Whispered Promises (10 page)

A slight twinge of jealousy touched Caitlin. Before Dex's appearance she'd been the most important person in her daughter's life. It amazed her how children could accept changes so easily. She bent down on one knee so that she could face Jordan on her level. “You like your daddy a lot, don't you, darling?” she asked, smiling.

Jordan's dark head bobbed up and down and her eyes lit up. “Yes, Mommy. I like my daddy a lot.” Her cherubic brown face took on a serious expression. “You like my daddy, too, don't you, Mommy?”

Caitlin cradled her daughter to her. Like wasn't a strong enough word to describe what she felt for the man who was her husband and the father of her child. “Yes, baby, Mommy likes your daddy a lot. An awful lot.”

“That's good to hear,” a deep masculine voice said from the doorway.

Caitlin jumped. She hadn't heard Dex enter.

“Daddy!” Jordan broke from her mother's embrace and raced straight to her father, who reached down and picked her up in one smooth sweep. His eyes met Caitlin's over Jordan's head. She noticed the anger that had penetrated their depths earlier that day had disappeared and in its place were traces of tenderness and warmth. Not understanding what had prompted his change in attitude toward her, Caitlin's gaze fell away from his.

“Daddy, do you like my mommy?”

Jordan's innocent question made Caitlin gasp in silence. She quickly turned to the cabinet, presenting her back to her husband and her daughter. However, that did nothing to stop Dex's response from reaching her ears. “Yes, Jordan. I like your mommy. I like your mommy a lot, too.”

For the rest of the evening Caitlin watched from a distance as Jordan and Dex spent time together. He read her a story from one of her Kente Kids books, and helped her put a puzzle together. He even watched her favorite Disney video with her twice.

Caitlin kept busy so she would not intrude on father's and daughter's time together. Hours later, after a quiet dinner and Jordan's bath, she and Dex put her to bed. When Jordan said her prayers for the night, once again they included her grandfather and special thanks for her daddy coming home. She also thanked God for her uncle Clayton and for having a mommy and daddy that liked each other so much.

Dex grabbed Caitlin's arm when she tried backing out of the room after Jordan had fallen asleep. “Not so fast, Caitlin,” he said, pulling her out into the hall and closing Jordan's door behind them. “I believe there's some unfinished business between us.”

A quick stab of desire settled in the pit of Caitlin's stomach with Dex's touch. “I don't know what you're talking about,” she replied breathlessly.

Dex pressed her against the wall. “I'm talking about a statement you made earlier today that your mouth can handle as many kisses I care to give it.”

Heat stained Caitlin's cheeks. “I don't remember saying that.”

“Don't you?” Dex rasped hoarsely as his finger traced the base of her throat. A smile touched his lips. “I'm going to enjoy starting over with you again, Caitlin.”

“Why?” There was a hint of alarm in her voice.

“Because all afternoon I've been remembering just how things used to be between us. Especially on our wedding night. That's the night I discovered that you're a woman who was made to love a man.”

A knot in Caitlin's stomach tightened when Dex ran his hand gently against her arm. “You're full of it, Dex. I didn't know the first thing about pleasing you.” Her voice was a dazed whisper. “You were the one with all the experience.”

Dex took another step forward, making any retreat impossible. “You were perfect. I'll never forget the first time I saw you without any clothes.”

Caitlin's face flushed. She lifted her head a fraction to gaze into the dark eyes that held hers. What was Dex trying to do to her? Did he have any idea what turmoil this topic of conversation was causing? She was beginning to ache for him again.

“You walked out of the bathroom wearing the sexiest nightie I'd ever seen. You looked so shy and so unsure of yourself.” Dex's finger gently traced a path up Caitlin's arm, causing every cell in her body to vibrate. She silently held back a groan as he continued.

“Your hair was pulled up away from your face and you wore diamond stud earrings in your ears. You looked so beautiful and so sensuous, yet you were so innocent. I wanted you in a way I'd never wanted anyone else, and I soon realized you were not like anyone else. I could never compare you to anyone. You were in a class by yourself.”

Dex's finger left her arm and moved across to her breasts. Caitlin's nipples grew taut beneath his touch, and her legs felt like jelly. He moved his body closer. She was unable to move or breathe. The only things she could do were inhale the manly scent of him and feel his arousal pressed against her stomach.

