The Demarcation of Jack
Page 14
“At least one of you is higher,” Marc said, laughing. “See you in a little while. You look awesome, by the way.”
“Really? Do you really think so?” she slurred. “Thanks, Marc, you’re a sweetheart.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Jack and Jenna threw on clothes, loosely resembling the two people who had arrived at the island earlier that day. They stood at the edge of the water waiting for the ferryman to come rescue them from their inebriated state.
“Oh, I feel sloppy,” Jenna said lazily.
“Yeah, maybe one too many piñas?”
“I was drinking rumrunners after the first two,” she said.
“Oh, mama, are you sure you can drive?”
“Oh, I don’t think so. Is my shirt on backwards?” she said as she pulled her shirt out to decide.
“Here he comes,” Jack said, laughing at their state. “I love you. What were you thinking getting involved with me way back when?”
“I was pretty much thinking that I loved your energy and your craziness and spontaneity. The way you just seemed to live your life out loud. Jack, I miss that—in me. I don’t know what’s happened and I’m sorry about that.”
The boat slid up in front of them and a new driver got out. “My lady,” he said and reached out for her hand. “Do be careful. I’ll hold the boat steady.” He turned to Jack and reached out.
“Fool me once, shame on somebody—fool me twice and buy me a drink,” Jack said and climbed into the boat.
“I see you’ve had a fun day on the island,” the young man said. “A little smoke will help to work this out,” he said, “and some good food of course.”
“I don’t think I can climb the ladder,” Jenna mouthed over the drone of the small motor.
“Can you get us close to shore so we can jump out?”
“If you jump from the boat at the dock the water is only four feet deep. Feel free to swim in.”
“Excellent,” Jack called out. “Will you put our gear on the dock, please?”
“No problem, mon.”
Jenna and Jack stroked heavily to shore and lifted their bodies from the surf. They joined hands and tramped in silence to the front of the dock.
“Flip you for who goes to get the gear,” Jack said.
“Go get the gear,” she said, pointing at the barely visible bundle on the end of the dock.
Jack faltered forward to get their stuff, then suddenly picked up steam and ran straight to his sandals. He then returned with the backpack and towels. He helped Jenna to her feet and again took her hand as they labored toward the stairwell that led to their room. They slogged up the stairs and started laughing at their predicament as they lumbered to the room.
“I’ll be lucky to make it to the bed,” Jenna cackled.
“You’ll feel better after a flower,” he said and then turned back with their key in hand. “Did I say ‘flower?’ Because I meant shower. You’ll feel better after a shower.”
Jenna laughed as she stumbled against his back. He opened the door to the room and watched as she flew past him and flopped her upper body onto the bed.
“Ah, honey. This was not the plan,” he said. He lifted her legs onto the bed and rolled her onto her back. “Honey? Honey? Lightweight.”
Jack went to the telephone and ordered lunch for two. He then turned on the music and lay next to Jenna, spooning her body. This is perfect. You feel so good, he thought as he snuggled as close as he could get.
*****
The knocking at the door seemed to be coming from very far away. What the … where … Jamaica … room service … it’s all coming back to me now. Jack rose slowly and plodded to the door.
“Hi,” he said. “Could you put it on the table outside, please?”
A man walked briskly through the room to the balcony and returned as quickly without making eye contact.
“Thank you,” Jack said as the door closed. He turned to join Jenna in the bed and saw the motive for the bellman’s quick movement—Jenna lay naked, spread eagle on the bed snoring. “Oh, lovely. I don’t think I’ll tell her about this one,” he said as he lay next to her again and closed his eyes.
*****
A shower would be very nice right now, she thought as she struggled from the bed. Jenna started toward the bathroom and caught a glimpse of lunch on the balcony. “Oh yeah, that’s a definite priority,” she said as she sped to the sandwiches piled high with meats and cheese.
The sound of the shower roused Jack from his sleep. He sluggishly made his way to the shower doors, stood listening for a moment and asked, “Can I join you, please?” He leaned against the wall, waiting for her answer.
“Absolutely,” she said. “Thanks for lunch.”
“Lunch? Oh yeah, hang on, I’ll be right back.”
Jack returned with a sub in one hand and a Red Stripe in the other. “God, you look good tanned all over,” he said, stepping into the shower. “Turn around.”
“Jack, you’re getting your sandwich wet.”
“I think I’ll wait to eat.”
“Putting me before food, that’s a first,” she quipped.
Jack slid the glass door open, threw the unfinished sandwich in the garbage receptacle, and reached to place the Red Stripe on the vanity. Facing Jenna, he closed his eyes and began to run his fingers over her body, remembering her exquisiteness as a woman, her uniqueness. He painstakingly traced her from head to toe, bringing her to a heightened state that could only be quenched with the kind of lovemaking that old lovers cherished. He pushed her against the side of the shower and lifted her right leg as he thrust his manhood inside her tight wetness.
“Oh, yes,” she growled. She held on to his shoulders as he shifted in and out of her.
He stroked slowly at first allowing a natural rhythm to develop. Their deep breathing blended with their soft moans. The friction escalated until Jack flipped Jenna around and she bent over at the waist. He clutched her hips, pounding into her rhythmically.
