Love by Moonlight (A Contemporary Romance)

by Debra Elizabeth

  He took the wine glass from her hand and put both glasses down on the end table. Without missing a beat, he pulled her into his arms and started to slowly sway to the rhythm of the music. His hot breath caressed her neck.

  She could feel the heat rising from his body and enveloping her in his warmth. She pressed closer to him and let herself become lost in the moment.

  “You’re beautiful,” he said.

  “Thank you, but…” Caroline started.

  Matt put his finger on her lips. “No buts tonight. Just enjoy. ” He lifted her chin until their lips were close. His kiss was feather light.

  Caroline was tempted to break apart, but Elena’s words echoed in her mind. Just breathe. Let it happen, be spontaneous.

  Matt held her close, their bodies touching as they swayed to the music. Song after song played. Caroline enjoyed being in Matt’s strong embrace. She didn’t want the dance to end.

  For the first time in a long time, she felt a fire in her belly. She hadn’t felt it in so long that she almost didn’t recognize the spark of desire. She leaned in closer and felt Matt’s rock hard abs. The heat was rising. The longer they danced, the more she wanted him, but how could she? She didn’t make it a habit of sleeping with men she’d met mere moments ago.

  “Matt…”

  He looked at her and ran his finger along her jaw line. “Yes.”

  “I’m not sure exactly what we’re doing, but...”

  Matt bent down and kissed her again. “We’re dancing and kissing, that’s what we are doing. Shall I kiss you again so you understand this time?”

  Caroline chuckled. Matt was not only sexy, but witty, and with a great sense of humor. Every fiber of her being wanted him to make love to her, but she couldn’t let herself say the words. Not yet, anyway.

  “Hmm…kissing is good.” She closed her eyes and breathed in his musty scent. Thoughts of the divorce, employment and everything else that'd been bothering her an hour ago ceased to exist; she let herself relax and enjoy dancing with this handsome and sexy man.

  “You’re beautiful,” he whispered.

  “I’ve never done this before,” Caroline said breathlessly.

  “What? Danced?

  She smiled. “No. Invite a perfect stranger into my home and kissed him is what I meant.”

  “Can I say that you do it very well then?” Matt said with a twinkle in his eye.

  That made her laugh out loud, and she leaned over and kissed him again. “Thank you. You made me realize a few things tonight.”

  Matt stepped back, breaking their embrace. “I did?”

  “Yes, but all I’ll say right now is that I am a terrible host,” Caroline said with a wink. “Your wine is warm.”

  “Does that mean I’ll have to come back another time for a fresh glass?”

  “You better come back, or I’m going to steal little Jake and force you to return,” she said.

  Matt pulled Caroline into his arms and kissed her again. “No force is necessary. Just name the time and I’ll be here.”

  Caroline wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m so happy that Jake jumped on me tonight. Remind me to get that little dog a treat.”

  “Jake is going to get a whole bag of treats for finding you,” he said, hugging her tightly. “But I really have to get them back home.”

  “Of course.”

  They linked arms and walked to the door. The dogs sat up waiting for Matt to come outside.

  “Your audience awaits,” she said.

  He leaned in for a final kiss. “Indeed. I’ll see you around.”

  “You can count on it.”

  Caroline watched Matt and the dogs run up the beach until they disappeared from sight. Her heart was pounding. She’d done something so out of character, but she had no regrets. Matt had been a perfect gentleman tonight. She’d thought seriously about sleeping with him, but couldn’t bring herself to be that spontaneous. Maybe, someday soon she would.

  For now though, Elena would be happy to know she had followed her advice and opened herself up to new possibilities. No more moping around about Richard or his bimbo girlfriend. He was in the past, and tonight she had taken the first step in carving out a whole new future for herself.

  Chapter 2

  The next day when Elena called to check in, Caroline could hardly wait to tell her about her encounter with Matt. “You were right. I’ve been moping around and living in the past.”

  “I told you. Want to meet at the club for lunch today?”

