Linda Hudson-Smith - Forsaking All Others

Jessica liked the protective feel of Weston’s arm wrapped snugly around her waist. As they glided atop the ice, she laughed inwardly, thinking of the romantic ice shows on television. Pairs skating was her favorite. She imagined the two of them executing a great lift. Slithering seductively down his body would make a great ending. He would then look at her as though she was the only woman in the world for him.

Weston was McDreamy, McSteamy, McSweetie and McSensitive all rolled into one sensuous human being. Life is good. Sooo good.

“Hey, Miss Olympic champion,” Jennifer yelled from the side rail, “you’re looking pretty hot out there. Work those ice skates, girlfriend.”

Jessica flashed her sister a bright smile and the thumbs-up sign. The others waved as she and Weston appeared to fly by on wings.

Weston gently tightened his grip on Jessica’s waist. “You are good, you know.”

“Yeah, I do. Wish I could reach my back with ease. I’d give it a good pat.”

Weston couldn’t help laughing. What kind of man laughed along with a woman who had just kicked his butt on a twenty-dollar bet? A man who had begun to fall in love with the same woman who’d dished out one can of whoop-butt.

“Instead of paying up twenty dollars, you can buy me dinner tomorrow night. How’s that for a compromise?”

“You deserve both. I’d do anything to hang out with you. Dinner alone, just the two of us?”

“Just the two of us. Sounds nice and cozy. I don’t think our families will protest, seeing how badly they want us to become an item. Ugh, we’re starting to fall right into their perfectly set trap.”

“Hmm. Maybe, maybe not.”

As Jessica and Weston joined their families, he looked at her and sighed heavily. “I don’t know why I ever thought we’d get along with each other. You’re still insufferable. The older you get the more unbearable you are. You need to grow up, Jessica. Life is passing you by while you’re still stuck in your adolescence.” He looked at his mother. “And to think I let you guilt-talk me into this trip. I must’ve been insane.”

Jessica’s brow furrowed. “What?” She looked totally puzzled. Where had Weston’s sudden flash of anger come from? His odd behavior was so off the wall.

His unexpected outburst made no sense at all to Jessica; they’d just been laughing and joking up a storm. The concerned looks made her wish she could sprout wings and fly away. How dare Weston embarrass her like that…and in front of both their families? It looked as if perhaps he hadn’t changed at all.

Had McBratty risen from the ashes?

The others looked like they felt sorry for Jessica. She felt kind of sorry for herself. Weston’s tongue had been rather sharp. Then she saw his barely noticeable wink. She had to work hard to hide her astonishment. The “maybe, maybe not” response made sense now. He’d been trying to make the others think they weren’t getting along. The funny thing was it looked as if everyone had bought into his melodrama. Weston had even sold her on it.

Jessica smiled inwardly as she returned to the ice.

As Weston joined Jessica, he got out in front of her and began skating backward.

Smiling with admiration, Jessica gave him an approving nod. “You were very convincing. But there’s one problem.”

“What’s that?”

“How do we continue hanging out and enjoy each other’s company when we’re supposed to be at odds?”

Weston scratched his head. “Hadn’t thought about it like that. Anyway, let’s let them think we’re making up. You know what they say about making up.”

Weston winked at Jessica again. She stopped and he skated up to her. Taking her into his arms, he gave her a warm hug. “We don’t want to pour it on too thick. Everyone will be watching our every move from here on in. When we’re in private, we’ll do the make-up bit right.”

“As if they haven’t already been watching us,” Jessica said. “I bet our relationship is their first topic of discussion and the last one.”

“You’re probably right. Can I interest you in a cup of hot chocolate?”

“Sounds divine. I’m also intrigued by the promised make-up session.”

The Commodores’ “Brick House” came pounding out from the speakers before Jessica and Weston could clear the ice. Loving the oldie song, one of her parents’ favorites, Jessica whirled away from him and began ice-dancing. As if she were the only person out there, she lost herself in the hip-stirring rhythm. Jessica ice-danced every bit as well as she danced.

Watching Jessica’s seductive moves had Weston hurrying across the ice to join her. As his hips gyrated wildly to the funky beat, she moved to the center of the rink, summoning him to follow her. It didn’t take long before many of the other skaters decided to join their routine. A line dance ensued as the next song came on.

Back inside Weston’s rented condo, seated at the breakfast bar, he dropped several tiny marshmallows into Jessica’s cup of hot chocolate. “Want more?”

“That’s plenty. Thank you.” Jessica scooped up a handful of marshmallows and dropped them one by one into his mug. “I’m worn out. What about you?”

“Same here. We’ve had a very long day, an even longer evening. I’ve enjoyed every second of it. Not only that, the time is moving too quickly for me. Our winter wonderland vacation will be over before we know it.”

Jessica was saddened by his remark. It would be over soon, much too soon, as far as she was concerned. She’d had no idea that Weston could be this much fun, not to mention how romantic and sensual he was. She’d miss him. “It is going by pretty quickly. Getting back to work will be tough after I’m finished playing so hard.”

Wearing a serious expression on his face, Weston made direct eye contact with Jessica. “Now that we’re on this subject, I want to ask you something. What’s the chance of us getting together after we leave Aspen?”

Jessica shrugged. “We live on separate coasts. I don’t know how we’d manage it. California to New York is at least a five-hour flight, one way.”

“What if I agree to do the traveling? Can I visit you in L.A.?”

Jessica looked surprised by the questions. “You’d be willing to do that?”

“In a New York minute.” He grinned. “No pun intended. What about it?”

“I’m okay with it if you are. I have a guest bedroom. Just let me know when.”

“We’re on!” Weston was obviously pleased by the outcome of his probe.

Jessica fished out a melted marshmallow from her cup. She then held the tiny morsel up to Weston’s lips. After taking the tidbit from her hand, he licked her finger in a provocative way. “Sweet, so sweet. Think I can get another one?”

Jessica repeated the act. This time he drew her finger into his mouth and sucked on it gently. His eyes connected soulfully with hers, causing her to blush. “I think it’s time for us to make up. What do you think?”

Jessica responded to Weston’s question by offering up her lips to taste. He quickly accepted the sweet offer in the spirit it had been presented. Kissing her had already become his most favorite thing to do.

Jessica’s cell phone abruptly interrupted the intimate moment. After identifying the caller, she thought about not answering. She then thought better of it. It could be something important. She really cared about her friends. And Jarred might be having a hard time over the bad breakup with Melanie. She wanted to be there for him.

“Where are you?” Jarred asked Jessica, sounding rather anxious.

“You already know where I am. What’s up?”

“You’re not with your family, because I just called there.”

“And? What’s that supposed to mean?”