Don't Wake Me if I'm Dreaming (21 page)

“This is harder than it looks. I look like a stiff penguin sauntering across the ice.”

“It’s cute.” He dropped his hand from my back. “Take my other hand.” Jack held my hands with ease and turned skating backward again, pulling me across the ice. “You’re doing great.”

“You could be a coach you’re excellent at this.”

“I coached at a few camps in college. —I think you’re getting the hang of it. Ready for me to let go?” His eyes were smiley with faith.             

I flashed my teeth, nervously smiling, disentangled our hands. “Yikes!”
Don’t fall, don’t fall, don’t fall…

“You’ve got it,” he said, skating only an arm’s length from me.

“What do you think, future Olympian in the make?” I studied my path as the skates slowly glided.

“You might have to learn a few tricks first, but anything’s possible.” Jack took my hand leading us slowly across the ice. “I’m glad I’ve had the chance to spend time with you today.”

“Me too,” I said, keeping my eyes on the ice.

“How do you suppose Aimee is holding up?”

“She’s probably sleeping on the bathroom floor.”

“Eh, that bad.”

“She doesn’t drink the way she did in college. Her tolerance is past tense. She’s all about being a mommy these days.”

“I can relate to that…. Not the mommy part.” He smiled. “Too bad we don’t have another day or two here. There are few places I’d like to show you.”

“Like?” I wobbled a little looking at him. I was too focused on my balance to really care about much else.

“The Empire State Building, Trump Tower, Rockefeller, Statue of Liberty, Time Square, September Eleventh Memorial, Ellis Island, there’s a ton of museums, Carnegie Hall…”

“Just a few, huh. I’ve actually been to Carnegie Hall. It was the only place other than Julliard I visited while here. I watched a performance before my audition.”

“What happened with that anyway?”

I glanced at him. “I was too distracted. Just didn’t have it together that day. I could have auditioned again, but I didn’t really think it was in my cards.”

Jack skated to my side, and then reached to hold my hand. “You realize you’ve been skating on your own, right?”

“I’m kind of digging this. I admit my shins feel a little strained, though.”

“Yeah, you’ll probably want to stretch when we return to the hotel.” We skated a lap in silence, enjoying the moment. “So, I was wondering if I could take you out sometime?”

“It depends.”

“On?” He side glanced.

“On your intentions.”

“We’re back on this subject, I see.” He slowed his pace a little more. “I enjoy your company,” he said emphatically as if there was no such other answer.

“That’s it? You enjoy my company.” I repeated his words.

“You are by far the most entertaining person I’ve met in a very long while.” His voice had a hint of a smile.

“You’re looking for someone to entertain you.”

“You know, you have a unique gift of twisting my words.”

“Maybe your words are rather ambiguous making it hard to decipher proper meaning.”

“I’m not looking for entertainment. I want to get to know you and see what comes of us. I like you. You’ve got a great sense of humor, you have an attractive personality, you’re very bright, sharp, and I find you very attractive. Why is that hard to believe I would simply enjoy being in your presence again?”

“You think I’m attractive?”

“Very much so.” Jack turned stopping me for a kiss. It wasn’t a seductive kiss it was more intimate than that. His arms wrapped around me, securing me to his body.

“Does this mean I can take you out again?” he asked.

“I’d like that,” I chirped.

“I was thinking it’s early enough in the day, we can head to the zoo and see if we can locate a hotdog vendor for lunch.”

“I think my shins would appreciate that.” I smirked.

***

“
S
hould we see if they’re awake?” I asked Jack, slowing at Aimee and Vance’s door.

“Not Just yet.” Jack took my hand and led me to his door and let us in. “Thirsty?” he asked.

I shook my head no, removing my mittens and coat making myself comfortable on the loveseat in attempt at removing my boots.

“Let me give you a hand.” He sat next to me, lifting my legs onto his lap and removed my boots.

“You’re always so thoughtful.” I rested my head feeling a little tired.

“I can’t imagine how you managed to walk through the zoo in these.”

“I’m just use to it.”

He straightened my socks. “It’s only five o’clock, no falling asleep just yet.” He wiggled my feet.

I opened my eyes as he stood, removing his shoes. “Come on.” His hands extended in gesture.

I smiled at him, reaching for his hands, allowing him to lift me into a stand.

A delightful look swam across his face. “You have an appealing smile.”

I gulped. “Is it okay that I’m extremely nervous, here, in your room?” More like terrified.

“Still? I thought we were past that.” He didn’t smile, placing his hands on my face, his thumbs brushing back my hair.

My laugh was unnatural. “I’m past being nervous in your presence, not in your room. I haven’t done this in a while. I fear I’m out of practice.” I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

“It’s like riding a bike.” He kissed my lips.

