He relaxed and spoke to her without further discomfort. He wondered what she would have done if he had caught her naked.
“Eddie wanted to spend some time with Alexis, so I volunteered to keep you company. Uh, dinner’s ready.” He tried to look away, to put the door between them, but failed.
“You made dinner, again?” She sounded surprised. “Give me a minute. I’ll be right there.”
“Are you sure you can manage on that foot?”
“The cast is making it easier to walk, and I appreciate your arms, but if I don’t try, it will only get stiff. Dr. Listten said to take it slow not stay off it.”
“Okay, but if you change your mind, just ring.”
She nodded and he backed out of the room and sank against the door once it was shut. Wow!
Ten minutes later, she came into the kitchen in an ankle length flared jean skirt, and soft cotton blouse, her hair loose and curled. “What’s on the menu?”
Steven turned to greet her, but found himself staring. “Holy hell!”
Sarah blushed, but a smile lit her face. Steven recovered from his surprise and remembered her question.
“Steak and salad—my only specialty. I don’t mind the kitchen, but I don’t get to spend much time here. Maybe we can learn a few new recipes together.”
She laughed. “Are you blushing, Detective?”
“Never.” He pulled her close and kissed her deeply. They were starved, but for something other than food. Steven found nirvana. Her scent filled his nostrils and the heat of her lips sparked a fire he could not control. The taste of her stirred a hunger Steven knew he had to pursue or die. Her response was much stronger than he expected. She took his passion and matched it. He gave, she accepted and demanded more. He reveled in her response, but he could not pull back.
He pressed her against the counter, cautious because of her ankle, and lifted her, his large hands cupping her firm buttocks. He sat her on the counter and pulled her blouse from its tucked position. With one hand under her blouse and the other on the small of her back, he cupped her breast and tweaked her nipple. A small moan escaped from her throat, and his mouth bruised her lips with kisses that demanded her complete surrender. She lifted his shirt began to unbutton it and ran her hands along his tight pecks, and soon both of them were reaching for belt buckles, buttons and zippers.
He kissed her and she returned his hunger.
He whispered in her ear. “My angel. I want you. Heaven help me, I want you.”
She whispered her response. “I’m yours, my warrior, all yours.”
Without hesitation, he carried her back upstairs. Dinner was on the table, but it didn’t matter. Passion would rule the evening.
Steven laid her gently on the bed and joined her. He brushed the hair from her face. “I love you, Sarah.”
“And I love you, Steven. I won’t regret this, ever!” She put her arms around his neck and pulled him closer.
With those words, his heart filled with love for her. Their lips met, and a need, one for the other, consumed them.
He looked deeply into her eyes, as he removed her blouse and the peach-colored bra. Her body trembled with each touch; her breath came fast, as he continued his kisses moving from her desirable lips, to eyelids, cheeks, and chin, warm sensual kisses that left heat and the promise of rapture on her skin. He finished undressing her and then stood and stripped for her. She smiled and reached for him and he came to her with purpose and the promise of forever.
“Angel, my angel.”
“You have a beautiful body.” She smiled shyly.
He went to her and kissed her deeply, as she returned each demand his mouth made with her own. Their tongues explored, and they tasted the sweetness of the other and wanted more, a taste that fed their desire and inflamed their appetites. His large hands used to roughness explored with a whisper-soft touch the silkiness of her skin and brought delicate moans and hurried breaths. He valued the gentle slope of her shoulder blades, the indentation above her buttocks, the roundness of her hips, the firmness of her breasts. She explored his body with delicate fingers and warm, moist lips. Her touch was like fire and ice, a feeling of such extreme sensation he experienced her devotion all the way to his soul.
He wanted to possess her every inch and found her most sensitive spot, her neck. His generous warm kisses caused her breath to quicken, and her moans became more insistent with each demand of his tongue. Her reaction was exquisite, so honest so fully uninhibited. His angel was free from her constraints, was giving him all, was open to his love, and he was determined to answer all of her deepest desires. He laid her down against the pillows, and her desires became more insistent as he moved down her body.