Dex's breath was hot against her ear as he continued. “I remember coming toward you in a daze and slowly undressing you. I remember the trust in your eyes. I also remember the shocked expression on your face when I whispered just
what
I was going to do to you,
how
I was going to do it and
when
I was going to do it. Before the clock struck twelve, I had made you mine, Caitlin. I made you my woman. Do you remember?”

They gazed at each other, their thoughts victims of the past. “Yes,” Caitlin whispered. “I remember.”

“Do you also remember when I carried you to the bed, placed you on it and stretched out beside you? Do you remember me kissing you all over then—”

“Why are you saying these things? Why are you bringing all of this up?” Caitlin asked, her eyes dark with sensual memories. She couldn't look away from him. Her voice was soft and husky, her breathing uncontrolled. “Don't you understand we can't pretend we haven't been apart these last four years?”

“I don't recall asking us to.”

“You might as well be, Dex. You're expecting us to pick up where we left off four years ago, and that's not possible.”

Dex gave Caitlin a long assessing look. “We're not picking up where we left off. What we're doing is starting over. There is a difference.” His hand moved lower to her stomach and a small gasp escaped her lips.

“And,” he added, “the reason I'm saying all those things and bringing up all those memories is because I want you to remember how good things were between us.” His hand moved even lower and Caitlin thought she wouldn't be capable of ever breathing again.

“I don't ever want you to forget how it was between us.”

Caitlin's mouth fell open. “You said it would be my decision when…”

Dex leaned closer, his lips mere inches from hers. “When what, Caitlin?”

“When we sleep together again.”

Dex's hand touched Caitlin intimately through her shorts, and she silently groaned at the multitude of feelings his boldness caused. He was being deliberately provocative as his fingers unbuttoned her shorts. He stared down into her eyes. Slowly, he slipped his fingers through the shorts' opening. Caitlin's breath lodged in her throat when his fingers came into contact with the silky material of her panties.

“I haven't gone back on my word. It will be your decision. I won't go any farther than you let me,” he said in a deep, hoarse whisper.

“But you're trying to seduce me,” she implored with the barest of breath.

Dex smiled. “You're damn right, I am,” he confessed huskily. His lips came down on hers gently and swiftly. His tongue thoroughly swept the insides of her mouth. Caitlin's body jerked with desire as devastating sensations flowed through her.

Suddenly, Dex broke the kiss and quickly released her. He then refastened her shorts. “Good night, Caitlin, sleep well.”

A speechless Caitlin watched as he walked away whistling. She began wondering if she had somehow imagined the whole thing. But with her heart pounding loudly and her body trembling, she knew she hadn't. She closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath.

Caitlin had thought she could play just as hard as Dex did, but now it was quite obvious to her that Dex Madaris didn't play fair.

“M
r. Madaris, please come in and have a seat. I'm Lieutenant Williams.”

Dex closed the door behind him. Crossing the room, he extended his hand to the tall, muscularly built man standing behind the desk. The man accepted his hand in a firm handshake. “I was just about to have a cup of coffee. Would you like some?”

“Yes, thanks,” Dex said, settling his frame into the chair across from the desk.

After pouring two cups of coffee, Lt. Williams presented Dex with his cup before taking a seat behind his desk. “So what is it you want to know about the Parker investigation?”

A funny feeling unfolded in Dex. “So, there was actually an investigation?”

Lt. Williams eyed Dex over the rim of his coffee mug. “Before I answer any of your questions, I'd like to know what's your interest, Mr. Madaris?”

After taking a sip of coffee, Dex lifted his head and looked directly at the police officer. “My main interest at the moment is his daughter, Caitlin Parker Madaris. She's my wife. Since Halston Parker's death I've—”

“Death? Halston Parker died?” Lt. Williams sat up, immediately alert.

“Yes. He died a few days ago.”

Lt. Williams came around and sat on the edge of his desk. “What was the cause of death?”

“He had terminal cancer.”

The lieutenant's body relaxed. “Please accept my condolences. This is all very surprising since I just saw Mr. Parker a few weeks ago and he appeared to be in good health.”

Dex nodded. “It's my understanding his condition suddenly took a turn for the worse. A lot of people, including his daughter, didn't know the extent of his illness.” He thought that was putting it mildly since Caitlin hadn't known about her father's condition at all.

“I see. So, I suppose the reason you're here is because of Mr. Parker's allegations against Malone Land Developers?”

“Yes. Halston left a letter for me to read after his death. The letter really didn't give any specifics, other than claiming someone was trying to buy land from him and had begun using unsavory tactics to coerce him into selling. He was extremely concerned for my wife's safety. I was hoping you could shed some light on exactly what this is all about.”

