Or was.

  My stomach is all twisted and I know it’s not just because I’m starving. There’s no way he’d want to stay in Kastle Harbor. Jake will head back to the city after his visit with his grandmother. He thrives on the busy life associated with being a big shot lawyer in the city and he’ll be back in his apartment by the new year.

  I pull my coat on and head out for the brisk walk home. I’m thankful for the cold today, the icy wind matches the bitterness that I feel on the inside.

  You can’t change an ambitious career-oriented guy.

  It’s something I should have already known based on past experiences. I need a glass of wine. I now know that I can’t ask Jake to stay in Kastle Harbor. My well thought out plan and conversation points discarded.

  Right now I just need to decide if I want this holiday fling.

  TWELVE

  JAKE

  All set up in the library, I’m sitting and listening to the partners talk about a particularly difficult case. Financial law is one of those topics that is probably dull for a lot of people. Usually I find it captivating, even after working within the law world for a while now. However, as I sit, trying to remain focused on my boss’s words, my mind wanders. My thoughts are full of Violet and the what ifs that linger on the tip of my tongue.

  What if we tried dating? What would that look like?

  I try to think about Violet living in my apartment downtown, within walking distance to countless opportunities for her as a well-trained pastry chef. She’d look adorable covered in flour using my kitchen, breathing life into my dull world. I want to wake up next to her in my bed. It may be a bit of a stretch. Some wishful thinking on my part. She clearly loves working with Bethany at the bakery.

  Maybe we could do long distance dating, it’s only a train ride away. I’d be willing to visit as frequently as work allows. I’ve already established with my bosses that I can work from Kastle Harbor. I’m sure she could take some time off to visit me too.

  My boss’s voice brings me out of my daydreams.

  “We’d like to offer you a position as partner, Jake. What do you think?”

  It’s the question I’ve been waiting since I accepted the initial offer with the law firm. It’s what I’ve wanted, what I’ve worked towards all these years.

  “I accept,” I reply after a moment.

  “Wonderful. We’ll draw everything up after the holidays. Great work,” he finishes.

  After that it’s like this life changing offer hadn’t occurred.

  Once the call ends, I’m left with more work to get done during this trip, but it’s all doable. I make a few finishing notes about the cases and any lingering questions about becoming partner. If I’m partner, I have more flexibility in office hours. I also make a note to myself to bring up an actual relationship with Violet. Perhaps at our next date.

  Probably not something you just text.

  I can’t remember the last time I’ve pursued someone for more than a fling. It feels right with Violet. I’m growing out of my bachelor ways.

  The next morning, I decide to text Violet a simple good morning message before I realize she’s probably already working. With that in mind, I decide to see if Grams would like some fresh pastries and head to the bakery.

  I’m greeted with a cheerful Bethany, dressed entirely in a floral green and orange ensemble. I order a coffee to go and select pastries to take home with me.

  “Is Violet free for a moment?” I ask Bethany as she hands me the steaming cup of coffee. She hesitates, looking back towards the kitchen before responding.

  “I can check Jake, wait right here.”

  As she disappears into the kitchen I wait impatiently. Hopefully Violet has just a moment, I can explain about my work call and the new partnership offer I received. Bethany returns swiftly, her curly red hair bouncing as she walks.

  “She said she can’t spare a moment right now. Something about oven timing needing to be perfect or the pastry will sink. I’m not quite sure what she was talking about. But she said she’ll text you later.”

  I sigh deeply, my heart tumbling in my chest. “Okay, thanks.” I smile at Bethany, and leave. No point in hanging around.

  “Oh, before I forget!” Bethany’s voice pulls me back. “She wants you to ask your grandmother about the dress code for the party.”

  Bethany’s wide toothy grin matches my feelings.

  She still wants to go to the party. She can’t be mad at me.

  My brain is screaming yes in delight. I thank Bethany again and leave. There may be hope for Violet and I to take the next step from fling to real thing.

