Soul Mates Page 9

  She slid out, turning a pair of dark, wide eyes up at him. “This is good-bye, Trey.”

  “The hell it is. I’m spending the night.”

  Her lips tightened. “You haven’t been invited.”

  “I’m sure my invite got lost in the mail.” He glanced at the backseat of the car. Danny sat staring at them. “I’ll get our luggage inside while you get Danny.”

  “Trey—”

  “Unless you’re planning to sic Danny on me, Carlee, I’m spending the night. I promise I’ll leave in the morning without making a scene.”

  She shook her head. “Trey—”

  He touched her cheek. “Just one more night to make up for last night.”

  “Nothing happened between us last night that I didn’t want. There’s nothing for which you need to atone.”

  “I need this last night. If you can look me in the eye and tell me you don’t want it, I’ll leave.”

  She averted her gaze, shrugging. “This is the last night, Trey.”

  He caressed her cheek. “You won’t be sorry.”

  “I hope not.” She sighed and moved away from him to let Danny out of the car.

  He watched them go inside before he got their luggage from the trunk. He followed her, determined to make the most of the coming hours.

  * * * * *

  After taking Danny for a forty-minute walk, Carlee and Trey returned to her house. She defrosted and grilled two steaks, tossed a salad, chilled wine, and baked several potatoes. They ate on the patio with Danny lying a few feet away, his blue gaze rarely leaving Trey.

  She watched Trey sipping his wine, her gaze drawn to the film the wine left on his firm, sensual mouth. In less than twenty-four hours Trey would be out of her life forever. Her throat tightened and her heart ached.

  His gaze locked with hers. He covered her hand with his. “We don’t have to end this, Carlee. We can go on seeing each other.”

  “You live nearly two hours away.”

  “It’s a drive I’d willingly make as often as you’d like to see me, honey.”

  What would be the point of pursuing a relationship with him when he didn’t remember they had once loved each other? She frowned. Did she still love him? Or was it now just lust? She had once been so sure of her feelings for him and of his for her. She missed that certainty. She shook her head. “We have different goals and desires, Trey. It’s best if we don’t see each other when you leave in the morning.”

  “Oh, honey, is that what you really want?”

  “No,” she admitted. “But it’s what I need to do. It’s what I’m going to do. When you leave, it’s over.”

  He sucked in a quick breath, closed his eyes briefly, and then nodded.

  As irrational as it might have been, she viewed his quick acquiesce as proof that he didn’t love her.

  His love making that night was tender and unselfish. He made sure she came twice before he exploded deep inside her. Saying good-bye in the morning would break her heart, but she would do it. Dreading the coming separation, she fell asleep, sprawled across his body.

  * * * * *

  Trey’s cell phone rang as he sat in his car in Carlee’s driveway, trying to convince himself to drive away. He reached for the phone, which rested in its cradle mounted just below his dashboard. “Hello?”

  “Trey! Thank God I finally reached you.”

  Hearing the near panic in his father’s voice, he tensed. “What’s wrong, Dad?”

  “Your mother and sister were in an accident last night, Trey.”

  The tone of his father’s voice sent a chill through him. “How are they?”

  “It doesn’t look good for either one of them at the moment.”

  He closed his eyes briefly, sucking in a quick, painful breath. “Where are they?”

  His father mentioned a local teaching hospital. “I know you’ve had problems with me and your mother, but I could really use your support, Trey.”

  He put on his seatbelt and started the car. “It will take me a little over two hours to get there but I’m on my way, Dad.”

  * * * * *

  Danny licked Carlee awake. “Go away, Dan!” Eyes still closed, she reached out a hand to touch Trey. Her fingers encountered only bedding. She opened her eyes and bolted into a seating position, her heart racing. She saw the folded paper on her drawer top. She jumped out of bed and ran across the room to snatch up the single sheet.

  I’m sorry I left without waking you, but I knew if I didn’t, I’d find leaving you impossible. I hope you find what you’re looking for. As for me, I won’t ever forget you. Be safe and have a happy life, honey.

