Jackson’s Jewel

Chapter Fourteen

Emerald stood in the center of the kitchen and gave it one final inspection. Everything was as it should be. All the dishes were washed and put away, the leftovers were in the refrigerator and the floor had been swept. The crowd had left about ten minutes ago and Jackson had disappeared upstairs almost immediately.

She chewed on her bottom lip and then made herself stop. She’d thought she’d broken herself of that nervous habit years ago, but she’d been doing it a lot again lately. But it was no wonder she’d fallen back into her bad habit. With a stalker on her trail, she had a lot to be concerned about. And then there was Jackson.

She was rapidly falling for him, knew that she already had very deep feelings for him. Groaning, she scrubbed her hands over her face. Who was she trying to kid? She was in love with the man. It had happened so quickly, she hadn’t had time to put up any barriers to protect herself. He had her heart whether he wanted it or not, and she had no idea how he felt about her. Oh, she knew that he liked her a lot and he was certainly sexually attracted to her, but she didn’t know if it went any deeper than that.

Jackson was a private man. That much was abundantly evident. She couldn’t believe that his family hadn’t even known about his photography. Emerald raised her head, dropping her hands by her sides. She’d stood here and lectured Nathan on how important this was to Jackson. She’d had no right to interfere. This was a matter to be hashed out among family members. But she hadn’t been able to sit there and let Nathan make light of Jackson’s accomplishments.

Then there was the matter of the farm. Emerald shook her head in disbelief as she wandered over to stare out the window. Maybe it was because she was an outsider it was easier for her to see things as they were. Jackson loved this place, needed it in the same way that the rest of the world required air to breathe. It was in his blood. But even more, it was who he was. She understood the force driving him to create something that belonged just to him. After all, she and her sisters had done the same thing when they’d started their company.

Night had fallen over the farm. She stared up at the inky black sky and admired the yellow crest of the moon, surrounded by a scattering of stars. The natural spectacle gave her an idea for another design. She filed it in her mind for now, promising herself that she’d make some notes before she went to bed.

It was so dark here at night. Unlike the city, where artificial lights were everywhere, here there were only the lights from the house and the rest was darkness. Crossing her arms across her chest, she rubbed them, suddenly cold.

Strong arms wrapped around her from behind, chasing away the chills. Emerald leaned back against him and let his heat warm her. “Hey,” he murmured as he nibbled the side of her neck.

“Hey,” she breathed, tilting her neck to the side. He rewarded her by nipping at her earlobe and tugging on the silver and amethyst hoops that she wore.

“You looked deep in thought.” Although she could feel his erection digging into the small of her back, she felt no impatience in him. He seemed as content as she did to just stand there and savor the closeness between them. “Emerald?”

What had she been thinking? The man always seemed to be able to scatter her thoughts. “I was just thinking about this afternoon and everything that happened with your family.”

Jackson rested his chin on the top of her head and gently rubbed it back and forth. “I’m glad that everything is out in the open. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while now, but the time never seemed right until today.” He hesitated before continuing. “Abel told me that Fred Kirby, the delivery guy, has been asking about you. Apparently he’s been getting a bit adamant with your sisters, demanding to know where you are.”

“Why didn’t he tell me this?”

Jackson continued to move his chin back and forth across the crown of her head. “With everything else that went on here tonight, he forgot until he was getting aboard the truck to head home.”

She nodded, trying to relax her suddenly tense muscles. Surely soft-spoken, slightly geeky Fred was no threat to her family. “He’s been wanting me to talk to Beau about a computer game he’s created. You know that.” She’d told him everything when she’d made out her list of suspects.

“Yeah. Your investigator doesn’t seem overly worried and neither, apparently, do your sisters.”

She hated this. Hated being away from her family. Hated not knowing who was out there who wanted to hurt her and ruin her life. A lead weight rested in the pit of her stomach as she wondered if her life would ever be normal again. She’d never take normal, everyday living for granted for as long as she lived. Each day was a gift. Today had been an especially wonderful one.

Glancing out the window, she could see the reflection that she and Jackson made in the glass. He was so much larger than her, yet somehow they fit together in a way that looked and felt right. His big body hovered protectively behind her, his arms holding her close. She was surrounded by him, and for tonight, she wanted to bask in the closeness.

“Come upstairs with me.” Jackson met her gaze in the glass and she could feel the sudden tension in his body. Did he think she’d refuse? She didn’t speak, but nodded instead. He turned her, tucking her under his arm and guided her toward the stairs. He turned off the kitchen light as they left the room behind them. Emerald had a feeling she wouldn’t be sleeping in her own bed tonight and that suited her just fine.

