Author's Note: This chapter is rated T for Teen. It includes the sort of kissing and touching that is commonly seen on American national network television between 8PM-12AM (20:00h -00:00h) or in a PG-13 rated movie. Just a polite word of caution for those who may need it.
Thanks to all the readers out there. I appreciate the audience but sadly the end is very, very near for this particular fic. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
In part 10 of this story situations are settled and a loving relationship is launched!
When Duke arrived at Jenn's room at the hospital he saw that she was sleeping, so Duke did what he had done all those earlier hours before when she was in a coma. He found an empty chair in the room and sat. Duke watched his very own sleeping beauty and patiently waited for her to awaken. This time when she did, he would not be scared off by harsh sarcasm, dirty looks or anything else Jennifer dared to throw his way. He knew he deserved her anger, he just hoped she accepted his apology and would listen to what he had to say.
Jennifer roused from her nap with a deep stretch that was felt throughout her body and a loud but satisfied groan; her eyes focused on the ceiling above her. She felt refreshed and had to admit to herself that her new-found family and friends were right; she needed that rest.
As she awakened further she looked to her right to check the clock on the wall, after doing the math in her head she calculated an hour and a half had passed. As she laid there thinking about her newly discovered family, her stomach grumbled and the brunette thought about which snack was the most appetizing to request from the hospital's kitchen staff.
But her thought process was interrupted as Jennifer realized something was off. She felt the presence of another person in the room, she could sense their eyes boring holes through her. Jennifer turned slowly to her left and was relieved but sort of annoyed to see it was Duke sitting in a chair in the corner of her room just watching at her intensely.
His eyes and face were a mixture of concern and determination, which she found rather strange, as she had no clue as to why he would have such a facial expression.
When he saw that she was awake Duke spoke.
"Good afternoon Sunshine! " he said to her quietly but in a cheerful tone. "I've enjoyed the view while waiting for you to wake up."
"You again?" She asked disbelievingly. "Why is it you're always the first person I see when I rise since I've been in this place?"
"That's no way to greet your devoted fiancé." Duke replied mockingly
"Yeah; about this whole fake engagement, would you please stop tel-" said the petite woman before she was cut off by the ship and restaurant owner.
"Jennifer before we go any further into this discussion there's something important I have to tell you." Said Duke.
"Really? " the Bostonian asked sarcastically. "I thought a money-maker such as yourself would be long gone by now. Probably half way around the world on your ship seeking silver, gold, diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires and pearls.
Let me not forget about the bank notes of dollars, euros, pound sterling, yen, rubles, ran, rupees and whatever else of value you can get your hands on. Maybe even some 19th century European art work?"
"Wow! You really know world currencies, precious gems and metals." Duke replied astonished.
"But, Jennifer I'm serious I need you to give me just a few minuets to speak my piece. I'm going to do the all the talking because when you start... I get nervous, confused and lose my nerve. There must be something special about you because not many people can make me feel this way."
"Fine, say what you have to say; but flattery will not get you very far with me." she said a bit irritated. "This will probably be the last time we speak. I do remember you telling me that your ship is setting sailing really soon. ''
"Jennifer..." Duke began a little unsteady "You've assisted me so much; from helping to break me out of the hospital in Boston, to getting back one of my best friends from another dimension and even figuring out some of the mysteries of this town's 'troubles'. YOU are truly one of the least selfish people I know because at anytime during this crazy escapade you could have packed up and hightailed it back to Boston.
And with you I've always had a clean slate, no prejudice on your part because of my family's name or the reputation I've earned over the years. You've trusted me almost blindly from the time we've met. You've brought out the good that's always been inside of me even more than I ever thought possible.
And when my body was taken over by Tyler and he kissed you through me, I wanted so badly to take control because he was hijacking OUR first kiss, a special moment between two people. He sorta ruined it for me, but I know something was there because even though I was taking a back seat in my body, I felt you returned the kiss with equal passion. I now realize that there is something more between us than friendship."
