“Yes, it’s me,” Constance said in a bored tone.
Reggie snuggled a little closer to Chase’s sleeping form. “Go away.” She moaned. “The garden is one thing, but I draw the line at the bedroom. Like I said before, if you see a light, head for it. Cross over already.”
“Regina Stanton, do you really think I’d be here if it wasn’t important?”
Grudgingly, she had to give her that. “Okay. I’m listening.”
“Your man friend, Morgan Goode’s bloodline. The one you call Sam, I trust he will be healed?”
“Yes. It will take time, but his prognosis is good.”
“Blessed be.” The relief sounded in her ghostly voice. “You’ve made a decision about my descendant here I can see.”
“How did you know?”
Constance didn’t bother to reply. Instead, she said, “The time is now my dear. All you have to do is touch your skin to his. Do it…” Her voice faded away but Reggie could hear the echo of her parting words, “Your skin to his. Do it…do it…”
The words became a mantra and Reggie breathed deeply. She didn’t resist. It felt indescribably right. So she did it.
With her heart pounding, she ran her hand up Chase’s naked chest. He didn’t disguise his response and immediately turned to her. “Reggie?” He said; his voice hoarse and filled with longing.
“Mmm hmm,” she murmured.
He captured her wayward hand and brought it to his lips. He said, “Honey, if you do that, you’d better mean it because once I touch you, I won’t be able to stop.”
She kissed his neck. “I was hoping you’d say exactly that.”
He pressed the hand he held to the hardness of his body. There was no hiding his response. He moaned.
Chase was a man who knew how to take his time. And he did, treating her body to endless varieties of sensuality. He helped her to discover new and exciting pleasure zones she’d never known existed. A soft stroke of his fingers on the back of her neck sent shivers rocketing through her entire body.
He did amazing things to her, and she loved every minute of it, but what really affected her was his reaction to her touch. She could do to him what he did to her. With reverence, she humbly accepted her feminine power over him and felt blessed.
Their lovemaking was earth-shattering as they drove each other higher and higher. Taking a deep breath, Chase looked down at her in all her wanton glory and visibly forced a shaky control.
Soothing her gently, he said, “Are you sure, Reggie? This is what you want?”
His question surprised her, and she almost responded flippantly until she saw the deadly serious light in his blue eyes. This was not a moment for levity. It was a moment for honesty. She put a hand on either side of his jaw and brought his head closer to hers. With her eyes open, she kissed him. Her pleasure in him was reflected back to her in his shining eyes.
“Yes, a thousand versions of yes.”
He took her mouth with enthusiasm. He caressed her body and made her arch ever closer to him. She could feel his amazing hardness, and it thrilled her. She started to guide his body into hers, but he stopped her. His mouth cruised the lush length of her. Hesitating a moment before his lips and tongue moved to the spot on her body that throbbed most for release, he smiled. He didn’t make her wait for long. He took her to impossible heights, and just when she thought she could go no further, he’d discover a whole new altitude and take her there.
Reggie wanted to scream. She wanted to do for this man what he’d done for her, but he stopped her with an agonized glance. He kissed her deeply and moved above her. In one sure, hard thrust, he took her. She was more than ready. The joining of their bodies was life. It meant everything. They moved in perfect harmony.
Reggie was thrilled that despite his earlier ministrations she reached another pinnacle right along with him. They both vocalized their release. Bennett House settled itself around their urgent utterances. Pru and Pita discreetly slept through the whole thing.
They didn’t talk afterward. They didn’t have the breath for it. Naked and wrapped around each other, they drifted off to sleep.
Reggie woke a little while later to discover that they’d started all over again in their sleep. This time, he didn’t take it slow and easy but rather possessed her with a ruthlessness she admired. She gave as good as she got. They were matched perfectly.
Afterwards, she knew she’d left marks on him just as he had on her. She didn’t mind. For Reggie, such marks were just transient evidence of a passion she hoped would be infinite.
