Cassy sat between Gordy and Bradford, while watching Wil pace from his deep-cushioned rattan armchair to the bay windows overlooking the ocean and back again. Ceiling fans hummed quietly overhead, and no one had much to do but glance repeatedly at the seemingly slow-moving wall clock.
When a nurse appeared, all eyes went to her and everyone came to their feet as if choreographed.
“Monsieur Kramer has been taken to his room. You may see him now. But, please, only two visitors at one time, s’il vous plait.”
Wil cupped Cassy’s elbow and began urging her forward, but she hung back. Her slender frame was shaking with a combination of relief and fear.
“What is it?”
“Wil, you go on in with Gordy. You two need to see him first.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Hurry, he needs to know he isn’t alone,” she urged, softly.
Wil didn’t argue but went ahead with his nephew, a supporting arm around the boy’s shoulders.
Cassy stood staring after them, anxiously biting her lower lip.
“He’s going to want to see you, Miss Cassy,” Bradford assured her.
Her anxious gaze went to the older man, who had been with Gordan for more than a dozen years. He and his wife had proven invaluable to Gordan, taking care of him as well as helping to care for his brother and his son through the years.
“Maybe,” was all she could manage. Her emotions were still so close to the surface that she had to fight back tears as she wandered aimlessly about the room. Eventually, she reached the windows. She glimpsed in the waning light a lush garden and the sea beyond. It was a beautiful spot, both tranquil and captivating. Patients would definitely have something to keep their minds off themselves.
“This hospital is not only beautiful but very modern. Did Gordan oversee the project?” she asked.
“Yes, it was his thank you gift to the island. It’s only been open a year, but he spared no expense in acquiring the state-of-the-art equipment, as well as attracting the best trained doctors and nurses he could find. He was thrilled when Dr. Mandel agreed to relocate to the island.”
Cassy nodded, aware that this Dr. Mandel was the highly skilled surgeon who had operated on Gordan.
“He never expected to require Dr. Mandel’s skill.”
It was so like Gordan. She had never found fault with his generosity. He believed in looking after his own. Even though he owned hotels in other parts of the world, Martinique was special to him, maybe because it was the first.
The more she tried to relax, the tighter her shoulders seemed to become. She could not ease her fears. Could she handle it if Gordan refused to see her? How could she bear it?
She had to face the very real possibility that she might leave the island without ever seeing him. But how? How could she go home without seeing for herself that he was alive and going to recover? She cringed at the mere thought of his rejection.
Their parting had been anything but pleasant. When she left the island a few weeks ago, they never expected to see each other ever again. Wasn’t this his chance to turn his back on her? She had hurt him badly and she knew it. But she had to at least see him. Enough! There was no point in going over it again, especially with Gordan so desperately ill.
Bradford cleared his throat, before he said, “Miss Cassy, I know the two of you have had problems of late, but...”
She interrupted, “I have good reason to have doubts about my welcome. But my feelings are not important, now. Gordan getting better is all that matters. As long as I know he can get through this, I’ll be fine.”
Bradford looked as if he might say more but instead nodded his understanding.
Gordan had certainly been furious with her the last time they were together. She had made love with him, then callously pushed him out of her life. Then he had done what she asked—gone on with his life without her.
For all she knew he could be seeing someone new. Perhaps even Jillian. There was no doubt in her mind that he had never had any problems capturing the female eye. Quite often, Cassy recalled women who would have gladly pushed her aside, in order to get close to him. His wealth alone was like a gigantic magnet.
But it had always been his blatant masculinity that she had found so dangerously appealing. Even from the first, she had been drawn to him. She had been helpless to resist his dark eyes and strong African features.
She smiled to herself, thankful that she had not been brazen enough to chase after him the way so many women were inclined to do. But wasn’t that what she was doing now? They had agreed that what they had was over.
Nervously, she ran a hand up and down her arms, as if the gentle breeze of the ceiling fans were doing more than providing a comfortable flow of air. She had come because she had to be there.
“Gordan will be devastated when he learns that John Wingate is in a coma. John has been his pilot for close to seven years now.”
“You’re right. Does John have any family?”
Cassy felt guilty that she had not thought about asking before. Whenever she had flown on Gordan’s plane, she had always been so absorbed in him or thoughts of him that everything else paled in comparison.
“Yes. His wife, Carrie, is flying in tonight. Her plane should touch down in another hour,” he said, after consulting his watch. “I should be leaving soon.”
