Forsaking All Others

by Linda Hudson-Smith

  Stretched out on her king-sized bed, Jessica wiped the sleep and the tears from her eyes. She massaged her breaking heart with the heel of her hand. It was still early in her neck of the woods, but she was sure she couldn’t fall back to sleep. With so much vacation time on the books, she thought of taking off another week; staying busy won out. She had already spent too much time thinking about Weston.

  It was hard trying to figure out what had made Weston jump ship. Had there been a change of heart about seeing each other beyond the holidays? Why hadn’t he just told her that? Not knowing was tough. She couldn’t possibly deal with the unknown. With her emotions ready to erupt, she moaned in agony. Plumping her pillows, she laid her head down, praying that Weston would call soon.

  Just as Jessica had thought, she couldn’t go back to sleep. A hot shower would help get the day started. Before entering the bathroom, she picked out fresh undergarments and a casual outfit, jeans and a sweater. The temperature had fallen during the night, leaving behind winter-cool air. Dressing warmly wouldn’t hurt.

  The bathroom colors brightened Jessica’s mood. She liked lavender and yellow together, calming yet effervescent. The yellow flower appliqués on the walls lent the room a nice gardenlike appearance. The glass-block window adjacent to the hot tub and the overhead skylight let in ample natural sunlight. The shutters could be opened a little or a lot to allow in more sun.

  As the sun’s rays beamed off the clear glass shower door, the light reflected on the wall-to-wall mirrors. The dressing-table mirror was sun-streaked, too. The bathroom was a cheerful place to hang out. Too bad she didn’t spend more time there.

  As hot water pelted down over Jessica, she thought about sitting down on the ceramic tile, right in the middle of the shower floor. Instead, she increased the flow of water, stepping out a couple of minutes later.

  Sadness had overwhelmed Jessica, causing her tears to fall. She didn’t want to entertain unhappiness. Eating her favorite foods would help out. The pantry and refrigerator were bare; replenishing her food stock was necessary. She usually purchased enough food to last a week, but she had only picked up a few things before leaving for Aspen. It hadn’t made sense to buy groceries when she’d be away on vacation.

  The local grocery store was crowded with patrons as Jessica pushed the metal cart around the store, up and down the aisles. Two cases of bottled water were the first items written down on her grocery list; the last to be retrieved from the bottom of the cart. A quart carton of two-percent milk was needed to go along with the cereal and bananas.

  Rice Krispies weren’t her favorite, but she’d chosen them anyway. They were Weston’s favorite; it was as if she were expecting him.

  She selected several types of fresh fruits: white grapes, apples, citrus, pears and red and black plums. She tossed a loaf of wheat bread for toast in the upper portion of the buggy, along with a tub of soft margarine. Turkey breakfast sausages and a dozen eggs were also needed.

  Nearly out of many household items, Jessica stocked up on tile and tub cleansers, furniture polish, air fresheners and dishwashing liquid, laundry liquids and fabric softeners. Then Jessica moved into her favorite aisle, the comfort foods. She needed comforting, lots of it. These were the items she’d come for in the first place. After loading up the cart with a variety of chips, pretzels and nuts, she moved farther down to where the red licorice and other gummy-type candies were shelved.

  Ringing Jessica’s doorbell for the fifth time, Weston had to accept that she wasn’t in. For good measure, he rang it twice more. Calling her over the phone hadn’t been the right solution. Seeing her face-to-face was the only way for him to right this wrong. He would’ve paid an exorbitant amount for his airline ticket if he hadn’t logged so many frequent-flyer miles. The cost wouldn’t have mattered to him. All he truly cared about was getting back together with Jessica. She was the only woman for him.

  Was he still the only man for her?

  Knowing he had to locate a nearby hotel, Weston made his way back to the rental car, glad it came equipped with a navigation system, which he’d used to get to Jessica’s place. Both his own cars had the same electronic equipment.

  Weston had actually gained time flying east to west, thanks to the three-hour time difference. There were a few hours of daylight left. Driving around in a city he didn’t know too much about wasn’t an easy task. The navigation system would make it a lot easier.

