You and I (You and I #1)

by H. M. Irwing

  "What's with you anyway?" said Emily much later still rummaging about in my drawers, "Jake's been here for hours already and quite frankly he's been in the way. Can't you...,"

  But I missed out on the rest of what she was saying as I stumbled down the stairs to get to the dining table as quick as I could. It was empty but for Jake. I crossed the room in record time and flung myself into his outstretched arms. The wide grin on his face brought about an answering grin in mine.

  "You're still here," I whispered breathing him in.

  "We have a lot to discuss. I waited for your parents to head off to work before coming down for breakfast. We'll spend the day together," Jake grinned down at me and I was quite simply happy.

  I tucked into my usual breaky with relish and even suffered Jake's taunting over my bland and unexciting breakfast routine with equanimity. I was quite certain nothing could upset me this day. I gulped down my coffee with relish.

  "Right get a change of clothes and a swim suit. We are going swimming today," said Jake. That put a damper in the mood. Swimming? It was not as if Jake would go down to haunt at the local swimming pool. Thinking of the local swimming pool was a turn-off I hated having to pass my eyes over all those bare asses and bare breasts all jiggling for attention in the changing rooms. It just amazed me how the women could just strip bare before strangers. It just gave me the creeps. I couldn’t imagine the men’s changing room being any different. Even so the local pool was just not Jake’s scene. But we couldn’t be going off to his dad’s place. The Neels would have their butler bar me entry. So where were we going swimming?

  "Hurry up half the day is gone already."

  That had me scuttling forward to comply without question for the day was already half gone. I ran back upstairs to dive into my swimsuit and tug on a pair of dilapidated jeans shorts that came from a second hand shop. It was not as if I couldn't afford a new pair but rather I preferred the already broken in look. It suited my equally unkempt form. Tugging on a t-shirt with faded lettering that could no longer be deciphered I was ready to go. I grabbed my sunnies, tossed in my sun tanning oils, a towel and I was ready to go.

  "I'm ready," I announced out loud as I skipped down the stairs.

  A wail rang out from above at that. "Noooo you cannot leave without telling me where the damn roller is," cried out Emily from above.

  That if nothing else had me shooting out of the house at warp speed. I had to run along with Jake a fair bit for his car was parked way over at the playground so that it was well hidden out of sight. That was a good ten minutes jog so that I was huffing and puffing and generally out of breath by the time I was buckled into its seats. Jake shifted his car in to gear and then we were off.

  "So where are we going?" I asked excitedly.

  "To Richard's place," Jake said blithely," he has loaned me the use of his apartment. Don't worry he won't be there and even if he was, he won't be bothering you again. I've had words with him and he understands that you are off limits."

  I somehow didn't share his confidence. Richard was not the sort to just leave things be.

  "We could go elsewhere," I suggested. There was no need to go swimming. But Jake shook his head. Reaching out he got hold of my hand and intertwined his fingers about mine.

  "Nope I need some alone time with you where we can be ourselves. I want to have some fun with you," Jake dropped me an endearing grin and just like that my sensible protests died away. I smiled back at him willing to go wherever he took me.

  The clear blue water barely rippled as his power packed dived cleaved through its surface in a controlled effort.

  "You should be in the Olympics," I exclaimed from the sidelines as Jake emerged dripping water as he ran a hand through his damp hair. He flashed me a quick grin at that then said unsurprisingly, "Now why would I want to do that? Swimming is all fun for me. I am not about to turn it into work."

  "You're incorrigible," I grinned back at him then playfully splashed at him before running away from the pool's edge.

  "You really shouldn't have done that," he said with all seriousness but I saw the impish glimmer in his eyes and knew he was up to no good. I watched with anticipation as his wet slicked body emerged from the pool. His arms and thighs contracted to haul up and support his weight.

