Photo by Sue Vincent
The sky is aflame. Under the relentless heat,
the cracked ground cries out for relief.
Then, You in Your infinite mercy, command
the clouds to empty themselves upon the earth.
Praises pour forth from our lips when the first drops of rain fall.
This was written for the #writephoto Prompt – Aflame at Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo.
Photo by Sue Vincent
There in the shade of the trees, my Beloved rests
for death is but a deep and untroubled sleep
and the grave a bed buried in the heart of the earth.
Death is but a temporary separation for us. We
shall see each other again.
Until then, rest, my Beloved, rest until the day when you
you shall awake to life immortal.
This was written for the #writephoto Prompt – Shade at Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ – 1 Corinthians 15:57
This Easter, I find myself reflecting on the victory we have through Jesus which He made possible when He died on the cross, taking away our sins and reconciling us to the Father. Through His death, He destroyed the devil who had power of death (Hebrews 2:14), our last enemy which will be destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:26). One day the righteous will be resurrected and come out of their graves to meet their Lord and those who are still alive when He comes will join them. This is only possible because of Jesus who “died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).
He will swallow up death forever, And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces; The rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken – Isaiah 25:8
Imagine the day when God Himself will wipe our tears away.
“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?” – 1 Corinthians 15:54, 55
We have reason to rejoice and this Easter Sunday, we cab celebrate the empty tomb which could not hold our Lord. He rose on the third day as He promised.
‘God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. There shall be no more death.’ Neither shall there be any more sorrow nor crying nor pain, for the former things have passed away” – Revelation 21:4
One day, we will meet Jesus face to face. What a glorious day that will be. Hold on to this blessed hope until He comes again.
Knowing where you come from is very important. Nowadays, there are ways that you can find out about your ancestry. In some cultures, including Jesus’, genealogies are very important. Matthew begins Jesus’ genealogy with these words, “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
Why does Matthew begin the family tree with King David and Abraham? Well, he wanted show that Israel’s hope had been fulfilled in the coming of Christ. The promise of Abraham “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3) is fulfilled in Jesus as the Saviour of the world.” As the Son of David and his direct descendant, Jesus is qualified to be Israel’s King. The birth of Jesus showed that God had fulfilled His promises to Abraham and David.
It was unusual to include women in genealogies but four are mentioned in Jesus’ genealogy. Tamar who had children with Judah, her father-in-law because he wronged her; Rahab, a Jericho prostitute who helped two Jewish spies; Ruth, a Moabite woman who made God her God because of he mother-in-law, a Jewish widow and Bathsheba, King Solomon’s mother. Bathsheba is the only one of the four women who is not mentioned by name. She is called the wife of Uriah, the Hittite. King David had committed adultery with her while Uriah was away fighting for king and country.
These four women are not type of women you would expect to find in the genealogy of the Son of God. It just goes to show that these women like all sinners can be redeemed by God and used to accomplish His will. It is clear that we are precious to God and therefore, despite our sinful nature, are valuable to Him.
Sources: Matthew 1; Zondervan Handbook to the Bible
“Is your uncle at home?” Ashley asked casually as they walked the grounds on a beautiful, sunny spring afternoon. She was wearing a denim jacket because it was still a bit cool. They were at Eastwell Manor where Bradley was staying with his uncle until he found his own flat. It was a magnificent place surrounded by acres of land, immaculate gardens and rolling hills. She had been here several times and loved it here. It was peaceful and the air was crisp and fresh.
Bradley glanced at her. “You’ve got a thing for him, haven’t you?” he teased. “Most women who meet him do. My uncle is cordial toward them but expresses no romantic interest whatsoever in any of them.”
“How long were he and your aunt married?”
“Fifteen years.”
“And they never had any children?”
“No. Aunt Carol couldn’t have any. What a great pity. She would have been an excellent mother.”
“How did she die?”
“It was a car accident. She was on her way home when an intoxicated teenager ran the red light and plowed into her as she was leaving the intersection. She died instantly. Uncle Anthony was a wreck.”
“What was she like?”
“She was a lovely woman, kind and very generous. She adored Uncle Anthony and he adored her. She was my favorite aunt. She was like a mother to me. I adored her.”
“How very sad. I don’t think your uncle approves of our friendship.”
“Why do you think so?”
