He glances at one of the staff, working to keep track of the orders. “Can we get Lidia over here?” Sean asks, and the staff member nods.
Lidia arrives at Sean’s side. “What is it? Is something wrong?”
He shakes his head. “Not necessarily. Look at these sales. They’re skyrocketing. Are the delivery times still realistic?”
She looks over the numbers, and Bradley Jenkins joins them and does a couple of calculations. After a moment, they assure everyone that the delivery estimates are still realistic.
“Wow, that’s incredible. Great work, both of you,” Sean says. He pats her arm and then goes to find Jessica. When he finds her, he pulls her aside. “The show is a tremendous success. Bradley just told me sales are far exceeding projections, and revenue projections will need to be upgraded next week. You’re a hit.”
Jess’ face lights up, and Sean gives her a big hug.
Carmen Zamora appears next to them. “Excuse me, sorry to interrupt. Could I borrow Jessica for a bit to introduce her to some important individuals?”
“Of course,” Sean says. He murmurs to Jess, “Knock ’em dead, babe.” She gives him a smile and then follows Carmen through the crowd.
She is introduced to the wives of several dignitaries, other designers, media personnel, and movers and shakers in Latin America. She makes a point to converse, even shortly, with each of them, and when she addresses them in Portuguese, they are not only mesmerized but overjoyed.
Individually, each expresses how pleased he or she is that such a talented designer and entrepreneur has chosen Brazil to launch her international debut. Each also pledges support throughout Latin America to ensure her continued success. Jessica thanks them all and promises to continue designing quality garments at acceptable prices.
They also introduce her to their spouses and bosses, who likewise compliment her on the success of the grand opening and reiterate that if they can help her in any way, she is simply to contact them. Business cards are exchanged, along with promises of further word-of-mouth promotion and follow-up.
Hugo finds Jessica in the fray. “Congratulations, Ms. Silva. This show was a tremendous success. Your designs are being received extremely well. I only wish Ricardo could have been here to witness fulfillment of his developmental dreams for this factory.”
Jessica hugs Hugo. “I’m so sorry he wasn’t able to see all this. I know he was angry last time we were together, but I want you to know I harbored no ill will toward Ricardo.”
“I know you didn’t, and I know the decisions made were strictly business decisions.” He shrugs. “Given the same circumstances, I would have done the same thing.”
Jess nods, slightly sad. “I hope we can remain friends.”
“Why, of course we can. Maybe sometime soon you and Sean can be my guests for dinner?”
“I would love that, and it would be our pleasure.”
He gives her a knowing look. “I knew you were a special woman the first time he spoke of you. He is a truly lucky man.”
She blushes, smiling. “I feel I’m the lucky one.”
“Well then, it’s a good match if you both feel the same way.”
Sean joins them, shakes Hugo’s hand, and asks, “How are you really doing, my friend?”
Hugo clears his throat. “As well as can be expected, given the circumstances. Quite frankly, I believe I’m still in shock, and perhaps a little numb.”
“Understood,” Sean says, nodding. “I just want you to know everything is on track with Global Metal Refining, and nothing is going to change with our plans.”
“Thank you for letting me know, but today is Jessica’s day to celebrate.” He winks. “Let’s not interfere with that by discussing such mundane matters.”
Sean raises his champagne glass. “To better times and continued prosperity in the future.”
Hugo returns the toast. “Thank you. Oh, and Jessica, I haven’t heard a single negative thing about your designs.”
“Thanks, Hugo. I appreciate you keeping me posted.”
He nods, and they chat about other fashion matters for a few minutes.
As the reception starts to wind down, Hugo excuses himself, and Nate rushes up to Jessica. “We have a lot to talk about later at the villa.”
Bonnie joins them. “Ooh, let’s talk about stuff while we drink by the pool. It’s been a long day.”
Jessica replies, “Only if I get some of those incredible mango margaritas.”
“I’m sure that can be arranged, hon.” Then she leans in to Jessica and whispers, “Unless you’re planning on celebrating in some other manner?”
