Winter's Role, page 21
* * * *
By the time the band started their first set, Jessie was in a great mood. Everyone in the band, including Mike, had agreed to her proposal. Now, as she prepared to take the stage, she almost couldn’t contain her excitement. There was only one more thing to take care of, and she’d be prepared to meet her future head on. Hopefully, she’d be able to address that, when she got to LA with Stephanie next week.
As the lights went up on stage, she made her way up the steps. Taking a moment to mentally prepare herself, she pulled her rock persona on and took a deep breath. Suddenly, the guitar began strumming the muted strains of the first chords and she strutted out into the spotlight. As she walked across the stage, she began singing the words to the Adele song, ‘Rolling in the Deep.’ It was one of Stephanie’s favorites, and she’d had the band working on it ever since she found out she liked it. As she hit the high notes in the chorus, she glanced toward the table that was reserved for the band, their friends and family. Stephanie was there, sitting next to Theresa and Jill, a huge grin on her face, singing along.
Jessie’s heart swelled with love as she watched Stephanie. For the first time in her life, she had no doubts…no fears. She could finally see her path clearly and was prepared to walk it through fire and death, barefoot, if necessary. For the next forty five minutes, she guided the band through a veritable jukebox of hits. When it came time for the last song of the set, the lights on stage dimmed until Jessie was the only one not hidden in shadow.
“Before we take a break,” Jessie said into her headset mic, “We’d like to do one more song for you.” She picked up her acoustic guitar and put it on. “It’s a song that I’ve always loved, by one of my favorite country artists, Terri Clark. I’d like to dedicate this one to you, Stephanie Winters. Because now that I’ve found you, I know there’s perfection on earth. You’ve given me everything. I love you, Sweetheart.” Over the crowd, their eyes met and Jessie fell in love all over again as she began to sing.
Stephanie heard Jessie announcing that the band was preparing to take a break and was surprised to hear her say they were doing one more song. She was even more surprised when Jess dedicated the song to her. Theresa leaned over and said something to her, but she couldn’t, for the life of her, repeat it. Jessie’s words drove right into her soul and made her swallow hard when the singer proclaimed her love out loud. Even though the room was full to capacity, as far as she was concerned, the only two people that existed at that moment were her and Jessie.
Jessie finished the song and, after thanking the audience, headed backstage. As she got to the steps leading down to the backstage area, Stephanie was there waiting for her. The look in her eyes spoke volumes, and Jessie handed her guitar to Mike before descending the steps. No sooner had her feet hit the floor, than Stephanie had flung herself into her arms and begun lavishing her with kisses.
“God, Jess…That was beautiful! Thank you,” she said, backing away and slowly regaining the ability to breathe. Her hands tangled in the dark hair, she pulled Jessie into another kiss. “I love you.”
When Stephanie released her, Jessie was grinning like a fool. “Wow! If I’d known you’d react like that, I’d have done that a long time ago,” she said, grinning at her and holding her tight. “And…just for the record, you’re welcome.”
When they emerged from backstage heading for their table, it was to cacophonous applause from the crowd. Since the movie premiere and Jessie’s introduction to the world, the band had been thrust further into the spotlight. As a result, the bar was packed to capacity.
“Jesus Jess!” Theresa said when they finally made it through the crowd to their table. “That was just so gorgeous. Wow!”
Lacy hugged her. “I have to agree. It was a beautiful thing to do.” No matter the fact that she’d been working so closely with Jessie the last few weeks, even she hadn’t been privy to the dedication to Stephanie. It had certainly been a beautiful surprise.
“Thanks guys,” Jessie replied, accepting their compliments. “It feels really good to be able to stand up in public and say how much I love her.”
“Jessie,” Brian said, grabbing her hand and shaking it, “Theresa’s gonna get jealous if you don’t stop being so romantic.”
“Just follow the instructions in that book I gave you, Brian. She’ll be thrilled, trust me.”
“Oh, I’ve been doing that, and I have to tell you…” he said conspiratorially into Jessie’s ear, “Things have been really, really, good. As a matter of fact, we were wondering when you two were planning another trip to Greece.”
