Forsaking All Others

by Linda Hudson-Smith

  When Sahara had come into Jessica’s bedroom earlier, she had asked her mother specific questions about the teenagers. According to Sahara, the youngsters had known each other ever since they were small kids. Just as it had happened for her and Weston, the youngsters hadn’t seen each other in a long time.

  Over a bowl of cold cereal and milk, Millicent, who had a steady boyfriend, had just finished sharing with Jessica her and Sean Paul’s history. The likenesses between the two situations were uncanny. The one big difference was the crushes they’d had on each other for years; Jessica had been the only one with a crush. The long separation had cooled the teenagers’ heels. Both families lived in New York, but on different ends of the state.

  Millicent and her parents had recently moved from upstate to NYC, where the Holloway family also resided. The teenagers now lived close enough to see each other frequently. Millicent didn’t know how to break it off with her current boyfriend to go out with Sean Paul, whom she really liked.

  Jessica had listened intently to the very interesting conversation. “Has Sean Paul asked you out, Millicent?”

  “Not really. He’s hinted at it a time or two. He wants us to hang out together when we get back home.”

  Jessica smiled sweetly at Millicent. “Your response?”

  Millicent giggled. “I told him I’d like that. Was I too easy?”

  Jessica looked curious. “Why do you say that?”

  “I have this girlfriend, Cookie Bayer, who thinks girls should play hard to get. She says the first thing guys want to know is if a girl is easy. Do you agree?”

  Jessica felt the eggshells beneath her feet. Giving advice to the lovelorn wasn’t something she had ever tried. “It depends on the situation. We want to be cautious, but I don’t know about playing hard to get. Let the guy know if you’re interested or not. And most guys do want to know if a girl is easy. That’s their nature. Never be easy in that regard.” Jessica frowned. “Get my drift?”

  “I think so.” Millicent laughed nervously. “You are talking about sex, aren’t you?”

  “Yeah, I am, something you might want to talk over with your mother. She can better direct you in that. I’m not a parent yet.”

  “We talk about sex pretty regularly. She trusts me to do the right thing.”

  “You’re so fortunate, young lady. Some parents still find it difficult to discuss sex with their kids. Our parents talked to my sister and me when each of us turned fourteen.”

  “It happened when I got my cycle. I want to go out with Sean Paul, but I don’t want to hurt Antoine’s feelings. Antoine is my boyfriend. He’s so nice.”

  “I don’t envy you. Feelings are delicate. Antoine could get hurt, but I bet he wouldn’t want you to stay out of pity. If you’d rather date Sean Paul, you have to be honest with Antoine.”

  The way some kids were these days, Jessica wasn’t too sure about her statements. Nowadays they were killing each other. Young boys were physically abusing girls and vice versa. The crazy world teenagers lived in was rather scary.

  “You’re probably right. I’ve got to tell Antoine I like someone else. My parents don’t want me in an exclusive relationship, period. They want me to enjoy my social life. Sean Paul talked about dancing with me at the New Year’s gala. I’m not sure my parents are letting me go. I want to, though. It’ll be fun. I brought a dressy outfit along, not a formal. If you had kids, would you let them go?”

  “My parents took me to my first formal when I was sixteen. Jennifer was the same age on her first one. So I’d have to say yes to your question. I don’t see any harm, especially if teenagers are chaperoned.”

  “I really hope Mom and Dad let me go. Do you have a date for New Year’s Eve?”

  Glad that Millicent had asked the question, Jessica took great pleasure in telling her all about the wonderful Weston Roman Chamberlain, her handsome date for New Year’s Eve.

  Chapter 9

  The full-length swing coat completely hid Jessica’s stunning gown from Weston’s adoring eyes. She could hardly wait for him to see it. He was beside himself with the desire to see what stylish creation the coat helped to camouflage. He figured he was in for a real surprise since Jessica had been so secretive about what she planned to wear to the New Year’s Eve Gala.

  Weston had chosen a traditional black tuxedo, his accessories fashioned in a fine African print. He’d been confident enough that his attire and Jessica’s would be complementary since they both had a flair for elegance in style and high fashion. He actually viewed them as a perfect couple, perfect for each other, perfect in every way.

