Love With A Stranger

by Taylor, Janelle

  “You’re right; that’s why I usually didn’t tell her I had sat down in the wrong place, or I wouldn’t be sitting down comfortably for at least a week.”

  As a chuckling Jason was squirting a net-covered lemon on a shrimp, he envisioned her lying naked on a bed with him tending her irritated spots with medicine on a cotton ball. He imagined the sight and feel of her body beneath his adoring gaze and gentle touch. When he felt his penis growing thick and hard, he was thankful he was seated with a tablecloth concealing his excited state, and he sought a distraction to cool the result of his flaming desire.

  “Since I’ve been doing most of the talking so far tonight, it’s your turn to take over.” Jason coaxed. “Tell me about your work back in Augusta.”

  Finished with her appetizer and while he ate his, Cass began. “I started off as a secretary and worked my way up to the boss’s administrative assistant after I received my college degree. Despite the nice title, a private office, and a good paycheck, I was little more than a glorified secretary to him. Sometimes, especially when he was out of town or buried in solving problems on the line, I got to dip my hands and wits into special projects, for which he took the credit. Needless to say, with E-Z-GO, the world’s largest cart maker, and Club Car located there, we had our work cut out for us to compete with them.”

  After she related facts about the construction and selling of golf carts and her responsibilities at Smooth Rider years ago, she asked, “How did you get from Richmond to Sea Island and start a practice here?”

  “The Cloister and Sea Island were recommended by a patient who loved to vacation here, even had a home nearby. I came down several times to relax and play golf, fell in love with the place, and moved my practice to Brunswick. I even purchased his house, and he gave me a good deal on it because he thinks I saved his life and he was retiring out West.”

  “I’m sure you’re being modest, because I bet you did save his life. In a way, you saved mine; you rescued me from a pit I was digging for myself. Did you consider moving back to Richmond after your wife’s death?”

  “Not really because the kids and I were too established in Georgia.”

  “What about after you retire, though that’s a long way off?”

  “Nope, I like these long summers and short, mild winters; and I’m closer to the kids and my grandchildren here than I would be there. Besides, it’s a golfer’s heaven with so many excellent courses located around here. Are you thinking about moving now that your husband is gone?”

  “No, I like it here, too. I don’t know many people yet, but I will in time. Tom didn’t care for socializing locally, so I’m still rather a stranger on the island. He liked to select my friends and activities; now, that’s my job.” The moment Cass exposed those private details, she wondered why she had. Perhaps it was to let him know why she had been rather reclusive. Or perhaps it was to let him know straight out she wouldn’t allow any man to rule her life again.

  As he gazed into her soft brown eyes, his wits clouded for a moment and he asked a bold question. “You never had children; Was that by choice? If you don’t want to answer, that’s fine,” he added with haste.

  Cass decided that as long as she spoke about certain personal, details perhaps he would too; and they could learn more about each other. “Not by my choice. Tom didn’t want another child. In hindsight, I should have discussed that important subject with him before we married, but I assumed that marriage naturally included having children. I love them and I miss not having any. My parents would have loved grandchildren. I might have told you they were killed in a train wreck when I was thirty. I sent them on a cross-country trip as an anniversary present, but they didn’t return from it. The most comforting thoughts afterward were in knowing they had lived happy lives and they died together, instantly and without suffering. They were good people, wonderful parents; I loved them and was proud to be their daughter. The worst part was being an only and late-life child because there was no family with whom to share my grief. I was lucky I had a best friend who consoled me and helped with everything.”

  Jason didn’t comment on her disclosures because the waitress brought their soups, shrimp bisque with sherry cream, and placed them on the china chargers before them, then refilled their water glasses. They both ate and drank for a while in silence as they listened to the musicians.

  For some reason, Cass wanted him to know they had something in common besides tennis and her medical problems and to let him know she wasn’t put off by his being married twice, so she said, “In case you’re wondering why I waited so long to get married, I didn’t; I married my high school sweetheart when I was nineteen. We divorced after five years during my sophomore year of college. We were waiting to have children until after both of us finished school and established our careers; we didn’t make it that far. He’s remarried now and has a family, but we don’t have any contact.”

