I walked downstairs to my living room, smirking to myself when my eyes landed on Lila. She was sitting on the couch, sporting that pout that was slowly becoming her signature expression and watching tv as always. "What's up?" I asked, lifting her legs to sit at the end of the couch then setting them on my thighs.
"Same as usual. I'm bored to death and I'm almost done rewatching Friends." She answered back flatly, looking as annoyed as she probably felt.
Part of me felt bad for her because she wasn't admittedly living the best life right now, but she was living and that was enough. I did all I could to entertain her, I had the feeling it wasn't enough though. "Just do something else." I suggested with a shrug.
"Same as usual. I'm bored to death and I'm almost done rewatching Friends." She answered back flatly, looking as annoyed as she probably felt.
Part of me felt bad for her because she wasn't admittedly living the best life right now, but she was living and that was enough. I did all I could to entertain her, I had the feeling it wasn't enough though. "Just do something else." I suggested with a shrug.
"Like what? Go for a jog? No right, I can't because I'm still on stupid bed rest." She muttered, looking at me blankly as if that was my fault.
"Couch rest." I pointed out to make a joke, failing because her blank stare turned into a glare.
She broke eye contact, looking back at the tv. "Doesn't matter anyway because Jax is too busy to come with me." She said under her breath while I wondered what that was about. Was she fighting with my brother and I didn't know? Or was she being bitter just because? I had no clue.
"You could paint a little." I suggested slowly since I knew she loved that. Only, I hadn't seen her painting for a while and maybe it was because it was too tiring? Once again, I had no idea.
"I don't feel like painting." She retorted flatly, not even glancing at me.
"Why baby?" I asked softly, caressing her leg in the process. As if that could fix her mood. I wished. It was almost funny how she said I was the grumpy and moody one, which was true, but lately once she got in a mood it was impossible to make it better.
"Because you know, I'd need inspiration and how much can I get if I'm always here trapped." She spat, crossing her arms against her chest. Well, at least she was as feisty as usual, that meant she was definitely getting better.
I ignored her words, even though I was tempted to be offended because I was trying my best to take care of her, but she didn't seem happy at all. On the contrary, she seemed annoyed most of the time, as if I got to her nerves no matter what I did.
"Don't you have to go back working?" She asked and made me realize I was keeping quiet. Damn this day was only getting worse.
"Are you trying to send me upstairs?" I attempted to another joke, wishing I could go back to my real job, in my real office, not here at home. It was just so hard to handle, but I was doing it for Lila. I didn't want her to be alone when she could be needing me. She just rolled her eyes, not exactly an encouraging answer, and I decided to follow the plan I had had in mind for a while now. "I already worked enough for today." I lied and got up, stretching my hand out to her, "We're going out."
She widened her eyes, then blinked, "Really? As really out? Or you're just taking me in your backyard? Because you know, that doesn't count."
I helped her up gently, smiling, "No baby. Out, for real."
A smile appeared on her gorgeous face and I was grateful for that. "Thank fuck!" She exclaimed, obviously excited by the idea.
"Language." I teased her but honestly, I was just happy that for once I was doing something that was good enough not only in my opinion but in hers too. "Go get ready. Or do you need help?"
"God Trav, I can get dressed by myself." She groaned. Oh well.
"Maybe I just want to see you naked." I winked at her, being on my best behaviour even if it was taking a lot of effort.
"You wish." She retorted flatly, "But no, don't get distracted. We're going out." She said seriously then disappeared.
I sighed and ran my hands through my hair before heading outside, making a few calls and smoking a cigarette as I waited for my impossible girl. Ten minutes later, she was joining me, and that was a record really, she usually took much longer than that. "You're gorgeous." I told her as I appreciated her body, it didn't matter if she was wearing just a pair of jeans and one of my sweaters, she was still beautiful.
"I know." She grinned at me and licked her lips as she played with her hoop earrings. "Are we going for a walk?" She asked, hopeful.
"Nope." I shook my head as I led her to my car, wishing we could just use my bike but knowing it wasn't a good idea. I felt her resistance against my hand and I looked at her. "Baby. Are you still afraid?" I asked, hating to see her like this.
She swallowed and stopped walking to wrap her arms around my waist and hide her face against my chest. "Maybe. Just a little." She confessed, her voice muffled against me.
I lifted her chin, boring my eyes into hers. "Don't. I'm with you, nothing bad will happen." I reassured her and kissed her softly, not wanting her to develop fears she never had. I understood it was normal, but I also thought that the longer we waited the worse it'd get. She couldn't even drive yet, so we had still time to get her back to a normal state of mind, this was the first step in that direction.
"Okay." She nodded and took a deep breath before we both climbed into my car.
"Can you put some music on?" I asked as I started the engine, trying to get her mind off of her fears. Even if that meant that she'd pick something that would make my ears bleed since we didn't have the same taste in music.
"Any preference?" She asked and reached for her iphone to plug it in the audio system of my car. I just shook my head and she smiled, because she knew what I was doing. "Where are you taking me?" She added once some sappy love song started playing.
I gave her an encouraging smile, "We're going to buy you a new car." I announced, a little worried about what her reaction could be. I knew it had to be done though and no matter if she'd start crying or screaming or stomping her feet, I was doing this, we were doing this.
“What?” Lila blinked back at me.
I nodded, keeping an eye on her to gauge her reaction. “Something a little bigger this time I think.” She licked her lips but didn't say a word, the expression on her face said it all. She was thinking about the accident. “Lil.”
She swallowed back tears and nodded. “Okay.”
“What happened wasn’t your fault.” I said, reading her thoughts.
She turned to look at me. “I can’t even drive yet. I don’t even know if the insurance has-“
I cut her off to explain, “I took care of the insurance and anything more I’ll pay for.”
She shook her head. “Oh no Trav you can’t buy me a car.” She argued.
