Chapter 4
Jake
If Mallory leans an inch closer, I don’t think I could resist kissing her lips.
Tonight, when she walked into the bakery, I wanted to pull her in for a hug but hesitated.
We’ve been chatting about her career and my job over our second round of hot chocolates.
I can tell by the sadness in her voice that she loved her recent role as a designer.
Her blue eyes sparkle when she describes her ideas for sketching gowns.
I know nothing about clothing but I could listen to her talk for hours.
I find myself leaning in, elbows propped on the table, as she tells me about her favorite fabric. then she waves me off, like she’s done.
“Sorry I’m rambling,” she muses before I place my hand over hers, and lightly run my thumb over her palm.
“It’s interesting. And probably how I would feel if I told you about biking around town.” I smile as her cheeks start to redden. Not quite as cherry red as her lips but close.
I wonder for the millionth time tonight how her lips would taste, how her body with all its soft curves would feel pressed against mine.
And, for the millionth time, I wish I had worn other jeans.
My dick is not fully awake but the rotating thoughts of kissing Mallory and imagining her naked are testing my limits.
“Anyways,” she murmurs. “Favorite drink?” I continue to hold her hand and she doesn’t shoo me away.
“Chai latte. You?”
“I love that drink. Okay, favorite form of potato?”
I laugh, “French fries. But the thin ones you find at diners and stuff. None of those wedges.”
“I’m partial to mashed potatoes with garlic and butter. Okay, you go. Ask me some random questions.”
“Did you attend the speed dating session?”
“No, they have that? I was signed up for ice carving and I think,” she closes her eyes for a moment, “oh, I signed up for a dance class of some kind. I’m on the clumsy side and not great at dancing, but fingers crossed that the teacher is helpful.”
“I have two left feet, so I hope you get a good partner. What’s your favorite thing about Québec, Canada?”
“That is way more difficult than asking your favorite potato dish. Let’s go with getting lost on the streets of Old Québec.
I live in Québec City but there’s this gorgeous hotel, it’s called the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac,” the French accent rolls off her tongue.
“Anyways, it’s all winding cobblestone streets, flowers hanging in the front of shops, friendly people, and delicious food. ”
“Wow, outside of the cobblestone streets that sounds like Valentine in the summer but a tad more picturesque. I’ll have to add it to my travel list.”
“What else is on your list?” She scoots closer so our thighs are pressed against each other. I can hear Mallory clearly, but I find myself craving more touch, so I don’t move apart. She smells like maple syrup and oranges. Sweet and enticing.
I didn’t realize that a first date could feel this natural.
“I’d love to see Spain, maybe take a pasta making class in Italy, then backpack through a bit of Australia. Maybe England or Germany.” I chuckle, “I guess I want to go all over. But…” I look around and spy Charlotte playing with other kids by another table.
“But you’re waiting for Charlotte to get older?” she nods like I’ve already answered her question. “That’s a good plan, I can’t imagine flying that long of a flight with a small child. Not an easy feat.”
She continues to surprise me. Not “are you waiting until Charlotte is old enough you don’t have to take her?” or “are you waiting so you can avoid little kid tourist places?”
Mallory keeps including Charlotte as I would.
“Good points,” I note before Charlotte comes bounding over. I let go of Mallory’s hand and I think I see a flash of disappointment in her eyes when we’re no longer touching.
“Daddy, can we watch a movie with Mallory?” Charlotte looks from my face to Mallory’s.
“Not tonight, it’s getting late. It’s almost time for bath and book.”
Char pouts before Mallory adds “I had a great time tonight with you Charlotte.” Mallory smiles at her before finding my eyes, “and with you as well Jake, don’t worry.” She winks.
“Which hotel are you staying at? Let me drive you.” I stand and help Char get all bundled up again. “I parked behind the bakery.”
“Ah,” she nods, “well it is getting dark. I suppose a drive would be warmer than walking. I’m at the quirky one down the street.”
“Gotcha. Alright ladies, let’s go.” I take Charlotte’s hand and she reaches for Mallory’s.
It clearly surprises Mallory as she looks directly at me first, her wide blue eyes not blinking.
As if silently asking that it’s okay. But then in a heartbeat she wraps her hand around Charlotte’s and the three of us head back to the bakery.
Walking down Main Street like this fake family should feel weird and confusing. And yet, it feels like the most natural five minutes of my life.
We arrive at the bakery and walk through to the backlot. I get Char in her car seat as Mallory buckles up in the passenger seat.
“Just in case she asks you,” she whispers as I drive, “I did tell Charlotte I’d make her waffles if you said yes.”
“Okay, I’ll keep that in mind.”
We pull up to the hotel and I park the car.
I turn around and Char is passed out. Snoring loudly.
I leave the car on and in park, but I get out to walk Mallory to the front entrance.
She misses one of the stairs and I catch her.
I hold her a moment longer than needed. We don’t speak right away.
Under the warm glow of the white Christmas lights strung up, I take in Mallory’s features.
“Thanks for a great time,” she mutters as I lean down, I cup her face softly. Her rosy cheeks darken ever so slightly.
“I had a wonderful evening Mallory Morin,” I lightly kiss her lips.
She inhales, parting her lips and letting my tongue slip in.
I deepen the kiss as she wraps her arms around me.
She bites my lower lip and it sends a shiver down my spine.
The height difference is a little inconvenient, but I can’t get enough of her.
Her nose is cold pressed against my face, and I can feel her hands roam my back.
Way too many layers between us.
I pull apart, we’re both breathing heavily. I run my thumb over her bottom lip.
“I should go,” I murmur, wanting to stay in this moment longer.
Her eyes scan my face but her hands don’t leave my body.
“I should go,” I reply as I let my hand fall.
“Yes,” she bites her lower lip, “I had a lovely night. Thanks Jake.”
“Another time perhaps?” I step backwards, putting a smidge of space between us. She looks at the car.
“Maybe. Goodnight,” I repeat the goodnight and watch as she walks into the hotel.
I wish we could spend more time together. But I need to get Char home and to bed. That’s the thing about being a parent, the kid comes first. Always will.
But maybe there could be room for another person? A middle ground of sorts.