Austin's Pleasure

by Dalton, Kristine

  Jordan took the afghan from the back of the sofa and draped it gently over her dearest friend. After tucking it under her lovingly, she returned to her painting. Kari had done in a few months what most people do in a lifetime. No wonder she was worn out.

  Jordan hoped Kari would be up to this trip to Houston. She continued to finish up what the two of them had started. She knew if she didn't do it, Kari would, no matter her condition. Kari's best friend began to paint at a furious pace, promising herself to finish if it killed her.

  Jordan's mind drifted back fifteen years to Evan and the baby that had been inside of her. Her eyes misted over as the happy and sad memories returned. She would allow herself a few minutes of remembering and then it would be back to the present. And Jordan remembered.

  Sixteen

  Austin was shaking Kari to wake her up. It was nearly dark and Jordan and Jimmy had left. She sat up, looking at him through a haze. He sat down and put his arm around her. He'd evidently gotten cleaned up, and had dressed in a pair of loose fitting white cotton pants, sport jacket and shirt. He reminded her of a blond Josh Dumall in the old Las Vegas tv series. Too handsome and sexy for words.

  "I've really been insensitive, honey. You've been working so hard. Let me make it up to you by taking you out for dinner."

  Kari was awake by now and much refreshed. She actually felt like her old self. And, she was famished.

  "Dinner sounds like a lovely idea, Austin." Damn he looked good. And he was hers, all hers. Kari smiled sweetly.

  "Good. You get showered and I'll take you somewhere nice and cozy. I have a few things to put into the computer system. I'll do that while you're getting ready. Would you wear your red outfit? You haven't worn it for a long time. You know how I love that on you."

  "Sure, Austin. I'll meet you down here in thirty minutes."

  He pulled her up from the couch and steered her towards their bedroom. With a bound, he was halfway up the stairs as she disappeared into their room.

  Kari loved this room the most. Just as she'd planned, it was done in romantic white. The bed had a white eyelet cover with matching pillow shams and several large pillows at the head. The canopy was draped with sheer, light curtains. The windows had grooved white rods with more of the same curtains casually draped over them.

  The rest of the furniture was white wicker. The oak fireplace mantle held several of Kari's childhood treasures. Several huge throw pillows were strewn around the fireplace rug. Both of them were looking toward the night they could put a match to the logs that lay inside it. In Florida, unfortunately, that didn't happen too often.

  Surveying the bedchamber, Kari never tired of seeing her dream room. Sighing with pleasure, she went to her closet to get her robe. Shedding her clothes she put on her robe and headed for the shower. Thirty minutes later Kari walked into the great room. Austin got up from the couch and stared blatantly. She blushed in spite of herself.

  "Austin, would you stop that."

  "Stop what, darlin' girl?" He gave her an innocent look. Innocent like a wolf in sheep's clothing!

  "Don't darlin' girl me. You know what I mean. That expression you've developed every time I wear this dress."

  "I have no idea what you are talking about, honey. We better get going, I have reservations for eight." He smiled sweetly at her, knowing exactly what she meant. Grinning at her embarrassment, he took her arm, leading her out the door to the car.

  They pulled into the restaurant drive way around 7:45 p.m. A young man in uniform opened the door for Kari, and then drove the car away. They walked hand in hand through the door. Austin had called ahead for reservations in the afternoon while Kari was asleep. A table for two was waiting in a secluded corner. Again, it reminded Kari of the first time they went out for dinner in Hawaii.

  The waiter seated them and brought a bottle of wine right away. Austin had been on top of things. Kari sipped at hers knowing she shouldn't have more than a glass. Her hand strayed to her abdomen as Austin talked about going to see his parents. They ordered dinner. Kari could hardly wait. She almost wolfed down a roll. She hadn't eaten anything but toast in the morning, and barely half a sandwich at lunch.

  When their entrees arrived Austin watched in amazement as his wife ate everything with great enthusiasm. He realized she'd worked hard and was probably starving. Come to think of it, he haven't seen her eat much for lunch. No wonder she was hungry. As the empty dishes were removed, Austin cleared his throat.

