Forsaking All Others (7 page)

“My lips are all yours, to do with as you please.”

“I hope you mean that.” Jessica wrapped herself up in the strength of his arms. Knowing she was right where she belonged caused her heart to rejoice.

Weston kissed the tip of Jessica's nose. “I try not to say anything I don't mean.”

“I like that. We should never say anything we don't mean.” She lazed her knuckles down the side of his face as she claimed his mouth again. “Once the evening quiets down, we should slip away to the cabin. You think?”

“Most definitely. I love being alone with you.”

“Go ahead and join the others. I'll follow in a minute.” Jessica needed a minute to regroup. Besides that, she didn't want them returning together.

Weston started for the door, only to turn around. “This doesn't feel right to me. I have a suggestion. Willing to hear me out?”

“No doubt.”

“Why don't we just tell our families we're trying to establish a bond to see where it takes us? We can ask them to let us go at our own pace, without any interference from them. Can we at least consider it?”

Jessica grinned. “I like your suggestion, but I want to do it separately. You tell your family and I'll tell mine, at an opportune time. Good enough?”

“Perfect.” He took her hands in his and kissed her forehead. “See you in a few minutes. Don't give my heart time to get lonely.”

Jessica winked. “You got it. Now move it, buddy.”

Closing her eyes tightly, Jessica leaned back against the sink, wishing her heart would stop this wild ride. Weston caused such crazy feelings to stir inside her. He was the only man ever to make her heart rate soar. She didn't want to think about the arrival of January third, but it was hard not to ponder.

Jessica didn't look forward to leaving Weston behind. She loathed the very thought. The man was in her blood hotly. Admitting her deep feelings for him was sweetly unbearable. The song “Ain't No Sunshine” suddenly came to mind, causing her to shrink within. She had to get back to the others, but first she had to pull herself together.

Jessica immediately got caught up in all the hoopla as she walked back into the room. Everyone was caught up in wrapping the gifts and having fun accomplishing it. Laughter and animated chatter abounded.

The large red bow Sahara had placed in her hair caused Jessica to laugh. It reminded her of how their parents used to wrap her and Jennifer in bright ribbons and place bows in the center of their foreheads. The girls were often told they were the best presents their parents had ever received. All the family holidays were special ones. Jessica missed both sets of grandparents, who had died. Their presence during the holidays had made the festivities even more special.

Jessica discreetly wiped the sentimental moisture from her eyes. She hadn't acted quickly enough. Weston had already spotted the sparkle of tears. He instantly came to her side. Taking her in his arms to comfort her was thwarted. He didn't want to embarrass her. Until they told their families about their plans, they'd just have to cool it.

A loud honking sound caught Jessica's and Weston's attention. Roman held a toy car in his hand. Sounds of a baby crying came next. Sahara was playing with a baby doll. Samuel turned on a switch to a monkey manically playing a set of drums. Everyone fell into peals of laughter. Jennifer had fun putting the jump rope into commission.

Since everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, Weston and Jessica decided also to pick out favorite toys. The bright red fire engine, equipped with all sorts of bells and whistles, caught Weston's eye. Jessica quickly became enamored with a stuffed white polar bear. It reminded her of the fluffy white one she had been given as a child.

Polo Bear had been Jessica's favorite toy, a security blanket of sorts—and she still had it. Polo Bear's permanent sleeping place was the comfortable chair in her bedroom, but there were times when it found its way into her bed.

Once the group had their fill of the toys, the wrapping duties were resumed.

Sweaters had also been purchased, along with jackets, pajamas, robes and slippers. Weston collected the money throughout the year for his charity cause in various ways, but he also gave a big chunk of his own money. Everyone was pleased he had invited them along to help deliver the gifts on Christmas Eve.

Seated on the sofa in the cabin, Weston held Jessica in his arms. Although it was long after midnight, they'd only been alone less than an hour. It had been harder to slip away than anticipated. All the fun at the town house had made it difficult to leave. The two families had gotten into a real party mode. Sahara and Roman had put on their seventies CDs and the dance grooves were on. Their folks were still dancing when both the younger couples had left.

Weston made sure Jessica was comfortable before he opened the long, slender book, written in large, bold print. He couldn't believe what he was about to do. Read to a woman, something he hadn't ever done before. He wasn't sure where the idea had come from, but the book of Christmas stories had somehow gotten left behind in the cabin. There was something sensual about reading to Jessica and he took in a deep breath before beginning “The Night Before Christmas.”