Rotating her hips back against him, she grunted with each onrush of his erection.
He reached underneath and flicked at her clit, bringing them both right up to the edge of a powerful release.
“Jack, oh Jack,” she moaned. “I’m so there, come with me.”
He gritted his teeth, holding back his grunts and groans. He increased his thrusts, grabbing her by the hair and letting out a long guttural sound. Jenna slowly collapsed on the floor of the shower and Jack hung onto the towel bar waiting to recover.
“I love you,” Jenna said as she gazed up at Jack. “I never want to take this for granted.”
“You’re an incredible lover,” he said, breathlessly as he allowed the shower to flow over his back.
“You’re not so bad yourself,” she said as she rose to join him. She placed his hands on her breasts. “Do these still do it for you, Jack?”
“Baby, you have great breasts. I love that your nipples sit high on the curve. They always seem to be looking for attention.”
“Thank you. That helps,” she said. “So what do you think about Becky’s breasts?”
“They’re lovely,” he said, mocking Becky’s accent. “They’re very big and round and she’s pretty. Where’s all this going? Am I in trouble again?”
“What about Summer’s?”
“Petite breasts, flat stomach and a full round butt, that’s just excellent. I’d love to cast her bottom for a wall sculpture. Am I in trouble for saying that?”
“No. I’ve just been thinking that I do find other men attractive, but I never say anything. Would it be okay to say that sort of thing to you?” Jenna asked, turning Jack into the water flow.
“Here’s the key—you ask me first—‘do you think he’s handsome?’ and if I say, ‘yes,’ then drop it. However, if I say ‘nah he’s nothing.’ Then you can go on about him all day long.”
“Do you think Marc’s handsome?” she asked tentatively.
“I forgot to say that guys that are drop dea
d gorgeous—don’t even bother to ask the question,” he said with a smile.
“Listen, I know you find Summer very sexy. Hell, I find Summer sexy. I trust you to be up front about your feelings about her,” she said, soaping her breasts and belly.
“What feelings? I like her, but that’s it.” He waited patiently for the soap.
“I know that, but she’s very enticing, isn’t she?” Jenna pulled the slider back after she had rinsed.
“I suppose in an artistic sort of way,” he said, watching her as she stepped from the tub.
“Jack?”
“Okay. She has a way about her. She’s fun and she likes me, I think.”
“Doesn’t that feel better to get it out in the open?”
“Yeah. This is sort of fun. So like you’re into Marc and I’m into Summer.”
“Let’s not get crazy with it, just yet. Let’s see what happens.”
“Okay, okay. This should be interesting. I mean to be able to point out someone without getting into trouble. I think it’ll be a turn on,” Jack said from the shower.
“As long as we don’t take it too far. No comparisons, for instance,” she said emphatically. “Never use this freedom to demean one another.”
“Totally agree. I’m excited! Are we expanding our relationship?”
“At this point, the honesty yes, the openness, no,” she said. “We’ll try this first for a while and see how it works. Then we can see where we go from there. What’re you wearing for the sunset cruise?”
“I’m thinking blue jeans,” he said. “After the sun goes down on the water it could get chilly.”
“Hmmm. Hadn’t thought about that. Jeans, white T, and my running shoes?”
Jack opened the shower door and stuck his head out. “You’re so hot in that combo,” he said, grinning broadly.
“Why, I think your eyes are dancing,” she said as she stroked his wet face. “I’ll be getting dressed now.” She left the bathroom dropping her towel right as she rounded the corner.
“Tease,” he called out. “I dare you to come back in here flaunting those goods!”
Jack tilted his head back to rinse his hair, allowing his body to soak up the warmth from the hot shower.
“Uh,” he said, jerking suddenly. “You scared me,” he said, laughing.
“Let me make it up to you,” she whispered as she trailed kisses down his midsection.
*****
The couples began to stream out of the hotel exits from several different points, making a beeline for the dock. Boarding for the sunset cruise, first come first served, created a race as people glanced back and forth to size up the competition. Jack and Jenna’s luxury ocean-view room, located only twenty yards from the dock, gave them a distinct advantage. They arrived first to await the vessel that would sail them into the sunset.
Clouds had gathered on the horizon promising a spectacular display for the eager seafarers. As everyone took their places and relaxed into chatting with one another, a domino effect of awe began at the front of the line and cascaded to the last person. Creating a living postcard, a seventy-foot trimaran in full sail slid effortlessly around the jetty waters and directly to the end of the dock. The crew lowered the majestic sails as they tied off the ship.
“Fantastic,” Jack exclaimed. “This is just excellent.”
“How far out to sea are we going?” Jenna asked. “I hope I don’t get seasick. That would be embarrassing.”
“We can take seats up front. You’ll be fine,” he said, taking his eyes off the sailboat and looking at her.
Jenna leaned around the couples behind them to see Marc and Summer. “There’s Summer. See her? Hi!” She waved. “We’ll have to save them a spot.”
“Tell them to come on up,” he said. “There’s plenty of room, people won’t mind.”
