The rest of the day seemed to go in that normal slow Friday drag but fortunately, Ryan had decided there would be no late night at the office for us. When the clock hit five, Ryan wrapped up the meeting and sent everyone off for a much-deserved relaxing weekend. We sat around the conference room for just a minute before grabbing our things and heading down to the car. The girls were already in the lounge waiting, so we hurried over to join the fun.
When we walked in, I spotted Jana immediately. Her cheeks were flushed, and she was smiling and laughing, rejuvenated from her afternoon nap. The dim lights and candles flickering above her casted shadows that danced around her face. She looked over laughing at something Megan said, meeting my eyes and giving me a warm smile. She stood as I approached and I kissed her lips gently, plopping down on the cushioned booth seat next to her. I smiled at her and grabbed her hand from her lap, holding it in mine.
Through the evening, as we ate and drank, the four of us finally relaxed. Ryan told stories of us from college while the girls giggled and laughed to themselves. We tried to get some tales of the girls out of them, but they kept their lips sealed in true friendship. After dinner, we moved outside to a patio table and ordered another bottle of wine for the girls and some beers for Ryan and me. Knowing we didn’t need to get up the next day was comforting, and I finally was able to kick out my feet and feel comfortable. I watched Jana in the string of lights on the patio as she whispered and giggled with Megan. It was almost like the first time I had met her, except now she really knew who I was.
“Okay, I am going to excuse myself to the ladies room,” Megan said standing up.
“I think I’ll join you,” Jana said, winking over at me.
“Yep,” I said, starting to stand up. “I think I’ll go along.”
Jana laughed and pushed me back in my chair before leaning over and kissing me on the lips. I could taste her cherry lip gloss and chills ran up my neck. She looked at me longingly before joining Megan and sauntering off toward the bathrooms.
“So,” I said leaning back in my chair and looking at Ryan. “You ready to get married?”
“You don’t even know the half of it,” Ryan replied looking up at the stars. “I don’t know how I got that lucky, man. She is pretty much the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“Besides me, of course,” I replied jokingly.
“Yeah, of course,” Ryan said rolling his eyes. “But in all seriousness, she keeps me on my toes, doesn’t let me give up, and makes me want to be a better man. It’s everything I wanted in a woman but didn’t think actually existed. It’s been crazy, man.”
“Dude I’m really happy for you,” I replied. “It takes a special kind of woman to deal with you. I was starting to think I was the only one who could do it.”
“Ha ha,” he said, throwing a bottle cap at me. “You would make a hideous woman.”
“Whatever, I got legs for days,” I laughed.
“So I saw you guys went public with your relationship,” Ryan said glancing over at me. “How does it feel to no longer be the most eligible bachelor in the city?”
“I tell you, man it feels really good,” I said looking toward the bathrooms. “It really took this amazing woman to knock some damn sense into me but here I am, and I don’t want to go back. I feel really good about this.”
“Good man, it’s about time,” Ryan said sitting up in his chair as the girls exited the bathrooms and made their way back outside to the table.
“What were you two whispering about?” Megan teased Ryan, leaning down and kissing him. Jana looked over at me and smiled, propping her legs up on my lap.
“Oh, you know. Man stuff. Cars, muscles, man caves,” Ryan said clearing his throat.
“Boobs…,” I added, wincing as Jana kicked me in the chest. “How about you two?”
“Oh, you know, women stuff like knitting, makeup, baking,” Jana replied sarcastically.
“Boobs…,” Megan added, laughing.
“I like where this is going,” Ryan said sitting up.
The rest of the evening was spent on the patio, feeling the warmth from the heaters but enjoying the cold breeze. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt so comfortable and relaxed, laughing constantly and being surrounded by the people I cared the most for. It was definitely an eye opening experience for me, one that I wanted to repeat on a regular basis. By the time midnight rolled around the girls were definitely three sheets to the wind and I could barely keep my eyes open after not sleeping the night before. Ryan covered the tab as he always did, despite my constant arguments and we collected the girls, who were standing around laughing at each other.
Ryan and Megan offered to drop us at the apartment but I thought a little fresh air would be good, so Jana and I took a stroll in the cold night air. She leaned into me, carrying her heels in her hands, and tiptoeing through the streets. Finally, when the ground got a little too New York gross for my taste, I picked her up in my arms and carried her along the walk. She wrapped her arms around my neck, mumbling something wrapped in three bottles of wine. I could feel the warmth of her body around me, and I snuggled her close to keep the wind off of her back. Finally, I stopped and hailed a cab, gently setting her inside and scooting in close.
When we arrived back at my apartment, I paid the cabbie and helped her out of the car. She was wobbly but smiling and giggling as we strolled hand and hand toward the lobby. Jana smiled and waved at the desk clerk who chuckled under his breath. Once inside the apartment, she dropped her shoes to the floor and made a beeline for the bedroom. I laughed as I heard her plop down on the bed and talk to herself about how comfortable it was. I cleaned off my hands and washed my face before getting ready for bed.