He felt her tremble and, with each touch, heard her soft moans. As he got closer to the place that held all her secrets, she looked into his eyes and he could see her love, her need. She put her arms around his neck and kissed him, demanding, insisting, wanting him. Her body undulated seductively, she was on fire, and he felt her longing.
“Please,” she begged. “Please, Steven, love me.”
He could not refuse her. Experiencing her every sensation, hearing her pleasure, he was ready, but he held back. This was for her, this experience would be his expression of love that she could never question, would never doubt. He met her need and found himself surrounded by her love, her body wrapped around his, and two became one. Her expression, her acceptance of him was sheer passion, as she voiced her happiness. He looked into her eyes and she looked deeply into his.
“My warrior,” she whispered with devotion.
His heart was bursting with love, his soul overflowing with joy. What he felt went beyond description. It was everything he ever thought a man should feel when making love to the woman he meant to possess, the woman who would bring him to the fullness of life and make him whole. They found a rhythm that fit their hunger and climaxed together, consummating the love they had declared for one another and sealing their future as one.
They melded together, and he whispered in her ear. “I love you angel, with everything I am.”
“And I love you, my warrior more than I’ll ever be able to express, but every day I promise, I’ll try.”
Once again, time stood still. Their bodies glistened from the heat of their passion. Steven caressed her back and played with her hair. He was amazed by her trust, her love, and the way she gave herself to him, so sweetly, so honestly, and denied him nothing. He felt as though his angel was finally free. She not only gave him her heart but her soul. He had never experienced genuine love until now. When they became one, he felt so at peace, so complete; loving her was the greatest joy he had ever known. He watched the firelight dance off her skin and pulled her to him protectively, never wanting to be any further away from her than he was now.
Sarah rested contentedly in his arms. He felt the gentle give and take of her breathing as she huddled against his chest. He ran his hand down her side, the dip of her waist, the curve of her hips, and back to the soft golden hair that covered her shoulder. His contentment was overwhelming, his love beyond words. She opened her eyes and smiled. He kissed her softly.
“I love you, and love isn’t a word I throw around. I’ve loved you from the first moment I saw you. Do you remember playing in the snow, the park downtown, when a very rude cop drove by and disturbed your fun?”
“You?”
Her surprise pleased him.
“Yes, me. And now always, and only, me.” Steven smiled. A smile filled with love, with knowledge, and full of promise. “I knew then, the very moment you cursed my existence, that I loved you, and that I would forever be cursed by your existence. Are you cold?”
“Never, in your arms.” Sarah cuddled in closer, then reached up and moved his hair back from his shoulder, traced his face with her fingertips. He kissed them as they passed by his mouth.
“My warrior, my love,” she whispered, as though in some supernatural way she had marked him as hers, and hers alone.<
br />
His stomach rumbled, and she heard it.
She laughed. “Someone’s worked up an appetite. Come on. We’re not teenagers, we need nourishment.”
They redressed and walked hand in hand to the kitchen; he would have carried her, but she was determined to walk on her injured ankle. They prepared a plate and settled down on the rug in front of the fireplace in the den. Steak sandwiches and a salad hit the spot. Steven poured her a glass of wine.
“I do have one question. It’s been bothering me since Seattle.”
“Really, what is it?”
“Michael’s aunt—why doesn’t she like you? I mean, of all the people I interviewed, she really seemed to have an axe to grind.” He hesitated, unsure, and worried the question might upset her.
“Poor Netta. I’m afraid I ruined all her plans for Michael.”
“How?”
“Michael and I had been dating for about four months. He wanted to introduce me to his family, specifically his aunt, at her annual Christmas party. He wanted to surprise her, and, boy, did he ever.”
“Why, were you from the wrong era? When I visited her, I swear I went back in time to the 1930s.”