Jessica loved the very idea, thrilled at Weston reading to her. It was a novelty for her, an extremely enjoyable one. His voice alone, deep and mesmerizing, made the reading interesting. Although it was a story she had heard hundreds of times, she had never heard it done in such an artistic manner. Every single word was pronounced clearly and distinctively. It was as if Weston were onstage delivering aloud a dramatic reading to an attentive audience. But she was his only listener—and she loved the way he held her completely spellbound.

Once Weston finished the moving story, he handed the book to Jessica. “Read something to me.” With that said, he laid his head upon her shoulder.

Jessica chose a more biblical-based story, the birth of baby Jesus. In a matter of seconds she had proved that she was also quite a storyteller. He was enchanted by how softly yet expressively she spoke. Even though he wasn't looking at her, her emotions were easy to discern. He could tell the story had tapped into her soul.

After Jessica finished her read, she closed the book and laid it on the coffee table.

Weston drew Jessica in closer to him, smoothing her hair back from her forehead. Her slight tremors let him know she was affected emotionally. There was something special about that. He loved compassion in a woman. Jessica seemed to have lots of empathy to go along with her other appealing characteristics. “If you could have anything you wanted for Christmas, what would you ask for?”

“For hunger and poverty to be abolished,” she said without the slightest hesitation. “Then joy for the world and peace and contentment for everyone.” Jessica giggled softly. “Then I'd plead for lots of diamonds, a navy convertible Mercedes Benz and a different wardrobe to cover every day of the year. Is that selfish or what?” Tilting her head, Jessica looked up at him and smiled. “What about you? What do you want?”

“I'd ask for the same things you did, peace and joy and for hunger and poverty to cease to exist.” His eyes softened, darkening at the same time. “I'd ask for you to love me, only me, for always and forever.” Weston licked his lips. “You are my diamonds and Mercedes Benz. I'd be wealthy because of your love. If a man can get the woman he loves to love him back, he shouldn't ask for more.”

Jessica felt breathless, her heart thumping wildly inside her chest. Her palms felt sweaty, her limbs trembling. Had this beautiful man just confessed his love to her? Had she heard him right? Was it just wishful thinking because it was something she desperately wanted? Jessica knew that she wanted Weston to love her the same way she loved him.
Yes, I do love him, with all my heart and soul.

Totally knocked off-kilter by how easily she had admitted her love for Weston, Jessica found herself astounded yet again. It was hard to keep from hyperventilating. Admitting her love to him was a horse of a totally different color. Jessica wasn't sure she could put her heart out there like that again. The fear of him trampling on it was a real possibility, a serious threat to her serenity.

Weston lifted Jessica's chin with two fingers, kissing her softly on the mouth, repeatedly. His lips tenderly caressed her cheeks, nose and eyelids. Her ears then became the target of his moist tongue. Weston pulled his head back and gazed into Jessica's eyes. “In case you're wondering, I
do
love you. I
was
confessing my love to you.”

Jessica closed her eyes and desperately tried to catch her breath. The moment was so surreal that she wanted to pinch herself. But she was awake and aware. She had never been more aware of the here and now. The moment was breathtaking. No man, other than Roman, had ever told her he loved her. Weston's confession meant everything to her.

It wasn't every day a woman had the man she loved love her back. Even though Jessica didn't think she should confess her love to Weston so soon this was the ultimate season for lovers. And she was madly in love with him. “I love you, too.”

Jessica and Weston sealed their confessions with a flurry of staggering kisses.

At 3:00 a.m. Jessica awakened with a start. Looking at the clock caused her to shriek inwardly. Weston was completely knocked out; his head nestled in her lap. What was she to do? More importantly, how was she to explain this to her parents? There were only a few hours until daybreak; she had nearly spent the night in Weston's cabin. Although their parents desperately wanted them to come together, they might be embarrassed by the inconsiderate behavior.

Wakening Weston just to get up from the sofa had Jessica wishing they hadn't fallen off to sleep. He looked so peaceful. But she had to get back to the town house, so Jessica shook him gently.

Weston's eyes opened slowly. Seeing Jessica made him smile. “Hi, there.” He then shot straight up. “Oh my God, what time is it?”

“My sentiments exactly.” Frowning, Jessica pointed at the clock. “If you think I'm not in hot water with my folks, you'd better think again. I have to go.”

Weston got to his feet. “Wait until I splash some water on my face.”

“Don't bother. I'll see you later. I've really got to run.”

“Not without me. If there is any explaining, we do it together. We're totally innocent. We simply fell asleep, so calm down. No one can fault us for that. Every day in Aspen has been action packed.”

Jessica took a deep breath. “You're right. I think our parents understand. Besides, we're adults, living on our own. Still, we should go just out of respect.”

