by M. A. Lee
“I miss you too,” I said as we went back to the living room and fell onto the large, leather sofa. “We have both been so busy with school and work and our men,” I said with a silly grin.
“Tell me about it,” Tatum said as she took a big sip of her drink.
We sat silently for a while as we each enjoyed our beverage.
“How are things going with Freddy?” I asked as I decided it was time to cut through the silence.
With Tatum, the silence was never weird or awkward. We could enjoy one another’s company without constant chatter, but lately, I hadn’t had a chance to really sit and talk to her one on one. I missed our time together.
There was a time, not so long ago, that Tatum was all I had. As wonderful as it was to have Jagger and our new friends in my life, I missed the solace of just Tatum and myself, too.
Gushing, Tatum’s face became red and her voice went up a few octaves as she began to talk. “Everything is wonderful with Freddy. I never thought I would fall for a guy like him. The tattoos. The bad-boy vibe. He is the complete opposite of what I thought I would want, but I just adore him,” she sighed.
I smiled, knowing Tatum was so happy.
“That is awesome,” I said. Reaching over I took her hand in mine and squeezed. “I really like Freddy and I am so happy to see you two in love,” I said.
I had heard more than I had cared to admit, Tatum’s fears that I wouldn’t like Freddy or that I wouldn’t somehow approve of her relationship with him. In truth, it was the exact opposite. Freddy made her happy. He made her feel loved and wanted. I also hated the fact that I knew he did things to her body no man had ever done before. That was a fact I wish I didn’t know, but Tatum thinks a lot. I mean A LOT.
Turning to me, Tatum smiled her devilish smirk. “So, what about you and Jagger. Talk about hot stuff,” she winked.
Laughing, I took a sip of my wine before talking. “I really do love Jagger. There is just something about him that drives me crazy, but still makes me feel like I am ok. He makes me feel normal,” I admitted as I felt myself sinking into the couch.
“Lila, you are normal,” Tatum offered as she noted my change in tone. “You have gone through some things. Your anxiety and... isues don’t make you weird or different, it just makes you unique in your own way,” she said with a smile.
I almost cried as I sat there being comforted by Tatum’s words. She was a true friend and could always find a way to make feel better.
“Thanks,” I said as I heard my voice shake from the raw emotion flowing through me.
“How about we watch some trash television and get drunk,” Tatum said trying to divert the mood in the room to something more light and carefree.
“That sounds awesome,” as I stood to get the rest of the bottle of wine.
We finished off the bottle and laughed all night to reruns of Jerry Springer and COPS. It was the most fun I had had in forever. Even though we both missed our guys, nothing compared to spending time with your best girl.
THE NEXT AFTERNOON, Tatum and I were recovering from too much wine and not enough sleep. Jagger and Freddy had come over and offered to make us greasy eggs and bacon, a sure remedy for a hangover.
As we sat on the couch and ate our breakfast, the boys enjoyed our terrible state just a little too much. Trying to be kind, Jagger changed the subject to something safer.
“What are you going to be for Halloween?” Jagger asked as we sat on my living room sofa waiting for Tatum and Freddy to finish getting ready. Freddy had become a constant at our house since he and Tatum began dating. I didn’t mind at all, I liked him. Plus, he always brought Jagger with him.
“What, are you like twelve?” I playfully asked.
Throwing my legs on his lap, I wiggled around on the sofa until I found myself comfortable. Freddy and Tatum had been in her room for a while, long enough for Jagger finger me and get me off twice. It was exciting doing naughty little acts like that.
“Oh shut up,” he joked back. “Seriously, there is going to be a lot of parties going on and besides, who doesn’t love Halloween?” It was cute watching him argue with me.
“I don’t know,” I said, shrugging my shoulders.
“I think Freddy wants to have some type of Halloween party at his house. He wants everyone to dress up in cheesy costumes. Maybe we could go as some type of pair or couple?” he asked, his eyes focused on the television screen. “Really, I just want to see you dress up in a sexy costume so I have an excuse to take advantage of you and grope you in public,” Jagger said as he ran his hands along my thighs.
