“I do love Jennifer very much,” he confessed, letting out a sigh.
“Are you going back to her?”
“I don’t know yet. We haven’t discussed getting back together yet. I’m sorry, Kaitlin. I never intended to hurt you in any way.”
Kaitlin turned and stumbled as she ran away, tears streaming down her face.
* * * *
Early the next morning there was a loud banging on Jennifer’s door. She answered it and Kaitlin stormed her way in. “How dare you!” she railed at Jennifer angrily.
“How dare I what?” Jennifer asked, standing at the door, looking at Kaitlin as she marched into her living room.
“You stole him from me! You went behind my back and took Jake away from me, you scheming bitch! People don’t cross me and get away with it. It isn’t enough that you’re a big star and can have any man you want. No, you had to come back here and get Jake back!” she yelled.
“I didn’t do any such thing. I merely went horseback riding with him.”
“Well, last night after you left, he told me that we’re not going to see each other anymore,” Kaitlin cried, tears coming to her eyes.
“I’m sorry, Kaitlin. But it wasn’t because of me. We didn’t do anything but go horseback riding.” Jennifer felt a twinge of guilt as she remembered their kiss.
“You just don’t get it. You big-name stars just go from one relationship to another, breaking up existing relationships to add to your trophies! We down-home girls don’t get the chances you big stars get to find a good man! People like you eat them up and then spit them out! You couldn’t wait to come back here and hook up with your old love again, could you? It’s so unfair, soooo unfair.” Kaitlin started sobbing.
Jennifer felt that the conversation had shifted to be more about Kaitlin and her need for a man to care about her. She recalled that Joe had mentioned he was interested in Kaitlin but was afraid she was involved with Jake. Jennifer wondered if she should say anything to Kaitlin about Joe.
“There are other good men in this world, Kaitlin, even right here in Jarillo. All you need to do is look. I know of one individual who is very interested in you, but you won’t give him the time of day.”
“W…w…who?” Kaitlin faltered.
“Well, I’m not going to give you his name, but I will tell you that I went out to dinner with him a couple of times. Now you figure it out.” Jennifer stood at the door, motioning for her to leave.
“Oh, you’re just trying to get me out of the way so you can have Jake to yourself. You’ll be sorry you did this!” Kaitlin yelled as she walked out the door.
Jennifer closed the door behind her and let out a sigh. She wondered if she really did have anything to do with Jake breaking up with Kaitlin last night. Even for just a few minutes in Jake’s arms, everything seems so...right.
* * * *
Later that morning, Jennifer’s agent Sandra called her. “Hey, Jenn. How’s it going?”
“Oh, it’s okay, I guess.”
“Ever since you came back you’ve sounded like you’re down. Is it the stalker business?”
“That, and other things,” Jennifer answered softly.
“How’s singing with the band going?”
“It’s going very well. We seem to get a sold-out crowd every time we perform.”
“That’s cool. Have you decided how long you’ll be performing with them?”
“I initially said I’d do it for a few weeks until they could find a replacement.”
“I doubt they will want a replacement,” Sandra admitted.
“Well, that’s the agreement.”
“The reason I’m calling, Jenn, is that I’m getting a lot of press calls asking about you. What would you like me to tell them?”
Jennifer thought for a few minutes. “Nothing. I have enough to deal with right now. I don’t need the press here hounding me.”
“Okay. I guess it could open the door for the stalker too,” Sandra added.
“Exactly,” Jennifer agreed. “You know, it’s like I’m waiting for him to just show up and do something. Every time I step out on stage I look around to see if he’s there.”
“I know he’s threatened you and attempted to harm you. I just don’t know of any way to get rid of him unless we hire mafia guys to take him out. Maybe since you’ve been out of the country for two years, he’s fixated his interest on someone or something else.”
“Yeah, that’s what I’m hoping for.” A lump developed in her throat.
“Well, I enjoyed chatting with you, Jenn. If you decide to get back into touring, let me know.”