  Jason was relieved to hear that last sentence, and she looked as if she were being honest. He was glad she was opening up to him, but he wondered if it was out of friendship or a desire to get better acquainted for romantic reasons. “Divorce can be difficult, but it’s easier when no kids are involved. It appears as if we have similar histories in some areas.”

  She smiled and nodded, then finished her soup. Both listened—or pretended to listen—to the musicians until salads were served.

  Between bites, they talked about places they had been, skiing, golf, tennis, and current happenings in the news. A few brief mentions of their past spouses terminated those intrusions for the last time that evening. Each wanted to know the reason for the other’s divorce, but didn’t ask.

  The wine steward refilled their crystal glasses before the waitress brought their entrees: Dover sole meuniere sauteed in lemon butter and served with parsely potatoes, snow peas, and broccoflower for Cass; Gratin of Lobster “Cardinal,” flamed Maine lobster meat and mushrooms in cream, served with duchesse potatoes and asparagus spears for Jason. He was served iced tea; she, Earl Grey hot tea.

  After eating a few bites, Cass said, “This is absolutely divine.”

  Jason smiled and concurred that his food was delicious, too.

  As they ate, she noted he was at ease in the formal and expensive setting. He was well-groomed, down to clean and trimmed fingernails. His double-breasted Ralph Lauren suit was tailored to fit his broad shoulders. He had an air of virility and sensuality, and his company and conversation were enjoyable and interesting, calming but exhilarating.

  Her study of him was flaming her desire for him, so she renewed their conversation to alter her line of thought. “I’m glad you told me about Mary Ellis; she’s delightful. We had a nice chat yesterday and she starts to work for me on Monday. Of course,” she leaned forward and whispered, “it wasn’t a fun walk in the park to fire Inez after I hired Mary. She was furious and rude after I gave her the bad news. Thank you for helping me to replace Inez; she and her behavior had worn mighty thin, especially this week. And since you’re my physician, the last thing I need is somebody grating on my nerves, right?”

  “Absolutely and I’m glad I could be of service. If you want or need help with your redecorating, I know a wonderful lady who did mine.”

  “Thanks, I’ll phone you if I run into any problems in that area. To be honest, I want to do as much of it as possible myself because I didn’t get to assist with it the first time. The house was a surprise from Tom, and it was already finished inside and out when I saw it. When Linda gets time off between jobs, she’s going shoping with me. We became friends while she was taking care of me, so that’s another thing I’m grateful for.”

  Jason’s gaze drifted over her lustrous brown hair whose long waves and soft curls were cut into several different layers, the last one ending below her shoulders. He wondered if she realized how beautiful and alluring she was. “The best way you can repay me is by keeping me company at times: go to the ballet, theater, or movies with me, maybe take that Emerald Princess cruise I tol
d you about, and share a few dinners like this one. It gets mighty boring and lonely to go places alone or to sit home, and mighty difficult to search for diversions and compatible companions. Dating can be a real drag at our age, can’t it?”

  “I imagine it’s gets harder every year as society and dating rules change. I remember it was difficult several years ago between my divorce and remarriage.”

  “So, does that mean you’ll be my companion when it’s possible? I promise you that my parents reared a perfect southern gentleman.”

  Cass waited to respond until the violinist who was strolling around and serenading couples left their table for the next one. “I can promise you that my parents tried to rear a perfect lady and I do need diversions, so the answer is yes, I’ll be delighted to enjoy a pleasant evening with a friend.”

