All You'll Ever Need

by Sharon C. Cooper

  “Come with me.” Zack pulled Jada toward the bathroom, ignoring her protests. Once inside he closed and locked the door. “Okay, I’m ready for one of my birthday presents.”

  “Here? Right now?” Jada laughed as he backed her up against the door. “By the way, how do you know you have more than one gift?”

  “Because you said presents with a ‘s’.”

  She smirked. “Figures you’d catch that.” She moaned and held onto to his biceps when he nuzzled the sensitive spot behind her ear and placed kisses down her neck. “If I give you one of your gifts now, then you’ll probably kick everyone out before they’re ready to leave. And then you’ll insist on your other presents. So, I think not.” She weakly pushed against him.

  “Ah, so there is more than one present,” he mumbled against her shoulder blade, his hands moving slowly down her body until he reached the hidden snap keeping her dress closed. Lifting his head, Zack took a small step back and unwrapped the present he knew would be his favorite. He opened her wrap dress. His breath hitched and his heart hammered against his chest when his gaze traveled down the length of her luscious body. Good Lord. Her perky breasts were bare and the only garment she had on underneath was the sexiest garter belt he’d ever seen holding up her thigh-high nylons.

  Happy birthday to me.

  Jada pouted, her hands on her hips forced her breasts to jut out more. “You’ve just ruined one of your birthday surprises.”

  He could barely speak from the dryness in his mouth. “How do you figure that?” He dug a condom out of his wallet, unable to peel his gaze from her curvy body. She had no idea how hard she was making him. “You’ve been walking around this party with nothing on but a garter belt and nylons. Damn, baby. You are the best birthday present I’ve ever received. Had I known you were hiding all of this, we would’ve been in here hours ago.”

  Jada rolled her eyes, but he wasn’t fooled by her mock disappointment. She wanted this impromptu tryst as much as he did. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be still standing there with her goodies on display.

  Zack felt like a kid in a candy store with all of his favorite treats vying for his attention. “I’m just trying to figure out where I’ll start.” But his gaze kept drifting to the black, lacy garter belt holding up her thigh-high nylons enhancing the “V” between her thighs.

  “Lose the dress, sweetheart.” She hesitated for a moment, but then pushed away from the door and allowed the soft material to slowly slide down her body and tumble to the floor. “My God, woman, you’re absolutely breathtaking.”

  ***

  Jada had never been shy about her body and felt comfortable in the nude, especially with the way Zack perused her body. In trying to decide the perfect birthday gift, she had come up with the commando idea at the last minute. Good thing too. Never had a man made her feel so sexy and desirable. All night she wondered what he would think, but his reaction turned out better than she could have imagined. Watching him, watch her with his mouth open and his eyes brimming with desire, priceless.

  Zack stepped back and hurried out of his shirt and pants, leaving them in a heap in the middle of the floor. The man was perfection with or without clothing. His hard, muscular body demanded her attention and her gaze automatically gravitated to his erection. Liquid heat soared through her body and settled between her thighs as he slowly, torturously took his time rolling on the condom.

  “Normally I like to take things slow when it comes to you.” He backed her up against a wall. “But the way you’re looking in that garter belt, those silky nylons and those sexy ass shoes….” His words trailed off, and his mouth covered hers in a deep, hunger-filled kiss. She gripped his shoulders, fearing that her legs wouldn’t hold her up with the way his tongue plunged in and out of her mouth. His kiss grew more demanding while his hard body grinded against hers.

  “Mmm, I want you so bad,” he growled, showering kisses on her cheek, along her jawline and down her neck.

  A whimper escaped Jada’s throat when he nudged her thighs apart, and his hand glided over her sex, his thumb teasing her clit. A burning desire flooded her body, and her knees trembled when he increased the pressure.

  “You like that?” He nipped at her bottom lip.

  “Yes,” she said breathlessly, her mind swirling from the pleasure.

