Austin drove straight to the airport. With any luck he could catch a standby flight and be home in a few hours. The fur would fly then. That was also a certainty.
Ten
Kari was relieved to find that Wanda and her father had gone to Las Vegas, not really feeling like facing either of them. How could you tell the other person you loved, (correction, the only person she loved!) that you had made a complete and utter fool over a man who obviously had money up the kazoo and a fiancé to boot. I must have been a nice little diversion for Mr. Austin DuQuaine while he waited for his fiancé to join him.
But why had he made plans for the day with her if he hadn't intended to keep them? He certainly seemed sincere about it. Sincere! Kari snorted in contempt. How stupid could one person get! Obviously Miss, what was her name, ah, Wentforth or something like that, had arrived earlier than expected and he'd needed to make a quick change in plans. Pretty ingenious to let her answer his cell too. Well, two could play at this game!
Kari had secretly hoped he would try to get her at the hotel before she had gone. She could just hear his excuses! They would have been good too. Oh yes, Austin was really good! Good enough to get her to believe he'd really married her. Kari hugged herself, remembering just how good he'd been. Good enough to make her fall in love with him.
She sat down on the sofa and softly began to cry again. "Get this out of your system, Kari Mae McKinnon."
Kari cried until she knew there were no more tears left, mourning a second and last lover. Getting up slowly, she glanced in the mirror over the mantle at her tear streaked face, swollen eyes, and touched her still swollen lips. Unable to stop them, unbidden painful memories flooded back into her thoughts, the intense agony piercing her very soul!
She walked slowly into her bedroom. Glancing at her dresser, she spied a letter addressed to her leaning against a small vase. Kari smiled slightly, yet keenly aware of the hurt still cutting like a knife deep in her soul. It was from Jack. He never forgot his little girl no matter where he was. Still sniffling, Kari opened the letter at a leisurely pace as she sat on her bed and began to read. It went through her mind that she wasn't supposed to be back for another nine days, so apparently Jack wasn't going to be here when she got back.
My darling Kari,
By this time you will probably be happily in a relationship with Austin. Was that his name? That will make this easier for me and also for you. Wanda and I will be married by the time you read this. We have been discussing it for some time now, but I didn't want to do anything until I felt that you had a life of your own. I've been getting along fairly well now and Wanda is a great help as you know. Besides, my darling girl, you've taken care of me long enough.
As you know, Wanda came into a nice sum of money a few years back after the unfortunate death of her husband. We have enough to live comfortably for many years. This is your opportunity darling Kari, to live your life for yourself. You know I'll be all right. Jack McKinnon has always come through and so will his daughter.
We are going to Cancun for three weeks. We'll be at the Embassy Suites if you need to get in touch with me. I love you darling girl and you will always be my best girl. Wanda understands that so if you need me, just call. Can't wait to meet this handsome guy of yours. I love you.
Dad
Kari read the letter over twice before making her decision. No one knew that she was back. She could make her plans and be gone before anyone could make her change her mind. If Austin had done one thing for her, it was that she wasn't afraid to take chances anymore. She was finally going to live her life and not be afraid.
Kari thought of her boss, Mark Jefferson. He would be waiting forever if her plans worked. After Austin, no other man would do. She'd meant it when she'd said it could last her a lifetime. From now on, men and rats would be synonymous. Kari got up from her bed and went to the phone in their small but spacious kitchenette and dialed long distance.
"Hello! Jordan here. Who's there?" A low, seductive voice answered.
"You haven't changed one bit have you? Still as crazy as ever Walden!" Kari laughed in spite of her pain, marveling at how the agony stayed with her and would not leave.
"KIKI! I don't believe it! Are you calling from Hawaii? This is going to cost you a fortune. Okay. What's up? Met some guy didn't you? Well, I won't say it's about time. Wait, yes I will. Where and when did you meet him? I want all the juicy details. You can start by-"
"Wait, Jordan hold on. I'm not in Hawaii. I'm home. Now before you get started on me again, will you listen? I'm calling to see if there is still a job for me at your agency. I've decided I need a change. Besides, Jack married our neighbor so I'm not tied down anymore."
