Jay woke up in the very early hours of the morning by Hailey slipping out of bed. He cracked open his eyes and winced at the grey morning light. He rolled over and saw her standing naked in the middle of the room with her back towards him, stretching with her hands over her head. His eyes trailed over her hips and shallow curvature, to her bare legs.
In the pale morning light, he could see fading bruising on her lower back, ones he hadn't seen before. It looked as though someone had wrapped their arms around her waist and squeezed hard. It was still a wonder she didn't have any broken ribs.
Something in his gut clenched, but he took a deep breath to keep his blood from boiling. He wouldn't let anything burst her happy bubble.
"Morning," he said.
Hailey turned around and her pale skin flushed pink. Her blue eyes danced in the morning light, and his heart leaped at seeing how blissful she looked.
"Good morning," she said quietly.
Jay pushed himself up to a sitting position and yawned. "Why are you up so early?"
"Needed to stretch a bit," she said, picking up one of his shirts from the floor and throwing it on. She walked back to the bed, coming over to sit on his lap.
Jay wanted her to stay exactly there. So, he gathered her close and she clung to him, the blunt tips of her nails digging into his shoulders as she wrapped her legs around his waist. She was still sleep-warm, her skin smooth and soft.
"Did you sleep okay?" he asked.
"I did wake up once, but then I saw you, realized we were here and fell back asleep."
He moved her hair out of her face and kissed her forehead. "No nightmares?"
"None."
"Good." Jay smiled at her and he leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the lips. "So, we can get up and have breakfast or…" His fingers flexed against her upper thighs. "…we could sit right here for a minute," he suggested, raising his eyebrows.
Hailey shifted closer, angling her hips just right as her smile widened. Her voice pitched lower and she dropped her eyes. "Right here sounds good."
Her lips parted for him and he took the invitation with greedy abandon. Snaps of electricity crackled across his flesh, as he slanted his mouth, deepening the kiss. She always tasted so sweet and addictive, like happiness wrapped in the sexiest laughter he'd ever heard.
He wasn't sure how long they made out because he lost all track of time. It could have been hours or moments. But he kissed her until they were both breathing hard, until his body ached, until he wanted nothing more than to explore every sleep-warm inch of her.
He cupped her bottom and he pulled her even closer, then moved his hands up her sides, slowly dragging the shirt up over her head, breaking the kiss only to let the shirt pass.
"Not even sure why you even put this on," he whispered against her lips, then softened his kiss. He pulled from her and dropped, pressing barely-there-kisses to her cheeks, chin, her neck, making his way slowly down her collarbone, then back up to her face. Every feathery tease heightened the anticipation.
"Jay…" Hailey made an adorably frustrated sound and pushed him away, only to chase him for a kiss.
"No rushing," he whispered.
He traced the edge of her lips with his tongue, then. Each time she moved forward, wanting to capture his mouth again, he drew away. He kissed along the edge of her jaw, and then moved lower, suckling the pulse at the spot where her neck and shoulder met. He felt her heartbeat as it raced under his tongue.
He continued to kiss his way down to her breasts, where he stroked his thumb over one nipple while he sucked the other into his mouth. With every stroke of his tongue, his finger would move in the same rhythm. Hailey's frustrated protests soon turned into moans of pleasure, and he watched her close her eyes, succumbing to the agonizingly slow progression of that morning's activity.
She rocked her hips, silently pleading for more and he couldn't wait a second longer. He tangled his hand in her hair and brought her lips to his again. Her mouth was soft and eager, the kiss was intense and filled with more than just the need that drove them together, which was why he took his time, savoring every second of her.
Regardless of how many times they ended up there, Jay wanted her to always feel comfortable and safe with him – to expose and embrace, all the parts of herself that she tucked away from the rest of the world.
They continued to make out until he touched her between her legs and she writhed against his hand, letting him get her close before she reached for him, circling her hot fingers around his length. He had to clamp his jaw together to stay in control of his body. But then she squeezed her hand and held on tight as he began to pump his hips, rocking into her fist while she rode his hand in
Jay wondered momentarily if he was ever going to get his fill of Hailey – if there would ever be a time when it would be enough. He didn't think so. Time with her would never be enough. Ever.
