by Joachim Jean
“This is some car. Love to get under the hood.”
“Geez, first you want to get under my hood, now Nellie’s hood. You do get around.”
“Nellie? You’ve named the car?”
“Yup.”
“Getting under your hood. Haven’t heard that expression before.”
“Just made it up.”
“Of course, you’re a writer.” She shot a smile at him before turning her gaze back to the road.
Jake leaned back and rested his hand on her thigh. “Does it bother you if I do that?”
“Hell yeah, but I love it.” He laughed.
They arrived at the beach by two o’clock and tore into the lunch. After eating, Jake lay down on the blanket with his hands linked behind his head. Grace cozied up to him, cuddling into his side. He wrapped an arm around her. “Life out here is nice.”
“No snow.”
“Sure beats the ass-freezing winters in Willow Falls.”
She sat up and looked at him. “Ass-freezing?”
“Guess we can’t all be writers,” he chuckled.
“I like it here, too. Need to be here if I’m ever going to sell a script.”
“That’s tough. Probably harder than finding work acting.”
“Maybe it’s a tie.”
He leaned over and kissed her. “You look beautiful in the sun.” He held her face between his hands as he deepened the kiss. With her eyes closed, Grace could sense him moving closer, sliding on top of her. The pressure of his chest against hers lit her fire. She raised her legs, resting her feet flat on the blanket, giving him the opportunity to position himself between them, which he did. His hand covered her breast.
While the beach was almost empty, there were a few people around. Thank God we’re dressed, or he’d be inside me right now. As his tongue tangled with hers, Grace’s chest rose and fell in uneven breaths. She raised her hips slightly to meet his, causing him to moan. He lifted his head to stare into her eyes. His erection nudged her through their jeans. The heat of his stare made her want him.
“We’d better go,” he said in a hoarse voice as he pushed up on his hands.
Damn! What were you going to do, strip and do him on the beach? Don’t think so.
“Right. Go.” She waited until he’d abandoned his position before she straightened her T-shirt and brushed her locks.
“Can’t keep my hands off you,” he muttered, gathering up the trash from lunch.
Gracie packed up the leftover food and put the top back on the thermos of lemonade. Can’t keep my hands off him, either. Within fifteen minutes, they were back in the car heading to Cara’s house. Grace let Jake drive. It was obvious he was enjoying it, as he commented on several aspects of the vehicle with admiration. He took her hand and rested it on his thigh while she sat back and let the wind play with her hair.
A deep feeling of contentment washed over her. Being with Jake instilled a sense of security in Grace. It was a new sensation for her, being loved by a man and comfortable with him at the same time. In the past, the guys she had been most at ease with turned out to be only friends. While the men who became lovers, getting close to her heart, made her nervous. No worries about her hair or makeup being perfect when she was with Jake.
Although she didn’t understand much of what he was raving about, she enjoyed listening to him talk about cars. Small town Jake, not movie star Jake. Talking about his hobby.
She trained her gaze on him, and he met her eyes from time to time during a straight stretch of road. He threw her a lopsided grin, his eyes shaded by attractive sunglasses. His lips were perfect, stretched into a dazzling smile. So kissable. How did I get this lucky? Grace turned off her mind and let her senses take over. Happiness seeped into her heart as the sun beat down but the cool breeze kept her comfortable. I could keep driving with him forever.
They returned home in the late afternoon. After they put everything away, Jake took her by the elbow and sat her down next to him on the sofa in the den, facing the pool. “I’d like to take you out to the fanciest dinner…the best restaurant in town.”
“Not dress-up, though, right?”
“Prefer not to dress up, but I will.”
“Okay. Mojave on Rodeo Drive.”
“Fine. Do we need a reservation?”
“Of course, and probably a pledge of our firstborn. It’s pricey, very pricey.”
“Nothing’s too expensive for my girl.”
Grace sidled up to him.
“Am I your girl?”
