Chapter 16
Laine
After a crazy week of working every morning at Steaming Mugs, spending a few afternoons visiting Abdo—and running into Jack—and trying to research some other ideas for new articles, I’m meeting Trish for drinks at the bar at the Sylvia Hotel, so we can finally catch up. I’ve just found us a table when she walks in and sits down with a giant harrumph. The Sylvia Hotel is a historic Vancouver landmark on the beach. The bar is a bit dated, but that’s what gives it its character, and the ocean view is to die for.
“I made it.” She pushes a triangle box of truffles at me. “For you.”
“If you continue these gifts, I’m going to have to buy a new wardrobe.”
She shakes her head. “Hardly.” She looks up at the server, who’s standing at the end of the table. “I’d like an old fashioned.”
The server nods and looks at me. “And what would you like?”
“I’ll take a bellini.”
She turns and leaves.
I focus my attention on Trish. “What’s got you so overwhelmed?”
“Phillip wants to get a big group of people together— including you and Jack—for a party at his lake house out in the Okanagan. It’s supposed to be a stag and hen party for Henry and Allison. But I can’t find a party planner.”
Internally, I groan. I know what this means. I’ll be helping plan a party for two people I barely know, and my now incredibly friendly ex will be in attendance. “Does that mean you have to hire the strippers yourself?” I joke.
She makes a face. “No way. This bachelor and bachelorette party will be fun and stripper free.”
“I don’t know… Maybe you should organize something naughty.”
“Phillip said that’s a no-go for Henry.” She shrugs, but then gives me a wink. “But I’m checking with Allison to make sure she’ll be happy without one.”
“Why is he planning this so last minute? And why isn’t he doing it at his nightclub?”
Trish throws up her hands. “He’s been busy with the Stewart Mobile merger for Martin Communications, and I think it snuck up on him. There are already too many things on the club’s calendar.”
Stewart Mobile is the second-largest wireless phone provider in the country, so I could see where that’s been a big job. Even if they’ve come to an agreement about the sale, now, the government needs to approve.
“Jack told me about the house down south when we flew into Kelowna last weekend. How big is it?”
Trish seizes on that immediately. “I still can’t believe you flew out there to lunch with him and didn’t push him out of the plane.”
I pop a chocolate truffle in my mouth and enjoy the velvety smooth deliciousness. “These are so good.”
Trish raises her eyebrows, and I know she’s not going to let this go.
“I thought about pushing him out, but landing his plane would have been a problem.” I shrug. “Actually, he finally seems to have come to his senses about what happened with us. He apologized—for everything.”
Trish now looks like she may pass out, so I quickly continue, filling her in on the conversations I had with Jack last weekend and his new and improved approach to being in my life. “Anyway, he’s interested in being friends, and he said he understands it may never be what it was before.”
“Friends? Interesting…” She thinks a moment. “Are you okay with that?”
“I haven’t fully decided. I suspect he really wants friends with benefits, but I’m firmly in the not-a-chance-in-hell camp on that. I need some time to make sure this is for real and that it’s something I want.”
Our drinks arrive, and Trish takes a long sip. “I like you together, but I think you’re right to go slowly. He needs to earn your trust again. And if he does anything the least bit crazy, he’s going to pay.”
I smile at my fierce friend. I’m so thankful for her. “I’m being careful. He calls every evening, and I’m definitely not as available as he wants me to be. You’ll be pleased to know that he hates my job at Steaming Mugs as much as you do.” That gets a smile out of her. “We have to keep things at arm’s length right now anyway. He’s a source for the articles I’m working on.”
“I’m not entirely ready to forgive him for what he did to you, but I’m glad he apologized and you’ve at least had some conversation about it. That’s a start. When the time comes, if you can forgive him, I will try to do the same.”
I nod. “Thank you. I’m taking my time. It’s been nice spending time with him, but I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
“That’s not good.”
I shrug. “That’s the situation he created. I’m not willing to give him a second chance with my heart just yet.”
“You’re smart.”
“Anyway, back to you. If there’s no party planner available, tell me about this house so we can make plans.”
She smiles. “Thank you so much for saying we . I truly appreciate that. The house is big and was built for entertaining lots of guests, so we’ve got that going for us. I think it can sleep something like fifty people. And there’s a game room with two pool tables and a foosball table, which is my personal favorite because I kick ass on that.”
I pull out my notepad and take notes while Trish rattles off the rest of the amenities—a pier on the lake, four jet skis, a lap pool, a hot tub, and a sauna. “Who takes care of the house when Phillip’s not there?”
“He has a couple who live there. They do housekeeping and cooking, and they also take care of the grounds and the snow in the winter.”
“Have you been there before?”
