After hanging out in the city for another two hours, once they’d finished their meals, Jessica had experienced a lot of incredible things. Times Square had been a most amazing venture for her. She couldn’t wait to see it lit up at night. After all the sightseeing, her feet hurt. Weston had massaged them for over twenty minutes, but they were still sore and tender. Her shoes had been comfortable, but she wasn’t used to walking for hours on end. Weston had way more stamina than she did.
Stretched out on the bed in leopard-print lounging attire and fighting hard against the fatigue, Jessica felt sexy. Sexy with no man to share it with wasn’t very hot. Weston had gone out, but he hadn’t said where he was off to. He’d been acting so strange, making her feel he was hiding something. She hoped it wasn’t a woman. How awful would that be? Just the thought of him with another female was unsettling.
No sooner had that last thought cleared her mind than Weston popped into the bedroom. Her eyes immediately went to the gift-wrapped package under his arm. He came around the side of the bed and leaned over to kiss her.
Weston handed Jessica the box. “For my sweetheart. I hope you like it.”
Her hands trembled as she carefully dismantled the package. The paper was too beautiful to rip off and she was into recycling. She lifted out of the box the most beautiful purple dress she had ever seen. Getting onto her knees, she held the dress up to herself. “I love it. I probably shouldn’t ask, but what’s the occasion?”
As Jessica was about to put the dress back in the box, she spotted a long white envelope lying inside. Her name and his were written on it. She ripped open the envelope, with no thought of recycling it. She couldn’t believe her eyes.
Weston had secured tickets for the Broadway play The Color Purple. The show was for tonight at eight. No use pinching herself. She was dead, already in heaven. Wonderful things like this didn’t happen down there on earth. Not for her, not with a handsome, sexy man, a sensitive, caring man. This was a man who loved her—one who continuously proved it.
Tears streaming down her face, Jessica threw her arms around Weston’s neck. “How did I get so lucky? Do I really deserve you?”
“You deserve everything you get. Model the dress for me?”
“Absolutely!” She picked up the off-the-shoulder dress, cut low in a V in front and back, and leaped off the bed. Before disappearing into the bathroom, she turned around and blew him a kiss. “I love you…and the dress. Thank you so much.”
Jessica figured Weston was wondering why she hadn’t put the dress on in front of him. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t dressed and undressed before him. When he saw it again, she’d be in it. He’d asked her to model it for him; he’d get just what he’d asked for.
Shoes. Jessica racked her brain to recall what shoes she’d brought with her. In basic black, the stylish crisscross pumps would work okay. She didn’t have an alternative. If she could choose her footwear, she’d pick a lighter or darker shade of purple. A pair in silver or gold would also be nice. The dress could be dressed up or down. She preferred to gussy up completely for this special occasion. Her trillion-cut diamond pendant and earrings were the perfect accent.
Jessica poked her head out the bathroom door. “You’ll have to wait to see the dress. I want to keep it a surprise.”
“One good surprise deserves another.” Weston was slightly disappointed, yet he knew she and the dress were a winning combination. They were made for each other, just like her and him. “Guess I’ll have to wait.”
“Guess so,” she shouted, closing the door.
Jessica jumped up and down like a giddy little girl, enthusiastically clapping her hands together. She had had so much fun already. Weston kept her in awe. She loved being surprised by him. On the whole, she wasn’t big on surprises. She liked to know exactly what was up, be aware of what was going on around her.
As she gave a couple of full turns in front of the mirror, she giggled. The dress looked super on her, a fantastic fit. He obviously knew how to pick women’s attire; she hoped she and the dress dazzled him right out of his socks. “The color purple, royalty, majestic,” she breathed. “Also the name of the much-heralded play.”
Weston hadn’t been able to keep his eyes off Jessica all evening long. Seeing the dress on her for the first time made him so proud of his choice. She was a stun gun in purple. And the out-of-this-world scent she wore drove him crazy. This particular fragrance was new to him, making his nose want to nuzzle her neck all night long.
