“The road’s dark,” Devon said after walking for a few minutes. “Were you scared walking in?”
“Yes,” she admitted.
“You’re a brave woman.”
“No, actually I’m a coward,” she said. “But I am trying.” She paused. “I bet you’re the type of man who’s scared of nothing.”
“Everyone gets scared sometimes, but we have to face our fears.”
Jenny thought about his advice of facing one’s fears. Looking up at Devon, she knew he found her beautiful. Her beauty had often been an obstacle. Either she wasn’t taken seriously, or her looks were a wall between genuine relations with men. Most of them just wanted to bed her and add her name to the notch on their belts.
She looked back at the island. “It’s a shame you have to leave this wonderful place.”
“I don’t mind. It’s lonely here and I have somewhere special to go. Besides, I’m interested in getting to know my new neighbor better.”
“I’m sure your neighbor will feel the same way,” Jenny said, trying to think of which neighbor he was referring to.
“I’m glad you think so,” Devon retorted, a humorous curl in his smile.
“Good night, Devon,” Jenny said.
“Good night, Jenny. I’ll see you soon.”
She suddenly hugged him.
“What’s that for?” he asked with a slight laugh, hugging her back.
“When you did what you did to me tonight,” she said softly, leaning back and looking into his eyes, “well, I’ve never felt closer to anyone in my life.”
“Me, too. I was in heaven, Jenny. I mean it. That was off the charts for me.”
“You’ll have to do it again,” she said with a flirtatious grin. Before he could answer, she added, “Good night, Devon.”
“Good night, Jennifer.”
She looked hard at him and they exchanged a powerful, but silent, communication. Then Jenny drove away with pieces of their conversation playing in her head. Their words, etched in her memory, were interspersed with flashing images of him walking out of the water. His handsome face, his beautiful body, the private act, the intimate moment they had just shared.
“He’s so sexy!” Jenny mumbled to herself. “So, so sexy!”
Then, suddenly, it hit her. Like a ton of bricks, it hit her. Now she knew what Devon meant when he mentioned wanting to get to know his new neighbor better. He was moving into the inn. Into the Captain’s room! The room next to hers.
She was the new neighbor. A man and woman would once again be living side by side in the Captain’s room and Maria’s room. But Jenny knew things were going to be different this time around. A whole lot different. And she knew, beyond all doubt, that her life was now on a different road. There was no turning back, no silly questions of what she should do or where she should go. The time to make a stand had come. In a way that was exhilarating, in another frightening. She was tired of the uncertainty, but never before had she considered the alternative. One place, one man, one life plan. How different her life was now. Almost unrecognizable from just a short time ago.
Chapter 8
When Jenny got back to her room, she stared at the door that separated her quarters from those that Devon would soon occupy. What would it be like when he was there? How would she feel about sleeping with him only an arm’s length away? Would she have dreams of him stealing into her room late at night, awakening her with a stolen kiss, then ravishing her until the break of dawn?
She changed into her ankle-length nightgown and lay on the bed, thinking about reading a mystery she had bought at Martin Brothers. Instead she knelt on the floor, pulled her suitcase from under the bed, and took out Maria’s diaries. All four showed the dates they were started and finished, with only the last one showing no end. Jenny opened the first one and noticed that all the writing was in black ink, except for a few short parts, which were in blue ink. She soon realized the blue sections were sexual. At first Maria wrote of how handsome the Captain was, but by the second book her writings were becoming bolder. In the third and fourth books, the sex was hot, raunchy, and incredibly vivid. Jenny scanned the erotic stories, shocked at how wanton they were, but she found herself extremely stimulated. Finally she closed the books, put them in the suitcase, and again put them under her bed.
She fell asleep but awoke early in the morning, the first hint of light illuminating her room well enough to see. Right away she realized there was a woman sitting at her dresser in front of the mirror. It was Maria. Of that she had absolutely no doubt. What surprised her, though, was that though she thought she was dreaming, everything looked incredibly real. Maria was in a white gown and she was combing her hair with the brush Jenny had found. Suddenly the door to the Captain’s room opened and a big, tall man with a beard stood in the half-light. He was remarkably handsome and had deep, penetrating eyes.
