Keep Your Eye on the Ball
Evan helps me pack. I’m not taking everything right away. There’s no rush, but neither one of us wants to sleep alone again tonight.
“Sweetheart, I don’t know how I’m going to break the news to Auggie. He’s going to be devastated.” Auggie is my rock. He’s always been there for me. Now I feel like I’m just turning my back on him, abandoning him.
“He knows. I asked him Thursday night before I went to see you at work. I knew that if Auggie wasn’t alright with it, you would never agree.” I love that he respects my relationship with Auggie enough to ask him his permission. He’s like my brother, and it’s good to know that we have his blessing.
“Did you ask my mother, too?” I ask. At this point, nothing would surprise me.
“No. I thought we could invite her to dinner one night and tell her together. How does that sound?” How does he know the perfect thing to say?
“I like that idea. How about your parents and Callie? Are we going to invite them, too?” I’d love to see them all again. I hope they feel the same way about me.
“Absolutely. It’s time our families meet, don’t you think?”
“I do. I can’t believe this is really happening.”
As we’re talking, I’m filling a few suitcases with the essentials. I open the drawer with my sweats and t-shirts, grab a few, and toss them in the bag. As I do, Evan follows behind me, removes them from the suitcase and places them back in the drawer.
“Excuse me, bossy man. What do you think you’re doing?” I ask.
“Helping,” he simply states.
“Taking clothes out of my suitcase isn’t helping, chief.”
“That depends. Why were you packing them?”
“They’re for hanging around in, sleeping, you know, stuff like that.”
“Then I was definitely helping. You won’t need anything to sleep in ever again. As for hanging around, I have other ideas about that, too.” He sweeps me into his arms and kisses me deeply. It feels like ages have passed since we’ve kissed like this. His tongue swirls with mine, and I can feel his passion all the way down to my toes.
He pulls away abruptly. “What’s wrong? Why did you stop?” I ask.
“If I don’t stop now, I won’t be able to stop at all and I’m saving the rest for when we get home,” he whispers in my ear.
“Home. I like the sound of that.” I give him a playful bite on his neck. “What do you have in mind?”
“I don’t know. I thought we would spend the rest of the morning and the afternoon relaxing before our big night. Play it by ear. See what pops up.”
“Well, I didn’t want to say anything and spoil the surprise, but there’s something I’d like to give you when we get home,” I tease, running my hands up and down his chest. He grins devilishly at me. We are definitely on the same page.
“Why don’t you tell me what it is. I have very particular tastes, you know. How can you be sure I’ll like it?” Just teasing like this ignites a fire in me that burns hot to my core.
“That’s a good point. I’ll make a deal with you. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to keep it.” I turn away to grab a few more things from my dresser.
“It’s good to know I still have some options, just in case.”
“How about something for me? Do I get a special house-warming gift from the man of the house?” My hand sweeps across his tight ass as I move around the room, collecting and packing.
He grabs my hand and pulls me in close. “There are a great number of things I plan on giving you, my love.”
I run my hands across his broad shoulders and down his toned back. “All I need is you.”
“What a coincidence. That’s exactly what I was hoping to give you ... all of me.” I can’t control myself; his words reverberate deep inside me. All I can think about is his firm, hard body on top of me, moving and gliding with mine.
Evan nibbles on my ear and trails kisses down my neck. “I love what you’re wearing. I used to have a sweatshirt just like it. How about you take it off now?”
“Not until we get home, chief. You ready?”
He grabs my ass and pulls me tightly against him. I can feel his erection rubbing against me. “I’ve been ready.”
Evan brings my bags to his car while I clear my things out of the bathroom. I take one last look around the house before I join him. I haven’t lived here long, but in the short time I’ve been here, we have created some memories that I will hold dear for a lifetime.
I lock up the house securely with Maddy inside. Evan’s house isn’t ready for a pet yet, so Auggie agrees to keep her for a day. As soon as I step outside, I see Evan on the phone pacing frantically. It doesn’t take me long to find out what’s got him so worked up. Spray painted on my car in big bold letters is the word BITCH. I walk around to check out the other side, and sure enough, the word WHORE is emblazoned there. Great, another gift from my admirer.
Perfect. Just as Evan and I take a step forward, a giant step, in fact, we’re shoved two steps back. I can see the sparkle that was there for me just moments ago, slipping away.
