by Ruby Rowe
“It’s a conversation starter. You can take it to work, and your coworkers in the doctor’s lounge will ask you about sailing, which you love, or they’ll ask you about Sailor, who you love even more. You’ll have so much to talk about.” I wink at him.
“I was going to get you a sailboat, but then when you told me not to give Jake something expensive, I figured the sailboat was a little much, especially compared to the watch I’d bought him and returned. I’ve also been thinking a lot about material possessions, and do we really—”
“Wait, hold up. You were going to buy me a what?”
“A sailboat. You know, the one you want. I had a copy made of the blueprints you have hanging on your bedroom wall, and I was going to have it built for you.”
Slipping his arm around my waist, he pulls me onto his lap, and he almost falls off the stool with the both of us. I squeak as he regains his footing.
“You are one crazy woman. Do you have any idea what that sailboat costs?”
“Yes, and that’s why I didn’t do it. Not because I don’t have the money. We both do, but I knew it was an extravagant gift, and that’s not what matters. I’ll admit, though, that it was hard not to surprise you with something that I knew would make you super happy.”
Nuzzling his nose in the curve of my neck, he sighs.
“I love you.”
“I love you, too. So, you don’t mind my lame gift?”
Lifting his head, he gazes at me with soulful eyes, and they tell me that what he’s about to say will be the absolute truth.
“I’ll get to use this mug more often than I would a sailboat, so that means I’ll get to think about and talk about you way more often, too. There’s nothing lame about that.”
The grin I’m wearing might be permanent. I don’t see how I could feel more special than I do at this moment.
The doorbell rings, and I jump in Elliott’s arms.
“Who in the world could that be?”
“Hmm … you better let me go see.” A smile teeters on his lips as I hop off the stool so he can get up. I’m examining his mug when I hear a voice I recognize.
Jake.
I walk briskly from the kitchen into the large open great room, and there he is … at the door with Elliott.
“Jake! What are you doing here?” Running, I leap into his arms and wrap my legs around his waist. He holds me up with his beefy muscles as I hug him hard, and his citrusy scent makes California feel like home.
“It’s good to see you, doll.”
“Why are you here?”
“Elliott missed me.”
Elliott.
Scurrying off Jake, I step away from him and look at Elliott. He’s all smiles, and messy blond hair, staring back as if he can’t wait to see my reaction.
“You did this?”
He only grins wider, and I realize he brought Jake here for me, to comfort me and ease my mind. Even though he probably wouldn’t admit it, I bet he did it for Jake, too.
I hurry to him next and sling my arms around his neck.
“I don’t deserve this, but thank you.”
“Baby, you deserve the world.”
Jake
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Sailor says.
“I am, too.”
“Elliott and I are going to the beach. Want to come?”
“Uh, I had a half dozen too many beers last night with Thatcher, and I haven’t been to bed, so I think I better stay here and rest. We’ll definitely hang out later.”
“I’m going to go change,” Elliott says. “Good to see you, bro.” He gives my shoulder a squeeze before he walks out of the room.
“I feel bad leaving when you just got here.” Sailor frowns.
“It’s cool. I need some sleep.” Wrapping her arms around my neck, she stares up into my eyes, and from the seriousness in them, I know what’s coming.
“I thought you were mad at me.”
“Why would I be?”
“Because I left with Elliott after the perfect couple of days you and I shared, or maybe because your mom saw Elliott and me kissing.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong, and I’m not mad at you.”
“Jeanine’s angry, though, right?”
“My family doesn’t understand, but I’m hoping that’ll change with time.” I sigh. “I don’t want you worrying about it, especially here. Now, go get ready for the beach.”
“OK. I’ll show you to one of the guest rooms so you can get some sleep.” She gives me a kiss before I follow her to the stairs, and it frustrates me that I feel like a guest.
Apparently, Elliott says jump, and I ask how high? I feel like his bitch, and I wanted nothing more than to tell him to kiss my ass last night when he called, ordering me around.
But, at the same time, I knew he was doing something he didn’t normally do. He could’ve kept Sailor to himself for several days, but he made the decision to have me here with them, and seeing my girl’s excitement has already made the trip worth it.
My girl… I want to fight to make that true, but at the same time, I don’t want to damage my friendship with Elliott. We’ve grown closer because of Sailor, and I can’t imagine taking her from him. I get the impression he can’t imagine doing that to me, either.
My family’s words replay in my head, and it confuses me further. My parents haven’t been this angry and disappointed in me since I was a pain-in-the-ass teenager, but I feel like I deserve a free pass after the crime Marcy committed. I guess they only want me to be happy, and I am. Most of the time, anyway. Maybe that’s enough.
Elliott
Once Sailor and I spend a few hours at the beach, we head back to the house to shower. As soon as we walk in the door, I spot Jake on the balcony, staring out at the ocean.
“I’m gonna go talk to Jake,” I say.
“I’ll get ready for dinner. I hope he’s feeling better so we can have some fun tonight.”
She begins to walk away, so I grab her hand and pull her back to me.
“Fun? What kind of fun are you thinking?” As I grin, she lowers her gaze, and her face turns a deep crimson in the process.
