“You’re still crazy, but I like your way with words. I‘ll call my sister and ask her to cover for me.” She lets out a big breath and lifts her face, flashing those twinkles that I’m starting to memorize. “Though you might have to help me pack the rest of my junk. Will you be okay with that?”
One slight nod and a peck is all the confirmation I give her. I plan on spending every second that I’m given with her. Whatever happens next—our being apart—will be temporary. Things will work out in the long run. They have to.
“This could be the beginning of a long…something,” I blurt, as our mouths part.
“Doubtful. In the years to come, you’ll become famous. You won’t even remember my name,” she whispers. “But I’ll listen to your latest hit on the radio, and fantasize that we’re together. That my life is different.”
Can she really not believe what I see? How can I convince her we are destined to be together?
“The luxury cookie-cutter package, Twink,” I remind her. “That’s what our life will be in a few years.”
“I can’t explain much,” I whisper, afraid I’ll wake up Jacob or his brother. Snuggling under the blankets of his bed, I continue my conversation with Maeve. “Please just be happy for me, Mae. I need a couple of days.”
“Can’t or won’t explain?” Maeve whispers back with an irritating tone. It’s ten in the morning, and a sharp edge glides through my chest. Mom must be around. “I’m risking my skin here, Pree. I deserve to know what you’re going to be doing those two days.”
Risking her skin—as if. Mae has our parents eating out of her hand, but I yield to her drama and approach her in a different way. “Later, I swear. But help me out here. It’s just for a couple of days. Without you this won’t work. After all, this was your brilliant idea.”
Giddiness brews inside me as I envision the moment when we’ll discuss Jacob and his sweet, passionate kisses. My Friday night deserves better than a quick chitchat over the phone. It deserves to be told over a pint of ice cream. Agreeing to her demands wouldn’t do justice to what I experienced, which I can describe as life-changing and utterly exhilarating. From this moment forward, any guy who kisses me will be measured against his skills.
Ah, Jacob!
A creaky noise forces me to uncover my head and check the source of the disturbance. Dreamy, handsome Jacob approaches the bed sporting that signature cocky smile I’m beginning to really dig. I’m crushing hard. He holds a tray containing some food.
“Hey, sis, I have to go.” I don’t wait for her to say a thing and end the call.
“Did you clear the weekend?” Jacob asks, lowering the tray on top of the bed. Yummy. Pancakes, blueberries and orange juice. Eagerly I nod. “Good,” his face lights up. “I have plans for us. Did you have a good night’s sleep?”
“Yeah, where did you sleep?” Around three in the morning we came back downstairs; he handed me a T-shirt, showed me his room, and left for the night.
“With my brother.” He slides next to me, gives me a chaste kiss on the lips, and takes one of the glasses. “Yesterday I promised not to cross any lines unless you wanted me to. Wait, I forgot. Is there something specific you’d rather do today?”
I ponder his question. Mae didn’t confirm, but I’ll risk it and assume she’ll cover for me. Today I can do so many things, but...
“Mind if we head to my dorm room? I don’t have any clothes with me.” I cut a piece of pancake with a fork and take a bite. They don’t have syrup, but they taste mapley. “Who cooked?”
“I did. I’m a man of many talents.” He downs his juice, grabs his plate from the tray, and begins to eat. But not before giving me a kiss that curls my toes, my fingers, my hair, and my heart. “Yes, we can hit the dorm, pick up your crap, and start our fun weekend. Any requests? Or do you want me to choose today’s activities?”
I shrug due to my lack of coherent words. The combination of magnetic eyes, musky scent, firm features, shirtless torso, and that kiss prevents me from putting together a sentence. It’s the effort I make to stop myself from drowning in those blue pools.
“Pool.” I slam a hand against my mouth. Idiot. “Maybe tomorrow we can head to the pool?” Nice save, Pria.
“You’re fucking kidding me!” I hear a scream coming from another part of the apartment. “Where’s my freshly squeezed juice? My breakfast?”
“Oh, the owl is grumpy today. Mind if he joins us?” I tilt my head to observe him. “He’s great at packing shit.”