* * * *
Rehearsal that afternoon went by swiftly. Before Jennifer could get out the door, Jake came around from the drums and asked, “Jenn, are you hungry?” Jennifer stood there speechless for a few minutes. “I was wondering if you’d like to have dinner with me tonight.”
“Oh, I’d love to have dinner with you,” Jennifer finally answered after breaking the trance of staring at him.
“Would you mind having steaks and potatoes cooked on the grill?”
“That’s my favorite meal.”
They walked from the studio over to Jake’s house and entered the front door. Jake went to the refrigerator and pulled out the steaks. He selected two large Idaho potatoes and wrapped them in foil. He then went out the back door to his grill and put everything on.
Jennifer followed him outside and asked, “Is there anything I can help you with?”
“Nope. It’s all set.”
They sat at the picnic table on the deck behind the house while they waited for the steaks and potatoes to get done.
“So, Jenn, what’s really going on with you?” Jake asked. “What are you hiding or running from?”
Jennifer looked startled by the question. “Um, nothing really.”
“It just seems odd to me that you suddenly dropped out of sight a few years ago. Now you’re here trying to decide what you want to do with your life. Something caused you to drop out like that.”
“I didn’t really just drop out of sight. I had planned it for several months prior to going to Africa and working for the World Hunger Organization. I grew tired of doing the tours, the singing engagements, and concerts. I had no personal life to speak of because I was always in the spotlight and couldn’t go anywhere or do anything without a big crowd hanging about, and I was always on the road. It was okay, and it had its moments, but I wanted to do something more with my life. I was so focused on all the glamour in my life that I felt like I was becoming a very shallow person. I wanted to show others, and myself, that I was a caring person and can help those who need help. The World Hunger Organization gave me the chance to do that.”
“It was very commendable for you to do that, but you never needed to prove anything to me.” Jake looked steadily into her eyes. “Would you ever consider staying here?”
If you would have me. “I don’t know. That’s what I’m trying to sort out. I have all these houses that my parents left me, and I feel really overwhelmed with the sheer number of decisions I have to make.”
“Are the other houses the same size as the one here?”
“No, they’re twice the size of the ranch. Plus, my dad collected antiques and he has a number of pieces that are very valuable. My mother had expensive tastes, and I have to figure out what I’m going to do with all her stuff.”
“Do you think you would sell all the houses?” Jake watched her closely.
“If I decide to continue my singing career and start touring and recording again, I’d probably keep the house in Los Angeles and possibly this one. I just don’t know yet what I’m going to do.” They sat in silence for a few minutes.
“I’ll be back in a minute with the plates and silverware.” He got up and went inside the house. He came back out with the plates, silverware, and glasses filled with iced tea.
The food was finally done, so he brought the steaks and potatoes over to the table and they started to
eat.
“Mmm, this steak is delicious, Jake. What did you marinate it in?” Jennifer asked, hoping to change the subject.
“That’s my secret sauce, and I don’t divulge it.” Jake stopped long enough to drill her with a steady stare.
She laughed. “Well, it’s really good.”
“This is not the only delicious meal I can make. I don’t suppose you have ever even had any experience in meal preparation, huh? I remember you hadn’t when we were going together,” he said mischievously.
“Oh, what you don’t know about me, Jake,” Jennifer responded demurely. “I can cook just as good a meal as you.”
“You’ll have to prove it,” Jake challenged.
“Is that you trying to get me to have you over for dinner?”
Jake threw his head back and laughed. “Yep.”
“Okay, you’re on. How about tomorrow night after rehearsal?”
“Tomorrow will work for me. It’ll give you time to come up with some concoction and call it cooking.” He smiled at her.
“Some concoction, huh? Boy, are you gonna be sorry.” Jennifer chuckled.
“Are you trying to tell me that you’re now some culinary artist?” Jake asked.
“No. But I’ve learned a few things about cooking.”
