Liquid Assets

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DEDICATION/ACKNOWLEDGEMENT For Miriam. Thanks for the gift.

Chapter One

“So, if we pretend to be married, you’ll inherit one hundred grand?” Nathan’s jaw hardened. Cassie Prescott was up to her old tricks again--another get rich quick scheme that would probably leave her poorer than when she’d started. This time,

he wouldn’t have any part in it. He shook his head, recalling the time he’d lent her money to start her own desktop publishing business. It had gone nowhere, of course, because Cassie could barely type, much less design graphics or newsletters. She’d eventually paid him back--but only after months of pleading on his part. Nathan looked into her animated brown eyes and tried to pretend he was still listening. Her gaze was direct. “Not pretend, Nathan. We’ll actually have to have a civil ceremony--for the lawyers. And be assured that you’ll be more than compensated for your part.” She leaned over on the lush, burgundy sofa, breaking the distance between them. Her hand casually grazed his strong thigh. “We both win!” He perked up. “Really? What do you have in mind, Cassie?” He groaned inwardly. He’d forgotten how good her touch could feel. Heat burned her cheeks as she laid out her proposal. “How’s ten percent sound? I think that’s fair--especially since we’ll only have to pretend at a couple of family gatherings.” Her tone was conspiratorial as she went on. “And now that Linda’s up and gotten married herself, I can move into the brownstone; you’ve got plenty of room. I’d pay rent, of course.” “You’ve got to be kidding me,” he groaned. “Except Janet will probably have to move out,” she continued as if she hadn’t heard him. “I can’t stand her.” He threw up his hands. “Now you’re trying to throw out my tenant? You can’t be serious.” “But I am. Since she’s moved in, all that overdeveloped bleach-job has

done is try to get into your pants; at least, that’s what Linda told me. But forget about her, Nathan. Couldn’t you use an extra ten-grand? I know it isn’t much. Not really. But I could use the one hundred grand Auntie Mare left me.” Correcting herself, she smiled. “Ninety thousand--if you accept my offer.” His mouth became a thin straight line. He hadn’t seen Cassie in months, not since they’d met Linda and her new husband at the airport to see them off. She’d barely spoken to him that day, something that had irked him to no end. His stomach tightened. Despite her disappearing act, she still expected him to help her! “Why do you have to get married to get your money? Didn’t you aunt pass away last month? What’s the hold-up?” She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t have to get married. But it would speed up the process.” “How?” he demanded. “My aunt’s will stipulates that I can receive the money in one of two ways: Upon my thirtieth birthday; or after a marriage.” He looked hard at her, and wondered if he’d even be entertaining this conversation if Cassie hadn’t been his kid sister’s best friend. Another reason, a passion that rose up--distracting and unwanted-formed in his mind. That night. One terrific night, he remembered angrily. Or, at least he’d thought it’d been terrific. But after he’d awakened to her in his arms, she’d pushed him away. Since then, they’d avoided each other as much as possible. Until today. She’s sure got a lot of nerve, he mused, his thoughts completely drowning

her out. Besides, he was too busy gazing at her lips--plush, warm and kissable-the color of fresh honey. Despite his determination to keep strong in the face of her pitch, Cassie’s seductive presence had him transfixed. And she knew it, damn her. Slowly, his eyes chased the line of an athletic, brown thigh. Nathan swallowed. Immediately, memories of what lied beneath her tiny, jean skirt hardened him. “Nathan?” Her eyes were a question. “Have you been listening to me at all?” “What?” “You haven’t been, you asshole!” He ran a hand through his dark blond hair and tried to recover. “I heard what you said, Cassie--at least I got the gist.” His eyes narrowed at the hopeful look in her eyes. “But the answer is no.” He watched her mouth form into a dejected “o,” and she sank further into the sofa. Her warm brown eyes turned downward, and she twisted away from him, choosing to eye the television murmuring across the room. The ceiling fan whirled steadily above them, amplifying the awkward silence that followed. He clenched his fist and cursed under his breath. He hadn’t wanted to hurt her, but he knew Cassie well enough to know her plan would sink before it even got into the water. She was just too flaky and untrustworthy. And when-not if--she found something else to absorb her interests, she’d forget all about this offer--despite its easy promise. After that, she’d forget about him. So why was the offer so tempting? He could certainly use the money. His last construction gig had ended

nearly two months ago, and he was quickly going through his savings. Though the Brooklyn Heights brownstone he’d inherited from his mother was paid for, he still had to worry about taxes, and the cost of heating and maintaining a threestory house. Except for a few carpentry jobs here and there, he had no real income coming in. Oh yeah, he was tempted all right, in more ways than one when it came to the gorgeous Cassie. But he couldn’t be sure if she’d go the distance. She turned back to him, tears shining in her eyes. “I’ve never asked you for anything before, Nathan!” Backtracking immediately, she sputtered, “Except for that loan! And I paid back that two thousand within a few months.” “Eight months,” he said, without blinking. “Whatever. The point is I need this money. I’m so tired of working at Video Scan. All I do is watch commercials all day.” “What will you do with your aunt’s money?” he asked with a great deal of interest. “Gamble it away? Throw it down the toilet in some business scheme? Spend it on your boy-toy of the moment?” His mouth worked as he thought about the assortment of jocks, muscle-heads and gym-rats he’d been forced to sit with at family barbecues. “That’s low, Nathan,” she huffed. “And Linda would want you to help me.” He laughed. “I was wondering when you’d mention my darling sister. I’m surprised she didn’t lead off your pitch!” Her eyes looked wounded, and for that he was sorry. Softening his tone, he said, “Trust me, Cassie, thirty isn’t as far away as it seems.” He sighed, remembering that he would be celebrating his own thirtieth birthday in just four

months. “I just turned twenty-five a few months ago,” she hissed. There’s no way I’m waiting five years for that money!” Her lips trembled and her eyes flashed, each drawing his attention. “This whole thing is just…strange. Why would your aunt make marriage or thirty a stipulation?” Cassie flashed one of her winning smiles and he felt his chest tighten. “Aunt Mare was old-fashioned, and a jokester, too. She wanted me to settle down with a good man, start a family. She felt that any woman who hadn’t taken the leap by age thirty was a lost cause. It’s just one of her damn games--another way for her to control our lives.” Her lips thinned. “I’ve never played before now, Nathan. I was too stubborn.” “And what’s changed your mind about playing?” “Well, I need the money.” She stared at him boldly. “I’m going to start my own business.” He laughed. “Of course, you are.” “No, for real this time.” Her voice trembled. “Really.” “I’m listening,” he said dryly. “I finally know what I’m good at, and it’s desserts.” His eyes widened. “You do make a mean sweet potato pie.” She laughed. “That’s right. And when I open Sweet Mouthful, everyone will know it!” “Sweet Mouthful?” He chewed on the name, before deciding he liked it. “You’re going to be chef?” “Nothing so fancy. But my bakery will be high-end--no selling cakes and

cookies out of my apartment anymore. I’m going to have a real shop, with real employees.” “Ah huh.” He grinned at her enthusiasm, something he’d always envied and admired in her. She sincerely believed she could make her dreams come true; she always had. But he hesitated to encourage her. At one time, Cassie had sworn she wanted to be a dancer, personal trainer and a novelist--all in the same year. Should he hold his breath, and wait for this scheme to fade, too? “And why would you have to move into my house? You already have a place of your own.” “I hate living in Queens; I’ve been searching for a new place for months now. My lease is up next month, and I’m getting out of there one way or another.” She leaned in close again, and his eyes followed the line of her heavy breasts. He felt his body betray him. His cock stirred against his thigh, and he shifted uncomfortably, praying she’d not choose to look down at that precise moment. “Besides, despite its many flaws, it’s too expensive for me to stay.” Her creamy skin burned red under his intense stare. “Come on, Nathan. Don’t be that way.” He laughed. You’ve got it all figured out, don’t you?” “We’d both benefit. It could be the perfect arrangement.” “Uh huh,” he said, angry with himself for even considering her line of bull. Then he thought of something, something that hardened his heart again. “Why didn’t you ask one of your boyfriends?” Immediately, his hard-on deflated. He felt more in control of himself. More in command. That’s right, he thought. Nothing like thinking about all her fuck

buddies to put the snake to sleep. Her cheeks burned. “Contrary to what you think, Nathan Warner, I’m not some man-crazy bimbo.” Her eyes flashed as they raked over his tall frame. “I’ve been happily single for some time now. I resent you implying that I’m promiscuous.” Ignoring her heartfelt speech, he grinned. “So none of your himbos took the bait?” He’d wanted to ask this the moment she’d launched into her spiel, but had held off, and waited for her to tell him this part on her own. Just how many of her he-men had refused her offer? “You’re awful,” she said, a half-smile puckering her sweet lips. But the smile never made it to her eyes. “Honestly, you were my first choice.” He thought back for a minute. “I remember your Auntie Mare. “Wasn’t she the lady who threw a whole chicken at one of your cousins?” “Yep. Fourth of July, oh, about seven years ago, now,” she giggled. “She kept asking Wayne to chill out, but he was drunk. After he’d gotten fresh one too many times, she beamed him in the head with an oven stuffer!” Cassie fell back, clutching her large, full breasts. Her eyes closed as she chuckled at the memory, and Nathan found himself laughing, too. He was also enjoying the view. Her red, v-neck tee showed off the skin around her neck and collarbone to a beautiful advantage, making him think of a night, seven years earlier, when he’d had cause to lick that area. She’d shivered beneath his lips, and later under his lean body, clutched him through several orgasms. Shaking his head, he pulled back a little. If he allowed Cassie’s ebullient

personality to sucker him in, he would be a goner. He’d wind up doing whatever she wanted, dammit, and he couldn’t have that. He’d had a crush on her since he was twenty years old; if he was honest, it had probably stretched longer. Nine years was a long time to play somebody’s fool. Embarrassed, he thought of the many times he’d rushed out to pick her up from school, drove her to parties, and helped her with her science homework. He and his sister’s playmate had gotten along well early on, and he’d considered the brown-skinned girl who lived across the street part of the family. Somehow, though, his feelings for her had changed right around the time she turned sixteen. For some reason, they’d begun bickering when in each other’s presence, and she’d cut her eyes at him every chance she could. Nathan hadn’t allowed her apparent hatred of him to make him retreat. He’d made sure to see her as often as possible; that way, he’d have a recent image of her to masturbate to each night… Cassie’s relationship with his sister, their age difference, and other things had made getting close to her seem impossible. But she’s not sixteen anymore! his mind chided. She’s a woman now--a lot of woman. And the “Linda excuse” wasn’t a good one, either. He knew for a fact that his baby sister would love it if he and her best friend hooked up. Ha! Linda still didn’t know about that night. One of the last things Cassie had said--right before fleeing his arms--was that Linda should never know about their one-night stand. And the “other things” keeping them apart? In all the years he’d had the misfortune of meeting Cassie’s boyfriends, not one of them had been white. He vaguely remembered a Puerto Rican guy named Antonio, but the rest, to his knowledge, had been African-American, or of

Caribbean descent. Despite their excellent night together, he’d always suspected she’d run away so fast because of disgust--maybe even fear. What would her mother have said if they had begun dating? Mrs. Prescott had always called him “a nice white boy.” But would she have felt the same had he become part of her family? Cassie stood, drawing his attention to her long, brown legs. “I gotta go. But if you change your mind, you know how to reach me.” She went to flounce past him, but he was too quick for her. He was on her in a second, gripping her arm. “Will you ever change?” Her dark eyes narrowed. “Ouch! You’re hurting me!” “You’re exaggerating,” he barked, though his grip loosened a tiny bit. “You’re also a scam artist.” “What the hell are you talking about?” She pouted into his face, and he had a flash of her at five years old. He had been nine when they met, and he’d never forget seeing her and Linda storming through the narrow hallways of the same house they now argued in nearly twenty years later. “You don’t get what you want, so you leave, right? You came over here, pretending to want to see me. Have a chat with an old buddy, as you so delicately put it.” His clear blue eyes were like ice as they glared into her. “But as usual, this surprise meeting was all about getting Madam Prescott something she wanted.” Though her left hand was caught in his, that didn’t stop her from lashing out with her right. Nathan’s face took on heat, and the sound of the slap thundered around the living room. “Don’t you talk to me that way--” “I’ll talk to you any way I damn well please,” he growled, forcibly pulling

her lean body into his. His stomach knotted as he looked into her face. Fear touched her sienna eyes, and she tried to wrench away from his powerful grip. Why the hell is she so repulsed by me? he wondered. It wounded his heart, and deflated whatever ego he might have had to think she really hated having him touch her so much. Hell, women had begged him to make love to them. And Cassie, once upon a time, had been one of them. “You didn’t seem to mind me touching you after Eddie Lee’s party,” he dripped into her ear. “That was a mistake!” she swore, her eyes wide. “We’d both been drinking and you’d just broken up with Heather--” “What we did had nothing to do with booze, Heather or anything other than us, Cassie.” He sighed and cradled her face in his hands. “And I wish you’d stop saying those things whenever we talk about it.” Her lips trembled, and she tried to avert her eyes. “We never talk about that night, Nathan. You swore you’d never bring it up again.” “Well, I lied.” She looked at him boldly, her eyes glistening. “I told you it shouldn’t have happened. And it’ll never happen again.” Having her in his arms like this, only to have her reject him--again--drove him to the breaking point. His patience snapped. “Why, dammit? Was it that bad? Am I not as good as the athletes you date? Or is it because of what your mother would say?” “What?” “Did you think I wouldn’t catch on, Cassie? I know why you refused to be with me. It’s because I’m white, isn’t it? Would being seen with me make you look bad--make you lose your street cred?” He shook with rage as his deepest

insecurity was spelled out, and waited for her reply. She laughed, a low, husky sound that filled the room. Confusion darkened his features, and his grip on her waist hardened. “You think I wouldn’t date you because…because you’re white?” “That’s the only reason I can see.” “You’ve got a high opinion of yourself,” she purred. “First of all, I dated Anthony Kasieoski for a year while I was away at college. He’s Polish, by the way.” His skin reddened. “I didn’t know.” “Why would you? After I began college in California, I only saw you guys during holidays and breaks.” Hearing that, Nathan’s hold relaxed considerably, and she was able to squirm free. “Besides, you’re way off base. I kept my distance not because of race, but because you’re my best friend’s brother.” She attempted a smile, one that never made it to her eyes. “And that makes you like a brother to me.” His heart skidded through his chest. He stepped forward to caress the sleek cap of her dark hair. “I don’t want to be your damn brother, Cassie.” He claimed her mouth, using his tongue to communicate all he’d felt for the last decade. He felt her tense against him, before trying wrenching her body away. Holding her arms tightly, he used his mouth to lick at her sweet, full lips. When his cock thudded onto his stomach, strangling through his jeans, he pressed against her thin frame, forcing her to feel it. After a tortured groan escaped her lips, she surrendered, melting into

him. Nathan groaned right back, deep into her mouth, rubbing her tight ass cheeks to pull her closer. Their hungry kisses caught fire when she stood on tiptoe and wound her fingers through his sun-kissed hair. Shaken by the powerful sensations swirling between them, Nathan was the first to break free. She clung to him, hiding her face in his broad chest. He looked down at her, and tried to gauge her reaction. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.” Cassie was breathless--her voice a whisper. “It’s done now.” “You…you didn’t mind?” “I never said I wasn’t fond of you, Nathan. Hell, I’d have to be blind not to find you attractive, because you are.” Her mouth tightened, and she stepped back to look into his eyes. “It’s just that things between us would be too complicated. There’s Linda to consider, and all the history…” “I was hoping history would repeat itself today,” he spoke up, running a hand over her lovely, caramel skin. “One night in particular.” She blushed. “It can’t happen, and I’ve already told you why, so don’t start.” Clenching his fists at his sides, he searched her face for a clue--a look of regret, maybe, or something in her eyes that might tell him how to break through her resistance. Her jaw was rigid; her dark eyes warned him not to push. He gritted his teeth, and inwardly cursed his own stupidity. Still the same, old Cassie. “Fine. It was great seeing you. I’m sorry I couldn’t help you.” He grasped her arm and led her to the door. “You know the way out.” Her mouth dropped in surprise, and Nathan suppressed a grin. He hustled her through the black gate and used his hand to firmly

maneuver her out onto the sidewalk. “Nathan, don’t act like this!” she pleaded. She placed her arms across her full breasts. “How else do you expect me to act?” he barked, angry with himself for wanting to apologize. Angry that he’d almost fallen for her shit, again. “I guess I’ll see you when Linda comes for a visit.” Stiffly, he turned and walked into the house. Back inside, he melted into the sofa and dropped his throbbing head into his hands. Of course she stopped by to ask for a favor, he thought. What else would she possibly want from me?

