She couldn't form words. All she could do was nod her head several times in succession.
"Is that a yes, Annie?"
"YES!"
"Thank goodness!" He slid the ring onto her shaky hand before grabbing her face and kissing her. He pulled back and wiped her tears. "And Friday, I'm making love to you under that skylight. If we're lucky, it will be raining."
"I'm going to walk down the aisle to you," she cried and cupped his face.
"I don't care if I have to carry you, just so we get there."
Chapter 26
Waking up wrapped in Jake's arms was surreal, and Stephanie always woke up first. Jake was finally taking something regularly for his insomnia, and his sleeping patterns were beginning to even out. Not to mention, the new chief of staff had started and was taking some of the pressure off him.
And just like every morning for the past four days, she got to study his handsome face. He had a strong jawline and a tiny scar at the corner of one eye. He told her years ago it was from a bicycle wreck when he was a kid.
Don't even get her started on his abs. She'd seen him without a shirt in high school, and yes, she had fangirled all over it. That didn't even come close to how he was built now. Greek god was an accurate description.
She turned on her back with a slight grimace. She was always stiff in the mornings. She grabbed her phone and scrolled through her emails. She had patients she had neglected. She had referred them to other psychologists, but some had refused, and she felt guilty about that. She needed to call some people today after her therapy. She'd go to her office, clean off the dust, and get to work.
"Hey, baby." Jake's sleepy voice wrapped around her like a cocoon. His arms soon followed, and she’d never felt so safe, secure, and loved. "Are you ready for tonight?" he murmured in her ear.
"Which part?" she mumbled. Jake had arranged dinner with her parents, and of course, she was finally cleared to have sex.
Jake propped himself up on one elbow and stared at her. "Any of it? We don't have to do anything until you're ready. Please don't feel pressured by me."
She ran her hand across his cheekbone. He hadn't shaved in a few days. He kept on forgetting his razor, which was still in his office. He did manage to get his stuff out of storage and his grandfather's. Damon helped with that.
"I don't feel pressured. I just-I'm nervous. About all of it."
"It will be okay. They said they would tell you anything. Get your questions ready, doctor."
"I have them. Hey, Shane said he wanted to come up Sunday."
"That's cool."
"He's a cool kid."
"I agree. Are you ready to greet the day? Diana supplied Thanksgiving dinner for us tonight."
"I need a shower."
"I'll help you with that."
"I'm sure you would, except if I see you naked with water running down all over..." her voice trailed off.
"It will ruin tonight?"
"I don't think it will be ruined, but don't tempt me."
He kissed her lips. "Okay, baby. I'll help you get in there, though. Call me if you need me. Do you want hot chocolate?"
"We have some?"
"Yes, I bought some the other day."
"Then yes."
He helped her to the bathroom and then made the hot chocolate and toasted some bagels while she showered. After showering himself, they left for the facility for the day.
******
Later that evening
The doorbell rang, and Stephanie wiped her sweaty hands on her pants. She sat on the edge of the bed and needed to get the nerve to go in there. Jake answered the door, and her parents followed him into the house.
Her mom's voice filtered down the hallway, and she sucked back tears. Jake stood in the doorway a few seconds later. "Annie, I have them eating appetizers. Take your time, okay?"
"Okay, thanks."
after what seemed like forever, but was probably only five minutes, Stephanie entered the kitchen.
All conversations came to an abrupt halt with her mom's gasp. "You can walk!"
"Yeah, a little."
Her mom stood from the bar, took two steps, and paused, unsure of what to do.
"Can we sit, please? I still have trouble standing for long periods."
"Baby, do you want to sit at the table or the couch?"
"Couch. Therapy was tough today."
"Matt could have let you have the day after Thanksgiving off," Jake told her.
"I didn't want a day off."
Cheryl still hadn't moved and watched Stephanie swing her way to the couch and drop onto it. Jake brought her some cheese sticks, winked at her, and returned to the kitchen. He told Marlon and Cheryl to have a seat in the living room, and they tentatively made their way over to the loveseat.
Stephanie watched them deflate into it. They looked defeated, and she bit her lip and looked at her plate. Putting those waiting skills to work, Jake carried everyone's drinks and plates of food before getting himself one and parking it beside his girl.
They ate in silence. Why was this so awkward? She had loved these people her entire life, and they loved her. They sacrificed time and money for her growing up.
Her fork hit her plate. "I feel betrayed," Stephanie blurted into the silence.
Cheryl seemed incapable of speaking, so Marlon put down his plate and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. We made a decision when you were adopted not to tell you, and now we are regretting that."
"Why did you adopt?"
Marlon squeezed Cheryl's hand. "I can't have children," she answered, barely above a whisper.
"Yeah, well, I can't either now!" she snapped, suddenly angry about it again. Jake squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Marlon said sadly.
"Why didn't you let me see Emily when she came looking?"
"She has a criminal record."
"But you didn't ask her what she'd done, did you?"
"No, I tried to find it, and I couldn't find anything."
"That's because her records are sealed! She was fourteen when she was raped and got pregnant with me. He tried to rape her again, and she killed him in self-defense."