“I can’t say it.”
Clasping her chin, I lift it. “You have to now. I’m not a mind reader.”
“You know … that certain thing you and Jake want to do to me but don’t know which one should get to first. It was going to be a New Year’s Eve surprise, but I guess it will be another Christmas present instead.”
“Damn. Seriously?”
“Yeah, but don’t say anything to him yet. I want to gauge his mood first. I’m hoping doing it will bring us all closer, but it could backfire and only push him further away, and that’s the last thing I want.”
“Is that your way of telling me you want him to do it first?”
“No, but I don’t know of a fair way to decide.”
“He can be the first. If it will ease your worry, and please him, I don’t mind.”
“Really?” Sailor’s face gleams, and damn, I think I’d give up anything to see her stress-free and happy. I hope that never means giving her up.
“Yes, but like you said, we’ll see how the evening goes first. I want to be sure you’re relaxed, too, when we do it.”
“Um, have you done it before?”
“Yes, a couple of times, but I wish I’d waited for you.”
“What about Jake?”
“He hasn’t. It’s not exactly something every chick wants to do with just anyone, meaning not with a guy they’re only hooking up with.”
Her brow furrows. “That means you did it with someone you were closer to, which leads me to think it was Nicole.”
“Stop. We’re only moving forward, remember?”
She nods, but her cinched eyebrows still reveal her jealousy, and I like that she doesn’t want to imagine me with another woman. I swat her ass. “Go get ready. The sooner we go out, the sooner we’re back here where I can grope you thoroughly.”
Tiptoeing, she kisses me. “Do
n’t think I haven’t noticed how sweet you’re being, and just so you know, I love it.” She hurries to the stairs, and I walk out on the balcony. Jake looks back over his shoulder before I stand next to him at the railing.
“Feeling better?” I ask.
“Yep. Sleep was all I needed.”
“Sailor’s getting ready to go to dinner.”
“I’ll be ready for some food.”
“The kitchen’s stocked. Help yourself.”
He doesn’t reply. When Jake’s not his chipper self, he’s quiet, and his responses are short. He’s still sulking, and it needs to stop.
“I thought you’d be stoked to see Sailor, but you seem irritated instead, and I don’t get it.”
“I’m not irritated. I’m stressed out. There’s a difference. My family was all in my business yesterday, giving me advice when I didn’t ask for it.”
“Let it go, man. All that matters is the three of us are happy.”
“I’m trying, but some of the points they made got me thinking.” He turns his head and looks at me. “I don’t want you to lose Sailor. I swear I don’t, but I’m not sure I can share her forever like I originally thought.
“No matter how much time I get with her, I can’t help but feel like the odd one out. I’m not educated or wealthy like you two, and I don’t have a history with her like you do, either.”
“We don’t see you that way, Jake. Sailor and I didn’t earn most of our money, and we didn’t pay for our education. We don’t think we’re better than you.
“I can’t change that Sailor and I have a past together, but not all of it was good. Like you’ve said before, she doesn’t have the painful memories with you that she has with me. You’re the only one worrying about this shit, man.”
“What will we do about marriage and kids? It’s a question my family asked, and I didn’t have a fucking answer.”
I shrug. “I don’t know. Maybe we’ll have our own kind of wedding where we skip the legalities. Maybe she’ll have your baby and then mine. I’d be OK with that.”
“You would?”
“Yes, and do you know why that is?”
“Not a clue.”
“It’s because I want Sailor happy, and you, too. I caused her pain for years. Then, when I showed back up in her life, I likely robbed you of the relationship you two were starting.
“I’ve been thinking about it a lot. Giving her up isn’t an option, so this is the only way I know to right my wrongs. I’ll give you two whatever else you want.”
I slap Jake on the back. “So, stop the sulking, act like a man and spend time with your girl. She’s been looking forward to it all day, and she might even have a surprise for you.”
He finally smiles. “I will if you stop acting like Dr. Phil. Where is this side of you coming from?”
Gazing out at the ocean, I watch the waves crash against the rocky shore.
“I used to be this way before Rebecca died. I guess after that, I didn’t want to feel anything.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Sailor
“Come oooon,” I groan to Elliott as I yank on his hand, trying to pull him up from his chair in the bar. After dinner, we stopped at this cool little place for drinks, and low and behold, it’s karaoke night. My favorite.
Feeling hot and flustered, I let go of him and strip off the little black sweater I’m wearing over my hot-pink halter dress.
“Hell, no. I can’t sing.”
“Bullshit. I heard you sing when we were younger,” I say, grabbing his arm again.
“I still don’t want to do it in front of a bunch of strangers.”
“Strangers are the best people to sing to. We’re even on the other side of the country. It’s the perfect time for us to make fools of ourselves.”
“He’s not going to budge,” Jake says before he comes around the table and takes my hand, giving me no choice but to let Elliott’s go. “We’re singing. I love karaoke, too.”
He looks back at me as he drags me toward the small stage in the intimate, dimly lit bar. “Well, I love it after I’ve had a few drinks.” He winks at me.
“You’re too cute,” I say.
“I know. It’s a gift and a curse.”
