by S. Jones
“That’s a good question.” Talk about being put on the spot.
“Let’s talk about something else, shall we,” Jack said while reaching across the table to grab his drink. It was an awkward question, and I wasn’t sure how to answer it. Not that I haven’t thought about it, because I had. More times than I could count.
“It’s okay.” I patted his hand. “It’s definitely a fun city, but I guess it would depend on the circumstances. The truth is, I’m a mom first so I wouldn’t make a move unless it was in my son’s best interest.”
Jack sat up straighter in his chair and gave his friend a stern look. “And that’s the way it should be.”
At first, I feared she was judging me, but then she smiled as if she was giving us her blessing. I knew how important Jack’s friends were to him, and I really wanted them to like me.
“You two make such cute couple.” She grinned from across the table as our server placed our appetizers down in front of us. Everyone watched with interest as the plates started to pile up at Cassie’s end of the table.
“So,” Nick cut in, “can I ask what the hell a gorgeous girl like you is doing dating this ugly Jack-ass?” He shot me a wink. “Surely you could do so much better.”
Jack’s arm wrapped protectively along the back of my chair. “Don’t listen to him. He’s just jealous, but he’s right. You are too good for me.”
Cassie grinned. “Look at you all smitten. I never thought I’d see the day.”
Jack’s fingers gently stroked my shoulder. “Look at her. Can you blame me?”
If I was unsure about this guy before, there was no doubt that I was head over heels in love with him.
Gone! Done! Finished!
Cassie brought a piece of calamari up to her mouth. “I’m happy for you, Jack. Just make sure you don’t run off and get married until after these babies are born. Unless you don’t want to live long enough to have kids of your own one day.”
Her hormone driven death threat caused me to choke on my water. Jack instinctively reached over and patted my back. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” I said, wiping off my mouth with my napkin.
“Besides,” she continued, without missing a beat. “I need an excuse to trade these maternity clothes in for cute little cocktail dresses.”
“Don’t worry. We haven’t even picked out china patterns yet, but as soon as we book the Waldorf and register at Bed Bath & Beyond, I’ll let you know.”
I kicked him with my foot under the table. He leaned into me, kissing my temple. “What, you don’t like Bed, Bath & Beyond?”
“So how is pregnancy going?” Nick asked, switching the topic of conversation. He was, by far, my favorite one of the group.
“Amazing.” Cassie’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “I’ve never had so much sex in my life. I can’t get enough of it lately. Thank God I’m married to a man with such great stamina and a talented tongue.”
Nick chuckled and raised his glass. “To Liam’s stamina.”
Liam ran a hand through his short brown hair. He seemed shy compared to his outgoing wife. “Yeah, that’s me, a nine-month nymphomaniac. Although, these kids may be all we have. I’m not sure I’m going to have any sperm left after this pregnancy.”
I looked at my empty wineglass, thinking I really needed a refill.
Everyone chatted easily around the table as we ate, laughed, drank, and told stories. It was fun listening to them all tease each other relentlessly. It was almost impossible not to like them. Even Cassie.
I looked over at Jack and smiled. I loved seeing him so relaxed. Being here on his home turf had me seeing him in a new light. He looked so comfortable and seemed so carefree.
Our waiter cleared our plates as Cassie was finishing up with a huge piece of peanut butter chocolate pie that was the size of a football. God, I didn’t miss those pregnancy cravings and the weight gain. Although, it looked like Cassie could eat just about anything and still keep a striking figure.
“So, Nick.” I stared at him for a minute. He had that tall, dark, and mysterious look to him that women ate up. There was no doubt, with his looks and his personality, that he had the ladies lined up around the block. “Jack mentioned you’re a lawyer.”
He took a sip of his drink and set it down. “That’s correct. I specialize in corporate law, but can do pretty much anything.”
“It sounds like it keeps you busy. You must enjoy it.”
He sat up taller in his chair. “It has its moments.”
Jack smirked next to me. “Don’t let him fool you. His favorite part of the job is working with the new, female interns.”
Nick grinned over the top of his glass. “Can you blame me? Somebody has to teach these pretty, young girls right from wrong. Have you seen what these women look like today? They sure as hell didn’t look like that when we were in college.”
“Excuse you.” Cassie smacked his shoulder. “That’s a sexist thing to say.”
“I meant to say, except you two beauties,” he added with a wink. “I’m sure you were both heartbreakers back in your day.”
“Back in the day, huh?” I said through a laugh. “You better stop while you’re ahead.”
Liam chuckled and stretched out his long legs. “I hope you’re better with the one-liners in the courtroom, buddy. With comments like that, I can see why you’re still single.”
The five of us sat around chatting long after our drinks were empty, and our bill was paid. It wasn’t until I started yawning that Jack stood up and announced that we had to get going. On the drive back to his apartment, I couldn’t help but think about how much fun I had.
A part of me wished I didn’t have to leave tomorrow. It seemed like no matter how much time we had together, it was never enough.
