Marrying Cade (5 page)

She swallowed. Even in her most outlandish fantasies, Cade hadn’t looked this good.

He walked down the steps into the pool. Slowly. Talk about poetry in motion. And what was she doing? Treading water while she stared at him like a star-struck virgin. She swam into shallower water, needing the stability of the pool’s bottom under her feet. In danger of drowning at the heated look in his eyes.

She swallowed and forced out a croak. “I thought you were on the trip.” She needed to take back some of the control he’d wrenched from her, just by being there. Just by being Cade.

“I decided to skip it. Too tired.”

He grinned, looking anything but.

Melo swirled her arms in the water. “I decided to come out and see your father. He’s not looking too bad.”

He stepped closer, and the water temperature raised a couple of degrees at his nearness.

Cade and Marco had always got on. It was good of him to think of the older man, stuck in bed on such a glorious day.
Caring
. Warmth welled up, cresting in her smile.

“He suggested I go for a swim, so…” He shrugged. “I’m surprised to see you here; I thought you’d be with the others today.”

In the past, she’d opened her heart to Cade. Told him her dreams and innermost thoughts. Things had changed. The burden of the secrets she was carrying weighed heavily on her shoulders.

“I was tired too.” Her fingers played with the strap of her bikini top, suddenly aware of its brevity. His gaze followed the movement.

“I like the swimsuit.” Passion blazed in his gaze and he stepped closer. The moment expanded as he honed in like an Exocet.

She wanted his kiss. Yearned for it. But here, alone, things could rapidly get out of control. She swung her arms in the water, drenching him with a splash. For a moment, time stopped as his eyes widened in surprise, then the pirate grin spread across his face.

“Oh, Melo. You’re going to regret that.”

With a yelp, she tried to get away. Her legs bounced on the bottom of the pool, and she dived sideways, in a frantic bid to out swim him. As she upended, a strong hand grasped her ankle, pulling her closer into his body’s orbit. She spluttered out of the water again, and he splashed water into her face. As he had millions of times when they were kids. It had been a favorite game, but she could tell that Cade this time, wasn’t kidding.

His eyes darkened to deep emerald as he snaked an arm around her waist, pulling her up against his body in a potent shock that sent shivers of awareness through her.

“Payment time.”

Cool, wet lips claimed hers; fireworks exploded in her core. All thoughts of playing it safe evaporated. Melo’s hands slid up his chest, around the back of his neck and into his hair. Her breathing was ragged. The fact they were in full view of anyone who cared to look instantly forgotten.

Her heartbeat was thundering.

His fingers played with the clasp of her bikini top, and she forced her breasts against him, loving the feel of the light dusting of hair against her flesh. His pelvis was tight against hers under the water, and his length pressed against hers in a potent seduction.

“We should take this somewhere else. Somewhere more private,” he muttered against her lips.

It was too soon, too sudden. But in one way, it had been too long coming.

“The cabana,” she breathed.

****

Cade followed the sway of Melo’s hips like a lamb to the slaughter. Her father was in the house. And the doctor, and the housekeeper. They could be discovered any moment. Yet nothing stopped his determined pursuit. Melo’s kiss left him in no doubt that she wanted him, and he was on fire for her. Like he’d never been on fire for any woman before.

Ever since she’d appeared like a vision at the poolside while he was changing, he’d been in a state of semi-arousal. The white bikini revealed a lot more than it covered. It was a hugely seductive outfit, one he couldn’t wait to peel off her.

She pushed the door open, and turned to him.

“What are we doing?” she asked.

Her words stopped Cade in his tracks. Melo wasn’t just a hot woman, she was his friend. Possibly the only female friend he’d ever had. Did he really want to risk that, just for an afternoon of hot sex?

His body shouted yes, but his brain urged caution. They were stuck here for the next few days, and with her the bridesmaid and him the best man, things could get awkward once they’d muddied the water by sleeping together.

Melo smiled the smile of a woman confident in her allure. “I think you know what we’re doing. We’re following our instincts.” Her hands undid the clasp that held the two scraps of fabric over her breasts.

