by Nicole Hart
"And?" I asked.
"He was ok I guess. He was kind of annoying. And he was wearing slacks and a polo. Ew." She said with a look of disgust. I couldn't help but laugh.
"And he wasn't Moon." I said very matter of fact.
"And he wasn't Moon." She repeated quietly.
"Finally!" I clapped. "You finally admitted it!" I said and hugged her.
"You're such a bitch" She muttered as she hugged me back.
"So what did you say?" I asked.
"I told him I had to think about it and I ran out" She said.
"No you didn't!"
“Yes I did. I panicked ok! Fuck!"
"God, Sam. He asked you to date him not have his baby you nut job." I said through my laughter.
"What do I do?" She said as she flopped down on my bed face first.
"Um. You're going to get yourself sexied up. We're gonna go to Moon's and you’re going to tell him you're sorry for being an idiot and you love him."
Sam jerked her head up so fast she could have given herself whip lash.
"Ok, scratch the last part." I said before she started throwing things. “I don't know Sam, tell him how you feel."
"Fine." She said as she stood up and headed towards the door.
Jase and I walked out of the guest house hand in hand and headed to the Man Barn. There were a few people inside playing pool and some others outside gathered around the bonfire. It wasn't terribly cold, but it was November and I couldn't help but shiver at little.
"Come here baby" Jase said as he pulled me to him. "I'll warm you up."
I wrapped my arm around his waist as we walked into the barn. Luckily Moon had central heat in here so it was comfortable. I scanned the room for Sam. She was in the corner talking to Moon. She had her finger linked in his belt loop and he had his hand on the small of her back. They looked cozy. I was so glad they were admitting they had feelings for each other.
"Finally huh" Jase whispered in my ear.
"I know!" I said with excitement.
Just then I heard "Come a little closer" by Dierks Bentley start playing on the surround sound.
"I love this song" I said as I wrapped my arms around Jase. "Ya wanna dance?" I said half kidding because I already knew the answer.
"I love you baby, but I don't dance. You don't even wanna see it" He said with a chuckle.
"I know, I know." I grinned. "Maybe one of these days" I said with a wink.
"Maybe" He said and gave me a kiss.
"How about a game of pool then?" I asked.
"That I can do" He said as he grabbed me by the hand and led me toward the pool table that just became free.
I could feel someone staring at me so I looked to my left. It was Moon's cousin, Seth. I hadn't seen him since high school and that suited me just fine. I never really liked him, he always gave me the creeps. He was that one guy in his 20's that always like to hang out at the high school parties. But he was Moon's family so I never really said anything. But I really wished he would quit staring. I glanced up at Jase and he had also noticed. I saw his jaw flinching as he watched Seth. I tried to distract him.
"Rack ‘em sexy" I said as I slapped his ass.
Jase gave Seth another glare before he turned his attention to our game.
I was winning and I'm pretty sure it's because Jase was letting me. I loved how playful we were with each other. Every time it was my turn Jase would come up behind me and whisper something dirty to distract me. It was working. That's how I knew he was letting me win. Because I was playing horribly.
"You want a beer?" Jase asked "You're not driving" I had forced myself to spend the last couple of nights at home but I knew Jase wasn't letting that happen tonight.
"Yeah that sounds good" I said as I sat down on a barstool. Jase headed to the other side of the enormous barn.
Seth immediately walked over as soon as Jase turned his back.
"Lainey Collins." He said with a slight slur. Ew, he still creeped me out.
"Seth" I said as I looked around for Jase.
"I ain't seen you in a long time. You turned out gorgeous girl."
"Uh, thanks." I said feeling more uncomfortable by the second.
"Can I just say you are looking mighty fine in them jeans?" He said as he moved into my personal space.
"No, you can't" Jase said as he stepped in front of me. "And if you don't walk away right now, you'll be eating this fucking concrete."
Oh shit!
"What mother fucker" Seth said as he stuck his chest out.
He looked ridiculous.
