One More Chance

by Leah Laurens

  Hailey still is too overwhelmed to talk as she pictures him laying over her without clothes on.

  Jimmy says, “You’re so fucking beautiful.”

  Hailey clears her throat. “So are you.”

  ***

  Jimmy says, “I haven’t stopped liking you since the beach trip. It’s been such a long time.”

  Hailey looks at him. “There’s no one I’d rather be with.”

  Jimmy grins. “Really? That’s good to hear.” He scoots next to her and puts his arm around her. He looks into her eyes and he grabs her hands as he says, “I want you to know, I will never hurt you like I did back then. Ever.”

  “We were really young, you know.”

  He nods. “I just want to hug you.”

  Hailey leans into his chest, and he wraps his arms around her. He says, “This just feels right.” Hailey likes being held by him. “Thanks for giving me a second chance, Hailey.”

  “Thanks for not hating me for how I treated you.”

  “I kind of want to kiss you.”

  Hailey sits up and smiles at him. “I kind of want more than that.”

  “Okay, if we are being totally honest, so do I.” He sits up looking at her and grins. “I mean if I were to be like really honest, I’d say that I want to kiss you with your shirt off.”

  Hailey says, “Then do it.”

  “But in all honesty, if I do that, I want you to know that I might not stop there.”

  “To be honest, I might not want you to stop there.”

  Jimmy looks at her. “Okay, full disclosure, I’m really hard right now and want you to feel it.”

  “I like your honesty.”

  He takes her hand and puts it over his hardness. She feels a surge of energy through her body, as he peels her shirt off and kisses her neck softly. He holds her shoulders and pulls her close, kissing her lips. He holds the back of her head, showing her how he much cares for her as he takes his time.

  They get lost in each other’s arms for at least an hour, as they kiss and hold each other. Their passion is strong, and they both feel the deepest level of happiness they have ever felt.

  Jimmy looks at Hailey. “I’m going to stop myself for now. I don’t want you to be too tired tomorrow.”

  Hailey smiles. “Yeah. Okay.”

  They put clothes back on and head down to the ground, where Jimmy gives her one more long kiss. “Goodnight. Hailey.” She grins as she walks away.

  Hailey walks into her house and sees Crystal still in the same position on the couch. She crawls into her bed and touches her fingers to her lips to remember how it felt to have his on hers. She falls asleep right away and has no nightmares.

  When she wakes up, she smells bacon and stretches letting out a big loud yawn. Crystal pops her head in. “I’m making breakfast!” Hailey loves how Crystal is always smiling. Hailey gets up and looks in the mirror at her bed head. She realizes she forgot to take her makeup off, so she washes her face, puts on her robe, and joins Crystal in the kitchen.

  “You feeling ok?” Hailey asks with concern.

  Crystal is humming as she dances to the music playing lightly from her phone. Crystal looks at her and shrugs. “Not the worst.”

  Crystal takes a fork and gives Hailey four pieces of bacon. Hailey sits down and starts to eat the bacon realizing how hungry she is.

  “You’re not going to believe this, but I lived here pretty much my whole life and no one has ever made me breakfast before.”

  Crystal looks back at her and shakes her head. She adds a cup of fresh coffee as well as buttered toast to Hailey’s plate.

  Hailey bites into her toast and with food in her mouth reveals to Crystal the big news. “I made out with Jimmy in the treehouse after you fell asleep.”

  Crystal whips around and rushes to the table to sit down. “Ooh, tell me more! I want to know all the details. Are you excited?”

  Hailey has never had a girlfriend to be excited with and laughs at Crystal‘s unabashed enthusiasm for Hailey’s good fortune. Hailey recounts the night for Crystal and all the good feelings she went through. Crystal is genuinely happy for her and listens with a huge smile.

  Crystal stands up as though she has an idea. “I can see it now. You guys have beautiful children and I get to be the godmother. This is perfect!”

  Hailey laughs and picks up her coffee, giving Crystal a look that is mischievous.

  “What?!” Crystal wants to know what the look is for.

  Hailey pokes her. “So, what did you think about Joey?”