* * * *
There were no workmen the next morning, so they slept in. Waking up with Chase was a treat. He was definitely a morning person, and he proved it to her, twice.
Since she was starving, Reggie offered to make breakfast. She had a little trouble leaving the bed with him still in it, but she managed. Congratulating herself on her will of iron, she took eggs, bacon, and cheese out of the fridge. Scrambled eggs she could do. With a smile, she put peanut butter and jelly on the table just in case Chase needed his fix.
When he came into the kitchen still wet from his shower, Reggie smiled. Somehow, despite the frying bacon, she could smell his unique scent, and a part of her soul yearned to taste him again and again. Was there ever a more effective aphrodisiac?
“And she cooks too? I am a lucky man indeed,” he said as he spun her away from the stove and into his arms. With a fork held in the air above his head she returned his kiss.
When he finally let her go, she said, “Of course I cook, seeing as how I’m so hot.”
He laughed. “You could liquefy steel, honey.”
They sat down at the table together. Pru eyed Pita with suspicion from her spot by the door. Ignoring her, Pita yowled. The sound surprised Reggie. “Does he always sound like that or is something wrong?”
Chase looked a little shamefaced. “He gets fed before I do every morning.” He rose and took care of Pita’s needs before finishing his breakfast. Reggie noted that for someone who pretended indifference, he sure pampered that cat. Chase scratched Pita’s chin before putting a bowl in from of him. The unconscious cooing noises he made brought an indulgent smile to Reggie’s already glowing face.
“Just in case you weren’t aware of it Crash, I appreciate you remembering the PB and J.” He proceeded to slather jelly on one piece of toast and peanut butter on another. Squashing them together, he smiled lustily before taking a huge bite.
“You’re just a great big kid, aren’t you?”
“After last night, I’d say that’s the best way to be.” He took another enormous mouthful and smiled.
She blushed and took a dainty bite of a slice of bacon.
“I called the hospital to check on Sam.” Chase said. “He’s stable but still unconscious. Dr. Smythe was very encouraging.”
Reggie breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s good news. After breakfast, I want to take a look at the scene of the crime so to speak.”
“Me, too. It makes me sick to think Vincent had the kind of power it would take to hurl a man of Sam’s size, off the roof.”
She nodded. “Maybe Constance can shed some light on what happened. She’ll probably know more than Sam himself.”
“That’s very likely.” He cocked his head and furrowed his brow. “This might sound crazy, but did I hear Constance last night?”
Unsure of exactly how much to tell him, Reggie nodded. Taking her time chewing her toast thoroughly, she finally swallowed and said, “She woke me up. She asked about Sam. I think she likes him.”
“She’s not the first, and she won’t be the last.”
Reggie smiled. “You can say that again. It’ll be interesting to see how he manages to keep his lady friends from running into each other when they visit him. I wouldn’t put it past Constance herself to she put in an appearance.” She took a sip of the coffee she’d brewed and decided that he definitely made better. “Last night was the first time Constance has contacted me in the house.�
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“It must have been horrifying for her when Sam came crashing down on the iron gate. She could have been right there watching it, unable to prevent it.”
“That’s true. I forgot about that. Maybe that’s what prompted her to visit me in the house, make the extra effort.”
“Believe me, the thought of her gaining strength doesn’t chill my blood the way Vincent’s does.” He made a fist with one large hand. “I’d like to talk to Constance before we go near the library today. We need to tell her what we’re going to do.”
“If she doesn’t already know. She’s pretty tapped in.”
“I’d feel better being completely straight with her. She tends to beat around the bush, but we can’t afford any misunderstandings. Someone we both love very much could have died here yesterday. I don’t think it’s possible to take that too seriously.”
Chapter 16
Reggie put a coat on before going outside. It felt like Indian summer had exhausted itself as autumn returned in earnest. Still, the air smelled rich and promising. She walked with Chase to the spot where Sam must have landed. The gate had done a lot more damage to Sam than he’d done to it.
