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Forrest folded his beefy arms over his chest. “You need to learn how to talk about women with respect.”
“I’m gonna get in there,” Jared said.
Mike took his hand in a firm grasp. “Thanks, son.”
Jared warmed at the simple word. Making his parents happy meant the world to him, especially after almost losing Mike.
Jared headed into the kitchen, the sound of women’s laughter filling the air. He stood in the doorway; his gaze immediately trained on Anna Beth. She sliced bread at the counter on one of the large cutting boards, laughing at something his sister, Isabel, said. A long blonde braid fell down her back and the red V-neck sweater she wore brought out her rosy cheeks.
When his sister saw him, Isa squealed, “Jared!”
It had been a few weeks since he’d seen her and guilt settled into the pit of his stomach. He needed to make more of an effort to visit, but he was an introvert and preferred staying home on his own than socializing with anyone, even his family.
Anna Beth glanced up for a split second then winced. She dropped the knife on the counter and stared at her hand.
“Shit,” she muttered.
Jared made it around the kitchen and stood at her side before he realized he’s taken a step. He took her hand in his, frowning at the bleeding gash on her thumb.
“You might need stitches.”
“I’m sure it’s fine.” She tried to take her hand back. He held it gently, but firmly.
Isa passed him a clean kitchen towel, hovering over his shoulder. “Here, wrap it around so blood doesn’t get all over the place.”
“Oh no, I got blood on the bread,” Anna Beth whimpered.
Jared glanced down at the two slices with red splatters across the surface and grimaced. “We’ll throw those away. Let’s get you cleaned up.”
Anna Beth dug in her heels. “I’ll be fine, really. You don’t need to help me.”
His sister, Savannah sat at the counter next to Forrest’s girlfriend and put her two cents in. “I’d listen to him. Jared’s had a ton of stitches. Mom took him to the ER once a month when he was in middle and high school.”
“Hush, Nana. There’s a first aid kit in the bathroom,” his mother said, cradling little Alana on her hip. “Jared will take care of you.”
Anna Beth didn’t argue anymore and silently allowed him to lead her down the hallway to the bathroom.
“Take a seat.” He crouched down and opened the cupboard under the sink, his heart pounding. Even though she’d been hurt, being alone with Anna Beth for the first time had him keyed up so bad, his hands shook. He found the red plastic tub and set it onto the counter.
“Mom usually keeps it well stocked. Force of habit from having up to six kids under one roof,” he explained, standing up.
“You don’t have to doctor me. I can handle it,” she said.
“After my mother gave me a direct order? Not a chance.” He popped the lid on the kit open, eyeballing the contents. “I have everything we need, but I can take you to the ER, if you want me to.”
“Really, I think it will be fine with a bandage. It’s already stopped bleeding.”
Jared removed the towel, noting the blood had slowed to a mere ooze. “It’s going to hurt like a son of a bitch when I clean it.”
“Go for it. I’m tougher than I look.”
Her lighthearted attempt at humor put him at ease a bit. With steadier hands, Jared opened up an antiseptic wipe and cleaned the wound as gently as possible. Her hand jerked once and he blew across her skin. “Sorry.”
She didn’t respond and he glanced up at her, but her attention was directed past him. Either she was trying to distract herself from the pain or being alone with him disconcerted her too.
While he was putting on the Neosporin, he tried to break the ice. “You were surprised I showed up.”
Her eyes widened. “Why do you say that?”
