Evolve (Soulmates Book 4)

by Dykes, Nicole

  She shrugged, “I’m happy for you guys, but that does not mean that this is what I want. I’m perfectly fine with using a guy for what they are good for and sending them on their way.”

  I looked over at her, “Well what if they are really, really good?”

  Andy squeezed me tight and I giggled. Michelle ignored me and rolled her eyes. I worried about her sometimes. She had never had a real boyfriend and I hoped that she would stop being so closed minded.

  I looked at my watch that Andy gave me last year for Christmas, it was past nine. I looked up at Andy, “I’ve got to get going. I have to be at the station at eleven.”

  He stood up and I followed. Maddy stood up also, “They are making you work on Thanksgiving?”

  “Yep, the news never stops. Thank you for dinner. It was great.”

  She smiled and sent some food home with us and then Andy and I headed home.

  Andy fed Charlie and I went into our bedroom and slipped out of my oversized sweater to get dressed for work. I stood outside of my closet trying to decide what to wear when Andy’s arms came around my waist and he started nibbling on my neck, in the absolute perfect spot to drive me insane.

  I groaned, “That feels amazing, but I have to go to work.”

  I felt his lips curve into a smile on my neck. “You have a little time.”

  I didn’t argue and took it as his cue to continue. I kept my back to him and he slid my leggings down and off of my legs which I kicked to the side.

  He moved my hair over to one side and I leaned my head to allow him better access to my neck.

  He moved his hand inside of my panties and found his way to my swollen clit and circled it slowly. I moaned loudly as he massaged me to near orgasm and then removed his hand pulling a whimper from my lips. I heard him unfasten his jeans and quickly pull them down.

  I felt his hand slowly remove my soaked panties and then felt his hard arousal against my back. He spread my legs a little wider with his feet and then positioned himself at my entrance. He entered me, achingly slow, from behind and then we moved together slowly.

  He continued to kiss my neck and then moved his hand back down to my clit, stroking it until I felt the build up from deep inside of me. He waited for me come and then followed with his own strong orgasm.

  He kissed my temple and pulled out of me. I turned to him, “Well if I’m late at least that was worth being late for.”

  He grinned and kissed me on my lips. “I’m glad.”

  I went and took a quick shower and got dressed and headed to work, even though there was nothing more that I wanted to do at that moment than stay with Andy.

  Andy

  I had two weeks off from school beginning the week before Christmas, but Jackie was pretty busy at the station. They had her filling in for a lot of the daytime anchors while they were on vacation and she was really excited because she was on during a time that people were actually awake.

  Jackie and I spent Christmas Eve with my parents. Christmas Day, Maddy and Jake had Jackie and me, Michelle, Paul and Shelley over for dinner, but that was it and Maddy was a lot calmer.

  I went over in the afternoon because Jackie went on air at noon that day. Paul and Shelley got there around four and Jackie finally arrived a little after five, but something was off. When I greeted her with a kiss she seemed really distracted.

  She was heading into the dining room where everyone was waiting and I grabbed her hand, “You okay?”

  She smiled at me, but it seemed almost forced, “Yeah I’m fine. I’m just tired.”

  “Okay.” We went into the dining room and joined everyone else.

  Everyone fixed their plates and poured wine in their glasses excepted for Shelley, who opted for water. Jake shot me a knowing glance and Paul glared at us both, warning us with his eyes.

  I chuckled and looked at Jackie who was sitting next to me, she had a blank stare, pretending to be present, but something was definitely up with her.

  Before we started eating Jake stood up and held his wine glass up for a toast. He looked oddly nervous, “I just wanted to thank everyone for joining us for dinner.” He turned to Maddy, “And thank you for making us this awesome dinner.”

  We all grumbled a “thank you” to Maddy and then Jake continued, only looking at Maddy, “You’ve been my best friend since I was six years old and you drive me fucking insane, but you keep me on my toes and make me a better person.”

