Jackson checked out the roses in the wastebasket, then turned back to Christina. “I don’t like it, but I guess you’re right. Have you had any other problems?”
Christina shook her head. “Only the roses.”
“You need to be careful. It bothers me that they’re still coming.”
“You’re overreacting,” she said again. “Security has it under control.”
Jackson raised his brow. “You sound pretty confident of that.”
She was concerned, but only a little. And there was no reason for her to tell Jackson. He was not her protector; he was her employee. “I am,” she said. “Security is running a thorough investigation. I’m looking for a breakthrough any day. Now, are there any more questions?”
His eyes met hers again. “I care about you, Christina. I don’t like this at all.”
She felt weak at his words. She was glad he cared, but she couldn’t let it go beyond that. “I appreciate your concern, but there’s no need. It’s under control.”
“I won’t stop being concerned until we find out who’s sending the roses. Will you keep me posted?”
Christina nodded with impatience. “Anything else?”
Jackson looked at the wastebasket one last time. “I guess not.”
***
Jackson yawned. He was one of the first to arrive at the church. Last night had been a late night. The bachelor party for Robert had been unreal. What a night! Jackson didn’t get back to his hotel until six this morning. Sleep had been quick coming but too quick over, given that he wanted to get to the church early. Before Christina. Robert had told him that she was a bridesmaid. Jackson hadn’t wanted her to know he was here until later. He had plans for Miss Christina Marshall. He looked at his watch. Eleven o’clock. One hour until the fireworks. He could hardly wait.
***
“It’s time, ladies and gentlemen,” Mrs. Tremont said, clapping her hands together. “Let’s get in place. We’ve had the rehearsal. This is the real thing. Everybody, take your places.”
Christina took her position behind Liza’s younger sister, Karen. Karen turned around. “Is my hair all right, Christina?”
Christina looked at the beautiful girl. She thought Karen must be more nervous than Liza.
“Your hair looks great. Don’t worry.”
Karen wrung her hands. “I’m so nervous. What if I trip or something? Liza will never forgive me.” The girl looked terrified.
“You’ll do fine. Everything’s going to be perfect.”
Mrs. Tremont walked by and handed bouquets to them. Christina said to Karen, “You’d better turn around. We’re going to be marching in any minute now.”
Christina watched as Karen turned around. The girl immediately began rocking from side to side. Christina smiled. Karen was refreshing. A bit spastic, but appealing.
Now that Christina no longer had to reassure Karen, she was getting nervous herself. Last night and today had been bittersweet. She was happy for Liza and Robert, but she felt as though life was passing her by. She thought about Reggie. She had wanted him to come with her, but his work wouldn’t allow it. His presence would have helped keep Jackson out of her thoughts. Jackson was there, always looming in her thoughts. She wondered where he was today, what he was doing.
Christina looked back and saw Liza. It was the first time she had seen her in her wedding dress. She was a beautiful bride. The gown was extraordinary, with a beaded lace brocade, but it was the radiance of Liza herself that was beautiful. Liza practically beamed. She saw Christina looking at her and gave her a private wink. Christina winked back, then turned around. The music started and they began to march into the church.
The church was full. As Christina walked down the aisle, she couldn’t help but imagine that it was her own wedding. She imagined her mom decorating the church with arrangements from her nursery. Christina wouldn’t need a church this large, though, maybe a small chapel.
When she reached her position in the front of the church, she stopped. She didn’t know if she sensed him or saw him first. She wasn’t even sure it was him, but it was. Jackson was here. Her heartbeat raced and she quickly faced forward to focus on Liza and Robert. She didn’t know why she was so surprised—or so excited. Robert and Jackson were fraternity brothers. Maybe they had kept in touch since their trip to Boston. Maybe Liza had invited him out of professional courtesy. Either way, Liza had known he was coming and had never mentioned it to her. Why was that?
“If there is anyone here who knows a reason why this couple should not be . . .” the minister was saying. Christina turned her head slightly and looked directly into Jackson’s eyes. Again she quickly turned back. She felt his eyes piercing her back. He was challenging her!
***
Jackson saw her as she entered the church. She was captivating in the dusty rose gown. The neckline was cut low in the front, giving an almost teasing view of the tops of her breasts. The sway of her hips as she walked by took his breath away. This was his woman. He would not be denied.
He concentrated on her as she stood with the others at the front of the church. He was determined to make her feel his presence. It worked. He saw the ever-so-slight turn of her head. He knew the moment she saw him. In the next moment he was inside her eyes, inside her head. In that split second, he knew he had communicated with her. His feelings were verified when she jerked her gaze away from him and back to the altar.
Jackson heard nothing the minister said. All his energy went into communicating his message to Christina. Today was the day to force her hand. He hoped she wouldn’t deny him or herself on this day. Yes! he thought, as he saw her head turn again. For the short moment that she met his gaze again, he thought he saw acceptance in her eyes. He knew he saw fear, but he thought he saw acceptance, too. She turned too quickly for him to be sure. Mentally, he reassured her. In his mind, he held her in his arms and addressed all her fears. He had done all he could do. It was now in her hands.
