He and Webb had been thick as thieves since basic training, and he was tickled when they both were deployed to Afghanistan for an insurgent operation. Since Stefano outranked him, he was in charge and had assigned his team to take part in a military operation outside of Bagram. They were traveling in a military convoy when a remote-controlled, roadside bomb killed three security forces members in eastern Afghanistan, an attack the Taliban claimed as the opening round of their spring offensive plan. The bomb exploded beneath the vehicle carrying Master Sergeant Andrew Webb and two officers.
After the funeral, Stefano had left the cemetery and took off on his motorcycle for miles, driving wild and reckless until he was pulled over by a cop who saw the decal on his windshield and contacted the base to pick him up at the jail. He had been escorted by his commander to the airport and then ordered to stay out of trouble and have a good time. He would have rather gone back to Afghanistan and blown something up, but deep down he knew it had been for the best. He needed to get away. Originally, he cared very little about the reunion or the photography shoot, but now he was happy he had come.
Stefano thrust a hand into his pants pocket as he forced his mind from that black cloud and back to the present. Preferably Jayla. What would happen between the two of them after the reunion was over was at the forefront of his mind. One thing he knew, with certainty, he wanted to see her again. But did she?
That was the question haunting him. Sometimes Jayla was hard to read. Other times she had that look on her face that he had come to realize was forced. It wasn’t natural, that was for sure. It was one she had schooled to give off a fake expression of not being as attracted to him as he was to her. But he knew it was a lie. He’d seen the way her eyes widened when he touched her and heard the soft whimpers when he was buried deep inside her body. There was no doubt in his mind she felt the attraction between them. Jayla just preferred to ignore it, because she had been hurt before. She had pretty much admitted that, but there had to be something else.
Maybe she’s not interested?
He scowled and his ego preferred that he believe her reason was strictly a result of fear. Either way he planned to find out if they had a chance of exploring everything that was swirling around between them before it was time to say goodbye on Sunday.
Stefano felt Jayla coming down the hall before he saw her and then every muscle in his body tensed. “Mi Querida,” he murmured under his breath.
His heart thudded beneath his chest as their eyes locked and a beautiful smile curled her lips. She was a vision in a shapely gown that covered her in a one-shoulder style and drew his eyes to the sweet curves of her breasts and the indentation of her small waist, before the smooth material slid down over her legs and skimmed the ankles of her strappy, rhinestone-studded high heels.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting.” Stefano shook his head and felt at a loss for words as he reached up and touched the curly, dark hair cascading around her shoulders. “Looking like that, it was worth the wait. Wow! Jae, you are beautiful in that gown.”
Dropping her eyes briefly, she blushed and said, “You dress up pretty well yourself, Mr. Ortiz.”
Leaning in, Stefano planted a kiss to her painted lips and had to blink once, twice, three times to break the trance. He could have stood there and stared at her all night. The dress and shoes were simply arousing, capturing his imagination in ways he couldn’t quite fathom.
The woman before him had Stefano thinking forever thoughts, and there was no way he was letting her simply walk out of his life.
* * *
Jayla stood poised at the door that led them into the ballroom ahead. It was already packed with classmates in black ties and evening gowns. Stefano extended his arm, and she curled her own around it and tried to ignore the flash of heat that riveted through her.
Servers were circulating with trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres. She had been to the convention center for concerts on several occasions, but she had never been inside any of the ballrooms. Jayla was pleased to see the room was quite elegant with crystal chandeliers sparkling from a vaulted ceiling.
A hovering waiter got her attention and she took two glasses of champagne, one for each of them, before he bowed and turned away. It would be her only drink of the night.
“Gracias,” Stefano said as she handed him the flute, then he placed a hand at the small of her back as they moved across the marble floor to find their assigned seats at table M. Her eyes swept the room. Classmates were dressed in gowns in an array of colors. Everyone looked glamorous and impressive. There were a few with plunging necklines or thigh-skimming hemlines, but for the most part, everyone looked tasteful and elegant.
Jayla and Stefano exchanged pleasantries with people she barely remembered and were greeted with hugs and wallets full of baby pictures by the ones she knew quite well. It seemed more people were in attendance tonight than at the meet-n-greet that had been held on Thursday evening. After a while Jayla felt relaxed and actually started enjoying herself, and was even getting a kick out of the people who were shocked to see her and Stefano together. Many assumed they were seriously dating, and neither she nor Stefano bothered to correct them. What difference did it make? she decided. They probably wouldn’t see any of them again for another ten years.
Gemma, who had been one of her closest friends that she had lost contact with after college, had arrived with her gorgeous husband and a swollen, round belly. They were chatting nonstop when trays of salads were being carried out and Stefano came to her side.
“We better go find our table,” he suggested.
She and Gemma exchanged numbers, hugged, and promised to keep in touch.
Jayla felt herself getting excited about the evening ahead. Her dress swished across the floor as she walked gracefully in her shoes. With each step, she watched the eyes following her and Stefano as they moved, hand in hand, through the guests in search of table M. She couldn’t blame any of the women for staring. When she spotted him standing in the lobby waiting for her, he had stolen her breath away. Even now she couldn’t take her eyes off of him. Stefano looked impeccable in a black suit, paisley print tie, gray shirt and wingtip shoes.
