Time Changes Everything

by Dozier, Melinda

  He brushed aside a strand of hair in her face. “Absolutely beautiful.”

  Amanda blinked. “What?”

  “Your painting.” He faced the wall and pointed, so he wouldn’t lean into her and kiss that surprised look off her face. “It’s home. I like it.”

  Amanda blushed. “I painted it last year.”

  Jake titled her chin toward him. “Still story-telling, huh?”

  “Only you would know the stories about the sycamores.” Amanda rolled her eyes and retreated to the kitchen.

  He’d kissed her under the sycamore on her homecoming night. He took a deep breath and followed her into the kitchen to watch her as she worked.

  “That was Mom on the phone, giving me orders about the turkey,” Amanda said.

  “I’m sure you’ll manage.” He raised his eyebrows. “Did you tell her I was here?”

  “No way. She would order us to give her all the details of how we met up again and then I would never get dinner ready.”

  “Probably true. Where’s your roommate? You said she would be here.” Jake inspected the small apartment, and avoided staring directly at Amanda. She was like a magnet, tonight, pulling him closer and if he smelled her perfumed body again, he’d pull her in his arms. To hell with just being friends.

  “She and Veronica worked at the parade this morning. They should be finished soon.”

  “Sounds nice.” He hadn’t counted on being alone with Amanda. Crap. He needed people around him to control his emotions – the ones he couldn’t figure out.

  The minute he saw her in Manahatta’s, he’d been sucker punched in the stomach. She wasn’t the little girl he remembered, and this wanting inside of him wasn’t very neighborly. Hell, if he didn’t think too hard about keeping his hands to himself, he’d have her in her bed in two minutes flat.

  But, no. This was Mandy, and she was clear the other day that she didn’t want anything to do with a guy. So, why the hell couldn’t he stop thinking about her, dreaming about her, for crying out loud.

  “I need a little help. You up to it?” Amanda reached into a drawer pulling out a second apron and tossed it to him.

  “Anything for you.” He tied the apron on. “What can I do?”

  She pointed to a bowl. “I need a strong man to mash the potatoes.”

  “No problem.” He grabbed the masher and diligently mashed the potatoes, while Amanda glided around the kitchen.

  His eyes devoured her. Every move she made was like a dish in itself. She leaned over the sweet potatoes, stirring them, round and round, and she bent to check the turkey in the oven. He almost fell over checking out her ass. In his defense, it was a nice ass. She held back her hair, so it wouldn’t dip into her concoction and hummed a tune he didn’t recognize. The back of her neck glistened like white chocolate waiting to be nibbled.

  “So, what’s up with you?” Amanda asked. “You mad about something?”

  He looked down. He’d mashed the potatoes to mush. He set the utensil down, looking around to keep his thoughts at bay. “I’m just surprised you invited me here.”

  “Why would you be surprised? We’re both in New York and we don’t have time to go home until Christmas. We grew up toge –”

  “I mean, I’m a man and you were quite clear the other day that you don’t want a man in your life.” He grabbed a rag from the counter and rung it in his hands. Their talk from the bagel shop still rang in his head.

  “Jake, you’re not just any man. You’re a good friend.”

  So, he was just a good friend.

  Okay.

  He sighed. Not okay.

  “Well, no matter, I’m a man and I took offense to your comment the other day.” Jake slapped the rag over his shoulder.

  “Look who’s talking. Shouldn’t I take offense to how you treat women? Go on a date, sleep with them, and never call again.” Amanda tore open a bag of marshmallows and threw them on top of the sweet potatoes.

  “I never did that to you.”

  “Right. But you sure did lead me on with that kiss. You said you would come back and then you just left.” Amanda shoved a serving dish his way and nodded to the mashed potatoes.

  Jake grabbed the dish and pointed it at her. “That was seven years ago. And it was different.”

  “Why should I want a man in my life after being treated like that?”

  “Hey, you can’t blame me for that. Anyway, we kissed that night. I didn’t force you, may I remind you. And, we’re talking about today, not seven years ago.” Jake scooped the mash potatoes into the serving dish with swift movements.