  Just as Weston opened the door of the black SUV, a late model, pearl-white Thunderbird convertible pulled into the driveway. As the garage door went up, he raced toward the opening, hoping to get to Jessica before it closed. He wasn’t sure if she’d seen him or not, but Weston had to make his presence known.

  The minute Jessica stepped out of the car Weston pulled her into his arms.

  “Oh God,” he cried, planting his lips into her hair, “please forgive me for being so stupid. Can I please come in so we can talk?”

  Jessica looked both stunned and frightened. She hadn’t known who had grabbed her until after she had heard Weston’s voice. She sighed, relieved that she hadn’t been accosted by some stranger. She should feel relief over Weston coming to see her, but her anger had already taken control. “We don’t have anything to say to each other. Your actions have made things very clear.”

  “My actions? I’m not the one who was kissing someone else. How would you react if you saw me kissing another woman, the way you were lip-locking Jarred? I saw the whole thing.” Weston wished he had a sock to stuff in his mouth. He hadn’t intended to go off like this. To sit down and talk calmly with her had been his goal.

  As the memories of that day on the balcony flooded Jessica’s mind, she felt horrified. That Weston had been a witness to the kiss hadn’t crossed her mind, not for a moment. He more than likely hadn’t seen how she had resisted. Jarred had overwhelmed her with his strength. He’d never do that again. The hard slap across his face had sent him a message he wouldn’t soon forget. Too bad Weston hadn’t stayed around to witness that. Too, too bad about all of it.

  Jessica gripped Weston’s hand, squeezing it tightly. “So sorry you saw that. It’s not what you probably think. Trust me, I didn’t invite Jarred’s kiss—”

  Weston silenced Jessica by kissing her deeply. He didn’t need to hear anything more. The details of what had happened could go to the wind for all he cared. He only wanted them back where they’d been before Jarred had shown up in Aspen. Pulling his head back slightly, he looked into her eyes. “I didn’t come all this way to fight with you. I came to fight for you. Can we please go inside?”

  “Since you flew way out here to see me, I don’t have a choice.”

  “You have a choice. If you don’t want to talk with me, just say so. I won’t force my affections on you.”

  “Sorry for being flippant. I’m stunned by all this. Looks like I’m the one who messed up everything between us. I had no idea I was to blame. We can go in, but I need to get the groceries out of the car first.”

  “I’ll help you.”

  Jessica pressed a button on the car remote and the trunk popped open. Since she lived alone, Weston was surprised by the number of grocery bags she had.

  Jessica read Weston’s expression perfectly. “An eating binge. That’s how miserable I felt about not hearing from you. Most of the bags are full of junk food. I would’ve overdone it. Made the mistake of hitting the store on an empty stomach.”

  Weston grinned. “I’ll help you eat this stuff. If it’s okay, I can stay for two or three days. I planned to get a hotel.”

  “I have a lovely guest room. No hotel room, unless you want it that way.”

  Weston winked. “Let’s see how things go. We can sort it out later.”

  In the kitchen of Jessica’s three-bedroom town house Weston carried several bags over to the granite counter and set them down. As he headed out the door leading to the garage, Jessica came up and threw her arms around his neck, kissing him passionately. Looking down at her, he clear
ly saw the tears swimming in her eyes. The last thing he wanted was to see her cry. “It’s okay, sweetheart. We’re together now. Do you want us as much as I do?”

  “Desperately. I’ve missed you something awful. Sure I can’t explain what happened with Jarred? It’d make me feel better.”

  Weston kissed Jessica’s forehead. “It’s not necessary, but if it’ll help, go for it.

  “Let’s get the groceries inside first. Then we can sit and talk.”

  “Thank you. If you can manage the rest of the stuff, I’ll get the teapot going.”

  “Good enough.”

  Jessica’s tears fell quicker than she could wipe them away. Weston here in her private space was more than she’d hoped for. A phone call would’ve sufficed, but he had seen fit to fly here to straighten out the mess. Something she was solely responsible for. He had certainly been redeemed. Had she?

  What Jessica had thought Weston had done was unconscionable in her opinion. He had hurt her deeply by not bothering at least to give her a call. It had been excruciatingly painful for her to deal with Weston’s failure to contact her, but she hadn’t been willing to compromise herself by calling him.

