The Second Time Around (11 page)

“Very nice,” she said as they stepped onto the deck.

“Thanks.”

Her eyes darted up to his profile to find his lips pressed firmly together. Jabarie said thanks in a tone that said he was embarrassed by his wealth. One of the things she had always admired about Jabarie was that he didn't take money for granted. He had worked hard to make his own mark in the world.

“Let me show you around before we leave port.” He began and pressed a palm at the small of her back. “The
Beaumont Beauty
is a powerful yacht. Our cruising speed is fifteen knots, and we normally have a crew of four aboard. This cruise we're down to two, but we'll do our best to make sure you have a pleasant and safe cruise.”

“I'm just sure you will,” she mumbled under her breath. He led her inside the yacht and she couldn't believe the interior. The room reminded her of the suites at the Beaumont Hotel. “Wow! It's decorated just like—”

“The hotel,” he interrupted, knowingly. “I know. It was my mother's idea to give people a taste of the real thing.”

“Good idea,” she replied as she continued to glance around the posh interior design of the sitting room. Thick beige carpet beneath her feet covered the entire room. A sofa upholstered in a vibrant tropical print was at one end. Overstuffed matching chairs were at another. There was a fully stocked bar with three bar stools. There was also a large television hooked up to a DVD player. But out here, who in the world would want to watch television? she thought with a dreamily smile and she took it all in. The room was definitely bigger than her living room at home.

Taking her hand, Jabarie led her down a narrow stairway to the lower level where there was a small hall that opened to three staterooms.

He opened the first hardwood door. “Brace yourself for what you're about to see,” he said with a teasing smile.

Brenna walked around each of the rooms that were quite impressive. However, it was the master suite that caused her to gasp.

She stood in the middle of the luxurious room taking it all in. She stared at the dark woodwork and opulent ivory furnishing to the huge bed, dominating the elegant room. Wow! She ran her fingers over the cream and green plump comforter, tempted to snuggle into the numerous plump pillows, in various shapes and sizes, clustered against the headboard. Behind the bed was a large window overlooking the clear water. Along one wall were built-in drawers. Stepping into the adjoining bathroom, she found a spacious room with a Jacuzzi, complementing the suite.

“Wow!” she commented as she moved back into the room where Jabarie was awaiting her approval. “This is definitely a home away from home.”

He nodded, and appeared relieved by her answer. “It is for me.” He stared at her for a long intense moment as if he was about to say something before he blinked rapidly and said, “A life jacket is located on the back of your room. There are also more on the deck.”

“Okay. This is great.” Once more Brenna allowed her eyes to travel around the room. “Jabarie, she is truly gorgeous.”

“Yes, she is.”

Brenna swallowed. By the way he was staring at her, she knew only one of them was talking about the yacht.

“I'll leave you to freshen up. Dinner will be ready in about an hour. Is there anything else I can get you?” he said in a tone that could have been considered suggestive.

She was ready for a kiss and it took everything she had not to drag her mouth to his. Jabarie had been a gentleman all afternoon. Other than holding her hand and brushing against her, he had kept his distance and as much as she didn't want to start anything her body still yearned for his touch. “No, I might take a quick nap.”

Jabarie stared at her for a long time before nodding. “Okay, I'll be right next door if you need me.”

Brenna closed the door behind her and took a seat on the bed. It was a bed for lovers. Closing her eyes she couldn't help imagining that things had been different. That Jabarie was still her lover and they had sailed out into the Atlantic, enjoying each other while they made love under the stars.

Jabarie went down to the kitchen to check on dinner. After the chef assured him that everything was going according to plan, he moved out onto the deck and stared off at the water as the captain prepared to sail on their romantic dinner cruise. Everything had to go according to plan. Brenna had made it clear that it was only one date, and when her aunt was better, she was leaving his life again. So tonight was the only chance he had. They had to get past this lustful need for one another, then they needed to talk. If they didn't, the weekend would be a bust and the split this time would be far worse than the first. Somehow he had to come to terms with their past and with that came answers that would aid him into removing her from his heart. Staring off into the ocean he tilted his head confidently. He was certain that a night of making love to her would be enough time to get her out of his system once and for all.

S
tanding in front of the mirror, Brenna examined her reflection from all angles. The sundress she had purchased while at a book exposition in Chicago last spring was perfect. The peach dress had thin spaghetti straps and molded her shape in all the right places. The stretchy material wrapped around her narrow waist then gently flared to a flirty hem that stopped a couple of inches above her knees.

Her eyes traveled down to the high-heeled gold sandals she'd bought, complementing the look. When she found them on a clearance rack last season, one would have thought it was Christmas at her excitement at finding a pair of Steve Madden's marked down over eighty percent.

Reaching up, she brushed a strand of hair into place. She decided to leave it loose, using only a polished gold clip to pull the hair back away from her face.

Brenna reached over into her tote bag on the bed. A little makeup was in order. Leaning toward the mirror, she brushed her lashes with mascara then added a little shadow to her lids. Turning her head from side to side, she was pleased at the results. She was now ready for her evening with Jabarie to begin. Her heart jolted in response.

