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

by J. M. Raphaelle

  "How's he getting here?"

  "Uber," she replies.

  ●●●

  The engagement party is in full force, the music is booming and people are dancing. I thought it'd be a more subdued event.

  I spot Jack and Mike as soon as we walk in. They're sitting together at a round table, and there's a girl between them.

  Is she with Jack or Mike?

  Sam leads us to their table. Mike immediately gets up and leaves, as expected.

  Jack grins, but doesn't get up to kiss me hello. He doesn't do anything he'd normally do, and I assume it's because he's still upset with me.

  Then I hear the girl say, "Let's move to another table," to which he replies a resounding, "No."

  She's with him!

  She's his date!

  Shit, what do I do now?

  I want to run out the door, but I can't. I'm stuck here, until Sam and Marie decide it's time to leave.

  Jack's replaced me, and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it.

  I know I deserve it, but damn, it stings!

  Marie grabs a few chairs, turns them away from the table, and points at me to sit. I do as she says.

  My back is to Jack, but I can feel him…and her. She's sulking because Jack said no to her. I'm secretly happy he refused her request, and I'm hoping it's because I still have a chance with him.

  Sam and Marie are hovering over me. Even Sam knows how awkward this is and is trying to make me feel at ease. I don't need hovering. I'm going to enjoy myself no matter what. And thanks to Sam's friends, who are approaching me one after the other asking me to dance, I might just have some fun. Why not? If I'm here, I might as well try.

  I'm stumped and mortified that Jack actually brought a date knowing I'd probably be here. I guess it's payback time, and I have to swallow this pill. He's getting even with me. I'm putting up with it because I deserve it, but I'm not giving him the satisfaction of seeing me down, so I smile like the world is my oyster.

  Who the hell is that woman!

  Mike is back at his old tricks, making sure I know he wants nothing to do with me. As if I care. Every time I get up to dance, he comes back to the table. When I return, he leaves.

  Yeah, I get it, Mike. I got it a long time ago…

  Jack hasn't moved from the table and neither has his date. I can't look at them. I won't. I just catch glimpses of him when my dance partner spins me in his direction.

  He's staring at me…every time!

  As soon as I sit down, Sam grabs my hand and squeezes it. Marie smiles at him, grateful to him for protecting me. It's endearing that he's watching out for me, despite my previous inexcusable behavior toward Jack.

  This night is turning out to be a bit of a yawn for all three of us. Thankfully, Marie informs me we're leaving, after just a few hours. I need to get home and pick up the pieces of my shattered pride — which I admit this time I helped crush.

  Marie's with Sam getting the Uber, but Jack interrupts them. I'm standing a few feet away from them, watching their exchange.

  Sam puts his iPhone away, and Jack walks toward me. He's staring at me, as he approaches, his expression unreadable. When he reaches me, he stands right next to me, shoulder to shoulder. My pulse immediately spikes.

  What is he doing?

  I turn my head and look at him. He gazes back but doesn't smile. He takes my hand and wraps his fingers through mine. "I'll drive you home," he says.

  What?

  I see a trace of a smile emerging on his lips, his bluish-gray eyes iridescent as they pin me in place.

  He's not asking if he can take me home. He's telling me he's doing it, hoping I won't pull away from him.

  He doesn't care if she sees him holding my hand. It's just him and me again.

  I might have a chance to get him back after all.

  ●●●

  What I don't foresee is that she is coming with us.

  I'm sandwiched between Sam and Marie in the back of Jack's car, and she's in the front with him. I'm feeling all kinds of foolish, and the more I think about how absurd this is, the more confused I become.

  It looks like she's had too much to drink and is going to be sick, because she's bending forward making funny noises.

  "Don't you dare barf inside the car. I'll stop if you're feeling sick, but don't make a mess in here," Jack is practically shouting at her.

  I've never witnessed intolerant Jack. He's never spoken to me that way…ever. He always treats me with kindness and love.

