The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face--Jake Seresin (An Arrangement Series)
author's note: thank you for your patience! As promised, this one is longer! and again, the dress in the photo is just so you can see what it looks like.
An Arrangement Masterlist
Follow here for all updates as I do not have a taglist
word count: 8.6k
warnings: a brief interaction with police, break-in
Feedback, asks, comments/reblogs mean the world to me!
Enjoy!
It’s a few weeks before the Navy ball and you’re at the flower shop putting together an arrangement for Betty. She’s at a rehab center after her surgery and so far she’s doing really well so you’re hoping she’ll be out soon enough. Jake has also been gone for a quick mission, he told you about it just before the fundraiser he helps sponsor at the pier.
You weren’t sure what to expect at the pier so you put on a pretty sundress that Jake couldn’t take his eyes off of. You definitely didn’t expect him to show up in his service khakis but when you saw the fundraiser was for foster children and their home you understood why because the kids hung onto him and asked him so many questions about flying the ‘big airplanes’.
The raised funds were to help add onto the house they live in and to hopefully build a new jungle gym. Some of the children were selling tickets and ran the booths with other adult volunteers. Jake stayed by your side the whole time introducing you to everyone while also speaking very highly of your flower shop which made your cheeks warm.
You snip some of the stems of the gladiolas you are working on smiling at the memory of that day and one little girl who kept running up to Jake–she had to be at least eight years old–showing him all the prizes she won.
As the sun was setting, the kids were leaving and that little girl came up one last time. You found out her name was Zara when Jake greeted her by squatting on the ground. She whispered something in his ear, he nodded then turned to you.
“Zara wants to give you something,” he smiled.
“Me?” you brightened and knelt down to her height. She hands you a plush flower with a smiley face in the center.
“Mister Jake says you make flowers.”
“He’s right, I do. Thank you so much, I love it,” you smiled at her. “And I know the perfect place to put it, right in my display case.”
Zara giggled then ran off towards the other kids at the bus and the director of the house they live in, a big smile on her face and you could have sworn she perked her chest up just the slightest.
“Thank you so much for today, Lieutenant. Your donation will definitely help us in building a new jungle gym.”
“It’s my pleasure, Ms. Dawes. Let me know if you need help with anything else. You’re doing an amazing job.”
She was clearly flustered then headed back to the kids. Jake faced you with his hand held out but you shook your head.
“What?”
“You shouldn’t charm people so easily like that.”
“Do I charm you?” he cocked his head to the side, his hand still extended. He wiggled his fingers clearly wanting you to hold his hand.
“I plead the fifth,” you sniffed but took his hand anyway.
“So,” Serena hops on the counter next to you, pulling you from your recollection of memory. “Where’s your boy toy? Haven’t seen him since he brought us breakfast a week ago.”
“He’s not my boytoy, but he should be home tonight. He had a mission to do.”
“Okay, boyfriend then.”
“He’s not that either,” you sigh tweaking the flowers a bit.
“Then what is he?”
You’re not sure what to say so you shrug.
“He takes you out, right?”
“Yeah.”
“He helps you with Betty,” she starts to tick off fingers, “he buys you and your employees breakfast, drives you around…if it looks like a boyfriend and quacks like a boyfriend–”
“That’s not how the saying goes,” you giggle then turn serious. “It’s not like that. It’s…complicated.”
“What’s complicated about it? You like him, right?”
“I don’t know.”
“Well, figure it out ‘cause he’s down bad for you.”
You turn away with your arrangement to box it up and to also hide your smile at her comment. The door opens with the bell jingling above it and Reynolds comes in with a basket of your favorite snacks and sweet treats, a sign that Jake is on his way home.
“Lieutenant Seresin is on his way back from base but wanted you to have these to keep at the shop. I have to pick him up…will you be all right getting home?” Reynolds asks.
“I can take her Reynolds,” Serena says peering into the basket.
“Thank you,” you tell him sincerely.
“If you need anything, give me or him a call. I’ll see you Monday Miss y/n. Miss Serena,” he smiles then leaves the shop.
“Jake’s a duck and Reynolds is a duckling,” Serena states taking a pear from the basket and taking a big bite.
Jake sent you a text that he’d be leaving base the same time you’d be leaving the flower shop and asked if you’d like to go to brunch the following morning. After locking up with Serena, she drove you home and the whole way there you have this weird feeling in your stomach.
When you get out of her car you hear a loud crash from inside your house and you freeze. There’s more scuffling and you scurry back inside already calling Jake.
“y/n? What’s going on?” Serena asks in alarm.
“Hey Sugar, I wasn’t expecting a–”
“Jake, someone’s in my house,” you whisper frantically. Serena gasps then pulls out her phone to call the police.
“Where are you? Are you inside?” Jake asks.
“No, I’m still in Serena’s car. She’s calling the police.” You’re surprised at how calm your voice sounds when inside your heart is about to burst out of your chest.
“Drive away from your house, I’m on my way. Stay in the car, y/n I’ll be there soon.”