  "Kari, I have a present for you." He withdrew a letter from his breast pocket and handed it to her. She took it from him, a puzzled look on her face.

  "Open it." She unfolded the paper and began to read. She gasped and looked at him in amazement.

  "It's a marriage certificate from Hawaii. It officially validates our marriage.

  “Oh, Austin! I don't know what to say. This makes everything right." There were tears in her eyes. All the doubts were gone now. Their baby would be legitimate. That meant the world to her.

  "I have something else for you too, honey."

  He drew a small box out of his pocket and handed it to her. His dark amber eyes watched her hands as they opened the box. Inside was a gold band with diamonds set all the way around. Kari was so dumbfounded she couldn't say a word. Austin reached across the table. Taking her hands in his, he slid it on her finger. She looked at him, her eyes the color of emeralds.

  "I love you, Austin. Let's go home. Now!" Austin called for the check and they left in a hurry. Kari snuggled next to him in the car, holding out her hand to admire her sparkling ring.

  "I'm going to love you tonight, Austin, like I never have before. I promise it will be like nothing you've ever known before."

  "Stop it Kari, or we may not even make it home."

  Austin's body was in flames already. He didn't know how this woman could make him feel like this, but he didn't care. Pulling in front of the house, he helped her out of the car, walking her up the front stairs. Austin could hardly get the key in the door. Kari stood by silently.

  When he finally got the door open she took his hand and led him to their room. She closed the big double doors, turning to face at him. Her sea green eyes looked lazily in to his deep chocolate ones.

  Kari stepped toward him slowly unbuttoning her blouse. Austin was trembling with anticipation. His body was like an inferno. Lord, he wanted her more than he'd ever wanted anything. Kari came closer, dropping her blouse to the floor, shedding her long slim skirt at the same time. Austin was nearly going insane as she revealed a sheer black teddy that left little to the imagination. His breathing became sharp and irregular.

  Slowly, Kari lowered one strap and then the other, holding the teddy up against her breasts with her hands. She stepped toward him her tongue slowly whetting her amber lips. He reached out and she put his hands down at his side, the sheer, scant material slipping down around her waist revealing her well-developed breasts, the tips already hardened in anticipation of his tongue and hands caressing them.

  He started to say her name and she put her finger to his lips. Kari put the palms of her hands against his chest and pushed him gently on the bed.

  She sat down on his lap facing him, feeling his firm arousal, wrapping her slim, shapely legs around him. Slowly she began to kiss him holding his hands away from her body. Kari was going to make him beg for her tonight. Austin's mind and body exploded with unbridled passion.

  "Damn it, Kari. I can't keep my hands off of you. I need to touch you, worship you."

  Lifting herself up slightly, she kissed his hair and his eyes, her breasts brushing invitingly against his lips. He groaned again as his mouth responded to her pert, rigid nipples. The vixen pressed against her slave, rocking herself against his aroused manhood. He couldn't get enough of her, capturing each nipple between his teeth, moving back and forth with a feverish desire. She was driving him out of his mind. With a guttural sound and a swift motion, he released himself from her hands, grinding his body against hers.

 
Austin stood up with Kari clinging to him. Falling with her back on the bed, he released her legs, pushing her knees up. He wedged his thighs between hers, stroking her nipples with one hand and entering her soft, moist inner thighs with his other hand. He studied her with his eyes, now dark as the night, damp hair falling in them. Her eyes were closed, the long lashes laying against her flushed cheeks.

  As his stroking became more relentless, Kari twisted and turned under his persistent caress. She gasped and cried out to him as that incredible feeling hit her like a bolt of lightning. Sheathing himself, Austin turned her over and pulled her tight, round ass against his throbbing penis. Kari gasped as he entered her swollen lips from behind. Austin thrust his body hard against her again and again. He arched his back, a guttural sound of pleasure escaping from his lips as he gave a final thrust into her trembling body. They lay with each other, sweat from their bodies intermingling. Austin kissed her forehead and stroked her hair as she snuggled closer. "I love you, Kari DuQuaine. I will never love anyone or anything as much as I love you. I love you. I love you. I want to make up for all the times you didn't have love. I want to fill your days and nights with love. It feels so good to tell you I love you."

