Forsaking All Others (3 page)

Weston had yet another huge smile on his face as he winked at Jessica. “I'm good, girl. You have no idea.”

Jessica laughed. “Oh, I think I do. Incredible charm runs in your family.”

“Come with me. The hostess said to take any table we want. She also said we might be the only ones dining there. As you can see, they're not busy this morning. Are you okay with that?”

Shrugging, her mouth turned down at the corners, Jessica said, “Fine by me.”

Weston picked up the menus off the table and carried them into what appeared to Jessica as a cozy alcove. The space was very intimate and she liked the feel of it.

The waiter showed up within a few minutes of the couple taking seats, bringing along with him a carafe of hot coffee. Jessica wasn't big on coffee, but she did drink it occasionally. She let the waiter know she preferred a small pot of chamomile tea when he took their breakfast orders.

Weston's order indicated to Jessica that he was a hungry man again this morning. She wasn't that surprised by the amount of food he ordered, considering the size of the meal he had practically inhaled last evening.

Jessica's order consisted of two boiled eggs, a turkey sausage patty and a small order of home-fried potatoes. Instead of toast, she ordered a freshly baked blueberry muffin, and then orange juice as an afterthought.

“How did you sleep last night, Jess?”

“Once I managed to get there, I knocked out completely.”

“Did you have as hard a time getting to sleep as I did?”

“I wasn't able to fall right off. Had quite a few things on my mind.”
Mainly you.

“Sure you don't want a cup of coffee? It's pretty good stuff.”

“No, thanks. I'll wait for the tea.” She looked out the window. “It's such a beautiful morning. I can't get over the magnificent view from our town house. I've heard so much about Aspen. I'm glad to actually experience it. It's like another world.”

“You haven't seen the half of it. This place
is
amazing. I read somewhere that Mariah Carey's been living here for a couple of years.”

“I read that, too. Quite a few celebrities live here in Aspen, either full-time or part-time.”

“A wonderful place to visit, but I don't want to live here.”

“Yeah, I know. Nowhere for Wes but NYC.”

Weston leveled curious eyes on Jessica. Something about the way she had snapped out her last remark had him wondering. She had sounded a bit annoyed. He quickly dismissed the thought since it made no sense at all.

The waiter came and dropped off Jessica's tea and immediately took off again.

The couple got into a conversation about how the real-estate market had boomed in California. It was unbelievable the way it had suddenly shot through the roof.

Jessica mentioned that the folks who had taken out interest-only or arm home loans were in for a rude awakening. Weston figured they could beat the odds if they could refinance at a fixed rate before the bad stuff happened. A lot of people had also opted for balloon payments, all just to own a piece of hot California property. Shanties and fixer-uppers were even selling for indecent amounts. Things were now starting to cool off a bit. Both Jessica and Weston expected a lot of home foreclosures to occur in the very near future.

“New York real estate has been high for a long time. I'm sure you do well.”

“Extremely. That's why I don't understand why my parents want to up and move to L.A.”

“Maybe because your father was born and raised there.”

“I guess. They're financially set, so they don't have to worry about money. Dad
does
complain about the harsh winters in New York.”

Jessica faked a believable shiver. “If it's anywhere near as cold in New York as it is here, I can't blame them for wanting to move to California. Don't think I could brave winter weather like this year after year. The roads are frightening. Seeing the snowstorms on television is enough for me.”

“If you grew up in winters like this, it'd be just a way of life. People manage it all the time.”

The return of the waiter kept Jessica from responding to Weston's comments. Not wanting to get into the subject of living so far apart, she saw the interruption in conversation as a good thing. The very idea of it bothered her to no end, no matter how much she didn't want to make it an issue. Sticking to the plan she had laid out for herself last night was hard to execute. Denying her wild attraction for Weston wasn't happening. Jessica wanted him in the worst way.

There were far too many beautiful Christmas trees to make it easy for the visiting families to choose quickly. They had been on the tree lot for nearly an hour when Jessica had spotted the perfect tree, its branches full, long and sweeping. After a couple of minutes of deliberation, everyone had agreed it was indeed the one. The men had taken care of the hard work to load the tree onto the top of one of the vans.

