You won’t have to worry.”
Sighing Carly pried herself out of the comfort of JC’s lap and stood. “If you’re sure.”
He stood up from the couch, following her into the bathroom. Once they were inside the door and Carly had turned on the taps, she turned to see eager eyes staring at her. “Need help?”
“If you want.” Standing in front of the mirror, she pulled her long wavy hair up and secured it in a clip, leaving her neck bare to the naked eye. Her hands went to the hem of her t-shirt only to find his already there. Slowly he lifted it from her body, as his fingertips grazed her sides. She shivered when they came into contact with the sides of her breast, gently brushing through the thin lace of her bra. When the shirt was finally removed, he tossed it aimlessly to the floor as he encircled her stomach, hands opening and palms pushing softly into the skin. He pulled her back against his hard body, meshing with his lean form. Blue eyes met green through the mirror right before his lips dipped down to meet with the exposed skin of her neck.
Carly shivered, leaning more heavy into him as her body sagged, helplessly giving into the pleasure that only his hands and lips could bring her. His lips stilled at her ear where he traced the shell with his tongue before placing a soft kiss against it. “You are so beautiful Carly Ann. Every time, I get lost looking at you. It still amazes me that out of all the men in this world that throw themselves at you, you chose me.”
“I never saw in them what I see in you Joshua.”
He smiled at her use for his full name. She only did it when she wanted it to mean something and was trying to speak directly to him. It meant a lot for such a simple gesture.
“What did you see?”
Her hands came up around his neck to run through his wavy hair, pulling his face down to rest against hers. “I saw a man with nothing but love in his eyes asking for just one chance to prove that he could love me like I deserved. Someone that saw the world through my eyes and was looking for a shot to be loved equally for what he really was even when no one else took the time. I saw a man who’d do anything for me even though I was a bitch and pushed him away.”
His head turned and he kissed her palm softly, tongue snaking out to touch it quickly causing her to giggle. “I think I fell in love with you almost instantly but you not liking me helped me keep my feelings at bay. Then each time we’d somehow end up with each other, oddly enough somehow in bed, each time you’d let your guard down a little and I could feel it. Parts of you were crumbling and each time I’d leave you, I’d feel more empty then the last. I’d find myself thinking about you at odd times of the day.”
Carly turned in his arms to look up at him, her eyes shimmering with tears. “I didn’t want to be in love with someone I’d heard such stories about. Then each time I spent with you, I saw this light spoken, gorgeous man just looking for someone to see the real him…”
“I’ve never been anything but real with you Carly.”
“I know baby. You amaze me every time.”
His lips came down to meet hers in a soft kiss, gently rubbing his against hers. He teased the seam of them, asking for permission silently before easily gaining access as his tongue easily made it’s way inside. They danced with one another, taking turns bringing hers into his mouth and vice versa. Nothing could be heard besides the soft gasps that came from their heated kisses and the water filling the tub.
His hands moved to her back, smoothly unclasping her bra as it sagged down her chest where it was easily slid from her arms and followed the trail of her shirt to the floor. Never breaking contact, his hands came to her waist where one long finger tugged the drawstring of her sweats, feeling them loosen immediately. Both of his large hands went to her lean hips as his fingers snuck through the waistband of her back side, feeling the thin material of her bikini underwear. Giving a gentle tug, he smiled against her lips as the sweat pants simply pooled at her feet. From there he traced her backside slowly, feeling every curve and dip of her body. In keeping their journey, his hands traveled to her stomach before moving upwards and cupping her breasts in each of his hands. Carly moaned loudly as she pulled her lips from his and tucked her face in his neck breathing deeply.
“What are you trying to do to me, Jace?”
He continued his mission, his fingers teasing and lavishing the sensitive skin of her nipples and so on. From their, they moved to tease the elastic waist band of her panties, feeling the her skin shiver underneath his touch. “I’m helping you relax, baby.”
Running her hands up and down his abs, her hands stilled under his shirt so she could meet his eyes, glossed over with desire and matching her own. “I’d say this is leading to a little more than relaxing.”
“It doesn’t have to.”
She then felt the soft cotton of her panties sailing down her legs as she stepped out of them. Her eyes looked down at her clothes pooled around her and than back up to man standing before her, obviously aroused. “What if we want it too?”
“Do we?” he asked, his once light colored eyes deep and dark.
Looking up at him intensely, her hand cupped the full zipper of his jeans, where is arousal was obvious. Her lips moved just a whisper away from his. She smiled as he gasped at the feeling of her hand. “This feels like a yes.”
“Stop touching me and it won’t.”
Carly laughed, stepping away to pull his t-shirt from his chest, exposing him to her eyes. Her hands we then on the zipper of his jeans, pulling it down quickly and laughing slightly as he gasped at the pressure that was released from the already tight fit. Pushing down his boxers, she instructed him to step out of them as she had done earlier. Turning around, she reached into the medicine cabinet, grabbing a small square packet and reaching for his hand. “Come on, baby.”
