by L. S. Scott
“What?”
“Look away so I can wipe. It’s too weird with you watching me.”
“Fine.” He turned his head. I flushed and washed my hands.
“I do understand. You’re right and I promise to be more careful. But please don’t blame me for what happened yesterday, or today, or any other time some jerk does or says something. I promise I don’t do or say anything to give them the wrong idea.”
He wrapped his arms around me and looked at me through our reflection in the mirror. My face flushed at the sight of my nakedness.
“I don’t blame you. Get dressed and get back to that homework, I’ll cook dinner,” he whispered before spatting me playfully on my bare behind.
We sat at the dinner table together, the same as we did almost every night, discussing all the events of the day, trying to keep it light hearted and skim over the ugly parts.
“So, when will I get to meet Janna,” I asked, swirling a french fry in the ketchup on my plate.
Jaron took a drink of his Dr. Pepper before answering.
“I guess whenever you’re ready to meet her.”
His answer made me a little nervous, like I had something to be scared of.
“Why do you say it like that, should I be worried about meeting her?”
“No, I just, I haven’t really thought about it,” he answered.
Janna was all the family he had and she was obviously very important to him, so it was important to me that she be a part of our lives.
“I’m ready now,” I declared.
“Fine. I’ll call her, maybe they can come over for dinner tomorrow,” he said shrugging like it was no big deal, but there was a hint of nervousness in his voice.
“Ok then, I will clean the kitchen while you do that,” I insisted and started clearing the table.
He looked at me pensively before rising and walking onto the deck with his cell phone. From the sink I could hear his muffled voice outside the window but could only make out his words when he raised his voice a little.
“I’m not asking your permission Janna.” It was clear his sister was as happy about our relationship as my brother.
“If it happens I’ll deal with it.”
I could only imagine the warnings she was giving him about living with a seventeen year old girl. My heart started to sink, worrying that she might talk some sense into him and he decide I wasn’t worth the trouble.
“She’s not just some girl Janna. I love her, like I’ve never loved anyone.”
Tears welled. I couldn’t help it. The glass door slid open and Jaron came back inside. I tried to secretly wipe the tear off my check on my shirt sleeve.
“Why are you crying?” It was impossible to get anything by him.
“Your sister hates me,” I pouted, paying more attention than necessary to the dirty dish in my hand.
“She doesn’t hate you. She’s just worried. I’m still on probation. If I get in trouble again, I’m definitely gonna get some jail time.”
I stopped rinsing and turned my full attention to him, horrified by the thought.
“Then why are you doing this,” I asked dramatically, my brow crinkled in utter confusion.
“Why am I doing what?” He held his hands out to punctuate his question.
“Being with me? Why risk so much?”
His head tilted to the side and he slowly sidled over to me. He cupped my face in his hands and shook his head slowly as he gazed lovingly down at me.
“Because, I love you Natalie Mills and I will lay it all on the line, just to have you.”
“You should have turned that truck around and took me back to Tiffany’s that first night.” My voice started to become shrill and loud.
“It was too late Natalie, I wanted you, the minute I saw you. Why are you freaking out so bad?”
“Because I don’t want to be the reason something bad happens to you Jaron. I couldn’t live with myself.”
“Nothing bad is going to happen. Just trust me. Janna and Greg will be here Saturday at 4:00.” I grimaced at the thought of his sister’s scrutiny.
“What? It’s what you wanted,” he pointed out.
“I know. I’m just nervous now.”
“Don’t be nervous. She doesn’t hate you. Now, you wanna talk about hate, Jake HATES me,” he joked.
“Yes, he does. But that’s different.”
“How is it different?”
“Well, how would you feel about the person who took your seventeen year old baby sister’s virginity, regardless of their age?”
He nodded thoughtfully, “Good point. Go finish your homework before it gets too late, I’ll finish dishes.”
He always had a way of ending conversations when he was ready for them to end, but I did have work to do so I conceded.