Maria did not look the least surprised. She stood up and casually undid her nightgown and let it fall to the floor, exposing her naked body. She had an hourglass figure, big, heavy breasts capped with large, pink nipples, and the biggest, hairiest bush Jenny could ever have imagined. The Captain, in the doorway, suddenly dropped his robe and exposed a powerful, taut male form most noteworthy because of his huge, impossibly hard cock.
Without a word, Maria walked to within a few steps of him and then bent over, her ass less than an arm’s length from his powerful staff. She spread her legs wide. The Captain took a deep breath of the female aroma and started pulling his mighty cock. Maria moved her hips in circles, then pumped up and down, as if she was riding his rigid pole. The Captain was moaning madly and Maria was showing him everything, even her most private entry. She rapidly slid her fingers into herself and wildly rubbed her clitoris, looking back at the Captain and staring at his erection, licking her lips and pretending to be sucking on it. The Captain let out a tremendous moan and then exploded into a huge orgasm, the cream shooting in streams straight up and then falling on the beautiful woman’s back and ass. Maria shrieked as she released, shaking her ass in an attempt to squeeze every last pleasurable sensation out of her pussy. The wild scene happened exactly as she had read it in Maria’s diary, but it was over in short order and the vision disappeared, leaving her alone again.
For hours she lay there, unable to move, sexual fantasies rolling through her mind with the relentless march of an army. They would not stop, hour after hour, and as time passed she felt overwhelmed in the sexual heat. Suddenly Devon started climbing the stairs. Still warm and groggy from the dream, she wanted him to come right in and fill the spot only a man can fill.
A knock sounded. “Jenny, are you there?”
“Come in,” she said casually. “It’s open.”
Devon walked into her room. “Sorry to bother you,” he apologized.
“It’s no bother,” Jenny said, her eyes still glazed with erotic dreaming.
Devon kept his eyes averted. “I was wondering how soon we could pick up that furniture? I phoned Terry and he said he would help us.”
“I could phone Mrs. Harris at the historical society right now, I suppose,” Jenny said, looking at her watch. “It’s nine. She should be up and around.”
“Should be,” he agreed.
She looked strangely at him. “Is there something wrong? You seem a little distant.”
“Nothing wrong,” he said.
“Yes, there is. You promised to be truthful. Remember?”
“It’s just hard adjusting to the fact that sometimes we have to relinquish our power. The Captain and Maria loved each other with all their hearts, but with that joy came heartbreak. Falling in love can be a scary thing.”
Jenny nodded. “It’s the same for both the man and the woman.”
“Yes,” he said gently, smiling at her
She walked to the phone and stood with her back to Devon. She felt his eyes studying the outline of her body under the nightgown, caressing every square inch of her. She felt safe and wanted him to admire her shape,
her feminine curves, her soft contours. She liked him looking at her, enjoying her, desiring her. It filled her with a sensual energy hitherto unknown, and she knew the erotic spirit of Maria, willing to be restrained no longer, was rising up within her.
Jenny rang Mrs. Harris, apologized for phoning so early, and asked how soon Devon could pick up the furniture. Mrs. Harris was impressed with their enthusiasm. She told Jenny that her sister, Eileen, had stayed over the previous night and that they could meet at the library in an hour. Jenny relayed this information to Devon and he gladly accepted the offer.
“While we’re waiting, could we eat breakfast together?” he asked. “If you’re not otherwise engaged, my lady.”
“Let me see,” she said, turning her pretty face to him. “I have to be back by noon for a meeting with the queen, and at two I’ve scheduled a little gettogether with the prime minister.”
“Oh, I nearly forgot,” Devon said, playing along, “they both phoned and had to cancel.”
“Really?”