Roman and Sahara and Sandra and Jacque were still up when Jessica and Weston crept in. Roman jumped to his feet when his daughter appeared. None of the parents appeared overly concerned or at all anxious.

Weston immediately began to explain what had happened, taking total responsibility.

Jessica didn't think he should shoulder all the blame. She would back him up. “This is no one's fault. We were just tired enough to fall asleep,” she explained. “Sorry if we embarrassed you guys. It wasn't our intent.”

“That you're both safe is all we care about,” Roman said. “We haven't been sitting up waiting for you two, just catching up. Our evening hadn't come to an end.” Jacque nodded. “You two are responsible adults. Your moms weren't even worried. In case you've forgotten, we were young once, too. Did you have a good time?”

Weston looked over at Jessica in a questioning manner. She immediately understood the query. It was time for them to explain. Although they had decided to speak on it individually, the timing couldn't be more perfect. Once he received her nodding approval, he summoned her to take a seat—and he did the same.

“Jessica and I know you guys want us to get together. We have resisted it, up until now. We are extremely interested in each other and we do plan to see where it goes.” That was an understatement, but he wasn't ready to reveal more. “All we ask is that you give us space to do our own thing, at our own pace. Please, no pressure or any expectations for us. Can you guys do that?”

“Absolutely,” Roman said. “I believe I'm speaking for us all.” The others nodded in agreement. However, the four parents failed terribly at hiding their excitement despite the valiant attempt. Euphoria was all over their smiling faces.

Feeling good about how things had gone down, Weston stood and reached for Jessica's hand. “That's settled, so you can walk me out. We need to get some sleep even if our parents are outdistancing us.”

Everyone laughed.

Jessica was thrilled to step outside with Weston for a proper and passionate good-night kiss. This was the beginning of something special for them. Both were eager to see how far their feelings would go. The issue of distance remained, but they weren't dwelling on that for now. They still had time to figure out everything.

I
nside the One of a Kind Boutique, located in the center of downtown Aspen, Jennifer sat quietly, sipping on a cup of hot tea. As she patiently waited for Jessica to come out of the dressing room, she wondered what designer creation she'd wear next. The two sisters had been shopping for nearly two hours. This was the last store on the list.

The formal-wear boutique owners, three biological sisters, generously offered refreshments daily to their customers. The upscale boutique proudly boasted a vast collection of original one-of-a-kind designer creations.

Shopping in special boutiques for formal wear was exciting and fun for Jessica and Jennifer. Jessica had brought along an evening gown, but it wasn't what a woman in love wore on a special-occasion date with the man of her dreams.

Although Jennifer was satisfied with her dress, she was having loads of fun helping her sister choose the perfect formal. Besides Weston, Jennifer was the only person who knew that Jessica had fallen in love.

Sahara and Sandra were also out on a shopping spree. Instead of looking for clothes, they were scouting specialty stores for unique gifts for hard-to-buy-for spouses. The four men had left early in the morning to tackle the slopes of freshly fallen snow.

Jennifer gasped as Jessica stepped out of the dressing room. Jessica had only achieved a half pirouette before Jennifer decided it was the perfect dress for the New Year's Eve gala. Her sister looked like a million bucks in the gown. Jessica could easily pass for royalty.

The red-hot, floor-length gown Jessica modeled had been fashioned in a winter-white silk crepe, beautifully highlighted with shimmering mother-of-pearl sequins. The dress hugged every one of Jessica's luscious curves, outlining her firm breasts in a flattering way. The fit was absolutely perfect. It looked as if her figure had been melted down and then poured into the gown.

Several customers had gathered around Jessica to get a closer look at the gown. Jessica was thrilled that she had first dibs on it. If she decided to make the purchase, no one else in Aspen would show up at the gala wearing a duplicate. A few more twists and turns in front of the mirror helped Jessica make the final decision. “Ring it up,” she called out to the store clerk.

Jennifer looked pleased. “I'm glad about your choice. It's perfect for you. Wes won't be able to take his eyes off you. You look stunning, baby sister!”

“Thank you, Jen. That was sweet. It
is
stunning. I feel like a dream.”

“You look like a dream, every man's dream come true,” the store clerk voiced. “We received this marvelous creation this morning. You're the first person to try it on. Congratulations on a wonderful One of a Kind find!”

“That seals the deal. The dress was made for me,” Jessica gushed. “I promise to wear it proudly and tell everyone where I purchased it.”

“That's kind of you. Word of mouth is the best advertisement. The gown on you is a walking endorsement for us. By the way, my name is Mary Moore. My sisters, Maria and Marsha, are co-owners.”