“Why? I have the money, you need a car that’s not the size of a child’s toy.” I shrugged her words off, money for me was just money, and this was a good way to spend it.
“Because that’s ridiculous! I’m not letting you buy me a car I won’t even be able to drive for weeks!” She argued. I had no intention to give up, I never did, no matter how much she was going to fight me.
“It’s the perfect time to buy it instead. And don’t argue with me Lila. You need a car, I need you to be safe no matter what the cost.”
She licked her lips and swallowed as processed my words. “Okay.” She agreed finally.
“Good girl.” I reached out for her hand and squeezed it.
“But not a boy car. And it at least has to be a pretty color. Not black.”
“You wear black all the time.” I laughed, feeling myself relieved that she had agreed so quickly. That was our thing though, we never agreed on anything, or at least not so fast. It kept things fun.
“That’s different. It’s clothes.”
“I don’t give two fucks what color it is babe so that’s up to you.” I grinned to her, meaning it.
“Thank you.” She said softly, then her face turned all pensive, as if she was having secont thoughts. Not happening, not with me.
“You need a car Lila.” I reminded her.
“I could just start taking the bus.” She suggested and I growled as she laughed. “What’s wrong with the bus?”
“What isn’t wrong with the bus?” I replied in a tone of disgust that made her laugh.
“You’re a little high maintenance babe, you should work on that.” She teased and that made me laugh this time.
“Oh yeah Lil.” I shook my head as I laughed again. “I’ll try to be better.”
She laughed too, for a moment looking careless as we pulled into a high end auto dealership. “Trav!!! She don’t need a million dollar car!” She replied seriously.
“Good. They don’t sell anything for a million dollars here.” I winked like a smartass.
She rolled her eyes. “See? High maintenance.”
“I prefer to think of it as good taste.” I replied, leaning over to kiss her softly.
“In women at least.” She replied.
“Yes. I only go for super modest ones.” I kissed her again and then walked over to her side to help her out of the car without pulling on her stitches.
“Mr. Cole!” The salesman came up to shake my hand enthusiastically. “What brings you in today?”
“A car I think.” Lila replied, shooting the salesman a smile.
He let out a small laugh and returned the smile. "You're in the right place then." He said cheerfully, "Do you already have something in mind?"
"Something bigger than a damn beetle." I said flatly, because yes I did have something in mind but I wasn't going to tell Lila. Not yet, or she'd start arguing already.
Surprisingly enough she nodded with me, "And bright. I want a bright color." She added.
I resisted the urge to groan because...no. Just no. I was only hoping she wouldn't pick pink. "Show us what you have." I told Mr. Robin, who I knew because not only I had bought both my cars and bikes there, but he had a dealership with my dad too.
He started walking and we followed him, "What color would you like miss...." He trailed off, missing her name obviously.
"Trenton. But you can call me Lila." My baby said gently, being her usual cute self. "I was thinking green, yellow or red."
I cringed. "Yellow isn't going to happen." I pointed out, reaching for her hand and noticing how her eyes studied the line of small cars we were passing by. "Don't even think about it." I whispered to her.
She rolled her eyes as the salesman grinned at us, "We don't have any yellow car here I'm afraid." He said with a shrug.
"Too bad." I commented and grinned back at him.
"We just got this brand new Audi suv." He started, pointing at it and doing exactly what I told him to do. I didn't want to trick Lila, but I did know what I wanted her to drive and I did it for her safety only.
She shook her head, "It's too manly." She commented, wrinkling her nose.
"She only cares about the appearances." I teased her, getting a glare from her even though I could see she was still in a good mood and that filled my heart with joy.
"I could go on about the specifics but if you don't like it miss, we have plenty of others." He told her gently, smiling and being the nice man he was.
"These ones are so big." She pointed out slowly, glancing at me cautiously.
"That's exactly the point." I shrugged, set on my mind. I nodded to a Range Rover, shooting Mr Robin a meaningful look before moving my eyes to Lila. "What about that one?"
She laughed. Laughed. "That's just like your car Trav."
"It's an amazing car, it's safe, great motor, great interiors and exteriors. Mr Cole has good taste." The salesman agreed with me of course as we walked closer to the black car.
"But it's black!" She chuckled like a silly girl.
"It comes in other colors too." He said back and smiled. "There are the classic green, blue, red, grey, white...or you can get it personalized in any color you want Miss."
"Pick the color and I'll pick everything else." I shrugged nonchalantly as I looked at Lila. I wanted her to drive this car because I knew it was the best and she deserved nothing but the best.
She pursed her lips together and widened her eyes as she realized I was serious. Of course I was. "But Trav." She only said.
I looked at Mr Robin, offering him a smile. "Can you give us a moment?" I asked him.
He nodded. "Of course. Take all the time you need and feel free to walk around." He smiled back at us before walking away.
My eyes went back to Lila and I smirked. "Tell me why you don't want this car. Don't you want to match your boyfriend?" I teased her.
She chuckled then got serious. "It's too expensive." She started and I groaned.
"It's just money Lil and I don't care. It's a safe car and your safety is priceless." I said back with a shrug.
"It's too much Trav." She argued, shaking her head, "I saw a cute Mini Cooper over there. That's a good car too!"
"Yeah cute. You don't need cute." I said seriously as I stared at her. I wasn't going to change my mind. "I'm not going to buy you a small car, end of the story."
"I can buy it by myself, you don't need to buy me a car Trav." She sighed, her voice a little softer but she was still so stubborn.
I reached for her hand and played with her fingers, "I know you can Lil, but I want to be the one who gives you what you need and right now you need a car. Please don't argue with me, not over this." I told her gently, "Oh and you can't fit your canvas and your artsy stuff in a fucking Mini Cooper." I added, trying to find a way to convince her.
