“Was he just sitting there drunk, saying nothing?”
“No, actually he was rather loud and seemed kinda mean.” Kate sipped her coffee then began talking again. “He said something about moving to Chicago.”
“Coulson Enterprises is opening a division in Chicago,” Alex explained.
“I’ve heard that around town.”
Kate noticed her sister’s concerned frown.
“Are you okay, Alex?”
“I’m all right,” she replied dully.
Chapter 24
Alexandra wasn’t all right. She could not keep from thinking about Garret. When he didn’t show up at Wednesday’s Chamber meeting, she did the only thing she could do. Thursday morning, she drove to the cabin.
His Jeep was in the garage. However, when she pulled her car in and parked next to the Jeep, Garret was not there to close the garage door. Alexandra got out from her car, walked over to the doorway, and pushed the control that brought the automatic rolling door down. Without knocking, she entered the cabin.
She found Garret sprawled on the leather recliner. He didn’t hear Alexandra until she closed the door. His eyes flew open. He looked like hell. Garret hadn’t shaved in days; his hair looked as if it hadn’t seen a comb in a week. It was nine in the morning, but he wore a blue terrycloth robe, and he was drinking a beer.
“Garret!” Alex gasped. Her heart was breaking.
His heart was already broken.
“What are you doing here?” he demanded angrily, dropping the empty beer can to the carpet; he stumbled to his feet.
“What the hell are you doing to yourself?” Alex questioned softly as she approached him. He only looked into her face, searching. They stood, face-to-face, not two feet apart, when Garret reached out and pulled Alex into his arms, his mouth descended with force, capturing her lips before she could protest.
Instantly, her body responded to his, once again lost to their mutual passion. She pulled away breathless and murmured, “You need a shower.”
Without saying a word, Garret pulled Alexandra into the bathroom, turned on the shower and quickly stripped away her clothing. As a starving man behaves when placed before a banquet, Garret’s hunger for Alex was all consuming.
Leaving his robe in a forgotten heap on the bathroom floor, he pulled Alex’s nude body into the steaming shower and began rubbing her with the slippery soap. Alex returned the favor, her own need calling her home.
Both of their bodies were covered with warm lather as Garret turned Alexandra, he stood behind her, drawing her close, her bottom pushing against his hard arousal. He wrapped his arms around her waist, the hair of his chest flattened by her soapy back. Garret fondled her breast, his fingers slippery. They moved downward, seeking her hidden folds, making her ready for his entry.
Garret lifted Alexandra from behind, bringing her down hard against his need, entering her as a stallion enters its mate. He rode her in uninhibited dominance, forcing her to succumb to his primitive need. Garret took Alexandra. He possessed her body, yet refused to bring Alexandra to total fulfillment. Instead, he deliberately continued the torture, teasing her with masterful skill and only bringing her salvation when she begged, begged him to release her. She shook as the violent waves of the orgasm possessed her, and she fell helplessly into his arms.
* * *
“You don’t play fair,” Alexandra said at last. They lay together, totally nude, on the large bed. Garret was resting on his side, his hand gently caressing her forehead as she lay on her back, staring at the ceiling.
“Why?” he asked softly and then kissed the bridge of her nose.
“Drinking for a week straight is a stupid thing to do,” she said seriously.
“I’m sorry.” He nuzzled her neck, greedy for her touch.
“Promise you won’t do that again.”
“I promise,” he vowed and pulled her closer.
“Garret, I mean it. Even if I leave, you can’t do that again.”
Garret grew very still. He began feeling guilty. Had he manipulated Alex into returning to him? He sighed, angry with himself, yet happy Alex was in his arms.
“I promise, Alex. I won’t do that again,” he whispered into her ear and then began making love to her again.
Garret kept his promise. Three weeks later Alexandra told him she couldn’t see him again. As before, Garret did not ask Alexandra to stay. Nor did he express his love for her. And he stayed out of the bars.
