Adrift: Book Two of The Crashing Tides Duet
Page 3
“But it’s still hard for Elliott and me when we’re home and you’re staying in the other guy’s room. So, I was thinking the nights we know he’ll be home but it’s your time to be with me, we can stay here. It’ll be somewhere you’ve only slept with me.”
I kiss him back as I try to sort out my feelings that seem all over the place. I turn around and admire the room again. The bedroom furniture is light oak, and the bedding is navy and white.
There are white curtains hanging on the two windows, and as I walk farther in, I realize there’s a small kitchenette on my left and a bathroom, too.
“What are you thinking?”
Noticing the photo of us blown up and framed above the bed, I smile.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea and so thoughtful.”
“I’m no interior decorator, so it’s not as nice as the room Elliott fixed up for you, but this is what I’ve been doing since Thanksgiving. Whenever I said I was going to hang out with the guys, I was actually working on this place.”
My gaze falls to the floor. God, earlier this week while he was here decorating this apartment for us, I was being tied to a shower nozzle and fucked by Elliott.
Before I can look up, Jake’s in front of me, lifting my chin.
“What’s wrong?”
“Jake, this is seriously the best Christmas present ever. I can already picture us spending time here alone, and I won’t have to worry about how Elliott’s feeling in another part of the house.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“I feel guilty.”
“Why? Is it because he’s excluded?” As he holds my chin, I shake my head and avert my gaze.
“No. I feel guilty because some of the times you were here creating this space for us, I was with Elliott.”
Jake frames my cheeks. “Sailor, it’s OK. Elliott and I agreed to this relationship, and we’re the ones who convinced you to do it. We never want you to feel guilty, and I’d rather know you’re with him when I can’t be as opposed to you being lonely.”
The tears wash over my eyes, so I fling my arms around his neck and hug him so he won’t see.
“You’re the sweetest guy I know, and I love my gift. I’m sure we’ll have so much fun here.”
“I’m glad you like it, and I agree.” He gives me a passionate kiss, and I can tell he’s already thinking of the dirty kind of fun we’ll have here, too.
Coming up for air, he rests his head against mine. His hand cradles my cheek and his fingers play in my hair.
“Fuck, I never get tired of kissing you.”
“I’ll know if you ever do.”
Tilting his head back, he smirks. “How is that?”
“Because the power behind your kisses causes me to feel what you’re feeling at that moment. It’s the way you often hold my head, or face, or touch me while exploring every speck of my mouth.
“The way you fight to breathe after you let my lips go or the way your heart thunders against mine when you’re on top of me in bed... If you stop kissing me like it’s your last chance, I’ll know you’re tired of kissing me.”
“I’ll always kiss you like it’s my last chance since I have no way of knowing if it will be.”
“Unless I die, you have nothing to worry about. I’ll never grow tired of kissing you, either.”
“You mean that?”
“Of course. I love you.”
“But you love someone else, too, and the reality is you could grow to love him more.”
“I won’t, and we’re not ending our Christmas Eve talking about it, especially in our sacred place. So … when are you showing me some fun?”
I can tell I’ve reassured Jake when his dimples peek out for me to admire.
“To celebrate, I stocked the fridge with beer, wine and eggnog. Your choice.”
I slide my hands up his arms until I’ve reached the back of his thick hair and can play with it.
“Actually, I think we should break in our new bed first … maybe to some holiday tunes that will forever remind us of this moment.”
“Have I told you how happy it makes me to have found my festive soulmate?”
“No, but you can show me while we do our own versions of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” or “Santa Baby”.” I giggle over how I’m surely failing at being sexy, but he laughs, too, and I’m overcome with joy.
I get to wake up with Jake on Christmas morning in our cozy apartment, feeling only love from him. My life right now is better than I deserve, and I won’t take a second of it for granted.
Elliott
I don’t understand why Jake and Sailor aren’t home. I thought they weren’t going to his parents’ house until noon, and it’s only 9:00 a.m.
