He strolled around to my side of the desk, then sat his hip on the edge, facing me. He had an envelope in his hand.
“What if I told you I had made arrangements for us to spend a week on a private island?”
I swiveled my chair to face him, and I couldn’t hide the burst of excitement. The deep purr of his voice was seducing me as sparks rushed through my veins.
“I would say…”
His eyes drifted to my skirt, which was lifted high as I sat with my bare legs crossed, dangling a sky-high heel from my toe.
“You would be a very lucky man.”
“You just can’t help yourself, can you?”
I looked at him all innocent like as he adjusted his obvious new development.
“You’re right, I can’t. What’s the occasion?”
I allowed my shoe to drop, and slid my toes under his pants leg as his eyes darkened.
“It’s time we got better acquainted.”
“Tempting idea.”
“Can you stop that? My erection is already hard as a rock.”
“This?” I slid my foot an inch higher. “They’re acting on their own accord. Maybe you shouldn’t be so close.”
There must have been something that triggered sexual need when it was completely forbidden, because my every thought began with him touching me and ended with his name falling from my lips.
“There should be a warning label on your door. Danger: proceed with caution.”
I laughed, but my lust-filled eyes were sending a more direct message.
“Luckily, it only applies to you.”
Finding my abandoned shoe, I toyed with it as I slipped it back on. Unfortunately, it caused my skirt to rise just enough to capture his gaze, which was riveted on my black lace panties.
I smiled as a groan escaped him.
“Don’t test, me Jordan.”
It was a threat I most certainly would test.
“One touch.”
I opened my legs for him, compelling him to touch me.
“Christ, couldn’t you have an office with walls?”
But his body moved closer, still casually on the desk, leaning over me as we faced the windows outside. It was still risky, but the danger only fueled the moment.
He pushed the lace aside as his chest began moving up and down in labored breaths. When his finger touched my wetness, a moan escaped. He casually glanced over his shoulder, confirming the coast was clear. Then he forcefully penetrated my pussy. My breath hitched, and I gripped the arms of my chair as he pushed in and pulled out.
Our gazes collided. My sex was burning as we shifted to the erotic scene below.
“Come for me, baby.”
He circled my clit and pushed my climax over the edge, my silent cry releasing all the pent-up emotions as his finger slowed. My breathing turned shallow as I watched him place that dirty finger in his mouth.
Holy shit, that was hot.
“Meet me in my office in thirty. Fair is fair. Oh, and clear your schedule. We’re leaving the day after tomorrow.”
And with that, he ushered himself out, the envelope strategically covering his present situation.
It took longer than thirty minutes to clear my schedule and answer several emails. When my phone rang, I knew who was calling.
“You’re late.”
“I know. Five minutes.”
“Fine.”
Eventually I made my way over to his office and casually leaned over Janet’s partition.
“Is Ben busy?
“Actually, he’s been expecting you, so go right in.”
Feeling quite confident, I knocked on his door, letting myself in. I closed it behind me and quietly turned the lock. His muscular body, ruggedly handsome looks, and gentle heart were a stimulating cocktail.
“You called?”
He stood and marched over to the back of his white leather couch as I followed. He gave no indication of what he wanted, I only had to ask.
I kissed his cheek on my tiptoes.
“I’m willing fall to my knees, or bend over this couch. Which would you prefer?”
“There’s really no bad choice here, is there?”
“I’m waiting.”
“I’m leaning toward, tit for tat.”
I couldn’t hold back the laugh. Had he really just said that?
“On your knees. I have an idea on how to stop your giggling.”
I kicked off my shoes and lowered myself to the floor. With superpower speed, he got his belt unbuckled and his trousers unbuttoned. Then there was that sexy growl of his zipper as I pushed his pants lower. His hard cock stood out like a divining rod that had just found water.
I started slow, my tongue teasing.
“No, I’m driving.”
And with that, he drove his cock into my mouth. One hand balanced on the back of his couch, and the other weaved his fingers through my hair, clutching hard, keeping me still as he thrust into me.
His eyes caught mine as my gaze slid up to his, and he inhaled deeply.
“Yes, just like that.”
He was so sexy in his dark suit and tie, completely put together from the waist up. From the waist down, he was purely erotic sex as his demanding pace increased.
“I’m greedy. I want both.”
He lifted me up easily, and pushed me over the back of the couch.
Jesus. Ben unleashed was fucking hot. I’d had no idea.
He discarded my panties with quick precision, then lifted my skirt for the second time today. I was bare, and at his mercy.
“Ready, baby?”
I nodded. I tried to speak, but I couldn’t. My curly waves of hair spilled over the seat of the couch as he kicked my legs apart, settling between them. He ran his tip across my folds, which were wet and wanting. Then he pushed into me, his hands digging into my hips as the next trust came harder and deeper, massaging me in ways I’d never experienced. His fast pace only increased as our hot flesh crashed as one.
“Seven days of this, Jordan. I have ten years to make up for.”
