by Jessa York
“Easier said than done, my dear.” He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, head in his hands—a habit, just like his son.
“You won her over once. I’m sure you can do it again if you really put your mind to it.”
“I’ve tried.” He massaged his temples. “Do you not think I’ve tried? I’ve called hundreds of times. She won’t pick up,” he said and creased his brow. “Yesterday, I waited for hours until she came out of Jack’s apartment to try to speak with her.” Hmm, interesting. John was turning into a stalker now?
“What did she say?”
“Nothing. It’s always nothing,” he answered and scratched his eyebrow. “She just glares at me with those beautiful eyes of hers and pretends like I’m not even there. I’m barred from Jack’s place, which I’m sure you know.” He gazed up at me. “The flower shop has a picture of me on their wall because I lost it in the store.” He let out a heavy sigh and got up to start pacing in front of my desk.
“The flower shop? What did you do?”
“The bastards refused to deliver any more arrangements to Elaine.”
“That doesn’t sound like reason enough to stop letting you in,” I said with suspicion in my voice, knowing damn well he likely misbehaved.
“I may have broken a vase. Or two.” He stopped walking for a brief second and looked down at me. “Why do you work here?” he asked me, a sudden frosty expression taken over his face.
“Uh, rent? Food? Gas?” I shrugged and shook my head.
“You’re smart. Really intelligent. Why would you decide to take a job that is so beneath you?” Oh, for fuck’s sake. Were we back here again?
I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and asked for divine intervention. “Just when I think you’re starting to see the light, something shitty plops out of that mouth,” I said, my eyes willing him to spontaneously combust. “How could you say something like that? I thought we were friends? And I love my job. No, it doesn’t pay a ton of money, but they need me here, and I couldn’t pick nicer people to work with.”
His jaw clamped shut, and he rested his head in his hands again. “Dammit. I don’t know why I keep saying things like that.” Dark eyes found mine, and he said, “I didn’t mean it as a put-down, and I do consider you my friend.” I supposed it took a while to get rid of old habits and relearn new ones. The man seemed genuinely sorry, so I decided to give him a break.
“It’s okay,” I said and began flipping through the pictures again.
“It’s not okay. It won’t happen again. You have my word,” he said as he sat back down and placed his hand on mine. The understanding smile I gave him was reciprocated immediately, and we continued perusing the album for a few more minutes until my phone pinged. It was Jack.
Jack: What are you wearing?
Me: Why?
Jack: Just wondering how long it’s going to take me to get you naked.
Me: !!!!!!!!!!!! Not telling…
Jack: Hmm, I can’t wait. Hope you’re having a great day. See you soon.
“Is it Jack?” John asked, looking me over. It wasn’t hard to solve that mystery due to the fact I was smiling from ear-to-ear.
“Uh, yeah,” I told him and set down my phone. Jack said he’d see me soon, but tonight wasn’t soon enough.
“What’d he say?” John asked, narrowing his eyes on me.
“Nothing much,” I answered quickly and blushed.
“Must’ve been good by the look on your face.” John laughed and leaned back in his chair. “What I wouldn’t give to make Elaine look like that again.”
20
Jack
Three days. Well, technically three nights. I’d tried my best to wake up Harper every night for the last three nights, but no dice. The woman was out cold. We were talking too tired to move a muscle. She just lay there, dead to the world no matter what I did to her.
Needless to say, I was a bit frustrated and in need of release. After last night’s failure to launch, I decided to whisk her away at lunch. If I’d had a free second all morning, I would have taken the time to let her know. But everyone needed a piece of me. As usual.
When I was just outside her office, I texted her.
Me: What do you have up for lunch?
Harper: Um, nothing?
Me: Well, I have something up for lunch…
Harper: Anything good?
Me: Depends who you ask, but yeah, it’s something really good.
Harper: Do I get to see what’s up?
Me: You bet, gorgeous, up close and personal.
Harper: Okay, stop. You’re getting me all hot at work. See you and what’s up tonight.
