Hers for a While (5 page)

“I have my own personal nurse. Thank you.”

“Don’t worry about it. Too many times, men are too macho to get this stuff looked at. You don’t want it to get infected.”

“Why are you so good to me?”

As she stood to put everything up, Jack pulled her down on his lap. He kissed her hard as his hands ran down her back and moved down, cupping her ass. Her legs spread to where she was straddling him again, and she feathered her fingers through his hair. She could never get enough of his thick hair. Heat pooled in her stomach and she leaned back, grabbing the front of his shirt, hoping he’d get the hint and follow her.

Guiding him to the bedroom, this time, she pushed him back on the bed. He tried to touch her but she swatted his hand away. “No sir. It’s about you tonight. You deserve a little r and r.”

Alice unsnapped his jeans and pulled his zipper down, freeing him from his pants and boxers. His eyes were slightly open and he laid his head back on the pillow. There was nothing more fulfilling than knowing she was providing comfort and pleasure to Jack. Maybe it was the nurturer in her, but tonight, she wanted to take care of her man. She always wanted to take care of him.

***

“Why are you so good to me?”
Jack’s voice echoed in Alice’s mind. It was like he was standing right behind her and so real that she had to turn to see if he was there. Of course, it was just her in the empty bedroom, in the quiet house, with all of the memories coming through like a raging waterfall.

He had asked her that question many times through the course of their relationship. She never knew that one day, that question would hold more weight than either of them could have imagined. It was a good thing she was a nurturer. Looking back, she wasn’t sure how she had gotten through it. Had she
really
gotten through it? Even after the years had past, she was still struggling.

She was shocked to feel a smile creep on her lips. Through all of the memories, it was funny to think of their first fight that almost split them up. Even knowing how everything had turned out, if she could do it over again, she would’ve followed him back to his house like she had that very night. She couldn’t imagine it playing out any differently. With both of them headstrong, it was the first of several fights, but none that ever pulled them apart. In fact, the fight within him was one of the many things she loved about Jack. He was passionate, he was stubborn, and he stopped at nothing to stand up for what he knew was right.

Damn it Jack – they broke the mold when they made you.

Chapter Six

“My baby graduates college today!” Jack stared at Alice as she slipped her robe on over her dress. The look on his face was pure admiration and pride, and she felt her cheeks heat up from his gaze. “Look at you. Miss smarty pants!” He stood behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist, kissing the back of her head.

“I can’t believe it’s already happening. I mean, I’m older than most people getting their undergraduate. It’s taken me longer than usual, but at the same time, it seems like it has flown by.” Her stomach did a back flip and she leaned into Jack to try and calm down.

“It doesn’t matter how old you are. You did it. Now you get to deal with tons of rascals running crazy in your classroom.”

“I’m just glad I found a job here. I don’t think I could handle moving away from you.” She had accepted a position with the elementary school in town just a few weeks before and would start in the middle of the semester. “Lucky for us, Mrs. Edwards had her baby and decided to not come back.”

Jack tightened his hug on her and kissed her neck. “I’m so damn proud of you, Babe. We should probably get going so we can get you to the arena an hour before. I told your parents I’d meet them so we can sit together.”

Alice arched her eyebrow. “Really. You’re gonna sit with them?”

“Is that okay?”

“Of course it’s okay!”

Releasing his hug, Alice instantly missed his warmth. “And believe it or not, my mom is coming too. She asked that we swing by and pick her up on the way. You cool with that?” They walked into the kitchen and he grabbed an apple. Shining it with his sleeve, he took a large bite. Her stomach was too tense to even consider having breakfast, and she was certain she’d regret it during the long ceremony.

“Your mom is coming?” Alice was shocked. “That’s a surprise.”

“A good one?” Jack asked, cocking his head to the side.

“Yeah, it is a good one. All this time and I figured she hated me. This means a lot, her going and all.”

Jack finished the apple and tossed the core into the trashcan. “Are you kidding me? She likes you, she’s just not good at saying it.” He glanced at his watch. “Let’s get going. You don’t wanna be late for your big day!”

They were silent as they made it to the arena. Jack parked the truck and walked her to the back entrance. “Thanks for coming today, Jack.”

Nudging her chin with his hand, he flashed the most gorgeous smile Alice had seen. “There’s no place else I’d rather be.”

“You thank your chief for me too. I know you guys have been shorthanded. It was nice of him to let you off for something like this.” She turned to walk in, but his hand grabbed hers, stopping her in her tracks. Turning on her heel, she grinned.

“It’s your college graduation. It’s a big deal, and don’t let anyone tell you different. I’m gonna go hunt my mom and your parents down. I’ll see you after, yeah?”

“Let’s meet right here.” Leaning in, she kissed him, quick at first, but it grew into a much deeper public display of affection that almost knocked her down. Pulling away, she felt her heart flutter like it was the first time they had done that. “Love you, Jack.”

“Love you, Alice.”

They placed all of the graduates in a cramped up part of the arena she had never seen. From the looks of it, it appeared like a place that the basketball team lifted weights. Sighing, she looked around the room at the sea of navy blue. There had to be about five hundred people. It was going to be a long ceremony. All she wanted to do was spend time with her family. Maybe walking the stage wasn’t such a good idea, but she heard Jack’s reminder echo in her head. It was important. Graduating from college was a big deal.

