“I can do that.”
“Next time. One touch and I’ll go off. Not what I’m aiming to do.” He sheathed himself and pulled her down beside him. He rained kisses on her face. She opened his mouth and he plunged his tongue inside.
With a finger he explored her folds. She was ready and so was he. He shifted position and entered her welcoming depths. He forced himself to stop. This had to be as good for her as it would be for him.
“Move.” Her voice emerged in a breathy whisper. “Please.” Her legs circled his hips urging him to action.
“Soon,” he murmured.
“Matt.”
The rough cry of his name spurred him. He thrust and retreated. She moved and soon caught his rhythm. Faster and faster he moved. The sound of rasping breaths, their moans and groans emerged in a fevered chorus. The liquid slap of flesh on flesh sent him into a frenzy. His back arched. Her cry reverberated through him. Her inner muscles clenched. With a sigh he collapsed. Their sweat slicked bodies seemed fused.
Matt rolled to his side and peppered her face with kisses. He couldn’t remember a time when he’d been so satisfied and eager for another go.
Cassie cupped his shoulders. “That was…well…amazing.”
“So it was.”
Memories of the shattering climax flowed. He held a groan inside. Wrong. She was trouble. The possibility of wanting a lengthy affair stunned him. Couldn’t happen. Wouldn’t happen. What he felt was the magic of discovery and the wonder brought by having a responsive partner.
You’re next. He clenched his teeth. Absolutely not. His hold on Cassie tightened.
“Is something wrong?”
He relaxed his grip. “Just a stray thought about my bike and travel plans. Nothing to concern us tonight.” He stroked her back and decided to ride this new affair until the wonder vanished. Always did. No reason to think this time was different.
He stared at the fireplace. The flames had died to glowing embers. Though the cabin was warm lying here all night wouldn’t do. He stood and pulled her into his arms. “What say we move to a bedroom?” He scooped the remaining condoms from the rug.
* * *
After a brief stop in the bathroom with a side dash to the kitchen, Cassie entered the bedroom. She carried a tray with juice, beer, cheese and crackers. Matt sat against the headboard.
“Good thinking. Like the maid service.”
Cassie smiled. “I guess nude maids are your pleasure.”
“You’ve the first and I definitely like.” He took the beer and tasted the cheese and crackers she held to his mouth. “Not sure the crumbs will be welcome.” He shifted to make room for her. “I’m still having trouble that man left you.”
“Lucky for you. If he hadn’t you’d be out in the rain.”
For a time they noshed. Matt leaned across her to pick up the beer from the stand. He bumped her arm. A bit of juice spilled on her chest. She slid her legs to the edge of the mattress.
“Stay.”
“I’ll be back. I need to wash the juice off.”
“There’s a more interesting way.” He moved, pushed her down and licked the droplets. “You taste good. So do the crumbs.”
The laughter in his voice filled her with a burst of joy. There had been few light moments with Tim. Two or three times a week they had dinner out and he came home with her. He had never invited her to his. On those nights they had made love. Then he’d dressed and left. She’d been disappointed but her experience with Tim hadn’t allowed her to believe she deserved more.
She sucked in a breath. She could become used to what she’d discovered with Matt. Unfortunately he wasn’t a man for commitment to anything long term.
He winked. “Have you forgotten where you are?”
“Just contemplating a plan of action.” She moved to the foot of the bed. She lifted one of his feet and massaged the skin. She moved to the other foot. Then she ran her hands along his calves and to his thighs. She straddled his thighs and touched his sack. He hissed.
“Like that?” she asked.
“You know I do.”
She ran a finger along the underside of his erect member. A bead of liquid appeared on the tip. She brushed her finger to catch the drop. He growled. When she saw how he clutched the sheets she took him into her mouth.
“Cassie, that feels good.” He began to move.
She released him. “More later.”
“You’re killing me.”
