by Dara Girard
“I didn’t misunderstand a thing.”
“I don’t know what you think or even why, but—”
“You went behind my back and took the man I loved.” Her voice rose with indignation. “The man I wanted to marry. Now I know why you changed your clothes and hair, why he wanted to give you back your notebook instead of letting me give it to you, and—”
“Notebook? Did I leave a notebook there?”
“Don’t act all innocent with me.”
Caryn took a deep breath. She was losing patience but getting angry wouldn’t solve anything. “My new look has nothing to do with him. I really—”
“I saw it.”
“What?”
“The picture.”
What picture? He still had a picture of her? Doing what? Where? When? Why? “You maybe be confusing me with someone else.”
“It was you.”
“Then it was an old photograph. I’m sure he has pictures of other ex-girlfriends.”
“No, just you.”
Caryn paused. “I don’t believe that.”
“That’s what he said.”
“Then he’s lying.”
“No, you are.” She disconnected.
Caryn gripped her hands into fists.
Terri looked at her, worried. “Let me guess…that didn’t go well.”
Caryn pointed to the ground. “Straight to h—”
“What are you going to do?”
Caryn grabbed her keys and marched to her car. “I’m going to see him.”
Chapter Fifteen
She ended up seeing more of him than she expected to. Adrian opened the door wearing only a towel, his body still wet from a shower. “What do you want?”
Caryn watched a droplet of water slowly slide down the muscles of his chest. Another glistened on the tip of his nipple. For a moment she imagined him as a chocolate sundae she could lick. She cleared her throat. “Could you put some clothes on, please?”
He grinned. “I asked first.”
She licked her lip. “You want to know why I’m here?”
He nodded.
“I have to talk to you.”
He nodded again. “So talk.”
“Can I at least come in?”
He motioned to the open door. “I haven’t stopped you.”
“I know I should have called,” she said gingerly inching her way inside, making sure not to touch him; not trusting herself to touch him even accidentally. Although she’d already imagined how it would feel to have his warm, wet skin brush against hers. “But I had to see you naked,” she quickly shook her head and corrected herself, “um…I mean in person.”
He closed the door. “I’m listening,” he said, walking in front of her.
Caryn swallowed, liking the way the rust colored towel followed with his movements, curving around his tight buns and slender hips. She briefly shut her eyes and silently swore. What was wrong with her? He was off limits. “I’ll wait.”
He turned to her. “For what?”
“For you to change.”
A sly grin touched the corner of his mouth. “Do I make you uncomfortable?”
“It’s not you. It’s just.” She gestured to the towel. “How can I have a serious conversation with you dressed like that?”
“I can take it off. There’s nothing you haven’t seen before.” He reached for his towel. “Then again, maybe you’ve forgotten.”
“No,” she said, rushing forward, wrapping her arms around his waist and grabbing the towel to keep it up. Within seconds she realized her mistake, her cheek pressed against his chest, her sleeves growing moist from his wet body. She shut her eyes wanting to melt away. Her body burned from embarrassment, shame and desire.
“CeCe?” he said in a low voice.
“Yes?” she said, her voice breaking.
“I was just teasing. You can let go.”
Caryn hastily stepped back, without releasing her grip, and tore off his towel. She instantly realized her mistake, staring down at the towel in horror before holding it out to him, as if holding up a curtain. Her heart raced. “I didn’t see anything.”
Adrian took the towel and fastened it in place. “You can open your eyes now.”
She hadn’t realized she’d closed them. She opened her eyes, her face and neck tingling from mortification. Why did he have this affect on her? “Right, sorry,” she said, annoyed by her breathless tone.
Adrian scratched the side of his forehead and sighed sounding weary. “Just start talking. What do you want?”
“You could at least wear a robe.”
He folded his arms and waited. “You’re not going to win this so either talk or leave.”
She sat down. “You know why I’m here. I just need you to talk to her.”
“Talk to whom about what?”
“I’m not kidding, Adrian. It’s not funny.”
“I didn’t realize I was laughing.”
“I’m here because of Roberta.” Caryn pulled out her mobile phone. “You need to bring her to her senses.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She held out her phone and showed him the video.
He watched it, then swore.
“Now do you understand?” she said, putting her phone away. “How could this have happened?”
He sighed.
“Is this some sort of revenge?”
He frowned. “Revenge?’
“Yes, setting up your girlfriend to ruin my business would be one way to get back at me. You win okay? You have a right to gloat. The first time you saw me the other day, I was wearing a wig because my hair fell out. My ex-boyfriend is already with another woman. We broke up last week! My business is just gaining traction, so, this scheme—”
“You must think I have nothing better to do.”
“You’re right,” she said, realizing how silly her accusation was. “I’m sorry. All I ask is that you talk to her.”
“It won’t help.”
“Why not?” Caryn asked, wishing he would at least sit down so she didn’t have to look up at him. “What happened?” She asked, sitting on the arm of the chair so she didn’t have to look up so far. “She was so happy the last time I saw her.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “She’s upset because we broke up. Relax. Things will die down soon, and the clients you want won’t even pay attention to it. You always worried too much.”
