Chasing Destiny

by Nikki Rittenberry

  “She sure does”, he replied.

  “She just called to check-in on us. She wanted to make sure we found our way back.”

  “Oh.”

  “So, what were you about to tell me before she interrupted?”

  He needed more time; just a little more time. “Never mind—it’s nothing that can’t wait.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah, I’m sure”, he said softly.

  They climbed the front porch steps and continued down the extended hall toward the elevator. They ascended to the third floor and journeyed down the narrow corridor until they came upon their rooms. Jacob walked her to her door and leaned his shoulder against the wall.

  “I had fun tonight.”

  Cassie tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I had a great time, too… Thanks for dinner and drinks.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Cassie turned the knob and pushed the door open while staring into his mesmerizing, green eyes. “Okay… goodnight.”

  “Goodnight, Cass.” He watched as she entered her room and then gently closed the door behind her. He stood leaned against the wall alone for a minute before he turned and headed back to his suite.

  * * *

  The door closed gently behind her and she leaned her back against it before making her way to the settee at the foot of the bed. She sat motionless for several minutes with her eyes closed, recalling how innocently she’d turned to face him at the bar earlier, their legs touching. She hadn’t expected an electric current to ignite within her, but it did. Cassie opened her eyes, suddenly aware that she was still wearing Jacob’s tan, corduroy sport coat. She slipped it off her shoulders and held it tightly against her chest, inhaling his delicious scent.

  What was it about this man that captivated her senses? Granted, he was her first love and just like your first kiss or your first intimate encounter, you never forget it. But this was different—entirely different somehow. She’d never met another man that looked at her the way he did. Their chemistry was undeniable and for reasons she couldn’t quite comprehend, she felt drawn to him; drawn to him like moths to a flame.

  * * *

  Jacob carelessly tossed his room key on the bureau adjacent to the door and ran his hands through his dark hair. He removed his shirt and kicked off his shoes in an attempt to make himself more comfortable, but it didn’t work. He needed a drink. He ambled toward the buffet table on the opposite side of the room and raised the chilled bottle of champagne from the silver ice bucket. He would have preferred something a little more… powerful, but this would certainly do. He removed the wire cage and firmly gripped the cork while giving it a slight twist. A distinct pop sounded, followed by a cold haze that curled entrancingly around the opening. He poured a glass and walked slowly to one of the cream, wing back chairs at the foot of the bed, collapsing his six-foot, muscular frame upon it.

  He ingested the bubbly concoction in hopes that it would numb his insides. He’d bailed on the opportunity to confess how he felt and it sickened him. He’d been on the verge of explaining why he’d broken her heart years ago and how his countless attempts to get over her had failed. All it took was a quick interruption from Emily and he’d lost his nerve.

  He closed his eyes and replayed the evening over and over in his mind. The familiar ache in his chest overwhelmed him and he quickly raised his glass, emptying it to quickly deaden the agony. His eyes remained closed for several moments before abruptly opening at the sound of three faint knocks. He sat his empty glass on the small, wood end table wedged between the two wing back chairs and headed for the door.

  Cassie stood in the hallway in a trance; Jacob was barefoot and shirtless in front of her. His broad shoulders and chiseled abs distracted her, along with the faded blue jeans sitting low on his waist, revealing the waistband to his designer boxer briefs.

  “Cassie is everything alright?” he asked.

  “Um… yeah, I’m fine.” She lifted the sport coat in front of her. “I forgot to give this back to you earlier.”

  Jacob grabbed the coat from her and smiled. “Thanks. Listen, do you want to come in? I just opened a bottle of champagne and I’d hate to drink alone.”

  “Oh, I don’t know—”

  “C’mon, I promise I’ll be on my best behavior. Just one…”

  Cassie nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before answering. “Um… okay.”

  He scurried across the room, pouring her a glass and refilling his. After handing her the champagne he took a seat in the wing back chair beside her.

