Shadow Of Pleasure Part 3 - Jack/Grace Fanfiction
Title: Shadow of Pleasure
Author: M. Elizabeth Ravensblood
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Jack/Grace with implied Jack/Samantha
Summary: Pre-series. While attending the National Forensics Conference, Grace runs into her friend Jack, a successful thriller author who unknown to her derives his ingenious plots from his exploits as serial killer Jack-Of-All-Trades. Upset over her husband's infidelity, Grace decides to even the score and soon she takes the first step into Jack's world...
Author's Notes: Shadow of Pleasure is the first story in a series called, Gods and Shadows which will be Jack/Grace in parts and ultimately Jack/Samantha. This first tale which focuses on Jack/Grace is for my lovely friend, velvetwhip. This is part three of Shadow of Pleasure. Previous parts can be found: Part 1 and Part 2 The story is cross-posted at profiler_fans. Due to length this will probably be posted in at least four parts. Due to length, there are several more parts to come.
The time spent at lectures seemed to alternate between dragging on interminably and racing past as Grace struggled with the idea of dining in Jack's suite. Her agitation was mounting throughout the afternoon and she found herself studying Jack intently between lectures as he would indulge in his nicotine fix. Normally smoking irritated her but today she could only wonder just how orally fixated Jack was and her mind wandered and made her blush in response. His demeanor was cool and unflustered as he took in the lectures and made mental notes. Of all the National Forensics Conferences she'd ever attended, Grace had never gotten less out of one than she had today.
During a break between the final two lectures of the day, Jack wanted to stop into the bar once more and Grace accompanied him. This morning she'd walked into the same bar, feeling down about Morgan and unsure about herself. Now she walked in feeling like a teenage girl on her first date, nervous and unsure. Once again, Jack situated her at a table and got drinks for them at the bar. This time she didn't even bother ordering something non-alcoholic and switching, she desperately needed something to reining in her nerves about the evening. It was only dinner, she chided herself. Jack was a gentleman and was unlikely to try anything. The thought should have comforted her but instead she felt disappointed knowing he wouldn't try anything.
"I figured it out," Jack informed her.
"Figured what out?" Grace flushed, worried she'd been staring too blatantly at him.
Lighting a cigarette and exhaling thoughtfully, Jack explained, "About why you can't let go of Morgan's infidelity."
"Oh?" Grace asked. She felt relieved she hadn't embarrassed herself but she couldn't say discussing her errant husband was high on her priority list at that moment either. Still, it would be interesting to see what Jack had come up with and so she smiled and invited, "Do tell."
"You told me that Morgan was your high school sweetheart, right?"
"Yes."
"So, he's probably the only man you've ever er been intimate with. And vice versa you were the only woman he'd ever been with. It's bothering you that he's been with another woman and that he's the only man you've ever been with," Jack told her.
Stunned, Grace considered his words. It was exactly why she couldn't let Morgan's cheating go. Partially she worried about him comparing her to the other woman. But a large portion of her anger came from the fact she'd never experienced any man but him and that he'd gotten to be with another woman. Her mind began to race and Grace found herself wishing Jack would suggest she try sleeping with another man to move past it and better still for him to offer to be that man.
Nodding she agreed, "That's right. I think it's unfair that he's gotten to do something that I never did. It's why I can't let the matter go."
Jack reached across the table, touched her hand and looked into her eyes as he murmured, "It's a rotten thing that Morgan did and you may never be able to forgive him. But don't let his foolishness make you doubt for one moment your worth."
"Thank you," Grace smiled at him. Was Jack going to suggest something? She shouldn't be wishing for him to, but she couldn't help it. Eager to find out she tried to think of a way to coax an improper suggestion out of him, to no avail. Unable to think of anything she settled for telling truthfully, "I'm worried that he'll be comparing her to me. That she was somehow better than I am."
"I'll bet that Morgan was so nervous and guilty he didn't really enjoy the night he spent with that woman," Jack told her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze before withdrawing his hand and taking a sip of his drink. Putting his glass down he added, "Any man would be lucky to have you in his life."
The words were well meant but not quite what she'd been hoping for. If he'd told her how lucky any man would be and accentuated it with a caress or used the voice he spoke of Samantha with, she would have been thrilled. Instead, Grace just took a large sip of her drink and sighed, "Says the man who changes girlfriends every other week. It still doesn't change things with Morgan. Call me when you have a committed long term relationship, then we'll talk about me forgiving Morgan."
Looking almost hurt, Jack took her hand and assured her, "I didn't mean you ought to forgive him, Grace. Do forgive me, I only meant to reassure you. You're a wonderful woman and had every right to expect Morgan to live up to his end of the marriage. Truly, I meant no offense."