Lila sighed and tried not to grin, I could see it from the way the corner of her lips were innaturally still. "Okay." She gave me a smile and kicked me off balance. Like she always did. She was agreeing without even blinking, I was speechless. "But you can't buy her any presents for like 10 years." She said only half kidding.
I laughed, feeling so happy about her reaction. "Don't be silly. You need a car and I need you. That's all there is."
She blinked at my stark words and then grabbed my shirt, pulling me into a deep kiss that I returned enthusiastically, not caring that we were in public. "You're going to win over my brothers with this one." She teased.
"Please don't talk about your brothers whole kissing me." I replied. I didn't care about her brothers, but I wasn't going to tell her that.
"If we're going crazy here anyways I want a sunroof. And heated seats." She replied.
"Anything." This time I kissed her, not able to stop myself. I knew it was just a car, but in a way it was so much more. She was letting me do this, letting me take care of her in the way I thought it was the best.
When I broke the kiss I smiled against her lips. This was being easier than I thought. "Just pick a color baby and we're done."
She pulled back, her smile big and bright. She was happy, not scared anymore, and even if it was temporary it was enough for today. Her eyes wandered around and she pointed her finger towards a Range Rover sport which was blue. "That color." She said enthusiastically.
I raised one eyebrow because I wasn't expecting that. "Isn't that a little too dark for you?" I asked. "You can get a brighter blue."
"I don't need a personalized color." She shrugged nonchalantly and I knew why she was doing this. Because that'd cost more. It was silly because what was a little more money when I was spending so much already? I loved that blue though, so I was going to give her the illusion to win. "And even if it's admittedly kind of dark it's also shiny, it reminds me of a starry night sky."
I chuckled at her choice of words. "Okay baby, then it's all set." I wrapped my arm around her as we headed back towards Mr Robin's office.
She leaned into me, letting me lead her. "Are you sure this is okay Trav?" She asked softly.
"Positive." I answered simply and smirked at the man as he walked over us. "We decided for the Range Rover, make it just like mine but blue."
"And with the sunroof and heated seats." Lila added, smirking herself.
"Perfect, I'll expect you in my office tomorrow for the details?" The salesman told me and with details he meant the price. I wasn't going to discuss that in front of Lila.
"Yes. Thank you." I said back and shook his hand, Lila doing the same as we said goodbye and headed to my car.
She surprised me as she threw herself against me, wrapping her arms around me. "Thank you Trav."
"Careful baby, don't get hurt." I chuckled and hugged her back, kissing the top of her head. "And don't thank me. I'm doing it for myself, so that I'll be comfortable in your car too. I barely fit in your old one."
She nudged me softly. "Yeah sure." She laughed, then frowned when I opened the door of my car for her. "Are we going home now? Already? We just got out and I don't want to go back just yet."
I sighed and studied her face. She was tired, I could tell, but she was also so happy. "Do you want to get something to eat?" I suggested, guessing that we could stop briefly at Trentons, Lila couldn't eat everything just yet and Kolton being the owner could have his chef made anything his sister requested. Also, I liked Kolton and I supposed Lila would be happy to see him too. Okay, I was over thinking.
“Yes please.” She nodded and I hald expected her to start clapping her hands in excitement. In that moment I promised to myself I'd always try to keep her that happy.
“Trenton’s isn’t too far.” I said slowly.
She smiled bigger. “Perfect.” She looked around my car as we drove, feeling the leather seats and checking out the media system in a way she never had. She tried to turn to look in the back but I growled.
“If you tear those stitches again I won’t be pleased.” I warned her, giving her a look.
She pouted. “Blah blah.”
“So nice to the man who just bought you a new car.” I said back, humor in my tone.
“You haven’t bought it yet technically.” She muttered making me shake my head.
“Why do I put up with you?” I asked with a smirk on my face.
“Because I’m pretty.” She replied, shrugging.
“You’re much more than that.” I replied, pulling into a space on the street and helping her out.
She rushed in, smiling at Kolton at the bar. “Hi!”
“Hey squirt. What the hell are you doing here? I thought you were on bedrest.” Her brother raised one eyebrow at her.
“My warden let me out for good behavior today.” She replied, leaning over to kiss her brother on the cheek.
“Your warden huh?” He smirked at me and she nodded.
“He’s very strict but I looks really good naked so it’s not all bad.” She smirked as Kolton shook his head.
“For fucks sake Lila.”
“I’m hungry.” She told both of us men.
“You can’t eat bar food.” Kolton said.
“But…..nachos.” She replied, shooting him her puppy dog eyes that always worked.
“...no...” He ran his hands through his hair and I could see him giving up already.
“That face still works on you?” I asked, laughing at Kolton. “I’m immune to it already.” I looked back at her. “No nachos. Get her some soup and fruit or something.”
“I don’t know how you’re immune to that. Those big eyes remind her of when she was 6 and followed us all around the house.” Kolton sighed while taking a walk down memory lane.
“I didn’t know her when she was six so I don’t have that problem.” I said back with a wide smirk on my face while I imagined Lila at six, running around with her blonde head.
“To get him to do what I want I have to-“ Kolton put a hand over her mouth.
“I’m really afraid of where you’re going with that.” He replied.
“You are such a damn hypocrite Kolt. When I brought home my roommate from college thanksgiving senior year Josh caught you screwing her in the laundry room!!!” Lila protested and I started laughing.
Kolton grinned. “Oh yeah. Damn I’d forgotten about her. What was her name?”
“You’re disgusting. And like I said; hypocrite.” Lila made a face that was supposed to be annoyed but it was just cute.
“What are you doing out of bed again?” Kolt replied after sending in an order of fuit and soup for her and hopefully something far more delicious for me.
“Trav bought me a car.” She said seriously, sipping on an iced tea Kolton had given her.
He handed me a beer as he rose an eyebrow. I was ready for that. “I thought the insurance covered your car.” Kolt said slowly.
She nodded. “It’s a Range Rover.” She replied.
