Jennifer put the magazines on the coffee table and then took inventory of the apartment. All of a sudden, the words that flowed so easily had stopped. So Jennifer had done what had worked in the past… she cleaned the house. Now after several hours, her home was cleaner than it had been in years. She grabbed the bottle of water on the table and took a long drink. Now that it was done, she wondered if the words would come. She stepped over to her desk and turned her laptop on. As she went to sit, there was a knock on the door.
"Jonathan?" Jennifer’s heart leapt to her throat.
"Hi, Jennifer. I hope its okay I just showed up like this."
"Yes, please come in. I wasn’t expecting to see you until tomorrow."
"I flew out this afternoon for the meeting tomorrow. Since I was in the neighborhood..." Jonathan followed her in, embarrassingly captivated by the long legs extending out of short shorts, and the snug tee shirt that seemed painted on. Her hair was up in a ponytail and her face flush as if she were working out. She looked more beautiful; natural than he’d ever seen her before.
"Good. I’m glad you did. You’ll have to excuse my appearance. I was cleaning the house."
"You look fine although, it’s 30 degrees outside."
"Ah yes, well its rigorous work to clean house. Would you like a drink?"
"That would be nice. Scotch if you’ve got it." Jonathan looked around the apartment as Jennifer went to the bar for a drink. "Alexander?"
"He’s in Argentina right now."
"Hmm." Jonathan nodded relieved and yet nervous about doing what he’d come to do.
"Jonathan?" Jennifer handed him his drink. "I never really thanked you for the money and the opportunity you gave me at the benefit. I don’t know if I could ever express my thanks adequately."
"The only thanks I need is to know that you are pursuing your dream."
Jennifer smiled, taking Jonathan’s breath away. "Yes. I’ve been writing. Well not today. I have a little writer’s block today but I have been writing. I have over 100 pages written."
"Oh, that’s great Jennifer. I’m so happy to hear that. Congratulations." He clinked his glass with Jennifer’s water bottle.
"Thank you."
"And Alexander?"
"He’s dealing with it, at least he’s trying to. I didn’t give him much choice."
"Good." Jonathan said wondering if she still had feelings for him now that her marriage was getting back on track. Jonathan walked over to the large windows over looking the city. "Quite a view you have here?"
"Yes. Jonathan? Is something wrong?" Jennifer walked over to stand next to him.
"I came her for a purpose and all of a sudden I’m a little nervous."
"Really? I wouldn’t ever guess you got nervous." Jennifer teased but deep down her stomach lurched.
Jonathan laughed. "Ya well, that’s in business. This isn’t business." They stood near each other by the window as a light crystalline snow fell outside.
"I see." Jennifer couldn’t hide her own nervousness.
"I came here to tell you something."
"Okay." Jennifer could feel her heart quake in anticipation. Was he going to confess his love? Or was she wrong about his feelings? Was he going to quit the board?
"The thing is," Jonathan started as he ran his fingers through his hair. "I have feelings for you Jennifer."
Jennifer’s breath hitched.
"Feelings that I shouldn’t have. And I’m betraying Catherine by saying this but it would be betraying myself and my heart not to say it. As wrong as it is, I have a hard time thinking it’s wrong." Jonathan placed his hand over his heart. "It’s so sweet and pure and perfect. How can it be wrong?"
"I don’t know," Jennifer whispered as she tried to find her voice.
"Do you understand?"
"Yes. "
Jonathan let a breath out that he held since he’d entered her building. "I have debated with myself all week about what I could do. What I should do. Even as I rode up the elevator I toyed with the idea of asking you to run away with me."
Oh yes! Jennifer’s heart yelled out.
Jonathan swallowed hard. "But, you and I aren’t the type to run away. We’re loyal and dedicated to our commitments. Running away wouldn’t change the guilt we felt for what we left behind."
"No." He was right. She knew he was but damn, it hurt.
"The guilt would get in the way of anything we tried to build together. I have had a pretty good life. Up till now I’ve had no regrets. And now, I have a regret I can barely live with. I regret not returning your call."
