'What!'
Caitlin was on her feet. The glass fell out of her hand onto the table breaking into three pieces.

Nicholas quickly looked with concern to make sure she was not hurt, but held his stoic expression. Greg Sinclair stood up as well.

'That's wonderful. Why yes,' her father smiled, shaking Nicholas' hand.

'No!' Caitlin yelled. 'Are you still drunk Nicholas?'

'No.' He replied calmly, his eyes challenging her.

She refused to be baited by him.

'Are you pregnant Caitlin?' Her father asked.

'Dad!'

She could not believe the conversation they were having at the breakfast table.

'Nicholas retract your proposal,' Caitlin instructed.

'No.' He refused pointedly.

Stubborn and pig headed. That's the man I love.

Caitlin looked at her mom. Her mom's eyes pleaded with her to accept.

So does he think he should marry me because it was the right thing to do, in case we had had sex last night?

'Honey this will be a wonderful union, I know Nick cares about you. You will be happy,' her father pleaded.

'Dad this is my life, not a business transaction,' she cried out 'you can't sign my life away on the dotted line!' she yelled at her father.

She had never raised her voice at her parents in all her life. She looked at her mom for support.

'Mom, are you going to allow dad to just arrange a marriage for me?' Caitlin questioned her mom.

'No darling, I won't. I will support whatever your heart's desire is!' Her mom spoke looking into her eyes.

Touché mom!

Her mom could have knocked her over with a feather.

'I am not marrying him,' she spoke to her mom.

'Yes darling,' was all her mom replied.

Caitlin cringed, she loved her mom, but right now, wanted to shake some sense into her mom.

'Caitlin, can I have a word with you?' Nicholas' voice was deadly quiet.

To repeat your half baked proposal.

She glared into his eyes. He stood there unmoved by her temper tantrum.

'No Nicholas. And I am not marring you,' she hissed. 'And this subject ends right here.' He made to walk towards here.

'Sit down and eat your breakfast,' she instructed him. 'You did not have dinner last night. Mom, dad, I'd appreciate it, if this conversation is not repeated.' Caitlin kissed her mom. 'I'll see you at the rehearsal,' she murmured.

Caitlin grabbed her keys and drove her SUV to the lake. She could hardly see, her eyes were blurred with tears.

'Damn you, Nicholas Brenthurst!" she yelled.' 'I would have been more receptive to your proposal, if it was preempted by how you felt, but no none of that. And then there is that tiny insignificant matter of a lack of trust on your path,' she swiped her wrist over her eyes, trying to brush the uncontrolled tears away. 'What kind of a marriage would I have to endure, with your irrepressible rage of jealousy, every time a man looked at me?' she drove on furiously, the picturesque rain forest like surroundings not even visible on her radar, as she spun her vehicle around aimlessly. Caitlin climbed out and walked to the falls. She wished she didn't have to go anywhere, but it was her duty to Stuart and Rebecca. She sat on the huge boulder, her feet dangling below. She longed to jump into the cool, refreshing water, but did not have the luxury of time. Caitlin tried to analyze Nicholas' marriage proposal. He did not trust her. He did not love her. All he wanted was to take her to bed. They shared a physical attraction, yes, but was that good enough reason for him to propose marriage? What if he tired of her after a year or five years? What happens when the spark between them fizzles out? She could not believe that her dad was acceding to Nicholas' proposal, as if it was a business transaction, or did he also suspect how she felt about Nicholas.

And then he thought I was pregnant!

She was surprised at their liberal thinking, but her virtue was important to her. Feeling thirsty she longed for a drink, she should have brought some water, but she was in such a haste to leave, she didn't think. She was oblivious of the hunger pangs from not having dinner last night or breakfast this morning.

Caitlin's mind wandered to last night. She could not believe she spent an entire night in bed in Nicholas' arms, an entire night and their bodies so closely knit together. The night at her penthouse was exquisite, but it was not a bed. Last night was beautiful, their bodies entwined, their legs wrapped around each other. Caitlin sighed aloud disappointedly.

Too good to be true.

She looked at her watch, in half an hour she needed to be at the rehearsal. She should go home and put on something more appropriate. Luckily the rehearsals were in their own gardens.

Caitlin dragged herself back home, the house seemed deserted. Cautiously she went upstairs, there was no trace of Nicholas, and in her cupboard stood his tuxedo and tie. He probably had about fifty and would not miss these. She put on a pair of formal grey trousers and a matching jacket, a baby pink camisole, tying her hair up, she walked to the part of the gardens cordoned off for the wedding. There was still five minutes to spare. She could see her mom and dad talking to the wedding coordinator. Stuart and Rebecca were not in sight, Caitlin was not surprised. Her eyes caught Nicholas in conversation with a young blonde, who was wearing the same blazer as the wedding coordinator. Amazing how the brute still had the ability to stop her breathing, to turn her normally rational mind into total chaos, and set her emotions off like a high speed train doing a loop.

