Jessica

Once I received her text, I drove much too fast. It is a wonder every police officer in the city was chasing me with flashing lights. But it seems they either didn't notice, had more important things to do, or didn't care.

I arrived at the house in a heated frenzy. An unsettling sensation for me. I burst through the door to see Jessica standing in the middle of the living room. Soft light surrounded her, illuminating her curves. The shirt she wore hung off one shoulder.

What am I doing? Stop thinking and go to her. Pick her up in my arms and kiss the hell out of her. I did just that. We didn't speak and we didn't move. We just kissed and I held her. That's all.

Sometime later, I put her down. I wanted to shower and get to bed soon. Jessica followed me each step. I emerged from the shower to find her standing there with a towel to dry me off. Once that was accomplished, she led me to bed. I crawled in. Jessica stood there a moment looking at me. Then her shirt was off, and she slid next to me.

She speaks.

"I don't ever want to be away from you again."

The light went out and we slept.

Jessica was a second skin all night. Occasionally I would wake to find her still plastered to me. Then sleep would return.

We awoke naturally the next morning. I really don't use an alarm clock unless needed. Espresso would be the first thing today. Jessica got up with me, her hand in my hand on the way to the kitchen. She stood next to me as I prepared morning brew. I offered her the first cup, which she took and remained at my side.

Once mine was done, Jessica took my hand, and we went out to the patio to sun and have espresso naked. I believe she had physical contact with me the entire time. This was not to end as you know she sat in my lap. She leaned on me so. I believe if I tried to push her away, it would crush her spirit entirely. Rest assured I have no desire to do that to her.

I whispered to her that we should be thinking about getting ready to go. Jessica pops up, takes my hand and off we go to the bedroom. Attire is chosen and we dress.

This evening is so much better than the solo act I did last night. Jessica is right next to me. I feel so lighthearted. It shows in my playing. When she sings, it's in her voice. We never should have separated yesterday. I should not have left her at home. This will not happen again. Any sadness that remained in either of us, is gone for the moment. Though I think the specter of her loss will always be there. But now that I know, I will face it with her. The evening is fun. We leave for home with very happy hearts. I must drive with one hand. Jessica won't let go of the other.

There must be some wine in the fridge. Jessica takes a glass and trots off to the bedroom.

Calling over her shoulder, she speaks.

"Come in when I tell you too."

I don't know what she is up to. But she is singing.

She speaks.

"Roger? Bring a chair in with you."

I have wine in one hand and a chair in the other. Jessica is lying naked on the bed.

She speaks.

"Put the chair down, then sit in it."

It sounds like an order.

I do as she says.

Jessica rises from the bed, and I notice she has on heels. I hear some kind of raunchy jazz now. She reenters the bedroom.

Her voice drips with sex as she speaks.

"How about a lap dance big boy? Remember, no touching."

All I can muster is to swallow.

She spent the next hour, well it seemed like an hour, pressing against me, rubbing up and down on me and shaking various parts of her in my face. And I was not allowed to touch her.

Then she got serious.

Grinding in my lap. I know she could feel what she was doing to me. Breasts smash into my face. If I tried to kiss them, she pulls away. This was some very hard-core teasing going on here. I have never been with a woman like Jessica. She has so many ways to excite me. This is a facet I have yet to see. But the experience is driving me crazy.

Well, you know what happened don't you. She made me climax in my pants.

That was a first. I was out of breath and just tired. Then she was the gentle Jessica once more. She sat in my lap and gave me the most light and perfect kiss.

She speaks.

"Come on baby, let me clean you up."

Jessica led me to the bathroom and a shower. She did exactly as she said. My clothes were removed, and she quietly washed me. All the while showering me with soft kisses. I had to have her lips, have too! So, I pulled her up to me and took them.

Jessica looks up to me with big eyes and asks.

"What Roger? What do you want?"

I shut off the water, moved us from the shower and straight to the bed. We were both dripping wet, and I didn't care. Jessica was placed on the bed and moved to be over her. I took my sweet time with her. Everything was in slow motion. I told her to look in my eyes and never move them from me. Jessica would grab my arms or claw at my back. She wants to be faster.

Nope, ain't happening. I have been with her long enough that I have learned what she likes and when she is getting close. She is slowly building to climax. I think I can tell by the way she holds her mouth and the way her eyes kind of glaze over. But climax she does.

