Katie remained perfectly still, yearning for the touch of his lips on hers, anticipating the moment that never came.
Michael straightened, one eyebrow lifted in sardonic amusement. 'See you Tuesday.'
He turned and walked away. Katie watched him leave with a sudden, sickening realization. She loved him! She didn't want him to walk away; she wanted him to stay. She wanted him to walk by her side, be with her, for the two of them to build a life together. These last few weeks had shown her a different man from the one she married—or was he only different from the man he'd become over the last few years?
She loved the man she was growing to know.
But it was too late. She had made her position clear; there was no room for doubt. Over and over she'd been adamant she wanted a divorce. And at long last Michael had believed her and looked elsewhere.
Now what was she to do?
CHAPTER EIGHT
The blinding realization hit Katie hard. She stared after Michael for long moments before she slowly turned and started numbly walking home. How could she have been so foolish as to end their marriage? They had not spoken of love in years. But she knew she loved him. She had loved him when she married him, with an overwhelming love, a feeling of delight in his presence, awe that a man of his caliber should want her.
But how did Michael feel? Did he have any feelings for her beyond pride at the great hostess she proved to be?
Dare she tell him she'd changed her mind, that she no longer wanted a divorce.
She recoiled from such a step. He would laugh at her— laugh at her and tell her she was too late. Adamant about ending their marriage, she was now changing her mind because of—what?
Because I realized I love you. It sounded weak. Would he scoff, brush aside her discovery as of no importance? Which it could be to him. Especially if his emotions were now engaged with Elizabeth.
Katie was confused. How could she change her mind so drastically in so short a time? She had been unhappy in her marriage for years. Never overtly—just missing what she felt should be part of a marriage. Now, out on her own, surrounded by people she liked, doing things she wanted to do, she'd suddenly discovered that one of the things she loved was Michael Donovan. But not the husband of Boston—the man she saw here on Key West. Was it an illusion? A temporary aberration? Or had he changed?
She remembered his determination, his strength of purpose his focus with business. He'd made it big in a tough industry not by letting others dictate to him, but by going after what he wanted with a singleness of purpose.
Should she try the same technique? What if he didn't want her any more? What if she made a fool of herself over him?
It wouldn't be any different from the last few months. You've been a fool all along! The refrain echoed in her head as she walked slowly home.
Oblivious to the people around her, the bright, colorful shops and window displays, Katie walked along as if in a daze. The discovery of her feelings, so new and fragile, was stunning. She wanted to hide away and examine them closely. Determine what she really wanted, and what she should do.
Passing the street leading to her apartment, she continued until she reached the beach. Kicking off her sandals, she threaded her way through the sunbathers and found a quiet spot to the side. Sinking down on the hot sand, she gazed out at the shimmery water as if seeking an answer.
Each time she'd been with Michael on Key West replayed itself in her mind–from the unexpected first sight of him when she went to clean his room, to the picnic at the beach, dinner at the pizza parlor, breakfast in her kitchen. She should have realized where it was leading. She was always drawn to him, though trying to push him away, thinking she wanted to be free of him.
He was so different here from the self-contained man she'd known in Boston. Why hadn't she seen it before? Why hadn't she agreed to try it again with him when he'd suggested it? If he was willing to give up some of his business time, what else would she want? If he mentioned it again, she'd leap at the chance.
But would he ask again? Had he given up and turned his interests to Elizabeth?
She sat on the beach until darkness fell. Then, still dazed, she rose and slowly walked home. Heating soup for dinner, Katie felt no closer to a solution than she had when she first realized she still loved him. She longed to be with him, to see him again, longed to have him talk to her, put his arms around her; share himself with her, ask after her. What was she to do?
She was still in a dilemma the next morning. A fitful night's sleep had not helped, and she awoke feeling tired and depressed. She went for her morning swim, anxious to see Michael, hoping he'd be on the beach. Disappointment flooded through her when she reached the beach: it was empty and he didn’t appear the entire time she stayed there.