Was he getting some tips for our wedding?

She saw him speak briefly to the young lady before he made his way to her. She didn't think he had seen her, but obviously she was wrong, Caitlin inhaled deeply, preparing for another onslaught from Nicholas.

'Hi,' he said guardedly.

'Hi.' she responded.

There was one thing she and he could play to advantage. They compelled themselves to be polite and civil in public. So Nicholas knew she would not throw a tantrum right now.

'Do you know what your father said as you stormed out?'

She dragged her eyes to his, and shook her head, 'tell me,' she sighed, knowing it would not be complimentary to her ego.

He said, "Don't worry she will marry you. Why would a woman demand you have breakfast, if she did not care about you?" Nicholas said without smiling. '

She noted her mom and dad, intently looking at her and Nicholas. Her mom's eyes pleading for her to reconsider his proposal.

'Unfortunately, Nicholas, you and I both know that the foundation of a marriage is not based on satisfying gastronomic tendencies,' she spoke softly.

'Why don't you want to be my wife?' he asked equally softly.

"His wife," that had such a wonderful ring to it.

'You want to explain to me why you suddenly, want to marry me?' she took the bull by the horns.

His eyes narrowed, and evasively he looked away.

'Do you trust me Nicholas?' her voice was soft, compelling.

He was silent, his eyes a battlefield of emotions.

Anger flared in her eyes, 'you can withdraw your marriage proposal Nicholas, we did not have sex last night.'

There was immediate relief in his eyes, yet there was something else there, but it was masked instantly.

'And you did not incriminate yourself in any way,' she continued. She angled her head, 'nothing I did not hear before, just words along the lines of "just your need for my body."' He shifted uncomfortably, the emphasis of her words hitting home.

Caitlin was on a roll, 'and for the record Nicholas, no other man has had the pleasure of being in bed with me, so I'm intrigued as to why I'm incapable of earning your trust?'

He winced as if she had slapped him.

'You once said, you were prepared to take "calculated risks", however there is no way in hell, will I marry a man whose trust I do not have.'

He opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off, 'That half baked proposal you tossed this morning, I found it pretty insulting. So, I'm setting you free.'

Caitlin was so calm, she could not believe herself. She had just released Nicholas. She should be devastated. She should have a pity party. Perhaps it was the calm before the storm. The lyrics to the song rang in her ear 'If you love someone, set them free.' That I've done, so now the ball's in your court Mr. Brenthurst.

Caitlin's eye caught Rebecca. 'It's about time you showed your face,' Caitlin scolded Rebecca. 'Can you try to be punctual for your wedding. You said eleven, that was twenty minutes ago.'

'I'm sorry, please don't be mad,' Rebecca begged her friend. 'What happened to you last night, we looked around and you were nowhere to be found?'

'You obviously did not look too hard, I was in my room.'

It seemed Rebecca did not realize that Nicholas also went missing last night. She was glad, Rebecca had not looked in her suite for her. The rehearsals went well. It took less than an hour. The only trick was to get Rebecca to the altar on time for her wedding. Katherine wanted a word with her daughter.

'Honey can we chat somewhere?' Her mother led her to a tea table in the garden. She gave her mom an accusing look.

"You will support my heart's desire!" she threw back at her mom, as they sat under the shady oak trees.

'Darling, I did not want to speak much in front of Nick and your dad, but I would love it, if Nick would become your husband.'

'Mom, I'm not marrying a man who does not love me. And why did he not ask me first?'

'Your dad and I were hoping you and Nicholas would resolve things, you seemed to have been chatting for a while.

'We chatted mom, or I should say I did the  chatting, he did not participate!'

'He would make a wonderful husband dear.'

'That might be true mom, but how can a person enter a marriage where there is no foundation of love and trust? Nicholas is insanely jealous and untrusting!'

'I am rather disappointed that he left, honey.'

'He's left?' She swallowed dejectedly. 'I did not know. Well to be honest, I was considering leaving today. We need some space apart, Mom.'

'Stuart's wedding is next week dear, do you think you and Nicholas can work things out?'

'By 'work things out', you mean kiss and make up?'

The irony of that!

'I suspect, I may only see Nicholas, on the day of the wedding. From past experience, whenever we had arguments, he would keep away for days on end.'

'How long have you two been at it?' her mom smiled.

She gave her mom a half smile, 'Since dad's birthday party.'

