by E. M. Abel
“I was born here, so twenty-six years. How about you?”
“Well, I just moved back from college a couple years ago, but before that, I’d lived here for five years. This is actually the longest I’ve ever lived in one place.”
“Why is that?” he asked, briefly turning his eyes toward me.
“My dad is a retired Marine, so we moved a lot when I was growing up.”
Jay nodded. “Makes sense. Is that how you learned to speak Japanese?” he asked, smiling, as he watched the road.
“Oh, you heard that?” I muttered, remembering our encounter at the sushi bar. “Yeah, I lived in Japan for a while. My mom was Japanese.”
“Was?”
“She passed away when I was ten—car wreck,” I murmured, looking down at my swollen hand in my lap. I couldn’t remember the last time I had spoken about my mom out loud.
As Jay pulled to a stop at a red light, he reached out with his hand and took my left one in his, squeezing it as he gave me a sympathetic look. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. That’s life, right? We live, and then we die.” I tried making light of the situation although I could feel a tightening pain in my chest.
He brought my hand up to his lips and gently kissed it. I gave him a small smile before I turned to look out my window as I tried to think of a way to change the subject. “So, what about your parents?”
“They both still live here. My dad is about to retire, and my mom does some volunteer work, but that’s about it.”
“Any brothers or sisters?”
“Nope. I’m the only one.”
I relaxed in my seat as I glanced around Jay’s car. It was so clean, and it still had that new car smell. When my eyes landed back on him, I stared at his profile. He looked so good with the sun shining on his smooth tan skin.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked, peeking over at me.
“Nothing,” I replied quickly, feeling embarrassed that he had caught me.
“I’m not sure I believe you.” He smirked as he kept his eyes on the road.
I smiled back and watched the scenery though my window again. I admired the view as we drove along the coast. I always loved the beach.
“This is it.” He pulled his car into a parking lot facing the ocean.
Only one other car was here, and a family was sitting on the shore in front of us. A boardwalk lined the edge of the beach with a seawall separating it from the sand.
“You up for a short walk?” Jay asked, turning off the ignition.
“Sure.”
“Wait right there.”
When I stood up, I could see a small restaurant with a parking lot full of cars about a quarter mile down the boardwalk.
“Is that where we’re going?” I pointed to the two-story building.
“Yep,” he replied, grinning at me.
I had never been to that area before. It was so beautiful, and besides the sounds of the waves rolling into the sand and a few seagulls, it was surprisingly quiet. Jay took my hand, and we started walking toward the boardwalk.
“I hope you like seafood. This is my favorite restaurant. My family has been coming here for years.”
I looked up at him and smiled. “I love seafood.”
“So, what was you major in college?” he asked as we continued our stroll along the beach.
“Art.”
“Really?” He sounded surprised. “I didn’t realize you were an artist. What’s your favorite medium?”
“I paint…mostly abstracts.”
“I didn’t notice any work hanging in your apartment,” he said, giving me a curious look.
“Yeah, I’m still deciding what to put up.”
“Well, I’d love to see your work sometime.”
I gave him a small nod before I glanced down at my shoes and then back up at him. He seemed to be studying my face, trying to decipher my expression.
“You’re so mysterious, Asia. I wish I knew what you were thinking.”
“Nothing. I’m just a little self-conscious about my paintings, I guess. I don’t really show them to a lot of people.”
“Well, you don’t have to show me if you don’t want to. No pressure,” he assured me before grinning.
I could feel my body start to relax a little as we continued down the boardwalk. When we approached the restaurant, I recognized the smell of steamed crabs, and I could hear people laughing and talking inside. The place looked more like a two-story beach house than a restaurant. A set of stairs led to the front door, and as we entered, I saw an amazing view of the ocean through the big windows surrounding the tables.
“Mr. Clarke, it’s so good to see you,” the hostess greeted Jay as she approached her podium. “Would you like your usual table?”
“Sure, Sarah. That would be great.” He smiled at her and then glanced over at me.
With his hand on my lower back, Jay walked beside me as we followed Sarah through the restaurant. She led us to a back room that had two walls made entirely of glass, giving us a perfect view of the ocean and sky. The table was set for two and covered in a white cloth with a single candle in the middle.
Jay pulled out a chair for me and gave me a quick wink as I sat down. When he took his seat, he asked Sarah for a bottle of wine. She gave us our menus before leaving us alone in the room. I looked out the window beside our table, taking in all the beautiful colors lighting up the sky. It reminded me of a painting I had seen in college.
“Like it?” he asked, watching me.
“I love it. It’s beautiful.”
After perusing the menu, I decided on the salmon although I really wanted the crab legs. I didn’t want to risk making a mess on my new dress. Jay made me nervous, and I wasn’t used to feeling like that. I was usually laid-back and easygoing, but when I was around him, I found myself holding back. I was afraid of revealing too much, afraid of showing him something he wouldn’t like.
As we ate our dinner, I tried to learn more about Jay. He liked surfing, and he had a degree in business management. Two years after graduating from college, he’d bought his club, and he was planning on selling it soon to go work for his father’s company.
