Flashpoint: Reed Series

by M. C. Cerny

  Walking into the restaurant, they were seated in a quiet corner at a lovely wooden table with a red-and-white checked tablecloth. Fresh, steaming garlic bread with rich olive oil for dipping was brought to their table. Katie ordered the pasta and grilled veggies, while Jacob ordered the pasta and meatballs. As they waited for dinner to arrive, they made small talk, Jacob inquiring about Katie’s life prior to living in New York.

  “So what made you decide to be a big city reporter?” He looked at her. She could feel her cheeks flush so she took off her cardigan and drank a large gulp of ice water to cool off. Jacob noticed her slender shoulders and delicate collarbone. Thank God she hadn’t broken anything, he thought. Katie wore a navy jersey dress that wrapped in a V-neck and had three-quarter length sleeves. The day before, he couldn’t tell if she suffered any bad bruising from her fall and it worried him that she might be hurting.

  “Originally, I’m from Kansas City. My parents still live there and my brother lives near Baltimore. I always liked writing and journalism. In college, I started doing news reports for our televised college channel. I liked the media communication courses, and I had a professor send my tapes to a few stations my senior year. Shockingly, Channel 10 asked if I would intern for a semester. I got hired right after I graduated. It was pure luck, but I love my job.” Katie realized that she could ramble on if he let her so she tried to think as a reporter, asking him questions when the conversation allowed. “Have you always been here in the city yourself?” she asked.

  “Somewhat but, growing up, my parents had a house in upstate New York so we lived there a lot of the time, especially in the summers.” Jacob hadn’t quite thought about how he’d dodge questions from a professional like Katie Wilson, other than changing the subject. There were a number of topics he preferred to avoid for the time being, guilt assuaging him. “You seem to have bounced back from yesterday, which I’m glad about. It was good to see you on at 6 o’clock. I admit, I was relieved that you were okay enough to go on the air.” Jacob held Katie’s hand and she felt that ridiculous shyness again. She had dated other men but, somehow, Jacob made her feel giddy and like a teenager again. Ugh, raging hormones should not have been her problem, but neither the hot flashes she was feeling when she thought about Jacob like this so soon.

  “Do you watch the news a lot?” Katie resisted the urge to pull her hand back. Jacob, sensing her need for space, let go and continued the conversation lightly.

  “Not as much as I’d like to, but I do try and catch your segments. I like your presentation of the news…informative, calm, and reassuring. Your piece on the illegal puppy mills was good reporting, and helping those seniors get fair housing was great. I hope you don’t mind that I’ve been watching the news the last year or so, looking forward to seeing you. I never thought I’d actually meet you in person, though.” Katie was pretty sure that he wasn’t feeding her lines of crap like most guys would, and it felt nice to be appreciated for her work.

  “Well, thank-you, but how about you. What does Jacob Reed do in the big city?”

  He watched her head tilt slightly as she asked the question and could tell the she stuck to actual news and not the society pages or she probably would have had his full background and net worth by now. He chuckled to himself and wondered if she would think him slightly offensive because he viewed her as local celebrity. “I have a few different business holdings, and I own a software security company based here in New York.” He needed to give her as much of the truth as he possibly could. Jacob took her hand again, and rubbed his thumb slowly across her palm. If he could distract her a tad longer, it might help his cause of getting to know her better. Katie felt chills in the warmth of his hold.

  “So you’re pretty used to chasing guys into alleys?” Katie felt herself getting lost in his dark eyes. He chuckled again and recalled his last mission…running through mine-covered sand dunes trying to set up satellite communications. Sure, he was “used” to it.

  “Not exactly, but it sometimes helps. I mostly do technology security, spyware stuff, monitoring networks. You’re a pretty good runner yourself, especially in high heels. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to catch up to you and work my hero angle. You like to run?” Just then, the waiter brought their dinners out and both leaned back to allow him to put the plates on the table. Nothing like fresh hot food to put a little distance between you and the girl you’ve been dying to meet for nearly a year.

