Jake was glad his brother’s search for love was going smoothly. He was afraid that Jack would fall back into his old ways as soon as he hit a bump on the road. The difference in his personality lately had been impressive, and Jake wanted to see Jack follow through on his new goals. “Well then, you’re that much closer to that dream life of yours. Think you’ve found the one, or what??” Jake asked.
“Well, it’s too early to say, but I like what I’ve seen so far. She’s a redhead. You know how I feel about redheads,” Jack replied dreamily.
Jake could tell his brother was trying to sound casual, but the glee in his face gave him away.
“So things didn’t go well with you and Jenna?” Denise asked, joining the conversation.
Jake shifted his gaze between Jack and Denise, watching Jack trying to choose his next words carefully.
“Unfortunately not. I got stuck at work…” he said, glancing sheepishly at Jake, “...so I showed up a little late. After that, well, it was like she had decided the whole thing was a write-off.” Jack looked at Denise and shrugged.
It was clear to Jake that Jack didn’t want to upset Denise, but he was a very honest man, so he obviously couldn’t hold back what had happened between them.
“Maybe you should give her another chance, that’s all I’m saying,” Denise tried before she walked away with a huff.
Jack shook his head and muttered under his breath. “You’d think I turned her down instead of her friend, which technically I didn’t do, considering she left me.”
“I’m sure she’s just excited to help you out. She’s probably just a little frustrated that it didn’t work out,” Jake shrugged his shoulders.
“I mean, I’d think about giving her another chance, but I don’t think she’d give me one. She really didn’t seem to enjoy my company,” Jack said.
Jake could see the genuine hurt behind his brother's eyes. Clearly he had expected the date to go well. He was a Jamyson after all, and women had been throwing themselves at his feet since he was a teenager, but Jake knew it was a different ball game entering the dating scene. “Why don’t you come over again tonight. Maybe Caroline and I can teach you how not to act like a frat boy” Jake bantered, eyeing his brother's bright eyes and hopeful look. “You really like this girl, don’t you?”
“Well, I don’t know too much about her, but yeah. This could really be something,” Jack said with a smile, as if he were picturing the woman while he talked about her.
If he was truly serious about finding a long-term relationship, it seemed as if Jack had started on a good foot, Jake thought. It wasn’t every day you could meet someone and just feel something right away. Jake had only experienced that with Caroline. She was the one person that really stirred something inside of him, and he would never look at life the same way again. He was sure that as long as they kept working through their issues, they would make it through anything. “I’m happy for you. It’s good to see you like this,” Jake said as he headed toward his office.
Jack followed him, not quite done with the conversation. Jake was happy to spend some time with his brother. They hadn’t been this close for many years. After college, their views on life had become so different, but Jake could see that, now, they were finding some common ground. "I'm happy too, I just don’t want to mess it up. She seems like the type of woman that knows what she wants and I would like to at least try to give it to her,” Jack said. “Now that I’m doing the whole dating thing, talking to women has become way more complicated.”
Jake liked the fact that his brother had gone to him for help. He had always wanted to have a close relationship with Jack. They had grown so far apart over the years that, at times, it had seemed like he didn’t have a brother at all. Before last Christmas, Jake had barely heard a word from his brother in months. Now, they were joking around just like they had when they were growing up. “It’s a little ironic, isn't it? A playboy like you telling a guy like me that you’re nervous about talking to women?”
“Huh, you’ve got a point. Damn, I’m actually nervous. I’ve never really had to talk much to women, bars aren’t great places for conversation. Usually I’d just pound back a few drinks, find someone to dance with, then end up in bed with her a few hours later.” Jack said this casually as he rubbed at his jaw. He was so preoccupied thinking about his date that he made all his previous conquests sound like no big deal.
“Sounds like you’ve had a terribly hard life,” Jake teased with a laugh.
Jack laughed too, a little dryly. “Yeah, I guess I shouldn’t be complaining. I just don’t know how people do this. Don’t people get nervous? Don’t people give up because of how nerve-wracking it is?” Jack spouted.
“Welcome to the world of dating, brother,” Jake shook his head. Of course, he could understand what Jack was feeling. He had given up on finding love, believing that he would end up alone. It was only because Caroline had walked into his life and reminded him of what love was that he could even have this conversation. He could never get over how lucky he was for having her in his life.
“Do you think I can find someone?” Jack asked, his voice betraying his emotion.
Jake looked at his brother tenderly. “You’re a Jamyson, of course you’ll find someone. Then you’ll finally stop being a third wheel at family dinners!” Jake joked, but his sentiment was sincere.
“Speaking of dinner, what’s on the menu?” Jack asked.
“Not sure about the food, knowing Caroline it’ll be good though. Playing race cars with Jonny will definitely be on the activities menu though,” Jake replied. Jake wanted his son to have a good relationship with his uncle, especially considering he didn’t have many other family members around him. Recently, he had been thinking that maybe he would have another child with Caroline. He was nervous to bring it up though. He didn’t know how she would react to the idea, being so young.
