by Joan Bramsch
"Probably a kissin’ cousin.” Oh, listen to her, she thought. Now wasn't the time for joking. “Forget I said that.” Embarrassed, she leaned her head against his chest. The heat from his strong body did nothing to cool her cheeks.
"Ann, darling,” he said, lifting her chin to gaze into her eyes. “I want to make love to you. Very much.” He slid his large hands down to her hips. “I want to do all those things I mentioned. I want to hold you in my arms, kiss you, give you pleasure.” He punctuated each phrase with a heart-stopping kiss.
"I want that too, Jeff,” she answered, trembling in his arms.
"I saw a little inn just around the corner. Let's have dinner there and stay for the night."
She smoothed a golden curl from his brow, and sadly shook her head. “I can't, Jeff. Not tonight. I work switchboard in the morning."
He leaned forward and touched his forehead to hers. “I forgot tomorrow was Monday. I hate to agree with you, but you're right. If we were together tonight, we'd be awake till morning."
"You think so?” she asked, intrigued.
"I know so.” He sighed with resignation. “So we'll go to the inn, but only for dinner."
"Sounds as if we have something good to look forward to, huh?” She was trying desperately to lighten the mood, to make him smile.... and forget that yawning ache between them.
"Ms. Waverly,” he began, threading his fingers through her hair. “Love,” he whispered. His breath bathed her lips with warmth. “When the time is right, we're going to share something so good, it will be unbelievably beautiful.” He kissed her again, long and sweet and tender. “Annie, you can bet the farm on this one,” he promised.
It was exactly midnight when Jeffrey walked into his mother's apartment. He spent ten minutes questioning her about her health. Although he was not completely satisfied with her answers, she made him stop.
"Jeffrey, darling, you're beginning to sound like a character on Hill Street Blues. Please, son. Stop grilling me."
Frustrated, he massaged the back of his neck and stared out the window at the sliver of new moon rising over the river. “Dammit, Mom, I care about you. How the hell can I make you understand how much I care?"
"By giving me enough credit to know what I can and cannot do,” she said. “I told you once, son. I'm not interested in pedestal-sitting. It's a boring existence. Furthermore, any woman interested in being treated as an equal would say the same. When are you going to realize that?"
"Tell me about it,” he muttered, remembering the run for his money Ann had given him on the golf course.
His mother watched him shrewdly. “Jeffrey Madison Cummings, if I didn't know better, I'd say you were falling in love.” She walked over to him and put her hand on his shoulder, patting gently. “What is it, dear?"
Jeffrey wasn't sure he would have told his mother even if he'd known what had turned him into a snapping turtle. “I'm just beat, Legs. I think I'll turn in.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Good night, Mom. I love you."
Later, when he lay in his darkened room, he couldn't sleep. He kept trying to find answers in the shadows. It wasn't like him to argue with his mother. To tease her, yes. But she was right. Tonight he'd sounded like some television cop grilling a suspect.
Dragging the sheet up over his hips, he rolled onto his side, searching his memory for a particular piece of advice from his father. What had he said that day up on Maribee Pass? Finally, after several minutes, the elusive conversation bubbled up into his conscious mind.
His father had advised Jeffrey on how to keep love once he was lucky enough to receive it. “Hold it close, but not too close. Protect it with your life, but let it have a life of its own.
"Above all else, never doubt love. I promise you, if you'll do these things for love, then love will bless you every day of your life."
Jeffrey wiped a tear from his cheek. He recalled asking his father how long he would have to wait for love.
"Maybe it will come to you tomorrow,” he'd said, smiling. “Perhaps you'll have to wait for many years. But when it comes, son, you'll know it. I promise you, Jeff. You'll know it. Then you'll remember all I've told you today."
Jeffrey had always trusted his dad's advice, had consistently believed all his father had shared with him. But in this case he wasn't so sure. His father had promised he would remember the conversation when love came. Well, he'd remembered his father's advice, and yet he wasn't sure he was in love with Ann. Not absolutely iron-clad sure.
