Ch. 16

Mia stops breathing. Did he really just say that? After all that has been, does he think he can say something like that and get away with it so easily?

Jack sits up. His eyes beg her. But what exactly do you want from her? "I ... I shouldn't have said that like that. I wanted to wait until ... until the right time came. I haven't thought. I ... I'm sorry I shouldn't have said it. ", He's talking about his head and neck. Mia is silent for now. Let him think of his part. The silence makes him increasingly nervous. His eyes try to catch hers. But Mia deliberately evades them. "Mia ... maybe I shouldn't have said that today, but at some point it would have come out one way or the other." He takes a breath. “I love you and not just since yesterday. I didn't notice until it was too late and I was with Summer, but ... I love you. I know that you can't feel that way anymore after all. Nevertheless, I hope that it can come to that again. "

Mia decides to give him an explanation. He's talked enough around it. "Jack, I invited you to either tell you that we will just remain friends and that you have to stop looking at me like you did a few minutes ago or that I would like to try it again with you. This time slower and without nine other comrades-in-arms. ”She lets that sink in for now. She sees hope in his blue eyes.

"And I've decided ... that I just can't do without your hot looks. That I would like to try it again with you ... “, Jack interrupts her by laughing happily and burying her again. "But ... let's not rush anything. Okay? We go on dates, get to know other sides of ourselves and see if it fits. "

"Everything.", He laughs and kisses her carefree on the neck. "Everything you want. As long as I can have you with me. “, He brushes the hair from her face and looks deep into her eyes. “You don't even know how happy that makes me. I intended to get on your nerves until you had no choice but to take me back. It's nice that you noticed how important I am to you. ", Gossamer kisses lie on her cheeks, her forehead and the corners of her mouth.

“Get off your high horse. We are still in the dating phase. And I don't know yet if I like you when you're on your ego trip. ", A grin replaces his smile. “Are we still in the dating phase? Is this what you always do on your first date? Are you lying on the couch with all the guys here and accusing them of being too overwhelmed? "Mia felt the heat rising in her face. “That was unfair. This is not the normal routine that lovers go through. You won't always be abandoned by the guy for someone else after thinking you've found the man for life. By the way, very few women give you a second chance. So you should consider yourself lucky and shut up. "

“Did you just talk about lovers? Plural? "

"Did you just listen to me?" Jack nods eagerly. "Sure, you just said that you are madly in love with me.", His almost childlike joy about her confession is really sweet. As if he had received a present for his birthday that he wished for, but did not believe that he would get it.

“Of course I continued to listen. After my heart almost popped out of my chest. I'll do my best to drive you out of your mind. "

"You don't have to make an effort," she replies sarcastically.

They spend the next few hours on the world-famous cloud nine. Everything seems to have been painted pink. They tease each other teasingly and never let each other out of sight for a second. They fall on each other and tickle each other until the first one screeches to no longer have his bladder under control.

The films are completely forgotten. Why should you watch something like this when you have the spectacle sitting next to you?

Much later, they both fall into bed exhausted.

#

Jack wakes up with a heavy feeling in his stomach. Nevertheless, he has a dreamy smile on his face that he cannot control.

He runs his hand over his chest down to his stomach and discovers that his problem is not in his stomach but outside. Mia must have made herself comfortable on him that night. Her head rests under his chest, her arm wraps around his middle.

He could get used to that. Waking up with Mia every morning is sure to have plenty of surprises in store. He would like to never move from the spot again. He never expected that yesterday would end like this. Sure, he wanted it, secretly hoped it would, but he didn't believe it. After Jack has taken a few deep breaths, he looks for his second hand under the sheets and finds it possessively glued to Mia's pretty bottom. 'Oh yes, you will probably never get bored in bed.', He grins and grabs.

"What?", He can't look that fast, she is sitting upright on him and has fixed his hands with hers. The pleasure sparkles in her eyes. "What's that about?"

His girlfriend, how good that sounds to his ears, bites her lower lip to suppress a grin. But she doesn't succeed and she starts to laugh that she tips over. Now bury your face in his neck. Jack doesn't understand anything anymore.

Mia giggles so hard that she loses her strength in her arms, at the same moment he buries her under himself. "What?", She slowly calms down again.

“A wonderful good morning to you too. Never wake me like this again. Who do you think you are actually? Huh? Who gives you the right to wake me up so outrageously? "

"Who said I wanted to wake you up? I also have every right to wake up my girlfriend as I want. "

"Friend, yes?", Her eyes shine green. "Exactly!" In order not to waste another moment on this fantastic morning, he lowers his lips on hers. Her lips are still warm from sleep, her movements sluggish and sweet as sugar. Jack loses himself in this kiss. Playing with her tongue and taking her face between his hands. He gently strokes her cheek with his thumb. He still can't believe it. He's back with Mia.