“Patience.” She kissed her way along his abdomen and chest pausing to tease his nipples along with her teeth. She moved to his neck and sucked hard enough to mark him.
“Cassie!”
“Just blame it on the accident.”
“As if anyone would believe me.” He shook his head. “Haven’t had a hickey since high school.”
“Never had one.”
“Just wait.”
She reached for a condom, opened the package and sheathed him. She rose and slowly took him inside.
“Like this, too?”
“Believe me, I do.”
She began to move. He met her rhythm. Though until she moved, she’d been the one in power. Now there was a unity. What did that mean? More than she had yearned for all those years ago. They were attuned but only for tonight. Matt was her fantasy fulfilled. But fantasies were like bubbles in champagne.
The burn of another climax began. As she cried his name she heard him call hers.
Matt stroked her back. She settled beside him and drifted into a half sleep. Though the seduction had been sudden the mutual reignited those fantasies she’d had over the years. Though they wouldn’t last, this time with Matt had restored her confidence. Her eyes closed.
When she woke sunshine filled the room. For a moment confusion caused her to frown. The body beside her couldn’t be Tim’s. He never spent the night. Who?
Memories surfaced. Matt Blakefield. She’d spent the night with him. Her thoughts stuttered. She slipped away from the arm draped over her back. She had really spent the night with her fantasy lover in reality not dreams.
She grabbed her clothes and scooted to the bathroom. A wave of sadness caught her by surprise. The night had ended. Daylight brought the reality. She turned on the shower and stepped beneath the hot spray. Cool air brushed her body. She shrieked.
Deep laughter sounded in her ears. “Didn’t mean to scare you. Can we share?”
“For a moment a different shower scene popped into my head.” She turned to face him.
“I would never.”
He folded her in his arms. She drew a deep breath. Seemed the night continued for a time. His erection nudged her thigh. She shifted position. The length of him brushed her clit. They kissed. As the kiss deepened they moved with the tempo going from slow to fast. A climax shuddered through her.
The water turned cold. Cassie shivered. “Just what we need. An icy shower.”
Matt chuckled.
Cassie turned the water off and opened the door. The time to leave the shower and dreams. “We need to go to town.”
“I must see to my bike first. I know you mentioned what had happened but I need to see the damage.”
“I figured you would.”
“What about breakfast?”
“There’s a highly recommended diner in town. I also have some shopping to do.”
He arched a brow. “Why?”
“For some clothes. Brought the wrong suitcase from home. And if I stay longer I’ll need things like eggs and milk.”
He ran a finger along the edge of her red bra. “I like this.” His mouth brushed hers.
The kiss turned hot and demanding. When they stepped apart she shook her head. “You’ve quite a quick recovery time.”
“You have no idea how you inspire me but I can wait.”
“I am protected.”
“Call me cautious. My motto is ‘Take no chances.’ I have no desire for marriage but I would never allow my child to grow up without a father.”
�
�I hear you.” She pulled her sweater over her head.
Would her life have been different if her father had felt that way? She’d never known him and she never would. Her step-father hadn’t been exactly caring. He had seen she had a home, a comfortable life and a family. The age difference between her and her siblings had kept them from closeness. She finished dressing and walked to the main room.
She picked up the keys and purse. Matt appeared in the doorway. His slacks were wrinkled and a tee shirt spanned his broad chest. “To town,” she said.
“To my bike.”
Cassie stepped outside. The clouds of yesterday were gone. Though the air was cool the sky was as brilliant as Matt’s eyes. She followed him to the motorcycle. “What’s the verdict?”
“Won’t run but can be repaired.” He stroked the seat. “Is there a place in town where I can rent a truck?”
“I’m not sure but there’s a car dealership that has used vehicles. If you can’t rent one I can drive you to the city.”
“And leave my bike. Not a chance.”
