by Emily Sharpe
"Well, maybe not quite everything," Jessica said with a laugh.
"We're going to get along famously."
Worth shot Jessica an "I told you so" look, and then the server was back to take their orders. The rest of the meal was spent discussing the magazine and the future.
"Fred and I fly to Paris next week. Paris in the spring! Cliché, but true. But I promise we'll be back for another visit soon," Molly told them as they finished dessert.
If I haven't gained five pounds today, I'll be surprised. Worth may have trouble holding me against a wall now. "I look forward to seeing you again soon and introducing you to my mother," Jessica said.
Fred insisted on paying for everyone's meal, and they were pleased to see that the rain had stopped while they visited and enjoyed the excellent cuisine and wine. Jessica was also pleased that Worth gave his mother a warm hug and kiss on the cheek before saying goodbye. You can tell a lot about a man by the way he treats his mother, Carol had always said. Eric's relationship with his mother had been extremely formal, Jessica recalled. If only she'd paid closer attention to her mom's wisdom!
Per mutual agreement, Jessica went straight to her cubicle before Worth entered the office a few minutes later. Just a few more days and they wouldn't have to keep their relationship a secret any longer. They had both decided it best to wait because of all the hoopla surrounding the break in the fire story and the part Jessica had played in finding the arsonist. That, and the fact that Worth's true identity had been revealed, splashed across the news, as his innocence was finally declared—all of which was enough excitement for one week.
Walking to her desk, she noticed that most of the staff was out on assignment; it was close to three already. Donna was on the phone, taking furious notes but managing to give Jessica a smile and little nod of hello as Jessica passed her. There would be a lot of questions next week, questions Jessica would finally answer, but for now, she was just relieved that her first all-important meeting with Worth's mother was behind her. And she had passed with flying colors, it would seem. I was so nervous, she thought and then grinned at the memory. Bathroom Guy had been most effective at distracting her.
The next morning, at ten sharp, Molly made her grand entrance in an expensive designer suit. Skip had assembled everyone just minutes before and now handed the mic to Worth for a little introduction. When Molly held it up to her own smiling face, she thanked everyone for all their hard work and talked a little about the things she had in mind for the future of the magazine. Before handing the mic back to Skip for a few housekeeping items, she invited the staff to join her in the conference room for coffee and pastries over the next few hours and told them they could ask questions as she got to know each of them a little better.
On the way, Donna whispered to Jessica, "She seems really nice. Not at all what I expected."
"She does, doesn't she?" Jessica replied with intentional vagueness.
"To think of all that poor woman went through," Donna gushed. "Well, not poor, obviously, but you know what I mean—her little boy falsely accused, faking his death, traveling for years to keep their identities a secret. Yikes!"
"Yes, but they've done well despite all that," Jessica whispered back. In the conference room, Jessica stayed with Donna so as not to raise further suspicions. Molly had agreed with Worth's wishes to keep her distance from Jessica until he could make an official announcement to the staff.
As they walked back to their desks, Donna asked about Jessica's plans for the weekend.
"I think I may go away for the weekend," she said evasively. "I need a getaway after all that's happened. How about you? Do you and Eric have anything on your agenda?"
Donna wiggled her eyebrows up and down. "We're going away too, actually. He says it's going to be a 'very special weekend', so I can't help wondering…" She stopped walking and frowned.
"What?" Jessica gasped, her eyes widening with revelation. "You think he might pop the question?" This is a surprise. We were together for years and never even came close. They've known each other a few months and bingo.
Donna bit her lip in dismay. "I'm sorry, Jessica, I shouldn't have said anything. I get so excited talking about Eric that I sometimes forget that you and he, well, and now you don't have anyone and I do and—"
Jessica shook her head with a little laugh. "Stop right there. You have no reason to be sorry. If he proposes, I couldn't be happier for both of you." She winked at her friend. "I may just have something to tell one of these days too. Not as exciting as an engagement, of course, but still good news."
