Imperfect Love (23 page)

“Yeah. Strange, because I keep wondering what the hell he saw in Mel,” Robin stated.

“He was different then. It was all boobs and legs.”

“Do you guys have to approve his girlfriends?”

“No, Holly. Besides, we love you.” Amelia bumped her on the hip.

She liked the fact that these two women trusted their brother with something as important as choosing a guy. She would love to see the raised lip kind of disapproval snarl on him; it would probably end up being another of her favorite expressions.

The girls browsed and shopped until about five when they’d finally had enough and parted ways.

Holly hadn’t bought too many things the way Robin and Amelia had. She was on a strict budget and stuck to it as much as possible, but the clothes she had gotten, she absolutely loved.

As far as the evening was concerned, Holly and Jake decided to spend it at home, his house to be exact. He pampered her feet and took care of every blister he could find. It was infinitely sweet, especially as it wasn’t something many men would do. She couldn’t believe how lucky she was.

By eight, she could barely keep her eyes open.

Jake decided they’d take a shower together which, and despite the fact that Holly resembled a zombie she was that exhausted, turned into another sex marathon. They could not get enough of each other and carried their lovemaking into the bedroom.

Actually, making it onto the bed was the least of their worries; the floor proved just as useful. Completely spent, both passed out exactly where they were.

Sunday was spent in pretty much the same manner as the last, at his parents’ house.

Mara had immediately demanded a recap of the previous week’s tests to which Jake obliged, although Robin had written a few, too.

Holly began to understand why Jake was so blunt with Mara at times. She was someone who always got her way, and if she didn’t, there’d be hell to pay. This was without a doubt the one side to Mara that still scared the shit out of Holly. She only hoped that she would never have to deal with that aspect of her personality. It was the only reason Holly was so adamant about staying on the pill.

Having to work the following week was not something Holly was looking forward to, as Jake would finally be on vacation. She hated saying goodbye to Jake, but with that she was also ecstatic as it meant that because Jake was on vacation he could do whatever the hell he wanted without Mara’s approval. So she was going to stay the entire week with him at the commune.

After leaving Mara, Jake drove Holly home to collect more clothes for the week. Just one more week, then she would go on leave too, and she could not wait.

They’d be going on vacation with Bernie, Sam, and Leo to the family’s beach house right after Jake’s graduation ceremony on Wednesday.

Jake had gotten his results back, and now it was Holly’s turn to deliver the goods, which she was saving for the holiday. His marks had been top notch, with most being A+’s; these had been exchanged for blowjobs. She’d laughed over this whole situation, but in the end it had been his prize for doing really well.

Having never been to a proper beach house, she could not for the life of her imagine what their beach house was going to look like. She was so excited, she couldn’t wait for Friday. But when Jake picked her up every day after work, she begun to not care where they were going, as long as it was with him. They could have gone to Hades for all she cared.

It was Wednesday afternoon and Jake was having a shower before the graduation ceremony.

Holly had asked for the day off as she really wanted to be there for him.

Sitting up, she got off Jake’s bed and made her way to the bathroom to brush her teeth. As if on cue, the door opened and Jake stepped out wearing only a black towel around his waist. Holly couldn’t help her eyes from traveling up and down his body.

Obviously pleased by her interest, Jake smiled seductively, and with a quick raise of his eyebrows grabbed her around the waist, playfully pushing her backward. Once they reached the bed, he shoved her onto it gently. Jake followed and climbed over her, pinning down her wrists above her head.

“Like what you saw?” He looked at her with those smoldering eyes of his, and not really expecting an answer, bent down and captured her mouth hungrily before she had a chance to reply.

Holly’s insides turned to knots, but she managed to break the kiss. Chuckling, she said, “You have no idea how much.”

“I think I’m beginning to.” He pressed his hips harder into hers.

Holly kept eye contact with him, all the while feeling the bulge beneath the towel wrapped around his hips. Breaking contact, her eyes wandered over his body; his rock hard muscles and super tight abs were starting to drive her nuts.

The second Jake kissed her again, and the second her legs wrapped around his waist, off went the towel. They were once again lost in the throes of passion.

JAKE AND HOLLY SCRAMBLED, THEY WERE          horribly late. When they eventually made it to the venue, Mara gave them a scolding look as everyone was already in their seats.