I pulled back a little. “I’m afraid I’ve never really learned to ride a bike,” I admitted, “not without training wheels. Of course, I was really young because they don’t really make big bikes with training wheels. I did ride a scooter…” He slowly nodded his head listening to me blather. “It was a purple Zoot Scoot…”

Jack placed a soft finger over my mumbling lips, silencing me.

I closed my eyes waiting for him to kiss me again as his hand slid to the back of my neck. I opened my eyes curiously wondering what was taking his lips so long to find mine.  

His eyes were soft and smiley. 

“What?” I asked under my breath.

“I’m absorbing the last two days. I find you nearly the perfect woman.”

I guffawed briefly, curling my lips inward, pressing them closed to silence the sound. “I’m nowhere near perfect, not even close. I’m truly a mess, like mental case half the time, there’s really nothing perf…”

Jack kissed me before I could finish my words. He was passionately tender with his touch and I caved, releasing my apprehension. My arms wound around his neck running my fingers up his nape.

Jack’s hand slid under my shirt, gently touching the small of my back. His hand hadn’t yet warmed from being outside, giving me chill bumps. His lips left mine, trailing to my neck.

I leaned my head back, inviting his touch as he lifted me into his arms and walked us to the bed.

“Jack,” I mumbled nervously.

He laid me on the bed, then climbed between my legs, and lowered himself, resting his weight on his forearms and knees. His lips went directly to mine with a soft graze that turned into a nibbling kiss.

I bent my legs up, resting them at his side, and reached aimlessly, letting my fingers run wild. I wanted to touch him everywhere; I wanted to know his body, to connect us closer.

I felt his breath and movement grow increasingly excited with each passing moment. He leaned back on his knees and pulled off his shirt, returning over me.

I slid my arms under his, placing my hands on his sides, rubbing his body. “Spend a little time at the gym lately?” I giggled nervously.

He responded with a breathy laugh sliding a hand slowly up my shirt, stopping at my ribs, with a gentle caressing motion. He continued kissing my neck, and along my jaw until his lips found mine. He lifted my shirt just to my chest, allowing his lips to seek out my stomach.

My heart began racing as his mouth moved upward toward my ribs, kissing my skin.

“Jack.” I breathed. Maybe I wasn’t as ready as I thought realizing our heavy petting was advancing into sex.

He slowed his movement. With a crawl, he reached his lips up to my ears. “We can wait,” he whispered, the tip of his tongue traced my earlobe.

My breath grew increasingly unsteady and body stiffened.
What if he’s using me for sex?

Jack abruptly stopped, and rolled onto his back next to me, looking at the ceiling. His hands ran through his dark hair, resting behind his head. “You’ve never learned to ride a bike?” he asked, self-distracting.

A hint of a smile reached my lips, realizing the strength it took to have such self-control. “No. Never.”

“We need to fix that.”

“Deal.”

V
ance pulled into Jack’s driveway and popped the rear hatch. “See you in the morning,” he said as Jack opened the car door.

“Thank you again for everything.” Jack reached over the seat and patted Aimee’s shoulder. Then collected his luggage and opened my car door. “Do you mind if I drive you home?” He held out his hand.

Aimee quickly responded. “I’ll call you later, Sash!” She glanced back smiling.

I accepted Jack’s hand, helping me from the car, and then helped him gather our luggage. I glanced at Aimee on my way up to the walk, returning her bubbly smile.

We set our bags just inside the door.

Jack’s house was immaculate. Gray English wood spread across the floor. Sharp leather seating surround a thick white rug centered the room. A TV hung above the fireplace. In the far corner a tall Christmas tree stood stripped of lights and ornaments.

I was so impressed with the cleanliness it alone was a turn on.

“It smells like cinnamon and Pine-Sol in here. Very fresh and clean.” I sniffed the air.

“My housekeeper was here this morning. I’ve got to hand it to her she’s a hard working woman.”

“Your tree is gigantic. How on earth did you get it through the door?”

“I had a couple buddies lend me hand, but it was wrapped up tight. Getting it out of here might be rather tricky.” He stared it, curiosity in his eyes. “My family was here for Christmas, and my mom sort of went all out on the place, but it looks pretty well cleaned up now. Are you hungry? I can probably whip something together.”

I lightly shook my head. “No, thank you.”

“Can I at least offer you a glass of wine or beer?”

“Please, wine sounds great.”

I followed him across the front room to a long hall just before the kitchen. The lights automatically turned on when he opened the door to the temperature-controlled storage room. “This is where I keep my collection.”

“Geeze!” My mouth hung open for a few seconds looking at countless bottles resting in the built-in racks of the aboveground wine cellar.

