14 comments/  78788 views/  79 favorites

Rough around the Edges Ch. 01

By: Myanlass



"All you were ever good for was a screw. I can't believe you are doing this to me." She barked into his ear. 

James continued to half listen to Deborah rant and rave about all the things he had done wrong in their marriage, yet he swore that she was the one who cheated on him. All he did was provide for her and give her what she needed. It was true that he was always overseas, but in the end he always came back home to his wife. She was everything to him, now he couldn't understand what it was about her that he liked so much. He even hated hearing the sound of her voice. 

"Deborah, I have to go. Are you through bitching yet?" that started another one way shouting match. 

He sighed to himself as he maneuvered past people swarming in the airport. He just needed his one bag and then he could get away from everyone. There were several women that were looking in his direction and smiling. Scott did say everyone in this town was friendly. 

"Are you listening to me?!" he heard her shout. 

"No not really. What do you want woman?" 

"I wanted to let you k now that you lost the best thing that could have ever happened to you." 

"Are you sure about that? I thought when I got rid of you, I lessened the chance to get an STD." 

"You are an asshole, James. You just don't know how to appreciate a good woman like me." 

"Yea, sure." He stated and blocked her out as she ranted and raved even more. 

When was this damn bag going to get here, he thought as he looked at every bag that slid down? He just shook his head as the crowd started to slowly dissipate grabbing their own bags. This is turning out to be a horrible night, first it was a late flight, then the woman next to him continued to talk his ear off, his ex-wife calls, and now the airline might have lost his luggage! 

"If you don't answer me, I'm going to come down there..." that was all she got out before the phone was taken out of his ear. 

He turned around ready to fight but shook his head as he saw Scott's goofy grin, "I told you about having this on your ear all the time." 

"You always know the right time to save me." 

"You had that look on your face like you speaking with her." Scott said handing him back the phone, "Don't answer if she calls again, remember this is about you moving on." 

"Thanks a lot Oprah." James said shaking his head. 

He finally spotted his last bag and lugged it over his shoulder. Scott carried the other one as they left the airport. It had been a while since James had been stable in one place, especially after the divorce. He was a little reluctant to move down here because he wasn't familiar with the area. He was born and raised in Tennessee, but he didn't want to go back, she was there and he wanted to get as far away as possible. 

As they drove to the house, James looked over towards Scott, it was hard to imagine that he has been married for only six months and it fit him. He let his hair grow a little more and was showing some sign of stubble. He grew up a lot since the little punk that was in his troop in the beginning. 

"So, how is it, being a married man?" James asked. 

"Can't complain man, but it's definitely different." 

"Really?" 

"Yea, I have to realize that I can't go anywhere when I want a break." 

"Yea, there is no such thing as break, but you have a wonderful wife at home..." 

"I do and I love my wife. She is just waiting for me to graduate." 

"I'm ready for that too. You already got the job pretty much, you just need the degree." 

"Let's not count on the job yet. He's going have me working with him to assist on cases." 

"Still, it's a job. We can officially call you a lawyer, took you long enough..." 

"Thanks a lot James." Scott said sarcastically. 

"You know I'm proud of you. I just wish that Nik would go ahead and do what he needs to do." 

"I talked to him recently and he said that he was going to go to the police academy out here. He is just waiting for some clearance and some documents." 

"Good, I'm thinking it's about time to retire out." James said settling back.

"I thought this was your career?" 

"It's not the same anymore. I've been in this thing since I was 18 and now 15 years later, I'm in the same spot. I need a home." 

"I know how you feel. Well, we are having the condo sprayed and everything so tomorrow, you should be okay to move in." 

"Good, thanks a lot for renting it out to me. You know this is just temporary until I get my own place." 

"I know and it's no problem. After everything that you have done for me, I think this is the least that I can do."

"Yea, you know I'm not going to stay long."

"I talked to mama Tanya's husband, Gary, and he said that whenever you are ready to buy, he is ready to sell. I think him and Tanya are planning a vacation."

"Good, because I checked everything and they already put the money into my account. I'm glad I could depend on that government grant, I didn't want to use all my savings to get the place. I can hardly believe that I am going to have my own mechanic shop."

"Yea and most of the employees there are willing to stay with you, most of them are kids in college."

When they got to Scott's house, they were greeted with the sweet aroma coming from the kitchen. Scott was use to it, but it's been awhile since James had a real home cooked meal. Not once, when he was married to Deborah, did she ever cook him a meal. They walked in and saw Katrina in front of the stove and she turned to smile at James.

"Hey James, how are you?" she went over and gave him a big hug.

"I'm good, nice to see you are doing well too. When do we eat?" he said and she couldn't help but laugh.

"It's coming soon; I decided to make you some Jambalaya since you enjoyed it so much the last time you were at the restaurant."

"Oh yea, I've been dreaming about that for awhile. You got a room picked out for me yet?"

"Yeah, it's just upstairs to the right."

"Alright, well I'm going to wash up and I'll be back. Get that airport stench off of me." He said before he went upstairs.

While he was going up the stairs, he saw Scott kissing on Katrina's neck. Wow, must be great to go through the honeymoon period. After everything that James has gone through, he wasn't too happy to jump into any relationship. He was happy with women seeing him and only wanted one thing from him because most of the time that's what he wanted. He made sure of that, he's just going to focus on making a home for himself here. 

After dinner, Scott and James stood outside for awhile and talked. He updated him on Nik going back home to see his folks and then he will be around here as soon as he gets the okay from the academy. 

"I swear you are trying to convert us all to live around here." James said taking a swig of beer.

"Hey, I love my hometown. There's a lot of opportunity around here. Besides everyone loves his shop because of this prices and the fact that he interacts with the community. Now that's something you are going have to learn."

"Excuse me solider, I know how to interact with people. It's you guys I don't like." he laughed

"Whatever. Anyway, he said there's a truck there that's abandon and he's willing to give it to you, tomorrow. I think it's an '04 F150." James nodded.

"So, how far gone is Ricky? I was thinking I would see him."

"Oh he's been all over Kendra since he knew that she was pregnant. I know because she calls me to drag him away from her."

James laughed, shaking his head, "Wow, that's good though." 

Katrina joined them outside and wrapped her arms around Scott, "Hey guys, what are ya'll talking about?"

"How beautiful you are." Scott said and James made a face as Katrina kissed him.

"Can you two please stop?" James said and they both laughed.

"So, are you ready for civilian life?" Katrina asked.

"I'm trying my best to be prepared for it."

"Good, I think you will be okay here. Jade and I have been thinking about remodeling the restaurant a little." James flinched at the sound of that name.

He didn't want to hear about that girl while he was relaxing. She had trouble written all over her. He had always been attracted to her. She was just a bit shorter than Katrina, but she was definitely shapely. He usually picks women that were smaller, but there was something about the way she looked and walked that commanded his attention, then she opened her mouth. After that it was all over. Yea, he accidentally bumped into her and he apologized, but she just jumped off the handle at him. She must have her boyfriend taking care of her and that's why she was so edgy. 

"Well good luck with that." He replied.

"James, I still wonder what you said to Dante that scared him so." She asked.

"It was nothing; I was just looking out for her."

"I didn't think you cared. That was actually sweet though. They have been a little better, but now he is out of town on some business and she is going to get her aunt's house in order."

"Oh really?" he said not really caring. She was still with the loser that just figures.

"You don't have to look like that." she said pouting.

"Hey, I'm acting like I care because I like you, but you keep fixing me meals like that and Scott will have a run for his money."

"Hey now." Scott warned as Katrina laughed.

"I got my Marine. Well fella's, I think I'm going to go to bed. I'll see you tomorrow." She said leering at Scott as she walked back in the house.

"Yea, I think I'm going to go back inside too."

"You acting whipped." James warned.

"Just call me Cool Whip." He smiled as he followed Katrina in the house.

He shook his head and decided to turn in himself. He was getting ready for bed when he glanced over at his phone. There were six missed calls from Deborah. He didn't want to listen to the voice messages so he just ignored everything. He stripped down to his underwear and went to bed. Well, everything seemed to work itself out in a little peaceful way, almost like he was supposed to be there. 

"Oh well." He said out loud, turning off the light and slowly falling sleep.

He didn't know what time it was that he woke but he knew it was footsteps in the room that woke him. With him being in combat, he has learned to sleep light. He just listened as the door closed and the footsteps walked closer to his side of the bed. He couldn't really make out the form of the person, but it didn't matter. They won't get that far. 

As soon as he saw the hand reach out, he grabbed it and quickly got up from the bed. He was actually shocked by how soft the hands were. He heard the gasp and maneuvered their arm behind their back and face down on the bed. 

"What the hell!" the person screamed.

Suddenly the lights came on and there was Katrina and Scott standing in the doorway. James looked down at the person and saw long black hair ruffled on the bed. The head turned to the side to reveal that damn Jade with her ass pressed firmly against him.  

"I told you they would get along great babe." Scott said.

"Will you get off of me, pervert!?" He turned her loose and she stood to full height, rubbing her wrist.

"Are you alright?" Katrina said going over to her friend.

"I'm fine, what the hell is he doing here?" she said.

"Trying to sleep until you disturbed me."

"Disturbed you? You pretty much just assaulted me in the middle of the night."

"Okay, you two stop." Scott said, "What are you doing here, Jade?"

"I got some car trouble and had the cab drop me off here."

"How did you get in?"

"That's not important, baby." Katrina said, "Anyway, where is your car?"

"I told you about me going out with some girls from the restaurant and I couldn't get in touch with any of them heifers when my car stopped. I thought you said it was okay if I used my key." Jade said and Katrina's eyes widened.

"Key? She has a key?" Scott repeated, "Why does she have a key?" he said looking at Katrina.

"We'll talk about that later, the point is that she is safe."

Jade looked over at James and saw his arms folded across his chest. She couldn't believe how he had her on the bed like that. She was taken off guard and it left her dizzy not only from the attack but also from feeling him planted against her. 

"Why did you come into this room?" James asked.

"I like this room."

"That's true, anytime that she spends the night, she is always in here, but that's because it's a guest room." Scott reminded and she sneered at him.

"Look dear, I'll let you two work this out, you know we both have a busy day tomorrow." Katrina said, "Night all."

"Behave please; we are still paying on the house." Scott said before following Katrina out.

They stood silent as they stared at each other. She turned her attention away from him trying to stare at his long muscled thighs and the slight bulge in his shorts. He really did have a delicious body, but no, he was trouble not only that but she was with her boyfriend. 

"Look." He finally said, "I can take the couch downstairs and you can have the bed."

The first sign of being a gentleman, she thought, "No, I will take the couch. You were here first."

Why she had to be so difficult, he thought to himself. 

"I insist." He said gritting his teeth.

"Alright." She said moving past him and he got a first whiff of her scent. 

Damn, she smelled good. Her back was to him as she started fixing the sheets on the bed and he noticed the short denim skirt rise revealing more of her chocolate thighs. He shook his head as he reached for his own pants. Get it together James. 

"Good night." He said as he headed out the door.

Jade watched his back as he left the room, she didn't know why but she felt bad. What was that about? She didn't like him. He was a brute and a bully. Yet, he did look good half naked. She shook her head loose of those thoughts; the only man that should be on her mind is Dante. He was her boyfriend and her future. She didn't tell her friends, but just before he left, he proposed to her. She didn't give him an answer yet, but he was happy to have her think about it. 

In truth, she wasn't sure what to do. She wanted to say yes to him, but with everything that has happened to them in the past, she wasn't sure if she could trust him. He has helped her through a lot of things and she owes him a lot. Her mother wants her to marry him. She keeps saying that he is so stable, but she wasn't sure. Not only that he wasn't exactly the best in bed. He wasn't bad, just didn't really know how to touch her body. When she tried to give him direction, he just yelled out that no one else ever had problems with his dick and that's why she hasn't had some in awhile. Now she was hungry. Every time she harbored too long on a subject she got hungry. She decided to go downstairs to get a snack. She took off her shoes and tip toed downstairs to the kitchen. She peeked from the stairs and saw that he was lying still on the couch with his arm covering his eyes. He must be sound asleep. 

She was almost to the kitchen when she heard, "If I could hear you upstairs, what makes you think I can't hear you just now." 

She looked back at the couch to see that he was still in the same position. Damn military men; it reminded her of how her father would sleep, "Well I was hoping I was being quiet enough."

She just went ahead and turned on the kitchen light. She immediately went to the refrigerator and went after the leftovers. She almost bumped into his hard chest when she closed the door. Damn, he's stealthy she thought. She walked past him and reached for a plate.

"You're eating kind of late aren't you?" he said.

"That happens sometimes when you've been drinking. Why are you still up?"

"I've always been a light sleeper." He said leaning on the counter.

She tried to keep her attention on fixing her plate but kept stealing glances of his chest. He wasn't overly muscular but he was definitely built and defined with some hair on his chest. Damn, she needed to get her mind focused. Why couldn't she keep her eyes off him? 

"Thanks for the bed. I didn't know that you were going to be here." She said.

"That was evident from the way you screamed." She laughed to herself and he noticed how her face brightened up as she smiled.

"Yea, I never been held down like that in the dark." For some reason the way that sounded was very sexual.

He just stood there unfazed, "Sorry about that."

"No, I'm somewhat use to it because my dad was in the military and he use to sleep light like that all the time."

"I bet it that made it very hard for you to sneak in the house." 

"I was a good child, I'll have you know." She said looking up at him.

"For some reason, I highly doubt that." He said glaring back at her and her mouth dropped.

"I wasn't bad; I just liked having fun sometimes." She said staring back at him.

They stood there staring at each other for a brief moment. His face looked real rough but his eyes were such a clear blue, almost like the ocean. For some reason, James attention went to her slightly parted lips. They were full and plump and just begging him to taste. He shook his head and broke the connection. She bit down on her lip as she returned back to her sandwich.

"So, are you really moving here?" she asked clearing her throat.

"Yea, I need something stable. I'm thinking of making this my last year."

"Scott said that you have been with the Marines for a long time."

"Ever since I was 18."

"That must have been rough." she added. 

"Not really, but after awhile, you want something to call home."

"Yea, that's true. We use to move around a lot when my dad served until my mom just said let's stay here."

He nodded; slightly wondering to himself why he was talking to her about this, "So, how is your boyfriend?"

"Um, he's good. He went to Colorado to visit some family. That's another thing that I have been meaning to ask you. What did you say to him?"

"Doesn't matter." he said crossing his huge arms in front of his chest.

She sighed, "It does matter."

"Not really, it was between me and him."

She hates the fact that he was stubborn and pushy, "Whatever, can you at least tell me why you did it?"

"I didn't like the fact that he was disrespecting you like that, no woman deserves that."

"Well, thank you. He has changed a lot since you said that to him."

"I have a way with people. The question is; why do you put up with it?"

She was taken aback by him being so blunt. She didn't even have an honest response for him. The only thing she could tell him was what she had always told herself.

"He's good for me. We have been through so much together."

"You still didn't really answer the question. Why do you put up with it?"

"That does answer the question."

"No, not really. You just said that he is good for you, that was not answering why you put up with it."

She swallowed hard somewhat feeling attacked by this oak. What business of it was his? She felt herself getting heated under his waiting stare. 

"Why do you care?"

"I don't really; I just thought I would ask the question. It's obvious that what he does upset you and you two have probably been going back and forth for awhile and yet it took someone outside of the situation to get him to change. It's a little sad."

She hated him at that moment; there were no other word to describe it. It was partially because she knew he was right. She won't admit it to him, but something about what he said hit home. She turned her head away from him suddenly losing her appetite. James read her reaction and wasn't expecting that. He really shouldn't care about her relationship with her boyfriend but he did. There was no way to hide that. Even though, she could be a bitch at times, a woman that beautiful didn't deserve someone disrespecting her. At least that's something that he wouldn't do if she was with him.


Rough around the Edges Ch. 01



"I'm going to bed." she said walking out of the kitchen without the sandwich.

"Wait Jade, what is your problem?"

She turned suddenly toward him, "I told you this is none of your business so I don't want or need your so called help. Stay out of it! Do you understand?" she ended with her finger in his face.

"Loud and clear, princess." he said through gritted teeth and turned away to go back to the couch.

James looked after her as she went upstairs. He pushed everything out of his mind wanting to forget about what just happened. Maybe it was his protective nature that made him talk to her boyfriend, but obliviously she likes taking what he is giving her. What's the point of him interfering?

That next day, Jade woke up for what seem like the 100th time. She couldn't sleep after talking to James. She just thought it was so sad for someone on the outside to see what Dante has been doing to her. She had struggled with herself to break up with him and then he would do something sweet to win her back. Now, he was being on his best behavior and actually proposed. He has changed; it just took him some time.

She went downstairs looking for Katrina and cursed to herself when she saw James sitting there reading the paper with a cup of coffee. Why is he always around her now? She walked past him as he looked up following her with his eyes. She was silent the entire time as she grabbed a cup of coffee for herself. James shook his head at her obvious attempt to ignore him and returned back to his paper. She looked at her cell phone and saw that it was getting close to nine. She needed to get home so she could change. That's when she noticed a text from Katrina.

It read that she was busy this morning, helping Scott pick up graduation stuff and she would meet her at the restaurant. She just told her to wear something she already had over there and James would take her to the restaurant. Damn her, Jade thought to herself. Now she had to ask him for something and she really didn't want to talk to him anymore. Well, at least he was clothed this time. Time to swallow her pride, she thought.

"James..." she started walking up behind him.

"Katrina already told me what was going on and I already went and I will take you back to the restaurant or to your house."

"Fine, thank you." she said walking back upstairs to get ready. She was sure there was something here that she left over to wear. She would just pay him no mind at all.

Once she got ready, they got in the car and headed to the restaurant. She happened to find some blue jeans and a black wrap shirt. She settled back into her seat crossing her arms. James glanced over he way and saw the hint of cleavage that appeared. Damn her skin looked so smooth, just like chocolate and it didn't help that she was a busty woman. He just had to be attracted to the loud mouth woman that was delusional about her boyfriend. 

She looked over at him driving, sitting back comfortably with his eyes hidden under his sunglass. He had on a black bandana snug over his head. He was in desperate need of a shave, she thought as he scratched under his chin. She just couldn't see it, after that one day he spent in the restaurant, women would come around wondering if he was going to show up again. He was way too built in her opinion and rough, she was always into clean cut guys, so why did she keep staring at him? She sighed to herself looking straight ahead. For some reason she wanted to explain her relationship with Dante, but the back of her mind told her that he wouldn't get it. He seemed like the type to not really care, but she hasn't really given him any reason to care. 

The silence and the constant ringing of his phone was really starting to annoy her, "Could you please get that?" she finally asked.

He looked at the phone and set it back down without answering it.

"Don't you want to get that?" she asked.

"Not particularly."

"You must be avoiding an ex."

"Yep, a wife." he said as he pulled in front of the restaurant.

She was shocked to hear that he had an ex-wife. She was going to get Katrina for not telling her that part. She wanted to know what woman could put up with his attitude. 

"You may want to open up shop. There's going to be some hungry people."

"You're right about that." she sighed reaching to the back to get her purse.

"What are you going to do about your car?"

"Oh, I'm going to call my mechanic and have it taken to the shop."

"You should let me look at it. I'm pretty good with cars."

She started laughing as she got out of the car, "No thank you. I've had enough amateurs looking at it." he watched her hips move side to side as she walked to the door.

He knew that strut, that was the look at my ass strut, he thought to himself. So she wanted him to look which only meant one thing to him, a little piece of her was attracted to him. There was only one more confirmation he needed from her and he got it as she turned to look his way before going in the building. He smiled to himself as he drove off. He knew it, behind all her little bitchy comments she found him attractive too. He knew it since she was constantly staring at him. Well, no time to dwell on that, besides she had a so called boyfriend to take care of her and he had a business.

Jade slammed down the phone running her fingers through her hair in frustration. This was becoming ridiculous. She did everything but beg for Dante to come back home and fuck her. Why did he have to stay in Colorado an extra week? Isn't his family tired of looking at him? Not only that but the thought of James in his boxers last night was constantly replaying in her head, driving her body crazy.

"What's going on girl?" Katrina said walking in with a goofy smile on her face.

"Oh shut up." Jade pouted. She knew that the reason for that smile was due to her lunch date with Scott.

"He's not coming back, huh?" she said.

"No, not this week. Not only that, I got a call from some girl looking for him."

"Hey girls." Kendra said waddling in.

"And then here comes this one." Jade mumbled.

"Don't hate on me and my happiness. Dante must not be coming back." Kendra said rubbing her stomach.

"Yep and a girl is calling asking for him." Jade pushed out of her seat.

"You know, why do I do this? He starts acting right, only now I can't get no dick."

"How long has it been?" Kendra asked.

"500 years.' they both laughed, "Don't even tell me how long it's been for you two heifers. I can clearly see the product of one of those times on you." she said pointing to Kendra.

"Hey a man is always suppose to take care of home before he goes anywhere, Ricky told me that." Kendra said plopping on the couch.

"Well that hasn't happened for awhile and with him asking me to marry him..." she blurted before she could stop herself.

"What?!" they both said in unison and lead them to fire off questions left and right.

"Okay yes he asked but I haven't said yes or no." Jade quickly clarified. 

"You have to know that he's not the right guy for you." Katrina said.

"Here we go again." Jade grumbled.

"Seriously, he has cheated on you, now from what you tell us, you not getting any."

"I say give him a taste of his own medicine and you find someone to give you yours." Kendra suggested.

"No, the answer to the problem is not to do the same thing."

"Shut up now she may have a point. I mean what's good for him is definitely good for me."

"If that's the case just break up with him." Katrina said being the voice of reason.

"It's just one time and it can be someone random that I can just use."

"This is so wrong.

"Oh come on, you spent most of your life plotting to get your husband. Katrina, I just want to know what good sex feels like again. I need someone to make me feel wanted even if it's just for a little bit." she said biting her bottom lip.

"I'm not going to condone it, but I can understand. Believe me, I know from ex-boyfriends about not being taken care of properly."

"Good, now what guy would I get to do this with?" Jade wondered sitting back in her seat."

At the shop, James and Gary had just finished signing all the paperwork to transfer everything to James. He never thought that this day could be so stressful and he's been in war. Gary had spent most of the day introducing James to other employees and showing him around the shop. He loved it around here and the fact that most of the customers are going to stay with James. 

"Well, this is it. Here are the keys James and all the documents."

"Thank you sir. I really appreciate this."

"No I appreciate you. Now Tanya and I can go on that honeymoon and help Kendra with the baby." he laughed.

"Well, I just hope I make you proud."

"I'm pretty sure you will. Scott and Ricky go on and on about you. It makes me feel like you are part of the family."

"Well I am honored sir, I really am. You know it's getting late, why don't you get out of here?"

"Yep, Tanya will kill me if I am late for dinner. Just promise me that whenever I come around you let me work for a little bit. I may miss the grease on my hand." he smiled and James couldn't help but laugh.

"That's a guarantee." James said as he showed him out.

James looked around the place taking in everything. It was all his now, he finally got his own business something he has been wanting since he worked on his first car back when he was 14. He figured his dad would be proud of him since he was the one that taught him everything. He looked at the cars that were still here and even an abandoned motorcycle. He would have fun with that later, he thought as he smiled to himself. 

He was heading back to the office when he heard someone banging on the door. He checked his watch again to make sure it was closing time. The banging continued as he ran over to the door. He opened the door to see that little temptress Jade. He leaned against the frame as she lowered her hand.

"What are you doing here? Where is Gary?" she asked.

"He went home, what's wrong?"

"My mechanic sucks and I need someone to fix this fucking car. It has stopped twice since I drove it here. Can you get me a mechanic?"

He scratched under his chin and crossed his arms in front of his chest, "I'm sorry princess but I am the mechanic."

Her mouth dropped in shocked, "No, you are a Marine." 

"I'm that too, but I am also a mechanic. I bought this shop from Gary."

"Oh, well I'm pretty sure that I can find another shop." she said turning her back to him.

"Jade," he said grabbing her arm, "You already said that the thing keeps stopping on you, so let me help. But if you want to take the risk of driving this around in the dark, then go ahead." 

He liked the way she pouted when she knew he was right. He saw that same pout when he was talking to her last night about her boyfriend.

"Fine, thank you." she said.

He went ahead pulled the car into the shop to take a look at it. She went ahead and called Dominique from the office, to ask her to come pick her up when she got back from dinner with her brother. Dominique was firing off a million questions when Jade looked out of the corner of her eye. She saw him peel his shirt off and her mouth went dry as she saw him in his white tank top. He leaned over the car and she saw his muscles in his arm flex as he was under the hood. Maybe it was the lack of sex but the way he looked right then turned her on immensely. It was that same twinge she felt when she saw him last night in just his boxers. She licked her lips as she saw him stand to full height, stretching his arms over his head. 

"Jade, are you listening?!" she heard Dominique's angry tone.

"I hear you. Look, I am at Gary's shop just come as soon as you can."

"Yea sure." Jade hung up the phone and went out to join him by the car.

She came over and leaned against the car as he looked at the engine, "So is it a flop?" she asked.

"No, it's a pretty good car, but did you have a pre-school kid as your mechanic?"

She smiled, "No, it's this guy that I have known for awhile."

"Well," he said standing to full height looking over at her, "I think I can fix his screw ups, but it will have to wait till tomorrow. There are some parts I need. I can take you home though."

"No thank you. I have a friend picking me up."

"You insistent on bothering Katrina and Scott when I can give you a ride."

"No, that's not it. I got a friend that doesn't have a man and I think you have done enough for me already."

"It's no problem. The fact that you called me an amateur didn't hurt at all."

"Yea, I'm sorry about that. I go through bitch periods and it can't be stopped."

"So I noticed." she kicked his leg and they both laughed, "It's okay, you just had a bad night. So, you know when your boyfriend is coming back?" he asked returning back to the car.

"Not really. I'm thinking his family needs him." not as much as she needed him though.

"Sorry to hear about that."

"It's okay, you know I actually see a mechanic in you now."

"Yea, my dad taught me everything about cars and then the rest I picked up on my own. I use to do some work on the jeeps for the army sometimes."

"Why didn't you go open a shop back home?" she said.

"Not a good place to start, besides I like it here."

"And maybe you are trying to get away from the ex-wife?"

"That too." he grumbled testing a couple of screws. 

Her mouth started to water as she stared at his back. She crossed ankles together hoping that would release some of the heat building in her pants. Her mind started to wonder what he would be like in the bed. This was crazy, she barely knew him and yet she couldn't stop her mind from wondering. Would he be as rough as he looked? Would he pull her hair? Was his cock long and thick? Would he tease her mercilessly until she begged to cum? She looked at his long fingers as they reached deeper inside. She closed her eyes imagining him holding her down on a bed like he did last night and feeling his fingers enter her wet pussy. The feeling of his fingers thrusting in and out, stretching her out, driving her insane. His thumb circled her clit making her buck out of control. She could feel her climax coming soon and a moan escaped her mouth.

Wait, that wasn't part of the fantasy, she thought as she heard the moan for herself. Her eyes flew open wide. Please don't let him hear that, she thought to herself. She couldn't even bring herself to look at him. Where the hell was Dominique?

She chuckled nervously, "Excuse me." she said pushing off the car and quickly walked back to the office.

Oh he heard her alright, the way she basically ran away from him was his confirmation. The small sound echoed in the garage and invaded his senses. He wondered if she was thinking of him. He really didn't care at this point, because his cock started to strain in his jeans. No use fighting this, he thought to himself. 

He followed her into the office and saw her pacing in front of the desk. Her face looked flush with her hand in her hair. He stepped in front of her and she looked up at him, nervously. He leaned down close to her face but didn't take what she wanted. Please, just please do it, she pleaded to herself. Oh fuck it, she stood on her toes and pressed her lips to his. She pushed her tongue into his mouth, gliding it against his. So, what if he wasn't her type? He ran his fingers through her hair and grabbed a handful of hair to pull her head back. She groaned in shock as he looked up at him. Those plump, juicy lips teasing him and her lust glazed eyes looking up at him. 

"Fuck." he whispered and went to assault her lips with his. 

Jade couldn't remember the last time she got so turned on by a kiss. His thick tongue moving in her mouth, dominating her mouth. She grabbed on to his shoulder when she almost lost her stance. He had something to fix that, he grabbed the back of her thigh to lift her against him. She instantly wrapped her legs around him as he grabbed her ass pulling her against his throbbing erection. She moaned into his mouth as he sat her on the desk. She craved to touch his chest, to feel if he was as hot for her as she was for him. 

They broke away slightly for him to pull his tank top out of his pants. She saw the little tuff of hair on his stomach and licked her lips. A sudden movement caught her eye and she looked to see Dominique in the door way. James wondered what she was staring at that made her eyes wide as saucers. He followed her gaze and saw one of her little friends.

"I was trying to get your attention but I see you two are busy." she said trying to hide the obvious smirk.

"No, um thanks for coming to pick me up." she said trying to push at his chest. 

Reluctantly, he moved away from her so she could fix her clothes. Dominique gave her a little smirk before she turned away from the room. James looked down at her as she tried to bring herself together. 

"I guess I'll come and pick it up tomorrow." she said.

"Jade, I told you that I will take you home." he said. He wanted to finish what almost happened right on his desk, boyfriend be damned. She shook her head and looked up at him, "I have to go. Thanks again." she quickly headed to the door. 

She wanted to look back to see what he was doing or if he was going to follow but she decided against it. If she would have, he would have to take her home. She couldn't understand what was going on with her body. Everything went on overdrive the moment she kissed him and everything in her pulled to him. There was something in that kiss, in his touch that made her crave him. It was more than just her wanting sex, but something else and it scared her. She hurried into Dominique's car, biting her bottom lip. 

"You want to explain what happened in there. I mean I could leave you here and have him take you home if that's what you want." Dominique joked.

Jade didn't really hear her because her mind was reeling. Her hormones jumping for her to go back and her pussy soaking her panties. What was that extra she felt though? That hidden feeling that exploded when he kissed her. Kissing another man wasn't suppose to feel that way, she just wanted gratification. 

"It wasn't suppose to feel that way." she whispered to herself.



Rough around the Edges Ch. 02



"Why can't you just come home for a little bit?" Jade nearly screamed into the phone.

"Baby, I have a lot of work to do up here and my family needs me."

"And they just decided now that they needed you? Dante, I'm just feeling that I'm beating my head against a brick wall and I want to see you."

"I will be back soon and then we can talk about the engagement."

She became enraged, how dare he bring that up in her condition, "You want to talk about marriage when you can't even come home to spend some time with me?! You know what Dante, just forget it, go back to work!" she slammed her phone shut and nearly threw her phone across the room. 

When did she come to a point where she basically had to beg someone to fuck her? Especially when it came from someone who was suppose to be her boyfriend and wanted to be her future husband. Last night had been so rough for her. After she left the shop, she listened to Dominique mock/lecture for the entire ride to her house. Not only that, she brought herself to an orgasm in the shower. She still had everything fresh in her mind from last night, from James muscled arms gripping her, to his lips pressing firmly against hers. This was so ridiculous.  She was about to get some work done when she saw Katrina walk in. Oh great, someone who is happy with their relationship, she thought to herself.

"Hey, what's going on?" Katrina said sitting in front of her.

"Just the usual stuff. I am horny and my boyfriend is not delivering."

"I thought you were going to do the whole cheating thing." 

"I was, but" she sighed, "I don't know if I can handle that."

"You seemed all down for it yesterday, what happened?"

She didn't tell them yet what happened yesterday, actually she was a little shocked that Dominique hadn't told her. It made her a little nervous to think about what had happened and how she felt. She might as well get it over with.

"Last night when I went to check on my car, I almost had sex," she paused, " with James." she waited for a reaction.

She looked up when she didn't hear anything and Katrina sat there with her same understanding look, "I actually knew, I was just waiting on you to tell me."

"I should have known. Anyway, it was going real far when I just happen to see Dominique."

"How far did it go?"

"Kissing was just enough for me. I was almost on the desk and he was kissing and pulling. It was just so erotic."

"I thought you hated James."

"I don't hate him, just his smart ass mouth."

"Now you see what that smart ass mouth can do and you are hooked." Katrina smiled.

