The Opposite Attractions (New Hampshire Bears Book 13)

by Mary Smith

  Lifting it from the box she burst into laughter. The thick silver bracelet was woven with a clasp in the shape of…

  “This looks exactly like a belt.” She placed it on her wrist as Jarvis fastened it.

  “I love you.” He smiled.

  “Jarvis, I feel exactly the same, and this will always remind me of it.” She cupped his handsome face, kissing him fully on the lips.

  Her life was finally perfect.

  When they made it back to Jarvis’s condo, Joy and Jackson were there sitting on the couch. Mikayla saw the sadness all over her face.

  “What happened?” she questioned as she looked between them.

  “I couldn’t remember anything. I couldn’t see his face.” Joy’s voice broke.

  “Frankie left her mind open though,” Jackson said a bit hopeful.

  “What does that even mean?” Jarvis inquired, sitting next to his sister.

  “She thinks if I see him with a fully clear mind, I’ll remember him and…everything.” Tears slowly rolled from her eyes.

  Jackson held her hand tightly and Jarvis did the same. Mikayla kneeled in front her with her hands on her knees. They remained in those positions until the doorbell rang, which caused Joy to jump and yelp.

  “It’s just the food,” Jackson reminded her.

  “I’ll get it,” Mikayla offered. After signing the credit card slip for the food, she took everything into the kitchen.

  “There’s plenty.” She heard Joy say coming back into the living room.

  “We’ve already eaten,” Jarvis told her.

  “Why don’t you two enjoy dinner? Jarvis and I have some catching up to do,” Mikayla suggested.

  “Sounds good.” Jackson smiled at Joy.

  Seeing his glee told Mikayla they were growing closer.

  “You two enjoy.” She grabbed Jarvis’s hand, giving it a soft tug.

  “Maybe I wanted to spend some time with my sister,” he hissed softly, shutting the bedroom door.

  “Typically, I would agree with you and never keep you away from her, but she needs Jackson tonight.”

  He groaned loudly falling onto the bed.

  “Stop being a dramatic nut bag.” Mikayla giggled, dropping next to him. “I know Jackson isn’t—”

  “I dislike him a lot.”

  “But you prom—”

  “Still don’t have to like the guy.”

  ‘If she likes him then—”

  “Nope, I don’t have to like him.”

  “If you interrupt me one more time, I’ll have to resort to violence,” she growled at him.

  “I’m just being overprotective,” he confessed with a sigh.

  “And I get it, but you can’t be overbearing. There’s a difference. Do I need to draw you a picture?”

  She was rewarded with a smile.

  “No, I get it. But this whole hypnotization thing?” He shook his head.

  “I know.” She nodded.

  He expressed it over sushi in Boston. He didn’t think Frankie was a complete hack but didn’t think it would work. Joy seemed pleased with her and had made progress.

  “We’re going to have to support Joy,” she told him.

  “I just worry. That’s something I can’t help, and it won’t go away.” Jarvis made his feelings very clear.

  “I would never expect it to.” She kissed him. “It’s a hidden quality that I love about you.”

  “I also have another thing that’s currently hiding in my jeans and needs to be released.” He rolled on top of her, nibbling her neck.

  It tickled Mikayla, making her laugh. A laugh of pure happiness and full of love.

  “Wake up! Wake up!”

  Mikayla felt Joy jumping next to her on the bed.

  “What. Are. You. Doing,” Mikayla groaned out each word.

  “We have a million things to do.” Her overly excited voice made Mikayla put the pillow over her head.

  “Come on, Kay.” She bounced on the bed again.

  Jerking the pillow off her face, she figured out it was only her and Joy in the bed. She could only think of one way for her to stop jumping. “You know, I think you’re in Jarvis’s wet spot.”

  Joy screeched and hurried off the bed. “Why are you so much like him?”

  This made Mikayla giggle. “Why are you waking me up in such a weird manner?”

  Joy started talking a hundred miles a minute, and she couldn’t understand a single word.

