“I need another one.” I raised my glass and Trina giggled next to me wrapping her arms around my arm and plopping down on an empty chair and putting me in another one.
“That’s my girl,” Trina signaled the waitress and ordered us both another round and a shot.
“Oh shit here he comes. And he’s bringing little miss flirts badly with him.”
I stiffened and wished I had a drink in hand. I searched around and noticed the waitress was still at the bar.
Jackson’s hand engulfed my shoulder making it impossible to ignore him. Trina put on her biggest smile and winked at me.
“Hey, Jackson. Fancy meeting you here.” The sarcasm in Trina’s voice made me burst out giggling.
Jackson’s hand flexed on my shoulder and when I moved to look at him and his tiny date I caught confusion on her face.
“When you mentioned Cheeks tonight I realized how long it’s been since I’ve been here.”
I shrugged trying to get Jackson’s hand off of me but he didn’t budge.
“I figured you were following my girl Lucy because you are secretly in love with her.”
I kicked Trina under the table but she continued to smile at Jackson not even looking at his date who none of us had acknowledged yet.
“You found me out. I’ve been madly in love with Lucser since I was in third grade.”
Jackson’s date narrowed her eyes and I pushed his hand off me.
“Hi, I’m Lucy.” I held out my hand and his date took it and released it quickly as if it was dirty.
“I’m Jade.” She flicked her hair over her shoulder and squeezed her body against Jackson’s arm.
“This is Trina.” Trina didn’t bother to shake her hand.
The waitress showed up and sat our drinks down. I grabbed the shot and saluted Trina before downing it.
“Slow down there, Luscer.” Jackson took my drink and swallowed half of it. “You were never good at holding your liquor.”
“Thanks for the worry but I already have a big brother.” The alcohol made me feel brave and warm inside. I smiled at Jackson and batted my eyelashes.
“Yes, I know you have a big brother. He’s my best friend and I would never do anything to hurt him.”
I cocked my head and stared at Jackson cursing the alcohol I was just giving props too. Something in the way Jackson said he wouldn’t hurt Dean seemed to have a deeper meaning.
Jackson bopped my nose and then gripped Jade’s waist bringing her even closer to him.
“That was awkward,” Trina said making me giggle.
Jackson started to grab my drink and I snatched it from him so he couldn’t finish it. I drank it down and my stomach had a small fire in it.
Jackson opened his mouth as if he was going to lecture me but he was interrupted by a sexy blond man with major muscles under his flannel shirt.
“Can I steal you away for a dance?” He stood in front of Jackson and Jade, his eyes on my breasts.
“Are you asking her or her tits?” Jackson ground out making my would be dance partner blush.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to stare. You are so beautiful. I didn’t mean to disrespect you. I’m Ryan by the way.”
“She doesn’t dance.” Jackson said having all of us look at him with shock.
Jade ran her hand down his stomach trying in vain to get his attention.
“I’m sorry who are you?” Ryan asked confused like me as to why Jackson was being so protective while another woman clung to him.
“He’s nobody. I’m Lucy by the way and I would love to dance.”
“That-a-girl,” Trina yelled lifting her empty glass in the air. “Are you sure you don’t have a crush on her?” Trina asked pinning Jackson with a sly smile.
“Come on Jackson I want to dance.” Jade pushed Jackson away.
I stood up and swayed. Ryan put his hands out to steady me. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I just haven’t stood up since I started drinking tonight. Come on let’s go.” I shot Trina a wink and tried my best to walk a straight line to the crowded dance floor.
Ryan held me close and I pretended to be interested. I ground my hips into him and let him touch me more than I was comfortable with. My eyes were squeezed shut keeping me from tracking Jackson and his bobble head girlfriend.
Ryan’s lips landed on my neck and my eyes flew open. I pushed out of his arms and it took him a moment to realize I wasn’t into it.
“Sorry, I got carried away.” Ryan appeared to be embarrassed.
