Story: What You {Jonas Brothers} Left Behind...Twenty Four

Chapter Twenty Four

Birthday

March 21. aka my birthday.

You’d think my excitement would be overflowing, I’d be jumping up and down—possibly on Joseph or any of the Jonas boys—or ordering people around just because it was my day.

I did feel that way when I woke up this morning in my room, where Joe and I had fallen asleep last night just after midnight. Except there was no boyfriend, no fiancé, no love of my life, anywhere within range.

Had he forgotten?

It seemed illogical since he gave me a very tender birthday kiss once the clock struck twelve—marking the start of today, one seriously important date in my short eighteen years of life.

None of the Jonases answered the door when I walked over.

I gave no boys a ride to school on this chilly Friday.

There were no boys, well specific boys with insane amounts of hair and clothing taste, at their lockers. Had their fan base finally kidnapped them? On my birthday, of all days?

Mina was trying to cheer me up at lunch, not sure what was wrong. I never told anyone when my birthday was—to avoid moments like these. Celebrating anything had been reserved for that one family alone.

Her sweet, tiny hand rubbed my back as I stared at the table, my arms folded atop it. “Why so glum, Alex?” If it was possible, we had grown closer since she started dating Nick last Saturday after our double date. We went to Abby’s Diner, which everyone had been thrilled about. The food was that fantastic.

Then, off to the theatre where we saw 10,000 B.C. The boys has raved about Camilla Belle for the rest of the night, which included getting Rita’s Italian Ice. Yes, in late winter. Mina had then begun spending time at the Jonas household, the place I called my own residence too.

“Nothing. It’s just…” I sighed, my terribly crushed mood tabooing the urge to read one of my routine books at lunch, “I haven’t seen Joe or any of them today.” Amy rolled her eyes, chewing her sandwich, “Come on, Alex. You spend all your time with them, what’s one day?!”

I slowly shook my head, eyes downcast, chin resting on my arms now, “You wouldn’t understand.” My voice was gone; therefore I didn’t have the strength or nerve to explain how special today actually was. I was too melancholy. Imagine a monumental day such as becoming an official adult and none of the people you loved, treasured, were there to celebrate. I was hurt more than angry.

Suddenly, a voice started to fill the loud, chatting cafeteria, clear as bell and oh-so familiar, “Happy Birthday to you…” I had heard that voice sing more times than I could count; low and deep. Husky, even.

I turned around and there, standing at the two door entrance, were my guys, my boys—Kevin included. Joe stood in the middle, dressed handsomely in a buttoned shirt with a shimmery black jacket, hair flat-ironed to perfection.

“Happy Birthday to you!” Joe squeezed his eyes, his voice growing louder at the last word; hitting a high octave. The intensity warmed my heart, all previous emotions gone—replaced with adoration.

Kevin and Nick stood on either side of their singing brother, each with a cupcake in their hands. They held a number candle, 1 and the other, 8. How clever, right? They harmonized with Joe as they slowly strolled my way. The cafeteria had fallen silent, enjoying the free mini concert.

“Happy Birthday…dear Alex…”

The Jonas Brothers stopped in front of me and Joe took the two treats and placed them together, forming the age I was turning: 18. He leaned forward, almost parallel to my face and smiled beautifully as his voice dropped low, “Happy Birthday….to….” the whole room was singing now, but I only focused on Joseph, whose eyes never once broke from mine.

“You…” he, Nick and Kevin trailed in a soft coo.

I was beaming. I was complete. This topped all previous parties, including the cake fight of ’98. And the clown terror of ’95. Those were tough events to overcome. But this did without effort. The fact they would do something as intimate as sing to me with cupcakes was exactly how I pictured the ultimate birthday.

“Make a wish,” Joe whispered, his face alight with excitement. He pressed his lips to my hair, possibly more overjoyed than I was. I could have easily bated with him, saying I had everything I could ever want already. But knowing him and his love of celebrating birthdays, holidays and events, he had things up his sleeve for me.

