Chapter Twenty-Four
Chloe was still sound asleep when I woke up the next morning. She must have been exhausted, both physically and emotionally, so I let her sleep while I quietly made breakfast. Jason had texted me and asked how everything was going. I told him that Chloe was still decompressing, and it was best if she and I spent the day together alone. He immediately understood and said to just let him know if we needed anything and he would be more than happy to drop it off.
It was comforting having someone so dependable close by, and even though it hadn’t been long since Jason had re-entered my life, I wondered what I had done before him.
“I hope that’s coffee I smell,” Chloe said as she came into the kitchen. Her red curls were sticking out in all different directions but she looked rested and her face looked brighter than yesterday.
“Coming right up,” I said, pouring her a cup and handing it to her, knowing she took it black. “Breakfast is ready. Sit down at the table and I’ll bring it out.”
“I could get used to this kind of service,” Chloe said as she settled down at the table. “Maybe I should stay longer than the weekend.”
“You’re welcome to stay as long as you want,” I replied, setting down two plates of scrambled eggs, bacon and toast. I brought my own cup of coffee over as well as a platter of cut-up fruit. “We can pretend we’re still in high school and stay up late watching reality TV and eating junk food.”
“I wish.” Chloe made a sound of approval as she took a bite of her breakfast. “Thanks so much for making breakfast.”
I sat down and started eating as well. “I’m serious. You should stay longer. Maybe it’ll be good for you and Gareth to have some space from each other.”
Chloe’s expression darkened at the sound of her husband’s name, and I cursed myself for bringing him up. She had looked almost happy until I mentioned him.
“Work is crazy for me right now,” Chloe answered as she buttered her toast. “I could barely get away this weekend as it was. I had to juggle a lot of showings to other agents, but I know some of my clients aren’t going to be happy that I’m not there.”
“Are you okay going back home tomorrow?” I asked. Chloe had seemed to be so deeply hurt and in pain last night. I didn’t know if she would be okay being in the same house as Gareth.
Chloe sighed. “I have to be. Gareth was upset when I told him I was leaving for the weekend. He wants to talk things out but I just need to think for a while. My friend, Jenny, said I could stay with her and she’s just ten minutes away from my office. Maybe I’ll take her up on the offer.”
“That’s a good idea,” I said. “Maybe Gareth will come to his senses when he realizes he’s in danger of losing the most amazing, fantastic, beautiful and funny girl in the world.”
Chloe laughed at my description of her. “I’m not sure if I would go that far, but thanks.” She raised her eyebrows. “Not to change the subject, but what the heck is going on between you and Jason?”
I explained to Chloe everything that had happened, minus the threatening letters I had received. It felt good to have someone to talk to about what was happening between me and Jason, and it was also a good way to get Chloe’s mind off her troubles.
“I knew there had to be a reason why Jason didn’t come after your mom and stepfather passed away,” Chloe exclaimed. “I just didn’t think it was a possibility that he wouldn’t know about it, since his family was still living in Hyattsville at that time.”
“It probably all worked out for the best,” I said, even though I knew that was a lie. Maybe things would have been different if Jason had been there. Maybe I wouldn’t have become a prisoner in my own home. But I shook the thought away. It was in the past.
“Are you guys officially back together now?” Chloe asked. “What’s going to happen after he sells the family house?”
“We’re purposely not discussing the future,” I explained. “We’re just taking it day by day. And Jason said he’s not even sure if he wants to sell the family house.”
“Well, whatever you guys are, I’m happy for you.” Chloe paused before continuing. “Is he okay with you not leaving the house?”
“He says he is, but I’m sure he’ll get frustrated with me at some point.” I frowned. “I wouldn’t blame him. Who wants to be stuck inside all the time?”
“Maybe this will be a way for you to venture out,” Chloe suggested, her voice tentative. She was used to me shooting down her ideas of going outside the house, and admittedly, she was oftentimes met with anger for her good intentions.
I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. I loved Chloe, but she didn’t understand that it wasn’t just a decision for me to make. I had made attempts in the past, but I physically couldn’t do it. My heart felt like it was going to explode in my chest, and I felt like I was going to have a panic attack just at the thought of trying to step outside my door. It was a blinding fear that reason didn’t work on.
“We’ll see,” I said weakly. I didn’t want to rehash it all out with Chloe. I had tried to explain to her so many times why it was so hard for me, but I didn’t blame her for not understanding. I didn’t really understand it myself.
