Jennifer bent over letting her hair fall over as she finished blow drying it. She had an exhilarating afternoon run and once finished cleaning up she planned to work on her latest article until it was time pick up Max at Little League practice. Standing straight up again and flipping her hair back, she caught the reflection of a man in her mirror.
"Jonathan! You scared me to death!"
"You know you’re gorgeous don’t you?" Jonathan leaned against the wall watching her. Even as she did something as ordinary as drying her hair, she was graceful and beautiful. Jonathan never grew tired of watching her.
Jennifer smiled at him through the mirror. "So you tell me. What are you doing home?"
Jonathan stepped closer behind her, slipping his arms around her. "I couldn’t get you out of my mind." He kissed her neck.
"Ah." Jennifer tilted her head allowing Jonathan greater access to the succulent parts of her neck.
"It’s been awhile since we’ve had some love in the afternoon." He slowly slid the robe from her shoulders, following it with his kisses.
"Yes, it has. Of course I’m very busy today."
Jonathan’s lips remained on her shoulder as his eyes looked at her through the mirror. Seeing she was playing hard to get he said, "You’ll just have to change your plans."
Jennifer shifted a bit as the warm tingling feeling spread through her body. "Well, what if I wasn’t in the mood?"
He again looked at her through the mirror. "You know you can’t resist me." He kissed her again, letting his tongue lightly lave her shoulder.
"Ah, now your arrogance is showing Darling."
"Mmmmm." Jonathan slid up to kiss her neck right in the spot where it met her jaw. "It pointless to stop me now." He stepped up closer behind her so she could feel his arousal.
"Hmmm. You do have a point." Jennifer leaned back watching Jonathan’s seduction through the mirror. Jonathan watched too as her robe fell to the floor. He slid his hands up her belly to cup her breasts and rub his thumbs across her outstretched nipples. His touch sent a fireball of sensation straight to her belly and below. She gasped and let her head fall back on his shoulder. Her neck was long and graceful and in need of nibbling. How long had it been since he’d really savored the wonderful taste and curve of her neck?
Jennifer reached behind her and fumbled with the belt and button of Jonathan’s pants. As he continued to kiss her neck and shoulder, Jonathan loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt enough so that he could pull both over his head. He stepped out his is shoes just in time for his pants and boxers to fall around his ankles. Stepping out of both, he reached for her pulling her close so she could feel his arousal against her buttocks. Again he slid his hands up to caress her breasts.
Jennifer arched her back, pressing her buttocks against his straining erection. She reached back, her hands sliding up and then holding his thighs. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt so deliciously sensual.
As he continued to caress her with kisses, he watched her in the mirror. Being able to watch Jennifer’s reaction to his seduction aroused him further. He slid a hand down her over her belly to the soft curls between her legs. Jennifer gasped as his fingers found her most pleasurable spot. He expertly rubbed and teased until sliding into her hot wet sweetness.
Jennifer’s body instinctively moved, straining against Jonathan’s hand. "Jonathan." She gasped as she tried to turn around and take him into her.
"Not yet," he whispered. Jonathan wanted to continue to watch her journey to ecstasy. "Watch." With two fingers, he continued to slowly, rhythmically build the heat burning in her. Jennifer continued to strain against him, her head thrown back on his shoulder as desire swirled around and through her.
"Watch." She heard him say it again. Jennifer somehow lifted her head to watch them in the mirror. She saw the desire and confidence in Jonathan’s eyes as his fingers continued to stroke, his other hand continued to rub and pinch her nipple, and his lips continued to slide over her neck and shoulder. She saw her flushed face and clouded eyes, the complete look of passion and desire. Jonathan smiled as his two fingers plunged into her while his thumb pressed on the core of her desire. Jennifer cried out, throwing her head back as the climax slammed through her.
Jonathan continued to stroke her until the aftershocks subsided. As her breathing steadied, Jennifer lifted her head to look at him in the mirror. Jonathan smiled, obviously pleased with his results.
"There is nothing more erotic than to watch your reaction when I touch you."
