by Maddie Wade
“Tinkerbell, you been holding out on me?” he asks as I get things ready to make the truffles.
“If tonight goes well for me, then who knows what might happen.” I smile at him, and he gives me that hungry look, the look that shouts ‘I’m getting lucky tonight’.
With that, Jackson tells me what his niece likes, as well as his brother and sister in law. With that information I begin making everything that I need to make a good first impression.
*~*~*
I changed into a summer dress as Jackson said they are having a BBQ now, I was wearing a maxi dress, but Jackson said that he liked the short summer floral dress better. He knew it was because of my tattoos. I don't normally care if people don't like them, but this isn't no one, this is someone's mum, and I want them to not judge me because I have tattoos. Jackson keeps telling me that he doesn't care and if his mum had a problem with the tattooed rainbow hair girl then she wouldn't have invited her for dinner.
I made some bark and then some treats for his niece and sister in law. He kept telling me that his brother doesn’t get anything, I have no idea the reason why, so I added a few different types of bark in there for him.
Walking into the house, Jackson takes my hand as we join everyone in the garden. “Uncle Jacky,” I hear a little girl shout. Letting go of my hand he kneels down to give his niece a hug. She looks over at me and I give her a smile. “You’re the chocolate lady,” she points at me.
“Maisy, this is Ashley, my girlfriend,” Jackson tells her. She looks at me for a moment, then pulls Jackson’s shirt for him to kneel down.
“Uncle Jacky, does this mean I get lots of chocolate?” He gives her a nod. “Then I like you,” she says and looks over at me again. “I like your hair, it looks like my Barbie’s hair. She then runs off to her mum.
“Tough crowd to win over,” I tell Jackson as he wraps his arm around my waist.
“She is the toughest I promise.” We start walking over to his brother and sister in law, I remember them from the day they came into the shop. “Ashley, this is my brother Jake and his wife Sadie,” Jackson says. I say hello to them both and his brother gives me a smile.
“I would get out before he becomes an ass,” Jake tells me, looking over at Jackson with a smile.
“You can be a right dick sometimes.” Jackson pushes him playfully.
“Okay you two, how about we be on our best behaviour today,” Sadie says standing in the middle of them. “You would think they were adults, but no, they are silly little boys who fight,” she says and starts laughing. I can't help but laugh as well.
“Jackson, about time you two get here. Your brother is moaning he needs food.” I turn to see his mother walking over to him, Jackson leans in to give her a kiss on the cheek.
“Sorry, Ashley got a late customer that wanted to place an order for tomorrow,” he says.
Great. Now she is going to think that I wanted to be late or something. “I brought the truffles you asked for.” I give her a smile and hand over the bag to her.
She takes a look in the bag. “These are amazing, I just can't get enough of it,” she says giving me a hug.
We have the most amazing slow barbecued beef brisket. I have never had it before and it is heavenly. There is some sort of spice rub on it and I ask Sadie for the recipe. She seems thrilled and runs to write it down.
I look to the left and wonder if I am imagining the stink eye I am getting from Maisy, but no, I’m not. It started just after dinner. Jackson had pulled our chairs close as we all sit around talking and relaxing. His family are wonderful, and the dynamic is so much fun. He and Jake are like two little boys all the time and I love the glimpse of Jackson like this. He is carefree, and his wicked sense of humour is coming through.
We stand to leave, and Jackson’s arm comes around me, his hand resting on the top curve of my hip. I link my arm around his back and curl my fingers into his belt loops, my body turns into him.
Jackson kisses my temple softly and I yelp.
“Ow,” What the hell?
“Maisy!” Sadie shouts in a stern voice.
Everyone turns to look at Maisy who has just kicked me in the leg, with all the might of a little girl scorned.
“Maisy, why did you kick Ashley?” Jake asks as he kneels down so that he is eye to eye with her. Her little lip pouts and wobbles. Big tears form in her eyes, but still she glares at me.