He slung his arm around her and drew her in for a hug. “Damn right you are.” Jake found the number via his phone and stepped away to make the call. He chatted with a person at the restaurant for a bit before rejoining Grace. “Seems Movie Maven helped us out,” he chuckled.
Her heart stopped. Her hands grew cold, and her mouth dried out. “Oh? How so?” she squeaked.
“Woman on the phone at the restaurant hadn’t heard of me until she read the lousy review. She was sympathetic…and recognized my name. Without that hatchet job, we might not have our confirmed reservation at the exclusive Mojave restaurant!” He grabbed Grace and danced her around the room.
She blew out the breath she had been holding.
“Your hands are like ice,” he said, draping his sweatshirt around her shoulders.
She avoided his gaze.
“Reservation’s for eight. Let’s practice our dance. Do you have any music?”
“For a waltz or samba?” She went to the cabinet that housed their CD collection.
“Waltz now, samba after dinner.” He started moving without her.
“Why?”
“Samba warms you up for dancing between the sheets,” he said, doing a turn.
“Always in the bedroom…” She shook her head. “We only have a couple of weeks left before the dance contest.”
“We’ll be ready.”
“You’re pretty confident.”
He pulled her toward him, taking her hand and placing his other one on her waist. The music began. “Yep. We’re meant to be.”
Gracie raised her eyebrows before being carried away by the collection of Strauss waltzes and his strong arms leading her around the room in an almost perfect Viennese Waltz.
* * * *
It seemed all eyes turned to look at them when they entered Mojave. Grace wore a long, gauzy white skirt with a white cotton piqué vest, showing plenty of cleavage. Silver sandals brought her closer to Jake’s height, but he still had several inches on her. He wore a blue striped sports shirt, navy sports jacket, and khaki pants.
The head waiter sat them at a cozy table in the corner. Jake slid in next to her. The bass and guitar players struck up a tune as the server took their drink order.
The soft desert colors of sandy beige, pink, and light turquoise gave the restaurant a Southwest feel. The menu followed with delicacies such as lobster enchiladas and filet mignon tacos. Two frozen strawberry margaritas arrived quickly.
“No designated driver?” she asked, taking a sip of her drink.
“I’m only going to have one. I should be okay.”
“Trying to get me drunk?” She cocked an eyebrow at him.
“Should I be? Seems as if the lady’s willing without alcohol.”
“Don’t be overconfident.”
“Thought you could drink what you wanted and leave the driving to me. But if I need to get you drunk to get you into bed tonight…” he snickered.
She put her hand on his arm. “Don’t think that’s necessary,” she whispered, right before she leaned over and kissed him, almost missing the flash of light. When she opened her eyes, a reporter took two more pictures before disappearing to a table in the back.
“Damn! No privacy. Even in a place like this,” she said.
“I don’t care if they publish pictures of us together. Do you?” He sipped his drink. “In fact, I’m proud to be seen with you. You’re the best looking woman in this place. Probably the smartest, too.”
Grace was stunned into silence by his adoration. She hid behind her drink while she gathered her thoughts.
“Don’t you get it?” he whispered.
She cocked her head slightly.
“I love you.” He laced his fingers with hers. “And I want everyone to know it.”
“Is this your first time…feeling like this?” she asked.
“Nope. Second. But this one is much better than the first.”
“My first, actually.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Never been in love before?”
“In like, in lust…but never love.”
His face glowed as a big smile stretched his lips. “I’m honored.” He kissed her hand and another flash went off.
In a moment, the head waiter came over. “I apologize. I didn’t know we had a reporter in here. He’s been escorted out. I hope you’re not upset.”
“We’re fine. No problem,” Jake said. The man bowed slightly, the worried look vanished from his face, and he left. Romance was on the menu. Jake insisted they order some of the most expensive items. They shared lobster enchiladas, feeding each other little bites. Jake scooped up guacamole, prepared at their table, on a chip and deposited it into Grace’s mouth, and then she returned the favor.
