Chapter 27


    Amber


    ‘A pianobar?’ I exclaim in surprise. I gaze over the building and see the delicate outline of a grand piano painted on the windows. Above the door hangs a blue-lit sign with cursive letters reading “Piano & Pour.” It features three music notes next to it. That must be the name of the bar.


    ‘Yes,’ Jake confirms proudly. ‘Let’s go inside.’


    Jake grabs my shoulders and leads me inside, where we hang out coats in the cloakroom. Then he takes my hand again, and we walk through a revolving door into the bar. It feels very cozy, with dim lighting in a warm color scheme. The bar is right next to the entrance, and the bartender gives us a friendly nod. On the left and right walls of the room, rows of luxurious dark leather booths with white, round tables are lined up. The rest of the room features black tables scattered about, surrounded by comfortable-looking beige leather chairs. The smallest tables accommodate two people, while there are also some for larger groups. The tables are close enough to create a lively atmosphere but spaced apart enough to preserve a sense of privacy.


    The predominantly red brick walls are subtly adorned with music-inspired decorations made of metal wires and soft light strings. At first glance, I spot a couple of music notes, the silhouette of a man playing a grand piano, and an art piece featuring an octave of piano keys. At the far end of the room, I see an elevated stage with, and my heart starts beating a little faster, a gorgeous grand piano.


    A man in a black suit is calmly playing it, seemingly unaware of the crowd. A soft spotlight highlights him on the stage. About three-quarters of the tables are already filled, and a few waitresses dressed in black sashay around, delivering drinks. One of them approaches us on her way back to the bar.


    ‘Sit anywhere you like,’ she tells us in a friendly voice. ‘One of us will be right with you.’


    Jake nods, and we move further into the bar. I spot a small table for two, a bit to the side with a good view of the stage, and gently nudge Jake in the side.


    ‘Let’s take that one!’ I suggest, excited.


    We walk over to the small, round table and take our seats. I just can’t stop looking around to take it all in. This is such a great place! The atmosphere is vibrant, yet relaxed. I absolutely love the beautiful piano music coming from the stage. The room has great acoustics. You can hear the music well, but it''s not so loud that you can’t carry a conversation anymore. Jake and I sit at an angle across from each other, and I suddenly feel him nudge his knee against mine.


    ‘So, what do you think?’ he asks me. He’s smiling, but to my surprise I think I also detect a hint of nervousness in his voice.


    ‘This is absolutely amazing! I love it, Jake!’ I say earnestly, feeling almost giddy with joy. I cup his face in my hands and pull him towards me, planting a firm kiss on his lips.


    ‘See! I told you so,’ Jake says a little smugly after I let him go. He takes the menu on the table from its holder and opens it. ‘What would you like to drink?’


    ‘Just a Coke will be fine. I can drive us back tonight, so you can have a beer,’ I offer.


    ‘No, no! You drove the last time we went to a bar, now it’s my turn to be your designated driver,’ Jake winks at me. ‘I know you don’t like beer, but they have a great cocktail menu here as well. Maybe you’d like to try one of those?’


    ‘Are you trying to get me drunk, Jake Harmon?’ I ask him, squeezing my eyes in mock suspicion.


    ‘Not at all, Amber Scott,’ Jake laughs, briefly shaking his head before his face suddenly turns serious. ‘You can drink whatever you want. All I’m saying is, you don’t have to give up on something just because your first experience wasn’t great. Just because you didn’t have a good time at Pete’s doesn’t mean you won’t ever enjoy going to a bar. I thought this one might be more your style. You didn’t like the taste of beer last time, which is fine, but there’s a whole world of other drinks out there. Who knows? You might find something you enjoy if you give it a try.’


    ‘Huh… That’s actually a really good point,’ I say, honestly a bit impressed.


    ‘I do occasionally have my moments,’ Jake says teasingly. He slides the menu towards me. ‘I recommend you try a cocktail tonight. I have a suspicion that you’ll like those better than beer.’


    ‘Why not!’ I agree. I might as well give it a try.


    I carefully study the descriptions on the menu, before I settle on a Fuzzy Navel. The combination of peach and orange sounds kind of nice. Jake orders a Coke for himself and then we settle back in our chairs, listening to the lovely music for a while. Jake puts his phone on the table and gives me an apologetic look.


    ‘Normally I''d keep my phone in my pocket, but I kind of promised Lily that she could call me if she needed me.’


    ‘Why do you think she might need you for her school assembly?’ I ask him curiously.


    ‘She won’t, but she might during the somewhat special movie night she’s going to afterwards,’ Jake winks at me with a giant smirk.