  Kari sighed contentedly. "You'll always have my love, Austin. And you can tell me as many times as you want to."

  Wrapping their arms and legs around each other, they kissed and snuggled contentedly until they fell asleep.

  ****

  Kari called Jordan the next day to tell her about the certificate and her ring.

  "This means that we are really married and no one can take that away from us. Or the baby." Kari was admiring her ring as she talked with Jordan.

  "I take it lover boy isn't around."

  "Jordan, what makes you say that?"

  "Because after knowing Austin a few weeks, he never takes his eyes off you and I can see what is going on in that devious mind of his. I bet you had a great night after those precious gifts."

  "You are something else-Gourdy! We...we had a nice time."

  "Hah! Sticks and Stones. That's the first time I've ever heard it called a nice time! You are so prissy sometimes Kiki. I guess that innocence is what makes him come back for more."

  "Really Jordan. I have no idea what you are talking about." Kari tried to sound shocked. It didn't sound very convincing. "For your information, Miss Nosy, he went to look at a couple of thoroughbreds. You know he's been itching to get that stable filled."

  "And you on a horse. Will he be surprised when he finds out you won't be riding for, oh, say a year or so!"

  "Shut up, Jordan. You know I'm nervous enough about this."

  "I'm only teasing, Kiki. Gees, they aren't kidding when they say pregnant woman are touchy."

  "I'm sorry Jordan. I don't mean to be. I wish that you were going with us to Houston. Say-that isn't a bad idea. Why don't you come with us? I know Austin won't mind. He loves you as much as I do and I know he'd be relieved that I'd have a friend there. What do you say?"

  "Oh, I don't know Kari. You'd better check with Austin first. He may have something entirely different in mind. I would love to go though. It might be fun to see how the other half lives."

  "I'll ask him when he gets home. He'll be in a great mood if he's able to purchase these horses. He's like a fish out of water without a horse. Yes, I'll ask him then." Kari held up her hand, delighted again at the sparkle on her finger.

  "You really know how to get what you want from that man. I should have taken lessons from you. These hidden talents you have had along, and I thought I was the hussy!"

  "I have no idea what you are referring to, Jordan!"

  "And I'm you're grandmother. I'll talk to you tomorrow at work. Jimmy and I are going out to his father's estate for a pool party. Don't forget, we have an appointment with the doctor."

  "All right, I'll talk to you tomorrow. Plan on going with us. See ya Jordan, Gourdy!"

  Kari hung up quickly knowing what Jordan's retort would be. Besides, it was the only way she could get in the last dig.

  ****

  Kari was watching out the extensive front window nervously. She glanced at the clock. It was 3:30 p.m. already. He should've been home, but then what did she know about buying horses? What did she know about horses at all? She hoped he didn't want her to get on a horse right away. His pregnant wife would have to make up excuses until they got back from Houston. Then he'd understand why she couldn't ride right now.

  Already feeling guilty for not telling him, Kari knew he would be angry that she hadn't confided in him right away. Besides, she wasn't sure how he felt about a baby so soon, or for that matter, at all. They had never approached the subject. He'd always been careful to use protection except that time on the beach when they'd first gotten back together. It had only taken that one time.

  How do you tell someone they are going to be a father? Kari wasn't sure how she felt about being a mother either, especially when she was tossing her cookies, which seemed to be every day lately. She hoped this doctor would be able to shed some light on this, and maybe even help her feel better. She knew Austin thought she was tired from doing double duty at the office and home. She'd be relieved when the charade was over.

  A blast on the horn brought her out of her reverie. A truck was pulling in, a trailer hitched behind it. Austin was following in the Jeep. Kari jumped up and went running outside onto the verandah. Austin was waving excitedly. She smiled and waved back. The trip was obviously a success. The truck rolled past, driving around the back toward the stable. Kari caught a glimpse of the very large red end of one horse, the other one a black. Austin drove up and swung out of the door of the car.