So I blew out of the candles and everyone broke out in cheers and applause. Joe and I simply shared a kiss, while he helped me stand wordlessly. Our no PDA agreement had gone out the window awhile ago. “I’m sorry for hiding all morning, but we just wanted to surprise you.”

I slid my arms around his slim waist and he maneuvered the cupcakes into one hand, hugging my back with the other, “You’re forgiven. Thank you for this.” I grinned when I let go and catapulted into Nick and Kevin, giving them a double hug, “Thank you so much. I love you guys.”

They were smiling and both chucked me under the chin, a notion from years prior that still stuck, “You’re welcome, Alex. Happy Birthday!” Joe’s hand slid in mine and I looked up to find a mischievous grin on his face, “There aren’t enough cupcakes to go around…”

He suddenly whistled and the three lunch ladies came out of the kitchen, each pushing chrome carts filled with trays upon trays of cupcakes—enough for every person in the student body…and faculty.

Everyone rushed forward, giving Joe and me the chance to sneak out. We walked hand in hand, fingers laced while my boyfriend led. He took us to the gym and up the bleachers to the very top.

“Come here, birthday girl.” Joe pulled me into his lap, facing him. He set his feet on the metal bench below us, leaning his back on the concrete wall. I smiled and kissed him passionately, incredibly blessed to have someone as beautiful and loving as Joseph Jonas just for me.

When I lifted away, I cupped his neck, savoring this tender moment. “What would you do if I said I wanted to marry you—right now?” He chuckled low and set the treats beside us, then slid his hands up and down my sides, “Well, are we still planning on eloping to Vegas? If so, let’s go hop on a jet, baby.”

I smirked, knowing all too well he was joking—that even before, when he joked to his family (once he stopped choking that same night at dinner) that we would never elope to Vegas….at least not without bringing his parents and brothers.

“Funny.”

Joseph leaned forward, locking our eyes together in a heavenly stare, “Whatever you want, Alex, you’ll get.” I rolled my eyes, thinking he was being his usual ridiculous self. I was surprised when he held my face affectionately, his gaze penetrating—unyielding.

“I’m serious. There aren’t enough gifts or treasures in the world that could make up all the time we missed and all the things I would have showered you with.”

I raised an eyebrow coyly, still straddling him. Maybe he actually meant it. I threaded my hands into the back of his hair, clutching the thick strands enticingly, “A shower with you sounds wonderful, actually. I want that.”

It amused me to no end, seeing my boyfriend blush and try to change the subject. I was rather devious when it came to sensuality. “Here, eat your cupcake.” Letting it slid—we were in school—I took the dessert and sucked the icing off the candle alluringly, just to torment Joseph.

Hey, I was, after all, the birthday girl.

----

“We gotta hurry and pack you a bag, babe.” Joe pulled me from the car towards my front door. I glanced back at Nick and Mina, who were smiling back at us as they headed for the Jonas house, hand in hand.

My feet practically slid over the ground from my boyfriend’s hardy, continuous tugging. “Pack? Joseph, what are you talking about?” He only shot me a wink, running up the stairs and into my room. I collapsed onto the bed, chest heaving.

I stayed there, listening the constant bustling of Joe roaming around the small room. When it abruptly went silent, I opened my eyes to find Joe’s staring straight back, not a foot from my face. “That isn’t creepy at all.” His lips twitched and he lifted a hand to tuck my hair behind me ear, “You’re gorgeous, you know that?”

I smiled, scooting closer to touch my lips to his, “Thanks, hon. Now, what do you have up your sleeve?” Joe grinned and slid off the bed, sitting on his knees. “Just my guns.” He flexed and kissed his biceps, teeth flashing triumphantly. I rolled my eyes, turning onto my back, “I see you’re not going to tell me. I just won’t go along then.”

His body suddenly covered mine, pressing lightly on top of me. I felt the contours of his robust physique—his hipbones on my stomach, his thighs against mine, the natural bulge surrounding the front of his jeans. I closed my eyes and almost moaned, flashing back to that one night. Even if Joseph had been scrawny and less matured, it still had been incredible.