  Jennifer wore a cool blue gown made of shimmering stretch silk. The silver shoes on her slender feet had one-and-a-half-inch heels and peek-a-boo toes. Samuel looked handsome and debonair in his winter-white dinner jacket, the shirt and cummerbund fashioned in the same cool blue as his wife’s dress.

  The older couples’ attire reeked of class and sophistication. All four mature women had dressed in stylish gowns. Their husbands had gone with traditional black tuxedos. Sahara’s gown had sheer long sleeves and a sheer bodice, its formal length swirling dramatically at her feet.

  Sandra also wore a provocative black creation, in simple but elegant lines, fashioned with an intricate spider-web back and sheer sleeves. Her hair was up and pinned in place with jeweled combs. Gold shoes sparkled on her feet.

  Vanessa looked youthful and wondrous in a highly fashionable off-one-shoulder red gown, complemented by elbow-length red gloves and stunning gold accessories.

  Bonita’s high-fashion gown, in gold lamé, was a head-turner, cut low in the back and front. She appeared to glow from head to toe, her shoes and bag also in gold, a much lighter shade than the gown. Dark-topaz jewelry made a very nice contrast.

  Sean Paul and Millicent had been allowed to attend the gala. Sean Paul wore a tuxedo with a white dinner jacket. Millicent’s parents had purchased her very first formal only two days ago. She also wore white, proclaiming her youth and innocence.

  The four families had arrived at the resort ballroom early enough to get situated though they had reserved seating close to the bandstand. The room was festive and elegantly decorated, perfectly befitting the occasion. The banquet tables were draped in linen finery and lit by glowing candelabras.

  Prime rib or baked chicken, rice pilaf and vegetables were the specially arranged dining choices, along with only a couple of dessert choices. The bar was no-host.

  Weston’s heart nearly stopped the moment Jessica was out of her coat. He positively loved her dress, excited by how perfect it was for her. The white sequined stunner fitted her figure and personality to a tee. Jessica looked like royalty, every bit his beautiful African queen.

  Weston wasted no time telling Jessica how gorgeous she looked. Sliding his hand snugly around her waist, he led her out onto the dance floor. He wanted them to enjoy every second of their evening, from beginning to end. As he took her into his arms, he couldn’t resist kissing her shimmering mouth. “Not usually at a loss for words, but I can’t seem to find the right ones to express how fabulous you look. Your dress is magnificent. So are you, sweetheart.”

  Smiling beautifully, Jessica blushed. “Thank you. You’re looking quite hot yourself. The tux is elegant on you. I’m enchanted.”

  “That makes two of us. I see why you were so secretive about your dress. You made an excellent choice. I’m proud to be seen with you.”

  Jessica kissed him softly on the mouth. “Same here.”

  Jessica closed her eyes and rested her head against his broad chest. He smelled good. His body felt even better, so close to hers. She was happy the evening was under way. She had something very special planned for Weston and looked forward to being alone with him later. There were only two more days of vacation left.

  The great array of songs kept Jessica and Weston out on the dance floor for the first hour. Once dinner was announced, they returned to their seats, looking forward to dancing the night away.

&nbs
p; Dinner was served promptly at eight, starting with a crisp Caesar salad. Members of the staff were also formally dressed: black tuxedo short-waist jackets, black skirts or pants, white shirts and black bow ties.

  There were no long speeches, but each male in the small group, the head of a household, had spoken on behalf of their family, expressing what a great time had been had by all. Once the brief comments were passed, conversation was kept at a minimum as the group enjoyed their delicious salads.

  The dinner portion of the gala was uneventful. Everyone enjoyed their meal, evidenced by the drowsy droop of their eyes. It looked as if everyone could use a short nap. The music had played soft and low all through dinner, but the volume had now been turned up a few notches, bringing everyone back to life.

