Chapter 199: Rather Be With JessiAt 7:00 that evening, Judd, wearing a blue dress shirt and jeans, sat at the bar of an upscale chain restaurant at Downtown at the Gardens. It was not the kind of place he'd have chosen, he thought as he sipped his Yeungling draft. But he'd invited Kit to pick the place, and he assumed it was a restaurant with which she was comfortable.Twenty minutes later, he was checking his phone to see if he'd missed a message from her when he heard someone call his name. He turned to see a petite young woman making her way toward him. Her dress was short and black, her shoes, black stilettos, and while her short spiky hair had been jet black in her profile picture, it was now accented with a purple swath spiking up in the middle."Hi, sorry I'm late. I just couldn't get my act together, you know?" She smiled and proffered a black-manicured hand. "I'm Kit."Judd slid off his stool and shook her hand. "I'm Judd. Yeah, I was starting to get worried. It's n
Chapter 200: Late-Night Surprise Visit"Goddammit, motherfucking, son-of-a-bitch!" Jessi pushed away from laptop on the kitchen island and stomped out the back door. She did a little deep breathing, telling herself that breaking the computer was not the answer.She'd spent the last two hours working on revamping Sea Star's website and now, for some unknown reason, all her work had been lost. Everything had been three times harder than it had to be, and she'd rebooted her computer twice. Maybe, she considered, I should just let Adam do it next time he's down.She stood outside gazing at the moon and trying to let go of her frustration. From inside, she heard her phone ringing. Hurrying back into the kitchen, she saw that it was Judd."Hey, there! How are you?" she asked."I'm okay, how about you?""I've absolutely had it with this stupid computer, I'll tell you. I'm just about to take it and toss it into the pool."She heard him chuckle. "It can't be that bad, can it?""Oh, it
Chapter 201: Surfing LessonUp early the following morning, Jessi briefly considered calling to check on Sarah, but decided against it, not wishing to disturb her. But before she could leave the house, Sarah called her."Is everything under control for the shower?" she asked Jessi."Of course, no worries. How are you feeling?""Like a slightly smaller truck ran over me than the one from yesterday," she joked. "The soup you brought over really helped.""I'm glad. Keep getting rest. That's really the only thing that will get you better.""I will. But I owe you one. I know how you hate baby showers.""Just get better and we'll call it even," Jessi laughed.Before heading out the front door, she made one last check. The party supplies were already in the Volvo. She'd packed a bag for Buddy with his bowls, a Ziploc bag of food, his treats, his favorite toys, and a small blanket for him to use as a bed. "I haven't had to pack a diaper bag in years," she laughed to herself.As she
Chapter 202: DinnerBack inside, Judd showed Jessi upstairs to his bedroom. He reached into the bathroom and switched on the light. "Towels are under the sink. Feel free to use whatever you need.""Thanks," she answered shyly. "I just need to wash off the salt and sand.""No worries. I'll start the grill and rinse off under the outdoor shower. I hope you're hungry," he said. "I have fresh mahi a buddy of mine gave me.""That sounds fantastic. I'll be quick," she promised.He smiled kindly. "Take your time." With that, he turned and left her alone, closing the bedroom door behind him.Jessi set her bag on the bed, laying her sundress beside it. She couldn't resist lightly stroking the white duvet as she glanced around the room. Three walls were painted a pale slate, while the fourth wall was a bank of floor to ceiling sliding glass doors. White sheers obscured the view of the ocean in the orange and pink light of the setting sun.A grey chenille throw was tossed haphazardly
Chapter 203: Crossing the LineHeart pounding, Jessi knelt in Judd's bedroom. She'd considered placing the chenille throw on the floor to cushion her knees, but he hadn't mentioned it, so she promptly discarded the notion. Her shoes she'd kicked off and placed beside the dresser.What she wanted most of all was to please him, so she knelt upright, her arms clasped behind her, her head bowed. She knew she should clear her mind, but now her thoughts swirled around those moments on the patio. Had she topped him? Had she been too forward? Kissing him hadn't been her plan, but when she was so close to him, she'd felt drawn as if with a magnet. Suddenly, she heard his footfalls on the stairs, and her pulse quickened. She listened as he entered the bedroom and closed the door. After that, the room was silent and she strained to hear, not daring to look up. "Well done, little one," he murmured. He'd moved behind her, and gently stroked her hair. "I'm going to shower properly befo
Chapter 204: AngelAt the same moment Judd sank himself into Jessi for the first time, nearly a thousand miles away, Gary Wayne Gentry stood on a sidewalk in Memphis, watching as flames leapt higher into the sky. The shuttered diner across the street had apparently been closed for years, which made it easier for him to do his thing. Now, the first emergency vehicles were arriving. Earlier in the day, he'd taken himself on a tour of Graceland. He'd never really been much of an Elvis fan. Not like his mother. But he'd figured, hell, when you're in Memphis, it's what you do. He'd tried to imagine himself living in the gaudy mansion. The King got noticed, that's for sure. Women throwing themselves at him, screaming his name. He'd nodded to himself. That would not suck. Not by a long shot.Now, he slid his hand into the pocket of his hoodie, reassuring himself that the Glock 26 was still in place. It was a small gun. But that was necessary—couldn't have witnesses seeing a gu
