Ben threw his head back, laughing. “Okay...I don’t want bite marks.” He rose up again, kneeling between my legs, the nightgown held in both hands. I wanted desperately to look at him, to see him naked, but I closed my eyes instead. I felt him slid the fabric up my body and over my face and I shrugged my shoulders, freeing the gown from beneath me.
I heard him sigh and I opened my eyes. He was looking down at me, eyes traveling over my body.
“You almost took my breath away in that dress...it was such an improvement over that jacket. But this...” He met my eyes, then leaned down, resting his elbows alongside my body.
“You’re beautiful, Dana. Perfect.”
We kissed then, for a long time, bodies pressed together. There was no mistaking either of our intentions then, or where this was headed.
The heat and desire between us finally reached the boiling point, where kissing and touching, hands exploring and moving, weren’t enough. It seemed to hit us both at the same time and suddenly I had my legs wrapped around Ben, and he was there, ready. And I was ready for him.
That first touch of him against me, as he held my face in his hands, watching me, took my breath away. And then in intensified as he slowly slid into me, as he filled me in a way I’d never known before.
“God, Dana...” His eyes were closed, lips parted, his body taut, holding us on the edge of this experience. I wanted more, but watching his face, feeling every subtle movement his body made held me enraptured.
I touched his face and he opened his eyes, looking down at me with a heavy-lidded gaze. Beneath him, I shifted my hips slightly, slowly, just enough to feel him moving inside me. He responded, pressing himself deeper, pulling back as I shifted away, coming back to meet the rise of my hips.
“Ben...”
“Shhh...” He placed a finger to my lips. “Not now...later.”
I lost track of time, and pretty much of everything else. I was aware, dimly, of the rain and wind, and occasional flashes of lightning. But it was distant, removed. All my focus was on Ben, on the fire he’d started, the fire that was now raging through me. And on our dance together, the beauty of how our bodies moved and twisted together, how seamlessly we fit together. How perfect this moment was.
Then all the swirling feelings that had been building inside of me reached a crescendo, and I hung there for long moments, aching to stay in this place, in this plateau of bliss with Ben. But there was no holding back now, for either of us.
And then everything seemed to explode. I cried out, clutching at Ben, writhing and bucking beneath him. Ben buried his head in my shoulder, his arms around me, holding me hard against him as release flooded through me. Then I felt him tense, every muscle in his body taut, waiting there for a moment, seeking his own release in my body. He rose above me, braced himself over me and then thrust hard and fast, and I knew he’d found it.
When he came, I burst into tears. His face carried so much emotion, at that moment, such an open vulnerability, that I was almost overwhelmed being there, watching him, being a part of this. His eyes had been closed, but when he heard me, he opened them, his eyes filled with tenderness. I thought my heart would break from the sheer joy.
He caressed my face briefly, his body still shuddering above me. The breath rasped in his throat and I held him close, arms around his shoulders, as he lowered his head, gasping against my neck.
The sounds of the storm surrounded us, the wind louder now. We floated in this little island of calm on the bed, entangled in each other’s arms and legs, our bodies now damp with perspiration. Ben finally rolled onto his back, one hand on his chest, the other resting on my thigh.
“Dana...” I turned, looking at him in the soft light. He smiled and I saw the light of that smile reach his eyes, something I hadn’t seen happen very often. I smiled back.
“Are you okay? Why are you crying?” He rolled onto his side, tracing the path of a tear down my cheek.
“I’m fine. It’s just...well...you know...”
His smile deepened and he nodded. “Yeah. I know.” He pulled me to him and I nestled against his chest, inhaling his scent, mixed with that of our love making. I felt warm and safe and secure and I gave myself over to the moment and closed my eyes and was instantly asleep.
Ben was gently shaking my shoulder. “Dana. Wake up.”
I was curled on my side, my back against Ben’s chest, and he had one arm beneath me. I was holding his hand.
“What?” I rolled over and he rose up, propping his head on his hand.
“I need to go. It’s almost dawn.”