Chapter Two

“So did you ask Nathan to be your awfully wedded husband?” Linda Warner-King asked. Though the tiny blond with the huge smile was three thousand miles away in Malibu, she still demanded to know all of the Brooklyn scoop. “Or should I ask: when do you move in?” Cassie opened the oven door to check on the blueberry muffins she’d decided to make that morning. She hadn’t slept much the night before, so she’d mixed batter while watching the sunrise. Her talk with Nathan had not gone well, and she wasn’t particularly proud of that fact. She closed her eyes and fought the tears threatening to spill down her cheeks. Nathan had treated her the way he had since they were kids. And that was the problem. She wasn’t a little girl anymore. “Your brother hates me, Linda,” she rasped. “Did you know that? Not only did he turn me down, but he threw me out of the house.” Her heart hiccupped as an image of him sprang up, unwanted, in her mind. The whole time she’d talked to him, she’d found herself throbbing and wet with wanting

him. But when he had finally touched her, she’d resisted him. There was no way in hell she could allow that to happen again--no matter how good it would feel. “Really?” Linda asked. “I’m surprised; I thought he’d jump at the offer.” “Me too. You told me he hasn’t had steady work lately. So I just thought…” “I know what this is about, you know. Nathan’s so fucking stubborn; he wouldn’t appreciate being bailed out. Plus, it doesn’t help that he’s so hung up on you.” Cassie placed a green oven mitt over her shaking hand. She bent to pull the tray out. Why did Linda keep saying stuff like that? For years, she’d sworn that her older brother had the hots for her best friend; it was why he was always getting into her face. Cassie had never seen evidence of this supposed love…except for one, very drunken night. She shook her head to dim the image of a very naked, very aroused Nathan coming toward her. It didn’t work. “Nathan’s hung up on me? Well, he sure doesn’t act like it. He said I was trying to use him--right before he tossed me out on my butt.” She decided to keep the kiss they’d shared to herself. Linda didn’t answer for a moment; her oldest friend could almost hear the wheels spinning in her crafty head. “I’ve got this, Cassie. Let me handle it.” “How are you going to do that?” “Let me worry about my brother. You’ll be ‘married’ inside of a week.” “Whatever you say. How’s Pete doing?” They moved on to other areas of conversation, mostly about the sand and surf of Malibu, Linda’s husband’s job as a high-powered entertainment lawyer,

and how bored she was shopping all day. Yet during their chat, Cassie’s head and heart remained with Nathan; no matter how she tried, she couldn’t stop thinking about him. The way he’d looked at her when he’d slammed the door yesterday had been brutal. He’d looked so disgusted. Maybe their meeting had gone the way it did for a reason… Being alone with Nathan had brought up many memories she’d thought were long forgotten. She’d secretly lusted after her best friend’s brother for years, but had always pretended to see him as an overprotective nuisance. He’d taken such good care of them--especially when they’d resisted his help. On the night Johnny Park and Mike Pallin had stranded her and Linda in New Rochelle, they’d called Nathan. After they jumped into his rusty old Honda, both sixteen year olds had made him promise to not tell their parents where he’d found them. But Nathan had been as bad as any of their parents would have been in that situation--drilling them on why they were there, who they’d been with--he’d even demanded details on what they had done! Cassie had sassily told him that her body was no concern of his--a huge mistake. He’d pulled over in the middle of Montague Street and reached into the backseat. “Until you’re eighteen, you don’t have a body! Understand?” His expressive blue eyes had flashed at her. Danger. He wasn’t looking at her the way he had after she’d poured lotion all over his favorite jeans. That night, he’d looked at her like she was a woman. And dammit, those chilly blue eyes had warned, she’d best behave like one. She shivered when she thought about the night she’d discovered what a man Nathan was. She’d certainly behaved like a woman. All night long, trapped beneath his powerful thighs…

He was too fine, she thought. Just too damn sexy. But he’d always been like family, and she wasn’t willing to mess up her twenty-year relationship with Linda just so she could date her brother. She picked at a cooling muffin, but barely tasted its sweet flavor. Her mind raced ahead of her stomach and formulated a plan of action. Nathan Warner was strong, virile, and most importantly, good-hearted. He liked her; she’d seen it in his baby blues every time he’d looked at her since that lost night seven years earlier. He might not have been in love with her, not the way Linda insisted, but that didn’t matter. She was sure she wouldn’t need that level of emotion to win him over. She knew she could make Nathan help her. She had always been good at getting men to help her… *** Nathan’s cell phone rang as soon as he pulled off his cross trainers. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he looked at the number display and smiled. “Hey sis. What’s up?” “I need you to do me a favor, Nathan.” She was all business, cutting right to the point. “Cassie needs that money; I want you to help her.” “Hold on, Linda.” Exasperated, he pulled his white t-shirt over his head. It was only the first week of July, but already, the city sweltered in killer temperatures. He’d just returned from his morning run, and was bathed in a hot, sticky sweat. His powerful chest glistened in the nearly one hundred-degree heat; he turned on the air conditioner. “I’m back.” “I want you to help Cassie,” she repeated. “I’m going to have to say no on that one, sis.”

“Why? What’s a little favor between friends?” She sounded as exasperated as he felt. “It’ll take--what? A couple of months out of your life at most. However long it’ll take for Cassie’s check to clear.” “No!” “Oh, come on Nathan! You’ve always been there when Cassie needed you before. What’s so different, now?” “The difference is I’m tired of being used. She’s selfish, manipulative and totally self-serving. I’m sick of it.” The sound of his kid sister’s tinkling laugh filled his ears. His eyes flashed. “What the hell is so damn funny?” “You. And Cassie. And this weird love/hate thing the two of you have always had together. I guess today is a hate day?” “It’s not that simple,” he ground out, before wishing that his sister didn’t know him as well as she did. “The reason I’ve helped her out so much over the years is because she’s your friend--” “And because you can’t take your eyes off her…” she giggled. He sat on the bed’s edge and fought with the smile tugging the corners of his mouth. Linda and Cassie had always been as thick as thieves, and despite his frustration at being played by both of them, he liked knowing her marriage and the distance between them hadn’t changed their bond. “I can’t, Linda. First, us getting married would be dishonest. Hell, it might even be fraud--” “People get married for different reasons,” she pointed out. “Yeah, but most people get married for love.” His head ached; she was wearing him down.

“And don’t you love Cassie? At least like family?” He thought about this for a moment, almost answering in the affirmative. Yet his thoughts quickly drifted to a time when his affection for her had been anything but brotherly. “I care about her because she’s been in my life forever. That doesn’t mean I have to help with her crazy schemes.” He was about to say more when he heard a knock at his door. “Come in, Janet.” She sauntered in, and Nathan’s eyes scanned her too-tight belly shirt, pink short-shorts and ultra-shiny lips. Pressing the mute button, he asked, “What can I do for you, Janet?” She smiled, exposing the best caps money could buy. Tossing back a lock of frizzy yellow hair, she purred, “The toilet’s clogged, Nate. I’ve tried everything I could to fix it, but nothing worked.” Nate. He hated when people called him that. “I’m on the phone right now, but I’ll be up to see about it as soon as I’m free.” Her lusty hazel eyes traced the masculine line of his bare chest. “I’ll be waiting.” When the door shut behind her, he frowned. “Listen, Linda, I have to go.” “Okay, but think about what I said.” “Yeah, yeah. I’ll think about it, all right. But I aint changing my mind,” he growled, trying to sound tough. Linda chuckled. “Well, if you won’t help Cassie, help yourself. She’s willing to pay you for your trouble, and I’d say it’s a damn good fee.” “I gotta go. He gritted his teeth and hung up. What was it with the women in his life? First, there had been Sherry Holloway in seventh grade; the little minx had totally broken his heart. Then, his

mother Judy had had the nerve to develop pancreatic cancer four years ago. She’d died not long after her diagnosis. Nathan shook his head. He’d never get over that one. His tenant Janet, a slut-bomb to the nth degree, could often be sweet, and was always attentive. But he was growing tired of telling her--through subtle hints and disinterested looks--that he’d never have sex with her. Never. And now Cassie and Linda were ganging up on him. Again. It was almost like the past twenty years hadn’t happened. The three of them were still in the backyard, fighting over the swing. Another knock at the door. “I said I’d be up in a minute, Janet!” “Make the bitch wait,” called the familiar voice from the other side. “Can I come in?” Cassie? Suddenly flustered, he looked around his bedroom, dismayed to see a week’s worth of magazines and newspapers piled in one corner of the room. The weights and jump rope sitting in the other corner weren’t going to move into his closet by themselves, either. Wait, he thought. It’s only Cassie. Why am I freaking out like this? “Yeah. Come on in.” She peeked her head through the door. He was amazed at how good she looked. She’d sheared off half her hair days before Linda’s departure, and though he’d never been much of a fan of women with short hair, the slick, cut really worked for her. Cassie Prescott looked more stunning than ever. “Hey, hot stuff,” she said. The white sundress she wore looked great against the bronze of her skin, and her legs seemed extra long in the sexy, ivory mules that showed off her freshly manicured toes. “You have a minute?”

“Not really,” he lied, tearing his eyes away from her. “And how the hell did you get in here, anyway?” Her eyes were trained on his bare chest as she spoke, and he thought he detected a bit of a blush spreading across her pretty face. “I still have a key, remember? Linda gave it to me years ago. How else do you think I used to get in to watch TV in the guest bedroom?” He rolled his eyes. “Well, I haven’t seen you use it since Linda moved to California.” “Never had a reason to until now.” She shrugged. “Do you want me to give it back?” “What I really want is for you to tell me why you’re here. And don’t give me any bull about wanting to chill with old friends.” Her eyes narrowed as she moved toward him. She scanned the room briefly, but soon, she was staring at him again--in that disconcerting way she had. She plopped down beside him. “What can I do to get you to change your mind, Nathan?” “Nothing.” Her fragrance was driving him crazy. It was a blending of natural scents--lavender, apple, and maybe honey--wafting off her hair and body. Angered by her closeness, he was forced to remember how good it had felt to be enveloped in that smell. “There’s nothing you can say or do to change my mind.” “I don’t believe that.” Her eyes bored into his and she smiled when she saw evidence of panic shining from his crisp blues. “In fact, old friend, I’ve thought of a way to sweeten the deal for both of us.” Something in her tone made his blood rush into his cock. He recognized

the throaty rasp of it; his traitorous flesh did, too. When Cassie put on that voice, it meant she was playing hardball. Nathan grinned. He’d play harder. “Oh yeah? Sweeten it even more than ten grand? How you gonna do that, gorgeous?” She smiled at him and absently ran her hand over his chest. A manipulative gesture to be sure. But that didn’t stop his nipples from hardening. “If you agree to be my husband, not only will I give you ten percent of my inheritance, but I’ll also allow you conjugal visits.” He was floored--truly and fully shocked by this development. He looked at her with what he hoped was distaste, but his heart was racing so badly that he was barely able to muster a look of mild annoyance. “You’re unbelievable, Cassie.” “I know,” she said, arrogant as ever. “And if I recall correctly, we played pretty well together.” “Aint that the truth,” he muttered before he’d stopped to think. Her hand rubbed at one of his hardened nipples, eliciting a sharp inhalation of breath from him. “So…I figured we could have sex a couple of nights a week, if you’d like. We’re both single. We might as well have some fun.” “Fun indeed.” He pulled away, and stood. “You think a lot of yourself, don’t you? Or maybe the problem is that you think so little of me?” “What are you going on about now, Nathan? I thought you’d like the idea--” “What? The idea of you screwing me for money? Oh hell, Cassie, I love it! It warms my heart, ya know. Makes this guy feel really wanted.” “Screwing you for money? Are you calling me a whore?” Her eyes flashed

dangerously, and a faint vein above her temple throbbed. “What the hell else would you call it? I tried for months to get you to go out with me; I even wrote you letters when you went away to college!” He paced in front of her, growing strangely satisfied at the look of utter horror on her face. “You never gave me the time of day. Not once did you return any of my letters, or phone calls, dammit. But now that there’s money involved, I guess that’s all about to change, huh?” Her lips trembled. “Why do you keep bringing up the past? I explained why you and I could never work out.” He stopped his pacing and stood in front of her. Bending down to peer into her oval-shaped face, he spat, “An excuse--not an explanation. They’re different, Cassie!” She drew away from him, her face a mask of displeasure. “Not everyone can be as noble and upstanding as you,” she said through a whisper. “Some of us have to fight to get the things we want. I’m a fighter, Nathan. And since life isn’t fair, I’m not afraid to fight dirty.” She stood, eying him up and down. “You should try it sometime.” Rage. It drew him into a hot embrace, enveloping his nerve endings and blinding him to all rational thought. “You wanna see dirty, Cassie?” “Yeah,” she said, her teeth clenched. “Impress me, stud.” He placed his large hands around her tiny throat, softly caressing the feminine line of her collarbone. His voice dangerously low, Nathan decided to show the pretty little con how filthy a desperate man could be. It was an obsessive desperation that drove him to his next act. “Fine, Cassie. I’ll marry you. I’ll do it for the money. And also for the pleasure of having your fine ass pressed

against me every night.” She wrenched away from him as if she’d been slapped. “I said a couple of nights a week, Nathan--and only on nights I agree to!” “Little girl, you’ll give me sex whenever I want it. If that means every hour on the goddamn hour, you’ll do it. And like it.” She knocked him out of her way as she stalked past him, but not before her citrine-accented eyes had burned into him. “You’re crazy if you think that I’m going to be your blowup doll, Nathan Warner!” “But isn’t that what you were offering?” He walked around the queen-size bed to head her off before she could make it to the door. “I heard you, baby. You offered me conjugal visits--” “On my terms!” “If you want your precious money, then you’ll agree to my terms.” He smiled and ran a finger down a toned, brown arm--his grin only broadening when she flinched away. “If you’re going to put your ass on the auction block, Cassie, then you’ll have to accept the consequences. “I’m willing to give you what you want--what you need--but you’re going to have to reciprocate. If I agree to help you get the money, then you’ll have to agree to anything I say.” She swore herself blue, causing him to chuckle. He watched in amazement as her fist opened and closed against the filmy fabric of her dress, and with a start, he realized that the sunlight streaming through his window illuminated her breasts beautifully. “You’ve always been a wiseass, Nathan. But I never figured you for cruel.” Her voice sounded tiny.

