Seducing the Doctor (At First Sight #4) (7 page)

Matt scowled. “You’ve got that bit, I know her. She has something I want.”

Greg guffawed. “So that’s the way this falls.”

“She owns a house I want to buy.”

“Keep saying that. I know the signs. I’ve been there. Can’t fight the Blakefield Curse. Once Allie saw me being single was over for both of us. Once a Blakefield meets their true mate no other will do.”

Matt turned away. Thinking about the curse always troubled him. He recalled his mother’s sadness. Not that his father had ever strayed once they were married. She had loved her husband completely but she had known though he cared for her he remained in love with his college sweetheart. Matt had no intention of causing the same sadness to himself or anyone.

Greg walked to the kitchen. Matt followed and opened a beer. “Something smells good.”

“Crab puffs and other appetizers.” He took a tray from the freezer and popped it into the oven. “Allie says you knew Cassie in high school. No wonder you’ve had a hard time settling on a woman.”

Matt rolled his eyes. “Not the case. You and my sister are a matched set of bookends.”

“I’ve no problem with that.”

A short time later Allie arrived. She changed clothes and joined them in the kitchen. After plating the finger foods she popped them in the warming oven.

The doorbell rang. Matt answered and let Meg and Steve in.”

His sister grinned. “Allie told me.”

“Really. She’s inventive. All we need is for Mark and Dad to arrive with their wives.”

“Not happening. Dad’s watching Davy while Mark and Christa are honeymooning.” She grabbed Steve’s arm. “To the kitchen. Maybe we can help. Matt can play doorkeeper.”

At six thirty the doorbell rang. Matt found Cassie waiting. She carried a bottle of white wine. “Where’s everyone?”

“Kitchen.” He took the wine and clasped her hand. “We need to talk. I would have called but I didn’t have your number.”

“I know. I should have called your office.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“I met Allie.”

The other four called greetings. When she started to respond Matt steered her through the living room and out the door to the patio.

“You still could have called.”

“I made the first move years ago. You know what happened.”

He closed the door. “Result would have been different this time.” He tilted her chin. “I want to be with you for as long as the fire between us burns.” He covered her mouth with his and drove his tongue over her teeth. He cupped her rear and rocked her against him. “I want you.”

“I can tell.”

“Let’s go somewhere. I’ve a bag in the living room and supplies for the weekend.” He caressed her back.

Cassie hit his shoulder. “I was invited for drinks and I will be a good guest. I’m not leaving yet.”

“You were invited…” He pressed her hand against his fly. “Can you resist my offer?”

“Yes.” She slipped free and went inside.

For a moment Matt fought to regain his composure. Maybe caveman wouldn’t work.

Allie and Meg pointed their fingers. “You’re next.”

“Place no bets.” He picked up a beer and strode to the living room.

Cassie sat on the couch and popped a crab puff into her mouth. “These are delicious.”

Allie sat on the rug beside Meg. “A joint effort. Greg and I keep one shelf of the freezer filled with frozen snacks.”

Greg and Steve raised their beer. “To a new friend.”

Matt ate a dozen of the bite size snacks to feed his growing appetite for food. Conversation flowed around him. He glanced at the clock every few minutes. How long did Cassie plan to stay? One beer became two. He slid closer to her and touched her jean clad leg. Would she take the hint?

At seven thirty Meg and Steve rose. “We’re in the city tonight.” She tossed Matt a key. “In case you plan to stay.”

Cassie rose. “It’s been great getting to know you.”

“We’ll see you soon,” Meg said.

Matt sucked in a breath. When Cassis spoke to Allie and Greg he stood. He caught her hand. “Leaving?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll walk you home.”

“No need. It’s just an elevator ride away.”

He captured her gaze. “I want to.”

She turned to Allie and Greg. “Thanks for the invite. I’ll have you up soon.”

Allie pointed to her brother. “You okay with him tagging along.”

“Yes.”

“Matt, be good.”

“I always am.”

“TMI.”

Greg laughed. “I hope you understand what’s happening.”

Once outside the door Meg and Steve vanished. Meg turned. “Stop by over the weekend. We’re on the second floor.”

“I’m on the sixth.” Cassie waved.

Matt dropped his bag and pulled her into his arms. “Show me.”

They rode the elevator to the sixth floor. He gripped the bag. If he touched her they would never enter her apartment without him making a foolish move. As she used her key to open the door he pressed against her. He closed the door with his foot and turned her to face him. “I can’t wait.”

“Neither can I.” She pulled her sweater over her head.

Matt kicked off his shoes and pulled his trousers off. He quickly sheathed himself, tore off his jacket and shirt. He lifted her and dove in. She fastened her legs around his waist. Her back pressed against the door.

As the sudden and explosive climax slammed him he shouted her name. He sank to the cool tile floor of the foyer and framed her face with his hands. “Sorry for the rush.”

“I’m not.” She brushed her lips over his.

“We have all night.”

She traced his mouth with a finger. “I have all weekend.”

“Any requests.” He sealed her lips with his. Saturday would have been her wedding day.

“None. This is better.” She gathered their scattered clothes.

He stood behind her and cupped her breasts. The way they tightened brought a rush. “Want to go out for dinner?”

“I’ve steaks in the freezer, potatoes to bake and salad fixings. We can grill on the balcony.”

“Were you expecting me?”

“Hoping.”

He snagged his trousers. “I won’t be long.”

She turned and winked. “So I can see.”

