“Oh Lord, Jack, stop. Please, please stop. I...I can't do this. Jack please.”
Jack watcher her trembling almost uncontrollably. She was really frightened. Damn! He couldn’t do this. What the hell had happened to her to make her so afraid? He put his arms around her, rocking her gently.
“Shhhush, Lexy baby, it’s okay. Don’t be afraid. I’ll protect you. I won’t hurt you. Ever.” He pulled her dress back up. She was shaking like a leaf.
What was going on here? This was not normal. As far as he knew, Lexy had never been afraid of anything.
Lexy relaxed as Jack stroked her hair, holding her head against his chest. In a low muffled voice, “I’m sorry Jack. I...I just can’t. Right now.”
Geez she was fragile. All the more reason to protect her. No. Forget it, Wyatt. Jack closed his eyes and willed the flame within to extinguish. Straightening her dress into place, he placed a celibate kiss on the top of her head.
“It’s all right, angel. Get a good night’s sleep, Lexy. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Angel. He had to stop saying that. What the hell! No heaven. In his arms.
“Jack?” Raising her head, Lexy looked at him, endless questions in her hazy blue eyes.
“Mmmmm.”
“You aren’t angry with me?”
“No. I want you, but I can wait. You’ll know when you’re ready Lexy.”
“You...You’re not angry with me...really?”
“Nope. Got to go honey. See you in the morning.” Before he forgot his promise.
“Jack. I...I’ll see you tomorrow.” Lexy followed him to the door.
Turning, he gave her that smoldering, seductive smile she’d memorized over the years. Reaching out, he touched her cheek. Then softly, “Don’t worry Lexy. I’ll still be here tomorrow. You can come with me on the set if you like. The band has a retake to do. Might be fun for you.”
“Oh Jack, that sounds great. I’d love to go.”
“Good. Pick you up at eight.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Good night Lexy.”
Closing her door behind him, he swore softly to himself as he returned to his own suite. Something was happening to him with her, again. Was it good? Bad? Wonderful? Lousy? Jack wished to God he knew.
Sleep. That’s what he needed. He would know what to do tomorrow. A sweet, angelic voice from long ago invaded his memory again.
As he stripped off his clothes and fell into bed, the taste of her skin came back to haunt him. As if her scent of lilacs had ever left. It was going to be a long night.
Ten
The park bench near the monkey bars had long been a favorite meeting place for everyone from kids to young lovers to old acquaintances. A weeping willow draped it ancient branches over the bench that had been repainted several times over the years. The old tree was considered a guardian of whoever sat beneath it’s feathery whips gently caressing the visitors on it’s pew. The monkey bars were several feet away rooted firmly in waves of sand that came up to the winding sidewalk that separated the old tree and itself. Many a parent and young babysitter had spent time under the tree watching their charges play endlessly on the bars.
Jack stood up abruptly as Lexy came strolling into view around the corner of the elementary building. They waved to each other in greeting as she approached. He took her hand in his as they sat down together. Jack thought to himself how unassumingly beautiful she looked with her wind-blown hair surrounding a flushed face.
“I’m sorry that I’m late. Mr. Franks stopped me about a paper I’m doing for Advanced English. I had to talk to him for a few minutes. He’s my advisor for college also.” Lexy tried to catch her breath. She’d run from the building and had slowed down just before coming around the corner so Jack wouldn’t think she was too eager.
“It’s ok. Just got here myself.” The boy cleared his throat. “I was wondering if I could take you out this Saturday night. Ya know, to the movies, like a real date. I could come and pick you up around 7:00 or so, that is if you think it would be ok with your parents.”
“I guess it would be ok Jack. My parents are pretty cool. They don’t usually have anything to say about who I date. They probably won’t be around anyway. Usually they are with their friends at the country club for dinner on Saturdays, so they don’t pay much attention to what I’m doing.” She didn’t mention the fact that her parents and the Kanes were best friends and they probably would mind if it wasn’t Tom. Her mom and dad had both been after her to mend fences with “Tommy”. There was a lot about him they just didn’t know, and wouldn’t believe her if she told them. Lexy had kept many things to herself, even from her friends. And she worried about Jack. She was really falling for him and didn’t want to see him get hurt because of her.
