She stood in the hallway staring at the package for what seemed like hours. Numb. Hoping she would soon wake up from this nightmare. Maybe if I look at the items the officer gave me, it will prove he’s not dead.
With a tiny glimmer of hope, she bent over and picked up the envelope. Standing up, a tremor crept into her hands as she ripped the seal off. Inside she found a set of keys, a wallet and a plain gold wedding band. Stop it, Cat, lots of men have plain wedding rings.
Reaching in, she pulled out the simple ring. She took a deep breath and looked to see if it had been engraved. Her hands shook worse than before, making it difficult to focus on the inside of the band. Noticing some writing, she held it closer to her eyes to make sure she read it correctly.
My love, my life, forever…Catrina
Phil had died, and now she had her proof. The envelope fell from her hand, spilling the contents on the floor. Catrina followed suit, collapsing in a heap. The overwhelming loss hit her as the denial was swept away and the truth came flooding into her soul knowing she would never see him, touch him, or love him ever again. Her heart shattered as the realization of his death opened up torrents of tears she didn’t try to hold back. Lying on the floor, she held his ring tight in her hand, and wept until she fell asleep.
Chapter Two
Almost five years later, and one week before Valentine’s Day…
Catrina woke up to an incessant beeping blaring in her bedroom. Reaching for her alarm clock, she hit the snooze button, but the noise didn’t seem to stop. She sat up and looked around her darkened room. The sun hadn’t risen yet, and when she focused her blurry vision on her clock, it read ten after six.
“What the hell is going on?” Throwing off the covers, she stepped out of her bed. A cold burst of air hit her nude body as she slid on her slippers and thin white terrycloth robe. Even in the dead of winter, she always slept naked, enjoying the freedom her body had to toss and turn unencumbered.
Her little white kitten, Dapple, lay at the foot of her bed watching her get dressed, his eyes appearing tired and weary. “Come on, baby. Let’s see what’s making all that noise.”
The kitten stretched out, jumped off the bed and ran to her side. He lifted his paws to her leg, a sign he wanted to be carried. She scooped him up in to her arms and placed kissed on his forehead as she strolled out of her bedroom and into the hallway.
Annoyed, she walked to the front of her house, turning on the lights as she went. Looking out her bay window, she found the source of the noise. A moving truck seemed to be struggling to back up onto the neighbor’s driveway. The truck beeped every time the driver put it in reverse and tried again to fight against the icy road and driveway. Who the hell moves in the middle of winter?
Sitting in the cushioned window seat, still cuddling her purring kitten to her bosom, she watched the movers finally make it up the slippery slope of the driveway. Irritation soon turned to laughter as the men turned out to be quite humorous to watch. After the entertainment died down and the beeping stopped, she waited while her precious elixir of caffeine brewed in the pot, then made herself a cup of coffee and toast, and fed Dapple.
After twenty minutes, she walked back to the window seat with her coffee and sat down. She hadn’t met or seen her new neighbors, so her curiosity forced her to find out who they were. Her late husband had instilled in her the wisdom of getting to know her surroundings and the people in them because you never know when you might be in need of some help. Phil had always been so safety conscience when it came to her.
“Well, Dapple, why don’t we go and visit the family next door later on tonight. Actually, I will. You get to stay in the warmth of the house.”
Looking up at her with his sleepy, golden eyes and pink nose, he purred away as she picked him up and placed him on her lap.
* * * *
Catrina pulled her long, dark hair up into a casual, messy bun and applied a touch of makeup to enhance her light brown eyes and high cheekbones. Dressed in a casual pair of bootcut jeans and a red sweater, she checked out her look in her full-length mirror in her bedroom. Why do I care so much about how I look tonight? I guess I want to make a great first impression.
With a rush of excitement, she ran down to the kitchen and put together a welcome basket filled with a bottle of red wine, fancy cheeses and crackers, biscuits and a small box of imported chocolate. “Yummy, I could polish off this basket myself.”
She set her present by the front door, put on her jacket and a pair of dress boots, then headed out to meet the new family. Walking onto their porch, she noticed the door sat ajar. She knocked, but no one answer. I think I better let them know their door is open. This is a nice neighborhood, but thieves have been known to break in this area too.
Pushing open the door all the way, she called out to anyone within earshot, “Hello? Is anyone home?”
No answer. Nervously, she stepped inside and shut the door behind her. I guess I’ll look around and see if I can find someone. Removing her snow-covered boots, she wandered into the living room with her basket of goodies, dodging the boxes strewn about the room. “Hello?”
As she continued through the house, she heard some noise coming from her right. A door stood open, so she peeked inside. The large room had been unpacked already and filled with exercise equipment. Taking a step closer, her breath caught in her throat. A handsome man stood in the center of the room, his left side facing her. He’s so sexy. A set of earphones linked to an iPod strapped to his muscular arm prevented him from hearing her. He didn’t have a shirt on and from the sheen of perspiration covering his body, he’d been working out for a while.