Garret was confident that Alexandra would not return. There was no reason for her to return. He was not behaving like a miserable, drunken fool who needed saving. He had never quite forgiven himself for unknowingly manipulating Alexandra into returning the first time.
Since it was too painful to see Alexandra, Garret asked Russell to assume his responsibilities at the Chamber of Commerce. Although Russell was unaware of the affair, he was concerned over Garret’s obvious attraction to Alexandra Keller. He readily agreed to his brother’s request. When Alex saw Russell instead of Garret at the Chamber of Commerce meeting, she felt a mixture of regret and relief.
Garret continued to spend his Thursdays at the cabin. After two weeks without Alexandra, Garret decided that coming to the cabin on Thursdays was not such a good idea. Then she showed up.
Unable to stay away, Alexandra found herself in the car, en route to Clement Falls. Each mile closer to the cabin, her anxiousness heightened, the familiar yearning dictating her actions. She began to worry that he wouldn’t be there. Maybe he would be with someone else, or maybe he wouldn’t want her.
When she reached the cabin, Garret was just getting into his Jeep, preparing to return to Coulson. As the Subaru pulled into the driveway, he was about to toss an overnight bag into the back of the Jeep. The moment Garret saw Alexandra he froze. The bag fell with a thud onto the concrete. She drove into the garage and turned off the ignition. Without saying a word, Garret walked over to the wall and closed the garage door.
Chapter 25
By the time August arrived, Alexandra had tried to leave Garret four separate times. It was not her concern for his drinking that made her return each time. A force she was powerless to resist brought her back, back into his arms, back into his bed.
Had Garret discussed the situation with friends, they might have suggested that Alexandra was playing games. Maybe she wanted him to offer marriage or to profess his love. Garret didn’t discuss Alex with anyone. He knew the truth. Garret understood that Alexandra sincerely wanted to end the affair. He also understood that if he professed his love, if he offered marriage, it might prove to be the catalyst for ending the relationship.
Garret was aware of Alexandra’s pain, aware of her bewilderment and confusion. He was unwilling to find the strength to help her end the affair. The hours he spent with her each week brought him incredible joy. It was also killing him. A part of Garret was dying each day—a part of Alexandra was dying each day.
But Alexandra would say goodbye, and Garret would welcome her back.
“Checkmate!” Alexandra announced after moving her bishop in place. She flashed Garret an impish grin, and he awarded her with his most disapproving frown.
“Not again! Alexandra Maria, you cheat!”
“Poor sport,” she teased.
Alexandra sat cross-legged on the cabin floor, next to the wood chessboard—the hand-carved figures were arranged for their battle. She wore Garret’s flannel shirt and nothing more. Garret, wearing his terry cloth robe, sat across from her, leaning against the leather couch, his legs stretched out, crossed at the ankles.
It had been a lovely September morning. Adam was back in school after summer break, making it easier for Alexandra to escape to the cabin each Thursday. Garret had made love to Alexandra the moment she arrived. Afterward, they finished the chess game that had begun three weeks earlier. Garret made it a point to make the games last as long as possible, stretching at least three or four weeks. If there were an unfinished chess game, then Alex would have to r
eturn the next week. Although Garret knew Alex did not return for the unfinished game, it gave him comfort to know she had more than one reason to return to the cabin.
Garret leaned across the board and claimed a slow, lingering kiss. His right hand moved to her neck; his fingers extended as they traced slowly downward along the flannel shirt’s button line. Slipping into the shirt’s front opening, his fingertips brushed a trail between Alexandra’s breasts. Alex flushed. Garret unfastened a button and moved his hand entirely inside the shirt. Claiming one breast, he fondled it lovingly.
“What’s my prize for winning?” Alex purred sexily, her lips just inches away from Garret’s as she spoke.
He could feel her breath on his mouth, and it stirred his ever-present need for her. His mouth forcefully claimed hers as both of his hands took possession of her breasts, sending her sprawling backward, scattering the chessmen.
“Ouch!” Alex giggled as she fell against the rigid game pieces.