“Sort of, but it wasn’t Phillip’s house then, and it’s been years. Remember during university when I was dating that Arab Prince?”
I nod. He was a prime, class-A asshole, who thankfully wasn’t in her life for very long.
“We went to this lake house for a party. It has a helipad, and we took the world’s longest helicopter ride all the way from Vancouver. I thought my fillings were going to fall out. Then we weren’t there more than an hour before he wanted to leave.” She rolls her eyes.
“Why don’t I remember this?”
“You were studying that weekend.”
“Of course.” I was always studying. “I had to hang on to my scholarship.”
“I would have given you the money for school.”
I laugh. “That’s your answer for everything. Tell me more about the party.”
“I didn’t want to leave, so he left me there and took some other girl back to Vancouver. I got as far as Hope before I called you in tears.”
“That’s right. I remember now.”
“Anyway, this party will be much more pleasant, a gathering for about twenty people.”
“That’s nothing.”
She doesn’t look convinced. “I don’t have any contacts in Penticton, and I can’t just wing this. This is a big deal to Phillip, and I want to do well.”
“I will help you. I can’t promise I’ll be there, but I can help plan it.”
“Great.” She takes a deep pull on her drink. “We have less than a month to get it together.”
“What does the house need?”
“Well, I’m not sure. I’m a little frustrated with Phillip because he hasn’t been there in a while.”
“We can call the house manager and ask.”
She nods. “Of course. Why didn’t I think of that? I just get frazzled. I’m so grateful you’re organized and can get it together.”
I turn the page in my notebook. “Okay, let’s start with who’s coming.”
She lists Phillip’s three brothers and their partners, as well as Steve and some other friends, including me and Jack. I still think that’s a little optimistic, but I don’t argue. In the end, she’s listed twelve couples, including herself and Phillip.
“So, we’re at twenty-three or twenty-four people. Does that cover sleeping arrangements? I know you said it sleeps fifty, but can we make it work for couples? Or do we need to get a few hotel reservations?”
“It has twelve guest room suites, each with a full bathroom. So, that will work.”
“Okay. Next on the list: What are we going to do besides drink? I feel like we need to offer something because it won’t be wise to go out on the lake drunk.”
“Agreed. Police are in boats looking for that. It’s stupid to do anyway, but also very expensive if you get caught.”
“What about a weekend foosball tournament?”
Trish jumps. “Yes! I totally want that.”
“And maybe several different games or tournaments on the pool tables? It’s been years since I hung out in a pool hall, but there’s seven-ball, fifteen-ball, cutthroat, one pocket, and snooker. We could run those tournaments through the weekend.”
“What will we give the winners?” she asks.
“You do own a chocolate factory,” I remind her.
“That’s so boring.”
“Trust me, you’re the only one who thinks chocolate is boring. No one wants a free subscription to the Vancouver Sun or a month of free cell service.”
She smiles. “Okay. I’ll see if Phillip has any ideas.”
“Are there dartboards?”
She hits her head with the heel of her hand. “Of course, there are. We should definitely do a darts competition.”
“And races on the jet skis.”
“You’re brilliant.”
“These things don’t have to be so organized that it holds people back from relaxing and having fun, but it’s good to have options to keep them busy.”
“Exactly.”
“When you talk to the house manager, maybe ask her to organize the food.”
“Yes! Thank God for that.”
“You said there’s a nice theater downstairs. Dare we hire a videographer to do a highlight reel for the last night and award ceremony?”
“We have Henry. He’s an amateur videographer.”
“But this weekend should be about Henry. Maybe we can ask everyone to take video, and I’ll splice them together for the wrap up. It won’t be professional, but I’ll try not to embarrass anyone.”
“That’s a lot of work,” Trish warns.
“It’s okay. I really shouldn’t be invited in the first place. I’m not a close friend of Allison’s. And I fully expect to be in one of the bunk rooms.”
“You don’t want to share a room with Jack?”
“Nope.” I pop the P hard.
“Smart girl,” she says with a nod. “But if things change between now and then, it’s okay if you do. I trust you to do what’s right for you.” She reaches across the table for my hand.
“Thanks.” I drain the last of my bellini. “But don’t hold your breath. If I want companionship, I’ll buy a dog. If I want sex, I have my vibrator. I don’t need a man to make me feel whole. I’m fully capable of covering all my needs and wants. So, there’s no rush to make anything happen with Jack. I’m not sure he knows what he wants anyway.”
She nods. “And you always have me.”
I blow her a kiss. “You’re way better than a guy, anyway.” I reach for my wallet.
“Don’t you dare.” She motions to the server. “I’m paying. You’re much cheaper than any therapist, and you’re helping me organize a weekend away.”
I know when it’s not worth the battle. “Okay. Thank you.”
