The air sizzled. Tori’s heart raced and all of a sudden she couldn’t seem to get enough air. Jesse took her face in his hands, kissed her, barely touching her lips. Pulling away, he stared in her eyes. A low growl sprang from his chest and he kissed her again, this time teasing her mouth until she opened.
He wrapped her in a firm hug and pulled her closer. His arousal pressed into her and, combined with his deep kisses, her knees turned to water. She held onto his jacket to keep from sliding to the ground in a heap. Jesse slanted his head in the other direction, and moved his hand until he caressed her backside. Tori moaned, and her arms encircled his neck. She ran her fingers through the silky strands of the hair hanging over his collar.
“Darlin’, come home with me. I really want you. I know you feel it. I know you want me, too.” He whispered in her ear, running his tongue around the soft shell.
“Can’t.” Tori gasped, kissing his chin. There was a reason, but for the moment she couldn’t recall.
Jesse trailed light kisses on her cheek, earlobe, and neck. Tori leaned her head back to give him better access.
“Come on, honey, let’s go next door.” His fingers worked the buttons on her coat, then cupped her breast, rubbing the peak with his thumb. Tori’s spectacles fogged, and she broke into a sweat.
“Tori, please, I need you so much.” He mumbled, kissing his way down her neck to her shoulder, edging the collar aside with his mouth.
An image of herself doubled over at the church social flashed in her mind. The pain, the wetness between her legs. The horror of that night crashed down.
Gulping air, she pushed Jesse back. “No. I can’t do this, Jesse. Please. I c-c-can’t do this.” She turned and fumbled with the doorknob. Finally inside, she leaned her back against the door, and jammed her fist to her mouth to smother a sob. Broken and torn with mixed emotions, she slid to the floor.
Chapter 14
Jesse stared stupidly at the spot Tori had stood a moment ago. He dragged his hand down his face and attempted to restore his breathing to normal. Shoulders slumped, he walked next door and let himself into the house. His body ached with pent-up desire.
He’d pushed her too much, too soon. All color had leeched from her face when she skittered into the house. It’d finally sunk in like a lump of ice. His wife wasn’t joking. She was scared to death. He yanked off his jacket and loosened his tie. The cool air against his sweat-soaked shirt raised goose bumps across his body. He collapsed on the bed they used to share and closed his eyes. Her fear was too real, too frightening to witness.
Will she ever be herself again? How much time needs to pass?
He rose on his elbows and punched the pillow under his head, but it didn’t help his frustration, or divert his attention from the constant erection he carried around with him.
I wonder if my brain will wither and die from a lack of blood.
He blew out a deep breath and sat on the side of the bed, resting his forearms on bent knees. Maybe he could distract himself and get some work done. He wandered to his office, where the furniture sat in shrouded gloom. Not bothering to light a lamp, he settled in the large leather chair, enjoying the darkness and silence that mirrored his mood.
He needed a plan. Plans had always kept him from dwelling too much on the worst parts of his life. He let out a sigh and rummaged around in the bottom drawer of his desk. A full bottle of brandy and a small glass stared back at him. He slammed the drawer shut and left the room.
The sun shone brightly as Tori closed her front door and headed to Marian Boyd’s house, the seamstress working on the drapes for Jesse’s bedroom. She’d finally decided on a beige watered silk fabric, and they were promised for today. She smiled at the lovely day. The warmth from the late winter sun heated her skin, right through her light coat.
As she rounded the corner, someone called her name. She turned as Vivian Marshall hurried toward her. The owner of the local bakery, Tori speculated Vivian resented Mrs. Bonner not buying the restaurant’s baked goods from her.
The curly white feather on the woman’s blue wool hat waved in the breeze as she hastened along. “Aren’t you the early bird today?” Vivian asked as she hooked her arm through Tori’s.
Before she could respond, the other woman continued. “I wanted to ask you what’s going on with you and Jesse.” Vivian’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Tori stiffened. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, you know what I mean. You two have been seen all over town. At church, strolling together, eating in restaurants, shopping. What gives?”
Tori stopped and regarded the woman, jerking them to a standstill. “Well it’s nice to know the people of Guthrie have nothing better to do than watch my comings and goings and report on them.” At Vivian’s raised eyebrows, she felt the heat rise to her face.
“Are you two getting back together?” Vivian asked as she placed her hand on Tori’s in a firm grip, then continued their walk.
Tori shook her head. “No. Jesse wanted us to spend some time together. I’m decorating his house, and we have a lot to discuss.”
“Ah huh,” Vivian smirked. “I’ll tell you one thing, Tori Cochran. Don’t wait too long. I’ve seen other women casting their eyes in his direction. He’s a handsome and successful man, and if he belonged to me, I wouldn’t be giving him an excuse to look elsewhere.”
Tori thrust out her chin. “If he wants to look, that’s fine with me.” Her throat worked to swallow the lump that rose. Jesse and some other woman? Why did that hurt so much? He’s mine, dammit! The glint from the gold band on her finger, shining from the warm morning sunlight, caught her eye, and she rubbed it gently with her thumb. Mine!
Watching her movements, Vivian smiled slyly. “Here’s my store. Have a pleasant day.” She waved and entered the bakery.
What women are casting their eyes at Jesse? I’ll bet it’s that young widow, Amy Wilson!