Ties That Bind Read online

  Jenna raised a brow. “Why would I be attending something like that?”

  Ellie smiled. “Because I just overheard someone say Randolph is. I also heard that person say he’s going as Lena Weaver’s date. I would check that out if I were you. He’s supposed to be your boyfriend but he’s taking another girl to dinner at the White House. I did try to warn you that his grandmother had already picked Lena Weaver out for him.”

  Usually Jenna had the good mind to ignore Ellie’s insensitive attitude and rude behavior, but she’d hit a raw nerve and Jenna’s veins felt like they were ready to explode. “You don’t know what you’re talking about, Ellie. Randolph would not take Lena Weaver anywhere.”

  Ellie glared. “Well, don’t get mad at me, Jenna Haywood. I was just telling you what I heard.”

  Without saying anything more to Ellie, Jenna grabbed the sweater Randolph had given her for Christmas off the bed and stormed out of the dorm room.

  Randolph looked up from reading his Business Law book when his roommate Evan came in.

  “Jenna is outside and wants to see you, Randolph,” Evan said as he tossed his car keys on the desk.

  A surprised expression covered Randolph’s features as he closed the book. He glanced at his watch. It was past nine o’clock. “Jenna’s outside?”

  “Yeah.”

  Randolph grabbed his jacket and slipped it on as he quickly headed out the door, then took the stairs two at a time. He wondered what had brought Jenna to his dorm this time of night. Reaching the bottom step he pushed the door open that led to the outside.

  He saw Jenna standing ten feet away underneath an oak tree with her profile to him. She hadn’t seen him yet so he took time to study her, the woman he loved with all his heart. The moonlight was bright enough so he could see that she was wearing the sweater he’d given her for Christmas. He had seen her in it before, but hadn’t noticed the way it hugged her body, following the curvaceous lines from her shoulders to her waist, fitting snug at her breasts; breasts he knew were firm, perfectly shaped with a gorgeous set of nipples. They were the kind he enjoyed licking, sucking and tasting. Then there was the skirt she was wearing, knee-length and pleated. But what was suddenly making his breathing hard and making sweat form on his brow was this throbbing need for what was under that skirt.

  He closed his eyes in pure agony, feeling disgusted with himself for having such lustful thoughts. But then he remembered a class he had taken a few years back where they had discussed Charles Darwin and some of his theories; one of which was that men were animals—of the highest class, but animals nonetheless, with the ability to survive and most importantly to mate. The desire to mate was an essential part of life and just as vital as any other basic and elemental need. Slowly opening his eyes, Randolph recognized and accepted everything he was going through, and had been going through since the first time he had set eyes on Jenna Haywood.

  He wanted her.

  He wanted her with every breath in his body; with every beat that his heart took. Even now, although she was standing a good distance away, he could smell the heated scent of her. He could breathe it, and as crazy as it sounded, he moved his tongue around in his mouth actually tasting it. Giving in to his body’s need he felt himself grow hard and felt his entire body begin to hum with pulsating heat.

  When he saw her wipe at her eye with the palm of her hand, indicating she was crying, there wasn’t even a split second of conscious thought when he shifted his focus. Concern replaced rampant desire. He quickly moved toward her. “Jenna? What’s wrong?”

  She turned to him and he could see from one of the lights shining off the building the damp tears on her cheeks. Not waiting for her to explain, he pulled her into his arms, gathering her close, enveloping her body into his.

  Then she pulled back and looked up at him, as if searching his face for something. “You once told me if I ever wanted to know anything about you to ask and not believe everything I hear,” she said softly, giving him a sober smile through her tears.

  Randolph kept his gaze on hers. “Yes, that’s what I said. Is there something you want to ask me?”

  There was a brief pregnant pause before she answered. “Yes.”

  “Then ask.”

  “All right.” Her chin lifted a little higher as she continued to look at him.

  “Go ahead, Jen, and ask. You know I’ll tell you anything you want to know.”

