All of a sudden Jessica felt nervous. Their flight had just been called. Flying off like this was so unlike her. She had recently become somewhat of a risk-taker. Hanging out with Weston had rubbed off on her. He was the big adventurer. He’d told her that he had lost count of the number of trips he had taken on the spur of the moment.
Impromptu social activities suited Weston best. His work schedule was pretty regimented, but he tried to be as flexible as possible. Getting his work out of the way first meant that he didn’t have to worry about it come time to play. Until his vacation to Aspen, he’d severely neglected the social stuff.
Jessica looked behind her as she started toward the Jetway, as if someone were there to bid her farewell. Of course no one was. Family-and-friend send-offs were a thing of the past. Her parents and Jennifer had called before she’d left the house to wish her safe travels and an enjoyable time. She gripped Weston’s hand, squeezing it tightly.
Weston looked at Jessica with concern. She had acrophobia, but no fear of flying. At least that’s what he’d been told. He gently squeezed her hand in a reassuring manner. He could ask if she was scared, but he dismissed that. She’d probably tell him if she was.
Jessica didn’t surprise Weston when she offered him the window seat. She might fear looking out the window even if she wasn’t scared to fly. The plane was designed with two seats on both sides and a row of seats in the middle. Before sliding over to the window seat, he stored their bags overhead. She slid her laptop case under the seat after he sat down. Weston kept his DVD player with him. He had brought along several movies to watch if they didn’t like the airline’s movie offering.
The flight had been very eventful, inasmuch as Weston and Jessica had enjoyed themselves tremendously. He had made sure she was totally relaxed the entire time. What with eating, watching a couple of movies and talking up a storm, the hours had flown by rather quickly. Jessica had planned to take a nap at some point, but Weston had kept her engaged in one activity or another.
In Jessica’s opinion Weston’s large one-story flat was beautiful, the space so well-appointed. Each room spoke to her, making her feel warm and welcome. As she walked around, she saw his personality everywhere. The home’s warm decor fit him to a T.
The furnishings were elegant, the grand antiques rare finds. He preferred mahogany hardwoods, ornamental glass tabletops and lots of plush leather in the recreational areas and in his private office. Both formal rooms had Oriental-style furnishings, created from grossly expensive silk fabrics and the finest in hardwood.
Smoky black and stainless steel appliances graced the country-style kitchen. A mixture of plush carpeting and marble and ceramic tiles were laid throughout. The navy blues, grays and reds, with numerous brass accents, gave the large rooms a masculine feel.
The fabulous bedroom, with a fireplace and private sitting room, his favorite spot in the house, looked like something out of a home fashion magazine. This area also had an Oriental flair, the red, black and gold bedding done in Far East patterns. Colorful Asian fans in different sizes and prints hung on the walls.
The big brass bed, shining like new money, was set on a walk-up, hardwood dais. This was his favorite piece of furniture. Thick throw rugs were on each side of the bed, with one large one at the bottom. The low wood table, with a lazy Susan, sat in the center of the sitting room, surrounded by large pillows. It was also used for private dining.
Weston cleared one of his dresser drawers for Jessica to store her personal belongings. He had moved his few items into a drawer in the guest room dresser. She hadn’t brought along a lot of clothes, completely emptying her suitcase in a matter of minutes. He hadn’t asked her where she wanted to sleep, with him or the guest room.
Apparently Weston wanted her in the same room with him, Jessica guessed. She had no objections. Sleeping in the same bed with him hadn’t taken much getting used to. They both enjoyed the intimate arrangement.
“You can hang your clothes in here.” He stepped into the vast walk-in closet. “What kind of hangers do you like?”
“I’ve never been asked that,” she said on a chuckle. Jessica could see that he had all types of hangers, plastic, wooden and metal, but no wire. “Plastic works for my tops. Metal will do for my jeans and dress pants. I see you have plenty of both.” She backed out of the closet and grabbed a couple pairs of jeans to hang up. Jessica didn’t like packing but she despised unpacking.