  “Friend?” I hope that isn’t all you want from me, woman! Yet, he couldn’t forget what the gynecologist had told him last Sunday and he couldn’t forget the hints Cass dropped unintentionally about a perhaps troubled marriage. Even if it was selfish and wrong, he almost hoped that was true, though his heart was touched by any sufferings that reality caused her. He knew from experience with Brenda that infidelity and other problems aided a faster emotional recovery from a spouse’s loss. In hindsight, he shouldn’t have married that deceitful stranger because he hadn’t loved her enough or known her well and long enough to do so. In a period of vulnerability, anguish, and loneliness after Joan’s tragic death, he’d made a terrible mistake. Not normally impulsive or foolish, he had fallen prey to those brief weaknesses, and to Brenda’s seductive charms. He should have heeded his children’s warnings, those of his conscience, and those of well-meaning friends. He somehow knew it wouldn’t be the same with Cassandra Grantham, who was nothing like Brenda in looks, character, or personality. He was certain his twins would like and approve of Cass, and he was eager for them to meet.

  Their dinner plates were removed and desserts, almost sinfully rich, were placed before them, and decaffeinated coffee was poured into their china cups.

  “Surely this delicious fare has seven million calories,” she jested to lighten the serious aura that had settled around them.

  “Mine, too, but it’s scrumptious. Want to sample it?” Jason asked, holding out a tempting forkful of warm blueberry crumb pie.

  “Only if you taste mine,” Cass leaned forward and her mouth enclosed the bite as her chocolate gaze fused with his captivating blue one. Her heart beat at a fast pace and breathing seemed difficult.

  “M-m-m-m, oh, my, wonderful. Here,” she offered, extending a spoonful of raspberry sour cream cheesecake with orange sauce. She watched Jason’s full lips engulf the treat and almost tease it off the spoon in a sensuous manner that caused her whole body to tingle. Her susceptible senses were aware of everything about him. It was a struggle not to stare at him, not to flirt with him, not to forget where they were and who she was.

  “Absolutely sinful,” he said with a grin and chuckle, and perhaps my thoughts are. He was elated by how she was looking at him: with a potent desire she was attempting to conceal it. If they weren’t careful, his mind warned, everyone present could detect their mutual attraction, which could elicit unwanted and damaging gossip.

  After Jason escorted Cass to her back entrance via the stone walkway, he waited while she turned off the alarm system and unlocked the door. He knew Peter was away on business, so the sorry bastard couldn’t spy on or join them and spoil the short remainder of their evening.

  Cass turned and smiled. “I had a lovely time tonight. The dinner was delicious and the company enjoyable. I would invite you in, but it’s late and might not look appropriate to the neighbors or anyone passing by.”

  “I understand and agree. I had a wonderful time, too, more fun than I’ve had in ages. I hope we can do this again very soon.” He didn’t want to pressure her by asking for a specific date to get together again, and he knew Peter was returning home tomorrow. If the truth about the past was revealed, he worried, Peter Grantham was the one person who could cause enough conflict to put a wrench in their relationship. “When it’s convenient for you, please give me a call, even if it’s on short notice.”

  Cass realized he had hesitated between his flattering remark and his final request, but couldn’t determine the delay’s meaning. She smiled again and said, “I will, I promise. Thank you, Jason, for everything you’ve done for me, and that’s been a great deal. Good night.”

  A romantic setting engulfed them. They were standing close, looking at each other. Moonlight played across their faces and danced within their eyes. The mingled sounds of her backyard fountain, the crashing waves of high tide, calls of nocturnal birds, and chirping crickets filled their ears.

  “Good night, Cass, and you’re welcome.” Jason couldn’t seem to stop himself from slowly leaning forward to kiss her.

  Cass realized what he was about to do, and a myriad of feelings and thoughts rushed through her. Should she allow this intimate contact to happen so soon? If she responded, could she trust herself to control her wayward emotions and rampant desires? Could she stop her passion after tasting only one tantalizing kiss?

  Chapter Twelve

  Jason perceived her sudden uncertainty and tension. New anxiety was the last thing a still-vulnerable Cass needed, especially from him. He used great willpower to guide his mouth to her flushed cheek rather than to her parted lips. He made the kiss tender, light, and short. He leaned back and smiled. “Take good care of yourself, Cassandra, and I hope to hear from you very soon. Good night.”

