Karma

by Barbara Huffert

  “Mm.” Jesse nuzzled Abby’s neck as he claimed her. “Finally. I thought I’d never get to hold you today.”

  Abby swayed with him. “It hasn’t been that long.”

  “Has,” he declared as he looked lovingly into her eyes. “Hours. I had hoped you’d come home after you made sure the cake got here this morning.”

  “I meant to.” She caressed his cheek. “But I couldn’t just walk out on Dee and Sally.”

  “Guess not.” Jesse pretended to pout. “I thought they wouldn’t need you, with all the kids who volunteered. It seemed like they had plenty of help.”

  “They do. They have so many kids from both the high school and the college that no one will have to spend too much time behind the tables. I wanted to take a turn too. I figured if I took mine while we were setting up, I’d get to spend the rest of the day with you.”

  “Ah, good thinking.” He kissed her softly. “Beautiful and brilliant. No wonder I love you so much.”

  “Gee, I thought it was because I protected you from Milo and Petey all weekend.”

  “Nope.”

  “Or because of the way your dad and uncle perked up when I said we’d be joining them on vacation next month.”

  “Admirable but nope.”

  “Not because I shared my little trick with the girls so Frank and your friends get to experience it too?”

  “Hmm, definitely a good thing. I know they’ll enjoy it as much as I do even though I’m sure no one is as talented as you are.”

  “How about the way I talked Shelby into helping to boost Joey and Flynn’s confidence enough to dance with girls their own age?”

  “Won’t deter them from being in love with you.”

  “Jesse!”

  “Fact. Face it, Abs. No matter who comes along, you will always be their first big crush. Or Joey’s anyway. Alyssa was Flynn’s but I don’t know if she counts since she became his mom.”

  “Jesse.” She was uncomfortable.

  “Stop it. Whatever you’re thinking, it isn’t necessary. They are hormonal teenagers and you appeared at the perfect moment. You haven’t encouraged them or led them on in any way. You don’t tease them. I think they’re very lucky to have you. You’re sweet and kind. You care about them and we all know you won’t hurt them. You are exactly what every young man needs,” Jesse commented sincerely. “But best of all, you are mine. And I know you love me as much as I love you.”

  She sighed against his chest. “So much it hurts. But…”

  “I know. We’re not finished going through things yet. But we both know we can deal with anything as long as we stick together.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Shh.” Jesse cradled her head to his chest. “Remember to love me like I’m going to love you and we’ll make it just like Gwen and Alex keep saying we will. Some days are going to be tougher than others are but we can get through anything if we work at it. Don’t forget we tried being apart and it was a disaster.”

  “A complete disaster,” Abby agreed, holding him tighter. “I don’t think I could survive that again.”

  “Then don’t ever leave me since I wouldn’t make it through a second time either.” Jesse tilted her chin to look at her. “Destiny. You. Me. Forever.”

  “Forever,” Abby repeated. “Mine.”

  “Yeah,” Jesse lowered his lips to hers. When they met, both felt the same electricity that was always between them.

  Jordan placed a hand on each of their backs as he cleared his throat. “Sorry to interrupt,” he stated, “but we need you for a minute. Kiley won’t admit it but she’s getting tired. I’d like to get her home soon.”

  “No problem.” Jesse grinned. “Guess we didn’t notice the music was over.”

  “Guess not,” Jordan said happily.

  The three joined Kiley, Shane and Alyssa before cornering Brett and Andie. They were about to give the couple what they were certain was the perfect wedding gift.

  “Uh oh, Andie.” Brett looked at the serious group around them. “This can’t be good.”

  “What?” Andie frowned.

  Suddenly, their friends all smiled as Jordan began to speak. “We know you insisted our company today was better than any gift we could come up with but there is something we want to give you anyway.”

  “Jordan…” Brett tried to interrupt.

  “When you told us you decided against a honeymoon, we tried to respect that but found we couldn’t.” Jordan handed them an envelope. “Not after we found something so perfect even you won’t be able to resist.”