“Did you bring the letter with you?”

“Yes.”

“Do you mind if I take a look at it?”

Dex pulled the letter out of his shirt pocket and handed it to the lieutenant.

Lt. Williams scanned the letter before giving it back to Dex. He then went to a filing cabinet in the corner of the room and after flipping through various folders, pulled one out. He returned to sit behind his desk.

“Mr. Parker called my office several times within the last couple of months with complaints of harassment by Malone Land Developers. It's my understanding they approached him about some land that's been in his family for a number of years. Each time I checked into Mr. Parker's allegations, I couldn't find anything to link Malone to the incidents taking place.”

Dex sat back. A number of questions were buzzing in his mind. “Exactly what sort of incidents were there?”

“Besides the harassing phone calls Mr. Parker claimed he was receiving late at night,” Lt. Williams said, going through the folder, “he also reported being followed in his car a few times, his business was vandalized once, and his car was broken into twice. All within a two-week period.”

Dex tilted his head to the side and looked at Lt. Williams with a curious expression on his face. “Why was my father-in-law so convinced Malone Land Developers was behind any of those things?”

“He claimed he received threatening phone calls about his land after each incident. That wasn't much for us to go on, and after talking with Duncan Malone, who denied that he or anyone in his office made such calls, it was Mr. Parker's word against his. So, frankly, without any proof, there wasn't anything we could do.”

Dex nodded in understanding. “I see.”

“Right now the case is closed. However, if for any reason you feel it should be reopened, let me know.”

Dex stood. “I'll do that. And I really appreciate the information. Thanks for taking the time to see me.” He turned and walked out of Lt. Williams's office.

“I'm so sorry I can't be there with you.”

Even over the phone lines, Caitlin could hear the sadness in her best friend's voice. The unexpected call had been just what she'd needed. She had awakened that morning feeling slightly depressed.

“That's all right, Bev. I know you'd be here if you could.” Caitlin sat down on the sofa. “Under the circumstances, it's probably for the best that you didn't make it to Dad's funeral. Dex is here.”

“So I've heard. Dad told me. What's going on?”

The question placed a placid smile on Caitlin's face. She and Beverly Burke Garrett had been best friends since grade school.

Caitlin sighed. She then told Beverly about her dad's confession, the promise Dex had made to her father, him finding out about Jordan and their decision to remain married.

“Maybe I should catch a plane and come home. Chase will understand.”

“Whether he does or not isn't important. You can't go flying around the country in your condition.”

“I guess you're right. That's the price I have to pay for falling in love with a man whose job takes him all over the world. Although I have to admit, London is beautiful this time of the year.” There was a pause. “So tell me, how's Dex Madaris? I imagine he's every bit as sexy as he was the time I met him at the hospital after your dad's heart attack.”

Caitlin's voice cracked somewhat when she answered. “He's even more so.” As far as she was concerned, Dex's very presence in her home was causing her to short-circuit. The smell of his cologne, clean and masculine, was a seductive aroma that permeated the entire house.

“Oh, Bev. What am I going to do? The only reason Dex wants to stay married is because he feels obligated.”

“Stop it right there, Caitlin Shi'Larie Madaris. Don't you dare start feeling sorry for yourself. Up to now you've accepted what happened between you and Dex and moved on with your life. Don't you dare start wallowing in ‘what could have been.'”

“Give me a reason why I shouldn't. Thanks to me, my daughter didn't know her father for three years.” Caitlin stood and went to the window. She could see Jordan playing in the backyard with Ms. Logan's granddaughter, while the older woman worked nearby in her flower garden. Caitlin was all alone in the house. Dex had left right after breakfast saying he was going out and would return in a couple of hours. She couldn't help wondering where he'd gone.

“You did write to tell him about your pregnancy.”

“I doubt he believes me. You ought to see him and Jordan together, Bev. Each day they're growing closer and closer. I keep thinking things could have been different if I'd joined Dex in Australia like I had promised. Even you thought I should go.”

“But you didn't and you can't change things, so move on. I know you're probably feeling depressed over losing your dad and you're still grieving, but the last thing you should do is let Dex take advantage of your vulnerability now. Please, whatever you do, don't start thinking that you're lucky he wants a reconciliation. Instead you should feel he's the one who's lucky that you agreed to it.”

“But—”

“But nothing. Give yourself credit for something. You've raised Jordan for the past three years, without any help from Dex Madaris. Being a single parent isn't easy. Don't ever take what you've done for granted.”