She chuckles, whispering back, “Oh I am, but we can do that after drinks, my dear.”
Bonnie hugs her tight. “You go, girl. If that’s the case, then I don’t want to see you until late tomorrow morning. You need to wear his ass out.”
Jess glances at Sean. “Oh, believe me, I fully intend to.”
Sean clears his throat. “You know, it’s rude to whisper so much when I’m standing right here.”
Bonnie pats his arm. “I’m sure it is. You can thank me tomorrow afternoon.”
She winks at Jessica, and Sean looks puzzled but decides not to pursue any further discussion at this point. “Anyway,” Bonnie says, “I’ll head to the villa and get everything ready. I’ll see you both in about an hour.” She kisses Jess on both cheeks and strolls off through the factory.
Bonnie has her staff working overtime when everyone starts to arrive at the villa after the grand opening.
A buffet is already arranged by the pool with a full bar when Richard and Evelyn arrive, the first to be back.
“Help yourselves,” Bonnie says. “Be honest. What were your impressions of the grand opening?”
Evelyn orders a drink and replies, “I’ve always admired Jessica’s designs, so I wasn’t surprised to see them readily accepted by the international community.”
“I agree,” Richard says. “However, I was extremely surprised to find so many other designers from the United Kingdom and Milan in attendance.”
Bonnie nods. “Well, Jessica received her graduate education in design in London, but I also hadn’t realized how many of the UK designers were actually keeping track of Beauty Boutique Clothing. It’s impressive how firm a hold Jess has on all her contacts.”
Evelyn and Richard nod in agreement. “I didn’t hear anything negative today,” Richard says. “I expect to see some very promising media coverage in the next few months.”
Nate and Phillip arrived next, followed shortly by Wendy, and Bonnie questions them similarly.
Phillip answers first. “All I heard was amazement about how Jess can offer such exquisite designs at such reasonable prices. Buyers were verifying numbers before placing what I believe were massive orders.”
Wendy chimes in, “I was lingering near Carmen Zamora and her circle, and it was the same story. Many of them also indicated they would be contacting their favorite retail outlets to make sure they start carrying Beauty Boutique Clothing designs.”
Jessica and Sean arrive to a thoroughly hyped group of friends and cheerful toasts to the successful opening.
Sean taps his glass. “Today went extremely well. Many of the reporters took my business cards in order to schedule interviews with Jessica. Most of them seemed to want to do feature articles, which is great because we’ll get out some inside scoops.” He turns to Jess with admiration plain on his face. “You rocked the international fashion industry today, babe.”
She grins up at him. “We all rocked it today. I could not have done any of this without all your help, for which I am eternally grateful.”
Bonnie laughs out loud, saying, “Our reasons are a bit selfish, I have to admit. I want to see a good return on my investment, Sean wants to show SGM can dominate any industry it chooses, and your employ
ees want the security of well-paying jobs and a great boss. You, on the other hand, have a passion for what you design. So I’m sure I’m not alone in saying all the honor goes to you.”
“Well, I can’t disagree with anything you just said,” Jess replies with a chuckle. “So thank you all.”
Nate walks up and gives Jessica a huge hug. “Let’s just enjoy the success of today, for tomorrow there will be plenty of things to accomplish for everyone. Well, except me. Phillip and I are officially on vacation, baby!” Phillip gives a little cheer in the background, and Nate smiles at him.
“It’s well deserved, and since most of us are returning to California sometime tomorrow, the two of you will be able to enjoy all this exclusively,” Jessica replies.
Phillip steps up to hug Bonnie. “I can’t believe you have been this generous to us. I haven’t had a chance to say this earlier, so thank you so very much. Nate and I couldn’t dream of a better place to spend the next two weeks than right here in exotic Brazil.”
“Well, enjoy your time together and make sure you two get out and enjoy some local sites, cuisine, and entertainment,” Bonnie replies graciously. “And you’re very welcome.”