You gulp when the line goes dead, he rarely calls you by your first name. Serena drives a block away but still in view of your home and you’re freaking out because what if whose inside comes out and runs towards her car? What if they have a weapon?
“It’s fine, the police are on their way,” Serena soothes, “I’m on with dispatch. Someone is five blocks away on another call and they’re coming here now.”
Two squad cars show up without their lights and get out of the car. You watch them walk right inside, your multiple locks were clearly busted. It’s like a lifetime goes by and then you see Jake’s truck turn the corner. Without thinking, you escape Serena’s car ignoring her hissing your name and run towards him.
He slams on his brakes, puts it in park then jumps out as soon as he opens the door catching you just as you leap into his arms.
“y/n, I told you to stay in Serena’s car,” he reprimands but hugs you tightly against him. One hand holds the back of your neck. “Are you hurt?”
“I’m scared,” you whisper shaking your head.
“It’s all right, I’m here and it looks like the cops are too. Have they come out and talked to you yet?”
“No, they’re still inside,” Serena says behind you.
“You can go home if you’d like, Serena,” Jake says, he continues rubbing the back of your neck.
“You sure?” She asks.
“Yeah, I’ll be okay with Jake here,” you turn your head to look at her over his bicep. “Thanks for driving me.”
“You call me as soon as you’re done talking with them, okay?” she holds out her arms and you give her a tight hug.
“I will. Drive home safe, text me when you’re there.”
“Bye Jake, thanks for coming,” she says.
“Bye Serena,” he waves.
She gets back in her car then pulls away slowly. You fold your arms over your chest, feeling a breakdown coming but you can’t do that yet. Jake takes you in his arms again and you close your eyes focusing on his arms around you, his breath blowing on your hair and his heartbeat. It centers you and calms down your breathing, but sadly, your heart is still racing in fear.
The police finally came out to say the perp got out the back door and the coast was clear to head inside. They followed you around jotting down things that were missing; your small flat screen was taken, some clothes and the record player you saved up for was also gone. Your records were still there but some were smashed on the ground and your kitchen was a mess.
“They were probably looking for diamonds or other expensive jewelry,” one of the officers said. “People tend to hide them in their flour.”
“I don’t have any kind of jewelry expensive enough to be stolen,” you shake your head then gasp and run to your bedroom.
“y/n! Wait for us!” Jake calls after you and you look through your clothes again. The dress from Madam Floquet is gone.
“Oh no!” you groan and start to toss hangers with clothes on them behind you. It has to be here, it just has to be.
“Sugar, what’re you–hey, slow down!” Jake’s arms wrap around you, fingers latching around your wrists like a vice until you stop your frantic pillaging. “What are you looking for?”
“My dress! The one you got me, it’s gone! They took that too!”
The clothes in your hand fall to the floor and you bury your face in your hands, Jake’s arms circling around you even tighter.
“No, they didn’t,” he says softly in your ear, “I had Reynolds bring it to my house just for safekeeping.”
“It is?”
“Yes, it wasn’t stolen. Was there anything else missing from your room?”
“I don’t think so,” you whisper.
“Miss, could you write down your statement?”
Jake sat with you at the kitchen table while you wrote down the incident with a shaky hand. When the officers left, you stared around your small house now in a disarray and your door hanging from its hinges. Thinking of other possibilities that could have happened if you were here sent a shiver down your spine but makes you come to a decision.
You look at Jake, his green eyes alert even with the dark circles under his eyes again. Why does it seem like he never sleeps? Before you could catch it, a tear rolled down your cheek.
“What?” he asks, swiping it away with his thumb.
“Okay… I’ll move in with you.”
“Are you sure?” His eyebrows raise.
“I’m sure. This…was an eye opener. What if it happens again while I’m sleeping? You’re right, it’s not safe here but I can’t afford anywhere else. And you are closer to where Betty is.”
“Thank you,” he sighs taking both of your hands in his. “I’m so sorry this happened, Sugar. I’ll get you a new record player–the same one. And don’t worry about packing or anything like that, I’ll take care of everything.”
He brings your hands up, kissing the knuckles, and for the first time since meeting him, you fully trust that he will take care of everything.
And he did. Within twenty minutes after the break-in, he had movers at your place and they began packing up all your belongings. You watched and listened while he instructed where certain things would go in his house. Reynolds was also there to help but he mainly stayed by you to keep you company while Jake orchestrated the moving process.
When all was said and done, he leaned against your broken door frame watching you as you walked through your now empty house. This was your first big purchase as an adult, as a way of freedom of living on your own. You chose the color of the walls, the decorations in the bathroom and now it’s empty, barren.
Jake held out his hand as you circled back. Seeing his hand outstretched felt like a new beginning, a second chance and you were finally ready to accept his help so you took his hand and followed him out into the night. Although, it was nearing five o’clock in the morning.
Although you’ve been here before, he gave you another tour and you saw more Texas decor throughout the house. There were pictures of his family everywhere, he had two sisters who were married and a niece and nephew.
“I’d tell you about them but you look like you’re about to pass out on me, Sugar. Let’s get you to bed.”
