Forsaking All Others

by Linda Hudson-Smith

  “I’m sure you’re pleased by Jessica flying back to New York with you,” Sahara mentioned. “She’ll love your city as much as we do.”

  “I hope so. We’ll take in a Broadway play or two and see a few famous attractions. Your fear of heights will keep us away from some landmarks.”

  Dismayed, Jessica wrinkled her nose. “I can look from the ground up. Can’t I?”

  Weston smiled sheepishly. “Of course you can.”

  Weston thought the waitress had arrived at just the right time. He had to be more careful. His feet didn’t belong in his mouth. He’d rather have food there instead.

  Venice Beach was as lively as Weston had heard. People were milling about everywhere. He loved all the boardwalk shops. Displays of artwork and sidewalk artists were amazing. Street vendors and entertainers were nothing less than colorful. The clothing some folks wore was rather interesting. This very popular area didn’t have the exact flavoring of his fabulous New York City, but it was more than spicy. He also liked the warm feel he got from the people, though he had expected L.A. residents to be cold. He had heard that folks in L.A. weren’t very friendly, but the same was said about New Yorkers.

  As Weston and Jessica strolled along the beach, he was saddened by the community of homeless folks nearby. New York was no different in that regard.

  The “girlfriends” had all gathered at Jessica’s to give Weston their strict version of the litmus test, having dragged their protesting love interests along with them. The group of eight had invaded Jessica’s home without prior warning. A private, girls-only powwow had convened in the kitchen while tea and snacks were being prepared for everyone.

  General consensus: Weston was everything Jessica had said, nothing at all like Jarred had presented him.

  Megan Thomas, cute, bright and witty, thought he was hot, equally as hot as her man, Rodney Jefferson, whom she thought People magazine should seriously consider as the next sexiest man alive.

  Brandy Wilcox, a stunning redhead, laid-back and colorfully charming, said his fascinating looks and sexy body gave her goose bumps, warm ones. Crazy about Ethan Wise, her exclusive date for over two years, she felt Weston was a lot like him, the same type of man who turned her on. Jessica thought it interesting that Brandy had made such a determination after a mere fifteen minutes in Weston’s presence.

  Shauna Fields, pretty, fashionable, reserved, yet highly opinionated, simply gave the thumbs-up sign. She was so deep into Beau Liston, legally named Beauregard Romeo Liston III, that she paid little attention to other males. Beau was a pretty big guy, very muscular, so his name was only the brunt of the guys’ jokes behind his back.

  Jarred was there also. Interestingly enough, he’d brought along a date, a woman no one had heard him mention before he’d introduced her. Lori Clark, very pretty, but unusually quiet, hadn’t made any comments about Weston.

  Jessica could only imagine the picture Jarred had painted of Weston for Lori. Not a very flattering portrait, she guessed. While the women planned to ask their guys later what they each had thought of Weston, Jessica really didn’t care to know; only her opinion about him counted.

  It bothered Jessica to see how Weston and Jarred avoided each other. She was sure it was obvious to the others, but it was better than an ugly scene. She didn’t try to get them to engage. That would have to happen without her, but she had her doubts.

  “That was fun. And interesting,” Weston said. “Your friends are impressive.”

  “Who’re you telling? Bleeding anywhere?”

  Weston chuckled. “No blood, but it was kind of painful. The sisters are good at dissecting a body. They must’ve enjoyed biology class.”

  “No doubt, yet they think they’re subtle.” She looked at her watch. “It’s later than I thought. The one place I really wanted to take you closed at five, the African American Museum. We’ll drop by before the Staples Center tomorrow. It’s on the way there.”

  “It’s cool. We can’t get everything in. And I’ll be back.”

  “Glad you feel that way, glad you’ll be back.”

  “Started packing for New York yet?”

  “Not a stitch. I’m not taking that much. Just enough for three to four days.”

  Since Jessica hadn’t said exactly how long she’d stay in New York, Weston felt a twinge of disappointment. He’d hoped for a week. Three to four days was a start, a good one. He didn’t want to be without her, period. Separation was inevitable, unless one or the other made the move. At any rate, that couldn’t happen anytime soon. A lot was involved in a move. Permanently didn’t occur overnight.

