The Songs of You and Me

by Mylissa Demeyere

  When our tongues tangled, I felt that spark I came to crave whenever she was near. I could feel her hanging on, clutching my shirt in her uninjured hand. My hand wound its way in her long, brown hair, enjoying the softness. I forced my other hand to remain resting on the small of her back, keeping her flush against me. I could kiss her all night, but my head kicked in. I didn’t come over to kiss her senseless. I came here to have it out with her, not make out with her.

  “Jane.” My voice sounded husky, even to my ears. My hands cupped her face, keeping her close but putting some distance between us and forcing some much-needed oxygen to my clouded brain. “I can’t think straight with you.” I pulled in another big gulp of air, clearing my mind some more.

  “Ditto.” She rested her forehead on mine, swallowing hard. I gazed down at her, her lips swollen from being thoroughly kissed, knowing I did that to her, and my mind blurred once more.

  “I did this all wrong,” I uttered, feeling Jane tense in my hands. Reading shock on her worried face, I tried to explain again, not releasing her even though I felt her pulling away.

  “I should have taken you out on a date before stealing a kiss.” Her stance relaxed somewhat, but her brow remained furrowed.

  “Let me take you out properly, on a real date.” I needed the chance to show her I could pursue her, treat her right, sweep her off her feet.

  “You sure?” Her voice was barely above a whisper. Her bottom lip was nipped between her teeth, and she stared at me with uncertainty.

  “Are you kidding me? I want to do this right.” I threaded her fingers between mine and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Her teeth’s assault on her lip continued, tempting me to take over the job. My hand reached out of its own will, my thumb softly stroking her lip. “We are finally doing this.” I couldn’t hold back the huge grin that broke out, and Jane followed with a timid one. “Finally,” I groaned. “And I want to do it right. Let me do this right. Go out with me tomorrow night?”

  She looked down, not meeting my eyes. It killed me to not have her look at me, but I needed her to want this as much as I wanted it. I couldn’t bear to have my heart crushed again.

  “Okay,” she mumbled, her cheeks pink and that smile I loved plastered on her face. My heart pounded at full speed before I gave in to the urge to quickly touch my lips to hers.

  “It’s a date.” I chuckled. Finally!

  Twelve Years Earlier

  Welcome to New York – Taylor Swift

  JANE

  The rain was coming down hard, and I was getting wet. Like totally, completely soaked, to the bone. It didn’t help that the temperature was in the low fifties, and with the added wind blowing in the city, my teeth chattered as my hair got plastered to my face.

  Noticing my favorite coffee shop up ahead, I took off in that direction, leaping over huge puddles on my way.

  “Hey… watch…” My insult was cut short when I stared into icy blue eyes. Eyes I’d obsessed about for the last six weeks, whenever I got the chance to ogle them in said coffee shop.

  “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you there.” Coffee Shop Guy, as I dubbed him, yelled over the rumble of the city noise and the rain pelting down.

  “It’s okay.” I blinked and finally found my voice. Up close, this guy looked even better than when I stared at him from afar. The rain pasted his dark blond hair to his face, but those eyes drew me in. And that smile, it made my heart skip a beat. I hadn’t reacted to a guy like this for as long as I could remember. Not since Jackson.

  “I was heading to Cup o’ Joe’s. Let me buy you a drink? We can both get out of this rain and warm up.”

  “Sure,” I agreed, eager to get out of the cold November rain.

  “What can I get you?” The platinum blonde barista eyed my rescuer with a genuine smile, before turning to me and offering up a fake one. It didn’t help I was squeezing my long hair, trying to dry it out some.

  After that cold run in the rain, I needed something hot and comforting. I didn’t have time to scan the menu. I was too focused on warming up. “I’ll have a medium hot chocolate,” I replied as Coffee Shop Guy indicated for me to order first.

  “I’ll have a large hot chocolate.” He smiled at the barista. She eyed me with a look of disdain as I shook out of my wet coat.

  “You want cream and syrup with that?” She was getting impatient, eyeing the patrons behind us. Feeling uncertain, I hesitated.

