Defying Gravity (Landing in Love Book 1)

by Jennifer W Smith

  “Liv, don’t cry.” Tess wrapped her arms around her neck. “I’ll talk to you the same as we always do. For goodness sake, girl, you can fly out and visit us wherever we end up.”

  “It won’t be the same. And you’re leaving in a week!” She pulled away and wiped her eyes, noticing the guys had crept into the living room to stand in front of the television.

  “I realize telling you this now is bad timing, especially after you’ve just broken up with Vince. But if your team makes the finals, we’ll stay and watch before we leave. I promise.”

  Kyle lifted the television remote and increased the volume. Olivia wished he’d done it sooner, sure they’d overheard Tess’s comment about Vince. She ignored the newscaster and collected Tess’s gift from the counter. “I hope you can take this with you.”

  Plucking tissue paper from the decorative bag, Tess gently lifted a succulent plant nestled in a ceramic elephant pot. “Cute! I’m definitely making room for this. Thank you.”

  Tess excitedly filled her in on a few details of their pending trip before Kyle interrupted the conversation.

  “Hey, babe. We should get going. There are tons of accidents reported.”

  “We’ll talk more tomorrow,” Tess promised.

  Kyle and Tess said their good-byes and left within a few minutes.

  The lights dimmed.

  Jacob stood a few feet from the television. Olivia moved to his side, staring at the footage. The storm had knocked the power out in sections of New Bridgeport. The TV announcer explained that wires were down everywhere, and she prayed her friends were safe on the short drive home.

  “Do you mind if I crash here tonight? The roads—”

  “What?” She twisted her neck to stare up at him. “Um.” She couldn’t exactly send him home in an ice storm. “It would be a treacherous drive all the way to Portsmouth,” she reasoned aloud.

  “I’ll head to the Athletic Club first thing in the morning, once the storm has passed. I keep a change of clothes and toiletries in my locker.”

  “Of course. You can have the couch. I’ll get a pillow and blanket.” When she reached the seclusion of her bedroom, she covered her face in her hands. Can this night get any worse? How are we supposed to remain on a professional, friendly level when he’s sleeping on my couch? The unfairness of the situation boiled the blood in her veins. A tiny apartment-sized couch for a tall man. Ha! I hope he’s uncomfortable!

  She collected the linens and returned to the living room. Shaking out a sheet, she leaned over the sofa, tucking the corners.

  “I can do that.” He bent alongside her.

  The lights went completely out.

  In in her haste to stand in the black room, she bumped into him with enough force to fall back into the cushions with an oomph. He reached out, resting his hand on her hip. As he switched his cell phone to flashlight mode, the light illuminated the room.

  “You okay?”

  She nodded, the heat of his hand burning through her jeans.

  “Do you have flashlights? Candles?”

  Sitting up and straightening her top, she gingerly pressed her fingertips against his rounded bicep. She wanted his hand off her body and his body miles from hers. I’m done with wanting him. Just because they were alone in her apartment, near each other in the darkness, conveniently stranded, she would not falter. I am done. I have moved on. “Get out of the way so I can get them.”

  “Um, okay.” He stood uncertainly.

  She moved carefully, avoiding further touching. While she switched on the battery-operated candles, because real fire and clumsy people didn’t work well together, she continued her internal rant. Thanks, Tess, for inviting him to my apartment. You drop a bomb on me that you’re leaving and then you leave a bomb here.

  Reaching the kitchen counter, she lifted her cell phone from her purse and switched on the flashlight mode. The light reflected off the metal forks in the sink, reminding her of the cake and losing Tess.

  Jacob crossed the open room to stand in front of her, the kitchen island between them. “Are you okay?”

  “I fell onto a couch. Of course I’m okay.”

  “No. I mean…Tess is your best friend.”

  She rounded the island. “In the four years I’ve known Tess, she’s not only been there for me, but she gets me. I have a lot of friends, but Tess is the best at listening, cheering me up, and making me laugh. She’s gone off traveling before…I wish she were here.”