Kolton widened his eyes at me. I didn't see the big deal honetly. “You bought her a Range Rover?”
I shrugged. “She needed a car. I needed her to have something bigger than the smallest fucking car on the market.”
“You let him buy you a Range Rover?” Kolt asked, still looking flabbergasted at the whole thing.
“There’s really no arguing with him once he made up his mind. Plus look at him. I can never say no to him.” She smirked.
"That's right." I grinned at her, dropping my hand on her thigh and squeezing it.
"You didn't have to buy her a car." He said seriously as he looked at me.
I shrugged, "I know, but I wanted to." I replied simply.
He finally smirked and I wished all her brothers were like Kolton, so easygoing. "Wow. You're lucky sister, you have a really damn nice car now."
"I know." She squealed, even clapping her hands together in excitement. "It's blue with the sunroof and heated seats!"
Kolton shot me an amused look. "That's all she cares about it." I teased her.
He laughed and shook his head. "I can't wait to borrow it." He winked at his sister.
She rolled her eyes. "Not happening." She said back, being all feisty.
"You should learn from Travis, he's so generous, and you want all the good things for yourself instead." He sighed, messing with her.
"She's easy to convince, don't worry." I grinned at him.
"I am not." She groaned, leaning against my side. "Where's my soup?!"
"I'll go check." He said to her then walked to the kitchen, leaving us alone.
I wrapped my arm around Lila, keeping her against me. "Will you let me drive your car?" I asked her.
She looked up at me with a big grin on her face. "Will you let me drive yours?" She asked back.
"No." I just shrugged.
"Why?!" She widened her eyes, "It's just like mine!"
"Because do you really think your car will be as fast as mine?" I questioned with amusement in my tone. She didn't need all the power my car had. She frowned. "It will still be fast though." I added.
"I'm still not letting you drive it." She said as she faked a straight face, even pulling away from me.
I tried not to laugh at her attitude. "I don't know, after all I am paying for it, it's basically mine too."
Her face dropped. "I- I thought you were buying it for me." She breathed out.
I smiled and caressed her cheek. "I'm just teasing baby. It will be your car, I'll just put the money, your name will be on the contract." I told her honestly.
She let out a sigh. "Thank god." She looked relieved, killing me a little.
I laughed this time, eyeing our food as it was set on the counter. "I'm starving."
"I hate you." She said flatly, eyeing my burger then pouting at her soup.
I shook my head, taking a bite and swallowing. So damn good. "That's too bad because I love you instead."
"If you loved me you would have let me eat a steak." Lila grumbled even though Trenton's soup was a a very good one, better than most of soups.
"Mmhmm." I replied with a mouthful of meat.
"When is Tara visiting again?" She asked out of nowhere, leaving me wonder how her mind worked. I'd never understand it.
"Who's Tara?" Kolton smirked.
I narrowed my eyes. "My cousin."
"Is she cute?" He asked.
She nodded. "Cute would be an understatement." She replied.
"Oh yeah?" He licked his lips, looking like some wolf ready for the hunt.
"Don't even say it. She's my cousin." I warned him.
"Last time I checked you were shaking up with my baby sister and your brother is raising a baby with my big sister." He pointed out. "It only seems fair that I-"
"Keep talking and see what happens." Trav warned again.
Kolton laughed. "Will you beat me up just like Riley?" He asked.
"Does everyone know about that?" Lila asked back in a groan.
"Trenton family phone tree. Heard you broke his nose." Her brother shrugged while I was completely indifferent.
"He's lucky that's all I broke." I pointed out.
"So if I beat up your cousins ex then can I-"
"She's way out of your league Kolt. Like miles. Her boyfriend looks like a Greek god." Lila cut him off before I could.
"I thought you said he looked like Adam." I rose a brow at her.
"Have you seen Adam?" She asked whistling long and low.
"Ridiculous woman." I sighed at her nonsense.
"I mean he's not you but still." She shrugged and took a big bite.
"He's no me either. There aren't any girls that are out of my league little sis." Kolton said confidently.
"You're awful." She replied. "Awful."
"Must be why I get along with your boyfriend." He laughed, looking pretty amused.
"Come on man." I groaned and rolled my eyes.
"You're right." Lila laughed with her brother, teaming up with him against me apparently.
He shot me a big grin. "So, when is this Tara coming? I can't wait to meet her."
I shook my head, grinning myself because I knew he was trying to mess with me on purpose. "I'm not telling you."
"You're not her type and she's taken anyway, so just drop it." Lila interjected between bites.
He raised one eyebrow, opening a beer for himself and taking a swig. "Hot is not her type?" He went on. Stubbornness ran in the Trenton family apparently.
"No offense but you're not buff enough." I shrugged as I took the last bite of my burger, wishing I could order another one but deciding against it because of Lila.
"Are you fucking kidding me?!" He widened his eyes. "You never saw me shirtless."
"Uh thank god he didn't!" Lil laughed heartily, "Even though I have to say that her ex was still kind of...thin?"
"Who, Andy? He looked like a fucking Viking." I pointed out as I glanced at Lil, I knew all about my cousin's former obsession with this guy. I really hoped she was over him for real this time.
"No, John." She shook her head.
"I didn't like that one at all." I took a swig of beer then smirked at Kolton, "If you kicked John's ass Tara would be grateful to you."
Lila massaged her temples, "You mean you would. You only wish you had a reason to pick a fight with him too." She muttered.
"It sounds like too much drama already. I'll pass." Kolton grinned.
"I can't say I'm surprised." Lila sighed and leaned into me, looking content but also exhausted.
I kissed the top of her head, "It's time to go baby." I told her softly and, incredibly enough, she agreed with a nod. It was my lucky day. I reached for my wallet, but her brother stopped me.
"Don't be ridiculous, it's on the house." He dismissed me.
"Come on, let me pay." I argued back as I got up.