“I can’t have her believing that you broke up because of me. You have to convince her otherwise.”
“I can’t. It is because of you.”
Caryn slid off the arm of the couch and sat hard on a cushion. “What?”
“I realized I was being unfair to her and told her so. Obviously she didn’t take it well and… where are you going?” he asked as she quickly left the room.
Seconds later Caryn returned with a terry robe. “You have a lot to explain.”
Adrian glanced at the robe then sat down, resting his ankle on his knee, the towel still covering him, but leaving room for her imagination to go wild. “There’s not much to explain.”
Caryn placed the robe on top of him like a blanket. “Why would she blame me for your break up?”
He grinned up at her. “Because it is your fault.”
“But not in the way she thinks. What did you say to her?”
“I didn’t have to say much when she saw the picture.”
“What picture?”
“The one we took in the Caymans.”
Caryn frowned. “We never went to the Caymans.”
“It was fun to pretend, remember?”
Yes, she did. She remembered a tacky little hotel just outside of DC where they’d spent their first night together. The garish décor sported wallpaper with palm trees and matched the bed sheets. From the look on his face, he looked embarrassed and angry that what little money he’d scrapped together afforded them so little luxury. So she decided to make him feel better.
“Oh, it’s gorgeous,” sh
e said, sweeping her hand over the bed. “I’ve always wanted to travel here.” She walked over to the window. “Come and look at this view.”
“CeCe,” he said in a grim tone.
She ignored him and struggled to open the window. When she finally managed to lift it up, the sound of a roaring motorcycle filled the room. She turned to Adrian and smiled. “I just love the sound of the ocean.”
His mouth twitched with amusement. “Really?”
“Yes.” She held out her hand. “Come on and look at this.”
“I didn’t come here to look at anything but you.”
Caryn looked uncertain as she walked over to the bed. “I’m not sure I can compete with the beauty of this place.” She sat down on the bed and undid the top button of her blouse, sending him a coy look. “But I’ll try.”
He laughed in spite of himself, sitting down beside her. “You’re a cruel woman,” he said in a low, husky voice.
“I’ll do what it takes to make you smile.”
He pulled out his phone. “Let’s take a picture of this,” he said holding out the phone. “Where are we again?”
Caryn thought for a moment, then said, “The Caymans,” and kissed him just as the camera clicked.
Caryn felt the stinging of tears as she remembered that wonderful tender night in his arms. “Why would you still have that? Shouldn’t you have burned it or something?”
“I like having a memento of my biggest mistake so that I wouldn’t do it again.”
She quickly blinked back tears, her throat tightening at the bitterness of his words. Of course he wouldn’t remember that night the way she did. To her it was still something beautiful she treasured. “I’m sorry.”
Adrian folded his arms, his watchful gaze not leaving her face. “You’ve already said that. Many times.”
Caryn gripped her hands in her lap and licked her lips. “So you won’t help me?”
He briefly closed his eyes. “Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“Lick your lips like that. You always do that when you’re upset or nervous.”
“I do not.”
“Yes, you do. Cut it out.”
She held up her hands in surrender. “Fine.” She pressed her hands together. “Do you want me to beg?”
“There’s nothing I can do.”
“Just talk to her. Please, I—”
He pointed at her. “You’re doing it again.”
“What?”
He motioned to her mouth. “The lips thing.”
“I’m not doing it on purpose!”
He pinched the bridge of his nose. “I know,” he said in a low voice. “That’s what makes it worse.”
“Adrian—”
“You can go to a lawyer.”
“Why would I go to a lawyer when you can just go to Roberta and clear up this misunderstanding?”
He slowly stood, his gaze darkening. “How many times do I have to tell you that there was no misunderstanding?”
Caryn felt her pulse quicken. She knew that look, saw the sensual glint in his gaze, but it couldn’t be. It was just her imagination. She had to focus on the situation and nothing else. She wasn’t being clear, that was her problem. “Roberta thinks you cheated on her. That you left her for me.”
Adrian tapped his lips and took a step towards her. “Listen to me closely. You’re the reason I left her. Did you leave the notebook on purpose?”
“Wh-what?”
He took another step forward. “Did you want to have a reason to see me again?”
Caryn jumped to her feet and held out her hands. “Adrian, listen.”
His gaze swept over her body. “You shouldn’t have come here,” he said in a low growl.
She swallowed, unsure about his feelings. He didn’t look angry, he looked hungry, but that couldn’t be right. “I know but—”
He stopped in front of her, so close that when he spoke his breath caressed her face. “You don’t know how much I want to hate you.”
“I understand—”
He shook his head. “No, I don’t think you do.” He cupped her chin. “You must think I’m crazy. Because I’d have to be crazy to fall for you again.” He brushed the back of his fingers, in a feather light caress, against her cheek. “I’d have to be insane to let you get close to me.” His hand slid to her neck. “Delusional and completely out of my mind to even think you’re good for me.” He covered her mouth with his, sending her senses spinning. “But I’m not insane,” he whispered against her lips.
