by Mary Suzanne
Six
Sasha entered Mitch’s apartment without knocking. She saw him at the sink, blood trickling from his hand. "What did you do?”
"Aw shit, I was clumsy and broke a heavy baking dish. Will you drive me to the hospital?" He wrapped his hand in a thick towel.
"Of course,” she walked to him and draped his coat across his shoulders.
Sasha didn’t waste any time driving to the nearest hospital.
In the emergency room, a nurse ushered Mitch to another room. Sasha made her way to the waiting room and found a seat where she could see the nurse’s desk.
She felt the butterflies racing in her stomach, wondering how seriously he was injured. Sasha wasn’t aware of how much time passed, but eventually she saw a nurse at the door. “Are you with Mr. Jenner?” the woman asked.
“Yes,” Sasha answered.
“He’s waiting for you at the front desk.”
Sasha arrived at the nurse’s station and saw Mitch waiting with bandages covering his hand. He held it protectively near his side. Without saying a word, he walked with Sasha to her car.
Mitch wasn’t in a very talkative mood on the drive home, and Sasha put it down to what had happened that night. The silence continued between them, making the ride uncomfortable. Feeling the hair raise on her neck, she turned and found him staring at her.
"Why did you go away with him this weekend?" His question startled her.
Mitch could have kicked himself. That was the last thing he wanted to ask, but he'd blurted it out and there was no taking it back. Just the thought of her with the other man caused his insides to shake with anger. She was bewitching and Mitch saw how the older man could easily fall under her spell. Sasha James had certainly changed his life in many ways.
Mitch heard her deep sigh and waited impatiently for her answer. He felt the anger seething through him as he stared across at her silent figure. When she pulled down their street, she still hadn't answered him. He looked across the parking lot and spied Cynthia’s car parked near his. Oh, lord this is all I need.
Sasha frowned at Mitch. “You have a visitor.”
Cynthia didn’t waste any time in rushing to Sasha’s car. "I've been waiting for you, Mitch.”
“I didn’t expect to see you tonight,” he mumbled as he got out.
“What did you do to your hand?” Cynthia grabbed his hand and held it to her cheek.
"It’s a cut,” he murmured. Why did she show up tonight? He’d had a talk with Cynthia last week and made it clear he wanted to cool their relationship. Especially, since he’d made such passionate love to Sasha and he couldn’t get her out of his system. He hated the thought that he may hurt Cynthia, but he didn’t have a choice.
"Good night, Mitch," Sasha broke the silence.
"You don’t have to hurry off, Sasha. Why not come over for a while?"
"It's getting late.” She turned and walked to her apartment. Inside, she pulled the drape back and looked out the window. She watched Cynthia trailing behind Mitch to his apartment and Sasha couldn’t explain the depression clouding her thoughts now.
Suddenly she was struck with the cause of her depression. She loved Mitch; the signs had been there all along. Sasha paced the floor, listening to every little noise next door. She glanced at the clock at least a dozen times and saw only a half hour passed. The agonizing thought that they were alone pounded in her head. She’d had enough and picked up her coat. He’d invited her over and this was the perfect excuse to join them.
As she walked to his apartment, she came face to face with Cynthia. "Hello,” Sasha greeted her.
"Oh, hello,” Cynthia responded in cold, clipped tones.
Sasha saw the anger sparkling in Cynthia's blue eyes.
“Am I keeping you?"
"No,” Sasha nodded at Mitch’s door, “I'm going next door to check on Mitch.”
"He's doing fine. I just left him a few minutes ago."
"I'm going to make sure anyway. Good night, Cynthia.”
Sasha tapped lightly on Mitch's door, and when she heard him tell her to come in, she stepped inside. She saw him lying on the couch with his arm resting across his chest.
Mitch smiled to see her. "Is it okay if I don't get up?"
"Sure, just stay where you are. I wanted to check on you before going to bed. Do you need anything?"
"Nothing that I can think of,” he said, but he knew he'd like nothing better than to have her warm body cuddled close to his. Instead, he said, "On second thought, there’s a bottle of ibuprofen in the bathroom cabinet."