He looked at Lila, faking a straight face. "What's his problem? Why does he always want to pay for everything?"
She chuckled, "He's a gentleman like that." She teased.
I shook my head, putting away my wallet because I knew it was no use. But I took a mental note that next time I'd come without Lila I'd leave a generous tip. "Thanks Kolton." I told him.
"For what?" He walked around the counter to kiss his sisters cheek, "Behave little sis."
She rolled her eyes but kissed him back before we walked out, "I can't wait to be home." She confessed.
I smiled at her words, "I know baby."
"Couch rest." I pointed out to make a joke, failing because her blank stare turned into a glare.
She broke eye contact, looking back at the tv. "Doesn't matter anyway because Jax is too busy to come with me." She said under her breath while I wondered what that was about. Was she fighting with my brother and I didn't know? Or was she being bitter just because? I had no clue.
"You could paint a little." I suggested slowly since I knew she loved that. Only, I hadn't seen her painting for a while and maybe it was because it was too tiring? Once again, I had no idea.
"I don't feel like painting." She retorted flatly, not even glancing at me.
"Why baby?" I asked softly, caressing her leg in the process. As if that could fix her mood. I wished. It was almost funny how she said I was the grumpy and moody one, which was true, but lately once she got in a mood it was impossible to make it better.
"Because you know, I'd need inspiration and how much can I get if I'm always here trapped." She spat, crossing her arms against her chest. Well, at least she was as feisty as usual, that meant she was definitely getting better.
I ignored her words, even though I was tempted to be offended because I was trying my best to take care of her, but she didn't seem happy at all. On the contrary, she seemed annoyed most of the time, as if I got to her nerves no matter what I did.
"Don't you have to go back working?" She asked and made me realize I was keeping quiet. Damn this day was only getting worse.
"Are you trying to send me upstairs?" I attempted to another joke, wishing I could go back to my real job, in my real office, not here at home. It was just so hard to handle, but I was doing it for Lila. I didn't want her to be alone when she could be needing me. She just rolled her eyes, not exactly an encouraging answer, and I decided to follow the plan I had had in mind for a while now. "I already worked enough for today." I lied and got up, stretching my hand out to her, "We're going out."
She widened her eyes, then blinked, "Really? As really out? Or you're just taking me in your backyard? Because you know, that doesn't count."
I helped her up gently, smiling, "No baby. Out, for real."
A smile appeared on her gorgeous face and I was grateful for that. "Thank fuck!" She exclaimed, obviously excited by the idea.
"Language." I teased her but honestly, I was just happy that for once I was doing something that was good enough not only in my opinion but in hers too. "Go get ready. Or do you need help?"
"God Trav, I can get dressed by myself." She groaned. Oh well.
"Maybe I just want to see you naked." I winked at her, being on my best behaviour even if it was taking a lot of effort.
"You wish." She retorted flatly, "But no, don't get distracted. We're going out." She said seriously then disappeared.
I sighed and ran my hands through my hair before heading outside, making a few calls and smoking a cigarette as I waited for my impossible girl. Ten minutes later, she was joining me, and that was a record really, she usually took much longer than that. "You're gorgeous." I told her as I appreciated her body, it didn't matter if she was wearing just a pair of jeans and one of my sweaters, she was still beautiful.
"I know." She grinned at me and licked her lips as she played with her hoop earrings. "Are we going for a walk?" She asked, hopeful.
"Nope." I shook my head as I led her to my car, wishing we could just use my bike but knowing it wasn't a good idea. I felt her resistance against my hand and I looked at her. "Baby. Are you still afraid?" I asked, hating to see her like this.
She swallowed and stopped walking to wrap her arms around my waist and hide her face against my chest. "Maybe. Just a little." She confessed, her voice muffled against me.
I lifted her chin, boring my eyes into hers. "Don't. I'm with you, nothing bad will happen." I reassured her and kissed her softly, not wanting her to develop fears she never had. I understood it was normal, but I also thought that the longer we waited the worse it'd get. She couldn't even drive yet, so we had still time to get her back to a normal state of mind, this was the first step in that direction.
"Okay." She nodded and took a deep breath before we both climbed into my car.
"Can you put some music on?" I asked as I started the engine, trying to get her mind off of her fears. Even if that meant that she'd pick something that would make my ears bleed since we didn't have the same taste in music.
"Any preference?" She asked and reached for her iphone to plug it in the audio system of my car. I just shook my head and she smiled, because she knew what I was doing. "Where are you taking me?" She added once some sappy love song started playing.
I gave her an encouraging smile, "We're going to buy you a new car." I announced, a little worried about what her reaction could be. I knew it had to be done though and no matter if she'd start crying or screaming or stomping her feet, I was doing this, we were doing this.
“What?” Lila blinked back at me.
I nodded, keeping an eye on her to gauge her reaction. “Something a little bigger this time I think.” She licked her lips but didn't say a word, the expression on her face said it all. She was thinking about the accident. “Lil.”
She swallowed back tears and nodded. “Okay.”
“What happened wasn’t your fault.” I said, reading her thoughts.
She turned to look at me. “I can’t even drive yet. I don’t even know if the insurance has-“
I cut her off to explain, “I took care of the insurance and anything more I’ll pay for.”
She shook her head. “Oh no Trav you can’t buy me a car.” She argued.
“Why? I have the money, you need a car that’s not the size of a child’s toy.” I shrugged her words off, money for me was just money, and this was a good way to spend it.
“Because that’s ridiculous! I’m not letting you buy me a car I won’t even be able to drive for weeks!” She argued. I had no intention to give up, I never did, no matter how much she was going to fight me.
“It’s the perfect time to buy it instead. And don’t argue with me Lila. You need a car, I need you to be safe no matter what the cost.”
She licked her lips and swallowed as processed my words. “Okay.” She agreed finally.