By noon on Saturday, I was nothing but a bundle of nerves. I had been cleaning and scrubbing things all day. Things that really didn’t need to be scrubbed because Jaron kept the house as clean as his grandmother always had. With Jaron gone to the store to pick up some last minute items, I took a quick shower, then stood staring at my closet, stressing over what to wear. I was walking through the house in my bra and panties to the laundry, when the front door opened and Jaron came in with several grocery bags. I peeked around the corner as he entered the kitchen and set the bags on the counter.
“Mmmm, look at you,” he said, sliding his hands around my waist, slyly slipping his fingers under the top of my panties.
“Behave Jaron,” I said, slapping his hand. “I have to get ready.”
“It’s only 2:30, you have plenty of time,” he mumbled into the nape of my neck, his hands still roaming. “Besides, you look good in anything and it’s only my sister.”
“Please Jaron, stop. I’m too nervous,” I insisted, trying half-heartedly to push his hands away.
I could already feel his swollen zipper pressing into me rear end so I knew it was hopeless to protest. He wasted no time getting under my panties, his skilled hands working my tender flesh into a wet, swollen bud, quickly sending me over the edge. I shivered under his touch as I climaxed, standing in front of the washing machine. He jerked my panties to the floor and laid me on the soft rug in front of the sink. We feverishly kissed and groped at each other, totally unaware of the footsteps on the porch. The front door opened and both our heads jerked around, with a clear view of Janna and Greg coming through the door. Jaron jumped up quickly pulling me up with him, shielding me from view as I disappeared to hide behind the large fireplace.
“Jesus Janna! You could knock!” Jaron scolded, red faced as he buttoned and zipped his jeans. I could have cried from embarrassment.
“Sorry! I didn’t, um…” She stuttered.
“Could you go back outside, so Natalie can go to the bedroom,” he asked approaching his sister and brother in law at the entry way.
They turned and walked out together and I fled to the bedroom. As I walked through I could hear Janna chuckle softly at our expense. I couldn’t help thinking it must run in the family.
Jaron responded umamused, “You’re early! Glad you think it’s so freaking funny.”
At least forty-five minutes past before Jaron walked through the bedroom door to find me hugging my knees and burying my face in the chair in the corner.
“What are you doing?” he quizzed from the door.
“Shut the door,” I whined.
He closed the door and kneeled in front of me, pulling my feet to the floor. I wrapped my legs around his waist as he leaned forward to kiss me.
“Why aren’t you dressed?”
“I can’t go out there Jaron. I’m too embarrassed.”
“We live together. I promise you she already knew we were having sex.”
My face burned crimson. “That’s not the same as seeing me butt naked on the kitchen floor.” Tears welled in my eyes. “God, what a first impression,” I grimaced.
“Baby, the only impression she has right now, is that I am leading an
innocent young girl down the wrong path.” He smiled wolfishly trying to ease my distress. “No crying.” He kissed me chastely and jumped up picking out his favorite short set. Mid-thigh, dark denim shorts and a corral tank with soft ruffles at the shoulders. He slipped the shirt over my head and the shorts half way up my legs, I couldn’t take my eyes off him as he dressed me. “Stand up.” I obeyed and let him pull my shorts around my waist, button and zip them. He turned me to face the mirror standing behind me he said, “See, you look perfect. You don’t even have to wear shoes if you don’t want to. Now come to the kitchen and make the cheese dip while I grill some burgers.”
With my hand in his, I nervously walked down the hall to meet his only family. Janna and Greg sat at the bar talking and looking at each other like two people very much in love. When we entered, they both gave us a warm smile that put me at ease.
“Janna, Greg, this is Natalie,” Jaron unsuccessfully tried not to grin as he introduced me. “Natalie this is Janna and Greg.”
“It’s nice to meet you Natalie,” Janna replied as Greg nodded agreeably.
I cleared the lump from my throat, “It’s nice to meet you too.”
