Fade to Black

by Unknown

  “I know that I have no right to ask you that. To ask you anything.”

  “It’s okay. Well, it’s not okay, but I’m trying to understand how hard this is for you.”

  He stepped closer and took her by the upper arms. His grip was tight, but didn’t hurt. “You have no idea how difficult it is to let you go.”

  “It’s hard for me too.” She sighed, and tried not to think about the way his touch made her feel or the fact that she was breathless. “Much harder than it should be.”

  His whole body radiated tense, stressed energy. “Do you think you can avoid having s-…intimacy?”

  “Rich,” she warned.

  He chuckled. “It was worth asking.” He cringed and lifted her chin.

  Protests started in her head, but didn’t make it out of her mouth. His cobalt eyes stared into hers as he lowered his face. They drifted closed at the last moment. His lips brushed softly against the corners of her mouth, then kissed her full on—hard. His arms wrapped around her waist, and he held her tight against his body, which was good because her knees had buckled.

  “Have a safe trip. I promise not to contact you, but I’m only a phone call away if you need me.” He took a deep breath. His fingers plucked a curl from her cheek and twisted it around his finger. “Please don’t forget how much I…adore you, Kate.”

  He kissed her one more time, a slow, lingering kiss that caused her toes to curl, and then, without another word, he left her standing completely alone.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “Kate.” His gentle hand brushed the hair away from her face, tickling her cheek. “Good morning, beautiful.”

  Her eyes fluttered open, trying to focus on the face smiling at her. “Wh- what are you doing here?” She shot up, bringing her lips within inches of his.

  He gave her a quick peck and chuckled. “Is that any way to greet the man you love?” His mouth was on hers. Her hands gripped at his shoulders in an attempt to melt herself into his muscled body.

  His lips moved slowly against hers, matching every movement with perfect intensity. He crawled onto the bed, his knees straddled her hips. He urged her against the pillow with his perfect plump lips, supporting most of his weight on his arms as he hovered above her. His fingers swept the strap from her shoulder, only to replace it with a trail of fiery kisses.

  Her body answered his call, consumed with heat from his every touch. She eagerly worked at the buttons of his shirt, anxious to reach the delectable morsel that waited beneath the fabric. “I need you,” she whispered.

  “Let me make love to you, Kate.”

  “Oh, Rich,” she moaned. In a flash her brain came back on line, and she shot upright in the bed, breathing heavy. It all felt so real. “Rich?” She searched the darkness, hating the disappointment she felt when no one answered.

  It was frightening that she could still feel his kisses on her skin. She rubbed her hand on her shoulder in an attempt to extinguish the sensation. Her heart ached for the separation it was going to experience soon. At the same time, she was so excited to see Jesse that just the thought of him caused her overactive heart to skip a beat.

  Her feet shuffled their way to the bathroom where she faced the shame of loving two men. She splashed water on her face and patted it dry with a towel that, despite his being gone, smelled like Jesse. Guilt began to overwhelm her as she stared into the mirror, loathing the ungrateful wretch staring back.

  Her phone rang and she jumped, trying to control her gasps for breath before answering. “Hi, Mom.” Kate sounded disappointed.

  “Are you okay, honey?”

  “Yes, I’m, ah… I’m just in a hurry to get to the airport.”

  “Okay, I’ll be quick. Daddy and I just wanted to make sure you had a ride home.”

  “Yeah, Jesse said he’d be there. I haven’t talked to him yet this morning, but I doubt plans have changed. I’ll call you if they do.”

  “Please do.” Her mother laughed nervously. “Well, call us when you’re on the ground so we know you’re okay. I can’t wait to see you, Kate. Have a safe trip.”

  **

  The plane ride had been uneventful, but Kate’s nerves were still on edge. She wondered if seeing Jesse again would wipe out all of her feelings for Rich. She hoped so. The baggage from her flight began its trip around the carousel. She stepped forward, searching for the bag with the bright pink ribbon on it—a trick she’d learned from her mother.

  “Hello, beautiful,” a deep sexy voice said near her ear.

  Her heart jumped. “Jesse,” she sighed.

