by Alex Dafney
Cindy leans in, cupping her hand over her mouth in a conspiratorial way. “I think it has something to do with hottie mchandsome over there in the corner.” She says as she points directly at Jase. My eyes widen in horror as I slap her hand down. “Stop! I don’t want him to see me.” I whisper yell at her. “Uh, can I get a beer? Or should we go somewhere else?” I seriously think about taking Blake up on his offer to just leave, but I’m not going to be able to outrun my embarrassment forever.
I shake my head, staring at the glass of wine in my hand. “No. Get a beer and I’ll fill you in on the disaster that is my life.” Cindy steps away, grabbing a beer and placing it on the counter in front of Blake before leaning down on her elbows, looking at me expectantly. I wasn’t really planning on sharing with her, but she has become a pretty close friend.
I dive into the story of last night as I stare at the drink in my hand. After I’m finished talking, I look up to both of their wide eyes. “Oh my God! How did you not just die right there?” Cindy asks as she grimaces. “Trust me. I wanted to.” I lift my glass to my mouth, finishing my wine. She swipes my glass, walking over to refill it.
I look over to Blake who wears a shit eating grin. “The first day without Rem and your making moves.” I slap him in the chest with the back of my hand as he throws his head back laughing. Cindy places the wine glass in front of me. “What do you mean without Rem? Is he out of town or something?” I shake my head at her question. I knew eventually I’d have to answer questions about our sudden split from each other, I just didn’t think it would be now.
“No. I decided it was time for the two us to part ways.” I glance down at my glass before scrunching my brow together and looking back up to her. “Wait. You thought I was kissing other men while Rem and I were together?” She gives me a nonchalant shrug. “It’s not like you don’t know how he acts when you’re not around. I just figured you decided to live the life of what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”
I close my eyes, shaking my head softly. Everyone in this town knows about Remington and all his women, and here I’ve been patiently waiting for him. “I’m such an idiot.” Blake clasps his hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently. “You’re not an idiot. Maybe you have horrible timing, and don’t know when a guy’s trying to put the moves on you, but-“ He pauses, and I glance up to find him wearing that shit eating grin again. “Nah. You’re definitely an idiot.”
I swing my arm around, punching him in the shoulder as he laughs wildly. He stumbles, almost falling off his stool and I reach forward, grabbing his arm so he doesn’t tumble to the floor. In the commotion my elbow hits his beer bottle, spilling the contents as it rattles across the bar. From the corner of my eye I find Jase staring over at us.
I spin back to the bar. “Shit. Shit. Shit.” Cindy glances up from where she’s cleaning the spilled beer from the bar top. “You can say that again. He’s coming this way and Jesus he’s sexy.” I pinch my eyes shut, hoping to disappear into thin air. “Abbi?” I open my eyes, finding myself still seated at the bar. “Shit.” I mumble before spinning around to face certain humiliation.
“Hey, Jase. How are you this evening?” My voice comes out shaky and high pitched. Out of the corner of my eye I see Blake holding his hand over his mouth, his shoulders bobbing as he tries to suppress his laughter. I pull back my foot and kick him in the shin, causing him to bolt upright. “Damn, Abbi!” I glance over at his scowling face with a devious smirk on my own. “Blake, this is Jase Jackson.”
I instantly regret kicking him as the corner of his mouth pulls up into a playful smirk. I shake my head at him softly, pleading with my eyes for him not to do whatever the hell he’s thinking in that big, stupid head of his. He turns his head toward Jase, standing from the stool with his hand outstretched. As they shake hands Blake looks back at me, a devilish gleam in his eye. “Come on, Blake.” I warn him.
He turns his focus back to Jase as they drop hands. “I’ve heard a lot about you.” Jase’s eyes search for mine, but I’m too busy staring at Blake’s profile, waiting for his shenanigans. “Oh, uh, well, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Jase seems almost as nervous as I feel, but I’m not sure why. Blake slaps his hand on Jase’s shoulder, both turning to face me.
Blake looks over at Jase, that same damn grin plastered on his face. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too. Why don’t you join us at the bar?” My heart beats so loudly in my chest I’m certain everyone can hear it. Jase’s eyes find mine, a look of uncertainty on his face. “I’d hate to impose on your date. I just wanted to say hello.”
