by Karen Booth
Jenna woke the next morning to a slightly less sore throat and a note on the pillow next to hers.
J,
I’ve gone to the studio. I phoned Natalie and let her know you wouldn’t be in today. She said to call later. Can you do the same for me so I know you’re OK? Think about what you want me to pick up on my way home tonight. Movies? Candy? Me wrapped in a bow? Just kidding about that last one. I look terrible in a bow. Hope you’re feeling better.
T
She glanced at the clock—10:15. She snuggled up with the comforter, wishing she weren’t so congested so she could smell him on the sheets. She dragged her phone across the bedside table and pressed the speed dial for Natalie.
“I told you. You’re sick,” she said when she picked up.
“Tim said he called you.” Jenna covered the receiver and tried to quiet a cough.
“He did. He’s so sweet. What guy calls in sick for his girlfriend?” There was a rustle on Natalie’s end of the line and the ring of the cash register. “You sound awful, by the way.”
Girlfriend? Am I his girlfriend now? The thought made her insides squirm with delight. “Gee, thanks. I feel a tiny bit better, if you can believe it.”
“Can I bring you something? Please tell me that bitch roommate of yours is behaving.”
Jenna tried to sit up, but felt lightheaded and slumped down further in the bed. “I’m staying at Tim’s. He rescued me from Rachel and her obnoxious friends.”
“Some people might start to think a certain young Brit is smitten with you.”
She grinned wide, even thought it hurt her chapped lips. “He brought me soup and DVDs too.”
“Wow. Have you ever had a guy be this nice to you? Ever?”
Jenna smiled to herself and curled into a ball on her side. “Not even close.”
She called Tim after hanging up with Natalie, but got his voicemail and decided to send him a text since it was hard to speak for more than five seconds without coughing.
I’m alive. Feeling a little better. Thanks for calling Nat for me. So sweet of u. Movie sounds good. Candy sounds better. Bow sounds the best. ;)
She got up to go to the bathroom and fill her water glass and noticed Tim’s passport on the kitchen table. She felt bad about snooping, but she was curious about his picture. Jenna flipped to the inside—his hair was spikier and looked to have blond tips but he was just as handsome, with a smile that made her feel as if she needed to fan herself. She glanced at his vital info. Name, Timothy Wentworth, Date of Birth, October 20, 1983. His birthday is in less than a week. I bet he wasn’t even going to tell me.
By the next day, Jenna was starting to feel like herself again. She got her phone out the minute Tim left for the studio and sent a text to Gavin. She’d swiped his number from Tim’s cell the night before while he was in the bathroom.
Hi, Gavin. This is Tim’s friend, Jenna. I noticed his birthday is in a few days. Any advice on planning something for him?
To her surprise, her phone rang within seconds of sending the message.
“Jenna, hello. It’s Gavin. I’m delighted to hear from you.”
She curled up on the couch in Tim’s living room under a quilt. “I hope this isn’t weird. Me sending you a text.”
“Don’t be silly. I feel like I already know you. Tim talks about you constantly.”
She felt her face turn hot. “I feel like I know you too. He tells me all kinds of stories.”
“Well, don’t believe half of them. Tim loves to stretch the truth, among other things.”
Jenna had taken a big drink of water to prevent a coughing fit and nearly sprayed it across the room.
“Now tell me what you’re thinking about doing and we’ll see how I can help,” Gavin continued. “I hope you have a pen handy.”
Twenty minutes later, Jenna had two pages full of scribbled notes about Tim and his birthday. Gavin would email recipes for a few specialties from his restaurant, including a pasta that he said would make Tim orgasmic. Tim had mentioned to Gavin that he loved the chocolate cake at One If By Land and Gavin was sure she could order one for the occasion.
“One more thing,” he said. “Tim’s sister, Janey, told me she’s sending a tin of his favorite homemade biscuits. Those should arrive any day.”
“Gavin, thank you so much. This is amazing. I hope I can pull off the big surprise.”