  “We had snacks a short while ago, but I’m hungry again. What about you?”

  Weston nodded. “I’d like a big steak, grilled with onions. You have a grill?”

  “Out on the patio. Steaks in the freezer have to thaw first.”

  “That’s no good. We can run to the store and back quicker than that.”

  “A fresh-meat market is right up the street. Want to get the grill going while I go to the store?”

  “We’ll do it all together. No rush.”

  Weston had been right. It had taken less time to shop for steaks than to thaw them. While Jessica seasoned the meat, he was outdoors tending to the gas grill. She had a barbecue grill, too, but firing up charcoal also took lots of time.

  After placing the meat on a large platter for Weston to carry outdoors, Jessica began husking the fresh corn to cook it in the microwave. She would also microwave the sweet potatoes.

  Weston smiled at Jessica as he lifted the platter of prepared meat from the counter. “How’d you want your steak cooked?”

  “Medium-well. I like my meat dead as a doorknob.”

  Weston laughed. “I’ll make sure it’s no longer alive.”

  Tossing a green salad was Jessica’s next kitchen chore, the easiest one yet. As she thought about dessert, she was sure there wasn’t any. Another trip to the store wasn’t a pleasant prospect. Then she remembered the frozen cherry pie she’d stored in the freezer a week or so before the trip to Aspen. Passing by the oven, she turned it on and set the temperature to 450º. A cookie sheet to place the pie on was pulled out from a lower shelf.

  Weston popped into the kitchen to get the long-handled barbecue tongs, leaving just as quickly. Meat needed constant tending to when grilling since it could burn easily. She walked over to the French doors and peered out at him. He seemed right at home. That made her smile. His feeling comfortable in her home was important.

  The man was certainly deft at grilling steaks, Jessica noted. He enjoyed showing off his cooking skills. His willingness to help out around her place was a check mark in the plus column. He loved to cook and she was happy since she didn’t. Suddenly, she had a vivid image of them seated on her cozy patio during weather-permitting months. She envisioned them sharing the same chaise, his arms wrapped snugly around her. While sipping on cool drinks by the light of the moon, or candlelight, when the moon wasn’t available, they’d help each other chase away the stresses of the busy days. Chatting nonstop would be one of their favorite pastimes. They’d make each other smile and laugh. Time spent with him would be filled with all sorts of surprises.

  Before helping Jessica bring in the meal from the kitchen, Weston lit the candles on the table. She came into the dining room just as he headed out, and they bumped hard into each other. Laughing, he spun her around a few times, then kissed her until she trembled.

  “Everything’s ready. We can eat now, sweetheart. Let’s get the food out.”

  Standing on tiptoes, she requested another kiss from him. “Make it hot and wet.”

  “I’m yours to command. Don’t hesitate.” He made the kiss hot and wet.

  Jessica said the blessing this time around. She also voiced her thanks for Weston’s company. Before digging into the delicious-looking food, they both slathered lots of butter on the sweet potatoes. The steak had been seasoned to perfection. He smiled as he told her just that. She raved about h
ow tasty and tender the meat was, giving him his props. His expression told her how much he enjoyed the sincere compliment to the chef.

  Filling his fork with sweet potato, he leaned over and put it up to Jessica’s mouth. “My food always tastes better after your lips touch my fork.”

  Flattered by Weston’s nonsense, Jessica wrapped her lips around his fork in a provocative manner. She then picked up from her plate a piece of steak. After she popped the meat into his mouth, he drew her finger in as well, sucking on it gently. He closed his eyes in dramatic fashion. “Now, that’s the tastiest morsel yet, so sweet.”

  Jessica cracked up. “Not as sweet as you.” She took a sip of wine and shared it with him from her mouth.

  Savoring the intimate moment, Weston entwined his tongue with hers, showing his appreciation for her with a staggering kiss. “Does it get any better than this?”

  “If we want it to, but only time will tell.”

  Just what we don’t have a lot of. Weston dismissed his dreadful thought. They could have the rest of their lives if they wanted that, too.

