Chapter 34
"Ready?" Jake asked.
He was wearing dark jeans, a maroon long sleeved v-neck and a black coat.
I decided on going all black. I wore black leggings, a black quarter sleeved tight shirt that landed just below my butt, black knee high heeled boots, and a black coat. Of course I had to put some color so I decided on wearing a thin royal blue belt around my waist, and a matching scarf around my neck.
I grabbed my beige bag making sure that I had all my stuff before zipping it up.
"You have the tickets right?" I asked following him out the room.
He had his and my suitcase and gave it to the butlers to bring them downstairs and out to the car.
"Yup." he said taking them out of his coat's pocket, the tickets squeezed in his passport. "Here, you keep them in your bag."
He handed them to me including his passport and I securely put them in my bag together with my passport.
It was 8:30 and our flight leaves at 10:30. We decided on flying commercial since Jamie took the private jet yesterday, our company jet was currently under maintenance.
We got in the car and Mike drove us off to the airport.
We arrived in thirty minutes because there wasn't any traffic which I was grateful for. All I wanted to do was sleep right now.
Mike got our bags out and we said goodbye to each other.
We checked in our bags and our tickets and waited for our flight to be called.
Once our flight was called we started boarding the plane.
"Good morning, Mr. Hawkins," the lady said looking at Jake and then at me. "Ms. Maxfield."
Oh yeah, the airline we were riding belonged to Jake's company.
Jake smiled politely and gave our tickets. He grabbed my hand and we entered.
Of course Jake owning the plane company we got first class seats.
Jake let me in first knowing that I liked the window seat. I slid in and removed my coat before sitting down. He did the same and sat down.
"How many hours is the flight?" I asked placing my coat and bag down on the ground.
"Uh, five to six hours, give or take." he said.
I groaned. "After we take off, I will get my food and then I'll sleep the rest of the way." I promised.
He chuckled and put the armrest up and wrapped his arm over my shoulder pulling me closer. "Well, that makes two of us."
A few minutes after the plane took off they asked us what food we would like. I ordered a ham and cheese sandwich, same as Jake and some pineapple juice, while Jake got an iced coffee.
After eating he took out his laptop and started typing away.
"What happened to sleeping?" I teased.
He gave me a half smile. "I just gotta finish this report so I don't have to do anything later but send it."
"Alright babe. Don't stress out on it too much, okay?" I said kissing his cheek and leaning my head on his shoulder.
"I won't." he said. "You should get some sleep."
"Alright." I said taking my head off his shoulder and leaning back on my seat.
"Why'd you do that?" He suddenly asked making me look at him confused.
"Do what?"
"Take your head off my shoulder."
"Cause I didn't wanna give you a hard time cause you're working." I stated.
"Well, come back here."
"Clingy." I teased as I leaned back on his shoulder.
"I'm always clingy to you." he said and kissed the top of my head.
I smiled and rolled my eyes. "Yeah, I think it's obvious."
He chuckled lightly. "Get some rest, love."
I followed him and let myself drift off to sleep.
~*~
"Nina, time to get up. We're about to land." I heard Jake say as he rubbed my arm up and down and then I felt lips on my temple.
I groaned and sat up rubbing my eyes. Good thing I didn't put any make up on.
"Sorry, was I on you the whole time?" I said trying to shake off the sleep.
I noticed that Jake's coat was on me and that I was wrapped around his arm.
"It's fine, love. How'd you sleep?" He asked as I adjusted on my chair.
"Great. Here, thanks." I said giving him back his coat and kissing his cheek. "Did you finish your work and get some rest?"
He nodded. "Yeah. It only took me an hour and a half, then I got some sleep afterwards."
"Good." I said nodding.
"Ladies and gentlemen. We are about to land in five minutes. Please return to your seats and buckle your seatbelt. Thank you." a flight attendant said through the microphone.
We buckled our seatbelt and did as they said.
We finally landed fifteen minutes later and we all started to pile out.
"Come on, let's get our luggage." Jake said getting a hold of my hand.
