Desiring the Enemy (7 page)

     “Good morning,” Jenna said, returning the smile.

     “Where’s Marla?” He was surprised that she wasn’t up yet.

     “She left early this morning. Said she was going to spend the day at a friend’s and not to expect her for dinner,” Gretchen said. “Will you and Jenna be having breakfast together?” She asked expectantly. She had a bit of the matchmaker in her too.  

     “Sure, if that’s okay with Jenna.”

     “Of course it is.” Jenna wondered why he felt the need to ask her permission, it was his house after all.

     “Great. I’ll set the table.” Gretchen went into the dining room to set up.

     He wasn’t sure how to proceed. He was attracted to Jenna, that much was certain, and he thought she was attracted to him. But she had been his uncle’s mistress, how would it look for him to start seeing her now?

     Gretchen served them their breakfast and left the room. They began eating, the silence making them both feel self-conscious.

     “Did you sleep well?” he finally asked.

     “Like a baby.” Jenna answered. She hadn’t come to this house looking for romance, but when she looked at him she couldn’t help her body’s reaction. Should she even consider starting a relationship with him after going through such a bad breakup? Rebound relationships rarely worked. 

     “I know you’ve been cooped up here with nothing to do and I was wondering if you’d like to go to the movies later?”

     “I’d like that very much,” she said, surprised that he would ask her out again so soon.  

     “Okay then, can you be ready around five? I’m thinking we can have an early dinner then head to the movie.”

     “Sounds great. I’ll be ready.” Jenna tried not to sound too eager.

     He finished his breakfast and rose. “Well, let me get to work. I’ll see you at five.”

     “See you then.” Jenna couldn’t help the exhilaration she felt at the thought of spending time alone with him again.

***

     The rest of the morning was spent helping with the men’s lunches. When Gretchen headed out to the stables she went to her room and tried to read, but after ten minutes she put the book down. She couldn’t concentrate on anything other than her ‘date’ with Wade.

     At four o’clock she jumped in the shower. By four thirty she had her hair blown out and her make-up done. She wanted to wear something a little nicer than just jeans and a t-shirt and found a pair of black stretch pants and a long top. She had brought a pair of boots and they added the touch she was looking for. She looked at herself in the mirror and approved. Her hair hung in long curls and her eye shadow brought out the shimmering green of her eyes.

     Wade had come home and gotten ready before she even saw him. They bumped into each other in the hallway and Jenna was again taken aback by his handsomeness. He was wearing a blue polo shirt and jeans, his cowboy boots giving him a rugged look. When they came downstairs Gretchen let out a whistle.

     “Boy, you two make a gorgeous couple.”

     “We’re not a couple,” Wade said quickly.

     Jenna couldn’t help feeling a little stung by his reaction. She knew they weren’t really a couple, but did he have to make it sound so impossible?  

     “We’re heading out Gretch. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Wade said.

     “See you tomorrow. Have a great time,” Gretchen said as they walked out.

     Wade went around the pickup to the passenger side and opened the door for Jenna, surprising her with his chivalry. She smiled and jumped in.

     “Thank you,” she said, smiling broadly.

     “You’re welcome.” He returned the smile.

     They made small talk as they drove downtown, then parked the car and walked to a nice restaurant across the street from the movie theatre. They placed their orders and didn’t say much, awkwardly avoiding each other’s eyes until Wade broke the silence.

     “You were telling me that your relationship is over. What makes you think things won’t be re-kindled?” He needed to make sure she was over Uncle Stanley before he proceeded, but proceeded with what?

    “It was a mistake. I didn’t know it at the time but he was all wrong for me. I need a man that’s all mine.” She winced as she remembered the pain she felt when she saw her supposedly devoted fiancée with her best friend.

     Wade was glad that she realized Uncle Stanley belonged with Aunt Rose.

     “What about you? Are you in a relationship?” she fervently hoped he wasn’t.

     “I was seeing someone, but it didn’t work out,” was all he said.

     It was obvious that he was going to say nothing more on the subject and she decided to drop the matter. Their dinners arrived and they ate in companionable silence.

     When they were done they walked to the movie theatre and got their tickets. Jenna hadn’t offered to pay, after the last time they shared a meal she decided that she would do things his way. The last thing she wanted to do was offend him, things were going so well right now.