To match Jessica’s attire—and in honor of the special event—Weston wore a dark purple silk shirt and lavender tie and handkerchief. His sports coat and dress slacks were heather-gray. He looked debonair and she felt proud to be seen on his arm. Weston had had more than his fair share of intrigued glances from a host of beautiful women.
As she sat in a booth in one of the coziest, most elegant restaurants Jessica had ever patronized, bluesy lyrics had her happy feet tapping to the melodic music. Feeling all sorts of emotions, she stared into Weston’s eyes. He was such a dynamic man. His desire to go beyond the norm to pleasure her made her feel so special. She wished she could bottle him for her exclusive use. Sweetness poured from his pure heart.
“How’s your burger?”
She licked her lips. “Can’t recall having one this good. What about your steak?”
“It’s the main reason I eat here. Omaha steaks, some of the best beef money can buy. Wish you had ordered one.”
“I just had a taste for a burger. I was surprised to see them on the menu of such a high-caliber restaurant.”
“The place is upscale, but the food has that down-home quality. I come here often, too often, in my opinion.”
“It’s after midnight, yet it feels like early evening. We’ve had a busy day. I’m tired, but I’m not looking forward to it ending.”
“You can say that again. I was glad when you didn’t press me about where I’d been earlier. Shopping for your dress and picking up the theater tickets took longer than I thought. All worthwhile, though. The dress had to be perfect and the evening incredible. I believe I’ve achieved both goals.”
“You have. No doubt.”
“Want to dance?”
Jessica held out her hand. He got up from his seat and led her out to the small dance floor. The moment she floated into his arms, she felt his arousal. “Jess, my sweet Jess,” he whispered into her ear, “you’ve no idea how much you turn me on.”
“I think I do.”
Serenity slipped over the couple while Jessica laid her head on Weston’s chest. Dancing was the perfect ending to a perfect evening. There was more sightseeing to be done over the next couple of days, but if she didn’t see another landmark she’d be satisfied. Just being with Weston was enough exhilaration for her.
Greenwich Village, Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, checking out the Apollo Theater in Harlem, a visit to the Bronx Zoo and shopping at Macy’s overloaded Jessica and Weston’s schedule over the next two days. She had also met all of his coworkers at his real-estate office. She had been treated in the same kind way as her office comrades had responded to him. She was made to feel comfortable and welcome by everyone on board. He had taken her to his favorite haunts for meals in between the tours, quaint restaurants and fun cafés located off the tourist route.
Seated inside the Hot Spot, which more than lived up to its name, Jessica and Weston had so far enjoyed all the karaoke performances. Up until now, everyone who’d dared to brave the ready-to-pounce crowd could sing like a bird. The guy currently onstage was either clowning or he was truly the worst singer in New York City. Surprising to Jessica was that people encouraged him rather than booing him off the stage. His version of Diana Ross’s “Touch Me in the Morning” was horrendous.
“Want to give it a try?” Weston asked Jessica.
“Uh, you’ve got to be joking. I wouldn’t even consider getting up there and making an utter fool of myself.”
“Then I will.” He got to h
is feet and left a shocked Jessica behind.
As the music to “Distant Lover” drifted into the room, Jessica nearly fell out of her seat. He looked poised and confident up there, arousing hope in her. Maybe he could really sing. Would he dare to get up there if he couldn’t? They were all about to find out.
Not only could Weston sing, but he had a powerful onstage presence. With of catcalls and shrill whistles and loud screams, the ladies quickly let him know what they thought of his voice and his sex appeal. Marvin Gaye would be proud of the brother.
Weston was the hottest act in the Hot Spot thus far.
Jessica just sat there in complete awe, listening to her dream man crooning his heart out, his voice strong and smooth as velvet. The lyrics to the classic and their meaning slowly seeped into her mind, demanding she pay close attention.
