Author's Note: Hello! I know, I have gotten really bad at updating this story, but I promise that the next chapter will revolve around the Lorelai and Luke wedding and reception. I hope that you like this chapter and remember, I don't own anything.. Except maybe Zoey... Enjoy!
Three hours, a nap, and a conversation about what to possibly expect later, Jess and Zoey finally see the 'Welcome to Stars Hollow' sign. Zoey grinned and looked out the window while Jess drove around what seemed to be the town square. The town definitely had a charm about it. It seemed like a good family place. "It's charming." She finally said out loud when Jess stopped the car in front of a place called 'Luke's' Jess gave her a look like, 'yeah, right' before getting out of the car and taking Zoey's hand where she stood.
Jess lead Zoey into the busy restaurant as she glanced at her surroundings. It didn't take long to spot Luke since he was behind the counter in his usual flannel shirt and backwards baseball cap, fixing a pot of coffee. By the time Jess and Zoey made it to the counter, Luke glanced back quickly and said, "I'll be with you in a minute."
Zoey simply nodded. Jess was the one to speak up. "What, you don't have time for your nephew?" He smirked. Luke smiled, turned around and made his way from behind the counter. The next thing Zoey knew, Luke and Jess were sharing a manly hug.
"Thank God. A sane person. How've you been, Jess?" Luke asked with a smile.
Jess smiled genuinely before responding, "I honestly can't complain.. How about you? How is all of the wedding stuff going?"
"It's been chaotic, but I'm sure that it'll all turn out great if Lorelai and her mother have anything to say about it." Luke responded before noticing the girl who stood up slightly behind Jess.
Jess' eyebrows rose as he looked back. He smiled at Zoey and took her hand once more. "Uncle Luke, I would like you to meet Zoey. My girlfriend."
Zoey smiled nervously. "Hello, it's a pleasure to meet the Uncle Luke that I've heard so much about.. All good things, don't worry." She shook his hand.
Luke looked surprised for a moment before snapping back into reality. "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Zoey." Luke greeted politely before he paused for a moment to think. "So, uh. Are you guys hungry? Being on the road can sometimes make you hungry."
Zoey and Jess look at each other for a few moments. "I'm fine at the moment, but thank you for offering." Zoey responded politely.
Jess simply shook his head and said, "I'm good also, but we'll be back later. I think Zoey wants to see the town."
Luke nodded. "Alright. Well, then. I'll see you later. It was great to meet you Zoey."
"You too." Zoey responded with a smile as Jess lead her out the door.
Jess squeezed Zoey's hand as they walked around the town square. Zoey loved what she saw of Stars Hollow. She couldn't think of any other word than homey to describe it. After about an hour, the pair ended up in the gazebo. Zoey sat down on the available seat and Jess quickly followed. "So, what do you think?"
"I like it. It seems like it would be a good place to grow up. And, I have to admit.. I thought that you and Dean were exaggerating on some of the places." Zoey explained, her hand squeezing Jess'.
"Wait until you meet some of the other people in town. Luke is probably one of the more normal citizens." Jess assured.
"I can't wait." Zoey grinned and crossed her legs. She then leaned in and gave Jess a quick kiss. "Thank you for asking me to come with you."
"It's my pleasure, Zo. Thank you for agreeing to come with me." Jess scooted closer to Zoey and leaned in slightly to kiss her.
A minute or two later, they broke the kiss. "Maybe we should, um, go get our stuff situated at the hotel." Zoey suggested.
"That's probably a good idea. Wouldn't want us to freeze either.. It gets pretty cold here at night." Jess responded.
Zoey smiled at the thought of being warm. "Let's go then." Zoey uncrossed her legs and stood up.
Jess followed suit and walked with Zoey all of the way back to his car. The car ride to the Dragonfly Inn wasn't very long and Zoey thought that they got lost once but Jess insisted that he knew where he was going. It was a few minutes later before they pulled into a parking space.
"How about you check us in and I'll grab our bags. It should be under Mariano." Jess suggested as they got out of the car. Zoey nodded and made her way to the front desk. Standing there was a pretty woman who looked a few years older than Zoey herself.
"Welcome to the Dragonfly. How may I help you?" She smiled politely.
"Hi, I have a reservation. It should be under Mariano." She supplied.
The woman smiled and started to type the name before she noticeably paused. Zoey's eyebrows furrowed in confusion before the woman began typing once more. About a minute passed before Zoey heard Jess coming in with the bags. It wasn't long before she felt Jess' arms around her waist. She relaxed instantly.
"Here we are. Room for Mariano." The woman smiled and grabbed their key.
"Thank you." Jess said graciously, taking the key.
Zoey smiled and nodded before Jess handed her the key. "Lead the way." He said as he picked up the bags. Zoey made her way up the flight of stairs and to the room that was assigned to them. She unlocked the door and held it open for Jess as he set the bags down by the desk in the room. The room itself was nice and cozy. Zoey walked over, kicked off her shoes, and sat on the queen size bed. "So, what do you want to do now?" She asked.
