Unmerited Favor: The Compassion and Peril of Mercy ( Un missable Series Book 2)

by Jerry Summers

  “You can count on it.” He glances at his watch. “I know you’re tired. We both need to get some rest. The schedule tomorrow morning is going to be pretty hectic.” He pauses, as he sees her face change from contentment to concern. “Don’t worry, I’ve left the afternoon open so we can enjoy the pool and sun.”

  She relaxes. “Thank goodness.”

  He smiles and tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. Together, they go inside, pausing in the living room before heading their separate ways.

  “Good night, Jess.”

  She brushes her fingers across his cheek. “Good night, Sean.”

  Sean watches her disappear down the hall, then turns and heads to his own room. He sits on the small sofa by the window, wondering about all the possibilities he just allowed to slip from his grasp.

  Maybe I should just go ask her to spend the night with me, he thinks, analyzing all the ways she could react to the invitation, and then he glances at the time. He sighs. It has gotten very late. He figures any possible opportunity for this evening has disappeared, so he turns off his light and tries to sleep.

  Meanwhile, Jessica plays out scenarios of her own.

  Wow, that was truly incredible, she thinks, changing into a light silk robe. She realizes she not only longed but actually hungered for much more of his caresses. After a few more minutes of indecisiveness, she calls Bonnie.

  “Hello? Jess, is everything OK?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry it’s so late. I just really need to talk to you.” She feels slightly guilty for waking her friend.

  “It’s OK, what’s up?”

  Jessica begins to explain how she is feeling about Sean. “His caress and kisses are amazing. I don’t understand. I’ve never felt anything like this before…it scares the crap out of me.”

  Bonnie, with her usual flair, says, “Well, then why are you sitting there talking to me? Hang up the damn phone, go to Sean’s room naked, and climb into bed with him. If he’s feeling like you are, you’ll have an incredible night.”

  Jessica struggles with Bonnie’s suggestion. “The thing is, I want to, but that is something I could never do the first time.”

  Bonnie says, “Come on, you’re not a teenager anymore. You’re a grown woman who wants a man. Now go get him and rock his world.”

  She hesitates. “It’s late. He’s probably asleep.”

  Bonnie makes a sound of disgust. “I don’t care. Go wake his sweet ass up and show him what you want. You guys can’t keep skirting this sexual tension. You have to try it out, or someone is going to get bored and look elsewhere.”

  Jess sighs. “I know you’re right. I just…can’t.”

  “OK, you’re right. I know that isn’t your style. But if I get to Brazil on Friday and you two still haven’t slept together, I’m going to sit you both down and lecture you on the reality of missed opportunities.”

  Jessica’s jaw drops. “You wouldn’t dare.”

  “Wanna bet? I’m not kidding. If you don’t take him for a test drive, or vice versa, before I get there on Friday, I’m going to get very vocal with you both. The only way I won’t is if you tell me you’ve decided not to pursue a romantic relationship.”

  “You know I won’t tell you that.”

  “Then do something about it, and quit being so damn proper. Now think seriously about what I’ve said. I’m going to sleep, and I suggest you make up your mind tonight whether you’re going to jump his bones or somehow lure him to you. Sleep sweet.”

  Jess sighs again. “Good night, Bonnie.”

  The next morning, Jessica and Sean meet for breakfast and begin outlining the things that need to be done before they can relax and enjoy the pool and some downtime.

  As they’re nearing the end of the meal, he suddenly stops, looks at her, and says, “I really wanted to continue kissing you last night, but I felt I’d been a bit forward and didn’t want to be presumptuous.”

  She smiles and stares intently into his eyes. “Next time, be presumptuous.” Then she goes back to eating her breakfast.

  Sean sits back in his chair, a small grin on his face. “Well, all right then.”

  Nothing more is said for quite a while until he breaks the ice.

  “We should probably head to the factory for our appointments.” He sets his napkin down on his plate and helps Jess out of her chair. They gather their necessary paper work and things for the day and meet at the limo.

