Read Online Baby Girl: Dare to Love by Celya Bowers - Free Book Online

you’ve went out with?”
    “No, I dated in college.  Color is immaterial to me.  Am I your first trip across the color line?”
    “Yes and no.”
    “Explain.”
    “I think I’ll save that for Saturday.  I’d really like to see the look on your face when I tell you.”  She saw Kassie standing in her doorway.  “I have to go.  Call me with details.”  She ended the call and went to her daughter.
    She hugged Kassie.  “What’s wrong, baby?”  She felt her forehead and was surprised that it felt warm.  Maybe she was coming down with something, she feared.
    “Tummy hurt,” she whispered, leaning against her mother. 
    “Must have been that ice cream after those tacos,” she said to her daughter.  “Why don’t you lie in my bed for a little while? The pain should go away soon.”  She led her daughter to the bed and helped her under the covers.   After she changed into her nightshirt, she slid under the covers next to Kassie. 
    Jemma thought she would have fallen asleep instantly, but sleep wouldn’t come.  Her brain was on fast forward.  Between the kiss, Kyle asking her out, Kyle’s late night call, and now a sick child, Jemma doubted she’d ever fall asleep that night. 
     
     

              EIGHT
     
    This was supposed to be easy, Jemma reminded herself as she pulled on a pair of black slacks. Earlier that day, Janna, Damon and the kids, showed up as promised to babysit Kassie. They were overjoyed she was speaking, however limited.
    Her parents were another story.  If Jemma hadn’t had enough to worry about that day, her retired parents showed up on her doorstep a few hours ago, unannounced. 
    “We thought we’d keep Kassie company while you were on your date with the cowboy,” her mother said, when Jemma opened the front door.   “Your father wanted to get out of the house. So we decided to come here.”
    “Of course, Mom,” Jemma said.  She kissed her mother on the cheek.  “The more the merrier.  Janna and Damon are watching TV.  The kids are playing a video game upstairs. 
    Imogene Shelton looked her daughter up and down.  “I hope this is not what you’re wearing.”  She motioned at the red t-shirt and ripped blue jeans Jemma was wearing. 
    “No, Mom.  We were running errands earlier.  He’s not picking me for two hours, I still have time to change.”
    Imogene nodded.  “I’m going to go see Kassie.  I can’t believe she’s started talking after all this time.  I already like this man.”  She headed upstairs without another word.
    “Mom, just don’t pressure her into a conversation, okay?” 
    Her father chuckled as he kissed Jemma on the cheek.  “You look beautiful, honey. I’m came to give this guy the once over. I’m happy that you’re giving another man a chance.”
    “Thanks, Dad.”  She hugged him.  “What would I do without you?” 
    “Let’s not find out.”
    “You got it.” 
    Now Jemma had been locked in her bedroom for the last hour.  This should have been easy.  This was her third outfit and still she wasn’t satisfied. 
    “Jem, are you dressed?”  Janna called from the other side of the door.   “You only have about thirty minutes before he gets here.”
    “No, I’m not dressed.”  She stomped to the door and let her sister inside.  “I don’t know about this, Janna.  Everything reminds me of the past.”
    “Why don’t you wear that pink blouse?  It would go great with what you have on.  It’s sexy.”  Her sister walked to the large walk-in closet.  “It’s such a pretty, girly blouse.”  She returned with the blouse in question.
    “That thing is low cut.  Why do you think I never wear it?  Kyle will think that I’m a good time girl.”
    Her sister handed her the blouse.  “We can only hope.”
    ***
    Kyle drove through Jemma’s quiet neighborhood, admiring everything about the secluded subdivision.  He could easily understand why she lived there.  All the houses