“I’m only cruel when cornered; you know that.” He raised his hand to stroke her face, but quickly stopped himself. She looked at him like she’d never seen him before, and despite his power play, he felt his knees weaken. “Take it or leave it, sweetheart. If you want me, then you get all of me.” She glared stonily at him. “Fine. I’ll call you in a few days to make the arrangements. We’ll get the license and head over to the Municipal Building to make it official.”

Chapter Three

Cassie barely looked at her intended as she mouthed the words, “I do.” Only six days after they hammered out their marriage contract, she and Nathan stood in front of the county clerk and exchanged vows. The ceremony took three minutes. As soon as they were pronounced “husband and wife,” she wrenched free of Nathan’s grip, narrowly escaping his kiss. She went to stand with Michelle, her maid of honor--and third choice for the job. Linda, the groom’s sister, had said she would not available to attend any fake weddings that week--though she did tell Cassie to ask again next year. Jerome had made it plain that he wasn’t anybody’s damn maid of anything. Period. Nathan, dressed in a crisp, white dress shirt and tan shorts, turned to talk to Andrew Kyle--the best man. Andrew was dressed in jeans and a polo shirt, but at least he’d taken the time to slick back his curly red hair. The foursome staggered into the slate-gray hallway, the men pulling up the rear.

“Let’s get out of here, Michelle,” she groaned, rubbing her hands against her dark-wash blue jeans. She hadn’t wanted to dress for the occasion. Why try to make the marriage out to be more than what it really was? No matter what happened between them on this night, or any after, her marriage to Nathan Warner was one of convenience. Taking the time to get gussied up might have sent the wrong message. Michelle’s warm ebony skin was flushed. From her wide smiles down to the pretty, yellow sundress she wore, it was obvious that she was more excited about the nuptials than either the bride or the groom. “But don’t you have to…go and be with your husband, now?” “We’re not going on a damn honeymoon! And since all my stuff is already moved into his house, there’s no reason for me to see him until I have to.” “What about your wedding night?” The large-boned Michelle turned to watch a skinny woman in full bridal apparel making her way down the hallway. “Oh, that poor lady. She should have saved that for church,” she whispered. Cassie bit her lip. The only reason she’d told Michelle Caulfield about her new husband’s demands was because she hadn’t been able to tell her best friend-the groom’s sister. “I’ll just make him wait a couple of days.” The other woman eyed her friend’s husband openly, and her eyes drifted over to the best man, as well. “I don’t know if he’ll want to wait, girl. And why would you make him? He’s hot! As soon as he asked me to jump, I would. Right on top of him!” Michelle laughed so hard that her eyes teared up, and Cassie had no choice but to follow suit. “Looks aren’t everything. I found that out last week. The man’s a jerk.” But damn if he wasn’t a gorgeous jerk, she thought. “I only wish I’d known it before

I popped the question.” “It’s not like you had a choice. Who else would you have asked? Jerome?” She shook her head as she thought about her good friend, a man she’d dated briefly when still a teenager. “Jerome wouldn’t have gone for it; you know that.” Michelle crossed her hands over her considerable chest. “Ha! That’s an understatement. But at least you wouldn’t have had to worry about him wanting bedroom action. Doesn’t Nathan want all rights to you--in every way?” Though she cringed at the description, she realized that her friend’s pat statement was right on point. “It’s just sex. And ten thousand dollars. That’s all Nathan Warner will ever get out of me.” Yet as she begged off the seafood lunch Nathan and Andrew offered them, and followed Michelle into a packed uptown A Train, she wondered if she would be able to keep her promise to herself. Would Nathan try to take more than she was willing to give? *** Nathan sat on the ridiculously shiny blue sheets and ran a thumb absently across the lace borders. It was almost two in the morning; his new wife still had not returned home. Not that he was surprised. Cassie seemed determined to welsh on their arrangement; he’d seen that the moment she’d charged past him after the ceremony. He sat in her bedroom that morning to make sure she lived up to her end of the bargain. The last week had been rife with arguments and misunderstandings. After he and Cassie had gotten the marriage license, she’d quickly set about moving

into the second-floor guest bedroom. Only a sliding door separated her from him now, and he found himself sweating with anticipation as he watched her unpack. But this anticipation yielded to anger every time he was faced with Jerome Larson, an ex-boyfriend of Cassie’s. Though they’d last dated in their teens, the strapping footballer with the shiny, bald head had stuck around. It had been obvious that Jerome still had it bad for Cassie. “You’re being weird,” she’d said, turning to watch him watching her in the doorway. “Do you plan to help me? Or are you just going to stand there?” Gently she pulled evening dresses from a garment bag and placed them into the back of her new closet. “Jerome’s still here isn’t he?” Nathan pointed to the first floor. “He’s coming up with the last of your boxes, right? I could have helped you with all that, Cassie.” “You’re helping me enough. Besides, Jerome has a van; that made everything easier.” Jerome had come trudging up the stairs, two large packing boxes in his hands. Nathan stepped into the hall and grabbed one. “I got it man.” “Thanks, Nate,” the other man grinned amiably. “That’s the last of it, though.” Nathan smiled through clenched teeth, and held himself back from doing two very important things. The first was correcting the jock about his name. The second was asking the friendly bruiser to leave. Instead, he said, “You’ve been a huge help. Maybe I could buy you lunch, or something.” “Jerome and I already have plans,” Cassie said flatly. “Oh yeah? But there are a few things we need to go over--”

“We’ll do it later,” she huffed. “You guys just put those boxes by the bureau. I’ll get to them when I come home tonight.” That was six days ago, and since then he’d barely seen her. She’d come floating into the house at all hours, never really making much noise. Nathan hadn’t been able to sleep knowing she was out there, and he’d heard her key unlatch the door every morning she’d sneaked in. The only time she had bothered to pay him any attention is the day she and Janet butted heads. Cassie had banged on his bedroom door, demanding he do something about “their” tenant. “Why is she downstairs using our washing machine?” she asked. “Can’t she go to the Laundromat up the street?” “If I don’t mind, Cassie, you shouldn’t, either.” He rolled over on his bed and slammed down the cover of the book he’d been reading. “Besides, the way you guys come and go, I doubt you’ll be seeing that much of each other.” “Why should I have to see her at all? I’m paying rent now; I’ll match whatever she’s paying and throw in an extra hundred just to show you I’m not kidding.” His eyes had immediately fastened onto the blue boxers and small white tee she wore. Her braless breasts were plump and firm, straining prettily against the worn cotton material. But the boxers were what had really held his attention. They were at least three sizes too large--slipping down her lean frame so much that she’d been forced to hike them up. Who the hell did the boxers belong to? Swallowing back his jealousy, he said, “I’m not asking Janet to move out, Cassie. You’ll have to get used to her renting the apartment upstairs. She’s a fine

tenant and--despite what you think--a nice girl. With your combined rents, I can breathe easier.” “At least until my inheritance comes in,” she muttered. “Actually, I’ll be starting a new job in a couple of weeks, so, I’m in no rush,” Nathan corrected her. “You, on the other hand, really need that money.” “Asshole,” she spat before slamming out of his room. The sound of the front door pulled him back into the present. Leisurely, he propped himself up on her luxurious pillows and bent to extinguish her desk lamp. Darkness clinging to him now, he tensed, readying himself for battle. *** Cassie took measured steps down the dim hallway, careful to not linger in front of Nathan’s door too long. But it was rough going. She and Michelle had spent the evening on Second Avenue drinking vodka tonics and singing Karaoke music at the top of their lungs. She was wrecked, and standing wasn’t easy. Trying to be quiet seemed impossible. I’ll only have to do this for a few months, she reassured herself. She had an appointment next week with the attorneys in charge of the will. She’d present her marriage license and be on easy street. She would be able to move out of Nathan’s house before he’d even had a chance to get used to having her there. She wouldn’t have to sneak in and out anymore; and she wouldn’t have to think of creative ways to avoid the hunky guy who just happened to be her husband. Cassie chewed on her lip. If she got too used to being around him, she knew it wouldn’t take long before she was hesitant to leave at all… Darkness swallowed her as she stepped into the bedroom. She felt around

on the wall until she found the light switch. Switching it on, she turned to her bed--and beheld a bare-chested Nathan lying in it--just like he belonged there! “What the hell are you doing in here?” Her question was a breathy whisper. “I’m visiting my new bride,” he smiled, his eyes flashing mischievously. “Well, you might as well leave. I’m pretty tired.” Pointedly, she turned her back to him and opened her closet door. “Where have you been, Cassie?” “What’s it to you?” She turned to glare at him, and was immediately dismayed to see him hop off the bed and advance upon her. He was completely naked, and to Cassie, it looked like he might have gotten started without her; his penis flexed and bulged purple, swinging seductively between his toned legs. God, he looks good, she thought, as he stomped towards her. Even with the air conditioner cranked up on high, his well-defined chest glistened in unmatched masculinity. “Just because we’re married doesn’t mean you have the right to get in my face!” Nathan’s hand shot out and pulled her chin so that he could peer down at her. Her breath and bloodshot eyes told the tale. “You’re stinking drunk.” She pushed his hand away. “I had a few drinks,” she slurred. “I’m over twenty-one; I’ve committed no crime.” Heat touched her face as she remembered the last time he’d accused her of having too much too drink… *** Nathan pulled her off Ricky Vaughn’s lap, smacked the poor guy across the jaw and hauled her out of that year’s hottest party--the Graduation Night Fiesta. “Keep your hands off her, punk!” he yelled, his hand securely around Cassie’s waist.

Ricky, too drunk to argue, stayed where it was safe--on the floor. The party went on around them; the music didn’t stop, and no one tried to break up the fight. He dragged her outside and laid into her. “If I hadn’t come in, Cassie, what would you have done? Your skirt was hiked up so far around your legs that I now have no problem imagining what you’d look like naked!” “Do you like that image, Nathan?” she teased, quickly backing away from his angry stance. “Why the hell were you looking so damn hard?” “Because that’s all I’ve ever done when it comes to you and Linda--look. When I’m not around, the two of you--especially you, precious--get into a lot of trouble.” He grabbed her arm and forced her into his car. “Fuck off!” she screeched while Nathan kept his hands pressed firmly on the steering wheel of his beat-up Honda. He waited patiently for her fury to subside before laying down the law. “I’m taking you home, Cassie.” Her eyes were wide as saucers. “Can I go with you to your house? If I go home, my parents will see--” “That you’re wasted?” he scolded. “Fine, I’ll go back in and get Linda.” Cassie shook her head. “She’s spending the night with Peter.” She giggled when she saw his jaw harden. “Don’t worry so much, Nathan! Everyone knows Linda and Peter are going to get married someday. Even your mom knows she’s sleeping with him.” He started the ignition. “She’s too young.” “Eighteen is too young?” “Look, I don’t want to talk about this with you,” he said, an edge to her

voice. The fifteen-minute drive went by in silence, which had been perfectly fine with Cassie. Her head was spinning. And she was hornier than hell. When he tried to usher her into his sister’s bedroom, she fell against him, forcing him to carry her the rest of the way. When he tried to position her under the soft black sheets, Cassie pulled him across her body. She surprised both of them when she gently pecked his lips. “Why don’t you stay awhile, Nathan?” She batted her eyes at him--a struggle because she had barely been able to keep them open. “Isn’t your mother staying at your aunt’s house? I know Linda won’t be home until tomorrow. Why don’t you hang out with me?” “I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” he mumbled, though he sat down beside her and looked hard into her face. His eyes looked so sad, an overcast blue beneath which a storm of emotion rumbled. “Once you’re settled in, I’ll get out of here.” Cassie placed a hand upon his face and thrilled at the feel of the fine, blond stubble under her fingertips. “You need to shave,” she said. “Yeah. I’m always shaving. It’s been like that since I was fourteen.” “I remember.” She regarded him boldly, her eyes tracing every inch of him. Before that night, she’d never really looked at him like a man--a real sexual being. She’d always liked him; she’d even wondered what it might have been like to go out on a date with him, be his girlfriend for a day. But she knew dating Nathan would probably send their close-knit families into an uproar. Besides, he was way too nice. He wasn’t her type at all. For Cassie, something had changed between them during the last couple

of years. Linda’s older brother was still a nice guy--responsible and trustworthy. But she had noticed something else about him, something that had surprised her the first time she admitted it to herself. Nathan was gorgeous. He’d recently turned his six-three-frame into a muscular one hundred ninety-pound powerhouse. When she’d first noticed his stud-status, she had been far too young to do anything about it. But she was eighteen now, grown-up and certain of what she wanted. She wanted to lose her virginity to Nathan Warner. Why not him? she reasoned. He’s cute, sweet and he wouldn’t tell anyone. He couldn’t afford to tell. She’d lose her virginity, he’d get free sex. They’d both win. “Can I ask you something, Nathan?” “Sure.” The deep bass of his voice quavered. “Will you make love to me?” Before he could answer, she threw herself into his lap determinedly. The three glasses of champagne she’d imbibed was all the courage she needed. “Take advantage of me,” she moaned playfully, enfolding his lips into hers. She squirmed upon his lap, and waited for him to push her away--to deny her his touch. But Nathan’s hands had quickly pulled her closer to him, locking her slim legs around his taut waist. She trembled at the feel of his hard penis stretching his jeans and pressing against her ass. Roughly, he fisted a handful of her wild, auburn waves and forced her eyes to his. “Do you know what you’re doing?” “Yeah, baby--” she began, but was startled out of her easy patter when his