I roll my eyes as I look around, because if the debris on the floor, along with the dirty and clean clothes hanging from the scant furniture they own is any indication, I could do better without their packing skills.
“Yeah, why not. It’ll be fun.” I regret those words the moment they leave my mouth. Jacob’s fun, but his brother might be the entire opposite.
Instead of packing, they helped me shove my stuff inside trash bags. While Jacob and Matthew revolutionized the art of packing, they also laughed at every item I own. They roasted my books, from Jane Austen—the woman who still marks what love is all about—to my series of Uglies. Why don’t they hire a plastic surgeon? I’m glad my Twilight saga is at home. It didn’t help that laughing along with them did nothing but encourage them. As we readied the items that Fred Walker would pick up on Monday along with his youngest daughter, Jacob announced that we had to seize the weekend.
I believed we would head to someplace fun. Instead, they decided we should drive to Orcas Island—a place that is three long hours from my dorm or my parents’ house. Not to mention we had to take the ferry. If something happens to me, my parents will learn that I lie, but I don’t care. There’s a speckle of regret in my heart, a wish that I’d feel bad for behaving this way, but my heart can only beat with excitement. I have a…date?
Doubtful, as Jacob’s brother came along. But Jacob holding my hand while caressing it with his thumb, gives me the impression we’re an item. The fluttering butterflies sky-dancing inside my body agree with me. We’ll fine-tune the details of this relationship later. I look around, admiring the pines that stretch tall up to the sky. The trail in itself is a narrow line of dark dirt, but on the side, there’s a combination of greenery, dry leaves and broken branches that make me want to step on them to hear that crunching sound fall brings to my backyard. A light cover of moss coats the few rocks, stumps, and trees. The sun peers through the cloudy sky, casting a shower of golden dust.
“I think this is a good way to break her in, don’t you think?” My body tenses, and I try to snatch my hand after hearing what Jacob said. They could drown me and bury my body. “What’s wrong, Twinkle?”
“You’re always scaring her, you ass.” Matthew, who is ahead of us, pivots and continues walking, now facing us. “What he meant to say is that we can go down to Portland tomorrow. That’s where—”
“We know that area better than we know the northern part of Washington,” Jacob finishes. “Or we can head to an amusement park.”
“I love the Seattle Great Wheel.” I clap my hands. “Or the carnival.”
“Tomorrow is set. Today we continue our expedition. I’m bummed we didn’t get to see orcas.” He checks the time on his phone. I’m saddened too. But so far, this hike is just as fun. “Why don’t we head to the bike-renting place?”
“You’re going to go at her pace?” Matthew’s tone is a mix of challenge and taunt.
“Not sure if the two of you can keep up with me.” I wink at them, release Jacob’s hand, and begin to quicken my steps. From a speedy walk, to a jog, to big and fast strides.
I did two years of track in high school. I still try to run sometimes—so I’m like a cheetah. My fast speed only lasts for so long, but I enjoy hearing the two tall boys rushing behind me. I only hope that when my legs give up they don’t slam behind me and knock me to the ground.
“Gotcha.” Jacob matches
my pace. “Well, not literally. That’s some crazy speed. Are we ready to slow down?”
My wobbly legs begin to reduce their swiftness, and in that moment, Matthew passes us and says, “See you there, slowpokes.”
I gasp for air, walk at a sluggish pace, and Jacob stays next to me. He reaches for the backpack he brought, takes out a bottle of water, and hands it over.
“Drink slowly.” I do, and as I hand him back the bottle of water, he runs a hand down my back and presses me against him, giving me a long, sweet kiss. “I think I like you, Twink.”
“For running?” He shakes his head. “For what, then?”
“Yesterday I had a great time.” He packs the bottle of water after taking a few gulps. Taking back my hand we continue our walk. “Today isn’t any different, even when we’re not having any deep, heart-to-heart conversations. You don’t get offended by how we talk and you actually taunt us back.”
