James

by Chantal Fernando

  “Thank you,” she says sweetly, smelling the tulips as she opens the door for me to enter. I walk in, and can’t help it when my eyes drop to her ass. Sasha turns her head and laughs. “Eyes up here, James.”

  “Oh, come on, you gotta give me a break. I’ve been on my best behaviour for so long I’m gonna explode,” I admit with a grin.

  She puts the tulips in a vase, before saying “The last time I received tulips was when we were together, you know.”

  “What? No one brought you flowers. I know you dated a lot,” I say quickly.

  “Oh I got flowers, lots of flowers. Just never my favourites, so thank you,” she says, obviously avoiding my dating comment. Her words make me sad, and want to punch every single man that has ever touched her at the same time.

  “James?”

  “Yes,” I say, directing my attention to her.

  “Your knuckles are turning white,” she observes. I look down to see I’m gripping the ledge of the kitchen table, squeezing with all my might. I let go, and offer her a sheepish smile. She crosses her arms across her chest, drawing my attention to her breasts. Well, that’s one way to get my attention.

  “Do you really wanna do this, before we even go on our first second-chance date?” she asks.

  “Do what?” I ask, slightly confused.

  “Go through the roster, you know. Who I’ve been with, who I’ve dated?”

  I cringe. “Well, when you put it that way, no, I don't.”

  She laughs. “I thought so, now come here,” she says, her voice turning sensual. I obey her command, coming close enough to her that I can smell her peach perfume.

  “You didn’t kiss me,” she whispers. I instantly lean forward, pushing her gently against the table. I lift her face up with my palms and lower my lips to hers, capturing her in a deep kiss. It’s been so damn long since I have tasted her, I almost forgot how sweet she is. How perfect she is for me. Her tongue touches mine, not timidly, but confidently. I instantly lift her into my arms, cupping her ass into my hands and squeezing, her moan incites my own, and I pull back.

  “What are you doing?” she demands, still panting.

  “That was some kiss,” I say, pushing a strand of her hair out of her face.

  “It was. Why did you stop?” she asks, still slightly breathless.

  “I promised you a date, and we're going to have one,” I announce. She sighs, like she’s put out, but she can’t hide the grin on her pouty lips.

  “I’m ready whenever you are,” she says.

  ***

  Sasha

  When we pull up to Haven I find myself speechless. James is taking me to the restaurant where we had our first date all those years ago. I clear my throat, before turning to face him. His blue eyes are already on me, anticipating my reaction. My gaze touches over his blond hair, which is slightly longer than I’m used to, and then darts to his lip ring that I’d love nothing more than to nibble on.

  “Is this okay?” he asks, slightly unsure.

  “It’s perfect, James,” I whisper, leaning over to kiss him on his cheek. The stubble he has feels wonderfully rough against my lips.

  “Don’t move,” he orders gently, getting out of his S8 and quickly walking around to my side to open the door for me. James has always been a gentleman. When a man treats you like a princess, you can tell he’s been raised by a queen. And I have no doubt that Lucy is nothing but a queen. On the ride over I asked him what type of car this was, and he told me it was an Audi S8. It must be a car he’s bought recently, because he certainly didn’t have it back when we were together.

  “Thank you,” I tell him.

  “I hope you’re hungry,” he says, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He knows I’m always hungry.

  “You know better than to ask me that,” I tease.

  James chuckles, shaking his head. “It’s going to be a nice change from my dates only ordering salads, but then eyeing my food like they wish they could devour it.”

  I narrow my eyes at him. “Yeah, you might not want to mention your ‘dates’ ever again.”

  James just laughs, ignoring my glare. The waitress sits us in the exact same spot we sat on our first date. The place looks different, of course, but I can’t help but feel sentimental. James pulls my chair out for me, and waits until I’m seated before he takes his own. We're handed our menus, and we both scan the items on the list.

  “I hope you brought a lot of money,” I tease. James looks up from his menu, his eyes dancing.

  “I made sure to bring my unlimited credit card, so don’t worry,” he smirks.

