The Wedding Gift Page 5

  Chapter 5

  “The water is ready,” Cindi called, turning on the Jacuzzi tub in their new bathroom that had been designed to be accommodate Preston’s special needs. They’d chosen sand and pale gold for their color scheme and added ocean-green tiles with a leaping dolphin to border the tub. Preston had purchased the farm and surrounding property as an engagement present for Cindi. The home, built in eighteen eighty-five, had needed major interior updating, so they added a few twenty-first-century improvements. Their friend, Russell Long, an award-winning architect, designed the interior upgrades and rear addition, specifying the stone exterior be kept uniform with the original house.

  “The bed is made up and I started a fire in the fireplace,” he said, walking into the room after undressing in the bedroom. “I know how much you like making love by a fire.” Preston sat on the long padded bench specifically designed for him to use while getting in and out of the tub. On the opposite side of the room, a shoulder-high wall of pale green glass blocks protected a shower that could easily accommodate four people, and had been designed with a special seat, grab bars, and multiple showerheads.

  His thigh still ached, but the sight of Cindi on her knees naked, but for a red thong, created an even greater ache in his groin. The steam rising from the hot pool coated her skin with a fine mist, making it shimmer like stardust. He was glad she’d used the natural bath salts that were soothing to the skin and didn’t leave a girly smell. The bathroom included a state-of-the-art sound system, so he opened a wall panel and turned on the music. Christmas was her favorite holiday, so he went with traditional songs. Burl Ives started singing “A Holly Jolly Christmas.” Oh, he would, he decided, appreciating the way his future wife’s adorable butt cheeks swayed back and forth to the beat of the music.

  “Sometimes I think you purchased the house because there are five fireplaces, including the master bedroom.” Cindi got up off her knees and moved to the other end the bench. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him hard and long.

  “What was that for? Not that I don’t like your spontaneous kisses.”

  “That was a thank-you kiss. I thought I was seeing things when we got home. The front of the house is so gorgeous. I will never forget the holiday party Lincoln arranged to have at Tavern on the Green in New York City. They wrap the trees and limbs with tiny white lights. It’s spectacular. When did you have time to decorate? How did you get all the white lights on oak trees in the front?”

  “I came here on my lunch hour to take care of the interior, and I made a hefty donation to the volunteer fire department to string the tree lights. Most people don’t know they offer the use of the cherry-picker extension on the fire truck over the holidays to raise money.”

  “Well, I love it, and you, for this wonderful surprise.” Her eyes drifted to the large crescent-shaped window that defined the outer wall of the bathroom. Millions of stars in an almost cloudless night sky skirted a full winter moon. The blackness was so intense it appeared a deep blue. “Are you sure no one can see us in all our naked glory? I feel like an exhibitionist.”

  “The glass is specially made. We can see out, but no one can see in. Russell assured me we wouldn’t be putting on a free show.”

  “Okay,” she reluctantly agreed, and kissed him again. “Are you still in a lot of pain?”

  “I think I’ve gone into labor, because the pain is now between my legs.” He lowered his head and sampled the sweet nub of her hardened breast, lingered, then switched to its beautiful twin. His precious beloved tasted so sweet. He cupped the fullness in hands and brushed his cheek against their softness. “I can’t wait to see our babies suckling at your beautiful breasts.”

  Cindi’s fingers threaded his dark hair, all the while putting pressure to the back of his head. He always made her feel wanted, loved. “That will come in time, my love, but right now, your ailment is contagious. I’ve got your throbbing ache too.”

  “I’ve got a partial cure right here.” He raised his head from the pillow of her breasts, slid his thumbs into the thin elastic waistband of her red thong, and slowly slipped it down her slender thighs. Cindi’s quick in-drawn breath echoed off the high-ceilinged room when he lowered his mouth to the aching center between her thighs and sought to give her temporary relief.

  “You are so good at that.” She gasped again, spreading her legs further when his tongue massaged the center of her heat. “I love what you are doing, but let’s get you in the water and I guarantee I will cure all your aches.”

  Preston raised his head, with her sweet taste lingering on his mouth, and grinned. “I believe you will.”

  Cindi stood up, kicked her thong to the side, and knelt down in front of Preston. She’d become quite adept at helping remove his prosthesis and protective sleeve.

  Now it was his sharp in-drawn breath that filled the room as the churning waters helped to soothe his thigh muscles. He relaxed back against the side of the tub and closed his eyes in brief relief, feeling the powerful jets beat against his muscles. His groan blended with the Christmas music when Cindi knelt between his thighs and spread her fingers over the top of his leg and gently applied pressure, easing the tightness in the tendons. Her fingers moved to the outside of his thigh, traveled to his hip, and applied the same healing pressure. He opened his eyes to discover the smooth curve of her shoulder and settled his lips on the soft, silky surface. “You taste delicious, Cindi Pearl. I can feel relief already, but I think it’s time for you to fall back on your motto: do a good deed for a friend in need.’”

  Cindi pulled slightly away, but kept her fingers moving in a healing motion over his thigh. “I don’t see any friends around here who need my help.” She knew exactly what he was getting at because her desire for him was reaching the breaking point.

