Forever Moore (Moore Family Book 1) Page 10

  Without warning, I line up with her center and thrust deeply, sheathing myself fully inside of her. “Oh. God.” Tilly cries in a mixture of pain and bliss. I give her a moment to adjust to the intrusion, before I begin pulling back and slamming forward again. My speed and tempo picking up with each thrust, it isn’t long until I notice Tilly’s desire boiling up. When I feel as though she is about to burst, I pull almost all the way out of her and hold myself in place. Tilly whines in frustration, begging me to continue, but I decide to let her suffer for a moment. I am not sure why. This isn't typically my style. But for some reason, in a way, I want her to feel a fraction of the agony I have felt for her this whole week.

  Taking mercy on her, I resume my torturous thrusting. Tilly moans in appreciation and begins tensing up again. As I feel her on the verge of having a powerful orgasm, I pull back out. “God dammit. Jax—” Tilly starts to complain, but the protest is cutoff as I flip her onto her back.

  “I’m sorry, Tilly. I can’t do it...” A flash of concern on Tilly’s face makes me realize that what I said came out wrong. Leaning down, I kiss her deeply… passionately. “I need to see your beautiful face as you fall apart around me.”

  Tilly’s fear is immediately replaced with the intensity of her lust. Reaching lower, I hoist her hips up as I begin thrusting again, deep and steady strokes—savoring each moment I spend buried inside her wet heat. Tilly is practically vibrating in anticipation from the two orgasms I had previously denied her. “Please, don’t stop,” Tilly pleads.

  I cover my mouth with hers as I continue pumping in and out, my tempo picking up slightly as I begin to lose control. Against my feral growls, Tilly whispers, “I love you.” It sends me over the edge and into a monstrous spasm. Tilly tenses around me like a vice grip. I almost pass out from the sensation. It is seriously the most intense orgasm I have ever had.

  Lying together, our limbs tangled up, I turn to nuzzle Tilly’s face. “I love you too,” I whisper softly in her ear.

  Turning to look at me, Tilly searches my face. I can see that hint of nervousness again, so I lean closer and lightly kiss her nose—in exchange, she rewards me with a smile.

  “I’m ready,” Tilly says so softly, I almost don’t hear her. I sit and think for a moment. She can’t mean for sex again, can she? Because I am not sure if I can… to be honest. As if sensing my lack of understanding, she clarifies, “I am ready to give us a chance.”

  “Really?” I can’t help but be a little cautious. I taper back my excitement, in fear that this is all a sex-induced dream.

  “Yes…” Tilly hesitates for a moment. “I won't lie, Jax. I’m scared.” Tilly’s breath hitches at the admission. “Please, just don’t hurt me?”

  Chapter 16

  Jackson

  It has only been a few days since Tilly and I agreed to give this thing between us a real shot. That evening, she explained to me her fears and some of the guilt she has been carrying over the accident. It broke my heart to hear that Tilly has been blaming herself for the loss of her parents. It seems that whatever conversation she had with Robbie has helped her move past this giant burden she has been wielding. I won't lie. I was a little disappointed she didn’t confide in me, but then again, I am grateful that she was able to talk to someone.

  So far, things have been great. Fuck, I’d almost say perfect. We have basically had the house to ourselves. Jake is rarely ever around. When we are home, we binge Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Apparently, a ton happened after she graduated high school. I have decided that Spike is the biggest badass on the show, which has led to a few heated conversations over who is better—Angel or Spike? Then, we have some of the most amazing and crazy makeup sex afterwards.

  When we are not at home, I go into the shop with Tilly and Scott. I have continued to help her, especially with social media and any heavy lifting. As she likes to put it, I am her “sexy muscle”. In my downtime, I have even read through a few cookbooks and bookmarked some new recipes to try for us later.

  It has been awesome spending so much time with Tilly; however—and though I hate to admit it—I still need more. Tilly is phenomenal and perfect, even better than what I could imagine. We just click. If that makes sense? But the shop is her thing, and while the social media is fun, it isn’t enough to sustain me. I tried my hand in the café—and well, let’s just say that those fancy coffees that Scott makes truly are works of art. It is amazing (with how big he is) that he can be so gentle and delicate with his creations. I felt like a giant with two left thumbs, fumbling those tiny espresso cups.

