“Hey, c’mon now. I’m here. That asshole can’t hurt you anymore.”
“It’s not that.” She sounded frustrated.
“Then what is it?”
“I’m just no good at this, this pretending. I don't like lying to anyone. I particularly don't like the fact that I’ve used you and pulled you into something that wasn't your problem. Not to mention, we just met.”
I couldn’t believe my ears.
She wasn’t concerned about Reece and what just happened at her home. She was worried she didn’t know how to be good at pretending we had a relationship. She couldn’t be serious? Wasn’t I clear in what I just said? I didn’t want to pretend with her. I wanted to take a chance, but she wasn’t ready, and the situation, as it were, had her even more conflicted. I needed to change that and lighten the mood.
“Is that why you're crying?” I lightly chuckled.
“Stop laughing at me. Of course, that’s why I’m crying.” She let out a small whiny snicker, so I knew she was okay and we were good.
“I’m not laughing at you. I swear.” I leaned back and put my hands up to show my defeat.
“I know it doesn’t seem like a big deal to you. I’m pretty sure you’ve never had to deal with a Reece Montgomery in your life.” What she said wasn’t entirely the case.
I had to deal with Rain’s husband on more than one occasion. Dominick Kane, Daniel’s brother, was just as bad as Reece Montgomery when it came to getting what he wanted.
“You’d be surprised.” That was all I said in hopes that Jade would be curious and perhaps continue this conversation over dinner with me tomorrow night.
“I don’t believe you. You're just saying that because you're a nice guy and you feel sorry for me.” She was cute when she argued. Tilting her head to one side, she examined my expression.
“Oh, baby, trust me, you may think you have me all figured out, but what you're thinking couldn’t be further from the truth. Although you're right that I am a nice guy.”
Her smile came through.
“Let me prove it to you,” I challenged her.
She took both her hands and covered her face. Then she wiped her tears to the side, as she let out a long and cleansing exhale.
“Okay, go ahead, enlighten me.” She voiced, with a bit more confidence.
“No.”
“No?” She questioned.
“Not now but over dinner tomorrow night.What do you say?” I waited for her response and hoped it would be a yes.
“Why do I have the feeling you're stalling?” She said, but still had a smile on her face, so I was pretty sure her answer was a yes.
“Probably because I am.” I wasn’t holding out on her to come up with a good story. I just wanted more time with Jade. I was breaking my promise. Tonight, proved to me, I wanted her. I couldn’t back away, but I was a patient man and would move at a pace her heart could handle if that’s what she needed, and it appeared by all accounts, she did.
“Ah-ha! I knew it,” She said, as she acted as if she has discovered something spectacular.
“Ah-ha! Nothing. I don’t think right here, right now is a good place to talk about me and my personal life,” I explained.
Her voice became soft and serious as she shook her head and looked around at how her world was right now.
“I guess you're right.”
“So is that a yes?”
“Yeah, it’s a yes, but let me cook. My brother’s old kitchen hasn’t seen a decent meal in years.” Jade suggested and wasn’t wrong.
The kitchen at the beach house was in need of a serious facelift. I guess I should tackle the new appliances before I offered to cook anyone a meal in there, especially Jade.
“How about I cook here at your place and you make dessert?” I countered her offer.
“Sure, but you do know how to cook, don’t you?” Jade seemed unsure of my culinary skills.
“I know how to boil water,” I admitted but was only half joking at the same time. I could throw a frozen pizza in the oven as good as the next person.
“That’s what I thought. I’ve changed my mind.”
“What?”
“I’ll have dinner with you, but on one condition.”
“Okay, state your demands.”
“That I cook and bring a dessert from the shoppe, and you bring the wine.”
“Deal, and because you’re cooking for me, I’ll clean up.” I put out my hand so we could shake on it.
“Even better deal.” She took my hand and we agreed for me to be back here around 7 tomorrow night.