His hand brushed my cheek and I reopened my eyes, positive they were glossy from the pleasurable memory. “Got it that bad for me, huh?” I wrinkled my nose and whacked his arm, “Don’t flatter yourself so much, Joseph.” He smirked and bent down for another kiss, cupping the back of my neck.

I slid my arm under his shirt, lifting it up to reveal tanned flesh and wrapped around his sculpted back. My legs entwined with his and whether intentionally or not, Joe pressed his body closer to mine. Simultaneously, we pulled apart with a gasp.

Any more and we might’ve gone too far. Our next time wasn’t going to happen where it all started. Joe cleared his throat, “I already put some of the necessities for what I have planned, so, uh, put whatever else you need in there. I’m gonna go get my stuff. Dress kinda formal…and warm.”

He gave me a quick kiss before pushing himself off me and situating his shirt again, “You like solving mysteries. Just go with it. I love you.” I sat up, smiling, “Love you too.” I watched him go and then finished packing my suitcase. I had an idea of what he had planned, but with Joe, you just never, ever knew.

----

“A limo? A limo, Joseph?” I tapped one of my black leather boots on the sidewalk outside his house, where a sleek limousine was waiting for us. The heavy white petticoat hung unbuttoned on my slim shoulders, keeping my petite body warm. Our few luggage was being loaded in the trunk by the driver.

That adorable boy smiled tentatively, those long bangs falling into his eyes, “Don’t you want to arrive in style? This way,” he cautiously looped his arm around me, pressing me against him once more. His face neared mine, our breath tangling. “We can focus on each other and not the road.”

Those cinnamon eyes were glistening with hope and excitement, instantly melting my bitter resolve on flashy cars. I loved working on them, but not riding in them. Unless it was for some street racing, but a limo was the worst choice for that.

“Fine…you better be up to something great.” I took his hand and we waved to the family watching from the doorway. Joe winked at me, “Trust me.” I always would. He let me slide in first, the smell of new leather wafting in the warm air. The driver shut the door as we settled in, my boyfriend twining our hands together.

“Will you tell me where we’re going, at least?” Joe shook his head, swiftly kissing my cheek, “Nope, everything’s a surprise.” I turned towards him, “Haven’t I had enough for one day? Please…” I offered a small kiss. “Not giving in.”

I crossed my arms, pretending to be upset. Joe chuckled in amusement and grabbed my hips, scooting my legs onto his lap. He gently yanked until I was sitting on him and smiled, immediately sucking on my neck. His hands removed my jacket, then shrugged out of his. It mostly definitely was getting toasty.

All throughout the ride—with the divider up thankfully, soundproof—Joe and I fooled around. I had a gigantic hickey on my neck, not that I minded. I couldn’t remember the last time I had one. My delectable boyfriend had lost his button-up, the one he had changed into back at home and was bare-chested for my viewing.

My top had ridden up, the stitched band around the strapless item of tough plum silk keeping if from revealing my bra. Our hair was heavily mussed, undoubtedly revealing what we were doing. As Joe dipped down to my neck again, ensuring his hickey was there to stay for awhile, a blindfold slipped over my eyes.

“Joe!” He chuckled, “Just play along…please?” I sighed, defeated once more, “You are so gonna get it later, Joseph Adam.” He groaned, “No, not the middle name.” I smirked, rubbing his neck, “Yep.” His lips touched mine, “You’ll change your mind when we get there, I know it.”

I huffed, sitting up with my beau’s help, “Yeah, and I have this gigantic mark on my neck for everyone to see.” Joe kissed my hand, “We’re almost there. Just hang tight.” I sighed again, unable to do anything but allow him to keep me in the dark.

“Mr. Jonas? We’ve arrived.” I heard rustling and assumed Joe was putting his shirt back on, “Thanks, George.” I felt his hands on the tie of the blindfold, “You ready, Alex?” I nodded, squeezing his leg. I could finally see and glanced out the window. My mouth parted as I saw where we had parked at, “Joseph…”

He ducked his head, chuckling, “You always wanted to come here.” Here being the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. I turned to him, astonished, “We’re staying there? Seriously?” He nodded, grinning, “Yep.” I took his chin and kissed him deeply. I’m sure our faces were glowing with such copious amounts of affection. “I’ll take that as a good thing. And I don’t want to hear that this is too much. It’s not.”

