by Sable Hunter
Her question stumped Bowie for a moment or two. Why? Then, he just told her the truth. He couldn’t give her all the truth right now, but this part he could. “Because it makes me happy to bring you joy.”
At that moment, whatever had been holding Cassie back was set free.
She fell head over heels in love with Bowie Malone.
The next little while was a blur. They weren’t alone in the Aquarium Pyramid, but they were taken back behind the scenes. She met Kenneth and Sonja Horton, Bowie’s friends. He introduced them and explained how they’d become acquainted.
“Yea, I got to know Malone well when we were helping with that ferry rescue off the coast of Malaysia a couple of years ago.”
Cassie remembered hearing about that. The boat had attempted to make a sharp turn, taken on water and had capsized with over four hundred and fifty people on board, many of them children. Some had been trapped. Knowing Bowie had been there made her heart ache.
“The danger both of you face overwhelms me,” she admitted.
Sonja nodded her head. “I agree, but Ken seems to thrive on it.”
“Adrenaline, baby.” Ken kissed his wife. “Now, let’s see what we can do for you.”
Cassie just set back and watched while the other three examined equipment—tanks, fin, masks—and then she saw it, another wheelchair. “What’s that?” She pointed.
Bowie grinned. “That’s your steed, my fair lady.”
She didn’t understand. “I’m going underwater in a wheelchair?”
Sonja pushed it toward her. “A very special wheelchair, especially equipped for use underwater.” She showed her how it operated. “You’re going to love it. I have a friend who uses one and she says it’s like flying. These large plastic fins attached to the footrests allow you to maneuver easily.”
A magnificent excitement made Cassie shake. “I don’t know if I can.” It was the feeling when you wanted to do something so bad you could taste it, but you were afraid to do it at the same time.
“I’m going with you.” Bowie assured her, as if that statement should quell all her fears.
And it did.
It took a while, but he carefully instructed her on the use of the breathing apparatus and moved her to the chair, strapping her in, explaining how the controls worked. “You’ll never be by yourself for a moment, so don’t be frightened. Okay?” He looked her right in the eyes, searching for confirmation she wanted to do this.
“All right,” she agreed. “But what about the fish?”
Bowie laughed. “They’re not gonna know what’s going on in their tank.” And they didn’t. From the moment Bowie showed her how to breathe and hooked her into the chair, until the moment he lowered her underwater, Cassie had not really believed what was happening. But Bowie was right with her, just like he promised. And it didn’t take long till she got the hang of it and soon she was scooting through the water, chasing angel fish, reaching out to touch dolphins and hanging on to the back leg of a turtle.
Cassie was ecstatic. She had never known such freedom or wonder existed.
Damn, he wished he had a camera. If he didn’t have to leave her, he’d swim up and get Sonja to snap some photos. Hell, he’d never seen anyone scamper underwater before, but she was whizzing around, side to side, up and down. Fish were skittering about, probably wondering what new species of sea life had been introduced into their habitat. Even around the mouthpiece, he could tell she was elated. Swimming along beside her, he helped, showing her how to turn a somersault in the chair.
And Lord Have Mercy.
Once he did, she was off like a little seahorse, playing, cavorting and spinning. It tickled him to see people watching them. He could see them clapping and he didn’t blame them. Seeing Cassie this happy was a sight to behold.
Bowie let her play until it was obvious she was tuckered out, then he pulled her back up to the place where they could climb out. Kenneth and his wife were there waiting. He was relieved to see that Sonja was waving a camera around, she had made photographs.
“Did you see me?” Cassie yelled with exuberant enthusiasm.
“Yes, we did.” Sonja assured her with an indulgent smile. “Did you have fun?”
“The best ever!” She winked at Bowie, twisting her mouth cutely to one side. “Except for, you know.”
“You know, what?” Bowie asked with a not-so-innocent smirk.