I grab the ibuprofen from the cabinet above the kitchen sink, and just hearing the pills rattle inside the bottle makes my head throb. After swallowing a few tablets with a glass of cold water, I grip my forehead.
I have a coughing fit next, so I pull out the cough medicine and take a drink straight from the bottle.
“Disgusting,” I grumble. I hope I’m not getting bronchitis again. It would be the second time this month, so maybe I’m not over the last bout.
The front door opens, and I hear Sailor’s and Jake’s laughter. Fuck, their voices are even piercing. I cover my ears, wondering why this had to happen on Christmas Day. I better not be sick on our trip.
Sailor walks inside the kitchen but comes to an abrupt stop, her laughter halting, too.
“Elliott, what’s wrong? I thought you were working today.”
“I have a bad headache and that stupid cough that won’t quit.”
Approaching me, she rubs my shoulder. “It must be bad if it sent you home.”
“Yeah, we were slow, and thanks to my cough, our chief resident didn’t give me a choice. Where were you and Jake?” He walks in behind her, and she glances back at him.
“Um, well...” They both look guilty. “Can we talk about it once you feel better?” she asks while rubbing my arm again.
I don’t have the energy to push the issue, so I say, “As long as everyone’s all right.”
“Everyone’s fine,” Jake replies. Tiptoeing, Sailor places a kiss on my cheek.
“Merry Christmas, and I’m sorry you’re sick.”
“I’ll live, but I better be well by morning.”
“I hate for you to be in bed all day on Christmas.” I watch the concern blanket her face, masking her happiness, and it frustrates me further. I don’t want her to worry about me today.
“I took some medicine. I’ll sleep this off, and I’m sure by the afternoon I’ll be fine. I’ll go have dinner with my mom, and I’ll get to be with you the next several days. I can’t wait for that.”
I pull her against me and hug her to give reassurance that I’m OK to be alone. She forgets that I’ve felt alone pretty much all my life.
“Merry Christmas, bro. I hope you feel better,” Jake says.
“Thanks.”
“You should go get some rest,” Sailor adds. “I need to shower and make a dessert to take today.” She smiles, but it barely breaks through her barrier of concern.
I head out of the kitchen, feeling a touch dizzy. Dammit, I better not be getting the flu, either. It wouldn’t surprise me with all the sick people coming into the ER.
Once in my room, I strip down to my boxers and get under the sheet. Only a few minutes have passed when Sailor comes in and closes the door behind her. She climbs into bed with me and brushes my blond hair off my forehead, which I think is her stealth attempt at checking my temperature.
“Maybe I should stay home with you.”
“No way. If you stay here, you’ll be alone and bored while I sleep.”
“No, I’ll curl up here with you.”
Pulling her hand down, I kiss it. “You’re sweet, but Jake would be disappointed, and I have no doubt he would be pissed off at me, too.”
She sighs. “OK, but I’m lying here until you
fall asleep. I can take a quick shower, and I’m a talented, efficient chef in the kitchen, meaning I can make a quick dessert.”
She gives me the only Christmas present I need, which is one of her genuine smiles–the kind that reminds me why I love her so much. It brightens her dark eyes, rounding them further.
I was blessed to see those smiles while she was growing up, and they lifted my spirits each and every time. Happy she’s in my bed for at least a few minutes, I bring her to my chest and rest my aching head on hers. God, she makes everything in life better, even this headache and cough.
CHAPTER FIVE
Sailor
“I can’t wait for you to meet my family, especially Marcy,” Jake says, gripping my hand. I’m a ball of nervous energy as we ride to his parents’ home.
Since his sister was just released from jail, you’d think she’d be more nervous about meeting me, but I’m certain I have her beat. I’ll be meeting Jake’s grandparents, too, on his father’s side, along with Jake’s aunt Bet, short for Betty.