“How is the next article coming?”
“The paper hasn’t committed to more. They don’t like me venturing into politics, but the piece on Abdo and the Sudanese family has made them plenty of ad revenue. So, they’re happy and open to other ideas I may have.”
“What are you thinking?”
“Chocolate heiress gets engaged?”
She snorts. “Oh God, no. We like each other, but I’m not sure it’s going to roll over into love. We haven’t even talked about calling ourselves an official couple.”
“Why not?” I ask, feeling my anger on the rise. “He asked you to organize a giant party for his brother and all your friends.”
“Well, I know Phillip. He’s not the settling-down type.”
“Maybe he’s changed.”
She shakes her head. “Never think they’ve changed. Those zebra stripes are always there.”
“You’re sounding a little set in your ways. Aren’t you the same person who said I should trust myself and explore what might be possible with Jack?” I look at her with my brow raised.
“That’s different. Griffin told me he believes Jack knows he fucked up and is ready to get back together.”
Griffin is Phillip’s youngest brother, and he went to medical school with Jack, so they’re close.
I snort. “Well, I agree that he thinks he is, but time will tell. I’m not going there right now. Anyway, Kent Johns and I have been emailing. I may try to go out with him.” Okay, we emailed once, and I was in the heat of the release of the first article. I don’t even know what his relationship status is. But I could explore it if I wanted to. Jack isn’t the only game in town.
“Should we invite him as your plus one to the party?”
This train is going off the rails. I know she’s trying to gauge how I feel about Jack, but I’m not going down that rabbit hole with her. Better to nip in in the bud. “No, thank you. I’m quite happy on my own. Plus, I’ll be too busy editing video and organizing the brackets for the tournaments. But you can tell Jack to bring someone along if he’d like to.”
Trish opens her mouth to speak, but then her phone pings. “Okay, fine. Phillip is here, so I need to run. Can we drop you at home?”
“Nope. I’ll walk. Thanks.”
I hug Trish and use the excuse of going to the bathroom to let them move on without further argument about me walking home. Vancouver is a big city, and walking and public transportation are normal. Why they always think I can’t get around without a car is amazing to me.
When I walk out of the ladies’ room, I run right into a mass of muscled chest and a scent that is very familiar.
“There you are,” Jack says.
I steady myself. “You were looking for me?”
“Phillip mentioned that you were with Trish, and I thought I’d run you home. Or if you’re up for it, we can grab a bite. I’m in the mood for sushi.”
If I didn’t know better, I’d think this guy was a stalker. I guess I should be flattered? “Thanks, but I should go home. I have an early morning at Steaming Mugs, and anyway, friends don’t buy friends dinner. Nor do sources in a journalist’s story.”
Frustration crosses his face. “They do when said friend can’t afford it. And you said you weren’t working on another Abdo story right now.” He links his arm with mine. “Come on. How about a good spider roll? I promise I won’t even steal a bite.”
I sigh. “Is there any use in arguing with you?”
“Absolutely none.”
We walk out and turn down the sidewalk. The best sushi place in the neighborhood is three doors down, but the line is out the door waiting for tables.
“We can order takeout,” Jack offers.
I sigh. “Maybe I should just go home. I have some leftovers that need to be eaten.”
“Don’t give up,” he counters. “Come on.”
We sit on a bench, and from his phone he orders more dinner than two people can possibly eat in one sitting. Soon we have our food, and we’re headed to his car. He drives us over to his place.
I take a deep breath before I follow him into his apartment. I barely processed anything when I returned the ring, but this time I’m overwhelmed by how familiar it feels, though it still looks bare without all the pictures of us. And it’s way too neat.
He goes about opening all our dinner containers and setting things out. “How was your day?”
“It was good.” I tell him about the party Trish is planning and the paper not wanting to commit to another article in the series, despite the popularity of the first two.
“About that…” he starts.
I brace myself. Things have been going so well. I’m not sure I can take his criticism.
“I sent your articles to Worldwide Medical Care.”
My heart races. If they unleash their lawyers on me, I’m completely screwed. As a freelancer, I’m on my own legally.
“Why are you panicking?” Jack asks.
“Why did you send the articles? Are they upset?”
He grins. “Quite the opposite, actually. I’ll forward you the email. I got it while I was out today. They want your contact information. They loved what you wrote, and they’re looking for someone to write their weekly newsletter. It’s part of the fundraising team, but the pay is decent and you’d get to write whatever you want, as long as it’s about Worldwide Medical Care. And you could still do freelance articles for the Vancouver Sun when you wanted to.”
“Wait, what?”
“Here, read the email.” He scrolls to a message and hands me his phone.
Jack,
Thank you so much for forwarding these great articles. We’ve passed them around and would love to include them in our newsletter.