As she went to pull her hand back, I held it more firmly in mine and pulled Jade up off the floor of the deck, so we were facing each other. She looked down and then back at me inquisitively.
“I just want to make sure you’re okay now.” My hand cradled her cheek.
“I’m fine. Thank you, Tommy,” she said and placed a quick peck on my cheek.
I got ready to leave, but turned back to look at her one more time. I placed my hand around her upper arm, as my mouth found hers. Her lips were soft and receptive, but before I let things go too far, I broke our connection and walked to the stairs.
“We’ll talk more tomorrow.”
She nodded, her smile bashful, as her fingertips partially covered her lips.
I wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. I guess tomorrow would reveal more for each of us.
Jade
DISTRACTED, MY FINGERS trembled as they traced the remnants of Tommy’s goodnight kiss over my lips. I wondered if he noticed the sexual charge between us or how he truly felt about it. Without warning, that similar energy manifested itself every time we were together. Yet, I was determined not to think about it.
I could have easily fallen for his genuinely sweet personality. The kissing on the cheek and whispering in his ear to do more than just appease his questions, were far too playful and inappropriate for someone I just met and needed to stop, because of the promise to myself—a promise I intended to keep. I was sure once we had dinner, I’d convince him being friends was best for both of us.
He’s going to hate me. Who am I kidding? I’d hate me too.
Frustrated, I dragged myself upstairs to wash my makeup riddled face and turn in for the evening. The cool water soothed my tired tear-stained eyes. Grabbing a towel to pat my face dry, I looked at myself in the mirror. I realized how stupid I had acted this evening, as second thoughts of Tommy crept back into my mind.
Again, I lied and allowed Tommy to come to my rescue with Reece. I was too afraid to tell Reece the truth; I hated it. Tommy was kind enough be my knight in shining armor because the evil king wouldn’t lay off when it came to his son Damien, no prince in my book. I should have told Reece from the beginning I wanted to avoid any serious relationships in my life. I wasn’t going to date. I wanted to see where the future took me, but Reece knew as well as I did, my idea to love em’ and leave em’ without the structure of a relationship was a good concept, but one I couldn’t go through with.
A jackhammer pounded inside my skull and violently hummed inside of me, while my body hurt to move. Running the water in the tub, I decided a long bath before bed was what my body and mind needed to wash away the humiliating events of the day. In the bath, my muscles slowly relaxed, as my body steeped in the warm water. I ran the sponge across my bare skin and let it settle between my legs. My thoughts drifted back to the one man I tried to put out of my mind…Tommy. I could hear his voice, feel his body, and I remembered the way he smelled and how he looked in his sweats when he came to check on me earlier.
The memory of him made me lightly rub my clit with the outer edge of the bath sponge. My head dropped back as the delicious feeling of my arousal began to build. My hips curled forward, the sponge circled my core. With my other hand, I firmly grasped my left nipple, moaning at the pleasure I gave to myself from the combination of the gentle wisps of the sponge on my hardened nub to the intense movement of my fingers caressing my b
reast. I knew I needed to come and wanted Tommy to be my fantasy that brought me there.
My thoughts of him intensified…his strong jawline, dark eyes, carefree dark hair, oh and his lips…his soft lips against my skin when he called me baby. The memory of his voice made me abandon the sponge for my fingers. Touching myself between my legs proved even the water couldn’t wash away how slick my pussy had become at the idea of him inside of me.
Vivid thoughts of Tommy’s body blanketing mine, his mouth taking my lips, my neck, my breasts…licking my swollen nipples, taking each of them fully…taking me fully, his hands affected every inch of me as he slowly pushed himself inside me, his tone commanding me to let go, to fall further and further in this imaginary world. A place I didn’t want to leave, where my desire for Tommy could be fulfilled…realized through my overactive imagination.