'That long and you never let on!' Her mom enquired.

'It's difficult to put into words what's going on between Nicholas and I. He's never officially asked to date me. We've not committed to any form of relationship. How can he ask Dad, for my hand, when he has not asked me!  Let alone even telling me he loves me. So things are just hanging out there.'

'You do love him, don't you darling?'

Caitlin sighed as her eyes sought her mom's. And then she whispered softly. 'Yes mom, I love Nicholas.'

Her mom reached out and touched her hands, taking them into her own.

'Mom, I don't want you to reveal any of our conversation to Dad. I know Dad has a soft spot for Nicholas, and I don't want him dropping any hints to Nicholas. Please do not tell dad anything. Nicholas must not be influenced. Can you respect my wish please mom?'

'Okay honey, but I'm going to have a tough time, evading any questions your father will ask. He interogates me about you all the time!'  She laughed.

'Why?' Caitlin grinned.

'He knows you  are able to talk to me,' she smiled lovingly.

'Promise me mom. You won't reveal anything  to dad.'

'I will try honey.'

Caitlin flew back to Johannesburg late on Sunday night. It was a wonderful weekend all things considered. Caitlin felt a bit lighter after her chat with her mom. It felt a relief to be able to confess her love for Nicholas. She knew her mom would not betray her confidence. Caitlin would just have to make sure she always put on a brave face when she went to Kenton. In that way, her parents would not attempt to match make a union between her and Nicholas. She felt a stab of guilt, because she had not seen Tommy.

The things you do for love.

It was so unfair. Tommy had been her best friend for so, so long. Now she referred to him in the past tense. Well, on second thoughts, she supposed it wasn't all unfair, seeing that Tommy's interest in her was not as platonic as hers was in him. After all, she would not want Nicholas hanging around with any female, who had designs on him. Actually she did not want him in the company of any female period.

The next morning a mountain of work  was waiting for her.  She went in search of Simon, but he seemed to be in a crises meeting and could not see her. It felt odd she was always able to interrupt him.

'Not some acquisition or merger right under my nose?' she asked Sandy.

'Hardly, I doubt Simon would engage in any consultations without you,' Sandy smiled. Caitlin went back to her office, but she was not having a good day. First the boss could not see her. Then her computer refused to work. Caitlin yelled for Katie.

'What have you done with my machine?' Caitlin demanded. 'It refuses to work, it's just hanging.'

Katie fiddled around with the cables, 'I'll have to call I.T.   I have no idea what's wrong.'

'I'll just check my emails on your computer.  Please can I have fifteen minutes at your desk?'

'I suppose, I could loaf around that long,' Katie smiled.

Caitlin had about four pages of emails.  She scanned through them. Answered the ones, she thought required immediate attention. The phone rang a few times, many of the calls were for her, so she took them, scribbling appointments, which Katie would have to diarize.

'Have you been promoted?' the voice asked casually from behind her.

Caitlin turned around very slowly. Off course she did not need to face the owner of the voice, to know who it was. She was surprised to see him so soon, only expecting to see him again at Stuart's wedding. He looked maddeningly attractive in a beautiful bright blue jacket, white shirt and black pants clinging to his sexy legs. His briefcase in his one hand, together with two files, so this was no social call. He looked so gorgeous, his eyes teasing, his hair for some reason seemed to have a will of its own, and refused stay in the path he normally combed it. Her fingers longed to try and curb his unruly hair. The phone buzzed, awaking Caitlin from her appraisal of Nicholas.

'Yes,' she sighed absently hitting the loudspeaker, and then closing her eyes, mentally admonished herself for her less that professional manner in answering the call.

'Don't you have enough work to do, that you have time to answer the P.A.'s phone. Caitlin grabbed the handset, her face reddening, her eyes going to Nicholas. His eyes were amused.

'Simon,' she swallowed, feeling like a love struck teenager.

'Caitlin, I know you just got back. I can't get out of my meeting. Nicholas is on his way to you. There is an urgent proposal that requires our intervention. Will you assist him, when he gets there?'

'He's standing in front of me,' Caitlin informed Simon.

Well it seemed, for her sins, even if she wanted to keep a distance from him on a personal level, they were thrown together for business reasons, and frustrated as she felt, her professionalism demanded she deal with him in a professional manner, setting her personal feelings aside. Caitlin concluded her call with Simon. Just then Katie was back with her I.T. man. Caitlin logged off Katie's computer.

'I'm taking Nicholas to the boardroom.'

Blue chip client. Pays an outrageous retainer.

'It seems you'll need to reschedule whatever is on my diary for the next hour or so, and diarize these,' she slipped a sheet to Katie.