Chapter Three
Matt followed Cassie’s sensible sedan from town to the cabin. Chains to fasten his bike rattled in the back of the truck he’d managed to rent from the auto dealership. He was supposed to pick up the owner’s son on his way out of town. The young man would drive the truck back. The cost had been outrageous but well worth the money. Thank heavens his credit card had a high level. He only hoped the rattletrap would hold together until he could reach his apartment.
Fortunately the Harley could be repaired. The bike suited his life-style, travel fast, travel free and travel alone. Most of the time, his rides were taken by himself. There was a spare helmet for a rider perched behind but only for short jaunts. No sidecar for him.
With a grin he considered how perfectly Christa’s body would settle behind him. He fantasized her breasts pressing his back and her arms around his waist. Images from the past night morphed into visions of hot sex. He throbbed and ached for another dip into her welcoming depths.
Whoa, old man. She is not for you.
Granted the sex had been a dazzling success. Anything that sizzling would burn out as fast. A sudden seduction had begun with mutual desire. Though he’d made the first move she’d responded eagerly. The experience had been heady but the time had arrived for him to move on.
He pulled into the driveway and parked beside the lone pine. Though loathe to admit the truth he had to admit the tree was his imagined deer. He opened the truck’s gate and set the ramp in place. With some swearing and a ton of sweating he and Cassie maneuvered the bike in place. He fastened the chain.
“Thanks.”
“Drive safely.” She ran to her car and took bags from the backseat.
Matt turned from the bike and watched her. Damn, she was prime. What would she look like in the green sweater or the slim jeans and the bright green tunic? He remembered the shiny red underwear and growled.
Don’t speed down that road. He was a bachelor born. Any more time with Cassie would lead to a declaration he would regret. What a crazy thought. He practiced ignoring enticements. Once she vanished in the rearview mirror he would be free.
He opened his single purchase and removed a packet. As he closed the box he considered taking more. Not if he planned to leave soon. He had an appointment tomorrow morning and a five hour drive to reach his place. Plus the young man driving the truck back didn’t want to drive back too late.
He strode to the cabin. Cassie came from the bedroom they’d shared. She held his saddlebags. “I was afraid you would forget this.”
“Among other things.” He crooked a finger. “Come here for a proper farewell.”
“Meet you halfway.” She took several steps and shoved the leather bag into his hand. “Have a safe trip.”
Not the ending he wanted. He tossed the bag aside and grasped her hands tugging her into his arms. His erection strained against his fly. “When are you leaving here?”
She shrugged. “When I’m ready to face the fool and deal with everyone who will be thinking of me as that poor girl who lost her man.”
Girl, no way. She was one hundred percent woman.
The tantalizing scent of her reached him. No perfume, just soap and a hint of desire. He released her hands and caught her around the waist. His mouth closed over her. She didn’t pull away but grasped his shoulders.
A New York minute later and leaving was forgotten. He backed her toward the bedroom. Once inside he unfastened her slacks and while she tugged his sweatshirt over his head. She rubbed his chest with her fingertips revving his desire into overdrive. He slid his hand over her belly. Damn, she was ready.
She opened his fly. “Ready.”
He removed a condom from his pocket. “Good thing I came prepared. Leave your bra and panties on so I can admire them.
He slipped off his boots and jeans. When he finished she stood beside the bed. He strode to her and turned her in a circle. “You are hot and I burn.” He opened the packet.
“I can do that.” She reached for the condom.
“Just watch.” He grasped himself and slowly sheathed himself.
“Tease,” she said.
“Just priming for a proper farewell.” A nagging voice whispered in his head. No goodbyes. He followed her to the bed and gathered her close finding the front opening of her bra. He bent his head. His tongue touched her neck. His lips enclosed the area and he marked her as she had done to him. All the while he ran one hand over her body. She stiffened and cried his name. The sound struck a part of him he wanted to ignore. He grasped her bikini bottom and tore it. “Sorry.”
“I have more.”
