by J. Lea
Ella: I’m sorry.
A smile creeps on my face.
Me: How sorry? Sorry enough to go out with me?
Ella: Um... No...
Me: Come on, I don’t bite... Much ;)
Ella: I doubt that :P
Me: What are you doing?
Ella: I’m having dinner at my parents’ house. You?
Me: Same :)
I’m still smiling like an idiot when Scott’s voice penetrates my foggy brain, and reminds me I’m still in company.
“Another one of your crazy groupies? Damn, you’re so lucky. So many hot chicks are throwing themselves at you.” Tara elbows him under the ribs.
“Hey, I’m sitting right here, remember? I can hear everything.”
“I’m sorry, sweetie,” he kisses her cheek. “You know I didn’t mean anything by that.” Wrapping his arm around Tara’s shoulders, he looks at me, waiting for my response. I laugh.
“Dude, don’t even start. These women are batshit-crazy. Not a day goes by when I don’t receive pictures of them flashing their boobs and offering their...” I glance toward Tara, trying to come up with a more appropriate word. “Umm... services. Yesterday, a huge bra came in my mail with a note attached that said, Call me and your dreams can become reality.” I take a long swig of my beer.
“Like I said, you are one lucky bastard.”
“I thought so, too, in the beginning, but its not all unicorns and sunshine in this business, you know. Well, I’m not saying I didn’t take some of those rainbows to my bed, but still.” Scott and I burst into laughter at my last remark.
“Ugh, you’re such a pig,” Tara shakes her head.
“I love you too, Tara.” Grinning, I wink at her.
Ella
Thanksgiving is finally behind us, and truth be told, I’m really glad the holidays are over. Now that Josh is gone, I don’t look forward to them. In moments like these, I realize it most, how much I miss him. I’m finally moved into my apartment, and I’m working on the last details, so I’ll finally be able to call it home. Lately, I’ve found myself thinking not only about Josh, but Jake, too. I decide to stalk him on the Internet to find out more about him. I open Google and type Jake Burns. Instantly, I get millions of hits. First, I click on his official site where his bio and picture is.
Jake Burns
Birth date: July 17, 1989
Birth place: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Height: 6 feet
I notice he’s a year older than me. He has a younger sister, but there is no information about her. There are a few pictures of him on his website. Some are from the beginning of his motorcycle career. The majority was taken during the race and on the winning podium. I read that he’s the world champion for the second year in a row. He’s apparently even more successful than I thought. He was nominated multiple times for the Athlete Of The Year, and was awarded Rookie Of The Year award.
I’m also interested in his life outside the track, so I check out the pictures of him on the Internet. I find a few from some gala events, others are from interviews or sports events, and he’s signing autographs for his fans on some. In every picture, there’s a different woman on his arm, every one more beautiful than the last. A pleased smile is plastered on their faces. They’re looking at Jake like he’s God. I read that the tabloids describe him as a womanizer and one of the most desired bachelors in the country.
“Figures,” I say to myself as I close the computer and get up. “What did you think? That there were no women in his life?” I get a glass of water and plop back on the couch, but curiosity gets the better of me, so I continue my search on Jake. I also find articles about different scandals—at the age of 18 he was arrested for driving under the influence, and about some fight in a club from six years ago. Then, I stumble upon an article from two years ago, and the bold headlines read:
Jake Burns Almost Dies During Grand Prix of Japan
Jake Burns, 23, was brought into the hospital after he suffered a terrible fall during the race for the Grand Prix of Japan. When he rounded into a slippery corner, he skidded and crashed into the German racer Fischer (Yamaha), who luckily suffered no major injuries. Jake, who is racing in the premier class for the first time this year, is still not out of danger.
I shake my head. “What’s with these racers and people who love motorcycles so much? What is so special about them besides being coffins on two wheels?” I scroll down to see some pictures of his nasty fall, and I immediately get sick to my stomach. “I can’t watch this anymore,” I say and turn off the computer. No, this is not for me. He is not for me.
