“You need to stop thinking so much,” Annie scolds me.
“All good things I promise,” I laugh at her.
“Good, cause I will kick your ass if you start thinking depressing thoughts sitting there, looking like that.” I blush a little. I forgot that I had put on this dress. I know what is coming next. “Let’s go dance,” she puts down her glass of wine and grabs my hand. I didn’t even have time to set my beer down and she has me out on the dance floor. There are a few guys that look like they belong to the football group then there are a few random girls drooling over them. I can’t help but to laugh a little. I don’t know how long we have been dancing but I do know that my feet are getting sore in these shoes. I have not worn shoes like this in a really long time. I step away from Annie to take them off and next thing I know she is bumping into me and I go flying down to the floor. I didn’t land on the hard floor though. I feel someone behind me. I try to get up but I’m so embarrassed and start apologizing.
“I'm so sorry I didn’t mean…” I look up and see Jackson Adams looking down at me. My voice catches in my throat and I can’t say anything. Holy shit he is so handsome.
“Are you ok?” He reaches down for my hand.
I take it, still unable to find my voice, so I nod. Then I scold myself that is something some stupid teenager would do. “I'm fine thank you. I am really sorry I didn’t mean to.”
He shakes his head, “its fine. Probably those heels,” he nods toward the shoes that I am now holding in my hand. I manage a smile as I feel may face get flush. “Are you sure you are ok?” He looks at me. I feel like he is looking right through me.
“Yeah, I'm ok.”
“Well one thing I do know is that your beer is now empty because it is all over my shirt. Let me get you a full one,” he gestures toward the bar.
“Oh no, you don’t have to do that, it was my fault it spilled,” I scowl, actually it is Annie’s fault and I look for her but to no surprise she has disappeared.
“Well I want to buy you one. Can I?” He looks at me waiting for an answer and again my face flushes. Damn why can I not control myself.
“Sure,” I manage another dorky teenage smile at him. I start toward the bar where I was sitting and he follows.
“What are you drinking?” He asks as he steps up next to me at the bar.
“Bud Light,” I say, still trying to find Annie but she seems to have completely disappeared. I will get even with her for this. He orders a drink for me and for himself.
“My name is Jackson. My friends call me Jake,” he puts his hand out for me to shake.
I have to stop myself from laughing. Like I didn’t know who you were you good-looking hunk of man. “Jodene, everyone calls me Jo, friend or not,” I smile a little more confidently this time.
“So, Jo, are you always so clumsy?” He gives me a daring smile. At that moment I know that he knows it was not an accident. So do I play it cool or rat out the rat that pushed me?
“Well like you said, maybe my heels got in the way. It has been a long time since I have been dressed up. Maybe just need some getting used to again,” I smile, happy with my response. He smiles a great big gorgeous smile back at me.
“Well, then I am glad that I was there to break your fall so you didn’t hurt yourself.” He laughs.
Oh crap, “I'm really sorry.”
He laughs again, “Its fine.” He sits on what was Annie’s stool. “I’ve taken worse hits then that.” I frown, of course he has. He is a big name football star. Why the hell is he sitting here talking to me? He must really feel sorry for me that he is buying me a beer and talking to me. “So, are you here alone?”
I hold back a snort, “No, my friend is around here someplace. Probably hiding because she knows that I will be kicking her ass when I find her.”
He laughs, “I see. Just come out for some drinks?”
“No, actually her and her husband brought me out for dinner and drinks after packing and moving all day.”
“Oh, well sounds to me like they had your best interest. Why are you going to kick her ass then?” He smiles at me.
“Oh, she knows why and that is all that matters.” I smile back.
“Ugh, I hate moving. It is no fun,” he quickly changes the subject; I think to lighten the mood back up.
“Yeah, what sucks even more is going to from a big house to a duplex.”
“Downsizing! That is even worse.” He takes a drink.
“Yeah, I have a feeling that I am going to have to get rid of some stuff,” I laugh. I see Annie finally poke her head out and it looks like Michael has chewed her out. She walks cautiously toward me as he follows a little behind. She fronts a nice smile as she gets closer, but she never takes her eyes of Jake. “Hey Jo, Michael was wondering if you are just about ready? He wants to get going soon. He has to work in the morning.” Jake just laughs at her because I’m sure he gets looks like that all the time.
“Yeah, I just got this beer so give me a few minutes. My other beer ended up all over his shirt,” I give her a daring smile. Her cheeks go bright red, but she still doesn’t take her eyes off Jake.
He puts his hand out, “Jake.” I can sense that he is trying to hold back a laugh. He must be used to the girls getting all googly over him. I can’t imagine how they wouldn’t, I mean look at this man.
“Annie,” she giggles. I hold back a laugh. Her response was more teenager like then mine was.
“Nice to meet you Annie.” He stands up and looks back at me. “Jo,” he holds out his hand, “it was nice talking to you. But unfortunately I have to get back to my party and make sure the rookies behave themselves.”