“Dad’s awake,” Gordy said, bounding into the lounge ahead of his uncle. His young face displayed enthusiasm. “He knew me and Uncle Wil.”
“That’s wonderful.” Cassy, weak with relief, dropped into the closest chair. Hugging her arms to herself in an unconsciously protective manner, she had no idea how she was going to get past her fear.
“Bradford, why don’t you go on ahead and see him while I talk to Cassy,” Wil suggested. The older man nodded, while Wil came over to Cassy and urged her toward the windows, where they would not be overheard.
“What is it?” she whispered, urgently.
“He’s awake, but he’s in a lot of pain and heavily medicated. Cassy...” He took her hand before saying close to her ear, “...Gordan knows you’re here. He asked for you.”
Cassy’s eyes went wide with disbelief. Finally, she was able to whisper, “Do you think it’s a good idea? I don’t want to upset him.” She bit her bottom lip anxiously as she waited for his answer.
“He’s weak, but he is going to be fine.” Wil’s voice was even when he insisted, “He wants to see you, Cassy.”
She shook her head. “Somehow I doubt that.”
“Why?” Wil seemed genuinely puzzled. “My brother cares for you. That hasn’t changed.”
“Wil, you don’t really have to say those things. I’m just so thankful that he has made it through the surgery and that he’s going to get better.”
“Go to him. He needs you.”
She hastily wiped away a single tear that slipped past her lashes.”Seeing me will only bring back painful memories.’’
Bradford re-entered the room. “Marian will be pleased that he’s awake. I must get going. I have to pick up Mrs. Wingate at the airport.” He said to Cassy, “He’s expecting you.”
Cassy knew when she was outnumbered. She gave in gracefully. “Which way?”
Wil said, “Here, I will show you. I want to look in on John.”
Gordy stopped his uncle. “Can I ride along with Bradford?”
After receiving Bradford’s okay, Wil said, “Sure. You can see your dad later. He needs to rest.”
Her heart was drumming loudly in her ears. Although her head was high, she did not look into Wil’s eyes. She could not bear to see the pity that she was certain was there. He cupped her arm as he led her into a private wing of the hospital. They had passed the nurses’ station before they stopped in front of the third door on the left.
“Would you like me to go in with you?”
“No. I’m fine. I won’t stay long. I will try not to upset him.”
Wil nodded, before he continued down the corridor.
Cassy took a deep breath before she slowly pushed the door open. Gordan was in a private room. He was hooked up to machines and monitors. He was so still that she assumed he was sleeping. A private-duty nurse sat in the chair at the foot of the bed. She smiled when she saw Cassy and motioned her forward toward the bedside chair.
“Monsieur is resting. S’il vous plait, sit,” she said, before she left Cassy alone with him.
He looked so drawn, and his dark skin had an almost pale-grayish cast to it. His chest was bare, a thick bandage covering his right shoulder and arm and another bandage covering the right side of his chest. His breathing was labored, and he was on oxygen. His cheekbones seemed more pronounced, as if he had lost weight, and his mouth was taut as if he were in pain.
Cassy longed to caress his face, ease the tension she saw there, but instead, she sank quietly into the bedside chair. Although she wanted to take his uninjured left hand where it rested against the pristine white sheets, she did nothing more than look at him.
It was enough that they had been able to reach him and that he lived. Despite his injuries and the bruises on his face and upper body, she knew that he’d always been healthy and strong. He would be so again.
Gordan’s thick lashes fluttered before he lifted heavy lids. His dark, intense gaze touched her face. “Cassy...” he murmured, his voice even deeper, almost gravely so, than normal. “You came.”
“Yes. Please don’t talk. Just rest.” Cassy didn’t remember it happening, but her hand was in his.
Gordan squeezed her fingers. “I wish...” He trailed off, his speech slurred as he struggled to catch his breath.
“Hush. No serious discussions today. Just rest. Concentrate on nothing but getting better. And you will get better. One day soon this will only be a bad memory.”
“Stay...with...me. Please.”
“Yes...I’ll stay,” she agreed. “Now, sleep,” she urged, softly. It hurt to see him like this. He was heavily medicated and in pain. She knew that no matter what had happened between them, she wanted to stay with him.
Gordan groaned in discomfort, and then he slept. He slept through the private-duty nurse’s periodic visits. He was sleeping when both his personal physician and the surgeon checked in on him later. He was also sleeping during his son and brother’s visit later that night.