Giving Holly a quick kiss, Jake ran to where his classmates were already seated; the first eight rows on either side of the aisle.

Jake looked unbelievably handsome in his black graduation gown and hat, but it went without saying that Jake Peters looked good in anything.

The dean began his speech immediately after everyone had settled, and even made a couple of people laugh. He mentioned a few medical terms Holly didn’t understand, but the way Armand, Robin, and the rest of the Peters’ laughed she knew it was comical.

Jake’s name was called. This surprised Holly as he hadn’t mentioned he’d be doing a speech. She couldn’t keep her eyes off him and noticed he wasn’t at all nervous speaking publicly.

“Good day to our guests, who are mostly parents waiting in faith, and I’m sure praying non-stop in the hope of seeing us all graduate today.” The crowd seated beneath the beautiful oak trees erupted with laughter.

“Robert Gallagher said that change is inevitable - except from a vending machine.” More laughter ensued.

“As you stand on the brink of moving into life beyond these prodigious buildings right beside me, with all its amazing professors who no doubt had the faith that none of you would be sitting here, giving you lectures upon lectures about how to save a life; let me tell you that change is inevitable!

It is inevitable and indeed gratifying to see that our graduating Class of 2015 matured, and hopefully will become proficient in their skills.”

Jake looked around sceptically, which made everyone chuckle. “You need to be ready to tackle and further your lifelong education. It is inevitable that structures, processes, and relationships change our day to day lives. It is inevitable that we will face new challenges, and it is inevitable that things may seem a little different in the year ahead. Yes, life is definitely going to become a little ‘shaken and stirred’.”

Jake spoke with his hands and Holly was transfixed.

“But as we look back, this evening is the culmination of a journey; a journey that started out with hesitant, tentative steps, and which we are now able to witness as to just how far these young ladies and gentlemen have progressed. It has been an honor and a privilege to be part of this journey right along with them, one which has been imbued with wonderful memories.”

Pausing to peruse the audience, Jake smiled and then continued.

“It is these memories, ladies and gentlemen, that testify to the fine caliber of the graduating Class of 2015. I would like to pay tribute to each and every one of you. You have all left and will continue to leave an indelible legacy of excellence, achievement, and a fine ethos and tradition for generations to come. I would also like to pay tribute to the wonderful teachers, the parents, past pupils, and indeed the board of directors—you have all guided, molded and shaped these fine young people standing here tonight. Your role has been hugely instrumental in molding our youth; our hope for the future.

Our future seems destined to be in capable hands. The graduating Class of 2015 has achieved exceptional accolades, perhaps too many to highlight or single out. Suffice it to say, I believe that the vast majority of pupils strove to work to their full potential, aimed high, and set and stuck to their goals, and for the most part not only achieved them, but in fact surpassed them.”

Pausing again to take another much needed breath, Jake began to wrap up his speech.

“So, ladies and gentlemen, as you face and tackle the inevitable changes, always keep true to yourself. Remember to hold on to your value system, your work ethic and most importantly, your humanity. It is these qualities that will guide you further on your journey. Today's achievements may fade, or even be forgotten. The applause may become a distant memory, and your certificates and medals may gather dust on a shelf or in a drawer. But, you will always be remembered for caring enough, for helping someone, for making someone feel special and appreciated, and for being the kind of person others enjoy spending time with. Your life is a remarkable occasion, and I have no doubt that you will rise to it!”

Jake ended his speech to a roar of applause from the crowd.

Taking a few steps back to allow the dean access to the microphone, Jake relaxed as the dean began to call out names in alphabetical order. Each graduate walked up onto the stage proudly, received their scrolls, and walked back down in the opposite direction.

Holly smiled at Jake, more than happy for him to enjoy the moment he had worked toward his entire life.

It was back to work for Holly the day after graduation. Just one more day and she was going to be free.

She struggled to concentrate on her work as the previous night’s events played through in her mind. She had to make due on her promises and gave Jake the best blow job she could. From the soft grunts coming from his lips, and by the way he grabbed her hair told her that she delivered in so many ways.

The door to reception pinged, forcing Holly to snap out of her memory and look up. The heart-throb was staring down at her, looking just as yummy as he had a couple of hours prior when he’d dropped her off at work.