“I’ll be in the kitchen. See you when you finish. Holler if you need anything.”
Jessica blew him a kiss, watching after him as he left. She loved his cute butt, so round and firm. She hung up the rest of her things, then took a seat on the plush chaise in the sitting room. She felt fatigued. Cramped up in a narrow seat for over five hours wasn’t an ideal sitting position.
As Jessica looked around at his intimate space, she liked what she saw. The bed was comfortable-looking and she couldn’t wait to lie down on it. The African-American framed artworks displayed on identical antique easels were beautiful treasures, positioned on either side of the mantel. Along with two oversized chairs and a sofa and love seat, the sitting room housed a full wood and glass entertainment system. A CD/DVD player and a DVR accompanied the large plasma television.
Thinking a quick shower wouldn’t hurt, Jessica got up and wandered into the master bathroom, another huge area with every possible creature comfort. Everything was sparklingly spotless. He also had a hot tub, walk-in shower and dual sinks. The cultured-marble counter ran the length of the room. Many candles were on display, some brand-new, others partially burned.
Walking back into the bedroom, she retrieved clean undergarments from the dresser. Instead of fully dressing so late in the evening, she removed her robe from the plastic hanger. As the food scents reached her nose, she closed her eyes to try and identify the delicious smells. Several seconds later, she gave up, unable to tell what Weston was cooking.
Weston heard the shower water running as soon as he entered the bedroom. His heart lurched. It made him feel good to know she felt comfortable enough to shower without feeling the need to ask first. As he stepped into the bathroom, he saw her clothes neatly folded and stacked on the dressing-table chair. The clear glass allowed him to see inside, where she stood under the water. Her naked body caused an instant expansion below his waist. His desire to make love to her hit him hard.
Instead of acting on his desire he turned around and headed back to the kitchen, where he had lasagna baking in the oven. Although frozen, the pasta dish was amazingly good. He’d eaten it numerous times and had also served it to guests, who’d given it rave reviews. The salad had already been tossed and the table set. Champagne chilled in the refrigerator for a toast welcoming her to NYC.
Chapter 14
Jessica had lain awake the better part of the night, her eyes bright as drops of crystal. New surroundings had kept her from sleeping, she supposed. Watching Weston sleep was just as thrilling for her as watching her sleep was for him. He didn’t snore. She had thought most men did, although her father was a quiet sleeper, too.
Lying in the big brass bed reminded her of a song her parents had played to death, “Lay, Lady, Lay.” The mattress was as comfortable as her own, if not more so. She was still amazed by the size of his bedroom and cozy sitting area. His reference to his place as a house wasn’t an adequate description; it wasn’t a single dwelling. The residences were linked by two-car garages and patios, more of a town house effect, but with only one story. New Yorkers often referred to their apartments and townhomes as flats.
The fireplace was on, waving an array of brilliant colors, mesmerizing Jessica. She carefully crept out of bed and planted herself on the grayish microfiber chaise lounge situated right in front of the fireplace. As she put her feet up, Weston stirred. She caught and held her breath, as if her breathing might disturb him.
Weston’s arm stretched over to where she should’ve been. He appeared to reach for her, but the only object there was a pillow
. He pulled it to him and wrapped his arms around it. He couldn’t possibly think the inanimate object was her. She muffled her soft laughter. No life was in the pillow, but the scent of her hair was on it, along with the alluring fragrance of the perfume he’d given her for Christmas.
Jessica turned her attention back to the roaring fire, the smell of cedar filling her nostrils. On the mantel above the fireplace was a picture of his parents. Her eyes widened as she spotted a good-sized picture of herself taken in Aspen. He was also in the picture, both dressed formally. A photographer had been commissioned that night. She had a copy of the photo, too, but it wasn’t on display in her home. Nor was it that large. She’d remedy its absence as soon as she got back home. She would proudly display the photo.