They moved through the maze of tables that were covered with linen; there were low flickering candles in the centers. The front of the room had been left clear for dancing later, but for now a podium was set up with a microphone. She couldn’t wait for him to hold her close in his arms again.
One of the waiters pointed them in the right direction, and she and Stefano were almost to table M when a voice stopped Jayla in her tracks.
“Darling, there you are!”
She turned and caught the piercing green eyes taking in everything about her. Jayla took her time doing the same.
Tamara had the nerve to look just as good as she had in high school. Her dark hair was pulled up in a chignon at the nape of her long neck. Her face and makeup were perfectly flawless, just like her tall, slender body. She was wearing an emerald-green chiffon dress that accentuated her small round breasts and itty-bitty waist. The only thing that marred her beauty was the way she protruded her thin lips into a frown.
“Hello Tamara,” Stefano said with a little bow and then being a gentleman, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it before releasing it.
“I was hoping I’d run into you this weekend,” she began, while batting her long eyelashes. “I had a big merger on Friday and caught the first available flight in today. You know how corporate America can be,” she said with an exaggerated eye roll and a plastic smile. Tamara, with her spoiled temperament, had always demanded that everyone envy her. “How have you been? And who is this? She looks so familiar.”
“This is Jayla Parker. She was in our class.”
“Jayla?” she squeaked. “Oh my! You have truly changed.”
“Since your jaw is on the floor, I’ll take it that’s a good thing,” Jayla managed in a controlled voice.
An icy smile skated over Tamara as she r
eplied, “It depends on who you ask. But in your case, it’s truly an improvement.” She was holding a champagne glass in her hand, running her fingers along the cool surface. “Stefano would you have time for the two of us to catch up later?”
Jayla was grateful when he shook his head and replied, “Sorry, but I’m here with my date, and we are on our way to our table, so if you’d excuse us.”
Tamara looked as if he had just slapped her in the face.
Our table, Jayla mouthed, then gave a triumphant smirk as she allowed him to lead her away.
“Sorry about that," he said, apologetically.
She shook her head and met his beautiful eyes. “No need. I spent so many years trying to get her to like me, and when I saw her tonight I realized what she thinks doesn’t matter to me anymore.”
He gave her a searching look. “Sound like you’ve gained a lot of wisdom in the last ten years.”
“Yeah, I guess I have.”
They sat down and exchanged greetings with everyone else at their table, and they all chatted while they enjoyed a meal that began with soup and salad. And then there was prime rib and chicken, vegetable medley, and garlic mashed potatoes that were so good, Jayla had to stifle a moan. Then there was chocolate cake—to die for—and port dessert wine. Everything was so delicious, and the choices were tasteful, Jayla had to admit the reunion committee had done a fabulous job.
Stefano drove her crazy sitting beside her with his leg brushing against hers. And every time he leaned down to whisper into her ear, the scent of his woody cologne made her stomach contract with longing.
The program began, and the room quieted as the valedictorian came up to the microphone to share her opening remarks. She gave a witty speech that included silly memories from their high school years. The reunion committee was called to the front, and there was a thunderous round of applause. Several more spoke, but her mind wasn’t on any of it. Instead, she was watching Stefano out the corner of her eyes. He was so handsome, he made her sigh dreamily, and being by his side she felt this sense of pride of knowing she was here with him that she had never felt before.
“What’s on your mind?” he asked. The deep-accented tremble of his voice cut into her thoughts.
“Nothing,” she replied under her breath.
“You’re lying,” he hissed and placed his hand on her thigh, sending heat radiating to her private areas.
Jayla couldn’t conceal the smirk that curved the right corner of her mouth upward. He really was observant.
The program part of the evening was finally over, and as the applause died, the podium was pushed away and the band began playing. Tonight’s theme was old school rhythm and blues and it sent Jayla into a romantic mood. She scanned the crowded room looking for Kat and Marquis and saw neither. The guests were mingling again, and others were heading up to the dance floor. All she wanted was to go back to the hotel and have Stefano take her to bed, taste her, touch her, to feel his body inside her.
Jayla looked, to find him staring at her.
“What?” she asked and couldn’t resist a smirk.
“You are so beautiful.” His words made her chest tighten.
They sat there staring at each other as if they were the only two in the room, and then she heard the music change.
“Beautiful enough to dance with you?” she whispered.
“I suppose we should dance since we’re here,” he said and sounded just as anxious to go as she was. With his hand at her waist, he led her over to the dance floor where several couples were dancing close to Michael Bolton’s, “When a Man Loves a Woman”. Jayla stepped into his arms and they began swaying gently to the music. Across the floor she spotted Kat dancing close with Marquis. Jayla knew that look anywhere. Kat was falling for the Navy Seal.
“I’ve been waiting all evening to hold you in my arms,” Stefano whispered close to her ear, drawing her attention.
“You needed an excuse?” she said and tsked.
“Just trying not to be greedy,” he admitted, then leaned back, and she met the wicked gleam in his eyes that simply took her breath away.
