I Know Better (By Your Side Series Book 1)

by A. P. Watson

  “Damn. I wasn’t expecting you to think of that.”

  Now, it was Jacks’s turn to smile victoriously as he followed behind me and plopped on the couch. “Since you’re going to be getting a dress, you might as well get some new shoes.”

  “I swear, if you tell me to buy one more thing, I’m going to punch you in the throat,” I hissed.

  He held up his hands in defeat. “Okay, okay. I won’t tell you to buy anything else.”

  “Good.” I handed him the remote for the television, waiting for him to turn it on. “But hypothetically speaking, what would you do if you came home after work tomorrow to find ten dogs in your apartment?”

  He pushed a couple of buttons, pulling up Netflix. “Ten is a very specific number.”

  “I mean, it is a hypothetical question.”

  “So, you want to know what I would do?” he asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Probably buy a bigger couch so I could sit on said couch with all our dogs.”

  “That’s a really good idea, and I’m going to remember that for future reference.”

  He laughed, stretching his arm across the back of the couch. “Are you saying you want a dog?”

  “I’m saying if I don’t wake up on Christmas morning to a bunch of puppies with bows on their collars, I’m probably going to cry.”

  “Well, I’ll take a note out of your book and remember that for future reference.”

  “Good.”

  Just like yesterday, we got sucked into the drama of The X-Files. After three episodes, we had to quit so I could make dinner. Jacks helped me remove all the ingredients I would need and spread everything out on the counter.

  “Have I ever told you how much I love your kitchen?”

  “Nope,” he answered.

  “I mean it’s so huge, and it literally has everything you could ever want. Like this island is to die for. When I worked at The Peel, I had to move into a tiny ass apartment with a shitty kitchen. Literally, my kitchen was like a third of the size of your bathroom.”

  “Damn.”

  “Yeah, it sucked.” I was about to grab a handful of flour when I suddenly turned to Jacks. “You don’t happen to have an apron, do you?”

  “Yeah. Hold on.” He shuffled over to a drawer and pulled out a black apron. He slid it over my head and tied the laces at my back. “There you go.” His breath felt warm as he kissed the back of my neck.

  “Thank you.”

  I scattered flour on top of the marble and spread it out to roll the dough over. Jacks popped the cork on one of the wine bottles he set out earlier, pouring me a glass. Together, we made my mother’s chicken pot pie. We cooked the filling, made the dough, and then combined everything into a neat little dish and baked it for half an hour. It’d only been in the oven for twenty minutes when Jacks checked on it for at least the third time.

  “It can’t cook if you keep opening up the oven!”

  “I know, but it smells delectable.”

  “Of course, it does. My momma’s chicken pot pie recipe has taken home three blue ribbons at the county fair.”

  Jacks’s responding groan was barely audible. “The second you said the words county fair, my dick twitched.”

  I giggled, turning to finish wiping down the counter. “Would it make you feel better if I said a few Southern sayings?”

  “Please, do.”

  “Okay. Well, the other day, I had a patient ask me for a cup of coffee at 6:00 a.m. sharp, and I told him he was bright eyed and bushy tailed when I dropped his coffee off,” I said in my most southern accent as he smiled and took a couple of steps to stand in front of me. “Oh, and Nate laughed at me for a good ten minutes the other day when I told him he was crazy as a bed bug,” I continued with a laugh. Jacks took two more steps, his hands gripping the counter on either side of me. “And do you want to know one of my favorite sayings?”

  “Tell me,” he begged.

  “Darlin’, come over here and gimme some sugar,” I intoned in the heaviest accent I could manage.

  His face neared mine, stopping right before he reached my lips. “That one is definitely my favorite.” Then, he obeyed my command, touching his lips to mine. Rough hands gripped my waist, and before I even knew what was happening, Jacks set me on top of the counter. He moved forward, filling up the space between my legs. Our kiss never broke. Instead, it intensified, building as our need became more frantic. I moaned into his mouth as his fingers slid underneath my skirt and lace glided across my skin as he removed my panties.

