Chapter Twenty

Spring Is For Lovers

"Oh, Mum, that's such wonderful news!" Lucy's heartfelt happiness radiated down the telephone line over the many miles between us. "I just knew I was right to send the two of you to Sedona! You seemed so miserable when you were all alone."

She laughed delightedly, very pleased with herself. "Oh, I'm so happy for you! And the boys will be too. Have you told them yet? I just know they'll be thrilled! When's the wedding? Do you have any plans yet? I'll make sure I'm home in time to help you with everything. I can get a short sabbatical from the university."

I smiled mistily as I waited patiently until my lovely, impulsive and deeply romantic daughter finally paused to take a much-needed breath. I was alone in Michael's office; Devon had closed the door behind him to allow me to tell my children in my own way and time.

"I wanted to tell you first," I replied. "I knew you would be happy."

"Oh, I'm totally over the moon. And Edward and Danny will be too," Lucy was quick to reassure me. "They love you and they know how much Devon loves and cares for you. I made sure of that."

She inhaled softly and then said, "It's your life, Mum. Don't waste another second on any regrets. What you have now is all that matters. It's everything. Grab it with both hands. You totally deserve a happy ever after. You've written about enough of them to know."

"Thank you…" I smiled through my tears at my so very wise daughter who had seen right through my despair and confusion about Devon. "Schrödinger's blasted cat is finally free…" I whispered then.

"What was that?" Lucy was quick to pick up on my reflective tone.

"Nothing, darling, nothing at all," I reassured her, wiping away my tears with the back of my hand. "Now, I have some more wonderful news to tell you…"

After another twenty minutes of speaking with Lucy, I took my time making two more phone calls. My sons were very happy for me and respected my judgement.

Of course, Edward was much more reserved and cautious than Lucy. "I'm still getting used to the idea that Devon is my father," he admitted slowly. "But I understand the reason why you kept it a secret all these years. You were told he was dead so why rake up a past that couldn't be changed."

"I know…" I sighed. "It was all so painful and so long ago." I shook my head. "When I first saw him again…" My breathing hitched.

"It's okay, Mum, you don't have to explain," Edward replied quickly. "I understand. I'm glad that you're finally happy. He is good for you. We can all see that. You're finally moving on."

"Thank you, darling…"

My children had seen how unhappy my marriage to Ian had been and were understandably cautious. But none of them would ever dream of standing in the way of my ultimate happiness and I loved them for that.

My lovely Danny was easier to convince. "I might have a truly great surprise for you when you finally get here," I told him. "Something I know you'll lose your mind over." I did enjoy teasing him. "Well, it's more Devon's secret than mine. He owns a rather unique car."

"Oh, yeah…" he queried, his boyish excitement reflected down the line. "Then I'll make sure that I turn up in Montecito before you expect me," he said cheekily. "You know how I hate surprises."

"I'll look forward to that," I told him, laughing softly. "Goodbye, darling. Take care."

"Bye, Mum. You too…" Now that I'd piqued his interest, Danny was reluctant to hang up and I could sense he had more questions.

"You'll just have to be patient," I told him before I replaced the receiver in its cradle with a happy sigh. When I finally emerged from the office, I was tired but content. I walked straight into Devon's ready and welcome embrace and buried my face in his shoulder.

※※※※※

"You want me to investigate this Ian Bridges…" Michael mused as he sat behind his office desk, reading the detailed summary I'd written about Carolyn's ex-husband. "Dig into his background and business interests. Am I looking for anything specific?"

He looked up. "Or do you detest the man on principle for what he did to Carolyn?"

"Something of both." I nodded. "He blind-sided her that night back in Sante Fe when he just turned up out of the blue. It could have ended badly for her if I hadn't been there. I know she still worries about him trying to make more trouble for us. I want to be prepared in case he gets it into his head to come after her again. He's a sore loser and a coward."

"Okay, consider it done then…" Michael nodded sharply, reading the notes again. "I'll take the case myself and see what I can dig up on the man. I'll keep it low-key and off the radar. He won't know a thing about it."

