Page 39 of Being Julia

“You’re an artist? Like in painting?” he asked.

“Yeah. I paint pictures. In fact, my painting just won Columbia’s Art Competition. It’s going to be hanging in one of the halls there.”

Jake lifted my hand and interlaced our fingers. “Julia, that’s amazing. I would love to see your artwork.”

The waitress set our plates in front of us, and Jake cut into his chicken. He held his fork up and smiled. “Here it goes.”He tilted his head to the side as he chewed with a grin on his beautiful, chiseled face. “You’re right. This has to be the best chicken parmesan I’ve ever eaten.”

After we finished our dinner and shared a dessert, Jake walked around, pulled out my chair, and took my hand in his as we walked out of the restaurant. Touching him, I felt connected, and being with him made me forget everything else. He opened the door to the Range Rover, and before I climbed in, he gently placed his hand on my cheek. He smiled at me as he slowly shook his head.

“This is crazy.”

“What’s crazy?” I smiled.

“This feeling I have when I’m with you, when I look at you, and when I touch you.”

“It’s the same feeling I have when I’m with you.”

“Really? You have it too?” he said as he inched his face closer to mine.

“I sure do.” I smiled as I looked at his lips.

“You’re so beautiful, Julia, and I really want to kiss you.”

“Then shut up and do it.” I grinned.

His smile widened as he leaned closer, and his lips softly brushed against mine. His hand cupped the back of my head as his lips pressed firmly, forcing me to part my lips. He slipped his tongue inside my mouth, and I just about died. Everything about him was so warm. I placed my hands on each side of his face and welcomed his passionate kiss. He broke our kiss, pressed his forehead against mine, and smiled.

“Wow.”

“Wow is right.”

“Maybe I need to kiss you again just to verify that ‘wow.’” The corners of his mouth curved upward.

“Yeah. I think you need to.”

He tilted his head and nipped at my bottom lip beforelocking his lips with mine. The way he kissed me was magical, and it sent shivers throughout my body. He pushed up against me, and I could feel his erection. I never wanted to have sex as badly as I did right then. Our kiss became softer, and he looked at me.

“Kissing you is everything I imagined it would be since I first laid eyes on you. We should get going.”

I took in a deep breath and smiled as I climbed into the Range Rover. Jake got in, shut the door, and took my hand. “Why don’t we go back to the beach, and we can talk some more.”

“I like that idea.” I smiled.

As we drove back to the beach, Jake asked me if I needed anything, and that we could stop by my house first. I told him no and that my parents were probably having sex all over the house. He looked at me and raised his eyebrow.

“Are you serious?”

“Yes. I’m dead serious. My parents’ sexual appetite for one another is astounding, and you never know where you’re going to find them.”

“Oh my God. That is so awesome but weird at the same time.” He laughed. “They must really love each other.”

“They do and don’t have any problem letting people know it.”

Jake drove to the end of the street, where he parked the Range Rover, and we walked hand and hand down to the beach. The light of the moon illuminated the sand, and the water was glistening. The night air was perfect. Jake sat down first and spread his legs, making room for me to sit up against him. He wrapped his arms around me as I lay back against his chest. We talked about our childhood and what we saw in our futures. Jake wanted at least three kids. I told him that two was a great number because you only have two hands. Helaughed as he kissed me on the cheek. As we talked, I stroked his arm with my fingers, and I could feel him getting hard.

“I’m sorry, Julia.”

“For what?” I asked.

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