Weston silently crossed the room. She didn’t see him until he towered over her. As he lowered himself onto the chaise, she scooted over to make room for him. His lips instantly took possession of hers. His breath still tasted and smelled of mint toothpaste though he’d been asleep a long while. Jessica’s body began to tingle as her heart flipped.
Their tongues linked. His hand tenderly cupped her breasts, his manhood ready for her, ready to make love to her in every room just to preserve the memories. The sofa in the kitchen came to mind, one of many perfect spots for taking her to heights yet unattained. Right now they’d take each other in the chaise.
His thumbs hooked the edge of her bikinis and she rose to make the removal easier. His fingers found their way to her inner core, already slick with moisture. She writhed in response to his gentle touch, her body heating right up. With her fully stretched out along the chaise, he turned over and laid himself on top of her. The first thrust had her rising again, this time to meet his hardened flesh.
Jessica suddenly panicked. “A condom. We aren’t protected,” she whispered in his ear.
“It’s okay. We’re fine.” Weston guided her hand down to his erection so she could feel the latex for herself. He had put it on before he’d come to her.
“Sorry. I didn’t know. Should’ve felt it.”
“Save the regrets. Apologize later, for wearing me completely out.”
As Weston thrust deeper into her molten heat, her body trembled and she bit down on her lower lip, opening wide to receive the next one. The moment of interruption hadn’t quelled his desire. He was still hard as granite. The next thrust was met with the same fiery response and the next deeper one had her moaning sweetly.
“Let me on top,” she rasped. “I feel like taking a wild, hot ride. You make me feel so sexy and desirable.”
With relative ease Weston swapped places with Jessica. Their lovemaking hadn’t been awkward since the first few minutes of the first time. As she moved her hips over him with reckless abandon, he moaned with pleasure, wishing this moment could last forever. Passions continued to flare as she rode him wild and hard. As his eyes glazed over with love and lust, she worked him over, her strokes frenzied. As his fulfillment broke free, he screamed out his love for her.
Spent, fully satiated, happy he’d climaxed along with her, Jessica fell forward and laid her head on his chest. Too tired to move, they both fell asleep minutes later.
Jessica didn’t awaken until Weston picked her up and carried her into the bathroom, where he’d already drawn them a hot bath. How he’d gotten out from under her without disturbing her intrigued her enough to ask him about it.
“I’m the man, girl. You were completely knocked out, dead to the world. I’d thought you’d wear me out.”
She chuckled at his response.
Music drifted from speakers mounted in the ceiling. Several candles had been lit to create a romantic ambience. Closed shutters blocked out natural light. Before Weston lowered himself into the tub, he retrieved two new bath sponges from the linen closet, dropping them in the water.
Settled in the tub, Weston picked up a sponge and loaded it with shower gel to lather up Jessica’s sexy body. She washed him at the same time, their sponges clashing a time or two. They stayed, played, splashed and thrashed around in the tub until the water grew too cold.
Weston had fun creating a sensual art form of towel-drying Jessica’s body. He made a mental note to pick up a dozen or so bath sheets, the thick towels she used back home.
“What’re your taste buds craving?” Weston inquired.
“You,” Jessica sang out, “sweet-tasting you.”
Fulfilling her request, he stretched himself out right there on the bathroom floor, telling her to feast off him any way she desired, thus initiating another possible bathing session.
Seated at the kitchen table, her legs propped up on another chair, Jessica perused the New York Times while sipping on hot coffee. The coffee brew station was on a timer. It had already perked by the time the couple entered the room.
Weston was busy preparing scrambled eggs, thick slices of grilled smoked turkey and toast. He looked over at her. “Where do you want to go first?”
“Wherever you take me. This is your beloved city. And I’m easy to please.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Don’t know about all that. You have been a bit insatiable since you got here.”
“A bit? What an understatement!”
He laughed at her indignant expression. “Interested in Ground Zero?”
“Very much so. I imagine it’s a sad affair.”