hand dug into her chin and shook her face. “Look at me right now, and tell me that you’re not drunk.” “I’m not, Nathan!” “What about Ricky?” His eyes burned into hers, his jealousy obvious. “I was just messing around; it didn’t mean anything.” “If I make love to you, it sure as hell is going to mean something. Do you understand?” The seriousness of his tone confused her. “Why are you acting like this?” “Because I need to make sure you really want me, that’s why. So tell me you want me and only me.” His lips grazed her throat, and she quivered her response. “Please say you want me, Cassie.” Her stomach knotted. She suddenly felt desperate to get away from him. The emotion in his voice sparked something in her. It was a dangerous sound, a sound she’d hear in the back of her mind at odd times over the years. He loves me, she thought, before internally shouting down her own stupidity. He wants me, she corrected herself, knowing the latter was the truth. He honestly wanted her. Somehow knowing this didn’t make what was to happen easier. In fact, Cassie, now totally sober, shivered with fear. “Let me go,” she muttered, struggling against his chest, raining futile blows against the iron of his body. “Stop it, Nathan. Let me up.” But he was out of control; she could feel the last of his restraint slipping away. He pulled her lips to his and tasted her tongue, forcing her to accept the hot fury of his need. Helpless, she kissed back, rocking her legs across his strong thighs, shivering at the feel of his hands upon her narrow back. “Tell me you

want me, Cassie.” He nipped at her lips, and crushed her body against his. Her skin burnt red, though her embarrassment did nothing to mute the desire building deep inside her. Beneath the tiny skirt, her womb quivered--the evidence of her need for him trickled inside the pink cotton of her panties. Still, she hesitated. “Just do it to me, Nathan,” she said. “Please?” His eyes narrowed. “Don’t talk to me like I’m one of your basketball star boyfriends, Cassie,” he seethed. “I’m a man. If you’re going to be with me, you’re gonna have to treat me like one.” She stared into his handsome face, hoping to get the better of him. No man had ever spoken to her in that way before, and she wasn’t sure she liked it. So why was she wound so tight? God, if kissed her one more time, she knew she’d go crazy, melting away into nothingness. She wanted him badly enough to try it his way. Unflinchingly, she caught his eyes. “I want you, Nathan. To…touch me. To make love to me.” She felt his heartbeat speed to a gallop, and she gasped, shocked by this response. She’d always suspected that he liked her--maybe even lusted for her after she got her cute shape. But his response to her body--so crude, masterful and possessive--was a revelation. Does he want me as much as I want him? His hands dug under the soft cotton of her skirt, his finger playing an exhilarating game of stroke and cover inside her panties. She bucked against his finger, and closed her eyes, surprised to feel herself grow slicker and hotter with very stroke of his hand. Neither of them could wait. Cassie bit her lip, guessing that her first time wouldn’t be a slow and deliberate build-up of passion, but rather a fast, hot burst

of pleasure. She yearned to tell him that she wasn’t sure how to begin, to make him aware of her inexperience. But her actions of the last few years had caused him to think she knew all about sex. He probably wouldn’t want to sleep with her if he knew the truth. After all, wasn’t he there because of the novelty of the situation? Nathan Warner wasn’t there to deflower a virgin; he was there to have hot sex with black girl. The fact that she was his sister’s dearest friend probably made the whole experience seem more taboo. Soon, her skirt was sitting around her hips and she was rocking back and forth against his callused fingertips. Each stroke felt so good, and she grew wetter and more open with each of his gentle strokes. She whimpered when he pulled his hand away. “Did I do something wrong?” she asked. He looked at her so strangely, then, that she could have sworn he knew her secret. “No. I just want to take my time--really get into it.” He then wrapped her legs snugly around his hips and stood. Cassie clung to his neck, peppering kisses over his face and throat. As lost in desire as she felt, his strength still amazed her. He stood easily, unbuckling his belt, dropping his khakis and underwear to his ankles. While her legs were wrapped around him, he used a hand to dig into her panties. The pink cotton didn’t give way fast enough. “I’m sorry, Cassie,” Nathan grunted, right before ripping the fabric away from her ass. “Nathan!” Her heart fluttered, and the unexpected charge jolted her emotions free. Tears welled in her eyes. Ashamed, she bent her face into his neck.

His mouth was a thin line of concern. “Yes?” “Nothing,” she moaned, helpless to the tears stinging her eyes. “Just…nothing.” He ran his lips over her moist cheeks. “Don’t cry. Sshh. Don’t cry, Cassie.” She was shocked by the heat emanating from his body. His penis grazed the flesh of her thighs, and she grew frightened. He was larger than she had imagined, and in that moment, she feared pain. And disaster. What if she did something wrong? He’d know she was a virgin for sure! She trembled in his arms, biting her lips to keep from crying out. One false move, and he’d discover her secret. Cassie closed her eyes and concentrated on the hammering of her heart and the wetness of her cunt. Her clit felt huge; she literally ached for it to be touched. “Tell me what you want, Cassie.” It was a demand. He was rock-hard, his cock standing rigid against his stomach. Still, she felt him pull back. “Do you want me to stop? Baby, we don’t have to do this if--” Shaking her head violently, she opened her thighs, revealing the plush pinkness inside. “I want you. I want to do this right now,” she said with a firmness she hadn’t felt the first time she’d uttered those words. “I want you.” His eyes were soft, almost as liquid as hers, as he sank down onto her. His mouth captured hers in a kiss so tender that she shook from its sweetness. “I’ve wanted you for a while now,” he admitted. “I just never thought you felt the same way.” Cassie thought about pulling away, running out of that bedroom, kicking out--anything to escape that strangely wonderful look in Nathan’s eyes. But as he worked himself into her, she became glued to him. Her hands caught in his hair

and she cried out at the driving force of his cock. She shuddered violently as he stretched her open, and her gasps were a mixture of ecstasy and torture. Despite the pain that burned and sought to tear her apart, she thrust her body up and into his, to better grip him. With each stroke, he buried more of his penis into her clutching pussy, and her insides felt heavy with the weight and pressure of his thrusts. She couldn’t move; she felt too engorged, impaled by the powerfulness of his cock. Just when she thought that the painful thrusts would cause her to cry out in pain, she did weep, but for a different reason. Her resistance melted, and Nathan’s driving erection touched a deeper part of her. She began to moan deep in her throat, clinging to him. Now, when he pistoned into her, she pumped back, no longer resisting the hard muscle that massaged her deepest need. He seemed to feel the change in her and his pace quickened--masterfully bringing her close to the edge many times--toying with her orgasm. Oh, but she was hot for him now, fully open to his probing attentions, and she rocketed her legs tightly across the broad expanse of his back to further accept his cock. “Please, please, please,” she moaned her pleasure, her labored breathing heavy with excitement. She had no idea what she was begging for; she only knew that it was close, and that he was the only man who could give it to her. His lips sucked on hers one last time before he dove in, timing his strokes to hit that magical place inside her. Her vagina convulsed and milked his cock hard, fisting him like an internal hand. She felt it then--a hot surge flowering out from her womb. It climbed into her belly before claiming her whole body in a rapturous explosion that made her tremble and shake beneath him.

She breathed his name, and it rang in her ears--an ecstatic echo of her satisfaction. Seconds later, Nathan’s own world-bending orgasm shook him. After moaning her name as sweetly as she had his, he buried his face in her hair. “I love you, Cassie,” he said. She closed her eyes and bit her tongue. If she admitted she felt the same, her whole life would change. She’d probably not get on that plane to attend USC. She’d stay in Brooklyn and follow Nathan Warner around like a lovesick puppy. Her life would be ruined. She kept her mouth closed. And let him slip away. *** Nathan pulled her to him, forcing her to feel the erection swelling against his abdomen. “This is what you do to me,” he told her, his voice tight. “I want you, Cassie. If you make me beg, it won’t be pretty.” She looked from him to the bedroom door. Her mad sprint across the room didn’t surprise him at all. He was on her in seconds, lifting her into his arms as if she weighed nothing. Her body went limp and he felt her shudder. He placed her on the bed, immediately covering her body with his own. “Now this is more like it,” he whispered. “I’m about to make love to my wife on our wedding night. Well, I would have if she’d come in before midnight.” He grinned down at her. “Unless she has any objections.” He ran a finger over the smooth, cinnamon-brown skin of her cheekbones, and waited. Waited for her excuses, for her denials, for her games. Cassie’s eyes shined up at him. Her full lips quivered her response. “Fine.

You can fuck me. But it doesn’t mean anything.”

Chapter Four

The words had barely escaped Cassie’s lips before she realized she’d lied. She needed him to believe the lies; she needed him to hate her enough to stay away. If he hated her, she wouldn’t feel so tempted to tell him the secret she’d kept buried for the last seven years. Nathan’s hatred would make her world a safer place--one where the past stayed dead, and never saw the light of day. His lips burned hers and she responded instantly, sucking his tongue into the wet, hot confines of her mouth. She breathed him in, coasting on the wave of his clean, manly scent. The kiss intensified, and Cassie gasped, digging her fingers into his neck, urging him closer--the better to devour his tongue. She sucked on it, nibbling at his lips. If he had been a meal, she would certainly have eaten all of him--taking her time to savor every last drop. Nathan’s eyes burned into hers. He placed his hands on her chest. Instinctively, she knew that his touch would not be gentle. When the soft fabric

of her linen top was ripped across her chest, exposing her braless breasts, her nipples hardened into rigid, chocolate peaks. “Nathan!” He bent to take a nipple into his mouth. Cassie’s hands flew into the thick wave of his hair, pulling him closer, begging for the hot warmth of his lips. Nathan’s hands shot up to cup her breasts, and he grunted, his cock at full attention against her thighs. She groaned deep in her throat and closed her eyes, helpless to stop the world from spinning. She ached to have him inside her, her vagina pulsing a painful symphony of lust inside her moistening panties. She bit her lip and opened her eyes, gazing down at him. Though she could feel his anger, its intensity lashing over her body, his tongue’s careful strokes and nips were meant to please. And they did. Each time he lapped at her nipple, she felt her vagina clutch and grind for him. Sighing, Cassie clamped her mouth closed--anything to stop herself from begging for the inevitable. When his hands pulled at her crotch she lifted her hips. Her heart pounded so loudly she was sure he could hear it; but she was too far gone to be embarrassed. “Let me help,” she whispered. Together they pulled the jeans over her hips, thighs and legs. Nathan’s hands went immediately to her sex-slicked panties. He removed them without hesitation. “Lie back,” he ordered, his eyes firmly on her body. She reached to kiss him, to make him look at her. His hands pushed her away, sending her onto her back. She opened her mouth, but quickly closed it again when she saw how icy his eyes had become.

Nathan didn’t want to talk. He had other things on his mind. He moved his palm over the opening of her slit, studying the soft folds of her vagina. She throbbed against his hand, rocking her wetness across his fingertips. It felt so good to have him touch her again. He was the only man who’d ever really known how to do it right. “You shave,” he mumbled, his deep blues taking in every inch of her mound. She blinked. “Yeah.” “You didn’t used to. The night we hooked up you had…coverage.” “It’s more sanitary to shave. It makes maintenance easier,” she laughed. Why on earth is he all into my shaving routine? “It might be easier,” he said, his fingertip pressing against her clit. She gasped and shook against him. “But it’s not as sexy. I like a woman who looks like a woman. Everywhere.” Cassie readied her mouth for a snappy comeback, but his next movement tore every thought she had out of her head. With the speed of a cobra, he bent his head into the glistening wetness of her vagina. “Jesus, Nathan…” Lord, but the man could eat some pussy! Her whole body began a slow burn. Her pulse quickened. She groaned against his face, sliding the length of her cunt against his tongue, matching his licks stroke for stroke. “Oh, God!” She was on fire, her pussy set ablaze by the fierce precision of his licks. He suckled her clit, lapping at it in great, lunging strokes, her vagina molding tightly to his mouth. “Oh, yes. Please…” She clamped her legs over his

neck, threw her head back and squealed in delight. Her climax was fast, hard and wet, just like his tongue, and it came so suddenly that it robbed her of breath. Nathan’s head shot up. She felt her skin burn. It always did when he looked at her that way. The slow, studied gaze of a man with sex on the brain… Her desire for him covered his face--his mouth and nose bathed in her juices. “Did you like that?” he asked. His eyes were cloudy with passion. “Very much,” she admitted. “Good. Because now, it’s my turn.” *** For someone who doesn’t want me, she sure came hard enough. Nathan felt triumphant. Despite the circumstances, no matter her reasons for being with him, Cassie seemed to be enjoying every second, every touch. He bent at his knees and looked into the sweet face that shielded the devilishly wicked girl beneath. She was flushed; a light red dusting covered her coffee-brown skin. Her eyes were chocolate pools, wet and shimmering. She reclined against the pillows, her action one of relaxed seduction. Her ample breasts rose and fell with her deep breaths. Her dark eyes glittered with feral passion. “You want a blowjob, stud?” Nathan laughed. “If you’re giving, I’m taking.” “Lie back.” He did, watching appreciatively as she rose to her knees. His cock felt alien to him--huge, hot and heavy with throbbing need. Years earlier, when Cassie had first taken him into her mouth, he had been

surprised by her timidity, her seeming inexperience at the art of fellatio. He was curious to see what she’d learned over the years. He watched her carefully, mesmerized by the smooth bronze hues of her flesh, enticed by the slimness of her waist and her long, almost skinny legs. The only part of Cassie that had any weight were here tits--great, firm handfuls of creamy, oval flesh with nipples molded in dark chocolate. He tensed when he felt the hotness of her breath, her hand grazing the muscles of his thigh. He grunted loudly, and shut his eyes. Embarrassment washed over him. Cassie hadn’t yet touched his cock, but he was behaving like some randy teenager. But don’t I kinda feel that way? he wondered. Like a teenager about to get his first piece of ass. From the hottest chick in school, no less. Yes. This is why he was here. Not because of some damn inheritance. His stomach clenched with this realization. He was here to experience this woman, perhaps to put right what had gone wrong all those years ago. As Cassie’s long, sleek fingers encircled his engorged penis, he wondered if she would allow him to make it right. Did she even want him to? “Shit…” he wailed. Her mouth felt like a warm vacuum, sucking expertly at his rigid meat. His hand flew to rest in her soft cap of hair, gently urging her forward. He held his breath at the sound of her moist sucking, trying to calm down, challenging himself to not go insane with pleasure. Her lips suctioned him in, massaging his bulging head deeply into the back of her throat. Sitting up on his elbows, he watched her work, and was surprised to see her eyes closed. “Oh, Cassie,” he growled. “Oh, yeah. I like

that…” His words seemed to spur her forward; she doubled her efforts, gulping his cock totally. His stomach knotted and churned with pleasure. Her mouth felt so good; it was almost too much. Nathan’s vision grew blurry; suddenly he could see nothing but the beginnings of the orgasm that would fast take him down. “No,” he grunted, caressing her hair. “Cassie. Stop it.” She drew back, her eyes narrow, defensive. “What’s the problem?” “Not ready to come yet.” He grabbed her wrists and rammed her body into his. Her heat engulfed him. She was hot chocolate, and he wanted to have one more taste. “Kiss me,” he commanded. “I want you to taste your pussy on my lips.” She quivered against him, locking her hands into his curly, blond waves. Her lips parted. Nathan crashed his mouth to hers, devouring her sweet taste in one delicious bite. He used his tongue to massage the back of her throat, causing her to moan appreciatively into his mouth. Her hands clasped his hair; his own hands cupped the juicy roundness of her ass, locking their bodies together. Moaning with pleasure, she rubbed against him, and used her thighs to pump over his aching penis. He angled her closer, and used his thumb to rub at her vagina’s pink opening. He tensed when she bucked against his hand and slid her thighs around his waist. She pulled away from his kiss, and he saw her eyes, normally so sharp, become hazy, dark mirrors. “Please,” she said, her voice a tiny, almost embarrassed whisper. “Oh