JC willingly obliged, stepping into the shower with her as she turned on the hot spray that immediately met their already heated skin. He reached for her, his lips finding hers as his skin brushed up against her, touching, grazing, arousing.
“Ok, I lied. I want you so damn bad right now.”
Laughing, Carly allowed herself to be hauled up against him, her feet leaving the slippery floor and her legs wrapping around his tiny waist. “I want you too.”
She helped him get situated in sheathing himself before welcoming the heat of his body as he slid slowly into her. Their moans echoed throughout the hallow of the bathroom, adding even more friction as JC moved slowly, backing them both against the cool tile of the shower wall. They moved fluidly, swallowing each others gasps, all while nipping and licking at any skin they could reach. Carly allowed herself to be swept away for the moment, lost in her lovers body as it meshed with her own, loving her and filling her.
They came crashing down all too soon, panting as they did so and holding tightly onto one another, and breathing deeply. When her legs slid from his waist, he held onto her body as JC felt her tremble. He waited for a moment, sure she could stand on her two feet before quietly sliding away from her, preparing to exit the shower. Just as he was about to, he felt a hand reach for his own, bringing his attention back to her. “Where are you going?”
“I thought I’d let you clean up and relax. Have some time to yourself like we originally came in here to do.”
“You don’t have to go, Jace.”
He smiled, bussing her forehead. “I know I don’t. Just finish up. Relax. I’ll be out here when your done.”
The look on her face said it all. He was giving her time to re-group. She could tell he wanted to stay but could also read the worry in her eyes, wondering if anyone would be there in case the phone rang. He really was an amazing man. “I love you Joshua. I love you a lot.”
He winked once before reaching forward and taking her lips with his. “I love you a lot too, Carly Ann.”
****
JC paced nervously outside the bedroom. He’d heard the baby crying and prayed that Carly would come barging out of the bathroom and come to the rescue but that had not been the case. It had been nearly five minutes since he’d heard her fussing and by now the cries were raising in volume.
Walking in, he grazed over the crib, getting a full look at the baby. She looked up at him, her chubby arms moving in all directions, begging to be picked up. Large tears rolled down her cheeks and in noticing that, JC decided that was the final straw. He reached in, picking up the crying infant and holding her against him. The baby looked up at him, curious as to who he was, and began settled a little. Letting out a deep sigh of relief, JC smiled awkwardly.
“So you must be Miss Ava, huh? Your Aunt Carly loves the heck out of you and now I can see why.”
Her green eyes peered up at him, slightly lighter than the shade of her aunts, as new tears started to run down her cheeks. She looked at him as though he should know what to do and continued to cry harder. JC stood, reaching into her crib for her fleece blanket and wrapping it around her already sleeper dressed form. He slowly sat down in the rocker, cradling her in his arms and holding her against his chest.
“I’m not really good at this, Ava. Give me a break here.”
She whimpered once before grasping the blanket in between her tiny fingers, and rubbing her eyes as JC began humming a soft melody. He noted her cries had subsided a little and decided to take his guess a little further. Finally, something he was good at. Looking down at her, he began to sing softly…
“I’ve got sunshine, on a cloudy day. When it’s cold outside, I’ve the month of may-.” He watched as Ava looked up at him intently, her cry becoming more faint. “Oh is that all it takes, hmm? You like it when someone sings to you? I guess we could keep it up then.” He smiled as she made a happy noise, almost willing him to continue.
“Well, I guess, you’ll say, what can make me feel this way? My girl, my girl, my girl. Talkin’ about, my girl.”
Ava continued to look on, making soft noises almost as if she was humming softly right along with him. He continued to sing, completely distracted, that he didn’t see the woman standing in the doorway, slowly inching her way inside. He smiled when soft arms came around his neck, chin resting on his shoulder as the clean scent of flowers met his senses. He almost turned red at the thought of getting caught singing to a baby but the grin on Carly’s face seemed to split into four at the site of him. He glanced back and winked at her as she looked down at her niece, still eyeing JC.
“Don’t you dare stop.” She whispered.
He knew she was enjoying his make shift performance, seeing how she was always asking him to sing for her. Deciding to humor his girlfriend and the baby in his arms, he went on. “I’ve got so much honey , the bees envy me. I’ve got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees. Well I guess, you’ll say, what can make me feel this way? My girl, my girl, my girl. Ohhhhhh.”
JC made sure to hit the high node at the end of his verse, adding that dramatic affect that he knew Carly was swooning over. He looked down to see that Ava’s eyes had now fallen shut and she was soundly asleep.
He stood slowly, bussing her forehead before he placed her back in her crib. When he turned around, the look on Carly’s face was impossible to read. He brought his arms around her shoulders, smiling against her forehead as her arms slipped between his. He walked them down the hallway to the room Carly had pointed out as the guest bedroom where they’d be sleeping. She’d already placed JC’s overnight bag on the bed as she laid down and watched him began to pull on light cotton PJ pants and a t-shirt.