You followed him up the stairs and into your room. The fake tree you remembered from last time had twinkly lights that were lit up and you saw your belongings from your old room in here.
“I made sure your clothes were placed in the closet and the dressers, you can rearrange them however you’d like. If you need anything at all, my room is at the very end of the hall.”
“Okay. Thank you, Jake, for everything,” you tell him.
“You’re welcome. Now, get some sleep.”
The first official night after the break-in was hard. You tossed and turned because you felt like a stranger in his house and bed even though you’d slept in it before. Eventually, you did fall asleep and that was the first time you dreamt of Jake.
It was like a dream within a dream, it felt so familiar like it had happened before. Can you have deja vu in a dream?
In the dream, you were at a wedding with Serena sitting next to you and a song came on. Jake appeared in front of you wearing a dark gray suit.
“Did you request this?” dream you smiled at him as he held out his hand.
“Maybe,” he grinned then pulled you against him. You danced to the song feeling complete and whole and just right in his arms.
Then you woke up wondering what song you could have been dancing to that was deemed special for you and him? He left sweet notes for you in the morning before work with a fresh pot of coffee and a muffin that Rhea would make for you who you found out was his housekeeper. She’s a lovely woman in her mid-fifties and talked about Jake like he was her own son.
He still hasn’t talked about his family yet but maybe he’s waiting for you to ask on your own.
Since you moved in with him, he made sure he was done with work so he could pick you up from the flower shop and you could both see Betty together. With Jake being out of state again for a few days, Reynolds has taken up his position of driving you around again.
This is the first time you’re seeing Betty without Jake and you decide to open up to her about Jake and what your situation with him really is about. So you told her about him paying for her medical bills, moving in with him, the break-in. You didn’t tell her these things in the first place because you didn’t want to upset her in her condition but she took it in stride, she’s a very resilient woman.
“Well, Dolly, it seems like he really has feelings for you.”
“But why have me sign paperwork and pay for everything? I have such a hard time understanding.”
“Maybe he grew up seeing love like that. Does he come from a rich family?”
“I don’t know, I just found out he has two sisters and a niece and nephew. We’ve never really talked about his family yet.”
“All you can do is ask. It also might be a way to protect his own heart, and I know you keep yours locked and guarded in a high tower.”
“You really think he has feelings for me?”
“Honey, I haven’t seen anyone look at you the way he does since your grandpa looked at me.”
“Really?” You’re blown away because your grandpa looked at your grandma like she created the universe. “Tell me how you two met again.”
She explains how she first saw John at an ice cream shoppe with her mother. He was the handsomest man she ever saw in her life and she went back to that ice cream shoppe day after day until he finally bought her a cherry cola. They then went to the drive-in a lot, other diners and was told his family had lots of money.
That part wasn’t true but Betty didn’t care, they loved each other like crazy and were married within eight months of first meeting.
“Give Jake a chance, Dolly.”
“But what about–”
“Stop thinking and go with what you feel. Don’t think, do what your heart tells you. Promise me?”
“I promise.”
“When does he come home?”
“Tonight I think,” you sigh looking at your Apple watch. It was a ‘Welcome Home’ gift from him that was placed on your nightstand a few days after you moved in. You appreciated the discreet way he gave it and it did come in handy while you were at the shop working.
“And when is the Navy ball?”
“This Saturday. I’m so nervous, grandma. What if I make a fool of myself in front of his squad?”
“I’m sure you won’t, and I’m sure Jake will be by your side the whole time.”
She dozes off after that. You kiss her cheek and then go home. You hear splashing as you get out of the car in the driveway and you notice Jake’s truck is parked in the middle garage. Your heart leaps knowing he’s home.
“Have a good night, Reynolds,” you smile to him with the window rolled down. He winks then pulls out of the driveway and you head inside.
It’s dark in the house except for the underlights of the cabinets in the kitchen. The back door is slid open and you hear more splashing. You find Jake doing laps in the pool, his body aglow in the aquamarine lights. You watch him glide under the water fluidly for two laps, coming up halfway each time to catch a breath then descending into the water again.
You kick off your shoes, stepping carefully to one end of the pool while he’s at the other and wait until he comes to the halfway mark for air.
“Welcome home,” you call as soon as his head pops up. His eyes open and he smiles widely at you.
He swims to you quickly then stops in front of your legs that you’re lightly kicking in the water. He grabs hold of your moving ankles rubbing the inside of them with his thumbs.
“You’ve no idea how much I like hearing you say that, Sugar,” he pants, catching his breath from the swim.
“Feels like home when you’re here. When did you get back?”
“A couple hours ago,” his fingers tickle up and down your calves now. It gives you goosebumps. “Were you with Betty?”
“Mhm.”
The tickling of his fingers feels nice and it’s taking all your concentration to focus on your breathing.
“How is she?”
“Good. Still in pain and tired. She says hello.”
“I’ll come with you when you go see her again.”
“She’ll like that. How come you’re swimming?”
“It helps clear my head,” he lowers his head into the water and blows bubbles. “You can join me if you want. Birthday suits are highly recommended.” He wiggles his eyebrows playfully.