Now Jack just can't screw it up again.

Suddenly his lover breaks the kiss and looks at him in shock. Her hands fly to her mouth to cover it. "Mia? Are you okay? “, Jack slides off her. Immediately she crawls out of bed and stands a few meters away from him. "Bad breath. I always have this bad breath in the morning. ”She grimaces and apparently awaits an answer. “I didn't pay any attention to it. Come back to bed. ", He reaches out his arms to her. But his stubborn beloved just shakes her head in satisfaction and disappears into the bathroom next door.

Jack sinks back into his pillow and a glance at the clock tells him that it is already after ten. He usually doesn't sleep that long, even on weekends. A dreamy grin spreads. Even if he would prefer not to get up at all, he struggles out of the seductive sheets and looks for his pants. A minute later he is in the kitchen looking for something edible and luckily he quickly finds it. There are plenty of cold cuts in the fridge and pretzels and pretzel sticks can be found in Mia's bread pot. Not exactly the classic breakfast, but better than nothing.

Jack sets the table and runs coffee through the old machine. Good that Mia kept a few ground beans in a box, otherwise he would have had to grind new ones with a grinder. Their equipment is that old.

The shower in the bathroom is turned off. Before he can intercept them, the doorbell rings. Did she forget to mention that she already has plans for today? Probably one of the girls. He hesitates for a moment. Because the thing between them is still so fresh that he doesn't know how Mia would think about it if her friends found out.

Then the doorbell rings a second time and Mia calls through the apartment that he can go and open it. Proud that the one behind the door will be the first to find out what happened that night or what didn't happen, he opens the door. His smug grin collapses a little when he ... 'what was the guy's name again?' ... oh yes, exactly Jonas sees Jonas standing in the door frame.

Fortunately, his counterpart is just as perplexed as he is. The large dark eyes change their state of mind from surprised to suspicious and angry.

The two men stand across from each other and check each other out. Jonas's gaze stays on his bare chest and Jack knows exactly what Jonas is thinking. The smug grin returns. 'He should just know that he has to keep his fingers off Mia now. It belongs to him now. '

"Jack? Honey, who is it? ”, He couldn't have planned that better. Mia comes out of the bathroom only with a towel. With her hair dripping and skin wet, she looks just gorgeous. Jonas's face darkens. Perfect timing. Mia spots Jonas and blushes.

It's getting better. That fool will never be able to have Mia.

"What are you doing here?", As she says it out loud, her eyes get bigger and bigger. Something just seems to dawn on you.

“Shit, come in. I completely forgot that we had agreed. "

No, no, no, that's not how he imagined it. Jonas should go again and immediately. Mia shouldn't invite him in.

Jack closes the door behind Jonas in frustration and follows them into the kitchen. There he places himself behind her and lays his head on her shoulder. “You can eat with us quickly. I only need five more minutes in the bathroom. I'm sorry that I forgot. ", Jack presses a kiss under her ear and a satisfied guttural sound escapes him when he feels her pulse getting faster.

That's right. Only he can do that with her. No one else. Satisfied, he stands up again and sits down at the table between the two of them.

People eat in silence. After Mia reappears in front of the bathroom after the promised few minutes, they all go together. "I'll write to you later!" Mia whispers to him as he parted.

#

Mia is so embarrassed to have been caught by Jonas of all people. The guy is almost like a brother to her and Mia suspects that he will start with his 'I protect you' number. Followed by the infamous 'If that guy hurts a hair, I'll kill him' speech.

“You got involved with him again? After everything that happened, do you just forgive him and let him come back into your life? ”, Her best friend shakes her head. "I can not believe it. Besides, you've never forgotten that we wanted to do something together. "

Is he pulling a pout right now? "Jonas, I'm sorry that I forgot. I'll make it up to you someday. ”“ You're lucky that I still have plans today and have to leave earlier than planned. I felt bad about it, but after what I've just seen we're even. ", Mia grins.

"Which poor woman do you have this time, you macho?", Mia holds her breath as she observes the reaction of her boyfriend. His eyes wander to his feet. With his hand behind his neck, he scratches the skin off his body, almost in despair. Does she see a blush rise in his cheeks? "Who the hell is this mysterious woman and why the hell don't I know her yet?" Now he stops ashamed. Why didn't she notice what was going on in Jonas' life? Was she really so taken by herself that she didn't notice her surroundings? Mia briefly goes through the past two months in her mind and realizes that she has excluded herself. Hopefully the others don't take it too badly.

"Do you remember Melanie?", Something rings in her head. There was something. “The girl we met in front of the cafe? Whose number you didn't even want, wouldn't I have been there? ”He still avoids her gaze.

