Always with You (WIth You Trilogy) Read Online Free PDF Page A

even refrained from torturing Karl’s nipples in deference to the situation.
    I felt restless just sitting still so I ventured into the kitchen to bake. Of course, this meant Jason followed me. He seemed unwilling to leave me alone for more than a few seconds. I’d been half expecting him to follow me into the bathroom, although I’d been relieved when he didn’t. I liked him being near me, but not the reasons for his sudden need for constant proximity.
    “Are you okay, Jason?” I asked, turning to face him.
    “You’re asking me?” He asked incredulously.
    “Yes, I am,” I grinned. “So answer the question.”
    I saw his lips quirk up slightly. “Yes boss,” he mumbled. “I’m okay. Just a little overwhelmed.”
    “Overwhelmed?” I frowned, stroking his jaw gently. He had a little more stubble than usual and I could tell he hadn’t slept well.
    “I thought I’d lost you, baby. We all did,” Jason whispered, his eyes closed as if he was afraid to voice these thoughts.
    “But you didn’t,” I tried to smile but I knew I wasn’t convincing because I’d been terrified I’d lost them too. “I’m here now.”
    Jason held me tight and we remained in our silent embrace a while longer. Nothing needed to be said because neither of us could give the other any assurances. All we could do was be there for each other in the face of the unknown.

Chapter 5
    Monday, June 24th 2013
    “Can I borrow your phone?” I asked Jason once I’d put a batch of cookies into the oven.
    “It’s dead, sorry,” he cringed. “I was in a bit of a rush to get to the hospital, I didn’t take my charger.”
    “Oh, okay,” I frowned. “Maybe you should call Ben then. Let him know where you’ve been.”
    Jason nodded and disappeared into the hallway to do just that. I busied myself with cleaning up the dishes from baking.
    “You can borrow mine, Jelly,” Jake offered from the island. “If you promise me first dibs on the biscuits.”
    “Yeah, ‘cause that’ll go down well with the others,” I scoffed, resisting the urge to roll my eyes.
    “Can’t blame a guy for trying,” he sighed, sliding his phone across the island to me.
    I smiled at him appreciatively before typing in the number and dialling anxiousl y. I should have made this call as soon as I’d regained consciousness but I’d been so tired.
    “Jake?” He answered on the first ring.
    I couldn’t blame him for sounding confused. I doubted Jake rang him very often. “Hi, Alex. It’s me,” I smiled.
    There was an awkward silence on the line and I frowned. Alex was anything but silent. I thought he’d be delighted to hear from me considering what had happened the last time we saw each other.
    “Hello?” I asked when the silence stretched.
    “I’m here,” he replied quietly. “I just wasn’t expecting you to call.”
    “Well I am,” I said, trying to sound cheerful.
    He didn’t sound like himself at all and it worried me.
    “I was wondering if you wanted to come over. I figured you’d be off work soon.”
    “Eh,” he hedged. “Are you sure?”
    “Of course I’m sure,” I laughed. “I’ve spent the last two days sleeping and being babied. I could do with a bit of Alex-drama.”
    “I doubt your brothers will want me there, Jelly,” he said awkwardly.
    “Since when have you let them stop you?” I frowned. “What’s wrong?”
    “Nothing,” he answered quickly. “I’ll be there in a bit.” There was another awkward silence before he spoke again. “Jelly?”
    “Yeah?”
    “I’m really glad you’re okay.”
    He hung up and I frowned. That had not gone at all as I’d been expecting. I couldn’t wait to see Alex. I was so relieved that they hadn’t taken him as well. I wouldn’t have wished that ordeal on anyone.
    “What’s wrong, Jamie?” Jason asked, strolling back into the kitchen with a look of concern on his face as he studied mine.
    “Alex was kind of off with me,” I pouted. “Not himself at