by Alexa Silver
“He’s bound to question me about doing this, and I don’t want to lie.”
Eleanor gave a thoughtful glance and then mentioned, “Skirt around his questions. Change the subject. Keep him busy and you’ll both be having such a good time he’ll forget to ask anything.”
“I wonder what his reaction will be once he walks into this room?”
*****
Adam watched as Angela marched to where he sat. He downed the remnants of his champagne and stood.
“Time for my entrance?” he asked instead of greeting her with small talk.
“I think you’re in for a disappointing weekend. With me, you’d at least be with ‘our kind’ of people. Your winner seems out of place and I don’t know her.” She cocked her head to one side. “Although, I think I’ve seen her before.”
Adam began strolling to the door. “Maybe I’ll be happy away from ‘your kind’ of people since they’re not really ‘my kind’. Anyway, she was gracious enough to bid and that’s the important thing.” He stopped and turned toward Angela. “Are you coming or do I do this myself?”
With an upward tip of her head, Angela sniffed and walked briskly to the door. Adam watched her as she passed him and hoped this would be his last encounter with her for a long time.
If she had won, he’d be miserable. Funny how her mother stopped her from bidding, but no doubt that made Angela livid.
Adam entered the room and watched as Angela headed in the direction where his mother stood while deep in conversation with a shapely redhead wearing a dazzling dress. He looked around the room for the woman in the multi-colored dress who he assumed was his winner. Where was number 66?
“Adam. Over here.”
Angela’s brusque tone caught his attention. The redhead turned and smiled.
Jessica?
As if mesmerized, he moved in her direction. Her brilliant smile beckoned him forward, warm and inviting. The glasses were gone, and the full effect of her gorgeous blue eyes sparkled with just a hint of mischief.
Adam stopped next to Jessica, looking from her to his mother to Angela and back to Jessica again. Sounds in the room vanished, and all his attention focused on the beautiful woman who’d bought him.
Angela interrupted his thoughts. “Adam Samson, this is ‘paddle number 66’,─”
He immediately extended his hand and said, “Jessica McCall.”
Jessica grasped his hand, and an instant wave of heat shot up his arm. The warmth of her hand in his combined with the flushed look on her face stirred his libido, and Adam was grateful his jacket covered his hardening groin area.
“You know each other?” Angela asked in an accusatory tone.
Jessica panicked for a few seconds. What should she say? Holding onto Adam’s hand sent a spark of tingling sensations cascading through her body, triggering a lusty passion she tried to hide. But, there was Angela to deal with. Before she could respond, Adam spoke.
He gave Angela a quick glance. “Jessica and I have known each other for years.” He turned away, and focused on Jessica. “And, I must say, I’m pleasantly surprised to see you here tonight.”
Eleanor chimed in. “Oh, I was just telling her the same thing. What a wonderful thing she’s done for our charity. How nice of her to do this.”
Jessica removed her hand from Adam’s, afraid she’d lose all sense of speech if she didn’t break their contact. “I decided at the last minute to come and bid.” Her emotions ran amok. Telling half-truths wasn’t her usual forté.
She shifted her gaze to Angela, wondering how his ex-fiancée was handling their scenario. Angela beaded her eyes, and aimed glares of anger, jealousy, whatever, at Jessica. Nervous jitters returned to replace the almost euphoric sensation Jessica experienced upon seeing and touching Adam. Getting away, out of Angela’s reach, was her next goal.
“Adam, I’m getting hungry. Perhaps we can leave?”
He winked, sending a rush of heat up her cheeks.
“Of course. I’m pretty hungry myself.” He turned to face his mother. “I’ll speak to you tomorrow.” Adam then gave a nonchalant glance at Angela. “Good night. I’m glad the auction went well.”
Before he could escort Jessica out of the room, Angela placed a hand on his arm. “Wait. I have one more announcement to make.”