I felt bad for him I was grinding on him and giving him mixed signals. “It’s my fault. I just got out of a pretty bad relationship and I don’t know what I’m doing.”
Ryan’s neck snapped back and I bit my bottom lip. I did the number one thing not to do and talked about my last relationship. Ryan looked uncomfortable and rubbed the back of his neck.
I decided to give him a break. “I need to go check on my friend.”
He nodded wildly. “I’m going to use the bathroom.” He took off on the dance floor before I could say anything else.
I giggled letting the alcohol soothe me as I made my way over to the table I abandoned Trina at. The table was empty except for more empty glasses. I spotted Trina on the dance floor surrounded by two men vying for her attention.
The waitress was swamped so I ordered another drink and sat down at the table enjoying watching Trina having fun. Jade was on the dance floor dancing with someone who wasn’t Jackson.
In fact Jackson seemed to be missing. I spotted Ryan making a bee line toward the door of the bar not bothering to look back.
I guess my little story scared him off. Jackson came from the bathroom and his gaze scanned the dance floor spotting Jade but continued to move. He didn’t stop until he noticed me sitting at the table with my drink in hand. His eyes were hard and even in the dim light I could tell his jaw was clenched tight.
Anger surged through me. He was the one who followed me here. There was no reason he should be mad at me. I swallowed the rest of my drink and slammed it on the table. With unsteady steps I made my way toward Trina and her two admirers.
Trina threw her arms around me and laughed. She introduced me to Hanson and Trace. Instead of shaking their hands I hugged them both hoping Jackson was watching. We danced until my feet were cramping. Trina was leaning against Hanson letting him do the moving.
“I’m ready to go,” Trina slurred, her face plastered against Hanson’s body.
“I’ll take you home, sweetheart,” Hanson said his arms pulling her even closer.
“Don’t bother. There is an uber outside waiting for her.” Jackson appeared out of nowhere Jade fuming by his side.
“Jackson we don’t need you taking care of us.” I said wishing I could lay my head on him the way Trina was on Hanson.
“Don’t bother arguing with me.” Jackson took Trina away from Hanson who didn’t argue from the set in Jackson’s face.
Jade and I followed him out. My eyes were heavy and all I could think about was my bed. And maybe a naked happy Jackson in it.
“I’ll just go home with, Trina.” I said trying to get in the uber behind her.
Jackson held onto my hips and pulled me out of the car. “We live in the same house, Lucy. It makes more sense for you come home with me.”
“She lives with you?” Jade hissed as if my ass wasn’t pressed against Jackson in a very suggestive position.
“We are both crashing at her brother’s house,” He answered her as he walked me to his truck.
“I don’t feel very good,” I muttered leaning against Jackson as he helped me into the backseat.
Jade got in the front seat and stared out the windshield.
Jackson’s hand rubbed up and down my back and I purred making him laugh. “Jade doesn’t live too far from here. You’ll be in bed in no time.”
I arched into his hand and when he removed it I wanted to cry. The truck started and I stretched out in the backseat letting it lull me
to sleep. Before I could fall into a deep oblivion, Jackson reached back and put his hand on my back keeping me on the seat.
“Don’t fall, Lucser. And don’t puke in my truck.”
Jade huffed and I smiled as Jackson kept his hand on me the whole drive. I kept my eyes shut as I listened to Jackson help Jade out of the truck.
I wanted to watch to see if he kissed her goodnight but my limbs wouldn’t cooperate, which was probably a blessing in disguise. Jackson confused me. There were times he acted like he cared. Like he liked me and then there were times he acted like he hated me. I couldn’t figure out which Jackson was the true Jackson.
I melted further into the seat when Jackson got back in the truck and cranked up the heat. A weightless feeling brought me back to consciousness.
“I’ve got you.” Jackson’s breath wafted over my forehead and I snuggled into his chest like I wanted to do when we were at the bar.
