When I found you... Chapter 22(Jaevon Fanfic)

Devon was stuck in the middle of a traffic jam worsened by the heavy downpour of the rain. She cursed and started honking the horns of an apple green mini-cooper, which was a gift from her grandmother.

Devon looked at her phone again and got irritated even more. She threw it carelessly on the dashboard when there was still no signal.

Damn, she cursed under her breath. James would have called a dozen times by now and she could almost imagine him worried sick, frantically calling her.

Devon looked up at the dark sky, thinking the rain would take a while before it will stop. The cars before her started moving. One block ahead, she took a left turn away from the traffic of the highway and got home safely.

Carrying with her the light traveling bag, she ran the remaining steps towards the door of her two-storey cottage-style house. She shook off the raindrops from her hair and rummaged through her bag for the key. She went inside and immediately checked her voice mail if there’s any message from James.

Oh… there’s none. Maybe he’s busy, she thought, a little disappointed.

I’ll just call him later.

She went upstairs and headed directly to her bedroom. She put her things beside her bed and went to the bathroom.

After a refreshing shower, she decided to leave the unpacking of her luggage later as exhaustion from the tiring journey finally seeped through- and she fell asleep almost instantly.

The shrill sound of a doorbell woke her up with a start. She looked at her bedside clock to find that she has been asleep for an hour.

Wondering who could it be, she went down to answer the door and found a harassed-looking FedEx delivery man. She could see that the heavy rain still hasn’t stopped. She accepted the package, curious of what’s inside and found out that it was from James. Thanking the delivery man, she hurriedly closed the door and went to sit at a comfy sofa in her cozy living room. As she opened the package a note fell.

Devon,

I want you to use this. I’ve already had it unlocked and it’s ready for your perusal.

I’ve already put all the important numbers on speed dial. Just press one for my cellphone number, and use face time whenever I call. Press two for my home number in Australia. Press three for my condo number in the Philippines. Press four for my office number in Australia. Press five for my office number in the Philippines. Oh, and then press six for emergency.

By the way, I’ve stored my parents’ number. They want to talk to you. You can call them anytime you want. I’ve already wired your house with Wi-Fi.

P.S. any moment now, I’m gonna call. Answer it immediately. Love you.

Jaime

How am I gonna remember all of that?! Devon thought exasperatedly.

She opened the box and saw another note. It’s an instruction on how to use face time. She took the Apple 4G iPhone and saw 42 missed calls. She was about to dial one when the phone rang. She frantically answered the phone while following the instructions James wrote.

She then saw the face of the man she missed… so much. She smiled upon seeing him. But her smile faltered when she saw the ominous look on James’ handsome face.

“What took you so long? Didn’t you understand my instructions? I specifically wrote there that I would be calling and you must answer it immediately!”

“Well, I just did! For your information, I just received the phone. The delivery was delayed due to the storm. It’s been raining here since last night!”

Embarrassed silence came on James’ side.

“Oh… well, they’re not good at delivering as they’ve claimed! They’re 30 minutes late. In that case, I better sue them for giving me the wrong information!”

Devon couldn’t help herself but laugh out loud.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Because you’re so adorable when you’re angry… your ears turn red, the way your eyebrows meet looks cute and the crinkling of your nose makes me long to pinch it and your cheeks get all red while your eyes darken just like the way it does when you kiss me.”

Devon smiled at him teasingly. James was caught off guard that he was trying his damnedest not to smile at the compliment.

James cleared his throat and changed the topic.

“Oh by the way, I’ll be coming home tomorrow. I’ll call you.”

“What? No! There’s a typhoon coming. It’s dangerous for you to fly in this weather.”

“No, I’ll be there.”

Devon sighed knowing how stubborn James is once he makes a decision.

“Before I forget, why did you buy me this phone? I already have my blackberry.”

“The hell with blackberry. Throw it. I don’t care. Use the phone I gave you from now on.”

“What?! I-…” Devon started to protest but was cut off by James.

“No more discussion about this. You owe me this much. You always made me worry every time you missed to answer my call. And also I could get to see your face every time I want to when I want to.”

Devon, thinking that there’s no way she could win this argument, just opened another topic.

“What is this emergency number, by the way? The police station?”

“No, of course not! They’re not reliable. It’s the number for your personal bodyguard from our security team of the company. Bruce has been with us for 25 years. He’s very good at his job. He was once my bodyguard when I was a kid so he’s like an uncle to me. He could be your bodyguard, chauffeur or personal assistant. Whatever you want.”