    I chuckle at the look of absolute delight on his face when he says that. From what I can tell, Jake is a really great brother to Lily. It makes me like him even more, if that’s even possible at this point.


    I don’t mind that Jake wants to keep his phone in sight for Lily’s benefit, but I can’t say I’m thrilled about all the women texting him. Before we even get our drinks, I’ve already seen his screen light up with texts from four different people—all with female names, none of them Lily''s. However, Jake doesn’t open or respond to any of them, which kind of makes it okay, I guess.


    I actually do get a text from Lily myself, to let me know all the stuff we baked is a big hit and that Susan has been sulking the entire time. Jake and I both laugh out loud when I show him Lily''s text, and he leans over to kiss me. I’m about to get lost in his sparkling blue eyes, but I’m distracted when a woman suddenly steps onto the stage, and the man behind the piano begins to play a different tune. To my surprise, the woman starts to sing along.


    ‘Wait, what’s happening?’ I ask, confused. Apparently, I’m the only one, as not a single person in the crowd seems fazed, including Jake.


    ‘Saturday night is karaoke night,’ Jake explains. ‘During the week, it’s just the pianist playing, but on Saturday nights people from the audience can make requests and sing along while he accompanies them on the piano.’


    Jake looks at me and raises his eyebrows, wiggling them expectantly.


    ‘What? No! You’re not seriously suggesting I get up there, right?’ I exclaim in shock.


    ‘Why not? I’m not sure they’d let you play, but you could sing. You have an incredible voice,’ Jake says, looking at me with such sincerity that I can tell he truly means it.


    ‘Oh, absolutely not! Lord, no! I already told you there’s no way I could ever do that,’ I reply, shaking my head firmly. Just the thought of going up there and performing in front of people has me practically breaking out in hives.


    ‘You don’t have to do it, but you could if you wanted to,’ Jake says with a shrug. ‘It would be another new experience,’ he points out with a smirk.


    ‘You already got me back inside a bar and convinced me to try alcohol again tonight. Doesn’t that count for something?’ I ask, a little desperately.


    Jake chuckles and leans forward to kiss me. ‘Yes, baby. It definitely does,’ he says with a warm smile. As the waitress sets down our drinks and walks away, he waits a moment before continuing, gently tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear.


    ‘I just don’t want you to ever feel like you can’t do things,’ he says seriously. ‘You came here to open yourself up to new experiences, and you’re doing that. But sometimes it feels like something’s still stopping you—like you’re afraid to really go for certain things. Maybe it’s because your parents kept you in such a strict box, or maybe you worry about disappointing them if you step outside it. But you’re free to make your own choices now, and you don’t have to hold yourself back for their sake. You love to sing, don’t you?’This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ‘I guess I do,’ I admit, my voice hesitant as I fiddle with the straw in my cocktail, avoiding Jake’s eyes. Honestly, it was always mostly about playing the piano for me—singing along just happens sometimes.


    ‘Okay, so why not give it a try here? Your mother may not have wanted to hear you, but I guarantee this crowd will feel differently. Honestly, you sing a hell of a lot better than that woman up there right now,’ Jake says, nodding toward the stage. ‘She’s not a great singer, but she’s clearly having fun. Isn’t that what matters most? Even if you fuck it up, it could still be a fun experience. The people in the crowd certainly don’t seem to mind.’


    ‘Maybe not…’


    ‘I’m honestly not trying to push you to get up there tonight,’ Jake says, his tone encouraging. ‘All I’m saying is that I know you could get up there and blow this crowd away with that incredible voice of yours. If you really don’t want to do it, then don’t, but don’t let your parents hold you back. Use your umbrella to fly, Mary Poppins—don’t just hide underneath it,’ he jokes with a grin.


    ‘You do know your Disney movies, don''t you?’ I say with a faint smile, trying to deflect.


    ‘Blame Lily,’ Jake says, a lopsided grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. ‘She made us watch a ton of those movies when she first started living with us. Doesn’t make what I said any less true, though.’ He takes my hand, intertwining our fingers and giving them a gentle squeeze before taking a sip of his drink.


    I inadvertently frown as I ponder his words. Absent-mindedly, I try a sip of my cocktail. I can clearly taste the alcohol, but it’s surprisingly good. Sweet and fruity at the same time.


    ‘You’re right,’ I admit after a few seconds, taking another sip. ‘About the cocktail and… the holding myself back thing. You’re on a roll tonight, mister!’ I add playfully.


    Jake doesn’t respond, just gives me a warm smile, and I glance down at my cocktail, hoping he isn’t disappointed.


    ‘I still don’t think I want to go up there, though. Is that alright with you?’