  Crystal smiles and looks out of the window thinking for a second, then slaps her head. “I forgot to give him my number!”

  Hailey picks up her phone and pulls up Joey’s number. Crystal adds it to her phone. Hailey stands, looks out the window, and sees it’s a nice day. She turns around with an idea. “What about going on a hike with Jimmy and Joey?”

  Crystal thinks for a moment. “Yeah I’m down!”

  ***

  Jimmy is just waking up in his twin bed, which is hilariously small for a guy his size. He almost knocks the lamp off his nightstand as he stretches. He takes a quick peek at his phone and sees it’s only nine. He usually sleeps in on Sundays, but is surprised he doesn’t really feel tired.

  It must be that he is on cloud nine.

  He folds his arms behind his head and closes his eyes just picturing the awesome night he had with Hailey. He wants to do something special for her and considers the coffee he used to bring her in the morning.

  Then he remembers that Hailey brought Crystal to her house last night to take care of her, so he tries to think of something else. He looks up some cabin vacation rentals to see if there is something that pops out at him. He finds a great cabin on the side of a mountain just two hours away that is available for next weekend. He looks at the amenities it offers and sees there is a hot tub. Before he can second guess himself, he clicks the reserve button and sends a picture of the cabin to Hailey.

  He includes a message that he hopes makes her day. “I woke up wanting to do something nice for you, so I booked us this cabin for next weekend! I was thinking we can continue putting the pieces of our friendship back together. XOXO.”

  After he sends the text, he jumps out of bed with tons of energy. He goes downstairs and pours himself a bowl of cereal and sees his mom in the backyard shed, organizing his dad’s tools. His dad isn’t the most organized person, and he knows his mom feels good being able to help him. Jimmy wonders if his mom would want to have Hailey over for dinner one night this week, but instead, decides that he will offer to cook.

  He sees a message on his phone from Hailey who has agreed to join him for the weekend. She says she’s so excited and also asks him and Joey if they want to join them on a hike today to work off the beers.

  Jimmy is relieved Hailey wants to spend time with him and feels a renewed sense of happiness in his life. He goes upstairs to grab his hiking boots and finds an old hat he used to wear. He decides to offer it to Hailey. She’s pale enough that she’ll get a sunburn in under an hour. He brushes his teeth and grabs some Gatorades and protein bars, dropping them into a small cooler with ice. Then he heads across the street.

  ***

  Hailey hears a knock on the door as she and Crystal are going through her closet, finding Crystal something to wear. Jimmy waits patiently, and messages Joey to come over to Hailey’s. He knows the perfect spot that is really green this time of year. It has a great view at the end of the trail.

  Hailey walks up to the front door in full hiking gear, proud of her pulling together her park ranger look so quickly. She opens the door with a playful smile and welcomes Jimmy inside. He grabs her side and gives her a quick kiss. He gazes at her dark green and khaki outfit, complete with hiking boots and high socks.

  He hands her the hat to complete the ensemble. “I didn’t know you were the outdoorsy type.”

  She responds in a proud tone. “I like to think I can try new things.”

  She h
ints at something else, as she says it, feeling aroused around Jimmy.

  Joey arrives a few minutes later and they pile into Jimmy’s car. He smiles and turns on the playlist, which is full of superhero movie soundtrack hits. Hailey laughs hysterically knowing this is something that they both loved growing up. Hailey passes around the sunscreen and asks Jimmy to turn on the jams.

  Crystal is in the backseat next to Joey, and Hailey is in the front seat by Jimmy, who has his hand out waiting for her to grab. They arrive at the trailhead and set out for their three mile hike. Hailey stops to stretch and leans forward.

  When she stands up, Jimmy whispers into her ear. “You’re giving me ideas.”

  Hailey smacks his arm, flirting with him as they start down the trail. The fresh air and chirping birds set a relaxing mood, and they all agree that they should get out and do this more often. Jimmy talks about the different trails in the area that lead to some cool places, telling the group he’ll be happy to show them.

  Joey asks Crystal if she wants to hang later on at his place and play with his dog. Hailey looks back at Jimmy and grins, grateful the two of them are getting along.