Cade groaned, and slipped the straps from her shoulders, tossing the bikini top onto the bench. “God, you’re beautiful.” Her breasts were spectacular. He cupped them in his hands, trailing his lips down the curve of her jaw, then downward, over the smooth expanse of neck, and across her shoulders.

She sighed, and thrust her breasts forward, pushing her head back to give him ease of access.

Her body was drying in the summer heat, and her skin tasted of the cool water of the pool. He breathed in the subtle scent he’d always associate with Melo from this moment on. Some perfume. His fried synapses tried to remember to ask what it was—whatever it was it must contain musk, he was unbearably aroused. She tasted honey sweet. Her nipple was pert and erect, surrounded by a perfect, rosy areola. He licked.

She groaned.

A surge of arousal almost brought him to his knees.

This was crazy. Madness. He wanted more, had to have more of her. He swirled his tongue around her nipple and pulled it into his mouth, sucking hard.

Her knees buckled, and she gripped his shoulders for support.

Cade pulled away.

Melo’s eyes were closed, and her breath was coming in little pants.

He grabbed a towel from the hook and laid it carefully on the floor, then pulled her down to the ground with him.

She didn’t protest. Her leg slid over his and his mouth returned to her breasts, kissing them, sucking and nipping until she was squirming under him.

“Cade.” Her hand slid down his chest, and into the waistband of the trunks. She stroked his length with bold fingers, shredding his control.

“Easy.” If she kept that up everything would be over in an instant. Her hand curled around him and fireworks went off behind his eyes. “Seriously, Melo…” It was difficult to get the words out. He reached for her hand and pulled it away from him. “It’s too much.”

“You can say that again.” Her eyes opened, and she grinned. “It’s way too much. I’m burning up here.”

“Me too.”

Talking while lovemaking was something new. They’d been so close in the past; it was as if somehow their relationship had already gone through the teething phase. As though there was nothing to stop them getting seriously involved. The thought was like a bucket of cold water thrown over fighting dogs. His fingers stilled and a frown pleated his brow.

He pulled himself off her. Sat back on the towel, and readjusted the uncomfortable trunks. “Maybe we should slow things down.”

Melo sat up, making no attempt to hide herself from his gaze. “What’s wrong?” She reached a hand out, and trailed it down his thigh. “I thought…”

“I just thought it’s all going a bit fast.” Cade bit the inside of his lip. When had he got to be such a wuss? There was a gorgeous woman, lying in front of him with just a smooth scrap of white covering her, and he was telling her he needed more time? It had never happened to him before. He wanted her with a passion that burned and blazed inside. But his head was shouting caution. If he stayed here, let this continue, he’d be inside her in a matter of minutes. His manhood swelled at the thought.

He had no protection with him. An unwanted pregnancy would be a disaster for both of them. And anyway, Melo deserved more than a quick bedding on the floor of a pool cabana, for God’s sake.
Surely he had a bit more finesse.
He reached for her bikini top.

Indecision flickered in her eyes, she wasn’t as confident as she seemed, and he guessed from where she sat, or rather lay, this could be seen as a rejection. Determination flooded him. She was gorgeous. Totally beddable. He wasn’t going to leave her with the impression he didn’t want her. He curled his hands around her shoulders, and slipped the bikini top on, reaching around to fasten it.

“Melo.” He had always been useless at this talking crap, but this was important, damn it. More important that anything. He had to say it right. “Melo.”

She tossed back her long swathe of hair, and gazed at him with a trace of hurt evident in the sapphire eyes which had held him spellbound since he’d seen her at the hotel.

“I understand, Cade. No biggie.” She stood up and walked to the door. “I’d better go and change.” The cabana door slammed shut behind her.

Cade pushed his hands through his hair.

He’d failed.

Chapter Five

Melo’s legs shook as she walked into the villa. The touch of Cade’s fingers on her skin still tingled as she stumbled up the stairs. Thank God there was no one around. She couldn’t have faced meeting anyone. Not with her mouth swollen from Cade’s kisses, her hair tangled from his fingers’ ruthless exploration, and her stomach churning from his rejection.

