Page 57 of A Wanderer's Redemption
Henry walks between us, looking up at his dad. “Dad, I want to stay with Miss Jess and Coco.”
Marcus ruffles Henry’s hair before pulling him close to his side in a hug. “We will talk about it more after we get a bath and rest up a bit.”
“A bath … yuck!”
“Oh, and dinner is at the diner at six. And Henry, you’d better clean behind those ears if you want to sit next to Jessica. I’m sure she will be all cleaned up and looking pretty.”
“I don’t know if she can get any prettier, Mr. Kerns, but I’ll put on my best outfit.”
Walking back in, I start up the stairs, taking them two at a time. Sliding the key in the lock without thinking about announcing myself, I find Jess submerged in a large tub, her head back, and eyes closed as the water steams around her. When she doesn’t move when the door opens, I realize she is asleep. So, I tiptoe across the room only to find myself standing over her. The water is cloudy, but there is no hiding those perky breasts and that tiny waist.
Her long brown hair is dripping on the floor behind her, and I gather it gently in my hands, trying not to wake her as I wring out the excess water so that it will be mostly dry before we need to leave for dinner. Dark eyelashes lay against her rosy cheeks, which are flushed from the heat of the water.
Kneeling, I take her in as I seldom ever get to see this unguarded version of her. My finger traces her fragile collarbone as my eyes roam her naked form. Without lowering my hands below the waterline, I run my fingers across the top of her breasts, only to look up and find bright green eyes staring at me.
“Sorry, you were simply too irresistible. I should have knocked before coming in.” When Jess doesn’t say anything, I get worried that I have overstepped. “You alright?”
“Time will tell, … you’re dirty.”
“I figured you grabbed my bag as well when you came up with Henry. I was going to grab a change of clothes and then headdown to the baths behind the inn. I ordered dinner too. Do you know how hard it is to have a conversation with you lying there naked?”
Tawny, perfect breasts rise and fall with each breath, and because I have no willpower at all, I slide an arm under her, instantly soaking the long sleeves I have on and capture one nipple in my mouth. Jess doesn’t fight me or pull away; instead, she arches into me, a gasp on her lips as I suckle harder. Her hands tangle in my long hair.
“Reggie.”
When I hear my name, I’m not sure if it’s a plea or a prayer. Moving to the other breasts, I make sure to give it the same attention. Her innocent moans fill the room as I absorb the sounds of her pleasure like a man starved. It’s absolutely the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard.
I lean my head against her chest, listening to the rapid beating of her heart, and it takes every ounce of willpower I have left, especially after holding her night upon night, to let her go, but I am going to do right by her if it kills me. I feel her hands tighten on me for just a second before I raise up, lowering her back into the water fully.
“You have no idea how hard it is for me not to lift you out of there, lay you on that bed, and spend the rest of the night learning what it takes to get more of those sounds out of you. But I am dirty, and we must be at the diner in about an hour. I am going to go get washed up, then I’ll come back and get you.”
Jess doesn’t say anything, just looks up at me in a daze, and because I am a selfish bastard, I capture her lips in a kiss. ThenI practically run from the room after I grab the things I need out of my bag.
A short while later, I am sitting in a huge tub washing the trail dirt off me with a huge grin on my face as I can still taste her on my lips. The idea of being able to love her freely and come home to her after a long day is something I not only crave but also feel I can’t live without. I’m aware Grant’s relationship with the local pastor has been strained, as many find him intimidating. However, I’m confident we can handle this discreetly, ensuring no one suspects she isn’t my wife. Drying off, it’s nice to put on clean clothes, and because it’s driving me nuts, I walk over to the barbershop, hoping he can get me in. Opening the door, I find an older man cleaning brushes.
“Come on in, Sir, what can I do for you this evening? You caught me just before I was getting ready to lock up for the evening.”
“I need a good trim for now. This beard is wild, and I would like a few inches off all this hair; just up to my collar, as it keeps the sun from roasting my neck.”
“Hop in the chair and let’s see if we can find the face under all that.”
Thirty minutes later, I walk out feeling ten pounds lighter, my hand running over my short beard before heading across the street to pick up Jessica. Once again, I sprint up the stairs, but I stop and knock lightly before opening the door. “Can I come in?”
“Yes, I am just putting the last pin in my hair now.”
I find her sitting at a small vanity in a pale green, day dress, its only ornament being a string of pearls. She turns quickly when she sees me in the mirror.
“You cut off your beard!”
“I was scared a small bird would build a nest in it. It sure was a ratty-looking thing. You look quite stunning. Are those the pearls Victoria gave you?”
“Yes, I hope they are not too fancy.”
“No, in fact, I think you’re still missing something. Hold on a minute.”
I’d pushed this package into my bag when we left Chicago, intending on giving it to her sooner, but the time never presented itself. Once I get it out, I straighten the blue ribbon and the edges before handing it to her.
“What’s this?”