Once we got our suitcases we headed outside where there were people holding up signs.
I saw a card that said, Mr. J. Hawkins and Ms. N. Maxfield. A man in a uniform greeted us.
He took our suitcases and led us to a white limo.
I looked at Jake. "Wow, white limo?" I teased.
"You know my mother, we Hawkins' ride in style." he said making me chuckle.
"Of course you do." I said as he let me in first.
He got it and closed the door as the driver closed the back and went to the front.
"To the hotel, sir?" The driver asked.
"Yeah." Jake said wrapping his arm around me.
"Where exactly are we checked-in?" I asked curiously.
I didn't even know where the hotel is, or where the fashion show's gonna be. All I know is that we'll be staying here for four days and three nights.
"Well, according to mom the driver knows where it is, cause she sure as hell wouldn't tell me." he said making me chuckle and shake my head.
I rested my head on his shoulder as I looked out the window enjoying the sights. It was my first time in Milan and I say, it is really beautiful. I can't wait to explore and take pictures.
After a few minutes Jake spoke up. "I know where we're checking in now."
I looked up at him. "Where?"
"Here apparently." he said nodding to something up front. "Carlton Hotel."
I looked forwards and saw that we already stopped at the hotel.
"Wow, nice choice. Did your mom pick it?" I asked as he helped me out the car.
"Yeah. She also reserved the room for us, all we have to do is get the key." he said taking my hand and leading me to the front desk.
"Good afternoon, how may I help you?" The lady with a thick accent in the front desk said politely.
"Yes, we reserved a room under the name of Jamie Hawkins." Jake said so professionally.
"One moment please." the lady said before turning to the computer and typing away. After a few seconds she turned back to us. "I'm sorry sir, but there isn't a reservation under the name."
Jake and I looked at each other with confused faces.
"How about Jake Hawkins?"
The lady nodded and went back to the computer.
"Yes, there is a Jake Hawkins." she said. "I'm assuming that you're Mr. Hawkins?"
Jake relaxed and nodded. "Yes, I am."
"May I see some ID, please?"
"Of course." he said letting go of my hand and got his wallet from his coat's pocket. He handed the lady his ID and after a few seconds she gave it back.
"Thank you, sir. You reserved the Art Déco Suite for four days and three nights. Your check out time is at 12nn."
Jake nodded. "Yes, thank you."
"The bell boy will assist you to your room," she said waving over a bell boy. "If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask. Here is your room key. We hope you enjoy your stay here at Carlton Hotel."
"Thank you." Jake said smiling politely at her.
He then wrapped an arm around my shoulder. "Come on, love."
"Thanks." I said and the lady nodded smiling back.
We followed the bell boy to the elevators. We stopped at the fourth floor and he led us to our room.
The room was beautiful and the view according to the bell boy was of Via Senato which was breathtakingly amazing.
The bell boy put our bags down and Jake tipped him.
"Thank you, sir. Is there anything else you need?"
"No, we're fine. Thank you."
"Enjoy your stay." The bell boy nodded and went out of the room closing the door behind him.
I immediately went to the balcony and looked at the mesmerizing view.
"Wow." I breathed out.
I felt arms wrap around me and a chin rest on my shoulder. I turned my head and kissed his cheek.
He looked at me and smiled.
"Come on, let's take a pic." I announced untangling myself from him and turning around, making the view our background.
He chuckled lightly and went behind me. He wrapped his arms around my shoulders and rested his chin on his arm sticking his head beside mine.
I held up my camera and we both smiled.
"Okay, my turn." he said untangling his arms and taking out his phone.
He then went beside me and wrapped one of his arms around my shoulder and pulled me close. I wrapped my arms around his waist and smiled at the camera.
The camera clicked and he announced that we take another one.
The second one caught me by surprise cause as I smiled at the camera he kissed my cheek as the camera clicked.
"Hey." I said giggling.
He chuckled with me and kissed my nose making me wrinkle it up. He then brought his lips to mine and we closed the space between us.
I heard a camera click, but I really couldn't care right now. I was too engrossed with Jake's lips.
