Just You & Me: A Single-Mom Standalone (Wherever We Go Book 1), page 1
Just You & Me
WHEREVER WE GO
Y.V. LARSON
Just You & Me © 2023 Y. V. Larson
All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Printed in the United States of America
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locations, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
This book has been professionally edited and has been combed through many times. If you spot a typo, please email Y.V. Larson directly, or reach out via social media. Please do not report it to Amazon because this could lead to the book being removed.
Cover Design – Y.V. Larson through Canva
PA – Kassandra Melendez
Editor – Scarlett Chase from Scarlett’s Proofreading Services
Chapter Heading Art – Reina Diaz Illustrations
Alpha Readers – Angelica Heitbrink & Patricia Conway
Created with Vellum
Contents
Trigger Warnings
Author’s Note
Dedicated To…
Chapter 1
Rylee
Chapter 2
Leo
Chapter 3
Rylee
Chapter 4
Jude
Chapter 5
Rylee
Chapter 6
Jackson
Chapter 7
Rylee
Chapter 8
Jackson
Chapter 9
Marcus
Chapter 10
Rylee
Chapter 11
Leo
Chapter 12
Rylee
Chapter 13
Jude
Chapter 14
Rylee
Chapter 15
Jackson
Chapter 16
Marcus
Chapter 17
Rylee
Chapter 18
Leo
Chapter 19
Jude
Chapter 20
Rylee
Chapter 21
Jackson
Chapter 22
Rylee
Chapter 23
Rylee
Chapter 24
Tate
Chapter 25
Marcus
Chapter 26
Rylee
Chapter 27
Leo
Chapter 28
Jude
Chapter 29
Rylee
Chapter 30
Jackson
Chapter 31
Rylee
Chapter 32
Marcus
Chapter 33
Rylee
Chapter 34
Jackson
Chapter 35
Rylee
Chapter 36
Leo
Chapter 37
Layla
Chapter 38
Rylee
Chapter 39
Tate
Chapter 40
Jude
Chapter 41
Rylee
Epilogue
The End
Coming Soon
Stalk Me!
Acknowledgments
Author Bio
Trigger Warnings
I’m so thrilled you’re here!
Please check your triggers. Your mental health is important to me.
This book is intended for a mature audience of 18+.
Sexual content (including under the influence of alcohol), references to domestic violence (including flashbacks), PTSD, trauma responses (mother & daughter), nightmares, estranged familial relations, references to childhood emotional neglect, references to childhood abuse, references to teen pregnancy, violence, and gun violence.
I’ll add a few more details in the Author's Note.
If you need a more detailed list, don’t hesitate to reach out via email or social media!
Email: YVLarson92@gmail.com
Author’s Note
*POSSIBLE SPOILERS*
If you are still with me, then there are a few details I would like to add! This is an MMMMF romance, meaning everyone is together. This entire series will be since it’s my favorite trope, so heads up! *wink wink*
This is standalone but will be heavily interconnected with the following books. Each family gets their HEA, and I promise you will get to see them live it in the following books.
Rylee’s story is one filled with the struggles of being a single mom on the run from an abusive relationship.
Rylee is also a young author who battles through some negative aspects of being a writer. Rylee’s emotions over negative reviews and self-confidence in her work are something I feel should be mentioned as a sensitive subject. This might be uncomfortable as a reader and a fellow author, so please keep this in mind. Rylee’s thoughts and feelings during these scenes are my own, meaning they are real for me. Other authors may feel a different way, and that is okay! Just be kind, everyone.
In the trigger warnings, I mentioned the daughter in the story will have trauma responses. Layla is a five-year-old girl who witnessed her mom being abused for as long as she can remember. While she was not abused herself, Layla has reservations when it comes to men and people upsetting her mom. Layla defends Rylee more than she hides from what scares her. Please keep this sensitive topic in mind before you begin reading, as Layla is a child living her trauma responses on the page.
Last thing! I added sexual content under the influence in the trigger warnings as well. This may also be a sensitive topic, so please beware that while both parties are adults and very kind to each other during this single encounter, they are under the influence of alcohol.
As always, remember that everyone is different and responds to life in unique and individual ways. Happy reading!
Dedicated To…
The strength it takes each and every individual to survive.
Chapter One
RYLEE
"We there yet?"
I don't fight the smile that spreads across my lips. "You're in luck, Little Bug. This time, yes, we are almost there." Layla’s answering squeal makes my ears cringe.
"When we swim in the big lake?" My eyes flit to the rearview mirror to see her nose plastered up against the window.