“Oh, please. It was a pleasure, my dear. This makes me so happy, I can’t stand it. Call any time you like.”
Jenna smiled. “Okay, I will.”
“Tell me. Do you have anything else special planned?” The mischievous tone in his voice made her blush for what felt like the fiftieth time.
“Can you keep a secret?”
“Are you kidding? Did Tim not mention that I’m gay?”
* * * * *
Jenna had asked Tim if she could have his spare key for the day. Something about how she’d get to his place before him. He gave it to her without much thought then later realized he’d never given a woman the key to his flat before. He had to admit he rather liked the idea of knowing she’d be waiting for him when he got home.
Tim was a few blocks from home when Gavin called. “Happy birthday!” he sang, terribly off-key. It was just enough to make Tim feel slightly homesick. For the past several years, birthday dinners had consisted of drinks and appies at Gavin’s restaurant followed by heaping bowls of salad and pasta and some sort of decadent chocolate cake. Considering Friday had become pierogie night for Tim and Jenna, he didn’t imagine any of the tradition would carry over. He hadn’t even told Jenna it was his birthday.
“Big plans for your night?” Gavin asked.
“Nope. Think we’ll hit the local diner and then head home and watch a movie.”
“And you’re okay with that?”
“Sure.”
“All right then. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.”
Tim hung up and tore up the stairs to his apartment. The hallway smelled wonderful, the scent of grilling meats and savory sauces filled the air. For a moment he felt melancholy, wishing for his traditional birthday meal. He keyed into the apartment and realized the delicious aromas were emanating from his kitchen.
Jenna was wrapped in a black chef’s apron and had several pots simmering on the stove. There was a tray of cheeses and smoked meats set out on the kitchen table. Wine was open next to two tall glasses.
Jenna stood at the sink, looking incredibly sexy in sky-high heels and a barely there dress, rinsing spinach leaves in a colander. “What are you up to?” He walked up behind her and placed his hands on her hips, bending forward to kiss the base of her neck.
“Don’t distract me, I’m hard at work preparing an important birthday dinner for this handsome Brit I know.”
“Well, he better not be better looking than me or I’ll have to ask him to leave.”
Jenna turned in his arms and sank her damp fingers into his hair. He brushed his lips against hers and she immediately deepened the kiss. Her tongue tasted tangy and sweet, like fresh raspberries.
She slid her cheek against his and pulled him into a hug. “Happy birthday.”
“It is now.” He pressed into her, bending his knees so he could align himself better with the tantalizing curves between her legs. “Though technically it’s not until tomorrow.”
“I know.” She kissed his nose. “I’m allowing you a two-day celebration to account for the time change. It’s already your birthday in London.”
He glanced at the clock above the stove and chuckled. “So it is. Speaking of which, how’d you know about my birthday at all?”
She ran her hand along his shirt collar, making it difficult for him to do anything other than rub against her. “I snuck a peek at your passport photo the other day and I saw the date.”
He caught sight of the crumbled blue cheese and balsamic vinegar, and the pot of simmering vodka sauce. “And how did you find out my favorite meal?”
An impish grin tugged at
her full pink lips. “I texted Gavin. I hope you’re not mad.”
“Hardly. That’s incredibly sweet. Not to mention clever.” He ran his hands up and down her back, touched that she’d go through so much trouble to try to make him happy. “I imagine Gavin was thrilled. He loves to be consulted on, well, everything.”
She let out a breathy laugh. “He emailed me his recipes.”
“He must have really liked you. He won’t give those to anyone.”
“I’m thinking he really likes you. He was willing to do anything to make sure you had a good birthday. Oh, and he told me you needed to have one of these.” She leaned over and grabbed a paper bag from the counter. “He said you’d hate it and love it at the same time, but that you had to wear it and I’m required to send photographic proof.” Her smile broadened as she extracted a conical paper hat.
Laughter erupted out of Tim. “Too much. And he’s right, bloody bastard.”
