by Nicki Night
Nixon lifted her slightly, sat her on him, slipping his elongated member inside her moist walls.
“Ahhh!” Jade’s pitch rose. Her head rolled back. She convulsed a few delicious clenches against him.
Nixon pushed himself deeper inside. She rode him. They perfected their rhythm. Jade couldn’t seem to keep her eyes open. She kept lifting her chin toward the sky as they moved in measured strokes against each other. Nixon’s eyes threatened to roll back. He controlled his pleasure. He needed Jade to look at him. He needed to see her face. Once again he held her face in his hands.
“Jade.” His voice was airy, as if it were blowing in the breeze. Her eyes were closed again. “Jade...” He panted. The pleasure she gave him was almost too much to bear. “Jade.” His voice was slightly stronger. “Jade.”
She looked at him. “Yes,” she breathed.
“I love you.” He drove himself deep inside her.
Jade blinked. Eyes wide now, she rode him. Blinked. Her chest rose and fell. “Nixon.” Her voice was a sweet but anxious whisper.
“Yes.” His response was husky.
“I love you, too.”
Chapter 31
Jade was too anxious to sit still. This Thanksgiving was going to be the most memorable yet. She and Nixon were starting the day with his mother and then heading over to her parents’ house for dinner with the Chandlers. When she returned from California, she’d called her parents to let them know she was bringing company for dinner. El interrogated Jade about where she’d met him, his background and why they hadn’t heard about him before. The fact that Bobby Dale and El knew he was coming didn’t keep the butterflies from circling her stomach like crows around a carcass.
Dinner at Mrs. Gaines’s cozy home was tasty, fun but low-key compared to Chandler holiday gatherings. Gloria succeeded in making Jade feel right at home. They’d fallen into a natural rhythm of teaming up to tease Nixon. Gloria shared more stories that had Jade bent over laughing, but the mood changed when the bell rang.
Gloria opened the door and Nixon’s father walked in, carrying a black plastic bag. Nixon was sitting at the dining room table and stood when his father entered the room. For several moments, they just stared at each other. Jade held her breath, but realized it only after several moments had passed. She held the edge of her seat. Gloria stood behind Nick with her hand over her heart. No one spoke. The tension choked the air out of the room.
Nick Sr. made the first move. He took one step closer to his son. Nixon stayed put. Jade wanted to touch his back—comfort him and let him know everything would be okay. She wanted to hold his hand and tell him to go ahead and talk to his father. She wanted to remind him how important it was to have him in his life even if he didn’t think Nick Sr. was the best. She wanted them to get along, to begin to heal the pain she’d seen in Nixon’s eyes whenever his name came up.
Nick Sr. took another step. Nixon still hadn’t moved—hadn’t taken his eyes off his father. Time slowed. Jade felt every heartbeat and stood suspended in the hope of what could happen. The four of them could wade in the tension, it was so thick. She willed Nixon’s heart to soften. Inwardly, she rooted for whatever that was still broken in him to be mended.
Nick Sr. held out the black bag. “I bought you something.”
Nixon reached for the bag. Gloria, Jade and Nick Sr. focused on that singular movement together, waiting for something to happen. Nixon took the bag and Jade exhaled.
“Thank you,” Nixon said, standing tall.
“There’s something inside beside the wine,” Nick Sr. said.
Nixon opened the bag and pulled out a small card. He looked up at Nick Sr., the question in his mind creasing his brow. Jade felt herself holding her breath again. Nick Sr. nodded, encouraging Nixon to open the card.
Nixon slid his finger across the opening of the envelope and pulled out the card. The front carried an image of a blue sky and a sun with gleaming rays that spanned the entire card. Script letters said You Inspire Me. Nixon flipped the card over, looked up at Nick Sr. again. Another nod—more silent encouragement. Nixon looked down, and for the next few moments, while time and breathing seemed to be suspended once again, he read the few handwritten lines. When he was done, Nixon swallowed hard. He cleared his throat, exhaled and looked toward the floor, blinking.
Jade wanted to know the words that made Nixon so silent.
