Love With A Stranger (24 page)

Pawns, knights, rooks, bishops, and queens were used to guard their vital kings as the contest continued. Conquered pieces were placed in neat lines along the sides of the imprinted board, hers on one and his on the other, but his row was shorter by three “men.”

Eventually, Jason made a playful scowl and accused, “Methinks you’re trying to lure me into a trap, Cassandra. Desperate for my remaining knight and then my king, are you? Hmm, what shall I do to protect them?”

“So, it’s Cassandra now, is it? Does that mean you’re worried about losing your challenge?”

“What’s that old saying about it not being over until the fat lady sings? In this case, until my king is captured, and I still have him.”

“Not for long, I’m afraid,” she murmured as she took her next turn. Her mirthful gaze met his and she said, “Check.”

Jason studied the setup and tried to think of a way to thwart her sly ploy, but realized he couldn’t move to defend his king. He looked at Cass and jested, “Well, Fat Lady, you can sing now.”

“Checkmate,” she said, unable to suppress a grin of pleasure. “I win, so that means you owe me…What was the bet, dinner and slave labor.”

“Does tonight count as payment?”

“Nope, because we made these plans before the game.”

“All right, I’ll pay my debt next weekend, same time and same place.”

“Suits me; my calendar is blank on that date.”

“Since tonight doesn’t count, you can help me in the kitchen. I’ll marinate the steaks while you get the potatoes ready to bake. We’ll set the table and do the salad and rolls while we’re waiting to start the grill.”

Cass liked the idea of working together. “Let’s go; I’m game.”

“The last time you said that I made a foolish wager with you.”

“Relax, Doc, it was an innocent statement this time. Besides, I can’t imagine you ever acting by foolhardy.”

I could act impulsive over you, woman, if I’m not careful.
“Oh, I’ve been impetuous a few times in my life.”

“So have I. Hasn’t everyone?”

“Yep, human nature, I suppose. Let’s get cooking.”

As they worked in the kitchen, they laughed and talked easily. They seemed totally relaxed with each other yet the sexual
tension was mutual…and increasing. While fetching items or passing them along, their hands, bodies, and gazes often touched.

As Cass turned to tell him the potatoes were scrubbed and wrapped in foil and ready for the oven, he turned to take them from her. Instead, their eyes met for a long, meaning-filled moment and they found themselves in each other’s arms, kissing hungrily as their eager hands caressed and stroked the places they’d ached to touch.

As Jason spread kisses over her face and neck, he murmured in a husky tone, “I want you so badly, Cass. You’ve been driving me crazy since the first time we met.”

Cass knew her response and reaction would determine what he did next, what they did soon. Could she, should she, surrender to him, to her own desires was she ready to trust him with her heart? Once she did, there would be no turning back.

Cass’s unspoken answer came from the depths of her heart and soul where there existed an intense need to be held, kissed, comforted, cherished, and made to feel whole and clean again. And yes, she would admit to herself later, she also yielded to pure lust for Jason Burkman.

Jason took her heated response as permission and encouragement and he pulled her even closer. Supreme anticipation surged through him as his fantasy edged toward reality. He wanted to make her his, now and forever. With skill and eagerness, he set out to obtain his precious goal.

Locked in each other’s embrace, Cass and Jason almost danced their way to the den sofa in time to the romantic song playing on the music system there.

As they were starting to recline on the sofa and were parted slightly for a moment, Jason whipped off his shirt and tossed it to the floor, then kissed her again. His elated spirits soared; his happy heart sang; his loins pulsed from a bittersweet ache. After a short time, his fingers pushed up her tee top, unfastened her front-closure bra, and freed her breasts from confinement.
As one hand stroked her cheek and hair, the other caressed her bosom, and he took intense pleasure in feeling her nipples grow to taut peaks. He kissed a path down her throat to lick and suckle upon both breasts.

As he tantalized her senses, Cass’s hands roved his strong back and journeyed through his thick tawny hair. It felt wild and wonderful when he teethed her nipples and swirled them with his hot tongue. She shifted slightly to help him when he parted her skirt panels and was wriggling off her lace-and-satin panties. She moaned and writhed when his fingers touched her bare, wet flesh. As the emotions she had kept constrained and guarded after Brad’s betrayal, during her dating years after her divorce, and even during her marriage to Tom—as if she had known deep inside it wasn’t true love—broke free and surged forth in a deluge of fiery passion, she gasped in sheer rapture.

Even if what she was doing was wrong and her wits were crystal clear, she couldn’t have prevented herself from responding, from sating her hungers, from assuaging the longing within her. She never stopped to consider what Jason would think about her for her unbridled behavior.

Jason shucked off his shorts, grateful for the compliant elastic waist and the attached briefs which made underwear unnecessary. He inhaled and groaned in delight when Cass’s hand enclosed his erection and fondled it, though her movements were a little restricted by their positions and a lack of sufficient space on the couch.

Together they titillated each other until both were murmuring their need aloud, Cass parted her thighs wider as Jason’s hips sank between them and he slid into her welcoming body.

