by Glazer, J B
“Can we go to bed now?” I ask, yawning.
“Yes, let’s go.”
Jake practically has to carry me back to the room. He helps me undress, and I’m out the second my head hits the pillow.
The next morning I wake up and wonder whether it all was a dream. I open my eyes and feel relieved to find myself in Jake’s room. I glance at the clock and see that it’s 11:15 a.m. It’s been a long time since I’ve slept this late. I stretch luxuriously and get out of bed. Jake left a note saying he went downstairs to make some calls. I decide to take a quick shower. I run the water and let the room get steamed up. I smile, thinking about last night; I can’t believe we had sex three times. When I was with Ben, we did it on average twice a week. Just as I’m about to get into the shower, I hear the door open, and Jake enters the bathroom.
“Good morning.” I smile at him.
“It is indeed,” he says, eyeing my naked body. “Whatcha doing?”
“I was about to take a shower,” I say, stating the obvious. “I felt a bit dirty after last night’s activities.”
“You might want to wait on that,” he says, as he peels off his shirt. “I’m about to get you dirty again. Then we’ll shower together.”
And that makes four.
Afterward I ask Jake if I can borrow a shirt so I can go get my suitcase. He offers to do it for me, so I give him my room key. “You might as well move all your stuff in here anyway,” he says.
I quickly blow-dry my hair and ask him what we’re doing so I’ll know what to wear.
“Well, I was initially thinking we’d drive up to Napa. But since it’s so late, I figured we could just hang out by the pool.”
“Sounds perfect. I’ve never been to Napa, so we’ll have to go another time.”
“Definitely,” he says, as he pulls me into another embrace.
I rummage through my suitcase to find my swimsuit and cover-up. I choose my new turquoise bikini, a purchase that was supposed to be for my honeymoon. When I saw it, I knew I had to have it. I love the color, and it has cute gold rings as straps that tie behind the neck, along with matching details on the waistband of the bottom piece.
Jake looks at me admiringly. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”
I smile at him. “Ditto.”
“Are you hungry?” he asks.
“Starving.”
We go downstairs and decide to eat on the terrace. Jake looks amused as he watches me scarf down my omelet.
“What? I told you I was hungry. You’ve been giving me quite a workout.”
A satisfied smile slowly spreads across his face. “Better get used to it.” I definitely could.
After breakfast we find a pair of lounge chairs next to the pool. Jake goes to get towels, and I pull out my book and sunscreen. Jake watches as I apply it, and then I hand it to him so he can do my back. “With pleasure,” he says. A waiter comes by and takes our drink order. I’ve found my nirvana: sun, pool, drinks, and Jake.
After a while he asks me if I want to take a dip in the pool, but I shake my head.
“Come on. Come with me.”
“I don’t feel like getting wet.”
He looks all pouty, so I agree to put my feet in the water. As I’m about to sit down, he grabs me and throws me into the pool. I grab his legs and pull him in too and splash him.
“Looks like you’re all wet after all,” he says, and kisses me.
“You bet I am.”
He catches my meaning. “Patience—we just got out here,” he says, but I can tell he’s pleased.
We splash around in the pool some more then get in the hot tub. I feel so relaxed sitting in Jake’s lap while he massages my shoulders. “I think I’m in heaven,” I murmur. He nuzzles my neck. Another couple that looks to be about our age gets into the hot tub with us, so I slide over.
The girl says to me, “You and your boyfriend are so cute.”
“Thanks,” I reply, blushing.
“How long have you been together?”
“Um, since this weekend.”
She laughs. “That explains it. I’m Pam by the way.”
“Lexi. Where are you guys from?”
“Arizona. We came in for my friend’s wedding. It’s actually here at the hotel.”
“It’s a beautiful place to get married,” I say.
“Yeah, they’re going to have the wedding outside at sunset.”
I look over, and Jake is engaged in conversation with Pam’s boyfriend. “What about you?” I ask. “How long have you been dating?”
“He’s actually my fiancé. We got engaged about four months ago. The wedding is next month.”
“Wow, so soon.”
“Yep,” she says, patting her stomach. “I wanted to be married before the baby arrives.”
“Oh, congratulations. I wouldn’t have known. You’re not really showing yet.”
“That’s the goal. I want to fit into my wedding dress. Anyway, Mike and I have been together since college. We knew we were going to get married anyway; the baby part just happened sooner than I expected.”
“It happens,” I tell her, not really knowing what to say.
“I screwed up the pill one time. I didn’t think much of it; I guess I should have.”
“Well, at least you’re with someone you care about and know will be there for you and the baby.”
“That’s true,” Pam says, looking over at Mike. He moves over and sits next to Pam, wrapping his arms around her.
“Good luck,” I tell her, as I get out of the hot tub. Jake follows me back to our lounge chairs.
“What was that about?”
“She’s pregnant, and they’re getting married next month.”
“Wow. I had no idea.”