“Why should I need a bodyguard? I can take care of myself. I’ve been taking care of myself and my baby sister since my parents died. I don’t need a bodyguard.”

“Well that was before. We don’t know what will happen in the future and I can’t be with you every day.”

“And what’s with the chauffeur and personal assistant? I can drive and manage on my own, James.”

“Devon, I’m aware of your capabilities. I know you’re responsible, competent and smart. I know you can take care of yourself. But I am here now…to protect you and to take care of you. I want to give you the best of things in life. I want you to be happy. So just let me, okay?”

Devon sighed and conceded for she knew she can’t win this argument.

They talked for almost an hour about work, developments with the renovation of the villa, the things that occupied their time and how much they miss each other.

The yellow rays of the sun are streaming through the windows of a well-furnished office. James was shoving papers in his briefcase when his temporary secretary came in and announced that a Mr. Ryan Bang wants to see him. Wondering why Ryan was there, he closed his briefcase and told his secretary to let him come in.

“Hey, James!” Ryan greeted.

“What are you doing here?”

“Am I not welcome here?”

“That’s not what I meant. I was just surprised.”

“I’m just dropping by. I just came from a meeting with a client.”

“Oh, I see. How’s the new business going?”

“Oh, it’s going well. No problems as of the moment. Oh anyway, congratulations. Devon told me you’re together now.”Ryan said smiling and seated himself in one of the chairs.

“Oh, thanks.” James said, grinning broadly.

Ryan’s face turned serious and looked at James’ intently.

“You take care of her, dude. She’s a very nice girl. If you ever make her cry, I will make you pay.”

James was astounded. Ryan grinned at him.

“Just take care of her. She’s a special girl so make her happy.”

“Of course, I will.” James said grinning.

Ryan stood up and walked over to James. He extended his hand and James took it, clasping it tightly, sealing a promise made by two men who both love the same woman.

The dark sky, heavy rains and howling winds heightened the anxiety of a woman who’s pacing back and forth in her living room, keeping track of the time, jumping everytime she heard a sound of a car, clutching the phone close to her chest. Devon has been contacting James for 3 hours, but there’s still no news about him.

He should be here by now.

What if something happened to him?

Oh God no. Oh please no… James, where are you? Devon thought anxiously.

He’s such a hard-headed man!

I ought to throttle him!

When he comes back, I’m going to wring his neck for putting me through such worry!

Oh… please be safe… please, Jaime. Devon thought pleadingly and closed her eyes.

A few minutes later, her blackberry phone rang. She hurriedly took the phone and saw that it was her boss.

“Hello, Ms. Gutierrez. I have good news! There’s a new client who wants your service. And he’s paying a very high price for your designs.” Her boss said on the other line, sounding so enthusiastic.

“What? I… that’s good news, but, I’m still not done with my last project, sir.”

“It’s alright. He will need you after a month. He has some things to finish. You’re my lucky charm! You’ve been bringing in big clients, I’m very thankful.”

“I see. Thank you, sir.”

“Well, I just thought I’d inform you ahead of time. I’ll give you all the details two weeks before the scheduled meeting with the client.”

“Okay, sir.”

The call ended and still Devon can’t seem to ease the worry. She can’t find any comfort from the good news. Her mind is still on James’ whereabouts. She was sitting on the edge of the settee, when the doorbell rang, and jumped at the sound. She ran towards the door and immediately opened it.

When I found you... Chapter 21(Jaevon Fanfic)

The cold breeze from the sea ruffled the leaves and enfolded the lovers walking hand in hand by the shore. The light of the moon illuminated their features showing a lovely and a handsome face. Stars are twinkling happily in the sky sharing their lights to a love more profound than they’ve ever experienced.

The lovely couple stopped at the nearby cove. James placed a blanket beside a boulder and seated himself against it, pulling Devon down towards him. He positioned Devon between his bent legs, her back facing him. Devon, making herself comfortable, leaned back towards James pulling with her a comforter she brought from the villa. James encircled his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to his body.

“Thank you,” James said and kissed her on the temple.

“For what?” she asked, slightly tilting her head towards him.

“For showing me how to forgive… and for loving me.”

“I love you, Jaime,” Devon said and gave him a heart-melting smile.

