by S. Moose
We pull up to my childhood home and I hear Abigail holding her breath.
“Whoa! You lived in a castle!” Lucas brings himself closer to us. His mouth drops open and I can tell he’s excited.
I park the car behind Logan’s white Porsche Cayenne. Here we go. I open my door and go around to open Abigail’s. When she gets out, Lucas follows behind her and he takes my hand. Mother, Hayden and Mila come running out.
“Uncle Jacob!” Mila squeals as she runs to me. I let go of Abigail and pick her up.
“Hi baby girl.” I give her a kiss on her cheek and tickle her.
“Stop Uncle Jacob!”
Mother and Hayden look at Abigail and Lucas with a smile on their face. “Mother. Hayden. This is Abigail Anderson and her son Lucas.”
Mother comes over to Abigail and gives her a hug. “It’s nice to meet you dear.” Lucas hides behind Abigail but Hayden comes around and kneels down in front of him.
“Hey Lucas. I made some delicious chocolate chip cookies. You want some?”
“Yes!”
Hayden takes his hand and they walk inside. Everything is going great and this is a wonderful feeling to know that my family love Abigail and Lucas just like I do.
I show Abigail and Lucas around the house before we make our way to the deck and find Logan and Father.
“So this is the woman who is the reason why you’re smiling.” Father comes over to Abigail and hugs her. “Oh, you beautiful angel. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you too Mr. Greene.”
“Now, now. Don’t be silly. Call me William dear.”
Abigail laughs. “Okay, William. It’s nice to meet you too.”
Logan makes his way over and smiles. “So you’re the woman who made Jacob pee his pants huh?”
We all burst out laughing and settle down at the table. Mila is sitting next to Lucas and is smiling from ear to ear. I look at Logan and see the nervous look on his face. This is priceless.
Abigail leans over to me and kisses my cheek. “Thank you.”
I take her hand and hold it. “Sweetheart, anything for you.” We share a kiss and go back to my family.
*****
“Mr. Greene, your two o’clock appointment is here.” Heather informs me. She’s been a great asset to the company. The meeting with Anthony went well and she’s been promoted to be the head of the romance section of the company. She still acts as my personal assistant even though I’ve tried to replace her; she insists on staying by my side.
“Thanks Heather. Give it a few minutes and then bring them in. I want to talk to Abigail first.”
Heather’s face lights up. “Oooooooo Mr. Green you have it bad don’t you?” We both laugh as I wave her off. “Be ready in five.”
She closes the door to give me some privacy. I try calling Abigail but she doesn’t answer. I leave her a voice mail letting her know to call me back and I hope she’s having a good day. I smile as I hang up the phone. Within seconds, my phone vibrates. I look at my phone and see a text message from her.
Abigail: I’m teaching right now. The students are taking a test.
Me: I just wanted to hear your voice. I hope you’re having a great day.
Abigail: I am thank you. I hope you are also.
Me: I will tonight when I see you for dinner.
I wait but Abigail doesn’t text me back. I look at my clock; it’s two o’clock, right on time. Heather brings in my potential clients as they explain their position and tell me more about their books.
Nearly an hour has gone by and the meeting is over. I let them know I’ll be in touch. When they leave my office, I look at my phone and see four text messages from Abigail. I start to smile.
Abigail: Why is there a delivery for me? Two dozen red rose, a card and chocolate covered strawberries?
Abigail: Jacob this is too sweet.
Abigail: You’re doing too much! Stop surprising me with these gifts.
Abigail: You must be in a meeting. Heather said you had some clients today. I’ll see you tonight at six Mr. Greene.
Me: Anything for you beautiful. I’ll see you tonight.
I have Gary pick Abigail up before we head to dinner. She’s wearing a simple silk purple sleeveless dress and the dress looks incredible on her. Her lean body shows in the dress and I wonder what she looks like without the dress. Shit, I can’t think like this but seeing her coming towards me, takes my breath away. When she gets in the car, she slides in and wraps an arm around my neck. I pull her closer to my body and breathe her in. “Hi beautiful.”