Garret laughed. Giving her a bear hug, Garret rolled with Alex across the carpeted floor, away from the chessboard. After two full rolls, they came to a stop with Alex on her back. Breathless, she looked up into Garret’s grinning face. He held her hands securely over her head; the flannel shirt had come completely opened, fully exposing her breasts. Garret smiled wickedly down at her, his eyes taking full inventory of her assets.
“Cheaters don’t get prizes,” he growled. His tongue dipped down and encircled each nipple. Alex began to squirm. Garret chuckled. He continued to hold her captive, swinging one powerful leg over her bare legs. Holding her limbs secure, his robe fell open.
“You’re a poor sport, Garret Coulson.”
“You’re too damn smart,” he grumbled as he nipped the tip of her nose playfully.
“You don’t like smart women?” She continued to struggle in his hold, yet she was no match for his strength. With strategic maneuvering, he shifted his weight and secured her two wrists with one hand, then lifted his body slightly and slid his free hand downward, capturing the moistness between her legs.
“Only you,” he growled as he nuzzled her neck and ever so lightly brushed the bridge of her nose with his. She continued to writhe delightfully. Garret’s fingers teased and explored.
“Let’s go into the bedroom, and I’ll give you your prize.” His voice was low, raspy. His blue eyes blazed from passion, and his expression made Alexandra tremble with need.
In a flash, Garret released Alex and pulled her up. Standing, he gathered her into his arms. Alexandra’s exposed front rubbed against Garret’s, as his robe and her shirt remained open. Hugging her tightly, Garret kissed Alex’s neck, his hands wrapping around her body, dipping beneath the shirttails and firmly gripping the cheeks of her buttocks.
“Come!” he growled. Giving Alex a low bear hug, he scooped her up and easily tossed her over his shoulder.
“Garret!” she protested half-heartedly.
Garret carried her into the bedroom and tossed her onto the bed. He quickly discarded his robe and dove onto the mattress. Alex rolled to one side, just missing the crushing weight that fell next to her. Garret hastily grabbed hold of the flannel shirt and whipped it off Alexandra, sending the garment flying across the room. He captured Alex in his arms. Holding her tightly, he paused momentarily to catch his breath. She snuggled into his warmth.
I love you, Alexandra! God, how I love you! Garret silently vowed, careful not to voice the words.
Secure in Garret’s embrace, Alexandra playfully nipped his lower lip.
“I want my prize,” she demanded, sounding a bit like a spoiled child.
“You shall have your prize,” Garret smiled, pleased with himself, knowing how delighted Alexandra would be with the prize he had in mind.
Rolling Alex onto her back, Garret’s mouth sought out her breasts, then moved downwards, his tongue dancing lightly over her stomach. He moved lower, positioning himself between her legs, his mouth exploring the dampness of her feminine curls. His tongue sent delightful surges through Alexandra’s trembling body as his hands reached up and cupped her breasts, ever greedy for her softness.
Alexandra bucked beneath Garret, his tongue pressing deeper, teasing and persistent. Explosive heat swelled within Alex, sending her body moving against Garret in urgency.
“Please, Garret. Oh, please, Garret, now!” she pleaded, unable to continue the torture.
“I don’t have a condom on,” he whispered, attempting to control his own desire.
“Please, Garret. Just be careful. Please now!”
He did not need any more persuasion. Moving upward, Garret positioned his body over Alexandra and thrust deep into her very core. It felt so good to feel him inside, burning flesh against burning flesh. He greedily relished each thrust, fully appreciating the rare treat of entering Alexandra without the restraints of a condom. The sensation was incredibly primal, and it took all of Garret’s concentration to enable him to withdraw before his final release. When he did, just moments after Alexandra’s fulfillment, he felt the momentary regret he always experienced, wanting what he could not stop wanting, to come deep inside Alexandra.
She held Garret tightly. How could something so wonderful be wrong? She fell asleep in his arms, his steady breath caressing her brow.
