Past Betrayals, Past Loves

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  Astrid took a bottle of white wine from the refrigerator. “Will you join me?”

  Paula nodded. She took two wrapped packets and two containers from her bag. She pointed to the pair. “Dessert. White chocolate soufflé with raspberry sauce served in a chocolate fudge shell.”

  “Calories.”

  Paula laughed. “We’ll make up for the ones we don’t consume with the pitas. How’s your dad?”

  Astrid poured two glasses of wine. “Improving. He loved the pictures.” Another moment of her visit to the hospital intruded and she sighed.

  “Problems?”

  “Maybe. What do you know about Duncan Garrett?”

  “A bit. Why?”

  “He invited me to dinner tomorrow evening. Seems he has plans for Dad’s rehab.”

  Paula raised her glass. “Go. Enjoy. He’s all make and gorgeous. Would love to do a nude study of him.”

  Astrid laughed. “Aunt Sarah wants to see him wearing a pectoral and an Egyptian kilt.”

  “He’s definitely drool material.”

  “That’s not what I meant.”

  “Just dreaming of the impossible. His family has lived in the area for ages. He probably owns half of town with an interest in any number of local businesses. He runs them.”

  Astrid frowned. Did he own part of Antiquities? Her father had never mentioned a partner, silent or otherwise.

  Paula carried the pitas and dressing to the table. “Garrett’s kind of a Renaissance man. Black belt in some form of martial arts. Skis, sails, swims and drives a killer car. He’s published two action/adventure novels. Supports the local arts community.”

  Astrid grinned. “Sounds like a Jack of all.”

  “And master of most. He was an only child and his parents died when he was five or sic. His grandfather raised him. Garrett was never married, engaged or divorced. Any woman involved with him shouldn’t think long-term.”

  Astrid looked away. “I’m not going there… I wonder why I never met him. After my mother died, I came here to live with my father and went to the local high school.”

  Paula refilled her glass. “No mystery there. He attended a private school across the river. Go to dinner and enjoy. Just keep him at arm’s length.”

  Could she? Astrid picked up her pita. After the kiss and her reaction to him this afternoon she wasn’t sure she could.

  Chapter Three

  China

  Astrid shoved the last of the sales slips into the appropriate folder and leaned back in the chair. Five folders lay on the desk. Tomorrow when the shop was closed, she would enter the data into the computer records and Antiquities books would be up-to-date. Then, conducting the inventory in the vault would complete her summer chores.

  She heard Sarah’s laughter, followed by a deep chuckle. What had amused the older woman? Before Astrid had a chance to investigate, Duncan appeared in the doorway. The impact of his presence sent blood rushing from her head to settle low in her abdomen. She sucked in a breath. If she reacted this strongly when he stood across the room, how was she going to be across a restaurant table without revealing how much she wanted him?

  “Duncan.” Her mouth felt dry and a need for flight surfaced. She wanted to moisten her lips with her tongue. Wrong move. She knew the message that gesture would telegraph. Not a lie, but unwise.

  He smiled. “Missed you this morning. Never on Sunday?”

  “I took a different route, down River Road.”

  He arched a brow. “Afraid of another ambush?”

  She shook her head. “Just re-acquainting myself with the area.”

  He placed his hands on the desk and leaned toward her. “Tomorrow?”

  “Maybe, or I might head to the lake. The path around is one of my favorites.”

  He laughed. “If I promise not to attack, will you come my way tomorrow?”

  “Can you?”

  “With the right incentive.”

  She switched on the computer. “Bantering is fun, but I’ve work to do.”

  “Wouldn’t want to keep you. About tonight. Emilio’s at seven. I’ll swing by at quarter to.”

  “I’ll walk and meet you there. Wasn’t that the agreement?”

  He nodded. “What if it rains?”

  “Not much chance of bad weather today but if rain happens I’ll drive.”

  He ran a finger over the back of her hand. “See you then.”

  His touch left her skin tingling. Why did she feel this connection to a man who was a stranger?

