“What did your last slave die of?” I ask.
“Disobedience.”
“Lucky for you, I know how to obey, and you didn’t ask me to take your plate. You assumed I’d take it.”
“Never assume, big brother. It makes an ass out of you and me.” Aria laughs.
“I hate that she always has your back,” Toby grumbles.
“It’s what twins do, right Ari?” I laugh, hugging my sister. I return to my seat at the table. Leaning over, I whisper in Stephanie’s ear. “Come with me. I want to talk to you alone.”
She looks at me, puzzled. “Why, have I done something wrong?”
I shake my head. “No. I just want to spend some time with you and maybe sneak in a few kisses away from prying eyes.” I hold out my hand for her. She takes it, and we walk away.
“Ew! We don’t need to hear that,” Toby hollers down the hall after us.
“Hear what, Uncle Toby? Where’s Auntie Steph and Uncle Jake going?” Charlotte asks.
“Never mind, Charlotte,” Simon murmurs.
I shut the back door and walk Stephanie out to the gazebo in the backyard. She sits down on the swing, and I drape a blanket over her. I take a seat at her side.
“Why are we out here?” she asks.
“Like I said, I want to spend some time with you without those nosy bodies inside, putting pressure on us.”
“Oh, fair enough. Are you okay? You look like you’ve hardly been sleeping.”
“I’m doing okay, but I’d be better if you came here.”
She shifts over, tucks her legs up on the seat beside her, then snuggles against me. “Better?”
“Much.” Squeezing her tightly, I look down at her. “You okay? Tell me, honestly.”
“Yes. I’m just pissed at myself for not making that brownie properly.”
I chuckle. “You tried, and that’s the main thing.”
She leans up. “Jake, what is happening between us?”
I inhale. She wants a straight answer, and I owe her that.
I turn and slide my hand around her neck. Leaning in, I lower my lips to hers softly, gently at first, then deepening the kiss. She moves and then straddles my hips. Her hips grind against mine, telling me what she wants.
She slides her hands into my hair and damn it feels good; so fucking good. I want to take her upstairs and get naked with her. I want nothing more than to devour her beautiful body all night long, telling her she’s my girl. She’s the only girl I want.
After a few more long kisses, we come up for air.
“Jake…I don’t want my heart broken—again.”
“I don’t want to break your heart, sugar. The first time was hard enough, but I want to do this right. You deserve to be romanced and shown how much I do want to be with you.”
She looks at me. “Romanced, huh? I didn’t think you knew how to do that.”
“I have a few ideas, and I’m pretty sure my sister won’t hesitate to help me.” I wink.
I gently rub her belly. “Shall we decide whether or not we’re going to find out the gender of this little one?” I ask her.
“Do you want to find out? Honestly, I do because, as I’ve said, the baby was surprise enough. It’ll help us to be better prepared.”
“I agree with you.”
She looks at me, a shocked look across her face. “I forgot, I made you brownie for dessert. Come on, let’s go eat.”
“Wait!” I say as she climbs off me.
“What?” she says.
“One more kiss.”
Sliding my arms around her, I pull her towards me and allow her scent to envelope me as I press my lips to hers. I know I’m going in the right direction when she kisses me back. I’m a lucky man to have her in my life.
We pull away far too soon. I’m breathing heavily, and my lips are throbbing.
She slides her hand into mine, and we head inside for dessert. I decide to grab a piece of brownie then go before I can’t get back onto the base for the night. Stephanie walks me out to the car and kisses me goodnight. I leave wearing a goofy grin and knowing that things between her and I will go well if we take things slow.
No matter how much I want to rush this with her, I can’t. We’re both still hurting from the pain we caused the other. I need to let her see she can trust me, and I need to show her I’m here for her.
I also want to know she’ll be here for me too. I know I need to deal with my own issues, and I don’t know that I can do it without her support.
Stephanie
“So, are you and Jake finding out the gender of the baby?” Aria asks as she takes a seat on the couch next to me. She’s had the afternoon off work and decided to come over for a coffee before she needs to go get Charlotte from school.
“Yeah, we are.”
“Okay, so I have to ask. What is going on between you and Jake? Are you a couple?”
I swallow my mouthful of coffee. “Honestly, I have no idea. I want us to be, but I know he’s just come back to this huge revelation and he needs more time.”
“Fair enough. That’s the best thing you can give him. I’m sure he’ll come ‘round in time.”
I hope she’s right.
My phone buzzes on the coffee table, and I pick it up. It’s from Jake.
Jake: Hey, just wanted to check in and see how you are doing.
Me: I’m great. Baby is growing well. How are you? I miss you.
Jake: I’m okay.
I frown at my phone. He doesn’t sound like he’s okay; more like he needs someone to talk to.
Me: Let me get rid of Aria and I’ll give you a call. I need to hear your voice.
Jake: Don’t interrupt your date with my sister for me.
Me: There’s nothing I won’t do for you, Jake. I told you I’m here for you and I meant it.
Jake: I know.
“Was that Jake?” Aria asks.
“Yup. He was checking in on me.” As well as being distant as hell.
“Told you he’d come around.”
I roll my eyes at her. “You’re getting in over your head, Ari. We’re taking things slow.”
She holds her hands up. “I’d better go and get Charlotte, but trust me Steph, Jake, and you are meant to be together.”
She exits the house, and I watch her climb into her car.
I turn my attention back to my phone once she’s gone, picking it up and dialling his number.
“Hey,” he answers.
“You okay?” I ask.
“Not really. You were right the other night when you said I’m not sleeping, and I want to tell you why. I’m having nightmares, Steph and not normal ones either. I don’t want to talk about what they’re about, but you deserve to know about them.”
“Okay, how frequently do they happen?” I ask, sitting back on the couch.
“Every night,” he hesitates. “I hope this can be the start of us getting back on track.”
“It’s a start. The next thing is a date,” I say, smiling at the phone.
“A date, huh?” There’s a boyish humour to his tone. “I’m pretty sure I can make it happen.”