Chapter 205: Something NewJessi and Judd left his townhouse together, Judd heading to the station while Jessi drove home to spend her Sunday in the quiet of the big house. It had never bothered her before. Of course, right after Graham had died the house seemed empty. But as she let herself in the front door, she glanced around. Graham had insisted on bringing in a decorator after the kids had moved away, and while the house looked like a showplace, Jessi had never really liked the frou-frou décor. It seemed impersonal, like someone else's belongings.Shrugging off the thoughts, Jessi went upstairs, took a shower, threw on a pair of denim shorts and a pink tank top, and took Buddy for a walk around the neighborhood."So, what gives, Farris?" Alex and Judd had stopped for lunch after dropping a patient at the hospital."What gives what?" Judd questioned, munching on a handful of fries."What gives with that extra swing in your step and that shit-eating grin? Inquiring minds wanna
Chapter 206: Date Night Preparations"Hey, there, Angel." Judd's voice over the phone was soft. Jessi felt a wave of heat wash over her."Good evening, Sir," she replied, smiling. "How are you?"She heard him sigh. "I'm at work, but it's been okay so far. How was your day?""It was nice. Quiet. After I got home, I took Buddy for a long walk. Then I piddled around, did a little work on that retirement party. That kind of thing.""I've been a little distracted today, thinking about you."Jessi giggled softly, unconsciously reaching to wind a wisp of hair around her finger. "Is that a fact? What kinds of things did you think about?"He lowered his voice. "Dirty, depraved kinds of things.""That sounds good to me.""I thought it might. Tell me… Are you sore today?"She felt the heat on her face. And lower, too. "A little.""Good. I want you to remember who claimed you. But like I said, we have some things to discuss.""Yes, Sir. About limits and that kind of thing.""Tha
Chapter 328: Epilogue"Just one more push, you're doing great," the doctor said."How are you holding up, Dad?"Bleary-eyed, he nodded to the pink scrubs-clad nurse. He was ready for this long night to be over.He felt her starting to squeeze his hand again. "You've got this, babe," he murmured, kissing her forehead.Eyes closed and teeth clenched, she bore down, releasing a grunting squeal with the effort."Stop! There we are, Mom. The head is out. Now don't push, just breathe for a moment."Still holding her hand, he leaned over to see the back of the baby's head. His heart was in his throat and tears streamed down his face."Now this is it. On the next contraction, go ahead and push."He turned back to her. Eyes wide, she panted, gripping his hand for dear life."Oh, God, here it comes," she cried."You're doing great, I'm so proud of you," he murmured, turning to watch as their child was born.Fifteen minutes later, he strode down the hospital corridor to the family waiting
Chapter 327: No Time Like the Present"You should go home and get some rest, Jackie."Without taking her eyes off Scott, asleep in his hospital bed, she reached for Blake's hand. "I can't. I need to be here when he wakes up.""You're sure?"She nodded, then looked to her brother. "Can you take care of the kids? I hate to impose, but…""No worries, Jackie. Now that the storm's over, we'll take them back to our house. Amy's more comfortable there, anyway. We'll have a sleepover party."Jackie sighed. "I know they're ready to be back in their own beds. But I'll be home tomorrow, for sure, at least overnight.""Okay, sis." He kissed Jackie on the cheek. "Keep us posted."In the quiet of the hospital room, Jackie pulled a chair beside Scott's bed. As soon as they'd arrived back at the lodge, Blake and some of the others had carried Scott to the battered Suburban, laying him on the back seat.At Amy's insistence, Blake had driven Jackie and Scott to town. By the time they reache
Chapter 326: Dream Versus RealityHe was staring up at an azure sky. A warm summer breeze caressed his face. He turned his head and Jackie smiled at him, her deep blue eyes sparkling. "Where were you?" she asked.Scott shrugged. "I don't know.""Well, you're back now. That's what counts." She took his hand and led him to a bed in the middle of a sun-drenched field full of flowers. The bed's sheer white canopy billowed in the breeze. Kissing his hand, she released it, reaching up to slide first one, then the other spaghetti strap of her filmy white dress, allowing it to slide down her body and pool at her bare feet. His gaze slid from her sapphire eyes to her succulent lips. Then it traveled over the firm globes of her breasts with their pert pink nipples, to the flair of her hips, to the junction between her thighs where tight black curls were neatly trimmed. When he met her eyes again, she smiled knowingly and sank to her knees, bowing her head and resting her hands palm
