Love With A Stranger

by Taylor, Janelle

  “I’m sorry if you were worried about me. You’ll have to remember I’m a big girl and I can take care of myself.”

  “You’re too trusting and sweet, Cass, and I don’t want anybody taking advantage of you. Including me,” he added, and tossed the towel aside.

  Take his cue, Cass. “What do you mean?”

  “This is a crazy place and time to have this kind of conversation, but something’s been gnawing at me for a long time.” He looked at the ocean.

  “What has, Peter? Is there a problem? Are you annoyed with me?”

  He looked at her. “No way, Cass, but there is a problem.”

  “What kind of problem, Peter?”

  “Something you might not want to hear about, now or ever.”

  “Am I going to have to drag an explanation out of you?” she jested.

  Peter reached for his glass, found it empty, and set it down again. He looked at his feet. “I’m in love with you, Cassandra Grantham, and it’s eating me alive to think of you turning to another man. I was giving you time to get over Dad’s death before I said anything about my feelings, but I can’t with Jason trying to worm his way into your life.”

  Those words were shocking and unexpected to her, though she knew they were lies. “Peter, I—”

  “Wait, Cass, and let me finish, please,” he urged as he turned to face her. “I’ve been working up the courage to do this for over an hour, so let me continue before I lose it. I’ve been in love with you since I first met you. Damn, what a day that was! I met the first woman who completely stole my heart and she was about to marry my father. It’s been a fierce struggle to resist you. That’s why I tried to make you hate me, so I wouldn’t yield to your temptation. If you had leaned in my direction even slightly, I would have come after you; I couldn’t have helped myself or stopped myself. Dad didn’t deserve you; he was evil and deceitful.”

  She was about to stop his ruse, but his impending words halted her.

  “I found awful stuff in his wall safes at the other residences. He was cheating on you big time, Cass, and I detest him for it. I destroyed the evidence so nobody could find it. I wasn’t going to tell you and hurt you, but I thought you should know so you won’t keep grieving over him when he doesn’t deserve it. Did you suspect or know the wicked truth about him?”

  Play along, girl, and learn all you can, and set him up for your ploy. “Not until after he was dead. While I was going through his belongings, I found filthy pictures and revealing notes. I destroyed them immediately. I didn’t think you knew the truth, so I didn’t want to hurt you by exposing him. I still find it hard to believe Tom was so evil and he took such risks with our lives, considering the sexual diseases running rampant these days. I’m lucky he didn’t pass one along to me.”

  “I realize Dad put you through hell with his manipulative and lewd ways.” He laid his hand on her forearm and stroked it with his fingertips. “Let me make it up to you. We can marry and have children. We can have a home and family and be happy, Cass. I love you and need you.”

  She gazed at him for a minute, delighted when her eyes misted—from dirt carried on the wind! “I’m sorry, Peter, but I don’t feel the same way about you. I’m very fond of you, but I don’t love you, and I can’t marry someone I don’t love. Please understand and forgive me.”

  He took a deep breath, moved his hand away, and said, “There’s nothing to forgive, Cass, unless it’s me for putting you on the spot like this. Just forget what I said, okay?”

  “No, Peter, I won’t. It’s flattering and appreciated. You’re a sexy and handsome man, but you deserve to have a woman who loves you like crazy. I know you’ll find the right one some day.”

  “So what are you going to do with yourself?”

  Thank you, thank you, thank you, her mind shrieked in delight, as he gave her the opening she needed. She also noticed how fast he dropped the phony romance angle; if he was sincere, he would be begging her to change her mind. “I’m thinking about making serious changes in my life.”

  “What kind of changes?”

  “I may move to St. Simons Island to get away from the bad memories here. I was thinking about opening a boutique to support myself. I just want and need to break all ties to Tom and start a new life. The problem is, he fixed it so I can’t, unless a bank will loan me money to finance my business based on my trust fund and stocks. Do you think that will be possible since Tom tied them up with so many stipulations for so long?”