  Selfishly, I don't feel sorry for her. On the contrary, it makes me incredibly happy. Not that he's scolding her, but that I'm sure he would never speak to me in that tone.

  I'm about to let out a burst of laughter at the ludicrousness of what's happening, when Marie elbows me lightly on the ribs.

  "Owie," I mouth at her, and she shushes me with a knowing smile.

  Fifteen minutes later, we're home.

  As soon as his car stops in front of our place, I nudge Marie to open the door so I can get out. I say a hasty "goodbye and thank you" to Jack and company, and I'm out like a bullet.

  I head straight inside the house. I breathe a sigh of relief that this bizarre evening is over and wait for Marie in the kitchen.

  "Well, that was weird," she says cleverly, eyeing me from underneath her lashes.

  "I know. He practically yelled at her. Did you see that?" I'm fighting the smile that's refusing to leave my face.

  "Everyone saw and heard that, Ellie. Poor girl," she says, though I doubt she really feels sorry for her.

  "Yeah…"

  "You love it, don't you, because he'd never, ever do that to you?"

  "Yeah," I finally smile broadly. "I still hate that he showed up with her. He traded me in pretty quickly," I fret.

  "Ellie, if that's a trade in, I feel sorry for her. He stared at you the entire night and drove that poor girl to drink herself under the table," she points out.

  I giggle triumphantly, because that's exactly what happened. I'm still important to him despite my inexcusable behavior at our backyard party.

  Maybe he'll give me another chance.

  ●●●

  I'm lying on my bed staring at the ceiling with my arms folded behind my head, trying to plan my next step back into Jack's heart.

  I need to talk to him. I need to explain myself, and let him know how important he is to me.

  Do I call him or text him? Do I ask him to come over or ask him to meet for coffee? A coffee date seems too impersonal. I don't want him to think I don't care after the way I've behaved.

  My iPhone pings.

  It's 12:00 a.m.

  It's Jack — I smile elated!

  Jack: I had to take her home

  Ellie: Ok

  Jack: You didn't say goodbye

  Ellie: I did you didn't hear me

  Jack: I was getting out of the car you didn't wait

  Ellie: I didn't think I should you were with her

  Jack: I'm sorry

  Ellie: For what?

  Jack: For not getting out of the car fast enough to grab you

  Ellie: I hate that you were with her. I wouldn't have let you touch me

  Jack: Don't say that

  Ellie: You seemed happy

  Jack: Because you were there

  Ellie: I should've known you have someone

  Jack: I don't

  Ellie: It hurts but ok

  Jack: Ok what?

  Ellie: You have someone you care for

  Jack: It's not her

  Ellie: Not what it looked like tonight

  Jack: Ellie!

  Ellie: Jack!

  Jack: Don't hate me

  Ellie: I can never hate you…

  Ellie: But seeing you with her…

  Jack: What?

  Ellie: You're going to make me say it?

  Jack: Yes

  Ellie: Kills me

  Ja
ck: I'll bring you back to life

  Ellie: You always do. I miss you!

  Jack: I miss you too

  Ellie: So much I can't breathe

  Ellie: I'm sorry Jack

  Ellie: I wanted to say it on your lips tonight

  Ellie: But you were with her!

  Jack: Do it tomorrow…today please

  Ellie: Yes

  Jack: I'll see you later then?

  Ellie: Yes

  Jack: Go to sleep now Ellie

  Ellie: I still hate her

  Jack: Ellie!

  Ellie: Jack!

  Jack: Go to sleep

  Ellie: But I want you here with me

  Jack: Stop or I'll come over right now

  Ellie: Ok!

  Jack: Stop Ellie. I'm in bed already

  Ellie: Whatcha wearing?

  Jack: Ellie!

  Ellie: Just want to know so I can dream with you

  Jack: Dream what?

  Ellie: I have a very active imagination

  Jack: I'm sure you do

  Ellie: I can't wait to see you tomorrow…today

  Jack: Me too. I'll be there at 9pm

  Ellie: Ok! Good night Jack

  Jack: Night Ellie. My Ellie!