  “Go ahead,” Dreamy Guy encouraged me, and after the horrible day I’d had, I indulged in cream and a shot of my favorite caramel syrup.

  After Coffee Shop Guy insisted on paying for our sweet indulgence—and me thanking him—we sat in a window seat, taking in the busy New York street life. The warm liquid slid down my throat, and my eyelids closed instinctively. I felt myself start to heat up from the inside out.

  “Not a fan of this lovely New York weather, I’m guessing?”

  My eyes snapped open.

  His startling ice blue eyes and strong jaw kind of reminded me of Brad Pitt, a younger version of him, at least. Seeing him staring at me with a grin on his face, I realized he’d just asked me a question. Drat, I totally spaced out there for a minute.

  “Uh…no. Not really.” I held onto my cup, offering a small smile, glad I remembered the question. My shoulders were still shaking off the cold.

  “I’ve seen you here before, haven’t I?” Hot, Sexy Guy’s voice sounded so smooth, ice would have melted, even in this frigid weather.

  “Probably.” I tried for nonchalance. “I come here sometimes.” No need to admit I came back after noticing him here the first time, hoping to get a better look. It sure wasn’t for Miss Sunshine over there, making the drinks. She had a lot to learn about customer service.

  “You warming up yet?” He indicated my half-empty mug, my hands wrapped around it.

  My shaking lessened.

  “I’m not frozen anymore.” I shivered again, remembering the cold I’d escaped.

  “It’s coming down pretty bad out there.” He peered outside, giving me the perfect view of that strong jawline. Most certainly a younger version of Brad Pitt; such a great facial structure.

  “Don’t I know it,” I muttered, still feeling the cold sting of the rain pelting on my skin.

  “Why were you out in the rain, anyway?” His left brow rose as he turned his gaze to me, the rain crashing hard against the window once more.

  “This.” I smiled, lifting my cup to show him my guilty pleasure, hoping the cold hid my blush.

  “Wow.” He looked me up and down. “That’s real dedication.”

  “Don’t underestimate a woman’s motivation to get her chocolate fix.” I felt my cheeks warm under his scrutiny. “Wars have been fought for smaller victories.”

  “In that case.” His smile turned sexy, and my insides reacted. “Let me get you another.” He rose to refill my order.

  The easy banter made my pulse quicken. The look he sent my way had me squirming in my seat and my palms warming without holding on to my hot drink.

  “I’m David, by the way,” he called out, giving me another one of his swoon worthy smiles.

  “Sarah, you remember that guy I was telling you about?” I yelled into the phone, feeling the excitement from earlier this afternoon return.

  “Coffee Shop Guy?”

  “That’s the one.” I squealed.

  “What about him?” Sarah’s voice rose.

  “He came up to me today.” I hooted. I didn’t think I was this pumped up about a guy since Jackson, but this time it actually ended with the outcome I hoped for.

  “YAY!” Sarah shared my excitement. She sounded like she might even be jumping up and down with me.

  “He’s taking me out tomorrow night.” Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough!

  Present Day

  Best Day of My Life – American Authors

  JACKSON

  After Jane agreed to a date the night before, I’d gone home and done some research. No way was I g
oing to bomb tonight. Too much was riding on it. I’d been a fool, kissing her without wooing her first. Time to set that right. And I found the perfect setup.

  I hoped Jane still loved the Hudson as much as I remembered.

  It was 5 p.m. and I was standing at Jane’s front door, nervous as hell, afraid to ring the doorbell. My palms were sweating. My heart pounded. I’d taken women out before, so why was I this nervous? I’d even kissed Jane, so that wasn’t a problem anymore. I guess I knew tonight was the moment that would define us.

  I’d know by the end of our date if we were in or if we were out. So yeah, the heat was on. And I felt it, standing there like a stupid teenager, afraid to ring that bell.

  I finally pulled myself together, rang the doorbell, and heard footsteps approach.

  “Hey, Jacks.” Jane opened the door, and I gulped. She wore a black dress, hugging her in all the right places. My eyes roved over her.

  “Wow,” I choked. “You.” I swallowed and began again. “You look amazing.”

