Karma Read online

  Abby reached for his shoes, discarding them quickly. Soon, she released him from his pants. Sitting back on her heels, she looked him over thoroughly. “You’re better than perfect, do you know that?”

  “I’m not but I’m very flattered that you think so.”

  Abby looked at him intently. “Do you trust me?”

  “Yes,” he answered emphatically.

  “Will you let me try something?”

  “Anything,” Jesse submitted willingly.

  She studied him for a moment longer before taking him at his word. When her mouth preformed the magic he was already addicted to, he fought not to thrash under her. Repeatedly, she took him to the brink, only to draw him back at the last second.

  “Oh gods, please,” Jesse pleaded.

  Once again, Abby took him to the edge. This time, right when he was ready to explode she clamped her hand around the base of his shaft, preventing the eruption that boiled within him.

  Jesse thought he was going to pass out. Whatever Abby was doing felt better than he ever knew it could. He struggled through the sensations, fighting to make sense of what was going on.

  “Trust me,” Abby urged when his eyes focused on her watching face.

  “I do,” he managed right before her lips resumed their play. She had him so ultra-sensitized he couldn’t breathe. When she drew his cock fully into the back of her throat, it was enough to make him shout with pleasure. As she withdrew, her tongue toyed with his entire length, setting off fireworks deep in his groin. He was afraid to move as she sank back around him. When the hand that had been wrapped around his thigh, found his overripe balls, Jesse felt the world spin out of control.

  Abby timed it perfectly. She was able to sense when he was ready. All at once, she removed her mouth, leaving only the head suctioned within her lips. The hand on his sac kneaded firmly as the one at the base of his cock released its pressure. Suddenly, she was stroking him within her grasp, forcing his orgasm with her hands, drawing it out of him with her mouth.

  She held him gently while he regained his bearings. She rested her head on his thigh. When his hand lodged in her curls, she looked up at him.

  “Come here,” he requested quietly. Abby let him pull her onto the sofa next to him and was soon wrapped in his arms. “I can’t begin to describe how that just made me feel.”

  “Is that good or bad?” she asked timidly.

  “Incredibly, spectacularly good! Sensational. So far beyond amazing that no one invented the words to describe it.”

  “So you liked it?”

  “You really have to ask?” Jesse covered her face with kisses. “I was afraid I was going to pass out. I now believe that you can die from too much pleasure.”

  “Does that mean you won’t ever let me do that again?”

  “Oh hell, Abs,” he growled. “I don’t know how often I can take it but you’re welcome to find out. I am yours! If you choose to kill me, I can’t think of a better way to go.”

  “I’d never kill you.” Abby giggled.

  “I know.” He kissed her tenderly. “Going to tell me who taught you how to do that? I’d like to call to say thanks.”

  “Well, uh,” she paused. “I never exactly did that before. I read about it once. I wasn’t sure I was doing it right.”

  “Oh it was right. Trust me, it was perfectly right. Any other things you’d like to try out on me? Not this second but next week, when I’m functional again.”

  “Maybe.” She flashed him a grin.

  “Tease.” He returned it. “Why do you still have all your clothes on?”

  “Because this was about you trusting me. I don’t want you to think you need to do anything whenever you let me take advantage of you.”

  “One.” He reached for her shoes, tossing them over the back of the couch. “It’s not taking advantage when someone is more than willing to cooperate, anytime, anywhere, as many times as is physically possible. Two.” He tugged her clothes from her body. “It’s not a chore to reciprocate. I want to make you feel as good as I can, anytime, anywhere, as often as you want. And three.” He maneuvered them so they were lying face-to-face on the sofa and tossed the quilt from the back over them. “I do trust you. Feel free to test me anytime, anywhere, as frequently as you need to. I’m yours, outlaw. You captured me and I’m not returnable.”

  “Who said anything about returning you?” Abby sighed, snuggling against him. “This is so nice.”

  “More than nice,” Jesse agreed, deciding he could cuddle with her forever and be the happiest man alive.

  Jesse thought Abby had fallen asleep until he heard her soft voice. “Thank you.”

