I held the red dress curtain in case she barged in, peeking out just to see her standing there and waiting. “Yeah, I’m good. I’ll meet you outside. Go grab a coffee or something…” I trailed off, closing the curtain once again. There was no way I was buying these in front of her. She would have a heart attack at the sight of my panties.
I sent my reply to Jackson, a wink, and then put the phone back in my bag. I missed him.
Jackson. I literally melted, sighing and swooning thinking about him. I was the one who got to kiss him, touch him all over, and feel him deep inside me. My heart was happy. It really felt as if it was smiling. Just being near him made me feel all giddy and wonderful.
He took my virginity.
He was the one to make me feel all sorts of incredible pleasure beyond I could ever imagine. Sure, I wasn’t getting off every single time during lovemaking, but he always attended to my needs before his. I didn’t orgasm each time, but when I did, oh my.
***
We left Bras N Things and made our way further into the mall. The lingerie, babydoll, and a pair of Brazilian matching knickers together had cost me one hundred fifty-seven dollars. It was not as bad as I had expected, but to pay that much on underwear just for tonight was ridiculous. It was for Jax, I kept telling myself.
Mum hovered over me at the counter and had seen everything I purchased. Although she did not comment, I knew she wanted to ask questions. It was strange that she was not asking personal and invasive questions.
I grabbed a caramel frappe from the coffee house, and we went on with our shopping. I needed a dress. I had no idea where to go and look for a dress for tonight, though. I wasn’t a small size. My hips needed a twelve and chest a fourteen. I had curves and round thighs, and I wasn’t going to try and be somebody I knew I wasn’t. Looking at Crossroads, I was tempted to just go in there and pick out something nice but casual.
Mum was walking the opposite way. “Why don’t we go into Myer for a browse? They have a cocktail dress section.”
“We’re not going out for dinner on a yacht, Mum. It’s just a casual dinner.” She was making it sound like we were living in luxury. It was dinner, just dinner. I would have been happy at Irish Murphy’s with a plate of nachos.
“You need to stop, Sienna.” She turned, pulling me to a halt. “Make the effort for Jackson. Men like him don’t come around often.”
“So, you do like him?” I couldn’t help the smile spreading on my lips. I wanted to know what they spoke about in the apartment, but neither of them would tell me. “I knew you would.”
She raised a brow, trying to look coy, but it wasn’t working. She couldn’t fool me. “He’s nice and polite, and I think he will treat you well.”
“He does treat me well.” It had to be coming. “But?”
My mother was always overbearing. She was firm when something upset her, and she was obviously growing upset now. “Stop doubting yourself. You’re gorgeous, sweetheart. I hate that you feel as if you don’t deserve a man like Jackson.”
How could I not doubt myself after years of teasing over the colour of my hair? They had no clue. Both of them were brunettes, and yet here I had to grow up feeling like an alien. For so many years, I had loathed my father because of it. If she had seen Jackson naked, she would understand why I was worried. The man was a catch. He was fit and athletic and had a cock that never went down. He was extremely handsome and kind. It didn’t help that he was so damn sweet and caring, and here I go again, smiling like an idiot again as I thought of him.
“You’re in love.” She wasn’t asking. She was pointing it out.
I nodded because it was true. I was madly in love with him, and that terrified me. I had never let anyone in. I never fell in love before. Well, I had been, but I don’t think fictional characters I read about count. “I am.”
“Does he know?”
I scoffed. Yeah, right. Way to freak a man out. “We’ve not even been together for a month. Let’s just keep things slow.”
“You’re sleeping with him, that’s far from slow… especially if you’re wearing those kinds of underwear for him.” Here we go, finally. She just had to do this now in the middle of the mall, where people were walking by us as a man was singing to the tune of his guitar right in front of us. I was thankful his music drowned out her voice.
“You’re assuming things. Don’t.” I couldn’t do this. Not here. Not now. “Myers?”
We rode the escalator to the second and then third floor. I had hoped she had forgotten about it by now.