  “Consider me a friend right now, a friend in dire need.” He raised his hips slightly to draw attention to the part of himself that needed her expert assistance.

  The message was loud and clear when the object of his need brushed the back of her hand. “I believe I can help you with that,” she smiled and switched her hand to the heart of his ache. Her fingers moved in a massaging motion, just like she’d done with his thigh, but used less pressure. He swelled and lengthened in her hand heightening his pressing need. “Any better?” she teased.

  “You are killing me, but I am putty in your hands. Take care of me, my love.”

  “Medicine and treatment coming right up. Woops, you are already up,” she giggled, slowly rising from the water like a sea nymph. She stood boldly before him in her wet, naked glory, opened her legs wider and straddled his hips and slowly lowered herself on him. She swayed her hips in the churning water to seat herself even deeper upon his male perfection. Her eyes lowered and she held back the urgency to move. This was pure heaven. He filled her so completely. “Let me know when you feel better.”

  “It might take a while. His mouth seized the fullness of her upturned breast.

  “No problem, I’m yours for a lifetime,” she gasped, at the first solid thrust of his hips.

  “Joy to the World” blended with their passion filled voices.

  An hour later, they snuggled on the blow up bed in front of the fire. The low burning flames cast a golden glow to the room. This was the only fireplace in the house bordered by antique, dark cobalt blue hearth tiles. They’d ordered the same color blue area rugs to scatter about the newly refinished hardwood floor. A light oak sleigh bed would take up a portion of the space along with matching bedside tables. The renovations had included his and her dressing areas and walk-in closets. The three tall windows with light oak moldings were currently unadorned, but there weren’t any neighboring homes to offer peeping tom opportunities. Cindi hadn’t told Preston, she’d ordered twin wing-back armchairs that would be placed in front of the fireplace.

  “How does your leg feel?” Cindi snuggled her head on his shoulder, still warm from his bath and watched the flickering flames. Too bad they didn’t have the
makings for s'mores. They never got to eat anything at the party.

  “Much better, since Nurse Cindi gave me expert care.” He brushed her shoulder with the tip of his nose and inhaled the subtle hint of lavender from the body lotion he’d applied once they managed to get out of the tub. He’d been hesitant putting in such a big Jacuzzi, but Russell Long, his architect, had highly recommended the indulgence. He and his wife Alexis made use of their own, when they could steal precious time alone. Having triplets didn’t leave them much time to themselves.

  “When we were on our way to the party and I was telling you about my former jackass boyfriend, you came out with the words, ‘been there, done that.’ Now’s the time to fess up, Dolphin.”

  “Do you really want to know about an old girlfriend?”

  “Absolutely!”

  “Despite what you think, there weren’t that many. I dated, of course and I wasn’t a monk, but was there one special one?” Preston hesitated. “Yea, but we were in college. Bridget and I were together for about six months. She was studying to be a Marine Biologist, just like my father. We got along until she decided I was spending too much time studying and not with her. I took accelerated classes and graduated with a Masters in accounting. I also took courses in business, law and fraud detecting.”

  “I’ll bet Gidget was great on a surfboard.”

  A chuckle rumbled in Preston’s chest and he tugged on a length of hair that was still damp. “Her name was Bridget and yes she was very good on a board. That was one activity we enjoyed together, but she got tired of waiting for me to give her my undivided attention and sought greener pastures.”

  “Was she good in bed?” Cindi felt stupid being jealous of Gidget who could surf.

  “A gentleman never kisses and tells.” Preston shifted his weight and drew her body over on top of him. He cupped her silky soft butt cheeks and kissed her pouting lips. “You have nothing to fear. I didn’t know what real love was until you came into my life.”

  “I know that, but it’s nice to hear.” Cindi shifted slightly and spread her legs to accommodate the growing hardness that was also generating a great deal of heat. “From the feel of things, Dolphin is ready to surf. How about waxing your board and shooting the curl in my direction.”

  “I love that I never have to act the gentleman with you.” He laughed out loud and caught the next wave.

  Monday morning, Cindi sat at her desk and opened Lincoln’s mail with her purple letter opener. She hoped the many envelopes that contained holiday cards would cheer her up. Last evening, Preston received a phone call from a prosecuting attorney that he would be needed to testify the following day. The case involving fraud and embezzlement, had been put on hold, but an opening in the court calendar brought the important case to the forefront. She’d made arrangements for the company jet to fly him to Denver at six this morning.

  Her office reflected her love of purple, right down to live pine tree in the corner decorated with purple, red and gold ornaments. She displayed her cards on various lengths of ribbons, but Lincoln’s would cover a number of walls. He took the morning off to attend the holiday show at his daughter’s grade school. Edith Amanda played the piano and had been chosen to play Silent Night. Lincoln was going to accompany her with his harmonica. He’d been practicing all week with his office door closed. As a special treat for parents, there was a luncheon following the performance.

  She’d just gotten to the bottom of the mail crate when the phone on her desk rang. She recognized the in-house code for Security. They had a special delivery for Cindi from Suzie Q’s Florist.”