"I'm going to let that slide because it is so true. It wasn't just the kiss though, something happened when he kissed me. I felt like I was spinning out of control and felt like..."

"Sparks went off?"

"Yea and..."

"That you couldn't get enough of it, but he made you feel like a woman."

"Exactly."

Katrina nodded, "That's how I felt when Scott first kissed me."

"Which one; when you were younger or when you two met up again? You know it doesn't matter, you and Scott belonged together, it's different."

"It maybe a different situation, but the outcome remains the same. You felt that click when he kissed you."

"Is that what it's called, I thought it was extreme lack of sex." Katrina laughed as Jade ran her fingers through her hair.

"So, what are you going to do?"

"Go back to being angry and frustrated till Dante comes home."

"Okay Jade, I'm going to be honest with you. You're horny and you aren't getting any, but Dante makes sure he gets his. When is this going to register to you?"

"Now you are condoning me to cheat?"

"I'm not saying that. I'm just saying for you to put everything together. I think part of your attraction to James is the fact that he doesn't kiss your butt and gives just as much as you do. I'm just wanting you to think about it for a little bit. Now come into the kitchen and let's start cooking." Jade couldn't help but chuckle.

"Alright then." 

Later that day, Jade had just came back from picking up some extra stuff for the restaurant.  She pretty much threw herself into her work and tried not to think about that kiss. Her arms were so full that she didn't think she would be able to make it to the back. She felt her load lighten as soon as she walked in. Katrina must have been waiting on her she thought, but looked up to see James. Damn, she really didn't want to deal with this now. 

"Thank you." she said and walked past him.

"You're welcome. I thought I come by and give you an update on the car."

"And the phone didn't work for you because?" she said heading to the back.

"Well, it's lunch and a man does need to eat." well nice to see last night didn't knock the bitchiness out of her, he thought.

"Well, I didn't need you to help me with the bags." she said handing everything to one of her cooks.

Okay he was now fed up. He grabbed her arm and pulled her to the back where no one could see them. He felt like he was doing a lot for this girl and here she was still treating him like he was something on the bottom of her shoe. He put up with it for as long as he could especially since that kiss they shared last night. 

He pulled her into her office and slammed the door. Jade was ready to unleash on him for embarrassing her at work. Who did he think he was?

"Now you listen..." she started.

"No you listen." he interrupted, "I don't know what you have against me, but I suggest you let it go. I don't play those roller coaster games nor have time for them. I don't care whatever your boyfriend has you going through but I'm not him so treat me with some fucking respect. Got that princess?" he ended glaring down at her. 

Jade's mouth dropped at his words. Did he really just talk to her like that? She couldn't believe her ears or how her body suddenly reacted to the way he talked to her and how he stared. He didn't break his gaze so she figured she better respond. 

"Got it." she simple stated with her mouth tensed up.

"Good, now like I told you before I just came to get some lunch and to give you an update on your car." he said walking to the other side of her desk.

She blinked a couple of times to get her mind focused back on what he was saying now. The car, right, she thought to herself.

"Yes, is it bad?" she said turning to face him.

"Like I said yesterday, it's good. I just have to wait on this part to come in. I should get it later today."

"Wow, you have pretty much thrown yourself into work since you got that shop."

"I don't believe in slacking off." he said sitting on the corner of her desk.

"Don't you have to move in and get settled?"

"I will eventually. I just want to make sure that everyone is taking care of, especially you." She raised her eyebrow, "Why especially me?"

"I have a soft sport for army brats." she laughed out loud tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and saw him smile.

Her knees started to feel weak as she looked at his smile. For him to look so rough and demanding he has a smile of a young boy. It was a very infectious smile that made her return it.

"What would you like to eat?" she said remembering the other reason he came.

"Come over here and I will tell you."

"Why do I have to walk over there?"

"Because I want to touch you." her mouth dropped, "I am a blunt man."

"Why do you want to touch me?" she had to ask the loaded question.

"Because I like what I felt last night and I've been up almost all night thinking about touching you again."

No this couldn't be happening. Was he honestly saying this to her. She thought about not indulging in his request especially with the way he talked to her earlier, but it was that same tone that made her feet move toward him.

She stood in front of him with her arms folded across her chest. She couldn't take her eyes off the way his gray shirt adorned his muscles. He had a grey bandana covering his hair, she would like to be reminded how his hair looked again. Her eyes scanned to connect with his, staring back at her. She wondered what exactly he was thinking. 

He took one of her arms and pulled it away. The way her chest pushed up with her arms crossed was really distracting for him. Her other arm fell at her side as he pulled her closer to him. She felt her body shiver with her being so close to him. His gaze fell on her lips, those thick plump lips that invaded his dreams last night. She wrapped her arms around his neck bringing her closer to him. She smelled so good, he thought to himself and he wondered if she was still responsive to his touch.

His hand reached up to grab the back of her head and pulled her down to his lips. She fell right into the kiss, wrapping her arms tighter around him. His hand traveled down to her hips, griping them tight. She was starting to like when he was forceful. She never thought she could get so turned on by him and his strong hands. He was definitely gifted with his tongue, she thought as his kiss dominated her mouth.

He heard her moan against his lips and something about that snapped to him. He couldn't explain the urgency he felt at that moment, but he wanted her bad. He dreamed of her most of the night, of what it could have happened if she had never left. It left him frustrated and hard most of the night.

He reached for her shirt and nearly ripped all the buttons off, leaving her in a black lace bra. She gasped against his lips feeling the cool air hit her chest. He broke away from her lips to kiss her neck. She clenched on to him tighter when his tongue ran slowly down her neck. She couldn't afford to get a hickey from him, but this was feeling way too good to stop. It felt great to be wanted and desired. Her hand gripped his muscular arms as he continued kissing and licking her neck. He stood to full height keeping his eyes bearing down on her. His eyes were so deep that she could get lost in them. How could he have such an effect on her? He pulled her over to her chair and he sat down. He pulled her to straddle his lap. She was surprised she went this far without mentioning her boyfriend. Boyfriend? She did have one of those. 

"Um, Jam.." her voice ended in a sudden gasp for air when his thumb grazed her harden nipple. She bucked against him as her skirt rose to her waist.

He didn't think she would be so responsive to him. Watching her eyes slit closed and head thrown back sent a direct signal to his erection. Her moisture covered her panties as he kept on teasing her.  He was itching to get her hair down to see how she looked when she lost control. He knew a good way to try and see.

She looked down at him as he took her nipple in his mouth. Her mouth dropped as he sucked on the harden bud through her lace. She couldn't think and her head was spinning. At this point instincts took over and she started to grind slowly against his jean clad erection. She heard his low growl as she grabbed on to his shoulders. Her body was craving this release that was building inside her. She could almost taste it. She was ready to rip their clothes off and let him take her. Logic didn't matter any more only this delicious sensation. She pulled his head up and kissed him again, shoving her tongue in his mouth.

"Hey girl, I wanted to...wow!" they both turned to see a shocked Katrina standing there. She quickly turned around and went back out.

"So sorry about that." she said through the door.

"Fuck." he silently cursed, "Do all your friends have bad timing?" she couldn't help but smile.

She couldn't believe this was happening again. She was starting to really believe that she wasn't meant to cheat. She was about to get up, but felt his hands tightened around her waist.

"Where are you going?" he asked looking up at her.

"I have to get back to work and so do you since you are fixing my car." she said finally getting up.

You have got to be kidding, he thought. He got up and moved over to her as she fixed her clothes, "So that's it?" he asked standing behind her.

"I'm afraid so." she didn't want to turn around and look at him just yet, "Look this is nice but I have a boyfriend. I can't just mess around with you. Besides that, this is wrong, I'm not sure if I really like you."

He chuckled, "Look, it's obvious something is going on between us, so this is what's going to happen. I am coming to your place at nine and you are going to be waiting for me."

She finally turned to face him, "And what makes you think that I will be waiting?"

One side of his mouth turned up before he leaned down and kissed her roughly. She couldn't do anything but let him as he sucked and licked her tongue. Damn he sure can kiss, she thought. He pulled her closer to him to steady her wobbly legs.

He pulled away from her plump lips and he saw something for that brief moment. A gorgeous creature with swollen lips and face flushed with lust. Her eyes flickered open to connect with his.

"Because I know so. You can come pick up the car around five." he said turning on his heels and walking away from her.

She stood there embarrassed, angry, and horny. As if she needed any help feeling that way, it's been that way for awhile. She sighed looking down at her shirt. At least she carries extra clothes here. That's when she thought to herself, who did he think he was. Did he just pretty much tell her that she better be ready for him later that night. That arrogant asshole. She knew she was dumb for letting it go that far. She groaned in frustration.

"I can't stand him!" she shouted as her body protest. 

She found another shirt in her gym bag and put it on. She should send him the dry cleaning bill to have the shirt buttons fixed. She then wondered what type of wine she should get for the night.

Later that night, Jade just got out of the shower and went searching through her closet for an outfit. It's not like she cared though. She just wanted to look presentable. She didn't get a chance to see him when Katrina took her to pick up her car. They said he was out picking up some stuff, but he did call her to get directions to her house. A million thoughts ran through her mind as she held her favorite brown dress up to her body. She looked at the clock, 7:30. She still had time to back out of him coming. She tried to tell herself that it was just sex, but if it was, why did she feel so different about it?  Why did his lips feel so right? Why did his touch excite her so? Why did he leave her body aching for more? She could just blame it on being exceptionally horny, yea that had to be it. 

She smoothed the dress over her and checked herself out in the mirror. She wondered if it was too much. Why was she caring so much? She sighed in frustration and went to her phone to call for some advice.  

"Hello." Katrina answered.

"Am I making the right decision?"

"Are you still questioning yourself?" she replied.

"Katrina, I don't know about this seriously. I mean there is something about the way I respond to him and I'm not supposed to."

"Okay check this: do you think he's hot?"

"He's alright to me."

"Jade, don't play me. Your calling me about the dude, you think he's hot."

"Okay so I do." she finally admitted.

"He obviously thinks you are hot too. If the two of you like each other I say do the damn thing."

"What about Dante? I can't do that to him."

"I look at it like this, if you have to question sleeping with another man then you don't need to be with Dante."

She knew she shouldn't have even brought him up, "Okay thanks a lot Katrina."

"I'm not trying to lecture you again. I'm just saying that I see my best friend unhappy with a guy and thinking about cheating with this other guy."

"I'm not unhappy. I'm just wanting someone to make me feel wanted. Besides who do you think that I should be with, James?"

"Well, that's a good start."

"Please, he is so not the one. I told you about those military men, my sister will kill me."

"I am married to a military man."

"But he loved you before he went in and that's different. I don't even know why we are jumping to conclusions like this."

She heard Katrina sigh, "I don't either. I can't tell you what to do. All that I am saying is that there has to be reason why you are so nervous that you would call me and ask for advice. You've never called for advice about a guy before, just barely on your own boyfriend."

"I'm just going to go for it. I'm acting like Dominique always thinking about everything. I'll see you tomorrow." Jade said.

"Alright. Say, you know you left your cell phone at the restaurant, don't you?" 

"Oh okay, well it should be alright there. Later." she hung up and finished getting ready.

Don't think, just feel she told herself. That's exactly what she was going to do. After fixing her face she started to chill some wine and some strawberries. That should be good for tonight. 

She played some slow music and before she knew it nine o'clock came around. Hmm, she hadn't heard anything from him. Okay, she would give him some time. It's not like she was anticipating him. He didn't even have to show for all she cared, she thought pouring her a glass of wine.

Why wasn't this woman answering her cell phone, he thought to himself. He wasn't expecting to help tow two cars back to the shop. After he left her, his day went to shit. He was overloaded with work and one of the mechanics had an emergency and had to leave. It was after ten and that girl hasn't answered her phone or called him. She may not have his number but she has the number to the shop. If he knew her attitude, he wouldn't hear the end of this. 

He decided to close up and go over to her house. Might as well get this over with and see what she is going to say. He headed to her house and took a deep breath before knocking on the door. Sure enough she swung open the door, her eyes narrowed at him.

"Yes?" she said blocking his way. 

Oh she was pissed and sexy as hell in the form fitting dress, "Can I come in?"

"You actually had an open invitation at nine but seeing that it's past ten, it's been revoked." she almost shut the door but he caught it before she could slam it shut.

"Why didn't you answer your phone?" he asked.

"You didn't call me."

"I called your cell phone and you didn't answer it."

She looked off and crossed her arms over her chest, "I left it at work by accident."

"And that's suppose to be my fault. Why didn't you call the shop?"

"The number is in my phone."

"And you didn't think to ask your friends or even Ricky since it was his step father's shop."

"Don't turn this around and make me look like the bad guy. Why didn't you ask my friend who is married to your friend?"

"Well can we agree that we both used bad judgment? Can I come in?"

"I don't think so on both accounts." 

"What now?"

"I don't think this is a good idea."

"Just because I was late?"

"Just because there is too much stuff that's happening that makes it obvious we aren't suppose to do this."

He ran his hand down his face, "Jade, I really don't have time for this. I'm tired and getting very frustrated. Will you let me in?"

"And after that little speech, I'm suppose to let you in and fuck you? Are you serious right now?"

"I need a cigarette." he groaned.

"You damn sure not coming in now. I don't allow smoking in here."

This girl was testing his nerves, "Jade, I don't know where that little bitch bug you obviously had came back from, but you better reel it in."

"Or what? Are you threatening me now?"

"You are slowly pissing me off." he said, his voice starting to raise.

"I have been pissed for about an hour now. Want to take a guess as to why?"

He gritted his teeth together and counted backwards in his head. Why was this girl testing him? He swallowed hard and looked down at her. She was just too sexy to be this bitchy.




Rough around the Edges Ch. 02



"Have you eaten?" he asked.

"Does it matter?"

"Answer the damn question." he said through gritted teeth.

"No. I was waiting on you." 

"Alright. I know where we can get something to eat and cool off a little."

"Who said I was going anywhere with you? Don't think that you can win me over with a meal and then I will let you do anything to..." she was cut off as he rushed her and picked her up over his shoulder.

"James! If you don't put me down! This dress is not the right length." he just ignored her pleas and grabbed her keys on the table.

He locked her door and carried her over to his truck and she was still kicking, "I'm going to put you down and you are going to get in the truck."

"Fuck you! I'm not going anywhere with you."

"Either you ride in the front or I'll put you in the bed of the truck."

"Fine, whatever!" he opened the passenger door before setting her on her feet.

She glared at him before climbing inside. He shut the door and shook his head as he moved to his side. They drove in silent with her looking out the window. Why did she even open her door to him? She was already pissed at him, it was pointless having an argument with him. Then to drag her out of her house, this is kidnapping. He is basically kidnapping her to a restaurant, but she couldn't help the tingling feeling her body felt around him. What was wrong with her?  They got to this late night diner, she heard it was pretty good.  It had an old fashion feel to it right down to the diner talk. They had just finished eating and she still wasn't speaking to him. He took that time to take a look at her. 

She wore her hair was down in big curls framed around her face. She wore very little makeup, in truth she really didn't need any. She actual looks so cute across from him pouting that he couldn't help but laugh.

"Does something amuse you?" she finally asked.

"You do." he said taking a cigarette out.

"Must you smoke in here?"

"Since this is the one place where I can enjoy good food and have a smoke, yes."

"Such a disgusting habit."

"You are starting to sound like my ex-wife, that's not good babe." he said lighting the stick, "Is there something you want to say?" he hinted.

"Are you seriously considering me apologizing to you?" she said drawing her eyebrows together.

"Don't you think that you should? I admit I was wrong and I should have called your house. I didn't know that you would be waiting so patiently for me." he said turning that right side corner of his mouth.

She scoffed, "That's your idea of an apology. I think you better try again."

"I think that was pretty good. I apologize for not using my better judgment."

"That's a start, then I apologize for giving you such a hard time."

"So let me know princess, you have a boyfriend so why are you kissing on me?" he said and she looked over at him.

"I don't know exactly."

"For a minute there I thought it was my good looks." she couldn't help but smile.

"If you need some validation, you are nice looking James. It's just as you can tell me and my boyfriend don't get along that well."

"So I can tell. Remind me why you put up with it."

"I really don't want to have this conversation with you."

"You say that and yet you want to sleep with me while being with him."

She sighed, "He's good for me."

"Meaning?"

"He's good for me. He is stable and he cares for me."

"He obviously doesn't respect you." he said flicking his ashes.

"Yes he does, why would you say something like that?"

"For the simple fact that he was flirting with another girl in front of you."

"He's a big flirt I knew that when I was dating him."

"Normally when you are serious about someone you stop all that. What happened to that part?"

"He's... I mean..." in truth she didn't have an answer for him. She didn't know what to say?

"I take your silence as a confirmation."

"It's no type of confirmation."

"Don't tell me you one of those women that just has to have a man, because look at you. You can have any man you want."

"You know enough about me, what about you? You were married what happened with that?"

"She cheated on me, over and over again."

"I'm sorry."

"No big deal. I'm lucky I caught it when I did. My thing was I didn't want to believe when people told me she did it."

"What was she like? What attracted you to her?"

"You know young love. She was pretty much my high school sweetheart. We lost touch when I got into the Marines and then I met up with her again. We instantly fell in love again and got married. She was that sweet girl next door and I was the troubled kid so we got along instantly. After awhile my sweet girl next door turned into the freak down the street and it was with damn near everyone on the base."

"Sorry to hear that."

"A lot of women can't handle that life. It just taught me to be careful and maybe not to look for a serious relationship."

"Ever?"

"Well, it's not like after that horrible breakup I want to jump right back into another chokehold."

"Well, she wasn't the right person for you."

"I know that, so why haven't you figured out that the asshole is not right for you?" 

"You are really digging into my personal life." she said feeling real uncomfortable.

"Okay then let me ask you this, why do you want to sleep with me?"

She was tired of these questions and wanted to lay it on the line, "Because I do find you attractive okay. You are an arrogant ass but there is something about you. I have gone too long without sex and at this point I want some sort of release."

"So, is this because you want to have sex or you want to have sex with me?"

"Isn't it the same?"

"Not really." he paused, "Do you still want to?"

"Yes." she answered without hesitating. 

He scratched the stubble on the bottom of his chin and put out his cigarette, "Let's get out of here." he said throwing some money on the table.

They made it back to her place and he helped her open the door. Her hands were fidgeting and she could feel her body shiver in anticipation. Was this really going to happen without any interruptions? She lead him into the bedroom and he followed looking down at the way her dress fit. This was going to be fun, he thought. 

He shut the door to her bedroom and the door closing made her turn around back to him. His dark predator eyes were focused on her as he drank her in. He stood in front of her just inches from her lips. She parted her lips ready for him to close the gap. He moved down to kiss her neck. She melted against him as he sucked and licked on her neck. She grabbed on to his forearms as his hands moved to her hips. He slowly bunch the dress around her waist. He moved away briefly to lift the dress completely off of her. She stood there just in a brown lace thong and matching bra. She was the sight dreams were made of. She had a perfect shape womanly body. Even though he has complained about her height and shape it still turned him on.

He moved her over to the bed till she felt it hit the back of her leg. She looked up at him, wondering what he was going to take off. 

"Lay down." he ordered in a low husky voice.

She complied slowly climbing in the bed and laid in the center. He moved over her slowly, kissing up her stomach on the way. She bucked against him and gasped feeling his touch. There was something in his touch that turned her on, like he knew exactly where and when to touch her. He met her face to face and she grabbed his face to kiss him. He let her lead the kiss, keeping his hand on her stomach.

"You are so sexy." he growled as moved back to her neck. 

His hand traveled down to her thong, rubbing on her through the thin material. He felt her wetness on his fingers as he moved his lips down to her chest. She gasped feeling him unhook her bra from the front. He pushed the cups away with his free hand and just gazed down at her. Her lips stayed parted, eyes closed. Her nipples were begging for his attention and she started moving against his hand She needed release, that's exactly what he was going to give her.

His tongue circled one of her nipples before he took it in his mouth. She moaned out, grabbing on to his head. He moved the flimsy material away to push his two fingers inside of her.

"Oh fuck." she cried bucking against his fingers.

He pulled his fingers out slowly only to quickly push them back in. Her wetness coated his fingers and he could smell her desire in the air. She spread her legs wider feeling him push in deeper. His mouth moved to her other nipple, repeating the same ministration. 

"Oh James, that feels so good." she moaned.

He growled low against her nipple, tugging on it with his teeth. She cried out at that, as she felt her head spinning. She couldn't form any thoughts not even if she tried and she didn't want to. For the first time she was letting herself feel and she wanted to get his clothes off.  She needed to feel his skin. 

"James..." she started.

"It's alright baby." he pushed his fingers into her faster, "You look so sexy right now. I bet you taste as good as you look. My dick is so hard for you that I want to bury it deep inside you." he whispered.

"Oh fuck James. I'm about to cum." she moaned.

He added a third finger inside of her and spread his fingers out. She started to buck against him, grabbing on to his shoulders. She pulled him back to her lips, shoving her tongue in his mouth. He pulled away before it got too heated. No, he wanted to hear her cum. He wanted to see her lose it. She started to feel her body tingle from her toes and travel slowly up to her head. She felt her body was extremely sensitive and colors flashing in front of her eyes. He felt her muscles clench around his fingers and knew it was coming. His thumb started to stroke her clit and that's when she screamed. 

"That's it baby, fucking cum." he growled through his teeth moving his fingers faster.

"James!" she screamed out.

He couldn't help but lean down and kiss those lips. He swore those lips are his down fall. He couldn't resist kissing them. He pulled his fingers out of her pussy and looked down at her. She looked up at him with heavy eyes. She couldn't remember the last time she came that hard. She watched as he sucked on his fingers that were just inside of her, tasting her.

"You are so tasty, princess." he moaned and kissed her again.

Her body felt so heavy but she still responded to his kiss. She felt so good and like her whole body just molded to the bed. Even though she felt somewhat tired, she still wanted to feel him. 

"Let me know princess, when you actually want me." he whispered against her lips. 

This was going to be hard for him. He pulled away from her and got out the bed. Her eyes flew open as she watched him stand to full height. He could feel his cock protesting, pulsing in need, as he looked down at her full breast and her still in her thong.  

"James, what are you doing?"

"I'll see you tomorrow." he said just before leaving her.

He knew he had to do it, there was a lesson to be taught.  He didn't know what that was at this moment, but he knew he wanted Jade and he wanted her begging for him That's the moment where he will take, he thought with a smile.



Rough around the Edges Ch. 03



"Yes, please. I'm going to need them by February 23 please." Jade said into the phone, "Yes, it's actually for our Mardi Gras celebration we have every year."

"Sounds like fun. In that case, we will definitely have everything shipped out as soon as possible. Do ya'll do anything special for Valentine's Day?"

"No, we are usually so busy baking heart-shaped cakes that we really don't have time to plan anything else."

"Alright Miss Davis, you have a great day." the woman laughed into the phone.

"You too thanks." she said hanging up.

She sighed to herself, checking that off her list. She was actually getting a lot accomplished despite her night. Well her night wasn't exactly bad, she did get partially done what she wanted. Now she wanted the rest. She couldn't believe that he just left her like that. She thought he was going to turn back around, but never did. She did get a good night's sleep though. That's alright, he was determined now to make it happen with him.

She heard a knock on the door before Katrina came in, "Well I see nothing going on."

"That's because he is not here, little nosy." Katrina laughed coming in.

"You have been working today I see."

"Yeah, got all the decorations and stuff for the Mardi Gras celebration. You got the list of foods we need?"

"Yeah, I already ordered it and they going to express deliver it so I can take a look at it."

"Good, looks like everything is pretty much set for that. I see you are feeling better, did you do it?"

"Do what?" Jade blinked innocently.

"Don't play dumb with me. You know what I mean."

"No, we didn't but he did give me something to think about."

"Oh really? Well then nice to know that James has those qualities. So are you over it now?"

"Nope, not in the slightest bit, but I'm taking that for now."

"Well nice to know you are in a good mood. I'll let everyone else know."

"Everyone else?"

"Just the girls, we've been worried about you."

"I'm good really. You and Scott have anything planned for Valentine's day, it's this weekend."

"I know, he's not telling me. He just said don't make any plans and wear very little." they both laughed.

"Oh, I heard from my sisters earlier today. Nicole is getting ready to graduate and already got a scholarship to her school."

"That's great. She is going places and I'm so proud of her."

"I told her I was too, of course Gale was like she should have gotten a full scholarship. I just told Nicole to get grants to cover the rest which shouldn't be hard since our dad served in the military. She was telling me when she moves on campus she wants to spend more time with me and get a part time job."

"That would be good. She could work here as a waitress."

"She doesn't want to work with me though. We would drive each other crazy with her constant organizing. Sometimes it's like having a little Dominique around."

"How is your mom?"

"You know the same ole. She is proud of her, but of course she wants to know when I'm going to get married. Gale is pressuring me to go ahead and marry Dante."

"If she only knew." Katrina said.

There was another knock on the door and one of waitress poked her head in, "Excuse me Miss Davis, I have that order for you." she said.

"Thanks Emily." Jade said getting up and grabbing it from her, "I'm going to lunch."

"Wait, where are you going?"

"To take care of some unfinished business." she smiled.

James was at the shop helping one of the mechanics with an older car that came in earlier. He been pretty busy in the shop, helping out wherever he felt he was needed. Most of the paperwork was done, but he was starting to realize that he may need to hire a secretary to help with paperwork. He was just throwing himself into work. Anything to keep his fingers busy from calling Jade.

As soon as he got home last night, he jumped into a cold shower. That didn't really help because that night, he still dreamed about her face when she came. Her parted, moist lips, her eyes clouded with lust staring up at him. 

"Damn it." he jumped back as something shocked him.

"You alright man." Ramon asked.

"Yea, just a stupid mistake."

"Must be a woman on your mind." Ramon smiled.

James looked over at Ramon with his eyes narrowed. Ramon quickly cleared his throat feeling uncomfortable under James' gaze. James gave the stubborn broken part to Ramon.

"So, what should I do next?" Ramon quickly asked.

"Well, the hard part is over. Just go ahead and replace the part and remember to tighten the bolt. Everything should be good." James said standing to full height.

"Alright, thanks man."

"You know anything about motorcycles?" 

"Yea, that's what I was working on before cars."

"I want you to help me look at that little beauty in the corner."

"Oh sure man. I'll take a look at it during lunch."

"You don't have to do it that soon. That's your lunch, man."

"Yea, but I really don't mind. I'm just grateful that after you took over, you kept all of us here."

"Hey good workers are hard to find," James smiled, " but thanks man."

Ramon went back to work on the car as James headed to check on the other guys. Even though he liked all the guys, he had soft spot for Ramon. He went through a hard life in his 26 years. He got mixed up with the wrong crowd when he was younger and because of that, he went to prison at 19. After he served his six years, he turned his life around. He started working hard and staying away from that crowd. James could have gone down that same path, but luckily his dad basically pushed him into being a Marine. He was going to head back to his office when he heard someone calling his name, a loud screeching voice that sounded like nails against chalkboard. He closed his eyes tight and said a silent prayer that this wasn't who he thought it was.

He turned around to see her blond mane and cold blue eyes staring dead at him. She made heads turn in her short red dress, that barely reached her knees. It was that same dress that he use to love on her, but now it just looked like any other piece of clothing. She came face to face with him as he stood there expressionless. She however had a smile on her face. The same smiled she had whenever he would come home back before she was screwing everyone.

"Well I see Satan is letting his demons visit Earth." James said folding his arms across his chest.

"James, honey why are you being so mean?" she pouted.

"Don't play with me, last week you were pretty much cussing me out and now you are playing nice. What do you want?"

"I wanted to see you and see how you were doing."

"Who did you fuck to get my new address?"

She cleared her throat and forced a smile, "Honey, let's talk privately."

"I want to know why the fuck you here and why are you playing nice. You are not getting any money from me."

"I miss you terribly."

"You said that I was only good for a screw."

"I was angry. I didn't realize what I had." she placed her hand cautiously on his bicep, "Please forgive me."

His eyes shifted as he saw Jade walking in. Well this should be interesting, he thought. She had on black pants that and red halter top. Her hair was piled on top of her head with some curls framing her face. He noticed that she was carrying a basket in her hand. Well, give a girl an orgasm and she brings your lunch.

Deborah noticed his faltering attention and followed his gaze to the short chunky girl walking towards them. Okay maybe she was a customer, Deborah thought.

"Hey, how are you?" Jade smiled.

"Good, what are you doin'here?" he asked.

Jade glanced between him, the woman, and her hand on his arm. She wondered who this chick was that seem to not keep her eyes off of Jade. 

"I thought I'd bring you lunch as a token of thanks. For you know, fixing my car." she smiled trying to ignore the woman.

"Well thank you. You can go now Deborah." he said looking at her.

"Who is this James?" Deborah asked.

"Hi, I'm Jade." she waved.

"What are you here for, Jade?" she spitted. 

This could only go bad, James thought.

Jade's eyes widened as she felt her temperature rise, "Didn't you just hear me say that I brought lunch?"

"Why are you bringing lunch to a married man?"

"Divorced man." James corrected.

"And who are you to be asking me all these questions?" Jade countered.

"I'm his wife." Deborah claimed.

"Ex-wife, which I told her to leave." James glared at her.

Deborah knew that look. She glared at Jade before turning her attention back to James, "I'll let you know where I'm staying." she cooed, rubbing her hand on his bicep before sauntering out.

James knew that her being around was going to mean trouble which was the exact reason he moved here. Jade was highly pissed watching that Barbie wanna be leave. What right did that little blonde slut have to question her? She couldn't tell her off like she wanted to, but James certainly was going to hear about it. Not right now though, she didn't want to bring this up at his job. 

"So you brought me lunch." he finally said.

Her eyes cut to him, shooting daggers, "Here." she said practically shoving the basket into his arms.

She started walking away trying not to go completely off on him. Women, he thought to himself. Before she could get away, he grabbed her arms and pulled her into his office. He could partially understand, Deborah does have that effect on people. 

"What do you want? I have work to do." Jade said.

"What's wrong with you?" he said standing in front of the door, sitting the basket down.

"Nothing is wrong, just like I said I brought you lunch as a thank you for fixing my car."

"You seemed to have something else on your mind just before you saw her."

"That is your ex-wife, right?"

"Unfortunately." 

"Why was she here?"

He was a little taken back by her question. Granted that he was wondering himself why Deborah was here, but with her current situation, did Jade have any right questioning him?

"I don't think you are in any position to ask me that." he said folding his arms over his chest.

She instantly shut her mouth. He had a point and in the back of her mind she knew she was being childish. She didn't know what came over her when she saw that woman with him. Then to hear her question Jade about why she was doing stuff for him really set her off. Her reaction made her realize that she was starting to get too wrapped up in this.

"You know, you are right. I am in no position to ask you anything. Good day." she headed toward the door, but he stood unmoved blocking the exit, "Could you please move?"

"Why are you upset?"

"I am not upset. I just have stuff to do."

"Were you jealous?" he teased with a smirk.

She wanted to slap that smirk off his face, "I have no reason to be jealous of that bottled witch. You need to check your girl."

"That's not my girl anymore."

"Well, I am overstaying my welcome. I have other things that I have to do." she stood there and he still wouldn't budge. 

"Can you move?"

"Why are you upset?" he asked again.

She exhaled sharply, "Because you make me upset. I don't know why I ever thought that I could be civil with you."

"No that's why you are upset with me right now. Why were you upset earlier when Deborah was here?"

"I wasn't upset. Look it doesn't even matter." she stood in front of him with her hands on her hips.

He liked making her frustrated so much so that he had to push her a little more, "So, when I come over tonight, I want you to wear something sexy."

She blinked at him with her eyes widen, "Are you serious? Did you really say for me to wear something sexy? You tell that bitch to wear something sexy for you."

"Tell your man to fuck you!" his voiced boomed.

"Get out the fucking way." she said through gritted teeth.