  With the precision of a sharpshooter, Zack slipped his finger inside her opening, and Jada’s breath caught when he slid in a second one. Stomach quivering, she clenched her thighs around his hand as she dug her nails into his shoulders. Pulse pounding, she caught the rhythm of his hand and moved with him, the sweet torment he was inflicting was almost unbearable.

  She would never get enough of him. Every day, sex with him got more intense, more adventurous. She groaned his name. His nimble fingers circled her inner core, gliding in and out of her slick heat. Taunting. Teasing. Torturing her with masterful strokes, he increased his speed. Her breaths grew labored as the pressure built. She held on tighter. Her moves grew jerky, and as if sensing her release, Zack covered her mouth with his, smothering the scream of his name from her lips. A dizzying wave of pleasure seized her, and she jerked against his hand when everything within her exploded into a thousand little pieces.

  “Zack,” she cried, wilting against him, unable to stop the aftershocks from overpowering her body. But before she could catch her breath, he hoisted her into his arms. Her legs automatically went around his waist and without preamble, he buried himself deep inside her.

  “Oh yeah,” he growled and moved her up and down on his length. “That’s it, baby.” He picked up speed. Harder and faster, he was relentless, his length growing thicker as he went deeper. Jada gripped the back of his short hair, her eyes closed as she hung on for the ride. Teetering on the edge herself, she knew Zack wasn’t far behind. As the pressure within her grew, she squeezed her thighs together, her interior walls holding him, clutching him, pulling him in deeper until he exploded inside her.

  He held her tight, bracing her between him and the wall as they collapsed against each other. Neither could speak. Heavy breaths were the only sound inside the bathroom. Oh crap, the bathroom! Horrified that someone might have heard them she released a low groan and dropped her head onto Zack’s shoulder.

  “That was the best present ever,” he panted against her neck.

  Men.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Jada couldn’t remember the last time she invited a guy to Sunday brunch. For the Jenkins Family, Sunday brunch was a big deal. Not only was it a time that the whole family came together, but if you were invited to attend, you were considered family.

  Jada also couldn’t ever remember being so nervous waiting for one of her guests to show up. Spending the night and making love to Zack every day had her walking around in lalaland.

  “Did Zack say when he and Craig would be here?” Toni asked as she carried a glass dish loaded with smothered sweet potatoes to the counter closest to the pantry. At almost seven months pregnant, she looked as if she were carrying a basketball under her T-shirt.

  “They left ten minutes ago. So I think they should be here soon.” Jada blocked Toni’s path, stopping her midstride as Toni carried a pan of dinner rolls to the designated counter. “Didn’t Gramma tell you to sit down somewhere and let us do this?”

  Toni glared at her. “I’m pregnant not helpless, so move.”

  “And you’re evil,” Jada mumbled and moved to the refrigerator to grab a couple of two-liter bottles of white soda. Before pregnancy, even if she did rope Jada into some of her shenanigans, her cousin was one of the fun ones. Now that Toni was married to Craig, a police detective, they didn’t get into as much trouble. Her pregnancy probably had a lot to do with that fact too.

  Jada glanced at the clock on the microwave. Zack had called to check in with her and make sure that it was still okay for his friend from New York to attend. Her grandparents loved entertaining and felt the more the merrier. She’d waited all season to invite Zack over and finally h
is team had a bye-week, giving the players four days in a row off.

  “Jada, your man is here,” Peyton announced glancing out the window over the sink.

  Christina stood at the window next to Peyton but quickly moved away. “I didn’t know Zack was bringing his friend.” She ran her hands feverishly through her large mass of curls. “How do I look?” She turned to her sister.

  Peyton stared at her and frowned. “Why do you care? Do you know him?”

  “I met him last night.” She smoothed out her salmon color chiffon top. “He seems like a nice guy.”

  “Well, I guess he must be if you’re checking and rechecking yourself,” Peyton said and took another look out the window.

  “And it doesn’t hurt that the brother is fine!” Toni chimed in, still moving dishes around.

  Jada decided to help Toni move some of the dishes. “Luke is a friend of theirs from New York. I think Zack said he’s a lawyer. He’s visiting for a few days and might be moving to Cincinnati.”

