Love With A Stranger (37 page)

As they entered the kitchen, Jason sniffed the air and asked, “What’s that delicious smell? Did Mary sneak and prepare supper for us?”

“No, I did. I put pork chops in the crockpot this morning. I tossed a whole lot of spices and such into the pot and let it simmer for six to eight hours. It makes them tender and scrumptious. With Inez doing the meal planning, shopping, and cooking in the past, I had forgotten, what a good cook I am. Mother was the best and she taught me her secrets before I left home.”

“This is a wonderful surprise. Watch out, woman, or you’ll spoil me and I’ll have you slaving in the kitchen every night.”

“As long as you’re slaving beside me and we take an occasional break, I won’t mind.”

Jason nuzzled her neck as he murmured, “I promise to give you plenty of breaks before, during, and after kitchen duty.”

Though she also quivered with rising desire, she teased, “You have a one-track mind, Jason Burkman; I was referring to a break from kitchen duty.”

Amidst chuckles and nibbles on her neck and earlobe, he admitted, “I know, but a man can try, can’t he?”

With her palms flattened against his chest, she leaned back and fused their gazes. “In the last seven days, we’ve made love three times, four counting tonight, if you have any energy left after a hard day at work.”

“Rest assured,” he began, paused as she had, and chuckled. “I’ll never be too tired or distracted for you, my love. Soon, Peter will be gone for good and we’ll have total privacy to do as we please, when we please.”

“That sounds fantastic, doesn’t it?”

“Without a doubt,” he said, then embraced and kissed her.

After their lips parted, Cass suggested, “Why don’t we eat now so our stomachs can settle while we clean up the kitchen. Let’s get moving in here. Why don’t you take off your coat and tie and roll up your sleeves and set the table with those dishes over there. I already have broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower cut up in a Baggie in the refrigerator, so all I have to do is toss them into the microwave steamer. While the veggies are being zapped, I’ll run upstairs and get out of my ‘business’ clothes. I’ll heat the rolls and prepare our drinks after I return. I even made you iced tea.”

As Jason watched her leave the kitchen, he smiled to himself as he thought about how fortunate and blessed he was to have met and won Cass as his future wife. Everything, he presumed in an elated and confident state, was coming together nicely for them. Only Peter, he worried, could find a way to mess up things for them. They seemed to have enough facts and evidence to tie him over a nail-riddled barrel if necessary; but Peter Grantham, Jason knew, could be devious, unpredictable, and perhaps dangerous when challenged.

After Cass returned and meal preparations were completed, they sat down to eat and chat as if they already were a married couple. They talked about her day at the office, and she told him how much she enjoyed it and liked his staff. They spoke about Jason’s imminent trip to Augusta on Saturday to visit with Stacey. They decided he would go alone and relate news about the woman he was dating, as it seemed unwise to spring their serious relationship on his son. They also didn’t want to upset the apple cart with Peter at this fragile stage in her negotiations with him, since he was returning that day and might not react well to her outing with Jason and his family after she had told him they were only casual friends.

After the meal was over and the kitchen cleaned, Cass and
Jason went to her bedroom to enjoy almost two hours of glorious lovemaking before he left for home, as they both needed a good night’s sleep.

Friday morning before Kristy left for school and Cass for the office, Cass phoned her old friend. She told a disappointed but understanding Kristy all that had transpired in her life since their last conversation and the reason for the delay in their visit to Augusta. As quickly as possible, Cass told Kristy about Brad’s recent visit. Her old friend and ex-sister-in law was dismayed by her brother’s actions. Since both had to get to work soon, they couldn’t talk long, but both promised that they would speak again and longer in a few days.

Afterward, Cass enjoyed herself at the office and lunch with Jason’s staff. Then, she finished the day having supper and splendid lovemaking with him.

On Saturday, May fourth, while Jason was in Augusta with his son, the disgraced physician Doctor David Henry Hines was buried after a small and gloomy funeral service in Brunswick.

At home, Cass talked with Linda Carnes on the phone and learned the nurse had finished her current assignment on Jekyll Island today and would be home later that night. After Linda said she would see her and Jason at church tomorrow before she had to wash clothes and repack them to head to the small and nearby town of Waverly for a lengthy stay with an elderly bedridden patient, Cass invited her to have lunch with them after church. During their conversation, Cass related the same news to Linda she had told to Kristy yesterday.

Linda was delighted to learn Cass was doing so well and .was working for Jason and romancing him on the sly.