When I walked into the dimly lit bedroom, I took off my suit and hung it up to drop it at the dry cleaners. I turned around and stifled a laugh as I looked at Jana who was sprawled out on the bed, completely passed out in the pillow. I slowly peeled the jacket from her shoulders and slipped her feet under the covers. As I pulled up the blanket, she smiled, rubbing her hand against mine. I stared at her for a moment before kissing her forehead and heading out to the living room. I wasn’t quite tired enough for sleep yet, so I grabbed a beer and propped myself up on the couch, overlooking the view from my floor to ceiling windows.
The night was absolutely perfect, and I couldn’t help but be high on life at that moment. Knowing Jana was safely asleep in my bed, and having some amazing friends felt like nothing could be better. I leaned back in the chair taking a sip of my beer, wondering what would come next.
Chapter 12
Jana
After such an amazing and relaxing weekend with Jason, this week seemed to be drudging on. Monday was pretty productive for me, but it seemed like today I had the Tuesday blues. I texted back and forth with Jason all day and pretty much got nothing done at work. His texts were a riot, and I had to stifle my laughter in an attempt to at least look like I was being productive. I definitely caught the front desk secretary looking over at me knowingly a couple of times.
When the clock hit five, I collected my things and headed over to the bridal shop to finalize my dress order. They had all my measurements already, so all I had to do was stop by and pay them. Of course, at five in the evening in New York City, that was easier said than done. I sat in the traffic for over an hour just staring out the window thinking about the last month or so. It had definitely been a whirl wind of events, but luckily, I was left with an amazing boyfriend and a new lease on life. We pulled up in front of the shop, and I hopped out, feeling my phone buzz in my pocket.
“Hey,” I answered, seeing Jason’s number on the screen. “Let me call you back in five. I’m at the bridal shop ordering my dress.”
“Okay, beautiful but hurry I have something to ask you,” he said before hanging up.
I scrunched my nose hating cliffhangers and reluctantly walked into the shop. The woman at the front recognized me immediately and pulled my information up on the co
mputer. I paid her for the dress and signed a couple of forms before thanking her and heading back out of the shop. It was amazing how easy things were when you paid an arm and a leg for service. They were especially ready to jump through hoops since they knew I was the Maid of Honor in one of the biggest weddings of the year. Ryan definitely had some clout.
Once back outside I pulled out my phone and dialed Jason. The evening air was more refreshing than cold, so I strolled along the walk, looking at the different stores along the way. Jason had gotten my attention by telling me he had something important to ask me so it better not be what color tie to wear to work tomorrow.
“Hey there. That was fast,” Jason said, picking up on the fourth ring. “I had to escape the meeting I was in to answer the phone.”
“Glad I could be of service,” I said laughing. “Now, what is this important thing you have to ask me?”
“Have you ever been to Martha’s Vineyard?”
“Um, no I don’t think so,” I said stopping and looking at an amazing dress in the store window. “Why?”
“Trivia question, just thought I’d ask,” he said condescendingly. “No, I wanted to know if you would join me this weekend for a mini vacation in Vineyard Haven? I have a house up there, and I thought it would be good to get away.”
“Hmm, well I’ll have to okay it with my other boyfriends but…yes! Of course, I will; it sounds awesome,” I said excitedly.
“Nice. I can’t believe you’ve never been there! A prominent young woman from your upbringing, it’s almost a crime that you haven’t hob nobbed with the wealthy in Martha’s Vineyard,” he joked.
“Yeah, well you know me. I’m a rebel,” I said chuckling.
“Yes, you are,” he said in a sexy tone.
“You keep talking like that, and I’ll have to make a special trip to your office sir,” I said teasingly.
“Oh yeah? A little-closed door office play, I like it,” he whispered. “I’ll break out the special stapler.”
“I don’t even know what that means,” I replied, giggling. “But I don’t think I am down for the stapler.”
“Can’t take the heat,” he sighed. “Okay, I gotta get back in this meeting. I’ll call you later.”
“Okay, have fun,” I replied, hanging up the phone and shaking my head.
I grabbed some take-out and headed back to my apartment, really excited for this trip. I couldn’t believe I was going to get to go relax in Massachusetts during my favorite time of year with my new favorite person. I had heard stories about Martha’s Vineyard growing up but never had the chance to go there and see it for myself.
When I got home, I sat and ate my dinner before deciding that packing was the best course of action. I spread my clothes across the bed and plopped an empty suitcase down on the floor. I had separated it into piles according to the possible types of events we might partake in. I had a business pile for finer casual experiences, I had casual clothes for the walk around the park kind of day, the club dress for the night out on the town, and finally, the sweet meet the family outfits. I knew Massachusetts would have very similar weather to New York, so I made sure to have some comfy warm outerwear as well. When I was done there were enough clothes to move to Martha’s Vineyard and never return. I needed to pick one or two from each pile and leave it that way.