"Thank you," I replied as the door opened and Carolyn walked in.

"Dinner's ready," she said, dividing a questioning look between the two of us. "Bonnie and RC are here to celebrate our engagement with us."

"Great, because I'm starving," Michael declared as he pushed the summary folder into his desk drawer and stood up.

I followed, linking my arm through Carolyn's. "Lead the way."

"You're up to something," she whispered as we left the office together, following Michael.

"Just tidying up a few loose ends," I replied evasively, knowing she didn't believe a word. "It's nothing important."

"I see…" She shook her head at me as we entered the dining room to hearty congratulations and handshakes from the rest of the Knight Investigations team.

※※※※※

Three weeks later, Devon and I flew direct to London. We landed at Heathrow and walked out of the terminal into the damp, chilly air of an early English spring. I shook my head as I remembered that cold winter we'd shared, where we had gone to bed together just to keep warm.

I smiled at the winsome memory of those long nights of lovemaking and whispered promises about our plans for our shared future. On the few warmer days of weak sunshine and scudding clouds, we'd walk for miles together, hand in hand.

This time, we were met by a gleaming chauffeur-driven limousine which conveyed us to our expensive, five-star, air-conditioned hotel suite in the heart of the city. We took the elevator up a dizzying number of floors and looked down on the city spread out below through the massive windows.

It gave us both a sense of remoteness. It all seemed like a world away from that long-ago season out of time. I knew I shouldn't have any regrets, but some sadness did linger for those two young people who had been so much in love and had made promises we were ultimately unable to keep.

Of course, the frenetic bustle of modern London was nothing like what I remembered. On the flight from LA, I had impressions in my mind of what I would see. But the great city had changed out of all recognition in the past thirty-five years. I did feel a sadness and a sense of loss that Devon saw in my eyes and tried to alleviate.

"While we're here, we'll make some new memories," he promised, as we stood together on the footpath in front of the huge glass and concrete office building that had been erected where our dingy tenement had once been. "We'll make the most of our first night back here…"

"Yes, we will…" I nodded quickly, pushing my fingers through his. I lifted his fingers to my lips. "You know, I've only just realised something."

"Which is?" He looked down at me quizzically.

"It was thirty-five years ago, today…" I stared up at him, feeling suddenly bereft. "I didn't remember it until now. It's been thirty-five years since we last saw each other at the train station."

"Yes, I remember now…" Devon's blue eyes studied every detail of my upturned face. "You stood on the platform watching me leave. I didn't think I'd seen anyone who looked more scared while trying to look so brave."

"I was terrified…" I admitted as I hugged his arm. "We were so happy here…" I waved a helpless hand at the faceless, monolithic building. "You said you would come back for me, and now you have."

We'd both been so full of plans for our shared future. But it all had been so fleeting. I did feel the last vestiges of the people we'd once been had been taken away. But I knew it couldn't be helped.

"Come on…" Devon slung a welcome arm around my shoulders as he turned to hail a passing black cab. "Let's get out of here. I want to get you all to myself…"

"We both know there's a small chance of that now since you have your exhibition to organise," I replied with regret as he gave the cabbie directions to the gallery that was sponsoring his photographic exhibition.

"Then we'll have to look forward to this evening…" he whispered, as he kissed my hair. "We'll make up for the last thirty-five years. Make it into something very special…"

"Yes, I would love to do that…" I nodded as we got into the cab.

There was nothing left for us here. Our future together was now where we firmly belonged.

Before we left LA, I'd mailed off the first manuscript of my new trilogy to my publisher. I knew he was eager for the next instalment. There was so much to do when we got back to Montecito and our new home. I was looking forward to working in one of the bedrooms which was being converted into my new office.

We'd left Michael and Stevie to deal with the final few details of our property purchase. The sale had gone through quickly and smoothly, and the lovely Victorian mansion was suddenly ours. I couldn't wait to get back and make a start on the renovations. I had ideas about that immense task, as well.

My new life was now full to bursting and I thought it was impossible for me to feel any happier as I leaned against Devon's shoulder. I sighed as I watched the cityscape flow past the windows of the cab like an old slideshow until we turned into the bustle of Oxford Street.

