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“I think I may have been partly at fault. I guess I never gave you any reason to trust me, did I?” She was staring down at the floor, but Jake could tell she was startled, shocked by her own revelation.

  He couldn’t let her take the blame. “Jess, honey, no. I should’ve trusted you. You would’ve told me when you were ready. I didn’t know who they were, but I knew your family was a problem for you. That should’ve been enough.”

  He reached over and took her hand in his, grateful when she didn't pull away. When she closed her fingers over his, Jake knew. His mom was right. She loved him enough to forgive him. His heart soared as peace flooded through his body. “So, do you think you can ever forgive me?”

  She looked into his eyes. “I already have. Can you forgive me?”

  “There’s nothing to forgive. But, we need to be more honest with each other. If you’re running off out of town, please tell me. And if I’m getting jealous for some reason, I’ll tell you instead of doubting you.”

  She nodded. “There’s just one thing. You have no reason to be jealous. I’m yours, Jake. I have been since before I met you. You were why I waited.”

  Jake pulled her to him, unable to stop himself, dragging her onto his lap, just to have her near him again. “You are mine. Always. And I’m yours. Never have I belonged to anyone else. You have my heart. Please be careful with it.”

  She pressed her lips softly to his. “Always.”

  Jake wanted to take the kiss deeper, felt the drugging need surge through his body. But there was something to do first. He pulled his mouth away, twisting Jess on his lap, making certain attributes pulse against her. He fought to stay focused as he reached into his pocket.

  When he pulled the ring out, he heard her suck in her breath. Jake looked at her, holding her eyes with his. “I had planned to do this more traditionally. We both know how well that worked out. So, now I’m just goin’ to ask. Jess, I’m jealous, possessive and my temper is atrocious. At some point, I will say something to hurt you, though I won’t do it intentionally. I will have to beg your forgiveness. But, I promise to love you, with every cell in my body, until the day I die. I need you, more than my next breath. Please, say you’ll marry me.” He waited, holding his breath until she finally answered.

  “Jake, I’ll forgive you, just as you’ll forgive me. When you yell, I’ll yell right back. If you can handle me, my temper, and my crazy family, then yes, I’ll marry you. Our lives will never be boring.”

  Jake grinned like a kid, sliding the ring onto her finger. “This is finally where it belongs.” He kissed her, quick and hard, then pulled back, still grinning. “So, how about we get married tomorrow?” Jake felt her tense, a pensive expression crossing her face. “Or not. I just don’t want to wait long.”

  “Is this still some sort of insecurity? I’m not going anywhere Jake, I promise.”

  * * * * *

  “No. No doubts, Jess.” His voice was calmer. Instead of fear, it was full of longing. “It has been too long since you’ve been in our house, in our bed. I just don’t want to wait any longer.”

  She kissed him, pressing her mouth hotly against his, trying to take the sting out of her next words. “We need to wait, at least a month or so.”

  She saw his scowl and rushed to reassure him. “I’ll be in your bed, Jake, starting tonight if you’ll have me. But we need to wait a bit. I don’t even want to announce the engagement, until after the elections in November. I want a small wedding, not the circus event my parents would put together, with the cameras and publicity. I haven’t even invited my parents to see the business yet. They would turn it into some sort of social event for my dad’s campaign. Just like Dana’s baby.”

  Jake was silent for a minute and then a mischievous grin lit up his face. “They’ve never been out here?”

  “No! Are you kidding?” She was horrified at even the thought.

  Now he grinned like a maniac. “I have an idea.”

  She wiggled around on his lap, straddling him, hoping to remind him of another idea. “So do I, but mine doesn’t involve my parents.” She pressed her lips to his, sliding her tongue teasingly across his lower lip, letting it slip inside, just for a second.

  “I meant a different idea, but I like yours better.” He plunged his mouth against hers, delving inside, grabbing her hips to press her closer. “God, I’ve missed you. I thought I’d die when you left.”

  He pressed urgent kisses, hot and moist, against her neck, her collar bone. His hands sliding from her hips down to her butt, cupping the firm round cheeks.