He put me down on my bed and tucked me in leaving without saying a word. I hovered on the brink of sleep uncomfortable in my tight dress. With a lot of effort I sat up and pulled the dress off throwing it and my bra across the room. I was just laying back down when Jackson came back in my room holding a bottle of water.
He sucked in a breath and we both froze. I blamed the alcohol for giving me the strength not to cover myself up. Jackson stalked over to me and handed me the water and gave me a handful of Advil.
I didn’t move my eyes from him as I took the pills and washed them down with the water. Some water spilled out of my mouth and landed on my exposed breasts.
Jackson tracked the water and groaned. He licked his lips before closing his eyes and inhaling deeply. When he opened his eyes there was no emotion. He took the bottle of water and put it on my nightstand before pushing me down on the bed and tucking the blanket under my chin.
“Go to sleep before I do something we will both regret.”
“What if I promise not to regret it?”
The energy in the room was palpable. Jackson’s hand stayed on the blanket still under my chin. I felt him clench the material in his hands at my question and then he was gone.
Even though he closed my door gently so as not to wake up Dean it sounded like a shot. Tears drenched my pillow and I was too drunk and tired to figure out what they were for.
6
The sound of pots and pans clanging in the kitchen startled me awake. I threw on my robe and padded out the room. My mouth was dry and my stomach rolled. I tried to count the amount of drinks I had last night and couldn’t get a hold on the number.
With my teeth brushed and my head a slight less worse than it was when I crawled out of bed I padded down stairs. Trina and Dean were standing around the kitchen island talking as Jackson cooked.
Trina wrapped her hands around me and hugged me when she noticed me. “I’m so sorry I got drunk last night. I didn’t mean to ruin our girl’s night.”
If Trina wasn’t my friend I would have a lot of girl hate for her. She was dressed in a cute flowered summer dress. Her hair pulled up in a messy ponytail and her makeup was flawless.
“Shut up. Last night was fun. What are you doing here?”
Dean glanced down at the floor before walking up and standing behind Trina. “I asked Trina out and we’re going to have breakfast. I hope you don’t mind.”
Trina’s eyes pleaded with me with Dean behind her.
“Why are you asking me? Of course I don’t mind.”
Both Trina and Dean’s face took on a look of relief. I shook my head and went to get a bottle of water out of the fridge. I listened as Dean and Trina talked about their plans for the morning while I deftly ignored Jackson.
When Trina and Dean left still chattering about their day I couldn’t continue to ignore Jackson. He plated french toast and fruit putting one plate in front of me and one on in front of the empty chair next to me.
“For me?” I asked stupidly still not wanting to look up at him. I wondered if he was thinking about last night just like I was.
“If you don’t want it I’ll eat it.” Jackson started to slide my plate closer to him but I stopped it by stabbing my fork into a piece of french toast.
Jackson chuckled and continued to eat his food. I kept sneaking a glance at him while I ate.
“Are you really okay with Dean dating Trina?”
His question surprised me since we were so engrossed in our food and trying to pretend we weren’t next to each other.
“Sure why not. Who am I to tell anyone who they can and can’t date?”
Jackson’s face went hard and he set his fork down with a clang. “Do you think he would feel the same way with you?”
I cocked my head to the side confused at the anger pouring off of Jackson.
“I’m sure he would. Dean has never told me not to date anyone. I don’t really think Dean would care who I dated.”
“You’d be surprised.” Jackson slid his chair back and grabbed his plate. “Are you done?” He motioned at my half empty plate. I nodded and he went to the kitchen scrubbing the plates a lot harder than necessary.
“I’m sorry maybe I’m a little hung over but I’m confused.”
I watched Jackson’s back muscles bunch under his t-shirt as he put the kitchen back in order. He placed his hands on the counter and hung his head before he answered me.
“I’m just tired. Don’t pay attention to me.” Jackson threw the sponge in the sink and turned toward me.