  “Sure, I’ll see you at noon. Bye.”

  Caroline left the phone on the counter and headed toward the master bedroom. She had a bounce in her step and couldn’t stop thinking about Matt and his steamy, hot kisses. She planned to sit out on the beach again tonight, but first, she was going to enjoy lunch with her friend.

  “What a difference a day makes,” she murmured, as she picked out a white cotton shirt and a flouncy skirt. She slipped her feet into leather sandals before checking her hair in the mirror. She pulled the hair off her face and secured it with a comb, while the rest lay in soft curls over her shoulders. She slipped silver hoop earrings into her ears, scooped up her purse and headed out the door.

  Elena was waiting when she got to the club, martini in hand. She was looking gorgeous as usual. Her hair was tied back and she wore a simple v-neck navy dress. Of course, the simplicity of the dress only accented her flawless skin perfectly.

  Caroline waved and made her way over to the table. The two women embraced before taking their seats.

  The waiter was at their table within moments. “Would you like something to drink, Mrs. Fleming?”

  “Thank you, Chris. I’ll have a club soda with a lemon, and please, call me Caroline.”

  “Of course, Mrs.…Caroline. I’ll be right back with your drink,” Chris said before scurrying away.

  “So, no more Mrs. Fleming, huh?” Elaine said, one eyebrow raised.

  “No, I’m taking your advice.”

  “Really, which advice are you talking about? I give you lots of advice these days.”

  Caroline chuckled. “About moving on. No more moping around.”

  “Good. Welcome back to the land of the living. Now, can I introduce you to some eligible men?”

  Caroline shook her head. “No need, thank you. I’ve met someone.”

  Elena’s eyes widened; she nearly choked on her drink. “You did, when?”

  “Last night on the beach.”

  “Oh, do tell.”

  By the time Caroline finished telling Elena about her encounter with Matt, the waiter was back with her drink. “Thank you, Chris.”

  “Would you like to order?” Chris asked.

  “Can you give us a few more minutes,” she asked.

  “Of course, take your time.”

  Caroline waited until the waiter was out of hearing range before she turned back to Elena. “Last night was wonderful. I forgot how good it felt to be in a man’s arms.”

  “Did you sleep with him?”

  “Elena! No, of course not. I’m trying to be spontaneous, but that’s a little too spontaneous for my taste.”

  Elena chuckled and raised her glass. “Here’s to you and being spontaneous.”

  Caroline clinked her glass with her friend. “Thanks, one step at a time.”

  “When are you going to see him again?”

  “I’ll be waiting on the beach tonight. I don’t know exactly where he lives and didn’t get a last name. I’m going to ask tonight.”

  “That’s wonderful. I’m happy for you. Finally, no more sad face, which by the way, doesn’t look good on you. Now can we order? I’m starving,” Elena said.

  “Sure. I’ve made another decision too?”

  “You did? What?”

  “I’m going back to the hospital and my volunteer work. I’m not going to let Richard’s presence dictate what I do. Besides, I miss the kids. I bet some have gone home since the last time I was there, but it will be good getting to
know some new little faces.”

  “Wow, aren’t you just full of good news today.”

  Caroline caught Chris’s eye. “Indeed I am. Order whatever you want, lunch is on me.”

  Elena winked. “In that case, I’ll have another drink.”

  ***

  Caroline took a deep breath before walking through the hospital’s revolving door. As long as she didn’t go near the sixth floor, she shouldn’t run into her ex-husband. That encounter was the last thing she wanted on her first day back.

  There was a crowd of people at the Information Desk. Saying hello to Rita would have to wait another time. She walked to the elevators. Her timing was good and the doors opened. She pressed the 4th floor button and stepped back to let more people in.

  While she waited for her floor, she reminded herself that this is where she wanted to be, Richard or no Richard. She couldn’t let her embarrassment over the divorce dictate her actions. Everyone knew about the divorce, but she wasn’t the first woman to be thrown away for a younger model, and she wouldn’t be the last. Besides, the children in the burn unit suffered unimaginable pain, and if she could give them a few moments of distraction with a story or a game, then that’s what she was going to do.

