The room darkened a little as sunset neared on the far end of the house, but candlelight created a stirring atmosphere as it danced in a gentle breeze created by the overhead fan on low speed. The music was soft and romantic. The fragrance of exotic flowers reminded both of the tropical adventure they had shared. Wine and enslaving passion coursed through their veins. Yet, all they did for a time was gaze at each other and give little caresses, as if basking in the glorious wonder of being reunited again. They waited in mounting suspense until desires intoxicated them and incited steamy actions.
Quentin shifted his position to slip a foot between her thighs. With gentleness and caution, he used it to caress the triangle of hair at her groin. Soon, its smooth edge began to rub against silken pleats and the tiny nub that guarded the center of her need. As if of their own volition, the delicate folds parted to give him easier access to the throbbing peak. His toe accepted the invitation to rove that pinnacle of smoldering allure. He knew from the flush on her cheeks and upper chest and dreamy glaze in her green eyes that she was enjoying his titillation, and so was he.
Rachel lapped a smooth leg over his hairy one and sent her foot on an exploratory mission to seek out his concealed treasures. Her probing toes made careful contact with the softened hair around his manhood. The bottom of her foot teased back and forth over the responsive organ that rapidly rose to the occasion as his grin broadened. Her mischievous toes playfully toyed with the sack beneath it. The dreamy smile on his face told her those actions were appreciated; the swelling of his organ told her they were enticing. A mixture of feelings consumed her when he halted his stirring caresses to come closer to knead her breasts and to suckle their points to hardness.
Quentin’s lips traveled up her neck and spread kisses over her face and ears before he fastened his starving mouth to hers. His tongue delved the tasty recess and delighted in her eager response. After many kisses he grasped her slippery body and lifted her to sit on the edge of the tub. His hands drifted down her rib cage and past her hips in deliberate leisure to stroke the inner surface of her bubble-splattered thighs. He rinsed the ivory suds from her womanhood, then made a trail of kisses from her knee to her groin.
Rachel leaned her head back and closed her eyes, absorbing the blissful sensations. His tongue and lips sent electrical shocks through her body as they worked their swift and rapturous magic. She quivered with anticipation when his fingers joined his task to give her immense pleasure. The tension built as her senses whirled faster than the agitated water. She moaned and writhed as she gave him free rein over her body and will. Soon, she could endure denial no longer and climaxed in a rush of splendor. Weak and shaky, she slid back into the water and embraced him, kissing and nibbling on his shoulder and neck as he fondled her breasts.
Rachel urged him backward and upward to the ledge and knelt between his legs, which she parted with her body. Her palms moved back and forth along the hairy terrain of his thighs. Her fingers tantalized, then firmly grasped his slick erection. They massaged the full length of the. turgid member as he groaned with satisfaction and from heightened desire. Candlelight flickered on the beads of water which trickled down their bodies; the fan attempted in vain to cool their sweltering heat. Her fingers circled the sensitive tip countless times and felt its smooth wet surface. Her hand encased the shaft and fondled its interior to a rock-hard state with a satiny exterior. Her head and mouth followed that same erotic path, as she flicked her tongue over the head, then closed her lips over it. She teased him with her tongue and fingers until he quivered and the arms bracing him on the tiled shelf trembled.
“You’re driving me crazy, woman; Lordy, that feels better than good.”
“Isn’t turnabout fair play in your rule book, Mr. Rawls?” she jested.
Quentin chuckled and said, “Yep, but this game is coming to an end fast.” He grasped her by the shoulders and changed their positions while he still had a little self-control left. Rachel turned and bent forward, hands propped on the tub edge and legs parted. He slipped his manhood within her and began to thrust rhythmically after taking a deep breath. As he did so, his hands closed around her breasts and massaged them, stimulating the buds between his thumb and forefinger on occasion. Soon, Quentin sent one hand to stroke the sensitive button at the core of her loins. He worked upon it until she was squirming again in rising hunger.
