Andre chuckled. “Why thank you, Jennifer Jordan. I have to look good. I’ve got a hot fiancée to impress.”
Jennifer smiled in self-satisfaction and quickly turned her attention back out the window, searching for Victoria’s car as they passed the row of parallel-parked cars directly across the street from the hotel on Bellevue Avenue. “I don’t see it.”
“What?” Andre questioned as they pulled onto the circular driveway at the hotel’s entrance.
“Vicki’s car. She promised she’d be here early,” Jennifer stated as the truck rolled to a stop in front of the entrance. Immediately, a valet approached the driver’s side. She watched as Andre handed over his keys and waited for him to open her car door. She’d better be inside already.
“No worries. You know she’ll be here,” Andre said, swinging her door open. “Anyway, what difference does it make?” A gush of cool air blew over her as Andre reached for her hand, entwining his beefy fingers with hers. “You’re with me and you know, I’ll always be right by your side.”
Rosalyn Spears. I can’t enjoy my own engagement party because of her.
Pulse racing, Jennifer sucked in a deep breath. Each step more weighted than the last as they neared the entrance. “It’s a girl thing,” she answered dismissively. Vicki’s not blind to Rosalyn’s schemes like you. “We went shopping separately. I don’t know if I’ve picked the right dress.”
“Blue Eyes, you could make a burlap sack look sexy.”
Jennifer tsked. Although secretly her heart leapt at the compliment. For the life of her, she’d never understood why Andre found her so desirable. Short and curvy, her soft squishiness was in sharp contrast to his hard-muscular frame. Although she could never be considered fat, Jennifer was far from skinny. After all the time he spent in the gym, it would be easy to understand if Andre found himself attracted to a woman with a beach body. However, he always complimented her. His attention was always on her and he didn’t seem to mind at all that she had a slight swell to her belly.
“I like you in pink,” he surprised her by saying. “I wish it was my lips instead of that dress covering your skin.”
Heat scorched through her as they stepped through the entrance. Andre nodded to the doorman, thanking him as she looked in awe at the lush hotel’s lobby. Known for its opulence, the historic hotel didn’t disappoint. Everywhere Jennifer looked was covered in rich velvet, satin, silk, and ornate tapestries. Andre was right. There was no way his mother could have ever afforded to do this for us without Rosalyn’s help.
“I see her.” Andre waved his free hand in acknowledgement to his mother, then guided Jennifer across the oriental carpeting. “Hey, Mom,” he said once they reached the other woman.
Gladys smiled warmly, looking quite regal among the Chippendale and Queen Anne style furnishings. Her green suit jacket was embellished with rhinestones around the collar and the matching A-line skirt had been hemmed to stop right above her knees. Short and plump, Gladys Jenkins welded an exceptional skill with needle and thread. Her greatest talent was purchasing pre-owned clothing off a consignment store’s rack and recreating it into an expensive-looking frock. Jennifer knew this firsthand as Gladys had been imperative in helping her with her prom dress and soon her wedding dress, too.
Gladys reached out, sweeping Jennifer to her buxom breasts. Her chubby arms squeezed her soon-to-be daughter-in-law tight as she whispered knowingly, “It’s overwhelming, isn’t it?”
How does she do it? Jennifer thought, taking a deep breath. Somehow, Andre’s mother had a knack for saying just what she needed to hear. “Try to enjoy yourself, Baby Girl. This is your night to shine.”
“What are the two of you whispering about?” Andre asked.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Gladys released Jennifer from her embrace. “It’s a secret between your future wife and myself.”
“Great. We’re not even officially married and you’re already ganging up on me.” Andre chuckled, his shoulders lifting up and down with ease. “Two against one isn’t fair. I see Vicki. Maybe she’ll take my side,” he joked, motioning for Victoria to join them.
“Hello, ladies and gent,” Victoria said, smiling brightly as she approached them. She’d slicked her long, curly blonde hair into a French twist. Dressed conservatively in an off-the-shoulder black velvet, knee-length gown, Victoria could have passed as Grace Kelly if she’d only remove those hideous oversized glasses.
Between Gladys’s pep talk and Vicki’s presence, Jennifer felt some of her tension ease. Gladys was right. This was her engagement party—her and Andre’s chance to celebrate their love in front of their family and friends. Well, mostly Andre’s friends. Jennifer only had a few. “Hey, lady. Where have you been?” she asked Victoria.
