Jacob's Sweet Temptation

by Angela Franklin

  “What’s your excuse Luke?” Chasity said turning to him.

  “I was too wired to go home.” Luke told her.

  Callie reached for Lily and Chasity handed her over. Luke was fine holding them as long as they weren’t crying. Grant made the ‘I’m gonna cry’ face and Luke handed him to her. She laughed and got up to change him. Jacob watched her while he ate and when he was finished he walked back over to the group.

  “How did you get so good with babies?” Luke asked him.

  “I’ve always been good with them. I had lots of cousins and mom always made me babysit.” Jacob said with a shrug.

  “Chase, you should go home and get some rest and check on the animals.” Callie told him.

  “I’m not leaving you.” Chase said shaking his head.

  “Go ahead. You and Luke go take care of everything and rest. I will be here a while and Kara is coming when she gets off. I’m sure the others will be here soon too.” Chasity told him.

  “But what if she needs me, or they do.” Chase said pointing to the babies.

  “I will call you if they need anything. Do you not trust me to take care of them?” Chasity asked him with a frown.

  “That’s not fair, you know I do.” Chase told her.

  “So go home and rest. She will need you tonight.” Chasity told him. He looked over at Callie and she nodded.

  “Okay, come on Luke.” Chase said coming over to kiss each baby and Callie before he left.

  “I’m glad you could get them to go home.” Callie said after they left.

  “They both needed the sleep.” Chasity said with a nod.

  Jacob sat in the chair by the bed and Chasity sat on the bed with Callie while they talked and laughed and passed the babies back and forth. Around lunch time the nurse came and took the babies back to the nursery and told Callie to rest.

  “I’m gonna head over to the firehouse and check in, do ya’ll need anything as I come back?” Jacob asked after the nurse had taken the babies.

  “You could bring us some burgers.” Callie told him.

  “You got it, anything else?” Jacob said with a smile.

  “No, I think we’re good.” Chasity told him.

  “I’ll be back in a little while then.” Jacob said and kissed Chasity senseless before smiling at Callie and leaving.

  “Good grief, that curled my toes and I wasn’t the one being kissed.” Callie said after he closed the door behind him.

  “Yeah.” Chasity sighed.

  “Still denying those pictures?” Callie asked with her eyebrows raised.

  “I want to, or at least part of them.” Chasity told her honestly.

  “I know, but I have seen for myself how much more is going on than just those pictures.” Callie said reaching for her hand.

  “No, you might try to break it again.” Chasity said pretending to cringe away.

  “Nah, the demons aren’t possessing me now.” Callie told her laughing.

  “You’re going to give them a complex.” Chasity said shaking her head.

  “No, I will never say that to them. It did feel like someone else had control of my body though.” Callie told her. “Man, that hurt.”

  “I know, but it’s all worth it right.” Chasity said with a smile.

  “Absolutely, but I would recommend only trying for one at a time. The bed rest sucked big time.” Callie said wrinkling her nose.

  “Yeah it did. If you weren’t on bed rest I wouldn’t have run into Jacob at the ranch.” Chasity told her.

  “See, that’s the silver lining.” Callie told her laughing.

  “I don’t know what to do, Callie.” Chasity said biting her lip.

  “When you aren’t fighting it, how does it feel?” Callie asked.

  “Right. That’s the only way I can describe it. It feels natural to spend time with him, to eat, and go to sleep, it even felt natural when he helped me clean the house yesterday.” Chasity told her honestly.

  “He helped you clean? What did you have to do to make him help you?” Callie asked.

  “Nothing. I started and he just took over the things I hadn’t done yet. He cleaned the guest bathroom, and dusted the living room, then he vacuumed and he even vacuumed my room too.” Chasity told her sister.

  “Really, he didn’t even complain?” Callie asked stunned.

  “Nope. He doesn’t even clean his own house. He said he has a cleaning service, then he helped me fold my clothes.” Chasity said.

  “Wow.” Callie whispered.

  “I know.”