“Yeah?” you laugh then scratch your nose. “I don’t think so.”
“Can’t blame a man for trying. Do you want a pedicure?”
“Are you offering?”
“To pay, yes,” he nods, then tickles your toes.
“Jake! That tickles!” you shriek, jerking your legs but he keeps tickling. The quick movements of your legs makes water splash on your shorts and shirt then you’re both laughing.
“Okay, okay, I’m done,” he chortles. He stops tickling but keeps his grip on your ankles, his thumbs returning to the soft circles between your feet and along the arch.
He cocks his head to the side gazing up at you. Whenever he cocks his head that means trouble.
“Do you make those sounds just when you’re being tickled or from…other activities?”
“Other activities?” it’s your turn to cock your head.
“Nevermind, Sugar,” he shakes his head, lips quivering into a smirk. Then he rests his chin on your knee. “You’re just tempting me, that’s all.”
“Tempting you? How? I’m not doing anything.”
“That’s the worst part. You don’t even realize…I can only imagine what it’d be like if you were actively trying to tempt me. I’m already a goner.”
He’s staring at you with those hypnotic green eyes, he rolls his head so his cheek is pressed to your kneecap. His breath is warm on your skin and his hands continue to dance up and down your legs, going higher and slower each time.
“I know what you mean.”
The words were out of your mouth before you could even think to stop. You clap your hand over your lips hoping he didn’t hear it but of course he did because now he’s smirking.
“Yeah? Are you saying I tempt you, Sugar?”
“I’m saying…I…” you suck in a gasp when he presses his lips to the inside of your knee. His eyes still laser focused on you as he did so. “I-I understand what you mean.”
“That’s all?” he moves to your left knee, kissing you there as well. “Is this okay?”
His hands are on your calves and he pulls your legs apart a bit. You nod at his question. So with his lips still pressed to your knee, he gives small kisses around the circumference. They feel like little fish kisses, small pulses of his lips on your skin. He does the same thing to your right knee then he’s pulling himself out from the water to his full height.
Water droplets cascade down his body, your eyes follow one that rolls down his cheek and jawline onto his neck then over his chest and toned stomach before disappearing into the waistband of his swim trunks. You gulp, this is the first time you’ve seen him shirtless and what a sight it is. He’s standing between your opened legs and you feel his hip bones, your toes grazing against his calves under the water. This is the closest skin on skin contact you’ve had with him ever.
“Give me the word, Sugar,” his voice pulls your gaze back up to his eyes. He steps closer, crowding your space with his arms. His fingers slide up your thighs then rests his palms on the concrete beside you. “And I’m all yours.”
His pelvis is pressed against yours now, you can feel the coolness of the pool water but also the warmth radiating from his body and your head is spinning. Being this close to him is making your clothes wet and you clench your thighs.
“I…”
“Remember what I said at our first dinner together? How I said I could have pleasured you in your pretty flower shop?”
All you can do is nod because of course you remember it.
“Good. I gotta get out now, though. I’m all pruny, see?” he holds his hand up between you, his fingertips grazing the side of your breast as he does so.
You don’t even have time to look down and see because he’s backing away. A braver version of you would yank him back between your legs and kiss him, asking–no–begging him to show you exactly what he meant about pleasuring you. But you’re not at that brave version yet so you watch him walk through the water and use the steps to get out.
You have a nice few of his back muscles flexing as he runs his fingers through his wet hair. Your stomach flutters and you’re wondering how he could be so damn attractive. Jake pads across the concrete until he’s in front of you, his hand held out. You take it, feeling the water run down your arm as he helps you stand up.
“Want to watch a movie and order takeout?”
Will you be home for dinner tonight?” Jake asks Friday morning while you’re gathering your coffee and muffin. He’s sitting at the island with his tablet reading the news.
“Probably not. I’ve still got a bunch to do for this wedding tomorrow,” you sigh. Rhea hands you our lunch bag. “Thanks Rhea.”
“I added another muffin for dessert,” she smiles then picks up her cleaning supplies and heads into the dining room.
“You’ve been coming home late every night, last night I didn’t hear you until almost one a.m….” he frowns and crosses his arms.
“Yeah, it’s a big order. Me and Serena are working around the clock with Dom and Brynne helping out when they can. They’ve been working on a funeral arrangement.”
“Do you have to set it up for the wedding tomorrow?”
“Nope, they’ll take care of it. They know I’ve got the Navy ball with you tomorrow,” you smile then try to stifle a yawn but it escapes. You feel even more tired when the yawn finishes.
He stands up from his side of the island moving in front of you, bending a little to peer at your face more closely. His palms cup your cheeks as his thumbs brush under your eyes.
��How much sleep have you gotten?”
“I dunno,” you shrug and try to suppress another yawn. “Maybe five hours?”
“Five hours all week?”
“No, five hours last night. My mind kept me up on what I all needed to finish today.”
“You need your sleep, Sugar,” his fingers thread in your hair massaging the base of your neck. You let out a contented sigh.
“I’ll get it when the wedding’s done and Betty’s out of rehab. I told her we’d see her tomorrow before the ball, she wants to see my dress.”