“No, I have no idea when it happened. It was dark out when I got here. Yeah, I know. This may be the break we need, buddy. Check it and get back to me.” Evan ends the call and slips his phone into his back pocket.
“What was that all about?” I ask.
“That was Adam. He’s going to check and see if we got any footage of whoever did this.” Footage? What is he talking about?
“Evan, I don’t understand. How would you get footage? My car’s been parked right here in the driveway all night.”
“I know you said no, but Adam and I included a small surveillance camera right above the motion detector when the alarm system was installed. Adam is pulling up the account online right now. If we’re lucky, Juliette, we may get to see who we’re dealing with. This could be over, baby!”
I grab Evan and hold on tight. This man is my entire world. No matter how long we have together, not even the passing of an entire lifetime would be long enough to show him how much I love him.
I look into his eyes, eyes that only have love for me, and tell him, “Baby, take me home.”
On the way, we stop at the Green Planet Coffee Company for caffeine and nourishment. This is the place where I first set eyes upon Evan, and now, here we are, embarking on a new journey together, and, hopefully, ending a very painful chapter in our lives together.
I get a chai and a banana nut muffin. Evan orders a latte and an apple fritter. We sit on the Adirondack chairs in front of the store, just as Auggie and I did so many weeks ago, and it feels like a world of possibilities is opening up before us.
I warn Evan, “Eat up, chief. You’re going to need your energy when I get you home.”
In between kisses and snacking, Evan’s phone rings. “Talk to me, Adam. Did we get anything useful? No shit. I’ll be damned. Okay. Work on it and get back to me.”
Evan looks at me and I can’t tell what he’s thinking. “Well?”
“It’s a woman, Juliette. She was driving a small black car with New York plates. She was wearing a hoodie so we didn’t get any good shots of her face.” Not what I was hoping to hear.
“A woman? Seriously? I was convinced it was a man. I guess that clears Derek. Remind me to call him later.”
Evan looks at me, eyebrows raised. I know exactly what he’s thinking. I really shouldn’t be calling Derek anymore. He’s right. “On second thought, I can always tell him when I see him at work.”
“Let’s go, baby. I need to get you home and into my bed. Now!”
We arrive at home; I still can’t believe this is now my home, too. When we reach the front door, Evan shows me how to use the keyless entry. The key he gave me is really more of a token than a necessity, although the key will work should I ever forget the code. I can’t imagine I ever would, it’s Evan’s birthday in reverse. 5-2-3-0.
Evan wastes no time bringing my bags to his room, our room. He places my bags in the walk-in-closet and I bring my odds-and-ends bag to the bathroom.
I desperately need a shower. The saltiness of my tears has left my face feeling grimy and each invasion into my privacy by my unwelcome admirer leaves me feeling unclean. Just thinking about it makes my skin crawl.
I turn on the showerhead and begin to strip off my clothes while my music is playing. Titanium starts up as I slowly ease myself into the cascading water. I have the water temperature set super-hot, and it takes me a moment to let my body adjust to the shock of the heat. I back into the stream, feeling the water wash over my hair and run down my back. I close my eyes and just let the water work its magic on my muscles and nerves.
As I pour shampoo into my hand and begin to work it into my hair, the glass door opens and Evan slips in behind me. “Let me do that,” he mutters in my ear. I immediately drop my hands and reach back behind me. I place my hands on his hips and lean back as he massages my scalp. I could stand here for hours just enjoying the sensations on every inch of my skin. His hands playing with my hair, hard body rubbing up against me, and the hot water raining down on me, is all creating a beautiful melody that has my nerves humming.
Before Evan places another hand on me, I have got to shave my legs. Stubble on his face is hot, but stubble on my legs is not. I grab my razor and lift my leg, resting it on the ledge. As I lean down, running the razor up my leg, Evan takes advantage of his position behind me and teases me with his firm erection. His hands are planted on my hips as he rubs up against me. I let out a soft moan, which only prompts him on. Switching legs only provides him better access. He is so close to entering me, I can hardly stand it.
I hear the click of the shower gel opening, and then the clean smell of spring flowers fills my senses. Evan begins to work the soap into the spot between my shoulders, gently massaging and working the muscles with the perfect amount of pressure. As he works his way down my back, I arch into his strong hands, blissfully lost in his skillful touch.
