by Rylee Morgan
“What? I have no plans on dating Allen. Not now or ever. And I was not throwing myself at anyone!”
“Nice meeting you Noah,” he said in a mockingly high pitched tone, batting his eyelash.
“That is not throwing myself at him, it’s called being polite. You should try it sometime.”
“Yeah, right whatever you say. Just stay away from that prick Allen.”
She stood in front of this man, her best friend. A person she’d known for what seemed to be eons and she could do nothing but stand there in front of him. Surveying him with amazement at the depth of his newfound jealousy issues.
She’d never known him to have one jealous bone in his body. Shayla had seen him with past girlfriends, whether they had intentionally flirted shamelessly or were hit on by someone else, it just never seemed to faze him. Where this was stemming from had her in a bit of awestruck.
Wherever that place may have been was a mystery to her. On account of him making it clear their encounters had been no more than the two having fun. “Why are you acting so childish, are you jealous?”
Scoffing at her accusations, he brushed aside her commentary. “We’re going to leave this conversation here. Going in circles over something miniscule isn’t going to get us anywhere, now is it…I’m going inside to visit my family. Whether you stay out here is up to you.” Just like that he had deduced their argument to a nil and void topic. Before walking back up the path to the cabin.
Reaching for the door to the entrance, he stood a moment on the porch looking back at Shayla where he’d left her. Their eyes locked onto each other, before she had the chance to look away. He could see the look of confusion and mounting frustration in her eyes as she looked back into his. Hanging his head low briefly, taking in a drawn out sigh…he was feeling the same way as she looked. At that moment, for a split second he had regretted coming back.
“Jackson, is everything alright?” his mother asked, as he stepped inside.
“Everything’s fine mom,” he told her, hating the fact that he know his mother well enough to know that she was more than likely eavesdropping. He would have put money on it. Judy Hathaway, may have been what some would call upper-class in her own right, but she was no doubt a doting mother. “Just a long drive up.” He didn’t want to divulge anything more than that. He wasn’t in the habit of sharing anything about his personal life to anyone, especially to his own mother.
“I see…” Judy replied to her son, moving passed him to the door. Skeptical of his easy excuse at what had seemed to be quite a tension fueled arrival.
“Leave it mom.”
“Leave what, dear? You can’t bring a guest and leave them outside. Especially when that guest is practically family.” Placing her palm gently on his cheek, giving it a light pat. “Your father and the rest are out back, go on out.” She said before going out to welcome Shayla.
Chapter Nine
“Are you positive you can’t stay?” Richard Hathaway asked, “There’s more than enough room.”
“Yeah, positive Dad.” Jackson told his father. It was just after nine o’clock, they’d be back to town in as little as two hours. There was no way he was going to take the chance of being stuck in the holiday traffic, just for the convenience of staying over. Also, he wanted to put things right with Shayla…so to speak…in his own special way.
After their initial rocky arrival, he wasn’t sure what his mother and Shayla had talked about. Whatever had been said, he was thankful for it. For the simple fact, when both women walked out onto the back deck Shayla was in a much better mood when joining the rest of the gathering which included his father, sister Megan, her husband Ben with the their newest addition baby Cooper and the Littman’s, who were lifelong friends to his parents. Mr. Littman being one of Richard Hathaway’s best clients as well.
Jackson had been relieved their daughter hadn’t tagged along this particular trip. Rebecca had made him the most uncomfortable when it came to women. Her advancements were always unwelcomed and unreciprocated. He’d made the mistake once before, on a holiday trip home while on leave from the military…one drunken night of misadventure that was immediately regretted. Now every time he was in her immediate vicinity she would make a beeline in his direction.
Don’t get him wrong, Rebecca Littman was a very good looking woman, with a pedigree and old money to back her. However, her attitude and disregard to others, countered every good physical attribute she had owned. Making her unattractive in his opinion. Furthermore, their short lived encountered on that one hot alcohol induced summer night, had done nothing for him sexually to make him crave a second serving.
With that being said, it was the first time he felt at ease, in a long while in the presence of the Littman’s. Not having to tolerate her and also he was at ease for not having to tolerate Lexi’s incessant complaining about the Michigan humidity when they had last made the trip across country for his sister’s wedding.
Besides the start of the visit, he had a great time, it almost felt as if the quarrel they had shared earlier in the day hadn’t happened. And he was all too happy to shelve the memory.
“Well son, drive safe. Make sure you let your mother know you’ve gotten home safely. You know how she gets.” Richard said to Jackson as he waited outside next to his car while Shayla was inside using the restroom before their departure.
“Will do.” He reassured his father, he knew all too well of his mother’s worrywart ways.
“Good. Take tomorrow off, I want you to head out to California, I need you to head up a meeting in my place. Just some last minute legalities to a new client contract.”
“What new client?” This was news to Jackson, he thought he had been brought up-to-date with all accounts new and old since he come back. One thing he didn’t like were surprises, if his father wanted him to take over the reins of the company, he didn’t want to be left out of any new dealings.