It was only when Cassy tried to free her hand that had gone numb sometime ago that he opened his eyes. The blinds had been closed and the bedside lamp had been switched on.
“Are—you—leaving?” he asked, as he opened his eyes.
Cassy smiled at him, flexing her fingers to restore her circulation. “It’s very late. You need to rest. Can I get you something before I leave? Would you care for some ice chips?”
His gaze moved around the room, taking in every detail. When his eyes finally returned to her, he murmured, “Please.”
Cassy went to the small pitcher of crushed ice on the bedside table. With the aid of a spoon, she fed him the ice. “Better?”
“Yes. Thanks.” He held out his left hand to her. She took it.
Just then the nurses came to care for him. Cassy was asked to leave, but Gordan refused to cooperate unless she stayed. Cassy stayed on.
They had to move him in order to care for him. Gordan grunted from the pain. Cassy blinked away tears, her hands clenched at her sides, but she stayed until he was medicated and settled for the night.
It was near midnight when Wil appeared at her side. He whispered, “How is he?”
“The same. He’s sleeping again.”
“Has Dr. Hines been in?”
“Several times, and Dr. Mandel. Gordy didn’t come with you this time?”
“He’s at the penthouse with the Bradfords. Poor kid, he was beat. I don’t think any of us got any sleep on the plane last night. Are you ready to go? You have to be exhausted.”
“I am, but I’m not sure I should leave. He becomes agitated when I try to leave.”
“Come on. You won’t be any good to anyone if you don’t get some rest yourself.”
Cassy shook her head. “I want to stay with him, just for tonight. I don’t want him to wake up alone. Will they let me?”
“I’ll clear it with the nursing staff. I’ll see if I can get you a blanket and pillow.” He kissed her cheek.
“Thanks.” And then he was gone.
Gordan was restless through the night. His nurse was young and pretty and very efficient. He didn’t quiet unless Cassy was touching him. It was near dawn before he dropped off into a deep sleep. While he slept, she slept, her hand on his uninjured arm, her head on the bed.
That was how Wil and Gordy found them the next morning. Cassy did not protest at leaving. She was just so glad that Gordan was with family and finally resting comfortably.
Bradford was there to drive her back to the hotel. Nor did she offer a word of opposition when she learned that Wil had had her things taken to Gordan’s bedroom. She curled up in the center of his king-size bed and went to sleep. It was late in the afternoon when her empty stomach woke her.
After showering and changing into a plum form-fitting dress embroidered with white violets, Cassy found both the Bradfords in the kitchen. Marian Bradford was a tiny woman, with warm brown skin. She was busy chopping vegetables at the counter, while her husband sat at the round table, sipping coffee and reading the newspaper.
“Hello. Marian, it’s good to see you.” Cassy went over and gave her a hug. “Has there been any news from the hospital?”
Bradford beamed. “Spoke to Wil. Gordan’s doing as well as can be expected. John is better. Showing signs of coming around. Sit,” he said, indicating the chair across from him. “Marian has a meal ready.”
“You’re right. I’m hungry. I haven’t eaten since the meal served on the plane. And I can’t tell you what it was to save my life.”
“Well, darlin’, you just enjoy,” Marian placed a plate of fruit salad and crab cakes in front of her.
“Looks wonderful. Won’t you join me?” she asked, looking from one to the other.
“No, dear, you go ahead. We’ve both eaten. Besides, I have the laundry to see to. Do you have anything that you’d like me to take care of for you?”
Cassy smiled. “You two always take such good care of me when I’m with you.”
“As it should be. I just hope Gordan is feeling better today. Excuse me; I’ll check Wil and Gordy’s rooms,” she said, patting her husband’s shoulder as she walked by.
“More?” Bradford indicated the pitcher of chilled, fresh squeezed lemonade on the table.
“No, thanks,” Cassy said, enjoying her meal. “Is Mrs. Wingate staying here at the hotel?”
“Yes, Wil arranged a suite for her on this floor, as well as a car and driver to take her back and forth to the hospital.”
“That was thoughtful of him.”
“There is a little something for you also,” Bradford said, before disappearing for a few moments. When he returned, he was carrying a crystal vase filled with two dozen pink roses.
“Oh! There’re beautiful. But they couldn’t be from...” Her voice trailed away with embarrassment.
Bradford handed her the card. She smiled when she saw they were from Wil and Gordy, thanking her for coming.
“They didn’t have to do that. I would have come regardless.”