  “You said sleeping, has he been sleeping in your bed?” Callie asked wagging her eyebrows.

  “Yes, but I mean that literally. He holds me at night and we go to sleep. By the way your timing sucks.” Chasity huffed at her.

  “Why?” Callie asked her.

  “I was in the middle of a very promising kiss when you called this morning.” Chasity replied.

  “Sorry.” Callie giggled.

  “Now get some rest. I’m gonna sit right here and play on my phone.” Chasity told her kicking her feet up.

  “Yes, mom.” Callie grumbled, but was asleep within minutes.

  *****

  Jacob wasn’t sure if he should be happy the phone rang this morning or not. Chasity had definitely woken him up right, her hot little kisses had him turned inside out. He was tired of fighting it, he wanted her. He had been surprised by what the pictures had showed yesterday. He had Callie send them to his phone after he saw them. He knew he loved her, but if the pictures were right, she might love him too. He was almost to the firehouse when his phone rang.

  “Yeah.” Jacob said knowing who it was.

  “Hey chief, a package just arrived for you. I signed for it.” Tray told him.

  “Good, I’m almost there.” Jacob said and hung up.

  He couldn’t believe how happy Chasity had looked with the babies. When she said she wanted that, it was like she was reading his mind. He had been wanting that too, but only with her. He had been thinking it was too soon, but it didn’t feel like it to him. He wanted to give her everything, kids, his heart, the sun and the moon too, if that’s what she wanted. With that thought in mind, he jogged into the station.

  “How’s the babies?” Tray asked him.

  “Good. I left Chasity with Callie. They had just come and took the babies to the nursery and told Callie to rest so I came to check on things here.” Jacob told him.

  “And to get your package?” Tray said with narrow eyes.

  “Yeah, where did you put it?” Jacob asked him.

  “Right here.” Tray said pulling it out of his pocket. “Is it for Chasity?”

  “Yeah, and I need to pick up a few more things before I head back. Is everything good here?” Jacob asked trying to hurry.

  “We’re good here.” Tray told him. “Good luck.”

  “Thanks.” Jacob said then jogged back to the truck.

  Jacob drove two towns over for the other thing he needed. He didn’t want word getting back to her in case she got skittish and he couldn’t give it to her right away. His mom had told him years ago the right one will sparkle just for you , and she was right. It took two stores, but he knew when he found what he wanted. He stopped at a florist and then went to get dinner, grabbing enough for the guys figuring they would be back soon too. With his arms loaded down with food, and the flowers, he walked into the hospital. He could hear laughter before he got to the door.

  “Sounds like ya’ll didn’t need me to hurry back with food after all.” He joked as he walked in. Kara and Lindy were on the bed and Chasity was in the chair beside the bed.

  “Oh of course we need you, you’re our hero.” Callie said reaching for the food.

  “I swear I fed you this morning.” Jacob said shaking his head.

  “That was hours ago.” Callie pouted at him.

  “Yeah, yeah. These are for you.” He said handing her the flowers.

  “Oh, they’re beautiful thank you.” Callie beamed
at him.

  Jacob locked eyes with Chasity and walked around the bed to her. He scooped her up from the chair and kissed her with everything he had. He hadn’t been gone long, but he had missed her. She moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck. He heard the girls giggle and pulled back. He sat down and pulled her on his lap.

  “Hey.” He whispered in her ear.

  “Hi.” She said with a blush.

  “I think I need a cold shower.” Lindy said fanning her face.

  “I smell food.” Luke said as he and Chase walked in.

  “Damn.” Lindy said under her breath.

  “So why are you talking about cold showers? Thinking of me again?” Luke asked wagging his eyebrows.

  “You wish jerk.” Lindy huffed at him.

  “I think it was Jacob and Chasity setting the room on fire.” Kara said with a shrug. She had really come out of her shell, ten months ago she wouldn’t even make eye contact with anyone.

  “You do know that’s what landed us all in here right.” Luke told Jacob.