“We most certainly will. Thank you again for your generosity.” Nate says, putting an arm around Phillip.
“Of course. Anytime.”
Before everyone gets too full of liquor, Bonnie asks for their schedules for tomorrow to ensure her staff is prepared to get everyone where they need to be.
“Richard and I need to be at the airport by ten o’clock to make our flight to visit family in Wisconsin for a few days,” Evelyn says.
Wendy answers that she would like to fly out by two o’clock with Bonnie, reminding Bonnie she promised to stay in San Diego with her for a few days before returning home.
Sean considers. “Jess and I will probably head out around ten and fly straight to San Francisco.”
Jessica disagrees. “I want to sleep in tomorrow. Should we just plan on leaving when Bonnie and Wendy go to the airport?”
“This is us we’re talking about,” Sean counters. “We’ll be up by eight and leaving at ten. Gives us plenty of time.”
“Not so fast,” she replies with a mischievous smile. “It’s going to be a late night tonight, so sleeping in would be more appropriate.”
“Why is it going to be late? Everyone has to get ready to leave except Nate and Phillip.”
Bonnie can’t stand it anymore, and the opportunity to embarrass Sean is just too perfect. “Oh my God, sometimes you are so dense. Today was a great day for Jessica, and she is planning on a private celebration with you. Get it now? If you don’t, I can assure you, you won’t get it later!”
Realization dawns on his face, and Bonnie raises her eyebrows and gives him a wink.
“Well, then. We’ll be heading to the airport with you and Wendy.”
“That’s much better,” Jessica replies with a giggle.
“And everyone says I’m so inflexible. Pfft. See? I’m happy to adjust my plans.”
Jess chuckles, and Bonnie says, “Apparently it just requires the right motivation.”
Sean yawns, stretches, and winks at Jess. “Wow, I’m really beat.”
She grins and tosses back the rest of her margarita. “Yeah, I know. Me too,” she says. She grabs Sean by the hand and heads off to their room with catcalls and laughter following them down the hall.
In the privacy of their suite, Jess says, “I’d like to take a shower, if you don’t mind.”
“No problem. I could join you?” he suggests as fond memories of their last shower fill his mind.
“Actually, if you would fix us some drinks, that would be great. You can shower after me. I promise it’ll be quick.”
He looks disappointed, but he agrees.
After she finishes showering, Sean hands her a drink of tequila, crushed orange, and cinnamon, then goes to take a shower himself.
Jessica has a few sips of tequila and decides to pull out all stops. She digs through her suitcase, pulling out black stockings, a teal garter, a thong, a teal push-up bra, and black high heels. She gets dressed, pours Sean a scotch, and waits for him to finish his shower.
As he comes out of the bathroom in his towel, he finds Jessica lounging in the armchair in the corner. She stands and walks toward him, stopping him dead in his tracks.
“Wow,” he says, his voice husky.
Jessica wastes no time at all. She hands him the scotch, and as soon as he reaches for it, she grabs his towel and gives it a yank, flinging it across the floor. She gives him an approving glance, then says, “It has been a great day, but tonight has just gotten so much better.”
He smiles, and Jessica takes his scotch back and puts it on the nightstand, then pushes him backward onto the bed. Immediately she straddles him, leaning forward, and kissing him with passion. As soon as she breaks away from his mouth, Sean unhooks her bra and drags it down her arms. He lifts his head and buries it between her breasts. Turning slightly, he takes her breast into his mouth, circling her nipple with his tongue, then flicking it rapidly, causing her to moan aloud.
Jessica responds by pressing herself against him and sensing his excitement. She gives an experimental wiggle, and he gasps.
He grabs her hips and holds her in place while he begins to rotate his hips underneath her. She sucks in her breath and leans forward to nibble his collarbone. Grabbing her ass, Sean slides his hand up, grasps her thong, rolls her over onto her back, and with one fluid motion, slips it off her legs.