  “Stop talking.” She sat up in the bed, holding up both hands. “You’re saying way too many words, and I’ve had no caffeine to comprehend any of them.”

  “Right. Sorry. I’m just super excited right now.” She clapped her hands and was hopping from one foot to the other.

  “Slowly—very slowly—explain to me why you’re so happy?” She tugged the covers off and rose to her feet.

  “I didn’t tell you and Jarvis everything about my visit with Frankie.” She kept her voice low as if someone was listening to their conversation. “Frankie told me when I’d wake up this morning I wouldn’t be as scared. I’d be happy. My anxiety is knotted inside, and I’m still scared, but it’s not as bad.” Her smile grew bigger than Mikayla had seen in a very long time.

  She walked over to her friend and hugged her. Mikayla wasn’t sure about what was really happening, however, she was happy to see her friend smiling.

  “Why are you in my room?”

  They released each other to see Jarvis covered in sweat standing in the doorway of the bedroom.

  “I’m Mikayla’s alarm today,” Joy explained. “Where did you go?”

  “Why did I see Jackson leaving a little bit ago?” he countered.

  “Did Jackson spend the night?” Mikayla gasped with elation and shock.

  “Nothing happened,” Joy quickly said. “We just laid in my bed, watched TV and both of us, eventually, fell asleep.”

  “It’s still a big step for you,” Mikayla added.

  “Yes, and Jackson is kind. I truly believe he’d never hurt me.” Her glow became contagious and Mikayla smiled.

  “You couldn’t have found another guy?” Jarvis moaned with disgust.

  “No. I like him, and you need to get over yourself.” Joy pointed her finger at him with every word and left before he could say anything else.

  Mikayla crossed her arms and stared at him.

  “I’m allowed to give my opinion,” he said.

  “Normally, yes, but this is about your sister’s happiness. Something she hasn’t had in a very long time.” She reiterated to him since having said it many times before.

  He sighed. “I know. I’m going to shower.”

  She watched him go into the master bath. She hoped he would give Jackson a chance. Despite understanding the animosity between Jackson and the team, the whole PHL world knew. They all had seen the last game where he blew the final play, but she believed there was more to his story, and he deserved a second chance.

  Mikayla and Joy began their day with a manicure then a pedicure. As they were getting their hair and makeup done, Joy remained upbeat even though she kept looking over her shoulder. She only faltered a bit when men came close, but she kept going forward.

  While getting the pedicure she looked up statistics on the outcomes of hypnotization because there was a real change in Joy. There were numerous reports on how well it worked, and others called it a crock. From watching Joy she erred on the side that it might be helping.

  “I’m starving,” Mikayla announced when they got back into her car.

  “Want to order something when we get back to the condo?” Joy asked.

  Glancing at the clock she realized how much time had gone by. “Order it now. Maybe we’ll be there at the same time.”

  “Perfect. Pizza or sushi?”

  “Sushi. Because I won’t be able to fit into my dress with pizza.”

  Joy laughed. “Good point.” She pulled her cell phone from her purse and used Grub Hub to order the food.

  As t
hey made their way into the condo, Jarvis and Shade were playing a video game.

  “Hey, bro.” Mikayla came up behind him on the couch and hugged his neck.

  “Hey, sis.” He remained focused on his game.

  “What? No kiss for me?” Jarvis joked, roughly punching the controller.

  “What’s your name again?” she teased, releasing Shade.

  “I’m the guy who’s dick you sucked this morning?” Jarvis quipped back.

  “Come on, man.” Shade dropped his controller and glared at him.

  Jarvis laughed so hard, he couldn’t even concentrate on the game.

  “You’re such an ass,” Shade commented at Jarvis, who was still laughing.

  The doorbell rang but as Mikayla was making her way to the door, Joy beat her to it. Surprised by how quickly she opened the door made her a true believer in Frankie’s methods.

  “Food’s here,” Joy announced, bringing the bag of food to the dining table. “Plenty for everyone.”

  The guys came in and sat at the table with the girls. Everyone began grabbing at the sushi and talking about nothing and everything.

