Hers for a While (2 page)

Chapter Two

It was five thirty and Alice was freaking out. What in the heck was she supposed to wear? Jack hadn’t told her what the plans were, and in the midst of being so caught off guard, she didn’t even bother to get his phone number to call and ask. Sifting through her closet, she pushed aside several hangers, not liking anything. Several outfits were laid out on her bed, none sticking out to her.

“Alice?”

Was that Mandy? What was she doing here? Alice poked her head out of her bedroom door. “In here!”

“You didn’t call me like you said. I wanted to make sure that guy didn’t kill you last night.”

“That’s nice of you,” Alice said as she threw another dress onto her pile of no’s.

“What’s going on in here? Getting rid of some stuff?” Mandy eyed the mess.

“No. I can’t find anything to wear.”

“What do you mean? You’ve got more clothes than anyone I know.”

Alice shook her head. “Nothing looks right.”

“How do you think you did on your finals?” Mandy asked as she found a spot to sit on the bed. “Staying out last night was a bad idea. I paid for it this morning.”

“Fine, I guess.” Alice hadn’t given them a second thought. She was too busy thinking about Jack and what his plans were.

“Are you kidding me? You normally obsess over them. Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?” Mandy folded her arms over her chest as she contemplated the situation. Wagging her finger, she stood up again and paced around the room. “Something is going on here. What is happening?”

Alice had never smiled so much in her life. Grabbing her friend’s arm, they sat back down on the bed. “You remember Jack from last night, right?” She didn’t wait for her friend to answer. “He asked me out again tonight.”

“That sexy guy at the pool table? You’re kidding me!”

“Nope. And he’ll be here in like fifteen minutes, so I really need to finish getting ready.”

“This early? Oh dang. He’s gonna take you to dinner. That’s classy.” Mandy walked to the closet and pulled out a yellow sundress. “Wear this. It’s casual and fancy all in one. It shows off your hot shoulders too. It says, hey, I’m not a whore, but I’m also not a prude.”

Alice grabbed the dress and held it up against herself. “You think? It’s cut kind of low.”

“He’ll love it.”

Alice wanted to ask how Mandy was so sure. Neither knew what Jack liked. She didn’t have time to argue. “Yellow sundress it is.” She checked herself one last time in the mirror, coming to the conclusion that no matter what she did, she was nervous, and she would second-guess any decision she made.

“You look beautiful, Alice. You must really like this guy. I’ve never seen you get so dolled up for a man.”

“I’m not sure what it is.” They walked into the living room and she tried to be patient. “I had alcohol to loosen me up last night.”

“I’m sure there’s some vodka in the freezer,” Mandy replied.

“I can’t get liquored up every time I go out with him,” Alice said, laughing at the thought.

A car door slammed and she tried hard not to look out the window. Footsteps thudded and finally, he was on her porch, knocking. Smoothing her hands down her dress, she looked at Mandy, forcing a nervous smile. “Wish me luck.”

“You got it, Alice. Have fun.”

Opening the door, Alice tried hard to compose herself. It wasn’t beer goggles making Jack Turner handsome. He just was, plain and simple. Even in jeans and a button up shirt, he made her feel things that she never had experienced. His shirt was sky blue and just like the night before, perfect for him. He didn’t have the baseball cap on, and his brown hair was thick and spiked, almost as if it had a mind of it’s own.

“Good evening, Alice. You look beautiful.”

Would she ever get to a point where she didn’t blush every time he spoke to her? “You clean up nicely yourself, Jack.”

Walking to his truck, he opened her door and helped her step up into the cab. His hand on the small of her back felt like electricity, and she missed the contact when he closed the door and went to the driver’s side. Looking toward her house, Alice saw Mandy peeking through the front window, watching closely. Giving a small wave, Alice turned back to Jack as he put the truck in gear and merged out onto the street.

“I see you got through your finals. How’d you do?”

She could smell his aftershave and it was intoxicating. She took tests today? It had escaped her again. Her mother had told her about this. She could hear her now, warning her to stay away from guys until she graduated – they’d do nothing but pull her from your studies. It was happening, finally.

“I think I did good. Grades should be posted by the end of the week. What’d you do today?”

