Bought His Life

by Aleka Nakis Tia Fanning

  “Deal!”

  They walked out of the office arm in arm. Stepping behind the counter to grab an apron for Gemma, Emily couldn’t resist peeking into the kitchen and flashing the most handsome dishwasher she’d ever had a big smile.

  * * * *

  Jack opened the walk-in fridge’s door and found Emily hunched over the produce delivery. “I’ll check it in and rotate the product. You go outside.”

  She glared at him, refusing to let go of the clipboard. “You know, I did these things before you got here, and I’ll be doing them after you’re gone.”

  He ran his knuckles down her cheek and cupped her chin. “You’re so beautiful when you’re angry.”

  She continued to burn him with her stare, her gaze as hot as lightning, then her lips parted as if to spit another venomous sentence at him. Jack ignored her warning and pulled her into his arms, claiming her mouth as he’d wanted to do all day. Happy she hadn’t protested and even happier she’d arched against him, he allowed the kiss to linger until he sensed a smile form on her lips.

  Tracing his thumb over the corner of her eye, he palmed her face and smiled. “That’s better, sweetheart. What’s had you so upset today?”

  She stepped back and the serious, but no longer brutal, look returned to her face. “Nothing, Jack. It’s just work.”

  “Don’t,” he said, reaching for and taking her hand as she spun on her heels. “Don’t turn away. Let me help.”

  She swatted her hand dismissively in the air. “The caterers are no longer available for Pops’ party. The stage isn’t ready for the band. And I’m expecting over one hundred people here on Saturday night.”

  “Your grandfather’s birthday dinner is for more than a hundred close friends?” He took the clipboard from her hands and led her past the refrigerator door as he spoke.

  “No. Dinner is only for the family. It was supposed to be Pops’ favorite. Lamb shanks with vegetables, in some type of merlot sauce. Appetizers and finger foods were to be served with drinks as we transformed Emy’s Place into a forties haven to celebrate his seventy-fifth birthday.”

  “Ahem.” Jack cleared his throat. Doing the math in his head, he calculated Pops was born after he’d graduated high school. Damn, he was old enough to be her grandfather. Nope. He was older than her grandfather was.

  Shaking her head from side to side, she shrugged, then walked away. “Told you. You can’t help,” she said, glancing over her shoulder.

  “Who said I can’t help?” Jack started after her. “Emily. Stop. Listen to me.”

  She spun back at him, like a tornado barreling through a field, and stared him straight in the eye. “No. You listen, Jack. I don’t expect you to help. I’m used to doing things on my own and depending only on myself. It’ll work out.”

  Disappointed, he watched her leave the kitchen. She whispered something to Betty and stormed out the front door.

  What was her problem? Why was she pushing him away as if he meant nothing to her? Whatever her reasons, he wasn’t going anywhere, and too bad. He’d interfere with her doing things on her own.

  He checked the clock on the wall and realized the lunch rush was over. It shouldn’t be busy for two more hours. “Hey, Rick. Mind if I take my break now?”

  “Go ahead, man. Be back in half an hour.”

  Jack opened the screen door in the back of the kitchen and spotted the stage she’d mentioned. Shaking his head, he pushed up his sleeves and started jogging south around the building. He made it to the Flaming Flamingo in minutes. He tapped the bell on the desk and one of the motel owner’s friends came in.

  “Hey, Captain,” Alejandro greeted him with a smile. “What can I do you for?”

  “Alejandro, you’re a sight for sore eyes.” Jack wiped his brow.

  Standing upright and puffing out his chest like a papa penguin, the tall Latino beamed. “Thanks for noticing, Cap.”

  “Do you know how to operate a computer?”

  “Sure do.”

  “Would it be possible for you to access the database and retrieve a lamb shank recipe in a merlot sauce?”

  “Of course,” Alejandro said. He strutted toward the office, gesturing for Jack to follow. “Whose site do you want me to check? Emeril’s, Martha’s? Or maybe that Brit? What’s his name?” He snapped his fingers for emphasis. “Brit boy had a great show last week. I tried the duck recipe and loved it.”

