Jackson waited in line to pay for gas since he didn't trust the card readers at the pumps too many horror stories. The woman in front of him called out to her child to hurry and bring whatever they decided to purchase since she was next in line. A little boy donning a red T Rex baseball cap with the matching T shirt appeared with several sugar induced goodies. His mother told him to choose one but, instead informed her that the ring pop was for his sister. "It will make her feel better momma." The woman caressed his cheek and decided to get all the goodies as long as they shared. Jackson shook his head as he smiled at the exchange. He thought about the offer Maggie had presented to him earlier. Movies, pizza, popcorn, candy, sex, repeat. She wasn't into Valentine's Day but she was willing to try new things not only for herself but for him. Jackson left the line and went to search for something sweet.
They entered Jackson's home and quickly surveyed the mess they left it in earlier that morning. Harriet stayed over and they both helped create valentine bags to give to the other kids at daycare. He could still see the remnants of a mini glitter fight on the floor. "Babe I'm going to run up and change and then we can tackle this mess together and decide on lunch. Takeout? Grill steaks maybe?" She jetted up the stairs before he could respond. There really wasn't much to clean up so Jackson started without her. As he piled the markers and stickers together he decided to start on a little project of his own. He laughed at his attempt to pen a shakespearean sonnet and quickly crumbled up the piece paper. Jackson looked around and noticed the little differences in his space. Maggie hadn't moved in yet but he could see pieces of her throughout the home and he knew just what to write. He moved quickly to finish up and hurried to survey the pantry. Satisfied with his findings he ordered the final piece for his puzzle to be delivered in a few hours.
Moments later Maggie appeared hair pulled into a bun wearing one his shirts and a cotton shorts. "You started without me." She noticed that most of the mess was gone as she picked up Harriet's toys. "Actually.." Jackson took the tiny ponies from Maggie's hand and placed them on the sofa. "Actually we are just getting started." He knew she was confused by the way she tilted her head to the side with a furrowed brow."Come again." She finally said. "That's happening too." Jackson watched as Maggie tried to not blush but the biting of her lip told him everything and more.
He slid his hands in pocket and got down on one knee. "Jackso…"
"Maggie will you do the honor of being my valentine on this valentine's day? I promise to dine on pizza, popcorn, candy, you and repeat. What do you say?" He slid the cherry cola ring pop on her right ringfinger and then kissed her hand as he did earlier that day. Maggie giggled and finally responded " I thousand times yes!." Jackson rose and wrapped his arms around her torso bringing her to him.
"Maggie I know today's holiday isn't your thing but I am so thankful I can spend it with you." Their foreheads rested on each others as Jackson snuck his hand under the shirt feeling her soft back.
"You look very good in my t shirt by the way. I say we make it the official dress code for every Valentine's day. You in my t shirt with shorts, boy shorts or no bottoms."
She kissed him and gently tugged on his bottom lip.
"And I guess I can decide on your attire. Hmmm?"
"Whatever you wish."
Jackson lowered his left hand to grab her cotton covered bottom. "T shirt and boxers will do. I like taking your clothes off therefore you come decked out in a three piece suit if you wish. But I'm going to have my way with you."
He leaned in for a kiss and she accepted the heated mix of desire and passion. He pulled away kissed her nose and then gently smacked her bottom.
"Sex is not current the task on the itinerary babe. Unless you want to make a movie?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. Maggie gave him a vicious side eye and headed towards the dining room. "The only movie you and I are making involves capturing Harriet running a science lab in our kitchen."
They both fell into a joyful stream of laughter. Jackson stopped and watched Maggie's amusement and noted how she perfectly fit into his space. Our kitchen. It was indeed their's. "Well.Maggie, how about we decide on the first movie while we make pizzas?"
"Wow homemade pizzas babe you are definitely full of surprises today."
Jackson was pouring Maggie a glass a of lemonade as she added toppings to her pizza. They made a total of three. A heart shaped pepperoni and pineapple, skillet spinach and artichoke, and sheet pan salami and peppers pizza. "There is no way we are eating all of this today." She shook her head in disbelief. "Have you met me Maggie? Better yet have you met you?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked over her shoulder as she slide the last pizza into the oven. "Let's not play this game that you don't have a voracious appetite. Especially after sex, you could eat a large pizza after a cardio session." She wanted to smack the smug smirk off his face but, then she knew she'd immediately want to kiss his sexy face to remedy the action. "The pizzas are for us to eat throughout the day." He handed her the glass and they began to discuss movies. "Let's watch Bird Box. Everyone else in the world has seen it and the reviews are mixed but, I kind of want to see what captured the world's attention."
