Arrested Pleasure (20 page)

Gabe chuckled. "I haven't had a chance to visit much of the Oregon coast. My coworker and I traveled to Astoria one day, and he introduced me to the local seafood. I swear the fresh crab melted in my mouth. I took home a whole one for myself and practically wolfed it down for dinner the next day."

To her surprise, Cassie found herself relaxing as it became apparent Gabe was at ease with her family.

Patrick nodded. "Good stuff. You'll have to do more sightseeing along the coast.

Have you been to the aquarium in Newport?"

"No, haven't." He smiled warmly at Cassie. "Maybe I can talk Cassie into giving me a tour of the area. Your invitation to stay, if it's not an inconvenience, sounds like a terrific idea."

Her face warmed at his words. He wanted to spend time with her family? He sounded almost like they'd begun a long-term relationship. She shifted in her chair as she considered him. Was he getting serious about them?

"Not a problem at all, son." Her father leaned back in his chair and gave them both a satisfied look. "Now if you can just convince my Cassie to settle down and get married, I'd be even happier."

"Daddy!" Cassie groaned and buried her face in her hands. Her father was just as bad as her mother.

"See? That's what I've been trying to say," her mother said, laughter bubbling up.

Tim, Annie, and Patrick all joined in the laughter, while Gabe just grinned and calmly took another sip of his drink. Cassie half expected him to get up and walk out, but he just patted her hand reassuringly. He took this all too well.

"Mom! Dad! Please stop this." Tears stung at Cassie's eyes. She couldn't believe this conversation was happening. She glanced over at Gabe, but he smiled.

"Cassie, we're just having fun with you," Tim said. "It's not every day we get to meet a guy you're dating."

"I don't mind." Gabe moved closer to Cassie and squeezed her hand. "Relax, sweetheart, this is a wedding reception. We're here to have fun and not dissect relationships." He paused and then tilted his head. "The music has started. Want to dance?"

Cassie glanced around the table at her family. They were all relaxed and smiling while she remained tense inside. Did she take their teasing too seriously? For once in her life, she wanted things to go right with a man.

"Go on, Cassie. Show Gabe all those smart moves you were taught in the dance classes you took as a child." Annie's reassuring voice touched Cassie's heart and made her muscles loosen up some. It was a party, and dancing would get them away from more grilling.

"Come on, sweetheart. Let's show everyone how to dance."

She accepted Gabe's extended hand and let him draw her to her feet. She smiled at him. "Sure. I imagine they have the dance floor set up so you can look out at the water while you dance. It should be interesting, as well breathtaking."

Gabe enfolded her into his arms once they reached the dance floor. Only a few other couples danced around them as a soft melody played. The newlyweds hadn't arrived yet, and Cassie assumed this was due to post-wedding picture taking.

Cassie had spent several years taking one dance class after another until she turned fifteen and her height had ruined any chances of dancing professionally. That is when she found the new love of her life . . . massage therapy.

"Your family's nice," Gabe commented after a few moments.

His strong arms and presence comforted her jangled nerves. She suspected today would be stressful, but she hadn't prepared her emotions for the onslaught. "Yes, but they can be . . . ." She let words trail off, unsure how to explain their doggedness to Gabe.

"They're fine. You have a normal family with curiosity and questions. I envy you.

I'm an only child and wished I had a brother or sister to talk to."

Cassie remembered he'd mentioned being all alone and wondered about his life growing up. "Was it just you and your mom?"

"Yeah, and the occasional boyfriend she brought home." He paused for a moment before glancing at Cassie. "But she never married. I sometimes wished I had a dad to play ball or man to man talks with."

"I'm sorry. Meeting and seeing my parents and brother today must be hard."

"No. Not a problem. When I turned fourteen, I met a man who took me under his wing and showed me the ropes to becoming a man. But enough of this. Let's dance."

He pulled her closer and soon she lost herself in the slow dance. She loved the sensation of his hard body gliding against hers. She leaned against his shoulder, closing her eyes, and let his feet guide her around the room. Though faintly aware others also danced around them on the floor, she blocked them out, pretending it was only them in their own little world.