“Well, what does it say?” Like Jade, Gloria was anxious.
“You can read it if you want to,” Nick said.
Nixon cleared his throat once again. “‘I’ve never been a man of many words, but you made me realize that I’ve left too much unsaid. I’m proud of you, son. I always have been. I can’t help it. I admire the boy you used to be and the man that you’ve become. I hope we can find a way to start over. I hope you’re okay with that. I’ll understand if you don’t want to. Either way, I needed to say this. And I hope you don’t mind my putting these words on paper. Thanks. Love, your dad.’”
Gloria gasped. Tears flowed from her eyes. Jade’s eyes watered. Nick Sr. shifted his weight from one foot to the other, turning his hat in his hands. He reminded Jade of a hopeful, wide-eyed little boy.
Nixon cleared his throat yet again. “I’d like that.” He held his hand out toward his father.
Nick Sr. released the breath he’d been holding in a loaded exhalation. He pushed Nixon’s hand aside and wrapped his arms around his son. It took a second, but Nixon soon hugged his father back. Gloria rushed over and swung her arms around both of them. Jade clasped her hands under her chin and let the tears that had gathered in the well of her eyes roll.
“Okay,” Gloria said, pulling back. “What kind of wine is this, Nick?” She picked up the bottle and looked it over. “Whatever it is, it will be perfect for dessert.”
“You made peach cobbler?” Nick asked.
“You know I did.” Gloria twisted her lips. “It’s Thanksgiving,” she said, as if she needed to remind him.
Nick rubbed his hands together. “Great! I haven’t had your peach cobbler in years.”
The four of them gathered at the table. Gloria brought the pie out and set it in the center. Nixon handed dessert plates out to everyone.
“Wait!” Gloria held her hands up. “We need another grace.” She bowed her head and thanked God for the food and mending the bond between father and son. “Now we can eat.”
Conversation flowed lightly around the table, sprinkled with moans indicating how good the pie tasted.
“Nicky.”
Nixon looked up at his father, pausing midchew. “You were probably wondering why I started coming around again. This is why. I was trying to figure a way to get back in with you. Thank you for giving me a chance, son. I won’t disappoint you this time.”
Nixon swallowed hard enough for Jade to see his neck maneuver. He blinked and nodded at Nick. Jade thought he might cry right there.
Jade and Nixon hung out with his parents for a little while longer before heading to Long Island to meet her parents. The closer they got to her parents’ estate the more her stomach fluttered.
Jade took his hand when they exited the car. She squeezed it just before letting it go so she could get her keys to open the door.
“Hello,” she called out. “We’re here.” Adrenaline coursed through her. Jade felt her heartbeat at every pulse point. She walked through the large home toward the formal dining room.
So far the day had gone well—amazing, actually. Her heart was still tender from the bonding she’d just experienced between Nixon and his dad. Even the timing was perfect. Nixon’s mother’s early dinner gave them enough time to start out with his family and get to hers before dinner was completely over.
“Hey!” she called out over the noise in the dining room. Jade’s parents, grandparents, siblings and their significant others sat around a huge table topped with a feast
comprised of every signature Thanksgiving dish imaginable.
Granddad slapped his knee and cackled. His sharp laugh reached Jade’s heart, making her smile without even knowing why she did. No wonder they couldn’t hear her enter the house.
“Hello!” Jade waved as if she were signaling someone a block away. “We’re here.”
“Oh! Hey! Baby girl,” Bobby Dale said, wiping his mouth with the linen napkin. He stood. El stood along with him, compelling everyone else to their feet. Bobby Dale walked over to Jade and hugged her. She snuggled in his warm embrace. Bobby Dale kissed her forehead. “Now move aside,” he said, and the place fell so quiet you could hear cotton land on carpet. Bobby Dale lifted his chin and looked Nixon over. He studied him for several moments while Jade’s heart selected a quicker tempo.
“Sir,” Nixon said respectfully. He held out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Um-hmm.” Bobby Dale studied him for a moment longer. “You’re the fellow from Wakeman, huh?” He still hadn’t touched Nixon’s outstretched hand.