  I need to find my place here in Tral Lake, something for me when I am not with Tilly. I know we are loving all this time together right now, but I also know that is just the honeymoon phase and we need to have our own things.

  “Jackson Harris, is that you?” A warm voice says from behind me, while I am dusting some books. I turn around and see Patty Fitzgerald. She runs the local sweet shop here in town. It is one of those awesome places where all the candy is made in-house. The years have been good to her. She is probably in her late fifties now, but all that candy making has kept her in shape. Not to mention, she has this marvelous cotton candy pink pixie cut.

  “Hi, Mrs. Fitzgerald.” I put my duster down and give her a hug.

  “Wow, you have grown so big, tall, and handsome.” She winks at me. “I’m sorry for your loss.” She frowns. “I know how close you are with the Moores. I wanted to say something at the service, but it didn’t seem like the best time to catch up. I will admit I'm surprised that you are still here. I figured you would be off gallivanting and taking pictures around the world. How are you doing? Are you holding up okay?”

  “I’ve been good. I know we are all still grieving. But I think each day it is getting a little easier. How are things going over at Patty Cakes?” Yea, people in this town are pretty good at working their names into their shops. I still think Robbie’s is the best though—Moore Body and Lube. Robbie hates it—but that is what he gets for betting against Jake. However, that’s a story for another day.

  “Oh, you know how it is—we have our ups and downs.” She waves her hand, dismissing my inquiry. “How long are you in town for?”

  “I am not sure exactly. I took some time off. And I’m… re-evaluating some things… I’m here at least for another week and a half.” I look around and notice Tilly talking with customers. So I inch closer and whisper, “I am hoping to stick around permanently, but I'm still looking for work.”

  Patty glances over at Tilly; she knows exactly what I am trying to say. She leans in and whispers back, “Well, I know it isn’t much. But maybe you could help me with something?”

  “Sure thing, anything for you. What do you need help with?”

  “Well, my sister who runs a candy shop over in Duluth has been hounding me about my social media. She is always telling me how much it has increased her business. But taking pictures and that posting nonsense, it isn’t really my thing. I made an account, but it is so confusing. I saw some of the work you have been doing for the bookstore, and I was hoping maybe you could stop by, take some pictures and help me figure this stuff out?”

  “Absolutely, does tomorrow work?” I offer gleefully.

  “Oh, Jackson, you are a total lifesaver. Would you mind coming around 6am? That way you can get some pictures early in the day, when I do a lot of my cooking. I will even put together a special box of treats for Tilly,” she adds with a knowing wink. That summer Tilly and I were together, I was in the shop almost daily buying her a treat. I know Tilly has never been the biggest fan of sweets, but she has a weak spot for dark chocolate.

  “Sounds great. I will see you tomorrow morning, Mrs. Fitzgerald.”

  “Patty—please. Mrs. Fitzgerald makes me sound old, and I am not ready to be old yet. I will see you in the morning.” She gives me a big smile before bringing her books up to the counter. I overhear her and Tilly chatting and shortly after, she offers her condolences.

  I resume my dust
ing. Then a few minutes later, Tilly comes up behind me, wrapping her arms around my waist. “What was that all about?”

  I turn around, pulling Tilly into my arms. “Oh, nothing really. Patty was just surprised to see me in town still. She asked if I could help her with a project.”

  Tilly smiles at me. I definitely want to see that smile every day. “Oh, yea? What kind of project? Are you going to learn how to make candy with her?”

  I cannot help but laugh. “I do not think I am ready for that yet. No, she asked if I could come and take some pictures for her and help her learn social media. She mentioned her sister, and how much it has helped her business.”

  “Wow, Jax, that is amazing. It is absolutely perfect for you.” A giant smile grows on Tilly’s face.

  “It is nothing much, just taking a few pictures.” I shrug. “It will be fun, but it isn’t exactly a career though.”