Cheryl paled.
"And because his father was influential, she got screwed. She's a nice person, Mom, and I have a younger brother I adore. She wasn't going to take me away from you. I was seventeen."
"I'm sorry."
"What's funny is that the visit from her is the reason I'm a psychologist. I didn't know what was going on with you. I thought you were going to get divorced."
"Stephanie. I am sorry. Your father—Marlon always wanted to tell you, but he relented and agreed not to when he held you for the first time. I guess I thought if you knew, you'd leave. That's my insecurity."
Stephanie looked away, stared out the window, and tried to gather her racing thoughts. Jake played with her engagement ring but didn't try to get her to speak.
"Are you engaged?" Cheryl asked, looking at the ring.
"Yes."
"Congratulations. I always thought you guys were meant to be," Marlon said.
"I thought that too," Cheryl said softly.
"I wish you guys would have told me," Jake told them both. "I am literally the last person on earth to figure this out."
Stephanie huffed a laugh and rubbed a hand over her face.
"Anyone up for dessert?" Jake asked. "Diana dropped off pumpkin pie to go along with our belated Thanksgiving dinner."
"Diana has always been an excellent cook. Pie sounds good."
"Great!" He kissed Stephanie on her temple before gathering all their discarded plates. "Everybody want whipped cream?"
"Is there any other way?" Stephanie replied.
"Nope," Jake answered and carried over the pumpkiny goodness.
Once again, silence entered the room, and Stephanie knew it was her fault. The giant elephant in the room had set up camp and was not leaving anytime soon. She should charge rent.
; Jake finished his pie and leaned back on the couch, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. She couldn't help but lean into him slightly. Could he tell she was drowning?
Marlon stood and grabbed his wife's plate. "We will help clean up, and then we'll be on our way."
"Are you okay?" Jake asked her so only she could hear.
"Overwhelmed," she whispered back.
"I'll help them." He kissed her cheek, gave her knee a gentle squeeze, and went to the kitchen.
Her parents left soon, but she barely registered them saying bye. Rain began to splatter against the window. She thought they were calling for sleet later and then snow.
Jake brought her over a blanket and lifted her legs onto his lap.
"That didn't go well. I'm too mad. I make the worst patient ever."
"Don't be so hard on yourself. A giant bomb was dropped in your lap, and you're handling it the best way you know how."
"I'm not handling it at all."
"I don't know if you know this, but you almost died. I think it's okay to be upset. And this is just one more thing out of your control."
"What other degrees do you have?"
Jake grinned. "I have a wise grandfather."
"Yeah, ya do." She went silent again and looked out the window. She felt sad, angry, and overwhelmed. And yeah, her nerves were beginning to bounce around. Tonight was the night, but Jake hadn't even mentioned it since this morning. But it wasn't like they could talk about it with her parents sitting in the room. Talk about making an already uncomfortable situation even more uncomfortable.
His hands moved up and down her legs, and her gaze swung back to him. He was watching it rain, but he must have sensed her looking at him because he turned to look at her and unleashed a killer smile, which had her beaming back.
He touched her face, and she leaned into his palm. "You're so beautiful."
"You are."
"Men are not beautiful."
"Yes, they are. I'm looking at one."
One corner of his mouth ticked up. "Do you want to watch a Christmas movie or something?"
"No. I mean, yes, but not right now. I was listening to it rain."
"How are you feeling? Hurting?"
"I'm always hurting. Some days are more tolerable than others."
"I'm so sorry." He grabbed her hand and lifted it to his mouth, placing a kiss on the back of her hand.
"That's not your fault."
"I wish I'd been here for you instead of handling it all wrong."
"Water under the bridge, right?"
"I hope so, but I still feel guilty."
"Try not to, all right?"
"Yes, doctor."
"So, Dr. Stone, what are your plans for the evening?"
"You, you are my plans."
"Yeah? What are you planning with me?"
"Everything."
Chapter 27
Jake rubbed his hands together in anticipation. He had set up the sunroom with an airbed. No way was he letting his woman that was overcoming a gunshot wound and surgery lie on a hard floor.
The weather was cooperating and was raining, with sleet being mixed in. It pinged off the skylight, and the wind blew against the windows. His shirt was untucked as he gazed up and watched the rain/sleet splatter. It was comforting.
Candles were lit. Hopefully, she'd think it was romantic this time; he even had his phone playing soft music. Who was he kidding? She was going to think this was ridiculous. He stood to turn off the music when she entered the room. His breath whooshed out of his lungs.
There was nothing prettier than her. She wasn't dressed in any sexy lingerie, but her short pajamas showed off athletic legs used to running up and down courts in her younger years, and clearly, she still kept in shape even with what she was going through.
The short Seahawks tank top showed toned arms as well. Her hair was damp from a recent shower and was soaking her shirt.
"Hi, baby." He walked to her and put his hands on her hips, and she leaned her crutches against the wall. "You're beautiful."
"Thanks," she murmured. Her eyes dropped from his face and to his chest. She'd never been shy before, but he saw a little pink tinging her cheeks from the light in the hallway.
