by M. L. Smith
Chapter Fifty Four
Scarlett appeared in the kitchen. Her pretty blue eyes looked swollen and her face was puffy.
Zack was seated at the table, looking at a newspaper but not really reading it.
“Dad, can I talk to you?”
He turned around to look at her and I saw his heart melt a little bit.
“I will give you guys some space,” I told them.
I headed into the lounge. My phone started ringing as I flicked through a magazine. I was pleased to see that it was my brother Jack.
“Hi, Jacky boy. What’s new?”
“Sis, I am getting married. I asked Chloe and she said yes. The wedding is in two weeks. We thought we had wasted so much time, why wait?” he blurted out.
“What? That is fab news. You two are made for each other, Jack. I am so happy for you both. We will be there!” I told him, ending the call.
A few minutes later, Zack sauntered into the lounge.
“How are things with Scarlett?”
“Better. I know I will have to get my head around her having an adult relationship. It’s not going to be easy but I don’t really have any choice. She said you talked to her last night.”
“I did. She needed a friend.”
“You are so much more than a friend to her, Jennifer, and I really love you for that, baby.”
He pulled me to him and kissed me sweetly.
“I know it’s different for Jasper. You probably congratulated him. It’s a bit unfair but that’s the way it has always been.”
“He told me all about his first time in far too graphic detail!” he cringed blushing.
“Ha! That’s typical Jasper! Oh, I have some news for you.”
I told Zack about the wedding.
“I think Scarlett and Jasper will want to stay here. They have a lot on with just starting college. I will ask Camille and Roger to stay. They won’t mind, I’m sure.”
“Great! Well, I will need an outfit pronto. I will go shopping tomorrow. I’m not taking you as you are very naughty in changing rooms!”
“How’s Pamela? This could be just what she needs.”
“She’s good. The chemo knocks hell out of her but she’s strong and Dad has been a great support.”
“Good, she’s a wonderful woman who gave me a wonderful woman.”
“You are such a softie, Zack!”
He smiled at me and pulled me onto his lap. I kissed his neck, breathing in his beautiful scent. It made me high. An all too familiar ache throbbed between my legs.
An ache only he could fill.
God! He filled it oh so very beautifully!
“Are you bothered that your brother has beaten you to it, getting married before you?” he asked when we broke the kiss.
“No, not really. It’s his time and some day it will be mine.”
“You never know, Jennifer, you never know,” he said mysteriously.
He kissed me long and deep as I wrapped my hands in his hair. I sucked his tongue, greedily taking over his mouth, enjoying the lush kiss. Wetness gathered as he responded to me.
His large hands pulled out my top from my denim shorts and they ran slowly up my spine. Zack’s scorching touch ignited my burning desire for him. I really didn’t think it would ever go away. I never wanted it to go away. It made me feel so alive.
I pulled back from him, panting. His eyes blazed with wanting. He kissed down my neck as I moaned into him. His erection pressed into me as I writhed around on his lap. I rubbed up against him like a cat to gain some relief.
He pushed one of his large hands into my top and his thumb traced the underside of my breast. I pulled his head into my breasts as he whispered to me. He kissed them through my thin top. They grew heavy as the nipples tightened.
“JB, I really need to fuck you hard right now!”
“That sounds fucking ‘A’ star, Mr Cole!”
I softly hummed as we carried on kissing and touching each other.
We didn’t hear Jasper coming in to the lounge.
“Dad, Jennifer! You two are so horny, it’s embarrassing! I know where I get it from. It’s not my fault at all. It’s clearly in the genes!” Jasper laughed, blushing profusely.
“We must run upstairs. We, err, have forgotten something important up there!” Zack told him as he stood up with me still wrapped around his waist.
He bolted out of the room as I clung onto him.
We burst into Zack’s room and he pushed me down onto the sheepskin rug that we had made love on at the beginning of our relationship. I pulled my top over my head and unclasped my bra. It was such a relief to free my aching breasts. Zack pulled his t-shirt over his head and pushed down his jeans and boxer shorts. He roughly unbuttoned my shorts and yanked them down my legs. My thong followed.
“Give it to me now! You are killing me!” I panted.
“Do you want this, Miss Black?”
He fisted his erection roughly as my desire hit fever pitch.
“I always want it, Zack!” I whispered as I prepared my mind and body for him.
He leaned forward as I spread myself wide for him. Zack was grinning wickedly as he guided himself into me. I practically screamed as he thrust up roughly. I gasped as my body stretched to accommodate his very generous size. He started to glide in and out of me through my slick wetness.
“Oh yes! I am in sweet heaven once more!”
“Shut up and get on with it, Mr Cole!” I told him, pinching his gorgeous arse.
He laughed as he increased the pace, slipping and sliding in and out of me. Cupping my bottom in his hands, he angled me up to meet his body. I groaned as I submitted myself fully.
Pulling his mouth to me, I kissed him hard as I commenced my ascent to orgasm central. He energetically took me on our favourite rug, our bodies fusing together beautifully.
My legs wrapped tightly around his taut waist. Zack was so deeply in me, I gasped loudly with each thrust. His hard chest rubbed up against mine as my nipples grew harder and harder.