  "Uh..uh," I doubled back as he lunged forward. With a skittish yelp I threw myself into the water with a loud messy splash but Jake wasn't far behind diving back in right after me he reached up to grab me even as I struggled to surface. I was pulled under. Still holding my breath I felt the pressure mounting as the need to breathe grew but then he was kicking us both up to the surface and I drew in a mighty gasp of fresh air.

  "Are you alright? I'm sorry that was stupid of me. I caught you too quick. You didn't have a chance to draw in a breath first. I'm sorry. Speak to me dammit! "

  I slapped his wet chest with my open palm effectively getting him to shut up. Then without a word I wound my legs about his waist and took his lips in a hungry devouring kiss.

  He hauled me up higher and pressed me in closer never breaking contact as he took over and ruled the kiss. We gulped and slurped at each other taking face eating to new heights till Jake caved in and called a halt," Enough! Anymore and I will...will…"

  "Will what?" I asked still struggling to get back some semblance of control over my aching body that only wanted to grind itself against him and then some.

  "I will not be responsible for my actions," he replied firmly.

  "If you are not responsible will I be. Responsible ..for ..your..actions?" I asked seductively.

  "Stop it," he grouched before grinding his hips hard against mine and eliciting a moan of excitement. I laughed as he shifted his hold to push me up higher so that he could bury his face in the valley between my unimpressive breasts. He shook his head like a wet dog and I squealed calling out uncle.

  Our lips met one last time as our parched lips hungrily drank from each other before Jake abruptly tossed me aside in a splash and kicked off to the opposite ends of the pool. I spluttered as I drew up for air. My gaze raced across the expanse of the pool to lock in with Jakes. All humour drained away at the intense hunger I saw reflected within. I knew mine reflected the same for his fingers clenched to grip the pool sides as if to hold him physically back.

  The moment ticked by yet neither of us moved our breathing grew raged. Finally, I couldn't stand it anymore. In a mindless whimper, I called out, "Jake?"

  Hauling himself out of the pool, Jake paused one moment to let me see the full implication of my effect on him and then he was gone oblivious to the heat churning within my own veins.

  I made use of the only other bathroom in the apartment. Showering away the chlorinated water I thought back to our fun filled afternoon disappointed it had come to an abrupt end. I was so lost in my own thoughts that I didn't immediately register the presence of another in the bathroom. But when I did I shut the water and turned to face my observer.

  "Don't mind me. I can wait my turn," said the husky voice I was beginning to recognise.

  "I'll scream," I threatened.

  "You would have done so already if you really meant to," he said.

  "Please leave," I said firmly trying to see him through the foggy glass yet thankful at the same time to have the fog obscuring him. It meant he couldn't see me either at least not entirely. I needed to reach my towel and he knew that. I couldn't even scream to Jake for oddly enough my throat felt constricted and tight. I swallowed a dry lump down my throat and called out determinedly, "Jake?"

  The deep chuckle was mocking. "Is that the best you can do?"

  I shuddered in reaction and called out harder," Jake! "

  "Missing me already," said Jake sounding remarkably close. "I heard you the first time, luv." The door to the bathroom swung open to reveal Jake.

  "What the hell?" There was a strange smacking sound and then, "Don't you ever try that again!"

  I peered through the clearing fog and saw Jake's fist ca
ptured in Richard's grip. They strained against each other but I could see them fairly easy now. I snapped open the door and reached out a groping hand to feel for the towel on the rack nearby. Touching fabric I tugged it forth and was quick to wrap it around me.

  Fairly decent I then rounded on the two testosterone flexing men and yelled," Out! I need to get some clothes on."

  Richard turned glittering dark voids at me and said," No need to shout love. We can hear you just fine," glancing back at a furious Jake he added, "Jake and I were just about finished here I think. If you will excuse me I'll go cool off." He threw a heated glance my way before turning to the door," I'll see you on Friday for the long country weekend at the farm."

  With that he stepped out. I shuddered out a relieved breath and moved to get dressed. Turning to Jake I met his intense stare and knew I was in for it on the way home.

