Hers for a While (7 page)

“You weren’t supposed to find that!” She reached out to swipe it away but Jack was quick and moved it out of her grasp.

“Oh yeah? It’s for another man, I see…” He held it high over his head.

Alice jumped, trying to grab it, but he was too tall and his arms spanned high over her. “I really did want to surprise you. You know, have a nice, romantic evening in the mountains and catch you off guard.”

Jack smiled, revealing his perfect white teeth. Lowering the lingerie, he tossed it back in the suitcase. “Why are you so good to me?” He lowered his head and gently kissed her, brushing his lips over hers. He asked her that question all the time and she loved the fact that he felt that way.

“I’m not sure, Jack.” His smooth lips ran over hers again, but this time, she nipped at the bottom one, gently biting down on it before he could pull away. “You like it?”

His tongue darted into her mouth and back out. “I like it. I’ll love it when I see you wearing it, though I don’t plan on you being in it for very long.”

Butterflies shot through Alice’s stomach. He still made her go weak in the knees. “I guess we better finish packing so we can get on the road. The sooner we get there, the better.”

Chapter Eight

The road trip didn’t seem to take long, and before she knew it, they were at the hotel. Pictures didn’t do it justice. Jack had booked a suite and there was a hot tub and full kitchenette. Scooting their luggage aside, Alice walked to the window, pushing the curtains open.

“Oh my gosh, Jack, take a look at the view.”

Joining her, he whistled. “That is nice…”

The mountains seemed like she could reach out and touch them. They were covered in green pine and spanned as far as she could see. It was breathtaking, and beat the normal, dull view they had in the city. She could get used to it.

“The room is awesome too. You didn’t tell me you got us a suite.”

“You have your surprises and I have mine,” Jack shrugged and walked into the kitchenette, opening the mini bar. Pulling out a bottle of wine, he smirked as he held it up. “For tonight. I hope we can have an evening like you described back at the house.”

“We’ll have to see, Jack.”

Cocking his head to the side, he slid the bottle across the counter top and kicked the refrigerator shut. “We’ll have to see?”

Alice walked back toward the bed, making sure she swayed her hips as she did. She felt Jack’s gaze on her, almost burning a hole in her. “Depends on how well you behave yourself.”

His hand reached around, stroking her stomach, just above her belt. His fingers fluttered against her and she felt aroused from his gentle touch. Maybe she wouldn’t make it until the evening.

Biting her lobe, Jack whispered right into her ear. “I plan to be bad tonight.”

She wanted to push him onto the bed and take him right there, but she had to pace herself. Glancing at him over her shoulder, her will power almost proved to be non-existent when she saw the smoldering hunger on his face. His hand moved down, cupping her between her legs. She wished her jeans weren’t there, guarding direct contact with the pleasure she knew Jack was capable of giving her.

He pulled away and backed off. Alice wanted to yell out and ask why, but she didn’t. Turning to face him, she didn’t say anything right off. Neither of them did.

“Hungry?” he asked. “I think we should go to dinner.”

Alice almost said no. She could do without food. “Yeah, let’s eat.” It was as if her voice betrayed her, saying opposite of what she was feeling.

“Good. You’re gonna need the nourishment for what I have planned.”

All through the meal, all Alice could think about was what would transpire back in their hotel room. The food was delicious, but they were quiet. Jack seemed distant, and she wondered if his mind was back at work.

“Everything okay?” she asked as she sipped on her wine.

Jack shook his head yes and took a pull off his beer. “Yep. How’s your steak?”

“It’s delicious. How’s yours?”

He took a bite. “I bet it doesn’t taste near as good as you do.”

A chill shot through Alice. Why were they torturing each other? They both knew they’d rather be back at the hotel. Her cheeks heated up when she saw his stare. His eyes moved downward, and she felt vulnerable in the thin cotton dress she had chosen to wear. Motioning toward the waiter, Jack handed him his credit card.

“Let’s get out of here, what do you say?”

