Forsaking All Others

Chapter 2

Weston and his parents waited in the parking lot for the Harrington car to make it back. The families had decided to have a nightcap and watch a movie or do something else fun in the Harrington town house. The Harrington family had been right behind the Chamberlains, but when Weston had last looked, they weren’t anywhere in sight. That caused worry in the Chamberlain clan. The roads could be treacherous.

Weston sighed with relief when he spotted the van pulling in, glad everyone was safe. He hurried over to the van to open the door for the passengers seated in the rear. Of course, he knew where Jessica was seated, because he had opened the vehicle door for her to get in.

Once Jessica was out of the car, Weston took her by the hand. “How about taking a short walk? It’s a beautiful night.”

Jessica rolled her hazel eyes, wondering if Weston was kidding. It was freezing outside. “Kind of cold out here, don’t you think?”

Weston halfway closed his eyes, slightly tilting his head to the right. “I think I can keep you warm. In fact, I know I can deliver the heat.”

Jessica had seen Weston’s eye and head gestures as so adorable, his remarks confident. There was no doubt in her mind he could deliver on his word. He had a way of making her hot all over just with a visual connection. “Let’s do this, already. Standing in one spot is freezing my feet to the ground.”

Weston grinned. “Okay. First things first, though.” He lifted the hood of her heavy jacket and pulled it over her head. As he tied the strings snugly under her chin, he wanted to kiss her ripe lips so badly it hurt. Even outdoors where the icy wind blew hard, he smelled her sensuous perfume. He’d asked the name of the scent earlier.

The trek around the resort started out with Weston’s arm tightly around Jessica’s waist. She silently promised not to fight any of her romantic urges. If she felt like laying her head against his arm, she would. Her mind wasn’t so sure about any lip action. Her heart certainly wasn’t opposed to it. She couldn’t help recalling all the times she had dreamed about kissing him in the past.

Minutes later the numbing cold no longer seemed to matter to Jessica. The couple were now scooping up handfuls of snow and tossing it at each other, seemingly oblivious to the freezing temperatures. When she lost her balance, nearly toppling over, Weston was right there to keep her upright. She rewarded his rescue mission with a warm hug, sending his body temperature right up to the sky. He found her protesting when he had thought they should get indoors funny. Seconds afterward, large snowflakes began to fall.

Back in the town house, Jessica and Weston totally ignored the curious looks from their parents. All they were interested in was something hot to drink. Jessica loved hot cocoa and hot chocolate, and Sahara had packed up both drinks, along with delicious flavored teas and coffees. She was the type of mother who easily anticipated the needs of her family. No matter how old Jessica and Jennifer got, they would always be little girls to Sahara and Roman.

Jessica didn’t know what the others were watching on television, but she wasn’t interested in viewing anything. She had a television in her bedroom and liked to fall asleep with it on. She planned to do that a little later, but now it was only 10:00 p.m.

Jessica instead pulled out the travel Scrabble board and challenged Weston to a game. He told her he was a terrible speller, but he’d indulge her in one game. He immediately commenced beating her pants off. His ability to spell and come up with words she hadn’t even heard of was top-notch.

“Was that a white lie you told about your spelling skills or a bald-faced one?”

Weston had the good grace to look ashamed. “I guess both. If I’d told you I was an excellent speller, you might have backed out. Most men are terrible spellers so I figured I’d just play the part.”

“You lied, is what you did! That’s okay. Look for a rematch tomorrow.”

“You’re on! We can play chess, too. Want a refill on the hot chocolate?”

“Please.” She wouldn’t warn him on how good she was at chess.

Amazed at how well things were going, Weston got up from the kitchen table and refilled both mugs. He had actually expected the fur to fly the entire vacation, just as it had done years ago. This was a pleasant diversion from how they had once acted. As he thought more about it, Weston had to admit that he had treated her badly. There was a time when he’d been stupid enough to believe she had a thing for him. No real proof of that had ever come forth.

Weston carried the mugs of hot chocolate back over to the table. He placed Jessica’s down in front of her. “Here you go, sweetie.”

Sweetie! Hmm. Jessica liked that term of endearment, especially coming from Weston’s pouting lips. Those babies looked so kissable. She closed her eyes just to conjure up an image of him seducing her mouth in the hottest way possible. When his fingers began to slowly trace the under-wire of her bra, she quickly popped her eyes open. She couldn’t let her mind go there, not in his presence. She wasn’t ready for him to leave, even though she was eager to conjure up more erotic images of him in bed later.

“What’re you thinking about? You should’ve seen that sensual look. I hope I was somehow involved in your thoughts.”

Jessica had to clear her throat. “Dream on, fellow. Dream on.”

“Like that, huh?”

Jessica failed to stifle a giggle. “Uh-huh. Just like that.”