  Jack had no idea what the other man was talking about. “I just want basic cooking instructions.”

  “Let’s try Rachel’s. I find her easier to follow.”

  He turned and started punching letters on the typewriter part of the machine. What was it called? Jack had seen it in an ad in the newspaper, but couldn’t remember.

  A list popped up in seconds and just by moving a little red ball with his finger, Alejandro pointed an arrow at the proper line. A new screen appeared with a delicious looking plate of lamb shanks and various vegetables. Bingo!

  “Yum, yum,” Alejandro said, turning to meet Jack’s gaze. “Will this do?”

  “Absolutely.” Jack reached for paper and a pencil, planning to write down the ingredients and the directions.

  Tapping him lightly on the back of the hand, Alejandro smiled and raised his index finger. “Don’t bother, Captain. I’ll print it out for you.”

  Jack jumped when the computer behind him made some gurgling noise and started spitting out paper. Alejandro reached for the sheets and handed them over. The forties’ captain gawked at them. What was once on the screen was now in his hands, including a color photograph.

  Slapping him on the back, Jack thanked him with sincere enthusiasm and awe. “Good man. What else can this thing do?”

  “You name it, Cap. Research, writing, phone calls, even shopping.”

  The explanation triggered Jack’s memory, and he sat down beside Alejandro again. “I need one more favor.”

  They found what Jack wanted, but he was ready to call it quits when he realized he’d never get the cash on time. Then Michiel walked in and offered him a deal he couldn’t refuse. Jack would’ve kissed him, but he didn’t want to spend more time convincing the other man again that he liked women…only women.

  “Thanks so much. I need to get back to work. I really appreciate it.” Jack shook Michiel’s hand and headed for the door. “By the way, do you know where I can purchase lamb, a bit of thyme and a bottle of merlot?”

  “The liquor store is on your left as you exit the building, and the grocery store is about a hundred yards in the same direction.”

  Waving over his head, Jack nodded and let the door shut. “Thanks.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Holding an overflowing brown bag in one arm, Jack kicked at the kitchen’s screen door. Rick came to answer.

  “You’re five minutes late. You get lost?”

  “Had to pick up a few necessities for dinner,” Jack said, indicating his arms.

  Raising his shoulders, Rick walked past him out the door. “Whatever. Next time do it on your own time, not mine. I’m out.”

  Jack checked to make sure there were no orders needed for customers, then emptied the bag’s contents on the prep station. He unfolded the papers from the computer and placed them beside the vegetables. After that, he set the oven to four hundred and twenty-five degrees, cut the carrots, celery and mushrooms, then chopped the onions. Selecting a small heavy pan, he poured in olive oil before placing it on the stovetop.

  Seasoning the shanks by rubbing the aromatic mixture well into the meat, he waited for the oil to smoke as the directions suggested. Then with practiced patience, he seared it on each side to seal in the flavors.

  The simple recipe was more work than he’d expected. He knew a thing or two about potato dishes, but the lamb was proving to be tricky. He needed to brown and turn it without burning it, or else it would ruin the sauce.

  With the meat ready, he added the vegetables, more seasoning, some store-bought stock and the wine. The meal was in the ove
n ten minutes before Betty came over to ask for a sandwich.

  “What smells so good, sweetie?”

  He grinned. “Dinner for tonight. You think Emily will like it?”

  “She’ll like anything you make, darling.” Betty extended her hand with the order slip but held onto a corner as he reached for it. “Don’t hurt her, Jack. She’s had enough pain in her life. My Emily isn’t the type of woman to play with if your intentions aren’t right.”

  “I’m not playing, and I won’t hurt her.” He let go of the slip of paper and ran his fingers through his hair. “Betty, this thing with Em—well, it’s never happened to me before. It’s as if I’ve known her forever, but the woman won’t let me any closer than she thinks she should. And you know that isn’t close at all. This thing we have, isn’t—well, it’s different.”

