by Alex Dafney
Even though every cell in my body is warning me not to, I tilt my head to look up at him. Placing my hand on his cheek I guide his face to mine, our lips touching softly. “I’m glad too.” I whisper before placing my lips back to his. Unlike the previous times we’ve kissed over the last few days, this kiss stays soft and sweet, but full of passion.
We continue our make out session until the car pulls to a stop, both pulling apart from each other, gazing into the other’s eyes. He clears his throat, reaching over and thrusting the door open and stepping out. My heart beats wildly in my chest as I take his hand, stepping out of the car. We walk hand in hand through the lobby, stopping in front of the elevator as we wait for it to open.
Once the doors open, we both step inside, Jase hitting the number for his floor. He turns to me, a look on his face that I’ve never seen as he pushes me back to the wall, his lips sinking to my neck. “You’re so fucking beautiful, Abigail.” He whispers against me neck, causing me to close my eyes as he continues nipping at my neck with his teeth between soft, slow kisses.
The elevator pings as the door slides open. He grips my hand in his, walking out backward as he stares at me. He leans toward me as the doors close behind me, placing his lips on mine ever so gently as he places his hand on the security scanner beside his door. The door swings open and he keeps his lips on mine as we stumble into his apartment, our mouths never separating.
He grips my purse straps on my shoulder, sliding it down and dropping it to the floor with a thud before gripping my hands and linking them behind his neck. I can feel the shift between us. This isn’t a feverish display of desire; this is something more. So much more. He pulls his lips from mine, staring down into my eyes as we continue our trek toward the hallway.
As he stares into my eyes while turning the door handle to his bedroom my heart and brain both scream at me to stop. Instead, I push away my own warnings and decide to relish in my last night with Jase. Even if it means a broken heart come tomorrow. He stops moving just as we stand before the bed, pulling his hands up to cup my cheeks. “You don’t even know how incredible you are.”
He drops his lips to mine. I part my lips instinctually letting him slide his tongue into my mouth ever so slowly. I moan in response, reaching my hand up and tangling my fingers in his dark hair. He pulls his face back, keeping his hands on my hips. “What do you want to do on our last night in town?” Without hesitation I reach for the hem of his shirt, pulling it up as he raises his arms to help.
I drop my hand to the button on his jeans, undoing it and sliding the zipper down. He takes a step back, pushing his jeans to the floor and stepping out of them as he grips the hem of my dress and pulls it upward slowly as I raise my arms in the air. He tosses it to the floor next to his discarded clothing and runs his eyes up and down my body as I stand before him in nothing but a pair of thong underwear.
Instinctively, I wrap my hands around my front, doing my best to cover my less than perfect small breasts. He reaches for my hands, pulling them away and placing them on his chest. “Don’t cover yourself, Abbi. You’re perfect.” My cheeks heat as he leans forward, placing his lips to my own in a slow kiss. He moves backwards, cupping the back of my neck to keep our kiss sealed.
As he reaches the bed he sinks down to a sitting position, pulling me on top of him. I straddle his waist, his growing member between us as he lies back, his hands firmly on my back as he pulls me with him. I lift myself slightly, reaching between us to grip him and placing him at my entrance. Without breaking our kiss, I slowly sink onto him, a moan escaping me as I take him all the way inside me.
He slides his hands down my back, resting them on my hips as I set a slow pace. I place my hands on his incredible pecs, gripping gently as I pull up and slide back down. My head rolls back between my shoulders before long, knowing I’m about to climax. Within the blink of an eye I’m on my back underneath him. He gives me that sideways smile that shows his dimple before dropping his lips to mine in a slow kiss as he pushes into me deeply.
My walls begin to clench around him as he moves slowly in and out of me. He reaches for my hand that’s clasped firmly on his shoulder, gripping it and placing it on the bed beside us as he laces his fingers with my own. He leans toward me, dropping his lips to that spot just below my ear that makes me lose it, whispering against my skin. “Now, Abbi.” I moan at his words, doing just as he says. He thrusts deeply into me once more, before becoming still as he spills into me. Kissing my neck as both of our breathing evens out.