  “I thought for a minute there you were considering marriage.”

  “If I marry again, I’ll lose my inheritance, and I need at least part of it to make a fresh start. Since you know the truth about Tom, you must realize I deserve payment for his many betrayals. I suppose I’ll have to wait until I withdraw enough funds to carry out my plan.”

  “You don’t have to wait, Cass, if you’re willing to settle for five million cash and this house; it’ll bring in another one to two million. Would that allow you to carry out your dream?”

  “Yes, Peter, but what about the will’s restrictions? It says it reverts to you if I remarry, and I don’t intend to do so in the near future.”

  “What about Jason Burkman?”

  She sent him an odd look. “What about him?”

  “I thought you liked him and wanted to date him.”

  “I do like him and he’s good company, but he’s only a friend and my doctor. After what I went through with Brad and Tom, I’ll be slow to wed again. I want to regain my independence and self-confidence. I don’t want to be dependent upon any man, or be fooled by another one. I couldn’t date Jason until I convinced myself he’s trustworthy. Besides, despite what Tom did to me, nobody knows about it, so I have to observe a proper mourning period or I’ll make a terrible impression on people.”

  “I think that’s wise. As to the will, Cass, I know a way we can get around Dad’s stipulation. If you sign over everything to me, I can give you the money and house; I’ll even pay the gift taxes on them. Simon can draw up the papers; we can meet in his office to go over them and sign them; then you can get on with your plans.”

  “Is that legal? I mean, revert it to you without me marrying?”

  “Yep; that’s one loophole Dad didn’t think about and cover. Would you be satisfied with that amount and the house?”

  “Of course, and you’re welcome to the rest. What about you, Peter? Where will you relocate? How will you get that much cash?”

  “I may sell the businesses except for the one in LA. The house there hasn’t sold yet, so I could move into it. One company is plenty for me to run, and I like California. Maybe it’s best if we both break free of the past. Just give me two weeks to get the money together and papers ready. Okay?”

  She nodded. “I hope I haven’t hurt you today, Peter. If it could be different between us, I would…I’m sorry.”

  “I have a feeling we’re both going to be fine, Cass, so don’t worry.”

  “Thank you, Peter, for everything you’ve done for me.”

  “At least we’ll part as good friends; that’s worth something, right?”

  “Yes, it is. I’m glad we had the chance to get to know each other.” You’ll learn what I mean after we settle up, you snake in the grass!

  “So am I, Cass. Now, let’s change the subject to happy talk. What are your plans for tomorrow?”

  “I’m going to Linda’s church in the morning and spending the afternoon with her tomorrow. I would invite you to come along, but she might think I’m trying to initiate a romance between you two, and that wouldn’t be wise.”

  “You’re right. Well, have a good time.”

  “I will,” she responded, knowing it was Jason she would be seeing.

  Chapter Twenty

  On Sunday morning, Cass and Jason arrived at church in separate vehicles; she preceded him by a few minutes. After he entered, he pretended to sight her and, following a casual greeting, asked if he could sit with her. She smiled and moved over on the pe
w. They chatted in whispers as if they were nothing more than old friends. When the service began, they shared a hymnal, then listened to the pastor’s sermon.

  Afterward, he spoke with friends and she, with new acquaintances. They got into their cars and drove to Jason’s home where they concealed hers in his garage, changed into casual clothes, and went to a close-by marina.

  Aboard his thirty-five-foot cabin cruiser, J’s Prescription, they ate a picnic lunch which he had purchased along the way before heading down the Frederica River, through the St. Simons Sound, and into the Atlantic Ocean.

  Jason chose a slow speed that would prevent a rough ride, heading his boat northeastward into the incoming wind. They traveled for a while without talking, only enjoying being together. Cass sat beside him and exchanged smiles with him every few minutes. A moderate breeze played through their hair, but they were shielded from the harsh rays of sun by a fiberglass canopy. They saw other recreational crafts and a few ships in the distance, but none came close to their position, as Jason intended.