Rachel could hardly believe she was about to experience ecstasy for a second time in such a short while. Her heart pounded; her breathing was swift and ragged; her body was afire with the new flames he had ignited and was fanning with skill and speed. His loins ground and undulated against hers, her buttocks rubbing against his lower abdomen, as she coaxed him not to stop.
“Oh, Quentin, this is wonderful. Heavens, it feels so good.”
“Lordy, I enjoy making love to you, woman. Show me no mercy.”
“I won’t. Now,” Rachel told him when she felt her release starting, a different kind from the first one, but just as wonderful and staggering.
“Come with me, love,” he murmured as he pressed kisses to her wet back and plunged repeatedly into her moist depths until both were sated and their legs were quivering in splendid weakness.
When the gripping aftershocks faded, they sank into the cooling water and cuddled for a few minutes. Their gazes fused and they exchanged smiles of contentment and love for each other.
Quentin propped his head on the tub and sighed, “Whew! You get to me, Rachel Gaines. We’re well matched in every area.”
“You certainly know how to whet a woman’s appetite and feed it.”
“I’d be more than happy and willing to nourish you every day.”
“Maybe that can be arranged after you finish this season.”
Quentin looked at her and said, “I hope so, Rachel, I hope so.”
He looked and sounded so earnest that she could not doubt his claims or feelings, which matched her own. Let nothing and no one come between us, my beloved, for I must have you in my life until death.
As they bathed, she realized they had not used a condom, had not even thought about one in their urgent quest for each other.
The same realization struck Quentin and he apologized for his lapse. “I put one on the nightstand because I thought we’d bathe then head for the bed later. You got me so dazed and hot I couldn’t think clearly.”
“Nor could I. Since we’re both certain we’re no risk to each other, I’m sure it’s safe.”
“I swear I told you the truth about my past experiences and tests. There’s no doubt it’s better this way. Without the condom, the sensitivity and pleasure are greater. But I won’t forget again if you prefer to use one.”
“I don’t think it’s necessary since I can’t…get pregnant.” There, she had reminded him she could not give him a child. If that fact mattered to him, it did not show in his expression.
Quentin reached out his hand and caressed her cheek. “We can have a good life together without kids, so don’t worry about that. We can go and do whatever we please without a baby to control our schedule. I know from watching and listening to my friends and sister, children are a huge responsibility and it never ceases once they’re born. It would be hard on us to start a family at this point in our lives. That’s the truth, Rachel.”
“Thanks, Quentin, and I agree with you. Now let’s finish our bath and go downstairs to prepare something to eat.”
“Seems as if I’ve worked up an appetite, so that sounds good to me,” he jested as he lathered his body and she did the same.
Afterward, Rachel rinsed the tub and straightened the bathroom. She handed Quentin the empty glasses to take downstairs with him while she put away the candles, turned off the music system, and gathered the used linens into a pile. She pulled on shorts, a T-shirt, and sandals, then brushed her hair, touched up her makeup, and sprayed on fresh perfume. She was glad she had refurnished and redecorated the master suite after Daniel’s death to prevent any ghostly reminders of her days a
nd nights there with him. She had not removed everything that reflected his presence, though, and felt there was no need to do so for their daughters’ sakes. Yet, she was convinced now that Daniel Gaines was part of her past. She knew in her heart it would not appear traitorous to Karen and Evelyn to replace their lost father with a new love. In fact, the girls often encouraged her to find someone and remarry. When she next wrote to them, she would mention Quentin Rawls. She lifted the towels and washcloths and went to join the man who ruled her heart.
After eating roasted chicken, a garden salad, hot rolls, and leftover green beans, they watched television for a while and chatted until eleven when Quentin kissed her several times and left for his hotel.
Wednesday, the housekeeper cleaned and hummed while Rachel chatted on the phone with Becky and Jen, who were excited and pleased about the steady progress of their friend’s romance. Though Rachel was forthcoming about the many things she and Quentin had shared, certain intimate details she kept to herself.