James tipped her chin up and tilted her face towards him. He kissed her with all the love the love he had for her. She kissed him back with the entire ardor in her. Instead of saying the words of love, he showed her with all the love and passion he felt for her. He slowly shifted their position that Devon was now lying on her back, James looming above her. Her hands slowly crept up across his chest towards the back of his neck, pulling him closer. James’ hands were everywhere, caressing her thighs, the sides of her breasts, her arms, making her moan in his arms. He released her mouth and relished the flesh on her neck, kissing it with unrestrained passion. He wrapped his arms around her and took her mouth in a stormy, demanding kiss that shook her to the cove. She answered the demand by shifting her hands softly over his shoulders, gentling him. Devon was slowly sent to a sensual bliss, feeling only his lips and touch, sending warmth wherever he touched her. James suddenly stopped, his breathing hard and rugged, looking at the beauty in his arms. He looked at her lovingly, showering soft feather-like kisses on her face and neck. He lay on his back and pulled Devon with him. Their breathing and the frantic beating of their hearts slowed down to their normal tempo. Wrapped in his arms, Devon leaned her head on his chest. He unconsciously caressed her arm while looking at the luminous moon above. Devon listened to the lull beating of his heart, thinking of how James filled her life with love and happiness.

After a few moments of listening to the rhythmic beating of his heart, Devon fell asleep. James noticed the woman in his arms felt heavy and her slow, steady breathing showed that she’s in deep slumber. James pulled her closer and arranged the comforter around her snuggly. James closed his eyes, savoring the feel of her against him. He didn’t bother waking her up and just waited for the sun to rise.

The sun shone brightly above, giving a warmth feel to the busy people scurrying along the street. Devon accompanied James to the airport. She was holding James’ hand and felt a heavy feeling dwell in her heart, for the man she loves will be gone for days. James noticed the silent woman beside him. He knew what she was feeling. He stopped a few feet away from the private plane and faced the woman beside him. He lifted her chin and looked at those bleak eyes.

“I won’t be gone for long, sweetheart. I’m not dying! Don’t send me off with that face. I’m just a call away.” James said and kissed her forehead. Devon smiled at his quip.

“I’ll miss you. Call me when you arrive.”

“I will. Now, give me a smile.”

Devon gave her best smile and was awarded with a kiss on the lips.

It’s been two days since James’ departure. Devon was busy working at the villa. James calls her twice a day for hours at a time. She missed him so much that she tried to busy herself with work. She was checking the list of supplies delivered, when a familiar voice called her. Devon turned around and saw the tall, slit-eyed man she treasured as one of her dearest friends. She squealed and ran towards Ryan, hugging him tightly.

“Ryan! I’m so glad to see you. How have you been? What brings you here?” Devon asked excitedly.

“Hey… relax. You’re choking me!”

“Oooppss… sorry.” Devon said laughing, releasing her hold on him.

“I’m fine. I just want to see you. It’s been a long time since we last saw each other. You look lovelier.” Ryan said and kissed her on the cheek. Devon smiled.

“I’m almost done here. Why don’t you tour around first and we’ll have lunch later.”

“Okay, sure. I’d love to see your work.”

Ryan walked around the house while Devon continued her work. After an hour, they went out and had lunch together at a nearby restaurant. Ryan talked about his recent business ventures and his plans of doing it in Australia. They talked about anything while eating their lunch.

They went back to the villa and walked by the shore. Ryan was silently walking beside Devon, deep in thought. He was debating on how to declare his feelings towards her. He’s been delaying for almost three weeks now the opportunity of telling her how he feels. And now that he’s here, his courage deserted him. Ryan stopped in his tracks, fidgeting.

Devon looked at Ryan and sensed something is bothering him. She poked him by the ribs.

“Hey! What’s with the face?” Devon asked.

“Uhmm… Devon, it’s been weeks that I’ve been contemplating whether to tell you this or not…” Ryan nervously began. Devon looked at Ryan expectantly.

“I… uhmm… How do I say this?” Ryan stammered and Devon smiled encouragingly at him.

“I just want you to know… You’ve always been in my mind for these past weeks. I can’t help it but I like you and I think I’m falling in love with you,” Ryan confessed. Devon was speechless.

“There I said it!” Ryan said and let out a big sigh of relief.

When he saw Devon’s appalled look, he quickly reassured her, saying, “No, you don’t have to answer me now. I just want to say how I feel and get it off my chest. Don’t worry. I’m not expecting you to feel the same way.”

Devon smiled weakly. “Ryan, you’re a good person and I like you a lot… but only as a friend. James owns my heart now.”

“Oh… I see,” Ryan said disappointment evident in his face.

“I’m sorry,” Devon said.

