“This one is for you,” he said with a smile as he handed her the phone.
“I’ve been trying to get through to you all morning, but the line has been busy,” Jonathan said.
“Everyone has been phoning to say what a good time they had last night,” she said.
“That’s what I figured. I wanted to tell you there’s a minor problem at the office. I won’t be able to see you today.”
Michelle’s heart plunged, but she tried to keep her voice unconcerned. “It’s okay, I understand. I hope it’s nothing serious.”
“Nothing I can’t handle. You win some, you lose some,” he said dismissively. “It’s no big deal, but it’s going to take me time to straighten things out.”
“So, you’re telling me our date for tonight is off,” she said evenly.
“When did I say that? Of course not! I’m looking forward to it.”
“I am, too.” Michelle’s heart bounded back to its rightful place.
“Good. Is it all right if I pick you up at seven-thirty? That will give me plenty of time to get straightened away here at the office.”
“Seven-thirty sounds fine,” she answered in a vibrant voice. “But would you rather go out to dinner, since you’ll be tied up all day? Then you won’t have to bother barbecuing.”
“Don’t give it another thought. I. have the evening all planned.”
Jonathan’s house looked inviting when they arrived. The lamps in the living room cast a welcoming glow through the wide windows, and soft music was playing on the stereo.
Michelle gazed around at the softly lit room and the bottle of champagne chilling in a silver ice bucket on the coffee table. “This looks like the seduction scene from a movie,” she teased.
“What gave me away?” He grinned. “The wine? The music? Maybe Kenny G. was a tad too much.”
“No, I like it. And I love this house.” She straightened an ornament on an end table a fraction. “You don’t know how fortunate you are.”
“Why is that?” he asked as he uncorked the champagne.
“I live in a small apartment. Of course most people in New York do, but it must be wonderful to have all this room.”
“It isn’t a large house, compared to someplace like Lucky’s. Or even Carter’s penthouse,” Jonathan added casually. “He has a triplex.”
“Those are both too big for my taste. This is a perfect size.” Michelle didn’t intend to let Carter spoil another evening for her, so she changed the subject. “Where do you keep the barbecue? I didn’t notice it on the patio when I was here that first time.”
“It’s usually put away in the gardening shed. Are you getting hungry?”
“No, I just wondered because I didn’t smell smoke. At home people light the charcoal hours before they intend to use it. So the coals will be just right, I’m told.”
“But they never are until after you’re all through barbecuing.”
“Exactly!” she said, and they both laughed.
“Actually I took your advice. I’ll have to give you a rain check on that steak I promised you.”
“We’re going out?” Michelle tried to hide her disappointment. In a restaurant or one of Jonathan’s clubs, they were always running across his friends. For at least this one night, she wanted to be alone with him.
It was a relief when he said, “No, we’re dining in, but I didn’t have time to mess around in the kitchen. Carlos is preparing dinner. He’s my version of Manuel, except that he isn’t as chatty.”
A slender man appeared, carrying a tray of hors d’oeuvres. He was wearing a white coat, something Manuel didn’t always bother with, and his manner was friendly yet reserved. After serving them both, he set the tray on the coffee table and returned to the kitchen.
“He is different from Manuel.” Michelle laughed. “By now, Manuel would have told us all about the confrontation he had at the supermarket, and how to pick a ripe avocado.”
“Carlos isn’t that gregarious, but he does a good job for me. He’s also a pretty good cook.” .
The man was a lot better than that, Michelle discovered when they sat down to dinner a little later. Two places were set at a small table by a window looking out on the water. Soft candlelight illuminated the wineglasses and the single rose in a crystal vase.
“I thought this would be more comfortable than shouting at each other down the length of the dining-room table,” Jonathan said.
“It’s also romantic,” she said lightly.
“I hoped you’d think so.” The candle flame reflected in his eyes as he said, “But the setting isn’t really important. It’s the person you’re with.”
“That’s true,” she agreed, gazing back at him.
They were acutely aware of each other as they sipped their wine and ate the excellent dinner Carlos had prepared. The conversation flowed as easily as the wine, but underneath it was a current of excitement and anticipation.
This time nothing was going to go wrong, Michelle vowed! They’d had so many misunderstandings, but they had worked through their problems. Nothing more could happen to keep them apart.
Carlos cleared away the dinner as quietly and efficiently as he’d served it. While he was cleaning up the kitchen, Jonathan and Michelle took their coffee into the living room.
They talked easily, but after Carlos said good-night and left, the atmosphere changed—for Michelle, at least. Her coffee cup clattered in the saucer when she set it down on the table.
“Relax, sweetheart,” Jonathan said. “I’m not going to turn into a sex-crazed maniac just because we’re alone.”
“I didn’t expect you to,” she answered.
“I wonder.” He chuckled. “I suppose I can’t really blame you. I haven’t shown a lot of restraint in the past.”
“I wouldn’t say that,” she protested. “You’ve always been a perfect gentleman.”
“You don’t know the self-control it took,” he answered wryly.
“That earns you even more Brownie points,” she teased.
“I don’t want a medal.” He threaded his fingers through her hair, pulling her face closer to his. “I want to make love to you.”
