by Carol Henry
Us? Her heartbeat raced. Did he really believe there was an us? Especially after tonight?
He rubbed his hands through his hair. “I wasn’t sure of… well, you. Us. Where this whole thing was… is going.”
“I understand. I know about the other women—Tanya—only wanting you for your money. It’s not who I am. I don’t need a lot of money to be happy.” If she didn’t leave soon, she wouldn’t be able to leave at all.
He drew her further into his room—the contact magnetic. She sighed.
“I think it’s great you care so much for Nina. But I feel as if I’m being bought off, damn you,” she chastised him softly.
“Damn me all you want, just don’t go. I’ve done nothing but dream about you all night. You’ve been driving me crazy with those come hither looks.”
“Those were daggers I was throwing your way. I’m still upset.”
“Then take your anger out on me. I deserve it. All of it.”
Before Gabriella could respond, she found herself in Chad’s arms. He covered her face with tentative kisses. By the time his lips met hers, her legs were about to give out—the kiss sapping the far reaches of her inner core. The overwhelming emotional tug on her heartstrings swept her away. She wrapped her arms around Chad and gave as good a she got—kiss for kiss.
His kisses became demanding, then became slow, sensual, and lingering. Her blood boiled and cascaded through her veins—intoxicating, heady. Drowning in a sea of emotional bliss, she didn’t need or want to be rescued.
Chad slid his hands to the front of her robe and inched the soft fabric aside. The belt hung loose and fell away. The soft silky fabric of her nightshirt did nothing to impede the sensations his touch aroused. His fingers slid under the fabric, he cupped her bare breast in the palm of his hand. Gabriella’s knees buckled. He caught her, swung her up into his arms, and closed the door with his foot.
“Steady, Love,” Chad said, nuzzling her neck. “I’ve waited all day to do this. Thank God, you’re here now.”
He kissed her tenderly, and whispered softly next to her trembling lips. He carried her to his bed, where he paused.
“Tell me to stop if you don’t want this, Gabby. You’ve got to tell me, now.”
“I want this,” she breathed. “Don’t stop now, Chad. Please.”
“You’ve got to be sure, Gabby,” he said, softly kissing her just below her earlobe, down her neck, across her bare shoulder, then lower.
Gabby shuddered—his lips and breath were feather light—erotic, mesmerizing. She held her own breath, but breathing wasn’t necessary. The honesty in the moment was all-consuming—she allowed herself to be swept away.
“Yes,” she whispered. “Oh, yes.”
He laid her on the bed, and joined her.
A sense of longing so strong coursed through her. His ardent kisses were no longer enough. Gabriella clung to Chad like a lifeline—wanting, needing more. He pulled her into a crushing embrace that lasted a lifetime.
Coming up for air, Chad gently held her from him. She saw the truth of his need shining there for her to see. She wanted to tell him she loved him, right then and there. Wanted to shout it out loud to the world. But she held back, still afraid to share those words with another man. The assault on her senses continued as Chad rained more kisses on her lips, her neck, and finally the soft mound of her breast held firmly in his palm. Gabby didn’t know when he had removed her robe, or her nightshirt, or his clothes, but she didn’t care. He lifted her to heights far beyond her imagination.
Every part of his body touched every part of hers, and the heat of it had her in flames. She floated in midair, and the miracle of it all was that he seemed to be floating right along with her. Nothing in the whole world mattered right now except for his touch. Moonlight shone through the window as Chad softly stroked the length of her body. Several heated moments later, when they finally could wait no longer, Chad’s fumbled attempt to enter her only to encounter a tender barrier Gabriella had guarded for so long.
He pulled back.
For a split second, Gabriella was afraid he would stop. She took matters into her own hands. Shy, but in the throes of passion, and in love with a man who she was afraid was about to leave her side, Gabriella placed her hands on Chad’s firm, warm, hips and pulled him into her. In a heartbeat the discomfort forgotten, they found a rhythm that was theirs alone.
