Rose Read online

  Mack was still gazing at the guy next door and had switched off from the conversation Lucas was having with his mother about Thomas.

  The hot guy had removed his helmet. He was tanned, had plenty of muscle, and cropped dark hair. Mouth watering!

  Mmm, she wouldn’t mind getting to know him. Things were looking up!

  <><><>

  After hiding her disappointment from Thomas, because the new neighbor who they’d heard rustling around next door, hadn’t stopped by, Mack baked a pound cake. She’d planned on taking it around, once Lucas had left with Thomas to go fishing again before dinner, but the new neighbor had climbed back on to his bike and disappeared.

  Sighing, Mack made a cup of coffee, retrieved Rose’s diary from her purse, curled up in the sitting room and settled down to read more about Rose and Jacob.

  Chapter 13

  March 27, 1947

  We embrace in the library….

  When I woke up this morning, I felt sore and achy between my legs, even after having a bath last night. It was early, so I filled the bath with just enough warm water to cover my hips and soaked for about ten minutes. I felt wonderful after that and so much in love with Jacob. He said he would call into the library to see me. I really hoped he would.

  Jacob wanted to become an engineer and there were opportunities in Boston, he told me. I really hoped he would take me with him when he leaves. He said he would take me anywhere, and that he really loved me. He made me feel so special.

  I walked to work and bumped into Jayne, who was dashing to the office where she worked. Late again. “Jayne, if you didn’t spend so much time getting ready, you wouldn’t be late so much.” I pointed out to her.

  “I have to look perfect, Rose. It takes a while dealing with perfection.”

  I rolled my eyes and laughed at her.

  “Come on. If you’re going to walk with me, you need to speed up some.”

  Well, there went my leisurely walk.

  We dashed through town when Jayne started giving me odd looks. I had to know why, so I pulled her to a stop. “What’s wrong?” Was she blushing? “Jayne?”

  “Richard has asked me out to dinner,” she blurted out.

  For a second, I just stared at her, then started to laugh in relief. “Thank God for that.” She didn’t seem too impressed with my giggling. “I’m glad he’s moving on. He’s a nice guy, but not for me.”

  She stood with her hands on her hips. “Are you seeing that man from the tea rooms?”

  Heck. “You do realize you’re close to being very late for work.”

  “Oh no. I’ll see you later.”

  Lucky escape.

  I finally arrived at work and was greeted by Mr. Young, who was in a tizzy because two of the staff hadn’t showed up for work, and there were about six people already in the library, which was unusual so early in the morning.

  I followed him to the staff room and stashed my jacket and purse, then turned around practically bumping into him. “Mr. Young, please calm down,” I told him, safe in the fact that he wouldn’t fire me today, because I was the only one there.

  “Rose, there are a lot of people out there this morning and only you here to help them. What are we going to do?”

  What an idiot. “Mr. Young. I’m quite capable of helping who ever needs help. There aren’t that many people in there.”

  We walked out to the main library floor, and I headed over to the front desk to check some books out for four of the people. “Mr. Young, I’m just going to place these books back on the shelves. Are you capable of looking after the two remaining?” I asked, getting the evil eye from him.

  He ushered me away with his hands. I quickly grabbed the books that needed to be returned to the shelves and headed to the geography section first, then with the last remaining book, the history section.

  I’d placed the last book on the shelf when I heard a throat being cleared behind me. I turned, and to my delight, I discovered it was Jacob. I quickly glanced around to make sure there was no one close, then took his hand and pulled him into the storage closet next to where he was standing.

  “Are you all right?” he asked, caressing my face.

  I smiled up at him. “Oh, Jacob. I am more than all right. Please kiss me.”

  He placed small kisses over my eyes, nose, and cheeks before sealing his mouth to mine in a beautiful kiss.

  “I really want to go to Boston with you.” He frowned down at me. “I love you and want to be with you all the time.”

  “Your parents wouldn’t let you come away with me, and you know that.”