  The elevator dinged and the doors swished open. Caroline walked out and down the hall toward the nurse’s station. One of the nurses was on the phone and had her back to her. She waited patiently for the conversation to end.

  “Yes, I’ll be sure to let you know if there is any change. Bye,” the nurse said before hanging up. She turned around and her mouth dropped open. “Oh my God! I can’t believe it.”

  Caroline smiled. “Hi Kathy, how have you been?”

  Kathy Jenkins, a petite woman in her thirties, came out from behind the desk and gave Caroline a hug. “I’m so happy to see you. Are you coming back or just visiting?”

  “I thought I’d come back, that is, if you still need volunteers.”

  “Yes. We always need volunteers. You know that most people can’t handle looking at the kids.”

  “I know, but they’re still little kids inside. I’m sorry I haven’t been around, but…”

  Kathy reached out and touched Caroline’s arm. “Listen, there’s no need for explanations. We all know Richard is a fool for divorcing you, and besides, I’ve never seen you look better.”

  “Thanks for the support, but it stung nonetheless. Kind of blindsided me and I needed time to regroup.”

  Kathy nodded. “I’m just happy you’re back.”

  “Has anyone been reading to them in my absence?”

  “Yes, there’s one young woman who’s been excellent with them, but she can’t be here everyday. It will be wonderful to have you back reading to them as well.”

  Caroline nodded. “I miss them. Did Amanda and James go home while I was gone?”

  “Amanda did, but James is still here. Poor little thing is going to be with us for some time.”

  Kathy checked her watch. “They’re still in the reading room if you want to pop in.”

  “Sure, would love to. I’ll check back with you after my visit.”

  “Okay, but in case I’m busy, I’m really glad you’re back. We should go out for a drink soon and catch up.”

  “Sure, sounds good.” Caroline turned and walked down the hall toward the reading room. Now that the first awkward conversation was over, she was looking forward to seeing the kids.

  She stopped outside the playroom and peeked through the window. The children, most of them in wheelchairs, were positioned in a semi-circle with their full attention on a young blonde-haired woman while she read them a story. Their animated faces were a clear indication that they were enjoying themselves. When she finished, the children who were able clapped with delight.

  Caroline opened the door and went inside, and was immediately greeted with a screech of delight from James.

  “Miss Caroline is here. Miss Caroline is here,” the little six-year-old boy shouted.

  Caroline rushed over and gently hugged him. “Hello, James. I’ve missed you!”

  James nodded. “Me too. You back now?”

  Caroline’s heart strings tugged at the tragedy before her. James had been burned over seventy-five percent of his body in a horrific apartment fire. His mother had been killed in the fire, but not before she dropped her son out the third floor window to the firefighters below. His father had left when James was born, and was nowhere to be found. His only living relative was his grandmother who was in her sixties and suffering from diabetes. The woman could barely take care of herself, never mind James, and all that he needed.

  “Yes, James. I’m back now.” Caroline stood and turned toward the young woman.

  “Hi, I’m Caroline,” she said, and extended her hand in friendship.

  The young woman hastily shook Caroline’s hand. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’m late for my next appointment, but I’d love to chat more next time I see you here.”

  “Of course, that would be great.”

  There wasn’t time to think about the young woman. Behind her was a growing chorus of, “Please read us a book.”

  She turned back to the kids. “Okay, which one today?”

  “Green Eggs and Ham,” they shouted.

  Caroline walked over the bookcase and picked up the much-loved, worn book. “Looks like we may need a new copy of this one. I’ll bring it next time.”

  She returned to the semi-circle of happy, expectant faces and began, “I am Sam. I am Sam. Sam I am…”

  Chapter 3

  Caroline put the key in the front door and turned the lock. Once inside, she threw her purse and keys on the kitchen island and glanced at the clock while putting the bottle of wine in the refrigerator.

