Sudden Seduction, A

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  Her eyes narrowed. “I have. 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 night formed. Did she want an apology? He’d give her one and more. “Believe me or not. After you ran off I went to find you. You vanished. At school on Monday I looked for you. You weren’t there. What happened?” He clasped her hand.

  She shook off his grasp. “My step-father was transferred and we moved."

  “Why did you ask me out?”

  “Those cheerleaders said you were shy and you liked me. Since this was my last day in town I took a chance. Dumb move.” She shrugged.

  Shy had never happened with him. A flurry of emotions cascaded through him. “Can I make it up to you now, 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 beneath her chilling glare and the cascading shards of guilt. His younger sisters had told him of how the words and actions of teenage boys hurt girls. How badly had those ill-chosen words hurt Cassie? He sat beside her and rested his arm on the back of the couch. “Are you sure there’s nothing?”

  “Absolutely sure.” She reached for the remote and turned off the movie.

  How could she be so definite? Hadn’t she experienced the urgency of the kiss? He sure had. His body hummed with energy and need. He glanced at the champagne flute on the table. “Expecting company? If some man arrived he would be ready to lock horns. For tonight this woman was his.

  “No one.”

  “Then why are you up 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 bitter bite to her words? “My brother’s. Do you remember Mark?”

  “I do.” She dropped her hands to her lap. “How are your sisters?”

  “Getting married in December. Double ceremony. Dad recently re-married.” He shuddered. “Had to escape 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. This meeting had possibilities. “Thought all women loved the fuss and bother.” Then he noticed her name engraved on the champagne flute. “I see. What happened?”

  * * * *

  Cassie avoided his question. He couldn’t dislike weddings any more than she did but she felt no need to speak of Tim and the aborted ceremony. Matt’s arrival coupled with Tim’s actions had brought her past into her present. She clasped her hands into fists.

  A voice mail message. I married Rhonda this morning. Could you cover my patients tomorrow?

  His message to the partners had omitted the request and added he would be in Monday and explain.

  And she had fled here.

  She slid off the couch. She glanced at her watch. Six thirty. She needed a way to divert Matt’s curiosity and to help her resist his tempting appeal.

  “Are you hungry?” The flare of interest in his eyes made her regret the question. “For food.”

  He winked. “Among other things but I could eat.”

  She entered the kitchen area. “Won’t be fancy.”

  He followed. “No problem. Most of the time I eat out or order in.”

  She opened the chest freezer. “Chicken or fish.” Those were the things she’d brought with her.

  He closed the distance and stood close enough to make her tense. “What about the steaks?”

  “Belong to the owner so I’d rather not use them.”

  “We could replace then.”

  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 spices, defrosted the chicken and chopped vegetables. Keeping busy would hold 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’d decided the gourmet steaks were too pricy.

  Cassie finished the vegetables and heated oil in a skillet. A wok would have been better but she would 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.”

  A challenge rang in his voice. They certainly would see and she feared she would take the dare. She stared at the 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.

  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?”

  “No.”

  “Spill your reasons. You’ll feel better.

  Would she? A bubble of anger surfaced. “Why do you want to know?”

  “Curiosity. Maybe I can help.”

  He seemed sincere. Finally she nodded. “Tonight was to be my bridal shower.”

  “Here?”

  “No, at a colleague’s house but as you can see I’m not there.”

  “Did you call the wedding off?”

  Cassie shook her head. “No.”

  A frown wrinkled his forehead. “Then why skip the shower?”

  Her face felt hot. “He married our office nurse on Thursday."

  Matt half rose. “The man was a fool.”

  “Or he realized he’d made a mistake and found someone more interesting.”

  “No way.” Matt reached for her hand. “How long had he been seeing this woman?”

  “Socially, I don’t know but five days a week at the office. And we hired her on his recommendation.”

  “You didn’t ask him any of those questions.”

  Cassie pulled her hand free. “Not when you get the news via voice mail.” Her fork clattered on the table. Her chest felt tight. Tears burned her eyes.