  Trey

  Her eyes filled with tears. She allowed them to spill down her cheeks as she sank to the floor. Danny whined and settled next to her. She sobbed and threw her arms around him, burying her face against his coat.

  Two hours later, she arrived at work to find Erinae standing at her office window. She forced a smile. “’Morning, Nae. What’s up?”

  “How are you, Lee?”

  She shrugged, closing her office door. “I’m fine. Why shouldn’t I be?”

  “I see you’ve been crying. He left, huh?”

  She moved across the room to place her briefcase on her desk. “Yes.”

  Erinae sighed. “Was it hard saying good-bye?”

  She sank into one of the two chairs in front of her desk, willing her eyes not to fill with tears. “He left while I slept. I woke up to a Dear Carlee note.” She dropped her gaze, shrugging. “It’s over, Nae.”

  “Oh, Lee, I don’t think so. I saw the way he looked at you. He’ll call you or come see you and—”

  She shook her head. “No. He won’t. He said he hoped I found what I was looking for. He wished me a safe and happy life. It’s over.”

  “That’s what you said you wanted, Lee.”

  She sighed, nodding. “I know, but I didn’t think it would hurt so much to lose him again, Nae.”

  “If it hurts, call him and tell him you want to see him again! You can’t make me believe he wants to end it, Lee.”

  She shook her head. “If he can walk away so easily, I could never be important to him.”

  Erinae stared at her. “Are you nuts, Lee? You’re the one who told him to walk away! Call him and tell him to come back!”

  “He didn’t leave a number or express any real wish to see me again. If he wants to see me again, he knows where I am.”

  “And if he doesn’t contact you?”

  “Then I’ll know we were never meant to be together.” She sighed before straightening her shoulders. “Now it’s time I got back to business.”

  Erinae arched a brow. “Just like that?”

  She suspected Erinae thought she was living up to her nickname of Ice Queen, but that couldn’t be helped. If she meant anything to Trey, he would pursue her until she succumbed to her passion and love for him. If he didn’t, she would go on with her life.

  She rose and walked around her desk. “So how was the drive back with Mick?”

  Erinae arched a brow, a smile lighting up her pretty face. “Very interesting. Surprisingly we have a lot in common. When he dropped me off, he took me in his arms and engaged me in a lip lock that nearly made my toes curl. Lord that man has sweet lips.”

  “Are you seeing him again?”

  She shrugged. “He asked for my phone number, but I don’t expect to go out with him if he actually calls.”

  “Why not?”

  Erinae shrugged. “He’s a good looking hunk, but when I get serious, it’s going to be with a handsome, well-hung brother man.”

  Her cheeks burned. “So you probably think I’m a fool to have given my virginity to Trey instead of Sam. I—”

  Erinae’s lips tightened. “I don’t think anything of the kind! I know you’ve been waiting and expecting to meet him for a very long time. If he rocked your world enough for you to want to sleep with him, I know you have some serious feelings for him. Because I want to marry a black m
an has no bearing on who you fall in love with, Lee. Love doesn’t always play by the rules we set up. Don’t you dare ever think I think any less of you because Trey isn’t black. Got it?”

  She nodded, forcing a smile. “Got it.”

  Erinae nodded. “Now if you’re sure you’re all right, it’s time I got some work done.”

  “I’m fine,” she said.

  Erinae’s gaze locked with hers. “Are you?”

  “Okay. No, but give me time and I will be.”

  * * * * *

  Carlee’s sleep that night was shattered by a nightmare. Recalling that horrible night when she was sold, she sobbed. Danny, lying on the floor, jumped onto the bed. She wrapped her arms around him, burying her face against his fur.

  After two weeks of reliving that nightmare and no word from Trey, Carlee made an appointment with Dr. Cheyenne. She was surprised and excited when Dr. Cheyenne gave her an appointment late the same afternoon she’d called.

  After watching her in silence for several moments, the doctor spoke. “Why don’t you call him?”

