Okay people, this roller coaster is going down!!! Hell yes! We're almost there and I'm excited! Aw, but I didn't get many reviews with the last chapter, why's that? Come on, raise your voice!! I know you don't want things to go this fast, but it's necessary, believe me.
Well, in this chapter, though I know you're going to be VERY distracted with one scene in particular, try to pay attention to the details before it. Maybe there's a scene you'll consider irrelevant, but I assure you it's not. Vodka jello? Oh yeah, that's what I call play dirty! Hahaha! Okay, I'm going frantic now, time for my Oxycodone pills… (LOL). Fine, so, I do expect the final scene will leave you with a WTF??? look on your faces. Please, please, pleeeeeeeease GIVE ME MORE REVIEWS!!! Till next Monday… This is a loooong chapter. ENJOY!
P.S. Yvette, Philadelphia, sofia, gillybean and Ella, thanks for your amazing reviews, love u guys.
P.S.2. Hilsfool, NYR88, AnnPatrick, Kate Shephard, Jateuse, LostSalinger, The Lonely Shephard: thanks for the reviews you gave me before, I'm really looking forward to hear from you again soon.
P.S.3. I really hope none of you my beautiful readers are underage, hahaha! But if you are, I'm not telling a soul, I swear (impish smile)...
Chapter 8Kate opened her eyes slowly the next day. She was lying on her chest beneath the blankets. A terrible pain hammered her head and her mouth was completely dry. She hadn't felt thirstier in years. Feeling completely numb, she looked around. Her eyes went wider when she saw Jack standing by the bed's side. He was checking a thermometer, and some meds were resting on the nightstand.
— What happened to me? —she asked, her voice hoarse.
— You're just hung over… —he replied naturally as he poured some serum in a glass. — You need to drink this… —he said, sitting beside her and handing her the glass.
She sat up on the bed and then she noticed she was wearing only her underwear. She went pale, wild thoughts running through her head. — You threw up on your dress… —he explained immediately, regarding her astonishment.
— I… I don't remember… —she said abashed, rubbing her temples and taking the glass.
— Yeah, that happens…
She blushed, embarrassed of thinking how pathetic she'd looked throwing up and wasted to death. — I'm sorry… —she said feebly and ashamed, looking down.
He smiled shortly. — It's okay, we've all been there…
She drank the serum eagerly, frowning as she felt its salty, sour taste. — What time is it?
He checked his watch. — Um, almost 2:00…
— Boy…
He couldn't help thinking she looked adorable, all vulnerable, ashamed and hung over as could be. He smiled. — Well, if you're feeling better now, you should get up and eat something.
— I'm not hungry…
— Maybe not, but you're dehydrated and your stomach's been empty for several hours, you have to eat… —he stated determined, the doctor tone in his voice.
She nodded like a little girl. — O…kay…
He left the room and she went into the shower. After some time she was out in the living room again, freshened-up but still feeling nauseous. She looked for him and found him in the kitchen. A nice smell caressed her nose.
— You made me noodle soup? —she said with a wide smile, her eyes glinting. He was pampering her so much…
He laughed. — No, the maid did, I can't cook…
Then he walked to her and touched her forehead to see if the fever was finally gone. — You're feeling better?
She nodded and sat at the table, as she watched him serve a plate of soup for her. — Here… —he said almost in a paternal tone.
God, I love him… — Thanks…
She wasn't hungry, but she had the soup just because he wanted her to. He wasn't speaking much though. He seemed absorbed in his thoughts, sitting there in front of her. She ventured to ask. — You're not seeing Scarlett?
— Later. She's spending some time with her dad.
— She enjoyed her party?
He smiled and nodded. — Yeah, she was very happy.
— She's a great girl Jack, and she's gorgeous… —his eyes went wider in surprise. He never expected her to make a nice comment about Scarlett— I mean it… —she assured.
— Yeah…
He felt disconcerted. The night before he literally had to stop her from saying what he didn't want to hear and now she was openly complimenting his girlfriend. He blamed it on the beers. — So, this Daniel guy, is he available?
He stiffened. — What? —he asked confused.
— He was kind of interested last night, you know…
Unbelievable. — I have no idea…
— But he's your friend, isn't he?
— He's one of my interns.
— So?
— So I don't care about his personal life… —he snapped.
— But you invited him to the party… —she said, raising an eyebrow.
— You think you're ready to date again Kate?
She threw an impish smile. Someone was kind of jealous. — You think you can ask me that, Jack? —she asked back.