Two things occurred to Grace as she looked at Jack. He may not ever think of her as anything other than a friend but he did genuinely care about her and that the long term relationship comment was a low blow. Although she hadn't intended to be cruel, she knew that she'd hurt him. All thoughts of seduction fled from her mind as she realized the gravity of her remarks. Guiltily she said, "No Jack, I'm the one who should apologize. I'm just upset about Morgan and you didn't do anything wrong. I know you were just trying to comfort me. I'm sorry about the commitment remark. That was a lousy thing to say."
His expression was remote for a moment, then Jack brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it. Then he brought her knuckles up against his cheek. "Friends?"
From what she'd observed of Jack it was probably the closest thing to a hug he got. Nodding she promised, "I'll always be your friend, Jack."
"Still going to be my dinner companion tonight, darling?" he inquired dramatically as he released her hand.
"That depends Mr. High Society. Do we have to dress for dinner?" she countered jokingly.
Conspiratorially he said, "Of course not. The elite no longer dress at all. They just recline in naked splendor like Roman gods as they indulge their wicked appetites."
Although she knew he was joking, the image of Jack naked on a sofa leaning back seductively and opening his mouth as she fed him grapes came to mind. In her line of work she'd seen a lot of men naked, granted not under good circumstances, but naked nonetheless. It was easy to imagine Jack's sinewy form naked almost down to every last contour and line. She forced a small laugh at his joke as her mind traced his body and she flushed as she tried to conjure in her mind the one important detail she wasn't sure of. Cocks varied greatly and so she had no idea just what to envision but her imagination was only too happy to supply several possibilities that made her pulse speed up once more.
Unaware of the havoc the image had wreaked, Jack promised, "I'll be a perfect gentleman."
That's what she was afraid of, Grace thought with resignation. Still, with a little wine, one never knew what could happen. Jack had a thing for blondes and at the moment she was one, so perhaps- Perhaps he would take her to bed for a night? Was that what she wanted? With Jack so clearly committed to his Samantha, there was little chance of anything serious; but then Grace didn't honestly think she was ready to leave Morgan either. If she gave into the urge, she certainly wouldn't tell her husband. But would it really be as special as her body was convinced it would be?
She could remember two years before at a previous convention seeing Jack briefly with his paramour of the moment coming out of a restaurant. Jack had been about to give the woman money and to send her off for the day when the blonde refused. Her words echoed back in Grace's ears as she sat in the bar across from Jack, I don't want to do anything but sleep and wait for tonight. You're the best I've ever had. The woman hardly seemed innocent and inexperienced but the breathless and soft tone to her voice had been sincere. Something told Grace, Jack really was quite something in the bedroom and decided she really did wish she could find out for herself. Sexy, handsome, gentlemanly and just a slight aura of mystery, what woman wouldn't want to sleep with him?
Jack glanced at his watch and said, "Looks like we've only got a couple minutes left. Ready to go?"
Nodding, she stood up and walked out of the bar with him. Their final lectures for the day were different but located close to each other. Grace was about to go into her lecture on Forensic Botany In Body Trace Evidence when she saw a trim blonde ask for directions to the Forensic Psychiatry Lecture where Jack had gone. As the woman disappeared into the room, Grace's heart sank. She went into her lecture and once more couldn't concentrate. This time because she imagined the blonde sitting next to Jack and batting her eyes at him. Grace began looking at her watch as she sat down, the lecture couldn't be over soon enough.
Grace felt as if her lecture had gone on forever. As it was, the speaker had gone on for ten minutes over the time limit before finally stopping. Pushing her way through the flood of dark suits, she made her way into the hallway and looked anxiously for Jack. He was standing nearby and was engaged in conversation with the blonde woman. About to head to her room in defeat, she was surprised when Jack noticed her and motioned her over. Jack promised he would only be a moment and the woman spoke to him, apparently answering some questions he'd asked. After she finished, Jack thanked her and gave her a sexy grin which resulted in the woman giving her his card and suggesting they get together for drinks sometime when he was in Virginia. The blonde walked away, with a provocative gait, that Grace noticed but Jack only gave a brief glance before depositing her card inside his jacket.
"New friend?"
"If I ever am in Virginia, maybe," Jack shrugged. "But she's giving several more lectures on my list. My interest in her mind is greater than my interest in her body, so I don't plan to have so much as one cocktail with her until the convention is over."
Not as good as hearing he had no interest in the woman but Jack's tone made it very clear he had no intentions of taking anything but knowledge from the woman until the week was out. So, at least she had a chance, Grace realized with relief. "I'm sure she'll be disappointed."
Jack shrugged and replied, "Her feelings are of little consequence. A woman wants me or doesn't. However, is she does it's on my terms or she can find someone else. The world is full of women and only one controls my heart."
Walking with Jack to the elevator, Grace asked, "Have you ever cared about any women besides Samantha?"
"My mother, when she's not making long to take a reciprocating saw to her skull," Jack answered. "Alexandra, but I guess she's an extension of Samantha. And of course there's you, Grace."
A small thrill went through her hearing that she included in his list. Grace knew he wasn't in love with her, but she felt good knowing he cared.
