Chapter Six

On Wednesday morning Matt dialed Jules’ number. The investigator’s gruff voice responded. Matt drew a deep breath. “Any news about where Cassandra Moore can be found?”

The investigator cleared his throat. “You said you knew where to find her. I stopped my search. You can wait until the weekend. I have other matters pending.”

“That will be too late.”

“Didn’t think there was such a rush on that house.”

Matt groaned. He wasn’t about to admit his forgetfulness. “I want to sign contracts with the contractor. He’s antsy and I worry that he’ll be booked up and the project will flop.”

“What happened with your search?”

“She wasn’t where I left her. That was upstate where she was staying at a borrowed cabin. Here’s the location.” He gave the town and the route. “If you can locate the owner he’ll know where she is.”

“I’ll check but your sibs have given me several assignments. Let you know on Friday.”

Matt paced around the desk. “Sooner if possible.” He hung up. Though he wanted the house he wanted Cassie more. One night hadn’t been enough. If he found her would she speak to him? He’d promised to call. He’d told her to save the weekend.

Moments later his secretary delivered the proofs for the December issue of Good Livin’. He pushed his worries away and concentrated on the pages.

Just as he finished Allie burst into the room. Her expression warned him she had another of her match-making schemes underway.

“I don’t want to be fixed up with any of your friends.”

She stood with her hands on her hips. “Are you sure?”

“Definitely.”

“Shame. She’s cool, beautiful and might be your type. Wanted you to come for drinks Thursday. You could even stay over. I met her at Peek-a-boo. You should see the thongs she bought. Green to match her eyes and will go wonderfully with her auburn hair.”

The twinkle in her eyes made him wonder why she wanted to torment him. “Just what are you planning?”

“A reunion. I found her.”

“Who?”

“Cassandra Moore or Cassie as she prefers. She lives in the same building where Greg and I live.”

Matt rolled his eyes. Megan and Steve lived there or at the city apartment. Making this seem of small importance would be hard. “What’s her phone number? I need to talk to her about the Smiton house. I want the place.”

Allie walked toward him. “Is that the only reason?”

“Of course.”

She poked his chest with a finger. “Too bad. She’s really nice. Her private number’s unlisted. I know that much.”

“What do you mean by too bad?” Her smug expression irritated him.

“I invited her for drinks. Thought you could come but if you’re not interested, so be it. There are a few guys Greg knows I could invite.”

He glared. “I’ll come.”

“Just remember no business discussions. If that’s all you plan I’ll tell her to call you about the house.”

He gripped her shoulders. “You will not. I’ll come and I’ll tell her about the house. What time?”

“Six thirty and find somewhere else to talk business.”

“I will. Promise.”

She sauntered to the door and turned. “You’re next.”

Matt closed his office door. A grin turned into a chuckle. He would see Cassie tomorrow. They would laugh over his reason for forgetfulness. Then they would go to her apartment and spend the night making love.

His imagination spawned a dozen fantasies of ways they could explore. His cock throbbed and he forced himself to relax.

Was there a way to learn her number? Talking to her might give him a way to ease his frustration. He could call Jules. The phone rang. The voice wasn’t the investigator but the contractor. “Roberts, what’s up?”

“Just wondering when we can start on the Smiton house. Have heard no news about a sale. And I’ve had some feelers about other work.”

“I figure we can start before Christmas on the inside improvements.”

“Great.”

Matt discussed several things with the man before hanging up and calling Jules. The investigator could learn where Cassie’s office was, the number of her apartment and maybe even the unlisted number.

His excitement fizzled when Jules’ secretary said her boss was out of the office until Friday.

“Have him call me if he checks in.”

“Will do.”

Matt leaned back in his chair. He would see Cassie tomorrow. Tonight he’d pack a full supply of condoms along with a change of clothes or two. He needed to replace the red bikini he’d ruined but he wanted to shop at the store his sisters had told him about. He considered leaving today and camping in front of the building.

Whoa. Not a great idea. He drew a deep breath and returned to his desk to review the assignments for the spring issues and sorted through a pile of free-lance articles. Tomorrow evening would come soon. So would he, again and again.

On Thursday Matt worked at a hectic pace and cleared his desk and inbox by noon. He left the office, checked his duffle and started the car. He beat rush hour traffic across the bridge. At the Peek-a-boo Boutique he glanced in the window and saw a half dozen women browsing or at the counter. No way he was going to face a mob scene so he drove to the apartment complex and found a visitor’s slot. He strode to the foyer and waited for the doorman to let him in.

At his sister’s place Greg opened the door. “You’re early. Eager to meet our neighbor. Thought you didn’t like being fixed up.”

“You’ve got that right but I know her. She has something I want."

Greg guffawed. “So that’s the way it falls.”

Matt scowled. “She owns a house I want to buy.”

