Текст книги "Loving the White Liar"

Автор книги: Kate Stewart

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Текущая страница: 8 (всего у книги 18 страниц)

 

 

Two weeks later, I found myself at the dinner table with Alexis and Jayden. Shortly after our bad night with Randy, our world resumed as if it had never happened. I could sense Jay’s melancholy at the loss of his friend, but he refused to talk about it. In truth, that night had brought us closer together as a couple. Each time he whispered he loved me, I felt nothing but elated.

I’d fallen so far, so fast for him, but my fear of getting hurt no longer existed. My heart was carefree, had already accepted the gift given. Jayden still took special care to court me in an old school manner by putting actual pen to paper, leaving me reminders of his love all over the apartment. Most of them were borrowed lyrics from songs he loved, some of them were sexual, and some were nagging reminders for things like putting the lid back on the toothpaste, which always earned him an eye roll.

Tonight, Jayden had insisted on cooking dinner when I’d told him about my overbearing sister’s plans to come and check him out. I’d told him as much as I could about Alexis as he grilled me while he prepped for dinner. He seemed unusually nervous, so I had pulled down his pants an hour before she arrived, calming him in the way I knew might work, in addition to making him a fresh pot of coffee.

Jay said the coffee was a stimulant and had the opposite effect on him than it did most people. He’d been sharing with me more and more about the reasons behind his idiosyncrasies. He’d said he’d stopped taking the medicine in his cabinets years ago and had learned to deal with his “shit” on his own. I didn’t fight him on it, because in truth, I didn’t really ever see a need to. Every day I learned something new about my love, and everyday had created a new memory.

Now at the table, he gripped my hand, giving it a quick squeeze as Alexis took a bite of his mother’s famous chicken casserole.

“Holy shit, this is amazing!” Alexis looked to me, her curly brown hair piled on top of her head, brown eyes bulging as she moaned in appreciation.

“Told you.” I smiled with pride as I looked to Jayden, who winked conspiratorially.

We sat through only a few minutes of forced conversation before it became natural. The wine flowed as the laughter poured out, and I found myself smiling like an idiot between the two. When dinner was done, we kept residence at the table.

Alexis looked at Jayden with amusement. Jayden, still slightly nervous under Alexis’ scrutinizing eyes, kept the wine flowing and got up when the music stopped to start a new playlist. He’d also told me music was the greatest coping mechanism for him when he couldn’t get quietude. He sat back down and sipped his wine.

I grabbed my glass as a few minutes of silence followed.

“So, Jay, what do you do?”

“I already told you, Lexi, he’s a woodworker.” She gave me an ‘eat shit’ look and turned to Jayden for her explanation.

He grinned and answered, “I’m a woodworker.” Alexis giggled and it was then that I realized she was crushing on my man. Alexis didn’t giggle. “Really, my uncle and I make custom cabinets and furniture. I like the design aspect and he’s more hands on.”

“That’s really cool,” she said, her wine buzz showing in her reddening cheeks. A knock at the door puzzled me as I looked to Jayden. “You expecting someone?”

“Owen is supposed to stop by with an order,” he said with a wink. “Excuse me.”

He met Owen at the door, and curiosity got the best of me as he greeted us and my eyes bulged as I noticed how handsome he was. He had been my second option in the job department. He was older, probably around thirty-five, with dark, sandy blond hair and tan skin. He had an athletic build and almond-shaped, green eyes. It surprised me that Jayden would trust me to work with a friend so good looking considering his jealous streak. But then again, I could be surrounded by a sea of penises and would zero in on Jay’s without hesitation. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d noticed another man. It was as if that world had disappeared.

Alexis stiffened when Owen walked into the living room, continuing to sip her wine, her eyes deadlocked on our visitor.

Alexis likey.

He greeted us both warmly. Jay insisted, after a slight hesitation on Owen’s part, for him to join us. Jay set a plate down and Owen declined dinner but agreed to a beer. He seemed to do a slight double take as he surveyed my sister, and I couldn’t help but notice Jay’s subtle smile as he noticed it, too.

That’s when I realized that Owen dropping by was not just coincidence. I narrowed my eyes at Jayden across the table as his gaze averted from mine. He gave me a shrug as Alexis and Owen struck up a conversation. I sucked my lips in my mouth and slowly shook my head, letting him know I was onto to him. He mouthed “I love you” and was instantly out of trouble.

An hour later, we decided to head to the living room with our booze and conversation. Alexis was all but too happy to keep Owen company as Jayden and I cleared the dishes.