“I see the way he looks whenever we are together. There’s disapproval written all over his face. I can’t imagine why he should have any objections. Perhaps he thinks you spend too much time with me and should be in the company of a girl closer to your age.”
“I haven’t met any girls my age that I am interested in as yet and besides, I enjoy your company. We have known each other for some time now and I can’t imagine not having you around. I can talk to you about anything. You’re like a sister to me. I don’t know why my uncle would disapprove of me having a friend such as you—unless, he thinks we are more than friends, though, I still can’t imagine why that should be any concern of his. He’s not my father and I’m not a child.”
“Your uncle just wants what’s best for you.”
“I know.”
They continued walking and talked about other things. Then it was time for her to leave. As they walked toward the mansion, Bradley suddenly grabbed and dipped her before he bent his head and kissed her squarely on the mouth. She clung to him to keep her balance. It lasted a few seconds and then he raised his head, straightening and then releasing her. She glared at him, her chest heaving in indignation. “What on earth did you do that for?” she demanded.
“It was for my uncle’s benefit,” he told her. “He was in the study watching us through the window.”
She swung round and looked up at the window where she knew the study to be. There was no one there. She turned back to Bradley. “What you did was childish and very insulting to me.”
He looked contrite. “I didn’t mean to upset you, Ash. I was miffed at him for thinking that he can control my life simply because I am living under his roof. When it comes to my friendship with you, I will not put up with his interference.”
“What will he think of me now?” she wondered.
“What does it matter? He already thinks that we are a couple.”
“But, we’re not. We’re just friends.”
“Why does it matter so much to you what he thinks?” Bradley pressed. “Is it because you’re in love with him?”
“Yes,” she admitted.
“All right. Would you like us to go and clear up this misunderstanding right now?”
Her heart lurched at the idea of seeing Anthony Eastwell after what just happened. She couldn’t imagine how he would look at her now. She shook her head. “I can’t face him right now,” she said. “I’m going home.” She turned and walked away.
Bradley followed her. “I’m sorry, Ash,” he said, his expression apologetic. “Please forgive me for acting like a fool. I will straighten things out with Uncle Anthony, I promise.”
She looked at him. “I’m very upset with you right now,” she said. “But, I’ll get over it. Call me later.” She was about to walk off when she froze. Anthony Eastwell was walking toward them.
Immediately, her heart began to pound wildly and her breath quickened. He always had that effect on her. In spite of her distress, she couldn’t prevent her gaze from traveling over his tall frame and thinking how disturbingly attractive he looked in the tan ribbed sweater and navy blue slacks.
He stopped abruptly in front of Bradley who watched him warily. “Please wait for me in the study,” he instructed in a tight voice.
Without saying a word, his nephew turned and walked toward the house. Anthony waited until he was gone before he turned his attention on Ashley. To say that he was angry would have been an understatement. His brown eyes were dark with fury and his face was flushed. “What do you mean by making a spectacle of yourself with my nephew out here in plain view for everyone to see?” he demanded.
She swallowed hard. “He kissed me and I—”
“Don’t tell me that you put up a fight. I saw you from the window and it was clear to me that you welcomed his advances which leads me to believe that your relationship is not platonic as you would have me believe.”
“Please, you don’t understand—”she protested.
“I understand perfectly,” he muttered thickly. “You would rather be with him than—” He broke off and turned away, dragging his fingers through his hair as he struggled to compose himself. Several minutes passed before he faced her again. “If you are going to throw yourself at my nephew, I would prefer if you did it somewhere else.”
That was when she got upset. “For your information, I’m not throwing myself at your nephew,” she retorted. “I don’t make it a habit of throwing myself at any man, no matter how attracted I am to him.”
“So, you admit that you’re attracted to Bradley?”
“I’m not admitting anything. Now, if you’ll excuse me, Mr. Eastwell, I have to go.” She turned and strode off.
He stood there watching her, his face now pale and his eyes filled with torment. How he longed to go after her and tell her how he really felt but pride kept him where he was. He remained there for a while before he went back to the manor.
Bradley was standing by the window when he joined him in the study. “Uncle, I hope you weren’t too hard on Ashley,” he said. “The kiss was my idea not hers. She was very upset with me.”
Anthony looked unconvinced. “What are you talking about?” he demanded. “From where I was standing the kiss looked mutual. I saw her clinging to you. That was not the action of a woman who didn’t want to be kissed.”
