I got my car keys and walked out to the front and just then the black Aston Martin DB9 pulled up in front of our house. It was Jake of course. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion and when he stepped out with a huge Klassic Kouture shopping bag in his hand. I asked, “What are you doing here? I thought you wouldn’t be back ‘til seven?”
“I have something for you.” He beamed.
“Really?” He brushed past me and pulled me inside by my wrist, leading me to my bedroom. “What’s this?” I asked when he handed me the bag.
“Open it.” He licked his lips. I tried desperately to suppress my giddiness.
“Wait! How much stuff are you planning to get me? I mean, you already got me a freaking car.” I watched him apprehensively. “Not that I’m not grateful, but it just seems a bit much, you know?”
He took a deep breath, “Listen Reese, one thing you should know about me is that I don’t flinch on spending on my lady, especially when she is as amazing as you. As long as I have the money to spoil you, I will. And you are certainly worth a lot more than a car and this. And don’t let anyone make you feel any less than that.”
Wow. His words were the sweetest thing I had ever heard. I never had a man like him before. He really couldn’t be this perfect, could he? There had to be something wrong. I just stared into his eyes quietly, feeling knots in my stomach and a tightness in my chest. Oh gosh no! There is that feeling. The feeling that was going to be the end of me. “Thank you.” I whispered.
“No, thank you, for giving me back something that I had lost.”
“And what’s that?” My voice barely there. He then placed his palms on my face and looked into my eyes. He gulped, licked his lips and then replied, “I.” He paused and gave a small smile.
“What?” My heart began beating a hundred beats per second. I felt like I was struggling to breathe. Anticipating what he was about to say.
“I.” He closed his eyes and smiled boyishly then opened them and kissed me. When he pulled away he said, “I love you.”
Phew! Those words knocked the wind out of me. Jake just told me he loved me and what came as a surprise to me was the fact that I no doubt felt it too. I chose him over Heath. There was nothing about Jake that I couldn’t love; he was sweet, we always were very close, he knows a lot about me, I know a lot about him now, he was generous, gorgeous, funny, smart, ambitious – everything. And on top of all of that, he treated me with so much love and respect. I realized that I wanted to do anything to make him happy, just as he was trying to do for me. “I love you, too.” I blushed and his eyes brightened with those words.
“Well, will you open your other gift?” He grinned.
“I certainly will.” I pepped and opened the shopping bag. I pulled out the dress that was inside of it and my smile faded. “Wow.” I whispered.
“You like it?”
“Like it? Love it! This is amazing, but how do you know my size?”
“I got it from the wardrobe assistant at Cave Ink.”
“That’s what you had to do today?”
“Of course. I then went in search for the perfect dress.”
“It is perfect.” I couldn’t believe he actually knew what I would have liked. It was a black, one shoulder, thigh-length, backless dress with a high-low cut at the front and back. It was exactly the semi-formal-slutty effect I was going for.
There was still a small accessory bag and a shoe box in the bag and I pulled it out. I opened the shoe box and a pair of bright red, suede platform pumps were staring back at me. Holy Shit they were gorgeous! I then threw out the accessories; a bright red clutch purse; simple, red stud earrings and a bracelet to match. I spun around towards him.
“Wow! This is amazing. You’ve got amazing taste. Thank you.” I padded up to him, wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. Just then, his phone began to ring and he signaled me to hold on and answered the phone. Once again, he kept yelling into the phone with no response.
“Way to mess up a perfectly good moment.” I rolled my eyes.
“I’m sorry. I talked to my friend in Dillcaster Communications, Granger. Told me he would look into it. He said give him twenty-four hours.”
“Well, I’m looking forward to that.”
“Me too. Well, I’m gonna head home now to get ready. I’ll see you soon.”
“Okay.” I nodded. He kissed me on my cheek and walked out of the room. I noticed Heath’s card lying on the floor and I picked it up. “Gotta put this away.” I whispered. I then put it in the envelope of pictures that I had of Heath and me.
I sat on my bed staring at the dress, shoes and accessories that Jake had gotten me. I couldn’t believe this was happening. I had a great life in Trinidad, but nothing as close to this. My ex-boyfriends were all assholes. This was new to me.