Alice didn’t say anything, but agreed. Jack was acting a bit differently. Maybe he was horny and that’s all he could think about. She hoped that was the case and that something else wasn’t bothering him. The walk back to the hotel was peaceful and quiet, and just the subtle hand holding made her want him even more.

Once inside, Jack slid the do not disturb sign outside and locked the door. “So, where’s the surprise I ruined?”

Alice grabbed the teddy from her suitcase and hurried to the bathroom. She slipped out of her dress and adjusted the silky fabric. She studied herself in the full-length mirror. It covered her up just enough, but accentuated her chest and hips to the point that it would drive Jack crazy. She fluffed her hair and took one last glance.

She opened the door and couldn’t help but laugh when’s he saw Jack on the bed, burrowed under the thin sheet. “You better be naked under that,” she said, slowly approaching him.

“I’m not sure if I remember how to talk. All the blood just rushed out of my head.” He motioned his hand toward her. “Damn, Alice, you look sexy.”

Getting on the bed, she straddled him. The sheet and her teddy were the only two things stopping the skin on skin contact, and she ground her hips into his, feeling his arousal. His fingers traced her nipples and she never realized how seductive silk could feel. His thumb continued to massage her and his free hand guided her closer. Taking her in his mouth, he kissed her deeper than she had ever felt. His hands skimmed down her side and between her legs, spreading her wide. Pushing the fabric aside, he plunged two fingers into her, probing in and out, hitting her in all of her spots. Her hips bucked in rhythm with his fingers and she moaned into his mouth.

Just as soon as he began, he pulled them out, leaving the moist silk against her skin. His hands moved upward and he slipped her breasts from the lingerie. The cold air hit her skin, but the warmth of his mouth replaced it. Gently, he sucked on each nipple and she arched her back as more moans escaped, probably loud enough that the people in the next room could hear her. He bit down and she yelped, and though it hurt, it still was a complete turn on as he moved from one to the other, nipping, sucking, and biting.

Jack continued to pull the lingerie down, brushing down her stomach and finally, edging down her thighs until it was completely off.

“I told you that you wouldn’t be wearing it for long.” Looking up at her, his left hand squeezed her already sensitive breast. “Straddle my face, Alice.”

How could she say no? Scooting up the bed, she got on top of him. His hands grasped her hips, lowering her closer to his mouth where he provided the most heightened pleasure that Alice could ever imagine. He did the same between her legs that he had done to her nipples. Gentle bites, flicks of the tongue, and sucking. Her hips moved out of her control, and he steadied her as he continued.

“Oh my… Jack,” she yelled out, resting her hands on the wall behind the bed. She wasn’t sure how much she could take. Her legs shook and the edges of her vision grew fuzzy, and he didn’t let up. When he inserted a finger inside her, she lost it. She came almost instantly, her body giving out as she collapsed on top of him. Her breathing was labored and for a second, they both lay there together. Jack looked into her eyes.

“How’s that for being good?” he asked.

“That… was… incredible,” Alice said between pants.

“Oh, Babe, I’m not finished yet.”

Flipping her on her back, he positioned himself between her legs. She stared up at him, unable to resist him. His silver necklace clung on every ripple in his muscled chest. Alice wanted to trace it with her tongue. Closing his eyes, he let out a low hiss between his teeth as he rubbed his erection against her, slow, tracing her.

“You’re so damn sexy, Alice. You’re too good to me.”

With that comment, he slid inside, every inch, his hips meeting up with hers. He didn’t pull out, but stayed there for a few seconds, his fingers running through her sweaty hair. “You okay?” he whispered.

All Alice could do was nod. She had never been better.

Her answer was enough for him, and he moved, almost completely out, before pushing all the way again. Closing her eyes, Alice saw a rainbow of color as she was close to finishing again. Jack must have been going for a record on how many times he could give her an orgasm, and she wasn’t fighting it. It was better than she imagined at dinner, and she wasn’t sure what had changed. They had made love many times. This time seemed more heated, more passionate, and more intense.

