Seducing Celeste

by Ruth Langan

He walked to the balcony railing and handed her the glass before touching the rim of his against it. “Then, here’s to your grandfather, and to his many delays. May he continue the pattern for many days to come.”

  They both smiled and sipped.

  She glanced at the covered trays on the serving trolley. “What did you order for dinner?”

  “If I tell you, it won’t be a surprise. And you did tell me to order for you.”

  She pouted. “I don’t know what I was thinking. You know I hate surprises.”

  He merely smiled. “That’s not true. You just hate not being in control of everything. But everybody likes to be surprised now and then.”

  “I don’t.”

  He leaned a hip against the railing to study her. “You didn’t like my surprise visit?”

  “Not at first.”

  “Uh-huh. And now?”

  “Now I’m getting used to the idea.”

  “So am I.” He skimmed a fingertip up her arm and felt the way she shivered. His grin was quick and dangerous. “I’m getting used to a lot of ideas.”

  “Such as?”

  He nodded toward the food. “Those covered trays will keep everything hot for hours.”

  “The point being…?” She couldn’t hide the laughter that warmed her words, since she had anticipated where this was leading.

  He touched a finger to the deep vee of her kimono, loving the way her eyes suddenly darkened. “It wouldn’t hurt to put off eating for a while and…indulge in other pleasures.”

  “You don’t think we ought to eat first? Just so we have the necessary strength to…indulge those other pleasures?”

  He set aside his glass, then took hers from her hand and set it beside his. Keeping his eyes steady on hers he untied the sash of her gown and began sliding it from her shoulders. His gaze skimmed her, and she saw the heat shimmer in those gray depths in the moment before he drew her close and covered her mouth with his.

  The kiss had been worth waiting all day for. It was all heat and flash and fire. And wild, desperate need. A need so unexpected, a hunger so deep, it caught them both by surprise.

  “Did you say that food would keep for hours?”

  He laughed. Then groaned. And lost himself once more in her.

  Chapter 14

  Drew lay in Celeste’s big bed, one arm under his head, the other cradling her as she slept in his arms. He felt like singing Patrick Sullivan’s praises to the heavens. Because of his unexpected delay, they’d been given one more night together. It had seemed like a special gift. One they had enjoyed like eager children. They’d teased each other shamelessly. Laughed over silly, private jokes. And made love with a fever born of desperation.

  Their marvelous meal of lemon chicken and pasta had added to the festive feelings. They’d fed each other, sipped champagne, and much later had shared coffee and luscious chocolate-dipped strawberries.

  When they’d finally come to bed they left the draperies open so they could see the night sky. They’d even had the good fortune of spotting a shooting star, and Celeste had squeezed her eyes tightly shut while making a wish. Drew had made a wish of his own. And though they both claimed to scoff at superstition, neither had been willing to reveal their wish to the other.

  He loved watching her. Loved the way she slept, deep and dreamless, like a child. Golden shafts of moonlight played over her face, gilding her skin, turning her hair to fire. It occurred to him that he would be perfectly content to spend the rest of his life watching her like this.

  The rest of his life.

  Dangerous thoughts. He frowned, as he considered all the complications. They were both driven to be the best at their chosen careers. Careers that would never permit them to be in the same place for more than a few months, or on the rare occasion, a year at the most.

  How could even the most devoted lovers keep a long-distance relationship alive under such circumstances?

  Celeste sighed in her sleep and rolled toward him, her hair spilling over his arm, her hand resting on his heart. He pressed his mouth to her temple and breathed her in.

  It wasn’t fair, he thought with a sudden rush of temper. He’d put in the longest year of his life, trying to get her out of his mind. He’d taken jobs no one else would even consider, just to keep himself from thinking about what he’d given up. And now, after the most bizarre set of circumstances, he was right back where he’d started. Only this time it was so much more intense. Maybe because they were both older now. And, he hoped, wiser. Certainly wise enough to know how much suffering they would endure when they were forced to part this time.

