by Lee Damon
"O'Mara, where... oh, where... did you find that bed? Ez would give his soul for a bed like that. We could sleep a family of six in that bed."
"Not on your life. That bed is for us—you and me—and nobody else. Ez can find his own bed. Hero can sleep with Gus, and the rest of the kids can have the rooms across the hall." He pulled her back against his chest with his hands on her shoulders and nuzzled his warm mouth into her neck, whispering, "Lots of room to exercise all kinds of imagination, sideways, endways and even upside-down." He felt the blush spreading up over her neck and into her face and growled suggestively against her ear, slowly running his tongue around the rim.
"I... oh... I'm not... even going to ask about upside-down." Laughing breathlessly, she turned and slid her arms around his waist, stretching up to feather kisses across his cheek to the corner of his mouth. "It's a magnificent bed, but aren't you afraid you'll lose me in it?"
"Never. I don't intend to let you get out of reach." His hands, lightly curved to her buttocks, encouraged her another half-step closer as she shaped her mouth to his and hesitantly urged his lips apart with her tongue, tentatively exploring the textures and contours of his warm mouth.
This can't be me doing this. What will he think? I know what he's thinking. He likes it and wants more. He did say I could do whatever I wanted to, and I want to know what his mouth feels like... tastes like... he does it to me... and I love it, so he must. Does his stomach melt away when he does this? Damn that shirt... I can't feel his skin... such a long, strong back . ., oh, no... no, it's fine... he's not really holding me... I wish I could let him... but I can feel that cold knot forming when he starts to close his hands on my bottom and pull me close... but he let me shift back... I can move away... umm... OH! Is that what you're supposed to do! Why didn't he tell me?... Beast. I can sense him laughing in his mind... he knows I'd never have thought of that by myself. Oh, yes, yes... give me your tongue, smarty, and just see how quickly I learn... now... now...
"If you're that fast on the uptake with everything I teach you, we'll have a very busy honeymoon, love." The husky voice was muffled against her neck, and the slow stroking of his hands up and down her sides was gentling rather than arousing. Her head rested on his shoulder while she tried to steady her breathing and convince her knees that they were not made of custard.
"Oh, you great gormless toad, why didn't you ever show me that before?" she groaned complainingly. "Look at all the time you let me waste. Do you realize that—"
"Love, love," he chided, a thread of laughter in his voice, as he held her away from him. "One thing at a time. Get used to this, and then we'll try the next step. Now, tell me, were you scared? I thought you started to tense up once."
"Just a little. It did start, but as soon as I moved away and you loosened your hands, it was all right."
"I thought—"
"Hey, Dad! Kitt! Andy says supper's on in ten minutes." O'Mara and Kitt half-turned to peer through the brass screen as Gus came bounding in from the hall.
"Okay. You're just in time to catch Kitt's first reaction to my bathroom." O'Mara ruffled Gus's hair as they grinned at each other conspiratorily. "What do you think she'll say?"
"I wouldn't even try to guess." Gus giggled. "Ez said 'Great pillars of Hercules!' and roared, so she'll probably come out with 'Shades of Charlemagne' or something weird."
"You two are killing me with suspense. What on earth is in this bathroom?"
"You gotta see it!" exclaimed Gus, grabbing her hand and tugging her toward the hallway she'd noticed in the end wall beyond the bed. O'Mara's guiding hand on her back kept her moving when she tried to stop to admire a pair of beautiful Chinese chests of black lacquer inlaid with flowers and birds of silver, ivory and jade, which flanked the entrance to the hall.
"Later, love. Now, along here on the right are all sorts of built-in drawers and fitted shelves for anything you could think of, and on the left—wait a second, Gus—through this door—voilà! a dressing room with more drawers and racks and stuff. No, you can look at it all later. Onward."
"Ready for this, Kitt?" Gus turned to grin up at her, one hand on another brass screen which was hung as a gate across the end of the hall. He pushed it open and led her through into darkness. Before she had taken more than two steps, lights started coming on in one area of the big room after another.