Chapter 19
Jack
The cries of the seagulls circling my deck had me leaning my head back with a sigh. I couldn’t wait to get the hell out of the city this week. It’s been almost twelve days since I’ve last seen Chloe and Tanner. Technically, it’s been 287 hours and 35 minutes, but who's counting?
Thinking back over the last ninety days had me second-guessing my entire life up until this point. I rested my hands on the railing and stared out into the Atlantic. Life really threw me one hell of a curveball, both professionally and personally.
Saying goodbye to them at the airport was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.
My life and my career were in New York, but my heart was here in South Carolina with them. How the hell was I supposed to choose?
Could I really walk away from the company that my father built? Give up his entire life’s work for the first woman I fell in love with? It was a crazy notion, so why was I even thinking about it?
My thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on my front door. I glanced at my watch and noticed that Chloe was early. Not that I was complaining because I missed the shit out of that woman.
I ran through the house practically racing to the door, anticipating the gorgeous girl on the other side. When I opened the door, there was indeed a gorgeous girl standing on my front step. It just wasn’t “my” girl.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, caught off guard by seeing my best friend, Emily standing in the same spot that should have been Chloe. Emily, Cassie and I went to college together. Three of us were always tight, until they both met their husbands and decided to start their own families.
“Well, that’s not the greeting I was expecting,” Emily replied with her husband Chase pressed up against her back, holding little Mason in his arms.
My eyes slid to Chase and Mason, then back to Emily. “You know I’m always happy to see you guys. I’m just surprised, that’s all.”
Emily narrowed her eyes slightly. “Really? Are you sure you weren’t expecting somebody else?”
Busted!
There was a reason this girl was my best friend. She knew me better than anybody else. My mouth stretched into a grin. “Are you
just going to stand there and give me shit, or are you going to get your ass over and give me a hug?”
“Hey!” Chase scolded as he covered little Mason’s ears. “Watch your language around my son.”
I angled my head to a perfectly content Mason, sleeping with his cheek resting against his father’s chest. “I hate to break the news to you, pal, but he doesn’t understand English yet.”
Chase shot me that look that said, don’t fuck with me. I ran my hand through my hair. Shit. Emily wasn’t kidding when she said that Chase was a controlling nutjob when it came to his kid. It really wasn’t surprising because the dude could be a little intense.
Emily rushed into my arms and gave me a hug that nearly squeezed the oxygen out of my body. “I have missed you so much.”
I kissed the top of her hair. Her scent was familiar, and her gentle touch made me forget my worries for a brief moment. She wasn’t just my friend; she was my family. I may have been an only child, but Emily was the sister I never had. Cassie and I were close, just not as close as Emily and I.
When she moved to Florida with Chase, it bothered me more than I wanted to admit. Yet seeing how happy she was with her new life made me proud. “I missed you too.”
“What, no love for me?” Chase smirked, breezing past me into the house.
“That depends.” I jerked my head to where Mason was resting on his chest. “Are you going to let me hold him?”
Chase looked at Mason as if he needed a minute to think about it. He took a lot longer than he needed to before he replied. “I will. As soon as the little guy wakes up.”
Emily and I rolled our eyes at the same time. Chase laughed, knowing he was busted. “What? He’s sleeping.”
Emily took my hand and smiled. “It’s so good to see you.”
I walked over to my fridge and looked inside doing an inspection of my inventory. “Can I get you guys something to drink?”
The almost-empty fridge was a reminder that I needed to make a grocery run soon. Aside from a door full of various condiments that barely got used and a mixed selection of bottled beer, there was nothing else but a few bottled waters.
Looking at their lack of options, they both replied, “Water’s good.”
I grabbed a couple bottles of water, and we all made our way out onto the back deck.
“Great view,” Chase said, slowly settling into a lounge chair, trying not to wake Mason.
It was a great view, though not nearly as great as his. Their house was huge and looked like something you see on the cover of Southern Living. My house was a tiny shack compared to their 7,000 square foot mansion in West Palm Beach. However, this was the perfect size for a single guy like me who just needed a place to escape to every now and them.
I leaned against the railing and folded my arms across my chest. “Thanks. So, what brings you guys to the Carolinas?”
Emily took a sip of her water then set it down on the patio table. “It’s your birthday. We didn’t want you to spend it alone.”
I crossed my legs at the ankles, keeping my arms flexed across my chest. “So you traveled 700 miles just to keep me company on my birthday?”
“Yep,” she smiled, pulling on her ponytail.
I tilted my head to the side and looked her over. “Where were you for my last five birthdays? Are you sure it has nothing to do with Chloe? Perhaps you were hoping to meet her? Maybe make sure that she’s good enough for me.”
She looked guilty as hell, and it was obvious that she had talked to Cassie.
She shrugged her shoulder and looked away from me. “Believe it or not, I missed you and wanted to see you. However, meeting Chloe would be nice too.”
Emily and I have always been very protective of each other. It took a while for me to warm up to Chase; I hoped it wouldn’t take that long for her to see that Chloe was the real deal. “Well, in that case, I’m glad you’re here.” I jerked my head over to Chase and Mason. “All of you.”
