by Emily Sharpe
Jessica watched him walk around the bed for the flutes and to the table where the bottle still chilled, admiring every inch of him. He was so confident, so free of self-consciousness, only conscious of their shared love and desire. No longer erect after making love several times, he nevertheless cut an impressive figure. Raising herself and leaning on one elbow, Jessica whistled softly. "I like you naked best, too."
Propped up on the enormous pillows that remained on the bed, they finished off the champagne and talked. Their phone conversations had been lovely, Jessica thought, but this was a thousand times better—skin to skin. They started at the beginning, enjoying each detail anew even though they had spoken of it often. Worth had toured the office and tagged along with someone from the mail department. He knew Jessica's writing already, but that was the first day he'd seen her.
"'Love at first sight' is corny and overused, but that's what it was. You were all I could think about," Worth said. "And then that party—I drank too much and came on so strong and you said 'Eric'." Worth shook his head. "I almost left town. Decided we'd sell the magazine. Run away all over again." He looked at Jessica with adoration. "The thought of seeing you every day, but never—"
"Shh," Jessica said as she put a finger on his lips. "Not never. Always. I will always love you."
Worth shifted in bed, removing his arm from beneath her neck, where it had cushioned her as they talked. "Jessica, I know we haven't been together all that long, and it's only been recently that we actually became an 'us', as you put it. But I firmly believe that when it's right, it's right. And that's why…" His voice trailed off as he opened the drawer in the nightstand next to him and took something out that he'd put in while she was changing. "And that is why I bought something for you. I had planned to give it to you last weekend, but with everything else going on, I just didn't. If you aren't ready, I understand, and I will wait for you however long it takes but…"
He held out a tiny velvet covered box and opened it to reveal a simple but elegant two-carat solitaire diamond in a shining platinum setting. "Jessica Daniels, will you marry me?"
Is this really happening? Jessica was totally caught off guard, never expecting an engagement ring from him this soon. She looked from his face, to the box, back to him.
"Jessica?" he asked.
"I-I, uh, I, are-are you sure?" she stammered.
Worth laughed softly as he took the ring out of the box and took her hand in his. "Let's try this again, shall we? Ms. Jessica Daniels, love of my life, one day mother of my children, center of my universe, will you be my wife?"
"Yes! Worth, yes, yes, of course, I will!"
"That's more like it," Worth said as he slid the dazzling ring on her finger.
"It's beautiful!"
"Well, I did get some advice from Molly. I guessed at the size, though, so if it needs adjustment—"
Jessica held out her hand to admire the ring. "You guessed perfectly. But I thought you said you had it last weekend? When—"
Worth nodded. "I did. I called Molly weeks ago. I knew I was going to ask you. I had to ask you. But I also knew the timing wasn't right. Molly gave me the name of a good jeweler but only after I fed her some details."
Jessica lay back against the pillow, holding her hand out, letting the facets catch the light this way and that. "Molly, Molly, Molly. She knew before she even met me! Before the fire and everything got resolved. What a week this has been!"
Suddenly hungry, Jessica found her robe and slipped it on. Worth got out of bed and tied her sash as he planted a kiss on her forehead before putting his pajama pants on again. He pulled the room service menu from the nightstand and handed it to her. "You pick."
While they waited for a light dinner to arrive, they stepped onto the balcony to admire Boston's night view, with its twinkling stars above and lights below. Worth pointed out the general direction of the area Fred had recommended. They made plans to sleep obscenely late before exploring it.
As they enjoyed baked brie with nuts and fruit, washing it down with a second bottle of champagne, Jessica remembered the upcoming family dinner with Chet and her mom. "It completely slipped my mind as soon as I hung up the phone with her this afternoon."
"I've been looking forward to meeting her. It really shouldn't have taken this long," Worth said then looked up at Jessica with a smile. "Won't she be surprised when we spring this on her at dinner? Or should you call her now?"
"It will keep," Jessica said, spreading more of the delicious melted brie on a cracker. "I want to see her face when we tell her."
"I hope it will be a good surprise for her."
"It will be; I'm sure of it." Jessica sank back in the chair and nodded. "Absolutely sure. She was never a fan of Eric. She liked him as a man just fine, but she said she never saw the two of us as a couple. She and my dad were happy at a whole different level. An 'us' level, I think." She grinned then opened her mouth wide with understanding. "Soooo, when Molly said we'd have an announcement to make when we got back to the office, she wasn't talking about just telling the staff we're dating, was she?"
Worth chuckled sexily. "No, she was hoping for this, the official announcement of our engagement and upcoming wedding." He continued dryly, "She's probably got the whole thing planned already. I'm warning you now. There were many, many years she thought she'd never have a daughter-in-law. Believe me, she will be over the moon."
"Should we call her? Have they already left for Paris?" Jessica grabbed the last strawberry on the china plate and popped it into her mouth.
"And ruin her plans for us to make love the whole weekend without interruption?" Worth poured the rest of the bubbly between their two flutes, chuckled and took another sip. "I guess it can wait until we get back Sunday evening. They don't leave for Paris until Monday, so we'll call as soon as we get home, I promise." He put down his linen napkin. "I distinctly remember there being a Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom. Shall we?" He stood to lead her into the bathroom, all their appetites satisfied for the moment.