"Oh, wait…" I sat up suddenly as a wonderful idea occurred to me. "Since you'll be busy this afternoon, I think I'll go shopping."

"If that's what you want to do," Devon replied. "I'll have more than enough to with organising the exhibition to keep me occupied until this evening. But do you want me to come with you?"

"No, but thank you…" I put an apologetic hand on the sleeve of his jacket. "This is something I need to do by myself. I want it to be a complete surprise for you. We have a long overdue anniversary to celebrate."

"Very well…" Devon watched me with sensual amusement as I asked the cabbie to drop me off on the pavement. "Ah, will I like this surprise?"

"You'll have to wait to find out…" I smiled as I kissed his cheek quickly before I got out and the cab returned smoothly to the flow of traffic.

I watched the cab out of sight before I joined the throngs of shoppers filling the pavement. I couldn't resist taking the time to visit some of the high-end boutiques Oxford Street had to offer. I'd decided I needed a new evening gown.

I wanted the dress to be a surprise. We were back in London, where our love affair had first begun, and I knew Devon was anticipating the evening ahead to be even more romantic than our very first night together back in Sedona.

I certainly didn't want to disappoint him. The dress would have to be truly spectacular. I wanted this to be a night to remember for always…

※※※※※

With the cherished memories of our first night in Sedona in mind, I took the time to dress in the formal tuxedo I'd brought with me for the opening night of my exhibition. The event was well-organised, and I was very pleased with the results. I could hope for some more excellent sales of my work.

"But this first night is for us…" I reminded my mirrored reflection as I adjusted my black bow tie and studied the results with critical eyes. "For Carolyn and I. No one else." I smiled as I turned away from the mirror and shrugged my shoulders into my tuxedo jacket. In a way, we were playing truant again, as we'd done in Sedona.

I'd also been shopping for something special this afternoon. I'd taken some time out from helping to organise the exhibition to visit certain premises before I finally made my selection. I pressed one hand against the side pocket of my trousers. I'd deliberately chosen a flat, heart-shaped box so I wouldn't give away my plans before I was ready. Carolyn did say she wanted to be surprised.

Tonight was the anniversary of our last day together here in London. Suddenly I felt twenty-five again and just as horny. I huffed a quiet laugh as I shook my head. Thirty-five years was a long time to finally make good on my promise to return to my Luciana.

"Very nice…" Carolyn commented as she walked out of the steamy bathroom with a white towel wrapped around her slender body.

"Thanks…" I nodded to her as I inhaled deeply, tamping down the surge of need that hardened my body still further.

The scant barrier of the towel revealed more than it covered, and my mouth went dry. If she showed me any encouragement at all then we wouldn't be going downstairs for dinner. Room service would have to do. But I knew she had very special plans for this, our first evening back in London and I didn't wish to spoil her surprise.

"I want this night to be something really special…" My love smiled as she took several more breathless seconds to admire my formal clothing with hungry eyes. I waited, flexing my fingers against the burning need to dispense with the towel and take her to bed.

"Go downstairs…" she instructed breathlessly when she'd finally looked her fill. "Wait for me in the bar. I won't be long."

"Okay…" I managed to reply.

I went willingly enough, knowing that whatever it was she had planned would be worth the wait. I sat at the bar and ordered a double whisky while I waited. I swilled the amber liquid inside my glass and listened to the soft clink of the ice cubes as I kept one eye on the entrance. I wasn't disappointed when she finally walked into the room after what seemed like hours of suspense.

I caught my breath as I turned on my stool to admire her approach, knowing she was there for me alone. The blue evening gown she'd worn that first night we'd shared in Sedona had been spectacular enough. It had taken my breath away.

Now my love was wearing a strapless red dress with a low-cut, silver lamé bodice. The silky fabric of the gown clung to every one of her slender curves and moved with her as she walked slowly toward me with her head held high and her green eyes shining. A thigh-high slit offered tantalising glimpses of one silk-clad leg as she walked.