  Jenna nodded, savoring the feel of his strong arms around her. “Are you taking Lena Weaver to a dinner at the White House on Friday night?”

  A frown came into his eyes and he wondered where she had gotten that information. He would find that out later because right now the most important thing was to set the record straight with the one person who mattered the most to him. “No. My grandmother was here earlier tonight and made the suggestion but I flatly refused.” He knew he was putting that mildly. His grandmother did more than make a suggestion. She had all but threatened him to comply with her wishes.

  “She wants you to take her?”

  “Yes, and it’s my understanding she’s already told Lena’s parents that I would be her date for that night. She did so without consulting me about it first. So if Lena mentioned to anyone that I’m the one taking her, it’s because that’s what she assumes.”

  Jenna nodded. “She’s going to be embarrassed when you don’t take her.”

  “Then it will be my grandmother’s fault, not mine. I had planned to talk to Lena tomorrow myself and explain things to her.” He studied Jenna’s features. “Did you honestly think, knowing how I feel about you and what you mean to me, that I would consider going out with anyone else?”

  Jenna shrugged. “I didn’t want to think it but then I know I haven’t been doing with you what other girls are doing with their boyfriends.”

  “You mean making love?”

  She lowered her gaze. “Yes.”

  Randolph reached out and lifted her chin with his finger so their gazes could meet again. “One of the reasons I love you so much is because your actions aren’t dictated by what others are doing and to me that’s admirable. Making love is a big step in a relationship. There should be a firm commitment between the two individuals and should not happen until the both of them are ready to pledge their hearts to each other.”

  He reached out and took her hand in his. “I would be lying if I said I didn’t want you, Jenna. Sometimes I want you so bad that it hurts. Sometimes I get so hot inside thinking about you, that even an icecold beer can’t cool me down. I’ve awakened in the mornings aroused, gasping for breath, after a night spent dreaming of you.”

  He expelled a long breath. “But regardless of any of that, I won’t ever force you to do anything you aren’t ready to do. I will wait as long as it takes.” Forcing a smile on his face he added, “Even if it’s not until our wedding night … although I’d probably be dead from wanting you so much by then.”

  Jenna chuckled and dropped her head onto his chest. “Oh, Randolph.” She wrapped her arms around his waist. “I love you.”

  “And I love you, too.”

  She lifted her head up and met his. “I know you do.” And she honestly did know, and logically there was no reason not to consummate the love the two of them shared. He had shown her time and time again just how much she meant to him, just how much he cared. And he had told her of his intentions to marry her once he finished law school.

  An idea suddenly came into her mind. This was Easter weekend that led into spring break, and because of her finances she had decided to spend the week on campus getting ahead in her studies instead of going home. Randolph had made plans to spend the week at Glendale Shores in a cottage that was located a couple miles from his grandparents’ home. It was a small house his parents had owned that now belonged to him and Ross. His grandparents would be gone for two weeks visiting a relative in Chicago.

  When he had first mentioned it to her, he had invited her to come spend the week with him. That had meant they woul
d be alone, unchaperoned, without their families knowing about it. Of course, the risk of the two of them together, sharing a house without adult supervision was bad enough, not to mention the feeling of guilt of doing something her parents and his grandparents wouldn’t approve of, so she had turned down his invitation. But now she was beginning to rethink that decision since they had already done things the older adults wouldn’t approve of, either, like them necking and petting to the point where he had touched her body in every single place.

  “Randolph?”

  “Umm?”

  “Is your invitation still open?”

  He glanced down at her. “What invitation is that?”

  “The one where I get to spend a week with you on Glendale Shores during spring break.” She saw the exact moment his eyes darkened in desire. It was the same moment she felt his body, which was so close to hers, react to her words. She could tell her question had caught him totally off guard.

  After considering her for a minute he said, “Yes, it’s still open.” He then watched her as if his next breath was waiting on her next words.