Me: You’ll see it in about one minute. Come out, I’m in the parking lot. Taking you for
lunch. Get that sexy ass out here. Hurry.
Approximately ninety-three seconds later, Harper came running out. I got out of my car with the biggest smile on my face and strode up to her. Saying I attacked her would be an exaggeration. Sort of. My mouth was on hers as soon as she was close enough. Fuck, she tasted good, all minty and fresh. Her mouth opened right away and let me in to play a little tonsil hockey.
“Let’s go. We don’t have much time,” I whispered into her ear, then grabbed her hand and hustled her to the car.
After we got in, Harper asked, “What’s going on?” She looked around, out of breath from our make out session. Her face was beautifully flushed and her lips were swollen.
“I’m taking you for lunch.” I grinned at her while I started the car and sped away. We talked about random shit on the way, but honestly, I couldn’t tell you one word I said. My mind was on one thing. And that was her.
“Where are we going? I thought you were taking me for lunch?” she asked quizzically, justifiably confused about what was going on as we pulled into her parking lot at home.
“Pay attention. I’m taking you for lunch,” I said after I parked my car in the nearest spot. My fingers threaded into her hair and pulled her head toward me for another deep, passionate kiss. Her hair felt like silk on my fingers, and I reached over with my other hand to touch it, too.
“Jack,” she whispered against my lips, and I was a goner. If we didn’t get out of this vehicle soon…
I let her go and bolted out the door to open hers. Her tiny hand fit in mine perfectly, and we raced up the stairs to her apartment. I fumbled with the locks, my brain going quicker than my hands. Once we got in, I slammed the door shut and pushed her up against it.
“You have no clue how bad I need you right now. I feel like I’m going to burst,” I said before I crushed my mouth against hers. She moaned the sweetest sound as my tongue tangled with hers. It was a battle that she wasn’t going to win. I was hanging by a thread, and I had to have her. “Bedroom. Let’s go,” I managed to say while I dragged her behind me.
“Wait, Jack, hang on. I can’t go back to work with sex hair,” she said, and I laughed like I never had before.
“Then you can be on top. That’s not exactly a problem,” I told her, squinting my eyes. Fuck me, I nearly came just thinking about her riding my cock, tits bouncing, body swaying.
“But…” She started and looked around. “It’s a work day, and it’s lunch,” she whispered like it was forbidden to fuck at any time other than midnight.
“Is this going to be a problem?” I let go of her hand and put my hands on my hips. “You don’t want to make love with me or what? I miss you, and I need to be inside you before I explode in my pants. Can you help me with that?”
She swallowed loudly, her eyes opened wide. “Turn around,” I said and moved us toward the couch. “Hold on here,” I instructed and placed her hands on the hard wooden edge. I kissed up and down her sensual neck, making her shiver.
Next, I slowly lifted her skirt until it was around her waist, showing off a heart-shaped ass that men would kill for. I bent down and licked and kissed her backside cheeks, which were perfectly on display for me in her red thong.
She sucked in her b
reath as I licked her pussy from behind. “Spread more, baby,” I commanded so I could get a better angle. Of course, she complied willingly, and I slowly divested her of the damp underwear. She tasted amazing, and the gasps she let out told me how well I did.
After a while, I straightened up and undid my belt and zipper. Harper’s beautiful eyes stared at me over her shoulder, and I sighed. This woman completely undid me. I grabbed her hips and lined up my cock at her entrance, her very wet core. Playing for a minute before the real show, I swirled the head around, teasing her.
“Jack, please,” she begged, backing up against me. That was all I could take. I slid in, and we both groaned loudly. It had only been a few days, but it felt like forever. Her hands white-knuckled against the couch, holding on for dear life while I rammed into her, all control out the window.
“Your ass. I cannot believe I get to stare at this beautiful ass while I take you,” I said, pulling her hips toward me while I fucked her from behind. She didn’t say anything, but from the way she flexed her hips, she was having a good time.