  Jess bit her lip, barely holding back her plea of “Now.” She wanted him, needed him, but wanted to draw this out, too, to prolong the pleasure of their reunion. When Jake pulled her shirt up and off, tossing it across the room, she heard his groan.

  “Your…bra. Black. So damn sexy.” His words were followed by his mouth skimming the baby pink ribbon edge of her black lace bra. His thumb grazed the ruched tip pressing against the lace.

  Pulling his gaze back to hers, with a sly grin she said, “Wait until you see the panties.”

  When she’d left Jake, she’d thrown out every piece of lingerie she’d owned and most of her clothing, wanting to be rid of all reminders of him. As she’d replaced it, the lingerie had become sexier, slinkier, with a lot less fabric than before. The jeans were lower, the shirts a better fit. Not tight, just the right size instead of too big. The panties for this set were a tiny patch of black lace, with a little pink bow placed strategically over her most sensitive spot. The rest was simply lace-covered elastic in a g-string. She thought he might like them.

  Jess pulled herself off his lap, having to remove his hands from her breasts to do so, and stood before him, slowly unbuttoning her jeans. Sliding down the zipper to offer a teasing glimpse of what was below. She kicked off her sandals and wiggled out of the jeans, tossing them to join the shirt.

  Jakes breath hissed through his teeth at the sight of her standing there. She was thrilled to know he liked the new wardrobe. Even more so when he reached forward and tugged her toward him. He nestled his finger through her curls, tracing downward to slide into her folds, stopping for one flick over her aching center before continuing farther. When he reached her sheath, he groaned. “So wet. Hot. God, you make me ache.”

  He was touching her with one hand, one finger, and Jess felt her legs going weak. When his finger dipped inside, teasing her, she thought she was going to faint. When he delved, plunging deep and hard, Jess shattered, her orgasm surprising them both as it coursed through her.

  As she came on his hand, it seemed to snap his control. He grabbed her hips, pulling her back onto his lap to straddle him while he pressed her body against his. He unhooked her bra while she lifted his shirt, needing the skin to skin contact.. When she brushed her nipples across his chest he sighed, “Yes…” as he squeezed her ass, thrusting against her again. “Need you. Inside you.”

  * * * * *

  Jess pulled back, unbuttoning his jeans, shoving his boxers down and freeing his throbbing erection. At the feel of her fingers on him, Jake almost lost his seed. He grabbed her hand, pulling it off him. “No…can’t.” He pressed his lips to hers, using his tongue to show her what he needed.

  Jess pressed her hips against him and he felt the soft lace of her panties rubbing against him. She was still wiggling in his lap until she successfully pushed her panties aside, her wet heat sliding against his pulsing shaft. She lifted her hips, rising until he could feel his hot, hard tip pressing at her entrance.

  Jake reached behind her, tugging the string aside as he pushed in, groaning in pleasure so intense he was sure he’d explode with the first thrust. He dug down deep, fighting for control.

  “God, you’re tight. Not gonna last, Jess.” His words were slurred with passion. His hips lifted thrusting into her hard and fast, dragging a whimper from her lips.

  “Harder, Jake. Aaahhh.”

  Jake met each of her thrusts with his own, no longer able to hold any
thing back, he grabbed her hair, pulling her head back as he bent to take her nipple into his mouth, sucking hard, nipping the tip, and suckling again. Just as he felt the first pulse of his own orgasm, he felt her tense as hers tore through her. Her sheath tightened and pulsed around his shaft as he spilled, gushing, streaming into her. Her head thrown back, his pressed against her breasts as they both cried out their release.

  Chapter 34

  Jess collapsed forward, her head on his shoulder, his arms loosely around her waist. They sat like that for awhile, until Jake could finally move. Then he laid them both down, tucking her against him, spooning.

  He whispered in her ear. “I like your office. Your couch is wider than mine. Much more comfortable.”

  She laughed. “You were never supposed to see it.” She shrugged gently. “It reminded me of you.”

