Jason turned to Beth when she returned with his coffee. The tip of her tongue slid across her lips and lust gripped him. She blushed a bright pink, and he smiled.
He wasn't happy that she still fired his blood. She'd used and betrayed him, but his need burned too hot to be silenced by the past. He couldn't fight the heat coursing through his veins. Maybe he didn't want to.
He wanted to give her a chance to turn away and moved slowly as he leaned forward to press his lips to hers. Then her sweet, soft lips met his, and she sighed. He wanted more than a taste and swept his tongue over her mouth and teased until she opened for him. He slipped his tongue in and tasted the earthy flavor of espresso mingled with the delicate sweetness of Beth.
She slid off her stool to step between his legs then wound her arms around his neck as she returned his kiss. Gone was the young girl who had been frightened by his caresses. In her place stood a desirable woman who met his passion with her own. He wanted her, wanted to touch and kiss every inch of her delectable body.
Jason skimmed his fingers up her arms. He grinned against her lips when she trembled. He pulled her close and pressed their bodies together. Then he sank into their kiss. Beth whimpered.
He rubbed his thumb over her lips. "I want to make love to you."
She turned her head and kissed the palm of his hand. "I want that too."
"I have no birth control." Jason pressed his forehead to hers.
"I am taking the pill to regulate my monthly."
"Thank God." He lifted her into his arms and walked towards the front of the house.
"Stop."
He froze, and his jaw dropped.
She giggled and waved her hand to the rear of the kitchen. "That way is faster."
He grinned and rushed to the back stairs. When he reached the top, they kissed until Jason pulled away to gasp for air.
"Which room?"
Her hand shook as she pointed to the bedroom across the hall.
Jason went to her room and stopped next to the bed. He lowered her legs, and she slid down his body and over his already stiff cock. Need threatened to consume him. He wanted to bury himself in her, again and again, until they fell into an exhausted sleep in each other's arms.
Beth reached around to the back of her dress and struggled with the zipper. With a huff, her arms fell to her side.
He grinned, "I'll do that."
She kissed his chin and turned.
Jason brushed his fingers across her bare shoulders until he reached the dress's zipper. He slid it down but stopped every few inches to tease her skin with a kiss or a lick or a suck. Then he lowered the zipper another inch until he reached the bottom.
Jason turned Beth. He tugged on the bodice and sucked in air when it fell to her waist. He stroked her satin smooth skin. She arched her back, and his hands slid down to fondle her breasts.
He took a step back, and she opened her eyes. With a smile, he slipped her dress past her waist and hips until it pooled at her feet. She stood in a white silk thong and nothing else. While he memorized every delectable inch of her body, his pants stretched tight over his cock.
Beth whispered, "Jason," and her lips nipped at his. She teased his mouth until he took control of their kiss. He drank in her passion the way a connoisseur sips a sixty-two-year-old Scotch whiskey.
Her nails dug into his arms, and her eyes closed as the passion built. He ran his hands over her skin, and she responded with eagerness. He wanted to lay her down and bury his cock deep, but he didn't want to rush. First, he intended to savor the sweetness he'd missed for nine long years.
Jason pulled off his shirt then wrapped his arms around Beth and lifted her until she cradled his cock in the vee of her thighs. When her breasts pressed to his chest, he shifted from side to side rasping her skin against his. He enjoyed the sensual torture but wanted more. He set her on the bed.
Beth lay back with one leg bent and opened herself to his gaze. His breath caught in his throat. She looked more luscious than Aphrodite in the painting he'd seen of the goddess waiting for her lover. Except this was Beth, and she waited for him.
With more enthusiasm than finesse, he pulled off the rest of his clothes. She watched him the way she had their first time together. He pushed his slacks down and released his cock. When she licked her lips, his shaft jerked as more blood flowed to it.
Jason's control weakened. He fisted his hands while need ran through him like hot lava. He climbed onto the bed and sprinkled light kisses on her eyes, nose, and cheeks.
Beth drew circles around his nipples.
He jerked back.
Her eyes widened. "Am I doing it wrong?"