****
Chad lost it. Gabby was a virgin. It never occurred to him that she hadn’t had a physical relationship with Charles. The pounding of his heart matching hers was spiritual—their union ordained.
They lay together, afterwards, his arms held her next to him. He was the luckiest guy in the universe. The gift she had just given him was a true blessing. A miracle.
Gabby snuggled closer, her head tucked comfortably under his chin. He smiled. He couldn’t help it. He was her first lover—it was a heady and powerful sensation. On a more mundane level, he’d just bested Dean Reynolds, his fictitious love’em and leave’em heartbreaker hero in his novels. Maybe it was time for Dean to settle down and find his own special someone to spend the rest of his life with, too. Well, maybe not. Dean had a few more murder mysteries to solve before he retired. But Chad, although not ready to retire, was pretty sure he and Gabby could be happy together for a long time to come—if their spectacular lovemaking was any indication.
“Did I just wake up from a wonderful dream?”
“If it was a dream, I don’t want to wake up,” she murmured.
Chad pulled her into his arms and together they made love, slowly, passionately with both their hearts fully engaged. Again. And Again.
When he awoke the following morning, Chad was still smiling. He stretched, anticipating holding Gabby in his arms for an early morning nuzzle. But she wasn’t there. He sighed. Then smiled again. She couldn’t have gone far.
Chad jumped from bed, naked, grabbed his robe, and headed to the shower almost wishing Gabby would be there. But he was doomed to disappointment when there was no sign of her anywhere.
Half an hour later, refreshed from the warm pelting shower spray, Chad walked out a new man. Making love to Gabby had been like nothing he had ever experienced in his entire life. He couldn’t wait to see her this morning, take her in his arms, and lavish kisses on her once again.
Dean Reynolds, eat your heart out!
Chapter Thirteen
“Oh, my God! What did I do last night?” Gabriella paced back and forth in her room. She’d never given herself to anyone before. But with Chad, it had felt so right—so wonderful. She’d missed him while he’d been in New York, and she’d fallen in love with the man. It must have been the wassail—she must have consumed too much of it during the caroling without realizing it. Of course, seeing him half naked in the moonlight in his bedroom had only heightened her own desires. But, Lord, to give herself to a man who hadn’t even said he loved her? It was the most colossal mistake she’d ever made. How to explain her wanton behavior last night? In Chad’s arms. In his bed. She cupped her hands to her face, the heat spiking just thinking about what she’d done. Oh, the passion of it, and now the regret.
No. She didn’t regret having lain in his arms, having made love to him.
But, how was she ever going to face him this morning. And oh, what a field day Helen would have if she found out.
Gabriella procrastinated going downstairs.
Images of their lovemaking kept flashing in her mind. Her heart constricted, knowing Chad was not the marrying kind. He didn’t need his orderly life spiraling out of control with a baby around all the time. Especially, one who wasn’t his. No matter what he said about caring for Nina, it wouldn’t work. He needed un-interrupted time to write. She had to think of her future—hers and Nina’s. Having an affair with Chad was not on her list, short or long-term, of goals and priorities. He was leaving for New York City right after Christmas. Only two more days left—she would make an effort to try to keep out of Chad’s way. How hard could i
t be with him working in his room all day?
Memories of last night washed over her in great detail. She stomped her foot on the padded carpet as if it would chase all the sensual longings away. It didn’t do a thing except bring tears to her eyes. He’d been so kind, caring and so very good at making love. No, facing him this morning wasn’t going to be easy.
Gabriella forced her mind to focus on her responsibilities. She lifted Nina, freshly fed and changed and snuggled her in her arms. Nina squirmed, smiled, her eyes sparkling, and Gabriella’s heart melted.
Gabriella entered the small morning room with Nina to find Chad drinking coffee and reading the morning paper. His elbow casually leaned on the table, his legs crossed. He looked vibrant, happy. Gabriella recalled just how securely and seductively those legs had been wrapped around her last night. She wanted to run for her life. Faltering, she turned to head in the opposite direction.
