2.06 – Strictly friends

Chapter tune: AC/DC – You shook me all night long

Warning: Profanity

“Fuuuck…. that was amazing” Jesse groaned while taking a drag on his cigarette.

Skye didn’t respond, as the combination of her sickness and what just taken place exhausted her, but caressed Jesse with her foot as a sign of approval.

Jesse truly meant what he just said. That was probably the best sex he’d ever had, and that made him wonder of all the things they could have done on that bed if she wasn’t sick. After promptly putting an end to those thoughts – as they made him excited all over again – , he smoked some more while looking at the snow falling outside the window and tenderly stroking Skye’s leg; this seemed to have a strangely relaxing effect on him.

He had decided that he’d deal with the fact that he just lost the bet – and the repercussions that went with it – in the morning, when he got home. Tonight had been pretty sweet to even bother filling his head with worrying thoughts.

He took her into his arms and gave her a soft kiss. “I mean it Skye… it was incredible.”

“It really was… but I feel so tired… is it okay with you if I go to sleep right now? I can’t keep my eyes open any longer…”

“Sure baby. Hey, do you mind if I hold you like this while we’re sleeping?” he said and grabbed her butt. He liked being childish like that sometimes, especially after sex. And especially with fun girls like her.

Skye chuckled. “You mean with your hand on my ass?”

“Well, yeah… it’s a very nice ass” he grinned.

“How fitting. You’re a very nice ass too” she smiled.

Jesse beamed at her retort. She had the ability to make those fake insults sound cute and sexy – when she wanted to. “Goodnight pokerface” he said gently and threaded his hand through her hair, bringing her closer. It was a cold night, that’s the excuse he gave to himself for wanting to feel her skin on his for the rest of the night.

“Goodnight ex-jerk” she purred.

–

The next morning Skye woke up alone. She wasn’t really surprised not to find Jesse next to her, as she was certain he was the type to bail the morning after.

What was surprising was the smell of something cooking that came from outside her bedroom.

Entering the kitchen, she found Jesse preparing what seemed to be pancakes – apparently they were going to have breakfast together.

“So you’re full of surprises” she said while sitting at the counter.

“Heeey, good morning to you too sleepyhead” he replied cheerfully “How are you feeling today? Your bread had gone stale, so I thought I’d make us some proper breakfast. It’s a good thing you still had eggs in your fridge. I, uh, hope it’s okay”

“I’m much better” she said “and it’s fine… but really, you didn’t have to do that.”

“But I had, you must get your strength back. Vito told me the other day that he’s booked several shows in town and possibly Bridgeport too, so we need you healthy. I’ve made you coffee and some orange juice too, it will help you get better.”

“Thank you… Wow, this looks good. I had no idea you knew how to cook. But I’ve seen your dad’s shows so I guess he’s taught you a thing or two”

“My mom taught me actually” he replied “my dad didn’t have much time for us back then anyway. And it’s not like I have any special cooking skills like my parents… To be honest, you’re looking at one of the few things I can make. But it’s my specialty” he said proudly.

“Oh, I see. So that’s the ritual”

“I don’t follow…”

“That’s the thing you do the morning after… you know, after you sleep with a girl”

“Well, I…”

“It’s fine, Jesse, really. In fact, I was hoping that this was the case and not something more.”

“…How so?”

“What happened last night was great… it really was. But it was wrong. I mean, we’re working together. And I’m not saying you forced me or anything, I wanted it too. But it was still a mistake. So I was hoping we could pretend like it never happened. In fact, can we agree to not tell the others about it? It will only complicate things…”

Jesse could not believe his ears. Not only did he get to sleep with Skye, he was also gonna get away with it. He had already been prepared to face the consequences of what he’d done, but this was so much more convenient.

“Sure baby! I mean, Skye. I mean… yeah. You have my word. But can we do it just once more? Like I said last night, it was pretty amazing. But I never got to show you any of my special moves” he winked at her, partly joking and partly being serious.

“What?! No! From now on, we’re strictly friends and nothing more. Do we have a deal?”

“Oh, come on..! Nobody has to find out” he said pretending to be hurt.

“Hey, I’m serious pal. Don’t make me use the favors you owe me for this, cause I’m gonna get pissed.”

“Okay, okay, I’m kidding! No more benefits, just friends. Although I know you’ll miss me eventually” he joked, but stopped abruptly when he saw the look on her face.

They finished up their breakfast, casually chatting and bantering like good old friends.

“So… I guess I’ll see you soon” Jesse said when they got up.

“Sure, thank you for the company… and for the pancakes, they were really good”

“Both of them are at your disposal anytime, just say the word” he smirked, turning on the charm.

“No, no more pancakes from you” she smiled “you should save those for somebody else. So, uh… have a good one”

–

Jesse took the elevator downstairs. He lit up a cigarette trying to process what had just happened.

He had just slept with the Skye, plus there was no way anyone would find out about it. This was perfect. Then why deep down did it make him feel like shit?

In fact, he realized he wasn’t feeling happy or, at least, relieved. He should, but he wasn’t. Not one bit.