Holding her for a moment longer, stroking her hair, Austin finally put her at arm's length. She seemed relieved, yet still unsure of his intentions.
"No, Kari, I’m the one who should apologize. We'll take it slow and easy. I want you. I won't deny it. I want this to be right for you. It will come so naturally that you won't even have time to be bashful. I know you are apprehensive, but I would never intentionally hurt you, please believe me. Let me be your guide and I'll take you where you've never been before. But only if that is what you want."
Suddenly he pulled her close again, their bodies still hot from the flame that had been kindled before. He put his lips next to her ear, whispering to her in a low, easy drawl.
"Miss McKinnon, I promise you this. I'll be so good for you. I'll make you want me more than anything. Then, you will find out what you've been missing all of your life." You will be mine completely.
His breath was hot against the side of her face. Kari would have slipped to the floor if his arms hadn't held her so tightly. He murmured a few of the things he was going to teach her. She could feel her entire body turning pink with embarrassment and excitement simultaneously. Closing her eyes tightly, she tried to catch her breath.
"We hardly know each other, Mr. DuQuaine...um...Austin. I...I don't think we should...um...should be discussing ...um....." Kari couldn't bring herself to finish. She was keenly aware of his hard, taut body pressing against hers. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. Inhaling sharply, Kari started again. "I think....."
Austin cut her off. He continued in a slow, languid tone as his tongue made a leisurely circle inside her outer ear. Her nails dug into his shoulders for support.
"I'm going now. I'll call when I get back to my place. I really like you a lot, Kari McKinnon."
He released her as quickly as he'd seized her, turned, and walked to the door. He stepped out closing the door behind him. Kari stared at the closed door.
Still shaking she sat down on the bed. What had she gotten herself into? What had he said? He wanted her? She would want him? He really liked her? A lot?? What did that mean? Her body was still on fire. Her face turned crimson, recalling some of the other things he'd whispered in her ear. Kari fell back on the bed.
She should have been indignant, but his words had made her weak in the knees. If he'd taken her right then, she didn't think she would have had the strength or the desire to resist him. Kari was already crazy about him, knowing from the moment she'd looked into those hazel eyes in the airport terminal. Could this klutzy lady be this lucky? Could he really be falling for her? The Prince and the Klutzmeister. Yeah, right.
Kari sat up, still shaky. She slid off the bed and headed into the bathroom to take a shower. She imagined that was where he was headed too, only his would be a cold one. Shivering, she slipped out of her clothes and into the welcome heated mist.
****
Austin was feeling confused and a bit miffed with himself. He leaned back against the wall of the elevator as it slid down to the lobby. Now why had he gone and told her he liked her right away? It had slipped out along with the other things. At least he hadn't really screwed up and told her something really dumb like he was in love with her already. Damn! He hoped it wouldn't scare her away. Yet, she seemed to have responded with as much passion as he had. Maybe he hadn't blown it, yet.
Austin DuQuaine was basically an honest man. He'd never wooed a woman with words of love before. Folding his arms across his chest, Austin closed his eyes and heaved a tremulous sigh of frustration. This Yankee girl had clearly gotten to him. He'd never gotten so passionate right away with anyone. He hadn't been able to keep his hands off her. His libido had rocketed that day she'd run into him at the airport.
He did not comprehend too well, these tender, protective feelings he was having toward this woman he'd just met a few days ago. She was funny and sweet. And very naive. She needed protection. From herself. From a world that ate people like her for a snack. He was falling for her, pure and simple. He couldn't help himself. He didn't understand why she had invoked these feelings, when no one else had even come close.
Maybe it was the romance of the islands. DuQuaine neither knew nor cared. He was smitten, with a capital S. Austin was suddenly desperate to make her feel the same way. For the very first time in his thirty-four years he wasn't sure how to proceed. Now if he were dealing with a computer or his father...