At that moment, I don't think I had ever seen anyone more beautiful or desirable. 'And she's mine…'

Many of the male patrons in the bar watched her pass them by and more than one man glanced in my direction with deep envy as Carolyn walked right up to me. I smiled as I stood from my stool to greet her, leaning down to kiss her soft lips before I tucked her hand possessively into the crook of my arm.

"Come on, Luciana. Let's get out of here…" I whispered against her ear as I escorted her toward the hotel's restaurant.

I did my best to push down my eagerness to get her alone. When we walked in, the very superior maître d' greeted us. "A table for two, Sir?"

"Thank you." I nodded and gave the man my name and our room number. "Somewhere private."

"Very good, Sir." He bowed his head, his eyes assessing us. "If you and your lady would please follow me."

He led us through the restaurant to a series of secluded tables, each enclosed within a high-backed leather booth to allow total privacy. A single candle flickering in a cut-glass holder added to the intimacy. It was a very romantic setting for anyone who wished to dine unobserved.

"Is everything to your satisfaction, Sir?" the maître d' asked, watching my reaction closely.

"Thank you," I replied as Carolyn slid into the booth ahead of me.

"Excellent, Sir. I'll send your waiter to you." The man nodded briskly as he bustled away.

I moved into the booth next to my love and my thigh brushed against hers. I heard the soft intake of her breath. Everything was so perfect; I could almost convince myself I was dreaming. But she was so warm and real next to me.

'Luciana…' my heart whispered longingly, and she smiled at me as she placed a familiar hand on the top of my thigh.

※※※※※

Devon's stunned look told me everything about what he was thinking and feeling. I was very pleased with his sensual appreciation of my latest purchase.

I watched him watch me as my fingers caressed the hard muscular length of his thigh, moving slowly higher. I was grateful for the intimate privacy of the candlelit booth. Devon in full evening wear made me wish we were alone together.

But I wanted this night, our first night back in the great city where we'd last seen each other thirty-five years ago, to be memorable. Each sensual step was going to be savoured to the full. I felt my breathing shortened with anticipation as he moved his thigh beneath my touch, nudging against the open slit in my gown.

"It was thirty-five years ago, tonight…" I whispered, needing to be much closer to him. I held my breath, knowing that this was the right moment.

"Yes, it was," he replied softly. "We've both come a very long way."

He turned to me, looking deep into my eyes and I knew he was about to propose to me again. I couldn't wait.

He took my hand and carried it to his lips. "Will you consent to marry me, my Luciana?"

"Yes, of course, I'll marry you…" I nodded quickly. I watched as he drew a red velvet, heart-shaped box from the pocket of his trousers.

My heartbeat picked up as he held it out and opened it for me to see the contents. A diamond engagement ring was nestled in the white silk. Its elegant antique beauty winked in the candlelight.

"Oh, Devon, it's so beautiful and perfect…" I breathed, touching one fingertip to the sparkling gem.

"I knew it was meant for you the moment I saw it." He kissed my cheek. "The setting is modern but the jeweller assured me that the stone once belonged to a beautiful French princess. It was a gift from her most ardent lover." He shook his head. "I said the man certainly had very good taste."

He placed the box on the table and drew out the ring. He took my left hand and pushed the circlet of platinum up and over the knuckle of my ring finger. Of course, it fitted perfectly.

He lifted my hand to his lips again and kissed the ring. "Tá grá agam duit…" he whispered."I love you more than life itself…"

"Tá grá agam duit…" I replied with a sigh, admiring the elegant perfection of the stone. "But how did you manage to guess the right size?"

He looked very pleased with himself. "I remembered you'd put your old rings into the side pocket of your handbag that day we first met. I hoped they were still there. I asked Stevie to retrieve them and make sure of the correct fit. She quite enjoyed the task of playing cupid."

"So, a loving conspiracy all around," I breathed as I reached up to kiss him, making him very aware of my urgent need for his love as I moved my hand further up his thigh and my lips parted beneath his.

"Ah, excuse me, Sir…" Our waiter cleared his throat before he intruded on our privacy as he kept his eyes carefully averted. "May I come in?"

