She was shocked to feel a smile creep on her lips. Through all of the memories, it was funny to think of their first fight that almost split them up. Even knowing how everything had turned out, if she could do it over again, she would’ve followed him back to his house like she had that very night. She couldn’t imagine it playing out any differently. With both of them headstrong, it was the first of several fights, but none that ever pulled them apart. In fact, the fight within him was one of the many things she loved about Jack. He was passionate, he was stubborn, and he stopped at nothing to stand up for what he knew was right.
Damn it Jack – they broke the mold when they made you.
Chapter Six
“My baby graduates college today!” Jack stared at Alice as she slipped her robe on over her dress. The look on his face was pure admiration and pride, and she felt her cheeks heat up from his gaze. “Look at you. Miss smarty pants!” He stood behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist, kissing the back of her head.
“I can’t believe it’s already happening. I mean, I’m older than most people getting their undergraduate. It’s taken me longer than usual, but at the same time, it seems like it has flown by.” Her stomach did a back flip and she leaned into Jack to try and calm down.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are. You did it. Now you get to deal with tons of rascals running crazy in your classroom.”
“I’m just glad I found a job here. I don’t think I could handle moving away from you.” She had accepted a position with the elementary school in town just a few weeks before and would start in the middle of the semester. “Lucky for us, Mrs. Edwards had her baby and decided to not come back.”
Jack tightened his hug on her and kissed her neck. “I’m so damn proud of you, Babe. We should probably get going so we can get you to the arena an hour before. I told your parents I’d meet them so we can sit together.”
Alice arched her eyebrow. “Really. You’re gonna sit with them?”
“Is that okay?”
“Of course it’s okay!”
Releasing his hug, Alice instantly missed his warmth. “And believe it or not, my mom is coming too. She asked that we swing by and pick her up on the way. You cool with that?” They walked into the kitchen and he grabbed an apple. Shining it with his sleeve, he took a large bite. Her stomach was too tense to even consider having breakfast, and she was certain she’d regret it during the long ceremony.
“Your mom is coming?” Alice was shocked. “That’s a surprise.”
“A good one?” Jack asked, cocking his head to the side.
“Yeah, it is a good one. All this time and I figured she hated me. This means a lot, her going and all.”
Jack finished the apple and tossed the core into the trashcan. “Are you kidding me? She likes you, she’s just not good at saying it.” He glanced at his watch. “Let’s get going. You don’t wanna be late for your big day!”
They were silent as they made it to the arena. Jack parked the truck and walked her to the back entrance. “Thanks for coming today, Jack.”
Nudging her chin with his hand, he flashed the most gorgeous smile Alice had seen. “There’s no place else I’d rather be.”
“You thank your chief for me too. I know you guys have been shorthanded. It was nice of him to let you off for something like this.” She turned to walk in, but his hand grabbed hers, stopping her in her tracks. Turning on her heel, she grinned.
“It’s your college graduation. It’s a big deal, and don’t let anyone tell you different. I’m gonna go hunt my mom and your parents down. I’ll see you after, yeah?”
“Let’s meet right here.” Leaning in, she kissed him, quick at first, but it grew into a much deeper public display of affection that almost knocked her down. Pulling away, she felt her heart flutter like it was the first time they had done that. “Love you, Jack.”
“Love you, Alice.”
They placed all of the graduates in a cramped up part of the arena she had never seen. From the looks of it, it appeared like a place that the basketball team lifted weights. Sighing, she looked around the room at the sea of navy blue. There had to be about five hundred people. It was going to be a long ceremony. All she wanted to do was spend time with her family. Maybe walking the stage wasn’t such a good idea, but she heard Jack’s reminder echo in her head. It was important. Graduating from college was a big deal.
An overwhelming sense of happiness poured over her. She had people in her life that cared. Jack didn’t have to be here. They were just boyfriend and girlfriend. How many other guys would have done this for their girlfriend? And his mother? It was safe to say that the relationship was getting serious, and though it excited Alice, it also scared her. She only had a few serious relationships under her belt. None had ever played out how this one was going.
“You must be very excited about graduating.”
A girl sitting next to Alice broke her daydream. “Pardon me?”
Pointing, the girl replied, “You have a huge grin on your face. You must be very excited about today.”
“Oh.” Alice tapped her lips with her index finger. She didn’t even realize she was smiling. “Yeah, I guess I am. Still hard to believe.”
“Man, don’t I know. I should’ve been done a few years ago. I’m twenty-three. My parents said I took too long so I bet they’re even more relieved than I am.”
Alice felt her smile fade. Twenty-three? She was twenty-six. No, she couldn’t compare herself to the younger people graduating with her. Jack’s advice was right. She did it. Age was just a number.
Finally, they lined up to go out. So many emotions coursed through Alice. The graduation music from the band was loud as she passed by, and her heart thumped hard when she looked up to see Jack standing against the railings, waving down to her as she went by. Waving, he blew her a kiss. At that moment, she loved him more than she could even understand. Nodding up, she found her seat, feeling Jack’s stare burning into her. For some reason she knew that he wouldn’t take his eyes off of her until it was over.