Before dressing for her meeting with the library committee about the auction to be held on September third, Rachel checked with Martha to see if the woman needed anything. Martha had worked for her for twenty years, and they often talked about their families and problems; neither would ever breach the other’s confidence. “Do you think I’m being foolish to date a younger man and risk gossip?” Rachel was eager to hear the older woman’s opinion.
“You should follow your heart, Mrs. Gaines, and not listen to those old busybodies.” Martha’s words came from her heart. “They woulda had you married off to some doctor or lawyer or banker by now if they could run your business like they want, ‘specially that Mrs. Hollis. She’s a bitter pill if I ever saw one. Lordy me, some of them high society ladies are so snooty and finicky I couldn’t even work for them for more than a week.” Martha laid a hand on Rachel’s arm and patted it. “Don’t you go letting nothing they say or do change your mind if Mr. Rawls is the one who makes you happy. We both know good men are few and far between. If you love him, you take a chance with him. I’d be willing to say the Good Lord sent him into your life. Since he’s been here, you been smiling and singing more than I seen you do in years. That twinkle in your eye and that glow on your cheeks, they tells me all I need to know about you doing the right thing for yourself.”
“Thanks, Martha, that’s what I needed to hear.” She gave the woman a hug before going to dress for her one o’clock appointment.
Rachel wished her meeting had taken longer or she had run errands afterward so she would have missed the vexing call she received shortly after returning home. Hoping it was Quentin, she answered with a smile and a cheerful “Hello.”
“Rachel, this is Dorothy.”
Her smile vanished and she went on alert, as her mother-in-law wouldn’t phone without a motive she was certain to find irritating. “Hello, Mrs. Gaines. How is everyone?”
“Fine.” Then she minced no words and got straight to the point. “Janet Hollis called this morning to check on us and she mentioned you’re dating a young football player who’s visiting town. Richard and I were wondering if this matter is serious.”
“I beg your pardon?” Rachel murmured, deciding to play ignorant of the woman’s meaning.
“Janet said you two are seeing each other steadily; she said you even took him to church with you last Sunday. Is that true?”
Rachel knew, when someone took a date to church in the South, it was viewed in the same light as being introduced to one’s parents. “Yes, we attended church together; he’s a Baptist.”
“I see. Richard and I were wondering if this…relationship is serious and there’s a…strong chance you’ll be moving away from Augusta. If so, we wanted to know if you’re interested in selling Daniel’s stock in our candy company back to us. We certainly don’t want our son’s holdings falling into the hands of…an outsider, especially one who came to town with that Simmons…girl. I must say, I’m surprised at you, Rachel, for spending time with a man like that. But if he’s your…choice to replace Daniel, that’s your affair. We just don’t want it to give us problems with our business. I’m sure you grasp my meaning.”
Rachel caught the words Dorothy stressed after short pauses and her meaningful intonations. “If you’re referring to Quentin Rawls, Mrs. Gaines, yes, I have been seeing him. After the ARC class reunion, he asked me to show him around Augusta, and I agreed. We Southerners are known for our hospitality and good manners. We’ve become close friends, but our relationship has not progressed to the point you implied. Quentin is an enjoyable and interesting man, but he’ll be leaving town soon. As to my stock,” not Daniel’s, you hateful witch, “I haven’t given any thought to selling it. I’m sure you know that it’s doing extremely well right now and I have no doubts it will continue to do so with the skilled way your husband and son-inlaws are running the company. It’s my firm belief that Daniel would want his shares to go to his children and grandchildren to give them financial security, so I plan to hold on to them for that purpose. I will ask the girls to give you first option to purchase their shares if they ever decide to sell them.”
“I see. Well, we do appreciate you selling that land and some of those rental properties back to us in March. We would have hated to have a stranger owning property in the midst of our holdings.”
“It seemed the right thing to do and you paid fair market prices. As I told you, I needed the cash to help the children with their trips and now I plan to help Karen set up her medical practice when she returns home.”