They snuggled close in the booth and whispered. Grace giggled a few times at Jake’s funny stories about growing up in a small town. After one drink, she was euphoric. Certain it had nothing to do with alcohol but Jake’s charm instead, Gracie glowed, a smile lighting up her face.
As they tucked into their desserts, a chocolate lava cake and a crème caramel, a tingle shot up Grace’s spine in anticipation of the events yet to come. Jake raked his thumb across her cheek and kissed her. “Hmm, love the taste of chocolate from your lips.” His eyes glowed with desire and warmth rose inside her with each touch.
If I’m dreaming, don’t wake me up. She sighed.
“Tired? Not too tired…are you?” A frown furrowed his brow.
“Just happy. The…ah…uh…dessert waiting for us at home’ll be…”
“Exciting,” he finished for her.
“Exactly.”
Jake beckoned for the check and quickly pulled out his credit card. His hand shook slightly, and Grace hid a smile at spying his nervous anticipation.
“Thank you for the great meal.” Grace kissed him before they stood to leave.
He blushed and closed his fingers around hers. The valet brought the car around and opened the door for Grace. The ride home was comfortably quiet. Back at Cara’s place, Jake turned up the music and they practiced their samba for an hour. Grinding their hips together and having Jake’s arms around her while they danced turned her on. Heat began in her lower body and spread north until she could feel it in her neck and cheeks.
“You’re flushed, want to take a break?” he asked.
Grace pulled him to her and reached up to kiss him. She eased his neck down and deepened the kiss. Pressing her hips against his, letting her passion go wild, she heard him make a deep sound in his throat as he responded. He gripped her bottom, squeezing it as his hips pushed forward. She could feel his growing erection, which simply made her hotter.
Tangled together in desire, grunts and moans the only sounds in the room, Grace’s control slipped away. Jake picked her up and carried her into the bedroom. With hands shaking slightly, he unbuttoned her vest, freeing her breasts.
“No bra?” he breathed, cupping her bare flesh. “Panties?”
She nodded.
“Too bad,” he said.
She reached underneath and slipped the panties down, kicking them away. “Not anymore.”
Fire flickered in his eyes as he pulled her skirt to the floor and gave a low whistle. Grace unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders while he stepped out of his jeans. He pulled the bedcovers down and gestured for her to get in first. He followed, sliding up against her, capturing her mouth.
Passion like she had never known before coursed through her veins. She was burning up and only Jake Matthews could release her from the heat. Gripping her tightly, he ravished her with his mouth. Grace’s hands traveled over his back and chest, her legs wound around his waist as the hungry pair unleashed their need.
“Take me, take me, oh God, take me,” she moaned. Jake covered himself and entered her hard. She flinched.
“Did I hurt you?” He raised his eyes, seeking hers.
She shook her head. “Don’t stop, oh, Jake…don’t stop!” Their heat became five-alarm desire within minutes. Her face buried in his neck, she tasted his flavor mixed with a slight saltiness. She smelled the scent of freshly washed hair. Jake pulled her leg up, bending her knee and pushing in to the hilt. His hips stroked in an ever-increasing rhythm, the movement as fluid as waves in the ocean. In and out, pulling back then filling her again, creating friction and sending her senses into overdrive. She lost control, crying out his name. Her hips undulated as sweet release flooded her body.
Bending, Jake kissed and licked down to her chest then moaned loudly. Several hard thrusts and two sated, sweaty, slippery bodies came together in a fierce clinch. Panting, Jake raised his head to plant a soft kiss on Grace’s lips. She combed his hair back from his forehead with her fingers.
“Awesome,” he whispered.
“Amazing,” she returned.
They lay gazing at each other for a while before Jake rolled off her. He glanced at the clock. “Back to reality tomorrow,” he whispered.