I glower as we pass by the bar. “Yeah, it’s going to be a curse for those women sitting on those stools if they don’t stop ogling you.”
“Are you jealous, Teach?”
“Yes. They think I’m only Elliott’s, and we need to show them that’s not the case before I claw their eyes out like a rabid cat.”
“Damn, that’d be hot to see.”
“Hush and give the DJ a song.” I grin so he’ll know I’m only goofing around.
“I have the perfect tune to show everyone you’re mine.” He winks again, and I wonder what he’s up to?
Jake leans in to tell the guy what to play before we take the stage. Realizing I’m under the spotlights and scrutiny of every person in this joint, I suddenly feel self-conscious and think Elliott might’ve been the wiser one.
The music begins, and I recognize the song “Pillowtalk” by Zayn.
“Jake, only a guy sings this, and all I picture when I hear it is Jimmy Fallon’s version where he was rolling around on the floor, practically making love to a pillow on his show. I’m too nervous now.”
“Hey, this is all for fun, remember? Strangers … far across the country.”
I have no time to respond as he begins singing the first verse. I’m surprised to hear that Jake has a pretty good voice. It’s not as sensational as mine–a fact he’ll soon discover. OK, my confidence is back, thanks to my martinis, but there will be no rolling around on the floor with a pillow.
I begin to sing on my turn and discover that Jake left the higher notes for me. When I look up at him, his eyes widen at my ability to hit them.
People clap, and when I take a glimpse of Elliott, he’s grinning and shaking his head. He thinks we’re silly, but I’m thrilled not to be sitting on the sidelines of life tonight.
Once I met Jake, I realized all the fun I’d been missing, and he brought me back to life. I’m glad he’s being his cheerful old self tonight.
He gets to say the word body one too many times in his verses, and I get to sing about making the neighbors mad while we fuck and fight, and I’m having the best time ever.
We gaze at each other as we get closer to the end, and there’s no way the three girls sitting at the bar will think Jake’s single after they see the way he grabs my ass and yanks me to him.
Our fellow patrons get rowdy, hooting and hollering, and you’d think Jake and I were singing “Sweet Home Alabama” in a southern bar.
As everyone applauds at the end of our performance, Jake gives me a passionate kiss. Damn, he’s sexy, and if he only knew the surprise I have in store for him.
Jake
Sailor rides in the backseat with me instead of up front with Elliott. She’s great about showing us equal attention as much as possible, and I think she’s pleased I danced and sang karaoke with her while her other man only sat and watched.
Elliott looked amused, but he still wouldn’t participate. He struggles a bit in social situations, so I’m cutting him some slack, especially since it scored me more of Sailor’s affection.
“I have another Christmas present for you,” she says. At least, I think that’s what she said. She’s giggling too much to be sure.
“Baby, maybe you’ve had too many drinks to give that present tonight,” Elliott says, and from the streetlights we pass, I can see him looking back at her in the rearview mirror.
“No, I only had a few martinis, and I needed a few drinks to go through with the surprise.”
She gazes at me seductively. Her lowered chin, raven eyes tilted up at me, and twitching smile tell me that whatever she’s hiding is something I’m gonna like.
“You get to be the one,” she murmurs, all humor and sweetness vanishing from her voice and expression.
“The one for what?”
/>
“I don’t want to say it, but I’m ready. I promise.”
Elliott chuckles. “What she’s trying to say is her back door is open for business.”
“Nooo,” Sailor says, wagging her finger toward him. “It’s currently only open for one client.”
“Currently…” he replies. “That means it might be open for me at a later date.”
Rolling her eyes, Sailor gives me her attention again.
“It gets to be you tonight.”
“You chose me?”
“I didn’t choose anyone, but when I told Elliott I was ready to try it with one of you, he said you could go first.”
In an instant, my heart hammers in my chest. Sailor grazes her hand over my crotch, and my dick’s already straining against my jeans.
I’ve been with some freaky chicks, but no woman has let me near her ass, and lord knows I’ve tried.
“Are you sure you’re ready?” I ask her.
She nods. “I mean, I’m nervous and scared, but I want to try it.”
I look up at the mirror to see if I can catch Elliott’s attention. As I expected, he glances back, curious to see my reaction.
“Care to explain why you’re not jumping on this opportunity?”
“Just being generous.”
He’s been real damn generous this week, and although he claims his kind gestures are to keep Sailor and me content, I have a feeling he’s also doing them to ensure I don’t fuck up our relationships.
No doubt anal sex is on the bucket list, but even though my cock’s saying yes, my gut is saying no. Maybe it’s because Sailor admitted she’s nervous and scared. I don’t think I want to be on the back side of that.
“Bro, I know you wanted this first, so I’m going to forfeit my turn,” I say. “I mean, you already flew me out here to spend time with our girl.” I graze my hand down the back of Sailor’s cheek before I glance at Elliott in his mirror again.
“Are you sure?” he asks, appearing puzzled.
“Yep. I’ll be tech support.” I laugh, but Sailor frowns.
“You don’t want to do it?”
“Of course, I do, but not tonight.” I kiss her neck and put my mouth to her ear. “I’d prefer to see your face when it’s happening for the first time.”