“I’ll show you later,” she promised with a wink and Bowie felt himself grow hard despite the coolness on his skin. It took a while to get changed and then Cassie had to see the rest of the Aquarium and…she never hushed. All Bowie could do was kiss her every once in a while and just let her talk. She was over the moon.
It went something like this…and it was all Cassie…
“That was amazing!
Did you see the angelfish?
That dolphin totally liked me.
Were people really looking at me?
I can’t believe we did that!
Did you say they got pictures?
When can we do it again?
Without you, I never would have done any of that and I’ll never, ever forget it or you for as long as I live.”
He started to tell her that he would never give her a chance to forget him, but he didn’t get the chance. She held up her arms to hug him and he stopped right in the middle of Moody Gardens and kissed her till she had no more breath to talk.
Later…in bed, she showed him her appreciation and the only thing she found more fun than diving was she and Bowie loving on one another.
“Lie on your tummy.” He stood by the bed, naked and thoroughly aroused.
She didn’t argue, although she did keep him in view as much as possible. Cassie didn’t want to miss a moment of whatever was on this man’s mind.
With a deep-throated growl of intent, Bowie put his knee on the bed and moved toward her. Beginning at her feet and moving to her ankles, he began to rub her exquisite legs. “Tell me if I hurt you.” Massage therapy was one of the treatments he’d read about for someone in her condition. Although, upon seeing her perfect heart-shaped ass perched up there for his delectation, therapy was the farthest thing from his mind.
Cassie didn’t know if it was all the activity like the exercise in the water, if she was just ultra-sensitive or if she was just so in love that she was imagining things, but she could feel more than usual it seemed. His hands soothed and caressed, running up and down her legs, every pass taking him closer and closer to the spot she needed him the most.
Cassie was drowning in desire. Clutching the pillow, she buried a muffled moan.
“Damn, you’ve got a hot little ass.”
Goosebumps raced over her skin. Cassie’s palms were sweating, her heart was pounding, her whole body ached.
“Roll over, baby.” She did and when she looked into his face, Bowie was visually devouring her. “You’re mine, only mine. Say the words.”
Her whole body reacted to his scorching possessive gaze. “I’m yours. I’m yours as long as you want me.”
“How much time you got?” He skimmed his hands over her neck and down her shoulders, cupping her breasts and molding them, lifting them to his lips where he lapped and nipped until she was squirming beneath him.
“Please, Bowie?” she whispered.
“Please what? Just tell me what you want, and it’s yours if it’s in my power.”
“Come inside me, I need you so.”
Who was he to deprive her of something he needed so badly. “Let’s try something new.” He fitted himself behind her, letting her lie in his arms. Raising her leg gently, he entered her from behind, and then he proceeded to fuck her gently, one hand on her breast and the other cupping and massaging her vulva, his fingers swirling and rubbing her clit until they both exploded. Cassie coming apart in his arms was the sexiest damn sight he’d ever seen.
They slept well together, Cassie cradled in his arms. Bowie had relaxed somewhat, not constantly nervous that he was goin
g to injure her with a sudden move in the night. She had assured him that her pain came from standing on her legs, not from moving them around in the bed. But the best part was that their lovemaking was out of this world, both were learning how to please one another and the best ways they could fit together.
Cassie wanted to do whatever it took to make Bowie happy. The very idea he could find pleasure in her and her body brought her joy.
“Ready to get up, sleepyhead?” he asked her, rubbing his cheek on her hair. “We have to go home today.”
“Awww,” she said, but she didn’t have any complaints. “This has been a dream come true for me, but I’m ready to go. I’m sure I have candle orders and you have your work. Life goes on.”
Bowie grumbled a little and playfully bit her on the neck, nuzzling her. “Haven’t you ever heard? George has some plaque in our office—Live, Laugh and Love. I agree with all of those things, especially the love part.”
His words thrilled her. She wanted to tell him she loved him, but Cassie couldn’t help but want him to say the words, the specific words, ‘I love you.’ Wasn’t that every girl’s dream?