He stared back at her and she returned the same stare. She was determined not to let him think that he can just intimidate her. She was boiling hot at him and she was getting wet watching him standing there with bulging muscles and his face turning slightly red. Damn, why did it have to be him that made her body scream? He finally pushed away from the door freeing it for her. What was it about her? She excited him and made him angry at the same time. She made him so angry that he could just kiss her silly. She put her hand on the knob and he turned her around, pushing her against the door. He pressed his lips urgently to hers, pushing his tongue into her mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned that same fire. He grabbed the back of her thighs lifting her up against him. She moaned against his mouth, clawing at his back. She was sure that he was going to bruise her lips and she loved the idea. 

He lifted her up higher till he was fully between her thighs. She wrapped her legs around his waist, feeling his throbbing erection against her crotch. She wanted to feel him and touch him, the same way he touched her. It was just something in his kiss that drove her crazy. It was addictive. She wanted to feel his kiss that night, feel his lips kiss every inch of her body. 

He reluctantly pulled away from her intoxicating lips. He knew she deserved more than a quick fuck in his office, at least that's not how he pictured their first time. She planted little kisses on his lips and his face.

He groaned feeling her hold tighten around him, "Baby, as much as I love to take you right here, we have to stop."

"We do?" she moaned.

"Because we have all my employees outside and I don't want them to hear you scream."

She let out a disappointed groan and pouted. Damn those lips. He let her down on her feet and gave her one parting kiss.

"Thanks again for lunch." he said.

"You didn't really thank me the first time."

"Well, thank you babe." he went to the basket and picked it up.

He went to his desk and sat the basket down. She watched him move over to the desk, searching in the basket. It had to be a crime for someone to look like him. She never thought that she would get so hot and bothered by someone that looked like him, but it was his look that she found irresistible. She went to stand next to him as he took out some of the bowls.

"Did you cook?" he asked.

"No, but it's one of my special recipes."

"Really? I can still enjoy it."

"Trust me, I train all my employees to cook almost like me or Katrina." she smiled.

"You know you are so sexy when you simmer down some." he said tickling under her chin.

"Whatever." she said laughing, playfully slapping his hand away.

"Although, you being mad is sexy too." he sat down at his desk taking out some of the food. 

"Are you trying to say you make me mad on purpose?" she said putting her hand on her hips.

"Of course not." he lied with a smile.

"Well, I hope you enjoy your lunch." she nodded.

"No, you are going to stay for lunch." he said grabbing her hand.

"What makes you think I am?"

"It's not something I think, I am positive you are."

"It would be nice for you to ask me a question for once." he pulled her into his lap.

"Yea, maybe one day. I have asked you questions before." he said opening the bowl full of pasta.

"No, you pretty much make demands for me. Do you always do that?" she said as he held up a fork full to her mouth. He watched intensely as she wrapped her lips around the mouth visioning those lips wrapped around something else.

"It's a habit. I can't help it sometimes. It comes with being in the Marines. There are pretty much two ways to be; either you are being told what to do or you are the one telling people what to do."

"I see which one you are." she smiled as he shoved a fork full in his mouth, "I know how that is though. My dad use to always tell us what to do."

"Really? That's the downside of being a military kid."

"Yea, I was the middle child, but him and me use to stay up late eating milk and cookies and talking."

"Where is he now?" 

She looked off and took a deep breath, "He died overseas when I was 12. He was killed saving one of his soldiers. He believed in not leaving anyone behind." she felt him rub her shoulder.

"I'm so sorry babe." 

"It's cool." she took the fork from him and put another fork full up to his mouth, "My eldest sister helped take care of us so we bounced back."

"There have been plenty of moments like that for me, where I lost some of my soldiers. It's just hard."

"Then why keep going back when you did? Why leave your family?"

"I can only speak for myself but I just thought what else was I going to do. I didn't want to go to college because I felt like I didn't have the skills or was smart enough to finish. It was pretty much my only option because my dad was going to kick me out on my 18th birthday." 

"But you are doing real good now. You have your own shop." she said.

"It took me awhile to get here, years in the service and a bad marriage. I'm not one of those people that's going to complain that I didn't have the picture perfect life, but it made me who I am." she nodded as he fed her another bite of pasta.

"A brash arrogant, pushy man." she added.

"Who knows how to make your toes curl when he kisses you." he said and she couldn't help leaning in to kiss him again.

They finished feeding each other lunch and she was getting ready to leave. She at least thought she was trying to leave, but right now he had her o n his desk, kissing her. She pulled him to her closer as he moved his lips over to her neck. It was funny that they could go from angry, to hot and heavy in no time flat. 

"James." she moaned between kisses, "I have to go back."

"Just a minute." he groaned, cupping her breast.

She arched against his touch as he nipped on her neck. Why was he playing around? She wanted him to just go ahead and take her. She wanted to feel his entire length inside her. She moved one hand down to the crotch of his pants. She reached in to feel his hot, hard cock. She heard his sudden gasp as she moved her hands against him. 

"Damn Baby." he whispered as she bit down on her bottom lip.

Whoa, was her only thought as she felt how thick he was. Oh yes, she was wanting him right now, more than ever. He had already pulled down her halter exposing her bra. She moaned against his lips feeling his thumb graze her nipple.

"James." she gasped arching her back to him.

He had to stop before this got too carried away. He was adamant in saying that he didn't want any one around here to ease drop, but damn if she wasn't making it hard to stop.

"Baby, I have to get back to work." he said between kisses and she shook her head vigorously.

"No James, come on." she moaned kissing him back.

He pulled away, looking into her frustrated face. If only they were under different circumstances. He knew about the boyfriend, but did that even matter? He should go ahead and do it, just right over his desk and damn who hears them. The only thing that stops him is when he looks at her, he feels something tugging at him and he wasn't sure what that was. Even though he swore off relationships, Jade was getting to him. He kept this up for this long, but every man has his limits.

"Baby, I told you I have to get back to work."

She groaned loudly, fixing her shirt, "How come when I wanted to get back to work, you were pulling me back but I'm suppose to let you go to work?"

"Cause that's how it goes." he said turning away from her, fixing his pants.

"That is bullshit. I have stayed here for over an hour and now you push me off?"

He closed his eyes trying to keep her composure, "Did it ever occur to you that I didn't want half my office hearing us. I like to keep some of my business, my business."

"Whatever, I don't even care that you are rejecting me and all."

"Do you always have to be so over dramatic?"

"I'm not being over dramatic, you being the same arrogant pushy man that wants things done on your own time."




Rough around the Edges Ch. 03



"Okay, then Jade, what do you want with me?"

"Excuse me." she said putting her hands on her hips. 

"Is it sex? Is that it?"

"Well, I told you last night and I thought we were on the same page."

"So, you pretty much want to use me for sex?"

"You don't have to say it so harshly."

"No, let's be honest for a moment. You just want me that way? To just fuck the shit out of you?"

She sighed, "Yes." she admitted not liking where this was going.

"So, that's what you want me from me?"

"Yes. Okay, that's what I want from you!" 

"So you pretty much want to be just like your boyfriend and my ex-wife and sleep around."

Her mouth shut instantly at his harsh words, "That's not fair." she whispered.

He sighed to himself reaching into his pocket for his pack of cigarettes. She watched him light the stick as a whole mess of emotions came over her. Why did he have to be so difficult and hurtful? Why was she actually doing this to herself? She didn't admit to herself that she knew he was right. She just wanted to feel like someone wanted her She tucked a stand of hair behind her ear and stared down at her feet. She felt cold and confused. She tried her best to hold back all her emotions.

"I told you that I'm a blunt man and I respect you enough not to lie to you. I do enjoy kissing you, darlin'. I do very much, but after we satisfy the lust part, then what? You are still in a messed up relationship at the end of the day. Believe I have had this same conversation with myself." he said taking a drag of his cigarette.

"Is it too much to ask for a little release?" 

He stared down at her lowered head and he tilted her chin up. Her eyes were closed and his thumb caressed and his thumb slowly caressed her cheek. She leaned into his touch, opening her eyes to look into his deep pooled blue eyes. He could see her eyes watering. Damn, that man for making her go through this, he thought. He should have kicked his ass on the basketball court like he first wanted to do. Damn his own body for wanting her so much.

"Baby, you deserve anything you want, but you have to realize that you are too good to go through what you are going through with that guy."

She nodded, taking a deep inhale, "It's okay James. It's just one of those things where I want to feel like someone wants me."

"Believe me darlin'. I do want you, but can't have you right now."

"So, you do like kissing me?" she smiled and he couldn't help but laugh at her.

"Of course, I keep on doing it. I told you, your lips are so damn intoxicating and I just can't stop kissing them." 

"You just like them because you think they are big."

"That may be true, but I just can't help myself." he said flicking the ashes of his cigarette.

He looked down at her like he was determining what would be the best option. What the hell, he thought as he leaned down to her lips, "But you can't kiss me after you have been smoking." she said as she moved out of his grasp and headed to the door.

He sucked his teeth as he turned to face her. She was smiling with her hand on the knob.

"Thanks a lot James. I really appreciate you being a friend."

"You're welcome, you evil little tease."

"I'll talk to you later." she said walking out.

James silently cursed himself for being so damn noble. This girl was getting under his skin and he wanted to be buried deep inside of her. He wanted to show her how a real man was suppose to treat a woman. He was charting dangerous territory, because not only did he want her, he was starting to like her. 

"I knew she was going to be trouble." he said to himself before going out to the shop.

Valentine's Day, this was always a busy time for her restaurant. Jade and Katrina didn't want to leave the shop open for long because they wanted to give the girls that work there time to enjoy the holiday. It seemed like all her friends had some sort of date, even Dominique. She did get roses and a call from Dante. He said his usual I love you and promised that he would make this up to her. She wasn't really too concerned about it. She had been doing some deep thinking every since that day with James. He was a man that thought she was beautiful and wanted her. 

She had been pretty selfish, not realizing that she was bringing him into a situation that his ex-wife had put him through. And why cheat on a man like him? He was sexy, smart, and strong. She was starting to think of him more and more even though he was an arrogant man.

"Earth to Jade." she heard Katrina say and looked over to her.

"What was that?" 

"You have another delivery." Katrina smiled.

"Me? It must be from Dante." she said shaking her head.

"Doing his patent, I'm so sorry baby." Katrina mocked.

"Yea, what are you doing here? We sold our last cake."

"I know. I just wanted to make sure that everything is okay for closing."

"No girlfriend, you will not get me yelled at by Scott. Take your little behind home and get laid over and over again. That way I can have two babies to baby-sit."

"Whatever." Katrina laughed as they were making their way to the office, "I see Dante, did actually do something right. He got you orchids."

"Are you serious?" Jade smiled and hurried to the front desk,

He never bought her orchids. He insisted on buying her roses because they looked more like her. She saw a huge vase of purple orchids sitting on the front desk in a beautiful clear vase. Katrina looked over at Jade and noticed the huge smile on her friend's face. Nice to know that he does pay some attention, even though she still didn't like him. Jade flocked over to the vase and grabbed the card.  She really couldn't believe he got these for her. Maybe there was hope for him after all. 

"Let's see," Jade said as she pulled the card out to read, "For a very desirable woman with gorgeous lips, James. JAMES?!" she shouted looking at it wide eyed.

"Are you serious? Scott's friend, James?"

"I don't know any others."

"He bought you orchids? How did he know you liked them?" Katrina said taking the card from her to reread it.

"I don't know, I didn't tell him. Did you tell Scott?"

"Not a question Scott would ask without telling me the whole story."

"Hold on." Jade pulled out her phone and dialed James cell phone number.

"Hello." he said in his gruff tone.

"Hi, I got the flowers."

"Yea, I know. Don't make a big scene about it."

"No James, it's really sweet." she tried to walk away but Katrina was right behind her, "How did you know I liked orchids?"

"You had a painting of a field of them in your office, so I just put two and two together. I'm not a total idiot."

"I never said you were. Um, thanks a lot. I really love them. What are you doing?"

"What I'm usually doing these days, I'm at the shop working. Just have a couple of the guys working late."

"Oh okay well, thanks again." she was at a loss for words, "Happy Valentine's day." she said.

"You too, enjoy." 

"Night." she said hanging up the phone.

She looked down at the phone as if she could see his face. She could imagine him putting the phone down and shaking his head. He was probably thinking that damn girl and her lips. 

"I see that." Katrina teased.

"What?" 

"That smile on your face. Haven't seen that in a while."

"It's nothing. Just flowers." Jade said.

"Just flowers, how did he found out you like orchids?"

"He said he saw the painting in my office and just thought I liked them."

"Damn, Marines are very observant."

"Is there anyone that's opened that could do deliveries tonight?" Jade asked.

"Why? What do you have planned, missy?"

"Just thinking outside the box." Jade smiled.

After Jade closed up shop, she went straight home. She had made a couple of phone calls and did some begging for one shop to actually deliver something to James' shop. She smiled to herself thinking about his face when he sees that box. She had one final thing to do because knowing what she knew about James, he was going to come over after seeing his gift. 

She picked up her phone as she kicked off her heels and dialed Dante. No shock after the first couple of rings it went to his voice mail. 

"Hey babe it's me. I was just calling to see how you were doing and if you are okay. Also, I can't do this anymore. I can't. I'm tired of waiting for you to change and realize that I'm a good woman. I hope everything works out for, but it's over between us. Just call me back and we can talk about what you want me to do with your stuff that's over here. Happy Valentine's day and good night." she hung up the phone.

Okay so it was kind of wrong to leave a message like that on his voice mail, but she didn't care. She needed it to be done. I mean it's not like she had plans to be with anyone else, but she wanted to try a Marine. She headed to the shower, taking her hair out of her ponytail.



"Jeff, could you please make sure that part comes in tomorrow?" James said, brushing his hands on his pants.

"Yes sir. It really shouldn't be any problem." Jeff said as he returned back to another car.

"Hey boss, you working pretty hard. Don't you want to celebrate Valentine's day?" Ramon asked.

"You trying to tell me you have a hot date, kid."

"No sir, I'm trying to dodge chicks for awhile, they are crazy."

"Amen to that."

"But you on the other hand, had two woman visit you, both fine as hell."

"One is an ex-trouble and the other one is current trouble."

"Really?" Ramon smiled.

"The blonde is my ex-wife that's unfortunately still in town." he said as he thought about the numerous Happy Valentine's day messages she left on his phone.

"And the other one." Ramon asked.

"Jade, she is just a friend. That one that had that older Jaguar we fixed."

"Oh yea, that car." Ramon nodded, "She is a hottie."

"That she is." 

"Well, I have seen her around at that restaurant. She seems pretty sweet man, but wasn't she with some guy."

"Yep." James said as he still worked on the car.

"Well, anyway, some of the guys are pretty grumpy about no Valentine's day. Some of them have wives they wanted to spend some time with."

"I know, it's just there is a huge lot that I want to get done. I'll let them off in a little bit."

"Understandable." Ramon nodded.

"Is there a James Morris around here?" some kid said walking into the shop.

He walked over to James and handed him a box of candy. Must be from that damn woman, Deborah. What the hell was it going to take for her to realize to leave him the hell alone? He opened the card, sighing to himself.

"I have unwrapped the chocolate candy, now you have to come and eat it. Jade." Jade? This came from Jade? 

That was weird he thought to himself. She unwrapped all the candy. He stuffed the card in his back pocket and opened the heart shaped box, but there was no chocolate, only chocolate wraps with something underneath them. He pushed the wrappers away from the middle and his eyes widen in shock. No this couldn't be what he think it is, he thought to himself.  He turned away from Ramon and the shop to make sure his eyes wasn't failing him. He picked up the material and saw that it was a thong, Jade's thong. Unwrapped the chocolate? Come and eat it? He felt his breath catch in his throat as he thumbed the material. He licked his lips as he could picture her shimming out of these before placing them in the box. How she was probably at her house right now with nothing on under whatever she was wearing because it was right in this box. Not only that, she was waiting on him to come. Damn being noble, her ass was his. 

"Shop closed! Everybody out NOW!" James said turning towards everyone at the shop.



Thanks to everyone who is reading my little stories. I have people I work with interested in my story now. LOL Don't get too mad, I will come back with the next chapter soon.



Rough around the Edges Ch. 04



"This cannot be happening." Jade said to herself downing her third glass of wine. 

No call, no message and no James. What the hell, she figured her plan was fool proof, but yet here she was, sitting in her sexy see-through short chemise and silk robe but no James. She had lit some candles around the fireplace and had a bowl of chocolate pieces on the table with some wine. She sighed to herself setting the glass down, maybe it wasn't meant to be. She was about to get up when she heard the doorbell.

She hurried to the door making sure the robe was closed and opened the door. Finally she thought, as James stood there leaning against the door frame. He was dressed in some dark blue jeans and black t-shirt the molded to his chest and arms with a black bandana wrapped around his head. He walked into the house and she couldn't help taking a deep breath. He smelled so good. Wait, angry. She was suppose to be partially angry.

"About time you showed up. I figured you kept working or something since you didn't call." she said closing the door. She jumped back when she found him standing right behind her. 

He stared down at her with such intensity that she felt like he was undressing her with his eyes. He grabbed the robe ties and pulled them part to reveal what she was wearing. She heard his sudden in take of breath as she bit down on her bottom lip, innocently. He was loving what was unveiled for him.

"So, I take it you like my gift?" she whispered before his lips came crushing down on hers.

She wrapped her arms around his neck as he continued to wonderfully assault her mouth. He lifted her up against him and wrapped her legs around his waist. He moved over to the couch not breaking the kiss and sat down with her in his lap. She broke away enough for him to push the robe off so he could get a better view of what she was wearing. He stared down at her clothed nipples begging for him to taste. His cock strained in his pants as he looked at her. This should be every man's dream. 

She reached over to the table and grabbed a piece of chocolate. His mouth opened to accept the piece she placed on his tongue and she leaned down to kiss him again. The taste of chocolate and him, turned her on immensely. She moved her hands up to his head to take off that bandana. He grabbed a hold of her ass, moving her against his jean-clad arousal. She groaned in his mouth feeling his thick erection against her. His fingers pulled the straps of her gown down freeing her chocolate globes for him. She was going to drive him crazy, he thought as he felt her hands reaching under his shirt. He took his shirt off and threw it to the side. She ran her fingers lightly over his chest. There were blonde hairs that adorned his muscular wide chest. He felt her soft touch run over an old scar close to his abs. 

He ran his fingers through her hair and grabbed a fist full. She gasped at his roughness as she felt his mouth on her neck. He reached over to grab a piece of chocolate as he bit on her neck.

"James." she moaned as he kissed lower to her breast. He put the thin piece of chocolate on his tongue as he massaged her breast.

She bit down on her bottom lip as his thumbs grazed her nipples. Her body was tingling all over from his touch. His hands were rough, but they felt so good. Her nipples stood at full attention for him at his ministrations. She was going crazy with need as he pulled on her nipple which sent a direct signal to her pussy. Once the chocolate had melted on his tongue he leaned down to her nipple and licked them. She watched him in fascination as he sucked and licked the chocolate off her nipple and still tugged on the other with his available hand. 

"Maybe I should have melted it first." she groaned.

"Actually this is better." he said, "Body temperature from my mouth can melt chocolate. Want to see where else chocolate can be melted at?" he said as his blue eyes darkened.

The intense look in his eyes made her mouth water and pussy tingle more. She felt like her tongue go so heavy that she could do nothing but nod. He maneuvered her to sit on the couch and he sat next to her. He grabbed two pieces of chocolate, never taking his eyes off her. She jumped as she felt his hands on her inner thigh. The corners of his mouth turned into a smile as he felt the heat from her pussy on his hands and he hadn't even touched her yet. He loved the fact that her body was so responsive to him. 

"Spread your legs." he whispered into her ear before taking her earlobe into his mouth.

She complied with the order and felt his hand going up further. His thumb rubbed against the slit of her pussy and felt her wetness coating his thumb. He decided to go for broke and pushed his two fingers along with the chocolate into her pussy. She moaned out, digging her nails into the couch. She felt his fingers moving around her pussy, slowly pulling out and in. She moved against his fingers, her mouth partially opened and back arched off the couch. 

"Oh fuck that feels good." she moaned as she grabbed a hold of his arm.

"I know baby and it's going to get better." he whispered.

He felt her wetness on his fingers. He had never been with a woman that got so wet for him. He wanted to unzip his pants to get some sort of release. He pulled his fingers out and she immediately missed them. He held up his fingers to his mouth and saw that his fingers were covered with melted chocolate. Oh wow, did her body do that? She took one of his fingers in her mouth, sucking off the mixture of chocolate and her. At the same time he sucked on his other finger tasting her sweetness. Her eyelids were slit open as she steadily sucked on his fingers. He pulled his fingers from her intoxicating mouth and moved down to the floor. She felt her breath catch in her throat. He took one leg and placed it over his shoulder. With her open and spread for him like this, he could see her dripping wet and the chocolate on her pussy lips. Well, he always had a sweet tooth, he thought to himself with a smile. She felt the first swipe of his tongue on her slit and nearly bucked off the couch. He grabbed her hips and held on tight as he pushed his tongue inside of her. She felt his tongue moving circles inside of her and she grabbed on to his head, pushing him in deep. Her head fell back against the couch as she felt his tongue push in deeper. 

"Oh James, oh fuck." she moaned.

He let go of her hips and pulled away from her enticing pussy. He slowly pushed two fingers inside of her and sucked on her little clit. She squirmed and cried out moving against his mouth and fingers. His fingers moved faster as he rapidly tongued her clit. Her toes started to curl as she felt her orgasm building. Her body was becoming tight and she was tingling all over. She screamed out her release on his fingers and tongue. Her body was still trembling as she mentally prepared herself for what was coming next. There was no way he was getting out of fucking her now. He moved up to face and she saw some chocolate on his chin. She licked it off and kissed him again, shoving her tongue in his mouth. 

"Bedroom." he commanded between kisses.

She nodded as they both stood to full height. She lead him upstairs by his hand and he followed her into her bedroom. There were more candles setup around her dresser bathing the room in a light glow. His eyes went to her bed in the middle of the room covered in red-colored sheets. He could get use to treatment like this. She moved over to the bed and slid her arms out of the straps of her gown. She slowly slid it down her body. He watched her expression enjoy the silken fabric caress down her body. He grabbed the condom out of his back pocket as he unzipped his pants.

She sat on the bed, waiting for him to come to her. He moved over in front of her and his pants slid to the floor. She was at eye level with his thick, hard member almost like it was staring at her. Oh, she never had something like that before, she thought. She took the condom package from him and opened it. She wanted to touch it so bad, it was just so inviting. She licked her lips as her mouth watered for it. Her hand reached up and wrapped around it. It was hot and throbbing in her hand. She placed the condom at his tip to roll it on his head. She wrapped her lips around his member.

"Oh fuck." he growled as her hot mouth surrounded him.

Even though she was enjoying this, she was also pushing the condom over him with her mouth and mouth. She looked up at James and saw his eyes close and felt his hips moving into her mouth.

"Okay baby, stop." he said grabbing her face, "You're going to stop this before it really gets started."

She smiled up at him as she pushing herself back on the bed. He followed crawling up her body, kissing her stomach, each breast, and up her neck. He grabbed a hold of his cock and started to slowly push it inside her. He gritted his teeth at her tightness. He grabbed her legs as he pushed in a little deeper. She closed her eyes tight as she felt him stretch her. 

"You okay?" he said and all she did was nodded.

He started to thrust inside of her slowly. Her mouth dropped open as she felt him pushing in and out of her. Her arms wrapped around his neck as his pace quickened.

"Damn baby, you are so tight." he whispered just before kissing her. 

She ran her hands through his short hair, grabbing a hold of it. He moved into her harder loving the way she was tugging on his hair. He moved away from her lips and lifted her legs higher, thrusting harder and faster into her. The intensity was coursing through Jade, she never felt so full or felt someone do the things he was doing to her. James looked between them at his cock disappearing into her. He looked at her breast shaking with ever thrust and her fingers gripping the sheets tightly. Her mouth was partially open and her eyes, closed. She looked so incredibly sexy right now. 

"Jade." he called and she didn't say anything, "Jade!" he called again and her eyes opened, "I want you to look at me. I want to see your eyes when you cum."

She bit down on her bottom lip as every inch of him stretching her pussy. She needed something else to hold on to, the sheets weren't enough. She dug her nails into his meaty thighs, but he didn't concentrate on that. Everything went into the moment that he was feeling with her. The look of ecstasy on her face and her sweet moans in his ear. He felt her body tighten and knew that she was cumming soon. Her back arched off the bed, digging her nails deeper into his skin. 

"Oh fuck. Oh James!" she clench around him tightly, screaming her release.

She tried to catch her breath but he leaned down and kissed her again, pushing his tongue into her mouth. So, that's how an orgasm is suppose to feel, she thought to herself. James pulled away from her lips and turned her over on her stomach. He was still hard and straining for his own release. Jade moved her hair out of the way, looking back at James in amazement. He still had more to give, she questioned. He grabbed a hold of her hips, plunging in and out of her. She wasn't ready for that, she thought as she still tried to move some of her hair out of her face. James had a remedy for that, he leaned down and grabbed a hold of her hair pulling it back. 

"Oh shit!" she screamed as she felt him tug her back. 

He could feel his balls tightening and he pulled her up against his chest. She was going to cum again, she felt it building inside of her. She reached behind her to grab the back of his head. She never knew her body could be so sensitive and she would feel every hair on her arm stand on edge. Her moans were music to his ears as he reached down and rubbed on her clit and pinched her nipples with the other. He bit down on her shoulder as he heard her scream his name again shattering in his arms. His pounded inside her till he gritted his teeth together and came with a growl. 

"Oh damn baby." he whispered still holding on to her. 

They stayed that way for awhile, catching their breath before he pulled out of her. He collapsed on the bed next to her, running his hand down his face. If there were two times that James definitely smoked it was after eating and good sex. He was craving a cigarette bad right now. Jade was exhausted, she couldn't think of any words right now. If she would have known it could have been like that, she would have dumped her boyfriend and flirted with James that first day he walked into the restaurant. She turned her heavy head towards him and slowly maneuvered closer to his side, laying on his outstretch arm. 

"Are you alright?" he finally said.

"I am, um, I am not really good with after sex talk." she admitted placing her hand on his chest.

He turned his head towards her and saw her beautiful bright smile, "I'll take that smile you are wearing as a compliment to me." he smiled and she pinched his side as he laughed.

"Are you staying with me tonight?" she asked.

"Where else would I be going?" besides getting a cigarette.

"I don't know. I'm just kind of use to guys leaving after sex."

"Including your boyfriend?"

"Well, sometimes he would leave afterwards." she shrugged, feeling sleep soon approaching. 

"Well, I'm not him and don't forget that." he said pulling her closer to him.

She sighed, "That's always a good thing and just to let you know, that's ex-boyfriend." his head suddenly jerked up.

"Excuse me?"

"I broke up with him earlier." she said laughing at his shocked expression.

"Well, give me a couple of hours and we should be able to celebrate that." he grinned, pulling the covers over them for a quick rest. 

A screeching sound filled the room and Jade's hand hurriedly reached over to her nightstand to shut out that alarm. She was still tired especially after round two. She never really had a round two before and she felt a pleasant ache between her legs. Once she was successful in cutting off the alarm, she reached for James only to find that he was not there. She looked up to see for herself and saw he was no where in the room. She slid out of bed wrapping the bed sheet around her bed on a search for him. She slowly went downstairs, thinking that he could be fixing some breakfast. She went into the kitchen and still no James. She knew it, why would she think he would be any different? She was about to go upstairs when she heard her backdoor slide open. She saw James coming in wearing his jeans still unbutton and no shirt. He still is here, she thought with a smile.

"Morning, beautiful." he said slowly walking over to her.

"Morning." she said biting on her bottom lip.

"Thought I had left, didn't you?" 

"Don't flatter yourself, but where did you go?"

"Well, I was raised to respect other people's houses so I went for a smoke outside. What are you doing out of bed?" he said wrapping his arms around her once he reached her. 

"I was just walking around, can I do that?" she said smiling up at him.

"I suppose so. Let's see, I have maybe two more hours before I have to go to work, so how about you take this little sheet off?" he grinned and she couldn't help but to laugh.

"Don't you want to get something to eat for breakfast?"

"I'm trying to eat something." he teased and she shook her head.

"No, like actual food."

"I'll pick up something on the way to the shop. There are plenty of places around here, now I am going to need you to stop talking right now." he leaned down to kiss her when they heard the doorbell. 

"Just keep that thought and I will be right back." she said moving out of his grasp to the door. 

She looked through the peep hole and gasped at what she saw. No, what was he doing here, she thought as she looked through it again. She turned towards James and his face was etched with confusion.

"Um, James, that's Dante at the door." she said.

"Oh, you want me to open it?"

"No, um," she started looking back at the door and back at him, "I was wondering if you could get dressed quickly and leave out the back door." she hoped that didn't sound as heartless as it did when she thought it in her head.

He crossed his arms in front of his chest and his eyes hardened, she guess the statement did sound bad, "I thought you said you broke up with him over the phone. What the fuck, Jade?" she walked in front of him.

"I did, I really did. He's here and I don't want him to think I just moved on that quick, please do this for me and I will make it up to you. Besides, I broke up with him on his voice mail." she whispered.

"You broke up with the man's phone, Jade." he repeated.

"Could you please keep it down? Yes, I did and I just need you to get dress real quick."

"Jade, I don't run and hide. Besides that, my truck is out in your driveway, so he's already going to think something."

"I'll think about that later, just please do this for me." she pleaded. 

He stared down at her hard as the doorbell rung impatiently. He moved from in front of her and grabbed his shirt off the floor. He treaded upstairs without another word. She sighed and followed him to change into something more appropriate. She put on some shorts and a tank top. As she was changing, she saw James out the corner of her eye going back downstairs for something else. Or was he going to open the door? No, he wouldn't do that; although, this is James we are talking about here. 

She practically ran downstairs and saw James grabbing his bandana but heard the lock turning. Shit, she forgot he does have a key. He must didn't have it on him at first. The door opened and Dante walked in with a smile. His smile disappeared and stopped instantly when he saw James' hard eyes meet his. 

"Babe, are you alright?!" Dante called.

"I'm right here, you don't have to shout." she said moving away from the stairs. 

"Hey babe." he walked over to her and kissed her cheek, "What's he doing here?"

"Oh James, he is helping me." she nodded, rubbing her hands together.

"Helping you with what?" her mouth shut instantly and she bit her bottom lip. She couldn't think of nothing. 

"Look, bring your car to my shop later today and we will figure out why it stopped on you again." James finally said, as she stammered.

"Thank you. I appreciate that." Jade said clearing her throat.

Dante's shoulder slumped a bit, realizing that he was worried over nothing. What was he thinking anyway? Him and Jade? James started walking over to the door and Dante grabbed his arm. James was ready to turn and knock the hell out of him for touching him.

"Hey man, I just want to give you something for helping my girl out. Will twenty dollars do?" Dante said reaching for his wallet.

"Keep it man, I already took something much better." Jade's head snapped towards James as he walked over to the door. 

Men were always going to confuse her with their little stupid competition. As soon as James left, Jade turned her attention to Dante. 

"I'm home babe." he said with that big goofy smile. 

"Did you get my message?"

"Which one?"

"The one I left last night that said we are done."

"Oh that one." he said scratching his head, "I got it but you left those kind of messages on my phone before and we always made up. Did you do something different to yourself?" he said staring at her.

"What? Focus Dante." she said snapping her fingers in his face, "I'm being serious and I was serious then too. I can't do this with you anymore." she said going over to the couch.

"Damn babe, come on. I know I mess up sometimes but I do love you. I proposed to you, doesn't that count for something?"

"Yea, that you are insane. Why would you think I would be in a marriage where my husband is constantly cheating on me?"

"I told you that I have put that behind me. I want to be serious with you and go all the way. I love you Jade. Are you sure you not wearing like any makeup or something? You are glowing and stuff."




Rough around the Edges Ch. 04



"Don't worry about that. Look Dante, I don't think you understand what I'm saying. I want this to be over between us. We are pretty much staying together for no reason."

"There is a reason, after everything that I have done for that restaurant and for you. Not only that but the fact that we do love each other." Jade sighed to herself, rubbing her temples, "Dante, I don't want to argue with you and I'm a couple of seconds from getting pissed off. We are not together anymore. We are through." he sighed out loud running his hand over his head. 

"I see that you need some time to really think about it, so I'm going to go back to my place and let you cool off." he said walking over to the door.

