Tug of War, page 16
part #4 of Childhood Games Series
“Not really. I kinda wanted a boy, but it’ll grow on me.”
“Hang on, but you were the one who wanted a girl.”
“I was teasing. I really wanted a boy.”
“Oh, well. We will have to try again.”
Jake
I can’t believe those words just tumbled from my mouth. I haven’t even taken her on a proper date yet, and I’m already suggesting we have another baby.
I park the car up the driveway and shut off the engine. Turning to look at Stephanie, she’s staring at me completely lost for words.
Without another thought, I lean forward and kiss her; devouring her mouth in one fluid motion. Sliding my hands around her neck, she allows me entrance. Deeping the kiss, I feel her shiver in my arms.
She grips my arms and pulls back. Her red lips are swollen from my kiss.
“Go out with me?” I whisper, lightly rubbing my thumb across her cheek.
“On a date?” she asks.
“Yes, a date.”
“Are you sure?”
“Would you just say yes?” I huff.
She smiles. “That would be making it too easy on you, but yes, Jake, I’d love to go out with you.”
“Good. Make yourself available next Friday night. Dress up sexy for me. I’ll pick you up at seven.”
“Where are we going?” she asks.
“It’ll be a surprise.”
“Will I see you before the date?”
“Of course, you will. I’ll be home on Saturday to play pool with Toby.”
She leans forward and presses her lips to mine. “See your Saturday, handsome.”
“See you then beautiful. Oh, PS... Don’t forget to make the announcement about the baby’s gender.”
“Make sure you don’t forget the flowers next week.” She laughs.
I sigh while throwing her a grin. “This dating thing is expensive.”
“It’ll be worth it, I promise.” She winks at me.
I arch an eyebrow at her, then grin. “Are you telling me you want to get me naked after the date? I’m not sure I’m that sort of guy.”
“Depending on how the date goes, yes.” She leans forward. “And once you see what I’m going to be wearing beneath the dress, you’ll change your tune.”
I shift in my seat as my cock hardens. “I’m picking you up tomorrow night.”
“Nope, you need a week to get yourself organised, mister. I want to be romanced.” She presses her lips to my cheek and then gets out of the car. I sit there, watching her walk away. She doesn’t have a big bump, but the way her entire body has changed with the pregnancy is a huge turn on.
I reverse out of the driveway and ring my sister.
“Hey, so tell me the gender of the baby?” Aria asks as she answers the phone.
“Nope, not yet, but I need your help with a few things.”
“Sure. I can help. What am I helping with?” she asks.
“I’m taking Steph on a date next Friday night and well, I want to make it special.”
“It’ll be special because she’s with you.”
“While that’s sweet Aria, I want to make her see I want to be with her and not just because we’re having a baby together.”
“I can definitely help with that.”
“Excellent. You’re the best sister ever.”
“I know.”
“Bye, Ari.”
I hang up the phone and decide I might head to the base, then over to the gym. A good workout will help me relieve the pressure of my impending date with Stephanie. Needless to say, I’m a little nervous about it even though I know it’s going to go well.
Stephanie
“Hi Stephanie, it’s Mia. We met at the wedding show back in April? I’m ringing today because I’m going to cancel my wedding dress design appointment. Darla of Darla’s Dazzling Designs has given me an offer, and I couldn’t possibly pass it up. I’m so very sorry. I was wondering if there was any chance I could get my deposit back. If not, no worries. Just give me a call. Thanks.”
A beep tells me the message has ended. I’m devastated and almost on the verge of tears.
Damn pregnancy hormones.
I thought for sure I wasn’t going to lose Mia. In past conversations, she had been so confident about being my client. Now, I find out she’s going to Darla? I’m damn sure that’s where all the others have gone, too. I’ve known for years the vile woman never liked me, but I would never have thought she’d go so far as to steal my clients.
Secretly, I hope Darla doesn’t manage to deliver her orders on time and ends up getting bad reviews.
I toss my phone down onto the bed and glance out the door towards our daughter’s room. How the hell am I supposed to pay for all the things she needs now? I do have a handful of other clients, but I was really looking forward to designing those dresses. It’s the favourite part of my job. I enjoy meeting new clients and helping them design or find their dream dress. I’m beginning to wonder if this stress is worth the work I put in anymore.
I just don’t know.
I make my way downstairs, my emotions in overdrive with a mixture of anger and disappointment. Anger at finding out who is stealing my clients and disappointment because I’m losing confidence in myself.
I’m going to dinner with my parents at a restaurant in Totara Park, Upper Hutt. I’m looking forward to seeing them. Though my dad did mention he wanted me to bring Jake tonight, I don’t want them to meet him until I know what we are or at least know if we’re in a relationship or not. I know they’ll have to meet him regardless, but I feel as though we’re not ready for that step just yet.
I get to the restaurant and make my way inside. My parents are already seated in the room. I wave as my dad looks at me. I make my way over and pull out a chair to sit down.
“Hi sweetie, how are you?” my dad asks.
“Fine. Hungry mainly.” I laugh.
