by Nella Tyler
I was content in the fact that I had finally, totally, blissfully, and undeniably fallen in love.
Chapter 37
Tim
The following morning, I woke up with a strong sense of belonging that I had never actually thought existed.
Before I even opened my eyes, I knew that Jenna’s head was lying comfortably on my chest. My arm was still wrapped around her, pulling her still naked body close to mine.
When I opened my eyes, I couldn’t help but beam at the glorious sight that lay before me. Her hair surrounding her and her eyes lightly closed, I was sure that I had never seen her look more beautiful than she did now, in this moment. Her lips were full and luscious, her skin was perfect, and the tiny sprinkling of perfectly formed freckles added character to her already wondrously sculpted features.
Taking in the sight of her now, I was certain that I loved her and that no one could ever take her place in my life. Having slept extremely well and with a fuller heart, rejuvenated with renewed passion, I still had no doubt that I had made the right decision.
I wanted to kiss her, but I didn’t want to disturb her, so I simply watched her sleep until her head shook slightly, her lips curled upward, and her eyes fluttered open.
“Good morning,” I whispered, reaching down to kiss her on the cheek.
“Good morning,” she answered sleepily, trying to ward off a yawn.
“Are you hungry? I’ll go make breakfast.” My stomach was growling unmercifully, so I hoped that she was okay with eating after first waking up because I certainly wouldn’t be waiting for her.
“Sure…” she answered before nestling her head back into the pillow and covering herself with the blanket. “I’ll be right here if you need me.”
I walked into the kitchen and made coffee before rummaging through her refrigerator and cabinets. Eventually, I laughed to myself, realizing that the only edible, even remotely complete breakfast food she had was cereal. So, I poured both of us a coffee in the two mugs I could find and a Tupperware bowl filled with cereal.
“Breakfast is served!” I called sarcastically as I brought the cereal in on something that kind of resembled a platter.
Instantly, she sunk into the comforter. “I like my cereal…” Jenna’s shoulders shrugged as though making an excuse for her lack of a balanced breakfast, “What can I say? I’m a kid at heart.”
“No. Your kitchen is not a kid’s kitchen. Your kitchen is strictly bachelor.”
“At least you didn’t say old maid,” she replied as I handed her a mug and a Tupperware bowl.
“You’re not old and you’re certainly not anyone’s maid,” I answered. “But your kitchen could use a few eggs, a bowl or two, and maybe another mug.”
“Why? I have two. I never have more than two coffee drinkers in the house?”
“You sound like Hayden. Please, stop,” I teased, rolling my eyes.
She giggled and playfully nudged me as I sat down on the bed next to her. “Let me guess, while you sit here with your sugary jumpstart to the morning, you watch cartoon reruns and relive your childhood.”
“That’s not…entirely true. First of all, I eat in the living room, on the couch, not usually in my bed, and I watch reruns of an old television show, not cartoons.” She ducked behind her cereal as I shot her a jeering look. “I think of it as a routine.”
“Call it what you like. If I’m going to be staying here, we need more than a shot of sugar and caffeine in the morning.”
“Whatever.” She rolled her eyes. “Trying to change me already?”
“Never,” I retorted, gazing at her with amorous intent.
I thought about grabbing her breakfast and taking her again but with a look up at the time, I realized I needed to call the office. They would probably be wondering where I was.
“I’m sorry, love. I have a call to make. I’ll be back a little later.”
At first, Jenna pouted, sticking her lip out invitingly, but after looking at the time, she too realized that she had to be somewhere. “Oh God! Yeah! I have to go to work. Hopefully, I can have my job back.”
My heart sank at that comment. I hadn’t had a chance to think about that. However, I was fairly certain that she would be all right, so I decided to boost her confidence. “I’m sure everything will be fine, Jenna.”
After flashing an appreciative grin in my direction, she scooted out of bed and headed for the shower. When she left for work, I went to the coffee shop, set up my equipment, and initiated a conference call.
Jenna had offered to let me use her place to work but I was never one for eating where I shit. I liked to have my own space, away from work that allowed me to relax.
My father’s house didn’t matter. I was always stressed there but at Jenna’s, there was a calm and serenity to it, a perfection that I didn’t want to taint.
Plus, I didn’t want to hear shit from Donovan and Carly about me calling them from a different location. I could imagine they already weren’t going to be happy that I had not returned.
Donovan and Carly answered the call almost right away. “Are you okay?” Carly demanded, sounding angry that I had not gotten back to the office.
“Yes. I’m fine,” I replied.
“You were supposed to be back by now, right?” Donovan asked. “I mean, we’re not crazy, right?”
“No. You’re not crazy, but I’m staying here. It turns out, I’m needed more in North Carolina.”
“Is your father okay?” Carly inquired.
“Yes, he’s fine. Thankfully, he’s recovering well, but while I was here, I did a lot of…I don’t know? Soul-searching? Anyway, I think I’m finally ready to stay home for good.”
“You met a girl, didn’t you?” Donovan teased.
“Yes, actually. I did,” I replied, finally comfortable with being personal with them. This incited a squeal from Carly and a congratulation from Donovan.