“Race cars it is. I don’t care what we do, it’s just nice to be together. I guess I didn’t realize how much I missed you guys while I was abroad,” Jack said as he stood and walked over to the door of the office, heading back to his desk.
The rest of the day went by quickly as Jake took multiple calls, answered a number of emails, and got through a bit of paperwork. He was exhausted when the day came to an end and he was happy to get home to Caroline and his son.
“Are you coming?” Jake asked as he walked past Jack at his desk.
“Yeah, I’m shutting down my computer as we speak,” Jack replied determinedly before he pushed his chair back and stood up.
“How are you finding the workload?” Jake asked as the two walked to the elevator.
“Oh, it’s different, but I’m getting there,” Jack replied. “I think I still prefer talking to clients over the paperwork though.”
“That’s good. Eventually, you’ll get used to it and every day will just blend into the next,” Jake said.
“That doesn’t sound very enjoyable though,” Jack commented warily as the elevator took them to the lobby.
“I love the work I do,” Jake insisted, “I like the routine of it. People are complicated, but the numbers always make sense.”
“That I can understand, and women are the most complicated of all,” Jack moaned as he walked toward the underground parking lot.
Jake chuckled, but ignored his brother’s complaint. “See you in a bit.”
On the short trip through the city Jake beat Jack to his home. A rush of happiness spread through him as he opened the front door and saw Caroline and Jonathan on the floor playing with cars. He looked forward to seeing Caroline every day. Being around her made him feel safe and happy. He placed his briefcase on the floor as he made his way over to the two and joined them on the floor. “What are we doing?” he asked as he sat and crossed his legs.
“Daddy! We’re playing race cars,” Jonathan told him excitedly.
“Can I play?” Jake asked as he reached for a car.
“Yes! Here, take this one.” Jon
athan handed him a bright yellow dinky Porsche.
Jake leaned over and kissed Caroline, who kissed him back with a smile on her lips. She put a hand on his shoulder as she got up from the floor. She had healed completely from her injuries, but her leg still ached sometimes.
“I’ve invited Jack over again. He’s got another date. After the last one, I thought he could use some reassurance,” Jake said from the floor as Caroline made her way to the kitchen.
“Oh, that’s fantastic. I’m sure he’ll be fine,” Caroline called back, and Jack could hear dishes clanging faintly as she started to take things out for dinner.
“Dad, Dad! Look,” Jonathan insisted as he pulled Jake’s attention to him.
Chapter Eight, Happy Family
Caroline could see that Jake was happy with Jack’s new outlook on life; she was happy for him too. She still felt somewhat guilty that she had chosen Jake over him, but seeing him moving on and working hard eased that for her a little. Of course, Jake had always been the right choice, but she still noticed the look on Jack’s face when he watched them being affectionate.
Jack had arrived just as Caroline had finished cooking dinner. He had left from work to go buy a new toy car for Jonathan. When they had finished, and all the plates and dishes had been packed into the dishwasher, and Caroline and Jake had tucked Jonathan into bed, Jack began his interrogation. He bombarded them with questions about how to act on a date, and Caroline and Jake answered as best they could. Caroline was sure he would pull off the date without any problems. He was very attractive and funny, which would definitely work in his favor. The night flew by as they talked, and before too long, they realized it was almost midnight.
“You’re more than welcome to sleep on the couch. It’s very late,” Caroline offered.
“Oh, I don’t want to bother you guys,” Jack dismissed as he started to get up to leave.
“No, don’t be silly. Stay over. I know how many glasses of wine you’ve had, you shouldn’t drive.” Jake insisted, squeezing Jack’s shoulder. His brother didn’t appear very drunk, but, after Caroline’s accident, Jake didn’t want him taking any chances.
“Alright, I guess. If you insist,” Jack replied, rolling his eyes, but with a smile on his lips.
“I’ll get you some of my clothes so you can get comfortable,” Jake said before heading to the bedroom.
Caroline found herself alone with Jack in the kitchen. There was an awkward moment where neither of them knew what to say, then Jack broke the silence with, “Do you think I’ll make a good impression on this woman?”
Caroline, relieved that he wanted to talk about his date, not their past, replied, "Of course! She would be crazy not to like you.”
“You’re calling yourself crazy then,” Jack teased.
Caroline felt a little pang in her chest. She had been hoping that Jack had moved on from her, but it seemed he was still hurt by what happened between them. She felt her guilt creeping back in. She wanted to change the subject, but she owed it to Jack to respond honestly. “Jack, I never meant to hurt you during all of that. Honestly, I had to choose what was right for me,” Caroline said softly. “It...it wouldn’t have been fair to you, or me, if I’d done anything else.”