  “This is wonderful, Cass” he finally said. “A placid sea, a clear day, a warm sun, a pleasant breeze, refreshments below in the galley, and the woman I love beside me.”

  “It’s perfect, Jason. I wonder how long we can continue to use Linda as our alibi for these little trysts before we’re exposed.”

  “She’s a good friend to us for providing one when needed. I’ll have to thank her, and I’d like to see her find a special man to love and marry.”

  Cass didn’t mention Linda’s attraction to his son, but thought it would be amusing if her friend and nurse became her daughterin-law. She also decided not to mention her talk with Peter yesterday until later, as she didn’t want talk about Tom or his son to intrude on and spoil their serene afternoon together.

  They were about five miles out to sea with the lush coastline and towering lighthouse on St. Simons Island still visible to the naked eye when Jason cut off the engine to allow them to drift while they relaxed and talked. As an experienced and knowledgeable sportsman, he knew the gentle wind and tide would very slowly push them back toward the shore in a few hours.

  “Ahoy, mate, how about we head below for a refreshing drink?”

  “Sounds good to me, Captain,” she said and followed his lead.

  “Watch your head on that hatch; she has a low beam.”

  In the mini-kitchen area, her gaze scanned the cabinets’ contents. “This is a well-stocked galley, Captain. Do you entertain here often?”

  Jason chuckled and glanced at her as he opened a bottle of wine. “Not the kind of entertaining you mean. I purchased this sleek beauty after my divorce. The only people who’ve been aboard are friends of mine, mostly fishermen. If you’re interested in becoming my only crew member, I’ll sign you up today.”

  “Where’s the dotted line?” she quipped and laughed.

  “Right here,” he said, motioning to his lips.

  She kissed him and jested, “Seaman Grantham reporting for duty.”

  “Duty, eh? In that case, I’ll have to come up with a list of them.”

  “Just don’t include scrubbing the deck; that would ruin my nails.”

  “Don’t worry, mate, that’s not how I want to use your time, energy, and talents. I’m sure I can put them to much better use with other chores. This wine isn’t chilled, so I’ll have to toss in a couple of ice cubes.”

  “That’s fine with me.”

  He handed her a glass of Far Niente, a California white Chardonnay bottled in ’93 in the Napa Valley. He tapped his glass to hers and toasted, “To our first voyage together and to the best mate a man could find.”

  Cass smiled again and said, “To the best captain in the world.”

  Instead of confining themselves in the eating booth, they stood in the middle of a rather spacious cabin. The windows were open on both sides, so a nice air current flowed through the area. The spring weather was balmy; the location was quiet except for the sounds of mild waves lapping against the hull, the cries of various sea birds, and ice clicking against their glasses as they drank. Their surroundings were romantic, secluded, and tranquil.

  “This is a cozy cruiser, Jason. Do you ever spend the night aboard?”

  “I haven’t yet, but it would be fun with you. We could anchor near one of the smaller islands, perhaps Little St. Simons or Egg Island. We could cook in the galley or on the shore, swim, fish, and do whatever comes up,” he said with a grin as he drifted his fingers over one of her shoulders, as both were bare in a strapless sundress. He leaned forward and trailed kisses from one shoulder joint to her collarbone.

  As his mouth headed up her neck, Cass glanced past him to the bunk. Though the craft’s swaying was mild, she replied, “With the way the boat is rocking, wouldn’t we roll off that narrow bed and crash to the floor?”

  Jason nibbled at her earlobe and murmured, “I don’t know; I guess that’s something we’ll have to find out.”

  Cass quivered with desire and teased, “Ah, yes, you’re the man who likes sharing adventures and solving mysteries.”

  He fused his blue gaze with her brown one. “That’s me all right.”

  After he kissed her long and deep, he said, “I want to make love to you, Cass; I have since the moment I saw you this morning. How about we test your theory over there?” he suggested, nodding toward the bunk.

  Consumed with suspense and anticipation, she told him, “I’m ready and willing. But what happens if we drift ashore while the captain’s busy?”