  “Your room is a little bit different than mine”, she said.

  “How so?”

  Cassie glanced around the room. “Well, your walls are navy and you have white wainscoting. My walls are deep charcoal. You have a four poster bed and I have an upholstered headboard.”

  “Anything else?”

  “Yeah—I have a settee at the foot of the bed and you have two wing back chairs. I just love how they have everything decorated here… It’s really pretty.”

  You’re pretty. “So, can you believe Tanner and Emily are finally tying the knot?” He asked.

  “They’ve certainly come a long way, haven’t they? It’s hard to believe they’ve stayed together as long as they have, living in different states. I guess when you find the right person you’d do just about anything to make it work.” She looked into his eyes and he met her gaze.

  “Yeah, I suppose—but sometimes it’s more complicated than that…”

  “Emily mentioned she was going to take a year off from teaching”, she continued.

  “That’s what I hear, too. Tanner let it slip the other day that they were going to try to have kids right away. I guess they figured they’d wasted enough time.”

  Cassie looked down at her lap, becoming quiet. Jacob suddenly remembered the conversation they’d had earlier on the boat and he felt like a complete jerk for having mentioned Tanner and Emily’s quest to become pregnant in the first place. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

  “No—it’s fine. My time will come… one day.”

  She did her best to smile, but he could see right through her façade. She was clearly hurting and he wanted more than anything to be the one to console her.

  “Well, I should probably go… it’s getting late.” She placed her glass on the end table between them and rose from her chair. Jacob followed her to the door and when she reached for the handle, she hesitated. Cassie turned around to face him and wrapped her arms around him. “Thanks again for dinner and the glass of champagne”, she whispered.

  “You’re welcome.”

  Her body remained against his as she caressed the hair on the nape of his neck with her hands. Every brush of her fingertips delivered an intoxicating force to the pit of his stomach and dispersed warmth throughout his body.

  Cassie lifted her head back and gazed into his hypnotic, green eyes. He recognized her expression; it mirrored his own. Lust permeated from her pores and her eyes were dark with desire. Her focus swept down his face, targeting his mouth. He longed to feel her lips against his; to taste her again. She slowly closed the distance between them, pressing her plump lips gently against his. His senses were awakened by her touch and his heart rate propelled his excitement with every beat.

  Her lips parted in an invitation as the passion grew and her wet, hot tongue infiltrated his mouth, searching for his. She tasted delicious; erotically sweet, infused with raw passion. He craved more, but he didn’t want to repeat the mistakes he’d made last fall. He grabbed her shoulders and respectfully pushed her away. He gazed into her determined eyes as she seductively bit her bottom lip. “Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked, breathlessly.

  Cassie placed her hands along the sides of his pronounced jaw and rose onto her toes. She kissed him passionately, justifying her need to continue. Jacob grabbed her waist and took a step forward, sandwiching her between his strong, muscular body and the door. He continued kissing
her while simultaneously untying the belt to her wrap dress. The garment unraveled and opened, revealing her matching, lavender lace bra and panties. He broke the kiss and leaned his forehead against hers, staring down at her flawless body through hooded eyes. “God, look at you”, he mumbled softly. The sight of her bare skin enticed his hunger, further accelerating his excitement.

  Cassie’s dress fell to the floor, settling around her feet. She cupped her hands around the back of his head as he lowered himself, softly kissing her stomach; sending a warm, electric current up her torso and down her thighs. He slowly made his way up to her chest, tugging on the lace with his fingers and revealing her firm breast. His tongue delicately grazed her pink nipple, further heightening her arousal.

  He continued upward until he reached her lips, kissing her intensely as he ran his hands down the small of her back. He ground his pelvis against her center and cupped her perfectly firm backside, lifting her feet off the floor. Her legs wrapped around his waist as he carried her to the massive, four-poster bed and then carefully laid her down before positioning himself on top of her. His hands were in constant motion, caressing her bare skin; memorizing every inch of her petite body.