  Jessica dug into her salad, keeping her eyes hotly on him. She suddenly felt warm all over, her feminine treasures red-hot for him. She couldn’t wait for them to curl up in bed later. She had chosen a couple of romantic DVDs to watch, but she wasn’t sure how much actual viewing time they’d get in. Instant combustion occurred every time they touched each other in an intimate way.

  “Dessert now or later?” she asked.

  “Both. The cherry pie first. You, later, my very favorite dessert. You have ice cream to go with the pie?”

  “As a matter of fact, I do. I initially thought I didn’t have any dessert. A thorough check of the freezer revealed a lot of sinful delights.”

  “I’m looking at the most sinful one of all. How many calories are in one of your kisses? They are loaded with sugar.”

  “You don’t want to know. However, there’s no way to reduce the calorie content. My kisses aren’t served with artificial sweeteners. Only pure sugar doled out here.”

  Weston loved her witty charm. “Bring the calories on, babe! None are wasted calories. I’m sure of that.”

  The couple had fun feeding each other the pie. Drizzling ice cream on upper body parts and licking it off had them laughing so hard. They were getting into so many habits they’d miss when apart. Learning more and more personal stuff was a treat also. Weston was surprised that Jessica loved to play video games. His surprise was his love for taping soap operas to watch late at night.

  Weston was happy they hadn’t gone out. Something about being alone with Jessica made everything worthwhile. He loved the quiet intimacy they shared, especially when no one was around. The day had been full, starting at breakfast with Roman and Sahara. The older couple had been invited to sightsee with them, but the offer was declined since the kids didn’t have much time left. Both families had completely backed off, allowing Jessica and Weston’s relationship to develop pressure free.

  Picking up one of the two DVDs Jessica had chosen for viewing, he read the synopsis on the back. Chick flicks. That was okay. He loved romance stories, more so romantic comedies. The Wedding Date seemed like a good choice from what he’d read. Madea’s Family Reunion had a romantic theme, but he’d heard it also dealt with serious issues like domestic violence. Neither movie was a newer release.

  In the mood for some good music, Weston got up from the bed and turned on the CD player. Jessica was in the bathroom preparing for bed. No telling how long that might take. She had more lotions and potions that she used daily or nightly. He thought that both women and men alike should make it a priority to take good care of themselves.

  Jessica kept her hair and body in good shape, another real turn-on for him. Every part of her body from head to toe received special treatment. Watching her paint her nails had been a blast for him. She’d even let him paint a couple of her toes, promising to let him polish all ten the next time she did a pedicure.

  The gown Jessica wore had Weston’s eyes bugging, black see-through lace, soft and alluring. She smiled at him, flirting with her lashes…and his heart leaped. “When Love Calls” breezed into the room. He whipped her into his arms and whirled her about the room. Holding her close, he pressed his lips against her forehead. They fitted so well together.

  Was this a match made in heaven? Weston didn’t have to waste any time wondering. His instincts told him it was.

  Blackness slid over the window in her bedroom. A silver half-moon lit the sky. Stars twinkled in unison. Tree branches rustled in the wind, as though dancing to the soft music. A barking dog interrupted the peace momentarily. Serenity was restored.

  Weston watched Jessica light the fireplace with a flick of her finger on the remote. She lit several candles before turning out the lights, the candlelight mirroring in the window. An instrumental CD was selected, easy listening, more mood music.

  As Weston stared out the window, he saw something adjacent to the patio, a large something he hadn’t seen before. He peered closer, hoping to find out what it was. A hot tub, he finally figured out. She owned a hot tub. Why hadn’t he seen it before? It was very close to the patio, where he had used the grill earlier. He had missed it completely.

  “The hot tub, does it work?”

  “Practically brand-new, since I rarely use it.”

  “Why’d you buy it?”

  “I didn’t. Housewarming gift from Mom and Dad.”

  “Nice. Mind if I turn it on? I’d love to take a relaxing soak.”

  “Suit yourself. Just don’t expect me to join you.”

  “Why not?”

  “It’s cold outside. Duh?”

  “News flash, babe. Hot tubs, mega heat, duh? Think about joining me while I go outside and fire it up.”

  “Don’t think I’ll change my mind.”

  “Just give it some thought, please.”

