Cassy’s mouth dropped open, but before she could collect her defenses, Gordan’s full lips settled over hers.
There was no reluctance on his part. Gordan’s mouth moved insistently over hers, demanding her surrender.
Cassy’s soft whimpers of protest caused him to be gentle, and soothe her with tenderness. He groaned heavily, his tongue forging a place in the deep recesses of her mouth. He stroked her tongue with his over and over again.
He didn’t stop until he could feel the resistance leave her smaller frame. Only then did he cup her round hips, squeezing her and pressing her against him. He moved the hard pads of his chest against her softness, but it was not enough—not nearly enough.
“Cassy...” he whispered, lifting her until he could press her soft mound along his pulsating sex. Her arms had automatically gone to his broad shoulders to help support her.
“Baby...” He groaned as his large frame trembled from the intimate contact. “Do you want me?” he whispered, his face buried in her neck, as he angled her until he could moved her down the length of his penis, causing both of them to shiver from the erotic contact. “Can he make you feel the way I do?”
Cassy stiffened, then recovered enough to say, “Put me down.”
“What?”
“This is not some macho game. And I won’t let you use me to prove a point.” Pushing against him until he let her slide slowly down the length of his body, she was so shaky she would have fallen if he had not been holding her.
Gordan’s burning hot gaze challenged hers. He studied the flashes of temper and sparks of desire reflected in her dark brown eyes. With his gaze on her mouth, he said, “I’ll make it easy for you. Tell me you don’t want me as much as I want you and I’ll walk out of the door right now.”
Cassy eased as far away as he permitted. “This doesn’t have anything to do with desire.”
Rubbing the back of his hands over the hard, pointy tips of her breasts, he said, “It has everything to do with the way we feel about each other. You’re just too stubborn to admit it.”
Cassy shook her head in denial.
“Baby, you need me just as much as I need you,” he whispered huskily. He had worried her nipples until they stood out, even through layers of clothing.
Cassy had no idea how she managed it, for she was not only fighting him but herself as well, but she said, “If I were stupid enough to go to bed with you right this instant, it wouldn’t make a difference. Unless, you’ve changed your mind?” Judging by his look of surprise, that certainly was not the case. She forced herself to say “I didn’t think so. Please—just go.”
Gordan’s eyes shot furious sparks at her, but his arms dropped to his side, then he turned and walked out of the door, slamming it behind him.
***
“Great crowd,” Adam said, close to Cassy’s ear. Taking her hand, he threaded their way through the mesh of people to a corner table in the jazz club. The rhythmic vibrations from the Zouk jazz beat, with its Creole lyrics and powerful beat of steel drums, came from a local band. The dance floor was as crowded as the rest of the club. It was only one of several available to hotel guests.
Cassy’s smile was a bit strained when she slid into the empty chair he held for her.
“Something to drink?”
“Yes. White wine, please.”
She should have followed her instincts and canceled. She was not exactly in a festive mood. The loud music was beginning to wear on her ragged nerves. But she had given her word, and it would have been wrong to back out at the last minute, just because she was emotionally drained from her encounter with Gordan.
Determined to make the best of things, she dressed with care, choosing a white silk sheath and short gold jacket. Both the knee-length hem and bodice of the dress were embroidered in a gold, Greek key pattern. She wore a citrine tennis bracelet set in fourteen-karat gold and citrine-and-gold stud earrings.
She had studied herself in the mirror to make sure that there were no lingering signs of her earlier crying jags. She had soothed her swollen lids with a cool cloth soaked in lemon juice and ice water. There was nothing she could do about her swollen bottom lip, where Gordan had suckled her mouth. She trembled from the memory.
“Are you all right?”
Cassy blinked in surprise, asking a bit defensively, “Why do you ask?”
“You’ve been kinda quiet all evening. And you barely touched your dinner.”
What could she say? Certainly not the truth, that she’d enjoyed a late leisurely lunch with Gordan. She shrugged, “No appetite.”
“Tell me about your day.” When her smooth forehead creased into a frown, and she reached for her wineglass, Adam smiled, “That bad, hmmm? Let’s talk about something else. The weather was in the low eighties and sunny. Not a cloud in sight,” he teased.
“I’m sorry, Adam. I don’t mean to be difficult. It might be best if I called it a night.” She realized how tired she was.
When she reached for her tiny, white, beaded evening bag, he said, “Don’t go. Come on, let’s get out on the dance floor. Forget our troubles. We’re here to have fun, remember?”
Cassy nodded. There was nothing she would like more than to forget the day she had spent with Gordan—forget all that had been said, the feel of him, how close she had come to letting him make love with her. Too close.
