“Hmm.” What was that supposed to mean?
***
After lunch he walked me to my next class and told me he’d see me at last bell. Of course now that he was gone there was lots of speculation from the other kids, though no one came to me personally.
“What’s going on with your brother?” Belle dropped down beside me in a funk.
“Like?”
“Why is he being so nice to me?”
“Uh, maybe because he is nice?”
“Yeah well guys like him don’t usually talk to girls like me so what gives?”
“Belle, we’re gonna have to have a talk about your low self image. Save it for Saturday night. I’m going to need all the time I can get to fix your brand of nutty.” She almost pushed me off my chair but I didn’t retaliate because the teacher came in just then.
I could feel Mandy boring holes into the back of my head, but didn’t turn around. I have to remember to ask Jace what exactly had gone on between those two.
Mom said it was okay to go to Jace’ place to meet his folks but she insisted that she had to get his mother’s number so they could talk and make sure it was okay.
I only felt about five years old when she said that. Jace had given me his cell and house numbers so I gave it to her before running upstairs to look for something to wear.
I was as giddy as a two year old as I rifled through my closet. Suddenly things that were just what I needed and couldn’t live without when I went shopping, were no longer good enough.
I had to stop myself in the middle of all that when I realized I was comparing myself to Mandy. We were two completely different people, and besides, if Jace had wanted to be with her he wouldn’t have come after me.
In the end I went with something simple, a blouse and a pair of capris. Nothing too flashy or revealing, or dad would never let me out the house.
I was nervous as heck when he rang the doorbell at exactly twenty to six. What were his parents like? Probably disinterested and stuck up I bet.
That was my idea of most Hollywood families, and when I’d done my research after taking a shower and getting dressed I’d found out that his family had more reason than most. He was freaking Hollywood royalty.
I felt shy and out of touch as I walked to the door; technically this could be considered our first date.
His smile when I opened the door made me laugh and the butterflies went away. “Where’s your dad baby?”
“In his office I think, do you need him for something?”
“Uh-uh, I just don’t want any disruptions when I do this.” He pulled me into him and wrapped his arms around me before covering my mouth with his.
His kisses make me want to do things; the way he plays with my tongue with his, the feel of his hard chest pressed against my nipples that seem to stay hard in his presence.
We heard footsteps coming towards the kitchen and I almost propelled myself backwards out of his arms.
He held on and gave me a few more soft pecks on the lips before holding me under his arm.
We both turned to watch as my mom came into the kitchen, soon to be followed by dad and Maggie with Jared bringing up the rear.
Pleasantries were exchanged and I was in a hurry to escape the uncomfortable experience of my whole family checking us out to see if they picked up any sex vibes.
Well maybe not Maggie, and Jared I’m not too sure, but definitely mom and dad.
Maggie seemed a little awestruck as she kept staring at Jace with wonder in her eyes. Uh-oh, that look was almost identical to the one I’d seen on Cassandra’s face that day on the field.
Jace once again surprised me when he answered her million and one questions without any seeming rush.
“No Maggie, I’m not a movie star, I’m not even an actor. But I know some; would you like to meet a few sometime?”
“Like who?” I don’t think she believed him about the not acting thing but she was willing to play along.
He named a few teen stars and she all but attacked him before I had to put a stop to it.
Dad looked like he wanted to say a million things and I almost felt bad for him knowing what he must be going through, but uh-uh.
I’m doing this. I am going to date Jace Saunders and have a damn good time doing it, just as soon as I get rid of the butterflies in my tummy.
Chapter 8
JACE
We finally made our escape fifteen minutes later, which is why I’d shown up early.
I wanted every second of our time together to count, so the few minutes I’d stood there giving her dad the time he needed to adjust and her sister to question as any eight year old would, weren’t taking away from that.
“You look pretty Sian.” And she did, simple teenage wear. No over abundance of makeup, no mile high heels, and especially no cleavage revealing thin wear designed to make my dick uncomfortably hard for the rest of the night.
The thing was, she didn’t need any of that. I’m as horny as the next seventeen year old guy don’t get me wrong; but there’s something different about what I feel when I look at this girl.
There’s a hell of a lot more involved than my dick, but instead of scaring me, I feel myself wanting to move towards it.
I seated and belted her into the passenger seat before stealing one more kiss walking around. As soon as I was seated and the car was in gear her hand was back in mine.
“You nervous?” She looked at me and then away; I could feel the tension in her hand as she shrugged her shoulders.
“A little.” I lifted her hand to my lips for a quick reassuring kiss as we made our way through the streets back to my home.
“Don’t be, they’re going to love you I promise.” And that right there is what made me feel secure for some reason.
My parents are about the most well rounded people I know. They’re not saints by any stretch of the imagination, but when it comes to me they go above and beyond.
The fact that I knew without being told that they would both love her as much as I…Shit.
***
I watched her reaction as we pulled through the security gate, past the guardhouse and down the long driveway.
