“Over here,” Marc called out, his voice husky with arousal. He sat up and smoothed his hair. He swung his legs back over the side and helped Jenna out of the hammock. “How was it after we departed?” Marc asked, standing up and steadying the net.
“It was fantastic,” Summer said, walking up the beach with Jack. “You guys missed a good time. The place really filled up after you left.”
“Looks to me like they had some fun of their own,” Jack bristled, observing Jenna straightening her clothes and hair.
“Why don’t we all go back to our room for a while?” Summer asked.
“Okay by me. Jack?” Jenna asked. She scanned Jack’s face and then glanced back at Marc.
“Okay,” Jack said, taking a deep breath.
“Sounds fine to me,” Marc said.
The foursome rambled silently to the north side of the resort up to Marc and Summer’s room. Marc walked over to the nightstand to check his cellphone. No messages. Summer sat down on the bed and Jack moved over by the TV propping his arm on top of it. Jenna stood by the door with her arms crossed in front of her.
“Well, aren’t we all being quiet,” Summer said. She patted the bed beside her for Jack to sit.
Jack shuffled over to the bed and asked, “So how’s this supposed to work?”
Marc came back around the bed toward them. “We can figure that out now.”
“I have an idea,” Summer said.
“Okay,” Jack said. “Tell us.”
“Why don’t we take turns watching each other kiss? That way it’s done and it’s out there,” she said, glancing around at everyone.
“I’m assuming you mean more than a peck,” Jack said.
“I mean a real make-out session, at least a couple of minutes. It’s up to you and Jenna,” she said to Jack, “because this is for you guys. I’ve watched and enjoyed Marc kissing other women. I thought it would help break the ice. Yea? Nay?”
“What do you think?” Marc asked Jenna.
“Jack?” Jenna said, shrugging.
“I think we should do it. At least here, away from the other guests, we’re prepared for watching the kiss instead of being surprised by it somewhere else. Okay?” he said to Jenna.
“Okay,” she said, taking a deep breath. “You and Summer first.” Jenna moved over by Marc and prepared herself to watch them. Marc took her hand and she smiled up at him. “Okay, I’m ready,” she said, squeezing his hand.
Jack took Summer in his arms and tentatively began to kiss her. Summer stepped it up by placing her hand behind his head and putting her tongue in his mouth.
As they made out, Jenna relaxed. She found it much more pleasant than she had anticipated. Summer was shorter and more petite, making Jack appear taller and larger. Marc stroked Jenna’s hair as she watched, looking down to see her reaction. She couldn’t be sure how long they kissed but she could see the look of concern on Jack’s face when they finished.
“I’m fine,” Jenna said, smiling at Jack.
“Are you sure?” he said hesitantly, searching her face.
“You look really good together,” Jenna said. She stepped forward and reached to touch his cheek.
“That’s a relief,” Jack said. He stood up to move away from the bed.
“Your turn,” Summer said, trading places with Marc.
Jenna sat down on the edge of the bed and Marc moved her over so that her legs crossed over his. She closed her eyes when he began to kiss her slowly and tenderly. The heat of their kiss quickly accelerated, wiping out any thought of Jack and the room they sat in. When Marc finally pulled away, Jenna hesitated before opening her eyes. When she did she saw Jack staring at her.
“That wasn’t as bad as I expected,” Jack said stiffly, shaking off the experience. “Although, Summer kissing you would be much hotter.”
“I would love to kiss Jenna but I don’t get that vibe from her,” she said, messing up Jack’s hair.
“Jenna doesn’t think women know how to kiss,” Marc said, winking at Summer.
“Oh, I believe Summer can prove you wrong,” Jack said with a big grin.
Marc got up from the bed and Summer dashed for his spot. Before giving her a chance to think it through, Summer grabbed Jenna's face in her hands and planted her lips on Jenna’s. She initially resisted but succumbed to Summer’s skill in a matter of seconds. They stayed in that spot, locked together in a smoldering kiss. Summer moved her hands to the nape of Jenna’s neck as Jenna buried her hands into Summer’s wild, frizzy hair. After another minute of sumptuous kissing, Jenna pushed her away.