“Actually, we haven’t talked about it, but I can ask. It might be a year or two, but I’d love to go back,” Jessie answered, turning to see Stephanie standing next to her when she felt her hand on her back. She wrapped her arm around Steph’s waist and pulled her close. “Hey,” she said, looking into her green eyes.
“Hey yourself,” the redhead answered. “Mike’s trying to get your attention. I think it’s almost time for you to go back.”
Jessie looked over to where Mike was standing, chatting with a fan. He noticed Jessie looking and pointed at his watch. Nodding, Jessie turned and kissed her. “I’ve gotta go, Babe. I’ll see you shortly.”
“Mmm, and I can’t wait till we get home,” Stephanie whispered into her ear. “I have something special for you, Jessie Drake.”
“Well, I’ll be sure to hurry, then,” Jessie said, smiling and kissing her again before heading back to the stage for their last set of the night.
After Jessie left, Theresa leaned over. “Steph, I can’t tell you how happy I am you two found each other. Jessie loves you so much. I never believed I’d ever see her happy and settled.”
“I love her too, Theresa. You can’t even begin to imagine how much…”
The sadness in Stephanie’s voice was unmistakable as her words trailed off, and Theresa looked at her closely. She knew that Stephanie had been a bit perturbed at Jessie’s lack of a real answer about her conversation with Lacy at dinner. Still, she felt sure that Jessie had told her the truth, and her next words were spoken to put Stephanie’s mind at ease. “Stephanie, whatever they were talking about, I’m sure it was band business, just like Jess said. She’d never lie to you. And…for some reason, I think she’s planning something big for you for Christmas.” At Stephanie’s questioning gaze, she went on. “I don’t know anything specific. It’s really more of a feeling than anything else. Trust me, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.”
Stephanie smiled. Theresa may have been Jessie’s friend since childhood, but they had become great friends as well, and she trusted the other woman. Theresa would never back Jessie if she thought she was doing something wrong. Especially, if it would hurt Stephanie. “Thanks, Theresa. I do trust her. And, to be perfectly honest, the idea of a Christmas surprise hadn’t crossed my mind.” She breathed easier. Of course, Jessie would plan something for Christmas without telling her. She turned her attention back to the stage, where Jessie was once again baring her soul. As green eyes met blue over the crowd, she knew without a doubt that Jessie loved her with all her heart and soul.
At the end of the evening, Theresa caught Jessie backstage. “Jess, you got a minute?”
“Sure, what’s up?” she asked, glancing up at her. She was busy putting her guitar in the case, but stopped at Theresa’s next question.
“Well…” Theresa hesitated slightly. “When were you planning on telling me you’re moving to California?”
Jessie set the guitar gently in the case and stood up to look Theresa in the eye. “What makes you think I’m moving?”
“Jessie, I’ve known you for a long time,” she said quietly, keeping her voice down so the rest of the band wouldn’t hear her. “You’re planning something. I can tell. You’ve been talking to Lacy more than usual, which tells me you’re working with her. Probably figuring out how to book the band when you’re living out there. Then of course, there are all the mysterious phone calls you’ve been getting at work. And don’t tell me it’s Stephanie, because she couldn’t possibly be calling you so often throughout the day.”
“Theresa…” Jessie began, but Theresa wasn’t finished.
“Jess, what are you planning? Stephanie was a little irritated with your answer at dinner, you know,” Theresa said, looking at Jessie with a look in her eye that plainly said, ‘please don’t be lying to either of us.’
Jessie grabbed Theresa’s hand and pulled her down the steps, down a short hallway, and into the band’s dressing room. When they got there, she shut the door behind them. “Sit down,” Jessie said kindly. It was time to be honest with her best friend.
“Jessie…” Theresa began, shaking her head.
“T. Sit. Down,” Jessie said, indicating the couch. She sat down next to her and looked her directly in the eye. “You’re right. I am planning something. Lacy’s been helping me with the logistics.”
