by Jessica Marx
“I always have some wine at home, but food, not so much,” Jayson tells me as we walk in. We go to the freezer and pick out some vanilla ice cream, and on the way up to the register he grabs some chocolate syrup. The clerk rings us up and he pays.
We step back outside and continue another block to his building. He stops in front of his entrance and opens the door for me, allowing me to step over the threshold into the bright, marble lobby of his building. Jayson nods at his doorman as we pass him and presses the button for the elevator. We step in in silence when it arrives and the doors open. He pushes the button for the eighteenth floor and the doors close.
“Remember, Ashley—hands to yourself,” Jayson teases me as we arrive at the eighteenth floor.
“Please. I’m a lady. You’re the one who should be getting the warning,” I tease back much more confidently than I feel. Being alone in this elevator is torture enough. What was I thinking coming here?
The doors open and there are only four apartments on his floor. He strides over to the second door, fumbles with his keys, and unlocks it. Again, he holds it open allowing me to go in first.
I can’t help but look around in awe. It’s not the hugest apartment I’ve seen in New York City, but it’s big. There is a long wall of floor-to-ceiling windows straight ahead overlooking the river and a beautiful skyline view. I walk toward the window to get a better look and pass through a great room sparsely furnished with low leather couches and a glass dining table. There’s even a gourmet open kitchen on my left.
Jayson walks over to the island and puts the grocery bag down. I continue to the windows to look out and hear Jayson opening a bottle of wine.
“Wow. Your view is incredible,” I say, awestruck. I don’t know anyone who lives in an apartment like this.
“Thanks. I can’t lie, it’s pretty awesome,” he replies, taking out a couple of wine glasses from the cabinet and filling them.
I take one more look before walking back to the kitchen and sitting on a stool at the island. Jayson is standing across from me.
“Cheers,” he says, holding up a glass. “To another successful night together.”
“Cheers,” I reply clinking his glass. “But the night’s not over yet.”
“Don’t try to be a bad girl, Ashley. I told you, I won’t let anything happen.”
“Don’t call me a bad girl again, Jayson. It kind of turns me on.” Maybe I should lay off the wine. I think it’s making me bolder than I should be.
“Now who’s being a tease?” Jayson asks. “Just wait, Ash. You have no idea what I do with bad girls.” He smirks, looking right at me. “Would you like that ice cream now?”
“I would. Thank you.” I turn on my stool to check out the rest of the great room while he pulls out some bowls and spoons.
“Chocolate syrup?” Jayson asks as he pours some over his own bowlful.
“Of course.” He pours some over mine, puts a spoon in and slides it over to me.
“I’m glad we came here,” I admit, taking a spoonful of ice cream into my mouth. “I like knowing what your home looks like. I feel like I know you better now.”
“I’m glad you came here too. I feel like I’ve known you my whole life, Ashley,” he answers genuinely. “You’re so easy to talk to and I can just be myself. It’s nice.”
“Yeah. You’re pretty cool, too.”
We continue eating our ice cream. I have a little more wine, but I think I’ve reached my limit. Surprisingly, I get to the bottom of my bowl. I stand and walk to the windows to look out over the city again. Jayson walks over and stands next to me.
“It’s crazy that in this huge city filled with people, I met the one guy who might be my brother one day.”
“Come on, Ashley. We would barely be related. It’s silly that you even think it’s an issue.”
“I guess you’re right,” I say. “It’s still a little strange. But life is funny like that sometimes.” I look up at him. “I think I’m going to call it a night. I had a lot of wine and I’m getting tired.”
Jayson smiles down at me. “Sure, I’ll call a car and get you home.”
I want to kiss him so badly. I know he can see it in my eyes. With the view from the window and Jayson looking back at me, it’s the perfect scene. Instead he squeezes my hand and walks back to the kitchen. I follow a few steps behind and help clear the bowls and glasses while he puts the ice cream away.