Something about the way he spoke and the expression on his face made Bradley stare at him closely. “It upset you to see us together, didn’t it?” The look in his uncle’s eyes was all the confirmation he needed. “Uncle Anthony, this has all been a terrible misunderstanding. You see, Ashley and I are just friends. I kissed her because I was angry with you. I didn’t like you interfering in my friendship with her. Ashley is not interested in me. I’m like a little brother to her. She’s in love with you.”
Anthony looked stunned now. “In love with me?” he exclaimed. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I am. I can tell from the way she talks about you and when she’s around you. I’m surprised you haven’t noticed. Besides she admitted it to me.”
“I thought it was you she cared for,” he said. “I had hoped but never imagined that she would have feelings for me.”
“Do you love her?”
“Yes. I have loved her since the day we met. I didn’t think it was possible to fall in love again after losing your Aunt Carol but it has happened.”
“Why don’t you invite Ashley over for dinner tonight and tell her how you feel?”
“After what I said to her earlier, I’m not sure she would want to see me. I’m afraid I wasn’t very pleasant. I was acting out of jealousy.”
“Then, you can go over to her flat and see her. She won’t refuse to see you once you turn up. I’ll give you her address.”
“All right. I’ll go and see her this evening and hopefully straighten things out with her.”
“I’m sorry, Uncle Anthony, this was entirely my fault.”
Anthony patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry about it,” he said. “All is forgotten. I have been interfering in your life and I’m sorry. You’re free to do as you wish as long as it doesn’t get you into any trouble. No hard feelings?” He held out his hand.
Bradley smiled and shook it. “No hard feelings,” he said. “I’m happy that you’ve found love again. Ashley is a remarkable woman.”
“I know.”
It was after seven when Anthony showed up at Ashley’s flat. In his arms he carried a box of red roses which he handed to her when she opened the door. “These are for you,” he said simply as she stood there gaping at him. “May I come in?”
She blinked. “Yes, yes. Come in.” She moved aside so that he could step inside and she closed the door behind him, hardly able to believe that he was here. She opened the box and gasped when she saw the big, beautiful red roses. There were a dozen of them. “They’re beautiful,” she exclaimed. “Please make yourself comfortable while I go and put them in some water.” As she hurried to the kitchen, she couldn’t deny that she was thrilled to see him, in spite of their earlier exchange. She hadn’t expected to see him again.
She filled a vase with water, cut the ends of the roses and then placed them in the vase. She went back into the living-room and put the vase on top of the faux fireplace mantle, stepping back to admire them. They added more color and a pleasant aroma to the room. She turned to find Anthony standing by the sofa watching her. She allowed her gaze to travel over him. He was wearing a navy blue suit, blue tie and white shirt. His hands were in his pockets and his expression was both serious and sheepish as he looked at her.
“I owe you an apology,” he said quietly. “I acted like an unreasonable fool this afternoon. My only excuse is that I was jealous.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Jealous?” she cried.
“Yes. When I looked out of the window and saw Bradley and you kissing, I was consumed with jealousy. I couldn’t bear to watch so I moved away from the window. I didn’t know what to do. For a few minutes, I just paced up and down in the study and then I decided that I would confront the two of you.”
She watched him, her heart pounding. This seemed so surreal. “I always thought you disapproved me because of my friendship with Bradley,” she said. “I thought it was my age which made me unsuitable for him.”
“You’re right. I disapproved of your relationship with him but not for the reason you thought. I didn’t know that you were just friends. I thought you were romantically involved. In the garden this afternoon, I said the things I did out of jealousy and when you walked away, I wanted to come after you and tell you how I felt but pride prevented me. I didn’t want to throw myself at the woman whom I thought cared for my nephew.”
“I do care for Bradley but I don’t love him. What I feel for him is affection and what I want from him is friendship, nothing more.”
Anthony’s countenance changed. Hope flickered in his eyes. “I didn’t come over here just to apologize,” he said, moving closer. “I came to tell you that I love you. I’ve loved you since the first time we met.”
She moved closer. “I love you too. I have since the first time I saw you. I didn’t think I stood a chance, though, because of your wife. I feared that I would end up like those other women whose feelings for you were not reciprocated.”
