by Jill Downey
“Yeah it is. It’s not where we grew up, that was inland, but I built this for mom and dad after I started making some serious cash.”
She felt an ache in her chest and brought his hand to her lips and kissed the back of it. “Jesse, that is so sweet.”
“It was nothing compared to what they did for us, raising four boys like they did and paying for and insisting that we all go to college.”
“That is impressive. Where are you in the birth order?”
“Third in line. We didn’t have much of a choice about college. Even if we didn’t know what the hell we were going to do when we grew up, we were going to get an education. Pops was adamant. He worked construction his whole life and provided for his family just fine, but he wanted us to have options.”
Faye squeezed his hand and said softly, “And you followed in his footsteps.”
“Yep. He taught me everything he knew. I worked for him every summer through high school and college. I tried but I knew I wasn’t cut out for an inside job sitting at a desk. I have to work with my hands. That’s just who I am.”
They walked inside with Jesse calling out, “Mom?”
“Coming!”
His mom came rushing out from the back of the house with a wide smile and a hug for her son. “Hi honey. I was doing laundry.” She turned to Faye, eyes dancing. “And you must be Faye. We’ve heard so much about you. It’s good to finally put a face to a name.”
“It’s so nice to meet you Mrs. Carlisle.” Faye held out her hand, but his mom ignored it and gave her a hug instead.
“I’m a hugger. I hope you don’t mind, and please call me Ruby. Mrs. Carlisle makes me feel old. Good lord and heaven forbid!” Her laughter was so free and infectious that Faye found herself laughing along, already half in love with Jesse’s mom. She could see why he was so special. It made her think of her own mother, so self-centered and always poised and in control. More concerned with how she looked than how others felt in her presence, just the opposite of Ruby.
“I’d be honored,” Faye said.
“How about a glass of sweet tea before you two go off on your date?”
“I’d love that,” Faye said.
“Great, Jesse darling, take your beautiful date on out to the porch and I’ll bring out the tea.”
“Are you sure we can’t help?” Faye asked.
Jesse snorted, “Don’t even try Faye. My mom will cut off your hands and feed them to the alligators if you lift a finger. That southern hospitality don’t ya know,” he said, as he exaggerated his southern drawl for effect.
“Git you two!” Ruby swatted Jesse’s butt as she shooed them out the screen door.
“I love her!” Faye said the minute they sat down.
“I told you.”
“You’re so lucky. She is like the quintessential perfect mom.”
“I know, it doesn’t suck.”
Ruby joined them with a pitcher of iced tea and three glasses. “I’ll be right back.” She left then returned with a soft cooler which she placed by Jesse’s feet.
He grabbed the pitcher and poured their tea, his eyes twinkling as they met Faye’s. “Aren’t you curious about the cooler?”
“Yes.”
“That’s our lunch. Nobody can beat Mom’s cooking.”
“Isn’t that cheating?”
“Naw, I think it’s good common sense. If I want to impress a girl, it’s better to use every advantage I’ve got. And as you’ll soon find out, my mom’s picnic basket holds the key to your heart.”
“I never did say my son lacked skill in the bragging department. I hope you’re not disappointed in your lunch.”
“I’m sure I won’t be. Jesse does have a way with the words, Ruby. A real southern charmer.”
“Wait til you meet his dad. Now he has the true gift.”
“Where do y’all think I got it?” Jesse said downing the last of his tea. He stood up reaching for Faye’s hand. “Let’s go!”
“You two have a wonderful day and leave everything behind. Just enjoy each other and this beautiful weather.”
Faye impulsively hugged Ruby, her throat tight. She couldn’t imagine what it would have been like to grow up in such a normal household. “It was so great to meet you Ruby.”
“Don’t be a stranger. You’re welcome anytime with or without my son. Ya hear?”
Faye’s eyes glistened, and her chest felt tight as she held back her tears. She didn’t know why she suddenly felt like crying. “Thank you, Ruby. That means a lot to me.”