  Mat 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 held her close. “Hear this. The man was a fool. So was I all those years ago.” He turned her to face him and tilted her chin with his thumbs. His lips touched hers.

  Cassie felt ribbons of heat sweeping along her skin. Before she had realized who Matt was she’d been attracted to his voice. And there were the 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 emotions 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 leaned into him. 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,
then slowly withdrew. He raised his head and drew a breath. “I want you.”

  “Are you sure?” she asked.

  “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 cure a broken heart. 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 pushed. Deep down she’d expected him to walk away. She’d refused to admit Tim’s actions had been reminiscent of her step-father’s lack of affection. And her father’s neglect. She had never known him.

  Anger bubbled to the surface. She’d wasted years waiting for Tim to set a date. Then he had lied. She drew a deep breath. At least Matt was honest. He wanted sex.

  Matt nibbled on her earlobe. “How long were you engaged?”

  “Five years.”

  "And you never pushed for marriage. What were you waiting for?”

  “The right time. We had to finish our residencies and be established in our careers. We were supposed to be made full partners this week. A wedding present.”

  He stroked her back. “Did you live together?”

  She shook her head. “We had our own places.”

  He cupped her buttocks and pulled her closer until she felt the hard ridge of his penis against her belly. He laved her neck with his tongue.

  As her body reacted to the caresses she moaned. Desire to explore the sensuous sensations grew stronger.

  “Let’s.” His deep voice vibrated against her throat.

  “Why?”

  “Why not? There’s a mutual attraction here. You need to learn how desirable you are.”

  “Is sex the answer?”

  “Won’t hurt.” He touched her lips with his finger. “Dare you to find out.” He backed her to the couch. She lay on the cushions. He knelt beside her and slipped his hands beneath her shirt and slowly inched the fabric toward her head. As more skin was revealed he kissed a path toward her breasts. He cupped them using his thumbs to stroke the nipples. The lace of the bra rubbed against her skin sending delicious sensations to storm her body.

  Each movement of his 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 his hands slid over her skin toward her belly he teased one breast.

  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 taking the lace bikinis with them. She met his gaze and saw his blue eyes darken with desire. He stroked her legs moving upward until he reached her labia. He bent and blew on her clit. His fingers explored the folds.

  She expected him to stop, undress and join her. Instead he turned her and lifted her legs over his shoulders.

  “This time is for you.” His breath flowed over her. His tongue tasted her clit. With mouth and teeth he explored the sensitive area. One finger, then more entered her passage to thrust and retreat,

  Embers burst onto flames. She felt as if the fire ignited a rocket sending her soaring toward a distant goal. “Yes, oh, yes,” she cried. Her body tensed and poised for an explosion. “Matt, now.” She reached her goal. The climax rolled on and on.

  Cassie fought to catch her breath. Small jolts arrived 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.” He slid his lips across hers.

  Chapter Three

  Matt watched the 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.

  “So it’s your turn.” She unfastened her bra.

  He sucked in a breath. Her nipples had tightened and reminded him of ripe berries. “I’m in no hurry.”

  She stepped close enough to rub her breasts against his chest. He clasped her waist. Mouths met. Tongues tasted and teased. Urgency stormed his body and nearly caused him to act. He had to pause or it would be over before he began.

  “Not so fast. We have time.” He tossed a pillow from the couch onto the thick rug in front of the fireplace. “Shame it’s not a bearskin. Always had fantasies of making love on one.’

  She stepped behind him. Her body pressed against his back. Moments later she slipped a hand inside his sweats. The gentle strokes nearly made him spill.

  “You’re asking for trouble.”

  Her tongue traced circles on his shoulder. “Maybe trouble is what I want.”

  He grasped her hands and turned to face her. He stepped back slid the sweats over his hips. Her gaze focused on his groin. His cock throbbed. He stared into her eyes.

  Cassie’s face flamed. The display pleased him. The combination of shy and bold in one package was a delight.