She really tried to relax, and she moved with ease to the sultry beat of the island music. She was unaware of the man leaning against the wall in the back of the room, watching her. As one song moved into the next, Cassy tried to focus on nothing more than enjoying herself and losing herself in the music.
Adam was a good dancer, and the night was warm and fragrant. The patio doors were open and a cooling breeze filtered through. In spite of the press of bodies on the dance floor, Cassy was enjoying herself. She was relieved when the music slowed so she could catch her breath. She closed her eyes and swayed to the beat.
“May I?” Gordan’s deep voice caused her heart to slam in her chest.
She was thrown off balance, so much so that she nearly tripped over Adam’s feet. He steadied her as his gaze shifted from Cassy to Gordan, before he nodded and stepped away.
Cassy was upset, and it showed when Gordan took her into his arms, his hands settled on her waist. She braced her hands on his shoulders, taking care not to rest her cheek against his chest.
Neither of them spoke as he skillfully guided her to the slow, seductive allure of the music. Cassy would not let herself relax in his arms. They had danced many times before, and there was a natural alignment as they moved easily across the floor—but not this time.
She was weary from their conflict and longed to rest her head on his chest, with her face against the sensitive hollow at the base of his throat, thus giving herself permission to enjoy the music, the magic of the night, and this man. She did none of these things.
She could lie to herself—deny that she missed being in his arms and that his long, hard body did not feel right against her own. But she did not. Unwelcomed thoughts of the very last time the two of them had made love intruded. She was forced to admit how close she had been earlier that day to doing what came naturally. The last thing she needed right now was to feel the prominent ridge of his sex pressed against her as he moved with her on the dance floor.
Her voice shook when she said, “I need some air.”
Gordan led her through the crowd to the open French doors that opened onto a veranda.
“Cassy?”
“I’m fine on my own.” She went to stand on the shallow stairs that led down to one of the garden paths. She could feel him behind her. She turned to ask, “Did you follow me here tonight?”
“Yeah.”
He wore white linen slacks and a dark gold, collarless, silk shirt left open down to the middle of his chest. She was still trying to forget the pine fragrance of his soap, combined with his own clean male scent that she could not get away from on the dance floor. She watched as he absently stroked his bearded cheek. She closed her eyes for an instant, not wanting to remember how soft his beard felt against her bare skin.
“But, why? You knew I would be with Adam.”
“I thought if I saw for myself...” his voice trailed away as if he could not finish.
“Gordan, why can’t you accept that things will never be the same for us?” Frustrated by his silence, she persisted, “I’ve chosen to be with Adam tonight. You’re not being fair to him.”
His eyes flared with temper. “How could you be with him when you know what she put me through?”
Cassy had no problem knowing the “she” he meant was none other than his ex-wife. Her temper was every bit as fiery as his. “How dare you stand there and accuse me of being like her? I don’t look like her, talk like her, or feel like her. And I sure would never cheat on my husband with our child and his young brother right down the hall!’’ Cassy was livid. She pressed a finger into his chest. “I didn’t go out with another man until after we broke up and you know it! My name is Cassy—not Evie.”
His voice was cool, to the point of almost being brittle, when he said, “Good night, Cassy. I’ll see you at the pier at nine.”
“Wait!” She ran after him before he disappeared into the garden. “I didn’t agree to spend any more time with you. Besides, it’s not a good idea for us to continue seeing each other.”
“You agreed to give me a chance. What’s the problem? Are you afraid to spend time with me?”
“I just don’t think it’s wise.”
“You gave me your word. Are you backing out?”
Cassy hesitated, knowing that was exactly what she would like to do. “It’s not a good idea.”
He repeated, “Are you backing out?”
She lifted her chin. “No.”
“Then I’ll see you on the boat. Bring your swimsuit,” he said, as he walked away.
Cassy resisted the urge to follow him. He was right. She had agreed to give him a chance. But it was too soon, especially after spending the day with him and almost letting him...No! She was not going there. It was best forgotten.
What was she going to do? she puzzled, as she made her way back up the stairs to the veranda. Leaning against the low railing, she felt trapped. Gordan’s determination was rock hard and her feelings for him were way too volatile for her.
Cassy jumped when she felt hands on her shoulders. Turning, she gasped. “Adam! You scared me.”
“Sorry. You okay?”
“Yes. I needed some fresh air. The dance floor was crammed with people.”
“Where’s Kramer?”
“Gone.”
She was not up to talking about Gordan, especially not with Adam. She did not want to even think about Gordan. She glanced at a laughing couple, arms around each other, hurrying down the stairs before disappearing into the dimly lit garden. It made her heart ache for what was lost to her. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt so much if she had not known what it was to be so deeply in love and to have that precious gift returned.