“I’m not prying. I’m your mother. We should be able to talk about these things.”
“I’m not discussing my sex life with my mum, in Myers.” I half-turned, glaring at her. “Stop it.” I warned, hushing her. My eyes were telling her to drop it. “It’s private.”
“Well, at least I know you’re both being careful.”
A knot in my stomach formed. I spun around and cocked my head to the side, eyeing her suspiciously. We may be careful now, but we weren’t a few weeks ago, and that terrified me. I was not ready to be a mother. I was not ready to be the girl who fell pregnant on the fourth time she had sex. I would never tell her that, though. I had my own stupidity to blame for losing control. Damn him and his hotness. I pointed a finger towards her, poking her in the arm. “Don’t try to trick me by pretending to know things. How would you know? Maybe we’re just sleeping together with our clothes on. It’s not uncommon.”
“The condoms in the bathroom cupboard.”
How could she talk about this like it was easy? It was like reliving through the periods and sex talk again.
“And I highly doubt you two just sleep. Both of you looked like you’d barely slept at all when you answered the door this morning.”
We had slept. We had just woken up and exhausted ourselves again.
I put two and two together and realised she had been snooping. “You were going through my bathroom cupboards? Are you kidding me, Mum? This is why I haven’t told you about Jack in the first place.” I was not a prude. I just did not want to discuss this with her.
Period. Ugh. My period had better come.
“Sienna...”
I held up my hand, not wanting to hear another word, as I walked off, keeping my pace faster than hers so she couldn’t speak any more of this. Her words were drowned out as I walked around racks of clothing, not looking as I knew they were out of my price range.
I refused to pay two hundred on a dress that was not anything spectacular. This was just dinner, not a friend’s wedding or engagement party. Mum wanted to go into Millers, so I went to Birchalls and scanned my eyes over the recipe book section, picking up a couple of new books that took my fancy. I wanted to cook Jackson dinner during the week, a three-course meal, and eat it before we forget about the food and go straight to the bedroom.
I wandered further down, passing through the mall and taking a right turn to Esther Boutique. I found a dress, keeping it casual as the weather was still warm and muggy during the evenings. I had unworn tan wedges at home. They would go well with the white and grey print dress. It had a relaxed style to it, fitted with a high neckline and long sleeves. It was made of lightweight fabric so I wouldn’t sweat or be too hot, simple and yet appropriate for dinner. It hugged my curves, instead of adding to it and making me look frumpy.
I paid one hundred seventy dollars for the dress and left. I was ready to go home.
Mum and I walked back to the apartment almost in silence. She had not said a word since I came back to Millers and found her clearing out the sale racks. She glanced up then turned, taking her items to the woman behind the counter to pay.
I wanted to go over to Jack and tell him I was too unwell to go out tonight. He and my mother could bond and enjoy dinner together. He probably was not even home yet. Sammie wasn’t in the apartment when I walked in, dropping the bags on my kitchen table and sliding my black Havaianas off. “I’m going to take a shower unless you’d like one first.”
I glanced at the time. We had a few hours before we needed to leave for dinner.
“I think I might go and have a lay down if you don’t mind.” She did not wait for my reply as she went to my bedroom and closed the door.
I blew out a breath, sighing. She was making me feel bad. I hated this. I picked up the apartment key and walked over the hall, knocking twice. He answered, smiled, and pulled me in. All that worry instantly disappeared.
“Hey, you. I was about to call.”
“I’m about to go insane. She went through my bathroom and found the condoms. Nice hiding spot, by the way.” He was the one who put them there.
“You’re welcome.” He smiled back cheekily, pulling me down by the hand as he sat. I fell on his lap. My arms went around his neck automatically as I rested my head against his and sighed. “It was that bad?”
Nodding, I covered my mouth as I let out a yawn. “It was. She was embarrassing me, wanting to talk about sex in front of Myers.”
I heard a sharp intake of breath, air hissing between his teeth. “Not good. That’s awkward. You should have told her about us sooner. Maybe today could have been avoided.”