She leaned over, placing her hands on her knees to catch her breath. “Okay, I give. You win.”
“That was amazing. You guys are totally hot. Do it again!” Jack said with boyish glee.
“It’s time to call it a night,” Jenna said, making eye contact with Marc. “We have to be up tomorrow before Kokila arrives in the morning. Thank you for an overwhelming and exciting experience. Today, I think, has been one of the longest days of my life and not in a bad way.” She turned to Jack and said, “Say your goodbyes and let’s go.”
Marc followed Jenna to the door, leaving Jack the opportunity to say goodbye to Summer.
“This was an amazing day. I look forward to what tomorrow brings,” Marc said. He hugged Jenna and gently kissed her goodnight.
Jack shook Marc’s hand on his way out.
Marc closed the door behind them and settled himself on the end of the bed.
“I could be wrong but Jack seemed to tense up when you guys first started kissing,” Summer said, joining Marc on the bed.
“Really? He looked fine when we finished.”
“Yeah, maybe I’m wrong.”
*****
“That was incredible,” Jack said enthusiastically once they were out in the hall.
“Jack, people are trying to sleep. Keep it down.”
“That was incredible,” he whispered. “Did you enjoy it?”
“Stop it!” she yelled in a whisper.
“Come on, you can tell me. Did you like it?”
“What are you turning me into?” she said, shaking her head. “Yes. She’s an incredible kisser. Do I enjoy it as much as I enjoy kissing you or Marc? No. It was different but not in a bad way. My head is reeling and I really need to get some sleep. Can we talk about all of this in the morning?”
“Yes. Have I told you lately how much I love you?”
“You just like me right now because I kissed a woman in front of you,” she said, going around the corner of the lobby.
“That was an added bonus I must admit, but that has nothing to do with my love for you. I love you, Jenna. We can talk tomorrow.”
“Yeah, I think we should,” she said quietly.
CHAPTER TWENTY
“Was that the door?” Jenna said. She opened her eyes under silent protest.
“Yeah,” Jack said. “It must be the breakfast I ordered.”
Neither moved to get the door. The knock came again, a little more insistent this time.
“Jack!” she said, pushing him out of the bed.
“Alright, alright already.” He stumbled to the door as he pulled on his boxers. He turned the knob, pulled the door open, and leaned facing the wall, resting his forehead on his right hand.
The bellman marched over to the inside table and encountered the mounds of clay. “Ah, excuse me, sir. Where would you like for me to put this?”
“Here on the bed,” Jenna said, sitting up with the sheet tucked under her arms.
The bellman turned his face away as he placed the food in front of her.
“Thank you,” she said.
“Enjoy your day.” He avoided looking directly at her. “Irie, mon,” he said, passing by Jack who still held the door.
“Oh, I need some coffee,” Jack moaned. “What time is it?”
“We’re in Jamaica, Jack. It doesn’t matter, remember?”
“Yeah, I know. I was thinking I need to take a quick showe
r though, before Kokila shows up. You’re still okay with this?”
“Drawing Kokila? Sure, why not?” she said, handing Jack a cup of coffee. “I’d love to have a sculpture of her in the house. Even in her clothes her body looks very womanly, very curvy and sensual.”
He placed his coffee on the end table. “Speaking of very womanly, my sweet,” he said as he fell forward on the bed.
“Hey, be careful you’re going to spill breakfast all over me.”
“So anyway, as I was asking, what’s the state of affairs, no pun intended, with you and the kiss,” he said, grinning.
“I loved it, Jack. I loved the feel of her soft lips,” she cooed. “I could feel her erect nipples through her shirt and it turned me on to know you were watching intently. By the way, would you like some of this sweet melon,” she said, holding out the plate to him.