  Jessica closely observed Millicent and Sean Paul, laughing and giggling. The teenagers seemed to be having a good time. Millicent had a confused look on her face. Then Sean Paul leaned over and whispered something into her ear, causing her face to light up brighter than a string of high-wattage bulbs. Sean Paul got to his feet, then extended his hand to Millicent. He had asked her to dance.

  Jessica no longer had to wonder what Sean Paul had said to Millicent.

  Weston followed Sean Paul’s lead by getting to his feet and then extending his hand to Jessica. Smiling softly, she got up from her chair and eagerly followed him out to the dance floor. His arms around her always felt good. She loved how perfectly she fitted into him. His tenderness and warmth were something she had come to live for. The only other arms Jessica felt this safe and secure in belonged to her family members.

  As Weston normally did, once Jessica was nestled into him, he tenderly kissed her forehead. “Looks like the teenagers have made a love connection. They like each other.”

  “As I said before, they remind me of us.”

  Weston looked down at Jessica. “If I hadn’t been so mean to you, you might’ve enjoyed our vacations. Sorry I was such an idiot.”

  “Me, too, especially knowing what we missed out on. But we’re together now. That’s all that counts.”

  “They’re a cute couple, but not as cute as us,” Weston joked, laughing.

  “Striking is a better word for us. We’re too old to be cute.”

  “We’re never too old to be anything we want. It’s not age that counts. The precious moments we share are what make life worth living. What time do you think we can blow this joint?”

  Jessica beamed at her handsome date. “Listen to you. You seem to want to be alone with me an awful lot.”

  “As much as possible. I love the family stuff, but I also love being alone with you. We’re more relaxed out from under the microscope.”

  “I second that. Leaving a little after midnight is okay with me. We should stay long enough to ring in the new year with our families.”

  “I agree.” Weston held up his arm and looked at his wristwatch. “Ugh, two more hours. I can hardly wait for the witching hour.”

  Jessica smiled softly. “I promise to make the two hours until then very interesting,” she cooed. “Time always seems to fly when you and I are together.”

  “That’s for sure.” Weston guided Jessica’s head to his chest, holding it firmly in place, “You’re so special to me. I love you, Jess.”

  “I love you, too.” Feeling a floating sensation coming on again, Jessica closed her eyes, savoring the wonderful moments. She felt so much peace tonight.

  As the countdown began, Jessica felt giddy inside. Bringing in the new year with Weston had her ecstatic. So much had gone right for them that she couldn’t imagine anything going wrong.

  “Happy New Year” rang out all over the ballroom.

  “Happy New Year, sweetheart,” Weston whispered to Jessica. She returned the same enthusiastic wish to him, smiling brilliantly.

  As Jessica’s and Weston’s lips came together in a fanfare of unbridled passion, his arms holding her tightly, she felt weak at the knees. His tongue instantly searched for hers, uniting in a sweet collision. The couple couldn’t seem to get enough of each other as the kiss grew intense. Shrill whistles from their families finally brought the staggering kiss to an end.

  Jessica looked embarrassed, but that didn’t stop her from enthusiastically embracing everyone and wishing them a happy new year. Weston followed suit, greeting his parents in the same way. The four families kissed, hugged and wished each other a very prosperous new year until everyone had been covered. The teenagers seemed reluctant to embrace at first, but after a bit of prompting from the others, Sean Paul gave Millicent a warm hug and a light kiss on the cheek.

  Weston’s dark eyes widened with disbelief as Jessica stepped into the room wearing the kind of silky intimate items he conjured up in his mind on a regular basis. He was completely stunned by how seductive she looked. His heart had already gone off on a wild excursion.

  It was crystal clear to him what Jessica had packed away in the large leather bag she had left in the van. When he had asked her about it, she had silenced him with a kiss, telling him he’d find out in due time. It looked as if she had decided to throw caution out the window. Although they had discussed making love numerous times, no action had been taken. He still wasn’t sure it would happen, but whatever occurred he was sure it would be spine-tingling.

  With Jessica’s hair looking windswept, she resembled a wild tigress, but the silk robe she wore was done in a leopard print. Weston’s mind was already wondering what she wore beneath the sexy kimono-style robe.