My eyes warm in tune with my heart. "Ocean, say ocean." A giggle bubbles beneath my ribcage when my five-year-old butchers her pronunciation. "We will go swimming in the ocean soon." If she keeps hearing the word, hopefully, it will help her learn how to say it. "Let's go home first. What do you think?"
All the airy joy I was feeling plummets when I catch sight of her furrowed brows above her crystal blue eyes. A mirror of my own.
"Not Daddy." Layla's little voice is firm and absolutely not a question.
Fighting back the tears that threaten to distract me from the busy roads of Charleston, I try to be grateful for how mature my daughter is. It sucks how aware she was during her first years of life. Maybe I'm a terrible person for being relieved that my little girl wants nothing to do with her dad, but her feelings are valid.
"No Daddy. I promise, Bug. We are going to our new home, kind of like the last one. With this one, we can go to the big ocean whenever you want!" My voice is as cheerful as the smile I flash at her.
It's a weak attempt to keep the guilt from eating at me. It's always there. Just below the surface, festering on any sign of weakness I show it. But I can't. Layla has seen enough of my tears to last a lifetime. We left so she would never have to watch her mommy cower and cry ever again.
"Yeah! Beach!"
Just like that, she has me huffing a laugh once again, her speech sounding more like bitch.
Cranking the volume on the Moana soundtrack, I hum along to the beat, enjoying the salty breeze dancing with my freshly colored locks. White curls tickle the edge of my vision, Layla jamming to her favorite songs in her car seat. Eyes wide, she takes in the winding streets of our new neighborhood in South Carolina.
Excitement and giddiness brighten her teeny features when I park. Our new little townhome is just outside of the heart of Charleston. A quiver in my chin forces me to take a deep breath. She amazes me every day with how accepting she is.
We have moved every few months for a little over a year now, and each time, she’s welcomed the change with open arms and high pitch appreciation. Unfortunately, we can't keep going like this much longer.
I have maybe enough left of the money my Nanna left me to get us by for two more moves unless this next release does well. God, I hope my readers really love this one. We need it.
"Mommy, look! Pink hair!"
Releasing a sigh of tension, I tuck my copper flyaways behind my ear and unbuckle my seatbelt. Out of the car, my shoulders relax as a woman approaches us. Pink bob bouncing, sundress swaying, she skips over to the car with a lanyard of keys swinging from her fingers.
I open the back door, ducking to unstrap Layla before setting her down beside me in the driveway. Her thrilled chatter at meeting someone new is background noise to my assessment of the stranger approaching us.
"Hi!" The woman thrusts a dainty hand out. "I'm Gabby Harper; you must be the new tenants."
Giving her hand a quick shake, I nod and take a step further away without making it obvious that I don't like her so close to us. "Yes, I'm Rylee." I smile down at my bouncing girl holding onto the hem of my dress. "This is my daughter, Layla."
My hand gives an involuntary twitch when the woman suddenly bends at the waist with her hands on her knees. "Hi, Layla! It's so wonderful to meet you, sweetie!"
Thankfully, Layla doesn't seem to dislike Gabby, which is made evident when she rambles about the drive from Mississippi. The woman bursts into a fit of laughter when my sweet girl butchers the tongue twister. Twining my fingers with Bug's, I allow my eyes to trail away from her and take in the cream-colored townhome. White shutters are framed with pink flowers in the late morning sunlight, the lawn freshly cut and bright green.
This was a decision I made after Layla went to bed one night. Alone with my thoughts of wanting to give her everything this life has to offer; I decided the East Coast would be perfect.
So, I splurged wanting Layla to swim in the ocean and come home coated in sand to a comfortable, fancy home. We haven't been staying in dumps, luckily. Nanna's money has been used for more than just an escape. Layla has had the adventure of a lifetime this past year.
"Would you like a tour?" Gabby's twinkly voice snaps me out of my thoughts.
"No, thank you. We will just take the keys."
I swear her entire five-foot-two frame turns into a representation of confusion and concern. I would feel bad for being so curt, but I can't deal with someone in my new home right away.
"Okay." I will admit that her muted tone does grate on my nerves, since I'm the one who dimmed her spirit. "Here you go!" Bright smile back in place, if not a little tight, she hands the keys over.
"Thank you, Gabby. Do I need to sign anything?"
Bright hair sways with a shake of her head. "Nope. You took care of all of that online, and we have all the paperwork I need. Also, your ID matches your face, so all set!" Bending at the waist, she wiggles her fingers. "See you later, sweetheart."