“When do you ever need a reason to take advantage of me?” I laughed.
“I guess you are right,” he joked.
Just then, Freddy and Tatum emerged from her bedroom and both held satisfied smiles on their faces. From their guilty looks and the graphic thoughts, both were having about what they had just done, I didn’t need to ask any questions.
Seeing this too, Jagger smiled at them as they walked into the living room.
“What have you all been doing?” Jagger asked in a playful tone.
“Nothing,” Freddy lied as he tried not to make eye contact with us.
“Okay baby, let’s go and leave these lovebirds alone,” Tatum said as she tugged on Freddy’s shirtsleeve.
The pair left and I turned to Jagger with a naughty smile.
“So, it looks like we are alone,” I said as my hands roamed over his stomach. I loved the feel of his abs under his shirt.
Letting out a slight moan, Jagger licked his lips and I almost came undone.
“Do you want to watch another movie?” he asked, flipping through horror movies on Netflix. He was playing hard to get, but he wasn’t fooling either of us. I knew all I had to do was lean in and kiss him or move my hands lower and he would be on top of me in an instant. But, two could play this game.
“I have a better idea,” I said seductively. “Why don’t we turn off the television and find a nice book to read,” I said. I spoke the words as if I were saying something dirty or seductive and not asking him to complete a task an eighty-year-old couple would do.
Trying not to laugh, Jagger played into my little game.
“That sounds hot,” he said as he leaned in and nibbled my ear. “Do you promise to turn the pages really slow so I have to wait, long and hard for the next part of the story?” he asked. His voice grew low, the same tone that made me want to drop my panties in an instant.
“You know I like it slow at first,” I said as I licked my lips. “But, then I would start moving those pages real fast baby,” I teased.
Letting his head fall back, Jagger acted like he was about to get off himself. We both let out a loud laugh as the role-playing turned hilarious. That was just another thing I loved about Jagger. I could be serious with him and playful and have the best sex of my life. He was undeniably perfect.
“Seriously,” I began as our laughter began to calm. “Do you want to just hang out here and watch movies? We could order a pizza or maybe go to that little diner downtown?”
“You know what? I have a better idea,” Jagger said with a slight hint of a smile forming on his lips.
Taking my hand, Jagger lifted me off the couch and walked me toward the front door.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“We are taking a little trip,” he said slyly.
“It’s late. Plus it is cold and starting to rain,” I argued as I stomped my foot.
Laughing, Jagger just squeezed my hand and continued to walk.
Rolling my eyes, I allowed him to lead me out of the front door and down to the parking lot below.
We continued walking until we were on the sidewalk- heading toward downtown. There were only a few cars on the road at this late hour and the blackness of the night was strangely calming. The yellow street lights glowed around us as we walked in silence. A slight breeze filtered through the air and I shivered from the frigid temperatures of this cold October night.<
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The drizzle from the coolness of the rain that was trying to build caused my hair to stick to my forehead. Ok, this was fun at first, but now I am just cold, wet, and tired.
“Jagger, it is freezing. Can we just go back to my apartment?” I asked through chattering teeth.
“Just a few more steps,” Jagger insisted as he continued to hold my hand.
As I opened my mouth to argue once again, Jagger stopped and I looked around to discover that we were standing in the middle of the street.
“Are you insane!” I yelled.
“Yes,” he chuckled.
I tried to turn and walk away, but Jagger spun me into him. My hands landed on his firm chest and our bodies collided in a strange yet alluring manner.
“What are you doing?” I whispered as I looked up into his eyes. I wasn’t sure why I bothered asking. It didn’t matter where Jagger took me, or what he had planned to do. I would follow him anywhere. Anytime. Forever.
Jagger was illuminated by the lights and in this scene, he was breathtaking. My heart skipped a beat and my breath faltered as I took him in.