They continued to explore each other's bodies, taking their time to further learn new pleasure points until they both collapsed, temporarily sated, and fell back asleep wrapped in the warmth of each other's arms.
x
Hailey felt Jay get up, and was vaguely aware of him gently kissing her and whispering that she should stay asleep because he was going for a run, so she smiled and returned blissfully to slumberland.
When she woke up again, the sun was high above the window and she noted it was nearly noon. She crawled out from under the crisp white sheets and blushed as she remembered what they'd done the night before and this morning. They'd pretty much made a mess out of the bed.
She got up to use the bathroom and saw a note stuck to the mirror.
You're extra cute when comatose. Feel free to eta breakfast if you wake up hungry. Be back soon. - J
She smiled.
Then right on cue, her stomach growled. She quickly showered, then loosely braided her hair and pulled on some clothes. When she stepped out into the kitchen area, the door opened and a sweaty Jay sauntered inside. He was shirtless, skin flushed, offering an amazing view. She watched him silently for a minute, unable to resist marveling at the play of his lean muscles, aching to reach out and feel them bunch under her hands again.
It was no secret that Jay was impossibly good-looking, and all hers. She wouldn't pinch herself, not ever, because this was almost certainly a magical dream she didn't want to wake up. She wanted the dream to go on forever.
"Did you just wake up?" He asked, slightly breathless.
"A few minutes ago," she said, feeling her cheeks flush. She wondered whether there would ever be a time when she didn't feel her center of gravity shift when he was close. She hoped not. "Saw your note. Did you go for a run?
"Yeah," he nodded, shyly. "There's a great running path along the lake, and it had been a while since I tracked it." He took a few steps toward her and leaned over to drop a quick kiss on her lips. "Did you have breakfast yet?"
"No," she shook her head, tracing a finger over his bare chest, drawing patterns. "How about I make something quick while you grab a shower?"
"Sounds good," he said, grabbing her roaming hand to kiss her knuckles. "Be right back."
When Hailey heard the shower running, she began brewing coffee and preparing breakfast sandwiches for them. By the time she'd set up the table, Hailey looked over her shoulder and saw Jay strolling back into the kitchen freshly showered, wearing cargo shorts and a white t-shirt that stretched nicely across his chest.
"Whatever you're making smells good."
"Yeah? I know it's technically lunchtime, but I made us breakfast sandwiches. So we can put off the fact that it's already noon."
Walking up behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her body up against his. "I think that's a great idea." He buried his nose in her hair and added, "We are free to disregard all societal rules today. We can pretend it's morning all day long if you want."
His voice was way too sexy, his warm breath way too tempting. He kissed her neck softly before moving her hair aside. She closed her eyes and smiled as he continued to kiss her there, his lips light as a feather as they had been that morning, causing her breathing to involuntarily hitch.
When his hands flexed around her waist she leaned her head back against him. "But it still pales in comparison to yesterday's dinner. You've been holding out on me," she said on a happy sigh.
He chuckled softly and turned her around to face him while still holding her. He gazed into her eyes and Hailey noticed the sheepish smile on his lips. She loved that smile.
"I'm glad you liked it."
He leaned down to kiss her and she pressed her hands to the firm muscles of his arms, gripping tightly. Never wanting to let go. His fingers came to tangled in her hair, holding her equally close. Sparks lit behind her eyelids. As the kiss continued, the sparks turned into fireworks.
So bright. So warm. So true.
Jay's hand slid to stroke her arm, pebbling her skin. She felt his breath whispering across her cheek as he gently kissed her jaw, behind her ear, and then returned to her lips. This time, his days-old scruff tickled her skin, but in the loveliest way, sending a surge through her that matched the pace of her pulse.
The kiss became softer and softer until he pulled back and brushed his lips against the tip of her nose. "I think we should eat before we get too distracted. We'll need our energy today."
"Oh yeah? What do you have in store for us?"
"Well…" Jay raised his eyebrows suggestively, and his look was so comical that she giggled.
"Jay, we need to do some outdoor activities, too," she chided him, but without any heat.