I shake his hand and he pushes a piece of paper into my hand. I look at him puzzled as he smiles and turns and walks away. What the hell did he just give me? I'm not going to look at it here. Annie is beaming at me trying to read my mind I can tell. “You’re lucky I don’t kick your scrawny little ass right here!”
“I'm sorry Jo, I had to. I didn’t actually think you were going to fall I was just hoping you would bump into him.”
“You didn’t see me taking my shoes off. I got off balance and couldn’t catch myself. I could have hurt him.” I start putting my shoes back on and finish my beer.
“I'm sorry, I just knew you wouldn’t approach anyone, I was hoping you would just bump into him and then start talking to him.”
“Well, thanks for making me looking like a clumsy bimbo.” I stand up and motion to Michael that I am ready to go. I follow them back to the truck and crawl in the back seat. I am trying to talk myself out of opening the piece of paper, but I can’t I am too curious.
It was great “bumping” into you tonight. Wanna do dinner some night? If your interested text me 954-723-1643. Jake
My mouth drops open. Is this a joke? Why would he want to take me to dinner? Should I show it to Annie? And before I can talk myself out of it I am tapping her on the shoulder and handing the paper to her. “What is this?” She asks when she grabs it from me. I watch her expression as she reads it and I see that shitty grin spread across her face. “I KNEW IT!” She practically screams. “Text him right now!”
“Annie, seriously? It is Jackson Adams for crying out loud. What would he want to take me out for?” I take it back from her.
“Because you are a beautiful woman who is available. Why wouldn’t he want to take you out? Besides, you think he would waste his time and money to buy you a beer if he wasn’t interested?”
“He bought me a beer because I spilled mine all over him when you pushed me into him,” I snap at her. “What if it is just a booty call?”
“I bet it is good booty,” she laughs not missing a beat.
“Annie,” both Michael and I said at the same time.
“What? I mean come on look at him. He is like the most eligible bachelor EVER. And SUPER hot!!”
Annie has a point; he probably wouldn’t waste his time if he wasn’t actually interested. But what if it was just for
a booty call? I mean if you look at 90% of the famous men they all have commitment issues and think that the world revolves around them. But what if he isn’t like that? I look up and see that Michael is pulling into Noni’s driveway. All the lights are off. I look at the clock in the truck and it is 10:45pm. “Holy crap, I didn’t realize it was this late.”
“Well you spent the last forty minutes making googlie eyes with Mr. Hottie,” Michael jokes.
I just shake my head, “Thanks for inviting me out. I had a lot of fun. See you tomorrow?”
“You bet,” Annie smiles at me.
I shut the truck door and wave as they back out of the driveway. I unlock the front door and go in the house. Even Noni is in bed already. I'm guessing the girls wore her out today. I walk up to my room and open the door. I turn on the light and set my phone and Jake’s note on my table and go to the bathroom and get changed and ready for bed. I keep telling myself not to think about his note but it keeps creeping back up on me. Maybe I should just text him and see what he really wants.
If you’re looking for a booty call you are talking to the wrong girl. ~Jo~
I couldn’t help it. I am curious to see what he has in mind. Maybe I am wrong and it isn’t a booty call on his part. I laugh to myself. He can’t actually be interested in someone like me. He probably has more women wanting him than anyone can imagine.
For your information, I don’t do booty calls. Besides I think you are way too pretty for just a one night stand, or even one date. I was hoping at least two dinner dates.
My mouth drops open. Is he being serious or is he being a jerk?
Oh, so you are an ass kisser? I think that might be worse than a player.
Player?? Me?? No way. I am being nice so that you will agree to go out with me. Oh yeah, and I know you didn’t accidentally run into me tonight. You know if you wanted to meet me you could have just said hi, you didn’t have to have your friend push you into me.
That was just as much as a surprise to me as it was to you. I was just fine watching you from afar like everyone else.
Are you sure about that?? I think you told her to do it.
POSITIVE!!
I laugh at the thought of watching him after he got done arm wrestling and admiring those muscles. The thought makes me blush.
Oh, well ok if you are sure. So…dinner tomorrow night?
He is relentless.
I don’t know, I am going to be moving all my stuff to my new place tomorrow and will most likely be spending all night unpacking.
What if I get some pizza and beer and come help?
What is this guy looking for? And why does he want to come to my house and help?
You don’t even know anything about me. What if I am some crazy psycho person?
Are you?
No!
See, now I know one more thing about you. So how about it?
I roll my eyes, I will give it to him he doesn’t give up easy that is for sure.
I don’t know, but I do know that I need to go to sleep. I have a lot to do tomorrow. I will think about it and let you know.
OK, I look forward to hearing from you
I put my phone down on the table and lay down in the bed. Man, what am I thinking? Am I dreaming? There is no way that I have this good looking guy wanting to go out on a date with me. I am day dreaming about our conversation at the bar and doze off.