'Should I bring coffee?'

'Yes please, Katie.'

Caitlin led the way to the boardroom, whilst the I.T. technician sorted out her computer. She closed the door, nervously looking at Nicholas.

'How are you?' he asked gazing into her eyes.

'Fine thank you,' she responded hesitatingly. 'How are you?' she murmured.

It seemed ridiculous that they were placing such emphasis on something as mundane as a greeting. His eyes locked with hers. A too long moment passed before, he said.

'I'm fine, thank you for asking. Shall we take a seat?'

She nodded agreement.  They were seated at a smaller round table, so they had ease in working of the files he brought with. Katie knocked, walking in with the coffee. He thanked Katie for his coffee, opening his files and simultaneously pulling out his laptop. He showed her  a proposal of a desalination plant somewhere in the Middle East. The figures were so small, she had to lean close to him to see the bloody screen. She cursed silently.  There was no way she could be immune to his body so close to her. And that cologne he wore. Try as she may, her eyes stubbornly refused not, to look into his eyes like her brain had instructed. His eyes narrowed, their faces were so close, he would just have to move an inch, and their lips would meet.

The laptop, look at the laptop.

Caitlin fought with herself to restrain her deepest need. She should stop what was happening, but she did not. The chemistry was not to be denied. In one sweeping moment Nicholas' lips covered hers. As she closed her eyes, she smelt his cologne fill her senses. His strong arms pulled her to him possessively. It was not a gentle tender meeting of their lips, but it was hungry pent up emotions, explosive like a raging volcano.
A guttural cry escaped his throat as his mouth claimed hers. His tongue did not meet any resistance into Caitlin's mouth, entwining with hers, as if it was finding a lifeline.
Caitlin unable to resist, yielded to her own starved desire for him. Her hands slid over the firm straight line of his shoulders. Her fingertips tangled with the hair at the nape of his neck.
Would she ever be able to resist him? Would this attraction between them ever die? No matter how much they fought, or how hard they tried, they could never seem to control the chemistry that governed their stormy relationship. She should stop his kiss, but his mouth was demanding, his hands pulling her closer still against his body. A knot coiled in her stomach, sending shivers through her body, heat flared wildly through her lower body. Caitlin felt herself losing control too quickly.

She pulled away, tearing her mouth away from his, and stood up. She could not reprimand him, for she was just as responsible as he was, as far as that kiss was concerned, and she wanted to kiss him again. She breathed heavily, trying to regain her breadth. Her shoulders heaved up and down unsteadily. Right now she could not spell sanity, but she needed to say something to break the ice, or was it heat wave ?

'Nicholas I'd like to think we can separate our personal feelings and be professional,' she murmured, not looking at him.

He stood up, his eyes noting her just kissed swollen lips, the desire still dark in her intense green eyes.

'I apologize,' he offered.  'Caitlin__'

What now!

'Yes?' she asked guardedly,

'Will you allow me to hold you, for just a moment?' He pleaded.

So much for being professional.

Caitlin hesitated a little too long, concerned where that would lead to. He could see the indecision in her eyes and waited patiently. She nodded, eventually conceding to the request. Unhesitatingly Nicholas wrapped his arms around her.

'Hold me,' he pleaded huskily.

Nervously, she placed her arms around his waist. He held her to him and then gave her a consoling hug, that miraculously ebbed all the stress out of her body. After a few moments, Caitlin felt the tension leave her body.

'There we go, I feel better. Thank you,' Nicholas looked relaxed again.

Amazingly Caitlin felt the tension between them gone as well.

'Shall we try to work again?' He suggested.

She was hesitant about their too close proximity, 'can we print whatever you have on your screen?' she requested, avoiding his eyes.

She could tell he was containing his amusement, whilst he connected the cable to the printer nearby.

'What's so funny?' she mumbled.

'I'm not laughing,' he attempted, and with that burst out laughing.

Unable to resist, Caitlin joined him.

Love him or hate him, it was difficult to be immune to his charm.

Nicholas printed two copies of his presentation, giving her one. He'd done a very good job, presenting at least three pages of background information to support his proposal. Caitlin was eager to study the financial data first. His statistics illustrated that the completed project would be the largest conversion of salt water to fresh water in the world. She wrinkled her face. She did not want to know about converting salt water to drinking water.

'What are you not happy about?' he enquired thinking something was wrong with his proposal.

'I like to drink my water from the bottle,' she smiled, 'but I don't want to know how it got into the bottle,' she sang, easily forgetting the under current between them.

'Is it good so far then?' he asked impatiently.

She looked at him over the papers in her hand, 'if you want an expert analysis, there's no quick fix solution!' she threw at him.