  As Weston ran down the stairs, Jessica shook her head. Dead of winter and he wanted to soak in the hot tub. Well, L.A. winters were mild, but it was chilly outside.

  Jessica sat down on the chair by the window after putting on the CD her mother had given her at breakfast. Let’s Go to That Place, Joe Jordan and Friends. Sahara had gone to high school with Rodney Washington, the songwriter for several cuts on the CD. Her mother had also given her a picture album full of photographs of her and Weston.

  From the cradle to Aspen, Jessica thought, admiring the photos. Where had all the time gone?

  The first few pages of pictures made her laugh. Two separate shots of her and him made her howl. Why did parents love to photograph their babies in the nude? It seemed a little whacko, but she’d probably do the same thing. Nude pictures were actually very cute. Weston, as a baby, was adorable, with the cutest, chubbiest cheeks. Braided hair, no less; thick and long. Had she seen these as a teenager, no doubt she would’ve teased him about being pretty as a girl. He was beautiful as a man, a manly man.

  Gales of laughter ripped from her throat at the funny picture of her with an orange mustache; tomato sauce. A bowl of SpaghettiOs was on the high chair tray. A shot at the floor showed several little Os there, too. Then she noticed the fistful of Os she clutched.

  A sound outside made her look out the window, searching for Weston in the blackness. Why hadn’t he turned on the porch light? She then saw that he was okay.

  Up until now she hadn’t thought about his request to join him in the hot tub, which was suddenly appealing to her. This was one of those compromises she’d spoken of earlier. A sacrifice, too, since she was subjecting her body to the cold night air. God forbid she should get sick.

  Not to be deterred by her negative thoughts, Jessica ran over to the chest of drawers and riffled through the lower drawer where she kept her swimwear. She then went to her walk-in closet and pulled out a terry/velour bathrobe. Stripping out of the gown, she put on the one-piece bathing suit. As she thought about her rubber flip-flops, she recalled right where they were in her closet. She’d need t
he sandals after getting out of the tub.

  Weston came back into the bedroom. His eyes widened at what Jessica wore now. He rushed over to her and gave her a big kiss. “Thanks for reconsidering. Ready to go outside?”

  “Yeah, as soon as you put on your swimming trunks.”

  Grinning, Weston winked at her flirtatiously. “Don’t have any.”

  “Then what’re you wearing?”

  “My birthday suit, baby, what else?”

  “Ooh, the hot tub idea is getting hotter by the minute,” Jessica cooed, leaping off the bed and landing right into his open arms.

  The hot tub jets kicked out a mighty force as the strong currents swirled about them. Jessica was beyond relaxed and Weston’s aching back benefited therapeutically. Bending over the grill had left his back tight and his legs a bit stiff. The water force had already loosened his muscles somewhat. He hoped for total relaxation.

  Jessica scooped up a handful of water and dripped it over Weston’s head. His laughter roared from deep within his stomach. A water fight ensued for several minutes. As body parts grew languid, Jessica got quiet. As she leaned into him, she wrapped her arms around his waist. Keeping her eyes open was hard since she felt relaxed enough to fall asleep. Seeing the droop of her eyes, Weston tenderly brought her head to his chest.

  After their shower, Jessica had immediately succumbed to fatigue. As he watched her sleep yet again, he fought the urge to smooth back her hair. She looked so at peace. He didn’t have the heart to disturb her, yet he wanted to bring her into his arms where she’d sleep the entire night. He wondered if she was having a dream. If so, did she dream of him? He laid his head as close to hers as he could without disturbing her. The urge to touch her hadn’t gone away. Unable to stave off his desire any longer, he lifted her head and laid it on his chest. When she didn’t stir in the least, he was pleased. His thoughts turned to the hours that lay ahead, the hours that would eventually lead them to the airport where they’d board a plane bound for New York City.

  He could hardly wait to get her home. There were so many places he wanted to take her. NYC never slept. They could go out any hour of the day or night. Nightlife was plentiful and shopping sprees were right at the fingertips 24/7. If there was enough time, they’d drive up through the New England states. It wouldn’t happen on this trip, but they’d get it done on one of her later visits, assuming there’d be more.