Chapter Nine

By the next morning she’d put the evening in perspective. Mitch was sharing her cabin. And he had agreed to go on a hike today. That was all.

The thought of his kissing her had been a figment of her imagination. She’d ignore her flight of fancy and concentrate on why she’d come to the resort—to figure out what the next step should be. While they were both here, she should bring up the matter of a divorce. They could discuss it like rational adults.

But the thought of actually having a conversation that would end her marriage for all time almost made her sick. She’d wanted so much from their marriage and hated the fact nothing had turned out the way she’d dreamed. Stalling didn’t change things, but it gave her some kind of hope. Foolish that it might prove to be.

Maybe one day she’d meet another man to fall in love with, but she couldn’t imagine it right now.

How would she ever forget Mitch?

He was not in the living room when she went downstairs. She saw no sign of him and wished she’d noticed if his bedroom door was shut. Was it possible he hadn’t awakened yet?

She prepared coffee and herbal tea then began making French toast. It was quick and easy to prepare. To her surprise, the back door opened just as she placed the first egg-drenched piece of bread in the pan.

“Good morning,” Mitch said, closing the door behind him. He carried his computer in his left hand.

“Hi, you’re up and out early.”

She turned her attention to the cooking bread, trying to ignore how her heart had leaped when he walked in. Her hand shook a bit and she pressed her lips together tightly. She was not getting any ideas about their relationship.

“I jotted some notes after you went to bed last night and then wanted to send them to my secretary so she can get working on it today.”

“You’ve been to the lodge already?”

He nodded. “Clearing the decks, so to speak. I’m ready for that hike now.”

“Good.”

The glow of happiness that spread was not to be ignored, though Audra tried. She felt like a kid in a candy shop—she’d have Mitch to herself for hours.

He placed the computer on the table and walked over to stand beside her. Too close. Audra wanted to say something, but remained silent, trying to concentrate on the bread browning in the pan and not notice how her entire body seemed to be attuned to his.

She longed to turn around and talk to him, find out every drop of information she could about what he’d been doing over the last six months. Find out more about the accident. Get him to talk so she could listen to his voice. She’d missed him so much.

“Audra.”

She turned and bumped into him. Reaching out, she steadied herself. His warmth enveloped her. She could feel the hard muscles beneath her fingertips. Her gaze caught with his and endless minutes seemed to pulse by. When she dropped her gaze to his mouth, she felt her heart accelerate out of control.

Slowly he lowered his head and kissed her. His lips were warm, gentle and oh so familiar.

It was brief—too brief, Audra thought wildly when he raised his head.

Her gaze locked with his.

“I’ve been wanting to do that since I first saw you,” he said, still only inches away. His breath fanned across her heated cheeks. “That first kiss wasn’t what I wanted. I was furious with you and took it out in the kiss.”

Licking her lips nervously, she tried to smile, but her face muscles didn’t seem to work.

“Yes, I know. This kiss was nice. I wouldn’t mind another one.”

Mitch gathered her against him and covered her mouth with his. This kiss was not warm and gentle, but hot and wild.

The earth seemed to spin, blood pounded in her veins, and the heat mingled and melded and seemed to pour fire through her. She could feel the plaster cast like an iron bar against her back, the rock hardness of his chest against her breasts and swollen belly. His hair was thick and surprisingly silky as her fingers tangled in it.

He tasted like coffee and fresh air and Mitch. She had never felt quite like this. It was glorious. If it could only—

The baby kicked.

They broke apart, Mitch’s gaze dropped to her stomach.

“Well, I guess he made his feelings known,” he said then laughed. “Was I holding you too tightly?”

Rubbing the rippling as the baby seemed to turn over, she shook her head.

“No. He’s just active about this time of morning.”

Slowly Mitch reached out his good hand and covered the mound. Audra laced her fingers through his as her palm covered the back of his hand and moved it slightly to where the baby was stretching. For long moments they didn’t move, just shared the moment as their child shifted.

Smoke wafted by.

“Oh, no. The toast!”

Quickly Audra turned to the pan. The two slices of French toast smoked heavily. She scooped them out and dumped them on a plate. They were as black as charcoal.

“Darn it! I wasn’t paying attention.”

“It’s not as if we’re on a schedule, right?” Mitch said moving away. “I’ll put the computer away and be back in a few minutes.”

He hesitated by the door. “Do you have enough for two?”

When she smiled and nodded, he left quickly.

He had to get away before he did something foolish like swing her up in his arms and take her upstairs to bed. And that was the last thing she’d want.