“What’ll it be?” He glanced around at the collection.

“You want me to pick? I don’t even know where to start!” I looked at the rows of wine, scotch and whiskey bottles, overwhelmed with envy. “This is absolutely amazing, Jack. There has to be a thousand bottles in here.”

“It only holds seven hundred bottles. White, red… pink?”

“White, please.” The idea of Jack seeing me with purple-stained teeth made me smile embarrassingly, and kept me from asking for my preferred selection.

“Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, think I might have some Moscato, or Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay…sweet or dry?”

“Surprise me.” I shook my head.

“Riesling it is.” He pulled a few bottles reading the labels. “How about this?” He handed me a bottle.

“
Joh. Jos. Prum
nineteen seventy-one
Wehlener Sonnenuhr Trockenbeerenauslese
.” I struggled to pronounce the last word. “Jack this sounds expensive.”

“Not too bad.”

“Jack.” I lowered my chin, awaiting an honest answer.

“About thirteen-hundred a glass.”

“A glass? Don’t open it!” I handed it back.

He grinned. “After you.” He stepped aside allowing me to leave the room.

“I can’t believe you’re really opening that bottle.”

“What good is a fine wine that can’t be enjoyed?”

I followed him into the gigantic kitchen. It was exquisite, with granite counters and everything state-of–the-art, which was completely opposite of my dwelling.

He opened the bottle then pulled two hanging glasses from a wineglass cupboard, setting them on the island.

“I recall a conversation where you say you prefer simplicity.” This was anything but.

“I do. There’s a notable difference between my house and Rodger’s, wouldn’t you say?”

“You’re ridiculous!” My eyes narrowed with satisfaction, roaming up at the hanging rack above the island. “That’s a lot of cookware up there.”

“I enjoy cooking, just don’t ask me to bake.”

“I won’t if you don’t ask me to cook. I’m sort of a burn the pan kind of chef.”

“I’ll remember to have you make the salad. There’s a hot tub out back on the patio. Hope you have a swimsuit in your suitcase, or not.” He smiled broadly. 

“Or not? How long are you planning on keeping me here?”
I hope forever.

“Not as long as I’d like. I have to be at the office by seven tomorrow. It’ll be an early night.” He poured the wine and handed me a glass. “But, I’m in no rush to see you out the door.” His lips slid into a side smile.

“You realize it’s already midnight, right?” I inhaled the handcrafted German aromas before sipping. “Oh, that’s amazingly smooth.”

“As it should be, I would hope. Follow me.” He stepped forward, reaching a hand behind his back for mine.

He led me down a shorter hall. “Here we have a bathroom to the left and my office to the right, in which I occupy most of my free time. There’s a another bathroom through that door down the hall with a utility closet.” He pointed to the far left side of the office.

I walked over to his desk and looked at the two pictures sitting on the far corner. The two women standing with Jack in one of the images had his same alluring blue- gray eyes and dark hair.

“My sisters Annie, and Mary and me, and the other would be my parents, Gracelynn and William, or Will and Grace as the family jokes.”

“Too Funny. You have a gorgeous family, and your mom is an ageless hottie.” Apparently he wasn’t the only catch in his gene pool. I stared a second at his equally handsome father.

“Life has been good to her. I’m rather fond of all of them. They’re good people. Overbearing at times, but good all the same. This way.”

We headed back into the hall and up a set of stairs. The landing was long with a staircase at the opposite end. Jack opened a set of etched glass doors. “This would be the man cave.”

I stepped in looking around. “This would be the size of my apartment, and nicer, too!”

Books, a large music selection, and movies lined the glass shelves hanging from a wall. The oversized furniture was fluffy and inviting. A pool table sat on the far side of the room with a bar next to it.

“This has to be every man’s dream. Or woman’s for that matter.” I looked a moment at his book collection. “And that sofa looks more comfortable than my bed.”

“I’ll have to take your word at that.” He grinned appearing in thought for a moment. “I enjoy hosting parties once in a while. Mostly sports games, the Super Bowl, it’s great for that.”

“Has Vance been up here?” I knew he’d be in awe.

“A few times. Check this out.” He led me to a sliding door that opened onto a back patio.

“You have a barbecue and table out here. How convenient!”

“I never have to miss a moment of the game.” He smiled proudly. “There’s another bathroom at the far end of the room.” He pointed.

“Of course there is.”

A few guestrooms, laundry room, and a bathroom lined the hall leading to the master room.

“This is where I sleep.” He opened the door and stood in the doorway. I slipped past him inviting myself in, looking directly at the king-size four-post bed. A black silk spread and matching pillows covered it. 