He looks at me, smiling. “Don’t panic, we’ll get you both something to eat soon enough. How did the scan go the other day?”
“Great.” I pull out a present for my parents. It’s a onesie we bought to reveal the gender to them. I hand it to my mum, who literally tears the package open.
“It’s a girl? Oh, Stephanie, I’m thrilled for you! A boy would’ve been nice, but a girl is just as great.” My mum gushes.
My dad swells with pride as he looks over the onesie. He places it onto the table and squeezes me in a huge bear hug.
Pulling back, he looks at me with a concerned face. “You sure you’re okay?”
“Not really. I lost the last client from my last wedding show today.”
“Hey, chin up my girl. You’re a great designer, and they’ll come crawling back.”
“Your dad is right, honey. They’re all fools to walk away from you,” my mum agrees.
“Thanks, guys.”
My dad picks up his beer and takes a sip. “So where is Jake tonight? Too afraid to come, was he?”
Before I can answer, however, the doors to the restaurant open and in walks Jake; alone and a look of determination on his face as he walks over to talk to Jessa, the owner of the place. I watch his interaction with her as he gives her one of his famous panty-dropping grins.
Is there something I should be worried about?
As if he knows I’m looking, he turns his head. His smile widens, showing off his pearly white teeth before he strides his way over to our table.
God help me!
Chapter Twenty-One
Jake
Crossing the room, I swear I see Stephanie shrink into her seat. I need to make sure she hasn’t heard anything of what I spoke to Jessa about since it’s about our date next week. I want it to be special and just for her.
She stands, and I wrap my arms around her.
“Fancy seeing you here.” I chuckle, kissing her on the lips in a kiss I never expected to be so heated.
She pulls back, looking up at me with her doe eyes. “Why are you here?”
I inhale. “I had hoped this might be a surprise, but I’m arranging our date for next week. I’d hoped you wouldn’t find out.”
“It’s okay. You didn’t know I was coming here to eat tonight.”
A man coughs behind her, and she spins around.
“Are you going to introduce us?” he asks Stephanie.
“Oh uh...yeah. Mum and Dad, this is Jake. Jake, this is my mum Patricia and dad Gareth.”
I hold out my hand to shake her dad’s. He takes it, seeming surprised by the strength in my grip. “It’s nice to meet you both.”
“Likewise, though I wish we’d met sooner,” her dad says, looking at Stephanie.
“Dad,” she hisses at him.
“Sorry, sir. I got back from being deployed a month ago, and I have been trying to navigate life back here after my absence.”
“Fair enough. You certainly don’t have an easy job. Are you dining here this evening?” he asks, motioning a hand at their table.
“Oh, umm... You look like you’re having a family dinner. I’d hate to intrude. I was just here organising our date for next week.” I squeeze Stephanie’s hand.
“Nonsense. You’re Stephanie’s boyfriend, and we would love the opportunity to get to know you,” her mum says.
I look at Stephanie and smile. “Boyfriend. I think I like that.”
She looks at me. “You get that title next week if you make a good impression tonight and next week.”
I grin. “You want me to stay tonight?”
“I do.” I step around her and pull out her chair for her. She sits down, and I sit down next to her, opposite her dad.
A waitress comes over and takes our drink order. I order a Sprite along with Stephanie. Her dad looks at me surprised that I haven’t ordered something stronger. I’ll have a drink with Toby tomorrow night.
“We’ve met you briefly before I think; when you’ve come to pick Aria up from our place over the years, but we want to get to know you. So Jake, tell us about yourself?” Patricia asks, kicking off the conversation.
“I’m in the Army. A medic. I love my job, and I get deployed regularly. My last deployment was in March for four months, but I’ll assume my next one will be longer. I love to eat, not that you can see it given how much I work out at the gym.”
“And what about the baby, how do you feel about it all?” her dad asks.
“Nervous and excited, but I’m sure glad I’m having my first child with Stephanie. She’s amazing, sweet and I’m only sorry that it took me so long to figure it out.”
I squeeze Stephanie’s hand. She looks at me, and I take the opportunity to kiss her.
“Thanks, babe,” she whispers.
Our drinks are brought over, and we place our orders for dinner. I order a chicken, mozzarella cheese, cranberry and avocado pizza.
“His words are good. I just hope the date goes as well.” Her dad laughs.
“It will Dad, even though I ruined half his surprise.”
“You didn’t ruin anything, sugar,” I whisper in her ear. “I have a few other ideas to surprise you with.”
She smiles, and I pick up my drink to take a sip. Stephanie squeezes the hand she’s still holding.
“Hey, how did it go with the dress you made the other week? Did the lady like it?” I ask.
“Yes, she brought it. It doesn’t even need any alterations, and she decided she wants bridesmaid dresses made in a brighter pink.”
I kiss her cheek. “See, beautiful, I told you that you’d get more clients. You don’t need the one who walked away to that other designer. You are awesome.”
“You didn’t say you sold a dress,” her dad says.
“Doesn’t change the fact that I lost my final client from the wedding show, Dad. I was looking forward to designing those dresses.” Sadness washes over her face, and I hate seeing it.