  “Then I accept your invitation.”

  Randolph took a deep, calming breath. “Are you sure?”

  Instead of answering him, she put her words into action when she balanced on her toes and pressed her lips to his. The moment their mouths touched passionate sensations burst inside of her, consuming her mind and her body and shattering any lingering doubt she had about the week they would share. For several glorious moments she feasted off his mouth and let him feast off hers, as their bodies generated sparks that began transforming into hot rushes of desire.

  Jenna pulled back when she remembered just where they were and what they were doing. Bracing herself against him it took her a while to recover from their kiss.

  “Jenna? Are you sure?”

  She lifted her gaze and said in an unsteady breath, “Yes, I’m sure, Randolph.” A feeling of rightness oozed through her when she added, “I haven’t been more sure of anything in my entire life.”

  Julia Fuller paced the confines of her hotel room. She was angry to the point of madness. Randolph was willing to cause her embarrassment for that girl. Color burned her cheeks when she remembered how he had faced her down, refusing to give in even when she had threatened to withhold his funds for school. And he was right, if they were to cut him off the Denisons would gladly come to his rescue.

  She balled her hands into fists at her sides. She would have to come up with a new strategy. Since Randolph was determined to defy her, she needed a new game plan. The next time she would deal directly with the girl. If the chit really was in love with Randolph then she would be more than willing to do the right thing after she was convinced she wasn’t suitable and would not be accepted by his family.

  Julia smiled. She had a strong feeling that she would be victorious in the end.

  Nine

  Jenna looked through the kitchen cabinets of the house she would be sharing for a week with Randolph, surprised to find them fully stocked. At least we won’t starve, she thought, glancing out the window. Randolph was outside placing a huge canvas covering over Ross’s car. Ross had let them borrow the vehicle to make the trip and had given Randolph strict instructions to keep it protected from the ocean’s salty air.

  “So what do you think of the place?”

  Jenna turned to the sound of Randolph’s voice. She hadn’t heard him come in. He stood leaning in the doorway, looking at her. “Your parents had the right idea when they built this place,” she said smiling. “I think it’s beautiful.”

  Randolph crossed his arms over his chest and continued to look at her. “Yeah, I think it’s beautiful too, even more so now that you’re here.”

  Jenna returned his gaze, giving him a saucy little smile. “You think so?”

  He rubbed his chin as his eyes moved over her from head to toe. “Yeah, I know so.”

  Anticipation churned in Jenna’s stomach. The house was small and cozy and consisted of one large bedroom, a bathroom, an eat-in kitchen and a living room. There was a huge window in the bedroom that overlooked the ocean. When Randolph had carried their luggage into the bedroom it had reminded her that they would be sharing a bed tonight. Thinking about it suddenly made her feel nervous. “It’s past lunchtime. If you’re hungry I can fix you something to eat.”

  Randolph smiled as he shook his head. The only thing he was hungry for was her. “No, I’m fine but there is something I’d like to do before we get a bite to eat.”

  Jenna swallowed slowly and her heart began thundering at the thought of what that could possibly be. “What?”

  “Go swimming. Did you bring your bathing suit like I asked you to?”

  Jenna stared at him as she released a deep sigh. “Yes, but like I told you, I can’t swim.”

  “Don’t worry about it, I’ll teach you how.”

  She nodded. “We aren’t going swimming in the ocean, are we?”

  Randolph shook his head when he heard the sound of distress in her voice. “No, I thought I’d take you to the pond.”

  “The one on your grandparents’ property?”

  “Yes, that’s the one. It’s less than a mile from here if we take a shortcut.” He walked over to her and spanned her waist with his hands. “If you want you can go ahead and change. I’ll wait for you outside.”