Jessica groans.

"OMG Roger, do it in me."

Who am I to refuse her request?

Well, that wonderful time took up a generous part of our early morning. The clock says its 3:30am. Before we go to bed for sleep, I pull the shades and try to make sure no light gets in when the sun comes up in a few hours.

I recline in bed. Jessica asks.

"Roger, can I sleep on top of you please?"

I just pat my chest and she takes that place. There are a few more kisses before we sleep. It may be a short night; be I don't care.

We stayed in bed much longer than usual. Can you blame us? I'd look at the clock and think, okay, we can sleep a bit more. Sometime later, it would be the same thing.

It was almost noon before we moved. Jessica is cute. The way she clings to the sheets and me to stay in bed. But I have got to have some espresso. I know if I make it, she will want some as well. But she remains in bed. I will have to take it to her and tempt her with it. It is slowly waved near her face. I kind of feel like a snake charmer.

Watching her smell it and begin to move. Jessica is too cute. She does sit up and takes the espresso. When it is finished, she just hands me the cup and speaks.

"More."

I must chuckle out loud. I turn and head to the kitchen. This time however, there is Jessica in tow. She leans on me like she is still in bed trying to sleep. We should have some food too. Too late for breakfast. Lunch works. We do all that and then it is out to the patio. The sun is hot, and we soak it all in.

We do get ready for work. Pretty low key the rest of the week. The weekend as you know is busy for us. Fall is swiftly approaching, and we will begin to integrate the Vince Guaraldi music into our sets. The Great Pumpkin music is first. Lots of fun stuff there and we will have to practice. The thing is about that music, people remember it when they were kids.

There are lots of fond holiday memories associated with the shows and the music. Jessica and I will be doing some four-hand piano with this. She will have to sit so close to me as we play! Don't you feel bad for me? No? I didn't think you would. But that's okay.

We decided to spend a good portion of Saturday in rehearsal for the Fall music. It will be a long day for us all as we have to work that night. But it's the only time Gus and Nick can practice. I have no intention of asking them to leave their families during the week.

There is a surprise, however. Gus has brought his children. They are aged four and two, both girls. Gus explains that his wife has some business to take care of and will be around to pick up the kids later. Now the first thing I do is look at Jessica. As I suspected, her eyes are huge, and she is pale. I can see she is fighting not to cry. The room we are in is well enclosed. The kids can run all they want. They tend to stay close to their dad.

We run through lots of tunes. There is some tweaking and adjusting going on. It is coming together very nicely.

We took a break. Jessica takes a seat away from us. I knew she would.

Kids don't know about personal space or things like that. Let me tell you what happened. The younger girl, her name is Sara, wanders over to look at Jessica. Jessica looks at her with big eyes and is biting her lips. Little Sara stands there a few seconds.

Then holds her arms up to Jessica, wanting her to pick her up. I'm watching close. Jessica's lip quivers and I can see her eyes beginning to tear. But she does pick up little Sara. Sara snuggles into Jessica's arms and lays her head on her shoulder. A few tears rolled down Jessica's face. I am so touched by this scene that I may join her with a tear of my own. Sara's little thumb goes to her mouth and her eyes close. It isn't long before she sleeps in Jessica's arms. Jessica rocks slowly and hums to this little girl. Gus goes over to retrieve his daughter. Jessica just shakes her head no. The baby sleeps in Jessica's arms.

Amazing isn't it. What kids will do to you. You know I have none of my own. In retrospect, I wonder if that was the thing to do. But with my kind of lifestyle, it would have been tough on a family. And I never found the right girl. Sara wakes from her nap and spends the rest of the time with Jessica.

Even when we rehearse, Jessica has Sara on one hip while singing. Sara seems to take great pleasure in all this. That two-year-old has done more to heal Jessica's heart than I could ever do. And she has no idea.

Gus's wife comes to pick up the kids. Gus and Nick take off to have some family time before tonight. Jessica is left with me. She has a distant look on her face. It is only a few steps to reach her.

I ask.

"Are you okay?"

Jessica looks up at me with a smile and speaks.

"Yeah."