"Dante, I don't know what delusional world you stay in, but don't come back. There is no cooling off or anything. This is over. In fact give me my key."

"Alright babe, if that will make you feel better, but I'll call you later. I promise." he dropped her keys in her hand and left.

You got to be kidding, she thought to herself. He must have gone crazy while he was in Colorado. Well, she broke up with him in his face, if he still act like this she would just get James on him. James? She couldn't imagine what he must be thinking right now. She was just ready to have him take her again and now had to kick him out because of Dante. Well, she would talk to him later. She had to get ready to go to work so she could get ready for the big party coming up.

When she got in for work, she went straight to helping some of the cooks in the kitchen and doing some inventory. She was just getting everything done, when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around and saw Dominique and Katrina's smiling faces. 

"Okay I know you have a job because you work with me." Jade said pointing to Katrina, "But what about you?"

"Don't worry about me. I don't have any clients right now. We are hear to share some news."

"Oh well, in that case. Let's go out to the restaurant, I have been waiting to take a break and gossip."

They grabbed a table after Katrina asked one of the cooks to fix a little appetizer sampler. Jade was also itching to have a picnic basket made so that she could bring it to James, but he was probably still be upset. She would call him later, right now she wanted to hear what her friends had to say. 

"Okay Dominique, what's the word? You had a date last night?" Jade asked.

"So get this, I am waiting and waiting at the restaurant for this guy to come and meet me. It's nearly nine o'clock and he still doesn't show. I have been waiting for like an hour and a half." 

"Where did you meet this guy?" Katrina asked, taking a drink of water.

"It was this little stupid little blind date thing I did. You know that lady Miss. Harris, the one that says she's never wrong about her matches? She had hooked me up with this guy named Batista."

"Batista? You dipping over to the other side now?" Katrina teased as Jade laughed.

"Ya'll going to shut up and let me tell the story?" Dominique asked, rolling her eyes.

"Don't be scared of the other side, it's good." Katrina nodded.

"Finish telling the damn story." Jade laughed.

"Anyway, I was just about to give up, when Scott's friend came and sat with me. I think his name was Nikolas?"

"Scott didn't say anything about him being in town?" Katrina said taking a bite of her a cheese stick. 

"I know, we talked yesterday and he was saying that he wanted to be settled before he start telling his friends that he was in town. He got a town home apartment and he was getting ready for police training."

"Wow, I'm proud of him. I know he said he was moving here but he just needed to finish some things. So this Batista guy stood you up?" Katrina said.

"Yea he did, but Nik came and I actually had a good time with him. I mean all the girls were staring at us, probably wondering what a good looking guy like him was doing with a huge chick like me."

"Dominique, how many times we have to tell you? You are not huge, fat or none of the negative words. You are just thick as hell." Jade said and Katrina nodded, "I mean I thought my ass was big but you give me a run for my money, besides you have a flat stomach."

"Ya'll know how I feel about my weight though. I think that's why most guys just don't approach me like that."

"Forget those other guys, you focusing on getting the right guy." Katrina said.

"I haven't finished yet." Dominique whined with a smile, "Anyway, I actually had a good time with him, he was cool and fun. He wasn't trying to lay that whole smooth talk on me, he was actually being himself. It was refreshing."

"So, do you like him?" Katrina teased.

"Enquiring minds want to know." Jade added.

"No, it was just nice to have an actually nice dinner date with someone. He did give me a kiss though and for like three seconds, I felt like my head was spinning, but that's it." 

"Hell that's all it takes." Katrina said and they all laughed.

"You guys know I can't be with him." Dominique said.

"We know, we know. I mean I really don't get it since you are mixed yourself, but we know. I mean you never know what you might find when you become a little open minded. I mean you can even ask Jade."

"Ask Jade? What does that mean?" Dominique said turning towards Jade.

Jade bit the inside of her mouth and glared at Katrina, "James bought me flowers yesterday. He sent orchids to me."

"That's so sweet. What about Dante?" Dominique asked.

"I broke up with him last night."

"Did she say she broke up with him? Let me get one of the girls to serve us a bottle of wine." Katrina said.

"Ha, very funny guys. Then, I spent Valentine's Day with James."

"Wait, are you serious? You slept with James?" Dominique asked.

"Oh come on, with all the stories I was telling you guys about what's been going on, couldn't ya'll see that happening?" Jade said.

"So, are ya'll dating?" Katrina asked.

"No, not really, but it turned crazy this morning. Dante showed up at my house talking about he was going to let me cool off and rethink this whole dumping him thing.'

"He is so egotistical. How many ways can you say we are done?" Dominique said.

"I just think I could have messed up with James though because I told him to play along and you know that's nothing like him."

"So, what are you going to do?" Katrina asked.

"I'll think of something. You know me, I come up with the best plans under pressure." Jade said sitting back in her seat.

"When the hell did you get here man?" Scott asked, muzzling Nik's hair.

"You know I hate that, come on. I've been here since last Saturday. I just didn't want you douches to know till I was settled in. Then I go to the academy starting Monday." Nik said settling in his seat.

They were all sitting in James' office at the shop, grilling Nik on his secret move into town. When James came in, he was shocked to see them both standing around talking to Ramon. James had notice that Nik started to change a little. He had grown some of his dark brown hair back, but it was mainly slicked back and he looked like he was trying to put on more muscle.

"How are your parents?" James asked, looking through some paperwork.

"They are good. My mom was wondering when you two were coming to see her again."

"Maybe soon. I have to get past this graduation which you are coming too." Scott said.

"Oh yea, I'm going to be shouting out there, talking about dynamic duo. Li trasmetto dentro, voi li chiudo a chiave in su." Nik said and started laughing.

"You two are really fucking hilarious." James said not even smiling.

"Oh come on commander, you always said you liked my humor."

"No, I said your humor was going to get your ass kicked. So, what about this service that you used on Valentine's day?"

"Man, I don't know what happened. You know me, I don't spend Valentine's day alone, but since I been here I haven't had any chance to hook up with anyone. So, I went through this woman and she claimed to have found, the one. When I got there, the chick never showed up. I was like ain't this a bitch, I got stood up."

"Who was it? Did she know how you looked or your name?" Scott asked.

"Doesn't matter, it was a mistake anyway. I gave out my middle name which no one knows, besides my parents and you guys."

"That's sad man, you got stood up." James said shaking his head.

"I know, but I saw Katrina's friend, you know the thick fine one. She was sitting by herself, so I just went over there and had dinner with her. You know me, the Italian Stallion strikes." Nik laughed briefly. 

"You are an idiot." Scott said, "Anyway, we know how the so call Italian Stallion spent his Valentine's Day and I spent mine with my wife. What happened to you James? Ramon told me that you got a box and then kicked everyone out."

"I see I have to speak with my employees about keeping everything secret from you two gossiping females." James said and set his paperwork down, "I had a good Valentine's Day despite the fact that Deborah is still here."

"She is still here? I guess she can't go back home to hell since it hadn't opened up yet." Nik shrugged.

"When did she get here in the first place and what the hell does she want?"

"I have no idea and frankly I don't care. If it's money, the only amount she would get from me is enough money for a plane ticket back to wherever she wants to go as long as it's far away."

"Well as long as she stays away from all of us. She can't pull that flirting crap with me now. Katrina would kick her ass." Scott said shaking his head. 

"So, what about this box you got last night?" Nik said going back to the original conversation

"It was a present," James started, "that's it."

"That's it? Come on man, I haven't really seen any women around you lately." Scott said.

"Thanks a lot." James said and felt his phone vibrate, "Hello?"

"Hey, how are you?" it was Jade.

"I'm busy at work and you?"

"The same somewhat. Actually I feel kind of bad because of what happened this morning."

"Feel kind of bad?"

"Okay, I feel a lot bad. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier, but I did want to say thank you."

"For covering for you?"

"Not only that but also for last night, mostly because of last night. I want to see you again." his mind drifted to the way she was looking right now asking for him to see her again. She could picture her in her office, sitting at her desk, biting on her bottom lip. He couldn't focus on that, she needed to know that he was not going to be other man.

"Is he still around?" he asked.

"I swear James, I broke up with him. There's nothing going on between us, it's just he has this crazy notion that we are going to get back together again."

"And you told him?"

"I don't want him anymore. What do you say dinner on me?"

He sighed to himself, "I'll let you know later. I have some work to do."

"But James..."

"I'll talk to you later." he said closing his phone, looking up to see his two friends waiting patiently.

"Now we can tell the conversation was with a woman. It wasn't Deborah because you aren't red or stressed out. It must be that woman from last night, right?" Nik asked.

"Okay, I know you have a job, so maybe you should get to it. And you? You have something to do, don't you?" James said pointing to Nik.

"He got that look in his eyes, which means we better go." Scott said., "How about we help Nik with training and go jogging tomorrow morning?" 

"Excuse me, I'm in tip top shape." Nik said.

"Yea, still you need to get back into it. Police training is no joke." James said, "Besides I could really go for a morning jog. I'll see you guys later." 

After they left, James settled back into his seat with his hands behind his head. What was going on here? He was starting to confuse himself with this whole thing going on with Jade. He was pissed off this morning, in fact he was still pissed off. He couldn't figure this girl out. She had this guy that was treating her like crap and she supposedly broke up with him, but James, who had spent the night with her, had to make up some story about why he was there. Then he wanted to punch that arrogant ass in the face when he tried to offer him money for helping Jade out. He just didn't know, James thought to himself. Damn it, he was sitting here thinking about her which meant she was getting to him. He sighed to himself and was thinking about calling her back, but his stubborn side kicked in. No, she needed to learn that she wasn't dealing with a boy anymore. 

Later that night, James let everyone go home and stuck around to put in a little extra work on the motorcycle. He still hadn't called Jade, but he missed a couple of her calls. He needed to get his head straight without her around. He was just replacing a new part when he heard the back door being knocked on.

"Closed!" he shouted over his shoulder, but the knock was persistent.

He looked at his watch, it was nearly ten o clock, who would be out this hour about a car? Maybe it could be something else, his instincts told him. He walked over to the door with a wrench in his hands. He swung open the door quickly and Jade jumped back, staring up at him. Her eyes immediately shifted to the wrench in his hands. 

"Were you afraid I was going to rob you?" she asked.

"Something like that. What are you doing here?" he asked setting the wrench down.

"Are you going to let me by so I can come in?" he stood there for a minute taking in the coat she was wearing, what did she have planned?

He moved out of the way and she brushed past him on her way in. He closed the door and locked it back up as she walked back to his office. Her hair was down framing her face and he could see the fish net stockings she was wearing with the 'come and get it' heels. He could do nothing but follow her to the office like a hungry dog. In his office, she sat on the edge of the desk with her ankles crossed.

"I wanted to come by and apologize. It was wrong what I did."

"It was wrong. Also, it was the simple fact of what reason did you have to lie to him. I don't buy that you didn't want him to know you moved on quickly."

"That is it. I mean then he would think that I was cheating on him this whole time and knowing him he would try to turn it all around and make me out to be the bad guy."

"And that matters because?"

"You just don't understand." she shook her head, looking down at his desk.

"You're right, I don't get it. I don't get how a woman can have a man that she just spent the night with lie to the boyfriend that she just broke up with."

"Okay, I admit that part was stupid. I just wanted out of this thing with him. If not for any reason but for me. I have been doing a lot of things to make other people happy all my life and as a result, I put myself on the back burner. You are actually the first person that has come up and helped put me first. I mean I know my girls do but they have known me most of my life. You don't even know me that well."

"Jade, I know how it feels to be on that other side of someone cheating on you. It's not fun and there is nothing enjoyable about it. I told you I was married to it. The worst part was that everyone knew about it but I didn't want to believe them."

"So I guess we both have our faults about cheating partners, huh? Is that one reason why you didn't want to go all the way with me when you had the chance the first time?"

"I told you, you are better than that." he folded his arms across his chest which made her bite her lower lip, "You are special."

"Well, can this special person invite you to dinner tomorrow night? I'll cook for you and we can have it at my place."

"I'll think about it." he said.

"Is there anything I can do to get a definite answer from you tonight?" she said her eyes slowly raking over him.

He licked his lips, "Show me what's under that coat, cause I know it's not clothes." he said in a low husky whisper.

She smiled at him as she pulled the ties of her coat open. He wasn't prepared for what she revealed. She had on this black mesh bra with matching boy shorts. The fishnets that she had on came up to her thighs and was held by a garter. His eyes drunk in her body and went straight to his cock. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the door. Well, the girl knew how to get a definite answer from a man. He sucked his teeth and pushed himself from the door making his way to the little temptress. Her body was hot and itching to feel him again, to make her scream. She never felt a need for someone as she did for him. He grabbed the back of her neck just before crashing his lips against hers. She pulled him closer trying to keep up with the desire he invoked in her. Every time she was with him, she felt like a ticking time bomb ready to explode. She had a taste of that explosion last night and she wanted more. 

He pulled away from her lips and she tried to bring him back, "Hey now, how about we go back to my place?" he suggested and she nodded.

"Good, cause I need a shower and I want you in there with me," he said kissing her again, "but first cover up because I don't want to kill someone if they see you." her body shook as she laughed bringing his attention to her breast.

"Let's go then, cave man."

Dante plopped on the bar stool anxiously waiting for his first drink of many. He needed to find a way to make Jade come to her senses. He loved her, damn it. They were perfect for each other and now she starts talking about this break up crap. Damn friends of hers must have gotten to her, he thought. He thought back to everything he has done for her, after all that she owed him. He had to get her back, but what if there was someone else.

"Damn it Jade!" he said to himself slamming his fist against the bar.

"What's wrong honey?" he heard a soft voice next to him ask.

"Women trouble." he immediately answered.

"Sounds like me. I'm having man trouble. Did you say Jade? Do you know her?"

When he heard her name, his head snapped up to look into the woman's cold blue eyes, "That's my girl." he answered.

"Really? I met a Jade a couple of days ago at my husband's shop. She was bringing him lunch in a picnic basket."

"Who is your husband?"

"His name is James Barr."

"Isn't he in the Marines? A tall, white guy who tries to look scary?"

"Yep that's him and this could have been your Jade. She was obviously jealous to see me there with him." she said flipping her hair.

"James and my Jade. Hell no, she doesn't like those macho demanding guys. He is not even on her level."

"Well, I'm just telling you what I saw." she shrugged taking another shot.

Dante sat there a minute pondering what she was saying. It was weird that he was there early this morning and if he was helping her, why was Jade out in those short shorts? Unless it was because...that's when the realization hit him.

"Son of a bitch!"

"I guess it was your Jade." 

"I'm going to kill him."

"Dear, I don't want to be mean but I know my husband. He would break every bone in your body before you get a chance to lay a finger on him. Look, it's obvious you want your girl back and I want my man. How about we get together and try to make that happen?" Dante felt something surge through his body at that offer. For some reason a part of him told him to not take this deal and let it go. His other side told him that Jade was his and she needed him back.

"Alright, I'm Dante." he said extending his hand.

"I'm Deborah." she said taking his hand, her lips turning into a mischievous smile.



Rough around the Edges Ch. 05



James sat in his office relaxing back into his chair. He had a lot of stuff on his mind earlier today, but it seemed like every worry was starting to slowly fade away. He gritted his teeth, feeling his body tense. His eyes closed tight as he gripped the seat, exploding.

"Oh shit." he moaned, licking his lips.

He finally opened his eyes and met Jade's eyes as she crawled back into his lap. He grabbed the back of her head, kissing her roughly. He couldn't wait to kiss those lips, he didn't even mind tasting himself on her lips. He was starting to really enjoy these lunch dates when she come over to the shop or when he comes to the restaurant.

"Feel better now?" she asked pulling away from him.

"I feel very good." she smiled at his comment and kissed him again.

"I have to stop coming by here, you make me late going back to work."

"Babe, you say that every time and you still come back over here."

"Well, I come with the intentions of bringing you lunch and you take it to another level."

"Okay then, I'll take the blame for this one time." he smiled and she couldn't help kissing him again.

Jade was getting addicted to kissing him. Even though he had said that she got the lips, she loved the passion that he had for her. Every since Valentine's day, they had been spending a lot of time together. It hasn't all been peachy, since they still argue like normal, but when they makeup, it's would be explosive. Jade would still hear from Dante asking her if she had gotten over everything yet and she would just hang up in his face. She really didn't feel like dealing with him anymore. She was focusing her energy on the restaurant and on James. She made a promise to herself not to rush into anything with him, but with the way she was constantly spending time with him, she couldn't stop her feelings for him. 

James was just content to have Jade near him. Even though she was spoiled rotten and stubborn, he liked being around her. His life was less stressful since he hadn't heard from Deborah, maybe she had gone back home finally.

"Thank you for helping Scott move some of the chairs and tables around yesterday."

"You thanked me last night for that one. Hope that's a good enough dance floor." he smiled and she nodded.

"It did well, last year. So, you still coming to the party tonight?" she said in between kisses.

"Of course, as long as I don't have to wear any stupid monkey suit."

"James, I would expect you to look nice. You don't have to be in any suit."

"Why exactly do I have to look nice?" he said putting his hand on her thigh.

Her breath quickened at the touch, "Because it's my party and you have to look nice on my arm."

"Oh, so I'm just a trophy guy?" he smiled.

"Whatever James, just make sure you look nice." she said pushing herself off his lap.

"Don't I always look nice." he said fixing his pants as he got up.

"I think so, but you come in smelling like cars and cigarettes."

"Can we please stop with the anti-smoking campaign?"

"What? I'm just saying my sheets are starting to smell like smoke."

"You can put an end to that cause I don't smoke in your house."

"But you leave cigarette butts on my patio and your bed smells..." he pulled her close to him and branded her lips with his.

He knew just what to do to make her melt. He knew and she knew that too. She wrapped her arms around his neck, as he pulled her in closer. He always left her head foggy and disoriented, but it was a delicious feeling that she craved.

He finally pulled away, noticing the lust in her eyes. He decided he would do something about that later.

"If I said I will look nice, I will look nice. Okay?" she could only respond by nodding.

She shook her head clear, "Alright then. I know that I have been bitching and complaining too much." she said nibbling on her bottom lip.

"I know you have. Now, you have work to do, so I will see you later on tonight, right?"

"Yea, I'll meet you here and then we can decide on my place or yours."

"That's what I like to hear." he said kissing her again, "Now get out of here, I got a business to run." he said smacking her ass.

She playfully hit his chest before walking out of his office. He followed behind her and watched as all the guys worked with smug looks on their faces. James guess they have been noticing Jade has become somewhat of a permanent fixture at the shop. They would always wave at her as soon as she come in and there were some guys who would even whistle at her. It didn't bother James, because he knew that they all knew to look and appreciate, but don't touch.

Ramon was the first one that came up to him, "Hey boss, we have a car here that a woman is saying she only wants you to work on." 

"See, I told you I wasn't the only one to notice how hot you are." Jade whispered to him and he pinched her side.

"Have I worked on her car before?" James asked trying to recall him working on a woman's car.

"She said you use to, it's that blonde chick."

"What blonde chick?" James asked raising his eyebrow but in the back of his mind, he knew who.

"You know who?" Ramon whispered leaning towards James.

Oh fuck, James thought shutting his eyes tight. How can a perfectly good lunch turn bad with just mentioning her hair. Jade was still slightly confused. Why were they being so secretive and why was James so tense? That's when it suddenly hit her, blonde hair.

"What the hell is she doing here? She don't live here so why does she have a car?" Jade blabbed.

"Jade, I don't know. I don't talk to the girl and don't care to."

"Well, I'll go talk to her," Jade said heading in that direction, but James grabbed her before she got too far.

"You don't work here and you have your own job to get to." James reminded.

"So, I'm just suppose to go to work and let her stick around?"

"Yes and trust that I know how to handle this."

"She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest, "Fine, I guess so."

"Thank you, now come on."

James walked Jade out noticing Deborah sitting in a chair, annoyingly drumming her clear finger tips on the table. She looked up at them both as he walked her to her car, his hand on her lower back. Her and Jade shared a quick glance before she got in her car.

"I'll see you later." he said and she just nodded.

Jade hoped that he would finally make her leave. She wasn't comfortable with her being around. It just made her think that even more problems were sure to come, especially since Dante is still called. She just shook the feeling off, things should be different now. James just watched her pull off as he slowly turned back to Deborah. She was sitting on the hood of her car. She crossed her legs pushing the short skirt higher. She beamed her cold eyes at him like he was prey. He didn't have time for this.

"What do you want Deborah?" he asked trying his best to bite his tongue.

"So, your little girlfriend came for a visit?"

"What business is it of yours?" he shot back quickly.

"It should be mine. I'm your ex-wife."

"See we are divorced and I pretty much don't give a damn about you. There is no hope of us getting back together. That means, anything that concerns me, shouldn't matter to you. Now, I ask again, what do you want Deborah?"

She bit the inside of her mouth, crossing her arms in front of her chest, "I need you to fix my car."

"It's a rental car, take it back to the center and get it fixed."

"I want you to fix the car." she whined.

"What's wrong with it?"

"I don't know."

"Well, how do you expect me to know?" 

"You are the mechanic baby. Pop the hood and take a look inside." she said moving next to him and pressing against his side.

"There was nothing sexy about what you just said." he said.

"Please, you use to help me before that little girl came around, now you playing like you don't care."

He let out a loud sigh and narrowed his eyes. He was ready to explode and she was going to be the target, but he decided to reel it back. 

"Deborah, take the car back to the damn shop and drive it back to wherever the hell you came from." he said in a low menacing tone and turned his back to walk off.

Deborah sighed in frustration and followed behind him stomping her feet. She was trying not to let him upset her but he was. James use to fall for any little tricks she had and now he is being difficult.

She followed him into his office and shut the door, "You mind getting out." he said.

"What is your problem?"

"I have a crazy ex-wife that doesn't know how to accept that it's over."

"You think everything is going to be good for you and your little girlfriend."

"I don't have to explain anything to you. Go home Deborah."

"Think about it James, I heard a lot about her around town. She just broke up with her boyfriend. Don't be stupid to not think you are nothing more than a rebound guy."

"Deborah, if this is your way of winning me back, you need to work on your technique." he scoffed.

"Think about it James, I know you are not stupid. Good girl, like Jade, takes a walk on the wild side by messing with a guy like you. Especially since she is coming from a relationship where her boyfriend cheated on her. She'll use you for a good time and then get rid of you for a more professional guy."

James stood there unmoved. He left his face void but he was on fire. This little bitch here is testing him. He knew that him and Jade had not made anything official, but it was obvious that he cared for her. He didn't want to listen to her anymore so he came around the desk and grabbed her wrist, roughly. He dragged her out of his office to her car.

"Listen to me very closely Deborah, stay the hell away from me. Even if she is using me, what does it matte to you? I was only good for a screw according to you."

"I don't want you to get hurt, but you are right. Maybe I should leave, just watch yourself." she said walking over to her car.

She started the car without any problems and sped away. She didn't know what she was talking about. If being in the Marines had taught him anything it was to have nerves of steel. He knew she was just trying to get under his skin, but why? Was it jealousy? Deborah gave no indications she wanted him back but there was no telling what she wanted. 

"You alright boss?" Ramon asked standing next to him.

"Yea, just do me a favor."

"What's that?"

"Wait a long, long time before you get married." 

That night, Jade was walking through the kitchen making sure all the food was going out. The party was pretty much in full swing and still no James. She was getting a little nervous especially with the restaurant getting packed. 

She was going to try and call him again when Katrina came in, "Hey, everyone is asking about you. What's up?"

"James isn't here and I am a little nervous."

"That's so cute. Really it is." Katrina smiled.

"Focus, please. Mr. Davenport is here and you know he loves Dante."

"Oh, he just like him because Dante lets him beat him in golf. The fact that ya'll aren't together anymore shouldn't matter."

"But still he helped us get the loan for this place."

"Does it matter if you two are not together? We got the loan, we got the place, and we are making payments to a successful business. He can't take anything back."

Jade nodded nervously, "You're right, you're right. I will just go out and have fun."

"Good girl, plus when James does get here and sees your dress. I won't see much of you anymore." she laughed and Jade just shook her head.

After loosening up a little, Jade mingled around the party with different people. The food was almost gone and everyone was having a good time. Jade was dancing with Dominique until he came up behind her. She really wasn't expecting to see him, but sure enough there was Dante, with that goofy grin on his face. He had some nerve she thought. She knew he had an invitation but she figured after what happened between them he wouldn't have show his face.

"Hey darling, you look good." he said whispering in her ear.

She turned to face him, narrowing her eyes at him. He smelled like he had doused himself in the cologne that she had bought for him years ago. He was truly blowing her away with the strong scent as it made her gag. He tried to give her a hug, but she blocked it by placing her hand on his chest pushing him away.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Remember, I was invited. I've missed you baby and I am loving that dress." he said raking his eyes over her body.

She knew the dress would be a hit when she first saw it. It was dark purple with a low cut that stopped just below her boobs. The bottom flared out and stopped just above her knees.

"Well, I'm glad you like it." she smiled.

"Really?" he asked returning that same smile.

"No," she said returning to her serious tone, "now you can be here, but you don't need to be around me." 

"Come on Jade, honey. I told you that I missed you."

"Dante, stop. I told you it's over. Why are you bothering me like some sick puppy?"

"I told you why. I miss you and I love you. You have to have missed me too, it's not like you are dating someone else."

"Actually she is." she jumped at the booming voice behind her.

She turned to see James staring directly at Dante. Finally, she thought to herself. She was going to say something but thought better of it coming from the scowling look on his face.

"Hey man. You know I forgot your name." Dante said shaking his head.

"Don't fuck with me tonight kid, I'm not in the mood." James warned through clenched teeth.

Dante stared him down and took another drink before walking off. She turned to James narrowing her own eyes. He finally looked down at her once that little shit was further away. He didn't need this from her either, not right now.

"That goes for you too." he said.

"Excuse me? Why do you have to talk to me like that? You are the one that's late. I told you what time it started."

He leaned in close to her face, "Jade, I just spent most of the time searching and fixing two tires on my truck. I'm slightly pissed off that I had to deal with that and my ex all in the same day. I need a drink and food." her mouth opened to say something but shut again.

She moved to the side so he could see the food without a word, "Now I promise after I get settled, I'll deal with you," he raked his own eyes down at her, "and that dress."

"After all that, how do you know I will let you?" she said.

"Oh, you will let me." he countered before walking off. 

She shook her head as she watched him grab a plate trying to get Kendra to let him have the little bit of gumbo. Good luck, she thought as she saw Kendra's menacing look. Then it dawned on her, did he say he had to fix two tires? She sighed to herself feeling a nag of guilt. Okay maybe she was being a little selfish. She debated going over to him but decided to wait till after he eats. She walked to the back and grabbed her little stash where she had hid extra gumbo. He went ahead and let Kendra have it thinking it was a lost cause to negotiate with a pregnant woman. Jade came around behind him and placed the little bowl on his plate. He looked over at her and smiled before returning back to some of the guests. Oh yea, he will deal with her later. 

Towards the end of the night, James felt a little better. He hung around Scott, Nik, and Ricky as they talked about how the drunk people were acting. It was mainly this older guy trying to dance with the younger women. He tried that once with Katrina, but Scott instantly put a stop to that one. Nik watched Dominique a little talking to a couple of people before Kendra pulled her away to dance. Dominique caught Nik's glance and locked eyes with him for a minute and she smiled at him. Nik turned his attention back to his glass, deciding that it was better to ignore her for now. 

"What's up with your sister man? I need a real drink." Nik complained looking at his glass of wine.

"I'm not claiming her. That's his wife." Ricky said pointing to Scott.

"I'm going to get my wife for this one. I told her I wanted beer." Scott replied shaking his head.

"That's what happens when you let these women run a party. Why aren't you with Dominique tonight, officer?" Ricky asked.

"She isn't my date. There is my date," he said pointing to the leggy blonde dancing with the older man, smiling at Nik, "and her friend." he said pointing to another blonde dancing with the same man.

Scott's mouth dropped, "You wouldn't." 

"Italian stallion strikes. I'm just using gifts that I was given. Since you two are married and James is being James, that leaves plenty of women for me."

"What do you mean James is being James?" he said raising his eyebrow, "Remember, I'm still your commanding officer."

"Here he goes pulling rank." Scott said and they started laughing.

"Hey now, let's not forget. He's got that cutie Jade under his belt." Ricky said.

"I have no one under my belt. We are just enjoying our time together." James said looking over at her.

She was talking to her friends and an some older guy. She seemed to know him pretty well since they were are laughing with him. He'd been watching her maneuver around in that dress, watching it mold against her breasts. Her hair was pulled up revealing her gorgeous neck. He took special notice to it when she threw her head back to laugh. He needed to have her and soon. Her eyes cut to him and saw the predatory look in his eyes. She felt the goose bumps on the back of her neck as she kept his gaze blocking out the conversation. She knew that look, that was usually the look he gave her just before he would grab her and throw her down on the bed. She had to control her urges while she was here, no matter how her legs tingled at his intense stare. Then out of no where, Dante stepped into their view, putting his arms around her shoulders. 

"Dante, where have you been?" Mr. Davenport smiled.

"Just mingling Harold, how about we play around on the green this weekend?"

"Oh, you know that's the quickest way to my heart." he laughed, "Nice to see you and Jade still hanging on."

"Well sir, we are..." 

"More in love than ever before." Dante interrupted Jade before she could get it out.

"Oh, does my heart good to hear about two people still together." he said placing his hand on his belly.

"Actually Mr. Davenport, Dante and I..."

"So, how is Silva? She should be ready to graduate." Dante interrupted again.

"She would have been here be if she hadn't decided to go to graduate school. I'm pretty sure she is okay though. Jade, I love what you and Katrina have done to the restaurant. I'm so happy that I helped you two."

"Thank you we do try our best." Katrina smiled, "And those two are not together.' 

Katrina added taking a sip of wine. Jade smiled at her and looked back at Mr. Davenport. Dante dropped his arms from around Jade narrowing his eyes at Katrina as she walked off taking Kendra and Dominique with her. Mr. Davenport looked between the two in shock.

"Is it true?" he asked.

"I'm afraid so, sir. We decided to see other people." Jade said.

"I'm sorry to hear that." he said taking a sip of wine.

Jade looked over at James and saw him heading over towards them. Oh goodness, there was no telling what he might do to Dante, he warned him. James stood behind Jade and Dante moved a step away from her.

"Harold, this is my friend James Conrad." James extended his hand and Harold took it.

"James, how are you doing? I've heard your name before. Are you Sergeant James Conrad?"

"Yes sir, I am."

"You probably know my brother. He was Staff Sergeant Donald Kipling."

"Yea I do know him, he was actually one of my mentors." James nodded.

"Yes, he spoke highly of you, said that you gave him a hard time too." Mr. Davenport laughed, "Well son, welcome to the neighborhood. I can't wait to tell Donald, he's going to be on the first plane ride out here to see you." 




Rough around the Edges Ch. 05



"I didn't know he liked me so." James smiled. Jade smiled to herself, this was going great. Dante, on the other hand, scowled at James. Harold wasn't suppose to like him. Damn it, he thought to himself. 

"What do you do now?" Harold asked.

"Well, I own a mechanic shop now. I am retiring from the Marines."

"Well, you know Donald is now First Sergeant. We are very proud of him, well good luck Sergeant and thank you for fighting for us."

"Thank you sir, I really appreciate that."

"Now Dante, how did you let this fine woman get away from you?" Harold asked.

"I guess taking her for granted and not showing how much I appreciate her." Dante said and Jade's eyes instantly cut to him.

"I told you, you can't do that to women now a day. They will go to someone who gives them the attention and I hate for that to happen to you two. Ya'll are so perfect together." 

"I know, but I will get her back no matter what or who may stand in the way. Have never found a girl like her, that I love so much." Jade pursed her lips together as she stared back at him. 

James stood behind the two, waiting rather impatiently. When the fuck was she going to shut this guy up, he thought to himself. Jade couldn't believe the lines that he was laying down, and right in front of James. Though, he had to admit, Dante had balls. It was a shame that he was so close to strangling the poor loser though. What blew him away more was the fact that Jade wasn't setting him straight. She just turned away from Dante and smiled back at Harold. James hold tightened on the glass. This silence made him think that for the first time Deborah could be right. He needed to get away from here and get a cigarette before he really lost his cool.