I’ve heard she’s even more of a free spirit than her sister-in-law Jeanine. She lives alone in Arizona, spending her time with an enormous circle of friends. I’m learning where Jake acquired his exuberant personality.
He said he’ll be with his mother’s side of the family tomorrow, and I feel bad I have to miss it. He loves all of his family immensely, and I wish I had one I adored that much. I’m already dreading my visit with my mom and dad this evening, and that’s sad.
“Yeah, I’m excited, too, but I’ll admit I’m nervous. I hope they like me.”
“They’re going to love you.” After Jake parks in front of his parents’ two-story, narrow brick home, I carry my apple pie in my shaking hands. My housekeeper taught me how to make it as a child, and I get rave reviews when I serve it.
Jake clutches the large bag of presents we brought and pulls me to his side as we approach the front steps. “Relax, doll. I promise you’ll feel like part of the family in no time.”
I exhale the taxing breath I’ve been holding, and the heat of it mixing with the cold air causes a puff of smoke to form in front of me.
“I’m sure you’re right since I felt comfortable with you in mere seconds.” I breathe in the smell of winter, a scent that I already tie to Jake. Since we met right before the start of fall, I think he’ll always be my cool weather guy.
I’ll remember the times the chilly air drifted over our skin while we were soaking in the steamy hot tub. He’ll be who I think of when I see Christmas lights or eat the season’s sweet cookies.
Jake’s already in my memories of walking in Washington Park with colored leaves crunching beneath our feet, and I’m certain we’ll make many fond memories during the times we’re curled up in the warm, homey sanctuary he’s made for us.
“Ready?” Jake asks as he opens the door to his childhood home.
“Yep.”
I hear the tapping of footsteps before Madeline runs around the corner of the family room in a fancy burgundy dress and shiny black shoes.
“Yayee! Sailor’s here! Hi, Uncle Jake,” she adds nonchalantly.
“I see you’ve bumped me off the throne,” Jake mumbles, so I giggle, feeling at ease already from Maddie’s elated welcome.
“Madeline, you look beautiful in your dress, and the curls in your hair are so pretty.” I bend down to smile at her and admire the crystals and sequins embellishing the front of her dress.
“You have pretty curls, too,” she says as she touches my long hair and my silky green blouse beneath my unbuttoned dress coat.
Once her gaze strays to the bold-colored wrapping paper visible from the bag Jake’s holding, she proceeds to jump and clap like a seal out of water.
“Presents!” Jake’s her favorite person once again as she takes his hand and drags him toward the family room that’s only a few feet down the hall.
While I follow behind them, I breathe in the delicious smell of dinner cooking. It’s a savory scent that makes my stomach growl.
Aside from Jake’s sister, there are only men sitting in the family room. I recognize Marcy from photos I saw the times I was here before, so I step inside to meet her, along with an older man I’m guessing is Jake’s grandfather.
“Merry Christmas,” I exclaim as my eyes glance around the room. I wave at Jake’s dad and also Brad, Marcy’s husband. Getting up from the couch, Jake’s sister walks over and smiles with hesitation.
“I’m Marcy. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Hi, I’m Sailor.”
“I’ve heard all about you, especially from those two over there.” She points to Jake and Maddie who are at the tree, removing presents from the bag we brought. “They’re over-the-moon about you.”
“Well, thank you. I’m fond of them, as well.”
Her smile changes to a frown. “I know you can’t say you’ve heard great things about me, but that’s a topic for another day. I’m just grateful to be home with my family.”
“They love you so much. Jake’s been super excited for me to meet you, and I know everyone was eager to have you home, especially Maddie.”
“Yeah, it was hard being away from my baby girl.”
“Mommy, Jake and Sailor brought presents,” Maddie exclaims. Jake looks over his shoulder at me and grins, and it warms my heart to know how happy he is to have me accompany him. He walks over and eyes the dish in my hand.
“Marcy, will you take this dessert to the kitchen so I can introduce Sailor to Grandpop?”
“Sure.”