He looked away. Sure, he had no right to question her. Sometimes he still forgot they were practically strangers. — Well I don't know if he's available, but you can find him at the hospital. I think you have the number… —he said with a softer flat tone, then he left the table and walked away.
In spite that had been a rough moment between them, she felt content. Her new plan was definitely working better. After Scarlett's party she couldn't go any lower, only further.
Some hours later, Jack was finally with Scarlett. She was stupidly happy after her surprise birthday party, positive that things with Jack were going better than ever. At her place, she was working on some pictures in her computer. Jack's eyes were fixated on her, but he just couldn't get rid of Kate's words, or Daniel's words, or whoever word's they were. All he could think of was Scarlett's resemblance of Kate. He sighed.
— That was one hell of a sigh… —Scarlett told him.
He felt busted and just chuckled. — Sometimes I think you read my mind…
— Well Dr. Shephard, actually I do… —she stated mischievously— So, what are you worried about?
— I'm not worried…
— Yes you are…
He approached the desk where she was working on and kissed her quickly on the lips. — Don't be paranoid…
— I'm not… Anyway, how's Kate? She got kind of wasted last night, right?
He cursed inside. Why the hell both Kate and Scarlett were asking him about each other? Was Scarlett suspicious of something? — Yeah, pretty much…
— The good thing is she's got a doctor in the house… Lucky her…
He bit his lip. He knew when Scarlett was anxious about something, even though she always tried to be casual. — I'm not her doctor and that's not her house…
— How you guys met?
— What?
— Yeah, you just told me she's a long time friend, but you never said where you met her.
— What's with this obsession for Kate?
She threw an unreadable look. — That's exactly what Claire said when I asked her…
He swallowed. Thank God they had agreed on what to tell Scarlett. They didn't want to know who Kate really was. — We worked together at St. Sebastian… —he lied.
— Really? She doesn't look like a nurse…
— She's not a nurse, she was a secretary…
— Oh… —she felt kind of relieved. He was answering her questions with naturalness after all, and his version matched Claire's.
— So how's your dad? —he asked, changing completely the subject.
— He's great, I was telling him about the secret job…
— I hope it's not a secret anymore…
They were talking about a job offer that had just come for Scarlett. Back at her photo agency, they'd only told her it was a very important and potential new client that wanted to remain anonymous. They also told her the location was not being revealed until the very day of the trip, but that it was within the country.
— I'm afraid it is sweetie, they don't even know at the agency…
He shook his head in disapproval. — I don't like that. You can't take a job without even knowing where you're going. It can be dangerous…
But Scarlett wasn't used to be afraid or to believe in a world were she was in danger. — Dangerous why?
— What if this client is a criminal or a psyco?
— You're out of your mind… —she said amused.
But he was upset. — No I'm not…
She remembered all the issues he and Claire had about being in danger, so she changed her tone. — Honey, but you know I'm not going alone, the whole crew is coming…
— Scarlett, I don't want to be a jerk or anything, but I really believe you shouldn't take it…
— Jack, it's not the first time the agency deals with this sort of clients. They're usually celebrities or just rich, extravagant people….
— I don't want you to go… —he snapped, as if he was having a bad feeling.
She was stunned. It was the first time since they were together that he actually demanded something. — Baby, I've already accepted, and Claire's coming too…
He couldn't believe it. — What?!
— Yeah, we work for the same agency, remember? They saw the vintage buildings' book we made back in college and they liked it.
— That's just wrong…
— There's nothing wrong with this job, I swear!
— You're not going, neither of you…
Now Scarlett was pissed. — Well, the client said that they want both of us or neither, so all you have to do is talk Claire out of it. And for the record, she's really thrilled about this assignment, she's already asked your mom to watch Aaron… —she said flatly.
He rubbed his forehead. He knew if Claire wanted to go, nothing was going to stop her. — Baby, trust me, please. Everything's going to be fine, I promise… —she said as she held him tight.
He broke the embrace. — Fine, but you've got to call and tell me where the hell you are the minute you get there, alright?
— I promise… —she said, and then she kissed him passionately.
The weekend went by fast and Monday arrived again. Scarlett was leaving in the morning for the secret assignment with Claire, and Jack was driving them to the airport at first hour. They'd be out of the city for 3 days.
He had barely seen Kate since Saturday afternoon, after she had the soup. That night, when he came back from Scarlett's, she was already asleep, or so he thought. Then on Sunday morning she told him she was scouting for apartments and left almost for the whole day.