  “Good night, Jason,” she managed to get out before he left her side. As she listened to his retreating steps, she trembled from unfulfilled passion, disappointment, and joy. She had no doubt that was not the kind of kiss he had planned and wanted, but he had cared more for her feelings than for his own pleasure. He was such a special man with so many fascinating facets. His considerate nature increased her yearning for him, but she dared not encourage him, not this soon. How strange it was that Tom’s death and her life with him seemed so long ago when less than two months had passed. Perhaps it was sinful and selfish of her to be craving another man when her husband was barely cold in the grave, but she could not help herself.

  Cass locked the door and set the alarm system. She went upstairs to prepare for bed, to sleep alone by necessary choice. As she put away her clothes, she recalled with pleasure certain moments during their evening. As she washed her face and brushed her teeth, she grinned at herself in the mirror for being so downright blessed after enduring many years of misfortune with men, but playfully scolded herself for being wonderfully wicked in thought and deed. It looked as if her bad luck had changed, but at a most unpredictable time.

  He’s still a stranger in many ways, Cass, so don’t fall in love with him too quickly and easily. So far, you haven’t been able to hold a man’s interest and loyalty, so don’t risk another broken heart until you’re absolutely certain about his intentions and character. This time, you’ll chance losing far more if you’re wrong about Jason. You’ll be endangering a huge fortune and relinquishing your last chance at finding real love and having children.

  As she climbed into bed, Cass remembered that Peter was returning tomorrow afternoon. She dreaded seeing him again, dreaded telling him about her two business appointments and about firing Inez and about seeing her doctor socially. She dreaded his reactions, though she could not allow him to rule her life as his father had done for years. She even resented the fact his nearby presence denied her of privacy.

  Privacy for what, Cass, to have a torrid affair with your handsome doctor? She asked herself. The answer came quickly. Yes, if that’s what I want to do! And if it’s what Jason wants.

  Yet, she didn’t want to mislead Jason by implying she would commit to him soon. She admitted she wanted to collect the huge estate she had inherited, but the money wasn’t the real issue; nor was she greedy. She could go back to work to support herself, or, if it worked
out between them, Jason had more than enough assets to support them. Her stimulus was retribution, just payment due for Tom’s crimes against her and their marriage, and perhaps for revenge on her husband for his betrayals. Besides, he shouldn’t have attached spiteful and selfish strings to it. Yet, Jason might not understand why she wanted and deserved Tom’s money since she couldn’t explain her motive and have Jason think some of Tom’s filth had rubbed off on her. Could she sacrifice a bonanza and justice to marry him?

  Marry him? Aren’t I getting way ahead of myself? Again the answer came quickly. Yes, but I need to consider all angles before I get in over my head with him and drown myself.

  Was Jason Burkman the kind of man who could be satisfied with a five- or ten-year love affair while waiting for her to collect her trust fund? Would he agree to living together out of wedlock? Could she, when that was not how she had been reared? That would mean having no children. In ten years, she would be forty five, past safe childbearing for her and the baby.

  In these modern times, couples often cohabitated and had families without marrying, but that didn’t appeal to her, though she didn’t judge others who did so. A lengthy love affair while residing in separate homes was acceptable, but having a baby out of wedlock wasn’t, and probably wouldn’t be to a man like Jason. Somehow she must find a clever way to outwit Tom and his bedeviling stipulation. Perhaps a skilled lawyer was what she needed for that purpose, despite the fact Tom’s lawyer had assured her the will was iron-clad.

  As Cass straightened the den on Saturday morning, she noticed the red light blinking on the answering machine. She pressed the message button and heard Kristy Stillman Franklin’s voice. She learned that Kristy had phoned while she was out last night and said she would call next week after she returned home, as her house had been rented this week to Master’s Golf Tournament visitors and the local schools—including the one where Kristy taught third grade—were closed for spring holidays during Augusta’s busiest traffic period. Kristy expressed disappointment in having missed reaching her twice and had gotten Cass’s return message. Kristy related how much she had missed her and said they needed to talk soon and make plans to get together.