Whiskey Nights Page 5

  “You better,” I lean up to kiss him quickly, but Jake places his hand on my lower back and holds me there while his mouth gives mine a proper goodbye.

  “Will you come by Southern tonight?”

  “I’ll try. No promises, but I may not be able to stay away from your kisses.”

  “I can kiss you whenever you want.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind, ready to go?” We head out of my apartment and drive our separate ways, Jake probably to sleep in a bit more and me to bake goods for the Tuscaloosa community.

  I have been in an incredibly good mood this last week. My mornings and early afternoons are spent at the bakery. I make it to my yoga class like always, and my evenings are usually spent at Southern with Jake. We have been spending as much time together as we can, or talking on the phone when we both have some free time. Our schedules are opposites, but we’ve found a balance that works so far. The more I get to know him, the more I like him.

  Our attraction is also still going strong. Jake has a way with his hands and mouth. The other night I almost climaxed with him just kneading my breasts and pinching my nipples while his mouth controlled mine. My pussy was begging for a release, and he gave it to me just the way I wanted it.

  I’m not sure these are the thoughts I should be having at the end of my yoga class, while I lie in Savasana trying to quietly meditate. But every time I close my eyes I get repeated images of our last encounter. I’m looking forward to seeing him tonight and not having to worry about getting home early enough to wake up the next morning. Saturdays are becoming my favorite day for that reason.

  I leave my yoga mat in my car and walk over to have lunch at a vegan restaurant a few doors down. I love coming here and just reading while enjoying a healthy lunch. I pull out my current read and browse the menu. After I order my veggie wrap with hummus and lemonade, I get lost in my characters’ world of love and angst. Yep, Saturdays are definitely my favorite day.

  The vibrations on the table force me to look away from my book. I grab my phone and answer. “Hey.”

  “Hi!” Savannah’s voice comes through the speaker. “What’s up?”

  “Finishing lunch and reading. What are you up to?”

  “I’m at Sweet on You putting the final touches so everything is ready for the grand opening.”

  “How exciting! I can’t wait to see it!” I’m so happy Savannah found the perfect place for her new bakery. I know it will be as successful as Sweet Delights.

  “I’m really excited! What day do you guys get here?”

  “I think Tuesday. I’ll confirm with Jake tonight.”

  “Ooohhh . . . How are you two?” I roll my eyes at Savannah’s exaggerated oohing but can’t help the smile that takes over.

  “Good. It’s ridiculous, but I really like him.”

  “He gives you the feels. Don’t say it’s ridiculous. You’re totally into him,” Savannah teases.

  “Shut up! You know what I mean. He brings out a different side of me, a side I didn’t think I had or maybe didn’t want to admit.”

  “The side that says, I’m not a hard ass and I’m okay to admit it?”

  “Yes! How did you know?”

  “Because, that is exactly how I felt with Parker. You and I are independent and not used to others taking care of us.”

  “You’re right,” I respond. I’m so used to being on my own that I don’t want people to think I suddenly need a man.

  “Wanting to live with a partner by your side doesn’t change who you are or your strength,” Savannah reads my mind.

  “Amen, sista!”

  “You know it! Okay, I gotta go. Em just got back with lunch. I can’t wait to see you and for you to see the bakery! Let me know when you’ll get here.”

  “I will. Tell Em I said hi. Bye, Sav.”

  Savannah is right. We are a lot alike in that sense. Maybe I did date more, but those dates were as pointless as not dating at all. My relationship with Jake is real, so he does bring out my confidence. I don’t feel like I need to exaggerate my independence to prove to the world that I can survive on my own. He simply accepts me.

  “Hey, gorgeous.” I take a seat at the bar and smile at Jake’s greeting.

  “Hey, handsome.”

  “How lucky am I to get a compliment from you?” I slap his arms across the bar and shut him up.

  “You’re such an ass.”

  “Ah, there’s the Beth I know.” He chuckles and says, “I’m kidding. How are you?” He leans over for a chaste kiss, and I hear a few people cheering. I laugh against his lips and sit back down on the stool.