"Why are you so nervous?"
Her palms landed on his chest. "Just overthinking things."
"Don't do that. I'm off tomorrow morning. We can sleep in." He shook his head. "Well, I won't, but I'll make you breakfast in bed."
"Okay. What's that?" She pointed to the bed.
"No way was I letting you lie on the hard floor."
She looped her hands around his neck, and he bent and placed an arm under her knees, scooping her into his arms. He carried her and sat with her in his lap.
She tucked her head under his chin. "I love the sound of sleet."
"It's going to turn to snow. Your parents texted and said they made it to their hotel safely."
"I don't think I could have handled today any worse than I did."
"No, you didn't. You handled it the best way for you at this moment in time."
"I can't let them go back to Florida with this odd cloud hanging over our heads."
"They aren't leaving tomorrow, baby. Forget about it for tonight."
"What should I be thinking about?"
"Me. You. In this bed." He moved her hair off her neck and kissed up to her ear.
"And now I am thinking about both things. I am a woman; I can do that." She laughed until his hand crept under the front of her shirt and cupped her breast.
"You're stiffening up."
"You don't think I know that," she hissed.
He rubbed her back and removed his hand from the front of her shirt. "I know you know. I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry I'm so tense."
"I told you it's okay, but I can't help but talk to you. Remember the first time we met?"
"Yes."
"You were adorable."
"This isn't helping me."
Jake ignored her. "You came out into the hall, and Landon and Leslie's mom introduced you, and as soon as you went to walk past me, you tripped."
A small smile graced her lips. "Over my own two feet."
"And I think I fell a little in love with you right then."
"I wish I had known. You did this head nod, and I fell in love."
"I also noticed you're not clumsy at all."
"You made me nervous, and you smelled good when I passed, so I tripped."
"I caught you."
"And I giggled like a love-struck teenager. You caught me and my heart, and then you friend-zoned me."
"Sorry."
"Yep."
"Can I remove your shirt?"
"Yep."
He gently took off her shirt and then transferred her to the bed, laying her down. His eyes roamed her chest, and she blushed under his scrutiny. "You're exquisite."
"Big word, doctor," she said nervously.
"I can hand them out occasionally," he replied and pulled down her shorts. "I think I might not be able to form any more words soon."
"Your turn. I mean with your clothes."
He took off his shirt before standing and stripping out of everything else. He stroked himself before flexing his biceps at her, and she giggled. He climbed in beside her, grabbed the blanket, and covered them both. He ran his thumb across her cheek and held her face. "I love it when you giggle."
"I don't. It's-it's girly."
"That's what makes it cute ." He rubbed her stomach, and she tried to relax. "I think you need to be on top this time. You control the pace, and I'm not putting pressure on your back. Stop if something feels uncomfortable."
"Okay," she breathed as his hand caressed her inner thigh.
"Don't move." He slid underneath the covers, and she nearly came undone when his tongue touched her pussy. "Relax, Annie."
"Easy for you to say, Jacob. Someone's tongue isn't..." Her voice trailed off when he licked her. "Oh!"
"Does that feel good?"
/>
"Yes."
"You taste good."
"Quit talking and keep sampling."
His chuckle had her squirming. He inserted one finger, and she stilled completely, and he froze. "You good, baby."
"Y-yes."
"Tell me if it hurts." He pumped his finger a few times, and she whimpered. "You feel so good. I want you to come on my fingers and tongue." He added another finger and crooked it as he sucked. Her orgasm hit almost immediately.
"Shit," she whispered as she came down from her high.
He climbed up beside her. "You ready to fuck me?"
"Yes."
"Climb aboard, sweetheart." He helped her straddle his legs, and she grabbed his dick and stroked a few times. His head fell back, and he closed his eyes. "Your hands," he murmured, "are fantastic."
Her knees shook as she raised above him, and he grabbed her hips to help steady her and help her over his straining cock.
"If I shoot early, don't hold it against me."
"I won't."
"Good." He lined her up; she sank, and they both let out groans. "You-you okay?"
"Perfect-I'm perfect."
"Do what feels good for you. Everything feels good to me."
She shifted forward, and he sat up and latched on to one breast. His tongue swirled around her nipple before he went to the other one and gave it the same attention as she set a pace that she was comfortable with. "I've never come twice before," she uttered.
"You're going to give me a big head."
"I already did," she laughed until he bucked up slightly, and she moaned as he played with her breasts.
"You are a comedienne, a beautiful one."
She shifted forward, and all words died in his throat. Her breasts bounced as she found her pace, and he watched her in awe as sweat dripped down the side of her face. He wanted to buck up again but just moved his hips slightly until her movements lost their uniformity.
"Baby, I'm gonna come so hard." His hips stopped moving and tilted up with a groan as he came. His orgasm triggered hers, and she stiffened and moaned his name. "I love you," he told her as she slumped forward onto his chest.
"I love you. And as much as I want to stay here, help me. My back is going to lock up."
He lifted her, laid her on her stomach, and massaged her back. "I'm sorry."
Broken Ties (The Healing Series Book 5) Page 19