  This time.

  Now that he’d tasted her again, how could he bear to leave her? He didn’t think he had the strength to go through it all again. Still, what was the alternative? Commuting across continents to snatch an occasional night together? That hardly qualified as a relationship.

  Would she suffer as well? Or would she simply bury herself in work and put him out of her mind? This time, if she did, it would be forever. She’d already told him she couldn’t bear to go through it all again.

  He found it impossible to sleep. As night drifted toward dawn, he lay awake, tormenting himself with thoughts of what was. And thoughts of what might have been. If only they’d chosen different paths.

  Celeste awoke suddenly, aware that she was alone in her bed. She didn’t know why that should alarm her. She’d grown accustomed to waking alone. And yet, in just these brief days and nights since Drew had walked back into her life, everything had changed. She’d allowed herself to care about him again. To feel things that might be better left alone.

  And she’d learned to love waking with him in her arms.

  She considered herself a smart, sophisticated woman. And yet she’d walked into this with her eyes wide open, knowing that Drew had the ability to hurt her like no one else ever could.

  She’d thought herself over him. And yet, with one touch, one smile, she’d tumbled back into his arms, and into his bed.

  No regrets, she warned herself. When he left, as he surely would, she wouldn’t allow herself to play that game of regrets again. The first time around she’d questioned everything she’d ever said and done. Would he have stayed if only she’d been more involved in his life, and less in her career? Had he needed more of her than she’d been willing to give? Was she a selfish, self-centered person for wanting to succeed at the family business? But gradually she’d come to realize that love, true love, finds a way through even the most difficult and demanding circumstances. She had to face the fact that they hadn’t loved each other enough to make it work. Or else, they were simply too young and inexperienced to find their way through the maze of roadblocks that had stood in their path.

  In the soft light of morning she saw Drew standing on the balcony, staring off into the distance. Her heart did a little flip at the sight of him, so handsome and rugged. She studied the firm line of his jaw in profile. She couldn’t decide if he was sad or angry.

  He’d apparently dressed quickly, leaving his jeans unsnapped, riding low on his waist. Barefoot and shirtless, he leaned his hands against the rail and stood as still as a statue.

  Where had he gone in his mind? Wherever it was, it wasn’t a particularly happy place. He appeared to be in a thoughtful, pensive mood.

  He turned and caught sight of her watching him. As he started toward her, his smile returned, quick and charming.

  “Good morning, sleepyhead.”

  “’Morning.” She sat up and shoved her hair from her eyes.

  He sank down on the edge of the mattress and closed his hands over her shoulders, drawing her close as he brushed his lips over hers.

  She felt the familiar jolt to her system and marveled that such a simple thing as a morning kiss could pack such a punch.

  “What’s wrong?” He held her a little away and stared into her eyes. Was there sadness there? Was she troubled? Or was he letting his imagination run wild?

  “Nothing. It’s just�
�” She shook her head as if to clear it. “How long have you been awake?”

  “Not long. I was trying to be quiet so I wouldn’t disturb you.” He brushed a wayward strand of hair from her cheek. “You looked so peaceful.”

  “And you looked as if you were a million miles away.”

  He drew her close and pressed soft, whispering kisses over her forehead. “I was right here, Lessie. With you.”

  She could feel her heartbeat begin to race. Could feel her blood starting to heat and surge through her veins, in anticipation of what was to come.

  “Hold me, Drew. Make love with me one more time.”

  “I thought you’d never ask,” he whispered as he took her mouth with his.

  Make love. As his hands and lips began to weave their magic, she thought about the feelings he’d stirred in her. There was passion, of course. And heart-stopping desire. But there was so much more. She’d thought, hoped, that it was mere lust that had taken hold of her heart, and held it still. But she now knew, without a doubt, that what she felt for him went much deeper.

  It was love. Total, absolute love. Sweet heaven. As she gave herself up to him, she felt her heart trip, then stumble. She’d gone and lost her heart to the one man who could break it beyond repair.

