“You are incredibly beautiful.”
She looked up, that flush of color I loved pooling on her cheeks. “Stop it,” she murmured, picking up her coffee.
“You really are. I’ve always thought so, but this morning, you’re simply exquisite.”
She tilted her head, looking impish.
“This morning? I’m a mess. My hair isn’t done, I have no makeup on, and I’m not even dressed.”
I picked up her hand and kissed it. “And yet, you have never looked more beautiful to me.”
Her cheeks darkened further.
“You’re not so bad yourself, Jordan. You hide quite the body under your business clothes.” She sipped her coffee. “Very sexy.”
“I’m glad it pleases you. I enjoy my workouts with Van and Aiden. Keeps me young.”
She picked up her croissant. “And strong.” She winked, looking mischievous. “Your, ah, stamina is impressive.”
“Well, as the song goes, I’m not as good as I once was, but I’m as good once as I ever was.”
She lifted a shoulder, a smile curling her lips. “I’ll take quality over quantity, Jordan. Grade A filet is far better than a run-of-the-mill hamburger.”
I threw back my head in laughter. “You have a way with words this morning, my darling.”
I loved seeing her this way. Relaxed, happy, at ease with me. Tousled and sexy across the breakfast table. It was something I wanted to see every day.
I leaned across the table and kissed her. “Ready to go have another amazing day?”
She smiled against my mouth. “Yes.”
“Okay.”
* * *
The day passed in a long string of smiles. The harbor cruise was a hit with both of us. We stood out on the deck, enjoying the sun and breeze. The boat wasn’t crowded, and we enjoyed the tour and the vistas. Sandy stood in front of me, and I wrapped my arms around her. She took some pictures. We saw forts, shipwrecks, lighthouses—all of which delighted her. She glanced up at me.
“This is so amazing!”
Unable to resist, I kissed her. She caught my head in her hand, curling her fingers into my hair as our mouths moved together. When I pulled away, her cheeks were flushed, and she touched her lips. I wonder if she knew she did that after we kissed.
As I had discovered, much to my delight, Sandy liked to be kissed. She also loved being held and staying close when we strolled. Our hands were entwined most of the time, and if she would drift away to look at an item, as soon as she returned, she held her hand out for mine. She was such a strong force at the office, having her share this private, personal side of herself with me was humbling. It proved to me she trusted me.
She rested against me, laying her hand over my arms. “Thank you, Jordan, for bringing me here.”
I kissed her head. No words were necessary.
We strolled around in Boston Common. Toured Samuel Adams brewery and tasted many samples, discovered a small market, and did some shopping. We had dinner at Turner’s, enjoying the bustling atmosphere of the restaurant.
“Oh my god,” Sandy moaned. “You have to taste this.”
I opened my mouth and let her slide in a piece of swordfish, chewing it slowly.
“That is delicious.”
I slid my plate in her direction. “You have to try the lobster pie.”
She speared a forkful and lifted it to her mouth. She closed her eyes in appreciation. “Wow.”
I nodded. “I know. Good thing we’re walking so much. Otherwise, I’d gain twenty pounds this weekend. Between the chowders, the crab cakes, beer, and the snacks we keep having…” I trailed off.
Sandy winked, trying her best to look lewd. “I’m sure later we can think of another way to burn off some more calories,” she whispered in a breathless voice, then quirked her eyebrows.
I began to laugh. All day, she had delighted me with her sense of humor. I knew she was intelligent and well-read. I expected to enjoy her company, but her surprisingly ribald jokes, her amusing imitations of a Boston accent, and cheeky remarks had me in stitches several times. I couldn’t recall laughing this much for a long time.
“I might take you up on that.”
“I guess I had better get dessert then, just to keep up my strength.”
“Good idea.”
I glanced at my phone. “The latest weather update says it’s supposed to rain all day tomorrow. Maybe you’d like to go back to the MFA.”
