by Amber Lynn
“Really? A friend?”
Seeing the scrutiny on her mother’s face wasn’t necessary to know it was there. The only way the moment could’ve been worse was if Hope’s father joined the party. Thankfully, he’d gone home around nine after the morning rush.
“That’s right. I’m recently divorced, so it’s a little difficult for me to ask for anything more than friendship right now.”
Jason’s words seemed to indicate friendship could be a temporary classification. Hope didn’t need the added confusion as she tried to read beyond the basic words coming out of his mouth. Before she could move the conversation on, her mother piped in with another question.
“How recent?”
Knowing how private Jason liked to be, and surprised he brought up the divorce to begin with, Hope wanted to jump in and try to keep the personal questions in check. Jason had other ideas.
“I signed the papers about two weeks ago. It’s been something in the works for months, though.”
“Jason doesn’t like talking about his ex, so why don’t we get back to the game tonight and your lack of a television.”
“And your lack of somewhere comfortable to sit,” Jason added, keeping the smile that hadn’t left his face in place.
It was hard to believe it hadn’t faltered during the subject of his divorce. Even though they were talking more at the bar, Hope was careful not to dive into anything she thought would make him uncomfortable. After he’d brought up the divorce and told her a little more about what had happened, Hope had clicked on a couple of the stories she found online to see what kind of idiot had cheated on Jason.
What she found made her queasy, so she could only imagine what Jason thought of when people tried to get him to talk about the woman he’d been married to. Kate had done everything she could to run Jason’s name through the mud in her quest to get him to sign the papers quicker. If Hope ever ran into the woman, someone was leaving the confrontation with a black eye, and it wasn’t going to be Hope.
“Yes, we’ve already established I’m going to eventually need to get a new couch, but what does that have to do with you watching the game tonight?”
“Well,” Jason said as he leaned in closer. “We’ve already hung out in my apartment, so I was thinking maybe we could watch the game at yours. But, we need to go shopping to make sure your couch doesn’t prematurely end my career.”
Hope lifted one of her hands to cover her mouth as she laughed. He’d never seen the couch, but Hope did her best to sell it as the worst couch in the world when he asked why she wanted to get a new one. She hadn’t thought about it doing permanent damage to anyone before, but she could see how it could be an issue to anyone who didn’t care for a spine realignment.
“You want to go shopping for a couch with my daughter?”
The surprise in Marie’s voice left Hope feeling a little unsettled. She couldn’t tell what emotion was beneath the surprise. She hoped it wasn’t the disbelief she instantly felt.
“I offered my services last week, but we didn’t set a date. I figure since you don’t work tonight, we can hopefully find something you like and someone to deliver it.”
Before Marie could add any more doubt in Hope’s mind, she turned to her mother. The quizzical look she saw didn’t help matters. Hope was just as confused, but she knew her problems lied in trying to figure out how to be friends with a man who looked like a god. Her mother was undoubtedly questioning something similar, but it more than likely was a little closer to how in the world someone who looked like a god was giving her daughter the time of day.
That was a little harsh, since Marie had always been supportive of her kids. Hope couldn’t help but feel the question was on everyone’s mind in the bakery. After seeing pictures of Kate, she wasn’t sure if his type was supermodels, but his ex-wife looked like she could be one. As Jason had already pointed out to her, Hope was more of a girl-next-door, which seemed like a million miles away from any runway.
“Can I talk to you in the kitchen for a second?”
Marie looked like she was going to resist Hope’s request, but she nodded her head and let Hope lead her out of the room. Both of them looked behind them as they walked the six feet to get to the door that separated the front of the building from where all the magic happened.
“I’ll be right back,” Hope insisted.
The kitchen was still warm, even though the ovens had been off for at least an hour. Hope was used to the smell of dough that followed her home every day. Some people raved about how amazing it must be to work where the smell was around all the time, but there were times it turned her stomach.
“What do you know about that man, Hope?”
They were away from easy hearing range, but Marie still whispered the question like there was a chance Jason could hear them. As far as Hope knew, he didn’t have bionic hearing, so her response was spoken in her usual voice.
“He assures me he’s never been the lead suspect in any murder investigations.”
Hope knew it wasn’t the right thing to lead with, but she was feeling slightly delirious. Jason had the ability to do that on his own, having to deal with her mother’s reaction to him made things a little worse.
“And you’ve fact-checked that information? I know you’re twenty-three and able to make decisions for yourself, but there’s something about that man that makes me uneasy.”
“Is it his innocent dimples or his dreamy chocolate eyes that have you worried?”
“No,” Marie said, shaking her head. “It’s the fact that he claims you’re just friends and you’re noticing those features. I’m not saying someone like him can’t just be friends with a woman, but I’m worried you’re in for some heartbreak if you put too much trust in him. He’s too experienced in the ways of the world.”
Marie left off adding the fact that Hope had little of the experience she was talking about. Hope could play a pretty good game after watching people in the bakery and the bar, but when it came to relationships, she had the guy who’d barely had enough courage to ask her to prom as the only person who counted as a boyfriend.
