Max looked up with shaming eyes and then continued with his work.
"I take it you don’t approve," Jonathan said.
"What’s to disapprove of. She was snooping into your business." Max’s voice was condescending.
"I can take care of my own problems."
"Sure you can. She should know better than to help you when you mope around for two days. Too bad you weren’t lucky enough to have a woman who cares less or better yet doesn’t even notice when something is wrong. But, not you. You had to get Mrs. H., a woman who loves you more than anything in this world. Who gave up her home and full-time writing career to be your wife, who for the last year has .."
"Alright Max, I get it."
"You better Mr. H. I went through this with you twice before. With guys it is different. I can ignore you and you can ignore me and that’s okay for awhile. But you don’t ignore someone like Mrs. H. I can guarantee you’ll be sorry if you do."
Jonathan rubbed his eyes. One thing about Max, Jonathan could always rely on him to give him space until he needed a good slap in the face. "You’re right. Max, I need you take care of something for me...."
Jennifer stood over the basin in her bathroom looking at her scarlet and swollen face with bloodshot eyes. She had the feeling of a cold fist crushing her heart and didn’t know what to do to change it. Hearing a rustle behind her, she looked in the mirror to see Jonathan standing near her. She took a towel to wipe her face.
"I got a little soap in my eyes."
"And an ache in your heart?" His words were soft and seemed to reach out to embrace her.
"Yes," she whispered turning to look at him.
Jonathan gathered Jennifer into his arms. He pulled her close until there was nothing between them but thin fabric of their clothes.
"Darling, I am so, so sorry. I’ve been just terrible. This Valentine stuff has gotten to me and I took it out on you. I hope you can forgive me." He spoke softly directly into her ear, taking in the sweet scent of her hair.
Jennifer relinquished herself into the strong familiar arms of her husband. His embrace and words soothed the hurt and confusion that plagued her. "No, I am sorry. I shouldn’t have butted in. Max was right, I should have just let you do whatever it was you needed to do."
Jonathan put his hands on her face. Looking directly into her eyes he said, "You were only loving me which, is more than I can say for myself the last two days. Ah, Jennifer, I am so sorry." He pressed his lips hard to hers as if he was trying to kiss the pain from her very memory. Desperate to have him remove the anguish she had felt Jennifer clung to Jonathan, pressing herself into him. She needed to feel his hands caress her and his lips kiss her. Jonathan took her hands and stepped back. Jennifer looked at him in confusion.
"I want to make love to you but not here, not now," he said. "I have a surprise for you."
Jennifer eyes perked up at the mention of surprise.
"So lets go," Jonathan said taking her hand.
"Jonathan, I’m not dressed right."
He took an inventory of her navy shorts and her white cotton tee shirt that molded to her firm, round breasts. "You look perfect. But," he said looking himself over. "I need to change. Wait right here." Jonathan left to change. Jennifer took the opportunity to wash her face and touch up her make-up. Jonathan reappeared wearing tan shorts and blue golf shirt that accentuated his twinkling blue eyes. He escorted Jennifer downstairs refusing to give the tiniest hint of his intention.
"Max? Is everything set?" Jonathan asked as he led Jennifer to the front door.
"All set, Mr. H. Have a good time."
"You bet we will," Jonathan said hoping his surprise would be enough to wipe out the hurt he caused Jennifer.
"Are we going sailing?" Jennifer asked as the pulled into the marina parking lot.
"Yes," he said looking at Jennifer to see her reaction. "Just us two, on the boat, floating on the water, with no one else or any other cares in the world."
Jennifer smiled, her nose crinkling in delight at the thought.
"Everything is all taken care of Mr. Hart," a man in a white chef’s outfit said as he descended the steps to the boat.
"Thank you very much," Jonathan said handing the man a wad of money.
"What are you up to?" Jennifer asked.
"I am looking to spend an incredible evening with my wife."
Once on board, Jonathan started the engine and maneuvered the boat from its slip and out into the bay.
"I thought we’d go to ‘Oh, Jonathan’ cove," Jonathan called to Jennifer as she sat up front.
"Oh Jonathan cove?"
"Yes." He grinned from ear to ear. "Don’t you remember? The little cove up the coast a bit in which I revealed some of my trade secrets?"
A smile of remembrance spread across Jennifer’s face. Her body tingled at the memory of Jonathan’s expert hands and burning kisses. "Oh, Jonathan," she gasped.
"Yes, that’s it," he said smiling.
It took about an hour to reach the little cove and anchor boat. The sun had begun its descent into the ocean. Jonathan looked up to the front of the boat, soaking in Jennifer’s beauty as the sun’s last rays glistened in her hair. He walked up behind her, sliding his hands around her belly and pulling her close. He kissed her neck and rested his chin on her shoulder.
"It is so beautiful," Jennifer said basking in the warmth of her husband’s arms.
"You are so beautiful," he said turning her to face him. "I really am sorry, darling, for the way I have acted lately."
Jennifer shook her head. "Darling, it’s done and over. I don’t want to think about it ever again."
"You know, all growing up, I never had anyone who worried about me or was there to talk to, at least not intimately. I never learned how to do that."