“Let’s get your coat off, too.” Jake helps me remove it before he grasps my hand.
“So, you have Grandpop on your dad’s side and Gramps on your mom’s?” I ask.
“Yes, and my mom’s mom is Grandma and my dad’s mom is Nana. You’ll meet her shortly.”
“I’ll try to keep it straight.”
“Grandpop, I want you to meet my girlfriend, Sailor.”
He pushes off the couch to stand, and I’d guess he’s in his early seventies. His hair is white as snow, but he sure has a lot of it like his son and grandson do.
“Hi, there, young lady. Boy, Jakey, she’s a looker.”
“Yep, I did good. She’s gorgeous.”
“Thank you, and it’s nice to meet you,” I reply. I take a glimpse of Jake, and he winks. The adoration is still present in his brilliant green eyes that are even bolder than my silk blouse.
“I better go introduce her to Nana and Aunt Bet.”
Grandpop chuckles, and I’m not sure why. Maybe he finds Jake’s giddiness humorous.
“You do that.” He sits back down, but not before giving me a wink, too. What a family of charming men.
“It’s good to see you again, Sailor,” Carson says to me in his Brooklyn accent from his flipped-back recliner. Brad smiles, as well.
“Thank you for having me.”
I follow Jake down the hallway and into a bedroom. He shuts the door, and after tossing our coats on the bed, he hugs me.
“Damn, I’m a happy man today. If anyone had told me a year ago that I’d be bringing a woman to my parents’ home for Christmas, I would’ve laughed my ass off, and I never dreamed I’d be this excited while doing it.”
“Jake…” I lean my cheek against his chest. “I love you so much.”
“I love you, too, and I want to thank you.”
Lifting my head, I give him a puzzled look.
“For what?”
“For coming here when you felt like you should stay with Elliott.”
“Jake, don’t. I want to be here with you. Yeah, I felt a little torn, but it was only because I was concerned for Elliott’s safety. I swear I want to spend this day with you and your family more than anything.”
Grabbing my face, he presses kisses all over it.
“God, I still got it bad for you, Teach. You’re making this the merriest Christmas to date.” He kisses me, the passion igniting in seconds, and I feel him getting hard against me.
“Yeah, I guess we better.” After readjusting his package in his jeans, he takes my hand, and we head to the kitchen where several women are moving around the room.
Seeing Jake, they all stop to have a look at us.
“Merry Christmas,” he says to them.
“Merry Christmas,” they reply in unison. Marcy pours gravy into a bowl while her mom and grandmother wipe their hands on their holiday aprons. A pretty woman in a flamboyant Christmas sweater strolls over.
“Jake, it’s so good to see you again.”
“Hi, Aunt Bet. I want you to meet my girlfriend, Sailor. Sailor, this is my funny, smart and fascinating Aunt Betty.”
“And I see you’re still my charming nephew.” She pats his cheek before turning her attention to me. “I don’t know why he sucks up to me after all these years. It’s not like he gets the fun gifts anymore.”
“Oh, I think he meant what he said,” I reply. “He’s only had positive things to say about you.”
“Well, that’s a bummer.” She looks over her shoulder at Jeanine. “You need to share more of my wild stories with your son.”
Her sister-in-law rolls her eyes. “No, he doesn’t need to hear about your nudist camp adventures or the twenty-year younger woman you’ve been seeing when we thought you were straight all these years.”
“I’m bisexual. We’ve been over this.”
Jake covers his ears. “Yeah, let’s not talk about those things.” Everyone laughs, including me, but the air is pushed right out of my lungs when Jake’s grandmother approaches and pulls me in for a tight hug.
“It’s so nice to meet you. Call me Nana, and don’t listen to my free-spirited daughter. I don’t want her running off the first nice girl Jake brings home.”
“You mean the only girl he’s brought home,” Marcy says before she flips her long auburn hair over her shoulder and passes by me with a knowing smile. She has a gravy boat in her hand, which I imagine she’s taking to the dining room.