She smiled, got up from her chair and gave him a soft kiss on his lips over the counter. “You want something to eat? I’m sure the restaurant can whip something up.”

He smiled and ran his tongue along the top part of his teeth. “The bathroom free?”

Holly slapped him playfully on the chest when he fiddled with her blouse. “Not that kind of meal.”

Jake chuckled as he raised his eyebrows playfully. “Then, no. I have a couple of errands I need to run. I’ll come by to pick you up and talk about dinner.”

Holly shook her head but laughed all the same.

“Have you spoken to Marabella about tomorrow?”

“What about tomorrow?” Marabella suddenly appeared around the corner, inevitably making Jake jump. She grinned mischievously.

Holly hid her giggle behind her hand.

“Geez, woman. Where did you come from?” Jake asked, one hand on his chest.

“Oh, I’m everywhere, mister. So you better be careful what you spew from those lips of yours. My bathrooms are not for your pleasure.”

Both Holly and Jake laughed.

“I’m so sorry, but c’mon.” He gestured with his hands at Holly. “She’s extremely hard to resist and you can’t blame me.”

Marabella threw her head back and laughed heartwarmingly.

Holly only shook her head gently and answered the phone, which had chosen that precise moment to start ringing. Whilst trying to concentrate on the call, she managed to overhear Jake asking Marabella if Holly could get off around twelve the following day.

She’d totally forgotten to ask Marabella, but she was sure that for all the nights she’d helped out, it wouldn’t be too much of a problem.

When the call came to an end, Jake gave her a quick kiss on the mouth and made his way to the door. He opened it and held it open for a couple who had come to discuss a function with Marabella. But before he exited, he turned to tell her that she was the best, which made the forty-something blond woman blush.

Holly greeted the couple, smiling at them both, as well as her boss, who was at that moment fanning herself with the front of her shirt. She knew exactly what was going through Marabella’s mind; she felt that same every single time Jake was anywhere near her.

At around three, Holly made her way down to the restaurant and took over Stacy’s shift. She’d started a couple of weeks ago and Holly hated every moment that she drooled over Jake. Stacy had barely graduated from school, but Marabella had felt sorry for her and gave her the morning shift at the restaurant.

Five o’clock finally came around, but no Jake. However, her phone began to ring, and the most beautiful picture of her and Jake flickered on its screen.

“Where are you?”

“What? No… hey, my love, I’ve missed you so much, but when the hell are you going to get your sexy ass over here?”

Holly laughed, shaking her head.

“To which I would’ve replied, if you got your hot little butt out of that building and through the gate, you would see me parked right across the street.”

“You’re a funny man, Jake. I’ll see you in a minute,” Holly said, disconnecting the call.

What would I do without him?
That thought was still unbearable to think of, and she prayed with all her heart that she would never have to find out.

Holly gathered her purse and waved to Marabella and Jerry on her way out.

She found Jake’s BMW parked exactly where he’d said he would be. When she neared the vehicle, he opened the door for her from the inside. Smiling, she slipped into the passenger seat, leaned over and gave him the hottest kiss she could muster. When her ears started to ring again, she broke the kiss.

“Now
that
is a greeting I could most definitely get used to,” Jake mumbled out of breath, before starting the car.

The next morning, Holly was running extremely late for work. They had packed for their holiday until late the previous evening. And when Holly, tired and sweaty decided to take a shower, Jake had joined her, trapping her within its walls. What took place thereafter was a fucking session like no other.

Holly couldn’t help blushing every time she thought about his body rubbing up against hers, his shaft filling her up to the hilt, and his mouth and hands devouring every inch of her body. The sound of her screaming like a pig being slaughtered hadn’t vanished, either.

The past week was everything she’d ever dreamed of. She wondered what his internship year was going to be like. He had said that it was either a morning shift or a night shift, and she hoped with all her heart that it wasn’t the latter.

When they were done showering, she quickly dressed in a beautiful short skirt, a satin blouse, and stepped into her wedges before she ran down to the kitchen where all of Jake’s room mates were having breakfast and waiting for her to make a fresh pot of coffee.

It was one of the things she hadn’t gotten used to that past week. Their coffee was way too strong and she missed her own blend, the one she’d been making ever since she fell in love with coffee.