  “I run a little when I have time. Where I live in North Brooklyn, I’m a part of a running club and try to catch up with my friends when I can. I miss a lot of races for work functions, but it’s nice to have a group of people I know.”

  “Nice. You’ll have to come to Central Park and run with Hauk and me, though. After a few Frisbee throws, he wears me out.”

  “Sure, that would be fun.”

  They continued their small talk throughout dinner. Jacob genuinely liked Katie and he could feel good chemistry between them. Having to be so guarded with his kind of work and lifestyle, it was hard for him to feel comfortable with people. He felt very comfortable with her. He sensed that he could probably take things much further, but wanted to keep things light and test the waters a bit. He was treading dangerous ground as it was and, after a few of his own crazy exes, he didn’t plan on ruining this.

  They finished dinner and decided to skip dessert. Jacob thanked Katie for the excellent choice in restaurant, and insisted on making sure she got back safely. It was obvious that he had been to the restaurant before because the owner even put together a doggie bag for Hauk before they left. Since Jacob’s loft was only a few blocks away, they decided to check on him before making the trip to Brooklyn. Jacob didn’t care if Hauk decided to tag along and ruin the romantic mood with his need for belly rubs. It simply meant that he could spend more time with Katie and if Hauk made her feel more at ease, so be it.

  Katie dutifully noted his physical appearance. Trevor, having seen Jacob, would surely want to compare notes, but Katie wanted to savor the moment for herself. Although both dressed up slightly for the dinner, Jacob kept his look casual as if he’d just stepped out from the office. Black slacks fitted his athletic frame and a leather belt nipped in his waist. He wore a light blue dress shirt, which he rolled up at the sleeves, and had on the nice watch that she recalled from yesterday. She caught sight of the intricate tattoo on his left forearm again, but wasn’t sure if she should ask him about it. Tattoos had so many personal reasons attached to them and, being that he worked in the security field, she assumed the tattoo was from his military days. She was inquisitive about his life before they met, but was unsure how deep to go with her questions. After all, wasn’t this just dinner? He was interesting and easy to talk to, unlike some of her past disastrous dates that she just wanted to escape from at the end of the night.

  His face was classically handsome, but his slightly crooked nose gave the impression that he was more rugged then he let on. His dark hair was short but messy, and dark brows accentuated his chocolate eyes. He had full lips, but not in a feminine way. His shoulders were broad and muscular, but she noticed that yesterday. Katie admitted to herself that she was deeply attracted to his good looks but, after having dinner with him, she sensed gentleness and intelligence in him. On past dates, she struggled with partners who had no interest in current affairs and Katie lived in a world of constantly changing events. Jacob felt like a person that she wanted to get to know better.

  They left Verruccio’s and Jacob continued to hold Katie’s hand, much to her pleasant surprise. They continued to talk, laughing comfortably and sharing personal stories. She felt a little giddy at the contact. Jacob held the doggie bag and they continued back to his loft, taking in the evening hum of the busy city. Jacob led the way into the building and elevator which, Katie now noticed, exclusively lead up to the top floor. They exited into Jacob’s loft and Hauk greeted them, barking and wagging his tail. He immediately went over to Katie and rolled over for a belly rub.

&
nbsp; “Aww, you remember me. What a good boy you are.” Katie rubbed Hauk’s belly and Jacob tried to not be jealous. It looked like Hauk would take center stage tonight. Hauk looked at Jacob and barked as if to say “See, Dad, I always win”.

  “I’ll just put Hauk’s dinner away. He won’t need a leash since we’ll take my car. The train can be a little sketchy at this hour.” He went into the kitchen and put the meatballs in the fridge.

  While Katie continued to lavish attention on the dog, Jacob opened the freezer door to cool himself off. Down boy, he said to himself, willing his reaction to Katie to subside for the moment. He needed to be thinking clearly. Every second in her presence, and now here in his loft, potentially put them both at risk to be discovered before he was ready for it to happen. He grabbed his car keys.

  “Thank-you for driving me across the bridge. I’ve used the F train since I moved here.” Katie stood up and Hauk sat at attention near her feet. She had no idea how attractive she looked to Jacob at that moment. Hauk looked from her to Jacob, wagging his tail approvingly. If he played his cards right, maybe she would be his woman after tonight.