“I’m so sorry. I was fighting with my hair. You know how unruly it is.” Victoria patted the back of her head for emphasis. “You look amazing in pink, Jenn. You need to wear it more often.”
Andre’s deep brown eyes journeyed the length of Jennifer’s body. “I told her the exact same thing.”
“Thanks, honey.” Flushed, Jennifer reached out to hug her best friend. “I’ve always shied away from pink. But for some reason, I just thought this dress would be perfect for tonight.”
“It is,” Andre said huskily.
“You look totally hot,” Victoria added. “Andre had better take you straight home after the party or he’ll be fighting off all the guys.”
Andre winked. “Oh, believe me, I plan to.”
The hungry look Jennifer saw reflected in Andre’s eyes left no question about his intentions. Heat pooled in Jennifer’s belly. She wished they were home, tangled in the sheets, breaking in their new four-poster bed right now.
A sultry woman’s voice cut through the atmosphere. Immediately, Jennifer’s hackles rose, her body stiffening in defense. “Mrs. Jenkins.” Rosalyn Spears thrust her hand out to Andre’s mother. “I’m so glad you took advantage of my offer to host your son’s engagement party.”
“Jennifer and my son’s engagement party,” Gladys corrected.
“Oh yes, of course,” Rosalyn replied, her attention moving to Andre. “You’re looking rather dapper tonight, Andre. But that shouldn’t surprise me. You always are the most handsome man in the room.”
Back off, bitch. Jennifer pressed her hip tightly against Andre’s thigh and shoved her arm beneath his elbow to mark her territory.
Rosalyn’s dark eyes narrowed on her, a slight smirk crossing her lips. “Pink was an interesting color choice, Jennifer. Most women with auburn hair would shy away from it.”
“Well, I’m not most women,” Jennifer answered through gritted teeth.
“Rosalyn.” Andre quickly intervened. “Jennifer and I want to thank you for your kindness. Your expertise with hosting our engagement party is very much appreciated.”
As always, Rosalyn was dressed to the nines. Tonight, she was clothed in a knee-length purple lace off-the-shoulder dress that hugged her curves to perfection and sky-high nude-colored platform heels. Her jet-black hair was styled into a pixie cut reminiscent of Halle Berry with its super-short bangs spiked and highlighted with blonde tips that emphasized her golden skin. Even her muted red lipstick had been expertly applied, Jennifer noted. I really hate you, she thought, seething as Rosalyn placed her hand over Andre’s free arm and had the audacity to run her grubby palm up the sleeve of his jacket.
“The pleasure was all mine,” Rosalyn said, her lips lifting slightly up at the corners as if to mock her.
Gladys cocked an eyebrow, her lips set in a firm line. “Rosalyn,” she said much more curtly than Jennifer would have expected. “I, too, want to thank you for assisting with this party. Everything is lovely, dear. But I feel I must tell you”—Gladys lowered her voice to a mere whisper—“there seems to be a problem with several of the table settings.”
“I don’t see how that could be,” Rosalyn answered, sounding unconvinced. “At The Gilded Seashell Hotel we pride ourselves on fi
ve-star service. We host hundreds of dinner parties each year. Forgive my boldness, but I think you may be mistaken, Mrs. Jenkins.”
Jennifer struggled not to smile as Andre’s mother insisted Rosalyn accompany her into the ballroom.
A FEW HOURS LATER, Jennifer and Andre sat alone at the table, each of them beaming with pleasure. Much to her surprise, Jennifer actually was having fun. With Vicki and Gladys on her side, she realized she’d been silly to worry about Rosalyn’s intrusion on her engagement. Somehow the two women had managed to keep Rosalyn hopping as they fussed over every possible little detail. “I wonder where they are now?” Jennifer mused. “I’m sure Rosalyn loathes the day she offered to host this engagement party.”
“I don’t know, and I sure as hell don’t care,” Andre said. “I’m the happiest man alive simply by watching the most beautiful woman in the world savor that piece of cheesecake.”