I grab a quick shower and get ready. The holidays are over and that means I have to go to work again. I walk past my blue Chevrolet; Ace is only a fifteen-minute walk away. When I get there, I change into my uniform, and then Meredith comes to me.
“Hey, Ella, something came for you. I put it in the back.” I look at her in surprise. Who would send me anything?
“What is it?” I ask, walking into the back room where we usually eat. She points to a lovely bouquet of hot pink roses. “They’re for me?” I exclaim in disbelief and she nods. I approach the bouquet, and look for a note.
Have dinner with me.
Jake
When I read the note, I press it against my chest and smell the roses.
“Boyfriend?” Meredith asks. I shake my head no, and look at the bouquet again. Why is he so persistent? He’s famous for changing women like underwear, so why is he so stuck on me when he could have any other woman he pleases? My heart is still in bits and pieces, and I’m not prepared to start a new relationship, especially with a motorcycle racer. Is Jake even interested in a relationship, or does he only want to get me into his bed? I put the note back and return to work.
When the last client pays and leaves, I change back into my everyday clothes, only to find Sophie waiting for me in the hallway, checking her watch.
“Hi, what are you doing here?” Surprised seeing her here, I give her a hug. It’s been a week since we’ve last seen each other, and I have to admit I missed her.
She shrugs. “Matt’s at work, so I thought we could go to the movies or something.”
“Sure. I didn’t have anything special planned, just a book and a glass of wine. But that can wait.” We are about to leave when I hear Meredith call after me.
“What about the flowers? Aren’t you going to take them with you?” Oh, right. I totally forgot about that. I’m not used to receiving gifts anymore.
“Flowers?” Eyebrow raised, Sophie gives me a knowing look as Meredith pushes the bouquet into my hands.
“Thank you,” I smile as we leave.
“Spill,” she demands. “What aren’t you telling me?” Crossing her hands across her chest, she waits for my response.
“It’s just flowers, Sophie,” I say.
“Yeah, d’oh! And when was the last time you received any? Two years ago from Josh. Who’s the guy?” she starts her interrogation.
“What guy?” I play ignorant. She takes a deep breath and reaches over, snatching the attached note before I can stop her.
“Jake?” she sputters, eyes wide open. “Jake as in Jake ‘The Beast’ Burns? Are you kidding me? Jake sent you flowers?” she practically shouts, and people are already turning our way.
“Shh, don’t be so loud. Lower your voice,” I tell her.
“Hello, it’s Jake we’re talking about. And he just asked you out on a date. Oh my God.” She uses her hand as a fan against her face. “You said yes, right? I mean, no one says no to Jake.”
“Okay, hold your horses. He didn’t ask me out. It’s just a dinner between two friends, and I haven’t said yes yet. I’m not even sure I’ll go.”
“Why?” she gives me a surprised look.
“You know why. And it’s not just Josh. I don’t know if I’m ready to go on dates yet. Certainly not with somebody who just wants me to warm his bed. You know that’s not me.”
“It’s been two years,
Ella,” she sighs wearily.
“So?”
Rolling her eyes, Sophie shakes her head. “Perhaps a night of hot, wild sex is what you need. Jake will certainly give that to you. For at least once in your life, don’t overthink and just do it. Besides, it’s Jake we’re talking about, woman.” She is still fanning herself, and I laugh at her, shaking my head.
We are leaving the movies with popcorn in our hands when my cellphone beeps. “Who is it?” Sophie asks with her mouth full as I read the text.
Jake: I hope you liked the surprise :)
“Seriously? Jake? How did he get your number?” Sophie is astonished.
“Long story,” I say, and write Jake back.
Me: They are wonderful, thank you. I didn’t think you were the kind of a man to buy flowers :)
He replies immediately.
Jake: There are many things you don’t know about me yet ;) So? Will you go to dinner with me?