  ***

  Violet

  I watch Bethany and Jake interact from the little window in the kitchen. I just didn’t want to face him yet. As I watch Bethany turn to face the kitchen after Jake leaves, I duck down.

  I’m acting like a teen. Pull it together.

  When my shift is over, I check my phone, hoping Jake texted something. With no notifications I decide to call him. It’s only four, he can’t be too busy. As the phone rings I tap my fingers on the metal table. The sound an echo to my heartbeat, pounding in my chest.

  “Hello Violet.” His voice is like a decadent honey pouring out. So smooth and sultry.

  “Hi Jake,” my voice is nowhere as sexy as his sounds. “I was wondering if you’d be free for another date night. Tomorrow night perhaps?”

  “I could manage that. What are you thinking?”

  “How does a romantic evening complete with candles, live music, and wine sound?” I trail off, hoping he agrees.

  “Sounds as if you’ll be wearing too much clothing on this date.” His voice gruff.

  “There is a coat and tie requirement for the bistro, but I suppose.” I briefly look around to make sure I am alone before continuing, “I could show you a little something more afterwards.”

  “Deal. I’ll pick you up at your place tomorrow night. Does six work for you?”

  “Yes, it’s a date. See you tomorrow night.” I’m giddy as the phone call ends.

  The rest of the day passes in a blur. After work I only have a short window of time to get ready. Bethany helps me pick an outfit out over the phone. She has my closet memorized at this point. I want a killer ensemble. If I’m going to talk about a serious relationship, I want to feel confident. However, my go-to confidence outfits all include chef’s jackets and yoga pants. Not exactly sexy clothing. Which is why Bethany is a lifesaver. At her suggestion I’m wearing a knee-length satin black dress with a snug heart shaped bodice, no sweater, and red heels.

  Thank goodness we’re not walking.

  I’m thankful for Jake driving as I prepare for the short walk. I pull on a wool coat, tuck some gloves into my pockets, and wrap a scarf around my neck. Winter in Maine is now full force. Snow has been lightly falling all day. I’m fully dressed and getting toasty, waiting for Jake to arrive.

  I see his car and glance at the clock. Exactly six. He’s extremely punctual and that means something to me. I hurry out the door, afraid that I’ll lose all of my warmth in the short walk to his car. He smiles as I get in the car, his hand on his seatbelt.

  “I couldn’t wait,” I say, breaking the ice.

  “I can tell,” he chuckles as he buckles his seatbelt.

  We drive the short distance to the bistro with flirty banter being thrown back and forth between us. Jake offers me his arm as we walk in together. He’s warm, and I’m hesitant to let go once we’re inside. We both take our coats off to hand over to coat check. Knowing what’s under his royal blue suit, tailored to fit him perfectly, makes the fire in me ignite again.

  I try not to drool as we’re seated. The candlelight at the table really highlights his cheekbones and light stubble. I want to reach out and touch his face, but I don’t. I settle for stealing lingering glances at him as we both look at the menus.

  ***

  Jake

  Violet really knows how to dress for a date. The satin dress she chose hugs her breasts and hips, accentuating the curves that lie just underneath the fabric. And the way the lighting dances off of her as she walks, her hips swaying slightly, is making me hard. As we’re seated, I have to discreetly adjust myself.

  Can’t be thinking about dessert before we even have drinks.

  I smile as she looks over the menu. Her face is scrunched up as she’s contemplating the different choices. She looks up, as if she knows I’m thinking about her. I reach out and take her hand. I bring it to my lips, lightly kissing it before resting it back on the table.

  I’ve always wanted to be partner at my firm, but as I stare at Violet across the tiny table with candles in between us, being with her feels as important. The waiter comes to take our drink order and Violet pulls her hand out from mine to quickly look over the menu again. We order wine and some starters.

  “Tell me about your grandmother’s big holiday party plans,” Violet says as she sips her merlot and leans in, elbows on the table. “I’ve never been, only supplied the special cookies.”

