Chapter Seven

Connections

 

 

‘Operation: Keep My Freakin’ Distance’ was a fail.

No, it was an epic, colossal fail.

Considering what little time we’d spent together the last couple of weeks, this either said something about my fortitude or how awesome Jake was.

I blamed Jake.

With school in full force, I was out of the house in the morning before seven. I’d get home sometime midafternoon and launch right into cakes, my studies, and whatever else needed to be done. I didn’t stop going until after nine most nights.

Thankfully, I loved what I did or this would’ve been a major pain in the ass.

Jake was even busier at work. His nights often went later than mine, but they always ended with us in bed together.

I popped in to see him when I could, and he broke away to have dinner with me most nights. While it wasn’t much, we were making it work. That didn’t mean I wasn’t looking forward to a weekend together.

Every year, Hyde participated in a growing charity auction. Loads of businesses, politicians, and even some local celebrities came to downtown Boston to attend.

I’d heard of it, but I hadn’t known many of the details, including the fact that Jake had started and organized the event. It was only recently that his and the shop’s involvement was becoming common knowledge.

When I’d tried to find out more, Jake dodged most of my incessant questions. The gist, from what little I could get out of him, was that Hyde had started out donating to groups for at risk kids around the holidays. It had snowballed from there.

Since he hadn’t been able to give me much notice, Jake insisted that I take his credit card to have lunch with Ray and shop for a dress. My days had been so busy that I hadn’t even thought about what to wear, much less about shopping.

If the Girl Card was a real thing, mine was in danger of being revoked.

While a day with Ray sounded awesome, Jake paying did not, and I told him so.

I told him again when I found his credit card in my purse.

And again when he left it on my desk at home.

When he slipped the card into my back pocket while we were kissing in the break room, I told him there was absolutely no way I was using his card.

Then he told me why he was paying, and most of that was done nonverbally.

In the end, when my brain was mush, I somehow agreed to it.

My head eventually cleared enough to realize how he’d played me and I decided to use his tactic against him.

Grabbing his hand, I pulled him into his office. I nudged him towards his chair as I locked the door. Walking over to him, I watched as he sat, his eyes never leaving me.

When I stopped in front of him, Jake slid down in his seat, bent his knees, and looked up at me. It was a move he’d made countless times before so I could straddle him.

This time, though, I didn’t.

He was rough. Scary. Powerful.

His faded and worn jeans were stained from the day’s work. His dirty t-shirt stretched across his broad chest as he weaved his hands behind his head. The defined muscles of his arms, covered in tanned skin and colorful ink, added to both the beauty and the edge of him.

He looked dangerous, intimidating, and every bit the badass he was.

And then he smiled.

It wasn’t cocky because he knew he was gonna get some.

It wasn’t gloating because I’d given in.

It was just happiness. It was the smile of someone that was exactly where they wanted to be with who they wanted to be with.

I recognized it because I wore a similar one.

To everyone else Jake might be gruff, but to me he was sweet.

Bossy as fuck, definitely, but sweet, nonetheless.

In that seemingly inconsequential moment, I knew things would never be the same. Whatever distance I’d tried to keep, whatever piece of me I’d tried to hold back, was pointless. Jake wasn’t going to let it happen and I was tired of fighting it.

There were no guarantees in life, but there were sure as hell regrets. It was time to strap in, hold on tight, and enjoy the ride.

With that decision made, I dropped slowly to my knees.

Jake’s eyes darkened and went hooded as he watched me.

All plans of retribution were long forgotten.

Instead, I unzipped his pants and took him in my mouth simply because I could.

*******

Along with giving me his credit card, Jake suggested I check out a boutique, Ella’s, since he knew the owner. I was grateful for the idea because I didn’t know enough about the event to know what to wear.

When I’d asked him whether it was cocktail or more formal, Jake’s answer had been a shrug since he had no clue what the difference was.

It wasn’t helpful.

After lunch with Ray, I opened my wallet to pay.

“That ratfink!” When I realized that everyone was looking at us, I lowered my voice before continuing. “He’s a thief, that’s what he is. I mean, can you be a thief if you’re replacing money with money? Either way, he’s a sneaky thief.”