“Bye Mom. Thanks, love you.” Jesse gave her a big bear hug and practically pulled Faye out the door.
She quickly slipped her sunglasses back on to hide her emotions. Before they got onto the bike Jesse wrapped both arms around her and held her against his chest. He kissed the top of her head and said, “My mom really liked you.”
“I’m sure she likes everybody.”
“No, not when it comes to her babies. She’s a good judge of character, and she liked you.”
Faye sniffled, “I liked her too.”
“Are you crying?”
“No, I just got a little sentimental, that’s all. She made me feel special. I can certainly see why you turned out the way that you did.”
Jesse cupped his hand to his ear, “Tell me more about that, I’m all ears.”
“Kind, strong, steady, honest.”
She tilted her head to look up at him, then pushed his glasses to the top of his head to gaze into his eyes. “No matter what happens between us, I want you to know that I see you, Jesse Carlisle, and you are one of the most decent men I have ever met.”
He dipped down and pressed his lips against hers. Lingering but not deepening the kiss, he seemed to be waiting for her. She parted her lips and he slid his tongue inside. She grasped her hands behind his head and met his tongue thrust for thrust. He broke away first, running his hands roughly through his hair, he took a deep breath and said, “Let’s get out of here before I make a scene.”
She dissolved into laughter, her heart full. “Yes, let’s.”
He used a bungie cord to secure their lunch to the back of the bike and they took off.
15
An hour after they left Ruby, they were paddling their canoe down a lazy river. The current was slow which gave them plenty of opportunity to enjoy the protected wildlife refuge they were meandering through. The mammoth bald cypresses and rare white cedar trees provided some shade and the Spanish moss draping down made the rippling corridor seem mysterious… like the river held ancient secrets.
Jesse had taken his shirt off and was enjoying the warm sun on his back and the view in front of him, Faye in a bikini, her rounded bottom planted on the metal seat—didn’t get much better than this. Her long legs reminded him of a young colt, and her slim back was sexy indeed, shoulder blades defined and delicate, long spine leading to the curve of her hips. Desire coursed through him.
“Faye,” he said in a hushed tone. She turned, and Jesse held his fingers to his lips as he pointed up and to the left.
“Do you see that?”
“What?” She said as she scanned the treetops.
“That’s a bald-assed eagle!”
She squealed, “I see it!”
“And look on that log over there, see those turtles sunning themselves?”
She nodded her head excitedly, “And there’s a stork!”
He guffawed with laughter, “Honey girl, that’s a heron.”
“Quit laughing! It looks like a stork.”
He shook his head, still chuckling. “Keep your eyes open, we could see anything. Since we seem to have the river to ourselves, we have a good chance of spotting lots of wildlife.”
“Like what?”
“Snakes, beavers, deer, the occasional gator.”
“As in alligator?”
“Yep. And we could even see black bear.”
He dipped his paddle in leisurely pulling the oar back, the sound of the water splashing rip
ples onto the surface. The sun was warm, but the gentle breeze cooled at the same time. Time stood still…the sounds of nature, birds chattering, the trees rustling in the breeze, the warmth of the sun on their backs, only the two of them, everything serene and peaceful. He had stowed their clothes in a watertight satchel he’d brought along. After slathering sunscreen on each other, Jesse had stuck a Tilley hat on Faye’s head for added protection. He was fantasizing about how her hands had felt on his back and let out a slight groan…
She glanced back eyebrows raised above her dark glasses. “Everything all right?”
He grinned a little sheepishly, “Couldn’t be any better.”
“Thanks for all of this,” she said as she swept her arm wide.
“It’s humbling.”
“Yes, it is.”
“Did I tell you that you’re looking mighty hot in that bikini?”
“You don’t say. Did I tell you, that your ripped bod is driving me crazy?” Faye said.
He waggled his eyebrows comically. “No, you didn’t say. Are you hungry yet? I thought I’d look for a good spot to pull off and eat our lunch.”
“Anytime.”
