by Ashley Jade
“There's definitely a story there,” Momma says. “Poor guy is all kinds of hurtin'.”
Jackson nods but turns to look at me. “I'm gonna ask Shane to bring some of your clothes to my apartment, okay?”
“Are you sure? I really don't want to impose.”
He lifts my chin. “Alyssa, I take care of what's mine and what I love. Don't you ever forget that.”
***
Almost a week later I'm feeling much better, but since I'm just getting my appetite back, Momma says I'm still not allowed to live at my bar. Those were her words, not mine.
Jackson has been nothing but attentive and caring. He's held me through the night, brought me tissues and magazines, rubbed my feet, and brought me a hot bowl of Momma's soup every hour on the hour, even when I could only stomach a few small bites.
He never once made me feel like I was imposing on him and his life. In fact, every time I tried to go back home, he'd sic Momma on me. I learned very quickly that Momma's not a person you want to argue with because I'd be sure to lose every time.
I turn over in the bed and watch Jackson as he sleeps. The mid-morning sun is peeking in through the corner of the curtain giving me just enough light to be able to enjoy the visual of his beautifully sculpted body.
Nothing puts a damper on a couple's sex life like being sick. Needless to say, Jackson and I haven't been able to enjoy one another in that capacity.
But seeing as I'm feeling almost good as new now. I'm thinking it might be time to indulge a little.
I brush my lips against the sexy stubble grazing his jaw before making my way down his neck.
When I look up I notice that Jackson's eyes are still closed, but the boyish lopsided grin on his face tells me that he's very much awake.
I kiss his chest and continue down lower. I run my tongue along both sides of the V of his lower abs and I hear him let out a low groan.
That deep groan of his only fuels me on. When I slip my head beneath the sheet, I see just how much he's awake. I lick the small drop of precome that I see on the fabric of his boxers. Deciding to tease him a little, I place my mouth over the material covering his erection and suck. I find the opening of his boxers and flick my tongue against it, needing to taste him.
Jackson lets out a curse and raises his hips. I eagerly repeat the movement and he reaches down and twirls my hair around his hand before looking down at me. “Are you sure, baby? I mean, are you feeling good enough for this?”
I nod and pull his boxers down all the way. I open my mouth, but Jackson hauls me back up and lays me across his chest.
I frown, until he cups my face in his hands and searches my eyes. “You're so beautiful it hurts sometimes, did you know that?”
My heart soars...until I think about how I must look right now. My hair is in the messiest of messy bun's, my eyes are puffy, and my nose is raw from all the tissues I went through in the past week.
This is not just some smudged mascara and chapped lips. Oh, no. This is me looking like a cross between a zombie and a corpse.
I bury my head into his chest and cover my face with my hands.
“Wow, you really know how to take a compliment,” Jackson says, his voice light with humor.
“I look like I could audition for the walking dead right now, Jackson.”
He laughs. “Some of those zombie chicks are pretty hot.”
I take the pillow from my side of the bed and hit him with it.
He wraps me in his arms and I can feel his heart pounding rapidly against my back causing me to lean into him.
He gives my shoulder a kiss. “Remind me never to tell you how beautiful you are right when you're about to wake me up with a blowjob again.”
I turn slightly and raise a brow. “Please, you were definitely awake.”
His gaze turns sultry as his fingers begin grazing my upper thigh underneath my shorts. “Maybe,” he whispers.
I moan as the pad of his thumb skims the edges of my panties. “I can still give you one, Jackson.”
He moves my panties to the side and his pointer finger trails along my outer lips. It takes everything in me not to fall apart and start writhing like a cat in heat. “Rain check,” he whispers. “Because right now, I'm too busy loving how wet you get for me when I'm barely even touching you.”
He traces my slit with his middle finger. “I love that you're soaking my finger and I'm not even inside you yet.” He repeats the teasing motion. “Tell me, baby, how wet are you gonna be for me when I stick my finger in this pretty pussy of yours?”
I'm so worked up I don't care anymore, I grind my ass against his cock and let out a small gasp when he presses his thumb against my clit. “Answer me, Alyssa.”