  "Come on, honey. I can't wait to show you the horses. I thought I would only be able to get a good horse in Texas, but I was wrong." He grabbed her by the hand, dragging her around the back where two men with Stetsons and boots were unloading two of the biggest horses she'd ever laid eyes on. Kari's eyes got huge and she shrank back. Austin stopped, turning to look at her. He could see the unabashed fear in her eyes. Her husband patted her hand.

  "You stay here, darlin'. I'll show them to you once they are in the stable."

  She nodded, staring at the animals in fear and shock at the same time. She'd never been on a horse before. The closest she'd ever come to one was seeing the small ponies the kids could ride at the state fair. Kari wasn't prepared for their size, and it scared her silly.

  Austin was helping the two men unload the horses. He led the big red one out and into the stable. The smaller black one followed, handled by one of the other men. The remaining man lifted the gear and followed the other two. A few minutes later as Kari was still rooted to the same spot, the three of them came out discussing the horses and concluding their business. Austin shook their hands and they tipped their hats to Kari as they boarded the truck, roaring out of the yard. Austin strode over to where Kari stood.

  "You don't have to be afraid, honey. They're settled in the stalls. You've never been close to a horse before have you?" She nodded still not moving. He took her gently by the hand.

  "Come on, they're locked safely in the stalls. You can at least look. I won't pressure you to ride until you think you are ready." Kari said a silent prayer of thanks. This would work out fine. Meekly, she followed him into the stables. The horses continued to chew their oats while they inspected the tall man and the pale young woman. Austin went over and rubbed the big red on its face, then the black. They seemed gentle enough, but Kari wasn't about to find out now. She stood back a ways as she and the horses eyed one another.

  "The red one is Firestorm and the black is Shadow. Shadow is yours, Kari. He is very gentle and he likes women. I made sure I got a horse you could come to trust. Trust is important between a horse and it's mistress."

  Austin was ecstatic. Kari had never seen him so enthusiastic or excited. "Why don't you take Firestorm for a ride. You have a couple of hours before dinner."

  "You wouldn't mind, honey? I haven't been h
ome all day."

  "But you will be home all night won't you?" She smiled a shy smile at him. He walked over and picked her up with a hug, twirling her around.

  "Mmmmm. I love you so much, Kari." He put her down and turned to the big red horse. "The boss says we can go for a ride. How about it big fella?" Firestorm snorted as if he knew what Austin had just said to him.

  "I'll go start getting dinner ready. I'll see you at around six."

  "Okay, darlin'."

  He was already getting the gear down. She turned and walked out of the stable. A few minutes later as she watched out the kitchen windows, Austin came riding around the side of the stable. Kari caught her breath! The animal was magnificent and so was the man on his back. She understood now. He looked like a knight on his charger.

  He brought Firestorm to a halt and waved. His face was transformed. Kari waved back. As he took off, she felt a small pang of jealousy. He wasn't hers alone anymore. Well, it was something she would have to get used to.

  Learning to ride Shadow would help, once she overcame her fear. She reminded herself that wouldn't be for a while. She would have plenty of time to make friends with that horse.

  Kari busied herself around the kitchen, fixing Austin's favorite dinner of Caesar's salad with steak. At least the horse couldn't cook or make love to him. Kari smiled at that thought.

  ****

  The next day Jordan took Kari to the doctor where he pronounced that she was definitely pregnant and in good health for her age. He wanted to see her every two weeks for the first trimester. The old doctor gave her vitamins and something non-prescription to help with the morning sickness.

  Jordan took her out to lunch. Kari told her all about the horses and her fears. Jordan laughed, pooh poohing her anxieties.

  "You are acting like a pregnant woman again, Kiki."

  "In case you forgot, I am a pregnant woman. I saw the look on his face when he was on that horse. It was all he could talk about at dinner. And afterwards! I finally went to bed, pleading fatigue. He came in soon after I did, but I pretended to be asleep. It was the first time we didn't make love since we've been in the house. Oh Jordan, what if it is all over!" Kari looked stricken.