Sweet Dreams (Sunset Dreams Series Book 1)

by Senhaji, Jennifer

  I place my left hand on his shoulder and we start to sway to the music with the other couples on the floor. At first, Jake seems distracted, looking over my head, and I turn to see what has his attention instead of me. There are several men watching us and it boosts my ego thinking he’s jealous. Tapping Jake’s bicep with my left hand, I get his attention and he looks down at me. The frown lifts from his face and he spins me around, causing me to laugh out loud while he smiles down at me. We start to move together naturally and the tension leaves his shoulder under my hand.

  He’s a good dancer.

  He spins me and we just have fun. I let out little squeals every time he dips me and he tips his head back and laughs. The band plays on and we dance together for quite a while. At one point, he and I exchange partners with an older couple who must be in their sixties.

  They are so cute.

  The gentleman still has moves and flirts with me while Jake charms his wife as we smile back and forth at each other over their shoulders. The last song we dance together. Jake dips me deep, and I smile up at him, knowing he won’t drop me. Pulling me back up, I hug him around the neck, squealing as he lifts me up slightly off the floor, his hands around my waist in a hug.

  The band starts to put away their gear and we walk off the dance floor over to the dessert table and grab a couple pieces of cake. Placing a forkful of the creamy goodness in my mouth, I exclaim, “Wow, this is really good.”

  Jake takes a bite of his piece and moans. “It is really good. Are you having a good time?”

  “Yes, I’m having a great time. You?”

  “Me too.” Jake smiles and takes another bite of cake. “Tired?”

  “Nope.” I put a forkful of fresh cream into my mouth.

  This is really rich.

  “Me either.” Jake devours his cake and proceeds to steal bites off my plate.

  We each take an espresso from the bar to wash down the cake and sip them while we chat quietly.

  This is nice, really nice.

  There’s no tension between us, only easy conversation. I love the way Jake makes my heart race, but I also enjoy talking to him.

  I miss our phone calls.

  After a while, the lights start to dim and music comes on over the speakers. I look back over to where the band was and see a DJ has taken their place.

  “Whoa, I thought they were wrapping it up?”

  Jake smiles at me and says, “You are in Italia, carina. They party here till the sun comes up.”

  “Well, I guess I do too since there’s no way I could sleep through this. Good thing I had that espresso.”

  “Yep, good thing because I have enough energy to last all night,” Jake says absently, looking over at the DJ.

  “I bet you do.” It comes out of my mouth before I can stop it.

  I hope he didn’t hear that.

  The DJ turns up the volume and I feel the bass pulse in my chest.

  Jake turns to look at me, takes off his blazer, hangs it on the back of his chair, and holds out his hand. “Ready?”

  Putting my cup down, I slap my hand down into his open palm. “Ready.”

  The dance floor fills up with the younger generation and the DJ plays what must be Italian pop music. Jake pulls me along and squeezes into the center of the crowd. The music is high energy and we start to dance along.

  This is so fun.

  I shake my hips and jump along with the music and Jake keeps up with a big smile on his face.

  He looks like he could be any twenty-five year old at a night club having fun right now, instead of a thirty-six-year-old megastar that avoids crowds so he doesn’t get mobbed.

  I get out of my head and enjoy the music. We dance and dance. At one point, a circle forms and everyone takes turns dancing in the middle, including us. We laugh and clap for each other. We both show off our goofy moves and make fun of the other.

  Jake pulls me off the dance floor for a couple of bottles of water. After gulping them down and pausing for a quick trip to the bathroom, he pulls me back into the center of the crowd. The DJ starts mixing in some Latin music and I get down to “Danza Kuduro” by Don Omar, singing along. Grabbing me up in his arms and pulling me close, Jake and I dance a fierce merengue together. I’m impressed, he’s a great dancer and doesn’t miss a beat, holding me tight against him as we move to the quick tempo.

  I feel euphoric.

  Merengue turns to Salsa and Celia Cruz’s “La Vida Es un Carnaval” says it all. Jake and I make good salsa partners and he spins and twirls me around better than anyone I have ever danced with. He definitely knows how to lead on the dance floor and I love it. After some Salsa, we start to hear some familiar American pop and sing along while we jump up and down with the crowd. Jake does a little air guitar and I bang my head when a little rock is thrown into the mix.

