Free Beyond the Stars by Kelly Beltz Page A

Seeing Jack in action made the trip worthwhile. He functioned perfectly under pressure. His natural athleticism was impressive. His every move looked effortless. We finished our ride without a hitch. What a rush! I was amazed by my accomplishment. I didn’t fall in, but I was all wet.
    I had to sit on my towel during the car ride home. I couldn’t believe that I was the only one who didn’t bring an extra set of clothes.
    ***
     
    Jack came into my apartment with me. I stopped to glance at myself in the entrance mirror. “I look like a drowned rat,” I said. I pulled out my ponytail holder from my slightly dry hair and laid it on the little table beneath the mirror. “My hair’s a mess.” I tried to fluff it loose with my fingers.
    Jack came up behind me and looked in the mirror with me. He smiled. “It looks good to me.”
    “Be honest. I’ve looked better.” I looked up at his reflection and then back at my own.
    “I like it that you let yourself get all messed up. You look sexy and wild. It’s a turn on.” He laid his hands on my shoulders and kissed the back of my head.
    “Hmmm, weird,” I jested. I stepped away to kick off my shoes and peel off my clingy, damp clothes. I stripped down to my red one-piece swimsuit, leaving my clothes in a crumbled up heap on the ceramic tile floor. I walked barefoot into the kitchen, grabbed two glasses from the cabinet, and poured us each some cold water from the refrigerator, knowing that Jack was probably down a few liters. He sat down on the barstool and watched me while I completed the mundane task.
    “Nice suit,” Jack complimented.
    “Thanks,” I answered. At least it was dry. “Are you hungry?” I asked. I took out a box of cereal and started eating some from the box.
    “No,” he muttered with his eyes glued to me. His expression confused me.
    “Are you okay?” I finally asked after acknowledging his stare.
    “Never better.” He grinned.
    “Hmm.” I moaned after I chewed my last bite.
    “Ah, Sami—could you make this any harder for me?” he asked. He squeezed the corners of his mouth with his hand.
    “What do you mean?”
    “It’s hard enough that you are the most remarkable woman I have ever met. But how do you expect me to control myself when you look that good?” he said softly. He looked up from under his thick, black eyelashes.
    “Well then, maybe you shouldn’t,” I said seductively.
    I leaned across the narrow kitchen island and looked at him intently. He gave me a smug smile. We gazed at each other without speaking.
    “Hmmm,” he moaned. It was all the invite he needed. Instantly he jumped off the stool, walked over to me, and took me by the hand to lead me into the living room. Jack guided me gently down onto the sofa. He leaned over me while keeping his weight on his arms. I sat up and gave him a short kiss. He didn’t move. He stayed there, frozen in his disciplined position, and looked me in the eyes. “Not to complain, but it would be helpful if you could keep some clothes on. I’m not a saint after all.”
    “Actually, I was thinking that you are the one who’s a bit overdressed. It doesn’t seem fair, now does it?”
    “No, I guess you’re right.”
    “Would you mind taking this shirt off? It would help to even things up,” I encouraged. I tugged at his clothes. He smiled back at me with a crooked grin.
    “Sure, maybe that would help make things more even. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable by being overdressed,” he said, repeating my expression. I was happy he didn’t object to my advance.
    I helped him slip his T-shirt over his head and tossed it across the room. He seemed to like my carelessness. He smiled before he leaned back and pulled me on top of him.
    “There, isn’t that better?”
    “You’re amazing, Sami. Where the hell have you been hiding?” he said, looking up at my face with bright eyes. I smiled but didn’t answer. He wrapped his arms around me and gently stroked my bare back with