“No, you don’t have to be sorry. I totally understand. And believe me, I’m happy for the both of you,” Ryan said, smiling at her.

“Thanks. We’re still friends, right?” Devon asked.

“Of Course.” He said and put his arms around her shoulders.

Ryan dragged her back to the villa and kept her company for the entire day. He stayed there for three days, taking Devon to lunch during the day and dinner at night, occasionally taking her for a stroll along the beach. Ryan showed a happy façade whenever he’s with Devon, but deep inside he’s crushed into a million pieces. But seeing her so happy when talking about James made all the hurt he is feeling worthwhile.

After 3 days of staying, he went to Australia to continue his new business venture.

Devon just received an urgent call from her boss, telling her to report to the office for a week. Because of this, she has been so busy preparing the important things needed for the villa while she will be away. She temporarily entrusted the responsibilities of managing the works on the villa to James’ secretary.

Amidst all the hustles and bustles of things, Devon misplaced her cellphone and when she found it on the kitchen counter during lunch time registering 41 missed calls from James, she immediately called him back.

James answered on the first ring.

“Devon? Is this you? Why didn’t you answer my calls? Is everything alright? Answer me!” James demanded.

“It’s me, will you calm down? Relax. I’m fine, Jaime.” Devon said amused.

“How could I calm down? I called you for like 41 times! You didn’t answer me!” he said raising his voice.

“I’m sorry, I’ve been busy. I misplaced my phone-”

“Busy with what?” James retorted, cutting her explanation short. Devon sighed.

“My boss called me and he wants me to come to the office for a week that’s why I’ve been busy preparing things needed for the villa while I’m gone.”

“Oh… you should have your phone with you at all times. I’m sorry. I just really miss you.”

“I miss you too.”

“Oh by the way, I have to extend my stay here. There are still things to be done.”

“Oh, okay,” Devon said a little disappointed. “We’ll just meet in my apartment then.”

“Alright. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

James hung up the phone and went to the conference room, wherein a meeting was held. James temporarily withheld the meeting just to answer Devon’s call. All the executives turned their heads to James, looking rather irritated. But they noticed a sudden change in him. He was rather in a good mood unlike moments before he took the call. The executives, curious and thankful of whoever or whatever the call is all about, resumed the meeting.

When I found you... Chapter 20(Jaevon Fanfic)

James went out of the bathroom draped only with a towel around his waist, drying his hair with a hand towel. Devon looked up absentmindedly at him, still thinking whether to tell James or not about the call. James noticed the furrowed brows and the troubled look on her face, misinterpreting it. Flashing a wicked smile at her, he walked over the cabinet and grabbed some clothes.

“Hey, relax. I’m not gonna bite you.” James said chuckling.

Devon came out from her reverie and looked up at him confused.

“What?” Devon asked and for the first time noticed his state of undress. She looked away and made herself busy, clumsily folding the remaining clothes. She even folded the blanket and puffed up the pillow, anything to distract her from the broad expanse of James chest which is making her heart beat so fast. James who was amused of her predicament, decided to tease her even more. He cleared his throat and walked over to her. Devon immediately turned to James and looked at him warily.

What is he going to do?

No… no…

Devon! Stop those thoughts!

He won’t do such a thing! Devon thought frantically.

James stalked her step by step until the back of her knees touched the edge of the bed causing her to fall on the pillows. James followed her down, bracing his arms on either side of Devon’s head and slowly bent his head, looking at her mouth. Devon’s heart was beating wildly. As James face was an inch closer, she closed her eyes and waited for the kiss. She felt his lips touch her forehead tenderly.

“You have a nice forehead.” James said huskily.

Devon, who was expecting a kiss on the lips, was startled at the tenderness of the action and the way he said those words.

“The things that play on your mind… Relax, I won’t pounce on you.” James said and stood up, pulling Devon with him. She smiled gratefully at him and was about to continue packing his things when James stopped her.

“Now, you tell me what’s been bothering you.”

“James… uhm… your dad called.”

James’ face hardened.

“What does he want? Did he say something bad to you?”

“No… no, nothing like that. It’s just that he’s here in the Philippines. He wants to see you. But, I told him you’ll be flying to Australia tomorrow, so he invited me instead for lunch and I accepted it.” She finished breathlessly, looking at James’ reaction.

Now, what is he up to? James thought. He walked over to the telephone and dialed a number.

“Hello, Mr. Gomez I can’t be there tomorrow. There’s been a change of plan. Reschedule all the meetings for this week. I’ll call you again.” James said and put down the receiver.