Chapter 13
I wake up the next morning with my head resting on his chest, the early morning sun streaming through the window. A sad smile creeps onto my face as I sit up slowly, not wanting to wake him. Last night was incredible. We didn’t have sex, we made love to each other repeatedly, and it was the best few hours of my life.
Slowly and carefully, I extract my limbs from his, so I don’t wake him. I slip off the bed, tiptoeing to the bathroom door and opening it quietly. As I turn the shower on tears spring to my eyes. I step in the shower, allowing myself these few moments to cry over the situation. He made it clear his expectations for the weekend, and I stupidly agreed to let my heart fall down this slippery slope. I shake my head at myself as I turn the water off and wrap a towel around my body. I knew what I was getting into, I just didn’t know I’d be falling head over heels for a man who’s completely out of my reach.
Shaking my head at myself in the reflection of the mirror, I force myself to hold my head high as I walk out of the bathroom. Reminding myself repeatedly not to cry in front of him as I leave the bathroom to get dressed for our flight home. Thankfully, I find his bedroom empty. I quickly tiptoe across the room to his bedroom door.
As I pull the door open, I yelp, clutching my hand to my chest. He gives me that grin, as he chuckles. I look down at the tray he holds. Bagels with cream cheese, and coffee. “I didn’t have much, but I thought you may like breakfast in bed.” I look up to him, my mind swirling. I shake my head slightly, stepping around him and keeping my eyes averted.
“I’m really not hungry. Besides, I need to get ready so we can get to the airport.” I place my hand on the door handle to the guest room, stepping inside and beginning to close the door. “I know you at least want the coffee.” I glance up to him, finding an easy smile on his face. I reach forward, taking the coffee mug from the tray and mumbling my thanks before closing the door.
Placing the coffee mug on the nightstand next to the bed, I step over to my suitcase, pulling out another dress for the day. I grip the coffee in my hand as I walk into the bathroom to get ready. My mind races as I slip the towel from my hair and step into the yellow sundress. What the hell was that? Breakfast in bed? Way too intimate, and the last thing I need is to give myself any false hope.
The trip through the airport is uneventful and I find myself stepping onto the airplane. Like the flight here we’re seated in first class, just the two of us. I buckle myself in my seat, pulling a worn romance novel from my purse and sitting back. The plane takes off shortly after and once we’re to altitude the pilot says we can remove our seatbelt.
The same stewardess from out flight here steps into the cabin. “Can I get you something to drink?” I glance over the top of my book, giving her a pleasant smile. “Water, please.” Instantly I drop my eyes back to the book in my hand, hearing Jase ask for the same. I feel his gaze on me as she walks away. “Do you want to watch a movie?” He pats his seat, obviously wanting me to curl into his side as I did on the flight here.
I shake my head, looking back to my book. “I’m just going to read.” From the corner of my eyes I can see his lips drop into a frown, but I don’t look at him. I hear him shuffling with his bag, producing his tablet and placing it on his lap. The whole flight I see him looking over at me, but I stay focused on my book. The sooner I get off this plane, the better.
A few hours later the pilot announces we’ll be landing soon. I audibly sigh with relief. This has been the m
ost awkward, tense, journey of my life. “I take it you’re glad to be home?” I glance over to Jase. It’s the first thing either of us have said since the beginning of this six-hour flight. I nod slightly before looking back to the book that I finished two hours ago but started over just so I wouldn’t have to have any awkward conversation with him.
We’re the first passengers to step off the plane. The butterflies in my stomach are enough to make me want to hurl as we make our way through the airport for our luggage. We stand beside each other, watching as the suitcases ride around the conveyor belt. He bumps his shoulder into mine, giving me a small smile. “Are you alright?”
I nod quickly. Too quickly. “Fine. You?” He raises a questioning eyebrow at me, opening his mouth to speak. I point toward our bags coming around. “There’s ours.” He closes his mouth, stepping over and grabbing both of our suitcases. I reach for mine, but he keeps his grip on the handle. “I’ve got it, Abbi.” I follow him toward the exit, making our way across the sidewalk into the parking deck.