  Slowly, methodically, Jessica moved farther into the room, keeping her eyes hotly trained on Weston. Her fingers inched loose the belt and let it fall open. In a seductive show created just for him, she allowed the silky attire to fall off one shoulder and then the other. In the next calculated move she slithered the robe down her body until it fell away to the floor. The shimmering black stockings beneath a leopard-print teddy were more than just provocative, causing his manhood to stiffen and throb.

  One clear-painted fingernail went up to Jessica’s mouth, where she laid it against her pouting, glossy, apple-red lips, looking at him in a sexy, come-hither kind of way.

  Weston quickly obeyed the commands of her demanding eyes. He licked his lips provocatively as he came to a halt in the center of the room, right where Jessica stood, looking ready to devour him. His eyes thirstily drank in her head-to-toe beauty. She was a sexy stunner, yet delicately seductive, a stimulating combination to reckon with.

  Weston hoped to soon be nestled deep inside Jessica’s molten treasure trove, making her sweat and moan sweetly. Either way, he would be fulfilled. If they did make love, would she call out his name? Most definitely. If he had his way, she would call out his name again and again, forever.

  How could Jessica look that innocent and so downright sexy, all at the same time? He loved the way her eyelashes fluttered. Were her wildly fluttering lashes a sign of nervousness? It was a real turn-on for him.

  After Weston took Jessica into his arms, his body burning with passionate desire, he kissed her with wild abandonment, moaning softly at the aching in his loins. He burned to be inside her, ached to make her his own. His manhood continued to expand at an alarming rate, something he hadn’t experienced before.

  Weston lowered the straps on Jessica’s silk teddy, continuing to kiss her deeply. As his lips caressed her bare shoulders, his itching fingers squeezed and manipulated her already erect nipples. His hungry mouth quickly found its way back to hers, deepening the kiss even more.

  As Weston’s mouth moved from Jessica’s mouth to the base of her throat, his tongue teased and tantalized her delicate flesh. Feeling her body reacting wildly to his touch excited him more and more. Every part of him craved her, craved to touch and kiss every inch of her. Hearing her softly whispering his name had him coming apart at the seams. She whispered his name so breathlessly.

  As though things between them couldn’t get any more fiery and passionate, Jessica took Weston’s hand and placed it at the core of her
heat. The silk covering of the teddy was the only thing keeping his fingers from tenderly probing her moist flesh. His nimble fingers itched to work loose the snaps, so he was surprised and pleased to find no snaps, but a Velcro strip on Jessica’s teddy, which afforded him much easier access to her treasure trove. He had to smile about all the newfangled lingerie. It had been quite some time since he had disrobed a beautiful woman—and never a woman he loved manically.

  Weston hoped Jessica loved foreplay as much as he did. He preferred taking his time to cuddle, coddle, caress, kiss and lovingly seduce the woman he was in love with. Jessica definitely wanted the same kind of coming together as he did, seeming to love that Weston’s hand was an extremely slow one.

  Weston suddenly held Jessica at arm’s length, looking deeply into her eyes. “Am I moving too fast for you, sweetheart? I only want what you want.”

  “Not fast enough,” she cooed sweetly. “We both want the same thing. I want you desperately and I can feel how much you want me.” She tenderly squeezed his manhood.

  Weston moaned. “Oh, baby, I’m not so sure about that. You don’t have a clue.” Weston wanted her, all of her, more than he had ever thought possible.

  Weston kissed Jessica long and hard, probing his tongue deeper and deeper, so ready to take her where they both longed to be. Seventh heaven was their imminent destination, somewhere over the rainbow. There wasn’t another person in the world that could give them what they so desperately needed. Jessica was very much ready for Weston to make love to her.

  Weston was more than ready to comply.

  Jessica squirmed beneath Weston’s expert touch. His scorching mouth and sizzling hands were all over her, giving her unadulterated pleasure. Barely able to wait for his manhood to be deep inside her, filling her up, she purred softly, egging him on. Although she was ready for the main event, she loved his patient hands. There was nothing hurried about this seduction and she loved every second of it.