Page 36 of Hidden Gem
Jason sighed. He knew what was coming: calls from his colleagues, curiosity veiled in sympathy and well-meaning advice. Opinion pieces in the media analysing the public’s reaction to the video, drawing comparisons to similar faux pas and movie scenes. The YouTubers would create remixes and act out the scene, while Twitter would fill with memes. They’d have their fun, and eventually move on. He would get through this, but Marnie... would she run away? Could he protect her from this? Was there any way she could remain the mystery woman? Jason put on his earphones and clicked ‘play’ on the video embedded in the news article. He cringed at the desperation in his own voice, which at one point hit an uncomfortably high register. It was meme gold, like he was begging for everyone to take the piss.
He’d have to comment quickly, appear open, honest and self-deprecating, while keeping Marnie out of it. It was possible. The kid had been too excited to catch him on camera, only turning in Marnie’s direction once, presumably to capture her reaction to his ‘bad lover’ confession. But the darkness protected her identity. Thank God he hadn’t known or used her real name. Now, everyone and their dog would be looking for Beatrice. If they kept out of public spaces and were never seen together... Jason’s shoulders sagged, the thought heavier than he wanted to admit. He didn’t want to hide. He’d already imagined going out with her, slipping his arm around her as they walked, surprising her with a kiss. But he couldn’t do that to her, knowing what she’d have to endure.
A faint sound from the bedroom told him Marnie was awake. He paused the video, placed the phone on the coffee table, screen down and let his legs carry him towards the woman his entire being craved.
Chapter 17
Marnie woke to brightlight pouring in through the net curtains, filling the room with a dreaminess that perfectly matched her frame of mind. She was still inside the dream, hiding in Jason’s cottage, hiding from her real life, family and friends. Nobody knew where she was. Only Jason. Where was he?
Before she got up, he appeared at the doorway, then on top of her.
“Good morning!” He placed a kiss on her neck, lingering there.
His stubble tickled Marnie’s skin. “Did you sleep well?”
She didn’t really have to ask. She could see the difference in him, the energy burning behind his eyes. It made him harder to read, more dangerous, someone further out of her league. But as his hand landed on her hip, her body responded far ahead of her mind. Locking eyes with him, she guided his hand under her sweater. As he lifted the hem, she was overcome by a desire to undress. She wiggled out of the loose sweater, then her tight tank top, sighing at the sensation of cool air on her skin. Her nipples stood up obediently, teased by both the temperature and his gaze. The intensity in his eyes made her want to pause. She wanted to take all she could get and enjoy every second of it. His eyes flashed with need as he explored her body.
“God, you’re gorgeous.” He peeled off his T-shirt, the same one he’d worn the night before, and lowered his mouth onto her body.
Working his way from her nipples down to her belly, he covered her in hot kisses while his hands traced her curves, cupping her breasts and sliding down to where she needed them. Reaching the waistband of her yoga pants, he helped her out of them, leaving only a thin fabric of her underwear between them. Relieved she was wearing a nice, lacy pair, Marnie opened up, her entire body throbbing in anticipation. If he needed to make amends as a lover, she was here for it. He groaned and she felt his hot breath between her legs, driving her wild with need. His touch was light and teasing. Warmth pooled between her thighs, and she grasped a handful of blanket, breathing heavily. How did he turn her on like that, with only a few simple moves? Banishing doubts to the back of her mind, Marnie reached to remove her underwear.
She held her breath as he lowered his mouth to where she needed him, his tongue circling her swollen clit. Pleasure coursed through her like a lightning, making everything else vanish. Where was she? Who was she? Nothing but the pulsing sensation existed, sucking her into its vortex.
“Don’t stop,” she panted as he circled her again.
“I would never,” he rasped, his voice thick like syrup.
Jason took his time, teasing her until she squirmed under his light touch, desperate for him. “More! Please, Jason.”
“No problem.” She heard the smile in his voice as he dove back between her thighs, applying the pressure she craved, making her whole body throb. His fingers slipped inside and all thoughts vanished from her mind as the delicious sensation built. Higher and higher, almost intolerable in its sweetness. Finally, the low growl rising from his throat sent her over the edge. She came apart, her body convulsing like it wasn’t her own. The stars were back, dancing in her vision just like last night, but now from sheer pleasure.
“Your turn,” she whispered when she finally found her voice.
Jason appeared next to her. His boxer shorts were stretched out of shape by his hard-on, but his eyes signalled concern. “I want to, you have no idea how much. But there’s something I need to tell you about last night. The media...” He shook his head, eyes filled with regret.
She guessed it. They were all over the news. And he was having second thoughts.