Then she's gone in a flash. I wouldn't have been surprised if she left fairy dust and rainbows in her wake.
Shit. I'm being way too bitchy even for my own mind to deal with. The prospect of unpacking and settling in is already exhausting me.
"Gosta pee, Mommy."
It's like a sparkle of light breaks through my dark aura, brightening my smile until it becomes achingly real. "Let's go, Bug!" Dropping to a knee, I snag her little arm and loop it around the front of my neck. "Oof! You are getting so big," I tease when her little body hops up onto my back with a giggle of joy.
"YAH!" A snort slips free when her sandaled foot gently nudges my side, urging me on like a steed. "Make the noise, Mommy."
"Neigh!" I giddy up with a skip to the door before unlocking it. My sweet girl barely holds her bladder in check as I rush her through the home in search of a toilet for her to do her business.
With her tiny arms wrapped gently around my neck and silly antics, my heart swells with glee. Even if we don't stay long, we will make the best memories.
With Layla by my side, elation is an easy feeling to melt into.
Sweat. So much sweat.
My savior comes hustling into the living room, donning a polka-dotted green one-piece suit and goggles. "Swimming!" I tilt my head, taking in my precious little blondie, and cringe when a drop of sweat stings my eye.
Hopping to my feet, I boop her nose. "What a good idea. Are you hungry?" Layla bats my hand away and scrunches her face up in indignation. Trusting that I won't poke her again, she tilts her head just like I do, truly thinking about my question.
“A little.” Her furrowed brows tell me she’s worried I will cancel beach plans. I drop a kiss on her head and hold out my hand for hers.
“Let’s try to pee, then we can stop for a snack.” Her owl eyes light up, making me rush the reminder out, “Pee first!”
Once I’ve nudged her into my ensuite, I scramble through one of my bags of clothes, trying to find a swimsuit. Only finding a two-piece, my tummy cramps with anxiety. I really wish I could find something with more coverage.
Gripping the tiny coral fabric in my hands, I quickly change and throw a white dress over it that isn’t drenched in sweat. Just as I walk out of my closet, Bug exits the bathroom and points to the toilet.
“I peed. Come look.” I give her a soft smile and check to make sure that she did, in fact, use the potty.
"Good job, baby! Go ahead and flush."
After she accomplishes her task, she rises on her stepstool to look into the mirror with me. "Can we match?" A contemplative look crosses her features as she tugs on her shoulder-length curls.
"Space buns?"
My heart skips a beat when her feet lift off the step stool in a thrilled jump. "Yes! Space buns, please."
"Layla, be careful, please." My words are soft but firm. I won't hesitate to guide her when she is endangering herself. For a five-year-old, she is very independent and trustworthy, making being a single mom much easier. But she's still so fragile, with so much to learn.
"Sorry." Her sheepish look and apology stabs at the guilt inside of me before I give her cheek a raspberry.
A short time later, I lock up behind us with a beach bag slung over my shoulder. We’re both rockin' a pair of space buns on top of our heads, and we even found Layla her own white dress to go over her swimsuit.
Time to see what our new city has to offer.
Chapter Two
LEO
Muscles bunch beneath the tight fabric, followed by a huff of laughter. He’s caught me staring. Stifling a groan, I shuffle in my booth seat, trying to alleviate the tightness in my shorts.
"Naughty!" Marcus gasps with a wicked smirk. "At work of all places, Leo. So dirty." I purse my lips, trying to hold back my own smirk when he tsks at me for checking him out. Nobody can blame me either; he has women and men ogling his toned, tanned body everywhere he goes. Short black hair, dark eyes, broad shoulders, and a shit-eating grin. The world never stood a chance against my boyfriend.
I narrow my eyes, gearing up to sass him back, yet I'm robbed of my comeback when one of my baristas places my order in front of me. "Here you go, Mr. Lewis." The cheery voice and ponytail of blonde hair that slap me across the face is enough to make me lean away.
The obvious caress on my forearm has Marcus snapping to attention. "Thanks, that will be all." With a huff and an irritated glance at the imposing man opposite me, Candice flaunts her way back behind the espresso bar. "Ugh, she couldn't even be classy about it. You were obviously uncomfortable. I hate how people ignore—"
"Marcus, it's okay. Thank you for shooing her away, though." Soothing him while trying to get my thundering heart under control is tough, but I'm thankful he picked up on how I was feeling.
"Yeah, I don't appreciate how all these sorority and frat boys drool all over you when you come in." Same, but that's what being the owner is good for; I don't have to be here unless absolutely necessary.
