Granville Island

Chapter 12 

Jack Calls Me..

“I’m headed to Starbucks do you want to meet me there?” Penny’s voice is strained and short of breath, I know she’s walking at a fast pace, as she talks on her phone.

“Yes, I’m just about out the door.” I chirp back.

Grabbing my keys I run out the door to meet my best-got-your-back-girlfriend ever. I sense today will be a better day!

“Lib, over here.”

I slip through the starbuckians standing in line and make my way to penny’s table.

“Hi!”

“Hi! What happened to you last night?”

“What? What do you mean?” I called and Chris said you weren’t home.”

“I was home I just think I must have fallen asleep fast.”

“So what did you think?”

“Think about what?” my voice is heavy with guilt.

“About Rick silly.” She gives me a why are you acting so weird look.
My phone rings, picking it up, I don’t recognize the number but, I answer any way.

“Hello?”

“Hello Miss Whyte, what happened to you this morning? I woke up and you were gone?” His voice is soft and low. Shit, I never thought he would call me today.

“Oh! Hi,” I stammer, looking up at Penny. “I…I…just a minute it’s loud here.”
“Penny,” I cover the mouth piece, “I’m going to take this outside, and it’s my lawyer.”

“Ok.”

I make my way to the curb, swallow and clear my throat of the incredibly large lump of nervousness that has just entered.

“Hi! I couldn’t sleep.”

“You should have waked me then and maybe I could help you sleep. At least I could have given you a ride home, baby.” There it is again “Baby”, a sweet endearment, melting me, making my legs feel like hot candle wax. Wow.

“I didn’t want to wake you.”

“Next time wake me. When can I see you again?”

“See me!?”

“Yes, when... can... I... see... you?” His voice slows and he deliberately enunciates every word. “Is there a bad connection?”

“I work tomorrow, all day and Tuesday morning at the gallery,” I answer breathless. Wow he wants to see me again; I never would have dreamed this in a million years.

“Today then, maybe this afternoon we could go to Granville Island Market.”

“Today?” Wow so soon!? I do a quick scan of my scheduled events in my head and come up with nothing.

“Do we have a bad connection? Maybe you need a new phone. Yes, today.”

“Ok, today at…”

“One.” He cuts me short.  “I’ll pick you up at one.”

“I’ll meet you there.”

“No, I’ll pick you up at one.”

“Ok but, I’m not so easy the second time around,” closing my eyes, I bang my palm on the forehead, what did I say that for? I’m such an idiot. “I mean, no…”

“I’ll behave Piccione. Promise,” he interrupts like he knows my thought. “I’ll see you at your place at one.”

“Ok. Bye. Oh wait what did you call me? Joanie?”

“Piccione, it’s Italian for dove. Ciao.”

“Ciao,” I whisper, feeling enchanted. I hurry back inside to finish my conversation with Penny.

“Sorry, I needed to take that.”

“Good news I hope.”

“Great news,” feeling flushed.

“Good, more money?  Anyways as I was saying at 12:30 Drew and I are meeting Rick for brunch and….”

“Penny!” I protest.

“I thought you could join us. Come on, doesn’t Sunday brunch sound fabulous?”

“No! I’m not going out with him.”

“It’s just brunch.”

“No!”

“Oh come on Lib.”

“NO!”

“So you’re going to be a nun for the rest of your life?”

“Penny, I’m not interested.”

“Ok, I better get going, it’s eleven thirty.” She  glances at her watch.

“Ok, thanks for the offer Penny; I really do appreciate your caring, just not with Rick. See you later.”

“Bye.”

       I shower, shave my legs, under arms, and pluck my eye brows, while I reminisce about the night before.

“whooo!” I call out loud.  I imagine Jack in front of me and I feel for the first time desire. “Mm, wow he wants to see me again!”

“Libby did you say something?” Chris bangs on the door.

“Oh, no I was just singing.” Flushed I turn off the shower and dry off. I decide on a flowing flowery skirt, a sleeveless white v neck shirt and strappy little sandals. I pull my brown mane of hair into a careless ponytail to leave my neck exposed just in case and I wish I had a better underwear selection. Note to self, buy some fancy underwear. Well at least my legs are smooth.

He arrives, buzzes the intercom and I race to door. There he is standing in a casual white polo shirt, velvety soft moss green trousers and pair of dark brown sandals, his hair looks windblown. He looks yummy.

“Hi!”

“Hi! You look lovely Elizabeth.”

“Thank you, so do you. I love your sandals.”

“Thank you I just got them, in honor of summer. They are Josef Siebel, Logan sandals. I love shoes with a name. It’s so, personal, ‘Hi, I’m your shoe, Logan and I shall be looking after your feet today’.”

“Logan what a nice name for a sandal. I see you have a different watch on today as well.” I giggle.