“If you go through with this, there is no turning back,” she murmured to the woman staring back at her. But even as she said that, she noticed the corners of her mouth turn upward as she replied, “I know.” She wanted this night as badly as she needed her next breath.

Brenna heard a light tap at the door. Glancing into the mirror, she gave herself one final appraising look, then took a deep steadying breath and opened the door. For the longest time he said nothing, but the hungry look in his eyes and the low whistle he blew between his teeth were exactly the reward she had hoped for.

“Damn, you look good,” he complimented as she stepped outside the room.

“You clean up well yourself.” She returned the admiring stare, nodding her approval at his black pleated slacks and gray short-sleeve shirt.

“You look like you're ready to get this evening started,” he said then moved closer and cupped her chin, tilting her head so she'd have no other choice but to look at him. “Are you sure you're ready?”

Brenna knew what he was asking. This was her last chance to say no. “More sure about anything in a long time.” The moment she'd stepped out of the stateroom she had known there was no turning back.

He looked relieved. “Good.”

She smiled and started to walk past him but Jabarie stretched a restraining arm in front of her, barring her passage. At her questioning look, his face split into a wickedly sexy grin. “I believe we need to start our evening off with a kiss.”

Jabarie lowered his arm and pulled her close. He bent his head until his lips barely brushed her ear. “I hope you're prepared for a long night,” he whispered, his breath a gentle caress.

She felt a shiver of anticipation course through her veins as he slowly moved in to claim her mouth. Her lips parted and her eyes slid closed. She rose onto her tiptoes as he pressed his lips to hers. With a moan, Brenna opened her mouth to him and he accepted, tracing her lips with his tongue then entering. Jabarie tasted and explored, leisurely at first with slow thrusts of his tongue then more quickly, claiming her while giving her a preview of what was to come. She leaned into him meeting each stroke while letting him know that she was looking forward to everything the evening had to offer, until he finally pulled back.

Disappointed, she opened her eyes and looked up at him with her brow raised. “Is that all you got?”

Jabarie gave a rich robust laugh that filled the lower deck. “That was only the beginning,” he promised.

“It better be.” Smiling, Brenna eased her way up the narrow stairs to the deck. Moving over to the rail, she took a long moment to stare off into the water. The captain had piloted them out towards the middle of the ocean. The shore was already quite a distance away. Brenna took a deep breath. The evening was nice and a warm gentle breeze ruffled her hair around her face. Feeling Jabarie move up behind her, she glanced over her shoulder and smiled up at him. “I think I need to go and tie my hair up.”

“No,” he insisted, twining a strand around his finger. “Leave it that way.”

She hadn't forgotten that he loved it when she wore her hair down. Swallowing, she simply nodded.

Jabarie wrapped his arms around her waist and she closed her eyes and gave in to the moment. Right now, she was the happiest she had felt in such a long time.

“Dinner's ready,” he replied while planting a kiss along the side of her neck.

“All right.”

He dropped his arms then laced her fingers with his and led her down the stairs. Stepping into the dining room, Brenna gasped at the romantic setting. Violin music. Flickering candles. Two delicate glass flutes filled with white wine. A vase of deep red, long-stemmed roses at the center of a table covered with a white linen tablecloth. The atmosphere screamed love and passion.

“I take it, you like what you see.”

“Oh, I love it!” she exclaimed. Jabarie pulled the seat out for her and she lowered. “Thanks.”

As soon as he settled onto the chair across the table from her, their server came out to pour their wine.

“Brenna, this is Toliver. He is the person who prepared all the wonderful dishes we're about to eat.”

She glanced up at the slender man with berry black skin, large round eyes and full lips. “It's so nice to meet you. I can't wait to see what you've prepared.”

“I hope everything is to your liking,” he said with a distinctive Caribbean accent.

“I'm sure it is.”

It wasn't long before he came out carrying two hot bowls of lobster bisque. Reaching for her spoon, Brenna brought the creamy liquid with chunks of meat to her lips and moaned. “Oh, my, that's good.”

Jabarie's eyes danced knowingly. “I thought you would like it.”

“Like it? I love it.” While they were dating the two had made it a habit to order the lobster bisque, constantly in search of the better bowl. So far a small upscale restaurant in Northern Philadelphia had held the number one spot on their list but after sampling Toliver's recipe, it by far topped the charts.

After their empty bowls were removed, a starter salad was served with a homemade raspberry vinaigrette dressing. Music filled the silence of the room while she ate every crispy vegetable in her bowl.

Dinner was her favorite: lamb chops, sweet potatoes and asparagus.

“Tell me about your bookstore.”

She didn't want to mention that if it hadn't been for him betraying her, she'd never would have been able to afford it. “I opened a large bookstore right near campus. We have a spoken word night. A small coffee and sandwich shop and play light jazz music. We occasionally even have a live jazz band.”

“Sounds nice.”

She smiled, pleased at what she had accomplished. “Yes, I wanted something different than your traditional bookstore. A place where people could relax and gather.”