    ‘Of course! I told you, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to,’ Jake replies with a smile. He lets go of my hand and rests his arm along the back of my chair, and I instinctively lean toward him. ‘I’d be lying, though, if I said I wouldn’t love to hear you sing or play again,’ he adds sincerely.


    ‘Yeah, well, you already got me drinking. That’ll have to do for tonight,’ I chuckle, relieved, taking another sip as I listen to the music filling the air. ‘What song is this? It sounds familiar, but I’m not sure if I know it,’ I ask, frowning, wanting to shift the conversation away from performing.


    ‘Aren’t you supposed to be the musical one between us two?’ Jake teases, laughing. ‘It’s “Let It Be”, by The Beatles.’ He presses a kiss into my hair and lightly traces his fingers along my upper arm.


    ‘I know how to play the piano. That doesn’t necessarily mean I know a lot about music,’ I point out.


    ‘It’s a pretty famous song.’


    ‘Isn’t it kind of old, though? Or is that what you are into, old music? What is your taste in music like?’ I ask him curiously, shifting in my seat to face Jake.


    ‘I’m not sure I could really define it,’ Jake replies, slightly furrowing his brows. ‘I like all sorts of music, not one specific genre. I’m not necessarily into certain bands or artists either. I just like specific songs, I guess.’


    ‘Alright, what are some of your favorite songs then?’ I press.


    ‘I don’t know off the top of my head. I don’t usually pay much attention to music, if I’m being honest. When I hear something, I either like it or I don’t. That’s about the extent of it.’


    ‘Oh, come on! You’ve got to give me something! Favorite rock song? Or maybe a favorite pop song?’ I try again.


    ‘I don’t know.’


    ‘Your favorite rap song, then? Or R&B?’


    ‘You are fucking relentless, aren’t you,’ Jake laughs. He tries to ruffle through my hair, but I quickly duck and swat his hand away.


    ‘That’s not an answer! Favorite… Blues song? Jazz?’ I''m starting to have fun with this, listing all the random music genres I’ve heard of. ‘Favorite heavy metal song?’


    ‘I don’t fucking listen to heavy metal, Amber,’ Jake groans exasperated. He briefly tilts his head and glances up at the ceiling before turning back to me. ‘Why don’t we strike a deal? You play or sing me something, anything you want, and I’ll tell you whether or not I like it,’ he suggests with a laugh.


    ‘Your favorite country song? Favorite jazz? Or favorite gospel?’ I continue, ignoring him with a big smirk, unable to resist teasing him by poking him in the side.


    ‘Amber!’


    ‘Your favorite… love song?’


    ‘“Eternal Flames” by the Bangles,’ Jake answers without hesitation.


    The surprise immediately silences me. Not because I’ve never heard of the song, but because Jake gave me an actual answer.


    ‘You don’t have a favorite rock, pop, or country song, but you do have a favorite love song?’ I ask, incredulous. ‘You didn’t even have to think about that one!’


    ‘Nope,’ Jake says calmly, dragging out the syllable and popping the p. He doesn’t look at me anymore, but keeps his eyes fixed on the stage.


    It doesn’t seem like he’s going to say anything else about it, which only makes me more curious. Ignoring the two men singing on stage, I keep my gaze on Jake, patiently waiting for him to elaborate. Eventually, he lets out a sigh.


    ‘It was my mother’s favorite song,’ he explains. He keeps his arm around my shoulders but avoids my gaze, staring down at his empty glass instead. ‘My parents danced to it at their wedding. Coop and I weren’t there, of course. We weren’t even born yet, but Mom told us that every time she listened to it. I think I must have heard that song at least a thousand times growing up. I still listen to it sometimes, because it helps me remember her. Whenever I hear it, it makes me feel like I’m home. It makes me feel…’ He presses his lips together for a moment, choosing his words carefully. ‘…loved.’


    My heart swells at the unexpected vulnerability in Jake’s voice. I scoot closer, and he tightens his grip around me as I rest my head against his shoulder. We don’t speak for several minutes, but the silence feels comfortable, just two people enjoying the music and each other’s presence. Still, I can’t shake the feeling that something meaningful has passed between us. It might have been about a song, but I know Jake just shared something deeply personal with me, and that simple act makes me fall for him even more.


    It''s a little past midnight when we decide to call it a night. After my second cocktail, a Mai Tai, Jake kindly suggested I alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to help keep me hydrated and avoid feeling too drunk or hungover in the morning. Since I’m not used to drinking, I decided to stick to Cokes for the rest of the evening. The cocktails were delicious, but I’m still uncertain about how I feel about the effect alcohol has on me. After just two drinks, my head feels a bit fuzzy.


