Karma

by Barbara Huffert

“Hopefully Shelby will have the opportunity to see Abby in action in your own kitchen someday. Sure gonna work hard for that.”

  “Your kitchen would do.”

  “Even if it’s here?”

  Frank gave him a searching look, knowing his brother was entirely serious that he would relocate to wherever Abby was. “Better if it were closer but wouldn’t really matter.”

  Abby finished spooning her mousse into the flutes Harry set out. “Hi, Frank. How was Mr. Henderson today?”

  “Honestly, a pain in the ass,” Frank declared, keeping his tone light to let her know he wasn’t annoyed. “Look at you.” He held out his hands to her. “You’re certainly gorgeous when you can keep both eyes open at the same time. I take it you’re feeling better?”

  “I’m fine.” Abby’s gaze lowered automatically when Frank didn’t release her hands.

  His next words startled her. “Holy shit! Son of a bitch! Christ, Jess, why the hell didn’t you say something?”

  Jesse merely shrugged, waiting for Abby’s reaction to what Frank would say next.

  “Damn, pardon my language,” Frank continued at a quieter level. “I guess I should at least say I’m surprised even though I’m not.”

  As everyone watched her, Abby stammered, “I’m sorry. I mean… Um… I don’t… What do you mean?”

  Frank folded her into arms, giving her a big hug. “Welcome to the family, Abby. I’m going to love watching you with this kid.” He gestured for Jesse to join them.

  “What did you say?” Abby’s lip quivered as she managed to back away from him, only to be trapped against Jesse’s chest.

  “I said welcome to the family.” He frowned at her expression. “Oh fuck, I should’ve kept my mouth shut. I assumed you and Jess got married when I saw the ring. Shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions like that.”

  “Th-the ring? What? How did you know?”

  “So you are married!” Frank’s grin returned. “Hot damn, I knew it!”

  “But how?”

  “Easy. Yesterday, you had an indentation from recently removing a ring on this finger. Today, you have on what I’m guessing is your birthstone. My brother is wearing a suit he certainly wouldn’t have brought with him to install a system. And there’s a sparkle about you that is more than relief that your migraine is gone. After Shelby and I married each other in the park that day, I gave her a birthstone ring until we could openly show the world we were together. I’m not at all surprised Jesse chose the same thing.”

  “Oh.” Abby shrank into Jesse’s embrace as he slid his arms around her waist.

  “What am I missing?” Frank asked. “Why do you seem so horrified that I figured out you did this?”

  “I…”

  Jesse rescued her. “We were going to let everyone get to know Abby first before we told them.”

  “I see.” Frank understood instantly. “It’s not necessary. No one would ever question why you got married so quickly.”

  “But I don’t want you all to think I’m using him.”

  “Using him? As protection from the other guy?” Frank laughed. “Do you honestly think Jesse would ever marry you just to keep you safe? I assure you, my brother could protect you without going to this extent. There is no way in hell he’d have asked you to marry him unless he was positive that you are the woman for him. Trust me, Abby. The rest of our family would tell you exactly the same thing. You have nothing to worry about with us.”

  “Oh. Okay. Thank you.”

  “I won’t tell them either,” Frank stated softly. “I’d like to be able to share this with Shelby but I won’t if you say not to. If you need to be reassured first that’s fine. I won’t interfere.”

  “But won’t they know like you did?”

  “Probably not. I saw you without that ring. They won’t know it’s new. They might suspect but they won’t ask. We’re a different bunch. We know each other well enough to sense when we should or shouldn’t ask questions. If I’d thought first, I wouldn’t have said anything either.”

  “What’s going on?” Petey whispered to Milo, afraid to intrude on what seemed to be a personal moment.

  “Jesse and Abby got married today,” Milo supplied with a sniffle. “And Frank was just welcoming her to the family.”

  “Oh my.” Petey sighed as he wiped his eyes with a lace hanky. “I wish they’d asked us. I just love a happy ending.”

  “Who doesn’t?” Milo echoed his sigh as Harry shushed both of them.