"No." He swallowed in an effort to remove the gruffness from his voice. "I don't want you to call me the five-minute-man."
Beth's breasts bounced as she laughed.
He teased her lips until she moaned. Then he sucked on her bottom lip, pulled it between his teeth, and nipped at the plump tidbit. With a sweep of his tongue, he soothed the spot. When she moaned, his lips slid over her cheek to her ear. He circled the delicate flesh with his tongue and blew on the damp lobe. She whimpered, so he did it again.
Jason kissed his way down her neck until he reached the place where her pulse beat. He nibbled on the spot then glided his lips across her shoulders. He swept his hands over her skin until he could cup her breasts. With a smile, he suckled each breast and whirled his tongue across the nipples until the buds were tight.
With the tips of his fingers, he brushed his hand along her ribs. Then he tickled and teased her navel before he slid his tongue in circles around the delicate dimple. Beth writhed and clutched the sheet. He gave her only a moment to catch her breath and dropped a hand to stroke through the curls around her slit.
The glow on Beth's face when he swirled his fingers in her cream captivated him. With a slight twist, he dipped a finger into her sheath. She moaned. When he was certain she was ready, he slipped a second finger into her. She ground her softness against his hand. He used his thumb to circle her clit and heard the mewling sounds she made.
Jason's good intentions disappeared. He wanted to have her wrapped around him. He knelt over her and teased her with the tip of his cock. She arched her back, and he pressed on her hips to keep her still. "Let me do this."
After covering his shaft in her cream, he pushed into her one breath-stealing inch at a time. He rolled her nipples between his fingers and took her mouth in a deep, possessive kiss.
Beth turned her head and in a breathy moan she begged, "Please…."
"Patience. You're tight. I don't want to hurt you."
She inhaled and exhaled to relax her muscles. He buried his cock deep in her. Jason wanted to linger in the velvet softness wrapped around him, but the muscles of her vagina fluttered around his shaft. His control shattered.
His hips jerked as he stroked in and out until his body vibrated with anticipation. One thought consumed him. He needed the satisfaction his body demanded. Jason plunged and retreated. His hips moved fast and hard.
Beth dug her nails into his arms and lifted her hips to meet his thrusts. Her erratic gasps for breath and frantic moans let him know her orgasm was close.
Unsure how much longer he could hold out, he slid a hand to her clit and caressed it. Could such violent, intense loving kill a man?
Her pussy clenched. The walls of her vagina rippled over his cock and her cream flowed as she screamed, "Jason!"
His back bowed as he thrust—once, twice. The tension in his body built, and his orgasm erupted. Unaware of anything but his release, he shouted while pleasure rolled over him. He remained deep in her heat until he was empty.
Jason's arms trembled. If he didn't lie down, he'd fall. With a push, he rolled to Beth's side. He struggled to breathe, his heart pounded against his ribs, and his body shook. They lay together, arms and legs entwined. Beth ran her fingers over his chest. Now he knew why cats purred.
He fought to tame his thoughts and the emotions that threatened to overwhelm his heart. This had been more than sex; this had been making love. Her gentle touch, the warmth of her body, and the heat of her kisses would live in his heart long after he left Serenity Bay.
Beth tightened her arms around him and sighed.
He propped his head on his hand. "You appear to be thinking serious thoughts when you should be basking in afterglow."
"My thoughts aren't that serious, and I am basking."
"Good. I would hate to think I was unappreciated."
"Good grief!" Beth's hand flew to cover her mouth and a deep red swept over her cheeks.
"What's wrong?"
"Marco is outside in the limousine. By now he's figured out what we're doing." She tucked her face into his chest. "He'll think I hop into bed with every man I meet like Casanova."
Jason chuckled. "Casanova was a man."
"You know what I mean." She slapped at his chest, and his chuckles became full-blown laughter.
Beth's eyes narrowed. "This isn't funny."
"I sent Marco home."
"You planned to seduce me?" She shook her finger at him. "Do you bed every woman you feed? Is Marco accustomed to your trysts? How does he know when to return?"
