Strawberry Wine

by Darly Jamison

  “Yes, Jake. It’s nice to see you again.” She smiled graciously, always the perfect hostess. “Welcome to my home.”

  “Hey, Ruby. Thanks for having me,” Jake responded in his polite Southern drawl. “This is some place you have here.”

  Ruby stood transfixed for a moment longer than she should have and I thought I noticed a slight blush color her cheeks. I shook my head in amazement. It was really unlike Ruby to be rattled by a guy. Before I could make a confirmation, she straightened her shoulders and regained her composure. “Oh, thank you. Come this way.”

  Ruby led us through the spacious house toward French doors that opened onto a large cedar deck. An elaborate Polynesian cabana and six-man hot tub was nestled along the side, and an outdoor bar was stationed across from it. Off the deck sat an imposing in-ground pool, showcasing a rock cave with a fountain and water slide. I heard Jake let a quiet whistle under his breath and couldn’t help but smile. It wasn’t often I got to witness a first reaction to Ruby’s house. It seemed everyone in our small town had been to the Sinclair estate at one point or another growing up.

  “I hope you’re hungry.” Ruby smiled and gestured toward a long table that was set out in a buffet.

  “I’m starving,” I answered, wasting no time diving into the generous spread. We heard a doorbell ring in the distance and Ruby excused herself to greet another guest. “Are you hungry?” I asked Jake as I began to pile a mound of sugared strawberries onto my thick plastic plate.

  “Always. Thank you,” he said when I handed him a plate of his own. “I just cannot get over this place. I didn’t think real people actually lived this way. It’s like something you’d see on a reality show.”

  I shook my head in understanding. “I’d say it’s not fair, but the Sinclairs work hard for what they have. Ruby spends a lot of time alone because her parents are so busy all the time. I would love to live in a house like this with all of its amenities, but I wouldn’t trade it for having my family around.” I thought I saw a look of approval flash in Jake’s eyes, but what I said was true. No amount of money would be worth having to spend most of my time alone. Sometimes I felt as if Ruby was closer with my parents then her own, and the very idea stung. It was one thing to make a living to provide for your family, but completely another to spend all your time doing it.

  “I agree with you,” Jake observed. “But once you have all of these luxuries, it would be hard to give them up.”

  We filled our plates and made our way toward a large patio table with a beautiful citronella candle in the center. I looked around at the festivities in place and couldn’t help but wonder how the night would end. Would Jake try to kiss me again? God, I hoped so.

  “Maybe we shouldn’t eat so much,” Jake suggested as we sat down. “That pool looks amazing and I can’t wait to dive in. I don’t want to have to worry about saving your life because you stuffed your face full of food and ended up with a cramp.”

  “Hey!” I laughed and swatted at him. “What about you? Maybe you’ll end up the damsel in distress and I your knight in shining armor.” I knew that was a crock. The thought of saving a floundering Jake practically had me snorting unattractively.

  Jake shook his head as he took a bite of pasta salad. “Not a chance. I’m on the university swim team and I work as a lifeguard at the pool during the school year. Or at least I used to.” His eyes clouded over momentarily. “I’m sort of taking a break right now.” He turned and gave me a smile.

  “So, Mr. Lifeguard, have you ever saved any lives?” I playfully teased.

  Suddenly, the smile on Jake’s face faded and I instantly regretted asking the question. His whole demeanor changed, and I knew something was very wrong. “You never remember the lives you save, only the one you didn’t,” he confided quietly.

  I shifted uncomfortably in my seat as a prickly sensation came over me. “Someone drowned while you were working?” I whispered, shocked by his revelation. Jake looked away and was silent for a moment, and I wondered if he was going to answer me. Finally, he nodded, lowering his thick lashes.

  “It happened this past spring at the UH pool,” he began softly. He avoided making eye contact and instead stared in the direction toward the lake. “It was free swim and people were playing games and splashing around—you know, just having a good time. Exams were finally over and everyone wanted to let off some steam. I didn’t see her at first because of all of the commotion, and it wasn’t until her friends started calling out for help that I realized there was even a problem.” He paused and I could tell it was hard for him to talk about. His usually bright eyes were full of regret and I wanted more than anything to reach over and hug him, to chase the bad memories away.

