Chapter Fifteen

"So, after three weeks, over half a dozen lunches, and countless late night phone calls, here we are. I finally get to take you on a real date" Jake teased, as he stared across the white linen tablecloth draped table at Naomi. The French restaurant was dimly lit and soft romantic candles glowed at every table. The warm light that the candle emitted from the flickering flame lit Naomi's face, highlighting the beautiful features of her face. Jake found himself slightly short of breath just trying to take in all her beauty. From the moment Naomi had opened the front door, wearing a fitted black dress that clung to every sexy curve immaculately, Jake hadn't been able to take his eyes off her.

"If this is our first real date, then what would you call all the other times we spent together" Naomi asked, smiling in amusement as she took a sip of her wine.

"I would call it you fitting me into your very busy schedule. It was fun but not a date. This is a date, a formal dinner at a fancy restaurant with you looking irresistible in that black dress".

"You don't look so bad yourself" Naomi reciprocated. "But based on that logic, wouldn't this be our second date. You took me out to dinner the first day we hung out".

"Yeah, but that was spontaneous and unplanned. I didn't get to call you and formally ask you out. I didn't get to pick you up and show up at your front door with flowers".

"They were gorgeous. I know I already said thank you but thank you again". Naomi sighed. "I also want to apologize. I'm sorry it's taken this long for this night to happen. As you know, my daughter and granddaughter are in town visiting for the summer. Since they live half way across the world, I've been trying to spend as much time as possible with them. It's been so wonderful seeing Isaiah, Maya, and Olivia all get to know each other. Video chats are great, but face to face time is even better. However, as much as I'm enjoying them, I'm glad I have the chance to spend this evening with you".

"You don't have to apologize. I understand. I'm just happy this night is finally here, that I finally have you to myself. I would've gladly waited even longer for this date; you're worth it".

Naomi blushed underneath her chocolate skin. All of Jake's words seemed to be dipped in honey. No, something thicker; molasses. His charm was endless. "You've waited long enough" she teased, her meaning ambiguous.

Jake grinned like a little school boy at the possibility of what she might mean. "Are you sure? We're not going to be interrupted by an emergency phone call from home, are we?

Laughing, Naomi said "No. I promise. Since Maya and Olivia spent the first three weeks with me, they're spending their last three weeks with Sam. It's also Sam's night with Isaiah, so there will be no distractions".

"Good, because I want your undivided attention" Jake said.

"I'm all yours" Naomi declared.

…

"You have a lovely home" Jake observed, as he followed Naomi through the house into the living room.

"Thank you" she said, kicking her shoes off and throwing her wrap across the back of the couch. "Make yourself comfortable. Can I get you something to drink? Coffee…maybe something stronger" Naomi suggested.

Jake grinned. If Naomi was offering alcohol, it meant she intended him to stay for a while. He sat down on the plush leather sofa and relaxed. "Scotch, neat" he requested.

Naomi smiled back. "I knew I liked you. That's my drink of choice as well".

"I'm impressed" Jake admitted. "Most of the women I've met are strictly wine drinkers".

"It seems like you've been hanging around the wrong women" Naomi teased.

"I agree. None of them hold a candle to you".

"There you go with those charming words of yours again" Naomi blushed. "The TV remote is on the coffee table. I'll be back in a few moments".

"I'll be waiting" Jake called after her.

Naomi entered the kitchen and rested her hands on the counter for a moment. Jake was so laidback and easygoing, she couldn't help but feel comfortable around him. Their evening had been splendid so far, the food wonderful, the company even better; but tonight, Jake's presence had her on edge. This was a momentous night. Deep down, Naomi knew that tonight would change everything between her and Jake for better or worse. She had never been in the habit of inviting just any man back to her place after a date; the fact that she had extended the invitation to Jake spoke volumes as to how much she liked him. But Naomi wasn't sure if it was time to take the next step, to officially commit to where their relationship might be going. That was what sex with Jake would mean to her, commitment; hence, her nervousness. Was she really ready to take such a big step after the damaging heartache she'd suffered? Her heart began to ache a little now as she dwelled on how confused and scared she truly was; this was a choice not to be made lightly. She cared about Jake and valued him too much to make the wrong decision. No matter what, Naomi wanted him in her life. Taking a deep breath, she pulled herself together and opened the liquor cabinet by the refrigerator. Pouring Jake and herself both a glass half full of scotch, she walked cautiously back to the living room. "Hope I wasn't gone too long" she smiled.