It feels as if I am being cleansed of all the terrible memories from two nights ago. A fresh start. I turn around to look at the magnificent man here with me. So solid and strong, yet graceful and elegant, making me ache for him. His touch ignites a fire that burns deep inside me. “Evan, I don’t know how I could have doubted you, even for one moment. Will you ever forgive me?” I ask softly.
He takes a deep breath and pulls me up into his arms. “There are no regrets with us ... just lessons learned.” I love the way his arms feel around me. I feel protected and safe. He places a small but tender kiss on the top of my head, and I know he means it.
I step up onto my tiptoes and nibble on his jaw, reaching over to grab his perfect ass in my hands, pulling him closer. He is full and hard, and ready for more.
“My turn,” I tell him. “Turn around.” Dutifully, Evan turns his back to me as requested. “Place your hands on the wall.” He does as he is told. I watch as the water washes over his ripped body.
I take the shower wash and pour a generous amount into my hand. Rubbing my hands together, I create a soft, foamy lather. While standing behind him, I reach around and begin to work the lather across his washboard abs and up his firm chest. I can feel my breasts rubbing up against his back as I move from side to side, making sure not to miss an inch of his amazing skin. “How does that feel, baby?” I ask him.
“Mmm,” is his only response. I stop to get more soapy foam. There’s more work to be done. When Evan moves his hands, I scold him, “Oh, no. You stay right there, chief.” Once I have a sufficient amount of lather, I return my attention to the area below his abs. I begin at his pelvis, massaging and stroking. The moment my fingers touch his firm erection, he moans deeply. Seeing what I do to him, how he responds to me, and how much control I have over him is intoxicating. I know I will never get enough of this. With long, slow strokes, I show him how much I want him and need him.
Without warning, I back up to the opposite side of the shower. I intend to make this last as long as possible. Evan turns around and moves towards me. “No. Stay there.” I tell him. Again, I work a foamy lather into my hands.
“I think you missed a few spots,” I hiss. I begin by rubbing my breasts, starting beneath, cupping them firmly in my hands, moving up and around, and massaging my nipples into hard, firm peaks. Evan’s eyes open wide, carefully watching my every move. His hand reflexively grasps his erection, as he waits for my next move.
I slowly move my hands down my body, slowing at my belly, then lower. I rub the soap across the outer folds of my flesh, grateful that my weekly waxing has left me smooth and soft.
Evan watches me like a hungry lion, waiting for his moment to pounce. His tongue runs along his lower lip, and I can imagine how his lips would feel on my skin right now. The thought of his lips exploring my body sends another jolt right to my core.
He watches me, flexing his muscles as he caresses his impressive length, starting slowly, then quickening, sliding rhythmically up and down. I watch, rapt in a multitude of emotions – affection, need, fascination, and awe. I’ve never seen anything so erotic and overpowering.
As I close my eyes and let out a soft humming moan of pleasure, Evan turns off the water and wraps his arms around me. “That’s enough playtime.” He steps out of the shower and wraps a soft white towel around his waist. The water droplets on his chest sparkle. I take a deep breath to calm my rapid pulse. He grabs a large white towel and motions for me to step out of the shower and into his waiting arms. He wraps the towel around me, and holds me in a tight embrace.
I look up into his eyes and sigh deeply. “I love you, Evan Thomas McGuire.”
“Juliette Evangeline Fletcher, I love you more than you could possibly imagine.”
He takes me by the hand and leads me into the bedroom, our bedroom. Standing at the foot of our bed, I drop my towel and climb onto the bed, motioning for him to join me. In a flash, he is on top of me, covering my lips with his and plunging his tongue deep into my mouth. I mewl with contentment, relishing in the feeling of his skin pressed against mine. I rake my nails down his back, and he moans for me.
Evan rocks his hips, and my legs open for him. Slowly, he presses into me, and each inch brings with it the most exquisite pressure. My body tightens around him, and I wrap my legs around him, desperate to have all of him joined with me.
He grasps my hands in his, locking our fingers together, and moves slowly, pushing a little deeper each time. With each thrust, I feel myself being lost in him. “Only you, Juliette, only you, always,” he proclaims, never taking his eyes from mine. I can see and feel the truth behind his words. He fulfills my needs in every possible way, physically and emotionally.