Back from work that Monday, he went inside his apartment and found it empty. Kate wasn't there. He was getting dangerously used to having her around, and he found himself wondering where she was. In addition, he was still worked up about Claire and Scarlett going God knows where. He smiled wryly at himself and shook his head.
He went into his room and took his jacket and tie off. Right afterwards he was walking to the kitchen to grab a bite when Kate entered through the front door. — Hey! —she greeted, smiling.
— Hey… —he said with curious eyes.
— Guess what… —she said thrilled, leaning on the door.
— I'm not big on riddles… —she said with a short smile.
— I got the job!
— Oh really? That's great… —he stated surprised.
— God, yes, finally! I'm starting next week…
— I'm really glad for you, Kate…
— And that's not all… —he waited for her to tell— There's this place really near the restaurant and it's on rent. I talked to the landlord and he liked me, so, if everything goes fine, there's a good chance I'll be moving within two weeks, tops…
He felt disconcerted by the feeling inside him. He was supposed to be happy and relieved, but he wasn't. — Well that's awesome, congratulations…
She noticed he was trying to be cool, but deep inside he felt it. That was exactly what she expected. Right there she knew: it was time to go for it. — So, Jack, I was wondering if you're staying at Scarlett's tomorrow…
His eyes went wider. — Uh, no, she's leaving for a work trip in the morning…
— So you'll come back here after work?
— Why you want to know?
She smiled playfully. — I can't tell you, it's a surprise…
He smiled. — What surprise?
— If I tell you then it won't be a surprise…
He chuckled. — Yeah, I'm coming after work…
— Great… so, I'll se you tomorrow Jack… —she said with a winning smile as she walked to Claire's room.
So Tuesday arrived. Jack left early in the morning to drive Claire and Scarlett to the airport and then go to the hospital. He had been jittery all day, waiting for them to call. He had tried to reach Scarlett, but her cell phone was off, as well as Claire's. He couldn't get rid of that bad feeling and he had totally forgotten about Kate's surprise.
Back in his apartment, Kate was waiting at the dining room. She was nervous and somehow worried, praying for things going as she was expecting. If her new plan didn't work then nothing would, and she would have to get out of Jack's life for good and resign herself to lose him.
She had picked another of her new dresses. This time it was black and tight, a little above her knees, with short sleeves and a "V" neck. Her hair was up in a clip, leaving just some random messy strands framing her face.
She heard the door. Jack was home at last. She heard his footsteps walking to his room. She went looking for him and found him taking off his jacket and tie. She stood at the door frame silent when he noticed her presence. She irremediably took his breath away.
— Wow… where are you going? —he asked smiling astonished, his eyes opened wide and full of glint.
She smiled. — You mean where are we going… —but he looked at her disconcerted— I've got a surprise for you, remember?
He chuckled and nodded. — Right… So, what surprise is it? —he asked, looking at her up and down.
— I'm taking you dinner…
— No you're not… —he said in disbelief.
But she grabbed his hand and made him follow her. — Where we're going anyway? —he asked back.
— Uh, nothing special, just…—They got to the dining room— …here… Hope you don't mind…
He looked around. The table was carefully set for two. She had used the best tableware, glassware and cutlery she found in the apartment. Candles lighted faintly the room and delicious smells came out from the kitchen. He felt disconcerted though. It seemed like a romantic dinner and he didn't want things to get awkward. He sat at the head of the table, a questioning look in his eyes. She took the seat next to him, very next to him…
— Jack, this is the best way I found to thank you for being so supportive. Since I'm leaving soon, I thought of making a farewell dinner for you… —she said with a smile.
He threw an unreadable look. Farewell was a heavy word when it came from her, even to that day. He smiled shortly and looked down. — There's nothing to thank for, you shouldn't have bothered…
— Well, I'm not a great cook or anything, but hopefully you'll like what I made…
— I hope that too… —he said, mocking her.
— You better like it… —she said back with a fake warning look.
So she went to the kitchen and brought the plates containing the dinner. She improvised pasta with shrimps as first course. — I know you don't drink, but you mind if I have a glass of wine?
— Not at all… —he said as he took the bottle and uncorked it. — This one is good… —he affirmed as he poured the cold white wine in her glass.
As the second course arrived —steak with salad and baked potato— he was finally relaxed. They were talking about irrelevant stuff in a nice, nonchalant conversation. They were laughing and chatting as if they were best friends. Kate had another glass of wine and he kept repeating everything was delicious.
She went to the kitchen one last time to bring the desert. She placed it on the table.
He chuckled. — Red jello?
She smiled playfully. — What's wrong with red jello?