  Strong arms wrapped around her from behind and pulled her back into his chest. Her eyes drifted closed and she melted into his comfort. Although the feelings she had for Rich were still a soft flutter in her heart, Jesse’s arms felt like…home.

  “How was your flight?”

  Kate turned and leaned up on her tiptoes to press her lips to his. “I’ve missed you.”

  “KC, I have missed you so much.” His arms tightened again and he lifted her into the air, spinning her around. “Let’s grab your bag and get out of here.” He set her carefully back on the ground and took her by the hand, leading her toward the luggage carousel. He stopped and started to laugh as an average, ordinary, run-of-the-mill, black suitcase came down the conveyer. On the handle was a florescent pink bow, one nearly the size of a cantaloupe. “I’m gonna guess that one’s yours?”

  “Hey, it’s easy to spot.” She shoved him playfully. “I guarantee there’s not another one in this airport, much less on my same flight.”

  He shook his head and gathered the bag. They walked toward the car hand in hand. Jesse leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Can you do me a favor?” She nodded. “Call your parents and let them know that we’re going to stay here in Phoenix tonight. I have a surprise for you.”

  “Um…are you sure it’s okay to be away from Tony?”

  He perked an eyebrow and grinned. “I seem to remember that you owe me something. Did you forget?”

  Her memory shifted to last night with the speed of an Indy driver; Jesse’s special present hanging from the fingertips of another man, a man who had managed to capture a small piece of her heart, a man who had begged her to leave it home.

  “Kate?” Jesse sounded disappointed. “It’s okay if you forgot.”

  She shook her head, trying to rid her mind of anything Rich. “I didn’t forget to buy it. I just can’t remember whether or not it actually made it into the suitcase. I guess we’ll both have to wait and see.” Kate knew that the flimsy piece of satin was tucked safely in the suitcase. It was whether or not she’d wear it that was still up for debate.

  “That’s okay, KC.” He grinned, and in a flash any sign of disappointment was gone. “The good stuff’s underneath anyway.”

  Kate laughed and flipped open her phone to make the call to her mother, whose over-the-top level of excitement piqued Kate’s curiosity. “Jesse.” Kate tipped her head to examine his expression. “What do you have planned for this little rendezvous?”

  “You mean besides showing you exactly how much I’ve missed you?” His eyes twinkled with desire. “And how much I’ve missed making love to you? I have a lot of time to make up for, KC.”

  **

  The hotel suite was beautiful. Jesse had gone all out, sparing no expense to make their reunion special. “A Jacuzzi?” Her fingers ran over the cold, black marble, dipping down into the steaming hot water inside. Someone had just filled it for them—recently.

  “Why don’t you go slip into something more comfortable, and I’ll get things ready.”

  “What kind of things?” she asked, suspicious.

  A grin filled his face, and he swatted at her bottom. “Just go change, KC.”

  Her laughter bubbled out into the room as she pulled the wheeled suitcase into the bathroom. It fit easily on the large counter. She unzipped the lid and flipped it open. At the bottom was the piece of fabric she was looking for.

  After stripping ou
t of her clothes, Kate lifted the negligee up by the straps. She held it up to herself and stared into the mirror. She slipped it over her head and examined her reflection. She had every right to wear it. Wanted to. Jesse had gone over the top to make their reunion perfect, the least she could do was wear a stupid little piece of black lace. Her hands flattened the fabric against her skin. She smiled, but even she wasn’t convinced by it.

  Images of Rich’s handsome face marred by disappointment rushed into her head, his pleading to leave it home, to not be intimate with Jesse.

  Her fingers wrapped around the hem and tugged the lingerie over her head. She threw it back into the suitcase, carefully burying it on the very bottom.

  With the fluffy white bathrobe around her, Kate opened the door and gasped. The only light was from tea light candles all over the room. Music played slightly louder than the quiet bubbling of the hot tub. Jesse was lying on the bed wearing only a pair of silk pajama bottoms. His feet were crossed at the ankles and he held a glass of champagne in each hand.

  For a split second, Kate considered backing quietly into the bathroom and slipping into the little number he was so eagerly waiting for. But every time she saw it now, she thought of Rich. And Rich didn’t belong here. She didn’t want him here. This was for Jesse—and her.