Distant lovers categorized their situation best. The miles between them were many. She didn’t fear the distance as much as she had initially, but deep concern remained. She had fallen hard for New York City and the boy from NYC, but could she actually live here on a permanent basis, if asked to? Jessica wasn’t so sure about that. She positively loved Los Angeles. L.A. was home.
Just as Weston left the stage, to a standing ovation, he blew a flurry of kisses to Jessica. Seeing the glint of her tears, he wondered if she was happy or sad. Had the lyrics to the song made her cry? It certainly hadn’t been his intent. Happiness was all he wanted for her. Anything less than that was unacceptable.
Jessica remained standing. She went straight into Weston’s outstretched arms the second he reached the table. “Bravo! You were wonderful up there. I had no idea my man could croon like that. You were exciting to listen to and to watch.”
His expression was one of humility. “Thank you. I had a good time up there. Your gracious comments make me feel even better. A standing ovation, no less. Can you believe that?”
“I certainly can. You got just what you deserved. The ladies are wild for you.”
“Only interested in what I do for one lady. Again, what do I do for you?”
She lifted his chin with a closed fist. “Keep me higher than a kite. I don’t know if I’m coming or going half the time. You just do it for me. Period.”
Weston’s heart sighed as he kissed Jessica’s mouth, wanting to do so much more to her. He could spend half the night telling her what she did for him. Whisking her out of there and right into his bed would do for starters. “I love doing it for you…and to you. The latter is my favorite.”
“Mine, too,” she said on a chuckle. “Do me when we get home?”
Did she say home? He twisted his finger around in his ear to make sure there wasn’t a wax buildup. “We’ll do each other. How’s that?”
“Love the hot visuals I’m getting. Where’ll we do it?” The finger gesture wasn’t lost on her. He had heard her right. She had called his place home ’cause it felt like her home, bright, warm and cozy. He made her feel right at home. She now had two homes.
“Let’s surprise ourselves.”
“Let’s. Speaking of surprises, here’s a big one for you.” Jessica got out of her seat and headed for the stage. She looked back. Smiling, she winked at him.
Jessica whispered her request to the guy in charge. The song should verify what Weston thought he’d heard: “A House Is Not a Home.”
Jessica knew she was no Dionne Warwick or Luther Vandross, but she could hold her own. As she delivered the song provocatively, her eyes never left Weston’s face.
Home, she thought. Home is wherever my heart lies. My heart lies with Weston’s.
Chapter 15
Why’d it feel so strange to be back at home? Jessica had only been gone a few days, but it already felt as though something vital was missing. The place felt cold and lifeless even though she had turned on the heat to warm things up. She waited for the furnace to kick in, to no avail. It was still cold. She had to wonder why she felt so chilled.
Weston’s absence. That was the only explanation for what she felt.
Good grief. You’re turning into a lovesick puppy over him. How long have you lived without him? Long enough to not go into a tailspin when he isn’t around.
Tell that to your heart. But…don’t expect it to listen.
Suddenly feeling weary, Jessica dropped down on the mattress tiredly, her thoughts balled up in him. “Can I get a break?” She didn’t want a break. “I want you.”
Jessica smiled at the romance novel on the nightstand. She and Weston had a hot romance going, one that pretty much played out like the book. The couple in the novel also lived in separate states and had a problem with the distance between them. She had purchased the book after reading the synopsis, wondering how it turned out for the couple.
Where are you right now? What’re you doing? Thinking of me, I hope.
Wondering how far her weary legs would carry her, Jessica looked over at the bathroom door. Maybe she’d just stretch out on the bed and let sleep claim her entire being. Sleep might come a lot quicker after a shower, a real steamy one.
Jessica barely had enough strength to lift the receiver. The hot shower had zapped away what little strength she’d had left. “I know it’s you. Please be you. Maybe your sexy voice will snap me out of this.”
“Sweetheart, I miss you.”
She sighed. “We miss each other. Got in about an hour ago.”