  “I take it Jenessa isn’t coming,” Mikayla spoke softly when they were finished eating and cleaning up.

  “I asked, but she’s officially stopped talking to me.” Shade’s voice was void of any emotion.

  She felt he had given his all to the relationship and truly had nothing left to give. “I’m sorry she’s treating you this way.”

  Shade shrugged. “It is what it is.”

  Shaking her head, she knew he was just brushing it off. Not pushing the issue, she left it alone.

  “I need to start getting ready,” she said.

  “I have my stuff in the guest room,” Shade told her and preceded in the direction of the bedroom on the other side of the condo.

  She was going to ask why he was changing here, but she figured he was tired of being ignored and shunned. Mikayla went off to the bedroom and started getting ready. Jarvis was already in the room.

  “You look beautiful,” he said to her even as she stood there in her underwear. He gently placed his lips on the back of her neck, brushing her hair to the side. He began to rub between her thighs.

  “What are you doing?” Her question came out breathlessly as she gripped the countertop.

  He pulled her thong to the side and slowly inserted one finger inside her. He nibbled on her earlobe as she pushed her hips against his hard cock.

  Again, she asked, “What are you doing?”

  “Driving you crazy.” He chuckled, adding another finger.

  Her hold on the counter became firmer as her knees grew weaker.

  “Don’t tell me you don’t like it?” His fingers picked up their pace. “I know better.

  “Never said—” She gasped as his thumb rubbed her sensitive clit.

  “I love that sound almost as much as I love you.” He bit down on her neck and she moaned. It didn’t hurt her. It just gave a shot of pleasure throughout her body.

  “Fuck,” Jarvis whispered.

  In a flash, he pulled his fingers from her, whipped her around, and he guided them both to the massive shower. Inside along the wall, there was a seat. Jarvis sat down as Mikayla straddled his hips, impaling herself with his thickness. There was a slight sting when she did it and then she rocked hard against him.

  Jarvis yanked down the cups of her bra and pulled at her already erect nipples. She hissed and increased her motion. He bent down and grabbed the nipple with his mouth. Moving from the left breast to the right, and all the while, she bounced up and down on him.

  “Damn.” She gasped, balancing herself by holding onto his shoulders.

  “Come on me,” Jarvis growled, and her body seemed to comply with his command. He didn’t last long either.

  “I could stay in you all night,” he said when his breathing returned to normal.

  “I’d enjoy that as well, but we have plans.” Slowly, she rose to her feet. “Hopefully, you didn’t fuck down my makeup or hair.”

  Jarvis chuckled. “I promise I didn’t mess a single strand of hair.”

  “Hurry up then because we need to go,” she ordered.

  Together, they cleaned up, got dressed and went out to the living room where Joy, Jackson, and Shade awaited.

  “Woah!” Jackson’s eyes bugged out.

  “Stop staring at my girlfriend.” Jarvis shot daggers at him.

  “I meant no disrespect. I normally don’t see you in…” He waved his hand at her.

  Mikayla glanced at herself in the hallway mirror. Her long black hair laid in soft waves down her back but the front was pinned up. The cocktail dress she wore stopped mid-thigh. The teal silk material hugged her curves. A sewn-in sequined belt highlighted her waist. The v-cut neckline sat low putting her breasts on display. She hoped the fashion tape held throughout the night.

  “Thank you, Jackson.” Mikayla went over and kissed his cheek. “You look handsome in your tux.” She turned to Shade. “As do you.”

  “Thanks.” His grin didn’t reach his eyes.

  Looping her arm with his, she gave his bicep a squeeze. “You good, bro?”

  “Great.” Again, an emotionless grin crossed his face.

  “Am I shit?” Jarvis held out his arms as if he had suddenly become invisible.

  “Well.” Joy sucked in some air through her teeth, sarcastically saying he was. She stood there looking beautiful in her red dress. It has a tulle underline giving it a puffed-out appearance.

  Her comment made the room laugh. Jarvis ignored her and told them the limo had arrived. Leaving Shade’s side, she took Jarvis’s hand and gave him a quick kiss.

