Whiskey Nights

by Fabiola Francisco

  After we finish in Sweet on You, Savannah shows us a bit of Roswell before we head back to Atlanta. She points out a few places she’s visited and drives us by the Chattahoochee.

  “I’ll see you guys later for dinner. I’m going to head to Parker’s and get ready over there. He should be home soon, and I wouldn’t mind working up an appetite,” she jokes.

  “As if you’d need an excuse to go over there,” I tease. “The man is dyin’ for you to move in with him.”

  Savannah snorts at my expression. “He totally is. I’m making him work for it.” We say bye and jump into Jake’s truck to head back to our hotel.

  “The bakery is gorgeous,” I say walking into our spacious room. This is definitely not a gross hotel. Jake did a really good job choosing the perfect one.

  “It really is but don’t you dare get any ideas about running off to Georgia. I’m keeping you real close in Alabama with me.” He hugs me close to him, and I look up at his handsome face.

  “No need to worry. I don’t think I’d ever be able to leave my home.”

  “That’s what Savannah always said. She was the face of Tuscaloosa at one point. Now look at her livin’ it large in Georgia. Atlanta of all places! Never would’ve imagined that one.”

  I giggle against his chest. “I never thought she’d leave Alabama either. I know how much she loves her home, but she’s happy.”

  “That she is. And I’m happy for her. She’s a hard worker.”

  “Hardest worker I know.” I kiss his cheek and move away from him. “I’m jumping in the shower to get ready for supper.”

  “Is that an invitation?” Jake’s eyes intensify.

  “It wasn’t necessarily an invitation but now that you mention it, I may need some help.”

  He leaps towards me and I run into the bathroom laughing.

  The warm water streaming down on me while Jake’s mouth seduces me is the perfect combination after a road trip and eventful afternoon.

  This place is so cool. We’re at a bar in downtown Atlanta after having dinner at a nearby restaurant. The music is blasting despite it being a Tuesday and they have all different kinds of beers for you to try. Although I’m a whiskey lover, the beer here is awesome.

  “To good friends,” Emily toasts again, and we all clink our glasses. It has been a blast catching up with her and getting to know Wes better. He is really a great guy. I also am happy to witness Savannah and Parker together after they moved away. I know it’s not always been easy, but I’m so pleased to see the love they share. Who would have thought we’d all be coupled off, especially Jake and I together. We really are a cheesy bunch and as much as I show off that I’m an independent strong woman, which I am, when it comes to Jake I’m a total sap, head over heels for him.

  Parker and Savannah drop us off before heading home, and I walk into the elevator with Jake’s hands on me. I turn to face him outside our room and wrap my arms around his neck. “You, sir, are amazing.”

  “Sir? I like the way that sounds.”

  “Don’t get used to it, but I do really think you’re amazing.” Watching him interact with his childhood friends today sparked something inside of me. It showed me a different side of Jake, and I love discovering all his different sides.

  He kisses me quickly, his tongue brushing against mine and breaks away too soon. The door opens and he pulls me in behind him.

  “You’re amazing too, but I’m ready to take you to bed. Or to the couch.”

  I laugh at his honesty and roll my eyes. “Who’s the romantic now?”

  He snickers and carries me. My legs wrap around his waist, and I shiver at the feel of his lips on the sensitive skin of my neck.

  “Romantic or not, I’m going to give all of myself to you,” he whispers in my ear.

  “That was pretty romantic if I do say so myself, Mr. Green.”

  “I try,” he shrugs. “You’re the one who pretends to be indifferent.” I quiver against him and he laughs. Asshole! He knows what he does to me.

  “Are you gonna kiss me already?”

  “Thought you’d never ask.” His lips meet mine in a caress that sweeps goosebumps over my skin and then turns into a more seductive kiss. His tongue brushes against mine and I’m lost in the heat of the moment. Tightening my legs around his waist, I push my body against his and his erection is right where I want it to be.

  “Baby,” I whisper against his lips and feel him smile.

  “Love when you sweet talk me,” he teases and I bite his lower lip.

  “Are you going to take me to bed or what?” I ask.

