-James-

Car doors closing echoed outside and Violet sat up from my lap.

She stood without a word and I followed suit. I followed her to the front door as it opened. Caroline stepped through first, her eyes falling on Violet and then to me. She smiled small and greeted me, "Hi, James."

"It's good to see you, Ms. Bowen."

"You too." She walked into the kitchen with two plastic bags in her hand and sat them on the table. "Are you staying for dinner?"

"I—I don't know."

Violet turned to me, looking at me with hopeful eyes. "I'd like you to stay."

Gray walked in, Blue trailing behind, and who I'm assuming is Nic. I've never met him yet, but he looked just like Gray, except dark hair. Gray's eyes fell on me, but he didn't look like he wanted to kill me for once.

He simply nodded once in my direction and followed his mom into the kitchen.

"I'll stay." I smiled at Violet and she smiled back.

She took my hand and dragged me to the dining table. She introduced me to Nic and he was more warming than Gray.

Violet sat down and I sat next to her. Blue took up the spot on my other side and playfully nudged me with his elbow. I teasingly poked his side and he let out a small giggle that made me laugh.

I felt Violet's hand on my thigh and I gave her my hand.

"So," Nic started and leaned on his elbows. He looked to Violet and back to me. "Are you guys together or what?"

"Nic!" Violet shouted, "Really?"

Caroline came back with plates and silverware. "Nic, behave."

Nic shrugged. "Come on, Mom. We're all thinking it."

No one denied it. Not even Blue.

Gray snorted and shook his head.

I didn't know how to respond to it, so I looked to Violet. She felt my stare and looked up to meet my gaze. She bit on her lower lip and turned back to Nic. "I don't see how that's any of your business."

Nic grinned and started piling his plate with food. "But you're not denying it."

"Leave your sister alone," Caroline warned and sat beside Blue.

Gray and Nic started laughing. "Mom, you're saying you're not curious."

She didn't reply.

Violet's cheeks were getting redder by the second. "Yes, Nic. We're together. Happy?" Violet tightened her grip on my hand.

All Nic did was grin at her and Gray didn't have anything to say.

"I knew it." Blue grumbled around his food.

It was quiet for a few seconds. Those few awkward seconds felt like hell.

Then Violet burst out laughing and Caroline's laugh followed. I was still confused by all of it, of course. Wouldn't expect less from myself because I'm so slow.

Nic choked on a laugh and that made Gray laugh.

Violet leaned back in her chair, her free hand on her stomach and tears fell down her cheeks from laughing so far. Watching her laugh made a broad smile appear on my lips.

"How'd you know?" Nic asked Blue once he stopped laughing.

Blue leaned over the table and whispered to Nic, which wasn't really whispering, "He's holding her hand under the table."

I started laughing, despite the redness in my cheeks.

Violet wasn't laughing now.

But Nic was. The whole family was laughing aside from Violet. Her cheeks were redder than mine. I leaned into her and kissed one of her burning cheeks. It was an impulsive move, but she squeezed my hand in response.

"Do we have to give you the speech?" Nic taunted with narrowed eyes.

I laughed nervously. "I think I'm good on the speech."

Nic grinned and pointed his fork at me. "I like you already. But if I find out you hurt my sister in anyway, I'll cut your—"

"Nic!" Caroline interfered, "That's enough. Don't scare him away."

Violet shifted in her seat and straightened her spine. "Are we done now?"

Nic and Gray exchanged a look and both nodded. "We're done," Gray replied, but kept his eyes on me. Ah, maybe Nic is done, but Gray isn't.

We all started eating after filling our plates. Everything felt lighter when the conversation started to flow. Of course, I was questioned but it was fine. It was mainly about school and family.

It was really awkward when I said my parents were divorced, even though they already knew. Or at least Caroline did. I did take Violet to my Dad's wedding that wasn't to my mom.

Violet worried me though.

She said nothing about Reese.

I could tell it was still bothering her. All she did was slap him across the face and tell him to leave. The only part of the story I know is what she told me and now he's back. Why? Why'd he leave in the first place without telling her? Did he think she'd fall at his feet and forgive him?