Their whirlwind romance lasted a whole hour until Hope got tired of the dance and decided to go home. There was one awkward kiss between them and their epic love affair was over.
“Be that as it may, I think I’ll take him up on his offer of shopping assistance. Can you close up without me?”
Hope was going to insist she be allowed to stop at her apartment so she could change into something other than the clothes she’d thrown on that morning for work. The jeans had been in a pile on the floor and her shirt was covered with flour and icing. She hoped he’d be willing to change out of the suit, because she didn’t have anything that could stand up to its fanciness.
“How long have you known him?”
“Long enough, Mom. Can you close or not? I’m sure he’d wait around, but if I’m really getting a new couch today, I’m running out of daylight.”
It was going to be at least eleven before they made it to any store and if something was going to replace a couch that had been in her family for decades, Hope was going to make sure it was perfect. Jason didn’t realize what he was signing up for with his offer, but Hope was going to see how committed he was about their friendship.
“I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“I’ve done my research, so I know what I’m getting into. Jason, on the other hand, is going to learn how miserable shopping with me can be.”
Marie sighed, sounding a little defeated. “I’ll close up, and then head home to wait by the phone in case you call for help.”
Hope shook her head as she wrapped her arms around her mother. Hope was the only one in her family who didn’t have some sort of significant other. Her sister was already married and her brother had been with the same girlfriend for three years. It was only a matter of time before she was the only one of them not married.
She’d never felt pressured to find someone, and honest
ly hadn’t connected with anyone she thought she could fold into her family. Hope was doing her best to not think of Jason in any of those terms, but she didn’t kid herself into thinking that would last long.
Letting go of her mom, she kissed her on the cheek, untied her apron and threw it on a table next to the door she skipped out of to get back to Jason. She usually went to sleep after work at the bakery, but she thought she had enough energy to make it through an hour or so of shopping before a nap.
Jason looked glad to see her return. He’d moved over to the left of the counter, where Hope had to walk to in order to get out into the dining area.
“Everything good back there?” he asked as he reached over to grab her hand as he led her to the door.
The instant heat she felt flowing into her body caused her breath to catch. They hadn’t ventured into physical touch that lasted more than a second, and Hope had to question how often “friends” went around holding hands.
“She’ll be fine. I tried to assure her I’ve never seen you covered in blood, but I don’t think she bought it.”
“Well, I’ll make sure to get you home safe to help ease any future fears she might have.” Jason squeezed Hope’s hand before stopping in front of a black sports car. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going to get out of this monkey suit before we go.”
Hope was staring at the car, wondering if he’d just randomly stopped or if it was his. She didn’t know much about cars, and in fact didn’t have one of her own because everything she needed was within walking distance. Seeing Jason point a key fob at the car and the lights coming to life answered any questions about the car’s ownership.
“I’m pretty sure eventually I’ll want to sit on one of the couches we’re looking at and I don’t think I want to deal with a salesperson’s meltdown if they get a look at my shirt up close.”
Jason laughed, as he opened the passenger door for Hope. They were about five blocks from their apartment, so she wasn’t sure why he was bothering with the car. Depending on where the furniture store was, the car would come in handy, but as Hope had already pointed out, she wasn’t exactly in any shape to sit on anything nice. The new car smell that wafted out of the car mixed with a strong smell of leather led her to believe the car seats qualified in the nice category.
Hope looked down at her clothes and then up at Jason with a raised eyebrow. She’d already mentioned her condition, so she didn’t reiterate her words.
“I’m not afraid of a little icing. Let’s get this trip out of the way so you can take a nap before the game. I’m providing the appetizers and beverages if you have the TV and couch.”
Jason let go of her hand and nudged her into the car. Hope didn’t say anything as she worked on figuring out who in the world had taken over her life. She may have led her mom to believe everything was kosher with Jason, but she was starting to think he really didn’t have any clue what the definition of friend was.
Chapter Seven
“So there’s not going to be any fighting?” Hope asked from her spot sitting between Jason’s legs.
The game was almost over and as most All-Star Games were, it’d been a game of goals rather than hitting. Along with the new navy microfiber sofa they were sitting on, Hope had picked up an oak coffee table to fill in her living room a bit more. Jason reached over and grabbed a strawberry from the fruit tray he’d brought to give them some healthy options amongst the bowls of chips and a cheese platter.
Instead of putting the strawberry in his own mouth, he hovered it in front of Hope’s to see if she wanted a bite. She looked up at him as best she could from where her head rested on his chest. He knew she was unsure about how things were going, but he had spent a week thinking about things and was deliberating adding a new level to their friendship.
She didn’t seem to shy away from his touch, which was a good first sign. She even took a nibble of the strawberry he offered after the initial skepticism. Before he answered the question about fighting, he sunk his own teeth into the strawberry and let the sweetness explode into his mouth.
“Don’t tell me you’re one of those fans who only watch because they think a fight is going to break out.”