“We’ll discuss that tomorrow. No business talk tonight for me. If your mother even suspects it, she’ll have my head.” His father said with a chortle.
“Have your head for what?” Judy said as she placed her arm around the waist of her husband having just approach the side of him. Shayla who had accompanied the Hathaway matriarch looked at the older couple in admiration. It was a rarity to see a long lasting couple still as affectionate as the two of them were to each other.
“Nothing dear.” Richard said in response to his wife, kissing the top of her head as he embraced her.
“Ready?” Jackson asked Shayla.
“Yep…” she said, adding a thank you to his parents for their hospitality. They had told her she was welcome to come back anytime, whenever she needed to get away not to hesitate. Jackson’s mother had told her during dinner they were planning on retiring and living there by the end of the year. Lake Michigan’s Torch Lake was a sight to see, she was envious to the fact that Jackson had always had the access to such a beautiful spot yet chose not to frequent it as much as she would have, if given the chance. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
The drive back, wasn’t as eventful as the drive north had been. An hour and a half into the ride she’d gotten a call from Dawn. Tapping the smartphones screen she sent the call to voicemail. Then quickly unlocked her phone to send a text to her friend:
Shayla: Call you tomorrow. On our way back to town now.
Dawn: Your way back? From where?
Shayla: Long story…talk later.
Dawn: Um…k. U have some juice to spill lol? I hope! ;)
Shayla: Smh. Only you. :)
Dawn: I’ll be impatiently waiting your call. :/
Shayla: I know you will lol. Ttyl.
When they had reached the exit on I-75 south to eastbound M-25, making them only minutes away from the heart of town. Jackson was eager to get off the highway and back to the home they shared less than twenty minutes away. The thought of being out of the constraints of the car and behind the privacy of walls, had him high in anticipatio
n of having Shayla to himself.
“Finally,” she said softly, looking out of the passenger window into the night sky only lit for the most part from the moon and passing motorist.
“What’s that?” he questioned, being pulled from his thoughts.
“Nothing.”
“Okay…you’ve been quiet this whole drive. Two hours road time, and not a word.”
“What’s there to say? I’m tired.”
“Whatever you say Shay,” was the last words spoken for the remainder of the car ride.
Another ten minutes later they had pulled into the driveway. Shayla barely letting him kill the engine before letting herself out of the vehicle, with purse slung over one shoulder and keys in hand she let herself into the pitch black house. Flicking on lights as she made her way through. Kicking off her shoes, she turned with the intent of moving directly up to her bedroom, also with every intention of locking the door behind her. Wanting to put the day to rest and start fresh the next. Only to have Jackson standing right in front of her as she twirled on her toes to make a darting effort toward the staircase. The expression he hold was a mix of predatory and a mix of annoyance.
“I’m sorry, am I in your way?”
“Yes, excuse—hey!” Was all she was able to get out before he had backed her up against the wall directly behind her. Swooping a hand under her chin in the process, making her make eye contact with him.
And that’s all it took…her undoing, once again. Putty.
The signature verbalization of her name from his beautifully shaped pouty lips.
The feel of his right hand pressing her lower back, making his swell known.
Then there it was…his mouth on hers, doing what he did best. Making her melt in the process. His left hand was no longer resting softly under her chin, but was now in her hair. Gently tugging it, making her head arch back as he found that sweet spot he had known so well, claiming it with his hot mouth making it his for the taking. He was the epitome of the word sex…
Without missing a beat his right hand had left her back and made its way under the skirt of her dress cupping a handful of her bottom before lifting her left leg to place it along his hip. Like a magician, holding her leg in place at the same time looping his arm underneath it so the heel of his warm palm had applied the slightest amount of pressure to her ever so eager kitty, making her shutter at the touch, causing her to grind against it.
Becoming lost in the heat of the moment, he walked her backwards into the living room making headway towards the couch. Guiding her to her back, he climbed on top, knowing that this dry humping wasn’t going to suffice for long. He wanted…no he needed to immerse himself deep within her. Baptizing himself in the folds of her warm moist inviting flesh was the only cure insight for the insanity he had felt. He began the task of removing the barrier to the haven he was after, only to be interrupted by a tapping sound coming from the front door.
“Someone’s at the door,” Shayla said breathlessly.
“They. Can go. Away.” He told her, keeping the rhythm of deep kisses. The light tapping became louder, making Jackson feel sorry for whomever was on the other side of that door—correction almost sorry, but not quite! “Argh! What the fuck!”
“It’s got to be important, it’s pretty late for anyone to just drop by.”
“Stay here. Don’t move.” He said almost as a warning, that she was all too willing to comply with. He kissed her once more before leaving the embrace, nipping with just the precise amount of pressure on the side of her mouth. Oh! What this man did to her! That simple action sent shockwaves rippling through her body. Hopefully he could get rid of this inopportune visitor, she had thought cursing the unknown person as well.