***
As Robert kissed the bride, Christina watched with tears in her eyes. Tears of happiness for Robert and Liza. Tears of fear for herself. She sensed that this was the last time Jackson would pursue her. After today, it would be all professional, as she had wanted.
She still felt Jackson’s eyes on her as they proceeded out of the sanctuary. She kept her eyes averted so she wouldn’t see him. She needed this time to think. She knew the decision she made today could change the course of her life.
***
Jackson arrived first at the reception. He had purposely left the church quickly. He didn’t want to be around while the wedding party took pictures. He was giving Christina time. The decision was hers: either she chose to be with him, or he’d let her go.
He saw Rosalind and Walter when they walked into the ballroom. He walked over to greet them. Extending his hand to Walter, he asked them both, “Enjoying yourself today?”
Walter answered, “Sure are. How about you?”
“Other than being a bit tired, I’m having a great time. It was a beautiful wedding. Robert looks as if he relishes the shackles of marriage.”
Walter laughed at that. “I have to agree. He does look like a happy man.”
“And Liza was a beautiful bride,” Rosalind added.
One of the ushers walked up. “Jackson, can you give us a hand for a few minutes?” he asked.
Looking to Rosalind and Walter, Jackson said, “Excuse me. Hope you two enjoy the rest of the day.”
***
Christina didn’t know what to make of Walter and Rosalind. She had never seen them embrace before. She could see the tears falling from Rosalind’s eyes. She walked over. “Is something wrong?” she asked Walter.
Walter looked up but did not take his arms from around Rosalind. He smiled, “Things have never been better.”
Confused, Christina asked, “Why is Rosalind crying?”
Rosalind seemed to cry harder.
Walter
said, “Rosalind needs to make a trip to the powder room. Why don’t you go with her?” He gently pushed Rosalind away from him. He looked down into her face and said, “I’m sorry it took me so long to realize what was important.”
Christina was amazed when Rosalind leaned up and kissed Walter full on the lips. The kiss went on forever. She couldn’t stop staring at them. Finally, Rosalind pulled away. No longer crying, she beamed at Christina, “We’re getting married.”
Christina couldn’t find any words. “Married?”
Rosalind nodded vigorously, “Married.”
Christina’s mouth was open, but no words came out.
“Get ahold of yourself, Christina,” Walter commanded. “Rosalind and I are getting married.”
“I didn’t even know you were seeing each other. When did this happen?”
Rosalind took a handkerchief from Walter’s pocket and wiped her eyes. “It’s a long story. We’ll tell you some other time. Now,” Rosalind looked at Walter, “Walter and I are going home to celebrate.” Looking back at Christina she said, “Give Robert and Liza my love. Tell them we’ll have them over when they get back from their honeymoon.”
Christina said nothing. She stared after them as they left the ballroom. She couldn’t believe it—Walter and Rosalind. She wondered how long this had been going on. How could she have missed the signs? Surely there had been signs. They were gone now, but Christina continued to stare at the door, shaking her head. The next person to enter was Jackson. She turned away quickly. She wasn’t ready for their confrontation. She needed more time to think.
***
“You see, the ceremony was perfect,” Christina said, as she picked up a cup of punch.
“I’m glad it’s over,” Karen said. “I’m still nervous.”
“Want to know a secret?” Christina asked. At Karen’s nod, she said, “I felt my knees knocking while we were standing at the altar.”
“You may have felt yours, but I heard mine,” Karen said, and they laughed.
“Excuse me,” Jackson said. Christina had not heard or felt him walk up. He extended his hand to her, “Dance?”
Christina looked at his hand and then moved her gaze to meet his. She placed her cup on the table, took his hand, and followed him to the dance floor. Jackson pulled her into his arms and began to move. Neither spoke. Christina knew that after tonight they would move forward in a more intimate relationship or they would put to rest forever this sexual foreplay in which they had been indulging.
As if he could read her thoughts, Jackson exerted pressure to her lower back in agreement. She looked up to see him looking down at her. It was all in his eyes: they contained a controlled passion. They also held a question. He wanted her, but it was her decision. Christina couldn’t take her eyes from his. She was caught up in his feelings, his thoughts. She wanted to be inside him. She wanted to let him inside her. Suddenly she stopped moving. A different question was now in his eyes. In answer, she took his hand and led him to the door. She asked only one question: “Do you have a car?” When he nodded, she told him the name of her hotel. Jackson squeezed her hand and led her outside.
Neither spoke as he drove the short distance. They made the walk to the elevator without speaking. Christina pressed the button for her floor. Still they said nothing. At her floor, she led him to her door. Once there, she took the key from her purse and handed it to him. He took the key and opened the door, then led her in and closed the door behind him. They stood looking at each other. Jackson’s eyes still held a question. Christina knew what he wanted. She moved to stand in the circle of his arms. His hands rested lightly on either side of her waist. The questions were gone from his eyes and all she saw now was passion. She lifted her arms to place them around his neck and leaned forward to rest against his chest. At his soft moan, she pressed harder against him. She pulled his head down to her and kissed him.