“Marc, you guys come up here with us,” she called out.
They started forward until they reached a man who appeared to take exception, but soon continued toward Jack and Jenna.
“What was that about?” Jenna asked while exchanging hugs.
“He recognized me from the wellness center,” Marc said. “Just saying hello.” He turned his attention to the snow-white vessel trimmed elegantly in hardwoods and gleaming brass. “This is one fine-looking sailing craft.”
“That’s totally understating it. This ship is wholly romantic,” Summer said and then whispered mischievously to Marc, “I don’t suppose we could have sex on that boat?”
“Not tonight, but you never know…”
After everyone boarded, the captain motored away from the dock and called for the crew to set the sails. They billowed out, picking up the speed of the wind. The captain cut the engines, so guests could better hear the yacht slicing through the ocean.
The vacationers found different nooks and crannies to settle into and enjoy the breathtaking sunset. The foursome found a cozy spot toward the front of the ship where Summer and Jenna leaned back against Marc and Jack.
“You seemed relaxed out on the island today,” Marc said to Jenna.
“Alcohol induced relaxation. I do think it’ll be easier the next time,” she said, nodding her head reassuringly. “And the people out there were very nice and respectful, but I don’t imagine I’ll ever forget I’m naked.”
“Well, personally, I’m glad I’ll get to see you out there again,” Marc said, reaching out to touch her shoulder.
“I thought you’re supposed to pretend not to be looking or noticing or whatever,” she said, playfully acting offended.
“Oh, there’s no pretending with you, I noticed,” Marc said, staring straight at Jenna who had turned around to look at him.
“Honey, you’re a hottie and I’m sure every man noticed you,” Jack said, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her back against him.
“And some women, too,” Summer said, smiling at her. “Did you see all those men making fools of themselves over Kokila?” She glanced over at Jenna.
“Now that is a stunning woman,” Jenna said. “She looks sexier in clothes than most people naked.”
“The funny thing is that I think she’s into women, not men,” Summer said, winking at Jenna.
“Get out of here. Please, no way,” Jack said, vehemently shaking his head no.
“You’re usually a good judge of that, Sum, but I think you’re off on this one,” Marc said, kissing her neck.
“Men choose to ignore the obvious if it doesn’t fit their agenda. You ever notice that, Jenna?” she asked.
“Totally,” Jenna said.
“Hey, Jack, why don’t you ask her on Friday?” Summer challenged. “I bet you’ll find she’s more into your wife than she’s into you.”
“You’re on. All the men on the island can’t be wrong.”
“We’ll see. So who’s going to get us some drinks?” Summer asked, sitting up and shifting around to look at the men.
“Oh, nothing for me! I drank enough today for five people. Water would be nice though,” Jenna said, scooching forward to let Jack stand.
“Come on,” Marc said, putting his arm around Jack’s shoulders. “Let’s take care of these ladies.”
As soon as the men were out of earshot, Summer whispered, “I think Kokila is into you.”
“Get out of here,” Jenna said, shaking her head.
“I bet you that’s what she tells Jack,” Summer said, raising her eyebrows.
“I think she’s nice to everyone and I’m sure that there are rules against employees fraternizing with the guests. I think you just have sex on the brain.”
“Speaking of sex, you and Jack seem to be doing much better. Am I right?”
“Yes, actually. We’re doing better than we have in a very long time. I feel more alive and freer than I have in years. It’s like when we first got together.”
“Glad to hear it,” Summer said, reaching over to give Jenna a hug. “I’m having a wonderful time and I’m really glad we’re here with you guys.”
Once on the dock, the seagoing guests headed for dinner or their rooms. The lights from Le Gourmet bathed the beach below in a warm glow while the thousand tiny pinpoint lights of the Bayside reflected off the water resembling an impressionistic painting.
“Who’s up for dinner?” Marc asked.
“Do you guys want to grab a bite or do you need some private time?” Summer asked.
Jack stopped and looked at Jenna. “What would you like to do?”
“Let’s all go change into our suits, grab a plate from the Calabash, and go over to the hot tub in the garden. It’s completely secluded.”
“That sounds like fun. You’re on,” Summer said. “Meet you in the Calabash in say fifteen minutes, maybe twenty?”
“Okay, see you then.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The resort became a fantasy world at night filled with lights and shadows, music, and glamour. Many of the guests dressed up for dinner and promenaded through the lobby and terraces carrying on whispered conversations.
“You’re so clever,” Summer said to Jenna who approached holding open her backpack.
“We filled this up with wrapped fruits and cheeses to take with us,” Jenna said. “If the tub’s being used, we can always hangout in the elephant swings.”
They strolled through the lobby to the French doors and walked the path that led to an overgrowth of banana trees lining an even narrower stone path. The sign read ‘unoccupied.’
“Excellent,” Jack said excitedly.
“Last one in owes everyone a drink,” Summer said as she scooted past Jack.
Marc followed behind Jenna who carried in the backpack. They made their way down the path that circled around, leading to an area with two benches on either side of a bubbling hot tub. Tiki torches reflected light off the branches of a Formosa cupola, leaving everyone in a shadowy yet romantic playground.