Fever

by Carnal, MJ

  A horn blowing outside, reminds us that I have to go.

  Jude pulls me out the door, locking it behind us, and walks me to Erik’s car. He drops a kiss on my nose before swooping in to capture my mouth and once I’m breathless and craving more, he breaks away and opens the door, pushing me inside. “Now you’ll think about me all day too. “

  He winks, shuts the door, and walks to his bike.

  I let out the breath I didn’t know I was holding and say under my breath, “Yeah, like I wasn’t going to anyway…”

  Erik chuckles again and grabs my hand, squeezing my fingers. “It’s good to see you and Jude together. You both seem lighter and younger. You seem happy, love.”

  I look at him and smile. “I am, E. I am. I love him. I’ve always loved him. I think he’s it for me, you know.”

  “I do know. I’ve always known.” He raises our linked hands and kisses my knuckles and we set off to Java and Sweeties.

  We have a nice conversation as we drive. He tells me about Alec, the guy from Bruno’s, and tells me they have a date tonight. I joke with him that he can have his own sexscapades. He laughs and shrugs.

  The banter is nice and familiar. Cozy. Comfortable.

  We pull up at Java and Sweeties, with five minutes to spare. There are already two regulars in the parking lot. We wave and tell them to give us just a minute.

  I race to the back to stow my purse, and greet the two college students we employ as baristas, and grab an apron. Erik checks to make sure the coffee is brewed and the bar is set, then he unlocks the door.

  The next hour and a half are busy as I fill people’s orders for baked goods from the display case and Erik and the others handle the coffee shop.

  I keep my smile on my face and more than once look up to catch Erik looking at me with a smile on his face. Each time I catch him; he winks and blows me a kiss. I laugh.

  Soon, I’m back in my kitchen with the music rolling through the speakers and concentrating hard on the intricate details on the decorations for the wedding cakes.

  I’m in the zone, working furiously and as it often happens, I lose track of the time.

  My cell phone buzzes from the island and it breaks my concentration. I look around and realize I’ve completed five of the seven tiers. The only two left are the top tiers.

  I gasp as I see the time. It’s 1:24pm. I’ve been working nonstop for almost six hours!

  Rolling my shoulders to get the kinks out, I grab the phone to check the text.

  It’s from Jude.

  I pull the scroll bar to unlock it and up pops a picture of a shirtless Jude, wet from the shower, with his hair standing every which way and water droplets on his eyelashes and cheeks. He’s blowing me a kiss.

  My mouth dries… God he’s gorgeous!

  My phone buzzes again.

  “Sexy Rock God

  Stop drooling!”

  I laugh and text back,

  “Lexi

  I’m not drooling!”

  Immediately, I get another one.

  “Sexy Rock God

  You sure about that?”

  I send a reply.

  “Lexi

  Yup. Ego much? I’ve seen better. ;p”

  The door to my kitchen swings open. I spin around and see an insulted looking Jude walking in, carrying a deli bag.

  “You’ve seen better huh? Then why do you have drool at the corners of that delectable mouth?”

  “Oh you cheated. Were you watching me through the glass?” I narrow my eyes at him, trying to look intimidating.

  Stopping right in front of me, he makes a point of wiping the sides of my mouth, which does not have drool! Setting the bag on the island, he grabs my hips and lifts me up onto the counter, stepping between my legs so we’re eye level. “Why yes, I was watching you. You are very sexy when you’re working. Did you know you stick your tongue out?” He licks my lips. “And bite the tip when you’re in deep concentration? It’s very,” sweeping his tongue into my mouth and removing it, “very sexy.”

  I grab his face and hold it still as I smash my lips to his and massage his tongue with mine.

  We simply kiss for a long while. It’s heaven.

  After breaking the kiss, he trails his lips down my jaw and neck, before he places a kiss on my rapid pulse in my neck.

  “Ok, let’s eat. I’m starving. Shopping is hard and I suck at it!”

  He backs away and opens the bag.

  Lord, I’m putty in his hands and he knows it.

  Sighing, I grab the bag and look to see what he’s brought.

