Without realizing it Phaedra gave in to the sensations sweeping through her body. She was loving the feeling of sitting so close to him. She dropped her chin down toward her chest and leaned forward to allow him better access to the muscles that had tightened through her neck and across her shoulder blades. Heat radiated from his palms, pleasure burning deep into her core.
Mason loved how his touch was affecting her. Phaedra’s legs relaxed, then flexed, her body beginning to quiver. Her hands tightened as she clutched them in tight fists. Her eyes were closed and her breathing started to come in short gasps as she subconsciously licked her lips. When she moaned, the sound like a soft purr, he chuckled softly, causing Phaedra to jump out of the reverie. Taken aback, she leaped from her seat, skirting far from Mason’s touch.
“What’s wrong?” Mason asked, his grin disarming her sensibilities.
“You…you…you shouldn’t have been doing that!” Phaedra stammered, her breathing heavy.
“Doing what?”
“That… What you were doing!”
He laughed, his head waving. “I was only giving you a massage.”
“That wasn’t just a massage.”
“But you liked what I was doing and you liked how I was doing it,” he said matter-of-factly.
Heat flushed her face and her complexion tinted a deep red at the truth of his statement. She had enjoyed it and if she were honest she had wanted him to do much more. “That’s beside the point,” Phaedra said, crossing her arms over her chest.
Mason laughed loudly. “Fine,” he said, “instead of giving you a massage myself I’ll call for someone on the island to come ease the tension out of your muscles. Will that be better?”
Phaedra rolled her eyes. “You think you’re cute.”
Mason smiled brightly. “Yes, I do!”
* * *
Two days later Phaedra couldn’t imagine their time together getting any better. The captain had guided the boat into a channel cradled between the islands. They were wined and dined on deck, the tantalizing meals unending. Mason’s personal chef overwhelmed them with fresh fish chowders, amazing salads, vine-ripened fruits and sumptuous Thai cuisine. When they weren’t dozing deckside, falling asleep to the sound of small waves slapping against the hull, they were snorkeling above exquisite coral gardens. They awoke to the beauty of the rising sun in the mornings, and in the evenings, the sunsets seemed spiritual, each one more soothing and poignant than the last.
Through it all Mason remained the perfect gentleman. He had called in a professional masseuse for them both, the woman arriving by dinghy to join the crew. More times than not she caught him staring, the looks he gave her like daggers of piercing heat. There was no mistaking the waves of desire that danced between the two of them. But Phaedra wasn’t ready to move their newfound friendship in a more intimate direction. And despite having the best spa services at their disposal, Phaedra couldn’t stop herself from thinking of Mason and the way he had touched her, wishing him to do it all over again.
* * *
Phaedra couldn’t begin to imagine why she was so restless. She and Mason had spent most of the night deckside in deep conversation, sharing everything they could possibly think to share with each other. She’d heard stories about his family and had talked about her relationship with her mother. They’d confided details of her first kiss, his first sexual encounter, their most embarrassing moments, biggest fears and greatest hopes. They had discovered things about each other that no one else knew, and no topic had been off-limits.
When they’d parted ways, she going to her cabin and he to his, both had wished for a few more minutes, neither wanting to let the other go. Then Phaedra had tossed and turned in her bed, unable to explain the wealth of emotion she was feeling. She blew a deep sigh as she sat upright in the bed, tossing her legs over the side.
The heat from the morning sun had awakened her, making her cabin too warm to sleep in. Rising, she slipped into a one-piece bathing suit and wrapped a brightly colored sarong around her hips, then maneuvered herself topside to look around. Mason was already sitting comfortably beneath the bright blue sky, a glass of fresh-squeezed juice in his hand.
“Good morning,” the man said.
“Good morning.”
“Did you sleep well?”
Phaedra nodded. “I slept okay, not great,” she said as she reached for the glass of juice he was passing to her.
He nodded his understanding, knowing full well what she was describing. He hadn’t slept well, either, the night spent thinking of her and nothing else.