“Hey, Lex, if you aren’t cool with me picking you up at your house I totally understand. We can meet again if you feel it would be better.”
“Jack, I don’t want you to think I don’t want to be seen with you. Kids at school already know we...we are friends.”
“Ya know what. How about if I meet you here and we’ll walk. It’s not that far and I just remembered I have to do an errand for my aunt about 6:30, so I could meet you here.”
“I guess that’s ok. Alright. Let’s meet here and we’ll go from there.”
“Sounds good. I’ll meet you here then around 7:00. Don’t leave if I’m not here right away cause I don’t know how long this thing for my aunt will take. Wait for me please?”
“You know I will, Jack.” Someone in the distance was shouting her name. “I better go. I walk home with my friends and I’m sure they’re wondering where I am. I’ll see you tomorrow night then?”
“Be there. You better get goin’. We wouldn’t want the girls to think you were doing something, mmm, naughty.” Jack grinned at the flushed look that reappeared on her face.
Lexy smiled, aware of her red face and stuck out her tongue at him. As she turned and started to walk briskly toward the school Lexy heard him chuckle.
“You better be careful what you do with that tongue, missy. It just might end up somewhere you really like it.” Jack laughed loudly as the girl he was falling hard for just shook her head and kept on walking. No matter. Tomorrow night was his and he was going to make Lexy Latton his girl.
Eleven
Stepping out of the shower the next morning, Lexy quickly dried off, donning the big, furry bathrobe provided by the hotel. It made her feel so luxurious. There had been no sleep for her. No rest for the wicked. No! She wasn’t that way. She was a good person.
Yet, she couldn’t get the previous night with Jack off her mind. Wanting him, and having him actually touch her, were two different matters. Lexy shivered as she remembered his flammable kisses on her skin. His hands on her body. Willing, yet not ready. Not yet. Will I ever be ready? After what Tom... no. She wouldn’t think about that.
Pulling the brass chair stuffed with big brocade pillows up to the huge three-way lighted mirror, she sat down to comb out her unruly hair. The same hair he had made love to with his hands.
Plugging in her curling iron, Lexy started to blow-dry her hair. Head bent, she heard, or thought she heard a faint knocking. Turning the dryer off, she heard the knocking clearly, loud and persistent.
“Hold your horses, I’m coming. I’m coming.” Making sure that the robe was wrapped tightly around her so as not to expose herself, Lexy hesitated before answering.
“Who is it?”
“It’s me Jack. The guy from last night. Remember me? We have a date this morning.”
“Jack. I...” She hesitated, glancing at the clock. It was 7:30. “I didn’t expect you so early.”
“I thought we might catch some breakfast before we go. I don’t know how long we’ll be on the set. Usually there is food on the set, but not always. Besides, I want to explain some things to you before we go, so you’ll have an idea of what is going on. And...I...We...need to talk.”
She opened the door a crack. Standing there with his hands sho
ved in his pockets, Jack had a sweet, funny look on his face. Dressed in tight jeans, a chocolate colored sweater with the shirt underneath open at the collar, a dark leather bomber jacket and high-top sneakers, he looked like the boy she'd loved the first day she'd laid eyes on him. Her heart started palpitating so loudly Lexy figured he could hear it.
“Can I come in and wait?”
Opening the door, she motioned him in with a sweep of her hand. Jack walked in and sat down in one of the overstuffed chairs. Slouching in the chair, folding his arms across his chest, and his legs at the ankles, he stared at her. Lexy stood there, staring back.
Well, are you getting ready or not?”
“Uh, Sorry. I’m going right now.”
Spinning around, Lexy headed for the powder-room. And safety. If he would ask her now, looking like he did, she'd find it very hard to say no again. Leaning on the expansive sink area, Lexy fought to regain control of herself. Her hand slipped next to the curling iron and a major flash of pain bolted through her. She screamed. Within seconds Jack was there beside her.
“Oh damn! Damn!”