  “I’m happy to bring you home. I feel a little better knowing you’ll get there safely. Ready?” Jacob took her hand and led her to the elevator, taking it down to the garage. Hauk followed behind happily, darting between the couple. Getting off the elevator and walking to Jacob’s favorite car, the Jaguar XK, he opened the door and let Katie get in. Hauk jumped in the back seat and Jacob clipped him in his doggie harness. He started the car, its low rumble taking them out into the city streets. Misty rain had begun to fall and coolness seeped into the car’s interior. Katie shivered slightly and Jacob turned the heat to low. She gave him her address, which saved him from explaining how he knew which direction to go because, like an idiot, he forgot to ask her himself. The drive took twenty minutes, Jacob navigating the streets with ease. It was obvious that he knew his way around New York very well. When they arrived at her apartment, he was wishing that he had less sense of direction. However, it wouldn’t have mattered as the car had one of those high tech GPS computer screens glowing back at him with a snarky attitude.

  “So this is it, my apartment.” Katie fumbled with her small purse and keys. A small brownstone building with a bright blue door and flowered window boxes stood next to the car’s passenger door.

  “I like the neighborhood. Quiet. Safe. Do you have a patio in the back?” Jacob asked, already knowing. He had all of her neighbors looked into, also.

  “Unfortunately no. I’m on the second floor, but I love my little place.” Katie felt wary and, having barely known Jacob for 48 hours, she didn’t think it wise to rush into letting him see her apartment just yet. Besides, she knew her closet had recently been torn apart and was all over her bedroom at the moment. Trevor might approve in his quest to get Katie laid, but her mother would have a heart attack.

  “It suits you, Katie. I would have been surprised if you chose an apartment by your office, actually.” Jacob leaned towards her slightly so he could see her building better. He was close enough that he could smell her breath, which was still sweet and minty from the chocolate mint that came with the dinner check earlier.

  “Really? Initially, I did look there, but it seemed foolish to pay for an overpriced studio apartment. It’s quieter out here and I like the people. My neighbors downstairs are a nice couple.” Katie could feel her heart racing. Jacob was staring at her lips and her eyes, simultaneously. How did guys do that? She wondered. Her cheeks were feeling warm, but became even warmer when he gently cupped her right cheek.

  “I think this has become my new favorite part of the city.” Jacob slowly inched even closer and Katie felt her throat constrict as she swallowed, unconsciously licking her top lip. Katie couldn’t recall the last time she felt so tongue-tied and closed her eyes, taking in all the sensations. His male scent, the lock of stubborn hair that drifted over his forehead, and the heat of the car mixed with leather seats, misty rain, and a dog in the backseat.

  “Why…why is that, Jacob?” she stuttered, anticipating his next move. She hoped he’d make the next move soon and cease her anxiety.

  “Because, silly girl, you live here,” he whispered.

  Then he kissed her sweetly, testing the first contact of his cool lips to her lightly damped and freshly licked ones. He kissed her again, pressing his lips more firmly to hers before taking her mouth in his and gently probing to kiss her more fully. His tongue swirled in her mouth, commanding but not demanding. While Jacob wanted much more, he also didn’t want to frighten her. If she knew how protective of her he’d been in the last year, she’d have gone running from the car into traffic.

  Her body shivered as she surrendered, opening her mouth to his kiss and tentatively responding. Their tongues gently did a pirouette in a familiar rhythm and Katie felt herself becoming a part of Jacob. It was both exciting and frightening. It had been so long since she had let anyone into her life. As the warmth of his kiss singed her senses, she pulled back. Jacob took that hint to end the kiss, gently pecking her on the lips just once more.

  “I should…I should go.” Katie could barely catch her breath and Jacob leaned his forehead into hers, cupping her head gently in his hand and brushing her hair back behind her ear and neck.

  “Thank-you for a wonderful dinner, Katie. Can I see you again this week?”