“Nice to meet you, Mary,” Jessica and Jennifer said in unison, laughing afterward. The Harrington sisters also shared their first and last names with Mary.

“Do you have the right kind of shoes?” Mary asked Jessica.

“No to go with this. Any recommendations?”

“I'll be right back.” Mary disappeared into a back room.

Jessica shrugged. “They don't sell shoes, do they?”

“I didn't see any on display,” Jennifer responded.

Mary returned with a catalog and handed it to Jessica. “You can find the perfect shoes for your dress in there. If we phone in an order today, I can have them in time for your holiday event.”

Jessica handed the catalog to Jennifer. “Start looking while I change out of the dress. I'll only be a couple of minutes.”

“Sure thing.” With that said, Jennifer began flipping through the catalog.

The resort weight room was fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, the best money could buy. Jessica had finished with the weight machines and was now on the stationary bike. She planned to work out on the treadmill before using the wet sauna and hot tub. She felt hot and sweaty and had already reached her target heart rate. That made her feel really good.

Jessica thought she was alone in the workout room until she heard a noise. She turned with a start, surprised to see Weston there, dressed in dark sweats. Because her body glistened with sweat, she was pretty sure she didn't smell pleasant. That slightly embarrassed her. “Hi. I didn't expect to see you in here.”

Weston took a cursory glance around the place. “We just got back from skiing so a soak in the hot tub might keep my leg muscles from tightening. Want the rest of why I'm here?”

Jessica laughed. “Sure.”

“I called the town house. Jennifer said you were here. I then recalled your plan to work out after shopping.” With his eyes fastened on her, he walked over to the bike. Removing the white towel from around his neck, he patted dry the moisture on her face and shoulders. “Are you about through?”

“Not quite. I plan to use the hot tub, but the wet sauna is next.”

“I can benefit from the sauna, too. Mind if I join you?”

There was no way to discreetly raise her arms and smell her pits. She'd love to share the sauna and hot tub with Weston, but her sweaty scent was a strong deterrent. She didn't want to turn him off. Her desire was to keep him turned-on.

“Don't worry about how you smell. It's a natural one. We all sweat, honey.”

“Mind reader, huh?”

“Expression reader. Your face has a way of telling all.” He leaned over and inhaled her scent. “I wonder what you smell like after a night of hot, tantalizing lovemaking. Delicious, I bet.” Her blushing made him smile. “I'd let you take a whiff of me, but it won't be delightful. I only rinsed off after skiing. I plan to shower before we go to the orphanage later.”

Weston's comments had Jessica burning with sexual desire. Blowing off her worries, she quickly dismounted. “Let's hit the sauna.”

Weston grinned widely. “That's what I'm talking about!”

Hot, sweaty bodies were sexy to people madly in love. The thought of their sweat mingling during a heated lovemaking session had Jessica gasping inwardly. Her body temperature had already soared a few degrees.

The sauna swirled with hot steam as Jessica and Weston stepped inside. After stretching out on the wooden benches, Jessica closed her eyes. Seeing Weston with his shirt off was a thrill. He had also stripped off his sweatpants to reveal boxer-style swim trunks. Concentrating on anything but his nude upper body, bare thighs and sturdy legs was next to impossible. His strong abs were well-defined beneath the muscle-enhancing attire he sometimes wore.

Although conscious of the one-piece bathing suit she had stripped down to, Jessica was sure Weston had seen women in a lot less. Seeing the ladies in nothing at all was probably more like it.

The sudden feel of Weston's tender touch on her abdomen had Jessica afraid to open her eyes and look up at him. She had to wonder where his roving hands would go next. Where did she want them to go? She refused to answer her own question. The response might be incriminating. It only took a second for her to find out, as his fingertips outlined her thigh at the edge of her swimsuit. He was a little too close to her molten treasures for her to relax under his expert touch. Relaxing totally could be her undoing.

Jessica bit down on her lip to keep from crying out from the bliss. As she squeezed her eyelids tighter, Weston's moist tongue feathered across her lips, his sweet breath mingling with hers. Butterfly kisses followed his delightfully tormenting tongue.

Please don't let your hands and mouth go any lower.

Jessica basked in the heated intimacy, wanting to welcome him inside her. Her bared thighs were now the lucky recipients of his gently stroking hands. The tender kneading and massaging of her legs felt outrageously wonderful. As the tip of his tongue outlined her cleavage, her body turned to liquid fire. Begging him to stop the seduction of Jessica Nicole Harrington was totally out of the question.

