Watch Over My Life: Emotional Love Story (What Will Be Book Series)

by Laura Ashley Gallagher

  Her mother’s cheeks flushed a pale red.

  “You see more of me than my daughter does.”

  Rose took the wine and placed it in the fridge.

  She’s off again, Jessica thought.

  “You will tell me the truth, Jake. Is my girl working too hard?” Rose’s brows furrowed in what Jessica didn’t know was anger or sorrow.

  “Mom, he doesn’t keep a twenty-four-hour watch on me. I know when to stop. I am fine,” Jessica pressed, feeling frustrated.

  “We both know how Jessica is, Rose. She loves her work, and she is pretty damn good at it too.”

  “That’s good. I suppose you always were a hard worker. I just worry about you. You always look so tired.” Rose shook her head, taking a large bowl in her hand.

  “Jeez, thanks. And I thought those night creams were working.”

  “I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. You should worry about the hippie.”

  They all chuckled. She was talking about her sister, April. She always was unique. For April to feel herself she needed to be different; different sometimes meant dying her hair an eccentric purple or piercing unnecessary body parts. Neither of which lasted long. Still, it didn’t stop her from experimenting now and again.

  “I thought she was going to run away with the circus. Remember the clown she used to date?”

  They all remembered that phase of April’s life. She dated Pedro for a month; also known as Tony the Clown. He was in town with the circus, and he fascinated April. Every night, Rose would stay up, waiting patiently for her daughter to walk through the door; pacing for every second she passed her curfew, in fear she had genuinely up and left with the circus.

  She was merely seventeen, and Pedro was at least eight years her senior. An older man and the circus would have been very tempting to April at that age, and Jessica was sure she contemplated more than once actually leaving with them.

  “She gave me many sleepless nights, but someone has to love her,” Rose joked, taking a large bowl in her hand and pottering off into the dining area, leaving Jake and Jessica alone.

  “You look nice tonight, Jess,” Jake mentioned, his voice sincere.

  “Someone is full of compliments lately.” She banged against him playfully.

  “It’s the truth.”

  She placed her hand against his forehead. “Are you feeling alright?” Jessica questioned, a smile gracing her full lips.

  “I am doing fine. Unless you plan on playing my nurse? In that case, I am dying.” He nodded, letting his eyes droop.

  “Shut up!”

  “You’re not totally off the hook. What was today about? I had people asking me if I was okay for twenty minutes afterwards.”

  Jessica couldn’t help but laugh. The image of his helpless face flashed in front of her eyes.

  “It’s not funny,” he demanded.

  “I’m sorry, but it was hysterical. How I didn’t laugh the entire way through that meeting is a miracle.”

  “You could have at least finished it.”

  “No, it wouldn’t have felt so good to walk away then.” Jessica winked, placing an evil look in her eyes.

  “You’re a tough woman.”

  “Jessica, will you bring me the salad?” her mother called from the dining room, interrupting their conversation.

  “It’s odd to see you out of your sexy business clothes,” Jake commented as she made her way to the countertop and tossed salad in a bowl. “I like this, though.” He motioned his finger up and down, pointing to her body.

  She blushed. She knew he was looking at the way her faded blue jeans hugged her bottom, and how her long cream jumper hung loosely from her shoulder, exposing her skin.

  “Stop looking at my ass, Jake,” she ordered, not even turning to look at him. Jessica knew him well enough to know where his eyes had wandered to, and she couldn’t help the heat from flowing deep within her when she thought of it.

  “I can’t help it,” he breathed, nodding his head.

  “Oh, come on! Just help me with this stuff. We can’t leave my mother to do everything.”

  “Being bossy suits you.” He sniggered but gathered some serving bowls, anyway.

  “You two are so good. Jake, would you mind going to get everyone? They are in the living room.”

  “Not at all, gorgeous.”

  “Stop it now, Jake. I’ll have to put you over my knee,” Rose warned, suppressing the giggle.

