“This is making me very hot,” he said with a beamy grin as he reached to touch her breast.
“Jack, would you please focus. There’s something else I need to tell you.”
“You could be right, I see four breasts,” he said, laughing. “I think this dope is getting to me but I must say, before I go off the deep end, we should consider the possibilities before us.”
“Of course you would, because you’re a dog. Are you listening? Marc kissed me on the beach this morning.”
Jack sat quietly for a moment and then said, “As far as I’m concerned, that makes us even. Would you agree?”
“I agree. Although a blowjob—”
“Should I talk to Marc about this?”
“Definitely not! Yes, we’re even.”
“Does this mean I get to kiss Summer?”
“Well I can’t speak for her but—is that all you’re going to say?”
“Well, have you considered it might be exactly what we need?”
“No, I don’t think that’s what we need. I don’t think I want to see them anymore.”
“I always knew those people were very cool.”
“Jack, pass me the joint.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Jenna awoke with a slight headache, triggering a recall of last night’s events in full living Technicolor. She stretched her arms above her head and walked out onto the balcony. She looked past the wedding gazebo to the water and saw no remnants of the beach party, causing her to wonder if it might have been a mirage. Maybe I dreamt what happened last night. Is that Summer? she thought. She covered her eyes from the glare of the sun, straining to see across the dazzling reflection of natural light on the sugar white beach. She focused on the figure performing yoga postures on the sand. Jenna watched Summer, who was fully in command of her slender, muscular body, move through a sequence of poses they had often executed together in class.
“What are you staring at?” Jack asked, placing his arm around her waist.
“Trying to make out if that’s Summer on the beach,” she said, turning into his embrace. “Hmm … look at you standing there. How’s your foot feeling?”
“It’s much better today but I think the shopping gig in Ocho is out. You can go if you want to,” he said, watching Summer stretch.
“Oh, that’s fine by me. We can get lazy on the beach.”
“Right now I need some coffee. Did you smoke the rest of the joint last night?”
“No, of course not. You’re not going to smoke it now, are you?”
“Uh … no,” he said. “God, she’s stunning.”
“Yes, she is,” she said, ducking from under his arm. “I wish I hadn’t found out about them. It makes me see her so differently.”
“Yeah … me too,” he said, arching his eyebrows up and down.
“You ass,” she said playfully. “I’m taking a quick shower. Do you want to join me for breakfast?”
“How about we shower together? And I’ll brush my teeth before I get in.”
She knew the idea of Summer had fueled his desire and although the idea of spending more time with Marc aroused and confused her at the same time, she decided to focus on the positive. “Come with me, Picasso,” she said seductively.
“I’m following you.”
Jenna reached in and turned on the shower, while Jack, in a surge of excitement, quickly brushed his teeth. She sauntered up next to him and laid her head against his back. She wrapped her arms around his waist and gently pulled him in close against her full breasts. “I love the way you smell.”
Jack rinsed his mouth and turned to face her. He leaned in to kiss her forehead but instead found himself clasped between her hands pulling him to her lips. The release felt wonderful as they explored each other’s tongues in a familiar fashion from long ago.
“That was a really nice kiss,” he said.
Jenna dropped her robe to the floor revealing her want for him. Jack gently reached between her legs while maintaining eye contact and found her wet with desire. He watched as her eyes closed and her head tilted back. He nuzzled against her flesh and began kissing, licking, and biting along her neck and jawline.
“This is so good. I just want to stay right here,” she whispered.
“I have other plans you might like even better,” he said with a grin.
“Really? I’m looking forward to it.”
They opened the glass door to the bath and stepped in. Jenna leaned back against the wall, grabbed the towel rack and mounted her left leg on the side of the tub.
“You are a mind reader,” he said. He lowered himself to his knees and began a slow rhythmic tonguing of her clit.
“That’s good. Just the way I like it,” she said as she cupped the back of his head with one hand while hanging onto the rack with the other.
Jack then slowly inserted his finger into her wetness. “Jenna,” he said.
She looked down and watched as he pushed his finger into his mouth, tasting her sweetness.
“That’s so fuckin’ hot,” she murmured and laid her head back against the wall again. Her hips involuntarily moved in time with his ravishment.
“Turn around and spread your legs,” he commanded. He then took his erection in his hand and slowly slid it into her from behind.
“Oh my god, that feels so good,” she moaned.
He stroked at an ever-increasing speed until she could hear nothing but flesh slapping against flesh. She reached underneath and circled her clit feverishly as they reached the pinnacle at almost exactly the same time.
“Fuck me, Jenna, I’m going to come so hard,” he called out in a strained whisper.
“Oh my god, oh my god.” Jenna uttered her orgasm into the wall as she felt Jack’s ejaculation fill her.
He reached around and fondled her breasts and stomach as he subsided. Jenna clung to the towel rack, drooping like a rag doll. After a few moments, they stood facing one another, staring into the eyes of their past, deeply wanting this to be a new beginning, a fresh start that would rekindle their love.