Neither of them spoke, but she didn’t feel the need for words. She was content to just be in Jackson’s company. They’d both talked a lot today, sharing deep, personal things. The time for talking was over. Now it was time to just feel.

He surprised her when he bypassed the bedroom and continued on to the bathroom. “Just a sec.” He released her and grabbed a pack of matches off the counter, quickly lightly the four white pillar candles that were placed there. When they were all lit, he flicked off the light, leaving the room bathed in the gentle light.

She allowed him to tug her into the room. The large bathtub was already filled with water and several thick towels and washcloths had been laid out. Jackson reached for the hem of her top and began to pull it upward.

“The bathroom is much nicer than it was even a year ago. I did a lot of work on the place last winter. I tore down a wall and took part of the guestroom to make the bathroom larger. That allowed me to put in a separate shower stall and this bigger tub.” Emerald tried to nod, but the tank top covered her head as Jackson tugged it off her and let it drop to the floor. Because her top had a built-in bra, she was naked from the waist up.

“God almighty,” he muttered as he dropped to his knees in front of her and buried his face against her stomach. She automatically wrapped her arms around his thick shoulders, holding him to her. She sensed he was in an odd mood but wasn’t quite sure what to do about it.

His lips grazed over her tummy as he nuzzled her. His tongue circled her bellybutton before snaking inside. She sucked in a breath, curling her toes into the mat beneath her feet. “Jackson?”

He muttered a curse and gave her belly one last open-mouthed kiss before surging to his feet. “Bath first.” His fingers went to the button of her shorts, then the zipper. He wasted no time, tugging her shorts and panties down at the same time.

She was now totally naked, but he was still dressed. Yes, it was only his jeans, but it was still clothing. “What about you?” She reached for him, but he sucked in his stomach and took a step back.

“You do that and we won’t make it into the bathtub.” His jaw clenched and she could see the muscles working. The bulge in his pants was rather impressive.

“All right,” she agreed as she stepped toward the bath. He was beside her in an instant, steadying her as she stepped over the side. Once she was settled back against the edge of the tub, he ripped open the front of his pants and skinned them down his legs. He hadn’t bothered with underwear when he’d redressed earlier, so there was nothing holding in his erection. His cock sprang free, hard and ready, and she could see that the tip was already moist.

He took a deep breath, raking his fingers through his hair before stepping into the tub. “Sit up.” She did and he slid in behind her, leaning back against the edge. He pulled her back against him until she was resting against his chest.

“This is nice.” It was better than nice actually. She could feel his erection pressing against the cleft of her behind and it was heating her from the inside out.

He reached out and snagged a bar of soap and lathered his hands. When he was satisfied, he dumped the soap back into the holder. Starting at her shoulders, he began to massage his way down. She groaned as his fingers dug into her tight muscles, loosening then dissolving the tension. “That feels good,” she gasped as he squeezed and released.

“I want you to feel better than good,” he whispered wickedly in her ear. His hands traced the fragile line of her collarbone as his tongue traced the whorls of her ear.

Her legs moved restlessly and he hooked his own beneath hers and then spread his legs as wide as the tub would allow. It opened her completely and kept her from clamping her thighs together to find some relief from the need building inside her.

When his large, soapy hands covered the mounds of her breasts, she arched her hips. And when he traced her swollen nipples with his thumbs, she whimpered. Her pussy ached to have him inside her. Her inner muscles were clenching and relaxing in a rhythmic pattern.

“That’s it,” he all but purred as he rolled her nipples between his thumbs and forefingers. “You respond so quickly to me. It’s such an incredible turn-on.” He plucked at her nipples again, pinching them a bit harder this time.

“Jackson!” Emerald cried his name as her hips moved ineffectively. Her chest was heaving as she gasped for breath. The air around them was thick with steam and the passion flaring between them. Her body was alive, all the nerve endings tingling as desire pulsed through her. He’d only touched her breasts and she was close to coming.

“Tell me what you want.” He gently bit at her earlobe before soothing the small sting away with his tongue. Water sloshed dangerously close to the edge of the tub as her hips pumped. She couldn’t get much force behind her thrusts because his ankles were holding hers locked to the sides of the tub.

“I want—” She broke off on a moan as he carefully tugged on her nipples again.

