Weston shrugged. “Just sit quietly and listen to music. Long drives outside the city are relaxing, especially when I can put the top down. I like to read. Unfortunately, I don’t get to do much of it. Need to do more things I love. I work too hard. What are your hobbies?”
“Reading’s my favorite pastime. I read for hours on end. Nothing like curling up with a good book. I like to plant things. Living in a town house only allows me to do window-box planting, but I tend to Mom and Dad’s flowers and plants from time to time. They’ve offered space for my own garden, but I haven’t done any planting yet.”
“Why not?”
“Not enough time. I work late so my weekends are normally spent doing laundry and grocery shopping. I love to window-shop. My friends go with me, but I tire long before they do.”
“What’s your favorite department store?”
“Hmm, good question. Let me think. Macy’s. I love their quality. My all-time favorite store was called Broadway, but they were closed and sold to another chain. Their clothing was the absolute best.”
“NYC has a great Macy’s. Maybe we can go there one day.”
“I’d love that. Are you a good cook? If so, what’s your favorite dish?”
“I’m a great cook, but I mainly eat out or order in. My hours are long so I rarely feel like cooking. Soups are my specialty. I make a mean pot of oxtail soup.”
As if Jessica and Weston had suddenly run out of things to say, they lapsed into silence. There were a lot of things they wanted to ask each other, but neither seemed comfortable posing certain questions.
Jessica realized she and Weston hadn’t talked about their past relationships. Had he been dating someone prior to coming to Aspen or had it been a while for him? His work seemed to take precedence over his social life.
“Are you involved with anyone back home, Jess?”
Jessica had to laugh. “You are a mind reader. I was wondering the same thing about you. We’ve fallen in love but we haven’t discussed past relationships. I haven’t dated anyone exclusively in over a year. My work schedule gets in the way. I use it as an excuse not to get bowled over. Dating now and then works best for me, but I do get lonely.”
“Have you been hurt by someone?”
“Not really. Severely disappointed, though. I’ve thought someone was one way only to find out he was the exact opposite. I don’t do disappointment very well. I’ve got plenty of time to get it right. I’m choosy about who I spend time with. And I’m in no hurry to get married.”
“You should be choosy. I date off and on, but I avoid getting into a committed relationship. Never felt ready. Not until now.”
“Why now? What changed your mind?”
“You. Falling in love with you, the moment I laid eyes on you here in Aspen. It feels good. A long-distance relationship won’t be easy, but I think our love will see us through. We can’t allow doubts in or have fears take us over. We can and will make this work.”
“For how long is the question I have to ask. Will talking on the phone and e-mailing be enough to keep us happy and in love? They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but I’m not convinced. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.”
“We’ll be fine. As I said, I don’t mind traveling cross-country. My parents will be living in L.A. soon. At least, that’s the way it’s panning out.”
“I’m looking forward to your visit to L.A. Give me enough notice so I can plan a nice time. There’s so much to do in the City of Angels.”
“I’d love to see the Lakers play. Dad’s a Lakers fanatic.”
“The season doesn’t end until June so I’m sure I can get my hands on a couple of tickets. If I can’t, Dad can. He might have season tickets. I’ll find out for sure.”
“Thanks. How’s the skiing up at Big Bear?”
“Really good, I hear. I’m not in the know on skiing. But I do know there are several ski resorts east and north of L.A. I’ll check that out, too, if you come before winter is over.”
“Don’t know exactly when I’ll get there, but it won’t hurt to check on it.”
The beautiful Christmas carol playing gripped both Jessica’s and Wes’s attention. “Silent Night” was always a favorite with most. Johnny Mathis had a heartwarming way of crooning it. Weston nestled Jessica tenderly into his arms. As he stroked her hair, the couple got lost in the music, wrapped up in the spirit of Christmas.
A short while later Weston looked down at Jessica. She had her eyes closed. He didn’t know if she was asleep or not. Perhaps she was resting her eyes. Whatever the case, he decided just to remain quiet. Curling up behind her, he pulled her back into the curve of his body, where she fitted perfectly.