Shaking my head, I start to reply when Sophie grabs the phone out of my hands, and starts typing. “What are you doing?” I ask her.
“You’re going on this date if it kills me.” I manage to steal the phone away while she types.
“I’m not ready yet,” I protest.
Sophie sighs wearily. “And when will you be?”
“I don’t know,” I say honestly. I quickly write back with some excuse, and tell him I’ll be in touch.
The next day, I’m working the afternoon shift again, and my last customer of the day is Brett. I have become totally immune to his harmless flirting. Not that he isn’t cute, because he is, but I’m simply not interested.
“All done,” I say, as I wash the oil off my hands, and wipe them. I step to the counter to let him dress in peace. The bell above the door chimes, and I check to see who came in so late—after all, it’s time to lock up.
Jake.
“Um, we’re closing,” I tell him.
“I know,” he grins at me. I stare at him wordlessly. I wish he wasn’t so handsome. His thick, long lashes that frame his gorgeous eyes are watching me closely. He’s wearing washed out jeans again, this time light blue. His leather motorcycle jacket is open. I can see a black V-neck shirt underneath, hugging his muscles like a second skin. His black motorcycle boots makes him even sexier. And his stupid grin, ugh, it’s driving me crazy. He runs his fingers through his hair, which makes it messier, and I finally unglue my eyes from him.
“What are you doing here?”
Brett approaches at that moment, and gives us a sideways look. His gaze stays on Jake for some time, but then he comes closer to me and gives me the money.
“Have a nice evening, Brett. I’ll see you in two days,” I offer him a gentle smile. Measuring Jake from head to toe, Brett turns and leaves.
“He didn’t like me being here,” Jake says.
“Who? Brett? Oh, he’s harmless.” I go clean everything up, and then take the towels to the laundry room, Jake is right behind me the whole time.
“What?” I ask when I see him watching me.
“Will you finish soon? Do you need help?”
“What do you want?” I’m annoyed. I can’t help it. He makes me nervous, but not in a bad way. I just lose my sanity when I’m near him.
“Can I give you a lift home?” He scratches the back of his neck, and looks a little uncomfortable, too.
“I can walk. It’s not that far,” I try to excuse myself again. I find his persistence weirdly endearing, and I’m afraid he’s starting to get to me. I take my keys and we head out, locking the door on our way.
“I’ll take you,” I can hear the determination in his voice. He takes my hand in his. “Come.”
And I go.
He intertwines his fingers with mine. For a while, I simply stare at our joined hands. I don’t want to admit to myself that his touch is awakening something in me—feelings that have been buried for a long time. I feel some strange energy between us, a magnetic force, that pulls me to him, but I don’t remove my hand from his until he softly pushes me in the passenger’s seat. I’m suddenly surrounded by his smell mixed with the smell of his aftershave, and I’m sure he notices me closing my eyes. As he leans toward me, I flinch and lean back because I was certain he’s going to kiss me, but he only fastens my seat belt. He brings his gaze to my eye level, a few millimeters away from my face. He has the audacity to smile and wink at me. “Where do you live?” he asks.
“Huh, strange how you don’t know that, seeing how well informed you are about me,” I challenge him.
“Hey, I can’t know absolutely everything.”
I guide him to my street. “Here, and left at the traffic light,” I give him the final directions. When we get to the traffic light, instead of turning left, he drives straight ahead. “Um, you missed the turn,” I bite my nail nervously.
“Nope,” he says, a cheeky grin on his face. “I know exactly where we’re going.”
“What are you doing?” I ask confusedly.
“I’m taking you to dinner.” A wide grin still on his face, he is looking ahead.
“No, you’re not.”
“Yes, I am,” he says, proud of himself. “You owe me.”
“Why?”
“Because.” We stop at a small fast food restaurant. A sign by the entrance says ‘Joe’s’.
