“Are you accident prone?” she asked.
“Not usually.” He stepped back to leisurely study her. His gaze followed long legs to a slender waist. Even her breasts were as perfect as he’d hoped.
Their gazes locked. A fire spread over her cheeks. Had she read his intentions? In an instant his thoughts leaped from a simple thank you to finding a way into her bed. He grinned. Her stare made him wonder if her intentions matched his.
She stepped back until she pressed against the wall. He braced his hands near her head. “Thank you.” His mouth brushed hers. She tasted of chocolate. He ran his tongue over her lips. She gasped. He plunged inside.
His hands slid around her and pressed her closer. Their tongues danced. He cupped her rear and held her against his erection.
She pushed against his shoulders. He gasped a breath. She turned her head away. “You’ve taken your thank you far enough.”
Laughter he dare not release choked him. He planned to take his thanks a long, long way. “You’re right. We should introduce ourselves. I’m Matt Blakefield, Editor of Good Livin’, one of the Good Magazines.”
“I know.”
He frowned. “How? Have we met? There’s no way I could forget you.”
“Try high school.” Frost coated her voice.
“I’m drawing a blank.”
“Cassandra Moore.”
Knowledge arrived like boulders rolling down a mountain slope during an avalanche. Shame washed through him. “You’ve changed.”
Great line, jerk.
Her eyes narrowed. “I have. I’m no longer a scarecrow with bottle bottom glasses and carrot hair.”
He groaned. “What I said that day was wrong.”
“In a way but the description fit. Wasn’t nice to hear though.”
Her voice chilled him. Visions of an uncomfortable time formed. Did she want an apology? He would give her one and more. “Believe me or not, after you ran off I tried to find you. I stopped at your house. Your mom said you weren’t home. At school on Monday I looked for you. You weren’t there. You never returned. What happened?”
She stared at the floor. “Asking you out that day was my last chance to make my dream work. We moved that weekend. My step-father was reassigned.”
“What spurred you to ask?”
“The cheerleaders said you were shy and liked me. I took a chance. Dumb move.” She shrugged.
Shy. Him? That was a joke. A flurry of emotions cascaded. “Can I make it up to you, Cassandra?”
“Cassie. Only my mother calls me Cassandra.” She slipped down the hall to the main room and sat on the couch. “What happened years ago can’t be changed.”
“I could try.” The desire storming his body should have subsided following her chilling glare and the fountain of guilt. His younger sisters had told him of how the words and actions of teenage boys hurt girls. How badly had his ill-chosen words hurt Cassie? He sat beside her and rested an arm on the back of the couch. “Are you sure there’s nothing I can do?”
“Absolutely sure.” She reached for the remote and turned the movie off.
How could she be so sure? Hadn’t she experienced the urgency of his kiss? His body hummed with energy and need. He glanced at the champagne flute on the table. “Expecting company?” If some man arrived they would surely lock horns. For tonight this woman was his.
“No one.”
“Why are you here alone?”
She looked away. “Needed time and a quiet place to think. What are you doing miles from nowhere?”
“Escaping a wedding.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Yours?”
“Not in a million years.” What had happened to cause the bite in her voice? “My brother’s. Do you remember Mark?”
“I do.” She folded her hands in her lap. “How are your sisters?”
“Getting married in December. Double wedding. Dad recently married.” He shuddered. “Had to escape the celebration and all the schemes to make me the next victim.”
“Victim?”
He inched his hand toward her shoulders. “All the recently paired spend hours trying to match me with their single friends. I hate weddings.”
“So do I.”
He edged closer. A woman who shared his views. The possibilities of this chance meeting excited him. “I thought all women loved the fuss and bother.” Then he noticed her name engraved on the champagne flute. “I see. What happened?”
Chapter Two
Cassie avoided his question. He couldn’t dislike weddings any more than she did but she felt no need to speak about Tim and the aborted ceremony. Matt’s arrival coupled with her ex-fiancé’s actions had brought her past into the present. She curled her hands into fists.
The voice message to her had turned her world into tatters. “I married Rhonda this morning. Could you cover my patients tomorrow?”
The one to the partners had omitted the request for coverage and added he would be in on Monday to explain.
She had fled to the cabin in upstate New York not far from the Vermont border.
After sliding from the couch she glanced at her watch. Six thirty. She needed a way to divert Matt’s curiosity and to aid her resistance to his appeal.
“Are you hungry?” The flare of interest in his eyes made her regret the question. “I mean for food.”
He winked. “Among other things but I can eat.”
She entered the kitchen area. “Won’t be fancy.”
He followed. “Most of the time I eat out or order in.”
She opened the chest freezer. “Chicken or fish?” She had brought them with her.
He closed the distance and stood close enough for her to feel warmth radiating from his body. “What about the steaks?”
“Belong to the owner. I’d rather not use them.”
“We can replace them.”
She removed a package of chicken strips. “This is healthier. The cardiologist speaks. I’ll do a stir fry.”
At the refrigerator she removed an assortment of fresh vegetables. Tomorrow she would need to shop for more than clothes. She started a pot of wild rice, gathered herbs and spices, defrosted the chicken and chopped vegetables. Keeping busy held temptation at bay.
