Victoria weaved her arm through Andre’s, matching her steps to his as she plundered him with an arsenal of questions. How would he propose? What was his price range? Did he want round, princess, or pear-shaped stones? Andre had no idea. That’s why he’d asked Victoria to accompany him. Buying an engagement ring was the single most important purchase he’d ever make and he didn’t want to mess it up.
Sousa’s Jewelers was a small store located beside the post office on the corner of Thames Street and Memorial Blvd and diagonally across from the popular Red Parrot restaurant located on Lower Thames Street. Henry had raved to Andre after having Victoria’s ring commissioned there.
“Good evening,” a balding man around the age of sixty said from behind the counter. “It’s nice to see you again, Ms. Hathaway. Do you need an adjustment to your ring?”
“No, Mr. Sousa. Thank you, for asking though. I’ve brought my good friend Andre with me.” She squeezed Andre’s forearm and smiled. “I’m not sure if you’ve met before.”
“I’ve not had the pleasure,” Mr. Sousa answered, extending his hand toward Andre. “My daughters have nothing but praise for you. In fact, Diana is thrilled to have contracted with Jennifer to produce specialized gifts for the holidays.”
“Good to meet you, sir,” Andre said, shaking the proffered hand. “My mother, Gladys Jenkins, plays bingo with your wife every week at the community center. She speaks very highly of the both of you, as does, Diana and Gabby, of course.”
“We’re quite fond of Gladys as well. You should know, young man, your mother is very proud of you. She’s always boasting of your heroism on the force.”
“She exaggerates.” Andre winked.
“It’s nice to put a face with the name. I’m honored you’ve decided to visit my store, Officer Jenkins,” the older man said and gestured toward the glass case. “I assume you are looking for something special for your sweetheart?”
“As a matter of fact, I am.” Andre braced his shoulders back and smiled broadly. “An engagement ring.”
After a brief overview of the importance of cut, color, and clarity, Mr. Sousa discussed the different settings that Andre had to choose from. Then he showed several examples he felt Andre may approve of. Although the merchandise was limited, the stock was exquisite and much more expensive than Andre had bargained for. He’d quickly realized that trading-in Jennifer’s original ring wasn’t going to help much with the final cost.
Unexpectedly, Mrs. Sousa entered the shop. “Hello, Ms. Hathaway. Andre Jenkins, is that you? I haven’t seen you in years.”
“Long time no see.” Victoria smiled brightly having just spoken with Mrs. Sousa at the bridal shop the day before.
“It’s nice to see you again, Mrs. Sousa. You’re right. It’s been a long time,” Andre said. One look at Mrs. Sousa and it was easy to see where the Sousa sisters got their beauty from. In her mid-sixties, the woman was still gorgeous. “Ms. Hathaway makes a lovely bride. I’m sure her wedding will be the talk of the town,” Mrs. Sousa said as her husband politely excused himself to the back room. “I’m sure Jennifer will as well on your wedding day,” she said knowingly.
Victoria’s cheeks reddened. “You are very kind, Mrs. Sousa.”
“Jennifer’s beautiful every day,” Andre stated proudly.
“If you’ll excuse me, I need to discuss something briefly with my husband. I won’t keep him long, I promise.”
“Of course,” Victoria and Andre answered in unison.
Andre turned his attention back to Victoria. “Which one do you think Jenn would like?”
Standing with her left hand on the glass countertop, Victoria’s two-carat flawless diamond surrounded by two semi-precious emeralds sparkled and shined beneath the store’s bright lights. “How about that one?” she asked, pointing to a single round diamond solitaire.
“It’s kind of small,” Andre answered, not impressed at all with the ring.
“It’s a flawless stone,” Victoria said.
“True—” Andre scratched his chin. “It’s just not doing it for me. It doesn’t have a wow factor.”
“Hum. Okay, let’s see then.” Victoria scrunched her nose up, scrutinizing the selection. “That’s pretty.”
Another single stone, only this one had diamond flecks surrounding it. “That’s not going to cut it.” Andre shook his head. “I want Jenn to gush and preen when people ask her about the ring. Just like you were able to do when you got engaged.”