"I call him."
"Well, isn't that convenient?" She spit out each word. "Am I another notch on your bedpost?"
"This is your bed."
She waved her hand. "Don't confuse me with facts. You can't charm your way out of this."
"Angel, calm yourself. I told Marco we wanted to talk. If you threw me out, I planned to walk or call him. The house I'm living in is a few miles down the road."
"Oh."
"Although it would be unkind of you to toss me out in the freezing cold."
"It's June."
Jason brushed his lips over her eyelids, nose, and ears. He nipped at her neck and shoulders. "I hope you found my amorous attention to your liking?"
"It was adequate." She grinned. "Although the memory has begun to fade."
"Adequate? Fading?" His voice rose in indignation, and he laid a hand over his heart. "You wound me."
She slipped her fingers across his chest. "I doubt that."
He leaned over her. "I will have to work harder to satisfy your desires. Unless I've worn you out?"
"Don't worry about me. I'm not even winded." She grinned. "My concern is for you. You're older now and don't have the stamina you possessed when you were younger."
Jason gave her his sexy grin, the one he'd practiced when he was seventeen. "Like a fine, aged cognac, now I am smoother and more potent."
Then he proved how good a lover he'd become. After the third time they'd made love, their bodies collapsed into a tangle of sweat covered arms and legs. She snuggled into his side and they fell asleep wrapped in each other's arms.
The next morning, Jason hummed as Beth's fingers played over his skin. He rolled to his side and pulled her close. When she whimpered, he frowned. "Did I hurt you?"
"No." She blushed a sweet shade of pink. "It's…I ache."
He leaned over her. "It's been a while since you've made love?"
She lifted a shoulder. "I guess."
He lifted her face. "How long?"
Beth stared at his chin. "The night you left Serenity Bay."
"What? That's not possible." He frowned. "You were married. I don't understand."
She glanced at the clock. Six o'clock.
"I don't have time to explain now, or I'll be late for work."
"But you'll tell me the next time we talk?"
She nodded.
"Promise?"
Beth said, "I promise."
Jason ran his fingers over her cheek. "I'm sorry you're sore."
"I enjoyed everything we did. But now I have to dress. If we hurry, I'll have time to take you home and get to work a few minutes early."
"You get ready for work. I'll call Marco. He's an early riser which means he's been up for hours and will annoy me with his cheerfulness. The drive home will be the perfect time for him to give me a lecture and warn me about leading the 'nice senora' astray."
Her brows drew together in a frown. "Do you regret what happened?"
"Never. Last night was perfect. My only regret is that I fell asleep."
Beth smiled, leaned over, and kissed him. It started as a light kiss, but soon it turned hot and needy. She pulled away. "I have to get ready for work."
"I know. Will you have dinner with me?"
"I work until six tonight. Abbey has appointments and has to start later than usual. Let's have dinner at six-thirty at the University Club."
"Shall I pick you up at work?"
"No, I'll drive my car."
"I'll call to reserve a table. You will show up, won't you?"
She gave him a guilty smile. "I'll be there."
"Good. Now get moving. I don't want to start something you can't finish."
"You are breathtaking." At the Club, Jason held her chair. She wore a silk dress in a midnight blue that hugged the curves of her body. But it was her smile that made him hard and want to spend another night, or several, with her wrapped in his arms.
"Sorry I'm late, but the rain made the road slippery." Beth waved her hand. "So, the Wizard of Wall Street was able to reserve the private dining room?"
"It was available."
"Hmm." She asked, "Is Marco outside practicing his Swedish?"
"No, I drove myself."
Her face turned a light pink. "Um—did he say anything about—last night?"
Jason laughed. "He did. I got an earful about being a bad influence. He said you are a delicate rose, and I should take better care of you."
"That's sweet."
"Sweet for you. It was me he accused of leading you astray."
They laughed until a throat cleared. The sommelier said, "Good evening, Miss Kingsley. Mr. Richards, the wine you requested is ready. May I serve it?"
Jason asked, "Would you like a glass of wine?"
