Complete Indelible Love Series

by Cee, DW

  Another huge no-no for Max was Donovan. Max said (in his sexiest, most alpha male voice), "This is the last time I will tell you - I do not want Donovan ever touching you again. No brotherly kisses, no innocent touching, no nothing! Next time I see him so much as casually bump into you, he and I will have serious problems. Understood?" That statement did things for me, and we ended up hot and heavy on the rug again. Then, I did my best alpha girl imitation and threatened to chop off his manhood if I ever had to talk to Joyce on his phone again while he was anywhere close to being naked. In fact, I told him if I never saw her again, that'd be too soon. That did things for his manhood and this time, we ended up on the bed.

  Okay...I know, I know...you've been patient on matters of the body (and so have I, for that matter!). The raw truth? I did not get to experience the hungness of my man, completely. I saw it, I felt it, but I didn't feel it. Why, you ask? Because a) neither of us came (literally and figuratively) prepared! (Don't all guys carry their best friends in their wallets? Apparently, my man does not. Is that good or bad? This past weekend, it was definitely bad.) b) He didn't want to "take advantage of me" while I was in a "fragile" state. (When has he ever known me to be fragile? Though, I get what he's saying.) c) He said as much as he considered it, since he thought we were over, he felt like a "douche-bag" thinking about having sex with me when I was heartbroken over what he'd done to me. (Damn! I did over-react to this situation.) Though believe me, there were moments when both of us considered driving an hour in the dark, down the dangerous mountain road, to the nearest grocery store. As much as I tried to convince Max that this was not the right time of the month for me, and that conception was not possible, he wouldn't go for that logic. Actually, he was vehemently against that method. Odd...but whatever...

  So what'd we do while we were high up in the mountains? We did things that couldn't be done because both of us lived with too many roommates. We spooned on the couch and watched a movie. We cooked (or reheated), and cleaned together. We made out on just about every warm surface - okay, we did a bit more than just make out. I think we covered every base but home - but those details are for another day when I can tell you about everything. We laid in bed and talked forever! Laying in his arms and talking - uninterrupted for hours - erased any bad memories of the last 10 days for the both of us. We'd never had this kind of freedom to open up to one another.

  Max and Jane. Jane and Max! We are a couple now, and nothing is going to get between us and our goal of striving for a solid relationship.

  As a thank you and an apology to the ladies in my family for my atrocious behavior the past few days, I offered to take everyone to the Montage Hotel, Saturday night. Spa treatments and lunches by the pool, compliments of Jane Sydney Reid. The boys were going to do their own trip up at the ranch, Max included. I can't wait to get away and spend some quality time with the Reid ladies. It should be a totally relaxing trip. What could possibly happen on a family overnight in Laguna Beach, right???

  February 25, 2013 Who wears a bikini in February?

  Mom, Gram, Emily, Ellie (yes, Ellie too, since she is a girl and she is a Reid), and Laney got to the Montage Hotel late Saturday morning for brunch. Originally, Laney wasn't part of the plan but since Uncle Henry and Aunt Babs were out of town, and since the boys had invited Doug up to the ranch, I didn't really have a choice but to invite Laney. Mom and Gram shared a room. Emily, Ellie and I were supposed to share a room, but with the addition of Laney, I had to get another room (an additional $695 for the room + spa treatments...GROAN!), so Laney and I shared a room instead.

  "This place is so beautiful, Jane! Thanks for inviting me. I could've stayed home, but I'm glad Emily convinced me to come."

  Yeah...mooch...you've been invited on too many get-aways lately at our expense. And thanks, Emily! "You're welcome and yeah, it is nice here. Let's get out and go to our first treatment."

  Emily opted out of all the treatments saying she wasn't comfortable laying on her back for so long. Instead, she and Ellie went to the kiddie pool. When we got back, we found Emily reading a book and Ellie sleeping like a baby on the lounge chair next to her.

  "She's knocked out!" I stated.