I sighed at the choices and sat down on the floor, propping my back against the bed. I knew exactly who I needed to talk to; Megan. I dialed her number and stared down at my nails realizing I hadn’t had a manicure in about two months. After a few rings I figured she was lost in fiancée love land, but before I could hang up, I heard her voice on the other end.
“Hey girl,” she said happily. “What’s up?”
“Not much…except Jason invited me on a vacation to Martha’s Freakin’ Vineyard,” I said loudly.
“Ahhh,” she screamed causing me to pull away from the phone. “That’s so awesome!! Have you started packing? You should separate your clothes into different piles….”
“Way ahead of you,” I said laughing. “I was just taking a break and wanted to gush about it with you.”
“See, I knew he was wayyyy into you,” she stated matter of factly. “It was only a matter of time until it all fell into place.”
“I’m really excited to see this place in the fall, but I won’t lie, I’m a bit nervous,” I admitted. “This will be like a real getaway with Jason. Like a, there is no one to distract us, kind of thing.”
“But that’s good, right? I mean how does he feel about you?” She brought up a question I hadn’t really given much in-depth thought to.
“Well, I don’t really know,” I said, stopping and looking up. “I mean we really haven’t had that kind of talk yet.”
“You should,” Megan stated. “You need to keep things where you are both on the same page. It only gets confusing when you aren’t open and honest about your feelings.”
“Like you were the first three days with Mr. Wonderful?”
“Hey, that was three days, you guys have known each other a lot longer,” she said defensively. “Besides when we finally admitted it to ourselves we were done with the games. It’s been all uphill since then.”
“You’re right,” I sighed. “Maybe this trip to the Vineyard will be the perfect opportunity.”
“I think that is a perfect idea,” she replied. “Girl, I am so happy for you two. This is going to be really good for you guys. Actually, I am kind of jealous. I want a vacation.”
“Get your own love story,” I joked. “Besides, you have an absolutely insane honey moon coming up next year. You will be care free and on the go.”
“Very true,” she replied. “Listen, girl, don’t fret. Don’t overpack and have a good time. Okay? I gotta get in here and finish dinner.”
“Okay, tell Ryan hi,” I said looking at the piles on my bed.
Leave it to Megan to start getting my mind wondering about things I thought I already knew. I looked through the casual pile and picked out two outfits, grabbing the rest of them and hanging them back in the closet. I sat down next to my suitcase and slowly folded the items, strategically laying them out in the bottom to avoid excessive wrinkling. Pile by pile I went through the clothes, picking the best two and throwing the rest back into my closet. I was pretty impressed that by the time I was done, I still had room for shoes, well at least one pair.
This getaway, in my opinion, was really important to me and Jason’s relationship. It could totally be that push forward to the next level, solidifying our feelings for each other and committing one hundred percent. On the other hand, I may not like the answer I get when I ask the question; how does Jason really feel about me?
Chapter 13
Jason
Excited didn’t even touch what I felt as I hopped out of the car and ran up to Jana’s apartment complex. I had planned the absolute perfect weekend getaway loaded with surprises and really good quality time together, something I knew she was looking forward to. On top of all of that, I was going to have a chance to show her around my old stomping grounds as a kid.
We spent so many vacations up there when I was younger that when my parents said they were selling the house, I offered to buy it from them. I went through and had the whole thing redecorated to my style and spent many nice long weekends just relaxing in the quiet. The only person that really knew I had the house was Ryan since I didn’t want people to know where I was when I went away.
I took the elevator to Jana’s floor and bounced down the hall, knocking loudly on her door. Jana answered, smiling, towing her suitcase and carry-on behind her. I laughed at the sheer amount of luggage she was bringing, thinking about my one backpack and two suits that were in a garment bag in the back of the car.
“What? I had to be prepared for anything,” she said defensively. “I’m a woman so shut up; I need choices.”
“I know, honey,” I said kissing her forehead and grabbing her suitcase. “It’s adorable.”
S
he shut and locked her apartment, double checking the door lock twice before turning to me and smiling. We headed down to the car where I loaded her luggage into the back and nodded to the driver. As he pulled away, I could see her looking back at the apartment. Sometimes she really was a worry wart.
“Do you have the tickets?” I faked panic and started tapping my breast pockets.
“Oh, that’s right,” I said as she looked at me wide eyed. “We don’t need tickets. Ryan let me use his company jet.”
“Lord, your friend, is insane,” she said laughing and shaking her head. “I’d never work if I had a private jet.”
“Sure you would,” I replied. “Fuel is expensive.”
When we got to the airport, the driver drove right into the hanger bay where the plane was parked. The captain came out and shook my hand, going over the itinerary and loading our luggage onto the plane. It was only an hour flight from New York to Martha’s Vineyard so by the time we hit cruising altitude, we would be starting our descent. I brought along a bottle of whiskey to calm Jana’s nerves, as I assumed she probably had some pre-vacation jitters I needed to attend to.
My One and Only: A Bad Boy Secret Baby Second Chance Romance Page 110