"How do you know about Emma? I never mentioned her to you before."
"How do I know? Well, good question. For starters, you don't have to be a genius to guess what business you both were having in your cabin back at office." She rolled her eyes and smiled sheepishly.
"That poor girl was totally flushed and her hair were all messed up, with very less traces of her lipstick left on her lips. I did the math! Plus, the way you look at her Jake, that gives away a lot."
I couldn't help but smile a bit embarrassed. Erica did enter the room at a very wrong time.
"So, you knew the moment you entered? Then why were you so mean to her?" To be honest, I was very angry at her behavior. If it wasn't for her and her situation, I would rip apart anyone who treats Emma badly.
"Answer me first Jake? What's going on? Are you serious about her?"
"Yes I am. I am crazy about her, more than anything in the world" I replied in span of a second, I meant every single word.
"I knew it." She closed her eyes and took a deep breathe. She looked back at me with a broad smile on her face.
Honestly, I was surprised by her reaction, either she genuinely felt happy or she was really a great actress at hiding her emotions.
"I know what you are thinking Mr. Richmond, and I will be honest with you. Specially after my accident I really believe that we need to start living the day, no drama, no deception"
She paused to look at me straight in my eyes, and held my hand again, "I really like you Jake, I think I am in love with you but if you don't feel the same way, then I don't want to be anyone's second or last preference. Probably, that's why I was a bit mean to Emma, I was jealous."
I was a bit surprised by her sudden confession, but I tried to be as polite as possible, "Erica, I am sorry about this, but we really can't control how we feel. Emma is the one for me."
"I know, I get it. I am sorry for messing up with you guys, I am happy for you. Really, I am."
"Thanks Erica. I let it slide today, but nobody treats my girl badly. Today was a first and last." I gave her a stern look; she wouldn't get away the next time.
"Yes, I am sorry again." She nodded while avoiding a direct eye contact.
To break the awkwardness, I tried to be polite again, "We can always remain good friends, and I am sure you will have your love reciprocated someday".
"I know. I would love to remain friends too. Life's too long to hold grudges, and there are too many fishes in the pond." She chuckled and gave me a wink.
"I am glad we had this conversation today". I told her in an assuring tone.
"Me too. In fact, please allow me to make up for my bad behavior earlier today. How about you get Emma along for lunch at my place this Saturday? I will cook." She had a lot of enthusiasm in her voice, her eyes were shining in excitement.
"Really? Are you sure? I don't know how Emma would feel about this."
"Yes, I am sure, if we are to remain friends, then I must apologize to your girlfriend and start a fresh with her." She insisted.1
"Ok, I will try. No promises yet."
"Works for me." She gave me a grin.
The rest of the lunch went calmly, we talked about a lot of different things. Sometimes it seemed, Erica was the most misunderstood person I knew. Mom was right, she acted tough and lashed out, but deep down she was really lonely.
I had been texting and calling Emma all day, but she didn't reply to any of my calls or messages. Brett informed me that she left office early today and was now home.
I wanted to rush to her but I had back to back meetings all day. At last, nearly around eight pm, I took a bunch of flowers and headed straight to her apartment.
The moment she opened the door, I could see how badly she had been crying. She was wearing a baggy lower and a short crop top. Her hair tied up and her eyes were red and puffy.
"Emma, I have been calling you crazy. What happened? Have you been crying?" I felt guilty looking at her state.
She didn't utter a word and went inside leaving the door open. I entered behind her and turned her around to face me.
"Look at me, Emma. Please don't be like this. I am sorry about today. Let me explain. Erica and I...."
Before I could complete, she shut me out, "I don't want to hear it Jake, do hell with you and your Erica".
"Emma please calm down, hear me out for once."
"No, I won't. You did not stand up for me, she treated me like an office floozy and you let her. You let her get away with it." Tears were rolling down her cheeks, her eyes were blood red.
I hurt her, I hurt her bad. I immediately reached to wipe her tears and hug her, but she pushed me away with her hand.
"I am sorry Emma. I didn't want to create a scene; she has a big mouth and she just spat those words. I was a bit considerate as she was recently traumatized."
"Yes! I could see how you cared, and clearly gave in. You sure have feelings for her, admit it for fuck sake!" Her voice echoed in her living room.
"No Emma! I don't. She is nothing but a friend, and she was sorry about her behavior too."
"Really, a friend? When did that happen? Before or after you slept with her? I was a fool to trust you with my heart, but you sure live up to your reputation."
"Emma. Please." This time I yelled back. I was shocked at her accusations; I know she was hurting but her words stung my heart.
I didn't know what went through me but I mindlessly spat back, "You are not thinking rationally, we both have our pasts. I never bought up Nate or the fact that how many times you slept with him. Or that Mark, who letches at you and you still had lunch with him today."
I regretted every damn word the moment it left my mouth. She was my Emma, and I was saying things to her, that I didn't even meant to say. What the fuck was wrong with me?
"How dare you!? Thanks to you and your beloved Erica, I didn't go for lunch today. And more importantly thank you for bringing Nate up and showing how big of a sleaze I am in your eyes."