********************
They went to their separate floors, Jack had flipped through his cell phone and had several calls that needed to be returned and Grace was grateful for the brief respite before she was supposed to go up to Jack's suite. She wanted to phone Morgan so she didn't have to worry about him calling later in the night. Even though he deserved to worry, Grace didn't want to upset him. And she wanted to change clothes before going to Jack's room. She didn't have anything overtly sexy with her, but she wanted to fix up a bit before joining him.
Entering her room she went to the phone. Morgan wasn't home, so Grace left him a message that she was safe but tired and wanted to make an early night of it. Then she went to her suitcase and looked through for something to wear. She wished she had something provocative, but would have to settle for a pretty ivory satin blouse and maybe leaving a button or two undone. As she undressed, Grace remembered the remark about dining naked and her body shivered at the thought. She didn't have long and didn't want to keep Jack waiting but she had to do something to take the edge off a little bit. Lying down on the bed, Grace let her fingers wander to her aching slit. She couldn't remember having ever indulged herself this way twice in a day, but then she'd never been so aware of Jack before. Her fingers glided between her thighs and it wasn't long before she was crying out Jack's name.
After she caught her breath she grabbed a fast shower but took care not to get her hair wet. She didn't want to go to Jack's room smelling of sex but she didn't have time to dry her hair either. Quickly donning her silky blouse and a short black skirt, Grace refreshed her make up. Her hand hesitated over her perfume bottle, but she didn't add any. Jack was too observant not to notice and while she hoped something might happen she didn't want to make a fool of herself if something wasn't going to happen. Surveying herself in the mirror, Grace decided she was ready and headed out of the room and up to Jack's suite.
Knocking on the door to Jack's suite, Grace tried to push back her nerves.
"Come on in," Jack told her opening the door. He was wearing a thick white robe and his hair was slightly damp.
"Thanks."
As Grace came into the room, Jack apologized, "Forgive the rather ungentlemenly attire. My calls went longer than I'd realized and I'd only just gotten out of the shower when you arrived. Why don't you help yourself to a drink at the bar while I go into the bedroom and put on something a bit more appropriate for entertaining company."
Shaking her head as he left, Grace groaned to herself. Jack's so-called ungentlemanly robe covered him completely down to his ankles and had even been drawn tightly over his chest. Even his feet were covered by a pair of white opera slippers. Two images warred in her head. One of Jack wearing only a towel and untying it, the other was of him in the bedroom removing the robe and standing there naked. Once more tension coiled in the pit of her stomach to between her thighs with throbbing insistence. She was still staring in the direction of the bathroom when Jack came out. He was wearing a pair of dark colored trousers and a crisp white shirt, he had a tie in his hand that he looked to be about to put on.
"Grace, you haven't got a drink yet," Jack chided teasingly. "Tell me what you want and I'll get it for you."
"A multiple orgasm," Grace muttered softly under her breath. About to say something more appropriate in a louder voice, she saw Jack give her a puzzled look and realized in horror that he'd heard her. As she tried to think of a way to do damage control, Jack suddenly smiled and went behind the suite's massive bar.
"Coming right up."
He thought she wanted a drink! On the verge of collapsing with relief, Grace walked over the to the bar and sat on one of the quartet of stools that were clustered around the outside. Jack had sat his tie down on the bar before getting a glass out. As he opened the refrigerator door underneath the bar and knelt down, Jack frowned. As he stood up, panic washed over Grace at his expression. Had he figured out what she'd really meant?
"I can't give you a multiple orgasm," Jack informed her. "There aren't any strawberries. I don't suppose I could give you a screaming multiple orgasm instead?"
Grace had no idea what either drink was but she her body all but sang with need at his words. Her mind on overload, she was barely aware she was speaking as she huskily said, "I'd love a screaming multiple orgasm, Jack."
He began to pour bits from several bottles into a martini shaker. Grace watched as vodka was joined by amaretto, irish cream, rum, and kahlua. Bending down, Jack pulled a small container of cream out of the refrigerator, then stood up and added it to the mixture. As he shook the mixture, Grace berated herself for her slip up and steeled herself to drink the whole glass. Afterwards she could switch drinks but she didn't want to make Jack think she never had ordered it before. He poured the sinister concoction into the glass and sat it before her with a flourish. Forcing a smile, Grace took a small sip. It was strong but not too bad. She thanked him as he cleaned up.
"Did you work as a bartender in a previous life?"
"No. Samantha bought a cocktail recipe book for a party two years ago. So I picked up a copy and read it."
Always back to Samantha. She seemed to be the center of Jack existence. Grace longed to ask Jack why he wasn't with Samantha and to find out more details, but remained silent. Making a mental note to re-read Jack's novels and pay closer attention to Alexandra, Grace looked at Jack as he poured himself a large glass of Jack Daniels. Although she knew he had a photographic memory, she would wager he'd memorized every recipe in the book on the off chance Samantha ever wished a drink.