Work was a chore for the first time since she'd arrived in Key West. She went through the motions, worried and upset. She wanted to see Michael, talk to him, find out how he viewed things. Had Elizabeth Bowman's arrival on the scene changed everything? Was it too late for reconciliation?
She paused at the window at the end of the hall, the one that overlooked the pool area. Spotting Michael lying back on one of the loungers, Katie stared down at him for long moments, delighting in the sight of his body, long and lean, muscular without being fat. He was growing quite tanned and it enhanced his sexy good looks. He was a man's man—authoritative, competent and self-assured. She'd never seen him at a loss. He always knew what to do, what he wanted.
Yet he could be charming, when it suited him. Katie remembered all the women who had hung on his every word at the various functions they’d attended. She'd never worried about him being unfaithful—he'd been too involved in business. But had he wanted he would have had no trouble finding willing women.
Her eyes were drawn to the woman on the next chair and her heart sank. Elizabeth. Here was another one more than willing to spend time with him. And, for the first time, someone Michael liked spending time with.
Katie turned to resume her work, an ache in her heart that wouldn't abate.
Twice more during the morning she was drawn to the window, watching for several moments each time. Wishing she had handled things differently. She wanted to be the one with Michael, enjoying the beauty of the day, talking together about inconsequential things, just spending time with him. She wanted him to laugh with her, and have him listen to her with the attention he showed Elizabeth.
She checked her watch. It was almost lunchtime. Would they eat by the pool or return to their rooms to change before going elsewhere? If the latter, Katie could talk to Michael for a moment. Use the excuse of the scuba trip as a reason to start talking. See what might develop.
She cleaned another room and darted to the window. They were still on the chairs. Two more rooms, two more trips to the window. This time Elizabeth was pulling on her cover-up, while Michael was talking with her father. It looked as if they were coming in.
Without thinking, Katie ascended to the higher floor and walked quickly to room 1124, Michael's room on this visit, according to Debbie. Using her passkey, she glanced both ways along the hall, then opened the door, closing it behind her. Debbie had already cleaned the room, and the sliding door to the balcony was left slightly ajar to permit the cool ocean breeze to freshen the room.
Nervously, Katie paced the carpet, pausing by the sliding door to gaze out over the various shades of blue water that comprised the Gulf of Mexico. Her heart pounded as tension rose within her. What would he say? What would she say?
'... me long, so I can meet you,' Michael broke off as he opened the door and saw Katie standing by the window. She turned to meet his gaze, startled to find Elizabeth beside him. Her eyes darted back to Michael, color staining her cheeks. Katie had not anticipated the other woman's presence.
He turned to Elizabeth. 'I'll meet you there about one.'
Elizabeth looked beyond him to Katie, her lips tight with anger. 'Will that give you enough time to change?' she bit out.
&nbs
p; 'I'll meet you at one, Elizabeth,' he said gently, stepping into the room and closing the door. Turning, he looked quizzically at Katie.
'And to what do I owe this honor?' he asked.
Now that she was facing him, her excuse seemed flimsy. She should have waited until she ran into him somewhere. Too late now—she was committed. She wiped her palms on her skirt.
'I—er—thought I could talk to you about—um— Tuesday.' She nervously adjusted the lamp on the table. When she glanced at him, his eyes were narrowed as if in assessment. She swallowed hard. This was not as easy as she had thought it would be.
He stepped into the room and tossed his towel on his bed. He wore only sandals and his swimming trunks. His shoulders were broad and brown, his chest firm, muscular, his legs long and dark beneath his swimsuit. His skin was evenly tanned, dark and rich. Gone was the pink he'd acquired that first day. He looked as if he belonged outdoors.
She swallowed, her heart filled with longing and desire. His dark hair was wind-blown and disheveled, strongly appealing. Her fingers longed to brush it from his forehead. She tried to breathe. How could she have thought she didn't love this man?
She ached to be with him, do things for him, ached for him to ask her to rub lotion on his skin again. Her hands tingled in anticipation. She yearned to lie beside him at the pool or at the beach. She clenched her fists and turned away. She couldn't think while looking at him, only experience a terrifying desire that threatened to swamp her.
