She sat up and gathered her clothes. “I have to leave.” She straightened her skirt and put on her bra and sweater.
“Stay.”
“I can’t.”
“Spend the day with me.”
She shook her head. “The inn. My son.”
“Our son.”
She met his gaze. “You’re right. He is ours and I must find the way to tell him about you and why you’re here. I won’t let him be harmed by your arrival.” She walked to the door.
“I want to spend time with him and you.” He hoped he’d eliminated all hints of a plea from his voice.
“Only if he wants to see you.”
He picked up his jeans. “I will see him. This can be easy or hard.”
She paused at the door. “Don’t bully us.”
“Then let me buy him a gift or two. Does he have a game system, a computer or a handheld.”
Christa shook her head. “Enough. I’ll decide what he needs.”
He reached her side and brought her fingers to his lips. “We should talk about what happened here.”
“I know what happened.” She stepped onto the porch. “You’re an expert at seduction.”
“Don’t tell me you didn’t respond.” He started to follow and realized he had no shoes. She was right about the seduction, but they had made love and would again. The heat between them was as searing as it had been years ago. The next time he intended to have her naked and panting for him.
With a sigh he closed the door and finished dressing. After checking email and voice mail he left the cottage. He needed a few staples. When he saw Christa’s half-sisters leave the inn, he slid into his car. His attempt to escape the pair failed.
The taller of the two glared. “You owe her and you’d better pay up.”
Stella, that was her name. Peggy was the other. “I don’t owe anyone a thing.”
“Hah!” Peggy stood with her hands on her hips. “Child support. Nine years plus.”
“Money she never tried to collect.” Mark smiled. “All she had to do was let me know.” He shoved the key in the ignition.
Stella laughed. “Sure you would have paid. Not in my lifetime. I was fourteen and Peggy twelve when he was born. We remember what happened.”
“So tell me.”
“When Mom and Dad died we were stuck in foster care. Christa didn’t know for days. She was shacked up with you.” Stella stabbed her finger at him. “She finally rescued us.”
He arched a brow. “And supported you.”
“She owed us,” Peggy said.
“What does that have to do with me?”
Peggy leaned on the door. “She wrote you a letter begging for your help when she was pregnant.”
“Did she? I never received one.” They didn’t know he and Christa had talked.
“Liar. You wrote back and said being preggy was her problem.” Smugness filled Stella’s voice.
Peggy laughed. “Maybe you weren’t the one who answered. Maybe your rich daddy intercepted the letter.”
Mark chuckled. “I don’t think so. After he smacked me on the head he would have driven me here and watched while Christa and I were married.”
“We think you should give Christa, say, a hundred thou.”
Mark shook his head. “Not going to happen. I’d like to see this letter.”
“She tore it up,” Stella said.
“And cried for hours,” Peggy added.
“Wonder if the police would call what you’re trying blackmail or extortion. Shall we see if Christa will back your story?”
The pair stepped away. Mark started the engine. When he returned from his shopping trip he intended to warn Christa about the pair. If she wouldn’t stop them, he would.
* * * *
When she left Mark Christa ran to the house. What a fool she’d been to meet him at the cottage. One kiss had erased all her reasons to remain aloof. She hurried upstairs to change clothes before going to the inn to make sure all was in order for the weekend relief. She also needed to check the gift shop to see if there were crafts to be ordered from the local women. Fall always brought an increase in sales.
Christa drew a deep breath laden with the scent of love-making. What was she going to do? Just like during that never forgotten weekend with Mark she wanted more. Not to mention she was as much in love with him as she’d been ten years ago. Then and now he’d made no mention of anything beyond the present. Except he wanted her son.
She groaned. He’d said he would have married her if he had known about Davy. Was that just talk or had he meant those words. She would never know and she found she regretted the chance to discover if he’d spoken the truth. A realization swept into her thoughts. No matter how much she wanted to deny, Davy was their son.
She took a quick shower and pulled on jeans and a sweater. She hurried toward the inn. Her hands fisted. Peggy and Stella stood beside Mark’s car. What were they up to now?
For years her feelings toward the pair had been conflicted. Pity for the orphaned girls, anger about their behavior and at herself for allowing the ways they had learned as children to continue. For years she’d blamed herself for being with Mark and living a dream. Stella and Peggy had sensed her feelings and had exploited her. They had used her absence and those of the weeks in foster care to bully her. Once the inn was sold she could send them on their way. Though selling the inn wasn’t her desire, it seemed the only solution.
As she entered the inn she saw Mark’s sleep car leave the parking lot. Her half-sisters followed. What had the pair told him? Maybe he would leave. She entered the gift shop and began a thorough inventory.
At two, the couple who managed the inn on weekends arrived. “Andy, Mary, here’s the guest list and the names of those expected. Menus and the gift shop inventory here. I’ve called three women for extras.”
Mary ran her finger down the guest list. “You’ve rented one of the cottages. Are we that busy?”
Christa smiled. “The inn’s booked solid. A friend is staying in the cottage.”