"I'll be right back,” she said.
When she returned to the living room, she walked to the couch and looked down at him. He’d fallen asleep. She tiptoed into the bedroom and removed a quilt from the bed. Sasha placed the cover over him and switched off all the lights, except the one in the bathroom. She clicked the lock in place when she left.
Sasha was busy at the office, and the next days passed swiftly. On Friday, she glanced up to find Mark looking at her.
“Since you've worked so hard this week, I'd like to take you out to dinner tonight,” his smile made his blue eyes sparkle.
"You don't have to do that, I love the work.”
"But I want to.” He noticed her thoughtful expression, "Do you have any idea what's wrong with Mitch? He's been in a bad mood all week.”
"He had to get some stitches in his hand and I guess it's still painful.”
"Oh,” he shrugged his shoulders and continued with his work.
That night, she finished brushing her hair. Hearing the bell, she opened the door and smiled at Mark. “Come in.”
"You look beautiful.”
"Thank you,” she murmured, as a red flush colored her cheeks over her private thoughts. She wished it could have been Mitch standing at her door, instead of Mark. Sasha wanted, she needed, to hear those words coming from Mitch’s lips.
As they drove across the city, Mark kept a lively conversation going. He explained what they were going to cover the next week on a special assignment and what her part would be.
At the restaurant, the hostess started leading them to a table when a familiar voice stopped them. "Mark,” Mitch’s deep voice echoed in her ears. "We have plenty of room at our table. Why don’t you join us?”
Sasha quickly looked and saw Cynthia sitting across from Mitch. A long white candle flickered in the breeze from an overhead fan. Sasha looked at Mitch’s hand and noticed he could move it with ease now. She was taking in everything, while her heart was breaking.
"Would you like to join them?” Mark saw Sasha's strained features and gently squeezed her arm for support.
Sasha nodded, but inside she felt the opposite; there was no way she wanted to join them. Seeing Mitch with the blonde brought a new set of emotions racing through her. After sitting, Sasha looked up, and her wide green eyes met Mitch's across the flaming candle. His gaze locked onto her and she found it impossible to break eye contact. Sasha didn’t miss the burning intensity filling his dark brooding stare, and she wondered what message he was trying to convey to her. Was she really seeing the silent message of desire blazing out to her? "What would you like to drink, Sasha?” Mark interrupted her silent thoughts.
"What, uh, whatever you're having,” she said.
Mark shrugged and turned to the waitress to give the order.
The quiet at the table was unnerving for Mitch. He didn’t know why he’d let Cynthia cajole him into a dinner date. He knew he’d rather be alone with Sasha, but here she was - with Mark. He was angry, but he didn’t know at whom, at Mark? At himself? The last time he saw Sasha was the night she’d driven him to the hospital. He should have called and thanked her for her help that night, but… The only reason he had for yielding to Cynthia was her persistence in showing up every day at his apartment. Tonight, she’d done it again. Rather than offending her, here he sat, when he’d rather be entertaining the red haired beauty across the table from him.
“I should have called and thanked
you for the ride to the hospital, Sasha,” Mitch tipped his glass in tribute across the table at the silent Sasha.
“I didn’t know you’d taken Mitch to the hospital,” Mark said, lifting his drink.
“Yes, she did,” Cynthia placed her hand on Mitch’s. “But I’ve been going by his apartment every day to make sure he’s all right.”
Sasha felt a jolt in her chest hearing Cynthia’s words and watching her claim her prize. No wonder she hadn’t seen Mitch or heard from him. He’d been busy entertaining the busty blonde that had her chair pulled so close it looked like she was sitting on his lap. She couldn’t understand Mitch. He’d shown such passion and desire for her, and now it was as if that night never happened.
Sasha found the evening lasting forever. Once the waiter served the food, she couldn’t do justice to it. She pushed it around her plate and finally placed her napkin over it. Eventually, after a nerve-racking hour, it was time to leave.