  She nodded, appreciating that he recognized the fact that she wasn’t ready to change clothes in front of him quite yet. The feel of his hands on her waist made her shiver and she knew he’d felt it. The darkening of his eyes told her he had. “What about you? Aren’t you going to change into swimming trunks?” she asked, barely getting the words out. His hands on her were making her senses so overcharged she could barely think straight.

  “They’re under my blue jeans,” he responded.

  “Oh. Then I guess I better go change.”

  He slowly released her then watched as she quickly disappeared into the bedroom, closing the door behind her.

  “What’s all the stuff in here?” Jenna asked Randolph as he handed her a canvas sack while he placed a huge, thick blanket under his arms.

  “Umm, just a few items I thought we might need,” he said as he led her through the wooded path. Like him she had put her bathing suit on under her blue jeans.

  During their walk they talked about a number of things including the threat his grandmother had made when he refused to take Lena to that dinner at the White House.

  “Do you actually think she would have gone that far?” Jenna asked, finding it hard to believe anyone would want to be that dominating.

  “Who knows? At least I won’t have to find out since Lena came down with the measles.”

  Jenna nodded. Randolph had told her that when he had gone to see Lena to explain the situation to her, her dorm mother had told him that Lena could not see anyone because she had caught the measles.

  Jenna and Randolph’s conversation shifted to what the two of them would be doing over the summer months. Jenna knew Randolph had plans to work with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s voter drive. She told him about her plans to get a job as a counselor at a summer camp. “That way I can earn money for my books and other miscellaneous items I’ll need in the fall,” she said, shifting the sack from her hand to her shoulder.

  Finally, they reached their destination. Although there was plenty of daylight left, a cluster of oak trees surrounded the pond and blocked out most of the sunshine, making the area appear secluded. There’s something peaceful about this place, Jenna thought, as she watched Randolph spread out the blanket. It was like a secluded paradise. Flowers were in bloom and a wispy midday breeze saturated the air with their fragrance, tantalizing her senses.

  “Well, that about does it,” Randolph said after completing the task of arranging the blanket on the ground near the pond. He then sat down on the blanket and stared over at her. “Come join me and bring the sack with you.”

  For a split second Jenna’s pulse incre
ased when she gazed at Randolph and saw the look in his eyes. Then she knew. He intended to make love to her here. The very thought of it took her breath away. She could just imagine them lying naked on the blanket together with the gurgling sound of the underground spring in the background while he sank his hard body into the depths of hers, making her his in a way no one had ever done before.

  “Jenna?”

  She blinked upon realizing that she had not moved from her spot. “Yes?”

  “Come here, baby.” He reached out and offered her his hand.

  Jenna moved to join him on the blanket, taking his hand and holding it steady as she sat down across from him.

  “Now let’s see what we have in here,” he said as he slowly began emptying the sack.

  Jenna watched as he pulled out two sandwiches wrapped in waxed paper, a cold bottle of Ripple—the inexpensive wine that was the latest craze on the college campuses, a thick towel, a transistor radio, a handful of rubbers and last but not least, of all things a Bible. She studied the assortment of items then met his gaze as her breathing quickened. She knew what they would do with the sandwiches and wine. She also knew what the rubbers would be used for—although that didn’t stop the blush that spread across her face. But the Bible … ?

  Randolph read the question in Jenna’s eyes and picked up the Bible to explain. “This originally belonged to Big Ma, my great-grandmother, who was Gramma Mattie’s mother. She passed it on to my grandparents on their wedding day. It was then given to my parents on the day they married. Some people claim Big Ma had psychic powers but I don’t know if that’s true or not. To me she was the sweetest old woman to ever live on the face of the earth. Although she died when I was seven, I can remember a lot about her,” Randolph said as he ran his fingers across the cover of the Bible.

  “I recall her sitting me and Ross down one day in this very place and telling us about this Bible. She said it was special and was to be passed on from generation to generation and that if we ever found the person we wanted to bind our lives with, to make sure we pledged our love and said our vows over this Bible. She said doing so would be the tie that would bind us to that person forever.”