  He tightened his arm around her waist, a comforting gesture. “My parents’ room at the house looks like you. It’s the only room I could bring myself to buy any furniture for, and it looks like you. It’s dark wood, the color of your hair. The cover is all the deep jewel colors you wear, purple, red, blue. And there are streaks of silver the same color as your eyes.”

  She glanced back over her shoulder. He shrugged, looking self conscious. She smiled, her heart in her eyes. “Thank you.” She reached back, running her hands down his cheek. “Wait, you didn’t buy any furniture?”

  He shook his head, that same uncomfortable shrug again. “It’s not fun without you to argue with.”

  She kissed him, twisting over to face him. Even as she felt him press against her, his arousal already making itself known. She pulled her head back. “We’ll go shopping tomorrow.” She wiggled against him. “Tonight, I want to go meet your parents. But first, let’s hear that idea.”

  It was another hour before she heard his plan, but she didn’t mind at all.

  * * * * *

  When they walked into the house, the new house, a woman that could only be Jake’s mom ran out of the kitchen, wrapping her in a warm embrace. There was nothing for Jess to do but hug back. As she pulled away, his mom said, “I’m Catherine, but you can call me Cat. I’d say welcome, but since you built this place that seems stupid. By the way, you’re phenomenal. This is the most beautiful home I’ve ever seen. Oh, and maybe now that you’re here, Jake will buy some furniture.”

  She stopped talking long enough to take a breath, and Jess felt like she had to say something now, while she had the chance. “Thank you, it was an absolute pleasure to build. I’m glad you like it. It was important to Jake to have it done before you got here. And, he will. Buy furniture, I mean. We’re going tomorrow.”

  “Come in here and meet Slade, Jake’s father.” Cat dragged her into the living room, where a man stood up off the couch. He was an inch or so shorter than Jake, and thirty years older. She was looking at Jake thirty years from now. She loved him on sight. Apparently he felt the same, because the man Jake had described as reticent, swung her up into a hug.

  “I think you’re just the thing to keep my boy in line.” He ruffled her hair when he set her down. He looked toward Jake. “So, you’re not going to be dumb enough to chase her off again are you?”

  Cat and Jake stood staring at Slade. Jess waited, unsure of what to say.

  “What?” Slade asked. “You both think I’m too foolish to know a good woman when I see her? I knew I’d marry your mama the day I met her.” He stared at them both with a grin on his handsome face. “Besides, boy, this is the first time you’ve smiled since we got here. I’m not quite as unobservant as you both think.” He rubbed his hands together and started toward the kitchen. “So, is dinner ready?” he asked, patting Cat’s tush as he walked by.

  Jess laughed, delighted with Slade and Cat. She ran across the room, threw herself at Jake, wrapping her arms around his neck as Cat followed her husband into the kitchen.

  She pressed quick kisses to his face, pulling back to say, “They’re perfect, Jake. Just perfect.”

  He laughed, swung her legs up and carried her back into the kitchen. “Yeah, I guess they are.”

  Chapter 35

  Three weeks later, the house was furnished, Jess’s apartment was sublet, and everyone had moved around as necessary. Ben and Marsha were now sharing the master bedroom at the old house. This was a surprise to everyone except Jess and Cat.

  Cat and Slade were still there, staying for another week or so before heading back to Florida.

  And twenty four hours ago, she and Jake had married. She’d picked her parents up at the airport night before last, ostensibly to see her new house and business. In actuality they were here for a wedding. A wedding to a man they’d never met, had truly never heard anything about at all.

  Jess had to give them credit. They’d really taken it all in stride. That first night had been tense, springing both the introduction and the wedding on them with no warning whatsoever. She had counted on the ingrained behaviors, the ones her mother called breeding, and they’d come through beautifully. She’d shown her parents the house, her home, with her personality stamped throughout. They’d loved it, much to her surprise. And she had introduced Jake.

  She’d expected more resistance from her mother on that point, but Jake had been at his most charming, winning her over with his manners. Jess was certain the fact that the Morgenstern family was all but local royalty probably helped matters, but Jess didn’t care. She would’ve married him if he hadn’t a penny to his name.