Weston got to his feet. “I know when I’ve worn out my welcome. I’m out of here. Are we on for some serious skiing tomorrow morning?”

Jessica shook her head. “Not sure about that yet.”

“Still scared of heights, huh? How’d you manage to get up to this elevation without losing it?”

“Is there nothing sacred with my parents? How much do they tell you about me?”

Laughing, Weston shrugged. “I actually got that one from Mom, who got it from yours. But I remember your reaction to getting up on the monkey bars when we were kids. You weren’t having any part of it.”

“God forbid that you should remember all the bad stuff.”

“I do remember the past. But this is now. I’m for making new memories, good ones. What about you?”

“Didn’t you say you were leaving?”

“What I said was I know when I’ve worn my welcome out.” He stretched out his hand to her. “Come on and walk me next door. If we’re to have a good day tomorrow, we’d better get plenty of rest.”

“I agree. Sledding is more appealing to me than skiing. I hope you’ll join me. Don’t give me an answer right now. Sleep on it.”

Weston gave Jessica his brightest, sexiest smile. “You have no idea what I plan to sleep on tonight while sleeping in nothing. Care to star in my wildest fantasies?”

Jessica jumped to her feet. “Let me see you out. You’ve gotten punchy.”

“It happens. I’m overly tired.”

“Tell me about it!”

“I’ll tell you anything you want to know. All you have to do is ask.”

Jessica smiled smugly. “Gee, thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Jessica lay comfortably in bed. As she thought about all the things that had transpired between her and Weston, she wondered if maybe they’d gotten too friendly too quickly. Many of his remarks to her after the walk and the game of Scrabble had become extremely flirtatious. Maybe so, but she had liked the attention.

Care to star in my wildest fantasies? had flattered the heck right out of her, not to mention that sexy little smile of his. Had there been real sexual connotations in his comments? She sure hoped so.

Deep down inside her heart Jessica hoped that Weston found her as sexy as she did him. She was trying hard not to come up with any reasons she couldn’t or shouldn’t get romantically involved with him. Surprisingly, she wasn’t terrified of her feelings for him. Being attracted to him before, with no favorable outcome, didn’t make a good case for compromising her feelings again.

Of course, Jessica had been barely a teenager then. She hadn’t known the first thing about true love, yet she had been impressionable. His cruel treatment had hurt her pretty badly. Still, she wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. He hadn’t known any more about love than she had. They had been kids, for goodness’ sake.

Weston hadn’t shown an ounce of cruelty toward her this evening; quite the contrary. If she had gotten the signals right, he definitely had a romantic interest in her. The feelings were mutual. It hadn’t gotten past Jessica when both had said they wouldn’t want to live anyplace other than where they now resided. She couldn’t imagine how they’d ever have a long-distance relationship. It wasn’t like they’d be living a couple of hours apart; they lived on totally opposite coasts.

This was merely a vacation. Jessica felt foolish entertaining the idea of anything happening beyond the holiday. Enjoy this time and move on, she quietly told herself. Make the best of the next ten days. Then give Weston a warm farewell hug. With her mind made up not to take anything too serious, she closed her eyes, hoping to fall right off to sleep. Tomorrow had already been ushered in. It was well after midnight.

Weston had been tossing and turning for over two hours. Thoughts of Jessica had nearly consumed him. It wasn’t a problem to admit being quite intrigued with her. What to do about it was his biggest dilemma. It was hard not to look ahead to when they’d part company. She’d go back to Los Angeles and he back to New York City. Not seeing her again after Aspen troubled him, despite the nine days of vacation they had left.

For a few moments Weston wondered if he could possibly live in Los Angeles after his parents moved there. It didn’t take him long to realize he was acting downright ridiculous. It was silly to give the idea any more thought. Nothing assured him that he and Jessica would hit it off so much that either would consider moving to be near the other. He was way ahead of himself and he vowed to stop the mad thinking run before it drove him insane.

Weston quickly decided that he and Jessica would enjoy each other while in Aspen. That would be the end of it. They might even find other people they were attracted to while on vacation. No one really knew what would happen. They would be meeting a lot of different people at the numerous social functions planned by their parents. After Weston plumped his pillow for the umpteenth time, he settled down in bed, falling asleep minutes after he completely turned off his thoughts.

The sun was high, seeming to shine brighter than Jessica had ever seen before. The resort was covered in a glistening white blanket from the previous night’s snowfall. It was like stepping into a fairy-tale village nestled snugly between tall mountain ranges.

The waiter at Café Aspen had already given Jessica and Weston breakfast menus. The café was only a couple of miles down the road from the resort. Weston had taken a quick jaunt to the men’s room, leaving Jessica at the table.

The two families had gotten up bright and early to hit the slopes. Sahara had prepared breakfast for the ski group before they’d taken off, excited to get the adventurous day under way.