“Slick, baby, but you know the whole point of this was for you to get to know my family,” I said, wrapping my arms around his waist as he scrubbed dried casserole off one of the plates.

“I have all the time in the world for that, and based on what you told me about her, I thought of Owen. He’s just as much of a workaholic as she is. He’s been divorced for years and I knew it couldn’t hurt to at least introduce them...and take the pressure off of me.”

I squeezed his waist tighter, placing my cheek on his back. “I’m sorry you felt that way.”

“I wanted to meet your family,” he promised.

“How do you know Owen? He’s older than you.”

He hesitated slightly before answering. “He helped me out once in a big way and we’ve been friends ever since.”

“Oh, how?” I asked as I put my back to the counter, leaning back to gaze at my beautiful man. He had on a collared, light green shirt and khakis. His typically messy brown hair was combed back neatly. Leaning in, I kissed the divot in his chin and he grunted mildly, sounding irritated because I was keeping him from his task. When I reached out to put my hands in his hair, he gave me the stink eye.

“Out.” I chuckled and rewrapped my hands around him only to hear his exasperated sigh. I was purposefully distracting him and chuckled as he scrambled to complete his chore. It was cute watching him get bent out of shape. I knew multitasking was difficult for him, especially when I was attempting to turn him on. I was put off by it the first time I straddled him while he was playing his Xbox only to be quickly discarded off of his lap and scorned. I’d been temporarily hurt by it, but understood it was just one of his quirks. And so I decided I liked it much better when his focus was solely on me. I would bide my time until that was the case, because the payoff was fucking phenomenal.

“I’m leaving, babe,” I said lightly as I took one last look at him before rounding the corner to join my sister and Owen in the living room. Jayden refused to let me help him with any household chore– another one of his quirks. I had folded a load of towels for him one day and watched him at the same time thank me while completely refolding them. It was pointless to try.

Rejoining my sister and Owen in the living room, I noticed my sister’s attentiveness towards Owen and felt slightly intrusive in my interruption. They seemed rapt in conversation as I took a seat next to my sister on the couch.

“So you are in Columbia?” Owen asked. “I designed the Timber building.”

“Really? That was you?! It’s beautiful. It absolutely changed the skyline for the better.”

“You think so? Thanks,” he added proudly.

“Absolutely. I’m looking to purchase a bigger space soon, or renovate. Maybe you could give me some pointers on expanding where I’m at?”

Owen didn’t hesitate before pulling out his card and handing it to her. “I’d love to help.” His words were suggestive in a way that made my sister’s lips turn up in a small smile.

“Well, I should go. I’ve interrupted your time with your sister long enough.” He turned to me and addressed me. “If things don’t work out at the agency, give me a call. I’ll make room for you.”

“Thank you, that’s so kind. And really, you aren’t interrupting anything by staying for one more beer,” I offered. He looked from me to my sister and nodded with a ‘sure.’ I stood up to get his beer and he looked back at me. “I’ve known Jayden a long time and I have to tell you I’ve never seen him so happy. Whatever you are doing, it’s working.”

My chest expanded with his words as I replied, “I’m loving him.”

“Well...keep it up,” he said with a wink.

“Not even a question,” I said, making my way to the kitchen to grab a beer. I twisted off the top and turned to Jayden who was still elbows deep in dishes, humming along to his playlist, completely oblivious to the world. I left him to it as I rejoined our guests. Owen thanked me as their topic transitioned from architecture to family. Owen mentioned he had a three-year-old daughter, and Alexis who was completely anti-little-people actually asked to see a picture. Owen proudly produced a thousand on his iPhone, and I noticed my sister’s eyes light up as she commented on the photo.

“She looks just like you,” she said, studying the picture with interest.

I took a seat as Owen gushed about his daughter and Jayden joined me on the couch, hot coffee in hand. I looked over to him and smiled as he took my hand. So this was domestication. I could totally get used to this.

“She’s so big,” Jayden said, grabbing Owen’s phone. “It’s been way too long since I’ve seen her. We need to set that up.”

“What’s her name?” I asked, noting she did look a lot like Owen.

“Olivia.”

I felt a tug as I stared at the blonde haired, little girl with chubby cheeks holding up the Frozen DVD. It looked like she was at her birthday party surrounded by her friends. Her eyes were lit up as she proudly held her movie.

“Do you want kids?” Jayden asked in a low voice meant only for me after I’d handed Owen back his phone and he and Alexis resumed their chatter. I took a long look at Jayden as he studied me before giving him an honest answer. “Sure, if it’s in the cards.”