  By three o’clock, Astrid had finished the paperwork. She took the receipts to the bank and drove to the hospital. She found her father standing at the door, gripping a walker. “Coming or going?”

  “Waiting. Walk. Lounge.”

  “Then let’s go.” In the large room, she helped him settle in a chair. “How are you feeling?”

  “Frus…frus…you know.”

  “You don’t like to feel helpless.” She reached for his hand. “Actually, you’re making great strides. By the end of summer, I’ll have you running to the Hook with me.”

  “No.”

  She grinned. “We’ll see.”

  “Sarah said walk.”

  “Then, I’ll let her take charge.” A short time later, she aided him into the bed and kissed his cheek. “I need to go. I’m having dinner with Duncan.”

  “Enjoy.”

  “I hope so.”

  “Like him.”

  “He told me you were friends.”

  “Connect...past.”

  She frowned. What kind of connection did he mean? She walked to the door. “See you tomorrow. Sarah will be here later.”

  “Have fun.”

  Astrid hurried to her car. When she reached the apartment, she dashed up the steps. Inside, she paused at her closet. She chose a cotton dress with large buttons down the front.

  After dressing, she stared at her reflection. Excitement shone in her eyes. The raspberry color of the dress brought a glow to her skin. She clipped her hair at the nape.

  After she left the bedroom, she considered her feelings. She had to remember what Paula had said about Duncan and long-term relationships. Not his style. Hers either. She had no time for more than causal but the strength of the attraction ruled out anything casual.

  When Astrid stepped onto the deck, Sarah emerged from her apartment. “Thought you were having dinner with Duncan Garrett,” the older woman said.

  “I’m meeting him.”

  “Good idea on a first date.” Sarah tapped her purse. “I’m on my way to beat your dad at Gin Rummy.”

  “Enjoy.”

  By the time Astrid reached the restaurant, the town clock chimed seven times. Duncan waited near the entrance. “Not only prompt but beautiful.”

  “Flatterer.” The heat in his gaze threatened to dissolve her determination to avoid further encounters. They followed the maitre ‘de to a booth in the far corner. When she saw the only seating was a padded bench big enough for two, she nearly bolted. She’d expected flirtation, not togetherness.

  Duncan ushered her onto the bench and sat next to her. “I took the liberty of ordering.”

  “What if you’ve chosen things I detest?”

  “I talked to Sarah and your dad about your food preferences.”

  “You are too much.”

  He covered her hand with his. “I’m betting I’m just enough.”

  She sucked in a breath and regretted the action. The air was laden with his soap, his aftershave and a trace of the passion they’d discovered at the Hook. She rapidly lost the battle to remain aloof. Heat from his touch spiraled along her nerves and brought a pulsing throb of need.

  “About your dad.”

  Astrid pulled her thoughts from the erotic miasma. “Yes.”

  “I know of an excellent rehab facility. I was there after a skiing accident. I’ll drop brochures with your father so you can study them. When does he expect to be discharged?”

  “Maybe Wednesday. I’m meeting his
doctor tomorrow to explore possibilities.” She slid her hand away. “I’m sure this place of yours is very expensive.”

  He shrugged. “Guess so. Don’t worry about the cost.”

  But she did and she would. Deftly she changed the subject to Rockleigh and Antiquities. The heavy tension between them lessened. The first course arrived. Astrid tasted the salad and puff pastry.

  “Do you lake?” Duncan asked.

  She nodded. “Great chef. The dressing is perfect.”

  “I’ll let him know.”

  “I suppose you know him.”

  He nodded. “Dragged him here from the city.” He captured her gaze. “Maybe you’ll stay in town when summer’s over.”

  “That’s a given. I start grad school in September. Once I have Antiquities’ books in order I’ll start looking for my own apartment.”

  He grinned. “I could use a housemate.”

  “I don’t think I’ll be the one.”

  He leaned closer and put his mouth against her ear. “I intend to work toward that goal.”