"Oh, Jonathan." Jennifer felt a mixture of joy and pain. She wanted to reach out and hold him and yet, it was clear that this meeting was to say they shouldn’t see each other anymore.
"I blew it ten years ago. You don’t know what I would do to change it. But I can’t change it."
"No."
"And, so I think it best, after tonight, that we don’t see each other anymore. You go have a brilliant writing career and I’ll make sure the Chancellors’ don’t ruin all your good work at the foundation."
Jennifer licked her lips. But she couldn’t find her voice.
"Please tell me I haven’t’ made a fool of myself by telling you this. That I’m not alone in what I’ve been feeling since the moment I met you."
"No. No you’re not a fool." Jennifer reached out and touched his face. "You are not alone in your feelings. You just have more courage."
Jonathan tilted his head to kiss the inside of her wrist that still rested on his face.
"And, I know you are right. It just really hurts." Jennifer crinkled her nose and swallowed back the tears that threatened.
"We can have this one last evening." Jonathan said as she took her hand away. "For dinner, enjoying each other’s company." He added quickly so she wouldn’t misunderstand.
She nodded. "I just need to change."
Jonathan blew out a breath. "That wasn’t so bad. Two out of three."
"Three?"
Jonathan chastised himself for his slip. "Yes, well, I came her to tell you how I feel about you. And to see if you’d spend this last evening with me."
"And three?" Jennifer could feel the excitement of something dangerous swirling though her stomach.
Jonathan licked his lips. "And, three was …"
"Yes."
"I was hoping …"
"Jonathan."
"Oh Hell." Jonathan stepped close to her. Her head tilted up to look at him, putting her lips within tasting distance. "I want to kiss you Jennifer. Just one kiss."
Jennifer’s lids drifted shut, her hands slid up his chest, her lips parted slightly. Oh God, Jonathan thought. Would he ever be able to stop once he started? He slipped his hand around her waist, the other he pressed against her cheek.
His lips gently rubbed against hers as they took in the soft fullness of them. Jennifer leaned in to him, surrendering to the power of the love she felt. The feel of her body, pressed against his sent a wave of need and longing like never before. He had hoped to steal a soft gentle kiss, to satisfy his curiosity. But that was left behind, as desired roared through him. Yanking her closer, he crushed his lips to hers, using tongue and teeth to taste and consume.
Jennifer felt warmth that turned into an inferno as Jonathan’s kiss turned from soft and sweet to primal and savage. When his tongue forced its way deep, all thought left her mind. There was nothing but him. Filling her mind, her heart, and her soul. She moaned and slid her hands up his check and around his neck, pulling him closer, begging him to go deeper as her tongue danced with his.
Jonathan had known it would be a kiss to remember but he had no idea just how memorable. It was like no other kiss he’d ever had. He knew it was like no kiss he’d ever experience again. And since this was the one and only time, he forged on, relentless in his pursuit to fill himself with her.
Jennifer melted against him, savoring a passion that she’d never felt and would never feel again. His body felt strong and hard against her, his arousal pressing against her belly. She felt alive, excited, sexy. She wanted this, needed this. She let her body press and rub against him, throwing all caution to the wind.
Jonathan moaned as his desire begged for something more. He pulled her tighter to him. He slid one hand up her side, lightly brushing the swell of her breast. He heard her breath hitch and then she arched, pressing her breast into the palm of his hand. Her moans urged him on and he let his thumb massage the outstretched nipple.
Jennifer’s body was possessed by instinct as it pressed and rubbed against him in a rhythm of passion. She could feel power pooling in her core, building toward the point of perfect glorious release. He hadn’t even touched her bare skin, or slid his hand between her thighs and here she was ready to explode from ecstasy.
The roar in Jonathan’s head was deafening as passion thundered through him. God she was perfect, was all he could think about. Her lips tasted sweeter and were more intoxicating that the strawberries and champagne he’d imagined. She molded against him as if she were made just to fit her body to his. And she wanted him. With a snap, his resolve left. His lips left hers, running trail down her jaw and neck to feast in the soft spot at the base of her throat.