By this point Duke had gotten up from his seat and his face was inches from Jennifer's. He leaned in to cup her face and tilted his head ever so slightly so that their lips could finally met again. It started out as a sweet simple, gentle kiss that built up to a deeper, more passionate one, filled with urgency and need. So much so that by the time the pair came up for air, Duke had somehow managed to climb into her twin-sized hospital bed and had pulled Jennifer towards him so that she was now laying on her side and so was he. The two faced each other and their bodies were very close on the small bed meant for one.
"I...ahhh... that wasss..." were the only words that Jennifer could emit taken off guard by his unexpected kiss and the declaration of his feelings. His response to her was to capture her lips for a second kiss that was softer but still filled with want. This gentle peck turned into another, followed by one more which continued into a full on, fierce make out; with their lips and tongues battling for dominance over one another. Both pair of hands traveled up and down each others bodies exploring the various textures: some smooth and full, others hard and tight; one or two firm and solid, a few were even plump and soft. It was a complete sensory overload but neither could get enough and their hands continue to rub and grab wherever they could extend and reach.
Duke's large hands came to a rest on Jennifer's small but shapely backside, and he pulled her even closer to him. She in turn wrapped her slim but toned legs around him.
Jennifer reached into his hair, removed the ponytail holder and began to tug at his locks and then ran her fingers fully through his tresses and onto his scalp in a circular motion, in essence giving him a massage, this earned her a deep groan from Duke in the form of "Mmmhmmm". And his body continue to thrust even further towards her.
Jennifer's warm hands slid down Duke's body and made its way under his untucked button-down shirt. As her soft palms made their way up his lean and fit torso his shirt followed. She explored every inch of him that she could grasp and enjoyed how his muscular back felt against her silky skin. Jennifer loved the closeness of his body, how it hugged against hers.
The heat that they created together was so addictive and comforting that she felt as though she couldn't get close enough; even though her body was curled around his and Duke's leg parted her thighs . His hands ran through the dark slight waves on her head and as they continued to kiss Jennifer uttered breathlessly "Yesss...,more ..." when their lips separated for a much needed breather.
"Anything you want." growled Duke with a voice filled with hunger that had yet to be satisfied. Desiring more himself, he complied with her request, leaving her lips and slowly trailing kisses down her jaw, onto her delicate neck and to whatever skin was exposed by the V-neck collar of the soft cotton gown she was wearing. This caused Jennifer's body to arch even further towards Duke.
He knew and she knew that the deep intensity in which Duke was kissing her, would leave marks on her fair, tender skin but neither one cared and they continued with the same eagerness.
In the midst of the couple physically expressing their feelings for one another there was a knock on the hospital room's door and a visitor stepped in. Neither Jennifer nor Duke heard because they were so engrossed in their activity. Not being able to capture the couple's attention Dr. Carson resorted to loudly clearing his throat. With this second action the physician was able to alert the duo to his presence in the room, which startled them due to the sudden disruption of silence aside from their moans.
"Sorry for the interruption folks, I didn't mean to frighten you." the doctor apologized. "But Duke I'm glad to see you've return, we've all missed your presence around here." stated Dr. Carson.
As Jennifer was jerked from her lust fueled haze, she horrifyingly realized the voice belonged to her physician. With this recognition Jenn gave off a high pitched shriek and her face became bright red with embarrassment.
She felt like a teenager all over again whose parents had caught her in the middle of doing something she would rather they not see. She buried her head in the crook of Duke's neck, but knew she would have to face her doctor in a matter of seconds.
Duke conversely took the whole situation in stride, looked up and causally responded to the doctor's comment by saying: "There were some urgent matters that needed my attention but now I'm back to support my lady.''he replied.
Which earned him a hard stare from Jennifer who had raised her head, and looked to him as if to say; 'Oh, have we already "Defined The Relationship" buddy? Thanks for filling me in!'
He replied to her by sheepishly shrugging his shoulders while tilting his head and having a slight smirk plastered across his face.
"Well, I need to borrow 'your lady' for a minuet or two to check her vital signs." responded Dr. Carson.
" Hi Jennifer. " the doctor said with a wave giving Ms. Mason a special hello.
"Hello Doctor Carson." she replied in the most neutral voice she could muster up.