* * *

Cassie drifted in a half-sleep. Matt held her against his chest. His even breathing and occasional snore told her he slept. What was she going to do? The moment she saw him at Allie’s told her she was in too deep. Her emotions had morphed from teenage crush to something deeper. She was falling in love with a man who had no intention of marrying her or any other woman.
Strike two.

When Matt walked away she would be completely crushed. She searched for a way to end this but as yet nothing occurred. She wanted a few more days to bask in the heat of his presence. She pressed her head against his chest and allowed the steady beat of his heart to lull her to sleep.

Rays of sunshine filtered through the curtains. Cassie opened her eyes and found Matt staring at her.

“You’re an early riser, too,” he said.

Cassie giggled. “Not with as much evidence as you’re displaying.”

“Shower,” he said.

“Good idea.” She slid from the bed and padded to the bathroom.

Matt followed. The scene was a replay of the shower at the cabin. After an explosive climax Cassie rested against his chest. Once again she wondered what she would do when he walked away. She prayed on that day she could keep from confessing her love and begging.

He held her close. “You are amazing.”

Cassie stepped away and grabbed two towels. She dried and pulled on one of the newly purchased thing sets. “You’re not so bad either.”

“Like the thong.” He growled the words.

“Courtesy of Peek-A-Book. Allie chose them.”

He groaned. “How much does she know?”

“As little as I could manage.”

“Good thinking.” He brought her hands to his mouth and kissed the palms.

After breakfast they cleared the table. “About tonight. Order in or eat out?”

“Five Cuisines does take-out but it’s too early to call.”

She leaned across the table. “Why don’t we walk to town and explore a bit? There are dozens of interesting places.”

He rose. Their lips touched. Cassie felt warmth spread through her chest.
Don’t wish for what you can’t have.
How easily she could want forever with him.

Matt caught her hand. “Let’s walk.”

Their first stop was the bookstore where they browsed through the new and used volumes. Two storefronts later Cassie paused to stare at a display on jewelry store.

“See something you like?” Matt asked.

“Just about anything Antoine designs is beautiful. That ring is my favorite.” She pointed to one with a square cut emerald. Small diamonds were set at the four corners of the stone. “That’s my Christmas present to myself.”

“Have you set it aside?”

“Not yet. I will probably next week.”

“Don’t wait too long.”

Hand in hand they strolled and made a stop at Five Cuisines to order their dinner. At the Peek-A-Boo Boutique Matt reached for the door. “I owe you some underwear.”

Her face felt as though she burned from within. He pulled her into the shop. While Matt spoke to the owner Cassie studied a selection of camisoles and teddies.

The owner opened a drawer and removed a red satin set. “I’ll take them,” Matt said.

Once the transaction ended Matt handed Cassie a bag. The look in his eyes showed a rising desire. She glanced at him. “Shall we go home?”

“Good idea.”

As they continued their way to the apartment they stopped at a deli and a bakery. Cassie laughed. “We’ll have enough food for a week.”

“What I plan takes energy.”

The moment their food purchases were stored Matt pulled her into his arms. His tongue and mouth explored while he deftly removed her clothes. With hands and mouth he worked his way down her body.

Cassie whimpered. “Matt, I need you.”

“Glad to oblige.” He led her to the couch, unzipped his jeans, sheathed himself and plunged inside. The roughness of the denim rubbing her thighs and the feel of his sweater against her breasts brought her to a climax.

For a time they clung together. He rose and stripped. “Every time is different.”

“And wonderful.”

He held out his hands and helped her to her feet. “What now?”

“You’ll see. Come to bed.”

“Will do.” He pulled her down the hall.

“On your back.” Cassie used a wet cloth to cleanse him and herself. After putting the cloth aside she caressed his feet and worked her way along his thighs. He groaned.

She bent and kissed him. “Matt, I…” She swallowed the words of love she’d been about to say. If she spoke he would leave.

Chapter Five

Realization slugged Matt in the gut. He was in deep trouble. His emotions bounded like volleyed tennis balls. The curse had struck. Possibly today or maybe all those years ago when the tall, skinny girl with carroty hair and glasses thick enough to obscure the color of her eyes had asked him for a date. Since that day she had lurked in his thoughts along with memories of his rude behavior.

The lessons learned that day had ruled his dating life. He’d always made sure to let any woman he dated know there was nothing possible beyond a short hot ride.

He sucked in a breath. Everything about Cassie appealed to him. Her independence, her ability to recover from a blow to her self-esteem and the way she made him laugh. Most of all he was hooked on the way she responded to his touch.

His hands clenched. He was inches from sliding down a steep slope and crashing on the rocks. Love was a state he’d vowed he would never embrace. Not after watching his mother’s silent cries over his father’s casual caring. Matt had watched her fade away rather than fight for life.

What now?
The urge to speed away struck hard yet an equally strong yearning called for staying. He certainly had no intention of confessing how he felt. Just a week ago Cassie had been ready to walk down the aisle with another man, one she must have loved. She was on the rebound. He needed an escape, one that wouldn’t give her confidence another blow.

He gulped a deep breath. Tomorrow was Saturday. He wanted to show her the Smiton house and make an offer. He could manage another day with her. Once the house was his he could walk away.

He tugged her close. “I’m ready for a nap.”

She covered a yawn with her hand. “Sounds good.” She slipped from the bed and brought their clothes from the living room. “Your phone’s vibrating.”

“I’d better take it.” He hit the answer. “Matt here…Yes…He did…Tell him to ignore my last request…Damn…He was to call. Did you tell him?...Why not?...” He cut the call.