"How about just a nice night in. We have all of tomorrow to explore more if you wish. I might have groomsman duties but they shouldn't take too long. Then the wedding is on Saturday." Jess suggested and explained.
Zoey got off of the bed and opened her weekender. She quickly took out her dress and hung it up so that it wouldn't get wrinkled. "That sounds nice. Maybe you could work on your novel." She suggested.
Jess got his suit and hung it up next to Zoey's dress. "Maybe I could, but I told myself that it wouldn't be a work weekend."
"I see." She smiled as she went back into her weekender and grabbed a pair of pajama bottoms before walking into the bathroom. She changed relatively quickly before exiting the bathroom in her shorts and a tee-shirt. Jess changed while Zoey was in the bathroom into flannel pants and a plain black shirt.
Zoey grabbed a book and her phone before making her way back to the bed. She sat her phone on the nightstand. Then, she and Jess got all snuggled up and comfortable. Zoey leaned her head on Jess' shoulder as she and Jess read. Jess eyed the book in Zoey's hands. "What are you reading?"
"The Great Gatsby. Sometimes I like to revisit it. It was probably one of my favorites that I was forced to read in high school. You?"
"The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway" He replied.
"I actually haven't read anything of Hemingway's yet." She said, coyly.
"You should. I have some that you can borrow." He offered.
"I might just take you up on that." Zoey grinned.
Jess kissed the top of Zoey's head before returning to his book. After some time passed, they ordered room service and had dinner in bed. It wasn't long before they were cuddled up and spooning while listening to some music. Jess' arms were wrapped around her waist. They were both completely content in that moment. Zoey wiggled her hips a little, trying to get more comfortable. Jess' arms tightened around her. She then smiled and wrapped her arms around Jess' own. It wasn't long before they were both asleep.
The next morning, Zoey woke up before Jess. She turned in his arms to face him, her tee-shirt riding up, before she tried to catch a few more minutes of sleep. Jess was the next one to wake up. He couldn't help but stare lazily at Zoey. She looked so peaceful when he slept. He tightened his hold on her and kissed her forehead. "Morning." She mumbled.
Jess smiled genuinely. "Good morning beautiful."
"Do we have to get up?" She groaned.
"No. We have all day." Jess assured her.
"Good." She smiled and leaned up to kiss Jess.
Jess returned the kiss as his fingers ran across her bare waist and ended up on her hips, bringing her closer to him. Her breathing hitched as her kisses became more fervent. Jess rolled over so that he was on top of Zoey, not breaking a passionate kiss.
Zoey's hands wandered underneath Jess' shirt and up toward his shoulders. It wasn't long before his black shirt was on the floor next to the bed. Zoey eyed Jess up and down as he lowered himself back down onto her. She looked into Jess' eyes to see that he was smirking slightly. "Like what you see?"
All Zoey could do was smile and nod as she leaned up to kiss him, her arms going around his neck. Jess smiled and returned the kiss. Soon, he started trailing kisses down her jaw and the crook of her neck, his stubble prickling her slightly making her hips roll up to meet his. The next thing Zoey heard was a groan come from Jess. He continue to kiss, lick, and nip at her neck as Zoey wrapped her legs around Jess' waist. Zoey's shirt was now up to her ribs and Jess' hands were wandering the bare skin, slowly inching down to the top of her pajama bottoms. Zoey's eyes rolled back just as her rational thought came rushing to the forefront of her brain. "...Jess..baby.. I need to stop.."
Zoey could feel Jess pause on top of her and look into her eyes. His eyes were dark with lust and so were hers. She unwrapped her legs from his waist and started to sit up against the headboard as Jess maneuvered to sit next to her. Zoey ran her fingers through her hair before speaking, "I'm sorry... I just.. it's just too much too soon.. We have only been going out for 3 weeks.. I'm just not ready to go further just yet..." She looked over at Jess who looked so understanding as he nodded to what she was saying.
"Zo, you have nothing to be sorry about. The last thing I want is to force you into doing something you aren't ready for. I don't want to pressure you. I am willing to wait for whenever you and I deem it to be the right time." Jess assured her as he leaned in and kissed her on the forehead.
"Thank you for understanding.." Zoey smiled weakly.
"Don't worry about it, Zo." Jess reassured, his arm wrapping around her. "How about we get ready to go out and get some coffee or something."
Zoey smiled a little bigger. "Sounds like a plan. I call the shower."
"Alright, but don't take too long. I need to shave."
Zoey nodded. "Okay, but I don't think that you need to.. I like your stubble." She grinned. "But it's completely up to you." She said as she got up from the bed and made her way to the bathroom.
"I guess I don't have to shave then." Jess shrugged as he got out of bed and got ready to do some more exploring with Zoey.
Thank you for reading this chapter! Like I said before, the next chapter will be the wedding and the reception! Please don't forget to tell me what you think and favorite this story if you haven't already. Love y'all! I hope that you're having a wonderful day/night!