The Thing About Love... (The Thing About... #1)

by J. M. Raphaelle

  "Yeah, she told me. Harsh!"

  "I was right," he snaps back.

  "I'm still here, I can hear you," I say to both of them.

  "We know," they counter in unison, laughing.

  "Back to Jack, where are we going tomorrow?" he asks.

  "Conga Room at LA Live," replies Marie. "Some band Jack wants to see."

  "Sam too," I interject, arching an eyebrow.

  They laugh again.

  At me? I hope not.

  "Baby, let's go to the Conga!" says Rob. "I must meet this Jack, and see if he's man enough for my Ellie."

  "Hey," I hit him softly on his abs. "Nothing to check. He's not mine, I'm not his."

  "You're not Mike's either," he bluntly reminds me.

  Brutal and honest! Sometimes I wish he had a better filter, because the truth sure hurts.

  "Sorry, baby girl, but it's true. Please don't hate me," he says softly.

  I gaze up at him, brooding. "I can never hate you."

  He kisses my hair, making amends. "I know."

  ●●●

  "Wheet whew!" whistles Rob when he sees me. "Damn, you're all tall and hot!"

  I'm only 5'6" but I'm wearing four-inch heels, and I've gained some of the weight I lost during the Mike-depression era. I'm thrilled, because I got some of my curves back.

  "Nice outfit! If this is the Jack effect, I like it!" he eyes me from top to bottom.

  I roll my eyes, trying to hide my nervous smile.

  I'm wearing a camel colored leatherette midi-tube skirt, a black, sleeveless, one-shoulder top, and open-toe ankle booties.

  Teasing smartass! He's seen me in similar outfits before.

  "Ready?" asks Marie. "They're here."

  Jack is wearing a steel-blue colored shirt, dark jeans, and that same black leather jacket from the other night.

  He's breathtaking.

  I make the necessary introductions.

  Rob must approve, because he gives me a far too devilish wink. He immediately asserts that he's riding to LA Live with Sam and Marie.

  Sneaky devil!

  Jack escorts me to his car, his hand on the small of my back, making me feel wanted and safe. My body immediately approves, sending tingles all over me.

  ●●●

  The Conga Room is less crowded than expected. We make our way to find a table. Jack and Sam head to the bar to fetch our drinks.

  They come back with a round of beers. Jack scoots his chair closer to mine, and pulls me in, so close that my arm is resting on his chest. He's holding my hand under the table, and our fingers are intertwined.

  I'm getting used to his candid affection. It's new and exciting. But I'm a bit scared, and find myself wondering where this is going and how long it's going to last. The truth is that getting affection without the fear of it being taken away capriciously is new to me. But one look at his gorgeous face, those arresting eyes that look ocean blue thanks to the color of his shirt, and my reservations seem smaller, less important.

  The band starts to play, and everyone's attention turns to the stage.

  Almost everyone's…

  Jack and I are gazing at each other.

  "Come," he whispers in my ear, grabs his drink, and leads me to a dark corner of the bar.

  He sits on a high stool, facing the stage, and I stand between his legs facing him. He's resting his elbows on top of the bar, still holding my hand. He seems distracted watching the band and drinking his beer, though he occasionally looks at me with a beguiling grin.

  He shares his beer with me, like he did at Busby's.

  I'm happy to be here, so close to him, taking in his scent.

  It's intoxicatingly sexy!

  I lean against him, place my idle hand on his chest, and stare at the bartender who's taking a break at the moment.

  I can feel his heart beating.

  He's not really watching the band. He's trying to control his agitated breathing, as am I. He eventually gives up the fight and kisses my hair. I pull away from him slightly, and we contemplate each other for what seems forever.

  He hasn't let go of my hand, and our fingers are intertwined tightly around each other's. They're twisting and pulling again and again, like they're making desperate, eager, fervid love. I don't know how long we do this, minutes, hours…but it's one of the most sensual experiences I've ever had.

  The band finishes playing, and he pulls me into him and kisses me sweetly on the cheek.

  "They're coming," he breathes in my ear.