Bradford grinned. “Wil knows that. Shall I put them in your room?”
“Yes, please.” Cassy returned her attention to her meal.
When he returned, he asked, “All done?”
“Yes. I better freshen up and go get my purse.”
“I’ll be waiting in the foyer.”
“You don’t have to take me. I can take a taxi.” Cassy laughed at his look of outrage.
“Gordan would expect it.”
She nodded. “Be right back.”
As Cassy applied her lipstick, her glance lingered on Gordan’s things—the brush he used to groom his beard, the onyx cuff links he preferred—the cologne and aftershave he liked. She lovingly fingered each item.
She admitted how much she enjoyed sleeping in his bed, surrounded by his things. She had been frightened to see him again, but so glad he had let her. She told herself not to read anything into his behavior. He was still very ill, with more surgery in front of him. Plus, he had been heavily medicated.
There would be time later to sort out whether they did or did not have a relationship—once Gordan was better. Right now, he was still in critical condition. His health was all that concerned her. For now, he wanted her with him. It was enough.
She collected her purse and paused to examine the book on his bedside table. “Juneteenth by Ralph Ellison,” she read aloud. She remembered hearing that Ellison’s unfinished novel had been completed after his death in 1994.
It was a change from the biographies Gordan generally read in his spare time. Judging by the placement of the leather bookmark, she saw that he was well into the book. Deciding he might want her to read it to him, Cassy picked up the book, then went to meet Bradford.
Cassy knew she should not have been surprised when her heart started to race as she entered Gordan’s room, but, nonetheless, it did and she was. She was also a bit uneasy, not certain what to expect. She reminded herself on the way that just because he had wanted her to stay with him yesterday, did not mean today would not be different.
Her eyes went instantly to Gordan. She smiled at him before she greeted both Gordy and Wil, then thanked them for the flowers.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, smoothing Gordan’s creased brow.
“Nothing,” he grumbled.
“Someone has been taking good care of you, I see.” She smiled at Wil, who had apparently shaved his brother and groomed his beard and hair. She also noted that the bruises on his face were fading a little, but his breathing was harsh.
“Gordan?” she said. But his mouth was drawn. He was clearly in pain. Cassy’s concerned gaze swung back to Wil.
“Can’t they give him something for the pain? Where is his private nurse, Mrs. Neville?”
“He refused the medication, the stubborn mule,” Wil said, impatiently, his own concern evident.
Gordy stood at the foot of his father’s bed. His face was also pinched with worry. His eyes pleaded with her to help.
“Stop...talking...about...me...as...if...I’m...not...here.” He was winded when he finished.
“Honey?” The endearment slipped out without conscious thought. Cassy took the hand he offered her. “Why aren’t you cooperating?”
He let out an involuntary moan. “It...puts...me...to...sleep.”
“Good. That’s exactly what you need. We want you well and out of here.” Cassy pressed the call button to summon the nurse. She smiled at his scowl. When the intercom clicked on, she said, “Mr. Kramer is in pain. May he have something for it, please?”
“Oui, un moment,” was the ready response.
“Stop frowning. Did you eat anything today?”
“Not much,” Gordy complained.
“Enough,” Gordan shrugged, but the movement caused him to moan from the pain.
“It’s time I get Gordy some dinner and settled for the night. I’ll check in on you later tonight, big bro. You listen to the lady. We want you outta here.”
Gordan looked exhausted, as if he’d used up what little strength he had. “Okay. Son?”
Cassy moved aside so that Gordy could come to his bedside.
“Yes, Dad?”
“See...you...tomorrow. Don’t...worry.” He was forced to pause often to catch his breath. “I’m...getting...better.”
Gordy nodded. “You cooperate, okay?”
“Yeah. Give...your...old...man a...hug.”
Gordy tried hard not to hurt his father, but his eyes were wet with tears when he whispered, “Behave.”
Gordan nodded. “Love...you.”
“Love you, too.”
“Ready?” Wil asked his nephew. He squeezed his brother’s hand before he left. “Get some rest.”
Cassy was touched by the love the three shared. They were a close-knit family.
When they were alone, Gordan motioned her forward, even though he was gaunt from a combination of fatigue and pain. He let out a weary breath when she rested her hand on his arm.
“I’m glad...,” he paused between breaths, “...you’re...here. Kiss...me...baby.”
Cassy swallowed a surprised gasp, but she did not even consider refusing the request. Perhaps she needed to taste him to assure herself he was still among the living. She leaned forward, taking care not to put any pressure on his chest, and brushed her lips against his.