  I wasn’t completely sure where he was going with this until he knelt down on one knee and pulled out a small black jewelry box and continued, “I’m terrible at speeches, Maddy, but I guess what I’m asking is will you promise to drive me insane for the rest of our lives?”

  He opened the box, revealing a pretty good size engagement ring, and Maddy’s eyes grew wet with tears as she looked at him, “Is this real?”

  He nodded, “Of course it’s real.”

  She stood up and pulled him up with her. The rest of us were frozen just watching the show when she wrapped her arms around his neck and said, “Of course I will!”

  We all started cheering and hollering mockingly, but it came from love. I for one was incredibly happy for them. We all ate dinner and spent most of it talking about the new engagement. After we ate the pecan pie, Maddy made, we all helped clean up and said our goodbyes.

  I walked Jackie out to her car, it was cold out, but the sky was clear and there was no snow on the ground. She unlocked her door, “I’ll follow you.”

  I nodded, “Okay, you sure you’re okay?”

  She was a terrible liar, “Yeah I’m fine. I’ll see you at home.”

  She climbed into her car and I waited for her to get situated before closing the door.

  She followed me back into town and to our small home. We went inside and petted our dog. As I watched her with Charlie, I had to try again, “You really aren’t going to tell me what’s up?”

  She shook her head, “Nothing is wrong. I’m just tired. I’m gonna go to bed.”

  She kissed me on the cheek, “I love you. Don’t worry.”

  I was worried for sure, but I let it go for the night. “I love you too, Merry Christmas.”

  “Merry Christmas, Andy.” With that she walked down the hallway and back to our bedroom.

  Chapter 19

  Jackie

  I woke up the next morning around ten in the morning after a terrible night of tossing and turning. Andy must have fallen asleep on the couch last night because his side of the bed was untouched.

  I got out of bed, stretched, and went into the living room to see if he was home. He wasn’t and I knew he was probably just at the gym. I took a shower and got dressed for the day, by that time it was eleven thirty and I had told Michelle and Maddy I would meet them for lunch and shopping before I had to go into the station.

  I left Andy a note to let him know where I was going and I drove to the restaurant.

  Maddy was there staring at her new ring. I walked up, “I can’t believe you are engaged. Congrats again, Maddy.”

  I sat down with them, “Thank you, it was a total surprise.”

  “You had no idea?”

  She shook her head, “No, he didn’t let on at all. I still can’t believe he did it in front of everyone. That was so unlike him.”

  I laughed, “He truly loves you.”

  Michelle walked up looking even more tired than I felt, “Alright, I’m here bitches. Why the hell did we do this so early?”

  Maddy laughed, “It’s noon. Not early.”

  Maddy and Michelle started talking about work and the engagement and I tried to keep up, but my mind was elsewhere. Finally Michelle called me on it, “What the hell is going on with you?”

  I shrugged and picked at the salad in front of me, “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, you were totally out of it yesterday. Engagements and girly shit, that’s your territory, not mine. You barely even acknowledged it and now you haven’t said a word for twenty minutes.”

&nbs
p; Maddy looked at me sympathetically, “You can tell us, whatever it is.”

  Michelle took a drink of her tea, “You aren’t knocked up right?”

  Maddy scolded her and I shook my head, “No.” I took a deep breath, “I got a job offer.”

  The both looked like they were waiting for more, “It’s amazing. It’s for the evening news starting at four P.M. and lasts until nine. And the money, it’s like three times what I am making now, but it isn’t about the money. People would actually watch me.”

  Michelle looked at me like I was nuts, “Are you crazy? That’s great news. People will actually see you live on TV.”

  Maddy looked excited, “Geez, I thought it was terrible news the way you were acting. This is amazing, your big break. So were you promoted?”

  I shook my head, “No. It’s a different station.”

  Michelle shrugged, “Okay so you have to leave this station. No biggie.”

