Touched by a Phoenix (14 page)

“Your home is stunning, Alexandria, warm and inviting…much like you,” he commented once back in the kitchen. His eyes blazed, more dazzling than fireworks.

“Thank you.” Her face flushed. “So where are we going today?”

“That’s a surprise, my darling,” his lips curved into a boyish grin.

“Well then, perhaps we should eat so we can begin the day’s adventure.”

“Here let me help you with the tray,” Brad offered.

Alexandria opened the French doors leading to a screened-in porch with multiple skylights and ceiling fans. It was decorated simply with a three-section sofa and a couple of side chairs all in a bronze wicker with ivory cushions complementing the beautiful porch. Instead of a coffee table, a cushioned ottoman sat across from the sofa. A mixture of ivory pillows trimmed in dark chocolate pillows decorated the furniture with side tables and floor lamps to complete the space. The porch led to a patio with massive bronze wicker furniture, which accented a lovely curved swimming pool. A table and chairs complete with umbrella sat to the side along with several double lounge chairs and large tan cushions scattered around one side of the pool.

The hot tub was attached to the pool with a cascading waterfall at the opposite end. Various plants, shrubbery and trees created the most tranquil setting one could imagine around the pool. The setting was serene, fitting Alexandria perfectly. As his gaze strayed further out, Brad groaned inwardly as a sharp pain seared through his chest. A tall wrought iron and cedar fence surrounded the entire yard.

It must be ten feet high, he thought.

It was lovely with the dark cedar wood mingled into the iron railing, but it reminded him that she never felt completely safe—even at home.

“Alexandria, this is magnificent. Is the pool heated?” he asked mischievously as he nuzzled at her neck again.

“
Mmm,
yes, I love being outside and wanted it to be a place where I could enjoy all that nature had to offer.”

“Well, you’ve succeeded. It’s amazing!”

They finished breakfast in contented silence.

“Give me two minutes to put the dishes in the dishwasher and I’ll be ready to go. Are you sure you won’t tell me where we’re going?”

“Yes, I’m sure. You will just have to wait and see.”

A hint of crispness still lingered in the morning air, as Brad drove east until they reached the water. He waited for Alexandria’s reaction as they pulled into the marina. He didn’t have to wait long as excitement spilled across her face.

“Let’s walk.” He took her by the hand as they strolled to the end of the dock. “Here, let me help you,” extending his hand.

With wide-eyed wonder and childish excitement, she asked, “Are you serious?”

“Yes, my darling. We are spending the day on the boat.”

Throwing her arms around his neck, Alexandria gave him a big hug. “Thank you, it’s perfect.”

He helped her aboard. “Hey, Pete!” he hollered up to the Captain.

A distinguished gentleman descended to the main deck. “Hey Brad, how are you?”

“Great. Pete, I’d like for you to meet Alexandria Saunders.”

“Ms. Saunders, the pleasure is all mine.”

“Captain, it’s nice to meet you as well,” she returned with a warm smile.

Pete turned to Brad. “You’re running a little late, sir. Are you about ready to head out?”

“Yes, let’s get moving. By the way, thank you for bringing the yacht up on such short notice,” that award-winning smile causing the corners of his lips to slant upwards.

“Anytime, Brad. Now, if you folks will head inside and find a seat until we hit open water, I would appreciate it. We’ll get underway in just a few minutes.” Pete turned to leave, then paused, “By the way sir, I have a light crew with me this trip. I have enough hands to help us get underway, but I could use your help docking on the return—that is, if you don’t mind.”

Brad’s face lit up with boyish exuberance, “Sure thing Pete, you know I would love to help.”

“Sir, Beth is on the bridge with me. As soon as we’re underway, she will begin preparing lunch.”

“Thanks, Pete. I’ll show you around a bit while Pete’s gets the engines started. Oh, I should have asked—do you get seasick?”

“I have no idea. I’ve never been on a boat.”

“Technically it’s a yacht. If you start to get a little queasy please tell me, we have motion sickness pills on-board. Perhaps, we should get you one just in case.”

As they walked, she asked, “Brad…how big is this thing?”

“She’s just shy of two hundred feet and has five decks. Under normal circumstances, she has a crew of fifteen.” He beamed at her obvious pleasure.

