A Catered Romance

by Cara Marsi

  When he rolled one of her pebbled nipples between his thumb and forefinger, she arched her body, urging him to take more. He dipped his head and took her nipple into his mouth, laving and sucking. Releasing a low groan, she grasped his shoulders, smoothing her hands over his firm skin, pulling him closer.

  He turned his attention to her other breast, stroking, massaging, sucking until she writhed under him. Skimming a hand down her body to her stomach, then lower, he followed with his lips, kissing a fiery trail to the soft skin of her thighs. Ravenous for him, she surrendered to the hungry exploration of his hands and mouth. He caressed her mound, kissing the soft curls, then lifted his head to look into her eyes.

  His hot gaze still on hers, he gently pushed one finger, then another, into her, moving in and out in a slow, deliberate seduction. She gripped handfuls of the silk coverlet, wild with need for him, for his possession.

  She felt herself sliding over the precipice. When he pulled his fingers out, she uttered a tiny cry and reached for him. She’d been so close. Her body cried out for completion.

  He straightened and slid off the bed, pulled open the drawer to the bedside table, drew out a foil wrapped package and slipped on protection. Then he eased back onto the bed and gathered her to him, kissing her mouth, her face, her neck.

  Positioning himself over her, he entered her slowly, carefully, drawing out, then in again, in an exquisite torture that left her breathless.

  With one hard thrust he pushed completely inside her, filling her. She shifted to accommodate his size and wrapped her legs around his hips, meeting his every thrust.

  Her climax came swift and hard in unrelenting waves, rippling through her, drowning her in passion.

  “Cat Eyes,” he cried out, then his body shook with the force of his own orgasm.

  She was where she belonged, in Tom’s arms. Their lovemaking went beyond the physical to the spiritual. She’d always known it would be like this with him, that he’d fill the empty places in her body and her heart. She loved him, had loved him for a long time. Tears sprang to her eyes. Would he break her heart again?

  <><><>

  Hours later, showered and dressed in terry robes, they sat in the kitchen and devoured what food was still edible. “This is the best meal I’ve ever had,” Tom said, taking a sip of wine. “You’re a genius.”

  She laughed, feeling happier than she had in years. “It’s not much of a meal. The duck’s ruined. We’re left with caviar, salmon, salad and dessert.”

  “And each other.” His eyes darkened and he leaned across the table and brushed a light kiss on her lips. “You’re all I need.”

  Happiness and anxiety knotted her stomach. Was she all he needed? Or would he tire of her once the first flush of passion wore off their affair?

  CHAPTER TEN

  “What is going on with you and Tom?”

  Mary Beth dropped the paper towel she was using to clean the counter in the catering shop kitchen and swung around to face Gail. “What do you mean?”

  Eyes narrowed and arms folded across her chest in a “take no prisoners” stance, Gail glared at her. “I’m worried about you and I want to know what the deal is between you two. You’ve been seeing each other since August and it’s now October. Tom never takes you out. It’s either his place or yours. Is he ashamed of you? Does he think he’s better than you because he’s rich?” Gail’s nostrils flared in indignation.

  Her partner’s words sent tension swirling through Mary Beth, forming a tight knot in her stomach. The ecstasy of being with Tom these weeks—the passionate lovemaking, the shared laughs—was tempered by the fear he would leave her again. Gail continued to stare, an expectant look on her face.

  “It’s something like that,” Mary Beth said.

  “That rat!” Anger sparked in Gail’s eyes. “To think I liked him. I even pushed you two together.”

  Mary Beth held up a hand. “Simmer down. You’ve got it wrong.” She blew her breath out. “Partially wrong anyway.”

  Gail combed her fingers through her unruly curls. “Pulling taffy is easier than pulling anything out of you.”

  “Don’t you have to go home?” Mary Beth glanced at the clock. “Isn’t your family waiting for dinner?”

  “I’m not budging till you explain.” Gail jutted out her jaw.

  “There’s nothing to explain.” Mary Beth could barely acknowledge her uncertainties to herself let alone share them with someone else.