  “This isn’t too much sugar, is it?” A wicked gleam filled his eyes.

  “Not at all,” I panted. Just as we were about to join our mouths once more, a knock sounded at the door. “That’ll be Terayn and Ryan.”

  “Yeah.”

  His disappointment was obvious, so I hopped off the counter and snatched my panties from his grasp. I stuffed the garment in the front pocket of his jeans. “Don’t worry. I’ll get them from you later.” Then, as if nothing had happened, I crossed over to the door and answered their knock.

  “Hey, babe!” Ter practically knocked me over as she threw her arms around me.

  “Hey!”

  “So, what did you make?” Ryan asked.

  “Chicken pot pie,” I answered as I gave him a quick hug.

  Ryan shut the door behind him, following Terayn to the island in the kitchen. “You know I love your mother’s chicken pot pie.”

  “Hey!” Terayn smacked his arm lightly. “You know good and well it was my favorite dish long before you ever tasted it.”

  “I’ve never eaten it before, but it sounds like a real treat,” Jacks eagerly interjected

  Terayn accepted a glass of red wine from Jacks. “You’ve no idea.”

  “Well, it should be done any minute now.” I picked up my own glass of wine, taking a long drink. “Jacks, would you care to grab some plates for me?”

  “Of course.”

  He grabbed plates, napkins, forks, and knives, carrying it all over to the massive dining table. The gray plates popped against the black wood of the table, and it didn’t take him long to set everything up.

  “Thank you for doing that.” I poured him and Ryan each a glass of wine, placing the glasses in their hands.

  Jacks kissed me on the cheek. “It was no trouble at all.”

  Terayn grinned at me as her eyes lit up at the sight. “So, Jackson, does this mean you and Wren are together?”

  “Haven’t we kind of been together from the day we met?”

  She took a sip of wine, rolling her eyes. “You know what I mean,” she shot back in annoyance.

  “Yes, we are. As long as it’s what she wants.”

  “Finally!” Terayn’s voice echoed throughout the apartment in her excitement. I laughed at her response, which reflected my own thoughts exactly. Jacks beamed at me, and this time, he kissed me on the lips.

  The timer sounded on the oven, so I hurried over to remove our dinner. A divine aroma wafted throughout the kitchen as I set the dish on top of the stove. “We’ll give it just a few minutes to cool down.” I fanned the dish with a set of oven mitts to speed up the process.

  Ryan leaned his hand on the counter and looked at Jacks. “So, tell me more about your promotion. Is Pressman giving you a new office? Do you know when it will take effect?”

  “He hasn’t mentioned an office, at least not to me. He wants me to oversee all mergers and acquisitions.”

  Ryan nodded his head. “That’s a big deal. And it definitely comes with a nice pay bump.”

  “Yeah. I’m just looking forward to being able to operate more autonomously. I know Pressman invited the CEO of the company that owns Slate’s company to the dinner this weekend, so that’s making me nervous.”

  “That’s understandable, but I think it’s going to be great.” I rubbed the length of Jacks’s arm, hoping he would find some measure of comfort in my touch.

  “Thanks, chipmunk.”

  I smiled, discr
eetly patting the pocket my panties were stashed in. I picked up the chicken pot pie and carried it over to the table. Jacks brought our wine glasses over, placing them in front of our plates. He also retrieved a large knife and a spatula, so I could begin serving our meal.

  Only when everyone else had plates covered with food did I serve myself. Even though I hadn’t eaten all day, I still waited to dig in, watching as Jacks took his first bite.

  “Wow,” he said, practically moaning.

  I stared at him hopefully. “Do you like it?”

  Jacks nodded. “I think this is the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

  “Ry and I always request it on our birthdays. It’s so damn good,” Ter added.

  “I want to join this birthday club,” Jacks stated, casting me a sideways glance.

  “When is your birthday?” Ter ate another bite of food while she waited for Jacks to answer.