"Shall we?" Jack inquired and gestured towards the sofa in front of the fireplace.
Grace picked up her drink and walked over. Sitting at one end, she watched as Jack joined her. He placed his drink on the coffee table before sitting down. In his hand was the tie he'd been going to put on. For a moment she was tempted to snatch it away from him, but her courage failed her. His hands moved swiftly and efficiently as he tied a windsor knot. The movements were swift and polished, Grace thought as she watched him. Even though Morgan wore tie to work every day, it usually took him several tries to get the length just right. It was unfair to compare Morgan to Jack, she supposed; yet she couldn't help comparing them.
Her husband's feature were pleasantly familiar to her but plain with his nondescript hazel eyes that sat behind brown plastic framed glasses. Jack's dark flashing eyes could make a girl melt and his handsome face easily eclipsed Morgan's in her mind. Grace could remember Jack wearing glasses on several occasions in the past but the delicate metal frames looked like he's stepped from a designer eyewear campaign ad rather than selecting frames that were practical like her husband did. Morgan's hairline had begun receding and his temples were graying in a manner that made him simply look old as opposed to distinguished, she thought. Once more Jack came out on top, his thick hair was a deep shade of honey that she longed to run her fingers through.
The differences weren't merely physical though, Grace decided. Her husband lived his life in a routine that never varied and centered around April 15th. She couldn't fault him for doing his job; but he almost never tried anything new. Gifts were given at holidays and anniversaries, but seldom simply because. Morgan wasn't given to big romantic gestures or excessive displays of emotion. Jack's expression was guarded and he was careful about how much emotion he displayed but from what Grace had seen today, she could tell he was passionate about everything that was important to him. Waiting for a woman for so many years, writing about her, shopping for her, clearly Jack had a streak of romance that ran very deep. A predictable ordinary husband was hard pressed to compete with a man who seemed to live his life for love and who could have stepped out of the pages of a romance novel.
Jack reached for a cigarette case on the coffee table and looked at Grace and inquired sheepishly, "Do you mind?"
"Please, go ahead. It's your room," Grace said. Taking a large gulp of her drink she tried to stop comparing Morgan with Jack unsuccessfully. She loved Morgan and he was a good man, but he didn't make her pulse race, not the way Jack did.
"You're my guest. A gentleman should always see to his guest's needs, especially when the guest is a lady," Jack informed her. Lighting a cigarette, he exhaled and purred, "Ah sweet nicotine."
"You and your cigarettes," she laughed. Although he's smoked the entire time she knew him, Grace wondered when he'd taken up the habit. Curious, she inquired, "When did you start smoking?"
"I probably shouldn't tell you because Mack reveals why he smokes in the new book," Jack teased.
"Spill," Grace commanded with mock sternness.
"I took up the habit ten years ago," Jack confessed. He stared at his cigarette, his expression remote. "I was bored and had signed up for two psych classes. That's where I met Samantha. She was a smoker and I took up the habit so I could be near her during breaks."
"Does she still smoke? I thought Alexandra gave it up."
"Only because her husband tricked her into having a baby."
"She didn't want Zoe?"
"God no. T-" Jack paused as if correcting himself. "Her husband got her drunk at New Years and convinced her not to use her diaphragm. He seemed to think that she would give up her career and be a housewife is she had a baby."
"I take it she wasn't to pleased."
"They had some spectacular fights the entire time she was pregnant." A smile crossed his lips and he confided, "You know she snuck cigarettes behind his back the entire time she was expecting Ch- Zoe. She still smokes at least one cigarette a day when she thinks no one is looking."
His voice was indulgent and affectionate as he spoke of Samantha, Grace thought. Part of her was dying to ask about how he knew so much about Samantha's private life when he wasn't involved with her. However, she didn't want to upset him and she wouldn't mind if his attention was focused on her rather than his unobtainable goddess. She finished her drink and let the warmth wash over her. It was safe to get a little drunk tonight, she decided.
"I'm sorry," Jack apologized. "I do tend to ramble. I didn't even think to ask how you're holding up over Morgan."
"If you don't mind, I'd rather not think about him tonight."
"Of course. Shall I make you another-"
"No thanks," Grace interjected.
Her body was still throbbing with need and she didn't think she could bear to hear the word orgasm coming out of his mouth unless it was while they were naked. Although the alcohol made her feel somewhat more at ease, the sensual tension seemed to mount as he reached out and pushed a tendril of hair from her eyes. He sat back and took a sip of his drink. A tiny droplet clung to his lower lip and she longed to lean in and taste it. She wanted to kiss him, to feel his lips on hers and for him to carry her into the bedroom and give her the release her body was desperate for.
There was a knock at the door and Jack took another quick drink before sitting his glass down and calling out, "Just a minute."
As he walked to the door and Grace watched him and groaned softly as he leaned and the back of his trousers hugged his body. Apparently, Jack didn't wear underwear on a regular basis. The thought his cock was only a zipper pull away sent a flicker of desire through her and she blushed as several hotel staff members entered the room and sat up dinner.