“I know, me either. She was nice but got a bit personal. She basically told me she screwed up her pill, and the pregnancy was an oops. Who knows? Maybe she was playing me. When you’re pregnant, you’re not allowed to go in a hot tub.” Jake gives me a questioning look. “I once had a pregnancy scare with Ben. It totally freaked me out. I’ve been very strict about taking the pill ever since.”
“Are you still on it?”
“Actually I am. I guess it’s such a part of my routine that I didn’t think about going off it.”
Jake smiles and says, “Good. I hate using condoms.”
“Hold on. Have you been tested recently?”
“Lexi, I haven’t been in a committed relationship for a long time. I got tested back then, and everything was fine. I’ve used condoms with all my partners since. But to be sure, I’ll get tested when we get home.”
“OK. Thanks. I will too. I’ve only had unprotected sex with Ben, but at this rate, it’s probably a good idea that I get checked,” I say a bit crossly.
“We’ll go together,” Jake says, taking my hand in his. “Come on. Let’s go upstairs.”
And we bring the count to five.
I’m still tired, so I take a late-afternoon nap. Jake nudges me at close to six, and I take another quick shower to wake myself up. I decide to wear a blue, sleeveless, peplum dress with tan ankle-cuff heeled sandals. Jake takes my hand as we head downstairs, and even when I wear my heels, he still towers over me. We stop by the concierge for restaurant suggestions and choose an Italian place near Fisherman’s Wharf. Before the waiter takes our drink order, he asks to see our IDs. I can’t remember the last time I was carded; I guess I should be flattered. We decide to split a bottle of red wine.
“Let me see your ID,” I say, taking it from him. I study his picture then his stats. “Your birthday is coming up.”
“Yep, the big three-oh. Let me see yours.” I hand him my license, and he looks it over. “That’s a good picture of you.”
“Thanks. Yours is good too. So is your life everything you thought it would be by the time you turned thirty?”
Jake contemplates this for a moment then says, “Yes and no. Career-wise, it’s on track with my goals, but I thought I’d be mar
ried by now. When you’re younger, thirty seems so old.”
“That’s very true. Are you OK with how things turned out?”
“Yes. It’s made focusing on my career easier. Fewer distractions, I guess. But it would be nice to have someone to share it all with. I’m glad you’re here with me now,” he says, taking my hand.
I feel a warm glow inside. He doesn’t ask me the question—he probably knows life didn’t turn out the way I expected. “Well, we’ll have to celebrate your birthday,” I tell him, making a mental note to plan something.
Two glasses in, I feel a bit buzzed, which gives me the courage to ask Jake about his past. “Earlier you mentioned you’ve used condoms with all your partners. Have there been a lot of them?”
“Yes,” he says honestly.
“Are we talking double digits?” He nods. “Triple digits?”
“No, nothing like that.”
“Do you know how many girls you’ve been with?” I suddenly feel self-conscious and wonder how I measure up.
“Does it matter? None of them really meant anything. They were all flings. Now that I’m with you, I don’t need or want to be with anyone else.”
“You always say the perfect thing.”
“Lexi, I’m by no means perfect.”
“I didn’t say you were, just that what you said was perfect—although I do think you’re perfect…for me.”
“I’m glad,” he says, pulling me in for a kiss. “So what about you? What’s your past?”
I’m embarrassed to tell him. “I’ve only been with four guys, including Ben.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“It’s not, although in hindsight I wish I hadn’t put so much pressure on being with the right guy. I guess I wasn’t one to sleep around unless it was with someone I cared about.”
“That’s very admirable,” Jake says, “and it’s the way it should be. I just haven’t met anyone in a long time I’ve wanted to commit myself to. It’s a very different experience being intimate with someone you care about.”
“Different how?”
“Different better. It takes the relationship to a new level. It’s not just about sex. It’s about connecting with that person.”
“Oh,” I say, smiling at him. The check comes, and I try to take it.
“Don’t even think about it.”
“Jake, I don’t expect you to always pay for me. Let me do something nice for you.”
“Let me make this clear. I appreciate the offer, but I want to take you to dinner. I won’t let you pay, not now, not ever. And besides, this one’s on Hartman and Taylor.”
“Fine, but I will insist on certain occasions that I pay, like your birthday.”
“OK. You can take me out on my birthday.”
“I guess I’ll have to find another way to show you my appreciation,” I say, rubbing my leg against his under the table.
“That I won’t argue with. Let’s go.”
On the cab ride back to the hotel, I thank Jake for an amazing weekend.
“It’s not over yet,” he says.
“I know, but it’s back to reality tomorrow.”
“What time’s your flight?”
“Around noon.”
“I’ll drive you to the airport,” he says.
“Thanks. How long do you have to stay in San Francisco?”
“All week.”
It’s weird—I’ve only spent the past two days with Jake, but I’m going to miss him. “That feels like a long time.”
“I know, but let’s do something when I get back on Friday. I land around five o’clock. Can I cook you dinner?”
“You cook?”
“Well, I can grill.”
“It’s a date. I’ll bring dessert.”
“I take it you bake?”