  We’ve been dancing forever.

  My leg muscles burn and Jake is all sweaty, but we are having so much fun together, I don’t want to take a break even though I need one. The DJ plays a remix version of one of my favorite songs “Anything, Anything” by Dramarama and Jake and I bounce up and down, each with a hand in the air. Jake sings along at the top of his lungs. I stop to admire how carefree and happy he looks right now using the time to catch my breath. My cheeks are starting to hurt from all this smiling.

  I laugh as he looks down at me and smiles. He stops jumping as well and stands there with me for a moment to catch his breath. Even though I love this song, I’m going to suggest we get some water and take a break.

  Someone bumps into me from behind and pushes me and Jake closer together. My hand automatically goes to Jake’s chest for balance and he steadies me with his left hand on my hip. Looking up at my friend, I smile as he tucks a strand of hair that has come loose from my ponytail behind my ear.

  As he gazes down at me I can see his expression slowly shift. His smile fades and fades until he’s left with the most intense look on his face I have ever seen.

  What the…

  What’s happening?

  What is that look on Jake’s face?

  Sweet Jesus!

  Is that… is that desire I see on his face?

  My heart is pounding all of a sudden. His left hand holds onto my hip as his right hand rests behind my neck. My hand hasn’t moved from its spot against his chest.

  Neither one of us is moving.

  We are both frozen in this staring contest until Jake’s eyes look down at my lips and my breath starts to come in shallow gasps. Sweat drips down the side of Jake’s neck and I can feel a drop of my own perspiration rolling down my cleavage.

  Drip, drip…

  I’m so hot, for so many reasons now.

  I know we’re surrounded by people, but Jake has my full attention. His heart pounds against my left hand and my pulse races even faster at the sensation.

  I can’t look away.

  I don’t want to look away.

  His right hand still rests on my neck from tucking my hair back behind my ear and my stomach flips as his thumb caresses the side of my jaw.

  It’s hard to breathe with him this close.

  Taking sips of air, I keep my eyes locked on Jake’s, completely exposed. It must be written all over my face how much I want him, and he isn’t looking away or letting go.

  Time slows down and my own heartbeat starts to drown out the sound of the people around me. We’ve been frozen in this position for what feels like forever, eyes locked on each other. Jake’s chest rumbles against my hand at the same time his grip on my hip tightens. The music and my heartbeat are so loud in my ears that I can’t hear him, but I read his lips as he says, “Fuck it,” right before he pulls me in and his lips capture mine.

  Stunned, I hold my breath for two beats until I feel Jake’s tongue lick my bottom lip and the floodgates burst. All the air I’m holding in comes whooshing out of my nose as I open my mouth and feel Jake’s tongue enter. At my response, Jake moans into my mouth and I fist his shirt with my hand on his
chest.

  I can’t believe this is happening!

  We are really kissing!

  Oh God!

  Oh God!

  He tastes so good. I feel like I was meant to kiss this man.

  Our mouths know exactly what they are doing. There’s no awkwardness, no trying to figure out the other person’s style.

  I can’t get enough.

  The longer we kiss, the more intense it gets. His left hand digs into my hip and I claw at his bicep with my free hand trying to get a grip on him. His hand on my neck trails up into my hair and curls around my ponytail, holding me tighter against him. My right hand finally finds its way up to the back of his head as I grip his hair in a vise.

  He’s so freaking delicious.

  We are full on making out on the dance floor now. There’s no space between our bodies and every hard line of Jake’s body is pressed up against mine.

  Oh God, this is heaven.

  Feeling Jake moan into my mouth again, I kiss him back even deeper. Our kisses are frantic and I can’t get enough of him. Every taste, sound, sensation is all Jake.

  Oh God, Jake.

  I practically pant through my nose to get air into my lungs. Feeling a little dizzy, I think I may pass out from arousal or lack of oxygen, but I don’t care. All too soon, Jake sucks my bottom lip into his mouth and releases it, breaking the kiss and rests his forehead against mine. My chest is mashed up against his as his heart pounds against my breasts while we both try and catch our breath.

