Destination Romance

by Barbara McMahon

  She closed her eyes; her lips were still throbbing from his kiss, her heartbeat increasing as she remembered every detail. Lightly, she ran her tongue over them. His taste still lingered.

  This was madness.

  Her ears straining to hear any sounds from the hall, she stood and quickly went through the motions of her job, forcing her hands to work efficiently, blocking the thoughts that clamored for attention, going through the routines of the day. When she was finished in that room, she paused by the door and took a deep breath. Slowly she eased open the door. Peeking down the hall, she saw it was deserted. She dumped the dirty linen into the cart, took the vacuum and quickly cleaned the carpets before moving to the next room, dashing in to close the door behind her.

  Her shift seemed endless. Never before had she been impatient for it to end. But today she wanted to get away, as far away from the hotel as fast as she could.

  She didn't want to see Michael again. She was afraid of her reactions if she did.

  How dared he kiss her the way he had? She'd felt consumed by his kiss, the excitement of his touch. It wasn't fair; she'd made her decision and he had no right to come to Key West and play on her emotions. Their marriage was over.

  How could she have reacted as she had? Her cheeks warmed. How could she not respond as she had to the magic that was Michael?

  At last all her rooms were finished, even the ones adjacent to Michael's. When she had ventured back, his door was firmly shut. She was quick and thorough and left the vacuuming for last lest he hear her. Once finished, she fled to the housekeeping area. The day had seemed forty hours long, but it must have been of normal duration because the other maids were changing and chattering casually, tossing their uniforms into the laundry.

  Only as she walked home did she let herself dwell on the memory of his kiss. A slow bud of desire grew within her at its memory. It had been an exciting kiss, provocative. She hadn't wanted it to stop. But why was he kissing her now? Seems like he could have paid a bit more attention last fall or last summer. Why today of all days?

  His statement just before the kiss—did that provide a clue? He thought her beautiful. But he had often said that, his tone as impersonal as if he had been admiring a piece of sculpture. She had done her best to look beautiful for him. It was what he wanted and expected and she had tried to fulfill her part of their marriage. The clothing and make-up she'd used had all been to that end.

  But he hadn’t said he never wanted her before. Not with that sexy masculine voice. Sexy, successful Michael Donovan had wanted her, even if only for a moment, in his room this morning. The passion in his voice had shown the strength of his feelings. Had the phone not rung would he have seduced her? It would not have been very hard if he had continued to kiss her like that.

  Panic rose within her. She simply could not allow that. It would be better to stay away from Michael Donovan. She dare not let herself become involved with him emotionally—it would be too hard to let him go a second time if she did.

  And Katie still wanted to let him go. She was leading the kind of life she wanted. There was so much to do on Key West and she was doing exactly what she wanted, when she wanted.

  She had never been as physically active as she had these last months. The work at the hotel was demanding. She'd quickly discovered that her new friends loved the outdoor life offered by Key West's fine climate. Sports like swimming, snorkeling, cycling, and volleyball had soon filled Katie's free time. Walking everywhere was different, too. She couldn't afford a car, and fortunately didn't need one on the island. It was small and self-contained, and everything she needed was in walking distance. She’d grown tanned, strong, and her spirits soared.

  When she reached her apartment, she changed her clothes and headed for the beach; with luck, she'd find some friends there. Someone she knew was always hanging out, to swim with, or for a pick up game of volleyball.

  When she arrived, the sandy shore was crowded. Tourists who had come south to escape the harsh northern winters loved the sunny white beaches of Key West and spent many hours each day soaking up the warmth. She preferred it when they used the resort beaches. But couldn’t fault them for loving this one. She did.

  Quickly she scanned the crowd, seeing the volleyball net being strung in the distance. She wandered over and found several of her friends, including Marlise, Charlie and Jody, ready to start a game. The others she didn't know, but it didn't matter—the important thing was that they were all out for a good game of volleyball. And by the time the game ended, they’d be friends.