What began as hot, fast, uncontrollable, and urgent sex became slow, tender, deliberate, and gentle lovemaking, a bonding of souls, a sharing of needs, an entwining of hearts, and a revelation of mutual attraction and deep affection. It stayed that way for timeless moments, then it waxed ardent and swift
again. They shifted positions so Cass straddled his lap and his penetration was deeper and snugger.

Jason unbuttoned and removed her skirt and peeled the tee top over her head as she lifted her arms, leaving them both completely naked. As she rode him, his mouth, tongue, and teeth worked on her breasts and his hands clasped her hips to help control his thrusts as he undulated his own.

With her eyes closed and while absorbing every sensation, Cass rested her rosy cheek atop his head as her questing fingers traveled his face, ears, throat, and shoulders as if mentally mapping those features. As she rocked to and fro or moved up and down, she felt every movement flash like splendid lightning through her, building a sweet tension she savored and stoked. She rode him faster, taking all of him inside her. When her climax came, it was potent and long and almost breath-stealing. She moaned in the throes of ecstasy and urged, “Don’t stop, Jason. Oh…Oh…Heavens above, you’re marvelous, and I need this so much.”

“Take it all, Cass, my beautiful angel.”

“You’re driving me wild, Jason.”

His heart pounded in love and joy; his mind soared in pride at being able to give her such enormous satisfaction. “Mercy, woman, this is so good I can hardly control myself. I’ve wanted you for so long.”

“Come now, Jason; take me; take me. Don’t wait any longer.”

Not until Cass untensed and sighed dreamily—despite her permission and encouragement—did Jason roll them to lie flat on the sofa with him atop her and driving ardently into her until he also achieved a potent and rapturous release. He could hardly breathe from his exertions, but he kept kissing her anyway and groaning deep within his throat as he did so and until after every spasm ceased. Not wanting to put his full weight upon her or break their connection, he wiggled them to their
sides and kept her nestled in his embrace as he kissed her forehead and hair.

Cass relished the feel of his naked body pressed against hers, and she listened to his breathing as it sought to return to a normal rate, as did hers. She was fulfilled and aglow, almost euphoric from the experience. Sex had never been this spontaneous, this splendid, this intoxicating, this powerful with either Brad or Tom.

Then reality returned: Cass could hardly believe what she had done six weeks after her husband’s death. Yet, strangely, she wasn’t sorry she had surrendered, unless it gave Jason a bad impression of her. It certainly didn’t appear to have done so. A woman could tell a lot about a man by the way he made love to her, by what he said and did during and after sex, and by how he treated her in the ensuing days and weeks and months. Now that she had made love to Jason Burkman, she felt as if she should have guessed something was wrong in the past when Brad and Tom had made love
at
her more than
to
her. Perhaps this sensual episode would help her determine if a promising relationship was in store for them in the future or if his interest in her was merely sexual; surely it was best for her to make that discovery before she fell hopelessly and madly in love with him and learned too late he, too, was a cunning and selfish stranger. She took a deep breath.

Jason heard her heavy sigh and felt her body tense. “Cass? Are you upset or angry with me because of what happened between us? Did I spoil our friendship?”

She shook her head and admitted, “No, Jason, I’m only or a little embarrassed. I don’t know what came over me and I wish it hadn’t happened this soon, but I enjoyed it.” She saw him smile and exhale, as if with great relief and joy.

Her answer and expression calmed his agitation, and her words gave him renewed hope. “I sort of lost my head, too, but it was wonderful. I guess we both were in great need of some TLC. I care deeply for you and I want us to keep seeing
each other. I realize it is too soon for you to think about starting a new relationship, and I didn’t invite you over here to seduce you. I wouldn’t do anything to intentionally hurt you, Cass, I swear it. If you’re willing to give me a chance, we’ll go slow and easy; I promise.”

“I have great respect and deep affection for you, Jason, and I do enjoy spending time with you, but this is too soon to begin dating, despite what just happened between us; and don’t worry, it was a mutual decision. We can continue to see each other, but for the time being, let’s just work on strengthening our friendship.”

“That sounds good to me, Cass, because you’re very special to me.”

She smiled and quipped, “In that case, you won’t mind if I use your shower before I get dressed and we start working on dinner again. We did get sidetracked.” Cass felt new heat blaze within her as he smiled, kissed her forehead, and spoke in a husky voice.

“Take your choice; all of them are clean and stocked.”

“Thanks. I’ll used the one near the pool and return soon.” Cass got off the sofa, retrieved her clothes and purse, and left the den.

Jason’s appreciative gaze roamed her nude backside as she departed in a graceful walk. After she closed the bathroom door, he rolled off the couch, snatched up his clothes, and took the flight of stairs two steps at a time in a state of euphoria. He knew his interest in Cass was more than a physical one; it also was emotional and spiritual. As he took a quick shower and groomed himself, he hoped and prayed she wouldn’t panic and flee before he rejoined her.