The smile he returned was a sad one, but Caroline could tell that Jack was relatively fine with how things had panned out. She had never thought that accepting a job as a nanny would lead her down such a wild path, and force her to choose between two brothers. All she knew now, though, was that everything felt right. She was grateful for where life had taken her.
“Oh, I’m joking. I know you were meant for my brother and I am happy for you two. As I said, I just want what you two have.” Jack tried to sound upbeat, but he averted his eyes from Caroline as he spoke.
“You will get that, I know you will. Just give it time,” Caroline said kindly. She hoped that was true.
Jack flashed her half a smile before going to make himself comfortable on the couch.
Reappearing from the bedroom, Jake tossed some pajamas to his brother as he walked into the kitchen. Then he sidled up to Caroline and wrapped his arms around his love. “Hey,” he whispered suggestively, his mouth so close to her ear that his breath sent a shiver down her spine.
“Hi,” she said, blushing as she looked up to meet his heated gaze.
Jake leaned down and kissed her gently. Caroline slid her hands around his waist, drawing him in and deepening the kiss.
“Can you two get a room?” Jack yelled from the living room, jokingly gagging.
With awkward laughs, Caroline and Jake said good night and retreated to their bedroom. They wasted no time in picking up where they had left off in the kitchen. They undressed each other slowly, exploring each other’s bodies with their hands and lips. Eventually, they fell into bed trying, but failing, to keep the sounds of their passion quiet. As she climaxed, Caroline could not stop herself from letting a satisfied moan escape her lips. She loved the way Jake made her feel, especially when it came to how she felt about her body. He had made her feel confident, and she understood the importance of taking care of her body so much better than she had in the past. Her recovery was not complete, but Jake’s love and support was making the process much easier. As she fell asleep in his arms, she was thinking about how safe he made her feel.
********
Caroline woke up in Jake’s arms, his body pressed against her back as she cuddled into him.
“Hmm, good morning,” Jake mumbled as he nuzzled into her hair and breathed in deeply.
“Good morning,” she replied as she shifted and turned to face him. She loved the sleepy look on his face in the mornings. She could take a picture and stare at it all day.
“It’s Saturday,” he announced as he rubbed his eyes and pulled her closer to kiss her quickly.
“It is indeed. What shall we do today?” she asked.
“I think we should stay right here. I don’t want to go anywhere,” he said as he started to tickle her.
For a moment, the two of them wriggled and laughed under the covers, savoring the intimate moment. Caroline knew that she and Jake wouldn’t be able to spend the whole day in bed, especially with Jonathan around, but she enjoyed Jake’s carefree moments. He had been such a different person when she had first met him. She could tell that coming home to her and Jonathan every day was having a positive effect on him.
“Maybe we can do something as a family, take Jonathan somewhere fun for the day,” Caroline suggested once the tickling had stopped and they had both caught their breath.
“Good idea. I’m sure he’d enjoy that,” Jake replied as he kissed her and got out of bed.
Caroline watched as Jake walked around the room, his naked body in full view. She blushed slightly because she couldn’t get over how handsome and muscular he was. She could stare at his body all day if given the chance; she was completely mesmerized by him. She wanted nothing more than to pull him back into bed, back into her. “I think he will, for sure,” Caroline agreed as she reluctantly followed his lead and got out of bed.
She headed for the shower, washing her hair and body while she relived the night she had shared with Jake. It didn’t take long until Jake joined her in the shower. The experience was even more intimate than sex had been, as they actually washed each other’s bodies. Caroline had never felt such a strong connection with another person before. She had never felt so comfortable around another person.
After their shower, they got dressed and went out to the living room where they could hear Jonathan laughing along with Jack.
“Are we having fun out here?” Jake asked as he walked over to the couch and ruffled Jonathan’s hair.
“Yes! Can uncle Jack just move in?” Jonathan pleaded excitedly before he ran over to Caroline and hugged her.
“I don’t think that would work, especially if Jack is hoping to find a lady friend,” Caroline commented as she winked at Jack.
“Exactly, but maybe he can come visit more often a
nd bring his lady friend with him,” Jake said as he walked to the kitchen. “Coffee anyone?”
“Oh, yes, that would be great,” Jack said eagerly as he stood and followed Jake to the kitchen.
“Yes, me too,” Caroline added as she joined them.
The three of them stood in the kitchen while Jonathan stayed in the living room playing with some of the cars that had been left there from the night before.
“So, when are you meeting your date?” Jake asked.
“She sent me her address this morning so I’ll pick her up at one for lunch,” Jack replied.
“Ooh, that's good! Lunch is a lot more relaxed so there won’t be so much pressure on you guys,” Caroline said.
“Yeah, I suppose lunch is easier. I hope she likes the place I picked, it’s a risk because it looks so shabby, but she said she wanted pancakes, and this place makes the best ones I’ve ever had,” Jack replied with a nervous laugh.
Passion For Change (Jamyson Brothers Madison Heights Book 2) Page 5