Jessica reflected on how quiet Weston had been on the drive to the café, wondering what that meant. He hadn’t made one flirtatious comment, yet he’d held her hand on the way to the car. The kind gesture might have been to keep her upright. She had been slipping and sliding all over the place. If his attitude changed toward her, she hoped she’d know how to get him back into the fun, flirtatious mode she enjoyed tremendously.

Jessica and Weston planned to go sledding later since she had chickened out on skiing. She had to take things slow. She had already conquered her fears enough to get up the mountain. Jumping on a ski lift? She wasn’t there, though proud of what she had already accomplished.

Both sets of parents had requested Jessica and Weston’s presence when they went into town to pick out the Christmas tree. It was a family tradition in both households to pick out the tree together—and later to trim it.

The warmth on the back of Jessica’s neck caused her to look up. Her heart leaped at the beautiful smile on Weston’s face.

“I heated my hands by the fire. Did they warm you?”

Jessica smiled and nodded. “Sure did. Where is the fireplace?”

“A cozy room in back of the place.” Weston took a seat. “Lots of tables for dining, but the room is empty. Want me to ask if we can eat back there?”

“I’d like that. The employees likely fill up the outer rooms first.”

“You’re probably right, but it won’t hurt to ask. I can be pretty persuasive.”

Jessica didn’t doubt that. “Go for it.”

Jessica looked after Weston as he walked away. She could hear his fine body screaming out her name. She loved the beautiful black-and-white Italian knit sweater he wore with a pair of dark wool pants, casual in style. He had earlier complimented Jessica on her navy-blue wool sweater and slacks, and a crisp white shirt. Her thick-soled winter boots were burgundy in color.

Weston had yet another huge smile on his face as he winked at Jessica. “I’m good, girl. You have no idea.”

Jessica laughed. “Oh, I think I do. Incredible charm runs in your family.”

“Come with me. The hostess said to take any table we want. She also said we might be the only ones dining there. As you can see, they’re not busy this morning. Are you okay with that?”

Shrugging, her mouth turned down at the corners, Jessica said, “Fine by me.”

Weston picked up the menus off the table and carried them into what appeared to Jessica as a cozy alcove. The space was very intimate and she liked the feel of it.

The waiter showed up within a few minutes of the couple taking seats, bringing along with him a carafe of hot coffee. Jessica wasn’t big on coffee, but she did drink it occasionally. She let the waiter know she preferred a small pot of chamomile tea when he took their breakfast orders.

Weston’s order indicated to Jessica that he was a hungry man again this morning. She wasn’t that surprised by the amount of food he ordered, considering the size of the meal he had practically inhaled last evening.

Jessica’s order consisted of two boiled eggs, a turkey sausage patty and a small order of home-fried potatoes. Instead of toast, she ordered a freshly baked blueberry muffin, and then orange juice as an afterthought.

“How did you sleep last night, Jess?”

“Once I managed to get there, I knocked out completely.”

“Did you have as hard a time getting to sleep as I did?”

“I wasn’t able to fall right off. Had quite a few things on my mind.” Mainly you.

“Sure you don’t want a cup of coffee? It’s pretty good stuff.”

“No, thanks. I’ll wait for the tea.” She looked out the window. “It’s such a beautiful morning. I can’t get over the magnificent view from our town house. I’ve heard so much about Aspen. I’m glad to actually experience it. It’s like another world.”

“You haven’t seen the half of it. This place is amazing. I read somewhere that Mariah Carey’s been living here for a couple of years.”

“I read that, too. Quite a few celebrities live here in Aspen, either full-time or part-time.”

“A wonderful place to visit, but I don’t want to live here.”

“Yeah, I know. Nowhere for Wes but NYC.”

Weston leveled curious eyes on Jessica. Something about the way she had snapped out her last remark had him wondering. She had sounded a bit annoyed. He quickly dismissed the thought since it made no sense at all.

The waiter came and dropped off Jessica’s tea and immediately took off again.

The couple got into a conversation about how the real-estate market had boomed in California. It was unbelievable the way it had suddenly shot through the roof.

Jessica mentioned that the folks who had taken out interest-only or arm home loans were in for a rude awakening. Weston figured they could beat the odds if they could refinance at a fixed rate before the bad stuff happened. A lot of people had also opted for balloon payments, all just to own a piece of hot California property. Shanties and fixer-uppers were even selling for indecent amounts. Things were now starting to cool off a bit. Both Jessica and Weston expected a lot of home foreclosures to occur in the very near future.

“New York real estate has been high for a long time. I’m sure you do well.”

“Extremely. That’s why I don’t understand why my parents want to up and move to L.A.”

“Maybe because your father was born and raised there.”