“Hope my stomach can handle it.”
They both burst out laughing.
Finally Jennifer brought up the subject of Kaitlin. “How come you broke up with Kaitlin?”
“How’d you know about that?”
“She stopped by the house this morning. She was upset and threatened me because she thinks I’m the reason you broke up with her. Right after I started rehearsing with you guys, she walked me out to the car and told me that she expected you two would be announcing your engagement soon.” Jennifer watched Jake’s reaction.
“Jenn, there was nothing going on with Kaitlin and me except friendship. There was no intimate relationship between us.” He looked deeply into her eyes.
“So, why did you end it with her?” Jennifer wanted to know. She also sensed that he was searching for a reaction from her.
“You and some other folks have told me that she was after more than I was willing to give.”
In her heart, she was secretly glad that his relationship with Kaitlin had ended, but it also reminded her of his stance on marriage. She doubted he’d ever want to settle down.
After they finished their meal, they took the dishes inside, rinsed them off, and put them in the dishwasher. Jennifer looked up at Jake. “Thank you for dinner. I enjoyed it.”
“I’d like to do this more often.” He smiled at her and put his hands on her waist.
“What, dinner together?” Jennifer asked.
“And that too.” Jake looked deeply into her eyes.
Suddenly the song Maybe Later echoed out. Jennifer looked at him confused.
He smiled and cocked his head. “My ringtone.” He went into the other room to grab his cellphone and answer it.
When he came back, she asked him, “You have me on your ringtone?”
“Yep.” He smiled.
He came to her and drew her close to him. She lifted her head up to meet his kiss. His kiss started gentle and slight, then became stronger and more forceful as he slipped his tongue inside her mouth. He kissed her jawline, her cheeks, and back to her mouth again. His hands gently caressed her arms and to her breasts.
Jake pulled back and asked, “Are you ready for this, Jenn?”
“Oh yeah,” Jennifer whispered. She could feel her breasts getting heavy at his touch.
Jake wrapped his arm around her waist, and they walked toward the bedroom. When they got to the bedroom, Jake switched the lamp light on low, then turned to Jennifer and began kissing her again. As he kissed her, his hands ran up and down her back gently, sending shivers all through her body. She kissed him while moving her hands up to the top of his shirt, unbuttoning it. She rubbed her hands over his chest and traced the scar below his heart. She thought so close, it could have been his heart and he wouldn’t be here.
His lips trailed along her jawline to her neck. He started fumbling with the buttons of her top. Eventually he got all the buttons undone and slid the blouse off, letting it drop to the bed. He brought his hands back to her breasts and he stroked them over the fabric of her bra. He reached around to her back and unhooked her bra. He slid it off and tossed it to the side, looking down at her breasts. His hands touched them ever so gently, and then he brought his lips down to kiss them.
Jennifer felt a jolt of pleasure as she tingled with anticipation and excitement. His hands felt like hot fire on her, sending off electrical charges wherever he touched her. When his lips touched her nipple, she let out a small gasp from the pleasure of it. His hands slowly slid down her sides to her waist and worked their way to her belt and the front of her jeans. His lips made their way back to hers as he unfastened the belt buckle and fumbled with the zipper of her jeans. He slid her jeans off and then sat her down on the bed.
His lips were hot and left a tingling sensation wherever they roamed. He gently laid her back on the bed as his hands worked their way down to the very center of her. He slid his fingers in between her folds, making their way to the spot that sent sparks all through her body. He gently massaged her there several times, almost bringing her to the brink of ecstasy. Then he stood up, unbuckled his belt, and she reached up and unzipped his jeans. She helped him slide his pants to the floor. His shaft felt hard and fully engorged as she gently touched it, stroking it.
He moaned. “Mmm, Jenn, honey, are you ready?”
“Oh yeah.”
He knelt down beside her and slowly moved in between her legs.
She felt his maleness on her belly as she stroked his chest and arms, and then wrapped her arms around his neck. “Oh, Jake, please. I’m hot and ready.”