Jaron pulled away from my hand that was clutching his tightly and turned his attention to the raw ground beef ready to go on the grill.
“Natalie, cheese dip,” he reminded.
I was grateful for the distraction and immediately began cutting the Velveeta and opening the Rotel. Jaron didn’t trust me with much of the cooking, but I had proven myself to be an expert cheese dip maker. The two guys grabbed a beer and headed out to the deck to stand around the grill, leaving me alone in the kitchen with Janna.
“I’m sorry we barged in on you like that,” she said, watching me from the bar stool. I grimaced.
“No, I’m sorry. We shouldn’t have been,” my words trailed off as I fought back the lump forming in my throat.
“It’s ok sweetie. Just forget about it. So, you and Jaron, it’s pretty serious?”
“You don’t beat around the bush huh?”
“I have a feeling he doesn’t leave your side very often. I don’t know when I will get another chance to talk to you alone. I love my baby brother very much, but he’s,” she paused, “difficult. I’m not sure a seventeen year old girl can handle him.” Her assessment of me stung a little, even though it was true.
“You don’t want us together,” I stated flatly.
“I don’t want anyone to get hurt. I can see why he doesn’t think of you as a kid, but your looks don’t change the fact that you are. I just want you to understand the risk he’s taking to be with you. You can’t run crying to your friends or anybody, every time you two have a problem. It’s not fair, I know, but….”
I cut her off. “I understand. I knew he was difficult when I made my decision to stay and I’m pretty sure it’s too late to turn back now.”
The door slid open and I diverted my attention to Jaron as he poked his head inside. He immediately recognized my forced smile and discomfort.
“You better not be talking about me Janna,” he said gruffly.
“The world does not revolve around you Jaron.”
“Whatever,” he snapped. “Will you hand me a plate baby?” I pulled a plate from the cabinet and delivered it to him at the door.
“You okay?” he asked. I nodded silently.
“She’s fine. I don’t bite,” Janna answered without turning around to look at us.
“Greg disagrees,” Jaron teased. I could hear Greg laugh quietly from the deck and I was grateful for the lighter mood.
“I love you,” he whispered and winked.
“I love you too.”
Jaron returned to the sizzling grill. I closed the door behind him and returned to fixing the cheese dip, as if stirring melting cheese and putting it back in the microwave was the most important task I had ever undertaken.
“I’m glad to see him happy. I just worry, that’s all.”
“I know. Jake’s the same way.”
“Jake? That’s your brother, right?”
“Yeah.”
“And what about your mom,” she pried.
“Oh, my moving out had more to do with her boyfriend than mine. But she wasn’t happy about it. I haven’t talked to her in a few days.”
Janna just nodded thoughtfully as she listened. The back door slid open before she could respond.
“Yall wanna eat outside or inside,” Jaron asked. I noticed how light hearted he seemed, it was a mood I didn’t see very often.
“Are the mosquitos bad?” Janna asked.
“No, not really.”
“Outside,” she answered.
“Alright. Yall bring the dip and fixins out.”
“Yes sir,” I answered, glad to end my alone time with Janna and be back by his side.
The evening was nice. The weather was mild and perfect for outside dining. Jaron truly enjoyed Janna and Greg’s company. He was relaxed and open, he obviously trusted and cared for them both very much and I was amazed they could find so much to talk about while avoiding the topic of his occupation and his underage girlfriend, but they managed. I just listened quietly, trying to get to know them both and maybe find out a few things about Jaron in the process.
I learned that Greg is an avid golfer, no surprise, and seriously considering the district attorney’s position after working as assistant D.A. for several years. Janna, also no surprise, was a counselor working with abuse victims and volunteering a lot of her time at the women’s shelter. She was used to talking to people about tough topics. That explained why she so easily and bluntly voiced her concerns to me in the first ten minutes of our meeting.