"Dammit, Dad,” he whispered, crushing his pillow in his arms. “I need you. I need to talk to you."
Sleep-night's tempting mistress-eluded Jeffrey's capture for many hours.
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Chapter Five
"Good morning, Mr. Madison. It's seven o'clock."
"What the...? I didn't order a wake-up call,” he grumbled, squinting to see his watch. Then he heard a very small chuckle on the other end of the phone. “Annie, is that you?"
"Yes, sir."
Moaning softly, he fell back against his pillows. “Morning, love,” he whispered, drawing out the words as he stretched. “I could get used to waking up to your voice every morning. Of course, I'd want the warm, gorgeous body that goes along with it too.” He sighed disconsolately, hoping to make her squirm. “If you'd said yes last night, I'd be holding you in my arms right now. Oh. Annie, 1 need you."
The fervid conviction of his unexpected statement produced a sudden burst of heat inside Ann, which threatened to overload her emotional thermostat.
She tried not to sigh too loudly. Her supervisor was lurking somewhere behind her.
The man was certainly plain spoken, if not incendiary, she thought, trying to calm her galloping heart. It had taken only three words-1 need you-to light her fire.
She cleared her throat. “Your complimentary coffee and newspaper will be at your door within fifteen minutes. Will that be convenient, sir?"
He heard the forced cordiality in her voice and smiled. She wasn't as unaffected as she was trying to make him believe. “I don't suppose you could deliver it personally?"
"No, sir. That's next week."
"You mean you might come to my door?"
"I might."
"I'm never dressed that early, I probably would answer the door wearing only a towel and shock your system, Annie-girl."
"Me, sir? No, sir.” But she allowed a little giggle to mar her businesslike tone.
"Happens every day, does it?"
"Just about, sir."
She answered so casually, Jeffrey wasn't so sure she was kidding anymore. Stroking his beard-rough cheek, he tried a different tack. “You made me lose sleep last night, lady."
"No!” she gasped, not quite able to keep the laughter from her quavering voice.
"Probably have to take a nap this afternoon,” he went on. “I owe you one, kid."
"Not true, sir."
"You mean...?"
"'Fraid so, sir."
He didn't even try to suppress his triumphant laughter. “Can I see you after work? I'd like to take you to the Jade Room for dinner."
"I believe that can be arranged."
"Same place? Seven o'clock?"
"Yes, sir. Have a good day, Mr. Madison."
"It's gonna be a damn long one,” he said. “I wish we could be together earlier, but you'll want a little time to rest before you get ready.” He cleared his throat. “If I had my way, you'd be here with me right now."
This time her heartfelt sigh was clearly audible over the line. “I couldn't agree with you more. Thank you, sir."
After replacing the receiver in its cradle, Jeffrey rolled out of bed, slipped on his navy velour robe, and pulled open the beige brocade drapes covering the picture window. His suite was located on the wrong side of the hotel as far as he was concerned.
The view was strictly manmade. There was a symmetrically perfect concrete pond surrounded by sculptured shrubbery, flower beds, and manicured lawns. The artificial
scene was an affront to the great outdoors, he thought, frowning. Beyond that there were only buildings, “nothing but bricks and mortar."
He wished for a high mountain trail shrouded in morning mist, the ground dusted with hoarfrost awaiting the new sunrise. In his imagination he stood at the crest of Murphy's Ridge, breathing in the cold crisp air, feeling cleansed in body and soul after a night spent under the stars. Whenever he gazed into the awakening valley, its virgin forest still blanketed in the smoky blue haze of dawn, he recognized his insignificance in the universe. His contribution to life would probably go unnoticed by most of the human race. He could accept that because he was satisfied with the goodness of what he did, whether it was capturing a criminal, rescuing a lost child, or working to save an endangered species.
Would Ann ever share a climb with him? he wondered. He smiled as he pictured her in his mind: khaki walking shorts, red plaid flannel shirt, sturdy hiking boots, a nylon pack on her back, her long shining hair in two thick braids. She'd probably enjoy vacationing in the mountains, he decided, since she seemed to appreciate and cherish the beauty of untouched land.