“No.” I closed my eyes again, willing it to be some other time, some other place. Anywhere but here, any time but the day of his wedding. And willing Ben to stay.
“Dana. I have to go.” I felt a finger trace along my cheek, running slowly over my lips. It tickled and I opened my eyes.
“Are you sorry?” I looked up into his blue eyes.
“Sorry? About what?” That little frown line appeared. “About us?” He kissed my forehead, his lips lingering along my hairline, his words muffled in my hair.
“Never. Don’t ever think that I would.”
“But you have to go.” The finality of my own words hit me hard. Tears welled up in my eyes and when I closed them, I felt the chill of a teardrop as it rolled down my face.
“Don’t, Dana. Please. I don’t regret this, what we had. But I have an obligation to Claire.”
I nodded weakly. “I know. And I know this...was just...” My voice gave out on me and I bit my lip.
“It was amazing, Dana. And you’re amazing. I wish...” He stopped, shaking his head. “There’s no point in wishing, I guess.”
“You wish things were different?” I searched his face, his eyes, finding the answer I was looking for without Ben having to say a word.
“So do I, Ben. So do I.
Chapter Six
After Ben left, I cried myself into a fitful sleep. My mind knew there could be nothing more, but my heart didn’t want to hear that. It wanted Ben, more than anything.
When I woke the power was still out, the digital clock by my bed dark. I fumbled for my cell phone, thankful it still had some battery left. It was just before eight. I lay back in the bed, thinking about last night. And then tried very hard not to think about today, and Ben’s wedding. But it was no use. Images of Ben standing at the front of his family and friends, with Claire at his side, crowded my mind.
I sat up, rubbing my bare arms. The light outside was indeterminate, a strange pearly gray, but the wind had stopped and it didn’t look like it was raining.
The robe Ben had worn had slipped to the floor and I reached down for it. I buried my nose in the terry cloth, searching for any scent of Ben, but all I smelled was fabric and laundry soap. I slipped the robe on and padded into the bathroom.
My lingerie from yesterday was still in the sink, still damp. I gathered it up and thought about what to do with it, whether to stick it in my luggage or try to dry it first. It all seemed like such an overwhelming task that I just dumped it back into the skin.
I wanted coffee. There was a small coffee pot and an astounding selection of coffees in the kitchen and I finally decided on one and started it brewing. When it was finished, I took a mug of steaming black coffee out the French doors and onto the patio.
The breeze was still cool and it, and the coffee, helped clear my head. I thought about the wedding. It was schedule to start at noon, in the building next that was part of the complex around the main villa. I had time to dress and walk, since my cart was still there.
Part of me didn’t want to go, wanted to crawl back in bed and just pull the covers over my head. But I knew that wouldn’t work. I thought that Ben would want me to be there for him, to see this through to the end. I owed him that, to be there, to see him married and, I hoped, happy.
I owed it to myself to be there, to put what happened where it belonged, as a one-time...mistake? I didn’t want to think it was a mistake.
It was special, like Ben had said. But it was in the past. I needed to see Ben married to close that door and keep what happened between us in the past.
I took a long time getting dressed, my mind preoccupied, alternating between images of Ben from the night before and imagining him standing at the alter with Claire. Thinking about the night before sent chills through me, as I remembered his hands on my body, his mouth against mine, feeling him inside me, sending me over the edge.
Both images had me in tears. I knew last night was all I’d ever have of Ben, our only time together, and that tore a hole through my heart for me. I’d lost relationships and men before, but this felt so much larger than any of those.
And to think of Ben being married to Claire, to be starting a life he had doubts about, to be starting a life that he probably wouldn’t be happy in, made me sad beyond belief.
I finally stood in front of the mirror, looking at my transformation. The second dress I’d brought I’d intended as just something to wear on the plane ride home. It was a simple sundress, a comfortable print halter dress with a long skirt. It certainly wasn’t fancy enough for a society wedding, but it would have to do. I had a light-weight shawl in my luggage and I draped it around my shoulders.
