It's Tradition, Right?

Jake followed the rest of the plane’s passengers as they made their way to the arrival lounge, a mixture of excitement for some and sheer exhaustion for others. Well, he was happy to be one of the excited. He’d finally made it to LA. Actually, he’d flown into the City of Angels a few times over the past three months organizing a place to live and meeting with the company that had hired him to be their ‘Young Gun’ Ad Executive, but this was different; this time he was here to stay.

Although he’d miss his home, Jake knew he was going to love it here in LA. He already loved that there was always something to do and always something open at any time of the day or night. He adored the beautiful weather and the beautiful women… well one woman in particular really. A smile spread across his face as he thought about her. It had only been three months, but he hadn’t felt this strongly about anyone before.

So far their relationship had, for the most part, been conducted via emails, phone chats and occasionally phone sex… okay, well maybe a lot more than occasionally. They’d spent a few days together here and there when he’d been in town and once when she’d been visiting Sarah and Alex. Saying goodbye was becoming increasingly difficult each time and it thrilled him to know that this time around there wouldn’t have to be a goodbye… well at least not in his plans anyway.

“Jake!”

He snapped his gaze to where her voice had called from within a crowd of people all awaiting the arrival of loved ones, and found Roxy grinning at him excitedly. Smiling, he sent a small wave, and that was all she needed before breaking into a run; the passengers ahead of him parting for the crazy brunette to make her way through to him. She jumped into his arms, hers hugging around his neck and her legs wrapping securely around his waist.

Originally annoyed by the girl’s wild behaviour, the crowd around them now smiled appreciatively at the affection between the couple, either wishing they had someone to greet them in such an enthusiastic manner or simply remembering times when they’d been young and just as crazy about greeting their own partner after an absence.

“You’re here!” she squealed after finally pulling back from the passionate kiss she’d given him; a kiss that showed just how much she’d missed him in the last few weeks.

“Yep” Jake chuckled at her excitement, knowing exactly how she felt and loving that she had no inhibitions when it came to showing him… even with an audience.

“You’re here to stay!” The sparkle in her eyes made his heart soar.

Grinning, he simply held her tight and let her carry on. “Yep”

“And you’re not leaving again!”

“Nope”

“I don’t have to stand here and say goodbye to you ever again” Her animated tone changed into something more wistful and her eyes looked almost glassy as if she fought to hold back tears just thinking back on those times when she’d stood here and waved him off, putting on a strong front for him, before letting the tears fall as soon as he was out of view.

Jake watched her carefully, seeing for the first time just how upsetting their partings had been for her. Each time he’d left, for hours beforehand he would feel a sadness surround her; a weary cloak of woe that would descend and cloud the usual brightness of her aura.

She knew he was watching her; studying her, and didn’t want to ruin this happy reunion with bleak memories, but when she looked down to hide her eyes from his, he shifted her weight onto one arm and used his other hand to tilt her chin. Having him look straight into her glossy eyes was so very intimate… she felt so exposed to Jake, but for the first time in her life she wasn’t afraid to let someone in.

“Never again. I’m not going anywhere.”

A sigh of relief escaped her mouth before she kissed him quickly. “I lo… I’m so glad you’re here.”

Catching herself off guard with her almost declaration of love, she released the grip her legs had on his waist and slid down his body. Roxy knew she loved him; had been in love with him for quite some time, but neither of them had uttered the words before and she just couldn’t do it. The only people that she ever loved and who didn’t throw that love back in her face were Sarah and Alex. She’d been disappointed too many times by those who were supposed to love her unconditionally, beginning with her parents, and the wounds were still raw.

Jake was genuinely shocked that she had almost told him she loved him, but not wanting to make her uncomfortable by bringing it up, he simply kissed her again, before taking her hand and leading her to the baggage claim. He wasn’t sure how he felt about her little slip of the tongue. They hadn’t been together long by anyone’s standards, and add to that the fact that their entire relationship had been long distance so far, it was difficult for him to wrap his head around being in love already. He cared for her deeply, but was he in love?

As he felt her small hand squeeze his affectionately, a smile graced his face. He’d had a couple of girlfriends in college including one very serious relationship which lasted over a year, but none of those women had made his heart beat fast the way it did just by being in Roxy’s presence let alone feeling her touch.

The drive from the airport to his new apartment had been spent mostly in silence. It was quite unusual for Roxy who was always talking at a mile a minute, but rather than being awkward, it had been peaceful. When he’d gone to take the route to Roxy’s apartment a few minutes away from his own, she’d shook her head softly and told him to head towards his new place.

“But I don’t have all my furniture yet. Wouldn’t it be easier to spend the night at yours?”