"We can do that. My choice might be a little more cliche in terms of the category it falls in and what today is." 'What chick flick are you trying to get me to watch Maggie?" Jackson watched as she covered her mouth attempting to hid the laughter she desperately wanted to let out. "Spill it Pierce."
"Pride and Prejudice." she lowered her head in shame as soon as she blurted out. "That's actually not too bad I thought you were going to say The Notebook or Titanic." "You kind of remind me of Mr. Darcy. Especially when I didn't know you before." "Go on." He grabbed a bag of popcorn and placed it in the microwave.
"You almost had a brooding personality. The few times I saw you happy was surgery related and of course Harriet. Outside of that you almost seemed disconnected from everything else. We never really spoke much before my mom. But there were times I wanted to ask if you were ok. But then I didn't want to overstep. As we got to know each other I learned it was about letting certain people in." He nodded " I can see that. Brooding? Really?"
Jackson could see where she was coming from. Especially after his divorce his life was a chaotic mess. His temperament was never really escatic or melancholy he hovered in a neutral territory that was comfortable and didn't bring him too much attention. He didn't really talk with others about his emotions.
The beeping of the microwave interrupted his thoughts. He grabbed a large bowl, poured some peanut mm's, raisinets and then poured the popcorn in. "A sweet and salty combination like you Mr. Darcy." Maggie grabbed some popcorn and quickly made her way to the living room.
Jackson followed and placed the bowl on the the coffee table. Then gently pulled Maggie closer to him. "Brooding, sweet and salty. What next evil?" Maggie stared at his lips if she kissed him now they'd never watch the movie. Her eyes remain on them as she spoke "there was a time I didn't think you could ever be romantic. But you quickly changed that after the Clive tornado."
"So you were thinking about me being romantic before we got together?"
Maggie never admitted to Jackson just how much thought she put into them before they became a couple. She didn't think it would happen. And because he didn't date anyone after April she just thought maybe he was just a simple no frills guy.
"The thought crossed my mind a few times." Jackson noticed she was blushing which meant it was more than a few times that she thought about him. Them.
"I'm waiting babe." he stroked the back of her neck with his thumb. "I think we are out of milk I'll be right back." Maggie held a stunned Jackson's face. "Too soon? Baby it's been months." She laughed as he shook his head. "You are a cruel woman. However, you didn't say no and run away today hmmmm much improvement babe."
"Everything feels too good to even consider running the opposite direction." A big improvement. He thought about asking her to move in but he knew he should give her a little more time. She admitted that things were good and that meant she felt comfortable and secure with him. Jackson mentally placed a raincheck on the move in question but he was going to ask soon. With her legs around him and his hands on her waist he tugged at the waistband of her shorts. "We should start the movie." She kissed him and then went to retrieve their favorite cashmere blanket so they could commence their Netflix and chill.
Maggie fell asleep on top of Jackson laying between his legs. The popcorn, pizza and wine had all lull her to sleep. Jackson continued to watch the movie unfold. He tossed some popcorn in his mouth and coughed when a kernel was temporarily stuck in his throat. The movement a caused Maggie to stir for a moment. She settled herself and resume her slumber.
She smelled of jasmine and rose. Givenchy's Dahlia Divin. She kept a bottle there and Jackson made sure she'd never go without it. Was as if it was made for her especially. Soft, sexy, alluring and memorable. Few tendrils of curls escaped her bun framing her face. He wound his finger around a strand. With the pad of his thumb he lightly brushed her lips. Jackson continued his journey down the column of her neck. He kissed her forehead as he slid her over to lay beside him. Propped up on his side Jackson observed her for minute before resuming his expedition down her frame. When his fingers reached her navel he replaced it with his lips.
He slid the cotton shorts off to discover two things. Emerald boy cut lace panties and a gift tag attached. Sneaky! She knew how much he loved the color on her. The folded tag read: Not St. Patty's day but lucky you on V Day!
He knew just how to wake her up. Jackson tugged at the lace and tossed them to the floor and began to place a thousand kisses on the treasure he wanted most.