Good thing he has other ideas.
He grabs my hand away from his behind and places it squarely on his bulging crotch. I can feel how ready he is for me.
I'm anxious to feel exactly what I'll be missing thanks to my monthly visitor. I try to unbutton his jeans, but it's proving difficult. Between our two blundering hands, we pop open the button of his jeans. I pull down the zipper and put my hand inside his boxers, while his hand finds its way back to my breast.
He's hard, big, thick…
I gaze into his eyes, kiss him, and tug at his lip with mine. My hand is working him up and down, squeezing and stroking over and over.
"Mmm, this is what I'm missing," I whisper on his lips.
"Mmm, baby," he grumbles between groans.
His mouth is on mine, kissing me deeply, imploring, begging me not to stop pleasuring him. I squeeze and stroke him again, while his lips and tongue play with mine. I savor his moans in my mouth.
I imagine him inside me, and my heart rate picks up along with his. His fingers are stroking and tugging at my nipple, and the tension gets deeper as he's closer to his release. He's close, really close, and I'm desperate to bring him to pure bliss. I stroke him faster and harder.
I suck on his lower lip with mine, and he explodes in my hand.
"Fuck, baby!"
He opens his eyes and watches me sated, pleased, and gratified, before he kisses me softly again. He's breathing hard, and I'm grinning from ear to ear thrilled by my accomplishment.
My hand is still inside his boxers holding him, and it's wet, very wet.
He opens the glove compartment, grabs a few napkins, pulls my hand out of his boxers, and cleans it. There's a bit of him left on my ring finger, so I put it in my mouth and suck it clean.
He gapes at me surprised, before kissing me softly and murmuring, "My Ellie."
"Yes," I reply, "My Jack."
Adele's "One and Only" is playing, tainting me with yearning for him.
"Let me be your one and only, Jack," I say softly, as Adele sings everything I want to say to him.
He closes his eyes briefly, taking in the lyrics.
"You have no idea what you mean to me, Ellie," he whispers.
"I do have an idea, Jack, because you mean that much to me too." I trace his face with my fingers and kiss him along the way…the beautiful arch of his nose, his eyelids, his forehead, his lips…
I want to kiss his lips forever!
"Mmm," he sighs, each time my lips touch him.
He smiles, making my heart leap.
Seeing him, having him next to me, and knowing he's given me another chance is my lifeline. I don't fear loving him anymore.
My past is gone and buried, where it belongs. Jack is my present. I pray he knows how much I love him, and that I will never let him down again.
●●●
I'm having a hard time staying awake at my desk. Were it not for the immense amount of work I have to finish today, and my elated state thanks to last night's adventure with Jack at the campgrounds, I would pass out this second. Not to mention it's Monday.
But it's almost 3:00 p.m., and I just have one more hour, before I can head home to get some sleep.
My iPhone pings.
Marie: Ellie I have something to tell you
Ellie: Spill it
Marie: Promise you won't be mad
Ellie: Promise it won't make me mad
Marie: Just promise
Ellie: Ok Marie just tell me cause you're making me nervous
Marie: Mike called needs a favor
Ellie: So?
Marie: He wants you to help too
Ellie: Huh?
Marie: He needs volunteers
Ellie: Ugh why me? We'll talk when I get home ok
Marie: Yep
●●●
As soon as I get home, I head straight to bed. I need to sleep just enough to be able to face this nonsense about Mike.
I don't know how he could have the nerve to request my help, after the way he's treated me. Every time I've seen him he runs away from me like I'm a leper.
But now that he needs something…
I'm snuggling under the sheets fast asleep, when I feel a hand stirring me.
"Ellie, wake up." Marie is sitting on the bed.
"Let's talk later," I try to get her to go away and let me be.
"It is later. It's 8:00. I thought I'd wake you so you can get things ready for tomorrow. Otherwise, you're going to be late to work in the morning."
I feel drowsy, in need of more sleep. I could've sworn I fell asleep just fifteen minutes ago. I reluctantly prop myself up and recline my head on the headboard. I rub my eyes, so maybe they'll stay open.
"Now that you're up," she teases. I roll my eyes at her, but she continues, "what should I tell Mike?"
"About what?" I say drowsily.
"About you helping."
"I don't know, Marie. The last thing I want is to get involved with Mike again. It's awkward and unnecessary."
Why is he okay with me all of a sudden? I've put up with too much from him already. He's way past his allotted rudeness.
"Sam and Jack are helping…" she prompts, but I hold my hand up to her, so she stops talking for a second.
I grab my iPhone and check for texts from Jack. Sure enough, I have several, the last one an hour ago.
I continue ignoring Marie and text him.
Ellie: Sorry baby I fell asleep Marie just woke me
Jack: Long fun night last night?
Ellie: Maybe
Jack: Who with?
Ellie: A handsome sexy guy
Jack: Mmm did he treat you right?
Ellie: He did but he could've done better
Jack: Do explain
Ellie: He offered but the circumstances didn't permit though I think I did a good job
Jack: Did you now… Any proof?
Ellie: I licked it!
Jack: Yes you did baby and I promise to return the favor!