Of course we had to pull away for some air and as usual we leaned our foreheads together and just stared into each others eyes.
"I love you." I said.
He smiled. "Love you, too."
~*~
"You ready, love?"
We were getting ready to have dinner with Jamie. We were meeting her at the restaurant which is a ten minute drive from here.
He was wearing a navy blue sweater over his white button down shirt with the collar showing paired with some dark jeans.
I decided on wearing a simple white strapless lace dress that hugged my body and ended about mid thigh. I put on a black quarter sleeved blazer and black pumps.
I got my bag and put my room key inside before zipping it up and turning to Jake.
"Okay, I'm done." I said smiling walking to him. I noticed that he already had on his black coat and my beige coat was hanging on his arm.
"You look beautiful." He said as he pecked my lips.
"Thanks. You look great too." I said fixing his collar.
"Thanks, love." he said and helped me with my coat.
He got my hand and we headed out of the room and to the elevator.
There was a car waiting for us and the driver already knew the directions.
After ten minutes we arrived at the restaurant. There was a queue outside but we went straight in knowing that Jamie was already waiting.
"Good evening. Do you have any reservations?" The man in front asked.
"Yes, we're with Mrs. Jamie Hawkins." Jake said.
The man looked at his list then back at us. "Right this way."
He led us inside and got our coats for us. After that he led us to a booth beside the window. Jamie was already seated as a waiter poured some champagne into her glass.
Jamie saw us and stood up as we got to the table.
"Oh, hello, darlings!" She said hugging me first.
I hugged her back. "Hi, Jamie."
We pulled away and she held me at arms length looking at me up and down. "Well, you look beautiful."
"Doesn't she always." Jake stated making my cheeks heat up a little.
Jamie chuckled lightly. "Of course."
She then moved to Jake. "Hello, sweetie." She said kissing his cheek and hugging him.
"Hey, mom." he said hugging her back.
One of the things I love about Jake is that he isn't embarrassed to get kissed on the cheek by his mother in public.
We soon sat down, Jake letting me slide in first.
"Did you get checked in alright?" Jamie asked.
Jake nodded. "Yeah. Thanks for the room mom."
"Oh, it's no problem sweetheart. I'm two floors down if you need me." she said then looked at something or some behind us.
She smiled and stood up. "Hi, sweetie."
Jake and I turned to see a man that looked about Jake's age. He was roughly the same height as Jake and they had the same blue eyes but the man had much lighter brown hair than Jake.
"Hi, aunt Jamie." He said hugging her tight.
Jake then stood up. "Hey, bro. Long time no see." he said enthusiastically as they did one of those guy hugs, or whatever you called it.
I stood up as well, not wanting to be rude.
"Yeah, how are you man?" He asked smiling widely.
"Pretty good actually." Jake said nodding.
"That's good to hear." he said, then his eyes landed on me. "You must be Nina, am I right? I'm Lee Hawkins, Jake's cousin." He said offering his had.
I smiled at him as we shook hands. "Nice to meet you.
"It's finally great to meet you too. I've heard so much about you." he said as we all sat down.
"Really?"
He nodded. "Yeah, from the media, but mostly from Jake. That boy cannot stop talking about you."
That made me blush.
"Not true." Jake immediately defended making Jamie and Lee chuckle.
"Oh, believe me it's true. The boy talks about you like you're a goddess. But obviously in Jake's eyes, you are." Lee continued.
I felt my cheeks heat up more making Lee chuckle.
"Oh, stop harassing my girl, Lee." Jamie scolded trying to hide the amusement in her voice.
"Aww, look at them aunt Jamie. They match. They're both blushing."
I looked at Jake and saw that his cheeks had a tinged of pink.
Jake groaned. "When did you get so annoying?" He complained.
"Just tonight. Cause you didn't tell me your girlfriend was coming."
"I thought mom told you."
"You expect me to remember to tell him stuff? I have a lot on my mind." Jamie defended an amused smile on her face. "And I thought it was obvious already."