“I didn’t think I could love again until I met you. You stirred feelings in me that I thought had died with Carol. What I feel for you is a deep and consuming love.” By now he had closed the distance between them and was standing in front of her. He reached out and caught her by the waist, pulling her against him. His smoldering eyes met hers before he lowered his head and kissed her. She clung to his shoulders, her fingers gripping the material of his jacket as she responded to his hot, searing kisses.
After a while he raised his head to gaze down into her face, his eyes dark and stormy and his face flushed with desire. “Do you think you could get used to being Bradley’s aunt?” he asked.
She nodded, smiling. “It would feel weird at first but I can get used to it,” she said breathlessly.
“Good,” he murmured before he kissed her again.
Sources: Fantasy Name Generator; Pinterest
When Bianca went out on to the balcony of her friend Connie’s spacious flat, she was pleasantly surprised to see Chandler sitting there. He looked so elegant although he was dressed very casually in a tan colored jacket, denim shirt and jeans. The brown belt he wore matched the spiffy shoes she saw on the mat by the front door. He was so handsome, she thought, her eyes eagerly drinking in each feature—the thick, silky dark hair, the incredible light grey eyes, olive skin and his lips…She started when she realized that she was staring.
For his part, he was staring at her too. “It’s good to see you, Bianca,” he said as he got up and went over to her. He put his arms around her and hugged her. She hugged him back, closing her eyes and breathing in his fragrance. He smelled so good. It felt so wonderful being in his arms and held closely against him. She put hers around his waist and wished that they could stay like that for a long while. But just then, Connie’s voice reached them and Chandler drew back, releasing Bianca, his expression tense as he looked at her. He moved away from her and stood leaning against the rail with his hands shoved in his pockets, a muscle pulsating along his jawline as he watched Connie approach.
Bianca sat down in the chair closest to her, her legs trembling. She had to pull herself together before Connie saw her. It was a hug between two friends but there was something else. She felt it and sensed it. At one point, she felt his arms tighten around her and his face in her hair. What would have happened if Connie hadn’t been there?
She joined them now, her gaze going immediately to Chandler, her regard for him very evident on her face. Then she turned to Bianca, her expression changing. She doesn’t seem very pleased to see me, Bianca realized in surprise. Perhaps it is because I didn’t call to tell her that I was coming over.
“Bianca, what are you doing here?” she asked.
Bianca got up from the chair, feeling a little embarrassed now. “I’m sorry I didn’t call before I popped over but it was when I was on the tube, that I decided I would stop by your flat and ask you if you wanted to go with me to the Jazz concert in Chelsea. It’s free and it sounds like fun.”
Connie shook her head at once. “No thank you, Bianca. I will pass. Besides, I have already made plans. Chandler and I will be spending the afternoon together.”
Chandler spoke up, “The Jazz concert sounds like a good idea.”
Connie pursed her lips. “Jazz gives me a headache. I prefer to go somewhere less crowded and I know the perfect place. Well, Bianca, I guess you had better be heading off to your concert. Call me later and let me know how it was.”
Bianca got up from the chair, wishing now she hadn’t bothered to come but then, she wouldn’t have seen Chandler. Her eyes sought him and her heart lurched when she found him looking at her. She went over to him and said, “It was good seeing you as usual, Chandler.”
“I hope we see each other again soon,” he replied. And he reached out and caught her hand. From where Connie stood she couldn’t see what he was doing but it was all Bianca could do to keep her composure. It was hard when his thumb was caressing the back of her hand, stirring up all sorts of sensations. The expression on his face made her mouth go dry. His light grey eyes were dark and stormy. It was so obvious that he was attracted to her. And it must be obvious to him that she was attracted to him too. What about Connie? Her gaze shifted to her friend and was mortified when she saw the hostility and jealousy in her countenance. Yes, Connie had noticed the attraction between Chandler and her.
“I’d better go,” Bianca murmured looking away. “I don’t want to be late for the concert.”
He released her hand with some reluctance and watched as she hurried past Connie. They heard the door close. “You were a bit rude to her,” he said with some displeasure.
Connie glared at him. “I saw the way you were looking at her,” she cried. “You want her don’t you? Well, you are wasting your time.”
He frowned. “What do you mean?”
“She has a boyfriend.”
He grew pale. “Are you sure?” he asked.
“Of course, I’m sure. His name is Darnell.”
Chandler ran his fingers agitatedly through his hair. “I had no idea,” he said in disbelief.
“Well, now you know.”