He talks as if they’re a package deal. Am I okay with that? I don’t think he means it physically, but perhaps that’s the way it is with twins/triplets. Matthew is easy to be around, so I guess that answers my question. We walk in silence, appreciating the moment. I admire the view and cherish the company as I grip his hand with some desperation—a niggling fear that it’ll disappear and I’ll be left to the bitter reality that what I’m living is nothing but a wonderful dream.
“I can’t believe you gave away the teddy bear.” He shuts the door of the apartment. “Three hours throwing baseballs so we could get you the biggest bear, and what did you do?”
Instead of answering the obvious, I enjoy the last threads of my cotton candy and head to the bedroom where I’ve been staying for the past two days. This was a wonderful Sunday. We woke up around eleven, had breakfast, and then headed to ride the Ferris wheel. Then the carnival, where we spent most of the time running from one booth to the next trying to win prizes, joking about the food, and the small vendors. The three of us had a blast challenging each other until I opened my mouth and said I wanted the biggest teddy bear they had.
“You’re not going to answer?” Jacob asks when I plummet down on the bed.
“The kid liked it. Seriously, Jacob. I can’t take it with me. Mom will notice a four-foot purple bear.” He watches me from the door. His eyes darken and my body flutters just from his deep gaze. Even from that distance, I’m aware of every inch of him. That blond hair tied into the low ponytail I fixed earlier, his dark gray T-shirt that reads “I’ll care tomorrow, let me be today,” his jeans, which have a lump on the crotch area. Like me, he wants to explore a little more. My hands want to touch him as we kiss, my heartbeat accelerates with the idea, but my mind halts everything. “I think I should head home tomorrow.”
There. Reason and reality have awoken from their dormant state and spoken loudly about my next move. Jacob had asked me to stay for a couple more days. But I can’t—he has classes to attend and I have a mother that might drive here and take me back home before sending me to confession for being a sinner. But those aren’t valid reasons; in truth, I’m scared. Handing over my virginity sounded easy back in high school when Grant McCoy and I dated—the guy I met in kindergarten and dated for two months during senior year. On prom night we’d be “doing it.” Those had been his words. We did nothing, though, and I remained a virgin. I only met Jacob two weeks ago.
“Are you done?” I focus again on his eyes, and the left side of his body leans against the door. His arms are crossed and he’s watching me. The expression in his eyes communicate the playful glint that tells me he’s got my number. “You’re thinking shit and wondering how to ditch me. Is it your mom? School? Your sister? What’s worrying you?”
“Everything.” My eyes sink to the lower part of his waist.
“Yes, I do want you, but I won’t make you do anything you don’t want.” His facial expression softens, the tender eyes reassure me he cares. Oh, this crush is morphing into a much deeper sensation. “We can start with a courtship that can last for as long as you want.”
“So, I’m going to be your girlfriend?”
“Yes, my girlfriend. It’s official. We’re going steady.” He winks. “You’re done with school, your mom doesn’t know it. Let’s play hooky for the next five days, and spend another weekend together. Next Monday I’ll drive you home.”
It does coincide with Maeve’s rebellious plan. But should I do it?
“Let me call Maeve.” His expression brightens, and the look in his eyes sends trembles through my body. I check my watch. Only seven. “Right after I take a shower, and we watch that movie you promised. Mom’s shift starts at ten. She should be leaving home around nine.”
“Do you want a T-shirt?” I grin, because he thinks that wearing his clothes while I sleep is like being hugged by him without using his arms. Pushing myself out of the bed, I walk to where he stands and kiss his lips. “Be right back. Do you want something else? Like my boxers, socks… We can shower together.”
I bite my lip and shake my head. “No showers together, mister.” He growls but I ignore him, continuing my way to the bag where I have my clean clothes. Maybe I’ll borrow Jacob’s computer to email my sister. I don’t want to have a live conversation with her about this. Damn, I wish Mom didn’t limit my texts to thirty a month and didn’t snoop through my phone!