Studying his financials, Caitlin did not like his overly cautious risk assessment. 'Change that,' she proposed to him, 'Bring your risk factor down to a single digit.'

'But it will impact negatively on my operational costs,' he complained.

'I thought you like taking calculated risks' she could not resist.

He put his papers down to stare at her. At least his eyes had the grace to show some discomfort. 'My gut tells me, it's a safe bet,' he argued.

'Think with your brain, not your gut, Nicholas,' she persuaded gently. 'If I pitched a proposal to you, would you buy with such a high risk factor?'

'Yes,' he answered automatically, his teasing eyes locked with hers.

She blushed.  A trickle of sweat formed down her spine.

How about articulating the courage of your convictions?

'Play around with those numbers till you reduce it to a single digit,' she asserted.

He dragged his eyes from hers to look at where she circled some numbers on his document.

'A lower risk will attract investor confidence,' she attempted to influence his thinking.

Caitlin stood up and walked around the room reading the background information whilst he sulked and got busy. She lowered her petit bottom on one of the desks nearby, as she read his summary. It was rather an ambitious, yet interesting initiative to increase valuable water resources. Now this concept was not new, it had been tested elsewhere in the world, although not at the magnitude envisaged in these plans.

'So how are you Kids doing?' Simon bounced in. He was greeted by two concentrated faces, one pounding away at the numbers to make his project winnable, the other a mask of concentration, perched against a table top, as she was engrossed in the detailed summary of the merits of a desalination process to recycle the natural resource.

Thank heavens you did not walk in here ten minutes ago!

'I hope you've come to rescue me,' Nicholas complained, 'she's merciless!'

'Good, I thought Caitlin needed rescuing from you,' Simon smirked.

Nicholas feigned a wounded expression.

'So what do you think Kid?'

Caitlin and Nicholas started to respond simultaneously. Nicholas stopped, when he realized Simon was addressing Caitlin.

'Ambitious, very ambitious, but I think it can be a winner, though he should cut some slack on the input costs.

'And then,' she looked at Nicholas. 'Why do you want to import labour?' She continued, not allowing him to speak. 'Use the local labour for line function activities, I am sure it will free up about twenty percent of your capital, right there. Can you imagine how pleased the local government there will be, with you creating employment, boosting the local economy, stimulating growth, the list goes on,' she raised her eyebrows to emphasize her argument.

Nicholas stood up, his hands in the air in total surrender, looking to Simon for help.

'I want to finish reading this background information. I'll leave you two to it,' she walked to the door.

'Don't call him Kid!' Caitlin whispered in Simon's ear as she left, 'it doesn't suit him.'

Simon grinned, shaking his head.

Caitlin heaved a sigh of relief walking out of there. She'd put on a brave face, and a mask of concentration, but she actually had to keep reading things two or three times over to constantly regain her concentration that kept drifting off to erotic thoughts of being in Nicholas' arms earlier. She needed to hold on to the information from the document he printed, for her report, because she could not remember half the things they had discussed. Caitlin strolled into her office. Her stomach reminded her it needed nourishment.

'What are we having for lunch?' Caitlin enquired.

'On its way,' Katie smiled.

'Where's Nicholas Brenthurst?'

'I left him and Simon together in the boardroom, although they're almost done.'

'I've got a ton of messages for you,' Katie informed Caitlin.

'Give me half an hour please,' Caitlin begged, needing a breather.

'Okay, enjoy your lunch,' Katie smiled again.

Caitlin bit into her avocado and cucumber sandwich.
'Mmm heavenly...' she murmured, munching away. She was feeling overloaded, work wise and decided to use the large whiteboard to prioritize her more critical tasks, and delegate the ones she felt others could handle. She buzzed Katie.

'Caitlin?'

'Tell the team, we're having a division of labour meeting at three, will you.'

'Okay.'

Caitlin split the projects in two sets. She would handle the more challenging ones and delegate the rest to the team. They hated her division of labour meetings. She drew blood testing their endurance with her meticulous insistence in exploring every avenue to advantage.

'No pain, no gain,' she murmured to herself.

Then suddenly, without her having to turn she knew another presence in the room. Her senses strained to identify, why her body reacted the way it did. Very casually she turned around, still biting into her sandwich, and stared into the eyes of her uninvited visitor, she continued chewing slowly on her lunch. Amazing how he did not need to speak, or make a sound, she could just sense his presence. How many people could boast that kind of chemistry between them? Caitlin looked past the broad shoulders, saw Katie was not at her desk.

'I'm rather pleased the bodyguard is not at its designated post,' he quipped.