  Jessica’s dignity would have been severely at stake had she done otherwise. She had made sweet love to him, had given him the most valued parts of herself: her heart and her precious body. Jessica couldn’t have given him any more in this instance.

  As mad as Jessica had been with Jarred for forcing his affections on her, she hadn’t held him totally responsible for what she had initially thought was Weston’s infantile behavior. He should’ve had more faith in her, unyielding faith in their love.

  Jarred had been there to comfort her. He was a sensitive soul, but he’d gone a bit overboard since their return to L.A. Jessica finally had to tell him to back off and give her room to breathe.

  The two friends had been constantly hanging out together over the past couple of days, but she was careful not to send mixed messages; she still had no interest in him on a romantic level. He’d been on his best behavior. Not once had he brought up his sudden romantic feelings for her. Since neither was dating, they planned to continue hitting the social scene together, along with their other friends.

  Jessica was still in love with Weston. She’d never get over him. She wasn’t into kidding or lying to herself. Not once had she tried to hide her love for him, nor had she pretended he was out of her system. He was a part of her, inside her heart to stay. Her pride had definitely gotten in the way—and she’d have no problem admitting it to him.

  After unloading the rest of the bags, Weston emptied the contents. He didn’t know where the items went, other than the refrigerated products; all he had to do was ask. He suddenly felt nervous. He’d stay busy until they had a chance to talk. Once he’d unpacked the canned items and snack foods, he asked Jessica where to put them.

  Jessica opened the cherrywood cabinet doors to show Weston where to store everything. “The tea’s just about ready. Want to stay in here or hit the living room?”

  “It’s up to you, wherever you’re comfortable. I’m just glad I’m here with you.”

  Jessica smiled to show she was glad, too.

  Jessica’s kitchen was a cozy type of comfortable, decorated in cheerful colors of sky blue and apple red and crisp vegetable greens. The round cherrywood table had six matching chairs. A wraparound breakfast bar accommodated four metal-backed bar stools. The appliances looked barely used. She wasn’t big on cooking so that could explain the great condition. The side-by-side refrigerator doors held all sorts of colorful magnets. A blue, red and green ceramic bowl of fresh fruit was in the center of the table.

  Weston was eager to see the rest of the place, loving the warmth it gave off.

  Jessica steered Weston through the double doors and walked the short distance to the formal living/dining room combination. The upscale decor was in creamy beiges and warm taupe. Splashes of gold accents warmed the living and dining spaces. Striking hardwood glass coffee and end tables complemented the spacious room.

  On one living room wall, above the fireplace mantel, hung a lifelike oil painting of the Harrington family. Apparently it was a pretty recent picture. Smiles were bright and the love between them was apparent.

  Jessica directed Weston to a seat on the creamy beige sectional sofa. She then went back to the kitchen for the tea. Unable to stay seated, feeling pretty nervous, he followed right behind her. Trying to make himself right at home, he gathered up a cheese ball and a box of crackers and placed them on a serving tray. Once he riffled through a utility drawer, he came up with a cheese knife.

  Weston leaned against the counter just to watch Jessica pour the hot tea into a ceramic, Oriental-style teapot. Dressed in casual jeans and a winter-white sweater, she looked pretty as ever. His heart thumped like crazy. It was hard to believe he stood here in her kitchen. It wasn’t so long ago he hadn’t been sure they’d see each other again. The highest hurdle had already been jumped, but he wasn’t taking anything for granted.

  Jarred was still a force to be reckoned with.

  Once Jessica and Weston returned to the living room, he set the tray down on the coffee table. He took a seat and Jessica sashayed across the room to turn on the CD player, loaded with the latest in love ballads and upbeat tunes. There was also one jazz vocal CD and a gospel one included in the mix of eight CDs.

  Before anything else could transpire, Weston took Jessica into his arms and kissed her with all the passion inside him. He wanted there to be no mistake about what he felt for her. Nothing had changed. If anything, he loved her more. He hated that Jarred had forced himself on her like that, but he didn’t want her to relive that moment. Perhaps it had been a fearful one. He’d let her talk, but wouldn’t press her for details. Everything she shared had to come on her own accord.

