“I am, but I can also be very good,” his husky voice runs down my spine.
“I know you can.” I whisper.
The tension between us is so thick by closing time that it can be cut . . . probably with his hard dick. Throughout the night we’ve teased each other with glances, words and body language. I want Jake, and I want him now. It has been a long night, and now that it’s coming to an end I’m growing impatient.
I watch him saunter over to me from behind the bar.
“Ready?” Oh, he has no idea how ready I am.
“More than you think.”
“Oh yeah?” he asks, glancing at me hungrily.
“Let’s go.” I grab his hand and move through Southern to the exit with Jake laughing next to me.
“How ready are you?” he asks when we reach my car.
“You wanna check?” I lean up to kiss him. My lips lazily move with his as our tongues tangle together. Jake moves me close to him, and I feel his erection against my belly. I moan into his mouth and rub against him quickly.
“I just checked how ready you are,” I say against his lips, and I’m met with a groan. Jake dips his hand into my shorts and rubs my clit.
“Fuck,” he growls. “You’re so damn wet.” He kisses me fast and hard.
“Jake. If you kiss me like that again, you’re going to make me wetter.”
“Is that even possible?”
“You have no idea. Get in your truck and drive.”
I follow Jake back to his apartment. My core is aching to feel him in me, and I’m so turned on I would have considered having sex with him in the car. Okay, maybe not sex but a little fooling around to release the tension a bit. Hot damn, I want him.
I push Jake against the door as soon as he closes it and kiss him ardently. My passion is vibrating off of me and I know he feels it. I feel his. He grips my butt and pulls me flush against him where his erection is harder than earlier.
“Baby,” he whispers against my lips.
“Yeah?” I look up at him through my lashes.
“I need you, now. Fuck foreplay.”
“Same. We’ve already had hours of foreplay.”
He growls as his tongue rips through my lips and carries me to his bedroom. He lays me down on his bed and quickly undresses me before removing his clothes. As he settles next to me, his fingers tease my clit with a quick brush that jerks my body. I grab Jake’s face with my hands and pull his lips to mine, our kiss is intoxicating. The tip of his cock is teasing my entrance and I moan. My body is on fire and desperate to feel him.
Jake blindly reaches around and grabs a condom. Once he’s sheathed himself, he thrusts deep into me with one swift movement causing me to scream in ecstasy. He feels fucking amazing. We move together, building our desire and rhythm. Jake teases my breasts, rolling one nipple between his fingers and pinching it while his lips trail down to my other one, his tongue swirling around my nipple before sucking it.
My orgasm begins to wash over me, coursing through my body like a drug invading my veins. I’m high on him, and I never want to come down. Seconds later, Jake stills inside me and I feel his release as my pussy still clenches around his cock. He kisses his way back up until his lips are on mine and gives me an erotic kiss before moving out of me.
That was intense. Maybe it was the rawness of our need for each other caused by the constant teasing we did at the bar, but I have never felt something as intense as tonight. I have never felt the need to make love to someone as much as I do with Jake.
Uh-oh.
Did I just say that in my mind? Make love? Shit, I’m in trouble.
“You okay?” Jake asks as he settles back down next to me after cleaning himself up.
I smile and keep my sudden thoughts at bay. I’ll process that later. “Yep.”
He drapes an arm behind me and pulls me close to his chest. I stare at his tattoos and trace the football. My feelings for this man are definitely stronger than I realized.
Jake’s breath evens out, and I know he’s asleep. I wonder what he’s feeling. I know we are dating exclusively and he is genuinely interested and invested, but can he see a future with me? He has said I was getting under his skin, but just how deep is what I don’t know. And will he pluck me out like a splinter or let me settle into him forever?
My eyes close with these thoughts rushing through my head and I wish them away. I will not let insecurities ruin this for me. I have always been confident. I am not going to start losing that now.
