CHAPTER EIGHT
VOLLEYBALL.., swimming, followed by a barbecue meant layered dressing, and Danielle donned a bikini, added a wrap-around skirt and matching top, then she tossed Lycra gym shorts and top into a gym bag, together with a towel, bra and briefs, minimum make up and sun block.
‘Ready?’
‘As ready as I’ll ever be for a fun afternoon in the sun.’ If Cristina happened to be among the guests, she’d scream.
Rafe added a towel to his gym bag, closed the zip, then led the way down to the garage.
He looked incredibly fit attired in fatigue-style shorts and a chambray shirt, his tall frame and breadth of shoulder emphasised by the casual attire.
He displayed an electric energy, a raw sensuality that made fools of women and reminded some men of their own inadequacies.
Dynamite. In the bedroom and out of it, Danielle accorded as Rafe brought the car to a smooth halt in the driveway leading to their hosts’ stylish home.
Open-plan living, with an abundance of marble floors, modem furniture, and magnificent outdoor accoutrements, for there was a pool, a tennis court, and direct access to the beach.
Guests were already assembled on the spacious terrace, and she summoned a smile as she moved into their midst, greeting acquaintances. Women who had previously ignored her now gave the impression of being her very best friend.
It rankled, perhaps more than it should.
There were cool drinks, bite-size appetizers, and the ambience was casual. Designer gear was deri geur.
‘You’re very quiet.’
She turned to the man at her side, and offered him a stunning smile. ‘Forgive me, I didn’t realise scintillating conversation was required.’
Rafe’s eyes gleamed with musing cynicism. ‘Our host will announce the volleyball event any time soon.,
‘Thus providing the women an opportunity to Cavort with the men, all in the name of sport.’
‘Cavort, querida? I can think of a more pleasing way to expend physical energy than sport.’
Danielle directed him a level glance. ‘I seem to recollect you did that last night.’
His soft, husky laughter almost undid her. ‘Obviously I failed to make much impact.’
They both knew there was no truth to the statement. She’d reacted to his touch like a finely tuned instrument in the hands of a maestro. And barely restrained begging for more.
‘I’m not into ego-stroking.’ A flash of colour, the sound of tinkling laughter caused her to glance to wards the French doors. ‘I’ll leave the lovely Cristina to make up for my loss.’
‘Where do you think you’re going?’
‘Why, to mix and mingle,’ she murmured. ‘I don’t intend to stay and watch her seduction technique.’
‘You’d leave me to cope alone?’
Her mouth curved with wicked humour. ‘Some thing you’ll achieve with one hand tied behind your back,’ she accorded, and turned towards the glamorous blonde. ‘Cristina,’ she acknowledged with pseudo-politeness. ‘If you’ll excuse me?’
‘Of course, darling.’
Danielle wandered towards the bar and had her glass refilled with soda, then she glanced out across the bay, admiring the tranquil scene. Azure sky, blue ocean bearing colourful craft tacking across its surface. Cruisers, motorboats, families enjoying a week end outing.
Inevitably her gaze skimmed back to Rafe, and she examined his features in profile. The strong jaw, the broad cheekbones, and well-groomed dark hair.
Cristina was intent on commanding his attention, arid from here it looked as if the blonde was pulling out all the stops. The beautiful practised smile, the tilt of her head, the light touch of brilliantly lacquered nails against his forearm.
Charm personified, Danielle alluded, and dismissed the faint twinge of jealousy. To experience jealousy you had to care, and she didn’t. So why did it irritate the hell out of her to see Cristina paw the man who’d paid for a child and several years of her life?
Almost as if he sensed her appraisal, he turned his head and slanted her a long, studied glance.
With a deliberate gesture, she took a long sip from
her glass then began an earnest discussion with the person standing close by.
It was perhaps as well their host chose that moment to announce the volleyball would commence.
What wicked wit had thought to place Cristina on the same side as Rafe and Danielle on the opposing side? Worse, the glamorous blonde had stripped down to a bikini. Grr!