  I grinned at him. “I’m not planning on telling them. I’m going to sneak away with you.”

  “Now, Rose. I really don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “Don’t worry, it will be fine, and probably after a week or two, they’ll forget all about me.” I realized what I’d just said, was more likely the truth.

  “I’ll try and pop in again one day. I’m on nights for now and won’t be able to meet you, but I better go before I get you into trouble. This conversation isn’t over.” He kissed me quickly, before I could argue with him.

  We both slipped out of the closet, and I stood watching Jacob walk away just as Mr. Young walked around the corner heading in my direction.

  “Rose, I’ve been looking for you. Where have you been?” he asked, looking between me and Jacob’s departing form.

  “I’ve been placing books back on the shelves, like I said.” I walked towards the desk again and tried not to laugh at Mr. Young, who was huffing and puffing behind me.

  March 28, 1947

  Why me….

  I was walking along the cliffs with Richard, who seemed to have developed a nervous twitch. “Richard, is something wrong?”

  He took a deep breath. “Rose, I have to ask your father’s permission to marry you.”

  I was stunned and just stared at him. Not this again. I really thought this had all come to an end.

  “My father has been talking to yours, which has set this whole thing off again. I’m awfully fond of you and we could grow to love each other.” He offered me a wry smile.

  I sat down rather heavily on a large rock and just looked at him, not knowing what to say. Richard crouched down in front of me and took my hands into his. I was still in shock and just left them there.

  “Richard, I can’t marry you. I’m sorry our parents are putting you in this position, but please, don’t say anything to my father. My life will be unbearable at home.”

  He sighed heavily. “I’ll tell my father something to put him off for a short while, but Rose, you’re actually the only woman I would consider marrying.”

  I looked quickly into his eyes. “I don’t know what to say. I thought you were all right with us just being friends?”

  “I am, but for my father pushing me, I wouldn’t be here talking to you about this.” He let go of my hands and sat beside me. “I will have to ask your father eventually, Rose. I have to.”

  “I need to go back.” I turned and started walking back to the house rather quickly, with tears pouring down my face.

  It wasn’t as though I could admit that I was in love with Jacob. My father would hit the roof, especially now that he wanted me to marry Richard. What the heck was wrong with Father?

  April 1, 1947

  I really miss Jacob….

  I really missed talking to Jacob and being with him, so imagine my delight when I spotted him walking into the library. I looked around to make sure Mr. Young wasn’t present. Then I followed him to the history section, again.

  He looked really tired. I took one look at him and held his hand, pulled him to a dark corner, then took his weary face into my hands. I pulled him down to meet my lips. “I love you.”

  “I’ve missed you so much.” He rested his forehead against mine and just looked into my eyes. “Oh, Rose, I love you.”

  Still holding his face, I used my fingers to brush the hair out from his eyes. He t
urned his head and kissed my palm.

  “I still don’t know when I’m free to meet you, but I’ll let you know as soon as I have a free night.” He ran his hand over his face. “I’m so tired. I need to catch up on some sleep.” He quickly kissed me and with one long, lingering look, walked out of the library.

  April 4, 1947

  Finally, I get to meet Jacob again….

  I’d just had dinner with my parents and was up in my room brushing my hair, ready to go and meet Jacob. He’d come into the library last night, just before it closed, and after a rather hot embrace in the store cupboard, again, he’d asked me to meet him behind the library tonight. My mind was whirring with thoughts of him, thoughts of leaving with Jacob for Boston.

  “Rose!” my father shouted from downstairs.

  I threw my brush back onto the dressing table and ran out of my room, then hurried down the stairs, wondering what Father wanted. It was very rare for him to call me down, as he didn’t really take any interest in me.

  When I walked into the front parlor Richard was sitting there with an ‘odd’ smile on his face.

  On seeing me, he stood and walked over to me, taking my hand in to his. I had a really bad feeling about this. I tried to pull my hand free, but he tightened his hold, so I stamped on his foot.