Jennifer looked lovingly in Jonathan’s eyes; "You are doing it now."
He smiled. "It’s easy to do with the good stuff, it’s the painful feelings that are hard. Max always just left me to brood knowing I would work it out."
"I should of trusted Max and let you do that too. I won’t interfere again."
"No, no. I want you to. I mean, I want to share everything with you. I want your strength and support during the times I don’t feel I have any. I never wanted to give myself so completely to anyone as I do with you."
Jennifer ran her hands along his chest, over his shoulders and to his cheeks. "I love you," she said as she pulled him to her in a loving kiss. As their lips parted, Jonathan wrapped his arms around her and pulled her so close her feet nearly left the deck.
"It is an amazing feeling to have a family."
"Yes it is," Jennifer responded realizing the love and support she always had was a fairly new thing for him.
"I never thought about them," Jonathan said gazing out over the ocean yet still holding Jennifer in his arms.
"Who?"
"My parents. I never thought about them. There didn’t seem to be much use in it." Jonathan’s arms tightened around her as if he were trying to comfort himself. "Why search for people who obviously don’t want you. Or are dead. It just seemed too depressing."
Jennifer wasn’t sure what to say. She could only imagine the pain and loneliness Jonathan felt as a child.
"I was pretty young when I went to the orphanage but I guess still too old to be adopted. It can be a hard thing to not be wanted."
Jennifer’s heart broke to hear Jonathan talk of the pain of not being loved and wanted as a child. The concept was so foreign to her.
"Max was the first person who made me feel wanted. That was really nice. He got excited about my grades, sports even little dumb things." Jonathan’s face brightened at the thought. "It never occurred to me that my parents would send me to an orphanage because they loved me."
Jennifer watched Jonathan’s eyes as tinges of guilt crossed over them. "Jonathan, are you feeling bad because you never actively sought out your parents?"
"I guess I am. I was angry with them for so long because I thought they didn’t want me. But, maybe they did want me. Maybe I was unfair to them. Maybe I owe it to them to find out." Jonathan turned to Jennifer. "I have decided I would like to look into this Valentine thing and I would like you to help me."
"What ever you need to me to do."
Jonathan smiled at Jennifer. He shook off the morose feeling. "Tonight though, is your night. So, no more talk about spies, parents, or any of that. I just want to focus on you."
"I think I can handle that."
"Come here," he said taking her hand and leading her to the other side of the boat. There they came upon a table set for two and a buffet of shrimp, caviar and other delicacies. "Are you hungry?"
"Yes, but not for food," Jennifer said pressing herself to Jonathan.
Jonathan raised his eyebrows. "Let me put this food on ice in case you work up an appetite."
"I’ll meet you in the captains bunk," Jennifer said sauntering off into the boat.
Jonathan felt fire surge through his body and he quickly put the food away. Entering the bedroom of the boat he found Jennifer sitting in her tee shirt and underwear sipping champagne and smelling a pink rose.
"Somebody thought of everything," she said motioning to the champagne and room full of roses.
"I want this night to erase the pain I caused you."
"What pain?" Jennifer smiled. He smiled back. Jonathan removed his clothes down to his boxers. Grabbing a glass of champagne he joined her on the bed.
"To my beautiful wife," he said holding his glass up.
"Here, here!" They entwined their arms and sipped the cool bubbly. "Ohh, it tickles my nose."
"Why don’t you give me that," Jonathan said taking the champagne from her. "I want to be the only thing tickling you tonight." Turning back to her, he put his hand on the back of her neck and pulled her lips to his, his kiss urgent and demanding. He reached for the hem of her shirt and pulled it over her head. He lovingly undressed her all the way, laying her back and admiring her body.
He picked up the pink rose and gently ran its soft bud along her neck and down her chest. He used the flower to caress the peaks of her firm breasts. Her moan of pleasure made him smile and he ran the flower over her stomach and to her thighs. A gentle prodding was all Jennifer needed to open her thighs as Jonathan used the flower to caress her femininity. Jennifer gasped at the cool, velvety feel of the bud.
"What would please you most?" Jonathan whispered to her still massaging her with the rose.
"You would," Jennifer panted.
Jonathan smiled. Throwing the flower aside, Jonathan stroked her thigh with his hand slowly moving his caress between her legs. His fingers traced the delicate area between her legs before he delved into the tender warmth. Jennifer moaned and arched as heat flared through her body. Jonathan responded by taking a taut peak of her breast into his mouth. Jennifer’s desire soared with each pull of his mouth on her nipple and deep stroke of his finger.
Jennifer reached for Jonathan’s arms and began to pull. "I want you," she gasped. She reached between them searching for a sign of Jonathan’s readiness. The touch of her soft, warm hands sent a hot flame of desire through him. Sensing Jennifer’s need, he shucked off his boxers and knelt between her thighs. Jennifer grabbed his waist and pulled him into her and held him there, as she arched to take him in until he could fill her no more.
Jonathan realized that Jennifer’s need was emotional as well as physical. He lay still with her, their bodies united as one, their beings entwined in the most intimate way possible. Jonathan kissed her. His lips were soft and warm, conveying a love so deep and pure.