It wasn’t long before they were packed up and on the road. This time they went back through Houston and headed northwest toward Bandera. Part of the time they held hands and talked, part of the time she dozed. But Cassie came immediately wide awake when Bowie brought up one particular subject…
“Cassie,” he began slowly. “When we go home, I want you to think about something for me.”
“What’s that?” He sounded serious. Was he about to propose? Every nerve in her tensed up. What would she say? As if that were a question, the word yes hovered on her lips.
“I want you move in with me.”
Move in? Cassie was taken aback. Not what she was expecting, but this was the way things were done nowadays. Being raised by her grandmother, Cassie was probably a little old-school. People didn’t tie themselves to one another like they used to, not without a trial run and sometimes couples just kept things casual. They slept together, they lived together, but it wasn’t considered to be forever.
Quickly, thoughts and feelings warred in her head. She wanted to be with Bowie. She loved him. Being near him for whatever time they had was better than never knowing what it was like at all.
Bowie waited for her answer. He was just about to try and coax her with the renovations when she answered.
“Yes, if you’re sure I won’t cause you a lot of trouble.”
“Thank you,” he breathed a sigh of relief. Then he asked, “Trouble? What trouble?” Dang. What would she say about all the changes he was making? He had intended to tell her, but now he thought he’d just wait and let her see for herself. “Cassie, my love,” he leaned over to kiss her, “you’re worth whatever it takes.”
For the remainder of the trip, he did his best to keep her entertained. He even sang to her, not very well, but he did a dang good rendition of Luke Bryan’s “You Can Crash My Party Anytime.”
When they arrived home, Bowie was excited to see the yard full of workmen’s trucks.
“What’s going on?” Cassie looked up in amazement.
Bowie smiled. “Wait and see.”
The dogs and cats met them with great glee and Cassie had to stop to pet everyone. Bowie grabbed the luggage and saw one of the contractors that he recognized. Going up to him, he got briefed on the progress. The man wanted him to go on in and check it out, but he wanted to wait on Cassie. “Have you got enough dog and cat sugar to hold you for a while?”
Cassie giggled. “Yea, I’m coming.”
Bowie came to her and bent down, whispering in her ear, “You’ve got to think of something else to say rather than ‘I’m coming.’ Say, ‘I’m on my way’ or ‘be right there.’ ‘I’m coming’ makes me unable to walk.” He pointed down at his engorged cock.
“Oh, toot.” She giggled some more. But she let him push her toward the house where she was met with a very nice ramp that carried her right to the porch. “Bowie, you didn’t.” He didn’t answer but just steered her on into the house amidst all of the activity. And what she saw astounded her. The kitchen was being revamped with two heights of cabinets. Workers were carrying new fixtures into the bathroom. “You’re doing this for me.” It wasn’t even a question. “Even before you asked me to move in with you.”
“Was I overconfident?” He was afraid she might be angry.
Cassie’s eyes filled with tears. “No, you’re amazing.”
* * *
It didn’t take her long to settle in and the workers made fast progress. Cassie made herself at home. Their second night after returning from Galveston, the phone rang in the middle of the night. “Lo?” Bowie asked drowsily.
“Get up. We got a missing woman on Lake Travis. Family thinks she might have met with foul play.” Tanner’s voice quickly woke Bowie up.
“Damn. Are you picking me up?”
“I’ll be in your driveway in five.”
Bowie hung up, hurriedly dressed and kissed Cassie on the forehead. “Gotta go, Cassie. There might have been a drowning.”
“Oh no.” Cassie sat up. “Be careful, please.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can. This is close, it’s not like I’m flying off to Canada.” One more kiss for the road and he gathered his gear and was out the door.
Tanner was pulling up when he went out in the early dawn. Crawling into the passenger side, he asked, “What’s the story?”