“What do you want?” He continued to ply his fingers, teasing her, tormenting her. “Do you want me to touch you anywhere else? Maybe you’d like me to fuck your pussy with my fingers?” He nibbled at the base of her neck. “Would you like that?”

“Yes,” she gasped. Reaching up, she grabbed one of his hands and thrust it between her thighs.

“That’s it,” he crooned. “Show me what you want.”

She clamped her hand around his wrist and tried to get his fingers to touch the places she needed, but it was impossible. “Do it, Jackson,” she demanded, thrusting her hips upward. Her back pressed hard against his cock and it was his turn to groan.

His fingers slid easily inside her. One. Two. Then finally, three. “Yes,” she panted as he began to ease his fingers in and out of her hot, moist sheath. His thumb grazed her clitoris with every thrust of his fingers. It was too much. It wasn’t enough.

She throbbed from head to toe. Even the roots of her hair ached as Jackson pushed her body higher and higher. The hand at her breast continued to pluck and tug at her nipples, first one and then the other. His face was buried in the curve of her neck, his breathing harsh as his fingers moved quicker and quicker in and out of her pussy.

Tension thrummed through her, getting tighter and tighter until she knew it had to snap. One final tug at her breast and a deep thrust of his fingers drove her over. Convulsing, she cried out his name. Mindlessly, she pumped her hips, wanting to milk every last sensation from the orgasm rocketing through her.

Jackson didn’t stop, but kept up a steady rhythm until she was laughing and crying and begging him to stop. He slid his fingers from her core and wrapped his arms tight around her, hugging her to him.

Knowing he’d take care of her, she closed her eyes and lolled against him.

Jackson took one deep breath and then another. He was a hairsbreadth away from coming, and the last thing he wanted to do was spill his seed in the bathtub. But it wasn’t easy. Emerald was so damn sexy. She gave everything to him whenever they came together. He’d never known another woman like her. The way she responded to him, it was if she’d been created especially for him. He touched her and her body immediately reacted.

Her cries and breathy moans had almost driven him over the edge. He grunted as she shifted slightly, pressing more firmly against his straining erection. She tilted back her head and when he looked down, she was smiling at him. It wasn’t a big smile, but a sleepy, satisfied one.

His heart thudded heavily even as his cock throbbed. He didn’t have any more time to waste. He shifted her from his lap and gripped the sides of the tub, hauling himself out. She gave a small shriek and a laugh as water sloshed everywhere, including over her. So much for being romantic. “Sorry about that,” he muttered as he grabbed a towel and gave his body a few quick swipes.

“That’s okay.” Her dark brown eyes were soft and her lashes were spiky from where she’d grabbed the washcloth and given her face a quick wash.

What little makeup she’d been wearing had long disappeared. Not that she wore much. He was no expert, but he’d never noticed more than some lipstick and maybe some mascara, but he couldn’t even be sure about that. She had such thick lashes naturally that she probably didn’t need any. The fact that he was even thinking about women’s makeup told him he was quickly losing his mind.

“Time to get you out of the tub.” If she didn’t get out soon, he’d climb back in and fuck her in the tub and he didn’t want to do that. This time he wanted to take things slow and easy. That is, if he could manage to maintain enough control.

Reaching down, he helped her stand and then step out of the tub onto the thick bathmat. He flipped the plug open so that water would drain before grabbing a fresh towel and stroking it over her body. He wanted to linger, but he knew that he couldn’t. His balls were so tight against his body they ached.

Tossing both towels aside, he blew out all the candles, grabbed Emerald’s hand and tugged her behind him, leaving the bathroom behind. He could sense her confusion, but she went easily, not asking him any questions, for which he was very grateful. He wasn’t sure he could actually explain the sense of urgency driving him. Ever since this afternoon at the pond, he’d had a need to join his body with hers and claim her.

Deep inside him there was a place that still held out a tiny hope that if he bound her to him physically with sex, then she might want to stay. Even as he thought it, he dismissed it. She had a life. He had a life. All they had was now. And by God, he planned to enjoy every moment of the now.

Entering his room, he led her over to the bed. She sat on the edge, never taking her eyes off him as he lit several candles he’d placed on the dresser and nightstand. He’d never tried his hand at being romantic before, but something about Emerald made him want to try. And he knew that women found candles romantic. Luckily for him, Erin had liked candles but hadn’t taken them when she’d left home a year ago. He’d been able to find some tucked away in the storage closet.