He glanced at her from the corner of his eye and focused back on the road. “Thought about tonight. Thought about you. Pissed at myself that I didn’t get your phone number.”

Thought about
me?
This was definitely a dream she didn’t want to wake up from. “What exactly are we gonna do tonight?”

“What would you like to do, Alice?”

He pulled up to a red light and shifted in his seat. Unbuckling her seatbelt, Alice scooted across the leather, settling in the middle seat. Where was the boldness coming from? Where was the shy girl she knew? Leaning in, she rested her head against his arm, taking his manly scent in. To her surprise, his hand fell to her thigh, and again, the electric feel of his embrace shocked her.

“Let’s get dinner and take it from there,” she finally replied. “I’m not picky. I’d be content with fast food.”

Shaking his head, he pulled into the parking lot of an Italian restaurant that Alice had heard about but never been taken to. Jack put the truck into park, but didn’t get out. Turning to face her, he lifted his hand from her thigh and cupped her cheek. His palms were rough like she remembered from the night before, and she cocked her head to the side, leaning into him.

“You deserve better than fast food.” He was so close that his warm breath tickled her skin.

“And how do you know that, Mr. Turner?”

“I don’t for sure, but I plan to get to know everything about you, Miss…” he trailed off.

“Miss Mills.”

“Will you let me get to know you?”

They were inches apart, and Alice felt her pulse throb. Heat rushed over her and she looked deep into his beautiful eyes. For the first time in her life, she had never felt safer than she did at that moment, even if it was with a man she hardly knew.

“Yes, I’ll let you,” she whispered, and before she could say anything else, Jack dipped his head, pressing his lips firmly against hers. They were so plump and he tasted minty. His teeth nipped at her lower lip and his tongue darted into her mouth. Any other time and she’d push away, frantic that it was too soon, but she didn’t move. It felt right. His whiskers were like sandpaper, but it was arousing, and she didn’t want it to stop.

Breaking the kiss, she opened her eyes. Jack looked like a child in trouble. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“Why?”

Again, his eyes squinted as he smiled. It was something he often did when he was amused. “I didn’t want to move too fast with you. I don’t want to scare you.”

“If you’re moving too fast, believe me, Jack, I’ll tell you.”

Without skipping a beat, she kissed him this time. His strong arms hugged her tight against him, and she felt his taut muscles beneath his shirt. She wasn’t sure how long they were that way, but they both realized at the same time that they were still in the restaurant parking lot.

“As much as I’d like to do that all night with you, Alice, I’m kind of hungry. What do you say we go eat?”

***

After dinner, Alice didn’t want to go home yet. She was hoping Jack didn’t either, and almost jumped for joy when he suggested going for a long walk. It was a cool evening, but comfortable, and the breeze off of the lake was fresh. She couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss back at the truck, and though they were both quiet at the moment, it was not awkward.

Jack slipped his hand into hers, intertwining his fingers. “How’d you like the food?”

“It was as good as I’ve heard. You?”

“Not bad.”

Just like he wanted to learn about her, she wanted to do the same with him. She was growing attached and it scared her, but she was going to enjoy it. “So you’re a firefighter?”

Nodding, he picked up a rock and skipped it across the lake. “Yes ma’am. Five years now.”

“Five years. That’s incredible. I admire you guys. I can’t imagine the kinds of days you have.”

Jack shrugged and held her hand again. “It has its moments. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

“So you were one of those little boys who ran around saying they wanted to be a fireman when they grew up?”

Jack laughed at the assumption and tightened his grip on her hand. “Not exactly. I always strutted around, claiming I wanted to be a cop. My dad didn’t like that too much. He was a firefighter too. He was all about carrying on the tradition.”

Alice noticed the light in his eyes as he talked about it. It was definitely his passion. “What changed your mind?”

“Exposure to the firehouse. Seeing the camaraderie between everyone. My dad died young from the job. I guess I felt like I had to fulfill his wishes and I’m glad I did. I’d like to think he’s proud of me, wherever he is.” He raked his hand through his hair. “And you? What are you going to school for?”

Alice felt bad for asking, but it didn’t seem to bother him too much. He was definitely proud of his past. “Teaching. I graduate next semester.”

“Teaching?” Jack asked, arching his eyebrow. “Now that’s a terrifying job.”