From the angle she stood, it appeared he pumped a free weight in his hand. Stepping closer, and knowing she should leave, her legs seemed to betray her and inched closer to him. He had black hair, stood about six feet two inches tall, and his body looked in top physical shape. Mesmerized by his rippling muscles, she stared at him with lust. She hadn’t felt a carnal appetite since Phil passed away. Her body woke up to feelings long forgotten, her core tingled with need.
Edging closer to his side, she soon realized he didn’t have a weight in his hand. Instead, he held his impressive cock, stroking it. Shocked, she needed to turn and run away, but her gaze wouldn’t leave his full hand.
Suddenly, he stopped. Tilting her head up, she realized with horror, she’d been caught watching him. Without panic, he tugged up the front of his track pants, and then pulled out his earphones. God, she wished an earthquake would hit the house and swallow her up, anything to break up this humiliating situation.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you come in,” he said, not as sheepishly as she thought he should be.
Embarrassed, she remained speechless at first but then found her voice. “I’m sorry to interrupt. I, ah, well, this is for you.”
Handing the basket she’d made to him, she lost her last vestige of armor protecting her from his gaze. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear he thinks this is amusing.
“Thank you so much. You’re very thoughtful. I’m Alex, by the way.”
“Nice to meet you, I’m Catrina. I live next door, and I wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood. Your door had been left open, so I came in to drop off this gift and meet the family,” she rambled, not knowing what else to do. She looked into his hazel eyes, and felt her legs grow weak. He was too attractive for his own good.
“I don’t have a family. I live all alone. I hope my being single explains what you’ve just witnessed.”
Oh no, he didn’t just talk about it! Mortified, she could feel her cheeks growing hotter by the minute and knew her face must be as red as her sweater. “Well, I’ll see you around.”
“I hope so, Cat.”
With an awkward wave, she bolted out of the room before he could say anything else. She slid on her boots and ran out of his house to the safety of her own home. Once inside, she leaned her back against the door, her heart racing, and her thoughts filled with the vision
of this man. “I hope I never see him again.”
Later that night, Catrina lay in her bed looking up at the dark ceiling, her kitten curled up on her legs. Last time she checked the clock, it read one thirty-two in the morning, but she still couldn’t sleep. She’d been disturbed by what she witnessed Alex doing, but even more uncomfortable with her reaction to him. He stood there so calm after I caught him touching himself. He didn’t seem embarrassed in the least. Well, why should he? I’m the one who barged into his home and watched him, when I should have walked away. Oh, why didn’t I walk away? Frustrated, she hit the palm of her hand against her forehead, scaring Dapple. Poor baby jumped straight up in the air, and took off running. Catrina knew he would wander the house for a little while chasing shadows and anything else he perceived as movement.
It didn’t take long for thoughts of Alex to drift back into her mind. His strong back with a light sheen of perspiration flitted through her mind. Sensual thoughts ran through her head as she pictured herself walking up behind him and running her tongue up the middle of his back and nibbling on his ear. She couldn’t deny he had awoken a sexual desire, which had lain dormant for so long. Her lips ached for his kiss and her pussy throbbed for his touch. Tossing the blankets aside, she looked down at her nude body. For the first time in almost five years, Catrina was in desperate need of release.
Fully aroused, she fondled her D-cup breasts with a gentle touch at first, stroking her sensitive skin and making her nipples tighten and double in length. She licked her fingers and brought them back down to her breasts, circling the tips of her nipples. The sensations were unexpected, but needed. Her juices flowed as a steady ache built between her legs. Moving her right hand lower, she ran her fingers up and down her wet slit, enjoying the feel of her own touch. I wonder what Alex’s touch would feel like.
She dipped her finger inside the slick folds, skimming the hood of her swollen clit. The need for touch overwhelmed her. Applying a slow steady pressure on her nub, she rubbed her pussy back and forth, savoring every gentle caress.
She moved her other hand down to her snatch, plundering inside her core with two fingers. Her fantasy running wild, she imagined Alex working her pussy, thrusting in and out of her, and then lowering his mouth to capture her clit and inner lips. The image seemed to swamp her senses, pushing her closer to the edge. The exciting repertoire of sexual positions she pictured them performing had been all she could handle. Her muscles tensed, her back arched off the bed, her heart beat quicken, and she let her building orgasm wash over her as she screamed with unadulterated pleasure.
Her body collapsed against the bed, her breathing heavy. Oh God, I needed that. I didn’t realize how much until tonight. Smiling to herself, a haze of sleepiness crested over her mind. She allowed herself to enjoy this brief pleasure Alex unknowingly gave her, for tomorrow, she would be wracked with guilt.
* * * *
The next morning, Alex woke up in bed in his new home. Looking around at his new bedroom, everything felt right. Even in the disheveled state the room lay in with boxes, clothes and furniture all over the place, this seemed like home. Ever since his wife walked out on him, he had been running on autopilot. Going to work, staying late and coming home were his daily routine and he knew the time had come for a change. Selling his business and his house, he moved to a different area of the city, taking time to figure out what he wanted to do in life.
When Catrina walked in on him in the exercise room, she’d noticed he’d been embarrassed, but when he looked into the beauty’s eyes, he’d forgotten their whole predicament. Without regret, he’d kept women at bay since his wife left, not wanting to get involved with anyone. However, he knew the life he’d been living hadn’t been healthy. The realization hit him one day, and he knew he needed to change.