I’m awakened by a tickle on my leg. Keeping my eyes closed since I’m not ready to fully wake up yet, I reach to scratch it and jump. Before I can react, Jake’s tongue dips into me and begins to please me. He makes his way up to my clit, tantalizing me with his mouth. I buck my hips and reach down to hold his head. Talk about a wake up call. He continues to lick and suck as I grow hot. His tongue is magical. I swear it’s like a fucking wand that touches me and sets me off. I grip the sheets and climax quickly. My moans echo off the walls as the final wave crashes through me.
His boyish grin meets me as he moves up my body kissing me. “Good mornin.’”
“Mornin’ to you. Best wake up call ever.”
He laughs and says, “I was hungry.”
I giggle. “You’re temptation rolled into a human form. You do know that, right?”
He kisses me again and settles next to me. His arms wrap around me and he kisses my temple lovingly. “I’ve only got an appetite for you.”
“You better.” My fingers swirl around his chest softly and he shivers. I smile against his neck and move back to look at him.
“Would you rather live where it’s summer all year long or winter?”
“Are we playing a game?”
“Just answer.”
“Summer. That way you’ll be dressed in clothes that expose more of your skin and we can cool down in the pool.”
“I asked what you prefer. Who’s to say I’d be there with you?”
“Because, I ain’t gonna let you go.”
I bite back my smile and say, “Well, what if I prefer winter.”
“Then winter it is. I’ll keep you warm with my body.” I laugh and slap his chest.
“You only think about sex.”
“That’s not true,” he defends himself, his expression soft and caring.
“Okay. Would you rather watch hours of football or porn?”
Jake laughs deep in his chest and shakes his head. “Football.” Seeing my raised eyebrows, he continues, “I’ve never been big on porn. Not my style.”
“Bonus points for you, bartender. It seems like I chose the right one to take me home.”
“Damn straight, you did. No one else is taking you home. My turn, Which would you rather do, wash dishes or do laundry.”
“Dishes, I hate doing laundry.”
Jake laughs and shifts onto his elbow to look at me. “Would you rather drink vodka or water for an entire month?”
I scrunch up my nose. “Water. No way is this girl getting any vodka in her.” Jake laughs and brushes a few strands of hair from my face. “So wait, only water for an entire month?”
“Yes,” he chuckles again.
“That’s terrible. I’d miss my whiskey.”
“I’m sure you would. Okay,” he pauses to think. “If you had your choice which would you rather do, spend the night in a haunted house or outside during winter?”
“Outside, I’ll have you to keep me warm, remember?”
“Are you scared of a little ghost?”
“Pfftt! Yes!” His chest roars with laughter and he holds his stomach. There’s nothing funny about ghosts.
“You’re adorable. I’ll protect you from the ghosts.”
“You damn well better,” I say serious as all hell. I think it’s cute he thinks I’m joking.
“You’re hogging all the questions. My turn again,” I say, looking him in the eyes. “Would you rather have a dance-off against Usher or a sing-off against Adele?”<
br />
“Dance-off.”
“Are you sure? Usher is pretty bad ass.”
“I’m positive, darlin.’ I’ve got moves of my own.”
“Do you now?”
Jake nods his head and pins my body down with his. “Oh, I’ve got plenty of moves.” His mouth kisses my neck, causing goosebumps to cover my skin. I moan softly and let the feel of his mouth consume me. His lips kiss wherever they want and his body rocks over mine, prepping me up for what’s to come. Bliss!
Three days later, I wake up to the sound of knocking on my apartment door. I’m going to kill him. But before I can open my mouth to tell him he’s crazy for coming over after work, he rushes me and kisses me hard. His mouth tastes of Jack.
“Guess what!” His excitement makes me smile. What the hell has gotten into him?
“What?” I lock the door behind me and lead him towards my room.
Jake sits on the bed and pulls me onto his lap. “I got a promotion.”
“What?!” I look at him, wide eyed.
“Yeah. It’s crazy. Jimmy is retiring. He called me into his office and told me he had spoken to Warren about me taking over the position. He knows I studied Business in college and have experience running a bar. He went on to say the patrons who come in each day respect me and see me as more than a bartender.” I stare into his eyes as he speaks to me, telling me about his conversation with Jimmy, the current manager at Southern.