Our conversation flowed easily, and I found myself laughing more than I had in months. Before I knew it, the sun had set, and the moon was shining brightly above the water, its reflection moving with the waves.
After our waitress cleared our table, we sat there and finished our glasses of red wine. It was only my second time drinking wine, and to be honest, I didn’t really like it, but I wouldn’t tell him that.
Jay picked up his glass and stopped just before bringing it to his lips. “So, I feel like you know a lot about me, but I haven’t really learned anything about you.”
I twirled the stem of my wine glass in my fingers as I chewed on the inside of my cheek. “What do you want to know?”
“Well, let’s see…” Jay narrowed his eyes and examined mine for a second. “I already know you’re an artist, you like to surf, you have two brothers, and your father is a Marine—which kind of scares me, by the way.”
As he stopped and grinned at me, I noticed the flame from the small candle on our table sparkling in his blue eyes. The sight had me taking in a slow deep breath through my nose as I tried to hide the feeling of awe washing over me.
Smiling back at him, I glanced down at my hand, which was still playing with my glass. Jay’s hand moved to rest on the table between us as he leaned forward on his elbows.
“Why do I have a feeling that we’re just scratching the surface?” he asked in a low voice.
When I peered up at him, his eyes were studying mine, and I felt my heart start to beat faster. I was scared. I’d just met this guy, but in this second, I knew he had the power to hurt me. He had the power to change me and turn me into anything he wanted me to be. Because, in this moment, I was willing to be whatever he wanted.
I was afraid my voice would crack if I spoke, so I just shrugged. I knew it was lame,
but I was at a loss for words.
Jay chuckled and sat back in his seat. “Well, I guess I’ll just have to figure you out on my own then.” He smiled, flashing me his dimples, before taking the last sip of his wine.
As we were getting up from the table, a young woman approached us, grinning at Jay.
“Jason! How are you?” she exclaimed, reaching out to hug him.
She had long, straight brown hair, and she was wearing a black sundress with a pearl necklace and black heels. She was gorgeous and obviously the type of girl who never needed a makeover. Standing near her, I suddenly felt jealous and out of place, and I immediately did not like her.
“Hi, Jessica,” he muttered quickly, glancing at me before hugging her back. “I’m good. How are you?”
“I’m great. Just here visiting the family for the summer.” She turned to me and extended her hand. “Hi, I’m Jessica,” she greeted me.
“Hi.” I shook her well-manicured hand with my swollen one.
“Sorry. Asia, this is Jessica. Jessica…Asia.” Jay looked back and forth between us, seeming a little uneasy.
Jessica looked me over, stopping on the tattoo on my arm, before she turned back to Jay. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just saw you, and I had to come say hello.” Jessica smiled, showing off her sparkling white teeth.
“It’s fine. We were just heading out,” Jay replied, giving me a small grin.
“Actually, I was going to use the ladies’ room first,” I said to Jay as I reached for my purse.
“Oh, okay. It’s right down the hall to the left. Do you want me to show you?”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll just meet you outside.” I gave Jessica a polite nod before pulling the strap of my purse onto my shoulder as I headed out of the room.
I wasn’t sure why, but something seemed weird between them, and I couldn’t help but feel insecure after seeing them together. Maybe they used to date.
After using the restroom and giving myself another pep talk in the mirror, I walked toward the front door. Jay was standing outside on the deck, waiting for me, and I was happy to see he was alone.
As I stepped outside, Jay turned around, giving me his big smile. At the sight of those gorgeous dimples, my insecurity started to melt away.
He reached out his hand for me to hold. “Are you ready?”
“Yep,” I replied, taking his hand in mine.
When we got to the bottom of the stairs, Jay led me toward a wood bench on the side of the building.
“Did you want to walk on the beach?”
“Sure. Just let me take off my shoes.”
When we got to the bench, I sat down to unbuckle my sandals, but then Jay kneeled down in front of me and took my foot in his hands. My hands fell to my sides, resting on the seat of the bench, as he gracefully unbuckled my shoe for me. After he slowly took off my shoe, he lifted my foot and lightly kissed the top. Oh. My. God.
Looking up at me through his thick lashes, he slowly grabbed my other leg and began unbuckling my second shoe, just as gracefully as the first. When he was done, he kissed that one, too, sending chills up my legs. He ignited a desire in me that I had never felt before.
He stood up and winked at me as he held my shoes in one hand. I placed a hand in his free one, and even though my knees were feeling weak, I stood up successfully.
As we strolled out to the edge of the water, I couldn’t help but smile. It felt good to be with Jay, and for the first time, I felt like one of the sophisticated women I’d seen walking down the street just a couple days before.
“So, Jason is your real name?” I asked, remembering our brief encounter with Jessica.
“Yeah. I’m a Junior, so it’s just easier for people to call me Jay.”
Jason Clarke…Jason Clarke? Holy crap!
I stopped in my tracks, and Jay slowed, with a surprised look.
“Are you okay?”
“Jason Clarke? Your name is Jason Clarke?” I blurted out, unable to hide the shock in my voice.
He seemed amused. “Yes.” He glanced down at our hands. “I know what you’re thinking, but that’s my dad. My dad is the Jason Clarke. I’m just his son,” he murmured, looking back up at me.