  We eat and talk and he tells me about his shopping adventure. He said he was lucky enough that the salesgirl was a fan and she was more than willing to help him furnish his home.

  A twinge of jealousy must show on my face, because he laughs and kisses me lightly. “Stop. She was like twenty and she was a perfectly sweet girl who stopped the flirting immediately, when I told her that I needed awesome furniture since my woman was too busy being responsible and working to help me pick anything out.”

  “You told a fan that?” I ask in surprise.

  “Yes, why? It’s the truth, isn’t it? Why does that surprise you, Lex?” He truly looks puzzled that I asked.

  Pulling him into me for a hug and a sweet kiss, I smooth the wrinkles on his brow, between his eyes, from his frown. “You’re just constantly surprising me, Jude. And that’s not a bad thing. It’s just not what I’d expect from a rock star, you know?”

  He frowns at me again and responds, “I’ve told you, Lex. With you, I’m not a rock star. With you… with you, I’m just me. What do I have to do to make you see that?”

  Grabbing his face and meeting his hazel eyes with my amber ones, I say, “Nothing, Jude. You’re doing everything right. To me, you are just Jude… my Jude; and I love you. I love you so much.”

  He closes his eyes and leans his forehead against mine, “I hope you do. I really hope you do.”

  <><><>

  Jude

  Why is she so insecure? Does she truly not understand that she’s my world? I thought we were past all this, but when she says things like that, it makes me nervous. I know this is a lot in a very short amount of time, but now that she’s back in my arms, it’s like the past eight, lonely years didn’t happen. They don’t exist when we’re together. I just want to be with her. I want to move forward… with Lexi.

  We finish eating and I look over at the cakes she’s been working on.

  Wow, she’s amazing. I always knew she could bake and her treats were always delicious, but she’s an amazing cake decorator. I’ve never seen such intricate work firsthand before.

  She could really be famous if she marketed herself.

  “Wow, Lex. These are beautiful. You did all of this by hand?”

  She blushes, but I see the pride in her eyes. “Yes. I do everything in here by myself. I do all the baking and I decorate all of the cakes and cookies. You like it?”

  “God, Baby. I had no idea you were this talented. Those cake people on TV have nothing on you.”

  She blushes even harder, “I don’t know about all of that…”

  But I cut her off, “No seriously, Baby. This is amazing. This is better than some of the stuff at the awards shows and banquets we attend. You really are amazing. You should be proud. I am so proud of you!”

  “Thank you, Jude. I work hard, but I do it because I love it. Baking and decorating make me happy. Something about seeing the finished product and knowing you’re directly responsible just feels… it feels amazing. But thank you. Knowing you think that really means a lot to me. ” She shrugs as she takes in her kitchen.

  I pull her in and kiss her, hugging her tight. This woman is so amazing and she’s all mine.

  “Ok, well they’re actually delivering some of the stuff to the house this afternoon. I paid more to get delivery today. Not a lot of stuff, but the master bedroom and the kitchen will be set up. The rest will be delivered this week. Would you… would you
stay with me at my place tonight, Lex?” I ask nervously.

  She looks at me and smiles, “Yes. I’d love to stay at your place tonight. Besides, Erik has a date.” She wiggles her eyebrows.

  “He does, does he? With my realtor?”

  She smirks and answers, “Yes. Alec, right?”

  I like Alec. He’s a good guy. “Yeah. He’s a great guy. They should have a good time.”

  She gets a lost look on her face and shakes her head, as if to clear it before answering. “I hope so. He doesn’t go out as much as he should. He spends more time with me than anyone, but I’m always on him to get out more. He’s too great to stay home. Not to mention he’s gorgeous. I hope they work out. Erik deserves a happily ever after!”

  She thinks Erik is gorgeous?!?! Good thing he’s gay or I might be upset. I decide to let it go.

  “Yeah well, I’m sure he’ll appreciate the quiet from us not being there tonight. What time do you close tonight?”

  “Uh huh. We close at five on Saturdays.”

  “Ok, I’ll be here before that to get you and we’ll go eat before we head to my house. Oh wait, I guess you’ll want to go run by your place to change or grab a few things first, right?” I remember that I need to grab a few things from the hotel to leave at Lexi’s place, too.