The gravity of it all hits me like a brick wall and once again, I can feel tears falling. But these are tears of pure joy. I try to hide my emotions by nuzzling into Evan’s neck, but he pulls away and looks down into my eyes, brushing the falling tears away with his thumb. “Don’t cry, my love,” he whispers.
“I love you so much, Evan.”
“Baby, I’ll love you all the days of my life.”
His words put me over the edge. Without warning, my core begins to tense violently. Waves crash through me, rippling through my body, leaving me shaking and quivering as I tighten around him. I dig my nails into him and cry out for him.
Instantly, I can feel him tremble and shudder as he pulses and throbs inside me, filling me with his warm release. As the waves retreat, we are both left exhausted and sated.
“So, what time do you think you’ll get here?” I ask Evan as he drives towards the boardwalk.
“Doors open at seven, right?” he asks.
“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean you need to be there the entire time, sweetheart.” The security will be extremely tight and I feel safer tonight than any other night. “I really want you to be with me at closing, so why don’t you wait until closer to ten.”
“Juliette, I can’t do that. It’s a charity event. People are expecting to see me there. I’ll be there at seven thirty. Where will you be working?”
“All four of us will be working the patio tonight. Derek, Emmy and I are bartending and Marcus is working security on the patio.”
“Good. I won’t be able to spend much time with you, tonight. Remember, I signed up for this. Girls are going to flirt with me. I have to show them a good time so they spend lots of money at your bar. But remember, it’s you I’m going home with tonight, and every night.”
“Damn right you are, chief.” I rest my head on his shoulder and wrap my arm around his as he drives the short distance to the north end of the boardwalk. The closer we get, I can see news vans with satellites on the roof setting up to broadcast. I’ve seen one news van here every now and then, when there’s a bad storm, a parade, a walk-a-thon, a seafood festival. But tonight, there are already five vans gathered here, and we’re not opening for a few more hours.
“Promise you’ll find me immediately if you need me. You may not be able to see me, but I’ll be here with you the entire night until we leave together.”
“I’m not supposed to socialize with the celebrities tonight. We had a staff meeting yesterday, and Jack was very clear about it. We’re supposed to be one hundred percent focused on service and making ourselves invisible.”
“Then make sure you don’t cozy up to any celebrities, just me. Got it?” Evan pulls up to the boardwalk. Ever the gentleman, he insists I wait while he comes around to open my door. After a hug and kiss, I watch as he pulls away.
My celebrity boyfriend. The word celebrity has taken on an entirely new meaning for me. I always thought celebrities were larger than life, that they lived fantasy lives, surrounded by glamour and glitz. Truth is, they have the same struggles the rest of us do, but all their trials and tribulations are broadcast to the world. All that glitters is most definitely not gold.
A crowd has gathered all along the boardwalk, crowding the entrance to Wilkinson’s. It seems like the entire population of Point Pleasant is out here tonight. It also looks like the entire police force is on duty. In fact, I’m fairly sure they are. As I look across the multitudes, I can see a large number of the people gathered and waiting are young girls. No doubt that when a true heartthrob appears, screaming and screeching will ensue.
The bar is closed and I have to be admitted by the bouncers. Once I’m permitted inside, there is a palpable buzz in the air as the bar is being transformed. Some of the bartenders will be working security, like Marcus, helping to manage the crowds and maintain control. Some of the celebs will have their own personal bodyguards tonight, too.
The four of us are busy getting the bar fully stocked and set up properly for the night. While we clean and prepare, I give them the latest news. “Hey guys, Evan and Adam got pictures of someone vandalizing my car last night.”
Emmy looks at me with a very serious look on her face. “Your car got vandalized? Christ, Jette, this shit is unbelievable. Did they recognize anyone?” she asks.
“Not yet, but they’re working on it. Did I mention, it’s a woman? Interesting, right?” I say directly to Emmy and Marcus. Derek just continues to go about his business, but I can see him smile, or is it a smirk? It’s hard to tell from this angle.
There’s no time to debate and discuss. There’s too much work to be done, and soon the doors will be open. But I wanted to make sure they knew the truth. They were completely wrong about Derek.