“What is it, Lexy. What’s the matter, honey?”
“I burned my hand on the curling iron. Oh damn, it hurts.”
Jack took her hand and turned the cold water on, forcing her hand under the cool, soothing stream.
“Just leave it there for a minute or so. It will feel much better.” He continued to hold her hand while putting his other arm around her waist to steady her. She grew stiff in his embrace. And her hand hurt like hell.
“I’m....I’m fine now, thanks. What a dumb thing to do.”
She didn’t want to tell him he was driving her to such a jittery distraction that she hadn’t been paying attention. Realizing Jack was still massaging her hand, still holding her, Lexy tried to draw away. Holding fast, turning her to face him, Jack slowly drew his mouth down to her injured hand. Brushing his lips against it lightly, he retreated slightly.
“Kissing it will make it better. Didn’t your mother tell you that when you were a little girl, Lexy?”
“Noooo.....”
Holding her injured hand, he pressed it to his mouth again, never releasing her. Her robe opened precariously, revealing the swell of her breasts.
“I...I...I don’t remember. Jack?”
“Mmmmm.” His other hand folded around the hair dryer. “Mind if I dry your hair for you, Lexy?” He breathed the words into her ear, caressing it like a hot, steamy wind. They might as well have been in a fiery, vaporous jungle instead of her bathroom.
Jack flicked the dryer on low. Her hair gently wavered as Lexy closed her eyes and inclined her head back. She sighed as the warm air enveloped her face like a mild summer breeze.
“Relax, honey. I’ll make the ache go away, Lexy. Trust me. Keep your eyes closed and just savor the moment. He murmured in her ear. “Trust me Lexy, sweetheart. I’m here for you.”
Lexy sighed, swaying her head from side to side. The warm air moved slowly from her face to her neck. Her robe rippled as the soothing rush of wind tickled her damp skin.
“Relax, Lexy angel, and just feel. I’ll make you feel good. So good. Does this feel good?” The soothing breeze and his hand on hers, gently kneading it, electrified her soul. The warm air flowed across her breasts, the amber buds puckering. Her robe had somehow loosened, exposing her lush figure to his hungry eyes. Jack had never wanted anyone like he wanted Lexy. But he could wait. Until she was ready. Until she said yes. Until she wanted him back without reservation.
“Is this what you like Lexy? Is this what you want angel, baby?” His soft whisper sounded far away, as though it was wafting on a swirling current of wind. "Ahhhh, Sexy Lexy, sexy angel."
She moaned in a barely audible tone and licked her parched lips. Lexy whispered softly. “Yes. Yes. Oh Jack. It feels...it feels...so good. So fine.” Her tongue traveled back and forth across her burning lips.
Jack thought he would die of lust. Control yourself man. Do it. The smooth hum of the dryer filled the room. Desire hung in the thick, dense air like a storm waiting to burst forth. His hand stroked her cheek and throat as the heated air drifted past her navel, causing a warm ripple against her soft, lush tangle of curls. She gasped in pleasure as the heated draft pierced her thighs like a knife through butter, curling up inside her parted legs.
The robe slipped to her waist, held only by the sash. Lexy steadied herself against the trestle. She felt Jack's body within a heartbeat of hers. Her soul cried out for his touch, yet the hot, steamy zephyr was the only thing that caressed her aching body, soothing it, loving it.
“I’ll protect you Lexy. I need you, want you. Let me make you whole again.” His voice was a whisper in the swirling torrent. Lost. She was lost. Where? Voiceless, her heart cried out for more. For him. For Jack.
Through the dream-like haze, she felt her robe being lifted gently around her shoulders. Lexy sighed with enormous pleasure as the warm air flowed around her face again. She felt her breasts straining against the furry robe. There was a slight dampness between her legs. Lips brushed the flaming skin on her face.
“Is the pain gone, Lexy?” Slowly the hum left the room. The soothing, healing flow of air was gone.
“No. No,” she moaned. “I mean yes. Yes, it’s gone.” She nearly collapsed in his arms.
“Open your eyes, angel.”