This is the beach, Danielle silently chastised. Except fun was one thing; outright flaunting was something else.
Later, the players switched sides and Danielle found herself lined up next to Cristina. Not a good move, proven when she somehow managed to trip and land in the sand, orchestrated by a deliberately placed leg.
Well, two could play at that game. Except during the ensuing ten minutes she didn’t get a chance to return an elbow jab or a stinging kick to a calf muscle.
It was a relief when the first round concluded and they retired to the pool while the remaining guests began their game.
Cristina executed a dive that showcased the perfection of her slender form. Danielle merely slid in from the pool’s ledge.
She trod water as Rafe moved to her side. His eyes were dark, his gaze level, and she almost died as his mouth closed over hers in a kiss that tore the breath from her throat.
‘What do you think you’re doing?’ she demanded the instant he lifted his head.
‘Do I need a reason?’
‘Yes.’ With that she swam away from him, levered her body onto the side, then gathered up her towel, located her gym bag, and made for the guest pool- house.
It didn’t take long to shower and change, and she emerged from the stall into the tiled lobby to discover Cristina waiting her turn.
Pretty little scene you managed to engineer in the pool.’
This was getting tedious. ‘I don’t believe I owe you an explanation,’ Danielle responded as she swept her hair into a careless knot atop her head.
‘Watch your step,’ Cristina warned, and Danielle met the blonde’s gaze via mirrored reflection.
‘All the time.’
‘You don’t stand a chance against me.’.
She turned round to face a woman she knew to be her enemy. ‘Be specific.’
‘Figure it Out, darling.’
‘Are you threatening me?’
‘You mean you need to ask?’
‘Good luck, Cristina.’ Her voice was a silky drawl, and she glimpsed a flash of rage before it was reined in.
‘I never leave anything to chance.’
Danielle had had enough, and without a further word she affected a dignified exit.
The barbecue got under way around seven, with seafood kebabs, prawns, fish, and a variety of salads. Washed down with champagne it was a veritable feast.
The sun began to slip down beyond the horizon,
and dusk turned into dark. Electric lamps sprang to life, illuminating the terraced gardens and pool, and the sea became grey, almost black, as a silvery moon appeared in a star-studded velvet sky.
Coffee was served, and Danielle was conscious of Rafe’s presence as they mingled among fellow guests.
It was after ten when the evening drew to a close, and she sat in silence as Rafe traversed the short distance home.
Indoors he re-set the alarm and followed her up stairs to their room.
‘Nothing to say?’ Rafe drawled as he began discarding his clothes.
‘It was a pleasant afternoon, the food was great,’ Danielle accorded matter of factly. ‘Tomorrow’s another day, I’m tired.’ She shot him a piercing glance. ‘Will that do?’
He crossed to her side, then hunkered down and examined her leg, pressing his fingers into her calf muscle.
‘Must you?’ she demanded, then winced at the sudden pain. ‘That hurt.’
He massaged the muscle lightly, then unbent his length. ‘You’ll have a bruise.’ His hand moved to her ribcage, and she slapped his forearm.
‘Don’t.’ A useless directive, for he didn’t take the slightest notice. ‘Ouch.’
‘I’ll get some cream to reduce the bruising.’
‘I don’t need it.’ She turned away from him, and stepped into the en suite. Within minutes she’d re moved her clothes, donned a T-shirt, removed her make-up and brushed her teeth.
When she emerged into the bedroom he was standing beside the bed, tube in hand.
‘Oh, for heaven’s sake. Give it to me.’ She went to take it from him, only to have him ignore her and apply the cream. ‘Must you play nursemaid?’ she vented angrily. ‘Your ex-mistress is a vicious bitch.’
He finished with the cream, tossed the tube onto a nearby pedestal, then captured her face and lowered his mouth down to hers.
‘That isn’t going to work,’ Danielle said the moment she could speak.
‘I can see it won’t.’ He angled his mouth and took her deep.
