The Love Campaign (Romantic Revelations Series Book 1)

by Laura Marquez Diamond

  For the first time since she went down this career path, Jaya felt like something precise, something razor-sharp, created a path she was destined to walk.

  Mr. Watson cleared his throat. “Thank you for the work of putting this together. We’ll give it some thought and get back to you.”

  The way Mrs. Chen avoided eye contact, however, Jaya felt as if this was a brush-off rather than encouragement.

  “I took a few vacation days and will be traveling on Friday. I’ll be back by Tuesday morning. Do you think I’ll hear from you by the time I return? At least to authorize me to continue my work with community organizers?”

  “No,” Mrs. Chen responded quickly. She smiled to soften the rejection, but it still stung. “Enjoy your trip, Jaya. We’ll talk when you return.”

  ***

  When she stepped past the sliding doors of Florida International Airport and scanned the arrivals area, Jaya was carrying an overnight bag, a jacket she didn’t need, and butterflies. Lots of them fluttering low in her tummy.

  The second she saw Sebastian, those butterflies flew away in the form of laughter. He was waiting for her with a homemade welcome sign, two flimsy pieces of paper taped together. Grin as wide as ever, he proudly displayed the words scribbled in Sharpie: WELCOME HOME FROM PRISON JAYA!

  Her glee propelled her forward to grab his silly sign and laugh. She crumpled the sign and his hands found her hips as they stood length to length.

  Then she quieted. Because there he was. He was gorgeous, as always. A baseball cap, sparkling eyes, and just the trace of a tan on his clean-shaven face. A simple white t-shirt and low jeans would have looked casual on most people, but on Sebastian, the outfit did a number on her nerves. Every angle and plane of his hard body called her attention and stirred her memory.

  But it was his smile that she realized was her undoing. He looked so happy and guileless and sweet. His smile was pure nourishment to a starving person. God, she missed him.

  “Hey,” he mumbled while looking at her mouth and grinning.

  “Hey yourself.” Her cheeks were sore from smiling so much.

  When his hands wrapped around her body, Jaya gave in to that familiar melting of her softness into him. It was exciting and new, yet familiar and expected. How did he offer every contradiction in the world and yet she wasn’t confused? She was sure. She was sure she wanted to be right here, right now.

  “So,” she said into his ear as he buried his face in her hair and inhaled, “you as horny as I am?”

  He burst out laughing and gave her lower back a tighter squeeze. “Since we didn’t have any conjugal visits while you were in prison, I imagine you’re pretty eager.”

  “I mean if you’d rather go shopping or hit the beach first, that’s fine too…”

  “Nope,” he said abruptly. Sebastian grabbed her carry-on and guided her out of the airport with brisk steps. She followed willingly, relieved he didn’t call her bluff.

  Driving in his leased car, they intermittently looked at each other as if trying to be sure this moment was real. That they could touch and fondle and stare as much as they wanted, and the other person wouldn’t poof away like a dream.

  When they parked outside his condo, he reached behind her neck and pulled to lock their lips. The kiss was rough and wet and hungry. She clutched and scratched at his shoulders and sighed when he gave a slight tug to her hair. Jaya didn’t know how long they were making out like teenagers in a parking lot, but when they parted breathlessly, their foreheads rested together.

  “I think that old lady is taking pervy pictures of us from her balcony,” Jaya whispered.

  “Let her,” he mumbled. “I couldn’t wait. You taste too good.”

  “You’re pretty tasty yourself, Beaumont,” she teased. “But I think if you don’t take me in your condo already, I’ll have to give your neighbors a real show.”

  “Jaya, I was trying to calm down before getting out of the car. Your dirty mouth isn’t helping,” he teased and nipped her bottom lip. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. Let’s go.”

  They gathered her things and nearly ran to his door. When they were inside, a rush of longing hit Jaya. And if Sebastian lifting her off her feet so her thighs rested on his hips was any indication, he was just as overwhelmed by the need to get closer. To devour. To feel in a way they didn’t allow themselves while apart. Because if she dwelled on this feeling while she couldn’t have him, Jaya would be on a flight to Florida every other day. Or never leave.