  “Guys, it’s in Dallas.”

  They both were quiet for a minute and then Maddy managed an, “Oh.”

  “Yeah, it’s our sister station there and they had an opening. My supervisor suggested me and they wanted me.”

  Michelle nodded at me, “And you took the job right?”

  “Not yet. I haven’t even talked to Andy about it yet.”

  “Oh, Andy, okay that’s what’s holding you back. Jackie, you can’t give up your dream job for a guy.”

  Maddy looked at Michelle, “You can for the right guy.” She turned to me, “And who said you have to give him up? Maybe he will go with you.”

  I shook my head again, “No. He won’t. He just started his dream job, teaching and coaching at the school we all went to.”

  Michelle looked irritated, “Okay and I get that, that is every jock’s wet dream, but this is your dream. They have high schools in Texas. I’m sure they will let him teach there.”

  “It’s not just that. He won’t want to be that far away from his mom. He is constantly checking his phone, terrified that something has happened with her. What if we move to Texas and she gets sick again?”

  Michelle looked slightly sympathetic about that one, “Well that’s why they have cars and airplanes.”

  “No. It’s an eight hour drive and there are no direct flights from here to Dallas. We would have to fly into Kansas City or Wichita and then drive here.”

  “Well you can’t give up your dream.”

  Maddy looked at me, “Maybe you can try long distance?”

  “We would never see each other.”

  Maddy looked heartbroken for me and I appreciated it, but it was making me feel worse. Michelle looked slightly irritate when she said, “When are you going to tell him?”

  “I don’t know. Tonight after work I guess. It’s going to be awful.”

  She tried to lighten the mood, “Just fuck his brains out and mid orgasm drop the news.”

  It worked and we all laughed, Maddy looked at me, “Never take relationship advice from Michelle.”

  “Don’t worry I won’t.”

  After lunch and shopping I went to work to fill in for the evening anchor for our station that was on vacation for one more day. I loved the feeling of being live on the news and knowing that there were a lot of people at home watching at that very moment.

  I managed to make it through the entire segment like a professional and before I could leave around nine thirty my supervisor, Jonathan caught me, “So did you make your decision?”

  “No. Not quite yet.”

  He nodded, “Well we sure will miss you around here, but that’s not an opportunity you should take lightly. It could skyrocket your career.”

  I gave him a weak smile, “Believe me, I’m not taking it lightly.”

  He smiled and patted me on the back, “Good.”

  With that I left and headed home. When I got there I found Andy asleep in our bed. School started up the next day so he had to be up early. I changed into my pj’s (his t-shirt from high school) and climbed into bed next to him. He stirred slightly, but did not wake up and I went to sleep.

  Andy

  I hadn’t spent more than thirty minutes with Jackie since Christmas Day and it was starting to gnaw at me. School had started again for the teachers so I had to go in fairly early. Jackie had been taking on a lot of extra work at the station and going over to Michelle’s a lot.

  I rolled over in bed and looked at Jackie, who was lying right next to me. She was out cold and I didn’t wake her. I got up, took a shower, and went for a run. Afterward I met Jake at the gym and was surprised to see Paul with him. Paul wasn’t lazy or anything, but he never really liked going to the gym.

  I walked over to them and looked at Paul, “What’s up, you afraid of getting a dad bod?”

  He laughed, “I just needed a little time away.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Oh yeah, just…”

  Jake interrupted, “Shelley’s driving him crazy.”

  “No she’s not, she just wants everything perfect for the baby and we still have like six more months.”

  I laughed and started stretching. Jake was spotting Paul while he lifted and nodded over at me, “You alright?”

  “Yeah I’m fine.”

  Paul sat up, “Is Jackie?”

  “You guys noticed it too?”

  Jake traded spots on the weight bench with Paul, “Yeah, she was like a zombie at Christmas. If there was one person I had expected to squeal like a girl when I proposed it was Jackie. She loves that shit.”