A slight smile touched his lips as he recalled their short time together. Geez, she really was a klutz, too. A pretty one though. No. Make that beautiful. In a way, it made her more even more appealing. That was it. It had to be. Lusty thoughts were going through his head even now as he thought of her lissome, luscious breasts so pliable in his hands. He wanted her. He needed her. He would have her. The elevator door opened, snapping his mind back to reality. He stepped out and strode through the lobby without a backward glance.
****
Austin relaxed in the hot tub back at the family estate. He'd always been a charmer of women he found attractive. It was somehow different with Kari. Maybe it was because she wasn't rich and spoiled like many of the others he'd been with. He'd found that out during his investigation. Maybe it was because she had a sense of humor, especially when it came to herself. Maybe it was because of her inept innocence. Check. All of the above. He wasn't quite sure why she was different, but he knew instinctively that she was; and there was a lot more to her than met the eye. He had to know what it was.
Now that is the real challenge isn't it, Austin ole boy? What had made him tell her he was falling for her? He hadn't planned on that happening. Now that was a new one! He had never, ever, said that before. Not even to his so called fiancée, Lisa. Hell, most of the time he didn’t even like Lisa, let alone love her. The feeling was mutual, he was certain. Frowning, he looked at the drink in his hand, took a gulp, and laid his head back on the edge of the tub.
Although he'd dated plenty of women, Austin DuQuaine had never courted anyone before. With the arrangement of his marriage to Lisa by their parents, courting had been unnecessary. This was definitely uncultivated territory. Kari McKinnon wasn't the only one swimming in uncharted waters. Well, how did that phrase go, tonight would be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. He rose up out of the tub. Wrapping a towel around his waist, Austin headed toward his phone on the mantle.
Four
Kari gazed at herself in the floor length mirror for about the millionth time. Her hair was drawn and tied with a silk garland twined around about six inches of her hair so the rest cascaded down her back. Her bangs fell like gossamer over her brows, flaunting the emerald green of her eyes.
She was dressed in a body hugging, red silk skirt and top. On an impulse, she'd purchased it that day at the hotel boutique after Austin DuQuaine had left her room. The tank top lay effortlessly against her cool skin. The neck scooped down and skimmed loosely across the swell of her breasts. The matching skirt was calf length with a slit up the side to within four inches her thigh revealing faultless legs that could make a man's mouth water. A red and blue silk scarf tied at the waist made the outfit perfect. The half inch navy pumps looked classy. She wanted to look sexy, but not too sexy. She wanted to look good, but not like a floozy.
What if she was wearing the wrong thing? What if he didn’t like how she looked? Kari looked again and went to her closet. Maybe she should be more conservative. Thoroughly confused now, she started going through her clothes, when a knock on the door startled her. Kari turned around so fast she lost her balance and ran into the closet door. Feeling her forehead, she decided it didn't hurt too much. Nice going ditz-woman. Kari smoothed her hair and skirt. Going to the door, she opened it.
Austin stood there, dressed in loose fitting, white cotton pants and shirt, with a khaki sports coat that clung to his body as if they were naturally a part of him. The cotton shirt was unbuttoned at the neck, revealing a hint of the smooth, muscular golden chest underneath. One hand was jammed in his pants pocket, the other holding a bouquet of H
awaiian orchids.
Kari's hand flew to her mouth and then her eyes went to the clock. She'd been so busy worrying about what to wear and how she looked, that she'd forgotten the time. She'd thought it was the maid.
****
Austin marveled at her appearance. His eyes didn't miss a detail, especially how her breasts nestled invitingly against the loose fitting blouse she was wearing. His gaze roamed down to the revealing slit in the skirt. Legs McKinnon. Whew! A man could die with those legs wrapped around him like a boa constrictor. He glanced up hastily so she wouldn't see him giving her the once over. The last thing Austin wanted to do was scare her away. He perceived himself becoming aroused and silently commanded his body to resist the flame starting to burn within.
"Mr. DuQuaine. I...I mean Austin. I didn't expect you so soon. I mean, I lost track of time. I haven't had time to get ready. I mean I am ready, but I wasn't sure if this was the right thing to wear. I mean that-"
"Kari darlin', stop. You look fabulous. Here. I brought these for you." He held out the bouquet of orchids for her. Blushing slightly, she took them from him.