A few of the artists will hopefully perform a song or two tonight, so a crew is working manically to perform sound and equipment checks. My wildest dreams would be for Bruce Springsteen to make a rare appearance. He’s been known to show up unannounced, so there’s always a chance that I’ll get my wish.
No sooner do I finish getting everything in order when the doors open and guests start filing in. One of my favorite local cover bands, The Nerds, is performing tonight. Until they start at nine, the house DJ is spinning some great dance music.
The first celebrity to join us on the patio is none other than NFL star Evan Big Mac McGuire. I feel him before I see him. I still get a jolt of electricity whenever he’s near. He’s wearing his new red Sentinels jersey and looking so incredibly yummy in it. I’ve never seen him in uniform before. Holy crap. I could eat him up. Everything about him is perfect, his sharply chiseled jaw, the slightly crooked angle of his nose, the dimples that make his face light up, and his brilliantly blue eyes. I am suddenly awestruck. All I can think about is getting him naked again and back home in our bed. I’ll have to hold that thought for a few more hours.
Evan strides straight towards me, and I cannot help myself. I run out from behind the bar and throw myself into his arms. “Hi, baby!” Evan greets me.
Evan introduces me to Carlo Rivera, a wide receiver with the Sentinels. Both men tower over me, standing well over six feet tall. Wow. If I spend too much time with these two, I’m going to need a neck massage from looking up at them. Despite his strong and powerful appearance, Carlo is very friendly and approachable.
I’m careful not to monopolize Evan’s time; he’s expected to hobnob with the guests tonight. I excuse myself and get back behind the bar. Fortunately, Evan stays close by and I can observe from a distance. Men and women equally want his attention, although I suspect each have widely varied reasons, and both want their picture taken with him.
He’s amazing with the crowds. I swear I actually see him flip a switch mentally. It’s subtle, but knowing him the way that I do, I can see that his smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes. When he smiles for me his whole face lights up, bringing out his dimples. Now he’s smiling and shaking hands, being as charming as ever, but there’s no sign of dimples or sparkle.
Time is flying by. The patio is packed and at times, it’s hard to see where Evan is. Girls frolic up to the bar giggling and excited after their photo op with my man, but this time, it doesn’t bother me. Not even a little bit. They may not know it, but I have everything they want. And I’m never going to forget how close I came to losing him forever, more than once. That will never happen again.
Marcus is doing a great job keeping the guests moving around the bar and celebrities. Emmy, Derek and I are so busy we barely have time to talk. I see Emmy’s face light up and I can’t help but wonder what’s got her panties in a bunch. Sure enough, half the cast of the Jersey Shore just wandered onto the patio with a caravan of enthusiastic fans. I should have known that Emmy would be a fan, she loves all things extreme and this group is exactly that.
Walking up to Derek’s side of the bar is Christie Rampone, wearing her National Women’s Soccer League jersey. She’s a graduate of Point Pleasant High School, and a local legend.
As I scan around the room, trying to keep tabs on Evan, I hear a band starting to warm up. I recognize them immediately. It’s Stone Temple Pilots, sans their former lead singer. The DeLeo brothers are former Point Pleasant graduates, too. I think one of them graduated with my mother in the eighties, but I’m not sure which one. I’ll have to ask her tomorrow.
Marcus covers the bar for me while I take a quick break. I walk over to Evan and give him a playful jab in the ribs to get his attention. The music is loud and the voices are even louder, so I have to shout to be heard, “Be right back. I’m running in the back to get more lemons.” We’re running out of cocktail garnishes and besides, I really want to see who’s inside the main bar.
“I’ll come with you,” Evan offers. He excuses himself from his conversation, takes me by the hand, and lets me lead the way.
The crowd in here is even thicker than the crowd on the patio. It’s no wonder, really. Through the masses, I can see a few people posing for pictures. As I look closely, I recognize New Jersey natives Zach Braff and Kirsten Dunst getting their pictures taken with fans and signing autographs.
Near the entrance, another crowd has gathered. Garnishing a great amount of attention are Jon Stewart and Brian Williams. Rumor has it that both men have vacation homes nearby. Jon Stewart is numero uno on my fantasy celebrity dinner party guest list, along with Ellen DeGeneres and Robert Downey, Jr.