She and I walk down the street for some food before tonight. I find myself thinking Jessica would have been a wonderful Mom. But I don't want to bring up this conversation. We don't speak much at all. But she always hovers close to me. We head back to the lounge to relax and maybe close our eyes some. It will be a long night.

Later we change and warm up some. Gus and Nick have arrived, and we are ready. We do some lively songs this evening and the place is jumping.

As the night progresses, we slow things. The ballads Jessica sings have a greater level of tenderness tonight. She sings with a warmth that we all can hear. It has a profound effect on us all. Jessica sings "When I Fall in Love" and "The Nearness of You."

Some folks stop dancing, just stand and listen. There are lots of eyes on Jessica. Her singing has a new level. Saturday night becomes Sunday morning. It is always an interesting time for me. Still hyped from playing but tired due to the hour.

Jessica is clingy again. My arm is around her as we walk to the car. In a moment of inspiration, I picked her up and carried her. She just falls into me.

Once we are home, I carry her inside. We shared a glass of wine and then went to the bedroom. I remove her clothes and place her in bed. I take my clothes off as well. Jessica's arm's reach for me much as little Sara's did earlier. We occupy the same space and sleep.

I am up early for some reason. Sunday morning is usually very lazy for me. But not this one. I'm awake. I prepared espresso. Jessica is out cold still. I wander into the backyard with my coffee to enjoy the morning sun.

It's warm enough, but I detect maybe a hint of Fall. You know of what I speak. That little bit of crispness and that specific scent that speaks change is on the way. And if you must know, yes, I'm naked. The lounge chair calls to me, and I must sit. The feel of the sun on my body is nice. Not like vacation, but nice. A second espresso is in order. Then I returned to my sunny place. The city is quiet this morning. Not much traffic, no screaming sirens, and no neighbors out and about. Now and again, I hear church bells. Such a serene setting. I just need one thing. And on cue, she joins me.

Jessica plops in my lap and speaks.

"Oooh, you're warm. Can I have that espresso?"

You know I let her have it. Now we both soak up the sun.

Jessica asks.

"What do we need to do today?"

I don't even open my eyes to reply.

"We're doing it now Jessica."

She seems satisfied with that. This was our morning. We did feel the need to maybe do some grocery shopping. But that will wait until tomorrow. I must say I would rather remain here with Jessica and our heads so close together. Sometime further into the day, we have lunch, outside and naked.

I am becoming much more comfortable with this. But I have to say only with Jessica. I don't think I could do a nude beach or anything along those lines. Nope, just for Jessica. Sunday afternoon, we dress and think about heading to the lounge. It should be a short night. Jessica dresses in pink today. She is beautiful. I happen to be wearing grey. For some reason, Jessica thinks I should wear a pink shirt that matches her clothing. Odd how this works isn't it?

The lounge is somewhat subdued. No surprise as it is Sunday. Gus, Nick, Jessica, and I warmed up and ran through a few things. A rough spot here and there, but I'm not worried. It's small stuff and only we would know. There is something I would like to do. I think Jessica should have some piano time with the group. She is a very talented singer. We know this. Her piano skills are also quite accomplished.

I suggest that a mic be put on the piano and that she plays along with Gus and Nick.

Jessica looks at me with big eyes.

She speaks.

"What should I do?"

I have done discreet planning about this.

So, I told her my suggestions. Things like "The Look of Love", "Quiet Nights, and "I've Grown Accustomed to His/her Face. A few other tunes like "Come Away with Me", "Prettiest Thing" and a few others. Gus and Nick smile and nod their heads. They know these tunes and so does Jessica. I physically must push her to the piano.

I speak.

"Gus! Count it off, the Look of Love, Jessica's key."

They begin and I step back to just watch and listen. Her touch is lighter than mine, gentler. Then that sultry alto voice spills out. Jessica has not only my attention, but everyone else in earshot. I step back and let them play. I lean against a wall. Yeah, this was a good idea.

When the next break rolls around, I am cornered by Jessica.

She speaks.

"And just what the hell are you going to do when I play?"

I just shrug my shoulders and speak.

"I don't know. Watch you?"

Jessica has become a little louder now.

"Like hell you are. Look here Mister Practical. Your clarinet is coming out and you're gonna do an "Acker Bilk" imitation. You better start practicing "Stranger On the Shore" real soon Mister."

During that last sentence, she's poking me in the chest.

I smile at her and speak.