The sitting area was larger than she expected and opened into a private lounging area. “Wow, this is huge. A dozen or more people could sit comfortably,” Alexandria observed.

“She sleeps twelve guests. Would you like to see a little more before we head out?”

“Sure.”

Brad gave her the full tour. She did not quite know what to think. She had seen elaborate before but this was beyond elaborate. There was a formal living room, multiple exterior and interior sitting areas with multiple bars, six guest cabins, and beautiful dining areas, inside and out. Heck, there was even an elevator and Jacuzzi!

“This is quite impressive. Is she yours?” Alexandria asked as they made their way to the deck rail.

Brad laughed heartedly, “Good heaven’s no, she belongs to my parents. I had Pete bring her up from North Carolina last night, which is why we have a light crew today.”

Alexandria was lovely standing against the railing. The gentle breeze rippled her sundress, pulling the fabric against perfectly shaped legs.

“You did what?!” she exclaimed.

“You seemed to love the beach the other day, so I thought perhaps you might enjoy a day on the water.”

“Oh, Brad…” She slid her body close to his and wrapped her arms around his waist. “This is wonderful, thank you.”

Brad did not hesitate to wrap his arms around her and dip his head to receive the warm kiss she offered. “It sounds like Pete’s about to move away from the dock; the water may get a little choppy until we get out a ways. Would you like to sit?”

“If I have to,” she replied, pretending to pout.

“Darling, it’s safer.”

He led her to the third deck, just above sea level. They sat under the deck on a bench type sofa; it was both comfortable and served its purpose. Brad pulled her against his chest so she could enjoy the view as they left the harbor. He held her long after they had reached open water, both relaxed and content in the other’s presence.

Beth cleared her throat, “Ahem, Mr. Scott, lunch will be ready in about thirty minutes, sir. May I get you anything while you are waiting?”

“Thank you Beth, but I think we are good for now. Beth, while you are here, let me introduce you to Alexandria. Darling, this is Pete’s wife, Beth.”

The women exchanged pleasant greetings and chatted for a few moments before Beth turned to head back to the galley.

“Beth, we’ll take lunch under the sails if you don’t mind.”

“Yes, sir.”

Brad stood at the deck rail; Alexis could not help but admire his powerful body. He had worn stone colored slacks with a pressed dress shirt and boat shoes. The light blue shirt accented his eyes perfectly, yet somehow managed to pale in comparison to his eyes—eyes that seemed to be dancing with something she did not recognize today. He seemed happy, playful, and somehow content. This was not the Brad she had come to know. Normally he kept to himself, a total take-charge kind of guy, with a just-get-it-done attitude. Today…no, this week, he was eager to be in the middle of things, taunting her, baiting her until he got a rise out of her. A secretive little smile crept across her face. She knew he had changed this week but then again so had she.

Demi had been right. Gorgeous was an inappropriate word to describe Brad, but for the life of her, she couldn’t come up with a better description. Tousled from the wind, his black hair beckoned her to run her hands though it while pulling him close for all the kisses he would allow her to give, and perhaps then some.

She scolded herself for her out-of-character thoughts, but then again, everything had been out-of-character for her since meeting Brad. She had no idea what he found attractive about her. She was too tall and her legs were too long. Alexis crinkled her nose involuntarily at the thought of her freckles, and this wild mess of wavy strawberry red hair. She cringed. Maybe she was imagining his interest. He had been a perfect gentleman today and not made any advances, unlike last night. She had been so lost in thought that she did not notice him standing in front of her until he took her by the hand.

“Come, let’s sit back and enjoy the afternoon.”

He led her over to the double lounge chairs. As she attempted to sit in the chair beside him, he reached out and pulled her into his lap. Sweet laughter filled the air as she squirmed around for a kiss. She snuggled closer as his lips hovered above hers for what seemed an eternity, electrifying the air and sending a tingling sensation throughout her body.

His lips consumed hers, tentatively at first, seeking approval. He had never wanted a woman the way he wanted this woman and he had never wanted to show more tenderness or love to anyone…until Alexandria.