  Brett and Andie studied the brochure before meeting each other’s eyes. “Oh my God,” Andie gasped.

  “Wow.” Brett whistled.

  “Well?” Shane prompted.

  “What do you think?” Jordan asked.

  Brett broke out into a wicked grin as Andie licked her bottom lip. “I think, as I’m sure Andie will agree, that we should be saying you really shouldn’t have but we both know all of you can tell how exciting this is for us.”

  “How did you find this place?” Andie asked, flipping through the pamphlet for the sexual fantasy island resort again.

  “Internet and Wyatt,” Jordan answered. “We were talking about you one day and one thing led to another and well, here you are.”

  “Oh my.” Andie pointed something out to Brett.

  “Really?” he questioned at her grin. “Hmm, okay.”

  “Hey, we don’t need to know what, um, activities you choose to participate in.” Shane caught a glimpse of what they were considering. “Tell us you had a great time when you get back and we’ll be happy.”

  “Speak for yourself, McKade.” Alyssa swatted his arm. “I want details!”

  “Lyssa,” Kiley shrieked.

  “Guess we shouldn’t count on you to come to the gathering we’re going to have to tell you about our trip once we get back,” Brett teased. “That’s okay. Jordan can come without you, Kiley.”

  “Yeah, Kiley.” Jordan winked. “I promise to tell you all about it when I get home.”

  They all laughed until Andie noticed the serious expression on Abby’s face. “You okay, Abby?”

  “Oh. Yes. Sorry,” Abby replied. “I was just thinking about doing that, having sex in a room with see-through mirrors. I mean, if you don’t know who’s watching and you can’t see them, I don’t think I’d mind. Well, maybe, uh, no, I think I could do that.”

  “Holy shit!” Jesse reacted before he thought.

  “What?” Abby was surprised. “You’re the one who keeps telling me physical reactions are nothing to be ashamed of. And you’re the one who showed me how much of a turn-on it is to watch ourselves. Knowing what we were doing was exciting someone else might be even hotter.”

  “Gods, I love this woman,” Jesse declared instantly.

  “Oh.” Abby glanced at their stunned expressions. “Guess I shouldn’t have said that in front of all of you.”

  They all started to laugh, breaking the tension. Brett kissed Abby’s cheek. “Thank you,” he said as Andie nodded. “Now that you’ve said that, we don’t have to worry about shocking anyone.”

  “Stop teasing, Brett.” Andie tried to hide her grin but failed. “Oh hell, who am I trying to kid? You all know how we are together. You wouldn’t have given us this trip if you didn’t. What’s the point in pretending that I don’t agree with every word Abby just said when you can all tell that I do?”

  “As a very wise man just said,” Brett stated, “Gods, I love this woman.”

  “Well this sure wasn’t what I expected,” Shane said dryly. “I had a nice little speech prepared about how you don’t really have to participate in the more public fantasies that are available and how you should spend the next ten days enjoying each other.”

  “Hang on.” Brett chuckled. “Correct me if I’m wrong but aren’t you the guy who posed nearly naked in that calendar your wife put together that caused such a fuss last fall? Don’t even try to say that it was differen
t.”

  “Afraid he’s got you there, Shane,” Jesse agreed.

  Jordan decided this conversation could easily get out of control and wanted to stop it before they were overheard. “Why don’t we save this for some other time? This isn’t really the best place for this discussion.”

  “Understatement,” Jesse declared.

  “Oh.” Andie glanced around as she stuffed the nearly pornographic pamphlet back into the envelope.

  Brett chuckled again. “You’re right. See how carried away we all are just at the thought of this sort of thing? Whether you’re willing to admit it or not, there’s something on that island that appeals to all of us. So let us say thank you again and promise to be as open as you ask us to be about what we experienced there once we are back home.”

  They all agreed until Jesse’s laughter interrupted them. “What?” Brett asked.

  “Nothing.” Jesse shook his head. “Really. I just remembered I was supposed to say thank you to Abby from Frank.”

