Crushed (Breaking the Rules Series Book 5) Read Online Free PDF Page B

snips.
    When I try to suffocate her with my closeness, she backs away until her butt hits the door. No more running, Andi.
    “The only tall, beautiful woman I see— that I ever see —is blond and standing right in front of me.”
    Her face loses some of its fury, and a smile tugs at her lips. “You still think I’m beautiful? Even now? When I’m a hot mess?”
    I grin down at her. Sliding my hands into her hair, I kiss her hard enough for her to know she’ll always be my woman.
    “You’re my hot mess.”

Here it comes. Jackson’s favorite part. On Dr. Sweeney’s couch, I glance over at my husband. He winces, knowing what’s coming.
    “I have homework for both of you,” Dr. Sweeney says in his calm tone.
    Jackson groans just like he does every time. Then I giggle, which earns me raised eyebrows of surprise from Dr. Sweeney and a smile so hopeful, so happy, on Jackson that I’m tempted to do it again just to keep that expression on his face.
    “I want you, Jackson, to show your love to Andi in other ways besides sex until you both speak with Dr. Ellis and confirm the risks Andi spoke of. You’re a smart man and you love her dearly. I know you’ll find other ways to show her.”
    Jackson nods at him. His homework seems easy.
    “And you, Andi. I want you to open your mind and your heart. It won’t hurt to go to the meeting with Jill. You both can always decide whether or not to proceed after that initial meeting. Just promise me you won’t go in with your mind set. This is important to Jackson, just like your pregnancy is important to you. You both love each other, and I know you two can figure this out.”
    This time, I nod at him. My homework is much harder.
    When Jackson told me that he had his mother set up the meeting without talking to me first, I was pissed. The very idea that he’s ready to have a backup plan for if this pregnancy fails hurts. Adoption has always seemed like a last resort for me. And right now, I feel like we aren’t there yet.
    Jackson’s phone rings as we say our goodbyes. As he answers, he clutches my hand.
    “Hey, Mom. Now? Uh, shit. Let me see what Andi says.”
    I turn and look at him in question. “The Grimes family would like to meet with us today if we can.”
    My lighter mood from having seen Dr. Sweeney is stolen from me as I feel sucker-punched in the belly.
    “Uh-uh,” I stammer. But when I once again see that hopeful glint in Jackson’s eyes, I cave. What will one meeting hurt?
    With a simple nod, I agree to something that scares the shit out of me.

    “Over there.” Jackson points to a table in the coffee shop as he guides me by the hand.
    A blond woman probably in her early forties, clearly waiting for someone, stands upon seeing us. “Mr. and Mrs. Compton?”
    Jackson nods and extends a hand. “You must be Mrs. Grimes. Please, call me Jackson. This is my wife, Andi.”
    I quickly shake her hand, hoping she doesn’t notice how clammy my palm is. So this is the grandma who is eagerly waiting to getting rid of her grandchild?
    “Nice to meet you both. Call me Laura. My husband, Richard, is at work and my daughter, Jill, went to the restroom. Please, have a seat. I can get you a coffee or a tea if you’d like.”
    The mere mention of coffee makes me want to scream.
    “I’ll have water,” I reply.
    “Andi, please sit. I’ll get us something.” Jackson, who seems just as nervous, strides away without an answer.
    I gulp down my nerves and sit down across from Laura. She seems nice enough, looking every bit the normal American mom. I don’t understand how she can be so quick to get rid of her grandchild. Teen moms make it work all the time with the help of their mothers.
    “So, Trish tells me you’re expecting?” she asks after we sit down at a bistro table big enough for four. Her voice is hesitant—like she’s uncertain about whether or not her question is prying.
    And even though I shouldn’t feel that way, I do feel pried upon.
    “I’m