“Yes this is a Citizen Eco Drive, my Granville Island watch,” he winks at me. “ Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

“Right this way, Baby.”

“A different car?” I ask the question as though I’m offended but, I’m just surprised.

“Sorry, I have a few and like my shoes and watches I love to collect them and change it up a bit. Oh, I have several motorcycles as well. This is an R8 v10 Spyder. ”

“Oh, Motorcycles too. I’ve never been on one.”

“Next time perhaps.” He smiles sweetly and away we go in his R8 B2 V10 Z7, whatever. I giggle to myself.

It’s busy but, he has a parking spot with the name, Darcy on it and that’s where he park his very expensive car. His own spot, I’m impressed. He takes my hand in his and together we stroll along amongst the venders. Italian sausage, chocolates, beautiful works of art, such a variety of things for sale, I forget sometimes about Granville Island and how fun it can be here. I can hear jazz playing somewhere outside. This is nice holding hands, casually walking together. He’s very sweet and I like how his thumb caresses my thumb.

“Jack is that you?”

We both turn around to see who said that, immediate Jack lets go of my hand and walks over to the woman who was speaking. I watch as his envelopes her in a warm embrace and she hugs him back, adding a kiss to his cheek. I feel a disheartened chill run through me, as my tra-la-la moment starts to disolve. I keep walking until I reach the next booth and when I look again, she reaches up to stroke his face. Angry jealousy heats my face and right now I want to bolt. They look like young lovers in a firm embrace. I look at the exit and slowly start to walk to it, not waiting for anything. I feel so foolish.

 “Libby! Where are you going?”

“Outside.”

“Wait.” He shouts.

I stop walking and wait for him to reach me.

“Hey, are you alright?”

“Fine.”

“Are you sure?” He’s smirking at me, scanning my eyes with his.

“No I’m good.” I give him a meek little grin, to hide my uneasiness. “Who was that, an old girlfriend?”

“No, not an old girlfriend.” He takes my hand and leads me further out the door and now I can hear the jazz loud and clear, Popsicle toes. “Sit,” he moves me so I have no choice but, to sit on a long wooden bench.

“Not old or not a girlfriend?” He sits down beside me and our hips are touching.

“Close your eyes.”

“What?”

“Close your eyes.”

I do as I’m told. I can hear plastic crinkle and a pop of something. Jacks arms are moving and his arm brushes my breast across my nipple and I momentarily distracted.

 “Now open your mouth,” his voice is a little demanding.

“No!” I’m stubborn.

“Open your mouth, Piccione! Trust me, Baby,” his tone softer, with a velvety sweetness.

 Frowning, I slowly open my mouth. Something sweet and soft enters it, deep rich chocolate, moist and delicious. It’s so good on my tongue. It just melts.

“Mm.” I swallow. “That was divine, what was it?”

“Keep your eyes closed. Open your mouth,” he says in almost a hush.

“Ok,” I’m all of a sudden shy with him. Another burst of chocolaty goodness enters my mouth and this time I taste vanilla custard I think. Incredible!

“What do you taste?”

“Can I open my eyes?”

“No”

“I feel silly with my eyes closed.”

“Keep them closed. What do you taste?”

“I taste chocolate and vanilla I think,” impatience heavy in my answer.

 “Well done.” I feel his weight shift as he leans in and kisses me on my lips, delicately sucking a little remaining chocolate off my lips. Then he moves back.

I open my eyes and he’s two inches from me. 

“You’re beautiful.”

“Who was that woman?” trying not to sound pathetic.

 “She helped me tremendously to promote laughing stock.  My turn, you feed me.” He hands me the box and waits.

“Close your eyes.”  He does as I say. Wow, I can just sit here and look at you all day, your strong jaw, and you  tanned neck, little creases like runs on a ladder lead my eyes down to the little hollow at its base, where you  have that sexy hair thing going on at the dip right where your collar bones meet. I would love to undo your shirt right now and put my tongue….

“Elizabeth, I’m waiting.” His voice is low and smooth.

“Open.” Still angry that he just kissed some woman and is not telling me much. I don’t know if I trust you. I hurry to feed him and in my haste I miss my target slightly.  The sweet chocolate morsel falls and with a quick reaction his hand catches it before it hits his shirt. Popping the catch of the day into his mouth, he smiles at me, “Scrumptious!”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to do that,” I speak, barely audible, embarrassment consuming me.

“It’s ok, try again.” His expression is soft and kind.

“What do you mean by not an OLD girlfriend?”

“She’s someone I’ve done business with, that’s all. Hey,” reaching with his hand, he lifts my chin to face him, “trust me. I’m a good guy. Now feed me!” Looking square on at me smiling all the way to his eyes, with those sparkling pools of blue, open and true, I feel I CAN trust him. He’s been candid with me in a very flirty seductive way but, he seems honest. Last night he could have forced me if he wanted but, he didn’t and he called me today to see if I was ok. He even wants to spend time with me imagine that.