We laughed together as we broke apart. "Yes, what is it?" Devon asked.

The man held out the wine list and Devon looked to me for confirmation before he ordered a bottle of their finest champagne. The waiter soon returned with the bottle in an ice bucket and two glasses. He poured a small measure into Devon's glass with a flourish and waited expectantly for him to taste it. Devon nodded his approval and the waiter filled both glasses.

He then handed us the menus he held beneath his arm. I thanked him with a smile before he left us alone again. Sheltered by the high back of our booth, the murmured conversations going on around us were muted.

I barely glanced at my menu and quickly decided to order a dish of lamb ragout with seasonal vegetables and pasta. Devon summoned the hovering waiter with a quick wave of his hand and gave my order. He'd decided on a rare fillet steak accompanied by a green salad and French fries.

I noted that neither of us had bothered with the added extra of an entrée or dessert. I smiled as the waiter hovered expectantly with his pen poised over his order pad until Devon waved him away with a quick word of thanks.

We drank our champagne and when the waiter returned with our meals, Devon ordered another bottle. The bubbles in the icy liquid fizzed through my bloodstream, deepening and warming my already heightened state of sensual expectation.

As soon as we pushed our empty plates aside, Devon called for and paid the bill. Then he took my hand and drew me from the booth. We stood close together.

I could feel his warm breath caressing my bare shoulder as he inhaled the perfume on my skin and pressed a sensual kiss against the side of my neck. I turned to look up at him, tilting my head back.

He was magnificent, filling up my sight. I could see no one but him. The rest of the diners didn't intrude on our closeness.

"Come on. I want to get you all to myself…" Devon said softly as he reached down and clasped my left hand in his. "Grá mo chroí…"

I smiled softly and then said, "Cuisle mo chroí…"

We left the restaurant and crossed the lobby hand in hand to the gleaming bank of elevators. We didn't say a word to each other until we were standing outside the door to our suite. Devon unlocked it and we walked into the darkened room. The door closed behind us with a soft click.

The room was illuminated by the myriad of lights gleaming in the great city beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. I walked toward them, kicking off my high-heeled shoes. I turned back to Devon. He was standing beside the door watching me.

"Before I forget…" he said, taking the DO NOT DISTURB sign from the doorknob and attaching it to the outside. He shut the door and locked the door.

I smiled when I saw him reaching for the light switch beside the door and I didn't try to prevent him as he flipped it on. I no longer felt the need to hide myself away in the dark…

※※※※※

As Carolyn walked toward me, I shook my head at her elegant evening gown. It moved sensually with her every step and was moulded so closely to her sweet shape that it fired my imagination to a fever pitch. The diamond ring on her left hand sparkled in the light.

"I hope this dress comes off as easily as the last one," I commented as I slid my arms around her slender waist and drew her against me to press her hips close to mine. I cherished the sensual contact of her soft breasts pressed against my lower chest.

"Very easily…" She smiled up at me. "Just like this…"

She leaned back from me and quickly unzipped the side fastening at her waist. The silver lamé bodice slid down her arms and body as the gown pooled at her hips. This time, there was no lacy silk half-bra beneath. Her beautiful body was open to my searching gaze.

My breathing caught and I shook my head in wonder as I remembered how very far we'd come together. Carolyn no longer wanted to hide herself from me and I admired her bravery. I wanted to see all of her, as naked and wanton as our shared passion.

"So very beautiful…" I breathed.

I smoothed the end of my thumb over the rounded swell and dip of her shadowed cleavage and she shivered. I leaned down to run my lips gently over the faint white line of the scar on her shoulder. Seeing it reminded me of how close I'd come to losing her all over again.

"I love you…" She smiled at me, secure in our passion for each other. "Tá grá agam duit…"

"Tá grá agam duit…" I repeated softly, seeing the soft blush-rose points of her breasts stiffen beneath the heat of my gaze. She inhaled sharply as I brushed my thumb across one burgeoning tip and then the other.

"You've always got too many clothes on…" she accused softly with a wanton smile.