  She held on as he took her on a fast, dizzying spin. She felt herself soaring, then burning as brightly as the morning sun, before drifting gently back to earth.

  The tears that burned in the back of her throat were swallowed quietly. It wouldn’t do to let him know her secret, when he would probably be gone before the day was over.

  “Do you have time to join me for breakfast?” Drew was holding her hand in his, their fingers linked, as they stepped into the elevator and watched the numbers flash by.

  He seemed subdued. Though he’d smiled and joked while they’d showered and dressed, Celeste had sensed his air of distraction. It had her more uneasy than she cared to admit.

  Was he already mentally distancing himself from her? Was he searching his mind for the best way to say his goodbyes, so that he could move on without an ugly scene?

  “I should really get to my office and see if Daniel has heard from Grandpa Sully.”

  He nodded, still watching the flashing numbers above the door. As if, she thought, he didn’t want to look her in the eye. Finally he turned to her. “Maybe I’ll go along with you. I can always grab some coffee later.”

  Just as the doors glided open, he released her hand and they stepped apart before exiting the elevator.

  Celeste glanced around, expecting to see Jeremiah in the lobby. As she passed the front desk she called out, “Good morning, Bitsy.”

  “Good morning, Ms. Sullivan. Mr. Hampton.”

  “Have you seen Jeremiah this morning?”

  The girl shook her head. “Sorry, Ms. Sullivan. I haven’t seen him since I came on duty an hour ago.”

  “That’s strange.” She started toward her office, with Drew beside her. “I can’t recall the last time Jeremiah wasn’t here ahead of me, standing guard in the foyer.”

  When she stepped into her office Daniel O’Malley got to his feet and held out a handful of papers. “Good morning, Ms. Sullivan. Mr. Hampton.”

  She accepted the papers from his hand. “Do you happen to know where Jeremiah is?”

  The young man nodded. “He went with the driver to the airport to pick up your grandfather.”

  “What time was that?”

  The young man glanced at his watch. “I’d say at least two hours ago. They should be here any time now.”

  “You’ll let me know when they get here?”

  “I will, Ms. Sullivan.”

  She took a deep breath and started toward her inner office, with Drew trailing behind. Once inside he closed the door and watched as she dropped her mail and phone messages on the desk without even glancing at them. Instead she strode to the window and crossed her arms over her chest.

  What was the matter with her? She hadn’t seen Grandpa Sully in ages. Not since her sister Lizbeth’s wedding. Usually when they got together, it was a joyous reunion, with both of them talking a mile a minute while they exchanged news about the latest acquisitions by Sullivan Hotels, or the latest sales.

  A week ago she’d have been bursting with pride about her success here at the tavern. She would have enumerated the wedding parties, wine tastings, banquets, art exhibits, all of which enhanced the earning power of this place. And if her grandfather had suggested that it was time to put the Old Liberty Tavern up for sale while it was a hot commodity, she’d have felt nothing but a sense of pride. After all, it was her hard work and business savvy that had earned another profit for the family business.

  Something had happened between now and last week. Something that had taken the edge off winning. Whatever it was, it frightened her. And she didn’t know quite how to fight it. She felt a trickle of fear along her spine.

  When Drew cleared his throat, her head came up sharply. She’d been so deep in thought, she’d forgotten that she wasn’t alone. Had forgotten that he was here, watching, and probably sensing her nerves.

  “I think I’ll get that coffee now. Want some?”

  “Thanks. That’d be…fine, Drew.”

  She continued to stare out the window as the door behind her softly opened, then closed. She heard Drew exchanging words with Daniel, before silence settled over the office once more.

  Suddenly she turned away and pressed her hands to her eyes.

  Damn that brilliant sunshine. It was the only reason she could think of for the moisture that suddenly burned.

  By the time Drew returned to her office with a tray, Celeste had carefully composed herself. She actually managed to laugh when he uncovered the tray to reveal not only a carafe of coffee, but a freshly baked croissant and a little pot of black cherry jam as well.