  “The whole house, inside and out, is decorated. Lights and wreaths everywhere. We have several Christmas trees of varying heights throughout the house. Lots of cocktails, delicious food, good conversation, and someone always sings carols.”

  “Always?” Her smile spreads, her rosy cheeks flushed from either the wine or the warmth of the candles.

  “Of course.” I continue on, “it’s a party full of people looking to get away from the city and relax. Everyone sings.”

  Violet is about to say something else but my phone rings. I check and it’s from a boss, so I apologize to Violet and excuse myself for a moment. After answering a few quick questions, I return to the table. But the atmosphere is different.

  She’s now seated more in her chair rather than leaning towards me. The flirty tone is gone. When I ask about her day and the bakery her answers are short. We eat our main courses in almost silence. I don’t know what changed. I wasn’t gone very long. We both decline dessert when the waiter comes, and I offer to pay for dinner.

  After we’re situated in the car, I don’t even ask where to go. I just drive her home. A few moments of silence stretch between us. I’m not sure what to ask, but before I can turn the radio on, Violet speaks.

  “When I was in college, I thought I had met the love of my life,” she almost whispers. I wait for her to continue. “He was charming, thoughtful, and I thought we were meant to be. I thought I had it all. I was young, living in the big city far from home, and in love.”

  “What happened?” I ask, unsure if I want to know the answer. We’re at her house now. I turn the car off, both of us sitting there in the darkness. The silence heavy as I wait for her to reply.

  “He chose his career,” she grits out, crossing her arms across her chest.

  “Oh, Violet, that sucks.” I reach out to pat her shoulder. She’s like stone beneath my touch. “I’m sorry.” Genuine with my words despite their simplicity.

  “I’m happy here. I like living in Kastle Harbor. I like my little cottage home and my job.”

  “But?” I ask, looking into her eyes, waiting for the words that could change our futures.

  “There’s no ‘but’, Jake. I don’t plan on leaving,” she states. “I thought maybe I’d talk to you about this,” she gestures between us, “whatever this is and seeing what happens. And as much as I would love to see you all the time, I need you to know right now that I won’t be moving.”

  THIRTEEN

  VIOLET

  I wait as Jake sits next to me in the cold, dark car. With the streetlights the only light source, I can barely see his stoic features. After he took that phone call during dinner, I had a glimpse of what our future might be like. Full of Jake leaving in the middle of important dates and events. How I would have to keep weird hours or sacrifice being my authentic self to instead mold myself into his world.

  I won’t do it. Despite these crazy feelings I have for him. This connection that keeps pulling me closer towards the fire. Our fates seemingly being intertwined with every meeting and conversation.

  I come first. Period.

  “You never plan on leaving?” Jake finally states, his words fall flat between us. I can feel his stare.

  I turn to hold his eyes, before replying. “No, I don’t. Kastle Harbor is my home, and I don’t intend on leaving for more than a vacation.” I can feel the tension as I emphasize my stand on where I choose to live.

  “But Violet,” he sounds exasperated, “you can do so much better than Kastle Harbor.”

  Words have never hurt me so much as these. I don’t know if it’s the words or the way Jake is fumbling to explain himself further. I know what he means. I’ve heard it before. My teachers unsure of why I moved back instead of staying in New York or heading out to Los Angeles like the other graduates. From distanced family confused as to my life’s direction, or so-called lack thereof.

  But why does it hurt me so much now?

  “Jake.” My words are soft as I try to contain the rage slowly bubbling to the surface. “It’s what I want in life. We’re not all cogs in the busy city life machine like you.”

  Jake’s features twist into annoyance, perhaps even anger.

  “Is that all you think of me?” The upset and irritation both in his words and face.

  “All you care about is making partner. More work, more money, more status.” My voice rises in the small, confined space. “More of everything in a place I have no desire to be.” I enunciate each word to a sharp point.