“A real tear-jerker. We won’t linger. We’ll do local transportation. Driving around the city can be a little tricky.”
“So I’ve heard.”
“Dress warmly and comfortably, especially your footwear.”
“I plan to. It’s really cold. Your place is so lovely and warm. I hate to leave it so soon. Getting acquainted with your personal space has been fun.”
“Glad to hear it, since you’ll be spending lots of time here, as I will in L.A.”
Jessica narrowed her eyes at that statement, but made no comment, hoping he’d be in L.A. more than she’d be in NYC. While she really didn’t expect him to do all the traveling, he’d promised to do the majority of it.
The couple sort of mapped out their day over the delicious breakfast Weston had prepared. Jessica gave him an idea of some of the things she’d really like to see. The Metropolitan Museum, fondly referred to as the Met, was on her list. She also mentioned Central Park and Greenwich Village. He, in turn, made a few suggestions of New York’s must-see attractions, such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and Times Square.
Once things were pretty much settled on, they took care of the kitchen duties.
As Jessica pulled on wool-lined leather boots over warm socks, she wondered where Weston was. She hadn’t seen him since they’d come back to the bedroom to get dressed, over thirty minutes ago. He’d grabbed some clothes from the closet and had disappeared, but she hadn’t expected him to be gone so long. He hadn’t once taken this long to get dressed at her place.
Taking a survey of how she looked, Jessica peered into the full-length mirror. Her jeans were a bit wrinkled even though she’d hung them overnight. On the other hand, her heavy raspberry-colored wool sweater was wrinkle free. Since it’d be windy outside, she had brushed her hair back in a ponytail to wear under a sports cap. Her makeup, foundation and blush appeared flawless. She had yet to put on lip gloss. Jessica thought Chap Stick might be a better choice for protecting her lips against the cold weather.
Weston came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “You’re beautiful. Love the color of your sweater, the way it brightens your complexion.”
Checking out his funky, trendy attire, she smiled at him in the mirror. “How hot are you? You’re rocking those gray jeans, boyfriend.” She leaned back and pressed her head against his chest. “You think I’m dressed warm enough?”
“It’s all good. Your heavy jacket will help handle it.”
She turned to face him. “Where were you? I missed you.”
“Just handling some business. Are we good to go?”
Jessica didn’t
like his elusive response. Instead of commenting on it, she struck a seductive pose. “I’m so ready for New York City. Bring it to me.”
Weston was glad Jessica hadn’t pressed him on his whereabouts. He’d been busy on the phone making plans for the evening, wanting to surprise her with a special outing.
The couple had taken a break from touring the museums to eat in one of the popular eateries. Lucky for them, they were seated right away in a cozy pizzeria. The table for two looked out onto the street, where New Yorkers bustled by.
Jessica picked up the menu, though she had already decided on a vegetarian pizza. She asked that the onions be held. Her toothbrush and mouthwash were back at Weston’s place. Giving him lots of kisses was definitely on her agenda.
“What do you think so far?”
“Everything’s wonderful, so much history in this city. I love that. I’ve already learned plenty. Thanks for an exciting morning.”
“We’ve covered a lot. Had enough for one day? Or do you want to continue?”
“Let’s eat first. Then we’ll see.”
Jessica had fallen hard for Weston’s city. To let him know or not was the question in her mind. She hadn’t expected to fall in love like this, hadn’t expected to be bowled completely over. The color and flavor of New York City had slipped into her spirit with ease. She had been claimed by a place she’d never thought she’d fit into, a world she’d only seen a fraction of. What else was in store for her? Lots more excitement, she hoped.
The city was so alive and it made Jessica feel just as vibrant. The sounds of lots of action had come at her from every corner. She had a keen ear and had picked up on many different vibes, mellow to funky. Tangible, soulful vibrations had reached out to touch her deep down inside. New York was a melting pot, with so many cultural offerings, endless attractions. Jessica couldn’t wait for the next wildly awakening experience.
Forsaking All Others Page 19