“What’re you talking about?” Ray asked.

“This is what I’m talking about.” I held up Jake’s card and a scrap of paper. Those two things, along with my license, were all that was left in my wallet.

“‘Nice try, sweets,’” Ray read out loud. “Yeah, I’m still not following. Is that Jake’s card?”

“Yeah, he insisted he pay for lunch and my dress. I tried to fight him on it, but he… well, he can be pretty persuasive.” I blushed, making it obvious how he’d persuaded me.

She nodded knowingly. “I’m sure he can be.”

“I figured I would compromise and use his card for something, but I’d pay for everything else. As you can see, that thief bastard stole my card!” I slammed my wallet onto the table, drawing glares from those around us.

“How did he know?”

“‘Cause he always does. He swears he doesn’t know my secrets, but he lies. And steals!” I added, shaking my nearly empty wallet for emphasis.

“I don’t know if that’s sweet, hilarious, or scary.”

“Yeah, you basically just summed up Jake,” I muttered as I took out my phone to text him. “I thought I finally got one past him.”

Me: Huh, I feel like my wallet is a little lighter.

Jake: Funny, I feel like mine is a fuckuva lot heavier.

Me: That’s what you get for taking my stuff.

Jake: I was just gonna grab your cards ‘cause I know you. But your wallet was such a fuckin’ mess I couldn’t find them, so I took everythin’. You carry around a lot of shit, babe.

Me: No I don’t! It’s all necessities.

Jake: All these frequent shopper cards for coffee places are necessities?

Me: Hey, I’m close to a free coffee on a lot of those.

Jake: Half of these places went out of business long ago.

“What’s his excuse?” Ray asked.

“He’s making fun of how much I carry in my wallet.”

“Sweetie, he’s right. You don’t need a wallet, you need a portable filing cabinet.”

I stuck my tongue out at her before sighing as I texted Jake.

Me: Fine, I might need to do a small amount of cleaning. Stop looking through my stuff.

Jake: Too late, baby, I saw that card when I was grabbin’ it. And I’m gonna need to see the eight purchases you’ve made.

Of course he honed in on the one card I didn’t want him to see. That’s what I get for keeping a punch card from an adult store in my wallet.

Me: Only those eight purchases? What about the stuff from the other three cards I’ve filled?

It wasn’t true, but he didn’t need to know that. He deserved a little torture for taking my stuff.

“What’re you saying to him?” Ray asked, startling me.

“Huh? Oh, nothing. You know, typical things.”

“Really? ‘Cause you’re smiling like the cat that ate the canary after dipping it in the cream.”

“No, no. Just boring stuff,” I lied when my phone went off again.

Ray laughed. “Go ahead and look. Don’t mind me, I’m enjoying the show.”

Rolling my eyes, I picked up my phone only to almost drop it when I read his text.

Jake: You’re a fuckin’ tease, Piper. I’m not gonna be able to leave the office all afternoon, I’m so fuckin’ hard right now. Get your ass over here.

Me: Sorry, can’t. I’ve gotta use your card and shop, or you’ll keep stealing my stuff.

Jake: Guess I’ve gotta go think baseball stats while I’m a creeper on a creeper. Miss you.

Me: Miss you, too.

Jake: And, baby, make sure you don’t tire yourself out today. I’m feelin’ hungry and energetic.

Time to go! Who needs anything else when you can have hungry and energetic?

“Miss, can I take that away for you?” The server drew my attention as she reached for the bill.

“Oh, yeah. Sorry.” I handed it off before looking at a smiling Ray.

“You know, I like Jake and I liked him for you. But now I love him for you.”

“Because he steals my stuff?”

“Your smile. I’m sure half the conversation was obscene, but I’ve never seen you smile like that. I love it, and I love that he gives that to you.”

I leaned forward, dropping my voice like what I was saying was a secret. If I’d been trying to hide it, I was failing. Epically. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy.”

“You deserve it.”

I grinned at my friend. “Have you been to Ella’s?”

“No, you?”

“Nope. Jake recommended it.”

“Badass likes to window shop boutiques?”