"Well, it's nice to meet you Mr. Davenport. Tell your brother I said hello."

"I will, definitely, and I will tell him your in town. Do you have a number that I can give to him?"

"Um, here is one of my cards. Just give him that number and any time you need help with your car just give me a call."

"James, are you familiar with Porsches?" Dante smirked.

"Stop it Dante." Jade said.

James let out heavy sigh and plastered on this fake smile before leaning over to Dante's face, "Are you familiar with the ER? If not I will put you there." James walked off without another word quickly downing his glass.

Jade watched as he walked back towards the kitchen in a storm that made everyone move out of his way. Oh, he was pissed, she thought to herself. Damn Dante, she just wanted to slap him. The fact that she was quiet while he was proclaiming his feelings didn't help.

"Excuse me, Mr. Davenport." Jade quickly said before turning back after James. 

She ignored everyone in the way as she reached the kitchen. She looked around and saw no James. She went through to her office and still didn't see him. Where the hell did he go? She saw the door open that lead outside, that's where they usually dumped their garbage. She went back there and saw him standing there smoking his cigarette. She carefully went over to him, seeing his shoulders tense.

"Hey." she meekly called.

"Don't you have a party to get to?" he coldly replied.

"Come on don't act like that."

"I'm not acting like anything, princess."

"James, you only use princess when you are mad."

"Go back to your little party and let me enjoy my cigarette."

"And then what?"

"Then I'm going home. I'm tired."

"No, you're mad. Don't tell me you are upset just because of what Dante was saying in there." He took a long drag from his cigarette, staring straight ahead. Jade crossed her arms in front of her chest getting a little impatient.

"James?"

"Yes, Jade?"

"Will you talk to me?"

"Why were you quiet when that little shit was talking about you?"

"I was just listening to his bullshit. I didn't want to cause a scene at the party."

"Sure." he said nodding.

"I didn't. Don't tell me you are going to get bull headed and stubborn now because I let you handle that situation with your ex earlier!" she said feeling her blood boil.

"It doesn't matter, babe. Just let me chill out."

"No cause you are out here mad at me and for no damn reason."

"No, I'm mad because I was in there being treated like I was invisible! I want to knock the hell out of him for trying to insult me, but you know what, it's okay. Go back to your little party."

Jade clenched her teeth together, no longer able to contain herself. Was he actually being serious? It's not like she asked for Dante to be here. She should be the one pissed off, she had to deal with Dante being here, then him trying to embarrass her and now this. A part of her said leave it alone and let him be mad. Her body was telling her something different. The more she thought about it, the more angry she got and amazingly turned on. 

James was about to take another drag when something flew right in front of his face. He backed away quickly staring at whatever it was. A black shoe? He looked back at Jade and saw her other shoe in her hand and she was steaming.

"You asshole, I am back here chasing after you and I fuck you almost every night! So, how can you say you feel like you are invisible? You know I am so done right now."

"Done with what?" he boomed.

"Done with this conversation with you."

"First off princess, as soon as I came in here you were ready to charge at me for being late after I told you I had to change my tires and you still didn't pick up the damn phone!"

"I was busy in there, so sue me!"

"You know what, this is becoming impossible. Why am I having to explain myself like this?"

"Cause, I don't want him! I know you think I do want him."

"I'm not thinking anything but smoking my cigarette." he said about to reach for his pack.

She groaned loud in frustration. She couldn't take this from and she just felt her control snap. She grabbed the pack crumbling the pack in her hand. She then went to the dumpster and threw them. James watched in awed and anger as she closed the lid. This spoiled impossible little bitch just took his cigarettes, he thought to himself. She stood there hands on her hips, with her one shoe still in her hand. She was flustered, out of breath, and was turning him on.

"Now, can you think of something besides your cigarettes?" she said defiantly. He paused still staring a hole into her.

"You know what I can." he finally said marching over to her and grabbing her arm.

He pulled her inside the building and into her office. He was no longer able to contain his want for her. A part of her was anticipating this moment too. She knew she was pushing him and even though she was actually a little anger, she liked it. It was something about the way they argued that she loved because she knew making up was quickly going to follow. 

Everything between them had just been building and now it was time for the explosion. When they got into the office, he slammed the door and pushed her against it. He pushed his lips against hers, roughly possessing her mouth. She returned with the same passion, grabbing the back of his head. She invaded so much of his senses, he loved her taste, the way she smelled, it made him extremely hard. He pulled her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. She moved from his lips to kissing on his ear. Oh damn, not there, he thought as she nibbled on his earlobe.

He carried her over to her desk. It was no time for gentleness, he wanted her now. He needed to sink himself inside of her. He reached to unravel her legs and made her stand on her feet. He turned her around, pushing her down on the desk. This is new, she thought with a smile as she pressed her butt against his erection. When she heard his sudden breath intake, she bit her lower lip, looking over her shoulder at him. He flipped her dress up, running his hands on her tight ass. She spread her legs further as she felt her slick wetness building. His cock strained against his zipper as he reached between her legs rubbing on her pussy lips. She nibbled on her bottom lip as his fingers worked magic inside of her. 

"Oh James." she moaned, feeling her pussy tighten around his fingers.

She was primed and ready for him. He couldn't afford to waist time. She had a party to get back to and he was screaming for some release. He made short work of his pants reaching to get his condom out. He rolled the contraption over his straining cock keeping Jade in anticipation. He thrust inside of her to the hilt, making her moan in ecstasy. She felt so good wrapped around him like a glove. He wanted to stay right here like this for as long as he could, pulsating inside of her. He felt her push back against him, aching to feel more of him.

"Baby, please move." she whined looking back at him. 

"You want it?" he growled, reaching up to grab her hair.

"Yes, yes please." she pleaded and he started slowly thrusting inside of her.

He made sure she felt every inch of him as he held her down on the desk. She gritted her teeth together scratching her own desk as he moved harder. She was so hot and tight around him, squeezing his cock as he plunged deeper inside of her. He pulled her hair back further, quickening his thrust. She couldn't think logically anymore, everything was primal in her right now. She needed the release. She needed this man right now. She was slowly reaching that point where she was losing herself.

"No more games." he claimed, "You and I are going to be together. You are mine now." he claimed slamming inside of her, "Understand?"

No words came into her head, just the moans and groans. He reached his hand in front of her for her clit. He started to stroke the hardened bud and she gasped out straightening up slightly. She reached behind her to grab a tight hold of her hair. Her body was on fire and her mouth felt numb. She needed to say something.

"Understand?" he growled.

"Yes, oh yes James!" she screamed, finally finding her voice. 

He kept pistoning his hips inside of her, quicker, feeling his balls tighten. He knew he was cumming soon. He felt her pull and tug on his hair as he kept thrusting inside of her. He loved it when she pulled and tugged on his hair. Her vision started to get blurry and all she could hear was her own moans and the skins slapping against each other. Her mouth gaped open as her body spiraled out of control exploding on his cock. He soon followed, biting her shoulder. She shivered in his arms and he held on to her tight. 

"So, we have that understood?" he whispered, kissing her on the neck and she just moaned.

She maneuvered her head to look up at him, "Just don't hurt me okay?" she whispered.

"You got it baby." he said kissing her lips, "Now you have a party to finish up." her body shook with laughter and he joined her, kissing her shoulder.

"I will, but could you get my shoe please." she said looking up with pleading eyes and he couldn't help but to shake his head and laugh.

"You have to be kidding me?" Deborah said nursing her glass.

"I wouldn't be here if everything worked as planned. She was gone for like an hour and when she came back, she was all smiles and giggles." Dante said taking her glass and downing it.

"Oh yea, he fucked her good." Deborah sighed, "I was for sure he would of thought about what I said."

"It worked for a little bit. I could tell that he was pissed that he was late because of his flat tires. Jade was suppose to blow up because he was late, she hates that shit. What the fuck?" Dante said slamming his fist on the bar.

"It's okay. This is just plan A. We will come up with something. That's one thing about James, there is something about the way he fucks a woman that just makes them agree to whatever he says." Deborah said gazing into space thinking of the last time they were together.

"I'm right fucking here." Dante said looking up at Deborah.

Deborah quickly shook her head, "Sorry honey, well now what?"

"I have one more thing. Someone that's not going to be too happy to know that she broke up with me." he reached for his phone.

"Who are you calling?"

"Just watch." he cleared his throat as he put the phone to his ear, "Hello Gale," he said, sounding very down, "you won't believe what happened."

Jade was looking around for one of her favorite shirts because she knew that James was waiting. It's been about a couple weeks from the party and Jade could not have been happier. Everything was going pretty good so far. The restaurant was taking off and the girls were getting ready to plan Kendra's baby shower. 

Jade had been hanging around James almost every day since the party. It was nice to have a boyfriend that was actually devoted to her. He wasn't really the big romantic type, but he had his moments and just being around him was enough for her. He wasn't exactly what she expected when she thought of the perfect man for herself but he was everything that she was needing. She knew at times she was sounding like a sap and she didn't want to rush anything but her mechanic was truly becoming a permanent member in her heart. 

"Baby, I like what you are wearing now." she looked up and saw him standing in her doorway, with his half grin.

"I figured you would but I have to find my shirt." she finally located it and threw it on, "Oh got it." she said smoothing it down.

James watched her while she was in the mirror. He wanted to take her out on his motorcycle but it was a surprise. He had finally got everything fixed with Ramon's help. She wanted to drag him to this little market place looking for some stuff to help decorate his condo. He couldn't understand what the big deal was. He was here most of the time anyway, but she was insistent on it. Women, he thought to himself. Although, it felt good to have someone like her with him. This was different than his marriage, this was someone that actually knew how to spoil a man, but also demanded what she wanted. She was everything he wanted in a woman. She was still a spoiled princess, but she was his spoiled princess. 

She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, "I'm ready." she said and he leaned down to kiss her lips.

"Why am I doing this again?"

"Because you need some stuff in there. It looks like a bare prison when I go in there."

"It has a bed and food in the refrigerator." he said walking downstairs.

"Don't be funny James. Just let me do what I do."

"I always let you do what you do when I want you to." he felt her slap his shoulder and started laughing. 

When they got downstairs, they heard her doorbell. Who could that be, Jade thought. Jade went to the door and gasped as she looked through the peephole.

"Oh shit." she said.

"What's wrong baby?"

"Um..."

"I'm a grown man, I'm not hiding anywhere anymore or making up any story."

"No, it's not like that." she opened the door and plastered on a smile, "Hey guys."

"Hey sister." Nicole said wrapping her arms around Jade. 

Jade loved her baby sister so much. She considered Nicole more of her best friends too, her very innocent friend. Nicole always thought of she was a nerd but she didn't really look much like one. She was tall and had a fit tight body from her years of running track. She had these big bright brown eyes, even though she wore glasses all the time. Her long hair was constantly pulled back in a pony tail. She didn't want to deal with makeup or fixing up her hair, but she was very much a natural beauty.

"What are ya'll doing here?" Jade said.

"We are here to see you, little sister." Gale said walking in with her cold demeanor. 

"Hello Gale, um, I'm sorry guys. This is James," she said moving towards him, "my boyfriend." she gulped.

Nicole smiled at him and extended her hand, "Nice to meet you James."

"You too Nicole, I see you are just as pretty as your sister."

"Oh no, no. I'm just plain and ordinary and nothing special." she laughed nervously and James couldn't help but smile at her.

"Nicole, reel it back a little bit." Gale said keeping her hands in front of her, "I'm Gale, the big sister." she said narrowing her eyes at him.

"Nice to meet you too." James said.

"I'm sure." Jade stared at Gale as she kept her hard look at James.

Now it's obvious, the bitchy part is somewhat hereditary built, just skipped the baby girl, James thought. 

"James, do you mind leaving? I have to have a big sister talk with Jade."

He looked at Jade and she nodded, "Alright baby. I'll call you later." he said giving her a kiss.

"Okay, you are not escaping this shopping trip." she warned and he groaned.

"Nice meeting you Nicole. Good luck in school okay?"

"Oh you'll probably see me. I'm going to school around here and hanging more with Jade. We are..." she rambled.

"Nicole, the man has to go." Gale said cutting Nicole off.

Jade hated it when Gale did this. They watched James walk out and both of them locked eyes. She knew that stare, it was the "what have you done stare".

"Nicole, why don't you go upstairs just for a little bit?" Gale said and Nicole followed orders, "Are you serious right now?"

"What is it, Gale?" Jade said crossing her arms.

"You left a good man, for that? That white man?"

"This has nothing to do with his race." Jade said in shock.

"Oh no, I'm sorry, the white mechanic is dating my Ivy league sister, let's talk about that." she said venom dripping from her words.

"It doesn't matter what he does and how do you know about him."

"It doesn't matter how I know. How could you be so stupid? He is not looking for anything but to fuck a black girl to see what it's like."

"Are YOU being serious right now? You think my judgment of people is so clouded that I can't see who is the right person for me."

"Baby girl, I am just telling you the ways of the world. You are a strong successful woman and you have no time wasting with a grease monkey."

"It's his own shop and I know he will be good to me. He has so far."

"So he's from here?"

"No, he's from Tennessee, he just got out of the Marines."

"Oh my God, Jade. A military man? Haven't you watched mama over the years to know what military men do?"

"James is retired and that's our father you are talking about."

"And I love our father, but he left us to deal with everything alone. I don't want you to go through that. With him being called away to who knows where and leaving you at home by yourself. You need someone stable in your life."

"Gale, please. I told you he is retiring."

"Men like him don't retire. They stick around for awhile playing civilian, get bored with the life and then re-enlist. I've seen daddy do it. Wise up baby girl, he is not for you."

"You don't know anything about him!" Jade shouted in anger.

"Oh my goodness, do you love him?" Jade looked off, "You do? He's going to hurt you baby girl."

"He promised me he won't."

"Well I know men like him and they do. You will be the one crying your eyes out on the phone with me wondering what you did wrong. Be smart Jade, let him be with his own kind." Gale said and Jade started to tremble.

She felt a tear sting her eye and she begged that it wouldn't fall, not right here in front of her. No, James wouldn't do that. He's not like that, she thought to herself. Her mind thought back to when they were little and the times that she would see mama looking so sad that daddy went back overseas. Jade wouldn't be able to handle that. She had to prove Gale wrong, he wouldn't leave her alone. Or would he?



Rough around the Edges Ch. 06



Jade sat there replaying in her mind everything her sister said. She didn't understand what was going on with her. She tried to not let Gale's words affect her, but somewhere in the back of her mind, they did. She knew from years of seeing her mother wait up for her father or crying because he missed coming home for an anniversary or a birthday. James seemed like he was happy being settled in here. Why would he leave? 

"Hey big sister." Jade looked up and saw Nicole in front of her.

"Hey!" Jade smiled, giving her a hug, "What are you doing here?"

"I took a cab and came to see what my big sister was going." Nicole smiled sitting with her, "So how is it going?"

"Everything is fine here. I'm so proud of you though. We have to schedule a time so that I can walk around campus with you."

"I know. I am so pumped and ready. I was going to say we can we hang out and stuff, but seeing James, I don't know if I am still invited to do that." Nicole said with a smug smile.

"Don't start with me." Jade laughed, "I'll always have time for you."

"Great, but I like James so far. He seems much better than Dante." Nicole said, saying his name like it left a bitter taste in her mouth.

"You didn't like him? You didn't say much."

"I thought you like him, but no, I didn't. He always gave me the wrong impression and not only that he would always pat my head like I was some dog." Jade tried to hide her laughing as she remembered those moments.

"I'm so sorry baby sister." Jade started not able to hide her laughter.

"Not that funny." Nicole crossed her arms and pouted.

"No seriously, I'm sorry. I'm done with him for good. I just don't understand Gale."

"You know how she can be sometimes: pig-

headed and stubborn."

"I just can't believe she said those things about him being white. This is the same woman that was engaged to a white guy before she met Gary. She never told us what happened to Patrick."

"I know; I like him. She hasn't been the same since they broke up, plus I loved his Irish accent."

"I did too, for a brief second; I had a crush on Patrick." Jade smiled, "Well, that's in the past. Anyway, you have any boys around you."

"Please, you know better. I repeal guys, you know they see me and run."

"Whatever Nicole, you know you are a hot little mama."

"You're my sister; you are required by law to say things like that." Nicole laughed.

Jade looked at her little sister and smiled at how far she has come. Jade never recalled Nicole having a steady boyfriend or talked about boys. She just loved to write in her little black notebook that was decorated with green and blue flowers. She kept all her notes about anything that popped into her head. That same notebook that Jade and Gale bought for her together, her first day of school, it came with her backpack that she still carries around to this day. The backpack was worn out and had a few holes in it, but she carried it around like it was brand new. That was one thing about Nicole; she was always so appreciative of anything she got.

Jade shook her head at her little sister and looked up towards the door. Her smile broadens as she saw James coming in with Nik. Nicole turned around quickly and returned back to Jade.

"I figured that's why you were smiling." Nicole said with a smile.

"Hey baby." James said planting a soft kiss on Jade's head, "What's going on baby girl?" Nicole just fidgeted nervously, smiling.

"Better than a pat on your head, huh?" Jade said which made Nicole narrow her eyes at her.

"Who is this lovely young lady?" Nik asked.

Jade sighed to herself, "This is my BABY SISTER, Nicole." Jade emphasized and Nik took her hand as if he didn't hear her.

"Piacere incontrario, bella signora." Nik said, kissing the back of her hand.

"I don't know what you said," Nicole started, "but it sounded really pretty." she lowered her head which made Nik smile.

James slapped Nik's hand and turned his attention to Jade. She was obviously bothered by Nik's extra attention to her little sister. Hopefully, he knew better, beside he would do a lot better with Dominique, she thought. 

"James, can I talk to you for a moment?" Jade asked and he nodded, "Touch and die." Jade warned Nik before leading James to her office.

She needed to get some stuff out in the open. She knew everything Gale said was ridiculous, but she did need to hear it from him herself. She turned around to face him when he closed the door and saw him leaning against it.

"Are you happy here?" Jade asked, playing with her own fingers.

"What?" he responded, wrinkling his brow in confusion?

"Are you happy? Here?" 

"Of course I am." he shrugged.

"And you are not thinking of reenlisting into the Marines?"

"Not really." he said putting his hands in his pockets.

"Are you sure?"

She could see the confusion on his face and he finally had to ask, "Jade, what's this about? Why the questions?"

"I just realized that those are things we haven't talked about."

"Really?" she nodded, hoping that he was buying it, "Well Jade, that life was to hectic for me and I really don't want to get back into it. I have established a business, a home, and my girl right here."

"You have your girl?" she said smiling and James couldn't help but return that smile.

"Don't make me get all mushy." he said grabbing her hand and pulling her close to him.

"That sounded very chauvinistic when you say your girl." 

He wrapped his arms around her, "Yea but you like it." he whispered before leaning down to ravish her lips.

She ran her fingers through his hair as he angled her head to probe her mouth deeper. The moan that escaped from her set his body a blaze. Yea, he definitely wasn't going to get enough of her. He grabbed of hold of her butt pulling her closer to him. She felt so good in his arms. Not to mention that she felt safe and secured with him, something that she hasn't felt in awhile. She knew this could turn into something more, so pulled away to stare into his eyes. It seemed like his eyes just invited her into him, especially when he looked like he was going to devour her.

"What?" he asked, wondering what was going through her mind, but she only shook her head as a response, "Are you going to check on Nicole?"

She smiled in response and shook her head, "I gave him a fair warning, plus you wouldn't let anything happen to my baby sister."

"Baby girl? No, I wouldn't let anything happen to her. Nik won't do anything to her, he knows she's a kid and maybe do some innocent flirting."

"Yea, that's what I'm afraid of. Okay, let's go back." James smiled as they both left out of her office.

Jade went back to the restaurant hand in hand with James, smiling back at him. She turned around to quickly to see Gale sitting there with Nicole and Nik was standing over by the door. From the looks on both their faces it wasn't a happy first meeting, not that Jade was really surprised. Why did she have to this?

"So, you leaving out little sister alone with strangers?" Gale immediately said crossing her arms.

"I know Nik, he's a good friend of James."

"Oh, I guess that makes it all better." she replied sarcastically.

"It should, I trust Nik with my life and I know what he will and won't do." James said glaring down at her.

"I'm sorry; did you actually think I was talking to you?" Gale said with a cruse smile, rubbing James raw.

"Listen you..." James started, stepping forward.

"I was okay," Nicole interrupted, "Nik was teaching me some Italian."

"Nicole sweetie, why don't you go and order something up front?"

"Nicole, you don't have to go anywhere. You are an adult." Jade said looking dead straight at Gale.

"Oh really, she don't?" Gale scoffed.

"I don't want to get into this here and now Gale."

"You are right, how about dinner tonight? You met us at the Radisson hotel?"

"Okay." Jade nodded.

"Alone. It's a family meeting, you can understand, can't you?" she said looking up at James.

James sucked on his teeth, trying to bit his tongue. She was testing him, just like his ex-wife. He couldn't understand the problem she had with him and he was going to ask Jade about this later. He has never had to bite his tongue for anything and he knew this Gale needed to be brought off her high horse. She is lucky that she is Jade's sister.

Jade watched as Gale and Nicole went ahead and got ready to go. She sighed in relief, she never felt the need to have a drink more than she did right now. She wanted to call her mom and ask her what was Gale's problem, but she really didn't want to disturb her mom. 

"Did you and Nicole get all the nice sweet genes and it just passed her." Nik huffed.

"What did she say?" Jade asked.

"She damn near threw a fit when she saw me sitting with her. All I was doing was teaching her Italian like she said."

"Maybe the Italian Stallion doesn't work on everyone." Jade joked as James just shook his head.

Jade went ahead and said goodbye to James getting ready to finish up her day. She finished up her paperwork and closed up the restaurant. She didn't have time to change so she went to meet up with her sisters. She called to check on James and he said he was hanging with the guys. He just told her that he would come over when she was done. She couldn't wait to curl up next to him later on tonight, especially dealing with Gale. Then it will be him and her all night together. She was going to enjoy pushing him till he takes what is his, she thought with a smile. 

She got into the restaurant and quickly scanned the room looking for them. She saw them sitting in the corner of a booth; Gale was nursing her glass of wine and Nicole munching on some bread sticks. Nicole instantly perked up when she saw Jade and Gale followed her eyes and sighed. She was late, Gale hated when people were late. Jade smiled at them both as she made her way to their booth and slid in. 

"I said seven." Gale commented, sitting her glass down.

"I have a business to attend to. Did ya'll order already?"

"No, we were waiting for you." Nicole smiled.

"Good thing we weren't starving or anything." Gale added.

"Gale, do you have to be so bitchy right now?" Jade sighed.

"Look, I'm just stating the facts here."

"Can we just have a nice dinner?" Jade pleaded and Gale retracted back with a sigh.

The waiter came and took their orders quickly. After the waiter left, the table went silent for a minute. Nicole pulled out her worn out black notebook jotting some things down while Gale searched for something in her cell phone. They never really had an uncomfortable moment; they could always just talk to each other about anything. Now, Jade didn't really want to say the wrong thing to start another argument. 

"Well, how is the business going?" Jade finally asked.

"Great, I had just finished three houses before I came." Gale said now pulling out her palm pilot.

"Whoa seriously!" Jade smiled, "That's great, Gale."

"Yes, she even did a NFL player's house." Nicole perked.

"It wasn't all that great, just a boost to the ego that he flirted with me." Gale sudden smile lighten her face and it immediately relaxed Jade.

That was the Gale she remembered, light and happy, someone you could sit and joke around with. 

"Speaking of flirt how is Ryan?" Jade asked as she silently thanks the waiter bringing her a glass of wine.

"He's good." she said looking down.

"I bet the office is keeping him busy."

"Yes, they do, he travels a lot. I haven't seen him in almost a month, but it's good. I know he will be home as soon as possible." Jade just lend her a supportive smile.

She didn't want to tell Gale that she was familiar with those business trips from Dante. That was the first time she found out he cheated when she came to surprise him and found another woman in his hotel room, naked. Maybe Ryan was different, he could be actually working. Jade let her own mind wander until she heard Gale mumble something.

"What?" Jade questioned.

"I said why him." Gale said more clearly, glaring at Jade.

"I'm guessing you are talking about James." Jade sighed.

"Yes I am, how could you?"

"How could I what Gale? You act like I did this as a personal attack against you."

"You were great with Dante. He was going somewhere and you were real successful with your business."

"Why do you like him so much? I will never understand."

"Because he was good for you. He made sure you were always taken care of. He provided you with security."

"James is a good man and he owns his own shop, so he has some security. Not only that he was in the marines so there are benefits with that, but you are missing the most important thing. I'm not with him because of any benefits or security, I'm with him because of how we make each other feel."

"Sweet Jade, feelings are overrated. You have to be with someone who compliments you and work towards an understanding and know what you are getting into."

"How come you make it sound like a business deal?"

"In the long run that's what marriages are. Feelings and love just get in the way."

Jade couldn't believe what she was hearing, "Don't you love Ryan?" 

"I have love for him because of what we have done for each other and that's it." both Jade and Nicole's mouth dropped as Gale looked at her palm pilot.

"Okay you know, you did love someone. What about Patrick?"

The expression on Gale's face instantly made Jade back off. Her eyes soften briefly before returning to her hard glare. She went too far, Jade thought to herself.

"He was just a moment of weakness. That's what I meant by feelings and love will hurt."

"I'm confused because I thought you didn't like him because of the Marine thing."

"It's all that Jade! How long has been in the service?"

"Since he turned 18, but why does that matter?"

She scoffed, "He will go back and he will hurt you. Dante is the best stable choice you have."

"You know," Jade started not able to hold her tongue, "since you are so loving Dante right now and thinking he is the best for me. Well, let me tell you what he did. He cheated on me, probably more times than he has told me. I have dealt with it and accepted his apologies. I'm done with it."

Gale paused, holding on to her wine glass. She sighed to herself, "Well, that's just a small part of the problem."

"Are you actually telling me to accept that?" Jade questioned not able to believe her ears.

"Come on now Jade, no relationship is going to be picture perfect. He kept coming back to you so that should let you know something."

"Let me know what?" 

"That he loves you. Men are going to have their little fling, it's typical. It's nothing against you, it's just in their nature."

"Gale, does Ryan cheat on you?" Jade had to ask for her to tell her to accept Dante.

She scoffed, "I'm not stupid Jade. I know all those business trips weren't just business."

"And you are okay with this?"

"I have grown accustomed to it. I have a great man that provides for me and I know he loves me; he just had a couple of flaws. We have an understanding." Jade could see Gale's hand trembling as she quoted this garbage like it was something she has told herself before.

"Gale, you don't have to do that. You don't have to accept it." Jade said reaching out for her hand.

"Wake up, Jade! I've been in love with someone and gave my heart to him. I was the one who end up crying to mom for at least a year! Baby sister, you will be hurt because every man cheats and every white man goes back to their kind."

She couldn't stand it anymore, Jade needed to get away right now. She was tempted to say something that she was going to regret and she really didn't want to go there tonight. Jade got up grabbing her purse, "Every man does not cheat because I have two friends that are in very loving relationships and I have a friend who is married to a white guy. Scott loves Katrina and only her. I'm sorry you are going through this, Gale, I truly am. I can't be in that same boat with you, I want something more and I get it with James. Nicole, I'll talk to you later." and with that she walked out of the place leaving Gale stunned.

She went ahead and grabbed something on the way home. She felt like she needed a good hard drink and an equal amount of sex. She didn't want to make her life trying to explain her relationship with James. Gale acts like James would do something to intentional hurt her. Then she was suddenly struck with a thought, what happened between her and Patrick? The look on Gale's face when Jade mentioned his name tugged on her heart. It was full of pain and sorrow, a look she wasn't use to seeing on Gale's face. Jade could only hope that Gale finds her way back to the old Gale.

She sighed to herself, ready to go upstairs when she heard a knock at the door. James, she thought with a smile as she rushed over to open it. As soon as she opened the door, she jumped into his arms, hugging him tight.

"I didn't think I would get a greeting like that." he said and she pulled away from him. 

"I just missed you a lot." Jade said with a smile, kissing his cheek.

"Yea, I'm starting to think it's because of your sister." he set her down on her feet and she watched as he shut the door, "What's going on baby?"

"It's just my sister is getting to me. I don't understand where all this is coming from and I feel like I'm meeting this domineering person all the time."

"Does your mom talk to her?"

"Of course she does, but Gale is still dismissive and only tells her what she wants to hear. I just don't know what to do anymore." Jade ran her fingers through her hair and went back to the kitchen.

James followed her watching as she grabbed a couple of wine glasses. She looked flustered and tired. He really didn't like for her to be stressed out like this but he really didn't have a place to tell her what to do with her family. 

"Hey, baby," she turned around to face him, "I know you want to fix this, but you can't really. A problem like this, could only be caused by someone who did your sister wrong. She needs to get over it and let you and baby girl live your life."

"I hope she comes to her senses soon. I hate to think what she would do next." Jade said and James made his way over to her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"How about we stop talking about her and talk about better things?" he whispered in her ear and she instantly melted against him. 

"Better things, I do like better things." she turned around in his embrace to wrap her arms around his neck, "You going to show them to me?" 

"More than happy too." he said lifting her up on the counter.

She bit down on her bottom lip as he spread her legs wide. He could already smell her arousal and his cock twitched at the sight of the thong. He growled in appreciation, scooting her closer to the edge of the counter. Words could not express how much she loved looking at him when he got like this. He looked pure primal and ready to devour. 

"I can see you hot and ready for me baby." he growled.

"Yes, I need it bad, James."

She felt his fingers brush against her sex and she ignited his burning desire more when she arched into his touch. She pulled off her shirt, baring her beautiful breast to his view. Her nipples harden as soon as they hit the cool air. He licked his lips as he pulled her thong away to push his fingers into her dripping sex. He felt her pussy tighten around his fingers as he pumped into her slowly. He wanted to savor every second of this, making her forget everything that happened earlier. 

"Oh shit." she moaned as he pushed his fingers inside of her deeper.

"Baby, I love to feel your tight pussy. You are so fucking hot." he said probing her faster.

"Oh fuck James. Yes baby."

He had to taste her. He leaned down and put her legs over his shoulder. Her smell was so sweet and he took another deep inhale. He spread her lips apart and locked eyes with Jade as swiped his tongue across her pussy lips. She bucked her ass off the counter as she felt his tongue moving deeper inside of her. Her nerves were tingling all over her body, toes curling as James worked his magic with his tongue. She couldn't believe the things he can do with that tongue of his. He tongued her pussy like it was no tomorrow, slurping down every drop of her essence. 




Rough around the Edges Ch. 06



Jade's arms started to feel weak as she surrendered to his sweet thick tongue. She laid back the cupboard pushing everything out of her way. She didn't care what fell or break; she just wanted him to go in as deep as possible. She was so tempting that he lifted her up by her ass and pulled her against his mouth. She always seemed to taste like strawberries to him, fresh and ripe. The smell of her made his cock hardens, begging for attention. He especially loved when she tugged and pulled on his hair, screaming out his name. Sweet music to his ears. 

Her body started to shake and quiver as she felt her release slowly approaching. Her toes began to curl as she felt her body ready to explode. She came on his tongue screaming out. Her nerves were still high as she lay on completely on the counter, her mouth partially open. James sucked the rest of her sweet essence, pulling away from her. He looked down at her, ready to pounce on her. She looked so delicious.

He unbuckled his pants, keeping his eyes on her. Jade's body felt too heavy to move, but she watched as he unbuckled his pants and pulled the shirt over his head. He tore her underwear off her body. He pulled her limp body towards him and rammed his full length inside of her. Jade screamed out, finding the strength to pull herself up. He held her legs open as continued to thrust inside of her. He closed his eyes tight at enjoyed her pussy clenching tight against him, like a warm glove. Fuck she felt so good, he thought to himself as he started pounding inside of her.

Jade was in bliss feeling him so deep inside of her, "James, baby don't stop. I'm almost there."

"Me too baby. Your pussy is so fucking tight baby." she rose up to meet his lips, thrusting her tongue inside his mouth.