“That sounds like a fine idea.” She smiled alluringly.
“I was hoping it would.”
His mouth brushed across hers. Then the tip of his tongue traced the line of her closed lips, teasing them open. She linked her arms around his neck as his tongue erotically explored the moist recess of her mouth. When she made a low sound of pleasure, he drew back slightly to look at her with glowing eyes.
“Darling Michelle, I can’t believe you’re finally going to be mine.”
“I can’t, either. Everything seemed to be conspiring against us. But I couldn’t bear it if something happened this time.” She ran her hands feverishly over his shoulders, tracing their solid width.
“Nothing is ever going to keep us apart again.”
“Oh, Jonathan—” Michelle was about to tell him how much she loved him, but his mouth covered hers and she was sure he knew.
While his mouth possessed hers, his hands slipped under her cropped top and caressed her body. She moved restlessly as his fingers left a burning trail across the soft skin of her midsection. When he finally cupped her breasts in his hands, her pulse was beating rapidly.
She waited for him to unclasp her bra, needing to feel his touch on her bare skin. But unaccountably, Jonathan drew back, then stood. Michelle watched in bewilderment as he crossed the room.
“This time I don’t want any interruptions,” he said deeply, closing the drapes. “I’ve waited too long for this.”
“We both have.”
She rose and pulled her top over her head. As Jonathan watched with glittering eyes, she reached in back and unhooked her bra. The look on his face urged her on. No man had ever made her feel or act like this before.
After kicking off her shoes, she unzipped her pants and let them slither over her hips to the floor. While their eyes held, Michell
e stepped out of the pool of silk and walked slowly toward him.
When she began to unbutton his shirt, Jonathan reached for her, but she evaded his grasp. “No, let me do this,” she said.
“Whatever you like, my love,” he said huskily. “I’m all yours.”
After she’d removed his shirt, baring his splendid torso, she leaned toward him and brushed her nipples lightly across his chest.
He drew in his breath sharply and jerked her hips against his. “You’re driving me wild,” he said in a ragged voice. “I hope so,” she answered with a seductive smile as she unbuckled his belt. “I want to make you lose control so you’re completely in my power.”
“I always have been.”
Jonathan’s body was rigid as Michelle hooked two fingers inside the waistband of his briefs and eased them over his hips. He tried to remain still, but when his bursting manhood sprang free and she cradled it in her hands, he uttered a hoarse cry and pulled her into his arms.
“You don’t know what you’re doing to me. I’m not made of steel.”
“I’m glad.” She laughed softly. “I like you just like this.” Pulling his head down, she plunged her tongue into his mouth.
Jonathan tore off her panties and molded her to his long length. The sensation of their naked bodies touching at every point was electric. They moved feverishly against each other, accelerating their desire.
“This isn’t the way I wanted it to be,” he groaned. “But you’re irresistible. I need to be part of you.”
He lowered her to the carpet and positioned himself between her legs. For one breathless instant they stared into each other’s eyes in tantalizing anticipation. Then their lips met and Jonathan entered her, bringing such molten pleasure that she gasped with delight.
Their bodies rose and fell in a heated dance that grew faster and more out of control as their urgent need took them to ever greater heights. Their bodies writhed in boundless ecstasy that culminated in a bursting sensation that rocketed through both at the same time.
Michelle was limp in Jonathan’s arms afterward, completely and utterly fulfilled. His body was relaxed against hers and they remained joined together, too contented to move.
He finally rolled over on his side, keeping her in a close embrace. “Darling Michelle.” He kissed her closed eye lids. “I knew it would be like this. Did I make you happy?”
“Couldn’t you tell?” She smiled without opening her eyes. “I practically attacked you.”
“Feel free at anytime.” He chuckled.
“It might be a problem at the country club,” she said mischievously.
“Then I’ll drop out of the club.” He smoothed the damp hair off her forehead lovingly. “I always knew you were as passionate as you are beautiful.”
“Only with you. I’ve never acted like this before. Maybe it was the champagne.” But Michelle knew that wasn’t the reason.
“In that case, I’m going to open another bottle.” He grinned, rising and lifting her in his arms. As he carried her into the bedroom, Jonathan said, “This is where I intended to make love to you—and not so rapidly,” he added with a laugh.
“I’ve waited a long time for this.” She kissed the hollow in his throat. “I couldn’t have waited much longer.”
After placing her gently on the bed, he leaned over and stroked her cheek tenderly. “It should have happened a lot sooner, but that’s all in the past.”
When he kissed her briefly, then started toward the door, she asked, “Where are you going?”
“To get the champagne,” he answered, giving her an impish look. “The night is young yet, and I have plans for us.”
Michelle could have told him she didn’t need any incentive. The wine wasn’t responsible for her uninhibited behavior. She’d followed her heart instead of her head for once, and it was the right thing to do. No matter what developed between them—or didn’t—this night was worth it.
Jonathan returned carrying a silver tray with two glasses and a bottle of champagne. Michelle watched admiringly as he walked around the room, splendidly nude and completely at ease.
He looked up to see her gazing at him. “You’re so quiet. What are you thinking?”