  “Don’t threaten me with a good time.”

  Jessica stared at them, mystified by their behaviour.

  “You two have such a strange relationship. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think there was adultery being committed.”

  “You don’t know any better,” Jake goaded, kissing Rose on the cheek.

  “Ah, don’t be jealous, Jess, just because he doesn’t call you sweet names and say sweet things to you.”

  Jake and Jessica both looked at each other, mischievous grins threatening their lips; both thinking the same thing:

  No, but you don’t want to know the things he says to me, and they’re far from sweet.

  “I will get everyone,” he said, disappearing out of the room before his eyes gave away their secret.

  “He is such a nice boy,” Rose expressed as they both set the table.

  “He is thirty years old, Mom. He is hardly a boy.”

  “Yes, I know that. Even so, he always was so charming. And look how far he has gotten, and yet he remains so humble. I am so proud of him. Such a talented young man,” she murmured to herself.

  That was one thing Jessica knew she couldn’t deny. Her mother was right. Jake was amazing at what he did, and he worked hard to get where he was.

  “You two seem to get on a bit better than you used to.” Her mother glanced at her, knowing to thread this sensitive subject carefully.

  “The night is young, mother; the night is young,” Jessica sighed, not meeting her mother’s eyes.

  “There is my gorgeous little girl.”

  Jessica looked over her shoulder to see her father, Chris. Before she even had the time to say anything, he had her wrapped up in a hug.

  His black hair was now greying at the temples and had become lighter since Jessica’s previous visit.

  Has it really been that long? she thought.

  Jessica was the only one to inherit her father’s big, ocean blue eyes and pale, porcelain skin.

  “Everyone take a seat. Dinner is ready,” Rose ordered as she shuffled around the room. They all happily obeyed.

  For a while, everyone stayed silent to enjoy the food with only a few words of small talk.

  “So, Jake,” Chris began, “Pete, tells us there is a new lady in your life.”

  Why me? Why does it have to happen to me? She thought she had her fair share of awkward moments for today. She swallowed hard, trying to take away her unease, but it was no use. She could feel the beads of perspiration on her forehead.

  “Oh my God. Jake has a girlfriend?” April screeched in disbelief, at the same time flicking her long blonde hair behind her ears. “As in, you have had sex with her more than once?”

  “April!” Rose warned sternly.

  “Oh, come on, Mom. There is no room for Jake and girlfriend in one sentence.”

  Jessica and Jake looked at each other. She could feel her heart pound heavily in her chest, thumping so hard it pained her.

  “What is she like?” Rose prompted, eager to hear more about the new love interest.

  “It’s nothing, really.”

  “Surely she must mean something.”

  Jessica watched him take three deep breaths. She was sure he didn’t prepare for this.

  “Well, she is very beautiful,” he started, a serious tone in his voice.

  Jessica thought her heart had stopped.

  “And funny. Bit of an evil streak in her, though. She knows how to surprise you when you least expect it.” His eyes glanced around the
table, landing on her for a moment longer. “It’s early days. I’m just going with the flow. And that should be enough information to keep you thinking. For now, I am going to change the subject and get the wine.” He stood up nervously.

  “I am thrilled for you.” Rose smiled as he walked away.

  “Yeah, let’s see how long this lasts,” April muttered under her breath before taking a mouth full of mashed potato. Jessica could feel her hands tremble.

  “I’ll help,” Jessica offered, raising her voice after him. She couldn’t handle sitting there with her family talking about Jake’s new sex buddy. It was too weird.

  “That was awkward,” she breathed.

  He was already taking the wine from the fridge.

  “You couldn’t write it.” He nodded his head in disbelief.

  But she didn’t reply, and he didn’t have time to say anything else because the moment his eyes caught hers, she kissed him. She kissed him deeply, falling into the passion she shared with her lips.

  She heard the bottle of wine clink down on the counter. Then his cold hands cupped her face, deepening the kiss with his tongue.