“As opposed to yours?”

Jack laughed. “A burning building or a classroom full of ankle biters? Burning building any day. No doubt. Either way, congratulations on getting as far as you have gotten. Graduating college is a fantastic accomplishment.”

“Don’t put me in my cap and gown yet. Still have that last semester to get through.”

Jack turned to face her, holding each of her hands. Looking up at him, Alice hadn’t realized how tall he was. Just what she liked. He had a power over her. She couldn’t be obvious about it. She couldn’t come off that easy.

“I bet you’ll get through it no problem. You’re a great student. You’ll be an amazing teacher.”

“And how would you know that, Jack?” She smiled, her tone mischievous.

“I can tell.”

“We’ve been out twice and that’s enough time to tell?”

Sitting down on a nearby park bench, he scooted her in beside him, never releasing her. “I’m very perceptive, Alice. I’m learning a lot about you.”

“Yeah? Me too. What’s something you’ve learned about me?”

Reaching out, Jack caressed her neck, moving his thumb up to her lips. A smoldering look replaced his playful expression, and they were as close as they could get to each other.

“I’ve learned that you’re a damn good kisser,” Jack replied, leaning in, kissing her once more. He pecked quick kisses on her cheek, down her neck, and up to her ear, nibbling on it. A low moan escaped Alice’s throat, and she gasped when his hand rested in the small of her back. She ran her hands through his thick hair. It was soft and she shivered when either of his hands began to massage her.

She lost all sense of where they were. It didn’t matter that they were out on a park bench at the local lake. All that mattered was that she was with Jack, and there was no place she’d rather be.

***

“Alice, honey, are you okay?”

Her mother’s voice pulled her away and she sat up on the bed. “Yeah, Mom, I’m good.”

“I think we’re going to go grab some ice cream while you finish up what you’re doing. Your father needs to get a few things at the store anyway. Do you need anything while we’re out?”

Alice smiled, but it felt so fake. “No. Thanks for asking. Just give me a little more time.”

“Take all the time you need, Dear. We understand.”

Her mother shut the door, leaving her alone again. Alice felt the warmth gather in the corner of her eyes. The mere thought of her first kiss with Jack made the emotions come out, and she gripped a pillow, clutching onto it for dear life. First times were always special. She’d never forget every first time she shared with him.

Chapter Three

“How long have y’all been together now?” Mandy sat across from her on the couch, both her and Alice on their second glass of wine.

Alice thought about the question. “It was a month on Monday. Wow. I didn’t realize it. Time flies.”

“And you’re official? Like exclusive to each other?”

“Well, we haven’t come out and said it, but he’s introduced me as his girlfriend to some of his friends.”

Mandy nodded and finished off her glass. “You might wanna ask. A guy like that can get any girl he wants.” Pouring herself another glass, she frowned. “Ah, what Alice? I just don’t want you to get your heart broken.”

Scooting her wine glass across the table, Alice leaned back on the couch, trying not to take offense to her friend’s words. “I wish I could explain it to you. I hope you find what I have with Jack. Usually I’d be just as concerned, but I just know that he’s not doing that to me.”

“Are you in love with this guy?”

The question hit Alice blindside. Love was a strong word, but what else could it be? Was a month too soon to tell? She had heard about love at first sight, but never really believed in it. Jack seemed to be breaking the mold in every aspect of her life. “Yeah, I think I am.”

Mandy stared at her as if she were an alien. “You’re shitting me, right? Have you slept with him?”

“Getting a little personal, aren’t we?”

“Come one, Alice! You never have details. It’s my turn to hear some from you.”

Alice let out a deep breath. Her friend was so damn persistent that it drove her nuts. “No, we haven’t slept together.”

“That’s even harder to believe. How in the hell can you resist him?”

“It’s getting harder and harder. I mean, don’t get me wrong. We’ve messed around. But he’s been a complete gentleman in giving me time.”

“Oh my gosh, Alice. He’s restrained himself for a month? Hold onto this one. He’s a keeper. Sounds like he may love you too, if he’s willing to wait on you.”

The thought of Jack loving her made Alice’s stomach do back flips. Could he love her? She never even thought it, but it was plausible. Too many men gave up and moved on if the woman wasn’t putting out. She had her share of assholes that only wanted one thing and didn’t stick around.