  "Yeah. The pool really wore her out. You know how much both kids love the water. She wouldn't get out even though she was tired and getting cranky. I finally coaxed her out with watered-down apple juice."

  "Ooh! You actually gave her some juice?"

  "Yeah. I gave in. How were the treatments, Gram?"

  "Lovely. I think this is one of the loveliest resorts I've been to in a while."

  "You've been out in London too long, Gram," Laney said. "We've missed you. We are all glad you're here." She hugged and kissed our grandmother. Okay...so Laney isn't so bad....

  "Thank you, Sweetheart. I'm happy to be back home, too." She answered her granddaughter and squeezed her hand. "What time shall we all have dinner? I'd like to rest until then." She addressed all of us.

  "Good question, Estelle. I'd like to go up with you and take a nap. All this pampering is exhausting!" Mom laughed at her own ridiculous statement.

  "I have an early reservation for us at Studio at 5:30pm, since we have Ellie as well."

  "Alright. Your mother and I will see you then.”

  "Is it okay if I step out for a little bit?" Laney hesitantly asked.

  "Sure." Emily answered. "Where will you be, and will you be back in time for dinner?"

  A sudden blush colored Laney's face. She really looked like a doll now. "William drove down here hoping to spend a little time with me...if that's ok? I know it's a girls' weekend and I didn't know he was going to make the drive down to see me...he left me a voicemail while we were in the spa and I just got the message...”

  "Of course it's okay, Laney. I'd love to meet him if he's willing to come in and say hello. Maybe he'll say hello when he drops you off?" Emily suggested with the kindness of an older sister or a mother watching out for her daughter. Though Laney was only 4 1/2 years younger than Emily, Emily saw herself as my cousin's protector. The two gals were similar in temperament and outlook on life.

  "I'm sure he'd love to meet you, Emily. And you too, Jane.”

  Good for Laney. Maybe I didn't need to find her a man after all. She'd gone and found one herself. This was a first. I couldn't recall Laney ever having a serious boyfriend in her 22 years of life.

  "Oh!" Laney jumped. "There he is."

  Walking toward us was the sweetest looking boy. Literally, he looked like a sweet-looking high schooler. He had those puppy dog eyes that zeroed in on my cousin and his smile was bright and wide as soon as he saw her. It felt like I was watching some high school Bella meets Edward for the first time, and it's love at first sight/bite.

  "You got here earlier than you said you would."

  "Yeah," he shyly gave Laney a semi-hug. "There was no traffic."

  "Hello." Emily put out her hand and smiled wide and bright, herself.

  "William, this is Emily and that's Jane."

  "I've heard a lot about the both of you. It's wonderful to finally meet you."

  "It's nice to meet you, too. I do hope you'll come and see us some time so we can get to know one another?" Emily was the Reid spokesperson today.

  "Of course. I'd love that." And he truly looked like he wanted to get better acquainted with all of us. The "kids" looked perfectly suited for one another.

  "Mmmmammmammma," we heard an excited shout. A portly body, with Nick's six-foot frame holding his hands from behind, came "running."

  "James!" Emily got up to greet him. She picked him up, and they hugged and kissed each other like they hadn't seen each other in days. Geez! They'd only been separated for a few hours now. Behind James and Nick, came the cavalry. My handsome boyfriend, with his lazy grin, and my kinda handsome brother, walked over to us.

  "Why are you guys here? I told you that this was a girls' weekend."

  "Now what kind of welcome is that for your bo
yfriend and brothers?" Max pulled me in to him and kissed me too openly. We had to stop this PDA in front of my family. "Hello Gem," he whispered. Ooh! I liked that whisper - so many hidden promises.

  "Hello, Beloved." My brother tried to give Emily the same affectionate greeting, but she shied away just before it became PDA.

  "What brings you here? I thought we were spending the weekend apart." Emily tried to push her non-budging husband away.

  "What would convince me to sleep alone?"