The walk was pleasant. The foliage was shiny and wet, dripping with moisture. Birds were singing and the air smelled clean and fresh. The sky was still a silvery pewter color but it wasn’t raining.
There were several carts in front of the small building that served as the chapel, with a few guests lingering on the front steps. I hung back, waiting for them to go inside, hoping to slip in at the last minute and slide unnoticed into a bench at the back.
James was standing at the door, dressed in a dark suit, looking very fashionable. He saw me and his eyes went wide. Then he smiled and came down the steps to meet me.
“Dana. This is a surprise. You’re not working, are you?” He cocked an inquisitive eyebrow at me.
I shook my head. “No. I’m here for...” I motioned toward the chapel.
“You’re here for Ben.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement. He looked at him for a moment, one corner of his mouth turned up in a smile
“I’m not surprised. I’ve seen the way he looks at you, and you at him.”
“It’s that obvious?” I winced, closing my eyes briefly.
“You glow when you see him and so does he, when he’s with you.”
Tears prickled in my eyes and I blinked, trying to hold them back.
“Come, let me seat you.”
I hesitated briefly and as if reading my mind, James spoke.
“Vienna’s not in the chapel. She’s with Claire right now, in the changing room. She won’t see you.”
He gently took my hand. I hooked my arm through his and he led me inside. I stopped just inside the door.
The room took my breath away. Candles were everywhere, on tall holders at the ends of the polished wooden pews, massed in the corners, grouped in crystal holders on the sills of the windows. The light caught in the glass, reflected back, played along the cream-colored walls and made the dark wood glow.
There were flowers everywhere, all white, on the ends of the pews and tied to the candle holders, all held with rose-colored ribbons. The air was perfumed with jasmine and freesia, mixed with the warm smell of candle wax. It was enchanting and lovely. But it brought a wave of sadness over me, for myself and for Ben. It was beautiful, but it was again all illusion.
I felt James’s hand on mine and he gently propelled me to the last pew, tucking me next to a stunningly beautiful older woman with a mane of pewter-colored hair, dressed in a cloud of white. She bestowed a gracious smile on me and I recognized the Carter nose. I wondered briefly who she was. I didn’t remember seeing her at any of the dinners and I hadn’t driven her to a guest villa back when I was gainfully employed.
I’d barely gotten seated when movement at the front of the room caught my eye. A door to the side opened and Ben and Alex walked in, looking handsome and elegant in black morning coats and pants, with charcoal gray vests and rose-colored ties. They took their places at the front of the chapel, hands clasped in front of them. I craned my neck, trying to catch a glimpse of Ben’s face. He looked pale, and somber and serious, but he fidgeted, rocking back and forth on his heels, flexing the fingers of one hand against the other. Then Alex leaned over, whispered something in Ben’s ear and nodded. In my direction.
I froze, heart in my throat, as Ben’s eyes met mine and for an instant, everything and everyone in the room disappeared. I saw a brief burst of recognition on his face, maybe happiness, his eyes lighting up—my heart surged, beating double time—and then I remembered where I was, and he seemed to as well. And in that instant, I saw sadness and loss in his eyes, mirroring my own feelings. I wanted to leave, to crawl out of the pew and run outside into the rain, but it was too late. The music began suddenly and there was a rustle and stir of anticipation among the guests.
Everyone turned as Mrs. Latham began walking down the aisle, alone, back stiff, eyes straight ahead. She took her seat at the front of the chapel. Ben’s parents were next, walking side by side. They were followed by Sophie and Nate, walking arm and arm.
There was a moment of silence and then the bridal party began their sedate way down the aisle, the couples splitting at the end and taking their places at the front of the chapel. The maid of honor walked alone and when she had reached her spot and turned, the music stopped.
All heads were turned to look at the back of the chapel, except mine. I had my eyes fixed on Ben and as the music swelled again and the guests rose in anticipation of Claire’s entrance I watched his face, wishing for all the world I’d see the joy he should have on his face, on his wedding day. It wasn’t there.