He deposited his laptop on the sofa and went to stand on the front porch. It was still chilly, so maybe the crisp air would cool him down. Leaning against the porch support, he crossed his arms. He hadn’t felt that strong sexual attraction around anyone except Audra. Despite their months apart, despite knowing he hadn’t been able to keep his wife, he still wanted her.

He wanted to see the passion in her eyes from their kisses, from his touching her everywhere. Yearned to discover all the changes in her body, to explore the altered shape until he was as familiar with her now as he had been when they lived together.

He wanted to make love to his wife.

Taking a deep breath, he gazed off at the lake. Maybe a quick run around the perimeter was needed. Followed by a plunge into the icy lake water.

Yeah and miss their hike?

No way. He was looking forward to the walk. The woods were pretty, the air crisp and clear. Since he hadn’t had a vacation in years, it wouldn’t hurt to try to relax as his doctor and Thomas had so convincingly pointed out.

“Breakfast is ready.”

He spun around. She stood in the doorway, a wary expression around her eyes.

He tried to smile. How did a man go about looking harmless? Especially when just the sight of her had him thinking things she’d be shocked to know. Like how he wanted to brush his fingers through her short hair and kiss her again. How he longed to nibble the slender column of her neck. Or how his palms itched to feel the weight of her breasts, the roundness of her stomach.

“Then let’s eat.” He’d put all those thoughts firmly away—at least until he was alone and could give full rein to the fantasy of the two of them together.

It was after nine when they left the cottage. Taking the narrow trail leading from behind the cabin, they were soon enclosed in a world of green. The trees met overhead several times, shading the trail completely. Small patches of weeds grew along the cleared path. Birds trilled in the branches, sunlight dappled the path and the air was hushed and still cool. In spots the path was narrow and they went single file. When they stepped into a meadow they walked side by side.

Audra gazed around eagerly.

“Isn’t it lovely?” she said. “If it were later, we could have our picnic here.”

Mitch stopped her, his hand on her shoulder. “Look,” he said softly, pointing to the far side. Three deer grazed.

“Oh.”

She didn’t move, studying the scene with delight. Closing her eyes, she tried to imprint everything on her mind so she’d never forget. The weight of Mitch’s hand, the warmth of the sun, the scent of the air and the tranquillity of the meadow.

Opening her eyes she smiled. “They’re so sweet.”

“Um,” he said. “Ready to go?”

“Don’t you want to watch them?”

“We saw them, maybe we’ll see something else.”

With a lingering look at the deer, Audra nodded and began walking again. Their movement startled the deer and in less than a second they’d disappeared into the trees. The rustle of underbrush the only sound of their passing.

“You must be paying more attention than I am,” Audra commented as they ambled across the meadow. “I wouldn’t have seen them if you hadn’t pointed them out.”

“Comes from paying close attention to juries. I want to make sure they’re on my wavelength when arguing a case. It also helps that when Thomas and I were younger, we spent a lot of time outdoors, playing pirates or cowboys and Indians.”

“I can’t imagine you doing that. Thomas, maybe, but not you.”

“And why not? I was a great pirate.”

Audra laughed.

Mitch stopped and swung her around, capturing her in his arms.

“I always found the treasure. But that was kids’ stuff. Now I’m older and I know what pirates really wanted.”

Pressed against him from thigh to breast, Audra knew what pirates wanted, too. The same thing she wanted.

Astonished at her thoughts, she pushed back. She’d shock him if he ever suspected where her imagination was leading. She was certainly not in the proper shape to be attractive. Already feeling like a pumpkin, she knew she’d only get worse during the final weeks.

“Dazzling damsels who would lure them away from their pirate ships?” she asked, catching her breath.

Laughter danced in Mitch’s eyes. For the first time since she could remember he looked completely relaxed. The hike had been perfect for loosening him up and helping him unwind.

“You’re dazzling,” he said, reaching to clasp her hand in his and starting to walk again.

“Hardly.”

But her heart skipped another beat.

By the time they stopped, they’d crested a small knoll and discovered a great view of the lake. Audra was breathing hard yet felt exhilarated. She was no more tired than normal and, except for the last stretch, which had been fairly steep and rock strewn, the hike had been easy.

“I’m ready to stop, how about you?” Mitch asked with a sideways glance at her.

“Yes, and I’m starving. Lunch now?”

“Good idea.”

He took off the backpack and looked around for a flat area without rocks. “Here?” he asked a minute later. Audra nodded and before long they were sitting on the large old blanket, eating and gazing at the view.