Chandler turned away and his hands gripped the rail as bitter disappointment filled him. He closed his eyes but they soon opened when he saw Bianca’s face and remembered the look on her face when he was caressing her hand. She could not have been in any doubt that I have feelings for her, he thought, and I could tell that she has feelings for me too but how could I pursue a relationship with her when she’s already in one? What a wretched business this thing called love is. He swung round to face Connie. “I’m afraid I will have to cancel our plans,” he told her.
Connie stared at him in dismay. “But, why?” she cried.
“I don’t feel up to going anywhere now,” he said simply. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“You’re cancelling on me because of Bianca?” she demanded. “I knew her showing up here unexpectedly today was going to be a problem. Now what am I going to do for the rest of the afternoon?”
“I’m sorry, Connie. I’ll take a rain check.” He walked past her and a few minutes later the door closed behind him.
Her face beet red, Connie marched into the living room, took up a vase of flowers and threw it on the floor.
Bianca sat at the concert, oblivious to the turmoil she was causing elsewhere. Her mind and attention were not on the smooth sounds she was hearing but on Chandler. This was the first time Connie and she wanted the same man. They had been friends since high school but that friendship was in serious jeopardy now. She would never forget the look on Connie’s face when she saw the attraction between Chandler and her. Bitter resentment and jealousy marred her features. She wondered what happened after she left.
She left the concert feeling that it was a waste of an afternoon. When she got home, she was surprised to hear a message from Connie on her answering machine. It said, “Well, Bianca, I hope you’re happy. Chandler canceled our plans. I can’t imagine why. I saw the way you were looking at him. If you want to remain my friend, you will forget about Chandler and set your sights on someone else. Goodbye.”
Bianca stared at the machine. All this time she thought Chandler and Connie were spending the afternoon together. As she removed her jacket, she couldn’t help wondering why the sudden change of plans. Connie didn’t seem to know or if she did, she wasn’t saying. Perhaps, something unexpected came up and Chandler had to be somewhere else. Whatever the reason, she couldn’t deny that she was relieved that they weren’t together now. I wonder when I will see him again. Then, she reproached herself for thinking such thoughts. I must forget about him. Connie met him first and they are more suitable for each other. They are from the same pedigree. I’m way out of my league. What he feels for me may just be a physical attraction—nothing more.” The thought that his interest in her might just be purely sexual hurt but she had to be sensible about this.
So that very day, she resolved to stay away from Chandler, not only because Connie requested it but to spare herself any heartbreak. For the next several weeks, she avoided the usual crowd where she was sure to run into him. She and Connie met for lunch once and she heard nothing but how much time Chandler and her friend were spending with each other. She had to sit there and listen to Connie talk about how amazing Chandler looked in his swimming trunks and how wonderful it felt when he put sunscreen on her back. “His hands felt so good on my skin,” she said, her eyes almost glazed over at the memory. Bianca smiled but inside she was hurting. The jealousy stabbed at her like a knife. After that lunch, whenever Connie wanted them to meet up again, she always found an excuse not to. She wasn’t going to sit there and listen to Connie talk incessantly about her relationship with Chandler.
During the day, it was easy to occupy her mind but in the nights, her thoughts were filled with him, wondering if he ever thought about her. Nothing had changed for her. She still loved and wanted him and it pained her to no end. She lay awake for hours before drifting off into a fitful sleep. How she longed to get away—go somewhere far but she knew that it wouldn’t make a difference. No place existed where she could go and forget about Chandler.
One night, she was lying on the sofa, watching the television but not paying attention. It was just background noise. The doorbell rang and she sat up, wondering how it was. She hoped it wasn’t Connie. She really wasn’t in the mood for one-sided conversations. She got up from the sofa and went to the door. Her eyes widened and her heart somersaulted when she saw Chandler standing there. How on earth did he find out where she lived? It couldn’t have been from Connie. She would never do that.
Taking a deep breath, she opened the door, her heart pounding. How good he looked in the black shirt and dark blue jeans. His face looked drawn and it seemed to her that he had lost a little weight. Alarmed, she asked, “You’re not ill, are you?”
He shook his head. “No, I’m not ill,” he told her. “It’s nice to know that you still care.”
She stared at him, looking confused. “What do you mean?”
“Each time Connie told me she saw you, I asked if you inquired after me and she said no.”
“She never gave me a chance. All she talked about was your relationship and all the great things you were doing together.”
