One Last Time (25 page)

My heart gave a hard thump. “Who’s there?” I scrubbed droplets out of my eyes but couldn’t see anything.

The sky clouded and turned overcast as the wind cooled and picked up, causing the water to ripple. Goose bumps rose on my arms and legs that had nothing to do with the weather. The shadow swayed back and forth in rhythm with the wind, beginning to take shape.

My insides turned to ice, my breath coming in short, sharp pants.

The next moment, a shimmery silhouette of a man lay across the water.

With more speed than grace, I sprinted for the opposite side of the pool. Water churned as I kicked out. As soon as I reached the ladder, I grasped it and whipped around. “Who’s there?” I squeaked again. Only silence. The shadow, or whatever, was gone. The only scent the evening breeze carried was chlorine.

My muscles bunched and jumped as I pulled myself out of the pool. Pressure building in my head, I grabbed a thick white towel, wrapped it around me, and raced into the bungalow just as the phone rang. My feet wet, I slipped and slid across the tile floor as I hurried to answer it. “Hello?”

“Caitlin, how are you?” Laughing voices and music sounded in the background.

“Clayton?” Surprise jolted me.

“Yeah, I’m back. I was going to surprise you. Thought you’d be at Richie’s. Want me to come over?”

“I’d love for you to,” I responded with more enthusiasm than poor Clayton usually received from me.

“I’m on my way.” He clicked off.

“Hurry,” I muttered to the silent phone.

I looked furtively around as I raced to the bedroom to change clothes. I didn’t know what I was worrying about. We had an excellent alarm system. Nonetheless, I locked myself in the bedroom and dressed in record time. I peeked out the door. Reassured no one was there, I skulked into the hallway and waited for Clayton. When the buzzer sounded, I opened the door and threw myself into his arms.

His eyebrows rose, his body went rigid, and his face registered stunned surprise…for about five seconds. “This is more like it.” He kissed me enthusiastically, his hands busy as little bees.

I drew back. “I’m sorry, Clayton. I didn’t mean to give you the wrong impression.” Clayton and I went out occasionally, but we weren’t an item.

He took a deep inhale and got his breathing under control. His arms dropped from my shoulders. “For a moment there, I thought absence may have made your heart grow fonder, since we hadn’t seen other in a few weeks.”

Heat crept into my cheeks. “I’m aware our relationship has never progressed to its natural conclusion. You’ve pointed it out repeatedly.”

“Then what’s the problem? You’re uh not…” He shifted on his feet.

“No, Clayton, I’m not gay. I’m convinced half my appeal for you—besides being your boss’s niece—is the challenge.”

He stuck his hands in the pockets of his khaki shorts and rocked back on his heels. “You know that’s not true. Never mind, baby. I know that kind of talk makes you nervous. I just thought for a moment there…”

“When I threw myself into your arms?” I added helpfully.

“Yeah, pretty much.” He grinned. At least the boy had a sense of humor...sort of.

“I am glad to see you.” I’d be glad to see anybody right now
.
I tugged his hand out of his pocket and tried to lead him into the living room. “Tell me about your trip.”

“Cut the crap, Cat. Why did you throw yourself at me?” Face set in stubborn lines, he pulled his hand back.

“Well, I was glad to see you.” I nodded my head for emphasis.

“And?” He arched an eyebrow.

“It’s impossible to wear down a banker-in-training,” I groused. “Once focused, you’re sharp as steel and about as malleable.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. Now what’s going on?”

“I thought there was an intruder when I was at the pool.”

He straightened, all signs of the lazy playboy gone in an instant. “Why didn’t you say so? Did you call the police?”

“And tell them what? A shadow fell across the pool, but no one was there?”

He gave me a strange look. “Is the alarm system on?”

“Yes.”

“You stay here. I’m going to take a look outside.”

“Thanks, Clayton.” Relief swamped me.

“Stay here.” He snapped the words out again.

“I’m coming with you.” But I was already talking to his back.

I ran to the bedroom. He might have been conservative—okay he was conservative; he was going into the banking business. And he might not have attracted me at the basic level. But he was a good guy to have in my corner when the chips were down. He was no coward.

I rummaged in my dresser drawer for the Taser dad had given me when I moved out, grabbed it, and then ran through the house and out the back door in hot pursuit. When Clayton stopped abruptly, I ran full tilt into his warm solid back and nearly tased my foot. “Ouch.” I rubbed my nose.

“Don’t you ever do what you’re told?” He eased me to his side, then cautiously walked the enclosure. The gray clouds had lifted. The sun dropped in the sky in a bright red orb that threw garnet sparkles on the water. A few early stars began to make their appearance. The scent of chlorine mixed with Clayton’s expensive aftershave. I relaxed. No limes and cinnamon. The presence was gone.

We circled the pool and then the house. “I don’t see anyone.” Clayton took one last look around.

“Maybe it was my imagination.” Not.

“In this case, I hope so.” He glanced at his watch.

I could take a hint. “Why don’t you go back to the party?”

“I’ll stay for a little while.”

“Really, I’m okay.” Pricks of discomfort tightened my chest. I was so not okay.

“Tell you what. I’ll take one more look around, then check the house before I go.”

“Deal.” My taut muscles loosened. While he checked the property, I grabbed a soda. He walked in as I popped the top. “Want one?” I asked.

He shook his head. “I’ll just do a quick check of the rooms.”

I swallowed a giggle. Clayton might not be getting lucky with me, but I had a feeling the evening wasn’t going to be a wash for him. He went through the bungalow in record time.

He came into the kitchen and pecked me on the cheek. “I’ll call you soon.” He stopped me before I could trail after him. “I can see myself out.”

“Sure.” He didn’t sprint for the door, but he disappeared through it pretty fast. I’d bruised his ego. Again. “I’m going to stop dating altogether.” I’d never met a guy who melted me like molten lava, and I didn’t intend to settle for less. “I’m a freak.”

“That’s the damn silliest thing I’ve ever heard.”