  “Damn it, Mary Beth. You’re my best friend. My partner. I don’t want you hurt. There are times you look happy and contented. At other times you look as tightly corked as an unopened bottle of champagne that’s ready to pop. If Tom’s ashamed of you, dump him. You’re too good for him.”

  Mary Beth leveled her gaze at Gail. “Don’t be hard on Tom. I’m the one who doesn’t want anyone to know we’re together.”

  “What?” Gail’s gray eyes widened. “I’ve got to sit.” She pulled out a stool and plopped down. “Have you gone completely bonkers? It’s obvious you’re in love with him. Why hide it?”

  Mary Beth tugged on her braid. “Because he’s not in love with me.” Just saying the words caused a dull ache to gather in her chest.

  “How do you know he doesn’t love you?” Gail asked. “It’s hard for some men to say the words.”

  “I know. He calls me his fantasy. His Cat Eyes. He’s playing out our unfinished business from high school.”

  Mary Beth glanced across the room to the windows. Shades covered the darkness outside. Just as her heart had closed against intimacy for so many years. She’d opened a little to let Tom in again. And she’d pay the price.

  “Have you told Tom you love him?” Gail asked.

  Mary Beth turned to her friend. “I told him once. Long ago. And look what happened. To Tom I’m still the girl from the wrong part of town. The girl who’s different. Once I cease to excite him, he’ll go back where he belongs. They always go back where they belong.” She clasped her hands together, fighting the bitterness that seeped into her. “My father left us to go back to his own kind. And we never saw him again.”

  “Damn it, woman. Tom is not like your father.” Gail’s gaze locked with hers. “Have you ever talked to Tom about that incident at the formal?”

  Mary Beth shook her head.

  “Why not?” Gail asked.

  Mary Beth slid her gaze from her friend’s accusing stare. Old hurts simmered in her, threatening to bubble over. She pressed her back against the counter edge.

  Angling her chin, she faced Gail. “I learned many years ago that some things are best left alone. If you bring them out, they’ll just hurt you all over again.”

  Gail’s expression softened and she slid off the stool to approach Mary Beth. “Oh, honey, you’ve got it all wrong. And your mother had it all wrong by not letting you talk about your father. You need to talk to Tom.”

  “No, I can’t. I wish I could open to him, but I’m afraid of what I’ll dredge up.”

  The jingle of the front door bell intruded. Mary Beth let her breath out, relieved to put an end to their conversation. She didn’t want to talk about Tom. She still hadn’t sorted out her relationship with him in her own mind. Sure, they had great sex—sex that got hotter each time they were together. But she felt more for him than just the physical, and that’s what scared the hell out of her. She liked being with him, felt complete with him, as if she’d been searching for him her whole life. Their closeness whetted her appetite for more, so much more, from him. Would he give her all she craved? Could he?

  “Anyone here?” Tom’s voice boomed from the reception area.

  “We’re in the kitchen,” Gail called out.

  At the sound of Tom’s voice, Mary Beth’s heart seemed to take a flying leap out of her chest. She slid her gaze toward the kitchen doorway.

  Tom sauntered in. A smile curved his lips when he saw Mary Beth. They stared at each other, the atmosphere charged between them. He took her breath with his beauty. His d
ark blue suit enhanced the deep color of his eyes. With his white shirt unbuttoned at the top and his tie loosened, he looked incredibly alluring. She wanted to devour him.

  “If you two don’t mind, I have to leave,” Gail said. She grabbed her jacket and purse from the hook on the wall.

  Mary Beth thought she mumbled good-by to Gail, but Tom’s nearness clouded her mind.

  “Hi, Cat Eyes,” he said. He walked slowly toward her, his body moving with the easy grace she knew so well. She barely noticed the sound of the outside door shutting behind Gail.

  He stood so close only a whisper separated them. Her insides quivered like half-baked soufflé. Her bones seemed to dissolve.

  Tom took her chin between his fingers and lowered his head to brush his lips over hers.

  Standing on her toes, she wound her arms around his neck. His kiss sent delicious shivers dancing along her skin. She savored his taste of coffee and mint.

  He drew his mouth from hers and looked into her eyes. His breath warmed her cheeks.