"Then you must be ready to burst." Jennifer turned round and resting her buttocks against the counter top, she invited Jonathan to enter her.
"Almost." Jonathan leaned towards her and eagerly devoured her lips. They were moist, full and sweet reminding Jonathan of some sort of exotic fruit. Jennifer reached for him but he took her hands into his, entwining his fingers with hers. "Not yet." His lips slid down her neck to her breast as he nipped and licked before finally taking it into his mouth.
"Ooh." Jennifer could feel the heat rushing though her again. She wondered if there really was a thing as spontaneous combustion because she was sure she was going to go up in flames. It had been so long since he’d loved her like this. Jonathan’s hands slid from her hands, up her arms and to her breasts. He cascaded kisses down over her belly and along her inner thigh.
Jennifer grabbed the counter behind her, bracing her self as Jonathan’s lips traveled to her core. Instinctively her legs parted, inviting him to feast. His hands ran down to hold her hips as his tongue flicked over her swollen, throbbing nub before sliding inside her.
Jennifer could feel the pleasure building, hurling her toward another hard and fast orgasm. Her hips moved rhythmically with Jonathan’s steady strokes.
Jonathan listened to her unsteady breathing and moans of pleasure until she tightened around him calling his name as she climaxed once again.
His kiss lingered for a moment and then slid back up across her belly, over her breast until capturing her mouth with his. As he maneuvered himself between her legs, she pressed a hand to his chest and held him away.
"One good turn," she started as she switched positions with him. "Deserves another." Jennifer pressed her mouth to his as her hands slid down his chest to his thighs. She followed her hands with her kisses, careful not to touch his pulsing erection. She dropped to her knees, and looking up into his eyes, she slowly teased his soft tip with her tongue. Jonathan’s head fell back as her feather touch sent rockets of fire straight to his loins. Slowly, Jennifer took him in her mouth and using teeth and tongue sent him on a journey to ultimate pleasure.
"Oh God that’s good," Jonathan said through a groan.
Jennifer could tell that Jonathan was close to release. She wrapped her hand around his shaft while focusing her mouth on the most sensitive rim. Her hand and lips tightened around him as they continued to massage.
"Jennifer." Jonathan’s voice was hoarse as he reached for her. He knew he was not going to be able to control his release much longer.
Jennifer waved him off with her free hand. She tightened around him even more and increased her pace. She could hear Jonathan’s erratic breathing. His hips began to undulate with her rhythm. Jonathan grabbed the counter with his hands, holding so tight his knuckles were white as he sped to the brink of unconsciousness. It had been so long since he’d felt such awesome pleasure. And then he was there, teetering on the edge until finally making the leap to ultimate gratification.
When the world came back to normal, Jonathan looked down at a smiling Jennifer. She looked pleased even full of herself. She had taken him, all of him and it made her feel powerful and completely feminine. Their eyes held as she stood up to face him. Jonathan put his hand behind her neck and pulled her lips to his. Their tongues met as they tasted and consumed each other.
Jonathan swept Jennifer up in his arms and carried her to their bed. "I need to be in you." Covering her with his body, he entered her. He captured her lips again in a long, deep kiss. "You have an amazing mouth," he said when their lips parted.
Jennifer smiled. "Yours isn’t so bad either." She wrapped her legs around him as she began to squeeze and massage Jonathan inside her.
"Haven’t had enough?" Jonathan asked.
"Not nearly." She pulled Jonathan back to her in hot wet kiss. Jonathan wrapped his arms around her and rolled over.
"Good." He watched as Jennifer sat up nestling him deeper inside her. Using just her muscles she continued to squeeze and massage him inside her. She gave him a seductive smile as she felt him respond to her manipulation.
"Think you can keep up?"
"You can count on it." Jonathan slid his hands up her thighs. "Come here."
"You come here."
Jonathan sat up and pulled her to him for a kiss as he slid his hands to caress her breasts. As he cascaded his lips down her neck to her breasts, he thanked God to have had the luck to have Jennifer in his life. The minute he met her he knew she was more woman than any other he’d known. She was more beautiful, more gracious, more intelligent and definitely more sexy. In fact, Jennifer was the only woman to successfully re-arouse him only minutes after making love. And at this minute, that was everything.