“Have it your way. I know the signs. I’ve been there. Can’t fight the Blakefield curse. Once Allie saw me, it was all over for both of us. Doesn’t it go this way, ‘Once a Blakefield meets their true mate no other will do’?”

Matt turned away. Thinking about those words always troubled him. He remembered his mother’s sadness. Not that his father had ever strayed once they married. She had loved him completely but she’d always known that though he cared for her he remained in love with his high school sweetheart. Matt had no intention of bringing the same sadness to any woman or to himself.

Greg walked to the kitchen. Matt followed and opened a beer. “Something smells good.”

“Some crab puffs and other snacks.” He took a tray from the freezer and popped it into the oven. “Allie said you knew this Cassie in high school. No wonder you’ve had a hard time settling on a woman.”

Matt rolled his eyes. “Not the case. You and my sister are a matched pair of bookends.”

“I’ve no problem with that.”

A short time later Allie arrived. She changed clothes and joined them in the kitchen. She helped Greg arrange the finger food on a lazy Susan.

The door bell rang. Matt answered and let Megan and Steve in.

His sister grinned. “Allie told me.”

"Really. She’s inventive. All we need is for Dad and Mark to arrive with their wives.”

“Dad’s watching Davey while Mark and Christa are honeymooning.’ She grabbed Steve’s arm. “To the kitchen. Maybe we can help.”

The next time the bell rang Matt found Cassie waiting. She carried a bottle of white wine. “Where’s everyone.”

“Kitchen.” He clasped her hand. “We need to talk. I would have called but didn’t have your number.”

“I know. Guess I could have called your office.”

“Why didn’t you?”

The other four called greetings. Matt ignored them. He steered her through the kitchen and out the door to the patio.

“Made the first move once before. You know what happened.”

He closed the door. “Result would have been different this time.” He tilted her chin. “I want to be with you for as long as the fire between us burns.” He covered her mouth with his and drove his tongue over her teeth. He cupped her ass and rocked her against him. “I want you.”

“I can tell.”

“Let’s go somewhere. I have a bag in my car and supplies for the weekend.” He massaged her back.

Cassie hit his shoulder. “I was invited for drinks. I want to be a good guest, so no. We are not leaving yet.”

“You were invited because—“ He pressed her hand against his fly. “Can you resist?”

“For a time.” She slipped free and went inside.

After a few minutes to gain his composure Matt followed. Allie and Megan pointed their fingers at him. “You’re next.”

“Place no bets.” He picked up a beer and strode to the living room.

Cassie sat on the couch and selected a crab puff from the tiered tray on the coffee table. “These are delicious.”

Allie sat on the floor beside her sister. “A joint effort.” Allie smiled. “Greg and I keep a freezer filled with frozen snacks.”

Greg and Steve raised their beers. “To a new friend.”

Matt ate several of the bite-sized offerings. His glance focused on the clock. How long did Cassie plan to stay? He edged his leg against hers and pressed and released in a steady and he hoped seductive manner.

At seven thirty Steve and Megan rose. “We have to head across the bridge,’ Megan said.

“Early photo shoot for me,” Steve said.

Cassie eased from the couch. “Good to meet you.”

“We’ll see you again,” Megan said.

Steve arched a brow. “Hopefully.”

Matt sucked in a breath. When Cassie followed them to the door he put the beer on the table. “Leaving?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll walk you home.”

“No need. It’s just an elevator ride away.”

He captured her gaze. “I want to.”

She turned to Allie and Greg. “Thanks for the invite.”

“You okay?” Allie pointed to her brother.

“Yes.”

Matt, be good.”

“I always am.”

Greg laughed. “You’ll soon understand what I meant.”

Once outside the door and as soon as Megan and Steve headed for the foyer, Matt pulled her close and kissed her. “Show me where you live.”

“Thought you had things in the car.”

“Later. I’m prepared.”

They rode the elevator to the sixth floor. He kept his hands in his pockets. If he touched her he would take her here and not wait to be inside. At the door of her apartment while she used her key he pressed against her. When they stepped inside he closed the door and turned her to face him. “I can’t wait.”

“Neither can I.” She pulled her sweater over her head.

Matt kicked off his shoes and pulled his trousers off. He quickly sheathed himself and tore off his jacket and shirt. He reached for her thong and removed it. Then he lifted her and entered. She fastened her legs around him. Her body pressed against the door.

As the sudden and explosive climax slammed him Matt shouted her name. He sank to the carpet. She lay atop him. He framed her face with his hands. “Sorry for the rush.”

“I’m not.” She brushed her lips over his.

“We have all night.”

She traced his mouth with a finger. “I have all weekend.”

Matt sealed her lips with his. “I know. Any regrets?” This weekend would have been her wedding.

“None. This is better.”

She rose and gathered their scattered clothes. “You might want to go for your things.”