“I’ll make sure we head there first before we go to the party,” he smiles and continues massaging your neck. “I set up a mani pedi for you tomorrow at eleven. Would you like me to call someone to do hair and makeup for you or would you like to do that yourself?”
“You have a hair and makeup person?” you tease but you’re feeling so relaxed with his neck massage.
“Yes, I do,” he smiles.
“Sure, that could be fun. Then I know I won’t look like a clown.”
“You never look like a clown. Promise me you’ll take an hour lunch today?”
“I’ll try.”
“You drive me crazy,” he sighs and removes his fingers from your neck.
“You do give good massages,” you turn your neck from side to side.
“That wasn’t even the full experience, darlin’. Have a good day at work.”
At midnight, you heard rumbling outside and then seconds later rain was downpouring on the windows. You sigh as you mark down on your clipboard a final count of the centerpieces in the fridge. You sent Reynolds home hours ago telling him you’d catch the bus promising you wouldn’t be too late. You broke that promise but you wanted to make sure the wedding arrangements were perfect because it was a shotgun wedding and the couple was desperate.
They insisted on paying double for the short notice and thankfully their request wasn’t anything too crazy. Lots of roses and lilies with pearls added throughout. Serena called it at eleven and you let Brynne and Dom go home early since they’ll be up early to set up for the wedding.
Being alone in the shop was your favorite because then you could crank your music up to as loud as you wanted without disturbing anyone.
Your watch started to vibrate and when you looked to see who was calling, an instant smile appeared because it was Jake.
“You’re up late,” you answer when you pick up your phone.
“Because you’re not home. Are you almost done?”
“Almost, just have to finish cleaning things up and I’ll be home. But it started raining and I don’t want to walk in the rain to the bus stop…”
“No need for the bus stop.”
“What do you mean?”
“Can you open the door? I’m getting soaked.”
Your mouth opens in confusion and you look to the front door where sure enough, Jake is standing there getting drenched by the onslaught of rain. You run to the front of the shop and unlock the door, Jake rushes in.
“What are you doing here?”
“Reynolds told me you sent him home and when I saw the forecast I didn’t want you walking in the rain at midnight. Especially after what happened at your house. And,” he holds up a wet to-go bag. “I brought you dinner.”
“Wow, you didn’t have to–I mean, thank you,” you smile taking the wet bag from him. “I have some towels in the back, I’ll go get them so you can dry off. Alexa, turn the volume down to three.”
You set the bag on your desk then open the door to the bathroom where you have fluffy towels. You wash your hands so much throughout the day you want to have a soft way to dry them off.
When you walk back out, Jake has lifted his hoodie off and because of the rain, it caused his t-shirt to cling to it. You got another great peek at his tanned and toned stomach, a happy trail disappearing into his jeans.
Pull yourself together, you scolded yourself.
“Here you go,” you hold out the towels to him. He uses it for his hair immediately, scrubbing at it fiercely. His hair is sticking up in all directions when he’s finished and you giggle.
“You finish cleaning up and I’ll put the spread out,” he says.
“Okay, the bag is on my desk in the back. There’s a mini fridge with soda and water.”
“I actually brought some wine. Thought you might like it after your busy week.”
“Wine sounds wonderful,” you smile.
He sidles past you behind the counter, your chests bumping and he pauses.
“Hi, by the way,” he says, green eyes glittering. He has a boyish grin and it makes him even cuter.
“Hi,” you giggle. “I have a comb in the bathroom if you’d like to fix your hair.”
“You don’t like my crazy hairstyle? I was thinking of wearing it like this tomorrow.”
“You’d turn heads for sure, but I like it like this.” You reach up to comb your fingers in his hair, pulling it down over his forehead. With his hair being wet it makes it more manageable to move it how you want it to. “There.”
“Thank you.”
His voice is sweet and his eyes are soft staring down at you. You’re caught in his green eyes, anticipating some kind of moment happening but then a loud crack of thunder jolts the moment away. He clears his throat then moves back into your office.
You’re humming along to Dean Martin as he sings From the Bottom of My Heart while you finish cleaning up. You sweep away fallen petals and thorns then start to dance a little with the broom when Frank Sinatra’s That’s Life starts to play. This is Betty’s playlist you play for her whenever she’s in the shop and when you spin around you slam into Jake’s body.
“Oh!”
“I’m a better partner than a broom.”
He takes the broom out of your hand bringing you into his arms in one quick sweep. His hand is warm on your lower back and then you’re dancing, following his footwork easily.
“What about the food?”
“The food can wait, let’s dance for a moment. Practice for tomorrow,” he smiles.
You dance around the small front of your shop, Dean Martin transitioning into Roberta Flack’s The First Time Ever I saw Your Face plays and you can’t help thinking what a magical moment this is.
Moments like this don’t happen to you; dancing with a handsome man while it’s raining outside to old music? You must be dreaming.
“I like this playlist,” he comments, spinning the two of you.
“It’s for Betty. This was my grandpa and her song. They would dance all the time and I always loved to watch them.”
“Did they ever dance in the shop like this?”