Jennifer slowly began to ride, closing her eyes and savoring the wonderful warm sensations running through her body. She’d never been touched physically or emotionally by any one like Jonathan. And she knew no one else ever could. That is why she thanked God everyday that Jonathan came into her life. At the time she met him, she’d been nursing wounds inflicted by a former lover. Breaking up with him was the second smartest thing she’d ever done (marrying Jonathan was the first). But she did have to give that old boyfriend some credit. Had she not been unfortunate enough to get involved with a scoundrel like him, she may not have fully appreciated the selfless and unconditional love Jonathan gave her. Jonathan showed her a love like never before. And after all these years, his touch still sent her reeling.
Jennifer pushed him back down on the bed and leaned down to him. "Touch me," she whispered.
Jonathan knew her tone and it sent a rush of adrenaline through him. He held her close as he rolled on top of her. He gave her one last deep, breathless kiss before he gave free rein to his passion. Jennifer’s nails dug into his back as she anticipated the power of his body thrusting into hers. Holding himself over her, Jonathan lost himself in his need for release. He plunged deep, hard and fast with Jennifer’s cries of pleasure spurring him on. When he didn’t think he could be anymore aroused, she writhed and arched to him, her head rolling from side to side and Jonathan thought he’d explode from shear desire. Not able to hold back any longer, he thrust into her with the most force yet, his release made all the more satisfying when Jennifer tightened around him like a fist and cried out his name.
Jennifer nestled in the crook of Jonathan’s arm completely sated and drowsy.
"Need a break?" Jonathan teased.
Jennifer rolled on top of him. "Ready when you are big guy."
Jonathan looked up at his wife, tousled and flushed. "You’re so beautiful, Jennifer."
Jennifer was often surprised how after all these years Jonathan’s compliments could make her blush. Of course he was biased. He thought she was beautiful when she looked like death warmed over from the flu and after 16 hours of labor and delivery of Max. MAX!
"Oh God, what time is it?" Jennifer looked at the clock.
"It quarter to five."
"I’m going to be late. I’ve got to get Max." Jennifer leapt out of bed and hurriedly put some clothes on.
"I’ll come with you." Jonathan got up from bed.
"Okay but hurry."
Max stood out in right field. He hated right field. He thought he could actually watch the grass grow it was so boring out there. He preferred shortstop or even catcher to right field. At least you could count on some action in those positions. But his coach felt everyone should practice playing in every position. And today he was in right field. He stood with his one leg cocked and a hand on his hip while his gloved hand hung to the side. He looked around to see what else was going on. The field they practiced in was actually four fields together. He could see the Beverly Hills team doing sprints and wished he could join them.
"Okay that’s it." Max heard his coach call. Max headed back to the infield walking along the chain link fence as he did.
"Max? Maxwell Hart?" Max turned to see a man standing on the other side of the fence. Max didn’t answer, choosing instead to check and see how far it was to his coach. "Its okay. I’m a detective. I need to talk to you Max."
Max looked at the badge the man held up. "’bout what?"
"Your parents Max. And your safety. Its important you come with me." Max watched as the detective looked around in a surveying manner and then back at him.
"What’s wrong with my parents?" Max felt his heart jump to his throat.
"There has been an accident Max. And we fear you are in danger too."
"Where’s Captain Gray?"
"He’s dealing with the situation. Max we don’t have much time but is imperative that you come with me so we can make sure you’re safe."
Max bit his lower lip. "I should tell my coach."
"There’s no time Max. We need to hurry." By now the detective had entered the gate. He placed an arm on Max’s shoulder. "Lets at least get you somewhere safe and then I’ll give you the details."
"Are my parents okay?" The panic shot through him again until there was nothing but the need to know.
"I’ll tell you all about it. Come on."
"We’re only ten minutes late," Jonathan said as he parked the car at the baseball field.
"He’ll be mad. What will you tell him about why we’re late?"
"Me? You can tell him why we’re late."
"It was your idea."
"It was you that wanted to do it a second time."