  "Well, you wouldn't have been alone since James is with you, big brother. This is a women's retreat."

  "Just because you enjoy sleeping alone does not mean I enjoy sleeping alone. I do not separate from my wife."

  "Minors listening," Emily giggled. "Jake, Max, and Nick - this is William. He's wooing our Laney."

  Once the "minors" got over their embarrassment, they greeted everyone. Jake announced that Dad and Gimpy were not far behind them. The good news - the three respective couples were getting and paying for their own rooms. The bad news, because of our awkward set-up - Max, me, Laney and Nick - we had to split into a girls' room and a boys' room. Another missed opportunity!

  As soon as Ellie woke up, William and Laney appointed themselves as babysitters and hung out with us. We were all having a grand time. And then...I spotted her. Like Aphrodite appearing from sea foam, this gorgeous, confident, self-assured woman appeared out of nowhere. I felt like I was in a movie where everyone stopped what he or she was doing to watch this beauty walk by. She was so noticeably eye-catching, eye-popping, mouth-wateringly attractive. Stunning! She was absolutely stunning! You know those rare women who ooze so much sex appeal that even though you don't bat for the same team, you can't help but stare and admire? Well, she was one of those women. She looked like she could lead the congregation.

  It was no more than 70 degrees, end of February, and she wore a gold, almost string bikini. She was a dead ringer for an old Chanel print ad with the tanned bikini model lying poolside. Her hair was wet, slicked back and her body was perfect. She wore spiky high heels that very few women could pull off, poolside. Louboutins? Manolos? Jimmy Choos? Damn! I needed a pair of those shoes. Maybe I'd ask her where she bought them. I couldn't get past the outfit when I heard Jake's surprised voice.

  "Kate...! You're back...." Jake greeted the goddess by giving her a kiss on the cheek.

  Uh-oh. I hoped this wasn't one of Jake's old girlfriends. Emily looked like she was in a state of perturbed admiration, if such words co-existed. Of course, Emily had not a thing to worry about where my brother was concerned. He was the exemplary family man.

  "Hullo Jake," the goddess spoke...

  February 28, 2013 "Laters, Baby!"

  "Are you back for good?" Jake had one arm around his wife and his other arm cradling James, while Ellie sat in both of Emily's arms. "When did you get into town?"

  "I just got in this week and for the time being...I'm back."

  "Hello," Emily introduced herself with a little less welcome than usual.

  "Sorry. Emi, this is Katherine Beauvais. Kate, my wife, Emily Reid and my children, Elizabeth and James."

  "Hullo. A pleasure to meet you. I'd heard Jake got married, but I didn't realize he had a complete family already. What a foursome you make. Your Christmas card must represent America at its best." This goddess spoke a sensual English accent with a French overtone. Forget the shoes. I needed to get one of those accents.

  "Thank you," Emily called out as nicely as possible.

  I thought I saw Jake's body twitch with a chuckle. His face showed no sign of laughing, but his body couldn't completely hide it.

  "So, what will you do while you're here?"

  "Oh, you know...the same old, same old..." That cryptic remark didn't help my sister any.

  "Would you like to join us for dinner tonight?”

  I saw Emily freeze instantly with that question.

  "Jake," I interrupted. "We have a reservation at Studio for 5:30, already."

  He flat out ignored me and instead, asked William if he'd like to join us as well.

  "7:30?" He didn't ask any of us if the time was okay. He only addressed this Katherine or Kate woman. Emily was not happy. "The same-old, same-old?"

  She nodded. "Thank you for inviting me to dinner. I'll see you at 7:30," she said and walked away.

  We all dispersed to our respective rooms. Since Laney went out with William, Max came and hung out with me in our room. I tried to tempt him to hop in bed with me, but with the possibility of Laney walking in on us at any moment, he abstained, again.