They ate at the kitchen table by candlelight. Course after course, each taste more intoxicating than the one before, but none as desirable as Jenna. Tim had to stop himself from sweeping her into his arms and carrying her to the bed. Even the sight of her twirling pasta on to her fork was mesmerizing. The flickering glow of the candles danced on the tangle of silver bracelets on her arm. He ran his finger over them. “Are all of these your designs?”
“Mmmhmmm.” She sucked a long strand of spaghetti into her mouth, flicking her tongue across her lips.
Tim’s cock twitched in reply. “They’re lovely.” He ran his thumb beneath them, feeling the quickening beat of her pulse as he stroked her silky wrist. “You’re lovely.”
He could see her blushing even in the dim light and he could no longer keep from kissing her. Her mouth was warm and slick beneath his, causing his heart to beat even faster. He cupped the back of her head and slowly rose, drawing them both into a standing position.
Jenna leaned her hips into his and he couldn’t wait anymore. His fingers tugged at the tie at the back of her neck and he felt the front of her dress fall away. She wore no bra, and her firm nipples grazed against him though his shirt. He ran his hands up her rib cage, feeling goose bumps spring up across his arms. “You are the sexiest woman I’ve ever known.”
She smiled and turned her head away, looking shy and lovelier than he’d ever seen her. The golden streaks in her hair were illuminated by the flickering light, her alabaster skin shimmered. He had to have her. Now.
He scooped her into his arms, carrying her across the kitchen and into the bedroom. It wasn’t until he’d placed her on the bed that he noticed there were candles lit in here as well as in the lounge. The entire apartment was glowing, but nothing more than Jenna.
He slipped the dress over her hips, delighted to find that she wore nothing underneath. The incessant beating in his cock was becoming more than he could bear. Jenna’s fingers were already busy undoing his buttons, first his shirt, then the button fly of his jeans. Once he was free of all confines, he returned to kissing her. He craved the velvety softness of her skin, the taste of her tongue, all of her.
The responsiveness of her body still overwhelmed him. He caressed her back, stopping to cup her bottom, and she bowed against him. He could feel her wetness against his thigh, warm and ready.
Tim reached toward the nightstand, blindly groping for the drawer handle, but Jenna stopped him. Her soft voice was warm against his ear. “Here.” She pressed a condom into his hand.
“Where did you get that?”
A throaty giggle escaped her. “I tucked a few under the pillow. Just in case.”
“Clever girl. Always thinking.”
“Always thinking about you.” Her hand closed around his cock as she lightly stroked from base to tip, her fingers teasing.
I love you. He almost said it but the words caught in his throat. He’d never said it to anyone besides family. His heart thudded unevenly in his chest. Jenna’s hand slithered against him again and his thoughts shifted back to the matter at hand. Condom.
He entered her, inching his way inside her until their bodies were flush against one another. Jenna shuddered beneath him and he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close and rolling them both onto their sides. He hitched her leg up over his hip, thrusting into her with slow, deliberate strokes, gauging the expression on her face. She gasped with each movement, her eyes flashing then fluttering shut.
Her breasts were full and firm against his chest and he bent his head to taste them. His tongue flicked against her puckered skin and he sucked gently, eliciting a chorus of sighs and moans. Jenna kissed the top of his head, her raspy breaths puffing into his hair, sending ripples of heat through his body.
Tim could sense that she was getting close. He steadied her with a firm hand to her lower back. She ground against him harder on each thrust, her breathing faster. He could feel her starting to shake, the vibrations shuddering through him. He steeled himself, keeping the rhythm steady as he raised his head to watch her. To his surprise she was looking right at him, her eyes intense and dark. The quivering of her body intensified.
“Come with me,” she whispered.
All resolve was lost. The pleasure he’d been trying to contain unfurled inside him as the rush of semen raced up his throbbing shaft. The sheer force drew a cry from deep within his chest as he pulsated inside her, the walls of her body gripping him with renewed strength as she called out.