  “When I made it over to her, I could see she was having a seizure, and her friends were struggling to keep her head above water, but it was too much for them. I managed to drag her to the side of the pool where the other guards helped pull her out. She wasn’t breathing so we started CPR, but she never regained consciousness—even after the paramedics arrived.”

  Jake continued to avoid my gaze and finally I reached out and touched his hand. At last, he turned toward me and released a sad smile. “I’ll never forget the look she gave me when I first reached her. I felt like we made eye contact, but I don’t know if she actually saw me or not. It was just before she stopped breathing. Her eyes still haunt me. They were so vacant . . .” His voice trailed off, his struggle with what happened apparent. “It’s actually how I ended up here in Lakeside. I needed to get away for a while. It’s been a difficult few months.”

  I stared at Jake, not knowing how to comfort him. “I’m so sorry,” was all I could manage.

  He glanced back at me and then gave a wistful sigh. “That’s life, right?” he asked with a shrug. “Everyone dies eventually.”

  I knew he was deeply burdened by what happened, but was trying to make light of it. I smiled back. “Jake—you did the best you could. You know that, right?”

  And just like that, the cloud passed and a smile took over his handsome features. “So, do you like to swim?” he asked, changing the subject.

  I gave a nervous laugh and wished he hadn’t asked that question. “I’m, um, not the strongest swimmer,” I confessed, not willing to admit what a huge chicken I actually was. I was able to swim but had never even jumped into a pool and had no intention of ever doing so.

  “Addison,” Jake teased, an amused smile playing on his lips. “Are you afraid of the water?”

  Hesitating for just a moment, I chose my words carefully. “I’m not afraid of the water. I guess you could just say that I’m extra cautious.” I looked down at my plate and moved some strawberries around with my fork, hoping we would move on to a more comfortable topic. Instead, he laughed quietly under his breath.

  “Yep, you’re afraid.”

  I was just about to respond when a group of friends came over and I began introductions. I noticed several appreciative glances from the girls as the guys regarded Jake with skepticism. Ruby made her way over eventually, with her date, Tommy, on her arm.

  “Jake, I would like to introduce you to Tommy,” she said and stepped aside so they could shake hands. “Maybe we can double date sometime?” she suggested with a smile.

  I narrowed my eyes and tossed Ruby a discreet snarl.

  “I’m sure Jake gets lonely around here not knowing anyone,” she offered sweetly, the poster child for innocence.

  “That’s very kind of you, Ruby. It sounds like a great idea, that is, if Addison doesn’t mind . . .” He gave her a smile and I noticed the small dimple in his cheek appear, causing Ruby to practically swoon.

  “Oh, Addison doesn’t mind,” she said, enunciating my formal name. “We’re best friends. We do everything together! Now, who’s ready to swim?” she asked, turning toward the crowd.

  I laughed at her audacity and shook my head. I could never stay mad at her for long. Ruby and Tommy meandered off, searching for participants in a pending game
of water basketball, and I gave Jake an embarrassed smile. “Sorry. She can be a little overwhelming at times.”

  “It’s fine.” He laughed. “She’s sweet. Are you ready to swim?”

  It’s now or never . . . I nodded and hesitated slightly before kicking off my boots and pulling the dress I wore over my head. I had never felt so self-conscious about my body before! I took a deep breath and glanced over at Jake, who threw me an approving smile. The butterflies instantly returned to my stomach, making it difficult to breathe. Slowly, he began to remove his black T-shirt, revealing an impressive six-pack underneath. Seriously—none of the guys we knew had washboard stomachs like that. When Jake removed the rest of his clothing my heart about stopped. I had only ever seen a body like that on MTV! His swim trunks hung dangerously low on his hips, my God were they low, revealing those manly pelvic muscles I had never actually seen before in real life. My heart thundered in my chest as I tried not to drool, and I distracted myself by hanging the dress I’d been wearing on the back of the patio chair.