Cass told her where Jason was and why she hadn’t gone
along. “Who knows? After I worm my way into Stacey’s life and affections, maybe I can help you do the same.”

“That would suit me just fine, Cass, and the sooner the better. I’m not getting any younger.”

“Neither am I. It seems as if our maternal clocks are ticking loudly. At least you don’t have the drawback of being a recent widow, though I’m doing the best I can with the hand fate dealt to me.” Cass laughed and jested, “Oh, my, doesn’t that sound poetic and dramatic? Speaking of dramas, did you hear the news about David Hines?”

“Yes, and despite the fact I didn’t like him, I feel sorry for his family; I even feel sorry for him. People surely can make some terrible mistakes.”

“Yes, they can, and none of us are immune to that disease.”

They talked about Dr. Hines and other topics for a while before they hung up, both looking forward to their visit tomorrow.

Peter arrived home later that afternoon and came to see Cass within minutes after he drove into the garage beneath the guest house.

Cass greeted him with a smile and cheerful hello, but she dreaded spending any time with him. Before he could tell her about his trip, she revealed the sad news about Dr. Hines.

Peter stared at her, shocked speechless at first, then forced to struggle not to yell his delight at having that threat removed, just as Inez’s was. After deliberating the matter, he had phoned the ex-housekeeper to offer her a settlement to keep silent and leave the state, but discovered the woman had already moved, which he considered good riddance. He deduced he had frightened her so badly during their last talk that she took off for places unknown. With Inez and Hines gone, he was sure he was sitting pretty. “That’s a shame, Cass, but I guess David’s better off where he is, considering the scandal which would
have engulfed and destroyed him. So, what have you been up to while I was gone?”

Dropped that subject fast, didn’t you? But I saw how it affected you: astonishment, then relief.
“I got a job; I’m a working woman now.” She noted that she surprised him again.

“A job?”

She saw him look even more surprised for a few moments after she told him all the details before he could conceal his reaction. “It’s perfect for furthering my plans, Peter. I’m meeting nice people who might become prospective clientele at the business I’ve pretty much decided to start. It’s getting me accustomed to dealing with the public and taking me out of this somber house for a while. At last, I’m doing something constructive and enjoyable with my time and energy. As I told you, it’s only for one or two months. Then I’m selling this place, moving to St. Simons, and opening my boutique.”

“That sounds wonderful, Cass, and I’m happy for you. I suppose Jason is thrilled to have you around him almost every day? Have you changed your mind about trusting him and dating him?”
Maybe I’m giving up five million dollars and this valuable property too fast and too easy.

Careful, Cass, he’s baiting you with a clever hook.
“He’s thrilled to have a good replacement for his receptionist, but I don’t think it would look right to date my boss and certainly not this soon after Tom’s death. We seem to be getting along all right; he’s acting as friendly as can be, but totally professionally. In fact, he doesn’t mention you or the past at all; nor does he flirt with me. We also see each other at church, but that’s it. Speaking of church, I’m meeting Linda there in the morning and afterward we’re having lunch and going boating with friends of hers.”

“You two have become close friends, haven’t you?”

“Yes, she’s a likable person, and we’re very compatible.”

“That’s good to hear. Well, I’m exhausted, so I’ll see you
Monday night. By then I should have some good news for you.”

“I can hardly wait, Peter.”

As she watched him walk away, she realized he hadn’t given her a report on his trip to Los Angeles.
Please, please, don’t change your mind about moving there, and don’t you dare challenge me over my just due!

On Sunday, Cass and Jason met Linda at church and they sat together during the service. Afterward, they had lunch before Linda had to go home to prepare to leave for her new job.

Cass and Jason went to his house to spend a quiet afternoon relaxing and talking. After he told her about his visit with Stacey in Augusta yesterday, he suggested they go for a swim in his lanai pool.

“You didn’t tell me to bring a swimsuit.”

“I can solve that problem: Traci keeps several in her room, so borrow one of them. You two look to be about the same size.”

Cass followed him upstairs and selected one of his daughter’s suits, a tad reluctant to wear the item without Traci’s permission. She walked into his bedroom and asked, “How’s this one?”

“It should look wonderful on you, woman, because everything you wear does. You can change in the bathroom if you like.”

“Why? You’ve seen and touched every inch of me,” she quipped, feeling relaxed and safe in his presence.

After Jason and Cass shucked their clothes and shoes, he hung his on a valet stand to put away later, and she laid hers on a chair. She returned to the bed where she had tossed the turquoise swimsuit and collected it.