Weston realized that Jessica was asleep and he reached back and pulled a patchwork quilt from the metal rack. After covering them up, he set the alarm on his watch to go off in thirty minutes. Intent on taking a short nap, he closed his eyes. Soon after positioning his leg across Jessica’s hip, Weston also fell asleep.
The town house kitchen wasn’t big enough for all the people crowded into it. When it seemed impossible to get everything done in an orderly manner, Sahara took firm control of the situation. She first gave the guys instructions and then shooed them out of the kitchen. She also assigned specific duties to the women.
The turkey and prime rib slowly roasted in the double ovens. Jessica was assigned potato-peeling duties, both sweet and white ones, which she would later mash. Jennifer was in charge of tossing a salad and tending the green beans. Samuel would prepare the rice.
Sandra had a large casserole of macaroni and cheese baking in her oven and Jacque was cooking collard greens. Weston was preparing candied yams and was also in charge of warming a variety of breads. The senior Chamberlains normally spent the holidays with Sandra’s parents in New York City, but this year the elderly couple had decided on a Caribbean cruise.
Besides having prepared the meats for roasting and making the dressing she had already stuffed into the turkey, Sahara was handling the relish dishes and cranberry sauces. Roman had fixed an extra pan of corn-bread stuffing and was also in charge of making the giblet gravy. The majority of the holiday desserts had been picked up from a local bakery, but a few homemade desserts were left over from earlier in the week.
Everyone had been assigned something to do in preparation of the meal, grateful for the number of ovens and burners at their disposal. All cabins, condos and town houses came equipped with double ovens and four burners.
By late afternoon everyone was gathered around the beautifully dressed table, holding hands as Roman passed the blessing. Dressed in their Sunday best, the group looked happy to share in this special holiday festivity. Once Roman gave thanks to the Almighty, amen simultaneously rang out as everyone took their assigned seat.
As the family of diners devoured the delicious meal, there was near complete silence, with the exception of a few moans and groans of pleasurable delight. There wasn’t a single complaint about anything. Fifteen minutes or so had passed when the place suddenly came alive with the animated buzz of dinner chatter.
Dessert was served forty minutes later.
Jessica still felt stuffed from all the food she had eaten earlier…and all she wanted to do was curl up in bed and fall asleep. She had come back to the cabin with Weston but wasn’t planning on staying long. She was worn out from going nonstop every day since she’d arrived in Aspen. It was time to start winding down.
The past few days had been a whirlwind of activity. Thinking about the coming week of vacation only heightened Jessica’s fatigue. Her parents probably wouldn’t mind if she took it easy. She and Weston had made plans to take in a movie and hang out, but she wasn’t interested in anything requiring a lot of energy. She had to work the day after she got home so she needed some rest before returning to the daily grind.
Weston came into the room and sat down next to Jessica. He was tired, too, but he planned to get in a few days more of skiing. He wished he could talk Jessica into
it, but he didn’t want to push her into something she wasn’t ready for. She had done well just to get up to the resort. Her fears were real and should be respected.
Jessica looked over at Weston and smiled. “Are you as tired as I am?”
Weston nodded. “Everyone’s tired. We barely got the dishes done after dinner. Our parents are even taking naps, a rarity for them. We’ve been so busy.”
“Once I get back to our place, I’m taking a long soak in the tub. Then I’ll curl up in bed and read, if I can manage to stay awake.”
“Wish I could join you. What’re you reading?”
“Barack Obama’s The Audacity of Hope. An interesting read. I’m enjoying it.”
“I read the first one, Dreams from My Father. Extremely good. Maybe I can borrow yours when you’re through.”
“I can mail it to you. I doubt I’ll finish it before we leave.”
“No rush, baby. I can read it when I come to L.A.”
Jessica gave him a skeptical look. “I doubt you’ll have time for reading. I’ll want your undivided attention.”
“And you’ll have it. I love spending every waking moment with you.”