"I missed you the second you were out of my sight".

"Well, I'm back now so all your worries can disappear" Naomi bantered.

"I think they can" Jake agreed, smiling as Naomi sat close to him on the couch and tucked her feet under her body.

The way Jake stared at her made her blood boil. And when she handed him his glass of scotch and their hands grazed each other…the feeling was indescribable. Naomi took a sip of her drink; an immediate calming feeling rushed through her veins as the liquor relaxed her muscles. She suddenly felt a familiar ease that had been missing for most of the night. Why had she been so scared? Jake would never hurt her and the more time she spent with him, the more she wanted to spend time with him. He boosted her self-confidence and made her feel good about the world in general. Butterflies increased in Naomi's stomach as Jake continued to state at her. "So…" she started, diverting her glance from him. "What are you watching"?

"I'm a guy, so what else? Sports Center" Jake said, as if it was forgone conclusion. He took a swallow of scotch.

"Oh, I forgot. There was a big Dodger's game tonight, right? So who won"?

Jake's eye twinkled with excitement. "Right; the Dodgers won by one. They've been doing really well this season and as a huge fan, that's great for me. I can't wait until the playoffs get here".

"Personally, I just don't understand the appeal of baseball. I imagine it's a fun atmosphere to be in at a live game, but on TV it looks so boring".

"Atmosphere is seventy five percent of the experience" Jake agreed. "I actually have season tickets for the Dodgers. I'll have to take you some time, show you the ropes. As a matter of fact, that will be our next date".

"Sounds like a plan to me. I could use some good sports entertainment. Now that basketball season is over, I'm on pins and needles until September gets here. I'm ready for football".

Where had this woman come from? "You like sports" Jake asked bewildered and flabbergasted.

"Don't look so surprised" Naomi laughed, taking another sip of her drink and feeling more relaxed by the second. "I might be a girly girl who likes the finer things in life, but that's only one side of me. I'm equally a tom boy who enjoys a good game like anyone else. I practically lived up under my father and big brother as a child; I followed them everywhere".

"You are one fascinating creature. Each time I think you can't catch me off guard again, you do. I wonder what other tricks you have up your sleeve" Jake said shaking his head.

"I could say the same about you. You never react to anything I say the way I would expect. You're so open and compassionate and understanding".

"Well, that might change depending on our next conversation. Favorite basketball player, favorite team and why; favorite football player, favorite team and why; choose your words carefully. I'd hate to disown you so soon into our rel…friendship" Jake stumbled. He still wasn't sure what they were; they were still in a gray area trying to navigate the waters. However, he certainly knew what he wanted them to be.

Naomi felt her heart skip a beat. Had Jake almost said relationship? Shaking the tiny flub of words from her head, she refocused. She wasn't ready to delve into that conversation head first just yet. She was still too busy examining her own feelings; she couldn't dwell on Jake's too. 'Sports; you were talking about sport' Naomi mentally reminded herself. "Favorite teams and favorite players" Naomi asked rhetorically. "If I'm being honest, I'm gonna have to go with…

…

"Family Guy? Are you serious? Your favorite cartoon of all time is Family Guy" Naomi asked incredulously. It was nearing one o'clock in the morning and she and Jake were still sprawled out on the couch talking, the TV on low in the background. They had transitioned from sports into music then into movies before settling on cartoons. They'd also consumed a lot more liquor. A half empty bottle of black labeled Johnny Walker sat on the coffee table. After the second trip to the kitchen, Naomi had seen the wisdom in bringing the bottle back into the living room with her. She was feeling better than good now with all the spirits flowing through her system. Naomi wouldn't say, or at least admit, she was drunk but she was definitely tipsy. It was getting harder and harder to talk properly.