Blake throws his head back laughing obnoxiously as I kick his shin again. “Dammit, Abbi!” He reaches down, cupping his hands over his leg. “I only invited the guy over to have a drink with us. It only seems fitting to have awkward kiss one and awkward kiss two right next to each other.” My eyes widen as my mouth drops open in shock.
Blake simply limps back to his stool, sliding on and asking Cindy for another round for the three of us. It takes every bit of courage I have to look over to Jase. Surprisingly, he has a small smirk on his face. He tilts his head toward the empty stool next to me. “If you don’t mind, I’d love to join you.” My cheeks flame as I give him a simple nod before turning back to face the bar.
Cindy sits a fresh glass of wine in front of me, giving me a sympathetic smile before she walks away to help the other patrons. “So, was it like kissing your sister? That’s how it was for me.” Blake makes a gagging face as he leans on the bar with his elbows, looking around me to Jase. I groan, dropping my head to the bar on my folded arms. “Well, I can’t really say since it wasn’t a proper kiss.”
My ears perk up at Jase’s statement. “That’s enough you two. Either drop it or get out of my bar.” I lift my head to find Cindy on the other side of the bar, looking back and forth between Jase and Blake with a killer bitch face and a hand propped on her hip. She gives me a wink before striding away.
“So, Abbi tells me you’re from California? What do you do out there?” I’m thankful Blake has decided to turn the conversation away from my debacle. Jase gives a once nod as he sips his beer. “I am. I own a design business. Luckily I can work easily from the road and be here for my Pops.” I turn my full gaze to him, giving him a half smile as I remember all the times he helped me in art class that first semester in my freshman year.
“I always thought you were a talented artist.” His brows pull up as a surprised look crosses his face. “Wow. Thank you. I didn’t think you remembered me.” My lips pull up into a shy smile. Of course, I remember him. He was the only upperclassmen that was nice to me in that class. “Wait? Remember? You two have met before?” I sit back in my seat so I can see both Blake and Jase at my sides.
“Jase and I were in Art class together when I was a freshman.” Blake gets a puzzled look on his face as he scrutinizes Jase like he’s trying to recall him. His eyes widen suddenly as he tilts his beer toward him with recognition. “Jason Jackson! That’s why you look familiar!” Jase let’s out a chuckle, running his hand through his dark hair before tilting his beer up to his mouth. “Yep. Tall, lanky, geeky. One in the same.”
I tilt my head to the side, giving him a small smile. At the time, I never saw him as geeky. Only a talented upperclassman who was kind enough to help me make my stick figures into something that could make a passing grade. “You were only in school with us that one semester, right?” He gives me that charming smile that highlights his dimple. “I was. My Dad had business out of the country, so I stayed with Nan and Pops while my parents were away.”
Just as I finish off the last bit of wine in my glass, Cindy places a full glass in front of me, swiping my empty. I raise an eyebrow at her. She knows I’m three drinks and done on a weekday. She gives a nonchalant shrug as she places two beers in front of the guys on my side.
After another hour and two more glasses of wine I am completely buzzed. Blake, Jase, and I have done nothing but laugh and talk since the awkward kiss was brou
ght up. Cindy walks over in front of us, a hand on her hip. “None of y’all are driving. Let me round up a bus boy to drive y’all home.” She promptly walks away, leaving the three of us laughing.
Within a few minutes Cindy is sliding each of us a printout receipt to sign and shooing us out of the bar. I stand from the stool, leaning down to grab my purse from the hook under the bar and precede to stumble forward. Strong arms catch me around my waist before I face plant the stool in front of me. I look up to find Jase grinning down at me. He helps right me and drops his hands from my side. I instantly miss his comforting touch.
We make our way out the bar and find one of the bar helpers idling at the front door in a SUV. Blake opens the front passenger door, sliding in and closing it behind him. Jase reaches around me, opening the rear passenger door and I get in, sliding across the bench seat so he doesn’t have to walk around.