“Yes, plus the fact I simply wasn’t good enough, according to Netta. She invited a blind date for Michael, along with the woman’s entire family, so you can imagine the impression I made when we walked in together. Netta was furious. She took Michael into another room to tell him, but her house isn’t soundproof. While they were in the kitchen discussing me, I was in the parlor with some of her guests, listening to the exchange. Michael tried to explain why he loved me and that he wanted to marry me, but she wouldn’t hear it. Netta was unrelenting and used every hold she ever had on Michael. He finally agreed to meet this woman and her family, just to keep the peace. They showed up shortly after, and she was everything his aunt had said, but he made sure he stood by my side until dinner. Netta had me seated at the opposite end of the table from him so he could converse with the young woman she’d chosen.”
“You’re kidding. Why didn’t he just take you away from the whole affair? Why put you through all that?”
“Michael wasn’t aware anyone had overheard them, and he was trying to keep the peace for his aunt’s sake. She meant well, and she did love him. She thought taking care of him was her duty because his parents were dead, and she watched out for him.”
“So, what happened?”
“I put on a happy face, ate dinner, and conversed with the people around me who weren’t above talking to me. George Steiner took pity on me, at first, but he and I soon became great friends. Michael and I made a game of it, we flirted shamelessly and made funny faces at each other all night. A memorable evening, but Netta never forgave me for ruining her marriage plans for Michael—especially after we eloped. In her book, I was the lowest of the low. Without even trying, I proved what she thought all along: I had absolutely no class and wasn’t worthy of someone like Michael.”
“Wow, that’s harsh.”
“Not really, when you consider the woman she wanted him to marry was a Harvard law graduate, and came from impeccable stock. Netta thought she was making Michael the perfect match, and then I come along, a girl raised on the North Slopes of the Brooks Range. For heaven’s sake, I ran around half-naked on the tundra for the first half of my life. I was so second class in the eyes of Miss Netta Greenwald.”
“Michael didn’t think that— he couldn’t?”
“No, of course not. Michael was down to earth—a real person with no social airs or desires. Like you.”
“I’m like Michael?”
“In that respect, yes. You’re practical, honest, and—unless faced with a crime or criminal—nonjudgmental. Otherwise, you and he are very different men.” Sarah quickly changed the subject. “What about you. Why did your marriage end?”
“Oh, well. Where should I begin? Denise and I met at a party, fell into bed, and I guess we sort of fell into marriage, too. I’m not even sure how or why now, except maybe we were both a little lazy. We got along—we had a great sex life, and we were both workaholics, lucky enough to make enough money to do the things we enjoyed. The perfect combination, at least when you’re twenty-something. So, we married. We thought we’d made a good decision at the time. We just forgot to talk about the future and our personal expectations. I wanted a wife and kids—you know, the white picket fence. Denise wanted a career. I mean, she had a career—she worked harder than I did—but a career was all she ever wanted. Kids were not in the picture for her and became the cause of disagreement between us. The marriage ended. I became bitter, and then I met you.” He kissed her softly. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Sarah whispered.
He took her in his arms and held her tightly. “Sarah, I do love you. And, honest, I’ve never said those words so easily. What can I say? You’ve bewitched me.”
“Now I’m blushing. Thank you.” She kissed him softly. “After Michael died, I didn’t think I’d ever love again, but if this isn’t love, they haven’t created a word for it.”
I knew the minute I saw you, we’d have something special. You did, too. That first night, when John introduced us—or am I the romantic in this equation?”
Her smile got brighter. “Yes, I was aware—confused, but aware. The circumstances seemed to dictate otherwise. Especially when you thought I killed Michael. I couldn’t understand why I wanted to be near you, when you were so horrid to me.”
“I was hideous, wasn’t I? I knew I wanted you, long before we met, and then I finally do meet you and as soon as I realized you were … well, Mrs. Michael Palmer. I couldn’t justify my feelings with my duty. Basically, you confounded me. And, now, I regret it, the way I was. I really do. Forgive me.” He cringed, remembering some of the things he’d said to her.