Donna squealed with delight. "Have you started seeing someone finally? Who? What's his name? You've got to spill, sister."
"All in good time. I'm not ready to say any more just yet."
"Well, Eric and I will also be happy for you and your good news and your possibly-existent new fellow," Donna said as she started back to her desk. "I'd better get to work if I'm going to get out of here at a decent time. I'm hoping to sneak out early."
"Me too. Let's do it!" Because soon, we're both going to be doing it. You, with a whip, maybe; me, without, Jessica thought with an inner smile.
Working through lunch, Donna and Jessica headed out the door together at three o'clock and left the garage, heading in opposite directions. Jessica drove to her apartment to do some last-minute packing before Worth picked her up for the airport. Just as she zipped her bag, a happy tone came from her cell phone that identified the caller.
"Hi, Mom, what's up?" Jessica said as she sat on the bed.
"I was wondering if you'd like to have dinner with Chet, me, and his family next week? His kids surprised him with a visit during spring break. Both son and son-in-law are teachers; did you know that? I didn't remember if I'd told you that, but anyway, they're coming."
"Sure! I'd love that. I'm going out of town this weekend, but I'll be back Sunday night. Next week, my calendar's free. Any night is fine with me."
"I'll check with Chet and let you know."
"It'll be nice to see the Henderson kids again. Been a long time." Jessica paused. Carol and Chet had been dating a while. Had they? Were they? "Any other reason for this get-together?"
"Oh, we just thought it would be nice to bring the families together since we have the chance," Carol said breezily, quickly changing the subject. "What about you? Where are you off to this weekend? Work or pleasure?"
So much pleasure, you would not believe. Jessica stifled a chuckle. "I've been meaning to call you about getting together anyway. I want you to finally meet Worth. May I bring him along?"
"Of course! I can't wait to meet him. Is he going along on this mysterious trip?"
Jessica let the chuckle out now. "Not mysterious, Mom, but you're the only one who knows besides us and his mother—I got to meet her yesterday! Now it's his turn to meet you. He flew me to Boston as a surprise last weekend, but you know what happened—"
"'The best laid plans of mice and men,'" Carol quoted. "What an awful mess that was. I'm glad you can just relax now. Chet, too. It's a load off him, believe me."
"Anyway, we're going to try Boston again. Strictly pleasure."
Jessica heard a key turn in her front door. Had she just given him that key days ago? Soon Worth appeared in the bedroom doorway. He leaned against the frame, watching her with frank appreciation.
"Okay, Mom, let me know. Worth is here, and we need to make our flight." She ended the call and rushed to embrace him.
Chapter 17
Boston
The flight was uneventful this time. Rebecca greeted them cheerfully into first class seating and they chatted with her off and on throughout the flight. There were no mind-blowing revelations, no fear, no turbulence. Nothing loomed on the horizon that was anything but positive.
The limo was waiting for them again with the same driver—a sharp fellow who remembered them and even joked about making sure they had all their luggage before they got in. The quick return trip had only been a week earlier, after
all, and Worth was a regular customer. To Jessica, every day without a crisis boded well.
The hotel was incredible. During the trip, Jessica, ever the reporter, had questioned Rebecca about crew accommodations. "Other than the lobbies, one nice hotel is pretty much the same as the next. After a long day, just give me a hot shower and a comfortable bed!" This hotel, however, would likely have made her take notice. From the shining marble floors to the elaborate floral arrangements and chandeliers, this was not a five-star hotel, Jessica thought. More like a ten.
With only the two small carry-ons for luggage, they checked in quickly and got on the elevator alone. It was clear, so as they traveled to the eleventh floor, anyone bothering to look their way could tell that this was no business couple sharing one very long kiss as they rose high above the lobby.
The door opened onto elegance, in a rich, deep green with exquisite peacock décor throughout. Jessica was pleasantly surprised to see a bouquet of red roses in a crystal vase beside a bottle of champagne chilling in a bucket of ice—a very expensive bottle, from the label. Two spotless flutes stood at the ready. "Oh, Worth, how sweet! Thank you," she said as she turned to him. "You constantly amaze me with your attention to detail."