The young woman arched a brow. “How old is he?”
Andy shook his head. “Not our business.”
“Actually he’s from Good Travelin’.”
“Really. Is he going to do a feature?” Mary picked up the lists.”
“He’s considering the possibility.”
“Great.”
Andy steered Mary to the door. “We’re good. See you Monday.”
Christa followed them to the door. She sat on one of the porch chairs and stared at the sky. She was still there when the school bus arrived.
Davy ran across the parking lot. “I’m home.”
“So I see.” Together they walked to the house.
“I’ve been thinking,” he said.
“About what?”
“That man. Mark. Is he really my father?”
“Yes.”
Davy looked up. “Do you think he had that thing? You know, like he couldn’t remember about me ‘til now.” There was an eagerness in his voice that surprised her.
“Do you mean amnesia?”
‘Yah.”
How much should she tell him? She opened the front door. “He didn’t know about you.”
“Why not?”
“I didn’t tell him.” She walked to the kitchen.
Davy followed. “Didn’t you like him? He seemed nice.”
Christa drew a deep breath. “This is complicated.”
“What do you mean?”
“Your grandfather and his wife died. I had to take care of the girls and the inn.” She opened a cookie tin. “I was so busy I didn’t know about you for months.”
Davy poured a glass of milk. “You could have told him then.”
“I tried. He was away on business both times. Then I was so busy with everything.” She put her hands on his shoulders. “That was wrong. I cheated him and you.”
“It’s okay. Will I like him?”
“I think so.”
/> “Will he try to take me away?”
“Absolutely not. He wants to spend time with you and someday take you to meet his family.”
Davy’s eyes widened. “Is he married? Do I have halves?”
Christa smiled. “No and no. He’s talking about his brothers and sisters.”
“Oh.” He looked up. “Could we do something with him tomorrow?”
The eagerness in his voice made her panic. She couldn’t say no. “Your choice.”
He nodded. “Then we will.”
“Do you want me to ask him?”
“You know him.” He started on his snack.
Christa walked to the laundry room to start a load of clothes. Peggy and Stella dashed through the side door. Christa groaned. What now?
“Wait until you hear what he plans to do,” Stella said.
“Who?”
“Davy’s daddy.” Peggy glared. “He’s gonna call the cops. Said we was talking blackmail.”
“What did you do?” Christa listened with horror to their version of an encounter with Mark. “How could you? Anything between Mark and me is none of your business.”
“Sure it is,” Peggy said. “He could give you enough money to buy us out.”
Christa added soap and bleach to the washer. “How often do I need to tell you you have no share of the inn? The property was left to me by my mother.”
Stella blocked the door. “We know better. Mom told us as his wife the inn would be hers if Dad died. They both died so we should get a third each.”
“She told you wrong.” Christa slammed the washer lid. “Hire a lawyer. Check at the courthouse. Won’t do you any good.” She pushed past them.
Chapter Four
Christa stood outside the kitchen and fought to control her rising anger. Her half-sisters had to face a reality that wasn’t to their liking. They’d asked Mark for money. They’d lied to him. In telling him their version of events they had lied.
Davy opened the door. “What time are we leaving and are we going to the movies?”
“We’ll leave at five. I need to talk to Mark.”
“Are you going to tell him about tomorrow?”
“Among other things.” She ruffled his hair.
“Will he have rules, too?”
“Of course.”
“Can I go to the inn? Chef Jack said I could earn some extra money washing potatoes.”
She laughed. “I’ll come there for you. You can wash a lot in an hour and a half.”
He nodded. “Maybe five dollars worth.”
They left the house together. She watched him rum to the inn. Moments later she knocked on the cottage door. She released a sigh. How much damage had her half-sisters caused?
Mark opened the door. “Didn’t expect you to come calling. He winked. “Ready for an encore?”
She shook her head. “Just wanted to let you know I had nothing to do with my half-sisters’ scheme.”
“Never thought you did.” He touched her hand. “How can you let that pair live?”
Christa drew a deep breath. The moment his scent reached her she knew she was in trouble. “I felt sorry for two orphaned girls and I didn’t know how to control them.”
He nodded. “About time you put those feelings away.” His hand slid along her arm. “Did they tell you about the letters we exchanged?”
She nodded. “Something I’d never do.” She met his gaze. “I don’t want Davy hurt in a custody fight.”
“Not going to happen.” He tugged her into the house and closed the door. “Those days must have devastated you.”
She nodded. “What made matters worse was I was with you when they needed me.”
“Were they hurt in the accident?”
“They weren’t in the car.” She made a face. “My step-mother wanted a new dress and dragged my dad to St. Johnsbury. She was always spending money she didn’t have.”
“Like her daughters.”
“Absolutely. They learned young.”
He clasped her shoulders. “I wish you’d told me about Davy.”
She sighed. “So do I but there never seemed to be a right time. We’ll work out a schedule of visits.”
‘I want you, too.”
Christa stared at him. Did he mean for more than sex?