“Same here.” Jessica stifled a yawn. “Wow, I am tired. I should go back before I fall asleep on you again.”
“I won’t mind. Just stretch out on the sofa awhile. Or go back and lie down in bed. I’ll lie down out here. I don’t want you to leave yet. Is that selfish?”
Jessica looped her arm through his. “Nothing selfish about you. We can lie down together. We can trust ourselves, can’t we?”
“You can trust me. Go ahead. I’ll put some music on for us.”
Jessica scowled. “Maybe we should forgo the music. It might get a little too romantic for us to handle,” she joked, laughing gently.
Weston laughed, too. “Maybe you don’t trust yourself. You think?”
“If we’re asleep, we won’t hear the music, anyway. Right?”
“Right.” Weston put on the music anyway.
Stopping at the doorway of Weston’s bedroom, Jessica took a minute to look around. The bed was neatly made-up. He was very clean and orderly. Nothing appeared out of place. She liked neatness and cleanliness. She also kept her place spotless. Everything in her home had a place and she kept it there. When she took something out to use, she always put it back.
Stepping farther into the bedroom, Jessica took the few steps to the king-sized bed. Sitting on the edge of the mattress, she leaned over and removed her boots. With every intention of remaining fully clothed, she didn’t want to send Weston mixed messages. After pulling one of the four pillows into her arms, she laid her head back on another. Stretching out completely on the bed, moving around until she got comfortable, she hugged the pillow to her abdomen.
Minutes later Weston slid onto the bed with Jessica. After making himself comfortable, he lifted her head and tenderly placed it in the well of his arm. He kissed her softly on the lips. “Close your eyes. I’ll wake you up before it gets too late.”
“Not going to sleep?”
“Eventually. Right now I just want to watch you sleep. It’ll be sensual. Think of me as your guardian angel.”
“You are my angel and I love you.” Without further ado, Jessica closed her eyes. She trusted Weston with all her heart and soul. He was a good man.
As Weston watched the even rise and fall of Jessica’s chest, he smiled. It hadn’t taken her long to fall off to sleep. His heart filled with pride. She trusted him enough to fall asleep in his presence, in his bed. He reached down and stroked the length of her silky hair. She didn’t move a muscle. He could see that she was tired. The delicate skin beneath her eyes looked a bit puffy, yet it did nothing to mar her natural beauty. A wrapped bag of ice would take care of it.
There was something erotic about Jessica’s breath gently fanning his neck. Holding her close to him was a beautiful thing. It was hard to believe how quickly deep feelings had developed between them. He’d never dreamed he could fall in love with a woman so easily, or like a ton of bricks. Weston still felt bad over how he had once treated Jessica, but she had forgiven him. He had been young and stupid back then, hadn’t known a thing about crushes or girls. What he felt for Jessica was more than any silly schoolboy crush. This woman was in his blood to stay.
Jessica rolled over, turning her back to Weston. He drew up behind her and laid his face against hers. “You okay?”
Jessica moaned softly. “Just fine. Your bed is so comfortable.” She turned slightly and looked up at him. “Is it time for me to go?”
“Not yet. Go back to sleep.”
Now that Jessica was awake, Weston retrieved her boots from off the floor. Taking hold of her right foot, he slid on her boot with ease. He then took care of the other. Weston helped Jessica to her feet. “I’ll walk you back.”
Taking hold of his hand, Jessica look up at Weston adoringly. “I’m ready. I wish we could spend the night together.” Still holding his hand, she moved toward the door.
The doorbell awakened Jessica out of a sound sleep, causing her to mumble and grumble. The clock revealed it was after 9:00 a.m. As the doorbell sounded again, she leaped out of bed and grabbed her robe, wondering where her parents were. Once her body was fully covered, she headed up front. A look through the peephole revealed an older couple with a lovely, green-eyed teenage girl in tow.
Jessica opened the door, smiling brightly. “Hi. Can I help you?”