For the next hour, the three of us sat around and shot the shit. I was surprised when Chase finally handed over a sleeping Mason for me to hold.
One look at the kid and you knew who his daddy was. A trait Chase was damn proud of. I couldn’t help but feel a pang in my chest. For the first time in my life, I wanted this. I could easily picture a future with Chloe and Tanner, and hopefully, a baby of our own someday.
My phone pinged in my pocket. I pulled it out and glanced at the screen and read the message.
“Chloe’s on her way,” I said, kissing the top of Mason’s head and running my hand along his dark hair. Holding him felt natural, and addicting. I could easily get attached.
“Will Tanner be with her?” Emily asked.
“He will be later.”
“Everyone kept gushing about what a great kid he is and about how much fun they had with you and Chloe in New York.” Emily’s eyes filled with a mix of questions and curiosity. “You’ve been dating her for a few months now, and you look happier than I’ve ever seen you. She must be pretty special.”
“She is,” I replied, without hesitation.
She leaned her head to the side with her eyes blinking in surprise. “You love her.”
It was a statement, not a question.
“I do,” I answered, not even having to think about it.
“And what about Tanner?”
“They’re a package deal, and like I said earlier, he’s a great kid.”
She raked her hands through her ponytail, tugging at the ends. “Just promise me you’ll be careful. This is your first relationship and taking on a kid is a huge responsibility. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”
“Emily!” Chase scolded and walked over to take his son from my arms. He looked at his wife, giving her a stern look. “Butt out.”
If this were anyone other than Emily, I would have shown them to the door, but I knew where she was coming from. She was only looking out for me.
“I’m already all in, Emily. It’s too late to back out now.” I raked my hand through my hair that was blowing in the wind. I needed another damn haircut. “I may not have anything to compare this relationship to, but I know that a woman like her only comes around once in a lifetime. And I’m man enough to admit it. I know enough to realize that she and Tanner are worth holding onto. This is as serious as it gets for me.”
Emily’s hand flew to her mouth. Tears formed in her big green eyes. “Wow. I’m at a loss for words.”
Chase shifted forward in his chair. “No more explanation needed, man. I get it. When you know, you know.” He shared a quick glance with his wife, and then stood up. “If Mason is going to meet Chloe for the first time, I may need to get him a fresh set of diapers. I wouldn’t want my son making a bad first impression by smelling like shit.”
I laughed. “Ahh, the life of a baby—eat, sleep, and shit without a care in the world.”
Chase laughed. “I’ll take this little guy to the store with me so you two can catch up.” He leaned in, giving Emily a slow, wet kiss on the mouth. He stopped and spun around when he was almost out the door. “Can I get anything while I’m out?”
“Actually, I’m running a little low on booze and just about everything else.” I reached in my back pocket to pull out my wallet.
Chase held his hand out to stop me. “Don’t even think about it. I got it.”
I stuffed my wallet back in my jeans. “Thanks, brother, the generosity is much appreciated.
He just nodded his head, shot his wife a wink and then walked out of the house, leaving Emily and me alone.
Chapter 20
Chloe
“I know, Tanner, I’ll pick you up in a little while. Make sure Jack’s present is wrapped. I love you too,” I said, hanging up the phone as I turned into Jack’s driveway
Placing the car in park, I took one last look in the mirror.
Something had to give soon. I always assumed that long-distance relationships were more work, and in a sense they were, but they also forced thing
s to progress at a much quicker pace. The longer the time we spent apart, the greater my affection grew. Minutes were like hours and weeks were like months.
I killed the engine and reapplied my red lipstick. Excitement bubbled up in my chest when I pictured the look on his face when he “unwrapped” his birthday present and realized I was wearing nothing underneath this trench coat.
I tried to quiet my clicking heels along the cobblestone pathway and concentrated on not falling flat on my face. High heels were not my friend, yet they were necessary for what I had planned for my boyfriend. Nervously, I smoothed out my jacket and made sure nothing was peeking out before quietly making my way into the house.
I heard the sound of voices from out back, and my curiosity got the better of me. I assumed it was the TV playing in the background until I remembered there were no other cars in the driveway. I slinked my way through the kitchen toward the slider when my feet came to a stop.
Jack’s arm was wrapped around another woman as they leaned against the railing. Emotion choked me with the way his eyes sparkled with affection and how she looked up at him with so much tenderness.
My vision blurred with tears as I scurried across the kitchen, knocking over a stool in the process.
The noise caused both of their heads to turn in my direction. Jack smiled at me, then quickly pulled away from the woman. His mouth turned into a tight frown when he noticed my panicked expression. Concern was written all over his face as he took long, quick strides and stopped in front of me.
“Chloe, what’s wrong?” He reached his arm out, but I backed away.
I brought my hand to my throat and frantically searched for something to hold on to. “I wanted to surprise you,” I replied, more sharply than I anticipated. My eyes shifted over his shoulder. “But it looks like the surprise is on me.”
“What are you talking about?”
The slender woman with long dark hair and a warm smile turned the corner. Her eyes grew wide in alarm when she noticed how distraught I was.