Brad had been consumed with wild thoughts last night, worried this was happening too fast under the circumstances, and that perhaps it was too much for her after the terrible secret she had revealed. Afraid she might run—run out of pure fear. He knew he needed to proceed with caution, give her time to get used to the idea of being with him. But for the life of him, he couldn’t seem to help himself. She melted his resolve whenever she was within sight.

As she parted her lips giving him access to the sweetness of her mouth, all conscious thought fled. Resistance was futile and a soft groan escaped his throat. His tongue found hers. Circling, tasting, and teasing until the flames began to rise. He had never been so afraid of making a mistake before. He was afraid of what would happen if he continued to kiss her. He simply did not think he would be able to stop. His stomach tensed; his resolve from this morning gave him a good swift kick. He softened the kiss before breaking away ever so reluctantly.

“Alexandria, we have company…behave,” he growled playfully.

“If I must,” she teased, placing a sweet kiss on his lips before lying against his chest.

They spent the next couple of hours enjoying the other’s tentative touch, both at peace.

Brad heard the engines begin to wind down. “
Hmm,
we must be getting close to the harbor. It will be late by the time I get you home. Would you like to stop for dinner?”

She stretched her long, lean body against his. He growled, “Alexandria.”

“No, it has been a perfect day and I’m not interested in sharing you tonight. Would you mind if I called Angelo’s and have something delivered?”

“That sounds good.”

“What would you like?”

“You pick while I help Pete dock the boat.” He lifted his leg up and over her head so he could stand.

“Be back shortly.” He started to walk away then paused; he needed one more kiss before leaving.

“Yes, sir,” she gave him a dreamy little smile.

Chapter Six

A
s he drove,
Brad was lost in thoughts of the day.

The day had been perfect—too short, but perfect! Her kisses drove him mad with desire and he didn’t think she even realized the effect she had on him. She seemed comfortable holding his hand and with wrapping her arms around his neck. She shied away from touching him anywhere else. She eagerly accepted his kisses but how long would it be before she would be ready for him…all of him? Would he be able to hold himself in check when she was ready? He wasn’t sure. He knew she trusted him not to hurt her; no matter how badly he wanted her, he would have to find a way.

Dinner arrived shortly after they got home. He found himself behind her in the kitchen, arms wrapped around her waist, his breath soft and warm as he nibbled her neck. She shivered involuntarily. “Brad…,” her voice trailed off in a silent plea to stop.

He struggled with the thoughts of telling her the hell with dinner and turning her into his arms and loving her as she had never been loved before.

His conscious won…this time
.
He broke away as he asked, “May I help?”

“Sure, would you like to eat inside or out?”

“Out,” with a huge grin plastered across his face.

“Then, would you light the candles on the porch and pour the wine?”

They sat on the sofa after dinner. Alexis shifted and tucked one long leg underneath her, so she faced Brad. The hair on the back of his neck rose at her words.

“Brad, I need to talk to you.”

He turned matching her position and placed his hands on her legs just above her knees. Her tone was unsure, which concerned him.

“Yes, darling,” he tried to hide his own apprehension.

She was fidgeting. It reminded him of the night when she had asked him for his sperm. His amusement was brief. Judging by her furrowed brows, this was much more serious,

She did not know how else to say it, other than to just say it and before she lost her courage. “First, I want to thank you for listening this week, for holding me, and comforting me when I needed you.”

She was looking down rather than into his eyes. He could not read her emotions this way. Fear began to creep in as she continued to speak.

“Brad, my secret…no one knows but you. Please promise me you will keep it.”

Relief flooded his senses; he had been worried she might want to end this thing between them before it had even begun. His relief was short-lived as the reality of her words sank in, “What do you mean no one knows?” He tried to remain calm, remembering what his research had told him.

Alexis glanced up at him; it was just enough to give him a glimpse of the haunted look in her beautiful golden eyes. “Brad…I never told Phillip or Catherine.”

He took a deep shuddering breath. “Alexandria, are you telling me you have been dealing with this pain alone?”

“Yes,” she replied softly.

He placed the tip of his index finger under her chin and gently lifted her face, needing to see her gaze.

The tears glistened; she was trying so hard to be brave. “I have never shared it with anyone other than the hospital, campus police, and Dr. Williams…until you.”

“Alexandria, my darling….” He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “I promise, your secret is safe with me.”

