“Good. I’ll get the horses ready and meet you at the stables at one.”
“Sounds great. See you then.”
Jenna felt as excited as a school girl. She was already dressed appropriately for riding with jeans and a flannel top. She found her boots and at one o’clock was at the stables.
They headed out as soon as she got there and he led her toward the north end of the ranch. They rode in silence, enjoying the beautiful view until he stopped to let the horses get a drink of water.
As they waited he approached her, looking intently at her face, making her feel self-conscious.
“Jenna, I’m attracted to you, and I think you’re attracted to me. Am I wrong?
“No you’re not. I am attracted to you.”
“I’d like to pursue a relationship with you, but I want to make sure that you don’t still have feelings for him.”
“I don’t. There is no way that I would go back to him. It’s over between us.”
Wade felt a wave of relief. He wasn’t sure if this was the right thing to do, but he was going to throw caution to the wind and give it a shot. There was something about her that stirred something in him. No other woman had made him feel like that. He took her chin in his hand and slowly lowered his head, pressing his lips against her full ones. She returned the kiss, emboldening him. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pressed her body against his. He hungrily explored her mouth and when a soft moan escaped from her he lowered her to the ground. Just then they heard some voices in the distance. They quickly got up and straightened themselves out. A few minutes later they saw two of the ranch hands approaching.
“Hey boss, we thought we’d find you here. Leroy is having some trouble with the supplier and sent us to get you.” Phil looked at Jenna. “I hope that was okay?” he said to Wade.
“Sure it was. Jenna and I were just taking a ride.”
Phil nodded but knew that this was more than just a ride.
They got back to the stables and Jenna headed to the house. She was so used to taking things slowly that this was completely out of character for her. Just until the other day she had felt nothing but animosity from Wade and now he was talking about pursuing a relationship with her. Should she give it a chance? She didn’t want to be hurt again, but there was something about Wade that she just couldn’t resist.
***
Wade thought about the kiss they’d shared and smiled. Jenna had brought out feelings in him he thought dead. He wanted to be with her in every sense of the word but decided that he would hold back. He needed to make sure that she wasn’t the gold digging hussy he had thought she was when she’d arrived. The more he got to know her the more he doubted his initial perception of her. He wondered what would have happened today if Phil hadn’t shown up. When he had lowered her to the ground he knew that it was for much more than a kiss. Would she have reciprocated if he began making love to her? Just the thought made him hard again. Jenna was the only woman who could elicit this response from him by just thinking of her. He wanted her, that was certain, but he needed to get to know this enigmatic creature before they could move further.
***
From that day forward Wade spent every free moment at the house with her. They would either eat in and then spend the night reading or watching TV or go out to dinner and maybe some local entertainment. Sometimes they would go for long walks and talk, those were her favorite times. But as much as she enjoyed this quality time a part of her longed for more intimacy. He hadn’t made any advances toward her and she was beginning to feel frustrated. She was so attracted to him that not feeling his body against hers made her ache with desire. Marla had gone back to school and they had the house to themselves once Gretchen went home, but he hadn’t touched her again.
One day he invited her to go to a local jazz club. She paid extra attention to her wardrobe for the evening and made sure her makeup was impeccable. Marla had given her carte blanche when it came to her closet and she chose a little black dress that fit her perfectly. It was obvious that he approved when she joined him. They set out and when they got to the club they were seated at a table for two in a cozy corner of the room.
“Would you like a drink?” Wade asked her.
“A glass of white wine would be great, thanks.”
He ordered two glasses of wine and they sat and listened to the music. He took her hand in his and kissed it softly, making her shiver at his touch.
“Would you like to dance?”
“I’d love to.”
He took her hand and led her to the dance floor, taking her in his arms and slowly swaying to the music. Jenna could feel his muscular arms through his sport jacket and felt the heat rise within her.
“You feel so good in my arms,” he whispered to her.
“It does feel right, doesn’t it?” Her breath against his skin felt like a caress.
He looked into her eyes and she couldn’t help the tears that sprung to them.
“What’s wrong sweetheart?” he asked softly.
“It’s just that I had pretty much given up on finding someone special. When you’ve been hurt you feel like you can never let anyone else in. But with you I feel like I have another chance.”
He thought about his own breakup and how he had shut himself off to anyone new.
“I know how you feel. I also feel like I was given another chance at love.”
Love. Is that what this was? Jenna wondered. It sure felt that way.
They continued dancing, then sat down to enjoy some more of the haunting music. They were served appetizers and drank some more wine. The night had been wonderful, the air of romance had enveloped them and by the end of the evening they were acutely aware of each other. They stayed until a little past midnight then headed home.
“Did you have a good night?” he asked as they began the drive home.
“I loved it. Jazz music has always been a favorite of mine.”
“I remember you telling me that.”
So he had picked this club because he knew she liked jazz music. The fact that he remembered something she had said in passing thrilled her.
“Thank you, it was very thoughtful of you to take me there,” she said, as she put her hand on his.