Kitt's mouth opened in amazement and her eyes grew wider and wider as they darted around the big room, skipping from one fascination to another and then returning here and there to take in details. She was vaguely aware of O'Mara and Gus watching her reactions with gleeful grins lighting their faces, but for a couple of minutes she was too busy taking it all in to think of anything to say. It was initially a jumble of impressions: the deep blue carpeting continued from the bedroom and hall... more brass screens with Oriental motifs separating areas of the room... a sauna?!... a shower room that looked big enough for a family, with pale green tile and a full-size tiger stalking through long grass across the back wall... two toilets in Chinese red porcelain just visible behind a screen... no, one's a bidet... twin sinks in the same red porcelain set in a wide, marble-topped counter... corner room with all those windows on two sides... whatever is that tiered platform?... a whirlpool tub!... big enough for a party... and red, too, with a brass fence around the edge of the platform and railings on the steps... clever idea to carpet the tread and tile the risers... where did he find that tile?... looks just like meadow grass and wildflowers... love those windows rising from the edge of the platform to the ceiling... how extravagant to sit in that tub and look out over the ocean and no one can see in... a lounge area?!... floor-to-ceiling windows in the front corner and that smashing old wicker lounge and the matching low table... like the white with red and green cushions, but it needs a big floor plant... a fig tree, maybe... and those neat wicker benches in front of that long vanity table... that must be the front wall and what a marvelous view in daylight to look at while doing your hair... a double length?... ah, that's a shaving mirror... clever... his-and-her dressing tables... oh, look at that wall above the sinks... what is it?... pillars and an Oriental garden... he had to have had these tiles specially designed... I don't believe any of this. "Kitt? Say something!"
"Scheherazade's skivvies! O'Mara, what Arabian Nights fantasy were you having when you dreamed this up?" She started laughing delightedly and waltzed across the expanse of blue carpet. "You could hold a party in here. How did you ever tear Ez away from that hot tub? It's even big enough to swim in."
"Not for Ez." O'Mara chuckled. "Gus might just manage a couple of strokes, though. Do you like it? I'll admit I got a bit carried away."
"A bit! You're totally balmy. Look at this shower. What kind of group sports did you have in mind when you thought this up? Never mind! I can tell by that gleam that you shouldn't answer that in front of Gus."
"Oh, Kitt," Gus giggled. "I'm not dumb. I'll bet you and Dad—"
"Thank you, Augustus, but I'll make my own plans for what Kitt and I will do in that shower. Come along, you two, before Andy sends out a search party for us."
Kitt was allowed only brief glimpses into the guest bedrooms on the opposite side of the central hall, receiving an overall impression of attractive color schemes and the warmth of antique furniture. O'Mara wouldn't let her linger to examine the many interesting-looking paintings along the hall or in the various rooms; she hadn't even had time to admire in any detail the several large seascapes in his suite. To all her cries of "Oh, wait a minute, let me see," he laughingly answered, "Later, love. Supper's on."
At the far end of the hall, beyond Andy's suite, O'Mara guided her through an archway and down an angled flight of carpeted stairs. At the bottom, she had just time enough to note a large laundry room and a lavatory before being guided through another archway into a big, cheerful, country-style kitchen.
"Well, it's about time," Andy said. "I was about to send out my last messenger if I could tear him away from this roast." She nodd
ed, smiling, toward Hero, who was perched on a stepstool, his eyes fixed on her every move as she deftly carved thick slices from a beef roast.
"What a super kitchen!" exclaimed Kitt, walking around the center-island work area with its twin sinks, marble-topped work surfaces and various-sized drawers and cupboards. Above the island, dish cabinets had been suspended from the ceiling with fluorescent lights built into their bases to provide even, bright light over the work area. More marble-topped cabinets lined the far, inner wall and continued at right angles along under the wide window overlooking the courtyard.
"This must have been designed to cater for a crowd," Kitt observed. "Six... no, eight countertop burners and a double-size grill, two ovens, another one... oh, that's a microwave, and... What's this, Andy?"