Once the ideal tree had been deposited back at the Harrington's town house, Jessica and Weston had promised to return home in time to help with the trimmings. The group had decided to order food to be brought in for the evening meal before the younger generation had left to go snowmobiling. Weston thought Jessica might enjoy riding a snowmobile more than sledding. Samuel also preferred snowmobiling.

Jessica constantly laughed and screamed as Weston expertly maneuvered the snowmobile around the area he and Samuel had chosen to take the two sisters. She hadn't had this much fun since she didn't know when. It was cold outdoors, but she was able to endure it. The extra layer of clothing was helping tremendously. She didn't feel chilled to the bone as she had without the double layer of warmth. The leather gloves had lamb's wool on the inside and really kept her hands warm. The hood on her jacket was pulled up with the strings tied under her chin.

Weston didn't necessarily drive the snowmobile recklessly, but he made enough dramatic twists and turns over the snowswept terrain to make it fun and exhilarating. Jessica screamed out of fear a few times. Samuel also had Jennifer howling. She had done this with her husband before so she was no stranger to the fun sport.

Samuel and Jennifer always had loads of fun together. They had learned about a salsa class to be held at the resort and had just about convinced Jessica and Weston to join them.

The snowmobile-rental time had flown by. Weston and Samuel had gone to turn in the vehicles and settle the accounts. This was Jessica and Jennifer's first time alone since the families had arrived in Aspen and they were seated in the lodge's lounge sipping on hot drinks.

“You really like him, don't you, Jess?”

Knowing her secret was no longer just hers, Jessica lowered her lashes. “I've always liked Weston. The truth of the matter hit me square in the heart yesterday. Guess I've known it all along but have refused to admit it. Even to myself. I felt so hurt only because he rejected me. Been kidding myself for years by saying I couldn't stand him. I just wanted him to notice me, acknowledge me in some way—and he didn't.”

“He notices you now, big-time. The look on his face when he saw you yesterday was so revealing. Had his parents not hugged you and called you by name, I'm not sure he would've guessed that you and the girl he used to torment were one and the same.”

“Maybe so. I'd think he would have seen all the updated pictures of us that Mom and Dad always send to his parents.” Jessica looked at her sister with open curiosity. “Did you ever have a crush on Wes, Jen?”

“Heck no!”

“Not even a teeny-weeny one?”

“Hardly. I loved Sam even before we started dating in junior high. That is, for as much as I did or didn't know about love back then. But you already know our history. Took Sam a long time to notice me, too. At any rate, Wes is just not my type.”

“I don't know if it's even about them noticing us. Most boys just don't start liking girls until they reach a certain age. Up until then, they believe their one purpose on this planet is to torture girls. Adolescent boys
are
cruel.”

“Don't leave out the girls. There were some mean, overbearing chicks out there when I was in junior high. Talk about cruelty. They seemed to have had a monopoly on it. Don't you recall all the trouble I had with the so-called upper-class brat pack? I also agree with everything you've said. But look at what happened when Sam
did
notice me. We've been inseparable ever since.” Jennifer was a nurse and Samuel a paramedic.

Jessica smiled broadly. “You guys got it going on. I want so badly what you two have. Not ready for marriage, though. Yet I desperately desire the romance. Eating dinner every single night by candlelight has to be the bomb.”

“That and more.” Jennifer blushed at a couple of other things Samuel and she indulged in by candlelight. “We do more than eat by the light of burning candles. The more sensual stuff keeps us hot for each other.”

Jessica put up her right hand in a halting gesture. “No details, please! It'll only let me know how lonely and pitiful I am. Passion is lacking in my life.”

“Don't say that.”

Jennifer went on to remind Jessica that she had a great job and a wonderful group of girlfriends who loved doing adventurous things and taking exotic vacations. “You guys always do something fun and unique. And you also have a great male friend in Jarred. I'd say you have it all. All but the husband you admitted to not wanting now.”

“Put like that, I don't have a choice but to agree. Thanks for always showing me the glass is half-full as opposed to half-empty.” Jessica gently nudged Jennifer's arm. “Here come the guys. We should cool it.”

“Yeah, wouldn't want Wes to know you're out of your mind over him.”

