Heart storms, p.17
Heart Storms, page 17
The kiss took Gabriel so much by surprise, he said, “Whoa, what’s this?” He’d prepared for a breakup, and now her lips and body pressed against his with such emotion his knees grew weak.
Jade’s answer was to kiss him again. Passion and heat moved through his entire body as they continued to kiss and hold each other tighter. Jade inched her face away from his slightly, enough to look into his eyes.
With a coy smile, Gabe said, “I guess the night with boss-man didn’t go so well, huh?”
Chapter 21
Jade led him to sit at the kitchen island, poured them wine and relayed all the details of her date with Rick. Gabe listened, made no comments, smiled, nodded now and then, even chuckled a few times. Jade’s fiasco with Rick appeared to please him.
“Hey,” she said. “You don’t have to be so happy over my bad luck and misery.”
Gabe stood and pulled her to him and kissed her with the same passion she’d displayed an hour before. When she responded in kind, he said, “Oh, yeah, I can see you’re miserable.”
She laughed and swat his shoulder. “You’re terrible. Can’t you have a little sympathy?”
“Nope. I want you all to myself.” He backed away from her, taking a moment to think. “There is one thing. With Rick saying he would love you and be with you if you gave him more time—I wonder if he’ll lure you back to him in the future?”
Jade kissed him again, deep and slow, pouring herself and her heart into him.
“I guess that’s a no,” Gabe said, grinning ear-to-ear.
Jade giggled. “How perceptive of you.” She moved away and took his hands. “But if we don’t go outside now, we could stay here kissing all night and won’t get to celebrate. And I need to celebrate.”
Gabe laughed and walked outside with her. “Personally, I could’ve used the kissing all night scenario. I am an ecstatic guy right now and this news is definitely cause for celebration.”
The fire blazed and champagne chilled in a silver bucket. Jade filled their glasses “Let’s drink this, talk and enjoy each other tonight.”
Gabe looked at the label on the bottle. “Wow, good stuff. This really is a celebration.” He sat across the coffee table from her, admiring her beauty and being grateful for how lucky he was. “I have to tell you, I prepared for you to let me go tonight, for my heart to get broken. Instead, I got a gorgeous, sexy woman in my arms, hot kisses and now champagne. I’m in heaven.”
Jade, flushed with lingering passion, handed him his glass and put hers up to toast. “Here’s to us, because I have no intention of letting you go.”
Gabe tapped her glass. “And even if you chose Rick, I had no intention of letting you go.”
“Oh, man, I would’ve liked to have seen what would happen.”
Gabe leaned in close to her and whispered. “No, you wouldn’t.”
She chuckled picturing what Gabe might do. “Good thing it won’t happen.”
“Yes, good thing.” He leaned back in his chair and took another drink. “But after we finish this bottle later, what’s going to happen?”
Jade looked up to the sky, wearing a coy smile. “We can let the night do what it wants with us.”
“Sounds good to me,” he said, testing her reaction.
“Good, let’s do it, then,” Jade cooed.
Taking her hand and pulling her up so her face was inches from his, he said, “You know I like doing it.” His cheeks flushed with the ample desire coursing through him.
Jade backed away and teased. “So do I—enjoy letting the night play out with no set plans. That’s what you meant, right?”
Gabe stood with hands on hips and head shaking, looking out over the beach. “Phew, woman, don’t get me worked up then drop me. I might need to take a cold dip in the ocean.”
“There’ll be no ocean dipping. And I didn’t mean to get you worked up.”
Turning back to face her, his expression took on a devilish look. “Yes, you did.”
“Well, I’m sorry. Drinking on an empty stomach will make you do things you didn’t intend. Hey, speaking of empty stomachs, how about we get some dinner soon?” She poured two more drinks.
“We better stop drinking so fast or you’ll find out I have no desire for dinner.”
“Aren’t you going to be hungry soon? We can go out.”