"Oh, yes." He heard her say. Encouraged he moved on. He kissed her breast through her shirt, flicking it with his tongue, teasing it with his teeth. He felt Jennifer reach for him, her hand cupping him firmly. He slid his hand down her thigh and between her thighs. "Oh yes. Please." Jennifer’s head fell back as her body strained against his hand. Jonathan brought his head up, preparing to kiss her again as he tore his and her clothes from their bodies. As his head lifted, he caught sight of a picture of Jennifer with Alexander and reality hit him with a force of a freight train.
"Oh, Jennifer." He pushed her back by her hips. It took a moment for Jennifer to get her bearings. She looked up at Jonathan as they both fought to get back their control. He let his head drop forward to rest against hers. "It was just supposed to be a kiss. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry."
"No. I’m as much to blame." They stood silent for several minutes. Then Jennifer stepped away. "I’ll go shower and change… if you still want to get dinner."
Jonathan nodded. He watched as she headed back to a bedroom. He headed to the kitchen where he splashed cold water on his face and wondered how he would be able to live the rest of his life without the love, the passion and excitement only Jennifer could give him.
The awkwardness of what almost happened lasted until they reached the waiting cab to take them to dinner. It seemed like they were suffering from a ‘morning after’ effect but since they didn’t really consummate their feelings, there was no need to have the uneasiness that can come after. As they rode the elevator down, they both laughed at the situation and decided to make the most … to a certain extent… of the evening they still had left.
"So where are we going?" Jennifer asked as they got in the cab.
"I know of a great jazz place that serves the best Cajun food this side of the Mason-Dixon Line." Jonathan said taking a seat next to her.
"Ooh, sounds adventurous."
"I was once told I could use an adventure."
"Yes, I do remember."
"So, what are you writing?" Jonathan asked as they drove through the streets of New York.
"It’s an adventure. A book about grabbing a hold of life and not letting go until the grim reaper drags you off."
"Ah, carpe diem. Seize the day."
"Yes. I haven’t been a good model of that kind of life for awhile but I intend to do as much and see as much as I can with what I have left."
Jonathan looked at Jennifer. "You will live the adventure Jennifer… for both of us."
Jennifer smiled although it was mixed with sadness. "Thank you for giving it to me. I will never forget you or what you have given me Jonathan. I’ll always be grateful."
"I know." He said as he lifted her hand to his lips. "And I will always remember you Jennifer as I live the adventure vicariously through your writing."
The car swerved throwing Jonathan onto Jennifer. "What the …" Jonathan’s words were cut off as their car was hit from the side by a drunk driver.
Jonathan stirred in his sleep. He head was pounding and his face hurt. Opening his eyes he glanced around the room. The sterile surroundings clued him into the fact he was in a hospital. A car accident. The memory of it came back in bits and pieces. Jennifer. Jonathan slowly got up from bed. He had to know; was she alright? Oh God, please let her be all right. The hallway was quiet as he exited the room he was in. There were several doors and despite the fact that a jackhammer was going off in his head, Jonathan set out to check each one to find her. He found her on the fifth try. She looked like an angel, all in white. Feeling nothing but the need to go to her, Jonathan went to her side.
"Jennifer," he whispered as he leaned over and kissed her temple. His love for her grabbed at his heart causing him to climb in bed next to her. Wrapping his arms around her, he held her close and filled himself with the feel of her and the scent of her.
"Mmmmm." Jennifer moaned as she began to wake up.
"How are you feeling?"
"Like I drank two bottles of champagne." She could feel him holding her and decided it must be a dream. Except she couldn’t possibly feel hungover in a dream. She felt his lips pressed against her temple. She turned towards him, nuzzling closer. "What if we get caught?"
"The only thing that matters is you Jennifer." Jonathan pulled her closer. "Always. Only you." He could tell by her breathing that she’d fallen back asleep. Closing his eyes, he joined her.
Hours later, as Jonathan lay in the middle of sleep and wakefulness, scenes flashed like movie trailers in his mind. He was sitting in a hotel bar. Glancing over he saw Jennifer’s beautiful smile shining back at him. He was standing at the altar of a church, filled with a joy he could never have imagined as Jennifer walked up the isle to join her life with his. He was dancing with her at some benefit, knowing every one in the room stared at them in awe and envy. He was walking with her on a beach as the sun set in a scene he knew God created just for them. He was making love to her after she woke him in the middle of the night. He was holding her hand as she delivered their son into the world.