“That’s nice. Well, if you have a change of heart, I do hope you’ll phone us. Good-bye, Rachel.”
“Good-bye, Mrs. Gaines. Say hello to Richard and the others for me.”
After the call was terminated, Rachel muttered, “You didn’t even ask how I was doing or anything about the girls. You’re so selfish and spiteful and nosy.”
Martha asked from behind her, “Is there a problem, Mrs. Gaines?”
Rachel related details of the call from her mother-in-law. “She’s never going to accept me, Martha, or forgive me for marrying her only son. She still behaves as if I’m to blame for his death and for not bearing a grandson to replace him. She can be so cruel and cold.”
“Don’t you go letting her upset you. One day the Lord will deal with her and the rest of her kind. You just do what makes you happy.”
“Quentin makes me happy,” she confessed. “I just hope things work out for us, but I can’t imagine moving to Texas with him and leaving my. children, friends, and you behind.”
“Don’t you worry none about us; we’ll be fine. So will you, Mrs. Rachel,” the genial housekeeper added, as if changing her name for her.
“You’re one of the kindest people I know, Martha. I love you and appreciate everything you’ve done for me over the years.”
“I love you, too, Mrs. Rachel. Now, you hustle yourself upstairs and take a long bath to relax you before Mr. Rawls comes calling tonight. I’ll make you a nice cup of hot tea to soothe them nerves and bring it up soon.”
“Thanks, Martha; you’re wonderful.”
Rachel greeted Quentin with a stimulating embrace and long, sensuous kiss.
As he held her in his arms and nuzzled her neck, he murmured, “I like this kind of welcome; I could get used to it as a daily occurrence fast.”
Rachel decided not to spoil their evening by relating her talk with Dorothy Gaines; later she would explain matters, but not tonight. “So could I, Quentin; I love seeing you every day.”
He thought it best not to pressure her about a commitment at the moment, so he forced his words to skirt the topic. “Carrie phoned today. She’s getting married next Sunday. I told her we’re seeing each other and having a wonderful time.”
“I’m happy for her. It seems as if her trip here was successful. Right?”
As his blue gaze adored her and his fingers stroked her cheek, he said, “It was, but I didn’t ask any personal questions.”
“How d
id she know you were still in town?”
“She called my agent, told him who she was and that she needed to reach me, so Derek gave her my number.”
“Was she surprised to learn about us?”
He grinned and shook his head. “Not really, not after the interest I showed in you at the reunion and how many questions I asked about you afterward.”
“Did you confess we’d met long ago?”
“I saw no reason not to since you told others about it. Was that okay?”
Rachel’s fingers toyed with his shirt collar but her gaze stayed locked with his. “That’s fine; in fact, it’s best that we’re old friends.”
“How so?”
“That explains to others how we got so close so fast this time.”
“Are other people asking questions about us?”
“They will soon. We are practically inseparable.”
“I hope we’ll become totally inseparable by the end of January, but we’ll discuss that later, and before I leave town.”
Rachel hugged him as her response. “I have a roast and vegetables in the crockpot. How about if we eat early tonight?”
“Suits me; I ate an early lunch, so I’m ready. What can I do to help?”
They prepared dinner together as they talked, laughed, and teased each other with stolen touches and smoldering gazes. After they ate and cleaned up the kitchen, they went outside for a stroll in the backyard. The moon was almost full and spread golden light around the landscaped area where flowers bloomed and gave off heady scents, as did freshly mowed grass. They walked to the gazebo and sat down on its bench. Light, natural and artificial, filtered through the designs in the latticework and played across their faces and bodies; it also reflected off the pool’s surface. Water trickled in the fountain nearby, creating lovely and tranquilizing sounds. A gentle breeze wafted over them, the July night cooler than normal. Even the familiar heavy humidity was lower tonight and made the air less oppressive. It was as if they were in a secluded haven.
Anything For Love Page 19