"I'm not repeating myself." Jase said calmly.
"Moon!" I heard Sam yell.
I wanted to look at Sam but I couldn't take my eyes off of Jase. I knew it was going to get crazy any second. Suddenly Moon stepped in between Jase and Seth. He was nose to nose with Seth.
"Why don't you get on out of here cousin?"
"What?" He said.
"Time for you to go." He said quietly. "I'll give you a ride if you want"
"I don't need a fucking ride from you" He said through gritted teeth.
"Suit yourself" He said as he grabbed him by the elbow and escorted him out of the barn.
"I recognized that look" Sam said to both of us with a laugh. "You knock Seth's teeth out then Moon would have to pay for it. That piece of shit can't keep a job. I need a beer after that! Y'all want one?" She said as she walked away.
"We're good thanks" Jase said as he picked up two beers off the table and handed me one.
Jase turned around and faced me.
"Sorry about that" He said.
"No, don't be sorry for getting mad. I was glad you rescued me. That guy grosses me out." I said and pulled Jase closer to me.
"I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner. I'm not sorry for wanting to beat his ass." He said with a grin, completely relaxed.
"Mmm...Jealous Jase is sexy" I said as I grabbed his shirt and pulled him to my lips.
"I'm glad you think so." He said as he kissed me sweetly.
"But I think I've had enough of this party, can we go back to your house?" I asked. I wanted to be alone with him.
"I thought you'd never ask" He said as he threw me over his shoulder and smacked me on the ass.
I instantly got the giggles.
"Night y'all" I yelled to Sam and Moon as Jase carried me out the door.
The next morning I woke up with the sun shining through the window and Jase snuggled at my side. I couldn't help but admire his chiseled naked body. And those tattoos were just the icing on the sexy cake. I heard a little rumble and then Jase stirred a little. He was hungry. I wasn't surprised. We spent half the night wrapped up in each other, tasting and exploring.
I slid out of bed and made my way to the kitchen. I wanted to make him breakfast but I needed coffee first. As I stumbled to the pot I noticed the stack of mail still sitting where I left it. I needed to remind him that I checked it for him.
The smell of bacon must have woken Jase up. He walked into the kitchen in a pair of flannel pajama pants and bare feet. His hair was messy, probably from all of the pulling I did. And his stubble was more prominent. It was almost a short beard now. Damn. He was so sexy. It took everything in me to continue cooking and not pounce on him.
"Mornin’ Sexy" I said over the sound of sizzling bacon.
"Mmm. Morning beautiful" He said as he wrapped his arms around me from behind and kissed me on the neck.
"Want some coffee?" I asked.
"I'll make it." He said.
"Nope, sit." I said and gave him a little nudge towards the table.
"I could get used to this" He said as he walked to the table.
I started to make Jase a cup of coffee and couldn't help but smile to myself. I liked waking up with him and cooking for him. I wanted to take care of him. I could see myself doing this all the time. I knew in my head that I was rushing things with these thoughts, but my heart usually won when it came to Jase. Besides he had taken care of himsel
f for too long, it was time someone took care of him for a change.
I took the coffee to the table and put it in front of him. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders.
"I checked your mail for you the other day. It's on the counter Jason" I said with a giggle as I kissed his cheek.
His entire body tensed up and he froze.
"What's wrong? I said as I looked at the side of his face. He was staring straight ahead.
"Nothing." He said quietly. "I just don't go by that name. I don't like it"
"Oh. Ok babe" I whispered. That was strange and I wanted to know the story behind it. But I knew Jase. When he was ready to tell me, he would. Otherwise, leave it.
"How about I call you super sexy lover that I can't keep my hands off of" I said as I squeezed his biceps. I wanted to lighten the mood. I didn't want Jase upset.
His body relaxed and he laughed a little. "That works" He said as he pulled me around into his lap and cradled me.
I gave him a quick peck on the lips.
"I'm gonna make your plate." I said.
"I can do it" Jase said.