The music cascaded into an upbeat tune, but she didn't want to change from the slow dance. The mood seemed perfect.

"Feeling better?" Gabe's soft breath feathered across her cheek. He continued to lead her smoothly around the dance floor.

"Mmm . . . yes," She half murmured, not bothering to open her eyes. "Too bad we aren't alone . . . ."

His body shook as he chuckled. "Or what? You'd ravish my body?" Clearly his thoughts were the same as hers. Wicked, erotic, and shameless.

Saved from responding by a ripple of noise from the foyer, Cassie lifted her head. The music stopped, and moments later so did the dancers. They turned around, and Cassie caught a glimpse of a mass of white material and camera bulbs flashing.

Junie and her groom had arrived.

Gabe led Cassie back to their table. Everyone clapped as the bride and groom made their grand tour around the room. Well wishes were shouted and glasses of champagne toasted them. With her broad smile and beautiful dress, Junie looked radiant.

"Cassie!" Junie's blue eyes lit up when she spotted her. "I'm glad you came."

Cassie murmured a sincere greeting while her cousin hugged her. "I couldn't have missed the wedding for the world. Congrats."

"Thanks." Junie gazed at the man by Cassie's side. "Your date?"

A flush rose in her face. Everyone acted like it was a big deal she brought a man to the wedding. "Yes. Junie, meet Gabe."

"A pleasure to meet you," Gabe replied, giving Junie a quick peck on the cheek.

"You look beautiful today."

"Thank you." Her cousin glanced sideways at Cassie. "You have a winner, cuz."

Then she continued on around the room.

"I think the one who's the winner is me," Gabe whispered in her ear as he pulled her closer to his side. She smiled up at him. They'd both won in discovering each other.

After settling into a table near the front of the room, Junie's father motioned for the band to start playing again. Waiters served food throughout the restaurant.

Everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves.

"Want to dance some more?" Gabe asked her.

"Actually, as good as that sounds, I'm starving. I didn't get any lunch."

Her mother heard their exchange and leaned over. "The Chicken Divan is delicious. Oh, and try the stuffed mushrooms." Nola lifted her fork and took another bite, giving Cassie an encouraging nod.

Plates were quickly filled and drinks replenished. As she settled back down to eat, Cassie was mildly relieved to see her father was deep in conversation with a relative at another table. At least they wouldn't have to put up with his interrogation of Gabe.

"You two looked fantastic on the dance floor," Annie commented. "I wish Tim didn't have two left feet." The man in question snorted and shook his head, but his eyes spoke of the love he had for his wife.

"Just takes practice," Gabe informed her. "If you want, I can show you a few moves."

"Oh, that would be sweet of you." Annie glanced at Cassie. "You don't mind if I steal your date for a few minutes?"

"Sure, no problem." Cassie grinned at the man in question. "Just don't tucker him out too much. I have plans for more dancing." She smiled as she watched him extend a hand to Annie and lead her onto the dance floor.

"I'm glad you met him, sis." Tim's gaze idly followed their movements, a grin flickering on his mouth.

"Me, too." Cassie sighed and picked at her food.

"What's wrong?"

She looked up. Her mother had joined her father at Junie's parents' table, and they were all engrossed in a deep conversation. Tim and Cassie sat alone.

"I just have things going on in my life. With my business." She stabbed at an olive on her plate. "I do like Gabe, but I'm not sure I can get involved with someone right now."

"Your massage place?"

She nodded.

"Anything we can do? I know dad and mom would help."

"No! I'd rather solve my problems on my own. However—" She stared out at the dance floor as Gabe dipped a laughing Annie lower. He appeared relaxed and at ease no matter what he did. "I worry that I'll have to relocate to another part of town where the rent is higher. If I do move, I may also lose my customer base. I can't get involved in a relationship right now while my business is in turmoil." She sighed again and pushed her plate away, no longer hungry.

"Cassie, we'll help. Annie and I will in a heartbeat."

"I know. But—" The music stopped and Gabe and Annie began to head back to the table. "I want to solve the issue on my own. Thanks anyway."

Annie plopped into her seat next to Tim. "Cassie, you lucky girl! He's a fabulous dancer."