  “Oh, I’m going to take you to bed all right.” He walks us towards the bed and drops me on it. His body slides down mine, and he pulls off my jeans. The feel of his tongue licking a path up my inner thigh is intoxicating. When his lips land on my pussy, I jump slightly, and then push into his mouth. I settle back and let him devour me, clenching my core and contracting my hips as he licks my center, and I begin to fall apart totally at his mercy.

  “Baby,” I try to pull him from his shoulders wanting to experience this with him. “Come up on the bed.”

  His eyes meet mine in an erotic gaze. “Trust me,” I whisper.

  With a final lick, he moves up over my body.

  “Turn over,” I demand. He does as I say but stares at me skeptically. I undress him seductively until he is nude beneath me.

  I run my hand down his chest, feeling the light dusting of hair over his pecs. I move over him, straddling his face and leaning over his body, gripping his hard cock in my hand and moving it up and down a few times, my tongue teasing his tip. His tongue presses harder against my clit when I do and I smile against his dick. I run my tongue along his shaft, feeling his veins and soft skin against my mouth as his cock twitches.

  The sensation of having him in my mouth and feeling his mouth on me is intensifying my pleasure, overwhelming me. My body reacts in all sorts of ways. I moan and rock over his face while my mouth sucks harder. I am out of control and so in control at the same time. It is a perfect balance that fits us. My body trembles and I slow my mouth as I inhale, the feeling taking over my body, as I lick the tip of his cock.

  “Baby, I want to be inside you,” Jake’s voice interrupts. God, do I want that too.

  I move off of him and smile down at him, his glistening lips showing off pearly whites. I scoot down on the bed beside him and kiss him, my tongue lingering in his mouth longer than I had planned but once I taste him, I wanted more.

  Jake’s body pins mine against the mattress and he dips his hips into mine. “You need a condom A-SAP,” I say.

  Jake doesn’t hesitate and leaps towards his bag to fish one out. He rips the foil with his teeth and rolls the condom over his length in a quick second before returning to bed. I, of course, admire his body while he does this. His muscles flex as he leans over me on the bed, and I brace myself for Jake. The feel of his cock filling me is amazing and I get lost in his thrusts. I begin to move with him, speeding up our movements until he’s hitting every nerve inside my core, and I’m climbing higher and higher before I fall aimlessly.

  I moan and thrash my head from side to side as my pussy clenches around Jake’s cock. “I’m going to come!” I yell.

  “Good. That’s what I want,” his words ring clear in my ear and his lips brush my jaw before they find my mouth and dip into a deep kiss that makes my toes curl while I climax around him. Jake’s movements are still fast and determined, seeking his own release after mine, always making sure I’m satisfied. Boy am I ever satisfied. His thrusts prolong my orgasm. I continue to pulse as he seeks his own and stills, as his muscles go taut over mine. I run my hands over his back while he reaches his climax and hold him to me until we both catch our breath.

  “Beth,” Jake whispers. “I just,” his words hang in the air.

  “I know,” I respond without really needing to. Our actions are enough and at this moment, words aren’t necessary.

  What I’m feeling is new t
o me and I welcome it, but I’m not sure what to make of it. I have all these new emotions running through me that tickle my skin and warm my heart. I feel like some stupid girl, giddy over her high school crush. Oh, god, have I become one of those girls? No way. I like Jake. I really like him, but I’m not going to suddenly lose myself so I can be all about him. He knows me, and he knows I’m not about to give up who I am to focus solely on him. He also won’t ask that of me nor want that. What makes us so perfect is that we each have our own individuality and we meet in the middle to make us, us.

  “You’re really gettin’ under my skin, Beth,” Jake’s voice drawls and I cuddle closer to him.

  “Good. I want to get so deep under it that you can’t get rid of me.” I can’t be the only one feeling this intensity between us.

  “I’d never want to,” he admits and that makes me happy. I don’t want him to ever want to leave me, because I don’t think I would ever be able to let him go. He is a deep part of me now, a part of me that I will never want to give up. He is mine, completely mine, and I want it to stay that way forever.