"They're beautiful. Thank you so much. I'll just put them in water and we can go." She turned to go and find a vase, stopped, and turned to look at him again. It wasn't fair that he was so damned handsome! "Do you really think this outfit is okay? I wasn't sure what you had in mind for tonight. I...I mean, where we'll be going tonight. You know, like where we're going for dinner." She turned away and rolled her eyes in disgust at her prattling.
"You look great, Kari. And yes, your dress is very appropriate for this evening. We should get going. I've made a reservation for eight."
She put the flowers in a vase she found on the dresser. Austin took her breath away. Kari didn't know how to act around him knowing how she felt. Her mind was working faster than her body, which for Kari wasn't unusual.
"All right Austin, I'm ready."
She swept out the door ahead of him before she could have second thoughts about staying in the room and shutting him out in sheer panic. Austin followed, muttering to himself something about protocol. Between the two of them, this was going to be some night. If they were lucky, they would make it through dinner without Kari spilling anything and Austin keeping his erotic thoughts to himself.
The DuQuaine limousine stopped in front of a gracious Hawaiian restaurant. Austin held out his hand, helping Kari out of the car. She accepted his hand and they stepped into the restaurant. They were an exceptionally good looking couple, turning heads as they walked in. Austin had asked for a table that was secluded, but not too much.
Kari was thrilled when they walked in. It was so romantic. She'd dreamed of going to a place like this and with a man like Austin. It was all happening and she couldn't believe it. And, he was all gentleman now, in spite of the things he'd said to her in her hotel room earlier that day.
The waiter showed them to their table. Austin held the chair out for Kari. She was in seventh, no eighth Heaven! She seated herself. Austin unfolded himself across from her.
"The food is great from what I understand. Should we let the waiter recommend something?" Austin could hardly keep his eyes off Kari. He attempted to look everywhere but directly at her.
"Whatever you say, Austin. I trust your judgment."
He signaled the waiter. Austin asked him what he would recommend. The waiter went through the menu flawlessly, explaining the exotic entrees.
"Would you like me to order for both of us, Kari?" Austin gazed at her as she nodded yes.
Once they each had a glass of wine, the atmosphere became more relaxed. Kari found herself talking about Jack and her job.
"I felt a little guilty leaving Jack-my dad. My mom died a few years ago. It...it was very hard on both of us." She took a sip of her wine.
"About a year ago, he had a stroke. We sold our house and moved into a smaller apartment so I could take care of him more easily. One of our neighbors, Wanda, helps out a lot. It was a relief for me to be able to leave and know he'd be taken care of." Her face softened, a smile lingering on her lips.
"It sounds like you've had a pretty rough time, Kari." He smiled sweetly and seem to regard her with a renewed admiration.
"Oh, not really. It was hardest when my mom died. Jack was devastated. They had been so in love, even after all those years."
She brightened suddenly. "He's doing great now. He gets around with a cane. He swears he'll throw it away before the year is out." Kari smiled secretly to herself.
"What are you thinking about, Kari. I can tell you have something else on your mind."
She leaned forward and whispered. "I think he likes Wanda. And I know she likes him. She fusses over him constantly. She's a few years younger and very attractive." Kari giggled then. "I know my dad has noticed." Kari blushed. "I've seen the way he looks at her sometimes. You know, in that way."
Austin smiled with a crooked grin. She’d seen that one before, in her room. Uh Oh.
"Yeah, I know what you mean."
The handsome man across from her leaned back, looking her straight in the eye. Oh My. Oh My. "Enough about me. Tell me about your family, Austin." She leaned expectantly toward him her breath catching with emotion after that beguiling grin from him.