Weston took hold of Jessica's hand and directed it to his chest. “Touch me. Make me feel as good as I'm making you feel. How good
do
you feel?”

Jessica allowed her forefinger to circle his right nipple. “Wonderful! I feel wonderful.” Her hand moved over to his left pectoral and massaged it with her palm. “How does that feel?”

Weston only moaned in pleasurable agony. He again covered her hand with his. Directing it to his abdomen, he pressed it into his midsection, as if wishing she'd take it lower without any prompting from him. His rigid manhood throbbed and relief would be only a few fiery strokes away.

“I don't want to push the envelope, but I hope you feel confident enough in our love to let me make love to you. I want you desperately.”

Keeping her eyes shut tightly, Jessica blew out a stream of breath. “The feeling
is
mutual, Wes, but the timing isn't. Can you be patient?”

“I'm a patient man. There's no rush.” He kissed her thoroughly. “No rush at all.”

Jessica rewarded Weston's patience with another staggering kiss.

The two families filed out of the van. With their arms and hands piled high with wrapped presents, they rushed toward the entry to St. Anthony's Orphanage. The extreme cold would keep the women inside the toasty warm building while the guys made return trips. Fresh snow fell and the temperature had dropped drastically again.

Sisters Carmen, Bernadette and Natalie welcomed the visitors with smiles and holiday greetings. The children were inside one of the rooms, waiting impatiently. The grateful sisters had invited Weston and his group of friends to join them for a bit of Christmas caroling and early-evening snacks. Hot drinks were quickly served.

Since this charity event was Weston's baby, he was the spokesperson for the group, taking pleasure in the introductions. More warm smiles and handshakes followed. Sister Carmen then led the way to the recreation room, where the Christmas tree was. As she opened the double doors, the children welcomed their visitors to St. Anthony's.

Jessica instantly took to the children. She hardly ever had the opportunity to be around young kids. None of her friends had children so this was a real treat for her. Jennifer and Samuel had talked about starting a family. She could barely wait to become Auntie Jessica. Holding a baby securely in her arms would be a thrill.

Not long after Jessica sat down in a folding chair, a little boy of five or six cautiously inched his way over to her. He beamed at her with a toothless grin and then practically jumped into her lap, catching her by surprise.

The child rested his head against Jessica's chest and stared at her as though he was looking into the face of an angel. “I'm Matt.” He gave a cute little infectious giggle.

“Hi, Matt, I'm Miss Jessica.” She kissed his forehead and smiled. His dark-brown eyes smiled back, leaving her hopelessly enchanted. “Looking forward to Santa Claus coming to town?”

Matt suddenly eyed Jessica with suspicion. “There's no Santa,” he said, his childlike voice endearing and raspy.

Swallowing hard to clear her throat, Jessica was caught off guard again. That this little guy didn't believe in Santa was hurtful to her spirit. “Who told you that?”

Matt pointed at an adorable little boy seated on the floor. “Jimmy said so. He says Santa sucks and his reindeer can't fly.”

Jessica's heart ached over Matt's sad expression. “That's not true. Santa
is
real.”

“Is Jimmy a liar?”

This kid was so amazing, quick-minded, too. She'd have to tread lightly with him or end up falling prey to disaster. “No. He just might think there's no Santa and that reindeer can't fly. When Santa stops here on Christmas Eve, maybe Jimmy will believe it then.”

Matt shrugged his little shoulders. “I hope so. I like Santa and his reindeer. Rudolph is my best bud. He has a red nose. It lights up, too. Do you think his nose is red because he has a cold?”

Jessica cracked up. “The bright red nose helps Rudolph guide the way. I like Santa and Rudolph, too. I used to read about Rudolph when I was small.”

Matt looked terribly disappointed. “I can't read yet.”

Patting Matt's tiny arm, Jessica smiled with empathy. “You'll learn to read soon. Do you like looking at pictures in books?”

Matt nodded. “I do it a lot.”

“That's good. You're a pretty special little guy, you know.”

Matt's eyes took on a liquid sadness. “I wish a nice mommy and daddy knew that.” Matt jumped out of Jessica's lap as quickly as he'd landed there. “Gotta go.” He turned and gave Jessica another grin and waved. “Bye.”

Jessica's heart ached for Matt as she watched him join a group of his peers. Had he left her because of sadness? She wasn't sure why he'd run off. It was hard to keep her tears at bay. Then Matt's laughter rang out. That lifted her spirits tremendously. The kid was so real. She had never met anyone like him. Jessica would never forget Matt, the little boy who desperately wanted a nice mommy and daddy.