  I never imagined it would be like this.

  Feeling Jake lift his head back from mine, I open my eyes. He’s still fisting my hair and gripping my hip both very tightly, making it hard to move. Looking up at him from under my lashes, I reel at how feral and sexy he looks. His eyes sear me, shifting quickly back and forth between the two and then down to my lips. I need to feel his lips on mine again. I can feel the whimper welling up inside me trying to escape.

  Kiss me again!

  Please, don’t let go, don’t let go!

  Jake releases his grip on my hair and spins me around. Lacing his fingers with mine, he pulls me through the crowd.

  No! Not yet!

  I don’t want to leave, I want to go back to that spot on the dance floor where Jake kissed me and kiss him again. It can’t be over yet.

  Where are we going?

  I’m in a daze as Jake pulls me through the crowd.

  I have never been kissed like that.

  I feel like I just had sex.

  That was the best kiss I have ever had. He has ruined me.

  Vaguely, I register Jake grab his blazer off the back of his chair. He stops to whisper something to Gino.

  What is he saying?

  All I can hear is my own blood rushing in my ears. My mind and body are still reeling. My gaze travels over to Gino and I see him nod at Jake and point up toward my room at the top of the stairs.

  Chapter Thirty

  Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. Mark Twain

  I don’t know how we got here.

  Did I walk up the stairs?

  Did I leave the door unlocked? I guess I didn’t have a purse with me.

  The click of the door closing brings me back to the present. I’ve been in a daze since that kiss on the dance floor. Now I stand in my room with my back against the door. Fear of breaking the spell keeps me from raising my head to meet Jake’s eyes, even though I know he’s staring. Looking down at our joined hands, I feel Jake’s other hand brush my hip as he reaches around me to turn the lock. The bass from the music downstairs pulses and my mind races with the possibilities of what may happen between us, as my heart pounds to the same rhythm. Nervously gazing up at Jake, I reel when our eyes meet and the intensity I find there. All the fantasies I have ever had flash before my eyes like a dying person’s life, from Mr. Darcy to Christian Grey, only now Jake’s face replaces every one of theirs. He stands there, staring at me, with his green eyes blazing hungrily. We’re alone, in my room, and the tension in the air is so thick you might need a machete to cut it.

  This must be a dream and I never want to wake up.

  He takes a step to close the little space left between us and places his hand on my hip, causing my hand to automatically land on his chest.

  He searches my eyes for a moment, his breath mixing with mine he’s so close. Our chests heave against each other and taking his air into my lungs, I pray that kiss from downstairs is soon to be repeated. His eyes shift, staring at my lips, our mouths only inches apart, and the feel of our chests pressing together each time my lungs expand is the only indication that time hasn’t stopped. The anticipation is killing me and I start to wonder if he’s waiting for me to make the first move.

  “Please?” he whimpers as if in pain.

  That is all it takes, and I pounce.

  My hand fists his shirt and I pull him toward me, kissing him with a fierceness I didn’t know I possessed. Our bodies pressed together, we both let go a relieved moan at the sensation of being completely connected again.

  Oh God, this is amazing.

  Hyper aware of every inch of him that touches me, all of a sudden it isn’t enough. We’re here in my room kissing the hell out of each other, with no one to stop us, and I want more. I want it all.

  I want him.

  I have to feel him.

  I have to touch him, feel his skin against mine.

  He must read my mind because a painful sound escapes me as Jake breaks our kiss to pull his shirt off backwards over his head. His lips are back a split second later. His hands grip me under my butt and lift me up against the door. My hands automatically go around his neck and shoulders. His back is slick with sweat, but this arouses me more. Grabbing his head, I pull him as close to me as possible, devouring his tongue in my mouth while he devours mine.

  I never want to stop kissing him.

  I don’t need to breathe, I don’t need to eat.

  I need this.

  I need him.