  “It’s okay, Abs.” Jesse cuddled her. “We can trust Frank with this. In fact, I’m glad he knows. This way we have someone we can talk with openly.”

  Abby’s gaze shifted between the brothers. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked Jesse to keep this a secret.”

  “Sure you should have,” Frank soothed. “Just because you fell for my brother, you don’t know the rest of us yet. You’ll be telling them in no time. You’ll see.”

  “Thank you.” Abby finally smiled. “For not judging me. And for understanding.”

  “Don’t mention it.” Frank hugged her again. “So? Can I tell Shelb?”

  “Yes.” She laughed at the way he tried to look like a little boy.

  Milo took that as his cue to join in. “Well, congratulations! Isn’t this just great! Imagine, my blunder ending like this. You owe me an apology, Harry.”

  “Milo.” Harry shook his head as Milo and Petey danced around the kitchen. “I guess this means I don’t get to offer you that job after all. Too bad. I would have enjoyed working with you.”

  “I’m sorry,” Abby said quickly.

  “How about if you hold on to that thought for now?” Jesse interrupted her. “We really haven’t had a chance to decide much of anything past being together. I’m not opposed to staying here if that’s what Abby wants. We have an obligation at home this weekend and I’d like to spend some time alone after that. Why don’t you let Abby call you after we discuss all of this and see where we decide to end up?”

  “Oh how sweet.” Milo sighed again.

  “So romantic,” Petey seconded.

  “Isn’t it,” Frank teased.

  “Of course. Abby, please consider the job yours if you ever want it. Any time. I’d love to have you here,” Harry said. “Shall we move to the dining room? Milo, bring some champagne. This calls for a celebration.”

  After a sumptuous meal, filled with teasing and laughter, Frank left with Milo and Petey. He insisted on following them, not wanting to be completely at their mercy. He made each man promise to refrain from touching him too often, as they had tried to do during dinner when they sat on either side of him. Frank ignored them as much as possible, choosing to focus on his brother and new sister-in-law instead. They were so cute in the way they glanced at each other when they thought no one would notice. He could practically feel the chemistry between them and hoped they’d share what he and Shelby had.

  He was positive he spoke the truth when he told Abby his family would accept her without hesitation. He didn’t envy the obstacles the couple faced. Even though he believed Abby hadn’t married Jesse to escape her old life, he sensed it would be a long time before she was secure enough to be completely unguarded. At least she had started looking at Jesse when he spoke to her. His brother had come a long way in one short day. No, he didn’t envy them but he didn’t have any doubts that they would make it. That was how his family was. Once they made a commitment, they worked hard at it. If anyone could draw Abby out, it was his brother. And Jesse certainly acted as if he was looking forward to enjoying every minute of it.

  Chapter Twenty

  “How long do you think Frank will make it?” Abby asked as they drove back to the hotel.

  “Couple of hours.” He laughed with her. “Longer if they behave better than they were.”

  “Didn’t Frank expect that with the way he was dressed?” Abby had been surprised that Frank had chosen to dress the part, wearing tight black jeans, a tighter black T-shirt and boots with his worn le
ather jacket. His five-o’clock shadow added to the image. “He must have known he’d be teasing them.”

  “I think he was shooting for threatening with that look. Did you see the scowl? It must be killing him that it had the opposite effect from what he wanted. Most people cringe when he looks at them like that.”

  “I don’t think Milo and Petey realized he was serious. They seemed to believe he was doing it for their benefit, trying to look strong and dangerous.”

  “For their sakes, they’re damn lucky Frank rarely loses his cool. If some guy he didn’t know pawed him like that, his arm would’ve been in a sling the first time.”

  “He’s not going to hurt them?” Abby gasped, obviously worried.

  “No. He’ll force himself to be pleasant and stick it out much longer than he wants to. Mainly for Shelby because he’ll do anything just to hear her laugh but also because he knows Milo and Petey will truly enjoy themselves. They’re both decent guys and Frank won’t disappoint them by leaving too early. Did you see the look on his face when he saw Petey’s outfit? I know he bit his tongue at Milo’s silver thing but those sequins on Petey have got to be working on him.”