“Holy…” her hand actually went to the door handle as if she was going to jump out.
“It’s okay Sian it’s just a house, take your hand away from the door.” She started to hyperventilate.
“Hey look at me.” I stopped the car halfway down the driveway and turned her face to mine.
I looked into her eyes to see where she was at. This would’ve been funny if it wasn’t her. I don’t think I’d ever seen anyone go into shock over a house before.
“I can’t go in there.”
“Oh yes you can. This is where I live, trust me, you’re going to be spending a lot of time behind those walls. So come on, I’m sure they’re waiting to meet you.”
Her phone rang and distracted her from her…whatever was going on inside her beautiful head. She fumbled it out of her bag and answered.
“Oh hi Jessica, I can’t really talk right now.” She looked at me with big wide eyes. I could almost see the pleading in them.
“It’s okay baby talk.” I helped her out of the car and thought it prudent to take her in through the back.
If she had this kind of reaction to the outside, she’d probably keel over if she saw the inside.
Mom’s one weakness is décor. Our home looks like a cross between an old antebellum plantation and Hampton Court.
I walked up on the deck and gave her some privacy for her conversation and hopefully some time to get herself together.
“Is that your new girlfriend son, wow she’s a hottie.” I turned just as my dad slid the door open and stepped out.
“Dad, go away.” I gave him my best glare but he wasn’t even looking at me. How could I have overlooked this aspect? My dad can be a bit embarrassing. He does that shit on purpose but he usually saves it for when the guys come over.
“Come on I’m just look
ing, nothing wrong with looking. Wow she the new transplant? You work fast son I like your style. If I were just a few years younger I’d give you a run for your money.”
“Pig, mom dad’s being a pig again.”
“Shh, dude you trying to get your poor old man iced?”
“Serves your ass right, now get back inside and let me brig her to you like a normal adult.”
“What’re you two whispering about out here?” Mom stepped out on the deck next, her eyes honing in on my girl.
“Dad’s ogling my baby.”
“Ooh, Jace is that your new girl? She’s gorgeous, smoking hot. Way to go son, nice trade, a definite improvement from the last one. That last one looked like horse food.” She was no help, but why would I expect anything different?
“Mom how do you know what horse food looks like?”
“Or any food for that matter?” Dad got a slap behind the head for that one. Mom is the world’s worst cook hands down.
“So I can’t cook big deal. I hired you a chef that does wonders in the kitchen didn’t I?”
“Yes dear you certainly did. Now son about this new girl.”
“Come on Chad you old letch let me go see if this old girl can take care of what ails you.”
“Geez can you two try to be a little more conventional?”
“What’s that son?”
“I think it’s an oven.” Dad smirked at me.
“Well what’s she doing all the way over there son?”
“She’s gabbing to one of her friends from back home about something mom.”
Just then she came up on the deck with a big open smile on her face. What happened to shy and nervous? Dad the jerk pushed me aside and walked towards her with an outstretched hand.
“Hi, you must be Sian, what a beautiful and unusual name.”
“You think so? I always thought it sounded like someone was saying sigh Ann.”
“Out of the way Chad.” Mom brushed him aside. “Hello sweetheart and welcome to our home, I was meaning to come by and introduce myself to your mom.
I’m on the school committee and she’s already signed on for some stuff, but time just got away from me and then I got really sick...” She walked Sian through the open sliding glass doors and into the kitchen.
What the fuck? Mom was nervous as hell. Dad and I exchanged a look, because it wasn’t often we saw that shit and I was starting to wonder why the hell my mom, who was the reigning queen of Eden would be this nervous.
Dad just shook his head and muttered something about ‘women’, under his breath. We both followed our women in and stood in the doorway looking in.
You see the thing is, mom doesn’t act this way around anyone else except dad and I and Marisa.
She’s usually more reserved no matter who the person is. She’s had to learn over the years that everyone who smiled wasn’t necessarily your friend.
“How about a cookie dear, they’re macadamia nut.”
“Is there white chocolate?”
“Of course, otherwise what’s the point?”
“Ooh yum you better start me off with two then.” Mom was grinning from ear to ear. She gave Si the cookies and milk and came back out to me and dad.
“She eats cookies, a seventeen year old girl that looks like that and eats cookies. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Please let this be the one that will be sitting down across from me at Thanksgiving for the next forty years, woot.”
Dad and I could only look on as she turned and headed back into the house. I’d fallen down the rabbit hole.
“Seriously son, she’s cute.” Dad patted my shoulder and walked in. I watched the three of them for a solid five minutes before joining them.
She’s so fucking cute. Mom and dad hooted and hollered when I walked in and right in the middle of their getting to know you conversation, took her face in my hands and kissed her like I owned her.
“Okay you two scram we have homework before dinner.” I got rid of them and took her into the family room with me. Ideally, my room would’ve been my first choice, but I didn’t want to freak her out her first time here.