  Jessica poured both her and Weston a cup of tea. She sat back and rested her head on the sofa’s back. The pillow she pulled toward her served as a security blanket, her fingers stroking and rubbing against it. “I wish I could turn back the hands of time. I can’t. Sorry you had to witness the woman you love sharing a passionate kiss with another man. It wasn’t what it looked like. Jarred paid the price for forcing his affection on me. I’m not proud of slapping him so hard, but he deserved it.”

  “You’re damn right he did. Glad I didn’t know it was by force. I’m just happy it’s over…and he’s out of your life.”

  Jessica’s heart fluttered. How was she to tell Weston that Jarred wasn’t out of her life, that they were still best friends? She hoped he didn’t expect her to end the friendship. It’d only cause more problems for them if he did. She didn’t want that. “Jarred and I are still friends. We worked out our issues. He knows I only feel friendship for him, nothing more. Can you accept it for what it is?”

  Trying to contain his displeasure, Weston blew out a shaky breath. How did Jessica continue a friendship with someone who’d violated her personal space? He had to get a grip on his anger. Otherwise things might go badly. She wouldn’t allow anyone to dictate to her. He wasn’t a dictator or demanding.

  Moving over closer to Weston, Jessica took his hand and laid her head upon his shoulder. “Can we get past this? Or is it too much to ask?”

  Weston gently pressed his hand against the side of Jessica’s face. “There’s nothing you can ask that I won’t try to do. I don’t like your being friends with Jarred. But I will live with it. I just hope you know what you’re doing.”

  “Please trust that. We’re still hanging out together, but the boundaries are etched in stone. He won’t try anything with me again, not like that. He does value our friendship.”

  “I’ll try to accept that.” Weston felt as if he’d been punched in the stomach. Still, he wanted to get through this with their relationship intact. It wouldn’t be easy to see or know that she was around Jarred. He had to consider her wants. Opposition wouldn’t help matters. With love came sacrifices—and sacrifice his feelings on this on
e, he would.

  Jarred had better watch himself, should be ever mindful of how he treated Jessica. Weston would take matters into his own hands if he dared to disrespect her again.

  The hours had passed by too quickly. Jessica felt comfortable nestled in Weston’s arms. The couple had moved from the sofa to the floor, after finishing the tea and snacks. Stretched out on the carpet, they’d been kissing and hugging each other silly. He felt good to her; she was his medieval fairy-tale heroine. Things were back to normal. They were still madly in love. Prayers had been answered.

  Weston gently lifted Jessica’s head from the well of his arm. “It’s really late. I need to find a hotel room. What’s close by that you’d recommend?”

  “Up the stairs and to the right. Or to the left. That’s if you want to sleep in the same room with me. I’ve got a pretty big bed.”

  “Are you suggesting we sleep on opposite sides?”

  Jessica lowered her lashes. “I want to sleep in your arms, all night long.”

  How could Weston deny her that? He wanted nothing more than to sleep next to her all night long, an eternity of all night longs. “I want to sleep in your bed.”

  Jessica smiled warmly. “Ready to go up? I am.”

  Weston nodded. “I’m bushed. Let’s do it.”

  “That, too. I want us to do that, too.”

  Weston had to chuckle at Jessica’s little minx routine.

  This trip was turning out so much better than Weston had expected. He had halfway thought Jessica might tell him that she had discovered she was really in love with Jarred, that she had been sadly mistaken about loving him.

  While Weston showered in the master bathroom, he wondered if Jessica was eagerly awaiting him. He couldn’t wait to lie down next to her, holding her all through the night, making wild, passionate love to her. All the cues had to come from her. She was the author of their story. All he dared to pray for was a happily-ever-after ending.

  Dressed in a sexy white silk chemise, Jessica had propped up herself in bed. Bare beneath the gown, purposely, she wanted Weston to know she wanted all of him. She had already made up her mind to take off from work while he was in town, wanting to show him her beloved city. Just maybe he’d fall in love with L.A., too. There were a lot of exciting places to explore. Most of the night spots she had in mind were cozy and intimate. They could pack a lot of excitement into two or three days in the City of Angels, but she’d relish the time they’d spend home, alone, in each other’s arms.