"Are you for real, Kar? I've been trying to get you down here for years now. What gives, besides Jack getting married?"
"I'll tell you everything when I get there Jordan. How about it? Is that job still available or not?" Kari wasn't up to telling her childhood and still best friend about Austin at the moment.
"Pack your clothes and get the next flight out. Of course the job is yours. I'm the head of the agency. I can hire whoever I want. I can't wait to see you. Of course you will live with me. This two bedroom condo is too big for me anyway. Besides, one bed is all I need if you get my meaning!" Kari got her meaning.
"I'm going to drive my jeep down. I need a couple of days to think anyway. Besides, I'll be needing it. I'll see you in a couple of days, Jordy Gourdy."
"None of that, Kiki. I’m not such a hard ass anymore! You know I’m a kinder and gentler soul.” (In high school, Jordan had the reputation of being as hard to penetrate as a gourd-courtesy of a wanna be lover.)
In spite of herself Jordan chuckled. It was going to be good to have Kari back with her. She had a feeling she was needed in a big way. And she would find out everything!
"Bye. Can't wait to see you."
"Same here. Bye." Kari clicked the receiver. She was headed for Florida and a new life. Kari had wanted to do this for a long time, but the job in Minneapolis had paid well and Mayo clinic had been close for Jack. Now that she was free, her dream job was waiting. Maybe it and Jordan would ease some of the pain she was trying not to feel.
Kari would not allow herself to think about Austin and how his lips devoured hers. How his strong arms held her like he would never release her. How his hands caressed her hair, her breasts, every part of her until she went crazy. Kari shook the vision of his passion-misted dark brown eyes from her head. Sitting down, she wrote her resignation, addressing it to Mark, with a smirk of satisfaction. This wasn't her usual style, but then, her style had changed, forever.
She would drop it in the mail on her way out of the city tomorrow. She took another piece of stationary out and began her letter to Jack. Kari didn't burden him with her problems. Besides, had she really ever been married? Kari was so glad she hadn't told her dad. He would have been home on the first plane and the last thing she wanted now was anyone's pity. She had enough of her own to last a lifetime.
****
Kari literally dragged herself out of bed the next morning after a sleepless night of drifting in and out of dreams of Austin. After two double mocha lattes, she felt like a human being again. Throwing on her spring jacket, she grabbed some of her luggage. Lugging it down the stairs and out the door, she began loading the jeep.
Two more trips up and down the steps and Kari McKinnon was finally on her way. Driving out of the city and into the countryside seemed to free her somehow. She felt in control driving her jeep. It had been her one major purchase that she'd insisted on. She loved putting the top down and feeling the wind blow in her face and through her hair. It was a freedom of being in control she couldn't explain, but one that was loved and needed. Especially now.
Whenever she needed to get away or be alone, she would hop in the jeep and take off. Now she would be taking off for an entirely new life. Without Austin. Tears rimmed her eyes again as she drove down the winding highway. Wiping the tears away with h
er sleeve, Kari opened her glove compartment and took out sunglasses to cover her red eyes. She would forget the man. (excuse me, RAT) Yes, she would! By the time she reached Jordan's, the rodent, would be completely out of her system.
Kari sighed and stepped on the gas. She needed to make it to Georgia before nightfall. Yes, she would forget about him and the fact that he'd used her. Moaning inwardly, she looked straight ahead, snapping on the radio to keep her company during the long drive ahead. No more light, romantic music for her, either! Finding a pop station, she nodded her head back and forth to Christina’s quivering voice while driving down the road. Kari forced herself to think about the new life that awaited her.
Eleven
Austin got off the plane in Houston. As he bounded down the steps, he could see the DuQuaine limousine waiting for him. Lisa had gotten the jump on him after all. Tough! He was going to be in charge of his own life if it was the last thing he did. Austin stepped firmly towards the waiting car. A proper chauffeur quickly leaned over, opening the door for him. Austin bent his six foot three frame, sliding into the back seat, breathing a sigh of relief.