God, Nathan. Fuck me.” Anchoring her thighs over him, he used his hand to investigate the searing heat of her gushing cunt. Her pussy dripped freely over his fingers, and he marveled at her smell, a soft, musky scent that drove his senses into overdrive. One finger slid into her tightness. Immediately he felt his digit milked into slippery darkness. Cassie’s lips parted and she threw her head back, fucking the finger deep into the shell of her body. He could feel her setting a rhythm. Excitement washed over him. Her pussy felt like a dark, velvety glove slipping over his finger--a glove he knew would fit him just right. Then he felt it. A building fire, a broken dam of satisfaction rushing through her body at a heart-stopping rate. She mewled like a kitty in heat, her body tightening and undulating around the thick finger it had enfolded. Cassie placed her hands on his shoulders and flinched up, bearing down hard. With a scream, she unburdened herself on his finger in a writhing, clutching fit of ecstasy. “No rest for the wicked, baby girl,” he grinned. Nathan positioned her still climaxing cunt over his penis, amazed that the purple-headed monster had grown so enormous. He couldn’t remember having an erection so huge before, or wanting to bury it as deeply into a woman before. He thrust up, bringing her body down in the same motion. Cassie groaned into his shoulder, a sweet melody of convulsive whimpering. The sound of her voice, helpless and ego-less in its passion, got him going. He pumped his cock into her--deep, upward thrusts meant to claim her, to shatter any resistance.

She feels so good… Every thrust was painful for him, for he was straddling the present and the past. Cassie’s soft moans reverberated through his head. Grinding her pussy over him, he rammed his face into her chest. Inside the soft warmth of her skin, he allowed himself to be carried away by the power and beauty of their intermingling flesh. “Cassie…Cassie…” He propelled her down the length of his aching cock, punishing her with the savagery of his passion. Her gasps became high-pitched yelps; they tore through her body as if she was helpless to stop them. Music to his ears. “Fuck me,” she sing-songed, a heated, guttural chant that made him quicken his strokes. “Fuck me, goddamn you… Don’t stop. Don’t you ever stop!” He would have fucked her all day if it had been possible, but he had no say in the matter. Her cunt had a tight hold on him, fisting his penis into an ecstatic instrument of torture. He bit into the salty flesh of her neck, and heard himself growl in a spasm of animalistic satiation. “Fuck!” His load slammed out of him, a hot burst of liquid flame that felt as if it had originated somewhere in his toes. He was coming harder than he ever had, an out of control geyser of passion. “Goddamn!” he roared. Her body hiccupped around him; he felt her cunt molding itself against his spasming shaft. Her eyes filled with tears, and she opened her mouth. Beautiful in her satiation, she warbled a note of total release before dropping onto his sweat-soaked body. He leaned forward to position her head on his chest. Cassie’s ragged

breathing challenged his nipples, causing them to thicken and grow sensitive. He breathed in her sex; it was all over his face, hands and body. She was good. Together, they were perfect. He wanted to talk to her, to tell her with words all he’d tried to communicate with his body. But talking could spoil it. Feeling like a coward, he closed his mouth. Nathan also wanted--no needed--to enjoy this moment. It had been a long time coming, and he wasn’t planning on messing it up with trite words or worse-an argument. He wrapped his arms around her and listened to the steady whoosh of her breath. She seemed content to lie in his arms. He was glad. For some reason, they couldn’t get anything else right. Maybe the pleasure they’d shared would change that. Soon, his eyes, hazy with satisfaction, wandered to Cassie’s bedside table, where he saw something that disturbed him. Two condoms gleamed viciously under the lamp’s light. *** Cassie woke with a start, the low hum of the air conditioner wafting around the room. She still felt hot, steamy, but she knew her sudden fever had more to do with Nathan than the soaring temperature. Despite the heat, she drew a sheet over her exposed breasts and rolled over. She recoiled. Nathan gazed at her, his eyes a deep, cloudy blue. “I forgot to use a condom,” he mumbled. Leaning back on a pillow, he ran a large hand over his mouth. “I brought them in. I meant to use one. I guess I just

forgot.” She held her breath. The last thing she was worried about was pregnancy. She’d had an HIV test last year, right after she’d ended a short-term relationship with a lifelong idiot. “Don’t worry,” she whispered. “But we have to, Cassie. I know you’re not on the Pill.” “And how the hell do you know that?” He spoke through tight lips. “Linda told me you couldn’t take them. They make your hormones nuts, and put a lot of weight on you.” “Shit!” She sat against the headboard. “Does Linda tell you every damn thing? She’s supposed to be my best friend. Why the hell is she telling you all my business?” More than just angry, she felt embarrassed. She would take her old friend to task for making her reproductive habits public knowledge. Oh, yes. She’d get into Linda’s ass about this. He reached out and stroked her thigh--a natural movement that made her breath catch in her throat. “Linda’s my best friend, too. I got you beat, Cassie. I saw her on the day she was born. I’ll always have five years on you.” He laughed, squeezing her flesh beneath his sturdy hands. Shocked by his silliness, she grinned. She didn’t have any siblings; she had always envied Nathan and Linda’s strong bond. It had always been just her and her parents. But a couple of years ago, that changed. After living through a debilitating stroke, her father went to sleep one night and forgot to wake up. Leonard Prescott left his wife and daughter to take on the world by themselves. Her mother Lucinda was still recovering from the loss. Thinking of her father dissolved her good humor. She waved off Nathan’s

concern. “Don’t worry about it. I won’t get pregnant.” His hand was still on her thigh. The relaxed, intimate touch was now a deliberate kneading action, thrilling her to the bone. Cassie’s nipples hardened; she breathed in deeply. “Do you use a diaphragm?” he demanded. “Or maybe you have an IUD?” “I won’t get pregnant!” she hissed, on her last nerve. She pulled her thigh away from his grip. “And don’t worry, stud. I’ve been tested. Your little winky aint about to fall off.” Nathan’s eyes looked wounded, but his lips parted in amusement. “Little? Winky?” “That’s what I said,” she giggled. “Little Nathan will be fine. Don’t worry your pretty, little head about your pretty, little head.” He sat up, leaning back on the headboard. His muscular arms flexed, drawing her eyes to hard line of his tanned flesh. The morning light streaming in highlighted his hair, making him look like a sun god. He’d fallen from the heavens, and chosen an all-too mortal woman with whom to try to make some magic. “How do you know you won’t get pregnant?” His jaw hardened, his eyes drilled into her. He looked like a stubborn dog who’d found a bone he was determined to chew into oblivion. “When’s your next cycle start?” “Stay out of my business,” she warned. “If you get pregnant, it will be my business,” he shot back. Her eyes were cold and dark. “I was pregnant once before; it was a long time ago. But it messed up my reproductive system. I can’t get pregnant, so chill out. All right?”

Why had she said that? “What? Cassie, what are you talking about?” He moved in so close that she could smell the previous evening’s sex on him. “When were you pregnant?” The secret was out; there was no going back. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t change the story around a bit--the better to suit her needs. Cassie swallowed hard. “I found out about the pregnancy when I was away at school.” She ran a hand over her cheek, deflecting the tears that threatened to appear. “I was…I had planned to put the baby up for adoption. But I miscarried in my fourth month.” His face was white. Grabbing one of her wrists, he pulled her closer. “We were together before you went off to school--” “Why the hell would you assume it was yours?” Her heart hammered in her chest. “That night,” he said. “We--Oh, shit. I didn’t wear a condom that night, either.” “I know what we did and didn’t do.” Her voice shook, causing her to surrender to the sobs that knotted her stomach. “But it wasn’t yours.” Nathan’s face hardened; his anger came off him in waves. “God, Cassie! How could you be so stupid? Forget pregnancy. What about diseases? Sleeping around like that is dangerous.” His hand dug into her wrist, and she flinched. He squeezed harder. “You know, every time I think you can’t surprise me anymore, I find out something else that knocks me flat. I’ve always known you were adventurous,” he spat. “What I didn’t know was that you were stupid.”

“Fuck you.” She pulled away, turning her back so that he wouldn’t see her anguish. She steadied herself and lowered her voice. “Fuck you, Nathan. Don’t worry about what I did with my pussy on my own time. We spent one night together; you didn’t own my snatch. I’ve got the papers on that, baby.” She heard him inhale sharply. “So what happened after you lost the baby?” “I went to school. Got the English degree I’m not using.” She bit her lips and shivered at the memories flooding through her. “I probably would have stayed out there, too, except that Daddy got sick.” Leonard Prescott’s stroke had had paralyzing effects, turning him into a vegetable. Her mother hadn’t wanted him in a nursing home. She’d run back to Brooklyn to help care for him a few months after graduation. “Your dad died a couple of years ago. But you’re still here, Cassie. Why didn’t you leave? Right after his funeral, you could have jumped on a plane.” Her lips quivered; she felt weak. She’d known he would berate her for her choices, that he’d judge her unmercifully. Well, fuck that. “It doesn’t matter. I lost the baby. It’s done. And you won’t have to worry about a repeat performance because I can’t get pregnant again. The miscarriage messed me up. I can’t have children.” He softened immediately. “I’m sorry, Cassie--” “Don’t you dare feel sorry for me! I will not be patronized by you, Nathan Warner. What’s past is past. I’m over it. You’d best get over it, too.” Pulling the sheet tight, she stormed from the bed. Taking the steps two at a time, she slammed into the bathroom and jumped into the shower. Once the cool spray began raining down on her skin, Cassie exhaled. And

cried for all that she had lost, and for all that might have been.

Chapter Five

Nathan pulled his t-shirt over his head and threw it on the sidewalk grate off to his left. “Glad we’re almost finished, man. August is always the worst.” He looked at his watch. The hour hand would strike four soon. When Andrew, his best friend--and best man at his wedding last month-had called and offered him a quick painting gig, he’d jumped on it. They had been painting the outside of a TriBeCa Pilates studio since ten that morning. By two, the city’s thermometer had jumped to ninety-three. It felt like one hundredthree. Andrew Kyle reached down, grabbed a paintbrush and handed it to Nathan. “Two, maybe three more hours, and we’ll be done.” He ran a hand through his damp, red curls. “This job would’ve been an easy one, except for the goddamn heat.” Two willowy blonds carrying workout mats passed them and smiled, showing off impressive dental work. Andrew pointed at the “wet paint” sign, and pushed open the door for them to pass successfully. The taller of the two

winked at Nathan. He looked at the pavement. “Man what are you doing?” “What?” He put his hand up to block the sun. “What do you mean?” “That was the fourth chick that gave you the signal today,” Andrew complained, shaking his head. “You barely looked at any of them.” “Shit. I got enough women problems. I’m not looking to add to them.” His eyes narrowed. “Cassie’s driving me nuts. That inheritance is taking its sweet time coming through. I don’t know if I can take it anymore.” Andrew whistled and picked up a roller. Re-wetting it with the deep teal stain, he rolled along the door’s frame. “I woulda thought the two of you would be getting along just fine.” “Oh yeah?” “Yeah. Cassie’s wild; I remember from high school. Even though she was a freshman when I was a senior, everybody knew her. I wanted to try to talk to her, but she was always with that football guy. Jerome…” “Jerome Larson,” Nathan grumbled. “He’s still around.” She’s probably with him right now… Since Cassie had told him about her inability to conceive, they’d barely talked, much less made love. He felt badly for all she had gone through, and felt worse knowing that such a youthful accident would deny such a beautiful vibrant woman the joys of motherhood. Yet her painful confession hadn’t stopped him from wanting to see her, or be near her. If anything, he wanted to protect her more. He wanted to make her feel special.

Cassie had pulled away from him that day; he didn’t know what to do about it. He’d sneaked into her bedroom last night, just as he had after their wedding, but she hadn’t come home. He’d been so angry that he’d gotten little sleep. Between being up all night and the heat, he felt ready to drop. The worse part about her being gone was his certainty of where she had been. Feeling like a criminal, he’d pressed his ear to her door and listened to her chatting on her cell phone before she left. “See you soon, Jerome,” she’d said. His heart had thudded into his stomach. By the time they collected their supplies and loaded Andrew’s black truck, he’d made up his mind to leave Cassie alone. As much as he’d enjoyed their passionate night together, it had reopened too many old wounds for both of them. He hadn’t felt comfortable demanding sex from her; no man should have to beg for something that should come naturally. She could stay in his house until her money came through. After that, he wanted her out of his life. *** Cassie sat on next to Jerome and offered him a chocolate chip cookie. “You’re trying to make me fat, girl!” Jerome rasped. He grabbed two of the hot cookies off the plate and spread them on a napkin. He ate daintily, careful to not let any crumbs escape. “Then why’d you ask me to make them?” she demanded. He took a large bite. “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”

They sat on his king-size, custom-made bed watching television. She’d stayed over last night, going directly to work from his spacious West Side apartment. She had planned to do the same this evening, too. Until Jerome put his massive foot down. He used the napkin to wipe his mouth before folding it into a ball. “Don’t get too comfortable tonight, Cassie. Paul is coming over.” His eyes glittered in anticipation. “Girl, I aint had none since he went off to Texas to visit his family.” He pursed his lips. “I plan on getting me some of that tonight.” She threw him a dirty look. “What the hell am I supposed to do? I can’t go home!” “And why can’t you?” He stood and went to his dressing table. After scanning his reflection for a long time, he rifled through his beauty bag until he found what he needed. Cassie made a face behind him after he pulled out gold tweezers and began plucking his already immaculate eyebrows. “I don’t know if I can handle seeing him,” she whined. “Woman, you best take your ass home to your husband!” “He’s not my husband!” she barked. “He is in the eyes of God and the state.” “It’s not a real marriage.” She swung her legs over the bed’s edge. “It’s in name only.” “Hmmm. That’s what you’re saying now,” the big man teased. Satisfied with the shape of his brows, he looked in the mirror and caught her eye. “But you certainly wasn’t saying that when you fucked his pretty ass!” She winced. “Jerome…”