  “Rose,” my father roared, “that is not the behavior of a young lady, especially towards her fiancé.”

  I froze. What did he say?

  My father saw the shock on my face. “Richard has asked for your hand in marriage, and I have agreed.”

  I looked at my mother, who refused to meet my gaze. Richard looked as though he wished, to be elsewhere and father looked... relieved.

  My tears were ready to fall. “There is no way I am going to marry Richard.” I turned to him. “I’m sorry Richard, but I can’t.” I turned back to look at Father. “I will only marry for love, and Richard is a friend, and that is all he ever will be.”

  I turned and ran out of the house in tears. Richard called out to me. I ignored him.

  With tears running down my face, I ran to the library and hoped Jacob was already waiting for me. I really needed his arms around me.

  Jacob saw me come running around the corner and started to walk towards me. I ran straight into his arms and held on tight as I cried all over him.

  “Rose. Oh God, what’s wrong? What’s happened?”

  “Richard asked my father if he could marry me, and Father said yes.” Jacob stilled at my announcement. “I told Father there was no way I was marrying him or anyone that I don’t love. I then had to get away, so I ran here, to you.”

  Jacob placed a tender kiss to my lips, before he asked, “Do you want to go to my apartment?”

  I just nodded my head, and by the time we arrived at his apartment, my tears had dried up, but I was left feeling angry that my parents would do something like they had. Leading the way inside, Jacob glanced around. Probably checking to make sure it was tidy.

  The apartment was small, but nice and clean. The sitting room had a kitchen attached with a separate eating area. There were two doors off from the hall, which I presumed led to a bathroom and bedroom.

  Jacob led me directly to the bathroom, to wash my face. Afterwards, I felt ten times better and went looking for Jacob.

  I found him in the kitchen, boiling a pot of water to make us both a drink. I just stood and watched him, unobserved. He was gorgeous. My heart thumped in my chest. It felt so right being together in his apartment, fixing tea together.

  He turned and caught me watching him. His whole face lit up. “Are you feeling better?” He walked over to me and took my face between his hands, then kissed me.

  I wrapped myself around him and just held on. After a few minutes, I looked up into his eyes. “Make love to me, Jacob. Show me how much you love me.”

  He just looked at me for the longest time, then took me by the hand and led me to his bedroom. He stood in front of me and started to unbutton my dress while keeping eye contact with me. I lifted my hands and unbuttoned his shirt, smoothing my hands over his chest. He groaned and leaned down to take my lips in a passionate kiss. Goose bumps erupted all over my skin.

  I left his shirt and slid my arms around his neck. My fingers ran through the hair at the nape of his neck, while we continued to kiss.

  Jacob removed my clothes and laid me down on his bed. He stood to the side of me and very slowly removed his own clothes.

  He was stunning and hard. Oh my. Climbing onto the bed, he lay down beside me, pulling me into his arms, caressing down my naked back with his hand. He landed on my bottom and squeezed, then pulled me even closer to him.

  I felt his penis against my thigh. Hard and swollen. Hot.

  He kissed me, slipping his tongue into my mouth. He moved to lie on top of me. Chest to chest. Stomach to stomach. Thigh to thigh. He nudged my legs apart and slipped between and inside me. I moaned. He groaned.

  All the time he was moving so slowly in and out of me, he was placing small kisses all around my face and finally coming back to my lips, slipping his tongue inside again, and imitating what he was doing to me with his penis. I started to shake.

  He pulled away from my mouth and sucked one of my nipples into his mouth. Oooooh. I shattered into a million pieces. Jacob swelled and twitched inside me. Our love-making brought tears to my eyes.

  He withdrew from me and pulled me back into his arms, then just held me against him.

  Making love on the beach had been wonderful, but in Jacob’s bed had been beyond wonderful, and without the pain of him breaking through my womanhood.

  “Rose?”

  I lifted my head from his chest to look at him. “Yes?”

  “If I manage to get an apprenticeship in Boston, will you really go with me? And be my wife?”

