You Can't Run From Love (23 page)

***

“Jess, are you with me?” Rachel circled a breast and a nipple slowly began to stand to attention.

“Just about,” Jess said, looking up at the beautiful face hovering above her. “Not for long though, if you carry on like that.” Rachel had driven her into a frenzy taking her so thoroughly with her mouth. She was convinced a heart attack or stroke was inevitable under this woman’s attention, until her body exploded in release and her mind went completely blank.

Rachel stopped her movements. “You didn’t answer my question.”

Jess tried to think. It really wasn’t any help. “What question?”

“The one I asked you.” She glanced at the clock and smiled. “Four hours ago. What is it that I do to you?”

Jess grinned. “How much you make me want you. It’s scary. You’ve turned me into a sex fiend that can’t get enough of you.”

“I don’t know how I’ve managed that.”

Jess continued, not thinking. “I know exactly how you did it. You made me fall in love with you. That’s how.” She’d said more than she intended to and cringed at her stupidity. She added lightly, “Well, you are rather wonderful, beautiful, gorgeous, in fact pure perfection. Even my uncle’s in love with you. No one would stand a chance.”

Rachel smiled. Jess had declared her love before, yet never mentioned it since. It was obvious to Rachel that Jess didn’t want to pressure her into feeling the same way. How could she have ever doubted this woman?

“Jess I…”

Jess placed a finger on Rachel’s lips. “Shush, don’t say a word, there’s no need.” She watched the struggle on Rachel’s face. She was so close to tears. “Come here, you have a long and important day tomorrow. Three hours sleep really isn’t enough, but it’s better than nothing.”

Rachel snuggled in close and held on tight until sleep swept over her.

Chapter Thirty-One

When Jess, Diane and Margaret arrived at Jasper’s for lunch, Rachel and Scott were already seated and were deep in conversation. The signing was going well and Rachel had received a huge amount of interest over the illustrating. She was secretly pleased, but didn’t want to encourage Scott any further with his gloating. She’d enjoyed the morning meeting fans, book lovers and colleagues. The only blight on the proceedings was Michelle, who had flirted, goaded and belittled her. Then, when Michelle amazingly declared they had made a mistake splitting up, Rachel had to laugh. She had done her utmost to ignore her, especially when it became apparent that there was more interest from book buyers over the illustrations than in the book itself.

It wasn’t until they were just about to take a break for lunch that she realized how desperate Michelle actually was, when she suggested they tell the truth to the press. That they were in a long-term relationship and Rachel had left her. It would explain the dearth of her literary output over the last few years, which to Michelle’s annoyance kept cropping up. She could just say she was heartbroken. That would get her a sympathy vote and hopefully boost her sales and status.

Rachel couldn’t believe she’d ever contemplate such a scheme and wanted to say do I tell them why I left you? That was when she received her biggest surprise. She really didn’t care anymore. Michelle being Michelle had no effect on her, the upset and anger she always felt in her presence just wasn’t there. She smiled contentedly to herself.
You can never hurt me again.
She’d turned to Michelle and said, “All right. You can tell the world we were supposedly a couple, you with your many lovers and me foolishly hanging on to the one. It really doesn’t matter to me.” Scott and Michelle’s agent had been in earshot. Scott smiled. Michelle and her agent glared at her.
Neither, can you use me.

***

Rachel quietly entered her bedroom planning a bath before the party, unless Jess was sleeping. When she’d arrived back her friends had confessed they thought they’d worn Jess out shopping. Margaret suspected Jess’s leg was bothering her and she just wanted a little time to herself before the evening got underway. If Jess was resting, she would rest for a short while too.

She was disappointed not to see Jess in her bed. Noticing the adjoining doors to the bathroom were open, she tiptoed through and peered into the other bedroom. Jess was lying on her side, propped up on her elbow and grinning. “I’m awake.”

Rachel was struck by how magnificent she looked, the simple pair of jogging shorts and a T-shirt emphasizing her long, lean body.

Jess was lost in Rachel’s gaze, enjoying the fact she was openly admiring what she saw. Rachel approached her and cupped Jess’s cheek before tilting her head and pouting her lips slightly. “Ah, you poor thing, did they wear you out?” Rachel squealed as Jess grabbed her wrist.