Jessica noted the sinister look masking Angela’s face, and cringed.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Angela announced, “Thanks again for your participation. As an added feature to our auction this year, I’ll follow up with our highest bidder, Jessica McCall, and her escort, Adam Samson, at the end of their weekend. The idea is to write how wonderful it is to come to the auction, bid, and win a handsome escort for a weekend of fun. Photos will also be taken to use this information in next year’s brochure. And, I think the local newspaper would love a ‘tell all’ about Jessica and Adam’s escort adventure.”
Applause rung throughout the room. Angela smiled like a conniving witch, while Jessica forgot to breathe.
Adam appeared angry and she noted his hands had balled into fists at his sides for a minute. Jessica grabbed one of his hands, and whispered, “We can do this. She won’t spoil our weekend, right?”
He relaxed and caught her hand in his. “You’re right. Just follow my lead.” He announced, “Goodnight, everyone.”
“Where are you going, Adam?” Angela asked.
“Nowhere that concerns you. You can take photos on Sunday.”
Angela’s smile turned ugly. “Of course. Let me know where you’ll be.”
Adam smiled and looked around the room. “Ah, Angela. Always the annoying intruder. Except, of course, for that time when I interrupted you and Jason.”
A tinge of crimson colored Angela’s face.
Adam ignored her look and continued. “For the charity’s sake take a photo of us here, now, before we leave.”
“How gracious of you,” Angela replied with sarcasm.
“Call your photographer over now. We plan to leave in two minutes,” Adam ordered.
Angela gave the impression of a child ready to throw a tantrum as she stomped away in the direction of the photographer on the other side of the room.
With a sigh of relief, Jessica said, “I’ll be happy to be out of here.” She turned toward Mrs. Samson. “Will she be angry at you when we leave?”
“Oh, don’t worry about me. Her mother and I are old friends and I’ll handle Angela and any pouting she decides to unleash. You two have fun.” She turned and walked away.
A serious look covered Adam’s face as he watched first Angela and then his mother leave. Was he worried about both? Angry at both?
Having him angry at her would tear her heart to pieces. And, she hadn’t even had a chance to enjoy his company without complications so far.
A surge of courage and determination coursed through her. The hell with Angela. This was her chance to be with Adam outside of work and explore their... What? A relationship that might happen?
Whatever happens, happens. And she’d have no regrets.
Chapter 4
Adam started his car. “Where are we eating?”
Jessica noted the strain in his voice. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’d just like to stop for pizza at my favorite Italian place, ‘Ricardo’s Bistro’ on College Blvd in Overland Park. Is that okay?”
“Sure.”
Nerves dangling on edge, Jessica couldn’t find a comfortable spot in her seat. The eerie silence between them screamed “trouble” to her, and visions of a polite but strained evening formed in her mind. Maybe this whole thing was a mistake.
“Why did you come to the auction?”
His question broke the quiet surrounding them and she jumped slightly as she jerked her head toward him. It was time to lie – or try to tell half-truths at the very least. “I-uh started to think about it after reading the brochure. The charity’s an important one.” She shrugged. “Guess I just wanted to do something different.”
“Did you bid on
anyone else?” His toned had softened.
“No.” At least that part was honest. “I watched how the auction went and bid on you.”
“Why me?”
“I know you. I didn’t know the others. I figured I’d be more comfortable sharing a weekend with someone I knew, rather than a complete stranger.”
Adam stared straight ahead as he drove. “We’re not strangers and maybe we’ll have more time to get to know each other better. Yesterday you mentioned you couldn’t afford the auction. I hope you’re not going into debt for this. I can reimburse you.”
A flush crept up her cheeks and Jessica was thankful for the darkness the car provided. “Please don’t worry about the money. I’m fine.” Trying to remove his doubts and any additional questions, she added a lilt to her voice.
The restaurant came into view and Jessica blessed the fates for a reason to change the subject. “Here it is.” She pointed to her left.
Adam drove into the parking lot, they exited the car, and walked into the restaurant. “We might be a little overdressed. Hell. I’m so hungry I don’t care.”
Jessica laughed. “Let them stare. We’re here to eat.” She followed the hostess and slid into a booth. A waitress handed them menus.
