“I really wish I wasn’t going to work today,” he grumbled.
“When you finish work, call me.” I put my hands around his neck and kissed him.
“Depending on my shift tomorrow, let’s go on a date.”
I almost squealed. “Really? Where?”
He kissed my forehead. “Anywhere my girl wants.”
I smiled wildly as different ideas crept into my mind.
“Dinner and some shopping?” I offered.
“Sure, whatever. As long as I am with you, it’s fine.”
I walked Jason to the door and kissed him good-bye. He grumbled something under his breath and left. I put the alarm on like he told me and went about feeling my way around my home again.
My Man
After getting a text that Jason was almost done, I couldn’t wait to see him. I jumped into the shower and ran through the house getting ready. I had a cab waiting for me outside and asked him to drive me to Jason’s work. Tiny little butterflies were flying in my belly, making me antsy. I was alone last night, missing his strength and protection around me. Jason had to work a double shift, which meant he’d have two days off. I wanted to take him out to dinner and just be with him.
“Drop me off here,” I nearly shouted at the cabby.
“But lady, the place you wanted is two streets up.” The cabby looked at me confused.
“I need to get out now.” I threw money at him and jumped out of the car.
I began to almost sprint towards the precinct. My legs felt like jelly as I hurried my way through the crowd. I finally stood in front of the steps and looked up to see the doors. I reached for my phone and fired a text.
Me: R u almost done?
I waited for him to respond, but when he didn’t I headed up. Before I grabbed onto the door to open it, my phone chimed.
Jason: Almost finished, taking a shower then i'm off 2 c u
My belly flopped and the feelings of anticipating him overtook me. I walked over to the secretary who had helped me the last time I was here and knocked on her window. She smiled brightly the moment she saw me.
“Ms. Preston,” she squealed.
“Hi!” I waved.
“I hear your next book is coming out soon.”
I nodded. “By Christmas.”
She smiled. “I guess I know what I’ll be asking Santa for this year.”
I laughed at her little joke.
“So, what brings you here?” she asked.
“Well…” I was interrupted by a low manly voice.
“Kassia!” Gab bellowed as he waved.
“Hi, Gab.” I waved back.
“Are you here for another tour?” he asked as he walked over to me.
“Not necessarily. Is Jason still here?” I asked, knowing he was, but didn’t know how to approach it.
“Yeah, I think he’s out back. Come, I’ll take you.”
I said a quick goodbye to the secretary and headed off behind Gab.
Once he entered the training room, I almost regretted coming, almost. The men were all training; some with weights, others were boxing.
“Hey, Jason!” Gab cried out over the entire training room.
Everyone stopped and stared at me. The almost regret I spoke of before, well, it was gone now. I should have waited for him outside. Damn me and my need to see him. Jason came out ready in his street clothes, duffle bag in hand as he walked towards Gab, until he saw me. His eyes, which were now wide, shifted to where I stood. He marched over and grabbed both of my arms.
“What are you doing here? I told you I’d come and see you,” he said under his breath. “Did something happen?” He looked anxious. I shook my head.
“Just wanted to see you,” I murmured. The thin lines, which were his lips, now curled up with a faint smile.
“So, you missed me?” His hand moved up my arm to my face. I leaned into his touch, relishing its protective heat.
“Ohh!” Everyone in the room behind him said in unison.
“Looks like Jason’s got himself a woman,” one guy shouted out.
Gab laughed. “Looks like he did. Too bad, Kassia. You should have gone out with someone who’s more of a man, not a boy like our little Jason.”
I felt the shift in Jason’s body as the guys began to remark on our age gap. I was an idiot for not thinking my being here would have repercussions.
“I never knew our lady writer was such a cougar,” one of them said over in the far back.
I lowered my gaze not realizing that I would have ever been called that. Thirty-three wasn’t old. What was so wrong about being with someone that felt so right? Jason stiffened and a low growl began to rumble in his chest.
“I'm sorry,” I said meekly.
I really was. Jason turned and dropped his duffle bag to pick a fight with the one who said I was a cougar. I pulled on his arm, not letting him leave my side.