by Candace Shaw
“Touché, beautiful. You know, I was thinking about going skydiving sometime soon, probably before the event. I haven’t done it in a few months. It’s a good way to release pent-up energy, and it’s a wonderful high. You wanna come?”
Her heartbeat ceased for a second at the thought of jumping out of an airplane. “Uh...you mean to watch you from my safe spot on the ground, right? Take pictures? Sure, I’ll videotape it for you,” she suggested, because she sure as hell wasn’t going to jump.
“No... I mean jump with me,” he said matter-of-factly. “It’ll be cool.”
Cool? More like insane. Sarcastic laughter rose loud from her throat, which was slightly scratchy from her wild moans earlier. “Wait... Prez... I’ve never skydived before or had any aspirations to do so. It’s not on my bucket list. How about I just tag along for moral support?”
“I guess...but think about it. It could fun.”
“Yeah...free-falling to my death isn’t my idea of fun. How about you create a skydiving video game? I promise to be the first to test it.”
“Babe, even Hope and my dog before her have gone with me. I’ve done it too many times to count. I’m not a ghost sitting in front of you.”
“No...but...oh, my goodness...” She ran her fingers through her hair and shook off the jitters that prickled along her skin. “I’m nervous just thinking about it.”
“Scared of heights?” he asked.
“No, scared my parachute won’t open and I’ll land splat against the ground. And then my parents would kill me again for dying, and you, too. Definitely you.”
“Relax. We can do it together. Literally. We will be strapped together. It’s called tandem jumping. It’s for first-timers. I’m certified, so you’ll be fine. I promise.”
“First-timers? Like I’d ever do it again...if I agreed to this. That wasn’t a yes.”
“I think you’d enjoy it—otherwise I wouldn’t have asked. I have videos of me you can watch, and I’ll tell you everything you need to know beforehand. I promise.”
“You’ve done this with other women?”
“No. You would be the first. I’ve jumped with my dad, Braxton and Sydney. Can’t get my mother or Tiffani to go at all. Not even to watch. KJ wants to do it as soon as he’s eighteen, even though Tiff isn’t in agreement. I usually jump on my birthday and my skydiving buddies’ birthdays, but for some reason, I want to do it now...with you. Will you think about it?”
Sighing, she pressed down more nervous tingles. “I’ll go with you, but I can’t promise you that I’m going to jump.”
“Fair enough. I’ll make the arrangements, and in the meantime, I’ll email you some training videos to watch.”
“Okay, and you won’t be mad if I say no?”
Grasping her hand, he squeezed it tight. “No, precious, I won’t be mad. I really don’t know why the idea popped into my head, but I’d love for you to share that experience with me. It’s exhilarating. It’s a natural high I can’t explain. Sort of like those climaxes you just had, but better.”
“Ha... I don’t think I could handle anything better than that.”
A naughty grin emerged from him as he stood and then held out his hands to pull her up. He drew her toward him, and she sank naturally into his arms as if she was meant to be there.
“My dear, that was just a sample. If we ever have...make love, you’ll learn that was the tip of the iceberg. There are so many other things to explore.”
“I’ll be sure to be well-rested when the occasion arises, and I’ll think about the skydiving adventure.”
“That’s all I ask.”
Chapter 7
Blythe stared out the window of the small plane that flew over north Georgia. It was two weeks after Preston had asked her to skydive with him, and she still hadn’t quite agreed to, even though she was dressed in a skydiving jumpsuit, helmet, goggles and gloves along with the harness that would eventually be connected to Preston. She held his hand for dear life as he chatted casually with his friend and instructor, Charles, who was going to jump with them and tape it. She’d watch the training video at least twenty-five times in the past week. She now knew the correct free-fall position, how to exit the plane, when and how to open the parachute and how to land...that was the part she was looking forward to the most. Even though the thought of being strapped to Preston was kind of cool, too.
The past few weeks had been full of painting, working and spending her free time with Preston. She’d enjoyed every moment with him and was antsy and annoyed when she was away from him. The Winter Wonderland festivities were over a week away, and everything was on schedule. She looked forward to the events...that is, if she survived today. She exhaled and squeezed his hand tighter while saying a prayer. She’d informed her oldest sister what she was doing today so someone in her family would know if it didn’t end well.
Preston leaned over to her and kissed her cheek. “You good, baby girl?”
Scooting closer to him, she linked her arm with his. “You mean scared? Yes...make that hell, yes.”
“I promise, I got you,” he reassured her with a trustworthy smile. “I wouldn’t have brought you if I didn’t think you could handle it.”
“We’re almost at our jumping point and need to get ready,” Charles said and proceeded to stand by the door.
“Well?” Preston asked, standing and holding out his hand to her.
She unbuckled her seat belt and grabbed his hand. “Okay.”
He scooped her up in his arms. “I promise you won’t regret it, and who knows? Perhaps the next time, we can jump holding hands, staring at each other.”
“One jump at a time, bruh. It’s way too soon to discuss another one.”
“Gotcha, babe.”