“I knew it. Didn’t I tell you?” Donovan answered, speaking to Carly, who ignored him. After answering a few questions about what is now going to be my new life, everyone got quiet and I knew what was coming next.
Finally, Donovan broke the silence. “So, what’s going to happen to the company?”
“Well, that’s up to you,” I told him. “I would love to give you the chance to showcase your management skills and eventually take over. For now, I will check in to make sure things are running smoothly and work on a few projects, but for the most part, the company will be under your control.”
“Are you serious?” He sounded shocked.
“Of course. Do you think you can handle that?”
“Yes! Absolutely!” he insisted.
“Good. And, Carly, he’s going to need your help. You know how things run and how to put out most fires. If there is a problem, I will always be available, but if one of you can fix it, be my guest.”
“Yes, Tim. I understand,” she replied before her voice lowered. “You seem happy and that’s great!”
“Thank you.”
“Yeah, dude! I want an invite to the wedding!” Donovan exclaimed, and I rolled my eyes.
“You’re getting way ahead of yourself,” I insisted and ended the call before they had a chance to respond.
Once I was sure the call had disconnected, I ordered another coffee, took off my headphones, and looked out the window. The start of my new life is pretty damn great! I decided as I sipped my steaming coffee. For the first time in my entire life, I found enjoyment in what most would consider a simple pleasure.
Chapter 38
Jenna
By the time I arrived at work, the confidence that Tim had incited in me had changed into fear and nervousness. I swallowed hard as I walked into the break room, trying to gather all the strength I could muster to have this conversation, hoping it wasn’t the end of my career.
“Hi, Ray…” I said sheepishly, seeing Dr. Pierce, sitting in his normal spot, drinking his coffee.
“Hi, Jenna,” he replied, looking surpri
sed but happy to see me. “I thought you were going—”
“To California. Yeah. So did I.”
His eyes grew wide and he looked sympathetic. “What happened?”
“Oh, no. It’s okay. Everything worked out better…I think. I hope.” I grinned and launched into my story about how both Tim and I were willing to give up our lives for one another. Content to see that my story had a happy ending, Raymond listened patiently.
“Love is a funny thing,” Raymond concluded when I was finished. “It makes people do crazy things. Hell, made my ex-wife crazy, but that’s neither here nor there. What’s important is you’re back and you didn’t have to give up your life. Even though you didn’t mean to, I’m proud of you for coming back.” His otherwise dismal expression turned to genuine joy when he continued speaking. “I hoped you’d make the right decision, one way or another.”
“What do you mean by that? Don’t I have to petition for my job back, or something?”
“No. You never lost it. I thought this might happen, or at least something like this would bring you back here, so I waited to let anyone know you were leaving and…good thing I did because the board of directors called yesterday to offer you a full-time position, effective immediately.”
I was stunned. “Really?”
“Don’t worry about it. I know this is where you belong, and I was sure that you would figure that out before it was too late.”
Overwhelmed with excitement, I ran up to him and embraced him tightly. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” I exclaimed, unable to hide the thrilling sensation that seized me.
I felt Raymond stiffen as I hugged him. I knew he was uncomfortable with the show of affection, but he had to expect it after he had done something so wonderful. After he wriggled out of my grasp, he made it a point to let me know that it was time for me to get to work. He handed me a list full of names for my own rotation. “Dr. Barnes,” he offered kindly.
“Thank you, Dr. Pierce,” I replied and headed off to start my first day as a full-time doctor at the hospital where I had always dreamed of working.
After caring for my second patient, I happened to catch a glimpse of Dr. Pierce, observing me from outside the door. As soon as he noticed I might have seen him, he turned and walked away but before he did, I was sure that he was staring at me with pride.
I would always be his protégée and in the glimpse I got of him before he walked away, I saw the sure sign of restored passion. He looked as though his ability to help me get my dream job had breathed new life into his own work ethic. I had a feeling his bedside manner was going to improve astronomically and the knowledge that I had helped restore that in him awarded me a feeling of great accomplishment.
After work, I went out to my car and found Tim waiting there, with a huge grin and an even bigger bouquet of flowers. “Good afternoon, Dr. Barnes!” he exclaimed.
I stopped short and turned my head. “How did you…”
“It’s a small town, Jenna; word travels fast.”
Laughing, I shook my head, ran toward him, thrust the flowers out of the way, snaked my arms around his neck, and kissed him passionately as my fingers wove through his hair. The taste of him was the perfect end to a wonderful day. My tongue traveled wildly, freely in his mouth, searching him, engulfing him completely.
It didn’t take me long to realize that I couldn’t wait to get him home. When I pulled away, my words spilled out effortlessly.
“I love you, Tim Meck.”
“Dr. Jenna Barnes, I love you, too!”
Chapter 39
Tim
The following six weeks sailed by effortlessly as my new life with Jenna fell into place. I continued to stay at my father’s house, primarily because I was trying to help my father until his casts came off.
In the last few weeks, our relationship had improved dramatically, and I was looking forward to years of a happy relationship I never thought I would have with my father. Though, living together still had its rough spots, at least I now had a key to Jenna’s so I could escape when things got too tight.