"Oh, there's not much to tell. I work for my...for an oil corporation. My dad is an executive there. My mother stays home. What did you say you do, Kari?" Austin did not want to pursue the subject of his family or their extensive wealth. He didn’t know why exactly, but it was very important that Kari McKinnon like him for himself. Unlike other women he had known, he felt his family having money would make her uncomfortable. That revelation could come later. After he had secured her affection.
"I work for a publishing company in Minneapolis. It's a great job. I edit short stories and magazine articles. It's never dull." Especially with the boss after her.
"Sounds like a great job. What made you decide on Hawaii for a vacation?" She was meant to come. For you....for you...for you.....Echoes again filtered through his mind. He blinked hard.
"....the trip. Out of all the people employed there, I won. It is still so hard to believe I'm here. I pinch myself every once in a while to make sure I'm not dreaming."
"You won a trip?" He hadn't even heard the first part of her conversation. "That's wonderful, Kari. Ah. Here's our dinner."
The waiter set huge, steaming plates of seafood, surrounded by selected island fruits vegetables before them. "Will there be anything else, sir?"
"No. That will be all."
"Oh, Austin. This looks wonderful."
Austin observed her bemusedly as she surveyed the dish in front of her. She reminded him of a little girl who had just opened the biggest package under the Christmas tree. There is a creator. Look what he'd set before him. Pleasure. It was pure pleasure to watch her. Be with her. He'd only known her for a few hours, and yet, Austin felt like he'd known her for an eternity.
"I sure am hungry, darlin'. Let eat."
Kari glanced up at him. "Oh, yes. Let's do." She glanced down again and began concentrating on the feast before her. If she looked at that gorgeous man sitting across from her one more time, there would be no way she'd be able to take one bite, even though she was ravenous. Kari started picking at her food in silence while Austin did the same. The promise of romance and something much deeper that neither could quite comprehend swirled around them, and the night was still young.
****
They took a drive along the Kona coast in the limousine after dinner. Austin kept his distance, learning as much about her as he could. He had guessed she was an only child. Like him. It wasn't hard to get information out of her because she liked to talk, non-stop. On the way back a few hours later, he put his arm around her, pulling her close. He leaned over, lightly brushing his lips against her temples, while slipping his fingers through the tumultuous waves of her hair.
Kari lay with her head on his shoulder, feeling aroused by his slight touch, yet certain he w
ouldn't ask her to make any decisions tonight. She suspected it was hard for him to hold back, adoring him all the more for it.
Austin walked her to her room. Very gently, he pressed her against the wall next to the door.
"I'm going to kiss you, now, Kari." Lightly he lifted her chin with his fingertips. Their eyes locked. Kari watched, fascinated as he lowered his head. As their lips finally touched, she trembled and closed her eyes.
The kiss deepened as the tip of his tongue slipped through her lips to taste the sweetness of her mouth. Her breathing came faster. He could feel her heart pounding against his chest.
After several moments, he reluctantly withdrew his mouth from hers. If he stayed any longer, Austin DuQuaine couldn't be responsible for his own actions. He breathed deeply. Each new day would lure her closer to the desires and pleasures of erotica. The handsome Texan bent over, kissing her lightly on the forehead.
"Good night sweetheart. I'll call in the morning. We can go to the beach if you like."
"Um, Uh huh. See you in the morning." With her eyes still closed, and her mind all fuzzy, Kari turned and walked into the door.
Austin grinned and opened it for her. Twisting around abruptly, she impulsively threw her arms around him, kissing him unabashedly. The bewildered young woman withdrew just as quickly, backing in and closing the door.
Kari leaned against the door and shut her eyes. Diverse emotions were driving her crazy. She was a flame to his candle, a nova to his star. Desire for this man was so great, she could hardly bear it. Lord. I just had to run into the door, didn't I? Sometimes I think I could put Jim Carrey to shame. Sighing, the lovely young woman looked at her reflection in the mirror. "Get your pj’s on and get into bed before you do anything else to yourself." Shaking her head to try and clear the mysterious mists that still curled around the edges of her consciousness, Kari grabbed her nightshirt and loped into the bathroom.
Austin's Pleasure Page 3