The look in his eyes was of a man falling hard, full of emotion, so honest and attractive. Gabe answered in a low, sultry voice. “Or we can eat here, or maybe not eat at all because the only thing I’m hungry for is you.”
Jade had to glance away from the lust coming her way. She looked across the beach to the sea and took a moment to respond. “Let’s take it slow, Gabe. Enjoy the night, the drinks, the kidding around and each other.”
“The woman who ran to me as I walked in the door, who literally threw herself at me and kissed me into next week, was not a woman taking it slow.”
“I had a moment of madness.”
“Over me?”
She walked to him, kissed his cheek, lingered there and whispered, “Yes, I am insanely crazy about you.”
With a soft, vulnerable look in his eyes, Gabe put his arms around her hips and drew her lower body to his and said, “This will be a good night.”
“Stellar,” Jade said, returning the look.
“Oh, there’s that word again. I love it, especially regarding me.”
She winked, pulled away from him, reached for her glass and sipped. “Get used to it.”
***
So as not to get inebriated, they rounded up cheese, crackers, nuts, and fruit to take back outside. The glow of the flames into the darkening night sky combined with lots of joy, food, and drink lifted them into an expansive, almost altered space where they had no worries, no pain, no past—just them, being high on life and each other. The stars shone like tiny spotlights over their personal stage filled with the distant sound of ocean waves, their talk and laughter, their growing emotions and desire for each other.
Gabe sighed, satiated to his soul. “It’s so good to be out here with all this.” He swung his arms out to embrace their space and beyond to the ocean and sky. “It’s magical, especially to be here with you, when I worried I might never be here again.”
“How does it feel to know you’ll be here from now on, whenever you want?”
“It feels too good to be true, because I’m falling for you, fast and hard.” Gabe, sitting next to her, tugged her pinky finger and said, “I hope it isn’t too good to be true.”
Jade leaned into his arm and put her head on his shoulder. “I feel so good hearing how much you care for me. I care for you the same way.” She tugged his pinky back. “So why would you be concerned us being together is too good to be true?”
“Pessimism or insecurity. I don’t have the best long-term track record or luck with relationships. I tend to look at all aspects of a situation, to not get caught by surprise. And here’s what I’m guessing about Rick: Even with as bad as your date was and all the things he said, I can’t imagine him giving you up easily.”
Jade gripped his hand. “Believe me, he gave up easily. There’ll be nothing between Rick and me in the future except for work.”
He kissed her lips gingerly and whispered, “Really? Nothing between you two but work?”
“Really.” She returned the kiss and said, “Never.”
“Good. Because I want to have something between us.”
“What?”
With a sexy, gorgeous smile, he stood and pulled her up with him. “This,” he said, gently pulling her body against his.
Jade felt his passion take physical form, growing solid against her. Her response was immediate—her body wanted his. She held him and they kissed with passionate longing. He pulled her legs up around his waist and carried her toward the bedroom, stopping at the door, asking, “Is this what you want?”
“Yes, I want nothing more.”
“Are you free and clear now to do this with me?”
She nuzzled into his neck, sighing. “Hmm… Do what with you?”
He nodded toward the bed. “You know.”
Jade put her legs back down, her arms still around his neck and faced him. “I won’t have sex with you.”
Gabe’s eyes widened with surprise. “You won’t?”
“No.” She tilted her chin up to his, her gaze casting out fierce emotion. “But I will love you and let you make love to me. I’ll let you prove your feelings with your body and heart, as I’ll prove mine to you.”
His next kiss was full of longing. “The way I care for you, Jade, is about more than this one night in your bed.” He picked her up in his arms.
She breathed in his subtle, intoxicating cologne and the spicy, soapy scent of his skin while she kissed his neck. Jade clung to him as if for her life. “What a beautiful thing to say. I’m glad to hear you speak you r mind and heart because this will be the start, the start of us. Are you sure this is what you want?”