  The thought was so shocking, she immediately quelled it. She shooed her wayward and whimsical notions away, willing them to quietly disappear into her splendidly hazy brain. When kissing Sebastian, her mind could go completely blank.

  Instead, sensations heightened. Every nerve, every pore, every breath was alert to him only. Her breasts got heavy and achy as they rubbed his chest. Her fingers tingled as they ran through silky hair and muscled shoulders. And lower. Her quivering wetness pressed to a ridge so hot, she felt as if they were creating fire at the point of contact.

  “You can put me down if I’m too heavy,” she uttered.

  “I’m putting you down but not because you’re heavy,” he grumbled. “But because you need to be in my bed, woman.”

  “Can’t argue with that exceptionally sharp logic,” she teased.

  “Urgh,” he emitted a caveman’s growl. “Bed. Jaya. Bed. Jaya.” He chanted crudely to make her laugh.

  And then he was over her, their laughter halted. It seemed useless to talk about how much she missed him. How much his weight over her body was like coming home. It was pointless to explain that the way he was looking at her, heavy-lidded and panting—as if she was his addiction—was itself unfathomably addictive. She could never imagine a time when his complete attention and focused desire wouldn’t make her feel more alive than she ever thought possible. Words explained nothing, she decided. So, instead of trying to find words, she clutched his shirt and kissed him as if her life depended on it.

  He pulled away suddenly. “I’m trying to last long enough to get your clothes off,” he growled.

  Roughly she pushed down her leggings and underwear, whipping them off. He seemed paralyzed by her urgency, so it was up to Jaya to grab at his belt, undo his button, and use her feet to push his jeans past his hips.

  They were messy and clumsy as he slipped on a condom and she lined her apex up against his thick, nearly purple crown. “I’ve been dreaming about this. We need to slow down, sweetheart. You feel too good.” Sebastian’s voice was erratic.

  Jaya’s ears heard him, but did the rest of her listen? Nope. Once their bodies were lined up and he was sheathed, Jaya’s hips lifted of their own accord. Her hands grabbed his ass and her unbelievably wet, swollen core sought out his shaft. One swift and glorious thrust later, he was inside. As his hips pinned her to the bed and his cock filled her to the hilt, Jaya felt a building pressure throughout her body as unstoppable as a train at full speed.

  “More,” she groaned. “Please, Sebastian.”

  He swirled his hips. “It’s been so long, sweetheart.”

  She started to move with him, churning her hips so that his thrusts intensified. “Harder. I need you to fuck me like you mean it. You can last next time,” she said her demands in starts and stops, barely breathing.

  He bit her neck and sucked in a way that drove her crazy. The vibrations started. A low hum built from her stomach and filled her center. A hum that strengthened as it traveled through her blood and spread. A hum that turned into a deep melody that got louder and louder till it was full volume throughout her body.

  “Come for me, Jaya,” he strained to say.

  She tilted her head back, pushing her breasts up and moving her hips in ever-wider circles. “Yes, just like that. Yes,” she mindlessly mumbled.

  Sebastian lifted his upper body so his hands were on each side of her face and his groin was grinding higher. And then he thrust hard, each plunge hitting her deep inside and on her clit. Her
climax didn’t feel like an explosion. Instead, it was as if waves flowed through her, one after another, each one stronger and higher and more glorious. And when Sebastian orgasmed, a tsunami of pleasure carried them both to another height of ecstasy. At its peak, their eyes met with so much intensity, her lungs ceased to work.

  When she thought for sure he would have to call an ambulance, her body restarted. Out of breath and flushed, they both released sounds of disbelief. She realized that whatever mind-shattering connection just happened, she wasn’t the only one affected.

  He slumped beside her and clasped their hands. She felt the bed move and weight alter as he shed his jeans. He never even got them past his thighs. Jaya looked at his boyish grin as he kicked the pants off the bed and lifted his arms to discard his shirt.