As we walk through the crowd, Evan gets many requests for pictures and autographs, too. It’s hard for him to go far without being noticed. He’s taller than nearly everyone here and his bright red Sentinels football jersey is an attention getter.
The press is here, too. Their large, high-resolution cameras and press passes hanging around their neck set them apart from the regular guests. The stars are posing for pictures with their fans, and I’m fairly sure a few of Evan and me have been snapped, too. I can only imagine what the tabloids will make of that. Everyone believes he’s back with Averee De-Ho. They will probably make Evan look like a two-timing Lothario.
Impervious to it all, Evan just carries on, meeting, greeting, and chatting with his fans when they approach.
“Juliette, do you know who that guy is over there?” Evan points out a young man across the room who is around his age, just shy of six feet tall with sharp features, and a dark, brooding expression. Women are hanging all over him, and it’s obvious he’s someone recognizable. I know immediately who it is.
“Sure, that’s Paul Wesley. He stars in one of those vampire shows on T.V. He graduated from Red Bank Catholic. I think that’s where Marcus went to school. I can’t wait to tell Reese that I was in the same room as Stefan Salvatore. She’s going to be so jealous!” Reese is a diehard fan of the show.
“I thought you said his name was Paul.”
“Yes, Stefan is the character he plays on T.V.”
Evan has never met Reese, although he’s heard me speaking with her several times. I explain to him how Reese used to make me watch episodes of the show with her and how she is totally infatuated with both Salvatore brothers on the show.
This night is turning into everything I’d hoped it would. The amped up security is keeping all the guests in line and the celebrities comfortable. I’ve gotten my fair share of star sightings. Now, here I am, walking around with this strikingly handsome man on my arm and I couldn’t be more content than I am at this very moment.
Evan and I make our way through security to the back so I can get some citrus for the bar. There’s not a quiet place in the entire building, dishwashers, barbacks, runners, and security are everywhere.
“See, Evan? I told you not to worry. Look at all the security here tonight. We’re safer here than anywhere else right now,” I tell him.
“Looks like you’re right. But still, I’m not taking any chances.” Evan looks at me with his smoldering eyes and kisses me, not caring who else is in the room with us. It is a deep, possessive kiss that still overwhelms me. As we break from our embrace, he gives me a playful slap on the ass. “Now, let’s get you back to work,” he teases.
As we make our way through the crowds and back to the patio, I take the long way towards the small stage where the band is playing. I’d love to get a glimpse of STP before the night ends.
I can hear her before I see her. The unmistakable voice of Averee freaking DeVeau is echoing throughout the bar, accompanied by Stone Temple Pilots. She has absolutely no business being here. She’s not from New Jersey. She’s never lived here. There can only be one reason why she would show up. For Evan.
I become a woman on a mission. I need to get closer – to see her face-to-face. This is going to end here and now. She has most definitely crossed a line in the sand. This is my turf and my man she’s messing with.
The crowd is thick as we squeeze through, weaving our way toward the stage. I can feel my anxiety growing with each step. As we get nearer, her eyes lock on Evan’s and she sings right to him. She crosses the stage to get as close to us as possible, holding the microphone in one hand and pointing to Evan with the other.
I feel him pull me closer, almost protectively. Her eagle eyes watch his every move. Then, slowly, the lyrics of the song she’s singing start to materialize in my brain. I know that song, and it’s not one of hers.
She’s singing the classic rock ballad, “I Hate Myself for Loving You.” It’s a song about unrequited loved by Joan Jett, and the irony of it is not lost on me. She’s got a whole catalog of her own hit songs to choose from. Why would she choose to sing a song by Joan Jett of all people? My creep meter is registering off the charts.
She’s also completely changed her look. Averee’s trademark thick, curly blonde hair is gone, replaced with sleek and straight brown hair that rests on her back, just like mine. Why would she do that? If she’s trying to intimidate me, it’s definitely working!
But it’s not just her new hairstyle that’s got me alarmed, it’s what she’s wearing that’s sending a cold shiver down my spine. “Evan, I think she’s wearing my new red dress that you bought at Saks.” It can’t be. My dress is hanging safely and securely in my closet at Evan’s. But the closer we get, the more certain I am. There’s absolutely no doubt. That IS my red bandage dress she’s wearing. Holy Hell!