For the first few moments she wondered if he was going to make her do all the work. Then she felt him respond. His hands were now tight around her waist and her body was flush with his from breasts to thighs. His hands moved down to cup her buttocks and pull them tighter against him. She heard his moan again and pulled back from the kiss to look into his eyes. He growled. The look in his eyes now was uncontrolled passion and something that she thought was relief. He pulled her back to him and picked up where they left off. When his hands caressed her, it was her turn to moan. She heard something that wasn’t a moan from him or her. What was it? She heard it again. The phone was ringing. Jackson pulled back and looked at her. His eyes were glazed with passion, but she saw the question in them.
He finally spoke. “What’s it going to be, Christina?”
Twelve
“Christina looked at the phone, then back at Jackson. In answer to his question, she pulled his head back down and continued the kiss. Jackson moaned, and held her even tighter. When the phone stopped ringing, Christina pulled back. She stepped out of the circle of Jackson’s arms and walked to the phone. She picked it up and dialed the front desk. “Hold all calls for this room.”
She stood then to face Jackson. He opened his arms to her and she walked into them. Pressing her cheek to his chest, she held him as he held her. They stood that way for a while. When he squeezed her, she pulled back to look up at him. His mouth swooped down to possess hers. She became one with him in that kiss. It was as if everything, every nerve ending, every emotion, every thought that she had was wrapped in that kiss. Only she and Jackson and whatever this was between them existed. Nothing else mattered.
She knew the inevitable end of this evening was near. She had gone over it before in her mind. She had thought she would be apprehensive, but she wasn’t. She knew it would happen and she wanted it to happen. Only the how was unknown. Would he pick her up and carry her off to bed? As if he’d heard her thought, he pulled back and gazed intently at her. No, he wasn’t going to pick her up and carry her off. She was going to have to make the next move. There would be no way she could say this was his idea.
She stepped out of the circle of his arms and moved to his side. She placed her arm around his waist and leaned into him. He placed his arm around her waist then and they walked together to the bedroom. When they got to the bed, Christina moved away from Jackson and turned so her back faced him. He began to place little kisses on her neck. Christina shivered at the touch of his mouth. He made a trail of kisses down her back to the zipper that started midway her back.
“God, you’re so soft,” she heard him say. A trail of kisses followed the zipper as he lowered it down her back. When the dress began its slide down her body, she moaned, not in pain, but in desire. The trail of kisses stopped when the zipper was fully undone at the base of her back. As the dress fell to the floor, Jackson fell to his knees behind her and pressed his face full against the base of her spine.
Christina felt her knees buckle. She needed to touch him. She would die if she didn’t touch him. She reached back to touch his head, but it wasn’t enough. She turned to face him.
Jackson was enraptured. He held the woman of his dreams in his arms. She felt so good, so soft. God, he could caress her all day. All day. He would never tire of her. He longed to linger over her, to taste her, to savor her, but he could not linger. He had to touch her all over. Her body was to him as a room full of toys to a kid. So much to play with, so little time to do it.
He pulled his head back and looked up at her. Her head was thrown back and her breasts were thrust out. She was an Amazon. A strong woman. A beautiful woman. Deliberately, he rose from his knees, caressing his way up her body. His hands reached her cheeks at the same time his mouth reached her lips. Passion filled her eyes. He had her full surrender. It was a powerful feeling. When he could bring himself to stop the kiss, he pushed her to the bed so that she lay on her back. There was a question in her eyes when he pulled back to stand looking at her.
“It’s all right, sweetheart,” he said. He began to unbutton h
is shirt. His jacket was already discarded. “God, you’re beautiful. I could look at you all day.”
Christina watched as he undressed. She felt alone and exposed, now that they weren’t touching. She wanted him to touch her. She wanted to touch him. All over.
His shirt fell to the floor first. God, she wanted to bury herself in his chest. She wanted those strong arms wrapped around her. Next came his belt, then his pants. She felt her heartbeat increase. The first inklings of fear began to surface. What if it hurt? What if she didn’t please him? What if he didn’t please her?
The fear he saw in her eyes surprised him. He eased himself down on the bed next to her. “What’s the matter, sweetheart?” he asked.
Christina couldn’t tell him she was afraid so she shook her head.
He knew there was something wrong and he set out to ease her fears. He started with light kisses all across her face while his hands caressed her body. He felt the tenseness in her. Something had changed and he had no idea what. He pulled back and asked again, “What’s the matter, sweetheart? You can tell me.”
Christina said the words in her mind, but no sound came out of her mouth.
“I want you, Christina,” he said, “and I want you to want me. This is what you want, isn’t it?”
Christina nodded.
“What’s the matter, then?”
“Nothing,” she said. To stop the questions, she reached up and kissed him.
Jackson didn’t like the desperation he felt in her kiss. He pulled away and sat up. “We can’t start this way, Christina. We shouldn’t be here if you can’t talk to me. I want more than one night with you.”
“Oh, Jackson,” Christina said. He wanted her to trust him. The decision to make love with him was much easier than that request. “I’m a virgin.”
Jackson wasn’t sure he heard her right. “What?”
“I’m a virgin,” she repeated.
God, Jackson thought. How could this beautiful woman be untouched? He couldn’t think of anything to say.
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