The stunning woman extended her hand. “I’m Vanessa Carlisle.” She pointed at the man and teenager. “This is Thomas and Millicent, my husband and daughter. We’re friends of the Chamberlains. They’re not in.” Vanessa went on to tell Jessica that Sandra had told them where to go if they weren’t in. “Are your parents here?”
Jessica shook her head. “But you guys can come in and wait. They’re probably off somewhere with the Chamberlains. Please come in.”
Thanking Jessica for allowing them to wait there, the Carlisle family stepped inside. According to Vanessa, the Chamberlains had already checked them into the resort and had taken possession of the keys.
Before Jessica offered to call her parents, they walked in the door. The Chamberlains were with them, along with another striking middle-aged couple and a very cute, curly-haired, teenage boy. Jessica assumed they were the other family the couples had been expecting. The teenagers reminded her of her and Weston at that age. She couldn’t help wondering if they would also develop a steamy crush on each other.
Sandra introduced the other couple as Bonita and Gorge Holloway. Their son’s name was Sean Paul, and he was extremely tall, with a great athletic build.
Jessica wondered if Sean Paul was a high school basketball player. He was built like one. The high school team basketball jersey she glimpsed under his jacket seemed to confirm her suspicions. Jessica thought it would be interesting to see if a romantic liaison developed between the cute teenagers. Sean Paul Holloway and Millicent Carlisle were both sweet sixteen.
Excusing herself to the others, Jessica went back to her room and climbed into bed. She wondered if Weston was already awake. Probably so. Like her, he was a morning person. He didn’t believe in burning daylight, either. What a man, what a man. She smiled broadly.
Weston was something else. He anticipated her every need and desire. She still found it hard to believe he’d put her boots on. How sweet was that? Other than her father and Samuel, there was no other man to compare Weston to, not in the romantic sense. Although he was in the same class of men as Roman and Samuel, Weston was a one-of-a-kind man for her.
As though Weston had received the energy Jessica had been putting out, he picked up his cell phone and called her. Several rings produced no response, not even her voice mail. Just as he was about to hang up, she answered. “Hey, I was about to hang up. Everything cool?”
“All’s well over here. What about there?”
“Other than missing you, it’s all good. How long you been up?”
“Sinc
e about six-thirty. I worked on my laptop and I surfed the Internet for a while. What time did you get up?”
Jessica giggled. “Not up yet. Well, I did get up long enough to answer the door.”
“Who was it?”
Jessica told Weston about the new arrivals. She also told him about how much Millicent and Sean Paul reminded her of them. She bet him the teenagers would develop a serious crush on each other before the week was out.
“How do you know they don’t already know each other? Their parents might get together like ours do.”
Jessica struck her temple with the tip of her finger. “Hadn’t thought of that. I’ll have to find out. You can bet on it. I’m really curious about them.”
“Let me know what you find out. Want to do dinner before a movie tonight? If so, we’ll need to leave early.”
“With all the leftovers over here! Why don’t we eat here first?”
“That’s cool. What time?”
“There’s no set time.”
“I’ll be over shortly. Are you getting up?”
“I’ll be showered and dressed in about thirty minutes.”
“I’m glad we have a little more time to hang out. The New Year’s Eve gala is right around the corner. See you in a few.”
With Weston’s comments resonating in her brain, Jessica clicked off.
More time indeed.
It really wasn’t a lot of time, not when it signaled the end of their time together. Three days after the gala they’d be leaving Aspen. As a sharp pang struck her heart, she moaned. The thought of them separating was always a painful one, one that she had better get used to. No matter how many times she told herself they’d be okay distance-wise, doubt set in.
Jessica then prayed that their time left in Aspen would go by at a snail’s pace.
After Weston had called to delay his arrival, Jessica had gone into the kitchen to eat. For the better part of an hour she covertly watched Millicent and Sean Paul interact with each other, their body language fascinating to her. Observance had come to an abrupt halt when Sean Paul had been suddenly called away by his father. It seemed that all the men were gathering in town.
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