Seconds later, he was at the door. Shayla couldn’t make out what was being said, but she was certain it had been a female’s voice. Next she heard “I asked what the hell you’re doing here!” followed by the slamming of a door…then silence.
She waited a moment, until curiosity had gotten the best of her. She could hear undertones of irritation in Jackson’s voice, to whoever he seemed to be scolding. Not being able to make out the words she readjusted her panties back to their rightful place. She stood and smoothed down the dresses fabric.
Making her way to the door that Jackson had just assaulted with his forceful closing, she slowly reopened it once more. Quietly, she then opened the screen door, taking a step out onto the porch to get a better look at who Jackson had been animatedly speaking at in an almost low-key growl.
Then came the realization of who was the recipient of Jackson’s anger came into light. Shayla’s heart sank. “And here is the when…” was all Shayla said.
Jackson turned as soon as he heard Shayla’s voice. By then it was already too late, she was gone.
Chapter Ten
Lexi...the sight of her shouldn’t have been as much of a surprise as it had been to Jackson. He’d traveled well over two thousand miles to get away from her, and now she was right in front of him. Spewing some nonsense that he had no desire to hear. She had maybe gotten in a handful of words, before he cut her off at every turn.
“What don’t you get? It’s over Lexi!” he snarled. The day he walked out on her, he knew he was done. He knew the way he ended it wasn’t exactly gentlemanly. But he had to get the hell away, before the life they were about to sign on for became an indefinite reality. He had been so close to giving her a proposal on more than few occasions. They had made sense together, good looking couple, both from wealthy backgrounds, and the similarities continued on from there…except for one very important quality. She may have had it all…but having it all was not always what it measured up to be.
The night he left her, they—she was having a dinner party. The caterer who just so happened to be someone he had known, an old army buddies kid sister unbeknownst to Lexi, was receiving so much flack from Lexi and her girlfriends, had pushed the limits too far with their catty behavior.
Her treatment of the young lady was something he wouldn’t stand for. Like Lexi, he may have come from a more privileged background than most, however he didn’t look at people as beneath him as she had demonstrated more often than not the last year of their relationship. Finally, it had dawned on him at that moment that what he thought he wanted was far from what he needed. Realization of the years they’d spent together, had been nothing more than aesthetics.
And now all he felt for her was…nothing. There was no second thoughts of to his leaving as a mistake. There was no serendipitous feeling evoked by her being in his presence. Oddly the only thing he had felt was pity. That here was a woman so use to getting what she wanted, that she thought by her showing up that he would bend. “We were so good together—I want and deserve an explanation.”
“Yeah, and I deserve some peace. You’re lucky I don’t have you brought up on stalking charges. I’m done with the self-serving psycho shit Lexi.” If it wasn’t for the night shade his menacing scowl would have scared the devil himself. Although he had surprised himself with how he was able to keep his cool enough not to yell in a bellowing voice.
“Self-serving? Really? Because the way I see it Jack is, it seems a little ‘self-serving’ to me when the man you’re living with just up and leaves without in word. You didn’t even have the balls to face me when you snuck around to get your stuff.”
Jackson laughed at her, “You know what Lexi? You should be loving the fact that you have something to play victim to for your snobby little cronies.” He was done with the conversation. “I think it’s time for you to leave Lex.”
“Just like that? After everything we shared you can just give it up?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I’m sorry Jackson that’s not going to happen. I’m not going to raise this baby by myself.”
Shayla, had been silently listening to the heated exchange between the exes. She’d heard the bomb that Lexi had dropped on Jackson. The revelation was like a punch to the gut, lightheaded like she had jus
t had the last breath knocked violently from her body. Yet, she had held onto the air in her lungs as her ears registered the news to her brain. She had to turn away or risk…risk her heartbreak getting the best of her.
She wanted to scream. Only moments before she was in a throes of heated passion, with a man that she’d loved since she was nine years old and now...
It was time to let go.
She knew that it was time before he had come back. Had planned on it. Was doing just fine with that decision. Damn, why had she given into stupidity?
Why? Because, she’d wanted to be the woman that he loved. Even if it was just for an incredible fuck session in bed. Needing to reevaluate things, her head felt like it was swimming drunk, off of sensory overload. She didn’t know whether to scream or cry, cry or scream. Either way, there was nothing she could do, but take a walk of humility.
She couldn’t…she just couldn’t go to bed with the smell of him still on her, the scent swirling into her nostrils. The shower steam was pouring over the top of the curtain as she stepped in and began scouring her flesh, she fought back the urge to let the tears fall that were welling up in her eyes. She wasn’t going to let this moment redefine her self-worth enough to break.
It was just fun. Two friends having fun. Nothing more.
It was to become her new mantra, she had to tell herself. That’s what he had wanted right? That was the unagreed upon deal. His terms, her heart. The way it had been since childhood. It was time for a change. She was stronger than letting a silly fantasy get the best of her. It was time to change the tables, tearing a page for his book.