“Oh my god, you’re not doing this to me, are you?” He laughed. “You so had me going. Now tell the truth.”
“It was an interesting experience but I still prefer men,” she said, smiling. She got up from the bed, letting the sheet drop. “So, would you ever kiss Marc for me?”
“Hell no!”
“Then don’t expect me to fulfill your fantasies,” she said as she strutted to the bathroom.
“So you’re saying if I sleep with Marc, you’ll sleep with Summer? Damn, I guess I never will get to see you play with Summer then,” he said, laughing. “But you did like it right?” he asked through the bathroom door.
“Just so we can keep your fantasies alive; I did like it, Jack.” She emerged from the bathroom.
“So women are definitely out then?” Jack asked, following her to the bed.
“She would have to be someone very special and even then I don’t see the necessity of sleeping with her except that you want me to.”
“You would do that for me?”
“I might consider it, who knows.”
“You’re killing me here,” he said, chuckling.
“Do you think you could be satisfied with only me ever again?” Jenna asked. She sat on the edge of the bed peeking up at him.
“Are you serious?”
“Very.”
“Do you want the short or long rambling answer?” he asked.
“It’s the gentleman’s choice.”
“Honey, nobody’s ever going to take your place.”
“That doesn’t answer the question. We’ve opened this box and I’m not sure we can close it again.”
“So maybe I should ask you the same question.”
“We can stop now, right here,” she said. “And not go where we both know we’re heading.”
“Is that what you want? Don’t you think the fantasies will plague you? The ‘what ifs?’”
“Maybe.” She cut the cantaloupe from the rind. “I believe we’re into this for two different reasons.”
“How’s that?”
“Jack, for you sex is for fun. You love the rush, not that it’s not a rush for me, but for women it’s about the emotional attachment as well. Feeling safe.”
“So you’re saying you don’t feel emotionally attached or safe with me?”
“Jack,” she said, exasperated. “I do feel safe with you and I love you. I just don’t want to jeopardize what we have, and I’m not sure you’re seeing past your goal of simply getting off. My emotions are involved here. It’s not just for sport.”
“I thought we agreed we wouldn’t fall.”
“I’m not in love with him, but I’m becoming emotionally attached.”
“Aren’t we all becoming better friends? I think if we stick to the ground rules, we’ll be fine. Keep talking,” he said as he reached out to touch her face.
“And listening, Jack. That’s very important in this process.” She stood up and walked to the closet. “Are you going to shower now?”
“I think I’m going out on the balcony to have a smoke.”
“Well, I’m going to shower then. Listen for the door, okay? Are you okay, Jack?”
“I think so,” he said, walking toward the French doors. “I sort of have that feeling in my stomach that I get whenever I’m about to get on a rollercoaster.”
“I know what you mean,” she said as she strode to the bathroom.
“We’re going to be okay in this, aren’t we, Jenna? Jenna,” he called out. He could hear the shower running.
*****
“Hang on a sec, I’ll be right there,” Jack called as he briskly strode through the room. He reached the door and found Kokila standing before him in a flowery sarong and a bikini top. “Kokila, hey, babe, how are you? Wow, I think I need to get this look on paper,” he said, moving to the side allowing her to enter into the foyer. Jack followed her into the room admiring her assets.
“Jenna’s in the shower?” Kokila asked.
“Yeah, she’ll be out in a second. Then if you don’t mind, a real quick shower for me?”
Kokila sat in a chair studying the clay figure on the table. “Is this my destiny?” she asked. “This is pretty remarkable.”
“That’s where you’ll end up as a middle stage. I’ll probably finish you in marble.”
“So will I get to see the finished product?”
“Only if you come to the states or I could email you a photo.”
“Hi, Kokila. How’s it going?” Jenna asked, wrapped in one towel and drying her hair with another. “Caught me at my best.” She pulled open her top drawer and chose clothes for the day.