“We should go downstairs. The car will be here shortly,” Jayson informs me.
“Okay.” I don’t want to leave, but I know I should. We’ve played it safe all night and it’s been great. I don’t want to ruin it.
Jayson takes his keys and walks to the door, holding it open for me. We step up to the elevator and press the button.
“I really had a great time tonight, Jayson,” I say. “I think I really like you.”
“Thanks. I know I really like you.” He winks at me. “Tonight was perfect.”
We step inside the elevator when it arrives, press the button for the lobby, and lean against the wall next to each other, staring ahead. As we start to descend, he turns toward me.
“I’m sorry, Ashley.”
“For what?” I ask.
Jayson steps in front of me and takes both of my hands in his. He pushes them against the elevator wall next to my head and presses his body against mine. He looks into my eyes for a split second before he kisses me, passionately prodding my lips open with his tongue.
I instantly give in, I don’t have time to think, and even if I did, I still would have let him. Our tongues entwine. I feel him getting hard against me and I kiss him deeper, full of desire.
The ding of the elevator reaching the lobby snaps us out of our embrace. Jayson backs away and straightens himself out. I fix my hair quickly and try to look as casual as possible. I look at Jayson—his cheeks are flushed and his lips swollen, and I know I must look the same. He’s looking straight ahead with a smirk on. The doors open and I giggle as we step out into the lobby.
Jayson takes my hand and leads me out to the awaiting town car. He opens the door so I step in and slide over, which seems to be becoming our routine. He gets in behind me and closes the door and the car starts heading to my apartment. I look at Jayson and start giggling like a school girl.
“What’s so funny?” he asks me, feigning innocence.
“You.” I answer smiling, “What happened to taking things slow?”
“It was only a kiss. I remember you told me you only kiss on the first date. I figured we were in the elevator, so it was like a safe zone.”
“A safe zone?” I repeat with a snicker.
“Yes. Nothing else could have happened in the short ride—and we were leaving my apartment, not going to it. So I knew a kiss wouldn’t lead to anything else.” Jayson says, sounding pleased with himself. “In the elevator, that is.”
“Wow. You really thought that through.”
“Not really. But I had to at least kiss you, Ashley. You’re a hard woman to resist.”
“I’m glad you did,” I reply softly.
The car slows down as it arrives at my building. Jayson and I are looking at each other, our eyes filled with desire.
“Now it’s time to go home and get some sleep.” Jayson tells me, turning away to open the door and step out of the car. I follow behind him, and we are once again standing in front of my building.
“Thanks for dinner.” I smile up at him. “And dessert. I had a wonderful night, Jayson.”
“I had a great night too, Ashley,” he replies. Jayson leans over and kisses me gently on the cheek. “Sweet dreams.” He makes those two words seem so… dirty.
“You too,” I reply. I don’t want him to leave. I want him to come up to my apartment and make love to me again. “Come home with me tonight,” I say quickly as Jayson turns toward the car. He looks back at me and smiles.
“Not tonight. I don’t want you to regret anything in the morning. We’re supposed to be taking it slow
, remember?” Jayson reminds me, smirking again. “I told you I wouldn’t let anything happen, Ashley, and I meant it. Trust me, I wish I could, but I’m not that kind of guy anymore. Now, can you go into your building so I know you are home safe?”
“I guess so,” I reply, turning to walk inside. “Thanks for taking me home and making sure I’m safe.”
“Of course. Plus, it gives me one last look at that gorgeous ass before I leave,” he adds, sounding like himself again.
I roll my eyes and smirk at him. Then turn again toward my building. Knowing that he is watching me, I add a little strut to my step until I open the door and get inside.
This man is driving me crazy—but in a good way. I am still wearing a smile as I get into bed. I have no more doubts—Jayson has won my heart.