I scoffed. I was so not taking the blame for this one. I looked at him accusingly. “Have you told your mum that we’re dating?”
“Point taken.” I knew he has been avoiding her.
His hand was rubbing circles against my lower back, soothing me. My eyes closed slowly. “How was your day?” Only to snap them open again. “Wait, you sent me an eggplant. Does that mean you were masturbating?”
He tilted his head back, laughing. It wasn’t annoying or loud. It was like a soft melody through my ears, calming me. “No, I didn’t. I have no need to jerk off now that I’ve got a girlfriend.”
I smiled, nuzzling my face into the crook of his neck. His arms wrapped tighter around my waist. “That’s good. If you feel the urge, tell me, and I will up my A game in the bedroom a bit more.”
“There’s no need. You’re enough to keep me satisfied.”
For how long? I wanted to ask. It worried me that he was going to eventually want someone who was experienced, someone who knew more sex wise. The doubts were always there, and it didn’t help that we ran into the ex-girlfriend. She was… Well, she is a knockout, outstandingly beautiful. She had a face of a model. Of course, she was blonde and thin. No doubt she could pull off a slutty lingerie and make men fall to their knees. To know that he had liked that, a woman like her, made me jealous.
It worried me that he would go back to her. If she keeps calling long enough, is he going to answer and finally go back to her? I could just hope he wouldn’t.
“Are you asleep?” His words broke my crazy, paranoid girlfriend thoughts.
Pulling away, I shook my head. “I wish. Just worrying about mum.” It was partly true, but it was more about his ex. I sighed, stretching as I snuggled further into him. “I should go back and get ready for dinner.”
“I’m looking forward to tonight.” I didn’t miss the underlying meaning to his words. He wanted the lingerie.
“That reminds me. You have some change.”
His dark brows raised. “I do? I wasn’t expecting any change. Did I buy your dress also?”
“No, I brought my own dress. You just brought the sexy stuff.” I winked, swivelling, so I now straddled his lap. My fingers traced up his torso, feeling the firmness beneath his shirt. The more I looked into his eyes, the more I loved him. “Next time, we can go shopping, and I’ll make you try boxers or even a male thong.”
He laughed once more, shaking his head, his eyes wide with fake horror. “Like hell. I’ll wear the boxers you chose me, but don’t ask me to even think about trying on a G-banger.”
My giggles burst from my mouth. “Don’t... I’m having really horrifying images in my mind. Don’t ruin your ass for me.” He had a really great ass.
I went to stand, but he pulled me back in and kissed me. “Wouldn’t dream of ruining that for you, baby.” His mouth went back to mine. My fingers were through his hair. I wanted to lose myself in him before I left again. Our mouths were crashing together like the waves rolling in against a sandy beach. I was drowning in him, losing myself in everything he made me feel.
Reluctantly, we parted, and I dragged my feet slowly back to my apartment. Mum was sitting on the balcony with a cup of tea in her hands when I entered. She called me over to take a seat, and I did so.
My lips still felt swollen from that kiss moments ago. I touched them, and the memories flooded back. He distracted me even when we were apart, even when working. I would be in a daze, a silly smile on my face. I was almost always distracted by him. I liked that, though. It was new and exciting for me to feel this amount of happiness just because of one person.
“I’m sorry for upsetting you. I just worry.”
“I know, Mum. It’s ok.”
“No, it’s not.” Her words came out soft, and I could feel the remorse in her tone. “I had no right to pry into your relationship. You’re an adult. I just guess I’m a little upset that you’re dating.” She turned in her chair, reaching over and placing a warm hand over mine. “I’ve had you to myself for twenty-three years. You’re my daughter, my only child. You’re my life.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” She had to know that. “I’m still your daughter. You can’t get rid of me that easily.”
“I don’t want you to get hurt like your father hurt me, Sienna. Jackson… he’s a lovely young man. I’m just worried you’re going to end up pregnant and alone.” I didn’t think of it that way. I didn’t take Jax the type of man to abandon his child, or me. “You can’t be mad at me for worrying.”