As time grew nearer, I got more and more excited. Tonight was going to be fun – it had to be, it was my twentieth birthday. I took a bath, brushed my teeth, fixed my hair into a high ponytail and applied my fiery red make-up. I then slipped on my dress, accessories and shoes.
By the time it was 6:57, I grabbed my clutch and walked downstairs. Jake had a knack for being very prompt. Heath was in the living room buttoning up his V-neck, slim fit cardigan sweater.
“Caroline hurry it up, will you?” He called out to her and stopped when he saw me. “Wow, Pieces, you look… stunning.” I lit up like a thousand watt light bulb.
“Thank you, Heath.” I nodded. “I like that cardigan, is that the one I bought?” I raised a questionable brow.
“Indeed it is.” We paused for a moment, our smiles fading away into awkward silence.
“What’s with you two?” Caroline snickered as she came into the living room wearing a red, straight-cut, strapless mini dress and matching pumps. She looked cute, still hated her though.
We were then interrupted by a faint knock on the door. “He’s here.” I hyped.
Heath strolled up to the door, opened it and Jake stepped in wearing an unbuttoned, single-breasted navy blazer; black V-neck jersey; black skinny jeans and black polished dress shoes. His hair was in a cute side-path. Even though he was dressed pretty simple compared to other times, he looked just as good, probably even better.
We all stepped outside, following Jake’s lead. What the fuck! Heath, Caroline and I stopped in our tracks. A white limo was parked on the curb. “Jake?” I probed.
“Come on guys, it’s my company’s limo.” He turned back at us, his hands in his pockets. Heath stood with his arms folded, looking highly unimpressed while Caroline’s eyes were wide. Jake walked up to me and pulled me gently by the wrist towards the limo, Heath and Caroline following behind.
In a few short beats, we were all in the back of the limo. I snuggled up to Jake as he poured champagne for us all, handing each of us a flute. “So, you guys like, right?” He swayed his arms around.
“It certainly is… glitzy.” Heath murmured. My eyebrows furrowed. What the hell? Glitzy?
“I think it’s great!” Caroline interjected almost too elatedly.
“Well, to Reese.” Jake raised his champagne flute in the air and we all followed, clinking glasses. “Happy Birthday, princess.” He turned to me and took a sip of his champagne and so did we.
“Mmm. This is delicious, Jake.” Caroline bit on her lip. Now I was furrowing my eyebrows at her. What the hell was going on with her and Heath? They were freaking me out!
We listened to music, talked and drank the rest of champagne all the way to our destination. Caroline was weirding me out the entire way, acting even girlier than usual – if that was even a possibility.
When we arrived, Sven opened the door for us and we got out. Klaw wasn’t as lavish as Ruse` but it was really nice, didn’t have a club either, or a second floor for that matter.
We got inside and the waitress took us to our table, a quiet secluded booth away. Jake and I sat on one side, and Heath and Caroline sat on the other. The atmosphere was quiet, apart from the occasional clinking o
f silverware on ceramic plates and the mellow music in the background.
We all scanned our given menus, decided what we wanted and told the waitress when she returned. Heath and I kept shooting awkward stares at each other, hardly saying a word. Caroline was running the conversation more than the rest of us, and she directed most of it to Jake.
After we ate our dinner and snapped a few photos, the waitress brought out four slices of Hot Fudge Oreo Cheesecake for us all. Naturally, mine had a lone candle on the top of it and they all began to sing Happy Birthday to me. I made a wish and blew out my candle.
“Thank you guys. Really, thank you all for a wonderful birthday.” I sobbed.
“It’s not over yet.” Jake smirked. “Club Athens is not too far from here and we plan on going there now.”
“You all are awesome.” I blushed.
Jake called for the cheque, and soon enough we were on our way to Athens, a huge club a few blocks from where we were.
Sven pulled up the limo at the club entrance and we all got out and strolled up to the huge steel double doors where two hulking bouncers stood outside with their hands in front them, looking emotionless and militant.
