Jennifer's Garden

by Dianne Venetta

  “Something funny?”

  She peered into his eyes and realized no, this wasn’t funny. It was serious. “No. Jax...I only meant...” Jump in. Dive in, heart first. It was time. Jennifer took a deep breath and said, “I’ve been afraid for far too long. Of myself, of my desires... I didn’t know what I truly needed.” Jennifer paused, then smiled. “Until you showed up and everything I thought I knew was turned upside down.”

  He smiled and slid his arms around her.

  Body to body, his embrace felt right. “I mean it, Jax. I had no idea a man like you would be right for me. It never occurred to me to even consider someone like you.”

  “Looks can be deceiving,” he replied, delivered without the slightest hint of wound at her insult.

  “I know, but—“ Admitting she had judged him so harshly, hurt. A lot. After all, he was the last person to deserve it. She deserved it more.

  Jennifer glanced down at his chest. Outlined beneath his T-shirt was a mound of muscle, a reminder of his solid build. No, she had never considered dating a rugged man, a man who made his living with the power of his back.

  But she couldn’t deny her attraction, or her need to be held by him, though only weeks before she had cringed at the very same thought. Jax was a laborer. Unsophisticated.

  A drifter.

  She brushed old thoughts from her mind. So close, so near, this was no place for shame, or regret. This was about new beginnings. It was time to move on, forward.

  Within the soft strength of his arms, she brought her face back to his. Swaying and building, the music reached inside her. Warmed by the candlelight, it streamed through her body, unlocking the last of inhibition. “I love you, Jax. Whatever that looks like, I love you.”

  Naked desire blazed in his eyes. He grasped her head with both hands and crushed his mouth to hers. Reaching around his waist, she pulled herself against him. Yes, yes. Parting her lips, she gave in to desire. When his tongue slipped inside, seeking, searching, she pulled him closer. Whatever he wanted, she wanted. The deck of Constantine’s yacht materialized in her mind. He was a man to whom she had given herself fully; a combination of raw lust and warm affection never since matched.

  Jax’s mouth pulled her back to the present. Greedy, demanding, his need swelled between them.

  Until now, that is. Tonight, she would match it and then some.

  He pulled away. Brown eyes hot and hungry on hers, he murmured, “I want you, Jennifer.”

  The words seared into her, deep. Permanent.

  “Right now, I want you.”

  A nod of her head sent his mouth to her neck. His tongue moved lower, quickly, his hand covered a breast. Jennifer groaned with pleasure as he gently squeezed it through the flimsy cotton fabric. Fluid desire surged hot between her legs.

  Without warning, he returned his lips to hers. Slowing the motion of his kiss, his breath warm against her lips, he slipped a hand under her shirt and caressed the delicate skin of her breast, rubbing feather-light circles around the tight fleshy point.

  The sensation was incredible—but unnerving—as though it was the first time, thrilling and new. She felt off-balance, yet fully engaged. She was scared and excited and impatient for more.

  Jax withdrew his hands and placed them solid on her shoulders. Secure in his grasp she stared into his eyes, eyes she was getting comfortable staring into. It looked as though he were about to say something, but he remained silent.

  For a moment, neither made a move. Gazes locked, a torrent of emotion passed between them. Both were where they wanted to be and with whom. Both knew what came next and both wanted it.

  His eyes moved to her lips, skimmed her jaw line, where his fingers followed suit. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, gently sliding a hand down to the hollow of her neck. “And incredible. I was beginning to believe you didn’t exist.”

  Her lips curled into a slow smile.

  “I’ve never wanted anyone like I want you right now.”

  Pleasure enveloped her. “I feel the same.”

  He smiled and scooped her into his arms, the transfer of weight effortless. Without hesitation, he walked to her bedroom. There wouldn’t be any objection.

  Crossing the threshold, he kissed the side of her mouth, and she couldn’t help but feel a sense of familiarity. Of experience. As though what was about to transpire was the most natural course of events.