“No,” she breathed, startled that she’d been right about him. That she hadn’t misread his look.
“And I won’t let you get close,” he said, holding her tighter.
“I know.”
“Unless...”
She froze. Had it been a trick? Was he toying with her emotions? “Unless what?” she said with caution, preparing herself for an insult.
“Unless you say you did it for me.” He kissed her neck, letting his hands slide down her waist to her thighs. “Say you did it all for me.”
Did what? What did he mean? “Yes,” she lied.
He grinned. “I knew it. When Roberta told me about your makeover and then you left your notebook I guessed it was a sign.”
“Yes,” Caryn said, not knowing what else to say.
“But I still wasn’t sure until you arrived looking like this.” His gaze slid slowly down her body, his heated gaze lingering on her stocking clad legs with masculine pleasure. “That’s when I knew.”
Caryn’s heart fluttered like a trapped bird. “I wasn’t sure you’d like it.” She licked her bottom lip. “I know I’ve changed.”
He held her gaze his voice deepening with feeling. “You’re still beautiful to me.”
It was a dream. In a minute she’d wake up and be alone in her room. Adrian couldn’t really be looking at her like that and saying what she’d hoped to hear.
“CeCe?”
He sounded real. He felt real. This was real. But she didn’t know what to say. It all felt so wonderful she didn’t want to do anything to spoil it.
“I like your stockings. Do you have panties to match?”
She felt some of her paralysis fading. He was teasing her; she could tease him back. “Maybe. Do you want to see?”
He shook his head.
She blinked surprised. “Really?”
“Yes, I don’t want to see them. I want to take them off.”
She unbuttoned her blouse. “Be patient.”
Adrian swept her up in his arms. “No,” he said then placed her on the couch.
Caryn pointed down the hall. “I thought your bedroom was that way.”
“I don’t think I can make it,” he said, unbuttoning her blouse then pushing it away. His hand slid between her breasts and down her stomach. “I’ve waited so long for this.” He unlatched her bra and gazed at her chest. “Why did she keep me away from you for so long?” he said like a man deprived, before covering one breast with his mouth and then the other. “I’ll never let her keep us apart again.”
“Do you expect them to reply?” Caryn said amused by his interest.
“Oh they’re replying,” he said, teasing one hard nipple with his tongue. “We understand each other perfectly. Intimately,” he said, teasing the other. He unzipped her skirt then slid it down her legs. “But I don’t want her to be jealous.” He slid off her stockings. “Don’t worry baby, you have my full attention.” He cupped her center. “Have you missed me? Yes, I know you have.”
Caryn felt her body grow more aroused but didn’t want him to have all the fun. She let her hand sneak under his towel. “I’ve missed him too,” she said taking hold.
“He’s glad to hear it.”
“But he’s a little under dressed for this party.”
“Under dressed?”
“This party requires a coat. Of course he doesn’t have to enter. I can entertain him in other ways.”
“Let go and don’t move.�
�
“I’m finding it hard...” she tenderly squeezed and toyed with the tip of him, “…to let go of you.”
Adrian took a deep shuddering breath. “Try. I want to come inside you. You owe me that.”
Caryn slid her hand up and down. “But this feels so good.”
He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. “CeCe, I’m serious.”
“Me too,” she said then led him inside her.
He swore. “Wait, I’m not—”
“I’m making an exception,” she said, tightening herself around him. “You feel even better now.”
He eased further inside her, his hard body atop hers. “You’re playing a dangerous game.”
But it wasn’t a game. She wanted him back and she wanted him to know it. Shivers of delight followed his every caress. Ecstasy followed the taste and touch of his lips. Desire and passion erased the years that had kept them apart until she felt that nothing had changed, everything was familiar, everything was right. This was their chance to be together forever. “Marry me,” she whispered.
He paused.
She froze, feeling the tension in him. Silence suddenly filling the room like a heavy mist, crackling with anticipation. She couldn’t take the words back, perhaps he hadn’t heard her. She squeezed her eyes shut, berating herself. She’d acted out of character. She wasn’t being sensible. She was asking for too much too soon. She’d gotten greedy and he had a right to be angry. “I’m—”
He pressed a finger over her lips. “Don’t say you’re sorry. Did you mean it?”
She swallowed, for the first time unable to read his expression, for the first time seeing how much of a man he’d become in eight years. He wasn’t just older, but more in control of his emotions, more guarded. His dark, intense gaze gave nothing away, offering no hint to what he wanted her to say. Did he think she was mocking him? Would he laugh and say marrying her was the last thing he’d do? Or did he want her to say yes? Did he want to hear that she loved him still? She took a deep breath then said, “Yes.”
He shook his head.
She shriveled up inside, ashamed that she’d asked him at such an intimate moment. There was nowhere to hide. “Of course you won’t,” she said with a slight laugh. “I shouldn’t have—”
“I didn’t say that.”
“But you shook your head.”