“I’m so proud of you!” I kiss him lovingly and cup his cheek.
“Thanks! I had to rush over here and tell you as soon as I finished up. Are you mad I woke you? I left my key at home and had to knock.”
“Are you kidding me? This is amazing news. I’m glad you came to tell me. Now, are you going to get into bed? I’m tired,” I joke. Jake laughs and takes off his clothes before climbing into bed with me. He pulls my backside to him and kisses the back of my neck.
“You know what the best part is?”
“Tell me,” I whisper.
“I’ll have a normal schedule. No more late nights unless it’s really necessary. I can take you out like a normal couple instead of designated days I have off.” He sounds so happy and it thrills me. The thought of our schedules being more compatible makes me happy.
I turn around in his arms to look at him. “That is amazing news. You sure you won’t get sick of me if you see me more often?” I tease.
“Hell, no! I love what we have but I know having opposite schedules is tiring. I won’t have to ask you to come down to Southern each night and then share you with the crowd.”
“It’s more like me sharing you, bartender.”
“That’s Mr. Manager to you now.” I laugh and kiss him.
“Mr. Manager. I’m really proud of you, Jake.”
“Thanks, baby. It means a lot to hear you say that.” He squeezes me and I sigh happily, locking my legs with his.
“When do you officially start as manager?”
“In a week and a half. Jimmy will be hiring a new bartender and wants me to be there to interview him or her. His last day is next Friday.”
“That’s great!”
“I want to celebrate with you. Come over to my place for dinner tomorrow. I’ll cook.”
“You know your way around a kitchen?” I tease. I know he’s a great cook.
“You know I will satisfy your hunger.”
“In more ways than one,” I say before kissing him softly.
“Goodnight, babe,” he says against my lips. I nod in agreement, my eyes already closing. Pride for Jake fills me as my dream sweeps me away.
“Don’t forget about dinner tonight,” Jake says as we drink our coffees in my kitchen.
“How can I forget about celebrating your accomplishment? You gotta call Sav and tell her.”
“I will! I’ll call her when we leave.” He places his mug on the counter and saunters towards me. “Come over after work.” His arms wrap around my waist and pull me into his embrace. I instinctively wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him.
“I will. What are you going to make me for dinner?” I wink.
Laughing, Jake responds, “It’s a surprise. Dessert will be on you.” I squirm, knowing real well what he means.
“You’re a fiend.” I kiss the underside of his chin. “Let’s go.”
We leave my apartment early enough that the sun hasn’t peeked through the dark sky yet. “You could’ve stayed and slept, Jake.” Guilt for waking him up so early after a late night washes over me.
“Nah, I wanted to get up and have coffee with you. I’ll take a nap while you work.”
“Lucky,” I joke and walk to my car. Jake kisses me one last time before closing my car door and climbing into his truck.
I cannot wait to celebrate with him. I hope he is proud of himself as well. This is a huge step, and I cannot imagine anyone better to fill the manager position at Southern than him. His smile when I opened the door last night was so endearing. He’s just so gorgeous and sexy and . . . Okay. My thoughts need to stop drifting to that because I won’t be able to see him for hours. Focus on baking. That will keep me entertained in the meantime.
Once in the bakery, I get to work on the muffins while I sing to the emptiness in the kitchen.
“You should sign up for American Idol.”
“Shit!” I jump startled.
Lacy laughs as she enters the kitchen. “I hadn’t realized you were a natural,” she teases.
“You’re such a bitch. I didn’t hear you come in.”
“You were busy yelling to Carrie Underwood. Maybe you should let her stick to singing her songs and you stick to baking the goods.”
“Ugh! Yeah, joke’s on me.” I roll my eyes and smile. My dream of being a singer once again extinguished. As if I could ever sing like Carrie. I wish!
Lacy and I fall into our routine in the kitchen before opening up the doors to hungry and thirsty for caffeine customers.