“Fine,” I raise my hands in resignation. “Where are we?” We enter the dimly lit restaurant; only a few people are sitting at the tables. There’s a TV in one corner which is turned on.
“Well, well, well, look who the cat dragged in. Where have you been?” says the man who approaches us and taps Jake on the back.
“Nice to see you, Joe,” Jake grins. “Table for two?” he asks, and puts his hand on the small of my back. Joe leads us to a semi private table in the corner. We settle at the table, order drinks, and take a look at the menu. “I swear, Joe makes the best hamburgers in the country. Shit, you eat meat, right?” His arrogant smile fades a little.
I decide to play a game, too. “No.” I try to keep a serious face. “I’m vegan.” Jake’s eyes pop out and he scratches his head.
“Crap, I don’t think they serve anything like that here. Shall we go someplace else?”
I’m surprised by how considerate he is. I was sure he was going to run out with his tail between his legs.
“Just kidding. I love meat,” I grin in satisfaction, while he sighs with relief, a big smile on his lips.
“Ha, ha, ha, very funny,” he says, and I nod playfully. His eyes sparkle in mischief as he rubs his smooth chin. “I’ll get back at you,” he points his index finger at me.
“Uh-uh,” I shake my head, his eyebrow raised. “We’re even. After all, you did force me to come here with you.” His smile returns, the one I can’t get out of my head, the one that makes all the women lose their minds. “So... You and Joe know each other?” I ask him as I’m fidgeting with the menu.
“He’s a family friend. He and my dad went to school together.” I listen to him talk about his father, Joe, and all the adventures they all shared. Every once in a while, he puts a hand on his neck, massaging gently, or runs a hand through his thick hair. Joe brings us each a beer. I’m nervous every time I’m near Jake, so I hope beer will help me loosen up a bit. We also get two hamburgers. I’m really hungry. Besides, it smells divine, so I take a bite immediately. Jake was right. It’s delicious, it just melts in my mouth. “So, is this the best hamburger you’ve ever had?”
“Uh-huh,” I say, with my mouth full.
“I told you,” he says smugly. There’s a few moments of silence. Thank God we are eating. Otherwise, it would be awkward. Then Jake speaks. “Have you and Sophie known each other long? How did you meet?”
A smile plays across my lips at his question. “We met at college. We were roommates. And we weren’t friends from the beginning. On the contrary, she hated my guts. I started dating this guy she was in love with.” Of course, I had no idea she was in love with Josh at that time. “After a couple
of weeks of bickering I confronted her and asked her straight what her problem was with me. She told me everything; I apologized and assured her I didn’t start seeing him just to spite her. Well, she soon got over her grudge because she met Matt, whom I introduced her to, and we became best friends. They are getting married next year.”
“So everything turned out well. That’s something.”
My good mood instantly fades. If he only knew...
“Tell me more about you,” he says, bringing me back from my deep thoughts and away from Josh.
“What do you want to know? I can guarantee you my life is quite boring compared to yours.” At least the last two years. Before then, I was a lively girl who liked to laugh a lot and enjoyed life with her friends, but now everything in my life is one big routine. Salon. Home. And repeat.
“I doubt that,” he says and looks at me with those mesmerizing eyes of his. “How long have you worked as a masseuse?”
“Not long. Just for the last two years,” I say, and take a sip of my beer. I feel much better if he is the one answering my questions, so I quickly ask him: “What about you and motorcycling? Why did you decide on this sport?”
“Do you mean, why did I choose motorcycling instead of a repetitive and boring job?” If you want to put it that way, I think to myself, smile and nod. “There are so many reasons that I don’t think I could tell you about all of them tonight. Let’s just say the sound of screeching tires, the smell of motor oil, and the speed excite me. I can’t imagine sitting in a boring meeting or typing all day on the computer. That’s not for me. I’m an adrenaline person.” And women, he surely forgot to mention the attention of women.
“What do your parents and your sister think about your profession? Aren’t they scared?”