****
With his hands jammed in his pockets, Austin strolled away, humming to himself, knowing that it wouldn't be long now. Soon she would be his and he would have his way with her. The truth was, he wanted more than just a fling and he still hadn’t figured that one out yet. He wasn’t a man to fall in love easily, or at all, for that matter. His own father had taught him that much. Could he just screw the girl and move on? Austin DuQuaine was beginning to think not.
Five
They walked along the beach hand in hand, talking and laughing about everything they observed. People of all shapes and sizes dotted the long expanse of dazzling white sand and deep azure water. Kari looked terrific in a one piece black suit subtly revealing the curves of her torso and enough of her breasts to look invitingly sexy. Austin had nodded approvingly the moment he'd laid eyes on her, making her blush.
Kari had managed to sneak a few peaks at his golden body. He looked wonderful in a pair of double layered navy shorts with a two inch white extension underneath. Kari had always found those particular shorts sexy, especially now, on Austin. She found herself wondering what was underneath. Lusty thoughts made her blush. His long, lean legs and expansive muscular shoulders made her melt more than the tropical sun did.
Austin dragged her, laughing and feigning resistance, into a grove of palm trees just out of sight of the beach. "Whew! That sun can sure get hot. Let's spread our towels out here a while, darlin'."
"Okay." Kari was still giggling.
Austin grabbed both towels, spreading them out under a gigantic palm tree, plopping himself down. Glancing up at Kari, he crooked his finger, beckoning her to lay beside him. Suddenly solemn, she got down on her knees, gazing into his eyes. Those beautiful, luminous mahogany orbs enchanted her completely. She seemed to be bewitched, unable to free herself from his gaze.
He reached up, gripping her arms gently, but firmly. While pulling her down, he was gazing the whole time into her stormy, green eyes. Lowering her gently on the towel, his rough lips sought her soft, sensuous mouth. Kari's long, dark lashes fluttered shut, breathing in the exhilarating masculine smell of a mixture of tropical lotion and sweat.
Her body went limp as Austin urgently took her to him. He ran his tongue lightly ran across her lips, casually, gently inserting it into her mouth, penetrating the heated, moist interior, while his hands adroitly explored her spine and lower back. Impatient for his hands to stroke her more intimately, Kari pressed herself against him. Her slender hands hesitatingly made their way along his sleek body, yet not daring to get too close so as to ignite his spark. Austin's response to her tentative consent was similar to exploding fireworks on a clear night.
His lips moved to her delicate throat, his tongue teasing, taking the tender skin and sucking it lightly. In between nibbles, he whispered words of fondness and devotion. Chestnut hair gently brushed her cheek. His hands slipped leisurely under the straps of Kari's flimsy apparel, tugging it down to her waist.
Rugged lips bestowed hot, flushed kisses, moving slowly down her throat to her bared breasts. One hand casually cupped a breast, thumbing the firm rosy bud. With slightly parted lips, her eyes yet closed, she raised herself on her elbows, long silky hair laying in pools on the towel beneath her. Craving more, Kari's taut, succulent breasts ached for his constant fondling. Thrusting herself into his grasp recklessly, ripples of ecstasy expanded throughout her essence, driving her to unquenchable, fervent lust as he assented to her wishes. Her hands clutched the sides of the towel.
Her lashes fluttered open and dark jade eyes were wide with unabashed awe. Her voice was barely above a whisper as his tongue lazily flicked the erect, firm nipple of each lush, abundant mound.
"Austin, please, take me. Make...make love to me. Oh, Austin, I love you, I love you. I want to give you everything." She struggled to offer him more. "Please, Austin. Take me."
Austin, lost in the delectable taste of her body, was fighting to control himself. He was slowly losing the battle. She loved him! Yes. The first part of his mission was accomplished.
He continued stroking and nuzzling her, whispering at the same time. "Ah, Kari, I want you so. I've wanted you since the moment I laid eyes on you. I do want all of you. I will make you mine. But not yet. This isn't the time or place." His muscular shoulders shuddered with unrelieved tension.