“You look great to me,” Kokila said, stepping out onto the balcony.
“I’m going to shower,” he said. “See you in a minute.”
Jenna dressed and joined Kokila watching the resort come to life. The hotel staff quickly arranged flowers in the gazebo for a wedding later. A table filled with assorted appetizers sat just below their balcony.
“Amazing how much goes into a wedding,” Kokila said.
“Yeah, Jack and I had an unusual one. The best man was a male figure in papier-mâché wearing a tux,” she said. “Jack’s idea of fun.”
“That is funny.” Kokila turned her back to the resort and leaned against the railing. “I’ll bet that made some memories. He seems like a fun guy. He’s always happy and energetic.”
“He’s a lot of different things. He’s wonderful and a pain in the ass sometimes, and I assure you he’s never, always.”
Jack stepped through the French doors. “Can I join you two? Are you ready to get started?”
“That was fast. Sounds good to me,” Kokila said. “Where do you want me?”
“Come inside and I’ll make a place for you to pose.”
Jack moved the rattan chair occupying the corner of the room to the center and opened the blinds enough to filter in the light he needed for sketching his preliminary drawings.
“Normally, I would be blindfolded. That helps me shape you in my mind, but I’m going to have to work from the drawings when I get back.”
“What do you mean?”
“He uses his hands—running them over your body to get a feel for your contours,” Jenna said.
“I see. You could still do that if you think it would help,” Kokila said, grinning.
He unpacked his sketchpad and drawing pencils and sat comfortably in the rattan cushion chair.
“Could you remove the top and sarong? And stand right over there in the light.”
“Right here?” she asked as she pulled the string to the bathing suit top allowing her full breasts to find their natural place.
“Hang on a sec, leave the sarong on for a moment and go up on tiptoe on your right foot,” he said. “Yes, like that. Good.” He worked quickly with broad strokes. “Gauguin would be proud. You’re lovely.”
“You really are,” Jenna said as she pulled up a chair from the table to watch.
Jack smiled as he laid down the first of many pencil strokes capturing as much of Kokila’s native body as he needed to produce a finished work of art.
�
��How long have you been married?” Kokila asked as she held her pose. She piled her hair on top of her head with both hands, allowing a few strands to fall that partially covered her left breast. “How’s this?”
“Excellent. Jenna, how long have we been married?”
“Nine and a half years.”
“But we met four years before we were married, right?” Jack said. He switched to a pencil with a sharper point.
“Right,” Jenna replied.
“So how did you guys meet?” Kokila inquired.
“There was a show of all the art students’ work at the end of the semester. My college roommate and I went over to check it out. I saw Jack from across the room but we didn’t meet then. My roommate and I ended up at the local pub for a drink. What was it called, Jack?”
Kokila and Jenna looked at him.
When he didn’t respond, Jenna continued, “Anyway, a bunch of the artists came there after the show and the place was pretty rowdy. I decided to go outside and get some fresh air and I ran into Jack, literally. I knocked his drink out of his hand and all over his coat. I was expecting him to be furious but instead—”
“I asked her if she would model for me,” he said. “I was very enthusiastic.”
“Yeah, he was jumping around like a little boy. It was rather cute. I knew I was in trouble,” she said with a laugh.
“I pretty much moved into her apartment after that. She had more room and let me turn the den into a makeshift studio.”
“When he first told me about his technique, I thought he was bullshitting me. So, here’s the guy saying, ‘I’m going to put on a blindfold and run my hands over your body to get a feel for your proportions’ and I said, ‘yeah right.’”
“But you’ve got to admit it’s a pretty good line,” Kokila said.
“Yeah. I gave in and let him do it. His first completed sculpture of me made me cry. I couldn’t believe it was me—how he saw me. It was an incredible experience.”
“How’d he ask you to marry him? Or did you ask him?”
“No. He asked me. He had this art showing up in, where was it?”
The Demarcation of Jack Page 21