  I turn around and see Rob is leading the way toward us. I lean into him briefly to let him know I understand, then immediately move away.

  "I'm starving. Let's get something to eat," says Rob, as he reaches us and puts his arm around my shoulders. "Hmm, interesting sight," he says, so only I can hear.

  I smile timidly at him.

  "I got you, sweet girl," he winks and kisses my hair. "Let's head out, people," he shouts above the music, gesturing with his hand.

  I nod okay and take a quick peek at Jack, who's grinning.

  "After you," Jack gestures to Rob with a wicked smile.

  CHAPTER 14

  IT'S A BIT CHILLY outside, and I didn't bring a jacket. Good thing the restaurant options are all within a quick walk.

  We decide on Rosa Mexicano for tacos and more beers. We're seated almost immediately. Jack is securely nestled next to me.

  We're checking the menu options, when Rob absentmindedly blurts out, "Damn, there are some hot ladies out tonight!"

  Of course he noticed the many scantily dressed women in and around the LA Live.

  Sam and Jack laugh and nod in agreement.

  "Welcome to La-La Land," puns Sam.

  "Typical boys, so easily distracted," quips Marie, shaking her head in admonishment.

  I, on the other hand, find it galling.

  How dare they? How dare Jack?

  Ugh, he's mine! No, he's not mine, but we just spent hours fondling each other — well, kind of.

  "I'm out of here," I babble to myself and abruptly get up to leave.

  "Where are you going?" shouts Marie.

  "I'm not hungry!" I shout back, without giving them a second glance.

  Damn, damn, damn, what am I doing?

  My head is spinning from the beers I've already consumed — Jack's beers.

  I walk toward the Conga Room, but I don't have the slightest idea where I'm going or what I'm doing. I wander through LA Live, until the wooziness gets the best of me.

  I'm so dizzy!

  I lean against the wall near the Starbucks, my arms folded, and I'm scowling.

  What now?

  I'm trying to catch my breath and regain my composure. People are staring at me as they pass by, and all I can do is look back at them with a timid smile.

  I'm okay, people, move on!

  But I'm not okay.

  That's quite a scene I just made!

  I'm staring at the ground laughing, suddenly realizing how comical my behavior is. I occasionally look up at the people passing by eyeing me.

  Then I catch a glimpse of him from the corner of my eye. It's Jack, franticly looking for me.

  I keep laughing, as I see him head straight for me. He's in front of me in two seconds, but doesn't say a word. He just grabs me by the waist and pulls me into him forcefully.

  Damn, he's strong!

  He wraps his arms around me, one hand on my hip, the other in my hair, supporting my head as he kisses me passionately and desperately, like he's been craving me since our first kiss. His needy arms are pressing me to him. My hands move to his hair, fisting it, returning his possession.

  No one else exists. It's just him and me, and our lips and tongues in perfect harmony, savoring, biting, and thirsting for each other, like our hands had done earlier.

  He stops, breathless, and leans his head against the nape of my neck.

  "Are you okay?" he exhales sharpl
y.

  I nod yes, my fingers still in his hair, and I kiss the side of his forehead.

  "Don't ever do that again, Ellie."

  "I'm sorry," I reply repentant but thrilled that he came looking for me.

  He looks up and kisses my lips again, a soft, tender kiss. "Crazy girl."

  I briefly look at the crowd walking by staring at us and see that Sam, Marie, and Rob are searching for us. "They're looking for us," I say quietly, as I'm kissing the side of his lips.

  He reluctantly releases me from the tight embrace and takes my hand. "Let's go," he leads and calls out to them.

  Only Rob notices that Jack and I are holding hands. Sam is too busy with Marie to notice anything's happening around him. Rob winks at me and catches up to Sam and Marie, who are now walking ahead of us.

  We're heading toward the parking lot.

  "We're going home?" I ask.

  "We didn't get to eat, with my emergency rescue and all," he mocks.

  "I'm sorry," I apologize again, hoping he doesn't hold that rash behavior against me. I don't know what got into me.

  He smiles and kisses my hand sweetly.