'I was going to contact you about the scuba lessons,' he said easily, moving quietly across the room to stand beside her. Gently, he turned her around. He was so close. She looked up to meet his eyes, unaware of the confusion and longing that she showed. His gaze set her senses tingling. Desire rose rampant through her whole body; she longed to reach out to touch him, feel the warmth of his skin, the strength beneath, have his hands touch her again, experience once more of his hot kisses on a tropical day.
'We’re on for Tuesday. Meet at the dock at 7:30 in the morning. Is that all?' he asked softly, a satisfied look on his face. 'I'm due to meet Elizabeth and her father for lunch.'
She dropped her eyes, desperately longing for something to say that would keep him with her, something that would lead to more time together.
'I wouldn't want to keep you from lunch with Elizabeth,' she said bitterly. 'Does she know you're the head of Donovan Construction?'
'Yes, she does, but I think she likes me for myself. I think she enjoys spending time with me,' he replied.
'I like to spend time with you.' Her voice was so soft, she wasn't sure he heard her.
He chuckled softly, tilting her chin up with his finger. His eyes danced down at hers, and her heart tripped faster.
'You have a funny way of showing it, Katie— always telling me to go away, and how you long for a divorce. Excuse me for not realizing how much you wanted to be with me.' A hint of his hardness crept into his speech.
Shame flushed her face and she licked her lips. Her chin burned from his touch and she dropped her gaze to his lips, longing for his kiss.
'You once said you'd never let me go,' she said softly, clinging to his hard words of the other morning.
'People say things in anger they wouldn't otherwise say,' was the reply.
Her heart sank. 'You didn't mean it?'
He sighed and released her, moving towards his wardrobe to pull out some shorts and a clean shirt.
'Katie, did you come here to rehash a statement made when I was angry, or what? I need to change for lunch.'
He stepped into the bathroom and a minute later Katie heard the shower. She moved to the balcony and sat on the edge of the chair there, blind to the beauty of the island, her thoughts on the man in the shower. The conversation was not going the way she wanted it, but at least he hadn't kicked her out.
The shower ceased and she held her breath. Letting it out slowly, she tried to calm her jumpy nerves. Endless moments of time spun by, then she heard his step behind her. When she looked, he was ready for lunch. His hair had been neatly combed, and his tan was shown off by the choice of clothes he wore.
'I liked your hair better messed up,' she said involuntarily.
'So mess it up,' he invited, sitting on the chair adjacent to hers.
Some impulse of mischief took hold and Katie rose and ruffled his hair, which was still damp from his shower. She stood up and admired the effect, a saucy grin on her face.
He laughed and pulled her down into his lap, one hand around her back, the other resting just beneath her breast. Katie's breath was knocked out from her with the unexpected action. Her face was only inches from Michael's and she gazed into his eyes, lost to all thought except his nearness, how much she loved him and how she had messed things up.
Boldly she encircled his neck, her fingers tangled in the damp hair at the nape. Her other hand rested on his chest, just above his heart. She could feel the slow, rhythmic beat. Dependable, steady. Like Michael himself.
'What do you want, Katie?' he asked, his eyes holding hers.
'I don't know,' she whispered back, unable to look away, unable to voice her feelings, unable to tell him what she longed to say. He'd think her such an idiot. And she wasn't brave enough to risk his rejection.
'Maybe you should find out what you want.' His voice was sharp, his eyes glittered into hers. But his touch belied his look. His hand moved and slowly began to unbutton the front of her uniform, his fingers brushing gently against the soft skin hidden by the cotton dress.
Katie trembled in his arms as the dress began to fall away. She wore no bra beneath her work clothes, and Michael's touch and intentions were clear. Warmth spread through her when his hand reached her waist and one finger trailed up the shadowy valley exposed by the open dress. Gently he spread the material from her breasts.
