All Bottled Up (13 page)

“Come with me,” she said, clutching his arms with her hands.

She pulled his face from her breast and locked him in a kiss. She was wild, her brain 114

shut down and the rest of her body focused solely on the increasing pleasure. So close to the top. She could barely breathe, and she felt a sheen of sweat cover her body. She wasn’t going to make it.

Jerod pulled away from her kiss, wet his thumb, and reached between them. When he touched her clit, Viola screamed. Her second orgasm exploded through her body. It would have faded quickly, but she felt Jerod stiffen under her. He cried out and began to slam into her as he pulled her down onto him with his hands. She clutched his shoulders as she felt another wave of her orgasm flood her. It didn’t seem to stop. The pleasure touched every part of her body and seemed to reach deeper. It was everything, her entire world condensed into this single, perfect moment.

When their bodies finally came to rest, Viola couldn’t think. Breathing was her only focus. Keep the air coming into her body so she wouldn’t lose consciousness. Her head fell forward and rested on his shoulder. She felt him wrap his arms around her back and relaxed under his touch.

“You are amazing,” he cooed in her ear.

She tried to form a response, but the words came out as a grunt. A very unladylike grunt at that.

“Rest. There’s time for talk later.”

Who am I to argue with a genie?

Viola closed her eyes. The last thing she remembered was their bodies magically being covered by a blanket as they touched the ground.

She wasn’t sure how long she’d slept when she managed to pull her eyes open once again. Jerod was still wrapped around her and she snuggled into his warmth.

“I was getting worried,” he teased and brushed a piece of her hair away.

“That was amazing.”

“So were you.”

She looked up at him and smiled. “I wasn’t too bad, was I?”

“An expert lover. Bill is a lucky human.”

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She watched a myriad of emotions flash across his face as he clearly struggled with the reality of the situation. She was human and he wasn’t. Despite the intensity of their short relationship, nothing would ever come of it. They came from two separate worlds—

literally. Viola may have been able to deal with this if he’d been happy. Except right now he looked so damned lonely. She hated that look. One she’d seen reflected back at her from the mirror more times than she could count.

At that exact moment, Viola’s heart broke.

She had to do something. This wasn’t right. Jerod had done so much for her, helped her discover who she was, all in such a short period of time. She couldn’t simply make her final wish and send him on his way. She’d grown to care about him too much.

She may have even fallen a little bit in love with him.

“How did you become a genie?”

He shifted to the side a bit so he could get a better look at her face.

“What?”

“How did you become a genie? Were you born this way? Do you have genie parents? Go to genie school? What?”

Jerod seemed to search her face, looking for something. An answer perhaps. But he didn’t give her what she was looking for.

“It’s not something I talk about. But no, I wasn’t born this way. I was a human for thirty-four years before.” He shrugged. “Before this.” He snapped his fingers and the candle stubs disappeared, only to be replaced by fresh ones. “But being a genie does have its advantages.”

“Do you miss it? Being human, I mean?”

He untangled his arm from around her and pushed up to sit beside her.

“Why do you want to know?”

He didn’t sound defensive, more confused. As if no one had been curious about who he was, or who he’d been before now.

“I don’t know. I’ve gotten used to having you around. I’m curious.” When he still didn’t answer, she prodded him again, bumping up lightly against him. “Well?” 116

Jerod looked out the window. The room stilled, even the ocean waves didn’t seem as loud. Everything was waiting to hear what he’d say.

“Sometimes. It’s been so long now, my memories have faded. More the remnant of feelings.” His voice was very soft, but she still heard him.

Viola felt the tears gather behind her eyes.
He sounds so lonely
. She willed them back, not wanting to risk his retreat to his bottle.

“Is there nothing you can do?” She tried to keep her voice light.

“It’s not a disease. It’s who I am. I’ve been a genie for three-thousand years. I wouldn’t know what to do if I became human again.”

“Sorry.”

She felt like a jerk. Or a child.
Typical Viola not able to see the bigger picture.