"I love you," he whispered in her ear as he cascaded kisses along her jaw and neck. Jennifer’s arms held him tight as she savored the feel of him. Tears came to her eyes as the intensity of their joining overwhelmed her. They lay together for several minutes cherishing the extraordinary love they had for each other.
"Are you okay?" Jonathan asked kissing her tears away.
Jennifer put her hands on the side of his face. "Yes." She pulled his face to hers, drinking in the sweet taste of his lips. Jonathan took her action as a sign to proceed. He began to slowly move in deep long strokes, re-igniting both their desires.
Jennifer could feel Jonathan growing and pulsing in her. Sweat beaded on his forehead and chest as he struggled to hold back. Jennifer lost her self in the growing passion that swept through her body. She strained her hips upward against his as he took her over the brink in an explosion that went on and on. The tightening of her muscles around him caused a climax that hit Jonathan like a freight train.
Jonathan collapsed against her as he tried to regain his breath. His arms were shaking and near failure. He rolled onto his back, pulling Jennifer on his chest; their bodies still joined. They gazed into each other’s eyes, conveying the perfect love and joy they felt. Jonathan ran his fingers through her auburn hair that wildly outlined her face. He pulled her head to his and gave her one final luscious kiss before they drifted off to sleep.
Jennifer woke nestled in Jonathan’s arms. Looking into his face, she smiled. A warm feeling of gratitude filled her body. She was a fortunate woman indeed. She had been surprised by his unusual mood swing but believed him when he said he wouldn’t let it happen again. She grieved for the child Jonathan had been, lonely and unwanted. She made a note to be sure and let him know all the time that he was loved and wanted by her forever.
Jennifer hoped that Jonathan would soon forgive himself for hurting her. She forgave him the minute she saw his face in the mirror but she knew his guilt would linger in him.
"I’ll just have to do something to get his mind off it." Jennifer shifted her body so she could rest her head on his chest. She took in his musky scent and the sound of his heart beating. Lightly, she kissed his chest, his dark hair tickling her lips. She ran her kisses down his chest to his stomach, stopping to play with his bellybutton. A soft moan escaped from Jonathan. Jennifer looked up to find him smiling in his sleep. Still watching him, Jennifer reached down to gently stroke him. Immediately, his body responded by tensing and hardening.
Jonathan’s eyes fluttered as he came to consciousness. Jennifer enclosed her soft, warm lips around his hardness. A moan of ecstasy escaped Jonathan’s lips.
"I knew this couldn’t be a dream," he said. "My dreams aren’t this good." He reached down and ran his fingers through Jennifer’s hair as she continued to massage his passion. His body vibrated with liquid fire as he felt himself approach the brink of explosion. Jennifer would have been happy to continue until his release but Jonathan reached for her, pulling her up to him.
Jennifer straddled Jonathan, easing him into her. She smiled, enjoying the pleasure she was giving. Jonathan looked up at her; she was a glowing image of fire, passion and love. He relished the flames that shot through his body as she settled herself on him. He sat up, putting his arms around her back, he pulled her close and enclosed his mouth around the soft but firm flesh of her breast.
Jennifer gasped and dropped her head back, savoring the feel of his lips kissing and kneading her breasts. Jennifer’s passion approached its peak. She pushed Jonathan back and leaned over him, holding herself up with her arms. Her body instinctively moved in quick, forceful movements. She tightened around Jonathan with each stroke. Together they moved in perfect harmony, soaring to an awesome, shuddering ecstasy.
The evening was a perfect mix of passion, sharing, and a re-bonding of their souls. As the sun cascaded through the windows of the boat the next morning, they both had a tinge of sadness that their brief time in heaven was about to end. They made a promise to each other to take time regularly to escape to their paradise.
"I do need to go into the office today," Jonathan said as they pulled up in front of the house. "I hope to be home by 6 and maybe we can start looking into this Valentine thing."
"Is there anything I can do to help in the mean time?"
"I don’t think so. Maybe just going through the materials again. Here, I left them in my brief case." Jonathan reached in the back seat and got his brief case. "I am hoping Stanley will have found something so I may have more information this evening."
Jennifer took the papers from Jonathan and opened the door to get out of the car. Jonathan grabbed her arm and pulled her back in.
"Just one more kiss before we re-enter our regular lives."
"There is nothing regular about our lives," Jennifer said pressing her lips to Jonathan’s.
Jonathan and Jennifer strolled to the front door arm-in-arm, enjoying their last few seconds of their escapade. Jonathan opened the door, swinging it open to let Jennifer in first.
"Jonathan!"
"Oh my."
The door opened up to a home they didn’t recognize. Books, pillows, paintings and sculptures carpeted the floor. There wasn’t a single place to walk as the mess encompassed the entire entry area and living room that they could see. It reminded Jennifer of Mr. Rostov’s apartment.
"Do you think they were looking for the papers?"
"I don’t know. Let’s check on Max and call the police. This Valentine thing has shot its arrow in the wrong direction."
