“I love you. I love you. I love you. I couldn’t stop loving you, even if I tried.” It was the truest statement in the world.
“Good.”
“Good?” she prompted, since it was such a funny adjective for what to her was a life-altering moment.
“So good,” he offered raspingly. Sebastian shifted his body to press his cock even harder against her hip and to begin the slow kisses that drove her crazy. “So, so good. Taste so good.” He was mumbling nonsensical words, one syllable per kiss, per lick, per nibble. “Smell so good. Feel so good,” he continued the chant as he explored all the sensitive nerves along her neck, on her collarbone, behind her ear.
She moaned and wiggled, eager for more of the pleasure he offered. Jaya felt herself being lifted and brought to the bedroom. The cool mattress under her, Jaya tried to construct a string of sentences before sheer delirium took over. “Sebastian, I, um, I’m on the pill. I’ve been on it since the first time we were together. Over a month ago.”
He stopped kissing her and looked down with tenderness and love. “What are you saying?”
“I want you with nothing between us,” she said.
Fire blazed in his eyes and his gorgeous face turned fiercely hungry. “Jaya, I’ve never…”
As if he fully realized what was about to happen, Sebastian didn’t even finish his sentence. He pushed away from the bed and stripped his clothes off. His manly perfection and engorged shaft made Jaya’s mouth water with lust. She reached to the back of her halter to remove the dress, but Sebastian shook his head.
“I’m taking care of you, remember?” His seductive smile and sultry voice made her core ache with longing.
“I need you, baby. Inside me. Please.” Jaya didn’t care that she was begging.
“So impatient,” he said while pulling at the tie holding her halter together. Upon release, he carefully peeled the fabric to expose her eager breasts. Jaya’s nipples puckered even more when he growled with his lips so close yet not close enough. She pushed her breasts out and grazed a nipple’s tip over his soft lips, nudging him to open his mouth and take her. Now. Her whimpers filled the room.
And he did, filling his mouth with her breasts, grabbing the other one, and pinching the eager nipple in a way that shot voltage through her body. He moved lower, using his teeth to drag the dress off her body. When the dress was past her hips, he used a hand to slide it off.
Naked but for her soaked panties, Jaya looked down at his stunning beauty. It was so fucking hot, to see his eyes ablaze in the valley between her legs. His sculpted jaw hardened when he slipped the panties off, as if it took enormous effort not to rip the underwear.
When he pressed his tongue at just the right spot, exactly where she needed the pressure to build, Jaya jerked her head back in a tremor of bliss. She began to arch in response to the sensations he unleased, but his hands kept her hips in place. Sebastian licked and kissed her most inflamed depths. And just as she thought the pleasure would turn to pain because it was so acute, he slipped two fingers and curled them up, finding the nerve endings that would unravel at his touch.
The tightness at her center bloomed into an unspeakable ecstasy. Bloomed to encompass all of her. Sebastian continued to kiss her clit and move his fingers to prolong her convulsions. When the orgasm left her panting, trembling in the aftermath of his seduction, he held her gently.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
She nodded. “I’m more than sure.”
He positioned himself over her, cresting the head of his penis against her swollen folds. She tilted her hips at an angle that would take him deep. Jaya was so wet and ready, it only took one thrust for Sebastian’s manhood to fill her completely.
Their eyes met when he was deep inside. He looked almost alarmed. “Jaya, that’s…you feel so good. I’ve never felt this.” He was suddenly too busy to finish his choppy sentences.
He didn’t have to say anything. She felt it too, the connection that was so much more than physical. She felt all of him, every ridge and vein of that perfect curve that fit inside her as if they were made for each other. Sebastian offered her something she didn’t even realize she was missing: love that penetrated body and soul.
Her lover moved slowly at first, the friction enhanced by languid circles. She felt her body respond to each of his erotic promptings. Their mouths crashed and Jaya surrendered to the perfect rhythm of his tongue plunging into her mouth and his penis pounding into her core.