“No, he knows the owner.”

“As in—”

I held up my hand. “Don’t know, don’t wanna know. I’m assuming since he’s not a huge douche, he wouldn’t send me to the shop of someone he’s… known.”

“That’s true.”

“I’d mentioned that I wasn’t sure what kind of dress to wear. I wasn’t about to ask my mom. She’d have probably taken it as a sign I was asking for a wardrobe makeover.”

“Oh God, could you imagine?”

“No. Beyond no. Could you picture me in a sweater set and khaki slacks?”

“No, but now I wanna see that!”

I pretended to look thoughtful before grinning and shaking my head. “Not gonna happen.”

“So are you excited about this weekend?”

“Yes, but also nervous. I wish you guys were able to be there. I’d feel more comfortable.”

“Me too. But we’ve had this vacation booked for months. You know how hard it is for Edge and me to take time off.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Seriously, though… Are you okay with the card situation? I know how Jake can be, but I also know how you are with money.”

“It’s hard to be mad when he’s doing it to be thoughtful, not controlling. Plus, my real issue is with the strings that are usually attached to the money. If I took some from my mom, she’d use it as a way to manipulate me. With Jake, there are no stipulations. I mean, he’s buying the dress with the expectation that I’m going as his date. But if we ended before then, he wouldn’t use that to guilt me into going.” I was surprised at the ache that grew in my belly at the thought.

“Have I mentioned that I absolutely love him for you?”

“Me, too.” I polished my voice to sound like my mother before continuing. “Now that we’ve lunched, darling, let’s shop.”

It was a short walk to Ella’s. The boutique was small but everything was high quality, and most of it was gorgeous.

A tall brunette that looked like she’d just walked off a runway was waiting for us when we arrived. Her hair was cut in a severe bob that accentuated her high cheek bones and upturned eyes. Her clothes fit so perfectly they looked like they were specifically made for her.

“You must be Miss Skye,” she greeted, fake polite with a forced smile. Still, it was better than outright hostile. “I’m Ava, I’ll be assisting you this afternoon.”

Please don’t let this be the owner that Jake knows. I can compete with Bitchy Biker Barbie but I’m not sure about Catty Catwalker.

“Ms. Ella sends her apologies that she can’t be here, but an emergency came up at her other location.” Before I could reply, she turned and started walking towards the back. “Follow me, I’ve got some ideas.”

Ava might not have been the friendliest, but it was clear she knew her stuff. It only took three dresses before she handed me the one.

As in, the most beautiful piece of clothing I’d ever seen.

The dress I wanted to wear until it disintegrated off of me.

The dress.

The deep plum color contrasted well with my hair and made my violet eyes brighter. The haltered back dipped to an almost indecent level and a slit went past the middle of my right thigh. It showed a lot of skin but the quality of the dress made it look elegant rather than cheap. There was little adornment which made it appear almost plain. When I moved, however, the nuances in the color, the slit, and the fluidity of the dress all came together.

The result was sultry with a definite edge.

After I changed back into my clothes, I came out of the dressing room to find multiple pairs of shoes waiting for me near a plush chair.

“Uh, I already have shoes. Actually, I have a lot of shoes,” I said.

“That’s the understatement of the century,” Ray muttered.

“Ms. Ella said Mr. Hyde instructed we get you everything you need, and that includes shoes.” Ava added three more pairs to the already impressive stack.

“Also, side note, there are no khakis or sweater sets,” Ray told me, clearly disappointment.

“Well, of course not. Plus, why would she wear khakis or a sweater set to a formal event?” Ava asked.

“She wouldn’t.” Ray lowered her voice, though we were the only three in the store. “It’s a fetish thing Mr. Hyde has.”

“She’s kidding! Totally kidding. Hey, those shoes are nice!” I gestured dramatically to a random pair of shoes on a display.

Ava looked distracted as she glanced over. “I’m not really sure those will work, but we’ll see.”

“You’re evil,” I hissed at Ray, as Ava went to get whatever I’d pointed to.

“Yeah, I know. Twenty bucks says there is a major increase in suburban gear at the bars, though.”