  “Take this off,” he ordered and tugged at her simple button-up shirt.

  “Did I tell you how bossy you’ve gotten since you moved to Florida?” she commented tritely.

  “Everyday.” Sebastian went to the bathroom to discard his condom and wash up.

  She got up as well, heading to the bathroom. They met at the doorway and he looked stern when he repeated, “I said take it off.”

  “Wow, what hospitality skills we have,” she retorted, eyes gleaming. He kissed her quickly and winked.

  “Meet me in the kitchen. And I’m serious. I said off,” he called back as he left her in the bathroom.

  She almost didn’t recognize the woman in the mirror. The lines around her mouth that signaled worry, the crease on her forehead that indicated stress, were all gone. Her face was peaceful, except for the fiery red circles on her cheeks. As expected, her hair was wild, but she kept it that way, knowing how much Sebastian would grab and fondle her mane all day long. Jaya washed up and did as she was told.

  Well, sort of. She came to the kitchen with flimsy underwear and with the shirt completely unbuttoned. She rested each side of the shirt right at the edge of her nipples so he had a full view of the shape of her full breasts. When he saw her enter the kitchen, his jaw dropped. Sebastian shook his head and raised his arms in mock surrender. “Kryptonite. Your body is going to kill me.”

  “Stop, you silly man,” she replied. “So, what’s the plan for today? You played last night but do you have practice later?”

  He pointed at the clock in the kitchen. “Not for a couple more hours. Then we can go for dinner. I made reservations at this amazing Cuban place, right by the water.”

  “I don’t think I’ve ever had Cuban food,” she claimed excitedly.

  He pulled her closer with one arm, the other one busy dropping the feta into a pasta salad. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

  “Me too,” she said, smiling at him and reaching over. Jaya grabbed a chunk of feta and popped it into her mouth. His grin widened.

  “What am I gonna do with you?” he asked huskily.

  “Feed me, obvs,” she said, winking.

  “Obvs?”

  “That’s what da yutes say nowadays. I wouldn’t expect you to know. Being ancient at, what, twenty-five?”

  He snickered. “Yeah, that’s me. An old man with my old lady.” He sounded proud. Satisfied with his certainty.

  Something very much like happiness lodged in her heart at the sound of his satisfaction.

  CHAPTER 16

  Of course Sebastian was hard again. She couldn’t possibly be surprised. Jaya walked around with her ass swaying and her top open. She moved briskly around the kitchen to grab plates and utensils, making her tits bounce and swing so yeah, of course his penis woke up to play. Because Sebastian was a pathetic teenager again, it turned out, ready for action at the touch of a breeze.

  Except Jaya was no breeze. She was a fucking storm. A tornado that swirled and unsettled and made you feel like you were lifted off the ground. Being with her, having her within arms’ reach, felt like flying. Flying to heights that could ruin you. But you enjoyed the ride too much to be afraid.

  They ate, made love—he lasted longer during the second round—and then it was time to leave for practice.

  “I’ve got what I need at the gym to save time. Be ready by six? We’ll drive around the waterfront for a bit.”

  “What time are reservations?”

  “Seven. Why? You’re already planning your snack, aren’t you?” he teased.

  “I’m on vacation! Now get lost. I’ll see you at six.” They held each other through a tender, lingering kiss. Sebastian pulled away and shook off the realization that he could get used to this routine.

  Jaya. Hockey. Jaya. Hockey. Jaya. Jaya. Jaya.

  ***

  Practice was brutal. They lost the night before and the offensive lines weren’t clicking as they should. Coach instigated extra power drills that made Sebastian’s legs feel like they were going to burst. He was also expected to adjust to new strategies being tested. During the scrimmage, Sebastian was moved around, playing centerman for different wingers.

  He gave his all at every opportunity, despite feeling somewhat lightheaded. That might be the depletion of electrolytes or the knowledge that Jaya was waiting for him. Either way, it made the brutal practice go by like a hazy dream. Or nightmare, depending on one’s pain threshold.