“Ok, open.” I take one more piece of cake and spoon it into his waiting mouth but, this time I don’t drop anything, not even a crumb. Pulling the spoon out of his mouth he bites down on the bowl of the spoon and holds me suspended in the moment. Our eyes lock again and I feel like it’s just us, sealed in a crack of time where nothing else matters, just Jack and I.   I’ve never felt this spark before, this bond, not even with Jon.  It feels good. Intimate. He lets go of the spoon and I remain still. My breathing quickens and my heart feels like it’s beating as fast as humming birds wings. He lets go and moves his arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer to him. His body shifts and like a hawk moving in on it prey he kisses me. I give him a welcome reception, opening my mouth and letting him in. I can taste the chocolate on our tongues as I move mine against his. Placing my free hand on his cheek I press hard against him kissing him back. I can hear a faint growl in his throat as he moves his other hand around my waist pulling me even closer. Amplified, I hear my breathing loud in my ears and something else, a sound that shouldn’t be there.

“Libby!?”

As quickly as I recognize my name and the voice saying it, I pull away and turn to face the woman calling my name.

“Penny! Hi!” feeling like a child caught with my hand in the proverbial cookie jar, I know bright scarlet embarrassment glows from my neck all the way up to the tips of my ears.

“Hi yourself. I thought you were busy?” She’s angry.

“No I…I just... Jack. Jack,” turning to look at him, “this is my friend Penny, Penny Conner and her boyfriend Peter Small,” turning back to Penny, This is Jack Darcy.” I swallow hard but, simply cannot move the lump lodged in my throat.

“Hi!” letting go of me he stands, extending his hand towards Penny but she hesitates with her arms crossed and Peter reaches for it instead.

“Hi! Nice to meet you.” They shake while Penny glares at me. “Penny and I were just heading over to Bridges. We’re meeting Rick for lunch.”

“Brunch. We were going to meet Rick for brunch, sorry you couldn’t make it,” she interrupts.

 “Jack and I were just waiting to get into the Emily Carr Institute. We were both waiting to see the new exhibit.”

 Jack give me a peculiar look and I smile back.

 “There is about a 30 min wait,” I explain.

“How nice for you. We better get going, we shouldn’t make Rick wait. Talk to you later,” emphasizing the word talk.

“Ok, nice to meet you Jack,” Penny gives him a unwelcoming look. “See you later lib.”

“Bye”

I can’t move. I know I’ll be meeting up with the inquisition later. She was fuming at me. Shit! I should have told her. Why didn’t I? On another note Jack handled that well.

“Are you ok?” sliding his arm around me.

“Sorry, the guy I was supposed to end up with last night is who’s they’re meeting with right now. Penny is not impressed.”

“The guy from the hockey game?” I nod to confirm and he frowns back. “Oh, ok. I didn’t really like him, anyway, way too bossy. Maybe not ending with him is a good thing.”

“Maybe,” I laughed aloud.

“Seriously, Peter Small? Are you pulling my leg?” He burst out laughing. Peter Small! Wow! That’s too bad.”

“That’s what I said.” Giggling.

“Let’s go for a walk.”

“Ok.”

He slips hi hand over mind my and leads me through the crowd. We walk to a narrow ramp and he pulls me down towards a dock out lined by hundreds of boats.

“I  want to show you my boat. It’s just down here. I promise to behave. Come on, it’ll be fun,” he gives me his sweetest innocent look then winks.

 “It’s right over here,” pointing to a cluster of huge yachts, he tugs my hand towards them.

“You have a boat?” I ask in disbelief.

“Yes, come,” He pulls me by the hand and leads me to the most fabulous boat.

“Wow you own this?” I can’t hide my excitement. His boat is grand.

“Yes, it’s a Leopard 58. I named it the Darcy. It’s a twin haul cruiser.”

He steps onto the boat and turns to help me but, ends up lifting me by the waist and swirls me on board, like I weigh nothing. Setting me down he doesn’t immediately let go, he pauses starring at me and after what seemed forever he kisses me, hard. His hands are tightly wrapped around my ribs and I’m imprisoned by his strength. I have no choice but, to kiss him back and quite frankly, I like it, I’m quite happy to kiss him back. He opens my mouth with his and claims it, exploring every hidden surface. His breath is sweet and his skin smooth. For a brief moment I don’t care if anyone sees us, I’m enjoying this immensely.
Pulling away his eyes hold me still with their sparkle. He is so handsome in an illuminating sort of way. I think I wouldn’t get tired of looking at this face.

“I’m sorry I did promise to behave, but, you’re just so kissable. Come let me give you a tour.”

Taking my hand we start with the upper deck and he explains something about ultra sound something and wind gage but, I’m lost in his face. I can’t believe I’m here with this ultra-uber Adonis. Why? Why has he brought me here?