Knowing the signs, I could tell she was close, but required a little help. And that was gladly something I could do. Leaning forward, I covered her back with my body and reached around to touch that hot bundle of nerves. My fingers dipped into her to slick them up first, then I started making small, delicious circles with the tips.
She tossed her head back, and I licked her neck, building her up. “Oh,” she said, her body stiffening against mine. I put both arms around her in case her knees buckled, then rubbed her a little faster. That was enough to send her right over the edge. “Oh God, I’m coming,” she gasped, and that was my cue to let go. Finally. Right inside of her.
Christ, she felt good and tight while she convulsed around me, over and over again. Our lungs struggled for air as we came down. My hand slapped her ass, and I said, “Okay, go clean up and I’ll meet you in the bedroom.”
She stood up and glared at me. “When exactly were you going to feed me? I have to go back to work soon.”
I chuckled. “I’ll make you an omelet to eat in the car on the way back.” That seemed to satisfy her requirements, and she pulled her skirt down before teetering down the hall.
Harper
Having sex made me hungry. Being kidnapped at the beginning of lunch didn’t exactly help. Jack followed through and made me an omelet like he said he would. However, he did not follow through on his sex promises. I was going back to work with sex hair. Don’t ask how that happened. It just did.
I’d also be going back to work with a huge satisfied grin on my face, so it was worth it. Jack gave me a kiss when he dropped me off, and I hurried in, still carrying my half-full plate.
“Well, lookie who decided to show up,” Audrey said, sitting in my chair with her feet crossed on my desk.
“Somebody’s busted,” Vivienne said and giggled. These women.
“Yeah, yeah, I need to finish this quick. Move your fine behind,” I said, motioning Audrey to remove her butt from my chair.
“Finish your lunch? I thought lover boy took you out to eat?” she asked, eyebrow raised in suspicion.
“I think maybe Harper was on the menu.” Vivienne giggled and high-fived Audrey who doubled over laughing.
“Very funny,” I mumbled through bites of omelet and fruit. Sheesh, I was famished.
“A nooner? Good for you, girl,” Audrey shouted, still laughing.
Murray looked out his door and frowned. “Audrey, quiet. This is a place of business.”
“Only business going on here right now is you in mine. Now back off and go make me some money.” Audrey clucked. Murray promptly shook his head and closed the door.
“I came all the way down here, but you were gone. The twins are on a playdate with Meredith. Their first and last playdate with Meredith,” Audrey added.
“Why last?” I asked, still shoveling food into my mouth.
“Every playdate is their first and last with whoever invites them over. Those two are crazy. You can’t blame me. I always suggest that people have them over one at a time. But do they listen? No sirree.” She inspected her cuticles. “They think they can handle them.”
I shrugged and said, “They are a handful, but maybe this time it’ll be different.” She stared at me like I was insane.
“Let’s get back to Hot Chef stealing you away for a lunchtime tryst,” she said, changing the subject back to me.
“One second she was here, then a text came through and the woman ran the hell out of here like she was on fire,” Vivienne said, eyes wide peering at Audrey over her cup of coffee.
“Oh, I bet parts of her were on fire,” Audrey countered, and they both fell into fits again.
“He’s been working even crazier hours lately, and I’ve been watching Ava and keeping his mom company. I don’t mind helping out, but it’s tiring. We don’t exactly get much time together,” I told them, and maybe for the first time voicing my concerns. It actually felt good to say it out loud instead of on a constant loop in my head.
“You need to talk to that man and tell him he needs to take care of business,” Audrey said and took a seat beside Vivienne.
Vivienne nodded her head. “He’s a busy guy, but he can’t keep relying on you to hold up his family obligations. Discuss everything before it gets worse and you end up resenting him,” she suggested and placed her cup on the edge of my desk.
I sighed. “He’s always working. Like always. I love him. I really do. But his schedule is insane, and the hours he keeps are worse.” My eyes teared up, because until then, I didn’t understand how much it was bugging me.