"Yes. Please."
"We'll both have a glass," he told the sommelier.
He waited, tapping a finger on the table, while the man poured their wine. Beth appeared more relaxed than she'd been since the first day he saw her in the council chambers. Maybe she'd trust him enough to answer his questions.
"To old friends." He lifted his glass and clinked it with hers. A minute later, the waiter arrived to take their dinner order. After he left, Jason said, "Tell me about Delectable Delights. What made you open a coffee shop?"
"I graduated from college not knowing what to do with my life. I wanted to do more than spend my time running from one charity to another. Serenity Bay is a tourist town. In the summer our population triples and in the winter it doubles. I thought a restaurant sounded like a good business idea, but there were two problems. I had no experience in business, and my ability to cook was non-existent."
"What did you do?"
"After I inherited Nana's estate, her attorney agreed to work with me. I invited Stephen to dinner, and we talked about my idea. We discussed the steps I'd have to take to open and run a business. It boggled my mind. He suggested that I start with a smaller business. The restaurant became a coffee shop with desserts."
"You're fortunate to have had a good attorney to advise you."
She nodded. "Stephen helped me put together a business plan. He helped me to decide to buy a building rather than lease a shop. Then I found a building in a great location and hired a contractor who made the changes I wanted. While the contractor worked on the renovations, I interviewed and hired a team of employees. Three months later, Delectable Delights opened."
"It's not easy to start a business. Although, the girl I knew would have been excited about the challenge."
"You're right. It was fun converting an empty warehouse into a thriving business." She shrugged. "I like to win too."
After they had their salads, Jason asked, "When did you expand your menu and add catering?"
Beth chuckled. "Erik said he wanted to make food to 'nurture the souls of the masses.' That's when we added sandwiches and salads. A few months after we opened, customers were calling in special orders. Erik suggested the change, I ran the numbers, and we were catering."
"What about a personal life? It takes a lot of time and effort to run a business."
She stared at her folded her hands. "I love the shop and the people who work with me are my family. We get together for dinner at least once a week. I'm on the city council and volunteer at the shelter. I'm content."
Content. She was too young, too full of life, to settle for contentment. She'd fought her father to experience life not hide in an ivory tower, and she deserved more. A life filled with love and happiness had been her dream, so why had she settled for less?
He took a drink of his wine then carefully set the glass on the table. "Why did you change your mind about leaving town with me?"
Beth stared at her plate. "I made a life for myself in Serenity Bay. I love my shop, my home."
"You didn't have the shop or your home when you were eighteen. What happened after I left town? Your letter said I was a fling. Was I a fool the princess used to entertain herself?" His pride demanded the truth.
"I never considered you a fling or a fool." She looked at him. "Jason, we can't change what happened. You wanted to be friends; can't we do that without rehashing the past?"
His voice rose. "I deserve to know the truth. I thought you loved me. You made me believe we had a future together until the day I got your letter. I want to let the past go, but first I deserve answers."
She held her hand out in supplication. "Please, let it go. Remembering only makes the pain and anger worse."
"What pain? Anger over what?" He rubbed his forehead. "You hated playing the society debutant and wanted to escape the future your father planned for you. But when you could leave, you changed your mind. Why?"
She pleaded, "Please…"
His eyes narrowed. "Your letters and calls stopped. Then I got that last letter. I didn't want to believe I was a fling. But when I went to see you, you repeated every word."
"What do you mean the last letter? I sent several, but they came back stamped Moved."
"You know which letter. The one that told me my life was a lie. Your message was short but memorable." He stared at her, but she didn't look away. Then he spoke the words that destroyed his dreams. "You were never more than a fling I used to amuse myself."
She pressed her hand to her heart. "I never said that."
Jason stared at her with eyes as cold as ice. "I could never be serious about a hoodlum and the son of the town drunk. Don't come back. It would embarrass me to be seen with you. Elizabeth Marie Kingsley."
The color drained from Beth's face. Her fork fell and clanged on the plate. Her mouth opened and closed before opening again. "I would never have written such awful lies."