  “March fourteenth.”

  “Oh, that’s right. We went to that great Italian place for your birthday last year!” she added.

  I took that moment to taste the meal Jacks and I prepared together. It was delicious, and this dish happened to be my favorite thing to make. If Jacks wanted it on his birthday, then he’d get exactly what he wanted.

  “I’ll make it for you on your birthday. I can even cook two if you want,” I offered happily.

  “I’d love that.”

  Terayn already finished half her plate, and I had no doubts she would want seconds. “I remember the first time your mom made this for me.”

  “I do too. You were so sad about not winning the art fair.”

  “I was robbed! My painting was the best,” she pouted.

  “It really was,” I agreed.

  “She made chicken pot pie to cheer me up. And what was it she always used to say?”

  “There’s nothing some chicken pot pie and a glass of milk can’t make better.” I recited the words from perfect memory, recalling how my mother’s solution to every complaint was her most famous recipe.

  “That’s it!” She took another bite and smiled. “Your mom always was the best.”

  I nodded in agreement. “She is pretty awesome.” I stood before Jacks could and filled his plate with another helping. “So, I just realized I have no idea where the dinner is being held on Saturday.”

  Jacks cleared his throat before answering. “It’s going to be at Everest.”

  “Wow. I didn’t even realize they hosted private events there.”

  “They do every now and then. Weddings too,” Jacks added nonchalantly.

  My eyes widened at the thought. “Geez. I can’t even begin to fathom how much it would cost to get married there!”

  Ryan laughed, finishing off the last of his chicken pot pie. “Definitely a pretty penny.”

  “I don’t think I could do it. I mean it’s a shit ton of money for a single day!”

  Terayn gasped at me in horror. “Where are your romantic sensibilities?”

  “I had them removed a long time ago,” I deadpanned.

  “Are you saying you don’t believe in celebrating the act of marriage?” Jacks turned to me as he waited for an answer.

  “If people want to throw a lavish party for their wedding, then that is wonderful for them. It’s just not my style,” I clarified.

  “Wren! I was hoping you would grow out of this,” Ter whined.

  “Ter, you know once my mind is made up, there is no changing it.”

  “But weddings are so wonderful and beautiful!” she cried.

  “You have your opinions on what a wedding should be, and I have mine.”

  “So, what do you think weddings should be like?” Jacks asked, curiosity apparent in his voice.

  “An elopement in Vegas officiated by an Elvis impersonator.”

  Jacks broke into a devious grin. “I’ll admit, it isn’t what I would’ve guessed you’d want, but it fits you perfectly.”

  “What can I say? Frilly extravagance isn’t my style,” I replied, shrugging.

  “I think it’s a good thing!” Ryan shifted his gaze to Terayn. “I’m not even going to object to anything this one wants. I’ve learned the hard way it’s best just to hand over your wallet.”

  I burst into a fit of laughter at the sight of Terayn’s expression. “We’ve all learned that lesson the hard way.”

  “Freaking traitors, the whole lot of you.” She crossed her arms, huffing loudly.

  I held my wine glass in Ryan’s direction. “To the path of least resistance.”

  He clinked his glass against mine. “To least resistance.”

  Ter brushed dark strands of hair over her shoulder. “Whatever. You both know you can’t live without me.”

  Ryan leaned toward her and kissed her cheek. “Wouldn’t even dream of it, babe.” Ryan stood from the table, his right hand digging into the pocket of his jeans. “Which brings me to our next order of business.”

  I stole a quick glance at Jacks, catching his eye as I mouthed the words oh my God.

  “I was planning a whole weekend getaway, but there will never be a more perfect time than this,” Ryan began.

  Ter scanned the room, looking to each of us with confusion. “What are you talking about?”

  “We are at dinner with our closest friends, eating our favorite meal.”

  “Yes, babe. I’m aware.”