Jonathan’s eyes opened and looked on the woman lying in his arms. His wife. His life. The realization grabbed at his heart and he wept quietly in gratitude for the perfect life that wasn’t a pipe dream but a reality.
Jennifer slowly left her sleep state heading towards consciousness. As she did a series of scenes played through her mind. She was sharing champagne with Jonathan. She stood on the banks of the Themes as a marriage proposal unfurled from London Bridge. She was whisked into Jonathan’s arms as he carried over the threshold at a tiny inn in wine country. She was galloping across a mountain meadow, feeling Jonathan’s loving stare on her as she did. She was making love with him in front of a fire. She was stoking a hand through his hair as his head rested on her belly listening to their growing child inside her.
Jennifer’s eyes opened to catch Jonathan watching her. Seeing her awaken, Jonathan caressed her face with his hand. "I love you, so much."
Tears filled Jennifer’s eyes. This was real. He was with her. She was his wife. Their life together was real. "Oh, Jonathan." Burying her head in his shoulder she wept.
"Shhhh. Everything I alright now." Jonathan stroked her hair.
Jennifer’s mind reeled as the images from the crash came back to mind. Her ignoring Jonathan, his annoyance at her, Barney’s voice crooning in the backseat. Barney?
"Oh God! Max. Jonathan? Where’s Max?" Jennifer said looking pleadingly in his eyes.
"Max is fine." A voice came from across the room.
"Where is he Doctor?" Jonathan’s voice was stronger than he felt.
"He is fine. Not a scratch. Car seats are a wonder. You nanny has him."
"Ruthie?" Jennifer asked.
"Yes."
"Thank goodness."
"How about you? Are you okay?" Jonathan asked Jennifer.
Jennifer turned towards Jonathan. " I know this is going to sound really odd but I feel wonderful."
The doctor raised an eyebrow.
"Me too." Jonathan pressed a kiss to her temple.
"Well, this is first," the doctor said heading to the bed. "No headaches or soreness?"
"Well, yes, I have plenty of that." Jonathan said.
"Me too," Jennifer confessed. "I’m just so glad to be alive and in your arms."
"My sentiments exactly."
The doctor chuckled. He knew about the Hart’s and their idyllic marriage. He’d never realized they were also so mushy. "It’s highly irregular for you to be in here like this Mr. Hart…"
"I’m not lea….."
"Let me finish. I was going to say that I will allow it for the time being seeing it seems to help you forget you both have pretty good bumps on your head."
"Thank you doctor." Jonathan replied. He wasn’t sure he had the energy to take on the hospital system and was relieved he didn’t have to.
"Are you feeling up to guests? You have a couple waiting. One of them is short and looks very much like you Mrs. Hart."
Mrs. Hart. He called her Mrs. Hart. She was Mrs. Hart. Another wave of happiness and gratitude cradled her heart.
"Yes, please, send him in." Jonathan said.
Jennifer looked up at Jonathan as the doctor left. "I’m your wife."
Jonathan smiled. "Forever." He hooked his finger under her chin and kissed her softly.
The door opened. "Hello you two." Ruthie entered carrying Max.
"Mommy! Daddy!" Max cried out. Wriggling from Ruthie he landed on their bed and climbed up between them.
Both Jonathan and Jennifer held him close, kissing him on the head.
"How are you Max? Are you alright?" Jennifer asked taking an inventory of Max.
"Mommy, stop." Max wriggling free of Jennifer’s inquiring hands.
"He’s fine Mrs. Hart. It’s amazing really. He didn’t get a single scratch."
Max looked up at Jennifer. "You have a boo boo Mommy." He reached up and touched a mark on her cheek.
"Yes, Max."
"Should I kiss it?"
"Yes, please."
Max climbed up on his knees and pressed his cupid’s bow lips to Jennifer’s cheek. "All better. Do you have a boo boo Daddy?"
"A few."
