Imperfect Love (25 page)

“There are sandwiches in the kitchen, and I bought milk and coffee. I thought you guys might be hungry.” Dani looked very pleased with herself.

Leo, meanwhile, had been entertaining the dog with Sam; he was very playful.

“See, what did I tell you? She’s the best.” Jake winked as he flung a bag over one shoulder and carried another in his hand. “Thank you, Dani. You’re a star.” He gave the old woman a peck on the cheek and walked toward the house.

“Thank you so much,” Holly said, as she too, grabbed one of the smaller pieces of luggage with both hands and put it down on its wheels.

“You’re very welcome. It’s so nice to see that he has someone in his life again.” She sighed.

Holly smiled, because she never knew how to reply when someone said that. “I’m the one who’s lucky. He has been nothing but amazing these past couple of months.”

“That’s our Jake, all right,” Dani concurred. Turning slightly on her heel, she whistled to the lab.

“It’s about time, too,” Bernie put in.

Leo, having heard anything relating to food, was now making his way out of the house with a sandwich in his hand.

Bernie gave him the eye. “There are bags with your name on them, buster.”

Leo took a huge bite of one sandwich while simultaneously laughing. Amazingly enough, he also managed to run to the SUV at the same time, kind of looking like the lab that was running toward Dani.

As Dani made to leave, they thanked her once again and bid her a good day further. The old lady smiled, and then made her way down the driveway and out the gate.

Inside, the house was massive. They walked into a huge living room and open kitchen with a large nook area. Fresh flowers that had been beautifully arranged in eye-catching vases sat proudly on the dining room table situated just behind the lounge.

Family pictures of the Peters’ hung regally on the walls, immediately piquing Holly’s interest. She couldn’t help but have a look. There were many of Jake as a child, and one thing Holly could tell right away was that he’d been a hunk from the minute he was born.

“This Amelia? How old was she?” Holly pointed at a black and white photo of a girl with long, black hair who looked a lot like Jake’s twin, rather than his sister.

Both Leo and Bernie began to laugh hysterically.

“Shut up,” Jake grumbled, turning on his heels and making his way out of the house in order to collect more luggage from the SUV.

“Umm… that’s Jake,” Leo said in a loud voice. “His mother went through a phase where she refused to cut his hair.”

“It’s Jake?” Holly doubled over, almost choking with laughter.

“Hey,”—Jake had returned with another bag, which he was now holding up in the air, whilst gesturing in Holly’s direction with it—“I was a damn beautiful little kid, even though people always referred to me as a cute little girl.”

Leo guffawed. “Was that when she decided to finally have it cut?”

“I think so.”

Leo placated Jake by slapping him on the shoulder. “Be glad, be very glad that that phase is long over, dude.”

“There is nothing wrong with growing your boy’s hair. Not anyone’s fault he was mistaken for a girl. It happens the other way around, too. Or so I’ve been told.” Holly tried to make it sound like it wasn’t the most awful thing in the world to have happen to a little boy.

Bernie tapped her lips with an index finger. “So… are you saying that I can grow Sam’s hair, too?”

“No. It wouldn’t suit Sam,” she quickly corrected.

“That was crazy, Holly,” Bernie said.

“My mom wasn’t crazy, Bernie. She was and still is ‘disturbed’ at times.”

“Oh, please, Jake. Your mom is psycho when it comes to you.”

“She’s not really that bad.”

Looking around suspiciously, Bernie asked, “You sure there are no cameras here?”

“I’m sure, or Dani would’ve said something if there were.”

“See, even you think she’s psycho mom.”

“I never said that.”

“She’s not like that, Bernie,” Holly defended.

“Thank you, sweetheart.” Jake walked over to her and gave her a hug.

“Pft! She has to say that for your benefit. Then again, Holly really has no idea what your mom can be like.”

Jake shook his head. “Don’t listen to her. They never see eye to eye, and I guess it’s because they are both so much alike.”

Leo chortled and gave Jake a high five, something Bernie didn’t appreciate in the least.

“Seriously, Leo? Would you like to sleep outside? ‘Cause you know I can make that happen in the blink of an eye.” Bernie snapped her fingers for good measure.

“Well, funny enough, I noticed that there’s a hammock. I wouldn’t mind.”

Bernie slapped him, but was pulled in by Leo’s arms for a tight hug. “You are not psycho, Bernie my love. We’re only teasing you. However, if you were, you’d be my psycho.” Leo looked extremely chuffed with his statement.

Bernie and Holly gurgled with laughter, but at the back of her mind, Holly couldn’t help but worry about Mara.

What on earth did Bernie know that she didn’t?

THEIR VACATION FLEW BY AT BREAKNECK speed, and each day upon Holly waking up her entire body ached.

Jake was a beast and didn’t seem too worried that there was an almost two-year-old in the house. It had to be said, though, that he was overtly careful.

By the end of the week, they’d almost baptized every room in the house, as well as having had sex twice on the beach, which was so not an amazing experience as sand would end up in the most awkward places. Sex on the beach was not her thing.