Author: M. Elizabeth Ravensblood
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Jack/Grace with implied Jack/Samantha
Summary: Pre-series. While attending the National Forensics Conference, Grace runs into her friend Jack, a successful thriller author who unknown to her derives his ingenious plots from his exploits as serial killer Jack-Of-All-Trades. Upset over her husband's infidelity, Grace decides to even the score and soon she takes the first step into Jack's world...
Author's Notes: Shadow of Pleasure is the first story in a series called, Gods and Shadows which will be Jack/Grace in parts and ultimately Jack/Samantha. This first tale which focuses on Jack/Grace is for my lovely friend, velvetwhip. This is part three of Shadow of Pleasure. Previous parts can be found: Part 1 and Part 2 The story is cross-posted at profiler_fans. Due to length this will probably be posted in at least four parts. Due to length, there are several more parts to come.
The time spent at lectures seemed to alternate between dragging on interminably and racing past as Grace struggled with the idea of dining in Jack's suite. Her agitation was mounting throughout the afternoon and she found herself studying Jack intently between lectures as he would indulge in his nicotine fix. Normally smoking irritated her but today she could only wonder just how orally fixated Jack was and her mind wandered and made her blush in response. His demeanor was cool and unflustered as he took in the lectures and made mental notes. Of all the National Forensics Conferences she'd ever attended, Grace had never gotten less out of one than she had today.
During a break between the final two lectures of the day, Jack wanted to stop into the bar once more and Grace accompanied him. This morning she'd walked into the same bar, feeling down about Morgan and unsure about herself. Now she walked in feeling like a teenage girl on her first date, nervous and unsure. Once again, Jack situated her at a table and got drinks for them at the bar. This time she didn't even bother ordering something non-alcoholic and switching, she desperately needed something to reining in her nerves about the evening. It was only dinner, she chided herself. Jack was a gentleman and was unlikely to try anything. The thought should have comforted her but instead she felt disappointed knowing he wouldn't try anything.
"I figured it out," Jack informed her.
"Figured what out?" Grace flushed, worried she'd been staring too blatantly at him.
Lighting a cigarette and exhaling thoughtfully, Jack explained, "About why you can't let go of Morgan's infidelity."
"Oh?" Grace asked. She felt relieved she hadn't embarrassed herself but she couldn't say discussing her errant husband was high on her priority list at that moment either. Still, it would be interesting to see what Jack had come up with and so she smiled and invited, "Do tell."
"You told me that Morgan was your high school sweetheart, right?"
"Yes."
"So, he's probably the only man you've ever er been intimate with. And vice versa you were the only woman he'd ever been with. It's bothering you that he's been with another woman and that he's the only man you've ever been with," Jack told her.
Stunned, Grace considered his words. It was exactly why she couldn't let Morgan's cheating go. Partially she worried about him comparing her to the other woman. But a large portion of her anger came from the fact she'd never experienced any man but him and that he'd gotten to be with another woman. Her mind began to race and Grace found herself wishing Jack would suggest she try sleeping with another man to move past it and better still for him to offer to be that man.
Nodding she agreed, "That's right. I think it's unfair that he's gotten to do something that I never did. It's why I can't let the matter go."
Jack reached across the table, touched her hand and looked into her eyes as he murmured, "It's a rotten thing that Morgan did and you may never be able to forgive him. But don't let his foolishness make you doubt for one moment your worth."
"Thank you," Grace smiled at him. Was Jack going to suggest something? She shouldn't be wishing for him to, but she couldn't help it. Eager to find out she tried to think of a way to coax an improper suggestion out of him, to no avail. Unable to think of anything she settled for telling truthfully, "I'm worried that he'll be comparing her to me. That she was somehow better than I am."
"I'll bet that Morgan was so nervous and guilty he didn't really enjoy the night he spent with that woman," Jack told her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze before withdrawing his hand and taking a sip of his drink. Putting his glass down he added, "Any man would be lucky to have you in his life."
The words were well meant but not quite what she'd been hoping for. If he'd told her how lucky any man would be and accentuated it with a caress or used the voice he spoke of Samantha with, she would have been thrilled. Instead, Grace just took a large sip of her drink and sighed, "Says the man who changes girlfriends every other week. It still doesn't change things with Morgan. Call me when you have a committed long term relationship, then we'll talk about me forgiving Morgan."
Looking almost hurt, Jack took her hand and assured her, "I didn't mean you ought to forgive him, Grace. Do forgive me, I only meant to reassure you. You're a wonderful woman and had every right to expect Morgan to live up to his end of the marriage. Truly, I meant no offense."
Two things occurred to Grace as she looked at Jack. He may not ever think of her as anything other than a friend but he did genuinely care about her and that the long term relationship comment was a low blow. Although she hadn't intended to be cruel, she knew that she'd hurt him. All thoughts of seduction fled from her mind as she realized the gravity of her remarks. Guiltily she said, "No Jack, I'm the one who should apologize. I'm just upset about Morgan and you didn't do anything wrong. I know you were just trying to comfort me. I'm sorry about the commitment remark. That was a lousy thing to say."