Ellie: Yes please
I'm grinning like a goof, as I read his texts.
Marie takes me by my shoulders and shakes me forcefully to pay attention to her.
"I can see Jack's got you wrapped around his finger, or something else, but we need to finish the discussion."
I playfully stick my tongue out at her and broaden the in-love grin that's already on my face.
I continue texting Jack.
Ellie: Hold that thought baby Marie needs to talk to me BRB
Jack: Ok baby xo
I put the cell down and look up at Marie.
"First, tell me what this whole thing is about. What is Mike doing that he needs to recruit so many people?"
Apparently, the firm where Mike is interning or working, Marie isn't quite sure, is doing a voter registration event. With the upcoming elections, they have partnered with a local, non-partisan organization.
So far so good...
They're setting up stations all over Los Angeles to register people to vote. One of Mike's tasks is to recruit as many volunteers as possible, because each station needs three to four people, and that's a "whole lot of peeps," Marie mocks.
"If I do it, and that's a big if, what would be required?" I ask, hoping I can find an excuse to say no.
"We'll all attend a meeting this Saturday at the Four Seasons, where we'll get the rundown of what we're expected to do, how to approach people, what information they'll need to fill out, etc. And the actual event is the following Saturday," she explains.
I stare at her for a minute, contemplating if I should do this. I don't want Jack to think I'm doing it because I want anything to do with Mike, but on the other hand, it is important to register as many voters as possible.
Mike's cause seems to be legit…
"I need to check with Jack first."
"As you should," she agrees.
"Just so there won't be any misun
derstandings."
"Yep, I get it. Let me know," she smiles.
I dread bringing this up to Jack. We just had a kinky text exchange, and I don't want to bring down his mood…or mine, for that matter.
But Marie is badgering me for an answer. I gather from her tone that Mike's been pestering her.
It's better to tell Jack sooner rather than later.
Ellie: Hey baby still awake?
Jack: Yes thinking dirty thoughts about you
Ellie: You'll have to show me in person
Jack: Count on it!
Ellie: I'm going to need a cold shower!
Ellie: I want to share something with you
Jack: Shoot
Ellie: Marie just told me about a volunteer thing of Mike's. Wants me to help wanted to run it by you
I wait for his answer…
Come on, Jack, this means nothing. Please don't be upset…
Jack: It's fine. I'm going to help, I'll protect you
Ellie: I don't need protection. I need you!
Jack: You have me
Ellie: You sure it's ok? I'm not really interested
Jack: Yes it's a good cause
Ellie: Ok I miss you
Jack: I miss you too
Ellie: Talk later going to take that shower
Jack: Think of me
Ellie: Mmm cold shower it is!
Jack: LOL night baby
Ellie: Night xoxo
CHAPTER 23
IT'S SATURDAY MORNING, and Marie is nudging me to get up — I'm so not a morning person.
We have to be at the Four Seasons for the voter registration training by 9:00 a.m. Apparently, it's going to be at least four hours long.
Why did I agree to do this?
The only consolation, and frankly motivation, is that Jack will be there. We've both been so busy that I haven't seen him since Sunday.
How is it we manage to have such kinky text exchanges but can't find time in the evenings to see each other?
●●●
The training is in a large conference room. There are rectangular tables set up in two rows, each seating eight people.
When we arrive, Jack, Sam, Mike, and Mario are already seated with other people. They smile and wave hello but don't get up to greet us. I figure it's because we're very late, and the training is about to start.
Marie and I find two available spots located a couple of rows behind theirs. Jack is sitting directly in front of me, and I'm hoping he'll turn around and blow me a kiss.
He doesn't.
Since it would be rude of me to distract him with texts, I refrain, but I'm aching to kiss him.
We're given specific instructions on everything from how to approach people, to what information they need to fill out and what to do with the registration cards. It's actually very interesting, because I enjoy politics.
Four and a half hours later the training is over, and Marie and I join the guys. We greet them as usual with a kiss on the cheek. Even Mike emulates the gesture, and thanks us for helping. The thank you is even directed at me, and he actually looks me in the eyes.
Well, that's a shocker!
Jack is watching me closely, and I can see he's tense. Is he looking for evidence I'm still hung up on Mike? He won't find any. I'm cordial with him, though he doesn't deserve it, but I'm not showing him any special treatment. I'm over that hang up.
"Do you need a ride home?" asks Jack.
I think he's trying to find a way to be with me, without drawing suspicion.
Why is he hiding our relationship? Weren't we passed that?
He has to be aware of the rejection I feel by pretending our relationship is still in the friend-zone. Unless…Is that what I am to him, just a friend with benefits?
The thought seriously disturbs me.
"Marie drove," I answer him pensive, in a sedated tone.
He looks down, discouraged. He knows I'm vexed but doesn't know how to fix it.
It's an easy fix. Take me in your arms and kiss me, tadah!
"Enjoy the rest of your day," Mike says to us, before slipping his arm around Jack's shoulders, "We're having a boys' night."
It's an insinuation, though I don't think it's meant to stir up trouble between Jack and me. I doubt he has any idea of what's going on with us.
"Well, enjoy. See ya," snaps Marie and nods at me to follow her.