"I'll take credit for the roses but not the champagne. I wonder if the hotel sent that up." Dropping the bags in a little velvet upholstered chair, he walked over to see if there was a card from the management while Jessica read the one that he'd had sent with the flowers. She turned when she heard his deep chuckle. "What's so funny?" she asked.
"Leave it to dear old Molly." He handed her the little card he'd found.
Jessica smiled as she read the loopy, feminine script: A little bubbly to start the party. I hope you order room service and don't leave your room all weekend. Enjoy your time together; it's well deserved and long overdue. Love, Molly. "She is quite the character, isn't she?"
"That, she is," Worth said, wrapping his arms around her. "And didn't I tell you that the two of you would hit it off? All that worrying for nothing. My mother adores you."
"Well, Bathroom Guy was quite effective in calming me down before lunch." She reached around him to pinch his bottom.
"My pleasure," he said with emphasis. "A few times, if I remember correctly."
"Your stamina is particularly impressive." She smiled. "Among other things."
Worth quipped, "On my home planet, all the men are like this. And all the mothers are characters like Molly." Worth's eyelids drooped suggestively. "What do you say we change into something more comfortable and take Molly's advice? I'll open the bubbly and we can order in."
"I love the way you think, Mr. Dillingsworth Vincent Alexander—which reminds me. Are you going back to your original name?" She'd daydreamed often about being Mrs. Vincent but she wouldn't complain about being Mrs. Alexander instead. One day, perhaps, she thought with a little sigh.
Worth shook his head. "I've been Worth Vincent for much longer than I was Vincent Alexander. Besides, Worth is my legal name now. But. No. More. Talking." He kissed her long and gently, his hunger evident.
"Hold that thought! I'll be right back," Jessica said, grabbing her bag and finding the enormous bathroom. It was even larger and more ornate than her friend Rita's—the bathroom where this had all begun. She quickly stripped out of her clothes, carefully hanging her dress and jacket on hangers in the adjacent walk-in closet, relegating her underthings to the little laundry bag she always packed. Completely nude, she washed up a bit with one of the plush washcloths and searched through her bag for the lingerie she'd purchased at an airport boutique before boarding.
After brushing her hair and touching up her lip gloss, she spritzed on some Chanel No. 5 before emerging from the bathroom. Worth stood by the little table with one of the roses between his teeth and a silly expression on his face. He was wearing a pair of black satin pajama pants, with no shirt. The color perfectly set off his ample chest hair, just beginning to get a little gray in a few places. Just like down below, she thought with a rush of heat. His shaved head had always reminded her of, well, his head. Is the air on?
Worth held out a flute of champagne to her. Before taking it, she pulled the rose from his teeth and tucked it behind her ear. "Thank you," she said as she accepted the flute, sipping the sweet bubbly with relish while never taking her eyes off his face. She had wondered if he would like the red teddy with short matching robe she had chosen, and the way his eyes swept her body told her he did.
"You are stunning, Ms. Daniels," he said as he snuck a kiss. "And you taste like champagne. But I must warn you—"
"Mmm?"
"I enjoy your naked curves so much that lingerie is not really a priority." He fingered the black lace décolletage, stroking her breast beneath. "This outfit will likely last for years because you will actually have it on for such a short time."
"Years, you say," Jessica murmured. "I like the sound of that." She turned and led the way to the king-sized bed in the center of the room. She'd often thought that you could guess the price of a hotel room by the number of pillows arranged on the bed, and if that were true, this room must have been very costly indeed.
Setting down her champagne flute, she giggled as she pulled off the numerous decorative pillows of varying fabrics and sizes, stacking them on a chaise at the foot of the bed. Worth helped from the other side and finished off his bubbly as Jessica pulled the covers back, laid the rose to one side and slid between the sheets.