  “Drink coming right up,” Jake says turning around to prepare my whiskey. I admire his behind as best I can.

  “He’s hot, isn’t he?” comments a young woman, who has just sat next to me.

  I nod my head, suspicious and wondering if she just saw us kiss. Is she a bitch or did she miss our whole exchange and is trying to start a little female competition.

  “Here you go, babe,” Jake says as he places my drink in front of me.

  “Can I order something too?” The blonde next to me tries to sound sexy. I raise my eyebrows and Jake looks at me. I shrug and try not to laugh.

  “Sure. What can I get ya?”

  “Well, besides a tall servin’ of you, I’ll take a dry martini.”

  “I’m off the market, so martini it is.” I bite my lower lip to prevent from laughing but am also extremely happy to hear Jake say that. We haven’t stressed on our relationship title, but it’s clear we are exclusive and definitely together.

  “Lucky lady, whoever has him in her life,” she tells me.

  “Uh-huh.” I take a sip of my drink and smile. Should I tell her I am the lucky lady or let her figure it out on her own? This could be fun. I know Jake is a looker, but I can’t allow that to make me jealous. I don’t consider myself a jealous person and I won’t start now. I am sure about who Jake takes to bed at night.

  “Hey, Beth,” Dave waves from across the bar. I smile and wave back.

  “How’s your drink?” Jake approaches me.

  “Almost as good as the person who made it.”

  “You flatter me. First, I’m handsome, now this compliment.”

  “You make me sound like such a bitch,” I joke.

  “No way, you know I’m joking.” His fingers caress my hands, and I smile.

  “I know you are. By the way, Sav called me today. She was asking what day we would be arriving in Atlanta. I told her I thought Tuesday.”

  “Yeah, I want to get there a couple days before the opening in case she needs anything else. I know Parker’s been busy with the season.”

  “He has. I’ll let her know tomorrow.”

  “Are you ready to be with me for so many days in a row?”

  “I am. If you get on my nerves, I’ll find a place to drop your dead body by the Chattahoochee.”

  “You’re such a romantic.” He kisses my wrist and gets back to work. I love coming on Saturdays because I have no time constraints, but it’s also the busiest night for Jake.

  “Oh my god! I am so sorry! Here I am running my mouth about how hot he is and you’re dating him.” The woman next to me is blushing furiously, and I laugh to calm her.

  “It’s okay,” I assure her.

  “Hey! I thought you might be here,” Lacy says from my left side.

  “Hey! What are you doing here?”

  “Came to have drinks with some friends. I knew you’d probably be up at the bar, so I came by to check.”

  “I’m here. I figured as long as I can see Jake for a bit, I’ll sit here and drink. What a terrible sacrifice.” Lacy laughs and waves at Jake.

  “Hey, Lace! Want a beer?”

  “Sure!” she replies enthusiastically. “My friends can wait a bit.”

  She stands next to me and we talk for a while with the music playing and Jake continuing to refill our drinks. By the time most of the customers have left, I’m giggly and buzzing from my whis
key.

  “You look happy.” Jake walks around the bar and kisses me.

  “I am.” I sway on the stool while my hands hold onto his shoulders and my face searches his. I’m so ready to go home with him tonight. “How much longer do you have?”

  “Just have a few more things to finish up before I can leave.”

  “Sounds good, I’m going to run into the bathroom.” I jump off the stool and make my way to the hallway leading to the bathrooms.

  I feel someone pull my arm when I walk out of the bathroom and before I can say anything, I’m inside the storage closet being groped like a teenager.

  “Really, Jake? At work?”

  “I’ve been dying to kiss you properly all night.”

  “Mmm . . . I think you’re doing more than kissing.” His hands are inside my shirt and have pushed my bra down to feel my breasts. His fingers twist and pull my nipples and I moan.

  “Can’t help myself.”

  I reach down and feel his erection through his jeans. “I can see that.” I laugh.

  He lifts me and forces my legs around him. His lips possess mine in a passionate kiss, and I melt into him. I finally break away breathless.