“I’d love that.” She ate in silence for a few moments, then spoke. “Um, how bad is the rain supposed to be?”
I rechecked my phone. “Storms overnight and then rain most of the day.”
“Oh.”
Something in her tone made me tense. That one word indicated anxiety. I reached across the table and took her hand.
“What is it, my darling?”
She shrugged, looking self-conscious. “It’s silly.”
“I doubt that. Now, tell me.”
“I hate storms. They frighten me.”
“A lot of people share that fear. It’s not silly.”
“I hate the turbulence they cause. The noise and the wind. All of it.”
“Well then, I guess I’ll have to hold you extra tight. You can use me as a shield. And we don’t have to leave the hotel tomorrow at all.”
“Just rain doesn’t bother me. In fact, I find the sound of rain quite soothing.”
“All right, we’ll play it by ear and see what the weather does.”
She met my eyes, gratitude swimming in her gaze. “Thank you.”
“All you have to do is tell me, Sandy. Whatever you need, however you’re feeling, I’m here.”
She squeezed my hand. “I’m so glad you are.”
“Good.”
* * *
At the hotel, I could feel her tension. I had a massage booked for us in the morning, but I had the feeling another one wouldn’t be objected to at the moment. I gathered some lotion and towels in the bathroom and instructed her to don one of the fluffy white robes the hotel provided and asked her to put up her hair. I sat in the large armchair and tossed a cushion on the floor.
“Sit.” I pointed to the pillow.
She did as I asked, then laughed quietly as I bent over her, tugging on the sash of the robe. “I need access,” I teased, dropping a kiss to her neck.
She loosened the robe, and I pushed it off her shoulders, running my hands along her soft skin, feeling the tension under the skin.
“Wow.”
She sighed, letting her head hang down. “My shoulders have been described as cement.”
“Well, let’s see what I can do about that.”
I added some lotion to my hands and began to knead her tight muscles. She groaned low in her throat, but it wasn’t a groan of pain. I worked at the stiffness, massaging and stroking, feeling her beginning to relax. I talked about silly things. The couple we’d seen taking selfies along the pier. A sculpture we’d both guessed at, trying to determine exactly what it represented and being wrong. Amusing little stories about Van, the boys, funny things my kids did as they grew up. Anything to distract her as the storm outside drew closer. I wanted her to concentrate on my voice, the feel of my hands. Slowly, her muscles loosened, her shoulders sagging. I tipped up her head, stroking her neck and along the front of her chest, over her collarbone, keeping my touch light and gentle. She kept her eyes shut, a small smile on her face.
I tried not to notice her breasts but failed. Badly. The fullness of them I could see perfectly from my vantage point. How slowly her nipples were tightening. How my groin tightened in response. With a casual sigh, she lifted her arms, draping them over my widened knees, pushing her breasts out. I drifted my hands lower, touching her. Stroking over her nipples with my thumbs as I cupped her. She whimpered, a soft small sound, opening her eyes. I met her gaze and smiled as she wrapped one arm around my neck, drawing me down to her mouth. I kissed her, upside down, leisurely, our tongues meeting and withdrawing, my hands still o
n her breasts.
“Jordan,” she whispered.
“Tell me what you want, my darling. Tell me, and it’s yours.”
“You. I want you.”
“Here or in the bedroom?”
In one fluid movement, she was on her feet, her robe a discarded cloud of white at her feet.
“Right here, in this chair.”
My erection kicked up, straining against my zipper. Sandy watched me with hooded eyes as I smiled, leaned back, and opened my hands in invitation.
“Take me however you want me.”
She never broke eye contact as she tugged on my zipper and yanked off my pants. I helped her with my shirt, impatient to feel her skin against mine.
Then she settled on my lap, straddling me. Our mouths fused together, and I held her close, feeling the delicate beauty of her back under my fingers.
She shifted, lifting and settling herself, my cock at her entrance. We both moaned as she lowered herself, taking me inside slowly. Flush together, she gripped my shoulders, taking her hair out of her clip, shaking it loose around her shoulders. She shuddered as I thrust into her.