  “Perfect timing. Something to cheer me up,” she said ending the call. “It’s probably Suzie’s way of thanking us for doing our wedding.” Cindi moved around to the front of her desk and her eyes opened wide when Samantha walked into the office holding a beautiful white poinsettia plant. Nestled in the large white petals were deep purple roses.

  “This is a double surprise. What are you doing here?”

  “I dropped off a platter of cookies to the school for their holiday luncheon and put together a smaller plate for the security guards downstairs. I admired the flowers and Eric said he was going to deliver them to you, so I volunteered. Where do you want me to put the plant?

  “On the credenza next to my tree. Tell me you will be here for the wedding.”

  Samantha was a former undercover agent for Adams Security and Investigation. After ten years, she resigned to open her own business, a Victorian themed tea shop and small bakery. If all went as planned, she would open Tea in Time on Valentine’s Day. As a special favor for Lincoln and the FBI, she agreed to take on one more undercover assignment.

  “Don’t worry, I’ll be here. I told the routing supervisor to write me off three days before the wedding and two days after. Along with being your maid-of-honor, I need time to make your wedding cake.”

  Samantha retrieved the accompanying card and placed the envelope on Cindi’s desk. “So who sent you the beautiful flowers? Your honey? Who else would go for the expense of giving you purple roses? They had to have cost him plenty.” Sam became alarmed when Cindi’s complexion paled the moment she read the card. Her hand was trembling. “What is it? I take it they’re not from Preston.”

  “They’re from Thomas Leland, my high school boyfriend. He apologized for embarrassing me at the holiday party we attended the other evening at the Roadhouse. He also wants to have lunch. I did absolutely nothing to encourage him. Here’s what I think of his invitation.” She ripped up the card and dropped the little pieces in the trash can next to her desk.

  Samantha unwound the red cashmere scarf from around her neck and opened the buttons on her navy p-coat. Her stop-in-to-say-hello visit was going to take longer. “I consider that great timing. Your former boyfriend shows up two weeks before your wedding, sends you flowers and wants to take you to lunch. He even remembered your favorite color.” Samantha perched a hip on the corner of Cindi’s desk. “So what did he do to embarrass you?”

  “Felt up my ass when we were dancing. I slapped him on the face and punched him in the stomach in retaliation.”

  “I’m proud of you for striking back, but where was Preston when your former boyfriend was playing grab ass?”

  “Someone hit his car in the parking lot at the Roadhouse and he was meeting with the police. Preston returned just as I finished belting the jerk.”

  Sam grabbed the bushy end of her long braid and brushed the fluffy end of her champagne blond hair with her thumb. “Sounds very convenient if you ask me. While the boyfriend’s away, the man takes liberties in the hopes to reawaken the feelings you had for him way back when.”

  “No way. That’s just your suspicious, investigative sense coming out. And he didn’t stir up anything, other than pissing me off. Besides, he didn’t even know we were going to be attending the party.”

  “I worked an undercover insurance fraud case about five years ago that involved one of Leland’s clients. He’s a charismatic, hot shot lawyer and I don’t trust him or his motives. So what are you going to do with his gift?”

  “Leave them here. I can’t see throwing away flowers. Preston left for Denver this morning to testify for one of our big cases so he won’t see them. As you know he’s a certified forensic account and his testimony will hold up in any court.”

  “Are you going to tell him about the flowers?”

  “Good question.” Cindi got up from her desk, walked to the credenza and brushed a delicate purple petal with the tip of her finger recalling a giddy girlish memory. “The shithead gave me a single purple rose before we left for our senior prom and told me I looked just as beautiful. At that moment, I decided being in love was the ultimate feeling in the world. Then the ass broke my heart.”

  “What are you going to do about his luncheon invitation? He listed his cell, but you tore up the card.”

  “When I don’t call, he’ll get the message.”

  “Forget about the jerk. Since Preston won
’t be home, how about meeting me at Jack’s Trattoria for dinner? We can hash out a few details for the wedding. The ice sculptor got back to me and it’s a go for the Dolphin shooting a curl.”

  “I am so glad you were able to make those arrangements. Preston will be so surprised. As for dinner, you’re on. I won’t go home to change out of my dress and heels, so I should be there by five-thirty.”

  “Don’t forget to tell Preston about the flowers. See you tonight.”

  “That’s easier said than done. How do you tell the man you love that your former asshole boyfriend, who your fiancée issued a ‘back off or else warning’, sent you purple roses and wants to take you to lunch?

  Chapter 6

  Samantha left the building and headed for her jeep parked in the visitor’s lot. Ever since Cindi related her encounter with Thomas Leland, she was troubled and a bad feeling settled in her stomach. A number of years ago, she’d worked an undercover assignment for Adams Security and Investigations that involved one of Leland’s clients who was out to bilk an insurance company of millions of dollars. She’d submitted solid evidence to the insurance company proving it was a clear case of insurance fraud. It was rumored Leland bought off two of the jury members, but there wasn’t solid proof to charge him with jury tampering. Why had this guy suddenly showed up in Cindi’s life? Sam really needed to talk to Preston. She didn’t consider it betraying a friend’s confidence. It was more like protecting Cindi Pearl from a snake. She got in the car, started the engine and reached for her cell phone.