Also, Mike Jenkins is retiring, and we need someone to take over our weekly newsletter. Do you know the author, Laine Seymour? We’d love to talk to her. The job is full time and includes some benefits, but it’s also flexible. Mike always did freelance work for the Calgary Stampede.
Thanks again for sending this over. Your timing was perfect.
Frank King, MD
CEO Worldwide Medical Care
I read the message several times. “Who gets their newsletter?”
“It says almost a million people worldwide on the website. I know they send it out to various countries in translation, and they say the ad revenue generates enough money to fund a team for three months somewhere in the world. As you know, most physicians volunteer their time. You can see back copies on the website, and it’s not really sales-y. It’s more about highlighting what the organization is doing, highlighting certain staff who have gone above and beyond.”
I sit back in my chair. “Wow. This could be big.”
Jack pours himself a Sapporo beer. “Forward it to yourself and send him a note.”
“Do you think he’s talking to anyone else?”
“He might be, but he asked for you.”
I’m so excited that I launch myself at Jack and hug him tight. For a moment, a warning light flashes in my head, but I’m so grateful that I ignore it. In a way, it just feels right to be in his arms.
He squeezes me tight, and the way I feel is suddenly warring with my heart and the shattered pieces that aren’t fully glued back together.
I look up to tell him I should be more professional, but then our lips touch and it’s like I’m home. His kiss is tentative at first, but then his tongue does a slow dance with mine. I can feel his hardness pressing against my stomach. The urgency of my feelings overtakes me, and for a moment, I want to just forget where I am and what I’m doing. But then I remember that I’m in Jack’s apartment—the same apartment he banished me from without even a conversation. I pull back and look out the window, breathing heavily. We’ve made progress since then, but I can’t just erase it.
“I’m sorry,” he says. “Please don’t go. I swear. We’ll do this at whatever pace you want, and as I promised, I’m fine if we’re only going to be friends. I don’t know what happened just then.”
He keeps talking, but I just stare at his lips. I want them everywhere and nowhere at the same time. “I’ve just missed you so much,” I finally hear him say.
That jolts me out of my stupor. My brain is screaming that I should go home, but my body is not listening.
“Can I touch you?” He looks at me intently. “Please. I want to make you happy.”
My heart races as he pulls me close. In this moment, his hardness erases everything that happened between us. I’ve missed him too.
His mouth moves down my neck in slow, luscious licks and nibbles while his thumb rubs my nipple through my sweater and bra.
My hips press into him. I can’t stop myself. It’s like I’m watching this happen from the outside.
“Oh, Laine,” he breathes. “I want to fuck you.” He groans into my neck.
“Yesssss….” I hiss as he rubs the seam of my jeans. I can feel the pressure building. It’s been so long, and we do this so well. “Please.”
He has me out of my sweater in no time. “Your breasts are beautiful.” His hands are everywhere. I shiver from a small orgasm. “I’ve always loved how responsive you are to my touch.”
“Do you have any condoms?”
He stops and nods.
As he walks away, I realize we should talk about what we’ve done with other people since our breakup, but I can’t make myself speak. I’m afraid to ruin the mood. Instead, he returns and takes my bra off, rolling my nipples between his fingers.
He leads me to his bedroom and pushes me back on the bed, removing my panties. His fingers tighten on my legs as he spreads me wide. “God, you’re beautiful.” He runs his finger through my wetness, and I close my eyes, wanting nothing to distract me from the way he’s making me feel.
When he stops, my eyes shoot open. But he’s just shucking off his jeans and shirt. His pants get stuck, and he nearly topples over. I can’t help but snicker. He’s more excited than I am, and that’s saying something.
He kneels between my legs and swipes at me with his tongue. My hips buck and nearly lift me off the bed. I reach for the comforter and use it to hold on to as he explores me.
“You taste even better than I remember,” he murmurs.
“Don’t stop,” I pant, suddenly worried we’re both going to come to our senses.
“I love it when you’re greedy.”
Two of his fingers fill me, pivoting in and out, and his mouth attacks my clit, just the way I love it. I’m racing to my climax, but each time I get close, he changes direction and leaves me hanging.
“Not yet,” he groans. “We have a lot of time to make up for.”
Slowly, he coaxes me closer to the edge, and finally, to send me off, he pinches my nipple. The jolt of pain sends me right over the cliff, covered in a sheen of sweat and breathing hard.
As my orgasm fades, I lie back on the bed, my arms wide. He kisses his way up my body.
“You make the hottest sounds when you come all over my fingers.” He smirks and licks then clean.
“It’s your turn.” I roll him on his back, climb up, and slowly and carefully sink onto him.
“Make me come, baby,” he breathes.