They snuggled and wrapped around each other with arms and legs, kissing softly. After a few moments, they rolled onto their backs and looked up at the ceiling, admiring the polished wood trim creating a design overhead. It had been a busy day—the meeting with Molly at the office, packing, shopping, airport, the flight, the limo ride. Outside, the sky was growing darker.
As they were both quiet in their thoughts, Worth finally asked, "What should we do now?"
Jessica laughed. What now indeed? To be this happy, just lying beside the man she adored. It was a dream come true. She turned to face him and playfully pulled some of his chest hair. "I didn't notice a chess board set up, but we could probably have one sent up."
"I love it when you laugh," Worth said, taking her hand in his and bringing it up to his lips. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her with all the passion he felt for her. Their tongues danced furiously as hands moved passionately, exploring one another anew. Jessica felt as though she was floating on air as she put her arms around his neck. Stroking his head as her pelvis inched closer as if with a mind of its own, she gave herself to the kiss, to her man, to their intimacy.
"Have I ever told you that I find you incredibly attractive?" Worth murmured as they finally released. "You kiss pretty well, too," he added with a chuckle. "And you fuck—"
"Such language, Mr. Vincent!" Her lips found his again. No longer was he just Bathroom Guy, the audacious man who had stolen her heart in the dark at a Halloween party. No longer was he just the boss who valued her mind and her writing. No longer was he Mr. Proper, annoyingly apologetic and ever mindful of reputation. He was her lover, her soulmate, her everything. She giggled. "I like you a little bit too."
"You've changed my life in so many ways, Jessica," Worth said as he hugged her tightly.
"Halloween night. Wonder Woman meets Darth Vader. That was the night that changed my life," she replied, softly kissing his chest between words as she reached her free hand beneath his pajama pants to play with the hair below. "It may have taken us a while to get here, but there's no going back now, only forward." She stopped and sat up. "Which reminds me, there is something I've been aching to do since yesterday."
"What's that?" he asked.
"Turn over."
When he complied, she pulled his pajamas off and straddled him at the knees. "Well," she said seductively. "I think it's my turn." She reached back and slapped his bare buttocks so sharply that her hand left a red mark.
Worth rose on his elbows with a laugh. "Okay, okay. I get the message."
He rolled over, sending her tumbling over onto the bed. Hovering over her, he pinned her arms above her head the way she had pinned his, the day before. "Pleasure only. Pleasure, pleasure and more pleasure." He grinned with a hungry leer. "Sometimes a little rough but always pleasure. Understood."
Worth released her hands and pulled her up to help ease her arms from the robe's sleeves. "The teddy is beautiful on you, but this just will not do at all. I need skin." He found the snaps at the crotch of the red satin and undid them then pushed the material up over her head.
When Jessica lay back down, she thought he would make love to her or perhaps tickle her lady parts with his beard as she guided his head to just the right position. Instead, he turned around over her so that his erection dangled over her mouth. As he bent his head down to meet her welcoming heat, she took him by her hands and kneaded hard as she sucked and nibbled lovingly between her own low moans of delight. Together, they rocked on the bed until Jessica thought she would scream with sheer excitement. A wonderful prelude, but not the main event I need. She pushed him up as hard as she could.
Surprised as she wriggled below him so that her face was under his, she whispered, "Kiss me while we fuck." There's a time for making love, she thought. And there's a time for fucking. And this is...it. She gave another moan as he entered her.
With his mouth on hers, Jessica reached for his buttocks to pull him even deeper inside. Slowly at first, then frenzied, they reached their climaxes at the same time. Worth raised himself above her, then pulled her over on top of him, still huge inside of her. "That's some planet you're from," she murmured as she began to move in sync with him again. She came again…and again…until Worth arched his back, taking her face in his hands to kiss her ever so gently before rolling her off to curl beside him.
Their breathing slowed as they held each other, aglow with an intimacy neither had imagined possible. "Would you like more champagne?" Worth finally asked. "I think we deserve a toast after that superb performance, don't you?" Chuckling appreciatively, he slid off the bed.