  Her mother gave her some grief over the surprise wedding, but took it graciously when Jess explained why. With Jonathan’s candidacy, Jess hadn’t wanted the press. She did ask if Jess was pregnant, if that was causing the rush. Jess had vehemently denied it, but had still gone a little soft at the idea.

  Another surprise, their parents had actually gotten along with each other. Not something Jake or Jess had expected. By the end of the evening, they’d been sitting at the massive kitchen table playing bridge. Jake and Jess had retired to the newly furnished living room to watch a movie, a little awed by their parents.

  The wedding had gone off without a hitch, which really was no surprise. With Cat Morgenstern and Sharon Wythe there, nothing would have dared to go wrong. They simply wouldn’t tolerate it.

  They’d had a party at the house, a simple catered affair, very casual, for a reception after the ceremony. And then Jake and Jess had flown out. Jess woke up this morning, warm in a luxurious room in Cabo San Lucas.

  They’d talked about a variety of places for their honeymoon, deciding on Cabo for one reason. Jake had desperately wanted to see her in a bathing suit. After walking the beach yesterday afternoon, he was talking of putting in a pool.

  Jess rolled over, snuggling closer to Jake, feeling his warm body next to hers. She couldn’t help but smile. She felt him stirring behind her.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Morgenstern,” he rumbled into her ear.

  She laughed. “How can you possibly be awake already? We were up until four o’clock this morning.” Even as she asked the question, she felt her body warming, her breasts tightening into the now familiar ache, nipples budding, desiring his touch.

  With no other warning Jake slid a finger into her already damp core, smiling at her gasp, as she wiggled her hips, unconsciously trying to get closer. “You seem pretty ‘awake’ yourself.”

  With slow kisses down her spine, across her shoulders, he thrust his finger in and out of her sheath, a second finger joining the first. As she writhed and twisted against him, Jake felt his erection tighten and jerk in response. As her muscles tightened, on the edge of release, Jake pulled his hand away, sliding around to tease and torment her aching nipples. Keeping her on edge without satisfying, he played her body like a finely tuned instrument. When she whimpered, crying out for release, he lifted one of her legs, sliding into her from behind.

  As always, she was warm and welcoming. He thrust, slowly at first, speeding up as his need, and hers, grew. His hand slipped down, easing her folds,
finding her secret spot and rubbing lazy circles around it. She tightened, spiraling into orgasm as he followed right behind her.

  As Jess snuggled into his side, head resting peacefully on his chest, Jake couldn’t help but think that this was heaven on earth.

  “I love you,” she whispered softly against his chest.

  Jake squeezed her gently pressing a kiss against her hair. “I love you too. I was just thinking that life doesn’t really get any better than this.”

  She kissed him, looking toward her life filled with love and family. Who would have thought that one simple business trip could bring her to her future? And to think… She’d wanted to keep it strictly business.

  Other Books by Aubrianna Hunter

  Hidden Depths

  Strictly Business

  You Can’t Go Home Again

  Siochain

  Beyond The Mask

  Beyond The Flesh

  If you have enjoyed this book you have to check out:

  Beyond the Mask

  It is a new Co-Authored series that I am writing with Jeremy Laszlo. It has the same Hot and steamy flavor as my other erotic novels, but has a dark and twisted vibe. Leaning more towards the urban side of fantasy, Beyond the Mask is set in Detroit with a sexy paranormal tale unlike you have ever read before. Below is the Prologue and the first chapter, I hope you enjoy it!

  Prologue

  Lucifer was once the greatest of the archangels, taking up his place beside the Creator of all life. From nearly the beginning of time, he served at the Creator’s side, doing whatever the Lord willed. But slowly something began to change in Lucifer, and inevitably he sought the source of the change.

  Over the eons he became jealous, envious of the love that was had for God. Perhaps his inner light darkened. Perhaps being the hand of God had been too much for him. Perhaps the seed of evil that had come from free will had taken root in heaven as well as earth. For whatever reason, Lucifer sought to place himself above God.