His mouth found hers, their tongues twirling together, mimicking the dizzy swirls in his head. He was lost in a haze of contentment, unable to focus on anything other than the sensation of her touch. Out of nowhere the words returned. I love you. His heart drummed furiously as he held her tighter. Holy Christ. The revelation was swift and stunning. I’m in love.
Jenna lay breathing heavily in his arms, her fingers working through his hair, tracing lazy patterns against his scalp. Tim couldn’t do anything more than gaze at her, the contours of her cheeks, the swell of her lips, every part of her enticing. He closed his eyes, trying to gather his thoughts.
“Don’t fall asleep.” Jenna rubbed her fingers against his jaw. “There’s still cake.”
“You mean to tell me we’ve been having sex when we could have been eating cake?”
Jenna smacked his arm. “You’re so bad.”
He pulled her close. “That’s not what you said the other night…”
She let out an exasperated groan and climbed over him. “Here.” She tossed his shirt on to him, half covering his face.
“What? No naked cake eating?”
“That depends on what sort of birthday hat photos you had in mind for Gavin.”
“Oh, right. Shirt it is. That doesn’t preclude naked cake serving, does it?”
Chapter Seven
Jenna tried to be as quiet as possible, wanting Tim to wake to the heavenly smell of breakfast. Bacon sizzled away in the oven while eggs fried on the stovetop. The bubble and squeak, a hash of cabbage and potatoes, was crisp and ready to go. Water was on for English breakfast tea and bread sat in the toaster for a last minute warming. She’d skipped the traditional sliced tomato now that Gavin had told her Tim hated them.
“What in the world are you doing?” he asked, shuffling into the kitchen in his pale blue boxer shorts, rubbing at his eyes. His chest was bare, his hair flopping in every direction and smashed flat on one side. Jenna felt a flutter in her chest. She would have marched him right back to bed if they didn’t have a tight schedule.
“I’m making you a birthday breakfast.”
He pulled her into an embrace and she set her head against his chest.
“You’re unbelievable.” He leaned down to smell what was cooking. “Just like my mum makes. The full monty.”
Jenna giggled. “I thought that meant naked.”
“Maybe to dirty-minded Americans. At home, it also means a big breakfast. But if you want to cook while you go full monty, I’d love to see that.”
Jenna scrunched up her face. “I don’t wan
t to risk an unfortunate grease splatter.”
“Always so practical, aren’t you?” He scratched his stomach. “Suppose I should wear clothes, huh?”
Jenna grinned. “While you’re in there, pack an overnight bag. I have another surprise for you.”
Tim peppered Jenna with questions throughout breakfast. “Where are you taking me?” He stole another piece of her bacon, his fifth or sixth slice at last count. “Why are you being so secretive? Are you kidnapping me?”
“I’m sorry. Did you say something?” She smiled. “Eat faster. We need to leave in a few minutes.”
“What if I don’t want to hurry?” He sat back in his seat.
“If you want to see me naked later, you’ll do whatever I say.”
He smirked. “Yes ma’am.”
They rushed to Penn Station and hopped aboard the Long Island Rail Road with minutes to spare. Hunting down a pair of seats at the back of one of the cars, they stowed his duffle bag in the luggage rack above and Jenna kept her messenger bag on her lap. Tim put his arm around her as the train made its crawl through the station and she cozied up next to him, inhaling his scent and wanting to pinch herself over how well everything was going.
“Are you going to tell me anything?” he mumbled into the top of her head. “This train says Babylon Station. That means nothing to me.”
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
They changed trains at Babylon, bound for the Bay Shore station, but Tim had stopped asking questions, seeming much more interested in holding hands and nuzzling Jenna’s neck. From Bay Shore, they took the ferry to Fire Island and were back on land twenty minutes later.
Jenna consulted some directions she’d scribbled on a piece of paper. She pointed to the left once they reached the end of the long wood pier as the last of the passengers dispersed. “This way. Natalie said it’s only a five minute walk.”