"Yeah, Jake. Stop depending on aunt Jamie to tell me stuff that you're supposed to tell me."
"But-" Jake started but ended up groaning. "Can we please just order?"
"Already did sweetheart. You just have to order drinks." Jamie said waving over a waiter. "I hope you like seafood pasta, Nina."
"Yeah, that's great." I said smiling. I actually love seafood pasta.
"Yes, ma'am?" The waiter said.
"I'll have some iced tea please." Jamie said and the waiter jotted it down.
"I'll get an iced tea as well." Lee said.
"What do you want, love?" Jake asked me. "They don't serve smoothies here."
"Boo." I muttered.
Jake chuckled lightly and kissed my temple. "Same here."
He then turned to the waiter. "Two lemonades please."
The waiter jotted it down. "Anything else?"
"Maybe later. Thank you." Jamie said and the waiter nodded and turned around.
"Craving smoothies?" Lee said.
Jake shrugged. "You know me, I always want a strawberry smoothie with my food."
Lee rolled his eyes. "Oh, I know."
"Hey, Nina. Wanna ditch Jake later after dinner and get a smoothie with me?"
I chuckled at that and shrugged. "Yeah, sure."
"You're ditching me for this bozo?" Jake said faked hurt.
"Hey, I want a smoothie." I defended.
He rolled his eyes. "Too bad, I want one too, so I'm coming."
"Damn, I thought I was gonna get her alone so I could spill embarrassing things about you."
Jake turned to Lee. "Try and I'll make sure Kate knows about your embarrassing moments as well."
Lee raised his hands in mocked surrender. "White flag."
"Good." Jake said smiling triumphantly as he draped his arm on the sofa behind me.
"Excuse me, here are your drinks." the waiter said placing our drinks on the table. "And you're appetizers."
Another waiter came and placed down some salad and garlic bread.
"Kate?" I asked curiously.
"She's his three year girlfriend."
"Wow, three years?"
Lee nodded proudly. "Yup. I love her to pieces." He said getting some salad and handing it to me.
I shook my head. "No thanks."
Jake grabbed the salad from him and put some on his plate. "Nina doesn't eat salad."
"Here, love." He said placing two pieces of garlic bread on my plate.
"Thanks."
"Aww, so sweet." Lee commented.
"Right?" Jamie agreed smiling at us making me chuckle lightly as I took a bite of the bread.
"Speaking of Kate, when are you gonna pop the question then?" Jake challenged.
Lee shrugged. "I was planning on doing it on our anniversary on May next year."
Jamie then turned to Lee. "You're proposing to Kate next year?"
"Well, planning..." Lee said as he took a bite of his salad.
"Well, make sure when you decide to propose, that she's the one you want to spend your entire life with." Jamie reminded him in a motherly tone.
"Wise words from mother dearest right there." Jake commented making me chuckle.
"Well, great aunt Jamie. Now, you got me thinking." he said. "I'm kidding, I love Kate. I'm just not sure about the timing and stuff. Anyways, moving on. So, what are you guys gonna do after the fashion show tomorrow?"
"Speaking of the show, its gonna start at 6:30 and end at 8:00. There's gonna be a cocktail party so it'll probably end 10:00-11:00." Jamie informed us.
Jake and I exchanged glances and then we looked back at Lee. "With that said, we are gonna sleep."
"You guys are so boring. But, fine. I'll meet you the next day for lunch and then we can go sight seeing and I'm sure Nina would want to shop." He said smiling knowingly at me.
The waiter came back and served our food. There was seafood pasta, and what looked liked fish in white sauce that looked good.
I smirked. "We've only met and you already know me so well."
Jake put some pasta on my plate and handed it to Jamie as I got the fish and put it on his plate and then on mine.
"That is so weird how you know each other so well, and you've only been dating for a few months." Lee commented as he put some food on his plate.
"Oh, you don't know how much time they spend together, so it doesn't surprise me that they know each other so well already." Jamie said an amused smile on her face as she began to eat some pasta.
"Hmm, lets make this dinner interesting." Lee said with a knowing smile on his face.