"What's wrong with Family guy? Don't tell me you're too good for Family guy and their jokes" Jake defended.

Naomi playfully hit Jake on the chest. "Hey! I'm no prude. I find Family guy as funny as the next person but I wouldn't call it my favorite of all time. I expected you to say something a little more classic like the Looney Tunes, The Flintstones, or The Jetsons. Hell, I'd even accept SpongeBob before Family guy".

"Look, that show is brilliant. It's witty and funny and they're equally discriminatory. They make fun of everyone including themselves. What's not to love" Jake insisted, not backing down. "We can watch it right now. I'm sure I can find a rerun of it playing on one of these channels" Jake said as he reached for the remote.

"Don't you dare" Naomi squealed, reaching for the remote at the same time. But Jake was a second faster. He held it up and away from her. Without thinking, Naomi flung her body across Jake's and tried to yank it out of his hand. They playfully rested for the remote but it was clear there was no contest. Jake was bigger and stronger. He also didn't fight fair; when Jake began ticking Naomi's ribcage, she forgot all about the remote and tried to protect herself. "Jake...oh my God…STOP" she howled in between fits of laughter.

"Only if you admit that Family Guy is the greatest of all time" Jake teased, using both his hands to tickle her ribcage again. The remote had been forgotten and dropped on the floor by this point.

"But that would be a lie" Naomi cried.

"The only lie is the one you're telling yourself. You love that show just as much as I do".

"Fine, FINE! It's the greatest show ever. I'll tell you anything if you'll just stop tickling me". Naomi was laughing so hard, tears were streaming down her face.

Jake finally stopped but he didn't take his hands off Naomi's body. In the abrupt quietness that fell between them, it suddenly occurred to Jake where his hands were placed; on her ribcage, right under Naomi's full breasts. He could feel them grazing the top of his thumbs as her chest rose and fell; just like he could feel her soft body draped all over his. Jake looked at Naomi and knew she was aware of their body positioning too. Neither one of them made an effort to pull away or straighten up.

His face was so close. Naomi could feel his warm breath caressing her cheek. This was THE moment that she'd been worried about all evening. Now that it was here, she didn't feel any apprehension. This moment felt inevitable, like it was destined to happen. They were at a figurative fork in the road and it was time to go left or right. Not wanting to force the decision, Naomi remained patient; she waited for Jake to make the first move.

Jake squeezed her a little tighter, moved her a little closer. He nuzzled his cheek against hers, reveled at the feeling of her soft fragrant skin. Turning his face a few inches, he pressed his lips against hers and sighed in contentment. He'd been waiting for the right time to kiss Naomi all night. Her lips were so pouty and enticing and she kissed with so much feeling.

A small moan escaped Naomi's mouth as Jake slipped his tongue between her lips. Jake was a skilled kisser; he definitely knew how to use his lips and tongue. Naomi began to wonder what other skills Jake had in his possession. Leaning in closer, she pressed her chest against him.

Making a bold move, Jake's hands roamed further down Naomi's body. Gripping her thigh, he repositioned Naomi until she was straddling his lap. Her long dark hair fell over her shoulders into his face as they continued to kiss. Jake was engulfed by the intoxicating scent of strawberries. The crotch of his pants tightened as his arousal grew.

Naomi felt Jake's manhood press against her inner thigh. A slight shiver passed through her; abruptly ending their kiss, she paused to stare at him for a moment. In that brief moment, she could see a future with Jake, a perfectly content one. All she had to do was open herself up to the possibility of loving again. If there was any man who she felt she could trust with her heart, it was Jake. However, for some reason, Naomi hesitated. But then Jake pulled her face back to him and began kissing her again and all her thoughts faded. And when he started unzipping her dress and unsnapping her bra, Naomi didn't stop him. Instead, she joined in the undressing party and began unbuttoning his shirt.