  “So Shelby already tried it,” Alyssa concluded.

  “Tried what?” Shane frowned.

  The girls attempted to stifle their giggles. “Um, well,” Alyssa sputtered.

  “You see, um…” Kiley blushed.

  “Last weekend,” Andie said, “when you guys got together without us?” The men nodded. “We were talking about this and that and before we knew it the conversation turned to sex.”

  “And?” Brett prompted.

  “And my incredibly hot wife mentioned a little thing she does that makes me wild,” Jesse explained.

  “But we thought Andie should try it first. You know, since you guys talk sometimes,” Alyssa added.

  “So Brett would be the first of you three to find out about it,” Abby concluded.

  “Find out about what?” Jordan asked as Kiley’s blush deepened.

  “You’ll just have to wait and see.” Abby giggled.

  “Trust me.” Jesse looked at each of his friends. “You’re going to be thanking Abby too. I mean it! You’re going to love it. Guaranteed.”

  “Oh yeah?” Brett saw the way Jesse’s eyes darkened as he made that statement. “Then I think my wife and I are going to head home.” They all laughed. “Thanks again for everything.”

  “Yes, thank you,” Andie echoed. “It is getting rather late.”

  “Forget it, wench.” Brett pulled her away with him. “They already know I’m dragging you off so I can ravish you repeatedly until the limo comes for us in the morning.”

  “Have fun,” Jordan called after them. “I think we should go too, Kiley. Mom and Dad might be ready to give back our son by now.”

  “Don’t bet on it,” Shane stated as the couple left. “Come on, Campini. I told Flynn I’d let him know when we were leaving.”

  “Like he’ll care.” Alyssa grinned. “He and Joey have been surrounded ever since the girls discovered they can honestly dance, thanks to you, Abby. Very impressive, by the way.”

  “Thanks. I was afraid you’d be mad at me for teaching them,” Abby admitted. “I’m really glad that you don’t mind.”

  “Why would we mind that you’re helping our son and his friend grow up and become decent men?” Shane asked. “Amazing how much more attention they pay to things when they hear them from a pretty woman instead of a mere parent. They adore you. As much as they worship you, Jess. Feel free to borrow them any time.”

  “They’re sweet,” Abby stated.

  “Abby,” Jesse sighed. “They’re guys. Guys aren’t sweet.”

  “You are,” Abby told him as Shane and Alyssa both chuckled. “So is Wyatt.”

  “Night,” Shane muttered as he and Alyssa went to find their son.

  When they were alone, Abby turned to Jesse. “You really don’t mind that I’m friends with Wyatt? I know you keep saying that and I probably shouldn’t ask you all the time, but I’m still a little scared that you’ll change your mind.”

  “Ask as often as you need to. No, I don’t mind that you and Wyatt are so close. Does my friendship with Andie bother you?” Abby shook her head, remembering all the things Jesse had told her of the time when he and Andie pretended to be a couple for Brett’s sake. “Couples can be completely committed and still have room for other friends. Think Gracie understands too?”

  “I know she does. I know how it sounded when we were talking to Scott but I have started to open up with her. I didn’t want Wyatt to be in the position to feel the need to keep things from her for me so we’ve been talking after work some days. That’s part of why we’ve been walking home through the park. Ever since you brought me here and showed me what a good place it was I’ve been less afraid to say things.”

  “I think that’s more self-confidence than location.”

  “Maybe.” She shrugged. “Whatever it is doesn’t matter. Gracie is so nice about everything.”

  “Why wouldn’t she be? You told me about how she confided about her life and self-doubts right after you started baking for Dee. I know you didn’t put her down for questioning whether or not she could ever consider another man when Wyatt made her feel like she was ready to try.”

  “You’re saying she probably says I’m nice too?”

  Jesse nodded as he glanced at Abby. “So…”

  “So?” Abby looked back.

  “So, I was wondering if you’re planning on showing me that little trick of yours tonight too?”

  “Hmm, I think I could manage that.” Abby raised her lips for a quick kiss before they began to stroll. “Jesse? I’m sorry if I said the wrong thing. Earlier. About watching ourselves and all that.”