His expression was remote for a moment, then Jack brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it. Then he brought her knuckles up against his cheek. "Friends?"
From what she'd observed of Jack it was probably the closest thing to a hug he got. Nodding she promised, "I'll always be your friend, Jack."
"Still going to be my dinner companion tonight, darling?" he inquired dramatically as he released her hand.
"That depends Mr. High Society. Do we have to dress for dinner?" she countered jokingly.
Conspiratorially he said, "Of course not. The elite no longer dress at all. They just recline in naked splendor like Roman gods as they indulge their wicked appetites."
Although she knew he was joking, the image of Jack naked on a sofa leaning back seductively and opening his mouth as she fed him grapes came to mind. In her line of work she'd seen a lot of men naked, granted not under good circumstances, but naked nonetheless. It was easy to imagine Jack's sinewy form naked almost down to every last contour and line. She forced a small laugh at his joke as her mind traced his body and she flushed as she tried to conjure in her mind the one important detail she wasn't sure of. Cocks varied greatly and so she had no idea just what to envision but her imagination was only too happy to supply several possibilities that made her pulse speed up once more.
Unaware of the havoc the image had wreaked, Jack promised, "I'll be a perfect gentleman."
That's what she was afraid of, Grace thought with resignation. Still, with a little wine, one never knew what could happen. Jack had a thing for blondes and at the moment she was one, so perhaps- Perhaps he would take her to bed for a night? Was that what she wanted? With Jack so clearly committed to his Samantha, there was little chance of anything serious; but then Grace didn't honestly think she was ready to leave Morgan either. If she gave into the urge, she certainly wouldn't tell her husband. But would it really be as special as her body was convinced it would be?
She could remember two years before at a previous convention seeing Jack briefly with his paramour of the moment coming out of a restaurant. Jack had been about to give the woman money and to send her off for the day when the blonde refused. Her words echoed back in Grace's ears as she sat in the bar across from Jack, I don't want to do anything but sleep and wait for tonight. You're the best I've ever had. The woman hardly seemed innocent and inexperienced but the breathless and soft tone to her voice had been sincere. Something told Grace, Jack really was quite something in the bedroom and decided she really did wish she could find out for herself. Sexy, handsome, gentlemanly and just a slight aura of mystery, what woman wouldn't want to sleep with him?
Jack glanced at his watch and said, "Looks like we've only got a couple minutes left. Ready to go?"
Nodding, she stood up and walked out of the bar with him. Their final lectures for the day were different but located close to each other. Grace was about to go into her lecture on Forensic Botany In Body Trace Evidence when she saw a trim blonde ask for directions to the Forensic Psychiatry Lecture where Jack had gone. As the woman disappeared into the room, Grace's heart sank. She went into her lecture and once more couldn't concentrate. This time because she imagined the blonde sitting next to Jack and batting her eyes at him. Grace began looking at her watch as she sat down, the lecture couldn't be over soon enough.
Grace felt as if her lecture had gone on forever. As it was, the speaker had gone on for ten minutes over the time limit before finally stopping. Pushing her way through the flood of dark suits, she made her way into the hallway and looked anxiously for Jack. He was standing nearby and was engaged in conversation with the blonde woman. About to head to her room in defeat, she was surprised when Jack noticed her and motioned her over. Jack promised he would only be a moment and the woman spoke to him, apparently answering some questions he'd asked. After she finished, Jack thanked her and gave her a sexy grin which resulted in the woman giving her his card and suggesting they get together for drinks sometime when he was in Virginia. The blonde walked away, with a provocative gait, that Grace noticed but Jack only gave a brief glance before depositing her card inside his jacket.
"New friend?"
"If I ever am in Virginia, maybe," Jack shrugged. "But she's giving several more lectures on my list. My interest in her mind is greater than my interest in her body, so I don't plan to have so much as one cocktail with her until the convention is over."
Not as good as hearing he had no interest in the woman but Jack's tone made it very clear he had no intentions of taking anything but knowledge from the woman until the week was out. So, at least she had a chance, Grace realized with relief. "I'm sure she'll be disappointed."
Jack shrugged and replied, "Her feelings are of little consequence. A woman wants me or doesn't. However, is she does it's on my terms or she can find someone else. The world is full of women and only one controls my heart."
Walking with Jack to the elevator, Grace asked, "Have you ever cared about any women besides Samantha?"
"My mother, when she's not making long to take a reciprocating saw to her skull," Jack answered. "Alexandra, but I guess she's an extension of Samantha. And of course there's you, Grace."
A small thrill went through her hearing that she included in his list. Grace knew he wasn't in love with her, but she felt good knowing he cared.