  She fit a paper on the round order holder on the sill. “Anything good is worth working for. If you keep trying, she’ll let you in…eventually…if you’re the right man.”

  Oh, yes. He was the right man for her. Damn, he couldn’t imagine himself without her. In just a few days, she’d turned his world upside down. He felt and wanted things he used to believe were for other people. He’d traveled over half a century for her, and he aimed to have her.

  Period.

  * * * *

  It was early evening when Emily walked through the door again. She was smiling, and her step was light. Jack needed to be close to her, so he grabbed a clean towel and headed for the dining room.

  “I’m glad you’re back, beautiful,” he said for her ears alone. “I’m happy to see that gorgeous smile on your face.”

  She touched his hand and gestured for him to join her at a table.

  “Okay.” She took a breath. “I went to Key West and ordered a shit load of pastries and individual key lime pies. Then I found a tiny café with the most delicious empanadas. I spoke to the owners, and they’re making us a batch, along with some ham and cheese croquettes.”

  “Good job.” He marveled at her quick efficiency. Closing his fingers over hers, he looked into her eyes. He’d missed her so, and it had only been a few hours.

  Hell, this new era was making him soft.

  “Thanks, but I’m not finished. Empanadas and key lime pies won’t feed all those people. I need to start making lists for all the hors d’oeuvres I can think of.” She sighed and played with that special tasty part of her ear with her long, slender fingers. “I’m just so tired. And I forgot to stop and pick up a cookbook for the dinner menu.”

  “We have plenty of time.” He continued to stroke her hand. “Emily, whether you want me to or not, I’m going to help you, and we’ll be ready. The party will be a great time. I promise.”

  Her eyes told him what her smiling lips refused to say. Hesitation, fear of being disappointed, and the slight hope of success were all present.

  “Go home and rest. Take a nice bath and a nap. You didn’t get much sleep last night.” He gave her a sly smile and waggled his brows. “It doesn’t seem like sleep is in the forecast for tonight, either.”

  The tiny twitch on the ends of her lips proved she was more than a little flustered, and he guessed she was anticipating tonight as well.

  “Go on, love. Betty and I will close up.”

  “Okay, just as soon as I visit the ladies’ room. Again.” She laughed, and the room danced with the harmony of her happiness. “Seems all this excitement has given me a weak bladder.”

  They stood, and opening her purse, she hooked her index finger to call him near. “I got you a present.”

  He leaned closer for a look. Condoms.

  “It was the largest box they had.” Blushing again, she giggled. “In case we have a night like last night.”

  “You should’ve bought two.” Smirking, he placed a soft kiss against her hair. With a palm on her sweet ass, he scooted her toward the bathroom. “Now, I need to finish up here twice as fast.”

  Before returning to the kitchen, he placed the chairs over on the tables and readied the dining area for Gemma to mop the floor. Betty was counting the register and preparing the deposit for the morning.

  When Emily exited the ladies’ room, she headed to the door and waved good night to them. “See you tomorrow.”

  Betty beelined to where Jack stood and crossed her arms on her chest. “I’ve never seen her so relaxed and eager to leave the restaurant. What did you say to her?”

  “Just that we’d close, and she should go home and get some rest. If you ladies are tired, I’ll finish up myself.”

  Shaking their heads, both women continued to work. “It’ll only take us a few minutes,” Gemma added.

  He carried the remaining bus pans into the kitchen and was elbow deep in soapy water within moments. Washing everything down, he checked the equipment and fixed a box with the dinner he’d prepared.

  “Betty, where can I get some candles?”

  She moseyed into the kitchen and opened a cupboard. “Voila. Hurricane supplies. Take your pick.”

  “Thanks,” he said, grateful he didn’t need to waste time shopping for them. Smiling, he reached over her shoulder and selected a set to add to the box. Content he had everything for the night, he folded the flaps and placed the neat little package on the counter.

  Betty stopped him and peeked inside. “This is nice, Jack. But don’t start out strong and then fade on her.”

  “Fade? Last time I checked, that word wasn’t in my dictionary.”