When he lifted his head her eyes were glazed with passion, her lips pink and slightly swollen. He re turned for more, grazing the curve of her mouth with the edge of his teeth before trailing to the edge of her neck and nuzzling there.
He sensed the silent groan in her throat, and caressed the vulnerable hollow where her pulse leapt to a quickened beat, then he pulled her gently down onto the bed.
Thursday morning they took a flight to Coolangatta Airport, then rode a taxi to the Palazzo Versace situated at Main Beach overlooking the broad water.
The hotel itself was a draw card for the tourists, and each of the privately owned condominiums provided a luxury only the wealthy could afford.
Italian in design, the mosaic tiles in the foyer were an art form, and Danielle gasped in sheer delight as
she preceded Rafe into a luxurious condominium with views over the water.
Furnished completely by Versace-designed accoutrements, right down to cushions, china, cutlery, crystal.
It was, in a word, beautiful, and she told him so.
‘Enjoy, querida,’ Rafe bade indulgently. ‘If you need to contact me, do so on my cell phone. I’ll book dinner.’
It was a few years since she’d last visited the Coast, and she intended to explore. First priority was the apartment itself, the amenities, then she wandered into the adjacent Marina Mirage shopping complex, lingered in one of the cafés over a latte, and walked to Tedder Avenue at Main Beach, which had remained just as trendy as she remembered.
There was also the knowledge she wasn’t pregnant, and she didn’t know whether to be pleased or peeved at the discovery.
It was almost five when she entered the apartment, and she collected fresh underwear and headed straight for the shower.
Minutes later she gave a startled gasp as the door slid open and Rafe stepped into the tiled stall.
‘Must you?’ Danielle demanded fiercely.
‘Why not relax and enjoy?’
- ‘Forget seduction, it won’t do you any good.’
They’d been intimate every night for almost three weeks. He didn’t need for her to spell out the why of it.
His hands skimmed down over her shoulders and rested on her breasts. ‘There are many ways to indulge one another.’
‘None of which I’m buying.’
A husky laugh left his throat an instant before his mouth captured hers, and the kiss left her wanting, needing more, much more.
It was a while before he lifted his head, and he traced the sensitive curve of her lip, his eyes as dark as her own.
‘So be it.’ He patted the firm cheek of her bottom. ‘Now go.’
She did, and was almost dressed when he entered the bedroom. All she’d packed was a change of clothes and an elegant evening trouser suit in red silk. Black stilettos and matching evening bag completed the outfit, and she swept her hair into a smooth twist.
The restaurant overlooked the broad and the food was to die for, so artistically arranged on the plate it was almost a sin to disturb it.
It was, Danielle decided, nice to be alone with him. No other guests at the table with whom she felt compelled to exchange polite conversation.- And no possibility of Cristina intruding.
‘Did you buy the condominium off the floor plan?’
‘Two,’ Rafe corrected imperturbably. ‘One for my own use, and one to lease as an investment.’
Given the location and design, the value could only escalate.
‘I gather your business meeting this afternoon was successful?’ As if it would be otherwise.
‘Yes.’
She lifted her glass and took a sip of wine. ‘What time is our flight out tomorrow?’
‘Late morning.’
Such a brief stay. Would they return in the not too distant future?
‘Yes. In a few months,’ Rafe drawled, and saw her surprise. ‘You have expressive features.’
‘Not so you.’ It was impossible to read him, and she wondered if she ever would.
‘Coffee?’
They took their time with it, then Rafe settled the bill, and they strolled along the boulevard, enjoying the night sounds. Luxury cruisers lay moored at the marina, and the numerous cafés lining the broad water were busy with the boutique coffee crowd.
Rafe reached for her hand, and she linked her fingers through his.
Less than a month ago she’d sworn to hate this man, yet with each passing day there appeared a subtle shift in her emotions.
He was her husband, her lover. In time he would become the father of her child. Was it possible he could also be her friend?
And when their relationship was reduced to friends, how would she deal with it?
Not well, a tiny voice taunted. The knowledge slammed into her brain and settled there, sending her into contemplative silence.