She took the seat beside him. “So, what’s on the agenda today?” she asked casually, both hands wrapped around the crystal glass. “Will I get to see that island of yours sometime soon?”
Mason nodded as he met her stare. He pointed a finger to the landscape behind her back. Turning to stare past the boat’s stern, Phaedra eyed the white-sand beach that ran along the side of the boat, kissing the dazzling turquoise channel beneath them. A dense jungle fronted the entire length of the beach, a formidable barrier to the naked eye. The place seemed divinely empty, unspoiled and promising a peaceful quiet to anyone willing to brave the terrain.
Jutting out of the water on stilts were four thatched-roof, overwater bungalows, each featuring a glass-
bottomed floor that allowed stunning views of the marine life below. With private decks, each with steps down into the lagoon for easy access to the water, the simplicity of the accommodations was breathtaking.
A lone figure dotted the beachside, a fisherman who waved excitedly in their direction. In the waters that surrounded the land, clouds of tropical fish shimmered and danced in erratic synchronized displays. Puffer fish, angelfish and sea urchins hid in coral passages. A manta ray glided lazily along the bottom as he headed out to sea. Phaedra stole a quick glance toward Mason, a look of sheer enchantment crossing her face.
“Welcome to my home,” Mason said as he moved against her back, wrapping his arms around her torso and nuzzling his face into her hair.
Taking a deep breath of warm ocean air, Phaedra relaxed against him, allowing herself to savor the sweet sensation of being in his arms.
Chapter 10
They were having dinner in Phuket, an outrigger canoe scheduled to pick them up and carry them to their destination. After their arrival on the island, Mason had given Phaedra a quick tour of her hut before disappearing to his own. Knowing that the beautiful woman had only bought casual clothes for her trip, he arranged for a selection of formal clothing to be delivered to her room.
Phaedra had sent him a text message when the rack of garments had arrived, her appreciation evident in the words on his smartphone screen. Mason smiled, moving to the window to stare toward her hut. Phaedra stood in the open entrance of her own space and waved in gratitude. The two paused, staring intently at each other. Then Phaedra moved back inside, disappearing to get dressed.
Dropping down onto the king-size bed in his room, Mason closed his eyes and took a deep breath. There was something brewing between him and Phaedra, like nothing he had ever experienced before. It was exciting and special and it had seeped deep beneath his skin to spread like wildfire into his system. It was something he’d been searching for since forever, never imagining that it would feel quite as magnanimous as this.
An hour or so later Mason waited on the dock as Phaedra made her way toward him. She’d chosen a simple Monique Lhuillier black lace cocktail dress with mile-high Christian Louboutin stilettos. Her lush curls had been straightened, hanging down to her shoulders. The entire ensemble flattered the petite lines of her frame, the strapless styling absolutely stunning on her. Mason couldn’t find words.
“Is this okay?” Phaedra asked, doing a pivot turn in front of him.
Mason smiled, nodding sheepishly. “Wow,” he said, his gaze skirting
the lines of her body, racing from the tip of her head to the bottoms of her feet. “Wow!”
Phaedra smiled back. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
“Yes,” Mason said. “You look amazing!”
Phaedra glanced toward the skipper of the canoe, who was waiting patiently for them to board.
Mason followed her gaze. “Your chariot awaits, madame!”
She nodded as she eased around him, stepping gently to keep from falling into the water. As she stepped into his space, Mason inhaled the scent of her perfume, a light floral fragrance wafting beneath his nose. Before he realized what he was doing, he clutched her arm, pulling her to him. He hesitated for only a moment, Phaedra meeting his intense stare with a look of her own. Her breath caught deep in her chest, her heart racing unexpectedly.
Without a second thought Mason leaned in to kiss her, allowing his lips to lightly graze hers. His breath was hot with wanting, his full lips quivering in anticipation. He pulled away and stared into her eyes a second time and then he dropped his mouth to hers, meeting Phaedra’s lips in a deep, soul-searing kiss.