Jerod placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “On the subject of your wishes, I believe I’ve taught you everything you need to know to win your Bill over.” Viola couldn’t believe it. “What? No, there has to be more than that.” She couldn’t lose him now. She wasn’t ready to move on and try this on Bill. God, she wasn’t sure if she even
wanted
Bill any more. And that thought was scarier than anything else.

He snapped his fingers and Viola found herself now comfortably resting in her bed.

He’d even taken care to dress her in her pajamas.

“I should go. You need your rest.”

“You don’t have to. Maybe we can figure out a way that you can stay around.” But as soon as she said the words, she realized it was more than that.

He needed to go, he couldn’t stay with her like a date, or God forbid, a boyfriend.

They didn’t have that type of relationship. They didn’t
have
a relationship at all. Viola’s throat tightened, making it hard to swallow.

Jerod smiled and in a blink he wore the same genie outfit he’d had on the day they’d met.

“That is how these things go. You are the mistress, but I am bound to my position.

I’ve granted your first two wishes. In the morning, you should consider asking for your 117

final one.”

And then he was gone.

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Viola didn’t sleep that night, so as the sun peeked up from behind the horizon, she climbed out of bed to watch dawn break on the third day of her vacation. The brilliant pinks and oranges that filled the sky tried to brighten her spirits, but they couldn’t.

Three days. That’s it, that’s all she’d known him. And he wasn’t even a man.

Though, that wasn’t necessarily a negative. She’d started this whole wish thing with the intention of learning how to win the heart of a man. But instead she lost hers to a genie.

Fate had a strange sense of humor.

Her body still tingled with the aftereffects of their lovemaking. Whether it was from the sex or the magic, she wasn’t sure. At this point, it didn’t really matter. It was the single most amazing night of her life. Shit, she’d made love three feet in the air!

She doubted Bill could compete with that one.

Mentally, she kicked her own ass for even thinking about Bill. This wasn’t about her anymore. Jerod was lonely and she had to do something to help him.

The phone began to ring.
Who the hell could be calling her?

“Hello?”

Viola yanked the receiver away when, on the other end, an earth-shattering scream let loose.

“Beth?”

“Viola! You’ll never guess, I mean you won’t believe, I never thought it was possible, but then they called me and I just couldn’t believe it!”

“Slow…down. I can barely understand you. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She heard Beth take a huge breath on the other end. “I won the lottery!” Viola’s heart began to race. “Oh my fucking God, no shit! Congratulations!” It had worked. Her second wish came true.
Thank you, Jerod!

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“Oh hon, we are both quitting and I’m paying off your mortgage. Then we’re going on a kick-ass trip.”

She had to fight not to get caught up in her friend’s excitement, contagious as it was.

“Slow down there, sparky. How much did you win?”

“Two…million…dollars,” Beth squealed again, and this time she was joined by barking.

“Is that my William?” Viola asked, suddenly missing her dog. She missed her life when things were simple. And boring. But at least boring made it easy to figure out her life.

“He sure misses you. Been sulking around my place since I picked him up.”

“I’ll have to buy the good treats when I get home. Listen, was this through that charity lottery? Where half goes to a cause of your choosing?”

“Yeah, why?”

Viola sat down and gave Beth as many details as she could regarding Tropics Haven resort and the people who lived there. She closed her eyes and hoped Beth would see things the way she did.

“How did you find this place?” Beth sounded completely baffled.

“It was a total accident, to be honest. If you could just see them, Beth, I know you’d want t o help.”

“Of course I’d want to help! Why the hell do you think I’ve been playing this lottery anyway? It sounds like a perfect place to make a donation. I’ll call Habitat and see what I can arrange for them.”

Viola jumped up and cheered. “You are the absolute best human being on the face of the planet. At least the best I know.”

“It’s just good luck you came across that place. The timing is creepy.” She smiled. “Almost like magic.”

There was a pause on the other end. “How are you doing down there all by yourself?

I’ve been worried about you. You know, I can now afford to fly down and join you if you want.”