“That’s wonderful, Andre. But Jenn isn’t shallow.”
“I realize that, Vicki,” Andre said. “But she’s a woman and don’t all women want to show off their engagement rings? Didn’t you? I don’t want Jenn to be stuck with some little piece of glass she is ashamed of.”
“You know better than that,” Victoria scolded. “Jenn doesn’t need a rock to know you love her. She treasures the ring you gave her. Besides...” Victoria added. “Not to sound crude, but Henry is loaded. You know that.”
Well, that was blunt. And very unexpected. Andre wasn’t quite sure how to respond.
“I’m not saying that to brag.” Victoria had the good sense to look embarrassed. “I’m simply making a point.”
“And that is?” Andre questioned.
“We’ve been friends almost our entire lives. I’ve been on the sidelines, watching your relationship unfold. The love the two of you share is priceless. No diamond could ever possibly measure up to it.”
Andre shrugged. “Vicki, don’t tell me you don’t admire that diamond of yours.”
“Of course, I do. It’s exquisite,” she answered quickly. “But you know what I love more?” She didn’t wait for Andre to respond. “I love what it symbolizes. I love the effort that Henry put into selecting it for me. The care and time he chose to give me something straight from his heart. Did you know that diamonds are my birthstone?”
Andre shook his head.
“Did you know emeralds are Henry’s birthstone?”
“Nope,” he answered.
“When I boast of my ring, it isn’t the price tag I’m thinking of. It’s the symbolism behind it. This ring represents two souls entwined together through eternity.”
“Well said, Ms. Hathaway,” Mr. Sousa cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to intrude. I did hear the end of Ms. Hathaway’s comments and must agree whole-heartedly with her.” He pulled a case from behind the glass. “I hope I’m not overstepping my bounds but just thought of something that may be of interest to you.”
Chapter 46
Jennifer
Victoria & Henry’s Wedding One Week Later
Lily Taylor twirled and jumped, dancing among the chaos taking place in the spacious ballroom paying no attention as her mother instructed her to calm down. Jennifer wished she’d told Lily’s mother to arrive later. Hopefully, her pretty flower girl ensemble of aqua and white would remain intact for just a bit longer. Red-faced and sweaty, Lily flited around, her sparse hair clung to her sticky cheeks.
Waitstaff scurried around, artfully setting polished sterling silver cutlery and delicate glass champagne flutes atop each round table. Meanwhile, Diana Fuentes, stunning as always in a green flowing gown, scooted around behind them fiddling with the blue hydrangeas and white roses which overflowed from their crystal glass bowls placed on the center of each table.
Helen Carrington, the financier behind the lavish event, stood face-to-face with who Jennifer assumed was the head chef. From what Jennifer had overheard during their heated discussion, several of the servers had called out sick. Rumor had it, according to Katie, that there was a keg party and barn fire planned for Salve University’s recent graduates down on the beach.
It still amazed Jennifer to think she was on a first-name basis with Helen Carrington, Newport’s most notorious resident. The wealthy philanthropist’s fondness for Henry was to thank for that. Although Helen, “Carrington” as Jennifer had taken to calling her, was a cougar, she liked the woman. Her sassy and take-no-shit attitude never
failed to make Jennifer laugh with her bevy of off-color remarks.
One thing was for sure—Victoria was a saint. Jennifer would never put up with a woman who’d once tried to seduce her fiancé planning her wedding. Then again, Victoria was a much kinder, gentler soul than herself.
Dressed in a floor-length, navy-blue gown that plunged just above Helen’s bellybutton with an equally sinful slit that started at the top of her thigh, the overtly sexual woman stormed toward Jennifer. Giving credit where credit was due, Jennifer had to admit that Helen Carrington rocked that dress. In fact, Helen Carrington put women half her age to shame. As usual, her dark hair had been styled into an updo. “Ludicrous,” Helen sputtered, stopping to stand beside Jennifer. “I need a glass of wine, a quick fuck, and a cigarette.”
“Something go wrong?” Jennifer feigned ignorance.
“The catering company is comprised of incapable idiots. I’d hoped to gift Henrique and Victoria with a wedding they’d never forget—for all the right reasons, not for the hideous disaster it is turning out to be.”