When she woke, she was alone in the bed. Alex glanced at the alarm clock resting on the nightstand. She would need to leave within a half-hour. The day had gone much too quickly.
Alexandra got off the bed and picked up the discarded flannel shirt. Turning it right-side out, she slipped it on and began to fasten the buttons when she heard what she thought was Garret calling to her.
Without looking up, concentrating on fastening her buttons, Alex barged from the bedroom and charged into the living room. The instant she entered the room, she froze, her fingers still at the buttons, and she looked into the face of Russell Coulson, who stood in the middle of the living room, not five feet from her.
All color drained from her face as she realized the utter horror of the situation. Garret stood with his brother, his expression as sickened as Alexandra’s. Russell said nothing; he simply stared in disbelief, shifting his gaze from Alex to Garret. Suddenly, she realized that Garret had been talking loud, warning her to stay in the bedroom. But no, she came crashing into the living room wearing nothing but Garret’s shirt.
Alex blinked her eyes, attempting to suppress her tears, then turned and ran for the nearest door, which happened to be the bathroom. Slamming into the room, she locked the door behind her and crumbled to the floor. She wanted nothing more than to simply disappear.
Alexandra learned something that afternoon. She learned that if you want to eavesdrop on conversations taking place in Garret’s living room, all you had to do was place your ear near the heating vent, which was on the bathroom floor. Since she had fallen to the floor, next to the heating vent, Alex managed to clearly hear the brothers’ every word.
“So this is the work you’ve been doing Thursday mornings away from the office,” Russell spat out sarcastically.
“Stay out of this, Russell.”
“Damn it, Garret. You said you hadn’t touched her! But you’ve been fucking Ryan’s wife, haven’t you Garret?”
“Shut up, Russell. Don’t talk that way about Alex.” Garret’s voice was filled with anger. “You don’t understand.”
“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand what’s been going on here!” Russell continued to pace the room. “But you said you hadn’t touched her!”
“I wasn’t lying at the time. It just happened, Russell. God, you can’t say anything. I mean it, Russell. You’ve got to keep your mouth shut about this.”
“What do you expect me to do? Go tell Ryan you’re fucking his wife? Go tell Tommy you’re fucking his kid sister? Jesus Christ, Garret!”
“Shut up, Russell. I love her, damn it. I love her!”
Alexandra sat crouched on the bathroom floor. He loved her. She always knew, yet she had never
heard him say it. The tears began to fall.
“What does this mean, Garret? Is she leaving Ryan? Is she leaving her kid?”
“We haven’t talked about the future.”
“You haven’t talked about it?” Russell spat incredulously.
“This is none of your business, Russell. I don’t need to explain anything. You just need to promise you won’t say anything.”
“When, Garret, when did this start?”
“After Christmas. Promise Russy, promise.”
“Answer me, Garret. Why Alex? Why her? Weren’t the other married women in your life enough for you? Did you have to seek out one who was more of a challenge? What happens now? You ruin her marriage and just walk away? Shit, Garret, you said you haven’t even talked to her about the future!”
“Russell, I love her. Don’t you understand? Maybe Alex and I haven’t talked about the future, but I would marry her in a heartbeat.”
“Does she love you? Or maybe that’s why you haven’t talked about it. What is this, Garret, just a thrilling little fling for Alex? A diversion for a bored housewife?”
The next thing Alexandra heard was the unmistakable sound of Garret’s fist sending Russell crashing to the floor.
“Alex? Alex, honey, open up. Please, Alex,” Garret called to her from the other side of the bathroom door.
After Garret punched his brother, Alex heard no more of their conversation as they apparently went outside. It had been a good fifteen minutes since she’d heard anything. Alex had attempted to pull herself together. She washed the tears from her face and combed her hair.
Alex hesitantly opened the door to Garret. He pulled her into his arms, attempting to reassure her. She stood motionless in his arms without attempting to embrace him and leaned wearily against his shoulder.
“I want to go home, Garret. I just want to go home.”
Coulson's Lessons Page 11