  “Yep.” Jacob said pulling Chasity closer.

  “Where’s my babies?” Chase asked the room.

  “The nurse will bring them back in a few minutes.” Callie told him.

  “Have you gotten any rest?” Chase asked Callie, but her mouth was full of burger.

  “Yeah, she slept for almost two hours till these crazy people showed up.” Chasity said pointing to Kara and Lindy.

  “It’s not fair to classify Kara in the same category as Lindy. She is way too nice.” Luke told Chasity and she snorted.

  “On that note, I’m leaving.” Lindy huffed, she kissed Callie them walked out.

  “I guess I should go too.” Kara said following Lindy out.

  “Why are you so mean to Lindy?” Chasity asked Luke.

  “I’m not, she just can’t take a joke.” Luke shrugged.

  “You mean like the one you gave me yesterday.” Chasity glared at him.

  “That’s different.” Luke said glaring back.

  “No, it’s not.” Chasity said crossing her arms over her chest.

  Jacob sat there listening to them bickering back and forth, then reached for the bag and handed her a burger. Maybe if she was busy eating she wouldn’t be able to kill Luke. She ate quick, but it didn’t keep her from glaring daggers at Luke.

  “Dude, you need to quit before she kills you.” Jacob said hoping he would take the advice.

  “But I didn’t…” Luke started, but Chase smacked him in the back of the head.

  “Enough.” Chase told him.

  “I really should go home; I am going to open the bakery tomorrow.” Chasity told them as she stood up.

  “Will you come see me when you get a chance tomorrow?” Callie asked her.

  “Of course.” Chasity told her, kissing her forehead before moving toward the door.

  “Chase, please don’t let Luke get himself killed. I don’t want to cover his shifts till I can find a replacement.” Jacob said walking behind Chasity.

  “Thanks for all the help.” Callie told him.

  “Anytime. You have my number if you need me.” Jacob told her and followed Chasity out to the truck.

  “When do you go back to work?” Chasity asked him when they were in the truck.

  “I will go in tomorrow morning.” Jacob said lacing his fingers with hers.

  “Are you going home tonight?” She asked him quietly.

  “Not if I have a choice.” Jacob said squeezing her hand.

  When they got to her place Jacob followed her in and walked to the laundry room to start the dryer they had stopped the day before and forgot. Then he grabbed a beer and a glass of wine for her and walked to the couch. She was already seated and smiled up at him.

  “Thanks.” She said and took a sip closing her eyes. He took out the first box as he sat beside her and held it out to her. “What’s that?” She asked when she opened her eyes.

  “Open it.” Jacob told her with a smile.

  *****

  Chasity took it slowly. He looked really happy so it couldn’t be bad, right? She pulled the lid off and her heart stopped. She felt a tear slip down her cheek. It was a beautiful necklace. It had the fire department symbol on it, and his initials, and some numbers, but she didn’t know what they were. She glanced up at him and he frowned.

  “What’s wrong sweetness? Don’t you like it?” Jacob asked her wiping the tears away with his thumbs.

  “I love it. When did you have time to get this?” She asked him.

  “I ordered it Friday morning. It came today.” Jacob told her.

  “What are the numbers on it?” She asked him as she lifted it out of the box.

  “Our gear has a number on it specific to the person it’s assigned too. That is my number. You said it had to be special and I couldn’t think of anything that fit any better that this. It has my initials and my number on it, it’s very specific to me.” Jacob told her as the tears kept coming.

  “Jacob, it was a joke. You really didn’t have to do this.” Chasity told him.

  “It’s not joke to me.” Jacob said as he took it from her and fastened it around her neck.

  When he pulled back she was staring at him. He smiled at her and she lost it. She reached for him and kissed him with everything she had. He wouldn’t know what it meant, but in that moment, she had given him everything, heart and soul. If he walked away it would kill her, but she couldn’t go back now.

  “Jacob, please.” Chasity said pulling back to look into his eyes.