  “Why would anyone leave New York to come to Cincinnati?” Martina strolled into the kitchen. “I know it’s crazy expensive to live there, but still.”

  “Well, when he comes in, you can ask him.” Peyton dried her hands and went to the refrigerator. Pulling out the bowl of potato salad, she set it on the counter and then handed a huge tossed salad to Martina.

  “Oh and Jada, Gramma said that you, CJ and Auntie Kay have clean up duty.”

  “What?” Jada didn’t miss the gleam in Martina’s eye or the smirk on her face.

  “Hey, I’m just the messenger. I don’t know what you two did, but I bet I won’t be nowhere near this kitchen after everyone eats.”

  Jada’s breath caught when Zack strolled into the room carrying three bags of ice. Even after several months, just the sight of him did wicked things to her. And when he smiled, flashing those sexy dimples, he took her breath away.

  Peyton directed him and Craig to the extra coolers near the door that led to the garage.

  “Hey sweetheart,” Zack said pulling her into his arms. “I’ve missed you.” Jada wrapped her arms around his neck, loving the feel of his hard, muscular body against hers. He brushed a tender kiss against her cheek before claiming her mouth.

  “Hi,” she mumbled against his lips. “I’ve missed you too.”

  “Ahem.” Someone cleared their throat. Jada wasn’t sure who, but she slowly pulled away. Zack kept one arm around her back.

  Zack introduced Luke to Peyton, while Craig ushered Toni out of the kitchen. Luke shook Peyton’s hand and then turned to Christina. It was clear to anyone in the room watching that something sensuous transferred between the two. Jada also didn’t miss the way Christina smiled shyly at the handsome man, who was definitely her cousin’s type. Dark skin, hair cut low with a little scruff on his jaw and chin. He was tall with a look that said he probably grew up on the streets, but some serious education had knocked the edge off of him. Christina always went for the intelligent, bad boy types.

  They all stood around talking in the large kitchen as other family members filtered in and out preparing their plates. With over five thousand square feet of space, there was plenty of room in her grandparent’s mini-mansion for everyone.

  An hour into the brunch and Jada was ready to leave so she could be with Zack. Now that she’d had a taste of what it would be like to wake up in his arms, there was no other place she’d rather be. What started as a goal to find a wealthy man to provide her with the type of life that she’d always dreamed of, had turned into so much more.

  “If you keep looking at me like that, I’m going to throw you over my shoulders and find an empty bedroom … or bathroom.” Zack’s deep voice penetrated her thoughts. When she didn’t respond, unable to because of the fantasy those few words created, he placed his hand at the small of her back. “What’s wrong?” Standing closer, shielding her from the others in the room. “Did something happen?”

  She shook her head. When he spoke against her ear, his arm around her now, she couldn’t help but remember his hard body pressed against hers in the bathroom the night before.

  “I’m fine,” she croaked and cleared her throat.

  “You don’t look fine. Do you need something to drink?”

  “A glass of white wine would be good.” Actually, a shot of Tequila would have been better, but she kept that to herself.

  Sunday brunch was as lively as usual with the men watching football and the women discussing the latest reality shows. Occasionally Jada checked on Zack, stole a kiss, and roamed around the house to see if anyone needed anything. Her heart sang with delight during family times. Especially, when everyone was eating, laughing, and having a good time. Too often, she took her family for granted, but there were times like now that she felt blessed to be a Jenkins.

  Hours later Jada and Martina washed the pots and pans that weren’t able to fit in the dishwasher.

  “Okay, so what gives? Why are you helping in here when you had clean up duty last week?” she asked Martina. “Just so you know, I’m not paying you this time. The last time I did, you half did the job, and I had clean up duty for two Sundays straight.”

  Martina laughed, which unnerved Jada. Normally her cousin had something smart to say. “Don’t trip. You don’t owe me anything, this time.”

  “Why? You don’t just do stuff for me out of the goodness of your heart. I know it’s going to cost me one way or the other.”

  “Would you relax? Your debt has been paid.”

