Narissa stared at Jake, afraid to speak. Her mind told her to resist, but her body was screaming for the release that she knew only he could provide. "Say it Narissa." He demanded. His green eyes were wild with desire.
"I can't." She finally answered. Tears welled up in her eyes. Damn him for being able to make her feel this way again. After all that he had done to her, she still couldn't walk away.
He pulled her against his body and kissed her lightly on the lips. "Give me another chance Narissa and I promise, I will make you very happy." He said desperately. His eyes searched her face. When he saw her wavering he moved in for the kill. "Let me spend some time with you. We will take things slowly. You can set the pace."
Narissa sighed. She knew that she would have to keep her guard up where he was concerned but she realized upon seeing him again, that she missed him. Dammit she missed him, but this time around, she was going to have a lot more say in how things were going to be. "Jake, we're going to have set a few ground rules if I agree to see you again.
He hesitated briefly. Jake was use to being the one in charge. That basic part of his personality would never change, but he understood her need to assert herself. If he wanted her in his life, he knew that he would have to bend a little. "I understand." He agreed.
"First of all, I would like to have some input into what we do and where we go out. I don't need fancy restaurants and expensive gifts. I won't lie and say that those things aren't nice, but sometimes I like going out for a burger or ice cream, you know, the simple things. Second, I want you to be honest with me. No more secrets Jake." She stated firmly.
"Okay. That sounds fair." He conceded. He couldn't tear his eyes away from her quivering lips. "Can I get a kiss goodnight?" He asked, which was humbling experience for a man who was so used to taking what he wanted.
Her lips were so soft under his. It took every ounce of willpower within him not to take her and run off. God he missed her. Jake forced himself to pull away. "Perhaps we can see each other this weekend. We can go on a picnic. Would you like that?" He asked.
Narissa smiled for the first time that night. "I would like that very much, only on one condition though."
"And what's that?"
"I get to provide the meal."
"Okay, you've got a deal." He smiled back.
Narissa's heart skipped a beat. After all this time he still had that effect on her.
"I'll pick you up on Saturday around noon?" He asked.
"Sure, that sounds good."
As he walked away, she remembered that she didn't give him her address. "Jake don't you want me to write down directions to my place?" she asked.
"I already know."
She froze. How did he know? Tim. That must be it. She shrugged. No big deal. It was Tim who had given Jake her phone number so that was probably how Jake knew her address. It was lucky for Tim that she decided to give Jake another chance or he would be in hot water.
It wasn't until later that night when Jake realized his slip up. As he lay in bed, he agonized over Narissa's no secrets rule. How would she react when she learned that he was the one who owned the very apartment complex she lived in, and that it was he who had gotten her the job she now had? Jake recognized how proud Narissa was of her independence. Jake realized that she would feel that he was manipulating her again, when in fact he had only wanted to help her. He knew that if he told her the truth, he could lose her, but if he didn't tell he and she found out, he could lose her anyway. He was torn.
* * * * * *
Narissa was on cloud nine. She and Jake had been dating for two months and everything seemed perfect. Unlike the first time, she felt as if she and Jake were equals. Jake no longer tried to impress her with his money or made her feel that she ought to depend on him for anything.
They would go to the movies, go on picnics, and just go for long drives. Narissa saw the side of Jake that she knew had been there all along. He was funny, considerate, and attentive. She always enjoyed the envious stares from other women when she was with him. He still had his moments where he liked to have his way, but she knew that he wouldn't completely be the Jake that she knew and loved if he didn't. And she did love him. She didn't know when it happened but she was in love with Jake.
He would kiss her and touch her body every so often but it never went beyond that. She was a little disappointed because she wanted more. Tonight, she was going to give herself to him. Tonight would be special. Jake was coming over to her apartment and she planned on cooking a romantic meal for two. She had even bought a tight little black dress for the occasion. Her body tingled with anticipation at what was in store.
She was just lighting the candles on her dining room table when there was a knock on her door. Jake. She smiled as she finished putting the last minute touches to the table before running over to answer the door.
Jake was leaning casually against the doorway holding a bottle of wine. He looked so handsome in a pair of khaki's and crisp black shirt that was unbuttoned at the throat. She had a sudden urge to place her mouth against that exposed bit of flesh but held back. A stray brown lock fell carelessly over his brow giving him a boyish look. Jake gave her his huge one hundred watt smile and her pulse began to race.
"Come in." She said going up on her tiptoes to plant a kiss on his cheek.
"You look beautiful tonight. Is this all for me?" He asked giving her an appreciative glance. The little black dress she wore hugged every curve of her body. His mouth began to water. Jake had promised himself that he wouldn't go further than she wanted to but it was going to be a long night if he had to keep his hands off of her.
Narissa prepared a gourmet spread of shrimp cocktail, filet mignon, and crème brule. Neither one of them tasted a single bite as they ate. They were too absorbed in each other. After barely finishing dessert Narissa pushed her plate aside. "Do you want to listen to some music?" She asked feeling shy all of a sudden.