Seconds later, they were harnessed together as she stood in front of Preston at the door that the flying assistant, Ray, was about to open. Blythe couldn’t believe she was preparing to jump out of a plane at fourteen thousand feet in the air. But since Preston was behind her, she felt secure, and it wasn’t because they were heavily strapped together. She couldn’t explain the overwhelming emotions that soared through her. It hit her hard when Ray opened the plane’s doors and the rush of air flew in. There was no turning back now.
“Ready to jump, baby girl?” Preston shouted loud in her ear, moving them up as they stood in the correct jumping position.
“Yes,” she screamed back.
“You trust me, right?”
She glanced at him over her shoulder. “With all my heart.” And she meant every word.
Smiling, he kissed her tenderly as her eyes fluttered shut, and for a moment, she was lost in a free-falling abyss, surrounded by his protective embrace. Sighing, she turned back around, and when she opened her eyes they were indeed falling...out of the plane. She screamed at the top of her lungs with enjoyment as they soared together in laughter. Even though she couldn’t hear anything, she knew he had to be laughing with her.
Blythe couldn’t believe it was really happening, but Preston was right. It was truly a natural high. As a child, she’d dreamed she could fly with the birds, and now it was happening with him. Soaring above the earth was indeed invigorating and thought-provoking. The sky had never appeared so blue before. White pillows of clouds swooshed past them, which was the coolest thing ever. The phrase on cloud nine took on new meaning because that’s what she was experiencing at that very moment. She tried to photograph all the images in her head so they could lend ideas for a picture she would paint of her magical experience.
Charles was with them as well with the video camera, and she gave two thumbs-up and a loud woo-hoo that she couldn’t hear as they continued to free-fall at one hundred twenty miles per hour. She could see for miles and miles, and the view was incredible. It was different than flying on an airplane. She was actually
a part of the sky and the atmosphere. She felt one with nature and with Preston.
About five thousand feet before they were to land, Preston opened the parachute, and they drifted to the ground, much to her dismay. The adrenaline rush was revitalizing. It had ended way too soon. She wanted more. Now she understood why Preston skydived, and she couldn’t wait to do it again with him.
Landing standing up, they tumbled over in laughter. Preston kissed the back of her neck, and she closed her eyes as the sensation of falling hadn’t left her yet.
“Can we can go again?” she asked in between her giddy laughs.
“I take it you enjoyed yourself?”
“Mmm-hmm... I did.”
“I knew that you would.”
He helped her stand up as one of the workers rushed over to help them out of their harnesses. Afterward she fell into Preston’s arms and exhaled.
“That was awesome, absolutely awesome. I swear I could go again right now. I see why you love it. It’s like... I can’t explain it. It’s just a powerful, organic experience that I’m glad I was able to share—” she paused as she felt herself smile “—with you. You made it the most unforgettable experience ever. I can’t think of a time when I’ve felt so carefree and one with the universe. I didn’t want it to end.”
“Now you see why I do it. Sooo...you really want to go again? Right now?” he questioned with a puzzled expression.
“For sure. Right now.”
“Let’s do it.”
* * *
After a refreshing shower, Blythe crashed on the couch next to Preston in her living room as her high and heart rate finally settled down. They’d skydived again, and that time she’d opened the chute and steered it down to the ground.
“I still can’t believe we did it again,” he said, reaching over for her hand and squeezing it. “I’m so glad you enjoyed yourself.”
“I truly did. That was one of the best experiences ever, and I have you to thank. I called my sister Brandi after I got out of the shower. She couldn’t believe I went through with it. Twice.”
“Well, I can. You were amazing. So, your whole family lives in Brooklyn?”
“No, not now. Just my parents and baby sister. Brandi lives in Chicago with her husband.”
“Had you planned on going home for the holidays?”
“Not this year. My parents and baby sis are going on a cruise, and Brandi and her husband are spending it with her in-laws. She’s not looking forward to it, but they agreed on every other Christmas with their families.”
“Well, the Chase family is having dinner at Megan’s this year. You’re welcome to join us.”
“Actually, I am. Tiffani invited me a while ago.”
“I see. How about we have a light brunch at my place that morning? Exchange gifts and chill until it’s time to head to Megan’s?”
“That sounds like a plan.” She was almost finished with his present. It just needed a few final touches. “And I’ll cook.”
“No. It’s Christmas. Just bring yourself. I’ll handle the rest.”
“No argument from me. I’ll bring a red velvet cake, though. It’s the only dessert I know how to make well. It’s my dad’s favorite, and I usually make it for him on Christmas Day.”
“I love red velvet cake. It’s one of my favorite desserts.” Preston raised a wicked eyebrow and licked his lips. “But you want to know what my new favorite dessert is?” He ran a finger across her lips, and she sucked it into her mouth.
“Mmm...me? It had better be me,” she joked, pinching his cheek.
“Oh, it is. All of you.”
Climbing onto his lap, Blythe straddled him and placed her hands around his neck. She brushed her lips against his, and a sensual moan released from her when his hands roamed down to her butt and pressed her hard against him. She could feel the hardness of his manhood through her flimsy nightgown, and she kicked herself for not putting on the thick flannel one. Butterflies rustled in her stomach, and waves of passion raced through her body as their kiss intensified. She was free-falling again, but this time the high was even more invigorating than skydiving two times in a row. Her lips left his and slid down his neck. Licking and nibbling his warm skin turned her on even more, especially when his erotic groans filled the air. Today’s events had heightened the soulful connection they shared. She wanted him now more than anything, and she wasn’t disappointed with herself, either. It was her decision. Always had been.