The urge to possess her chased away any thoughts. He kissed her mouth and plunged inside. She moved with him. Each thrust carried him higher. His roar of triumph twined with hers.
A thought to remain with her tickled. He couldn’t. He had a magazine to run, a morning appointment and a new project to launch.
He kissed her cheek. “A word of advice. Forget the fool.”
“Forgotten.”
Matt sat on the edge of the bed. “I really must go. The young man who is bringing the truck back is waiting.” He picked up his clothes. A thought occurred. He could stay for several more hours. Except, the young man would be upset by a late start.
As he pulled on his clothes he mentally slapped himself. He couldn’t stay. She was becoming an obsession. There was no room in his life for one. What was he thinking? The time to run had come.
Cassie followed him to the door. He inhaled the scent of love-making and felt regret. He shook his head and clasped her shoulders. “I’ll call.”
“I would like that.”
“Save next weekend for me.” He kissed her. Lord, he wanted her, wanted to stay wanted…
Cassie opened the door. “Safe trip.”
“Don’t hide up here too long. Face the fool and show him what he’s lost.”
“I will.” He strode across the porch, down the steps and to the truck. He opened the door of the battered vehicle. After a short stop in town he would head home. At least he wouldn’t have to drive the truck back. Until he grasped what had happened this weekend he wanted to keep the time with Cassie a secret. He looked toward the cabin. She waved. He pulled onto the road.
He wanted what was impossible. Love never lasted. Hell, he’d never fallen in love to know the trust or the falseness of that thought.
* * *
The rattle of the truck faded to nothing. Cassie remained in the doorway until shivers shook her body. What had happened here? Sex – body rocking sex. She wanted more. In all the years with Tim she’d never been so satisfied and so eager for another joining. Sex with Tim had been nice but no where near the explosively charged times she’d experienced with Matt.
Good thing he left. If he’d stayed much longer she would have wanted him in her life every night and every morning with the promise of another night to carry her through the next day.
> She closed the door. Idiot. Wishing for the impossible didn’t work. He’d been her teenage fantasy. Dreams of Matt had followed her into college. Then she’d met Tim. Fantasies had mostly vanished though at times had returned. Last night had soothed some of the pain caused by Tim’s betrayal. Anger remained but had somehow changed. She didn’t care that he’d chosen someone else. His dishonesty rasped like chalk on a slate at school.
Like a coward Tim had left a voice message. He’d also left one for the partners saying he would be at the office on Monday. The day they would have been made full partners. Fat chance now.
She had planned to avoid the office. That would label her a coward, too.
Cassie knew what she must do. With a groan she went to the bedroom, stripped the beds and gathered the towels. While they washed she cleaned the areas she’d used and packed the food that wouldn’t keep. While the linens were in the dryer she packed.
Then she made a call. “Dr. Evans.”
“Are you all right?”
“Yes. I’ll be in tomorrow. Thanks for the loan of the cabin. Having a quiet place to think helped.”
“Are you sure?” His gruff voice showed concern.
During the past year she had learned so much from him. “I am. I have a new view of Tim and his actions. Though I would rather not, I can work with him.”
“And Rhonda?”
“That’s another story. Since Tim and I hired her and pay her salary, not the partnership, I’ll deal with that problem.”
He laughed. “Do what you must. Glad you’ve decided to make the meeting. Our colleagues will be impressed.” He paused. “Heads up. Stay cool. Greg’s fed up with his cousin’s actions but he still leans toward Tim becoming a partner. Make Tim’s actions work in your favor.”
“Will do. See you tomorrow.”
If she could control the anger roiling in her gut she might win. That was the problem. She feared her position as an associate had been granted because of Tim’s relationship to Greg. Granted she worked harder than her former fiancé, he was family. She enjoyed the challenge of the practice.
Face it. You like impressing people with your industry. But one thing was clear. She no longer had to clean up after Tim.
Seducing the Doctor (At First Sight #4) Page 3