I commend her for that.

But she doesn't have real closure. And I know it's eating at her. It can't be easy seeing someone who had your heart after two years.

After dinner, Violet helped her mom clean up while everyone else dispersed to do their own thing. I lingered in the kitchen close to Violet while she dried the dishes her mom washed.

The house phone rang and Caroline picked it up. A smile spread across her face. "Can you finish up for me?"

Violet smiled. "Of course. Tell Mark I said hi."

She rolled her eyes and answered the phone as she walked out of the kitchen.

Violet picked up where her mom left off and I picked up the towel she was using to dry the dishes. "May I kidnap you for a couple of hours after this?"

She threw me a look, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Yes, but if I'm giving you permission, does it still make it kidnapping?"

"Well..." I trailed off and dried the dish she handed me. "I guess technically it wouldn't be kidnapping."

Violet snorted and washed the last dish before handing it to me. "Let me tell Gray I'm leaving for a bit and I'll be back." She stood in her toes and kissed my cheek quickly.

I dried the last dish and put it away. I'm glad I watched Violet carefully or else I wouldn't know where the cup would go. Violet came strolling back in the room just as I closed the cabinet and we left.

I drove down the secluded back road and pulled over as I've done before. We climbed into the back and I pulled Violet into my lap. Wrapping my arms tight around her like a teddy bear, I kissed the side of her head and let out a sigh of contentment.

"Is there a reason you like to bring me out in the middle of nowhere?" She leaned her head back to look up at me. "I'm starting to think you're going to leave me out here one day."

A chuckle rumbled my chest. "If it makes you feel better, I could never leave you out here." I brushed a strand of hair from her cheek and tucked it behind her ear.

She pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose and smiled. "A little bit." She climbed off my lap and sat next to me, cuddling against my side.

I slid an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure," She murmured and picked at her fingers.

I rubbed my bottom lip with my pointer finger, trying to think of a way to start the question without upsetting her. "Are you going to tell your mom about Reese coming back?"

Violet rested her head further into the crook of my arm and settled. "She already knows he's back," She softly spoke.

"Are you going to tell her that he was there today?"

She hesitated. "I don't know. She doesn't need to worry right now. After what happened with my dad and how I treated her...I just don't think I need to add to the weight on her shoulders. For now I want it kept between us."

"It'll stay between us." I kissed her forehead and her eyes fluttered shut, "How are you feeling about everything?"

"I'm still processing all of it," She barely whispered. "But I'm okay." She peered up at me. "Thanks for asking."

My lips curved into a slight smile. "You're welcome, Angel."

She raised a hand to my jaw, letting her fingertips graze my skin. "I love being with you." She dropped her hand down to the side of my neck, "When I'm with you...I forget about everything. You're pretty amazing actually." She smiled.

The speed of my heart halted and then sped up again. "Pretty amazing?"

"Really amazing," She clarified and skimmed her thumb over my throat. "You're my kind of perfect."

I lowered my head to kiss her lips tenderly and leaned my forehead against hers. "I love being with you too."

Violet pressed her lips to mine again and my mouth parted in sync with hers. She shifted, swinging one leg over my lap slowly to straddle my legs. I maneuvered a hand around her waist, gradually moving my palm down to the lower plane of her back and pressing down.

Our bodies met.

Her lips left mine and touched my jaw. She left small, delicate kisses down my jaw and dragged down my neck. I was panting from lack of air, but I wasn't so sure when she nipped at the side of my neck.

I leaned my head back over the seat, leaving my skin exposed to her assault.

One of her hands slid down my chest, over my abdomen and gripped the hem of my t-shirt. Her fingers trickled under. The light touch of her fingertips cooled my warm skin. At least for a split second.

As I lifted my head, she leveled her face with mine and I brought her in. Kissing her never feels like enough. Like, I could probably kiss her all day. I love the feeling I get in my chest. My heart swells and races, my skin is covered in chills, and there's also this unexplained feeling that aches in my chest.