Caitlin sighed. “But what about a life filled with love and happiness?”

“You and Dex have another chance at that, Caitlin. What you should do is turn whatever setbacks you've encountered into victories. Don't focus on what you didn't do, but on what you can do now.”

Caitlin chuckled softly. “You sound just like a philosopher.”

Beverly laughed then spoke in a teasing British accent. “It must be the English air I'm breathing. But seriously, stop trying to cast Dex in the role of a perfect man.”

“I never said he was perfect.”

“Well, don't. He has faults just like everyone else. And to be quite honest with you, he thoroughly disappointed me by not taking the first plane out of Australia when you filed for a divorce. I really had expected him to come after you. One of the reasons I had liked him right away was because he was a lot older than you, and he appeared to be a man who wouldn't hesitate to fight for what was his. I think he gave in to your father too easily.”

Caitlin frowned. “Aren't you being a little bit hard on him, Bev?”

“I'm being no harder on Dex than you're being on yourself. I'm your friend, remember. Your very best friend. I want things between you and Dex to work out. Not just for Jordan's sake, but especially for yours and Dex's. More than anything, I want you to be happy. Just give your relationship with him some time, and don't expect miracles overnight. The best relationships are those that grow from the knowledge that we're more than worthy of the best that life can offer.”

“Oh, Bev, I want to believe that.”

“Then do believe it. I wish you and Dex the very best of luck. Although it was a whirlwind love affair, I believe it's the quality of time and not the quantity of time that's important. Call me a romantic if you want to, but I think you and Dex had something very special four years ago. And I truly believe something that special can't die or isn't easily destroyed. Just follow your heart, listen to your mind, stand behind your convictions and don't be afraid to take risks. The only failure lies in not trying.”

“You make it sound so easy.”

“No, it's not easy, but it's well worth the effort.”

Caitlin took a deep calming breath. “You could always do this to me.”

“Do what?”

“Show me the error of my ways.”

“No more than you could help me see mine. You were right there cheering Chase on whenever I got a streak of stubbornness. If it hadn't been for you, love would have passed me by, and I'd still be an unhappy pharmacist working in my dad's drugstore. Chase and I will be forever grateful to you for prodding me in the right direction. If one of the twins is a girl, I'm going to name her after you.”

“Twins! What twins?”

Beverly roared with laughter, unable to keep her secret any longer. “I found out this morning. We're having twins!”

Dex walked into the kitchen and found Caitlin bending over while unloading the dishwasher. He paused in the doorway to watch her, enjoying the way the shorts she wore outlined her shapely bottom. His pulse quickened. He would love to fill his hands with her incredible softness, to pull her against him and…

He shook his head to clear his thoughts. The last thing he needed was to begin seeing Caitlin as only a sex object. She was, afterall, the mother of his child and by law, his wife.

His wife,
Dex thought again. In that case, according to the minister who married them four years ago, she was his—to have and to hold—and at this very moment he ached to do both.

“Get a grip, Madaris,” he muttered to himself.

Dex's muttering caught Caitlin's attention. She turned around. “Oh, I didn't hear you come in.”

Straightening, she closed the dishwasher door. “How long have you been back?”

“Not long,” he answered. No way he was going to tell her that he had stood in the doorway a good five minutes ogling her body.

Caitlin's gaze held Dex's for a fraction of a second too long before she looked away quickly. “I wasn't sure if you would be back for lunch so Jordan and I went ahead and ate.”

“That's fine,” Dex replied absently. He watched Caitlin move around the kitchen gathering up a few of Jordan's toys that were scattered about. It was obvious he made her nervous.

“Where's Jordan?” he asked, breaking the silence that had descended upon the room.

“She's taking a nap.”

Dex nodded. He knew Caitlin was probably wondering where he'd been. On the return drive back, he had decided not to tell her about his meeting with Lt. Williams. Since there had been no proof to Halston's allegations, it would be best to let the matter drop.

“Dex, I almost forgot. You got a call from someone by the name of Trevor Grant. He said it's important that you call him back. If you need privacy to make the call, I'll go—”

“No. Trevor's my project foreman,” Dex said, picking up the phone.

Caitlin was aware of her sweaty palms as she rummaged through the refrigerator looking for a carton of orange juice. She didn't have to guess the cause of her body's warmth—or more specifically,
who
was the cause of it. She knew that even now while he talked on the phone, Dex was watching her every movement.