  Both of them sit quietly, staring out the windows during the limousine ride to the factory, wondering if they have opened the door to possibilities that are likely to get out of control.

  When they arrive after what seems like forever, Lidia is waiting to brief Jessica on the progress thus far for the grand opening and walk her through the showroom on site.

  Jessica is pleased with all the work Lidia and her team have completed, the time frames projected by her senior staff, and the quality of everything produced in Brazil.

  “Lidia, you have done a fantastic job. After the grand opening, I’m giving you authority to deliver garments directly to retailers, including ones in the United States. I’m very impressed,” Jessica says, and Lidia beams with pride, recognizing this decision is acknowledgment of her supervisory skills and Beauty Boutique Clothing’s upper management’s approval.

  Throughout the day, Jessica grows increasingly concerned. Sean doesn’t seem to be himself today, appearing quietly introspective, and she fears she came on too strong during their morning conversation.

  Just prior to the final tour of the showroom, Jessica grabs Sean’s arm and pulls him aside. “Is everything OK?”

  Sean smiles, nods, and says, “Of course, everything is terrific. I just have a lot on my mind right now.”

  Jessica returns to the issues at hand, not fully convinced that things are as terrific as Sean says. She walks through the showroom with Lidia, realizing that this is a teaching moment for both Lidia and Sean. She explains the finer points of display arrangement to maximize point-of-sale opportunities. She makes a few minor shifts in display arrangements to grab customers’ attention upon entering, and also while leaving the showroom, explaining how most extra purchase decisions are made spur of the moment.

  After adjusting a mannequin, she glances at Lidia. “Be sure to pay special attention to how many customers will linger at the first and last display and then walk back into the showroom with their last-minute purchase. You’ll be amazed.”

  Sean smiles as he watches, recognizing the truly firm grasp Jessica has on her customer base and their consumer behaviors.

  After the showroom, Jessica thanks Lidia for all her excellent hard work in getting Beauty Boutique Clothing: Brazil ready for its grand opening. “I’m so excited to see where this expansion can take us next. I’ll be back tomorrow for our staff meeting.”

  Lidia nods, walking them both to the door. “Thank you, Mr. Green, Ms. Silva. See you tomorrow.”

  CHAPTER 8

  AMOROUS AFFAIRS

  After Sean and Jessica get into the limousine, Jessica asks the driver to close the screen between them. Once the screen closes, she turns to Sean. “What’s wrong? You are just not yourself. Was I too forward this morning?”

  Sean’s eyes lock onto her gaze. “Heavens, no! Do you think I’m upset with you?”

  “Honestly, I’m not sure. You just seem so distant since our conversation at breakfast, and I’m not sure what you’re thinking.”

  He looks at her with kindness in his eyes and smiles. “Jess, I was absolutely thrilled by your response this morning. I find you to be the most exciting woman I have ever known, without exception. But I have to be honest, it scares me a bit to feel the way I feel about you. You are beautiful, intelligent, sexy, driven, successful, wonderfully passionate…and, quite frankly, I don’t want to screw it up.”

  “Oh,” Jess replies, blushing. “First of all, th
ank you for the wonderful compliments. Second, I’m just as scared as you are, because you are a truly amazing man. You’re kind, considerate, sexy, strong, successful, intelligent, and you turn me on so much. But, if the truth were known, I haven’t been with a man in fifteen months now, and I’d all but given up on any type of intimate relationship. Now here we are, and I don’t want to miss this opportunity regardless of how it turns out, because you excite me physically and stimulate me intellectually.”

  He mutely reaches up, locks his fingers in her hair, pulls her to him, and kisses her with such passion and desire it leaves her panting. She returns the kiss with equal fervor and passion. When they break away, Sean murmurs breathlessly, “Wow. I guess we each have our answers now.” And he kisses her again.

  As the limousine pulls up the cobblestone drive of the villa, Jessica comes up for air. “We should get our bathing suits on, enjoy a snack and drink by the pool, and relax until dinner. What do you think?”