“Don’t Jerome me, nothing, Cassie. Marrying that tall, blond drink of water was the best decision you’ve made in years. I don’t know what you’re doing sitting in here with me.” Cassie sighed. How could she expect Jerome to understand her problems with Nathan? He and Paul had been together for six years; they were the perfect couple. “I told him about the miscarriage.” He spun around and clapped his hands. “Good. Seven years is a long time to keep something like that a secret.” He whirled his head around to finish inspecting his smooth, dark skin. “I didn’t tell him everything,” she choked out. “At least not that the baby was his.” “Why not? Here I was thinking that you’d unburdened yourself. But no, you’re still holding yourself back. Go home and tell him the truth--that that baby you lost was his. That you feel like shit because you can’t have any more.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ve accepted the fact that I’ll never have children--” He raised his eyebrows. “That’s bullshit, and we both know it. You’ve been a wreck since losing that baby. And you’ve hated Nathan ever since. You hate yourself, too.” Cassie shook a finger at him. “I’m over it. I don’t blame anybody for anything that happened. I was young, stressed out and…” “In love with that boy. Too scared to tell him or your mama and daddy you were expecting. Drained with your studies and totally in over your head.” He went to her and sat on the bed. Pulling her hand into his, he played with her lithe fingers, pretending to crack her knuckles. “If I wasn’t into men, you know you would have been my first choice, Cass. The only choice. That’s

because I know you,” his voice shook. “I know you too damn well. You’ve been blaming that man for…what? Not taking precautions? Blaming yourself for succumbing to a night of passion? Does that make sense to you?” She shook her head, trying to defeat the tears that sprang to her eyes. Jerome pulled up her chin. “Go ahead, baby girl. Cry. You need to. It’s all right to cry for what you’ve lost. What’s not okay is fucking up life after you’ve been given a second chance.” A second chance? No. She’d married Nathan so that she could get her money faster. End of story. Her cell phone rang. Jerome stood. “I’ll be in the bath.” She chewed on her lip when she saw the number on the screen. “Hey, Ma. What’s up?” Lucinda Prescott’s voice boomed at her, anger and hurt mixing in a terrible crescendo. “You got married? Without telling your mother? How could you?” “Ma--” “You married Nathan? Judy Warner’s boy?” Gritting her teeth, she slammed back onto the bed, kicking her legs into the air. Jerome picked that moment to peek into the bedroom. When he saw her naked backside hanging out of her short, slip of a dress, he gasped and slammed the door shut on the unholy sight. “I was gonna call you, Mommy.” Cassie cursed inwardly, fear and shame reverting her back to childhood. “It’s just that I’ve been so busy lately.”

“I’ll bet. Getting married without telling your own mother!” she grumbled. “I didn’t even know y’all were dating!” “I’ll admit it was kind of sudden.” “When, Cassie?” Lucinda demanded. She groaned inside. “Almost a month ago.” Her mother’s voice softened with hope. “Are you pregnant? Is that why the two of you got married?” “No, Mommy!” She rolled her eyes into the phone, wishing that her mother could see her expression. “We…it happened out of the blue. We’re in love.” “Oh. Well, that’s nice baby. I always did like him. Grew up good, too. Cute white boy!” She cackled. In spite of her annoyance, Cassie grinned. If her mother hadn’t had the telephone in her hand, she would have clapped. Lucinda Prescott was a clapper from birth; her older sister Mare had said so. Fortunately, her only child had been spared that affliction. Cassie was, however, an avid high-fiver. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, steeling herself for her mother’s interrogation. But first, she had a question of her own. “How’d you find out?” The older woman huffed. “You a fool if you thought Michelle Caulfield could hold water. That chile told her mama, who told Rita Mae who lives down the block from your second cousin Hazel, who told me. I’m just mad that it took a whole damn month. I was so embarrassed, Cassie. Why was I the last to know?” Because I planned to be divorced by the time you knew anything! she wanted to

scream. “Nathan and I are still getting settled, Mommy. We…we wanted to be alone.” “That makes sense, baby. Perfectly understandable. But you’ve had a month to be newlyweds. When are you coming to see me? “I don’t know.” “How about this weekend?” she pressed. “That’s real short notice.” A wave of panic washed over her. “I don’t know if we’ll be able to make it out so soon.” “Yes, you can. Think about your poor mother sitting up here in Yonkers all by herself. Don’t that image make you want to visit me?” Not particularly. “I’ll see what I can arrange, Ma. I’ll have to see about Nathan’s schedule.” “You do that. I wanna see him. It’s been years! Drive on up here and see your mother. The faster you get your butt here, the faster I’ll forgive you.” “Okay, Ma.” “I just hope this is for real, baby.” “What do you mean?” “You married him so damn fast I have to wonder if it’s for love or money. Your auntie’s money? Thought I’d forgotten her and her crazy-behind will?” “You’re wrong, Ma. I gotta go.” Cassie clicked off and turned her face into a pillow. “What you pouting about, now?” Jerome emerged from his toilette with a plush sea-green towel wrapped around his sculpted waist. “Was that hubby?” “My mother.” “Ooh. From the look on your face, I can see that Miss Lucinda knows all

about it.” Her nostrils flared. “Michelle ran her damn mouth.” “I’m not surprised, Cass. Not at all. What are you going to do now that big mama knows?” She stood and grabbed her handbag off the nightstand. “I’m going to go home. I’m going to ask my husband if he’s free this weekend. His mother-in-law wants to see him.” *** Nathan pulled the snake out of the drain, and with it, a pound of fried, blond hair. “This was the problem, Janet. You need to put a stopper in the tub.” His tenant stood too close, and when he moved to get past her, Nathan had no choice but to rub along her body. Janet shrugged as he passed. “Isn’t that your job? The stopper, I mean?” “You can get one for ninety-nine cents at the hardware store. Gimme a break.” He turned to head down the stairs. Her voice called out to him--a seductive, needy sound. “Do you have to go so soon, Nate? I was just about to make dinner--Mexican. Would you like some?” He turned to face her. She was certainly persistent; he’d give her that. In the year she’d rented the upstairs apartment from him, she’d tried dozens of ploys to get him to visit with her. He’d always said no before, but tonight, something in him reconsidered Janet’s open invitation. Why shouldn’t he experience a little pleasure? His wife sure wasn’t giving him any. Thinking about Cassie made his blood boil. He was instantly horny; still

he had never been the type of man who could get off with someone he didn’t want. If he touched her, Janet would be an alternative fuck--someone to pass a lonely hour with. He shook his head. He’d rather go to his lonely bedroom and rub himself to sleep. “I’m not hungry, Janet. But thanks.” Her hazel eyes dimmed, but her smile looked as breezy as ever. “Is your wife cooking for you tonight?” “Why would you ask that?” “I dunno. It’s just that I remember you told me she’s a cook--a pastry chef-but I haven’t smelled any goodies baking since she’s lived here.” His hand gripped the banister. “She’s been really busy lately. Plus, she swears that I have the wrong kind of oven, or something.” She didn’t look convinced. “Okay, Nate.” Just as he reached the landing, he heard the front door unlatch. Cassie walked in, looking hot enough to wake the dead. His eyes scanned the black, barely there tube-top, the hot-pink miniskirt and matching sandals. He clenched his fists. Is that the sort of thing she wore to see her good buddy, Jerome? She glared at him. “Helping out your tenant? What did Barbie want this time?” “And you care…why? At least someone around here wants me.” He felt himself growing angry, more with himself than with her. Showing his feelings wouldn’t help matters. She’d certainly use that against him. “I do want you, Nathan…to do me a favor.” The softness of her voice was a pleasant surprise. She came to stand in front of him, her dark eyes shy.

“What now?” “My mother knows about us.” He smiled. “What’d Miss Lucinda say?” He’d always liked Cassie’s mother. Lucinda Prescott was fair and honest, and anything but politically correct. The old gal took no shit off anyone. “Is she happy for us?” Cassie crossed her arms over his chest. “You’re funny. My mother’s pissed that I didn’t tell her. She thinks we got married because of Aunt Mare’s will.” “Didn’t we? “Yeah. But my mother doesn’t need to know that! I told her that we’re in love, Nathan. I need you to go with me to Yonkers this weekend to prove that.” “Ah hell.” He stormed past her and opened his bedroom door. He heard her tiny footsteps echoing behind him. Then the door slammed. “Please, Nathan?” “No. Your mother will see right through us, Cassie. I am not gonna be the one to piss her off!” She threw her purse onto the bed. Suddenly, they stood eye to eye. Cassie pointed at him like he was a child. “If you don’t go, then she will be pissed off! You can’t leave me hanging like this!” Angry, he grabbed her finger and palmed it within his stronger hand. He squeezed until she cried out. “Don’t point at me, Cassie. I’ve always hated that.” “I’m sorry,” she jumped away. Tears pooled in her eyes and her hands shook. “Please help me. If we don’t go, Mommy will know something’s up for sure.” He sat on the edge of his bed. Running a hand through his hair, he closed his eyes to think. Haven’t I done enough already?

No, of course not. Cassie would always want more, demand more, need more. He’d grown tired of always trying to give her what she wanted. Especially when she went out of her way to deny him the one thing he’d asked for… “I’m not going,” he said. “What will I tell her when you don’t show up?” Her eyes were wild. “Why should I care, Cassie? You’ll find a way to get around this. You always do.” A bitter image sprang to his mind, and he used it to lash out at her. “Why not take Jerome? I know Miss Lucinda loves him.” Her eyes narrowed. “What does Jerome have to do with this? He’s not my husband!” “And I’m not either,” he accused. He stood and went to her. She backed away so fast that she bumped into the chair beside his bed. “At least I haven’t been your husband since the morning you snuck in after our wedding night. So tell me again why I should bail you out?” “Nathan…” “Save it. I don’t want to hear any of your manipulations. Actions speak louder than words.” He advanced on her and didn’t stop until he breathed in the fruity scent of her shampoo. He saw her pulse racing just beneath her collarbone; it excited him. “Until I get some action, little girl, you get nothing else from me.” He didn’t know what reaction to expect from her, but it certainly wasn’t the one he got. Cassie stuck out her chin. “Fine, big daddy. Want some action? I’ll give you more than you can handle!” Shocked, he watched her run her hands over the slight tube-top, kneading

her nipples through the material. With one rough movement, it slid over her head and onto the floor. Her large breasts stared invitingly at him, two cinnamon-colored delights that made his mouth water. He wanted to taste them. Smiling through clenched teeth, she unlatched her miniskirt’s jaw-string. It too fell to the floor. She stepped out of it. She wore no underwear. Nathan’s cock jumped to attention, hungrily bearing against his thigh. “Cassie--” Her name ripped out of his mouth “I…” “Action, right stud? Isn’t that what you said?” “Yes, but--” She pounced on him, unbuckling his belt, rubbing her sinewy nakedness across his body. “But nothing, Nathan. I will not disappoint my mother.” She stood on tiptoe to kiss him. Her lips seared his mouth, and he melted into her, gripping her hair with a strength that made her gasp. She pulled away. “Do what you want to me. Anything. I don’t care. But please, please, don’t make me tell my mother the truth.” She collapsed into tears. Shock coursed through him. He picked her up and cuddled her small body to his chest. “I hate it when you cry, Cassie. Please, don’t.” Her eyes fluttered; she clung to his chest. “No. I made a promise to you. I’m sorry I haven’t been living up to it. It’s just that I’ve been so scared…” “Why, baby?” He carried her to the bed and sat, hoisting her along his lap. He bent his head into the flesh of her neck, breathing in her scent. Damn. How does she do it? Make me so fucking weak? He saw genuine anguish reflected in her eyes. She seemed so helpless, so desperate in that moment, that he’d do anything for her. Anything.

“I’m a washout, Nathan. You know that. When I came back home, I helped my mother take care of Daddy. I guess I used my father’s illness as an excuse to not get a real career going, or do anything of any value with my life.” She sputtered, and he felt her flesh grow goose bumps beneath his hands. “That’s why I want this money. To show my mother that I can do something with my life, something she’ll be proud of.” Shakily, she reached for him. The kiss she touched to his cheek was sweet, almost chaste, despite her glorious nakedness. “I’m tired of drifting through life. I’m tired of disappointing my mother. Please help me, Nathan. Please.” Is this another one of her ploys? Or was she being real for once? He just couldn’t be sure. He searched her face, but could see no sign of deceit or pandering. She’s really hurting. He rubbed her sensuous flesh. He could never deny her, could never stay angry with her. “All right. I’ll go with you.” “Really?” Her face broke into a killer smile, and once again, Nathan found himself broken, weak in the knees. “Yeah. I’ll ask Andrew if I can borrow his car.” He kissed her; Cassie readily received his tongue. She was wet and warm, spilling her juices onto his jeans. He placed her trembling body on the bed. Every kiss rid her of anxiety; every stroke opened her to his touch. They shook and shivered together--one, two, three times. Their bodies melded to play a symphony Nathan felt could make the gods cry. Hours later, he watched her sleep, and hated himself for being so easily

seduced by her. But that’s what love will do to you, he thought sourly. Make you its fool every damn time.