"I'd like to check out the new nightclub,” Mark suggested, holding Sasha's coat for her.
"I'm all for it,” Mitch said.
This wasn’t what Sasha wanted to do, but she didn’t want to spoil the evening for the rest of the group. She’d have to keep her emotions in check and hide how upset she was that Mitch was with Cynthia.
"Is everyone ready?” Mark asked. "I can take my car."
"Good idea, since we came by cab this evening,” Mitch stood and helped Cynthia with her coat.
In the car, Sasha felt the silence stretching unbearably. Mark's attention remained with the traffic, and the other two didn't attempt to make conversation. The atmosphere felt stifling, and when Sasha saw the lights of the nightclub in the distance, she braced herself for the remainder of the evening.
When they entered the club, the deafening noise greeted them in the foyer. Mark took Sasha's arm and pulled her safely to his side as they made their way through the crowded aisle. There was one empty table near the middle of the room and Mark didn't waste a second in claiming it. A waiter took their order.
Sasha’s gaze traveled the room slowly and she spotted Joe Fields standing nearby. He was talking to a group of people, but she didn't recognize any of them. She didn’t need another problem tonight; if Joe were to join their group and mention her last name to Mitch, her true identity would no longer be a secret.
"Let's dance,” Mark suggested, interrupting her worried thoughts.
She hesitated, but she knew she didn't have any excuse for not dancing. "All right.” When they reached the crowded floor, the band began playing a fast number. She matched her steps to Mark's and found the act of dancing relaxed her. As the final note of music echoed, what she'd dreaded the most, happened.
"Sasha,” Joe called her name. "Wait up a sec."
"I'll be with you in a minute, Mark.” Sasha put her hands on Mark’s chest, “Joe's an old friend and I haven’t seen him in a while."
"Sure, I'll meet you at the table.” He nodded, and walked away.
The band started playing a slow song and Joe pulled Sasha into his arms. He looked confused as he stared into her strained features. “Is something wrong?”
Sasha stole a glance to her table, "Will you do me a favor?"
He furrowed his eyebrows, "If I can.”
"I work with the two men at my table and they both believe my name is Sasha James. I've been using my mother's maiden name because dad wouldn't agree to me working at the paper unless I did.” She nodded at the table, “If they find out, my career is finished."
"Don’t worry. I’ll keep your secret. Come on, give me a smile, you look as if you've lost your only friend."
Sasha smiled up at Joe, "Thanks for your help.”
"Anytime, sweetheart,” he answered, just as the music stopped.
When they reached the table, Sasha quickly made the introductions. She noticed how Mitch's eyes narrowed when he saw Joe holding her waist possessively.
"Do you want to join us, Joe?" Mark offered.
"No thanks.” Joe released Sasha. “I’ll see you later, honey.” He lightly brushed her lips with a soft kiss.
"Yea, see you later,” she murmured.
Another slow tune vibrated through the room and she felt her arm gripped in a gentle hold. "Let's dance.” Mitch’s warm breath fanned her ear.
He walked her to the dance floor, pressed her tightly to his chest, and felt her melt against him. "You're very popular tonight." His unexpected words spoiled her euphoric feeling.
“You’ve got a lot of room judging me and my friends!”
“What do you mean?”
“You didn’t spend the last few nights alone,” she answered, nodding her head toward Cynthia.
Sasha noticed how he didn’t bother answering. His grip only tightened on her, pressing her more firmly to him.
“She’s just a friend.”
“And so is Joe.”
She felt his smooth lips brush her forehead and move slowly down to nuzzle her ear. Despite her anger, Sasha could feel the tingles of excitement rush through her at his soft touch. She couldn’t help molding her body to his. Instead of moving to the music, they remained in one spot swaying to the sensuous intoxicating beat.
Much too soon the song ended, but Mitch took his time releasing her. Sasha slowly lifted her head and gazed into his slumberous eyes; he could mesmerize her with a look. She blinked her eyes and eventually came to her senses.