  As they get to the halfway point and look out over the beautiful scenery before them, Hailey realizes her stay in her hometown isn’t just temporary anymore. She is going to enjoy living here after all.

  They have a snack and hydrate as they chat about their favorite movies. Joey tells them he has the best movie collection that they can borrow any they’d like.

  Jimmy looks at Hailey. “Take out and a movie later?”

  Hailey nods and tries to hide her smile but can’t. Crystal has to stop a few times, because she feels light headed and finally admits that she needs to cut back on her drinking. She asks if everyone can help her come up with new job ideas because working at a bar is not the best environment for drinking less.

  Hailey chimes in. “You can come work for me if you want.”

  Crystal stops and looks at her, and then runs toward her, giving her a big hug. “That would be so great!”

  Hailey hugs her back and is finally comfortable with it. She has had trouble bonding with girls and allowing them to be close to her.

  “It will be fun!” Hailey says as they see their cars.

  “Thank god!” Crystal exclaims, as she runs toward the car.

  They get back to the neighborhood, and Crystal and Joey head off to have their alone time. Jimmy and Hailey go to Hailey’s house to determine what to order.

  Jimmy plops down on her couch and checks out the decor Hailey has added to make the place look better. One day, he could see himself living here with her. He’s already picturing them having a kid’s room. He doesn’t say it out loud, but the idea of it makes him happy.

  Hailey digs out all the takeout orders and looks for the one she really wants in the messy drawers. She finally finds it and pulls it out triumphantly. “This place has the best sushi in town!”

  They order sushi and sift through the movie collection. It’s all of their favorites. Hailey holds up two, one in each hand. Jimmy points at one, pushing the movie into her breast playfully. Hailey laughs and puts it in the DVD player.

  Jimmy kisses her forehead. “Oh, I’ll give you my Netflix password, too.”

  Hailey lays her head on his lap as the movie starts. He combs her hair slowly as the movie begins, and then they hear a knock on the door. Hailey jumps up, but Jimmy grabs her hips and pulls her back down. “My treat.”

  He pays the delivery guy and goes to the kitchen to grab two glasses of water. Hailey sits on the carpeted floor, shoving the coffee table forward. She finds herself wondering if they’re going to go into her bedroom after the movie. She can’t wait to find out.

  She starts imagining Jimmy with his clothes off in the shower, which she considers recommending before they get in the bed. They are both pretty grimy from the hike.

  They share their orders and continue the movie, with Hailey sitting between Jimmy’s legs on the floor. He gently rubs her shoulders, enticing her. Hailey wishes he was kissing her neck, and as if he heard her thoughts, she feels his lips touch her skin.

  He gives her a gentle bite and whispers, “Want to shower this dirt off?”

  Hailey nods.

  They make their way to her shower, taking their clothes off in front of each other. Enjoying the view, Jimmy is clearly ready for her as she steps into the shower. He holds her in the shower and kisses her as the steamy water runs down her back.

  Hailey grabs him and says, “I’m ready if you are.”

  He smiles and wraps her arms around his neck before lifting her up. Hailey wraps her legs around him, and they begin making passionate love. It’s slow and deliberate, not messy and rushed.

  Jimmy stops, puts her down, and opens the shower curtain. Hailey knows what he’s thinking and she turns the shower off. He hands her a towel and grabs one for himself. He dries off and looks at Hailey in the eyes. The silence says it all. She wants him more than ever.

  She takes his hand and leads him to her bed and they finish what they started.

  Chapter 12: Time to Dance

  The week before Johnny and Hailey’s first-ever vacation has arrived, and Johnny wants to make everything extra special for Hailey. He starts making a list of food he’ll bring and decides to go shopping for some new clothes after work.

  He knows he will be bringing the usual romance foods. Strawberries, chocolate, and champagne. But he really wants to entice Hailey’s senses with perfectly-seasoned foods like buttered lobster and rosemary crusted steak. He decides to make this a trip that Hailey will never forget.