  I stick my tongue out at him. “What are you ordering?” I ask.

  “I’m getting the steak, of course. Let me guess, you’re getting chicken in creamy sauce with a salad and a fully loaded potato,” he says.

  My mouth opens in shock. “What?”

  “Seriously, Sasha, you order the same thing, or as close to the same thing as you can get in every single restaurant,” he says.

  “I do not!” I deny. Okay, I do. James just gives me a knowing look. I scowl in return.

  “Would you like to order?” a waitress asks. James orders for us, glancing over at me when he places my order to see if I'll object. I don’t. That's exactly what I was going to order. When the waitress leaves James gives me a slow spreading smile.

  Ignoring him, I say, “We should call and see how Jye is.”

  “He’s fine, Sash, mum said she'd call if there are any issues. You can relax,” he assures me, putting his hand on mine.

  A new waitress saunters over and places our drinks on the table. I see her eying James, and not being subtle about it at all. When she drops a napkin in front of him with her number on it, I lose it.

  “You’re fucking kidding me, right?” I ask the woman, my nose scrunched in disgust.

  “Sasha,” James warns, picking up the napkin and handing it back to her.

  Obviously not used to being told no, or not being able to take a hint, the woman leans down and says, “Keep it, you might need it for later.”

  I lean back in my chair, glaring at her. I hate women like this. “Have some dignity, would you? You’re actually embarrassing yourself right now,” I say as calmly as I can muster.

  “They always come to me, honey,” she boasts in a saccharine sweet voice.

  “I’m sure they do. All things cheap are in high demand,” I snap. The woman gasps and storms off.

  “You know she’s probably gonna spit in our food, right?” James drawls.

  “Yeah, we know how much you hate spitters,” I mumble. James makes a choking sound, and I look up to see his eyes wide with shock. Then he just shakes his head. When a waiter walks out with our food a few minutes later, I grin. “Luckily she won’t get the chance.”

  “You know how hot you get when you’re jealous?” James asks, a faint smirk on his lips.

  I roll my eyes at him in response.

  On our way home from dinner we pick up Jye from Lucy’s before heading back to my house. I’m so full, I feel like I’m in a food coma. Dinner was delicious, dessert even more so.

  “Thank you for dinner,” I tell him for the second time.

  “You’re welcome. Tomorrow night I thought we could take Jye to dinner at Kade’s,” James mentions. I glance back at Jye who is sleeping in his car seat.

  “Sounds good,” I say. When I see James noticeably relax, I realise he thought I wouldn't agree. I look away so he can’t see the flash of hurt in my eyes.

  “I’m not an ogre, you know,” I say wryly.

  “What?” he asks.

  “You thought I was gonna say no,” I say.

  “I was hoping you wouldn’t,” he admits.

  “Why would I?” I ask him, confused.

  “I don’t know. It’s not like you’re real close with my brothers,” he says reluctantly. I can tell this upsets him.

  “Kade may be growing on me. Plus, you know I love Nikki,” I say.

  James grins. “Good.
”

  James parks his car and we get out. I open the front door quickly whilst James gets Jye, locking his car door before entering the apartment and putting Jye in his bed. He affectionately kisses Jye on the forehead before tucking him in. I watch as he stares at his son for a few moments before walking out. I run my eyes over how his chest looks in the sexy white shirt he is wearing, hinting at his defined muscles. I can’t help the slight tug I feel in my lower belly.

  “I’d love to tuck you in, too, but there will be no sex on the first date,” James decides. I reluctantly move my eyes from his biceps and stare into his eyes.

  “What? Why?” I demand.

  “This is our second chance Sasha, I want it to be perfect,” he says.

  “It will be perfect, I promise. Come on,” I try to tempt him.

  “Not tonight, okay,” he says as he walks over, trying to soften the rejection with a soft kiss to my lips.

  “Fine. But I’d like to point out it’s not really fair considering I’ve gone without way longer than you have,” I pout.

  “How do you know that?” he asks, as he crosses his arms over his chest.

  “You had a girlfriend!” I point out.