Jack growled deep in his throat, and sent one final plunge into her, finishing just as she did. “Alice… Alice…” he said, his jaw clenched. “Thank you, Alice.”

She smoothed her hand down his damp hair and neck, missing him immediately when he pulled out. “Jack…” He’d be asleep soon and she relaxed into the curves of his body as he hugged her from behind. His breath calmed and from the sounds of it, he had passed out.

Glancing over her shoulder, she was shocked to see he was still awake. His arms released her and he got out of the bed and went to the bathroom. The room was cool and she pulled the covers up around her, still amazed at how incredible that had been.

A few minutes had passed and he still hadn’t come out. Kicking her legs off the side of the bed, she was already feeling sore from the physical workout she had just endured.

Tapping on the door, she asked, “Jack, everything okay?”

“Yeah. I’ll be out in a minute.” He seemed distracted, but she tried to push it aside. She worried too much. He was probably just trying to grasp his bearings.

Sitting on the bed, she draped the covers over her, unable to stop smiling. The sight of his clothes all over the floor, along with her lingerie would show anyone the type of night they were having. The door creaked open and Jack stood in the threshold, now in boxers as he crossed the room.

Sitting beside her, he draped his arm over her shoulders. He was quiet and Alice wasn’t sure if she should break the silence or not. Nudging him, she tried to be playful to gauge his mood. His face was serious and it made Alice nervous.

Scooting off the bed, he kneeled in front of her, his brow creased. His fist was balled up, and her heart skipped a beat when he opened his hand to reveal a ring.

“Alice, I know this is a strange time to do this, but I can’t wait any longer. Especially after what, you know, just happened.” He looked at the same mess she had just observed. “Will you marry me?”

Without even hesitating, Alice blurted out, “Yes, of course I will!”

Jack’s brow relaxed and he smiled. “Yeah?”

“Yes! Yes I’ll marry you!” She pulled him in and hugged him.

“I’ve had the ring for a while. I knew I wanted to do it on this trip. It’s been tearing me up inside. I know you probably wanted to be all dressed up and out, but like I said, I couldn’t wait any longer.”

He slipped the ring on her finger and it fit perfectly. “Jack, I don’t care where you proposed. I’m just glad you did.” She admired the ring. The diamond shimmered and she couldn’t take her eyes off of it. “It’s beautiful.”

Getting off his knee, he sat beside her again, pulling her in for another side hug. “I’m so glad you like it.”

“I love it, Jack. I love you.”

Kissing the top of her head, he replied, “I love you more than you’ll ever know, Alice.”

***

Alice stared down at the ring on her finger. She couldn’t take it off. Even after all this time, it was part of her. Admiring it, she loved how it still held the same glimmer it had the night that Jack had given it to her at the hotel. The wedding band fit against it like a puzzle piece, and the small diamonds in the band were just as bright as the bigger one.

Tracing her finger over it, she felt the tears well up again. The very thought of taking it off made it feel like someone had punched her in the stomach. There was no way she could even stomach the thought of tucking it away out of view. It made her think of their beautiful wedding day, planned almost a year to the date after the proposal.

It was a small one, with his family and hers. His firefighter brothers were there and several of her good friends. The day started out stressful but ended perfect with a reception and a send off to the airport before their honeymoon in Ireland. How Jack was able to pull enough money together to afford something so extravagant still made her wonder, but being there with him, married, were some of the best memories she still held dearly.

“Say it. I wanna hear you say it.”

“Jack, you’re so funny. Alice Turner. There, I said it.”

“My wife, Alice Turner. Sort of rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it?”

Their conversation echoed in Alice’s mind. Turning the wedding band on her finger, she smiled, remembering how much Jack loved saying she was his wife. How he loved saying her name over and over again. Taking his name was the best thing she had ever done, and now she carried it like a badge of honor.

Their wedding day made them feel invincible, like nothing could touch them. Oh, to be that naïve again – Alice longed to feel the way she did at that very moment, when Jack pulled her veil up and kissed her for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Jack Turner.