“Good girl.” I reached out for her hand and squeezed it.
“But not a boy car. And it at least has to be a pretty color. Not black.”
“You wear black all the time.” I laughed, feeling myself relieved that she had agreed so quickly. That was our thing though, we never agreed on anything, or at least not so fast. It kept things fun.
“That’s different. It’s clothes.”
“I don’t give two fucks what color it is babe so that’s up to you.” I grinned to her, meaning it.
“Thank you.” She said softly, then her face turned all pensive, as if she was having secont thoughts. Not happening, not with me.
“You need a car Lila.” I reminded her.
“I could just start taking the bus.” She suggested and I growled as she laughed. “What’s wrong with the bus?”
“What isn’t wrong with the bus?” I replied in a tone of disgust that made her laugh.
“You’re a little high maintenance babe, you should work on that.” She teased and that made me laugh this time.
“Oh yeah Lil.” I shook my head as I laughed again. “I’ll try to be better.”
She laughed too, for a moment looking careless as we pulled into a high end auto dealership. “Trav!!! She don’t need a million dollar car!” She replied seriously.
“Good. They don’t sell anything for a million dollars here.” I winked like a smartass.
She rolled her eyes. “See? High maintenance.”
“I prefer to think of it as good taste.” I replied, leaning over to kiss her softly.
“In women at least.” She replied.
“Yes. I only go for super modest ones.” I kissed her again and then walked over to her side to help her out of the car without pulling on her stitches.
“Mr. Cole!” The salesman came up to shake my hand enthusiastically. “What brings you in today?”
“A car I think.” Lila replied, shooting the salesman a smile.
He let out a small laugh and returned the smile. "You're in the right place then." He said cheerfully, "Do you already have something in mind?"
"Something bigger than a damn beetle." I said flatly, because yes I did have something in mind but I wasn't going to tell Lila. Not yet, or she'd start arguing already.
Surprisingly enough she nodded with me, "And bright. I want a bright color." She added.
I resisted the urge to groan because...no. Just no. I was only hoping she wouldn't pick pink. "Show us what you have." I told Mr. Robin, who I knew because not only I had bought both my cars and bikes there, but he had a dealership with my dad too.
He started walking and we followed him, "What color would you like miss...." He trailed off, missing her name obviously.
"Trenton. But you can call me Lila." My baby said gently, being her usual cute self. "I was thinking green, yellow or red."
I cringed. "Yellow isn't going to happen." I pointed out, reaching for her hand and noticing how her eyes studied the line of small cars we were passing by. "Don't even think about it." I whispered to her.
She rolled her eyes as the salesman grinned at us, "We don't have any yellow car here I'm afraid." He said with a shrug.
"Too bad." I commented and grinned back at him.
"We just got this brand new Audi suv." He started, pointing at it and doing exactly what I told him to do. I didn't want to trick Lila, but I did know what I wanted her to drive and I did it for her safety only.
She shook her head, "It's too manly." She commented, wrinkling her nose.
"She only cares about the appearances." I teased her, getting a glare from her even though I could see she was still in a good mood and that filled my heart with joy.
"I could go on about the specifics but if you don't like it miss, we have plenty of others." He told her gently, smiling and being the nice man he was.
"These ones are so big." She pointed out slowly, glancing at me cautiously.
"That's exactly the point." I shrugged, set on my mind. I nodded to a Range Rover, shooting Mr Robin a meaningful look before moving my eyes to Lila. "What about that one?"
She laughed. Laughed. "That's just like your car Trav."
"It's an amazing car, it's safe, great motor, great interiors and exteriors. Mr Cole has good taste." The salesman agreed with me of course as we walked closer to the black car.
"But it's black!" She chuckled like a silly girl.
"It comes in other colors too." He said back and smiled. "There are the classic green, blue, red, grey, white...or you can get it personalized in any color you want Miss."
"Pick the color and I'll pick everything else." I shrugged nonchalantly as I looked at Lila. I wanted her to drive this car because I knew it was the best and she deserved nothing but the best.
She pursed her lips together and widened her eyes as she realized I was serious. Of course I was. "But Trav." She only said.
I looked at Mr Robin, offering him a smile. "Can you give us a moment?" I asked him.
He nodded. "Of course. Take all the time you need and feel free to walk around." He smiled back at us before walking away.
My eyes went back to Lila and I smirked. "Tell me why you don't want this car. Don't you want to match your boyfriend?" I teased her.
She chuckled then got serious. "It's too expensive." She started and I groaned.
"It's just money Lil and I don't care. It's a safe car and your safety is priceless." I said back with a shrug.
"It's too much Trav." She argued, shaking her head, "I saw a cute Mini Cooper over there. That's a good car too!"
"Yeah cute. You don't need cute." I said seriously as I stared at her. I wasn't going to change my mind. "I'm not going to buy you a small car, end of the story."
"I can buy it by myself, you don't need to buy me a car Trav." She sighed, her voice a little softer but she was still so stubborn.
I reached for her hand and played with her fingers, "I know you can Lil, but I want to be the one who gives you what you need and right now you need a car. Please don't argue with me, not over this." I told her gently, "Oh and you can't fit your canvas and your artsy stuff in a fucking Mini Cooper." I added, trying to find a way to convince her.
Lila sighed and tried not to grin, I could see it from the way the corner of her lips were innaturally still. "Okay." She gave me a smile and kicked me off balance. Like she always did. She was agreeing without even blinking, I was speechless. "But you can't buy her any presents for like 10 years." She said only half kidding.
I laughed, feeling so happy about her reaction. "Don't be silly. You need a car and I need you. That's all there is."
She blinked at my stark words and then grabbed my shirt, pulling me into a deep kiss that I returned enthusiastically, not caring that we were in public. "You're going to win over my brothers with this one." She teased.
"Please don't talk about your brothers whole kissing me." I replied. I didn't care about her brothers, but I wasn't going to tell her that.
