“Thanks. I’ll pay you back.”
“No, you won’t. I think we should work out something though, so you don’t have to ask. Maybe you could get a small allowance or something as well as the money that goes towards the tools. That only seems fair.”
“No really, it’s fine.”
“We’ll figure something out.”
“Thanks, Jesse.” She leaned across and kissed him. “I better go and get ready.”
“I should get to work to,” he said with a wide smile. “Luckily, I don’t have to go far.”
* * *
Jesse answered the door when he heard a knock. Alyssa still hadn’t come downstairs.
“Hi,” the young woman said with a wide grin.
“Hi. You must be Alyssa’s friend.”
“I am, Krystal. Krys to my friends.”
“Pleased to meet you, I’m Jesse.” He held the door open and called up the stairs. “Alyssa, Krys is here.”
“Coming!” She jogged down the stairs all smiles and wrapped her friend in a warm hug. “I’ve been so looking forward to this since I bumped into you.”
“Me too.”
“I won’t be too long,” Alyssa said to Jesse before following Krys out the door.
“Who is that?”
Her friend was obviously impressed. How did she explain who Jesse was? The guy that was working on the house? The guy that had spanked her? Her boyfriend? Not really her boyfriend, but he was more than a friend. He was becoming the most stable part of her world. “His uncle is the guy that’s dating my mom. He’s fixing up the house.”
“Oh, okay. He’s hot. He’s staying at the house?”
“You’re not shocked that my mom’s dating?”
“No, what’s the big deal about that? My mom’s on her third husband, and I have to tell ya, none of them have had any relatives that look like that.”
“He is pretty good looking, isn’t he?”
“Oh, he’s adorable. You’re not interested?”
“Long story.”
“Good, I’ll look forward to hearing it.”
Krys stopped the car outside of the diner, and they got out. By the time they were seated they got onto other gossip about old friends, but it didn’t take long for Krys to bring the subject back around to Jesse.
“So, about your handsome housemate. You better start this long story. I don’t believe you’re not interested, Lyssy. It’s written all over your face.”
“It’s complicated.”
“What’s complicated about it? He seems interested in you, if the way he looks at you is anything to go by. And we’ve already established that you like him.”
“He’s a take charge kind of guy,” Alyssa said carefully. “He’s kind of firm about things.”
“What kind of things. Like in the bedroom?”
“No, we haven’t got that far.”
“Yet. It’s coming. I’d bet money on it. So, in what kind of way is he firm?”
“It’s hard to explain.”
“He’s a take charge kind of guy?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh my God! That is so hot! I’d grab him up with both hands if I were you.”
Alyssa giggled. Krys’ enthusiasm gave her something to think about at least. Maybe liking someone like Jesse to be in charge wasn’t so unusual after all. “How about you?”
“I’ve dated some, and there were a couple of semi-serious guys at school, but no one like your man.”
Hearing Jesse referred to as her man made Alyssa all fluttery inside. It surprised her that she actually found the idea very appealing.
“So, when’s your mom get back?” Krys asked.
“Not for a little while. She and the boyfriend are cruising the Greek islands. I just can’t get used to the thought of my mom with someone else. I know it seems a bit selfish of me, and I know she was probably lonely, but I can’t help the way I feel.”
“You know, I didn’t know whether to tell you, but I think it might help. I hope it does anyway. I used to see your mom and her boyfriend around quite a bit over the last few months.”
“I don’t think I want to know.”
“He seems really nice, Alyssa. He’s one of those types of guys.”
“What type is that?”
“One that opens doors and pulls out her chair, that kind of stuff. Hon, she was laughing a lot…”
Those few words hit her like a ton of bricks. Her mother had been laughing. She hadn’t seen her mother laughing since her dad died. It suddenly hit her. She wanted her mom to be able to laugh.
* * *
The day went on pretty much as normal. Alyssa enjoyed spending some time with her friend but was happy to get back to her work and her boys. She worked for most of the day until it got near dinner.
“I put in the new grill today.” Jesse opened the fridge. “I thawed out some steaks. I thought we might try cooking out.”
“That sounds like fun. I could make a salad.” She had to admit the garden was shaping up nicely. There was the new grill, the new outdoor setting was lovely, and they’d put solar lights all around the pond, so it looked even prettier at night. Romantic even.
“That’d be great. Why don’t you do that and then brings some drinks out.”
Not long afterwards, Alyssa watched Jesse as he turned the steaks. He’d showered and changed into a pair of light jeans and a t-shirt. Since she’d had coffee with Krys, she’d been looking at Jesse a little differently. She’d always thought he was good looking, and she’d even wondered if he might be interested in her. Now she was seeing him the way other girls must see him. Krys was right. He was hot.
“What?” Jesse chuckled.
“What, what?” His chuckle was contagious, and she found herself giggling along with him.
“You’re staring at me.”
“I was actually just admiring your grilling skills.”
“Well, my skills are considerable, but still, I can almost see your mind ticking. That can be dangerous.”
“I’m hurt!” Her smile said exactly the opposite however. “I’ve been a perfect angel lately.”