“Hi Jacob. Thank you for the gifts but they aren’t necessary.” She pulls away from me but positions herself so we are facing each other. Her dark blue sleeveless wrap dress brightens her face. Her hair is in curls; I love when she does her hair like that, and she’s wearing the diamond earrings Lucas and I bought her a few weeks ago. “How was your day?”
I take her hand in mind and make circles with my thumb. I love the feel of her hand in mine. She’s perfect. “It was hectic. I had a few meetings. Heather’s doing well and I think she’s going to make great contributions to the company.”
“She told me things are going well. I’m glad. Oh before I forget,” Abigail reaches in her purse and pulls out a folded piece of paper, “This is for you from Lucas.”
She hands me the paper and I slowly open it wondering what he could have possibly done for me. When I have the paper open, my mouth drops. It’s a picture of me with a cape and Lucas is standing next to me holding my hand. Above my head, he wrote “Super J.” I start laughing and show Abigail the picture. “Wow looks like I have an admirer.”
Abigail squeezes my hand and just smiles at me.
We make it to Osaka. It’s a new sushi restaurant that Abigail’s been wanting to try. I’m not a fan of sushi but I’ll do anything to make her happy. We walk in, hand-in-hand, and are taken to a booth in the corner.
The restaurant is contemporary with an Asian décor. The place is dimly lit and there are hibachi tables on the other side. Abigail and I look over and watch the chef’s perform while cooking. They are throwing their knives in the air and using fire in their performance.
“I think Lucas would love to come here. What do you think?”
I take Abigail’s hand, “I think so too.”
Chapter 16
Abigail
I decide that tonight is the night I finally tell him about Katherine and Ryan. Throughout the times we’ve spent together, it’s been amazing. Jacob’s constantly putting Lucas and I first and is always over to help Lucas with his homework and to spend time with me. He deserves to know about my past.
The genuine look of happiness in his eyes makes me smile. He seems happy to be here with, like he is every time we’re together. I hope he knows how much he means to me and that I’m ready. I’m ready to fall into the unknown and explore the possibilities with him by my side.
“Sweetheart, are you ready to order?”
I look up and see the patient server smiling. “Oh yes I’m so sorry. We’ll have the shrimp tempura, Miami beach, California roll, shrimp and avocado roll, bang shrimp dynamite roll, crispy roll, Godzilla roll, blossom roll and the red dragon roll. Also can we have two orders of edamame?”
“Yes, no problem. What would you like to drink?”
I look at Jacob but he’s sitting there confused. I roll my eyes at him, “A Sapporo and a glass of chardonnay please.”
“Right away ma’am, thank you.”
When she walks away Jacob looks at me, “You think you ordered enough?” He laughs.
“Trust me you’ll love it all. I ordered a mix of cooked and raw rolls.”
Jacob’s face grows uncomfortable and I can’t help but laugh. “Do you think my uneasiness is a laughing matter?” I cover my mouth and close my eyes. I nod my head and when I open my eyes again, Jacob brings me close. His mouth is near my ear as he whispers, “If you continue this Abigail I’ll take you right here on this table.
I don’t care who’s watching.” His hand rests on my thigh and he kisses my neck.
My eyes go wide and the moisture between my thighs grows. How can this man bring me so much desire? Our drinks arrive and I quickly drink my wine. Alcohol makes me confident and brave; I’m going to need more.
Jacob moves away from me and slowly drinks his beer. I know he notices my reaction to his touch and he’s enjoying this. Our server brings us the appetizer and another glass of wine, “Thank you.”
She smiles and walks away.
I’m not sure what I’m doing. Jacob has his hand on my thigh and continues to look at me. “Are you going to say anything?”
Nothing.
Just what the hell am I doing? Why does he have this hold on me? I feel like I’m in over my head being here with him. I feel nervous and afraid and doubt creeps into my mind. I try to tell myself that Jacob wants to be here with me but his past lingers through when we’re together. Jacob Greene dates high class women with money and status, not plain women like me. I mentally kick myself and repeat that this is real and I’m not a game or a toy to Jacob. I drink more of my wine and try to relax. Breathe in and out Abigail, I think to myself.