He unlocks the trunk of the car, placing both of our suitcases in the back before walking to the passenger door and opening it for me. I slide in the seat, mumbling my thanks. I stare out the windshield as he gets in the driver’s seat, starting the car, but not moving. “Do you want to talk about this?” I shake my head, looking down to my hands resting in my lap. “There’s nothing to talk about. We’re home and we go back to normal. Like we both agreed.”
“You’re sure you’re alright?” We don’t-“ I interrupt him, facing him with a fake smile. “I’m fine. Just ready to get home.” His eyebrows draw together briefly, but then he looks forward, sighing as he puts the car in reverse. I stare out the passenger window as we travel down the highway. Neither of us speaking.
We pull into my driveway and I practically leap out of the car. He meets me at the trunk, opening it and lifting my suitcase out. I reach my hand toward it, but he doesn’t release his grip on the handle. “I’ll carry it in for you.” I shake my head, placing my hand on the handle and pulling it from him. “I’ve got it.” He reluctantly lets it go.
“I think we should talk.” I look up to him, noticing the anguished look on his face as he rubs the back of his neck with one hand. I roll my shoulders back, holding my head high. “No. We don’t. We both had a great weekend, but now it’s business as usual.” I attempt a smile, knowing that it doesn’t look real before spinning and walking up the steps to my home. Tears burn my eyes as I fumble with the key.
I let out a relieved sigh as I push the door open. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” I can’t look back at him, simply waving over my shoulder before pushing the door closed behind me. Leaning back against the door, I let the tears slide down my cheeks freely. “Stupid, stupid, stupid.” I whisper into the empty room.
I wake up the next morning absolutely dreading the day. There’s no way I’ll be able to avoid Jase as long as his grandfather, Mr. Russell, is assigned to me. I quickly send a text to my coworkers, asking if either are willing to trade a patient. Both responded instantly to decline. With a sigh I walk into my bathroom to get ready for the day.
I slide into the driver’s seat of my car, starting it and heading straight for the Russell’s. Better to get this over first thing than have it looming over me all day. “You’ve got this. Two more weeks and he’ll be back on a plane and out of my life.” The truth of the matter is, I don’t want him to leave. These last two months have been wonderful having him around.
I pull off the road onto the gravel drive toward the house. My stomach in knots as I pull in front of the house. I hitch my purse on my shoulder, stepping out of the car and making my way to the front door. I knock lightly and step inside. I’ve never had a patient that I was this comfortable with, and who is just as comfortable with me. I peek in the kitchen finding Agnus standing in front of the stove in her customary spot.
I walk toward her, a genuine smile on my face. It hits me that I’ve truly missed her the few days I was away. “Hey, Agnus.” She glances at me over her shoulder, her lips pulling into a smile as she turns, her arms open wide. “Oh, child! Have I missed you!” I walk straight for her. She pulls me into a tight hug, patting my hand as she pulls away. “That other lady was terrible!” I chuckle slightly. My coworker, Amy, doesn’t have the most pleasant bedside manor.
“I’m back now.” I tilt my head toward the doorway, pulling my hand from hers. “I’m going to check in on Mr. Russell.” She nods her head, stepping back to the stove. I walk down the familiar hallway, gently knocking on the door before peeking my head inside. Mr. Russell looks over to me, giving me a grunt as I step in the room.
“You’re fired.” I place my hands on my hips, raising an eyebrow at him. “Good to see you too, Mr. Russell.” I start for him, grabbing the stethoscope from around my neck as he points over to his bedside table. “It’s good to see you, but you’re fired.” I glance over to the table, finding a note from his doctor. Picking it up I quickly read that he is being released for all normal activities and is no longer in need of home health care.
I drop it back in its place, giving him a bright smile. “Well, congratulations!” He waves a hand toward me. “It’s not like I won’t be seeing you. My grandson and wife are too fond of you.” My chest hurts at the thought. “Of course you will.” It’s a lie, I know, but somehow, I find myself saying the words even though I know there will be no more family dinners for me in the Russell home.