  Jada dropped her hand in the dishwater, not caring that some of the water splashed on her apron. “You can’t pay a debt I don’t have, MJ! So what are you talking about?”

  “Your boyfriend promised me two tickets to the Cincinnati and Bears game in a couple of weeks.”

  “Why?”

  “Well, I guess I might have asked for the tickets.”

  “MJ!”

  “Keep it down.” She shoved Jada, almost causing her to lose her balance. “He said I can have the tickets under two conditions. One, I fill in for Christina and help you clean up so that she can hang out with his friend, Luke. And two, you have to attend the football game with me.” Martina grabbed the dishtowel and wiped down the counter around the sink.

  Jada stared at her cousin, unable to keep the smirk from spreading across her lips. “Ahh, so you need me, again.”

  “Come on, JJ. You know I’m not too proud to beg, but you need to think about this.”

  “Why? There’s nothing in it for me. You know I don’t want to sit out in thirty- degree weather watching grown men run up and down the field, trying to knock the crap out of each other.”

  “Do it for Zack.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Girl, do I have to explain everything to you?” Martina put her hands on her hips. “He wants you to go to one of his games. If the rumors about him retiring after this season are true, then he’s not going to have many more games left. You need to attend at least one of them. Might as well be the one, I’ll be at.” She flashed Jada one of her goofy smiles.

  Zack had asked Jada before if she wanted to attend a couple of his games, but he never made it seem like a big deal whether she agreed to attend or not. So she never did.

  “MJ, your mom is looking for you.” Kirsten, Jada’s mother, walked in with a large trash bag and sat it near the door that led out to the garage. “She said she’s ready to go.”

  “And she said that she’s ready to go – now.” Katherine Jenkins, their grandmother, added when she entered the kitchen with two glass pitchers.

  “I can’t wait until she gets her car fixed,” Martina grumbled. She turned back to Jada. “The game is in a couple of weeks. Are you in?” Jada nodded. If Zack wanted her there, she’d be there. “Cool! I’ll give you the exact date soon. I’m sure you’re going to want to start picking out the perfect outfit.” Jada shot the dishtowel at her and stuck out her tongue.

  “When are you two going to grow up?” Their grandmo
ther shook her head and set the pitchers down.

  “So Mama Jenkins, did Jada tell you that she’s moving in with her new boyfriend?” Kirsten asked when they were the only three left in the kitchen.

  Jada wanted to find the nearest dumpster to hide behind when her grandmother raised an inquiring eyebrow. Apparently, Kirsten Jenkins wasn’t done with expressing her disapproval. All evening Jada had found her mother eyeing her and Zack.

  “No, actually I haven’t had a chance to chat with my baby lately.” Jada smiled when her grandmother bumped hips with her, clearly trying to ease some of the tension between Jada and her mother.

  There was always something so calming about being in her grandmother’s presence, which was probably why most of the family members confided in her. Jada still hadn’t made a decision about moving in with Zack, but she wanted to. She wanted to wake up to him every morning and fall asleep in his arms every night.

  “I’ll go and check the rest of the house and make sure there are no plates and glasses lying around. Maybe you’ll be able to talk some sense into your granddaughter.” Kirsten left Jada and her grandmother alone.

  “Your young man seems to be very nice.” Her grandmother prompted. “Tell me his name again.”

  “Zack, Zachary Anderson.” Jada dried her hands on a dry towel and laid it on the counter. “I met him at Toni and Craig’s wedding reception.” The last three months had gone by so fast.

  “I remember seeing the two of you dancing. I’m surprised you hadn’t invited him to Sunday brunch before today.”

  “I did. Playing professional football doesn’t allow for many Sundays off. Today is his first Sunday off since we’ve been dating.”

  “Well, I’m glad he made it today.” Her grandmother grabbed a Tupperware container from out of a cabinet. “He seems quite taken with you. Even when your dad and uncles were talking to him about football today, his gaze followed you around the room.”

  A smile played around Jada’s lips. She had to admit that Zack was very attentive, and she loved the attention.