Free My So Called Life (Love Not Included Series Book 3) by J.D. Hollyfield Page A

John’s, and picture him climbing into bed with his nightly reading while they spoke of their day.
    Like a happily married couple would do.
    “I wish I could have been a part of all this, Ames,” I whisper as I gently lay the book back down on the nightstand. I turn to leave the sanctuary of their bedroom and see Ian leaning against the door.
    “Mary mother of Christ, Ian!” I grab at my heart, making sure it’s not going to jump out of my chest. “What are you, part ninja? Don’t you knock?” I snap at him, trying to calm down.
    “I’m sorry, I knocked and came in. I called for you but you seemed to be lost in your thoughts.”
    More like lost in a world I wish I was a part of.
    “Well, geez, maybe send a little warning signal next time,” I huff. I make my way out of the bedroom and down the hall. The last thing I want to do is have Ian follow me into the room in which I plan on sleeping. I am a tough chick, but when my libido and willpower have a say, they will definitely outvote me on throwing him on the bed and riding out all my emotions.
    And yes. I mean ‘riding’ exactly how you perceived it.
    “I thought you said you weren’t going to be back until later tonight?” I question his quick reappearance.
    “I finished what I had to do sooner.”
    “And what was that?” I ask, being nosy.
    In the whole scaring me senseless I failed to notice the paper bag in his hands. He lifts it up and the second I see the logo I know.
    “You went to the Sugar Shack?”
    “Well, it used to be your favorite place. I thought it might help to cheer you up. Get some sugar in you.”
    “I used to love the Sugar Shack.” I swallow, eyeing the bag.
    “I know. Every time we had a chance you would convince me to take you there. I remember you wanted to go there for our prom instead of a fancy restaurant like all other normal teens did.” He smirks, reminding me of how I begged him to treat me to cupcakes before the dance instead of an overpriced steak dinner. I remember us dressed up for his prom, sitting in our special spot in the bakery, devouring pink lemonade cupcakes and strawberry cream puffs.
    He dangles the bag in front of me.
    “So do you think this will help? Or should I just get rid of them?” He turns to toss the bag by the coffee table, but I snatch it like a sugar addict.
    “NO . . . no. I think this might help,” I say. I might also be drooling knowing what is in this bag. A cupcake so beautiful and perfect with the right amount of cream. Just thinking about it is making me do just that in my panties. I open the bag and take my first whiff.
    “Perfect,” I sigh into the bag of perfection.
    “I couldn’t agree more,” I hear Ian whisper softly under his breath.

I T’S FINALLY SATURDAY AND my emotions are running in overdrive. I ache to get this day over with so I can figure out what steps are next with Pippa, and get home, wherever that will be. I know I will have to get my stuff out of Brent’s condo, but Lexi will help me, and I can crash at her place until I find one of my own.
    Washing my face, I notice my naked finger and realize I never went back to search for my ring. “Shit.” I stare at my hand. How does a normal female forget about a whopping three-carat diamond ring? Ugh . . . , a girl who wishes the ring didn’t come at all. My tired brain shifts to Ian, once again. To a time when we were younger and I dreamt about the day he would place a ring on my wanting finger. I jump in the shower and attempt to scrub away all the memories that are sitting at the front of my brain. I am in dire need to get Ian out of my system and fast. His close presence is bringing emotions to the surface that I’ve fought very hard to bury. All this constant interaction with him is sparking this familiar feeling in my stomach and I am doing everything in my power to deny it. But I know. Ian’s always had that power over me. Over my heart.
    I’m standing in the shower letting the spray hit me in the