  The Grand Ballroom hosted many events in Manchester, especially Bears related ones. Mikayla was always impressed by how the room could be transformed so often. As they walked in this time, Greer Hopp, the event planner extraordinaire and wife of Edgar, did not disappoint turning the ballroom into a casino. Jarvis gave his name to the large doorman and when given the okay to go in they went over to retrieve their chips. No one actually won anything. At the end of the night when you ‘cashed in’, it all went back to the foster home.

  “Here.” Jarvis handed her a small tray of blue chips.

  “What am I going to do with these?” She balked at the tray.

  “Play,” Shade answered before Jarvis could say anything.

  “I don’t know how to play any of these games,” she exclaimed, trying to hand the tray back to him.

  “Let’s go to the roulette wheel,” Joy suggested. “I know how to play that one.”

  Mikayla noticed the anxiety was plastered on her face as she scanned the room.

  “Yes, let’s do that.” Mikayla managed to take her hand while trying to balance the tray.

  Joy’s shoulders relaxed, but she kept looking at everyone around her.

  Mikayla led the way through the crowd of players and attendees. There were senators, high-powered attorneys, businessmen, Bears players as well as players from the Tigers, Cats, and Rams, the other professional teams in New Hampshire that were all owned by Nova and Janan. Even the governor made an appearance over at the blackjack table.

  Stepping up to the table, the massive wheel spun. The dealer on the other side called the number when the ball stopped bouncing about. Joy gave her a quick rundown on how to play the game since Mikayla had no clue what to do.

  Putting one blue chip on black thirteen, Mikayla waited for the ball to drop into the spinning wheel.

  “Red twenty-two,” the dealer announced.

  “Darn,” Mikayla said as the dealer scooped up the loser’s chips.

  Joy laughed at her. “You picked the worst number ever.”

  “You lost too,” she teased, trying to hold back her giggle.

  For the next hour, they played and lost all their chips. When they left the table, it seemed as if the crowd had doubled in size. Mikayla held Joy’s hand as they maneuvered through the massive crowd to the bar. And an
ywhere there are Bears players were to be alcohol-free and this was no exception. Ordering two waters, she managed to get Joy out to the hallway where there were fewer people.

  “I don’t think I’ve had this much fun in a long time.” Joy still had a smile on her face.

  “I’m glad.” She couldn’t help but mirror her happiness.

  “Where’s the bathroom?” she asked looking up and down the hall.

  “This way.” Mikayla led the way until they reached it. “Go on. I’ll stand out here and guard the door.

  Joy went in and Mikayla stood outside, sipping the cool water. All the bodies in the ballroom kept the temperature high.

  “Having fun?”

  Mikayla turned to see Zerrick staring down at her. “I am. And you?”

  “I am. Lost my ass in Texas Hold ‘Em though.” He shrugged.

  She glanced over him in the tux. Zerrick was a handsome man not like Jarvis though. Zerrick had the boy-next-door look. The kind of guy you take home to meet the family.

  “How’s the search going? Anyone contact you?” She kept her voice low as to the others in the hall wouldn’t catch on to their conversation.

  “I’m still going through the background check. Pretty sure the CIA isn’t this thorough,” he joked, making her giggle.

  “I understand. Listen I know a few that are unattached if you need a release,” she offered.

  “Thank you. I’m okay for now. I need my back to heal up a bit more too, but I might take you up on it if I’m not accepted to Passions.” Zerrick blushed, staring down at his shoes.

  “Don’t be embarrassed with me.” She touched his arm. “You’ll get in and I’m sure you’ll find someone perfect.

  Before he could answer Joy came out of the bathroom. “Hello, Zerrick. How are you?”

  “I’m good, Joy. And you?”

  “Not too bad. Have you seen Jackson or Jarvis?”

  “They’re still being gobbled up by their fans,” he said. “I can go find them if you want. They’re probably ready for a break.”

  “That’d be great,” Mikayla spoke up as more people seemed to gather around them.