"Wow, you're pretty tough when you're pissed off."

Then we both laughed.

But she adds.

"I mean it!"

So, I guess she isn't going to let this drop. Better find the chart for us. This didn't work out like I thought it would. Oh well.

I think that when we start the seasonal stuff in September, we should add a Flutist. It will be great with the Charlie Brown stuff. I have also considered adding a vibraphone and maybe a horn or two for the holidays. Those musicians should be lined up well ahead of schedule. I already have sets for Christmas somewhere.

I am really looking forward to the season. The folks are nicer, the music is fun and it's kind of party atmosphere all the time. Which reminds me. This will be my first Christmas with Jessica. I want to do something for her. Something special.

I have begun to consider having Christmas with her in Charleston, S.C. I think the old part of the city. I played some gigs there years ago. The people were great, and I had a wonderful time. There will have to be some planning here. It just sounds right to me. Wandering the old streets hand in hand. I know. I am such a Romantic. Lots to think about and lots to plan. But I want to do this with her. And we will return to our Mexican beach hideaway in the summer. That is a given.

The evening ends and our busy weekend is over. It has been very busy and good for us. I have made some notes on the various projects that require attention. Musicians to contact and line up, charts and set lists, plus the everyday things I must do. I will get on that in the morning.

The drive home is quick and quiet. Once inside, Jessica peels off her clothes. I have been asked to get us some wine. It sounds like a good idea to me as well. We do this often now. Come home and relax with a glass. I retreat to the living room and have a seat. Jessica appears to take her wine.

She stands there looking at me and speaks.

"Get out of those clothes."

I do and we sit.

"I'm still mad at you." Jessica continues.

I speak.

"Yeah, you might be."

"But you must admit that it was a good and popular move for you and the band. It gives us another facet and people loved you playing and singing. And it will allow us more freedom in what we play. Now you can stay mad at me if you like. But what can I do to make you happy?"

Jessica taps the wine glass and frowns.

"Well for a start. You can hold me and kiss me. I need a lot of kisses for this."

She opens her mouth to say something else. Jessica doesn't have the opportunity. Lots and lots of kisses for her. I don't believe she will be angry for much longer.

There are things to be done on Monday morning and we don't fool around. We are both up having espresso and breakfast. The grocery list is made, we dress and then shop. Our cart is laden with fresh vegetables and fruits. Very little meat.

What I wouldn't give for a pound of garlic bologna, sour dough bread, a layer of mayonnaise, red onion, and some bread and butter pickles. But my little Jessica has other plans for us. I know she means to have us eat healthily. And I appreciate that she cares enough for me to do this.

There is also a stop at a wine shop. A variety of things today, I think. Some Moscato, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, and some Pinot Grigio. We like white wine. It's a nice way to unwind after a gig. The car is unloaded, and all our goodies are stored.

Jessica speaks.

"Roger, we need a wine refrigerator. We can't fit all this."

"Okay." I speak. "Let's get one tomorrow."

I need to work at my desk. The usual things take place. We do laundry, clean the house, put things away and generally straighten. I have become much less of a slob these days due to Jessica's influence. I sat down after a while. This has been somewhat tiring.

Jessica pulls at my hand and speaks.

"Come on Roger, we need a nap."

I am not about to argue with her. We slipped into bed. I set an alarm. This feels good.

A tinkling little alarm wakes us after about an hour or so. I'm the one that doesn't want to move. Jessica is next to me and its warm and comfy here.

She mumbles.

"Just a few more minutes."

I'm not kicking her out of the bed. I'm not that stupid. We do get up. Time to dress. I am feeling traditional this afternoon. Black slacks, white shirt, and pattern tie. I need to buff up these shoes. Jessica comes out of the bathroom wearing black sheer panties and a black sheer bandeau bra.

She parades back and forth for me, then asks.

"Do like these Roger?"

Then she walks over to me and rubs the front of my slacks.

She then adds.

"Oh! I see that you do."

Jessica turns and continues to dress. Black camisole and slacks, with black shiny heels. We look sharp together, I think. Time to go and play jazz.

I kind of like Mondays at the lounge. Not a lot of people and its low key. Mind you, busy weekends are fun and energetic. But occasionally to just play and be laid back is good. Jessica slides back and forth as she sings. She is so very talented.