His heart constricted, so many emotions flooded him all at once. She had bestowed the greatest of honors on him and continued to do so. She trusted him and only him, with all that she was. Her past, her present, and her future. It was both exhilarating and humbling at the same time. Brad kissed her on the forehead.

“Alexandria, I am so sorry you suffered alone. I wish I had been there.”

“I don’t want your sympathy or your pity. I didn’t know how else to deal with it, so I kept it to myself,” she pointed out more tersely than intended.

He prayed his words would provide her with comfort but his strong voice broke as he began to speak, “Alexandria, I feel many—many things for you, but pity is not one of them. I am sorry for your loss, your pain, and all you have endured. I wish I could take it all away—the pain and fear—but I cannot. All I can do is be here for you now.”

The sincerity and devotion in his words was overwhelming.

Brad took a deep breath before continuing, “Alexandria…everything that occurs in our past is what makes us who we are today and I don’t want to change you. Even if it were possible, I can’t say that I would go back and change the past, if it meant you wouldn’t be sitting here with me today.”

Had she heard him correctly? He would change it if he could but not if it meant they could not be together. That meant he accepted her, as she was… scars and all. No more—no less. Her heart constricted as the air left her chest.

She closed the gap between them. Her lips found his, soft and sensuous against hers. She held nothing back as her lips parted, eagerly awaiting his tongue. She baited him, teased him as he had teased her. When a soft moan escaped him, she swept her tongue between his teeth to find his. To dance. To taste. To give and to take. She gently took his lower lip between her teeth, nibbling, and sucking it until he groaned with pleasure.

He was the one trembling now. His breathing came in ragged gasps, his chest exploding with every beat of his heart. He was falling and falling hard. In the distance, his mind grappled with what was happening. With more resolve than he thought he possessed, he tenderly pulled his lips from hers.

“
Alexis…
please…,” his voice raw with unbridled passion.

Oh Lord, it was the first time he called her Alexis and it sounded like an angel calling to her.

His words were soft and broken against her lips, “Alexis, I will not lie to you. I want you more than I have ever wanted anyone in my life but I will not take you like this. I will wait for you. I will wait as long as it takes. I want you to be ready, to be at peace with your decision. But for the love of God, you have got to stop looking at me like that, or my resolve will fail me.”

He watched her eyes melt into those golden pools of molten hot liquid, soft and shimmering, calling to the deepest part of him.

She gazed deep into his eyes, searching for answers. They blazed with emotions she had never seen…darker and more intense than the night before. Silenced rushed over her as she realized…she was the breath against the fire raging within him.

She leaned into him and with a soft breath, she whispered, “I am sure.”

The warm pressure of his lips consumed hers. There was nothing tentative about his kiss this time. Every inch of her skin tingled under his scorching kisses, the intensity taking her by surprise. Alexis willingly parted her lips in search of his tongue. He dove deeply, in and out of her mouth with his tongue, stroking, teasing, and driving away the demons lurking in the shadows.

His powerful arms were around her waist as he stood, pulling her up with him. He then promptly scooped her up and carried her to the bedroom, letting her body slowly slide down his, until her toes touched the floor. Her arms wrapped around his neck, his around her waist, gazing into each other’s eyes—two hearts thundering in perfect harmony.

Alexis sensed Brad’s fear. His hands trembled, afraid he might hurt her. She gently slid her hand up to his face and stroked his jaw line, gently running the pad of her thumb across his lips. Brad closed his eyes involuntarily as he struggled to breathe…to maintain his self-control. This was the only way he knew how to give her control. He had to let her take the lead, to become comfortable with him and his body, before he took hers.

She allowed her hands to touch his chest, gently caressing him through his shirt. They trembled as she unbuttoned the first button. She tentatively glanced up at him, his eyes remained closed but she could feel his legs shaking. He was desperately trying to hold onto his composure. She slowly slipped her hands to the next button, the next, and the next…until his shirt was unbuttoned to his waist. Alexis gently tugged at his shirttail until it was free from his pants and released the last two buttons. She spread his shirt open, pushing it off his massive shoulders. With her trembling hands resting on his muscular biceps, she softly kissed his chest where his heart lay, pounding beneath her lips.