"Fine, I’ll tell him I took a nap." Jennifer got out of the car and headed to the field without waiting for him. Jonathan chuckled and followed her.
"I don’t see him." Jennifer said as she entered the field. "Coach Andrews? Where’s Max."
"Max? Why he was here. Maybe he fell asleep."
"Put him in right field?" Jonathan asked.
"Yep." The three of them gazed out over the field. There were a few kids left playing catch but no Max. Jennifer shuddered at the fear that began to fill her chest.
"Could he have gone home with one of the other kids?" Coach Andrews asked.
"That’s probably it." Jonathan said placing an arm around Jennifer. He could sense her unease. The same unease that crept into him.
"Maybe. I’ll call Scotty’s mom. He’s the only one though."
Jonathan gave her his cell phone and listened while Jennifer made the call. "She says she didn’t take him. She said she didn’t even see him. Scotty thought I picked him up early because he didn’t see Max at the end of practice." Jennifer got the words out and then succumbed to panic. She charged Coach Andrews; her hands grabbed his shirt. "YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO WATCH HIM!" she screamed over and over at him.
"Jennifer." Jonathan’s voice was firm but gentle as he pulled her back to him.
Jennifer turned to him, burying her face in his shoulder. "He’s gone. He should have been watching him." She sobbed.
"I know. Look." Jonathan pushed her back to look into her eyes. "Maybe he just wandered off or went with another friend."
Jennifer nodded at first but then shook her head. "Max wouldn’t do that. You know he wouldn’t Jonathan."
"He is a young boy. Sometimes they like to get in a little mischief." Coach Andrews said trying to help.
Jennifer ignored him. "You know he wouldn’t Jonathan." Jennifer was almost begging him to agree.
"You’re right." Jonathan had to agree. Max was a normal 10-year-old boy in all ways except that he never went off without calling. It was the one rule stressed and enforced above everything else. And while Max had his moments of disobeying, even he understood that some rules were meant to be followed. "Let’s search the field and talk to the people who are still here."
"I want to call Captain Gray."
Jonathan nodded. "I’ll call now."
"Where are my parents?" Max demanded as the detective drove along the coast.
"Are you hungry?"
"No. I want to know about my parents." Max could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He’d made a mistake. This guy was not like any of the police he’d met before. He’d should have known. "What are you going to do with me?"
"Do? I’m protecting you. I must admit I’m a little surprised by your tone. You mother certainly would expect better manners from you."
"Where is my mom?"
"All in due time young Max. Do you like to sail? I have a boat. You’ll be safe there."
Max’s fear and panic swirled through his stomach. "I’m going to be sick."
The detective used the automatic window opener to lower Max’s window. "There you go sport."
Max hung out the window letting the cool fresh air whip over his face as fought dry heaves. He’d heard stories about kids being taken. Not many ever seemed to get home. And no one ever detailed the things that happened to the other kids but he had an idea. Just the thought of it sent what little was in his stomach up and out of his system. "Please," he begged. "I want to go home."
The detective smiled. "Here you are young Max. Home."
Max looked out the window to see a marina.
Jonathan headed upstairs to find Jennifer. Their search of the baseball field that afternoon yielded very little. One boy thought he saw a boy that looked like Max talking to a man but he was unable to describe the man in any detail. The police were not able to find anymore and instead set up shop in the Hart’s living room waiting for a ransom call. Jennifer seemed to cruise through the evening in a daze. Shock. She must be in shock and Jonathan wondered if he should call a doctor. First, he should check on her and see how she’s doing. When she wasn’t in their bedroom, he knew she’d be in Max’s room.
"Hey." He said as he opened Max’s door. She was sitting on the edge of Max’s bed, quietly crying into the pillow she clutched in her arms. Jonathan went to sit by her, putting an arm around her and pulling her to him.
"Do you think he’s afraid? Is he even still alive?" she asked through her sobs.
"Don’t even think like that Jennifer." Jonathan shuddered at the thought.
"He should be here. I should be tucking him in. If only I was on time…."
"We don’t know that. We don’t know when he disappeared."