Within a few minutes we pull up to Blake’s home. He lives closer to town than I do, so he’s logically the first stop. He turns around in the seat, glancing at me with a devilish grin. “Behave yourself, doll face.” I scoff loudly as he laughs, stepping out of the car and closing the door behind him. As we start driving down the road, I think out loud. “He’s such an ass.” I mutter as I watch the trees pass by out the window. “But I take it he’s your ass?”
I turn my head, looking at Jase across the seat from me wearing a strange smile. “Yeah. He’s my ass. He’s my best friend.” I let out a chuckle as I tilt my head back on the seat, closing my eyes. “People actually refer to him as the Abbi whisperer.” Jase makes a hmmm noise in the seat next to me, but I don’t have the energy to open my eyes, nor turn my head toward him.
Just as I’m about to drift to sleep the car stops. I open my sleepy eyes and look out the window, finding us stopped at the curb in front of my home. I grip my purse with one hand and turn to open my door with the other, only to find it already swinging open. Jase offers me his hand from outside of the vehicle and I gratefully accept. What the hell was I thinking drinking that much?
He helps me along the sidewalk and up the few steps to my porch. I drop his arm and dig into my purse in search of my keys. With my hand in my purse I watch the bus boy start to pull away from the curb in front of my house. I snatch my keys out of my large purse with enthusiasm and look up to Jase’s stunned face watching the car drive out of my neighborhood.
It takes my alcohol induced brain a few seconds to put two and two together before I burst into a fit of giggles. “He left you!” I choke out through my giggle fit. He gingerly removes the keys from my hand as I double over in laughter. “I’ll help you inside then I’ll figure out a way home.” He tries numerous keys before finally getting the right one, further increasing my giggles.
After unlocking the door, he pushes it open, gripping my elbow with one hand as he holds the door open with the other. I step in, still giggling. I toss my purse to the floor in the living room, half the contents spilling on the floor. Placing my hand on the wall, I balance on one leg to take my tennis shoes off. “How the hell are you going to get home?” Another giggle emerges as I try to balance to take my other shoe off.
He steps forward, placing both of his hands low on my hips to balance me. His dark blue eyes look down at me as the corner of his lip pulls into a smile. “I’ll call Nan.” He gives a shrug as I toss my shoe into the living room, bouncing it off the corner of the coffee table. I attempt to roll my eyes, but my entire head rolls. “Just stay here tonight. There’s no need to wake Agnus up and have her out driving on dark roads.”
Once both of my feet are on the floor, he drops his hands, taking a step back and running a hand through his hair as he stares at me with an impish look. “Are you sure? I hate to impose.” I wave a hand toward him, slightly stumbling that same direction. His hands land on my hips again and I look up to find we’re chest to chest.
He takes a step back, clearing his throat, but keeping his hands remaining on my hips. “I mean, if it’s okay with you I’d hate to wake Nan up and have her driving at this hour.” I give him a nod before spinning from his grip and walking down the hallway toward my bedroom. I trail my fingers along the wall, steadying myself.
It seems like an eternity before I reach the door at the end of the hallway that opens to my bedroom. I glance over my shoulder to find Jase right behind me. I turn the doorknob and push the door open to my bedroom, stepping inside with a bit of a swagger. I wave my arms around in a game show hostess fashion. “This is where the magic happens.”
I burst out laughing at my own joke as Jase watches me with a smirk on his face. My laughter subsides as a huge yawn comes from me. I gesture one hand toward the bed as I cover my mouth with my hand. “I only have the one bed. You’ll have to bunk with me tonight.” I think about what I just said. My confidence an obvious side effect to the alcohol consumption of the evening.
“Oh, uh, I can sleep on the couch.” I close one eye, squinting at him. “The ‘couch’ is a loveseat, and I don’t see you fitting on it.” He lets out a throaty laugh that sends heat to places I don’t care to admit. “Are you sure you don’t mind sharing your bed for the night?” I wave a hand toward him as I walk over to my closet to find something to sleep in.
“Not at all. We’re just two people needing somewhere to sleep.” I step in the closet, closing the door behind me. Suddenly I’m acutely aware that a gorgeous man is going to be sleeping in my bed next to me for the night. A thought occurs to me as I’m slipping an old T-shirt over my head. What if he wants to do more? I think about it for a fraction of a second before pulling the T-shirt back over my head.