I slipped further down into the warm fragrant bath to surrender in the sexual thoughts of my new neighbor, thoughts which took over my body completely…where I couldn’t decipher between what was real and what was fantasy. I wanted to come, but I had to admit I didn’t want the intensity of this self-gratifying, secret moment, nor my longing for Tommy to end just yet. Shit! I couldn't believe how much I needed this or wanted him. Every girl was entitled to some sexy make-believe me-time now and then… besides, he’d never find out.
As the sensual assault on my breast was reduced to a delicate yet playful massage, the illicit attention I gave to my sex increased with each press of my fingertips. My heartbeat pounded, my breaths…shallow, almost non-existent. The throbbing between my legs grew more evident as my strokes became more deliberate. My entire body shook with this salacious feeling as my arousal peaked, I found my release through a strained declaration of Tommy’s name.
I continued, but with apprehension coaxed myself back to the present. Slowly, my breathing returned to normal, my heartbeat softened, and the constant ache that had once existed between my legs quelled and was replaced with total satisfaction. I stayed in the tub for a short time before the water cooled enough to provide me with the hint I needed to turn in for the night.
I finally climbed into my bed exhausted, but completely sated. My body was heavy, as were my eyes. I didn’t fight it, because I knew the sooner I slept, the sooner tomorrow would come, and that meant the sooner I would share an evening with the man that I had just secretly fantasized about.
I would hold on to this feeling through my dreams until tomorrow came, but in reality, the attraction for Tommy couldn't move beyond the confines of these walls. My secret allurement of my new neighbor would remain just that…my little secret.
The sun rose over the eastern side of the island like it did every day. I felt the warm glow on my cheeks as I woke from a completely restful night’s sleep. I was snug and contented. I stayed in bed for a while longer before I started my day.
Tuesday was my usual day off. I followed my normal routine of having my morning coffee out on the deck off my bedroom. While still in my nightshirt, I placed my mug on the table in between the two chaises. As I stretched out on the oversized lounge to enjoy this beautiful summer morning, my thoughts drifted back to last night. I squirmed as I remembered how turned on I was, and how exactly I worked off all of that built up sexual tension.
When I looked down from my chair, through the railing, I caught a glimpse of Tommy and Daniel on the oceanfront deck of my family’s old house. He still had on the sweats I saw him in last night, but now he was shirtless. I became wet almost immediately with the familiar pulse between my legs again.
What the hell was he doing to me? And how do I make it stop!
Feelings of apprehension and second thoughts ran through my head. I couldn’t do this. I couldn't explain my reactions, but I also couldn't keep leading him on, or myself for that matter. I told myself after Jimmy died, loving someone so deeply would only end in disaster. I was proven right when Damien broke our relationship in two and slept with Courtney. I decided back then I would not put myself or anyone else through the hurt I lived with every single day. I could deal with being alone, but I couldn’t lead someone as nice as Tommy on and hurt him because I wasn’t ready to love again.
Face it, Jade, you’ll never be ready.
Between my frustrated thoughts and my frustrated body, lying there any longer was futile, so I jumped up and changed into my wetsuit, headed down the stairs, grabbed my board, and drove out to the end of the island to catch some waves before the rest of the beachgoers hit the sand.
When I pulled up and walked to the edge of the lot and onto the sand, the beach was practically empty. Other than myself, there was a man walking his two dogs along the surf. The waves were strong and the water choppy. The weatherman had forecasted rain for later tonight, so the turbulence made perfect sense with an impending summer storm on its way.
I pulled my board out from the back of my car and headed for the shoreline.When waxing it was completed, I began my stretching ritual, as not to injure myself. I secured the leash to my right leg and headed out into the water. I paddled well beyond the breaks in the waves and finally reached my desired position. I waited and waited and waited until I caught my perfect one. I began to paddle, and at the precise moment, popped-up to ride it in.
Although I was far from a beginner, I continued to stay with my beloved longboard. After I took a few waves, I headed back to the sand and stretched out on the beach for a bit. At my towel, I removed the leash from leg and laid the board down on the sand next to me. Reclining back, I took in the warmth of the day.