Jake groaned when he felt Naomi's delicate but sturdy fingers raking down his chest. Firmly holding her against him, he flipped them over until Naomi's exposed back was flat against the couch, and he was looming over her. Jake's hands were active as one hand ran up her thigh, hiking Naomi's dress up. The other began tugging at the top of her dress, pulling it down her arm.

Momentarily disoriented, it took a few seconds for Naomi to realize what was happening. Her back arched as Jake touched her all over, continuing to kiss her with that dangerous mouth of his. Naomi wrapped her arms around him and dug his fingers into his back, pulling him down on top of her. She closed her eyes as Jake began kissing down her neck. He was so attentive; Naomi could tell he was a considerate lover. She liked men who paid attention to a woman's needs instead of just trying to please themselves. Men who...a flash of images suddenly fill Naomi's mind and she panicked. "STOP" she yelled.

"Wha…what" Jake asked, his eyes hazy. He was panting heavily from having to stop so quickly.

Naomi burst into tears. "I'm so sorry Jake. You're probably going to hate me but I can't do this. I'm so sorry" she sobbed.

"What's wrong" Jake asked concerned, immediately putting his sexual frustration aside. He gently touched her face and wiped her tears as he helped her sit up on the couch.

"Nothing...I don't know" Naomi answered, confused. "You kissed me...and I thought I was ready...but...but I guess I'm not. You must think I'm terrible but I promise I'm not in the habit of being a tease. Jake, I'm so sorry".

"Hey, don't be sorry. I'd rather you stop now than go through with it and regret it later" Jake assured her. "If we take the next step, I want you to be sure. We can slow down, go at your pace. I'm not in any hurry". Deep down Jake had the feeling that Naomi would never be ready; there were a lot of things she was trying to ignore instead of facing them. And she would never be ready for a new relationship until she did. Jake had had these concerns all along; but he liked Naomi so much and had hoped he was wrong. This happening had only served to validate his concerns. Naomi was such a warm, sweet, generous, and all around good person though; she was a person Jake wanted in his life even if was only in a friendly capacity. However, if there was still the tiniest chance there could be more between them, the optimistic side of Jake wasn't going to give up until there was no hope left. And until Naomi made up her mind, he needed a cold shower.

"Who are you? I'm the most terrible person on the planet and yet you're still being so nice to me and understanding".

Jake shrugged. "Just call me a patient man. I don't want you to feel pressured into to anything you don't want to do. It is okay, I promise. Like I said, we'll take it as slow as you need to".

Naomi grabbed Jake's hand and held it tightly. "Thank you Jake. Again, I'm so sorry. Please let me know what I can do to make this better".

"You can stop apologizing" Jake said. He looked down at Naomi's half-clad body. "And you can fix your dress. I'm still a man who is looking at a sexy woman he's attracted to" he added teasingly, though he was deadly serious.

"Right, right. I'm sorr...I'll do that right now" Naomi said quickly, fixing her bra and zipping her dress up. She pulled the bottom of her dress down as far as she could. She looked at Jake, embarrassed. "You might want to fix yourself too".

Jake looked down at his bare chest. "Right" he said, buttoning his shirt. When they had both fixed their clothes as best they could, they both stood up and stared at each other awkwardly. Jake took Naomi's hand again. "Walk me to the door"?

"Of course" she obliged before they slowly strolled through the house into the foyer. They stopped in front of the door. "Jake..."

"Don't apologize again" he insisted, cutting her off. "I understand. I'll give you a call tomorrow to check on you. Plus, we still have an upcoming date at the ball park, remember"?

"I don't deserve you" Naomi sighed.

"You're deserving of anything you want" Jake said heartfelt. He wished what Naomi wanted would eventually be him. He kissed her on the cheek. "I'll call you" he said again, then opened the door.

Naomi gasped. Sam was standing on her porch, looking as if he was about to knock with one hand and holding their son with the other.