“God, I love you so much, baby.”
Tears formed in my eyes and slid down my temples.
“I love you too, Zack. You are my soul mate,” I whispered.
His eyes stared into mine before he showered me in sweet kisses. He glided in and nearly pulled out before plunging back in.
The sensation was wonderful as he made love to me so perfectly.
My body met his and took everything he dished out.
It was hard, rough and amazingly hot primal sex.
I tightened up and fell into a thousand pieces as I climaxed.
My back arched off the floor as I closed my eyes and rode the wave. Within minutes, my body convulsed and fluttered into another orgasm, taking me by surprise.
“Oh yes!” he shouted as he came.
I watched his features soften and take on a faraway look.
Some men looked away as they climaxed.
Not Zack.
He let me see him in all his breath-taking glory. His face had a light sheen of sweat covering it. I held his hair at its wet roots. His shuddering body came to a stop as he satisfied his needs. I could feel his heart beating quickly as he relaxed and slumped heavily on top of me.
“That was just what I needed, baby. You were amazing.”
“I do love the multiple orgasms you always give me, Mr Cole!” I whispered breathlessly.
“Glad to be at your service, JB!” he laughed, nuzzling my neck.
“Zack, can you do something for me?”
“Yes, baby?” he panted.
“Please can you get off? You are an unbelievably sexy 6’4” of rock hard man and I can’t breathe!”
Chapter Fifty Five
The following day, Scarlett and I went shopping and I bought a summery dress with hat, shoes and a bag. I went the whole hog.
It wasn’t everyday your baby brother got hitched.
I wondered if I would ever marry. A lot of my school friends had children and were very settled. It was always
about a career in the police for me so the happy ending has had to wait.
DI Ross was on holiday for two weeks and until the forensics came back and I had my gun, there wasn’t a lot I could do.
We headed up North as I liked to call it on the following Friday morning. I had spoken to my Mum a few times and she sounded very excited but stressed out. After the church service, the reception was to be held in a marquee in the grounds of Mum and Dad’s farm. The weather forecast was good for the weekend which was brilliant.
As we headed up the motorway, Zack seemed to be brooding about something. His brow was knotted and he kept sighing.
“Don’t frown like that. Okay, spill!” I told him, arching an eyebrow.
“God, it is quite spooky how in tune you are with me,” he smiled warmly over at me.
“It’s because I love you,” I told him, gently caressing his stubbly cheek.
“I was just wondering if John would be there, that’s all,” he finally blurted out.
“Yes, he will as he is Chloe’s older brother,” I told him.
I don’t know why I hadn’t mentioned it before.
“Oh right. I see.”
“Everything will be okay. I wanted to talk to you about John. I was thinking of telling him what I did. What do you think?” I asked him, really wanting his advice.
“Well, if your instinct is telling you to come clean, then you should, Jennifer.”
“I thought you might say that. If he hates me so be it but I am sick of carrying the burden around with me. He deserves to know the truth.”
“You are very brave, baby.”
We continued the rest of the journey quietly as I mulled over my situation with John.
Mum and Dad rushed out to greet us followed by Jack who swung me around.
“Come in, you two. It’s great to see you,” Dad said after we had finished our enthusiastic greetings.
“The kettle is on!” Mum laughed, looking at Zack.
His face lit up warmly as he looked at her.
My Mum had that effect on people.
She was so welcoming, so generous, so beautiful and so lovely.
“Jennifer has got me addicted to tea now and for an American coffee addict that is no mean feat!” he laughed.
Mum batted her eyelashes at him, drinking in his gorgeous face whilst I giggled watching them. She looked away all flustered.
Yes, his appeal spanned generations.
“You look good, Mum. Dad has obviously been doing a great job looking after you.”
“I’m fine, darling. Really I am.”
We settled into chairs set out in the back garden. The late September weather was superb as we relaxed in the warm afternoon sun.
“Jack, where is Chloe?”
“She’s getting her nails done or some other girly thing. She will pop over later to see you. Do you two want to see the marquee?”
“Yes, we would love to, Jack,” I replied.
Zack took my hand as we went over to take in the beautifully-decorated marquee. There were balloons, lights and gorgeous table decorations.
“Wow! This is really something, Jack!” I told him.
“The flowers and ice sculptures will go in tomorrow morning. Chloe is not allowed to see it. She gave me free rein other than picking the colours. I can’t wait to see her face!”
“She will be thrilled, Jack,” I told him, hugging him.
“Do you two fancy a couple of swift ones down the pub?” Jack asked, grinning at us.
“It would be rude not to,” Zack said, patting him on the back a bit roughly.
Jack went red and nearly toppled over.
As it was a lovely day, we decided to walk the fifteen minutes into the village. The pub had a beautiful beer garden that was quite busy due to the lovely weather. Jack and his new best friend Zack headed in to get the drinks and I could feel someone staring at me. Turning around slightly, I saw John sitting with a brunette that looked spookily like me at a table in the corner.
“Hello, Jen.”
He waved before he made his way over to talk to me.
“Hi, John,” I replied, not getting up so that he didn’t kiss me.