"A warming mat, the man called it. It's that pyroceram material. You just flip that switch at the side and the whole piece heats up just enough so that you can drain vegetables and then put the covers back on the pans and set them on that. It keeps everything hot but won't burn it or cook it any more. I won't put good china on it, but it works fine with earthenware or the ovenproof dishes."
"Must be handy when you're cooking for a party."
"Don't know what I'd do without it. There, Michael, if you'll take this platter and Gus takes the potatoes... Kitt, would you—Kitt?"
Kitt backed out of a doorway in the corner and swung around inquiringly, starting quickly toward Andy when she saw her holding out a bowl of peas. "Oh, sorry. I was so surprised to see a pantry. Aren't they the handiest things? You never find one in new houses. Do you want me to carry anything else?"
"No, that's fine. I've got the rest of the hot dishes, and everything else is on the table. We're eating in the breakfast room, just through here. This is closer to the kitchen, and cozier for the four of us than the formal dining room."
With laughter and an easy exchange of conversation, they settled around a mellow pine trestle table in the comfortable, pine-paneled room which continued the warm, country theme of the kitchen. In answer to a question from Kitt, O'Mara explained that all the paneling and the cabinet and drawer fronts in the kitchen and breakfast room had been made from old pine barn boards. Through much of the meal
Andy, O'Mara and Gus answered Kitt's many questions about the house and grounds and described things she hadn't seen yet.
Kitt, attuned to the interplay of voices and expressions, quickly realized that these three people had a closeness and deep affection for one another that she was eager to share. For the first time since being reunited with O'Mara, she truly understood that their relationship was not going to be simply a continuation and deepening of their old emotional tie, but would have to expand to include his love for Gus and Andy and theirs for him. She knew by the time the leisurely dinner was over that there was nothing she wanted more than to become an integral part of this close family circle, to give and receive her share of the interest, understanding and love that was implicit in all their exchanges.
There was no question of the depth of her emotional involvement with O'Mara. Very simply, they were part of each other. And she wasn't really worried anymore about being able to reach a physical fulfillment of their love. Sooner or later, O'Mara would take her beyond the panic point. Even now, in the few days they had been together, she had managed to overcome an amazing amount of her deep-rooted distaste and fear of physical contact.
He turned from speaking to Andy and met Kitt's intense gaze. "Where's your mind, love? You're going to wear through the bottom of that cup if you stir any longer."
"I... ah... does that go out to the patio I saw from the bridge?" Flustered, she motioned toward the window wall with its sliding glass door.
"Yeah," Gus answered. "We eat out there a lot in the summer. Do you like the house, Kitt? Wouldn't you like to come and live here with us?"
She grinned at his eagerness and cast a teasing look at O'Mara before leaning toward the boy and widening her eyes, asking wonderingly, "Are you proposing to me, Augustus O'Mara? Well, overlooking the slight age difference, I just might be interested—except for two things."
"What?" choked Gus, stifling a giggle and trying to look serious.
"First, I don't know if I'd really feel easy sharing a room with Fifi. And, second, I'm not at all sure your father fancies me as his daughter-in-law. I rather think he has something else in mind."
"Oh, Kitt, you're as nutsy as Ez sometimes!" Gus broke up in laughter, joined by Andy, while O'Mara leaned back in his chair and met Kitt's laughing gaze with a blatantly seductive grin.
He waited until he saw the tint of pink in her cheeks before he said, blandly, "We'll discuss what I have in mind after Mr. Big Ears is in bed."
Kitt decided that she'd be in trouble no matter what she said at that point, and jumped up and started clearing the table. With everyone helping, it only took a few minutes to clean up, stack the dishwasher and store the leftovers. She and Andy chatted easily, establishing the groundwork for a deepening friendship, while O'Mara and Gus built a fire in the family room and then began a game of pool, which, Gus explained, was an evening ritual.