Chapter 325: Warrior Princess"Jacks, you can't go out there." Blake's face twisted with concern."He won't come back until he finds Pierce. But he won't find Pierce, because Pierce is here. You can't leave Amy. I'd never even ask. And if Ned Hart won't go out there, I have no other choice." Her voice was deadly calm.She grabbed her grey coat, then put it back on its hook, heading into the dining room. Blake followed. "Jackie, seriously, I don't want you going out there." He grabbed her hand, stopping her. "Scott wouldn't want you going out there.""He can tell me that when I find him. Can I borrow Amy's pink parka? It's brighter than mine, easier to see."Blake exhaled sharply, his tone resigned. "I've known you long enough to know that once you've set your mind on something, that's it. At least let me put together a pack for you."While Blake scavenged from the survival students, Jackie put on Amy's parka and spoke to Grant and Emma. "I'm going out to let Scott know
Chapter 324: From Bad to WorseAway from the wide-open expanse of the lake, the trees blocked a certain amount of the wind, but plenty of snow filtered down. Try as he might, Scott couldn't make out any tracks left by Pierce. He continued up the trail, slipping and sliding as he made his way up a steep ridge. The designated campsite was the clearing at the top, but once he arrived, the area was empty. Even the snow was thin, having been blown into drifts against the bases of the trees surrounding the clearing. Where are you, you little shit? Scott turned in a circle, considering the most likely way Pierce might have gone. The clearing was exposed. He'd have wanted to find a spot that afforded more shelter. Which meant he would have gone lower. But in which direction?Rolling the dice, Scott headed west, where the clearing dropped off in a bluff about thirty meters above a ravine created by a now-frozen creek. He peered down into the gully, willing Pierce not to be there at
Chapter 323: Who's Missing?An hour later, Scott sipped his coffee and gazed out over the room. A handful of his campers had volunteered to help with lunch, and they'd all enjoyed potato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Now, a group of guests was working on chili for dinner.Out of habit, he mentally counted his group. Tom and Patty Payton, who'd headed up lunch, were playing cards with Justin Sapp and Paula Martinez. Dan Spinelli was talking fishing with the father and sons from Cherub Lake. Not finding Pierce, Adams, or Bennet, he frowned slightly. A trip to the restaurant kitchen revealed Brian Bennett and Keely Adams working on cornbread to go with the chili.That leaves one. Scott returned to the dining room. Jackie was across the room checking on Amy. He cruised by the table where Dan was swapping fish stories. "Sorry to interrupt, but have you seen Pierce?"The younger man frowned. "Not since we ate. But you know, now that you mention it, his backpack is gone." H
Chapter 322: Everyone Shelter at the LodgeAs Jackie and the children hiked toward the main lodge, they heard the snowmobile returning from the island. Jackie sent Emma and Grant ahead with their backpacks, Max galumphing along behind them, while she waited for Scott to secure the snowmobile."How'd it go?"Scott's lips were a grim line. "About how you'd expect. There's nothing we can do about it with the storm coming. Everybody understood, really. Except for Pierce. He's such an asswipe."Jackie's eyes widened but her lips curled impishly. "Oh my, Sire. Language."He popped her ass lightly. "And now my Princess requests a spanking. My day is complete."They both laughed as the entered the lodge. Trina had a huge fire going in the dining room's fireplace, and she'd already been to the cabins to invite guests to gather in the main lodge, where there would be food and heat."Hi, guys," she greeted Jackie and Scott. "I called the crew to let them know to stay home today. Then
Chapter 321: Blizzard WarningFrowning, Scott watched the latest weather report on the early morning local news, his mouth set in a grim line. Beside him, Jackie stirred. "What is it?" she murmured."It's alright," he answered softly. "Go back to sleep. It's not even 5:00 yet."She sniffed loudly and yawned. "I'm awake now. What's the matter?" She pushed up on an elbow and rested her head against his shoulder.He shook his head derisively. "The blizzard. They're predicting the storm to hit by this afternoon.""I thought it was supposed to skirt us to the south.""I hoped it would. But now we're under a blizzard warning." He kissed her temple and slid out of bed."What are you going to do?"He stepped into a pair of fleece-lined jeans and shrugged into a grey thermal Henley. "I'm heading to the island to let the campers know. Obviously, we're postponing the solo outings. I'll offer them the chance to return for free to finish their second week of this session." He glanced
Chapter 320: Winter SessionPulling the hood of his black parka lower over his head, Scott ducked behind the windscreen of his snowmobile and headed back to the lodge. At the bunkhouse cabin, he'd just welcomed Tom and Patty Payton, the only married couple he'd had thus far in his wilderness school.Having checked in with Jackie in the reception area of the lodge, the pair had made their way on foot across the ice to the island where they joined fellow survival students Justin Sapp, a stocky young man with an infectious sense of humor, and Paula Martinez, an attractive thirty-something Latina who wrote a Spanish-language adventure blog.Everyone in this session had broad outdoor survival experience, including the Paytons, who had once spent a year in the Amazon cataloging wildlife. They'd told Scott they were excited to learn winter survival skills in the wilderness of Ontario.That leaves four more clients yet to arrive, Scott mused as he pulled up the slope to park beneath the lodg