Kari"Congratulations, coach." Kari reached over and rubbed his large shoulder, Jake turning and pulling her into a hug in the middle of the crowd. He lifted her off her feet as the crowd around them went wild. Bar Harbor had been crowned champions of the northeastern high school basketball conference, and Jake as their coach got a standing accolade. He set her down and she laughed, the smile on her face almost hurting as she enjoyed his victory alongside him.Things started to settle, Jake taking her hand and moving them out of the gym. He turned to wave at a few of the boys that called after him. Squeezing his hand, she moved in closer to his side."Damn that was fun." He laughed and held the door open for her."Winning always is.""Nah... I mean it is, but playing is the fun part. Seeing what you're capable of no matter what odds are stacked against you." He looked down at her and tugged her closer. "Let's go change and head downtown. I want to show you some of the little shops and
KariKari bit at her lip, the sound of the bathroom door shutting doing nothing to ease the desire that pulsed through her veins. He was by far the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen. His body was honed for long nights of sex, his smile capable of making her feel far more precious than she was. Kari got up and walked to her bag, pulling her shirt over her head and dropping her pants. She slipped into a white cotton dress, her feet sliding into simple sandals. It wasn't warm enough outside for the outfit, but she'd use it as a reason to snuggle into him. She wanted to bring one outfit that made her feel good about herself, even though she hadn't expected him to be there.She reached up and let down her hair, running her fingers through it as he walked back in the room, a soft whistle through his teeth catching her attention. She turned as he moved toward her, his black hair wet, his upper body bare. His jeans fit perfectly, the small space around his waist drawing her attention. Her
KariSmall shops lined the cobblestone road, Kari walking slowly with Jake, her hand in his and her mind on their next steps. He stopped and pointed to a Christmas store, a smile spreading across his lips."Let's go in here. It's my mom's favorite shop.""Christmas in the middle of spring?"He laughed and held the door open, the smell of cinnamon and pine trees filling her senses as she walked in, Jake close behind her."My mom would have it be Christmas year round if she could." He moved toward the ornaments room, stopping to look through them. "She always picks out an ornament for each of us each year, and then gets one for her and my father, and one for the whole Isaac family."Kari moved up beside him, her eyes scanning the colorful objects, some of them dancing and singing. She reached out and picked up a paint brush, the painting attached to it a view of the ocean."Beautiful," she whispered and put it back. "We didn't really celebrate Christmas much."He pointed to the little o
KariDinner was delicious, Kari eating a small version of the steak Jake enjoyed. The sounds of appreciation coming from him after almost every bite had her in knots by the time the evening ended. The waiter offered dessert, but they both refused, Jake's voice a little more steady and calm than hers.He smiled over at her as they slipped out of the booth and wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they left the small building, the afternoon and night having been magical. Kari snuggled into his side, her fingers slipping into the top of his jeans and rubbing softly along the back of his hip. He looked down at her, his eyebrow raising. The fire burning inside of her had a few more minutes of patience before it exploded and she gave him a look to let him know.They drove in silence back to the hotel, Kari's knee bouncing up and down as she tried to think through what would happen. It had been a while, and having been with Frank for so long, she wasn't sure what another man might want in t
KariThe night had been like nothing she'd ever experienced before, her body sore and sated beyond belief. Soft light filtered through the room as she rubbed Jake's chest, her body tucked against the side of his, her legs wrapped around his. He was sound asleep, the subtle rise and fall of his chest the only way of knowing he was alive and well. His face was tilted toward her, his long eyelashes resting on his high cheekbones.Her heart swelled in her chest, the man beside her scorching her with his passion. He'd spent hours learning what made her come unglued. He did things she'd never even known possible, the memory of them causing her to groan softly. To lose him would be the end of her. She squeezed her eyes close tightly and fought back a wave of nausea at the deep feeling of loss that rolled over her.Surely this time things would work out - they had to. It was her turn.Kari lay there for a few more minutes before slipping out of his grasp and going to take a long, hot shower.
KariKari pulled into the drive, her eyes heavy from staying up all night. Getting out of the car, she stretched, her heart almost stopping at the yelps of her friends as they rushed out of the house and toward her."What?" she yelled and moved toward them, shutting the car door behind her.Lisa wrapped her up in a big hug and squeezed so tight her back popped."Nothing. We're just glad you're home and that you had a magical night with Mr. Big Stuff." Sicily clapped her hands, her smile wide and filled with adoration."Was he 'Mr. Big Stuff'?" Lisa asked, licking at her teeth as she moved back. Kari swatted at her and rolled her eyes."I'm not answering that." Kari walked around to get her bag out of the car as Lisa pouted and Sicily chided her."Are you up for helping us paint today? I know you have to be tired." Sicily reached for her bag, and Kari gladly handed it over."Yeah, and Jake's going to join us this afternoon. He went home to sleep a little and then he'll come." Kari smil
JakeThey all hushed after Kari turned on music using her phone, their paint brushes coating the wall in a muted teal. Jake stayed close to Kari, making small talk here and there, loving the concentration on her face as she painted. He looked up as Drake walked in, the closest friend in Bar Harbor he’d made at the small gym where he’d spent many nights trying to purge the memories of Bethany from his mind.“Someone call for a help?” Drake stopped at the door, his hands on his hips as he looked around.Jake moved to extend his hand to him. “Hey, buddy. Thanks for coming.” He turned and pointed to Kari. “This is my girlfriend, Kari. Her friends Sicily and Lisa.”Lisa smiled and waved flirtatiously, forever a redhead. Sicily stared a bit longer than she might have realized. Jake moved Drake over to the pile of supplies and picked up a brush.“We’re just doing the base coat now. Pick a place to get rolling and let’s go. We’ll try and do two coats before we break for the day.”Drake took t
KariThey arrived at the house a few minutes later, Jake opening her door and offering his hand as she slipped out. Drake was already there and got out as they walked to the front. He jogged to catch up, looking over at Kari."How did this rascal talk a beautiful girl like you into giving him a chance?" He winked at her and she laughed, fishing in her purse for the keys."Money. He's loaded if you didn't know." She winked back and worked to get the door opened, the boys following her into the warmth of the house. Drake's laugh was deep and warm, rich like good wine."That's hilarious. I know him and he's broke most of the time."Jake popped his friend in the chest and pointed to the sofa. "Go sit down and stop killing the mystery of my character."Drake shook his head and walked to the living room, turning on the sports channel and sinking down into the couch. Kari laughed as she watched them, Jake walking up and letting his eyes drag over her."Money... who needs money when you have