Her eyes focused slowly. His face was inches from hers. Their eyes met. Their hands touched. He held her gaze as her body ached to be one with his. His lips moved, whispered.
“I’ll take away all the pain you’ve ever known, Lexy. You won’t remember what it was like. When we make love, it will be so good for you.”
She raked her tongue over her desiccated lips. “I...I don’t know if...”
“Shhh... Lexy.” He tugged the lapels of her robe, drawing her body tight against his, her lips within a wisp of his. Lexy's lashes fluttered shut in anticipation of cool confronting heat, sizzling as they collided. He moved his mouth to her ear. “Get dressed, Lexy.”
Suddenly she was alone. She took a gulp of air. It seemed like it was the first time she had breathed in minutes. Her body was like a chocolate bar that had melted in the sun. She couldn’t understand what had just happened. There was a savage, startling, yet agonizing ache between her legs. Lexy felt like she’d been made love to for hours. Her head was spinning as she strove to come back to some semblance of awareness.
“Come on, Lexy. I don’t know about you, but I’m starved.” She jumped at the sound of his voice, all business now.
She pulled herself together quickly. “I’ll...I’ll be right out.” She dressed hastily in jeans, sweatshirt and sneakers, pulling her still slightly damp hair into a ponytail.
Jack was waiting in the main room of the suite. Lexy grabbed her jacket and turned to him. He gave her a rakish smile and took her hand. “That’s my girl. Come on now, Lexy, let’s go eat.”
As he pulled her through the door, she realized her hand didn’t hurt anymore.
They caught a quick cup of coffee and a roll in the small breakfast cafe next to the lobby before hopping into a waiting limo taking them to the studio. Jack held his arm around her shoulders lightly as she asked questions about the movie and the set. The tender lover she had known less than an hour ago was no where to be seen. He told her about the film and how things were going in a very casual tone.
“This video will be kind of a testimonial as I leave in a blaze of glory. I’m kinda proud of it. I wrote the music myself. If the video is a success, I could keep my finger in the pie, writing lyrics and music once in a while. That is, without having to leave my ranch. I could write there and never have to go to Nashville or Los Angeles, or anywhere, for that matter.”
“It sounds so perfect, Jack. I’m glad you will be able to do what you truly want to do. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone had that opportunity. You are so lucky. I bet you will have a monster hit on your hands. Your videos are always good.”
&
nbsp; “You really like them?”
"Oh, yes. I love them. I watch them all the time. Well, when I have some free time on my hands. Not that I really have a lot of extra time to spend watching your, uh, I mean, watching MTV." Lexy stared at her clasped hands, averting her gaze.
“Glad you like them.” He was really am glad she liked them. It would have bothered him greatly if she hadn’t liked his music.
Lexy was feeling a kind of uneasiness and tranquility concurrently. Unrequited love was the pits. Yet, he’d treated her with kindness and respect. Something she’d not known for quite some time with a man.
Twelve
The two giddy teenagers met at 7:00 as planned. Lexy was all decked out in the latest fashion, short hot pink skirt, off the shoulder stretchy top that certainly showed the sort curve of her ample breasts, and swinging dangle earrings that sparkled like her smile. Jack gave her an appreciative nod, leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.
“Mm mm, You are lookin’ hot baby.”
“I bet you say that to all the girls.” Lexy’s cheek burned where his lips had brushed, ever so slightly.
“Naw, just the cute ones. Just kidding, Lex. You are looking mighty fine, as usual.” He loved it when she blushed. It made her look even more innocent than he already guessed she was. He took her hand in his. “Let’s go or we’ll be late. Anything you want to see in particular?” They were headed toward the mall a few blocks away.
“Anything is ok as long as it doesn’t have a lot of blood and gore. It gives me nightmares.” Lexy remembered her parents not wanting her to go to those kinds of movies knowing how sensitive she was. On a sleep over at her best friend’s house when she was 12, they had sneaked out to see a horror film. It had taken her weeks before she could close her eyes at night. It was an experience she’d never forget...or repeat. It’s a good thing when one knows their limits.
Looking Out for Lexy Page 7