~~~~~
“So, let me get this straight, he wants to come over here and help you unpack all your stuff just to be able to have dinner with you?” Annie’s mouth drops open when I tell her about texting Jake last night.
“Apparently,” I laugh.
“What’s stopping you from telling him to come over?”
“I don’t know anything about him. And he also doesn’t know anything about me. Just seems weird is all,” I tell her as I get rid of an empty box and start putting the dishes away out of the next one.
“Jo that is why people go out on dates. To get to know each other. Happens on a daily basis. What are you afraid of?”
I look at her. “I don’t know. I think I'm just freaked out because of everything happening right now. I mean yesterday I moved out of my house that I shared with my husband and now today I am moving into a duplex and some guy wants to take me out on a date. Well no actually he wants to come to my house so that he can say we are on a date while we eat pizza, drink beer, and unpack all my belongings.”
“I know it is hard for you, but Jo, if you don’t move on with your life then what are you doing? I mean think about it. You are just going to be a mom to the girls and work, that’s it? Don’t you want to possibly have that love in your life again?”
I laugh, “Yeah, I don’t think he is looking for that!”
“Oh, come on Jo, you never know.” I empty that box and go grab another one. As I set it on the counter my phone pings for a new text message. I pick it up and look at it.
Dinner time is getting closer…have you thought about it??
I laugh, “He is very adamant, I will give him that.” I hand Annie my phone and she reads it.
“Tell him yes!” She gives it back to me.
I have, even talked to my friend, the one whose ass I still need to kick. But there is something that I need to tell you first.
Oh CRAP…you ARE a crazy psycho person
NO…and it is serious…I have two kids.
I send it and set my phone back down onto the counter. I thought for sure that would be the end of our conversation now that he knew that, but I was wrong. I think he responds faster this time than any other message he has sent back.
Is that supposed to scare me away?
It scares a lot of guys away. Not that I have really dated a lot the last couple years, but most guys I even mention kids and they stop talking to me.
Well, I personally love kids. How old are they?
Lizzy is 6 and Abby is 4.
This is weird. I thought for sure he would not talk to me after hearing that. Maybe he is actually looking for something more than just getting some from me. I laugh at the thought of a one night stand. I totally would not be into something like that.
Holy crap…two girls!! That’s a lot of girl power under one roof.
Yep…my two angels…or devils depending on the day!
So is that why you are hesitant to go out with me? Because you think that I am going to judge you because you have kids?
I roll my eyes. I hate it when people pretty much read my mind.
Most guys do!
It takes him a little longer to answer me this time, but when he does I understand why. He sent a book.
Ok, let’s get a couple things straight right now. Number one…I do not judge people until I get to know them. I like getting to know new people I am sure there are some things about your life that you will not want to share with me right now. I am fine with that. Everyone has something that they need to keep personal. I am not here to make you tell me every little thing about your life. I just want to get to know you because I think that you are cute, and I think you are a very nice person. Someone that I can see myself getting to know on a more personal level. Number two…I AM NOT MOST GUYS!!!
My mouth drops open as I read his text. “What?” I forgot Annie was still in the room and she scares me.
No shouty caps, or I won’t let you have any of the beer you are bringing me tonight. And I like sausage pizza with extra cheese and onion.
“I will show you in a minute,” I laugh as I push send. I can’t believe I am going to let him come here.
I'm sorry. I just don’t want you to be uncomfortable and overthink this.
It’s fine. Does 6:30 work for you? Pretty much everyone should be gone by 5:00 and that gives me time to clean up.
I will be there. What’s your address?
Annie laughs when she gets done reading and hands me my phone back.
“What’s so funny?”
“Because he totally called you out and yelled at
you.”
“I don’t get why that is funny?
“Because you are so negative when it comes to meeting and dating guys. He hit the nail right on the head and knows pretty much what you were thinking.”
“I was not thinking that.” I go back to unpacking to try and ignore her. I put a couple dishes up and all of a sudden I hear Lizzy yelling for me. I turn around just in time to catch her mid jump. “Hey baby.” I kiss her forehead.
“Hi mommy,” she smiles at me. “Gramma and us brought you lunch.”
I laugh and set her back down. “You did? That’s good because we are all starving.” I see my mom and Abby come around the corner with four big bags. “Mom, did you go bug Lucas at work?”
“No, I was checking on him, making sure everything is running good at the restaurant,” she smiles. “He says hi, and wishes he could be here to help but he is still really shorthanded.”
“He still hasn’t hired anyone to replace the cook?”
“No, he is having a hard time finding someone that can handle that volume of food and the hours.” My poor brother. He has been busting his butt getting that restaurant up and running and now his head cook quit on him. I hope he gets it figured out soon. If I knew how to cook I would go help, but I can’t so I won’t try.
“You want to go tell the guys lunch is here?” I ask Lizzy and Abby.
“YES!” They yell together.
Unexpected Love (Jo's Story) Page 2