“Here.” He handed Bowie a soft drink he’d picked up for him, complete with lid and straw. “The family reported her missing. She’s twenty-two, lived with her husband over near Pace Bend. Neighbors saw them fighting. He says she walked off in a huff and probably is with a girlfriend.”
“Thanks for the drink.” Bowie figured he wouldn’t forget, Tanner lived on caffeine and seldom forgot to include Bowie if he was around. Knowing there was more than that to the story to get a dive team out, he asked, “Now, tell me what’s surfaced?”
“As soon as the family started asking questions, one man down at the marina said he saw the husband coming back in with his boat sometimes after midnight—alone.”
“And?” He knew there was more.
“Someone found her wedding ring, engraved with their names and the wedding date.”
“Hell.” Bowie settled himself down for the ride. “I hate stuff like this. The likelihood of finding her clinging to some stump is small.”
“Yea, but we have to try.” Tanner put on his bright lights as they pulled out on the highway and headed north. After a few moments of reflection, Tanner spoke again, “So, how’s Cassie?”
Bowie couldn’t help but smile. “Well, she was fine when I kissed her goodbye a second or two ago.”
Tanner snorted. “You dog.”
Bowie sobered, knowing he could trust Tanner. “I’m redoing the house for her. I asked her to move in with me.”
“Isn’t that a little sudden?” Even in the shadows, Bowie could see the concern on his friend’s face.
“We’ve spent a lot of time together.” He told Tanner about their Galveston trip and taking her diving.
“Sounds like you showed her a good time.”
Bowie spoke to Tanner frequently, so he knew about Cassie finding him in the house with the gas turned on. But there was something he didn’t know. “I owe her, Tanner.”
“Yea, you do.” He was still talking about the gas.
“No, you don’t understand.” Bowie let out a harsh breath. “Do you remember me telling you about the hunting accident where I shot that little girl?”
“Yea.” Tanner was staring at Bowie as hard as he could and still keep one eye on the road.
“The little girl was Cassie.”
Tanner swerved. “Fuck. How did you find out? Is that why you’re with her?”
“No.” Bowie shook his head, trying not to take offense. “I was with her before I knew. Uncle Michael recognized her name.”
“Are you s
ure it’s the same girl?” Tanner couldn’t believe it.
“No, not completely, but I’m pretty sure he’s right.”
“If you’re just pretty sure, you haven’t talked about it with her, have you?”
Bowie looked out into the distance as the sun rose over the hill country. “No, I haven’t told her.”
“You’ve got to tell her.” Tanner insisted. “And tying yourself down to her is not the way to pay her back.”
This made Bowie angry. “I’m not with her because of the accident.” He tried to make this as plain as he could. “I would be with her regardless.”
“You love her.” Tanner ended the thought.
“Yea, I do,” Bowie admitted. It felt good to admit it.
Tanner hoped he realized how badly this could end. “Make damn sure, Malone. Make damn sure. This is her life you’re talking about. If you’re not with her for the right reasons, you’re only going to hurt her.”
Shit. “I know what I’m doing.” Bowie insisted. “I want to be with her every minute of the day.”
“Yea, but what’s she going to do when she finds out the truth? What’s she going to believe?”
Bowie didn’t have answers for that, so he just shut up and let himself think. When they pulled into the marina, there were others waiting—the sheriff, a few deputies and more volunteers. Bowie and Tanner suited up and waited for instructions.
They were given a boat and a place to search. Heading out for McGregor Park, a rocky shored area of the lake, Tanner laughed, still drinking his cola. “You know where we’re heading, don’t you?”
“What?” Bowie asked, not really putting a lot of thought into it.
“Hippie Hollow, McGregor is also known as Hippie Hollow.”
Bowie had to think a minute. “The nude beach.” Tanner nodded with a grin.
“Well, surely it’s too early and too cool for people to be dilly-dallying out in their altogether.”
Tanner shrugged his shoulders.
“Do you mean the ring was found at the nudist beach?” Bowie asked.
“The plot thickens, huh.”