  I don’t know what will happen between us. I was willing to sacrifice my normal, comfortable life for extended visits. For weekends, or any chunk of days, to be spent with Jake. Now? I’m stubborn to my core after he’s cracked my heart.

  As my heart pounds in my chest, my emotions running high, I’m hesitant to continue this conversation. I decide before either of us can say something we truly regret. I simply leave his car. The cold air hits my face as I hurry to my front door, afraid of the tears that may fall any moment.

  I unlock the front door as I hear footsteps approaching me on the porch. I turn to face Jake, but before I can even mutter a simple “not now,” his lips crash into mine.

  His arms pull me against him, my chest rises and falls fast as I welcome this chaotic turn of events. He’s devouring me entirely. The anger, so quick to rear its ugly head, turns into fire in my belly. I push the door open, pulling him inside with me.

  ***

  Jake

  We tumble into Violet’s home. A tangle of limbs and hunger. Her lips are soft, plump, beneath mine. Pulling away briefly, only for our coats and layers come off. Desire leading us in this dance.

  Before Violet can take anything else off, I scoop her up in my arms. The satin dress smooth, but not what I want against my body. We don’t make it past her living room, right off the front hallway. I lay her down on the couch, kneeling in front of her, kissing her deeply. As if there is no time to waste. If this is last time between us, I decide to slow things down, savor this moment between us.

  I kiss her lips before moving down. Freeing her breasts from the bodice, her nipples are hard, like tiny pebbles. I run my tongue over one as I gently twist the other. Violet moans, her sounds of pleasure making my cock throb against the fly of my pants. Her hands are tugging my hair, holding my head firm against her breasts. Her hips wiggling into the couch.

  I take my time, switching which breast is in my mouth. I lean back slightly, to avoid her wandering hands trying to reach my dick. I don’t know how long I can last beneath her touch. I can’t erase my words earlier, but I can show her how I feel. If this is our last tryst, I want her worshipped and to remember my touch.

  I move my head from her cleavage to kiss her deeply once more, our tongues intwined. Just as quickly, I move my hands up her thighs, pushing the satin as I go before dipping to her core. To my surprise, she’s not even wearing underwear.

  With a guttural sound, a deep growl, I pull her closer to me. Nestling my nose right against her mound.

  I slowly flick my tongue up and down her velvety lips, sucking ever so slightly, as her thighs tremble underneath my hands. With one of my hands, I play with her breast. Using the other hand, I insert one finger, dipping it into her core. I start by stroking gently. Her hips rock gently against my movement, pushing her clit up against my face.

  I can feel her close to the edge. I quicken my pace before her orgasm slams against my mouth. Her taste is sweet, like cherries. I hold her thighs as her hips rock slowly. Her eyes closed. Her cheeks flushed. I move to stand, pulling her up slowly.

  Her dress is like a thick belt at this point, the bodice pushed down, and the skirt pushed up. As she stands in front of me, I unzip her dress, tugging the fabric over her hips until it’s on the floor.

  I want more of her, all of her.

  Forever.

  My heart lurches, my throat feels dry and my stomach clenches.

  Is this love?

  Violet, unaware to my internal turmoil, licks her lips devilishly as her gaze wanders over my body. As my mind wanders, she steps forward, pressing her bare breasts against my chest. Her hands start to unbutton my shirt, tugging it out of my pants before removing it from my shoulders. The shirt floats to floor as she unbuckles my belt and starts to unzip my pants.

  Freeing my hardness, her skin is soft, her hands gentle as she works me. It takes all of my focus to not come immediately from her touch.

  In one heartbeat she’s on her knees, her moist mouth covering my girth. With a deep moan, I’m putty beneath this woman’s touch.

  A single moment here with her is pure ecstasy.

  Would forever without her be pure torture?

  ***

  Violet

  A grin pulls at the corners at my mouth as Jake moans while I twirl my tongue around his cock. His sounds of pleasure almost a growl. I lick from his base to tip, lightly sucking his member. Careful not to choke, I try to take as much as I can in my mouth.

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7