  She grabbed the mashed potatoes from him and slammed it against the counter on the opposite side of the kitchen. She stood with her back to him and sighed. “I don’t want to fight.”

  He walked behind her, placed his hand on her shoulder and moved her hair to the side so he could see her neck. She shivered. His finger trailed a line from her ear to her shoulder. “There’s lots of things we can do instead of fight.”

  Amanda lifted her head and a tiny gasp came from her throat. Then she turned to face him and shook her head. “What’s going on with us?”

  His fingertips brushed lightly over a cheek. “Hell if I know.”

  She closed her eyes. “I can’t be hurt by you again.”

  He stopped stroking her and nodded. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “Then why are you doing this?” she whispered.

  He scooted her back and put his arms around her, holding onto the counter. “We both feel it. Don’t give me any of that friends crap, Mandy. We’ve grown up. Things change. And I bet you want to kiss me as much as I want to kiss you right now.”

  She held a finger to his lips as he bent down. “What happened to not wanting a relationship?”

  He looked at her lips and shook his head. “I already told you that I’m not ready for that.”

  “Then I can’t do this, Jake.” Amanda tried to push Jake away, but he didn’t budge.

  He moved her back with a tighter hold around her. “For you, I might be able to do it.”

  “Hellooo.” Chloe and Veronica opened the door. “We’re here.” Chloe walked into the kitchen, and stopped. “What’s going on? We came at the wrong time, didn’t we?” She backed away.

  Amanda pushed Jake away this time and walked to her friends. “No. Come back. We’re fine.”

  Jake swiped his hand through his hair and then put on a fake smile. “Hi, ladies.”

  Veronica glanced in the direction of the kitchen. “I’d say you were more than fine. We’ll just leave you alone to ...” She waved her hand in the air. “You know, to finish what you were doing.” Veronica pulled Chloe who stood with a smile on her face.

  “It’s okay.” Amanda glared at Jake and followed her friends to the living area. “We are done here.”

  What the hell did that mean? He wasn’t done yet.

  Chloe batted her lashes. “Good to see you again, Jake. Amanda told us so much about you.”

  “Really? All good things I hope.” He looked at Amanda. Her mouth shut and her hands were on her hips. She was gorgeous when she was mad. He smiled helplessly. “God knows she wouldn’t tell you anything good right now.”

  “Well, it’s Thanksgiving. Let’s be thankful we’re here together.” Chloe took off her jacket and handed it to Veronica, who shrugged and threw it on the couch. Chloe walked past Amanda into the kitchen. “Smells good.”

  Jake returned to the scene of the crime and stared at Amanda. “I am thankful.” He grasped a loose strand of her hair. “And I’m sorry.” He looked down at her, smiled and lifted his eyebrows.

  He knew she forgave him by the smile she returned. Jake turned her body around by her shoulders, pressed her back to his chest and rested his chin on top of her head. “Let’s go fix up the rest of the dinner.”

  They walked together to the kitchen, with unanswered questions in his mind.

  *****

  With hands in the air, Mandy told a story abou
t her mom’s notorious holiday cookbook. “She wrote down every recipe for the traditional Thanksgiving meal – including instructions for opening a can of Cranberry.”

  Veronica frowned. “That’s a bit overboard.”

  Amanda laughed. “Exactly. She had to make sure I get it all right this time. I should’ve never told her I messed up the stuffing last year.”

  Jake wiped his mouth on a napkin and stood. “Well, it was delicious Mandy, with or without your mom’s help.” He picked up the pie on the side table.

  Chloe smiled as he handed her a piece. “Wow, handsome and can bake, too.”

  “I slaved the long lines at Magnolia Bakery. You should’ve seen me. I had to push an old granny out of the way for the last one.”

  Veronica laughed and held her hand up when he tried to serve her a slice. “None for me. I have to meet Diego.”

  “So, it’s getting serious?” Chloe asked as she took a bite.

  She shrugged as she stood. “We’re taking it one step at a time.”