Before I could respond, Ava returned with a pair of black, shimmery, very high-heeled sandals. The intricate black wrappings around the toes and a thick ankle strap added just the right touch of wild to compliment the dress.

“They look like little bondage devices for your feet!” Ray giggled as I took them off, passing them to Ava.

She tilted her head to the side and looked down at the shoes in her hands. “I wonder how that fits with the khakis,” she muttered to herself.

Ray burst out laughing, startling Ava from her beige S&M thoughts.

I followed Ava when she walked to the register, leaving a still laughing Ray behind.

After I paid, I dropped Ray off at her parlor and went home to carefully put my purchases in the guest room closet.

When I caught myself peeking at my dress for what had to be the twentieth time, I knew I needed to find something else to do. I decided to get ready to see a hungry and energetic Jake. I wasn’t sure which I was looking forward to most, and I’d been putting a lot of thought into it.

As I was getting changed, I heard my cell in the living room ring with Jake’s tone. I hurried in to grab it before it went to voicemail.

“Hey,” I breathed, partially because of where my thoughts had been and partially from running like a dingus through my house.

“Fuck, sweets, what were you doin’?” Jake’s low whisper rumbled through the phone and straight through me.

“I was getting changed.”

“Tell me you’re naked right now. No, don’t. That’ll make things harder.”

I giggled. “Yeah, baby, that’s kinda the point.”

“Not when I gotta cancel for tonight.”

“Oh.”

“Shit is fucked to hell here.” One of the boys in the back called his name at the same time another phone started ringing. “Fuck, I gotta go. Sorry, sweets.”

“No biggie.” I hoped I kept the disappointment out of my voice. It was never particularly quiet there, but I could tell it was even more chaotic than usual.

“It’s gonna be a long night. I’m just gonna crash here or at my place, yeah?”

“Yeah. Good luck,” I said before we clicked off.

Instead of spending my night getting energetic, I got ahead on whatever baking I could before starting schoolwork. When my eyes got bleary and I’d begun answering accounting questions in baking measurements, I decided to call it a night.

I climbed into bed and tried not to think about how empty it felt. Since it was the first night that we’d slept apart since Jake and I became ‘us’, I failed miserably.

*******

“‘Ello?” I mumbled into my cell, answering it before I was fully awake.

“Come open the door, babe.”

I yawned. “‘Kay.” I tossed my phone onto my side table and saw it was after three in the morning. I padded into the living room and opened the door for an exhausted looking Jake. “Hey. Everything okay?”

“Tired,” he said as he moved into the room.

I relocked the door and turned to face him. I was surprised when he didn’t move to kiss me. It was something he always did no matter where we were or who was around.

When I’d gone to the shop a couple days before, Jake had been talking to Z. As soon as I got within reach, he’d stopped midsentence to kiss me.

It hadn’t been just a little peck, either.

“Okay. Wanna head to bed?”

“Yeah, that cool with you?” He glanced towards the bedroom, looking dead on his feet.

“Of course.”

I climbed back into bed as Jake stripped. I avidly watched as each inch of his impressive body was revealed. Seeing him naked worked like a triple shot of espresso and I wasn’t feeling nearly as tired as I had been.

Unfortunately for me, Jake belly flopped on the bed and his eyes were closed before he landed.

“Night,” he murmured as he folded his arms under his head.

Seems I’m not the only one feeling these long hours.

Careful not to disturb him, I leaned over and kissed him softly. “Night,” I whispered back, but I knew he was already asleep.

*******

Over coffee the next morning, Jake and I talked for a few minutes about what was going on at Hyde before he pulled his phone out to check his messages.

“Shit. Sorry, gotta go.” Jake walked to where I was sitting on the counter. When he moved between my legs, I instantly wrapped them around his waist.

“It’s okay. I know you’re busy.”

“Can you do me a favor?” he asked against my neck, kissing as he went.

“Sure,” I breathed. As long as his lips were on my neck, I’d agree to just about anything.

Who are you kidding? He just has to look at you.

“I’m supposed to pick up gift certificates at Serenity Spa for the auction today. Can you grab them?”

“Of course, what time?”