  Carlee shook her head. “I can’t, Dr. Cheyenne. If he wants me, he has to make the first move.”

  Dr. Cheyenne tilted her head to one side, considering Carlee in silence for several more moments. “Then perhaps the time has come for you to move ahead with your life without him.”

  Carlee swallowed. “I know that makes sense, but why did we meet again if we weren’t meant to be together?”

  “If you feel that way, why won’t you call him?”

  “I can’t!” She sighed. “I know that sounds stupid, but he has to be the one pursuing me this time.”

  “So where does that leave you?”

  “I don’t know!” She shook her head. “I came here hoping you could tell me what I can expect.”

  “I can’t foretell the future.”

  “I know that, but you helped me pull my memories of him into sharper focus. When I saw him again, even though he looked different, I immediately recognized him.”

  “That’s because your love for him is an intrinsic part of who you are. I sensed you would meet him again.”

  “And I did.”

  “I did nothing to facilitate that.”

  Carlee frowned, recalling the mysterious travel agent who had put the idea of the Fantasy Week into Erinae’s head. “Didn’t you?”

  A slight smile tugged at Dr. Cheyenne’s lips. “Perhaps I might have planted a seed here and there, but I took no active part in your reunion. You met him again because his memory and the emotional chord between you were so powerful. It drew you together again.”

  Carlee swallowed. “And now? Is it still powerful? I have to know if I should expect to meet him again or if it’s really over this time.”

  “You can discover that by calling him.”

  “I can’t explain any clearer why I can’t call him. He has to remember me and long for me as I do him or it will break my heart.”

  Dr. Cheyenne pressed her hands to her temples and closed her eyes, gently swaying from side to side. After a moment, she extended a hand. Carlee clasped it. She felt an undemanding brush against her thoughts. She closed her eyes and allowed the doctor to probe her thoughts and feelings.

  After several sessions with Dr. Cheyenne, she no longer felt the instinctive need to protect and guard her innermost thoughts. She willing exposed the years of hurt and longing for Trey she’d felt. Her current pain burst to the surface and tears filled her eyes as she feared she would love him forever.

  Dr. Cheyenne whispered softly into her mind.

  Love and obsession are sometimes difficult to distinguish from each other. You are strong. You can survive with or without him. Take control of your life and of your heart. Allow no one else to guide your destiny. If he returns, accept him. If he does not, move on and love one who loves you.

  Carlee nodded, opened her eyes, and withdrew her hand from the other woman’s. Life went on. She would be happy and content with or without Trey Brandauer.

  Chapter Seven

  Trey arrived home from the hospital just after visiting hours had ended to find a tall, pretty brunette with pale creamy skin and dark gray eyes sitting in his living room.

  He bit back a groan. He was not in the mood to deal with her. After being lovers for nearly a year, he’d realized he wasn’t ever going to love her. She had issued a marry-me-or-I’m-out-of-here ultimatum. He had called her bluff and she’d walked out on him several weeks before he and Carlee met. He had returned her keys. She had clearly made copies before she returned his.

  “Paulette. This is a surprise.”

  “I hope it’s a pleasant one.”

  He remained silent.

  “I brought a new nightgown I thought you might like to see.”

  “Paulette…”

  She rose, removed the short jacket she wore, and spread her arms. Under a sheer, short nightgown, the nipples of her large breasts were taunt. He allowed his gaze to rove her body. She parted her legs, providing a tantalizing view of her shaved pussy.

  She kicked off her heels. “Trey, I’ve been waiting for you for hours.” She lifted the bottom of the nightgown, exposing her pussy. The lips glistened with her natural juices. “See anything you’d like to stick that big cock of yours in?” She parted herself, revealing a luscious, pink pussy.

  His cock jumped to attention. It seemed an eternity since he and Carlee had made love. He had no desire to make love to Paulette, but damn if he didn’t want to fuck her.

  He dropped his briefcase and crossed the room to her, pulling off his clothes as he went. By the time he stood in front of her, he had discarded, his tie, jacket, shirt, and undershirt.

