“I did something wrong?”
“See? This is exactly why I didn’t tell you about us before. You didn’t do anything wrong. It was perfect. You were perfect.” She turned over on her side to face him, her eyes drinking in his gorgeous unshaven face. She skimmed her finger down the dark stubbles, the tiny hairs prickly, but not too stiff. She wondered if her thighs were chapped and reddened from when Cael’s face rubbed against them not so long ago. He closed his eyes at her touch, shielding the beautiful sapphire color from her as his long dark lashes graced the tops of his cheeks.
“Cael, I’m just so happy that you’re here with me. Let’s not dwell on the past. Let’s keep our focus on the future.”
He opened his eyes and smiled. “I love you.”
It wasn’t so much that the words shocked her, because he’d said them earlier when she’d been on fire, but that he said them now, this time, with such conviction and without the added stress of thinking she might be dying. She couldn’t keep her eyes from tearing up.
“Did I say something wrong?”
“No,” she said, sniffling and shaking her head. “It’s just that … I waited so long to hear those words from you again. There was a time not too long ago that I thought I’d never see you again, and now here you are back in my arms, telling me that you love me.”
“I do.” He wiped an escaped tear from her cheek.
“You didn’t want to though.”
“No. You’re wrong. I’ll admit, I had a hard time coming to terms with it, thinking I was only twenty-five years old and all.” His frown suggested he hadn’t come to terms with his age yet. “I didn’t think relationships were something I had time for or wanted at twenty-five.”
“But you’re not twenty-five.”
He sighed. “No, I’m not. And that really pisses me off.” He gave her a sidelong glance, raised his eyebrows and added, “But still, whether I was ready at twenty-five or not, if I had met you then I think I probably would have changed my outlook or at least given you some thought.” He gave her a crooked smirk. “Addison, I know this is difficult to believe but I do love you. It bothered me when Aiden told me about us, because, well, I’m not usually a jealous man.” Now Addie made an uncontrollable scoffing noise. The Cael she knew was most definitely a jealous man and when he caught her best you’ve-got-to-be-kidding expression, he laughed. “Okay, maybe things were or are different with you, but something about Aiden telling me about our history when you hadn’t told me is what bothered me the most, I guess. I hated the fact that he knew something about you and me, something that I didn’t.”
“I can understand that, completely, but, Cael, you have to believe me when I tell you there was not, and never will be anything between Aiden and me except friendship. He was …” she paused, not sure how much she should tell him. Although nothing ever happened between them, she knew Aiden wanted there to be something more. “… kind to me, that’s all. Sort of like an older brother.”
“Addison, men do not seek out beautiful women just to be kind to them. Maybe you didn’t see it or didn’t want to, but I’d bet my left nut the guy wants more than to just be your friend.”
She laughed. “I think you should keep your nuts in place. I like them there.” She reached down and cupped his package in her hand. “Just like this.”
“Oh, you are treading into some heated territory.” Cael grinned as he took hold of her shoulders, shoving her back down on the bed and straddling her prone body, pinning her arms above her head. “So, tell me, Addison MacKenna, whose bed are we in?”
“Your bed.”
“My bed?” He looked around the room. “And just whose house is this?”
“This is your house.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes.”
“So, this is my house, my bed, and you’ve been letting me sleep in that God-awful tiny bed at my uncle’s all this time while you’ve been here enjoying this king size bed and spectacular view?”
If she hadn’t noticed the half grin on his face, she would have been worried. “Um … yes,” she giggled.
“Is that all you’ve got to say about it?” The pressure on her hands under his strong ones increased a bit and she wiggled under his larger firm body.
“Um … no. Um … sorry?” This Cael, this twenty-five year old version of her former lover had a bit more playfulness to him than the one she lost that dreadful day at Maia and Gerry’s wedding and she decided she liked it. He wasn’t so different, just more relaxed. Maybe it was the fact that there was no Eidolon looming over their fate this time or anything else life threatening, except maybe the missing crystal. But they would tackle that problem as they discovered more about each other. She had a second chance to love the man and she wanted to make the best of it.