  “You’re very welcome,” he whispered against her hair before pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I love you.”

  “I know, Jesse. I can feel it now. Can you tell I love you too?”

  “Yes,” he spoke truthfully. “But don’t hesitate to remind us.”

  “Now who’s the tease?”

  “Not what I meant although I’d be lying if I tried to deny how much I enjoyed that.”

  “It was more than that for me too.” Abby entwined her legs with his. “I don’t want to move.”

  “That’s good because I was planning on holding you.”

  “Mm.” Abby sighed happily. “Don’t stop.”

  “I won’t. I’m yours,” he whispered until they both drifted into a satisfied slumber.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Jesse tugged Abby with him when her pace slowed to almost a stop. “Stop stalling. Andie really will come after us once everyone else is there. If we aren’t last, we can just slip in without her making a fuss.”

  “I’m sorry.” She was struggling to contain the panic that threatened to overcome her. “I can do this,” Abby declared, more to herself than Jesse.

  “Of course you can,” Jesse responded anyway. “They’re all nice people. Well, except for Andie’s mother but I’m sure she’s been warned to behave or she’ll be banished again. Not that she’d direct her snide remarks at you anyway. It’s just Andie who seems to bring it out of her.”

  “Now that’s something I’m familiar with.” Abby fidgeted nervously.

  Jesse stopped her before taking her inside the diner and attempted to kiss her fears away. After a sweet but lingering kiss, he winked. “Let me know when you’re in need of more encouragement.”

  “Oh. That’s what that was. Encouragement.”

  “Idea worked for me.”

  “Me too.” Abby refused to budge. “More, please.”

  Several kisses later, he chuckled at the flush on her cheeks. “I think you’re ready now.”

  “I don’t but I guess we have to go in anyway.”

  “You’re fine. I won’t let go.”

  A minute later, Abby felt the continued pressure of Jesse’s hand on her back when Andie wouldn’t let her avoid an exuberant hug. “Thank you for not being late. I practically had to avoid Brett all week, I’m so excited. I’m grateful Aunt Sadie agreed to come and visit us. I don’t know how I would have made it without her to distract him.”

  “Let go, Andie. Sorry, Abby, I forgot to warn you that Andie has to touch everyone.”

  “I’m not usually this bad,” Andie apologized. “I’ll be myself again as soon as I get this over with. I didn’t know how hard this was going to be. I should have just told him right away.”

  “I think it’s kind of sweet,” Abby stated shyly. “And I don’t mind hugging.”

  “What a relief! I know I just said I’d behave but I can’t resist when I’m this happy. Are you planning on staying long enough for me to prove I’m not usually this manic? Brett thought I was mousy when we first met.”

  “I don’t believe it!” Abby exclaimed.

  “He did,” Jesse confirmed. “He was mistaken, of course. Tried to convince himself he could avoid fate.”

  “Sounds like you heard about Jesse’s cosmic plan,” Andie bubbled as Abby nodded mutely. “Good. We’ll talk but right
now, I gotta go.”

  Jesse ignored the stunned expression on Abby’s face as he guided her to the booth where Jordan and Kiley were sitting. He seemed to have decided there would be plenty of time to introduce Abby after Andie’s announcement.

  After Dee called for their attention, Brett was the only one surprised when Andie stood. “As Dee just said, thank you all for coming tonight. I appreciate you wanting to be here to share this with me. I can’t imagine any of you not being here after all you’ve been through to help get us this far. Brett, first I need to ask you to forgive me for the past week. I know I’ve been acting weird but I’m sure you’ll understand. I invited our friends and families to join us because I want them to help make this special. I loved you from the moment we met. In spite of what you might think, I never stopped. You can’t know how wonderful I felt when you said you’d wait for me to be ready to marry you.” Andie was smiling through her tears as Brett clasped her hands in his.

  “Andie.” Brett seemed afraid she wasn’t about to say what he hoped for.

  “I love you, Brett Hudson. If you still want me, I’m ready to get married.”