"I know…" I stood back to rip off my jacket and drag my bow tie undone. I tossed them both aside before dealing with the buttons of my dress shirt. My cufflinks followed and I shrugged my upper body out of the fine linen. I sent the garment flying across the room.

"Is this better?" I asked, looking down at her.

"Much…" she whispered, her needy gaze focused on studying my chest and abdomen. "But don't make me wait too long…"

This time, I didn't need to hide what her beauty was doing to me. I wanted her to know how desirable and intoxicating she was to me and that she could never disappoint me, even if we did have all of eternity…

※※※※※

I couldn't look away and nor did I want to. As he had been back that first night in Sedona, Devon in full evening wear was so devastatingly handsome. Now, half-naked, he was gloriously masculine and I wanted him so very badly. So badly I could hardly breathe. His questing fingers against the soft skin of my breasts were an electric contact which snatched my breath away even as I pressed closer still.

"I want you…" Devon reached out and settled his hands on my hips. He dipped his fingers beneath the bunched satin of my gown and pushed it down over my hips. I let it drop to my stockinged feet.

"Come here, Luciana…" he commanded again, and I stepped forward out of the dress and into his strong arms.

Now, the only barriers were his trousers, my sheer pantyhose and lacy knickers. I leaned forward to press a trail of questing kisses across the taut skin over his pectoral muscles. He tasted salty and clean.

"You've still got too many clothes on," I complained, playing my fingers down the arch of his spine to the waistband of his trousers.

I pushed my fingers beneath to caress the firm planes of my body and pressed into the hardest of his muscles there. I knew each of them in detail now, having explored every one in turn with lavish attention. I heard his breath hiss between his teeth at the intimacy of my touch and he pulled me fully against him. His seeking lips found the side of my neck and the pulse that beat there.

"Devon…" I revelled in the sensation of being held close against his vital masculine heat.

I could never get enough of him. I pushed closer still, feeling his heated strength pressing hard against me. That part of him that made him such a virile man eagerly welcomed me to explore further.

"We will make new memories…" he murmured against my skin as he moved to the edge of my parted lips.

He pressed himself tightly against me, making sure I was aware of everything I was doing to him. Oh, I was so very aware…

"I want you…" I managed to reply throatily. "Now and for always…"

"Yes, always…" he replied, leaning back just a little to look down at me with such love in his eyes.

He shook his slowly, everything he was thinking and feeling right then evident in his blue eyes. I knew my gaze was now just as open and honest. We had come a very long way from that first night in Sedona.

"The voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses…" he quoted again softly. "I have never loved anyone as I love you, Carolyn. I never will."

"As I have always loved you and always will…" Tears burned at the back of my eyes but there was no place for them here. I blinked them away. "There never could be anyone else. Not for me."

In answer, Devon reached for my hand and pressed my palm hard against his waist, encouraging me to explore further. He did not stop looking into my eyes and I did not look away as my fingers quickly found the buckle of his belt, the buttons at his waistband and then the tab of his zip. I took it downwards slowly, infinitely slowly and we smiled together as my questing fingers finally found what they were seeking.

He didn't move or say a word as I took full advantage of his stillness. I went up on tiptoe to push my arms around his neck as I kissed him and his mouth opened beneath mine. His fingers tangled in the softness of my silken knickers, rending the soft material apart. He dropped them to the floor and his warm palms enclosed the rounded softness of my behind.

He lifted me effortlessly and I wound my legs around his waist as I had done on that first night we were truly back together again. He held me against his chest, where he had easier access to my lips, as he carried me into the shadowed bedroom behind us. He managed to flick on the lights and smiled against my mouth when I didn't protest.

"I adore looking at you…" he murmured as we tumbled together onto the softness of the big wide bed, becoming tangled in each other's arms as we had on that very first night we made love. Soon every barrier to our rising passion would be gone.

"I want to see all of you in the light…" Devon lifted me to sit astride his thighs.

His hands moved slowly up my thighs toward where my body ached the most for his touch. He was allowing me to take full control and I revelled in the power of it all…

※※※※※