  Ellie: Yes always!

  My Jack, mine, mine, mine!

  CHAPTER 21

  TIME IS TAKING forever. I've been checking my iPhone every five minutes, waiting for 9:00 p.m. to see Jack.

  Damn…time is at a standstill.

  Tick tock, tick tock…One hour seems to be taking three. Crap!

  "Ellie stop, you're driving me crazy! Nine will get here soon enough." Marie is annoyed, because I keep going into her room asking what she's doing.

  Since she's not paying attention to me, I've turned into the energizer bunny, running around the house. I've cleaned the kitchen, the bathroom, the living room, my bedroom, and now I'm vacuuming hers.

  She's sitting on her bed doing her nails, and she's had enough of me. She grabs me by my arm and pulls me to her. I land on my butt on her bed, startled.

  "Stop, Ellie," she laughs. "You've cleaned the entire house, and you hate chores, so stop already. This house is sparkling clean, and you're scaring me."

  I'm sweaty and exhausted. I must have burned a thousand calories by now, and it's only 4:00 p.m.

  Ugh, time can be so annoying!

  "Go take a shower, because you seriously need one," she crinkles her nose, letting me know I stink from all the sweat. "It'll calm you down. Then we'll watch a few movies. That should help distract you and make the time pass faster."

  I smell my T-shirt.

  Wow, I do stink.

  "Okay, just let me finish vacuuming your room, and then I'll stop," I smile and get up.

  She shakes her head, amused at how excited I am to see Jack.

  ●●●

  Finally, it's 8:30!

  Jack: I'll be there in 20

  Ellie: Ok

  Jack: Sam's with me

  Ellie: Huh?

  Jack: He was with me and wanted to come with

  Ellie: Huh?

  Jack: You're pissed?

  Ellie: Huh?

  Jack: LOL! You want me to get rid of him?

  Ellie: No. I'll tell Marie

  Jack: Sam texted her

  Ellie:

  "I know, Ellie!" Marie shouts from her room.

  Of course she does.

  It's fine that they're coming along. Marie and Sam's presence will help break any ice that may still linger between Jack and me. Though by the tone of our latest texts, we'll probably be okay, but it never hurts to have a backup plan.

  ●●●

  I threw my arms around Jack when I saw him, and he didn't reject me. I kissed him, and he responded to me. His lips remembered mine, and they felt like home. And when those bluish-grays looked at me, the hurt was gone, and all I saw was unbridled warmth.

  I can't get enough of him!

  We're driving up Pacific Coast Highway, heading to Sycamore Canyon campgrounds. What a random place to take me. His sense of adventure is as unique as he is.

  The drive along the coast is beautiful. The ocean is a dark momentous monster to our left, and the headlights of the cars coming and going light the winding road. I'm sure we're the only ones heading to the campgrounds this late at night.

  It's tenebrous, dark, and chilly. Even inside the car, I can hear the wind howling and feel the chill of the outside air.

  We're creeping slowly through the grounds. The only lights are from the car's headlights. It's almost scary, but I trust Jack, more than I've ever trusted any guy. I always feel safe with him.

  Sam is in the back seat talking about ghosts, in attempt to get Marie to lean in closer. It's working, because she's wrapped around him like a vine. I'd be doing the same with Jack, if it was not for the center console between us.

  Jack finds a quiet place to park, though in these massive grounds every spot is quiet.

  "Hear that? Those are ghosts howling," says Sam in an ominous tone.

  "It's not funny, Sam. Stop!" exclaims Marie and slaps his arm, so he'll shut up.

  Now Marie and I are terrified of any little noise we hear, and the boys are enjoying every minute of our discomfort.

  "Come, let's go watch the stars," Sam opens his door and practically drags a terrified Marie out of the car. She follows him, holding on to his arm for dear life.

  Jack and I are finally alone.

  He turns on the music on his iPhone. The beautiful sound of John Legend's "All of Me" fills the car.

  The perfect song!