As Worth soaped Jessica's back in the oversized tub, she closed her eyes and let the jets work their own magic. She sat between his bent legs and played with the bubbles, stretching her neck this way and that. With everything in turmoil over the last few weeks, she was overdue for some yoga. Not that I'll waste time in Boston exercising that way when there are so many more enjoyable ways to burn calories with the Worth Vincent Method. When she gave a little giggle, Worth stopped soaping to tickle her softly under the armpits.
"Hey, that reminds me. Do you have a lease on your apartment?" he asked.
Jessica shifted so that she could look at him from the side. "It's month to month now. After the first year, I had that option and decided to take it. Why?"
"I bought a condo when I first moved back to town. It's hard to believe you've never even been there."
"You were the one who insisted on being Mr. Prim and Proper," Jessica teased.
Worth winked at her. "No more, I assure you. But I thought maybe you'd like to start moving some of your things in before the wedding. Which, I might add, I hope isn't too far away."
Jessica's heart leapt. She had no desire for a long engagement either. "I think that can be arranged." She let out a yawn. "Mr. Vincent, you have worn me out."
"Then sleep it is. I promise not to bother you during the night," Worth said as they stepped from the water and toweled their bodies dry.
"Trust me," Jessica said softly. "The welcome mat is always out for you. It wouldn't be a bother at all."
They waited until they were back at Jessica's apartment Sunday night before Worth phoned Molly and Fred. Faneuil Hall Marketplace had been as lovely as Fred had described; the champagne was much appreciated, the weekend a complete delight. At his side, Jessica punched him softly to get to the best part.
"Molly, she said yes!" Worth exclaimed, picturing the look on his mother's face.
"Well, of course, she did," Molly answered drolly. "She's a smart woman. And you were smart
to wait for her. I am so happy for both of you! Now, tell Jessica to let me know all the wedding plans when she starts to make them. I can help, but I don't want to get in the way. I know a designer in Paris. In fact, I'll speak with her this week. Maybe the two of you can fly over for a few days."
"Whoa, slow down there," he said, rolling his eyes at Jessica. "I'll talk to her about it and see what she says. We're telling her mother this week, at a family dinner."
"Put my soon-to-be daughter on the line," Molly commanded.
Worth held out his phone to Jessica, which she took with a look of yikes. Her almost-mother-in-law! "Molly?"
"I just wanted to tell you personally how happy I am. Worth probably told you I'd want to run the show, but this is your wedding. Lord knows, I've had plenty of my own. I just want to help however I can. You'll keep me posted?"
"I will be sure to do that. Worth and I don't want to wait long so we may go with something relatively small."
Molly gave a little snort on the other end. "Nonsense. We can do it up right and soon." Molly launched into a litany of her many weddings and how quickly things had come together for each one. When Jessica was finally able to hand the phone back to Worth, he wrapped things up before saying goodnight. "She'll go weeks without calling, but once she gets started, that woman does love to talk," he said. "Gotta love her, though."
Jessica circled his waist with her arms. What a glorious weekend. What a glorious man. "After everything she did for you years ago, I'd say she's a treasure."
"You are a treasure, too," Worth said, stroking her hair. "My treasure." Lifting her chin, he placed a sweet, almost chaste kiss on her lips. "I'm going to go home now and let you get some much-needed sleep. I'll see you in the morning and we'll make our big announcement to the staff."
Disappointed but agreeing with the wisdom, Jessica nodded. "I love you, Worth Vincent."
"I love you too, Jessica Daniels." He kissed her again, more lovingly this time. "Which will not be your name much longer if I have any say in the matter." He laughed softly. "Now I'd better get out of here before we get carried away again." At the airport, he had reminded her of her raincheck on the mad monkey love in the back seat of a car. This time, he had parked at the top, where he reasoned that by the time they landed on Sunday, they could enjoy some privacy.
Always thinking, that one. Jessica walked him outside and waved goodbye. True enough, had he stayed much longer, their hunger would have taken over again. I just can't get enough of that man. Will it be different when we're married? She found that hard to believe. She had everything she'd ever dreamed of finding in a partner and then some. She'd lacked the imagination to ever think her life could be this rich and full of love. He certainly had been "worth" the wait. Jessica smiled all the way back inside.
The next morning, she went directly to Worth's office, where they stayed until Skip announced a staff gathering over the mic so everyone would hear. They giggled a little nervously as they listened to him talking glibly on the other side of the door. Skip would be waving them all forward, making jokes as always. Only when the hubbub settled down, did they come out of the office together—not holding hands. Not yet.
Jessica joined the employees at the front as Skip handed the little mic to Worth. From a few feet away, Jessica marveled at the length of time since Worth had addressed the group that first day. Only a few months, really. She had been so distracted, she hadn't heard him call her to the front. And now he's mine.
Worth cleared his throat. "As you all know, the past few months have been a strain. Selling the magazine, a new editor, the fires. Thanks to the excellent work of our own Jessica Daniels, and of course, both the fire department and police, you know about my past challenges. All resolved now, thank God." He paused. "Last week, you met the new publisher for the first time, my mother Molly, who insists that everyone call her that, by the way."