I pull the dresser drawer back open, digging to the very back to find a decent pair of matching pajamas. I quickly pull on a silk camisole and matching shorts. Standing in front of the mirror on the back of the closet door I appraise myself. Not too bad. If he wants to take things further tonight at least I’m ready, if not, I still look good. For a moment I can’t believe I’m even contemplating having sex with anyone other than Remington. I’ve never been with another man, but why not make it a hunk from California?
Reaching up I pull the hairband from my hair, letting my long, blonde hair fall around my face. I look at myself one last time in the mirror before pulling the door open. I step out of the closet to find Jase standing in the doorway to the bedroom, his eyes downcast and his hands clenched in his pockets. “I’m just going to sleep on the couch.” He says to the floor without bothering to look at me.
I fold my arms over my chest, rejection swimming through me as I drop my gaze to the floor as well. “Sure. If you think that’s best.” I keep my eyes trained on the floor, waiting for him to exit the room. After a minute I pull my head up, looking at him under my lashes. His eyes are roaming my body, clearly liking what he sees.
When his eyes meet mine his cheeks turn pink, a bashful, half smile pulling on his lips. He takes a few steps forward so he’s standing just inches in front of me. “I want to talk to you about what happened last night, but I don’t think now is the time.” My cheeks blush against my will and I cast my gaze to the floor. He places a hand on my bare arm, rubbing up and down slowly. “You need to get in bed.” I nod my head in agreement as I turn toward my king size bed.
He pulls the comforter and sheet back and I climb in, lying my head on the pillow. My eyes close against my will as I snuggle into the familiar comfort. I feel the sheet and comforter pull over me and Jase tucks it under my chin. “I’ll be in the living room.” He whispers as my mind begins to shut down. “You can’t sleep on the loveseat and the floors are hardwood. Just sleep in here. I promise I won’t try to kiss you again.” I mumble through my sleep fogged state.
I hear him let out a low chuckle and then everything goes dark. As I’m drifting to sleep, I feel the mattress sag on the opposite side of the bed. “Good night, Abbi.” I mumble the same sentiment, though it probably doesn’t sound right.
Chapter 5
I groan as my four A.M. alarm blasts through
my dark bedroom. I keep my eyes closed, not making a move to turn it off. I was having the most incredible dream of sleeping on a strong, firm chest… “Do you want me to turn that off?” My eyes pop open instantly as I hear Jase’s voice and I bolt upright, his hands sliding away from my back as I scramble for my cell phone.
Oh God. It wasn’t a dream. Just as I reach my phone and incessantly tap the button to silence the alarm the bed side lamp flips on, illuminating the dark room. I glance over to Jase who’s propped up against the headboard as I clutch my phone to my chest. It takes everything in me not to let my mouth drop open and drool like a damn dog. He’s shirtless and in my bed!
“Good morning, Abbi.” I open my mouth to speak but can’t seem to form a word. Some kind of grunt escapes me as my cheeks turn bright pink. He gives me a smirk before stretching his arms over his head, a yawn escaping him. My eyes travel along his impeccable chest, down to his lower half that is thankfully still covered. Otherwise I may just topple out of this bed.
“I haven’t slept that well in years.” He flips the comforter off him, swinging his long, muscular legs off the bed and standing with his back to me. My mouth drops open I as I check him out with abandon. Muscles for days, a tight ass in those boxer briefs. This man could be any woman’s fantasy. I watch as he slides his jeans on that he was wearing last night, leaving his shirt off before spinning to face me.
“How are we going to get our cars?” I snap my mouth shut and scramble out of the bed toward the bathroom. “I’ll call Blake.” I close the door behind me, placing my back against the wall and tilting my head up toward the ceiling. “Wow.” I mouth with my eyes closed. I give myself a minute to calm down before typing Blake a quick text and proceed to get ready for the day.
As I step out of the bathroom I walk over to my closet, a towel pulled securely around me. I grab a pair of scrubs and quickly get dressed before walking to the bedroom door. My stomach grumbles as the smell of food hits me while I walk down the hallway toward my kitchen.