  Easing her down onto the bed, Jennifer laid back and welcomed him alongside her with a kiss that erased time. No more questions, no more doubt. This was meant to be.

  She didn’t know how long they remained in the embrace, entwined in the kiss that didn’t seem to end, but she did remember his hands as they slipped off her shirt, and the titillating arousal she felt at the newness of being revealed.

  As with Constantine, she was excited by the exposure, turned-on by the liberty he took with his possession. Moving to remove her shorts, Jax led the way with his tongue. Helping him disrobe, she marveled at his build, the sinewy muscles she had admired from afar, the fair skin of his stomach so different from the tan of his face.

  Running her hands along the ridges and valleys, she guided his body onto hers, flesh against flesh, immersed in satisfaction as the two came together as one.

  When he returned his face to hers, Jennifer’s fingers sought the nick by his eye. Constantine. Lulled by the slow and gentle sway of his body, she caressed the tiny gnarl of skin and recalled the images from her dreams, the feeling of lack when she awoke. There would be no more.

  Jax paused, a question in his eyes.

  She smiled. He had no way of knowing how much she had wanted to find a man like him, like Constantine, the kind that could move her body to distraction, caress her heart with love.

  Only she knew. She would follow him anywhere, God help her, wherever that may lead. No plans, no goals, without reservation—even if it landed her on the deck of a boat in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nothing but sparkling blue-green water. Kissing the spot beneath her fingers, she lingered. Maybe life really was an extension of the mind, dreams a bridge from the soul, the path to discovery.

  Perhaps they were messages; signs from the powerful subconscious to direct one along the path to finding their true desire. Had hers whispered, Stop. Take note. Dig beneath the surface and see what you find.

  Yes. Jennifer felt certain to the core of her center. Jackson Montgomery was the man of her dreams.

  # # #

  Amidst crumpled sheets, Jennifer rested in the folds of Jax’s arms, at ease against his naked body. She had opened her patio doors, inviting the sounds of dawn to prance around her bedroom. Not yet humid, the temperature was comfortable as a range of chirps and calls filled the space around them.

  Last night changed something inside her. Fluent in the wants of a woman, Jax was a generous lover. But more than physical union, he had committed. With the sensitive character she had come to know, he offered his heart without attachments, without expectation. He assured her there would be no demands, no expectations and then, with the smile that rivaled the sun, he predicted they would walk hand in hand, swim side by side, until they were old and gray.

  He was sure of it.

  Warmed by the image his unflappable optimism presented, she could hardly disagree. And from deep within her heart, an understanding emerged; the decision was theirs. To have and to hold, for better or worse, they would face the ups, the downs, and they would do so, together.

  And children. A wave of excitement rolled through her belly like a flock of birds lifting for takeoff. Jax wanted children—as many as she could stand—for whom he intended to be a hands-on dad. Jennifer turned her head up and pecked the underside of his chin with a kiss.

  “What was that for?” he asked in a lazy tone, his hair an endearing mess of tangles.

  “Just because.”

  He hummed against her ear, and ran his hand along her thigh. Responding to his touch, she covered his hand with her own. From the outside looking
in, we may be different, she mused. But on the inside...

  On the inside we hold the key to love.

  Jennifer’s mind drifted, her gaze meandering about the backyard. Bursting with color, flowers burgeoning with life, her mother had been pleased. It was everything she wanted for her daughter and more.

  Beatrice Hamilton wanted love for her child, not a ceremony. She wanted a life filled with happiness. Had she known Jax would be the one? Her subtle comments, the spark in her eyes. Could she have predicted this outcome?

  Jennifer’s smile returned in gentle recognition of her mother’s wisdom. She was an amazing woman. The birds outside seemed to agree, increasing the volume of their song, one fluttering to a landing on the bird house right outside her bedroom. Darting pecks, a sudden flap of wings, the bird took flight and a second took its place.

  A Cardinal. Red, gallant, he was magnificent. Perfect in every way. As was the birdhouse, as was her garden. More than a gift from the heart, more than a beautiful backdrop for a wedding, they were heaven on earth. And they were hers.

