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Authors: Lutishia Lovely

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BOOK: The Perfect Deception
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CHAPTER 10
J
essica was dreaming; she had to be. Resting on a cloud in the middle of the ocean, the breeze ruffled her hair and brushed her skin. Music played, and she swayed to the rhythm. Happy sounds—laughter, bells, barking dogs—punctuated the air. She lay back and closed her eyes, imagining the one thing that would make this scene complete. And then he was there.
His touch was featherlight, like the wind. Large, strong hands softly caressed her body, becoming familiar with every delectable inch of her. He took his time. Kisses, light yet probing, began near a ticklish side of her neck. She squirmed and turned over, which only gave him access to her other side. The pressure of his lips intensified when they met hers. A stiff tongue demanded she part her lips. A strong finger demanded she part those lips, too. He drew her tongue into his mouth. She flicked it against his teeth, twirled it with his, moaned with raw pleasure when his finger found the door to her paradise and accepted her spread-legged invitation to go inside.
More kisses then, on her collarbone, breasts, nipples, tongue tracing the natural line that led to her navel. He shifted. Eyes fluttered. Jessica gained full consciousness just as Nathan eased his head between her legs, and his tongue between her folds. The cloud was a feather-top mattress, the ocean was the sound of waves crashing below them, the happy sounds those she’d heard earlier on the beach.
This was reality, but felt like a dream.
He pushed her legs apart. “Wider,” he commanded in a voice hoarse with need. She felt wicked, holy, powerful, defenseless, and there was no contradiction. The wind caressed her exposed feminine flower, which bloomed in response. He liked that. His mouth liked it more. His lips, soft; tongue, strong; finger, deep. Her senses roiled, crashed against themselves like the water beating the shore below, creating a storm in the core of her being that started out as an innocent funnel but quickly grew to an orgasmic hurricane, Category 5. She gripped the sheets. He lapped and kissed and nipped and sucked. Soft mewling became low guttural sighs. Grabbing the pillow, she shoved the pliable down fabric into her mouth. It met her scream, and pushed it back inside. Her legs trembled and body bucked with the force of her release. There was no time to catch her breath. He picked her up, wet and naked, and went outside to the private patio just off from their suite. She leaned against the balcony, her backside as vivid as the midnight moon. He gripped her hips, placed his hard yin into her soft yang, and settled into a steady groove. Soon another storm erupted. This time they both rode the wave.
“Did that just really happen?”
Nathan wore a look of satisfied confidence. “What do you think?”
Thirty minutes after their last round of lovemaking and long, hot shower, Nathan and Jessica sat against plush pillows with a bowl of fruit between them. A cutting board with various crackers and cheeses sat on a tray. Errant crumbs dotted the pristine white sheets. Neither culprit noticed. They were too busy assuaging the appetites all that dreaming had created.
Jessica popped a grape into her mouth, trying to recall how the spectacular sex got started. “I was dreaming, babe! And in the dream, I
thought
I was dreaming.” She looked at him with curious eyes. He shrugged.
“I know it sounds crazy, but I swear it’s true. I was dreaming and in the dream you came to me and started kissing my neck. Then you moved down and were kissing my body—”
“Baby, that wasn’t a dream.”
“It was, until you licked me. And then it wasn’t.”
“Oh, that woke you up for real, huh?”
“I guess. That was weird . . . but wonderful. Did you try these strawberries? They are so good. She held one up to his mouth.
He bit into it, then licked the juice from Jessica’s fingers. “Mmm. That tastes very good.”
By the time they settled down to sleep it was almost four a.m. Jessica snuggled next to Nathan, enjoying the contrast of their warm down bedding and the cool dawn breeze.
“Baby?”
“Hmm?”
“Can we stay here forever?”
“I wish.”
“I want the way I feel right now to last a long time, like a vacation that never ends.”
“I can’t help with the vacation part, but that feeling I think I can get again.”
“Hmm.” Jessica’s eyes fluttered closed. Her face held a smile. For these next few days she’d relish this dream. Soon enough, the nightmare would began.
CHAPTER 11
I
t was Christmas. Everyone had slept in, even the children, who’d enjoyed late-night fun with the chef’s kids and their cousins.When Nathan and Jessica emerged from their love lair at around ten in the morning, the family was at the table.