  She averted her gaze. “Thanks. Come on in. I need to get my shoes, and I’m ready to go.”

  She led me in, and I zoned in on her back, loving the way her hips sashayed. She bent over to get her shoes on, giving me an ample view of her neckline. I averted my gaze to keep my thoughts in check.

  “All ready,” she exclaimed. My eyes snapped up to hers. She grinned, having caught me giving her a full once-over again.

  “Still no hints?” she questioned, trying to get me to give her something. She’d tried earlier, when I’d texted her the time I’d pick her up. I’m glad she’d opted for the dress. I hadn’t been helpful when I’d told her to wear whatever.

  “Nope, you’ll see soon enough.” I grinned, feeling both anxious and excited to see her reaction.

  “Fine.” She pouted. I wasn’t fooled, though. Her lips were fighting a smile. I wanted to kiss it away so bad, but we needed to get a move on, or we’d be late.

  “Let’s go, or we’ll miss the best part.”

  We pulled up into the Newburgh Marina, and Jane’s face lit up.

  “What are we doing here?” She glanced at the various boats and yachts of all sizes docked at the pier. Seeing the look on her face gave me hope tonight’s surprise would be a success.

  “Let’s find out.” I rushed to get her door and guided her to the right berth.

  “Hello there, and welcome to Seas the Moment.” The captain of the Predator 82 vessel helped us aboard his luxury yacht. Her excitement rose as she saw the chilled champagne and appetizers. “We will be heading out on the Hudson for a sightseeing tour up to Garrison. You will be able to see the sun set over the Hudson Highlands and enjoy some of New York’s finest cuisine as we sail the waters on this fine night.”

  Jane stared out at the water, then turned to look at the captain, then me with shock and wonder written all over her face. Seeing her this pumped up made all my effort worth it.

  “I can’t believe it.” She beamed, nestling herself close to me. Another plus to the chosen venue. We would be getting real close tonight.

  JANE

  When Jackson picked me up, my breath caught in my throat. He looked amazing in his fitted dark slacks and deep blue shirt. The color made his eyes pop. His hair was slightly tousled, teasing me to run my fingers through it, reminding me of the times I had when he wrapped me up in a hot, bone-melting kiss.

  We’d chatted easily on the ride over to the marina. We were friends, and I was glad kissing him, as life-altering as it was, hadn’t changed that. We still could talk and tease each other.

  “I can’t believe you pulled all of this off.” This was beyond anything I could have imagined. “Seriously, how did you do it?”

  “You shouldn’t underestimate me. I have serious skills, you know.” Jackson offered me a glass before pouring himself one.

  “I have never underestimated your skills.” I waggled my brows, causing him to chuckle. “But this is taking them to a whole new level.”

  “You do know this puts the expectations way up high for next time, right?”

  “Why, Jane.“ He leaned in, and my nose filled with the scent of bergamot and sandalwood. His flirty tone reminded me of all the times we were kids, but the look he gave me now wasn’t anything like back then. His gaze was fixed on me. It thrilled and scared me.

  “Who ever mentioned I would be taking you out a second time?”

  And with that, the goofball I loved and adored was back. Loved? Did I think the L-word? I guess I’d always loved Jackson. He’d been my best friend for so long—apart from Sarah, that is. But looking into his eyes now, my feelings went way beyond best friends.

  I swatted him playfully, regaining my composure, and decided to take him down a notch or two. It was, after all, my given task to keep Jackson on his toes. “True. After tonight, I might not want to go out with you again.”

  “There’s my feisty Jane.” His face warmed as he got settled in the seat next to me, his drink clutched in his hand.

  “To second chances.” Jackson held his flute to mine, waiting for me to return his toast. My glass touched his, but our eyes stayed glued to each other’s. Unspoken promises hung between us.

  The boat left the harbor, and as we watched the stunning Hudson Highlands, we dug into the food laid out for us.

  Dinner was exquisite. The captain hadn’t exaggerated when he claimed to have some of New York’s finest cuisine aboard.