  “I missed you,” he said.

  She laughed softly. “We saw each other this morning.” Remembering what they’d done this morning in her bed made heat radiate through her and she looked down.

  “Never be ashamed of what we do together,” he said softly.

  She raised her gaze to his. “I’m not. I love what we do. Maybe I love it a little too much.”

  His lips tilted in a tender smile. “Keep loving it, Cat Eyes. I could never get enough of you.” He took both her hands in his. “Whenever you’re not with me I miss you. You are the most intriguing woman I’ve ever known.” eat

  His words reinforced her fears that she’d lose him once she stopped being a challenge. She pushed the feeling away. Tom was here now, with her. The past and the future didn’t matter.

  “You are the most beautiful man I’ve ever known,” she said, pretending a lightness she didn’t feel. Tom always made her feel special, but he never said he loved her. She couldn’t let him know how much he meant to her.

  He gathered her to him and brushed a feather-soft kiss on her temple. His tenderness warmed her with a bittersweet yearning.

  “I sat in a budget meeting most of the afternoon,” he said. “But I couldn’t concentrate. All I could think about was you. Seeing you. Being with you.” His husky voice held her as securely as his strong arms. “It’s a good thing my family owns the company or I’d be out of a job. You’ve cast a spell on me.”

  She laid her head against his hard chest and breathed in his unique masculine scent mixed with the faint hint of wool and starched cotton. Longing, mingled with sadness, coursed through her. She loved him so much. If only he loved her too.

  His hands bracketed her waist and he drew back to stare down at her. “Let’s go out to dinner for a change. Gretchen’s in Greenville makes the best pizza and their patio is still open.”

  Tension stiffened her spine. Thursday was the big night for the trendy eatery. Half the city would be there. The more people who knew about her and Tom, the more witnesses to her heartbreak when their relationship ended.

  She freed herself and slid her gaze from his. “I have to put some things away and I’ll be ready.”

  Trying to collect her thoughts, she grabbed the bag of carrots from the counter and walked to the refrigerator.

  “Why don’t we go back to your place,” she said, opening the refrigerator and dropping the vegetables on a shelf.

  She closed the door and leaned against it, tossing a glance toward Tom. “We can order pizza from Ernesto’s. It’s almost as good as Gretchen’s and we don’t have to go out.”

  “Damn it, Mary Beth.” Frustration filled Tom’s voice. Loosening his tie, he moved closer. “What’s the problem?” He stood inches from her. A muscle worked in his jaw.

  She wanted to shrink from his anger. She straightened and met his gaze.

  “Every time I mention going out,” he said, “you find an excuse to stay in.” He ran his hand over his hair and moved away to pace the kitchen like an angry panther.

  She narrowed her eyes and watched him. Why was he so upset? They spent lots of time together. Why should he care if they went out?

  He stopped his pacing and pivoted to face her across the room. His features were harsh and his mouth set in a grim line. “Am I such a horrible person that you’re afraid to be seen with me? Are you hiding from someone? Is there another man?”

  The fear that flickered in his eyes made her heart twist with hope. A false hope that would only hurt her in the end. She blinked back tears.

  “That’s not it, Tom. None of those things.”

  “Then what’s wrong?”

  She flinched but stood her ground. They stared at each other. Tension arced between them.

  She looked down at the floor. She couldn’t tell him the truth and admit her fears. And her love. The habits of a lifetime that had protected her heart all these years, first from her father’s desertion, then Tom’s betrayal, wouldn’t break.

  He let out a sigh. “Okay. I’ll give in to you. Again. But I want you to go to the Harvest Ball with me. And I won’t take no for an answer.”

  She swung her gaze back to him and shook her head. “I can’t.” She fingered the gold chain at her neck. “You know I have to work the ball. It’s our biggest job so far and I can’t leave Gail to do it alone.”

  His jaw set in a stubborn line. She braced herself for the storm to come.

  “And you know Gail can hire all the help she needs. She’ll be fine without you.” His quiet, deliberate tone told her the effort it cost him to control his anger. She pressed against the cold stainless of the refrigerator.