He stood behind her and cupped her breasts. The way they tightened brought a rush. “Want to go out to dinner.”

“I’ve steaks in the freezer, potatoes to bake and salad. We can grill on the balcony.”

”Were you expecting me?” He ran his teeth along her nape.

“Hoping.”

He reached for his trousers. “I won’t be long.”

She turned and winked. “So I can see.”

* * * *

Cassie drifted in a half-sleep. Matt held her against his chest. His even breathing and occasional snore told her he slept. What was she going to do? The moment she saw him at Allie’s she knew she was in too deep. Her feelings had moved from teenage fantasies. She was falling in love with a man who had no intention of marriage to her or any other woman. When he walked away she would be completely crushed. And he would leave unless she made the first move. She searched for a way to end this. Not yet. She wanted a few more days of his company. She pressed her head against his chest and allowed the steady beat of his heart to lull her to sleep.

Rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains. Cassie opened her eyes and found Matt was awake.

“You’re an early riser, too.”

Cassie giggled. “Not with as much evidence as you’re displaying.” She touched his erection.

“Shower,” he said.

“Good idea.” She slid from the bed and padded to the bathroom.

Matt followed. The scene was a replay of the shower at the cabin. After an explosive climax Cassie rested against his chest. Once again she wondered what she would do when he walked away. She prayed on that day she could keep words of love contained when that happened.

He held her close. “You are amazing.”

Cassie stepped away and grabbed two towels. She dried and pulled on one of the thong sets. “You’re not so bad either.”

“Like the thong.” He growled the words.

“Courtesy of Peek-a-boo Boutique. Allie picked this set.”

He groaned. “How much does she know?”

“As little as I could manage.”

“Good thinking.” He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed the palm.

After breakfast they cleared the table. “About tonight? Order in or eat out?” she asked.

“Five Cuisines does take-out but it’s a bit early to call our order in.”

She leaned across the table. “Why don’t we walk to town and explore a bit? There are a lot of neat places.”

He half-rose. Their lips touched. Cassie felt warmth spread through her chest. How easily she could want forever with him. She sank onto her chair. Don’t wish for what you can’t have.

Matt caught her hand. “Let’s walk.”

Their first stop was the bookstore where they browsed the new and used volumes. Two storefronts later Cassie paused to stare at the display in the window of jewelry store.

“See something you like?” Matt asked.

“Just about anything Antoine designs is wonderful. That ring is my favorite.” She pointed to one with a square cut emerald. A small diamond was set at the four corners of the stone. “That’s my Christmas present to myself.”

“Nice. Have you had it set aside?”

“Not yet. Next week, I think.”

Hand in hand they continued to stroll with a stop at Five Cuisines to order their dinner. At the Peek-a-boo Boutique Matt reached for the door.

“I owe you some underwear.”

Her face felt as if she burned from within. He clasped her hand and pulled her into the shop. While Matt spoke to the owner Cassie studied a selection of camisoles and teddies.

The owner opened a drawer and removed a red satin set. “I’ll take them,” Matt said.

Once the transaction ended Matt handed Cassie the bag. The look in his eyes showed his rising desire. She glanced at him.” Shall we go home?”

“Great idea.”

As they continued their way to the apartment they stopped at a deli and a bakery. Cassie laughed. “We’ve enough food for a week.”

“What I plan takes energy.”

The moment their food purchases were stored Matt pulled her into his arms. His mouth and tongue explored hers while he deftly removed her clothes. With hands and mouth he worked his way down her body.

Cassie whimpered. “Matt, I need you.”

“Glad to obey.” He led her to the couch, unzipped his jeans, sheathed himself and plunged inside. The roughness of the denim rubbing against her thighs and the feel of his sweater against her breasts raised her toward a climax. She tightened her inner muscles and felt his ejaculation.

For a time they clung together. Then he rose and stripped. “Every time is better.”

“And different.”

He held out his hands and helped her to her feet. “What now?”

“You’ll see. Come to bed.”

“Glad to oblige.” He pulled her down the hall.

“On your back.” Cassie used a wet cloth to clean him and herself. After putting this aside, she began to caress his feet and worked her way along his thighs. When she took him in her mouth, he groaned.

“Turn. I want to taste you, too.”

Cassie knelt above him. He grasped her hips to bring her lower. As his tongue moved along her crease she drew him deep into her mouth. Her tongue worked along the sides of his penis as she slid him in and out.

Suddenly the sensations he evoked overwhelmed her. She slid his penis from her mouth. “I’m going to come.”

The explosion happened and nearly caused her to cease caressing him. Once she caught her breath she closed her mouth over him. He tensed and shouted. She swallowed until he ceased to spurt.

She curled beside him. Their mouths met in a soft kiss. “Matt, I—“She swallowed the words of love she’d been about to say. If she spoke he would leave at once.