I must have been more tired than I thought, or perhaps this morning’s surf run put my body over the edge, because when I woke up, the beach had become crowded. Looking at my phone showed it was noon already. I needed to get back home for a shower and to address so many things before dinner.
The market was somewhat crowded, as I picked up the food for this evening’s meal. I didn’t have any fresh treats in the house, so I decided to swing by my shoppe on the way back to retrieve something sweet and chocolaty. It was more for me than for Tommy. Although it did appear he liked chocolate as well, when I surprised him with the covered strawberries the other night.
I returned home by four in the afternoon. I cleaned the house and showered again before I dressed for the evening. I called Blaze to see if she was coming down from the city this weekend, but her phone went directly to voicemail, so I left her a message to give me a call when she came in.
Looking at my recent calls, I don’t know how I missed it, but there was a voicemail from Daniel, which stated Tommy took him back to the center this morning and he was sorry he didn’t get to see me before he left, but he would be back for the 4th of July holiday and that he would see me then. I made a mental note to call him sometime tomorrow. I didn’t want to wait until the Fourth before we spoke again. Now that Daniel and I reconnected, I didn't want to lose our friendship, as we had before.
Next on the call chain to-do list was Aunt Viv but she wasn’t home either. She had been out a great deal lately. Oh well, she must have been working with her garden club or at the animal shelter in town or one of her other pet projects that she tended to join when the springtime began.
It was getting late, so I prepared dinner and put it in the oven before I went upstairs to my closet to decide on what to wear. We were having a relaxed evening at my home so something comfortable would suffice. I chose a pair of white jeans, a red low cut, v-neck tee and a pair of white thong Ralph Lauren sandals.
Slate grey clouds began to roll in, confirming an impending storm. I finished setting the table in the dining room near the sliders off the first-floor deck, making it easier to be close to the kitchen while the food cooked, and without fear of becoming saturated from the rain if we ate outside. I put a CD in the player, filling the house with the soft sounds of some jazz music. A few candles on the table in the living room needed to be lit, but not too many. I wanted the atmosphere to reflect a relaxed and casual mood, not a romantic one.
&
nbsp; Tonight, I resolved myself to the fact I needed to ignore the undeniable attraction I had for him because last night clearly proved I wasn't ready to be with anyone. My emotions were raw and all over the place. It was my hope Tommy would get used the idea of us being friends and just friends…loud and clear; and this dinner tonight would set straight some of the ridiculous things I involved him in since we first met.
The DVD player displayed 6:45. He’d be here soon. Out of nowhere, I became nervous at the thought of him spending the evening with me tonight.
Jade, you were the one who accepted his invitation. No turning back now. You have to go through with it. It’s not a date or anything. He said so, himself.
I shook off my unwanted and unwarranted nerves. It was dinner, that’s all. It wasn’t like he would be staying the night. Just as I was about to continue to overanalyze it, there was a knock at my door. I looked up to find Tommy there with his arms full. I smiled and hurried to let him in.
“Thanks. It looks like the rain is going to start at any moment,” he said, as he walked in.
“They said storms for tonight. Can I take any of that from you?” I asked because he hadn’t attempted to hand me what was in his arms or place anything down on the table in front of him.
“Yeah, sorry… these are for you.” Tommy handed me a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers. Then he showed me the two bottles of wine he brought to dinner. One was the Champagne we had the other night and the other was a Pinot Noir from Italy.
“Hmm…Pinot Noir, it’ll be perfect with the Beef and Mushroom Risotto I have in the oven.” I took the bottles, opened both, and poured the Champagne, which had been previously chilled. The Noir I left on the counter to breathe before dinner. I found a vase that would be a good size to accommodate the sunflowers.
“Dinner sounds and smells delicious,” he remarked, as he took his glass, looked around, and took a seat on the couch. He was comfortable, not the type of man who needed to stand up and command a room, but one who was at ease with himself. One who, unconsciously, was in command.
Within Six Months (A Wild Roses Novel Book 1) Page 14