  I burst into tears. “Yes, yes, yes!” I kissed him all over his face as my tears continued to flow. I was so excited that his feelings for me, were the same as mine for him.

  Jacob helped me to mop up, laughing at my enthusiasm.

  I laughed. “You only want to go to Boston because of the Boston Braves,” I teased.

  “That does have its advantages.”

  Chapter 14

  After reading about the love between Rose and Jacob last night, Mack woke up feeling refreshed and light-hearted.

  If only to have a love like they had, to know once in a lifetime, what it would be like to love someone so much and for it to be returned.

  Since Lucas had been spending time with Thomas, he’d been falling asleep pretty soon after going to bed and waking up after Mack, much to her delight.

  After her morning shower she dressed in her favorite shorts and headed downstairs, only to find Lucas already sitting at the kitchen table reading.

  “How long have you been up, Lucas? I thought you were in bed,” she asked, ruffling his hair as she walked past him to start the coffee.

  “Just now. Thomas said he’s going to come for breakfast again, so I didn’t want to miss him.”

  She laughed. “Oh, Lucas. I can assure you that there is no way you would have missed him.”

  There was a knock on the back door. Lucas bolted out of his chair and ran to answer it, while Mack rooted around in the bottom of the refrigerator for some eggs.

  “Auntie Mack, it’s the very hot guy with a gorgeous butt you want to get your hands on,” Lucas shouted from the back door, which had Mack banging her head on the refrigerator.

  She turned around and met the heated look of the man from last night.

  “Oh my God!” Was the first thing that came to mind after what Lucas had just said, with the guy actually being in the kitchen. Mack couldn’t remember the last time she was so embarrassed. How the hell was she going to get out of this one? Pretend Lucas hadn’t said anything!

  “Hi. I’m Mackenzie Harper, but everyone calls me Mack.” She held out her hand to him.

  “Nice to meet you, Mack, I’m Dean Simone. I just rented next door for a few week
s.” He tried not to laugh at her embarrassment while he admired her legs, which looked amazing. She was pretty hot as well, especially in very short shorts.

  Before anyone could respond, Lucas did. “She already knows. She was hanging out the window telling my mother on the phone when you arrived.”

  With a shocked intake of breath, Mack slapped her hand over Lucas’ mouth. “How many times have I told you not to listen to adult conversations?”

  “It’s a bit difficult when I’m in the room when you’re having the adult conversation,” Lucas replied with a huge grin, knowing exactly what he was up to.

  At a loss for words, Mack hustled Lucas into the sitting room to play a Wii game and just hoped Thomas arrived very soon.

  She turned around and caught Dean looking at her legs, again. He very slowly moved up her body, his eyes finally meeting hers.

  She was flustered, thanks to him. “Dean, what can I do for you? I presume you called around for a reason?” she asked in a husky voice.

  Now that he’d seen her, he wasn’t too sure of his plan, as she really was pretty, not as tall as he was, slimly built, long dark hair, and lovely clear skin, apart from a sprinkling of freckles over her nose. He would really love to lick each and every one. Not the response he should be having to someone he’d come to investigate, before telling his grandfather about her and her questions.

  “Dean?” Mack questioned, all embarrassed, sure he’d just been giving her another once-over.

  “Oh, Sorry. I seem to have forgotten things like coffee, milk, and sugar. I was wondering whether you would take pity on your new neighbor and loan me some.”

  God, he had a killer smile, and she was stuttering in embarrassment. “That’s fine. In fact there’s some fresh coffee over there, if you want to help yourself to a cup.”

  “Great, thanks.” He walked towards the coffee, and while he poured a cup, he couldn’t help but watch her out of the corner of his eye. He’d been stunned when the little kid had answered the door and shouted back to her, probably her words from last night. How the hell he managed not to laugh was beyond him, and then stepping inside to see the most perfect butt he’d ever seen sticking out of the refrigerator. She made his mouth water.