  Katie wore her white bikini, preferring to sunbathe while doing something, rather than lie on the sand and do nothing. Greeting her friends, she quickly discarded her cover-up and joined in. She hit a ball over; it was returned. Marlise hit it almost straight up. Katie lunged for the assist, and Marlise tripped and fell back just as Katie dived for the ball, returned it and fell full length beside Marlise. She raised her head, laughing. Marlise and the others were laughing, too.

  'Point,' Charlie yelled, then reached out a hand to help the two girls to their feet. Katie shook her head; the short curls bouncing, the sand falling from her like rain.

  'You all right?' he asked.

  'Yes,' she giggled again. 'Great save, right?' She was proud of her return, since she had only learned volleyball since arriving at Key West.

  'Right on,' Charlie agreed.

  As she brushed the sand off, her eyes caught sight of a tall figure standing on the grassy edge of the beach some yards away–Michael Donovan.

  The smile wiped from her face. The old familiar nervousness welled up, her heart started beating heavily as she stared at him, her breathing suspended. What was Michael Donovan doing here? Couldn't she escape anywhere? Was he following her?

  'Damn it,' she muttered, anger building to cover her uncertainty. How dared he come down here and interfere? He didn't have to intrude in every aspect of her life. If he did anything to ruin her new life she'd never forgive him.

  His eyes glittered at her, as he watched her from his vantage-point, flicking down the length of her, pausing briefly at her breasts, her hips, taking in the short blonde curls, the deep tan, dark brown eyes. She flushed, extremely conscious suddenly of the amount of skin the bikini exposed. It barely covered her firm body, the swell of her breasts straining the stretchy white material, the pants low and daring.

  Katie felt self-conscious under his regard, and under-dressed.

  What must I do to get rid of you? she screamed internally. She hadn't been on her own long enough. She still lacked the self- confidence she wanted to deal equably with this powerful man. In business he could be ruthless. Was he planning to attempt to get his way in this as well? She could feel the pull of attraction she'd always felt for him. She resisted—she must resist.

  She turned back to the game, throwing herself into activity, a delightful grin painted on her face. She'd show Michael that her new life was fun and exactly what she wanted. She would ignore the attraction, the vulnerability she experienced around him. When he left, it would all fade.

  From the corner of her eye she saw him standing, watching her. As she became involved in the game, it was several minutes before she looked again. He was gone. She wondered again why he'd come; he hadn't even tried to talk to her. Had he come just to watch her, see what she was doing? She pushed the thought away as the competition of the game claimed her attention again. She'd worry about Michael Donovan later. Given time he'd leave. Business would call and he'd return to Boston. Who knew when he’d find the time to leave again.

  For one brief moment, Katie wished that were not the case; but she knew her husband.

  The next morning Katie paused before Michael's door, indecision plaguing her. Was he inside? If so, should she just go on about her work, trying to ignore him, or come back later and hope he'd left for the morning? Behind the door she could hear the muted murmur of his voice. He was there. With firm resolution, she pushed the cart to the far end of the hall. She'd
start here and hope he left before she reached his room.

  Several hours later, Katie could no longer put it off. She'd taken care of all the rooms on her floor save Michael's. She knocked on the door. 'Housekeeping,' she called. There was no answer. Had he gone out? She crossed her fingers.

  Opening the door with her passkey, her heart sank. Michael was sitting at the table near the large windows, his back to the door, talking on the phone. Katie kept her eyes on him as she slipped into the bathroom. He hadn't noticed her enter.

  Going through the motions, she found herself strangely unsettled. Her heart was tripping in her chest, and her stomach felt as if butterflies had taken up permanent residency. What was wrong with her? She'd finish this room and go to the next floor. He probably wouldn't even know she was here. When Michael became caught up in business, he excluded everything else.

  She could hear him as he discussed the situation with the person at the other end of the phone. His voice was calm and decisive. He knew how he wanted things done and was clear in informing those who worked for him.