  # # #

  Standing shoulder to shoulder with her best friend, Jennifer peered down at her parents’ adjoining headstones, the first mist of winter nipping at her skin. The two women were alone in the cemetery, the hour early, but it was Jennifer’s favorite time to visit. Through the quiet of dawn, she would talk to her parents, certain they could hear. Amidst the chirps and waking sun, she would share her life, her latest adventures.

  Numerous, now that Jax was in her life.

  But today was about the upcoming nuptials. She wanted to be with them and share this momentous occasion in her life. Arthur and Beatrice Hamilton, may they rest in love, would miss her wedding day. Her father would not walk her down the aisle, her mother would not cry in joy.

  A tear poked at the corner of her eye. It would be the most important day in her adult life and they would be absent. Absent physically, but not emotionally. She had learned over the last months that love crossed lifetimes. It didn’t accept the boundary of the physical plane, the limits of physical thought. Jennifer understood now. Love endured. It persisted. Each and every day she felt her mother’s love as strong as when she was alive. And better yet, she had opened the connection to her father. Jax had opened the connection.

  Sam squeezed Jennifer to her side. “I’m proud of you. You set your sights on something and went for it.”

  “That’s nothing new,” she replied, not quite understanding, her attention divided.

  Sam chuckled. “True. But tangible goals like diplomas and jobs are easy. With those, you know if you begin with a-b-c, you’ll eventually reach x-y-z.”

  Jennifer lifted her head and turned to Sam, tugging her focus to the present. “What on earth are you talking about?”

  Sam grinned. “I’m talking about love.”

  Jennifer arched her brow.

  “It’s unpredictable. It’s inexplicable. You can run the entire alphabet of love, memorize it backward and forward and still end up with nothing. Yet you still tried, and that’s why I’m proud of you.”

  Tears filled Jennifer’s eyes. She wanted her mom to be proud of her. She wanted her dad to be proud of her. But Sam... A lump lodged in her throat.

  “Going part-time with your practice took a lot of guts, but I think you did the right thing.”

  “Shouldn’t we see if I’m seaworthy, first?” Jennifer asked, an attempt to lighten the moment.

  Sam laughed. “You’ll do fine. Jax will see to that! I have a lot of faith in the man. He’ll take care of you.” Her expression calmed. “You’re going to help a lot of people, Jen, and you’re going to have fun in the process. That’s an impressive combination in my book.”

  Butterflies swarmed in anticipation. For their honeymoon, she and Jax were sailing to the Bahamas in their first official capacity for a Florida-based organization whose mission it was—through training and technical assistance—to improve environmental, social and economical conditions throughout the Caribbean. She was going as volunteer physician and Jax as agricultural specialist. It was an adventure they were excited to begin and one for which her partners had given their blessing.

  Portside, island-hopping, she was a physician either way. And one they didn’t want to lose. They agreed to hold her position within the firm so she could practice when she found herself land-side.

  Jennifer settled her gaze on Sam. And if it wasn’t for her bull-headed, interfering, know-it-all best friend, she wouldn’t be looking forward to any of it. She smiled, allowing the tears to spill onto her cheeks. “I love you, Sam.”

  With her arm draped around Jennifer’s shoulders, she kissed the side of her head. “I love you, too.”

  # # #

  About the Author:

  Dianne Venetta lives in Central Florida with her husband and two children. An avid gardener, she spends her spare time growing organic vegetables, surprised by what she finds there every day.

  Who knew there were so many amazing similarities between men and plants? Women, life and love for that matter! Her discoveries provide for never-ending fun on her blog: BloominThyme.

  Look for Dianne Venetta's next novel Lust on the Rocks

  She has what he needs, and he won't stop until he gets it. Trouble is, what begins as a matter of death, becomes a matter of life.