She howled back at me. Her eyes were now full of hurt and regret.
I immediately rushed to her again and held her hands. I was angry too but I just couldn't let her be this hurt because of me.
I contained myself and gathered all my feelings for her, "Shh... I am sorry Emma. I didn't mean it like that. I meant to say, like your past is insignificant to our present today, please think it through and do not let my past with Erica cloud your judgement."
She was calming down a bit now, and I felt a tad bit relaxed, but that was surely short lived. In the next second, she wriggled out of my hold again.
"Go away Jake. I don't know what to believe anymore. Leave me alone, please."
This was the last straw, I felt so lost in this moment. I almost gave up.
She clearly didn't trust me. I failed to earn her trust.
Chapter 29
Mine
Jake
I felt defeated in the moment, and before we fought any further, I decided to fulfil her wish, to leave her alone.
I put the flowers I got her on the side table in her living room, and headed to the door. My back could hear her sniffing, and I felt like a jerk for being the reason behind her tears.
I was at the door, when I turned around one last time to tell her the whole story,
"I am leaving Emma, but before I do, you should know what happened at lunch with Erica today."
She turned her face to the other side but atheist she didn't stop me from completing, so I continued, " I told her about us, and also warned her to behave around you the next time."
I took a pause before telling her one last piece, "She told me she loves me and felt jealous of you, which led to her mean remarks, for which she was apologetic. I shut her out totally and told her that you are the only one for me, that I love you and not her."
"What?" Emma suddenly turned around.
"Yes, I love you and only you Emma. I thought I would tell you under better circumstances. But I think love can never sustain without trust,
and clearly you don't trust me."
She was still and dumbfounded. I gave her a minute or so, but she didn't say it back. My heart ached when she just stood there and didn't say it back.
"I am sorry for the mess today, but now I should really take my leave." I struggled; my words were choking in my throat. Without looking back, I just left her apartment.
They say, love always hurts, it was a first for me today. I left her apartment's building and walked towards my car, I saw Brett standing in the corner of the street and gave him a quick nod. Disheartened, I was ready to go home.
Suddenly, I heard her from behind.
"Jake, wait please wait." Emma came running towards me and before I could register, she jumped straight in my arms. Tears still rolling down her cheeks.
"I love you too Jake! I love you very much." She was panting and huffing, calming her breathe in between her sobs. She was so loud and clear, in the middle of her street. She didn't care tad bit about that and neither did I. The moment she looked at me, I was relieved to see it in her eyes.
She.loved.me.
"I am sorry Jake. I love you. I do," and with that she crashed her lips on mine. We both kissed vigorously for several minutes.
I felt chills and realized Emma was shivering too. It was windy today, and the temperature had dropped significantly. She was outside in her same lower and crop top.
I quickly removed my coat and wrapped it around her, and in one swift motion, I picked her up in my arms, taking her back inside. We kissed the whole time up. As soon as we entered her apartment, I put her down. I cupped her face and slowly kissed all her tears away.
She wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me closer towards her. She kissed my lips passionately, again, and after a while, I could feel her hands running up and down my chest.
I started trailing down my kisses to her neck, and she arched back giving me all access. I slid my hand below her crop top and was feeling every inch of her sexy body beneath. She let out a small moan, and started unbuttoning my shirt.
I removed her top exposing her perfect upper body, her milky white skin and her sensual curves. Within seconds, she made me lose my shirt. I picked her up again and headed to her bedroom.
I carefully put her down on her bed.
"Are you sure you want this, Emma?" I whispered in her ear while giving her soft kisses on her lobe.
"Yes, I do." She whispered back; her eyes still shut as she soaked the effect of my touch on her skin.
"If you want to back out, now is the time Emm. Because you have no idea what all I want to do to you right now."
"I want you too, Jake." She muttered.
"You know you are the most beautiful woman I have ever come across". I planted several kisses on her soft pink lips, while my hand caressed her bare back.
If I say I was addicted to her smell, then her taste was intoxicating. I could read her nervousness, and it showed how her experience in this was far less than mine. But then, that just added to my untamed desire for her. She deserved to be loved, she deserved to feel good, today it was going to be all about her.
I had been with several women before, but never did I feel so powerless as I felt around her. She had me captivated with her innocence and pure eyes, I was going to claim her, I was going to make her mine today.
How much I loved her.
I leaned down on her, making her lie on her back, while my body pressed against hers. We slowly got rid of every last shred of cloth on us, my fingers and kisses made her whimper which eventually turned into deep moans.
I loved how her body reacted under my touch, how she burnt in desire for me. While I was lost in the pleasures of devouring her body, I heard her whisper, "Jake, umm be gentle, it's my first."
The moment I heard her words, I stopped in my tracks. I looked up to see in her eyes. She was shy and nervous, and dodging eye contact. Nervously, she bit her lower lip.
"Emma? Are you sure? We can take it slow."
"I am positive, I want this". She persisted and kissed my lips roughly as she demanded me to complete what we started today.