Fool, she accorded silently. The wine has gone to your head. Rafe Valdez had presented her with a business proposition, which she’d accepted on his terms.
A business proposition their relationship would re main. Even if it killed her.
The days settled into a familiar pattern, and there was a sense of achievement as well as pleasure in seeing La Femme go from strength to strength with increased clue and soaring profits.
At night Danielle dealt with the shimmering passion Rafe was able to evoke. Electrifying and incredibly sensual, it fed a primitive hunger and left her wanting more than just an enjoyment of the physical act.
Planning for Lillian’s proposed fund-raiser took presence as she conferred with Ariane and calculated the extra stock required, ensured the orders were placed in time for delivery,
The day duly arrived, and organisation was the key; that .and lunch on the run, Danielle reflected as she close the boutique, ensured the notice announcing a private showing was clearly visible, then she checked out the seating, adjusting a chair here and there to ensure they were staggered to enable guests seated in the rear row would be able to view the parade with ease.
A magnificent floral arrangement held centre place against the mirrored wall behind the counter... a good luck gift from Rafe.
‘What do you think?’
‘Darling, it looks wonderful,’ Ariane enthused.
The caterers had not long delivered a variety of appetizers, and a large cooler out back held the champagne orange juice.
The afternoon’s programme had been rechecked twice, the lingerie and underwear set out in order.
Three models were due any minute, together with Lillian and a few volunteers to help out.
CDs were ready in the disc player, and it was just a matter of waiting for the guests to arrive.
At that moment Lillian breezed through the door with her volunteers, and two of the models followed close behind.
‘There’s a slight change of plan,’ Lillian informed. ‘The third girl we contacted to model has called in sick, and I’ve managed to find a replacement. It’s so kind of Cristina to fill in at such short notice.’
At that moment the tall blonde entered the boutique and swept towards them.
Cristina? Saving the day, or employing subterfuge? Danielle summoned a smile and subdued the desire to snarl. ‘Kind,’ she agreed, hating the role that forced her to be polite. ‘The other models are in the fitting rooms. Leanne, our assistant, will go through the pro gramme with you.’
Ariane checked her watch and moved with Lillian towards the entrance to greet the first group of guests.
By the appointed time all the chairs were filled, the champagne flowed, and the show was ready to begin.
So much thought and care had gone into its preparation, there was little chance of there being a hitch. Danielle had the programme memorised to the smallest detail, and the tension began to build as the first segment was shown.
After considerable deliberation, it had been decided to begin with s1eepwear then finish with the more daring thong briefs and minuscule bras. Three models, three colours in each category of styles.
La Femme now carried a full and varied stock of top French, German and Belgian labels guaranteed to please the most fastidious buyer.
Silk pyjamas in ivory, pale peach and cream drew murmurs of approval; exquisite full-length night- gowns and negligées were also a hit; the length changed with each round, until the most frivolous al most-there line was shown. Silk wraps in glorious colours followed.
So far, so good, Danielle breathed as there was a brief break while Lillian’s volunteers refilled the guests’ flutes with champagne and proffered appetizers.
‘The feedback so far is excellent,’ Ariane reported as they prepared for the next segment featuring slips in every length, colour and design, silk, satin, lace.
‘Most everyone is marking items off on the programme,’ Leanne informed. ‘If they decide to buy you’ll need to place a huge order for replacement stock.’
Dared she cross her fingers for luck? The temptation was almost irresistible.
The phone rang, and Ariane took the call, spoke a few words quietly, then she replaced the receiver and crossed to her daughter’s side.
‘Rafe, darling. He’s in the area and will call in for a few minutes.’
A solitary man in a woman’s domain? ‘When?’
‘He has just pulled up in the rear parking area.’
Danielle felt the tension headache accelerate. ‘I’ll
go let him in,’ she managed calmly. Quite a feat when she felt anything but calm as she moved through the back room to unlock the door.
Rafe stood framed in the aperture, one hand casually thrust into a trouser pocket of his impeccably tailored business suit.