He nodded his head in mock seriousness. “They asked me to entertain you in their stead. So, duty and honor call.” He bowed graciously. “I will await you in the dining room, if that meets with my lady’s approval.”
“Yes, I shall be most pleased,” Jenny said, bowing back. “Most pleased indeed, sir.”
Devon beamed and she had never seen a man look so overjoyed at the thought of spending time with her. She had worried that their interlude, one filled with wild, unfamiliar passion, might have placed a great strain on their young relationship, possibly scaring him off. Nothing could have been further from the truth. He showed no signs of a desire to draw back. On the contrary, he seemed to respect her more now that he had seen her that way, seen her in the throes of mad lust. Devon looked at her with awe, overwhelmed by her beauty and the pleasure she had given him.
“I read from Maria’s diary last night,” Jenny said.
Devon smiled and nodded. “She had a very vivid imagination.”
“Very vivid,” Jenny said with a naughty smile. “Extremely so.”
“Yes, isn’t it wonderful?”
“You like that spirit in a woman, don’t you.”
“Yes,” he answered immediately. “I’d be very pleased to be married to a woman with such great passions. She was really interesting, well rounded, well liked, accomplished, but when the special time came, she was a past master, even if she never did offer physical touch.”
“I liked it, too,” Jenny said with a meaningful look. “I like erotic energy.”
He spontaneously kissed her on the mouth. “I am so glad you came into my life. You are my sunshine.”
Jenny smiled and felt a warm glow all over her body.
“I’ll wait for you in the dining room,” Devon said, quietly leaving.
* * * *
Jenny put on blue slacks, a peach T-shirt, light blue sandals, and a large sunhat. As soon as she walked out of the Captain’s house, she saw over a dozen cars in the parking lot, a first in her time at the North Country Inn. She put on her sunglasses and approached the restaurant, a huge banner reading “Welcome Back” above the door. To her pleasure, the dining room was filled with patrons. The hum of noise and clanking plates was music to her ears. For a moment she just stood and watched.
The restaurant occupied a grand expanse and was situated at the side of the inn that faced the winding river below. Locals agreed it offered the best view of Bear River and Newbridge. Whether the customers came for the view or the new cook’s excellent fare, she didn’t know, nor did she care. There were bodies in the chairs and that’s all that mattered. It was a start.
Jenny purposely kept to herself, preferring to slink along the walls. In front of all these people she felt strangely vulnerable. She wanted to help the staff by greeting the crowd, but she didn’t want to take the chance, as small as it was, of being noticed by someone traveling from Florida. She quietly sat next to a huge bay window, behind a post, and gazed at the river. Numerous people were going about their business, strolling along the streets and gazing into the old-fashioned stores.
“Hello,” said a deep, male voice.
“Hi, Devon,” she returned, looking up at him and smiling.
“You’re in luck today.”
“Oh?”
“I’m awarding a free breakfast to the most beautiful woman in attendance.” He passed her a plate. “Congratulations.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere, sir,” she replied, laughing sweetly.
“Well, in that case, let me say that even if every woman in the entire world was here right now, the free breakfast would still be yours.”
She laughed at him. “You’re a charmer.”
“Charmer, no.” He gazed into her eyes. “Charmed? Yes.”
A waiter came and laid a plate before Devon, flanking it with gleaming silverware. The waiter then filled two cups of coffee and placed small glasses of orange juice in front of them.
“Thank you,” Jenny said, smiling brightly at the young, clean-cut man whom she had hired.
The waiter nodded and smiled warmly. “You’re welcome, Ms. Lamb.”
They ate in relative silence, commenting only briefly on the bustling restaurant and the beauty of the day. “Anything else for you, Jenny?” Devon asked when they had finished their meal.
“No, thank you. Everything was wonderful, Devon.”
Devon glanced at his watch. “Time for us to go.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin, dropped it on the table, and pushed back his chair. She did the same and followed him. He opened the door for her. “After you, my dear.”