Time seemed to come to a standstill. Phaedra felt as if the world had rotated her into the stratosphere, everything spinning around her. Mason held her tightly, his hands burning hot against the bare skin of her arms and shoulders. His body melded tight to hers and both were in awe of the sensations, feeling as if they were melting—one into the other. When he finally pulled back he knew beyond any doubt that he had absolutely fallen in love with Phaedra and Phaedra was falling in love with him.
* * *
They had dinner reservations at Da Maurizio Bar Ristorante, located on Patong Beach. Da Maurizio was considered the finest contemporary Italian restaurant in the south of Thailand and had won numerous awards. With the granite boulder-strewn beach below the alfresco dining room, it counted Mother Nature as part of the decor. The white linen tablecloths, colorful bar and brick floors served to complement the classic Italian styling. It was clearly one of the most beautiful dining venues in Phuket, stylish, impressive, memorable and unpretentious.
A light Italian ballad played in the background as Mason and Phaedra stepped inside, her hand entwined with his, both still floating from the kiss they’d shared. The hostess greeted him by name, quickly escorting them to one of their best tables, and the impeccably clad waitstaff hovered at the ready to do his bidding. For a brief moment Phaedra regretted not bringing her camera to capture the eclectic mix of diners who had come from all over the globe to enjoy the constant background flow of the Andaman Sea, which helped the restaurant’s atmosphere remain true to Thailand’s laid-back reputation.
Mason ordered dinner for them, starting with a gourmet appetizer treat of foie gras and candied walnuts atop cubed green apples on a crisp homemade raisin bread and port wine reduction and fresh al dente fettuccine with marinated and lightly seared yellowfin tuna, capers, Gaeta olives and anchovies. They had just begun their meal when Phaedra saw the woman enter the room.
Phaedra saw her before Mason did, the stunning beauty catching the attention of everyone in the room. She was tall and slender, her figure more androgynous than feminine, as she sported a leopard-print jumpsuit with matching high-heeled shoes. Her jet-black hair was closely cropped around the back, and she had long sweeping bangs streaked with vibrant gold highlights that complemented her distinctive Asian features. With the exception of her bright red lips, her makeup was subtle, impeccably applied.
Phaedra took notice of her just as the woman took notice of Mason. There was no missing the woman’s excitement that shimmered out of her eyes. The man who’d stepped in behind her noticed it as well, quietly admonishing her to calm down. Phaedra pressed a napkin to her mouth as the woman rushed toward their table, her companion following closely on her heels.
“Mason Boudreaux,” the older man said, calling for Mason’s attention.
Mason looked up in surprise. “Daniel, hello,” he said, rising from his seat to shake the man’s hand. “What a wonderful surprise.”
“We did not know you were back in Thailand,” the man said.
“You should have called, Mason,” his female companion said, moving to wrap Mason in a deep hug. She kept her arms wrapped around his waist as if she were afraid to let go.
Mason smiled politely. “It’s good to see you, Mali,” he said.
Extricating himself from the woman’s grasp, he moved to Phaedra’s side, taking her hand in his. “Allow me to introduce you to my dear friend. Phaedra, this is Daniel Kasam and his daughter, Mali Kasam. Daniel is one of the most respected politicians here in Thailand. Daniel, Mali, this is my friend, and my traveling companion, Phaedra Parrish.”
The man named Daniel gave Phaedra a wide smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Parrish. Mason and I have been good friends for many, many years.”
“Please, call me Phaedra. It’s nice to meet you both, as well,” Phaedra responded as Daniel took her hand and pressed a kiss to the back of her fingers.
His daughter eyed her from head to toe, her expression blank. When Mason dropped his hand to Phaedra’s shoulder, gently caressing her warm flesh, the woman’s face twisted in a harsh snarl. Mali glared and Phaedra held the harsh stare, hardly intimidated.
“How long will you be in town?” Daniel asked, appearing to not see his daughter’s behavior.
“Just a few more days,” Mason answered. “Phaedra has business back in the United States, so we’ll be heading back home by the end of the week.”