Jason looked at her shapely body and said, “Actually, your birthday suit is the most flattering one you could choose.”

“Is that right, Doc?” she teased, noting how he stood with
his blue trunks in his hand ready to don them. Instead, he tossed them aside.

“It’s fun to glide through the pool with nothing touching your skin but silky water,” he said in a husky tone as his palms massaged her nipples.

Cass let her adoring gaze rove him from tawny head to bare feet. Her fingertips lightly and lovingly brushed over his tanned face with its expression of fervent longing for her. She inhaled his manly scent and stroked the raised muscles on his chest and arms. She moved her hands over his shoulders. “Sounds wonderful, Doc.”

“Careful, you enchanting siren, or we won’t make it to the pool.”

As her fingers began to travel down his torso, she smiled and purred, “Oh, I think we’ll make it there, but after a short delay in our schedule. Now that you’ve lured me up here and got me naked, Doc, what are you going to do about it,” she teased as her hand captured and stroked his erection.

“Well, my lovely patient, if you’ll lie down, I’ll give you a thorough examination.”

“I certainly won’t refuse the offer of a free check-up by the world’s best physician,” she murmured as she fell upon his bed.

Jason joined her and let his hands, lips, and tongue roam freely across her body, enjoying her eager responses. Her long, thick hair was spread around her head and shoulders like a brown halo and his fingers toyed in those lustrous locks. He savored the silky texture of her bare skin, creamy throat, and taut breasts. His playful tongue darted around her nipples. Then he tasted her lips in a series of tender and slow kisses that grew increasingly ardent as his hands roamed her flesh. He felt her tremble and he knew this bond between them was meant to be.

She clasped his handsome face between her hands and tried to convey all her emotions in a deep and loving kiss. Then she leaned back her head when his lips left hers to roam her throat
and trail kisses over the pulse point there, which was throbbing from the excitement racing through her veins.

Jason was exhilarated by the way her body responded to his every caress. As his lips moved down to tantalize her breasts, he let one hand trail down the soft flesh of her abdomen until he reached the core of her desire.

Cass opened herself completely to his actions. She wanted. She needed. Aching to join with him completely, she begged him to enter her.

She grasped his arm and steered him atop her. She urged him to penetrate her with forceful, brisk, deep thrusts.

Jason moved over her and, with one swift thrust, made her his once more. Cass made a welcoming sound deep in her throat and pulled him even closer. This was what she’d been yearning for—this moment of joining, of loving.

Afterward, after all the heated passion and sweet satisfaction, they lay nestled together, knowing they had found and shared the perfect harmony of which they had always dreamed.

After they swam naked for an hour, Jason suggested they relax their tensed muscles in the hot tub nearby. After they left the pool, they drank some refreshing juice before he turned on the jets and they stepped into the bubbling water that reached their collarbones and swirled around their bodies. They sat side by side with her wet head leaning backward and resting on his outspread arm near his shoulder joint. The dancing liquid felt silky and sensuous on bare flesh; and, despite their nudity, neither felt modest nor restrained.

They closed their eyes, mellowing in the serene and cozy ambiance of the lanai, with its silk plants and white wicker furniture.

Cass took a deep breath and exhaled as she gave a dreamy sigh. “This is sheer heaven. I’m so relaxed and calm I just
might melt away. You couldn’t give me a better prescription, Doc.”

After Jason dropped several kisses on her drying hair and temple, he said, “Well, I did promise to take good care of my favorite patient.”

Cass shifted her head and gazed at him. “And you’ve more than kept it. How shall I ever repay you for all you’ve done for me?”

Jason’s instant reply came from his heart, “By marrying me as soon as possible and promising we’ll spend the rest of our lives together.”

“You couldn’t have made an easier and more appealing request.”

He grinned and asked, “Is that a clever way of saying yes? Wait a minute before you answer and let me make this official. Cassandra Redfern Grantham, will you marry me in the near future?”

Cass shifted her position so she could give him a kiss after she told him without a single reservation, “Yes, yes, yes.”

And then, as the heated water swirled around them, they made slow, tender, gentle love. To Cass it seemed that every caress, every kiss was a promise made between them…to be happy together, to be good to each other, to build a future full of joy and passion that would stand the test of time.

In the golden aftermath of their lovemaking, they lay snuggled on their sides on the hard bench and soft towels, her fingers stroking his still-damp chest, and his drifting up and down her back.

“I love you, Cass,” he murmured against her forehead.