I wasn’t. “I’m not mad. Annoyed, maybe because you wanted to talk about sexual activity in public. I don’t feel comfortable discussing that with you, but it’s not because I don’t love you. It’s because that’s between Jackson and I. He isn’t Dad. He never will be.” I hated my father. I could never hate a man more than I hate him.
***
All showered and dressed up, we were sitting in the living room. Mum was drinking a glass of wine while I stuck to water. It was not that I didn’t want wine. It was well… You know, maybe baby. My hair was done up in a messy top bun, and my eyes were lined in eyeliner, cat-eye style. I had to make an effort for him. I wanted to make an effort.
I eagerly sprung to my feet when I heard a knock on the door. Mum just smiled, laughing softly as I dashed over, answering the door with a smile. He stood there, wearing a pair of navy jeans and a fitted light grey t-shirt. His hair was parted to the side, and the smell of cologne made my eyes roll and my mouth release a moan. My eyes went straight to the groin area. I wanted him badly.
Leaning in, my arms draped around his neck. “You look edible,” I whispered
He chuckled, holding up two bunches of flowers, red roses for me. “For your mother, and you.” He was grinning as he rested his hand against my hip, tightening it as his fingers dug in. “I cannot wait to taste you.”
They were words every girl wants to hear.
Kissing my cheek, he crossed my doorway and faced my mum who was starting to stand. “For you, Lydia.” He handed the roses, kissing her cheek again. He winked at me, charming his ass off. I mouthed ‘suck up,’ walking to the sink to find a vase for my red roses. The last ones had died, but I kept the petals in a box for memories. I would do the same with these ones too.
The restaurant was filled when we arrived. We took a table outside in the courtyard. The atmosphere there was easy and relaxed, and I wondered how Jack had managed to get a table without pre-booking. Unlike lunch time, dinners there required a booking. Then he mentioned one of his good friends was a chef there.
Sitting, he helped push my chair because he was a gentleman, after all. After taking his own seat, his hand went to my thigh. There seemed to be no hesitation on his part. It was just an automatic reaction. I picked up the menu and watched as Mum read hers. Her eyes were widening as dinner was not a ch
eap meal there. This was fine dining at its finest.
“What would you suggest?” she asked, placing the menu down. “I haven’t eaten anything like this before. We usually get Chinese or go for a meal at the casino.”
“Chinese is amazing.” I pointed out because it was. “I think I’m going to have the Flinders Island saltgrass lamb rump.” There was no eating little for me. I was starving after not eating all day.
Jackson leant in, brushing his lips against my ear. “I knew you were going to order that.”
My head turned slightly until my eyes found his. Our fingers linked beneath the table, still resting on my lap. Everyone else disappeared, and we found ourselves in each other’s eyes. “Well, if I know you well enough, I know you’re going to order the roasted duck breast and oysters.”
His white teeth flashed behind his incredible boyish grin. “I also know you well enough to know that you’re going to want to try mine and vice versa.”
“If I must sit here and watch you two all evening, I’m going to eat at the bar.” My mother broke our trance. She sounded more than amused, though, not annoyed.
Jax grinned, glancing towards her. “Grab me a Jack and Coke. Put it on the tables tab.”
She stood, shaking her head as she placed the white napkin down on the table. “You bet I will be. I feel like I’m the third wheel.”
I blushed, laughing a little, but I never took my eyes from his. She was in for a long, uncomfortable night. I see her retreating behind him as she made her way inside. I leant in closer. My smile just wouldn’t wipe itself away.
Mum had said goodnight to us after dinner. She and Jackson seemed to get along well, and by the end of our meal, she had invited us both to come spend a weekend with her, something Jackson immediately agreed to without hesitation. I had left my overnight bag at Jackson’s earlier before dinner. We made our way inside his apartment, and as soon as the lock was clicked, we both went in.
His Rebound Love Page 16