“You feel so good, Jordan. So good.”
“So do you.” I groaned as she rolled her hips. “So do you.”
“We’re both going to feel even better,” she whispered, then began to move. She gripped the back of my neck, clutching the arm of the chair with her other hand. She undulated over me, her movements smooth and graceful. She arched her back as I nuzzled her breasts, moaned as I pulled her closer, burying my face in her neck as she rode me. I praised her, begged her, uttered a curse or two as she took control and brought me more pleasure than I thought possible. I gripped her hips as she began to cry out, thrusting into her, shouting her name, and coming hard.
She collapsed against my chest, shuddering in the afterglow, her arms wrapped around my neck and her body fluid and warm next to mine.
I kissed her head. “Wow, my darling. That was simply…” I trailed off, unable to find words to adequately describe what had just occurred between us.
“That was fucking awesome,” she murmured.
I burst out laughing. Sandy rarely swore, and I found it rather endearing when she did. And if I was being honest, a bit of a turn-on—especially given the reason for her cursing.
I stood, taking her with me. She clung to me, smiling as I set her on her feet in the shower. “Let’s clean up and go to bed.” I kissed her lips. “We can cuddle.”
“I like cuddling with you.”
“Good. Me too.”
* * *
She did hate storms. It finally started around two, the thunder beginning to rumble and lightning flashing. The rain was heavy, hitting the glass outside like small pebbles.
Sandy had fallen asleep for a while, worn out from the day and no doubt, our rather vigorous lovemaking, but she woke at the first far-off rumble of thunder, her body tense. She nestled closer, seeking the shelter of my embrace, and I held her tight, trying to offer what security I could.
She trembled in my arms, her face buried in my chest, small sounds of distress escaping her mouth every so often. I talked to her, smoothing my hands up and down her back in calming passes, whispering words of comfort. I had never seen her so vulnerable. Unsure how else to console her, I began to hum. I always loved to sing to my kids, and I tended to hum under my breath without realizing it. Van teased me about it all the time. When Anna was ill and unable to sleep, I would hum to her—she said she found it soothing and it helped her to rest.
After a while, Sandy relaxed, snuggling closer, but without the tension I had felt in her before. I felt her body grow heavier with sleep and I kept going. I hummed and stroked her hair, enjoying the fact that she was relying on me and that I was helping her.
The storm continued, but she slept, safe and peaceful in my embrace. I hummed until the storm abated, the sounds fading off, leaving only the rain.
Knowing she was resting, I drifted off to sleep, keeping my arms around her. I wondered how to get her to agree to sleep beside me every night. I had a feeling I was going to miss the feel of her next to me once this weekend was over.
* * *
Sandy
I paused in front of my favorite Renoir painting again, standing across from it and staring. Something about the colors and light drew me in. Jordan was wandering in another section, but he would know where to find me.
I smiled as I thought about him.
Jordan.
This weekend had been more incredible than I could have imagined. We traveled well together, at ease with each other, and both enjoying the same things. I loved walking with him, often stopping to look at something that caught my eye or popping into a store. He was endlessly patient, never rushing me. He stayed close on our explorations, holding my hand, tucking me into his side. On our Salem walking tour, he had guided me around dips in the sidewalk, low spots in the grass as we followed the group.
The approaching storm made me jumpy, but he kept an eye on the weather and had us back at the hotel long before the storm began.
His massage and the ardent lovemaking that ensued had been one of the most pleasurable experiences of my life. He had no problem with me taking control, his green eyes dark with desire, his warm voice encouraging me as I rode him. I loved watching him lose control. The way his head fell back, his neck muscles tightened as he groaned and murmured in pleasure. How he praised and cajoled as we made love. The way he called my name. His deep, fervent, soul-drugging kisses that thrilled me to the core.
