Linda Hudson-Smith - Forsaking All Others

As if Jessica had read Weston’s mind, she indulged him in another lingering kiss. Just as before, the kisses grew in intensity, making both parties wish they had been together over the past years.

Weston deeply regretted he hadn’t been able to see Jessica for who she was inside. He had focused too much on her outer appearance, but he hadn’t been anything to write home about, either. Maybe that was the reason he had mistreated her. Had she rejected him during his awkward teen years he couldn’t have handled it. Life for him as a teenager had been very difficult. Surprisingly, he could now admit to himself that he had had a serious crush on Jessica. Perhaps he hadn’t known how to show it.

Jessica pulled away from Weston and smoothed her clothing. She quickly got to her feet, leaving her companion looking bewildered. After crossing the room with deliberate strides, she stood in front of the large picture window. Why had she come to the cabin with Weston? Deeply conflicting thoughts and emotions had her at war with herself. One part of her wanted to throw caution to the wind and make steamy love to the man of her dreams. The sensible part of her makeup was telling her to run for her life, get out while she still had the strength to do so.

Weston came up behind Jessica and circled her waist. “You’re trembling. I’ve frightened you, haven’t I?”

Jessica leaned her head back against his chest. “I’ve scared myself. What we’re doing scares me even more. We’re strangers, Wes. We haven’t seen each other in ages yet we’re all over each other like two silly teenagers. Is that stranger than fiction, or what?”

Weston kissed the top of her head. “It’s called attraction, sweetie. I don’t know about you, but it’s more than just a physical magnetism on my part. If you think all I want to do is get you into bed, you’re wrong. I really want to get to know you.”

Jessica turned completely around and looked up into his eyes. “Are you serious?”

As Weston’s lips connected with Jessica’s, he closed his eyes for a moment. “I’ve never been more serious. This is not a holiday fling for me. What’s happening to me has nothing to do with a festive atmosphere. My heart is compromised. I hope that’s not too much information.”

Jessica stood on tiptoes and kissed him deeply. “Just enough information to keep me from questioning my sanity. So, do we just wait and see what develops between us?”

“I think to do otherwise would be insane. I’m in. Are you?”

Jessica smiled sweetly. “In.”

The couple fell into an easy, warm embrace, hugging each other to show they were on the same wavelength.

“I have an idea, Jessica. What about ice-skating away the rest of the evening?”

“I’m all for your idea, though I’m afraid I might kill myself on the skates. I’m terrible at skating. Will you help me up when I fall?”

“You bet I will.”

“Should we see if the others want to go?”

“This is a family holiday. Let’s stop by and see what they’re up to.” Weston looked down at his wristwatch. “We’d better get a move on since the ice rink closes at eleven and it’s almost eight-thirty now.”

As the two families filed out of the vehicles, Jessica could see that the arena was filled with patrons. All the colorful winter clothing worn by the skaters, not to mention the dazzling lights strategically posted around the place, brought the outdoor arena to life. Once both vehicles were unloaded, everyone made their way inside the ice rink, where the skate-rental booth and refreshment bar were located. The place was also equipped with a wood-burning fireplace.

“What size skate do you need?” Weston asked Jessica.

It was time for Jessica to get her payback against Weston. She laughed with enthusiasm. After reaching down into the small duffel-style bag, she pulled out a shiny pair of white ice skates. “Ta-da,” she exclaimed, holding up the skates for him to see.

“Oh, no! You set me up, girl. I’ve been had. You lied about not knowing how to skate, didn’t you? How you going to play me like that?” Because she came from Southern California, he’d been sure she wouldn’t know a thing about ice-skating.

Jessica howled. “Just as you lied about your spelling skills. Now we’re even.” She had the most devilish expression on her face. “Two liars, and we’re not ashamed,” she sang out, using the tune to Mary Wells’s song “Two Lovers,” a great Motown sound.

Weston laughed heartily. “You have the gear. Now let’s see what the little girl from Southern Cal can do. I’m putting twenty bucks on myself. Before you take the bet, keep in mind that you’re competing with a guy who skates in New York’s famous Central Park. Among some of the best ice-skaters around, I might add.”

Jessica smirked. “Cut the boasting. Let your feet do the bragging. Twenty bucks is all you’re in jeopardy of losing. You probably drink up at least that much at Starbucks in a week’s time. You won’t miss the money.”

“That’s not too far-fetched. I do need my caffeine fix, but you’ll be the one paying my coffee bill the first week I’m home.”

“We’ll see. If I were you, I wouldn’t count my chickens before they hatch.”

After Weston was in possession of his size-eleven rentals, he and Jessica found an empty bench, where they sat down and laced up their skates. She couldn’t wait to hit the ice to show off her talent. Weston wasn’t as eager about revealing his skills after seeing Jessica’s skates. They looked somewhat used so he knew they hadn’t been purchased for show. He hadn’t given any thought to indoor ice rinks, but he had known they existed. Los Angeles wouldn’t have come to mind.

Whether Jessica was talented enough to compete against him remained to be seen. However, the only competition he was interested in was the one that’d win him her heart. She had already won his.

The songs being played were up-to-date rhythm and blues hits. A song by Usher and one by Lionel Ritchie had played while everyone had laced up their skates. The tune currently playing was Beyoncé Knowles’s “Crazy In Love.” Jessica couldn’t remember if it was off the first or second album, but it was one of her favorites, a really upbeat song to skate to.

As if Jessica was playing a game of tag, she hit Weston playfully and then took off for the ice, hoping he’d chase after her. He did. Seeing that he was up to the challenge, giving her the opportunity to skate circles around him, Jessica started whirling around the ice as though she owned it. She was good on the ice.

Weston nearly fell when he had a hard time taking his eyes off Jessica’s fascinating technique. That made him more determined to win. He was darn good at ice-skating, too, much better than she gave him credit for. He had learned to ice-skate as a young boy, taught by his parents. It was often considered a sissy sport in many circles, but not among his New York City friends. Men were always seen skating in Central Park’s ice arena during the winter; it was a favorite pastime for a lot of couples Weston knew personally.

When Jessica saw Jennifer hit her behind on the ice pretty hard, she started toward her, hoping she wasn’t hurt. Before she could reach her sister, Samuel was already assisting his wife. Once Jessica saw that Jennifer was okay, both husband and wife laughing about the mishap, she took off again.

After Jessica had covered the entire arena, skating a fun routine with lots of enthusiasm, the music slowed down. Weston quickly skated over to her and engaged in a couple’s skate. The competition was over. His skills were no match for Jessica’s. He planned to dig into his pocket and hand over the twenty-dollar bill. She had won it fair and square. The lady from sunny California was a dynamo on the ice.