“What? Why are you canceling your trip?”

“You just said my father’s here. I don’t like the thought of you facing my father alone. Besides, I want to introduce you formally as my girlfriend.” James explained, grabbing his clothes and headed for the bathroom, leaving a worried yet hopeful Devon.

An elegant-looking couple was waiting for a very special person in their life. Excitement was evident in their faces. It’s been years since they last saw their son. And now, he’s bringing the girl who will hopefully be their daughter-in-law. They chose the best restaurant in town for the special occasion. They keep looking at the entrance door, hoping to see the son they’ve been missing.

The door opened and a young smiling couple walked in, looking so happy. Mr. and Mrs. Force almost did not recognize their son. The smile on James’ face lightened his features, looking affectionately at the young lady holding his arm. They stood up and waited for them to come to their table. James saw his parents and his face became expressionless. He just nodded in acknowledgment.

“Son! How are you? You look wonderful,” Mrs. Force greeted and looked at the woman beside him with a smile. “And you must be Devon. It’s a pleasure to have finally met you,” His mother continued and turned to her husband. “Sam was right, darling. She’s lovely.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, my dear.” Mr. Force said and extended his hand in greeting.

“The pleasure is mine.” Devon said to the both of them, shaking Mr. Force hand and kissed Mrs. Force on the cheek. They seated themselves and Mr. Force ordered for them. Upon seeing the food, Devon was fondly reminded of James’ habit of ordering a lot.

All the while, James was silent. He just looked at his parents with a bored expression. Although he’s suspicious of his father’s intention, he was still grateful of them for accepting Devon warmly unlike the way they treated Mikaela before.

“I saw your designs. Sam showed me some of it. I’m planning on renovating our house in Sydney and I was thinking of hiring you,” Mrs. Force said and turned to James. “Would you mind?”

“It’s not up to me. It’s her decision to make.”

“Oh, I’d love to.” Devon said, smiling at her. “How about I’ll give you a tour at the villa? So, it could give you some ideas on what you would like to change in your house.” She suggested and looked at James’ checking if it’s okay. James nodded in consent. The old couple beamed and cast a thankful look at Devon.

James was driving towards the villa with Devon followed by his father’s car.

“Your parents are really nice. You and your father are very much alike.” Devon said fondly.

“Really?” James asked sarcastically. Devon ignored the sarcasm and looked at James imploringly.

“James… couldn’t you find it in your heart to give them a chance? It seems to me their intentions are genuine.” At first, James didn’t say anything. But seeing Devon’s pleading face, he sighed.

“Alright. For you, I’ll try.”

Devon beamed and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

“Thank you… Jaime.”

James smiled and pulled her closer to him. She leaned her head on his shoulder.

“I love it when you call me Jaime.” James said lovingly and kissed the top of her head.

They stopped just around the bend and walked the remaining rocky path towards the villa.

“Wow! This place is beautiful. You work wonders, darling.” James’ mom exclaimed and looked at the villa admiringly.

“Thank you, Mrs. Force.”

“Oh just call me Kazel… or better yet… mom.” Mrs. Force said and glanced at James with a teasing smile. James’ dad grinned widely and looked at his son’s smile.

“James, can I talk to you?” Mr. Force asked his son. James nodded his consent and together they walked away from the ladies. The women busied themselves with touring the place and went inside.

“I know how you felt about me. I have not been a good father to you.”

“Well, I’m used to it.” James said cynically.

His father looked embarrassed but continued what he needed to say.

“Well, I’ve never been there for you. And I won’t be surprised if you despise me.”

“Will you just get straight to the point?”

“James… please… I want to make it up to you,” Mr. Force pleaded. “What do I have to do for you to accept me back into your life?”

James looked at his dad and saw the sincerity of his words.

“For the past few days, my life has nothing but joy. Devon filled me with love that even anger and resentment has no place in my heart. She gave meaning to my life… she gave me back my life.” James said and for the first time, smiled at his father. “I’m willing to give you a chance to be a father to me.” He continued and extended his hand.

Mr. Force was in tears. He walked over to his son and clasped his hand tightly in his. He looked gratefully at his son and gave him a tight hug.

“Thank you, my son.”

James smiled and hugged his father back.

The sun was setting, when James and Devon accompanied his parents to their car. They said their goodbyes and invited Devon to visit them in Australia. The old couple got in the car and drove away from the young couple who was holding each other, waving at them with warm smiles on their faces.