     They were a little early so they decided to take a stroll in the neighborhood.

     “I’m sorry I haven’t been around the house lately. I’m sure you would’ve liked some company.” If he had known it was over with Uncle Stanley he would’ve been a little more attentive.

     “No need to apologize, I know you’re a busy man. Actually, it’s been good for me to have time to sort out the mess that has become my life. Besides, when I needed to chat I had Gretchen, and for the next few days I’ll have Marla too. They’re both so lovely.”

     “Yes they are. Why do you say your life has become a mess?”

     “Well, first my relationship goes down the tubes, then I lose my home. What else can go wrong?”

    “I’m glad that coming to my house has helped. I hope that by the time you leave you’ll have a more positive perspective.” He looked at his watch. “We better get to the theatre.”

     He took her hand and led her across the street. Jenna didn’t know what to think. Did this mean something?

     When they got to the theatre he ordered two popcorns but she stopped him.

     “Why don’t we get a large one and share? It’ll be cheaper.”

     He believed her to be a gold digger, so to see her doing something to save him money pleasantly surprised him. They went in, found their seats, and proceeded to watch the movie as they ate their popcorn. Every now and then their hands brushed across each other, sending a tingle down his spine.

     After the movie they decided to go have a coffee at the local coffee house. They shared some more small talk then headed home. When they got to the house they said their goodnights and headed to their respective rooms. He had been tempted to kiss her but stopped himself, still not knowing what to make of her. She said things were over with Uncle Stanley, and maybe they were still friends, but what if they weren’t? What if she had broken his uncle’s heart? How could he then tell him that they were together? He would have to wait and see.

***

     Jenna lay on her bed thinking about what had transpired tonight. She knew Wade was interested in her, so why did he seem so distant when they got home? After the nice evening they shared she had hoped for something warmer than a generic ‘goodnight’, even a peck on the cheek would have satisfied her. She decided to get to sleep and see where things led tomorrow.

     The next day he went to work early but came home for lunch. This was a rarity, he usually ate with the workers.

     “How was your morning?” he asked with a smile.

     His face lit up when he smiled and Jenna again felt her heart skip a beat.

     “Fine. I helped Gretchen make lunch for the guys then caught up on some reading.”

     “Well, I have a little free time. Would you like to go riding this afternoon?”

     “I would love that.”

     Wade looked at her face, so beautiful and so sweet. How could she have ever been involved with a married man? It didn’t make sense to him.

    “Good. I’ll get the horses ready and meet you at the stables at one.”

     “Sounds great. See you then.”

     Jenna felt as excited as a school girl. She was already dressed appropriately for riding with jeans and a flannel top. She found her boots and at one o’clock was at the stables.

     They headed out as soon as she got there and he led her toward the north end of the ranch. They rode in silence, enjoying the beautiful view until he stopped to let the horses get a drink of water.

     As they waited he approached her, looking intently at her face, making her feel self-conscious.

     “Jenna, I’m attracted to you, and I think you’re attracted to me. Am I wrong?

     “No you’re not. I
am
attracted to you.”

     “I’d like to pursue a relationship with you, but I want to make sure that you don’t still have feelings for him.”

     “I don’t. There is no way that I would go back to him. It’s over between us.”

     Wade felt a wave of relief. He wasn’t sure if this was the right thing to do, but he was going to throw caution to the wind and give it a shot. There was something about her that stirred something in him. No other woman had made him feel like that.  He took her chin in his hand and slowly lowered his head, pressing his lips against her full ones. She returned the kiss, emboldening him. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pressed her body against his. He hungrily explored her mouth and when a soft moan escaped from her he lowered her to the ground. Just then they heard some voices in the distance. They quickly got up and straightened themselves out.  A few minutes later they saw two of the ranch hands approaching.

     “Hey boss, we thought we’d find you here. Leroy is having some trouble with the supplier and sent us to get you.” Phil looked at Jenna. “I hope that was okay?” he said to Wade.

     “Sure it was. Jenna and I were just taking a ride.”

     Phil nodded but knew that this was more than just a ride. 