A soft murmur ran through the guests as Claire stepped into view, her dress rustling as she began her walk toward Ben. She looked beautiful, ethereal, a vision, just as a bride should look. She walked alone, as her mother had, and a wave of pity came over me. I wondered why Mrs. Latham hadn’t escorted her daughter down the aisle.
Claire reached the end of the aisle and Ben stepped forward, taking her arm as they walked the last few steps together. The maid of honor took a long moment to arrange the train of the dress before taking her place alongside Claire. I wondered if the water spot had faded or if the maid of honor had been instructed to artfully arrange the train so it didn’t show.
The officiant began the ceremony but I didn’t hear the words. All my attention was focused on Ben and Claire. The tension between them was palpable, Claire’s back mimicking her mother’s in stiffness, Ben’s shoulders held high and tense. Nothing about them looked like a couple about to embark on the happiest day of their life.
The officiant droned on in a cadence I’d heard at so many weddings, the words meaningless to me right now. I finally dragged my eyes away from Ben, looking at the families sitting at the front of the chapel. Mr. and Mrs. Carter sat, inches of space between them, eyes straight ahead and I was struck by the similarity between them and Ben and Claire.
Sophie and Nate sat one pew back, shoulders touching, and I was sure they were holding hands. I watched as Sophie leaned toward Nate, her lips to his ear, murmuring something. She looked up at Nate, a questioning expression on her face. He frowned briefly and then shook his head. She sighed and turned back to Ben and Claire.
I felt movement next to me and then the warm hand of the woman in white, as she took my hand, gently squeezing it. I looked at her and she at me, and I saw mirrored there the emotions I felt, the deep sense Ben was making a mistake, sending his life down the wrong path; the confusion, whether to speak or remain silent. The sense of loss I felt watching him marry Claire.
“If anyone here knows a just cause why these two should not be married, let him speak now...”
The woman clenched my hand hard and I winced. I opened my mouth, words forming, but they stayed frozen in my throat. There was a flurry of movement in the Carter family pew,
a brief whispered conversation between Sophie and Nate. I held my breath, praying for someone to have the courage to stop this, knowing in my heart I couldn’t. I felt, more than heard, the woman next to me take a deep breath and I waited for her to speak, but her words were only a whisper.
“Now, Ben. Now. Say what’s in your heart.”
“Then by the power...” The officiant’s voice rose in anticipation of delivering the happy news, of pronouncing Ben and Claire man and wife. I choked back a sob and the woman’s grip on my hand increased.
“Stop.”
The officiant’s voice carried on a few more words and then trailed off in confusion. He looking at Ben, his eyebrows raised.
“Excuse me?”
Ben turned to the man. “I said stop. Wait.”
Claire was looking up at him, mouth open, an incredulous look on her face.
“Ben?” Claire’s voice was just a whisper but in the stunned silence of the church, it rang out as clear as a bell.
“Ben, what are you doing?”
Ben turned to Claire, taking her hand in his. “Claire, I’m sorry. But I can’t go through with this. It’s...we both know...we can’t do this Claire.”
I heard the woman next to me sigh and I stole a glance at her. She was smiling, her face wreathed in a look of relief. She glanced at me and patted my hand before releasing it. She leaned toward me, her voice just audible, her breath brushing my cheek.
“Everyone gets what they deserve, in the end.”
The silence in the church spun on while Claire stared at Ben and we all stared at the couple in the front of the chapel. Then she yanked her hand away from his and stamped her foot. I cringed, anticipating the worst, a melt down and tantrum.
“Ben! You can’t mean this. Really? Now? In front of everyone? How could you do this? How the hell could you embarrass me like this?” She swept her arm out toward the guests, turning to look at the sea of faces. I think she expected some support but I don’t think she saw what she wanted in the faces in the pews. She pulled her arm back, a black scowl on her face.
Seduction in the Sun: Adult Romance Box Set (9 Sizzling Tales with BBW, Billionaires, Bad Boys, and Alpha Males) Page 28