His understanding about my fear of storms was typical Jordan. He accepted it, didn’t make me feel silly for being frightened, and when the storm descended on us, held me close as he promised and kept me safe. When he began to hum, my entire body relaxed. He had a deep, rich tone that soothed me, and combined with his close proximity, he accomplished something which had never happened before. I fell asleep and stayed asleep as the storm raged. Without a nightmare. When I woke up, it was dawn, Jordan was still beside me, his arms a protective shield, and I was fine.
When he woke, we made love again. Sleepy and warm, our movements were unhurried, our kisses long and gentle. He was an amazing lover—giving and patient, talented with his tongue and fingers. I had forgotten the joys of lovemaking. The passionate movements, the sensation of a strong body joined with mine, the pleasure building between us. The whispers and groans. The feel of fingers and lips skimming along my skin. The way the air around us heated, the world shrinking down to the two bodies joined in a dance as old as time.
The massage he had booked this morning was wonderful, but the capable hands of the masseuse had nothing on Jordan’s touch.
Jordan was skilled and passionate. He surprised me with taut muscles and incredible stamina, the way his eyes darkened as he explored my body. The low curses that fell from his lips in the height of passion, the sounds erotic and sexy. He was simply incredible.
Movement caught my eye, and I shifted my gaze to see Jordan headed my way. Tall, handsome, and confident, he strode toward me, a smile meant only for me on his face.
I returned his smile with my own.
Simply incredible, and even more incredible, he was mine.
He reached my side, sliding an arm around my waist and dropping a kiss to my head. “I knew I’d find you here.”
“Having one last look at Landscape on the Coast near Menton.”
He laughed low in his throat. “It’s part of the permanent collection,” he assured me. “We’ll visit again.”
I hugged his arm. “Thank you.”
He patted my hand affectionately. “Anytime.”
* * *
Despite the rain, we strolled the streets, dry under a large umbrella Jordan purchased. We found a lovely little bistro and had an early dinner, then headed back to the hotel. We enjoyed each other’s quiet company while I read on my Kindle and Jordan worked on a crossword puzzle. He did them in pen, thoughtfully tapping the nib on his chin as he pondered a wor
d. I liked watching him—the way he furrowed his brow, mouthed a word, or shook his head when he figured out a particularly difficult clue. I had asked him if he ever made a mistake. He had glanced up at me over the rim of his reading glasses, looking sensual and amused.
“No,” was his simple answer.
Eventually, I ended up in the massive tub, surrounded by foam and warm water. I floated, mindless and serene. Jordan strolled in, placing a glass of wine on the ledge. He turned to leave, but I grabbed his hand.
“You could join me.” I winked. “I could wash your back.”
“Is that a fact?”
I nodded, lifting the loofah sponge high. My breast peeked out from the foam, and I grinned. “Oops.”
He lifted one eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Sandy, are you seducing me?”
I fluttered my eyelashes. “Is it working?”
He yanked his shirt over his head. “Damn right.”
Seconds later, he was in the tub with me, dragging me close in the warm water. He wrapped his legs around me, lifting mine over his hips and bringing me flush to him. His erection was already hard and pressed between us, and I whimpered at the feel of him. He yanked me to his chest, running his lips up my neck to my ear. “See what you do to me, my darling?” He nipped at my neck. “One glimpse of your sexy body all wet and naked, and I’m hard.” He cursed low in his throat as I rolled my hips. “Fuck, Sandy, I want you.”
Hearing him curse, lose control of his gentlemanly, polite ways, did something to me. He grasped my neck, drawing my face to his and kissed me. Endless moments passed as we lost ourselves to the growing passion. I ached with my need for him, longing to feel him inside me. I gripped the edges of the tub, lifting myself up, then lowering down on his hardness, inch by inch. I never broke eye contact, letting him see the pleasure I felt. When we were flush, when he was buried so deep inside me it was as if we were one, I leaned close to his ear. “Take me, Jordan.”
Vested Interest Box Set Books 4-7 Page 84
