by Hazel Taylor
My room had a large poster bed with sheer ivory drapes around it, pale hardwood flooring, and a balcony door leading out to the stone patio with a breathtaking ocean view. The furnishings were solid oak with lace coverings and in one corner a plush rose-colored chair with pillows invited me to sit and relax.
By the time I had freshened up, a buffet of food was ready. Jason and Donovan sat side by side making small talk. I hadn't realized how good friends they were. Trying to ignore them, I helped myself to a Caprese salad that adorned a silver platter and grabbed a sparkling berry water that sat on the sideboard. Sitting down, I ate while gazing out the glass windows to the water in the distance.
“This is such a lovely home, Donovan,” I said. “I can’t imagine why you and Paige would ever want to leave.”
"Thanks, we hate leaving. Amber has schooling and for a little girl it can get a little lonely at times. But we do come here often. We are going to be staying a bit longer now since Paige feels so lousy."
“Has she been sick a lot?”
“Yes. We had a local midwife in to check her out. She offered support and advice, but Paige still doesn’t feel that wonderful and is refusing to fly until she does.”
“Is she taking a prenatal vitamin?”
“She started last week.”
Between bites of the delicious salad that burst with flavor in my mouth, I pondered how best to help her. I imagined I would have to wait until I saw her to get a better idea.
“Speaking of my angel—Paige, honey, you’re up and dressed.”
“I thought it best to greet our guests not looking like the ghost of the island with my hair all tangled and wild and a flowing white gown around me.”
Looking at her now, I could see her paleness. She wrinkled her nose at the sight and obvious smell of food. I stood up and went to her to embrace her. We were practically the same size. “Congratulations, Paige,” I said. “I am so happy for you. I know you don’t feel well right now, but this will pass.”
Her hug was gentle, which was very unlike her. Apparently the nausea was a real problem.
“Jason, how are you?” Her voice called him over. I watched as he came up to embrace her, kissing her cheek.
“I’m good, love, better than you. You need anything that knucklehead over there doesn’t get you, let me know and I will hunt it down.” The bright smile that appeared on her face as she looked from him to her husband eased my tension a bit.
“Hey, hands off my lady. Get your own, Wagner, or I’ll throw you in the ocean.” Donovan’s voice was lighthearted, but I could definitely detect a hint of possessiveness showing.
Jason removed his hands from Paige's waist and threw them up in the air like a caught criminal. "Understood." His smiling eyes moved from Paige to me. "I'll take this one." And just like that, he shocked me by throwing his arms around me and tossing me over his shoulder. It was embarrassing but exciting too. "I got my bride, where be the preacher?" I couldn't help but laugh. He sounded just like Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies as he moved to the living room.
“Put me down,” I protested, playing along. “I shall marry no one.”
“That no be the right answer, missy.” He tossed me gently on the couch across the great room. “What’s the matter, do I stink or something?” I could hear Donovan and Paige laughing along with me as he mockingly sniffed his underarms. “Nope, all good there. Is it my arms, too weak?” he kneeled beside me and lifted his arm to flex his muscle and waited for me to feel it.
I couldn’t stop laughing as I felt his very large and hard muscles. “No, it’s not that. They are very strong muscles, more than enough for any woman.”
He offered me a wink with that devilish smile.
“Then why will you never marry?”
“Because I need to be wooed, seduced, enticed, fall in love, you know, what every woman wants.” I pushed past him to stand up and head back to Paige, leaving him standing there.
"Is that true, Paige? Is that what a woman wants? Donovan, that can't be true?"
“Yes, it is. Even though we don’t tell you, that is what we all want.”
This was a side of Jason I had never seen, and it excited me to see him being playful and funny. He just kept running with it, scratching his head in mock confusion as he looked at each of us.
“Donovan, help me out here?”
“Afraid so, my man. Looks like you’re out of luck today.” Donovan just stared at his friend, grinning.
"Come on, Tiffany. Let us get out of here before the men get strange now. Jason is just winding up." Paige slipped her hand in mine and together we walked to their bedroom, which was twice the size of my already immense bedroom, with a full living room, a giant bathroom and dressing area. The ocean colors continued in their bedroom, inviting the outdoors in.
5
Jason
After the ladies left, we ate and drank a beer before deciding to shoot some pool. Not one to mince words, I got straight to the point. “So, tell me, how old is Tiffany? She told me she just got her license a month ago.”
Studying the table, Donovan completed the break and called the four in the corner pocket, sinking it easily. “I believe she is 24 years old,” he said. “Paige said she didn’t get her license for so long because of some accident that scared her years back. She told me about another accident she just had a few days ago that has made her think she might give up driving altogether."
Twenty-four. Relief washed over me. While I had no problem marrying a woman who was eighteen, it was much nicer that my bride-to-be wasn’t a teenager. "That was me." I sunk the three in the side pocket smoothly, but missed the five.
“Oh, so you were the jerk who yelled at her? I could see that. So how did you smooth that over, Jay?”
“I apologized.”