Roxy shook her head and chuckled, looking at him with mock condescension while patting his hand that sat on her denim clad thigh. “Eventually you’ll learn it’s easier to just do what I say without questioning it.”

He hadn’t been able to stop the bubble of laughter that escaped him. He was never one to take orders, and if it had been anyone else he surely would have felt a surge of annoyance, but with Roxy, he simply found it endearing. Besides, she was right. In their short time together he’d found himself willing to do whatever he could to please her so there probably was no point arguing about it.

Arriving at his new home, Jake parked in the spot assigned to his unit and they walked hand in hand up the stairs to his front door. It was a small complex with only eight apartments in total. Jake’s home was the first apartment on the second level and had a balcony overlooking the small park across the road. Although a little more pricy than he was used to, he’d decided on this place reasoning that he’d be earning a lot more at this new job and could afford to live comfortably. Actually, he couldn’t believe how much money they were willing to pay him, but he wasn’t complaining.

It was already getting dark outside and as they approached the door he gathered his key, ready to enter what would be his home for quite some time. He’d only seen the place once, when he and Roxy had been apartment hunting. All the paperwork had been done via fax and Roxy had been an angel by offering to come over and let all the utility company employees set up his services.

She’d also helped him pick out all of his furniture which would be delivered in a couple of days. He still found it funny that they’d gone shopping together without even being in the same state. She’d had the brilliant idea of looking online and suggesting things, and then having Jake approve each piece of furniture. It turned out that she had an amazing eye for decorating, which really shouldn’t have surprised him considering she was a clothes designer. Obviously her creativity wasn’t restricted to fashion.

“Wait.” Jake looked up surprised as she removed the key from his hand and took him by the shoulders, twisting him to face away from the door.

“Rox?” He asked warily. You never really knew what the little spitfire was up to.

“Hang on babe. I have a surprise for you.” Her silky whisper had his libido working overtime and his skin pricked on the back of his neck where her hot breath had caressed his skin. But that was nothing compared to the fire that speared down to his loins as she pressed a sensual kiss behind his ear. “I’ll only be a couple of minutes.”

He could have put his rapidly growing hard on down to not having been with her for almost a month, but he knew that would be a lie. The craving for her in his gut was constant, whether it had been a week or an hour. If he wasn’t too caught up in enjoying the feeling, he might have stopped to wonder if it was normal to want another person with so much need when really, they barely knew one another.

“Okay, baby. You can come in now.” He could hear the excitement and anticipation in her muffled voice coming through the door. He turned and twisted the handle, slowly pushing the door open; his jaw dropping at the sight before him.

Roxy watched with great satisfaction as her boyfriend stood stunned in the doorway. The cool breeze coming through the entryway had her already tight nipples, tingling with sensation. “Um, babe… unless you want your new neighbours getting a free show, can you close the door please?

She wanted to giggle at the small possessive scowl that came across his face as he quickly looked behind him to make sure nobody could see inside; see his girlfriend lying naked on his living room floor. The entire joint kitchen and living area was scattered with tea light candles illuminating the room with a romantic glow. She’d brought a queen sized mattress to the apartment and made up a bed for them with gorgeous expensive sheets of blood red silk. The light of the candles made her lightly tanned skin shimmer and her long, wavy rich brown hair cascaded down her back and over her shoulders to fall over across her pert breasts.

“So. You still upset that your furniture wasn’t here in time?” Her teasing, seductive words jolted him from his desire filled daze and he smirked appreciatively; his lustful gaze roaming over her perfect body. How the hell did he get so lucky?

“God no! In fact I might just have to call them tomorrow and cancel my order.” He spoke while removing his jacket and shoes, kneeling down before her and cupping her face tenderly. “I’m pretty sure I have everything I could ever need right here.”

He watched the blush creep up her cheeks, the rosy tint making her look so vulnerable… and so lovely. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t love the experienced, self assured Roxy, who could make him feel sensations he’d never known of, but occasionally, like now he would get a glimpse of the innocent young girl she once was and knew a part of that girl was still alive; he liked to think only for him.

“Well, I’m glad you like it.” She hated that she sounded so unsure of herself. She was so used to being in control, especially of her emotions. The fact that this man had her feeling like a school girl with a crush terrified her; the fact that he had the ability to break her heart without even realising it, terrified her.

“I more than like it. This is amazing babe. Thank you for doing this, it means a lot.” He really was touched by her efforts to please him. He’d never had someone care so much before and go to so much trouble to make him feel wanted and needed; special. She may be a little bit of a spoiled rich girl at times, something she willingly acknowledged, but she had a huge heart. It was very endearing and constantly putting him in danger of falling hard for this woman.