  “Yea, maybe not. Honestly, your help around here has been phenomenal. I am awful at taking pictures and doing posts. Scott is a bit better, but he doesn’t have the time. Since you have been helping, we are getting so much engagement online—not to mention, an increase in orders.” Tilly starts jumping up and down excitedly all of a sudden. “You know I am a member on our tourism board. Well, we could really use someone to help manage our town's social media, try to boost our tourism. You would be absolutely perfect for that. Would you come to our next meeting—it is Friday? I would love to pitch the idea to them.”

  Tilly might be onto something. It won't be as exciting as Greece or Hawaii. But at the same time, it is something I could do. If I could work with the town and help with the advertising, that would be right up my alley. Besides, it might be the best opportunity for me to stay here with Tilly and do something within my skill set at the same time. Which, in addition to getting to spend every day with her, is worth more than any exotic location I could imagine.

  “Absolutely. I would love to go to your meeting.”

  Tilly leans up and gives me a big kiss. As if by their own accord, my hands travel down to her butt and respond with a small squeeze. Coughing off in the distance causes us to separate.

  “Sorry to interrupt. I was just going to go pick up some lunch. I was curious if you wanted to go with me?” Scott asks in my direction.

  “Yea, sure. Want the usual, babe?” I inquire with Tilly.

  “Umm, actually, can you just get me some chicken soup and biscuits. I haven’t been feeling so hot this morning,” Tilly replies, a little hesitant to admit that she isn’t feeling good.

  “Sure thing, are you sure you don’t need to go home and lie down?” I did notice she looked a little pale this morning. But we were up kind of late last night. I should start making sure she gets a good night’s sleep. Instead of staying up too late watching Buffy, and then having amazingly awesome sex. I don’t want her getting sick from exhaustion.

  She waves her hand, dismissing my concern. “Oh, I’m fine. I am sure Sue’s famous chicken soup will cure me.” She offers me a small smile and returns to the counter.

  I give her a brief kiss before leaving with Scott. As we make our way down to the diner, I notice we haven’t really talked much since the fight. He has shown me some coffee stuff, but that is about it. While we have been pleasant with each other, it still feels as though this dark cloud hangs over our friendship.

  “How is it going?” he inquires.

  “So far, good. I am enjoying spending time with Tilly,” I answer honestly.

  “Hmm…” he ponders.

  “Come on, Scott, subtlety has never been your strength. What is up?”

  “Well, I was just curious if you have made any decisions yet. I know last week was a little tough with Tilly icing you out. But now that it seems you guys have gotten past whatever that issue was… well, you both seem really happy. I was kind of hoping to hear you have a plan for sticking around.”

  “Honestly, no, I don’t have a plan yet. I want to stay. Being with Tilly has been incredible. I’m the happiest I have been in what seems like forever. But I haven’t quite found my place yet, you know, my own thing? Outside of Tilly and me.”

  “Huh?” We both continue walking in silence for a moment. “I’m sorry about last week. You know, first, for giving you a hard time about staying. Then, about you almost giving up when Tilly put up her roadblock. Along with, well, you know…” Scott shrugs, not really sure how to bring up the fight. “You know I am just looking out for my little sister, right?”

  “Yea, I know. As much as hearing what you said and getting punched in the face fucking sucked, I needed it. I needed my best friend to whip my ass into gear.” I give him a teasing grin. I needed Scott’s tough love.

  “You are my best friend too, and it would really be awesome if you could stick around. If you need help with anything, let me know,” Scott offers. I feel that metaphorical dark cloud start to move past us.

  We both stop on the sidewalk and give each other a big hug. “Thanks, man. I will let you know if I need anything.”

  “Actually, I'm going over to Patty’s tomorrow to do some photos for her and help with her social media. Tilly is really excited. She asked if I could come to her next tourism board meeting. Something about managing the town's social media? It isn’t much right now, but it could be something.” I shrug. I am hopeful, but I will not get excited yet.

  “That is pretty awesome. I am sure a lot of people in this town would love the help of not only a professional photographer, but a professional travel photographer. Tilly is right. It is an untapped market around here.” Scott pauses and thinks for a moment. “Hey, do you remember the Rigifords?”