  “God, I’ve missed you”, he whispered. He slowly migrated down her body, exploring with his mouth until he came upon her lavender, lace boy shorts. After rising onto his knees, he hooked his fingers along the sides of her hips and gently pulled the lacey garment away. He tossed her panties on the floor and sat motionless for several moments. He admired her flawless body in disbelief; she looked like a priceless piece of art, perfectly sculpted for his enjoyment. Her round breasts were spilling out of her lace demi-bra, the border of her pink nipples peeking over the delicate lace. His focus traveled south, sweeping across her flat stomach and ending on her shaved mound. She was completely bare and his fingers twitched at the thought of touching her smooth, slick center.

  “You’re so beautiful”, he said, as he grazed his hands up her thighs.

  Jacob grabbed her legs, pulling her closer and then kissed her inner thigh. Her breathless moans encouraged him as he positioned her legs over his broad shoulders. He pleasured her between and her body trembled with delight.

  Every slick lap of his tongue brought her closer, deeper into a long forgotten place. An abyss that soothed as well as satisfied. The sensation penetrated through the physical pleasure and filled a void that only he could fill.

  Panting with pleasure, she teetered on the edge and within moments waves of electric energy pulsated throughout her entire body. She called out his name as her body twisted with ecstasy.

  When her muscles relaxed she opened her eyes and met his heavy gaze. “I want you, Jake”, she said, breathlessly.

  He quickly got up and removed his faded jeans. He reached into his wallet and retrieved a condom, tearing the packet open with his teeth and sheathed himself before climbing into bed above her. She ran her fingers through his thick, dark hair as he kissed her neck. Her jasmine-scented skin was nostalgic, reminding him of the history between them. He grabbed the sides of her face with his large hands and gazed into her impassioned eyes as he penetrated her flesh.

  Cassie clenched her eyes shut and gasped for air as he drove his throbbing love deep into her willing body. Her petite frame was completely impaled and with every forward lunge, he punctured the protective wall around her guarded heart.

  “Open your eyes. I want you to look at me”, he whispered, breathlessly. Cassie did as he asked and then lightly grazed her finger across his lips before kissing him. Their bodies were linked and the connection he felt went beyond the physical act. He took his time, savoring every moment of her flesh, his love for her growing with every thrust of his body.

  Her moans vibrated his soul—damn he’d missed hearing her sounds. She was on the verge of another intoxicating ecstasy as her breathing became more rapid and shallow.

  “You make me feel so good”, she confided as she stared longingly into his captivating eyes. She dug her nails into his back and with one last, hard thrust, their pleasure peaked. A surging mass of energy erupted from their core in synchronized, rhythmic waves and when the intensity subsided, they lost themselves in each other’s eyes. They studied each other in silence, recognizing the metamorphosis that had just taken place and reveling in it. No words were spoken; none were needed. She turned on her side to face him, her heavy eyes staring back into his. He cupped the side of her face and gently caressed her cheek with his thumb. Her eyelids fell heavier with every stroke and within minutes, her body succumbed to fatigue.

  Jacob traced her feminine curves with his eyes, retaining the surface of her flawless body in his memory. He was exhausted, but he didn’t want this night to end. He was terrified of waking in the morning, only to find that their intimate rendezvous had been a figment of his overactive imagination—another erotic dream. They’d turned a corner and he was eager to explore where it might lead.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  The room was quiet and still. Cassie opened her eyes, squinting at first, and then suddenly sat up. She covered her breasts with the ivory, down comforter and glanced around a room that clearly wasn’t her own. “Jake… Jake?”

  Nothing; the only response was the echo of her own voice. She reached her hand to the side of the bed where Jacob had been several hours ago, before she’d drifted to sleep, and found a small folded piece of stationary that had her name written on it. She unfolded the note and smiled as she read.

  Good morning, beautiful:

  Meet me at the gazebo by the river.