  “If it’s not with you, it doesn’t count,” he says a little gruffly.

  “Smooth talker,” I mumble, walking to the kitchen and pulling out a bottle of water.

  “Want one?” I offer, James shakes his head no, eyeing me speculatively.

  “How long has it been?” he asks suddenly.

  “A while, let’s just leave it at that.” I walk up to him and wrap my arms around his neck. He leans down and presses light kisses all over my jaw, before finally giving my lips some attention. I can feel his arousal, but he still pulls away. The man has always had a will of steel. Or should I say a will of Steele. This is the first time that I was cursing it.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow, pretty girl,” he whispers into my ear, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand up.

  “Okay,” I reply, already planning on heading into my room for a night with my BOB.

  “Don’t even think about it, Sasha, your orgasms are mine to give. You'll wait,” he demands. Then he reminds me to lock up after he leaves.

  I inhale deeply. Well, hell. I’m not gonna lie, I’ve missed this side of James. My lips curl into a sly smile. He won’t be able to hold out for long. I’m gonna make sure of that.

  ***

  Chapter Ten

  Sasha

  After work the next day I head to the beauty salon for a manicure, pedicure, and some waxing. Jye spent the whole day with James today, because he didn’t have to work. If he got called in to help with a safe house, he said he would drop Jye at his mum's. I didn’t receive a call, so I assume everything went smoothly. I head home, to find James and Jye still not there. I pick up the phone and call him.

  “Hello,” he answers straight away, sounding pleased to hear from me.

  “Hey, where are you guys?” I complain. I miss them both, and I haven’t seen my son all day.

  “Sorry, we’re just at the park. Why don’t you relax for a little, we’ll be home in an hour, okay?”

  “Okay, I’ll see you soon.”

  We both hang up.

  After a quick shower, I dress for the dinner at Kade’s, and then sit down and read for a little while. It feels so good to be off my feet, and soon I get lost in a world of alpha male bikers.

  “Sasha,” I hear James’ voice croon softly as he pulls me into his arms. I open my eyes and stretch lazily.

  “What time is it?” I ask, putting my face in the crook of his neck.

  “We need to leave in an hour for dinner. Jye is having a nap,” he tells me. Oh, really. Planning on using this time appropriately, I lift my leg so I can straddle him.

  “And what do you think you’re doing?” he asks in an amused tone.

  “Whatever I want,” I tell him boldly. This is the thing about James. He can be very easy going and laid back, but in the bedroom? He is something else.

  “Is that right?” he drawls, his fingers digging into my thighs in reprimand.

  “I don’t think you can handle me anymore, James,” I taunt. When he pushes my face closer and devours my lips with his, I inwardly cheer.

  “Not tonight, Sasha,” he whispers.

  “James! I haven’t been with anyone since you,” I admit, letting him know how badly I want this. James’ eyes widen almost hysterically, as he instantly stands with me still wrapped around him, and walks straight to the bedroom, closing the door behind him.

  He puts me down, then demands, “Strip.”

  I rush to take off my dress.

  “Slowly, Sasha,” he commands, sitting down on the bed so he can watch the show. I slowly push the thin straps of my dress down my shoulders, letting it slip off my body and pool at my feet. Left in only a red lace thong and black bra, I can’t help but squirm under his intense gaze. I’m pretty much the same size I was before I gave birth, but now I have stretch marks on my tummy, and when James’ eyes slow on that area, I suddenly start to feel a little unsure.

  “Hey,” he says gently, lifting his arm for me to come closer. I walk towards him and stand in between his knees. When he bends and kisses a few of the marks on my stomach, my breath catches.

  “You are beautiful, so fucking beautiful. And these are just proof of how amazing you are. Of the gift you've given me,” he whispers. “Of how strong of a woman you are. Don’t be shy, because I love everything about you.” When I stay silent, he stares at me until I acknowledge his comments with a nod.

  “Good, now let me see what’s mine,” he says softly, but with strength in his tone. I watch his eyes turn heated with desire as I take off my bra and then my panties.

