11
Jacob is all bushy tailed in the morning, making smoothies again. I feel like hell; not enough sleep and a little hungover.
“Too much to drink last night?” Jacob teases. “I tried to warn you. I know your limits.”
I glare at him. Of course he does.
“I’ll make you a pick-me up smoothie,” he says. “You’ll be right in no time. How about a game of Boccee ball later?”
I manage a smirk. “Do I look like I’m up for a game of Boccee?”
“Trust me, after this smoothie, you’ll be as good as new.”
Miraculously, I feel great, just as Jacob said I would. I hate to admit it but the man is a miracle worker. I’ve had a refreshing shower and am wearing my cutest outfit; checkered short shorts paired with a white tank top and navy Keds. It’s a beautiful day; sunny and warm. Life could definitely be worse.
Coming here was a great decision — it’s exactly what I needed. Even Jacob being here unexpectedly hasn’t turned out so bad. My mind momentarily brings me back to the amazing sex in the tent, and I shake the vision away. I can’t let myself go there. I need to stick to the plan.
Jacob is biting his bottom lip as he aims for the cluster of balls — it’s his concentrating look. I think it’s pretty cute, even now.
He throws his yellow ball right at mine, and knocks it out of its winning position.
“I hate it when you do that,” I scoff. “You’re not playing fair.”
“Hey, there’s no rule that says you can’t knock out your opponent’s balls… it’s all part of the game, Corrie. You’re just mad because you can’t do it too.”
I grumble as I aim to roll my ball toward the small white plank ball. I’m actually pretty skilled at this game — I’m good at judging the hills and trajectory of the ball, and just how hard I need to roll it. My ball rolls slowly and finally settles right next to the plank ball. I jump up and down like a kid. “You can’t bring me down, buddy,” I gloat. “Even with your dirty tricks.”
He rolls his eyes and goes for another knockout shot. This time he fails miserably, and I don’t even try to hide my huge grin. “I am kicking your ass,” I point out, rubbing it in.
He smirks at me. “You’ve always been good at this game, you little devil.”
Damn… the things he says. I love it when he calls me his little devil. Usually he does it when I’m on my knees, and he’s inside me, pulling my hair.
I shake my head. I really need to stop thinking about sex. I amnotsleeping with him again.
Two days. I have not had sex with Jacob for two days now.
To Jacob’s dismay, I win the game. We have beef tacos, nachos and guacamole and margaritas for lunch. We talk about my friends. Jacob always loves to hear about Gabbie, Maeve and Kayla’s antics. There’s been a lot of drama in our group these past two years — break-ups, new loves, engagements… babies.
I’m having so much fun chatting with Jacob that I don’t even notice the time fly by. Next thing you know, I glance at the large retro clock on the wall and notice that it’s 1:05 PM.
“Shit,” I snap. “I’m late.”
Jacob cocks a brow. “Late for what?”
“I’m meeting Alex.”
Jacob’s smile fades.
“It’s about a table,” I clarify. “I’m buying a table.”
He nods. “I see… well, off you go then. I’ll clean up here.”
I kiss him on the cheek. “Thanks. You’re a doll.”
Alex is lookingmighty fine today. He’s wearing a tattered grey muscle shirt and cargo shorts, and for the first time, I notice a tattoo on his shoulder, some kind of tribal design — it’s hot. He smiles as he goes over the catalog with me. There are all kinds of choices for bases; streamlined and simple for a modern look, and more traditional to full-on Victorian inspired. I go for something in between. We then go over the different wood options. I choose the rosewood — it’s beautiful. Walnut is too expensive, and the tree trunk slabs like the one in Beatrice’s cottage are way out of my league. Still, I’m happy with my choices and I can’t wait to see the final product.
Alex offers me a second cup of coffee, and I politely decline. I’m sitting on his contemporary studio sofa. I study it for a second, wondering if it’s a futon. It looks like one, and then I have a quick fantasy of Alex and I stretched across it, naked. It’s five seconds tops. So sue me… I’m just a woman with a healthy libido — it doesn’t mean anything.