"I want to" I said as I got up and walked to the cabinet to grab our plates.
"You trying to spoil me?" He said with a wink.
"I want to take care of you Jase" I said and then I watched him get out of the chair and walk over to me.
"It's my job to take care of you" He said as he wrapped his arms around me.
"How about we take care of each other" I said as I squeezed Jase tight.
"I can handle that" He whispered in my ear as he kissed my lobe.
"Now sit" I said as I smacked his ass.
Jase sat down and I made our plates and brought them to the table.
Chapter 10
It was a girl’s night in for Sam and I. Jase and Moon went hunting for the night. I told them they were crazy because it was freezing outside, but there was no stopping them. There was a rare winter storm coming. Well, rare for Texas anyway. The weather was expected to get nasty later in the week, just in time for Thanksgiving. But for now, it was just bitter cold.
"So, what are your plans for Thanksgiving?" I asked Sam. "Is Joe coming home?"
"No, he can't leave." Sam looked sad. "I haven't seen him in over two months, I miss my daddy."
"Awww." I said and put my arm around Sam. "I'm sorry honey;"
"What are you and Jase going to do? I'm guessing you have a plan."
"We're just going to cook at his place, but we can do it here. You can help me cook."
"Actually, Moon asked me to go home with him for Thanksgiving." Sam said with that familiar look of fear.
"Really?" I said my voice full of excitement. "You didn't run away when he asked did you?"
"No asshole" She laughed. "I told him I'd go."
"Sam, I'm so proud of you!" I said as I gave her a hug.
"Yeah Yeah" She said as she walked into the kitchen. "You want a glass of wine?"
"Sure!" I yelled
"Have you ever made a turkey?" Sam asked with her eyebrow cocked as she handled me a glass.
"No" I said with a giggle. "But I'm sure I can handle it"
"Don't burn the house down ok" She said as she took a sip.
"I can't make any promises" I said with all honesty.
Thanksgiving Day
"It's really coming down out there" I said to Jase as I stared out the window. It was snowing and everything was starting to turn white. It was beautiful. This didn't happen very often around here. "I hope Moon takes it slow on the road, the news said they were bad."
"They'll be fine baby" Jase said as he walked up behind me and put his arms around me.
The turkey was in the oven. I said a little prayer and hoped for the best. I was so excited to spend today with Jase. Even if my food sucked, today would still be a good day. But I hoped that wasn't the case, I wanted to impress my man.
Jase grabbed my hand and put a small box in it.
"You got me a present?" I asked, I couldn't keep the excitement out of my voice.
"It's Thanksgiving." He said. "And I have something to be thankful for."
I opened the black box. There was a beautiful white gold necklace. It was a puzzle piece and it was inscribed. "I found my missing piece" My eyes immediately filled with tears.
"I love it Jase. It's perfect" I wrapped my arms around him and squeezed him tight. "You're amazing."
"I love you" He said.
"I love you too. And thank you so much. Will you put it on me?" I said as I handed him the necklace.
"Yes ma'am" He said as I pulled my hair up. He kissed my neck and then fastened the clasp. I rubbed my fingers across it. It really was perfect.
A couple of hours later, I was busy in the kitchen. Everything was coming together. I just put a pumpkin pie in the oven. The turkey was turning golden brown. That had to be a good sign. Jase was busy sampling everything I made. Everything he tasted ended with "Mmm… that's good" then another bite so I was confident I was doing ok.
Then there was a knock at the door. Jase and I looked at each other. Who could that be? Jase walked to the front door and opened it. There stood Moon and Sam.
"Hey" Jase said as he opened the door wider for them to come inside.
"Oh my God, it's freezing out there" Was all Sam said.
"What happened?" I asked
“The bridge is closed” Moon said. “We sat in traffic for almost two fucking hours before we could turn around.”
"Lainey, it smells delicious in here." Sam said almost shocked.
I pointed my middle finger in her direction and stuck my tongue out at her. Sam just giggled.
"You got enough for two more?" Moon asked.