  He sat up, a smile on his face. “Hey.” The disappointment was back. “I guess you forgot to pack it, huh?”

  “I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you when we get home.”

  His tongue swiped over his lips. “Promise?”

  “Um hum.” She nodded and walked over to the bed.

  He stood and offered her a glass. “At least you gave me something to unwrap. Come here.”

  She hated that Jesse was disappointed, hated that Rich had ruined the perfect surprise. She looked good in the little black nightie and Jesse would have loved peeling it off of her. The images of his hands removing the silky fabric sent a shot of erotic heat through her body. She closed her eyes, savoring all of it.

  The glasses slid onto the table, and Jesse’s hands were on her neck, his thumbs stroked her cheeks while his lips caressed her eager mouth. His tongue played an intoxicating game of cat and mouse. She moaned and felt him smile against her lips. He lifted her into his arms as his lips moved along her jaw to her ear. “I have missed you.”

  “Um hum,” she sighed. This is exactly where she belonged.

  They moved to the hot tub where Jesse placed a hand on each shoulder, just under the fluffy fabric. His fingers were warm against her skin, and her entire body reacted to his familiar touch. He leaned forward to kiss her shoulder, her neck, moving slowly down her body until the robe pooled at her feet. His kisses were eager yet so gentle.

  Her head fell back as she reveled in everything that was Jesse; his touch, his scent, his rock hard body pressed against hers. Her hands moved up his sides, rediscovering every muscle, across his chest and back down his abs to the waistband of his silk pajama bottoms. She slipped her thumbs underneath.

  He moaned. His head fell loose on his shoulders. “Kate…you’re killing me.” He was breathless, his eyes onyx orbs of desire.

  “Do you think you can avoid having intimacy?” Rich’s pleas entered her head, and she froze.

  “Kate?”

  She stared into Jesse’s eyes, smiled and let her hands continue their exploration. In one fluid motion, she dropped down, taking Jesse’s pants with her. He gasped and she struggled to push Rich out of her head, unwilling to let thoughts of him ruin this for her. No matter what her feelings were for him, Jesse was where her heart was. Where her home was.

  Jesse pulled her into his arms, lowering her into the hot tub, then pulled her into this lap. His lips roamed over every inch of her exposed flesh; loving her, caressing her, worshiping her.

  She placed a hand on each side of Jesse’s face and looked into his eyes, letting their souls connect. “I love you, Jesse.” He responded with a kiss. She ran her tongue over his lip, tasting him. “It’s good to be home.”

  Having Kate back in his arms was even better than Jesse could have ever imagined. Her skin was so soft under his fingers as he stroked her back. She was draped across his chest with her hair fanned out on the pillow, lying unused behind her. Exactly the way things should be. He would gladly be her everything.

  She’d been reluctant to stay the night, blaming it on his need to get back to Tony, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that something might be wrong. That things might have changed between them. Some of his doubts had been removed when they’d made love again and again. Her gentle enthusiasm left him wanting more, needing more, but he couldn’t shake the insecure jealousies that kept creeping into his thoughts.

  Rich, his thoughts snarled.

  She stirred under his touch. A sweet moan escaped her luscious lips as she wiggled against him. Her hand moved up his chest, investigating. Her eyes popped open in surprise and she blinked as she looked up at him; almost as if she were checking to make sure it was him. He couldn’t help but wonder who she was expecting. Rich?

  Her head jerked off his chest and she smiled. “Pinch me.”

  “You’re not dreaming. We’re finally together again.”

  She cuddled in closer to him, molding herself against his side. “I have missed waking up to you.”

  He kissed her forehead, trying to force any negative feelings out of his body. “Me, too.”

  Her face grew serious and she scooted up, taking his hand in hers. She lifted it to her lips and kissed it, then attempted a smile that was weak by any standard. Panic stabbed at his heart and nervous energy started in his toes, building as it made its way up his body. All the negativity came flooding back.

  “You know I love you, right?”