  The drive home was tense. I spent most of it staring at Jake's expressive hands as they flexed and clenched over the steering wheel in agitation.

  I could see he was clearly disgruntled. I wasn't entirely sure just where he placed me in the scheme of things. I sat quietly in my seat and clasped my hands tightly in my lap to keep from fidgeting. All too soon we were back at my place. I turned to face Jake as he killed the engine. I asked the question that has been bothering me, "You're angry at me?"

  Jake sighed heavily then," No just the whole entire situation. Look you don't have to go this weekend. I'll make something up that will appease him."

  I didn't need to know who ‘him’ was but I needed to know why he mattered at all. "Why must he be kept appeased?"

  "Richard is the sole reason why we are still solvent. He has been keeping both his company and ours afloat over the last few years. That is why he wants me for his sister to merge the two companies and reap in the benefits of his efforts on our behalf in the past. We cannot repay him any other way simply because we don't have the means."

  "Can't you just sell to him?" I asked logically. It was obvious Jake had no yearnings to take over the company's reins.

  "He can't afford to buy it over and he doesn't quite trust the documented understanding we have in place. Richard has serious trust issues,” Jake paused to smirk at that. “He wants to take things just that step further and needs something ironclad that will hold us together when the profits reap in," explained Jake gloomily. I didn't quite understand it but I knew Dad could explain it to me better. I thought to ask him about it later.

  "I'll see you shortly," said Jake tiredly. I guess he was going to get a meal off the local diner then pop over for sleep over. I felt sorry that he could not just dine with us but he had the right of it, my Dad would never permit his nightly visits.

  I leaned over to kiss his cheeks and then he was gone gently rolling down the rough road tires popping over loose gravel.

  I opened the door to the solemn vibe of my family and knew instantly I was in trouble.

  "Look at the time," started my mum," it’s almost dinner and you didn't even have the courtesy to call and let me know you will be running late...," Mum's voice faded in and out as she bustled about getting the evening meal ready while maintaining her tirade at me.

  "Sorry mum I lost track of time," I explained. I looked to my dad but he refused to look back at me instead he simply moved to take his usual spot at the table and said, "Eat."

  Dinner was a sober affair. The twins’ presence was sorely missed. They would sleepover at their friend’s house after the party. This was the last week of school break. Next week would be positively gloomy with the twins back at school and Jake back at his university and I left here, clueless as to my future.

  I was not happy with me at this moment. I envied everyone else who had a drive, an ambition, a purpose in life. I sighed heavily as I munched on the peas I hated and then downed them with a gulp of water. I looked up to see Dad was doing the same. He hated his peas too. I actually learnt this method of eating it from him. An involuntary grin broke free and I beamed up my amusement at Dad. Catching on Dad guffawed heartily as well. Just like that the subdued vibe was gone and oddly enough it was the horrible peas that saved the day.

  It was with a light heart that I went up to bed that night. It was later then I had planned. Mum, Dad and I had enjoyed a good laugh over the silliest things after the pea incident. I guess we all needed a reprieve from everything on our minds.

  I pushed open my room door and was happy to see Jake was already in bed. Propped up against the pillows with my bed sheet riding low across his hips, I stared at the expanse of tanned abs and let my gaze ride up to lit on the wolfish grin he wore on his face. He patted the spot beside him and gave me a wicked grin.

  "Come here," Jake patted the spot beside him and threw me a lascivious grin. I shook my head at his antics and ignored his summons. Instead I went about the usual routine preparing for bed. I sat on the edge then swung my legs in beneath the covers before propping up my pillows beside Jake's. Then I turned to address his pout. I pressed my lips to his to kiss it away.

  After a while we pulled back breathing hard and distance ourselves from each other. I slid down to rest my head on his chest and hear him breath. He stuck his hand in my hair to run caressing hand down its length.

  "Will you go?" he asked simply and I knew at once just what he was referring to.

  "Must I?" I whined instantly.