  Ryan took her hand, pulling her out of her seat. “When we met, it was the single most defining moment of my life. You showed me what it meant to love someone, and I can’t imagine spending the rest of my days without you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He produced a small box from his pocket, opening it as he knelt before Terayn.

  Her eyes lit up at the sight. There wasn’t any need for her to think over his proposal. They were soulmates. They were made for one another. “Yes!” She leapt into his arms, kissing every inch of his face she could find. “Nothing would make me happier.”

  Ryan set her down and promptly slid the gorgeous sapphire on her finger. “What do you think?”

  “It’s beautiful!” She kissed him again, her eyes darting back to her ring. “Absolutely perfect.”

  For once, I mimicked one of Ter’s famous screams. “My best friends are getting married!” I rushed over to them, wrapping my arms around their necks. “I’m so happy for both of you!”

  Terayn grabbed my hands, pulling me off to the side to give me another hug. “Please be my maid of honor. You know I can’t get married without you by my side.”

  “I’d be honored!” I said as my hold on her tightened for a brief moment.

  Jacks approached Ryan, giving him a hug in lieu of their typical handshake. “Congratulations. I couldn’t be happier for the two of you.”

  Ryan returned his hug, clapping Jacks on the back. “You know, I’m going to need a best man. Who better than the best man I know?”

  Surprise altered Jacks’s features. “Seriously?”

  “Yes. I need someone else up there capable of handling these two.” Ryan pointed at Ter and I as he spoke.

  “Of course, I will. Otherwise, you’ll have your work cut out for you,” he joked.

  “Hey!” I smacked his arm.

  “You know what I mean.” He moved to hug Terayn. “Terayn, I can’t think of anyone better suited for one another than the two of you.”

  “Thank you so much!” Terayn returned his hug, whispering inaudibly in his ear.

  He smiled and nodded at her words before ending their embrace. I stared at the two of them curiously, wondering what secrets passed their lips.

  However, my curiosity was short lived. Now that Jacks’s arms were free, I stepped over to him, occupying the space where Terayn had just been. “Hi there, maid of honor,” he breathed as he bent toward me, his lips claiming my own.

  “Hey there, best man.”

  chapter twenty-one

  slipping

  OVER THE PAST FEW days, I couldn’t remember a time in my life when I was happier. Moving
to Chicago was the best decision I’ve ever made for myself. Everything with Jacks felt right, even staying over at his place. Sure, we’d done that before, but the deepening intensity of our friendship took me completely by surprise. After Terayn and Ryan left last night, we finished what we started on the kitchen counter. He treated me with so much respect and admiration. I was amazed by how I’d grown accustomed to being treated poorly.

  After everything he’d done for me, I wanted to repay him by doing something special at his work dinner this weekend. I racked my brain for hours this morning, trying to think of the perfect present when I was hit with an epiphany. Family was something Jacks placed a lot of value on. David was the only family he had left, and I was going to make sure he was at the party to celebrate the deal Jacks had worked so hard on.

  I turned down the radio and pulled out my phone. Excitement fizzled through my veins as I called David. I knew he would be as excited about my idea as I was, and I couldn’t wait to tell him about it.

  David answered on the second ring.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi, David. It’s Wren.”

  “It’s so good to hear from you!”

  “How are you doing?”

  “I’m doing well? And yourself?”

  “Couldn’t be better!” I exclaimed.

  “Good!”

  “I’m calling because I wanted to ask you something. Jacks has been working on a major project lately, and because everything went well, his boss is hosting a dinner party this Saturday to celebrate. I wanted to get him a present to celebrate his promotion, and I was thinking you could come to the party and surprise him as his present.”

  “I think that is a wonderful idea!”

  “So, you’ll come?” I asked, wanting to confirm his attendance.

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world!”

  “Oh, I’m so glad! I know how much he loves you, and this is a really big night for him. So, I thought it would be a perfect surprise.”

  “Where is the party at?” he asked.

  “It’s at a French restaurant in the Chicago Stock Exchange Building. It’s called Everest.”