  “They were just trying to look nice for him.” She stifled her giggles. “He should be flattered at the thought and effort they put into it for him.”

  “Somehow I don’t think he is. Shelby, on the other hand, will have a blast when he describes them to her. Harry sure was impressed with whatever you did to his pudding.”

  “I guess.”

  “You love that, don’t you? You were so enthusiastic and animated. I could watch you cook all day if that’s how you always are.”

  “Oh.”

  “Please don’t. We need to talk about this sort of stuff, so we can decide where we want to settle in. If you hide like that, I won’t know what you want or don’t want and we might end up somewhere you hate. I need you to stay with me.” He got no response. “I’m not pushing for any decisions tonight. I was merely commenting on what I saw when you got involved in what you were doing.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Aw, precious. There’s nothing to be sorry for.”

  “But I can’t even have a normal conversation without slipping back into how I used to be.”

  “It’s okay. I understand and I have unlimited patience. You’ll get used to talking to me. I’m not worried.”

  “But I should be able to do this.”

  “You didn’t fall into Earl’s habits overnight. You’re not going to reverse them in a day either. Don’t beat yourself up. Don’t get frustrated. Don’t even think about it. I won’t push you. Don’t you either. We’ll just keep at it and one of these days we’ll both realize that we’ve been talking for hours and you looked at me without apologizing the entire time.”

  “I wish I had your faith in me.”

  “You will. But for now, I have plenty of faith for both of us.” Jesse turned off the engine and faced her. “And now,” he said, smiling broadly, “we need to decide if we’re going to take advantage of the music in the lounge and do some dancing or if we want to go upstairs and order some champagne so we can have a private toast.”

  “I’d prefer to be alone if you don’t mind,” Abby answered softly.

  “Why would I mind that my lovely bride is ready to isolate herself with only my company?” Jesse held her hand as they walked to the elevator. Once they were inside, he cornered her, claiming her mouth for a passionate kiss. When the doors opened in the lobby, several other guests stepped in.

  Jesse lifted his head to gaze into Abby’s eyes. “Don’t mind us,” he said without turning around. “We just got married and I can’t seem to stop kissing her. Yell when we get to fourteen.”

  Abby’s giggle was silenced when his lips lowered back to hers. When Jesse finally felt the hand that was tapping his shoulder, he startled Abby by scooping her into his arms. The other passengers cheered as he carried her to their room.

  “Jesse.” She couldn’t decide if she should be embarrassed or thrilled. When she saw the intensity in his eyes, the thrill won out.

  “Hi,” he whispered as he gently set her on her feet with her back pressed against the door.

  “Hi,” she answered, her pulse quickening as his lips met hers. This time, the kiss was gentle, full of tenderness. Abby felt herself melting into him. This was too good, too much. He overwhelmed her without even trying.

  “I should call room service,” Jesse stated between kisses.

  “Yes,” Abby agreed, holding him to her.

  “I should do it now or I’ll be too distracted.”

  “Okay.”

  “I’m going to call now.”

  “Fine.”

  “Really.”

  Abby remembered the saleswoman’s words. She covered his mouth with her fingertips, preventing his next kiss. “I’ll wait right here while you call. I’m not going anywhere until they bring it. Then we’ll move further into the room.”

  Jesse smiled at her announcement. He seemed to understand how special she wanted it to be. She could feel his body responding, but he didn’t seem to be in any rush. If he had been at all urgent to get them both naked she certainly wouldn’t have slowed him down but she had to admit she would rather make this a long, drawn-out seduction instead.

  “Where was I?” Jesse asked as he rejoined her at the door. True to her word, she hadn’t moved except to follow his movements with her eyes.

  She looped her arms around his neck and raised her face toward his. “You were giving me the sweetest kisses. Let me remind you.” Abby demonstrated.

  They both jumped at the knock on the door. “Don’t go far,” he requested, guiding her away from the door.

  Pouring them each some champagne, Jesse raised his glass to her. “To my wife. Thank you for fulfilling my destiny. I love you, Abby. Always.”