He reached around and stimulated my hard bud. As my release rippled through me, I tightened around his bare cock.
“Christ,” he whispered as he drove home, begging for release, his body emptying into mine. Then he folded over me, whispering words of love as I returned my own.
After a few minutes, he quickly moved back a step, helping me up. Landing in his arms, he gently pressed his lips against mine. Then he tucked himself back in place and handed me my black lace panties, which were dangling in the air off one finger.
“I should keep these.”
His sinful smile lit up his deep green eyes.
“I don’t mind.” I attempted to flatten out my wrinkled skirt. “We’ll never get any work done if we keep this up.” My gaze shifted to meet his smile, as he tucked my black panties into the top drawer of his desk. I arched a sly brow in question. “Kinda’ creepy, don’t cha’ think?”
The corners of his mouth turned up.
“What’s wrong with creepy?”
He smiled as he crossed the floor back to me.
“I never got the opportunity to show you the pamphlet. You distracted me with your womanly persuasions.”
“You were easily persuaded.”
“Is that really a surprise? Let’s focus.”
He opened the trifold colorful brochure.
“Jamaican with love, Chic Estate is your own private island retreat,” I read out. “Exclusivity to the extreme, it says.” Then I glanced at the price tag. “This is too much, Ben.”
“It’s perfect. We have so much time to make up for, and I want this for us. I want to finally share my life and my adventures with you, and this is only the beginning.”
I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him tight. I heard the laugh escape as he snaked his arms around me. Wrapped in his arms was my new favorite place. I planted a goodbye kiss on his cheek, then crossed the office floor back to my office and stood at the wall o
f windows as the memories bombarded me all at once. Years of secrets and denied feelings. And now, could this really be happening? My churning thoughts were in battle with my heart.
Was it too good to be true?
In one night, everything had changed, and I finally understood why he had pushed me away. He obviously cared for me, and his feelings were genuine. I never questioned that. Truth be told, it all came with a ton of baggage, and a flicker of doubt eased its way in.
It was scary to be in this place. It felt all too familiar. I’d been close before, living each day with Ben just out of reach. I didn’t think I was worthy of him then, or the truly epic love I’d dreamed of.
Under his gentle touch, I was hopeful that I could find the happiness that had eluded me—and us—for all these years
When I reached my desk, I pulled out the note that he had written, and read it again. Regardless of my runaway thoughts, I knew I loved this man. Of that, I was certain.
I was still amazed by the thoughtful and sweet things he said and did, weaving my heart with his. I knew he was the one, the only one. After ten years, he’d proven he was well worth the wait.
And I’d come alive again.
“One simple ceremony, and we’re all flustered,” Madison said as Eden and I shared a glance. The three of us were crammed within the black-and-white-stripped tent.
“The only pressure of the big day is that everything must be perfect,” Eden mockingly replied in an attempt to extinguish Madison’s nerves.
We had found her checking her hair and makeup for the umpteenth time. Her blonde hair was professionally styled in long, gentle waves, but she was unable to stop fiddling with every strand. Then she ran her hands down the oh-so-magical dress once again in a nervous gesture.
“Ready?” I asked. “Are you all right?”
I knew I should probably get back to my seat.
“Hmm? I’m fine,” she replied, as the stress of the day raced through her mind.
“Five minutes,” Eden added.
We both left to take our seats next to our men.
With such a stunning backdrop, it was no wonder Madison had chosen this venue. Nestled in the corner of this special lakeside beach, the altar rested on the water’s edge. The rich scent of the crystal-blue water and flowers all worked in harmony.
We approached the white wooden chairs, all decked out with silk bows and scraps of flowers hanging off the back. An old driftwood sign greeting guests was painted with the words, Hell yeah, I do! signed by Alex.
Once the bridal march was heard, we all rose and turned to look over our shoulders as the bride walked down the aisle to her future mate. Their eyes held the entire length of her walk toward the arch, toward the man who would soon become her husband.
The dress was one of a kind, the intricate, crystal-embellished top overlay the satin beneath. Meeting the chiffon A-line below, the train whispered behind her as the light fabric danced in the breeze. Her veil, placed at the crown of her hair, flowed several feet longer than the gown.
Moments away, Alex and Madison would be exchanging vows on the shores of Lake Tahoe, surrounded by unsurpassed mountain views and crystal-blue water close enough to touch. It set the ultimate romantic tone as an acoustic guitar player behind them played soft music in the background.
“Welcome,” the preacher said to everyone. “Today we gather in love, with heartfelt joy, to witness the joining of Alex and Madison. Today, family and friends, a new life begins, with all of you.”
He nodded as they joined hands, gazing into each other’s eyes as the water crashed against the rocks in the distance. Then a small breeze whispered by, causing tendrils of Madison’s blonde hair to fall in her face. Alex reached out and lovingly placed them behind her ear.
“Marriage is the blending of two lives, two souls, and two hearts. It's the magical beginning of a beautiful love story. It's the sharing of life's troubles and life's happiness. Marriage is respect for one another. It’s laughter, it’s joy, and it’s love. It’s the discovery of a new world, shared as one.”