“There.” A few minutes later he pointed to a large fallen tree trunk with a bit of muddy beach front to dock their canoe. He began to paddle harder.
“Stay in. I’ll jump out and pull the boat to shore.”
“I hate to say this, but I’ve got to pee,” Faye said.
“Tissues are in a plastic container and there’s a baggie for the waste.”
She smiled, “You’ve thought of everything. Be right back.”
He liked that she wasn’t fussy about peeing in nature. Some girls got all weird about not having a proper toilet. One more thing of many on his list of things that impressed him about her.
He pulled out the food from the cooler. Southern fried chicken, Mom’s famous potato salad and collard greens, his favorite. She’d also thrown in a couple of cookies for dessert. He was starving.
Faye returned and sat on the log, “Looks yummy.”
“Wait until you sink your teeth into it.”
“My mom doesn’t cook,” Faye said quietly.
“What?” he felt his eyes go wide with shock.
She shrugged, “No big deal. Sorry, I don’t know where that came from, it just popped out.”
He got real still as he watched a bunch of emotions flit across her face. It made him want to pull her into his arms and kiss away the pain he saw hiding just beneath the surface. She was a mystery, that was for sure. One that he intended to unveil. He wondered about the meaning behind her tattoos and what had made her fall. Was she flying yet?
Faye could have bit her tongue off after sharing that information about her mom. She didn’t want to spoil the day with her pathetic, poor little rich girl upbringing. It was hard not to compare though. She’d grown up with the finest chefs catering to their family’s every whim and yet she’d have traded it in a heartbeat for home cooked meals prepared with love.
Putting those thoughts aside, she took her first bite of chicken and almost had an orgasm. It was that good. “Oh my! You weren’t kidding, were you? Would it be too soon for me to propose?”
Busy chewing a big mouthful himself, he swallowed before answering, “Nope.”
“Nope what?” she asked already forgetting that seconds ago she had practically proposed.
“As long as you get down on one knee to do it. I’m kind of old fashioned that way.”
“Oh you.” Giggling, she reached out and pushed against his naked chest. Suddenly the air crackled between them. She unconsciously licked her lips and he groaned.
“Babe, you’re killing me. You have no idea what you do to me,” he said.
“Wanna bet?”
He caressed her cheek with his thumb then leaned in for a kiss. “Faye, you’ve got to promise to go easy on me. I’m in the palm of your hand.”
She smiled against his lips, “Good. That’s right where I want you.”
“Let’s finish lunch and head on in. Joe’s picking us up at the Fox Run trestle. We’re about a half hour out now. I’ll give him a call. After we pick up the bike, I want to show you my place and maybe we can watch the sunset and take in a little Netflix action.”
“Perfect.” She fiddled with the strap on her hat. “Jesse?”
“Yes?”
“When I’m with you, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. How do you do that? I’m not used to it. It kind of feels too good to be true.”
His throat tightened, and he grabbed her, pulling her roughly against him. He wanted to give her everything she’d ever wanted. Burying his lips in her hair he whispered, “You deserve nothing less, if anyone ever told you otherwise, they were the fools. You make it so damn easy.”
16
When they got back to Jesse’s, he gave her the grand tour, then set out some towels and shampoo so she could take a quick shower. While she was in the guest bath, he disappeared into his own room to clean up. She hadn’t brought any underwear and didn’t want to put her damp swimsuit back on, so she went commando. Her slacks were a wrinkled mess, but they were clean and dry. She toweled off her hair and left it loose. How could it be that, already, she couldn’t remember a time before Jesse was in her life?
She could hear Jesse singing and found him on the back deck waiting with a glass of wine poured for her. He was bare-chested, wearing only a pair of gray sweatpants that hung low on his hips. He took one look at her and his pupils dilated with heat… desire… and more… She knew it was about to get real and she wasn’t sorry.