  With tension in every line of his lean body, Tom moved slowly closer. She thrust her chin out, ready to do battle. The Harvest Ball benefited several prestigious private schools, including St. Anselm’s. Many of their old classmates would be there. No way would she put herself on display by attending with Tom.

  “Talk to me, Mary Beth.” His blue gaze searched hers. “Tell me what’s going on behind those green cat eyes.”

  “I can’t.”

  “Can’t? Or won’t?” he said in a tight voice.

  He wrapped his hand around her braid, tipping back her head. “You always seem happy to see me. You’re more than willing to share my bed. But you won’t go out in public with me. What kind of game are you playing?”

  He meant so much to her, but she knew when this was over she’d be shattered. And she couldn’t bear his pity when the inevitable happened.

  She pulled free and placed her hand on his chest, lifting her gaze to his. His heart beat fast and strong through the soft wool of his jacket.

  “I’m not playing games. I swear. It’s not what you think.” Her need for him was real, filling her waking hours and peppering her dreams. She loved his smile, his easy laugh, and the sparkle in his deep blue eyes. She sensed a depth to him, a caring nature that he tried to hide under the fun and the laughter.

  He wasn’t hers to keep. He’d never been hers. If she couldn’t have him forever, she would take whatever he offered now.

  “What is it?” he asked. “You don’t trust me enough to open up to me.” Hurt colored his voice.

  “I can’t talk about it.”

  He braced his hands on the refrigerator over her shoulders. Frustration flashed over his chiseled features.

  “Tell me what’s wrong, Mary Beth. I’m proud to be seen with you. I want the whole world to know about us.” His gaze softened and he skimmed a finger over her bottom lip. “I want the world to know you belong to me.”

  “Let’s just enjoy being together. Please don’t ask me things I can’t talk about.”

  She took his face between her hands and reached up to kiss him with the longing she couldn’t confess. He returned her kiss with an urgency that made her pulse race.

  Releasing her, he folded her into his embrace. “You’re mine, Cat Eyes,” he whispered.

  But for how long? She curled
her arms around his neck, clinging to him. She never wanted to let him go.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  “I have to hang up now, Mary Beth.” Her mother’s happy voice hummed over the telephone wires. “I have a golf lesson, then I’m meeting Victor for dinner. Such a nice man.”

  “Wait, Mom. Don’t—” Dial tone replaced her mother’s babbling. Mary Beth slowly hung up the phone and sank into the thick cushions of her sofa.

  “Wow,” she said to the empty room. “I didn’t see that one coming.”

  She’d had enough stress in the last two days just dealing with Tom. Despite her protests, he wouldn’t let up his pressure on her to attend the Harvest Ball with him.

  Now this. Her mother’s decision to stay in Arizona permanently with Aunt Linda was shock enough. But Dorothy Kendrick learning to play golf? Working for a florist in Phoenix? Dating a man? Mary Beth’s head spun.

  She stared around her quiet living room as tears filled her eyes. Her mother didn’t need her anymore. She, Mary Beth Kendrick, was completely on her own for the first time in her life.

  “Get over it,” she said, running her fingers through her hair, still damp from the shower. The familiar gesture couldn’t ease the loneliness that had taken root.

  Her mom had been a challenge for so many years. She should be relieved to see her happily settled somewhere else. So why did she feel as if a huge chunk of her life had been torn off and thrown away like a bad piece of meat?

  Sadness formed a lump in her throat. She grabbed a small pillow from the couch and hugged it. Tom didn’t need her either. At least not permanently.

  Her world had changed the day Tom returned. Her ailing business was healthy again. Soon she and Gail could afford to buy their company back from Sackett Industries.

  Despite Tom’s hurtful actions all those years ago, he’d been good to her these last months. Had he been trying to make amends? Would he bail out once he felt he’d paid his debt to her? She wanted his love, not his pity.

  Rubbing her aching temples, she leaned her head back and closed her eyes. Images from her past played out in her mind like an old movie. The laughter and happiness when her family was intact. The terrible hurt and loneliness when her dad walked out on them. Her mother’s steadfast refusal to allow Mary Beth to talk about her father.