“Around eleven.”

“No problemo, Mr. Bossy Pants.”

“I gotta go,” Jake whispered against my lips.

“I know.”

“Don’t wanna go.”

“I don’t want you to either, but I know you have to. And now I do, too.” I unlatched my legs from around him.

“I’ll pick you up tonight, yeah?”

At my nod, he dropped a quick kiss to my lips and started towards the door.

“Jake?” I called out impulsively.

Jake stopped as I spoke, though he didn’t turn around. “Yeah?” he prompted when I didn’t continue.

“I hope your day goes smoothly. I miss you,” I blurted out.

Turning his head, he looked at me over his shoulder. My nipples tightened instantly when a wicked grin spread slowly across his face.

“Hungry and energetic, Piper. Hungry and energetic,” he rumbled before continuing out the door and leaving me a pile of mush.

*******

As I walked into Serenity, I fell in love and began mentally calculating how long I’d have to save before being able to visit again.

The décor was a mix of contemporary and comfort with smooth, clean lines and plush furniture. The smell of vanilla and citrus filled the air, immediately giving me an idea for a new cupcake flavor.

The whole place screamed relaxation. Maybe not screamed. More like whispered it in a soothing, lulling voice.

“May I help you?” an older woman asked. She was dressed similarly to my mother, including her strawberry blond hair being pulled back. Her whole vibe, however, was genuinely open and pleasant.

“Hi, I’m Piper Skye. Jake Hyde sent me.”

“Miss Skye, welcome! We’ve been expecting you. My name is Alicia. I have the certificates ready for you when you’re finished.”

“Pardon?”

“I see Mr. Hyde is good at keeping surprises to himself. He’s booked you for a full afternoon. Isn’t that romantic?” She gave a wistful sigh.

“Yes. Very. I’m sorry, could you hold on a moment?” I asked, though I was already pulling my phone out.

When the call connected, it rang once before an amused Jake answered.

“How did I know this call was comin’?” he asked through his chuckle.

“Jake.” I’d wanted my voice to be a warning, but I couldn’t stop the warmth from seeping in.

“I knew if I offered, you’d have said no.”

“Of course I would have.”

“So, I didn’t offer. You’ve been workin’ hard. Relax and let me take care of you, yeah?”

How could I say no to that? “You didn’t have to do this.”

“Just makes me wanna do it more. Miss you.”

“Miss you, too.” I let out my own wistful sigh as I hung up.

“Surprise!” Alicia said with a broad smile and jazz hands.

I bit back my laughter at her unexpected silliness, not wishing to disturb the tranquil setting.

“If you’ll follow me, we’ll get things started.” She led me to dressing rooms that were larger than my bedroom. “This room will be for you during your time at Serenity. When Mr. Hyde scheduled your visit, we asked a variety of questions in order to plan the best experience for you. If there is anything that doesn’t work for you, please let us know and we will tweak things accordingly.”

“I’m sure that won’t be an issue.” I doubted there was much he didn’t know.

“Jake said that you normally wax,” Alicia said nonchalantly, confirming my internal thoughts. “He wasn’t sure if you would need that at this time, but we like to start with the most unpleasant thing and move on from there.”

My hand began to move towards my eyebrows before the look on her face clued me in that I was heading in the wrong direction. “Um, yes, I actually could use that.”

“Perfect. There are robes in the armoire to change into and I’ll be waiting out here when you’re done.”

I walked in and closed the door behind me. Setting my purse down, I opened the dresser and pulled out the lushest robe I’d ever felt. Lifting it to my face, I breathed in the same citrus and vanilla scent that lingered in the air.

Hurriedly, I undressed and pulled it on.

I opened the door and Alicia walked me to another room to be waxed. When that was done, she returned to guide me into a different area for a facial and body scrub.

My skin felt and smelled awesome, and I kept trying to inconspicuously sniff my arm.

When Alicia returned, there was a smile playing at her mouth. “Miss Skye, if you’ll please follow me, it’s time for your massage. You have a choice between a male or female masseur. I promised Mr. Hyde I would inform you that he would greatly, and I must put the emphasis on how greatly, prefer you chose the female. However, the choice is yours.”