16
JAYSON
* * *
Holy shit, I need a cold shower, I think to myself as I ride in the town car back to my apartment. I have never held myself back like that—never had to. Ashley, you are one special woman, but I am going to fuck the shit out of you when our day comes.
Jesus Christ, talk about blue balls. I guess this is what love is all about? Doing whatever it takes to makes someone else happy?
I know I could have had Ashley tonight. She flat-out asked me to come back home with her. But I need her to feel secure and know she can trust and believe in me when I say I only want her—and I do. Ashley is the perfect match for me, someone I know I can spend forever with and never get bored. She is beautiful, smart, funny, and everything I could ever want in a woman.
I really don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to restrain myself, though. The sexual banter between us is one thing, but when Ashley is straight-up asking for it, it takes every ounce of strength I have to hold back. I don’t know when it will be the right occasion, but we have to give it a little more time before we give into our desires. She needs to be sure of me, and of us.
I haven’t even thought about anyone else since we met at her mom’s house. Ashley is always on my mind, and I honestly hate waiting to see her again each time we part. Matt even noticed and started making fun of me at work. He swore he wouldn’t tell Dad that the woman I am getting all wrapped up in happens to be his girlfriend’s daughter, and I trust him. That’s not going to stop him from giving me a hard time about it, though.
Dad and Cynthia will know at some point, but not until Ashley is ready—not until there is something serious to tell.
Between keeping our relationship a secret and abstaining from sex, there is a lot of unspoken physical tension between us. Being involved in something so taboo makes it that much hotter, and I actually enjoy the challenge and this new game we are playing. It will only make the prize that much sweeter.
17
ASHLEY
* * *
It took me hours to fall asleep last night, and I woke so early this morning. I’ve been sitting on the couch with my feet up, slowly sipping my coffee, lost in thought.
Jayson really got my panties in a knot, to say the least. I can’t believe I actually asked him up to my apartment last night! I mean, I can—I was so hot for him—but we’re not supposed to be screwing around at all.
That kiss was just too much. As soon as he put his mouth on mine I felt my body turn to Jell-O. He could have done anything he wanted to me and I would have let him. It’s not just physical, though—I really like him. We had so much fun together last night. It was probably the best date I’ve ever had.
I send Rachel a text to see if she’s awake and free. She answers right back, so I call her.
“Hey, Rach,” I say when she answers.
“What’s up, girl? What are you doing calling so early?” Rachel asks.
“Haven’t talked to you in a couple of days. Just wanted to say hello,” I reply. I do want to say hi, but I also want to talk about Jayson. “What’re you up to?”
“Not too much, the usual. Have a class in and hour, so just getting a few things done at home before I go. What’s new with you?”
“Not too much here, either—except I had the best date ever last night.”
“Really? With who? Jayson?”
“Yes, Jayson,” I reply in a dreamy tone. “We had such a great night together, Rachel.”
“So, I guess you guys did the deed again?” she asks. I can hear her smirking through the phone.
“Actually, we didn’t. We had dinner and went to his place for dessert, and all we did was kiss. I tried to get him to have sex with me and he refused.”
“That’s different. He didn't seem like the kind of guy who would say no to a hot chick,” Rachel replies. “I guess maybe he really does like you, Ash. Why were you asking him to have sex, anyway?”
“We said we would take it slow, but our kiss was so intense. I would have ripped his clothes off his back if we weren’t in the elevator,” I answer.
“Easy, girl. If you’re supposed to take it slow, he did the right thing. Remember, good things come to those who wait. No need to rush.”
I sigh. “I know, it was just… hot,” I say in a breathy voice. “He even mentioned getting married one day. I mean, it was just in passing, but it’s nice to know he thinks we might have a future together. I know I’ve fallen for the wrong guys in the past—repeatedly. But this one is different. He may have been a player before, but I know he cares for me now. I was being guarded, and we are still being cautious, but I know he is for real.”