It was refreshing to consider, but it also stressed Alice out.
One month.
That was time to know, wasn’t it? “All of this love talk is making me crazy. Pour me another glass of wine. I need it.”

***

It had been a few days since her chat with Mandy about being in love with Jack. Alice was nervous sitting on the couch next to him, as if he knew about the conversation.
He doesn’t know.
How could he know? He was very observant, but surely he couldn’t read her that well.

He looked tired, and she felt sorry for him. He had been working long hours and double shifts, and along the way, had a string of bad calls that ended with lives lost. Though he tried to hide it, the job took its toll on him, whether he wanted to admit it or not.

“How was work, Jack? Things go better today?”

Grabbing the remote, he turned the TV off and shifted to face her. “Much better. Not a single call. Never thought I’d wish for a shift like that, but it was a blessing today.”

“No shame in admitting that. You need me to do anything? Laundry? Cooking?” Alice went to stand up but he put his hand on her leg, hindering her from moving.

“Just stay here with me. That’s all I need.”

“I can do that, Jack.”

“I don’t want to keep you from school work. If you need to go, I understand.”

He looked like a little boy, concerned and worried, and her heart melted. How could she even think to leave him? “School doesn’t start up for a bit yet. I’m not leaving.”

“Good. I’m glad.”

Alice moved closer, kissing his forehead. Her lips trailed down to his nose, his chin, and back up to his mouth. His skin was salty, and her tongue moved to his collarbone, teasing him at the opening in his shirt. Sighing, he wrapped his arm around her waist. Her hands slipped under his t-shirt and she ran her fingertips across his smooth skin, feeling the ripples in his muscles. Her index finger traced one of his nipples and then the other, and he moaned as he took her mouth hard against his.

Pulling away, Jack stood up, looking down at her with the sexiest look she had ever seen. Reaching out, he swept her up in his arms and carried her down the hallway to his bedroom. Gently laying her on the bed, he pulled his shirt over his head, exposing his muscular midsection. Just as she had told Mandy, they had messed around, but tonight, Alice knew they were taking things to the next level. There was no doubt about it.

Looking down at her, Jack ran his hand down her neck and over her breasts, massaging them on top of her clothes. Arching her back, she longed to feel skin on skin, and it was as if Jack could read her mind. His hands guided her form-fitting shirt off. Dipping his head, he took one breast in his mouth, moistening the fabric of her bra. Moving to the other, she let out a yelp when his teeth scraped against the tender flesh.

Reaching behind her, he unclasped her bra. The cool air hit her, and she watched as he admired her.

“You’re so sexy, Alice.”

He unbuckled his belt and she helped him unzip his jeans. They slid down his thighs, and she noticed the bulge in his boxers. She massaged him, taking the erection in her hand. His boxers clung on his manhood, and as she stroked him, he easily slipped out of them, standing completely naked before her.

His eyes were closed as she continued, and he moaned deep in his throat. Pulling her hand away, he pushed her on her back and spread her legs. She was still in her jeans, and he ran his fingers between her legs, causing friction against her sensitive area. His other hand latched onto her breast and he kneaded it, pinching and making her nipple hard.

Alice’s breath caught in her throat as he slowly slid her jeans down, followed by her panties. Again, his fingers slid between her legs and he touched her in all the right spots, dipping one finger and then two into her as his thumb massaged her. Leaning down, he kissed the inside of her thighs and his tongue replaced where his fingers were. Her legs tightened around his head and she reached down, fanning her fingers through his moist hair.

It was incredible. It didn’t feel wrong. Just as she was about to come, he stopped, and Alice opened her eyes to see him reaching into his nightstand. Unwrapping the condom, he handed it to her and she slipped it over him. He clenched his jaw and he made a hiss sound through his teeth. Alice loved that even that created pleasure for him.

Parting her legs, he positioned himself between her thighs, looking deep into her eyes, only inserting the tip as his breath became labored. Alice craved him, wanted him inside, and rocked her hips to welcome him in. Resting on his elbows, he stayed right at her entrance, not moving.

“You sure you’re okay with doing this? I know you want to wait,” he asked, his breath tickling her neck.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life, Jack.”