  Johnny gets off of work and heads to the mall. He finds a tight black shirt and red flannel that will fit in at the cabin. He stops at the barber shop and gets a fresh haircut and then decides to get a new pair of ripped black jeans that really fit his personality. He finds another shirt with the word Taken on it and decides to wear it under his favorite black leather jacket to surprise Hailey.

  He goes home and starts to pack everything, already wishing it was Friday. He wonders if Hailey would want to extend their weekend trip by a day and take off of work Friday, so they could leave night early.

  He sends her a quick message to run it by her. She’s thrilled with the idea, so he books the cabin for one additional night. He looks in the mirror at his new haircut and smiles, as he envisions asking Hailey if she wants to be his girlfriend.

  ***

  Hailey sets up her week so that she will get all of her work done by Thursday. The women in the office are elated to see the picturesque cabin that Hailey and Jimmy will be staying in. Hailey decides to get her hair and nails done for the weekend, so she spends Monday night at the salon.

  She’s excited to make this weekend special and wonders what she should bring for them to do. She buys a deck of cards and stops by the sex shop to see if there’s something that she might be able to surprise Jimmy with. She decides to go with whipped cream, a blindfold, and a feather to add a bit of kink to the weekend.

  She is feeling more confident and wonders if Jimmy might like to be tied to the bed post. She pictures his tall muscular body covered in oil and lit by candlelight. She buys some candles and massage oil to go along with her dominatrix kit. The stores are closing, as she leaves the sex shop, giggling to herself. She can hardly believe she’s actually a customer there.

  Hailey decides she will bring some candy they used to eat as kids, since Jimmy said he will be completely taking care of the food and treating her to the whole weekend. She’s so excited to be treated to a vacation. She has never been treated with such thoughtfulness, and she’s really looking forward to allowing herself to be spoiled for once.

  ***

  On Tuesday she plans to get the rest of the things she wants to bring, including some sexy lingerie with a garter belt. She wants to wait until the weekend to see Jimmy, but by Tuesday morning, she finds herself visualizing him leaning her over her desk and taking her from behind.

&nbs
p; She texts him to ask him what he’s doing for lunch. He responds saying he hopes to be doing her for lunch. It’s exactly what Hailey wants to hear.

  She meets him at her house for her lunch break for a quickie. Hailey’s fantasy of Jimmy leaning over the desk comes true, only over her kitchen table instead. Their passion is fiery and hot, and Hailey feels like there’s a lot more for them to explore. She’s so comfortable with him but he still has that tough guy, element of danger that she finds so attractive.

  Jimmy holds Hailey in his arms and tells her he doesn’t want to let go. Hailey puts her finger on his chest, telling him that she’s really looking forward to getting away.

  Jimmy puts both hands on her breasts and smiles. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  Hailey punches his arm and laughs. “I know right?”

  Hailey turns around in her underwear and opens the refrigerator. She leans forward, teasing him as she grabs bread, mustard, cheese, and deli meat. She makes two sandwiches and wraps a napkin around each.

  “Take it for the road. Oh wait!” She reaches back in the refrigerator and grabs two iced teas. She opens the cabinet and grabs two packs of cookies to finish their lunch rendezvous.

  He smiles as he opens the tea. “Yeah, I had better get back to work, but I could seriously kiss and stare at you all day.”

  ***

  Wednesday flies by as they both finish up last minute things for their trip. By the time Thursday arrives, they know that they will both hardly be able to focus at work. They will be driving out right afterward. Hailey has her bag packed and ready to go with her sexy items.

  By four o’clock, Jimmy messages Hailey asking if she can scoot out early. Hailey asks everyone at the office if they need anything else, and they tell her to get her butt out the door, so she does. When she pulls into her driveway and sees Jimmy’s car, she gets butterflies in her stomach knowing she’s about to have the best weekend of her life.

  ***

  Jimmy is wearing his leather jacket, but he has it zipped up so Hailey can’t see his shirt. He has the cooler in the trunk and more bags of food. He waves to Hailey, his excitement building. He’s wearing a pair of white washed jeans and brown leather boots. He looks like a model from a magazine cover with his dark hair slicked back.