Janna was gorgeous, the same as Jaron, coal black hair, piercing blue eyes and bronze skin. They were kind of Spartan-like, superior and strong. Greg was preppy, but cute. His hair was neatly combed to the side and his light blue polo was tucked into his khaki cargo shorts. His complete love and dedication to Janna was clear and seemed to extend to Jaron in a brotherly way. Maybe it was their common affection and devotion to her and what they had all been through together that made their bond so strong.
It was after nine when the pair insisted they had to go and we walked them to the door. Jaron and Greg shook hands and leaned in for a brotherly hug and Janna shocked me when she wrapped me in her arms.
“You call me anytime if you need anything, okay?” she said quietly in my ear.
She pulled away. Holding me at arms-length she smiled sweetly, “It was nice to meet you finally. I hope we can get together again soon.
“Yeah, me too,” I agreed, still digesting the secretive nature of the message she whispered in my ear.
“I love ya sis,” Jaron said, reaching for her and hugging her tight.
“Love you too, thanks for dinner. You two can resume, normal, activities now,” she teased, causing both of us to blush.
Jaron shook his head slowly, “Couldn’t resist, could you?”
Greg put his arm around Janna’s shoulder smiling, “Come on dear, don’t kick the bear,” he teased, pulling her gently out the door.
“So, not too painful, huh?”
“No,” he recognized my tone and short answer mode right away.
“What? She didn’t say anything mean did she; she can be a little blunt.”
“No.”
“Are you sure? You would tell me if she hurt your feelings?”
“She didn’t. I promise. She loves you a lot and is concerned about you. That’s all.”
“Just because she’s my sister doesn’t mean she gets to say shit…”
“Jaron, she didn’t. She was very nice. Nicer than Jake was to you.”
“I can handle Jake,” he said gruffly cocking one eyebrow.
I was growing tired of the conversation and knew a surefire way to change the subject.
“Soooo, normal activities.” I said, moving across the room slowly and stopping at the hallway to the bedroom.
I turned to face him a
s I unbuttoned the skin tight denim shorts and pulled the corners down to reveal the lace underneath. I ran playfully to the bedroom when he moved toward me. Catching me in his arms, he covered my lips with his as he closed the door behind us.
Chapter Seven
I stood at the sink washing dishes after dinner while Jaron paced on the deck talking rather animatedly on his phone. My cell began to vibrate on the bar, it was Janna. I dried my hands quickly and answered nervously, unsure of why she would be calling me. It had been three weeks since our little family cook out, and our first meeting and we hadn’t spoken since.
“Hello,” I answered timidly.
“Hello dear. How are you?” she asked sincerely. Her kind tone helped ease my nerves.
“I’m good, how are you?”
“I’m good. I’ve been trying to get a hold of baby brother to wish him happy birthday, but he’s not answering his phone. Is he around?”
My jaw clenched. His birthday! I had no idea.
“Yeah, he’s been on the phone for a while now. That’s probably why he’s not answering. So, when’s his birthday?”
“Today. Let me guess, he didn’t tell you?”
“No, he didn’t,” I said, staring agitatedly at the birthday boy through the kitchen window.
Janna chuckled, “I’m not surprised, he doesn’t like to make a big deal of it and he doesn’t do birthday parties, not for his self anyway. He has bad memories. I’m sure he’ll tell you about it someday. Well, just tell him I called okay? And that I said happy birthday and I love him. He can call back if he wants.”
“Okay, I will definitely say something to him.”
“Take it easy on him sweetie,” she said jokingly.
“Okay, bye.”
I snapped my phone shut and resisted the urge to walk outside and punch him in the arm for not telling me his birthday was coming up. Finally, almost thirty minutes later, he ended his phone conversation and came in the back door.
“Jaron Allen Blake!” I barked, frowning, one hand on my hip.
He stopped just a step inside and looked at me with raised brows. After assessing my demeanor he grinned amusedly and copied my stance, placing a hand on his hip.
“Natalie Renae Mills,” he mocked.