“Thank... you.”
They looked into each other’s eyes for a long moment.
“Excusez-moi. I have your shot, Monsieur Kramer,” Mrs. Neville, his private-duty nurse, said. She was accompanied by a male nurse. “Let me help you roll on your left side, sir. Mademoiselle Mosley, would you step out un moment?”
“Mademoiselle...stays. Or there...won’t...be...a shot,” Gordan managed to say, in spite of the fact that his mouth was taut from tension, and he was holding his chest.
“Out, Monsieur. We are going to roll you now onto your left side.”
Cassy could see the agony in his eyes and instinctively placed her hand in his. She forced herself to smile, even though his pain was tearing at her heart. She had never seen him like this. But it didn’t matter; nothing mattered but getting him well again.
She whispered, “It will be over in a moment. Then you can relax and get some rest. The rest is what is going to get you out of here.”
Cassy held on to him until he was resettled on his back and his eyes were closed. His breathing gradually evened out. She used a wash towel to blot perspiration from his brow, then gently smoothed his thick brows with feather-light strokes of her fingertips.
“Rest. Don’t worry about anything or anyone. Just rest.”
“You’ll...stay?”
“I’ll be right here when you wake. I promise,” she soothed, as she stroked his face.
Cassy could see that he was fighting the medication, trying to stay awake. “Let yourself relax, honey. You need the sleep.”
“I...don’t...,” he mumbled, tiredly.
Continuously moving her soft hand over his dark skin, she whispered, “Hush. If I have to go to the restroom, I’ll tell you before I leave. Okay?”
He nodded, before he dropped off into what she hoped was restorative sleep.
As Cassy settled into the chair at his bedside for the duration of the evening, she tried to read his book, but she could not concentrate. She did not want to think about herself. She was determined to take each moment as it came. Gordan needed her here, and she needed to be here. For once, the future would have to take care of itself.
Gordan was strong enough to have surgery the following day to repair the damage to his right shoulder and arm. Even though Ralph and Renee Halley were also there with the family to offer their support, Cassy could not breathe easily until she knew Gordan was back in his room and resting comfortably. She stayed with him through the night, not leaving until Wil and Gordy returned the following day.
As the days passed, they developed a routine with Gordy and Wil spending the mornings and part of the afternoon with Gordan and Cassy spending the late afternoon and evenings with him. Kenneth Kittman came to visit with his wife, as well as friends and staff from the hotel. There was even an unexpected visit from wheelchair-bound John Wingate and his wife.
It was often well after visiting hours before Cassy had any time alone with him. Most important, Gordan was growing stronger and more impatient with each new day.
It was the third day after his second surgery that Gordan said, “Come here,” with a degree of huskiness she had not heard in a while.
Cassy knew what he wanted, because it was what she’d been secretly longing for. She’d given up trying to resist her feelings for him. It was hopeless because she did not have the energy to fight him and her tender emotions for him.
She rose to lean close to him. This kiss was different from the others they had shared while he was in the hospital. It was made intimate by the brush of his tongue over hers.
Her eyes collided with his. He looked so much better. He was without doubt stronger. His doctor assured them that he was doing well. Like his family, Cassy was thrilled. Yet, at the same time, she knew they would eventually have to talk, something they had not done.
“Have you...heard anything...about Wil or Gordy?”
“Bradford called while you were sleeping. They got off safely.”
His brother was accompanying his son home since Gordan was out of danger.
“You should be hearing from them soon.”
He nodded, studying her.
She went back to the novel she’d been reading aloud to him.
“Cassy...”
She glanced up from the page. “Yes.”
“When are...you...leaving? How soon...do you...have to... get back?”
She blinked, surprised by the question and that she had not given her return home a thought. Her total focus had been on him and his recovery.
When she hesitated, he said, “I’ve accepted...that you’re... only with me...until I’m...out of the...hospital.” He paused to catch his breath. “They’re releasing...me as soon...as I’m...off... the respirator. Every day...I’m breathing...more on...my own.”
“That’s wonderful, Gordan.”
“Yeah,” he said. He took her hand, brushing a kiss on her knuckles. “I’m glad...that you...came and stayed...as long...as you...have. It...means a...lot to...me.” He stopped to breathe deeply, then said, “So tell...me. When do...you have...to go... back to...California?” His face was taut as if he were bracing himself for her answer.