Jessica frowned. “It's not that bad. But the potential for such is great.”

Both women laughed at that.

All Jessica could do was sit and stare in utter amazement when Samuel sat down next to Jennifer. Taking her in his arms, he kissed her as if he'd been apart from her for weeks instead of twenty minutes or so. Their passion couldn't be charted since it was off the scale. Those two couldn't keep their hands and mouths off each other.

Weston sat down next to Jessica. “Wow! Your sister and her husband are sure deep into each other. Their love is so strong,” he whispered.

“Been that way forever,” Jessica whispered back to him. “Some people call it sickening. I call it incredible. If Jen weren't my sister, I might envy her.”

Weston raised an eyebrow at that statement. Jessica's remarks made him think she wanted exactly what her sister had. Well, he thought, didn't everyone want to be involved in a true-blue, passionate love affair? His eyes softened even more as he looked closer at Jessica. He had to wonder if they could ever have what their parents and Jennifer and Samuel had an overabundance of, together or separate. He had to admit he preferred together to separate.

E
ntering the town house, Jessica was immediately drawn to the kitchen, overwhelmed by the delicious aromas.
So much for ordering food in for the evening meal.

Sahara had cooked and Jessica was sure her father had helped out her mother. Both were excellent chefs and they often worked side by side in preparing meals. Her parents loved to whip up delicious foods and Jessica hated everything to do with cooking, period. She liked cleaning up the kitchen even less than the meal preparations. No man in his right mind wanted a woman who couldn't or wouldn't cater to the needs of his stomach.

Sahara walked up and lightly popped Jessica on the hand. “Stay out of my pots and pans, girl. All the food is for our little get-together this evening. Want me to fix you a sandwich?”

Jessica looked at Sahara as if she had to be kidding. “You fixed all this delicious food—and you want to feed me a measly sandwich? That's scandalous, Mom.”

“Okay, you win, number-two daughter.” Sahara referred to her daughters' order of birth, not to how they ranked in her sight. She loved her girls equally. “Get a plate from the cabinet and take some of whatever you want. You know I can't stand here and deny my youngest child a meal.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Jessica kissed Sahara on the cheek. “Where's Dad?”

“Off somewhere with Jacque. He left here right after he finished helping me out. They're probably sitting somewhere talking shop. Those two eat and sleep real estate.”

“And they both have their kids doing the same thing.” Jessica put small samples from each pot on her plate and then took a seat at the table.

Sahara retrieved a cold drink from the refrigerator before joining Jessica at the table. “Speaking of our kids, how was the snowmobiling outing for you and Jen?”

“Lots of fun. The guys were acting a little crazy while driving the snowmobiles, making sharp twists and turns all over the place, but they pretty much stuck to most of the safety rules. I liked it enough to want to do it again. I think I'd like to drive one the next time. It might take a minute or two to get the hang of it. Jen and I were whooping and hollering it up out there. The guys had a tremendous time, too.”

Sahara pressed her lips together, choosing her next words carefully. “Having a good time with Wes?”

Jessica looked down the length of her nose at her mother. “Why don't you go right ahead and ask me what you really want to know? Your curiosity about us is written all over your face and you're dying to get up in our business.”

“Just asked a simple question. Why are you trying to make a federal case out of it? My goodness, you're really sensitive on the subject.”

“The only thing I'm sensitive about is you and Daddy trying to choose a husband for me. It's not like that with Wes and me. But to answer your question, I'm having a grand time. On January third the vacation will be over with and so will Wes and I. All we're doing is having some fun and trying to make the best of this situation our parents have thrown us into. Mom, it's
not
going to happen for us. Please share that with Dad and the Chamberlains so you all don't continue speculating.”

“I think you are making way too much out of us wanting to share our holiday time with the Chamberlains. However, I'm glad you're having a good time.”

“Whatever, Mom. Okay for me to eat before the food gets cold?”

Sahara knew that Jessica meant she wanted to be left in peace. “If you need anything, I'll be in the bedroom.” Sahara got up from the chair, her head hung low.

Jessica could tell by the look on her mother's face that she had hurt her feelings. That hadn't been her intent, but she needed everyone just to get off her and Weston's backs. No one could choose a mate for another person, even though she knew there were many cultures in the world that still arranged marriages.