  Brett instantly wrapped his arms around her hugging her to his chest, unable to speak through his emotions. He brought himself under control when Jordan slipped something into his hand. Meeting his best friend’s gaze over Andie’s head, he understood what it was. Disengaging himself from Andie’s embrace, he dropped to one knee in front of her and captured her left hand. “I love you, Andrea Sloan. Will you please marry me?” He extended an open ring box.

  “Oh my God,” Andie gasped in amazement. “How did you know?”

  “I didn’t. Fortunately Jordan knows me well enough to know I’d want to make this official as soon as you told me. I’ve had this in my office since you decided to let me make it up to you.” He waited a moment before he growled, “You haven’t answered me, wench. Yes or no. Are we getting married or not?”

  “Yes, yes, yes!” Andie tugged him up for a kiss as the whole room broke out in cheers.

  Jesse brought Abby’s hand to his mouth and placed a kiss in her palm. She peeked at him over their hands and knew he was thinking about how she had insisted they not tell his friends they were married. But she still couldn’t entirely conquer her fears. Granted, they were all nice so far, but she couldn’t quite believe they wouldn’t turn on her when they learned she and Jesse had married so quickly. Even though she had failed miserably at hiding Earl’s abuse and no one seemed to hold it against her, it could still be different once they realized she had gone straight from Earl’s house to Jesse’s hotel and had accepted his proposal all within a few hours.

  “Hey.” Frank intruded on her thoughts. “We were afraid you weren’t going to show. This is Shelby.”

  “Hi, Abby. I’m so happy to meet you.” Shelby smiled warmly. “Why don’t we move over there where we’re less in the way?”

  “Okay.” Abby let herself be pulled along to a quieter spot.

  “Don’t be nervous,” Shelby whispered as she closed the distance between them. “We’ve all been waiting for Jesse to find you. I’m glad you’re finally here.”

  “Um, thanks.” Abby felt swamped.

  “Shelby.” Frank made her step back after exchanging a look with Jesse. “You’re smothering her.”

  “Oops.” Shelby tried to act contrite. “Just ignore me. I tend to get a little emotional sometimes. I forget that not everyone is used to me.”

  “That’s okay,” Abby replied automatically. “It’s nice to meet you too.”

  “Shelby’s exuberant but harmless,” Jesse whispered as he slid his arm around Abby.

  “I’m sorry.” Abby tucked herself against Jesse’s side. “Jesse told me all about you so I wouldn’t be like this but I guess it didn’t help after all.”

  “You’re doing fine,” Frank declared. “Jesse should have also told you that the people in this room are an extremely affectionate bunch. Don’t be surprised if they all greet you the same way Shelby and Andie did. We’re all friends here.”

  “He said that too.” She cringed.

  Jesse startled her with a kiss, followed by a shrug. “You didn’t say anything but it seemed like you were ready.”

  Abby finally smiled. “Thanks. I needed that.”

  “I know I shouldn’t ask,” Shelby began.

  “But you will anyway,” Jesse finished. “Abby is supposed to let me know when she’s feeling insecure so I can give her some encouragement.”

  “Lame one, Jess,” Frank teased. “We all know that’s just an excuse so you don’t go too long between kisses.”

  “Sure, but my explanation sounds much better,” he admitted, shamelessly kissing Abby again.

  Jesse slowly led Abby around, introducing her to his friends. They were talking to his cousin, Holly, and her husband when Abby stiffened next to him. Following the direction of her eyes, Jesse understood what had triggered her reaction.

  “Look at Andie.” Jesse drew Abby’s focus away from the way Brett was biting Andie’s neck to the expression on her face. “He’s not hurting her, Abby. I know how it seems but Andie wants him to do that. See how she just offered him the other side? It excites her. I should have prepared you better. They get carried away sometimes and forget they’re not alone. Tonight is too emotional for them to not act this way.”

  “I thought he was really biting her.”

  “He is. Not hard enough to break skin. I have seen marks though but I promise Andie was honestly content to have them. Does she look like she’s pretending?”

  “No. I’m overreacting. Again. I’m sorry.”