I smiled, shrugging my coat back on, “You’re wonderful, Joe.” My boyfriend took something out of his coat pocket and handed it to me, “You’re beautiful. Happy Birthday.” I took the long, thin wrapped gift and tore it open.

I laughed at the resourcefulness, “A scarf, how convenient—like you knew you were going to give me a hickey.” Joe laughed with me as he looped the baby blue material, which felt like butter against my skin, “I gotta be on top of my game, A. Besides, this color makes your eyes pop.”

I blushed, then giggled, “Pop, good word. Are we going in or not?” He smirked, showing that rugged appeal to him, “Told you this would be awesome.” George opened the door and Joe got out, offering his hand for me. I took it, “I never said I doubted you.”

-----

The room was spectacular, or the suite I should say. It was spacious, with a wide living room that had an attached kitchenette and breakfast island. The bedroom was in a separate room, closed behind rich double doors. Everything was almost too pristine to touch. It was like a dream.

We didn’t stay long as Joseph briefly explained we had dinner reservations somewhere. I was gradually assuming what he had planned. There was this delicious Italian restaurant that I adored in Manhattan and Joe took me there. I couldn’t believe he remembered these small details after so many years had past.

We strolled leisurely back to the hotel, relishing the alone time together as a real couple in an actual city. Snow began to fall as we returned to the room, escaping the chilly air. Joe kissed my temple with his surprisingly warm lips, cradling me in his arms as if I was porcelain, “I love you, Alex. Happy Birthday.” I smiled, looking up at him in the well lit sitting room. He was just too good-looking for his own good. “A very happy indeed, all thanks to you, my love.”

He held me close in silence, leaning his jaw against my hair. I ran my hands over his back slowly, dotingly. I was so exceedingly blessed. Joe’s voice was soft and low, sending a shiver down my spine at the irresistible tone, “We should get ready for bed.”

I hadn’t realized how late it was until I glanced at the clock. It was nearing midnight. We must have stayed at the restaurant conversing and enjoying the atmosphere longer than I had thought. I stepped back, lacing one of our hands together up by our chests, “I’ll just go change real quick. Maybe we could watch the snow fall out here for a bit?”

Joe smiled, squeezing his grip, “Whatever you want. I do have one last present for you when you get back though.” I nodded, dropping our hands and heading for the bedroom. I snuck one more look at him, standing so gloriously handsome, being his normal self and my heart melted as he shot me one of his gorgeous smiles.

I brushed my hair in the mirror of the bathroom, now wearing my night attire, which consisted of one of my boyfriend’s large shirts. I kept grinning to myself, amazed to have someone so extraordinary and so normal at the same time.

I smoothed the tee before I opened the door, the light shining into the dimly lit bedroom. Candles were the only source of light, illuminating it in a golden glow. Illuminating him in a heavenly golden glow.

Smack dab in the middle of the square beam of light was Joseph, sitting smack dab in the middle of the large bed, leaning back on his elbows—shirtless. His smile was small and slightly bashful, yet intensely alluring. It was sweet too, so many emotions in one. How he could give me such a look in that understated talent of his, which caused every girl to faint, was remarkable.

“Happy Birthday, my love.”

My lips couldn’t have created a more loving, soft upturn. My entire being was turning into mush at the adorably sexy image. A silver bow was stuck to his forehead, meshing well with his tousled black hair. Another, much larger one was on his naked chest.

I let the side of my body fall into the doorframe as I smiled whimsically, “And what exactly is my gift?” Joe’s cheeks reddened as he looked down, “Isn’t it obvious?” He flicked his hair back and my breath caught at his smoldering gaze, those eyes dark with lust, “Me.”

My heart was beating frantically, yet I managed to purse my lips in amusement, standing up straight again, “I would’ve never guessed.” In one swift lift, my shirt covering my body was gone, leaving me in matching black lace lingerie. Joe’s stance faltered and he had to quickly catch himself, “You knew?”