Jason knew the statement wasn’t true. Hope had admitted she’d never watched hockey before she found out he played, but she’d been quick to point out skilled moves and call penalties that the refs missed.
“No, there are even certain games when I hope a fight doesn’t break out. That doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be nice to at least see a little physical contact going on.”
Humming, Jason rubbed his chin on the top of Hope’s head. Her hair was soft, but it still tickled a little.
“Speaking of physical contact, I wanted to talk to you about something.”
“Yeah?”
There was a little fear in the depths of the one-word response. Jason knew there was a chance he was making a big mistake bringing up the subject, but he wouldn’t know for sure unless he asked.
“I know we’re still trying to figure out exactly what this thing is, but being around you has reminded me that I haven’t had sex in over a year.”
Hope was silent as he spoke. The only noise in the room when he paused was the sound of the announcers calling the game. If Jason’s arms weren’t wrapped around Hope so he could feel her stomach move up and down, he wouldn’t have known she was still breathing.
“I’ve made it pretty clear that I’m not looking for a relationship, but I thought maybe we could expand our friendship status to include some benefits.”
Jason winced as he heard the words coming out of his mouth. He didn’t want to diminish the friendship they were trying to form, but spending time together had reminded him that he was a warm-blooded man and Hope was an attractive woman.
“You want to start sleeping together?”
It took Hope a few seconds to reply. Her voice still carried fear, but more than anything she seemed confused.
“I know I’ve said I wasn’t looking for anything at least a hundred times.”
“What about all the women in the bar who flirt with you?”
Jason had wanted to say more before she interrupted, but he was fumbling with what to say without coming off like a lecher. There was no doubt in his mind he was doing a piss poor job of it. She hadn’t jumped out of his lap, so he hoped that meant she was at least considering the suggestion.
“Do you think for a second if I slept with one of them, they’d be generous enough not to tell the first reporter who asked all the details?”
“So all this stuff about wanting to be friends, that’s just your way of trying to get in my pants?”
The hurt Jason didn’t want to hear was clear in Hope’s voice. He shook his head as he pushed her forward so she could turn to face him. There was reluctance on her part, but eventually she met his eyes. He saw the tears welling up in them and hurried to rub his thumb across her cheekbone to wipe them away, leaving his hand cradling her face.
“This is not a ploy to get in your pants. I should’ve waited until we knew each other a little better, so you’d know that. This is going to make me sound all feminine, but sex means something to me. I’m not a prude, but I don’t believe in the idea of sewing my oats. I’m twenty-six and have only slept with one woman.”
Hope let that settle for a second before replying. Her face didn’t tell him anything about how she took his words.
“I don’t understand what you’re wanting from me. You just said sex means something to you, so what exactly would it mean between us? Sure, we’ve known of each other’s existence for months, but we’ve only known each other a week.”
Asking more questions was still considered a positive in Jason’s eyes. He knew Hope wasn’t someone who’d strip off her clothes because Jason brought up the topic. He didn’t even expect that she’d jump right into things after they talked about it. That’s why he wanted to bring up the subject and see how responsive she was. Even if she said no, there could be a chance th
at after they spent more time together, she’d change that decision.
“What it would mean is up to us. If we end up doing anything you’re uncomfortable with, then we could go back to the way things are now.”
Hope scoffed and shook her head against his hand. The smile on her face seemed mocking.
“Just like that. What are you going to do when in a month, or a year, I come to you and tell you’ve I’ve fallen in love with you? And what am I going to do when you decide to give your anti-romantic hobby up and decide you’ve found the next Mrs. Miller in one of them women always trying to catch your eye? You can’t lie to yourself and claim there’s no chance either of those things will happen. Sex may mean something to you, but you have no idea what you’re asking me.”
Jason wasn’t stupid, a fact that was very much up for debate in that moment. He hadn’t expected there to be no complications with the idea. The idea of him finding someone after the debacle with Kate didn’t worry him. Hurting Hope’s feelings if things got a little more serious for her than they did him was an issue.
“Look, I know I’m asking for a lot. If you want to forget I asked, that’s fine. I just thought I’d throw the idea out there.”
Hope got up from the couch, and Jason was sure he’d be promptly shown his way out of her apartment. She didn’t move any further than the other side of the coffee table before she tapped her fingers on her hips for a second and turned around.
“The problem is you don’t know what you’re asking for. I’ve literally kissed a guy once, and I was sorely disappointed when sparks didn’t happen.”
The disclosure couldn’t be easy to admit. Jason wasn’t sure if the disappointed comment was exaggerated, but he didn’t question whether the rest of it was. And it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out if Hope wasn’t experienced in kissing, his request to be intimate was overwhelming.
“I’m sorry.”
Just saying the words wasn’t enough, but he didn’t think she’d welcome an uncomfortable hug. He should’ve waited to get to know her better. Every indication he saw was that she’d been okay with their handholding and she barely gave him an odd look when he suggested she sit between his legs to watch the forgotten hockey game.