"We can take this outdoors if you want."
Hailey laughed and swatted his arm. "You're lost cause, Jay Halstead."
He brushed the pad of his thumb across her lower lip before he dipped his head and caught her mouth again with his. Her lashes fluttered closed as he covered her lips softly, shaping them with a mixture of warmth and need.
"Jay—"
She felt him smile as he pulled back with a chuckle. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I keep getting distracted. Uh… outdoor activities..." He thought for a minute and said, "We can walk the trails, go canoeing, relax in the hot tub…" Jay grinned, seemingly innocent, but Hailey knew it was anything but. "Or we go into town, window shop…"
"I want to do all of that," she said, and a little smile appeared on her lips as she placed her arms around his neck. "I want to do all the things people do when they come to a cabin by a lake."
"If that's the case, then we should probably take out sandwiches on the go if we want to fit everything before it's time to head out."
They took their breakfast to go and set out for a long walk around the lake. The sky was blue, the breeze warm and the smell of fresh dirt and pine needles hung in the air like potpourri. They talked about everything and nothing, their conversation taking the rhythm of the afternoon breeze coming and going. Jay showed her all the little sights around the lake, and the places he'd explored over the years.
"Broke my arm climbing that tree. Will still gives me shit for it because it got us both in trouble."
Hailey laughed. "Are you guys close?"
"We used to be at each other's throats as kids, but we get along fine now. There's always a good teasing, but it's mostly harmless." He shrugged. "How about you? I know you're pretty close with Nick, but what about Pete?"
"Before he left for college, Pete and I were pretty close, too. When I was little, I used to climb into his bed at night. He would tell me stories until I fell asleep," she told him. "This is not to say we didn't fight, we did, but at the end of the day, we had each other's back."
"Must be hard not having him around anymore."
"Yeah," She shrugged but her shoulders barely moved. "But I don't blame him for not wanting to come home, ya know?"
"Yeah," Jay nodded and an understanding smile crossed his face. He held out his hand and she took it. He tucked it warmly into the crook of his elbow and said, "Maybe go see him on our next trip. I'll just tell my mom I'm going on a College tour; she won't have a problem with that."
"You would do that?"
"Of course. I very much like taking trips with you."
Hailey felt the familiar prick of tears gather just behind her eyes and did her best to blink them away. She smiled and took a deep breath of the fresh air—cool and scented with evergreen and other woodsy smells.
"So tell me what else are we doing?" Hailey asked, effectively changing the subject, as they climbed a narrow, twisting path to the top of a hill overlooking the lake.
She didn't want to damper the mood by continuing to talk about her family – not when they were still so happy in this little bubble they created. She knew the bubble would burst tonight, but until then, she'd pretend it was just Jay and her and nothing else.
x
After a few hours spent hiking, then canoeing, Jay and Hailey were ready to relax in the hot tub. Jay took the lid off the spa and watched the steaming water begin to bubble once he flipped a few switches. They stripped off all of their clothes before climbing into the warm water.
Hailey climbed on his lap to face him, and Jay watched the rivulets running over and down her skin as the steam wove around them – keeping him from doing anything but stare.
"You're staring," she eventually pointed it out.
"You're staring back."
She blinked. He blinked. Hailey narrowed her gaze. He smiled.
"So what if I am?" he said smugly.
Hailey stared right back at him, but her demeanor and expression grew competitive as she narrowed her eyes and leaned forwards. Was she silently challenging him to a staring contest?
"No blinking," she said, confirming his thoughts. "Or laughing."
And it was on. They silently continued to stare at each other for so long, that Jay's eyes began to water and his slippery grip on her thighs tightened. He tried his hardest to keep his eyes locked on hers, but they wanted to stare at every inch of her. He wanted to stare at her mouth and her full, pink lips, her soft, silky blond hair. Not to mention the dimples in her smile. He could stare at them all day.
In fact, he was staring at it now and it probably meant he lost the staring contest.
"I win," she said with a wicked grin.
"You did. You won fair and square."
"So, what's my prize?"
"Tell me what you want," he asked, his voice low and husky.