It was another beautiful day, and we spent the afternoon day-drinking in the backyard, listening to music and reminiscing about our school days. Chloe still kept in touch with Tracy and Monica, and she told me about how Tracy had become a doctor and was living in California. Monica was a mom of four living in Boston, and had a booming cake decorating business.
Before we knew it, it was getting dark, so we headed inside and ordered delivery for dinner. We split another bottle of wine over dinner, and by the time we were done eating, we were both way too drunk for our own good, but we were happy. We decided to watch a classic, Sixteen Candles, but we were falling asleep a few minutes into the movie, so we called it a night and went to bed. My last thoughts before drifting to sleep was the hope that Chloe was able to get a break from her troubles, and that I had really missed her.
The next morning, I woke up to the smell of coffee. When I went downstairs, Chloe was in the kitchen, flipping pancakes at the stove.
“Morning,” she said cheerfully. She waved towards the coffee maker with the spatula. “Coffee’s fresh.”
“I can’t believe you’re up already and making pancakes,” I said, walking over to pour myself a cup with a heavy splash of cream. “My head is killing me from all the wine we drank yesterday.”
Chloe scoffed as she added a pancake to the stack on the plate next to the stove. “You’re a lightweight. That was nothing.” She grinned at me over her shoulder. “One of these days, you have to come to Florida, and I’ll show you what it really means to drink and party. The nightlife there is insane.”
“I’m too old for that now,” I joked. I also knew that there was little chance I’d make it to Florida. Hell, there was little chance I’d make it down the street, let alone another state. But I didn’t want to dampen the mood.
“Thanks for making breakfast,” I said, as we plated our food. Chloe had made bacon along with the pancakes, and we dug in.
“I wish you could stay longer,” I said, frowning a bit. “You just got here and you’re already leaving.”
“I know,” Chloe said with a dissatisfied grunt. “If only I were independently wealthy and could spend my time traveling the world.” She frowned as she stabbed a piece of bacon with her fork. “Instead, I have to go back to a mountain of work and a scoundrel husband.”
Chloe smiled like she was trying to make light of her comment, but her trembling lips gave her away.”
“Oh, Chloe,” I said, putting down my fork. My heart felt heavy for her. “What are you going to do?”
She shook her head, putting down her fork as well. “I have no idea. We’ll see what Gareth has to say when I get back home.” She sighed heavily. “I told him I wanted some space and to not contact me while I was here. I know that I should be happy that he followed my request, but he didn’t even send me a text to see if I arrived okay.” Her expression darkened. “Maybe he’s too busy back home with other things.”
I didn’t know what to say or how to console Chloe. I didn’t know how someone could be so stupid as to cheat on her. She was a ray of sunshine and I know she had supported Gareth so much during the years, only to be repaid by lies.
After we were finished breakfast, we were cleaning up when I heard the doorbell ring. I knew it was Jason, because he had already texted that he was on his way over. He had insisted on driving Chloe to the airport, and I was glad that she would be in safe hands.
“I missed you,” Jason immediately said when I opened the door. Just the sight of him brightened my mood. The golden highlights in his brown hair were glinting in the sun, and his blue eyes were warm and welcoming. It had only been a day apart, but I realized I had missed him, too. I had gotten used to spending so much time with him, that even a day seemed like a long time.
He stepped in and pulled me close before I could even close the door behind him, giving me a long, lingering kiss. I wanted to get lost in his embrace, but I was cognizant of Chloe in the kitchen. I pulled back before it got too intense. I wanted to tell Jason I had missed him too, but the words didn’t come out as easily as it seemed to for him. I just smiled up at him.
“Thanks for taking Chloe to the airport,” I said, surprised at how breathless I sounded.
“Of course,” he said. “I’m happy to.”
Chloe came out of the kitchen, smiling widely at the two of us. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “I’m just going upstairs to grab my suitcase.”
“I’ll carry it down,” Jason said. Before Chloe could answer, he bounded up the stairs to retrieve her luggage. Chloe waggled her eyebrows at me.
“I would have waited in the kitchen longer, but your kiss ended so quickly.”
“Get out of here,” I said, playfully pushing her arm and laughing. “I should have known you were watching.”
“Not watching,” Chloe corrected. “Monitoring. I didn’t want to interrupt your private time.”