“Am I allowed one of the beers in the fridge?”
“Go ahead.” Dr. Evans had said she should feel free to use anything she found but she decided the gourmet steaks were too pricy.
Cassie finished the vegetables and cut and seasoned the chicken. A bit of oil into a skillet and she was ready to cook. A wok would have been better but she could improvise. Before long the food was ready to serve. She carried the dishes to the table and discovered Matt had found plates and silverware.
He served himself, tasted and grinned. “Seems you like spice.”
“In my food.”
“We’ll see.”
The cocky challenge alerted her. They would see. She feared she would take the dare. She stared at her plate. Had he seen the flash of interest she couldn’t deny.
Enough. You’re not in high school. Nothing has changed. You’re the same person he rejected back then.
Matt cleared his throat. “So why don’t you like weddings?”
Cassie drew a deep breath. “I just don’t.”
“That’s no answer. I’ll keep asking until I know. Are your friends dragging man after man into your life telling you each one is perfect for you?”
“No.”
“Spill your reasons. You’ll feel better.”
Would she? A bubble of anger surfaced. “Why do you want to know?”
“Curiosity and maybe I can help.”
He seemed sincere. As yet no one would know until she didn’t show up at the shower. “Tonight would have been my wedding shower.”
“Here?”
“At a colleague’s home. As you can see I won’t be there.”
“Did you call the wedding off?”
Cassie shook her head. “No.”
A frown wrinkled hi
s forehead. “Why skip the shower?”
Her face burned. “He married our office nurse yesterday.”
Matt half rose. “That man’s an idiot.”
“Or he realized he’d made a mistake and found someone more interesting.”
“No way.” Matt clasped her hand. “How long has he been seeing this woman?”
“Socially I don’t know but four days a week at the office. He recommended her so we hired her.”
“And you didn’t ask him any of these questions.”
Cassie pulled her hand free. “Not when you receive the news by voice mail.” Her fork clattered on the table. Her chest felt tight. Tears burned her eyes.
Matt groaned. “Then I crashed back into your life and reminded you of another incident.”
“You could say that.” She pushed her chair back. Before tears erupted she had to hide. She dashed away.
Matt caught her and pulled her into an embrace. “Listen to me. The man is a jerk and a fool. So was I all those years ago.” He turned her to face him and tilted her chin with a thumb. His lips touched hers.
Cassie felt ribbons of heat sweeping along her skin. Before she’d realized who Matt was she’d been attracted to his voice and his body. There were high school days and the fantasies woven before and after the move. Could she trust herself not to dive into another relationship headed nowhere. But she had thought Tim was safe. Then he walked away.
She could refuse what Matt offered. That was a wise choice but being in his arms felt good. Could she handle the storm of emotion she would experience when he walked away? Dare she take a chance?
He deepened the kiss running his tongue over her lips and slipping inside her mouth to stroke. All logic fled. She didn’t want to fight the fires of passion.
His hands slid down her back to circle her waist. His tongue danced along hers and slowly withdrew. He raised his head and drew a breath. “I want you.”
“Are you sure?” She hated the shakiness of her voice. She could handle this.
“Feels right to me.” He met her gaze. “The moment I saw you crouching beside me I wanted you. Let me show you how much.”
She closed her eyes. Sex wouldn’t mend a broken heard. Had hers been broken? Her pride had been shattered and her self-esteem bruised. Had Tim’s action really surprised her? He’d been reluctant to name a wedding date until the senior partners had pushed. Deep down she’d expected him to walk away. She’d refused to admit his actions had been reminiscent of her father’s lack of affection and his neglect. She had never met him.
Anger bubbled to the surface. She’s wasted years waiting for Tim to agree on a date. Then he had lied. She drew a deep breath. Matt was honest. He wanted sex and no promises of more than one night.
Matt nibbled on her earlobe. “How long were you engaged?”
“Five years.”
“And you never pushed for marriage.”
She shrugged. “Several times.”
“What was he waiting for?”
“The right time. We had to finish our residencies since long distance marriages don’t work. We had to be established in our practice of medicine. Then we had to be made full partners. Was to be a wedding present from our partners.”
He stroked her nape. “Did you live together?”
She shook her head. “We each had our own place.”
He cupped her rear and pulled her closer. She felt the hard ridge of his erection against her belly. He laved her throat with his tongue.
As her body reacted she moaned. Desire to explore these new and heady sensations bubbled like a cauldron.
“Let’s.” His deep voice vibrated through her.
“Why?”
“Why not? There’s a mutual need between us. You’re desirable and I want to show you how much.”
“Is sex the answer to the way I feel?”
“Won’t hurt.” He touched her lips with a finger. “I dare you to take a chance.” He backed her to the couch. She sat. He pushed her so she lay on the soft leather surface. He knelt and slid his hands beneath her shirt and slowly edged the fabric toward her head. As more skin was revealed he kissed a path to her breasts. He cupped them and used his thumbs to stroke the nipples. The lace of her bra rubbed against sensitive skin sending delicious sensations to storm her body.