  I noticed Ruby gawking ridiculously from across the large yard and silently promised to kill her later. She caught my eye and mouthed, “Holy hell!”

  I gave her a look. Real discreet, Ruby, I thought, when suddenly I realized she wasn’t the only one staring. Several of my female friends gaped open-mouthed at the sight of half-naked Jake, and before I could help it, an intense bout of self-doubt threatened to consume me. Without warning, Ruby’s prediction about Southern hospitality filtered through my thoughts. I clung to the fact that Jake was there with me and no one else. Not with Ruby, or any other beautiful girl, for that matter.

  He likes you, I reasoned, but my stubborn teenage angst persevered. If you’re going to get through this night without running for the hills, you’d better get a grip! I turned toward Jake and found him watching me, his sapphire eyes penetrating mine. An exhilarating tingle crawled across my skin and I felt myself tremble slightly. The look on his face said it all.

  Jake wanted me . . .

  Chapter Eight

  “Are you ready?” Jake asked as he took my hand, leading me down the steps and into the pool. I gasped when the cool water hit my midsection and hoped Jake wouldn’t try to pull me into the deep end.

  He sank into the water, executing a perfect dive from inside the pool. I watched in grateful awe as firm muscles moved smoothly underneath flawless skin. I could not get over how beautiful he was, and he was with me! The very idea was laughable.

  “Do you plan on getting wet?” Jake teased when he brought his head up from underwater, his dark hair smoothed back, away from his face. His gaze flickered over me and the droplets of water that clung to his hair glistened in the sunlight.

  “I am wet,” I responded defensively, acutely aware of everyone watching us, then I blushed at the innuendo. Good Lord, what had I gotten myself into? I had no idea how to entertain a college man. None whatsoever! What made me think I’d be able to handle this?

  He gave a little laugh and reached for my hands.

  “What are you doing?” I asked, trying to keep the panic from my voice.

  “Bringing you in deeper.”

  “Deeper? I don’t think I want to go in any deeper.” I knew this was going to happen. I silently cursed myself for being afraid.

  “Come on, Addison. Don’t you trust me?” He grinned, allowing his dimple to peek out again.

  Reluctantly, I nodded and sighed. Jake laughed quietly and walked up to me, so close I could feel the heat radiating from his body. “I have an idea,” he said huskily, and gently grabbed my hands again.

  “Wait . . . Now what are you doing?”

  “Relax. Hold on to my shoulders,” he instructed and placed my hands around his neck. Then very slowly, he let his hands slide down my wet arms. I hoped he wouldn’t notice the goose bumps that covered my skin in the wake of his touch. He gave me a smoldering look, then turned away from me, sinking deeper into the water.

  I let out a little yelp as the cool water covered my bare shoulders, but couldn’t complain about being in such close proximity to Jake. It felt like an electric current was traveling between our bodies, and I was certain my face was on fire. As much as I enjoyed staring at his perfect features, in that moment I was so thankful he was not facing me. Jake slowly made his way out toward the deep end of the pool, ignoring my quiet protests along the way.

  “It’ll be better out there, I promise,” he responded softly, glancing back at me.

  I held on to Jake tightly and let him take me to the far end, away from the traffic of the party. Alone in the corner, he turned around and placed his hands on my waist. We moved in the deep water, staring at one another silently.

  “See,” he said finally. “This isn’t so bad.”

  A nervous giggle escaped from my lips as I struggled to relax.

  “I love the sound of your laugh,” he said suddenly, his gaze locking with mine.

  Abruptly I stopped giggling and my stomach began its familiar roller coaster of flip-flops. Jake inched in a little closer and I backed up against the side of the pool. It felt safer along the edge, knowing there was a small ledge I could rest my feet on if I needed to. Jake looked at me intensely, his eyes heavy as they bore into mine.

  “Your eyes are a very unique color, Addison, more gray than blue. They’re really beautiful,” he said, then softly added, “You’re beautiful.” Gently, he raised his hand to my face and brushed some hair behind my ear. His touch was gentle, gentler than I’d expected, and I felt it resonate through every inch of my body. I was certain my heart would explode in my chest, but forced myself to be brave.