"Of course, we have plenty" I said with a smile.
"Good, because I'm fucking starving." Moon said.
Dinner was a hit and we were all sitting around in the living room relaxing afterwards. Sam was sitting with her legs draped across Moon in the loveseat. I was so glad they finally came to their senses.
"Can I just put it out there and say y'all are too cute?" I told them
"You've been whining about her for months man, it's about time you nutted up and told her." Jase said.
"Awww..." Sam said as she snuggled up to Moon.
"Well damn dude I've been hinting to her for a while now, she's just so damn stubborn." Moon said as he squeezed Sam's knee.
"Sorry, I didn't want to start something and you fuck it up." She said and playfully slapped his cheek. These two were made for each other.
"Why would I fuck it up?" Moon asked her.
"Come on." She said. "I wanted to make sure you weren't hooking up with some rig rat every time you were out before I could even think about it"
"Wait." I interrupted. "What's a rig rat?"
"You know, those dirty sluts that follow the oilfield guys around, trying to worm their way in. Hoping to get something out of it. My daddy told me all about them. And Moon, don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about." She said and looked right at him.
"Hey, I didn't say nothing." He said with his hands up in surrender.
Sam gave him a kiss and that was the end of their conversation about it.
I couldn't believe there were girls out there that did that. I mean, I could. I'm not dumb enough to think that guys are the only ones that are sluts. I wondered if Jase had ever hooked up with one. It made me sick to my stomach to think about it. I thought I was about to lose my Thanksgiving dinner I worked so hard to make.
"You don't have anything to worry about baby" Jase whispered in my ear. I was convinced that man could read my mind sometimes.
"I didn't say anything" I brushed his comment off with a laugh that I didn't mean
"You didn't have to" He said as he pulled me closer to him. "Don't even think that way Lainey."
And that was the end of that conversation. Out loud. The conversation in my head wouldn't go away so easy.
Before I knew it, it was the night before leavin
g day again. I was staying the night with Jase and helping him pack.
"Your days off went by too fast" I whined as I was sprawled out across the bed.
"I know, it sucks" Jase said as he laid on top of me. "We're doing a rig move too, so my schedule will be a little off."
"What do you mean?"
“We'll be staying in a motel this time, until they get the camp ready. My hours could change anytime. I won't know much until I get there." Jase explained as he ran his finger up and down my bare arm.
"Will you be able to call?" I asked nervously.
"I should. It's a different spot so hopefully the signal won't be too bad. Don't worry baby, I'll make sure I get to call."
"I'm not worried" I lied. I knew being without him would be hard. But it wasn't getting easier like I'd hoped. I hated the sick feeling in my stomach that I had. I missed him already.
"Good" He said as he planted a kiss on my lips. The sound of his phone ringing disrupted our kiss.
"Hey Boss, What's up?" Jase said into his phone." Yeah ok, hold on"
"Baby, will you grab me a pen and paper?" Jase whispered.
I grabbed them both off the nightstand and handed it to Jase.
Cherokee Inn. Jase scribbled on the paper along with the address.
Jase hung up the phone and entered the information into his phone before he threw it on the bed. He crawled on top of me and started to kiss my neck. Then his phone rang again.
"Shit" Jase hissed. I couldn't help but giggle. I grabbed his phone which had slid underneath me. "Jay" was on the screen.
"It's your dad" I whispered as I handed the phone to him. He hit the decline button, as usual. I felt the usual tug at my heart every time I saw him reject those calls.
"Don't you ever wonder what he has to say?" I asked.
"Nope" He said and started kissing my neck again.
"I'm serious Jase" I said and forced him to look at me.
“Me too Lainey. Let’s not do this right now. Ok? I want to enjoy you tonight. These lips" He said as he kissed my lips. "This neck" He whispered as he started kissing my neck. "These shoulders" He said as he kissed my shoulders. And that was all it took. Jase was my only concern. His touch, his mouth, his body. Jase was all that mattered.