They rode in silence for the rest of the drive home, no words were needed.
He parked the truck and went around to her door, opening it and leading her out into the beautiful starlit night. The night air caressed their skin as they ambled toward the house hand in hand. They walked inside and started up the stairs. When they were in front of Jenna’s room she had expected him to say goodnight and be off, but instead he took her in his arms, both surprising and elating her.
***
He hadn’t thought that tonight would lead to anything more than a kiss, but once he felt her body so close to his all rational thought left his brain. The buildup to this moment had finally reached its apex and he began kissing her so hungrily that it took her breath away. She returned the kiss with as much, if not more, heat.
“I want to make love to you,” he said breathlessly as he nipped her earlobe.
“Me too,” she whispered. There was no way this night could end with just one kiss.
He led her into his room and closed the door. Once inside he took her in his arms again, pulling her closer, his desire evident against her belly. She lowered her hand, rubbing his shaft, making him groan with pleasure. He reached behind her and pulled down the zipper, licking her neck as the dress fell to the floor. She began unbuttoning his shirt then tossed it to the side. When he unhooked her bra and her full breasts came into view he stared at them with awe. He had dreamed of this moment for so long, yet had tried to suppress the forbidden desire. Now that he knew Uncle Stanley was out of the picture he could explore her body without reservations. He unhooked the snap of his jeans and pulled the zipper down. She watched as he pulled off the pants and licked her lips as she took in the view. He didn’t think he could get any harder but seeing the p
ure lust in her eyes he did just that.
He lifted her and placed her on the bed, kissing her with such fervor that it made her head spin. When his tongue slid down her neck and he took her breast into his mouth she let out a soft moan. It felt so good. She wove her hands in his hair, relishing the feel of his body over hers. He took her lips again as his hands roamed the curves of her body. She coaxed him onto his back and slowly slid her own tongue down his neck, finding his earlobe and gently nibbling it. He let out a soft moan as she continued down his muscled abs, stopping only when she came to his engorged shaft. She licked the tip, swirling her tongue around it, hearing Wade’s moans as she slowly took his entire length into her mouth. He sucked in his breath as she used her lips and tongue to drive him to insanity. She gently massaged his balls as she took him, hearing him cry out as she sucked harder and faster. He knew if she continued he wouldn’t be able to control his release, and he wanted to come inside her this first time.
“Don’t baby, I won’t be able to stop myself.”
She released her hold, smiling as she pulled herself up. He laid her on her back and again took her breast in his mouth. He pulled off her panties and began to rub her clit, remembering that first time he had almost brought her to climax in the hallway. He used her own wetness to glide his finger over the enticing little nub, pressing harder as he drew small circles around it. Raising and lowering her hips she could feel herself edging toward the brink.
“Please, I need you inside me,” he heard her say as she writhed under his touch.
He took her lips, positioning himself over her as she grabbed him and led him into her most intimate spot. He swiftly entered her and she couldn’t stop the gasp that escaped her lips when they finally united as one.
“Are you okay?” he asked, fearing that in his excitement he had hurt her.
“Yes,” she said as she pulled him closer, wrapping her long legs around him for easier access.
He started out slowly but soon found himself thrusting with such force that he made himself slow down.
“Please, don’t stop,” she begged.
Her words emboldened him and he let himself go completely.
“You’re so tight…so hot,” he said, clenching his jaw as he felt himself losing control.
She arched her body toward him, pulling him deeper. Their bodies moved in sync as they climbed higher and higher. He began pumping faster as Jenna begged for more.
“I’m coming,” he heard her cry out, her moans of pleasure finally sending him over the edge. With one last thrust he experienced total release. He could feel her body’s own release and the pleasure he felt was indescribable.
Their bodies sated they slowly returned to reality. Jenna couldn’t believe what had just happened, nothing could have prepared her for the total ecstasy she had experienced with this man. She had never felt like this with anyone before.
***
Later they lay in each other’s arms, savoring the aftermath of their lovemaking. He gently stroked her hair as she dozed off. Everything felt so right with Jenna, but had he done the right thing? The fact remained that she had been Uncle Stanley’s mistress, even if they were no longer together. He hoped his uncle would understand that they were in love, that he never intended for this to happen, but it did. He decided to put that out of his mind and drifted off to sleep, holding Jenna close to him.
***
The next morning Jenna awoke with a smile on her lips. It had been a long time since she had felt this contented. She turned to look at Wade, sleeping soundly and looking like something out of a dream.
“Wake up sleepy head,” she whispered as she caressed his cheek.
He opened his eyes and she could see confusion in them before he realized it was her and smiled that smile that made her whole body tingle.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he said groggily, kissing her softly on the lips.
“Good morning,” she said, returning the kiss. “I better get back to my room, I don’t want Gretchen finding me in here.”
“Gretchen won’t mind. Besides, she doesn’t come up here until I’ve come downstairs.”
She snuggled closer, relishing the warmth of his arms.