“I love you, Jason.” she responded.

A few minutes later, he said, “Can I ask you a serious question?”

She looked up into his blue gaze. “Of course, anything.”

“I think we should settle one matter before we get married
so there won’t be any misunderstandings or false hopes. How do you feel about having a child?”

“Do you want another one or are you satisfied with the two you have?” Cass held her breath waiting for his answer.

“I love my son and daughter and grandsons, and some people might think we’re too old to have a baby, but I’d like for us to try. Do you agree?”

With joy-misted eyes, Cass smiled, nodded, and hugged him. “I do care about your children’s feelings. What do you think those will be?”

“I can guarantee they’ll love and respect and accept you, Cass. I know I’m biased, but they’re good children. They were glad Brenda and I didn’t have a family because they knew she wasn’t right for me, though they never gave me a hard time about her. Brenda didn’t want kids, because they would have intruded on her secret life. As for Joan, she was a good woman, good wife, and good mother. I loved her, but not in the same way I love you. With you, it’s as if we’re soul mates.”

“I feel the same way about you. In all honesty, Jason, I’ve never loved, wanted, or needed any man the way I do you.”

“I’m a lucky and blessed man.”

“And I’m a lucky and blessed woman.”

“You probably heard that it’s sometimes difficult being married to a doctor; but in my case, it won’t be bad since I have so few emergencies during the night and on weekends. I suppose that’s the advantage of being a general practitioner.”

“I had noticed it’s rare for your beeper to go off.”

“After I retire in a few years, that won’t ever happen. You’ll be stuck with me all night and for most of the day. Tell me, do you have any desire to work outside our home after we’re married?”

“Our home…doesn’t that have a lovely sound?”

“Yep, it surely does. So, what are your feelings on that subject?”

“I would like to do occasional volunteer work with certain
charities and be involved in certain organizations; that would make me feel more useful, help me meet people, and keep my mind and body in shape. I also wouldn’t mind filling in at your office if or when you need help; I really like your staff. But for the most part, I plan to be very busy with my husband and our child and home.”

“That plan sounds perfect to me. Speaking of homes, where do you want to live? One of our places, or sell both and move to a new house?”

“I don’t want to stay where I am. In fact, I’d like to sell it as soon as I have clear title to it; then, find a smaller place, perhaps a condo, on St. Simons Island. If I rent instead of buying, it will make moving easier in a few months. I love this house and would like to live here. It’s big enough for us and the baby; and it’s convenient for your work.”

“It suits me perfectly because all of the memories I’ve made here are good ones. In fact, you’re the only woman I’ve entertained here.” Jason glanced outside and said, “It’s getting late, so we should dress and eat. We both have a busy day tomorrow. Now, up, woman of my heart, time to clad these bodies and feed our tummies before I send you home before dark.”

As they gathered their things and went inside to dress, Cass was dreading going back to the house she had shared with Tom and possibly running into Peter and facing his questions to her about her day out with Linda and her friends. She felt too happy to have to go on guard and carry off a strenuous pretense. She would be ecstatic when Peter Grantham was no longer a part of her life and thoughts.

On Monday, Cass went to Jason’s office to practice what she had learned from his receptionist last week; Mary Ellis cleaned her house from eight to five; Linda Carnes left for her assignment in Waverly; and a five thousand dollar “allowance” check was deposited into Cass’s bank account.

After work, Cass received a call—thankfully not a visit—from Peter telling her the settlement meeting was scheduled for two o’clock tomorrow at Simon Johnson’s office. Before hanging up the phone, Peter asked if she had any reservations, questions, or changes; and she told him she didn’t.

Cass called Jason to give him the good news in a subtle manner in case her phone was bugged, and to request time off from work.

Jason grinned in relief and said, “Of course, you can take a few hours off, Mrs. Grantham, to get your business settled.”

“Thank you, Doctor Burkman. I would talk longer, but I can’t. I’ll see you in the morning.”

The following afternoon, Cass—dressed in a peach-colored suit and looking poised—sat before Simon Johnson’s huge oak desk with Peter seated in a nearby chair as the lawyer explained the deal and papers to her. He mostly reiterated what Peter had told her recently, adding only a few unknown facts and details about their agreement.