  After showering, he put on his dress shirt and pressed slacks instead of slipping back into workout clothes.

  “Someone has a date tonight,” Konrad Vladimir, the goalie, commented when he saw Sebastian polished and ready. “Who’s the lucky girl?”

  “Leave the rookie alone,” Noah piped in. He snatched every opportunity to remind Sebastian that he was the newest guy on the team.

  Sebastian ignored them but his silence only garnered more attention. “Getting to know some local puck bunnies, rookie?” Andor Talstad, a defenseman and one of Noah’s constant companions, interrogated. “You never go out with us so where’d you meet her?”

  “No puck bunnies tonight,” Sebastian said with a tight smile. “Just a friend from out of town.” He thought he did a good job of keeping his voice steady.

  “Yeah?” Noah asked. “From Cinci?”

  Shit, Sebastian swore internally. He was distracted and didn’t realize Noah would pick up on his comment. They never talked about it but there was no way Noah didn’t know he was with Jaya. Their dating ruse was all over the internet for weeks. At the very least, even if Noah didn’t get social media alerts, they had similar friend circles from Detroit. Sebastian always figured Noah knew, though caring what his team captain thought of his dating life was at the bottom of his list of concerns.

  Yet something about the question— from Cinci?— so casually asked, grated Sebastian’s nerves. It sounded too purposefully breezy, too affectedly disinterested. But Noah’s body language, leaning forward and pressing his lips together, betrayed his curiosity. He was interested alright. Which gave Sebastian even more reason to keep things vague.

  “See you guys tomorrow,” he called out, walking through the door and not bothering to look back.

  ***

  He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Jaya wore a flower print dress with a long, flowing skirt and a body-hugging, mind-distracting halter top. She knew perfectly well the effect this had on him. When he swung by the condo, she ordered him to stay in the living room so she could make an entrance. They almost didn’t make it out the door.

  The Cuban restaurant donned elegant island chic décor and Latin American flair. Their table was on a terrace overlooking the city skyline as the backdrop of the Miami bay. Surrounded by palm trees that moved to balmy winds, it was almost like walking into a movie set.

  “Twenty-four hours ago. I was slogging through dirty puddles. This is insane,” Jaya said, whispering to Sebastian as the waiter led them to their private table.

  Holding Jaya’s hand, Sebastian asked if he could order for her. He had explored some Cuban cuisine in the last few weeks and was curious about how this extra fancy place would treat the classics. She complied, after insisting on mojitos and not wine.


  They started with grilled octopus and shrimp ceviche. And because they were by the ocean, they further exploited the generous seafood offerings. Jaya was excited about the paella habanera with shrimp, squid, and fish. Sebastian ordered enchiladas de mariscos because he had never heard of it cooked with lobster before. And a plate of empanadas and plantains for both because, why not?

  The food was better than he expected, despite his impossibly high standards when consuming fine cuisine. He thought about why that might be. Maybe it was watching Jaya’s eyes widen when the elaborate plating was revealed with a flourish by a very eager waiter. Maybe because he didn’t really think he belonged in Florida until right now, showing her around and talking about the buildings he explored across the bay.

  Or, maybe, it was simply that the night was perfect, and the girl was his.

  They talked as they always did. About everything. The benefit of video calling nearly every night was that he knew her upcoming projects and ongoing frustrations. And, being Jaya, hockey talk was just as satisfying as when he debated with buddies at a sports bar.

  She gave an overview of her latest meeting with Mrs. Chen and Mr. Watson. It became apparent to Sebastian that she was verging on something truly remarkable. A complete shift in focus and one that would break out of the confines of the community center. Was it beneficial for him to listen to her frustrations in Cincinnati and hear the potential to explore different career paths? Was he prompting her to consider how these career paths might take her away from Cincinnati? Was this selfish? Why, yes. Yes, it was.

  The fact that her passion might take her beyond the community center, and perhaps even enable a location change, was just a coincidence. She wanted to pursue a revision of sex education for teens. She was starting to make connections locally and nationally. If anyone could make a difference, it was Jaya.