I rolled my eyes but grinned. I would take any joke at my expense if it would make Chloe smile.
Jason was back in a flash, and all too soon, I was hugging Chloe goodbye.
“Let me know when you land,” I said, hugging her tight. I felt myself getting emotional. Not only was I sad to see her go, but I was sad for what she was going to have to deal with when she got back home. “And come to visit again anytime.”
“I will,” Chloe said, returning my hug fiercely. “It was so good to see you.”
When she pulled back, I saw her eyes were shiny with unshed tears. I wanted to grab onto her, to tell her to stay. But I knew she couldn’t. My heart was heavy as I waved goodbye while Jason backed out of the driveway, and soon she was gone.
Although she had only been here for the weekend, the house seemed quiet with Chloe gone. I passed the time waiting for Jason to return by deep cleaning my stove. The airport was over an hour away, so I knew it would take some time for him to get back.
I had finished cleaning the stove and was knitting while watching TV when the doorbell rang. I quickly checked the camera and saw that it was Jason. My pulse quickened, excited to see him although I had just seen him a few hours ago.
We snuggled on the couch when he came inside. His arms around me were warm and comforting, his hand resting on my shoulder with his thumb stroking my arm.
“How did Chloe seem on the drive to the airport?” I asked, laying my head on his chest.
“Fine,” Jason answered. “But I don’t think she’d show being upset in front of me. We just talked about our former classmates and what they’re up to.”
I sighed, feeling forlorn. “Poor Chloe. It sounds like her husband is having an emotional affair, and who knows if it’s gone beyond that. He’s an idiot, She supported him so much while he was trying to rise in ranks at his financial firm, both emotionally and financially. Since he’s been promoted, he’s been getting cozy with a female co-worker.”
“He’s an idiot,” Jason said bluntly. “He’s living the dream and doesn’t even realize it.” He lifted his hand to brush the hair back from my face. “I would give anything to have you in my house, for you to be my wife. To wake up next to you every day.”
My breath caught in my throat. “Jason,” I said, feeling my insides melting. I didn’t know how Jason said things like that so easily.
“It’s true,” he said softly. “All I need is you to be happy.”
I didn’t know what to say, and fortunately, I didn’t have to, because before I knew it, Jason’s mouth was softly caressing mine. I lifted my head, meeting his kiss. It didn’t matter how many times we kissed. Every time, I felt a spark of excitement and desire.
Jason shifted so that he was facing me, gently pushing me back until my upper body was lying down on the couch, his weight pressing into me. His lips moved against mine more insistently, and I opened my mouth at his silent command. His tongue instantly invaded, caressing my own, and I was soon lost in the kiss. Our tongues laved against each other, our mouths open, and I instinctively pressed my body against his, opening my legs so he was cradled in between them. I felt a growing need that made me feel helpless. Since Jason had come back into my life, we hadn’t done anything more than kiss. Not because I didn’t want to, but I was afraid of what the implications of doing more would be. And I knew Jason was respecting my desire to go slow. But in this moment, I wanted to lose myself in him. I wanted to be taken by him in every way possible, and screw the consequences.
I pulled my mouth from his, practically panting. “Jason,” I said, breathless. I pulled at his shirt, suddenly resenting the layers of clothes between us. “I want more.”
“I’ve been waiting to hear you say that,” Jason said, his voice low and guttural. “I’ll give you anything you want.”
I held my breath as he unbuttoned my shirt, trailing kisses on the bared flesh, moving down my chest and stomach. My muscles jumped reflexively when I felt his warm breath below my belly button, dangerously close to the aching center of my need.
Before I realized what was happening, Jason had pulled down my pants and underwear simultaneously. I gasped at the sudden cool air that hit the bottom half of my body unexpectedly, and I was immediately self-conscious of how wet I already was and automatically closed my legs. Jason was the only one I had been intimate with my entire life, and even then, that had been so long ago. I felt inexperienced and clumsy.
Jason looked down at me, his expression a mixture of desire and affection. “Feeling shy?” he asked with a mischievous smile. He trailed a finger down my stomach and lingered at the crease of my longing, teasing me with his fingertip as he stroked me gently.
“I think you’re hiding something for me in there,” he said, his tone teasing but his voice was also thick with desire. HIs fingertip burrowed deeper and I gasped as he increased the pressure on my hardened nub, rubbing it gently but insistently. “Open your legs so I can see.”