“I know. I wanted to let you settle in. I couldn’t wait any longer. I need you.”
“We need each other.”
Weston laughed at her similar responses. “You sound so tired. Your answers are kind of strange and weary.”
“I’m really exhausted. Making love to you always wears me out.”
“Get used to it. Hey, babe, I’ll call you back after you rest up awhile.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.” What was he to do with her? Love her with all his might. He hung up after telling her he loved her, reassuring her he’d call back. And he would keep his word.
Weston slowly unbuttoned his shirt. As he removed the rest of his clothes, he looked over at the bedside clock. It was 10:00 p.m. for him, 7:00 p.m. for her. A three-hour time difference between California and New York. When he pulled back the comforter, he spotted black lace panties. He didn’t have to ask which of his women the panties belonged to. He only had one.
Weston hastily dialed Jessica’s number. “Found something that belongs to you.”
“I know. Enjoy.”
“You left them on purpose?”
“Yeah, but they’re clean.”
He cracked up. “I know. Still, I’ll enjoy them.”
She took her turn to laugh. “Love you.”
“More than yesterday?”
“More than when this conversation first began.”
“That’s my girl. You know what a brother needs and right when he needs it.” He made a kissing sound into the phone. “I’ll try not to call back anytime soon.”
“Don’t try too hard,” she came back at him.
“Point well taken. Rest well. Dream of us making out in the backseat of your car.” He couldn’t help grinning as he hung up the phone.
Sweet Jessica, the woman he had forsaken all others for.
Do I even know what I’m doing? Jessica had to wonder. Love could hurt, even when it felt terrifically good. Love evoked tears and anguish and bitterness. And also laughter and joy, she reminded herself, unmitigated joy and uncontrollable laughter.
“Tonight” by Kem was now her favorite song, theirs. Her ears perked up as the tune gently stroked the airwaves. She could almost feel Weston’s arms around her. He’d kiss her while they danced if he were there. The song had special meaning for them. It had become their theme song. They’d made love for the first time the first night they’d heard it.
Before climbing back into bed, Jessica made a couple of phone calls. She had called her parents the moment the flight attendant had permitted the use of cell phones. The safe-on-the-ground cal
l had taken place while the pilot taxied to the gate. Her friends would also want to know she was back at home safe and sound.
Weston was puzzled by the doorbell ringing as he ran toward it. Rarely did he have visitors drop by without calling first. Then he thought of Sean Raymond, his best friend, who’d been working out of the country for a year, over in Iraq. Sean was a civilian contractor. It could be him since he was due back in town any day now.
Weston could have been toppled by a feather. “Long time no see, London Reese! What a surprise.”
London stepped into the foyer. Her arms wrapped around his neck and then her lips met with his for a brief kiss. “I just moved back to NYC. And I’m free. Divorce is final and I am happily single again. It actually feels damn good.”
“No visible wear and tear. Whatever’s been going on with you, you look wonderful, London.” He thought she was extremely attractive, still a bombshell.
Her dark eyes gave him the concentrated once-over. “So do you. Can we sit?”
Weston silently scolded himself for not minding his manners. However, he wasn’t so keen on inviting the vivacious London in. “Sure thing. Come into the living room. Before we catch up on things can I get you something to eat or drink?”
“White wine, please. Pinot grigio if you have it.”
“Coming right up.” Weston took off, wondering where this visit might lead.
London picked up Weston’s vibrating cell phone to take it to him. Just answer it and take a message, a clever voice commanded. She obeyed the command because she desperately needed to talk to him, without any distractions or interruptions.
Jessica Harrington. Where had she heard that name before? It sounded familiar, very much so. “Hello.” Just in case Jessica was a rival, she had used her sultriest voice.
“Uh…uh, Weston…please,” Jessica stammered, wondering what the woman behind the sexy voice looked like—and why she was answering her man’s cell phone. She had called the cell only because she’d gotten a fax tone on his landline.
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