by Simone Evans
“You know I’ve never been comfortable in large gatherings,” I replied and dropped my arms to my sides.
“Then, it is best I start introducing you,” Mother smirked at me and turned to walk away.
“Mother?” I called out and she stopped to look back at me.
“Yes, dear?”
“What are you doing?” I glared at her because my stomach was already queasy and my heart was sinking to join it because I think I now understood what tonight’s get together was about.
Scanning the assembled guests, I noted plenty of older couples, a few single friends of my parents, and several young women who were all staring at me with open interest.
Fuck! Mother had thrown me a ‘debutante ball’.
At twenty-eight and a man, I wasn’t sure I fit the mold as a debutante, but I knew that essentially that was the idea behind tonight. It was basically a ‘find Jack a wife’ party.
I rubbed my face and let out a deep sigh as I followed my mother. I knew there was no getting out of the situation I’d allowed her to put me in. I would have to meet all of the eligible bachelorettes, then talk to a few and probably dance with a few before I could sneak away.
“Hello, ladies,” my mother’s voice snapped me from my thoughts. “This is my son… Harrison.” Mother turned and motioned me forward.
“Hello,” I greeted with a nod as I clasped my hands behind my back to keep them from fidgeting.
“Hello, I’m Lisa Hollings,” a blonde greeted with a huge smile. “This is my cousin, Amber Hollings.” She waved to the timid girl beside her – I felt her pain, being in a room full of people gave me hives.
“Harrison,” my mother poked my side. “Lisa asked you a question.”
“I’m sorry, my thoughts are on work. It’s not easy to leave it behind for a vacation,” I muttered in apology.
“Funny, that’s what Lisa was asking you about, dear.” Mother laughed and I knew it for the fake one it was. “She wanted to know about your business.”
In the briefest possible terms, I explained about my company and then mother dragged me to the next group of giggling young women. Women who had taken advantage of the open bar, so mother moved us on to the next introductions quickly.
Relief filled me when Mother finally left me with instructions to select a young lady. I had no intention of selecting anyone. I knew who I wanted. And, maybe that’s why I slipped out and wandered down the beach in search of a wispy memory.
Blowing the loose strands of hair out of my eyes, I moved a few items to the shelf below where I was searching. Something shifted and a box slid forward. I barely caught it in time.
“Naiva, sweetheart?” My mom called from the door to the kitchen.
“Back here, mom,” I yelled as I fought with the box – I was searching for the bulk container of cinnamon as the container at the work table had run out.
“Liam, she’s here, darling,” I heard mom yell into the dining room.
A few minutes later, my parents entered the kitchen while speaking in hushed whispers.
“We should have told her already, Liam,” I heard my mom hiss as they reached the work table where I was currently getting back to making cinnamon rolls.
“Told me what?” I asked.
My parents turned to stare at each for a few moments before turning worried gazes in my direction.
“What’s wrong? Are one of you sick?” My heart began to race and I felt my chest tighten as worry for the two people I loved the most rushed through me.
“Oh, of course, sweetheart,” Mom exclaimed before running around the worktable to pull me into a hug. “It’s nothing bad. Well, at least we hope you’re as happy as we are about it.”
“We have news for you, Naiva,” Dad said in his deep voice.
I loved the sound of my dad’s voice. It had a slight accent from being raised by his grandparents and parents who had all been originally from Great Britain. Sadly, I’d never met any of them as they died before I was born. My last grandparent passed away only a few months before I was born.
“Naiva, what do you think?” Mom asked as she held me tight.
Shaking my head, I looked at her and then my dad before answering, “Sorry, I was distracted, can you repeat what you said?”
“We’ve sold the bed and breakfast.” Dad’s words hit me like a brick wall and I let out a gasp as I reached up to cover my mouth.
Tears burned at my eyes but I blinked them back. The hopeful look on Mom’s face helped me to force down my feelings of betrayal and loss. The B&B was all I had. I’d given up everything to help my parents run the place.
“Sold? I didn’t know…” I was at a loss for what to say and just left my words hanging between us.
“Sweetheart, we’ve been thinking about it for a bit. Thanks to the cafe we’ve been able to make ends meet but it’s not fair how much time we’ve all had to put into the place.” Mom squeezed me as if she was trying to force me to understand.
“But, I…” Again, my voice lodged in my throat and I glanced between my parents.
“Someone approached us with an offer too good to pass up. You’ll be able to have a social life, Navy Bean,” Dad grinned at me. The smile and nickname another attempt to soften the blow.
“What do you want from me?” I finally demanded and pulled away from my mom.
My hands had remained in the cinnamon roll dough during the entire conversation and now realized I’d dug my fingers into the dough until it had begun to squeeze through my fingers.
“Sweetheart, this is our last summer here. At the end of the season, we’ll all have to find someplace else to live. We wanted to give you enough time to decide what you want to do.” She placed a hesitant hand on my arm. When I didn’t jerk away, she continued, “I thought you might like to finally go to college. Isn’t there something you’d like to do other than work here?”