“I guess I’ll be on my way then.” I turn for the door, pausing as he calls my name, and looking over my shoulder. “Thank you, Abbi.” I nod as I walk out of the room, blinking rapidly to dispel the tears that threaten to fall. I pause outside of the doorway that leads to the kitchen, taking a deep breath. I step in, finding Agnus where I left her.
“It seems I’ve been fired.” She turns to me, a sad smile on her face as I shrug. “No matter, honey. You’re still welcome here anytime.” She walks toward me, wrapping her arms around me in a hug as I swallow over the lump in my throat. When she pulls away, she gives me a knowing smile. “Jase is going to be disappointed he missed your last day, but I’m sure the two of you will speak soon.” I nod, gripping my purse on my shoulder tightly and spinning to walk out of the room.
As I step in my car a tear slides down my cheek. I brush it with my hand quickly, not even knowing why the hell I’m crying. I shift the car into gear, trying to convince myself my tears are because I’ll miss working here, although I know it’s because Jase will be leaving to go back to his life.
I hop out of bed Friday morning, thankful that it’s the last day of my work week. I quickly get ready for the day, tossing an apple and a few protein bars in my purse before slipping out the front door. I stumble over something on the front porch, catching myself on the railing of the stairs. “Dammit.” I mutter to myself as I spin around to find a package in front of my door.
I bend down, picking it up and stepping back inside, walking toward the kitchen table to deposit it. I lift the folded piece of paper from the top, instantly recognizing Jase’s handwriting.
I asked Ashley if there was anything you were looking at while you two were shopping. She sent me this. I hope you enjoy. Thanks for last weekend.
Jase
I pull the lid off the box, my eyes widening as I take in the expensive designer purse I was looking at. I replace the lid on the box, picking the paper back up and scowling at it. Thanks for the weekend? What the hell is that supposed to mean? My phone ringing in my purse draws my attention. I pull it out, a picture of Blake and I on my screen. “Hey, Blake.” I walk toward my front door, needing to get to work. I’ll deal with the obnoxious gift from Jase later. “Damn! I wasn’t expecting you to actually answer.”
I grimace inwardly as I slide into my car. “I’m sorry. I’ve just been busy this week.” He scoffs. “Don’t lie, Abs. You’ve never been good at it. Besides, I happen to know I’m not the only man in this town you’ve been ignoring since getting back.” I let out a defeated
sigh. “I take it you’ve talked to Jase.” He gives me a drawn out mhmm. “We got together last night for a few beers and exchanged our rather ridiculous one word texts from you over the past few days.” My brows draw together. “You got together last night? He’s still in town?”
“Yep.” I’m quiet for a moment, thinking of how to respond. “Do you want to grab a drink tonight?” He sighs loudly. “What the hell is going on with you?” I pull into the driveway of my first patient of the day. “I’ll explain tonight. Unless Jase already told you.” I cut the ignition and step out of the car, hurrying toward the door. “He didn’t tell me anything. No matter how much I pried.” I tap on the door. “I’ll call you when I get finished for the day.” I end the call, not waiting for his response. I put on a fake smile as Mrs. Peterson’s daughter pulls the door open.
I pull up to the bar just outside of town, finding Blake’s truck already in the gravel lot. I swing my purse over my shoulder and stroll inside, walking straight over to the bar where he sits. I slide in the stool next to him as he turns his head toward me, pulling me into a hug. “Damn, I’ve missed you!”
I instantly feel bad for ghosting him all week, but I needed time to get my head straight after last weekend. I give him a shy smile. “I know. I’ve missed you too. Just sorting through some bullshit.” He raises an eyebrow at me as I flag Cindy over. She gives me a bright smile as she stops in front of the two us. “What are you having?” I order a vodka drink, waiting to talk until she places it in front of me.
Blake tilts his head toward the drink that I bring to my lips. “I’ve only known you to drink vodka on a handful of occasions. None of which are good.” I let out a heavy sigh, dropping my eyes to the drink in my hand and telling him about last weekend. When I finish, I toss back the remainder of my drink, holding it up to Cindy who gives me a nod.