“Damn, woman,” he groaned, weaving his fingers in her hair. “I didn’t know you were this aggressive...and I love it.” Preston arched his neck back even more as she continued placing seductive kisses on him.
She snickered. “So I hear, loud and clear.”
“But... I... You’ve got stop tempting me, woman.”
She faced him and rested her hands on his chest. Lowering her lips to his, she whispered, “Maybe I don’t want to stop. Maybe I need you. No turning back.”
His forehead indented, and he shifted under her. “Blythe...”
“I’m ready if you are, and I know you are. It’s written all over your face, Prez, and you’re hard as a rock.” Grinding on him, her breath caught in her throat. He was bigger than she’d realized, and he grew the more she swirled around on him.
He grasped her hands and kissed them, and a sincere yet serious expression reached his face. “Babe, I’ve been ready since our first kiss, but I don’t want you to do anything you’d regret.”
She shook her head. “I’m not going to regret it. I want to be with you in every way possible.”
“And I want the same, but you know this will change the dynamics of our relationship, baby girl.”
“I’m aware of that. They’ve already changed, which is why we’re having this conversation...and wasting precious time.”
“So, I guess you’ve sensed that I’ve fallen for you?”
“I have, and I’ve fallen for you, as well.”
“Do you know how long I’ve searched for a woman like you? You’re a godsend.”
Sliding off his lap, she reached her hand out to him. “Well, the search is over. I’m all yours.”
Instead of grabbing her hand, he stood and lifted her up in one swoop. Carrying her to the bedroom, he laid her down on the comforter and slid his body over hers. They stared at each other for a few moments before she reached her lips up to his and kissed him. Fluttering her eyes shut, she was once more transported into an abyss of floating among the clouds. His loving embrace had to be the safest place on earth.
When they were skydiving, she’d never felt so protected by a man before. She’d trusted him with all her heart. She’d experienced the emotions and adrenaline rush not because she’d jumped from an airplane but because she was with him on another level that she couldn’t explain. She needed to feel all of him. Needed to be one with him because their connection had grown in every way. Heart. Body. Soul. She didn’t have any doubts or any regrets. And like him, she could admit to herself she’d been ready for him since the first moment his lips touched hers. In that moment, he’d awakened a desire and passion in her that she’d buried in her mind and heart.
Preston sat up and began to unbutton his shirt. A wide grin crossed her face at his glorious rippling muscles. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and his lips met hers again in a fierce, amorous kiss. She clutched his shoulders and let the feel of him on her immerse her into a surreal oblivion as their fervor increased with each passing second.
He slid his tongue down to her neck and then to her cleavage. He dragged her nightgown up by the hem in one swoop and lifted it over her head to expose her breasts, which craved his tongue on them. He sank his mouth onto one of the hardened nipples, and she sighed out his name in relief. She roamed her hands over his hard chest, which could easily substitute as a washboard if her
washing machine ever stopped working. She didn’t know how much longer she could hold on before demanding that they skip the foreplay, but he was a passionate and skilled lover, so she wanted to savor every moment of their first time together.
His lips continued making their way down her chest, stomach, belly button and ended up on the top of her panties. He rested his heated stare on her. She nodded the go-ahead, and he slid the panties off with his teeth. Standing, he took off his pants and boxers, and she gulped—this time at the length and hardness of him. She watched as he reached back for his pants, sifted through his wallet and pulled out two gold packets.
Winking, he rejoined her on the bed and placed the packets under a pillow.
“You just happen to have those on hand?” she teased.
“I started to carry them after our time in the photo booth.”
“Good thinking.”
He captured her lips once more in a slow, unhurried kiss that sent heat waves of passion soaring through her. A tremble erupted over her entire body as she realized she was about to be one with Preston. She was nervous and excited all at the same time. This would indeed change the dynamics of their relationship; however, she’d never felt this carefree with a man before.
Lifting his head, he stared down at her with a concerned expression. “I just want to make sure you’re okay. It’s not too late to change your mind.”
She smiled, patting his cheek, and thought how lucky she was that she’d found a man who cared. “I’m fine, babe. Honestly. Trust me, I would tell you if I wasn’t.”
“Just checking. I don’t want you to feel bad afterward or think that you made a mistake.”
“I’m not a virgin or a prude.”
She pulled his head down to hers and kissed him furiously to show him just how much she was ready for him. He let out a growl as she ground her hips on him. Reaching over to the pillow, he pulled out a condom packet.
“I’m taking the hint,” he mumbled, kissing the side of her neck before lifting up.
Her body ached with sheer delight as she waited for him to finish. She wrapped her legs around his waist and inhaled as he gently circled his tip around her center while staring directly at her. A low moan escaped her throat as he slid partway inside and then again as he nestled himself completely inside her. He didn’t move.