— Nothing, I just think I was 8 the last time I had red jello…
— Well, that's sad… —he stated.
He laughed. — It sure is…
— Come on, try it. I'm sure you'll like it…
He raised an eyebrow. — Everybody likes red jello…
— I know, but this one has a secret ingredient… —she stated as she served quite a piece on a plate for him.
Now he was curious. — Okay then…
So he tried it. — It's really good, what you put in it?
— It's a secret…
— I think I'll have more…
— Help yourself…
Four pieces of jello later, they were really enjoying each other's company. Kate poured her third glass of wine. — I really think you should stop drinking Kate… —he said with a foolish smile.
— Why? You think I'm drunk?
— No, but I think your wine is taking effect on me… I feel kind of… funny… —he said chuckling.
She smiled impishly. — I put vodka in the jello…
His jaw dropped. — You're kidding me, right?
But she shook her head. — No…
He rubbed his hair, concerned. He wasn't supposed to ingest alcohol in any form. — Why would you do that?
— Because that's the recipe, and because you needed to lower your guard…
He felt ambushed. — And why do you want me to lower my guard? —he asked, disoriented.
She pulled her chair closer to his. — Jack… you still think it was a mistake?
— What?
— To get off the island… you still want to go back?
He looked away, unable to endure her sight. — I don't… I don't think about that anymore…
— Ever? —she asked, her eyes longing, seeking for his.
— No… that's what letting go is all about, isn't it? —he said wryly.
She looked down. — Yeah, I guess… —she replied, not knowing what to say.
— What about you, Kate? Why you left him? —he finally dared to ask.
— Why you think I was the one who left him?
He threw a short ironic laugh. — Because that's what you do… —she looked away and he noticed he was being rude— No, I mean…
But she cut him off. — I left him because I couldn't keep faking anymore… —she replied determined.
— Faking? —he asked frowning.
— The truth is, Jack, I finally had the guts to admit I'm in love with someone else…
He immediately tensed up. — I see… —he said, looking away.
— And it's time to tell you who's the one I love… —she said, her eyes full of fear and emotion at the same time.
— Don't Kate… —he begged— I don't want to hear it… —he said looking back at her intently, running into her mouth, dangerously close to his.
But this time she wasn't giving in. She placed her hand in the back of his neck and cupped his face with the other. Then she kissed him vehemently, passion taking over her body, her tongue searching for his. Soon he was deepening the kiss and she moaned softly. She only broke it to breathe. — If you don't want to hear it then just feel it… —she said to his lips, kissing him again, her eyes full of lust.
He gave into her wet, soft, warm lips. Soon she began traveling her hands through his wide back, then running into his strong arms and finally through his firm chest. — Kate, I… I can't, I'm sorry… —he said panting, breaking the kiss and holding her hands, stopping her caressing.
She wasn't turning back this time. No way. She released herself and put her hands behind his neck again, nibbling his chin, then his ear, leaving a soft kiss in his neck in between. — Jack… if I'm to lose you forever, let me have you this one time… —she whispered in his ear— Make love to me…
He knew he had to say "no". He wanted to, and he really tried. But he took the clip off of her head instead, releasing not only her beautiful chocolate curls, but also the feelings he had worked so hard to bury deep inside his soul.
Right afterwards he sat her on top of him, spreading her legs around his waist, kissing eagerly her lips, her chin, her neck and soon after her ears. Then his skilled hands began discovering her curves, going from her hips to her narrow waist. She started unbuttoning his shirt, thinking those man's shirts have just too many damn buttons. She took it off as fast as she could and moved to his undershirt. Finally she revealed his perfectly built pecs, which she caressed whilst she kissed his steamy shoulders, making him moan louder.
He gripped her shoulders and looked at her with craving eyes. Then he sank in her cleavage, like he was trying to discover what there was beyond it. His hands ventured towards her soft peachy breasts, still entrapped by the silky fabric of her dress, but responding fast to every move he made.
Soon his hands went down to her hips again, whilst she was fighting to gain more terrain in that war for their bodies to surrender. She wanted him bad, and she couldn't wait any longer. Yet he took his time. He had dreamt of that moment so many times… And Kate's body was way more sublime than he had ever imagined. Without stopping the kissing, his hands ventured down her dress and through her thighs until they ran into her lacy underwear, which he soon discovered was a brief thong.
He kept going up until he got rid of the dress in one smart, precise move. He didn't waste time and lost himself in the creaminess of her skin, kissing and caressing every spot of it, holding her firmly from her back. Her lacy bra blew his mind. Lingerie was always a turn on for him. He traveled it with his fingertips, then with his mouth, making her shudder and gasp.
