Read Online Forsaking All Others by Linda Hudson-Smith - Free Book Online Page B

don’t know how we’d manage it. California to New York is at least a five-hour flight, one way.”
    â€œWhat if I agree to do the traveling? Can I visit you in L.A.?”
    Jessica looked surprised by the questions. “You’d be willing to do that?”
    â€œIn a New York minute.” He grinned. “No pun intended. What about it?”
    â€œI’m okay with it if you are. I have a guest bedroom. Just let me know when.”
    â€œWe’re on!” Weston was obviously pleased by the outcome of his probe.
    Jessica fished out a melted marshmallow from her cup. She then held the tiny morsel up to Weston’s lips. After taking the tidbit from her hand, he licked her finger in a provocative way. “Sweet, so sweet. Think I can get another one?”
    Jessica repeated the act. This time he drew her finger into his mouth and sucked on it gently. His eyes connected soulfully with hers, causing her to blush. “I think it’s time for us to make up. What do you think?”
    Jessica responded to Weston’s question by offering up her lips to taste. He quickly accepted the sweet offer in the spirit it had been presented. Kissing her had already become his most favorite thing to do.
    Jessica’s cell phone abruptly interrupted the intimate moment. After identifying the caller, she thought about not answering. She then thought better of it. It could be something important. She really cared about her friends. And Jarred might be having a hard time over the bad breakup with Melanie. She wanted to be there for him.
    â€œWhere are you?” Jarred asked Jessica, sounding rather anxious.
    â€œYou already know where I am. What’s up?”
    â€œYou’re not with your family, because I just called there.”
    â€œAnd? What’s that supposed to mean?”
    â€œNothing, really. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. It bothers me that you’re in Aspen with some guy who doesn’t value you as a person. Please tell me you are not off somewhere alone with him.”
    â€œWhy does that matter to you one way or the other?”
    â€œI just told you. I’m really worried about you being around someone who has a history of being mean to you. Is that a sin? It’s also very late.”
    Jessica’s heart instantly softened toward Jarred despite the fact he had just interrupted a very intimate moment. “No, it’s not a sin. Please don’t be concerned. Everything is under control. I’m a big girl. Okay?”
    â€œI guess. When are you coming home?”
    â€œYou already know that, too. The dates still haven’t changed…and they won’t. Is something going on that I don’t know about? Are you missing Mel?”
    â€œNot in the least. It’s you that I’m missing. It’s you. ”
    Jessica was a bit stunned by Jarred’s candid remarks. She didn’t want to read more into what he had meant by it, but it sounded like he missed her in a way different from the norm. She didn’t want to entertain this. Besides, it was a ludicrous notion. “You’re just lonely. It’s the holidays. I understand what you’re feeling. You need to get with the crew and stop isolating yourself.”
    â€œMaybe you’re right. Call me before you shut down?”
    â€œIn the morning. Like you said, it’s late.”
    â€œGood enough.” Jarred disconnected without further comment.
    Wondering what was really up with Jarred, Jessica scowled, flipping her phone shut. Her best friend was acting terribly strange. Breakups caused a person to feel lonely, but Jarred had said it was the best thing. If that was the case, why was he acting so weird? Jessica wished she had the answers.
    Feeling the intensity of Weston’s eyes on her, she looked over at him and pointed at her cup. “It’s cold now. Refill, please?”
    Weston nodded. The last thing he wanted to do was move away from her