But try as he might, he couldn't imagine her permanently in a pastoral setting. She loved city living too much, and her life revolved around her career in the hotel business. Ann honestly believed the world came to her door. She thrived on the multitude of duties she was asked to perform in order to serve the public. The excitement, the challenges, the behind-the-scenes preparation all gave her a rush,, a natural high.
For himself, he'd had his fill of that kind of life when he was growing up. Every day was a series of small and large crises-lost keys, broken televisions, kids locked in bathrooms, stopped-up toilets ... usually caused by the kids locked in the bathrooms.
No, he wanted no part of the hotel business. He didn't know if he'd ever be able to convince his mother of that, but he really meant it. He was content with his company back home in Mountainview. He never wanted to live anywhere else.
He gazed out the window again, then examined the window casing. “Unbelievable!” he muttered. He couldn't open a window if he wanted to. He had to get away, he realized. It was a good thing he'd made arrangements to play golf with Charles today. Even this spacious suite was shrinking, trapping him. How did Ann stand it? he wondered, heading for the shower.
Downstairs in the employees’ lounge, Ann put her feet up and smiled, recalling her conversation with Jeffrey. He was a lot of fun. But being with him was a little like riding a roller coaster. She never knew when he was going to turn serious.
She sipped her black coffee. The weekend had been very special. They'd had a good time. More than a good time! It had been downright delicious in some areas. Like when they kissed. Ann couldn't remember when she'd ever become so easily aroused by a simple kiss. Not simple, she qualified. Nothing about Jeffrey Madison was simple, she was discovering. He kissed and caressed like a mature man. But he also retained a sense of wonder, a little boy's delight in all things, large and small.
How many men would be content to lie on a blanket in the middle of a meadow, watching the ever-changing clouds? And how many men were secure enough in their maleness to brush a woman's hair just for the sheer joy of seeing it shine? Never mind the sensual pleasure he'd given to the woman. Not many men, Ann guessed, could do that without making some kind of wisecrack about gay hairdressers.
"And he thinks he's falling in love with me,” she whispered dreamily. His hand had trembled on her lips when he'd said the words. Had it been the first time he'd ever spoken of love to a woman? she wondered. Surely, a man of his obvious experience would have known love before. But he'd agreed with her when she'd told him she didn't know how it should feel. The thought of loving someone, perhaps finding one's mate, was apparently new to them both. How wonderful! she thought, to be falling in love for the first time ... together.
But even as she began to get carried away by the euphoria of love, reality brought her crashing back down to earth. She might be falling in love with a man who was working against the River Regency. What was he going to do today? she wondered. Would he go golfing again with one of the key employees of the hotel? And if he did, how would she be able to find out, stuck back in the switchboard room?
She sighed, then finished her coffee. She'd carefully quiz Jeffrey this evening, and perhaps be able to read between the lines. Then she'd make her final report to her boss and resign from the spy business.
But if Jeffrey were truly planning a raid of the hotel's key personnel, she'd never be able to forgive him. And where would that leave their relationship? “Up the creek without a paddle,” she mumbled, getting up to refill her cup.
She tried to examine her relationship with Jeffrey. She admitted that she had strong feelings for him. Ha! she chided herself. Be honest. You think you're falling in love with the man. Beside the possibility of his being an executive raider-which had yet to be proven, she was quick to point out-what was there not to like? He was handsome, bright, playful, caring, able to apologize when it was necessary, and humble in victory.
She grinned when she recalled how hard that last virtue had been for him after the golf game. The little boy in him had wanted to whoop and dance a jig!
Best of all, the chemistry between them didn't feel forced. It felt natural. Like eating. Or breathing. The most natural thing in the world. Which was why she hadn't wanted to leave him last night. “What am I going to do?” she muttered.
"About what?"
She spun around so quickly, she almost knocked her coffee cup off the table. “Jeffrey, how did you get in here? This room is off-limits to guests."