Gazing over the guests, the preacher focused on each face.
“Mark Twain once said, ‘A marriage makes two fractional lives a whole. It gives two questioning natures a reason for living. It brings a new gladness to the sunshine, and new fragrance to the flowers, new beauty to the earth, a new mystery to life.’"
And then he eased back into the ceremony.
“Now for the wedding vows. Alexander Kincaid Storm, please repeat after me:
I, Alex, take you, Madison, to be my wedded wife. I promise before God and these witnesses to be faithful and true, in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health. I will love you and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
“Madison Rose Perry, please repeat after me: I, Madison, take you, Alex, to be my wedded husband. I promise before God and these witnesses to be faithful and true, in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health. I will love you and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.”
Seagulls squawked overhead, confirming nature was in tune with the blessed event.
The wide sand was cascading across the land, and in the distance, snow-topped mountains stood to witness the vows spoken today.
“Blessing of the rings.” The preacher held the wedding bands in his hand. “These circles of gold are symbols of the sun, the earth, and the universe. They’re symbols of faith, hope, and love; infinite in their form, with no beginning and no end. No giver and no receiver. May these rings be a reminder of the promises you have made here, today, to the one you love with all your heart.
“Alex, please place Madison’s ring on her finger, and repeat after me.
“Madison, I give you your Mother’s ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness, and as I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. Wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken on this, our wedding day. With this ring, I thee wed. Alex gently lifted her hand a placed a kiss on the golden wedding set.
“Now, Madison, please place Alex’s ring on his finger, and repeat after me.
“Alex, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness, and as I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. Wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken on this, our wedding day. With this ring, I thee wed.”
A tear fell, tracking down Madison’s cheek, but Alex gently reached over to wipe it away. The flash of a camera meant the photographer had capturing the touching moment. It wasn’t hard to fall in love in these surroundings. I gazed over to meet Ben’s eyes, and he winked at me. Our fingers entangled, as if we were of the same mind.
“It is said that the only thing that truly matters in life is to love and to be loved. Let your love lead the way, and may your hearts always find their way home. Alex, Madison, it gives me great joy to pronounce you husband and wife.”
The preacher closed his bible.
“Alex, you may kiss your bride.”
Alex cradled Madison face, their eyes locked and heated. With passion, he pulled her into him with the sweetest kiss.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to present Mr. and Mrs. Stone.”
They raised their joined hands as the small group cheered and rushed to them, expressing their love and congratulations.
The reception was on-site, only yards away. The tent-like structure held tall windows showing off the grand view. The simple yet classy ambiance was dimly lit as the sun faded, with streaks of colors reflecting off the lake’s glistening waves.
We lost track of time as it all came to a close much too soon.
“Can you imagine?” I asked, with hope and a small flicker of envy toward the commitment, the ceremony, and their joined union. I’d always envisioned the same dream for myself, but at some point, I’d let it go.
“Yes, I can,” Ben answered. “I believe that eventually, we all want this.”
His gaze met mine. I was searching for somethi
ng, a sign maybe, that Ben shared my dreams as well.
But I let the comment fall away for now. I had endless love to give, and I would prove that, day by day, moment by moment. I was wildly attracted to this man, and always had been. Finally, my chance had come. Fate had brought us back together, and fate would see it through to the end.
Under the soft glow of lights, the private jet soothed us both as Jordan sat close, wrapped in my arms and sleeping like an angel. I soaked her in, her breathtaking beauty and auburn hair spilled onto me. The sight thrilled me, and I didn’t bother to fight the smile that pulled at my lips.
“I love you,” I whispered, the words pouring out with ease after all the years of loneliness and pain. I still felt the past anguish filling me with regret. I’d thought I lost her forever, and the thought cut right through me. I was more afraid than I’d let on, but being vulnerable and opening my heart was the only path towards her.
I could have had this years ago. We had lost too much time; time we couldn’t get back. For whatever reason, I hadn’t even tried. I had denied my heart, pushed aside those feelings, and buried them so deeply that it took almost losing her to finally act. Now I wanted nothing more than to make it real, and make her mine.
I realized I should let the past and the what-ifs go, and focus on the moment and the future, which was suddenly filled with such promise.
A voice came from behind the pilot’s doors, announcing our decent. His voice was loud over the sound system. Jordan’s eyes fluttered open and she looked around, assessing her surroundings, then turning to look at me.
“Are you awake?”
“Uh-huh.”
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
We got an early start. My plan had been to arrive before darkness blanketed the tiny island. The fourteen-acre private estate presented many luxuries, but it didn’t offer a landing strip.
The boat dock was consumed by the locals and the privately chartered yachts, and everyone worked in organized chaos. Our representative greeted us and led us to the concierge service, where we were handed over to the captain. The seventy-foot Mistress Luxury Motor yacht would escort us to the island.
Surviving Jordon (Surviving Series Book 3) Page 15