“I don’t know, Ash. Maybe he really will be the one. Who knows? I wonder what Cynthia will say.” Rachel adds. I know she’s smiling on the other end. She knows my mother well enough to know she will not be pleased.
“Mom’s not going to be happy about it, but if we have something worth telling her about, she will have to get used to it,” I say, defending my new relationship for the first time.
“I just hope I get to be there if and when you tell her,” Rachel laughs. “I have to get going now, Ash. I’m really happy for you. You sound pretty excited about this guy.”
“Thanks. I am. Talk to you soon,” I reply, ending the conversation.
I love talking to Rachel. I can always be open with her. I wonder if I’ll really have the nerve to tell my mother and then tell her to deal with it. I guess I’ll have to cross that bridge when I come to it. For now, I have a long day of work ahead and I need to take a shower and start getting ready.
Just as I’m about to get up off the couch, my phone vibrates. It’s a text from Jayson. Did you have sweet dreams last night like I told you to? I smile. Straight to the point, as usual.
Once I finally fell asleep I did. Thanks for asking, I respond.
Why couldn’t you sleep? he asks, although I’m sure he knows the answer.
Someone left me all hot and bothered. I had to cool down for a while.
Funny, same thing happened to me last night, he writes back. I really like you, Ashley. I want to see you again—soon.
I really like you too. I’m working doubles the next couple of days, though. I insert a sad face. I can let you know when I get off—maybe I can at least call you.
Any time you want to get off, you can call me, Jayson responds, adding a smiley face. I laugh out loud.
Thanks, talk to you later. Have a great day, I write back.
You too, he replies, and our conversation is over.
I’m in an even better mood now. Even without hearing his voice, knowing Jayson woke up thinking of me made my whole day.
* * *
____________
* * *
I get to the restaurant right on time and it’s already busy when I arrive. I immediately jump into the swing of things and I’m on my feet right through lunch and into the early afternoon. When I finish with my last table, I get a light lunch from the kitchen, fill a tall glass of iced tea, and go sit down to take a break before the dinner crowd. I take a few sips of my tea before I start eating, relishing the feel of sitting down for the first time in hours.
I pull
out my phone and see another text from Jayson: Still thinking of you. It makes me smile. I haven’t had time to really think about him since I got here, although he seems to always be in my head somewhere.
Thinking about you too, I write back, and then start eating my lunch.
Jayson doesn’t answer, so I assume he’s busy at work. I read through some articles on social media and finish my lunch, then clean up and get my section ready for the dinner crowd. There’s hardly any down time today as the dinner crowd starts coming in early and continues until the end of my shift. I’ve had such a hectic day, but counting my tips at the end of my shift makes it’s worth it. I finish cleaning my tables and resetting for the next day. I don’t feel like hanging around tonight, so I say goodnight and head home.
It’s already pretty late when I arrive at my apartment, so I don’t want to call Jayson. I take out my phone to put it on the charger and see I had a missed call from him an hour ago. I decide to send him a text so if he’s sleeping I don’t wake him. Saw you called. Late night, sorry, I write and send. My phone rings almost immediately after. Of course, it’s Jayson and I smile.
“Hello,” I answer, sounding happy and much more lively than I feel.
“Hey, beautiful,” Jayson replies. It sounds like he may have been sleeping.
“I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“It’s okay. I’ve been waiting to hear your voice all day.” He sure knows how to make a girl feel good.
“Thanks. It was crazy today. Sorry I couldn’t call earlier. I don’t want to keep you up, though. Want to call me tomorrow?” I ask.
“Sure. I have a meeting before work, so I’m leaving pretty early. I can call you at lunch,” he answers.
“Sounds good. Sweet dreams,” I say, bringing an end to the conversation, even though I don’t want to.
“They will be very sweet now for sure. Goodnight,” Jayson says and we end the call.
I plug my phone in and get showered and ready for bed. I am in a great mood all over again. I love how one short conversation and hearing Jayson’s voice can change my entire frame of mind.