I turn to Jackson. “I should go. Walk me out and you can stay and be with your family.”
He frowns and looks at me uncertainly. “No, I want Maisy to apologise first,” he says and looks at his niece. The stern, disappointed look from her adored uncle breaks her and she throws herself at her dad and great hulking sobs rack her body.
“But,” hiccup, “but, she kissed Uncle Jacky and that means he loves her now and not me.” Her little girl heartbreak pulls at my heartstrings.
Jackson kneels next to her and pulls her to him and the fact that she goes, and her father lets her, tells me of the bond these brothers share.
I stand back and watch.
“Maisy, hunny bunches of love,” he says, and she giggles. “You will always be my very special girl and nobody, not anybody ever will change that. But you know how you love Mummy and Daddy and me and Nanny?” She nods as she looks at him earnestly. “Well I can do that too. I can love you and Ashely. It’s different but no less important. Kind of like chocolate and sweets. You love both, so you need to have both. Well, you're my sweets and Ashley is my chocolate. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Uncle Jacky,” she says and throws her little arms around his neck.
He lifts her and walks over to me. “Now what do you say?”
“I’m sorry Ashley,” she whispers, and I smile.
I reach out and brush a tear from her baby soft cheek. “It’s okay, sweetie, I understand. Uncle Jacky is very special, and I promise I won’t steal him. Maybe we can both spend time with you. I have some chocolate pumpkins to make in a few weeks, maybe you could help?”
Her eyes light up then, “Can I please,” she says and just like that we are friends again.
Chapter 15
Jackson
I hum to myself as I rinse the foam from my face, it feels kind of funny shaving in front of Ashley’s bathroom mirror. I’m surrounded by all her girlie shit, honestly, she has more lotions and lip balms than she could use in her lifetime. My eyes catch hers in the mirror as she steps out of the shower.
She gives me a flirty grin and despite the fact that I was buried in her lush body not ten minutes ago, I feel myself harden. She is like Kryptonite! Every time I’m around her I want to be touching her, kissing her, or inside her.
When I leave the bathroom, she’s sitting at her vanity combing through her wet rainbow hair. I take the time to study the tattoos that cover her towel covered body. They are beautiful works of art on skin that is the perfect canvas. I walk forward, our eyes meet in the mirror.
Being with Tinkerbell is making feel things I haven’t felt in years, if ever. It feels like something momentous is happening and we both feel it. I think back to last night and how I told Maisy I loved Ashley. I hadn’t meant for it to come out, but when the words had I realised that my feelings for Ashley may not be love but they were certainly headed that way.
Part of me feels terrified and part of me wants to dance in the rain and shout it to the world. Tinkerbell smiles at me as I lean in dropping a kiss on the curve of her neck.
“You free tonight, Tink?” I ask and love how she turns towards me giving me her full attention. Her hands come out and hitch through my belt loops. I have got as far as getting my trousers and shirt on, but the shirt is unbuttoned.
Looking up at me, she looks so fucking beautiful, I can hardly catch a breath.
“I sure am handsome,” she answers. I feel my dick twitch at her closeness. He seems to have a weakness for beautiful rainbow-haired sirens too.
“How about I cook at my place?” I offer.
Her face brightens as she grins. “Yes, I would love to see your place.”
“Cool, want me to pick you up? I can swing by on my way home from work and then drop you back in the morning.”
“Ooh are we having a sleepover?” She laughs, and I pull her up and into my arms, the move causes her towel to slip a little and her nipples are nearly visible. I suck in a breath and my dick strains against my zip. How does she do this to me? But then I notice the pulse in her neck thrumming wildly and know she is feeling the same. Moving my head a fraction, I run my nose along her neck just under her ear. Her breath catches as she moans.
“I don’t know about sleeping, Tinkerbell, but I am going to fuck you for a very long time in my bed and anywhere else I can think of.” My voice is low, my hands move to gently hold her neck and I run my thumb over the pulse there.