"Piece of cake, Annie.” He took her into his arms and kissed her long and hard before she had a chance to refuse him.
She melted against him, softly moaning in surrender. He tightened his hold on her, and his tongue rubbed languidly over her lips, her tongue. His hands smoothed down her back until he cupped her rounded bottom and held her firmly against his aroused body.
Ann's fingers crept over his broad shoulders to play in his thick hair. She arched her hips, rubbing against him until he groaned with frustration.
"Lord, Annie, I can't stand to be away from you for a minute,” he said. His words shot straight to her heart.
When she pulled on his head, trying to bring his mouth back to her deserted lips, Jeffrey knew he was going to have to put the brakes on his desires. If Ann's reaction to his sudden appearance was any indication, she wasn't going to help him at all. He doubted she knew where she was at the moment.
"Run away with me, love,” he whispered. “To the land of dreams come true. I'll worship at your feet ... not to mention the rest of your gorgeous body.” He waggled his brows like Groucho Marx.
In a mental fog, Ann stared at Jeffrey. “I'm on my coffee break,” she said inconsequentially.
"Stranger things have happened on coffee breaks,” he teased, giving her another Groucho look.
"Oh!” she gasped, finally able to pull herself back to reality. She was not, however, strong enough to withdraw from Jeffrey's embrace. “Darn it,” she said. “You caught me off guard.” She smoothed her hair back, not yet able to meet his steady gaze.
"Admit it,” he said. “I turn you on."
She smiled winsomely. “You do.” Then her smile became sensual. “But I'll bet everything I've got that I affect you in the same way."
"I won't deny it,” he said. “That's what I've been trying to show you. Annie.” He locked his hands behind her back and pulled her closer, closer. “I want everything you've got to give."
"Will you stop?” she squeaked, feeling herself beginning to drown in his smoldering blue eyes.
"Probably not,” he said, grinning. “So ... what are you going to do about it?"
Oh, Lordy, she thought. She was going to have to do some fast talking. How did she always get herself into such crazy predicaments? “The question is,” she said, “how did you get in here? And why?"
"That's two questions,�
� he pointed out. “I got in here on my own size elevens. And"-he raised one brow and leaned closer-"have you forgotten the why so quickly, my dear?” His mouth captured hers in a torrid kiss of breathtaking proportions. “That's why, Annie,” he murmured, rubbing noses with her and then kissing her forehead.
Completely disoriented, she kissed him back. “But you're not supposed to be here."
"I know, love, but I also knew I'd never make it through the day without holding you, kissing you."
"That's nice,” she said dreamily. She kissed him again, adoring the taste of him. “But you're not supposed to be here."
He led her back to the couch and sat her down. Smiling whimsically, he bent to give her one last kiss. It was a very long kiss, primarily because Ann continued to surge forward every time Jeffrey eased away.
"I'm leaving now, love,” he finally said.
She took a handful of his shirt and pulled him back. “Okay.” She kissed him again.
Coming up for air. Jeffrey took a deep breath and tried again. “I'm out of here now, Annie."
She nodded and nuzzled his neck.
Patiently unfolding her slender fingers from his shirt, he fought to catch his breath as well as his balance. “Annie love, I'll see you tonight."
And he was gone.
Afterward, Ann figured she had probably sat there for several minutes before she finally snapped out of her stupor. That man was like quicksilver, she thought dazedly. Now you see him, now you don't. And she was excited by every sparkling inch of him whether he was in person or only in her mind.
But was there a chance for a lasting relationship with Jeffrey Madison, the nature boy? she asked herself. He'd certainly enjoyed their day in the country. For that matter, so had she. But she knew he loved the country enough to live there. Didn't he rave about the pure air and uncluttered beauty on his mountaintop? And the peace and quiet?
She thought it sounded nice, too, but what if she moved there? Assuming Jeffrey asked her, of course. Even though it was a hypothetical question, she knew the answer-she'd be crazy inside of a week without the excitement and challenge of her career.