*****
As Jack and Jenna approached the Calabash for breakfast, Jenna spotted Summer and Marc.
“Let’s order something to our room,” Jenna said, ceasing to move forward.
“Don’t be ridiculous. We can’t avoid them forever,” Jack said. He walked straight to their table. “Do you mind if we join you?”
“Not at all,” Marc said. “Looks like your foot’s feeling better. Are you guys going to go shopping?”
“We’re going to skip the shopping and hang around here today,” Jack said, settling into a seat next to Summer. “Foot’s feeling better but I’d rather not push it.”
Jenna sat down watching Jack.
“Do either of you want coffee if the server comes by?” Summer asked.
“None for me,” Jenna said, standing and pushing in her chair without making eye contact.
“Yes, definitely for me, and plenty of it,” Jack said.
“Try the mango,” Summer said. “It’s delicious.”
Jack stood and followed closely behind Jenna toward the buffet.
“You know, Jack, you really piss me off,” she hissed, walking away from him and picking up a plate.
“Tell me something I don’t know,” he said, piling on the scrambled eggs and potatoes. He reached for a smaller plate and filled it with mango.
They walked back to the table and Jenna ate in silence.
“Wow, this food is great and the coffee … have you guys tried the coffee? Here’s mango if you’d like some,” Jack said.
“I’m full, but thank you,” Summer said with a smile.
“You know, we saw you from our balcony this morning,” Jack said. “Couples should put you on their brochure. I’d volunteer to take the shots.”
Marc watched Jenna while Jack talked. “Jenna, you seem a little uncomfortable. Is everything okay?”
She scooted her chair a little closer to Jack and crossed her legs. “Um
m … well, yes and no. No, I’m not okay. You guys really freaked me out last night.”
“Honey, it’s okay,” Jack said, placing his hand on top of hers. “People are just people doing their own thing.”
Jenna abruptly snatched her hand away. “I feel like everybody’s closing in on me … trying to pressure me into something.”
“Maybe that pressure’s coming from within, because I haven’t heard anyone ask you to do anything,” Marc said.
“Yeah, I’m not asking you to do anything at all,” Jack said.
Before Jenna could respond, Kokila stepped up to their table.
“Hey there, Jenna. I’m on my way to set up the bar on the island. I’m looking forward to seeing you out there today.”
“Uh … well, I’m not sure what we’re doing yet.”
“Gotta run,” she said, tugging Jenna’s hair as she passed.
They all watched her parade out of the restaurant toward the dock.
“So are you guys going to come to the island with us later?” Marc asked.
“Yeah, we’ll be there,” Jack said.
*****
As Jack opened the door to their room, Jenna stormed past him.
“You are unbelievable. Does nothing I say to you get through that thick skull of yours?”
“What’s your problem now?”
“You don’t take me and what I want into consideration. You spent the entire time looking a complete fool, throwing yourself at Summer. I tell you I don’t want to eat breakfast with them and you completely ignore me by getting us invited to sit at their table. Then after we discuss lounging at the beach, you tell them we’re going to the island.”
“I think going to the island will be good for you. It might help you to loosen up. And I wasn’t throwing myself at Summer. Honey,” he said, trying to encircle her in his arms.
“Leave me alone. Please just leave me alone,” she said as she sat in the chair by the French doors.
“I thought we were making progress. I thought we were coming together.”
“How can we come together when you don’t take me into consideration? Do you even realize what you did this morning?”
“I just thought it would be better to see them sooner than later. It’s not like we could avoid them forever.”
“But you don’t get to decide for me,” she shouted.
Jack lowered himself onto his knees, placing his hands on top of her thighs and said, “You know, you’re right. I shouldn’t have pushed you into having breakfast with them. And the island? I’ll tell them we’re going to pass on going today. I know. I’m an ass,” he said.
“I said you don’t get to choose for me. I’m going to the island whether you like it or not.”
“But I do like it. I think we’ll have a great time and you’ll enjoy it, after a drink or two,” he said, smiling.
“You …,” she said, shoving him away from her.
He snatched her up in his arms and held her close. “I love you and I want you to know my flirting is just for fun. It doesn’t mean anything. And you don’t have to worry about anything happening, because it won’t, unless of course, you change your mind,” he said, grinning.
“You know, Jack, god,” she said, pushing out of his embrace. “You’re a dog!”
“Yeah, but it seems to me we need something to stir up this relationship.”
She put her forehead in her hand and shook her head. “We have plenty of stir in this drink.”
“You know what I mean. I’m not talking about fighting. It wouldn’t be like we’re cheating because we’d all be together and we’d both know what was going on.”
“They told me they weren’t interested, so it’s a moot point.”
“They may have said that, but the vibe is otherwise,” he said, wagging his finger in the air. “I imagine they planned to tell us on this trip. They probably just didn’t plan on all the fighting.”
“Aren’t we back to the same conversation we had before we left?” she asked. “How are they going to help us?”