He undid her bra at last and unleashed her splendid breasts. He immediately drowned in them, kissing and caressing them almost with devotion. She moaned louder, dazed in pleasure, letting him take her over and have control of the situation. He touched her so gently, like she was made of glass, yet with vehemence, and he drove her crazy.
With lust and desire in his gaze, he stopped the kissing and looked at her intently, right in the eyes. Then his fingers ventured lower and traveled beneath her thong, where her belly lost its name, invading her most intimate, forbidden lands. — Jack… —she gasped— nobody wets me like this… —she assured to his lips, making him finally go off. He was ready to take her.
She searched for his belt frantic and undid it. Then she moved to his pants and unzipped them with surgical precision, eager to find what was waiting impatient for her. She pulled down his pants in a second, getting rid of his shoes and socks as well in a masterly move, never leaving his lap.
So there they were, his manhood showing through his black fit boxers, her body shivering and ready. She gently pulled down his boxers and finally revealed what she was yearning for. Then she pushed herself against his lap until their bodies merged in one, making both gasp and moan.
Soon they found their pace, and she couldn't help thinking that moment was beyond anything she had dreamt of. As for him, he was blown away by the perfection of her body and her loving, wondering why they had took so long to get there. They kept kissing and licking and rubbing each other, whispering each other's name softly and sweetly. She blew up at last before his satisfied gaze. But almost immediately he followed her and exploited as well, spreading his seed inside her and flooding her, panting. As they were breathing on each other agitated, their hearts beating faster, all they could think was that it had been the most passionate, perfect act of love ever known by humanity.
The next morning, Kate woke up on his bare chest, her legs entangled between his beneath the sheets. He was sleeping on his back, holding her sweetly with one arm. She smiled satisfied. She had never felt so happy in her life. Sex was absolutely better when made with the man she loved. While she watched him breathing peacefully, she almost cried of excitement. He had loved her two times more after their first encounter in the dining room.
She embraced him and sank her face between his neck and shoulder. She bit her lip impishly and shivered when she remembered the unspeakable things he had done to her just some hours ago. He had touched her and kissed her in unthinkable ways. She kind of always suspected it, but now she knew for sure: Jack was a terrific lover.
But what thrilled her the most was the fact of confirming what she always knew: he loved her, it was official. Because what he had made her feel and what he had demonstrated couldn't be faked. He had proven it to her with every inch of his manhood.
She was still watching him sleep when the alarm of the clock on his nightstand went off. He woke up startled as he felt the weight of her head on him. — Hey… —she said softly, caressing his cheek.
But he ran his palm through his face and took a deep breath. No, he hadn't dreamt it. He got up, making her move aside, and soon he sat at the edge of the bed, turning his back on her. What have I done? — I, uh… I've got to get ready for work… —he said hesitant, his voice hoarse.
She embraced his back and kissed his cheek tenderly. — Okay…
He walked to the bathroom before her content eyes, which traveled his figure up and down. She smiled to herself and got up as well.
When he was ready he left the room, noticing she wasn't there. He found her in the kitchen wearing nothing but one of his T-shirts. He swallowed, speechless.
— I made you breakfast… —she said with a winning smile.
But he checked his watch instead. — I really have to run, I'm already late for a meeting with the board… —he excused.
She was too inebriated by emotion to notice. — Okay, have a nice day then…
He just nodded and left.
Later that day she took a quick shower. As she covered her body in cream all she could think of was Jack and his hands. She couldn't wait to have him back. Later on she got a call from her new job. She cursed inside when they told her she needed to drop by and sign some forms.
So she went to the restaurant after lunch time. She was back in the apartment before 5:00. When she got in she heard some noise. She smiled thrilled. Jack was already home. She rushed to his encounter, but soon her smile faded away.
— What are you doing? —she asked stunned.
— I'm packing some clothes… —he replied shortly, not looking at her.
— Where are you going? —she asked, her heart beating faster.
— I'm staying at Scarlett's… —he said, putting the bag he had just packed on his shoulder and walking straight to the door.
— You what?! —she asked stunned, her jaw dropped and her eyes wide in disbelief. — She's not even in the city! —she articulated.
But he gave her no reply and left the room, passing over her. She reached for the main door quickly, followed by her. — Jack, wait! We need to…
He cut her off. — Please let me know when you leave… —he said flatly.
The last thing she saw and heard was the slamming door he had left behind.
She stood there numb, paralyzed. She couldn't believe it. Jack had just kicked himself out of his place.