“Good morning, everybody! How late are we?” Nate squeezed his mother’s shoulders as he passed her before sitting down.
“We just got here,” Sherri answered around a yawn. “But Mama got up with the roosters.”
“It’s too beautiful down here to sleep for long!”
After the greetings, Sherri tapped her fork against a crystal goblet. “Okay, guys. We’ve made plans to spend the day on the beach, so let’s make quick work of breakfast—or brunch at this point—open gifts and then head to the seashore. How does that sound?”
Everyone voiced their approval and then set about ordering breakfast from the chef. Afterwards, they gathered in the living room and exchanged gifts. Jessica was stunned to receive presents from not only Nathan but also a spa certificate from his sister and brother-in-law and a hand-knitted throw from his mother.
She looked at what had been given her and her face fell. “I feel bad for not buying everyone gifts. I’m not used to being treated like this.”
Miss Elaine quickly shushed her. “Don’t worry about that. We just wanted you to feel included.”
“And what woman can’t use a massage, facial, and wrap,” Sherri added. “The certificate is good for a year, so after one of those can’t-stand-it weeks, go to the salon and enjoy.”
When she received Nathan’s gift, her heart sank the teeniest bit. Unless he’d concealed it, she knew by the size and shape of the box that it wasn’t an engagement ring, which, considering the whole situation, was stupid to hope for anyway. As she opened the lid, revealing a heart-shaped diamond necklace with matching earrings, it was hard to keep real sadness at bay. After the New Year, everything would change.
“These are beautiful!” she gushed, leaning over to brush Nathan’s lips with her own. “This is my best Christmas ever, babe. Thank you.”
Nathan smiled when he saw that Jessica had gotten him the Movado stainless steel watch he’d admired while glancing through a magazine at her house. The matching business card case was a nice touch, but the card she’d placed inside it was the best gift of all.
“You chose the perfect gifts, Jessica.” They shared a quick kiss. “I’ll unwrap your other present later.”
Jessica smiled. Her core tightened with the promise of that secret message.
After everyone had opened their gifts, Sherri stood. “Okay, gang. Let’s move this party down to the beach. There will be surfing, Jet Skiing, and snorkeling available, so wear swimsuits!”
A short time later, the family converged on the sand. The kids headed straight for the Jet Skis and into the ocean, joined by their father. Sherri and Miss Elaine walked to one of two umbrella tables placed near the water. After setting a basket filled with refreshments on the table, Sherri took off her sandals.
“Mom, aren’t you going in the water?”
She was met with a skeptical look. “That water right there?”
“Yes, Mom, otherwise known as the Atlantic Ocean.”
“That’s too much water for me, child. Best be glad you got me this close.”
“You promised the next time you came down you’d at least stick your toe in!”
“Oh, all right.” Miss Elaine slowly took off her sandals before standing. “A toe is what I promised and likely all that you’re going to get!”
“Go on, Mom.” Nathan wrapped both arms around Jessica. “Live a little!”
“Don’t worry, Son. Your mama has already lived a whole lot.”
He and Jessica watched the two women walk toward the shore and laughed as Sherri coaxed her mother to get closer to the water. After a tentative toe touch, she bravely allowed the water to cover her ankles.
“What do you say, baby? Do you want to go in?”
Jessica leaned against his chest. “Um, not right now. It’s been so cold and wintery in Atlanta, I’d like to take the time to soak up this sun.”
“That’s cool.” He walked over to one of the baskets and pulled out a large beach towel. “Let’s go tan.”
“Yeah, right.” She playfully slapped his arm as they walked to a smooth area of the beach, spread out the blanket, and started playing footsie and kissy-face.
Nathan ran his hand along Jessica’s curves. “You know I can’t wait to unwrap the other gift you gave me.”
She scooted closer. “Oh, really. The one mentioned on the card inside your case?”
“Yes, that gives me full access to your body and an unlimited supply of lovemaking.” He ran a hand over her butt and moaned. “Woman, the way you’re rocking that one-piece, I’m tempted to unwrap this gift right now!”