“You’ve said several times that you wished you were more adventurous, had more lovers before we met. It seems to me, it could be a trip. What happens in Jamaica, stays in Jamaica. Unless, of course, you don’t find Marc appealing and then it would be a drag for you. How was the kiss?”
“Honestly, it took me by surprise so I don’t know. I do find him attractive, sort of, but not in that kind of way.”
“Well, in what kind of way?”
“He’s intriguing and a great listener. I guess you could say he’s good looking,” she said, slightly smiling.
“All things being even and you had no obligations, would you kick him out of bed?”
“Okay, I get your point.” Jenna stood and walked to the French doors, breathing in the sea air.
“We don’t have to decide now. Let’s see how it goes. Nothing happens until we talk again, okay?”
“I’m ready to go to the island and nervous as hell.”
“Want a hit of the joint before we go?”
“Yes. Hell. Sure, why not.”
*****
“Clearly Jack knows and Jenna seemed a bit shaken by us. Jittery,” Summer said.
“Yeah, and that’s too bad too, because this is the first time in a while that I’ve really been interested in getting closer to someone, other than you.”
“So, what’s the problem?” Summer asked as she packed a small bag for town.
“It seems obvious to me,” he sighed.
“Fill me in then.”
“What are you talking about? These guys are close to finished. It wouldn’t take much to put them right over the edge. I don’t want to be a part of that.”
“You already are. You gave her a kiss.”
“Well, I’m not sorry that I did, I just hope it doesn’t have unintended consequences.”
“Oh, I see,” she said. She sat on his lap and put her arms around his neck. “How is it—let me see how to put this—that you can profess this life philosophy about how important it is for people to own their choices and yet, you won’t let these two people make their own decisions?”
“That’s not fair,” he said. “Are you saying you wouldn’t feel bad if Jack fell for you, causing them to break up?”
“You didn’t just say that, did you?” Summer asked, astonishment flowing across her face.
“What?”
“I don’t believe this,” she said, standing up and putting her hands on her hips. “You wrote two books on the power of personal choice and the freedom that comes with taking responsibility for those choices.”
“That’s true, including my own choices. I’m not completely closed to the idea, but I’m also not going to jump into a situation that is wrought with complications. Part of owning your choice is trusting in your intuition.”
“Not to be harsh but my intuition tells me that’s it’s up to them to navigate their own choices in life. It’s certainly not my responsibility to take care of them.”
“Honey, I understand you really like Jack and would like to spend more time with him, but let’s take this slowly and see what happens.”
“If you don’t want to follow through because of yourself, some kind of ethics or some other issue, that’s fine, but don’t pretend this is for their own good.”
“Why are you so angry?”
“Your position seems paternalistic,” Summer said with a wry smile. “I like Jack. I’d like to get to know him better and I don’t think I should modify my behavior based on their issues. They are either going to make it or not.”
“Look, I understand what you’re saying and you make a valid argument. I still hold firm that entering into a relationship with a couple who are struggling with marital issues, is risky business.”
“Then why in the hell did you kiss her in the first place?”
“Like I said, love, it wasn’t my best moment. She looked so sad and forlorn, I couldn’t help myself. That one kiss doesn’t mean w
e are all a great match. We have to consider what kind of drama they could potentially add to our life and you know our policy on that.”
“Zero drama.”
“Exactly. This has definitely pushed a few buttons for you,” Marc said, pulling Summer in close.
“Well, walking your talk is tough, I’ll admit that, but when a person doesn’t—sometimes I feel an urge to gently point that out.”
“Gently?”
“Well, you know me,” she said, “You can spank me later. Are you bringing cash or credit?”
“Both, one card and some cash. I’m assuming we’ll be safe enough, but I don’t want to take any chances. Maybe you should keep the cash in your bra?”
“Not wearing one. How about your underwear?”
“Not wearing any.”
“Put the money and card in your pocket and let’s go,” Summer said, slapping Marc on the butt as they walked out the door.
CHAPTER TWELVE
The opulent aquamarine waters of the Caribbean Sea lay like wavy glass between the dock of the hotel and Tower Island. A small white metal dinghy jounced lazily in the gentle breeze, jerking forward every few moments while tied to the side of the dock. The onshore winds filled the cove with the scent of the Calabash and the ever-present aroma of smoky grilled jerk chicken. The landscape of the inlet beach glinted with suntanned bodies and rabid readers, laying sometimes two to a hammock.
“We’re supposed to stand here?” Jenna asked, shielding her eyes, scanning back toward the dive shop.
“Yeah. There’s a guy from the shop that comes out to drive us over to the island.”
“Is that him?” Jenna said, pointing and then dropping her hand quickly. “He looks angry.”
“Yep, that could be him,” Jack said slowly, and slightly under his breath.
A tall lanky man with a white towel covering his head approached. He walked past without even the slightest acknowledgement and descended the ladder to the dinghy.
“Jack, you go first so you can help me down, please.”
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