“As soon as you sign these papers relinquishing any and all claims to your trust fund, company stocks, and other finanacial holdings, I’ll give you a cashier’s check for five million dollars and a clear title to your property and its contents. As Peter told you, he’s paid the gift taxes, and I have a paper stating they come to you free and clear of that obligation. As you recall, the property’s mortgage was paid off at Tom’s death and the deed was given to you as part of your inheritance. However, its sale or full release to you was tied up by one of Tom’s stipulations: if a sale occurred before you honored Tom’s timetable, the money was to be deposited into the trust fund or reinvested in another home, which would also fall under that same stipulation. We had it appraised last week for its fair market value, and Peter deposited that amount into the trust fund in your name as if it were a real estate sale to you to
prevent legal problems over its release at this date. I have a signed affidavit from the trust fund executor at the bank attesting to the fact that it’s been released to you. Of course, when and if you sell the property, you will have taxes due on any gain you make, which will come out of your sale profit and be your sole responsibility to pay.”

“I understand, sir.” Cass wondered how and when the appraisal had been done without her knowledge and presumed Peter had provided the man with a key to her home. Since the deed was done and she didn’t want any trouble, she ignored it.

“According to the terms of Tom’s will, Peter can’t withdraw the trust fund until you marry, but this paper states you’re forfeiting your claim to it. He’ll receive the monthly checks and yearly bonus from it for the next four years, one-half of the balance in five years, and the remainder of it at the end of ten years; or all of it upon your remarriage. He’ll also have full ownership and control of the company stocks and other holdings. You will not receive dividends or any sales profits in the future. Is that clear?”

Cass nodded and said, “I understand, sir.”

“Once you sign these papers and I turn over this check and deed, you walk away from the Grantham estate forever. Is that clear?”

Cass nodded again and said, “I understand, sir.”

“I hate to be redundant, Mrs. Grantham, but I want to make certain you fully grasp what you’re doing. I want to make certain you have no reservations, hesitations, or questions. That’s one reason I’m videotaping this meeting. Being of sound mind and body, you willingly—without any type of coercion or doubtsagree to this settlement; is that correct?”

“Yes, sir; that is correct.”

“For our video recording, please state your full legal name and your understanding of what Peter and I explained to you
during this meeting. It’s typed on that paper which I just handed to you. Do you concur with it?”

Cass perused the page and nodded, then held it before her and read, “I, Cassandra Redfern Grantham, being of sound mind and body, and without coercion or doubts, willingly and with full knowledge of the terms of this agreement, am reverting everything which Thomas Ethan Grantham bequeathed to me upon his death to Peter Wesley Grantham, in exchange for Peter gifting me with five million dollars cash, clear title to my current home and its contents, and with their taxes paid in full. Peter can do anything he desires with my previous portion of the Grantham estate, which I neither want nor have any claim against from this day forth. Since the trust fund has a remarried-release stipulation, I will inform Peter immediately if or when I remarry so he may collect it as agreed today.”

Simon smiled and said, “That’s fine, Mrs. Grantham; thank you for your cooperation. Now, all you have to do is place your legal signature and today’s date on the lines where you see red X’s, and we can finalize this matter quickly and easily. Unless you have a question?”

“None, sir. I’m ready to sign.”

“Before we continue with the final phase, I want to give both of you a last chance to back out of this deal or to ask for more time to consider its ramifications. Especially you, Mrs. Grantham, since you’ll be relinquishing all claims to an estate currently valued at over fifteen million dollars and increasing monthly. Do either of you want to reneg on this settlement or consider it for a while longer? Mrs. Grantham?”

Cass looked him in the eye and shook her head.

Simon asked, “Peter, what about you?”

“I’m ready to close the deal right now.”

As Simon Johnson buzzed his secretary and asked her to join them, Cass and Peter glanced at each other and each feigned a happy smile.

After she signed many pages in the presence of his secretary
who acted as a witness and notary, Cass took possession of the check, affadavit from the bank, and copies of the papers she had signed minutes ago, and a few others pertaining to prepaid taxes.

“I should caution you, Mrs. Grantham: that’s a cashier’s check, so don’t lose it, or the finder could cash it without any problem.”

“Thank you, sir; I’m heading to the bank as soon as I leave.”
And I’m keeping alert for trouble, in case Peter tries to get his dirty hands on it!

To her surprise and relief, Peter handed her the keys to her house and burglar alarm system. He told her he would return the ones to the guest house as soon as he moved out in the very near future. Cass thanked him as she dropped them into her purse. She knew that even if he had made a copy of the house key, he couldn’t get past the alarm system, as it was illegal for anyone to copy that particular type of key. “Is there anything else, gentlemen, or are you finished with me? I should get back to work.”