     They got back to the stables and Jenna headed to the house. She was so used to taking things slowly that this was completely out of character for her. Just until the other day she had felt nothing but animosity from Wade and now he was talking about pursuing a relationship with her. Should she give it a chance? She didn’t want to be hurt again, but there was something about Wade that she just couldn’t resist.

***

     Wade thought about the kiss they’d shared and smiled. Jenna had brought out feelings in him he thought dead. He wanted to be with her in every sense of the word but decided that he would hold back. He needed to make sure that she wasn’t the gold digging hussy he had thought she was when she’d arrived. The more he got to know her the more he doubted his initial perception of her. He wondered what would have happened today if Phil hadn’t shown up. When he had lowered her to the ground he knew that it was for much more than a kiss. Would she have reciprocated if he began making love to her? Just the thought made him hard again. Jenna was the only woman who could elicit this response from him by just thinking of her. He wanted her, that was certain, but he needed to get to know this enigmatic creature before they could move further.

***

     From that day forward Wade spent every free moment at the house with her. They would either eat in and then spend the night reading or watching TV or go out to dinner and maybe some local entertainment. Sometimes they would go for long walks and talk, those were her favorite times. But as much as she enjoyed this quality time a part of her longed for more intimacy. He hadn’t made any advances toward her and she was beginning to feel frustrated. She was so attracted to him that not feeling his body against hers made her ache with desire. Marla had gone back to school and they had the house to themselves once Gretchen went home, but he hadn’t touched her again. 

     One day he invited her to go to a local jazz club. She paid extra attention to her wardrobe for the evening and made sure her makeup was impeccable. Marla had given her carte blanche when it came to her closet and she chose a little black dress that fit her perfectly. It was obvious that he approved when she joined him.  They set out and when they got to the club they were seated at a table for two in a cozy corner of the room.   

     “Would you like a drink?” Wade asked her.

     “A glass of white wine would be great, thanks.”

     He ordered two glasses of wine and they sat and listened to the music. He took her hand in his and kissed it softly, making her shiver at his touch.

     “Would you like to dance?”

     “I’d love to.”

     He took her hand and led her to the dance floor, taking her in his arms and slowly swaying to the music. Jenna could feel his muscular arms through his sport jacket and felt the heat rise within her.

     “You feel so good in my arms,” he whispered to her.

     “It does feel right, doesn’t it?” Her breath against his skin felt like a caress.

     He looked into her eyes and she couldn’t help the tears that sprung to them.

     “What’s wrong sweetheart?” he asked softly.

     “It’s just that I had pretty much given up on finding someone special. When you’ve been hurt you feel like you can never let anyone else in. But with you I feel like I have another chance.”

     He thought about his own breakup and how he had shut himself off to anyone new.

     “I know how you feel. I also feel like I was given another chance at love.”

     Love. Is that what this was? Jenna wondered. It sure felt that way.

     They continued dancing, then sat down to enjoy some more of the haunting music. They were served appetizers and drank some more wine. The night had been wonderful, the air of romance had enveloped them and by the end of the evening they were acutely aware of each other. They stayed until a little past midnight then headed home.

     “Did you have a good night?” he asked as they began the drive home.

     “I loved it. Jazz music has always been a favorite of mine.”

     “I remember you telling me that.”

      So he had picked this club because he knew she liked jazz music. The fact that he remembered something she had said in passing thrilled her.

     “Thank you, it was very thoughtful of you to take me there,” she said, as she put her hand on his.

     They rode in silence for the rest of the drive home, no words were needed.  

     He parked the truck and went around to her door, opening it and leading her out into the beautiful starlit night. The night air caressed their skin as they ambled toward the house hand in hand. They walked inside and started up the stairs. When they were in front of Jenna’s room she had expected him to say goodnight and be off, but instead he took her in his arms, both surprising and elating her.

***

     He hadn’t thought that tonight would lead to anything more than a kiss, but once he felt her body so close to his all rational thought left his brain. The buildup to this moment had finally reached its apex and he began kissing her so hungrily that it took her breath away. She returned the kiss with as much, if not more, heat.

     “I want to make love to you,” he said breathlessly as he nipped her earlobe.

     “Me too,” she whispered. There was no way this night could end with just one kiss.