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If it weren’t for Beth’s excitement rubbing off on her, Viola probably wouldn’t have said anything to her. She wasn’t sure if Jerod was listening, so she closed the balcony door with her foot and whispered.

“I took your advice.”

“What advice, I didn’t…” There was a long pause. “Oh shit! You got laid?” Beth’s voice raised three octaves.

“Shhh, he’ll hear you.”

“He’s there now? Shit, you need to call me back! I need details. Is he cute?” Viola laughed.

“Oh you’re laughing. That’s good. Very,
very
good. This has to be the best week in the recorded history of humanity.”

“It’s one for the record books, that’s for sure.” And if Viola had her way, she was going to make things even better.

“Okay, I’m going to let you go for now. But you call me the second he leaves. And take a picture of him! I want to be able to drool along with you when you get back.” She hung up with Beth and, still grinning, she quietly slipped into some shorts and a T-shirt, grabbed her flip-flops and headed out the door. A quiet walk down the beach would help clear her mind. It was early enough that there were only a few joggers out enjoying the warm ocean breeze. Viola kicked off her shoes and sighed when the sand squished between her toes. Careful not to push her aching muscles too hard, she made her way down to the shoreline.

What the hell was she going to do?
Jerod wanted her to make a decision about her third wish this morning. She didn’t think wishing to have a relationship with a genie was something he’d necessarily go for. If that’s what she really wanted after all. She kicked at a crumbling sandcastle and stopped to watch the waves crash onto the shore.

Viola hated that she did this when things moved too fast. Putting on the brakes to save herself the grief. But this was different. He wasn’t a real man. Check that, he was most definitely a man, but not the sort who would stick around and make pancakes after a night of movies, wine and great sex.

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Viola groaned and ran her hands over her face. She had a crush on a genie.
Great
.

“I wasn’t expecting to see you out of bed so early,” Jerod said as he stepped beside her.

He was wearing the same black pants as before, but instead of a white shirt, he now had on a light blue one. She tore her gaze away from him and shrugged at the ocean.

“Beth gave me a wakeup call. She won the lottery.”

“Excellent. You should be thrilled. Your second wish came true.” Viola continued to walk down the beach, letting the ocean water wash over her feet.

Jerod fell silently into step beside her.

“I am really happy for Beth and for the people at the old resort.”

“But?”

She looked at him and smiled. He was so handsome and kind. Why couldn’t she meet guys like this in real life? Because this trip was so far from her real life she might as well be on Mars.

“No buts. Beth is really happy and I’m happy for her. She wants me to quit my job and travel the world with her. But—”

“See, I knew there was a but.”

“
But
I still feel like my own life is going down a path I don’t want to be on.” Jerod took her by the hand and stopped walking. He ran his thumb across the underside of her wrist over and over, the motion soothing.

“You still have your final wish. Anything you want. Anything at all and it’s yours.

Money, wealth…”

“Happiness?”

“A single wish away.” Jerod smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Viola wanted to throw her arms around him and never let go, even though she knew it wasn’t possible. She sighed and looked back up the beach toward the resort. “We should get back.”

Jerod shook his head, “I don’t think so. You’re far too serious this morning.” She fought the urge to smack him. “That’s not my fault. I’m having wish stress.” 122

“Then we don’t have any choice. It’s time for another lesson.” He placed his hands on his hips and grinned.

“What, now? I thought you said I was done?” Her stomach growled loudly. “Can’t it wait?”

“No. I can’t believe I almost left this out of your curriculum. I’ll look after your tummy along the way. Trust me, this is a critical lesson that will be of great use to you.” Viola couldn’t stop the smile that spread onto her face. “Okay, I’ll bite. What’s the lesson about?”

“Learning how to explore your options,” he said and began to tug her along the beach. “Your problem is you worry so much about other people, you forget to concentrate on yourself.”

“Are you forgetting wish number one? Slow down will you!” Without missing a beat, Jerod turned and scooped Viola up in his arms. She let out a squeal that immediately turned into a giggle as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

This constant contact wasn’t helping deter her infatuation.

“You’re crazy.”