  Eventually breaking away from my lips, he finds my neck and I gasp, taking in some much needed air. He bites and kisses my neck while I revel in the feel of his need pressing against me where I want him most. Digging my nails into his shoulders, I almost lose it when Jake grinds himself against me. I pant out, “Oh fuck, Jake,” when his erection presses against my center, practically driving me to the edge of insanity.

  I want that.

  I need it.

  Letting out a growl at my expletive, he drags his hands along the back of my legs, under my dress, and wraps my legs tightly around his waist. He finds my lips again, purposely pushes me into the door with his hips, and continues to grind himself against my core.

  I’m on sensory overload and more aroused than I have ever been in my entire life. Before I know what’s happening, my orgasm rises up inside me and I shudder violently, moaning.

  “Fuck, Jenna,” comes out of Jake’s mouth in understanding as I tighten my legs like a vise around him. He brings his arms up behind my back, and holds me tightly against him as he turns and walks toward the bed. Sitting me on the edge, he finally lets go of me, stands up and looks at me. Really looks.

  I want him so bad right now I can’t stand it. I don’t feel embarrassed or self-conscious, only desperate for him.

  With my hands free, I pull my dress up over my head and throw it on the ground, leaving Jake to stare down at me in my bra and panties.

  I have come completely undone.

  I need to feel him inside me.

  I reach for his belt in earnest, but he grabs my wrist and stops me.

  “I don’t have any protection, Jenna.”

  “I’m on the pill and I’m clean. Please tell me you are too.”

  “I am. I promise. I would never put you at risk if I wasn’t sure.”

  �
�Come here.”

  He climbs on top of me and moves us up higher on the bed while he kisses me so deeply I think I may drown in my own lust for him. He rolls onto his back, pulls me on top of him, and his hands move to unhook my bra. Leaning down, I kiss him with everything I have while he drags the straps of my bra down my shoulders. He releases my hair from its ponytail next and it spills over my shoulders, getting in my way. Frustrated, I let go of his lips and frantically go for his belt again. Jake grips my wrist to stop me once more, and before I can let out a frustrated whine, he flips me onto my back, hovering over me. He brings his lips back down to mine and I whimper in need as I writhe beneath him. I’m so scared and afraid he will stop this from happening and I can’t allow that. I won’t.

  This time I break the kiss and whimper, “Please, Jake.”

  He lets out a hiss and allows his full weight to sink down on top of me, kissing me so deeply it’s hard to think. My head swims, and breaking the connection for a moment to get some much needed air into my lungs, my stomach flips violently as his lips travel down my chest and suck a nipple into his mouth. His lips around me has me uttering, “Oh fuck,” and before I can stop myself, I cum again. Jake is busy unbuttoning his jeans with one hand, holding himself up with the other, when my back arches off the bed and presses my breast deeper into his mouth with my release. This seems to ignite some kind of animalistic response in him and all of a sudden, growling, Jake rips my panties off as if he can’t get to me fast enough. His jeans have somehow disappeared along with his boxer briefs and I’m losing it.

  I feel out of control.

  This man has made me cum twice already and we haven’t even had sex yet.

  I have never been this aroused.

  My clit pulses and I know I will cum again with the slightest touch. Jake leaves my left breast, finds the other nipple, and sucks it into his mouth, biting down, causing me to cry out. Releasing my nipple with a pop, he trails his tongue in an excruciatingly slow path down my stomach until he has me panting like an animal in heat. When he reaches his destination, he doesn’t hesitate, and my hips buck up off the bed as his tongue expertly licks up my slit.

  Holy mother!

  I’m about to orgasm again when Jake’s mouth is gone and he grabs me around the waist and pulls me up by the small of my back to meet him on the bed. He’s on his knees now and I get a glimpse of his erection standing up proudly as I sit up into his arms. Chest to chest, I feel him position himself at my entrance. Sitting back on his heels, he looks me dead in the eyes. With his arm around my waist he holds me close, but doesn’t enter me, almost as if waiting for permission. The anticipation is too much. I can’t wait any longer and as I look into his eyes, I slide myself down onto him, causing us both to shudder until he’s completely seated inside me. Holding myself still, I relish in the feeling.