When they reached the table, Cynthia didn’t look too happy about the way the evening was turning out. Sasha watched the blonde lift her drink and swallow down the contents in one gulp.
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm ready to call it a night,” Mark spoke up.
"Yes, me, too,” Sasha agreed with him.
"If you don't mind, we'll catch a ride with you,” Mitch said, glancing at Mark. "It will save having to call a cab."
"Sure, there's plenty of room.”
Sasha sat in the front; not once did she glance toward the back, to Mitch and Cynthia. After Cynthia gave Mark her address, it didn’t take him long to reach her apartment complex. Mitch walked Cynthia toward the foyer of the building. They disappeared into the lobby and Sasha wondered what was taking place between the two; was he kissing her or just making sure she was safely in her apartment?
She realized she didn’t have a hold on Mitch. She couldn’t tell him who to date or how much attention he should give them. Glancing toward the building again, the subject of her thoughts came walking toward the car. She couldn’t tell by looking at his face whether he’d had any intimate moments with the blonde.
Mitch got into the back seat without saying a word and Mark drove away.
Before reaching her apartment, Sasha touched Mark’s arm. “Thanks, I had a wonderful time tonight.”
“I’m glad. We’ll have to do it again soon.”
A heavy sigh filled the back seat. Mitch didn’t offer to join in the conversation, making Sasha wonder if his thoughts were still on Cynthia. She erased those thoughts from her mind; they were too painful.
When Mark pulled onto the lot, she reached for the door handle. “You don’t have to get out.”
Mark nodded his head.
As she walked away, she heard Mitch’s steps behind her. She made her way to the door and could feel his presence behind her. When she placed her key in the lock, she turned to look at him.
"Are you going to invite me in for a drink?" he asked softly.
"It's late, Mitch” She still felt resentment toward him for spending the night with Cynthia.
"I won't stay long, and you can throw me out whenever you want."
She knew she was a fool, but her sensible thinking vanished every time she got near him. "All right, come in.” He followed her into the living room. "Go ahead and fix yourself a drink. I'm going to change into something more comfortable."
Sasha walked from the room and into her bedroom. She stripped off her dress and placed it on a hanger. Her high heels were the next to come off. As she rem
oved a blouse and jeans from the closet, she heard a noise behind her.
She turned swiftly and saw Mitch standing in the doorway, watching her with smoldering eyes. He held two glasses of amber liquid, but it didn't look as if he wanted the drink after all.
Seven
Sasha backed against the bed, grabbing her robe to cover her nakedness, as her desire for this frustrating man filled her. Every part of her screamed out for his caresses, remembering the last time in his arms. Love filled her heart, blocking out all sensible thinking.
He placed the glasses on the nightstand. Reaching her, he gently clutched her arms between his fingertips, his tender touch making her sway toward him. The robe slipped from her fingers and dropped to the floor. Mitch gently placed her on the bed.
His mouth traveled to her throat, and down to her swelling breasts, capturing her nipples peaked and standing firm. She closed her eyes, falling deeper under his spell, only wanting to experience his lovemaking again.
She watched him raise his head and lean on his elbow. He gazed down longingly at her body silhouetted by the streetlight shining in the window.
“You're beautiful,” he whispered, his breath fanning her throat as he kissed her repeatedly.
Once more Mitch stared into her green eyes, desperately needing to see her give herself to him. He was on fire for her; desire rocked his very soul. Her absence the last few days only made him want her more. He groaned over how weak and helpless she could make him feel.
His mouth covered hers compulsively. He couldn't get enough of tasting her sweet lips and warm scented throat. Mitch was dizzy with need and longed to possess every inch of her delectable body. When she responded to his touch the need felt so great that he feared he might explode.
Sasha unbuttoned his shirt and her fingers reached the front of his slacks, pulling the zipper open. When she lifted her head she saw the tormented look his eyes. In that moment, she knew he needed her as much as she needed him.
"Oh, Mitch,” she moaned his name just as he captured her breast between his teeth and gently nibbled the soft, fleshy skin.