“Thank you, Devon,” she said, reveling with an almost childlike joy in his companionship.
They drove to the library, meeting Terry, his wife, Lenore, and the others there. Gracious introductions ensued, followed by heartfelt thanks and sincere compliments. Then they tackled the job.
Devon and Terry moved the heavy things while the women carried small tables and lamps. Devon was astounded both by the quality of the items and the fact that they were being offered to him without charge. He chatted pleasantly with everyone and Jenny was thrilled by his warm demeanor. Each time she walked by him, she felt a special bond between them. At one point, as Devon passed her on the steps on his way back down to the basement, Jenny, who was carrying a lamp, slipped and stumbled backward. Devon whirled around and caught her, wrapping his bear-like arms around her waist as her head pressed against his chest. For a moment, she felt as if she was suspended in time.
She straightened up and, without looking at him, continued up the stairs, her head swirling with his words and the feeling of their bodies pressed together still fresh in her mind.
They spent the rest of the day moving furniture and arranging it according to the layout Mrs. Harris had drawn. When they finished, they couldn’t believe the difference. Not only did the inn seem fuller, it imparted the sense of being complete again, as if the final few pieces of a jigsaw puzzle were fitted into their proper places. Truly, the transformation was amazing. The North Country Inn had gone from being a beautiful and venerable old building into a historical treasure to be admired by all.
“There, finished,” Jenny said, collapsing on the couch in the lounging area after everyone left.
“Just a little more outside work,” Devon responded, “and then everything is done. We’ll just need to get people in the rooms.”
“I asked Mrs. Harris if she would like to use part of the inn some weekend for a special gathering of the historical society. You know, as a gesture of gratitude. You did agree to that, didn’t you?”
“It’s the least I can do.”
The phone rang and Jenny answered it. “Yes, Mrs. Harris,” she said cheerfully, glancing at Devon, “we were just talking about you.”
Devon absolutely adored Jenny’s engaging manner. It was a joy for him to behold as this wondrous butterfly flitted around a room, brightening everything in her glow. She was light, airy, a ray of light fro
m the heavens that had fallen, by sheer chance, into his life.
“What were you saying about me?” Mrs. Harris asked. “Nothing bad, I hope.”
“We’ll never tell,” Jenny teased.
“Your Mr. North is a very handsome man,” Mrs. Harris said.
Jenny laughed. “Not bad,” she said with a giggle. “So, have you spoken to anyone about the weekend we offered you here at the inn?”
“Actually, I did some rush work on that, but we’d like to modify your suggestion somewhat.”
“Yes?” Jenny queried, looking at Devon with confusion. “I hope you still want to come.”
“Let me explain something, dear.”
Jenny glanced at Devon with a look of concern and made a strange face.
“Each year all the members of the various historical societies throughout the region get together for their annual convention. This year we were supposed to meet just down the road in the next county, but there’s been a mix-up and they’ve had to cancel. It looked like a big washout, but since we missed our last chance to host, I did some quick negotiating and managed to arrange for this year’s meeting to be held at the North Country Inn. We’ll pay the going rate for the rooms and, if it’s possible, we would like to book the old ballroom, too.”
“Mrs. Harris!” Jenny exclaimed, astounded, “that would be wonderful!”
Devon looked at Jenny with confusion and though it was obvious he wanted to know what was going on, she gave eye signals that he would have to wait.
“We’ll need fifteen rooms for three days,” Mrs. Harris said, “and, if you set it up, we’d love to have use of the dining room for meals.”
“Not a problem. The restaurant is in full swing right now. We’ll make sure everything is perfect for you. But I insist that the people from the Newbridge Historical Society stay here at no cost.”
“Nonsense!” Mrs. Harris shot back. “I didn’t realize what a wonderful job Mr. North had done, but from what I’ve seen, the man deserves the full support of the community. We’ll pay the full rate for all services rendered. And we’ll be happy to do it, Miss Lamb.”
Passions in the North Country (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 19