She pushed open the door to her bedroom, and stripped off the bikini, tossing it into the corner. She needed a shower to cool her heated skin. And wash Cade off her. She caught a glimpse of her naked body in the full-length mirror.

He’d said she was beautiful. He wanted her; he couldn’t hide his body’s response. So why,
why
had he pulled back? She grabbed her robe from the end of the bed and wrapped it around her, tying the sash tightly. Then lay on the bed and pulled her knees up. Everything had been going so well up until the moment they started to talk. Was that it? Her tired eyes ached with the beginning of a headache. He’d wanted to explain. Had even tried, but she’d seen the way he was struggling to express his feelings and hadn’t been able to stand to hear whatever excuse he was searching for.

He wanted her. She wanted him. What else was there to say?

A stray thought niggled. If they’d made love, things would be different between them. He’d only been on the island a couple of days. They hadn’t seen each other for twelve years, and both of them were very different people than they’d been then. She massaged her temples with her fingers, and closed her eyes.

Maybe his reasons for stopping were as simple as he said. It was too soon. Too quick. She’d fallen into his arms at the slightest touch. Offered herself willingly and brazenly. Men such as Cade liked the chase, and she’d been so damned available it was embarrassing. Another woman might tease, lead him in. But she wasn’t that type of woman. She already knew she wanted Cade. Had known for years. But he wasn’t to know that.

Thinking back over her eager response, a blush heated her body. She’d been totally willing. Wanton, even. She’d never been so bold with any man before, never felt the raging passion that had set her aflame in Cade’s arms.

The urge to forget about the shower and sleep was overwhelming. Yes, slowing things down was probably a good idea. As well as being slightly less available. No one liked a sure thing, did they? Time to play it cool.

****

“Aren’t you ready yet?” Rosa stood in the middle of Melo’s bedroom, looking aghast at her sister’s dripping hair.

She was wearing a beautiful silver dress which clung to all the right places, and ended a couple of inches above her knees. Her blonde swathe of hair swung in the light, and her makeup was perfect. A smoky grey shadow highlighted her eyes to stunning effect, and she looked like she’d spent hours on her appearance. Melo glanced at the clock, and rolled her eyes.

“I fell asleep.”

She’d dreamed of Cade. In all his glory. And woken up with frustration burning a hole in her gut. Now she had to get ready for the party, and there wasn’t enough time.
Wasn’t nearly enough time.
Panic rose in her chest. She’d look like the dull sister. Her heart sank. Why hadn’t she wakened earlier?

Rosa’s eyes softened. “You need help. I’ll get Marie and Anna.”

Marie was one of Rosa’s best friends. She also made a lucrative living as makeup artist to the stars. If there was anyone who could rid Melo’s nose of shine, and banish the dark circles shadowing her eyes, it was Marie. And Anna was the hairstylist seconded to the wedding party for the duration.

A glimmer of hope sprang to life.

“Back in a minute,” Rosa said, slipping from the room.

Half an hour later, Melo gaped at her reflection in the mirror. Her bird’s nest hair had been teased into a soft cascade of waves that tumbled down her back.

Anna had done something magical to her face. She’d accentuated Melo’s cheekbones with a tawny blush which matched her skin tone, highlighted her eyes with a subtle application of brown shadow that looked revolting in the tiny glass pot, but fantastic on, and lengthened her lashes with a liberal application of black mascara.

“With your coloring, less is definitely more.” Anna’d confided, as she drew a careful line of eyeliner above the lash line. “You’re so lucky, like Sophia Loren, or someone.” She leaned closer and whispered. “This is exactly the makeup I used on the film with the kick-ass female bounty hunter. You have exactly the same coloring.” She brushed on coral lipstick. “And a really good mouth.” She blushed, and grinned. “Sorry, I’m used to evaluating faces. It’s my business.”

Melo’s smile echoed Anna’s. “Well, you’re saying such nice things you’re forgiven.” She grasped Anna’s hand and squeezed it. “I really appreciate it, Anna. I couldn’t have made myself look as good as this.”

She angled her head in the mirror, still bemused at the transformation.

“Practice makes perfect.” Anna packed up her box of tricks, and waved at the wardrobe. “Now, get dressed. Time’s a-wasting.”