“Why are you single Abigail? You are a remarkable woman and so beautiful.”
“Um,” I start to say, “I just never found anyone to make me smile and feel alive.” I take another sip of my wine. Just keep drinking Abigail. “I’ve only had one serious relationship and you know that story. Ryan hurt me and Lucas. He never came to look for us so what’s the point with falling in love? I have Lucas and I’m content with my life.”
There’s an odd expression on his face and his body is rigid. I’m not sure if I should go into more detail or not about Ryan and my connection with Katherine. I take his hand in mine and slowly his body relaxes. “There’s something I have to tell you.”
Jacob’s face grows pale and I begin to feel bad. He takes a drink of his beer and sets the bottle down on the table. “What is it sweetheart?”
I shift my body and am facing him. “I’m sorry for telling you this now and I wish I could’ve told you this sooner but Lucas’s father is Ryan Strider. I was Katherine’s best friend. We had a falling out while we both lived in California.”
Jacob doesn’t say anything. He looks away from me and I can tell he’s hurt. I take a sip of wine and wait for him to respond. I touch his hand and he doesn’t move away.
“I’m glad you told me. I don’t want there to be any secrets between us. Katherine never mentioned you when we were dating. That’s weird.”
I shake my head. “No it makes sense. She hated me when I left and never wanted to see me or hear about me again.” It hurt knowing Katherine held her anger for so long.
“Katherine did like to hold grudges,” he laughs but it slowly fades away. “I haven’t spoke to Ryan since the accident.” His voice is small and sad. “I still blame myself for her death.”
My heart breaks as I watch the man I’m falling for break in front of me. I pull his body to mine and hug him tightly. “I’m not surprised It’s not your fault.” I whisper, holding him close to me. He wraps his arms around my waist and I hear him sigh. “Fresh start, right?”
He moves away from me and kisses my lips. “Fresh start.”
Before I can say anything else, our server comes by with our food.
“Enjoy. Is there anything else I can get for you?
“Yes, another glass of wine for my beautiful date and I’ll take a large hot sake please.”
“Sir.”
The server walks away and Jacob stares at the sushi. His confidence is gone and fear is taking over. I smile. Looks like Mr. Perfect has flaws.
We feed each other the sushi and laugh with one another. It’s just Jacob and I in our own private world. His hand never leaves my thigh and just the way he looks at me makes me want him so much more.
“Jacob, I like spending time with you.” I can’t believe I said that out of nowhere. My face is on fire. Again. I have to look away from him.
His fingers push my face back to his and without warning our lips meet. His tongue parts my lips and slides right in. The tingle feeling goes from my mouth down to my belly and my aching lady part. I breathe in his expensive smell, so manly and so delicious. He pulls his face away leaving me breathless, “You don’t know how happy you make me.”
I smile again and kiss the top of his nose. Oh Jacob Greene what are you doing to me?
Chapter 17
Jacob
When Abigail told me she knew Katherine and Ryan was Lucas’s father, I was shocked and wasn’t sure what to say but I knew I wasn’t be mad at her. She was in a bad position and I understood why she kept it from me. I wanted to know more about their falling out but tonight wasn’t the night for that. I wanted everything to be perfect and wanted to show her I was the one she should be with.
Her laugh makes me smile and makes me feel whole. I haven’t been this happy in so long. I want to make her mine. I send a text to Gary letting him know my plans. Tonight is the night. I’m ready to fall in love again and let her in; all the way in.
We finish dinner and I pay before leaving the restaurant. When we get outside, I take her hand in mine and we start walking. It’s a nice evening and the skies are clear. With each step, I get fearful. I don’t want to pressure Abigail or make her feel as though she has to say yes but I want to make her understand I want to be with her. I want to take care of her and Lucas and make sure Lucas gets all the care he needs and deserves. I see her looking at me and she’s looking at everything but me. I like watching her take in her surroundings and making little comments about the buildings we pass. There are lights all over the park when we make it on the next path. There are benches all over and the smell of the garden is near.