  I nodded. “I don’t know what’s going on. She won’t talk to me and I haven’t really seen her since. She’s always at the station or hanging out with Michelle.” I looked at Jake, “Does Maddy know anything?”

  He shook his head, “If she does, she didn’t tell me.”

  “Jackie tells me everything. Even when we were just friends she told me everything. I don’t know what this could be.”

  Paul spoke quietly, “Maybe she’s pregnant?”

  “No I doubt it. She’s been on the same birth control for four years. She’s religious about it.”

  Jake shrugged, “Everyone makes mistakes, maybe she forgot.”

  I shook my head again, “She would tell me about that. She knows I want kids someday.”

  Paul pointed out, “Someday, but maybe she thinks you would freak out right now with just starting your career.”

  Jake nodded and then snapped his fingers, “I got it! She wants to get married.”

  “What?”

  “No really, hear me out. Chicks get crazy when their friends start getting married. Shelley and Paul have been married for forever and Maddy and I just got engaged. You and Jackie have been together for a lot longer. And when did this all start? The day Maddy’s gets engaged.”

  Paul nodded, “That makes sense.”

  “No, Jackie doesn’t want to get married yet. We’ve talked about it and we both want to focus on our careers first.”

  Jake started lifting, “Well maybe the engagement changed her mind.”

  Paul looked over at me, “Are you afraid of commitment or something?”

  I laughed, “No. I’m not. I’ve been with the same woman, and only that woman, for four and half years. We have a house and a dog. I just don’t need to mark my territory with a ring and a piece of paper.”

  Paul shook his head, “Well my money is on her wanting to get married.”

  Jake agreed and we finished our workout in silence. I headed to school right after the gym and got home around two in the afternoon hoping to find Jackie there. She wasn’t.

  Chapter 20

  Jackie

  I had been avoiding Andy like crazy since Christmas and I felt so guilty. I was just so scared that when I told him, it would be over between us. I had spent a lot of time at the station, doing a lot of work that the interns do and a lot of time with Michelle.

  Michelle spent most of the time trying to convince me that going to Texas was my only option. I knew that it
was an amazing opportunity, but the thought of losing Andy was tearing me apart.

  Finally three days after I got the news I heard the shower running and looked over at the clock on the table on my side of the bed. It was six in the morning and I had fallen asleep at three, but I needed to face this.

  I stripped down and opened the glass door to the shower. Andy wash washing his hair and looked at me surprised, “What are you doing up?”

  I climbed into the shower with him, “I wanted to catch you before you go for your run.”

  He stood under the showerhead and let the water run over his head, the soap from his hair ran down his perfect body. My body longed for his touch and I momentarily thought about taking Michelle’s advice, but I shook it off and tried to focus.

  “So you finally decided to tell me what’s going on?” He shrugged, “Well I guess bad news is better when you’re naked.”

  I smiled and then stuttered like an idiot, “It may not be bad news. I mean it may seem bad at first, but it could end up being a really great thing.”

  He looked nervous and held my wrists with each of his hands, “Please just tell me.”

  I took a huge breath and let it out, “I got a job offer.” My heart was pounding and I just went ahead and blurted it out, “In Dallas.”

  He didn’t say a word and just made an “O” with his mouth. I went on, “It would be during the evening when people get home from work and there would be so many people that would actually be watching it. I mean Dallas is a huge city and the salary is like over three times what I’m making here. And they are going to pay for moving expenses.”

  He stopped me, “So you already took the job?”

  “No. Not yet. I wanted to talk to you first.”

  He turned off the water and stepped out. I followed him and watched as he used a towel to dry off and then wrapped it around his hips. I grabbed my robe and slipped it on. “Andy, please talk to me.”

  He headed toward the bedroom and I followed. When we got there I took his hand in mine, “Please.”

  He looked really upset, “Please what? There’s nothing to talk about. You’re moving to a different state.”