  He grins. “I’ll make sure snacks and cocktails are ready and meet you by the pool in fifteen minutes. Tequila, crushed orange, and cinnamon?”

  Jess smiles and nods, thinking that this could turn out to be a memorable evening, and then heads upstairs to change.

  Sean takes care of the snacks and drinks, but instead of his usual scotch, he asks for a gin and tonic with fresh lime. He goes to his suite to change and makes it to the pool before Jessica.

  When she appears, he takes the sight in from top to bottom. Her black, one-piece suit is mesmerizing: french cut, with a V-cut neckline and a deep scooped back. But what really gets him are slits in each side from her hip bones to just below her breasts.

  Jess smiles when she sees Sean’s approving stare and is pleased, knowing he likes her choice of swim wear.

  He greets her with her tequila and offers her a toast. She raises her glass and lightly clinks it against his. “To beginnings and new discoveries,” he says quietly.

  Jessica takes a sip and asks, “What, no scotch today?”

  Sean gives her a sly smile. “No, I needed something a bit more refreshing. Besides, gin always makes me amorous.”

  “I see,” she replies, sipping her drink again and then placing it on the table. “Tequila does that for me.”

  With a wink, she turns and dives into the pool and gestures for him to join her, which he does without hesitation.

  They spend the next few hours relaxing by the pool, engaged in light conversation about hopes, dreams, and friends.

  Finally, Jessica looks at her watch. “I need to take a shower and get ready for dinner.”

  Sean laughs and says, “Dinner isn’t for three hours yet. You still have time.”

  She smiles shyly. “Yes, I know. But I was hoping I could interest you in joining me in the shower.”

  Sean raises his eyebrows, then stands and extends his hand to assist her. “I’d be a fool to turn this invitation down.”

  “Yes, yes, you would! Can you meet me in five minutes? I’ll leave the door unlocked for you. Just make sure you lock it when you come in.”

  He nods. “Absolutely, I will.”

  Exactly five minutes later, Sean steps into Jessica’s suite and locks the door behind him. He hears the shower going and pauses for a moment. Letting out a breath he didn’t even know he was holding, he walks into the bathroom and finds Jessica in the shower. He takes a moment to appreciate her beauty, then quickly removes his suit and steps into the shower with her.

  She looks up and down Sean’s body and takes a deep breath. “Wow. You look amazing.” She steps into him, puts her arms around his neck, and kisses him passionately allowing her body to press tightly against his, and his response is instantaneous. As his fingers thread through her hair, he devours her mouth, slipping his tongue in with hers, and exploring every part of it. Jessica slides her hand down his muscular back and grabs his ass, holding him against her briefly before stepping back a bit and taking his cock in her hand.

  Sean groans as she gives him a little soapy stroke. He spins her around, placing his cock between her legs, and slides both his hands up her body, cupping her breasts and massaging gently. “Oh, God, Jess. I have longed for this moment.”

  She pushes back against him and cries out with pleasure when he twists her nipples between his thumbs and forefingers. She breaks away from the onslaught of his caress. “Let’s rinse and go to bed,” she says, panting slightly. He eagerly agrees.

  After drying off, Sean leads Jess to the bed. He lifts her in an passionate embrace and continues his assault on her senses with his kisses. She instinctively wraps her legs around his waist, positioning herself for his thrust, which doesn’t come.

  Instead, he lays her on the bed, positions himself above her, and continues kissing her. He allows himself to lie on top of her as he begins kissing her neck, nibbling on her earlobe, and sensually moving down her body. He takes her breast into his mouth and circles her nipple with his tongue.

  Jess moans and arches her back, pushing her breast against his lips. He takes her nipple gently between his teeth and begins rapidly flicking it with his tongue. Jess twists in ecstasy, grabbing his head and holding it in place. He slowly slides his hand down the outside of her body and then up the inside of her leg. Without a thought, she opens her legs, giving him better access. Grinning, he stops his caress midthigh, and she makes a noise of protest, but quiets as he moves his head between her legs.