  Amanda straightened and cocked her head in Jake’s direction. “That’s usually what people do when they start a relationship.”

  He jerked his head at Amanda and breathed deep when she smirked.

  Chloe scooted her chair out. “I’ve got to go, too. Jeff promised me a massage after working the parade all day.”

  “We can leave together.” Veronica walked to the coat hanger and got their jackets. “Come on, I don’t want to be late.”

  “Okay. Hold on to your knickers.” Chloe took one more bite of the pie, pushed her chair in and took the plate to the sink. “I’ll clean when I get back, Amanda, I promise.”

  Amanda lifted a single eyebrow.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll help her.” Jake downed his last bite.

  “You two have fun.” Chloe winked and Veronica pulled her out the door.

  “So, you up to having fun?” He leaned over the chair frame with his elbows resting on the frame.

  She studied him, stacking a few dessert plates. “The only fun we’re having is to clean all these disgusting dishes.” She walked toward the kitchen.

  “Oh, dirty talk. I like it.” When she turned around with a frown, he held up his hands up in defense. “Just kidding.”

  She bounced a foot and asked, “Are you really? I don’t know with you, Jake. One minute I think you’re serious and the next you’re laughing it off.”

  He strode to her and lifted her chin. “I was serious earlier in the kitchen. I meant it when I said I could do this.”

  She bit her lip. “But, if we did anything...” She pointed in between them, making a fork clatter against the plate she held. “We’d pretty much destroy our friendship. You told me you don’t do commitment. I’m not ready for that either. I don’t want to lose you now that we’ve found each other again.”

  He held her face in his hands. “I don’t want to lose you either, but I’m having a hard time keeping my hands to myself when I’m around you.”

  “You don’t have any self-control, then?”

  He laughed. “I’ve had self-control all night. If I didn’t, you’d already be naked in your bedroom by now.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Men.” She turned on her heel and strode to the kitchen. “If I can do it, so can you.”

  He followed behind her with dirty dishes. “You don’t even know what I can do.” His wicked grin flashed at her.

  She stopped at the sink to look at him and crossed her arms across her chest.

  “Okay. I’ll shut up. When you’re ready, let me know.” He held up one palm to stop her glaring.

  “What if I’m never ready?”

  “Baby, you just wait and see.” He picked up a towel and exchanged a smile with her, then shook his head. “You wash, I’ll dry.”

  When the last plate hit the cabinet, Jake looked at his watch. “Wait a minute.” He tugged her hand and led her to the living room. “It’s time for the big game.”

  “What big game?”

  He found the remote control and turned on the television. “The Cowboys and the Patriots. You can’t miss this.”

  “You don’t have any friends to watch the game with?” she asked.

  “I’d rather sit right here next to you.” He patted the sofa. “Do you mind?”

  She shrugged and sat down next to him, moving the remote to the coffee table.

  He stretched his legs and flung his arm against the back of the couch, not waiting for her answer. “You look exhausted. Why don’t you come closer?”

  Amanda hesitated a moment and then scooted against his body. He looked down at her and smiled. It was very domestic of him. He could do this, and like it at the same time. Soon, her body softened and she snuggled against him.

  It was hard to concentrate with Amanda asleep in his lap. He enjoyed the moment, watching her lie there as if she belonged, as if every soft, voluptuous curve was his. What surprised him most was the fact that he never had this overwhelming need to be with a woman. He didn’t know how to react.

  He meant it when he told her he could move past his issues. For some reason, she made him feel different. Even though they’d only been together a few times since meeting up again, she pulled out a desire in him to want moments like this. Moments of being with a woman and enjoying each other.

  What he liked best was the fact that Amanda knew him – the real him. He didn’t have to put on a show around her and try to impress her. And seeing Amanda on his lap, he had to wonder what a commitment would be like, with her.

  He raked his hand through his hair and sat up straighter. Shit. The gut-wrenching recognition of wanting – needing a woman, and not just any woman, but Mandy – scared the shit out of him. Was he capable of giving her what she needed? Usually inexperience wasn’t in his dictionary, but when it came to this, he had no clue.