“We shouldn’t be watching TV in your room.” We’re lounging on Jacob’s bed. My head rests on his chest, which I love because his heart soothes me with every beat. His hand kneads my hair; the other is under my shirt, stroking my midriff. “Actually, you should be at school. I should be―”
“Here. I’m where I belong; with my girlfriend.” He tilts my chin with his hand and kisses me lightly. “Matthew is taking notes. It’s good for him to pay attention in class once in a while. Your sister said to stay away from the house for another week. We’re following instructions. See—I can be a good boy.”
We’ve been doing this for two days in a row. No, three, as today is Wednesday. Matthew heads to school. Jacob and I fool around in the apartment, he plays music, and we watch movies. In the afternoon, when I know Mom’s heading to work, we go out. This is pathetic—I’m ditching my mother, helping my boyfriend play hooky, and hiding from my parents.
“What if I kidnap you?” He runs his fingers along my arm. I shiver all over as my body wants him to do more. I jump out of the bed. “Too much?”
“I’m sorry.”
“No, Twink, never say sorry. You don’t want me to touch you. I’ll tie my hands to fight the urge.” Jacob sits up, crooks an eyebrow, and lets out a long, exhausted breath. “We can watch a movie from the laptop. Set it on the piano or something. Take a long walk while I count by sevens—”
“I’ve only known you for days.” I’m flustered as I try to explain myself. His fallen face worries me. “This is unnatural. Feeling so strong about a boy I barely know.”
“We’re getting to know each other, Twinkle. That’s why I missed three days of school, why I’ll miss another two, and why I stay up late every night. I want to know everything about you. I need to. Is this unnatural? I have no fucking idea. The only thing I know is that when I’m sleeping, my heart misses you. I toss and turn because you’re in another room and I can’t be with you. There are no written rules about relationships. It’s an as-you-go game.”
“For a guy, you’re pretty strange.” He angles his face and frowns at me. “Boys don’t believe in love, and you do. Blindly.”
“My parents, they…they are the epitome of love—true and pure love.” He shrugs. “My dad taught us you have to keep your heart open in order to create good lyrics. Let everything flow in and out.”
“Is that like falling in love with everyone you meet?”
“No.” His stern face matches the rigid body pose. There’s some internal fight inside him and I don’t understand what’s causing it. “Chris was never against falling, nor in fa
vor. However, love only hit him once. Gabe came into his life when he least expected it. He barged in and made him fall. It was between ‘Let’s eat a hamburger’ and ‘I’m done with the band.’ He can’t pinpoint the moment, but his subconscious knew Gabe was it for him.”
“That sounds like a fairy tale kind of love—too easy, if you ask me.”
“They make it look easy. Even for a couple of celebrities, they found a way to work their relationship in the simplest way. There are outside factors, but when they’re at home, everything is all right.” Jacob smiles at me. “You make it look easy too, Twink. If I could, I’d spend the rest of my life talking to you while I play music. Nothing else would matter, only us. I don’t mind not touching you; I mind that you doubt us. That’s what’s stopping you.”
“I’m not even eighteen, Jacob. How can you compare what your parents have to us?” I suddenly raise my hands, palms up, stopping everything. He never mentioned a woman during our conversation. There’s no mention of a mom. Suddenly everything makes sense. “You have two dads? No wonder. You mentioning that your dad is a movie star and a musician confused me so much. My mother is a starlet junkie and there’s not one actor who’s a musician. Well, there’re a couple of rock stars who have done the music—slash—movie. David Bowie, Jon Bon Jovi and Chris… Chris Decker.”
My eyes open wide. This guy’s name is Jacob Decker. I’m in front of the son of a famous musician. Oh. My. God.
“Please don’t tell anyone.” His voice deflates. “I wasn’t supposed to say anything. We…they like their privacy.”
“Jacob, I like you very much. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you or your family. Ever.” I walk over to him, hug his waist, and rest my head on his chest. Listening to the pulse of his heart is now fascinating. It goes from hard thumps to a soothing rhythm. The tune changes with his mood. He holds me back, kissing the top of my head. There is longing in his expression, as if I have found his vulnerability and he is not sure I’ll stay. “You scare the crap out of me. Let’s enjoy the next few days. If it’s meant to happen, it’ll happen.”
Uncharted (Unexpected Book 3) Page 7