Forsaking All Others. Linda Hudson-Smith

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?”

      “Nothing, really. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. It bothers me that you’re in Aspen with some guy who doesn’t value you as a person. Please tell me you are not off somewhere alone with him.”