“Oh God, Andre. Wasn’t this meal incredible? Clam chowder, mixed field greens salad...” The words oozed from her mouth. “And those miniature crab cakes. I simply have to have the recipe. They were to die for.”
Andre laughed. “They were okay, but the pasta topped with shrimp, scallops, and lobster meat was amazing. I expect you to replicate that creamy alfredo sauce for me.”
Jennifer pressed her dessert fork against the plate, capturing the last of the graham cracker crumbs between the tongs. “Almost as good as sex.”
“There is no comparison, Blue Eyes.” Andre gave her upper thigh a gentle squeeze, then swept his palm down to her kneecap, tickling her as he played with the hem of her dress.
Excitement buzzed through her as Jennifer teased, “Sex or a five-course meal? I don’t know. It’s a tough decision.”
Just as Andre’s fingers boldly jutted beneath the hem of her dress, the band came onto the stage. With the strike of the drum, the lights dimmed. “Dance with me, future wife,” Andre said, disappointing her as his hand slipped away from beneath her skirt.
“I’ll try. I’m not sure if I can move after indulging in this meal, but I guess the exercise will do me some good.”
“This is a warm-up, Blue Eyes. The real exercise comes later.” Andre pulled her chair out, taking her hand in his and leading her onto the dance floor. Jennifer laughed raucously as Andre pulled her flush against his chest. He hummed the melody against her ear, his erection straining through the fabric of his pants as they swayed to the music. “Is this evidence enough that sex is better than food, or would you like for me to prove it?” he asked, pressing his groin against her belly.
“It is rather impressive evidence, future husband. But I need to be convinced without a reasonable doubt.” Jennifer peered up, a coy smile creeping across her face.
Andre tightened his arms around her, hugging Jennifer closer. “Meet me in the men’s bathroom in five minutes.”
Her heart skipped a beat. “Here?” Jennifer asked, feigning shock.
Andre chuckled deeply. “You look fine as fuck in that dress. I’m hard as a rock and it’s your fault for looking so damn sexy.”
“I think I might need to seriously consider buying a whole new wardrobe. All pink.” Jennifer’s voice hitched as Andre ground his pelvis against her.
“That’s the best idea you’ve ever had,” Andre said and nipped playfully at her earlobe.
Jennifer ran her arms over his broad back, thrills catapulting through her center. “As soon as this song is over,” she said throatily. “I’ll make my way to the restroom.
“I can’t wait to bury my cock into your hot, wet pussy. I’m going to fuck you so hard and deep.” Instantly her nipples puckered, jutting against the fabric of her dress. “And you’re going to love every single minute of it.”
Jennifer bit her bottom lip. “Promise?” Jennifer asked, barely able to breathe as they swayed to the music.
“I promise.” Andre’s breath tickled the sensitive flesh beneath her ear. “Get yourself another drink. That should give me enough time to slip out without being noticed.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Jennifer said, nearly dizzy with arousal.
“Don’t make me wait too long,” Andre commanded as the music ended.
“Go,” Jennifer said, stepping from his embrace. “I’ll be there as soon as possible.”
Chapter 6
Andre
After exiting the ballroom, Andre strode down the long corridor and directly toward the men’s restroom. From the moment he’d seen Jennifer strut down the staircase of their condo in her body-hugging dress, he’d craved her. His fiancée looked smoking hot. It had taken every ounce of his restraint to bring her to this party tonight when all he’d really wanted to do was grab her around the waist, push her against the wall, and fuck her until she was sore.
Andre clenched his fingers, eager to fist Jennifer’s thick, auburn hair between them. He couldn’t wait to shove the pastel pink dress up and over her milky white thighs. His cock pulsed, straining against the zipper of his dress pants. Damn, he was so fucking hard it hurt. He needed to fill his palms with her ass, squeeze and fondle its tantalizing roundness as his dick plunged deeply into her sweet feminine channel.
“Andre?” a familiar voice called out from behind him.
Rosalyn. Dammit. Andre quickened his pace in hopes of eluding her. Perhaps she’d think he hadn’t heard her.
“Andre, hold up a minute,” Rosalyn repeated, louder this time.
Abruptly, he stopped and with a long, drawn-out sigh, slowly turned to face her.
Rosalyn’s arms swung at each side, stiffly propelling her forward as she limped toward him. “You’ve no idea how happy I am that I’ve run into you.”