It was a relaxed, peaceful hour, a foretaste of the strong family relationship she would enjoy and become part of in this marvelous house. She already loved Gus, not just because he was O'Mara's son, but for himself—for the intelligent, funny, affectionate, laughing boy he was—and she felt that he was quickly coming to love her. She watched the two of them as they moved around the pool table, so much alike, O'Mara a living vision of what the boy would become. She was totally unaware of the revealing expression on her face as her eyes lingered on the tall, rangy figure leaning forward to make a shot, the muscles in his thighs and back straining against the fabric of his jeans and shirt. Smiling understandingly, Andy saw her eyes close and her mouth soften as she remembered the feel of those sinewy back muscles under her hands and the strength of his legs pressing against hers when she kissed him beside that incredible bed.
"They both need you, you know." Andy's soft-voiced comment brought Kitt's eyes open and her attention back to her companion.
"I need them, too, Andy. And you, if you'll take me on." Kitt's smile was warm and appealing, and would have melted a much harder heart than Andy's.
"Oh, I rather think I shall," she said airily. "Not only will you be just what they need, but I've rather taken a fancy to this darling dog." She patted Hero, sprawled out on the sofa beside her, and winked at Kitt, adding, "And then, there's that marvelous twin of yours. Now there's a man who truly appreciates good cooking."
"And lots of it," interjected Kitt, laughing.
"Ah, but that's the challenge, you see, Kitt. It takes skill to provide both quality and quantity, to say nothing of variety. Yes, indeed, it will be a delight to have him around." She tilted her head, brown eyes twinkling, and looked at Kitt consideringly. "Have you realized what a very interesting package deal you are?"
For a moment, Kitt's eyes widened in surprised inquiry, and then she started to laugh, quickly joined by Andy.
"What are you two finding so amusing?" called O'Mara from across the room.
"Andy has just pointed out what a great bargain I am," Kitt chuckled.
"There was never a doubt in my mind," answered O'Mara with a distinctly suggestive grin, "but we may be talking about different benefits. Okay, Gus, that's the game. Good shot on the seven ball. Now you'd better get off to bed."
"I know. School tomorrow." He ran across the room and scrambled across the sofa to throw his arms around Kitt's neck. "I'm glad you like our house, Kitt. You are going to come to live with us, aren't you? And Hero?"
Kitt leaned back slightly so she could look into his unusually serious face. The normally bright blue eyes were dark with an intense longing that held just a touch of uncertainty. She wrapped her arms around the wiry young body and hugged him, ducking her head to nibble quick, tickling kisses down his neck which made him giggle.
"I rather think we shall—just as soon as your f
ather and I work out a few minor details." She sent a speaking glance toward O'Mara.
"Terrific!" crowed Gus, jumping up. "Wait till I tell the kids who's going to be my mother! When, Dad? Kitt, how long is it going to take? What details?"
Laughing, O'Mara stretched out a long arm and caught the excited boy, swinging him up over his head. "Calm down, you jumping bean. It won't be long, believe me. Off to bed, now."
"Oh, okay. Can Hero come up with me, Kitt?"
"Sure. I'll collect him when I go." She came gracefully to her feet as Andy stood up.
"I'll go along with Gus and see him into bed. There's a TV show I usually watch, so I'll say goodnight now, Kitt." Andy held out her hand, and Kitt took it in both of hers, bending over to kiss the older woman on the cheek.
"It was a lovely dinner, Andy, and I've so enjoyed getting acquainted with you at last."
Chapter 16
Five minutes later, after an exuberant Gus had kissed everyone goodnight at least twice and raced up the stairs with Hero, followed by Andy at a more sedate pace, Kitt and O'Mara settled onto one of the window seats near the front of the darkened bridge. They kicked their shoes off and sat sideways on the wide bench, Kitt wriggling back between O'Mara's thighs to rest her back against his chest. For a while, they were quiet, relaxing and enjoying the peace of the calm, starry night, watching the progress of a ship so far offshore that its running lights looked like moving stars.
"O'Mara?"