  The bakery looks amazing. We arrived a couple hours ago to set up for the grand opening this afternoon. Savannah is so excited and nervous at the same time. Parker has been calming her down since yesterday, while we were out sightseeing in Atlanta. She continued to come up with ideas or possible outcomes. We all reassured her that the opening will be perfect and there will be a lot of people coming by. I totally understand why she’s nervous. She’s new to the city and is building a business from the ground up. Sweet on You is going to be a huge hit, I can feel it.

  “I placed the cupcakes by the entrance table along with some scones,” I tell Savannah as I walk into the kitchen.

  “Thanks, Beth. The place looks good, right?”

  “It looks great! People are going to love it. Before you know it, this place will be packed everyday,” I smile encouragingly.

  “I sure hope so.” She grins at me, and I see the excitement in her eyes.

  “Come on. Go get changed. You need to be out there as the first customers start arriving. I’ll make sure the last few details are taken care of. Parker and Jake are setting up the music and Em will be here soon.”

  “You’re the best.”

  “I know,” I joke.

  Savannah walks out to go change in the bathroom and I take the last platter of cookies out to the table already covered with other pastries. The coffee is ready on a nearby table with mugs, creamer and sugar.

  “It’s all perfect.” Jake stands next to me and kisses my cheek.

  “It is,” I sigh, taking it all in. I am so proud of my friend.

  “Thanks for coming out here you two. I know Savannah would want you here to share this with her,” Parker says smiling at us. “I’m also glad this guy finally made his move.” He nods his head towards Jake.

  I laugh. “He did. I think I hated him for it at first. Messed with my mind,” I bump my shoulder with Jake’s.

  “You only say that because you felt something and didn’t want to.”

  “Whatever.” I roll my eyes.

  Parker laughs at us and says, “Well, you could’ve denied it all you wanted, but he’s been crazy about you for some time now. Just glad you gave him a chance.”

  “Yeah, I felt bad for him,” I tease.

  “Yeah, right. You don’t feel bad for anyone. One thing’s for sure, you weren’t going to go out with me out of pity.”

  I laugh and agree with Jake. At that moment, Savannah walks towards us, smiling widely as she looks around the bakery.

  “You look gorgeous,” Parker says and kisses her lightly.

  “Thanks,” Savannah responds, her eyes shining up at him.

  I head to the bathroom to change into the dress I brought with me. Fixing my make-up a bit and combing my hair, I take a look in the mirror and approve my appearance. When I walk out of the bathroom, I see a few people who have already arrived talking to Savannah. Little by little, more people walk in and chat with her and Parker, then eat some treats and enjoy a cup of coffee. The music adds the perfect touch to the ambiance as people begin to mingle and learn more about Sweet on You and Savannah’s vision for her bakery. The crowd is friendly, and we get to meet new people in the Roswell community. Emily and Wes come straight from work and quickly intermingle.

  After chatting with a few newcomers, Jake and I sit at a table with Emily and Wes and we tell them about the places we visited yesterday with Savannah. We went to the Georgia Aquarium and the Coca Cola Factory, the usual tourist spots in Atlanta, but it was such a cool experience. Then we went to the zoo and hung out.

  “Do you like Atlanta?” Emily asks us, the look in her eyes hopeful.

  “It’s nice. Different than I imagined it, but it’s a cool place,” Jake responds.

  “Yay! So happy you do. You know . . . Savannah could use some help here, and we have plenty of bars,” Emily trails off.

  “Don’t even think about it, Em,” Jake says. “Bad enough you took Sav from me, leaving me without either of my girls. I miss you two.”

  “Aw, I miss you as well, but you’ve still got yourself another girl,” she winks and I can’t help but laugh.

  “I do, and you aren’t taking her away from me. Don’t get any ideas about moving Beth over here.” His warning glare makes me chuckle.

  “Atlanta really is great, but I think I’ll stick to Alabama,” I tell Emily.

  “I’m just sayin’ we could all be together again.” Her smile is devious. She’s probably already thinking up a plan to get us to move here.

  “Ain’t gonna happen, babe,” Jake responds.

  “That’s what I told her,” Wes says. “She’s been hell bent ‘bout this for a few weeks now.”

  “You’re crazy, Em,” Jake says.

  “Eh, whatever. I just want all my friends to be near me. At least come visit us a lot!”