'Not that it makes a difference, you just charm your way past Katie in any event,' she threw sarcastically, helping herself to another sandwich.

'Speaking of charm, why is it, my so called "charm" has no effect on you?' he teased.

If only you knew the extent of it!

'Would you like a sandwich?' she offered, not responding to his teasing.

He looked at the sandwich, wrinkled his nose.

She supposed this was rabbit's food, for a man that loved a hearty meal.

'I'm starving. I need food, not sandwiches,' he complained. 'I came to persuade you to have lunch with me,' he replied, disappointedly.

'I would have had to decline your invitation,' she lied. 'I have a ton of things to do.'

'I do not like you nibbling at work,' He reproached. 'Why don't you take the time to have a decent meal?'

You sound like a nagging husband.

Her heart warmed to his chiding. Instead she replied, 'Any nutritionist would confirm that I'm having a healthy meal.'

He closed the distance between them, putting his arms around her waist.

'What are you doing?' she tried in vain to free herself, she'd probably have more luck, pulling her teeth out.

'Relax I'm just giving you a hug.'

He kissed her, tasting avocado on her lips.

'I thought you're starving, go to lunch.' She continued to wrestle in his arms.

'I am starving,' he murmured against her ear. His innuendo not lost on her.

'Nicholas, behave yourself!'

'Caitlin, I'm very well behaved, considering what I want to do.'

'Nicholas, the door is opened, and Katie could be back any second,' she pleaded.

'Should I close the door?' he teased, unfazed by her concern.

'I want you to leave,' she demanded.

'Kiss me and I will leave,' he bargained, his lips trailing down her neck.

Oh! He's insufferable, arousing me this way.

She angled her head, weakly arching her neck to his seductive lips, 'Shut the door,' she sighed huskily.

With great haste, he locked the door.

Caitlin quickly took a swig of water, whilst her eyes lustfully followed him. And then he came back to her, pulling her against his body, his arms wrapped over each other around her waist, his eyes full of mischief.

'I'm waiting for my kiss,' he demanded softly.

She raised her eyebrows, anxiously expecting his mouth to come pounding over hers.

'Why do you always do this to me?' she spoke softly, her palms flat on his chest.

'What am I doing?' he teased mercilessly.

'You__I expected you to kiss me and leave, instead __' she could not speak coherently.

'I said, "You must kiss me" he emphasized.

'You are wicked,' she whispered.

'Do you know what you're doing to me?' he groaned, as he moulded her against his muscular thighs, so she could feel his aroused form against her pelvis. Caitlin groaned softly, she felt an ache and a throbbing inside her, and moistness deep inside her, a desire so strong within her wanting him to satisfy the ache that yearned for his touch. She raised her lips up against his, her hands going around his neck, her lips soft as a feather on his. She felt his warm, impatient breath on her lips.

'Caitlin,' he groaned, urging her to offer the kiss he wanted.

Her lips parted over his mouth, her tongue reached out in search of his. His arms crushed her body against his, he was out of control, hungry for her. A cry leaving his throat as she finally succumbed to his demand. Caitlin wanted to cry out from the sheer ecstasy of the kiss and his out of control response in her arms. It was pure bliss being in his arms. It felt so right being there, as if she and only she belonged in his arms.

Why could he not commit to her? If he asked, she was ready to be his and his exclusively. She kissed him back ardently showing him she needed his possession, as much as he wanted hers. Their heated kissing continued unabated, neither wanting to draw away. Their lips clinging to each other, bodies pressed against each other, two pairs of hands exploring, pleasing, caressing, knowing exactly how to pleasure the other.
Reluctantly, Caitlin pulled away turning her back to him, she knew his eyes would be dark with desire. It would take him a few seconds to regain his control. But he will not see the pain of loving him reflected in her eyes. She waited a few seconds, for her betraying body to be composed again, then only did she turn back to look at him, her eyes hooded.

'I've given you what you asked for,' she whispered hoarsely.

'You have Caitlin,' he breathed with difficulty, disciplining his body to submission. If only __.'

He left his sentence uncompleted. She stared at him, waiting for him to finish his sentence.

"If only what?" she prompted.

He made to move away, but Caitlin held his wrist, trying to stop him. He would not look into her eyes, but mumbled under his breath, kissed her on the lips, and dashed out of her office.

'Solving mathematical equations is easier than trying to understand you!' she groaned aloud, darting the white board marker against the board.

'I take it that comment is directed at Nick, I saw him outside your office.'

Caitlin felt her cheeks go warm, as she turned around and looked into Simon's amused eyes.

'Serves me right for thinking aloud,' she murmured lowering her eyes.

'Is it true?'