Jake flashed them a boyish smile and they frisked both him and Heath. He then went up to the cashier window and said, “Tell Joey, Jake Cavanaugh is here. V.I.P. area.” The lady nodded her head and left. When she returned, she gave us all invisible stamps and told Jake that Joey was upstairs in the V.I.P. section waiting for him.
We entered the club and it was huge, barely had space to breathe, much less walk. Fog enveloped the room while strobe lights cut through it like a laser beam. Shots by LMFAO ft. Lil Jon rocked the crowd and vibrated the room, giving me an instant party energy. I bobbed my head and threw my hands in the air as we followed Jake up the stairs and to the V.I.P. section. Jake kept looking at me and smiling. “Okay guys, it is time to get fucked up!” I cheered.
We walked up to a handsome, bald-headed dark skinned man in a well-tailored suit who was talking to a waitress. He had a single hoop in his left ear and was as tall as Jake. His movements were very resilient. When he noticed Jake, he nodded at him with a courteous smile. He then walked up to us. “My boy.” He opened out his arms and Jake gave him a brotherly hug. “Joey, my girlfriend, Reese. Reese, my brother from another mother growing up, Joseph Maynard. He owns this place of course.” Joey scanned me up and down approvingly and put out his hand for me. I shook it and he smiled, “Very pretty girl. Always had a thing for the chocolate ladies from the Caribbean, huh?” He teased Jake and my eyes widened. “And they?” Joey pointed his chin at Heath and Caroline behind us.
“Oh that’s Reese’s friend slash roommate, and his girlfriend; Heath and Caroline.” Joey padded up to them and shook both their hands. “Well, here is your section.” He lured us to the cordon off V.I.P. area and we sat on the red leather sectional. “Jake, what are you all drinking?” Jake then turned to me.
“Today is her birthday, so anything she wants.” He informed Joey.
“Oh right, Happy Birthday.” Joey winked. “And what exactly are you in the mood for?”
“Oh, can we do shots, in the spirit of the song and all?”
“Yes, shots!” Heath called out throwing his fist into the air.
“Great shots it is then.” Jake turned back to Joey. “Tequila, Liquid Cocaine, Blow Jobs, lots of Jell-O shots, Melon Balls, Jager Bombs, and Buttery Nipples. Bring it on.”
“Your wish is my command, Cavanaugh. I’ll have the waitress bring them all for you, and I’ll throw in a complementary bottle of wine, appetizers and birthday cake, on the house. Now excuse me, have some business to attend to.” He winked at me. “Do enjoy your birthday at Club Athens.” He then nodded at us and left. Such a weird dude, I thought to myself, but very generous.
A few minutes later, about five waitresses in skimpy Greek uniform dresses holding trays filled with shots of different kinds laid them on the table before us. They left and then returned with a lit birthday cake, a bottle of champagne and platters of different appetizers. This was looking to be an awesome birthday party and I was ready to get fucked up!
The four of us cheered and began taking shot after shot. Each time I hit one, I’d screw my face up when it burned my chest and hit another. The music totally got to me when Drink by Lil Jon ft. LMFAO remixed in. I got up from our seat and began to dance, moving my waistline and hips. I fell back on Jake and began grinding on top of him as I hit another shot. Caroline followed me, trying to grind on Heath but she was no match for my Caribbean moves.
“Whoaaaa!” I began pumping my fist into the air and let my hair down when Blow by Kesha started blasting. My head started spinning but I didn’t care. I grabbed Jake and pulled him down to the dance floor and Function by E40, IamSu and YG started playing.
He never disappointed with his flexing. He held onto my waist and moved just in time with me. Caroline and Heath were next to us dancing as well. Heath could move too, but unfortunately Caroline wasn’t as talented in the art.
I felt so high. After House Party by Meek Mill and Watch Out For This by Major Lazer and Busy Signal, my feet were killing me. I told Jake and we went back to our seat. He took my heels off and rubbed my feet. I was suddenly overcome with hunger. I ate a few of the appetizers, and then took another shot of tequila.
“Jaaaake.” I slurred. He looked up at me with the cutest little smirk. “Do youuu knowww that you are insanelyyyyy hot.” I pointed at him, almost falling over and he caught me. Oh god someone stop me.
