Take a Breath(38)

I start laughing as he drags me towards the stairs to the mall.

As predicted, it was packed, but it was nice to be inside away from the blistering heat. It must be at least ninety Fahrenheit outside and it’s only going to get warmer. We head into a few shops and we manage to find some lace panties that Jake nearly had a heart attack over. He bought them quickly, as I stared at a lovely silk black and red Basque with bows at the end. It had suspenders attached to add more sex appeal.

We were headed out the shop when I asked Jake to meet me by the frozen yoghurt counter. He smiled as if he knew I was up to something, but headed out anyway.

I quickly found a size 6 and rushed to the counter to pay, before Jake could see me. I pay for the item which was $35—but totally worth it to see Jake’s face when I wear it—before heading out the door. I find Jake standing at the frozen yoghurt counter, eyebrow hitched at the sight of my bag.

“What would you like to eat?”

I look up at him and smile. “Is that a rhetorical question?”

“Don’t start, Ana. I’m already having second thoughts on getting you one. I’m having a hard time picturing you licking the yoghurt up with that tongue of yours.”

I start laughing. “Well, in that case, Mr Bennett, I will have a wild berries please.”

He shakes his head and makes his order. I’m going to enjoy this.

He hands me the yoghurt and we find a quiet corner to eat. It would seem Jake has ordered the same thing as me. I take the spoon and place some in my mouth. I close my eyes and moan, “Mmmm, that’s so good.”

I open my eyes to find Jake glaring at me open mouthed. He’s about to say something when we hear someone clearing their throat. We both jump and bolt round to find Mike and Alison staring at us. Mike is grinning from ear to ear. He obviously caught the Ana and Jake show.

“So would you look who we have here, Alison. Jake and Ana together, eating Yoghurt. I see we’ve been shopping for Lingerie. Pick up anything nice?”

Alison elbows Mike. “Now stop teasing the two of them, Mike and let them be. I must say you two both look radiant. I wonder what has changed since last night. It certainly suits the two of you whatever it is.”

Mike now startled, turns to his wife and says, “Now who's the one teasing now, Alison?”

I gape at the two of them wondering what to say. “We were just, I mean we were—”

It was then I felt his hand come up and lightly touch my cheek. It immediately stunned me into silence. I stop, look at Jake and smile. He was telling me he didn’t care. Staring intently into his eyes, I suddenly forgot where I was. This man was so beautiful. Mine. I feel like I am under his spell and what a spell to be under. My heart, body, soul—you name it—is his and only his. I never want this feeling to end.

I was snapped back into reality when Mike spoke. “Well, we won’t keep you any longer but I must say, it was about time. I’m so happy for you both. I really am.”

Mike puts his hand out to Jake and he accepts it wholeheartedly.

“Thanks, Mike,” Jake said.

“You kids take care now.” Alison gave her best winning smile and off they went.

“You don’t mind that he knows?”

He grabs my hand. “I told you, I don’t give a shit about it anymore. Mike is a good man; he won’t be spreading this around like gossip. I trust him to see us how we are.”

I carry on eating my frozen yoghurt transfixed on Jake and wondering just how ‘we are.’ I decide I just want to enjoy these moments and try not to spoil things by reading too deeply into everything.

“Just looking at you eat that yoghurt’s making me twitch. What are you doing to me, Ana?”

I brandish the most innocent smile I can muster, and say, “Mr Bennett, I don’t think I quite know what you mean.”

I dip the spoon in and very lightly trail some of it over my lip. I then seductively with the tip of my tongue, lick around the edges of my lips and moan. Jake grabs the yoghurt pot from my hand and throws both in the bin. He then yanks me from the spot and drags me back towards the car. I start laughing so hard I can’t stop.

“I’m going to show you just what I mean when we get home.”

I can feel a certain fire between my legs come to life as my laughter abruptly stops. I can’t get enough of this man. I just want to receive as much as he can give me—take whatever he can throw at me—and be damned of any consequences. I’ve been dreaming of this moment for far too long, waiting, hoping and praying that I could get a chance to find my happiness with the man I love. Who I’ve always loved.

We’re thundering through the hoards of people making our way out of the heat of the day. Jake opens the car door and as always the true gentleman, helps me into the car. He gets in and fastens his seatbelt and starts the car in lightening speed.