Chapter 23
“I am so glad you and Cael are good now and that his memory is slowly coming back. We need to have a party at your house to celebrate.” Addie glanced up as Darcy casually strolled closer to the bar with a huge smile on her face. Today, Darcy wore a pink see-through lace top over a white tank with jeans, tight as usual, accentuating her well-formed derriere. Darcy set her tray down on the bar next to where Maia sat sipping a club soda and waited for a response from Addie. A party? Addie hadn’t thought of that, but it sounded like a good thing.
“That’s a great idea, Darcy,” Addie said.
“Let’s do it. We can make it a potluck,” Maia added.
“That must have been quite a shock for Cael, to suddenly realize he owned a beautiful house overlooking the ocean. A pleasant shock, I would say. Jared’s glad he finally knows about you guys. He said he was having a hard time keeping it a secret. I’m glad Cael didn’t get too upset about it.”
“He still doesn’t remember anything,” Addie said.
Maia knew better, but added, “I’m sure in time he’ll start to remember things.” Addie wished that were the case, but for Darcy’s sake, she was glad Maia said it. Cael’s memory loss had nothing to do with a brain injury like Darcy and Jared believed. The chances of him remembering anything about the last five years on his own were extremely slim.
“Yeah. And a party just might be the thing to help,” Darcy urged.
“Why do I get the feeling that you think any reason for a party is a good one?”
“You know me.” Darcy picked up the two drinks Addie placed on the bar and took off toward the customers waiting for them. “I’ll invite some people,” she called over her shoulder.
“Not too many,” Addie said, now worried about how Cael might take the idea of a party.
“Yeah, yeah.”
***
“So, Dad, what’s the plan? What are we going to do?” his daughter asked as he looked up from the local newspaper he was examining.
“We are not going to do anything, Caitlin. You are not to approach the woman again, do you hear me? I’m serious, honey. This is dangerous business and that woman you stole the pendant from can also be very dangerous.”
“Oh, really?” She faced him, her hands on her hips. “She didn’t seem too wicked a few months ago, standing in that bathroom, crying like a little girl to some invisible being that she no doubt thought was actually there.”
“That’s beside the point.” He got up and tossed the paper on the small round table beside the sliding glass door of the hotel room balcony. He glanced down at the ocean; rain mottled the view he knew was gorgeous. Frowning, he turned toward his daughter. “She has skills beyond what you could imagine.”
“Like what?”
“Stuff I can’t explain.”
“Well, regardless, I found out some interesting information today.”
“You went to the bar again, didn’t you? I told you not to.”
“I am certainly old enough to be in a bar.”
“You know that’s not the point, Caitlin.”
“The point is, Dad, that I found out how we can get to know these people better so we can get more information on the crystal and
how it works.”
“How’s that?”
“I overheard her talking about her boyfriend and how they recently got back together and so now they are having a party to celebrate and I got us an invitation to it.”
“You can’t go.”
“What? Why the hell not?”
“Don’t take that tone with me, young lady. You’re not too old for me to take you over my knee.”
“Daddy,” she laughed, “you’ve never punished us that way and you know it.”
“It’s just an expression, Caitlin. And you’re right. I’ve never laid a hand on you or your sister, but don’t tempt me. This is too dangerous. I should never have let you join me. Your mother is going to kill me.”
“No she won’t. You know she’d want to get Carly back just as badly.”
“You didn’t tell her about any of this did you?”
“No. You told me not to. But I don’t see …”
“Just keep it between us,” he interrupted, the sharpness of his tone enough to cut through lead and he hated that he made her wince. “Please, Caitlin,” he added, softening his voice, “I don’t want her to worry about you and Carly. She has enough on her plate right now.”
“Okay, okay. But don’t you want me to at least tell you about the party?”
“All right. Tell me, but that won’t make me agree to let you go.”