Suddenly, their steamy interlude was interrupted by the unmistakable sound of voices. Abruptly, Austin raised his head, at the same time pulling Kari's flimsy clothing rapidly up to cover her flushed body. She was still shaking from her erupting passion as a group of young teenagers were nearly on top of them now. They apparently hadn't noticed anything out of the ordinary as they waved a greeting and continued on their way down the beach.
Austin put his arms around her as they lay together, soothing her and whispering in her ear that another place and time would be better. Amazed at the way she'd come apart in just a few moments of passion, he could hardly contain himself at the thought of what slow, passionate, lovemaking would do to her.
He whispered in her ear. "I want everything to be perfect, Kari. I didn't mean for...mmm...it to happen like this, but when you are near me, I have a hard time not wanting you. Do you understand that, Kari? You drive me crazy and I want you. I’m...I’m falling in...very hard for you."
Kari lowered her lengthy lashes, suddenly bashful again, hardly able to believe how she'd given in to him without any resistance at all. He must think this inept lady was really naive to tell him she loved him after only a few days.
Did he really mean what he was saying? Kari wasn't sure and didn't care. Austin DuQuaine was the man she'd been waiting for, forever. Whether it was meant to be or not to be, it mattered little to her at this moment in time.
Kari McKinnon was totally and utterly in love with Austin DuQuaine. And, hadn't he nearly returned that particular endearment just now? Sort of. It didn't matter, anyway. She loved him, and that was good enough for her. Besides, if it didn't work out, she would have her memories, and no one could take those from her.
"Kari, are you with me? I want you. Do you understand that, Kari? I will have you, and you will want me, as much as I do you. Make no mistake about that." Austin gently pulled her face around to his, lightly grazing her lips with his, sending a shiver up her spine. "Come on, let's go back and get some lunch at the hotel. I'm starved."
Kari nodded in agreement, unable to say anything, still shaken by her own, unchecked emotions. He grabbed her arms, pulling her up. Bending over to gather the towels, the two of them brushed the sand out of their hair and off their bodies. The soon to be young lovers began walking in silence back toward the hotel.
****
Austin wasn't sure what was on her mind, but he wanted to take it slow and easy. He probably had come on too strong, but damn, she made him say those things! When he was near her, she did things to his body and mind that would be considered X-rated if it showed on the outside.
He wondered how far things would've gone if those teens hadn't come along when they did. She'd made it plain that she wanted him as much as he'd wanted her. She had begged him to take her. Hell, maybe it was for the best right now. Kari seemed somewhat confused and disturbed. Obviously inexperienced, she'd let her emotions take control. He didn't want to lose her, that much he knew.
Slow and easy. He would take his time. Austin didn't want Kari to do anything hasty that she'd regret later. The young man only hoped he'd be able to hold up to the bargain he'd made with himself.
Austin didn't want to think of the problems ahead, either. There was the fact of his unofficial engagement to Lisa that couldn't just be erased. His “fiancée” hadn't crossed his mind once the last few days. Not that he'd ever spent too much time thinking about her anyway. Kari McKinnon was about the only thing on his mind lately. In fact, the last few days, this woman had occupied his thoughts more than all other women he'd known in his life, together...Some serious decisions had to make, and soon.
"Austin?
" Kari broke into his thoughts. "I'm really starving, too.” (You didn't tell me that great sex makes you hungry. You've been holding out on me, Austin DuQuaine)
"Let's have that lobster salad that looks so good."
"You bet, Baby girl. Come on, I'll race you. First one there buys."
They ran, playfully grasping at each other, laughing all the way to the hotel terrace. Austin won, of course.
They were enjoying lobster salads and a glass of wine when Austin's cell phone began ringing.
"Excuse, me a minute, Baby. Reaching into a leather bag next to his chair, he dug out a silver flip phone.
"DuQuaine." He listened intently, frowning after about thirty seconds.
"I see. Yes.
alright. I'll be there as soon as I can."