  Matt stepped toward her. He ran a finger over her mouth. She caught the tip between her teeth and drew the finger into her 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 feel of beaded nipples brushing his chest raised his desire to a fever pitch. What a fool he’d been all those years ago to prefer beauty to brains. Who knew she would change from ugly duckling to a swan?

  As she moved against him his thoughts centered on pleasure. 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. He had a reason to be wary namely the Blakefield curse.

  A puzzled look in her eyes slid toward shame. No, he thought. He wasn’t rejecting her, just the idea that had shocked him. He grasped her shoulders and kissed her.

  “I need to get a condom.”

  A tentative smile appeared. “I’m on the pill.”

  “That’s good but double is better.” He needed his saddlebag. “Don’t go away.”

  “Interesting idea if it was summer.”

  Not when some other man might see her. He nearly voiced the words but she was his for just tonight. There was no forever. He dashed to the bathroom and searched an inner pocket for the foil wrapped necessities. Only three. Would that be enough? Had to be and there were 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 in case we run out.” He walked toward her.

  “You’re limping.

  “A bit.” He sat beside her and stroked her thigh. She turned to him.

  “I think I should check you and make sure you haven’t a hidden break.”

  “I don’t think so but if you want to play doctor, my body s yours. Front or back.”

  “Since you landed on your back when you were thrown, on your stomach.”

  Matt took care to find a comfortable position. She straddled his thighs and put her hands on his shoulders. “There’s a bruise forming near your right shoulder blade.” He felt her probing. “Hurt?”

  “A little.”

  Her exploration continued. He felt her run a finger along his spine. Then she reached his ass. The touches became caresses until she hit a sore spot. He jerked away.

  “Bruise here. I think you landed on a rock.”

  He felt like he was lying on one. Then a feathery touch shocked him. “I’ll kiss it and make it better.” Her hands slid between his legs and stroked his balls. He nearly came. He growled and rolled to his back and grabbed a condom. With a quick move he opened the packet.

  "I can do that,” she said.

&nbs
p; “Next time. One touch and I’ll explode. Not what I’m aiming for.” He sheathed himself and pulled her down beside him. He rained kisses on her face. She opened her mouth and he plunged his tongue inside.

  With a finger he explored her folds. She was wet and ready. So was he. He shifted position and slid into her welcoming depths. He forced himself to stop. This had to be as good for her as it would be for him.

  “Move.” Her voice emerged in a breathy whisper. “Please.” Her legs circled his hips urging him to action.

  “Soon,” he murmured.

  “Matt,”

  The rough cry of his name spurred him. He thrust and retreated. She moved and soon caught his rhythm. Faster and faster he moved. The sound of rasping breaths, their moans and groans rose in fevered chorus. The liquid slap of flesh on flesh sent him into a frenzy. His back arched. He placed his hands on the floor. Her cry of completion echoed through him. Her inner muscles clenched. He spilled until he felt drained. With a sigh he collapsed atop her. Their sweat-slicked bodies seemed fused.

  Matt rolled to his side and peppered her face with kisses. He couldn’t remember a time when he’d been so satisfied and eager for another go.

  Cassie cupped his shoulders. “That was—well—amazing.”

  “So it was.”

  Memories of the shattering climax flowed. He held a groan inside. She was trouble. The possibility of a lengthy affair stunned him. Couldn’t happen. Wouldn’t happen. What he felt was the magic of discovery and the wonder brought by having a responsive partner.

  You’re next. He clenched his teeth. Absolutely not. His hold on Cassie tightened.

  "Is something wrong?”

  He relaxed his arms. “Just a stray thought. About my bike. And travel plans. Nothing to concern us tonight.” He stroked her back and made a decision to ride this new affair until the wonder vanished. Always did. No need to think this time was any different.

  He stared at the fire and saw the flames had died to glowing embers. Though the cabin was warm lying here all night wouldn’t do. He got to his feet and pulled her to hers. “What say we move to a bedroom?” He scooped the remaining condoms from the rug.

  * * * *

  After a brief stop in the bathroom and the kitchen Cassie entered the bedroom. She carried a tray with juice, a beer, some cheese and crackers. Matt sat against the head of the bed.