  "Jack, I'm sorry…" I begin to say my apologies, but he interrupts me.

  "No. We're together now, let's concentrate on that," he smiles.

  I contemplate him for a few seconds. I know he doesn't want to hear it, but I have to tell him. He has to know what a big mistake it was to pull away from him, how much I've fallen for him.

  "Jack, I…" I start, but he stops me with a kiss.

  "But…" I try again, and he plants another smooch.

  "Please…" I giggle, but he does it again.

  I'm not getting anywhere, though I'm perfectly happy if he continues kissing me like this.

  I try one more time.

  "Jack…" I put a finger on his lips, as he's closing in to kiss me. He quickly removes it and kisses me anyway.

  I laugh and he smiles.

  I cover his mouth with my hand, but it only encourages him to kiss my palm.

  "Okay," I comply, because I sense he doesn't want any reminders of that night.

  He removes my hand from his mouth, kisses my fingers, and grins mischievously.

  He's up to something.

  "Move your seat back all the way, and recline the back rest as far as it'll go," he instructs.

  I do as he asks. He steps out of the car and comes around to my side.

  "Scoot over," he says slyly, after opening my door.

  I do, and he climbs in with me.

  We're squeezed together in the passenger seat, facing each other, our legs entangled like pretzels.

  "You like John Legend?" I ask, in an attempt to deflect the nervous energy I'm feeling at his close proximity.

  He's examining me with his entrancing eyes that sometimes look blue and other times gray. His gaze sends shivers down my body, and I'm aching to touch him again. I can't wait to have his hands on me, to feel my skin tingle at his touch, to see his reaction to mine.

  "I enjoy all sorts of music. You'll see," he says but doesn't touch me.

  Please touch me, Jack, please!

  The Eagles' "Hotel California" fills the car.

  He finally lifts his hand to my face, and his fingers caress my cheek, then trace my lips. His eyes look dark gray in the blackness of the night against his black T-shirt.

  He kisses me gently on the lips.

  "You're so beautiful, Ellie," he whispers softl
y and pulls at my lower lip with his. "I can stay here forever, tasting your pillowy lips," he whispers against my mouth and deepens the kiss.

  My heart swells, and I respond to his thirst.

  I briefly pull back to examine him, to see his gorgeous face, to stare at his mesmerizing eyes. He lovingly stares back, removing a strand of hair away from my eyes with his fingers, and kisses me softly again.

  As long as he's forgiven me, I can forgive myself. I can love him, really open up my heart to him, and finally allow him love me.

  "Ahh, stop, I hate you, Sam!" screams Marie outside, breaking our spell. We both laugh at the echoes of her squealing.

  But my hands have a mind of their own, and I slide one under his T-shirt. I skim it across his abs, then move it toward his back and down the inside of his jeans, until I reach the upper half of his behind — it's a tight fit, but I manage.

  He gives me a lascivious grin, his eyes burning into mine, and he kisses me deeply, nipping and tugging at my lips with frantic yearning, his tongue caressing mine. He glides his hand underneath my blouse and finds my breast. He pulls down the bra cup and begins to stroke my nipple.

  "Mmm," I moan at his expert touch. I dig my fingers into his behind, pulling him closer to me.

  I want him now!

  His hand leaves my breast and slides down my stomach, and I know exactly where it's heading.

  CHAPTER 22

  "DO YOU WANT THIS, Ellie?" Jack whispers on my lips. His hand is already inside my leggings, approaching his goal.

  "I can't," I reply shyly between kisses, and he stops.

  His lips stop kissing me, his hand halts in place.

  I put my hand on his and kiss him lightly. "Let me show you."

  I guide his hand down to his goal, and let him explore just long enough for him to feel something blocking his way.

  "Shit, you're on your period," he's relieved there's a legitimate reason to my denial.

  "Yes, I'm sorry," I say, feeling awkward.

  "Not your fault."

  Jack may very well be the sexiest man alive, but period sex in the cramped front seat of a car is just not the best choice.