Mom’s question had echoed through my mind the remainder of my shift. I’d baked up a storm in an effort to help myself think. Baking had always calmed me in the past but now it felt as if I was drowning and I couldn’t breathe. Even six dozen cookies, two dozen cupcakes, two dozen brownies, the cinnamon rolls, five loaves of bread, four dozen assorted muffins, and several flavors of bagels later, I was nowhere closer to deciding what I was going to do.
It was the end of the night and I was in the process of shutting down the cafe when I noticed someone sitting outside on the patio. I’d almost missed him, so distracted by my problems.
Walking outside, I called to him, “Sir… sorry, we’re closed.”
He jerked in his seat and turned his penetrating gaze on me.
The sandy brown hair and gray eyes were so familiar, the ruggedly handsome face was older and more defined, but I could clearly see the boy I had loved for as long as I could remember.
“Naiva…” My name was a hushed breath and I debated on whether he’d said it or not.
I watched as Harrison Jackson Noch III shook his head and inhaled deeply as he rose from his chair.
“I’m sorry,” he said finally. “I needed to get out and… get some air. Didn’t have anywhere to go, so I’ve been enjoying your patio.” He gave me a small smile.
“No problem. No problem. However, the cafe is closed so if you wanted anything…” What was I going to say? Offer him to come inside and have a drink? I couldn’t do that.
Brushing my hand through the stray strands of hair that never seemed to stay pulled back, I smiled at him and turned to leave.
“Wait!” He called out.
“Yes?” I turned back around. “Would you like something?”
“Some… uh… company would be nice.” He ran his hand through his hair. It was styled in a carefree style that wouldn’t require more than a comb but it looked really good on him – and I felt the urge to run my fingers through it.
“I’m sorry,” he interrupted my thoughts. “You’re working… I should go.”
“No, it’s fine. How about you come inside a
nd I can get you something to drink and you can keep me company while I work?” For the life of me, I couldn’t understand who was speaking. I actually looked around, expecting someone else to be speaking.
“That would be nice, thanks.” Harrison Jackson Noch III walked up to me and motioned for me to lead the way.
I shivered at how close he was and quickly moved to open the door and enter the cafe.
The only thoughts in my head were all about one question — was I dreaming or hallucinating? Either way, I was content to let it play out.
My chest was tight and I found it difficult to breathe as I followed my dream woman into the building. I hadn’t realized there was an actual restaurant on this corner of the old B&B when I’d sat down. It was something new since I’d last walked the beaches of Cape Luella.
“What would you like, Mr. Noch?” Her voice startled me and I stopped gaping at the nicely laid out area that appeared to be much like a bakery I stopped at on my way to the office.
“Jack,” I offered. “Please call me Jack.”
“Okay… Jack, what would you like to drink? We have coffee and tea drinks in the cafe and there are other options in the formal restaurant area.”
“How about just some water?” I didn’t want to put her out, after all, she was already letting me intrude on her job.
“This way then,” Naiva motioned to a doorway and gave me a nervous smile.
“I can leave… if you prefer. I just really want to stay away from my parents’ house tonight.” I blurted out.
“Why is that?” she asked as she retrieved two bottles of cold water from a large refrigerator.
“My mother is hosting a party to get me mar–” Realizing what I’d almost admitted, I snapped my lips shut and shoved my hand in my hair as I turned away and looked around the Industrial kitchen.
“There’s a stool by the wall. You can pull it up to the work table on that side,” Naiva directed.
When I placed the stool in position and took my seat, I glanced up to find Naiva standing with her hands holding the bottles of water. Her head was tilted as if she was confused about something.
She was fucking adorable and I wanted her naked in my bed.
Heat instantly rose in my cheeks at my inappropriate thought.
“So, Naiva, what do you have to do?” I blurted out to break the silence and distract myself from her warm brown eyes, silky light-brown hair, and perfect body.
Fuck. Once again, I dug my fingers into my scalp and dug the nails in until the pain registered and I was able to calm my raging hardon.
“Uh…” Naiva glanced down at her hands and noticed the water. “Here.” She shoved one bottle across the table to me and quickly uncapped her own to take a deep swallow.
“Look, I really can just go, if you’d prefer,” I offered.
“Actually…” She cleared her throat and set her water to the side and began to chop some vegetables. “I would really enjoy the company. I found out… something today and it has me thrown for a loop.”
“I’m… sorry.” Curiosity had me wanting to ask her a million questions. I finally talked to her and I couldn’t let the chance to get to know her go.
“Not your fault.” She gave me a smile in gratitude and continued to chop the carrots.
“So wh–”
“So wh–”
We both started to ask what sounded like the same question. Starting and stopping simultaneously, we both broke out into laughter.
“Sorry,” I smiled and waved her to go ahead.
“I was just wondering what brought you back to Cape Luella after all of these years.” Naiva shrugged as if she didn’t care but there was something in the stiffness of her shoulders and the loud sounds of the knife hitting the cutting board.
Then something she said hit me… “What do you mean all of these years?”
“Just that I haven’t seen you since you were…” Her hands stopped moving and she glanced at the ceiling. “Well, I think the last summer would have been after you would have finished high school. Your parents have been here every year as usual but mostly alone.”