“Yeah, I’m a decent cook but a much better baker. I used to watch my grandmother when I was growing up. She left me all her recipes, and I’ve gotten pretty good at it. Whenever we have family get-togethers, I’m always designated to bring the dessert.”
“I look forward to testing out your skills,” Jake says. “Do you want me to pick you up?”
“No, it would be out of your way, and you’ll have dinner to prepare. I can take a cab.”
“Are you sure? I’m happy to drive you.”
“No, it’s fine really. Plus it means I’ll get to see you sooner rather than having to wait while you sit in traffic.”
“I can’t argue with that.”
Good. I have an idea and want to surprise him. We arrive back at the hotel and work our way up to number six.
My cell-phone alarm goes off at eight the next morning. Jake is lying in bed beside me, asleep, which gives me a chance to study him. I know he’s under a lot of pressure at work, so it’s nice to see him looking so peaceful. I sneak out of bed and get ready. I finish packing then gently nudge him. He opens his eyes and looks at me sleepily.
“Why are you dressed?” he mumbles.
“I have to get to the airport, remember?”
“Oh, what time is it?”
“Eight forty-five.”
“Good. We don’t have to leave here for another half hour. Come back to bed.”
And that makes seven. Once we’re dressed we go downstairs so I can check out. I kind of feel bad having the company pay for a room I really didn’t use, but I wasn’t about to check out early and not have a matching flight. I don’t need to raise any questions. Jake drives me to the airport, and we’re both quiet. It was such a magical weekend; I’m nervous how things will be once we’re home and back to reality. Jake pulls up to the terminal. He gives me a long kiss and strokes my hair. “You’d better get out of this car, or I’m going to make you miss your flight,” he says. He takes my bag and places it on the sidewalk. He gives me a big hug and another kiss. “Have a safe flight.”
“See you Friday.” I walk into the airport and check in. The woman at the counter informs me I’ve been upgraded to first-class. Being with Jake does have its perks. Once I get through security, I don’t have that much time before my flight is scheduled to depart. I make it to the gate with only a few minutes left until boarding. I decide to text Liv.
Most amazing weekend ever. Sealed the deal with Jake. Seven times. xoxo
Almost immediately, my phone rings.
“Lexi!” she practically screams. “Why didn’t you call me earlier? How did this happen? How was it?”
“Amazing! Sorry for not calling you, but I was pretty much with Jake every minute.”
“Are you OK? Were you thinking about Ben?”
“The funny thing is, Ben never crossed my mind. You’d think I would’ve been comparing the two, but I didn’t think of him at all—other than the fact that we didn’t have sex as much, and it wasn’t as good as this.”
“Oh, Lexi, I’m so happy for you.”
“Shit, they’re calling my group to board.”
“OK. Let’s do sushi tonight. I need a full report.”
“Sounds good. We can figure out where to go when I get home.”
“Oh, no. I need details. We’re ordering in.”
I laugh. “See you later.” Once I’m on the plane, I get settled into my seat and send Jake a quick text.
Thanks for the first-class treatment. Looking forward to Friday.
I lean back in my seat, close my eyes, and fall asleep with a huge smile on my face. When I land, there’s a text from him.
You deserve to be treated like royalty. Miss you already.
I hug myself with glee. He misses me too. I text Liv that I’m back in town, and she tells me to come up to her apartment once I’m settled.
Roland greets me as I walk into the lobby. “You have a package, Lexi. I’ll bring it to you.” Hmm, I didn’t order anything. He returns with a large box. Once I get upstairs, I lift the lid and unwrap the tissue paper to discover a stunning arrangement of purple hydrangeas. I read the card: “Beautiful flowers for a beautiful girl. Thank you
for an unforgettable weekend.” I smile and call to thank Jake. He answers on the first ring.
“Thank you for the gorgeous flowers. It was a nice surprise to come home to.”
“You’re welcome,” he says. “I’m glad you like them.”
“You have a very good memory.”
“Didn’t I mention that?”
“Nope, you forgot that detail,” I say.
“Well, I do. So watch it.”
“I promise to be on my best behavior.”
“Actually, I like your naughty side,” he says, and I laugh. “So what are you up to?” he asks.
“I’m going to have dinner with Liv: Sushi Sunday.”
“Where are you going?”
“Just her place.”
“Uh-huh,” he says knowingly.
“Don’t worry. I’ll keep some things to myself.”
“I’d love to be a fly on the wall for that conversation.”
“I bet you would,” I tell him. “So what are you doing tonight?”
“Nothing really. I’ll probably order room service and go to bed early. You’re not the only one who’s tired.”
“Wish I could be there with you.”
“Me too.”
“Good night, Jake.”
“‘Night, Lexi.”
I unpack my things and get ready to spill.
The next morning it’s business as usual. Simon stops by my office at ten, his customary arrival time at work. He closes my door.
“So…anything I should know about?” I can’t help the huge smile that lights up my face. “I knew it!” he practically shouts. “How was it?”
“Best weekend ever.”
“I meant the sex.”