Chapter Twenty #2
"She was already suspicious about me getting ice cream. But honestly, that was easy. It was so out of character for me."
I really liked that he did things with me that he usually didn't. It made me feel less guilty about the fact that I was standing here in public, and all I could think about was a way to take him somewhere out of sight so I could kiss him thoroughly.
"And speaking of my grandmother," he said, taking a very smooth step to the side as Jeannie came up to us. She was awfully fast. My heartbeat accelerated as I wondered how much she’d seen.
"My girl, I think I've got a good idea about how the party will unfold. I trust you to take care of all the details. Now I need to go home. Abe must already be missing me, and it should be illegal to have an old hag as a third wheel."
I gasped. Jake just laughed.
"Jeannie," I mumbled. "What are you talking about?"
"Darling, I've seen the way he looks at you. You should’ve seen how fast he suggested he come with me to the meeting. I knew right away. I had my suspicions early on, of course, but that just confirmed it. You two go and do young people things. I'm going to go home to Abe."
"I don't mean to… I mean, you're my client."
I was stumbling over my words. I just hadn't expected her to talk about it so openly.
Before I could add anything else, she winked at me. Winked! And then she left.
Jake started laughing while Jeannie was still in earshot. I was sure I was red in the face. It felt like my forehead was on fire, not to mention my cheeks.
"Oh my God, did that just happen?"
"I have to admit, that was sassy, even for Grandmother," Jake replied. "Let's move a bit deeper between the trees."
I was still too stunned about Jeannie's reaction, but I let him guide me farther into the shade. It was even cooler. I calmed down somewhat, but then Jake tilted over me. His height and stature protected and warmed me. He splayed his fingers across my cheek, brushing his thumb over my lips.
"You have no idea how much I fantasize about kissing you."
"Jake," I muttered and simply closed my eyes.
His lips were unexpectedly soft and probing, and although I was sure he shaved earlier in the morning, a bit of his scruff was prickling my skin, causing my body to combust. He kept his hand firmly on my face, kissing and kissing until I was completely turned on and out of breath.
I was a bit light-headed when we pulled apart.
He groaned. "Natalie."
"So, you came with Jeannie for me, huh?" I asked.
"Fuck yes. When I heard she was meeting you, I didn't even think twice. My mind was on you constantly this week."
"How come? Imagining all the dirty things you could do to me on your desk?"
"That too. I'm glad my grandmother knows, and my brothers."
I bit my lower lip. "Really?"
"Fuck yes."
“Natalie?” a voice called from closer to the restaurant. I jumped and turned around, walking out from between the trees.
"I’m here."
Michael, one of the waiters, came up to us. I’d spoken with him before about the details for the party.
"How did you find everything?"
"It's perfect, Michael. My client agrees with the layout we spoke about."
He nodded, looking speculatively at Jake, who'd walked up behind me.
Wait a second. Michael was looking at Jake because the man himself was throwing daggers with his eyes at the waiter. What’s going on?
"Right. Do you want us to finalize everything later this week?" Michael asked.
"Yes. I think it's best if I come here again alone, and then we can hammer out the details."
He nodded. "That sounds great. Friday?"
It was Wednesday today. "Let's make it tomorrow. That way, in case we’re not seeing eye to eye on something, I have time to change things before the party."
"Okay, but I’m sure we’ll come to an agreement. Thursday it is. And, on a personal note, are you free this evening?"
"Oh. You want to talk about it now?" I was confused since we’d agreed to meet tomorrow.
He glanced at Jake again. Michael was not quite as tall as him; however, both were a good foot taller than me. "No, I was wondering if you're free to grab dinner together. My shift just ended."
Holy shit. I hadn’t picked up any flirty vibes from him, but clearly Jake had, even before the man made his move. That explained the look Jake was giving him. I was in business mode and totally missed his intentions.
"No, she's not free. She's going out with me," Jake said before I could even open my mouth.
I bit the inside of my cheek, fighting hard not to laugh as Michael winced. Seriously, a six-foot man winced.
"My apologies. I didn't know. Well, see you tomorrow, then, Natalie," he said before turning around and heading back inside the restaurant.
"I want to be here when you meet with him tomorrow or anytime," Jake said.
I turned around and almost stumbled backward from the intensity in his eyes. "Don't be ridiculous."
"I mean it. I don't want you to be alone with him."
"I think he got the message."
"I don't care."
"Jake!"
He stepped closer to one of the trees, and I followed suit. We were shielded from the view of the customers. I couldn't believe that he was jealous.
"You're mine, Natalie."
Yup. My panties finally did what they’d promised to since he first appeared today and spontaneously combusted.
"Oh yeah. I got the message too," I murmured. I was so aware of his presence and the way he simply seemed to dominate the space around him.
He tilted his head, as if considering his words carefully. "What are you in the mood to do tonight?"
I perked up, remembering that we were going to spend the rest of the evening together. "I'm in the mood to hang around Castle Island."
"South Boston, got it. Okay, let's go." There was still an edge to his voice, his eyes still hard. “You’re mine, Natalie.”
I really was. I had no idea how it happened, but it was true.