  It seemed like a full second passed before Katie responded. Jacob held his breath. “Yes, I’d like that.” Katie nodded and Jacob stole a quick kiss between words.

  “Thursday?”

  “Mmm-hmm. Yes.” Katie blinked, picking up her keys from her lap. As she pulled away, Hauk barked and licked her in the face. She laughed out loud and rubbed Hauk between his ears.

  Jacob laughed and gently pushed Hauk to the back of the car. “Silly dog, you can’t have her. I kissed her first.” With that, Jacob kissed Katie quickly again and she laughed.

  “Okay, Thursday. I’m usually done by 6:45, though you might have to rescue me if anything newsworthy happens.”

  “I think I can manage that. I’ll see you then, Katie.” With slightly unsteady legs, she got out of the car and jogged up to her door, but she refused to look back at his car. Jacob watched her unlock the door and go inside. Before he drove away, he unclipped Hauk, who jumped into the front seat and put his cold nose on the window.

  “I’m going to leave you home next time. Darn mutt.” Jacob affectionately pet Hauk, who barked back.

  Katie got inside and bolted the door, then practically slid down against the inside of it. She felt like she was floating and took a deep breath. If Jacob could kiss her senseless, what else could the man do? She felt herself becoming one of those dreamy types of girls, like the ones back home in Kansas City. She wanted to call Trevor and gush all the details. Knowing Trevor, he was probably waiting for her to call. Katie checked her answering machine. Sure enough, Trevor’s number was on the caller ID, as well as another message from her therapist making her groan in annoyance. Smiling, she played both messages wondering what wild thing Trevor would say.

  “Sweetheart! Call me when you get home. I want DEE-TAILS! If not, you better get your bed head in the office early so we can chat. Starbucks is on me tomorrow and, since you’re not calling me back, I’ll assume you put out tonight!” Katie laughed and smiled.

  The message from her therapist had been less happy and more like a coercive command that she attend a session soon. She deleted that message and replayed Trevor’s to put her back in a happy mood. She had been so busy working and grieving her friend Tully’s death this past year that she didn’t have time for a relationship or connections outside of her few friends and houseplants. She would see Trevor tomorrow and decided to try and get some sleep, though her body had other ideas and was zinging with a new energy. It was Tuesday and she was bubbling over with having to wait until Thursday. She refused to put the TV on knowing she would see Trevor smirking on the eleven o’clock news.

 
JACOB DROVE AROUND THE BLOCK and waited until he saw Katie’s lights go out. Now that she was home safe, he would head back and take care of a few things, including Hauk’s late night dinner. He turned his phone back on and immediately felt it vibrate. It was a message from Nick. He would call him once he got things done at home. He drove back, uncaring of his speed, and parked his jaguar in the garage. He clicked the lock and turned around as Hauk barked in greeting. He immediately saw Eli and his happiness dimmed.

  “I was waiting for you to call, not exactly show up, Eli.” Jacob was wary seeing his brother again after their last interaction had ended so poorly.

  “It’s a little late for a drive with Hauk.” Eli leaned up against his own car before speaking again. “I thought you’d be more careful, Jacob.” The air sizzled with tension. Their last meeting had not been the greatest since Jacob had chosen to branch out more with the corporate day to day workings of their father’s company.

  “I was unaware that my time off had to be cataloged with every detail, big brother.”

  “Let’s go upstairs. We need to talk. I figured Nick would have updated you that I’m now involved in this situation. I don’t want to have to clean up your mess a second time.” Eli led the way, as he always did, and Jacob followed. Now he knew why Nick was texting him.

  “Then don’t,” he muttered to his brother’s back. He wondered when Eli would get the message that he was no longer a free agent to take off for his missions, though his security software work was always available to the team. Jacob punched the code for the elevator, and they rode up to his penthouse in silence. Hauk thumped his tail, but stayed close to Jacob, eyeing the brothers.

  As they entered the penthouse, Eli moved towards the kitchen and dropped a thick manila envelope onto the marble countertop. Puzzled, Jacob looked at Eli. They might as well have been on another mission together just like in the old days. Annoyed, Jacob ignored the envelope.