Just then Jack and Zack came out of the pub with our drinks.
Zack’s face dropped as he saw John talking to me. He put the drinks down on the table and looked at John.
Oh shit!
A deathly silence descended as I looked at Zack and John.
“Hi, Zack. Listen I wanted to apologise to you about what happened. I’m really sorry. No hard feelings?” John said, thrusting his beefy hand out.
“I’m sorry too, John. We’re good.”
Zack magnanimously shook his hand. The scowl disappeared from his handsome face.
In that moment, I realised what wonderful men John and Zack were.
“If I ever want a sparring partner, I will give you a bell!” John laughed as we all joined in.
The ice was clearly broken.
“Look, why don’t you join us?” Zack kindly said, surprising me.
“That sounds good. Sarah, come and join us,” he shouted over to the brunette.
She walked over to the table nervously. I couldn’t believe how much she looked like me. She was not as tall as my 5’9” or as curvy but the resemblance was uncanny.
“Hi, everyone,” she stuttered, shyly putting her head down.
John introduced us and I saw a look in her eye as she surveyed me, weighing me up. She really didn’t need to worry about me having feelings for John.
“Jesus, JB, she is like your doppelgänger,” Zack whispered to me, staring at Sarah.
“I know, it’s a bit spooky and don’t you be ogling her!” I threatened him, laughing.
“I only have eyes for you, baby,” he told me, kissing my neck.
I popped into the pub to go to the toilet and as I came out, I crashed straight into John.
“Sorry, John!”
“It’s okay. What do you think of Sarah?”
“She’s lovely. John. I am pleased for you. You deserve happiness,” I told him, really meaning my words.
I suddenly felt really brave and decided that it was now or never to have a little chat with him.
“John, can I speak to you for a minute, please?” I asked him, swallowing hard.
My heart was pounding and my stomach churned.
“Yes, of course do you want to sit here?” he asked, steering me into a cosy booth in the empty pub.
“John, I need to tell you something” I gulped, trying to form the words.
“What is it, Jenny? You can tell me anything. We are friends, you know,” he said, kindly looking into my eyes.
God, why did he have to be so lovely?
“You know when I lost our baby?”
“Yes,” he replied unsteadily.
“Well, I lied to you. I got an abortion. I never had a miscarriage. I’m so sorry, John,” I blurted out.
“I know, Jen,” he said calmly.
His blue eyes filled with tears.
“What do you mean you know?” I spluttered.
“You got a phone call to confirm your appointment. They wouldn’t say what the appointment was for but I rang the number back and put two and two together.”
“Why didn’t you say anything and why don’t you hate me, John,” I asked him as hot tears ran down my face.
“I figured if you didn’t want a baby then if I forced you to keep it, you would have resented me and maybe even hated me. I couldn’t bear that, Jen. I loved you so much. I still do. So I buried it deeply away.”
“John, I’m so sorry for hurting you so much,” I sobbed as he pulled me into his warm embrace.
His warm arms wrapped around me and I felt safe like I did with Zack. My tears of shame and guilt ran freely down my cheeks. I felt wretched.
“Hush, Jen. It wasn’t meant to be and neither were we. We were too young and we wanted different things from life. Look how happy you are now and I have met someone an
d I am in love. Everything happens for a reason,” he soothed, stroking my hair.
“You are one of the best men in the world, John. I will always love you,” I told him, kissing his cheek as the tears continued to fall.
“I will always love you too, Jen. Come on sort yourself out and we will go and re-join the others.” He handed me his handkerchief, he was that much of a gentleman that he had one bless him.
“Thanks, John. I am so glad that we talked,” I told him as we went back outside.
Zack took a look at my blotchy face and pulled me into his warm body as we took our seats. He kissed my cheek gently.
“Are you okay, baby?”
“I am and John is too,” I told him, so relieved.
“Good, I am glad.”
Sarah didn’t seem to have noticed anything amiss as she cuddled into John’s strong farmer’s arms.
“Well, we better head home. We don’t want to have stinking hangovers tomorrow, Jack. Time to call it a night,” I told him, hauling him to his feet.
“Okay, sis! You are so bossy but annoyingly right!” he grumbled as we left the beer garden.
“See you all tomorrow,” John and Sarah shouted as they headed in the opposite direction to his farm.
We trudged home through the warm night. The stars looked beautiful, twinkling and sparkling away. I felt so happy and relaxed now that I had spoken to John. I linked arms with Zack on one side and Jack on the other and we sang a rousing chorus of, “I'm getting married in the morning.”
This had been a good day.
Chapter Fifty Six
We awoke in my old room with the sun streaming through the curtains.
It was another gorgeous day.
I looked over at Zack sleeping quietly next to me and closed my eyes again as I fantasised about marrying him. Imagine how handsome and dapper he would look in a morning suit. Drop dead gorgeous didn’t even begin to cover it. I had every detail picked out in my head.
He just needed to ask me now but would he want to after Phoebe having all those affairs behind his back? I really wanted him to but we had only been together about five months. It was probably way too soon.
There was also the not too small matter of me being in the police to get over. I would just have to be patient and see what happened.