  “I know you’d rather talk to a girlfriend about breakups, but you can talk to me about Vince.”

  I knew you overheard! She wanted to tell him it was none of his business. Admitting he was right about Vince would only make him feel superior. She sighed. “Honestly, Vince doesn’t matter.” There was no magic lost between them.

  “Oh.”

  “Anyway, with the power out, I still have running water but not hot water. I have a spare toothbrush under the bathroom sink, so help yourself. Hopefully, the power returns soon, because it will get cold in here fast. Do you need anything else?”

  He shook his head. “I appreciate you letting me stay. I know it’s not ideal.”

  She held his gaze in the semi-darkness, realizing he appeared as anxious as she was.

  “Good night, Jacob.” She twisted away and took refuge behind her bedroom door.

  “Good night,” he called after her.

  Jacob

  He rolled over for the twentieth time, bending his stiff knees. The power was still out, so he lifted his phone from the coffee table to check the time. Nearly two. A plow truck rumbled by spreading a salt and sand mixture, its yellow lights reflecting off the windows. Jacob sat up to stretch and twist. His hips throbbed; he hadn’t been able to stretch his long legs for hours. Standing, he groaned and then shivered.

  “Jacob? Is everything okay?” Olivia asked from the bedroom doorway.

  “Ah, yeah. I needed to stretch. What are you doing up?”

  “The plow truck woke me.” She slipped into the bathroom and closed the door.

  She’d left the battery operated candles in each room glowing in case he needed to get up during the night. He lifted his phone, using the light to scan the walls for the thermostat. He spotted it outside her bedroom door and approached to read the temperature.

  No wonder I’m freezing.

  The bathroom door opened. Olivia nearly walked into him. “Geez!”

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. It’s only sixty degrees in here. Do you have another blanket I could use?”

  Brow puckered, she glanced at the sofa. “It’s all I’ve got. Sorry the sofa’s kinda small.” When her attention returned to him, her gaze dropped down his torso. “You could put some clothes on,” she blurted, her expression pained.

  Clad only in black boxer-briefs and goosebumps, he grinned at her reaction. “I can’t sleep in clothes.” She obviously had no problem doing so; she was covered neck to ankle in flannel.

  She eyed him, hugging her chest, shoulders hunched against the chilly air.

  “Forget it, I can manage.” He returned to the lumpy, confined torture rack and did some final stretches.

  “Wait,” she grumbled. She padded across the room. “I’ll switch with you.”

  “I would never allow you to sleep on this couch on my account. However, if your bed is large enough, I could occupy half of it.”

  “Sleep with me?”

  “Next to you,” he corrected. “I’m a gentleman—no touching. I promise. Besides, shared body heat will help keep us warm.”

  Her silence hung in the air and her breathing seemed deliberate.

  “Never mind. It was a stupid idea.” He shook his head at his own arrogance. His treatment of her was insensitive.

  “Okay. You can sleep with me.”

  Pausing with the blanket in midair, he stared at her.

  “Next to me—on the other half. Whatever.” Olivia about-faced and scooted across the room.

  She was buried under the cove
rs by the time he crossed the threshold of her bedroom, but her sweet scent welcomed him. He’d wrapped the thin sofa blanket around his shoulders, and now he tossed it over the coverlet before mounting the bed and settling under the covers.

  “Ah, thanks—this is comfortable.”

  She was curled away from him, as far away as the bed would allow. It was clear to him she wasn’t going to answer, so he closed his eyes and waited for sleep.

  In the morning he woke next to a stirring woman. On his back, blankets bunched at his waist, he cracked an eye. Her breathing was fitful, heavy with slumber. Then she rolled, slinging her arm over his bare chest, her cheek nestling the pillow. He adjusted his head to see her better without disturbing her.

  You look like an angel. And he was in heaven with this exclusive, rare close-up. Gauging from the bright sun streaming through the windows, he guessed the storm had blown out. The unfiltered light glowed against her skin. Her clear brow suddenly wrinkled as she stirred again. Her lips twitched, puckering slightly, as if she meant to speak in her dreams. He had the urge to trace their shape with the tip of his finger. He slid his arm free from the blanket at a snail’s pace.