* * * *
Mark raised Christa’s hand and kissed her palm. He believed she would arrange for him to see his son. He was also sure her half-sisters would continue their manipulative ways. He couldn’t change the past or predict the future. Wanting Christa in his life was his desire. Her wishes were unknown.
One thing troubled him. Though she had tried to reach him all those years ago, why hadn’t she left a message for him to call? Would he have recognized the name? Had he done or said something wrong? He groaned. He was at fault for not telling her how she felt. But he had thought there had been time to speak of love.
He slid his arm around her and tugged her close. Her body fit against his in ways no other woman’s had. He touched his lips to hers. The need to mark her as his was strong. Words of love stirred in his thoughts. He couldn’t say any of them until he knew how she felt. “I need you,” he whispered.
The fragrance of her hair, the rising scent of her arousal brought his desire to a peak. Her soft breasts molded to his chest. His tongue flicked her mouth and tasted. Need build until he thought he would explode. Would he ever have enough of her presence in his life?
Christa stepped back. “I should go.”
Her sigh told him she would rather stay. “Is Davy waiting for you?”
She shook her head. “He’s at the inn kitchen washing potatoes to earn extra money.
“Enterprising.”
“Does that surprise you?”
He heard a defensive note in her voice. “Why? I don’t know him so I’m not sure what he likes.”
“My fault.”
“Circumstances.”
She looked into his eyes. “I wish things had been different.”
“So do I. Tell me about our son.”
“He’s a good student. He’s responsible and he’s always looking for ways to earn money. He has an allowance and saves most of it.” Pride filled her voice.
Mark studied her face. If she encouraged her son to work why did she give her half-sisters a free ride? He knew she’d felt responsible for them years ago but they were adults. Sure they worked a few hours at the inn, but they should do more. Her reasons weren’t his to question yet. “How long will Davy be occupied?”
“I told him I’d come at five.”
“Would he worry if he finished early and you weren’t at home?”
“Probably not. Why?”
He stepped closer. “Can’t you tell?”
“Mark.”
“Yah. I need you.”
She laughed. “If I remember you were always standing at attention.”
“Only with you.” He captured her mouth. “You can’t deny you want me as much as I want you.”
“Where is this leading?”
“Let’s find out.” He pressed her closer. Her mouth met his. He stroked the inside of hers with his tongue. He felt her resistance melt and sensed her take fire. Her tongue invaded his mouth and met him stroke for stroke. Her arms slid around his neck. She moved against him. The sensual dance against him brought his need to a peak. He had to feel her skin against his. He needed to be inside. He broke the kiss and gazed into her eyes. “Come with me.”
Yes.”
Together they walked to the bedroom. They stepped apart and faced each other. Christa pulled her sweater over her head. Through the lace of her bras he saw the darker nipples. A flush spread across her face.
Mark removed his sweater. He stepped closer. He bent and kissed her breasts through the cloth of her bra. She stroked his chest and ran her hands over his skin to raise the tiny nubs on his chest. They hardened into points. Mark’s penis filled and pulsed against his jeans.
Her sighs urged him to rush but he wanted
to savor every moment. He opened her bra and drew the straps down her arms, slowly revealing her breasts. He cupped them. "You’re beautiful.” He bent his head and caressed each with his tongue and lips.
Mark stepped back. He unsnapped his jeans and slid the zipper down. He eased them over his hips. His erection sprang free. Christa ran her hands over his chest and down his abdomen. She stroked his penis with a finger. “You are magnificent.”
Her words and the crooning sound of her voice made him ready to burst. When her finger rubbed the head of his erection he nearly lost all control. “Christa.”
She knelt and took him into her mouth in slow increments. Her tongue rolled over the surface.
Mark growled. “Enough.”
She looked up. Her blue eyes held glints of mischief. She slowly drew him from her mouth, rose and unfastened her jeans. She wiggled them over her hips. When she tossed them aside she faced him. The sight of the sheer lace thong nearly undid him. He drew a deep breath. He would give her what she’d given him.
He ran his hands from her shoulders to her groin. As his hands moved down, he knelt. He slid his thumbs beneath the sides of the thing and slowly slid the swatch of lane down. He touched her clitoris with a finger, leaned forward and flicked it with his tongue.
She gasped. He slid his hand between her legs and stroked. Her breath caught. “Enough. I need you.”
“Inside.”
“Yes, oh, yes.”
He rose and stepped behind her. “Come to the bed.”
As a unit they crossed the room. When they reached the bed, she sprawled face down. He knelt between her legs and ran his hands over her buttocks. She rose on her knees. “Mark, now.”
He thrust into her vagina. “Now indeed. You please me completely.” He slid one hand around her body and found her clitoris. As he plunged and retreated he stroked. Her body jerked as though struck by a ball of lightning.
Mark pumped faster and harder. He grasped her hips and pulled her tight against him. Harder and harder he thrust. Sounds poured and rolled around them. He wasn’t sure which were hers and which his. He felt poised to explode. Her inner muscles tightened and released in a steady rhythm.
Second Seduction Page 4