“Jacob, where are we going?” Abigail anxiously asks. “You’re making me nervous.”
I shake my head and make sure I don’t reveal anything about my plans. I want this to be a surprise and sweep her off her feet. I hope Gary has everything in place. We make it to the gazebo and within seconds the lights come on. I hear Abigail gasp as the lights on the gazebo flicker on. There are red rose petals all over with soft music playing.
“Jacob, what’s going on?” Abigail asks still looking around. I let out another laugh and guide her to the white bench by the rose garden. When we sit down, Abigail is still looking at me. “Are you going to talk at all?”
I take her hand in mine again and her sexy eyes draw me in and I forget what I want to say. Abigail keeps looking around and stammers over her words. Her hand shakes in mine and her eyes shoot all over the park. Without thinking I bring my lips to hers and when we touch, I feel sparks. Her lips are soft and tender. I bring my hands to her face as I deepen the kiss. Our tongues touching, driving my body crazy. At first she’s hesitant but when I bring her closer, she lets me in and begins to relax. I want to be the only man she kisses and loves. I realize, with this kiss, how much she means to me. I slowly pull away from her and our breathing is labored. “Abigail, be mine. You’re all I think about. We’ve been friends for months now and I think it’s time to take our friendship to the next level. I care about you Abigail; you and Lucas. I can give you and Lucas everything and I can make you happy. Both of you.”
Abigail doesn’t say anything but I see a flicker of hope in her eyes, or at least I think I do. My heart pounds against my body and I’m not sure what to expect her to say. I know she’s scared to commit to me but I want to take those fears away. Her rigid and tense body slowly starts to relax as she lets my vow to her sink in. I don’t want her to think she has to be alone anymore. We’ve both been alone for too long and it’s time to make things official. Before I can say anything, Abigail softly answers, “Yes Jacob. I’m yours.” I quickly pick her up and spin her around in my arms. I wrap my arms around her waist and bring her lips to mine again. This time, our kiss is intense and full of want. The dance our tongues create makes me want more. She grabs me and pulls
my head closer to hers. My dick goes instantly hard. I’m scared Abigail can feel it but if she does, she isn’t moving away. Her fingers run through my hair as she lets out soft moans from our kiss. I have to stop kissing her before things get out of hand. I pull away and bring my lips to her forehead. “You don’t know how happy you’re making me right now.”
“Jacob, just promise me you won’t hurt me or Lucas. Please?”
The tone is her voice breaks me. How can she think I would hurt her? There’s nothing anyone or anything can do to tear us apart. “I promise sweetheart.”
“I’m giving you my heart Jacob. Just please, I am begging you, don’t break it because I don’t think I’d survive.”
“Sweetheart, believe me please. I promise to always be here by your side. Nothing will ever make me leave.”
And I intend to keep that promise.
*****
Sunday morning rolls around as I go over to Abigail’s and pick them up for our first Sunday get together. I hate leaving her at night and going home by myself but I know I can’t ask us to live together, well at least not yet. I put my SUV in park and get out of the car. I see Lucas looking out the window vigorously waving at me. I wave back. As I am about to step on the porch, he opens the door and jumps in my arms.
“Hey buddy. How are you?” I hold him out at arm’s length as he smiles. “Thank you for my picture. Your mom gave it to me last night and it’s now hanging in my room.” Lucas starts laughing and throws his tiny arms around me again. The hairs on my arms stick up and without looking up, I know she’s standing there - my beautiful Abigail. I look up and see that brilliant smile on her face. I slowly stand up while holding Lucas in my arm. I step closer to my angel and slide my free arm around her waist. I lightly kiss her lips and hold the kiss for a few seconds. Abigail pulls away and smiles.
“Good morning,” she breathlessly says.
“Good morning beautiful. Are you guys ready to go?”
“Yes just let me grab my purse. Lucas do you want Mama to get your backpack?” Lucas shoots his head up and nods his head once. “Okay go with Jacob to the car and I’ll be right there. Jacob can you get his booster seat out of my car?”