She sat up from her position lying on the mattress, and rose to her knees so that they were face to face. She’d never been worried about her body, always so self confident because it was the one thing she’d always been praised for. But it was different with Jake. She still felt confident, but in a completely new way. The way he looked at her sometimes took her breath away. It was like he was not only looking at her flesh, but could see everything that made up Roxy Wilson; body, heart and soul.

Jake’s breath quickened as the hair cascading over her chest shifted to reveal a rosy nipple. Without thought he dipped his head and captured the tightened nub with his lips, smiling against her skin as he heard her soft moan and felt her hand spear through his hair. She took hold of his other hand that still cupped her face and lowered it to palm her other breast.

After a few minutes of sheer bliss with Jake working magic on her sensitive breasts, she tugged at the hem of his shirt. “You are wearing way too many clothes.” He words urgent and breathy.

Jake immediately stopped his ministrations and pulled back, lifting his arms to aid her with her task, almost chuckling at the force with which his t-shirt was ripped from his body and flung across the room, thankfully missing all of the scattered candles. Her soft hands next centred in on the zipper of his jeans, frantically trying to free her lover of the offending garment. Once they were both naked, all urgency disappeared and the couple stared at each other lovingly, sharing in the excitement of being together again and knowing that they no longer had to go weeks or months between visits.

He reached out and drew her into his arms, falling backward onto the mattress and bringing her with him to lie sprawled over his body. She giggled playfully, loving this side of her man, who could often be quite serious. She leaned into his touch as he gathered her hair and pushed it behind her ears before gently stroking her cheek.

“God, I’ve missed you.” The conviction in his voice sent a jolt of happiness through her heart. She knew he missed her, but often wondered just how much. Did his heart ache through the weeks they were apart, only lightening when reading an email from her or hearing her voice on the phone? Because that was how it had been for her.

She knew it was bordering on pathetic, but she’d even lied to her friends about having other plans when she’d wanted to be home just in case he called. She’d lived for his calls. Whether simply to hear about his day or to talk about her own… and especially for those calls where he would tell her just what he wanted to do to her when they were together.

She’d always thought phone sex to be quite ridiculous, but was soon extremely glad as well as surprised that he’d initiated it one evening. That first night, she’d climaxed from the sound of his voice telling her how he wanted to be touching her fueling the visions in her head, remembering how it had felt when they’d been together. It wasn’t until she lay sated afterwards, the phone lying on the pillow next to her, hearing his harsh breathing that she realised what they’d done… the thrill of it was amazing and she longed for the next time. It soon became an almost nightly ritual.

“Show me.” She begged huskily and it was all the encouragement he needed.

He rolled them over so that he was hovering above her, her legs automatically wrapping around him, impatiently digging her heels into his ass urging him on. But he wouldn’t rush this moment, he wanted to watch her face; her beautiful expressive face that hid nothing, instead showing him how much she wanted him and how good he made her feel.

There was always a thrill of anticipation that ran through her as she felt him at her entrance; a moment where she stopped breathing and looking into his eyes knew he was feeling the exact same thing. She loved that moment, staring into his hazel eyes and admiring his gorgeous face which featured, soft lips and a tiny spattering of freckles on his lightly tanned skin. His hair had grown shaggier since they’d met and the auburn colour naturally streaked with various hues of golden brown set off his eyes perfectly. He wasn’t stereotypically handsome. There was a definite ‘good boy’ look about him; a look in complete contrast to the usual bad boys she was usually drawn to, but she’d never been more attracted to anyone in her life. In the three months since she’d met Jake, she’d barely noticed another male.

Her thought’s were banished the moment he entered her with one strong, deep thrust that almost had her purring with pleasure. He stilled within her, simply gazing into her eyes; eyes that were becoming glassy with tears as feelings overwhelmed her just thinking about how deeply she’d fallen for this man. Not wanting to embarrass herself or have to explain the tears, she leant up and captured his impossibly soft lips in a searing kiss.

Their lovemaking was fast and fierce, both bodies crying out for release; desperately clinging onto one another as though their lives depended on it. Roxy felt the tingles travelling through her body, signalling her imminent release and grasped his muscular back tighter, her nails digging into the skin, sure to leave him marked for days; a thought that pleased her to no end and spurred her into climax; his name leaving her lips in a loud piercing cry.

Jake loved the feel of her nails breaking his skin; the mixture of pleasure and pain driving him wild every time. He came with a loud guttural moan, and dropped his head into the crook of her neck to stifle the sound. Their chests pressed together, racing hearts beat in time, so that he didn’t know where his heartbeat ended and hers began.

Holding him tight, Roxy revelled in the feel of his body pressing hers into the mattress. With all of her previous lovers she’d felt smothered and often shied away from cuddling in bed, but with Jake it felt right. When he finally became too heavy she shifted, signalling for him to roll over, and as always, he pulled her with him, her legs tangling with his and her head resting on his chest.