Gabe flashed a grin. "I think she keeps me around for more than dancing." The men and Annie started laughing, while Cassie blushed.

"He's good for a few things." Cassie poked him in the ribs, and he dropped a quick kiss on her lips before taking a sip of his drink.

"You were having a nice brother to sister chat?"

She glanced at Tim, who'd draped his arm casually around his wife's shoulders.

They were engrossed in a conversation.

"Yeah, pretty good. We just chatted about this and that." Cassie gave a half-smile.

"Tim's a good sounding board." She stole a quick glance to where her parents sat. "My folks can be too sometimes."

"You're lucky."

"Thanks."

Gabe took a bite of his chicken and the subject at the table turned to travel and other general things. But at the back of her mind, Cassie wondered if she should ask her parents to bail her out so she could plan a possible future with Gabe.

* * * * *

Laughter from the happy couple penetrated through Cassie's thoughts. She was on a desert island with Gabe—and he'd just removed her bikini top with his teeth—

when the sound of Junie's giggle popped her dream.

Safely secure in Gabe's arms once more as they sauntered around the dance floor, she sighed in pure enjoyment. Junie and Rodney had taken the ceremonial first dance and others soon followed suit. The reception continued smoothly, and her family finally stopped asking Gabe when he'd make an honest woman of Cassie.

"Nice party," he whispered next to her ear.

She nodded without replying, too busy noticing that her nipples had begun to tighten at the contact of his breath against her neck. Her body ached for his intimate touch. Aware of the hard length of Gabe's cock beneath his pants brushing against her belly through her dress, she wished for some alone time. Wet heat radiated in the flesh between her legs. He didn't help things as his fingers tantalized her hip, feathering out to cup her ass. She moaned and turned her head against his shoulder to stare out at the water. Although now early evening, the hanging sun gave the river a silvery sheen.

"How long do you think the party will last?" She sensed he wanted the same as she did. To be alone.

Cassie lifted her head and glanced around. Her parents sat outside chatting with a distant cousin, while Annie stood on the fringe of the dance floor trying to show Tim some dance moves she'd learned earlier. Cassie smiled at the picture they made.

"We probably need to stay until the cake is cut and then we can leave." She tipped her head back. "Why? Are you ready to go now?"

He responded by pulling her closer and pressing her belly into his groin. His penis felt hard and thick. "Just a little part of me is getting anxious."

Cassie gave a little mewing sound and closed her eyes. She squeezed her legs.

Yes, she wanted to get out of here, but she suspected her parents would urge them to stay for the cake cutting. She got used to their disapproval growing up, but she wanted the day to be perfect with Gabe by her side. Top of the list was no arguing with Patrick and Nola.

Cassie's head buzzed with desire. Checking around the room, she spotted a door.

She'd been in the restaurant a couple of times and knew it had a banquet room, though it was not in use today. The reception had taken over the main restaurant. An idea began to form in her head.

"Come on, follow me." She grabbed his hand and led him through the throng of party revelers.

"Where're we going?"

"You'll find out." Testing the doorknob, she bit back a cry of delight to discover the handle unlocked. Gently, she opened the door and peered inside.

"What's in here?" Gabe asked behind her.

"Banquet rooms. I thought we might, um, get a little quiet time in here."

She glanced over her shoulder to make sure no one paid any attention. Then she pulled him inside and shut the door behind them. Silence. She didn't turn on any lights.

A four-by-two skylight above provided some illumination. The hallway was semi-dark.

This would be perfect. What she had in mind didn't require light. The thick walls muted the music from the other room. With Gabe at her back, she felt her way down the wall.

If she remembered correctly, the restaurant had two large rooms and a smaller one for banquets. They could be opened up and used as one big room. She hoped that wasn't the case today, as she wanted to use the smaller room.

They came to an entryway and Cassie quietly opened the door, taking a chance that this would be the room she wanted. "This'll do."

She turned around to face him. Gabe fumbled for a light switch, but she stopped him and flipped it back off. "No, I want to kiss you in the dark."

"Ah, you're a wicked woman," he commented before he leaned down to kiss her.