She scoffed. “Well, apparently this woman, Addie, the one I stole the crystal from, and her boyfriend, Cael, are now back together after some sort of break-up and memory loss of his. I don’t know, maybe he was in an accident or something, I didn’t get all the details on that.” He stood at the window, staring out blankly as his daughter’s voice became a distant hum in his mind. She stopped talking when she must have realized he wasn’t paying attention, lost in his own little world. “Dad?” When he didn’t answer, she approached him, shoes scuffing the carpet, and placed her hand on his shoulder. “Daddy? Are you okay?”
He pulled himself out of his self-induced trance and wrapped his arm around his daughter’s shoulder. “Yeah, I’m okay, honey.”
“You looked lost. Are you sure you’re feeling okay?”
“Yeah, sweetheart. Go ahead; tell me about this party you want to go to.” His voice sounded so distant, so mater-of-fact, even to himself, as though he were listening to her tell him about some sweet little innocent get-together she and her sister were attending with their friends. There was more to these people than he could let on and he knew Caitlin wasn’t the type to let the mystery go without further investigation.
***
Everything was going just as planned. Addie looked around at all the lights Cael had strung up around the yard, using the trees as anchors. Some of the lights twinkled while others cast a gorgeous glow over the cliff’s edge, illuminating the waves as their foam sprayed against the rocks. It was beautiful and Cael seemed excited about having all the people over. He loved this place and was excited to show it off, now that he knew it was his. Of course, he didn’t remember that Maia and Gerry’s wedding had taken place in the exact same spot only a few months ago. He hadn’t been as excited about showing off his home back then. Maybe the twenty-five-year old Cael liked the party life a little more than the older one, she mused. Oh, he’d been very receptive to having the wedding there, but he seemed so obsessed with marriage and having kids then that the party life wasn’t as big a deal.
Kids.
Did he still feel the same about wanting one? Addie remembered how she’d reacted to his desire to have a baby—so adamant about not going down that road. So afraid of what abilities a baby of theirs might have, convincing herself he or she would be nothing short of a monster. But when Cael disappeared, she’d wished with all her soul that she’d gotten pregnant so she’d have something of his to cherish. Did she still feel that way? She wasn’t sure. She’d been so happy with his return and having him fall back in love with her, she’d almost forgotten he’d wanted a baby with her. Of course, he didn’t remember it now. Should she remind him? Not yet.
She was so glad Cael was up for this party. She’d worried at first. She only hoped Darcy hadn’t gotten carried away with the guest list. Leaving that part up to Darcy afforded Addie more time to worry about the other things. Then again, this was sort of an impromptu party so the chances of a whole slew of people showing up were highly unlikely. She busied herself around the table, positioning dishes, making sure all the condiments and silverware were in place. Jared had done a wonderful job. The spread was magnificent with all sorts of canapés, little sandwiches, several creamy sauces with an array of vegetables for dipping, and platters with cheese and fruit. When she walked down toward the other end of the table, she noticed some little square pastries wrapped like presents filled with who knew what, but begging to be eaten. She picked one up and took a bite, holding it over a napkin so the juices inside wouldn’t drip on her pink and white floral dress. At first, she’d thought the strapless dress a bit too fancy for an outdoor party, but Maia talked her into it, suggesting it was elegant, with a little flirty flair and perfect for the party.
“How are they?” Startled, she almost dropped the little pastry as she turned to see Jared’s broad and proud smile. His black slacks hung low on his waist, secured by a black belt. He’d paired them with a solid teal shirt neatly tucked in. She smiled. It was nice seeing him wear something other than jeans and a T-shirt. The only other time she’d seen him dressed up was at Maia’s wedding.
“Mmmm. Jared,” she said, swallowing the yummy morsel filled with a spicy chicken sausage and cheese, “absolutely magnificent. You’ve outdone yourself. You’re going to have to show me how to make these.”
“Maybe,” he said with a grin.
“Hey, you trying to steal my girlfriend?” Cael came up behind Addie, wrapping his strong arms around her waist and they stood swaying together waiting for Jared to defend himself.