“I’ll show you who’s tired.” She winced and then she looked Rachel up and down. “Um, I’d better let you go. Your dress?”

“I’m not worried about the dress. I’m more worried about your leg. It’s bothering you, isn’t it?”

“A little, but it’s fine. I’ll have a bath before we go out. That should help.”

Rachel wasn’t convinced. She smiled wickedly. “If I take off my dress, will you take off your bandage?”

Jess laughed and unraveled the bandage. Her leg was a little red and swollen. “Tom gave me antibiotics as a precaution. I’ll let Margaret take a look and let her decide if I should start taking them.”

“Now let me take a look at your arm.” Rachel stroked gently down the side of the six-inch long graze. “That looks okay.” She slowly traced a finger upward and around slightly parted lips, her eyes following every movement. She said teasingly, “All right?”

Jess swallowed hard, waiting for whatever Rachel had in mind. Her body started to crave a lustful dance and this was not the time to take the initiative. Rachel was on a high and feeling incredibly bold. She closed her eyes and slid further up onto the bed, looking forward to the outcome.

Immediately she was straddled. She tugged at Rachel’s silk slip. “What do you have under here?” She knew exactly what was under there. She could see the outline of the lace bra and her fingers had glanced over the edges of lace panties and a suspender belt as she rested her hands on Rachel’s hips. Usually, those did nothing for her, but Rachel wearing them was a totally different concept. The slip was then lifted and removed. “Oh God,” was all she could manage.

Rachel smiled. She could feel the heat building and see the chest rapidly rise and fall in the stunning creature trapped between her thighs. She resumed her tracing, outlining the collar of Jess’s T-shirt and moving down to between her breasts. Pinching at the material and letting it drop, she repeated Jess’s words. “What do you have under here?” She too knew the answer, it was plain to see, absolutely nothing. Her gaze drifted upward to meet glassy, hooded eyes and recognized that look of wanting and desire.

Jess croaked, “Kiss me.” And as Rachel lowered her head she was pulled into a passionate tussle of lips and tongues.

Jess arched her back and moaned as Rachel pulled away and lowered her head, slowly making a trail of kisses down an extended neck, shoulders and finally brushing the hard, pink nipples that were in danger of pushing through the material.

She continued to tease her way lower until she reached the area that most needed her attention, Jess writhing beneath her. She pulled at the waistband of Jess’s shorts and slid them down as she lifted her hips off the bed. Once they were discarded she slowly kissed her way back up to the top of her inner thigh and stroked with her tongue. She heard a high-pitched groan as Jess bucked. She then twirled her fingers around the swollen folds. Jess was so wet, open, and in great need.

Rachel’s arousal reached fever pitch. Again she was amazed at the trust Jess had in her as she fleetingly contemplated sliding her fingers in. She had wanted to more than once last night. It would be easy to convince herself that Jess was begging her to do it with every thrust of her pelvis. She wanted to hear a voiced invitation, not one she thought was being asked for in the heat of passion. It had to be right.

The hunger and need continued to course through Rachel as she found herself on the verge of her own orgasm. In danger of coming first, she clasped her mouth to Jess, sucking and flicking until Jess cried out her name. Her own body pulsated as pressure was released.

Jess opened her eyes to find Rachel cradled in her shoulder. The giddiness, the sound of rushing blood through her ears, and the sweat escaping from every pore, slowly subsided.

Rachel looked up at her, a self-satisfied grin on her face. Jess narrowed her eyes. “Smugness doesn’t become you. Rachel, I…” She didn’t get very far before she was pushed down and a smiling face once again looked up at her.

“I know you enjoyed it and I have every right to be smug.” The fleeting doubt Rachel felt had gone. Jess went to say something but a barring finger was placed on her lips. “The last couple of days have been bliss. Thank you.” Rachel caressed her cheek. “I hope it will continue. A good woman, good sex, what more could I ask for? Oh yes, to be a contributing artist at the National Gallery. How’s that for a life?”

Jess blinked twice. “What did you say?” Rachel beamed as Jess rose onto her side. “The National Gallery, you’re exhibiting at the National?”

Rachel squealed and slapped Jess on the hip. “Yes!”

Pulling her into a tight hug, Jess responded excitedly, “That’s wonderful, congratulations!”