'Is what true?' she asked guardedly.

"Mathematical equations are easier?" His eyes were mocking.

Her cheeks were now scarlet. She avoided responding.

'I know you have a passion for numbers, but surely they can't be as exciting, as compared to a hot blooded and good looking man like Nick is,' Simon continued his teasing.

She stared into his eyes a desire to strangle him developing appeal.

'I was unaware that you would know anything about how "hot blooded and good looking a man can be!"

'I see from the way the ladies around here drool over Nick, not to mention the corridor talk the ladies seem to assume I don't hear.' He spoke matter of fact.

They drool of Nicholas!

A pang of envy engulfed her. 'I wouldn't know anything about that. I don't spend much time in the corridors. Now is there a specific reason why you are here Mr. Barnett, other than to offer your expert opinions on matters that I don't wish to engage with you on,' she threw at him.

Simon laughed. 'Do you know what I'd love to do? Simon provoked her further.

'I am not interested,' Caitlin replied.

He continued anyway. 'I'd love to lock the both of you in a room and hide the key until you two resolve your differences,' he informed her.

'Simon!' she was becoming annoyed with her boss.

'Okay, I'll get down to business,' He sat down, getting all serious.

Life was eventless the next couple of days. No sign of Nicholas the entire week. On Friday morning all hell broke loose at the office. Caitlin was summoned to Simon's office.

'The Cavalry?' she quipped as she walked into Simon's office seeing the chairman there.

'What have I done?'

Simon had a frustrated look on his face.

'Caitlin I'm afraid some unpleasant matters have developed, and the Board had made a decision to that effect,' Giles Preston informed her.

'What is it?' she asked starting to get concerned.

'Effective immediately Simon Barnett is suspended till further notice.'

'What!' Caitlin exclaimed, sitting down.

'As Chairman of the Board, I am to inform you that a decision was taken, that you will assume the duties as Acting CEO till further notice.'

'What __What's going on?' she mumbled, looking from one to the other.

Simon stayed silent.

'The Audit Report was presented to the Board,' Giles Preston continued. 'A motion of no confidence was raised.' Giles Preston informed her.

'But that's a bit extreme sir, if I may speak frankly.' Caitlin went deathly white.

'Caitlin, I share your sentiment. If it's any consolation, I have unwavering trust in Simon Barnett's ability as CEO, and I stand by him one hundred percent. However there were certain elements, who seem to want to throw a spanner in the works, inciting no confidence, until total pandemonium erupted in the boardroom.' The Chairman looked just as frustrated as Simon.

Caitlin was only half paying attention. She knew exactly the culprits who wanted to see the back of Simon.

'I exercised my veto rights Caitlin, and disallowed the motion of no confidence, however I think it a wise decision that Simon be relieved off his duties, and that an external audit be conducted and a report be made public. There should not be a shadow hanging over the CEO's head, so in the best interest of Telstar, the decision was taken. Simon agrees with my decision.'

Caitlin looked at Simon. He nodded.

'You have my one hundred percent support,' she murmured, going to him and giving him a hug.

'Thanks Kid,' he winked.

'Caitlin, you'll be doing a lot of damage control to the media.' Giles Preston warned. 'No need to tell you that our shares have taken a dive. So I want you to be as accessible as possible to the media. An official statement has been prepared which you will read out, at a press conference scheduled for eleven hundred hours. Between Simon's PA and yours, there will be a battery of calls, which you will handle exclusively. I am convinced that Simon will be exonerated within two weeks. I have given the investigators fourteen days to complete their investigation.' Caitlin was dumbstruck while he reeled out all that to her.

Poor Simon.

'This is such bad timing,' Caitlin smiled, through the tears in her eyes.

'Why is that?' Giles enquired.

'Caitlin's brother is getting married tomorrow.' Simon supplied.

'Well my dear, you will be brutally overworked today.' Giles was apologetic. 'But take the weekend off, you can pick up the pieces on Monday.'

'I was planning on leaving the office at two, so I guess that won't be happening.'

'Sorry Kid.' Simon was not pleased that she had to interrupt her plans.

'Who else knows about this?' Caitlin asked.

'Officially, you are the first to know. But I suppose those in the boardroom could have spread the story by now.' Giles revealed.

'I didn't hear anything,' Caitlin raised her eyebrows.

'Caitlin doesn't listen to corridor talk.' Simon tried to add some humour.

He can attempt to be funny at a time like this!

'I guess I'd better get going,' Caitlin dismissed herself.

'We're proud of your achievements Caitlin, keep up the good work.' Giles Preston consoled her.

'Thank you, sir.' She nodded to Simon, her eyes tearful as she left.