  “We will,” I smile excitedly.

  “Seriously?” Jake looks at me with raised eyebrows.

  “Um . . . yeah.” What the hell is his problem?

  “You could barely last two hours in the car, let alone the four it takes to get here and you want to visit often. You’re flying next time.”

  “That’s fine by me. I’ll get here faster and have more time to spend with my friends without you buggin’ me,” I shrug.

  Emily starts laughing. “The trip isn’t long.”

  “I know it isn’t, but she’s the worse co-pilot. She puts those kids that ask ‘Are we there yet?’ a million times to shame.”

  “I’m not that bad,” I defend myself. “I just get antsy and wanna get there.”

  They all laugh at me and we continue our conversation, making plans for the last two days we have here.

  Later, a group of guys walk in and greet Parker and hug Savannah. I stare at them, not being able to pull away. They’re all hot!

  “No need to be so obvious,” Jake whispers in my ear. My lips curl and I bite down my smile as Jake eyes me knowingly.

  “Sorry,” I respond knowing I got caught staring.

  “No need to apologize to me, but if they catch you staring I’m not savin’ you,” he laughs and I hit his stomach with the back of my hand.

  “You’re such a pain.”

  “Don’t worry, baby, I’m not the jealous type.” His smile pulls me in and I kiss him.

  “Good. You know I wouldn’t trade you in for one of them. You’re a keeper.” I smile against his lips and feel his returning smile against mine.

  “That’s what I like to hear. Come on,” he stands up to meet Parker’s friends. Turns out that Parker has known them since college and some from when he played in the Minors. They have always maintained their friendship. It’s nice to see Parker with his friends.

  The grand opening was a success, and Savannah is beaming from the turnout. She has been talking nonstop since we left the bakery. We stopped to have dinner at a small restaurant in Roswell that serves home cooking and refre
shing cocktails. I sip on my Kentucky Mule with a twist, having used peach infused bourbon, while we wait for our meals. We make plans for the next day. Savannah will be at the bakery and I would love to stop by and help her a bit. I know she has a new staff that will be working with her, but for old time’s sake, I’d like to go in a bit and support her.

  “You guys can go canoeing down the Chattahoochee,” Emily suggests. “If you’re gonna come up this way, you can stop by there. They also have kayaks. It’s totally fun,” she promises.

  “That sounds great,” Jake says before taking a bite of his burger.

  Our food is delicious. I will say these Georgia peaches really know how to cook. So far everywhere we have eaten has been fabulous.

  “There’s a speakeasy in Atlanta that a co-worker told me about that would be fun to go to! We should do that tomorrow night. What do you guys think?” Emily is speaking animatedly at all of us.

  “That would be really cool,” I exclaim just as excited as she is. I’ve heard about the speakeasy bars, but I have never been to one. It would be cool to go and have to use a signal and a secret entrance. I can’t wait!

  “Yeah! I’m in,” Savannah speaks up.

  “Well, guys, I guess we’re going to a speakeasy tomorrow if the women have already made up their minds,” Wes jokes, and Parker and Jake laugh, agreeing with him. The three of us roll our eyes at the guys, but we know it’s true. They won’t argue with our decision.

  “You look amazing,” Jake walks up behind me and kisses the back of my neck. I shiver at the contact.

  “Thanks.” I bend to strap on my wedges and stand back up. When I turn to face him, I meet his smile.

  His hair is tamed with gel and the plaid, button down shirt brings out his blue eyes. I look him up and down, taking in how perfectly he fills out his jeans and smile at his boots. My perfect southern man.

  “Checkin’ me out?” Jake laughs.

  “Feeling no shame either,” I respond.

  Jake pulls me in and his lips find mine. “You smell good.” He inhales. “Can’t wait to see what’s underneath this dress.”

  “You’ll have to wait to find out,” I tease. I take in his scent, woodsy and all man and let him hold me a little while longer. I don’t know what I was so afraid of by following my feelings for him. Being with Jake has brought a different meaning into my life, and I want to be the best person I can be for him. Although we have only been dating for a short time, having some sort of friendship before adds to the level of our relationship, even if we were busy teasing the other in our own way.