  “Do you want to stretch your legs, take in more of the sights, before dessert?” Jackson asked.

  “That would be great. I don’t think I could eat anymore just yet, even if I tried. That was unbelievable.”

  Jackson held out his hand and helped me up. It felt good to stand up and take in the beautiful sights of the New York area. The sun was setting on the river, casting the sky in a mixed palette of fiery oranges, pinks, purples, and dark blues. The few clouds added extra character to the artistic display in front of us.

  “It’s so beautiful,” I breathed out, almost afraid to break the peace. The only sounds were the water lapping against the hull and the purr of the engine.

  “It really is.” Jackson stared at me, all the joking from earlier gone.

  “You have got to stop doing that.” I chuckled. “It freaks me out.”

  “Jane.” His voice held that deep huskiness I loved. He stepped up to me. He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his hand lingering on my cheek. “So beautiful.” His eyes bored into mine. “I can’t believe how lucky I am to be here tonight with you.”

  “I’m the lucky one,” I answered. “All this trouble, for me.” I fought to form a proper sentence, to adequately convey how amazed I was with all the effort and thought he put into tonight.

  “Well, after being a punk, I thought I’d do things right finally.”

  That made me smile. I didn’t put up any fight when he kissed me. If anything, I wanted him to touch me more. I ached for contact between us.

  “All of this.” I lay my hand on his chest, feeling his strong, steady heartbeat. “It kind of scares me.”

  “I understand,” he said, not giving me much to go on. Still, there was a lot more to be said.

  “I’ve been alone so long.” I tried to voice my concerns, the thoughts that ran through my mind since I bumped into him in Sarah’s office a couple of weeks ago. “I’ve never dated anyone after David. I didn’t think I could.” I spoke words I hadn’t shared out loud before, other than with Sarah or my mom. I knew I was damaged. But lately, I longed not to be.

  “And now?” he questioned.

  “Now I want to try.” I saw hope reflected in his eyes.

  “Jane, I want that, too. But I don’t want to push you. I’ve had my heart broken before.” He swallowed, as if he was fighting off bitter memories. “That nearly killed me. I don’t think I could go into this if you weren’t sure.” He held my face, waiting for me to digest his words. “What I mean is, I’m in, if you are. But when I mean in, I mean all the way. I don�
��t do things halfway. What do you say, Jane? Are you in?”

  His words hit me like a lightning bolt. Jackson Wright, the love of my teenage life, was offering me all I ever wanted as a lovesick teenager, and waiting for me to accept. Could I trust him to not break my heart and go for it?

  “Yes.” I exhaled, knowing I’d already given him my heart. Before I knew what hit me, Jackson’s lips were on mine in a hungry attack. I felt all he didn’t say. He pulled me to him, each part of me touching him. My hand threaded through his hair, the sensitive skin from my healed cut more attuned to the touch of it against my skin.

  His hands explored, one on my lower back gripping me close to him, while the other softly massaged my neck where my hairline started.

  “We are so doing this,” he exclaimed, pulling back and laughing with lights in his eyes.

  “I do believe we are.”

  Twelve Years Earlier

  Over My Head – The Fray

  JACKSON

  Christmas break was finally here, and I couldn’t wait to head back to Bellebrook. Fall finals were deathly.

  I was glad to have two weeks off. I had to miss Halloween and Thanksgiving and stay on in Boston to work on ongoing projects. It had been a while since I’d been back.

  Driving up to the house, I noticed Mom’s car in the driveway. I decided to park the car on the road and sneak into the house. As I crept in through the back door, I spotted Mom in the kitchen. The mouthwatering smells of her cooking made my stomach growl. Man, I’d missed home.

  I carefully tiptoed inside and slid my arms around her, bursting out with a “Hiya, Mom.” Her response was epic. She shrieked at the top of her lungs and turned around to see who was standing there.

  “Oh, Jacks, you’re home!” she howled. “Oh my goodness, you scared the living daylights out of me. Come give me a proper hug.”

  I wrapped my arms around her, resting my chin on her head and soaking up her warmth. Being away from home so long made me miss her hugs. No one hugged like Mom.