“Running away, Gabby?”
So much for escape. Resigned, she turned to face him. His magnetism after last night was powerful.
“Last night was a mistake. I had too much Wassail.” She patted Nina’s back, and rocked her back and forth.
“Really? Try again. It wasn’t spiked—nothing but hot cider and orange juice. The cinnamon stick wasn’t that potent.” His dimpled smile stung.
“Don’t make fun of me. I can’t handle it right now.” She spun away to avoid his probing eyes.
He stood, circled the table, and placed his hands on her shoulders. “It wasn’t a mistake,” he whispered.
He kissed her temple. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to savor his warm, affectionate touch. So much for keeping her distance.
“I’d never make fun of you.” He placed another kiss to her cheek. “Please. Don’t say it was a mistake.”
She was afraid to look at him, his closeness driving her crazy. He smelled of fresh coffee, cinnamon, and uniquely Chad. He’d showered, but it hadn’t washed away the tangy male scent of him from last night. Her face grew warmer just thinking about their lovemaking. His kiss infused her senses, and a flood of desire spiraled through her body. She shook herself free of the emotion, but it was useless. She would never be free of Chad. She would remember last night forever.
“We’re good together, Gabby. Real good. You can’t deny it.” He continued to hold her while he ran a finger over Nina’s chubby cheek.
Gabby’s eyes focused on his finger, remembering how it had slid over her sensitized skin, and the things it made her feel.
“Chad, please…” She swallowed.
“You know I’m right. I told you...”
“Don’t say it.”
He put an arm around her, Nina now between them, and her legs almost gave out from the need his touch invoked.
“It’s too soon. Last night was too soon.” She couldn’t meet his eyes.
“It’s too right. Last night was too right. We’re too right—the three of us are very right. I told you this munchkin has stolen my heart.”
Gabriella leaned her head on his shoulder, a small moan escaping before she could call it back. She wanted to believe him.
“Tell you what,” Chad whispered, “this afternoon when Nina’s asleep, we’ll talk. I want to spend time with you. Get to know the real you. For you to get to know the real me.”
“Chad…”
“Gabby? What can it hurt? Just talk. I promise that’s all it’ll be. Although,” his smile turned sexy, “I can’t promise not to think about last night while we talk.”
He kissed her temple. She had all to do to step back from the spell he was weaving around her like a dreamy sea mist. “It’s not a good idea.”
“Trust me, Gabby. Please,” he whispered in her ear.
She looked up into his crystal blue eyes, now pleading with her to trust him. How could she resist him when he looked at her like that?
“Just talk,” she whispered.
“Just talk,” he confirmed. “Now sit. Have some breakfast. For some reason I’m ravenous this morning. How about you?”
His words, although meant to be playful, embarrassed her and made her on edge again.
“If that’s the kind of talk you have in mind, I’ve changed my mind.”
“What? What’d I say?” He threw his hands up in the air, and stepped back in a dramatic sweep of having done or said nothing wrong. “I’m hungry, that’s all. Here, let me take Nina while you eat breakfast. Coffee’s great. I’ve already had two cups.”
Gabriella stared. Was she hearing right? Was he willing to hold Nina while she got something to eat? Sure, he’d said he cared for Nina, but to actually offer to hold her? She’d seen the look on his face the other day when he’d carried Nina over to Helen. Was this the same man who wanted nothing to do with kids? The same man who had guarded his well-ordered life for so long? Someone who’d sidestepped his mother’s matchmaking like the plague because he didn’t want to complicate his life? He wanted her to trust him? The man who trusted no one? Had he really changed?
Speechless, Gabby could only stand in disbelief as he took Nina from her and cuddled the small baby in his own arms.
“See—a piece of cake,” he beamed.
When had he become so adept at holding a baby? And why did he look so natural and comfortable doing it?
“Are you sure…? You don’t have to do this, you know. She’s not your responsibility.”
“Eat. I promise if she cries or spits up, she’s all yours. In the meantime, Nina and I will sit here and get to know each other.”