  How could I have turned you down? He rested his hand over hers, lying warm against his chest.

  Somewhere from in the building came an undistinguishable sound, and Olivia stirred. Suddenly awake, she popped up onto her elbow, lips pouting at the rude awakening, hair fluffed wildly around her head. Opening her eyes, she groggily glanced around. She had shifted halfway onto Jacob’s chest. She turned her head toward the open bedroom door, listening.

  After a pause, she squinted at him. “I hear the TV. The power’s on.” The second she realized her position, she slipped her hand free and scooted back a foot. “How long have you been awake?”

  Ignoring the accusation in her voice, he stifled a convincing yawn. “I just woke up.”

  “Oh.” She sat up, scooching to the edge. “I’ll make coffee.”

  She bent to put her slippers on and scurried from the room. Jacob lay there for a few minutes feeling hollow without her by his side. He listened to her knock around in the kitchen. Maybe it’s time to reconsider my rules. Maybe it’s time to trust again.

  He inhaled the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Craving a java jolt, he tossed off the covers. When his feet hit the floor, he scratched his knuckles against his beard and grinned. It was a bright, sunny morning and he wore only snug fitting underwear—the rest of his clothes were piled in the next room. He chuckled, thinking of how wide her eyes had grown at the sight of him in the glow of his cell phone flashlight last night.

  It’s no big deal to walk out there. He worked out and maintained his physique, but he wasn’t one of those guys in the gym wearing a cut-up t-shirt. Okay, I have nothing to be shy about. Telling me to put clothes on because it was sixty degrees didn’t mean she didn’t like what she saw. His mental conversation made him crazy! Agitated, he rushed through the door.

  Crossing the threshold, he slowed, not wanting to seem eager or embarrassed. He sauntered as if no one watched. Approximately halfway to the sofa, he caught her eye. Her expression made him rethink his decision. Er. I should have timed it for when her back was turned and made a run for it. Instead of moving along, he stretched his arms above his head, and said, “Looks like a nice day.”

  “Yeah, great day to place in the semifinals.” She opened the refrigerator door and bent out of sight. He took the opportunity to dart behind the sofa and get dressed.

  Outfitted in record time, he swiped his fingers through his thick hair, guessing by the feel of it that it looked passable. When he reached the counter he noticed packages of eggs, milk, butter, and cream.

  “I can make you something if you’re hungry.”

  “Coffee’s fine. I need to get going. There are some things I want to do before tonight’s game.”

  She poured the brew into a cup and handed it to him.

  “Thanks. I’ve been tracking the other team’s stats. I think our boys can beat them if they remember to keep the ball moving and avoid clumsy passes.”

  She preheated the oven. “Get it to the man in the paint,” she recited, repeating his motto.

  He sipped his coffee in silence, wrestling with his earlier thoughts. It was cute how she impressed him with the lingo. She worked as hard as the boys at memorizing plays. After a bumpy start, she’d kept showing up with her happy positivity and dedication. Hell, he’d even eaten a few of her heathy baked goods, which had turned out fantastic.

  She moved around the kitchen, making preparations to bake something.

  “Hey, after the finals we should talk.”

  “Jacob, let’s just focus on the game today.”

  “Okay.” One thing at a time. “I’ll see you later. Thanks again for letting me stay the night.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Jacob

  Both teams were hungry for the win. With seconds left on the score-board clock, the game tied, Sam drove toward the net. The opponents raised their arms to block the shot. Sam bounce-passed the ball under the net to Dylan, who was wide open. Dylan made the shot off the backboard and it dropped in. Parents were on their feet, clapping when the buzzer went off.

  “Yes! Great win!” Jacob turned to Olivia first, knowing she had to be as proud as he was. Beaming and cheering, she bounced on her toes. He grinned, his heart couldn’t swell with happiness any more than it did right then.