  The arrival of the waiter with the main course gave Astrid a chance to regain her equilibrium. They talked of books, movies and music. By the time dessert arrived, Astrid felt comfortable with the restaurant and the man. She tasted the raspberry tort and sighed. “Wonderful. I’ll have to do ten miles tomorrow to burn off the calories.”

  He looked at her over the rim of his coffee cup. “If exercise is on your agenda, I’m up for some.”

  She nearly choked. “You’re impossible.”

  “Never. I’m entirely possible.”

  She finished the dessert and the coffee. “Thanks for dinner. I’ve a busy day tomorrow.” She rose.”

  “I’ll walk you home.”

  Astrid sighed. She didn’t want to be alone with him but she couldn’t think of a way to avoid his company. He would only follow. Maybe Sarah would be sitting on the deck. Maybe goodbye could be said at the foot of the steps. Maybe…no other idea about an escape arose.

  He signed for the check. As they walked toward the exit, several people greeted him. Two women gave her a quick appraisal. Duncan kept her hand in his. They stepped into the sultry night. The moon rode low in a star-filled sky. Astrid couldn’t think of anything to say. She was too busy trying to order her body into a denial of her desire for him.

  When they reached the apartment door, he plucked the key from her hand. He slipped it into the lock and turned her to face him. This time, the kiss wasn’t the demanding one of the Hook. He kissed the corner of her mouth and then as though seeking to taste every centimeter, he slid his lips over hers. He pulled her closer. Through her skirt she felt his erection swell and pulse. An answering throb beat in her vulva. What was she going to do? She craved him, wanted him to thrust into her depths. Not a good idea.

  By the time the kiss ended, they were both breathless. “Let me come in,” he said. “I’ll go as far as you want.”

  She pressed her forehead against his shoulder. “We’re rushing. I know so little about you.”

  “A problem easily remedied.”

  She wished she could tell him to go and never come back. She couldn’t force herself to speak.

  He brought her hands to his mouth and kissed each palm. “Ask me in for coffee. We can share our pasts and maybe a few more kisses. What I know is I want you more than I’ve ever wanted a woman before.”

  Astrid sighed. “I can’t deny I’m strongly attracted to you.”

  “Then let’s talk and make-out a bit.” He turned the key and opened the door. “Your call. When you tell me to go I’m out of here.”

  Could she believe him? After deciding to take a chance she stepped inside. He followed. While she started coffee, he stood at the large picture window. He turned. “Come here.”

  Astrid took a deep breath and crossed the room. He drew her into his arms. Lips fused and tongues tangled. A fierce desire to feel his skin overwhelmed her. She found the buttons on his shirt. Once they were opened, she stroked his chest, curled her fingers in his chest hairs. “What’s happening to us?”

  “Madness. Delightful madness.”

  Their bodies swayed. She pushed his shirt from his shoulders. His tongue laved her mouth. He opened the buttons of her dress. He ran his tongue over her throat and along the edge of her bra. Slowly he backed to the couch, sat and pulled her onto his lap.

  As he slid her dress from her shoulders, he drew a nipple into his mouth. A jolt of pure pleasure shot through Astrid. She was lost in a euphoric bath of sensations. His assault continued and though she should cry a halt, she inched the zipper of his trousers down and slid her fingers into the opening.

  “Oh, yes,” he cried.

  A sound intruded. For a moment, Astrid couldn’t think. The phone. She jerked away and grabbed the receiver. Had something happened to her dad? “Hello…Clint.”

  “Did I catch you outside? You sound out of breath.”

  “Something like that. Did you have a problem at the sales?”

  “Absolutely not. Just wanted to make sure you’ll be in the shop tomorrow. I’ve something for the vault. My life would be easier if you would give me the combination.”

  “Ask Dad. I’ll definitely be there in the morning.”

  “I should arrive around noon.”

  Duncan reached for the receiver. Astrid shook her head. “Bye.” She hung up. “Just what were you planning?”

  “To tell him his timing was off.”

  She buttoned her dress. “I think ours was. I had no intention of going as far as we did.”