Low chuckles spread throughout the room. Even though her time with the staff had been brief on Friday, she had already earned somewhat of a reputation.
"You'll be seeing more of Molly in the future, I'm sure. Especially in the next few months." Worth cleared his throat again. "I mentioned 'our own' Jessica Daniels." He nodded to her with a smile. "Jessica, will you join me?"
Aware that all eyes were on her as she stood next to their boss, she waited quietly for him to make the announcement.
Worth put his arm around Jessica's waist and pulled her close, both of them beaming. "I don't know if any of you suspected, but Jessica and I have been seeing each other for several months. We chose to keep it quiet, to keep our personal lives out of the office. But, over the weekend, this beautiful lady agreed to become Mrs. Worth Vincent. You'll all be invited to the wedding."
Jessica heard Donna's distinct "Woohoo" from her position as the room erupted in applause and calls of well-wishes.
When the initial response quietened, Worth continued. "Jessica will still be a reporter and columnist, but her job description will also expand as she helps me with the business." This had been one of the many things they had discussed in Boston. "I hope you'll feel free to go to her with any concerns you may have about the future if I happen to be unavailable. We're in this together."
Skip gave Jessica a big hug, whispering in her ear as he did, "You lucky girl!"
As the staff mingled for a few minutes before returning to work, most expressed surprise. A few people said they had sort of wondered, but no one seemed to be intimidated by the news.
Donna made her way over to Jessica last as Jessica was walking to her desk. "I am so happy for you. Shocked as all get out but extremely happy!" She gave her friend a warm hug before holding out her left hand to show off her own new addition there. "My weekend was a special one too!"
Jessica took her hand, admiring the ring. There was not even a hint of jealousy for what Eric and Donna shared. Her own heart was too full. And, too, what she and Eric had shared paled by comparison to the love she had found with Worth. She was truly thankful Eric was happy. "Congratulations! I'm sorry if our announcement stole your thunder; we felt like we needed to 'go public' now."
Donna brushed off the apology. "I want to hear all about it."
Jessica gave Donna's hand a little squeeze. "How about lunch today? My treat. Worth has a meeting and I've got a question for you." She grinned. "Lots of questions, actually, but one in particular."
Chapter 18
Opposites Don't Necessarily Attract
Donna rubbed her eyes as she slowly woke the next morning and looked around. Glancing at the alarm clock, she saw both that it was still early and that she wasn't at home. Squinting in the semi-dark room, she got her bearings back—Eric's apartment. He was nowhere to be seen, however, so she swung her legs over the side, grabbed one of his t-shirts to put on and went in search of him, yawning. It had been a very late, very satisfying evening.
She found Eric in the small but efficient kitchen, his thick hair looking more auburn under the fluorescent lighting. He was whisking something in a stainless-steel bowl, completely nude. From years of working as a stonemason in the sun, his back and arms were tanned, but his buttocks and legs were fairly pale.
Donna drew in a breath. Her whip—actually a riding crop kept from a horse-riding phase in her youth—had left a few marks. She tiptoed close behind him and circled his narrow waist with her arms, kissing his smooth, hairless back. Eric didn't stop whisking but turned his head to murmur a low, "Good morning, Master. Scrambled okay?"
Donna giggled and slapped him gently on the bottom as she grabbed a piece of crisp bacon a plate on the counter. "That was just last night, sweetie. You know that." She leaned in to brush her firm, tiny breasts against his bicep. "Tonight, it's your turn."
They had shared a perfect weekend at a quaint little bed and breakfast. Eric had made the reservation and was adorably chagrined when they arrived. The rooms of the old house were beautifully decorated but not nearly as private as they would have liked for their…activities. As pleasant
as the weekend had been, it had been a welcome relief to return to more familiar, and accommodating, surroundings.
When Donna and Eric met some months earlier, they were mutually surprised at the immediate, strong attraction. Their shared history with Jessica notwithstanding, they felt completely at ease from the start. Taking it very slowly at first, they had kept the relationship at a somewhat chaste level as they got to know each other. One evening, however, Eric had picked up a folder of notes on Donna's coffee table in her living room. Donna saw him and tried to stop him, but it was too late.
She was working on an article about an underground sex club in the city to which a friend had tipped her. She'd interviewed the manager, a woman about her age, gotten permission to observe, interview and even photograph—tastefully—patrons, as long as identities were concealed. The club was one of those secrets a lot of people knew about but chose to look the other way concerning. All consenting adults, the members enjoyed gathering with like-minded people in a safe environment. Some were married but preferred soundproof rooms. Some lived where there was no room for some of the more elaborate equipment they enjoyed. Others were single, discreetly thankful for the various roles available.
Donna had taken more notes and photos than she would end up using, but she had no idea what Eric's reaction would be. So far, he'd struck her as a bit uptight. At that point in their relationship, the subject of sex had yet to be broached.
Eric's eyes were wide as he leafed through the photos she'd printed out for quick reference. He picked up a steno pad and started reading silently.
As he read, Donna sat beside him on the couch. "That's…research," she said.