There was never a question of disobeying his command. My legs immediately parted, my hips instinctively raising to push against his hand to increase the pressure. Jason had barely even touched me, and already my need was about to burst.
“That’s my girl,” Jason said approvingly. Before I could respond, he bent down and suddenly his tongue replaced his fingertip.
“Jason,” I cried out, shocked by the sudden rasp of his tongue against me. My hips lifted even higher, and he anchored them down with his hands, pulling me open in the process.
“It’s okay, baby” Jason said, his voice low and soft. “Let me taste you. I’ve been waiting for this for so long.”
I grabbed the couch cushion under me with both fists, arrows of pleasure shooting through me as Jason’s lips and tongue caressed me over and over again. Looking down and seeing his head between my legs was one of the most erotic things I had ever seen. But soon I couldn’t even keep my eyes open. They closed as the pleasure became almost too much, my head thrashing back and forth, my legs tense and trembling. The pressure was mounting and I felt like I was going to explode.
Jason’s mouth suckled me, and with one last stroke of his tongue, I came crashing down in waves of pure undulating pleasure. It was almost scary how good it felt, and each convulsion was followed by another until my body finally collapsed on the couch.
Jason lifted his head, grinning at me with unabashed satisfaction. “Feel better?”
I laughed, pushing against his waist with my foot. “Slightly,” I said with a smirk. Jason’s eyebrow raised, as if he was up for a challenge.
“Should we go for round two?” he asked. I gasped when he brushed his tongue on my now over-sensitive nub.
I grabbed his shoulders and pulled him up so he was lying on top of me. My hunger had only been momentarily satiated, and now I ached to feel him inside me. “I was thinking of something else,” I said. I reached down and pulled at his waistband. “It involves you taking off your pants.”
“Fuck,” Jason said, his eyes closing.
“Exactly,” I replied.
Jason shook his head with a strained smile, opening his eyes. “No, I mean, fuck—I don’t have any protection. I didn’t think this would be happening tonight.”
I hesitated. I knew I should be careful. I knew we shouldn’t have sex without a condom. But the need to have Jason inside me was overriding my good sense.
“It’s okay,” I said softly. “I mean, if you’re okay with it.”
Jason groaned and closed his eyes again, his forehead resting on my shoulder. “You have no idea how much I want to say yes.” He waited a few beats before raising his head, his eyes looking deep into mine. “I would love nothing more than to be inside you bare. But I don’t want to do anything you’ll regret.”
I shook my head, my heart swelling with love at his tender expression. “I won’t regret it,” I said. “I want you to come inside me.”
Jason made a guttural sound, and before I knew it, he was shedding his clothes, his face hard and dark with desire. I opened my legs eagerly, wanting nothing more than to become one with him.
“I’ll go slower next time, I swear,” Jason rasped, his hands grabbing my hips and positioning me below him. “I just need to be inside you now.”
My breath caught in my throat as he entered me in one long thrust, my wetness making it easier. I heard myself making sounds I didn’t recognize as his hips pumped forcefully, each time pushing into me and making my desire crest again until I was raising my hips up to meet each thrust, grasping for the release that was so close as pleasure mounted.
As my muscles clenched around him and I felt waves of my release rush through my body, Jason let out a yell. I felt his length pulsing inside me, and I clamped my legs around him, feeling like I was becoming one with him and not wanting to lose a drop of him.
When we were both done, Jason collapsed against me, his body sweaty and hot. We both took our time catching our breath, and I felt a surge of love for him. I wanted to say the words to him so badly, but we hadn’t said anything about love since he came back into my life. I felt sure that Jason loved me. Why else would he be acting the way he did and caring for me so much? But hearing the words from him would mean so much.
As Jason kissed my neck affectionately, I dismissed the thought. We didn’t need to say the words for me to know we felt it. I smiled at him as he lifted his head.
“Sorry that went so fast,” he said ruefully. “I got a little out of control.”
I shook my head. “Don’t apologize. It was perfect.” I looked down at him as his hand traveled to my bra. My shirt had come off in the process of making love, but my bra was still intact. That is, until Jason’s hand burrowed underneath it, finding one of my hard nipples.
“What are you doing?” I said, gasping at the sensation.
“I promised I would go slow next time,” he said with a grin.
“Already?” I squeaked. But soon my protests were swallowed as he continued to move his hand, and I quickly learned it definitely wasn’t too soon for another round.