Jake’s reasoning was that they were making up for the nights he was going to have to work.

Holly chuckled every time he said so, but dreaded what was to come in any case. She couldn’t imagine only seeing him fortnightly.

Phone sex was definitely going to be on the cards when he started with night shifts.

On the last day of their vacation, Jake took Holly to an upmarket restaurant. She loved the atmosphere the second they walked in. It had the most beautifully laid out tables, draped with white tablecloths and gorgeous pewter cutlery, reminding her of their restaurant back home.

The décor had been done in soft hues and gave off a welcoming feeling, yet it was sleek and showcased numerous beige chairs.

A huge crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, illuminating most of the restaurant. However, further light was provided by a centerpiece on each table; an elaborate wrought iron candelabra holding three candles each.

Waiters were all decked out in tuxedos, no less, and looked like penguins.

As if all of that weren’t enough, Holly’s eyes glanced over the orchestra playing quietly in one corner.

Feeling a tug on her hand, she looked in the direction Jake was leading her toward and gasped at the sight of the table adjacent to one of the huge glass walls. Looking out through the magnificent floor to ceiling windows, it was apparent that the view of the ocean was what they would be sharing that evening.

When they reached their magnificent table, the waiter pulled Holly’s chair out. Nodding her thanks, she sat and was immediately but gently moved forward into position. Confident that she was comfortable, the waiter snapped open a white napkin with much flare and arranged it ever so lightly on her lap. Straightening, he handed Jake the wine list and upon clearing his throat—very elaborately it must be said—he began reciting the restaurant’s wine selection.

It all sounded Greek to Holly, figuratively speaking. There was not a single name she recognized, but that made absolutely no difference as each one sounded super sexy, especially when Jake made a selection in a language that sounded like Italian. When the waiter left them, Jake took Holly’s hand gently in his.

“This place is gorgeous,” she complimented, shyly.

“Not as gorgeous as you,” he replied, winking, making her blush.

Holly didn’t think she would ever be able to get used to all that was Jake.

He chuckled at her red cheeks.

Embarrassed, she smiled and shook her head slightly. She’d noticed the indiscreet glances thrown their way, and how some of the women—obviously those lacking any scruples whatsoever—gaped in their direction, whether they were with a partner or not. For some reason, he always only had eyes for her, which made her feel super special.

“Look, I know you are worried about me starting with my internship.”

“I am?” she joked.

“You are,” he stated, smiling. “And I know this, because I worry about it myself. But, I know we can make it work, and I know we’ll find a way around all the work, work, and more work.”

She giggled at his answer. “So… do you have a plan?”

“I do.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “You can come and visit me at night—”

Holly interrupted him when she burst out laughing, but cupped her hand over her mouth in order to not let it echo throughout the entire restaurant. “And then what? Are we going to have picnics in the cafeteria, followed by me sleeping over at the hospital? Your mother would just
love
that.”

“My mother doesn’t have a say.”

“It’s her hospital, Jake. I’m sure she does.”

“Well, then, we’ll just have to sneak you in.”

“Oooh, that sounds so exciting!”

Jake chortled.

Holly breathed deeply when she saw him starting to pull gently on one of his eyebrows. He really was one of the hottest guys ever, and she still had no clue what she had done to deserve him.

“So, give it to me straight. How many times a week are we going to be able to see one another?”

The corners of his lips twitched slightly upward. “My shifts are either day or night shifts. Interns have to be there almost every day, but after the first year, it gets a bit easier.”

Holly did the calculations in her head and came to the conclusion that when Jake worked nightshifts, she was almost never going to see him at all. “So, is it safe to say we’re looking at about once, maybe twice a week, then?” It came out in a squeak. She swallowed hard, fighting the urge to cry, but it didn’t sound so great. Especially now that she knew their weekends were over. However, seeing him once or twice a week as opposed to only fortnightly as she’d thought was better than nothing.

“Hey…” He touched her hand again.

“Jake, I always knew seeing you would eventually become limited, but I so don’t love the fact that it’s like right around the corner.” She forced a smile. “But, you’re right. We’ll just have to make the most of it when we do get to spend time together.”

“There are phones, too, Holly.”

She snorted in response, “Yes, there are, but it won’t be the real deal. You’ve spoiled me. I’m too used to seeing you every day. Guess I’ll just need time to adjust to not seeing you that often.”

“I’m sorry. I feel like an idiot. I knew this profession was going to bite me in the ass one day.”

Holly smiled. “No, we will make it work. You are going to be a terrific head doctor.”

“Neurologist.”

“Whatever, you know what I mean.” She stuck her tongue out. “And one day, years and years from now, we will share our story and laugh at all of this.”

“That’s my girl.” Jake leaned forward and kissed her softly.

Just then, the waiter returned with their wine. He inquired if they’d like more time to look over the menu. As Jake had been to that particular restaurant on more than one occasion, he knew what was good, not that there was meal he didn’t like.