“I am?” He raised a brow at me.
“Don’t po… po… poke fun at me. You know you are, and I lo… loveeee every inch of y…” I trailed off.
“Stay here, Reese. I’ll go get you a club soda.” He rose up from the lounge seat and I nearly toppled over and he darted toward me, catching me before I fell.
“I’m sorry.” I began to laugh. I was extremely drunk. Oh God I’m not prepared for the repercussions of this night. I saw Heath in the distance coming towards us, bobbing his head to the music. “Where’s your girlfriendddddddddd?” I asked him upon his arrival.
“She went to the bathroom. Reese are you alright?” He replied.
“Fiiiiine.” I rolled my eyes and began poking Jake’s incredibly cute face as he held onto me.
“Andrews, can you get her some water or a club soda, please?” Jake stifled a grin.
“Yeah, sure.” Heath nodded and left.
Party Rock by LMFAO began to play and I sprung up and began to dance; fist pumping and jumping around barefooted. “Whoaaaa!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. I began moving my head from side to side, relishing in my very drunken stupor. Heath returned and handed me the club soda and I poured it all over my head as I jumped up and down. I was a total mess, but at least I was having fun. Yep, at least I was having fun! Kill me now!
We partied for about two more hours and left when all our shots were finished. One of the waitresses put the cake and unopened bottle of champagne in a bag for us before we left.
I staggered down the stairs behind Heath and Caroline as Jake held onto me with one arm. My heels were in his other hand as we walked towards the limo. I hardly remember getting into the limo or our drive back home, but when we arrived, I begged Jake to stay with me and he agreed. He told Sven that he’d use my car to get back home.
Jake threw me over his shoulder and carried me up to my room. I was fumbling and slurring as he undressed me and helped me into my shower. He bathed me and helped me change into my pajama pants and vest, then tucked me in. “Well, it’s a good thing I wore jeans tonight.” He whispered to himself and stripped down naked. He stepped into my bathroom and opened the shower, letting the water fall on his hair and down his body. He slicked his hair and threw his head back in thought.
After his bath, he put on his briefs and a vest that I had taken from him at one time, and the basketball shorts that he had on under his jeans. He walked out into the corridor. Meanwhile, Caroline and Heath w
ere lying on the bed. When Caroline heard Jake step into the corridor, she looked over at Heath whom was fast asleep, and got up to peep out into the corridor from the bedroom door. When she saw Jake head for the stairs, she crept into the corridor.
Jake opened the fridge and scanned it, spotted some orange juice and poured out some into a glass. He then noticed a bag of Chex Mix and threw out some into a bowl. He sat on the stool at the breakfast bar and scooped up a handful of the Chex Mix into his mouth.
“Hey.” Caroline called out as she padded up to the fridge to get some of the orange juice. Jake spun around in fright. “Oh, hi Caroline.”
“Where’s Reese?” She asked as she poured herself some of the juice.
“Asleep.” He replied nonchalantly.
“Ohhh, no action for you tonight, huh?” He looked up at her with furrowing eyebrows and she winked.
“Where’s Heath?” He glanced around the kitchen.
“Asleep.” She batted her eyelashes innocently at him. His chewing slowed down and he raised a brow at her.
“Oh yeah?” He asked and took a sip of his orange juice. “Guess it’s just us then?” He smiled.
“Yah.” She bit on her lip and twirled the end of her hair.
“Chex Mix?” He raised the bowl to her face.
“Sure.” She took up a handful and put it to her mouth. He continued to eat more from his bowl and Caroline came around the counter and sat beside him, intentionally brushing her breast against his shoulder. “Sorry.” She whispered. He watched her at the corner of his eyes and shrugged. “So, you like younger girls, huh?” She brushed her finger tips against his arm. He scanned her and smirked.
“Somewhat, why?” He licked his lips.
“Just making conversation.” She murmured. “That was nice, what you did for Reese tonight. You don’t mind spending on her, that’s hot, but aren’t you like worried she’s using you for money?” Jake pursed his lips together and raised his brows. He then looked at her with a smirk.
In The Spur of Heath (The Spur Series Book 1) Page 12