I ran my hand over the silk, glancing back with an impish smile.

His eyes concealed a grin.

“So much bed for just one body.”

The grin finally escaped to his lips. He quickly looked away with a huge smile, pressing his forehead against the doorframe.

“I think you’re blushing Jack.” I felt brave enough to flirt.

“And I think you’re taunting me.”

“Am I?” My smile turned into a
coquettish grin.

He walked across the room to the huge window overlooking the yard. “There’s a pond outside surrounded by old willows. It’s beautiful in the summer. I stocked it with koi, but I think heron or raccoons ate them.” He lost his smile a moment. “There’s a ton of frogs and turtles out there, though.”

I looked in his closet that was approximately the size of my bedroom. It was full of long black wood shelves, drawers and mirrored sliding doors. I glided a door open; it had more than a few dozen collared shirts, each pressed and color coordinated. The other side had blazers, dress jackets, and suits. I could smell the aromas of Jack’s cologne, aftershave, and fabric starch.

“I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a closet so well organized.”

“Maria likes to keep busy. She’s a bit of a neat freak, but I have no complaints.”

“Maria is your housekeeper I take it?”

“Yes, she’s been working here since the house was built almost three years ago.”

“And you’ve lived here alone this whole time?”

“Does that come as a surprise?”

“It seems like a lot of space for just one person.”

“Well, I don’t imagine I’ll always be the only one living here, I do intend to settle down someday.”             

“Someday,” I repeated.

I head into the master bathroom. It was humongous. The floor was constructed of perfect symmetric stone slats in a dull gray. The tall oval tub also overlooked the pond through a huge sheet glass window. A large TV hung in the corner.

“Bubble baths and soap operas?” I teased.

He laughed lightly. “No, morning news while I shave and freshen up.” He glanced at the long stretch of counter space.

“Ah.”

“I seldom use the tub. I’m a shower sort.”

“I couldn’t live without soaking in warm water. I love my bubble baths.”

“That’s what the hot tub is for. You have sat in one before?”

“Just because I don’t know how to ride a bike.” I marveled at the huge glass case shower, envisioning myself showering with him, before returning to his room. I finished my wine and set the glass on a nightstand, then reached for one of the black wood railings, sliding my hand over it. “What kind of wood is this?” I intended to tease him a little, stroking the wood.

“
Dalbergia Melanoxylon
or African Blackwood. It’s imported from Africa.” He took a long swig, set his glass down next to mine, and approached me from behind. His hands gently touched my arms caressing my skin lightly.

I turned to face him, pressing my body against the post.
How badly do you want me?
I only wanted to know for satisfaction sake. Or did I?

Jack reached, placing a hand on the post above my head. 

“This is bound to happen sooner than later,” I said, a little mousy.

“Soon is preferred, later works as well.” His other hand lightly traced my forearm.

“Is this why you brought me up here?” I reached my hand, resting it on his side.

“No, but I’d be lying to say it hasn’t crossed my mind since you’ve been here.”

I looked over my shoulder at his bed. 

“Let’s take a walk.” He took my hand, leading me away from the bed.

“What? Jack, it’s freezing outside.” I was confounded by the suggestion.

“I meant into the other room.” He led me to the hall.

“And why exactly are we doing this?” I didn’t really want to leave the bedroom, but then again, I wasn’t ready to stay.

“For one, I needed you to move away from my bed for obvious reasons. Two, I would rather take the time to get to know your mind before your body if that’s what it takes to prove to you I’m not just after sex.”

“So you were paying attention when I said trust is built.” I grabbed him by his pant pocket and pulled him close to me. “Since when do you suddenly have time for more than a sexual relation?”

He tried hard not to smile. “Since I met you. It’s getting late, I should probably get you home.”

“It honestly doesn’t make sense to drive this late. I could stay in a guest bed if you don’t mind. I already have a suitcase packed with everything I need.”

“Perfect. I’ll grab your belongings and take them to your room.”

***

I
sat at my desk Monday morning, trying to keep my eyes open. Four hours of sleep before returning to my apartment at six fifteen a.m. for my car was hardly enough sleep to help me function. I sat in satisfaction, though, looking at the business card Jack gave me. “Jackson M. Thomas. International affairs lawyer. Morgan International Enterprise.”

“Do share.” Martha stopped on the way to her desk.

A brief smile met my lips, thinking of Jack.

“I haven’t seen that look in a while.”

“What look?”

“The glorious love-sick-gloating-I-just-had-the-best-sex-ever look.”

“I’m not gloating.”

“And I’m a size two.” She rolled her eyes.

“His name is Jack.” 

“I knew it. The New Year date, I take it went well. I need the W’s, please.”