“You, apologize? Are you feeling all right?” I could feel him studying me from across the table, silently drinking his beer. I chose to ignore it; we had a game to play and I was losing. This time I tried to bank it off the edge but still I couldn’t get the five in. Damn what a lousy game I was playing.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
“You know she sure has some beautiful red curls, kind of like a little firecracker, all that bounce and she’s so sweet too." Donovan had a way of getting right to the heart of the situation. In a matter of a few minutes, he already knew that I was head over heels for this girl and I hadn't said a word.
Leaning back against the wall, I took a swig of my beer. "Can't forget those blue eyes and shapely body.”
Donovan just laughed at me before sinking another ball. “You know you’re done for, Jay. I can hear the wedding bells already.”
"Hate to say it, Donnie, but I heard them seconds after our first meeting." Donnie just grinned at me before he called the shot and sank the eight ball in the corner pocket to win the game. "Hopefully you will have better luck winning her hand than you did winning this game."
Tiffany
Paige and I spent a lot of time together. First, I went over some simple yoga moves that could be used gently to help with symptoms, but cautioned her to listen to her body. I reviewed what the midwife discussed regarding menu options and things she should be eating. Everything was right but needed a bit of tweaking here and there. I told her whatever didn't make her sick was what she should eat at this time, and that the prenatal vitamin was a must.
After some stretches and a bath, I gave her a sparkly journal I’d brought and told her that every day she should write her experiences with pregnancy, how she felt, what she did, what she thought, etc. And perhaps write something for the baby to read when they grew up. Donovan could write in it too.
I figured this would give her something to occupy her mind when she didn’t feel well. I visited the kitchens to tailor a meal plan for the next day, highlighting some of the foods she told me she liked and were her favorites. I then encouraged her to take a walk with me on the beach, bringing a water bottle filled with cool ginger tea I ma
de that might soothe her belly.
Donovan and Jason were surprised when she agreed and together, we took a stroll in the sand. Her loose-fitting blue pants and flowy white shirt floated on the breeze as we sat on lounge chairs and talked a while.
“Are you excited or scared?”
"I am both. I am so happy to be having Donnie's baby, but at the same time, I've never done this before. Lily wasn't scared throughout the whole pregnancy; I don’t think she threw up once. Somehow, I always thought I was physically stronger, where she appeared more delicate.”
"Every woman is different and so is every pregnancy. It doesn't mean you’re weak. Your body just reacts more to the changes, the hormones, the growing baby." Thinking silently as she studied the ocean, my mind wandered to the possibility of one day having a baby of my own, what my husband would be like. Then I thought of Jason. Would he want kids? Would he be a good dad?
I must have lost myself in thought, for Jason was standing above me smiling. Donovan was helping his wife to her feet and walking her inside. We had obviously been outside a while. “I would like to lie down for a bit Tiffany,” Paige said over her shoulder. “We can talk later, okay?”
“Of course.”
“May I?” Jason’s hand appeared out of nowhere.
“I don’t need help walking through the sand. I’m not pregnant.” I took his hand anyway and stood up.
He was grinning at me as he looked at my belly. “Maybe someday you will be. And besides, maybe I need help in the sand.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulder like we were old friends. It felt warm and welcoming and somehow just right at that moment, so I sank into his side, molding myself to him.
6
Jason
Tiffany must have magic in her veins, for in less than 24 hours Paige’s color had improved, she was eating small bits of food, which Donnie had said she wasn’t doing before, and she was smiling. Now that Tiffany was at ease around me and all was going well, it was time to enact my plans. Nothing was going to stop me from pursuing the woman I intended to marry. Every moment I spent in her company I just knew, not only by the chemistry between us, but also by the man I became when I was with her. I couldn’t recall the last time I’d acted as goofy as I had yesterday.
It was 2 am and I couldn't sleep. Visions of a redheaded vixen were dancing in my mind. With her only steps across the hall, it was hard to refrain from knocking on her door. Getting out of the overstuffed bed, I decided some food was in order.
With a high metabolism, I tended to burn a lot of calories and eat a lot, sometimes as much as 6 meals a day. As I made my way to the kitchen, I could see the shadow of a form sitting on one of the couches. Stepping closer, I recognized her bouncy curls bobbing in the darkness.
“You okay?”
Startled, she jumped and spun on the couch. "Goodness, you scared me, Jason."
"Sorry. What are you doing up so late?" Snagging a bag of chips from the cabinet and a beer, I decided to get close to her on the couch and see what we could make happen.
“Can’t sleep.”
“Funny, me either.” Sampling the chips, I turned the bag to her. “So you just sit here in the dark?”
Without a word, she took a chip and held up her phone. "I was texting to see how my pets and plants are doing. I have a friend watching them."
“A friend.” I could feel my body harden; I hadn’t thought that she might have a boyfriend or something.
“Miles.”
The muscles in my arms and chest flexed instinctively. MINE. “Boyfriend?”
Her soft laughter put my tensions at ease. She didn’t say anything at first, simply ate more chips and took a sip of my beer as we sat alone together in the darkness. “That would be interesting considering he is gay.”
Relief washed over me; I wasn’t going to have to scuffle with another guy over my girl. Sitting, I felt like a 16-year-old trying to get to first base. Not my style: time to take it up a notch. Tossing the chips and beer on the coffee table, I turned to face her.