  She moved her hips against his, catching her breath as she ground against his cock. “Oh, my. Now there’s a fella I’ve been longing to feel for months now.”

  He bent his head and kissed her. Her lips were cool and thin. With his eyes closed, he remembered other lips that were warmer, sweeter, and fuller.

  She parted her lips, sliding one hand down between their bodies. He drew his hips back, inhaling quickly as her fingers closed over his cock. Still returning his kiss, she pumped him, getting him harder. He tore his mouth away from hers and settled it over her right breast. He sucked at the big, firm mound, right through the sheer fabric, aflame with lust.

  She pressed closer, maneuvering her body until his rigid dick was poised at her entrance. Moaning against his lips, she slid the head of him up and down the length of her bald pussy. When she pressed the head between her cunt lips a vision of Carlee’s beautiful face flashed before his eyes.

  Carlee would find him sleeping with Paulette unforgivable.

  Paulette gripped his ass and began to pull it towards her. She was wet and her juices flowed over the head of his cock, inviting him in. Oh, god, he wanted to fuck her so badly he could barely breathe. But if he did, he would risk his relationship with Carlee.

  Groaning and feeling almost as if his heart were being torn from his chest, he grabbed her hips and pushed her away, withdrawing from her.

  Her eyes opened and she blinked up at him. “Trey? Darling, what’s wrong? Oh!” She smiled. “The condom. I forgot.” She moved away from him and bent to pick up a small handbag from the table by the chair she’d occupied when he arrived.

  He shook his head and stumbled away from her. “No. That’s not it.”

  She turned to face him, the condom in her hand. “Then what is it?” Her gaze went to his now flaccid cock. “Oh, hell! Not that again! Trey I begged you to get some Viagra. There’s no shame in using it.”

  He’d had no problem achieving or maintaining an erection with Carlee. He slipped his cock into his pants and slid up the zip. He sank down on the sofa. “Paulette, we need to talk.”

  “I want a fuck. We can talk later.”

  “There isn’t going to be any fuck.”

  She curled her hand into a fist. “Why won’t you give up your damned foolish pride and see a doctor? You’re
too damn young and handsome to be impotent!”

  The blood rushed up his face. “I am not impotent!”

  “You could have fooled me!” She pushed her feet into her shoes, yanked her jacket on, and stalked across the room. She turned to face him at the door. “When you’re ready to admit you have a problem and see a doctor about it, call me. Until then I am going to find me a man who can get it up and keep it up long enough to do me so good!”

  “Fuck you!”

  “Don’t you wish you could?”

  She slammed the door on her way out.

  He picked up his discarded clothing and went up to his bedroom. He finished undressing and took a shower. With warm water cascading by his feet, he got a bar of soap, and masturbated in the shower.

  There was nothing wrong with his sex drive. It was just centered on one woman—Carlee. What was so bad about that?

  * * * * *

  After her visit to Dr. Cheyenne, Carlee spent at least two hours working at home each night. Working kept her from being held hostage by her lingering feelings for Trey.

  Erinae protested after three weeks as she and Carlee had lunch in the conference room. “This is ridiculous. You need some time to unwind. You can’t keep working these long hours, Lee.”

  She shrugged. “It’s therapy for me, Nae. The long hours help me work through this gut wrenching sadness.”

  Erinae sighed. “Look, Mick Reilly left a message on my answering machine last night asking me out. I was going to refuse, but I’ll go out with him and ask him about Trey. Then you’ll kn—”

  “No!” She shook her head, staring into Erinae’s eyes. “This has to work its natural course, Nae. Go out with Mick if you want, but please do not ask him anything about Trey. If you do, please don’t pass on any messages to me. I’m getting a handle on this thing. I just need a few more weeks.”

  “Lee, a few weeks isn’t going to change anything. You have it too bad for him.”

  “It’s getting easier every day, Nae. Just let me work through this my way. I promise I’ll be fine soon. Okay?”

  Erinae shook her had. “Fine, but—”