Looking up at the house, Chase and Reggie exchanged meaningful glances and silently agreed that there was no way Sam fell from the roof. There had to be intent behind his actions. Such intent pointed directly at Vincent. Sam would not have jumped unless some other force had been in control. They knew that without doubt. The idea of Sam committing suicide was positively inconceivable.
Reggie concentrated on Constance and waited for the telltale change in the air. They didn’t have to wait long. It seemed Constance was eager to talk this morning.
“Good morning, you two. I hope you had a good breakfast, Regina. You need your strength, now more than ever.”
“Well that sounds portentous.” Reggie said. “Is that a subtle warning?”
“Of course not, child, but I know you will enter the library today. That is your intent, is it not?” As she spoke, her image became more solid. Reggie gave Chase a quick glance, trying to gage if he could see Constance. He shrugged and shook his head. She was still just a ghostly voice to him.
Chase spoke. “You’re right. We’re going in the library today.”
Instead of resisting, Constance said, “It’s time.”
Chase and Reggie exchanged a look.
“We know all about Vincent Bennett,” Reggie said. “Information is far more easily accessed these days. As a Guardian, you should have seen through him immediately. Why didn’t you?” The challenge in her words was intentional.
“Temptation. I inherited a great power when I was just fourteen. My father spoiled me endlessly. I wanted for nothing, so of course I desired what I couldn’t or shouldn’t have.”
She took a deep breath, and Reggie wondered if she performed that mundane human function from need or habit. Constance drew her attention to more important matters. “I was denied so rarely. Vincent Bennett played his hand brilliantly. I was a romantic, a fool for love. Younger, more suitable men fell at my feet, but they bored me. They provided no sport. Vincent Bennett was the perfect challenge in every way.” She looked at Chase for a long moment. “Papa disapproved of him, all the Old Families did, even my fellow Guardians. He was much older than I and was inappropriate in so many ways.”
“Did you recognize his evil?” Reggie asked.
“Yes, but I pushed it aside. I wanted to rebel, misbehave. The darker side of our nature often vies for supremacy. I was too enamored to resist the temptation. A Guardian’s power is strong. When we falter, the repercussions can prove disastrous. I was weak and paid the price, but others paid a price much higher than mine.”
Chase said, “I’m sorry Constance, but that’s over. The past is dead. We need your help now. Your battle against Vincent took a tremendous toll, but in the end, you prevailed. Vincent Bennett hardly founded a dynasty. It ended here. You did that. Tell us how, so we can end him for good.”
She looked at him with annoyance, “I didn’t conquer him. No, I wasn’t worthy. It was my destiny to hold him here until the one who could defeat him was ready.”
“And that’s us? Chase and me?” Reggie asked.
“No.” Her answer surprised them both. “But the two of you must battle him. That’s your destiny.”
Chase sighed. “So you’re telling us that we have no choice but to fight him, but we’re destined to lose?”
“You always win when you fight evil. It is impossible to lose when you do the right thing. You fail only if you do nothing.”
Reggie rolled her eyes. “Uh, yeah, thanks for the fortune cookie, Confucius. Care to be a bit more specific?”
Chase smiled at Reggie’s flip reply, but he sobered when Constance frowned.
“Do you want my help?” she asked severely.
“Yes.” Chase’s response was firm.
“You must face him together. Neither of you has the strength alone. Trust each other and believe in your combined strength. Doubt will not win the day.” She was gone.
Reggie smiled ruefully. “Sorry about that. You’ve always warned me that my sense of humor would get me into trouble someday.”
He hugged her. “Today is not that day. Don’t apologize. Your humor is a part of who you are. It gives you strength. We can’t afford to deny our true nature. If we’re the ones destined to face this evil, then there’s a reason for it. It has to be us. We have to be who we are.”
She slapped his hard chest and smiled. “You’re absolutely right, Poindexter. You don’t happen to have any chocolate on you, do you?”