  “We won’t; I know these waters. We’d be back on deck long before we could reach the shoreline.”

  “What if a friend spies J’s Prescription and comes to visit?”

  “Nobody will board this craft without permission, and we’ll hear them coming. I’ll even lock us in for privacy. Unless this makes you nervous.”

  “No, but keep your ears open anyway.”

  He stroked her cheek. “I can’t make that promise, because when I’m with you, I go blind and deaf and lose my wits completely.”

  “I know what you mean, Doc; I seem to suffer from those same symptoms when I’m with you. Perhaps I need a skilled physician to examine me and give me proper treatment for them.”

  “I’m the perfect man for that job. These are registered healers.”

  Cass glanced at his hands as he held them up and yearned to have them touching her all over her body. “Are you finished with your drink?”

  “Yep. I have another and better thirst to slake, one for you.”

  She took his glass and set both in the galley sink. As she did so, she noticed he locked the hatch. Then he met her near the inviting bunk.

  Jason pulled Cass into his arms and kissed her. He relished the taste of her unrestrained response. She was the most exciting and alluring woman he had ever known. He couldn’t seem to get enough of her in and out of bed. He adored the soft and warm feel of her skin. He loved her flavor and scent. His heart felt so full of emotion that he wondered if it could burst with joy. She was perfect for him.

  Cass looped her arms around his neck and guided her fingers into his sun-lightened mane to draw his head closer. She loved his kisses. His strong and gentle hands stroked her arms and back, making her aware of every inch of her yearning body. Her tongue played with his at the same time his hands tugged down her elastic-topped dress, then cupped her breasts and kneaded her nipples. Heat and tingles raced over her flesh.

  Jason separated his mouth from hers, bent down and took turns swirling his tongue around her taut nipples and sucking them into his mouth. He pleasured her in that manner for a few breathless minutes before his lips traveled slowly down her rib cage and navel, and across her flat stomach. As he advanced toward his target, his fingers eased her dress and panties lower and lower until Cass stepped out of the two items. He slid the garments beneath his knees to cushion them against the hard deck. He spread kisses over her hipbones and abdomen before his hands nudged her legs apart. He kissed and nibbled a p
ath along her smooth inner thighs before his fingers invaded her thatch of brown hair and his questing mouth found its goal. He grasped her buttocks and pressed her body forward. His tongue flicked and swirled around her nub of delight. His lips suckled upon it, then he teethed it gently, aware of her growing arousal.

  Cass trembled and moaned in ecstasy. She thrilled to the magic of his deft tongue and talented hands. She sighed in bliss as the peak hardened and pulsed under his masterful touch. There was a quickening in her stomach and a sweet tension building in her loins. “I’m going to melt into the floor,” she murmured. “My knees are weak and my legs feel like jelly.”

  “Lie down, my love,” he suggested, his hands clasping her waist to draw her down to the bunk.

  Cass obeyed his husky command and reclined on the soft surface. When he parted her thighs wider, she felt no shame, modesty, or inhibitions with this man she loved. He pleasured her in wild abandonment before his finger slipped within her; she moaned and thrashed as the sensations drove her wild. Soon, she could control herself no longer and was washed away in the powerful waves of passion. She writhed and cried out her rapture as she drew every drop of splendor from that new experience with him. “Surely I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

  Jason peeled off his garments in a hurry and joined her as he refuted, “Not yet, my ravishing mate, but I’ll give it another try.” He pulled her into his embrace where he kissed and fondled her to arouse her again.

  Cass captured sleek strands of his tawny hair and twirled them around her fingers. She responded to his slow, seductive kisses and caresses. Within minutes, there was not a spot on her that did not burn or quiver with pleasure. She was nestled in his strong embrace as his hands wandered over her, then as his deft lips fastened to a breast and tantalized its nipple to pointed eagerness, she gasped in passionate longing. She wanted, needed, and loved this man with her heart and soul. She was amazed he could enflame her to such a high degree so soon after satisfying her.