********************
They went to their separate floors, Jack had flipped through his cell phone and had several calls that needed to be returned and Grace was grateful for the brief respite before she was supposed to go up to Jack's suite. She wanted to phone Morgan so she didn't have to worry about him calling later in the night. Even though he deserved to worry, Grace didn't want to upset him. And she wanted to change clothes before going to Jack's room. She didn't have anything overtly sexy with her, but she wanted to fix up a bit before joining him.
Entering her room she went to the phone. Morgan wasn't home, so Grace left him a message that she was safe but tired and wanted to make an early night of it. Then she went to her suitcase and looked through for something to wear. She wished she had something provocative, but would have to settle for a pretty ivory satin blouse and maybe leaving a button or two undone. As she undressed, Grace remembered the remark about dining naked and her body shivered at the thought. She didn't have long and didn't want to keep Jack waiting but she had to do something to take the edge off a little bit. Lying down on the bed, Grace let her fingers wander to her aching slit. She couldn't remember having ever indulged herself this way twice in a day, but then she'd never been so aware of Jack before. Her fingers glided between her thighs and it wasn't long before she was crying out Jack's name.
After she caught her breath she grabbed a fast shower but took care not to get her hair wet. She didn't want to go to Jack's room smelling of sex but she didn't have time to dry her hair either. Quickly donning her silky blouse and a short black skirt, Grace refreshed her make up. Her hand hesitated over her perfume bottle, but she didn't add any. Jack was too observant not to notice and while she hoped something might happen she didn't want to make a fool of herself if something wasn't going to happen. Surveying herself in the mirror, Grace decided she was ready and headed out of the room and up to Jack's suite.
Knocking on the door to Jack's suite, Grace tried to push back her nerves.
"Come on in," Jack told her opening the door. He was wearing a thick white robe and his hair was slightly damp.
"Thanks."
As Grace came into the room, Jack apologized, "Forgive the rather ungentlemenly attire. My calls went longer than I'd realized and I'd only just gotten out of the shower when you arrived. Why don't you help yourself to a drink at the bar while I go into the bedroom and put on something a bit more appropriate for entertaining company."
Shaking her head as he left, Grace groaned to herself. Jack's so-called ungentlemanly robe covered him completely down to his ankles and had even been drawn tightly over his chest. Even his feet were covered by a pair of white opera slippers. Two images warred in her head. One of Jack wearing only a towel and untying it, the other was of him in the bedroom removing the robe and standing there naked. Once more tension coiled in the pit of her stomach to between her thighs with throbbing insistence. She was still staring in the direction of the bathroom when Jack came out. He was wearing a pair of dark colored trousers and a crisp white shirt, he had a tie in his hand that he looked to be about to put on.
"Grace, you haven't got a drink yet," Jack chided teasingly. "Tell me what you want and I'll get it for you."
"A multiple orgasm," Grace muttered softly under her breath. About to say something more appropriate in a louder voice, she saw Jack give her a puzzled look and realized in horror that he'd heard her. As she tried to think of a way to do damage control, Jack suddenly smiled and went behind the suite's massive bar.
"Coming right up."
He thought she wanted a drink! On the verge of collapsing with relief, Grace walked over the to the bar and sat on one of the quartet of stools that were clustered around the outside. Jack had sat his tie down on the bar before getting a glass out. As he opened the refrigerator door underneath the bar and knelt down, Jack frowned. As he stood up, panic washed over Grace at his expression. Had he figured out what she'd really meant?
"I can't give you a multiple orgasm," Jack informed her. "There aren't any strawberries. I don't suppose I could give you a screaming multiple orgasm instead?"
Grace had no idea what either drink was but she her body all but sang with need at his words. Her mind on overload, she was barely aware she was speaking as she huskily said, "I'd love a screaming multiple orgasm, Jack."
He began to pour bits from several bottles into a martini shaker. Grace watched as vodka was joined by amaretto, irish cream, rum, and kahlua. Bending down, Jack pulled a small container of cream out of the refrigerator, then stood up and added it to the mixture. As he shook the mixture, Grace berated herself for her slip up and steeled herself to drink the whole glass. Afterwards she could switch drinks but she didn't want to make Jack think she never had ordered it before. He poured the sinister concoction into the glass and sat it before her with a flourish. Forcing a smile, Grace took a small sip. It was strong but not too bad. She thanked him as he cleaned up.
"Did you work as a bartender in a previous life?"
"No. Samantha bought a cocktail recipe book for a party two years ago. So I picked up a copy and read it."
Always back to Samantha. She seemed to be the center of Jack existence. Grace longed to ask Jack why he wasn't with Samantha and to find out more details, but remained silent. Making a mental note to re-read Jack's novels and pay closer attention to Alexandra, Grace looked at Jack as he poured himself a large glass of Jack Daniels. Although she knew he had a photographic memory, she would wager he'd memorized every recipe in the book on the off chance Samantha ever wished a drink.
"Shall we?" Jack inquired and gestured towards the sofa in front of the fireplace.
