“Yes, I am,” Cindy replied. “More than wonderful.”
Mattheus took it in and then engulfed her in another long kiss.
As they kissed, the fleeting image of the young ash blonde woman flickered before Cindy’s mind. Somehow she reminded Cindy of herself years ago. Was she also having a beautiful night? Did her boyfriend want to give her everything she needed or was there struggle between them? Cindy thought of all the nights she had struggled with relationships. It had never been easy for her, things had never flowed this way before. There had always been unwanted surprises.
“What are you thinking?” Mattheus asked. He was always too sensitive to Cindy’s feelings, could always tell when she was drifting away.
Cindy couldn’t tell him she was thinking of the young woman at the table next to theirs. He would be insulted. And he had a right to be. All her thoughts should be focused on him and their beautiful time together now.
“I’m thinking of how you’ve planned so many wonderful touches,” said Cindy, “the rose petals, the candles, the beautiful music.”
“No you’re not,” Mattheus laughed. “I know when you’re here with me and when you’re far away.”
“I’m not far away, Mattheus,” Cindy smiled, pulling him closer.
“Then, prove it to me,” he said, his arms clasped tightly around her, pulling her back down with him onto the bed.
CHAPTER 2
The early morning light shone on Clay as he slept in the king size bed in the deluxe suite he’d reserved for himself and Kate. This was a special vacation, a time they’d remember their whole life long. He wanted it to be perfect in every way.
Clay stretched slowly and then reached out to pull Kate close to him. His arms swept her side of the bed, but no one was there.
Clay opened his eyes wider, quickly rolled over and gazed at the empty space. Kate’s pillow was rumpled and the beautifully embroidered quilt on her side was tossed aside. She’d probably woken up a few minutes earlier and was in the bathroom, showering. Kate had told him she was an early riser. There was nothing to feel uneasy about.
Clay rubbed his hands over his face and got out of bed. He’d surprise her in the bathroom, jump into the shower with her and cover her with hugs. Kate would love that.
As Clay went to the bathroom he looked around at the beautiful suite. It was perfect for the occasion, elegant, spacious and stocked with wine, crackers, cheese, fruit and chocolates for both of them.
“I’m here, sweetheart,” Clay said, as he flung open the bathroom door.
To his surprise the room was quiet, the shower not running. No one was there.
“Kate?” Clay called out, nervously.
No answer. Damn.
“Kate!” his voice got louder, as he slammed the bathroom door closed and went rummaging through the suite. She must be playing some kind of game with him, thought Clay. Women did that. They thought it was cute. Clay never fully understood women, but when he met Kate it had been different. He felt comfortable with her right away. She never seemed like someone who would play these silly games. He was wrong about that. She was doing it now. He had no idea why.
“Kate, Kate,” he kept calling.
It was early, only seven in the morning. Had she woken up early, been unable to sleep and gone downstairs for breakfast? He doubted it, but who knew? This was a life changing week-end for her and maybe she couldn’t sleep. Maybe she needed a little time on her own.
“Kate, Kate,” Clay kept calling as he scoured every corner of the suite. Nothing had been moved or changed in any way. Her beautiful, blue dress still lay draped over the back of the beige velvet chair, exactly where she’d left it last night. Wouldn’t she have hung it up if she’d gotten up, dressed for breakfast and gone downstairs alone?
Clay pulled open the closet doors. Kate’s clothes were hung perfectly, as when she unpacked. He ran his hand across them. They were elegant, too, just like she was. Everything about her was perfectly coordinated. He had no idea why she was doing this now.
“Damn,” Clay grumbled, as he reached for his khakis and T shirt. He’d have to go downstairs to find her. Before he did, one more thing crossed his mind. Could she be out on the patio? Had she woken up, gone out to rest on the lounge out there and fallen back to sleep? That had to be it. Suddenly Clay remembered Kate saying that she loved sleeping under the stars. Immediately, he felt better.
“Kate,” he called as he stepped out on the patio. But the lounge was also empty. No one there either.