Without opening hers, Jessica asked, “What do you like on your pizza?”
“Lots of cheese and pepperoni. We can do half what we each want.”
“Hmm, I want the same thing.” She looked up at the waitress. “One large pizza with cheese and pepperoni. And, I’ll have a glass of the house wine.”
“Me too.” Adam handed his menu to the server and sank back into the booth seat as the woman walked away. “So what else will I learn about you this weekend?”
So many thoughts swirled around in her head that Jessica struggled over what to tell and how to keep her secrets from Adam. Keeping their conversation on a lighter side seemed her best option. “I love to eat. Really into being with family and friends.” She stopped and bit her lip, the same one he’d thoroughly kissed the day before. “I’m happy with my job. What do you want to know?”
Their wine arrived and the smell of Italian cooking filled the air. She inhaled and closed her eyes for a second. When Jessica opened them, she noted the quirky one-sided smile on Adam’s face.
“I love a woman who’s not afraid to eat. I’ve had too many unhappy dinners with some who hardly eat or complain about calories.”
“Oh, not me.” She laughed. “I’d rather enjoy food and do a few extra laps in the pool or walk an extra mile.”
Adam titled his head to one side. “You know my family. And, please. Don’t judge me by my brother. My mother’s into every aspect of our lives, especially since we all work together. But she loves us, even when we screw up.”
“Yeah. My parents were like that, too. I really miss them. They died years ago in a car crash. I don’t know how I’d have gone on without my sister.” Tears threatened to mist her eyes.
Adam reached out and covered her hand with his. “Sorry to hear that. My dad died ten years ago. I miss him. He had some control over Barry, but my brother’s gone nuts since then. You’ve heard all that’s gone on with him.” He shook his head. “We keep pulling him out of messes and he just keeps finding more.”
Jessica found it hard to concentrate as Adam gave her hand light squeezes as he spoke. Heat careened from her head to her toes.
“My sister and I are very close and I have some other relatives living nearby.” She shrugged. “Guess I live a boring life. But I’m happy.”
“Family’s important. I hope to have one of my own someday. What about you?”
Adam’s hand squeezed more tightly around her hand.
“I’ve always wanted the whole family scene, husband and kids.”
Their pizza arrived and Jessica snatched a slice as did Adam. They made a slight moaning sound together, and then laughed.
“Guess we both needed this. Thanks for suggesting this place, and for bidding on me. I’m enjoying our time together.”
Jessica wiped her mouth. “Me too. I’m so glad we can relax tonight.” She frowned. “What do you think Angela will do?”
Adam chugged the remnants of his wine before speaking. “Let’s forget about her for now.”
She finished her wine. “Sure. I don’t want her to spoil our time together.”
Fire blazed for a second in Adam’s eyes. “Neither do I.” He lowered his tone. “I’m gonna be honest with you. I enjoyed our kiss yesterday. I know I apologized, but you’re a fascinating woman and I wanted to do it. This weekend is just for you and me. I’d like to hold you in my arms and kiss you again.”
Jessica noted a catch in her breathing before her heart began pounding. This was what she wanted, too. Before she could squash her love-starved thoughts, she decided to give way to her desire for him. “I’m not sorry it happened either.” She looked around the room. Time to be bold and make a move. “It’s very nice here, but maybe we could go back to my apartment and talk some more?”
Her invitation was made. Now it was Adam’s choice to prolong their evening. And they’d both make decisions about how much longer, and how much further, they’d let their feelings take control.
Adam smiled. “A wonderful suggestion.” He stood, dropped money on the table to pay their bill, and extended his hand to her. “I know you’re supposed to pay for everything, but please let me do this. You can reimburse me later if you really think it’s necessary. Ready?”
“Okay.” Jessica placed her hand in his and walked out of the restaurant with him. She hoped her night ahead would be one of fantasies fulfilled. The entire weekend would be one she’d never forget, if all went well. She prayed that lust and passion would take control.