  “Something to tide you over.” He was studying her carefully. A little too carefully, she realized.

  She pretended to look at the food, avoiding his eyes. “Nothing for you?”

  “I had some coffee while I was waiting.”

  “Then we’ll share.”

  “Can’t. Sorry.” He shook his head and took a step back.

  Just then there was a knock on her door and Daniel poked his head inside. “Ms. Sullivan, your grandfather just phoned and asked if you and Mr. Hampton would meet him for lunch in the library at noon.”

  “Noon?” Celeste glanced at her watch. “That’s nearly three hours from now. Did he say where he was?”

  The young man shook his head. “I’m afraid he didn’t. But I believe he was calling from the car. Maybe he and Jeremiah had some stops to make.”

  She sighed in resignation. “All right. I guess I’ll just have to wait until noon to see what he’s decided.”

  When Daniel O’Malley left, Drew saw the worried frown that marred her forehead. He turned toward the door. “I’ll see you at noon. If I’m late, just go ahead without me, and I’ll meet you and your grandfather in the library.”

  “How could you be late? Where are you going, Drew?”

  “To my room.” He pulled open the door. “I have some work to take care of.”

  Celeste stared at the closed door, then slumped down at her desk, pushing aside the coffee and croissant. The thought of eating anything, or even sipping strong hot coffee, had suddenly lost its appeal.

  Everyone, it seemed, had work to do or errands to run. Everyone but her. Even the thought of all those phone messages to return and documents to read and sign, held no interest.

  She wanted this over with. Wanted her life back the way it was before.

  She pressed her hands to her eyes. That wasn’t so. If she were going to be honest with herself, she’d have to admit that in truth, she wanted what she had now, with what she’d had before. Her life here at the Old Liberty Tavern, but with Drew in it.

  There. She’d allowed herself to admit the one thing she knew she couldn’t have. And she had nobody to blame but herself fo
r this mess.

  Her idyllic little balloon was about to crash and burn at noon.

  Chapter 15

  “Celeste, my darlin’ little lass.” Paddy Sullivan hurried across the room to embrace his granddaughter. Then he held her a little away and gave her a long, steady look. “Oh, you’re looking grand. So fine and rested and fresh.”

  “So are you, Grandpa Sully.” She kissed his cheek. “I swear you never get any older. How is that possible?”

  “I’d like to say clean living.” He chuckled. “But it’s probably because I believe in living life to the fullest. You never know when your number’s up, so make every minute count. That’s my motto.”

  He kept his arm around her shoulders as he drew her toward a round table drawn up in one of the big bay windows of the library. Standing beside it was Jeremiah, dressed in a navy blazer and gray slacks, his face wreathed in smiles.

  “Ah, this is perfect,” Paddy Sullivan said with a sigh. “My beautiful granddaughter and my oldest friend in the world. It doesn’t get any better than this.”

  Jeremiah winked at Celeste. “Especially when your young, lovely, talented and hardworking granddaughter can boast of such a successful turnaround for a once-failing inn.”

  “There’s that, to be sure.” Paddy poured a tall glass of bottled water and offered it to Celeste, then poured another for himself.

  He lifted the glass to his lips and drank deeply.

  He looked up when Drew paused in the doorway. “Ah, Andrew. I was just about to ask where you were.”

  Drew studied Celeste, noting her hands, holding stiffly to the glass to hide her nerves. There might have been a time when he wouldn’t have recognized the pose. Now he knew her so well. Knew just how much she was struggling to hold herself together.

  He turned to her grandfather. “Sorry. I had some business to see to before our luncheon.”

  Paddy Sullivan nodded. “Getting all your ducks in a row I suppose, before we make our deal.” He set down his glass. “I was just about to tell my granddaughter how proud I am of the work she’s done here at the tavern. It’s gone from one of the worst Sullivan Hotels to one of the most profitable. No small accomplishment, as I’m sure you can appreciate.”