  Jacob

  Cassie folded the note in half and held it against her heart as she grinned. It was still unclear what had come over her last night, but whatever it was, she relished it. She tossed the comforter aside, placing her feet on the cold, hardwood floor and quickly wrapped her dress around her before dashing across the hall to her suite. She reached for her favorite pair of fitted, worn jeans and an old college sweatshirt that she’d cut the sleeves off of years ago. She’d also cut the neck as well, making it larger and one side invariably slid down, revealing one of her bare shoulders. She swept her golden hair back into a loose ponytail and deserted her suite.

  It was cloudy and much cooler than the day before. After leaving the back terrace, she started down the winding, flagstone path that led to the gazebo… and Jacob. A feathery haze hovered above the pristine river; it was eerie and alluring all at the same time. The winding path followed the riverbank and suddenly veered to the left. Jacob stood in front of the gazebo with his hands in his pockets, his face lighting with happiness at the sight of her.

  “There she is”, he said as she approached.

  “Good morning.” She wrapped her arms firmly around his neck as he held her tight, lifting her feet off the ground as he occupied her body in his strong arms.

  “I have a surprise for you”, he whispered.

  “What kind of a surprise?”

  He placed her feet back on the ground and reached for her hand. “Close your eyes and come with me.”

  “Jake—”

  “C’mon, humor me a little.”

  Cassie shot him a curious look. “Okay, okay… I’m closing them.”

  “And no peeking”, he reminded her.

  “No peeking, I promise.”

  He slowly led her toward the small, stone gazebo and then instructed her to open her eyes. She did as she was instructed. She opened her eyes, gasped loudly and covered her mouth with both of her hands.

  “Jake…” A red blanket had been carefully spread across the gazebo’s stone floor and a collection of matching, plaid pillows were scatter about. A stainless steel thermos and two coffee mugs were placed next to a small picnic basket, along with a single, red rose.

  “Surprise—I hope you like it.”

  “Are you kidding me? This is… it’s… perfect. Thank you.”

  Jacob led her to her seat and covered her shoulders with a fleece throw. He filled their mugs with scalding, hot cof
fee and took a seat next to her. He emptied the picnic basket, placing the container with cream and sugar for their morning beverages in front of them, along with a platter of fresh fruit and homemade, wild blueberry muffins.

  “I’m really flattered, Jake. It’s been a really long time since anyone’s done something so unexpected like this for me.”

  “Are you serious?”

  Cassie took a sip of her coffee and licked her lips. “As sad as it sounds… yeah.”

  “Well, maybe we can do something about that”, he said, grinning.

  She raised her arm and motioned at the scenery surrounding them. “How did you pull this together on such short notice?”

  “I woke up early, went downstairs, and ran into the innkeeper. I asked her if I could arrange a private and intimate breakfast for me and a very lovely lady; she told me about this place. She packed the picnic basket, gathered the blankets and pillows, and I carried it down here and set everything up. Once everything was ready, I snuck upstairs, left you a note, and then came back here to wait for you.”

  “You always did know how to make me feel… special.”

  “That’s because you are…”

  Cassie met his gaze. His spellbinding, green eyes pierced her soul, penetrating her barriers and exposing her vulnerabilities. She turned her head away as if her deepest secrets and desires had been unveiled.

  “How’d you sleep?” he asked, in an attempt to change the subject.

  “Better than I have in a long time. What about you?”

  Jacob shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. “I didn’t sleep much.”

  Cassie pinched a piece of the moist muffin and placed it in her mouth. “How come?”

  “I couldn’t keep my eyes off of you…”

  Jacob traced the hole in the knee of her denim jeans with his finger, becoming increasingly nervous with every circumference. It was important to him that she understood how incredible last night had been for him. He wanted her to know that she was more to him than a one night stand; more than a warm body in his bed. “Look, Cass… I want you to know that last night wasn’t a casual hook-up…” His stare pierced through her alluring, hazel eyes. “It really meant something to me.”