  He clasped her hand. “Be honest.”

  She lowered her gaze. “When we kiss, I can’t think. That’s not good.”

  “Are you telling me it’s time to go?”

  She nodded. “We can’t allow this attraction to blaze out of control.”

  “You’re right.” He straightened his clothes. “Next time, we’ll have a plan.”

  “Next time?”

  He placed his fingers on her lips. “There will be one.”

  Astrid sighed. He was right but she wasn’t about to tell him. “We’ll see.”

  “I’ll stop by tomorrow.”

  She needed time to think, to discover why she felt this way and if the visits to the past were involved. If only she could remember more. “Give me some time.”

  “A week?”

  “Yes.”

  “About your father. Think about the place I suggested.” He strode to the door. “Night.”

  When the door closed behind him, Astrid slumped on the couch. Being in his arms had seemed so right but so had calling a halt. She felt battered but she had a week to think. Would she have her head straight by then?

  * * *

  Duncan bounded down the steps. What was going on? He’d planned a subtle seduction. Instead the moment he’d kissed her, once again he’d leaped. She’d been right to send him away. If they continued at the speed they were traveling, they would burn to cinders. Since slow and easy wasn’t an option, he had to learn how to handle warp speed. Could he do that in a week?

  As he strode up the street to his house, he thought of Lloyd. He really wanted to help the older man recover. His gut reaction told him the older man’s continued recovery was important. Duncan had no idea why he felt this way but he was compelled to aid Lloyd’s full and quick return to Antiquities. In the morning he intended to call Lloyd’s doctor and offer to help with the cost of the rehab centre. With the intensive program the older would be back in Rockleigh within weeks.

  At the house, Duncan dashed through the foyer where his footsteps echoed. An empty house built for a large family that hadn’t been produced in any recent generation. Two children in the first, and second and then a single son in the next four. Sometimes he wondered why he clung to the place but this was home.

  As he entered the study of the master suite, the blinking light of the answering machine caught his attention. He pressed the play button. Lorna’s husky voice crooned his name.
<
br />   “Duncan just arrived and already, I miss you. Clear up whatever business is keeping you in town. This place is made for lovers. I want you, not Clive.”

  The second message from her was shorter and held a hint of anger.

  He shook his head. He had no intention of becoming her lover. Since the day Clive had introduced them, she’s been as persistent as a gnat. He believed if he accepted her less than subtle invitation to an affair, he’d be stuck like a bug on flypaper. The only reason he’d cultivated her was for the hints she’d tossed out. Did she really know something about the items stolen all those years ago?

  The third message wheedled. He let the fourth play. “Clive’s here. Said you’re on the prowl. If you think you’re tossing me aside, think again. Remember, I have information you want. Stay away from Lloyd’s daughter before someone gets hurt.”

  Duncan stabbed the erase button. No way was he listening to her threats. He would find the missing treasures without her. He was glad he hadn’t given her his cell number.

  * * *

  When Astrid heard the door bell, she glanced at her watch. The time was well after one. Had to be Clive. At least he’d arrived before her three o’clock appointment with the doctor to speak about rehab facilities.

  Clive strode into the office. Astrid frowned. Why had he brought Lorna? The blonde woman troubled Astrid in a way she couldn’t define. Though they’d just met, antipathy made Astrid feel as though they’d been enemies for years.

  Clive placed three boxes on the desk. “You’re looking good. Guess the weekend went fine.”

  Astrid wanted to roll her eyes but refrained. “We were busy. Made deposits both days. The Victorian and Art Deco pieces sold well. We’ll need to re-stock but not today. How were the sales?”

  “Fruitful.” He tapped the boxes. “I’ve brought Victorian and Art Deco pieces plus some jade. Should go in the vault until I have time to price them.”

  “I’ll do that now.”

  “As I’ve said before, you could give me the combination and save yourself trouble.”

  “Not my place to do. Talk to Dad.”

  “I will. Could we have dinner tonight?”