“What happened? Are you okay?” Andre questioned, feeling a slight pang of guilt for having tried to avoid her.
She pointed to her foot. “I had a wardrobe malfunction.”
Andre turned his focus onto the broken heel of her stiletto. “I see that.”
“I was just on my way to my office to call for one of the staff to help me.” At 5'10", Rosalyn stood face-to-face with Andre as she filled him in on the mishap. “Luckily, you’re here to come to my rescue. Would you mind getting my spare pair of shoes for me from the car?”
“I hate to sound rude, but I’m in a bit of a hurry.” Andre lifted his forearm and glanced down at his watch.
“I’m terribly sorry to disturb you. I’m sure you’re eager to get back to the party,” she said and started to step around him. “Ouch,” she cried dramatically and stumbled forward, clutching the lapels of Andre’s jacket for support.
At that very moment a loud gasp echoed through the corridor. Andre’s head flew up, panic seizing him as he saw Jennifer hustling full speed ahead.
“Get your filthy paws off of him, Rosalyn,” she huffed, pulling and tugging at Rosalyn’s arms.
“Jennifer, please. Calm down,” Rosalyn said, unclasping her fingers from Andre’s jacket and then took her sweet time smoothing her palm across the newly wrinkled material.
“You’re a real piece of work, Rosalyn Spears,” Jennifer spat.
“You’re jumping to conclusions,” Rosalyn stated, making a show as she rubbed her hands over her hips to flatten down each side of her dress. “I tripped and Andre saved me from falling onto the floor.”
“I knew you’d try something.” Jennifer placed her hand on her hip. “Breaking your own heel. That’s classic.”
“Jenn—” Andre warned.
“It’s almost comical how desperate you are. Pathetic actually,” Jennifer ranted. “Get your own man, Rosalyn.”
“Jenn,” Andre intervened, his voice filled with authority. “Enough.”
Jennifer whirled around and shot Andre a heated glare. “Don’t you dare speak to me as if I were a child.”
“I have no idea why you’re feeling insecure.” Rosalyn cocked her head to one side. “Is it because you’ve put on a few pounds since graduating from high school?”
“You bitch!” Jennifer lunged for Rosalyn, knocki
ng the other woman to the floor. About to pounce, Jennifer kicked out wildly as Andre clutched her to him, restraining her from pummeling Rosalyn. “Dammit, Andre. Let me go,” Jennifer shrieked. “I’m not letting Rosalyn get away with any more of her shit.”
“Andre, you may want to rethink this marriage. Your fiancée has anger management issues.” Rosalyn seethed as she rose from the floor. “I’m done being insulted. I’ll be in my office. Don’t bother me unless Jennifer plans to apologize,” she said and then proceeded to hobble her way down the hall.
Chapter 7
Andre
Radio turned down low, they rode past the beach in silence. Neither of them had spoken since they’d left the engagement party. Andre glanced toward the passenger side. Unable to take another moment of silence, he asked, “What’s going through that stimulating brain of yours?”
“More than you’d ever want to know,” Jennifer answered dismissively.
“I’ll be the judge of that.”
Her head lolled to the driver’s side, her sullen expression tearing at his heart. “The same old crap that I think about every time I have the pleasure of being in Rosalyn’s presence. You know how much I hate her and she loathes me.”
“I do know,” Andre stated. “And I also know you’ve got good reason not to like her. However, what I think is that Rosalyn is jealous of you because she doesn’t have a man who’s madly in love with her. A guy who’s hopelessly wrapped around her little finger.”
“Of course, she’s jealous,” Jennifer admitted with a sigh. “Everyone knows what a great guy you are. They all wonder how I managed to snag Andre Jenkins, Newport’s kindest and hottest cop.”
“They do?” Andre chuckled. “I’m flattered. I had no idea I was the hottest.”
Jennifer rolled her eyes. “Get over yourself,” she said, a laugh escaping from her lips.
“I couldn’t care less what anyone thinks as long as you think I’m the hottest.” He reached over, overcome with a sudden urge to touch her, and smoothed his hand atop her thigh. “Tonight is our night to celebrate, Blue Eyes. Don’t let a misunderstanding get in the way of our happiness.”
Forever His Desire Page 3