Alexis interrupted our private conversation before I had the chance to decipher his expression. “My mother wanted to extend the invitation for Sunday brunch, Jayden.” I glared at Alexis, knowing this was her plan all along. She had obviously plotted with my mother to bring it to fruition. I looked quickly to Jayden who hesitated briefly, sipping his coffee before answering, “Sure, I’ll be there.”

“Really?” I asked in a whisper.

“Yeah, baby, I’d love to come.” He squeezed my knee before making an excuse of needing more coffee to leave the room, offering everyone else a cup. We all declined as he made his way back to the kitchen. I contained my venom as Owen looked between my sister and me, clearly reading the situation.

“Well, I’m going to get going,” Alexis said, taking her leave before I could get her alone. Jayden came back out holding a fresh cup and said his goodbyes.

“I’ll see you both Sunday,” she mused at my pissed expression as she turned to Owen who said, “I’ll walk you out.” We all said our goodbyes as they made their way out and I resisted the urge to kick my sister in the ass as she crossed the threshold.

When the door was shut, my eyes met Jayden’s.

“I won’t subject you to them until you are completely ready. Seriously, babe, I’ll make an excuse for you.”

“It’s fine. Don’t worry.” Even as he said the words, I sensed his hesitation.

“Meeting the parents, it’s getting serious,” I said playfully, passing him on the way to rid myself of my outfit. “But I’d like to meet your Mom,” I added before entering his bedroom. He was at his door watching me change into my new, sexy, red slip negligee. I made a show of it, slowly unhooking my bra and letting it fall to the floor and then pulling my hair out of the ponytail I’d been wearing. I stood my back to him in the matching lace, barely there panties as the silky material caressed my skin. When I turned around, I saw his eyes were heated.

“I’m going to walk Trip,” he said, staring at me as my expectant smile disintegrated. I’d hoped for several reactions from my show, but the one I got was far from the one I desired.

An hour later, I was in his bed cruising around on my laptop searching for my career destiny. Jayden had been a welcomed distraction from the fact that I still hadn’t reached a decision, but I still hadn’t lost sight of my goal.

“Did you ever think that your career decision shouldn’t be something you had to research, babe?” he asked as he made his way into the bathroom and began washing up. “You know that it should just come to you naturally.” I stopped my reading to look up as he pasted his toothbrush, looking at me through the reflection in the mirror. He made a smartass display of capping the toothpaste, holding the pieces in each hand before screwing them together and putting it back in the cabinet.

“Impressive...and of course that’s what I’d hoped for years, but it never happened. I don’t want to be someone’s employee forever. I’ve figured out that much. I want to work for myself.”

“Everyone has someone to answer to,” he said thoughtfully.

“That may be, but I’m more of an on my terms kind of gal.”

“You don’t like your job?” He paused at the doorway before turning off the light.

“I love it, actually,” I said, taking in his half-naked frame as it came toward me. His thick thighs and full ass perfectly filled out his boxers and made my mouth water, not to mention the bulge in front and its impressive résumé.

“Then why this need to find something else?” he asked, taking a seat at the foot of the bed.

“What’s with the fifth degree?” I asked, staring at the mix of bright colors on his right bicep that extended to his wrist.

“I’m just trying to understand why you aren’t satisfied,” he said testily.

I frowned at his reaction. “I told you I want to contribute to the world in some way, not be behind the scenes.”

“Sometimes the people behind the scenes are most important.” I jerked my head back, confused by his sudden interest in my career path.

“I don’t disagree, but that’s not what I want for me.” I went back to my browsing as he lifted my feet and began to rub them. I gave him a thankful grin as I navigated my way through another list of career choices.

“Dentist, boring. Telecommunications, not interested. Oh, food critic, this sounds right up my alley. Mmmm...” I said as Jayden’s hands moved from my feet to my calves. “I wonder what one must do to be an expert in food.” I typed quickly only to become disheartened. “Says here I’d have to be an experienced chef with worldly experience in cuisine in order to even be taken seriously. Well, that’s out.”

Jayden chuckled as I clicked on the next link, his skilled hands moving up to my thighs. I raised a brow over my laptop as his eyes turned heated. “Nope, should have done something earlier when I was trying to seduce you. That window is now closed.”

“You sure?” he asked as he gently parted my legs, my laptop shifting slightly on my lap.

“Positive,” I said defiantly. “Now, where were we?”