“I just wanted to stand here with you; alone,” Jagger said as he pulled me even closer.
“Jagger- This is...” I wanted to tell him this was dangerous to be standing in the middle of the road at night in the center of downtown Lexington. I wanted to tell him that it was insane for him to want to see me as this perfect girl when I was so irrevocably broken. Instead, though, I just looked up at him and smiled.
Leaning down, Jagger placed a soft kiss on my lips. The heat from his touch warmed my freezing body and made me forget about the world around us. All I cared about what Jagger and how his touch made me feel alive and whole. I wasn’t the sad girl with the wicked past. No, I was me. A girl capable of being loved and cared for.
Love.
That was what had sparked inside of me the moment I had met Jagger. And it was love that was flowing through my body so fast, I almost found myself screaming out the word.
But, I didn’t have to.
Holding me tight, Jagger leaned in and placed his lips close to my ear. His deep, hot breaths warmed my body and sent shivers racing throughout me.
“Sweetheart. Lila. I love you.”
Moving myself back so I could look at Jagger, I felt myself begin to tear. Those words that had just been in my mind were now coming out of his mouth.
“Jagger, I love you too,” I said as I threw my arms around his neck and gave him the most passionate and deep kiss of my life.
“We need to celebrate,” Jagger stated as he took my hand and began almost running.
“What?” I cried out with happiness.
“Just follow me,” Jagger stated as he continued to walk so swiftly that I almost had to run to keep up with his intense pace.
We walked two more blocks until we were standing in front of a neon sign that read, Lit Up Ink Shop. Pulling the glass door open with rapid speed, Jagger led me inside the space.
I was instantly welcomed by a girl with a short hair-cut that was bright pink. Loud, angry rock music blared from the speakers and a couple was sitting in the back corner, making out like they were newlyweds. The guy had the blackest hair I had ever seen and the girl was insanely gorgeous.
Noticing my stare, Jagger tugged on my hand. “That’s just Cole and Melanie. They are cool but never stop touching each other,” he laughed.
“I can see that,” I said.
Their thoughts were spinning through my mind and I felt my face redden as I heard their intentions for one another later that night. Damn, they must really be in love.
“Jagger, what are you doing here?” a large man bellowed as he came out of a long hallway.
The two guys shook hands and began small talk.
“This is my girlfriend, Lila,” Jagger said as he smiled and introduced me. “Tonight was a big night for us. I want to get some more ink,” Jagger stated with pride in his eyes.
My heart fluttered as I heard the words slip past Jagger’s lips. Girlfriend. I loved the sound of that.
Smalls shook his head and smiled at me. Fuck, Jagger wasn’t kidding when he said this was the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen. If I wasn’t fucking insane over my girl, I could totally tap that. Smalls words made me blush and I tried to hide my embarrassment.
“Hey anything for a friend,” Smalls said as he slapped Jagger on the back in a friendly move.
I followed the men back to a small room and watched as Jagger sat on a table and lifted his black shirt. He revealed his strong abs and I almost lunged forward to touch him.
“I want to get an eclipse on my left side here,” Jagger said as he pointed to a space near his rib.
“A what?” Smalls and I both asked at the same time.
We both exchanged smiles and I could tell he liked me.
Laughing, Jagger noticed our moment. “You know how I can get a little sentimental,” Jagger began.
Smalls rolled his eyes and let out a loud, belly laugh. “Jagger, the only thing I have ever seen you get sentimental about is that damn bike you ride. Well, that was until this little vixen walked into your life.”
This time I did let out a small sigh. If this kept up, I might just need to use one of these empty rooms to pounce on Jagger. He made my legs grow weak and my body heat up just from the sight of him. But, hearing the way he felt about me sent a wave of desire coursing through me that couldn’t be controlled.
“Shut the fuck up,” Jagger kidded.
“Whatever,” Smalls said as he began getting his ink gun ready. As the sounds of humming came to life, I watched in a shocked amazement as the ink began to stain Jagger’s skin. He winced a few times, but kept his eyes locked on mine until Smalls was done.