    Interestingly, though, the alcohol seems to heighten my desire to have sex with Jake, which was already strong to begin with. I have to resist the urge to pull him into the cloakroom when he helps me with my coat. But as soon as we’re in the car on the way to his house, I can no longer hold back. My hands start to roam freely over his body. I begin by slowly tracing up and down his leg, gradually moving higher until I reach his crotch. At first, I tease him, gently circling with my index finger. But when I feel him grow beneath my touch, straining against his jeans, my confidence builds. I begin massaging him through the fabric, feeling the tension in his body intensify.


    ‘Fuck, Amber! If you keep this up, we may not fucking make it home. I might just have to pull over and take you up against the truck,’ Jake grunts, a warning in his voice. He keeps his gaze focused on the road, but his knuckles have turned white as he clenches the steering wheel.


    ‘You say that as if it’s a bad thing,’ I say, suggestively biting my bottom lip as I look at him.


    ‘You’ll be the death of me, damn it,’ Jake groans, full of desire, while he glances in my direction for a second. ‘It’s almost fucking freezing outside. Keep your hands to yourself until we’re home!’


    ‘Party pooper,’ I snort grinningly, but I obediently move my hand away from his crotch. I do continue stroking his leg and play with the hair in his neck though.


    I swear Jake breaks about every speed limit to get us home as fast as he can. When we get to the house, everything is dark. Jake starts kissing me as soon as we step into the hallway and shrug our coats off. We don’t even bother hanging them, but leave them scattered on the floor. Jake doesn’t turn any lights on, but I vaguely register a few subtle spots light up from the kitchen ceiling as soon as we move through the double doors. Must be motion-sensor lighting.


    Jake cups my face in his hands, deepening our kiss as we stumble through the kitchen. My back hits the kitchen island and before I know it, Jake has lifted me on top of it. He pushes my legs apart and steps between them, grinding himself against me as his tongue demands access to mine. I slip my hands underneath the hem of his shirt and caress his toned chest. Our movements are passionate, urgent.


    Jake groans as his hands slide up my thighs to my hips, where he dips them underneath my shirt as well. He pulls it over my head in one swift motion and tosses it away. Then he grips my hair tightly in his fist and pulls my head back, so he can start kissing along my jaw, down my neck, and to my chest. I reach behind my back to unclasp my bra, but Jake bites my shoulder and groans.


    ‘Wait! Bedroom…’ he murmurs, his lips still on my neck.


    He grabs my ass with both hands and suddenly I''m lifted off the kitchen island. Jake effortlessly carries me through the kitchen in the direction of his bedroom. I instinctively wrap my legs around his waist, straddling him, and I grind against his bulge. We’re barely through the door when my bra comes flying off. Jake wastes no time and throws me onto his bed.


    ‘Get your fucking pants off,’ he demands in a dark tone that sends a thrill straight to my core.


    I obediently begin to unzip my pants, but quickly get distracted by the view of Jake shedding his clothes. His muscular arms and rippled abs are a mouthwatering sight. By the time he’s down to his boxers, Jake notices that I''m staring at him with my jeans still on. He narrows his eyes at me.


    ‘I said,’ he says with a dangerous glare, ‘pants off!’


    I chuckle inadvertently at his obvious lust and quickly do as he says, trying to wriggle my jeans and panties down my hips. Apparently, it''s not going fast enough, because Jake growls and drops to his knees in front of the bed, almost tearing them off me. Then he grabs both of my legs and throws them over his shoulders, roughly pulling my ass to the edge of the mattress. Then he dives in.


    There’s no buildup. No easing into it. Jake starts feasting on me like a ravenous wolf, fervently lapping my folds with his tongue, nibbling on the little ridges and sucking on my clit. Usually when he goes down on me Jake uses both his fingers and his tongue, stimulating me on the inside as well as the outside. But this time he holds my legs in a tight grip, burying his fingers deep in the flesh of my thighs, and works me over with just his tongue.


    I moan and writhe beneath him when Jake stiffens his tongue and uses it to penetrate me, but he easily keeps me in place. I instinctively squeeze his head between my thighs, but that doesn''t slow him down either. Not even my hands grabbing his hair and my nails digging into his scalp break his complete and utter focus on bringing me to a climax. Jake is relentless and, judging by the sounds he makes between my legs, he’s enjoying this almost as much as I am. Although I highly doubt that is even possible, because I feel like I''m in heaven right now.


    I’ve been so turned on, longing for Jake’s touch all evening, that it doesn''t take long before I feel a now familiar sensation building between my legs. So when Jake stiffens his tongue and ferociously starts flicking it over my clit I. Just. Explode.