  “Mmm,” he rumbles in approval. I watch in anticipation as he stands up and pulls me into his arms. A shudder racks through my body as he kisses a trail up my neck, then across my jaw. Slowly, ever so slowly.

  “James!” I hiss, wanting him to go faster, to give me more.

  “Shh,” he whispers, still taking his time. When he finally reaches my lips, he gently opens them with his tongue, the metal from his piercing ice cold against my lips. I moan into his mouth and gasp when he lifts me by my hips and lays me down gently on the bed. We kiss passionately, and when James finally pulls away we are both panting. James moves down my body and gently rubs this thumb over my nipple. My back bows off the bed, like a jolt went through my body.

  “Beautiful,” he says reverently, bringing his head down to my nipple and sucking. I run my hands through his thick blond hair, pushing his head down.

  “James,” I gasp when he nips my breast with his teeth. He continues lower, kissing and licking down my stomach, until he reaches the apex of my thighs. When he dips his head and licks my centre I buck, causing James to pin me down roughly with his hands.

  “Stay still, Sasha,” he commands in a rough tone. He continues to lick and suck until he brings me to climax. I ride the waves of pleasure, calling out James’ name with each tremor. When he eventually pulls away, I sag onto the bed, fully spent. I stare up at James, watching as he wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. He gives me a full watt smile, eying my naked body from head to toe.

  “I missed your taste,” he says. I sit up and move to undo his pants, but he stops me.

  “Later. We gotta go now. You get ready, I’ll go check on Jye,” he says, kissing me on the temple before walking out. I open my mouth to say something, but he’s already left the room.

  ***

  James

  I knock on Kade’s door, Jye in my arms, Sasha by my side. Just how it’s meant to be. I feel content, and find myself smiling for no apparent reason.

  “Hey bro,” Kade welcomes as he opens the door, stepping aside for us to enter. His grin widens when he takes in Jye.

  “Sasha,” he welcomes, nodding his head, and leaning down to give her a kiss on the cheek.

  “Hey, Kade,” I hear her say. I put my han
d on the small of Sasha’s back, pushing her forward gently. As we walk through Kade’s place, I hear music and laughter. I stare at Sasha, watching her take in the place, her eyes touching everything. We head outside where everyone is sitting, and I can see Chase busy at the grill. I put Jye down as I lean down to kiss Grace, Kade’s little girl.

  “Unca!” she squeals with happiness. I’m her favourite, too. Nikki and Layla walk over, stealing Sasha as they head inside. Probably to chat - about everything. I’m pretty sure that’s what women do.

  “Hey bro,” I greet Chase, slapping my hand on his back.

  “Hey James, 'bout time you showed up,” he says with a smirk. I love my big brother. A lot of people don’t understand him, but he's a good man. He's always looked after Kade and me, putting our needs before his own.

  “Where’s Cole?” I ask him.

  “Probably wherever his mother is,” he says as he flips over the steaks.

  “Both Jackson men are obsessed with Layla, I see,” I snicker.

  “You have no idea. Where’s Sasha?” he asks.

  “She got kidnapped,” I say wryly.

  “Let the gossip begin, huh?” Chase chuckles.

  “I hope I didn’t do anything gossip worthy, at least recently,” I muse.

  “No, I don’t think it’s anything like that. More like penis sizes and sex techniques.”

  I burst out laughing as Kade walks over to join us. “What’s so funny?”

  “The women, discussing penis sizes,” Chase fills him in. Kade grins devilishly, folding his arms over his chest. “I’ll be happy to give the girls a demonstration.”

  I chuckle, shaking my head at him. He would, too.

  “Actually I was just in there, they're both drilling Sasha on James’ size and technique,” Kade says.

  “Ah, fuck,” I groan.

  “Oh don’t worry, Sasha’s holding her own,” Kade smirks.

  “So I hear Nikki is pregnant again,” I tell Kade.

  “Yes, we think it’s going to be another girl,” he says proudly.

  “Congratulations, bro. But you know you’re screwed if it is, right?” I tell him.