She pretended to think for a moment, a small, sneaky smile pulled at the edge of her lips.
"You," she replied.
Jay curved his hand around to the back of her neck and leaned in. She met him halfway. Her lips pressed against his before he could make his move. Her fingers sifted through his hair while her lips moved across his and heated his blood. Then her mouth dragged over to his throat as she began a slow grind against him, driving him absolutely insane.
Her lips, the hot tub, and her impatience were too damn much.
Then she began to grind against his thighs, her hips rotating, moving with an irrevocable sense of purpose. He exhaled with a drawn-out sigh. Her warm breath on his neck became more urgent as she swiveled her hips in search of a position, but her casted arm kept slipping against his wet skin, getting dangerously close to being submerged in the hot water.
"Hailey, can you lean on the edge?" he asked. "That way we can keep your cast dry and out of the water."
She nodded and moved slowly out of his lap, bracing herself on the edge of the hot tub. He came up behind her and began kissing her neck and trailed down her collarbone to her shoulders. He explored her with his hands, cupping her breasts, trailing along her ribs, teasing them with his thumbs until those sweet gasps of hers escaped her lips. Then his hands trailed across her stomach then moved purposefully down.
Parting her thighs, he used his thumb to gently arouse her. With a gentle rocking rhythm, she moved against him, and as the pressure increased, Hailey tipped her head back, giving herself up to the heavenly sensations triggered by his touch.
He eased his hands away from her and dragged his knuckles up along her ribs. A moan escaped her as she ground against him in protest. Then he pushed his palm along her arms until his slick hands covered hers over the edge of the tub.
"Stay here," he whispered and jumped out of the tub to sheathe himself with a condom. When he got back, his lips were back to planting open-mouthed kisses between her neck and shoulder. Then his hands were on her again, teasing, before he began to slowly work himself inside her from behind, letting her set the pace as he pushed between her. The angle was new, intense. He retreated a bit.
"This okay?" He brushed his hands through her hair and pressed a gentle kiss to her temple. "We can change—"
"No," she cut in with a slightly breathless whisper, shaking her head. "This is good."
"Still, we'll take it slow, okay?"
"Not too slow," she panted.
His fingers tightened, dimpling the skin of her hip as he slid all the way in, giving her a moment to adjust, feeling the way her body tightened around him. Then he began a torturously slow rhythm of thrusting in and out of her, dragging himself back slowly before a quick thrust. The slow out, quick in, made him balance on the point of losing all restraint. So he increased the tempo because even if he wanted to take it slow all the way through, he couldn't. Hailey did that to him – she turned him senseless and love drunk.
Hailey, in turn, arched her back, to meet him every time and he loved how responsive she was. Every touch drew a reaction that rocketed fuel on the flames already burning inside of him. He let his head drop against her shoulder and he nipped at the slick skin there, easily coaxing a moan out of her.
In her ear, he whispered, "I love you so damn much, Hailey."
"I love you, too."
Knowing he was on the edge, he moved a hand between her legs, sliding his finger against her as she continued to push back against him.
As much as he wanted a release, just like this, he wanted to savor – much like that morning. Hailey was everything. And he was all hers. He wanted all moments with her to last as long as possible before the weight of reality crashed down on them.
Hailey smothered a cry of pleasure as she arched, even more, her body telling him she was almost there. A few more thrusts and he felt her tighten around him. Heard her cry out his name and at that moment he felt a shift near his heart as his chest tightened and he found his own release.
He would never love someone like he loved Hailey.
Together they leaned against the edge of the hot tub, breathing heavily. Jay held her against his chest, and the warm water felt blissful against their tingling skin. Then he was sliding out, turning her into his arms, moving into the far corner of the tub to tuck her tightly against him. His cheek pressed to the top of her head, hers pressing to his thundering heart.
How long they sat there, he lost track. Time became irrelevant for a few moments of utter bliss.
x
Before heading back to Chicago, Jay and Hailey showered and went into town for a quick lunch. On their way back to the cabin Hailey spotted the little town library and Jay let her pull him inside.