True to his nature, his father had been too busy to come himself. Austin needed this time to prepare for the terse meeting that lay ahead. Pouring himself a scotch, he allowed himself to think of Kari. She was perfect for him. He didn't know how he could have been so fortunate as to meet her.
His mind wandered back to that day in the airport when she'd ran into the luggage, creating havoc. Grinning, he thought of her awkward, but lovable ways. She was a klutz, but a beautiful one. She definitely wasn't a klutz in bed. He loved the naive, sweet way in which she'd surrendered herself to him, so innocently. Austin knew there was no one else for him. If it took him forever to find her again, he would. He had a lot of groveling to do.
The car pulled up to the DuQuaine home. Austin got out of the limo and stalked into the garish mansion. Candice greeted her fiercely intense son with a gentle hug.
"Your father is in the study waiting for you dear. Please don't fight with him. You know how he is. He really loves you Austin, even though he doesn't always show it.
His mother was pleading with him. Austin had always given in to his mother, but he knew his happiness depended on his being his own man with his father. He held his mother fondly at arm's length.
"Don't worry mother, things will work out, you'll see." Austin turned, heading for the study and the confrontation of his life.
"Dad."
"Austin, my boy." His father was standing next to the open doors to the patio. He turned and stepped toward his son. Father and son stood facing each other.
"What was this hysterical call I received from Lisa saying the engagement was off. Do you have a good reason for this, boy? Her father and I have had this planned a long time. I want you get on that phone and call her and say whatever happened was a mistake."
"No Dad. Being engaged to Lisa was the mistake. I've found someone else that I want to spend the rest of my life with."
"Nonsense, boy. You can have your little flings but you are marrying Lisa Wentworth." Mitchell's tall figure seemed to tower over Austin.
Austin drew himself up and faced his father eye to eye. "This time Dad, I'm standing my ground. I am not marrying Lisa. I mar....I'm marrying the woman I love, and there is not one thing you can do about it. No, there is something you can do. You can give me your blessing. For once in my life, I've made a decision for myself."
"If you do this Austin, marry this woman, who ever she is, I'll disinherit you. You will be cut off without a cent. I promise you that!" Mitchell's eyes were blazing with anger. How dare his son go against his wishes!
"Then I guess this is good-bye, Dad. I'll be in tomorrow morning to clear out my office. Everything is taken care of in Hawaii. I can see what is important to you, and it isn't me. Or my mother!"
Austin turned and walked out the door of the study leaving his father standing there not knowing what to say for the first time in his life. His mother looked stricken. He went over to her and put his arms around her.
"I'll be fine Mother. Please don't worry about me. I have a chance for real happiness that all Dad's money can't buy. Be happy for me."
She hugged him tightly. Austin released her.
"I'll be at the company suite tonight. I'll call tomorrow before I leave." Austin walked out the door and into the waiting limo. He hadn't taken his bags out, knowing he'd be returning after talking with Mitchell. Austin instructed the driver to go to the DuQuaine Building, knowing full well that he wouldn't be able to get in tomorrow.
Austin needed to get the money he'd saved and information from the computer network to find Kari. Positioning himself at a computer, Austin fed it the information needed to locate Kari McKinnon. It didn't take long to find her place of residence, work, and the phone numbers of each. He marveled at the fact that all this time the woman he loved had been at his fingertips and he hadn't even known she existed. Thank God he'd come tonight.
Austin quietly slipped out of his office and out of his father's building. He'd saved a few thousand dollars on his own which would tide him over until he could find another job.
Austin DuQuaine was a brilliant man. There wasn't a computer he couldn't crack. Actually, he'd been quite a hacker in his college days. Good enough not to get caught.