“Yes, you have, which only makes me worry more. Is this the eye of the storm?”
“No. If you want to know the truth I was just thinking that you look really nice tonight.”
“A compliment. Thank you. You look lovely too.”
“Thanks. So how are those steaks coming?”
“They’re done.”
* * *
“I couldn’t eat another bite.” Alyssa dropped her napkin onto her plate. “You did very well.”
“Thanks. Tell me, how are you liking the garden so far?”
“It’s beautiful. I like the lighting, and I love the hammock.” She hoped he’d get the hint. Laying in the hammock with Jesse would be the perfect end to the evening.
“Me too. The double ones are great. How about a bit of star gazing?”
“Perfect. Let’s clean up first.” Alyssa stacked their plates and took them inside to load the dishwasher. For all of her fighting it, she had to admit Jesse was right. It was easier to clean up right away.
While she stacked the dishwasher, Jesse put away the food and then fetched a light throw from the living room.
It was fun to lay there in Jesse’s arms, both of them pointing out the shapes that they saw in the sky. It was a fun thing that Alyssa had done with her dad when she was little, and she loved sharing that with Jesse.
“I think I’m constellation challenged.” Jesse squinted his eyes.
“It’s right there,” Alyssa insisted, drawing in the air with her finger.
“I see blackness and shiny dots. That’s it.” Jesse pulled a face that made Alyssa laugh.
“Doesn’t matter.”
“Nah, there’s better things to look at around here than the stars.”
“Your precious pond and your pretty flowers.” This lighter side of him was so fun, and he made her so happy. Their eyes met, and she stopped giggl
ing, her heart pounding as he leaned in and kissed her. His lips were softer than she expected. It began gently but soon became more. She could feel his tongue begging entrance, and she melted into him, her own tongue eagerly dancing with his. When they finally broke apart, Alyssa snuggled into his chest. “Wow.”
“Uh-huh.”
* * *
“Were you just on Facebook?” Jesse tickled Alyssa playfully.
“Uh-huh,” she giggled. “This game isn’t going to play itself.” They’d become really close over the couple of weeks since things had come to a head.
“Oh, really? You don’t have any work?”
“Nope. Nothing. The accounts are up to date, and everything that needs to be ordered is ordered. I’ve taken the guys coffee, and the phone isn’t ringing, so I’m not slacking, I’m just keeping up with life so I don’t miss anything.”
“Do you miss school?”
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss my friends a little, but it’s not so bad here.” Especially not now, she thought. Spending time with Jesse made everything in her world okay.
“How about we order pizza tonight and watch a movie?”
“Sounds good.” She stood and planted a soft kiss on his lips.
“It’s a date. Now get back to work. No Facebook.”
She gave him a mock salute, jumping when he slapped her bottom playfully.
* * *
Their pizza was all gone and they’d watched nearly all of the movie Alyssa had chosen. “Thank you,” she said as she curled into Jesse’s side.
“For?” he asked, kissing her hair.
“For being sweet and sitting through a chick flick when I know you would have probably watched something more gory or sporty or fast.” She wiggled her legs over his so she was half sitting on his knee. She loved being close to him.
“I like a good romance,” he chuckled. “I like it even more if it’s my own.” His arm tightened around her as he pulled her closer, lowering his lips to hers.
Alyssa loved kissing Jesse. She loved the way he held her, the way he smelled, the way his tongue was probing but gentle, enticing her lips open so he could deepen the kiss. She shivered as he pulled up her shirt, his fingertips skimming over the flushed skin of her belly and then tweaking each perky nipple through the satin of her bra. Alyssa’s own hand went to rest once again on his thigh, close enough that she could feel the hardened mound in his pants.
“Climb on top of me,” he said into her hair.
She did so willingly, reveling in the feel of being able to grind against him. Alyssa had kissed boys lots, but she’d never actually gone all the way. This was the closest she’d ever come to the real thing.
Jesse kissed and nibbled and sucked his way down her neckline, his hands unfastening her bra as he went. As her breasts bounced out of their restraint, he grasped them one at a time, lifting her shirt completely off so he could suckle each pale pink nipple.
“So beautiful,” he said.
Her mouth found his, and she kissed him deeply. This time it was her tongue that found his mouth. She didn’t care that her panties were wet, and she pressed herself against him wantonly.
* * *
“Touch me.” she said breathily.
“Oh, Alyssa,” he moaned. His hand plunged eagerly inside the scrap of lacy material, skimming over her naked mound and spreading her wet folds with his fingers.
She let out a little squeak as he found her swollen nub.
Jesse could feel her clenching her cheeks and pushing up to meet his eager thrusts. The thin material of her panties and his jeans was irritating. He wanted to feel her, really feel her, with no barriers. His hand was on his zipper, and he now had two fingers dipping deeper inside her.
She winced as his fingers tried to push inside her tight opening.
Jesse stopped and took his hand out of her panties.
“What’s wrong?”
Alyssa was panting with frustration at the sudden removal of his fingers, and he was suddenly unsure. “Alyssa, baby.” He was breathing hard himself, trying desperately to get himself together. “Are you a virgin?”