“That’s fiancée, something my girlfriend won’t let me forget, and no, I’m not trying to steal yours.”
Addie cringed at the fiancée reference, but then smiled when she realized it must have slipped by Cael since he didn’t say anything about it. They hadn’t talked about marriage since he’d come back to her. “I’ve got enough to deal with,” Jared continued. “You know Darcy. Now that you two are back together, she wants to get married too. Something about women, they all want the same thing.”
When Cael smiled, nodding his head in agreement, she figured the marriage comments hadn’t registered.
Addie pushed her fist lightly into Jared’s shoulder. “No we don’t.”
“Ouch,” he said, rubbing his arm where Addie tapped it, feigning pain. “Well, I’m not complaining. I’ve been wanting to marry Darcy since kindergarten.” He laughed. “Maybe we will beat you two to the punch.”
Jared was probably right about that. The idea of being engaged was something Cael and she hadn’t discussed much. In fact, she hadn’t put the ring he’d given her back on yet. She’d left it on top of the dresser in plain sight though, hoping Cael would see it and maybe propose again since he didn’t remember doing it the first time. She certainly wasn’t about to force the issue and when Cael didn’t say anything about it when Jared just mentioned it, she figured marriage was probably the furthest thing from his mind. Annnnd so were babies. Thank God. She needed a little more time to deal with her feelings on those, particularly with Maia due in just a few weeks. The last thing Addie needed was to worry about having babies of her own, particularly since her boyfriend hadn’t even come to terms with their engagement yet. As Cael moved to her side, she wrapped her arm around the smooth black silk shirt he wore. He had on black slacks similar to Jared’s, only Cael’s seemed to fit nicer. The man knew how to wear dress pants in a way that made Addie want to take them off him.
“Hey, everyone!” Darcy said while walking toward them, her arm tucked inside another young woman’s. “Like your hair, Addie. It compliments your face just like I said it would.”
Addie ran her fingers through a few of the tendrils hanging from the fancy messy up-do hairstyle she and Darcy had found in a magazine and copied. She’d been so proud of being able to get it all to stay in place.
“Yeah, I do too. You look sexy,” Cael said, wiggling his eyebrows.
“You’re so lucky, Addie. Your boyfriend is always full of compliments.”
“What about me, Darcy? I already told you how beautiful you look tonight,” Jared said, making Darcy laugh.
“Yeah, you did. I guess I’m pretty lucky too.” She turned a little, showing off a lime green form-fitting mini dress, one she claimed had been hanging in her closet for months waiting for just the right occasion. “Hey, I’d like you to meet my new friend, Caitlin. She was at the bar the other night and we got to talking and it turns out she’s visiting Whisper Cape with her dad. He’s here on business or something and she’s bored out of her mind. So I invited her and her dad to stop by.”
“Nice to meet you, Caitlin.” Addie smiled, admiring the newcomer’s outfit, a slimming a-line red and white dress showing off some beautiful, long slender legs. She wore her dark, almost black hair pulled to the side of her neck and fastened with white beads that twisted through the beautiful dark tendrils flowing over her shoulder to the top of her breast. There was something familiar about this girl and Addie instantly remembered having a similar case of outfit envy previously. “Hey, I’ve seen you before. Wait. I know. Gosh, it was a few weeks ago or close to that. At the bar.”
“Hmmm… maybe. We … I mean my dad and I were here about that time. He’s been coming here quite frequently lately. I’ve tagged along with him because I love the area. I’d like to make my home here eventually, I think. Nice to meet you all.” Caitlin shook hands with Addie, then Cael and Jared.
“Where’d your dad go?” Darcy asked. “I thought he was right behind us.”
“Oh, I don’t know. I thought he was too. Oh well, he’ll be along soon enough. I’m sure he’s just lingering inside. This is a gorgeous spread.” She gestured toward the display of food on the table. “It looks delicious.”
A Secret Fate Page 21