“So…” My mind raced with the implications of her words. She’d noticed me. “You, uh, noticed me back then?”
Her eyes went wide and she lifted her hand about six inches before realizing she still held the knife. She must really be off her game to let something like that slip out unwanted. And, the pink that colored her cheeks testified to her embarrassment over what she’d admitted.
“Yes,” she finally admitted softly. “You were a little difficult to miss back then. All of the girls were trying to get your attention. You always seemed distracted by the sea life and seashells.”
“Not really,” I grinned at her. It was only fair that I admit my own truth since she had admitted hers. “I was focused on you actually.”
“Me?” she squeaked.
“Yes, you.” My grin widened and I took a swig of my water to hide it from her.
“Are you making fun of me?” Her face was way too sober and her words caused my heart to squeeze tight in my chest.
“No. Why would you think that?” I demanded as I stood from my stool and leaned forward on the table to get a bit closer.
“Because you’re…” Naiva waved her hands in the air between us.
Anger rose inside of me and I glared at her. “And what the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Mr. Noch, you’re rich, gorgeous, and there is no way you would have been interested in me back then with my braces and the fact that I was younger than you by several years.” Naiva stepped back from the table as if she was trying to put more space between us.
The pain I saw reflected in her eyes had me moving before I could think too much about what I meant to do. If I had taken the time to think, I doubt it would have happened.
Instead of being a gentleman, I rounded the table, pulled the woman of my dreams into my arms, and kissed her with everything I had.
Naiva went rigid in my arms for long enough that I began to come out of the anger and lust induced daze that had led me to push myself on her. However, she surprised me when she melted into my arms. Her arms wrapped around my neck and she pressed our lips together more firmly.
I groaned and ran my tongue over the seam of her lips until she opened for me. Pushing my tongue forward, I tasted nirvana. My mind short-circuited and for the first time in my life, I let go and allowed my body to call the shots. Electricity zapped through me and my cocked hardened further.
Naiva moaned into my mouth and my head swooned. We broke apart, gasping for breath.
“Whoa,” she panted.
“Wow,” I agreed.
“Can we do that again?” Naiva whispered as she looked up at me with awe and something I couldn’t begin to describe.
“Definitely,” I agreed as I pulled her in for the second kiss I’d ever had.
A part of me kept trying to intrude and tell me there was no way Harrison Jackson Noch III was kissing me. My first boy-girl kiss and it was with the one man I never thought I would have a chance with. Logically I knew it couldn’t be happening, but I didn’t care.
Leaning further into his embrace, I allowed Jack – he’d told me to call him Jack – to lead the way. At the beginning, we were both tentative which seemed strange for someone like Jack Noch. It was as if he was as new to this kissing thing as I was.
When we finally broke apart from our second kiss, I couldn’t help the dreamy way I looked up at him. Even in the glaring lights of the kitchen, he was perfection on two legs. However, I might want to change that to three legs with the large appendage pressing against my stomach from the confines of his jeans.
Nerves had me trembling and he reached up to run his fingers over my face. He gently tucked my flyaway hairs behind my ear and smiled softly down at me.
“I always knew it’d be like this,” he murmured.
“What?” I asked as confusion filled me and I tried to pull away.
Jack wa
sn’t letting me go, instead of allowing me the space I suddenly wanted, he pulled me tighter.
“Kissing you is…” His gaze rose to the ceiling and then dropped as a smile crossed his face. “It’s mind-altering.”
My mouth dropped open and I felt my cheeks heat. Could he be serious? I began shaking my head, unable to believe what I was hearing or experiencing.
“Am I that terrible?” Jack’s tentative question drew my gaze and I realized that I had sunk into my own head and lost track of my surroundings.
“What?”
“Am I a terrible kisser, Naiva?” he clarified his question.
“Terrible…” For some reason, I couldn’t string my thoughts together in the correct order. I knew I needed to answer him but nothing was making its way to my tongue.
So, instead of a reply, I reached up and pulled his head down and claimed his mouth in a kiss that stole my breath. Something changed inside of me and for the first time in my life, I felt whole. I felt complete.
We didn’t pull apart until neither of us could breathe. A dreamy look crossed Jack’s face and made me smile like a lunatic. He said my kisses were mind-altering and from his expression, that’s exactly what he appeared to be dealing with.
“Jack?” I lifted a hand and cupped his cheek.
“Yeah,” he sighed.
“I’d say… earth-shattering.” Staring at him as I held his cheek and teased his temple with my fingers, Jack’s face scrunched up in concentration.
“Earth-shattering…”
“Yeah, your kisses are earth-shattering.” I grinned at him and saw the exact moment it finally clicked.
His head tipped backward and a deep laugh rumbled from him. It was sexy and had me shivering. Which was probably why I missed his intentions until he lifted me off my feet and swung me around in a circle.
Holding me tight to his chest, Jack looked down into my face and sobered.
“I’ve wasted too much time because of fear, Naiva. I want you to be mine. Will you–”
“Jack, please… uh… put me down.” It was like a piece of ice being dropped down your back on a hot day. I wasn’t sure what he was going to ask me but the familiar refrain slammed into my mind… he’s out of your league, Naiva Aisley.