“All the time,” you smile, “there’s a picture of them dancing on my desk.”
“Sounds like they had a great love.”
“They did.”
“What about you?”
“What about me?”
“Have you had any great loves?”
“I thought I did but…it didn’t work out.”
“How come?”
“He found someone else, someone better.”
“I highly doubt that, there’s no one better than you.”
“You’re just saying that,” you shake your head.
“I’m not. You’re the kindest, sweetest person I’ve ever known. You work your ass off with no recognition even though you deserve it and you always exude this…lightness. Like you have a shine of happiness radiating from you.”
You duck your head and stare at his dog tags hanging over his shirt.
“Don’t do that.”
“What?”
“Look down or away whenever I compliment you. One day I’m going to have you see yourself the way I see you.”
You don’t know what to say to that so you continue to stare at his dog tags, your eyes tracing the letters of his name.
“y/n.”
“Hmm?” you force yourself to shift your eyes up to look at him and he’s so close.
So close that you can see little freckles on his nose and speckles of yellow in his green eyes.
“Do you…” he swallows hard. “Do you want to–”
“Do I want to…what?” you ask slowly. His eyes are hypnotic and this is the moment where a kiss is supposed to happen.
Will it?
“Do you want to–” thunder cracks and you both jump –”um, do you want to go eat now?”
“Oh, uhh, yeah. I could eat.”
You stop dancing, grab the broom and move back to your office. You eat the takeout and ask him questions about what to expect at the ball. Even though a kiss didn’t happen, it was still a very good night.
It wasn’t until you were laying in your bed that you realized why he didn’t kiss you. He said the ball was in your court, you were in charge, and he was waiting for you to say the words.
Or, a little voice in your head whispers, is he waiting for you to sign the papers?
You woke up at eleven Saturday morning and found a note from Jake stating that Reynolds is waiting for you when you’re ready to get coffee and take you to your nail appointment. Next to the note was a peach begonia in a small vase with a couple inches of water. Another small note lays under the vase and read ‘found this on the floor in your shop. It made me think of you.--Jake’
You quickly got dressed in comfy clothes and found Reynolds waiting for you in the kitchen. You’re completely relaxed while your nails are getting done, the hand and foot massage really felt wonderful especially after being so busy on your feet at work.
When you get back to the house, a woman with red and orange hair plaited in a French braid is waiting in the kitchen. Tattoos are scattered on her arms in a random way but they look good in their placements and she has a septum piercing.
“You must be y/n. I’m Inez and I’ll be doing your hair and makeup!” she smiles.
When you get closer you see she has purple contacts in and she’s easily the coolest person you’ve ever met.
She gushes about your nails then has you sit down in her chair.
“Don’t worry about Jake taking a peek, I banned him for a few hours until it’s time to go. This is so exciting, I’ve never met any of his girlfriends before. And I like you, you have a good vibe about you.”
Your cheeks warm at the mention of being called his girlfriend but you don’t correct her. You don’t think she needs to know this is all part of an arrangement. You listen with intrigue as she fixes your hair in an elegant style about the many celebrities she’s met in her job. Who her favorites were and who she’d rather not work with again.
She wouldn’t let you look at yourself in the mirror until you had your dress on so she helped you put it on. As Inez did the buttons you suddenly got very nervous about going to the ball.
“How’re you feeling, toots?” she asks doing some adjustments to your hair.
“Nervous. What if I don’t fit in?”
“You look like a bombshell, and who needs to fit in? He’s bringing you for a reason which is big for him, he usually goes stag to work events.”
“Really? Why’s that?”
“Never had the right person to bring,” she smiles. “Okay, I’m ready to have you look at yourself.”
She takes you into your closet and you don’t even recognize yourself in the mirror. Inez made your eyes look somehow fierce and delicate at the same time and your hair! You’ve never felt this good about how you look before.
“Wow,” you breathe and turn around to see the back of the dress, the diamonds cascading like frozen water.
There’s a knock at your door and Inez goes to answer it. Reynolds appears behind you in the mirror, a big smile on his face.
“You look incredible, Miss y/n,” he says.
“Thank you,” you smooth out the front of your dress. “Is it time to go?”
“Almost. Jake is downstairs waiting for you whenever you’re ready.”
“I think she’s ready,” Inez gives you an encouraging smile.
You follow her out of your room, Reynolds’ trailing behind, and the butterflies are back in your stomach because Jake is going to see you now. You chew on the inside of your cheek as you descend the stairs, eyes on your feet so you don’t miss a step and take a tumble. When you’re finally on a flat surface, you look up and your breath is taken away.
He’s wearing his Navy dress blues and this is the first time you’ve seen him in something other than his khakis. His wings glimmer in the light and he’s clean shaven with his hair styled perfectly. He’s so very handsome.
“Sugar…as I live and breathe,” he drawls, his voice like honey. “You’re breathtaking.”
“Thank you,” you reply shyly.
“I have something for you,” he says then reaches into his jacket pocket. He pulls out a Tiffany blue box.