  Since I wasn't seeing any action in the hotel room, I decided to go shopping, while Max lounged around watching ESPN. With the addition of Sea-foam goddess at the dinner table, I needed to look good! Just because she had a better body, sexier accent, and probably more money, it didn't mean I had to feel inconsequential, right? She was just a woman.

  "You look enticing, Jane." I tilted my neck to give Max better access while getting dressed. I couldn't understand what had changed, but since I walked back into the room, Max couldn't keep his hands off me. "Are you naked under this dress?" There was no need to ask as his hands did a naughty policeman frisk.

  "Um, no," I giggled from the assault on my neck.

  "I don't want anything under your dress. I want easy access." It sounded like there was a smirking tone in that comment, but I couldn't tell since his words were muffled by my neck that was well...being...muffled!

  "I am not going to dinner with my family with no bra and underwear. I'll be self-conscious the whole night.”

  The protest didn't go too far once I felt his hands unzip the dress, then unclasp and take off the bra. After zipping it back up, he went the other way and lazily searched for my underwear, but didn't play there long enough for him to lose control, or for me to feel satisfied. Damn!

  "Shall we forget dinner and get in bed?" The hell with dinner - we had an empty room and a large bed. Who wanted dinner?

  "No, let's go." He abruptly stopped his play, grabbed my hand and led us to the cozy Arts and Bungalow style restaurant. Seriously??? Looking nonchalant, he seemed to recover much faster than I did. I know my face was still flushed when we walked in.

  My brother never ceased to amaze me. Even on such short notice, he had us sitting at the chef's table tonight. In order to get to this private room, we walked through the kitchen on immaculate hardwood floors and sat at a table which seated 10. Through the windows in this room, you could see the Pacific Ocean, and once seated, you could look into the gigantic kitchen outfitted in dark wood, marble and copper. Jake and Emily sat facing the kitchen, Sea-foam goddess sat next to Emily - chatting amicably, and William awkwardly waited for Laney. We joined the party and I sat on the other side of the table, facing Jake, and Max sat facing Emily. I listened to Sea-foam talk about her life in London, Paris and New York when all of a sudden, she broke into a blinding smile. After excusing herself, she stood up to greet none other than...Donovan!

  "Donovan..." she caressed those seven letters like a silk wrap around her body.

  Goddess and Donovan? Wha...??? I looked to my brother, who did not look back at me, and then to Emily, who nodded a barely-there yes. The two of them greeted each other with a brief kiss that somehow lingered. I know it sounds like a paradox, but I swear, that kiss went on and on even though their lips separated as immediately as it joined. It was way more than a kiss on the forehead, that's for sure.

  "Laney," William stood up and walked a short step to her. "You look beautiful tonight!" William was mesmerized by Laney's surprisingly sexy blue dress that showcased her body and her eyes perfectly. Sexy was not a word I associated with my little cousin, but tonight, she was a bombshell. Now, I felt underdressed (and naked!). I hated feeling underdressed!

  "I didn't realize I was dining with the Reid crew tonight." Donovan walked over to shake my brother's hand and kissed Emily on the cheek. He gave a curt nod to Max - who nodded
back just as curtly - and introduced himself to William. "You must be the lucky man escorting our Delaney."

  "Yes Sir, I am the lucky one." Laney looked a bit apprehensive and somewhat unhappy.

  Our conversation followed the ebb and flow of dinner service. At times, we were all animatedly talking about some topic, and at other times, we all went into our own private conversations. Our conversation was a debauched one, expressed more with our eyes and our hands than with words. Since that brief make-out session back in the hotel room, Max took up where we left off, here in the dining room. It started with a casual holding of the hands. Then it progressed to his arm draped around my arm, with erratic and incidental caresses behind my back. His fingers made continuous brushstroke-like sweeps along my neck. And the butterfly kisses on my head, side of my face and neck almost became sensory overload. It was as though he was marking his territory in front of Donovan. Not that it was necessary, as Donovan didn't give me a second look. His attention was solely focused on Sea-foam, and from time to time on Laney, since she sat directly in front of him.