“How wonderfully unselfconscious you are.” She had covered herself with the sheet in his absence.
“I want you to know everything about me.” He walked over to the bed and brushed aside the sheet. “The way I want to know you.” His hands caressed her body. “You’re so exquisite. I love to touch you.”
Her entire body heated as he gazed at every intimate part of it.
When a normal reflex made her twine her legs together, Jonathan separated them and stroked her thighs. “You can’t be shy with me, darling, after giving yourself to me so totally.”
She smiled wryly. “It doesn’t go with my earlier behavior, does it? But I told you, I’m not usually like that.”
“I’m glad you are with me.” He leaned down to kiss her breasts.
When his warm tongue curled around one nipple, Michelle arched her body and tangled her fingers in his thick hair.
“You’re so wonderfully responsive, sweetheart.” His voice was husky with desire. “You’re like a beautiful flower, unfolding just for me.”
“Only you.” She sighed, knowing no other man could ever awaken her like Jonathan.
“I want to know every inch of your exquisite body.”
His fingertips traced the fullness of her breasts, then trailed an arousing path to her thighs, like a blind man discovering the contours of a lovely statue.
But Michelle was very much alive. She quivered as he parted the damp curls between her legs for an intimate exploration that made her cry out in delight.
“Yes, angel, tell me when I please you.” His expression was molten as he stared at her parted lips and dreamy eyes.
“You already have,” she answered in a breathy voice.
Her passion rose as he lifted one of her knees and strung a line of kisses across her inner thigh. The sensuous feeling was a sweet agony that she wanted to go on forever. But when his mouth moved to the core of her desire, she felt like a volcano threatening to erupt.
Tugging frantically at his shoulders she gasped, “Please, Jonathan, I need you now!”
He moved up and covered her taut body with his. “You’ll never have to ask twice. I’ll always be here for you, my love,” he murmured, gathering her close.
Their lovemaking wasn’t concluded as rapidly this time. Jonathan filled the throbbing void inside her with slow thrusts that built the excitement. Every movement brought tantalizing joy. Gradually the tempo increased as their passion escalated. Michelle dug her fingers into his buttocks and raised her hips to keep their bodies welded together as they reached completion. It came in an electrifying jolt that sent waves of sensation spiraling through them.
Michelle clung to Jonathan as the storm subsided. When her body was vibrating gently in the aftermath of passion she relaxed with a sigh of utter happiness. “This is what heaven must be like.”
“As long as I’m with you, anyplace is heaven,” he murmured, stroking her tenderly.
They felt too peaceful to move for a long time. Finally Jonathan stirred halfheartedly. “You never got to drink your champagne. Would you like some now?”
“Don’t tell me you’re feeling macho again,” she said mischievously.
“Not right at the moment,” he admitted, grinning. “But we have a whole night ahead of us.”
And after tonight what, she wondered? Jonathan hadn’t told her he loved her, even at the height of their lovemaking. Was this all he wanted? It was a hurtful thought, but Michelle couldn’t regret what had just happened. She’d known this might be all there was.
“I’m glad we managed to have this night together,” she said wistfully.
“Yes, we finally broke the jinx.” He scissored one leg around both of hers so their bodies were more closely joined.
“It did seem as if somebody put a he
x on us. Especially after we returned to Miami.”
“I’d say our troubles began before that,” he answered, after a moment’s pause.
“Well, yes, but at Shorehaven they were due to a misunderstanding. It seems funny now, doesn’t it?”
“Not especially.”
“Don’t sulk,” she teased. “You thought Mother and I were fortune hunters, too.”
“It was a natural assumption on my part. Women have tried to marry Lucky for his money before.”
“Mother might not be that rich, but it could have happened to her, as well. Money is a powerful magnet.”
“Evidently.” Jonathan released her and turned on his back.
Michelle looked at him with a slight frown. “You don’t still think that’s the reason she’s marrying him?”
“No, they appear to be very much in love. I’m happy for both of them. Your mother is a nice person.”
“Something seems to be bothering you, though. What is it?”
“Nothing,” he insisted. “It’s been a wonderful evening. Let’s don’t spoil it.”
“That’s the last thing I want to do! I don’t even know what we’re arguing about.”
“We’re not arguing.”
“We will be any minute. Why does this always happen to us?” she asked in frustration.
“I’m not going to let it,” he said firmly. “I don’t want to lose you.”
There was one sure way to keep her, but it hadn’t occurred to him, Michelle thought sadly. Pride made her hide the pain.
“We won’t have much more time together, anyway,” she said matter-of factly. “I really do have to go back to New York shortly.”
“You make it sound as If you’re just going away for the weekend. Could you simply walk away from me? Don’t I mean anything to you?”
Why was he doing this to her? It wasn’t fair! Her nerves were starting to wind tightly. “What do you want me to say, Jonathan? That I’m madly in love with you?”
“I know how you feel about me,” he said heavily. “You made that clear at Shorehaven.”
“I can’t believe that’s still bothering you!” she exclaimed. “Didn’t my attitude change when we got to Miami?”
Lucky In Love (Harlequin Special Edition) Page 20