  # # #

  One case away from partnership, Samantha Rawlings is forced to share her high-profile case with a sexy younger man, whose eyes are on a different prize. In the best interests of her client, Sam opens the door to his strategy. Turns out, a little too far...

  Victor Marin has ulterior motives. The defendant in her case holds the key to his revenge, and his last chance for justice. But as he chases old demons, he uncovers a powerful woman with no inhibitions, one he wants to possess for himself. But decidedly single, Sam wants no part.

  Until Vic walks away.

  Read an excerpt:

  Excerpt from Lust on the Rocks

  Chapter One

  “I want you to consider Victor Marin for the Perry case.”

  Samantha Rawlings stiffened, forcing her fingers to finish removing the dark fuzz of lint from her cream linen skirt. With cool precision, she settled both arms along the wide fabric armrests of her chair and locked onto her boss, Raul Martinez. “Not necessary, Raul. It’s covered.”

  “He has experience in the area.”

  “As do I,” Sam replied, wondering why he would suggest involving a new hire on the firm’s powerhouse complaint. He may be the senior partner, and he may have authority, but this was her case.

  “I’m merely suggesting you take advantage of his insight. It may prove fruitful to your case.”

  “I’m always willing to listen.”

  Raul’s dark brown eyes registered the deflection. “But not inclined to include him for trial?”

  The Perry Fitness case was hers, and there was no room for the new guy to work it with her. She might want to get close to Victor, but only in the most personal of terms. Her business affairs were something else entirely.

  “Victor won a substantial settlement from a casino out of New Jersey. One of their patrons died on the premises.” He paused. “From sudden cardiac death.”

  Sam shifted her weight and fought a rising tide of misgiving. Heart attacks were not rare occurrences. People collapsed in all sorts of places unfortunately, casinos, notwithstanding. “I’m well versed in the arena, Raul, from the statistics to the complications and I’ve already consulted Diego on the case.” Diego Rodriguez was her in-house ally and extremely skilled in trial work. “We’re still working up the history now, but if Perry has been found culpable before, as I suspect, it’s going to cost them.” Cutting corners to boost profits shouldn’t come at the expense of people’s lives.

  Not in her courtroom.

  Raul interlaced his fingers and set them to rest on a manila folder. Despite the steam of summer, his formality seldom changed. From his cufflinks to the perfectly formed knot
in his silk tie, the man reigned supreme over Baker, Schofield, Martinez and Brown in both title and appearance. A full head of gray hair and expensive cut only accentuated his vitality.

  “I know you and Diego work well together, but he’s heavily involved in the Esposito trial. You may need the extra hand.”

  “Diego says that’ll be wrapped up within the month.”

  Curiosity churned in Raul’s eyes like a storm on the horizon. “Is there a problem, Sam? I was under the impression you were pleased with Victor’s performance.”

  “I am. He’s sharp, aggressive, and I think he’ll make a great lawyer some day.”

  Raul’s brow raised in question.

  Sam pulled her top leg in, bracing against the chair as she leaned forward. “While I’m always willing to help show the new hires how it's done, I want to nail this one, Raul. It’s an important case and likely to be precedent-setting. I can’t be distracted by training the new guy—not on this one.”

  “I see.”

  “Besides, my understanding is that as soon as we tie up Morgan-Baxter, Vic’s digging into an HMO case. Vic doesn’t have time to work Perry with me.” Nor the experience, but voicing that would only insult Raul.

  “I’m not asking you to recuse yourself. Simply bring him up to speed and consider what he has to say. Listen to him. Allow him to assist you with discovery, pre-trial motions, sit alongside you in court when the time comes.”

  Alarms started to sound. Was Raul out of his mind? She needed no assistance. Where was this coming from?

  “It’s worth a listen. His experience could prove invaluable.”

  She heard a distinct retreat in Raul’s voice.

  Good. Sam pulled back into her chair and relaxed her demeanor. The air-conditioner kicked on, her tension eased. “I appreciate the advice Raul, and I’ll take it into consideration. I’ll talk to him. But I reserve the right to try this case my way.”