Everything was on fire.

This time, I pulled away and dropped my lips to her shoulder. With timid fingers, I lightly pulled the strap of her tank top down her arm to kiss the soft skin of her shoulder.

Violet whimpered in response and I thought I might lose it.

I kissed a trail back over her shoulder, the side of her neck, and the small spot behind her ear.

A small moan tumbled from her lips and she curled her fingers against the skin of my hip—

My phone started ringing loudly, echoing through the car.

Violet leaned away from me and I breathed out an annoyed sigh. She fished my phone from my pocket and handed it to me with a sly smile. I looked down at the screen and saw Meredith's name pop up on the screen. Instead of answering it, I sent the call to voicemail and tossed it into the drivers seat.

"What if that was important?" Violet teased, leaning in close enough to where her lips barely touched mine.

I smiled. "Then it'll be important later."

She enclosed her teeth around my bottom lip and pulled back.

I wrapped an arm around her waist and in one swift motion she was lying on her back and I was hovering over her. I honestly never noticed how spacious my backseat is. Maybe because I've never actually been back here and especially not like this. We've spent time back here before, but nothing ever had this result.

I don't even care what we do as long as I'm with her.

Violet grinned up at me and snaked her arms around my neck.

I dropped my lips into the crook of her neck and she turned her head to give me access. "I don't want to take you home yet." I murmured against her skin.

She gasped as I bit down, but soon giggled. "I don't want you to take me home either."

I gently swiped the tip of my tongue over the spot I just bit and continued my way down the side. My lips caressed the skin of her collarbones and over the swell of her chest.

She was breathing harshly.

Her hands found their way into my hair, her fingers tightening on strands and tugging when I bit her other shoulder. "Slow," She breathed. "We should...take things slow."

I left one more kiss on the underside of her jaw and hovered my face just an inch above hers. "Yeah, definitely."

She smiled up at me and pulled me down for another kiss.

Our lips separated and I pushed myself up into a sitting position. Violet sat up next to me and ran a hand through her hair and fixed her glasses.

My lips throbbed, but in the best way. I did what Violet did, attempting to fix my hair as if it was sticking everywhere.

"Did you leave a mark?" Violet asked, moving the hair from her neck to expose it to me.

I leaned in close, seeing a small dark spot baring her skin. "It's small."

She dropped her hair and let it fall back over her neck. "My hair covers it then, so it'll be fine. I'll just have to leave it down until it goes away." She laughed lightly.

"What about mine?"

She rolled her head to the side and gazed up at me. "You have two. One here," She lightly touched the lower spot on my neck, "And here." Her fingers touched a higher spot on the other side. "We match."

I laughed really loud and used my forearm to cover my eyes. "Is that like a his and hers kind of thing? Like his and her towels?"

Violet giggled a little. "This is a weird conversation."

I dropped my arm and blinked my eyes. "Very." I reached for her hand and pulled her close, "I'll call my mom and let her know you'll take the job and then have her call you with more details."

"That's fine." She smiled.

"Also, you're still welcome to go to the intern dinner next Friday. Honestly, I'd prefer it if you did. Don't leave me alone," I joked.

She nodded. "I'll be there, but only because you asked me to be."

"You're the best."

"I know."

* * *

After class on Monday, I still worried about Violet. She was fine when I took her home Friday night, but part of me still worried about her.

She lost her father and came face to face with a guy she thought she loved in the span of two days. I'm not saying Reese didn't deserve the smack across the face, because with a lot of assurance, I can say he did. I've deserved all the smacks across the face that I've been dealt. Those are stories for another time.

Violet doesn't have proper closure with Reese and that scares me. Part of me hurt when I heard her talk about him. She shared a lot with Reese and I'm not mad about that. She loved him—or still does, I don't know. And I don't want to ask her about it. It's not my place to.

But if she still loves him...I don't know what I'll do.

It's not easy to hear about what they've done and it's not easy knowing he left without a word and then came back in the same fashion.