Gabe carried her to the bed, gently pulled the red silk dress over her head and laid it carefully on the chair. He gazed at her entire body like she was a treasured prize he’d worked toward his whole life and had finally won. “I’ve always wanted this, with you. I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you.”
“And now I know for sure, there’s no one for me but you, Gabe. I do love you. I have for a while now.”
He guided her hands to unbutton his shirt and slide it off his shoulders moving her soft hands over them and his chest. She unbuckled the silver belt, opened the jeans, and pulled down the zipper. He stepped out of his jeans, practically bursting out, and she sighed with lust for such a beautiful man, her man. She gently touched him and his whole body shuddered.
“Did I do something wrong?” she whispered.
He moved her hand away and held her in his arms, pressing himself against her. “Every nerve in my body is hyper-sensitive and trembling with more happiness than I knew possible, standing here with everything I’ve ever wanted, right here in my arms.”
Jubilant, she guided him to remove her lacy underthings. She lay on the bed and pulled him down next to her. “Prove it to me.” She inhaled his scent—delicious, inviting, fresh as the sea air, and heard his whispers, soft as silk and hot as fire.
His kisses trailed down her neck and the heat of his body blended with hers. Their next kiss was not an ordinary one—lush and deep—friendship mixed with respect; love mixed with pure desire. Their attraction to each other was wild and unstoppable. Jade had held back her passion for months out of envisioning the possibilities with Rick. But more so, she’d been afraid of Gabe and all she didn’t know, about his illusive, dark past.
But as they kissed, Jade sensed the goodness in him. No man ever wanted her this way, especially not the devil. Her thoughts flashed to Gabe asking her if she wanted a good or bad boy. He’d admitted he was a bad boy, but she knew he meant in a good way. She had another kind of devil on her hands now, but she was ready for him. She trusted him enough to go wherever he took her.
Gabe lay next to Jade, kissing her in awe—an exotic beauty not attributable to any particular race or culture. Desire and heat flowed through their skin into each other. Her responses were molten hot as she poured herself into him, giving herself completely through her kiss and touch. He guessed this was the closest he’d ever get to heaven, especially knowing this was an honest union—no lies or revenge, but pure attraction, mutual respect and love. It was a first for him, and he was sure he was about to have the best, and first true lovemaking of his life.
When his lush kisses moved to her chest, then stomach and lower, Jade couldn’t take any more. When he cupped and kissed her breasts, she cried out, “I can’t,” and put her hand over her eyes. “I can’t take more. It’s unreal, so good it can’t be happening.”
Under her disbelief, Gabe sensed she was afraid. He was, too. But one look into her loving, trusting eyes had him almost crazy with wanting her. He moved his body alongside hers, testing her willingness to move on.
She sighed from the bottom of her soul to the top. “Oh, God, Gabriel, this is too much. You’re too much.”
While caressing her everywhere, he whispered, “You’re gorgeous all over. Inside and out. We’ll go as slow as you want.”
She turned on her side to face him and touched him lightly, then stroked.
“Jade, you’re driving me crazy. I’ll lose it soon, too soon.”
“To hell with slow,” she whispered before she kissed him, telling him without words what she wanted.
“What about protection?”
She reached in the nightstand drawer and handed it to him. “Hurry.”
She lay on her back and said, “Kiss me. Kiss me like you mean it.”
Gabe pushed her hair away from her eyes. “I’ll always mean it with you,” and kissed her while moving on top of her.
Their lust was so overwhelming to her senses, Jade stopped him. “I’ll die from too much of this. I’m more than ready for you.”
As he gently slid into her, he whispered, “I’ve been ready for you my whole life.”
With the tender and caring way he entered her core, Jade had never felt anything like him, didn’t think it possible, and lifted out of her body with ecstasy. The man was unbelievable.
Gabriel took great pleasure in her pleasure and knowing he provided it. He made love to her as only he could and enjoyed every moment until she said, “I could slide off the edge of the earth with how you make me feel. I love you, Gabriel, and I want you. I’ve always wanted you.”