Austin wasn't worried about getting a job. He was more worried about convincing Kari he loved her. Knowing that he had a lot of explaining to do, he intended to do just that, with her as a captive audience if necessary!
Austin went to a hotel instead of the suite. As soon as he checked into his room he placed a call to Kari's apartment in Minneapolis. The phone clicked in after four rings. His heart skipped a beat when he heard her voice on the recorder.
"Jack and Kari are not in at present. Please leave your name and number and we will get back to you as soon as possible."
He hung up without saying anything. Picking up the phone again Austin dialed the airport. He would be on a plane to Minnesota at the earliest time possible. Kari would be in his arms again, soon.
Austin ran his hand nervously through his long dark blonde hair as he made reservations. Kari had loved to run her hands through that silky, thick hair. Remembering her caress, Austin closed his eyes, longing to feel her sensuous body next to his. Soon, darlin' Kari, soon.
****
Jordan was waving frantically as Kari drove up the next day. They hugged each other, jumping around like two teenagers, finally tumbling to the ground, laughing and giggling. The warm Florida sunshine and Jordan managed to brighten Kari's day somewhat. Jordan had the knack of being able to make Kari laugh even when she was down and out. She certainly had many opportunities to do just that during the last few years. This was going to be a real big test for Jordan this time. She didn't know how big.
In spite of her anguish, Kari was looking forward to her new job and she thought wryly, her new life. Jordan lived in an exclusive apartment house near the Disney complex.
Jordan helped Kari with her bags. Laughing and chattering, each trying to get words in edgewise, the two friends went into the condo.
After Kari had settled in somewhat, Jordan invited her to sit and have some tea. It was around 3:00 p.m., and they both needed to relax.
"So, tell me about the man you have so carefully avoided mentioning." Jordan put her hands behind her head, lying back against the white wicker headboard of her queen-size bed.
"Who said that there was a man?”
Jordan gave her best friend “the look”, rolling her eyes at the same time.
“Ok, OK. There was a married guy at work, Mark. He was pressuring me to have an affair and I was resisting. That jerk will be the one to get my resignation. I wish I could be a fly on the wall when he opens it." Kari giggled at the thought and took a sip of her tea. "Uhmmm, this is good."
"You are not getting off the hook this easy, Kari Mae. You have the look of a woman in despair. I know that look. You may have forgo
tten, but I've been through enough pain of my own to know when someone is really hurting, especially you. You were never very good at hiding anything from me anyway. Out with it!"
"I don't know if I can talk about it yet, Jordan. I fell in love and the knight in shining armor didn't." Tears began to sting her eyes. "This is very painful for me right now. Besides I'm very angry at him and even angrier and disgusted at myself for not seeing the situation that was probably apparent to every other person on this earth but me."
Jordan sipped her tea and appraised her friend with her keen, gray eyes. Jordan Walton was quite attractive herself. Her jet black hair fell just below her shoulders. At 105 pounds,5' 4', and very curvy in all the right places, this stunning young woman turned many heads when she walked into a room.
Jordan had been married three times and divorced twice. Her first husband had been killed in an accident at work a year after they had married. She'd really loved Evan. Maybe that was why she never seemed to find the right guy. Jordan had never really gotten over his loss. She'd been three months pregnant when it had happened and the shock had caused her to miscarry, losing the only part of him she’d had left. After that she'd gone through two more short-lived marriages. She'd decided to take back her maiden name after the last divorce. Jordan Walton couldn't seem to find a man to suit her like Evan had.
She and Kari had remained best friends, even though their lifestyles were quite different. As they sipped herbal tea, Jordan decided that she was in no position to give advice to her friend, but, she was going to anyway.
Kari had been badly hurt. Jordan could see the agony in her friend's eyes. After the pain in her own life, Jordan recognized it in Kari, even though her friend was doing her best to cover it. It was best to leave it for now. Jordan changed the subject to the job Kari would be starting next week. Now that was a subject she was an expert on. Jordan loved her job and could get quite animated about it.
Austin's Pleasure Page 8