****

Cade couldn’t stand still. He strode across the room to Adam.

“What’s up?” Adam asked, raising an eyebrow.

The impressive trick always prompted a smile, but not this time. Cade’s gut clenched at the thought of Melo’s arrival. He’d completely blown it this afternoon. She probably wouldn’t want to have anything to do with him.

“Nothing,” Cade replied, hoping that for once Adam would just drop it.

Adam shrugged. “Come on, let’s go into the hall. The girls will be arriving soon.”

Adam walked across the marble floor, every inch the happy groom in his tailored tuxedo.

Cade ran a finger around the collar of his shirt, wishing he could dispense with formality and rip off the constricting bow tie.

“You’re worrying me, Mate.” Adam stopped and skewered Cade with his stare. “What the hell’s the matter with you? You’re so twitchy you’re making me nervous. Come on, out with it.”

Cade pulled in a breath. He couldn’t tell Adam. The last thing he was supposed to be doing was getting involved with someone this trip. Especially Melo.

The bridesmaid and the best man. It was every corny movie’s cliché. And Melo meant something to Adam, too. They’d kept in touch over the years, and Adam considered her one of his dearest friends.

The sound of voices outside heralded the arrival of the coach, and Adam threw him one last glance. “Cheer up, Mate. It’s my wedding.” He flung the door open, and stood back to allow the guests to enter.

Rosa came first. A vision in silver. Smiling, Cade kissed both cheeks. Then raised his gaze to the woman standing behind her. Melo. Wearing a sort of greeny dress that clung to every curve and dusted the ground. Like a mermaid. A very, very sexy mermaid. Her hair flowed over her shoulders inviting his touch. He clenched his hands at his side as she stepped closer, reaching up to kiss him on both cheeks as her sister had. The silken touch sent a shudder racing through him, and he barely resisted the urge to angle his head so their lips met.

He breathed in her perfume, remembered images of her naked in his arms on the floor of the cabana flooding through him. Before he had a chance to react, she stepped away, and another glamorous Italian took her place. His gaze followed her as she strode into the palazzo, heading for their hostess Signora Bettina, and out of his reach.

For now.

“Aha.”

Cade’s guilty glance flicked to Adam. His friend stared back with knowing eyes that, as usual, saw right through his clumsy attempt at deception. The familiar irritation itched and burned, like sand in a swimsuit.

“Got a little crush, have you?”

Cade’s blood heated to a boil. “None of your business.”

He should be gracious. Shouldn’t snap at his friend, who was only speaking the truth. In fact he had one hell of a crush, but the last thing he wanted was Adam pointing it out. He felt as transparent as the glass of champagne one of the waiters offered from a silver tray. He grabbed it and drank deeply.

Adam’s gaze narrowed. “She’s not for you, Cade.”

Cade clenched his jaw and bit back the words trying to escape. It was Adam’s day.
Adam’s week.
He had to keep it together. He dragged a smile from somewhere, and slipped it on like a mask. “Melo and I have been friends for years, there’s nothing going on.”

“Yeah, and I was born yesterday,” Adam replied.

Rosa was chatting to her friends, oblivious, and Adam took advantage of the situation to talk to Cade sotto voce. “Melo’s always had a thing for you. I don’t think you’ve ever noticed, but she hung on your every word when we were teenagers. She looks like a woman of the world, but she’s not.” He glanced at Rosa, then back to Cade. “She’s not in your league, Cade. She could get hurt.”

He pressed a hand to Cade’s arm.

“Don’t be angry with me. You know I care about you more than any bloke in the world. But Melo’s going to be my sister. And she has no brothers of her own to warn you off. So if you’re only playing, play with someone else. What about the girl from last night—Sophia?”

Cade’s heart twisted in his chest. Yes, he’d played hard after his broken engagement, what of it? He was known as a man who treated women well, but never stayed the night. But he’d never treated a woman badly.
Never
. The fact that his best friend thought him capable of toying with Melo’s heart stung.

He squared his shoulders. “I care about her too, Adam. If anything happens between us, I won’t be playing.”