Tiffany
Sitting on the couch beside him felt so comfortable but nerve-wracking. All I could think was Is he going to kiss me?
Then just like that, he turned to me, placed his hands on either side of my face, and kissed me. It was hot and intense, and I could do nothing but respond in kind. His lips tasted of beer and salt, and it was so intoxicating I found myself melting into it. Smoothly his arms snaked around me, turning me so I was leaning into his chest as he sat back.
The steel of his chest pressed against my softness. The firmness of his lips tasting mine, the musky manly scent that rose around me, the feel of his spiky brown hair all made me delirious. I felt like I was twisting on some crazy amusement ride and I didn’t want it to end. The only anchor I had was him, his hard manliness. He took, tasted, and explored, running his fingers through my hair, a low groan rumbling in his chest as he cinched me tighter to him.
Lost in sensations, I didn’t hear the footsteps that soon revealed us to an intruder. “If you guys aren’t careful, you might end up with a little one of your own.” Donovan’s husky voice could be heard coming from the kitchen.
Pulling back quickly, my eyes met Jason's. He was clearly as lost as I was but one step ahead. "Scram, Donnie, and turn the lights out when you leave," he said, chuckling.
I couldn't think as he stared at my lips, making them tingle. My hands clenched in his shirt, waiting.
In the background, Donnie hummed and rummaged through the kitchen, making Jason smile. It was as if he was purposefully taking his time. “Donnie.”
“Oh, am I taking too long?” His laughter added to the intimacy between us. “Just trying to cool down the moment.” Jason grabbed the bag of chips, crumpled it and threw it at him. “Hey, thanks, just what I was looking for.” Seconds later the lights went out, leaving us in darkness again.
“Now where were we?” Jason took my lips softly in a gentle, caressing kiss that began feather-light but quickly turned hot and steamy where we were both clutching and groping each other.
My body was humming with excitement, want and need as he caressed me through my clothing. "Oh, goodness, we have to stop," I murmured, feeling like I was losing control as his lips trailed kisses from my mouth to my ear, down my neck and collar bone to my shoulder. I didn’t want this to stop, ever.
“Hmmm.”
Giving a gentle push, I put enough distance to stand up so I could put a stop to this before we were both lost to the moment. The look on his face spoke volumes of how he wanted and needed me, and it was just as intoxicating. I struggled to catch my breath.
“Come sit.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because…” Touching my fingers to my lips, I could still feel the sizzle of his lips against mine. His warm body solid against mine. His hands electrifying my skin. “Good night, Jason.” I turned and left; I couldn’t stand there another moment for both our sakes.
7
Jason
The memory of her lips, the feel of her body against mine lingered for the rest of the night. Somehow those few precious moments we’d shared had incited a fire in my body, reinforcing my feelings.
The next morning, I found her and Paige doing yoga in the great room with the sunlight shining in. Pulling up a chair beside Donnie, I watched the show. Her curvy form moved from pose to pose smoothly, like a dancer on the stage.
When they had finished, both ladies came to sit with us, neither looking sweaty or dirty from their workout. Paige’s coloring was beautiful and when she ate breakfast it was with a renewed interest. Only a few items seemed to turn her off, where she covered her mouth with her hand in nausea.
Tiffany sat beside me, her plate filled with fruits and a vegetable omelet with sparkling water. I couldn't help but lean into her and whisper in her ear, "Loved watching you move. Very sensual, exciting."
Her eyes met mine and a tiny stain of crimson touched her cheeks. After she recovered, she smiled at me
, sipping her water. “What’s that look for?”
“We are going swimming after breakfast. I have a red bikini to match my hair.” And just like that, the little pixie waved her fairy dust and had me waiting anxiously to see her in all her glory. Damn if red wasn’t my new favorite color. That was okay because now that I knew she was playing the game with me, I could lead her in my direction. Two could play at that game.
After breakfast, Donnie and I decided to work out in the weight room, which had a large set of glass doors that overlooked the outdoor pool. Conveniently, I left the door open.
I knew they were out there; Donnie had mentioned it and I peered at her seductive form when she had her back to me. Heaven help me, she looked enchantingly sexy in the little red number she wore.
Positioning myself at the window, I decided to lift some weights, shirtless of course.
“You know, I think you have her attention. I caught her gawking just thirty seconds ago, mouth hung open behind your back. I have to tell you, if I wasn’t so in love with my wife, that one there has a very voluptuous shape.” Donnie stood facing me, pulling his weights, grinning wickedly.
"If you are trying to piss me off, it's working, Donnie. Keep those eyes in your head."
"Oh, wait she's looking again. This time she's doing that sly glance back and forth thing women are so good at. Paige is grinning. God, I love her."
Tiffany
I was disappointed when he wasn't at the pool after breakfast until Paige informed me the men were working out this morning. Turning to have a look, I was dumbstruck. He stood there with no shirt on lifting heavy weights while a snake tattoo rippled on his back with each move.
My breath was lost, as were words. His well-tanned skin glistened with sweat, the muscles in his legs holding him firmly to the ground.