Jason returned to the den before Cass did and, with haste, used a wet cloth to wipe off signs of their lovemaking session from the leather sofa. He hurried into the laundry room near the kitchen and draped the cloth over the washing machine, removing any intimate evidence that could embarrass her. He
went to the terrace and lit the gas grill, relieved when he heard sounds in the bathroom as he passed through the lanai. He unwrapped the foiled potatoes and placed them in the microwave, since the oven would cook them too slowly. He enclosed the rolls in paper towel for heating them later, then went to work chopping the salad.

Cass walked into the room and gave Jason a reassuring smile when he looked over at her, to which he responded in like kind. After his gaze returned to his task, she glanced around the kitchen. “My goodness, either you’ve been rushing like crazy or I’ve been terribly sluggish.”

“I figured you must be starving by now. You want a Coke or 7-UP?”

“What would you like? I’ll fix them.”

“I like Coke with my steak, especially since I can’t prepare tea worth a darn and I hate that instant stuff. I warned you I’m no chef.”

“I’ll have to teach you how to make tea one day.”

“Thanks, I’d appreciate the lesson.”
Any lesson from you.

After Cass had the beverages ready, she arranged the dishes, utensils, and napkins Jason had put out earlier, as placemats already were on the table. She added the condiments, then suggested, “Why don’t I finish the salad while you grill the steaks? I bet you’re hungry by now, and I’m eager to taste your specialty.”
Your other specialty, since I’ve already sampled the best treat you have to offer, and I look forward to seconds, and thirds and fourths and fifths.

“Is that what I told you?”

“No, but I assume it is since that’s the main course. Doesn’t everyone cook his or her best meal for company?” she jested as she nudged him aside with her hip and took his place at the island.

“You’re a clever and perceptive woman, Cassandra Grantham. What are you going to make as my rain check for last night?”

“That’s a surprise, so you’ll just have to wait and see. Don’t forget, you owe me another meal for winning our chess game.”

“I won’t forget; I promise. When you finish the salad, come outside and talk to me while I grill the steaks. How do you like yours cooked?”

“Medium-rare, pink, but no blood, and I’ll join you shortly.” Cass watched him get the meat-laden tray from the refrigerator and tongs from a drawer, smile at her, and leave the room. She was glad the feeling between them was relaxed, and both were ignoring their romantic interlude. Yet, as she chopped the remaining vegetables, she couldn’t stop thinking about the delicious ecstasy she had experienced and savored in his arms, and she already yearned for another taste of it.
Heaven, help me, Doc, but you could make a sex fiend out of me in two seconds flat!

She joined him outside and watched him for a while in silence.

“Cass, there’s something I have to tell you,” Jason murmured, though he didn’t want to spoil the tender moment. “I’m sorry I acted so impulsively and didn’t put on a condom. No woman has ever affected me like you just did. I hope there won’t be a problem from not using protection.”

Cass was touched by his concern and delighted by her effect on him. With her gaze averted from his, she said, “I’m still on birth control pills, Jason, so there shouldn’t be a complication. I was so accustomed to taking one every day and my mind’s been consumed by so many other thoughts that I didn’t think about no longer needing them.”

After he turned the steaks and glanced at her, she added, “If you’re worried about…medical problems, I had those tests done during my recent gynecological exam, and all of the results were negative.”

“I’m a safe partner, too.” He looked at his watch to check the cooking schedule, then queried, “May I ask why you had a second series of tests done with your gynecologist? Was there
a particular reason why you thought it necessary to repeat them?”

Cass looked at him in confusion. “What do you mean? I only had one series done.”

“Does that mean you didn’t know Doctor Hines included all of the STDs and an AIDS test in his bloodwork while he was treating you?” He watched her gaze widen in astonishment and she nodded. “I saw them listed when he sent me a copy of your records.” Jason didn’t explain that he had requested them to see what Hines had charted about her medication and diagnosis, both of which factors he was still suspicious. Yet, he had no proof of mistreatment or drug overdosage upon which to base accusations against Hines. “I knew we were both infection free, but I should have considered birth control. I behaved like an irresponsible teenager. I’m sorry, and I’m glad you remained on the Pill.”

Cass nodded appreciation of his apology and sensitivity, then, curious and puzzled, asked Jason, “I vaguely remember Doctor Hines taking blood samples, but I was pretty much out of it at that point, so I don’t know why he ordered those kinds of tests. Is that normal?”

“Sometimes, particularly when a physician wants to rule out all possibilities for an illness or certain symptoms.” Jason reasoned that they weren’t necessary in her case, but didn’t reveal that to her at this time because he didn’t want her questioning Hines and putting the man on alert. If something sinister had occurred, he didn’t want to risk endangering Cass again by panicking Hines and/or Peter. “Is it routine for your gynecologist to include them in a complete examination?”

“I don’t know; that was my first visit with her, but it wasn’t true for my old gynecologist; at least, I don’t think so. I requested them on the second because Tom was traveling a great deal by himself during his last six months and it seemed he almost sneaked that model into town on his final trip, so I was concerned about his fidelity. I’ve already gotten the results
and they were all negative, so I embarrassed myself for nothing.”