“We don’t have a relationship. I admit that I tried to get forget you with her and she was quite willing to help. One night at her flat after dinner, we started to get undressed—“
Bianca turned away, agitated. “I don’t want to hear this,” she cried as the pain and jealousy tore through her.
He moved so that he was standing in front of her, his eyes dark and tormented. “I thought that making love to her would get you out of my system,” he muttered tightly. “But, I couldn’t go through with it. When I was kissing her, all I could see was your face. I put my shirt back on and ran out of there as if the devil were chasing me. I haven’t been in touch with Connie since. This was about a month ago. These past few weeks have been hell for me, Bianca. I can’t stop thinking about you and wanting you. I tried to stay away out of respect for Darnell but I had to see you one last time.”
She looked at him then, “Darnell?” she repeated. “What do mean out of respect for him?”
“You have no idea how much the mere sound of his name torments me,” Chandler told her, his eyes were haunted as they met hers. “Ever since I found out about him, I haven’t stopped thinking about how lucky he is to have an exceptional woman like you. Many times I have wished that I could trade places with him.”
She was really confused now. “What are you talking about, Chandler? “
He looked frustrated now. “I’m talking about Darnell,” he muttered tightly. “Connie told me about him.”
“What exactly did Connie tell you about my brother?”
He stared at her as if he hadn’t heard correctly. “Darnell is your brother?”
“Yes. He’s my older brother who lives in Manchester with his wife, my niece and nephew. What did Connie tell you about him?”
He muttered something under his breath, his expression thunderous. “She told me that he was your boyfriend.”
“My boyfriend?” she was aghast. “Why would she do that?”
“No doubt, she did it out of jealousy. She knew how I felt about you so she wanted to make sure that nothing would come of it. It never occurred to me that she was lying. All this time, I thought you were in a relationship and that drove me mad because I wanted you so much.”
“Chandler, is it just desire you feel for me?” she asked warily.
He shook his head and she could see the sincerity in his eyes as he answered, “No. I feel a deep and consuming love for you, Bianca. I have never experienced love before but I know that what I feel for you real.”
She reached up and touched his face, her eyes filled with the love which burned in her heart. “I love you, Chandler. I tried to get over you because of my friendship with Connie and because I was afraid of getting hurt. I wasn’t sure that your feelings for me were more than physical.”
He lowered his head to kiss her. She closed her eyes when she felt his warm lips on hers and her arms went around his waist, holding him closely against her. They exchanged hungry kisses and then he raised his head to gaze down in her face. “I love you, Bianca but as much as I am dying to show you how much, I think we should wait.”
She nodded. “Why don’t we go for a walk in the park,” she suggested. “It’s safer and it looks lovely outside.”
He smiled. “Okay. And we can stop somewhere and have a bit to eat as well.”
A couple weeks later they got engaged and after six months of trying to abstain from lovemaking, they got married. Connie was not invited. Bianca’s friendship with her ended the day when she found out about the lie she told Chandler.
They spent their honeymoon in Sorrento. On the first night there, they went for a walk after dinner, holding hands and strolling through the little streets lined on both sides with shops. They walked to a quiet spot where they stood watching the silent and looming Mount Vesuvius in the distance and the setting sun as it hovered over the Bay of Naples. They sat on the bench for a little while just enjoying the pleasant evening and the view. Then, they bought two gelati and ate them on the way back to the hotel.
As soon as they got back to their room, Chandler picked Bianca up and carried her over to the bed. “Now, I finally get to show you how much I love you,” he murmured, his eyes darkening on her face.
She reached up and pulled his head down to hers, thinking no one else in the world could be as blissfully happy as she was at that very moment.
She straightened her desk, brushing off the lingering crumbs from the delicious lemon cake she had brought back with from the restaurant where she had lunch. It was after seven. Everyone had left. It was just the two of them. She wondered if she wait until he came out to tell her she was free to leave or if she should go in and tell him that unless he needed anything else, she was going to take off. They hadn’t spoken to each other much all day. She had been down in the dumps because he had spent most of the afternoon behind closed doors with one of their clients.
Jealousy surged through her as she recalled seeing him laughing with the beautiful Nicola Andretti. She was quite exotic and made her feel plain in comparison.