She could taste a little bit of herself on him and that made her kiss him harder, wrapping an arm around his neck. She tugged on his bottom lip with her teeth as he felt her pussy began to contract and tighten around him. The room was filled with Jade's moans and their skins slapping against each other. He could feel that he was close to cumming and he was going to right inside of her. She couldn't believe how every time they made love to each other it was like something new. He was becoming an unquenchable thirst that she didn't know she had and she felt so full. She could her body building up and ready to explode. She screamed out, holding him tight to her. He wasn't far behind as he came with a growl shooting his cum deep inside of her. 

"Oh fuck." he whispered, laying his forehead on her shoulder.

"I second that." she whispered back, rubbing his back. 

He pulled away from her shoulder and pressed his lips to her, kissing her deeply. Why did she have to be so damn sexy? He felt like she eased her way into him. He came here swearing off relationships and here she comes throwing a wrench into his plan and he loved it. She swore he tasted like sin and she was so wrapped up in him. She didn't care what Gale said, this was her man. Even though she wasn't sure how this was going to end, she was sure where this was going. There was no falling, she fell for James. It slowly started the first day he came into the restaurant. She knew Gale was wrong about him. James would never hurt her; he promised.

"Hey baby," he whispered and she looked up at him, "how about we take this back to the bedroom? It seems like you have a lot of cleaning up to do in the morning."

"Oh it's like that now, huh?" she smiled which twisted something inside of him, "We will see about that, but I do want to tell you something and you don't have to say anything back."

"What's wrong?" he said tucking a strand of hair from her face.

"I think I'm falling for you. I have known for awhile but I wasn't comfortable with it because I thought it was too soon. I don't care now. I don't want to hide anything from you and I know in my heart that you won't hurt me." she smiled, running the back of her fingers down his hard 

face.

James stood there unmoved for a moment, digesting what she just said. She was falling for him and she honestly expected for him not to say something back? The idea was refreshing that she made it like he didn't have to but he knew somewhere in there that she wanted him too. 

Before he could say anything, she put her finger to his mouth, "How about we go to bed? I don't like my butt on the counter for too long." she smiled and he started laughing.

"Alright baby, let's go to bed." he said before kissing her one more time.

The next day, James left to go to the shop early. He knew he had a busy with a couple of cars still needing some last minute touchups and there was a tow truck that was supposed to come in that he got. He was just leaving Jade's house not wanting to leave her so soon. He was surely enjoying lying in bed with her with her cuddled against him. After she told him everything that happened with her sister, he went over to be that shoulder she needed. He thought his family was messed up but with a sister that was pushing her to be with someone that was cheating on her repeatedly was beyond him. Well, at least what she said didn't get to Jade. 

When he got to the shop, all the guys were hard at work on various cars. Just the kind of thing he loved to see, business booming. He had to admit when he looked back on his life, he didn't really picture him making it this far. He thought he was still was going to make a career in the military until they pretty much kicked him out, but civilian life was slowly growing on him. Especially when he had a girl like Jade that was behind him.

"Hey boss, how is it going?" he turned around and saw Ramon walking up behind him. 

"The same ole but better. What's up, man?"

"You have a visitor here. She was giving us a hard time about not having a clean place for her to sit."

James' browed wrinkled, "A woman?" he just left Jade so it couldn't be her and he prayed it wasn't Deborah.

"Yea, she looks like your girl." Oh shit, James exclaimed to himself.

"Please let it baby girl." he said to himself before making his way over to his office.

He opened the door to confirm what he already knew. There was Gale sitting in front of his desk, her foot tapping the ground and her arms crossed in front of her. It's amazing how much being a bitch can make a woman look so unattractive, he thought as he walked into the office.

Her eyes followed him as he moved into the office acting as if she wasn't even there. He was positive the reason for her intrusion but he wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of catering to her. He knew the silent game so he just sat down behind his desk, looking into her narrowed eyes.

"It took you long enough to get here." That was the first thing that came out of her mouth and James just shook his head.

"That's one of the advantages to having your own business; you make up your own hours."

"Well, I was nearly waiting for thirty minutes."

"Well, I am so sorry to inconvenience you but normally people who want to speak with me make an appointment with me before bursting into my office." James said sarcastically which made Gale roll her eyes and push away from the chair.

"Anyway James, I have a proposition for you. What would it take for you to leave my sister alone?"

"Are you seriously asking me that?" James scoffed.

"Don't I look serious?"

"Gale, you hardly know me, what the hell do you have against me besides the fact that I was in the military?"

"It's the fact I know what kind man you are."

"You do, don't you?" he said crossing his hands on his lap.

"Yes I do, you like the civilian life so far because everything seems real easy when you first get out. As soon as there are hard times start, you get scared and run back to the one thing you know and that's the military."

"That's not true because I know plenty of men who have been in the military and enjoy being with their family so much that they stay with their families."

"But you have no family here. You have a couple of friends, a business..."

"And your sister; I know how much that just tears you up inside." James smiled.

Gale bit the inside of her mouth, trying to stay calm and relaxed, "You know, since you want to be honest with me that is exactly what I'm going to be with you. You are not good enough for my sister. I admit you are cute in a white man rugged way but that's it. You are pretty much using my sister to scratch an itch for a black girl."

"Are you really using the race thing? I really don't want to hear because I didn't look at Jade as anything but another woman." He said pushing out of his chair.

"Oh please, don't even go there with me. I know men like you and you can't tell me any different. It's not just the race thing, it's everything. You are not right for her. My sister is going places and you can't do anything but hold her back. With the right man, my sister can make sure everything that she ever wanted will come true for herself. Not to mention the fact that you were married and she's still around you. Who's to say that you won't go back to her?"

James's face began to turn red and his fist clenched to his side. Who did this bitch think she was dealing with? "I say that because last time I checked I do what the fuck I want to do and don't go by any type of little prejudgment you have for me. I don't know what guy screwed you over but you need to get over it. I'm sorry about what happened to your dad but sometimes that happens. I lived around that for years."

"That's right, you lived around it for years and you like that because that's all you know. You will go back when it gets harder for you. I don't just have this experience with my family it's been other families too. Do you really think you can live with just being a grease monkey around here? Having my sister support you? I won't stand for that."

He took a deep breath, "If you don't have a car, I need you to jump back on your broomstick and get the hell out." He said in a low menacing whisper. 

"I see that I have overstayed my welcome." She walked past him and grabbed her purse, "I'm going to give you some friendly advice: just stay with your own, it will be a lot better." He heard the click of her heels farther and farther away from his door.

James stood in that same spot unmoved for a while. He had never been this angry before or been so tempted to hit a woman. She was a hell of a lot worst then Deborah ever was. He wasn't going to let her influence his feelings for Jade but having to deal with her was going to be hell. He knew he shouldn't let it get to him but it did. Some of things he heard before growing up from people around him, that he was nothing. Worthless. When he first met Deborah, her father told him that he was unworthy of his daughter. Not able to contain his emotions any longer, he picked up the chair and slammed it against the wall, shattering into little wooden pieces. He stood in the middle of the debris, his hands still gripping the remains of the chair in his hand. 

"Boss?" Ramon knocked on the door before poking his head in the door, "Is everything okay? What's going on?"

"Just get me a new chair, Ramon." Ramon saw his shoulder's still tense and face bright red, so he didn't push it any further and walked out.

He wasn't ready to quit on his life, not now. He's been through hard times so there wasn't anything that could convince him to go back.

Gale knocked on the solid red door, waiting for him to finally open it. She swallowed, trying to look as inconspicuous as possible. She had just driven to his house after dropping off Nicole with Jade to do shopping or something. It didn't matter, she needed to get more information and chew out Dante for what he did to Jade.

"Gale, honey. Nice to see you here." She pushed into the house, walking past him.

"You have a lot of explaining to do, Dante. I'm building you up to be this great guy and you cheat on my sister. Are you serious?"

"Gale, I can explain. It was at my weak moments, but I'm better now. I know how much she means to me and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get my girl back. I love her." Dante stated trying to look as sincere as possible.

"You better be on the up and up." She said putting her hands on her hips.

"Well, you know that you don't want that James with her right?" Gale took a huge swallow before nodding, "Okay, so what happened?"

"He's stubborn. Jade is in love with him and he doesn't want to budge. He may be in love with her too."

"Don't say that, he just likes banging her. You know what he is going to do to her. I just want her to be happy."

"Right," Gale heard behind him and saw a blonde woman standing there, "that's what we all want for everyone, but I do have a plan."

"Um, who are you?" Gale said staring at the woman up and down.

"Oh, Gale this is James' ex Deborah."

"Nice to meet you." Deborah waved, "Are you ready to hear it?" 

A red flag immediately went up in Gale's 

head when she learned who she was. Something about this whole plan with his ex-wife didn't sit right with especially when she heard it. A bad feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. No that was too devious.

"I don't know about this." Gale said, stepping back.

Dante saw her wavering a little and grabbed her hand, "Gale, think about it. I know that it sounds harsh but it make Jade realize that I am the right one for her."

"Would that really work? I mean that could drive her further away from you."

"No, it should push us further together because she will see that it happens and can come from anyone. We just need you to help by when we tell you that we are ready, you take Jade away for awhile. So, what do you say?" Jade nervously licked her lips as he outstretched his hand to her. 

She looked between their two gleaming faces trying to settle that same nagging feeling. A part of her told her this didn't feel right, maybe Jade was happy with James. Maybe Gale was wrong, but then she thought about her mom crying every time dad said that he was going back to the army. She didn't want to see that for Jade. She needed to protect her. It was her job as her big sister. Right?

"I'm in." she whispered shaking Dante's hand.

Hey everyone sorry about the long wait.



Rough around the Edges Ch. 07



"James, what do you have planned for this weekend?" Jade said holding the phone to her ear, smiling to herself. 

"Well, you just have to wait and see baby. I just want to make sure that you have cleared your plans for this weekend." He said. 

"Yes, I have." 

"Not a girls night?" he asked and she laughed. 

"No." 

"No sister time?" 

"Well, actually yes. Gale is going back to close a deal on a decorating job and leaving Nicole here. I mean she will be okay at my house by herself as long as I leave her a car." 

"That's okay, because I was thinking of having Ramon join us."

"What? This isn't a 'me and you' thing." 

"Jade, please trust me to take care of this. I need him for something so being around Nicole will keep him occupied." 

"And so you are using my sister?" 

"Don't start that, you are acting like Gale." He said in a low tone. 

"No, I like Ramon, it's just Nicole tends to get really nervous and shy around guys." 

"Clumsy too, don't forget clumsy." He reminded and Jade smiled to herself at how well he knew her little sister. 

"Yes, that too but she should be alright." 

"Good, then I will see you tonight." 

"Alright baby, lo..." she stammered biting her tongue. 

"What was that baby?" 

"Um, can't wait. See you then." 

It almost slipped out, she thought as she quickly hung up the phone. She had never been so close to saying it before like she did right then. It was just the fact at how well things had been going for the past couple of days. Not only that, but him and Nicole getting along tremendously. Him and Gale? That was another headache, but ever since that last time they went out to eat, Gale had been laying low. They hadn't really hung out with each other and every time she called, Gale would quickly get off the phone. She figured it was just Gale being Gale and left if alone. Besides, everything with her and James has been going great. 

They spend every night together constantly pleasing each other. She hated to sound corny but she was floating on cloud nine around him. That was her man and no one could tell her any different. She loved being around him and even with his chauvinistic ways, which she would quickly put in check. Nicole loved him though, he promised her the first good car that he can find and he was going to see about working on it to get her a car for college. She was just so shocked by that along with Nicole. Her response was just jumping up and down and stammering. That was the moment Jade realized she loved James. She knew it for a long time but it had never really been concrete till that moment. 

There were plenty of times when she was close to saying it, like when he surprised her with a pint of ice cream a couple of weeks ago. She was in one of her moods where she was ranting and raving about how she looked and James just showed up with some ice cream. She remembered she told him that this was going to make her fat and he told her that she looked great just the way she was. 

After he said that she just stared at him while he ate the ice cream as he watched television. Not to mention the one time he took her to the art museum when they opened a new exhibit. She was already planning to drag Katrina or Dominique with her since he kept complaining that he didn't do museums. Then that morning he came over to the house with two tickets that he stayed in line to buy the night before. Oh it almost slipped that morning when they went for breakfast but she changed it to loving one of the paintings that she saw. She felt that this was right, exactly like Katrina always told her. 

"You must be thinking about James." Jade quickly turned towards the door and saw Dominique and Katrina. 

"And if I was?" Jade replied shyly. 

"Well at least she isn't denying it." Dominique said with a smile. 

"I guess we can let you do that, you finally got yourself a good man." Katrina said sitting down, "I finally got some time away from the kitchen." 

"You know it's always busy around this time. Do you mind me leaving early today?" 

"Do I? I guess there is something special going on between you and James." 

"Actually yes, he has something planned for me this weekend. I don't know how exciting it could be though. Nicole and Ramon will be there too." 

"Why you keep throwing your man in your little sister's face?" Dominique said and Jade threw a piece of paper at her. 

Dominique ducked, laughing along with Katrina, "You just wait till you get a man and I'm going to tease the hell out of you." 

"Well, wait on my sister." Dominique said, "I don't think that's coming anytime soon." 

"What happened between you and Nik?" 

"I got wind of the Italian Stallion and his hot new thing at this bar the other night." Dominique said rolling her eyes, "Anyway, I have to get ready for this big client." 

"New client?" Katrina asked. 

"Yea, some big wig business man that's going through mid life crisis or something. I don't really know." 

"Yea, I can see you really care." Katrina replied sarcastically. 

"I care, it's just that everyone wants to keep it down about it because he's supposedly that well known. He said he got my number from one of his friend. I just hope I can help him, he seems really torn up about a mistake he said he made." 

"Well if he is as successful as you say he is, there is no telling how many throats he cut just to get where he is." Jade said, "Now back to happier things, I have something to admit to you guys." Dominique and Katrina leaned forward waiting on the news, "I think I am in love." She looked at their face gauging for a reaction and they both just stared at her. 

"Like we didn't already know." Katrina finally said after a long silence. 

"What?" 

"We are your best friends, of course we know." Dominique said, "You get that glazed look in your eyes. You ditch me because you spending time with him. It's the same thing this one did when her and Scott became serious." 

"Well this is so different for me. I mean I didn't even think I would end up with him and I like him, just the way he is. That's the strange part. I just wish Gale would come around and see him for who he is." 

"Does it really matter? I mean Gale has some serious problems that she needs to work out on her own. I mean I know I say stuff about not being with someone of your own race but I won't stand in the way of someone's happiness. I like James so I think you being spoiled and him being stubborn is a good match." Dominique smiled and Jade just shook his head. 

"Well, back to other matters, we have to find that specific type of cake that Queen Kendra wants." 

"I thought we were going to make the cake?" Jade asked. 

"We are, but she wants it some crazy flavor. We'll see what we can do. About today, go ahead and take off early so that you can go hang out with your man." Katrina said. 

She squealed, "Thank you so much." Jade said getting up and grabbing her purse, "I'll see you ladies on Monday." 

Jade hurried out of the restaurant and left for the weekend. She couldn't wait for him to he come over and pick her up. She knew that Nicole was going to be excited for this weekend, even with Nicole and Ramon being there. It was going to be exciting. 

When she finally got home, Nicole had just came back from her jog, "Hey, you are home early." Nicole stated out of breath. 

"Yea, so any boys that you are hiding at my house, you better tell them to leave." Jade smiled and Nicole put her hands on her hips. 

"Very funny, anyway what are you doing home?" 

"Well, James has something special planned for us this weekend and I need to get packed up and ready." Jade said heading into the house with Nicole following. 

"Great, so I get left alone here?" 

"Not exactly, he wants you to come along with us." 

Nicole stopped in her tracks looking at Jade with disbelief, "I'm not sure that I follow." 

Jade looked back at Nicole's puzzled look, "No, he is bringing one of his employees with him and he wants to help keep him company while we're together." 

"Um, so I am going to be stuck with someone I don't know and it's going to be a guy?" 

"Nicole, it will be alright. Ramon is a good guy and just bring some board games with you and it should be fun." Jade smiled. 

"Well, I guess, but you know how I get around guys. Is he cute?" Nicole asked. 

"Don't think about it, just be you." 

"Myself is not cool and the fact that you told me don't think about it must mean that he is cute." Jade snickered a little and put her hands on Nicole's shoulders. 

"Nicole everything will be okay, just enjoy it. Now go upstairs and get ready." 

"Oh, great. I don't know anything about this guy and yet you are bringing me around him." 

"You trust me enough to know that I wouldn't bring anyone around you." 

"That and I trust James enough." Nicole smiled just before rushing upstairs. 

Jade was about to follow but heard the door. She knew it wasn't James because he would have called. She went over to the door and didn't think about checking before she opened the door, otherwise she would have never opened it. She sighed seeing Dante's face staring back at her, his hands in his pocket. The smile immediately left her face as she put her hands on her hips. 

"What do you want?" she asked trying to make him as uncomfortable as she could. 

"I just want talk right quick Jade, nothing to upset you, just talk." He pleaded. 

"You can talk from right there." She quickly replied. 

"Come on Jade, we go back further than that don't we?" she still stood there unmoved, "Alright then, I just wanted to apologize to you." 

"Go on." She said thinking how sweet this was right now. 

"I know I was wrong for how I treated you. I messed up and I wanted to tell how sorry I really am for everything that I put you through. I had a good thing and I messed it up." 

"That you did." 

"I know that, so what I wanted to just say that." 

"You can't get me back Dante." Jade sighed. 

"No, I know that now. If James makes you happy," he said as if it left a bitter taste in his mouth, "then I have no choice but to be happy for you." 

"Thank you, that's really big of you." 

"But I was thinking Jade, we use to be pretty good friends before we got involved and I messed up. Is there anyway we can be friends again?" 

She sighed, "I don't know Dante. I don't know if that's best for us right now. I don't want anything to jeopardize my relationship now." 

He lowered his head and said, "Well I definitely don't want to do anything to damage that." 

"Well look, anytime you need me, let me know and I will see what I can do." 

"Thanks Dante. Well, I will see you around." She said putting her hand on the door. 

"Okay then, see you around Jade." He said and turned on his heels to walk off. 

She watched him get into his car and take one last look at Jade before driving off. Well, that wasn't as painful and she pictured it to be. She closed the door and leaned against it. Well, that was one headache that she didn't have to worry about. She shook her head and hurried upstairs to get ready. After packing, James showed up later to pick up the girls. Jade ran into his arms and gave him a big hug and kiss. Well this was new, James thought to himself as he held her tight. 

"What was that for, baby?" he asked. 

"Just because. I have everything ready for this weekend." 

"Good, I went to the store and got us enough food for the weekend." James said setting her down on her feet. 

Jade looked past him at his truck and saw something in the back cab, "What is that?" she said pointing at it. 

"That is my motorcycle I told you I was working on." He smiled grabbing one of her bags. 

"I can see that, but what are you doing with it?" 

"I want to take it out for a awhile and you are going to ride with me." He said loading her bag in. 

"Oh no, no, no. With my hair, I am not getting on that thing." She said crossing her arm. 

He sighed, walked over to her, and pulled her towards him, "It's not up for debate baby." 

He said and pressed his lips against hers, possessing her mouth with his tongue. Jade leaned against him, holding on to his shoulders for balance. She definitely loved his kisses. She didn't imagine anything that could be so good and sinful. He pulled away and her eyes fluttered open looking up at his crystal blue eyes. She looked so beautiful when she stared at him like that. Her eyes could pierce right through him and it made him want to take her any way possible he could. 

"Okay, I don't want to see anything that I would have to go to therapy for." Nicole said walking outside and Jade pulled herself away from him slowly. 

"If you do, don't worry I know a real good therapist for half price." Jade smiled as James went to go help Nicole with her bags, "Where is Ramon?" 

"He is going to meet us there. He had some stuff with his apartment to take care of." James said and helped Nicole in the backseat. 

"Well, I will be back here writing and please people, don't gross me out." Nicole said before James slammed the door and she started laughing. 

"I'm going to get her later." James said shaking his head. 

"Oh you know you like having her around." 

"I do and I like I said before I would do anything for her and for you too." He said helping her inside the truck. 

She smiled at him as he closed the door, "Eww, you have a big goofy grin on your face." Nicole teased and Jade reached back there for her as Nicole tried to maneuver away from her outstretched arm. 

The ride took a couple of hours before James reached the destination. It was just like they told him it was the sandy beach and the awesome view. Jade and Nicole instantly fell in love with the waves crashing. He knew that she would love it. He finally recognized the condo that in front of the beach. It was a pretty nice space that was two stories. It reminded Jade of the bed and breakfast from Nights in Rodanthe movie. 

"James what is this?" Jade asked. 

"Remember my sergeant that I told you about? He wants me to work on it possibly repairing some small things and said that we can use it on the weekends till he sells it." 

"This is his?" Nicole asked. 

"Sort of, it belongs to his family but it has been past down through some generation." 

"That's why Ramon is coming." 

"Yea, he can help me with things like this." He said pulling up to the place. 

Nicole was the first one to jump out and make a dash to the waterfront. Jade looked at the place and it was so pretty. It looked like it needed to be repainted and a few things done here and there, but it should be good. Gale would love to redecorate a place like this. James looked over at Jade as she stared at the place, eyes still big. Yea, he knew this place would be a perfect little getaway for them. It was also great because Nicole and Ramon would have their own room which means that her and James could be as far away from them as possible. She definitely belonged by the beach, something about it brought out a certain glow and happiness. He stared as a gust of wind came and caress her face moving her hair away from her face. She was just too beautiful for him, he thought as he stared lovingly at her. 

"James, this is so amazing." She said looking back at him. 

"He showed me it before a long time while we were on duty. I told him he needed to go ahead and get ready to open it back up. He didn't want too, but now he wants to get it pulled up again." He said grabbing a couple of things from the back. 

"Well, he should it's a great location. So that's why you wanted Nicole to come too, you wanted her to keep me company." 

"I knew I was going to be working on it for a little bit, but I want to also spend as much time with you as possible." He said as she settles next to his side. She smiled up at him, "You do?" 

"Of course I do and you know there are a lot of rooms in this place, which means a lot of opportunities for us to break each one in." he leered and she started giggling. 

"James, come on, these beds are probably old as dusty." 

"Well that's why I told you to bring bed sheets and plenty of Lysol." He smiled, "Don't want anything happening to my princess." She smiled up at him and felt it on the tip of her tongue. 

Just say it, just say the stupid phrase, she said berating herself. She opened her mouth but heard a car's engine pulling up. They both turned to see Ramon's black thunderbird heading their way. Saved by the worker, she sighed to herself. Ramon stepped out of the car and Jade noticed that when he was cleaned up, he wasn't bad looking. He kept his hair cut close to his head and he looked freshly shaved with his dark shades on. He was really clean looking in his jeans and a open black shirt with a white tank top under it. She could still see the tattoo of the numbers 332 right on his neck, but it didn't matter. He was a good looking guy once he was out of the shop. 

"Man, you don't know what I had to go through to find this place." Ramon said as James came up to him. 

"Good thing you made it here safely. Is everything okay?" James asked. 

"Yea boss and thanks again for giving me the opportunity to get away. I really appreciate that." 

"I told you Ramon, I don't want you caught back up in what you were doing. As soon as we can work something out, I'm going to get you away from that neighborhood." James said. 

"Boss, I appreciate everything you have done for me so far. You gave me a job and that's more than enough." 

"Well, I'm still going to do what I said." James said and Jade appeared at his side. 

"Hey Ramon." She smiled. 

"Hello Miss Jade, how are you doing?" 

"I'm great, good to see you made it here alright." 

"I do try. I was hoping to get away for a little bit and enjoy the beach and of course, work." Ramon said smiling at James. 

"Well, I will try to be as painless as possible." James said and that's when Nicole ran up to them out of breath with a huge smile on her face. 

"Oh my God, that was so cool. I love this place so far." She smiled between James and Jade not even paying attention to Ramon as he slowly took off his shades, staring at her. 

"Nicole, how did you get your pants wet?" Jade asked. 

"I was in the water, it felt great." She smiled and that's when she looked in front of her and her tongue got heavy. 

"Oh yea, Nicole this is Ramon, the guy I was talking about and Ramon this is Nicole, Jade's sister." James introduced. 

"Well, looks like you have been having a lot of fun out there." Ramon said flashing his killer smile which made Nicole giggle nervously. 

Jade looked at her baby sister in shock and smiled to herself. Oh, she wasn't kidding when she said she gets nervous around guys she thinks are cute. Ramon's smile widened as he heard her giggle. 

"I just like water." She stammered, "Hi, I'm..." she took two steps towards him with her extended hand and tripped over her own feet. 

She would have fell face first if Ramon wasn't there to catch her, "Watch yourself Nikki." He said and she just nodded looking up at him. 

"Okay, well let's get inside, quickly." James said looking over at Ramon and he quickly helped Nicole stand on her own feet. 

The both watched as they grabbed some of the bags and headed to the door. Nicole sighed turning her head to the side and Jade couldn't help but laugh. 

"What?" Nicole asked. 

"You think someone is cute." Jade teased. 

"No I don't. He just caught me off guard with being here." She said instantly clearing her throat. 

"But I already told you that he was coming. Why would he catch you off guard if you knew he was coming?" Jade pressed. 

"Okay, so maybe I was crushing on him for like a minute. He is really cute Jade and you expect me to keep him company. I'm going to be embarrassing myself during most of the weekend." 




Rough around the Edges Ch. 07



"Nicole, no you are going to be okay. Ramon doesn't bite and he is a real nice guy. Just be yourself and everything will come naturally." 

"Yea, I have been myself for the past eighteen years and I'm still a virgin." 

"That just means it takes a real special guy to see past the nervous goofy you." Jade said pulling her along. 

"I just figured there was no one that was immune." Nicole said as Jade pulled her into the place. 

Later that night, Jade was laying in James' arms after a length session. After they moved everything in, Jade and Nicole started cooking dinner while the guys moved around the place trying to decipher what needed to be done first. Jade had fun watching Ramon try to include Nicole in the conversation and then she get flustered. Jade liked the fact that Ramon tried to put Nicole at ease even though she was naturally high strung. After dinner, Nicole and Ramon said they would clean up leaving Jade and James to find a room upstairs. Now, she was wide awake, her finger tips lightly brushing his palm. She had got so caught up in the lovemaking that it almost slipped past her lips again. Instead, she just brought his face down to kiss him. Oh her heart soared every time he gave her that wanting look at the table and she was ready to kick everyone out the place. 

"What's the matter princess? You are way too quiet." He said and she turned her head to look up at him. 

"I can't be quiet baby?" She said hugging him closer. 

"You can, but on you, it's not normal." 

"Shut up. You tease me too much." He laughed. 

"You love it so it doesn't matter." He said yawning, "But I have something for you." 

"For me?" she said sitting up on the bed, bringing the sheet with her. 

He reached over into his pants pocket and pulled out a little square box. It wasn't as small as a ring box so Jade put her emotions in check. She couldn't get past I love you yet, there was no way she was prepared to say yes to a marriage proposal. He handed her the box and she looked at him before flipping it open. Inside there was a pair of dog tags with his name on it. 

"Is this your way of claiming me publicly? I feel so high school." She smiled as he lit a cigarette. 

"Look at it again." He said taking a drag from his cigarette. 

She smiled and looked at the tags again and saw something in between. She moved them out of the way and saw a shiny key in the middle of them. It looked like a house key. Her mouth dropped and she looked over at him. 

"I made a promise a long time ago that when I was truly done with the military; I was going to give away my tags. So now when Gale says something about me going back, you know that it's not true because I have to go through you to get them and I know that you are not going to let me go. Man that sounded a little corny." He laughed taking another puff. 

The smile spread on Jade's face and she tried her best not to let a tear fall, "No, that's beautiful and you will have to cut off my arm before I give this back to you." She smiled, "And the key is the key to your heart?" 

"No, I'm not that damn corny. The key is to my place. I made you a spare key so that you don't have to wait on me or come by the shop to get it when you want to come over." Her heart felt like it expanded through her whole body. 

"Your key? This is your spare key?" she repeated and he nodded. 

Her tongue was heavy and she wasn't sure what to say next. Well, she knew what to say but she didn't want him to think that all she wanted was the key and that was the way to get her to say it. She wanted it to be special the first time. So, she swallowed hard and finally found her voice. 

"Thank you, I really appreciate that. This is a big step." 

"I know it is. I don't do that for just anybody." He said and she smiled again, taking the tags out and putting them around her neck, "Looks good on you." She just grinned, looking down at him as he stared back. 

She laid her head back on his wide chest, taking comfort in the heat from his body. She wasn't even bothered by the cigarette smoke. She thumbed the tags between her fingers looking at his name imprint on them. 

"Jade?" he said. 

"Yes." She said still looking at them. 

"Just fucking tell me you love me. It's been on your tongue for the past couple of weeks now." Her body froze when and she slowly turned her head to him. 

"What?" 

"I know that's what you want to say but been too chicken shit to say it." 

"Why didn't you say it first?" she said lifting her head from his chest. 

"I want you to say it. You have been skipping around the whole thing every since I took you to that museum. You forgot I can easily read people." 

"Well, I'm not going to say it." She said crossing her arms and he nodded. 

Before she could react he rolled over on her and started tickling her sides. She burst into a fit of laughter trying to fight is hands back but he was too quick. She felt a brief pain in her side and she couldn't take it anymore. "Okay! Okay! I love you." She said, catching her breath, wiping the tears from her eyes. 

"I'm sorry what did you say." He said leaning his ear closer. 

"You heard me, I love you." 

"One more time in this ear." He said turning his head and she pinched him, "Okay baby, I love you too." He said looking down into her eyes. 

She smiled down at him; bring him down to kiss her again. She wrapped her arms around his neck, rolling him over so that she was on top. Oh yea, this weekend was going to be all fun, she thought to herself. 

On the last day, James and Ramon were hard at work upstairs while Nicole and Jade were packing up. Nicole was going to really miss the place and vowed that when it was up and running, she was going to come visit. James had already got a call from Sergeant Kipling that he wanted to sit down and have a drink with James and the other guys just to catch up. James knew that a drink would turn into many drinks and he was welcoming that challenge with his mentor. 

Jade was just finishing up some cleaning when she heard her phone ring, "Hello." 

"Hey, where are you two at?" the moment Jade heard Gale's voice her smile slowly turned. 

"We are vacationing for a little bit, what's going on?" 

"When are you coming back? There is something I want to talk with you about." 

Jade's interest peeked, "Well we are driving back today but tomorrow night I won't be too busy because James is hanging with some old friends." There was a brief pause, "Well, whenever you are finishing doing that, you want to hang out for a little bit." 

"Gale, I don't feel like arguing anymore..." 

"No arguing, just talking. I don't want to let my past come between us." She breathed. 

"Wow, okay then. I will see you tomorrow night." 

"Good and take good care of our baby sister." 

"I am, besides I think she has a crush on someone." Jade whispered into the phone. 

"I do not!" Jade heard from the other side of the room and started laughing. 

"Wait, a crush? Really?" Gale inquired. 

"I'll tell you later." Jade whispered. 

"There is nothing to tell!" Nicole shouted again and Jade hung up. 

She went to the front and saw Nicole dusting off some of the old furniture, glaring at Jade. 

"Oh come on, you know it's funny and true." 

"It so is not. We are just talking to each other. I can't even have a full conversation with him without me giggling and falling over my words." 

"So, you two talk more than what we have seen?" 

"There have been a couple of times. Like last night, I got up and went to the kitchen for some cookies and milk. I was sneaking around and he switched on the lights and I spilled milk all over myself. Stop laughing." Nicole immediately said as Jade's side started hurting from her laughing so hard. 

"I'm sorry, go ahead."

"Anyway, he cleaned up everything while I changed clothes. I must admit, he looks mighty scrumptious in what he sleeps in." 

"And what's that baby sister?" 

"Just some lounge pants." Nicole sighed and Jade just shook her head, "He does have a lot of tattoos though. I was scared to ask about some of them because the one I was really asking about was on his chest." 

"Oh, my poor virginal sister." 