She slyly ran her hand between them and rubbed his hardening desire. “I want it, too. Waiting will only increase the pleasure, make you crazy with desire to make slow, sweet love.”
“For sure, we’ll do that. All night long.”
She brushed him again. “I love it long. In fact I—” Jessica yelped as droplets of cold water were sprayed on her and Nathan.
The devious culprit was a water-gun-toting Aaron. “Sorry, Jessica. I was aiming for Uncle Nate!”
With this declaration, the love fest was over and the gunfight was on.
Jessica watched her lover frolic with the children. For her, adults and children playing together was a foreign concept. Her foster mother had been kind but stern. She couldn’t remember the woman singing a song, laughing out loud, or having simple fun.
He’d make a good father. He’s such a good man.
A twinge of guilt stabbed her heart, causing her to wonder about her loyalties and where they were placed.
“They love their uncle.”
So engrossed had she been in watching Nathan, she hadn’t seen Sherri walk up. She tried not to look as tense as she felt, flashed a smile to cover discomfort.
“Mind if I join you?”
“No.” She moved over to make room on the towel.
Sherri sat down and an awkward silence settled around them. They watched the kids and Nathan, now joined by Randall, play along the beach. Miss Elaine sat under the umbrella, reading.
Sherri removed the sunglasses from her head and covered her eyes. “I could stay here forever.”
“It’s breathtaking,” Jessica finally replied.
A pair of seagulls glided along in perfect synchronicity on the wind of the waves. In the distance, a sailboat bobbed. The gentle ebbing and flowing of the tide was background music to the scene.
“Is this your first trip to the Caribbean?”
“No. I went with my ex to Turks and Caicos. But that was a long time ago.”
“How long were you married?”
“Too long.”
Sherri stopped unscrewing the top, her focus on Jessica. “That’s an interesting answer.”
“I’ve had an interesting life.”
“Do you feel my asking that question an invasion of privacy?”
Jessica offered a half smile. “I guess I’m not good at small talk, especially with women. No offense,” she hurriedly added. “Growing up, I was a loner. Girls would normally rather dog me out or beat me up.”
“I can understand that. You’re a gorgeous girl. Kids can be cruel.” Sherri offered the sunscreen to Jessica, who rubbed it on her legs and arms. “But you survived, thank goodness, and by the looks of it you’re doing okay.”
“I am now.” Her smile was big and genuine as she watched Nathan and Randall coming to join them.
Their time at the beach was followed by dinner, drinks, and conversation. After Mom Elaine, Randall, and Jessica said good night, Nathan and Sherri walked into the kitchen.
She opened the fridge. “Water?”
“Sure. I’m probably dehydrated after drinking in the hot sun.” He accepted the glass. “I want to thank you for making Jessica feel welcome. I saw y’all talking this afternoon.”
“That’s a bit of a stretch, though I tried to engage her in conversation.”
“It takes her a while to warm up to people.”
Sherri turned and faced him directly. “How long did it take with you?”
“That’s different.”
“How so?”
“You know your brother’s got skills!” Sherri rolled her eyes and left the room.
Nathan followed her. “Come on, now, Sister. You set that up perfectly. I had to hit it out of the park.”
“Seriously, though. I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something about Jessica that feels . . . I don’t know . . . uncomfortable.”
“You’re probably just picking up on her uneasiness. In time, she’ll loosen up and you’ll see the reason why I fell in love.”
“Ooh, the L-word. So it’s like that?”
“Yes. It’s exactly like that.”
Sherri turned toward the living room. Nathan kept on walking.
“Where are you going?”
“Upstairs to unwrap my last Christmas gift.”
 
The following morning, Nathan and Jessica left for a four-day private rendezvous at the Sandals Royal Bahamian resort. Along with lots of rest and relaxation in their oceanside suite, they enjoyed windsurfing, billiards, live music, dancing, and a couples massage. During the day they’d assuage their appetites with a variety of cuisines from ten different restaurant choices. At night, they’d satisfy their appetite for each other. By the time they checked out and headed back to Château Sherri, Jessica felt relaxed and well-loved and Nathan felt like the luckiest man on the island.
Both were ready to celebrate the New Year, but the fireworks would happen earlier than expected.
BOOK: The Perfect Deception
9.92Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

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