Her hands move to my abs and her little fingernails rake over my sensitive nipples. It takes every ounce of control I have to step away from her, but I know that the anticipation will make it so much sweeter. That is if I don’t die first.
I head to the office and am running late. Alex is already there when I arrive. He has a tiny frown on his face. He is probably pissed at being kept waiting.
“Sorry I’m late,” I say as I hustle through the door. Lindy smiles sweetly, and I falter. What the fuck is wrong with her? Somehow the smile scares me more than the glares.
“Morning, Lindy,” I venture.
“Good morning, boss,” she answers and now I am really worried. I look at her with a frown and her smile grows even bigger.
I shake my head as I push open the door to my office.
I sit and gesture to Alex to sit. Before I can start Lindy comes in with two cups of coffee.
“Here you go, Jackson, just how you like it and one for you, Alex.” She is freaking me way the fuck out now.
“Thanks,” I say and hesitantly take a sip. It’s good and just how I like it. I think that might be the first cup I’ve ever tasted that Lindy has made.
She nods and leaves the office with a sweet smile. Lindy and I need to talk.
I focus on Alex and he is studying me. I smile and sit back in my chair.
“Well, Lindy is in a good mood, but don’t get used to that.”
“Good to know,” he says and smiles but it doesn’t reach his eyes. I wonder if he is pissed about me being late. Probably shouldn’t have showered with Ashley but she is just too fucking irresistible. I feel my mind wander back to waking up with her. I try to pull myself back as a smile twitches at my mouth. I look back to Alex who’s looking pissed.
Back to business. I spent the next two hours going over all the procedures I had set up to keep the company and client safe and anonymous. I give Alex the rundown on how to meet clients and the best practice for executing the relationship termination for the client. Alex listened well and made notes. Around eleven Lindy comes in with biscuits and coffee. I leave Alex to do some research and followed her back out to reception.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
She just looks at me. “What do you mean?” she says with an innocent smile.
“Coffee, biscuits, smiling! You’re making me nervous and I know you’re up to something, you old crone!” I state, and she laughs that deep, smokers laugh. I can’t help but smile at her. Her wrinkled face looks so much younger when she smiles.
“Okay you got me you little shitbag,” she grins. “So I happen to have a friend who lives near Sweet Heaven and a little birdie told me that she saw you kissing the face of the sweet owner.”
I look at her agog, my mouth opening and closing like a fish.
“And?” I ask.
“And I kind of have a really sweet tooth for those Irish Cream Truffles she makes. Seriously they are the best in London, and I kind of hoped you know, that maybe you could get some samples.”
I throw my head back and laugh a deep belly laugh, I laugh until tears run down my face. I throw an arm around Lindy and kiss her grey head. “You only had to ask,” I tell her.
She shrugs me off and huffs. “Well, if I’d known that you and the little weirdo in there could have made your own coffee.”
I turn and head back to the office, I enter and watch as Alex looks up. “Everything okay?” he asks, I nod.
I sit back down and start going through my diary. After finalising some appointments, I pick up my phone.
Tinkerbell: So, do you need me to bring anything later?
Jackson: No just yourself
Jackson: Second thought if you have any Irish Cream Truffles, can I get a box please?
Tinkerbell: Sure :)
Jackson: Thanks beautiful. I can’t wait to see you later. I can’t stop thinking about you. You looked so fucking beautiful this morning.
Tinkerbell: Not as gorgeous as you, you literally make my mouth water and my body hum.
Jackson: The things I am gonna do to you tonight Tink. I can’t wait to see that sweet ass bent over my sofa, taking my cock.
I watch the dots appear and disappear and I grin as I move so that my trousers aren’t cutting off the circulation in my balls.
Tinkerbell: Keep talking like that and I’ll have to go and see BOB to take the edge off.
Jackson: Don’t you dare. The only thing going near that pussy is me. BOB can only play if I’m there to watch.
I grin as I send it.
Tinkerbell: Okay maybe a cold shower will work.