“My brother used to work for Clarke Industries. Your dad owns half the city! He’s a millionaire! Your dad is a millionaire!”
As soon as the words came out of my mouth, their meaning began to sink in. His dad is a millionaire! Holy shit! What is he doing with me? Here I was, playing dress-up and feeling like Cinderella, and all the while, I had no idea that I was with the Prince of Clarke Industries. Why didn’t someone tell me? I could see my reaction surprised Jay, and I wondered if he had thought I knew this already.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know. This is kind of a shock.” I pulled my hand from his and watched my feet that were slowly sinking into the sand.
My heart felt a lot like my feet—slowly sinking. I thought we had so much in common, but we didn’t. I suddenly felt like we had nothing in common at all. When I glanced up, Jay’s expression had changed. He looked worried and confused while he watched me.
“You really didn’t know?” he asked, looking me in the eye.
“No. I had no idea.” It was hard for me to meet his gaze. How did I not know? I must seem so stupid right now.
Jay took a step toward me, keeping his eyes fixed on mine. He took my hands in his with my sandals still hanging from his fingers. He gazed down at our hands and grinned. “Just when I thought I couldn’t like you any more,” he muttered as he leaned down to kiss my swollen hand.
What? I was standing here, feeling confused and upset, and he was…happy? Why? Doesn’t he see how different we are? But then, I realized that he knew we were different. He knew I wasn’t a millionaire’s daughter. A few hours ago, he had been in my apartment, and he still wanted to be with me.
Although I felt a little uneasy, it was hard not to feel like the luckiest girl in the world when I saw his smile as his hand held mine. He could have any girl he wanted, and he had chosen me.
I decided to just see where things would take us. I could figure it all out later, but right now, I just wanted to be with him.
I smirked back. “So, you like me?”
“I really like you,” he confessed, pulling me toward him. He wrapped his arms around my waist, and his mouth was right next to my ear, his breath sending chills down my neck. “Really, really like you,” he whispered against my skin before lightly kissing me behind my ear.
I looked up at the sky and then slowly closed my eyes as I tilted my head to the side, inviting him to kiss me more.
“Good,” I murmured as I put my arms around him, feeling his back muscles move.
After kissing my neck a few times, he lifted his head, so our foreheads were touching. I opened my eyes and watched him as I lifted my chin, bringing my lips up to his. I could feel my overwhelming desire for him growing inside me as we kissed. As his strong arms wrapped me in tighter, pressing my body against his, I was floating on air. When we finally separated, we were both breathing faster. I could see he wanted me, and it made me want him even more.
“We better get you home,” he whispered as we looked into each other’s eyes.
We started our walk back to the car, and I wondered how our night would end. Although I wanted to sleep with him, I was worried it might be too soon. I’d promised myself that I wouldn’t sleep with anyone again until I could be sure the person cared for me the same way I cared for him.
It was early, but I knew I could fall in love with Jay. Any girl could, but I still had too many questions circling in my mind. I just hoped I would have the strength to stick to my decision once we were at my apartment.
“You’re thinking again.” Jay was watching me. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on up there?” he asked, looking at my forehead and then back down at my eyes.
“I was just thinking about how happy I am that I met you.”
It wasn’t a total lie. I was happy th
at I’d met him. I was just hoping that he would be willing to wait. He was probably used to getting whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted it.
He gave me a suspicious look. “There’s something you’re not telling me.”
“I’m just a little worried, I guess.” I glanced down at my feet stepping in the wet sand.
Jay stopped and moved his free hand to my chin, lifting my head so that our eyes met. “Worried about what?”
“Well, I really like you, and I don’t want to mess things up. I mean, I know we just met each other, and uh…you’re like hot and rich, so you’re probably used to getting whatever you want…but I just…I just think we should try to take things slow.” I rambled when I was nervous.
Jay’s lips twitched a little as his eyes shifted to my mouth. “And you’re worried that I won’t want to take things slow?”
“Well, yes, and I’m worried I won’t want to.”
His lips stopped twitching as they quickly formed into his gorgeous smile. Man, that smile gets me every time.
“What?” I asked, feeling my cheeks flush. Although, I knew exactly what was on his mind.
He turned and continued to walk toward the car. “Nothing.” He closed his eyes and stuck his nose in the air.
“Are you mocking me?” I accused, pretending to be offended as I followed him.
“Never.” He turned around giving me an innocent look and put up his hands, like he was afraid I might punch him.
We both laughed before continuing toward the his car. We were quiet for a few seconds when Jay looked down at me from the corner of his eye.
“So, you really like me?” he teased, repeating my words from earlier.
He tried to hide his smile, and without thinking, I playfully punched him in the arm with my bad hand, causing a pain to shoot all the way up to my elbow.
“Ow! Shit!” I yelled as I shook out my hand.
“Are you okay?”
I turned to Jay with my eyebrows furrowed and my teeth clenched, and I saw he was trying to hold back a laugh. As soon as I saw his face, I smiled, and then we both started laughing again. He looked so good when he laughed. Just as our laughter started to die down, I heard a familiar voice.