“Female, please,” I said through my laughter, picking what would have been my choice anyway.

“That’s probably a wise choice.” Her small smile grew wider. “Jake’s a good boy, but if he’s like Gregory was with Sarah, well… let’s just say I like my staff without broken fingers.”

“You know Jake’s family?”

“Yes, we went to school together. Though, as you can see,” she said, gesturing around her, “I wasn’t made to be a lawyer. Instead, I opened Serenity and Ella’s.”

“Oh, I didn’t know you owned Ella’s! I had a hard time not staring at my dress all night.”

Try as I might to deny it, I was secretly freakin’ thrilled to hear that the owner of Ella’s hadn’t been an old hookup of Jake’s.

His past was his past, but that didn’t mean I wanted to buy a dress from it.

“That dress is a favorite of mine, I’m glad you picked it. Don’t you just love the way it moves?”

“It changes the whole dress. It’s kinda miraculous.”

“Yes, it is,” she agreed as we reached a new room. “Enjoy.”

After a peaceful massage that left my body feeling so loose I was afraid I’d fall asleep, I got redressed for my time in the salon.

My fingers and toes were painted an iridescent violet. When they were done, I shuffled over in my foam flip flops to meet the stylist, Jonathon.

“Mr. Hyde had a request, but he said it’s up to you. I, on the other hand, am saying that the choice is not up to you, and we’re just doing what he said. ‘Cause, sweetheart, your man might be fine with a capital ‘Fuck Yeah’, but he’s also scary as a broken condom on prom night.”

“Understood.”

“So no up-dos.”

I lowered my brows. “Really?”

“I said the same thing. You’re going to a formal event, an up-do would be fitting.”

“I have no clue—”

“Oh, and no product that would make your hair stiff. He said something about being able to put fingers through it easily,” Jonathan said with an exaggerated eyebrow wiggle.

Oh, well, yeah, that does solve that mystery.

“Anywho, let’s start with a gloss, shall we?”

Jonathon put a deep conditioning gloss in my hair, leaving it to sit before rinsing it out. He trimmed my hair and put in some flattering layers, telling me hilarious stories the whole time. When he finished, he put my hair in big rollers and sent me to makeup with Kamani.

Kamani’s looks were exotic, and, like everyone else, she was genuinely nice. She was also a goddess with a makeup brush. She made my skin look smooth and dewy with just a hint of blush. She deftly created a smoky eye with gray and purple shadow, perfect liner, and multiple coats of mascara in no time flat, with no mistakes. It looked dramatic, but felt like I was barely wearing any makeup at all.

I’d thought I was efficient when I got ready, but I was centuries behind her.

When Jonathan came back to get me, he pulled the rollers from my hair and applied a small amount of product. My hair fell in a tumble of loose curls with the bottom piecing out this way and that. It was a simple look, but in perfect balance with my makeup.

By the time he finished fussing with each little strand, I was running way behind. After thanking everyone, I almost left without the certificates. I stopped to hug and thank Alicia as she handed them to me, even though I needed to be gone.

When I got home, I began stripping off my clothes as soon as I closed the door, leaving a trail as I walked to my guestroom. I pulled on barely there panties before cautiously removing my dress from its garment bag.

Mindful not to smudge my makeup or ruin my hair, I slid the dress on and fell in love with it all over again. I stepped into my shoes and carefully hooked them before moving in front of the mirror on the door.

My chest tightened and I forced myself to take deep breaths as I tried not to cry. Instead, a giddy laugh bubbled out as I looked myself over.

I was right. I could never settle for just being tolerated.

What meant the most to me, what had me fighting back tears, was that Jake hadn’t sent me somewhere to pick out a conservative dress. He hadn’t suggested I tone down my makeup.

He’d shown that he knew me, and that, most importantly, he liked me as I was.

I was headed towards the living room when I heard a knock at the door.

“Hey, I’m…” I began as I opened the door, my words trailing off when I saw Jake.

I couldn’t imagine ever finding Jake unappealing. I’d just figured that I’d eventually grow accustomed to his level of attractiveness. That my body wouldn’t always react so strongly every time I saw him. At the very least, I wouldn’t keep losing the ability to think and speak.