The woman writes a gargantuan check to reserve Rosecliff as a wedding gift, pays for a catering company to serve filet mignon and lobster tails, and then believes it’s turning into a disaster. She doesn’t have a clue. Of course, Jennifer couldn’t tell Helen exactly what she was thinking. Instead, she said, “Everything looks amazing. I’m certain they’re both very grateful for your generous gift.”
Helen’s mouth was set into a thin line. She crossed her arms, her eyes darting around the lavish ballroom. Gigantic urns filled with white roses, blue hydrangeas, and cascading ivy had been strategically placed throughout the room. They coordinated perfectly with the bouquets that Diana had created for Jennifer and Victoria to carry down the aisle. “The flowers are lovely,” Helen finally said as her attention moved to the adjoining room. “I see your sinfully sexy man has arrived along with his adorable little boy.”
Jennifer glanced toward the foyer, her breath hitching when she saw how handsome Andre looked. Dashing didn’t describe how distinguished he looked dressed in a white dress shirt unbuttoned at the neck and a blue vest that hugged his well-defined torso. His jacket rested on his elbow along with a miniature size suit for Michael. “The beast put up a stink this morning when Andre requested that Michael be ready an hour earlier than originally agreed on. So, of course, we had to arrive separately. I guess that was a good thing since he’s late.”
“Darling, he is worth waiting for,” Helen said, releasing a throaty laugh. “He’s one hell of a striking man.”
Jennifer shot Helen a look of warning.
Palms up, Helen held her hands in surrender. “He’s yours, darling. I know better than to mess with him.”
Jaw firm, Jennifer replied, “Good.”
Unfazed by Jennifer’s curt tone, Helen patted her expertly coifed chignon, adjusting the ornate diamond studded comb that secured her dark tresses. “Have you ventured to the empty bedrooms on the second floor?”
“No.” A sly smile matching the one Helen flashed in her direction crossed her lips. I really do like how she thinks. “Perhaps I should.”
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Helen teased.
Jennifer turned her attention to the foyer, her eyes locking on Andre. “And what is that?”
“Not much.” Helen winked.
Andre
Andre sensed Jennifer’s presence. He could feel the heat of her stare. Looking into the ballroom, his dark eyes met hers. He saw her say something to Helen Carrington before heading his way. Shoulders back, her hips swayed seductively as she moved across the ballroom floor.
Jennifer’s ample breasts bounced slightly beneath the ruched fabric of her turquoise, one-shouldered gown. He bit his cheek, wanting to desperately lick the length of her bare, slender arms. To cuff his hands around her small wrists, pull them above her head, and devour her décolletage. Had her breasts gotten larger? They’d always been heavy and round, more than a handful, but Andre liked them that way. Not that he was complaining, but they seemed bigger. His lips quirked into a half smile. He’d have to find out tonight after dark.
A hint of pale flesh peeked through the lace inset covering her mid-section. His dick hardened at the sound of her stilettos clicking over the hardwood floors as she drew near.
He could smell her now. Sweet and intoxicating like a Sunday morning. Sensuous and womanly like a turbulent storm.
“Jenn,” Michael jumped toward her, his small hands wrapping around her upper thigh.
“Hey there, Little Man,” she said as she squeezed him to her side.
“Blue Eyes, you look breathtaking,” Andre said, stepping closer. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her into his embrace as Michael remained crushed between their bodies.
“Hey there, good-lookin’,” Jennifer laughed, her gorgeous face lustrous and glowing. A sense of pride welled within Andre. This was his family. The woman he loved and his boy. Nothing was better than that.
He lowered his mouth to her ear so only she could hear, “You look so fucking sexy. I need to get you alone.
Jennifer arched a perfectly sculpted eyebrow and pointed her finger toward Michael.
Andre smirked. “Have you seen Henry? I want to bring Michael along with his suit to the groom’s room.”
“Follow me,” Jennifer said, offering her hand to Michael. He entwined his little fingers with hers as he began to regale Jennifer with details about his morning cartoons while they headed out of the foyer. Those hips. They look wider—fuller. Andre grinned, feeling proud and cocky as his gaze lingered on her well-rounded ass. From her gorgeous face to that curvaceous body, my woman’s a knockout.