Austin shoved his phone back into his bag and turned back to Kari. "Sweetheart, I have to leave immediately. I'm flying to another island for a couple of days on business. I won't be gone long, and I promise to call you while I'm there. Will you wait for me, Kari?"
"I'm not going anywhere, Austin. An island in the middle of the ocean kind of limits a person. I'll be right here when you get back." She could go with him. If he'd ask.
"I don't want to come back and find someone has taken my place." He had that dark, enchanting look in his eyes that held her spellbound. It said that she was his, and no one else better even look her way.
He couldn't take her with him. Surely, a member the DuQuaine staff would inform his father if he was with a woman. His father would realize it wasn’t Lisa, and he didn't want his family to become aware of his plans yet. Besides, if Kari were around, it would be impossible to concentrate. Some important papers had to be taken care of right away. DuQuaine didn't want her asking any questions, yet.
Kari broke into his thoughts.
"Don't worry about me, Austin. There is some sightseeing I want to do anyway." She covered his large hand with her much smaller one, giving it a gentle squeeze.
Austin rose and walked around to her side. He crouched down, gazing into those lovely jade eyes, relinquishing himself for a moment in their fathomless depths. "Wait for me, Kari. I have something I want to talk to you about when I get back."
"Ok. Just don't be gone too long, Austin. I'll miss you lots."
He leaned against her, giving her a long, leisurely, but obsessive kiss. He broke it off suddenly, standing up, leaving her flustered again, as he always did every time he touched her. As he strode away he turned and blew her a kiss. "Soon Baby', soon."
Oh, oh. What did he want to talk about? Was it about, that way? If it was, at least she'd have time to prepare. Prepare. How do you get ready for that? Practice in the mirror? Maybe she should pick up a copy of “Everything You Wanted To Know About Sex, But Were Afraid To Ask”.
The love of her life disappeared through the doors. Somehow she didn't feel much like eating anymore. Austin had left money to pay for the meal. Kari rose, making her way back to the room to try and decide what to do with the rest of her day. And, the next and the next.
Six
Kari wandered into the hotel lounge the next evening. Sliding through the hot, sweaty crowd, she was finally able to sit down at the bar. Austin had called her last night and again this the morning. He'd made small talk, but not much else. She'd been rather disappointed that he hadn't mentioned their relationship at all. Kari walked into one of the hotel's more intimate cafes around seven the next evening. Meandering her way through the crowd, she finally
Kari had shrugged it off, assuming he wasn't much of a conversationalist on the phone. Feeling lonely, she'd decided around seven-thirty to go out for a drink or two, and then call it a night. Austin would be back tomorrow. Hawaii wasn't nearly as romantic without him.
"What'll it be, pretty lady?" The older man behind the bar gave her a wink. She felt a little self-conscious being there by herself. She was dressed in the Hawaiian sarong, her long, stunning hair flowing freely down her back. Her bangs fell across her eyes in a seductive, yet disarming way.
Kari had never looked or felt better. Austin made her feel completely wonderful for the first time in her life. Her mind was occupied with thoughts of him all of the time now. She had no choice. His image refused to go away.
"I'll have a glass of white wine, please."
She smiled to herself thinking about the glasses of wine they had previously shared. Austin, oh Austin. His laugh, his smile, his eyes haunted her. Visions of his dark blonde hair blowing across his luminous chestnut eyes when he'd held her on the beach that day refused to go away.
Austin. She wanted him there to gaze into her eyes. To weave his magic. To encircle her with his warmth. To touch her. Closing her eyes, she sipped her drink. She wondered what he was doing at this moment? Thoughts of his caress suddenly made her shiver. Wanting him so badly, Kari could barely stand it. Yet, she was apprehensive. What if he laughed at her naiveté, or what if she didn't do all the right things?
Secretly, she'd been relieved that the teenagers had interrupted them on the beach the previous morning. The sensuous, erotic feelings he'd aroused in her, both troubled and confused her.