He strode back to the bed, determination in every step. A condom was already on the bedside table. He ripped the packet open so he wouldn’t have to waste time doing it later. This way, when he was ready to claim her, the condom would be ready and there would be no waiting.

“Lie back on the bed.” He stood with legs braced apart, wanting to reach for her but knowing he wouldn’t have much time once he touched her.

Emerald scooted up on the bed, reclining against the pillows. Something inside him relaxed slightly as she reclined. She looked incredibly right in his bed. Then she opened her arms to him and he was lost.

Kneeling up onto the bed, he braced himself over her and kissed her. Her lips always tasted sweet and he loved to lick and nibble them. They parted immediately and he stroked his tongue inside. Her hands clasped his shoulders, her nails digging into him. Just that slight touch made his cock jerk and he pulled back.

“What is it?” He could see the worry in her eyes. “Is there something wrong?”

He nodded. “Yeah.” He took a breath and tried to ignore the pulsing of his cock. “If you touch me, it’s gonna be all over before it really gets going.”

“Oh.” Her eyes widened, but he could see the pleasure in them as well. It was obvious that she liked knowing he wanted her that much.

“Yes, oh.” An idea came to him as she stretched her arms over her head. “Leave them there.” He sat back on his heels and watched her.

“Leave what where?”

Her breasts were firm, her nipples red from his earlier attention. He couldn’t wait to taste them. “Leave your hands over your head and wrap your fingers around the slats in the headboard.” He stroked a finger up the inside of her thigh, pleased when she gasped and opened her legs wider. “You can’t touch me or I’ll come too quickly. But I want to touch you.” He paused for emphasis. “Everywhere.”

Her fingers closed around the slats, but they were so thick she couldn’t get a good grip on them.

“Can you hold them or do you need help?”

She licked her lips and he swallowed a groan as he followed the path of her clever tongue. “What kind of help?”

Jackson surged off the bed and hauled open a dresser drawer and pulled out a silk tie. It was one of two ties he owned. He stood at the head of the bed and stared down at Emerald, the gray silk in his hand. “It’s up to you.”

She stared at him for the longest time before giving a small nod. Quickly, he looped the tie around her wrists and then anchored them to the headboard. “Not too tight?”

She gave an experimental tug and shook her head. “No.” Her voice was low and he detected a note of fear as well as arousal.

He climbed back on the bed, sitting between her spread thighs. “Remember, this is all about pleasure. If I do anything you don’t like, just tell me. All right?” He wanted her excited but not afraid, never afraid of him.

“I trust you.”

Jackson felt like yelling in triumph. His chest swelled. His cock twitched. She might not stay with him forever, but while she was here, she was his. Totally and without reservation. A man couldn’t ask for more than that.

He scooted down slightly and picked up her right foot. “Even your feet are feminine and sexy.” He firmly stroked the bottom with his thumb and watched her toes curl. “The arch is graceful.” Raising it to his lips, he kissed the delicate curve.

“Jackson!” she shrieked, tugging at the bindings.

“Ah, you’re ticklish.” He moved upward to nibble on her toes, before sucking one into his mouth. Her cries turned to moans as his teeth lightly scraped over her toe.

He slowly kissed and nipped his way up her calves, first one and then the other, taking care to pay special attention to the dimples of her knees. Her breathing was getting faster. He glanced up and she was watching him with rapt attention. Her breasts were swaying with every gasp of air she pulled into her lungs. He’d taste them, and soon.

Her thighs were next. His fingers grazed the creases at the top as he licked the soft skin on the insides. He could feel her heat. Smell her arousal. Cream had already seeped from her slit and he sipped it from her thigh. She dug her heels into the mattress and arched her hips toward his mouth. He pulled back and blew gently on her heated core.

Her head thrashed on the pillow as she pulled on the bindings holding her captive. “Jackson,” she breathed his name. His cock jerked in response.

Leaving her pussy behind, he rubbed his face across her softly mounded belly. He loved the feel of her skin against his face. He hadn’t shaved and there was stubble on his jaw so he was careful not to press too hard against her flesh. Instead, he used it to tease her.

He nipped at the flare of her hips and the dip in her waist, moving ever upward. “I’ve been wanting to taste your nipples all night long. They’re like juicy little strawberries just waiting to be eaten.”

Emerald whimpered as he lowered his face, brushing his jaw over the soft mounds. “I love your breasts. They’re large and firm and absolutely perfect.” He straddled her torso as he plumped her breasts in his hands. Leaning forward, he nestled his cock between them and then squeezed them together.