Max moved to Jonathan. "Should I kiss it to make it better."
"That would be great." Jonathan leaned over to get a kiss from Max.
"Daddy?" Max asked as he settled between the two of them.
"Yeah, champ."
"The car is broken."
"Yeah but that’s alright we can get a new one."
"Are you and mommy broken too?"
"No, champ." Jonathan gazed into Jennifer’s eyes. "No we’re fine. We’re going to be just fine."
By the time they left the hospital, most of the aches and pains were gone. Only a few scratches remained to remind them of their ordeal. But for both, the dream or alternate state left a huge impact that would never leave. Neither talked about it. Both were too wrapped up in savoring being alive and together. And now they were home, ready to completely appreciate and savor their lives together. They had already made plans to take Max to get a Christmas tree the next day, to go to Disneyland the day after that, and to the zoo the day after that.
On the first day home though, everyone took it easy. And now Max was in bed, Jennifer was finishing up some dishes and Jonathan was off making some phone calls.
Jennifer stared out the kitchen window to the canyon view she had taken for granted. The image of saying good-bye to Jonathan to send him home to his wife played in her mind. She shuttered and found herself wishing Jonathan would finish up and hold her.
"You alright?" Jonathan said coming to stand behind her.
"Yes. You must be psychic now. I was just wishing you were here." Jennifer turned to put her arms around him.
"I’m sorry about the calls. I just wanted to get it done so I could focus on you and Max." Jonathan slid his arms around her waist and pulled her to him.
"I understand."
Jonathan looked down into her eyes. He remembered the lack of fire he’d seen in them and was grateful that the flame was returning. The idea that he could have never met her or loved her frightened him. He understood now that he’d neglected her, hadn’t appreciated her enough lately and that was going to change. His need to immerse himself in her roared through him like a wild fire. "Jennifer?" His voice was a whisper.
"Mmmm?"
"I need you."
Jennifer looked up at him and could see the savage need in his eyes. "I need you too."
"I’m afraid I won’t be gentle."
"I don’t want you to be."
Jonathan took her lips with reckless abandon. His kiss was hard, deep and desperate as he plunged, sucked and bit. She tasted of need and desire causing him to push even more.
Jennifer moaned as his kiss sent her senses soaring. Yes, she needed this, needed him to wash away the pain and emptiness of the dream. Her hands fisted in his hair as desire washed through her. Her mind and body were void of anything but him as she let him take what he needed and took what he gave.
Jonathan felt his desire surge through him like an inferno. He wanted her with every fiber of his being, needed her to make him whole again. Buttons spilled to the kitchen floor as he tore open her blouse in a blinding need to touch and possess.
Jennifer gasped as his hands cupped her breasts, and grabbed and pinched her nipples through her bra. Her mouth sought his again, and with equal desperation and need, she kissed him. She grabbed at his shirt, freeing it from the confines of his pants. Her hands greedily slid inside to touch and squeeze the warm hardness of his chest. She could feel the power pooling between her legs. She didn’t want to wait, couldn’t wait. She needed to feel him fill her now. She grabbed at his belt and pants in a frantic attempt to free him.
"Jennifer," Jonathan growled out her name. He pulled up the long frilly skirt until it rested around her hips. His hand slid between her legs and found her wet and ready.
"Oh, now please Jonathan." Jennifer lost all control as his hand cupped her. All she could do was hold on knowing Jonathan would catch her when she fell.
Her pleading, her complete relinquishment pushed Jonathan over the edge. His mind was empty except for the dark swirling need to join with her. He tore away the silk panties that covered her. Grabbing her hips, he plunged fully, deeply inside her.
"Oh yes," Jennifer cried out. He filled her again and again, each thrust driving away the unsettling feelings left by the dream until there was just him and her.
Jonathan continue to plunge into her even as her first wave of release turned into the second and third. She was clinging and sobbing, as he took her from peak to peak in a primal need to reclaim, to possess until he exploded in his own release.
They stood for a moment, catching their breath.
"Jesus, Jennifer. Are you alright?" Jonathan asked gently stroking her back in complete contrast to the grabbing done earlier.