  When she moved to the bedroom, Katie was surprised when his eyes clashed with hers. She paused a moment, thinking he had been totally caught up with the conversation; she'd not expected him to turn around to see her. Her eyes widened slightly as she gazed into his. He didn't smile, or change expression in any way. Katie knew he was still listening to the other person on the phone, but his gaze bored into her. Breaking contact was almost physical, but she pulled away and went to make the bed. The background discussion of cubic feet of concrete, sky-cranes and Cat graders was a familiar litany. She'd heard Michael discuss such issues many, many times over the years.

  She dusted the bedside table and looked over at the table where Michael sat. There were files and papers scattered all over. She couldn't dust it. Good, she didn't want to have to stay any longer than she must.

  As she walked back to the door to get the vacuum cleaner, Michael's hand reached out and grabbed hers. Slowly, his eyes on her, he drew her to him until she stood up against his knees. His hand was gentle against her wrist, his thumb rubbing lazy circles against the delicate skin. Katie could scarcely breathe.

  'Hold on, Steve.' He put the phone against his chest. 'Done so soon?' he asked, his voice gentle, his thumb the only reality Katie could focus on.

  She nodded. 'Except for the vacuuming.'

  'Leave that for now. I couldn't hear on the phone. Come back later and do it.'

  'Call when you're ready.' She tugged at her hand, but his grip tightened.

  'Are you going to play volleyball today?' he asked.

  'No, not today.'

  'Come out with me after you finish work.'

  'No, I can't. I have plans.' Plans to stay as far away from this disturbing man as she could. 'I have to go.' She tugged at her hand again, fighting the old longings and sensations his touch wrought, fighting the lassitude and delight she felt.

  He brought her wrist to his mouth and lightly touched it with his lips, releasing her hand, watching her closely the entire time.

  Katie didn't wait, but fled as if he were chasing her. As she pulled the door shut behind her, she could hear him on the phone again. Always business.

  She waited all afternoon for the call to finish the room. Waited with anticipation and dread. But the call never came.

  When Katie left work, she had mixed emotions. Had she actually wanted to see Michael again? Shouldn't she feel glad he hadn’t called?

  CHAPTER THREE

  Katie had the next day off, and she planned to avoid the hotel, the shops and the beach. If she could hold out long enough, she knew Michael would be gone. He was never absent from his business for long—a day here and there, but never any extensive time. Funny, they’d never taken a trip together. He’d been too caught up to take time for something as frivolous as a vacation.

  The air was warm and soft against her cheeks as she went for her usual morning swim. Katie paused at the road's edge, scanning the beach for any runners. When she saw Michael in the distance, she sank down behind a sturdy palm, hidden in the early morning shadows. She was not up to a meeting with him today.

  Once he had passed, she quickly went for her swim. Her usual pleasure in the morning ritual was dimmed as she kept a wary eye out in case he returned. She swam for a shorter time than she usually did, soon returning to her apartment with plans for chores that would keep her busy all day.

  Katie wondered how long Michael planned to handle work long distance. Surely his business would be suffering if he wasn't there? At least, that was always the impression she got from him—that the world of Donovan Construction was nothing without its founder.

  In the late afternoon, the phone rang. It was her friend Debbie from work. 'We're going to Mallory Square Dock later to watch the tourists watch the sunset, then have a cook-out at the beach. Want to come?'

  'Sure do; what should I bring?' Katie welcomed the plan. It would get her out of the house and offer an alternative to the thoughts that kept spinning in her head.

  'How about chips and some drinks. Meet you at the dock about five-thirty.'

  Katie hung up the phone smiling. Viewing the sunset from Mallory Square Dock in Old Town was considered a very touristy thing to do, but she secretly loved it. She never admitted it to her friends because she didn't want to be teased, but she wandered that way several times each week to watch the spectacular sunsets over the Gulf.

  Mallory Square was at the westernmost point of the island. From there everyone had a view of the sun as it appeared to drown in the deep blue of the Gulf of Mexico, flinging vibrant colors into the sky each evening, from bright coral to pale pink, blurring to teal and finally the dark violet that gave way to the black of the tropical night.