"He needed me and I was here indulging myself…"
"Don’t Jennifer. Don’t ever feel guilty for making love to me." Jonathan didn’t know why it bothered him so much. Maybe because the tentacles of guilt grabbed at him too. It had been so long that he and Jennifer had made love in such a free and uninhibited manner. As Max had grown older, Jonathan and Jennifer’s sexual exploits had become quiet and tame. Had he been selfish in wanting to reclaim some of the excitement he knew could be found naked in Jennifer’s arms?
Jennifer looked up in surprise at Jonathan. He seemed so composed and strong. How did he do that? How could he function? The pain consumed her and Jonathan seemed impervious to it. Then again, Jennifer had never known Jonathan to express emotional pain. She’d seen him show anger and ultimate joy. She knew first hand the depths of love and generosity but never pain except for one brief moment when their best friend Max for whom little Max was named, died. And even then Jonathan thought he was alone.
"How can you do that?"
"Do what?" Jonathan noted her tone was accusing.
"You aren’t even upset."
"How can you say that too me?"
"You don’t look devastated. Jonathan I don’t know how I will survive if something happens to him. Tell me you are as scared as I am." Jonathan pulled her close to kiss her temple but Jennifer pulled away. "I don’t want to be comforted I want to know how you feel dammit."
"It won’t do any good." It required every bit of strength Jonathan could muster not to succumb to the terror he felt. He saw Jennifer’s anger and resentment, but he couldn’t let go. "Max needs me to stay strong and focused. You need me that way too."
Jennifer was stunned. "Oh right and as the woman its my role to be the grieveing mother?"
"You can only do what you have to do Jennifer. I ask you to let me do the same. Why don’t you try to get some rest? I’ll come get you if we hear anything."
Jennifer stood up. She needed to put distance between her and Jonathan. "Will you sleep?"
"No."
"How can you think I’ll possibly sleep? Jonathan I’m terrified for Max. Our son."
"Don’t think that because I won’t weep that I don’t love Max as much as you." Jonathan’s voice was cool with the tone of a warning.
"I think I’ll just stay here for right now." Jennifer’s voice quivered.
"Okay. I’ll go downstairs and see what I can do to help."
For a moment, Jennifer wondered if Jonathan resented her for falling apart. If she could be strong, she could help too. Was her pain and fear preventing her from doing what was best for Max? "I think I’ll come down with you instead."
"If that’s what you want."
Jennifer nodded. What she wanted was for the nightmare to be over. If she needed to push away her pain and anguish like Jonathan, she would do it to bring Max home.
"What do you think Max? Nice yacht, eh?"
"I guess." Max was frightened but gathered his wits enough to decide the safest course of action would be to be nice… and look for an escape. The boat was quite large. His parents had a boat but it was a sailboat. This was huge. Not as big as a cruise ship but certainly big for just one guy. Max began to worry. While his parents had a boat, they rarely sailed. Not since the last time Max spent the entire afternoon heaving over the side of the boat. Seasickness. God that was the worst feeling.
"This will be your room." The detective opened the door. The room was scarcely decorated and consisted of a double bed and dresser. "Over there on the dresser you will find some posters and stuff I thought you might like."
Max’s hackles rose. The guy had been planning to bring Max here for longer than one afternoon. "Thanks. How long will I be here and when will you tell me about my parents?"
"This is your home now Max."
"No." Max’s voice caught in his throat.
"If you are a good boy, maybe your mom will join us."
Max shook his head. He couldn’t understand.
"That means you need to do as I say. Do you understand Max? If you ever want to see your mom again, you need to do what I say."
Max could only nod.
"I know you are afraid. I can see it in your eyes. But, you’ll see, I’m a pretty fun guy to be around. At one time your mom thought so too." Until Jonathan Hart ruined everything. "And before long we can all be together."
"Are you really a detective?" Max wasn’t sure why he asked such a stupid question.
"No. You can call me Elliot. Elliot Manning." And when all is done, you’ll call me dad and Jennifer will sleep in my bed. And oh the revenge on Jonathan Hart will be so sweet when Jennifer wraps her long legs around me.