He slipped another inch in before stopping again. “I love you, Alice. I’ve loved you from the moment I met you.”

When was she going to wake up from this dream? It was hard to believe it was happening to her. “I love you too, Jack. Make love to me.”

It was all he needed to finally thrust deep inside of her, their hips pressing together. Everything was perfect. Nothing could ever pull them apart.

What did she do to deserve Jack Turner?

***

Alice felt his body against her back. Opening her eyes, she looked at the clock near the bed. It was a little after midnight and she hadn’t realized that they had fallen asleep. Shifting her weight, she tried not to wake him. Turning on her side, she faced him, watching him as he slept beside her. His hair was disheveled and she traced his hairline, admiring him. His eyebrows rose in response, and she stopped so it wouldn’t bug him.

She lost track of time. He had mentioned an early shift the next day and the last thing she wanted to do was cause him any more sleep deprivation. Though she’d love to just stay next to him in the warm bed, they had to be practical.

Sitting up, she kicked her legs over the side of the bed and tried to find her pile of clothes, wherever Jack had tossed them. The mattress bounced, and she cringed. How could he sleep through that? Looking over her shoulder, she smiled when she noticed him watching her, still half asleep as he squinted.

“Alice? You sneaking off?” His voice was raspy and he looked adorable.

“Hey Jack, I was trying not to wake you. I’m sorry.”

His brow creased. “Why? Didn’t want to say bye?”

Alice slid back across the sheets, grabbing his hand. “I just wanted you to get some rest. I know you’ve been working hard. You looked so comfortable. I didn’t want to add to your exhaustion.”

“Stay the night with me.”

How could she say no? Just like earlier, it was obvious he needed someone with him. Scooting in beside him, she lay on her stomach, facing him. “If you want me to, I will.”

He ran his hand down her skin, resting in the small of her back. His fingers massaged her, deep, and she closed her eyes, enjoying the subtle embrace. Jack kissed between her shoulder blades, his lips trailing down her spine, stopping at her waist. She shivered under him, savoring every second of attention he was providing.

Laughing, he pulled the blankets around her. “You cold?”

“Not with you next to me.”

“Thank you for staying, Alice.”

Rolling onto her back, she wrapped her finger in his silver necklace, gently pulling him closer to her. Resting on his elbow, he lightly brushed his lips over hers.

“I don’t want to be away from you for one minute, Jack.” It was bold. It was brave. One thing she knew for certain - it was honest. Even after a
month,
she knew
this was the man of her dreams.

***

Alice finally came to and realized she was alone in the house. She wasn’t sure how long ago her mother had told her they were going to the store, but it was quiet enough for her to know they definitely weren’t back yet. Approaching the stairs, she stopped at the landing and looked down into the living room below.

Resting her hands on the banister, she closed her eyes again. What she would give to go back to the night her and Jack had first made love. Turning, she noticed the closet door was open. She flipped the light switch on and saw a couple of jackets on the floor. Bending over, she lifted one. It was one of Jack’s old fire jackets with his patch and name sewn into the fabric.

It was as if someone had knocked the breath out of her chest. How had this ended up on the floor? She buried her face in it, remembering how he looked wearing it. He always hated it – he said it was too thin for the winter, but it made him even more attractive, if that were possible. If she reminisced hard enough, she swore she could still get a faint whiff of his cologne, or maybe it was just her imagination.

Grabbing the hanger, she put it back on the rod and closed the door. She had to wonder if things like that were signs. After all, the jacket was heavy and the hanger probably just gave in to the weight of it, but she found comfort in at least pretending that it was a higher power.

Leaning against the wall, she slid to the floor, burying her face in her hands. More tears fell, and this time, she was unable to control them. Her body shook and she wept, needing the release. There wasn’t a day that went by that she didn’t cry, and sometimes it made her feel better, other times she couldn’t find her way out of the darkness she was feeling.

Black smudges stained her palms. Her mascara probably looked horrendous and she’d need to wash up before her family got back. She didn’t want to have to give an explanation.

Pulling herself out of her fit, Alice stood up and went back to her room, taking another quick glance over her shoulder at the closet.

“I hear you, Jack. I hear you.”