     He led her into his room and closed the door.  Once inside he took her in his arms again, pulling her closer, his desire evident against her belly. She lowered her hand, rubbing his shaft, making him groan with pleasure. He reached behind her and pulled down the zipper, licking her neck as the dress fell to the floor. She began unbuttoning his shirt then tossed it to the side. When he unhooked her bra and her full breasts came into view he stared at them with awe. He had dreamed of this moment for so long, yet had tried to suppress the forbidden desire. Now that he knew Uncle Stanley was out of the picture he could explore her body without reservations. He unhooked the snap of his jeans and pulled the zipper down. She watched as he pulled off the pants and licked her lips as she took in the view. He didn’t think he could get any harder but seeing the pure lust in her eyes he did just that.     

     He lifted her and placed her on the bed, kissing her with such fervor that it made her head spin. When his tongue slid down her neck and he took her breast into his mouth she let out a soft moan. It felt so good. She wove her hands in his hair, relishing the feel of his body over hers. He took her lips again as his hands roamed the curves of her body. She coaxed him onto his back and slowly slid her own tongue down his neck, finding his earlobe and gently nibbling it. He let out a soft moan as she continued down his muscled abs, stopping only when she came to his engorged shaft. She licked the tip, swirling her tongue around it, hearing Wade’s moans as she slowly took his entire length into her mouth. He sucked in his breath as she used her lips and tongue to drive him to insanity. She gently massaged his balls as she took him, hearing him cry out as she sucked harder and faster. He knew if she continued he wouldn’t be able to control his release, and he wanted to come inside her this first time.   

     “Don’t baby, I won’t be able to stop myself.”

     She released her hold, smiling as she pulled herself up. He laid her on her back and again took her breast in his mouth. He pulled off her panties and began to rub her clit, remembering that first time he had almost brought her to climax in the hallway. He used her own wetness to glide his finger over the enticing little nub, pressing harder as he drew small circles around it. Raising and lowering her hips she could feel herself edging toward the brink.

     “Please, I need you inside me,” he heard her say as she writhed under his touch.

     He took her lips, positioning himself over her as she grabbed him and led him into her most intimate spot. He swiftly entered her and she couldn’t stop the gasp that escaped her lips when they finally united as one.

     “Are you okay?” he asked, fearing that in his excitement he had hurt her.

     “Yes,” she said as she pulled him closer, wrapping her long legs around him for easier access.

     He started out slowly but soon found himself thrusting with such force that he made himself slow down.

     “Please, don’t stop,” she begged.

     Her words emboldened him and he let himself go completely.

     “You’re so tight…so hot,” he said, clenching his jaw as he felt himself losing control.

     She arched her body toward him, pulling him deeper. Their bodies moved in sync as they climbed higher and higher. He began pumping faster as Jenna begged for more.

     “I’m coming,” he heard her cry out, her moans of pleasure finally sending him over the edge. With one last thrust he experienced total release. He could feel her body’s own release and the pleasure he felt was indescribable.

     Their bodies sated they slowly returned to reality. Jenna couldn’t believe what had just happened, nothing could have prepared her for the total ecstasy she had experienced with this man. She had never felt like this with anyone before.

***

     Later they lay in each other’s arms, savoring the aftermath of their lovemaking. He gently stroked her hair as she dozed off. Everything felt so right with Jenna, but had he done the right thing? The fact remained that she had been Uncle Stanley’s mistress, even if they were no longer together. He hoped his uncle would understand that they were in love, that he never intended for this to happen, but it did.  He decided to put that out of his mind and drifted off to sleep, holding Jenna close to him.

***

     The next morning Jenna awoke with a smile on her lips. It had been a long time since she had felt this contented.  She turned to look at Wade, sleeping soundly and looking like something out of a dream. 

     “Wake up sleepy head,” she whispered as she caressed his cheek.

     He opened his eyes and she could see confusion in them before he realized it was her and smiled that smile that made her whole body tingle.

     “Good morning, beautiful,” he said groggily, kissing her softly on the lips.

     “Good morning,” she said, returning the kiss. “I better get back to my room, I don’t want Gretchen finding me in here.”

     “Gretchen won’t mind. Besides, she doesn’t come up here until I’ve come downstairs.”

     She snuggled closer, relishing the warmth of his arms.