My heart has been open to Violet the moment she jumped out of a moving vehicle to save a puppy. Since then, I knew I wanted all of it. With Violet, I want it all. The awkward conversations, the clumsiness that follows, the heated arguments, and the kisses after.

Wade's voice cut off my inner thoughts.

I stopped on the front steps and waited for him to catch up. "What's up?"

"Nothing," He replied.

I raised a brow a crossed my arms over my chest. "You sure?"

Wade rolled his eyes and sighed. "Lia asked me to talk you into a double date with Violet," He rushed in one breath.

"Seriously?" I chuckled. "I didn't think our relationship crossed your conversations."

He shrugged. "It came up,"

"I'm not going to ask." I laughed again. "Remind me to keep my mouth shut while I'm drunk."

"Hey, I'm your best friend. I would've found out sooner or later. Especially with all these hickies you've been getting." He reached up and flicked the side of my neck.

Nervously, I rubbed the spot he flicked. "I'll talk to Violet, but there's no guarantee."

Wade grinned. "Good enough for me." He put a hand on my shoulder and squeezed. "See you later."

I nodded and he left.

I proceeded to walk down the stairs and around the building to get to the parking lot. The closer I got to my car, I noticed a figure leaning against the back, hunched over and looking at his phone.

It was Reese.

I picked up my pace until I reached my car. Reese lifted his head, a smile playing on his lips. "You're not a hard guy to find." He stood straight. "I knew I recognized you, James Roedan."

"Excuse me?" I took a step closer.

"Ah, of course you wouldn't recognize me." He still smiled. "We went to the same school. I was in three of your classes when you decided to show up."

High school was an honest blur. I clearly didn't pay attention to much. "And you're here why?"

"I'm not here to cause trouble, just putting that out there." He put his hands up in defense. "I came here to ask for help, actually."

Now I was curious. "With?"

"Violet," He stated. "I need to talk to her. And going to her house was clearly stupid. If that's how she reacts, I can't imagine how Gray would."

Ah, so he knew all about Gray's protective side. "Do you blame her? You left without telling her. I wouldn't speak to you either. You're lucky slapping you is all she did."

Reese's smile was bitter. "So she told you all about me?"

"You hurt her. You're nothing as far as I know." I mocked his emotionless smile. "I won't talk to her about you. She doesn't want to see you for a reason and for that reason I'm respecting her decision. What happened between you two is in the past and she's looking forward. I suggest you do the same."

Reese's smile fell into a thin line. "She's still in love with me. There's no way in hell she isn't. She may hate what I did, but she doesn't hate me."

I shrugged a shoulder. "If she wants to talk to you, Reese, she'll find you. If she still loves you, so what? She's with me, not you. I'm having trouble seeing how that's a problem."

"It's a problem because we never had real closure."

"Because you left without saying anything."

He clenched his jaw. "I need this."

I shook my head. "Violet's feelings are worth more to me than yours. I'll protect her with everything I have. So as far as you needing this, I really don't care."

Reese was only getting angrier by the second. "You don't know what I've been through. You have no idea what Violet and I shared."

"She loved you, she got over it, and she's with me now. What else is there to know, Reese?"

"You know absolutely nothing," He hissed. "All I wanted was your help. I just needed to talk to her. She's not the only one that needs closure, Ass."

I sighed. "Then when she's ready, she'll come talk to you. This is out of my hands. All I need to know about you is that you're a coward that broke Violet's heart. Write her a letter next time you decide to disappear again."

I walked past him to get to the drivers side of my car.

When I looked in the rear view mirror, Reese was gone.

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Sorry this is late lol I was gonna update earlier but then I forgot. BUT HERE IT IS ANYWAY!! I hope you enjoyed the chapter! I enjoyed writing it. I just really love writing in James's point of view tbh.

VOTE AND COMMENT PLEEEEEASE? Let me know what you think! Do you think James was too harsh to Reese? LET ME KNOOOOW! :))))

Song: Just One Yesterday by Fall Out Boy