She looked around as we walked through but I kept her distracted with my lips on hers every time it looked like she was about to freak.
We set up and got down to studying, though I spent more time watching her than my books.
She looked good here, felt good here, like she belonged. Jasper came trotting into the room and made a beeline for her.
I was halfway out of my seat ready to protect her but there was no need. I’d left him shut up in my room because along with being my pet since forever, he’s a trained attack dog who would tear the throat out of anyone who he thought was a threat to me.
I thought I’d introduce the two of them to each other gradually, but it looked like there might not be any need.
“Hey doggie, what’s your name?” My heart went into my throat when she got off the chair and crouched in front of the approaching dog.
I opened my mouth to call him off but he just stopped a couple feet in front of her and moved his head from side to side as if studying her.
“Don’t be afraid, I won’t bite.” Cute. “What’s his name Jace?”
“That’s Jasper.” I watched as my dog, who it had taken every last person over the past ten years at least a couple months to win over, licked her hands.
She scratched behind his ears and talked to him like he was a kid. “Alright you two, Sian we’ve got homework then dinner then necking on the couch, time’s wasting. Jasper, get your own girl.”
She blushed and bit her lip when I kissed her hair. “Come on beauty or he’ll never stop.”
She grinned and hopped back in her chair while my dog whined at me.
***
I couldn’t stop touching her, her hair, her hand, her face. Some part of me was continuously touching some part of her, as we studied in silence.
“You must have a fat trust fund huh.”
“What?” What the fuck? That statement came out of left field as I was nibbling her neck. She better not be after my cash or her ass is going to be in for a world of hurt.
I’ve dealt with that shit all my life so it’s nothing new it’s just…
I would never have pegged her for a gold digger. If this went south I’m going to be so pissed. How could I have been so wrong? I was starting to get pissed the fuck off; seriously?
“Well, your parents are loaded, they love you and you’re an only child. Stands to reason all of this will be yours someday.”
The more she talked the more pissed off I was becoming. Still I didn’t say a word, just let her carry on, waiting for the pitch. I have to say of all the others that had tried, she was a rank amateur.
I didn’t give away any of my inner turmoil, just pulled back away from her and watched her as she continued.
“See the thing is, I have two siblings at home that I have to share my loot with.
As much as I like the good life I figure I’m going to have to study really hard and do really well in school to be able to afford those things for myself in the next few years. So I need to study; you’re distracting me.”
I started breathing again and couldn’t believe the relief I felt. What the fuck would I have done if she…
“Damn baby, that’s one long winded ass way to shut a guy down, just say you’re not interested.”
“What I’m saying is that there is a time and a place for everything, and right now it’s time to study. In the next hour and a half or so we can play.”
She then covered my mouth with hers and tried to suck my face off. My dick perked his head up, literally, and was ready for action; then, just as suddenly she pulled away and went back to her book.
I rubbed my lips where I could still feel her and the smile started in my heart. Unfucking believable. I’d hit pay dirt.
***
Dinner was an experience with my parents vying for the top spot. It was fun watching them fight o
ver her attention.
It was also good to see the girl who had freaked out at the grandeur of my home, treat my parents like an old aunt and uncle that she’d known for years. What the fuck happened in that phone call anyway?
She got dad’s jokes and shared mom’s obsession with coma inducing literature. It was a good fit.
Mom and dad gave me the stamp of approval, which was a kiss to her head from each as they said goodnight and left us for the next hour.
I had half expected it, wanted it, but it was good to have it.
“Your parents are amazing, nothing at all like I expected.”
“Oh? What did you expect?” I pulled her down on the couch next to me in the living room. She was so relaxed now that she didn’t even bat a lash at all the awards and trophies and shit that lined the walls.
“I have a confession to make.” She bit her lip, looking nervous again, but I had learned not to second-guess her.
“I researched your family when I got home. I only did it because I don’t really know that much about you, and I wanted to be prepared.” She seemed to think I would be mad at her for this.
“You did huh, and what did you find?” She told me everything that Wiki had to say about my family going back three generations.
I listened to her in amazement as she went on and on with excitement. Right in the middle of her dissertation I covered her lips with mine.
She kisses like she doesn’t know how and I love that. I love the way she goes after my tongue when I tease her with it, but most of all, I love the way she clings to me.
I kept her there on that couch for the next forty five minutes with my tongue down her neck or hers down mine, fighting myself like a son of a bitch not to take her up to my room.
“Let’s get you home before your parents forbid you to ever leave the house again.” My little virgin princess was glassy eyed and flushed as I put her away from me.
“Just one more.” I took her lips again and held her close, our hearts knocking against each other. She was with me.
***
I couldn’t wait to see her the next day. I spent the night thinking of ways to get her to spend the night with me sometime in the near future.
Eden High Series One: The Eden High Series Boxed Set, Books 1-6 Page 9