  "I would like it if you were there," Jake replied simply.

  "Okay," I muttered meekly unable to deny him. "But the whole weekend is going to be horrible," I said decidedly.

  "With that kind of attitude, how could it not?" Jake grinned down at me in askance. I grimaced in return. There was no changing my mind about it. Richard may be important to Jake and his family but he isn't to me.

  "Shall I get Celine to take you shopping tomorrow?" Jake asked.

  "Celine?" I gasped out in horror.

  "I'll take that as a no then," Jake sighed.

  "I can't take you myself. I have some last minute matters to attend to. I have been playing truant these last few days and spending most of my time with you. You only have tomorrow left to shop," Jake finished persuasively.

  I knew Jake usually helped his dad out at the office during term breaks so I did already realise he had been bunking work. His pointing it out only served to make me feel guilty which I knew was his intention all along. We really did know each other all too well. We knew exactly which buttons to press but that made what I had to do next tricky.

  "Okay I'll go shopping with Celine if you'll return your copy of the house keys to me," I bit my lip and waited nervously for his response. I think it must have been when I was 12 that Jake tricked us into handing over a spare key to our home to him.

  It had been a dare that we, my sister's and I lost to him. As forfeit he requested a key to our home. We had thought nothing of it then and simply handed it over thinking we got off easy. But now looking back I wanted to know why he asked for a mere key instead of anything else.

  "No! I'm not handing it over. Why would you ask for it?" Jake asked looking hurt.

  "It’s not that I want it back or that I don't want you to have it. I'm just not comfortable with how you're using it," I started to explain, " When we were kids and even till recently, it was fine, you'd use your key to mostly play pranks on us but now..," I paused wondering how best to say this," Your coming to my room each night is betraying my Dad's trust in me. I don't like doing that to him."

  I fell silent then unable to look him in the eye for I felt so bad. I hated that I had to say it and I hated more that he has to stop sleeping over every night but recalling my Dad's happy face over dinner tonight. I couldn't in all honesty betray his trust in me and sneaking around under his own roof was doing exactly that.

  "Jake?" I called out tentatively when he didn't respond. Finally I looked up to see his expression and what I saw left me breathless and wanting.

  "Wha..?"

  I was pulled up hard against him.

  "Just tell
me one thing. Do you want me to leave? To not return here night after night to hold you in my arms as you sleep? "He paused then to look earnestly at me.

  "I want ...I want you here," I said unhesitatingly.

  "Okay then. I agree with everything you just said only I know you want me here. But how will you sleep without me? You crave me as much as I do you. But you're right we are not playing fair by your Dad. So here's the deal. We both know I am not going to simply release the key without an unfair fight. You do your best to make me cum and the key is yours." At that his impish grin was back full force.

  I scowled up at him. This was not how I envisioned this conversation unfolding. But I couldn't help the spark of excitement flaring up in my veins till the very tips of my fingers shook with the restrained urge to touch him. I licked my dry lips wet and reined in the urge to ravage him.

  "You answer my one question truthfully and your wish is my command," I said seriously.

  "Ask!" He snapped out urgently. I could see his anticipation building even as mine was beginning to rage out of control. I lifted a trembling hand to smooth down my ruffled hair not breaking eye contact as I did," Why did you ask for the key? When we were younger and lost the dare to you, why did you only ask for a key? I never understood that and I would like to," I asked simply.

  "I wanted to be a part of your family. Mine as you know were never really there. After spending his earlier years making his fortune Dad took to the route out to enjoyment too quick. He would be off on some golfing expeditions when he wasn't working. The company suffered and I did too. Mum as you know was never much around either. She was trying to fit in with other rich wives and make a mark in their society. That was why I was often left with your family. But your parents always treated me as their own and I didn't want to lose that. So I did the only thing I could. I asked for a key. That way I could never be locked out. It was silly I know but at that time it had felt right," said Jake shrugging his shoulders indifferently.

  I felt my eyes fill up and overflow.