“Sorry, Mom,” Jessica yelled out before Sahara could disappear. “I'll try to be a little less sensitive, but please just let Wes and me be ourselves.”

Jessica knew Sahara was a bit upset with her when she didn't accept her apology or even bother to respond to her plea. Sahara wasn't the type who stayed upset long, nor did she hold grudges, so Jessica wasn't worried that their little tiff would ruin the rest of their stay in Aspen. Both she and her mother would soon forget this had ever happened.

Keeping a covert eye on Weston was difficult to do, especially when Jessica kept catching herself staring at him outright. He looked so darn sexy, though he was only dressed in a neatly pressed burgundy shirt and heather-gray wool slacks, all of which appeared to be of excellent quality. It was how his athletic physique filled out the attire that turned Jessica on; it looked as if it all fit him to a T. His broad shoulders were more accentuated when they weren't buried beneath a bulky sweater.

Like the rest of the men, Weston was intent on seeing that the full Douglas fir Christmas tree was put up correctly. No one wanted to see it topple over at some point during the planned festivities. Jacque had suggested that the group purchase an artificial tree just before they had gone out to shop for a fresh one. His not-so-brilliant idea had met with clucking disapproval from the four women.

Looking down at her own attire, comparing it to what the other females wore, Jessica was still pleased with the outfit she had chosen for herself. Tucked neatly into the waistband of slim, black wool crepe pants was a long-sleeved black-and-white striped Ralph Lauren shirt. Over the designer shirt she wore a stylish black quilted vest.

Jessica's long, light-brown layered hair had been blow-dried straight but curled slightly at the ends of each layer to allow her shiny tresses to flow softly about her shoulders. Just the right amount of makeup to her pretty face and hazel eyes gave a gently dramatic flair to her normally wholesome appearance.

Weston thought Jessica looked cover-model perfect, though she hardly measured up in height. Her five-foot-even frame fell way short when compared to many statuesque, leggy models. But he liked how she carried herself. She was every bit as graceful and stylish as any top model in the country today. Jessica was a far cry from the preteen he'd once known, and he was still amazed by her unbelievable transformation. He loved how she was gently curvaceous in all the right spots, the ones his hands craved to tenderly caress. Though she had a small bustline, the twin mounds appeared to stand proud. The vest she wore over her shirt didn't allow him nearly the exciting view of cleavage he had seen the first day.

Christmas music, the popping and crackling of the fire burning brightly in the fireplace and the sounds of joyous laughter created a wonderful holiday setting. A wondrous winter scene of mountains, snow and large evergreen trees through the large picture window delighted the senses. The draperies had been pulled completely back, making it look as if the scene had been painted onto the glass pane.

Gaily colored rolls of foil wrapping paper, with every kind of decoration on them, from reindeer to Santa Clauses, were laid out on the table, along with bunches of ribbons in bright colors of green, red, gold, silver and white. There were also bows made up of more than one hue. White gift boxes waiting to be filled with presents and then wrapped in the paper were stacked high in one corner of the dining room.

Weston quickly snapped out of his reverie when he heard the others howling. He couldn't help but join in the laughter even though a sudden rush of empathy for Jessica had just hit him. It looked to him as if she had gotten herself all tangled up in the tinsel she was working with. The bewildered look on her face was comical but so endearing.

Jessica didn't like the glittery stuff, anyway, so it didn't bother her that it might be ruined. The tinsel had been Sandra's bright idea. The Harringtons had never used it on one of their family Christmas trees, although its use was traditional in many a household. Now that the tinsel could no longer be used, Jessica grabbed up the tray of delicate gold-and silver-edged angel and snowflake ornaments to hang on the tree's sweeping branches.

The delicious aromas of food, hot apple cider and freshly popped popcorn filled the air, mixing with the heady pine scent of the Douglas fir. Jennifer and Samuel had just finished popping the corn and warming the cider and putting out all the reheated foods Sahara and Roman had prepared earlier. The smell of the baked hot wings and grilled chicken tenders eventually ruled over the other scents. Swedish meatballs and beef cocktail wieners simmered in a light but very flavorful teriyaki sauce. Three kinds of pasta had also been made: spaghetti, penne and an angel-hair/vegetable salad.