He had put on some music and Brett Eldredge crooned a romantic country tune, Wanna Be That Song. Grabbing her hand, Jesse pulled her tightly against his chest. His hands wandered up and down her spine, finally drifting to rest in the small of her back. Swaying with the music, he sang softly in her ear. “I wanna be those words that fill you up… believe you’re right where you belong…”
Faye lost herself in a swirl of sensation so intense that she felt she might drown. Her body fit next to his like a missing puzzle piece. She wouldn’t have been able to tell where she ended and he began, if not for his desire pressing against her belly. How is it that she came to be in the arms of the sexiest guy she’d ever laid eyes on…and he was singing a song just for her…
The song ended and he dipped his head down and gave her a soft kiss in the hollow of her throat, then led her over to a chaise lounge. He sat down, pulling her with him. Snuggled between his thighs, she relaxed her back against his chest. He grabbed her glass of wine from the side table and handed it to her. She took a sip as he nibbled on her ear.
“That tickles.”
Jess whispered, “Faye, you take my breath away. I want to make love to you…but only if it’s what you want. If you’re not ready tell me now.”
She stilled. Her mind said too soon but her body overrode her sensibilities. She tipped her head back and he buried his face in her neck. His bulge pressed against her bottom and she wiggled against him.
Groaning he said, “Either you’re a sadist or that’s a yes.”
“Yes,” she whispered.
Jesse took her wine glass, then rolled them on their sides facing one another. He gripped her chin firmly, staring deeply into her eyes, as blue as any sapphires he’d ever seen. Her lips looked ripe for the pickin’ and he covered them with his own. She moaned as he slowly seduced her with his tongue. He plunged in and out, each thrust deeper… their tongues in a sensual dance together. He traced her lips then thrust inside again, filling her.
He groaned as he pulled her shirt up exposing her lovely breasts, the nipples a soft petal pink and fully erect. He latched on and suckled greedily.
When he pulled away, she begged “No! Don’t stop.”
Smiling he said, “You’ve got too many clothes on,” then pulled her top over her head tossing it aside, before skillfully returning to his ministrations. He squeezed a
nd massaged one breast, which filled his cupped palm perfectly, while nursing the other. She cradled his head to her chest to hold him there. Still latched onto her nipple, he glanced up and was satisfied to see her eyes glazed with desire.
He lifted his head and began to remove her slacks. He tantalized her by licking and nibbling slowly as he stripped her. His cock felt like it was going to explode. When he discovered that she was naked underneath her pants, he came close to losing control. Trailing kisses down her thighs, he reached her feet, and the slacks joined her discarded shirt.
He licked her inner thighs as he worked his way back up again, finally reaching her apex. She was wet and ready. He nuzzled her mound, his tongue flicking against her womanhood. He put his open mouth on the center of her heat, and she moaned and bucked, burying her fingers in his hair. He licked her, his tongue darting quickly, as she writhed beneath him. He pressed kisses until she cried out. As his mouth wandered up to her belly, he ran his tongue around her piercing before moving to the hollow of her throat.
Panting she said, “Jesse, please!”
“Tell me you want me,” he said, his voice low and husky.
“Yes, I want you, only you. I want to feel you inside of me... Please.”
He stood and pulled off his sweats, his cock springing out hard and ready. She stared hungrily then grasped him in her soft hand.
“Wait, I’ll be right back,” he said, breath ragged.
When he returned, he held a condom packet and passed it to her. She ripped it open with her teeth then pulled his hips toward her. He stood in front of her, his erection at her eye level. Before rolling the latex on she traced his length with her tongue; he jerked like he’d been shocked. She took him into her mouth and sucked. Her moist mouth tight around him felt incredible. “Babe, put the damn thing on before it’s too late.”
She rolled it over his hard shaft, then he pressed her onto her back. Crawling on top, he pushed her legs apart with his knees. He dipped his fingers into her moist center, testing to see if she was ready for him. Finding her wet he positioned himself over her. He pushed her legs up, then began to tease her mercilessly, pressing his tip against her then withdrawing. Each time he entered a little deeper until she was moaning with need.