She had tried to hide her frustration by busying herself in her work but always, her attention was lacking and her gaze would inevitably drift over to the glass panel of his office through which she had a clear view of them. When they came out of the office, they were laughing and her grip tightened on the pen when she saw Nicola playfully touch Lucas’ arm before she sauntered off. What on earth does he see in her? She’s so superficial. She looked away when his gaze shifted to her before he went back into his office.
Presently, she got up from her desk and walked tentatively to the open doorway. He was standing at the window, arms folded, looking out. He turned when he heard her step. As she went closer to him, she was distracted by the fact that his shirt sleeves were rolled up at the elbows and several buttons were undone, exposing his chest. She tried to ignore the racing of her pulse and the pounding of her heart. She could feel his penetrating gaze on her and was afraid to raise her eyes to his face. But, unable to resist, she did and her mouth went dry when she saw the expression on his face.
“Why are you standing there?” he asked. “Are you afraid to come closer?”
She shook her head. “No. I was—I was wondering if you needed anything else before I leave.”
“What I need right now has nothing to do with work.”
“And—and what is that?”
“I need to know who the man was I saw you with.” He was moving away from the window and toward her. He reminded her of a panther—strong, magnificent and dangerous…
“It was Alan. He called this morning and asked me out to lunch.”
“You were gone for over an hour.”
“I’m surprised that you noticed that I was gone,” she blurted out before she could stop herself. “I mean you were so busy with Miss Andretti.”
There was a flicker in his eyes. “Did it bother you to see us together?” he asked, stopping a few feet away from her. His hands were in his pockets, drawing her eyes to his well-defined thighs.
She didn’t answer but her expression gave her away. He went closer. “Even if you won’t admit it, I will admit that seeing you with Alan bothered me,” he muttered tautly. “I was insanely jealous. I could hardly concentrate on my meeting with Nicola. She didn’t guess what was troubling me but she knew that something was. I saw when you returned and noted the time. Believe me, if Nicola were not there, I would have called you into my office and berated you for nearly driving me out of my mind. Instead, I had to sit there and suffer in silence.”
“You didn’t act as if you were suffering. The two of you were laughing when you came out of your office and I saw the way she flirted with you, touching your arm and you didn’t seem to mind. I guess it’s because she’s so beautiful.” She couldn’t hide the resentment that stirred in her at the memory.
“You are jealous,” he exclaimed. He moved closer, his eyes darkening. “You have no reason to be, Kendra. Nicola may be a very beautiful woman but I’m not attracted to her. She doesn’t excite me, you do. You have, since the day you walked into this office.”
She stared at him, hardly able to believe that he was saying these things to her.
“Am I shocking you?” he asked. “I’m merely telling you the truth. I wanted you the moment I saw you but I had to keep our relationship professional. Now, it’s really hard for me to do so. You have no idea how much I want you right now.” His dark gaze slid over her slim figure, the raw emotions on his face, making her head spin. She realized then that she wasn’t wearing her jacket over the violet top with the fine straps. He reached out now and gently caressed her right shoulder, making her shiver.
She closed her eyes when he bent his head and pressed his lips against the side of her neck. Then, he was kissing her feverishly and her hands went up and buried themselves in his thick hair, gripping it as she responded wildly and with total abandon to his kisses.
This lasted for a long time until she pulled away, panting for air. “We can’t,” she gasped. “Not here.”
He nodded, his face flushed and his eyes stormy. “Not here,” he agreed. “And not tonight.” He released her and raked his fingers through his hair. “It’s getting late. I’d better take you home.” He went over to his desk. He rolled down his shirt sleeves and buttoned them and the top buttons and then pulled on his jacket.
She turned and went to her desk, her legs trembling. With shaking hands, she put on her jacket and got her handbag. He stepped out of his office and locked the door. She followed him to the lift, still dazed and tingling all over from what happened a few moments ago.
In the car, he didn’t say anything at first but when they were pulling out of the parking lot, he said, “Have dinner with me tomorrow night.”
She nodded. “Yes.”
“Now that you and I are going to be seeing each other outside of the office, it wouldn’t be presumptuous of me to ask that you don’t have lunch with Alan or any other man, would it?”
She shook her head. “And it wouldn’t be forward of me to ask that you don’t let Nicola or any other woman get touchy feely with you, would it?”
He grinned. “No, it wouldn’t be.” He reached over and kissed her long and hard on the mouth before he drove out on to the street.