  Evening picnics at the beach were also fun. Katie had been to three or four since she'd arrived, and she always enjoyed them. While the nights were cooler than the hot days, a fire was not strictly needed. Yet everyone enjoyed it when it was made. The flames danced in the darkness. The soft rhythm of the Gulf lapping the shore and the murmur of conversation made the picnics memorable.

  She was not the first one to the rendezvous spot- Debbie, Marlise and several others she knew were already there, all wearing casual attire, shorts and loose shirts. It was still warm, the last rays of the sun refusing to let the air cool.

  'Hi. Who else is coming?' She smiled at her new friends. They were accepting and easy to get along with. None of them wanted anything from her but her company. Katie loved spending time with them. Especially tonight–she’d been feeling cooped up in her apartment. Having spent most of her free time outdoors since arriving in Key West, she hadn't liked being inside all day. Yet that was the only way she could insure not running into Michael.

  'Usual crowd. The tourist turnout is good.' Rick, Debbie's special friend, motioned to the large number of people along the road sitting on the beaches and in the small pavement cafes that crowded Mallory Square. Many more sat on the edge of the dock, feet dangling over the sea, eyes west. An air of festivity permeated the area as jugglers, mimes and other entertainers mingled with the crowd. The people were in high spirits, happily awaiting the daily event.

  Katie recognized one tourist and turned swiftly away, hoping he hadn't seen her. But she reckoned without her friends. Marlise also recognized him and waved. 'He's a guest at the hotel,' she told the others.

  Katie pretended she hadn't heard, her eyes firmly on the water before her.

  'I think he's coming over,' Marlise announced.

  'Oh, no, I don't think...' Katie turned, stricken. Before she could complete her sentence, however, Michael strolled over, his eyes smiling sardonically at Katie when he saw her expression.

  She met his look and glanced away. She had spent all day avoiding him, avoiding thinking about him, or trying to at least, and now Marlise had brought him over. Was she never to be free of him?

  'Good evening.' He smiled at everyone, his eyes coming back to Katie, flicking down t
o her mouth, back to her eyes.

  Instantly she was reminded of their recent kiss. Angry with herself, she turned so she couldn't see him.

  'Are you enjoying your visit?' Marlise asked. Naturally friendly, she took to heart the hotel's directive that employees do all they could to make the guests' stay a happy one.

  'I'm at a bit of a loose end, but I am enjoying the island,' Michael replied, his eyes on Katie.

  Introductions were made, then Marlise said, 'We're watching the sunset then going to a cook-out on the beach; care to join us?' She kindly did not admit they'd come to watch the tourists.

  Katie threw her a dark look. 'I'm sure Mr. Donovan has already made plans for this evening.' She looked at him, trying to compel him to agree with her. But he shook his head.

  'Actually, I had nothing planned.' His lips twitched as if he was amused at Katie's attempts to exclude him.

  Katie looked away, defeated. Michael had never been at a loose end in his life; he always had his next step planned. But for some reason he wanted to accompany them. Why?

  'Then please join us,' Debbie added.

  Katie stared at the water, her eyes looking at the tourists, at the boats near by—anywhere but at Michael Donovan. He moved until he stood beside her, talking with Debbie and Marlise and Rick. When Jim joined them, he and Michael began a conversation about banking. Jim explained with great enthusiasm a deal he had recently completed for his firm, then launched into an explanation of a complex deal he was now negotiating. He was proud of its magnitude and was obviously trying to impress Michael.

  Katie glanced briefly at him and her husband. What would Jim think if he knew the high sums of money Michael was used to dealing with? He would be stunned, and feel foolish. Michael, however, courteously listened to his discourse and made appropriate comments. She was glad, and touched by the sensitivity displayed by her husband. Why had she thought him totally ruthless? With a few brief words he could shatter Jim's illusions. Yet he refrained. Jim was nice, if young, and she was glad Michael hadn't deprecated any of his accomplishments. She wondered if Michael would actually do anything to help her friend. She didn't feel she was in much of a position to ask. Maybe he'd volunteer.