“Yes, sir. I’m in business development.” Nixon returned his hand to his side.
“The company that tried to take us over.”
Nixon took a breath. “Yes, sir.”
“Uh-huh.” Bobby Dale shifted on his feet and closed his arms over his chest. “And you say you like my daughter?”
“No, sir.” There was a collective gasp. Bobby Dale’s brows furrowed. Jade’s quick-beating heart seemed to pause. “I don’t like your daughter. I love her.”
Jade’s heart swelled inside her chest and found its rhythm.
El’s back straightened, as if it could become stiffer.
“Mmm,” Chloe and Jewel moaned in unison.
“Ha!” Jade’s brother’s laugh pierced the air.
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Sir.”
Bobby Dale looked at him another moment before he stretched out his hand. Nixon reached forward and the men finally shook. “It’s a good thing I already looked you up. I admire your business sense, young man. Seems they really like you over at Wakeman. I could like you, too. Just remember, Chandler Foods is not for sale! Ha!” Bobby Dale’s big laugh eased the tension from the entire room. He patted Nixon’s back. “Welcome to our home. We’re glad to have you for Thanksgiving dinner.”
Next, El stepped up. Chin lifted, she studied Nixon, as well. “Hello.”
Nixon nodded. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Chandler. You have an incredible home.” He respectfully looked her over. “I could tell by the decor that you have impeccable taste.”
A slight smile played on El’s lips. “Welcome.” She headed back to her seat.
El’s greeting was followed by a receiving line of the rest of the family, Chloe and Jewel greeting Nixon together.
“Nice to finally meet you, Nixon,” Chloe said.
“You as well.” Nixon held out his hand.
Jewel pushed his hand away. “We hug around here.” She pulled Nixon in for a tight one.
“This is my husband, Donovan.” Chloe presented Donovan.
“What’s up, man? Nice to meet you,” he said. Nixon returned the greeting and they shared a masculine embrace.
“I’m Sterling.” He nodded and shook Nixon’s hand. “I’m Jewel’s fiancé.”
“Yes!” Jewel said. “That one belongs to me!”
Nixon shook his head and smiled.
“Nice to meet you, man.” Jade’s brother, Chris, and Nixon shook next. He presented Serenity. “This is my fiancée, Serenity.”
“It’s great to meet you,” she said and winked at Jade. That meant Serenity approved.
Taking Nixon by the hand, Jade walked him over to her grandparents. “These are my grandparents, Eddie and Mary Kate Chandler.”
“Pleasure to meet you, young man,” Jade’s grandfather said, shaking Nixon’s hand. “And where’s my hug, young lady? Grandpa Eddie needs his smooches.”
Jade hugged both her grandparents.
“Ma’am.” Nixon greeted Mary Kate.
“Treat my baby girl right, you hear?” Grandma Mary Kate warned. She looked at Jade and winked. “He’s cute.”
“Hey! I’m sitting right here, woman,” her grandfather said, pretending to be offended.
“Don’t worry—you’re cute, too.” Grandma Mary Kate pinched his cheek before planting a kiss there.
Laughter rang out around the room. Jade and Nixon took their seats at the table and fell right into the festivities. After dessert, the men headed to the den for sports and boys talk, and the ladies hung out, sipping wine in one of the other sitting rooms. Every now and then Jade would find a reason to remove herself from the ladies’ presence, just to peek in on Nixon. Each time she found him holding his own. The last time, Nixon jutted his chin forward, waved her off and winked as if to say “I’m fine.” Jade smiled. The sight of Nixon laughing, sipping scotch and hanging out with the men in her family filled her heart. He’d managed to fit right in.
Chapter 32
Nixon had tried to get Jade on the phone several times during the day. He knew she was busy preparing for the foundation’s annual charity ball, but he just needed to hear her voice. In the weeks since Thanksgiving, work had become overwhelming for both of them. To steal small pockets of time together, they took turns sleeping at each other’s house, but by the time they got in, all they had the strength to do was cuddle and fall asleep. The next morning they started all over again.