“Oh, honey, you’ll figure it out. It’s worse right now because he’s under a lot of pressure to open the new restaurant. I’m sure it’ll get better.” Vivienne reached her hand across the desk and patted mine.
“I don’t know, you guys. It’s a lot to take. Sometimes I’m not sure if I’m the one he needs.” A weight settled on my heart that caused my spirits to plummet. My throat tightened, ending lunch hour for me. The clang of the fork on the plate made Audrey jump.
“Of course, he needs you, but you have to tell him you have limits,” Vivienne said. “And babysitting his dad every lunch hour without him knowing is not something you should keep doing behind his back.” She snapped her finger and aimed it at me. Busted.
“You’re having lunch with Jack’s dad? The one who threw him out of the house?” Audrey said and jolted upright. “Oh, girlfriend, this is not going to end well. Come clean with your man before that blows up in your face.”
She was right, and I knew it. The only problem was, I couldn’t stop my lunches with John, and I couldn’t tell Jack about them.
21
Harper
“Well, isn’t this fancy?” Mom said again for the four hundredth time. Honestly, if she said fancy one more time…
“Tablecloths and everything,” Dad noted as I rolled my eyes and asked for deliverance. Why did they have to be so embarrassing? This might be the last time Jack invited us for supper if they kept this up.
“Shh, you guys.” Charlie frowned at them, holding her barely-there baby bump. She looked cute in her new maternity wear. Her clothes still had tons of room to grow, and it kinda freaked me out a bit, thinking how much more her stomach would grow as the baby grew.
My eyes scanned the room for Jack. We had just texted, and I told him we were minutes away, so he had proper warning. But with my parents, the only adequate warning would be flares or a foghorn. Maybe an alert from the emergency broadcast system?
I spotted him and lifted my hand to wave but stopped mid-air. He was speaking with a woman who had what Charlie and I called “The Works”. You know, fake everything—eyebrows, eyelashes, boobs—and I’d venture to guess she’d had other work done as well. Her lips were unnaturally plump, and there wasn’t a wrinkle on her.
Suddenly, Jack laughed, and my stomach wanted to empty at the sight. He wasn’t doing anything wrong, just talking
with a customer, but I was the jealous type. She put her hand on his arm, and he delicately, yet politely removed it. I breathed a sigh of relief. However, it still bothered me that it bothered me. You know? I shouldn’t freak out every time my boyfriend spoke to someone.
Just because he kept his ex-wife and child a secret from me for weeks didn’t mean I needed to worry about him. Ahem.
“Oh, there’s Jack, talking to that fancy woman,” my mom said, and I growled at Charlie, making her giggle. She made a funny face that cracked me up, and soon we were an out of control laughing mess in the middle of Jack’s restaurant. This was why I couldn’t take these people anywhere.
“I’m so glad you all could make it,” Jack said as he approached us. I was still giggling, and he gave me the eye. “Come here,” he said to me, and I did as I was told. His arm wrapped around my back, and he leaned down to give me an innocent kiss. “Hi.” He stared at me so deeply my knees wobbled.
“Hi. Are you sure you still want us here?” I questioned sarcastically.
“No, but come in anyway. It’d be a shame to waste all that food,” he whispered into my ear and cracked me up all over again.
“Wow, look how these napkins are folded. So fancy,” Mom said. God help me. I was going to swat her.
“Mom, stop saying everything’s fancy,” I whisper yelled to her as I looked around at the other customers to see if she was annoying the hell out of them as well. It couldn’t just be me.
“Be nice to your mother. It isn’t every day we get to go out somewhere so—”
“Do not say it, or I’ll scream,” I said in warning.
“Fancy,” Dad replied, and the whole table burst into laughter. These people. My head fell forward onto my plate while they continued to laugh around me. Charlie cracked up the hardest, and I was happy to see her rosy cheeks again. She’d suffered with morning sickness for weeks, but I think was over the worst of it now.