He pulled away from the kiss to lock their gazes. “This is all of me. You have all of me, Jaya.” And the deep gruffness of his earnest words sent her right at the precipice. She was going to fall, and it was going to be glorious.
As her body thrust against him, Sebastian circled his hips with every plunge. The friction turned harder and deeper. Jaya bit into his shoulder to control a sound of satisfaction that was only a fraction of how loud her whole body was screaming. Then, Sebastian let out a low roar. They both detonated. She felt herself filled with his hot seed and the sensation prolonged her blissful spasms.
He collapsed over her, his face in her neck and his body spent. “That was…” he started to say but trailed off.
“Yes,” she managed to respond, which made no sense at all. They chuckled lightly and he lifted his weight off her chest.
They faced each other, side by side, his hand caressing her face. “Thank you,” he whispered in a tone serene and content.
She had to smile because, by her calculation, she should be thanking him. Instead of arguing, though, she said, “Back at you,” with the same tranquil sincerity.
But other words filled Jaya’s mind. A soothing chant so fundamentally part of who she was now, it was as if her body spoke without the need of words. I love you. I love you. I love you.
CHAPTER 18
A row of retired hockey players held court over the sports channel on Saturday night, providing commentary on the slew of games leading up to the playoffs.
“What’s surprising you at this point in the season?” asked the show’s host, Justin Eastwood.
The commentator on his right answered first. “Well, the physical presence of the St. Louis captain Brad Rodriguez is better than ever. He’s supporting a lot of goals and having one of the best seasons of his long career.” While speaking, the station played a video montage of the captain’s hits and scuffles.
“That’s true,” another commentator added. “This has been a season for the veterans. Who knew that Colorado’s Luke Snyder would have the best goals-against average in the league? He’ll be the goalie to watch during the playoffs.” Again, the video feed complemented the statement.
“Y’all love the old guys, but I think we need to remember that the kids are alright!” The only woman of the panel, Olympic gold medalist Alexis Penn, exclaimed. “Two months ago, who would have heard of Sebastian Beaumont? But here is this young centerman playing great and charming the crap out of everybody.”
As she spoke and rattled his stats, a highlight reel played. Sebastian was on a breakaway, approaching with speed towards the Carolina goalie. Something fell from the stands, food debris from a stupid fan hoping to distract the forward surge. Sebastian flicked the empty cup to the side without losing control of the puck. When he scored with a backhand over the goalie’s shoulder, he did a tight fist pump, a quiet celebration punctuated by a beaming smile. Then, he skated around and picked up the disposable cup by flipping it onto the flat part of his blade and playfully bouncing it on his stick. The grin on his face when he handed it over to a referee was an endearing mix of mischief and joy.
The whole panel laughed. The video made the top ten plays of the week, overshadowing Sebastian’s other two goals in the last five games.
***
“August 29th is the garba at a hotel ballroom and the ceremony is on the 30th in the temple,” Jaya confirmed the dates of Rajiv and Lakshmi’s wedding. Sebastian was simultaneously amused and perplexed by her nervousness.
�
�What’s a garba? Like a rehearsal dinner?”
“Nope. Think party the night before the party. You are going to lose your mind over this level of awesomeness. It’s in a hotel ballroom set up to cater Indian street food while you dance barefoot to traditional Indian folk music.”
“Wait. Indian street food? In a hotel?”
“Yup. I just saw the menu my mom ordered. There’ll be stalls at all corners of the ballroom serving appetizer sized food like samosas and panipuri—you know those, right? And pav bhaji.”
“I like samosas.”
“Then you’ll love panipuri. They’re cute little fried discs of dough with different fillings and you dunk the whole thing in chutney. Ah-mazing.”
“And the other thing?”
“Pav bhaji is a vegetable curry and there’ll be a dessert stall too. My mom ordered pistachio and mango ice cream. Because she’s awesome.”
“I’m already losing my mind over this. You just, what, walk the stalls, get food, and then dance?”
