The Desperation Inside

Chapter 9: Compromising Positions

As they pulled up in front of her apartment complex, Glory sighed. Tree limbs littered the parking lot and storm damage was evident on the building. She started to open her door to get out, but Jake's arm across her chest stopped her.

"Let me do a quick look around to make sure there are no suspicious characters hanging around. I don't expect trouble, but I am not taking any chances." Jake told her, as he slid out of the car.

She watched as he quickly scanned the parking area, shivering as goosebumps skittered across her skin. She rubbed a hand over her arm, wondering of the reaction was from nerves, or from his warm touch grazing her nipples. He gestured for her to follow him. As she joined him at the door, he gave her an easy smile. "We have had officers on site since the storm to prevent theft, and they said no one has attempted to come in. We should be safe enough going in to get your things."

"That's good, "she murmured. She gratefully took his extended hand, and edged closer as they started up the stairs. "I really just need my clothes, and my phone charger. Maybe some bathroom stuff, too. Will that be ok?"

"Sure! Grab whatever you want. I will help you bag it up and carry it down. Bring whatever you need to be comfortable for a few weeks." Jake smiled down at her reassuringly. Her breath caught in her chest momentarily as his eyes lingered over her lips. As they reached her apartment, he took the keys from her and unlocked the door. Luckily, it appeared that her side of the building had very little damage. Other then a broken window, and some water damage, most of her apartment was untouched by the storm.

Glory quickly grabbed a duffle bag and began tossing clothing into it. She tossed a smaller bag to Jake. "Would you grab my shampoo, conditioner and face wash from my bathroom please?"

He caught the bag, nodding, and strode to the door she was pointing at. As soon as he walked out, she quickly grabbed her undies and stuffed them out of sight in the duffle. Heat flooded her cheeks as she thought about the lacy little pieces she had grabbed. Sure, he would probably never see her in them, but at least they made her feel a little better about herself. She was pretty sure if he saw her in her Superman boy shorts or Hello Kitty undies, he would never be able to think of her as anything more than a child. And the feelings he was beginning to stir up in her were anything but childlike.

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Jake stood in her bathroom, smiling to himself. Girls, he thought, shaking his head as he looked at her bathroom counter. He grabbed the items she has requested, then started tossing the rest of her toiletries in the bag. Deodorant, lotion, toothbrush, makeup bag, hair brush, hair dryer and straightener all went into the bag. Opening the cabinet, he grabbed the remaining toiletries and tossed them in the bag, zipping it as he walked back into the bedroom.

"Anything else you want me to grab? " he inquired as he sat the bag on her bed. "Favorite pillow? Special movie? Anything that will help you feel more comfortable while we deal with these jerks?"

He saw her cheeks begin to flame red as she struggled to zip the bag of clothes. Reaching over to help her, he saw bits of lace peeking out from under her other clothing.  Shaking his head at her red face, he made quick work of the zipper on his bag and tossed it next to the one she was battling.

"Uh..just need my phone charger and I think I am good, " she stammered out, not meeting his eyes. He could tell she was embarrassed that he had seen her undies, but at least she couldn't see the reaction his body was having to the situation. Standing in her bedroom, with his mind firmly in the gutter thanks to those lacy little bits of fabric, had his jeans uncomfortably tight . Gathering her stuff, he positioned her bags to hide his arousal and escorted her back down to the car.

After a very quiet car ride, they arrived at his house. Jake shook his head again, praying that God would help him keep it together. "Let's get your stuff inside and let you get unpacked before the guys get here."

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Glory stood in Jake's spare room, unpacking her clothes. He had gotten a call as they had walked in, motioning her to go ahead into the room to get started settling in. She dumped the duffel out on the bed and began folding and putting away her clothes. Once everything was put away, she pulled out a pair of yoga pants and a t-shirt and laid them on the bed. She tugged her tank top and the sweatpants off and pulled on a black and pink lace thong. She tossed her sports bra onto the bed and grabbed the matching bra. Just as she finished fastening it, the bedroom door opened.

"That was Drake..."

Looking up in shock,  she froze. Jake stood unmoving in the doorway, shock and desire warring on his features. His eyes traveled down to her attire, lingering over her exposed skin. Glory felt her nipples harden under his gaze, and a whimper escaped her lips as heat flared in her eyes. She watched as Jake took a sharp breath in and his eyes met hers. Her tongue darted out to moisten her suddenly dry lips. Jake groaned and shut his eyes tightly. Glory could hardly breathe, anticipation and a trace of fear consuming her.

When Jake's eyes opened again, she saw determination written all over his face and he closed the door quickly, leaving her alone and confused.

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