Authors: Annette Broadrick
Provocative Peril (16 page)
The look of horror that appeared on his face caused Carolyn to give up her task of teasing him. She burst out laughing. When he looked bewildered she laughed even harder.
"You were kidding me."
She nodded, tears of merriment filling her eyes.
"That dress isn't really like the one Golden wore, is it?"
She managed to catch her breath and carefully wipe her eyes. "Not exactly. We decided to insert a modesty panel."
"Thank God for small favors." Clay drained his glass, then glared at his wife. "You know, sweetheart, you may end up causing me heart failure yet."
"Admit it, Clay, this is a very becoming dress and you know it."
"Of course I know it. So does every other male in the room."
"Would you rather I wear sackcloth?"
"Of course not. But isn't there something known as a happy medium hidden somewhere in your vocabulary?"
"Now that you mention it, I don't recall coming across it. But I'll let you know if I ever do."
"Marvelous," he muttered as he reached for his drink. "You do that."
They enjoyed the rest of their dinner in serene contentment. After dinner they went into a lounge adjoining the dining room and listened to music. Their tranquil mood lasted until they got out on the dance floor and Clay took Carolyn in his arms. Once again, he froze. It had been natural for Carolyn to flow into his arms so that she was pressed tightly against him, just as it was natural for both of Clay's arms to go around her, his hands resting lightly on her hips.
"What are you wearing under this damned dress, Carolyn," he growled into her ear.
"What does it feel like?" she whispered, her arms tightening around his neck.
"Not much."
"That's about it."
"Carolyn!"
"Clay!" she mocked.
They danced the rest of the song in silence, as well as the one after that. They moved as one, Carolyn thought dreamily as she floated around the floor in his arms.
I could dance with Clay all night.
Unfortunately Clay wasn't of the same mind. After the second song, he took her hand and gently led her off the dance floor. He paused long enough to pay for the drinks that had been delivered while they were dancing, then proceeded to lead her out the door, leaving the drinks untouched.
"Don't you want to finish your drink?" Carolyn asked. Clay ignored her question. Instead, he continued to lead her down the walkway to their suite. The night was cool and Carolyn noticed for the first time that she'd forgotten to wear her coat. She'd been too intent on having him notice her dress earlier in the evening to want to cover it. Now the cold wind whipped right through her. She shivered. Clay glanced down at her and, still without speaking, slipped his jacket off and wrapped it around her, then continued toward the room.
As soon as they got inside, he strode to the fireplace and rebuilt the fire he'd started earlier. Still without speaking, he removed the pillows from the sofa and pulled the sofa apart until it was made into a bed.
What have I done? Is he so angry he's going to sleep downstairs?
That was a little too reminiscent of their vacation.
She wandered over to the glass wall and stared out, unaware of the storm building outside. She sensed Clay's presence just as he slipped his jacket from her shoulders.
"You have on too many clothes, Mrs. Kenniwick," he murmured in her ear. She glanced around and caught her breath. The firelight highlighted his muscular frame as Clay stood there nude, his arousal obvious, his intentions clear.
"Oh, Clay!" She threw herself into his arms, kissing him with abandon. His hands reached for the fastener at her waist. Once it came loose he coaxed the dress from her shoulders. It fell in a heap around her ankles. Neither one of them noticed.
He picked her up and strode to the bed that was made up in front of the dancing fire. Following her down onto its surface he began to make love to her, his kisses starting a fire every place they touched.
Their coming together was volcanic. Her teasing had set off a chain reaction within him until he no longer had the strength to restrain his fierce and never-ending need of her.
The storm brewing outside their door was no more tumultuous than the one they'd stirred up inside. While the waves crashed, their lovemaking built to a crescendo until, with a soft cry, Carolyn was swept out into their own personal sea, clinging to Clay, who was with her all the way.
"See what happens to ladies who play temptress?" he murmured as they lay intertwined on top of the tangled sheets.
"Umhmm."
"Are you sure you want to continue to dress the role?"
She smiled but kept her eyes closed. "I just don't want you to become bored with me."
She could feel the chuckle that rumbled in his chest. "There's not the slightest chance of that ever happening, and you know it."
Her eyes slowly opened, and she basked in the warm glance he gave her. "Not if I can help it," she agreed.