Page 8 of Fighting Temptation (Men of Honor 1)
“Jaxson, I thought that was your bike I heard. Come here and give me a hug.” I do so, awkwardly. I’m not used to affection, especially with elders, but Margaret is a real affectionate lady and likes to hug a lot.
“How ya doing, Miss Margaret?” I ask as politely as I can. I never cared much about my manners but Margaret has been good to me. She never treated me like I wasn’t good enough to be friends with Julia, so I make sure to always be respectful to her.
“How many times I got to tell you to stop with the ‘Miss Margaret’ and call me Grams?” she says with kindness, and a slight hint of frustration.
“Sorry,” I mumble.
“You’re forgiven handsome. Now come on into the kitchen, Julia will be down in a minute, Kayla’s up there with her. They should be done soon.” I follow her into the kitchen. “Sit here and have a cookie,” she says grabbing a plate from the counter. “Julia and I baked them this morning.”
Sitting down next to me she cuts right to the chase, “Now what’s this that you’re leaving?”
“Yes ma’am, I am. I’m going to train and hopefully make it in the Navy, I wanna be a Seal.” She’s looking at me strangely, making me feel uncomfortable.
She goes to the living room and grabs a big photo album. Pulling a picture out she brings it back to me, “Julia’s Pappi, my Ben, was in the Navy. He was a sailor, a darn good one too.” Sure enough the black and white photograph was of a young man in a sailor suit who looked to be even younger than me. Which was confirmed when I turned the picture over and read Benjamin Sinclair, 1952, 18 years old. “He served 10 years and then was honorably discharged. He could have stayed but after I had Julia’s mother, Anabelle, I wanted him home with us, safe. Who would’ve known it would have been a drunk driver to take him from us.”
I stare silently at the picture because I’m not really sure what to say. I look up at her in surprise when she puts her hand on mine. “You remind me a little of my Ben, Jaxson. You’re fierce, loyal and strong. I think the Navy would be lucky to have you help serve this country.”
It was probably the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. “Thank you.”
“Now tell me, are you gonna come back to my Julia?”
Jesus, speaking of Julia… Where the hell is she? What am I supposed to say to that, when I don’t know the answer? “I’m not sure what will happen if I make it, but I do expect to see Julia again. I care about her; she’s a good friend. I’ll miss her but it will be good for her too. I know it’s been tough at times for her, being friends with me.”
Next thing I know Margaret comes to stand right in front of me. I look up wearily, wondering what the hell she’s gonna say now. This conversation is way too much for me. She takes my face in both her hands and gives me a kind smile, “You’re a good boy Jaxson, never think any different. Julia is lucky to have you; she’s much stronger than you give her credit for. She needs you in her life though, you make sure you come home to her, ya hear?” I swallow thickly and nod at her. I feel bad doing it because I’m not sure I will keep that promise.
Finally I hear Julia’s bedroom door open. Margaret pats my shoulder and yells, “We’re in the kitchen girls.”
I quickly stand up, thankful the conversation is over, and suck in a sharp breath when Julia walks in. Ho-ly fuck! All the blood from my head rushes south to my cock and I immediately regret that I’m standing. Every time I see Julia I’m always struck with the reminder of how beautiful she is, but right now, it’s more than that. I have never seen her look this way. She’s showing way more skin than I have yet to see and I don’t want anyone else to either. With her hair and make-up done like this she is not looking like beautiful wholesome Julia. No, she looks like a sexy vixen. What the fuck!?
“Oh Julia dear, you look beautiful.”
“Thanks Grams,” Julia kisses her on the cheek, then looks at me.
“Hi Jax.” She fidgets with the bottom of her skirt and my eyes are drawn to her long smooth legs. Legs that I wanna feel wrapped around my waist while I drive myself into her. Fuck me! I look back up at her.
“Hi,” I croak out. Shit, pull yourself together man! I clear my throat trying again. “Hey Jules, you do look nice,” that’s a fucking understatement. Then I notice Kayla staring at me with a sassy smirk as if she knows something I don’t.
“Hey Jaxson!” she says. “Well I’m outta here folks. Have fun and call me later Jules.” She gives Julia a hug and whispers in her ear something no one else can hear. “Good luck Jaxson, with the Navy thing. I’m sure you’ll do great.”
“Thanks Kayla. Make sure to keep Coop in check. Don’t let him get too big of a head while I’m gone.” She laughs then waves as she walks out the door.
“Are you ready?” I ask Julia.
“Yes. Um is it alright if we take my car instead? I’m not really dressed for the bike.”
No fucking kidding.
“Ya that’s fine.”
“Where are you two headed tonight?” Julia looks over at me not sure.
“I thought we’d go get a pizza at Antonio’s. Then go to the beach later?”
“Sounds great,” she says smiling. A smile that always hits me like a blow to the chest.
We start walking to the front door when Margaret grabs me again and wraps her thin wrinkly arms around my waist. “You take care of yourself now Jaxson, I have no doubt you’re gonna do great. You remember what I said, ok?”