As soon as they walked in, the musty smell of books made them feel at home. Shelves faced one another, stretching the length of the room. A tight, circular stairway in the corner led to a narrow loft above. Small columns, topped with odd antiques and artifacts, lined the space. A marble bust. A glass-enclosed fountain pen. A windup toy.
Hailey walked slowly down the small passageways, running her index finger over the spines of several old books. The waning afternoon sunlight poured in at an angle through a high window, flooding the shelves, and glinted off her blond hair. Jay thought she looked angelic, and if that sounded terribly cliché, so be it, because it was completely true.
His hands were suddenly on her waist and he backed her further into the library, holding her close against him. She staggered slightly, but he steadied her, drawing her to his chest. They came to a stop and his lips then pressed against hers, capturing a quiet, surprised gasp of exhaled air from her lips. She tasted sweet and hot and too good for just one quick kiss. His hands slid around her waist to her back, and he pressed her soft curves against him. Just as he thought she was going to pull away, she slipped her hands beneath his shirt and pressed them flatly against his back.
They were once again making out in a library, and they were just going for it. Like everything else with them, it felt natural, and neither cared. Some things were just meant to be.
They were meant to be.
When they pulled apart, Hailey had a sweet glint in her eyes and a tiny smile of contentment shape to her kiss-swollen lips.
Jay laced his fingers with hers and brought them to his lips, gazing into her eyes. "There's just something about libraries that makes me want to kiss you."
Hailey chuckled. "Is that so?"
"Mhmm," he hummed as he brushed his lips against hers once more. Then in a quiet murmur, he said, "But it's possible that I just want to do is kiss you all the time."
She panned her eyes around as a soft smile floated across her face. Then a dreamy, wistful look came over her eyes that he'd never seen before.
"I think libraries are magical. You can feel it in the air, especially here." When he raised an eyebrow, she continued, "It's a place where anything can happen." She gestured to the shelves of books. "Anything is possible."
"I like that." He raised his left hand to her cheek, gently scraping his thumb over the dimple there. "Anything is possible," he echoed her thought and kissed her again.
x
When they returned to the cabin, the realization hit them like an eighteen-wheeler: it was time to go home.
"You ready to go?" He eased up behind her and rested his chin on her shoulder. "Everything packed?"
She fisted her hands and pressed her lips together, unsure of what to say. No, she was not ready to leave, and the pesky tears slipped down her cheeks.
"Hey," he turned her in his arms. "We'll be back. I promise," he said with his pinky sticking out.
Hailey released a wet chuckle but wrapped her pinky around his. He pulled her close again, infusing her skin with a feeling of safety, a wave of respite. Like everything was going to be okay if they remained in contact. The knowledge hit her someone where unknown, hopefully imprinting forever in her brain.
The drive back was silent, neither of them had the words to fill it. There was just too much to sort through, so they each decided stillness was their best option. They held hands the entire time until it was time to drop Hailey off. Jay cut the engine in front of her house, but she didn't move.
Jay waited another few minutes, before he said, "Wanna get pizza tomorrow?"
She turned her gaze to him. Her face looked crestfallen for a moment but quickly morphed back to happiness. "I'd like that."
"I will go for a run in the morning, but I will send you a text after so we can meet up."
Hailey nodded, a smile pulling at her lips. "I already can't wait."
With one last hand squeeze, she hopped out of the car. She began walking towards the door when Jay called back, "Hailey." She tossed her gaze off her shoulders and he added, "If anything happens come over, okay?"
She nodded and Jay watched her disappear inside his house.
He drove home and as soon as he stepped foot inside his mouse, he noticed a shift in the air.
"Jay." Came his mother's voice from the kitchen.
When he walked in, he saw his parents sitting at the kitchen table, both with serious expressions on their faces.
"Hey, sorry I'm late for dinner, I lost track —" Jay began, but stopped midsentence when he clocked the look on his mother's face. It wasn't anger or sadness. It was disappointment— keen disappointment. She had worn that same face the day he quit running. Then his dad stood up and began rocking back and forth on his feet, his eyes wild and furious.
Shit.
"Have a seat, son." His dad's voice grumbled, and it vibrated through his bones.
Jay sat down and swallowed. Had he been caught?