As I looked at him, his hair pulled back into a messy knot and face unshaven, I knew that time would never come.

Because just as he liked me, I was way into him exactly how he was.

Wearing a tailored black tuxedo jacket and gray vest over a black shirt that he’d left open at the throat, Jake looked beautiful. Pairing it with dark jeans and his motorcycle boots, though, he was beyond scorching.

He looked like Jake.

The combination does look sexy, though. Who knew formal badass was such a good look?

Jake pulled me close and kissed me in an entirely inappropriate way in my open doorway. “You look un-fuckin’-believable, Piper,” he whispered against my lips, before letting me go.

“You look hot. Is that how guys are supposed to look in a tux? Regardless, you look badass hot,” I babbled, more than a little flustered as I closed and locked the door.

As always, when Jake threw his head back and laughed, deep and rich, it made being a dingus worth it. I was a dingus often, which meant I got his laugh often.

That didn’t mean I didn’t treasure it every time.

“Glad you think so. Remember that when I’m fightin’ for your attention tonight.”

I laughed. “I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that.” Other people might want attention, but the idea that they’d be any competition for Jake was hysterical.

When I looked up at him, the humor on his face was replaced with warmth and I knew he was thinking the same thing about my laugh.

“Trust me, Piper, I do worry about that.” His hand slid up my bare arm to my neck, his thumb sliding against my jaw as his eyes followed the movement. “I can’t think of an appropriate way to tell you how you look. I can think of a lot of inappropriate ways to show you, but seein’ as I actually have to be at this shindig, that’ll have to wait.”

Before I could pull Jake inside for some inappropriate behavior, he curled his arm around my shoulders and started walking us towards a seriously kickass limo.

I’d consulted my good friend, Professor Google, about the event, and learned everyone’s arrival was met with photographers and press. I was on edge about doing or saying something wrong.

When we reached the limo, Jake opened the seriously, seriously kickass angel wing door and moved aside.

I bent low to get in, stopping when I felt Jake’s hands on my hips and his hard cock pressed against my ass.

“Didn’t see the back of the dress ‘til now. Like it, baby.” He pushed harder against me as he bent to lightly kiss behind my ear. “Not too fond of other people seein’ you in it. But I like it.”

He slowly released my hips, his fingers trailing as I moved away to climb in. I sat to one side, Jake getting in and sitting across from me. The door closed behind him, and a few moments later we were on our way.

“Are you excited about tonight?” I crossed my legs, the slit moving to expose my thigh.

Jake’s eyes moved slowly over my calf, his gaze like a physical caress. He sat quietly and stared for longer than was appropriate, not that I was complaining.

He left my question unanswered. “Who chose the shoes?”

“We all pretty much agreed they were perfect.”

“Good choice. Though they’re givin’ me thoughts that’re gonna make bein’ in front of people pretty fuckin’ awkward.”

“Wonder if they’re the same thoughts I had.” I laughed softly.

“Really doubt it. What’d you think?”

I looked to the side. “Ray mentioned that they look like little bondage devices for my feet, and, well, I agree.”

Leaning over suddenly, Jake took my hand and pulled me onto his lap. His arm wrapped around me, his hand resting on my exposed thigh while his thumb stroked back and forth. “And what, might I ask, do you know about such scandalous matters?”

“It comes up a lot in books. Then there’s the movies, of course,” I teased back.

At my words, Jake’s playful expression was replaced by heat. “We aren’t goin’ to the auction. Fuck that. We’re spendin’ the whole damn weekend in bed. You’ll tell me, in great detail, everythin’ you’ve read and watched, and we’ll reenact it. The guys can handle tonight.”

“Really, baby? You wanna leave Kase in charge of talking to a whole room?” I started laughing as I pictured Kase ordering all of the men out and then making his rounds to hit on all the women.

“Yeah. Guess that wouldn’t work,” he muttered, looking disappointed.

As another car drove by, the interior of the limo was briefly illuminated. “I love the chrome and black look.”

“You can probably get something like this in the Charger. I know a guy.”