Lying in bed, his thoughts drifted to Catrina. She oozed sensuality but didn’t seem to realize it. A faint smile lit up her face even though he could tell she fought with the horror of catching him in the middle of his lewd act. Her full lips alone were enough to tantalize him into sin. I need to know more about her. I think I’ll pay her a visit tonight, thanking her for the gift basket. It’s the polite thing to do.
Chapter Three
Curled up in a corner of her couch, Catrina surfed the web on her laptop, working on some research for her latest novel. She’d been a published author for years, but after Phil’s death, she stopped writing, her creativity seemed to have dried up. However, two years ago, the urge to write had come back, the muse alive and well. She began penning a new novel and released it a year ago. Her fans eagerly bought up her new work, energizing her spirit to keep going.
With a heavy heart, she missed Phil, and always would. They were high school sweethearts and married not long after finishing college. She had never been with another man nor did she want to be until last night. The desire stirred up layers of guilt in her soul. In order to deal with the feelings of remorse, Catrina had decided over her morning coffee, she would keep her distance from Alex. This plan seemed the only logical solution to assuage the shame.
Dapple had been curled up beside her and suddenly perked his head up, his eyes alert, his ears turned toward the door. Dashing off the sofa, he ran to the front entrance as a loud knock echoed through her home.
Not expecting anyone, Catrina placed her laptop beside her and headed to the door. Spying through the peephole, she saw Alex standing on the other side. Oh my God, what do I do? Dapple broke her concentration by pawing at her leg. She picked him up and held him in her arms. Oh, I’m being silly. Go see what he wants, then send him on his way.
With false confidence, she opened the entryway and was greeted by the most handsome smile she had ever seen. He had deep dimples in both cheeks, adding to his boyish looks even though she noticed a slight touch of gray subtly mixed with the black hair along his temples.
“Hi, Cat.”
“Hi, Alex. Can I help you?” Looking quite sexy, he stood before her in his black, pullover sweater, and jeans.
“I finished quite a bit of my unpacking and needed a break. I wanted to invite you over for coffee. I would love the company.”
Catrina didn’t know what to say. However, her body betrayed her, urging her to go back into his home, but her guarded heart seemed to be in control. “Well, I happen to be in the middle of work right now.”
“Hey, who’s this little buddle? She’s so cute.” Reaching out his hand to the kitten, he stroked his little tummy.
“His name’s Dapple. He’s only fifteen weeks old and already he’s full of personality. A real charmer, some might say,” Catrina said as Dapple wrapped his tiny paws around Alex’s large hand and started licking his fingers.
“I have to admit, he’s adorable. Can I hold him?”
“Sure, be my guest.” Before she could pass him over, Alex slid his hands around the kitty, stroking her nipple with his fingertips.
An electrical shock jolted through her body filling her full of desire. Holding the little kitten close, he nuzzled Dapple’s forehead. The kitten seemed to thrive on the attention as he rubbed his furry face all over Alex. Catrina found herself staring at two of the most unlikely friends. Alex didn’t seem to mind showing affection to animals and his kindness impressed her.
Turning back to her, he held Dapple against his wide chest and said, “The offer for coffee still stands. It’s already brewed and waiting for you.”
“All right, you twisted my arm. Let me feed the little beast, and then I’ll be right over.”
“I’ll be waiting for you,” he said beaming at her, his full lips smiling seductively.
Twenty minutes later, Alex welcomed Catrina into his home and ushered her into the living room. Looking around, she couldn’t believe the difference a day of unpacking made. His black leather, sectional sofa, a gorgeous area rug and a coffee table took up the space instead of the boxes she had to step between yesterday. A fire roared in the corner casting a flickering glow into the room. The lights weren’
t off, but Alex had dimmed them.
“You’ve done a great deal of work in here today. It makes you want to snuggle together on the couch,” Catrina said to her horror. “I mean, snuggle up with a good book and a blanket.” She tried to cover up her blunder.
“I think I know what you meant,” he said as he winked at her. “What do you take in your coffee?”
“I like it black.”
“Well, I guess we like it the same way. We now have something in common.” Alex disappeared into the kitchen and came back a minute later with two full coffee mugs, handing one to Catrina.
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure, Cat. Please, have a seat on the couch, and I’ll try to refrain from snuggling you. However, I make no promises.”
A shiver ran through her body as she wondered what it would feel like to be held tight in his strong arms. The idea hadn’t been an unpleasant one in the least. She sat down on the sofa, a little vexed, and watched as he sat closely beside her, his thigh touching hers. The heat from his leg seared through the fabric of her jeans, and she felt the rush of excitement filling her core.
Edging away from him a few scant inches, she hoped he would get the hint, but instead, he leaned toward her and gave her a devilish smile.
“I had reasons other than coffee for asking you here tonight.”
Nervously, she sipped from her mug and asked, “What other reason?”
“Well, I wanted to say I’m sorry for what you witnessed yesterday.”
Five Hearts Anthology Page 12