"Stop throwing that in my face." Nicole pouted. At that moment, they both walked in and James was dusting himself off, "Are you girls about ready?" he asked. 

"I think so. We have cleaned up enough without getting paid for it." Jade said. 

"I don't know, last night on the beach was certainly payment enough." He whispered into her ear and she playfully pushed him a way. 

"Well, I'm going to take a shower and get cleaned up. You know I have to go ahead and head out." 

"Okay then, we will probably follow right behind you." James said, "I'm going to clean up too." 

"Hey Nikki, you want to ride back with me?" he said giving her a lazy half smile and that set off Nicole. 

"Um...well... I really need....to...um...I don't know." She said giggling. 

"Come on, I told you I won't bite much." He smiled and she started laughing hysterically again, nearly turning red. 

"Um...I need to get some stuff." She said sprinting upstairs. 

"What did you do?" Jade smiled. 

"What? I'm just teasing; besides, she has a cute laugh." He said just before heading upstairs. 

"Do not say anything." Jade said as she looked at James. 

"What? I think it's kind of funny and cute. Little Nicole gets all flustered when she talks to him. What are you going to do if they start dating?" 

"I'm going to be happy for my baby sister. She needs to date someone." Jade said rolling her eyes. 

Jade did convince Nicole to ride back with Ramon even though they were directly behind them the entire time. She seemed to be doing pretty good around him, even though Ramon told Jade that she stayed pretty quiet the drive back. Oh well, she would just have to warm up to him. 

The next day flew by quickly as Jade caught up with all her work she missed. It didn't take long but Katrina kept asking about those tags she was wearing around her neck. Truthfully, Jade hasn't been able to take them off since he first gave them too her. She didn't want too. She already knew her key worked from this morning when she left his place. 

It was amazing, Jade had never been so in love before. She loved Dante, but this was way different. It was getting to a point where Jade was starting to see herself settling down with James. She never thought to ask if he was willing to get remarried but right now she was content with being with him right now. Right now, she had to concentrate on dealing with Gale. She wondered what exactly she had planned for their little talk tonight. It was possibly nothing more than to bitch and complain more about James but Jade didn't care. Nothing that Gale could possibly say would make Jade think any different about him. When Jade got home, Gale was already at her house. Well, it was now or never, she thought to herself as she went inside and was amazed to hear laughter. When it concerned Gale, Jade was so use to hearing silence or her ordering people around. 

"Hey you two." Jade said walking in. 

"Hey, what's going on?" Nicole said. 

"Same thing I was going to ask you two." 

"I came early and saw Nicole was here so I thought I would wait on you." 

"Well, I was just about to start dinner. James is out with a couple of the guys and I was going to go there when he calls me or maybe wait on him." Jade said heading towards the kitchen. 

"How were you going to wait on him?" Gale asked following her. 

"Oh, he gave me a key to his house so I was just going to wait till he came home." 

"A key? Really?" Gale said and Jade nodded, "I see that you are also showing off some new jewelry." 

"Oh yea, he gave me his dog tags this weekend." 

"From what Nicole tells me, it sounds like you all had fun." 

"We did. The beach was beautiful and the place was awesome. I was really shocked by it and James was doing really well fixing it up." 

"Yea it sounds, really good so far." Gale said and looked off slightly. Jade looked over at Gale and saw her bite down on her bottom lip, "What's wrong?" 

"Nothing, just thinking about some stuff." 

"Is this about James again?" 

"No Jade, he, umm, he seems like a nice guy. Maybe I have been battling with my own past and have been taking it out on you. I just wanted to say that it was wrong of me to try and direct your life." Jade stopped what she was doing instantly. 

"Are you apologizing to me?" Jade said looking back at her. 

Gale smiled, "Something like that. I should just let you do what you want to do." 

"Wow Gale, thank you. So does that mean you like James?" 

"I'm tolerating him for you, because I do love and care about you." 

"Thanks Gale. Well, now I feel comfortable enough to tell you that I am in love with him." 

"What?" 

"I am. I actually knew it for some time but this weekend I actually admitted it to him and that's when he gave me the keys to his place. Gale, I'm so happy with him and I'm starting to see myself with him. I love him, Gale." Jade smiled and Gale's mouth just dropped. 

There was a brief silence and Gale looked off. She bit down on her lip and sighed. This was not like Gale, what was going on? "Gale please don't tell me that..." 

"No, I'm happy for you. It's just, you brought me back to that day when I admitted that about Patrick to mom." 

"Gale, what happened between you two? Please talk to me because it obviously something that was very hurtful. I mean one minute I see the both of you are happy and everything is looking good and the next you are crying your eyes out. What happened?" 

"I don't know if I feel comfortable talking about it. It just brings up so many bad memories of what he said." 

"Okay, it might help a little. Just so I can understand why you brought up James' race." She sighed looking up to the ceiling, "I don't know if I told you but Patrick proposed to me one night saying he was ready to spend his life with me and only me. I accepted and then he went back home for awhile. He came back and broke up with me. He said that he would never to marry a black girl and that he got another girl pregnant back home. I was so crushed after that. I asked him several times to admit that he was joking, but he said it wasn't. He said he couldn't do this with me and left. I never saw him again after that." 

"I'm so sorry Gale. I didn't think he would say anything like that. I mean he always use to tell Nicole and I that he was going to make an honest woman out of you." Jade reaching for her hand. 

"Well, he didn't." she quickly responded, "So, that's the end of that. I don't want you to go through that because I know how it felt especially when I realized the woman was white. It was just extremely hard for me to accept." 

"I know and I'm sorry that it happened, but James isn't like that. He doesn't even like his ex-wife anymore." Jade smiled, "Can you be happy for me?" 

"I am." Gale smiled as Jade hugged her close. 

"So, is that what you wanted to talk to me about?" 

"Part of it; you know I will be right back I have to make a quick call." Gale said. 

Gale went upstairs to Jade's room and frantically, "Hello." Dante said. 

"I can't do this. I don't think we should." Dante sighed, "Gale, come on. We are doing this for Jade. You know she deserves to be with me and this guy is no good for her. You have to help me please; I can't live without her." 

"But, this is going overboard. I just think that we should leave her alone." 

"Do you really want Jade to go through what you went through? I remember you said how hard it was." Gale sighed, leaning her head against the door, "Just hang out with Jade and keep her there. Deborah will take care of the rest." Gale closed the phone and took a deep breath. 

She just kept going in her mind that she could get through this and headed downstairs. James was having fun hanging with his sergeant that he didn't even notice the time or how drunk he was. Scott and Nik left awhile ago and James was still talking about old times at the base. He needed to call Jade; she was going have to come pick him up. 

"James, you can't hold it like you use too?" Sergeant Kipling bellowed. 

"I can hold it just fine sir, I need to go home." James slurred pulling out his phone. 

He tried dialing Jade's number but it just kept ringing and ringing. She knows not to leave her phone around so why wasn't she answering her phone? He tried one last time and it still kept ringing. 

"Trying to call a ride?" Kipling slurred leaning on the bar. 

"Yea, I'm trying to call my girl but she is not answering the phone." 

"Well, I have the number for the taxi service, so just call them." 

"Yea I have one too. I'm going to leave sir and I will see you later okay." 

"Nice catching up with you James. Be careful."

James stumbled outside with his phone in hand trying to focus on the numbers on the phone. Why couldn't this be easy? He was about to dial but heard someone calling his name in the distant. He turned towards the voice and saw Deborah heading his way. 

"What the hell you want?" he said backing away from her. 

"I was just leaving a club, are you drunk?" she said looking at him up and down. 

"I'm not drunk just been drinking a little." 

"You look like you have been drinking a lot. Did you drive here?" 

"Why do you care?" 

"Because you shouldn't be drinking and driving." 

"I will call my girl and get her to come and get me." 

"It's late James, let me go ahead and get you to your place." 

"Hell no, I don't want you doing anything for you." 

"James, please you are out in public. Let me take you home and I will make sure you get in okay." 

"I don't think it's smart to let you in my house." 

"All I want is to give you a ride, that's it! Just let me go ahead and make sure you get in okay, please." He looked at her skeptically and maybe it was the extra drink he had but he realized that he had no other choice. 

"Alright then. Lead me on." He said and Deborah smiled as she helped him to her car. 

She was lucky that she parked close because he was getting heavy as he leaned on her. James sat back in the car and thought about calling Jade one more time but he couldn't even keep his eyes open as soon as his head hit the back of the seat. 

The next morning, Jade woke up a little confused. Gale left early that morning, but she was more confused that she didn't get a call from James. When she finally took a look at her phone she saw that he did call but somehow her phone was on silent. She swore she needed a new phone. Oh, well she would just go to his house to make sure he got home safe. She missed him so much and they were away from each other for just one night. 

"Nicole, will you be alright tonight?" Jade said heading downstairs. 

"Yea, Dominique is going to come and get me to take me to the college for registration." Nicole said. 

"Okay good. I'm going to see about James before going to work." 

"Okay, you know what; I was really shocked by Gale last night." Nicole said. 

"I know I was too. I think when she told me what really happened between her and Patrick; she must have loosened up a little." 

"Well that's good. I like to see the old Gale back, now all she needs to do is get rid of Ryan." Nicole stopped in mid stride, "Did I say that out loud?" 

"Yes and I couldn't agree with you more." Jade said smiling, "I will see you later." As she hurried out the door. 

On the way to James place, Jade stopped by the doughnut shop to pick him up some coffee. She knew how he gets without his coffee in the morning. She made it to his house and saw the strange car in his driveway. Something about the car looked familiar, but she couldn't quite point it out. Well, maybe the sergeant stayed the night with him. She walked in and called out for him, but didn't get a response, "James!" still nothing. 




Rough around the Edges Ch. 07



She went to his bedroom and when she put her hand on the knob, she hurried hushed voices coming from behind the door. Was that two people? She hurried James say you have tog get and her heart started to quicken. No, please let that be the television she pleaded to herself. She pushed the door opened and saw James' head snapped towards the door. He was standing there shirtless with his pants unbutton. She shook her head as her mind already knew what was going to be revealed but her heart didn't want to admit it. She looked past him and saw Deborah sitting in the bed with just a bra and panties on. 

"Oh God." She whispered to herself as she felt pieces of her heart slowly peeling away. 

"Jade, baby, please don't freak out." James said walking towards her. 

"Not you. Not you, you weren't suppose to do this to me!" she shouted as the tears streamed down her face before she could stop them. 

"I didn't do anything, I don't know what happened." 

"Jade, let me explain." Deborah said getting up from the bed. 

"Let you explain? Bitch, do you honestly think I would listen to you?" Jade said charging after Deborah, but before she could reach her, James wrapped his arms around her. 

"Look babe, I know I got drunk last night and I woke up with her in my bed." James admitted. 

"And what? Nothing happened?" 

"No, it didn't happen." 

"Honestly James, what am I suppose to think?" 

"You are suppose to trust me." 

"Trust you, after what I just saw. I can't believe you would do this to me. You promised me!" she shouted pushing him away. 

He just pulled her close to him and tried to soothe her as she cried against him, "Please calm down baby. I wouldn't do that." 

"Don't touch me!" she shouted pushing away from him. 

"I can't believe you. Not you. You weren't suppose to do this to me. I...just..." she backed away from him. 

She couldn't form any words. Her mind went blank as she kept seeing Deborah in his bed. Their bed. The bed that they have shared many nights. Not only that, but it was with Deborah of all people. She felt a burning pain in her chest that only magnified every time she looked into his blue eyes. 

He needed her to believe him, he knew he didn't do anything. The look of pain etched on Jade's face tore him to pieces. That night was all a blur after he left the bar. There couldn't be any way that he would have slept with Deborah and not know it. 

She just kept shaking her head and ran downstairs. "Jade! Jade, wait!" he shouted trying to catch with her. 

She hurried into her car and pulled off before he could reach her. James stood there as every emotion consumed him. He needed to find her and explain everything the best way he could. He knew he was innocent, he couldn't have slept with her. Jade tried to keep her emotions in check as she drove in and out of traffic. She could barely focus on the road since she could barely see past her tears. She needed to stop before she got into an accident. She looked up and saw the Radisson. She remembered that was the same hotel that Gale was staying at. She had to speak with someone and her mind couldn't focus on the phone right now. She was in a daze the entire walk up to Gale's door. The door swung open and when they locked eyes more tears poured out. 

She collapsed against Gale, crying on her shoulder. "He hurt me Gale. He hurt me so bad. You were right." Jade kept saying as Gale hugged her close. 

Gale cradled her close as she listened to her sister cries of anguish. What has she done? 

Hey guys thanks for all the comments. Just wanted to have everyone check out my profile. Love you guys!



Rough around the Edges Ch. 08



Jade sat there on the couch, legs tucked under her, blankly staring at the opposite wall. She couldn't believe that this happened, that he would do this to her. She sat there the whole time just staring and going over in her mind that scene where she caught them. Why would he do this to her? Just the other day he admitted he loved her. She felt something warm covering her and looked up to see Gale smoothing out a blanket.

"Are you okay?" she asked and Jade just shook her head, "Do you want me to get you anything?"

"Is there anything you can give me to make the pain go away?" Jade asked and Gale sat next to her.

"I wish I did have something sweetie, but all I can do is be here for you."

"I just can't believe it. I just didn't want to think he would do something like this to me." Jade said, "You were right Gale. I should have ended it before I got too involved with him." she sighed and Gale bit her bottom lip.

Gale hated seeing Jade like this, especially since she had a hand in making her feel this way. She opened her mouth to say something but she heard the door being knocked on. Gale decided to let it go and went to answer the door. She looked back at Jade before answering the door. She immediately felt disgusted as she saw who was behind it. 

"How did you two find out she was here?" Gale asked.

"She called us from the bathroom." Katrina said moving past her into the room. 

Gale gritted her teeth as she mentally prepared herself to deal with Katrina. She understood why Jade loved her, she is fun to be around, but it seemed like Katrina always tried to mess up their relationship. They all were always around her and seemed like they were influencing Jade. They both headed to the living room and sat next to a spaced out Jade.

"Honey, what happened?" Katrina asked.

"I don't know if I can repeat it. I still think about it in my head and it leaves this bad taste in my mouth."

"You can do it, just take a deep breath." Dominique coached.

Jade took a deep breath before beginning, "I went over to his house this morning to check on him since he hadn't call me yet. I walked upstairs and heard someone whispering behind his door and when I opened it," she took another deep breath, "it was him and his ex-wife in the bed and she was half way naked and so was he." Jade choked on a sob and Katrina put her arm around her.

"That's just so unlike James, I would have never thought he would do something like that." Katrina said.

"Well he did. I can't believe how deep he made me fall for him." Jade said shaking her head.

"I thought he hated his ex-wife and now he is sleeping with her?" Dominique said.

"I don't know what possessed him to do it and at this point I don't care. I invested all my time into this guy and let down all these walls only to have the same damn thing happen to me again. Is it me?" Jade said as a stray tear fell. She didn't even know she could cry any more.

"No Jade, it's not you." Katrina said, "It's just some thing that happened."

"Well I'm thinking it maybe a curse in our family. Don't go outside your race or you will get your heart broken."

"You can't say that because Dante was cheating on you too. I'm not fully convinced that James would do that to you. There weren't any signs that James is like that." Dominique sighed as if in deep thought, "You know this had inspired me to write a relationship book." 

"But you don't have any relationships?" Jade reminded.

"Well, I have plenty of experiences. Besides it's going to be one of those self help things. I have some pretty good ideas for some women to help them not lower themselves like I did before with my ex, but more importantly back to you." Dominique said, "I just think that you need to talk to him and see what happened."

"Does it even matter? Why is it that when Dante cheated we started a bash party on him but when James does it you all question if he really did it?"

"Because we all like James and we don't see any reason as why he would cheat on you." Katrina reminded.

"Didn't you guys hear me say it doesn't matter. I'm so done right now there are no words for how done I am. I'm just giving up."

"On what?" Gale asked.

"On love. There is no point if this is the way that I am going to always feel." She sighed as Dominique gently rubbed her back, "I really did love him." She sobbed falling against Katrina. Gale bit down on her bottom lip watching her sister crumble right in front of her. She got up to go to the bathroom. She didn't expect that Jade would feel this way or maybe she wasn't really thinking. She ran her fingers through her short hair, feeling sick to her stomach. How could she let them do this to her? She took a deep breath before going back out there and saw Katrina and Dominique heading out.

"What's going on?" Gale asked.

"She went to sleep, so we are going to leave her alone for awhile. She told me she will call me when she is ready to go home." Katrina said.

"Well, she drove here?"

"I know but, just to make sure she makes it there okay." Dominique said, "I just still can't believe that James would do something like this. I mean he clearly did hated his ex-wife. It was obvious, hearing him talk about her."

"Well, he did it. Now, let's get past the fact that he's a cheater and move on. You all need to realize that he wasn't that good for her." Gale said trying her best to let the venom drip off her words.

"You know what Gale; I'm tired of your shit!" Katrina started, "You always want to think that we are in some type of competition for Jade's affection and then try to run her life. I dealt with the overbearing sibling, my brother, and you know what? He got past it to realize that I was happy. I don't understand why you wouldn't want your sister to be happy with James."

"Well look where that happiness has gotten her, she is crying her eyes out over him."

"That's love! It can't be happy all the time, sometimes there's pain. Now I don't believe James would do that because it was that very same woman that cheated on him with different men. Why would he put her though the same thing that he went through? So, yes I'm going to questions what's going on, especially when it comes to the man that helped saved my husband."

"Look Katrina I don't want to get into this with you. Jade is my sister and I have her best interest at heart. I only want the best for her."

"The best? The best? Do you even care about what she wants?" Katrina said stepping closer to Gale and Dominique quickly reacted jumping in between.

"I think you both need to calm down, right now." Dominique said looking between the two.

"I'm done with this anyway. I'm going to my car." Katrina said walking out.

Dominique sighed and turned back to Gale, "Just tell Jade to call us back." 

Gale wrapped her arms around herself, feeling a sudden cold chill. She hadn't expected it to get so heated with Katrina. Gale couldn't do anything but sigh as she looked back at Jade curled up on the couch, sleep. She wanted something inside of her to tell her that she was making the right decision, but nothing spoke up. Her stomach almost turned when Katrina said his ex-wife cheated on him. She wondered if Dante even knew about it. She was tempted to call him and get all the information but that voice finally came in. 

"No, I'm doing the right thing." She kept telling herself as she headed to the bathroom.

James slammed the phone down as he heard the same damn voice mail message that he has been hearing for the past couple of days. Why wouldn't she give him the chance to explain? Just before he tried to track down Jade that day, he yelled at Deborah so loud that he was sure that neighbors down the street could hear him. She just kept apologizing but at the end he could see a small smile form on her face. 

He's been trying to call her for the last two days and still no answer. No doubt she was being polluted by that damn Gale. He has tried calling her at home, cell, and at work but no reply back. The other night, he popped up at her house and Nicole kindly told him that she wasn't here. At least she still liked him, but he needed to get his woman back. He needed to explain this whole situation and clear his mind. Ever since it happened, he has been working non-stop after hours at the shop. His house just didn't feel the same since that day, especially when he could still smell Jade on his bed. He suddenly found himself at a desperate need for a cigarette. He ran his fingers through his hair and was ready to pick up the phone to try again, when the door opened. He didn't even bother to look up, thinking it was Ramon or one of the other guys. He was only in the mood to speak with one person. Apparently whoever was at the door didn't get the hint cause he still felt their presences in the room. He looked up ready to yell at them to get out only finding Scott and Nik standing there. 

He sighed, "What? Did you two come by to beat my ass?" James asked, setting down the phone.

"Like we could; we know you better than that. We also know that you hate your wife." Nik said.

"We just came to find out what happened." Scott said sitting down. 

"I don't remember doing anything. I was drunk the other night and I remember Deborah came and told me she wanted to take me home because I was drunk. The only reason I agreed was because I couldn't get a hold of Jade and I couldn't dial the number to the taxi company. I pretty much blacked out and when I woke up Deborah was in my bed." He looked at the two to gauge for a reaction.

"Damn man, so you are sure you didn't do anything with her the other night?" Nik asked.

"I'm fucking positive, because I know when I have had sex and I haven't. Why Deborah was in my bed? I don't know, but I'm starting to think there was some foul play." James said sitting back in his seat.

"I agree because there are some things that don't make sense, like why did Deborah stay the night?" Nik said.

"Or more importantly how did she carry you up to your room?" Scott said and that statement made James sit up.

"You're right. There is no way possible that she would have been able to carry me by herself. That bitch is setting me up."

"I knew she was devious but not cruel." Nik said.

"I knew there was a possibility. I'm wondering though who would help her?" he sighed to himself, "So, I guess all the girls hate me now, huh?"

"Actually Katrina thinks you wouldn't sleep with her. She knows how much you dislike her and she's trying to make Jade see that too. The same with Dominique."

"Well at least I got them on my side along with baby girl. I have been trying to call her for the past two days now and she haven't been answering or returning the call. I know the situation looked back but she has to give me a chance to explain."

"Well, think about the relationship she just came out of. There was the guy that she constantly took back every time he cheated. Maybe she had high hopes for you and I'm not saying that she is right to jump on your back." Scott said as James opened his mouth to say something, "I'm just saying to give her a little time and then talk to her."

"I don't want to give her too much time because that sister of hers is probably already bad mouthing me."

"I know man, just give her a little bit of time and she should be okay."

"I don't like knowing that this is the reason why she is so upset, but I understand what you are saying Scott. I just didn't expect this." James sighed running his hands down his face.

"She'll come around. If you want, I can search around and see if I can find some information about who possibly helped her get you in the house." Nik offered, "I can get a lot of things accomplish if I tell people that I'm an officer."

"You aren't one yet." James reminded.

"Soon though, it's coming soon. Besides, I have to get some practice for when that time comes." Nik smiled but James didn't really pay attention.

He knew that he should give her some time but he didn't want to wait that long. He had to make her understand what happened. Well, it's not like James is known for being a gentleman.

"I'll be back in a little bit." James said pushing out of his seat.

He walked past them in a hurry and shouted to Ramon to close up tonight. He needed to talk to her and this couldn't wait. She wasn't going to get rid of him that easily. 

Jade finally woke up after a long night. She felt like she hasn't slept a wink even though she practically slept the day away. Nicole already left to stay with Gale, figuring it was best to leave her alone. Just before she went to sleep she took a long bath and put on a chemise gown. 

She hardly felt like getting out of bed, but knew that she had to find something to eat. She slowly pulled herself from the bed and snuggled into her robe. She never knew her body could feel so heavy and drained. A part of her missed hearing James' voice especially when he she would hear a clip of his voice on her answering machine. But it also hurt her inside when she heard it, that's why she would quickly deleted it after hearing him say her name. She just didn't want to be bothered anymore. 

As soon as he made it to the kitchen she heard her doorbell. It must be Katrina or Dominique checking on her. She didn't even bothered to look through the peep hole as she unlocked it and got the shock of her life. James was standing in front of the door both hands pressed against the frame. She tried to close the door, but he quickly held it open with his hand. Her body began to shiver looking into those dark blue eyes. She turned away from him wrapping her arms around herself. She didn't want to deal with him right now.

"Jade, I need to talk to you." He said walking in and closing the door.

"I don't want you here right now." She said, her back still to him.

"Well I need to be here right now. I need to talk about what you saw."

"What I saw?" she said turning to face him, "What I saw was the man that I not too long ago confessed that I loved him in bed with his ex-wife."

"Okay, you are right. I was in bed with her and I can't deny that, but I swear I didn't sleep with her. Do you really think I would jeopardize our relationship like that?"

"I don't know what to think. I just know what I saw. You threatened Dante about not being faithful to me and yet, you do the exact same thing."

"I didn't sleep with her! What the hell do I have to do to prove that to you? I'm standing here right now confessing everything to you!"

She wanted to believe him. Her heart wanted to let go what she saw and just continue their relationship, but her mind kept flashing back to the way he looked at her when she opened the door. It was a look that spoke volumes that he got caught.

"I can't do this." She said walking away from him trying not to let the tears fall.

"Oh, I see. So I guess Gale actually got to you, huh?" he said in a low menacing tone.

"Excuse me."

"All that stuff that she said, it must have gotten to you. Because according to everyone around here, you took Dante back time and time again but you catch me one time and you are ready to end this between us."

She turned around to face him, "That is not fair; you are just trying to change everything around on me."

"Look, you want to know what happened? I got drunk, I tried to call you but you wouldn't answer your phone. Again, I might add. I past out when I got into the car and woke up the next morning and saw that she was all cuddled up to me. I got out of the bed once I realized that it was her and then you walked in. That's what happened."

Jade shook her head and scoffed, "Are you serious?"

"Yes, I am very serious, that's what happened."

"How exactly did she get you up the stairs if you was passed out?"

"I don't know. I just know what happened."

"That's a good one. I admit I never heard that one before." she laughed harshly.

"Damn it! It's the fucking truth. Do you really think I would give you a key and take this relationship this far if I wasn't serious about you?"

"It doesn't matter if you are, the fact of the matter is you did it and got caught." She said pointing her finger at him, "How could you do this to me? I let you in after everything that I went through with Dante. I pleaded with you not to hurt me and I let my guard down," She said pushing against him, "and you came you did this to me. You..." she was cut off as he grabbed her arms and pinned them up above her head.

His face was inches away from hers, staring deep into her eyes, "I told you I didn't sleep with her and I would never do that to you." He added in a menacing tone.

She finally took that breath that she was holding, staring back into his eyes. She didn't want to feel him this close, it was too soon. Her body instantly reacting to his because she was close to pushing her body against him. No, don't do that, she tried to tell herself. She saw his eyes instantly shift from her eyes to her lips and his eyes darken. She knew what that meant. It has been too long since she felt him, but she didn't need her head more confused than it was now. She felt the heat radiating from his body and his breath shortening. He wanted this just as bad as she was. 

"Don't..." she pleaded just before he pushed his lips against hers. 

He held her hands above her head as he possessively took her mouth, pushing his tongue into her mouth. She responded back instantly missing the way his tongue smoothly moved in her mouth. She tugged on his bottom lip with her teeth and heard his animalistic growl from his throat. He finally let her arms go and lifted her up against him making sure not to break their connection. He carried upstairs to the room as she wrapped her arms and legs around him. 

She knew this was going to happen as soon as she opened the door. No matter how much it may hurt, she needed this right now. She needed to feel him and feel his love, even if she questioned it. He pushed open the bedroom door and there, he set her on her feet, pushing the robe from her shoulders. Her skin felt so hot and her shoulder shivered from his callused finger tips. The robe fell to the floor as she went to unbutton his shirt. He needed to feel her bare skin, to feel her pressed against him. She was his, no matter what she may think right now. He helped her take his shirt off and his lips moved to the sensitive spot right below her ear. She gasped out; pushing her body against his hands went to the bottom of her gown. He was truly the only man that could make her feel like putty. 

She maneuvered him towards the bed and pushed him down, straddling his lap. She pulled the chemise over her head revealing her naked perfect body to him. He couldn't resist anymore so he sat up to kiss her again. He grabbed the back of her neck, angling her head for a deeper probing. He maneuvered rolled her to her back and pushed her back against the pillows. He kissed down to her neck and left a hot wet trail to her breast. Her chocolate nipples tempting him to take a bite as he felt his cock swell with anticipation. He tongue swirled around the harden bud as she arched her back to his hot mouth and surrender to the ecstasy. 

His other hand reached and pinched her other nipple making her moan as she threaded her fingers through his hair. The tingling sensations from the stubble on his face against her breast sent a direct signal to her wet pussy. After adoring her breast, he kissed down her stomach and circled her belly button. She closed her eyes tight as she prepared herself for what was coming next. 

She grabbed a handful of sheets in her hands as she felt the first swipe from his tongue against her slit. He placed her legs over his shoulder, spreading her lips wide for him to see. He growled low in his throat as he thought about how she tasted so sweet to him. He slowly pushed his tongue into her, making her arch her back to his sweet tongue.




Rough around the Edges Ch. 08



She grabbed on to his hair as she grinded her wetness against his face; feeling pricks of ecstasy explode all over her body. She shut her eyes tight just living in the moment right now, but it wasn't enough. She needed to feel him one more time. She tugged on his hair, but it went unnoticed as he began to suck on her throbbing clit making her squirm. He pushed two fingers inside of her as he continued to tongue her clit and watched as her wetness coated his fingers. Her body is always so responsive to him and he realized how much he missed her just in those few days. His cock pulsated in his pants and pushed against the zipper. It felt like his hardness was calling for her tightness. 

He unzipped his pants to relieve himself a little as he felt her body start to jerk and spasm. 

"James, don't stop." She cried feeling every nerve on her body stand on the edge.

Her body felt like it was spinning out of control and she shut her eyes tight, biting down on her bottom lip. When he nibbled on her clit, that's what sent over and she came moaning out his name. 

He sucked and cleaned all of her essences still feeling her body tremor. He lifted his head and quickly moved hovering over her body. Her eyes were still closed as he removed his pants, releasing his painful erection. 

"Baby, open your eyes." He whispered kissing her cheek, but she didn't comply, "Jade, look at me." He ordered and her eyes flickered open to look up at him.

She wanted to turn away as soon as she made first contact but she couldn't. She just wrapped her arms around his neck as she felt him at her opening, teasing her. He was driving her insane, so she dug her nails into his back and he winced in pain. She didn't want the tenderness, she wanted this hard and rough, the only he knew how to deliver. He thrust his full length into her and her mouth parted open in a silent scream. He stilled his movement as her tightness clamped around him. 

He took a deep breath, trying to keep himself under control and started slamming into her as she held on to him. He held one of her legs up against him, pushing him deeper inside of what was his. 

His nails dug into her hips as he pounded into her relentlessly. She was so lost in the sensation that she couldn't form any logically thought. She felt closer and closer to point again with every thrust, filling her completely. He didn't want to change position, he just wanted to stay here with his body pressed close to hers, feeling her closeness. He felt the tightening in his balls and knew that he was ready to explode. He heard her sweet moans in his ears and saw her slit eyes looking up at him. He could feel from the way she tightened against him more that she was ready to cum. 

She swore into the air as she came undone under him and he soon followed, spilling inside her. The room was filled with their heavy breathing, neither wanting to say the first word. As the hypnotic feeling slowly faded reality hit and she felt the pain in her heart again. She wished this was different, she wished he could have been different, but no. He hurt her so bad that she didn't know if she could come back from that. She couldn't explain why it hurt so bad especially since Dante did the same thing to her, but it did. She took a hard swallow as she started to loosen her grip. 

After another quick breath, he rolled off of her and put his arm over his head as she turned her back to him, pulling her legs up to her chest. It shouldn't have gone that far. He made her so confused and she hated that. A part of her wanted to take the chance and believe him, but a part of her knew in the end that Gale was right. He went back. She pried herself from the bed and searched the ground for her gown.

"Jade..." 

"Don't. Just don't." she said cutting him off before he could say anything.

"Jade, you have to believe that I wouldn't do anything to hurt you like that." He said sitting up in the bed.

"James, just stop!" Jade shouted standing on her feet dragging the blanket with her, "I don't want to hear no more. If you are going to keep doing this to me, then I have to let you go. I don't want to go through this again." She ran her fingers through her hair, "Please go." She pleaded and sat there staring at her with his mouth open. 

Was she really going to kick him? What did he have to do to prove that he didn't do anything? 

"Could you please leave?" she cried when she saw that he was making no movement to get out of her bed. 

He slowly moved to the edge of the bed and grabbed his pants from the floor. He pulled them on as she quickly turned away from him. 

"Jade, I don't know why this is happening or why you refuse to believe but you have to know that I wouldn't do this to you. That's not who I am, but I guess after all this time I guess you don't know me." He said putting his shirt on standing close to her, "If I walk out that door, I'm not coming back and this is really over."

She looked up at him trying her best to keep a strong face but she was trembling inside, "Bye." she simply stated glaring into his narrowed blue eyes.

With that one little word, he stormed past her walking out of her life. She stood there solid as a statue, waiting till she heard the front door slam. As soon as the door closed, she to her knees, sobbing again. Damn it, she thought she could have been strong enough to handle this. She didn't want to sleep with him, but when he put his hands on her and looked into her eyes, she couldn't help herself to what happened. It hurt so much and she didn't think she was able to feel that type of pain. She just had to get over it, they were done. 