  He nodded, scrutinizing her expression. They’d made love all night, expressing their feelings for each another, but the way she was acting would make even the most secure man nervous. And he was secure, just suspicious of the asshole who was in love with his girlfriend.

  “’Cause I do.”

  “What’s going on, KC?”

  Her eyes lifted to meet his. “Nothing’s going on.” She sounded defensive. “It’s just that I want to make sure you understand just how much you mean to me.”

  “Kate, did something happen while I was away?” His mind had just turned in a one-way ticket to a scary place. Suspicion was a dangerous, relationship-ending emotion, and right now he had a truck load steaming through his bloodstream.

  She took a deep breath and jumped as his phone started ringing from the nightstand. She paused and looked between him and the phone. He shook his head. He was not going to answer that call. Nobody was more important than Kate. And right now, it seemed she was trying to get something off her chest. He needed to hear what she had to say before he gave into his gut reaction and put his fist through a wall.

  “Are you going to answer that?” Her eyes drifted to the phone again.

  “No.” He forced himself to watch her; the fidgeting fingers, the eyes that wouldn’t look directly into his, the tense shoulders. Damn, this didn’t feel right. “Please just tell me what the hell has you so nervous. You’re freaking me out.”

  She smiled and it looked like a grimace. “Jesse, you really should answer that. It might be some news about your dad. Nothing matters except that I love you.” She blinked and met his gaze. “Let’s get you back to your dad,” she offered as the phone finally stopped ringing.

  “Kate, anything that has you this fidgety does matter.”

  She sat up, crossing her legs under the sheet that she tucked under her armpits. She took his hand and kissed it just like before. “Jesse Vasquez, there is one thing I’m sure of…” She paused and he dropped his eyes. “Look at me, Jesse.” When he did, she continued, “The only thing I’m sure of right now is that I love you very much.”

  “I love you, too.” He coughed and cleared his throat, stalling to actually voice the question running through his mind. “Kate,” he croaked, “did s
omething happen?”

  Her eyes glistened. “It was nothing, really.” His heart dropped to his toes, then shot up and threatened to fly right out of his mouth before settling back in his chest to thump wildly against his ribcage. “Someone kissed me at midnight,” she mumbled.

  His molars ground together and he jerked his hand out of hers. “Who?”

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  Every muscle in his body tensed, already knowing the answer. But Jesse wanted to hear his name. He wanted her to admit that her lips had touched his. “Who?” The question came out as a low, breathy growl.

  A tear rolled down her cheek. “Jesse, I love you. Only you.”

  He palmed his face, scrubbing to make sure this was reality. His feet swung around and he tested his weight on shaky legs before he stood. He stepped into his boxers and pulled them up to rest on his hips. Blood rushed through his veins and the whoosh echoed behind his ears. He paced on the side of the bed, trying to calm himself. No such luck. He whirled around to glare at her. “Dammit, Kate, I already know. Tell me… Who kissed you?”

  “Rich,” she whispered the name that sent his body into a deep freeze—and a boiling anger.

  “That sonofa…” His fists clenched with the need to pound something—or rather someone. “Tongue?” He snarled the question he knew he didn’t want an answer to, but anger prodded him to get all the details. Her hand flew up to her mouth as she gasped. “Come on, Kate, did he slip his tongue into that beautiful mouth of yours?”

  “No,” she whispered.

  The water works started, and that pissed him off. Did it make him an ass that he enjoyed the panic in her voice? That there was real fear there, a fear of losing him? Jesse would never leave Kate. Never. Short of death, there was nothing that could keep them apart.

  She crawled toward him. “It was just a kiss. He’s only a friend.”

  He backed away from her. “Don’t kid yourself, KC.”

  She blinked and tears continued to roll down her cheeks. “What…what are you saying?”

  A bitter laugh exploded into the room before he could stop it. “He’s totally into you.” Jesse looked into her eyes, hoping she wouldn’t see the vulnerability and hurt in them. He dealt better with anger than he did with hurt. “At the party, he didn’t even try to hide it. At one point, I thought he was going to rush out on to the dance floor and rip you out of my arms. So, yeah, I saw it. Hell, that crazy wife of his saw it too.”