  Her eyes were bright as she clinked her glass to his. “And to you. The only man I’ll ever need. Thank you for seeing through me. I want to share everything with you, become a part of you and make you a part of me. I may not know how to show it very well but I do love you too, Jesse. Forever.”

  They sipped their champagne once before Jesse put both their glasses on the table. This time when he pulled her to him his mouth was more demanding.

  Abby thought her knees would give out by the time he released her. She wasn’t prepared for the emotions his lips managed to convey. After all the years of coldness it was overwhelming.

  Holding her firmly to his chest, he sighed. “I’d like to undress you now. Please, will you let me?”

  Again, she heard the clerk’s words. “Yes.”

  Very slowly, Jesse eased away from her, watching her intently. He must have seen what a struggle it was for her to grant him this and smiled tenderly. First, he removed her shoes, putting them in the proper place across the room. Then, he turned her in his arms, nibbling on her neck as he lowered the zipper. The instant he spied the silk and lace of the camisole back she heard his breath hitch. He continued to strip her slowly. Holding her gaze, Jesse raised the dress over her head, not letting himself look at her until after he had it on a hanger. When he turned back, he froze.

  “Beautiful,” he whispered. “Perfect,” he added as his hands ran up and down her arms.

  “The lady at the store thought I might look okay in this,” Abby said, nervously.

  “Trust me. Okay doesn’t begin to describe you at the moment. You really are beautiful to me. I wish you believed that. Maybe if I tell you often enough, I’ll be able to convince you someday.”

  “I’m scared,” she blurted out when his eyes continued to caress her.

  “Of what?” He focused on her face.

  “Of how you make me feel. Of how much I want this to last forever.”

  “Then there’s nothing for you to be afraid of. I intend to make this forever. I’m all yours. I’ll never turn away from you. If you never believe another thing I say you can trust that to be true. I love you.”
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br />   “Jesse.” She stepped into the circle of his arms and hugged him to her. When she shifted slightly away, she whispered, “Touch me. Please. Let me take off your clothes so I can touch you.”

  Jesse held out his arms in a gesture for her to do whatever she wanted. With his help, she soon had him naked in front of her. Abby ran her hands over his chest before she arched toward him. Jesse understood and wrapped her in another solid embrace. His tongue delved into her waiting mouth. He was soon as lost as she was and seemed unable to wait yet unable to let her go long enough to remove the silk that covered her. When his fingers slid under the loose legs of her panties, she moaned into his mouth. He teased her by touching everywhere but the place she wanted the most. He made sure his other arm kept her securely against him, sensing if her hand made its way around his shaft, they’d lose what little control they had left.

  Finally, Jesse widened the distance between them, his gaze searing everywhere it landed. She trembled when he inched the camisole from her. Leaning forward, he kissed the swell of each breast before letting his hands roam. As if memorizing her with his touch, he lingered over her upper body before turning his attention to the one remaining garment.

  Abby stayed motionless, noticing his expression as he caressed her flesh. The clerk had been right when she urged her to stand proudly and let him explore. His touch worshipped her as he traced the bottom edge of the silk. He watched her as closely as she watched him when he slid his fingers beneath the cloth, seeking her warmth. She opened her stance, silently inviting him to continue.

  She shivered when he made contact with her heat, but it wasn’t caused by cold. When he traced her slit, she sighed in desire. When he slid his fingers into her wetness, she arched her hips toward him, wanting more.

  Jesse fondled her for an eternity before removing the last piece of silk. When she stood naked in front of him, he held out his hand. “Make love with me,” he whispered as he steered her to the bed.

  “Please.” She lay on her side, facing him.

  They kissed repeatedly until she was squirming against him, moaning her desire into his mouth. She pulled him with her, shifting to her back, offering him her body. Slowly, he retouched every bit of her. Soon, his mouth followed his hand, kissing and licking as he went. It felt as if he was discovering her. He left no place untouched but he didn’t concentrate his attention enough to satisfy her. She didn’t push for more, sensing that he wanted them to be completely in tune with each other.