“Why don't you find out?” I tell him. He doesn't waste another second, he pulls my shorts down and two of his fingers dip inside me. “Fuck, baby. You're drenched.”
I suck in a breath and swerve my backside against his erection again. He nibbles my earlobe. “You trying to tell me that you want something?”
I nod eagerly and he thrusts into me. “Well, if you want me,” he rasps. “Put me inside you.”
Desire strong enough to make me dizzy infuses me as I reach behind me, take him in my hand and slowly proceed to slide him inside me.
He lifts one of my legs and rests it on the outside of his before he begins thrusting inside me. This is the sexiest spooning I've ever been apart of—this position is so intimate.
He reaches around and swirls my clit with his fingers. “Oh fuck, don't stop,” I scream. His pace picks up and a minute later I'm a cursing, twitching mess around him as my orgasm takes hold of me.
“Fuck, I love the way you come all over my dick, baby,” he says. His body tightens, his own breathing is labored and he thrusts into me one last time before I feel the spurt of his release.
He rolls me over until I'm underneath him and kisses my nose. “You're still so beautiful it hurts. Zombie or no zombie.”
I fling my arms around his neck and breathe him in. “I'm in love with you, Jackson Reid. You've ruined me for anyone else.”
He rubs his nose along my jaw. “I'm in love with you. You're my first, my last and my only love, Alyssa Tanner.” He looks up at me and my heart flutters. “I want to grow old with you,” he whispers. “I want to let you win at bingo, I want you to help me find my dentures, and I want to spend the evening watching the sunset with you every night from our two rocking chairs.” He rests his head on my heart and my eyes fill with tears. “And when I die, you'll be my last thought. When my life flashes before my eyes, I'll see nothing but you. Because you already are the very best part of my life.”
“You're mine,” I whisper. “Finding you made all the pain I've ever endured worth living through.”
I run my fingers through his hair. “We'll have those rocking chairs, Jackson. I know we will.”
He wipes the tears from my eyes. “Yeah, baby. We will. I'll find a way to make it happen.”
The end of his statement throws me off a little, but I'm soon distracted by the sound of my phone ringing.
“Hey, Shane. What's up?”
“Look, I know you're still probably sick and I know you're moving soon, but do you think you can work at the bar for a few hours tonight?”
“Of, course. It's the least I can do since you've been so cool with me being out this week. Wait a minute—” I pause, unsure if I understood him right. “What do you mean I'm moving soon? Are you kicking me out?”
Beside me, Jackson sits up in bed and puts his boxers back on.
“Kicking you out?” Shane sputters. “No. I'm talking about you moving in with Jackson, silly.”
I stare at Jackson then, the way he's avoiding my gaze and the guilty expression on his face tells me everything I need to know. “Yeah,” I respond my tone harsher than I intended. “I'll be there at seven.”
“Oh, um. Okay, great. See you then,” Shane responds before he hangs up.
I crinkle my nose and narr
ow my eyes. “Something you want to tell me?”
Jackson stands up and opens his arms wide. “Surprise, baby.”
I wrap the sheet around me and stand in front of him. “Yeah, I'll say. You know, couples usually discuss moving in with one another. Because both parties have to be in agreement. That's the way a relationship works.”
I open my arms wide, mocking him. “It's not supposed to be 'surprise, baby' I've told your landlord / boss that you're moving. Especially when you haven't even discussed it with your actual girlfriend first!” I shout.
He opens his mouth but I cut him off. “I mean, did you even ask Tyrone about it? Or is he just as in the dark about all this as I am?”
Jackson holds a finger up and opens the door. “Yoo, Tyrone,” he calls out.
I stand there with my mouth open in disbelief.
“Yeah?” Tyrone shouts.
“Is it cool if Alyssa moves in with us?”
“It's cool,” Tyrone answers, before adding. “As long as she cooks every once in awhile.”
Jackson shuts the door and shrugs. “See? Everything's cool.”