He began describing an amazing dish to Holly, one she just had to try. As soon as she heard the word
lobster
, she was sold; she’d never had one before and there was nothing like the present.

She watched as Jake ordered, while the waiter poured the Italian wine she couldn’t for the life of her remember the name of.

The evening went by too fast, just as any time spent with Jake did, but she enjoyed every minute she was with him—they laughed about a lot of things.

He also shared stories about his family and all the crap they used to pull whilst on vacation at the beach house. It held many beautiful memories for his family. She hoped that one day, when she had a child of her own, he or she would be fortunate enough to live their life the way Jake had, and she hoped it would be nothing like hers.

Nearing eleven in the evening, after dessert and two bottles of wine, Jake signaled the waiter for the check. Fifteen minutes later, they left, Jake’s hand resting lightly on Holly’s lower back.

They decided to take a walk on the beach. The fresh air made Holly’s head spin a little, but she somehow managed to keep it together, enjoying the time she got to spend with Jake; running and playing like children, and wetting their feet in the refreshing water that washed onto the beach.

Jake would chase her, catch her, and twirl her around and around while kissing her. At one point they gasped, laughing when a huge wave crashed against their legs as they’d wandered a little farther in than expected, ending up soaking the bottom half of their bodies.

“This dress is never going to be the same again,” joked Holly.

“Then we’ll get you a new one,” Jake countered, kissing her again.

His lips tasted salty and felt extra soft. Holly groaned as his teeth softly scraped her lower lip. His tongue dueled ardently with hers, and she began to feel lightheaded but pushed through the euphoria until her entire body felt like one huge, scorching hot coal.

Jake’s hands worked their way beneath her dress and kneaded her backside. It drove her insane. He lifted her off her feet, her legs twirling of their own accord around his waist, gripping it like a vice.

She couldn’t stop kissing him, not even if her life depended on it. But when she ran out of air, Jake moved to her neck, sucking and nipping on it gently. His lips moved down her collarbone toward the V between her breasts. Holly could feel her nipples hardening as the heat emanating from him was driving her body wild.

Jake’s mouth trailed back up to her neck where it stopped so he could let out a frustrated groan.

Holly’s shoulders shook with suppressed laughter.

When Jake looked up at her all she could tell was that he was smiling, and when their lips touched again it was a soft, sweet kiss. Resignedly, he lowered her back down to the ground. “We should get home before we catch a cold. I really didn’t bargain on that stupid wave.”

“It’s what waves do, Jake. We shouldn’t have tempted them,” she teased, slapping him hard on the ass, which inevitably turned into a game of chase all the way to where he’d parked.

Her legs and feet were covered in sand, and his pants were completely soaked. She looked at him disbelievingly when he unzipped his trousers and began pulling them down.

“Jake! What are you doing?”

“What does it look like? There’s no one around, and I refuse to drive with half the beach up my ass.”

Giggling like a school girl, Holly grabbed one of the towels Jake had left in the car and placed it on the passenger seat. He wrapped one around his waist before jumping behind the wheel of the SUV. She suddenly felt a little chilly when a soft breeze blew in from the ocean.

Gentleman that Jake was, he noticed and immediately turned on the heat. As soon it finally warmed her feet and traveled up her body, Jake threw the car into reserve and exited the parking lot.

“This is asking to get sick,” Holly said.

“Tell you what, soon as we get home, I’ll park the SUV and you run us a nice, warm bath.”

“Deal,” she said, shuddering slightly.

“Are you really that cold?” He chuckled.

“I am,” she replied, her teeth chattering.

Jake leaned over to adjust the heat, all the while smirking.

Holly slapped him playfully.

When he finally pulled into the driveway, she jumped out quickly, keys at the ready. It took her about thirty seconds to open the door, run past Bernie who was sitting next to a sleeping Leo while she watched a movie, and up the stairs.

She was still able to hear Bernie’s laughter as she entered the bathroom. The bath’s taps couldn’t open fast enough, hating the cold that was making her freeze from the inside out. Dipping her hand in the warm water felt blissful; she figured that would have to do until the bath filled.

Jake’s voice filled the house. Holly heard him speaking to Bernie as his footsteps echoed on the wooden stairs leading to the upper area. He chuckled when upon entering, he saw her crouched down next to the bath with both arms under the warm stream of water. “It’s not funny,” she said, but chuckled, too.

“Let’s get you out of those horrible wet clothes.” He walked to her, lifted her up gently, and in one fluid movement Holly’s beautiful black dress was unzipped and dropped to the floor. His shirt followed suit, but unlike hers, Jake’s body was amazingly warm.

Holly immediately took advantage of that and wrapped her arms around his torso. It was her turn to laugh when he gasped for air as soon as her ice cold body touched his warm one.

“You poor thing,” he whispered in her ear, rubbing her arms and back repeatedly in order to warm them up.

As soon as the bath was half filled, Holly wasted no time in climbing in. It was the most amazing feeling ever as the warmth of the water started to heat up her entire body.