  She had no idea what came over her, but it took control of her body. The sensation she received when he glanced at her took complete power over her.

  “I’m sorry,” she stammered, “I don’t know...”

  “Shut up, Jess.” He quietened her with another kiss.

  This time it was stronger, and she knew he wanted it too; she could tell by the way his hand gripped her hip and pulled her closer to him. His powerful arms lifted her onto the edge of the counter where eagerly and aggressively he roamed his fingers to her neck and skimmed down to her breast, tugging at her bra. She gasped and squirmed, tightening her hold around his neck.

  “Jess,” he quivered, vigorously kissing her tender lips, “I want you so bad, I’m afraid I’ll take you right here with your parents in the next room.”

  She bit down and slowly opened her eyes. “And that wouldn’t be a good idea,” she added. As they both silently pulled away, Jessica caught her breath. That was unexpected, but it felt amazing.

  “Jess, you seriously know how to surprise a guy.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to just pounce on you.”

  “Stop apologizing. It was a kiss; a really passionate kiss, but don’t be sorry for something that felt so right.”

  “Come on. We better get back in there before they get suspicious,” she suggested, eager to get back to her seat and not look at his lips anymore.

  “You’re scared you’ll do more than kiss me next time. Can’t say I blame you.” He shrugged, knowing the comment would get on her nerves.

  “You are so full of crap,” she groaned, stepping back into the dining room and taking her seat.

  “Are you two at it again?” Rose gave out.

  Jessica’s cheeks turned hot. She forgot they argued as well as had sex.

  Relax, Jessica.

  Jake entered the room a few moments later and smiled at her reassuringly. She was sure she was burning up.

  She took a few sips of wine, feeling her mouth tingle as the tangy taste slid down her tongue. For an instant, she had to close her eyes. The room was beginning to spin a little, and her insides felt like they were heating up. Somehow, though, she didn’t think it was because of the wine.

  Shaking it off, she tried her hardest to ignore it and involve herself in conversation, but it became increasingly impossible. The voices around the table became distant murmurs, and she had to swallow hard to stop the nausea.

  Not now, not here.

  “Jess, are you okay?” Pete asked, his weary voice sounding from across the table.

  “Am yeah,” she breathed, mustering up the power in her legs to stand up. She tried her best to maintain her balance by gripping onto the edge of the table. “I’m just going to use the bathroom.”

  It was a struggle to climb the stairs. She could feel the beads of sweat travel over her collarbone and down her shirt. Tossing her body into the bathroom, she stood over the sink and let the cold water run for a few moments before cupping her hands underneath it and splashing some on her face.

  In the mirror, her eyes seemed to be paler than usual. She could feel the familiar tugging at her temples and the tingling in her face. Then the nausea started again until she could feel the bile rise in her throat. She leaned her head over the toilet to throw up the contents of whatever she had previously eaten. The pressure of the pounding pain in her head was increasing every second.

  She hated how sudden this always was. Never a warning; it wasn’t all that sympathetic.

  Quickly, she washed her face again, flushed the toilet, and made her way back down the stairs.

  Seeing double wasn’t her only problem now. Jake stood at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for her to land safely.

  “I was just coming to see if you were okay?” His eyes narrowed on her, searching her face. She could tell by the suggestive glint in his eye he knew something wasn’t right.

  “I’m fine.” She half-smiled, trying to regain some composure.

  She got to the last step, and her vision suddenly became blurred. The whole hallway spun. The cream walls seemed to merge with the table by the door. Then she felt her body sway to one side as her legs gave way beneath her.

  “Whoa, Jess! You are not okay.”

  She could feel Jake’s firm grip wrapped around her waist, and she shivered when the coldness of the wall met her back. She had to close her eyes for a few moments because she needed everything to be clearer when she opened them.

  Thankfully, it was.

  His big brown orbs were seeping through hers.