You’ve never seen one in real life and now he’s placing one in your palm. With shaking fingers, you undo the white satin bow and lift off the lid. There’s another small blue box and when you pop it open you see earrings in the shape of leaves with small diamonds embedded.
“I thought earrings would be best since a necklace would be hard to wear with the neckline,” he says.
“Jake, these are…wow. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful,” you shake your head.
“I have,” he smiles at you. “Would you like to try them on?”
You nod and he holds the box in his palm so you can remove the earrings from the cushion. They’re cold on your lobes and feel a bit heavier than what you’d normally wear but they fit nicely.
“How do they look?” you ask him.
“Stunning,” he smiles. “Come look.”
He moves you in front of the mirror in the hall and they really complete the look of your dress.
“I love them, thank you so much,” you tell him.
“Are we ready to go?” Reynolds asks.
“Here’s your clutch, it has your phone and ID,” Inez hands it to you. “Have a great time! I want to hear all about it over lunch next week, okay?”
Jake guides you outside to Reynolds’ car with his fingers brushing the small of your back. He helps you in the seat being careful not to sit or place his foot on the slit of your dress. Which, now that you’re sitting, has fallen away from your thigh and you’re a little more exposed. Not too much but just enough to be promiscuous.
True to his word, you visit Betty before going to the ball and when she sees you she starts to cry. Tears prick in your own but you don’t want to ruin your makeup so you blink them away as best you can. She wishes you both to have a wonderful time and can’t wait to hear all about it when you visit again.
Nerves settled in your stomach on the drive to the venue but Jake took your hand, easily guiding you to the entrance. You saw all sorts of good looking people waiting outside, both in uniform and not and you wondered if it was a prerequisite to have good looks in order to join the Navy.
Some greeted Jake as he walked by, using his callsign or just his last name. Some of them were lingering their stares on you and you touched your face in case you had something on it.
It wasn’t until you were waiting to get inside to the main hall that you asked Jake why people were staring.
“They’re staring at you,” he murmurs. “You’re the most beautiful person here.”
“Jake, there’s tons of beautiful people here, including you.”
“But you’re a new type of beautiful, everyone knows everyone here already. They’re jealous you’re here with me, that’s all.”
He pinched your cheek affectionately.
The ball is literally being held in a ballroom and it’s a beautiful space with a grand marble staircase. Circular tables are set up at the bottom of the stairs where waiters and waitresses are walking around with trays of champagne and appetizers. This is a very fancy party.
You chat and mingle with people along the way to your table, Jake making you feel included every time. He pulls out your chair before you sit down and you read over the menu in its looped script. There’s seven courses, each one sounding better than the last.
“Hey Bagman!”
There’s a commotion to your left and two people are standing behind Jake. One is a woman in a beautiful red gown and the other is a man with glasses. He’s in Navy dress blues too.
“Is this Bradshaw’s date?” the woman asks, indicating to you.
“Bradshaw can dream. No, she’s my date. This is y/n,” Jake smiles when he says your name. ‘y/n, this here is Phoenix and Bob.”
“Nice to meet you,” you reply politely.
“You can call me Natasha. Sorry, another one of our friends has been bragging about how hot his date is so I just assumed. We’ve heard a lot about you, sorry you got stuck with Bagman as your date.”
“I thought you were called Hangman,” you look at him quizzically.
“I am. Phoenix has her own nickname for me,” he side eyes her and she just smiles.
“I bet Rooster’s date doesn’t even exist,” Bob says. You note his southern accent and wonder if he’s from Texas like Jake.
“You’re probably right, Bobby. He can’t land any woman with that atrocity on his top lip. Is Coyote here yet?”
“Almost. I bet he and the missus got stuck in traffic,” Natasha/Phoenix laughs.
“We’re gonna grab some drinks,” Bob says, “you two want anything?”
“Moscato for her and whisky for me,” Jake says.
“Be right back,” Bob smiles.
“Are they together?” you ask Jake when they’re out of earshot.
“Nat and Bob? No, Sugar, they’re just co-pilots.”
“Oh.”
“How’re you feeling?” he asks, placing his hand over yours on the table. His eyes show slight concern.
“I’m okay, still nervous to meet all your friends.”
“They’re harmless. They talk a big talk but don’t mean anything by it. They’re going to love you.”
He lifts your hand in his so he can kiss the back of it, his lashes fluttering.
As the night goes on you meet more of his friends, Coyote, Payback, Fanboy and Rooster. You met some of his commanding officers, Hondo and Maverick included, who gave you warm hugs, amongst others that you tried to remember. It was a lot of people but they were very friendly and had plenty of jabs towards Jake. He took them in stride but it made you wonder if their jabs did sting him a little bit.
Dinner was full of conversation, questions mainly pointed at you and about your flower shop. Then Rooster remembered you were the florist for Maverick and Penny’s wedding. Drinks were flowing so you assumed his next question was due to the alcohol being consumed.
“How much did Hangman pay you to be his date? He’s never brought a girl to one of these before,” Rooster jokes.
“Rooster,” Jake’s jaw ticks. He rests his hand on yours under the table, threading your fingers together. “Don’t.”