His eyes searched my face and I couldn’t understand what his face was trying to tell me. My heart beat went from steady to rocketing against my sternum. Confusion blanketed me and I had this urge to come to him and hug him tightly.
“I have to go to work. Do you need anything?”
I shook my head blinking away the weird tears pushing against the back of my eyes. Jackson watched me a moment longer before nodding and then running up the stairs as if all his demons were following him.
What the hell, I whispered in the empty kitchen. I grabbed another bottle of water and went back to my room.
I was deep in work when there was a knock of the door. Jackson opened the door and stared at me. He still had that weird look on his face.
“Are you sure you don’t need anything?”
“No, I’m fine.”
I looked down at my computer thinking we were done talking and was startled when he spoke again.
“There’s a new sushi restaurant that just opened up. Dean hates sushi I was hoping maybe you would want to go with me.”
I blinked at him and I felt heat spread behind my neck. “Sure, sounds good.”
Jackson gave me a half smile and shook his head and then shut my door lightly.
The day moved by quickly as I immersed myself in my work. I was excited about the graphic I was working on for one of my freelance jobs. When I was done it was going to be the best I’d done since I started on my own.
The doorbell rang and I was frustrated I had to put my computer down. My brain was still stuck on my freelance project and I didn’t bother checking the peephole before answering the door.
There was a large man dressed in all black and wearing a ski mask over his face. His stance was strangely familiar but I couldn’t place him. I froze for a second before my survival instincts kicked in.
With both of my hands I shoved the door closed. The scary man in black stuck his shoe in between the door and the door jamb. I kicked at his shin with my bare foot trying to get him to move his leg so I could close the door.
He laughed and I my skin bunched at the evilness in his voice. With a quick shove he opened the door enough to slide in and slammed the door shut behind him.
I scrambled to get away but he grabbed my tank top and pulled me against his hard body. His thick hand covered my face and tears poured down my face covering his hand.
“Don’t waste your tears. I know what you are. You dirty whore.”
I tried to wrench away from him but his hold held tight. My legs kicked out an
d I connected with him but it felt like I was kicking a rock. Pain shot up my leg as he gripped me tighter.
“Stop fucking struggling.” He dropped me on the floor and I scrambled to get my balance so I wouldn’t fall over.
“What do you want?” My chest felt like a band was wrapped around me I struggled to take a deep breath.
“Nothing from you. Even though I heard that you like to give it away. I have a message for you.”
My legs were shaking and I took a tiny step back wanting to put some distance between us. When he didn’t move after me I took another step back getting ready to run.
“Where the hell are you going?” His large meaty hand reached out and snatched my shirt.
The material ripped as I attempted to flee. My braless breasts bounced as I thrashed about. His eyes narrowed as he glared at my naked breast behind his ski mask.
“Cover yourself, whore.”
I didn’t see his hand coming and was taken by surprise when my head snapped back from the impact. My teeth bit into the soft skin of my cheek and blood flooded my mouth.
“I think you have the wrong person.” Blood splattered on my torn tank top from the swelling in my mouth.
“I’m here to warn you to stay away from married men. Keep your fucking legs closed.”
“Tell Karen I didn’t know he was married.”
The sneer behind his mask was terrifying. “How many married men have you been with?”
His hand pulled back but I was ready. I ducked and tried to run away. He swept his leg out from under me and I smacked the hard ground. My head swam and my face burned with pain.
“Stay down.” His booted foot connected with my midsection knocking what little breath I had in me out.
A large wheeze exited past my lips. He stared down at me his eyes menacing as I dragged oxygen into my lungs. Tears trickled down on the floor all my fight seeped out of me. He turned on his heel and slammed the door shut.
With immense effort I stumbled to the door and locked it. My unswollen eye checked the peephole when I was positive he was gone I dropped down on hands and knees unable to hold myself up.
First Kiss Page 4