  “Christ, Jess!” She watched his chest rise and fall. “You’re trying to give me a heart attack.”

  “Sorry,” she whispered, unable to find her voice and out of breath. “Thanks for catching me,” she said, standing up straight. His hands were still placed on her hips.

  “What’s wrong with you?” he asked, his voice was drenched with worry.

  “It’s one of my migraines. That is all,” she lied.

  “You’re as pale as a ghost, Jess.”

  She swallowed hard, fighting away constant nausea. “Seriously, Jake, I’m fine.”

  “Jessica?” Her mother’s voice echoed in her ears. “Oh my, are you alright?”

  “I’m fine, Mom.” She brushed away her mother’s hands. She didn’t need more people crowding around her. She felt smothered enough. “I think I should get going, though. I can feel a migraine coming on.”

  “Okay, honey. Go home and take something and get plenty of sleep,” Rose instructed, hugging her close for a moment.

  The rest of her family soon followed to see what all the fuss was about. Just like before, Jessica assured them she was fine and told them she was going home.

  The night air woke her a little, but her eyes still seemed heavy. She just had the car door closed when it opened again, and the violent shiver that crept down her spine from the bitter air didn’t help the aching pain in her temples.

  “Jake, what are you doing?” she snapped, looking up at him, sounding weak and feeling fragile. The dull streetlights reflected on his sallow skin and made his eyes glitter like crystals. His strong jawline flinched as he clenched his teeth together.

  “You don’t have a hope if you think I am going to let you drive home, Jess. The only reason your parents let you out the door is that they didn’t see what I did.” He fought, staring down at her.

  “You didn’t tell them, did you?” She swallowed, feeling the beads of sweat run down her neck again.

  “Of course not.”

  “Then I’m fine,” she persisted.

  He bent down outside the car so his eyes were just below hers. She felt his warm palm caress her cheek, and the thrill she got when he touched her came back. His fingers were in her hair with his thumb placed across her lips.

  “Those beautiful eyes of yours are swirling in your head. Don’t tell
me you are fine!”

  “It’s just a migraine,” she uttered, afraid to talk in fear the tears would stream down from her glossy and blurry eyes. The pain was unbelievable, but she couldn’t let him see it. It scared her to be vulnerable around him.

  “And it’s dangerous to drive with a migraine. I am bringing you home. We can pick up your car when you are feeling better. Come on! Get out and get into my car,” he ordered, smiling weakly.

  With a heavy sigh, she gave in. So much for not wanting to be vulnerable, but she didn’t have the energy in her to argue with him. She knew he was right, and for once, she had to get over herself and accept help.

  She swung her legs out of the car and in an instant his warm hand was around her waist, helping her out. She didn’t protest because the street was spinning again, and she needed his support. Carefully, he helped position her body into the front seat of his BMW and secured her with the belt. She could smell the brand-new leather seats.

  Cocky asshole.

  She didn’t hear him start the car, she only remembered it moving. Then her eyelids grew heavier and heavier until everything around her went black.

  A slight tug at her feet awakened her. Reluctantly, she opened her eyes. She was in her bedroom; the curtains were closed, and the only light filtering through the room was the one from the hallway.

  She jumped up, seeing a dark figure at the end of her bed. The pounding in her head was a reminder of why she was in bed to begin with.

  “Hush, it’s only me,” Jake assured her.

  “What are you doing?” she asked, out of breath from the fright.

  “I’m taking off your shoes,” he said, pulling the other boot. “Don’t worry. I left your clothes on.”

  She could hear the hum of his deep chuckle.

  She watched his strong frame walk to her side. He leaned over and kissed her softly on the forehead.

  “I’ll be outside if you need me.”

  “Go home, Jake.” He was far too big for her couch. “Don’t stay here because of me. I’m fine, honestly.”

  “I’ll go home when I am convinced you are fine. Now, I think you are a terrible liar.”

  “Well, you can’t sleep on the sofa. You can sleep here?”