However, today was a day for celebration. My father had finally gotten his casts off and he was extremely happy. I hadn’t seen the old man run in ages – if ever – but as I barbecued hot dogs and hamburgers for a celebratory cookout, I watched him chase Kassie around the yard.
Eventually, he had to sit down, having overexerted himself, but even as everyone fussed over his heavy breathing, he continued to beam brightly. I was convinced this was the best day he’d had in a long time. Having kids around was apparently something he enjoyed. That was something I would have never thought, considering if I wasn’t his child, I would have sworn he didn’t like me, and I’d assumed that went for all children.
Apparently, I was wrong.
Once my father had calmed his breathing, Kassie grabbed his hand and pulled him back out to the yard again. She grabbed a football and called everyone out on the field. I had the excuse of cooking, which was great, but I enjoyed watching everyone “chase” Kassie around while she tried to throw the ball.
Michelle, Gavin, my father, and Jenna quickly morphed that game into Keep Away from Kassie, which was definitely not the toddler’s favorite, but was entertaining nonetheless.
By the time that game fizzled out though, we all sat down to eat. I’m not sure how, but I had actually created a pretty mean burger, which was certainly a first for me. At first, everyone was quiet as they dug into the food but eventually conversation started and before long, everyone was talking, laughing, and thoroughly enjoying themselves. I was having a wonderful time, gaining a new appreciation for a simple Sunday barbecue.
After dinner, we made s'mores and told stories, with my dad monopolizing most of the limelight. When that finally settled, Michelle and Gavin decided it was time to go.
Kassie extended her five more minutes argument for about fifteen minutes before Michelle had enough and insisted it was time to leave. So, while her mother and father said goodbye to everyone, Kassie made her own rounds, probably trying to bide more time.
Yet, when she got to my father, she jumped up and gave him a hug. As she did this, I felt Jenna place a hand on my shoulder. I looked up and pulled her around, to sit on my knee. When Kassie returned to her mother and father, after waving goodbye, my father turned back to me with a sparkle in his eye.
“You know, Tim, it’s high time you make you one of those.”
I burst out laughing, trying not to look as uncomfortable as I felt. My father chuckled at my nervousness and slapped a hand on the knee opposite of where Jenna was sitting.
“You know, I love you – both of you – and you need to do whatever makes you happy. I’m just letting you know that if you want to make your old man happy, one of those little bundles of joy would sure do the trick.”
“You sure you could handle that, Dad?” I teased.
“Oh sure. I’ll just do my granddaddy duty and load ‘em up with sugar before I bring them home.”
“Them?” Jenna clarified.
My father’s shoulders rose and fell carefully, looking seriously at Jenna. “He’s the only one I have, so, honey, you’re our last chance.”
As Jenna giggled and looked at me, I reached up and kissed her before pulling away and making sure she saw me wink.
Epilogue
Jenna
Why the hell did I agree to do this? I thought, my stomach rumbling with discontent. I drew in a deep breath, letting it out and rolling my eyes as I fidgeted with my pearl earring.
I groaned and stepped back from the mirror. I sighed, gazing at the entirety of my ensemble.
The green sparkles that cascaded down my dress split apart in two distinct places that were notably apparent. The first was the long, seductive foreplay that eased into my cleavage and the other was a singular slit that crept up my thigh, causing at least one of my emerald, high-heeled shoes to glisten in the light that flashed over it.
The dress, my French-manicured nails and
toenails, as well as the bareness at the apex of my legs, was the result of another wonderful girl’s day with Michelle and Kassie – this time, fully endorsed and even financed by Tim.
When I had gone shopping with Michelle and Kassie to find the dress I would be wearing to this benefit, they both convinced me that the green brought out my eyes. Actually, that was what Michelle had articulated.
“Damn…” Kassie had simply stated, in a low drawl.
Of course, that had incited a hissy fit from Michelle, demanding to know who she had heard that from, even though we all knew that was exactly how Gavin had reacted to Michelle a few nights before. Thinking nothing of it, Michelle had blushed and narrowed her eyes in a seductive manner toward her husband.
Yet, when Kassie proceeded to tell my sister that, her cheeks reddened for a completely different reason.
“Well, that’s something you shouldn’t say,” Michelle answered her carefully, trying not to sound contrite.
I grinned at the memory and returned my attention to the mirror, now focusing on the tall, handsome figure behind me.
Tim was far better dressed than I was, but that wasn’t anything new. Over the last year, I had gotten used to being with the prima donna, instead of owning that usually female rite of passage.
Though, never being one to adorn a dress to normal functions, it didn’t bother me that Tim was naturally the better dresser – what aggravated me is he made it seem so damn effortless!
Nonetheless, the sight of him, leaning against the doorway, cleanly shaved with a close haircut, decked out in a tuxedo and shiny shoes, made me weak at the knees. His eyes glistened as he watched me and his lip curled into a grin that made me wonder how long he was standing there.
When he noticed me watching him, having escaped the fantasy, his eyes drew up from the tantalizing V leading down my cleavage and focused on my eyes.