“Well, we must have dinner together before you leave. Are you two free tomorrow night?” the other man asked, looking from Mason to Phaedra and back.
Phaedra glanced up to see Mason eyeing Mali with reservation. He sensed her staring at him and tossed her a quick look. Taking a deep breath, he smiled sweetly, giving her a quick wink.
“We’d love to,” he said as he gently squeezed Phaedra’s shoulder.
“Wonderful!” Daniel said. “Then we’ll catch up with each other tomorrow.”
“We both look forward to it,” Mason concluded, moving to shake the man’s hand one last time.
As her father turned away, Mali moved herself against Mason, clutching the front of his suit jacket as she pressed her body to his. She leaned to kiss his closed mouth, moving her lips earnestly over his. “I’ve missed you, Mason,” she whispered seductively. Before Mason could answer, Daniel called his daughter’s name, admonishing the woman in their native Siamese language.
Mali huffed in annoyance as she stepped away. “Tomorrow,” she said, tossing the man one last wink and as she turned to follow her father, she gave Phaedra one last glare.
When both were out of earshot, Phaedra shook her head. “Well, well, well,” she said, bemusement shimmering across her face. “You didn’t tell me about your ex,” she said.
“Mali is not my ex,” he said with a deep chuckle. “There has never been anything between me and her.”
Phaedra tossed Mali one last look as the woman and her father joined a group gathered in the private dining room. “Well,” she said, lifting her gaze back to his, “someone clearly forgot to tell her that!”
Phaedra hadn’t missed Mali’s blatant interest in the handsome bachelor. What she didn’t know was that Mali had been vying for Mason’s attention for as long as he could remember, but her brash behavior and brazen antics had been a complete turnoff for him. Despite the woman’s obvious overtures, Mason only had eyes for Phaedra, clearly intoxicated with her, and he told her so. Phaedra was the sweetest addiction that had ever consumed him, and his only interest was the magnetic attraction between them. Shaking his head, Mason changed the subject.
The rest of their meal was uneventful. After a main course of rosemary lamb chops sitting on a mint salsa verde and lemon yogurt with herbed couscous, they finished their dinner with a decadent tiramisu. Sated beyond rea
son, Phaedra couldn’t imagine them having a better time.
“Have I thanked you yet? Our time here in Thailand has been absolutely amazing,” she said as she reached for his hand, drawing her fingers against his open palm.
“Many times, but you don’t have to keep thanking me, Phaedra. I really haven’t done anything.”
Phaedra shook her head. “But you have and I think that couples sometimes forget to acknowledge each other and show their appreciation for what each does. I don’t want that to happen with us.”
Mason smiled. “And are we a couple?”
Phaedra was suddenly overwhelmed by the look he was giving her. His stare was eager and searching. She felt as if she were falling headfirst into his gaze, able to lose herself completely if she were willing to let go. She was grateful for the distraction when the waiter appeared at the table with the dinner bill.
On the ride back to the island, Mason took off his suit jacket, wrapping it around her shoulders to shield her from the cool night air. Phaedra rested her head against his shoulder, reveling in the soft light of a full moon and the dark sky littered with bright stars.
“This has been wonderful,” Phaedra said, her voice floating through the darkness. She spun around, wrapping her arms around his waist as she rested her cheek against his broad chest.
As Mason leaned to kiss her forehead, there was nothing else he needed to say, everything about the moment agreeing with her.
Chapter 11
Mason had kissed her one last time before wishing her a good night. Phaedra had stood in the doorway of her bungalow, watching as he made his exit, returning to his own room. For a split second she’d thought about calling him back to her and then she didn’t.
She couldn’t help questioning where the two of them might be going with their relationship, a discussion they had yet to have. She knew he was ready for marriage and children and family, anxious for that next phase in his life. Yet, he knew that she’d never given those thoughts much consideration, her career taking precedence over all else. They had talked in generalizations, but now the discussion of how that affected the two of them together needed to be shared. Because Phaedra did feel like the other half of a couple, but when he’d asked, she hadn’t been ready to say yes.
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