He glances up at her. “You are such a beautiful woman,” he says. He buries his head between hers legs. Jessica enjoys the torment for a few moments, then wriggles away from his magnificent mouth, rolls him back onto his back, and straddles him once again. He is about to protest, but she slides herself onto his shaft in one effortless motion, and the complaint dies on his lips. He shifts, and they both cry out with pleasure.
Jessica begins sliding forward and back, pressing herself hard against him. Her pleasure mounts quickly, as does her tempo, until her body quivers and she collapses against his chest. Sean immediately grabs her hips, holds her in place, and thrusts deeply into her repeatedly until he gives way to his own release.
They both lie, spent, for a while, enjoying the afterglow of their lovemaking. Sean strokes Jess’ hair, then rolls her onto her side and begins kissing her gently. Both of them are slightly surprised when their kisses begin to increase in intensity once again, and Sean rolls her onto her back and enters her. This time, Sean is deliberate and exceedingly tender. As they make love to each other for a very long time, both sense an intimate connection neither has ever sensed before. Then suddenly, they reach simultaneous orgasm. While they lie in each other’s arms, absorbed in the intense emotion, neither dares to speak, and they silently drift into a peaceful slumber.
Jessica wakes to the smell of fresh brewed coffee, and as she opens her eyes, she sees Sean standing in all his naked glory, finishing a pot of french press coffee.
She lets out a sigh of pleasure. “What a wonderful view to wake up to.”
He glances over at her and smiles. “Well, I’m glad you like it. Otherwise, I’d be in trouble, wouldn’t I?”
“Yes, indeed you would.”
“Would you like cream or sugar in your coffee?” Sean asks, pouring a cup for each of them.
“Cream would be nice, thanks.”
Sean brings her a cup and places it on the nightstand next to the bed. He retrieves his cup and joins her back in bed.
“How did you sleep last night?” Sean asks, settling back against the headboard.
“Like a rock. Thank you for a marvelous evening,” she replies, sipping her coffee.
“It was all my pleasure.”
“Not all of it. This coffee is fabulous. Thanks again.”
“You’re very we
lcome. I believe Evelyn and Richard have already left.”
“What time is it?” she asks.
“It’s ten forty-five.”
“Holy crap, I didn’t mean to sleep this late.”
“Sure you did, babe. Enjoy your coffee, then we’ll go face the teasing and have a bite to eat before we fly back to California. By the way, how do you feel about the opening results from yesterday?”
“I suspect it’s still a bit early to really know, but I’m pleased with the overall reception of the new designs.” She sips her coffee again, then continues with a sarcastic smile, “You know, I’ll be able to answer that much better after I get some sales data from my marketing firm.”
“Huh, well, you know, it will take those bastards forever to get that type of information back to you with any degree of certainty.”
“I don’t know…I’m pretty tight with the owner of the marketing firm.”
“You are definitely ‘tight’ with the owner,” Sean replies with a chuckle.
After coffee, they dress and head out to see the rest of the guests. Bonnie, Wendy, Nate, and Phillip are on the veranda enjoying casual conversation and breakfast. As soon as Sean and Jessica arrive, so does Eduardo.
“Good morning,” he says kindly. “Can I get you some breakfast?”
“Yes, please,” Jessica says. “I’d love some fresh fruit and eggs.”
“Throw some tortillas and sausage in there too, would you?” Sean chimes in. “Thank you, Eduardo.”
During breakfast, Sean receives a phone call from Bradley Jenkins, and everyone sits in quiet anticipation while they converse.
“Projected sales orders have far exceeded initial expectations, with the largest volume orders originating in the UK,” Bradley starts, but in his usual fretful manner, he continues, “Mr. Green, I didn’t factor this dynamic into my projections. I still want to ensure Beauty Boutique Clothing can capitalize on this unanticipated phenomenon while not compromising other success in markets they’re more prepared to handle.”
Unmerited Favor: The Compassion and Peril of Mercy ( Un missable Series Book 2) Page 11