  “Yes, I am not wearing the same underwear two days in a row! Gross. But only the coffee shop is open tomorrow, so I don’t need to come in. Can we swing by my house, so I can pack a small bag?” The look on her face is priceless.

  Kissing her nose and checking the time on my phone, I say, “Oh, but it’s ok for me to wear dirty shit?!?! Huh! Women!” I laugh. “Ok, I’ll pick you up and we’ll go by your house before we eat. Do I get you all day tomorrow then? I have to go. My bed will be at my house in an hour!”

  “Shut up, you!” She’s laughing too. “And yes, you get me all night and all day tomorrow. So think real hard about what you’re going to do with me! Now get out of my kitchen. You’re distracting and I’m busy!” She lightly shoves me and pops my ass with a towel.

  “I don’t have to take this abuse. I’m gone.” Swooping in to steal a kiss, I smirk at her expression as I walk towards the door. “Stop ogling my ass. I’m not a piece of meat.”

  “Who says I’m staring at your ass?”

  “I do. I know you.” I stop at the door and turn around.

  Yup, she’s watching me. “Lex?”

  “Yes, Jude?”

  “I love you.”

  Her smile could light up a room. “I love you too, Jude.”

  I smile back. “Good. Now get your sexy ass back to work!”

  Before she can answer, I walk out of the kitchen. I’m smiling and whistling, as I wave to Erik. I leave and head to my house to get my furniture and set up for my romantic evening with Lexi.

  Chapter Twenty

  Lexi

  The next week flies by. Jude and I are together as often as we can be. We spend every night together, either at his place or mine, though most of the time we’re at his. Erik has gotten pretty involved with Alec, so they normally have our place, and I spend the majority of my nights at Jude’s.

  We’ve had dinner with Erik and Alec and Bradi and Micah a couple of times. Jude and Micah seem to have hit it off. Bradi has even stopped threatening him and other than asking for constant details about our sex life, she doesn’t fawn all over him anymore.

  During the day, Jude messes with his house, setting up the rooms, and he calls or texts me frequently. He also stops by the shop at least once a day and he picks me up every night after we close.

  We’ve been to a show, walked along the Riverfront, and taken a few drives, but we mostly just hang out, spending as much time as we can together, since he’s leaving again in a week.

  This weekend is LSU’s Homecoming and we’re supposed to meet up with Erik, Alec, Bradi, Micah, Jessie, Dade, Liam, and Cruz for some tailgating and then catch the game. Alec was able to pull some strings to get us tickets for the game sitting together.

  Work is crazy busy and more and more people are booking us for large events. But, I’m looking forward to having a Saturday off to just hang out with everyone and have a good time. It’s been way too long since I’ve done that. And being in public with Jude is both exciting for me and terrifying at the same time.

  It’s Friday night and we’re about to close up shop. Our capable employees are going to be opening and closing for us tomorrow, so Erik and I are scrambling to make sure everything is ready for them.

  I’ve just filled the cooler with the baked goods for tomorrow, so all they’ll have to do is set them out in the display, and I’m wiping down the glass and counters.

  There’s only one person in here and he’s tapping away on his laptop as he sips his iced coffee with his ear buds in.

  Erik is filling the napkin and sleeve dispensers as the two employees working tonight refill the coffee beans and syrups for tomorrow.

  The bell on the door chimes and Erik and I both look up. It’s Alec. Erik’s face lights up. It’s so good to see. He really is a handsome man. He’s a little older than us at thirty one, but he’s tall and fit. It looks like he takes care of his body. He’s always dressed well, and tonight is no exception. He’s wearing khaki flat front pants and an emerald polo shirt that really brings out his eyes, which are also green. His hair is a dark blond, but he has paler highlights. He has the look of a surfer.

  He walks up to the counter and I watch as his hand reaches for Erik’s, and he brushes his knuckles with his fingers.

  He looks over and calls out a greeting, “Hey, Lexi. Ready for tomorrow?”