As scared as she was, she was more afraid of life without Brad. Alexandria was so unsure of what she was supposed to do but her desire for Brad surpassed her fear, pushing her forward. She let herself go wherever her body willed her and prayed she would please him. His sharp intake of breath reassured her that her movements were indeed making him feel helpless. She was in awe of the power she held over this man, how lost he was in her touch.

She stepped behind him, her hands never leaving his body as she slipped his shirt off, letting it fall to the floor while she placed butterfly kisses over his sculptured back. His muscles quivered under her touch as she explored every hard chiseled line with her fingers and her lips before stepping in front of him again. She took in a ragged breath as his powerful chest came into full view. His body was so well-defined. She stood, drinking in the sight of his perfect form. The last time she had seen him shirtless, she had been embarrassed, but not this time—this was different. She let her eyes roam his body. His hands clenched into tight fists as if he were trying to hold himself back while she explored his body.

A light mat of dark hair covered his tan chest. She reached out to touch him. Gently, tentatively, and with trembling hands, she ran her fingertips through the soft curls as she worked her way downward…to his rock hard abs.

She paused with hesitation at his waist, could she take the next step? She slowly traced her way down his ribs, to his waist. A soft moan escaped his lips as she reached his abs. Sensual pleasures she had never known coursed through her veins as she watched herself tentatively unbuckle his belt, his pants…and finally…unzipped them. Her hands shook as she slipped them inside his waistband and to his hips. She looked up to see him gazing down intently at her, watching her undress him. Smoldering passion filled his eyes and a groan arose from deep within him as she slid his pants down his waist. His boxers sat just below flat hips. She let her fingers play at the edges until she found the soft trail of hair leading to his manhood.

No,
her mind screamed,
you cannot do this!
Panic began to set in. She tensed. She had never seen a man before. Her only reference point was pain. She looked up at him. His intense gaze remained locked on her every move…dark with desire…stirring something deep within her. He was calling to her. His gaze held the promise of love, pleasure, adventure, and excitement beyond anything she could ever imagine. The promise of love soothed her soul. Her body, her needs, quickly shut her mind down. Nothing else mattered, nothing but this man.

What would he look like? What would he feel like? She had to know. She slid her hand into the waistband of the boxers. They fit snugly against his manhood, his thighs. They were silky to her touch as she slid them down his hips. As she reached his thighs, his muscles rippled and tensed under her touch. The further down she slid her hands, the braver she became. Her breath came in shallow gasps. With her head bowed, she let her eyes flutter closed while she tried to catch her breath. She ran her hands up his muscular calves to his thighs as she stood.

She was a grown woman and knew the anatomy of a man, but did she want to see? No…yes, this was Brad and she wanted to see him—all of him. To see the one thing that would bring them together as one making her whole again. She would not turn away. She sucked in a breath of air at the sight of his shaft. He was fully erect and without shame. It was simply who he was.

Standing in front of her in all his glory…yes…
gorgeous
was the right word to describe Brad…it was the only word. Everything about him was gorgeous—his eyes, his body, what lay beneath…his heart! Their eyes met, his like an ocean storm, dark and raging. She thought she should be scared, should run…but couldn’t.

He looked to the heavens as he unleashed a groan that paralyzed her.

His soul was calling to her. Begging her to stay. Telling her that she was his whole world. His hands were on her upper arms pulling her into his body…crushing her against him with his power. The breath rushed from her lips as he devoured them…she was lost.

His greed for her body was uncontrollable. His body was reeling with the exquisite sensations of her touch. He had to find a way to take his mind off his needs and focus on hers or else, she would be afraid.

Soft, sensuous kisses, from her lips to her cheekbones, down her neck…until he reached the sensitive spot just below her ear. The spot that made her knees weak. Long moments passed before he regained his breathing. What had she done to him? It had taken every ounce of effort he possessed to keep from reaching a climax at her touch. His voice was deep and husky as he rasped in her ear, “My turn,” as he pried himself away.

Fully clothed, she was beautiful. He could only imagine the beauty of Alexis standing before him…completely naked and his. He slowly moved his hands from her shoulders to the curve of her neck, caressing the hollow of her throat tenderly, stroking softly, reassuringly before moving to unfasten the top button.