“But Jess, the band…”
“I told you all…the band isn’t breaking up.” Jessie took a deep breath. “We’re relocating…all of us…to LA.”
“What?” Theresa practically yelled, she was so stunned. “The whole band?”
Jessie nodded. “Yep. I was waiting to tell you until I had a confirmation from everyone. That’s what Lacy and I were talking about at dinner. Things are falling into place, and she was just filling me in.”
“Oh God, Jess! Does Stephanie know any of this?” Theresa asked, looking at her.
Jessie shook her head. “Not yet. It’s part of her Christmas surprise.”
“Part? You mean there’s more?”
“Well, yeah. But that’s not all worked out just yet,” Jessie said, smiling at how stunned Theresa looked. It was amazing really, how a human being could do such a great impersonation of a fish without even trying.
“Actually T, there’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about. I was just waiting for the news I got this evening.” She waited until she had her full attention, before continuing. “I have a business proposal for you, if you’re interested…”
* * * *
Jessie leaned back against the headboard of the bed, waiting for Stephanie to join her. Their bath had been relaxing, and more than a little erotic. Stephanie had outdone herself, setting lit candles around the bathroom…making sure the water was hot enough. It had been a slow and nearly silent hour they’d spent in the bath. Punctuated only by the sighs and moans of both of them as they explored each other thoroughly.
Eventually the water had grown cold, and they had gotten out to prepare for bed. Jessie had finished first, and Stephanie had sent her out of the bathroom, claiming she had one more surprise for her. When she re-entered the bedroom, Jessie busied herself lighting candles and turning on the satellite radio to an eighties station. Heading into the kitchen, she returned moments later with a chilled bottle of wine and two glasses. Filling the glasses, she crawled into bed and pulled the covers up to her waist to wait for Stephanie.
Stephanie stopped in the doorway to the bedroom to look over the scene. Things couldn’t be more perfect if she’d wanted them to be. Looking at Jessie, she closed her eyes and sighed. Here was everything she wanted all in one package, waiting patiently for her. Opening her eyes again, she called quietly, “Jess?” and walked slowly into the room.
Jessie turned when she heard Steph say her name. There was something in her voice…Her mouth went dry instantly the moment she saw her. Instead of her usual raggedy t-shirt and underwear, Stephanie had opted for different sleepwear. As she walked across the room toward the bed, Jessie couldn’t help but admire how beautiful the chemise was. A cross back design in dark green satin, the chemise complimented Stephanie’s eyes perfectly, making them appear a deeper green than usual. Jessie swallowed hard and licked her lips. “Steph…”
“Shh,” Stephanie said, putting a finger to Jessie’s lips as she reached the side of the bed. She picked up the two glasses of wine and handed one to Jessie. “Don’t say anything.” She climbed onto the bed and leaned in facing Jessie, taking a drink from her own glass. When she was finished, she set the glass down on the bedside table. Leaning back toward Jessie, she reached over with one hand and caressed the perpetually tanned cheek. “I love you, Jessie…so much. What you did earlier…the song? That was the most beautiful thing.”
Jessie tilted her head into the caress. “I want everyone to know how much I love you.”
Stephanie leaned a little closer until their foreheads touched. “Do you like my new nightwear?” She had a naughty little grin on her face that made Jessie lick her lips again, before answering.
“I love it, Baby,” Jessie answered, desperately trying to breathe. “When did you get it?”
Stephanie moved just enough that their lips met in a slow, lingering kiss. “A few weeks ago. Before I knew Tommy was coming with me.”
“It’s absolutely gorgeous on you,” Jessie said quietly, reaching up with one hand and trailing her fingers from the spaghetti strap down Stephanie’s arm. She noticed when she did, that her touch left goose bumps on her arm in their wake. Still in awe over the fact that her touch could cause such a reaction in her, she maneuvered around until she was on her knees facing Stephanie. “You’re so beautiful…the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” she said breathlessly, leaning in and capturing those full lips with her own.
Stephanie reached out and tangled her hands in Jessie’s hair, pulling her as close as she could. When they finally parted, she smiled and said quietly, “Make love to me, Jess. I need to feel you moving inside me tonight.”