Okay now I have that thought in my head. Little minx is killing me.
Jackson: What time do you shut up shop? Can Taylor close up?
Tinkerbell: Taylor can close up. What time do you want me?
Jackson: I want you now, but I have work until 4. So, will pick you up about 4:30.
Jackson: And Tink………. I wish I was kissing you instead of missing you.
Tink: Awe Jackson…… You are so getting lucky.
I smile what I am sure is a goofy smile and turn back to my computer. An hour later I get a text from my mum telling me how much she loves Ashley. I am searching the internet for a birthday present for Sadie when I see a pop-up advert for the Disneyland Paris end of summer show. It has Tinkerbell and Cinderella on it and I think of my Tinkerbell. I wonder if she would like to go. I will ask tonight. The thought of a weekend away, just us two would be amazing and I bet she would love that.
Checking my emails I see an invitation to the Children’s Bereavement Charity Ball. My first instinct is not to go, those things are boring but then I wonder if I can persuade Ashley to go with me. She makes everything fun and the thought of her on my arm all dressed up, looking like sex personified makes the idea so much more appealing.
She is like a breath of fresh air in my life, she has coloured all the dark corners filling them with light. I smirk at that, fuck I’m turning into a right sap. What is funny though is I couldn’t give a toss.
The rest of the day passes depressingly slowly and around three I tell Alex he can go. He has been quiet today and I wonder if maybe I made a mistake with him. But I look at all the research he has done, and they are very comprehensive. He seems to have grasped what I want well.
Soon I am in my car and racing across London. Somehow the thought of being with Tinkerbell leaves me feeling giddy.
Chapter 16
Ashley
Taylor said that she would shut the shop for me, not until after giving me a whole Taylor speech first though. Do everything that I would do, don’t have too much fun with him, and play a little hard to get too. I told her that I would, but even I know that might not happen. I have no idea what it is about Jackson, but I can’t remember ever feeling like this about someone, if ever. It’s like we have both just clicked with each other. Just being around him makes me happy.
Grabbing my bag I head back down to the shop as I wait for Jackson to come pick me up, Taylor was that nice she said that she would open up and that I can have a lie in, which will be nice as I won’t have to rush to make anything as I made sure I did it all before
I finished for the day.
“Well, someone is hoping to get lucky tonight,” Taylor says looking me up and down. I went with a nice dress, baby blue with a low back.
“I know I’m getting lucky tonight.” I give her a wink as I box up some Irish Cream Truffles, not sure why Jackson wanted these, but he asked for them and I can’t say no to him.
“We should go on a double date tomorrow night, what you think?” Taylor asks, handing me a bag to put the box in.
“That will be so much fun, I’ll ask Jackson tonight.” I tell her. I know that it will be a good night, and a good way for him to see what Taylor is really like. I look over at the door, and give Jackson a smile as he walks over to me.
“You look beautiful, Tinkerbell,” he says giving me a kiss on the lips.
“You don’t look too bad yourself.” I give him a smile. “So what are you cooking tonight?” I ask. I love the fact that he can cook. I mean what woman can say no to a man that can cook?
“Something nice.” He moves his arm away from around my waist and looks into the cabinet. “I’m having you for dessert, but I thought maybe we could take something...you know for energy.” Jackson tilts his head towards me and gives me a wink.
“I’ll get a box together.” Taylor looks at me, and I already know what that look means, it’s telling me that I won’t be walking much tomorrow. I shake my head at her, grabbing the box off her.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, any orders come through send me a text,” I tell her, walking out the shop before she can say anything else to me, which I know she would have.
Jackson opens the door for me, I watch him walking around the front of the car, checking his phone. Shaking his head he puts it back in his pocket. I choose to not ask him about it, I don’t want work to get in the way of tonight.
We pull up to his house and I’m already amazed with it, it’s a beautiful townhouse. Jackson takes my hand in his and I follow him up the stairs. I look around, the park in front of his house is so nice, I will have to go for a walk in the morning.