“You don’t have to do this,” she repeated. “I’m serious. Last night was a mistake.”
“And I told you I’m serious. We’ll talk later. We don’t want to argue in front of the baby.”
Gabriella sat. She liked the sound of that. It sounded as if they were a married couple arguing. She could get used to being around this man day and night if she wasn’t careful.
“This isn’t going to work,” she said. “Your life is perfect—uncluttered, successful. Mine is anything but.”
He hadn’t said he loved her—so where was this relationship going? She sipped her coffee, the warmth of it, usually soothing, did little to calm her shaky nerves.
“For the moment, but things will work out. We’ll talk later. Now, eat,” he ordered as if she were a stubborn child.
“Chad…”
“Do I have to take Nina in the other room so you’ll eat? You need your strength. Eat. Pretend we aren’t here.”
“Like that’s going to happen,” she muttered in her coffee cup.
“I heard that.”
She looked up. Oh, my. He was rocking Nina back and forth in his arms. But how long would his interest in Nina and her last? She had meant it when she said last night was a mistake. A wonderful mistake, but a mistake nevertheless. He hadn’t said he loved her.
What exactly was he looking for in this relationship?
****
“Where are we going?” Gabriella asked, buttoning her jacket and wrapping her scarf around her neck later that afternoon. “It’s too cold for a walk down by the lake.”
Nina was snuggled warmly in her crib, the baby monitor on for Ethel in case the baby woke. Ethel had conveniently ignored them, not saying anything as Chad ushered her out the kitchen door. Embarrassed, Gabriella felt as if she was a teenager caught sneaking out on a clandestine date.
“Not where we’re going. Come on, it isn’t far.” Chad put his hand on her back to get her started down the walk. He let his arms hang at his sides. “I have the perfect place where we can be alone without being disturbed. Trust me. You’ll love it.”
Trust him? She wanted to, she had to, she loved him.
The sun was high in the clear periwinkle sky, a slight breeze blew off the lake, and the snow-covered lawn was chilled. Chad stood next to her, not touching her, but still close enough she could breathe in his essence. His look was serious. She shivered, nervous at his intent. If he so much as touched her again, she’d turn and
hightail it back to the house and safety. She’d been keyed up all afternoon just thinking about their “talk” and where their relationship was or wasn’t going. She was afraid to find out.
She tucked her gloved hands in her pockets and tipped her head down against the wind. Chad didn’t bother. He was enjoying the elements and the cool breeze coming off the lake. Thinking about their first kiss suddenly made her feel a little warmer, thinking about last night made her entire body explode like an overheated furnace.
The wind cooled her warmed cheeks as they circled the side lawn where snow-covered shrubs lined the cleared walkway. A full grove of Rhododendron, their leaves curled like tiny tubes to protect themselves from the cold, Azaleas tucked in between small evergreens, and Christmas Holly bushes sprinkled here and there lined the stairway leading down the slope to where the water met the shoreline. To the left stood an enchanting, enclosed white gazebo on a platform overlooking Cayuga Lake. In the summer it would be a great view of the many sailboats dotting the glistening waters. Now, the boats were tucked away for the winter. But the gazebo was glowing, the windowpanes frosted. Garlands circled the outside of the structure as if waiting for Santa to arrive. It looked inviting, cozy.
Too inviting. Too cozy.
Gabriella paused just as the wind picked up.
“Don’t worry,” Chad said behind her. “We’ll be warm inside.”
His words startled her. Had he read her mind, or had she spoken her thoughts aloud?
“I hope so. This wind is much colder next to the water.”
Chad opened the glass door for her to enter. She stopped. He bumped into her.
Gabby looked around the closed interior. A small heater emitted warmth at the far end of the room. Scented candles flickered, casting a romantic atmosphere. Her heart melted. Cushions, piled high, lined the window seats, while others were scattered on the floor. A small table held a bottle of wine, and two fluted glasses waited to be filled.