“You walk slow. And I never forget.”

“Where are you taking me?” She stopped struggling and let her body relax into his arms. Her head fit nicely against his shoulder. “I hope there’s food there.”

“Is Bill aware of your appetite?” he said in a mock-serious tone, which he followed by a low chuckle.

“He’ll find out soon enough.”

After a few minutes, Jerod set her down in front of a large, round hut on the beach.

The thatched roof and wooden steps looked to be in immaculate shape, even though it appeared to be abandoned.

“I take it this isn’t normally here?” she asked and bumped her shoulder against his.

He shrugged. “Borrowed it from another location on the island. It won’t be missed.” Viola wandered up and peeked into the window. The room was immaculately furnished with bamboo and glass tables and what looked to be handcrafted rugs on a 123

hardwood floor. She couldn’t see anything else.

“Oh, I think someone will definitely miss this place.”

“The door is open,” Jerod said, leaning over the small veranda railing. “Come take a look.”

The sand was hot, but Viola didn’t bother to slip on her flip-flops, instead making a mad dash for the door. The hut was beautiful! And air-conditioned, which really didn’t strike her as being part of the natural décor of a hut. Viola couldn’t help the feeling she’d been here before.

“Like something out of a dream,” she muttered to herself.

“Please have a seat, Mistress.” Jerod bowed deep, sweeping his arm to indicate a round cushion on the floor. In front of it was a table at the perfect height for her to use while sitting.

How could she refuse such an eloquent offer? Viola padded quietly across the rug to the cushion. The velvet tickled her bare arms and legs as she sunk into its feather padding.

“Comfy,” she said and leaned forward so she could rub her cheek against it.

Jerod snapped his fingers and a second cushion appeared on the opposite side of the table. “That’s from my bottle actually. I’m afraid it goes with me.”

“Spoilsport.”

Jerod sighed and shook his head. “Are you ready for your lesson?” Straightening, Viola took a deep breath to chase away a giggle that threatened to bubble up. “All set.”

“Very well. You are hungry, correct?”

At the mere thought of food, her stomach growled. Jerod cocked an eyebrow.

“I guess there’s no need for you to answer. I would like you to close your eyes and tell me what you would have ordered for breakfast this morning if you could have anything in the world?”

Viola closed her eyes and said the first thing that popped into her head. “An omelet with mushrooms, onions, ooh, and extra cheddar.” 124

When she opened them again, Jerod had his head in his hands.

“What?”

He looked up and she could actually feel his annoyance.

“I said anything in the
world
and you want poofy eggs with fungus?”

“I like omelets!” She crossed her arms across her chest. “What’s wrong with that?”

“I’m trying to teach you about exploring your options.” He muttered something in a language she didn’t understand before sighing and snapping his fingers. “Fine.” Instantly, a plate with a perfectly cooked omelet resting in the middle of it appeared.

Her stomach roared and she moved to grab the fork to dive in.

“Wait!”

Viola froze mid-reach. Jerod motioned for her to sit back and crossed his arms across his chest. He didn’t continue until her hands were resting back in her lap.

“Now…” He rubbed his hands together. “Now if you were able to start over, which would you choose? Your omelet or this?” He snapped his fingers again, only this time a plate of exotic fruits, cheeses, and pastries appeared beside her omelet. The aroma from the pastries made her mouth water, literally. But there was something unappealing about it.

“Honestly, I’d take the omelet.” This time, she managed to control herself. “Can I eat now?”

“No.”

He was frustrated with her, she could see that. It still wouldn’t change things.

“What about this?”

He snapped his fingers again and the fruit and pastries disappeared, replaced with a platter of sausages, glazed ham slices, and a stack of something that resembled pancakes.

She didn’t want to, but her giggle finally escaped.

“You’re sweet, but I still want my eggs.”

Jerod snapped his fingers again and again, replacing the food with new and different selections. Rice and eggs with vegetables, mutton impaled on skewers of coconut palms, asian pear crepes with ricotta, quiches, gingerbread waffles, and things she couldn’t 125