"Mmm. I’m perfect."
"I took you over the damn kitchen sink."
"It’s not the first time." Jennifer opened her eyes to see distress in Jonathan’s.
"I tore your shirt. Look, I didn’t even wait to get your clothes off."
"It was exciting." Jennifer reached up to press her hand to his cheek. "I love it that you wanted me like this. So desperate and needy. I needed it too."
Jonathan wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. "As long as I didn’t hurt you."
"No. You didn’t hurt me."
He held her close for a few minutes, savoring the closeness of the moment. "Maybe you could let me try again in a more romantic fashion."
"I’m always up to making love to you in any fashion."
Jonathan stepped back and helped her get the remains of her clothes together. "You go on up stairs maybe even take a bath. I have one thing I want to take care of first."
Jennifer looked at Jonathan with concern. "Are you alright darling?"
He smiled. "Yes." He kissed her head. "Trust me."
"Okay. See you in a few minutes?"
"Few minutes," he agreed.
Jennifer took a quick shower letting the hot water pelt away the nerves that seemed to linger after the dream. Her life was back and she would never take for granted just how wonderful a life it was. Poor Jonathan. He was equally as unsettled as she was. That was the only thing that could explain the way he’d so desperately took her. Had he had the dream too? Or was it just from the prospect of possibly losing his family in a car accident? Then again, maybe it was just because it had been such a long time since they’d made love? He had no reason to feel desperate. She was the one who’d forgotten how perfect her life was. She was the one who took him for granted. The dream was her wake up call and she planned to heed it.
Jennifer was securing her robe as she emerged from the dressing area. "Oh my," she exclaimed at the room full of flickering candles, the bottle of champagne chilling by the bed, and Jonathan laying comfortably on his side in long pajama pants but no shirt.
"Refreshed?" he asked.
"Yes," Jennifer continued to take in the warm light cast by the candles and her husband so beautifully poised on the bed. "This is wonderful."
Jonathan sat up to open the champagne.
"And champagne too."
"We have much to celebrate." Jonathan popped the cork and poured her a glass.
"We do?"
"Yes." Jonathan handed her a glass and motioned her to sit on the bed with him. "To my beautiful wife," he said clinking his glass with hers.
"And to my equally as handsome husband." They both sipped, their eyes locked on each other.
"I want to make a pledge to you Jennifer."
Jennifer cocked her head in question. "A pledge?"
"Yes. I haven’t been a very good husband lately. I haven’t been nearly attentive enough to you or Max. That won’t ever happen again. I promise."
"Oh, Jonathan." She reached out to stroke his face. "It wasn’t you. I took on too much work…"
Jonathan took her hand in his. "No. I’m to blame too. The call I made today was to Nick. I turned over the car seat project to him and Alan. You were right, they are capable of doing it without my constant supervision."
"Jonathan, that project was important to you, to parents, please don’t give it up because I was being selfish."
"I’m giving it up because you and Max are the most important things in my life." Jonathan kissed the palm of her hand. "You and he do things. You teach him things, and I’m oblivious to it. I don’t want to miss a single thing from now on."
Jennifer smiled. She understood. He wasn’t doing this just because of her, but for himself and Max too. "I have a confession to make."
Jonathan raised a brow. "Confession? I don’t know if I like the sound of that."
"Its good. While you and Max were hunting bugs and snakes this afternoon, I resigned from the Healthy Kids project and told Marcia that book would be late and she just had to deal with it."
"Darling, the healthy kid project was important to you. We discussed it before you even took it."
"You are more important. And it was more than I thought it would be. I don’t want to do it." Jennifer moved closer to him. "Jonathan, I had the most unsettling dream or vision or something while I was in the hospital. I saw my life… no I lived my life without you. Like we’d never met. Except we did meet later. But by then it was too late for us. We were married to other people."
"Oh. That is a frightening prospect." Jonathan wrapped an arm around her and rubbed her back. "Was she pretty?"
"Who?"
"My wife? Was she pretty?"
Jennifer raised a brow and then frowned. "Jonathan! I’m serious."
"I am too." He moved closer to her. "Did she have your beautiful eyes that change colors when your mad, or happy, or turned on?" He kissed each of her eyes.