A dark angel, she accorded silently, and tamped down the slow-burning flame coursing through her body.
He shouldn’t have this effect on her, and she assured herself she didn’t covet it.
‘What are you doing here?’
One eyebrow arched and his eyes assumed a humorous gleam. ‘Is there a reason why I shouldn’t be?’
Oh, hell, she had to marshal some control! ‘It’s unexpected.’ She stood aside, then locked up behind him. ‘The parade is in full swing.’
‘It’s going well?’
‘I think so.’
Firm fingers caught hold of her chin and tilted it. ‘But?’
‘Nothing.’
His gaze raked her features, caught the faint edge of pain evident, and brushed a thumb pad over her mouth. ‘Nothing gives you a headache?’
She managed to free herself from his grasp. ‘Are you staying?’
He hadn’t planned to. His original intention had been to move through the boutique, greet Mane, Lillian, linger a few minutes to provide a little weight to the success of the parade, then leave.
Now he changed his mind. ‘Will it disturb you if I do?’
Oh, my, what a question! ‘I’m sure your appearance out front will disturb a few of the guests.’ And delight one particular model.
His husky laughter sent warmth flooding through her veins. ‘I’ll try to be unobtrusive.’
‘Sure, and pigs might fly,’ she retaliated, .and wasn’t anywhere near quick enough to escape the brief hard kiss he bestowed on her mouth.
She shot him a dark glance as she reached into her bag, extracted a slim tube and took a few seconds to renew her lipstick.
Rafe’s presence had just the effect Danielle anticipated, for the guests sat up a little straighter, smiled a little more brightly, and the models when they took the floor for the next segment seemed to possess a lighter step, their movements noticeably more pro vocative.
His eyes narrowed as he saw Cristina emerge, and his features remained expressionless as be observed the model’s performance.
The blonde was trouble, and he had to wonder what lengths she’d gone to in order to replace the model contracted to appear at this afternoon’s assignment. Somehow he doubted Lillian Stanich would have conspired to the change. It was more likely Cristina had enquired which models had been contracted, then offered one of them a higher fee to call in sick.
Exotic lacy teddies had little effect on his libido, although there was appreciation for the cut and style
and the slender toned bodies of the girls who wore them.
He let his attention rest on his wife’s features, and glimpsed the strain beneath her smile.
The parade was scheduled to conclude at four, and if he left immediately he’d still make his four-thirty appointment.
Danielle did her best to ignore him. Not an easy task when her mouth still tingled from his kiss, and she was battling with a mixture of resignation and anger at his presence.
Why didn’t he go? Or was he deriving vicarious pleasure from watching near-naked young women parade in titillating underwear?
Satin bra and pants sets, briefs that ranged from hipster, bikini, to thong. The latter so minuscule the garment was a mere whisper of lace.
Cristina was in her element playing the role of seductive temptress as she circled the boutique, pausing every few steps to pose. Her gaze deliberately sought Rafe, and the tantalising sweep of her eyelashes, the soft pouting mouth, the witching smile all conspired to give the impression she was bent on reminding him what was on offer.
Danielle failed to see how anyone in the room could miss the blonde’s blatant invitation.
The final segment concluded, Mane relayed a gracious few words in thanks to Lillian for arranging the afternoon’s gathering, and encouraged the guests to utilise their discount vouchers in aid of a worthwhile fund-raiser.
Coffee was served, together with petit fours, and
Rafe lingered only long enough to speak with Lillian, then he took his leave. But not before Cristina way laid him on some nefarious pretext.
Danielle deliberately focused her attention on the guests lining up at the counter with their programmes and their discount vouchers.
Business was brisk. In fact, it was so good, a number of guests were still lingering in the boutique when it came to closing time.
Lillian, an exemplary organiser, had arranged for the hire firm to collect the chairs at five, together with the cooler, and after the final guest had departed Ariane, Leanne and Danielle began cleaning up and restoring order.
Consequently it was almost seven when Danielle entered the house, and she made for the stairs.