His fingers played with her silky strands of hair as they both lay quietly catching their breaths, simply enjoying the intimacy of the moment. Her small chuckle rumbled against his chest and he wondered what was so funny. She looked up at him still laughing, and only giggling further when he raised his eyebrows in question.

“We were so loud, Jake. You’ve been here half an hour and your neighbours already know you’ve just had sex.”

He inwardly groaned at the truth of her words. It wasn’t exactly the first impression he would have gone for, but he hadn’t been thinking. He never did when it came to Roxy; he lost himself when she was around, completely forgetting the rest of the world.

He could see her trying to stifle her giggles, obviously worried that he would be annoyed at their behaviour and his own lack of control. He was a quiet guy, and usually leaned toward the conventional side, so having loud wild monkey sex, as she loved to call it, within minutes of moving in probably wasn’t something he was happy about.

“Well, at least they know I’m a good lover.”

“Really?” Her eyebrow cocked up questioningly, enjoying this new cocky side of him.

“Baby, you were screaming my name so loudly, everyone on the block will know I just gave you one of the best damn orgasms of your life.” It was so unlike him to be so playfully arrogant, but he had found a new type of confidence with Roxy, and a teasing side of himself that he hardly knew existed.

She slapped him playfully on the chest, trying her best to maintain a look of outrage, but upon seeing his goofy grin, she caved and laughed heartily along with him.

He held her close for quite some time until she kissed his cheek and got out of their makeshift bed, walking naked into the kitchen and soon returning with a bottle of champagne and two glasses. Jake sat up, taking the bottle from her and poured the chilled beverage into the flutes in her hand.

“How on earth did you keep this chilled? The fridge isn’t arriving for a few days yet.” He placed the bottle on the hardwood floor next to the mattress and with a wry smile as she fidgeted with a sheet until it wrapped around her like a toga.

“I bought you a bar fridge.” She shrugged her shoulders carelessly before taking a sip of the amber liquid.

Jake shook his head bewildered. “I could have just eaten take out for a few days, or spent a couple of nights at your flat, babe. You didn’t need to go out and spend money on a bar fridge for me.”

She looked up at him and he could see her brain ticking away behind her gorgeous eyes. He already knew what she was thinking about. Growing up in such a privileged environment, she was accustomed to simply buying anything she needed without having to think about the cost. Even though she didn’t get along with her parents, they still had an account set up for her with monthly deposits to cover any expenses she might have. The thought of just letting Jake go without until his new belongings arrived hadn’t even occurred to her.

“Oh. I’m sorry. Look, I can take it back if you don’t want it. It was a stupid idea, really.”

She looked so utterly embarrassed, feeling stupid for living up to her ‘rich girl’ reputation. Sure, she was extremely wealthy and he knew in the past she had revelled in it and flaunted her wealth along with the friends she’d made here in LA, but he also knew that she was hard working and determined. She had worked a part time job at a clothing store all through college even though she hadn’t needed to, and that job had led to her opening up her own shop where she often sold her own designs. She was an amazing woman with a great talent and he hated making her feel anything less.

“Hey.” He tilted her chin up and she looked at him hesitantly through dark lashes, obviously trying to hide how she was feeling. “It was really thoughtful of you babe. Maybe we could do something really nice like donate it to charity. I’m sure there’s someone out there who could use it when I’m done with it.”

Her face lit up at the suggestion, showing him just how big her heart really was. It wasn’t that she didn’t care about others or worry about those less fortunate than herself, it had more to do with the fact that she’d been brought up a certain way and had to learn how other people lived. She knew that not everyone was as fortunate as her. Although some of her friends back home came from equally privileged backgrounds, like Alex for example, others such as Sarah came from middle class working families who, although didn’t struggle financially, had to work hard for everything they had. The only reason they’d all socialised was because there had only been one high school in the town, and the reason Alex and Sarah had come so far together was because they didn’t bow down to the pressure to ‘stick to their own kind’. It had been a struggle at first, but Alex had basically threatened to walk away from his family if they didn’t accept Sarah. That had been years ago and now the two families were the best of friends. It wasn’t a common outcome, but one that gave her hope.

“That’s a great idea, Jake. How did I manage to score a boyfriend like you? You’re always thinking of others.”

“I was just thinking the same about you.” He smiled as a grin broke out across her face, those adorable dimples he loved becoming even more prominent.

“I guess we’re perfect for each other, then.” She whispered the words as she took his glass from him and placed it along with hers on the floor before crawling over to him. They both fell back against the silky sheets, kissing softly before he pulled away, pushing the cascade of curls away from her face.

“Yeah. I guess we are.”