“I knew you’d be pleased for me.”

Jess pulled away, her eyes glistening brightly, amazed that this woman could give off the air of confidence, yet at times appear so vulnerable and insecure. “Of course I’m pleased for you. What an accolade. And one you deserve, I might add.”

Chapter Thirty-Two

Jess threw another couple of logs onto the fire before refilling her wineglass and then slumped lazily back into the overstuffed chair. She listened to Uncle Jack’s groans and protestations as the nurse bathed and readied him for bed. Marie didn’t like this part of the day, feeling the hopelessness of the situation. After the arrival of Nurse Pat, as Marie called her, she had taken to spending the night with Bill. He would collect her after dinner and return her early the next morning.

The few weeks since her visit to London had seen a rapid decline in his health and they all knew it was only a matter of days before, as Jack would put it, he’d be meeting up with the family and his Mary. Don and Jean had emigrated as planned, Jack had insisted they go and not wait around for the inevitable.

Business at the lodges had continued as it had last winter and summer, and according to the bookings, there would be no quiet period ahead.

Jess, with her uncle’s help, had tried to plan for the future. She had looked into hiring a manager and contractors to carry out maintenance. She’d also spoken tentatively to Mark. His daughter, Emma, had arrived home shortly after graduating in business studies with a baby in tow and no man on the horizon. He hadn’t been pleased, but his granddaughter was beginning to win him over and it didn’t look as if Emma was in any hurry to move on.

Rachel had been busy since the signing. Although every spare few days she had, she had been here. Most of her time was spent either in London or New York. Rachel was happy, if not a bit travel weary, and Jess couldn’t deny her that. She couldn’t expect Rachel to give that up just for her. So Jess had decided she would follow Rachel, if she would allow it. She could live like that if she made an effort. She took a gulp of wine. But she loved the lodges…
I love Rachel more.
Her thoughts, as they drifted to the beauty that’d changed her life completely, were interrupted. “Jess, Jack’s settled. If you don’t mind, I’m going to have a bath and then get an early night?”

Jess smiled. “Thanks, Pat. I’ll see you in the morning.”

***

Jess tapped on the door. “Uncle Jack?”

His eyes fluttered open. “Jess, come in. Sit down and keep that woman away from me.”

They both chuckled. Pat had been such godsend since her arrival over two weeks ago.

“You know what the best thing about today was, Jess?”

“No. What?”

“I’m now convinced I’m going to leave you happy.”

He patted her hand. “And one more thing, don’t worry about this place. Don’t feel you have some obligation to me to keep it going. I mean it Jess, This place was Mary’s dream, then mine. I know you love it, but it is only a place. I would have gone wherever Mary wanted to go, done whatever she wanted to do. I want you to know, you have that freedom too.” He grinned. “I don’t want you fearing that I’ll come back and haunt you if you sell.”

She smiled warmly. “We’ll see, but thanks.”

They were quiet for a few moments, both listening to the owls calling to each other in the darkness. Jack queried, “Rachel is coming back tonight isn’t she?”

“Yes, she is. Even though I asked her if she would stay in a hotel overnight and drive up in the morning. She’ll be tired from the flight.”

“She’ll be fine. She sleeps well on planes.” Squeezing her hand, he asked, “Will you stay with me tonight, Jess?”

She looked at her uncle knowing why he had asked and softly replied, “Yes.”

***

Jess had been awake for four hours, watching her uncle like a hawk, remembering his words. He wasn’t afraid to die, though he wasn’t keen to do it alone. She desperately tried to get herself to relax again so he wouldn’t pick up on her anxiety. She was only tired, and he deserved to go peacefully, if that’s what this was all about. She sighed.
I don’t want you to go.

A car door slammed and Jess could feel her tension instantly ease. She whispered, “It’s Rachel, Uncle Jack. She’s back.”

Jess heard the bare feet patter on the stairs and then along the landing. Still watching her uncle’s breathing she called out quietly.

Rachel’s head bobbed around the door and concern was instantly recognizable on her face. “Jess, what’s going on?” She walked over and rested a hand on her shoulder.

Jess reached up and held it, smiling up at her. “Uncle Jack’s sleeping. He didn’t want to be alone. It’s good to see you.”