“Yup. And then get more food.”
“Alright. So what’s, you know, expected of me?”
“Obviously you’ll have to convert to Hinduism and devote your life to Agni, the fire god. I don’t plan to bring a heathen.”
He might have hiccupped, because that’s what you do when you’re about ninety percent sure your girlfriend is pulling your leg, right?
“I’m kidding! Bring your most comfortable button-up shirt and pants. Because this kind of dancing might be equivalent to going into double overtime. And, I’m just warning you, it’s kind of a big event.”
“What, like a few hundred people?”
“Try over five hundred.”
“What?! I don’t even know a fraction of that many people.”
“You would assume that knowing the couple is a prerequisite for being invited. You would be wrong,” she said wryly. In a warmer voice, she continued, “It’s a big community and family will be arriving from all over the world.”
“I saw the wedding website. They’re both gorgeous.”
“I’ll let Rajiv know you think he’s hot,” she promised.
“Better yet, I’ll tell him myself tomorrow night.”
Rajiv was travelling to Miami for a pharmaceutical conference. When Sebastian heard, he insisted on getting the guy hockey tickets or meeting him for dinner. Or both. She didn’t commit to the obligation but promised to forward his number if her brother felt like making arrangements. Rajiv called almost immediately.
“I can’t believe my brother will be hanging out with you and I’m not,” she said regretfully while putting away her calendar.
“The Columbus trip is around the corner.” His words were muffled by the sound of chicken and vegetables stir-frying. His dinner.
“I know. I can’t wait.” Sebastian heard longing and excitement in her words, but something else too. If he didn’t know better, he might have called it dread.
“How are things with the community center? My agent said the videos are getting some traction with corporate sponsorship.”
“He’s right. Local sponsorship is picking up. Not as quickly as I would hope. But I do have good news…”
“Yeah?”
“Maybe not good news exactly, but a promising lead,” she sounded almost nervous but continued. “There’s a program that started in California but expanding nationally. They’re doing something similar to what we talked about. Their mission is teen empowerment, focusing on consent and self-confidence. I emailed a recruiter, and they want me to send my resume.”
“Jaya, that’s fantastic news!”
“As soon as things settle down here and I get a good replacement, I’m doing it. Even if not with that non-profit organization, I see how I might, you know, start the next phase. I was thinking of reaching out to Dr. Glynnis Sanditon. Do you know her?”
“She’s married to the Thrashers goalie, Andre Dejeuner. I should have thought about connecting you earlier since she works with youth sports. You would love her. I went to the reception the Thrashers put together when they got married. Our team gift was a big check for her charity. Something about scholarships for an annual girls' hockey camp. But, like, a cool one, you know? With empowerment stuff.”
“Empowerment stuff?” she repeated, amused and riveted.
“You know what I mean. Let me email her.”
“No! Don’t. I’ll reach out to her. I don’t want her to meet me just because I know someone from the team. Let me figure out what I’ll say first, and I’ll reach out.”
“Just promise me you’ll keep your options open. The FCC will get its renovation money one way or another. That shouldn’t stop you from pursuing something like this.” Sebastian was increasingly worried that Jaya would give up too quickly on her idea. He wanted this for her.
“I promise. Thanks, Sebastian. That’s what I love about you.”
“You mean everything?”
“Yes, of course!” she chimed. “But especially the way you look out for me and value my choices. I’ve never had anyone do that before.” Her voice softened, sounding almost timid.
“I’m sorry to hear that, sweetheart. You deserve to be supported in every way.” Sebastian’s heart swelled. He was pleased to be the first to give her this level of encouragement.
He added, “You’ll also have a clearer sense of those choices when you have some distance from the community center. So whatever you need, I’m here for you.” Was that too much of a hint? Too much like, Jaya, come here. Here, where I am. Figure out your next phase in Florida. Where I can support you and love you every fucking day.