The group hadn't finished trimming the tree, but they decided to stop long enough to enjoy the evening meal together. The ladies quickly began to hustle around the room to tackle several chores. Jessica laid out the plates while Sandra took care of the silverware. Sahara busied herself filling the drinking glasses with snowball-shaped ice cubes. She had seen the cute trays on one of the aisles inside a convenience store in town and she hadn't been able to resist purchasing a few of the cleverly designed items.

Roman requested that Weston ask for the blessing on the food and all the hands that had prepared it. Jacque and Sandra had prepared the sinful desserts. Apple cobbler was their son's favorite and the triple-layer devil's food cake was the one dessert Jacque loved most. Sandra and Jacque had also baked sweet-potato pies, an absolute favorite of all the Harringtons, including Jennifer and Samuel. Once the simultaneous “amens” rang out, the group wasted no time at all digging right in.

The tree duties had resumed right after the two families had polished off their dessert. The group worked well together and had worked rather quickly to complete the fun tasks. Everyone had been designated a job and each person had taken it seriously. The families finally stood back to view the end results of their handiwork.

It was now time for the colorful and brilliant show of light. Roman was to do the honors. Jacque scurried around the place, turning off all other lights.

“Lights, action,” Roman breathed excitedly. One flick of his finger on the switch caused the tree to come to life with hundreds of dazzling miniature white lights.

The magical moment had taken everyone's breath away. All hands were linked together as the oohs and aahs continued to ebb and flow. There was not one pair of eyes without tears of holiday sentiment. Then the laughter broke out, loudly and freely.

“Oh, we forgot one thing,” Weston said. He ran over to the kitchen counter and picked up the mistletoe, holding it up for everyone to see. “Who wants the honors?” Weston looked directly at Jessica, hoping she might step forward. He would like nothing better than to kiss her breathless beneath the fresh sprig of mistletoe.

“I'll hang it,” Jennifer sang out, moving toward Weston. As soon as she reached for the mistletoe, she saw the disappointment in Weston's eyes. She didn't have to be a genius to figure out what was wrong with him.

After Jennifer took possession of the mistletoe, she walked over to Jessica and handed it to her. “You should be the one to do the honors. Does everyone agree?”

Enthusiastic hand-clapping thundered in the room.

Jessica knew what everyone hoped for; she would hang the mistletoe and Weston would kiss her while she stood under it. She had no desire to disappoint anyone, especially herself. Jessica took the offered mistletoe from Jennifer and quickly stepped up to the plate, her heart beating rapidly. The thought of Weston kissing her had her heart rate going berserk. She couldn't wait to feel his mouth on hers.

“Get the camera,” Sahara told Roman. “This is a special holiday moment.” Although the video camera had been running throughout their time in Aspen, its adapter plugged into the electrical wall outlet, Sahara also wanted still photographs.

Jessica ended up having to get a stool to stand on because the space at the top of the kitchen entry was too high for her to reach without one. Weston rushed over to help her up on the stool, holding it firmly in place as she tacked up the small green and white sprig. Once the mistletoe was set in place, Weston reached up and brought Jessica down and into his arms. Without allowing her feet ever to touch the ground, he tenderly kissed her mouth, doing his best to stave off his desire to use his tongue to deepen the kiss.

In the next second Weston lost himself in the sweetness of Jessica's lips. She had also slipped away into paradise. The arms that held her so securely made her feel safe and protected. So this was what it felt like to be in Weston's arms. She had waited a long time to find out, believing she would never experience such an enchanting moment.

Jessica could only imagine the expression on her face once Weston set her down on her feet and released his hold on her. If hers was anything like the bewildered look on his face, he more than likely had also experienced what she had. A brief kiss could be every bit as sensual as a long, passionate one. His kiss had just proven that. It had also left her trembling inside and desperately wanting more of the same from him.

Jessica was relieved that no one had resorted to catcalling, whistling or clapping. Hiding her embarrassment was hard enough without all that. However, Weston didn't look the least bit embarrassed. After all, he
had
initiated the kiss between them.