There was surprise in Adam’s eyes. Surprise and respect. “Okay. Say no more.”

Cade’s gaze focused on Melo as she wove through the crowd.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to claim a dance.”

****

Sebastiano Volpi circled the room like a vulture. He must have been invited by Signora Bettina; neither Melo or Rosa would have added his name to the guest list. His eyes lit on Melo with a predatory gleam, and her heart fell as he started across the room toward her. Once, she’d found his dark, Italian perfection attractive. But she wasn’t eighteen any more. And the way Sebastiano treated her during their brief fling had opened her eyes. He might have a gorgeous face, but he had an ugly mind.
A very ugly mind.

“
Ciao
, Bella. You look very beautiful tonight.”

Melo angled her body away from Sebastiano, keen to avoid his embrace.

He smirked, grasped her hand and smothered its back with damp lips.

Melo squeezed her free hand into a fist. Made her face blank. One, two… Finally he released her. Melo gritted her teeth resisting the urge to slap him. This was Rosa’s party. Not the place to have a scene.

“Sebastiano,” she acknowledged, pulling her hand away rapidly and clasping it with its twin in front of her dress. “I haven’t seen you for a long time. How are you?”

Maybe she could distract the man by getting him to talk about his favorite subject, himself.

Sebastiano launched into a detailed monologue. He talked about the extensive renovations he was doing to his house in the hills. His successful business. The new jet he’d bought to travel from Florence to Rome.

Melo stifled a yawn. When they’d been in school and he’d singled her out senior year and brought all his considerable charms into play to woo her, she’d been flattered. He was the first boy to pay her any sort of attention; all the other boys were drawn to Rosa’s blonde perfection like moths to the flame.

But Sebastiano had seemed different. It was only when he suggested double dates with Rosa and her boyfriend that she suspected he was using her to get closer to her sister. And when Rosa’s relationship broke up soon thereafter, and Sebastiano chucked her so he could move in for the kill…

Well that just confirmed it.

Rosa hadn’t given him the time of day. She still wouldn’t.

It was unbelievable he’d decided to attend the party; he couldn’t possibly be unaware of how the Bellucci girls felt about him, could he?

She glanced over to where he was gesticulating and still talking about himself. Then glanced around the room, seeking a savior. If she had to listen to any more she’d explode.

Cade was walking her direction.

It was a funny thing about tuxedos. They really separated the men from the boys. Sebastiano looked like a waiter in his custom-made Armani. Cade, on the other hand, was every woman’s dream. Tall, devastatingly good looking, and grumpy as hell.

Sebastiano reached out to grasp Melo’s arm.

And Cade’s expression darkened from grumpy to furious.

In a moment of madness, Melo turned to Sebastiano, and gifted him with her widest smile. She raised her eyebrows questioningly. She hadn’t heard a word he said, but he wasn’t holding any grudges. His chest puffed up like a dog being patted.

“I was asking you to dance.” He leaned closer. “I would like to have you in my arms again.”

Her stomach turned over at the very thought, but before she had a chance to react Cade was there.

He stood so close, the heat of his body warmed through her soft silk dress. She breathed him in, and her heart thudded hard. She forced air out through crushed lungs; swaying toward him like a compass unerringly finding true north.

“Melo, can I talk to you for a moment?”

Her dazed brain dimly registered his words and her head automatically tilted back and forth.

A sharp tongue-click snapped her back to reality, and her glance flicked to Sebastiano. If looks could kill, Cade would have gone up in flames instantly. It was so ridiculously macho Melo almost giggled.

“Melo and I were just about to dance.” Sebastiano curled his fingers around her upper arm.

His touch was abhorrent, and she picked his hand off like removing a caterpillar from a rose.

“If you remember, Sebastiano, I hadn’t given you my answer.” She lowered her voice not wanting to publicly humiliate him, even though he sure deserved it. “And my answer is no. I would not like to dance with you.”

“
Va bene. La vostra perdita
.”

He spoke Italian in blatant rudeness, then spun on a heel and strode away.

“What did he say?” Cade’s fists were clenched at his sides and his body tensed as he watched the other man leave.