A month had gone by and Jade had grown into a routine of going to work, working out, and going back home. She would help the girls plan the baby shower which was slowly approaching and helping Kendra out when Ricky was busy. Kendra was ready to drop the baby soon and Jade couldn't help but smile at her every time she complained about how fat she was. Jade has even helped Nicole get ready for school and tour the campus with her. She did everything possible she could to not think about him.

She hadn't seen him since that last time he came over to her house and they had sex. Anytime she was hanging out with her friends and they would say something about James coming, she would hurry up and leave. She didn't need to run into him again. It hurts too much to be around him, hell even being in the same town as him it felt like she could still feel him around her. There were a couple of things that she had of James that she had given Scott to return them. The only thing she kept was the dog tags, she wasn't ready to give that up just yet. She still wore them tucked under her shirts. She did notice that Gale distant herself from her, but she figured that she was just tired of hearing her whine about James. There was nothing much to worry about; she was going to move on with her life.

Jade was just finishing up some lunch and thumbing a new magazine when she felt someone's presence sitting with her. She looked up from it and saw Scott and Nik sitting there smiling at her.

"Hey guys, is this an intervention." Jade quickly replied.

"Sort of. We want to speak with you." Scott said and this made her lay down her magazine.

"Me? What's it about?"

"James." When Nik said his name, it tugged her heart.

"I don't really feel comfortable talking about him right now."

"I think there are some things that need to be addressed. I know that you are hurting right now and I get that. I also know what you been through with Dante, but I just don't think you are giving James a fair shot."

"Oh really?" she said crossing her arms across her chest.

"I don't want you to get defensive; I'm not trying to attack you. It's just that I know James and I know what he's been through with his wife and I just don't think he would do this to you, especially with her."

"Then why is she here Scott? Why is she here and haven't left if there is nothing going on between them two?"

"Because the bitch is crazy. Think about it, she wants him back because she sees how happy he is with you; something that he wasn't when he was with her. He cares a lot about you, hell he loves you." Scott said.

"Scott, it's really sweet that you are doing this but I don't think you understand."

"Well, you believed in Katrina and me so much so that you helped us sneak around, so I'm helping because I believe in you and James." 

She rolled her eyes and took a deep breath, "Scott, you have to admit that the whole she helped him upstairs to his room thing is a little farfetched and he said he called me, I didn't have any missed calls from him."

"Well Jade, I called you but you didn't pick up your phone." Her eyes snapped towards him looking at him as if he grew a second head.

"What?"

"I called you when I got home to see if you picked up James, at least Katrina did but you didn't pick up. I just thought you went ahead and got him. I was also partially drunk so I was going to assume whatever so that I can go to sleep."

"I didn't hear my phone go off." Jade said more to herself, but now he had her thinking. Scott wouldn't lie about calling her. What if all this time she was wrong about what she saw? She shook her head as she realized that Scott has been calling her name.

"Are you okay?" he asked looking at her with concern.

"I'm fine. There is just something that doesn't make sense." She took another deep breath, "I'm just scared of getting hurt again and seeing that hurt so much."

"Jade, I know my reputation doesn't make me the expert of having a successful relationship, but I do know about chances. Everything in life you take a chance, especially when it comes to love and relationships. You get hurt, you cry, and you come back stronger, but you have to learn not to bring the pain from the last relationship to the new one because you can miss out on something good. I know because I have let my guard down a couple of times and got burned, but you bounce back to go at it again. Now I see James is better when he is with you and you have to admit that you are happier with him. You throw all reasoning aside and follow your heart."

"Wow man, that's pretty deep." Scott said looking at Nik.

"I'll say." Jade replied.

"Hey, the Italian Stallion can have some deep moments every now and again."

"And just like that he's back," Scott said, "but he is right."

"I mean you guys have to admit that the story sounded a little far for you guys too. How did she get him upstairs?"

"She didn't do it by herself." Nik simply replied.

"What?" Jade said as her eyebrows wrinkled in confusion.

"Well, I asked one of his neighbors if they had seen anything strange and one of them told me that night there was a woman and a man helping James up to the house, then after awhile the man left."

Jade's mouth dropped. A man helped her? That means that James passing out was right. That bitch set him up. A new wave of anger coursed through Jade, making her fist balled at her side. The whole thought made her angry and her stomach rumble. She couldn't believe all those things that she had said to James and how she pretty much threw him away. 

"Oh God." She said lowering her head, "You know I have to go check my phone. Thank you guys." She said pushing away from his desk.

Jade went to her office and searched for her phone. Everyone has been saying that they called her but they didn't show up on her phone when she looked at it earlier. She finally found her phone and took a look at her history. Nothing. In fact, it was like her call history for that whole entire day had been erased. She didn't notice that before and it didn't make any sense. She scratched her head and tried to recall what happened that night before. She didn't have her phone around her that night because she was having a good time hanging out with her sisters. So maybe, she left it in her purse and forgot about it. That still doesn't explain why the entire history is gone though. 

She paced the floor in front of her desk, racking her brain with what could have happened. Well, she knew one thing was that she had to take care of that Deborah bitch. This was low but according to how she use to act, this was something she would do. 

There was a knock at the door and Dominique and Katrina's head poked in. "Hey, are you okay? I saw my husband just left." 

"No, I'm not okay. I'm stupid." Jade said finally collapsing on the couch, "I'm sabotaging myself here." 

Dominique and Katrina hurried next to her as she laid her head on Katrina's shoulder, "What's going on?" Dominique asked. 

"Everything that James said was true. He got drunk and Deborah picked him up and made it look like that they slept together." 

"Are you serious?" Katrina asked as her mouth dropped, "How do you know?" 

"Nik just told me he asked some of James' neighbors and they told him that some guy was helping her get him in the house. She staged the whole thing." Jade said shaking her head. 

"Damn, this hoe is desperate." Katrina said. 

"Everything that I said to him and did, oh my God how could I be so stupid?" Jade said covering her face. 

"It's not your fault. People make mistakes and jump to conclusions." 

"No, I feel like I should of had more trust in James. I should of had more faith in him. It's just when I saw him I thought about everything that Gail said was right and he was just another Dante." 

"Well dear, you are talking like it's over." 

"Isn't it? I mean would you go back to me if I accused you of sleeping with someone that you didn't?" 

"If I loved you I would. I think part of it is that you are so use to getting the apologies and accepting everything from guys that now you realize that you have to lay down and be vulnerable a little and that scares you." Dominique said. 

"Thank you Miss. Psychiatrist." Jade pouted. 

"Say what you want but its true. Think about it Jade, you have had Dante apologize to you so many times and you had the power to take him back. Now, the power had switched a little and you are getting intimidated." 

"So according to you that would make me a control freak and I'm not that much of a control freak, right?" Dominique closed her mouth and just lend a supportive smile, "Katrina?" Jade said looking over at her other friend and Katrina just looked off to the side, "I guess I am." 

"It's not in a bad way. I mean it figures that Dominique would be the one to say it, she's one too." 

"Hey!" Dominique protested. 

"The important thing is you realize what you are and you get past it. You love James, I know you do and you need him back. I'm tired of you moping around here. Get a man that shows you how real love is supposed to feel." 

"He does do that, but what if he doesn't take me back?" 

"You never know, but that's going to be another day." Katrina smiled "You know, you have to come to the party tonight." 

"I know and then tomorrow is the baby shower. I have too much to do." Jade whined. 

"You know this scene is perfect for a chapter in my book." Dominique smiled. 

"I don't want my personal life to be aired as dirty laundry Dominique." Jade pouted. 

"No, it's a relationship book for women to get in touch with their stronger side and demanding what they want before loving him. Oh, I like that. I think that's going to be my title." 

"Alright well don't get too full of yourself. Like we said before, you don't have relationships." 

"But I know how to demand what I want." 

"That you do." Katrina nodded and they all started laughing, "So, it's a plus one party, who are you bring?" Katrina asked Jade. 

"Well, I'm bringing Gale and Dominique is bringing Nicole." Jade shrugged. 

"Oh hell!" Katrina exclaimed. 

"I have to bring my sister. I know you two do not get along but she is my sister." 

"I know. I love Nicole to death but that other one. Just keep her little attitude away from me. I'm trying to enjoy every night that I get with my husband alone for the next few months." 

"Alone? What are you talking about?" Dominique asked. 

"Well, guys looks like my brother's little boy is going to have a playmate." Katrina hinted and they both got up and started screaming at the top of their lungs. 

"You're kidding?" Dominique asked. 

"When did you tell Scott?" 

"Last night, I came back from the doctor's that morning. That's why I left early yesterday." Katrina smiled. 

"Congratulations, I'm so happy for you." Jade said hugging her. 

"Great, now you are gone too and I'm sure if everything works well for this one, she will be next. That's too much babysitting that I will have to do." Dominique complained and they started laughing.



Rough around the Edges Ch. 09



After work, Jade hurried home and thought about calling James just to see if he would answer the phone. She didn't. She wasn't sure what she was going to say to him or how she was even going to approach him. She sighed out loud as she looked through her closet for something to wear. 

"Hey there." Nicole said popping her head in.

"Hey, are you getting ready to go to the party?" Jade asked.

"Yes, although I couldn't find anything." She frowned.

"You couldn't find anything? Well, let's see what I can find for you in here."

"Nothing that shows too much, I don't have much cleavage to parade around people." Jade shook her head trying not to laugh out loud.

Nicole sat on the bed, twiddling her fingers trying to think about the best way to say what she wanted to say next. She has been noticing how her sister doesn't smile like she usually does. There was no better way but to come right out with it.

"I miss James." Nicole said and she saw how 

Jade's body tensed, "I know I'm not supposed to, but I do. I just don't think that he would do anything like cheat on you. He's a great guy. You are happier with him. I have never seen you smile as much as you do when you are with him."

"I know." Jade whispered, "It's complicated."

"What's so complicated? You love him and he loves you."

"I am going to talk to him and hopefully I will get everything straight."

"Good, because I did talk to him and he misses you a lot. I can tell; he's a lot grumpier."

"You visit him? Did he tell you that?" Jade said turning to face her.

"Only occasionally; he has stopped me a few times when I go running and he doesn't have to tell me for me to notice it. Do you think that he will be at the party?"

"I don't know. It's being given by his captain's brother." She sighed.

"Do you think Ramon will be there?" Nicole asked in a small voice and Jade started smiling.

"Do you want him to be there?" she teased.

"No, I-I was ju-just asking." Nicole stammered and looked back down at her hands.

"Okay well, let me see what I can find for you to make Ramon look your way."

"You don't have to make me noticeable." Nicole said shaking her head, "I think I will just wear one of my long skirts with a button down shirt."

"So, you can look like an old 50 year old teacher? No, I'll find you something nice." Jade said as she went on search again.

After finding a nice black, long sleeve dress for Nicole, Jade went ahead and started getting ready. If there was a chance that James was there, she wanted him to notice her in this dress, she thought pulling it out. It was a red form fitting dress that she bought some time ago that she loved that was also long sleeve with the back out. She smoothed the dress over her body as it brushed the top of her knees. 

After waiting on Gale and taming Nicole's hair, they finally made it to Mr. Butler's party. His parties always turned into such a big turn out with a lot of Mr. Butler's friends from Wall Street. It was something that he threw almost every year to have everyone mingle with each other. Jade sometimes loved going to the parties. It was a good way to get some good deals for the restaurant, but today, it just seemed like everyone around her were all talking gibberish. 

Jade wanted to be there with one person on her arm but he wasn't her so she kept her self busy mingling with some of the people while Gale was kind of sitting off to the side. She still hasn't said much and every time she looked like she wanted to say something, she would back down at the last minute. It must have something to do with Ryan, Jade thought to her self as she reached for a glass of champagne.

"You are looking good tonight." She didn't have to turn around to know whose voice that was.

"Thank you Dante." She said turning around smiling.

"I just thought I would check on you. How have you been?"

"I could be better." She smiled.

"Anything I can do to help." He said flashing that pretty boy grin.

"I'm afraid not. It's just stuff going on in my life. Can I ask you something Dante?" he nodded, "Why? Why did you cheat on me?"

"Jade." He sighed.

"No, I deserve an answer because I'm trying to think about what I did do or what I didn't do."

"I just wasn't ready to give you what you wanted." He shrugged.

"I wanted you at the time and that's what you didn't want to give to me. Your time, your devotion, your heart, your love; I think that's something I deserved."

"You did and so much more. I was just..."

"Being stupid." She said crossing her arms across her chest.

"You can say that." He nodded, "But I have changed now and I'm a better person. I want to give you all that."

"You know Dante, I want that." She said with a smiled and he took her hand in his, "I want devotion. I want time to spend with each other. I want love, but not yours." He looked at her as if she had slapped him across the face, "I had that and I do intend to do everything I can to get it back, but I'm tired of getting my heart broken by you. So, I hope who ever you end up with next, you will give her all that and more. And I pray that she doesn't hurt you like you hurt me, because karma is a bitch." She said taking a long sip of her champagne before walking past a shocked Dante leaving the click of her heels echo in his ear.

Jade didn't know why, but that felt so good. She had told him off before but never like that. It felt really final. She was smiling all the way to the balcony but stopped as she opened the French doors. There he was leaning against balcony, smoking his cigarettes. She smiled not realizing how much she even missed that. She dusted herself off and walked slowly towards him. She could tell from the back that he looked good in his black suit and she wanted to rip that off of him.

"Hey." She said behind him and his head turned towards her.

He quickly turned back around as if he didn't notice her. She walked over to stand next to him and he still looked straight ahead. He tried to ignore the way the dress hugged to her curves and how his mind replayed the way her skin felt. She was already the cause of his sleepless nights; he didn't need to see her. 

She took a good look at him and her heart soared. He has trimmed up since the last time she saw him, but still had the remnants of his five o'clock shadow. He was silent as she continued staring at him searching for what to say next. Just say what's on your mind Jade, she said in her head and nodded. He glanced over at her quickly and saw something glitter around her neck. He took a second glance while she wasn't looking and realized what it was. His dog tags, tucked under her dress. Fuck, he had to get away from her.

"Jade." She heard as soon as she opened her mouth.

She looked at where the voice was coming from and saw Gale walking towards them. 

James sucked on his bottom teeth and quickly put out his cigarette. It was bad enough that she came out here looking like she did but he was not going to deal with her sister too. 

"Excuse me ladies." James said walking past Jade and she watched as she walked closer and closer to the door.

Gale watched her sister's lip quivered as James walked away from her. She took a hard swallow and realized she couldn't do this anymore.

"James, wait." Gale said, "Please, I have something to say." James slowly turned around to face them both, looking at Jade's confused expression. 

Apparently she didn't know what was going on either, so he just leaned against the door waiting for this one. 

"Okay, I have to admit something. Deborah and Dante worked together to break the two of you up. He was the one that helped her put you to bed and make it look like you two slept together." James pushed himself from the door as his face started to turn three shades of red.

"How the hell do you know this?" he said in a low tone.

Gale's mouth quivered as she stared into his cold blue eyes and then looked over at Jade's confused face, "Because I helped them." It came out in a whisper and all the air in Jade's body left her with that statement.

"Are you fucking kidding me? How the hell did you help them?"

"I knew about the plan and they told me to keep Jade busy and to make sure that she doesn't answer her phone if you call so that Deborah can be the one to meet you." Gale quickly explained, "I'm sorry. I didn't want this to go this far."

"How far did you expect it to go!?" he screamed, "You can't play with people's emotions like that. Lady, you have a serious problem. Stay the fuck away from me before I do something I regret." That statement chilled Gale to the bone along with his cold hard look.

James had to get out of there and get a drink. He just shook his head and stormed away from both women ready to tear someone's head off. James walked back into the party pushing past everyone. He happened to look up and his eyes zeroed in on him. Dante looked down and back up as he saw James approaching. 

He didn't notice the fire in James' eyes or his fist balled at his side. James just narrowed in on his target, as he felt his blood pumping and his fist tighten at his side.

"James, I'm sorry man. She's all yours, man." Dante said throwing up his hands. James didn't even say anything; his fist shot out and connected with Dante's face as if thunder struck. Dante fell to the ground which stopped the whole party. Dante looked up at a seething James holding on to the side of his face. 

"She was mine before, you little shit." James growled and kneeled down to him taking enjoyment out of Dante flinching, "You should be scared. I should tear your head right off your shoulders." He grimaced grabbing Dante's jacket and pulling him up.

"James, that's enough." The voice of reason said behind and he knew instantly who it belonged to, "Not here." Scott whispered to him and James narrowed his eyes at Dante seeing the beads of sweat on his brow. 

James breath came out in short pants as he felt Scott's grip on his shoulder tighten. Yea, he does need to calm down, James thought to himself. He needed a drink and plus he didn't want to make more of a scene than he already has. 

James pushed Dante away from him, nearly knocking over a couple staring at them. Dante scurried away ducking between people trying to get away as quickly as he could. James exhaled sharply unable to really calm himself down. 

"I'm leaving." He simply stated to Scott and started to walk off, looking for Ramon.

"Where are you going?" Scott asked trying his best to keep up with him. 

Obliviously to what was going on inside, Gale was still shaking and nervously turned to look at Jade. Jade's hand was over her heart as if that was going to repair the damage that she was feeling. She was just at a loss for words. Her sister? Her very own blood, maybe this was just a dream but she knew Gale wouldn't lie about something like this.

"Jade." Gale started.

"How could you? How could you do this to me?" Jade said staring at Gale, tears running down her face, "I'm your sister and you helped them break up my relationship. I cried on your shoulders about what I thought he did and you didn't say one damn word! You let a whole month go by without saying anything!"

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Gale cried.

"Sorry? That's all you can say? Gale, you betrayed me. You had my phone, didn't you?" Gale just looked down at the ground and nodded, "You erased my call history so I wouldn't get his call?" She nodded and Jade just ran her fingers through her hair in frustration not believing her ears right now.

"I just wanted what's best for you. I didn't..."

"SHUT UP!" Jade screamed as her hand came across Gale's face, "You don't even know what's best for you. You think I want to be in a loveless marriage like you?" Jade said hoping the way it sounded hurt as much as she intended it too, "Do your self a favor and get over it." Jade said, walking away from Gale as she held on to her cheek, tears flowing down her face. 

Jade looked up and saw Nicole, Katrina, and Dominique standing there waiting. Jade walked past them inside of the party. Dominique followed after Jade as Katrina stood there shaking her head. Gale didn't need this from her, not now.

"What? I know you have something to say now!" Gale cried and Katrina just bit her bottom lip.

"You know I could say something, I really could, but you are about to lose your sister because of some mess. I just hope you can live with yourself." Katrina said turning her back to her.

"I did what I thought was best!" Gale shouted back to Katrina.

"That's the thing." Gale turned and couldn't believe where the voice was coming from, "You thought something was best for her." Nicole said, "You never thought to trust her on what she may think is best for her self. Damn Gale, we are grown now and we don't need you to watch over us anymore or boss us around." Nicole stated leaving a stunned Gale standing outside alone.

Dominique finally caught up with Jade as she stood off to the side searching through the people, "Are you alright?" She asked.

"No, I think I'm going to be sick and to think that fucker tried to come and get me back. Oh, I just feel like punching him in the face right now." Jade exclaimed as they walked downstairs.

"It's too late for that one." Katrina said appearing at her other side.

"What?" Jade said turning to her.

"James took real good care of that part. I thought he was going to strangle Dante." Katrina said shaking her head.

"So where did he go?" Jade asked.

"He just said he was leaving. I know Scott was trying to catch up with him." Katrina said.

"I need to talk to him. I know he probably hates me right now." She said, nibbling on her bottom lip.

"I doubt he hates you. He's probably just as mad as you are if not more upset." Dominique sighed.

"Here let me call Scott and see if he knows where James is." Katrina said picking up her phone.

Jade waited impatiently as she watched Katrina like a hawk talking to her Scott. Her heart was crying for James to find him so that she explain everything, so he wouldn't hate her. No he couldn't possibly hate her but he could feel like he didn't want to deal with the drama. She just pleaded that he didn't give up on them. 

"He's at the bar with Nik and Ramon so you better catch up with him." Katrina said and Jade nodded rushing to the door. She just hoped it wasn't too late.

James sat at the bar, nursing his second shot of whiskey, "I don't need you guys as a baby sitter." James scoffed at the two sitting on his side.

"This isn't for our benefit but for others. You know you are crazy when you get mad." Nik said as the bartender sat his drink down, "So, what now?"

"I don't know. I'm just trying to clear my head and think." James said staring at the bottom of his glass. 

He wanted to write off Jade and move on with his life, but not after hearing what he did. Not only was that but to see that she still wearing his dog tags did something to him. Why did everything have to have so much drama with this chick? He had to admit though; it felt real good to punch that little fucker across the face. He wanted to do more, but Scott was right; that wasn't the place. 

"Look boss, why don't you take tomorrow off and I will handle everything. If anything gets too complicated, I will give you a call. You know you can trust me." Ramon smiled and James chuckled.

"I know Ramon and I may take you up on the offer. I think I just need some sleep."

"I think you may need another drink." He heard next to him and saw Deborah's devious smile next to him.

"Oh hell no, not you. I don't really feel like dealing with this." James said looking up at the ceiling.

"What's the matter baby?" she said touching his arm and he immediately jerked it away.

"I have this bitch coming around me trying to ruin my life, that's what's wrong with me. The only reason that I'm not hopping down your throat is because you are a woman. You keep coming around me and pretty soon that won't matter to me."

"James, would you please stop with these idle threats? I don't understand what the big deal was. We explained what happened that night and it's not my fault that little princess there didn't want to believe you."

He opened his mouth and immediately shut it. She didn't know she was busted and he licked his lips, "You can stop lying to me. I know that you plotted to set me up and make sure Jade caught us. I know the whole plan because there was someone unlike you that grew a conscious. Deborah, I told you I don't want you back. There is no us and never will be anything between us again, ever, in this lifetime, or the next."

"Yea, you are starting to make yourself look pathetic." Nik commented.

"Are you really talking to me?" Deborah said as she tucked in her bottom lip, turning a different shade of red. 

"You the one standing here with your feelings hurt." Nik said taking a drink.

Everyone's attention turned to the door when it swung open and saw Jade standing there out of breath. She smiled slightly seeing James sitting there and that smile tugged at James a little. She quickly walked over to him overlooking Deborah standing there.

"James, I'm so sorry about what happened. Believe me, I didn't even know my sister would help them in something like that." She quickly explained as he looked back into her big sorrowful eyes.

"Oh please, are you serious right now?" Deborah said and that's when Jade realized that she was there.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Jade said turning her attention to her.

"I'm here trying to clean up the mess you made. You are trying to mess up a good person."

"I'm glad you recognize that he's a good person, but he's mine and I'm not about to lose him to some scheming, tacky, cheating ass blonde bimbo." Jade exclaimed and the guys were taken back by Jade. Neither of them has ever seen this side of her.

"Look, princess I don't have to take this crap from you, so just get your stuck up little tail home."

Jade sucked her teeth, glaring into her ice cold eyes and shook her head. She doesn't know where everyone gets this idea that she can just be walked all over. She was pissed enough at her sister and Dante, and now to have her in her face. This was truly enough for her, she thought as her blood quickly pumped through her like a roaring car engine.

"You know what, I'm tired of this." Jade said stepping back, "I don't know where everyone gets this idea that they are going to just talk to me any type of way, but I'm going to settle this right now." She said lifting her foot one after the other to take off her shoes and chunk them down, "Now I wanted to just slap you for you what you did but now I'm going to beat the hell out of you." Jade said rolling her sleeves and Deborah's mouth dropped and eyes got as big as saucers, "And I'm going to do it until you get it through your head to stay away from what's mine." Jade took the earrings out of her ears and sat them on the bar, "But I'm going to start by ripping every strand of hair from your head. You hear me?" she asked as she grabbed Deborah's hair.

She gave it a hard tug and heard Deborah squeal. The guys were a little bit shocked at first but quickly regrouped as they went for both women along with the owner. James tried to pull Jade away but she had a death grip on Deborah's hair which made her scream louder. 

"Jade, let go!" James exclaimed but she still held on intent on holding up on her promise.

"Come on now, let go." Nik said trying not to laugh as he tried to loosen Jade's grip. 

Jade tugged a little harder and finally let go staring a hole into Deborah as she rubbed her head, "You're crazy!" she shouted.

"You want to really see how crazy I am?" Jade tried to get herself out of James's grip but he held on tight.

"Fine, you know what, you two belong together." 




Rough around the Edges Ch. 09



She said practically running out of the bar. After she left that's when Ramon and Nik took the time to laugh out loud nearly falling to the floor. Jade exhaled sharply as James slowly let her go and that's when he started laughing. Her head nearly spun around as she looked at him. 

"This is not the time to laugh at me." She said.

"I'm not laughing at you; I'm just used to seeing you like this only with me in private." James smiled.

"Well, I'm pissed off, okay." She said squaring her shoulders.

"Put your shoes back woman." He said wiping his hand down his face and she couldn't help laughing a little.

He looked over at her and her eyes soften as she stared back at him. Her heart started to swell and she wasn't sure what to say but one thing, "I love you." She said her voice shaking and his features softened a little, "I love you so much and I'm so sorry." She threw her arms around him, crying on his chest.

She held on to him tighter, laying her head against his chest. She didn't care how she looked or what people may think, she just wanted to feel him. James was debating with his body on what he wanted to do. He was just contemplating on what to do next, but when she said those three words he did what came naturally. He wrapped his arms around her, laying his head on top of hers and felt her body shake as she sobbed against him. 

"It's okay baby." He soothed, kissing the top of her head.

"No, it's not. I hurt you and I don't know why but I did. I should have believed you and I should have trusted you." She said looking up at him.

"Yes you should have." He said wiping the stray tear from her face, "But its okay. Never thought your sister hated me that much and so far as Dante goes..."

"I don't care about them. All I care about is you." She said cutting him off and one corner of his mouth turned up.

"Um, you two should go ahead and get out of here. You don't want to make other people jealous or sick over this little love fest." Nik said and James narrowed his eyes at him.

"I'll meet you at my house?" James asked and she nodded.

James paid his tab as she left the bar, "Ramon, you can watch the shop tomorrow." James said and Ramon just nodded.

"And I will take him home." Nik added as James headed to the door not even paying much attention to them.

He made it home just shortly after and saw that she used her key to get in. He walked in shrugging his jacket off as she stood in front of the fireplace. He wrapped his arms around her waist and she leaned back against his warmth. She held on to his arms as his scent filled her nostrils making her legs tingle. There was so much about him that made every nerve in her body stand on end. 

He reached for the chain around her neck and pulled out the tags, "I never took them off." She said and he turned her around to face him.

"I know, princess. You have to learn to trust me though. You know I have nothing but your best interest at heart."

"I know. I knew it before but you aren't him and you won't do anything to hurt me." She reached on her toes.

"Hey," she paused to look up at him, "I love you." She felt so light, like she was floating away from her body when he said that and she smiled.

"I love you too." With that admission, he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, pulling her into him.

She grabbed on to his hair and he possessed her mouth, pushing his tongue in her mouth to caress hers. He lifted her up against him and she wrapped her legs around him not caring how her dress rose up. She just wanted to be as close to him as she can as she enjoyed the way his beard tickled her chin.

"Baby, maybe you need to think about shaving a little and since I have a key to the house, we can cut out the rest and have you move in with me." she smiled as his eyebrow shot up, "And maybe you can start to give up smoking. I told you it's a nasty habit and ..."

"Hey princess, how about you fuck me first and then we worry about the rest later?" he said lifting her over his shoulder as she started laughing and carried her upstairs.

"You don't have to talk to me like that." She giggled as he slapped her butt

"That's okay because you know you like it that way." He said as he finally made it to his bedroom door, slamming it shut.

Jade stood in the shower, her hands braced against the wall. She looked back at the man she loved as he pounded inside of her. Oh, she will never get tired of him being inside of her. What started off as a shower by her self, quickly turned into him joining her, kissing on her neck. She thought after last night he would be exhausted but he was as insatiable and she was when it came to each other. Her toes were starting to curl as her body started to quake. Oh that delicious sensation was within reach. She licked her lips as he pulled her body against his, still thrusting relentlessly into her as one hand came and plucked her clit.

"Oh James." She moaned her hand came up and tugged on his hair.

He pumped into her until he released deep inside and felt her unraveling in his arms. He had to place one hand against the wall to steady himself as her pussy milked his cock. She leaned her head back on his shoulder and she pulled his head down to hers, kissing him deeply. 

"What did I tell you about getting my hair wet?" she whispered to him.

He chuckled a little, "Hey, you took the risk by stopping what you were doing this morning."

He kissed her briefly again, before moving away from her. He quickly washed himself as Jade watched him. Just by looking at him, he could turn her on. She bit her bottom lip and he cocked his head to the side.

"Come on baby, we have to get out of here." he said, "That buyer is coming by to see this place in a little bit." 

"I guess I do have to let you go." she said poking out her bottom lip.

"Don't worry baby, we still have the rest of this weekend. Ramon won't show up till early in the morning." he said as he stepped out of the shower. 

Jade smiled to herself as she finished her shower. It had been six months since that night of the party and every thing went back to the way it was before that horrible plan. Only better. Nicole started working for Dominique part time at the office as a secretary while she was in school. She actually has adjusted to life on campus and even joined a book club on campus. She still hasn't gone out with anyone really, but Jade had a feeling that she was waiting on Ramon. As for Gale, Jade hasn't really talked to her like the way she used to. It's hard to go back to that relationship after everything she tried to do. Jade would just tell Gale that maybe one day it could be like it was, but she wasn't making any promises. One good thing that she did hear was that her and Ryan are separated, so maybe there was still hope for Gale. Kendra had her beautiful baby boy and they named him Gabriel. It's amazing how much he looked like Ricky and even acts like him. When they take him to the store and a woman would lean down to say how cute he was, Gabriel would smile big and flirt. Yep, just like his daddy. Katrina and Scott were good too, expecting their first child. She wanted to hold off knowing the sex until he/she gets here, which made it very difficult for everyone to know what to buy for the baby. Dominique released her book a couple of months ago and it's actually doing pretty well. Jade read some of it and it was actually pretty accurate; although, there were some parts where it looked like she was talking about Nik, especially when it came to the chapter, Beware of him. Jade chose to stay out of that one. She would let them two straighten that out. 

Jade finally emerged from the bathroom putting on a white sundress and piling her hair in a ponytail. She figured that James was down stairs working on the kitchen. She wished he would wait till Ramon get here to help him, but she knew she couldn't stop him. Back home, he still had his own place but he was talking about them moving to a bigger place together. She was stunned when he made the announcement mainly because she wasn't sure if he would be up for it, but he was. They had been talking about marriage lately too, but she didn't want to pressure him. For now, she was happy that they were back together. 

They have been coming up to the little bed and breakfast almost every weekend to help fix it up and to get away from it all. She did really love it out here, especially at night. Now, Sergeant Kipling finally got a buyer for this place and agreed to pay James for all the work him and Ramon had done so far and that they would have VIP treatment when they come to visit. James didn't know much about the buyer but he was coming down here to check out what he has done. So far, everything was finally coming along. It got a little rough but in the end it worked out for the better. Jade finally got what she had wanted all along.

She went downstairs ready to help anywhere she can and saw James as a limo pulled up. That must be the buyer she thought to herself and started to pick up a little of their mess. 

"So, you see Mr. Adlam, the place is really in good condition." she heard James say as she continued to clean.

"I see. You have done a very good job here." the man said in a thick Irish accent. 

"Thank you, oh and I would like for you to meet my girlfriend Jade. Jade, this is Mr. Adlam." 

Jade looked up at the man and saw him towering over here in his crisp suit. He had jet black hair pulled back away from his face and beautiful grey eyes. Something about those eyes looked familiar to her though.

"Jade, huh? I see you dropped your first name, not to mention the braces." he said nearly blinding her with his perfect teeth.

Braces? Her breath caught in her throat and her eyes widen when she realized who was standing in front of her, "Oh my God. Patrick?"