"No worries Doc." interjected Duke "I have her vitals for you. Heart rate: rapid and strong. Breathing: normal and fluid. Body Temperature: Hot! Bordering on smoking hot!''
"Very accurate.'' laughed the doctor at Duke's observations "but I need to put down real numbers and medical terms on Jennifer's chart. So if you scoot over a bit and Jennifer sits up and leans forward, I can log her vitals and leave you two to resume to your previous activities."
Jennifer blushed again at the doctor's comment but spoke up with a cheerful: "Sounds good to me." and the two did what the doctor asked.
After jotting down her information on the chart, the doctor told them "Everything is in the normal ranges. You will be ready to go home in 12 hours. I'll leave you two to resume your activities just please keep it PG, anyone can walk by or into the room, you don't need to give them too much of a show." the doctor commented.
"Please remember that the young and impressionable frequent our halls. And I would prefer they be schooled in these matters by parents or scientifically in a class room setting." Cautioned the physician.
"Thanks Dr. Carson. We will keep that in mind." responded Duke. "Oh, and would you hit the lights and close the door on the way out?'' requested Duke
"Sure." replied Dr. Carson as he shook his head knowingly while smiling and complied with his patient's fiancé's request. He exited the room and went on to fulfill the rest of his duties.
Now that Jennifer and Duke were alone, he felt it was a good time to resume their earlier conversation since the romantic mood that engulfed them had been broken.
"When you blow this joint in 12 hours I want you to continue to stay with me on the Cape Rouge. Are you okay with those arrangements? asked Duke looking directly into Jennifer's eyes.
"I'm not too suuurrre about that?" replied Jennifer looking away and began examining her manicure, which had suddenly become very fascinating.
"I've gotten a few other offers in your absence." she continued. "Plus, the local inn is looks quite cozy. And most importantly aren't you leaving town pretty soon? I heard you mention something about money... Treasure... Fortune... And being 'numero uno' in your life."
"I'm not certain how stable my living arrangements are with you. One day you'll be in the center of town having coffee with Nathan and Audrey and the next day I would have to worry about my bedroom and belongings being in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean." Jennifer summarized.
"Jenn, I' m not going anywhere." Duke answered sincerely. He gently brought Jennifer's head around to his with his index and middle fingers, to have eye contact with the woman he cared deeply about.
"Plus I know for a fact that the Inn's heating and air conditioning system is a clunker. So you WILL be quite cozy under your three to four layers of blankets this winter and sweating it out on those hot summer nights." he added lightheartedly.
"Wait a second... Whom made these other offers of places to stay?" A surprised Duke asked as he just caught on to what Jennifer said.
"Don't worry, just some local buddies of mine." she replied casually.
"Didn't know you had been here long enough to make 'buddies'. he countered.
"I'm just that likeable! I would even go as far as to say loveable!" she proudly admitted.
"Well I 'liked' you first and I'm going to be at the very top of the list, in this town to love you." he stated confidently.
"So, on that note: do you mind if I bring your stuff back onto the Cape Rouge?" he asked.
"I guess that would only be fair since you made me lug them all the way to my car." she reasoned.
"Which is quite the workout I might add for someone of my stature. My muscles are still sore from all that lifting." Jennifer said while running her hands over her upper arms.
"No worries; free head to toe body rub downs are available by moi." Duke said as her began to massage her arms.
"But seriously, thanks for agreeing to stay with me, I would miss your presence on the ship way too much if you didn't come back. I'll admit it; I'm an idiot.'' and with that confession he reaches over towards her to land a quick smooch on her perfect pout.
"Yes, you are. I wholeheartedly agree." she finishes as she kisses him back in the same way.
"But sometimes we need a bit of foolishness in our lives to show us what truly matters." Jennifer concluded.
"Well said Ms. Mason." replied Duke who then placed another chaste peck on Jennifer's lips.
The two continued and their kissing developed into another make out session; much tamer than their previous one, but still filled with emotion and pleasurable. They eventually wearied and drifted off to a satisfying sleep.
Thank you for reading. Reviews of any sort gladly appreciated!