“And as you can see it is big enough for large parties as well.” He continues to talk but, I’m mesmerized.

We step down to the main level and he keeps with the tour and all I can do is nod and smile hoping he’ll kiss me again.

“And last but, not least in anyway, the galley and sleeping quarters.”

“You can sleep on this boat?” My ears perk up.

“Yes, I sometimes take it over to the Island or up the coast and stay for a few days just fishing and relaxing.”

“Wow. That sounds like fun.” There I go again, wow that sounds like fun. FUN! I really need to work on my language skills.

“That’s a large bed!”

“Yes and unfortunately, I promised to behave.” A smile forms at his lips and then he tenderly cups my jaw.

Looking up at Jack a blush starts to spread from my forehead all the way to my shoulders and I’m instantly embarrassed. Visions of last night creep into my head and I wish he would touch me again.

“Your skin is so lovely like ivory. I love your blush, its sweet. You should have stayed last night.” His voice is silky, it’s like he’s reading my mind.

“Kiss me again.” There I managed to get the thought into words. Did I just say that out loud?

“Are you trying to get me to break my promise, Libby?’

“Maybe.” I’m suddenly shy again.

“Maybe? I’m sorry you’ll have to be surer than just a maybe, Piconni.” Smiling his teeth dazzle and his scent is spicy and sexy.

“Yes I’d like you to break your promise.”

Moving me towards the bed my knees buckle as they touch the edge and I fall back onto bed. I’m already aroused and grabbing for his shirt I pull him on top of me. He bends to kiss me and I’m waiting for him.

He’s delicious. Our tongues entwine and I feel a warm sensation flow through me resting at my belly. Undoing the first button on his shirt, I’m over excited, with the feeding me on the bench and that kiss, I was more than ready and I want to rip his clothes off at once.

“Hey,” grabbing my fingers, “Easy we don’t need to rush.”

“I just…”

“Let’s take it slow baby.”

Bending down he kissed me again only its light and he moves up and across my eyes. He slowly kisses my lashes and my eyebrows. It feels heavenly. Balancing on his left elbow he pulls my hair to the side and continues as slow as pond water, kissing and licking my ear lobes, my throat, making his way to my shoulder. His breath is warm as he breathes deeply on my skin.

Moving my blouse to the side he kisses back to the hollow in my neck.

“Lift your arms above your head,” his voice is and seductive. I do as he asks and he pulls my shirt over my head, leaving me almost naked, except for my clinically white eyelet bra.

“What do we have here?” His mouth brushes against my right nipple, my best one. As if a full on attack he engulfs my nipple in his mouth and sucking and tickling until squirm beneath him. Without removing my bra he nips at my breast and the sensation quickens my breathing. I moan out loud at my intense arousal. It feels on fire.

“You promised to behave,” I whisper, feeling a little too easy but, enjoying every minute of this rush.

“I did didn’t I?” He leans back, and stops his barrage on my body, his eyes never leaving mine I lay flat on the bed as my sensations come to an abrupt halt, my body’s ache continues. My mind stumbles through what just happened.

 “Let’s just slow this down, turn on your side Baby. Just lay still Libby.” He softly kisses my hair as he lays down spooning me, the front of his thighs touching the back of mine. I can feel his arousal still present. With one hand I feel him stroking my hair and the other hand slides under my neck, coming to rest across my breasts. That unknown spice of his soap fills my nose. What is he doing? What did I say? Is he turned off? Fuck!

“You ok baby?”

“Yes.” I hear him laugh a little.

The combination of him stroking my hair and the lull of the wake on the boat, I feel as I’m drifting into sleep.

“Piccone, wakeup sleepyhead.”

Opening my eyes, I’m aware we are still on the boat. The light is different, darker. I’m covered in a blanket.

“What time is it?”

“Seven.”

“AM?!”

“PM”

He’s damp, like he’s just had a shower. I can smell his skin, clean and fresh.

“Are you hungry? Would you like to go get some dinner?”

“I should go home.” I manage in a sleepy tone.

“Are you sure? We could grab a bite on the way.”

“My roommate will be worried.”

“Ok, I’ll take you home.” Smiling he reaches for my face, “I enjoyed today. I want to see you again.”

“Ok,” still not really sure what happened earlier.

“Here’s your shirt, I just have to make a phone call.” Leaving the room I suddenly feel over my head. Panic in a small dose holds me and want to go. He’s intense and then nothing. Is that ok?

He takes me to my apartment and walks me to the door. As I’m about to unlock the door he takes my key from me and embraces me.  Letting his lips press against mine I’m tingling all over.

“I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Ok, goodnight.”

“Goodnight beautiful.” Grabbing my head he plants a tender kiss on my forehead and putting the key in the lock he opens the door for me.