“Well, she was a real bookworm, one who only had friends from school and didn't let anyone else into her life. Just like you have with prophecy. Today she made some new friendships and goes out more often, even if I will probably always find her behind a book if there is no appointment. She's an editor, so I guess that's part of it somehow. "

Mia calculates back. “That was only a week ago! Time has passed in slow motion. Is it the first meeting after your date? ”He shakes his head, embarrassed. “The second date?” He denies again. That is impossible. "This is our third rendezvous ..."

Mia stares awkwardly at Jonas. "Oh. My. God. You really like this Melanie. ”She has never even seen her buddy in such a state because of a woman. This is an absolute first. She has to mark the day in bold in the calendar.

It is clear. He can't say anything else, she wouldn't believe it anyway. "Mia ... I've never felt this way before. It's incredible. There are always a few stones in my stomach before I hit them. But when she shows up and laughs that is quickly forgotten. ”In his excitement he uses his arms to gesticulate. His eyes fix Mia and try to get across the feeling that he is feeling.

“You are a real romantic! I didn't even know that there was this side of you. “, She is infinitely happy for Jonas. This could be his first serious relationship in a long time.

"I didn't know that either." Confused, he strokes his shoulder-length brown hair.

“When will I get to know you? You mustn't withhold it from me. I should give you my blessing. ", The corners of his mouth twitch.

"Your blessings, yes? How do you think I'll need it? "

"I am serious! When do you have to invite us to dinner? ”Jonas's hand finds his neck again. “Let a few more weeks go by. Until things have normalized and consolidated. "

"Consolidated? I think I could love Melanie. To do this, I have to know her first. Let me know when the time comes. And don't take too much time. As it sounds she is a real catch. You can't miss it! "

You smile at her. "You can drink poison on it."

Together they find their way into the bookstore. It is not part of a large company but is run by its owner. The shop is comfortable and cozy. The owner kept bringing Jonas something to eat during his bad days. They have been regular customers ever since, and satisfied ones at that. The action is a little off the beaten track, but easy enough to find for the curious explorer. It's the perfect location.

Mia still has a pile of books waiting on her bedside table, but today she is not shopping for herself. “I'm looking for a nice illustrated book for Emilia. She'll be out next Thursday. I want to give her something. Maybe something with wisdom in it or one of those tapes in which photographers capture the quietest and most beautiful landscapes on earth. ”Jonas nods. "A nice idea. I'll look around for something for Melanie. “, Mia drops her jaw. "You're making an uproar about Jack, but Emilia doesn't even get a raised eyebrow?" He shrugs his eyes unimpressed. “She was drugged. She cannot be held responsible for half of all the things she's done. You should know that this filth pulls you into the abyss faster than you think. I think it's very good of you that you give her a second chance. "

Listen, listen, the sensitive has spoken. In her short career as a social worker, Mia has seen quite a few people who just wanted to try things and couldn't stop. There were even a few pregnant women among them ...

"Wait a moment! Do you know which books she reads? Let's hear it? ”It's so fun to embarrass him. “It's actually ridiculous. If that happens to us, I'll make sure that she never has to read something like that again. "

"Spit it out." His gaze wanders into the romance department. "Come on. A lot of women are into these cheesy books. ", He shakes his head. "I know, but she likes the books that have these half-naked guys on the cover.", Mia just can't contain herself anymore and starts laughing because Jonas just sounded a little angry and jealous. "That's not funny!"

"Ha- Are you scared ...", she takes a deep breath and tries to put on a serious face. "That you can't keep up with the cover men?", She can't help but laugh again. He should know that his body goes down well with women. In the swimming pool, after she was back with Jack, he couldn't save himself from offers. So it is not self-doubt that gnaws at him.

"Stop laughing. Have you ever read one of these novels? ”He sounds desperate. “Yes, of course I have. Most of the time the stories take place in the 16th and 17th centuries. Men with suits and excellent manners ruled the world then. Women wore dresses and let themselves be carried on hands. The protagonist is mostly of the uncivilized kind and everyone else has no taste for him. In the end he is the perfect gentleman and the women bite their butts because they didn't dare to approach the guy with the broad shoulders and the well-trained chest. ", Mia theatrically folds her hands in front of her, tilts her head and languishes in the air two inches above her friend's head. "Did I mention that these guys always seem to be huge?", Then she lowers her gaze again. He has crossed his arms. "You see?" He says as if she knew exactly what he was trying to tell her. "I'm standing on the proverbial hose.", Frustrated he clasps his hands behind his head. "Well, how am I supposed to keep up with that?" Mia blinks once, twice, three times before her spit stays away for the second time today.