Kari didn't remember feeling anything remotely close to this with her first love, a writer named Dylan Jones. They'd met at a publishers convention in Minneapolis. When she recalled her relationship with Dylan now, she realized it was he who had received all the pleasure. She had just ached, thinking it was normal with first love. He'd left her after that week saying he liked her, but didn't love her. She found herself wishing she knew then what she knew now. Things would have been much different. And she wouldn't have been such a fool. Was she being one now?
She needed some time to think about her relationship with Austin, even though she missed him terribly. This time alone was the space Kari required. To think.
She wasn't stupid. Kari knew what was going to happen between them, eventually. But, what would happen after this vacation? Would he still want her enough to see her again? After all, he would be in Houston, a long way from Minneapolis.
"Hi ya, baby. Let me buy you a drink. One for the lovely lady here, barkeep."
Abruptly, Kari came out of her reverie, glancing in the direction of the voice. A good looking man in his late thirties, started pressing against her in the crowd that had gathered for the night.
"She's with me, so take a hike buddy!"
Kari spun around and looked up into Austin's face. His eyes were blazing with anger. Suddenly, she felt afraid.
"Austin, I...I...I didn’t know you were back? You said you were going to be gone a couple of days."
"Obviously!" His eyes glittered in the low, soft lighting. She could feel his wrath and it bothered her that he'd be angry with her.
"Maybe the lady would rather be with someone else, buddy!"
The other man stepped in between them, obviously having had too much to drink already. Kari knew that she'd have to move fast. She slipped around the man and hooked her arm in Austin's.
"I didn't expect my husband to be back so soon. Let's go, honey!" Kari practically dragged him through the crowd. When they got through the door, Austin angrily shook her loose.
"What the hell do you think you were doing in there, anyway? I'm not even gone a day and you are all dressed up to kill, and in a bar alone."
Kari stared at him, unbelievingly. "I just came down to have a glass of wine, Austin. I wasn't going to stay long. Besides, this is my vacation. I'm not going to stay locked in my room just because you aren't here."
She started to get angry then. Who did he think he was, waltzing in and out of her life, putting limitations on her, especially when he seemed quite content to steer the conversation away from his own life. Oh, yes. She had noticed that, all right.
"Women! You are just like all the others. As soon as the cat is away the mouse will play!" Austin stood there clenching and unclenching his fists. He knew he had no right to say these things to this woman, but she was making him crazy. His cool control was gone when
ever he was near her.
"Oh, real original cliché', Austin. Is that what you think? As I said before, Mister DuQuaine, you don't know me very well. If you did, you would have realized by now that I love you." Good job Kiki. Keep telling him you're in love with him after less than a week. Really subtle.
Kari whirled around and began to march away, head held erect. Love or not, no one, not even Mr. Austin DuQuaine would treat her that way. Suddenly, as she stepped toward the elevator, her ankle gave out. As Kari the klutz, (once again her mind was ahead of her body) descended toward the floor, powerful, but gentle arms slipped around her, pulling her up before Ms. Tempest McKinnon hit the floor face first.
Straightening her dress and hair, she prepared herself to continue on, arms around her or not. His sexy laugh echoed in her ear. The angry voice, there only a moment ago, had disappeared. Kari couldn't go anywhere because he wasn't about to release her.
"You need me with you all the time, Kari. You need someone to look after you so you don't hurt yourself." He turned her around to face him. Her ire had abated somewhat. Really, she was quite thankful he'd kept her from looking silly again.
"I'm sorry Kari, darlin'. I shouldn't have gotten so angry. When I saw that guy making a pass at you I saw red. I should've had more faith in you. And you are right. This is your vacation, and you have every right to do what you like." When I'm not around that is. "Am I forgiven, again?"
Kari melted in his arms like wax that he could mold at will. That sexy southern drawl alone could knock a girl for a loop. Austin continued to hold her fast in his arms, his lips caressing her hair.
"I couldn't get you out of my mind, Kari McKinnon. I could hardly concentrate on what I was doing. After talking to you this morning, I decided to come back tonight. I realized that being with you was more important. I hope you don't mind."
Austin's Pleasure Page 4