  She feels his warm breath, first along her thigh, then on her womanhood. She anticipates the feel of his tongue, but he pauses again, and she groans out of the inflamed need he has created. “Don’t stop, please don’t stop!” she demands. And he obliges.

  His tongue strokes the entire length of her slit, and she lifts her hips to meet his adoration. He grabs her hips and holds her in place as he finds her clitoris, rapidly flicking it with his tongue. He watches as her head shakes from side to side, and he feels her legs start to quiver.

  “Oh God, oh God!” she cries out, reaching an intense climax. She tries to scoot away from his mouth, pushing his head away. Before her orgasm subsides, he positions himself above her and penetrates her moist body with his entire length. She gasps as he withdraws and drives to the hilt again. Jess grabs his hips, pushing them away, then pulling them to her again and again. She lifts her legs, giving him deeper access and moans, “Harder, harder.”

  He pushes until she reaches another shattering orgasm, and then she hears his groan. She revels in the feel of his final thrust and release deep inside her. Then he collapses on top of her. They lie there until their breath returns and they are able to speak again. Sean pushes himself up, and Jessica places her hands on his cheeks, staring into his eyes. “That was most certainly worth the wait.”

  “Yes, indeed it was. You are an incredible lover.”

  They decide to take another warm shower together before they dress for dinner. Sean grabs a robe off the shelf after their shower and returns to his suite to get dressed.

  The rest of their evening is spent enjoying great food and basking in the afterglow of their incredible lovemaking.

  As they are getting ready to retire, Sean suggests Jess move her stuff into his suite.

  “I’d be happy to. But can we do so tomorrow? I really just need some rest tonight,” she replies, all the while knowing she intends to call Bonnie with an update.

  Sean reluctantly agrees. “I’m going to hold you to it tomorrow.”

  She smiles. “I’m looking forward to sleeping with you, but please let me adjust to the idea tonight.”

  “Very well,” he says, pulling her to him for another mind-blowing kiss. “But just for tonight. Good night.”

  Jessica calls Bonnie.

  “You’d better share everything, girl.”

  Jess almost giggles but manages to contain it. “We had a terrific day. The factory is basically ready for the opening, Lidia ha
s done a magnificent job, and the showroom is nearly perfect.”

  Bonnie makes a sound of disgust. “I don’t care about any of that stuff. What about you and Sean?”

  “What about us?” she asks, barely containing herself.

  “You didn’t tell him or show him how you feel about him, did you? Ugh, I knew you would chicken out.”

  She laughs. “Actually, I’ll be moving into his suite for the rest of our stay.”

  Bonnie gasps. “Oh, do tell! And don’t even think about leaving anything out.”

  “Well, where do I start? Sean is an amazing man, kind, considerate…and a fabulous lover. He took me to heights I have always longed for but never achieved until today. I love the way he grabs my hair and takes control. It’s incredible to know he is that passionate about me. Oh, and he has a magnificent tongue.”

  Bonnie squeals. “Oh, honey, that is wonderful. I am so happy for you. But why aren’t you in his room tonight?”

  “Well, because I wanted some private time to call you first,” she says, giggling.

  “How did you guys get together today?”

  “Well, last night we kissed on the veranda, and things were wonderful, but then Sean suddenly stopped and backed away. He said he knew I was tired and that we both needed to get some sleep because we had a busy schedule in the morning. We said good night, and that’s when I called you and got the lecture. At breakfast, Sean said he’d wanted to continue kissing me, but he felt he was being presumptuous. You’re going to be shocked—are you ready? I looked him straight in the eyes and said, ‘Next time, be presumptuous.’”

  “Way to go, girl! I’m proud of you for that,” Bonnie says, laughing.

  “Then all morning, he was very morose and introspective. I thought I’d offended him somehow, so I asked him about it, point-blank. He told me he was excited by my response but somewhat scared to pursue an intimate relationship with me because he didn’t want to screw things up.”

  “Did you tell him the only thing you wanted him to screw was you?”