“Hey, it’ll be great. I say continue doing what you love and designing those dresses. Besides, you still have a client who hasn’t yet made her mind up about what she wants.”
She looks at me with an arched eyebrow. “Who?”
“Sasha.”
“Oh, right! I forgot she wanted me to make a dress for her.”
“I’ll talk to Toby about redesigning the spare room you’re using for a studio; make it more functional for you to work in it and add in a changing area for the brides so they can have some privacy.”
“You’d do that for me?” she asks.
“There’s nothing I won’t do for you, Steph.” She blushes.
“I just hope you’re going to treat her the way she deserves to be treated,” her dad comments.
“Sir, I promise you, I’m going to treat her like the queen she is. She deserves everything.”
“I like him. He calls me ‘sir’ and wants to treat you like a queen. Put a ring on this one boy, before she gets away.”
“Dad!” Stephanie hisses.
Her dad merely chuckles.
“Baby, he’s teasing, but he’s right about one thing,” I murmur.
“And that is?” Stephanie asks, arching an eyebrow at me.
“You’re a queen. I’ll do anything to show you that I’ll be your knight in shining armour.”
Stephanie
To my surprise and utter delight, dinner with Jake and my parents goes well. We exit the restaurant, and like the gentleman he is, he walks me to my car. Unlocking the vehicle, I drop my bag into the front seat.
“Thank you for tonight. I know I threw you in the deep end with my parents and me–” He cuts me off, crashing his lips to mine in a devouring kiss that makes my insides turn to mush. He steps forward, pressing me against the car. His hands are on my hips as I slide my own into his hair, then down his back.
He thrusts a leg between my thighs, and I grind my hips against him. I really want to take him home, get naked and make love to him all night long. When we finally pull back, we’re both breathless, but neither of us is willing to let go of the other.
“Sorry, I’ve been dying to do that all night,” he admits. Grabbing my hands, he slides his into mine and links them together.
I smile before lightly kissing him again. “I’ve waited for you to do that, too. You want to come back to the house for a little more?”
He grins. “Baby, as much as I want to do that, I need to get back to base. I’m actually working tomorrow morning for a while and then I’ll be playing pool with Simon, Toby and James.” I pout at him, trying my best to change his mind. “Don’t give me that look because I want nothing more right now than to take you home and get you naked. I promise you it will happen again and soon.”
I’m frustrated. “When? Because honestly, I’m getting sick of getting myself off with thoughts of you. I want a night with you.”
“You’ll get it, I promise.” He kisses me deeply. It strengthens his promise. “But I am curious. What of me do you think about when you get yourself off?”
I smack his chest lightly. “I’m not telling you that in public!”
“Speaking of next week, I picked well if I do say so myself. That pizza was delicious.”
“It was. Even the baby liked it.”
“Good to know. Now, get in your car Steph, head home and text me when you get there, so I know you are safe. I’ll see you soon.”
“One more kiss?” I ask.
He obliges me willingly and kisses me in a devouring way. It’s smooth and sweet. I really wish he’d taken me up on the offer to take me home tonight, but all too soon, he pulls back.
“I need to stop this before I take you home.”
“I’m already pregnant Jake, what’s the worst that can happen?” I giggle.
“Go, but trust me, you’ll be wrapped in my ropes again soon.” He winks, helping me into the car. I shut the door and drive away. It takes less than five minutes to get back to Toby and Sasha’s place from the restaurant since it’s in the same suburb of Upper Hutt.
Parking the car outside the house, I decide I don’t want to go through the front door. I need to shower and let off some burning sexual desire. I make my way inside, unlock the balcony door and sitting on the bed is a bouquet of flowers.
There is a card on top. It reads:
Sugar,
Hope these brighten your day.
Love Jake.
Is he telling me he’s in love with me? It’s preposterous! We haven’t even had our first date yet. He did brighten my day, however, and it’s so sweet. I sigh. I have to go downstairs and get a vase for these. I don’t want to though. I really want to spend the night alone and text Jake. I quickly dash downstairs, grabbing a vase and make my way back up to my room.
Once they’re settled, I send him a picture.
Me: Hey, thank you for the flowers. They certainly brightened my day.
Jake: You’re welcome.
I get a little cheeky and show him a selfie of my pyjamas and toy, then caption it.
Me: Just showing you what you’re missing out on.
Jake: Damn, you look so good in my bed. You’d look even better naked.
Me: What if I already am?
Jake: Show me.
I remove my shirt and take a photo of my boobs. I know he loves them.
Jake: Fuck. You’re so sexy.
Me: My pussy is so wet for you.
Jake: You have no idea how much I want you. My cock is ready for you.
Me: I wish I could touch it, toy with it and finally suck it, helping you get off before I fuck you into next week.
Jake: Jesus. I almost exploded. I don’t know if I can control myself.
Me: Then don’t.
Jake: Open the door.
Crossing to the balcony door, I fling it open, and the cool air licks my bare torso making my nipples pebble. Jake is standing there in the glow of his cell phone screen, sporting a wicked grin.
“Turns out I couldn’t wait like I thought.”
“Take me.
Jake