An overwhelming sense of happiness poured over her. She had people in her life that cared. Jack didn’t have to be here. They were just boyfriend and girlfriend. How many other guys would have done this for their girlfriend? And his mother? It was safe to say that the relationship was getting serious, and though it excited Alice, it also scared her. She only had a few serious relationships under her belt. None had ever played out how this one was going.

“You must be very excited about graduating.”

A girl sitting next to Alice broke her daydream. “Pardon me?”

Pointing, the girl replied, “You have a huge grin on your face. You must be very excited about today.”

“Oh.” Alice tapped her lips with her index finger. She didn’t even realize she was smiling. “Yeah, I guess I am. Still hard to believe.”

“Man, don’t I know. I should’ve been done a few years ago. I’m twenty-three. My parents said I took too long so I bet they’re even more relieved than I am.”

Alice felt her smile fade. Twenty-three? She was twenty-six. No, she couldn’t compare herself to the younger people graduating with her. Jack’s advice was right. She did it. Age was just a number.

Finally, they lined up to go out. So many emotions coursed through Alice. The graduation music from the band was loud as she passed by, and her heart thumped hard when she looked up to see Jack standing against the railings, waving down to her as she went by. Waving, he blew her a kiss. At that moment, she loved him more than she could even understand. Nodding up, she found her seat, feeling Jack’s stare burning into her. For some reason she knew that he wouldn’t take his eyes off of her until it was over.

Though it was a college graduation, it marked another milestone in their relationship. His support went a long way, and she’d never forget the love that grew at that very second.

***

Walking to the bedroom closet, Alice pushed the clothes aside, sifting to the back. She knew it was in there, but it had been years since she had looked at it. Toward the top, in a plastic garment bag, were her cap, gown, and stole. She really had no desire to keep any of it except the stole, but Jack had urged her to not get rid of them. The man was such a packrat, but suddenly, Alice was glad she had stored it. Pulling it down, she dusted it off and carried it to the bed. Laying it out, she ran her fingers across the silk. The navy blue had faded some, but the stole was gold and bright, just like the day she had worn it.

Lifting it off of the bed, she noticed a small, folded up note fall from inside the hat. It had Jack’s handwriting scribbled on it, and her heart skipped a beat. She sat on the edge of the bed and debated opening it. She had read it before, but just like with everything, she had forgotten about it. Could she handle it now? She believed in signs. Maybe this was another from him.

Unfolding it, she already felt the tears well up in the corners of her eyes.

Alice,

I know I’ve told you this one hundred times, and I’m sure I’ll tell you a million more – I’m so proud of you. You’re going to make a great teacher. All of your hard work is paying off. When I saw you walk across the stage today, my heart felt like it was going to burst. You’re my inspiration and my reason to plug away and keep pushing. You are behind every single decision that I make. I love you so much. Thank you for being a part of my life.

Love,

Jack

Alice stared at the note, rereading it several times before she folded it back up. She couldn’t remember ever sticking it inside the hat, but it served as the best place to put it. Sliding it back under the brim, the tears that gathered were now flowing again. Suddenly, of all days, Jack was sending her subtle hints.

For a man, he was good at writing notes. It was as if he couldn’t put things into words verbally, but if he had a pen and paper, he could write the most beautiful letters. Maybe they weren’t as great as Alice had imagined – love clouded her vision, but in the best ways. It got to the point where she looked forward to finding them.

What she’d give to receive another letter from him.

***

Alice’s graduation led to her first day of her career. Things were different now that she was working. With Jack busy with his job and her lesson plans, grading papers, and everything in between, there were days when they were lucky to get a phone call in. The nights she got to see him went fast, and she didn’t want to fall asleep so they’d have extra time together.

Staring at her coffee mug, her phone buzzed, startling her. She felt like she was dozing, and she still needed to get ready for work.

There was a short text from Jack –
Good morning, Babe. Can I see you tonight?

Alice replied –
Yes, I’d like that very much.

She waited a few seconds, sipping the warm drink, savoring the bold flavor. When had she started drinking such strong coffee?

Buzzing again, her phone screen lit up –
It’s been too long. Have a good day. Can’t wait.

Walking to the bathroom, she took a long look at herself in the mirror. Was their relationship getting stale? She didn’t want to think about that. It was just a lull – couples went through that. If he were bored, would he ask to see her?

Shaking her head, she couldn’t believe herself. She didn’t need to become a worrier. They were going strong. The day was going to crawl by with anticipation.

***

As anticipated, the day seemed to take forever. Parking her car, Alice walked up the steps and onto his porch, his door opening before she even had a chance to knock. Jack pulled her in for a kiss, hindering her chance to say anything to him. He tasted minty and his aftershave was strong, but it wrapped around her like a security blanket. His hair was wet and his skin was smooth – fresh out of the shower. It was an instant turn on for her.

Stepping inside, Jack didn’t pull from the kiss until they found their way to the couch. “How was your day, Alice?”

“Not bad. Glad it’s Friday. Yours?”

“Worked a bad wreck and then a small chimney fire. Just got home, myself. It’s good to see you.”