Rafe’s car was in the garage, so obviously he was home. Hopefully he’d already eaten and was ensconced in the study.
She reached the bedroom and entered the en suite, intent on filling the spa-bath, then she discarded her clothes, pinned up her hair, and sank into the warm water.
Bliss, she accorded silently as she switched on the jets, then she leant her head back and closed her eyes.
Danielle lost count of time as she reflected on the successful afternoon in terms of stock exposure and sales. The only fly in the ointment had been Cristina.
‘That bad, hmm?’
Her lashes swept upwards at the sound of Rafe’s voice, and her eyes widened as he hunkered down and handed her a flute of champagne.
He touched the rim of his flute to hers. ‘To a successful afternoon.’
He looked vaguely piratical in dark jeans, his shirt unbuttoned and the sleeves turned back. This close he was a threat to her equilibrium.
‘I forgot to thank you for the floral display,’ Danielle offered politely.
‘My pleasure.’
‘It was thoughtful of you to stop by.’
He smiled, at least one step ahead of her. ‘But a severe case of overkill to have stayed for more than an hour, hmm?’
She swept him a killer glance. ‘The guests positively glowed in your presence.’
‘My sole interest was one of support.’
‘Really?’ She wanted to throw something at him. ‘That’s why you stayed? Forgive me for imagining it was just to leer at the semi-nude models.’
His husky laughter was the living end.
‘Querida, I was far more tempted just looking at you, knowing what lay beneath that chic business suit, aware that it’s mine for the taking,’ Rafe drawled, ‘than viewing exotic underwear on women who have no appeal for me whatsoever.’
‘Cristina didn’t seem to think so,’ she shot back.
‘Naturally, as an exhibitionist with an impossible ego.’
‘As far as she was concerned, she was giving a private showing just for you.’
‘Jealous?’
She picked up the sponge and threw it at him.
He fielded it easily, tossed it back into the spa, then he uncurled his lengthy frame. ‘You want I should join you?’
‘if you get in, I’ll get out,’ she offered succinctly, and felt her eyes widen as he pulled off his shirt and reached for the snap fastening on his jeans.
‘I wouldn’t bank on it.’
Danielle scrambled to her feet as he discarded his jeans, briefs, toed off his trainers, and he grasped hold of her arm as she attempted to step out of the tub.
‘Let me go!’
There was something almost pagan about him as he joined her, a raw sexual energy that was infinitely primitive.
‘Don’t.’ She tried to evade him, and found herself pulled down into the cradle of his arms.
‘Relax.’
How could she relax, for heaven’s sake? Even as she struggled, his hands slid up her arms and he began kneading the tight muscles at the base of her nape.
Oh, God, that felt good. So good, she breathed silently, giving in to the magic of his touch.
After a few minutes she couldn’t help herself. ‘You do that very well.’
She felt the brush of his lips against the curve of her shoulder.
‘One hopes it’s not the only thing I do well.’ She could hear the amusement evident in his voice, and her body began to throb as sensation swirled, reaching every nerve-end until she felt as if she was on fire.
‘What do you want? A score on a rating from one to ten?’
Laughter rumbled from his throat. ‘Heaven forbid.’
‘I’d like to get out now.’
‘We’re not nearly done.’
The tactile touch ignited a flame deep within, and she groaned .
All it took was a circling sweep and sensation spiralled, taking her high. His lips caressed her nape, and she arched against the sensual probe of his fingers. She made no protest as he scooped her into his arms and stepped out of the spa.
Rafe snagged a towel and blotted the excess moisture from her skin, then dragged the towel over his body before leading her to the bed.
One tug and the bedcovers slithered onto the floor, then he pulled her down with him.
It was she who began to move, she who dictated the pace, and she exulted in the power a woman could have over a man. Aware of the animalistic passion, and raw intensity that consumed them both as they climaxed, then tumbled in a glorious drift of sensual emotion.
Afterwards she slept, and it was almost midnight when they ventured downstairs to replenish their energy levels with something as prosaic as food.
03-12-07, 09:09 PM
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