“Okay, love,” Jake said in a husky voice. He gently lifted himself and slid into her and slowly started rhythmic thrusts in her.
She moaned as she felt herself climbing up to the pinnacle of ecstasy.
Chapter 13
Jennifer’s orgasm came in wave after wave as she moaned with delight, calling out “Jake” with each of his perfectly timed thrusts.
Jake held on to her and kissed her breasts then moved up to kiss the pulsing hollow at the base of her neck. Finally, he claimed her mouth again as he let go his release. He whispered in her ear, “Sil n’zhoo.”
As he stayed connected to her, he laid down by her side, their legs entwined. His arms were still around her as she rested her hands lovingly on his chest. She listened to his heartbeat as it returned to normal.
“Mmm, Jake?” Jennifer said quietly.
“Yeah.”
“I’ve always enjoyed sex with you,” she whispered.
“Yeah, it’s great when I’m with you too.”
“You know, every time I see you, you look more handsome. I could hold you and smell you forever,” Jennifer said.
“You’re pretty spectacular yourself, sweetheart,” Jake replied. “I’m amazed how your blue eyes light up the night.”
* * * *
Jake woke up at his usual time of five-thirty in the morning and looked at Jennifer, her body pressed up against his. Her hair was splayed all over the pillow, her shoulders, and across her face. He gently moved her hair from her face and kissed her lips.
Jennifer stirred slightly. “I love you, Jake,” she whispered, still asleep.
“I love you too, sweets,” he murmured in her ear.
Jake got up, quietly dressed, and went to the kitchen. A little while later, Jennifer came out to the kitchen barefooted. Bruce and Vincent were sitting at the kitchen table having a cup of coffee while Jake was preparing eggs, bacon, and toast.
“Well, look who finally woke up. Good morning, sunshine.” Jake walked up to her and gave her a kiss. “Are you hungry, love?”
Bruce and Vincent exchanged knowing glances and smiled.
Jennifer smile
d shyly. “Yes, I’m starving.” She poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down next to Bruce.
Vincent said, “You know, I don’t think we’ll be able to contain the crowds in the White Eagle Entertainment Center. Do you think we might have to go on tour? The bigger crowds will make us more money.”
“I thought about it, but I think it’s really up to Jennifer. She’s the one that would be most affected by it.” Jake looked over at Jennifer.
“I’ve always felt the band should go on tour or spread out a bit. I think we’ve got what it takes,” Jennifer said.
He served the breakfast and everyone ate hungrily, commenting on the fact that he was a great cook.
“Yes, he is a good cook, but he won’t share his marinating steak sauce with me.” Jennifer pouted her lips.
“Don’t feel bad. He won’t share it with us either,” Vincent said grudgingly.
“Ah, come on, honey. Maybe I’ll share it with you someday,” Jake responded, smiling.
After the guys left, Jake walked up behind Jennifer, kissed her, and nuzzled his nose on her neck.
“Did you get enough sleep last night?” he asked.
“Uh-huh,” Jennifer answered, turning around in his arms. “You know, you should have told me some of your band members would be over for breakfast. I don’t think it was a good thing for them to see the leader of the band sleeping with the lead singer.”
“Honey, it doesn’t matter to them that we’re sleeping together. They just usually show up for breakfast.”
“Oh,” Jennifer said.
After they cleaned up the dishes and put them in the dishwasher, Jennifer turned, wrapped her arms around Jake’s waist, and laid her head on his chest.
“Jenn, I have to get dressed and go to the office for a while.” Jake gave her a sad smile.
“Oh, okay. I need to do some stuff at the ranch anyway. I’ll get my shoes on and be on my way.” She looked up at him and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.
“I’m looking forward to the din…er…um… concoction you are working up for tonight.” He smiled teasingly at her.
Jennifer laughed. “You’ll be sorry you made fun of my cooking!”
Love Songs Page 7