“Don’t remind me.” Grace pulled the covers up over them. He switched out the light. Moonlight brightened the room a bit. She snuggled up to him. “Hold me?”
Jake positioned her on his right side, her head on his shoulder with his arm holding her firmly against him. Grace curled into him and sighed. I feel so safe with him. In his arms nothing bad can ever happen. Movie Maven and Tiffany Cowles don’t exist. It’s just us. For one more night, anyway. Contentment washed over her, bringing a smile to her lips.
“I love you so much, Gracie.” He stroked her hair.
“You’ve changed my life, Jake.”
“I don’t want us to go back to the old way in New York.”
“What do you mean?” She sat up and turned to him.
“Live with me.”
“What?” She pulled the sheet over her chest.
“Move in with me. Then we can be together every night.” He tugged the covering down to reveal her breasts kissed by the glow of the moon.
“That’s a big step.”
“I know.”
“You sure?”
He nodded.
“Let me think about it.”
“Think about this,” he said, circling her peak with his finger then lowering his mouth to cover it. He raised his head and repeated softly, “every night.”
“You twisted my arm.”
“You will?” She nodded as he yanked her to his chest for a hug. Jake pulled the blanket over them and closed his eyes. “A dream come true,” he muttered.
Gracie cuddled into him. Safe…with Jake. She sighed as sleep claimed her.
Chapter Eight
The next morning was like a Keystone Kops comedy. Grace and Jake forgot to set the alarm clock, so they overslept. They raced around the house packing their suitcases and cleaning up, making the place ready to sit idle for a few weeks or longer. Jake’s pulse was racing. He hated to be late for anything but especially flights.
Their taxi for the airport arrived. Jake took the luggage to the car while Grace grabbed his shirt, hers, and their heavy jackets. She was buttoning her blouse when the cab pulled out of the driveway.
“Whew! I can’t believe we made it,” Grace said, relaxing.
“We’re not there yet.” He shot her a worried glance. She threaded her fingers through his.
“Everything’ll be fine. We’ll be there in plenty of time for Tuesday’s performance.”
Jake leaned back, draped his arm around her and smiled. “Probably right.” When they wer
e in the air, the steward came by with champagne, and they each took a glass. Jake cleared his throat. Never lived with a girl before. Is it like living with my sisters only adding sex? Ew, that’s disgusting. He made a face.
“What’s wrong?” Grace gazed at him.
“This’ll be my first time living with a girl. Have you lived with a guy?”
She shook her head.
“Hmm. Neither one of us knows what to do.”
“I’d say after these two days we both know exactly what to do,” she snickered. The flight attendant didn’t hide a smile as he walked by while Grace was speaking.
Heat traveled to Jake’s face. “That’s not what I mean. Yeah, we know all about that, but…”
“What’s to know?”
“I mean habits. Idiosyncrasies. Stuff that can make us fight. Maybe we need…”
“Oh, no! The dreaded rules!” She said, covering her mouth in mock horror.
“Yeah. Rules.”
“Maybe you’re right. We should have some rules.”
“What bugs you the most about living with roommates?”
“First–the toilet seat.”
“I’m way ahead of you. I have sisters, remember? They already trained me.”
“Are you neat?” She opened a package of pretzels and offered them to Jake.
“Yeah, kinda.”
“Uh oh.”
“You’re not?” He clasped her hand in his.
“Not really. Sorta messy.”
“How messy?”
“Sometimes I leave my clothes lying around the bedroom.”
“Your bedroom looked fine to me. More than fine,” he shot her a wicked grin.
She slapped him playfully on the shoulder. “I hadn’t been there in weeks.”
“I guess you’ll have to walk around naked in the apartment. Then we won’t have clothes everywhere…and I’ll have a ton of eye candy,” he chuckled.
She laughed. “We’ll work it out.” Jake slid his finger down her cheek. “How long will it take you to pack up?”
“Crap! I have to tell Cara.” She frowned.
