Page 48 of Betrayed

Chapter 15

ARTURO WAS TEN MINUTESearly as he entered the circle drive in front of Mari’s house. Instead of parking there, he took the turn at the far corner to the rear entrance like he had all week. When she didn’t answer the door, he tried the handle, frowning when he found it unlocked.

They would need to have a discussion on safety, apparently.

As he entered, she came racing down the hall, skidding to a halt on the tile floor, when she saw him.

“It was open,” she said breathlessly.

“And this should be the last time I find it that way.”

“What?”

“You’re a woman living alone, Marilee. Need I say more?”

“Oh yes. Right. Sorry.”

He made a mental note to go over it again when she wasn’t as flustered. For now, her cheeks were flushed, she was out of breath, and tendrils of wavy hair had come out of the high ponytail at the back of her head. She didn’t have a speck of makeup on, and in her frazzled state, could have passed for thirty. Before he could tell her to take a breath and relax, she grabbed his hand and pulled him away from the door.

“I’m not ready. Sit, and have coffee. There are blueberry scones in that bakery box on the island if you’re hungry. I’ll be down in ten.”

She whirled to race down the hall but suddenly stopped and spun back. “Make that fifteen, maybe even twenty.”

As she turned once more, ready to make a mad dash, he caught her around the waist and stopped her mid-stride.

“Whoa there. We’ve got plenty of time.”He walked her forward, toward her huge center island. Once there, he shoved the string-tied white box aside and lifted her, plopping her behind on the smooth marble countertop. This put her level with him, face-to-face, eye-to-eye, and mouth-to-mouth. His hands curved around her hips as he leaned in. “This is supposed to be a relaxing getaway, Mari. Breathe.”

She nodded, inhaled deeply then slowly blew it out.

“Again.”

On the second measured in-and-out breath, he saw and felt the tension ease by slow degrees from her body.

“Better?”

“Yes. I’m a mess, aren’t I?”

“A beautiful mess,” he clarified as he moved in for a kiss. Although they’d had dinner together every night this week and made love either at his suite or upstairs in her bed, they ignited as though apart for a month.

Lips opened, tongues tangled, and hands wildly searched for buttons, which quickly came undone. The front door slamming loudly effectively doused their uncontrolled passion, however.

They froze, both looking toward the door that led to the main hall.

“Expecting someone?” he asked.

She shook her head frantically, her fingers moving over her buttons at breakneck speed. “No one has a key except my kids.”

“We’re home!” a youthful feminine voice called out. “Mom?”

“Holy crap,” Mari whispered in alarm. “It’s Beth.”

“Whose Porsche is parked out back?”

A male voice posed this question, and Mari squeaked. “And Jordy!”

She jumped down, still putting her clothes to rights, while eyeing him with a glare.

“How are you still perfectly put together?” she hissed.

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