“I guess. They’re financially set, so they don’t have to worry about money. Dad does complain about the harsh winters in New York.”

Jessica faked a believable shiver. “If it’s anywhere near as cold in New York as it is here, I can’t blame them for wanting to move to California. Don’t think I could brave winter weather like this year after year. The roads are frightening. Seeing the snowstorms on television is enough for me.”

“If you grew up in winters like this, it’d be just a way of life. People manage it all the time.”

The return of the waiter kept Jessica from responding to Weston’s comments. Not wanting to get into the subject of living so far apart, she saw the interruption in conversation as a good thing. The very idea of it bothered her to no end, no matter how much she didn’t want to make it an issue. Sticking to the plan she had laid out for herself last night was hard to execute. Denying her wild attraction for Weston wasn’t happening. Jessica wanted him in the worst way.

There were far too many beautiful Christmas trees to make it easy for the visiting families to choose quickly. They had been on the tree lot for nearly an hour when Jessica had spotted the perfect tree, its branches full, long and sweeping. After a couple of minutes of deliberation, everyone had agreed it was indeed the one. The men had taken care of the hard work to load the tree onto the top of one of the vans.

Once the ideal tree had been deposited back at the Harrington’s town house, Jessica and Weston had promised to return home in time to help with the trimmings. The group had decided to order food to be brought in for the evening meal before the younger generation had left to go snowmobiling. Weston thought Jessica might enjoy riding a snowmobile more than sledding. Samuel also preferred snowmobiling.

Jessica constantly laughed and screamed as Weston expertly maneuvered the snowmobile around the area he and Samuel had chosen to take the two sisters. She hadn’t had this much fun since she didn’t know when. It was cold outdoors, but she was able to endure it. The extra layer of clothing was helping tremendously. She didn’t feel chilled to the bone as she had without the double layer of warmth. The leather gloves had lamb’s wool on the inside and really kept her hands warm. The hood on her jacket was pulled up with the strings tied under her chin.

Weston didn’t necessarily drive the snowmobile recklessly, but he made enough dramatic twists and turns over the snowswept terrain to make it fun and exhilarating. Jessica screamed out of fear a few times. Samuel also had Jennifer howling. She had done this with her husband before so she was no stranger to the fun sport.

Samuel and Jennifer always had loads of fun together. They had learned about a salsa class to be held at the resort and had just about convinced Jessica and Weston to join them.

The snowmobile-rental time had flown by. Weston and Samuel had gone to turn in the vehicles and settle the accounts. This was Jessica and Jennifer’s first time alone since the families had arrived in Aspen and they were seated in the lodge’s lounge sipping on hot drinks.

“You really like him, don’t you, Jess?”

Knowing her secret was no longer just hers, Jessica lowered her lashes. “I’ve always liked Weston. The truth of the matter hit me square in the heart yesterday. Guess I’ve known it all along but have refused to admit it. Even to myself. I felt so hurt only because he rejected me. Been kidding myself for years by saying I couldn’t stand him. I just wanted him to notice me, acknowledge me in some way—and he didn’t.”

“He notices you now, big-time. The look on his face when he saw you yesterday was so revealing. Had his parents not hugged you and called you by name, I’m not sure he would’ve guessed that you and the girl he used to torment were one and the same.”

“Maybe so. I’d think he would have seen all the updated pictures of us that Mom and Dad always send to his parents.” Jessica looked at her sister with open curiosity. “Did you ever have a crush on Wes, Jen?”

“Heck no!”

“Not even a teeny-weeny one?”

“Hardly. I loved Sam even before we started dating in junior high. That is, for as much as I did or didn’t know about love back then. But you already know our history. Took Sam a long time to notice me, too. At any rate, Wes is just not my type.”

“I don’t know if it’s even about them noticing us. Most boys just don’t start liking girls until they reach a certain age. Up until then, they believe their one purpose on this planet is to torture girls. Adolescent boys are cruel.”

“Don’t leave out the girls. There were some mean, overbearing chicks out there when I was in junior high. Talk about cruelty. They seemed to have had a monopoly on it. Don’t you recall all the trouble I had with the so-called upper-class brat pack? I also agree with everything you’ve said. But look at what happened when Sam did notice me. We’ve been inseparable ever since.” Jennifer was a nurse and Samuel a paramedic.

Jessica smiled broadly. “You guys got it going on. I want so badly what you two have. Not ready for marriage, though. Yet I desperately desire the romance. Eating dinner every single night by candlelight has to be the bomb.”

“That and more.” Jennifer blushed at a couple of other things Samuel and she indulged in by candlelight. “We do more than eat by the light of burning candles. The more sensual stuff keeps us hot for each other.”

Jessica put up her right hand in a halting gesture. “No details, please! It’ll only let me know how lonely and pitiful I am. Passion is lacking in my life.”