  “You were just surprised. I’d think the same thing if I didn’t know them.”

  “She really does look happy.”

  “Yeah. They’re kind of amazing really. They are both generally calm and easygoing. But put them together and the sparks fly. Brett becomes ultra-macho and Andie pushes him to see how far he’ll go. I haven’t gone into the all the details of the night they got back together but I will later. This’ll seem tame compared to some of the things I know about.”

  When Charlie approached the couple, wanting to ask a question, Brett relinquished his hold on Andie’s neck. “What’s on your mind, princess?”

  “You and Andie are getting married like Mommy and Daddy did before they got me.”

  “We are.”

  “You gonna go at it like rabbits so you can make a baby?” Charlie asked in a loud voice, stunning all who were nearby into a temporary silence before they erupted into laughter.

  “How about if we talk about this when we get home?” Shane suggested as he scooped up his daughter.

  “Sure, Daddy.” Charlie giggled as he tickled her. “It’s good Mommy didn’t yell. You’re not supposed to yell at inside parties.”

  “That’s right, princess,” he agreed, winking at Alyssa. “Your mommy is such a good girl for remembering her manners.”

  “Ignore them, Alyssa.” Andie stepped away from Brett to intervene. “Come have some cake and let Shane handle it.”

  “Before Charlie comes up with something else,” Jesse said, joining their circle, “I’d like Abby to meet Brett.”

  “Ah, the mystery woman does have a name.” Brett gave her his most charming smile. “Andie was so highly annoyed that Jesse wouldn’t give her more information about you when you decided to come with him that she never told me. Promise you’ll make him bring you over so she can satisfy her curiosity.”

  “There’s not really much to know,” Abby muttered.

  “Interesting.” Brett studied her. “Mysterious and modest. I can see why Jesse’s trying to keep you all to himself.” When Brett realized Abby was uncomfortable he softened his smile. “I’m just teasing. Before I met Andie, I coerced Jesse into going out a few times. Never did figure out what type of woman it would take to him to drop his polite act. Seems like you’re it.”

  “Brett unfortunately thinks he’s cute, Abby. Maybe it’s time we go see what
has Wyatt’s attention before it gets any deeper over here.” Jesse guided her away, hoping Brett’s humor hadn’t upset her. When they were relatively isolated in the doorway between the counter and the dining room, he held her against him. “How are you holding up? They’re just teasing. They really don’t mean anything by it.”

  “I know, Jesse.” Abby wished she could relax enough so he would stop worrying about her. “I’m okay.”

  Jesse kissed her anyway. “Better?”

  “One more, please,” she encouraged him. When they separated this time, she said, “Better. Where’s Wyatt?”

  “Hiding in the corner.” Jesse took her to him. “What’s up, Wyatt? I thought you’d be more curious about Abby than this.”

  “Knew you’d get here sooner or later. Didn’t want a lot of people around. Got a wedding present for later.” He beamed as he handed over a large envelope.

  “W-wedding present?” Abby tried to back away but ran into the solid wall of Jesse behind her.

  “Keeping it quiet, huh? Can do.” Wyatt kept smiling. “I guess my cousin didn’t bother to tell you that none of them can do anything without me knowing about it.”

  “How?” Abby asked.

  “Computers. Any time one of their names is entered into a database of any sort, I know. Gotta keep my eye on them somehow.”

  “Wyatt thinks we’d get into all sorts of trouble without him watching over us,” Jesse explained.

  “Did something good this time,” Wyatt declared.

  “A compliment, Wy? You really impressed him, Abby. Wyatt never willing admits he approves until he has no other choice.”

  “Told you, Jess. Abby’s interesting. Going to be good to have around.”

  “Wow.” Abby instantly liked Jesse’s cousin. He was even more out of place than she was and she couldn’t resist grinning at him. “Thanks, Wyatt. I was afraid I’d been so rude that you wouldn’t talk to me.”

  “Nah. Just reacting to your surroundings. Made me think.”

  “Wyatt, no time machines. I’ll never forgive you if you send Abby into some unknown dimension and can’t get her back,” Jesse said seriously.