  "Before I came looking for you, I suggested my place. Mario is crashing there for a couple of days, while his apartment gets a new paint job, and he has friends over. I'm sure they have plenty of food and drinks," he explains.

  "Mario's at your place right now?" I sound bit more serious than I mean.

  "Yes, do you mind going there?"

  "No, of course not," I reply, because it's the truth. He can take me to the moon right now, and I'd gladly go.

  "Good," he grins, and we follow our friends to the parking lot.

  We're turning the corner toward the street where the parking lot is located, when he abruptly stops. He pulls me into him again to steal another kiss. He pins me tightly around my waist, his lips savoring mine, his tongue playing with mine.

  It's mind-altering.

  He's deliciously inebriating.

  "Mmm," he grunts, as he releases me slightly. "Ellie," he whispers against my lips, kissing me again softly.

  I'm breathing heavily, euphoric at what he can do to me. In the brief time I've known him, he's been able to make me feel safe, adored, and protected, all at once. He's so affectionate and passionate. It's confounding how he doesn't hold back.

  Why didn't I find him first?

  "Come," he kisses me softly on the cheek. "Let's catch up to the others, before they come looking for us again," he smiles and walks forcefully, pulling at my hand.

  I follow him beaming, on my own enraptured cloud nine, where only he and I exist.

  CHAPTER 15

  "HONEY, I'M HOME," jokes Jack, as he's opening the door to his apartment.

  It's quite a large place, a modern and open loft near the beach in Venice.

  Jack is doing quite well for himself.

  "Welcome home," replies Mario with open arms. He's smiling, until he realizes Jack's not alone. "Hey," he quickly alters his greeting and glowers at Jack.

  "Come, baby," Jack leads me to a slate-gray, plush sofa in the living room, after he's made the necessary introductions.

  Baby? I like the sound of that!

  Sam and Marie sit on a sofa opposite us and cuddle, while Rob follows Mario to the kitchen to check out the food and drink options.

  "Well, there's lots of pizza, pizza and pizza," exclaims Rob amused.

  "And to drink?" asks Jack.

  "The choices are slightly better…beer, vodka, tequila, rum. What would you like?"

  "Whatever my baby wants," says Jack and kisses me on the lips for everyone to see.

  I'm grinning at him, completely infatuated. It takes me a second to notice the chaos around us has abruptly stopped.

  Sam's blatantly staring, his mouth silently saying, "What?!"

  Marie is grinning fervently, as is Rob.

  Mario's standing behind us like a statue, open mouthed, holding a bottle of rum, while his friends are gawking at us.

  Why?

  Then it hits me. They all know Mike. They all know our history, and they're all wondering what the hell is going on between Jack and me.

  "Whatever she wants, we'll share," repeats Jack, ignoring their stares and kisses me again, this time longer and deeper.

  He's making sure everyone knows that first kiss was not a mistake, he is with me, and he doesn't care whether they approve or not.

  He's claiming me, end of story!

  Everyone scatters back to their drinks and conversations.

  Except Sam.

  He's still staring, frowning, wondering how and when Jack and I happened.

  Marie whispers something in his ear, and he finally looks away, appeased by whatever she said to him.

  ●●●

  Jack is embracing me firmly by the front door. We just got home from his place, and it's late. Neither of us wants the night to end.

  Marie walks past us and simply waves good night. Rob follows her but stops near us for a second to gawk.

  Marie turns back and grabs him by the shirt. "Come on, this is none of your business," she pulls at him.

  He laughs and follows her inside, leaving Jack and me embracing.

  I don't know why we don't head inside, but I think it's because we don't want to let go of each other for one second.

  "What are you doing for Christmas?" he asks, nibbling at my ear lobe.

  I feel my entire body shiver, but I manage to reply, "We'll be in Phoenix, at Marie's parents. We're driving there in the morning. What are you doing for New Year's?"

  His mouth is making its way down my neck, to my clavicle, and my chest. His vigorous lips are slowly replying to my question, as he plants soft kisses along the way.