They talked of mundane things. Sebastian and Jaya welcomed each other into their routines. Keeping up with everyday struggles and joys, as two people who loved each other but lived apart tried their hardest to do.
They steered towards the topic of his last game, analyzing the power play opportunities offered to Sebastian. His game had never been better. He was gelling with the team as a dynamic centerman. True to form, Sebastian’s flexibility in offensive roles was used to the team’s advantage. And when it came to his physical presence, they didn’t call him a “power forward" for nothing.
“And that special shout out from Alexis Penn! Fuck yeah!” she exclaimed, referencing his top ten play of the week.
“The guys are ribbing me hard.”
“They’re jealous because they aren’t nearly as cool as you. It reminded me of…” she said but stopped abruptly. “Never mind.”
“C’mon, Jaya. Don’t leave me hanging, sweetheart.”
She sighed. “No making fun of me, OK? And no gloating either!”
“Well, I can only agree to one of those.”
She snorted before continuing. “I was going to say that before we were together, I remember seeing you on television after a goal and thinking—this guy looks the way I felt when I played hockey.”
The words were simple, but they struck him as profound. As if they carried a precious bundle of memories and emotions she laid at his feet. He didn’t know how to respond so he waited in silence. “With the video playing on a loop, everyone is seeing what I see when you play.”
“Which is?” He was holding his breath, so the words came out as a murmur.
“Passion. Joy. Love.”
He was momentarily speechless. Because in three words she captured exactly the essence of why he played. “Do you miss playing hockey, Jaya?”
“Yes and no. I’ve found other passions and other joys. I didn’t bring it up to talk about myself. I guess this is a longwinded way of saying, I hope you always feel that way, Sebastian. That the game is an extension of you—brimming with life and happiness. Even when I watch you fight, it’s perfectly obvious to me that there isn’t a malicious bone in your body. That it’s simply part of throwing yourself into every aspect of the game you love. Does that make sense?”
He felt both humbled and overwhelmed. It was as if she captured a fact so fundamental about him, so deeply ingrained
in his bones and etched in his soul, he didn’t ever need to find the words to describe it. But she did. Of course she did. No one understood Sebastian like Jaya. She fueled him. Not in the way one expects of fans or family. It wasn’t his ego she was stroking, it was his passion. It was his love.
Abruptly, Jaya had to end the call. She was rushing to a volunteer event. Saying goodbye, after she laid him bare like that, sucked.
These quick chats with Jaya, between dinner or during chores, were about as satisfying as the lazy, drawn-out conversations they had after going to bed when they sometimes forgot to hang up. Which was to say, they sustained but did not satisfy. They were, he supposed, fine. Healthy. Like a salad.
But at some point, you’ll want the taste of a steak. At some point, you’ll crave a classic all-dressed baked potato or a fancy dessert. Jaya was all of that. The whole damn meal he couldn’t have.
Fuck, he missed her.
***
Rajiv Patel was already waiting for him in the private booth of one of Miami’s top-rated fusion restaurants, owned by the winner of some Food Network show. Sebastian was starving and nervous. Top-rated or not, that chef better fill his plate and that bartender better pour.
They shook hands warmly, if somewhat hesitantly. Rajiv was almost six feet tall, a few inches shorter than Sebastian. He was lean, his handshake strong, and his skin as fine as his sister’s. Their eyes were hauntingly similar. Like Jaya, Rajiv’s eyes took up most of his handsome face, though his chocolate irises had shades of onyx while Jaya’s had specks of nearly-golden hazel.
“Can I start you off with drinks?” the waitress asked.
Sebastian ordered a beer. Rajiv asked for an extra dirty martini and went ahead with his dinner order. Unapologetically, he said to Sebastian, “I’m starving.” The hockey player couldn’t agree more. He ordered too.
Before walking away, the waitress offered a healthy dose of flirtation, touching Rajiv’s arm and leaning forward to give them both a view of her cleavage.
The Love Campaign (Romantic Revelations Series Book 1) Page 21