His eyes dropped from hers to the satiny skin he was stroking, from her shoulder across the swell of her breast, into the valley between. Katie closed her eyes in exquisite delight at the feel of his roughened fingertips caressing her. Softly they moved back and forth, then down the mound to the tip, circling it, before moving back up towards her shoulders. Then he started again. Her skin quivered and danced beneath his touch, aching to feel his skin against hers, the trails of exquisite passion pervading, her body growing warm as she yearned for him to continue.
She could scarcely breathe; the emotions and sensations caused by his touch were almost overwhelming. Trembling, she was afraid to move, afraid to break the spell, to end this magical moment.
'You have always been so beautiful,' he murmured.
Katie's eyes flew open to meet his. His warm palm took the weight of her breast, his thumb teased the nipple, but his eyes never left hers and Katie could see the hunger reflected in them.
Did it reflect the hunger she knew must be on her own face? Daringly she moved fractionally closer, her lips parted to meet his, her breath mingling with his, the heat in her body owing nothing to the heat of the day, but only to Michael, his proximity, his nearness, his touch.
The sharp rap on the door shattered the moment. Stunned, Katie pulled back, her eyes wide, seeking the source of the noise. She sat up and pulled her dress closed, refusing to meet Michael's eyes.
'Michael? Are you in there?' Elizabeth's voice called imperatively.
He glanced at his watch.
'Damn! I told her I'd meet her at one and now it's ten after.' Unceremoniously he set Katie on her feet and rose. Brushing his fingers through his hair, he tried to bring some order to it.
'Elizabeth, I'll be right there.' He looked at Katie. 'What do I do with you?' he murmured, shaking his head. Crossing to the bathroom he disappeared inside, returning in only a moment with his hair neatly combed.
Stepping to the corner of the balcony, hidden from the room by the drapes that covered the inside of the windows, Katie quickly refastened her dress. Her breathing was fast, her heart beating in double time. Leaning against the wall that separated the balconies, she clo
sed her eyes, hoping Elizabeth wouldn't see her.
Hearing the door close, she paused for a long moment, ears straining for sounds in the room. She heard no voices. Slowly she peeked around. The room was empty. Feeling very much the scarlet woman, Katie walked slowly to the door, hesitating before opening it a crack. She didn't want to find them waiting at the elevator. Peering out into the hall, she saw no one, so she slipped through the door, closed it firmly behind her and headed for the stairs.
At least he hadn't kicked her out. But he had left her for Elizabeth. She frowned; she didn't think she'd progressed at all. She needed to talk to him, but not around other people. Maybe on the scuba-dive.
Katie had almost finished changing into her own clothes when Debbie pushed her cart in. She waited for her friend, not wanting to be alone with her thoughts another afternoon, and wanting some activities to take her mind off things.
'Marlise is going shopping—she wants some new curtains for her place; want to go?' Debbie asked as she changed.
'Sure do; I'll look for some things, too.' Katie's heart wasn't in it, but it would help pass the time and maybe it could help raise her spirits.
'How was the snorkeling yesterday?' Debbie asked as they left.
'Wonderful.' Katie could scarcely remember the pleasure she had found at the reef, the events since having overshadowed everything else. Had it only been yesterday that her discovery had turned her world upside-down?
'I want to go to that fabric store over on Simonton Street. I'm making some new curtains and want to get some fabric,' Marlise said, when Katie and Debbie met her in front of the gift shop.
'Whatever, we're just along for the ride,' Debbie said. 'Right, Katie?'
'Yes.' Katie's eyes scanned the lobby, seeing if she could spot Michael or Elizabeth Bowman. Neither was in sight. She didn't really expect to see them. The attractions of Key West were not found in the lobbies of hotels.
They walked the couple of blocks to the factory that produced lovely colorful fabrics used for dresses, shirts, curtains, and upholstery. The colors were bright, the designs bold and exciting. Other visits had been pleasurable for Katie; today, however, she was listless and lethargic. She tried to follow the conversation between the other two, but her thoughts kept dwelling on her own problems.
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