“Sounds like you have a winner.”

“Yes, business has definitely been good,” she replied between chews. “So tell me, how's life been at the Beaumont Corporation?”

“Never a dull moment.” She listened as he told her about the six new hotels they had built in the last four years with the goal to open three more in the next two years. Their latest was among the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas.

After dinner, she moved out onto the deck and scanned the area. No other sailors, just miles and miles of water. The sun was preparing to set and looked like a bright red ball sitting on top of the water. Taking a seat, she kicked off her shoes and allowed her feet to hang over the water.

“How long again have your parents owned this yacht?”

“About a year now. I love it.”

“I can tell.” A love for water was one thing they had shared.

Jabarie took a sip while he stared off ahead for a long thoughtful moment. “I enjoy being out here where it's quiet and I'm all alone. So I can think without interruptions.”

“What do you think about?”

He shrugged. “Life. My career. Sometimes, you.”

“What about me?” She dared to ask.

He turned so that he could look directly at her as he spoke. “What you're doing and how I wish that things had been different between us.”

So do I
. There was a long pause before she sighed and reached for her drink. “I think about you and the same things sometimes. Then I tell myself that things happened for a reason.”

“You don't really believe that.”

She forced herself to nod. “Yes, I'm afraid that I do.”

“Come here,” he said, taking her hand and pulling her to her feet. Nervously, she licked her lips.

He leaned forward and retraced her moistened lips with his tongue. Desire coiled low in her belly. Her breasts tingled and her nipples hardened and all she could do was hold on.

Pulling back slightly, he stared down at her, eyes burning with desire. “I want to know if leaving Sheraton Beach was it worth it. Are you happy?”

Right now the only thing that made her happy was being here on this yacht, alone with him. With his body pressed against hers, she felt the heat radiating against her skin. She stared up at his beautiful brown eyes that she had been dreaming about for the last five years. Was she happy without him in her life? No. But she couldn't tell him that. She couldn't tell him that since she left her life had been empty and lonely. The only thing holding her together had been seeing her dream of opening her own bookstore turned into a reality, but even that was no longer enough. She looked down at his chest as she spoke. “I'm living my dream.”

“That's not what I asked you. I want to know if you're happy?” He tilted her head up to look into his eyes and when she did, the deep dark pupils were impossible to withstand.

“I am quite content.”

“But are you happy?” he demanded. His eyes burned with the need to know the truth.

“Yes.” She lied. She looked right up at him and lied because the truth would have caused her to crumble. It was too late to go back and revisit that exact moment his lawyer had come to her house, or when she rushed over to his apartment and found him in the arms of another woman. Maybe they could have talked and worked things out, if she had stuck around long enough. But she hadn't, and there was no point in resurrecting those emotions and feelings that obviously had never gone away. They were both hurting for different reasons. She because she had felt betrayed. Him…she wasn't sure why. Never understood that one. All that she knew now was that after five years, neither of them had moved on with their lives. And a small part of her was glad to know that he had never gotten over her walking out on him. As much as she missed him it was good to know that he had felt the same way.

“I don't believe you,” Jabarie said then pulled her even closer in his arms. Her torso brushed against his chest. “You forget. I know you well and can always tell when you're lying.”

“You're wrong,” she said barely above a whisper.

“No, I'm not,” he began while brushing light kisses on her temple. “You missed me. Didn't you?”

Her pulse pounded. “No, I didn't.”

“Yes, you did, because I missed you.”

Her heart did a backflip and down between her thighs she felt herself dampen with need. Her breathing became shallow as she watched him watching her. “Jabarie, I think we need to…”

Jabarie placed a finger to her lips, silencing her. “I can't Brenna. I can't keep pretending I don't still care about you because I do,” he said, clearly not listening to a word she had said. “You're the last thing on my mind every night, and the first thing when I wake up. I still get hard just thinking about you.”

Excitement spiraled throughout her body. She slid her arms around his neck wanting him with everything she had. She arched her body against him and felt the thick, hard strength of him. He was solid, but then she knew that. Had never forgotten. Her heart knew what her mind had been hiding from all these years. Jabarie was the only man who could bring her body to life. And she wanted him with all she had.

He slid his fingers gently up her arm, along her shoulder until he cupped the back of her neck and pulled her closer to him. Brenna offered no resistance, instead she leaned into the solid wall of his chest and closed her eyes while his hot breath caressed her nose, sending delicious shivers raging through her body. Then he planted kisses from the corner of her mouth, along her cheek, down to her throat. Oh, did his lips feel good! How had she gone five years without experiencing this? Cool air brushed against her skin, but she didn't seem to notice, not with the heat Jabarie stirred. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Brenna knew she should stop him, knew that she would soon be completely lost to the passion he fired within her. She knew all that, and yet she decided not to say a word.

His lips retraced their path along her cheek, inches closer to her mouth. Gazing down at her, he cupped her face in his hands. “I want you, Brenna,” he whispered in a voice husky with passion. “But I won't do anything until you let me know that this is what you want, as well.” His questioning eyes searched her face.