*****
Jessica fumbled with her apartment keys and dropped them. “Damn.”
Adam laughed. “Too much wine or anxious to show me inside?” he asked with a hint of mischief in his voice.
She picked up her keys and stared into his eyes. “Maybe a little of both?” Teasing him increased her desire.
After opening the door, they both went inside. Jessica ushered him into the living room. “Here it is. Home Sweet Home.”
He studied the room, and zeroed in on some photos on her shelf. “Family, I guess.”
“Yes. My parents and my sister’s wedding photo.”
“No boyfriend?”
“I wouldn’t have bid on you and invited you here if I had one.” She smiled. “Does that sound awkward?”
“Not to me.” He took her into his arms. “I’d feel bad if we were about to do this and you were involved with anyone, and, by the way, I’m not.”
He tilted his head so their lips met. Their kiss, slow and warm at first, turned into a frenzied, heated display of passionate wants and needs. Jessica matched his intensity with her own. She refused to listen to all the reasons her mind presented against making love to Adam. It was too late to consider that. Sex with him, a wild, wonderful night of passion, was on her agenda.
Breathing heavily, she backed out of his arms and asked, “Bedroom?”
“Nothing would please me more.” He sighed. “But, I don’t have any condoms with me. Raincheck?”
She grabbed him by his cummerbund. “I have some. Let’s go.”
Adam stumbled for a second and stopped their walk to her bedroom. “You do?”
Jessica pulled him again as she backed her way into her bedroom. “I bought a box of multi-colored ones for a gag gift for my sister’s bridal shower. Chickened out at giving them to her at the last minute when I thought about my aunts’ reactions. So,” she teased, “they’re mine to use.”
Adam picked up the pace and stopped near her bed. He shrugged out of his jacket and threw it onto a chair. Quickly, he removed his shoes and socks. Fire blazed in his eyes as Jessica reached up and removed his bowtie. She tossed it over by his jacket. He removed his cummerbund and added it to his pile of clothes.
Jessica turned her back to him afte
r removing her heels. “Unzip me, please,” she voiced in a rushed tone. She used her hands to hold up her hair.
Adam moved more closely behind her, and hugged her to him. He ran his hands down the front of her body, causing her nipples to harden at his slight touch.
“Love your sequins,” he growled and then planted tiny kisses on the back of her neck. He moved his hands to her breasts, and crushed them through the dress material.
Now panting, Jessica closed her eyes for a moment of pure pleasure as he rolled her nipples against the silk dress bodice. Heat soared in all directions of her body, and she longed for his hands to touch her everywhere.
Adam didn’t rush as he unzipped her dress, and planted kisses down her back. “You taste good.”
Jessica stepped away, and turned to face him. She wiggled out of her dress and let it fall to the carpet. All that she now wore were her matching blue-ribboned, white nylon bra and panties. She bent down, retrieved her dress, and threw it to the side.
“Beautiful,” Adam announced.
She moved closer to him and stretched off his suspenders. In seconds, she slid each shirt button out of its buttonhole. Adam tugged it from his pants, removed his shirt, and dropped it on the floor.
Jessica brushed her fingertips against the obvious, ever-growing bulge in his slacks. When she finally grabbed the zipper and lowered it, Adam emitted a loud “whoosh” of air.
Next, she grabbed the sides of his pants and slowly pulled them down his legs. He stepped out of them and as Jessica stood, he kicked them to the side.
“Handsome,” she remarked, and eyed his tee-shirt and boxers. The tee-shirt appeared sculpted to his body and enhanced every toned chest muscle. His boxers, a charming black and white pair adorned with tiny dollar signs, caused her to laugh. Pointing, she joked, “Do I need to stuff money there?”
“Would be interesting, but the boxers won’t be on long,” he growled.
“Undress me. Then, I’ll undress you.”
Adam wasted no time. He stepped near her, placed his arms around her back, and unclasped her bra. After grabbing the straps, he inched the bra off her body. Her breasts jiggled as they were released. He stroked her nipples with his thumbs before planting a kiss on each one.