  There was no doubt he had feelings for her. What direction should he take with Amanda to convince her to risk her heart on him? He knew it was a huge risk to take. She deserved someone who knew how to take care of a woman. He had no experience in that department. He was ashamed to admit it, but she was right. Damn, she tore him up.

  He stroked her hair and squirmed in his seat with the sad realization. At the same time, she stirred and turned her head toward his stomach. The hairs stood on the back of his neck.

  He had it bad.

  If he leaned down, and felt her soft lips on his, he could imagine her reaction, similar to the night when she was in high school. He remembered how she wanted his kiss, and how she moved to his touch. If only she had let him kiss her earlier. Maybe that would have awakened her desire to try something with him.

  The door opened, and Chloe stepped in and smiled, “Still here?”

  He shifted his weight, trying not to wake Amanda. “The game just finished. I’m leaving.” He looked down at Amanda one last time and wriggled out from under her. “I guess I’ll leave Sleeping Beauty on the couch.” He pulled the throw-blanket on top of her.

  “If she doesn’t get up soon, I’ll wake her.” Chloe hugged him. “Goodnight.” Then she walked away to the kitchen.

  As he put his jacket on, Amanda stirred and woke up. “You’re going?” The hoarseness in Amanda’s voice shot Jake’s pulse up.

  “Oh, hey.” He patted his jacket pocket to check for his cell phone. “Time to go.”

  “What happened with the game?” Amanda strode over to him with disheveled hair and sleepy eyes. She was so damn sexy without even trying.

  When she stopped in front of him, he smiled. “Cowboys won.”

  She bit her lip. “I guess that’s good, right?”

  His eyes roved and appraised her. “Out of the two teams, yeah, it’s good.” He pointed at her chest and raised an eyebrow. “You have a button undone.”

  A blush spread across her cheeks. “Oops.” When she reached up to button it, he grabbed her wrist to stop her.

  He captured her eyes with his. “You don’t have to do that.” He rubbed his thumb in circle
s across her wrist and brought her hand down. His finger rose to her neck and gently drew a line down from her chin to the opening of her shirt.

  Her lids lowered over her eyes and a gasp escaped from her lips.

  He leaned over her and breathed softly. “Thanks again for tonight.” He planted a soft kiss on her lips, reveling in the taste of her mouth. She didn’t protest, which was a good sign, and she moaned instead. Before he got carried away, Jake broke the kiss, lifted his head and bit his lip, hoping she enjoyed it as much as he did.

  Her eyes fluttered and he smiled. She liked it.

  He caressed her bottom lip with his thumb. “Have a good night, Mandy.” Leaving her apartment quicker than a fumble in a football game, the smile wouldn’t leave Jake’s face, because he knew he wanted more of his Little Squirt. And this time he didn’t doubt she wanted him, too.

  *****

  “Well, I’ll be.” Amanda touched her lips and leaned on the door. That was not a friendly goodbye kiss. That kiss made a woman weak in the knees. She slid down the door.

  She closed her eyes and tried to piece together all her thoughts. She cared about Jake and wanted him in her life, but she wasn’t sure how. With kisses like that, it would be easy to picture them together in compromising positions. But she didn’t do the casual relationship. Plus, Jake outright told her that he didn’t do relationships, period.

  Those looks and touches throughout dinner confused her more. He definitely wanted something more than just friends. It was impossible, because she wasn’t willing to share. Jake would never settle for one woman, especially not her, and especially when he’d made it clear he wasn’t the commitment type.

  Chloe walked by carrying a slice of pie. “Why are you on the floor?”

  Amanda opened her eyes. “Jake just kissed me.”

  Her eyes widened. “And you guys were rolling on the floor or something?”

  She smiled. “No. I’m just thinking about the kiss, and Jake.”

  “That good, huh? Grab a piece of pie and give me the scoop.” She held up her own plate. “I’ll meet you at our regular spot.” Chloe referred to the window with a view. They often sat there and stared at the passersby or the moon at night.