When Smalls was finished, Jagger stood and showed off his new tattoo.
“What do you think?” he asked me. He looked nervous and damn if it wasn’t the cutest thing I had ever seen.
I allowed my fingers to lightly trace around the edges of where the needle had touched his skin. A white moon was being shadowed by a bright yellow sun. It was beautiful and dark and everything about it screamed me and Jagger.
“I love it. But, what is it?” I asked. “I mean, I get it’s an eclipse, but what does it mean?”
Stepping closer to me, Jagger held my hand as I continued to trace the outline of the eclipse. “This is us. We each were dark before we found one another. Now, all we have to do is let the light take over,” he finished.
I couldn’t take it any longer. I jumped up and wrapped my arms around his neck. My lips crashed into his as I kissed him with so much passion and force, I swear I felt sparks of electricity fly from us.
“Get a room,” Smalls laughed as he walked away from us.
“I’m glad you like it,” Jagger breathed as our lips unlocked.
“Of course I do. Jagger, I have never had anyone make me feel the way you do. Sometimes, I can’t even believe you are real or that I deserve you.”
Grabbing me around my waist, Jagger leaned in and lightly nibbled on my ear. “Sweetheart, you deserve to feel amazing every day. There is something about you that makes me want to do this sentimental bullshit. But, with you- it’s not bullshit. It all feels right.”
Holy hell, Jagger just pushed me over the ledge. Taking my foot, I shut the door behind me.
With wide eyes, Jagger looked at me with predators stare.
“That could be dangerous,” he growled as he pushed his body against mine.
I fell against the door, my back locked against the cool wood. Jagger began trailing kisses down my neck and my hands began to fumble with his jeans. I didn’t care that we were in a public place. I didn’t care that there were people just outside this door who could hear us. I wanted to make Jagger feel as good as he made me feel.
“I love a little danger,” I breathed as I slowly slid to the floor as I continued working my magic as I began unzipping Jagger’s jeans.
“You want to do this he
re?” he asked with fire in his eyes.
“I can stop if you want,” I asked as I looked up at Jagger with a half frown. I bit my lip and pouted. He couldn’t resist this. We both needed this.
Exhaling, Jagger’s face lit up. “No, I don’t want you to ever stop,” he said as he placed his hand on the back of my head and led me to the hard bulge about to explode from his boxers.
I reached out and took his length in my hands. Smiling again, I licked my lips. “This is your last chance to tell me to stop,” I teased.
Shaking his head no, Jagger let his head fall back as he enjoyed the feel of his cock entering my mouth.
TWENTY MINUTES LATER, we emerged from the back room. Both of us had silly smiles and rustled hair, but we didn’t care.
“Looks like someone had a good time,” Isaac teased as he stood next to the front desk. A beautiful, tall girl stood next to him and she smacked his arm.
“Sorry, Lauren,” he said as he leaned over and rubbed her big baby belly.
“We used to do that,” she said. Pointing to her belly, she continued. “I’m pretty sure doing that was what got me here,” she teased.
Isaac looked over and just sighed. In his mind, he was just thinking how beautiful she was and how long he had to wait until he could knock her up again. I smiled to myself.
The couple who had been mauling one another in the corner now unlocked their lips and stood. “What did you get?” the guy who I knew as Cole asked.
Jagger lifted his shirt and showed off his new ink work. Everyone admired the colors and the message. When we finally left, I was glad to have Jagger all to myself again.
11
Lila
“You did what?” Tatum screamed.
The next morning I had filled her in on my little adventure with Jagger the night before.
Of course, she insisted on taking me out for drinks that evening after our classes. She wanted all of the juicy details, even though the story wasn’t eventful, the meaning and emotions behind it was everything.
We were instantly seated and greeted by a friendly waitress who took our drink orders as we examined our menus. Finally deciding on boneless wings, nachos, and margaritas, we sat and began chatting, catching up about Freddy and Tatum’s love life.