Though it was a college graduation, it marked another milestone in their relationship. His support went a long way, and she’d never forget the love that grew at that very second.
***
Walking to the bedroom closet, Alice pushed the clothes aside, sifting to the back. She knew it was in there, but it had been years since she had looked at it. Toward the top, in a plastic garment bag, were her cap, gown, and stole. She really had no desire to keep any of it except the stole, but Jack had urged her to not get rid of them. The man was such a packrat, but suddenly, Alice was glad she had stored it. Pulling it down, she dusted it off and carried it to the bed. Laying it out, she ran her fingers across the silk. The navy blue had faded some, but the stole was gold and bright, just like the day she had worn it.
Lifting it off of the bed, she noticed a small, folded up note fall from inside the hat. It had Jack’s handwriting scribbled on it, and her heart skipped a beat. She sat on the edge of the bed and debated opening it. She had read it before, but just like with everything, she had forgotten about it. Could she handle it now? She believed in signs. Maybe this was another from him.
Unfolding it, she already felt the tears well up in the corners of her eyes.
Alice,
I know I’ve told you this one hundred times, and I’m sure I’ll tell you a million more – I’m so proud of you. You’re going to make a great teacher. All of your hard work is paying off. When I saw you walk across the stage today, my heart felt like it was going to burst. You’re my inspiration and my reason to plug away and keep pushing. You are behind every single decision that I make. I love you so much. Thank you for being a part of my life.
Love,
Jack
Alice stared at the note, rereading it several times before she folded it back up. She couldn’t remember ever sticking it inside the hat, but it served as the best place to put it. Sliding it back under the brim, the tears that gathered were no
w flowing again. Suddenly, of all days, Jack was sending her subtle hints.
For a man, he was good at writing notes. It was as if he couldn’t put things into words verbally, but if he had a pen and paper, he could write the most beautiful letters. Maybe they weren’t as great as Alice had imagined – love clouded her vision, but in the best ways. It got to the point where she looked forward to finding them.
What she’d give to receive another letter from him.
***
Alice’s graduation led to her first day of her career. Things were different now that she was working. With Jack busy with his job and her lesson plans, grading papers, and everything in between, there were days when they were lucky to get a phone call in. The nights she got to see him went fast, and she didn’t want to fall asleep so they’d have extra time together.
Staring at her coffee mug, her phone buzzed, startling her. She felt like she was dozing, and she still needed to get ready for work.
There was a short text from Jack – Good morning, Babe. Can I see you tonight?
Alice replied – Yes, I’d like that very much.
She waited a few seconds, sipping the warm drink, savoring the bold flavor. When had she started drinking such strong coffee?
Buzzing again, her phone screen lit up – It’s been too long. Have a good day. Can’t wait.
Walking to the bathroom, she took a long look at herself in the mirror. Was their relationship getting stale? She didn’t want to think about that. It was just a lull – couples went through that. If he were bored, would he ask to see her?
Shaking her head, she couldn’t believe herself. She didn’t need to become a worrier. They were going strong. The day was going to crawl by with anticipation.
***
As anticipated, the day seemed to take forever. Parking her car, Alice walked up the steps and onto his porch, his door opening before she even had a chance to knock. Jack pulled her in for a kiss, hindering her chance to say anything to him. He tasted minty and his aftershave was strong, but it wrapped around her like a security blanket. His hair was wet and his skin was smooth – fresh out of the shower. It was an instant turn on for her.
Stepping inside, Jack didn’t pull from the kiss until they found their way to the couch. “How was your day, Alice?”
“Not bad. Glad it’s Friday. Yours?”
“Worked a bad wreck and then a small chimney fire. Just got home, myself. It’s good to see you.”
Alice caressed his callused hand. Any doubts she had about their relationship growing stale seemed stupid now. By the way he couldn’t keep his hands off of her and the way her heart fluttered when he looked into her eyes proved it.
Facing her, he gripped her hand, his brow creased. “With all this time apart, it has me thinking.”
“Yeah?” Oh gosh, what was he going to say? Maybe she was right. Damn it, she had to stop second-guessing herself.
Biting his bottom lip, he took a pull off his beer. “I don’t want this to scare you, but what do you say about moving in together?”
Was she hearing him right? Did he just suggest moving in together? Talk about a huge step, but one that she was willing to take. “I like the idea, for sure.” Tucking her hair behind her ear, she did have a few hesitations. “I’m not sure what my parents would think of it. They’re pretty old fashioned about things.”
Jack nodded and stood up, grabbing his beer bottle. “I get it. You’re daddy’s little girl. I’m just thinking about it being practical, you know? I’m renting this place and you’re renting yours. We’d save money with one rent payment. And we’d get to see each other more often. I don’t know about you, but it’s hard to get by on phone calls. I need to hold you. I need you here.” He pointed his index finger down at the floor as a smoldering hunger flashed on his face.
Alice adored his pleading. He had good pros as to why they should do it. Staring up at him, she tried to hide her admiration. He wanted her here. This was his idea. That made it even more desirable.