The anguish in her voice almost convinced him. "You did. That's what you said when I went to your house. You told me never to bother you again." He took a deep breath to control his anger. It didn't work. His body shook as he exhaled. "I did what you asked. I stayed away. Until I got your letter a few months ago."
"I didn't write to you." Her back straightened like the sharp edge of a butcher's knife. "What did that letter say?"
"It came to my office, addressed to Jason Fischer. It was short and succinct. Mr. Fischer: Serenity Bay has many secrets. If you want to uncover the truth, you should talk to Elizabeth Kingsley. It was unsigned."
"With no signature, why do you think I sent it?"
"The postmark was Serenity Bay. Who else knew Jason Fischer?" He rubbed his hand over his chin. "Why did you want me to return? What secret have you kept from me?"
Beth's fingers folded together, and her knuckles were white. "I have no secrets."
"We have been given another chance, but first we need to make peace with the past. I need to know why you changed your mind. Tell me what secrets you're hiding."
Beth pulled her napkin off her lap and twisted it. Tension snaked through him, and his muscles stretched taut. He didn't want to ruin the relationship they were building, but he'd never buried his ghosts if she didn't tell him the truth. "Beth, make me understand."
"If you wanted to understand, why didn't you read my letters? When I needed your help, you abandoned me. Now I'm supposed to beg for forgiveness for something I didn't do."
What is she talking about? He ran a hand through his hair. "What letters? Your letters stopped coming until I got your kiss-off."
"You won't believe anything I tell you." Beth couldn't take much more. "You don't trust me. I told you, I didn't write those awful letters. I loved you and wanted to spend my life with you, but you don't believe me. Do you?"
"If that's true, why did you send me away?"
"I did what I had to do." Her lips quivered, but anger overcame her fear. "What about you? I needed you, but you ran."
"What? I don't understand?"
"There's nothing to understand. You didn't want me." The pain of his betrayal slashed into her heart.
He waved his hand. "Nothing you've said makes any sense."
"I don't want to discuss this. It hurts too much." She pressed a hand to her mouth.
"I need to know the truth." Jason slapped his hand on the table. "Tell me what happened!"
She jumped to her feet. "Leave me alone!"
Beth ran. Outside, rain drizzled over her face. She shivered. Jason's anger and bitterness battered her heart. But if he knew what she'd done, he would hate her. That she would never survive.
She raced to her car and tumbled into the driver's seat. When she pulled out of the parking lot, her car swerved and the tires squealed. She swallowed a sob. Last night he'd been gentle and caring, but tonight there was no softness in him.
At work today, Beth had caught herself humming. It had been years since she'd felt so much hope for the future. She'd imagined Jason as her friend, lover, maybe more.
But his bitterness and relentless hunt for answers killed her hopes and did a death dance on her dreams. For eight long years, nightmares and memories haunted her. Every day she struggled under the weight of the anguish she endured for the sins she committed, but his contempt would kill her soul.
Beth blinked her eyes as she tried to see the road, but tears clouded her vision. Her chokehold on the steering wheel kept her hands from shaking—almost. It wasn't smart to drive while upset, but she couldn't take any more of his accusations. Should she leave town? Her shoulders drooped. Jason would still be here when she returned.
The day she'd sent Jason away, she'd cried, cursed, and bargained with the angels, but nothing changed what she'd had to do. She'd sent an explanation, but the letter came back, and so did every letter she sent after it. Shattered and with no hope, she'd folded under her parents' pressure.
As Beth drove into a sharp curve in the road, she glanced at the speedometer. In that moment of distraction, she lost control of the car. It fishtailed across the wet pavement. Her muscles stiffened, and she fought to stay on the road. She pulled on the steering wheel, but the car swung too far to the left. Her leg shook when she slammed on the brake.
The car skidded into the ditch. Her body strained against the seat belt as the car flipped once, twice before it crashed to a stop jerking her body. The airbag and seatbelt kept her from flying through the windshield, but her head bounced off the side window. Pain. The wail of a baby pierced the pain before her world went black.