I give them a barely there smile and walk away.
●●●
"I know you better than you know yourself. You're upset, right?" Marie begins her interrogation on the drive home.
"Why did Jack act like that? It's like he's ashamed of me. He could've sat with me. He could've put his arm around me, shown me some affection," I respond, not quite understanding why he was so indifferent.
"They're best friends, Ellie. I'm not justifying Jack's actions, but it's going to take time before he can truly feel comfortable showing you open affection in front of Mike. Dating your best friend's ex is kind of taboo, even if it was Mike who left you. There's a code between guy friends that states they can't date each other's exes. A code Jack has broken. I don't think it's an easy thing for him to admit to Mike. And, not to bring up the past, but when Jack was ready to put it all on the line for you, you pulled away from him." She eyes me nervously, hoping she didn't just stab me in the heart with her candid observation.
"I. Don't. Care!" I stomp my feet forcefully and pout petulantly.
Marie peers at me from underneath her lashes, her eyes narrowed, and she's grinning.
I burst out laughing.
"I knew it!" she laughs, confirming my moody reaction was a joke.
We're both laughing so hard we have to make a pee stop at the nearest gas station — not the first time that's happened since we've known each other.
●●●
"Since the boys are going out who knows where, what do you want to do this beautiful Saturday night?" Marie asks.
It's late in the evening, and I haven't heard from Jack. I'm letting it be and not reaching out to him. I don't want to be clingy — which I've actually never been — and I won't start now.
Let him have his boys' night out. I'll have a girls' night out and thoroughly enjoy it.
"Let's go out dancing and enjoy this wonderful weather. Let's dance, baby, dance!" I throw my hands up in the air and twirl around.
"Yes, yes, yes!" Marie is practically jumping up and down exhilarated at my excitement.
"Definitely an Uber night!" she says thrilled.
"Definitely!" I wink at her.
●●●
Marie called it when she picked the Rooftop at The Standard hotel. It's packed with beautiful people, and my mind is solely focused on having a good time.
Neither Jack nor anyone else will ruin this night.
We're surrounded by gorgeous, available men, and I feel free. Free of stress. Free of worry. Free of expectations. Free, just a 23-year-old spending one helluva night with her best friend.
Marie's been taking pictures and posting them on Instagram. I swear her entire life is superbly documented on IG.
"Selfie!" she yells and pulls me in. She snaps a picture of us puckering up in the air.
Yea, we look adorable!
She uploads it and captions it, Offering Free Kisses! #girlsnightout #hottiesindahouse
The next one is a shot of me dancing, holding a mojito in one hand and the other hand up in the air. That's My Girl! #shesacatch #bff
She follows it with another one of us posing, showing off our very short dresses, and very high heels that make our legs look long and sultry. Mojitos Baby!!! #girlshavingfun
The next one is a group shot of us with five hot guys, none of which we actually know. Marie asked them to get in the picture with us, and they were more than happy to oblige. Blessed Among Men! #kisses #surroundedbyhotties #bff
The picture that has the most consequences is one she takes next. Aft
er the group photo with the hotties, one of them makes a funny remark, which after three mojitos, I find hilarious. I'm laughing so hard, I almost fall backward, and he puts his hand slightly on my waist to hold me up. She captions it, When A Guy Makes You Laugh… Checkmate! #goelliegoellie #loveher
CHAPTER 24
MY IPHONE IS blowing up inside my boob. It's buzzing nonstop, and I'm getting quite the sensual massage. I excuse myself and head to the restroom to see who's so desperate to reach me.
I dig inside my boob to pull out the iPhone. A girl washing her hands at the sink gives me a knowing look. Yea, she knows boobs are the perfect substitute for pockets, when we don't want to carry a purse. They're multipurpose.
I see at least five texts in a row from Jack.
My eyesight is blurry, surely from all drinks I've had. I giggle hysterically and walk out of the restroom to show Marie.
When I find her, she has two fresh mojitos in her hands. I trade her one for my iPhone. She smirks at the texts and hands the device back to me.
"Did you tag the pictures with our location?" I ask between sips of my drink.
She shakes her head no.
"Good."
I'm having too much fun to have Jack or Sam suddenly show up to ruin things. He chose to go out with Mike. I choose to have a great night with my best friend.
I'm doing nothing wrong.
The iPhone rings. Jack's name pops on the screen. I immediately hand it to Marie.
She gapes at me, "You don't want to answer?"
I shake my head no.
"You want me to answer?"
I anxiously nod yes.
"Heeello, yep, Marie. No, she's in the restroom right now. Yep, we're good. Yep, I'm sure. Okay, okay, I will. Bye." She hangs up and hands me the cell.
I'm glaring at her waiting to hear what Jack said.
"Fine," she giggles. "He wanted to talk to you and make sure you're safe. He said to call him."
"Okay," I slur, "Salud!"
He shouldn't be upset, and I'm in too good a mood to pause for a contentious call with him. He'll have to wait until tomorrow.
The cell pings again with more texts, from Jack I presume. I look at it, but the battery is on red. It's about to die, and unfortunately, I don't have a charger in my boob. I'll call him tomorrow.
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