“What? I know there’s dating services if you need a date. Like if you don’t want to show up to your exes wedding alone, or a family reunion. No way she’d come here willingly with you.”
“Clearly you didn’t pay yours enough because she’s not here with you, is she now?” Jake arched an eyebrow, his tone steely.
You’ve never seen him like this before but the table laughs quietly. This must be routine for Jake and Rooster.
“She’s sick,” Rooster insists, then shifts his eyes to you. “How much did he pay you to be—“”
“Bradshaw! That’s enough,” Jake’s voice is severe and the table goes quiet.
“All right, all right,” Rooster rolls his eyes and leans back against his chair. “I’m only teasing.”
You remained quiet during the whole exchange. Did his friends know this wasn’t really real? What has he told his friends about you? Do they know this is fake, that you’re fake?
“Let’s go dance, Sugar.”
Jake stands up and you follow him with your hands joined together. You follow him to the dancefloor and he takes you in his arms. You can feel him shaking slightly in anger.
“I’m sorry about Rooster. We’ve always had a tense relationship and sometimes it goes too far. None of them know. I promise,” his eyes are serious but you see sadness there too.
“Why do you let them talk to you like that?”
“I’ve said way worse to them, trust me. It’s how we are, always has been,” he shrugs.
“Do they think you’re not good enough to date or something?”
“They’ve known me for a long time and have seen me when I was at my worst.”
“We’ll, I don’t like it,” you squeeze his shoulder. “They make you sound like a bad guy and you’re not.”
“I used to be. They’ve seen I changed but old habits die hard.”
“Hm,” you grunt.
He smiles at your distaste then spins you away from him. He catches you in his arms then dips you which makes you smile and laugh. You see his friends staring at you upside down before Jake pulls you back up.
“They’re seeing how you bring out a different side of me.”
“Are you showing off?”
“Maybe,” he shrugs then winks.
He dips you again and you fall into him laughing, this time people around you clapped at the move. The song changed to The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and you stare at him in shock. You had an odd sense of deja vu then remembered your dream and you gasped.
“What is it?” he asks, gliding along the floor.
“Um,” you move your hand up behind his neck, fingers clinging to the short strands of his hair. “Nothing, just…did you ask them to play this song?”
“I might’ve suggested the DJ play this after I dipped you twice,” he nods. He tightens his hold on your lower back, his hand is warm on your bare skin. Then you feel the gentle circle of his fingertip on your skin and it only prompts you closer to him.
“Why?” you’re whispering now, your faces are close.
“Because the lyrics fit well with how I feel about you. I see the sun rise in your eyes everytime I look at you.”
You want to hide your face at his sweet words but you remember what he said at the pool and fight your inhibitions. So instead, you bite your lip. Jake brings his hand that’s holding yours in between you so he can tug your lip from your teeth.
“What are you thinking?” he asks softly, thumb still rubbing over your lower lip.
“I…I’m thinking I want…” you search his eyes as if the words you’re trying to say are there. Then you heard the lyrics of Robert Flack and it gives you the courage to ask, “Kiss me, Jake?”
He smiles softly, and when he moves his head down you close your eyes. You feel his soft breath first then his lips touch yours so delicately it instantly has you craving more but he kisses you slowly. You’re not sure how your feet are still moving with him but your lips are doing a new dance and when his tongue slips inside you sigh. You bring both hands into his hair while he grabs your waist.
You press yourself against him, loving how his lips feel. You feel it all the way down to your toes, nevermind you’re in a crowded room of people watching you. Kissing Jake is thrilling and new but also feels like home. You feel like you could fly.
You faintly hear a throat clearing but you keep kissing him, smiling a little as he nibbles on your lip. Then the throat clearing is a bit louder.
“Beat it, Phoenix,” Jake murmurs and continues kissing you.
“y/n’s phone is blowing up and I think it’s an emergency,” Phoenix says.
That causes you both to tear away, his eyes mirror the worry in yours and you’re running to the table. It’s missed calls from the rehab center Betty is at. It starts to ring again but you’re frozen.
“Let me,” Jake takes the phone from you easily. “Hello? She’s here with me, she was scared to answer the phone, what’s going on?”
You watch his face for any sign of your worst fear coming true but as he listens to whoever is on the phone, his face relaxes. He gathers your clutch and his phone from the table.
“Do we need to take her? Okay, we’ll be there shortly,” he hangs up then cups your cheeks in his hands.
“What–what–” your voice is shaking.
“An ambulance is taking Betty to the emergency room,” he says very slowly, his eyes steady on yours but you pull away in a panic. His hands are strong on your cheeks and you remain in between them. “Listen to me, Sugar. They found blood in her stool and that’s why they’re transporting her. The hospital will be able to help her faster. Okay?”
“Okay,” you whisper. You cling onto his wrists.
“Do you want to go home and change or go right there?”
“Right there,” you continue to whisper.
“I’ve got you, all right?” He kisses your forehead then grabs your hand. “Let’s go.”
You rush out of the ballroom with him, leaving the precious life-altering kiss on the dancefloor and head toward another life-altering moment.
416 notes
·
View notes