"I don’t know."
"Did she taste as sweet and rich an you do?" He trailed kisses down her neck and throat.
"I wouldn’t know," Jennifer said getting distracted.
"Did she have gorgeous, firm, round, succulent breasts like you do?" He used his teeth to pull her robe aside to reveal her breasts.
"I hope not…" Jennifer said letting the warmth flow from Jonathan’s mouth through her whole body.
"Because if she did, I’d like to meet her."
"Jonathan!" Jennifer pushed him away and pouted.
Jonathan laughed.
"I never met her but my husband… well… he was tall, dark and handsome."
"Really?" Jonathan said completely amused.
"Yes. He had eyes the color of a summer storm, and his kisses were wet and hot, and he had the largest, longest…"
"Wait a minute," Jonathan said putting his hand over her mouth. "I met Alexander and the only thing he was large and long on was ego."
Jennifer’s eyes were wide as saucers. "You had it too! The dream. You had it too."
Jonathan smiled. "Yes. Although it was more of a nightmare." He pulled Jennifer against him. "It made me realize that I had gotten selfish and complacent. I promise it won’t happen again." He brushed his knuckles across her cheek. "I love you so much. I wouldn’t have a life without you. I’ll never forget that again."
Jennifer bit her bottom lip trying to keep from crying. "I love you," she whispered. "I promise to never let you forget that." She could feel tears threatening again as they had over the last couple of days when she remembered the dream and the possibility that her life could have been so much less. She let herself be held by Jonathan, immersing herself in the feel of him.
"Are you alright?" He asked sensing her desperation.
"Yes." She looked up at him. "Make love to me," she said as her robe dropped from her shoulders. Jonathan realized that like him, Jennifer needed a period to reconnect, to rid their souls of the empty feeling the dream had left. The dream had frightened them both and they needed to fill and refill each other until the fear and pain were gone.
"God, you’re so beautiful." His voice cracked as the intensity of the moment overwhelmed him. He had made love to her before but somehow this felt like the first time. That made him want to go slow, to savor and prolong the passion for as long as possible. He leaned to her, his lips gliding over her mouth and jaw and neck in a sweet caress.
Jonathan stood and removed his pajama pants. As he returned to the bed he maneuvered them so they kneeled facing each other. Jennifer reached out running her hand over his strong, muscular chest. Jonathan closed his eyes savoring Jennifer’s hands and lips as they explored his body. When her lips returned to his, he reached for her, pulling her close so she could feel his desire for her.
He slipped one hand behind her, to hold her firmly to him as his other hand explored the silken softness between her thighs. He massaged her intimately, knowingly, wringing a gasp from her as his finger delved into her warmth.
Jennifer’s head dropped back, her body arched to his hand, encouraging him, begging him. Not holding back, she moaned as she moved against his hand, feeling the waves of passion building until the final climax crashed through her.
Jonathan continued to caress her soft petals as he leaned over to take a taut peak of her breast in his mouth. He felt her quiver as his actions rekindled her desire. Slowly, he slid his arms to hold her buttocks and pulled her to him. Sitting back on his haunches, he pulled Jennifer onto his thighs.
Knowingly, Jennifer adjusted her legs and positioned herself over his waiting manhood. She closed her fingers around him, sending a low growl through him. She let her entrance brush lightly against his is velvety tip and smiled when he begged her to take him. Slowly she eased herself on him, taking him in inch by inch. His hand on her waist pulled her down, down, until he filled her very soul. It had felt like forever since she had felt so close to him.
With her hands wrapped around his shoulders, she began to move rhythmically, sliding almost all the way off and then taking him fully again.
Jonathan nestled his head in her breasts, nipping and licking them with each stroke until his desire took over. Together they moved gracefully, knowingly, as the wild sensations grew hotter and more intense, building into a glorious crescendo.
"Jonathan!" Jennifer felt her self burst into a million brilliant shards. The moment was so sweet and so perfect.
Jonathan felt her climax as his own consciousness dimmed and he poured his life and soul into her. Then they clung together as their hearts beat together as one again.