Each movement of her hands sent heat streaming to her core. Cassie sighed. This felt so right. He pushed her shirt over her head and traced the edge of her bra with his tongue. While one hand edged toward her belly he teased her breasts.
Cassie moved in a restless dance. She had never responded to Tim so quickly and with such need. Foreplay wasn’t his manner. This was so much better.
Matt eased her shorts over her hips and down her legs. He stroked her thighs until he reached her labia. He bent and blew on her clit. His fingers explored.
She expected him to stop, undress and join her. Instead he turned her until her legs fell over his shoulders.
“This time is for you.” His breath flowed over her. With mouth, tongue and teeth he explored. One finger, two and three entered her passage to thrust and retreat.
Embers burst into flames. The fire sent her soaring toward a distant goal. “Yes, oh, yes,” she cried. She tensed. Her muscles tightened. “Matt, now.” She reached her goal. A climax unlike any she had experienced rolled on and on.
Cassie fought to catch a breath. Small jolts emerged again and again.
Matt gathered her into his arms. “You’re beautiful.”
She stroked his cheek. “I feel wonderful. What about you.”
“We have all night.” Matt rose and pulled her into his arms.
* * *
Matt watched the sad expression on Cassie’s face turn into a smile. He winked. “We’re definitely not done.” He pulled his shirt over his head. Her intent stare excited him.
“It’s my turn.” She unfastened her bra.
He sucked in a breath. Her nipples had tightened him reminding him of ripe berries. “I’m in no hurry.”
She stepped close enough to rub her breasts over his chest. He clasped her waist. Mouths met. Tongues tasted and teased. Urgency stormed his body and nearly coaxed him into a flurry of action. He had to step back or this encounter would be over too soon.
“Not so fast. We have time.” He tossed a pillow from the couch onto the thick rug in front of the fireplace. “Shame this isn’t a bearskin. Always had a fantasy for making love on one.”
She stepped behind him. Her body pressed against his back. Moments later she slid her hand into his sweats. The gentle strokes nearly made him spill.
“You’re asking for trouble.”
Her tongue traced circles on his shoulder sending waves of heat to his already engorged shaft. He sucked in a breath or two. Didn’t help.
“Maybe I want trouble,” she whispered.
He grasped her hands and turned her to face him. He stepped back, slid his sweats over his hips. Her gaze focused on his groin. He throbbed. He stared into her eyes.
Cassie’s face flamed. The display pleased him. The combination of shy and bold in one package delighted him.
Matt stepped toward her. He ran a finger over her mouth. She caught the tip between her teeth and drew the digit into his mouth.
“That too in time,” he said.
“Why not now?”
He caught her hands. “Inside is where I want to be.”
“That can be arranged.”
“I like foreplay.” His mouth captured hers in a kiss. Her responsiveness excited him. The first of beaded nipples brushed his chest and raised his desire to a fevered pitch. What a fool he’d been all those years ago to prefer beauty to brains. Who knew she would turn from an ugly duckling into a swan?
As she moved against him, his thoughts centered on pleasure, for her, for him. Her tongue explored his mouth. The desire to possess her completely startled him. An insidious thought formed. She could be his forever. He released her. Forever wasn’t his style. His head urged
wariness. Think about the Blakefield curse.
The puzzled look in her eyes changed to shame. No! He wasn’t rejecting her. Just the shock of the traitorous thought had rattled him. He grasped her shoulders and kissed her.
“I need a condom.”
A tentative smile appeared. “I’m on the pill.”
“That’s good but double is better.” He needed his saddlebag. “I never leave home without them. Don’t go away.”
“Interesting idea if it was summer.”
Not when some other man might see her. He nearly vowed the words but she was his for the night and no longer. He dashed to the bathroom and searched an inner pocket of the saddlebag for foil wrapped necessities. Just three. Would that be enough? Had to be but he knew other interesting ways to indulge.
When he returned he dropped the condoms by the pillow. Cassie turned from the fire. “Optimist.”
“Realist. Thank heavens there are other ways when we run out.”
“You’re limping.”
“A bit.” He sat beside her and stroked her thigh.
She turned to him. “I think I should check to make sure you have a hidden break.”
“I don’t think so but if you want to play doctor my body is yours. Front of back.” He leered.
She grinned. “You landed on your back when you were thrown. I’ll check there.”
Matt took care to find a comfortable position. He held in a groan.
She straddled his thigh and placed her hands on his shoulder. “There’s a bruise forming near your right shoulder blade. Does that hurt?”
He felt her probing. “A little.” Her explorations continued. She ran a finger along his spine. Then she touched his rear. The touch felt like caresses until she hit a sore spot. “Damn.” He jerked away.
“There’s a bruise. I think you landed on a rock.”
He felt as though he lay on one. A feathery touch shocked him. “I kissed to make it better.” Her hand slipped between his legs and stroked his balls. He nearly came. He growled, rolled to his back and grabbed a condom. With a quick move he opened the packet.
Seducing the Doctor (At First Sight #4) Page 2