"If we're going crazy here anyways I want a sunroof. And heated seats." She replied.
"Anything." This time I kissed her, not able to stop myself. I knew it was just a car, but in a way it was so much more. She was letting me do this, letting me take care of her in the way I thought it was the best.
When I broke the kiss I smiled against her lips. This was being easier than I thought. "Just pick a color baby and we're done."
She pulled back, her smile big and bright. She was happy, not scared anymore, and even if it was temporary it was enough for today. Her eyes wandered around and she pointed her finger towards a Range Rover sport which was blue. "That color." She said enthusiastically.
I raised one eyebrow because I wasn't expecting that. "Isn't that a little too dark for you?" I asked. "You can get a brighter blue."
"I don't need a personalized color." She shrugged nonchalantly and I knew why she was doing this. Because that'd cost more. It was silly because what was a little more money when I was spending so much already? I loved that blue though, so I was going to give her the illusion to win. "And even if it's admittedly kind of dark it's also shiny, it reminds me of a starry night sky."
I chuckled at her choice of words. "Okay baby, then it's all set." I wrapped my arm around her as we headed back towards Mr Robin's office.
She leaned into me, letting me lead her. "Are you sure this is okay Trav?" She asked softly.
"Positive." I answered simply and smirked at the man as he walked over us. "We decided for the Range Rover, make it just like mine but blue."
"And with the sunroof and heated seats." Lila added, smirking herself.
"Perfect, I'll expect you in my office tomorrow for the details?" The salesman told me and with details he meant the price. I wasn't going to discuss that in front of Lila.
"Yes. Thank you." I said back and shook his hand, Lila doing the same as we said goodbye and headed to my car.
She surprised me as she threw herself against me, wrapping her arms around me. "Thank you Trav."
"Careful baby, don't get hurt." I chuckled and hugged her back, kissing the top of her head. "And don't thank me. I'm doing it for myself, so that I'll be comfortable in your car too. I barely fit in your old one."
She nudged me softly. "Yeah sure." She laughed, then frowned when I opened the door of my car for her. "Are we going home now? Already? We just got out and I don't want to go back just yet."
I sighed and studied her face. She was tired, I could tell, but she was also so happy. "Do you want to get something to eat?" I suggested, guessing that we could stop briefly at Trentons, Lila couldn't eat everything just yet and Kolton being the owner could have his chef made anything his sister requested. Also, I liked Kolton and I supposed Lila would be happy to see him too. Okay, I was over thinking.
“Yes please.” She nodded and I hald expected her to start clapping her hands in excitement. In that moment I promised to myself I'd always try to keep her that happy.
“Trenton’s isn’t too far.” I said slowly.
She smiled bigger. “Perfect.” She looked around my car as we drove, feeling the leather seats and checking out the media system in a way she never had. She tried to turn to look in the back but I growled.
“If you tear those stitches again I won’t be pleased.” I warned her, giving her a look.
She pouted. “Blah blah.”
“So nice to the man who just bought you a new car.” I said back, humor in my tone.
“You haven’t bought it yet technically.” She muttered making me shake my head.
“Why do I put up with you?” I asked with a smirk on my face.
“Because I’m pretty.” She replied, shrugging.
“You’re much more than that.” I replied, pulling into a space on the street and helping her out.
She rushed in, smiling at Kolton at the bar. “Hi!”
“Hey squirt. What the hell are you doing here? I thought you were on bedrest.” Her brother raised one eyebrow at her.
“My warden let me out for good behavior today.” She replied, leaning over to kiss her brother on the cheek.
“Your warden huh?” He smirked at me and she nodded.
“He’s very strict but I looks really good naked so it’s not all bad.” She smirked as Kolton shook his head.
“For fucks sake Lila.”
“I’m hungry.” She told both of us men.
“You can’t eat bar food.” Kolton said.
“But…..nachos.” She replied, shooting him her puppy dog eyes that always worked.
“...no...” He ran his hands through his hair and I could see him giving up already.
“That face still works on you?” I asked, laughing at Kolton. “I’m immune to it already.” I looked back at her. “No nachos. Get her some soup and fruit or something.”
“I don’t know how you’re immune to that. Those big eyes remind her of when she was 6 and followed us all around the house.” Kolton sighed while taking a walk down memory lane.
“I didn’t know her when she was six so I don’t have that problem.” I said back with a wide smirk on my face while I imagined Lila at six, running around with her blonde head.
“To get him to do what I want I have to-“ Kolton put a hand over her mouth.
“I’m really afraid of where you’re going with that.” He replied.
“You are such a damn hypocrite Kolt. When I brought home my roommate from college thanksgiving senior year Josh caught you screwing her in the laundry room!!!” Lila protested and I started laughing.
Kolton grinned. “Oh yeah. Damn I’d forgotten about her. What was her name?”
“You’re disgusting. And like I said; hypocrite.” Lila made a face that was supposed to be annoyed but it was just cute.
“What are you doing out of bed again?” Kolt replied after sending in an order of fuit and soup for her and hopefully something far more delicious for me.
“Trav bought me a car.” She said seriously, sipping on an iced tea Kolton had given her.
He handed me a beer as he rose an eyebrow. I was ready for that. “I thought the insurance covered your car.” Kolt said slowly.
She nodded. “It’s a Range Rover.” She replied.
Kolton widened his eyes at me. I didn't see the big deal honetly. “You bought her a Range Rover?”
I shrugged. “She needed a car. I needed her to have something bigger than the smallest fucking car on the market.”
“You let him buy you a Range Rover?” Kolt asked, still looking flabbergasted at the whole thing.
“There’s really no arguing with him once he made up his mind. Plus look at him. I can never say no to him.” She smirked.
"That's right." I grinned at her, dropping my hand on her thigh and squeezing it.
"You didn't have to buy her a car." He said seriously as he looked at me.