With her words, he moved into her body and life with love, tenderness, spirit, and heart—with every good thing a man can give. He gave until she filled him to overflowing with emotion and he exploded with passion.
They moved together into another world of their creation, high above the earth, soaring above pain and suffering and problems. Reaching a physical peak was not the end of their lovemaking, it was the beginning as they lay in each other’s arms, incredulous of the experience. Mere words were not worthy and so they laid together in silence. Gentle, small tears, drops of more love, rolled away from the corners of their eyes—signs of joy and thanks, with quiet prayers to whatever god ruled this kind of love and expression of love, and for it to never end.
***
Gabe stayed the night, something he’d never done with any woman except his wife. Jade slept peacefully next to him. His sleep was deep and restful, something else uncommon for him.
The next morning, he slept soundly, his embrace even in sleep was so comfortable it made Jade wonder if this truly was too good to be true. She and the devil had started out like this—well, not nearly this wonderful—but she’d learned how fast things could change. She couldn’t predict how Gabe would feel when he woke but she’d be prepared for his quick exit if he wanted and she’d handle it.
When Gabe woke, something had changed irrevocably in his world. Another first—it didn’t scare him or make him want to run. He wanted to stay, wanted to make love to her again, and love her always. He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Good morning. How about I cook you a great breakfast, Ms. Jade?”
“I’d love it, except you have to go to work.”
He sat bolt upright. “Oh, man. I almost forgot about my job.” He looked around the room which seemed dark for morning. “What time is it?”
“Relax. It’s only 5:30. You’ve got time to shower and get on your way.”
He jumped on her. “No way am I getting on my way. Not without making love to you.”
Jade fake screamed. “Help. I’m being attacked by a sex fiend.”
“And you love it,” he said, laughing, giving her a luscious kiss.
As he made slow, gentle love to her again, this wasn’t about sex for Jade. It was a lot more. This ‘next morning’ scene wasn’t uncomfortable at all. It was as natural as if they’d been doing it for years, with the excitement of the first time, every time. She attributed it to Gabe—he was wired for an electric jolt of joy, passion and love, appreciating her as if it was the first time all over. In her qualified opinion, he was as good as a man could be.
Letting each other go was challenging, but work waited. His day started earlier than hers, so after Gabe left Jade lounged with strong coffee on the patio and later took a long, hot shower. With feeling exceptionally feminine, she put on a filmy, flowery sundress with a striking silver and turquoise necklace. She pulled her hair up and let loose curls hang down the sides of her face. Her good perfume, the scent of Hawaiian flowers, was the perfect choice and she applied a touch. She picked out strappy sandals with a low heel admiring the sexy look to her legs. Her skin was lightly tanned, looking healthy but not overdone. Jade liked what she saw in the mirror as she applied a splash of iridescent golden eyeshadow to bring out the gold flecks in her eyes, a little mascara and creamy lip gloss. With a quick glance at her image, she said, “I should dress like this more often.”
But I can’t because Gabe will be all over me at work. Besides, people will suspect something’s up with me looking out of character. She wondered how Rick would react. With what happened at our ill-fated date, he probably won’t show any reaction at all even if he’s bursting inside. She left for work feeling like a million dollars, like a desirable, lovable woman, and Gabe was the reason.
***
Jade slipped in the back door of the inn, trying to avoid both Rick and Gabe. She went to her office, then to front reception to see about the day’s check-outs when Lottie came in asking about the cleaning schedule.
“Oooh, Ms. Jade,” she said, looking her up and down. “So pretty today! So sexy! Mmm, mmm, mmm. You must have a man, no?” She covered her wide grin. “Oops. I’m sorry—I’m not supposed to say such things. None of my business.”
Jade returned her a warm smile. “It’s good, Lottie. I’m flattered by your compliments. Thank you.”