Chapter Six

Lucinda Prescott opened the door, the smile fixed to her attractive face one of genuine pleasure. Waving off her daughter, she stepped forward. “Boy, you better give me a hug!” Cassie watched in disbelief Nathan encircled her mother into his big arms. “I’ve missed you, Miss Lucinda,” he grinned, picking the short, slightly plump woman off her feet. “Damn, you look good.” “Not as good as you!” she sassed, eyeing him openly. “You grew up real good, but I always knew you would. All that pretty, yellow hair and straight white teeth.” She finally acknowledged her daughter. “Girl, y’all gonna have me some pretty grandbabies!” Cassie clasped her hands together. “Hey, Ma.” “Give me a hug.” Sinking into the warm flesh, Cassie felt transported back to childhood. She

could smell good cooking wafting off the older woman; her mouth watered for whatever was in the oven. “What’s cooking?” “Mind your business, chile.” Lucinda stepped into the house and beckoned them to follow. “Y’all go sit in the living room. The TV’s already on. I’m watching Matlock on TiVO. Don’t you dare turn it off!” Grinning, she glided down the hall to play with dinner. “She hasn’t changed a bit,” Nathan said as he sank into the leather loveseat. His clear blue eyes narrowed as he stared at the television set. “Matlock? What the fuck?” She laughed. “I know! She’s got this weird thing for ancient television detectives. She also watches reruns of Columbo, Perry Mason and Diagnosis: Murder--that Dick Van Dyke show where he plays a doctor.” “I think I’ve seen that one,” he admitted. “Victoria Rowell was on that, right?” “What do you know about Victoria Rowell?” “Shit. You know how Linda is about The Young and the Restless. I got into it for a little while, myself; Vicky Rowell is smoking hot.” Before Cassie could answer, Lucinda ducked her head in. “Come on into the dining room. Soup’s on.” She appreciated the terrific spread her mother had set out on her best china. Cassie’s eyes widened. Three salads were at their left--romaine, potato and macaroni varieties. On their right sat her mother’s favorite carb staples: deep-dish macaroni and cheese; candied yams; and butter-whipped mashed potatoes. The meats were in the middle. London broil, barbecued ribs, pork chops

and fried chicken fought for dominance. “Damn, Mommy! You been cooking all day?” “Watch your mouth, Cass; you may be grown, but I’ll still get in your ass!” Lucinda’s nostrils flared. Cassie looked at her shoes. Nathan spoke up. “Everything looks so good. I’m ready to get started. I’m planning to open up some belt loops.” He waited for his hostess to take the head seat before motioning for Cassie to sit. She did, glad to be doing something other than talking. Her mother, however, who knew her better than anyone had a right to, grinned devilishly while she spooned out the yams. “Dig in, kids. When we’re done, we’ll have a little dessert, and a drink or two. Then you can tell me what kinda con you think you’re running.” *** Nathan hadn’t lied. After he’d stuffed his face, he loosened his belt two loops. He and his new family sat in the living room--the melodious tones of Hercule Poirot on the large-screen television--he gulped his second glass of scotch. And waited for Lucinda to tear Cassie a brand new ass. His eyes twinkled under the light of the tall, claw-footed, lion lamp--an eyesore he remembered from Miss Lucinda’s Brooklyn house--and grinned into his glass while his wife tried to keep up with her interrogator. “How long did y’all date?” She wanted to know. “Why didn’t you tell anyone about your wedding?” “Why the hell did you get married in the Municipal Building?” Cassie held up her hands and scowled. “Slow down, Ma. I can barely

think, much less answer your questions.” The older woman bared her teeth. “Okay then, smart ass. Answer just this one question: Did you get married to collect Maralee’s money faster?” He sat up straight and looked over at Cassie, whose eyes were now wide as saucers. She stuttered. “No…no, Mommy. It--you have it all wrong--” “Do I, Cassie?” She turned her deadly stare on Nathan. “Looks like my beautiful daughter isn’t ready to come clean, boy. “How about you? Will you tell me the truth?” He swallowed too fast. Scotch scorched his throat during its travel down the wrong pipe. He coughed. “Sure, Miss Lucinda. I could never lie to you.” He looked at Cassie, but she only had eyes for her mother. “Good boy.” She smiled before jumping in with both feet. “Don’t try to play me. Okay? I know all about Mare’s will. My older sister was good and crazy--even before she lucked up and married that Dick Harris. “Who would ever have guessed that man would up and create his own brand of athletic supports? Harris Cups, they’re called. Ever heard of ‘em, Nathan? They’re used mostly in high schools now, but before she died, Mare was trying to pitch those little cups to pro teams.” She grinned at the memory. “Mare always had an excuse to get close to athletes.” He laughed. “Aunt Mare was an interesting woman.” “So is my daughter. But something tells me that’s not the reason you married her.” His mouth felt dry. What should he say? He’d promised to tell her the truth. That’s what she would get.

“I married Cassie because I’m in love with her,” he said evenly. “I guess I always have been.” Cassie’s eyes flashed in shock. Lucinda softened. “You know what, Nathan? I can’t say I’m surprised. I remember you running around like a chicken with its head cut off where my baby was concerned. Always driving her places, taking her shopping, hanging around even when your sister wasn’t there.” She crossed her hands over her considerable bosom. “Nope. Can’t say I’m surprised at all.” He grinned at his mother-in-law, glad to have pleased her. He was also happy to escape her anger. He did not want her mad at him. Relief washed over him. He’d done good. Nathan looked at his wife. Her face had become slack. Cassie’s brown skin was flushed. Her silence was unnerving. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, Nathan slid close to her and clasped her hand. It burned hotly inside his. “From the night Cassie moved into my house, I’ve been very happy with my decision.” His tone was light, with a hint of humor. Cassie squeezed his hand. Hard. She smiled at her mother. Suddenly, she found her tongue. “I know it seems sudden, Mommy, but we’re happy together. Nathan’s always there when I need him. He takes care of me.” Oh, but did he like the sound of that! But had Det. Lucinda Prescott bought it? She studied them fiercely, causing him to shift on the loveseat’s sticky leather. Cassie’s hand still crunched tightly on his, but he didn’t pull back. He would rather concentrate on the vague pain in his fingers than on his mother-in-

law’s staring eyes. Finally, Lucinda beamed. “I don’t know why I even asked y’all that. I know that you’re in love; I can see it. It was plain to me the moment you walked in here.” “Really, Mommy?” “Of course. Besides, I know you wouldn’t get married just for a hunk of change, baby. You’ve shown your behind lots in your short lifetime, but I know that you’re not that silly.” Nathan almost laughed at her discomfort. She kept up her smile, but her hand quaked inside his. “No, Ma. I wouldn’t do something like that.” She turned to him and smiled prettily. “Nathan and I are very happy.” Was he caught up in the moment? Drunk off good food and even better liquor? Whatever came over him, it made him act like a stone fool. Nathan leaned over to kiss his wife. Cassie’s mouth slammed shut to keep out his wandering tongue. She pushed him back. “Nathan!” “Girl, I’ve seen people kiss before. It’s all right. Shit, it did my heart good, I’ll tell you that.” Miss Lucinda stood and stretched. “I’m heading off to bed, now.” She moved a few steps before turning back to them. “I’m so glad you’re here. And glad you’re together. Your marriage is the best gift I’ve gotten in a long time.” “I’m glad, too, Ma.” “He’s exactly what you need, girl. God sent this boy into your life to

straighten you out!”

*** Cassie slammed the door and gave him a withering look. “How could you embarrass me this way? Kissing me in front of my mother like that… Are you crazy?” “You asked me to put on a good show.” Nathan’s eyes flashed in the dimly lit bedroom. “Your mother seemed to like what she saw. Why the hell are you complaining?” She waved him off and bent to the chair where she sat her duffel bag down. “You laid it on kinda thick, don’t you think?” Pulling a ratty t-shirt from the bag, she turned to face him. Nathan stood so close that she could feel his breath against her cheeks. “Will you get outta my way?” She tried to step past him, but his strong body blocked her path. “Move, dammit!” She felt his hand on her wrist, shaking it until she dropped the t-shirt. “You won’t be needing that tonight.” He pulled her body against his. She shivered. He was hard. “We’re in my mo--in my mother’s house,” she stuttered. Her heart skipped in her chest and her mouth felt dry. “I’m not about to have sex with you here.” “Why not? We’re newlyweds. Miss Lucinda expects us to do it. Why shouldn’t I?” “Because it would make me uncomfortable. No. I’ll owe you some. Consider this an IOU. I’ll make good on it when we get back home.” She tried to push past him, only to be greeted by the hard steel of his body. “Let me pass,

Nathan.” He cinched his hands around her waist. She felt the rigid throb of his erection on her belly. Through the heavy denim of his jeans, his penis pulsed hotly, singeing her flesh with its greedy need. “I’ve given you a pass more times that I can count, kid. On your bad attitude. On sneaking out to be with your ex-boyfriend. On this whole fucking deal…” His words were as hot as his throbbing cock, tearing through her with the same intensity. “You’re not getting a pass on this. I want you. Now. Not when we get back home. Not when you get ready, Cassie. Right. Fucking. Now.” Cassie felt her body being launched into his arms. She clung to him, her whole body beginning to shake. She could find no words to battle against this sexy torture. Relief and resignation washed over her, making her wrap legs around his narrow hips. Her skirt rode up, exposing her ass; Nathan immediately cupped its rounded cheeks. He slammed her body to the wall, and she cried out. She bent her face to his neck, pressing her mouth to his throat. His scent washed over her. She gulped with pleasure at the feel of the light stubble against his jaw line. “That was easier than I thought it’d be,” he whispered, grazing a quick peck along her lips. “No fighting?” “No,” she quavered. She gasped at the feel of his finger creeping into her purple thong. “No fighting.” His eyes, which had grazed over her so frostily during their short marriage, were now hot blue coals, searing her with lust. His tongue licked out at her mouth, but Nathan offered no kisses. Instead, he ran his lips over the lush, pink flesh, whetting her mouth with long, languid strokes.

Cassie choked with noisy passion, fitting her body closer to his. He laughed. Soon his thumb was digging into her dripping pussy. She clutched at the finger, grinding against it with all her might. Securing her to the wall with one muscular arm, he used the other to pull down his jeans and briefs. His cock throbbed freely against her flesh; Cassie gulped. She closed her eyes when his hand moved to rub her hardening clit. “Oh, Nathan…” “Shush,” he breathed into her neck. “We wouldn’t want to wake your mother.” He grabbed at her wet crotch. Too easily, he popped the thong’s material. It fell to the floor at his feet. “Something about you makes me destroy your undies, lady.” She smiled, her dark eyes hazy with desire. “I know. If you keep it up, you’re gonna have to buy all new ones.” “Whatever you want.” She felt his penis surge up, impaling her upon its length. She parted her shaking thighs across his forearms, whimpering as he filled her. Yes, she thought wildly. Just like this. In my mother’s house. Against the wall. Fuck me! Nathan’s lips found hers; he sucked greedily at them. His cock fit into her perfectly, pumping her wet pussy over rock-hard penis in long, deep lunges. Much too soon, she felt herself tightening around his cock, quivering and throbbing in orgiastic abandon. He carried her to the bed, where she would thrill at his touch again, and again and again…

*** Nathan awoke to pounding on the door. He rubbed his eyes before focusing on the right side of the bed. Cassie wasn’t there. “Come in.” Lucinda bustled in, her face ashen, her mouth strangely tight. “When I got up I found Cassie in the kitchen. She was on her hands and knees in front of the refrigerator.” Forgetting his nakedness, his sprang from the bed. “What’s wrong?” She shrugged. “She keeps complaining about how hot she is--despite the air conditioning being on full blast.” The concerned mother stepped forward, and took his arm. “She’s burning up, Nathan. I think we should take her to the hospital.” He pulled on his jeans. “Where is she now?” “On the sofa.” Cassie sat doubled over when he got to her. “What’s wrong? What hurts?” His heart swelled when he saw that she’d put on his t-shirt. Cassie shook her head and leaned back. “I’m okay. It’s just a stomachache.” “Stomachache’s wouldn’t make your skin all green, Cassie,” her mother scolded. “You’re sick. We’re taking you to the emergency room.” “No. I’m not going--” He pulled her limp form into his arms. “Oh yes, you are.” “Miss Lucinda, please start the car.” ***

Her mouth felt so dry. Cassie turned over, relieved to no longer be in pain. When she saw her mother grinning down at her, she put out her hand. Lucinda took it, and held on tightly. “We were so worried about you, girl!” She smiled hard, her good cheer coming off her in waves. “But now that we know what’s wrong with you--” “What did the doctor say?” Cassie demanded. “And is it okay for them to tell you what’s wrong with me? What about doctor/patient confidentiality?” “Please, chile. Don’t you know by now that I could charm honey out of a bear’s paw? That doctor didn’t stand a chance!” She sat at the bed’s edge and pushed a stray lock of bang from her daughter’s face. She sat up. “Did I pass out? When we left, it was morning.” She stared out the window at the setting sun. “That means I got admitted, right?” “Right.” “What’s wrong with me, Ma? Food poisoning?” She grunted. “You probably left that potato salad out too long.” Lucinda ignored the dig. “There’s nothing wrong with you, thank God. I’d say a whole lot’s right, though.” Exasperated, she grabbed her mother’s hand. “What are you talking about, old woman?” “Doc says you’re pregnant.” “What?” Cassie felt dizzy; the world swam around her. She sank back onto the pillow. “You’re not serious!” “Would I lie about something so wonderful?” Lucinda’s smile showed all of her teeth. “I’m gonna have a grandbaby!”

“But that’s impossible.” Her hand immediately flew to her stomach and she closed her eyes. She had been told she’d never have children; she’d never give birth. Her insides had been mucked up during her miscarriage. Could it be possible that she was pregnant? And by Nathan Warner? Again? She shook her head. This had to be some kind of sick joke. Did this white boy have super-sperm, or something? Lucinda, who missed nothing, saw the dawning horror on Cassie’s face. “What do you mean impossible? Your birth control fail, or something?” The older woman’s face tightened. “It Nathan’s, isn’t it, Cassie? You haven’t been cheating on him?” “No! Mommy, what in the world do you think of me?” “I’m sorry, baby. You just seemed so certain…” Cassie reached for the water pitcher. The cool water felt good washing down. “All I meant is that…” She cleared her throat. “I’m just surprised, Ma. I didn’t think I’d get pregnant so soon.” Or ever, she thought in amazement. “Is it okay? The baby? Why was I in pain?” She flashed back to the miscarriage she’d had while still a teenager and winced. The pain she’d had this morning had been similar. Would she lose this baby, too? Hot tears sprang to her eyes. She couldn’t go through another miscarriage. It would kill her. “Calm down, baby.” Lucinda leaned over and pulled her daughter into the soft, safety of her chest. She stroked her hair and purred into her ear. Cassie relaxed immediately--five years old all over again. “You’re fine. You had heartburn! Lord knows, that cooking I fed y’all was rich, but even I was shocked

when it put my baby in the hospital! At first, they thought you had an ulcer.” “So my…the pregnancy is all right?” She couldn’t bring herself to call the child “my baby” just yet. “It’s okay?” “Yep. They ran tests and discovered you were expecting. Doc said it’s so early that he doubted you were even aware of it.” Cassie thought back to the heat and sensuality of her wedding night, or rather, the morning after. “I should be going on five weeks.” Her mother beamed. “Exactly.” They’d talked for several minutes, but there still had been no sign of the tall, blond man who’d gotten her into this mess. “Where’s Nathan?” Lucinda looked at the floor. “Mommy? Where is he?” “He stormed out when I told him about the baby.” “You told him! Why? Isn’t that my job?” “I was excited,” Lucinda said sheepishly. “Why was he mad? I don’t--” Then she remembered the morning she’d told him of her miscarriage. That she’d never be able to have kids. She’d believed those words at the time. Her stomach knotted. Oh, God. He thinks I lied to trap him! “Ma, go get him for me. I have to talk to him.” Lucinda pursed her lips and ran a hand through her salon-tamed ringlets. “I don’t know if he wants to talk, honey. He looked mad when he ran out of here.” “Well, now I’m mad,” Cassie hissed. “You tell him to get his butt in here. He’s the one who knocked me up. He’d better not be sitting out there with an

attitude!”