I shrugged, "I know, but I wanted to." I replied simply.
He finally smirked and I wished all her brothers were like Kolton, so easygoing. "Wow. You're lucky sister, you have a really damn nice car now."
"I know." She squealed, even clapping her hands together in excitement. "It's blue with the sunroof and heated seats!"
Kolton shot me an amused look. "That's all she cares about it." I teased her.
He laughed and shook his head. "I can't wait to borrow it." He winked at his sister.
She rolled her eyes. "Not happening." She said back, being all feisty.
"You should learn from Travis, he's so generous, and you want all the good things for yourself instead." He sighed, messing with her.
"She's easy to convince, don't worry." I grinned at him.
"I am not." She groaned, leaning against my side. "Where's my soup?!"
"I'll go check." He said to her then walked to the kitchen, leaving us alone.
I wrapped my arm around Lila, keeping her against me. "Will you let me drive your car?" I asked her.
She looked up at me with a big grin on her face. "Will you let me drive yours?" She asked back.
"No." I just shrugged.
"Why?!" She widened her eyes, "It's just like mine!"
"Because do you really think your car will be as fast as mine?" I questioned with amusement in my tone. She didn't need all the power my car had. She frowned. "It will still be fast though." I added.
"I'm still not letting you drive it." She said as she faked a straight face, even pulling away from me.
I tried not to laugh at her attitude. "I don't know, after all I am paying for it, it's basically mine too."
Her face dropped. "I- I thought you were buying it for me." She breathed out.
I smiled and caressed her cheek. "I'm just teasing baby. It will be your car, I'll just put the money, your name will be on the contract." I told her honestly.
She let out a sigh. "Thank god." She looked relieved, killing me a little.
I laughed this time, eyeing our food as it was set on the counter. "I'm starving."
"I hate you." She said flatly, eyeing my burger then pouting at her soup.
I shook my head, taking a bite and swallowing. So damn good. "That's too bad because I love you instead."
"If you loved me you would have let me eat a steak." Lila grumbled even though Trenton's soup was a a very good one, better than most of soups.
"Mmhmm." I replied with a mouthful of meat.
"When is Tara visiting again?" She asked out of nowhere, leaving me wonder how her mind worked. I'd never understand it.
"Who's Tara?" Kolton smirked.
I narrowed my eyes. "My cousin."
"Is she cute?" He asked.
She nodded. "Cute would be an understatement." She replied.
"Oh yeah?" He licked his lips, looking like some wolf ready for the hunt.
"Don't even say it. She's my cousin." I warned him.
"Last time I checked you were shaking up with my baby sister and your brother is raising a baby with my big sister." He pointed out. "It only seems fair that I-"
"Keep talking and see what happens." Trav warned again.
Kolton laughed. "Will you beat me up just like Riley?" He asked.
"Does everyone know about that?" Lila asked back in a groan.
"Trenton family phone tree. Heard you broke his nose." Her brother shrugged while I was completely indifferent.
"He's lucky that's all I broke." I pointed out.
"So if I beat up your cousins ex then can I-"
"She's way out of your league Kolt. Like miles. Her boyfriend looks like a Greek god." Lila cut him off before I could.
"I thought you said he looked like Adam." I rose a brow at her.
"Have you seen Adam?" She asked whistling long and low.
"Ridiculous woman." I sighed at her nonsense.
"I mean he's not you but still." She shrugged and took a big bite.
"He's no me either. There aren't any girls that are out of my league little sis." Kolton said confidently.
"You're awful." She replied. "Awful."
"Must be why I get along with your boyfriend." He laughed, looking pretty amused.
"Come on man." I groaned and rolled my eyes.
"You're right." Lila laughed with her brother, teaming up with him against me apparently.
He shot me a big grin. "So, when is this Tara coming? I can't wait to meet her."
I shook my head, grinning myself because I knew he was trying to mess with me on purpose. "I'm not telling you."
"You're not her type and she's taken anyway, so just drop it." Lila interjected between bites.
He raised one eyebrow, opening a beer for himself and taking a swig. "Hot is not her type?" He went on. Stubbornness ran in the Trenton family apparently.
"No offense but you're not buff enough." I shrugged as I took the last bite of my burger, wishing I could order another one but deciding against it because of Lila.
"Are you fucking kidding me?!" He widened his eyes. "You never saw me shirtless."
"Uh thank god he didn't!" Lil laughed heartily, "Even though I have to say that her ex was still kind of...thin?"
"Who, Andy? He looked like a fucking Viking." I pointed out as I glanced at Lil, I knew all about my cousin's former obsession with this guy. I really hoped she was over him for real this time.
"No, John." She shook her head.
"I didn't like that one at all." I took a swig of beer then smirked at Kolton, "If you kicked John's ass Tara would be grateful to you."
Lila massaged her temples, "You mean you would. You only wish you had a reason to pick a fight with him too." She muttered.
"It sounds like too much drama already. I'll pass." Kolton grinned.
"I can't say I'm surprised." Lila sighed and leaned into me, looking content but also exhausted.
I kissed the top of her head, "It's time to go baby." I told her softly and, incredibly enough, she agreed with a nod. It was my lucky day. I reached for my wallet, but her brother stopped me.
"Don't be ridiculous, it's on the house." He dismissed me.
"Come on, let me pay." I argued back as I got up.
He looked at Lila, faking a straight face. "What's his problem? Why does he always want to pay for everything?"
She chuckled, "He's a gentleman like that." She teased.
I shook my head, putting away my wallet because I knew it was no use. But I took a mental note that next time I'd come without Lila I'd leave a generous tip. "Thanks Kolton." I told him.
"For what?" He walked around the counter to kiss his sisters cheek, "Behave little sis."
She rolled her eyes but kissed him back before we walked out, "I can't wait to be home." She confessed.
I smiled at her words, "I know baby."
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