  Make your move! It’s now or never.

  My breath quickened as I boldly wrapped my legs around his waist. Jake looked at me in pleasant surprise, and a lazy smile played at the corner of his mouth.

  “You have no idea what you do to me,” he said softly. “Do you?”

  I wasn’t sure how to respond. He couldn’t be serious. I wondered desperately if this was the line he used with all the girls he dated, or if there was a possibility he meant what he said. But how could someone like me possibly have an effect on someone like Jake? There were years and most likely a huge amount of experience, or inexperience in my case, between us. There really was no way for me to know for certain, so all I could do was trust my instincts. I stared at his mouth as my body filled with a strange new sensation. I had never before experienced such a feeling of . . . need. My gaze met his and passion swamped me.

  Slowly, he leaned in closer and brushed his lips against mine. He pulled back momentarily, then our mouths met again and I released a small moan as the kiss deepened. My fingers tangled eagerly in the back of Jake’s dark hair and I could feel his body pressing into mine, pinning me against the wall with his weight. Suddenly, he looked at me with a question in his eyes and I worried the kiss would end, but instead he whispered, “Addison.” Our lips met once again, and this time his warm tongue gently probed its way inside.

  My insides turned to mush as I lost myself in the most amazing kiss I had ever experienced . . . up until that point, anyway. Jake moved both of his hands up to the sides of my face, and it felt sweet and erotic all rolled up into one electrifying gesture. I didn’t know what to do with my hands, so I laid them on his tanned chest. As much as I wanted to explore Jake’s body, I forbid myself from doing so, not wanting to send out mixed signals. Even though every inch of me protested, I didn’t want him to think he was going to do anything more than kiss me.

  His hands found my hips and he pulled me closer to him, revealing his excitement. I gasped inwardly and quickly moved away. Jake’s confused eyes peered into mine. “Are you all right?” he asked softly.

  “Yes, I’m um—I’m okay. It’s just that . . . we’re moving so quick.”

  Jake looked away and I worried I had ruined the moment. Not that I would have given into anything I wasn’t ready for, but the kiss had been so magical I hated to see it end.

  “Have
you ever been with a guy before?” he asked, looking at me with curiosity.

  I swallowed hard. No one had ever come right out and asked me that. Slowly, I shook my head and briefly dropped my eyes to the water.

  “Shit,” he whispered underneath his breath. His gaze softened. “I’m sorry, Addison. I don’t want you to feel pressured. It’s just—you do things to me . . .” His voice trailed off into a flustered chuckle and I prayed he would finish his sentence. But he didn’t, he left me hanging.

  “I’m sorry. I was enjoying the kiss too much. I just don’t want you to think I’m that kind of girl—” I broke off, embarrassed.

  Shaking his head, he responded firmly, “Addison, you have nothing to apologize for. This is my fault. I need to learn to control myself better around you.”

  Control himself? Around me? I repeated in my head, incredulously. I just could not get over the fact that drop-dead-gorgeous Jake would even be attracted to innocent, eighteen-year-old me. I stared at him dumbfounded as he released my hips and planted a small kiss on the tip of my nose.

  A mischievous smile suddenly highlighted his face. “Are you up for some basketball? I saw a hoop at the shallow end of the pool,” he suggested, indicating the water hoop set up in the corner. A game appeared to be just starting.

  “Sure,” I answered with a small smile. Jake brought my arms up around his neck and turned away from me, leading us toward the game. I couldn’t help but smile behind his back. Even though I was nervous in the water I knew how to swim, but wasn’t about to let on.

  I was enjoying the ride way too much.

  The pool party eventually progressed to the large bonfire already started near the lake’s edge. Ruby continued to give me googly eyes throughout the entire evening; it was obvious she wanted me to pursue Jake. And Jake, as it turned out, was quite charming. He had managed to enthrall the rest of the partygoers with his easygoing and confident sense of humor. He’d gotten along with all of my friends, both male and female, and had found a couple admirers along the way.