“I think you’re right, Jack. We’re adults. My parents will get over it.” Standing up, she joined him by the window. “I’d be more than happy to move into this place with you.” There were cons to the suggestion too, but they didn’t outweigh the reasons Jack had mentioned.
“Yeah? You’re willing to do that?”
Alice shook her head yes. “And it’s perfect timing. My lease is almost up on my place.”
Cupping the back of her head, Jack kissed her forehead and down to her lips. She leaned into his body, as close as possible, but still not as close as she’d like to be. Jack’s hands trailed down her side, resting at the waistband of her pants. Ending the kiss, he smirked, his eyebrows dancing in the facetious way he flirted with her.
“Wanna take this to the bedroom?” He thrust his hips forward, and she felt the bulge in his jeans.
Alice’s hand moved from his neck, fanning down his chest, over his stomach, and finally resting between his legs. He was ready for her, and he let out a moan as she gently massaged him over the denim fabric. He rested his head on her forehead, his eyes closed as she stroked him, his breathing labored, his hands working wonders where she needed them.
“We better take care of this before I bust right through these pants,” Jack whispered, his green eyes now open, staring down into hers. The look on his face, with such passion and desire, made Alice melt. There was no way to resist him, even if she wanted to.
Halfway down the hallway, it hit her blindside. She was moving in with Jack. She had thought it so many times before – things couldn’t get any better and there was no way she could love the man more than she did right at that moment.
***
Alice thought about the old rent house that her and Jack had shared. It was their first place they called home together. She reminisced about the day she had announced to her parents that she would be living with him. To her surprise, they had taken it better than she had expected. Of course, she couldn’t dodge the lectures about how they were doing things in the wrong order, but it didn’t matter. Her parents knew how much she loved him, and when a love that strong was felt, there was no changing her mind about her decision.
Moving in with him was a good decision. She had learned things about him she never would’ve known otherwise. Some of his habits grated on her nerves – like the way he would leave wet washrags balled up in the corner of the shower. It was a constant battle to get him to throw them in the hamper. On the other end, he couldn’t stand the way she hogged the covers at night and left her fuzzy socks all over the house.
Walking into the bathroom, Alice slid the shower door open. Two washrags were in the bathtub, right in the very corner Jack always left them. It was funny how she had picked up the habit, maybe because she missed him. She wasn’t sure why she started doing it. All she knew was that she wished it was him that had left those. If it meant having him around again, he could leave as many damn towels where he wanted and she would have no problem with it.
Chapter Seven
“I’m working a double tonight, so I won’t be home until late. Probably after seven.” Jack hugged Alice from behind. Their bed was so warm that she didn’t want to think about getting out of it, but the mention of work pulled her from her light sleep. “One of the guys ended up with the flu so there’s no telling how many tours we’ll have to cover.”
Alice relaxed against him, glancing at the clock. It was five-thirty, which meant she didn’t have much more time in bed with him. “That’s nice of you to take his shift.”
He nipped at her neck and she shivered under his stubble. “We need the money and I’m sure he’d do it for me if the tables were turned.”
Closing her eyes, Alice began to doze, imagining a day where they could lounge around together with no commitments or responsibilities to get to. It was hard to believe they had been living together for over a month.
“You know, I was just thinking…” Jack muttered against her, his breath warm on her skin. “I wa
s thinking how our plan was to spend more time together when you moved in.”
“Yeah?” Alice didn’t open her eyes. It took most of her energy to even answer him.
“Seems the only time we have any chance together is in bed. And we’re both too tired to, you know…” His hand trailed down her leg. “We need a vacation from life.”
“A vacation,” she repeated. “What the hell does that word mean?”
“I’ll let you know when I find out.” Propping himself up on his elbow, he groaned when he saw the time. “Shit, I gotta get up. Fires to put out. Little helpless kittens to save from trees.”
Alice missed his warmth next to her. Sitting up, she turned the lamp on and admired him as he walked across the room in his boxers. She wanted to pull him back into bed and take complete advantage of him. What was it about him that was so damn sexy, even just out of bed in the morning? The way his dark hair stuck out in every direction drove her imagination wild. The way he squinted from the sudden brightness tugged at her heartstrings.
“What are you staring at?” Jack asked, glaring at her through one open eye, his face crinkled as he adjusted to the lamp.
“I was just thinking.”
“About?”
Shrugging, Alice pulled the covers up around her. “About how much fun I’d have with you on a vacation. Just think of all the things we could do.”
Arching his eyebrow, Jack shook his head and laughed. “Somehow I think you’re not meaning sight seeing, are you?”
“Depends. From my vantage point, the view is pretty damn good.”
Scoffing, Jack stared at her, his playful grin adorable. “You’re gonna have to stop that talk before you make me late for work, Alice.” Sitting on the edge of the bed, he dipped his head and kissed her. “Seriously, let’s consider a vacation. School is almost out for summer. I’ve got some time saved up. It’d do us both some good.”
Hers for a While Page 5