  She patted his cheek. “Good. I knew there was a reason I liked you.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Annoyed that Emily still refused to lock the front door, Jack entered the bungalow. The fragrant moisture of a bubble bath wafted in his nose, and the quiet indicated she must have taken his advice and decided on a nap.

  He placed the box on the kitchen counter and went to check on her. Snuggled under a green blanket, she was sleeping soundly.

  It was seventy degrees in the house and ninety-eight in the yard. The modern-day air conditioner was a welcomed improvement for a good nap. Despite wanting to get in beside her, he didn’t dare disturb her, so he stepped back and closed the door.

  Showered and dressed in a new pair of jeans and a short-sleeve, button-down shirt he’d bought in a store next to the grocery, he put the lamb in the oven to heat and opened a bottle of merlot to breathe while he went to see if she was awake.

  Emily smiled as he entered the room, extended her bare arms and let the covers fall away from her shoulders. With the sheet resting above her breasts and her red hair loose and wild, she looked like a Christmas package under the tree. The best present he could wish for.

  His new jeans grew uncomfortable as he hardened, and he knew he needed to have her, taste her and possess her immediately. He approached the cause of his craving, ran a finger under the sheet, pulling it down to Emily’s waist and partially exposed a naked canvas for him to paint.

  A groan rose from his throat, and he bent his head to claim a nipple taunting his restraint. His hand traced the soft curve of her thigh as he nudged away the barrier and admired the display of woman set before him.

  “You’re so beautiful,” he said as he stood back and enjoyed the view. “Just perfect.”

  “You say that to all the ladies?”

  “I can guarantee you that I haven’t said that to any woman in years,” he said, lowering his hungry body over her. Reveling in the bounty of her full breasts, he suckled her into his mouth, tasting the sweetness she offered.

  His fingers traced the moist folds between her legs, and it was impossible for him to take it slow. With an inexplicable primitive urge, he needed to pleasure her. He sank his fingers into her warmth and heard her sweet moans as her eyes glazed with desire.

  Lavishing her neck and glorious breasts with alternating kisses and nips, he wanted to savor all of her between his lips. The scent of her sex caused his erection to ache, and he shifted in an attempt to relieve the pressure. Devouring her body, he tasted the sma
ll curve above the gleaming curls covering the moist treasure his hands explored and feared he’d come in his pants.

  Make it good for her. Anything for her.

  Putting his pleasure aside, he cherished the gift he’d received and resolved to climax once buried within the woman who had brazed his being.

  Emily held Jack’s head against her, arching her back as the sensations rolled over her soul, thrashing her body against the bed.

  Once she regained her breath, she wanted more. She needed to experience him fill her completely. She thought she’d collected her wits, but when his tongue flicked over the exact spot to start her body quaking again, she gasped for air and tangled her fingers in the sheets.

  She was flying. There was no way for her to deny what she felt, what she wanted. Beyond a doubt, she needed him. Emily dug her fingers into his shoulders to ground herself, and to satisfy the escalating need to touch him.

  Jack whispered sweet words of encouragement, kissing a path up her sensitized body. Taking a tender nipple into his hot mouth, his hands found hers and he interlaced their fingers. Pulling her arms high above her head, he lavished attention on her other breast and covered her outstretched body.

  Squirming out of his erotic hold, she reached for his zipper and tugged at the raspy metal. The bulge in his pants leapt into her hands as he pushed the denim down and off. She eagerly encircled him, guided him closer and bowed her body to fit his.

  Settling between her thighs, he gently, but surely, filled her.

  “Oh, Em. This is what heaven must be like,” he said, claiming her mouth again. With the smooth, subtle movements of lovers dancing together for years, he took her with him, soaring off the cliff of pleasure as one.

  Jack dropped his face into the curve of her neck and kissed it. “Emily,” he breathed. “Sweetheart. I can stay here forever.”

  It didn’t last for long because she suddenly coiled away and pushed him off of her. “Jack! Get up, Jack!” She screamed. “Something is burning!”