“Cassy?”
She looked at Adam as if she had forgotten he was there. “Please don’t let me stop you, if you prefer to go back inside and dance.”
“You’re hardly keeping me from anything.” He frowned, then said, “Care to walk down to the shore with me?”
She nodded absently. “I left my purse inside.”
“I have it.” He removed it from his pocket.
“Thanks.”
She was lost in thought as she walked with him. When they reached the beach, she kicked off her shoes and let her stocking feet sink into the cushiony warmth of the sand. They walked for a time, enjoying the cooling rise of the wind and the sounds of the birds overhead.
She glanced at Adam. “Do you think you’ll ever come back to Martinique?”
“It’s a possibility. When I get home, I’ll probably get so caught up in my work that it will be another year before I decide to travel for pleasure.”
“Why do men do that?”
“What?”
“Become so engrossed in their work that they forget their families and friends—everything but the work.”
“You’re kidding, aren’t you?”
She shook her head, pushing a wavy curl out of her eyes. “No. I’m serious. I really would like to know. The only man I know who puts his wife first, followed by family, then his work, is my brother-in-law. Even my father works too hard, and sometimes forgets my stepmother’s needs. Maybe I’m wrong, but I think so many marriages fail because both partners don’t put their spouse first, especially in cases of a second marriage when children are involved. Men are notorious for forgetting they have wives and kids. Their careers are what matters. Isn’t that what you would do?”
“No!” Adam insisted, then stopped. “Hey, this isn’t about me, or even men in general. It’s about Kramer. You’re still in love with the man, aren’t you?”
“Yes,” Cassy reluctantly admitted. “I don’t want to be. And I certainly don’t intend to stay that way. It’s just going to take a little more time than I first believed.”
“I’m probably going to hate myself for pointing this out, but have you ever considered that the brother might be willing to change?”
“Absolutely not. I know better.”
“Kramer isn’t walking away. He’s tougher than that. What if he loves you?”
“Why are you saying these things to me? Whose side are you on, anyway?”
Adam chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s not a fondness for Kramer, that’s for sure. Cassy, you’re a very special lady. As much as I want you in my life, I also want you to be happy. You deserve that.”
Cassy reached out to squeeze his hand. “You’re a wonderful man. I wish I had met you first.”
“That makes two of us.” He took her hand and lifted it to his mouth. He kissed the center of her palm. Then he said, somewhat wistfully, “San Diego is not that far from Oakland. If you need me, all you have to do is call, Cassy.”
She smiled up at him, wishing she could give him the love he deserved. “Thanks. I appreciate your friendship. I didn’t mean to be unfair to you. I like you, Adam.”
“I’ve had women in my life, but none like you. What I’m trying to say is, I can wait. I’m willing to give you the time you need. You see, Cassy, I believe you’re more than worth the wait.”
Cassy blinked away unexpected tears. Her emotions were so close to the surface. “Adam, don’t.” She took a deep breath, before she said, “I have tried to be honest with you from the beginning. But I’m not handling anything very well at the moment.”
How could she when she was constantly fighting her feelings for Gordan? She was beginning to wonder if she would ever be emotionally free of the man. Comparatively speaking, it seemed so much easier the night she decided to walk away in Atlanta.
This torment seemed to have no end in sight, especially since Gordan had arrived in Martinique. She wanted the pain to end. She wanted her life back. She was tired of hurting every waking hour of the day. Gordan was not the only one hurt by this. She was sporting her own emotional scars.
“I understand. But I must warn you, I’m not giving up.”
Cassy would have thrown her hands up in the air if they were free or she had the energy. Right now, she was carrying her shoes in one hand with her purse tucked under her arm, while Adam had held on to the other one. What she was burdened with was a heavy heart. If only she could curl up and sleep—make the whole world go away for awhile. Or, at least until she felt stronger and more able to cope with it. She couldn’t even remember the last time she had had a full night’s sleep.
“Please, God,” she prayed aloud. “Save me from mule-headed men.”
Adam chuckled. “Your trouble is that you’re attracted to the strong, opinionated types.”
She laughed. “Maybe. But I think it’s time I said good night.”
“May I walk you to your door?”
“Yes.”
Once they were outside her door, Adam surprised her when he pressed his mouth against hers. Cassy was too stunned to move. But she recovered quickly when his tongue brushed her lips, and she stepped back. Her eyes were filled with accusation.
“I thought you understood.”
“I do understand. But I would not be a man if I didn’t try to change your mind.”
“Only time can do that,” she said sadly, angrier with herself than with him. “Good night, Adam.”