He kissed her and whispered, “Your secret is safe with me.”
Chapter Eleven
MARCONI BEACH WAS just a few minutes south of Seaside. Known for being a family-friendly beach during the day, with ample restroom facilities and lifeguards, Marconi Beach transformed at night into an oceanfront dance club. Colorful spotlights illuminated a makeshift stage that was brought in for the band and disassembled and removed before the next morning. Tonight there were crowds of people milling about the wide beach at the bottom of the high dunes. Some people danced barefoot in the sand, while others gathered in groups, talking and laughing. Beach chairs were set up in circles around bonfires and down by the shore. Jessica had never been to an event like this, and although she felt dressed for the occasion in her new tie-dye dress with a hoodie hanging open over it and flip-flops that she left dune side, her heart was racing.
Tony opened the cooler and handed them each a beer. “Party on, my friends.”
“Thanks, Tony.” Jamie opened one bottle and handed it to Jessica, then opened his own.
“Come on.” Leanna pulled Jessica’s hand, leading her toward the band. “Even Kurt is going to dance. Come on, Jamie! Everyone’s over here.” She guided them through the crowd, with Tony on their heels, and there in the thick of scantily clad dancing twentysomethings were all of their friends, including Pete’s sister, Sky, and Blue—and Amy and Jake.
Jessica shot a look at Tony. His eyes were narrow and his jaw was clenched. She went up on her tiptoes and whispered to Jamie, “Can Tony dance with us?”
“Three’s a crowd,” he said with serious eyes. “But as long as I don’t have to share you later, it’s fine with me.”
He settled a hand on her hip, but before Jessica could say anything to Tony, a cute brunette began dancing with him.
“Sorry. I just felt bad for him.”
He touched his forehead to hers. “You’re too sweet for your own good.” Jamie began swaying to the music, and Jessica fell into the rhythm effortlessly. It was easy to be in sync with him. He moved fluidly, without tension or worry about what other people thought. While their friends danced and laughed around them, making funny comments and drinking their beers, Jamie’s eyes were locked on Jessica’s. His hips pressed to hers, and the seductive smile on his lips sent a shiver right through her.
He pressed his unshaven cheek to hers. “I’ve been thinking of your sweetness all day, and I can’t wait to be close to you again tonight.”
His heated whisper on her skin, the prickles of his five-o’clock shadow on her cheek, and the enticing innuendo had her entire body hot. Jessica circled his neck with her arms, and their hips took on their own slow, sensual rhythm, while the band played a fast beat. Jessica had never worried too much about safety, as she’d always traveled with the group of musicians she worked with, but here, on the beach amid all those people, she felt safe in Jamie’s arms. She’d seen him come right over in the pool when Tony closed in on her, and later, instead of peppering her with questions about the symphony and her hiatus—or her future—he kept her secret close to his chest. And now, as she pressed her cheek to his chest and breathed in his scent, feeling the steady beating of his heart, she knew she was falling for him, and at some point, all those important questions would have to be answered. But not tonight. Tonight she wanted to enjoy her new friends and disappear into Jamie’s touch.
“I bought you something today.” She slid the mood ring off her thumb and held it out to Jamie.
“A ring? What exactly are you proposing?” He arched a brow.
“That we see what you’re feeling. See how it’s purply right now? It’s a mood ring. This color means I’m amorous, sensual. Mischievous. Put it on. Let’s see what you are.” She watched him slide it on as they danced. “We only have to worry if it turns black.”
“What’s black?”
“Intense nothingness. A black hole. Angst so deep you can’t push your way out of it.”
“I can tell you what I’m feeling without a ring.” He pressed his hips to hers and sent another thrill through her. The ring turned dark blue.
“Ooh, you’re love-struck. Deeply relaxed,” she whispered.
He pulled her close. “I am not deeply relaxed. Intensely turned on, but not relaxed.” His voice was low and deep, and it pulled her under his spell again as he lowered his lips to hers and took her in another brain-numbing kiss.
The song ended, and Jenna waved everyone over to one of the bonfires, where Pete handed out sticks and marshmallows. Jamie leaned down and kissed Jessica passionately, pressing her body to his, stroking her tongue as if he were making love to her mouth. She came away breathless, momentarily unable to think, much less walk.