Jessie smiled lovingly at the request and slid her hands down to the bottom hem of the chemise. She captured Steph’s lips with her own again, and moved her hands upward, bringing the chemise with them. When Steph lifted her arms, she pulled the green satin over her head and set it to the side. Then, turning her full attention back to the woman in her arms, she took a moment to look at her.
Stephanie sat still as Jessie gazed at her, drinking her in. She watched, as the blue eyes roamed over her body. Just the way Jessie looked at her could make her orgasm sometimes. When she thought about those hands roaming over her body, those lips touching her in the most intimate places…she closed her eyes and swallowed hard. “Jess…”
Jessie smiled at her. “You’re wearing my favorite panties, too.”
“I know you like them,” she whispered breathlessly.
Still on her knees, Jessie leaned forward and kissed her again. “Thank you. But I think I’ll be needing you out of these,” she said as she placed a hand on either side of Stephanie’s hips and pushed the green silk underwear down. When it fell to her knees, Stephanie slid down on the bed and Jessie pulled them the rest of the way off.
“I think you might be just a bit, umm…overdressed,” Stephanie whispered, looking pointedly at the t-shirt and underwear Jessie still had on. At the same time, she slid her hands down and began pushing Jessie’s underwear down. When she was successful at removing them, she started work on the t-shirt. Within minutes, she was staring up at a gloriously naked Jessie. As Jessie lowered herself onto her, Steph moaned deep in her throat.
Hours later, they were still awake. Stephanie was lying on her right side, with Jessie spooned up behind her. Jessie’s right arm was tucked up under her and she was currently twirling her hair with one finger. Her left arm was draped over her, their fingers twined together. “Steph?” Jessie whispered quietly, unwilling to wake her if she’d drifted off to sleep.
“Yeah?” her voice wafted softly back to her in the dark.
Jessie hesitated slightly before saying, “Umm, Theresa mentioned something last night that I wanted to talk to you about.”
Stephanie wiggled against her to get more comfortable. “Okay, what’s up?”
“Well…she mentioned that you seemed kind of irritated by my answer about my conversation with Lacy,” she nosed Stephanie’s shoulder and then kissed her, waiting for her answer.
Stephanie sighed when she heard the question, which changed to a shiver and a moan when Jessie’s lips grazed her shoulder. The minute Jessie had dedicated that song to her, she’d stopped worrying about the dinner conversation…mostly. And…Theresa had been right. They probably were just talking about Christmas gifts. So, she tried to blow it off. She really didn’t want to dwell on it now. “Jess, it’s okay. You don’t have to tell me everything. I shouldn’t even have asked. If you’d wanted us to know, you wouldn’t have left the table.”
“Hey,” she kissed her shoulder again. “I never meant to make you feel like I’m keeping secrets from you. I’m sorry. If you really want to know what we talked about, I’ll tell you.”
Stephanie shook her head. “No. It was about Christmas, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah, it was about part of your Christmas gift,” she admitted quietly. “I’ll tell you, though, if…”
Stephanie cut her off. “No. I don’t need to know. I’d rather wait for Christmas.” She shivered when Jessie’s breath ghosted over her ear with her next words.
“Good, because I could tell you, but it would kind of ruin the rest of the surprise.” She kissed the bare shoulder again. With her left hand, she began tracing small circles on Steph’s stomach.
“I…I want it to…stay a su…surprise,” Stephanie gasped out. Jessie had now slid her hand upward, and was currently alternating between squeezing her breasts and tweaking her nipples. For some reason, her current position seemed to be intensifying the sensation, and Stephanie pressed back, attempting to feel Jessie’s bare skin against her own.
The small kisses continued along her shoulder and Jessie suddenly removed her left hand from her breasts. Just when she thought she would go crazy from the lack of Jessie’s touch on her skin, she felt her hand slip between them. Trailing a finger slowly over her skin, barely touching her at all, Jessie’s touch was sending a jolt of fire through her body.