He thought his head might explode, it felt so good. He moved forward, letting his cock slide between her breasts. “Open your mouth.” Her eyes widened as she realized what he wanted, but she parted her lips, licking at them in anticipation. “I love your hot mouth and your sweet lips. Let me fuck your mouth.” He released her long enough to pile several pillows behind her head to prop her up comfortably.

He positioned himself again, cupping her breasts in his hands and pressing them around his cock as he thrust. Her mouth opened, her tongue licking at the head as it passed. Jackson gritted his teeth as he jerked his hips back and forth, driving his cock deeper with each plunge. He thumbed her nipples as he continued and she moaned. The vibration almost sent him over the edge. If he wanted to finish this inside her tight pussy, he had to stop now.

He pulled back, but Emerald sat forward, trying to reach him. He gave a half-groan, half-laugh as he shifted out of her reach. He grabbed the open packet off the nightstand, pulled out the condom and rolled it on. “I want to be inside your hot pussy when I come this time. Your sweet mouth will have to wait for another time.”

He positioned himself between her thighs, slid his hands under her ass and lifted her to his mouth. “First I’m going to eat you until you come. Then I’m going to fuck you until you scream.”

Her eyes glazed over. “Yes,” she hissed as he licked up one side of her slick folds and down the other. He flicked his tongue over her swollen clit before sucking it into his mouth and tugging. He could feel the cream seeping from her body, but it wasn’t enough. He needed her to come again.

Holding her with one hand, he stroked the other one over her labia before sliding two fingers inside. He widened them inside her as he circled her clit with his tongue. Emerald cried out, her hips jerking as she came. Shocked by how quick she’d reached orgasm, he released her and stared down at her flushed face. Her hair was mostly out of her ponytail. Some of it was spread across his pillows while the rest of it was plastered to her face, neck and shoulders. Her hands were clenched into fists around the fabric of his tie and he wondered if it would hold, she was pulling it so tight.

When she sighed and relaxed, he positioned the head of his cock at her opening and pressed inside. Her inner muscles were swollen from her two orgasms, but he kept up a steady pressure until he was seated to the hilt. Reaching up, he tugged at the tie binding her to the headboard. He wanted his hands on her. Wanted to feel the bite of her nails in his skin as he fucked her.

Emerald helped and soon the silk tie was forgotten against the pillows. She groaned as he helped her lower her arms and he leaned down, planting kisses on her forehead, her cheeks, her nose and her chin.

Reaching up, she grabbed his head in her hands and kissed him. Hard. Jackson slid his tongue into her mouth and stroked it against hers. Now that he was inside her the sense of urgency that had been driving him was strangely missing. He was still balanced on a razor’s edge and that was why he hadn’t thrust yet, but he was content to just be inside her.

Gradually, the kiss gentled. Jackson raised his head to stare down at Emerald. “You’re a very special lady.” He brushed a damp curl off her forehead. Both their chests were slick with perspiration so they slid easily as he pulled back and then pressed forward again. “I know I said I wanted to fuck you until you screamed, but I’ve changed my mind.” Pulling back, he pressed forward again. “I want to take it slow and easy and make it last.”

“Slow can be good,” she murmured as she clutched at his shoulders.

He continued the leisurely rocking motion, his eyes never leaving hers. Every now and then, he’d have to kiss her lips or her forehead or some other part of her face. There was no part of her that didn’t fascinate him.

Her body clasped his cock in a tight blanket of warmth, the muscles contracting and relaxing around him. His release, when it came, was long and slow and he felt it in every cell of his body. His cock spasmed, filling the condom instead of her sheath. Emerald wrapped her arms around him and arched up. He felt her reach her own release, her pussy milking his cock until every drop of him was drained.

Totally spent, he collapsed. He managed, at the last second, to avoid completely squashing her into the mattress. He was still nestled inside her, but the bulk of his body was angled off her. It wasn’t comfortable, so he dug his hands into the bed and pushed back. They both groaned when her body reluctantly released him. He rolled off the bed and staggered to the bathroom to clean up. When he returned, he blew out the candles and tugged the covers out from under Emerald before climbing into bed next to her.

She rolled into his arms, throwing one leg over his thighs and wrapping her arm around his chest. Her nose nuzzled against his chest hair before she finally settled down with a huge sigh. Her soft, even breathing told him that she’d fallen asleep that quickly.

Tucking her tighter against him, he ignored the heat and listened to the sounds of the night filter in through the open window. Totally relaxed, he drifted off to sleep.