  “Hmm... yea, don’t they have that farm on the edge of town? Isn’t that where we had the majority of our keggers?” I try to recall.

  “Yea, that’s the place. Well, his son Eli… I am not sure if you remember him—he was a couple years older than us. Anyway, he took over the orchard a few years ago after his dad retired. He has been wanting to get into some advertising and convert his old barn into an event area. You know how people go to vineyards and get married? He was thinking his orchard would be a nice spot as well.”

  “Oh, yea? That would be pretty cool. I always loved apple picking when we were young. I could sit out there and smell the orchard for hours.” The Moores constantly took us to U-Pick Farms growing up. I loved going. The scenery was always beautiful and Mrs. Moore would reward us by cooking us a special treat with the produce we picked.

  “Ha, that is exactly what he said. Yea, he actually got the permits to build a small chateau to rent out there, and is remodeling the big red barn. I know he could use some help with images and marketing.”

  “I will talk to him. Thanks, man.” For the first time, I am starting to feel like maybe things are going to work out. “Hey, Saturday night, do you want to get together? Maybe we can all go out like we used to?”

  Scott slaps me on the back. “Abso-fuckin-lutely, sir. Are you sure Tilly will let you come out and play?” he asks with his mischievous grin.

  “Ha, I am sure I can convince her,” I say, waggling my eyebrows. Scott elbows me in the gut. And it is nice. It feels like for the first time since I have been home, Scott and I are back to our old selves.

  Chapter 17

  Matilda

  Watching Jax take pictures is one of the sexiest things I have ever seen. When photographing, he is totally in his element. Yesterday, he took pictures at Patty’s. The images were absolutely amazing. I couldn’t believe how well he captured her shop. Also (bonus) Jax brought me home a box of the most delectable dark fudge from Patty’s. It has been forever since I had any fudge from her shop. It was always kind of Jax’s and my thing, and well, it didn’t feel right without him.

  Today, Letty graciously agreed to help cover the shop. Granted, she doesn’t take much convincing when extra money is involved. She has been saving up to buy Harper’s. With Ted Harper not too far from retirement, she wants to be ready to invest. I’m excited. I h
ave seen her plans for the bar and it will be amazing when she takes over.

  Jax and I decide to get out of town, drive to the bluffs, and make a day of it. With the leaves changing and the clear blue sky, everything is stunning right now. Today has been absolutely perfect, getting to spend time with Jax away from the house and away from the shop. Not to mention, he has taken some exceptional photos. I cannot wait to get a few printed and hung up in the shop and at home.

  Now, we are sitting on a log bench at a park, sipping some hot apple cider. We look like the classic Minnesota couple. I am wearing my light blue skinny jeans, a black t-shirt, a red and black plaid flannel, and tall tan hiking boots. Jax is wearing his grey dickies, a button-down black fleece shirt, his beanie, and boots. I’ve made sure to get a few pictures of us together, whereas Jax has made sure to get several of me. Some he asked me to pose for, but most he took on his own.

  It is just like when we were younger. He was always taking my picture. At the time, it made me feel so beautiful, the way he was able to depict me. In each and every picture, I somehow looked pure. It was like he captured me, just how he saw me. After he was gone, I hated having my photo taken. I never looked the same again.

  “I’ve been thinking,” he states, breaking our comfortable silence.

  “Uh oh, that can’t be good.” I smirk at him.

  He chuckles and pushes my shoulder lightly with his own. “Well, I have a ton of vouchers to use at the resorts I photographed. And of course, a ridiculous amount of flyer miles. I was wondering if maybe you would want to go somewhere with me? Anywhere really?”

  “Like a real vacation? Just you and I?” Besides camping up north or in Canada, I have never really been on a vacation before. Not to some exotic place, at least.

  “Yea, just you and I. We can go wherever you like. I have vouchers for Hawaii, Greece, Spain, Ireland, Jamaica, Brazil, Japan, and more. Or if none of those resorts interest you, we can go wherever you want.” He looks down at his hands before looking back up at me. “I just really would love to go somewhere with you.”