*** Nathan sat in the waiting room, staring unseeingly at his untouched cup of coffee. His head throbbed so badly that he found himself gnashing his teeth to dull the pain. The grinding motion only helped with the physical part of his agony. Cassie’s pregnant. He slammed his fist on the chair’s arm. The woman sitting across from him jumped. Her bird’s face reddened; she quickly left her seat. His mood was so foul that he didn’t care. Why had Cassie lied to him? She’d said that pregnancy wasn’t an issue-that she was infertile. Had she said that because she was already pregnant and needed a father for her unborn baby? How far along was she? He balled his fists together. Their wedding night flashed through his mind. A realization stung him, one that made him want to double over in pain much. She didn’t marry me to get her inheritance. She married me because Jerome wouldn’t! He stood and headed for the swinging doors that lead out of the emergency unit. A hand reached out and touched his shoulder. “Where do you think you’re going? Cassie’s awake. She wants to talk to you.” His eyes were deep, overcast blue--cloudy and stormy with his rage. “Cassie and I don’t have anything else to say to each other, Miss Lucinda. Tell

your daughter I want a divorce.”

Chapter Seven

“Just a minute!” Jerome Larson called out. Nathan stood in front of the apartment door, fists ready at his sides. After leaving the hospital, he’d caught a taxi back to Lucinda’s place where he picked up Andrew’s car. He’d floored the gas all the way to Manhattan. He intended to give the hunky, former football player a good talking-to. If the bum still wasn’t ready to face up to his responsibilities, he’d break his jaw. The door opened. Jerome’s eyes shined in confusion. “Nate? What are you doing here?” He barged past the other man. Inside the apartment, Nathan’s eyes widened. So many…frills. Laces and fluffy pillows and puffy, deep pink chairs. Did the jerk already have another woman living here? he wondered. Asshole. “Can I help you with something, Nate?” The tall man stared down at him, his dark face only inches from his. “I assume this isn’t a social call.” Nathan looked him up and down, disgust washing over him. “Cassie’s pregnant,” he spit out. “But I guess you already knew that!” Jerome’s hands flew to his chest. “Cass is going have a baby? It’s a fucking miracle,” he yipped. “That’s great, Nate.” “My name’s Nathan, Jerome. Nathan. It’s only two syllables.” “Well, excuse the fuck out of me, Nathan. Didn’t know I was hurting your feelings.” He turned his back. “You know what? I’m not feeling this at all. Maybe you ought to come back when you develop some manners.” He moved to the door. Nathan became livid. Jerome seemed to be going out of his way to make it

hard for him. “I’m divorcing, Cassie. After it’s final, I expect you to do the right thing, Jerome. Her baby needs a father.” His face felt so tight that his teeth ached. It took everything in him not to pummel the jock to death. Jerome laughed, a low rumble that seemed to shake the whole apartment. “What? Wait a minute. Just wait one fucking minute.” He placed his hands on his hips. “You knock up my girlfriend, and now you expect me to pick up your slack?” “It’s not my baby!” he lashed out. “Well, it aint none of mine, neither. Shit, man. Are you blind or something? Can’t you tell a gay man when you see one?” “What? What did you just say?” Nathan took a step back. He placed his hands firmly at his sides. “Gay, Nathan. Gay, gay, gay. Always have been--at least since Cassie and I broke up in high school.” “Wait. So…so you’re not the father of her baby?” “Did I stutter? Man, you’re funny.” Jerome moved away from the door and shrugged. “I can’t believe this is happening. It’s amazing. After Cassie lost your first baby, they told her she wouldn’t get another chance.” “Your first baby?” Nathan demanded. He closed the distance between them with one step. “As in my first baby?” The big man breathed deeply. Running a hand over his smooth head, he sank into a plush pink armchair. “I have a big mouth.” Nathan bent beside the chair. His heart plummeted into his stomach. “What? Cassie’s miscarriage--” “That baby was yours, man.”

“But she said--” “Cassie says and does a lot of things to keep herself miserable. You’ve known her what? Twenty years? You know how crazy she is. She doesn’t want to be happy, Nathan. She doesn’t know how to be happy.” Heat raced through his body, emotion springing up to smack him down and make him powerless. Anger boiled inside him; but he also felt the beginnings of hope percolating in his blood. The baby is mine. Nathan turned so that Jerome couldn’t see his face--especially his wet eyes. He tensed when he felt a huge hand squeeze his shoulder. “Why didn’t she tell me, goddamit?” His tanned skin had become a white mask of bitterness and pain. “God, I could have helped her.” “She wouldn’t have let you, man.” His eyes were solemn. “I know more about that girl than her mama and your sister combined. She’s probably gonna kill me for this, but I don’t care. Some secrets are not worth keeping--especially if they hurt more than they help. “Come sit with me, cutie. It’s time we talk.” Nathan nodded. He was too choked with emotion to speak. *** Cassie slammed the phone down and started packing. She would be picking up her check at the attorney’s tomorrow; after that, she could move on with her life. As soon as it cleared, she’d send Nathan his chunk. She’d raise their baby on her own. She didn’t need his bullshit. Anger made her movements jerky. She’d stepped off the bus from Yonkers an hour ago, and had expected her phone to ring at least once. But

Nathan hadn’t called. Bastard. How could he do this to her? She’d had to deflect her mother’s probing questions for hours. “Why is Nathan divorcing you, Cassie? You didn’t cheat, did you? Does he not want babies?” “I don’t know, Ma. No, I didn’t cheat. I don’t particularly give a damn whether he wants babies or not.” Lucinda had offered to board the bus with her. “If Judy was alive, you wouldn’t be going through this,” she sniffed. “God rest her. What would she think if she could see her boy acting this way?” Cassie hugged her mother. “I’m fine. Chill out.” “Chill out? You find out that you’re pregnant and getting divorced all in the same day, Cassie. You need to be angrier than you are.” Her hand cupped her belly. “I’m just getting used to being pregnant, Ma. I’m not worrying about Nathan. He’s grown. From here on out, it’s all about my baby.” She’d said it with feeling. Cassie’s hands shook as she closed the last of her bags. This is it. This is how it all ends. “Where do you think you’re going?” She whirled at the sound of his voice. Seeing him standing there, so big and masculine in the doorway, caused her to lose her footing. She stumbled backward. Nathan immediately reached out to steady her. She pulled away. “Why do

you care?” “Because you’re carrying my baby!” He paced in front of her, his movements stiff and unyielding. “Can you guess what I found out a little while ago, Cassie?” “That you’re an asshole?” she deadpanned. “No. You’re a motherfucker. A motherfucker who would run out on his pregnant wife!” He stopped in front of her. Fury etched itself into his face, tightening his jaw and knitting his fair brows together. “Yeah, Cassie. But add this in, too. I’m the motherfucker who knows you got pregnant after our first time together--after your first time with anyone. I’m the motherfucker you forgot to tell about your pregnancy. I’m the same motherfucker whose baby you lost all those years ago.” Her shoulders wilted. Goddamn that Jerome! “Let me guess who you’ve been talking to…” “Does it matter? I know, dammit! How could you do this? Hide all this from me? Why?” Struck dumb by the pain in his voice, she turned to stare out her window. “I will not talk about that with you.” “Yes you will, Cassie. You will. I swear to God, you will. You’re not leaving this house until you do.” “Don’t threaten me!” “Who’s threatening? I’m telling you!” His hands grabbed her waist. She whimpered when their bodies collided. She inhaled deeply at the feel of his breath against her ear. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why? I could have helped you! Don’t you know that I would do anything for you?”

“You left me in Yonkers!” “Don’t change the subject. Why didn’t you tell me?” He spun her around, forcing her to face him. She stuck out her chin. If he was so insistent on knowing, she’d tell him her way. No tears. No hysterics. Just the facts. “I didn’t want to ruin our lives. I found out I was pregnant a few weeks before heading off to school. I was scared. But not scared enough to tell my mother. Or you. “I wanted the whole college experience, Nathan. I wanted to get the hell away from my parents. If I’d told you I was pregnant, do you know what would have happened?” His voice was soft. “I would have asked you to marry me, or at least to move in with me.” “That’s right. And I would have said yes.” He gripped her to him. “But you decided to leave, anyway? Would being with me have been so bad?” “I was going to give the baby up,” she mumbled, cursing her inability to stay calm. “I was going to give the baby to Aunt Mare!” His eyes flashed. She could feel his blood coursing beneath his skin. “She…never had any kids of her own.” Cassie nodded through the tears that had defeated her. “She wasn’t able to have any. But what she did have was a lot of money. I knew she’d be able to give the baby a good life.” “Not a better life than its parents could have.” He released her and sat heavily on the bed. “You didn’t love me. I was a one-night stand and--”

“I loved you too much!” she shrieked. “Too much. Don’t you understand? If I’d told you, I would have had no choice but to stay here. I would have had to stay close to you!” His eyes were as red as he gazed at her. “You loved me?” “Yes.” She couldn’t speak above a whisper. “Yes. With all my heart.” His face was so hard, emotionless, that heart flipped in her chest. “How can I believe you?” “Why can’t you?” “Because I know too you damn well, that’s why. Ha! You almost had me fooled!” She felt sick, her stomach a churning, queasy mess. “I’m not trying to fool you about anything, Nathan. At least not anymore.” “Oh yeah? I think I know what this whole thing was about. Your selfishness and irresponsibility. You didn’t tell me you were pregnant because you wanted to get away from your boring life here--to escape the boring life you would have had with me. A girl like you needs to feel the sun on her face--maybe even surf a little and fuck a few California pretty boys.” She didn’t think; she just acted. Her hand connected with his face, a loud thunderclap of pain. Nathan didn’t move; he glared up at her with open hostility. “I left because I knew you didn’t love me. Not to surf, or fuck, or whatever you’ve got stuck in your dimwitted little brain. I didn’t want to stay because I knew you’d do the right thing. It would have ruined your life.” His eyes cleared. “Sit down, Cassie.” He patted the bed. She stood her ground. “I think I’m just gonna go. By the way, I’m picking

up the check tomorrow. You’ll have your take by the end of the week.” She bent to reach for her bags with a heavy heart. “I don’t want the money,” he said. “Keep it.” “We had a deal. I plan to stick to it.” His face twisted into a pained grimace. “You really think I care about that?” He stood and encircled her into his arms. “Besides, I meant what I said; you and my baby aren’t going anywhere.” She turned her face away. His finger angled her back, forcing her to connect with him. “I love you, Cassie. I did seven years ago. I do now.” “Nathan, I…” She stopped, not knowing how to go further. “Just say it. Stop holding back from me. That’s what’s kept us apart all these years. Aren’t you tired of that?” Her heart swelled with love. It was as if he could see right into her--but loved her anyway. Cassie locked her gaze with his. “I love you, too. I was just so scared that you didn’t care about me--that you couldn’t care about me in that way. It’s why I’ve always been so…” “Difficult?” he teased. “Yeah. You were always so fucking perfect. A good boy. I didn’t want to be the one to slow you down!” His mouth brushed her hairline. “I was a bad boy after you left. Plenty of drinking, women I’d rather not remember, and anger because you refused to see me.” “Really?” “The only reason I didn’t fly to California to get you is because my mom

talked me out of it.” Cassie’s face reddened. “Mrs. Warner knew? About us?” “Mom was no fool. After I’d moped around the house for a few weeks, she pulled it out of me. She told me to leave you alone. She said you were too young to settle down.” “Wow,” she swallowed. “So that probably means…” “That Linda knew? Probably. Though she’s never come out and mentioned it. But she and Mom were like twins. Of course, she knew.” She relaxed in his arms, allowing herself to feel secure for the first time. His power comforted her, making her feel safe. “I never told her. Not about us. Or the baby.” She closed her eyes and listened to the sound of his heartbeat. “I’ve got a lot to tell Linda, now.” “She’ll understand,” he said, giving her a tight squeeze. “You’re like a sister to her. There’s nothing you could do to change that.” “Isn’t that kind of like incest, Nathan?” “What?” “Well, we’re married now, and I’m having your baby, so if I’m like Linda’s sister--” He chuckled, his rich baritone cutting her off. “We’re having a moment here. Why ruin it?” She stood on tiptoe to kiss the tip of his nose. “You’re right. Let’s not ruin this moment.”

Epilogue

Nathan’s eyes glistened sharply under the unseasonably warm December sun. He smiled at the thirty assorted guests sitting in his backyard. Miss Lucinda’s eyes flashed knowingly at him, and he nodded. His mother-in-law was so beside herself with joy that her head swiveled back with each music change. He had no doubt that she’d fall out of her seat when the organist started the bridal march. He grinned as he thought about their upcoming honeymoon. It would be spent in a mid-size Downtown rental space. Sweet Mouthful, Cassie’s bakery, was a fixer-upper; that’s how they’d been able to get it so cheaply. He and Andrew would do all the painting, carpentry and electrical work. Cassie would supervise. The shop would officially open after the birth of their baby girl. Cassie swore she’d have Little Judy kneading dough in record time.

He swallowed back a laugh when Linda, playing maid of honor to the hilt, sashayed down the aisle wearing a pretty lilac cocktail dress that stopped at her knee. She grinned and made faces at him before completing her walk. That’s when he saw her. Cassie stepped out the back door, clutching a lush bouquet to her abundant chest. She gripped Jerome’s arm. Modeling an impeccable Armani suit, the tall, dark-skinned man looked as thrilled as the bride. He stared at her and thought she’d never looked so stunning or as happy. Her custom-made ivory wedding dress was ultra modern, made of satin, tightly fitted at the scalloped bodice, with a roomy, flowing skirt to allow Cassie--and the baby nestling within her--easy comfort. Her unexpected pregnancy had sobered her greatly, causing her to worry about losing her figure. She lived in fear that he’d no longer find her attractive, and that every extra pound spelled disaster for their sex life. Nathan thought she looked as sexy as ever. And to make sure she knew he wanted her, he stroked and kissed her growing belly every night. Cassie’s hair had grown rapidly during her pregnancy. Linda had coiffed it into coppery ringlets that hovered around her pretty face. Nathan’s heart tugged in his chest as she sauntered down the red carpet he’d had brought in for the occasion. Soon, she stood beside him--where she belonged. He reached out, pulling her hand into his. Her smile was one of radiant beauty, and Nathan knew he’d soon be seeing that smile on his daughter’s face. “I love you, Cassie.” He squeezed her hand. “I love you, too.”

Their amused guests hooted and catcalled in appreciation. “Knock it off guys!” he scolded. “You had better not mess up this wedding for me.” Cassie joked, her eyes shining. “No. It took us too long to get here. There’s no way I’m messing this up!”

The End

AUTHOR BIO Layne Blacque lives in the Northeast with her family. She enjoys reading and writing romances of every stripe--from tender to torrid. When not writing, she is actively programming her latest obsession: TiVo.

BACK COVER BLURB

The twenty-five year old schemer is unwilling to wait five years to collect her inheritance; she intends to use her windfall to start her own pastry shop. But when she asks Nathan to be her husband, she's perplexed by his outright refusal. Not even the ten thousand dollars she offers as payment sways him. When Cassie offers the hunky contractor the one thing he can't refuse--conjugal visits--Nathan accepts her proposal. Both parties think they've won. Yet their new alliance uncovers secrets from the past--secrets that threaten to destroy a love neither is stron