She caressed his hand. “You’re the man you are. The man I fell in love with. Don’t apologize. I wouldn’t change a thing. Not one thing. Besides, I kinda like that you fell for me and still thought I was evil.”
They kissed, solidifying their commitment, and they clung to each other, in love, in need, and with hope for the future. Steven realized they were still trying to keep the morning at bay. He cherished the moment, but kept his job in mind. Her words, ‘you are who you are’, would be tested before the night was over.
They cleaned up the dinner remnants, and sat drinking coffee. This time cuddled together on the couch. They continued to talk of their lives, laughing at mistakes made, and dreams unfulfilled.
“Tell me about you and Chase. How did you ever meet someone so selfish and arrogant, so much your opposite?”
She smiled, and then sighed as though the memory was less than happy. “We met on a blind date. I was the impressionable almost-eighteen-year-old, and he was the older, sophisticated man. I fell hard.”
“So what will you tell him when he asks you out again?”
“I’m in love, and otherwise unavailable, but he won’t bother. We said some nasty things to one another in Seattle, and, while he’s forgotten it, I haven’t. He’ll figure it out, eventually.”
“I’m not so sure, Sarah. Chase is a determined man, and he’s used to getting what he wants, as evidenced by his performance today. He told me he regretted letting you go and wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.”
“Scott’s ego won’t let him forget that I left him.”
“If you loved him, why did you leave?”
“I finally woke up. When we met, he was in the process of divorcing his wife, but, no matter what he claimed, he was a very married man. One night, he canceled a date with me to go out with his wife, Sherry. She had flown in specifically to celebrate her birthday with him. He took her to our favorite place. My girlfriend Patricia… Patty…”
She trailed off, bowing her head as the memories rushed in. Steven squeezed her hand.
“Sorry.” She cleared her throat. “Um, where was I? Oh, that’s right, Patty and her boyfriend joined Scott and Sherry. Patty debated
telling me because she’d introduced us. Scott was her friend; I was her friend. I didn’t mind him wanting to reconcile a marriage. In fact, I admired him for that. I thought he was putting his children first. But he chose the place we first met for their reunion. I remember when Patricia described Sherry as drop-dead gorgeous. Have you seen her?”
Steven shook his head. “No, I’ve never had the pleasure. I think she lives in California now.”
“She’s a real beauty. Tall, dark, and gorgeous, and a former model. Patricia described how they danced together, what a stunning couple they made. She said the room clapped and cheered them. Patricia was shocked, but more so by the birthday cake and flowers Scott had delivered to the club to help with the celebration.
“Patty was positive Scott still loved his wife, especially after Sherry told her I was just a ploy Scott was using to get her back. Patty was in tears when she shared that with me. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt either of us. In fact, she debated saying anything, but Scott and I were meeting there, at the same place, and she felt she had to tell me.”
“I agree.” Steven’s opinion of Chase became more hostile, but he hid his repulsion from Sarah. “What did you do?”
“I made the right decision. I might have been young, but I knew I couldn’t compete, and I really didn’t want to. I was hurt, and at first, I was going to let him explain, but I couldn’t, not there. The Piano Bar was our place,” she smiled. “Silly, only women think that way. ‘Cuckold’ is the term used by Chaucer. Suddenly, I understood the meaning. I cancelled the date and within a month, I’d left the state.”
The moment he heard the words The Piano Bar, Steven knew he had his answer—the one clue that had evaded him. And Sarah had known all along. She was still talking, caught up in the memory.
“Maybe our age difference, whatever, we had no future.” She glanced at him and noticed the stiffness of his countenance. “What’s wrong? I mean, I know how stupid I was, but I was young, and he was my first, honest. I’m a lot smarter now.”
Steven stood, his body rigid, his fists clenched. “The Piano Bar! Chase has a connection to you and the bar! Sarah, obstruction of justice is a crime! How could you?”
Murder, Madness & Love (Detective Quaid Mysteries #1) Page 23