Grace picked up her drink and walked over. Sitting at one end, she watched as Jack joined her. He placed his drink on the coffee table before sitting down. In his hand was the tie he'd been going to put on. For a moment she was tempted to snatch it away from him, but her courage failed her. His hands moved swiftly and efficiently as he tied a windsor knot. The movements were swift and polished, Grace thought as she watched him. Even though Morgan wore tie to work every day, it usually took him several tries to get the length just right. It was unfair to compare Morgan to Jack, she supposed; yet she couldn't help comparing them.
Her husband's feature were pleasantly familiar to her but plain with his nondescript hazel eyes that sat behind brown plastic framed glasses. Jack's dark flashing eyes could make a girl melt and his handsome face easily eclipsed Morgan's in her mind. Grace could remember Jack wearing glasses on several occasions in the past but the delicate metal frames looked like he's stepped from a designer eyewear campaign ad rather than selecting frames that were practical like her husband did. Morgan's hairline had begun receding and his temples were graying in a manner that made him simply look old as opposed to distinguished, she thought. Once more Jack came out on top, his thick hair was a deep shade of honey that she longed to run her fingers through.
The differences weren't merely physical though, Grace decided. Her husband lived his life in a routine that never varied and centered around April 15th. She couldn't fault him for doing his job; but he almost never tried anything new. Gifts were given at holidays and anniversaries, but seldom simply because. Morgan wasn't given to big romantic gestures or excessive displays of emotion. Jack's expression was guarded and he was careful about how much emotion he displayed but from what Grace had seen today, she could tell he was passionate about everything that was important to him. Waiting for a woman for so many years, writing about her, shopping for her, clearly Jack had a streak of romance that ran very deep. A predictable ordinary husband was hard pressed to compete with a man who seemed to live his life for love and who could have stepped out of the pages of a romance novel.
Jack reached for a cigarette case on the coffee table and looked at Grace and inquired sheepishly, "Do you mind?"
"Please, go ahead. It's your room," Grace said. Taking a large gulp of her drink she tried to stop comparing Morgan with Jack unsuccessfully. She loved Morgan and he was a good man, but he didn't make her pulse race, not the way Jack did.
"You're my guest. A gentleman should always see to his guest's needs, especially when the guest is a lady," Jack informed her. Lighting a cigarette, he exhaled and purred, "Ah sweet nicotine."
"You and your cigarettes," she laughed. Although he's smoked the entire time she knew him, Grace wondered when he'd taken up the habit. Curious, she inquired, "When did you start smoking?"
"I probably shouldn't tell you because Mack reveals why he smokes in the new book," Jack teased.
"Spill," Grace commanded with mock sternness.
"I took up the habit ten years ago," Jack confessed. He stared at his cigarette, his expression remote. "I was bored and had signed up for two psych classes. That's where I met Samantha. She was a smoker and I took up the habit so I could be near her during breaks."
"Does she still smoke? I thought Alexandra gave it up."
"Only because her husband tricked her into having a baby."
"She didn't want Zoe?"
"God no. T-" Jack paused as if correcting himself. "Her husband got her drunk at New Years and convinced her not to use her diaphragm. He seemed to think that she would give up her career and be a housewife is she had a baby."
"I take it she wasn't to pleased."
"They had some spectacular fights the entire time she was pregnant." A smile crossed his lips and he confided, "You know she snuck cigarettes behind his back the entire time she was expecting Ch- Zoe. She still smokes at least one cigarette a day when she thinks no one is looking."
His voice was indulgent and affectionate as he spoke of Samantha, Grace thought. Part of her was dying to ask about how he knew so much about Samantha's private life when he wasn't involved with her. However, she didn't want to upset him and she wouldn't mind if his attention was focused on her rather than his unobtainable goddess. She finished her drink and let the warmth wash over her. It was safe to get a little drunk tonight, she decided.
"I'm sorry," Jack apologized. "I do tend to ramble. I didn't even think to ask how you're holding up over Morgan."
"If you don't mind, I'd rather not think about him tonight."
"Of course. Shall I make you another-"
"No thanks," Grace interjected.
Her body was still throbbing with need and she didn't think she could bear to hear the word orgasm coming out of his mouth unless it was while they were naked. Although the alcohol made her feel somewhat more at ease, the sensual tension seemed to mount as he reached out and pushed a tendril of hair from her eyes. He sat back and took a sip of his drink. A tiny droplet clung to his lower lip and she longed to lean in and taste it. She wanted to kiss him, to feel his lips on hers and for him to carry her into the bedroom and give her the release her body was desperate for.
There was a knock at the door and Jack took another quick drink before sitting his glass down and calling out, "Just a minute."
As he walked to the door and Grace watched him and groaned softly as he leaned and the back of his trousers hugged his body. Apparently, Jack didn't wear underwear on a regular basis. The thought his cock was only a zipper pull away sent a flicker of desire through her and she blushed as several hotel staff members entered the room and sat up dinner.