  6:00 PM

  It was later than she thought. She had gotten caught up with the kids at the hospital and had lost all track of time. She was a little ashamed of feeling sorry for herself, especially when she saw what these kids had suffered in their young lives and the long road of recovery they had in front of them. Being back with them was the best cure for a case of the blues. She loved their infectious laughter and had to promise three times that she would be back tomorrow to read to them again before they would let her leave.

  Now she was excited for a different reason. Matt should be taking the dogs out for a run soon, and she wanted to be on the beach waiting for him. She couldn’t get him out of her head. She had thought about him all day—those sizzling hot kisses, those rock-hard abs and those dazzling blue eyes. Yes, blue eyes again. What was wrong with her? Couldn’t she pick a guy that didn’t have blue eyes? It didn’t matter, she told herself. Matt was not Richard, blues eyes or not.

  She headed into the bedroom to change. She slipped out of her blouse and skirt and wandered into the bathroom to freshen up and brush her teeth. She pulled the comb out of her hair. She ran the brush through combing out the tangles before re-applying her mascara. She wanted to look good for Matt.

  Back in the bedroom she slipped into a soft jersey shirt and a pair of navy Capri pants.

  She was nervous. Last night had been a spur of the moment encounter, but tonight she would be waiting for him. Would he come by? Or was last night just a fluke?

  “Stop it,” she muttered. She was letting her imagination run away with her insecurities. Just because Richard didn’t want her doesn’t mean someone else wouldn’t and those kisses last night were not fake. She had made a connection with Matt; she would stake her life on it.

  Too stressed to eat, Caroline poured herself a glass of wine and went out on the deck. It was a beautiful evening. The sun was still up, but would be heading down to touch the horizon soon. A warm breeze caressed her skin. There were a few people on the beach, a couple walking near the water and a woman jogging by. But, no sign of Matt.

  “It’s still early,” Caroline said to no one in particular.

  Time ticked slowly by. Every time she heard a dog bark, she craned her head over the railing, hopi
ng to see Matt running toward her, but that was not to be. At 9:00 PM, she got up from the chair and went inside.

  She marched into her bedroom, trying hard not to cry. “Damn, stupid men. Why do I bother?”

  Caroline didn’t know if she was upset because Matt didn’t show up tonight or that she had let down her guard and looked forward to his visit. He never promised her anything, just said he’d see her around. Maybe she was the one who was over reacting, but it still felt like a punch in the gut.

  So much for turning over a new leaf.

  ***

  Matt Sylvan was getting ready to take the dogs for a run on the beach when his cell phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID. “Hey, Kelly. What’s up?”

  “Matt, it’s Mom. She had a stroke.”

  “Oh, damn. When?”

  “About an hour ago. I’m at the hospital now, but I don’t have any more news. Can you come home?”

  “Of course, let me get the dogs settled and I’ll book the first flight I can.”

  “Thanks. I knew I could count on you. I don’t know what I’m going to do if she doesn’t pull through. You know Dad. He doesn’t say much, but he’s really stressed out.”

  “Try to keep Dad calm. I’ll be there soon.”

  “Okay. Love you.”

  “Love you too.”

  Matt flipped his phone closed and headed for the bedroom to pack a bag. He wasn’t sure how long he’d be gone, but he had to plan for every outcome. He was surprised that it was his Mom who had the stroke. Both Kelly and he thought their Dad, with his high blood pressure, would be first to have something go wrong. He knew his Dad wasn’t always good about taking his medication, and that meant a call from Kelly every morning to remind him. She was so good to their parents.

  Yip. Yip.

  Matt looked down at Jake, who was up on his hind legs pawing at his pants. “Sorry, buddy, no run tonight.” He scratched behind the little dog’s ears and pushed him down.

  He pulled the phone out of his pocket and dialed Dan’s number. On the third ring his best friend picked up the phone. “Hey, Dan, I need a favor.”

  “What is it? Everything okay?”