“Things with Jake are good?” Lacy asks, her eyes filled with mischief.
“They’re great.” I’m not sure if it has been announced that Jake will replace Jimmy and I don’t feel like it’s my promotion to share, so I’ll let him boast for himself when the time comes.
“I’m glad, B. You found yourself a keeper.” Lacy’s smile warms my heart.
“Thanks, Lace. I really like him.”
“I know,” she says smugly.
The morning rush is busier than usual. School is coming to an end, and I guess everyone is in search of an extra fix of caffeine and sugar. The college kids have filled all our seats studying hard for finals. I wish I had IVs I could offer them of straight shots of espresso to their veins. They would probably pay big bucks for that boost of energy.
“Hello?” I answer my phone vibrating in my pocket.
“Hey, Beth!”
“Sav! What’s up?”
“Not much. I just spoke to Jake! I’m so proud of him.” I sneak into the kitchen to talk to Savannah.
“It’s great news. I’m proud of him, too,” I say smiling when I realize she can’t see my face.
“How are things with you two?” I wonder if Jake mentioned anything to Savannah about us.
“I was just telling Lacy earlier that they’re great. I’m happy about his promotion, and I know our schedules will be more in sync now.”
“Very true, I’m happy things are going well between you two. You should come back and visit!”
I laugh. “How’s the new bakery? Miss me?”
“Yes! I wish you could be here. It’s doing really well actually. I’m kinda surprised at the constant flow of people coming in.”
“I knew it’d be a success. How’s Parker?”
“Good. He’s working hard with the team and says he sees improvements with the pitchers.”
“That’s awesome.”
“Yeah, half way through his first season in the Majors. I’m really proud of him.”
“You should be. Look at us dating boys moving up in
their careers,” I half tease.
“Who would’ve thought a year ago we’d both be here,” she laughs into the phone.
“Not me, that’s for sure. Dating Jake, the flirt bartender? That was a surprise to me as much as to everyone else, but I’m glad he made his move.”
“Ha. I’m sure you are. So, are things serious?”
“It’s only been a couple of months or so, Sav. I don’t know how serious they can be in that short of a time.”
“The heart has no measure of time,” she states wisely.
“Philosophy of Love 101?”
She giggles and says, “Experience, I guess. My feelings for Parker came fast and hard. We started dating in October and I fell in love shortly after. No one says you gotta wait a certain amount of time to have feelings. When you know, you know.”
“How do I know?”
“You just know. And I think you know.”
“This sounds like a damn tongue twister with all the knows thrown into our conversation,” I laugh loudly.
Savannah laughs along with me and snorts, causing me to laugh even harder.
“Geez, Sav.” I try to calm down and wipe the tears from my cheeks. I take a deep breath and ask, “What if he doesn’t feel the same?”
I hear her inhale deeply. “You’ll never know until you open up. Isn’t that what everyone always says? I’ll tell you what I’ve learned the most with Parker, always be true and speak what you feel. Communication is the key in all relationships, not just when you’re upset or hurting.”
“Thanks, babe.” I’m grateful to have her just a phone call away.
“Anytime, B. We’ll talk soon. Keep me updated.”
“I will. Bye.” I hang up a little more confident about my feelings towards Jake. I have been asking myself if I’m rushing into it by having such strong feelings, or if it’s okay to feel so much so quickly. The heart has no measure of time. I like that.
After a quick shower I drive to Jake’s. I’m nervous about tonight for some reason. Maybe because I have acknowledged my feelings for him and accepted that they are deeper than just a silly relationship, or liking someone that you think is attractive. He is so much more. Yeah, he’s hot. That’s a given. But he is also smart, funny and caring. He makes me a priority but also does his own thing. We have this balance that is just about perfect. He challenges me and sometimes aggravates me, but when it comes down to it, he has taken up residence in my heart and has settled in comfortably. I don’t want him to pack up and leave that space, now or ever. He will permanently have a place there that is just his. Wood carved plaque with his name on it hung inside my heart.
Whiskey Nights Page 9