I'm so frustrated that I begin stomping my feet on the floor like a 2 -year-old. “And what about me? Did you ever think to ask me?”
Jackson scratches the back of his head and pouts. “Are you saying that you don't want to live with me?”
I open my mouth to answer but he walks over to me and scopes me in his arms. “I thought we just told one another exactly how we felt about each other?” He kisses my cheek. “Remember? Rocking chairs? Sunsets?” He kisses my chin. “Best part of my life?” He kisses my neck. “Great morning sex?” He moves lower to my breasts and the sheet falls. “Hot zombies?”
I roll my eyes and let out a giggle. “It's a big step, Jackson. We haven't been together long at all.”
His expression is sad and it pulls on my heartstrings. “Are you saying no?”
I think about this for a moment. I weigh the pros and cons. Pro's being- waking up next to Jackson, his apartment being in a safer area, kissing Jackson, making love to Jackson, falling asleep next to Jackson. The only con I can come up with is that it's a 20-minute walk away from my job. Unless he expects me to stop working there?
“I'm still working at Finnley's,” I tell him.
He looks hopeful. “Of course. I know you like it there. I wouldn't ever expect you to stop. Only now, I'll be walking you home every night. Well, if you want me to, that is.”
“Okay,” I say.
“Okay?” he repeats. “Okay, like you'll be moving your stuff in soon? Or, okay you're an asshole and I still can't believe you sprung this on me?”
“Yes. I still hate that you sprung this on me, and I hate that it wasn't discussed and there was no romantic gesture or anything, but okay I'll move in with you.”
“Thank you.”
Before I can respond he gets down on one knee. I stare at him wide-eyed. “Whoa, too soon. Way too soon!” I start. “Don't get me wrong, my gut instinct is telling me to say yes, but we can't get married right now. I need time, Jackson! Like a year or two, at least,” I begin babbling a mile a minute.
He stares at me like I'm crazy until he looks down and adjusts his position so he's kneeling down on both knees. “Relax. I wasn't asking you to marry me,” he says. “Not that I won't be asking you to do that at some point in the future,” he quickly says.”But trust me when I do, it will be way more romantic.” He grins. “And it's good to know that you'll say yes.”
“So, what are you doing then?” I ask, half relieved, half nervous.
“Alyssa,” he pauses. “Shit, you never told me your middle name,” he whispers.
“Trust me. You don't want to know my middle name,” I tell him.
“Of course, I want to know your middle name. I would tell you mine but I'm sure you heard Momma shout it last week.”
I bite my bottom lip, wishing I didn't have to tell him.
Jackson stands back up. “What? It can't be that bad. Let me guess, Marie? That's a nice name, baby.”
I shake my head, not wanting to play this game.
He raises an eyebrow playfully. “Is it Gertrude? Can I call you Gerddy for short?”
“It's Ford,” I whisper.
“Huh? What the hell does he have—”
“That's my middle name,” I say, cutting him off. “He was my dad's best friend. When they were kids they made a pact that the first one to have a son would be named after the other one. Ford doesn't have children and since I ended up being a girl, my mom choose the name Alyssa. But my dad still wanted Ford to be my middle name. I'm sorry, Jackson.”
He kisses my hand. “Don't be sorry, Alyssa. I love every part of you. Even the parts I don't always like.” He clears his throat and looks at me. “Alyssa Ford Tanner, would you do me the honor of moving in with me?”
“And Tyrone!” Tyrone shouts from the other side of the door.
“And Tyrone,” he amends.
My face hurts from smiling so hard. “Yes. I would love to,” I say.
I hear Momma and Tyrone cheer from the other side of the door and I can't help but laugh with them. Jackson pulls me into another hug, but I don't miss the strange expression on his face.
“What?” I ask.
He appears to be lost in deep thought before saying, “Your dad really trusted Ford, didn't he?”
“Yeah,” I whisper. “Ford's an asshole when it comes to the way he treats women. But that aside, my dad trusted him with his life.”
Jackson nods before kissing my forehead. “I'm gonna take a shower.”
“Want some company?”