  I smile at the affection I see in both men’s eyes. “I certainly am. I haven’t been off on a Saturday in probably two years.” Looking at Erik, I catch his eye, “Hey, I can lock up. Jude should be here in a few minutes anyway. So why don’t you two go ahead and take off.”

  Erik looks at me and then at Alec, “You sure, Lexi? We can wait until he gets here.”

  I wave them away. “I’m sure. Besides I’m not alone. These two are going to stay until I lock up anyway, so I’m good. Go ahead. Enjoy your night. We’ll see y’all tomorrow.”

  “Ok. See you tomorrow, love.” He blows me a kiss as he grabs his keys from under the counter, and they walk out holding hands.

  Alec calls out, “Night, Lexi!”

  I finish straightening everything and look at the clock. It’s 10 minutes after we’re supposed to close and Jude is not here. This is strange.

  I see the baristas talking quietly and looking at their watches, so I tell them to go ahead and go, and I lock up behind them.

  I call Jude’s cell and it rings and rings before his voicemail comes on, “Hey it’s Jude. I can’t grab the line right now, because obviously I’m busy. If it’s important, leave me a message and I’ll return the call once I’m free and able.”

  I listen for the beep and leave him a message. “Hey, Baby. It’s Lex. I thought you were picking me up tonight, but maybe I got it wrong. Anyway, I’ve closed up the shop, but I have no ride home, so call me back when you get this. I don’t want to have to call Erik to leave his date to come grab me.”

  I wait and wait. Half an hour later, I send a text.

  “Lexi

  Where are you? Is everything ok?

  I can’t just hang around here anymore, so I’m calling Bradi to come grab me and bring me home. Call me later. I’m worried.”

  I call Bradi and she answers on the first ring. “Hey, chicka. What’s up? What are y’all doing tonight?”

  I sigh and say, “Hey girl. Can you come grab me from the shop? I thought Jude was picking me up and Erik has a date with Alec. I don’t have my car. So if you can, can you come grab me, and bring me home?”

  “What do you mean you thought Jude was picking you up? Did he just not show up? Did something happen? Where is he?” She’s throwing out questions rapidly.

  “I don’t know. He didn’t answer my call and I got no response to my text,
so I have no idea. Maybe he wasn’t supposed to pick me up tonight. I don’t know. I just need a ride home, so can you get me girl?” My mind is racing with thoughts of him in an accident or some other horrible scenario and I’m almost in tears.

  “Yeah, girl. I’ll be there in five minutes. Stay inside with the door locked, ok. Calm down. I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation.” I hear her grabbing keys and she’s whispering to someone. I assume it’s Micah.

  “Ok, thanks girl. I’m sure you’re right. See you in a few.” I hang up and drop my head into my hands, trying to hold back the tears.

  Seven minutes later, Bradi and Micah are knocking on the door. I grab my purse and unlock it, before setting the alarm, and locking it back.

  Bradi pulls me into a hug. “Nothing from him yet?”

  I sniffle, “No. Nothing. I don’t know what’s going on and I’m worried. What if something happened to him?”

  Micah sets me in the car and hugs me. “I’m sure he’s fine, Lexi. Let’s get you home.”

  Out of the corner of my eye I see the look they give each other over the top of the car.

  What the hell is going on?

  I stare out of the window on the ride to my house just running through scenarios in my head. Did he wreck his bike? Did he just get so wrapped up in the band, he forgot? Is he working in the house and misplaced his phone?

  We pull up and Bradi opens the door to let me out. “Do you want us to come in? We can hang with you. We’re just staying in tonight anyway.”

  I shake my head at her and say, “No, y’all go on home. Thanks for getting me. I appreciate it. I’ll see you tomorrow though. I’m going to bathe and just try to go to bed. Hopefully he’ll call me soon and let me know what’s up. Thanks!”

  They give each other another look and Bradi hugs me again. “Ok. Well call if you need me. I mean it. I can be here in like ten minutes! Love you girl. Everything will be ok.”

  “Will do. Thanks, chick.” I walk up and unlock the door; they wait until I get inside and close it, before pulling out of the driveway.

  I check my phone one more time and at the silence, drop it on my dresser and head to the bathroom.