He pulled a candy bar from his jacket pocket and handed it to her. “I brought provisions.”
“Mmm, chocolatey goodness.” She smiled up at him as if he’d just gifted her with the moon. If he had, she probably could have eaten it. Despite the large breakfast ,she was starving. He hugged her even closer.
They agreed to meet back at Bennett House to tackle the library together, later in the afternoon. They both had work to do that they felt couldn’t be delayed. Chase spent a little more time on the Internet, seeking information about Vincent Bennett and his family. Reggie visited an estate sale in search of a number of items she’d listed in her notebook as must-haves. Estate sales were the perfect place to find the right style and vintage.
* * * *
The backseat of her rental car was full of little treasures when she and Pru pulled up to Gillian’s house on the cliff. Getting out of the car, Reggie breathed the sea air and looked out at the ocean for a reverential moment. Halloween was approaching. She could almost smell it in the air. Every season in New Crescent had a fragrance so unique that eluded her descriptive talents. But ask a New Crescent native and they’d agree with Reggie. The place had a different perfume for every autumn, winter, spring and summer. That phenomenon was part of what made the town so magical.
Before walking to Gillian’s door, Reggie sent a silent thanks to Mother Nature for her generosity and balance. Trust a woman to get it right.
“Hey, Reggie, Pru, this is a nice surprise.” Gillian was in her friend’s company for less than ten seconds and knew.
She laughed. “Wow, that man really is a sexual virtuoso. His potency matches his proportions. He got it right the first time out. Lucky you.”
Reggie’s brandy-colored eyes narrowed. “Oh my God, you know about Chase and me…what was I thinking…of course you’re…well…you. If I had any hope of keeping it a secret, I should have known better than to stop by.”
Gillian shook her head and, with a brilliant smile, said, “It is always better to stop by. I can’t offer you coffee but how about lunch. You hungry?”
Reggie didn’t bother to answer. She knew the question was purely rhetorical. Over clam chowder and fat sandwiches, they talked. Hank and Prudence slept at their feet.
It was Gillian’s first autumn in New Crescent. Reggie enthusiastically told her all about the traditions of the town. For New Crescent, every
holiday was special, and they played it up to the hilt. Travis’s parents, Bill and Ruth Sinclair were planning their annual Halloween party. People would come from miles around to attend. Every year, the costumes grew more and more ingenious. It was worth attending just to see what everyone else was wearing. There was endless spirit in their little town.
“I guess Ruth has asked you to design the announcement notices,” Reggie said. Invitations weren’t needed. Everyone was welcome. But still, reminders were sent out faithfully. The party was always held on the Saturday before October 31. Halloween night itself was saved for a children’s party. The Sinclair’s Ballroom was open to all trick-or-treaters. Families who lived outside the town limits always drove into town to trick or treat. Many parents swung by the Sinclair house first and dropped off the candy they would have given out had they lived in the town. It was a good way to contribute to the celebration. By the end of the night, in one stop, kids could double their haul by visiting the Sinclair house.
This year, in the spirit of the season, Travis, Sam, and Chase were creating a haunted mansion in the guest house on the Sinclair property. Each new idea topped the last until the project began taking on mammoth proportions. The three men were having so much fun competing with each other over who could create the scariest monster and devising ever more elaborate tricks. It was bound to become an annual thing.
Gillian was a successful graphic designer, so Ruth Sinclair, her future mother-in-law made use of her services. The announcements were beautiful. Gillian showed Reggie the mock-ups and smiled when she guessed which one Ruth had chosen. It wasn’t the most elegant design or the most edgy. It was certainly the most fun, and that spirit fit the event to a tee. Gillian and Reggie both approved Ruth’s decision.
“Have you decided what costume you’re going to wear?” Gillian asked Reggie.
“Yeah. I figured since Chase has resurrected my nickname, Crash, I’d go as a victim of my own driving. Should be easy and comfortable. How about you?”
Spirit [New Crescent 2] (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 12