  “Jake . . . We aren’t alone. Anyone could walk in.”

  “I locked the door.”

  “Still! I don’t want people thinking that we fucked in Southern’s storage closet.”

  “I wouldn’t let anyone say something like that. I’m not going to fuck you here. I just wanted a moment to savor you. I’ve been thinking about this all night.”

  “Well, you’ll have the rest of the night to do so. Now finish up so I can take you home.”

  We’re lying in my bed, spent after a hot one-on-one. I’m curled into Jake’s side as his hand brushes softly on my shoulder and my hand draws swirls on his chest, then sliding slowly down to his stomach and back up to trace the tattoo on his shoulder.

  “That tickles.” Jake shivers under my touch, and I smile against his shoulder.

  “Tell me something I don’t already know about you,” Jake says as he shifts to look at me.

  “When I was a teen, I dreamed about being a singer. I would practice in my room every day while my brother told me I was terrible and needed to quit while I was ahead. I begged my mom so much that she decided to hire a voice coach. I think she secretly wished the coach would tell me there was no future for me and I’d give up on that dream.” I was such an odd child at times.

  “Ha! Did it work?”

  “I’m obviously not a famous singer, am I? Yes. The voice coach tried to tell me nicely that I didn’t have a future as a singer. I cried all the way home. Apparently, I thought I would be the next Mariah Carey.” Jake’s body shakes with laughter, and I hit his chest. “Don’t laugh!”

  “You’re going to have to sing for me some time.”

  “Hell no! I retired at a young age.”

  “No way. You gotta serenade me with your Mariah Carey imitation.”

  “Don’t hold your breath for it. It became obvious early on that I’m a terrible singer. Dream totally busted.” I begin to laugh remembering how ridiculous it was to practice during my free time for something that I was clearly not good at. Wishful thinking of a thirteen year old wanna’ be rock star.

  “Your turn to tell me something I don’t already know about you.” I wait for some kind of embarrassing childhood story, but he surprises me.

  “I always wished I was a better football player.” I sit up to look at him, not a care in the world that I’m still naked.

  “From what I remember, you were a great quarterback.”

  “I was all right. Not good enough to make it onto the Alabama team.” I look at Jake carefully and realize this is something he’s really serious about.

  “Hey,” I reach for his face and lightly brush the back of my hand across his cheek, his stubble wonderfully scratching me. “Don’t think that way. You’re amazing.” I lean in and kiss the corner of his mouth.”

  “You wanted something you didn’t know about me. I mean, I played the best I could. I just know my dad secretly wanted me to make it big.”

  “Well, I think you’re a successful and wonderful man.” Jake laughs, although seemingly forced, and kisses me.

  “No more serious talk. How about jealous ex-boyfriends?”

  “Is this your way of asking about my past? No jealous ex-boyfriends. The last boyfriend I had was in high school. He turned out to be a jerk, and we broke up. No major drama. After that, I just dated but nothing serious came from it.”

  “Yeah, I dated a few girls, too. My last serious relationship was in college and it just didn’t work out. After I started working at the bar, it just became more difficult to date.”

  “And I’m sure you preferred the one-night stands to having to deal with a relationship,” I half joke.

  “I’m not into one-night stands. That doesn’t mean I’ve never had one. I won’t lie to you, but it’s not my style. I don’t have time or the want to put up with bullshit and drama.”

  “Huh.” I’m not sure what else to respond to that. Everyone has had a one-night stand at some point, but I expected different from him.

  “Surprised ya, huh?”

  “You really did. Or you’re just saying that to not hurt my feelings.”

  “I’d never lie to you. Besides, something tells me you’re too tough to get your feelings hurt over one-night stands from the past.”

  “What’s in the past is in the past,” I say tracing the number 31 that is part of his tattoo. I analyze the separate designs that come together perfectly from his shoulder down his arm a few inches—not quite a sleeve but more than a shoulder cap. The 31 is in the center of a football, clearly reminiscent of the years he played in high school. He also has the A for his alma mater in between the shading that surrounds the different images. The word Bama is weaved in there along with some antlers.