  "I'm heading to San Francisco with my family. The trip's been on the books for months."

  "Mmm," I moan, feeling a warm flood surging through my body.

  Damn, he's good at this!

  "We'll be here," I reply in a high-pitched voice thanks to his oral skills.

  He stops his adulation just enough to gaze into my eyes, "I'll miss you."

  I grin at him, take his beautiful face with my hands, and kiss him gently, "Me too."

  He tightens his hold on me, pressing me into him so I can feel his erection. He kisses me, deliciously pulling at my lips, biting and sucking.

  "Mmm," I moan again, as his lips move to my neck, nibbling at it.

  I'm trembling in his arms.

  "You're mouthwatering, Ellie. You have the softest skin," he babbles, crushing me into him with his arm, while his other hand travels to my breast. He pulls down the side of my top, which easily gives way, and he gets easy access to his goal. His lips continue a downward path through my collarbone until he reaches my breast. He finds my nipple and kisses it, pulls at it, and suckles.

  My eyes are closed and my hands are in his hair, fisting it tightly, holding him in place. I'm biting my lower lip, lost in the exquisite feeling of his mouth on me as he suckles, and a blaze of pure pleasure surges through me. My mind is cloudy, lost in our tryst. But I open my eyes for a second and realize where we are.

  "Jack, we're outside!" I say dismayed and self-conscious.

  "Fuck!" he stops, quickly fixes my top, and hugs me tightly. He kisses my cheek tenderly, as if saying he's sorry he lost control.

  "If you weren't leaving in the morning," he whispers suggestively in my ear, pushing his bulging erection into me.

  "I know. I wish I wasn't." I'm barely keeping my wits about me.

  We're holding each other, our hearts pounding with carnal desire, which sadly will not be satisfied tonight.

  I want him. I want him badly.

  This gorgeous, sexy man does things to me, rare, unique things deep inside. How is all this allure and magnetism packed inside one man?

  And he wants me. It's mind blowing.

  But I'm torn about us, especially when I inconveniently re
member Marie's words, "Dating your best friend's ex…yikes."

  Maybe it's a blessing that our wanton desires have been thwarted for tonight. We need more time to figure this out.

  "I better go," he says softly.

  "No," I pucker and kiss the side of his lips, then pull at his succulent lower lip.

  He tastes so good! I can stay here forever.

  "I don't want to go, but you're getting up early to get on the road. You should sleep. Please don't drive if you're not well-rested, promise me."

  "I won't," I promise him, still pouting because he's leaving.

  "I love it when you pout. You make me want to do this," he pulls at my lower lip with his lips. "Mmm," he groans, before releasing it, and then spanks my behind, making me yelp.

  "Night, baby," he smacks a loud, playful kiss on my lips, before letting go of me.

  I wave him goodbye and miss him already.

  ●●●

  I didn't sleep much after Jack left. I was lost in daydreams of our amazing night together, and our illicit and brazen tryst outside.

  We were up so early to get on the road, that I only got a couple of hours of sleep.

  Rob is taking the first turn driving, and Marie is riding shotgun.

  I'm happy in the back seat of Marie's red Toyota Prius, trying to finally get some shuteye. If I could just get Jack out of my mind…his touch, his hands, the coarseness of his barely-there stubble sanding my soft skin as his mouth traveled down to my breast…mmm…his suckling. The taste of his lips, his mouth!

  "What's that salacious little grin about?" teases Marie.

  I open my eyes and see her staring at me, amused.

  "I don't know what you mean," I grin back and close my eyes, hoping her curiosity ceases.

  "Oh, please, that's one wicked, wicked little smile if I've ever seen one."

  "Yeah, Ellie," chimes Rob, trying to catch a glimpse of me through the rearview mirror.

  "Hmm, nothing," I say and keep my eyes closed. I don't tell them about the racy episode with Jack last night.

  That one is just for me.

  CHAPTER 16

  IT'S CHRISTMAS EVE morning. Marie and I are busy helping her mom, Sofia, prepare the turkey and side dishes — we always celebrate on the 24th, as is the custom in Latino culture.