He doesn't respond but he pulls me in for a kiss that answers my question.
Chapter 33 (Jackson)
Alyssa's father trusted Ford. He was his best friend.
That thought keeps echoing throughout my head.
Not that I'm actually considering taking that deal with him...but it's good to know that if I did...he would uphold his end.
I'm not taking that deal, but I do have to figure out a way to deal with this whole Alyssa situation. I'm ecstatic to know I'll be waking up beside her every morning, but I still have to work out how I'm going to keep her from finding out about DeLuca.
I figure, the best way to go about it will be to tell Tyrone and Ricardo not to bring up DeLuca's name in front of Alyssa. I'll just tell them it's because I don't want to scare her with the truth regarding who DeLuca is, so it's best we don't mention his name.
Tyrone will probably remind me that he's been completely honest with Shelby about everything, but I'll just tell him I'm not ready to do that with Alyssa.
He'll tell me I'm wrong, then we'll share another Doctor Phil moment...and it will be fine.
I hope.
As far as DeLuca himself goes...I'm going to ask Ricardo to set up a meeting with DeLuca for me next week. A face to face sit down.
I'm going to be honest with him and lay everything out on the line. I was going to tell him about Ford trying to recruit me to murder him...but after Alyssa told me that her dad trusted him, I don't think I should go that route.
Besides, if anything happened to Ford and Alyssa found out it was my fault...I know a small part of her would be upset.
I won't do that to her.
I'll just take my chances with DeLuca. I've still got the fact that I'm his best fighter as my bargaining chip.
I head into the kitchen and watch Alyssa sitting at the counter while Momma fixes her something to eat. She has her Finnley's t-shirt and a pair of jeans. Tyrone has a fight tonight, so we'll be heading to the club soon. He likes to get there a few hours early in order to center himself.
She gives me a smile when I enter the room. I walk over to her, bend down and kiss her soft lips. “Hey, baby. Going to work soon?”
She stretches her arms above her head and yawns. “Yeah. I'm exhausted but it's the least I can do. Shane's been great about me taking off.”
Momma makes a face, and I know she
thinks it's too soon for her to be going back.
I honestly hate the fact that she's going in tonight as well, but I can't stop her. I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “Drink plenty of juice, and don't leave your cup out anywhere. I'll be by the bar with the guys after Tyrone's fight ends. I can help you man it if you're still exhausted when I get there.”
“I'll be fine, but thank you,” she says while Momma hands her a sandwich. Alyssa looks up from her grilled cheese and her eyes open wide. “I almost forgot it was Saturday and there's a fight tonight.”
Tyrone walks in the kitchen then, his expression tight. “Yup.”
His demeanor is a little off right now and I'm not sure what to make of it. He's always a little nervous before a fight, but he usually gets a handle on it by using his sense of humor. Before I have time to call him on it, Alyssa hops off the stool and runs over to him. Then, surprising everyone, she flings her arms around his neck. “Please be careful,” she whispers. “Please.”
Jesus, watching my fight really did a number on her.
Momma fans her face and Tyrone closes his eyes. “I'll be okay, Alyssa.”
The fact that he's not making a joke right now puts me on edge.
“And after I kick his ass, I'll be celebrating by getting another alpha male piercing,” he says.
Momma covers her ears and I laugh, feeling the weight in my chest dissipate.
Alyssa smacks him on the chest and chuckles before walking away. “I just don't get it,” she says to Momma while rummaging through her purse.
“Get what, sugar?”
“The fighting. It's scary, Momma. If you should be convincing anyone to quit their job—” She points at Tyrone and me. ”It's those two. They're crazy for putting themselves through that.”
Momma gives her a weird look. “Trust me, I would if I could. But you know it's all De—”
“Dinero,” I shout, as everyone turns to face me. “Cause you know, it's all about the Benjamin's, baby.”
Three sets of eyes stare at me like I've lost my mind. Luckily, Tyrone comes to my defense by putting an arm around my neck. “Come on, Biggie. It's almost 7, my fight starts at 9:45.”