  The boys ran toward them, hooting and hollering. After congratulations and handshakes with their coaches, the boys lined up to offer the other team good sportsmanship high fives. They returned to surround Jacob, bouncing and talking over one another.

  “That was awesome, Coach. I’m so happy right now,” said Dylan.

  “I’m proud of each one of you boys. You won because you worked together. You looked to see who was open. Your defense and relentless pressure made all the difference. If you want to win the finals next week, you need to play like this again.”

  “Yes, Coach!” they called in unison.

  “All right, get out of here and celebrate!” Jacob couldn’t stop his grin, especially when parents arrived to congratulate him. As the court thinned out, he smiled at Olivia. She was talking to her mother and the man next to her, who he assumed was her dad. Before he could leave for the locker room, Olivia waved, stopping him.

  “Jacob, this is my dad, Allen.”

  “Coach, you have quite a team. I didn’t know Dylan had it in him. I’m miffed now because I haven’t been at previous games. You’re a miracle worker.” He turned to his wife. “Dear, why haven’t we come to any of the games?”

  Mrs. Ward’s smile vanished, and she dragged her husband away, looking irked.

  Olivia steered Jacob in the opposite direction, a euphoric smile plastered across her face. “Wow. They did it!” She shook her fists in the air. “I’m so happy for them I could cry. I know how much that winning shot meant to Dylan.”

  “You made it happen.” He gave her well-deserved credit.

  “What?”

  “Dylan told me weeks ago how you stood up to your mother so he could join the league. And you drove him here nearly every practice and game. You’re a worthy assistant coach and a great sister.”

  “Aww, Jacob.” Tears shone bright in her eyes.

  He stepped closer and lowered his voice. “Let’s get dinner.”

  “Oh.” She peeked at Dylan, who had joined her parents.

  “You already have dinner plans,” he guessed.

  She scrunched her nose. “Kinda.”

  “Will you meet me after, for a drink? There is no one I’d rather celebrate with than you. I didn’t get them to the semifinals alone.”

  “Yeah, I’ll text you when we’re finishing up.”

  “Olivia!” her mother called, clear and assertive. “Are you coming?”

  Olivia flashed Jacob a toothy, wild-eyed smile, exaggerating her joy at having dinner with her family.

  He chuckled. “I
’ll see you later then.” He backed away, his favorite song playing in his head, putting him in a great mood. He silently hummed the tune on the way to his office. On the upper level, he ran into Rick.

  Rick’s voice boomed as he approached. “Jacob, congratulations. I heard your rec league made the finals.”

  After chatting about the details, Jacob added seriously, “By the way, I didn’t get a chance to talk with you today, but Kyle and Tess gave me their week’s notice.”

  “Both of them?”

  “Yes. Apparently they are moving out west together.”

  “Damn shame.” Rick shook his head. “They’re good employees. You’ll have a tough time replacing them.”

  “I already have the job postings out.”

  “Okay, great work, Jacob.”

  Jacob entered his office and shut the door. At his computer, he finished some paperwork, glancing frequently at the time. An agonizing hour passed before he powered down the laptop, still high on the win and excited to see Olivia. Energy surged through him.

  He left the Athletic Club and crossed the parking lot to his Porsche. It was a great-looking car. He slowed as he approached it. Within a year of receiving his small business loan, he’d not only paid off the debt but purchased this icon of success.

  Sliding behind the wheel, he ran his palm along the leather, recalling the elation from first driving it. In college, his shoulder injury had curbed his dreams of playing for the NBA, so when his business took off nearly after conception, the car became a symbol of all he could still achieve. The rush faded over the last four years. Life taught him hard lessons, but he persevered. Considering the bucket seats, high-end sound system, and smooth ride, he frowned. This car represents my old life. I moved here for a change. There are still things I want to change.

  The engine purred to life. Hmm, what kind of car fits my new life? The radical thoughts snowballed. By the time he drove several blocks, nearing Tully’s Taps, his focus moved on to Olivia. The no-dating rules he made up were to protect himself first from scandal but also, and especially in this case, from commitment. Rules can be broken. How did I fall completely head-over-heels for her?