  “Abby, Abby, Abby.” Jesse stopped and pinned her against a tree. “They are our friends. You never have to be embarrassed with them. Especially when you’re being open about how much we enjoy each other. You heard them. They were getting aroused just like I was. I promise it’s more than fine. I’m also willing to bet they are going to have experimented with what you told the ladies before we see them again.”

  “But what I said…”

  “What you said is that you enjoy watching us find pleasure and the thought of others being aroused by us turns you on. Nothing wrong with that. Think we should go there sometime?”

  “You mean that?”

  “Sure. As Shane said, you can participate or not, as you choose. We could go and spend the whole time in our room, if we decided to. Or we could explore all the private playrooms they have. Or we could try something like you described once I get over the thought of other men watching you come. And I would get over it if it made you happy. As long as we both agree on something, we could do anything that we want to.”

  “Oh, Jesse, do you have any idea how wet I am, just thinking about that?”

  “No.” He feigned surprise. “Really? Maybe I should check?” His hand slid between them and inched up her dress.

  “Here?” Abby was already breathless.

  “I’m in front of you. No one can see what I’m doing,” he nudged her legs apart with his knee. When his finger slipped under the elastic of her panties, Jesse couldn’t help his grin as Abby moaned against his shoulder. “Ooh, yeah. You are wet. Wet and ready for me.” He slid three fingers into her. “Shh,” Jesse cautioned. “Outside. Gotta be quiet, Ab.” His other hand teased the side of her breast. “That’s it.” His fingers plunged repeatedly. “Time for you to come. For me, precious. Show me how much you want me,” he encouraged her until the telltale shudders began. Jesse held her until she was steady. “Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.”

  “You can’t keep making me do that in public.”

  “Why not? You’re the one who suggested we let strangers watch.”

  “Strangers. Not neighbors. We’re going to get caught one of these days.”

  “Yeah, probably.” He shrugged just before he claimed her mouth. “But when we do, whoever it is will know I’m the luckiest man in the world.”

  “That’s besides the point.” She pushed him away from her. “Stra
ngers are one thing. People I might have face one day are another.”

  “They’ll be too turned on remembering us to say anything to you.”

  “You’re impossible.” Abby walked, leaning against his side.

  “I think the word you really wanted is horny. But I can see your point. As long as you see mine…”

  “Oh I intend to.”

  “Tease.”

  “Nope. Foreplay. Just like what you just did back there.” She squeezed his ass through his pants.

  “Good thing it’s dark,” Jesse stated, guiding her other hand to his crotch.

  “Ooh. Nice and hard, just like I like it. Hope your mom and dad aren’t in the living room. They did leave the party a while ago, saying they were tired so maybe they already turned in.”

  “Doesn’t matter if they did or not.”

  “But they’re our guests.”

  “So? We’ve only been married three months, one of which we were apart. They know we make love, Abby. They won’t be shocked if I have a hard-on after I’ve walked home with my sexy wife. Especially since your cheeks are still the sweetest shade of pink.”

  “Oh God,” Abby groaned.

  “Hold on. These are the same people who took my fifteen-year-old brother and his self-proclaimed wife on vacation with us and made it clear they wouldn’t be doing bed checks. Remember how Frank told you that the first night we met? We’re over ten years older than they were and we’re about to walk into our own home. I’ve managed to never interrupt them but there were more times than I can count that I knew what they were doing. I’ve seen my dad looking at my mom in a way that left no doubt about what he planned once they were alone. I’ve seen my mom teasing him until she pushed his control enough that he yanked her out of the room. Maybe I should have told you all this before when I said I wasn’t easy to embarrass. But if it really bothers you for my parents see us like this, we can sit on the porch until we’re both calmer.”

  Abby stopped at the end of their walk. “I should probably make you do that but there’s one little problem.”

  Jesse’s heart flopped with the thought that something was wrong. “What is it, Ab?” he asked, instantly concerned.