Jayden prowled above me, leaning over and grazing his fingers over my sex then moving my panties to the side as I inhaled sharply. Determined to beat him at his game, I played indifferent. “Programmer, nope. Too repet...repet...repetitive,” I pushed out as Jayden slid his fingers inside me.

“You’re soaked. Damn, baby.” My eyes attempted to close as I read on and my voice quivered as Jayden kissed up my thigh, hooking his arms around my legs to bring me closer to him. I adjusted my laptop so I was still able to read.

“Social worker, too depressing. Air traffic controller, hell no. I’d be bald from the pressure alone.”

Jayden paused to laugh before resuming his make out session with my thigh. I continued to read, my words half moaned. “Wedding planner, that could be...fun. Oh fuck,” I gasped as Jayden’s tongue touched my center. He licked me smoothly then looked up with hooded eyes.

“You were saying?”

I cleared my throat. “I was saying ...” I trailed off as his tongue resumed its pace. I gripped the side of my laptop as Jayden took turns licking and sucking my middle while his fingers explored me.

“Oh, God,” I said, pushing my laptop off my lap and gripping his hair.

Jayden looked up at me without humor and so much heat as he gripped, then slowly pulled my panties down so he had more access to me. He made his way back up as his hand drifted up to my silk covered chest, caressing my breast before his tongue darted back out and unbelievable pressure built inside me. His mouth was pure skill as he laved me with his tongue.

“So, so good,” he whispered to my sex as I looked down at him. His burning eyes closed shut as his tongue darted out again before he wrapped his lips around the bundle of nerves and sucked hard, twisting his fingers inside of me. My body overheated as I was hit with wave after wave of sweet release, calling his name as I came. He refused to stop as my tender sex protested to more of his sweet tongue lashing. I tried to push him away, but he gripped my wrists tightly at my sides as his tongue pushed inside me deep before he resumed his pace.

“Jayden, I can’t take it. I can’t,” I panted out as he pulled away, keeping his thumb on me, massaging in slow circles as he pulled his boxers down with the other hand. I spread wider for him, his thumb remaining in place as he pushed the tip of him in.

“God, you are so beautiful,” he whispered above me.

“I need you so much,” I whispered back. “I love you.” He closed his eyes as if my words had touched him and pushed himself in the rest of the way as my body shuddered for the second time, obeying his command.

His gentle hands cradled me as he loved me slowly, whispering kisses and praise that covered me entirely. My heart filled to the brink as I held him as tightly as I could to me until his levee broke and he spilled his love, overfilling me.

He lay on me, his head on my chest as our breathing evened out.

“Your heart is hammering, baby,” he said in awe as he looked up at me.

“Well, yeah,” I said, running my fingers through his hair.

“I like the crowd in there chanting my name. Jayden, Jayden, Jayden.” I chuckled and looked down at him. “Feeling pretty proud of yourself there, babe?”

“I’m getting good at you,” he said softly.

“You’ve always been good,” I reminded him.

“Not always,” he whispered back.

“Can you sleep?” I asked, concerned. It had been a few days since he’d crashed hard and I was getting worried.

“I think so. Will you rub me out?”

“Of course,” I said as he took his place in front of me so I could start working his back. I started rubbing him slowly and he moaned at my touch.

“You could be a massage therapist,” he offered as I dug into his shoulders.

“No way, people are gross,” I said to his rapidly moving back. “I’m glad you find this so funny. At least you have it all figured out. You are a carpenter. It’s done...settled. It’s something you love and can live with. Some of us aren’t so lucky.”

“It is absolutely not that easy,” he said, his voice still fully alert. I worked harder, digging into the tough tissues hidden under his silky skin. “I landed the gig with my uncle out of necessity. My mother couldn’t handle me anymore so she dropped me off with him on the weekends to keep me out of trouble and he put me to work. I didn’t aspire to be a carpenter. My mother aspired not to kill me.”

I moved my hands up and down his back, trying to soothe him. “Well, it worked out. It must have taken, because you are still doing it.”

“It has so far. I hope to make it mine one day.”

“Really?” I asked, excited about the thought. He stilled my hand on his shoulder and turned to look at me.

“I probably won’t ever be wealthy.”

“Like that matters.” He turned over and pulled me into his arms.

“I’m so fucking lucky,” he said, drowning me in deep blue.

“Yep,” I said, placing my hands on his shoulders.

“Does this massage have a happy ending?” His wicked grin made an appearance, as well as the brush of his growing thickness against my leg.

“One that will make you scream my name,” I teased as I gripped his hair tightly. Through gritted teeth, I commanded into his ear, “Say. My. Name.”

“Fishnipple.”