“I’m not complaining,” she confessed.
“Good, then after this slow dance, I’ll be ready to go back to the hotel and feel these long legs wrapped around my waist.”
Arousal moistened her panties. “I love when you talk like that.” His hands slid over Jayla’s arms, reminding her of the feel of his fingers in other areas of her body.
Stefano stared at her, and the hunger she saw caused a strangled whimper. “Do you know I’m the envy of the evening? I, by far, have the most beautiful woman in our graduating class on my arm, and everyone knows it.”
Pleasure rushed through her at the compliment. Hearing those words coming from Stefano made her smile. “Keep talking like that, and I might have to do you tonight.”
“Do me babe, any time you want,” he said in a voice that was smooth as melted caramel and then he brought his mouth over and kissed her.
There were two more songs before they said their goodbyes and slipped out the door to his car. As soon as they were inside, he drew Jayla in his arms and again kissed her breathless. Afterwards, Stefano held her hand all the way to the hotel and released it only long enough to slam the car door shut and walk around to open it for her.
“You’re so pretty in that dress I almost hate to see you out of it,” he said, as he helped her from the seat.
She leaned in close and purred, “Just wait until you see what I’m wearing underneath.”
His nostrils flared. “I can’t wait.”
Stefano escorted her inside and down the hall heading toward his room when she yanked his arm.
“Wait.” She paused until Stefano swung around, then said, “I want you in my bed tonight.”
Stefano’s grin widened. “Then lead the way.”
10
Stefano dropped light kisses to Jayla’s neck and shoulder trying not to wake her, then he leaned back and stared at her resting comfortably beside him in the bed. Last night’s high-intense round of sex had carried over into the wee hours of the morning and she was drained. Dios Mío, so am I, and yet he still couldn’t seem to get enough of her.
As he continued to gaze at Jayla, he noticed the small mole near her earlobe and how her lashes were long enough to almost brush her cheeks. Her skin felt like smooth satin and her lips…well, he couldn’t stop staring. They were pouty, pink, and tempting. The woman had driven him crazy, and craving a future together.
Before long, his cock was hard again, and the driving need to bury himself inside her tortured him. Only now he intended to go slowly, savor the moment, and then afterwards they still had plenty of time to rest before church services.
Stefano rolled Jayla gently onto her back, then slowly slid his tongue down her neck and breasts.
“What are you doing?” she mumbled in a groggy voice.
“I need to be inside you again,” he breathed against her skin. He worked his way down across her stomach to her inner thighs, causing her to whimper and flinch on the bed.
“Where do you find the energy?” she said with a laugh that ended with a whimper.
“Do you want me to stop?” he asked as his tongue slid across her clit.
“No…don’t stop,” Jayla moaned and parted her thighs in invitation.
“Why would I do that when you like it so much?” he whispered and brushed his fingertips gently along her labia, caressing, teasing, and sending little shock waves to her core.
”Stefano,” she breathed. “Please.”
“Please? Please what, mi amor?” His voice was husky with desire. “Tell me what you want.”
The sound of her moans was enough to arouse him in ways he couldn’t ignore. Cum coated his fingers and he eased one long finger into her followed by another, causing her to whimper with pleasure.
His fingers plunged deeper, faster and Jayla began rocking her hips to match the rhythm of his hands. Stefano hissed under his breath.
She was wet and ready.
Teasingly, he slid the head along her wet folds and then up along her clit. Jayla arched off the bed, her fingers digging into his back.
“Steph, please…I need you inside me!” she begged.
He wasted no time slipping on the condom, then moved into position, but when he paused, her eyelids flew open.
“Please,” she said breathlessly.
“Say you want me,” he urged. Stefano’s hands were on her thighs spreading her wide. Jayla squirmed but he continued to hover right at her entrance. “Tell me.”
“Fuck me!,” she begged.
He held back. “Say it, Jayla.”
“Say what?” she cried and desperately lifted her hips for him to fill her.
“You are such a hard ass.” He chuckled then lowered his mouth to hers and thrust his tongue inside. She slid her tongue along his greedily, while winding her hips beneath him, coaxing him to push inside her. She had no idea how bad he wanted to be inside her, but instead he licked and sucked hard, then tugged with his lips.
“Tell me,” he growled and continued to stroke the head of his cock along her slippery folds until her hips had lifted up off the bed.
“I want you, dammit!” she screamed. “Steph, please, I want you inside of me.”
“Now was that so hard?” he teased then plunged into her hard, his cock spreading her wide. Hard. Fast.
“Oh my God,” she moaned and rolled her head side to side on the pillow. As he began his sensual assault, Jayla rocked against him, meeting every thrust with one of her own.
He fucked her frantically knowing there was a chance he may never see her again. And the thought caused him to penetrate her even deeper. “Raise your legs,” he ordered.
Jayla brought her legs up around him, pulling him deeper inside. She felt so good, he gritted his teeth and tried to hold on. Her moans and upward thrusts shattered his control. Her orgasm came quick and she was screaming with need as he pounded away, then his back arched, and a sharp cry exploded from his lips.
Beg For It Page 8