ONCE THEY’D DEPOSITED Michael with Henry, who sat dressed and looking perfectly relaxed as he read a book in the lavish groom’s room at the top of the staircase, Andre and Jennifer quickly made their way toward the end hall. “Which one? he asked, anxious to be inside her. “It was torture watching you parade before me, your ass inches from my touch. My cock is so fucking hard that I can barely walk.”
Finally, Jennifer stopped before one of the doors and turned the knob. She peered over her shoulder, a devious gleam in her eyes. Pushing the door open, Jennifer stepped into an unoccupied bedroom. “I’m about to make your dreams come true, Officer Jenkins.”
“I can’t wait,” Andre said under his breath and followed her into the room. He closed the door, relieved when he saw that it locked.
Heavy drapes in shades of buttercup yellow and cornflower blue adorned the floor-to-ceiling windows. The bright early afternoon sunlight streamed through the blinds, its rays flickering over the oriental carpet. A table with a single fringed lamp was positioned in front of the windows while an ivory-colored chaise lounge tempted him to lie down. Portraits were suspended from the walls, while antique figurines were displayed throughout the room. An oval standing mirror was positioned in one corner while a much tinier mirror graced the top of a vanity directly between a pair of twin beds with solid oak frames.
Two red- and gold-colored chairs had been placed beside a large marble topped desk in the center of the room. Table-sized chandelier lamps stood at each of its ends along with a small pile of hardcover books strategically set on top.
Wordlessly, Jennifer dropped to her knees. “I’ve wanted to suck you off since you arrived,” she informed him as she unzipped his fly and then shoved her hand through the opening of his cotton briefs. Hard and pulsing, Andre’s cock sprung to life. Cupping his manhood between her palms, she stroked the length of him. Her finger stopped, smoothing over the slit at the tip, massaging the droplets of precum over his glistening head. She peered up at him, a wicked smile crossing her lips at the sound of his low guttural moan. Warm and moist, her lips closed over his swollen member, taking him to the back of her throat.
Head craned back, hands fisted at his sides, Andre clenched his teeth. He bucked his hips, wanting desperately to fuck the shit out of her mouth. “I need to fuck you.” I
n a frenzy, he lifted her up from the floor and plopped her on the top of the nearby desk. He yanked her dress up to her thighs, leaving it in a bunch at her waist and ripped her panties to the floor.
With a devilish grin, Jennifer braced back on her elbows and spread her legs wide.
A deep hissing noise reverberated throughout the opulent room. Her pretty pink pussy was already wet. He stopped between her thighs, gripping his cock and thrust into her slick channel.
A primal moan oozed from her lips. Her pelvis lifted, allowing him to bury his cock to the hilt. He pounded into her fast and hard. Her vaginal walls clenched around her. “Do that again and I’ll fucking come.”
Definitely, she clenched around him again. Andre gritted his teeth, his desire igniting as he violently bucked his hips forward, his orgasm erupting in several long spurts.
Chapter 47
Jennifer
Twenty minutes later, Andre peeked out the bedroom door. Seeing no one in the immediate vicinity, he motioned for Jennifer to sneak out of the bedroom. Hand in hand they strode down the hallway, a loud commotion at the opposite end of the mansion drawing their attention to the bridal party’s rooms.
“Where have you been?” Victoria exclaimed as Jennifer stepped into another extravagantly decorated bedroom.
Gladys Jenkins narrowed her eyes on her oldest son and gave him a disapproving look. “Victoria is concerned about Lily’s hair. Do you think you could corral her and fix it into a semi-presentable state? Her mother seems to be hair impaired. And quite taken by the pianist to boot.”
“Sure,” Jennifer said, flushing as Mrs. Jenkins turned her keen brown eyes on her. No flies on her, Jennifer thought, averting her gaze while she pretended not to hear Andre’s mother whisper under her breath that he was oversexed.
“Where’s my hair comb?” Victoria said. “I can’t find it.”
“It’s right here,” Jennifer answered, picking the rhinestone butterfly comb from the vanity.
Forever His Desire Page 20