He joined her quickly and from their, she was already moving to the open arms of the man beside her. “I didn’t know you were so good with babies.”
JC chuckled, tucking her hair behind her ears. “I’m not. I haven’t really spent time with a baby by myself but she was crying and I couldn’t just leave her there.”
“You’re a natural. She loves you.”
Shaking his head, he dipped down so his nose met hers. “She’s just a sucker for a good song, kinda like her Aunt.”
“Could be. I’m a little jealous though. She got to hear you sing.”
“Well she’s so chubby and adorable. I couldn’t resist.”
“Pshh, I guess I’ll go gain twenty pounds. Maybe I’d qualify.”
Catching her off guard, JC expertly rolled on top of Carly, pinning her beneath him. “You don’t have to do that. You could just ask sometime. I guess I could sing for you.”
“Don’t break a nail or anything, Chasez.”
He blinked his eye lashes prettily. “I won’t. So I never did get to ask. How’s the CD going with Gavin?”
“Good. I just feel horrible. Little things keep getting in the way and it seems we’ll never finish. He came back from seeing his girlfriend to being single and depressed.”
“She broke up with him after all of that?”
Carly nodded. “It sucks. He’s a really great guy.”
“As long as he knows his sexy producer is taken.”
Carly laughed, rolling her eyes. “Well he does know I went to see my boyfriend.”
JC nipped at her jaw playfully before his kisses became softer. “Good. Just making sure.”
“He doesn’t look at me like that, Jace. No worries.”
“Alright. I’m sorry for asking. I just-, I worry. I know I shouldn’t but I think you fail to see how men react to you.”
“How do they react to me?”
JC narrowed his eyes, as if she should know. Still Carly looked up at him clueless. “They look at you like they just saw a gorgeous, sexy woman.”
Carly giggled as JC sucked at her neck. “Do they now?”
“Hmm hmm.” his response was muffled against her neck. “They undress you with their eyes, too.”
“Ha! Stop it Jace. That’s sick.”
“It’s okay baby. Their imagination can’t come close to my reality.” He sealed his declaration with a kiss, tasting her lips slowly until she was whimpering against him. Just as his hand went to graze the skin exposed by her tank top, Carly bolted upright at the sound of her phone ringing.
She pulled it to her ear, instantly standing from the bed and exiting the bedroom.
JC tried to calm his breathing, rolling over and sitting up, his hands covering his face as he sobered. It was maybe fifteen minuets later that Carly came back into the bed room looking like a big weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
She took a seat beside him, her legs drawing up Indian style. “She’s awake.”
He sat up, pulling her hands into his big ones, rubbing the tops of her knuckles, just letting her know he was there for her. “That’s great, baby! Is she alright?”
Nodding, she continued. “Besides her broken bones and being banged up, they didn’t really see much else they were really concerned about. They’re still testing her memory and such since she just woke up but Evan is there with her and I told him I’d be there to see her first thing in the morning. My parents are with her now, too.”
“Good. I’m so glad she’s doing well.”
“It was close. I felt like I was about to lose my sister. I don’t think I’ve ever prayed so hard in my life.”
“I think it’s because you learned how to have some faith. Sometimes that’s all it takes.”
Shutting the light off, Carly crawled into bed, curling up in JC’s arms. “I think you’re right. I just changed Ava though and put her back to sleep so I think she’s out for the night. My mom’s coming to take over baby duty so I’ll probably head back to the loft until I know Kass is 100% back to normal before I‘ve got to fly back to London.”
“Now you can breath, baby. Just relax. Everything will work out.” JC began rubbing his hands up and down her back as they lay together on their sides, speaking softly.
“Trust me, I’m trying.”
“I know you are. You’ve been through a lot. Just try to get some sleep.”
“If you keep rubbing my back like that, it’s bound to happen any second.”
Pulling her closer, he continued his tender assault. “Well if you insist.”
“Jace?”
“Yeah, babe?”
“You said all I had to do is ask if I wanted you to sing to me.”
“Mmmmhmm.”
“I’m asking.”
He chuckled, clearning his throat. “Fine, pick something and I’ll sing.”
Smiling against his shoulder, she kissed the exposed skin at his neck. “You’re the best. I love you.”
“I love you too, babe. Now close your eyes.”
Carly did so, as his thick voice started singing a soulful melody that went right to her heart.
Author's Chapter Notes:
Goodness, I feel like I've been working on this chapter forever! It's coming to you with a little city inspriation seeing how I got away for a Mini trip to Chicago for some good music, shopping, sight seeing and then theres always the inspiration that comes to me whenever I go. I actually wrote part of this in the airport, waiting to come home. I hope you guys enjoy! If you're still out their reading, be sure to drop me a review. It means a lot!
Other notes: When your're reading Gavin, I see him in my head as a Shane West-looking type. Like this:http://i42.tinypic.com/21o6s4.jpg
Chapter End Notes:
Song Credit: My girl-The Temptations.
Story Tags: love boyfriendjc showersex jc producerjc