A slight breeze had her hair dancing, it felt good against her overheated skin. She’d shed her sweater on the last stretch and liked the warmth of the sun on her arms.

Mitch watched her as she nibbled on the sandwich. She was beautiful. She always had been. How had he forgotten? Her eyes seemed to constantly sparkle with enthusiasm and joy. Her skin looked inviting, begging him to touch. Her mouth—he looked away, thinking how much he wanted to kiss her again. He balled the remains of his sandwich in the plastic and tossed it back into the backpack. He didn’t want any more to eat. He wanted Audra.

Wanted to let his lips and tongue relearn every secret she held. Feel the warmth from her body pour into his. Taste her, touch her, lose himself in her.

He leaned back, gazing at the view, exquisitely conscious of the woman beside him.

“For a pirate, you’re awfully quiet,” she teased, repacking the remains of lunch and offering him a bottle of water.

He took it and sat up to drink deeply then handing the empty bottle back. She smiled uncertainly.

It released the last constraint. Slowly, giving her time to refuse if she wished, he leaned forward until his mouth hovered scant millimeters from her own.

“Audra,” he said softly, closing the distance and covering her lips with his.

She was warm and sweet and very willing. As he followed her down until they were laying on the blanket, he never broke contact, his mouth opening to find the enchantment in hers.

Audra could scarcely breathe. She hadn’t expected this, though in the fleeting seconds of rational thought remaining, she knew instinctively this is what she wanted.

Encircling Mitch’s neck, she delighted in the feel of his body pressing against hers, delighted in the sensations that exploded. His lips moved and she answered. His embrace tightened and she responded.

Her blood heated, rushed through her veins. The kaleidoscope of colors behind her lids added to the mesmerizing spell his touch wrought.

Endless moments slipped by, but Audra didn’t count them. She kissed him back, letting her fingers relearn the texture of his hair, the steely strength of his muscles, the heat of his skin. Her fingers tingled, her body seemed unable to contain a myriad of sensations that struggled for dominance—heat, and desire, and love.

Mitch felt a wave of dizziness. Was it intoxication with Audra? Her scent filled him, her touch set him on fire. Her taste was so familiar, causing feelings and emotions to whirl without stop.

He opened his eyes, frowning as the dizziness didn’t diminish.

Softly he groaned, clenched his teeth.

“Mitch?”

She opened her eyes and gazed up at him, looking more beautiful than a man could stand.

“Blast it,” he said softly, closing his eyes and rolling to his side as the world spun around him.

She rose up on one elbow, her expression concerned.

“Are you all right?” A hint of panic touched her voice.

“Dizzy spell again,” he bit out.

He hated this weakness. How much longer would they come?

“Can I do something? Get you something? Want some water?”

“I’ll be fine once it passes.”

“It’s the first one today, isn’t it?” she asked softly, her fingers brushing across his forehead.

Mitch wanted to capture her hand, bring it to his lips, lace his fingers through hers and hold hands. But it reminded him of the weakness. He couldn’t even kiss his wife without repercussions from the accident.

The dizzy spells were affecting his common sense. He was not the hand-holding type.

“First one today,” he confirmed.

“They’re not as frequent as before then. Maybe they’ll stop altogether soon,” she said soothingly. “Maybe you should see a doctor again to make sure.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“I’m worried about you,”

“Don’t be. This is only temporary.”

She was quiet and he rolled his head to the left squinting through one eye to see her.

“Don’t frown, you’ll get wrinkles,” he said, noting her worried expression. Despite all her animosity toward him, toward the situation he’d created, she still worried about him. A strange feeling settled around his heart.

“We’ll wait until you feel completely better before heading back,” she said practically, sitting up and running her fingers through her short hair.

“Didn’t you say earlier there were caves around here?” Mitch asked, hating being less than one hundred percent—especially around Audra.

If he couldn’t have her respect and regard, he sure didn’t want her pity. His hands still felt the satiny texture of her skin, the weight of her breast, changed due to the pregnancy. He wanted more.

“Yes, a bit farther on, I think. Safe ones, the brochure said, not too deep, no long falls to some subterranean caverns by careless hikers possible. Why, do you want to explore them, Black Beard?”

He nodded, closing his eyes as a wave of nausea swept through. That was the worst of the dizziness—not only could he not keep his equilibrium, but he felt sick with it.

“But not today.”

“We’ll come back and explore them another day,” she said, lying back down. “I’m tired.”

“Go to sleep. We aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.”

Neither spoke of the wild kisses, but he knew she was thinking about what just happened. Maybe she’d bring it up once he was fit again.