“I don’t know. I think dudes that work with their hands like that are crazy hot. You might not want me around him.”

“You do, huh?” Jake slid his hand further up my thigh as he bit down gently on my ear lobe.

“Oh yeah. Especially ones that are so thoughtful to their…”

Shit, what am I supposed to say?

We still hadn’t put labels on anything, and I didn’t want him to think I was forcing one. We were together and neither of us were seeing anyone else, and that was what mattered. I knew enough to know that labels didn’t equal fidelity or respect.

“Sweets,” I finished.

“As much as I’d love to stay in here doin’ this, we’re almost there and I need a few minutes of baseball stats. Maybe a book to hold all night.”

“Baby, that’s why you have me.”

“I’d really fuckin’ love to have you, but we’ll be there in less than five.”

I glanced at the closed partition before lowering myself to my knees in between his legs. “Well, I’ll just work extra hard.” I unzipped his jeans, pulling them and his boxers down just enough to have room to work. Skipping any teasing, I went straight for the good stuff, taking him in my mouth as far as I could.

“Fuck, baby, your mouth feels like heaven, but you don’t have to do this,” he rumbled, though his hand stayed at the back of my head as he rocked his hips.

I looked up at him, unsurprised to find his eyes on me.

He always loved to watch. It didn’t matter how many times I’d gone down on him, he watched each time with the same rapt attention. There’d been a new intensity when he looked at me lately, and even in the dim lighting, I could see it.

“So gorgeous, so fuckin’ perfect. Dressed up so beautiful, but down on your knees for me,” Jake groaned, his voice thick.

His words warmed me, making me ache to give him all he gave me. He made me indescribably happy, and I loved the chance to make him feel that, too.

Jake rocked his hips as I went faster, no longer worried about hurting him. I knew that no matter what we were doing, he liked it hard, fast, and rough.

I felt his cock pulsing in my mouth as it swelled, and I knew even before his warning that he was close. His groans filled the small space as he came.

When he was finished, I eased my mouth off of him and sat back, looking up into his hooded eyes as I slowly licked my lips.

Jake growled as he tucked himself away, his gaze locked on my tongue.

Leaning forward abruptly, his hands spanned my ribs as he lifted and settled me back onto his lap. I barely had time to process the movement, when his mouth lowered to mine, cutting off any chance of my brain functioning. With one hand stroking my thigh, his other trailed tenderly up my side, stopping at my neck as he pulled away and ended the kiss.

I stared at his mouth, silently willing him to kiss me again, when he applied pressure to my jaw with his thumb. I tilted my head back to look up at him, though my brain was still mush.

“You could do that a million times, and, baby, I hope you do,” Jake said, his lips tipping up before his expression turned thoughtful. “Still don’t think I’ll ever get used to how perfect you look and how fuckin’ good your mouth feels.”

“I like that you like it.”

“Fuck, Piper, I love it.” Jake moved his thumb, slowly sliding it across my bottom lip as his eyes followed the movement. “Now I wish we were headin’ home since I’m feelin’ hungry.”

“Okay,” I breathed my agreement. I’d been looking forward to the night, but a hungry Jake would win every time.

A hungry Jake meant that I was winning every time, multiple times.

I jumped when the door swung open, not having realized we’d even stopped.

Jake’s low chuckle rumbled against me. “Ready, sweets?”

I nodded my head, though I was feeling anything but. I carefully moved off of Jake’s lap, facing away from him as I took a second to try to prepare myself.

With the noises and lights from outside surrounding me, I couldn’t settle my nerves. My stomach churned and flipped as my heart pounded in my chest. I was seconds away from passing out or running, screaming into the night. I honestly didn’t know or care which at this point.

I just knew that I wasn’t leaving the limo.

Nothing is getting me out these doors. I’ll live in here if I have to. There is no way I’m doing this.

My inner freak out was interrupted when my hair was pushed to the side and Jake’s strong arms wrapped around me. He pulled me back into him, kissing the spot behind my ear before whispering, “I love that you’re here with me.”

Time to get out these doors. What’re we waiting for? I’m so ready to do this!