“So? What does it matter?”
He felt like a heel for embarrassing her like that. He didn’t want her to think he was rejecting her. “I wouldn’t have let things go that far.”
“Why not? I’m an adult. I’m willing.”
“I noticed,” he said trying to lighten the mood a little. Not smart, but then all his blood had pumped out of his brain and gone to other much lower places.
She tried to clamor off his lap. “Sorry I wasted your time. Maybe I can get some experience somewhere else, and then I’ll be good enough for you.”
His hand clapped noisily off her nearly naked bottom several times, and she jumped, startled.
“I’m not a little girl. I’m a woman. and I know if I’m ready.” She stomped out of the room and up the stairs, shrugging him off when he tried to pull her back.
“Damn, you handled that well, idiot,” Jesse said to himself, dropping his head into his hands. He probably shouldn’t have smacked her, but the thought of her getting experience with someone else had blown his mind and his common sense.
* * *
Alyssa sobbed into her pillow miserably. She’d been so happy lately, and she thought that Jesse was really into her. She couldn’t really blame him. Who would think that there were still twenty-year-old virgins left in the world? She held her breath when there was a knock at the door.
“Alyssa?”
The distraught young woman didn’t answer, stuffing the pillow over her head. She was so embarrassed.
“Alyssa, honey let me in. We need to talk.” He tapped on the door repeatedly.
“Go away. I don’t want to talk to you.” Her answer was muffled by the pillow.
“Okay. You don’t have to talk now, but when you’re ready I’m here. I just want to apologize. I handled that badly.”
* * *
It was late at night when Alyssa opened her door and found the house in darkness. She was disappointed that he’d given up so easily. He obviously wasn’t very sorry that he’d hurt her feelings. Had she overreacted? If she had, so had he. It was an embarrassing mess all around. She decided that as she was on her own, she would get some ice cream. Nothing helped you lick your wounds like a big bowl of mint chip.
“Hi.”
She almost tripped on the last step when the deep voice came out of the dark, startling her. “Hi,” she replied.
“You ready to talk now?”
Alyssa was glad the lights weren’t on. At least she didn’t have to look right at him. “I just came down to get some ice cream.”
“Good idea. I could do with a bowl myself.” He flicked on the kitchen light.
Great, there was the security of the darkness gone. She got out the ice cream, and Jesse got the bowls and spoons. She also got out every syrup and topping she could find.
“That upset, huh?”
“Surprised?” Did he think she could just pretend that none of that happened?
“No, I’m not. I was a jerk. I should have handled that better. I should have explained better what I was feeling.”
“Revulsion?”
“God, no! Oh, honey, no!”
“I didn’t want you to handle anything but me. You don’t get to decide when I have sex, if I have sex, or who I have sex with!” She opened the fridge angrily and got out the whipped cream, squirting a high swirl on the top of her concoction before adding nuts, chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
“Whoa!” he said wincing at her weird combination of ingredients. “I agree with everything you said, except the last one. You don’t get to have sex with anyone but me while we’re together.”
“Are we together, Jesse?” As it had been for a long time, that was the big question.
“I guess we are.”
“So romantic.” It wasn’t exactly the declaration of love that young girls dreamed of, now was it?
“I
can be romantic. That’s the point.”
“What point? You’re not making any sense at all.” If he had a romantic side, he was hiding it well. Funny that he never seemed to be stuck for the right words when he was pointing out what she’d done wrong.
“I want the chance to make it special for you. A girl’s first time should be memorable in a good way and romantic. It shouldn’t be a fumble on the couch amongst the pizza and popcorn.”
Alyssa played with her sprinkles and ice cream. “So, you do want to sleep with me, even though I’m not experienced?”
“Oh, Lyssy, of course.” He kissed her softly. “When it does happen, I hope you’re going to remember it for the rest of your life.”
“Okay then.” She pushed away the bowl and sidled up to him, breathing a sigh of relief when he took her into his arms. It was so much better when they weren’t arguing.
“Oh, thank God. I thought I’d messed things up for real.”
“Maybe I should have kept you hanging a bit longer.”
“I’m glad you didn’t.” His hands slipped into her pajama pants and squeezed her soft bottom while he kissed her soundly.
“I think you should get that romance thing happening very soon.”
“So do I,” he chuckled. “One more thing. We might need to talk about birth control.”
“I’m on the pill. Have been since I went away to school. Mom thought I should be covered just in case.”
“That’s good to know.”
* * *
Alyssa was starting to think she was made for this job. There really wasn’t very much to do besides phoning a client to book a job. If it was a quiet day around the house workwise while they waited for deliveries or for cement or tiles to set, Jesse had taken to doing jobs close by. Jobs that Alyssa would book. She ordered paint, furnishings, or whatever else was needed and kept the paperwork up to date, which left Jesse more time to spend relaxing in the evenings with her. It amazed her that such a short time ago she’d made it her life’s work to try and get rid of Jesse, and now she couldn’t imagine life without him, even if he was a bossy boots. A bossy boots that was still to make good on his promise of the perfect night of romance.
The Man of Her House Page 7