  “Hunting?” I ask curious about that part of his tattoo.

  “Yeah. Wish I had more time to hunt these days, it was my favorite bonding activity with my dad.”

  I laugh at this. The irony isn’t missed. “And I’m a vegetarian. We make quite the match, Jacob Green.”

  “We do, Beth Brooks, despite the food you eat or my recreational activities.” Jake rolls over and pins my body with his. “Are you ready for me to prove to you just how great a match we are?” His lips begin to tease my skin, roaming from my neck to my shoulder and down to my breasts, taking a nipple between his lips and licking it deliciously before gently sucking it into a peak. He moves to the other one, performing the same tantalizing torture that sends waves of pleasure all the way down to my toes.

  “You’re off to a great start in proving this to me,” I moan as his tongue swirls around my breasts and he gently bites my tender skin.

  “Good.” He slides back up to face me and kisses me ardently. His tongue slides into my mouth effortlessly as his mouth possesses mine with his desire. The sweat builds between us and I want to feel his cock thrusting in me the way his tongue is. I lift my hips in a silent plea and he chuckles.

  “All in good time baby,” Jake whispers before he continues his seduction of my mouth. I return the kiss with as much fervor, wanton desire taking over my body and my hips move of their own accord against his, hoping to feel a small teasing from the tip of his erection.

  “Fuck,” he growls into my mouth and I smile.

  “Sorry. I can’t control myself.” I look at his beautiful face clouded with need. His eyes stare down at me, darkened.

  “You make it extremely difficult for me to control myself and not plunge into you and claim you.”

  My heart accelerates, and I am consumed by all things Jake and this need to be claimed by him. “Do it. Now,” I demand.

  His kiss is as demanding as my words, and I let him find pleasure in it.

  “Condom,” he says hovering over me. Jake reaches for a condom from my nightstand, and I lie there breathing heavily in anticipation f
or what is to come.

  He is back to kissing me, and I’m so ready for round two. I yell out as he thrusts into me and holds himself there, deep inside me, while my muscles wrap around his cock. I pull his shoulders down so my tongue can dive into his mouth while our bodies are connected.

  We move together, pleasing each other in a way that is only possible when the connection is raw and real. With each movement, I climb higher up this ladder of lust and feel my body and mind reeling from the pleasure his body is arousing.

  I take Jake’s ear lobe between my lips and gently scrape my teeth across it before finding his neck and sucking and licking like it’s the most delicious treat I have ever had. Jake’s approving groan makes me smile and he picks up his pace, hitting all the perfect nerves deep inside my pussy before I free fall in an intense orgasm that makes me feel like I am really flying with one purpose, release.

  “Jake!” I claw his back as my core clenches around him, squeezing him until he stills and loses himself inside me, his muscles taut as he reaches his own climax.

  “Holy . . .” Jake mumbles.

  “I know. Definitely great together, just don’t show me any pictures of the deer you hunt,” I joke.

  “Deal.” He kisses me gently and gets up to throw the condom away. Back on the bed, he moves to the side and pulls me into him so we’re back to front and I sleepily wiggle my behind.

  “Beth,” he warns.

  I giggle and say, “I couldn’t resist.”

  “Well, try to or we’re going for round three and I’ll exhaust you too much to enjoy you tomorrow.”

  I shiver at the possibilities for tomorrow and nod, closing my eyes while I enjoy going to sleep in Jake’s arms.

  “Ohhh!!!” I hear cheers around me, and I wipe my mouth in a very non-ladylike way.

  “Dude, she totally beat your ass,” Justin, Jake’s friend, yells out.

  “She totally did,” Jake laughs. I smile and wink at him.

  Justin had called Jake to invite him over for a barbecue. Jake goes into work this evening, but he decided to go for a bit and asked me to join him. I was kind of surprised at first, but it has been a blast. I hadn’t realized that at twenty-nine I would still be a champ at flip cup, or that I would have so much fun playing it.