Wade looked lovingly at her, taking in the beauty of her face, the softness of her body. He wanted to spend the rest of the day with her, not wanting to let go of these new and wonderful feelings she was igniting in him.
“The rodeo’s in town and I was wondering, would you like to go with me today? I know you’re a city girl but it is a lot of fun,” he asked tentatively.
“I’d love to go. I’ve heard of them and always wanted to go to one. Stanley would always talk about the rodeos and how much he enjoyed them.”
At the mention of his uncle’s name Wade stiffened.
“You know what, I think I have some things to take care of around here. Maybe some other time,” he said curtly. With that he got up and went in the shower.
What the hell? Jenna didn’t know what she had said wrong. Why did this always happen with him? She would think that things were going in the right direction, then she would say something that would invariably offend him. She just couldn’t understand him.
She slowly made her way to her bedroom and went into her shower.
***
As the water ran down his shoulders Wade thought about what had just transpired. Did she realize how inappropriate it was for her to mention her ex-lover while she was still in his arms? The connection he felt with her had been severed at the mention of his uncle’s name. He didn’t think she would deliberately set out to hurt him, but hurt him she had. Maybe she didn’t know any better, maybe he should give her the benefit of the doubt.
He got dressed and headed down to breakfast. Gretchen made him some scrambled eggs with toast and he was just starting to eat when Jenna came down. She gave him a nervous smile and he felt like a heel. If he was going to be with her he had to accept that Uncle Stanley had been a big part of her life, and that every now and then she would mention him. But he wouldn’t allow her to insert him into their conversations on a regular basis. He was having a hard enough time knowing that he was bedding his uncle’s ex-mistress, he didn’t need a constant reminder.
“I’m sorry I left so abruptly. I just realized I had some things to do and figured I’d get right to them,” he said to her by way of an apology.
“That’s okay. I’m sure I’ll find something to do while you’re out,” she said softly.
He wished she was angrier at him. He wasn’t a cruel man, but leaving her in his bed without a look back had been cruel. Any other woman would have been angry, and rightly so. Instead she had so easily accepted his feeble apology.
Chapter nine
“Jenna, why don’t you come to my house today? Since I leave early on Sundays I like to make a nice dinner for Mike and the kids. You can come spend the day with us.” Gretchen said. She didn’t know what had happened but she felt the tension between them. Maybe a day away from the ranch would ease things a bit.
“I don’t want to intrude. It’s your time with your family.”
“Nonsense. We love having company, and I want you to formally meet them. God knows I talk about them enough.”
Jenna laughed as she remembered Gretchen griping about something Mike did or talking about the kids’ latest antics. She thought about it and decided that yes, some time away would ease her nerves. “I’d love to come then, thanks for inviting me.”
“Great. As soon as I’m done we can head out.”
Gretchen looked excited, and Jenna loved her for it.
***
“Joseph, stop teasing your sisters,” Gretchen yelled to her nine year old son.
“But they’re asking me play with them,” he answered, knowing full well that playing did not equal teasing.
“Girls, why don’t you go watch some TV while I cook dinner?” Gretchen said, sending the girls off to the living room. “And you, young man, go to your room until dinner is ready
.” Gretchen knew that sending him to his room meant playing video games, but she wanted some time to talk to Jenna.
“They’re great kids,” Jenna said, watching longingly as four year old Erin and six year old Emily walked away. The one thing Jenna had always wanted was a family. She had fantasized about the house with the white picket fence and the 2.5 kids. She had dreamt of that life with John, but his betrayal had killed that dream.
“You think they’re great because they’re not yours.” Gretchen laughed, but it was obvious she adored them.
Gretchen began to put together the ingredients for her dinner.
“Can I help?” Jenna asked.
“No, thank you, I work quicker alone. You have a seat,” Gretchen said, steering her toward the kitchen table.
Jenna decided not to argue and did as she was told. She watched Gretchen worry her lower lip as she continued with her preparations.
“Gretch, what’s the matter?” she finally asked.
“Jenna, I hope you don’t think I’m prying, but what’s going on with you and Wade? It seems like you guys were getting along, but suddenly I feel tension when you’re in the same room.”
“I wish I knew. I think things are going well and then I say or do something that offends him, and I have no idea why.”
“I know he won’t want me talking about his personal affairs, but I think you should know something,” Gretchen said, trying to measure her words. “Wade had a pretty long term relationship a few years back. Her name was Susan, and we all thought they would end up marrying. One day Susan told him that she couldn’t envision a life with him. She needed to ‘find’ herself and in order to do so she needed to break all ties with him. It threw him for a loop. He couldn’t understand why she left and from that day forward he seemed to swear off women. His aunt and uncle have tried to find nice girls for him, but he never takes the bait.” Gretchen paused, then looked at Jenna. “When you first got here I saw that he was trying to build a wall. I guess he figured it was just another matchmaking scheme and he wanted no part of it. But I watched him thaw a little with you, and I really thought you might be good together.”
Desiring the Enemy Page 7