If I was deeply turned on before, her confession heightened my longing for her. I kissed every single inch of her flawless frame, worshiped her body for the seductress she was. She had no idea how desirable she looked, how her perfect figure made me hard just by looking at her. I took her innumerable times that night, and never did I feel I had enough of her.
She had become my personal drug. Tonight, we became one. She was mine. I was hers. Period.
***
Emma
I woke up the next morning with a very sore body, the events of last night came rushing to my head. My cheeks were a deep shade of red when I turned around to see the man sleeping soundly next to me.
It was wee hours in the morning when we both dozed off in exhaustion. His sexy back was exposed as a white blanket was wrapped just beneath his waist.
His body was perfection. His toned back, broad shoulders and very kissable abs were owned by me last night. I felt lucky to have a man like him in my bed today. I promised to love him till the end of time.
I carefully got up from the bed, wrapping a sheet to hide my very naked body and tip toed to the washroom. Every inch of my body smelled like him, and this was something that I would love to get used to. Even though I took comfort in his manly scent, my very sore limbs and core, could definitely use a hot shower.
I showered and wrapped a towel around my body, and the moment I left the washroom, I saw Jake standing at the door with just a towel on.
I scanned him from top to bottom, unknowingly, I was tempted to touch him again. "All you have to do is ask Emm." He whispered while sensuously kissing my lips.
"How are you feeling today?" He asked as he parted his lips from mine. "Umm… happy... complete.... sore?" I blabbed nervously.
"I am sorry about the last part sweetheart. Fuck, I didn't know it was your first Emm. How did an ass like me got so lucky to have a girl like you?" Even though he didn't say it loud, I could feel the immense pride he took in the fact that he was my first, and honestly, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. He tucked a wet strand of my hair behind my ear, and caressed my cheeks with the back of his other hand. He was inching closer. His deep blue eyes held honesty. The admiration and affection that reflect in them, made me feel important, adored. I loved the way he looked at me.
"Well, that I agree to, you sure got lucky." I nudged him playfully after giving him a quick peck on his lips. I quickly stepped away. His proximity was doing crazy things to me.
"Let's get ready quickly, we are already very late. It's ten am. We can pick up a quick coffee from Aunt Amy's cafe, and then can head to office separately." I gave him a slight push towards the washroom.
"Why separately? We will go together, if you are worried about appearing together with me, then you should stop. I want to scream to the world that you belong to me, only me".
"Of course, baby. I only said separately, because I am going to S&M today. I have an appointment with Benjamin at noon, I would need all his resources and guidance for your Norway proposal."
"Oh. Okay sure, I will drop you there then."
"Great. And its' my coffee treats today, I want to celebrate our first fight." I had a sheepish grin on my face.
"Just the first fight? Are you sure, you are not missing a lot of other firsts?"
"Umm... well yes that too." I cooed shyly. With that, Jake picked me up and carried me to the shower, totally ignoring my protests.
"Jake! But I just took a shower."
"Let's have our first one, together. If I want my sanity at work, I have to taste you again Emm. You are driving me crazy." He closed the door and smashed his lips on mine, pacifying all my struggles at once.
***
Jake dropped me outside my old office, I gave him a quick peck before leaving. "See you in the evening love." His husky voice fell on my ears.
"Sure thing. Love You Jake. Have a good day!"
I entered the office and saw Britney at her usual spot in the reception, dressed meticulously. The moment she saw me, she had the brightest smile on.
"Woah. What a pleasant surprise Emma. What made me so lucky today?" She got up from her chair and gave me a tight squeezing hug.
"So nice to see you too Britney. I had a meeting with Benjamin today, so would be mostly here for the day."
"Fantastic. We are so having lunch together." She said excitedly.
"Done, count me in."
I was about to leave the reception to join Benjamin in his office, when Britney called my name. "Emma, wait a minute." She gave me a serious look.
"Did Jake just drop you here? Were you with him last night?"
"Umm... yes. Why?"
"Holy. Mother. Shit. You fucking did it. The glow Emma… you look different, beautifully different today." She squeaked.
"Shh… volume girl. Did it come in today's paper too? Great Sherlock, you sure are a genius, in a very creepy way though."
"Wow, this is huge. I want to know every single detail."
"Yikes, are you sure? I wonder what will you do with that information?" I teased her and walked away, leaving her behind in the reception area.
"See you at lunch." She screamed from behind.
"Sure thing." I winked.
The remaining day was eventful. I had a good catch up with Benjamin, and he told me how Raina and the kids missed me. I promised to go see them soon.
We discussed the Norway proposal at lengths today and I also had lunch with Britney in between, who as expected was stuck on my "loss of virginity" discussion.
It was close to five pm, when I got a call from Jake.
"Hey Emma. I am right outside your office, can you come now, like immediately? It's urgent."
"Sure, what's up? Everything alright?"
"Well, ummm… actually no. Come soon I will tell you everything. Just don't freak out. We will talk through it."
"What the hell is this about Jake? You are scaring me." I couldn't hang up the phone, I was suddenly very scared. I quickly packed my stuff and started rushing out.
I will lower the moon for you Page 16