Flipping the bathroom light off, I walked over to him, “You whisked me off to a penthouse suite in New York City, showered me with gifts and my favorite restaurant… and your brothers didn’t come. I kinda put it together, babe, like you said I would.” He chuckled, scratching his head, “And I thought it was such a flawless plan.”

I leaned down to his level, in front of the bed and rested my hands on his skinny jean-clad knees, “It was, Joseph.” My lips brushed his and we lost ourselves in the tender, desired-filled stare, “You are.” Joe pulled me forward gently, cupping my neck with one hand, “No, you’re flawless. More than the diamond on that chain.”

Ever so slowly, we lowered down to the bedding, my boyfriend still below me. I kissed him passionately, merging our tongues together. I broke apart with my body arching into his, “Hardly.” I was silenced by another breathtaking kiss and my fingers went to Joe’s jeans, undoing the button and sliding down the zipper.

As he kicked out of them, his feet already bare, I moved my lips to his throat and sucked next to his Adam’s Apple, “I’ve missed you.” Joseph’s arms wrapped around my waist, tenderly caressing my skin, rolling us until he was hovering above me, “I missed you, Alex. More than you can know.”

I moaned when he bent his head and planted doting kissed all over the surface of my neck, then my collarbone. I gripped his muscular biceps and arched my back, “Joe…” He groaned as well, “The things you do, Alex…make me go crazy.”

I smiled and looped my arms and legs around his body, trapping us in a tangle of limbs, holding him as close as I could, “Then let’s go crazy together.” My boyfriend lifted his head to look at me, the bangs shadowing his face in a captivating appeal of just how truly seductive he was. But his expression was mildly surprised, more aroused than anything. He captured my lips and didn’t detach them as his hands moved to unhook my bra.

This was the best birthday as of yet.

----

“Wow.”

Joe shook his head, his chest still rising heavily for breath, “No, wwwwooooowww.” I laughed and rolled over onto my stomach, hugging my pillow as I smiled over at my one true love. I could feel myself glowing after-effects. Joe’s grin looked too happy for one human being to achieve. (Good thing he’s from the planet SZ315, right?)

He sat up on his side, propping his head in his hand—the ultimate post-sex position, “You are so beautiful.” I smiled wider, “You are so handsome…and sweaty.” A glint formed in his eye and before I could move, Joe rubbed his perspiring body over my bare back, “Ew! Get off!”

“Ew!” he mocked girlishly and then laughed at his own brilliance. I glared and punched his shoulder, “Real mature, babe.” Joe glanced at me and fell silent, returning to his old stance. I stared at him in confusion, “What?”

He reached his arm out towards me, “I forgot you had these.” Those rough, marvelous fingers traced the musical note tattoos decorating the back of my right shoulder. Joe smiled and winked, “Tells you how much I see you without a shirt on.”

I laughed, enjoying his gentle touch, “I remember the day I showed them to you, right after you came home from one of the smaller tours. You thought they were—”

“So cool,” Joe finished, a smile playing on his lips, “But really, it attracted me to you so much more. I always had this secret thing for small, personal tattoos. They suit you really well.”

I scooted closer until he held me in his arms, the sheet separating us, “They were a tribute to you, Joe. Well, your whole musical family. All of you inspired me to learn everything I could about music.”

Joe lowered his head for a kiss, nuzzling my nose with his, “I love you with everything that I am.” I smiled and touched his cheek, “I love you with my entire self…” I lifted the necklace over my head and took the ring off, holding it out for my beloved, “And that includes me being your fiancé.”

Joe’s face lit up and he caressed my hand before slipping the ring onto my finger, his enthusiasm barely contained, “Whenever you want, Alex. No pressure. Just say the word and it’ll happen, ok?”

I nodded and leaned forward for another of his addicting, mind-blowing kisses, “Thank you for the greatest birthday ever, Joseph.” He kissed my nose, then my lips again, “Anything for you, my love.”