Then warmth spreads in her. There is sorrow in his eyes, but Mia knows that there is so much more to it. She hugs him on an impulse. "What are you doing?", His voice is close to her ear. He must have bent down. “Don't you recognize a hug when it happens to you? I should tell you that ... “, he interrupts her impatiently. "Yes Yes Yes. Already clear, but why? “, Mia looks up until she looks into his eyes. "Because I ... no, wait. First you have to know that everyone who reads these books knows that such guys don't exist. Not even a few hundred years ago. These are characters, fictional people from whom you cannot make a dream man. I'm sure your Melanie knows that too. If that shouldn't be the case, you send her to me and I'll have a word with her. ”Mia demonstratively turns her head so that it cracks. That puts a smile on Jonas' face. "Thanks for the offer. And what else did you want to tell me? "

"That I'm proud of you and now Melanie is looking for something nice.", She presses it one last time and then turns to the illustrated books.

It's quiet for the next few minutes. Everyone pursues their concerns. Soon Mia will have a shortlist. Then your gaze lands on a tape on which a group of young people is walking next to each other. You all have ice cream in your hand. Everyone laughs. Some with their eyes closed and some hunched over. It is wonderful. The band is a collection of young artists who want to take the plunge. Magically attracted by the cover, she takes it in the arms of others and sits down on one of the many armchairs and places the volumes on the volume next to it. Fascinated, she flips through the pages. Every picture brings out emotions that get lost in everyday life. It's awesome.

On the next page she is breathless. On it is a couple who look deep into each other's eyes. An ice cream stands before them that melts forgotten. The man's thumb strokes the woman's lower lip. A whispered word lies on her lips. Judging by the shadows, the sun is quite high in the sky. The background has been shown blurred, so that the couple is in focus. The picture is beautiful and deadly at the same time.

"Hey! Mia! I think I found the right book. Do you want to see it? ”Mia can't answer. "Mia, please. I need your advice on this subject. "

Apparently he noticed that something was wrong. Because next, she feels his breath next to her head. He follows her gaze and freezes.

"Oh!"

#

Jack was almost scared to death when he finally got home. When he broke up with Mia that morning, he made a few stops to buy groceries. He ran down the hall full of bags and then dropped everything in the kitchen with relief.

The next moment he is standing in front of his bedroom door armed with a baguette. From this come rustling noises and steps. Mentally he counts to three before swinging open the door and looking for the culprit. "Jack? What's the bread? ", Summer stands in front of him. In her hand she holds some briefs that have probably not yet found their way. “Did you think someone would break into you? And you wanted to defend your home with bread? ”She giggles. "I'm sorry to attack you like that.", She winks at him. “But I still have your key. I wanted to bring it back to you, and it occurred to me that some of my things are still here. I actually wanted to be out before you came. "

Jack can't say anything anymore, so quickly she scurried past him. On the way to the door she puts down the house key and disappears. He stays there for a few minutes until he has processed everything and then empties his mailbox. Invoices, advertising, even more advertising and a A4 envelope that is quite heavy with a sender from ... Sender? What's in there?

Curiously, he opens the letter first. He pulls out a letter, followed by a book. An illustrated book. Jack just skimmed the text. In it he is congratulated that he made third place together with Lola. Jack completely forgot that he gave the man permission after seeing the intimate picture. Enclosed they sent him a copy of the photo catalog that the photographer sent them because he did not have his address. 'Why didn't he ask about it?' Wonders Jack before opening his present and looking for his picture. There are Lola and he. Almost kissing and very familiar!

Can you buy that anywhere now? He shouldn't have gotten into that. He has to tell Mia. After all, that was a long time ago. She can't be angry about it, please.

In his head he already imagines the perfect dinner to confess to her that he can now be seen and bought so familiar with another woman forever.

#

“Jack is really photogenic. There is one thing you can't leave him with. It cuts a really good figure, ”comments Jonas.

Mia didn't even know that such a picture existed and now it's available in retail? What surprises are waiting for you? The picture must have been taken in the third week. When everyone had to plan the date with Jack themselves. The day must have been a success.

'Why are you reacting so bitchy? Lola is your friend and has no interest in Jack. Besides, all of this is really yesterday's news, precisely because Jack and I pulled ourselves together again. I should see it calmly. He was having a good time. He'll have a better one with me. '

“Amazing isn't it? It seems so fake, even though the people have been proven to be real. The guy who took the photo has a talent that he should continue to promote. "

Jack is speechless and Mia grins. “I'll buy this and give it to Emilia. She has something to laugh about. "

"You ... what ... He doesn't get any on the lid because of that?" Mia shakes her head.

“We have made up. Sometimes it's better to let the past rest. ”Jonas nods respectfully.