  “Anything for you sweetness.” Jacob said as he picked her up and carried her to the bedroom.

  He followed her down on the bed kissing anything he could reach. She felt every kiss as if everyone lead straight to her heart. She had never felt anything like this. He undressed her slowly caressing everything he revealed. When she was completely bare to his gaze, he pulled back and looked at her.

  “I have never seen anything more beautiful then you, Chasity. I could spend hours worshipping every inch of you.” Jacob said as he ran his hands over her.

  “Please don’t make me wait. I want to see you too.” Chasity told him.

  Jacob got up and slowly undressed watching her the whole time. Once he was stripped, she held her arms open for him to join her on the bed. He went willingly. His weight made her feel whole instead of smothering her. She felt surrounded by him. He made love to her slowly keeping eye contact and following her over the edge. He kissed her as she came back to earth. She felt like he was a part of her now. She had told him it would only deepen the connection, but she hadn’t known that it could feel like this. She wondered if he felt even half of what she did, but couldn’t bring herself to ask.

  He rolled to the side pulling her on top of him and pulling her close as he rubbed her back. She felt him pull the covers over them, but he made no move to get up and neither did she. With all the emotions going on in her right now, she wouldn’t be able to stand on her own. She could feel the metal of the necklace against her skin and it felt like a brand making her his. She felt his breath even out and thought he was asleep so she closed her eyes and whispered as quietly as she could “I love you.”

  Chapter 14

  Chasity woke up slowly to Jacob kissing her and rubbing her back. She really wanted to curl back up and go back to sleep, but she had to open the bakery today. She kissed him back for a minute then pulled back to look at him. His smile was bright; it was a great way to start the day.

  “I have to work today.” Chasity told him.

  “Me too sweetness.” He said and kissed her again.

  “I need to take a shower.” She told him.

  “Go ahead. I’ll make the coffee.” Jacob told her and kissed her cheek before jumping up and heading for the kitchen.

  She got up and went to the bathroom, taking a quick shower. She jumped out and dried her hair, then turned to the mirror to brush her teeth. She was almost finished when she noticed something was on her hand.
She looked down to see a diamond shining on her ring finger. She knew she hadn’t forgotten that. She rinsed her mouth and opened the bathroom door. Jacob was sitting on the bed waiting for her.

  “Um, Jacob?” Chasity said and wiggled her hand at him.

  “It looks perfect. I knew it would.” Jacob said and got up. He dropped to one knee in front of her and took her hand kissing the ring. “I love you, Chasity. When I think of spending one day without you I can’t breathe. You are my heart and soul. Everything I am is yours. I know you probably think it’s too fast, but it feels perfect. Everything about you feels made for me. I love your fiery temper and your sweet cuddly side. I hate to see you cry, but I love that side of you too. Chasity, sweetness, will you marry me?” Jacob said looking into her eyes. Her heart felt like it would burst from her chest.

  “I-I-I…” She started but had to clear her throat. “I love you with all my heart. Yes.” She barely got the words out before he had her scooped up and was swinging her around. He kissed her until she lost all breath and thought in her body.

  “I love you.” He said as he kissed every part of her face he could reach, squeezing her tight.

  “Jacob, can’t breathe.” Chasity gasped.

  “Oh, sorry baby.” Jacob said and pulled back but kept her in his arms.

  “When did you have time to do this, and how did you do it without the whole town knowing?” Chasity asked him looking at her ring. It was simple and beautiful just what she would have picked herself.

  “I went a couple towns over and got it yesterday. I wasn’t sure when I would give it to you, I wanted to make sure the time was right, but after last night I knew it was perfect. You were right, sweetness. I have never felt anything like that. It was like we were the same person.” Jacob told her pulling her to the kitchen and handing her a cup of coffee.

  “That’s how it was for me too.” Chasity told him as she sipped her coffee.

  “Can I come with you to the bakery till it’s time for me to go to the firehouse?” Jacob asked her.

  “If that’s what you want to do.” Chasity said with a shrug.