Nixon knew Jade was busy, but he just needed a few minutes to make sure she was okay.
“How’s it going?”
“Absolutely crazy!” Jade said. He could hear that admiration for her work even in her frustration.
“Let me know if there’s anything I can do?”
“Aw, thanks. We’re fine. Just super busy.”
“Okay. I’ll see you later.”
“Muah!” Jade smacked a big kiss through the phone.
Next, Nixon jumped on the phone with Jade’s brother, Chris. The two of them had made fast friends on Thanksgiving and spoken a few times since then. Nixon had stopped by the wine bar a few times and enjoyed Chris and his friends’ jazz sessions. Being fairly new to Long Island, Nixon hadn’t really made many friends there. Until Jade came along, work took up most of his time. Growing up as an only child, he didn’t mind being a bit of a loner, and the few friends from his childhood now lived in other states.
Nixon also received from Chris the insight he needed to make sure he kept Jade happy. He found Jewel hilarious and Chloe was like the big sister he’d never had. Nixon both admired the Chandlers and in a short time had become quite fond of all of them, even El, who still said the least to him. Nixon enjoyed the feel of their large family, something he hadn’t experienced growing up.
Trying his best to get out of the office in good time, Nixon shut down his computer and headed to the car. There was more to do. There was always more to do, but tonight was going to be special and work would have to wait. He raced home, toying with the speed limits, showered, dressed and headed to New Rochelle to get his mother.
Gloria was ready, careful not to make him wait on her. When he pulled up, she came right out, wrapped in a full-length mink to ward off the brisk December weather. Traffic heading back to The Beckingham, the exclusive Long Island country club, was as thick as Nixon anticipated. But he was still on track to get to the ball on time.
They arrived right in the middle of the cocktail hour. Jade rushed to him, kissed him, hugged his mother and was almost immediately pulled away by another guest. Nixon tried not to let the stunning sight of Jade affect his intimate places. She looked spectacular in her red ball gown, which settled just below her smooth brown shoulders and hugged every perfectly placed curve. He imagined kissing those shoulders later, while she was still in the dress. The gown covered her shoes, but h
e was sure they were stylish. Her hair was swept into a polished bun and diamonds dangled from her ears.
Nixon enjoyed watching Jade and her family work the room. He smiled proudly as she floated through the ornate catering hall, greeting guest after guest, seeming to make everyone she encountered feel welcomed with her winning smile. He and his mother bet on a few of the silent-auction items before taking seats. He’d bet on the Knicks tickets because his dad was a huge fan. Nick Sr. was committed to this second chance. They spoke more regularly and Nixon thought it would be nice to spend time with him at a game, since both of them loved sports.
Nixon went to the bar and returned with two glasses of wine.
“Thank you, sweetheart,” Gloria said, taking one of the glasses from him. “This place is incredible. Not like our cute little spots in New Rochelle.”
“You should see Jade’s parents’ estate. We could put all the homes we own on that one property.”
“Wow! Are you okay with all of this?” Gloria made a circle with her index finger, referring to the evident affluence of Jade’s life.
“The only thing that matters to me is Jade’s heart. I can hold my own.”
“That’s my son!” Gloria winked and patted his hand.
Jade’s family’s wealth was the least of Nixon’s concerns. Just then, he looked up to find Jade across the room, speaking with a guest but peeking his way. She acknowledged him with a small wave and a smile before focusing back on her guest.
A distinguished-looking gentleman played a few notes on a small xylophone and guests began to make their way into the spacious main ballroom. It wasn’t until they’d gotten inside that Nixon realized the massive number of people in attendance. Now he understood why the family hadn’t held the ball at their venue by the pier. As large as Chandler’s was, it was too intimate to accommodate a crowd of this magnitude. And the caliber of guests was impressive. Nixon noted the presence of elected officials, prominent businessmen who had graced the covers of the business magazines he read, and a few famed Long Island residents. Nick Sr. managed to make it right as the program was starting.