'Caitlin, what's the matter?' Sandy enquired seeing Caitlin distraught.

'Can I see you in my office right away?' Caitlin requested, as she made headway to her office. Sandy nodded.   Picking up her notebook. Caitlin looked at her watch, she did not have much time before the press briefing. Katie had the same enquiring look as Sandy.

'Come into my office please Katie.'

Both ladies looked confused and intrigued as they waited for Caitlin to gain her composure. She asked them to be seated as she inhaled deeply before she dropped the bombshell.

'No!' Sandy exclaimed.

Caitlin handed Sandy a copy of the board decision. Katie looked just as flabbergasted.

Caitlin walked out to the press room that was hastily organized. The room was full of journalists. Cameras snapping away, light bulbs merciless in their onslaught. She was aghast that international media had got wind of it already. She had not had the time to scan her appearance in a mirror, but she suspected, she looked less than her normal composed self. There was a heightened buzz in the room. The scavengers seemed to be aware that something, out of the ordinary was to be unfolded. Caitlin walked up to the podium. There was an immediate swathe of silence. Clearing her throat, she touched the microphone playing for time. Simon had decided he would not attend. She did not blame him.

'Ladies and gentleman of the media, I thank you for the time afforded to me. I have a prepared statement I would like to read to you, and then I will take your questions. There were hushed sounds and sighs, but Caitlin ignored them.

'Ladies and gentlemen,' she continued 'Following the outcome of an audit report, it is with regret I announce the suspension of the services of Mr. Simon Barnett, CEO of Telstar Enterprises.'
There were grunts and exclamations and curses, but she continued.

'Pending an external investigation, the results will be made public within fourteen days.'

Caitlin did not know how she managed to, but she got to the end of the announcement.
'Many of you I know,' she smiled faintly, 'but to the rest of you, I stand before you, in my capacity as the Acting CEO. My name is Caitlin Sinclair. I will take your questions now.'

Caitlin saw Josh among the throng, she nodded to him. He raised his pen in salute. A question was posed from one of the unknown reporters.

'Miss Sinclair, you seem to be rather young to be entrusted with the responsibility of such a large conglomerate.' he challenged.

Caitlin sipped from her glass of water. She supposed the question was fair. To some she was an unknown entity.

'Thank you for the question.' she smiled. 'Now if your concern is whether I'm old enough to engage into contractual obligations on behalf of Telstar, I assure you I am,' she bent forward over the podium for effect. There was applause and laughter.

'If it's my competence you question, my profile is on the website, you may peruse my qualifications and expertise, documented there.'

There were many more relentless questions that she dealt with, before she ended the interview.

Rather surprisingly, she found Nicholas pacing outside her office. She looked into his eyes saw compassion and his concern for both her and Simon's predicament and in two quick strides he took her into his arms oblivious as to who may see him. Caitlin did not object. Right now she wanted his shoulder to lean on. She allowed him to hug her. She placed her forehead against his chest, just drawing strength from his comforting arms. Her palms rested lightly on his shoulders. She was drinking in the combination of his heady cologne and his pure male scent, when he spoke softly.

'You okay?'

She nodded still absorbing all that was unfolding at Telstar. Katie was unobtrusive, yet patiently waiting to get Caitlin's attention.

'What is it, Katie?' Caitlin spoke softly.

'Public Relations has dropped a market response for you to study.' She handed the document to Caitlin.

'I have to give feedback to Giles Preston.' She looked up at Nicholas.

'There is no way you're going to make an early getaway to Kenton. You want me to wait for you tonight?'

'No go ahead. Stuart may need you.'

Reluctantly, he nodded not convinced by her response.

'Call me if you need me, and take care,' he murmured, hugging her again, and kissing her lips gently.

Caitlin felt the colour rise on her cheeks.

You are drawing more attention than Telstar's woes!

'Caitlin, your radio interview is in fifteen minutes.'

She nodded to Katie, said goodbye to Nicholas and went to quickly brief the Chairman.

'This morning, amid the rumors  Telstar had taken a sharp six percent dive, but  is now steady again, recovering almost four percent.'

'Is this accurate?' Giles Preston asked, unbelievingly.

'Yes, I've verified the numbers,' she smiled.

'May I say congratulations on your smooth steadying of the ship?' he complimented. Caitlin nodded, leaving his office. She looked at her wristwatch. She had less than six minutes to get to her radio interview.

Well I'm going to have a good weekend after all!

She took comfort from Nicholas' visit. Sometimes, he really knew how to be supportive and ease the strain away from her. She remembered how adorable he was after her fear of that storm. And then in the hospital how caring he was. She shook her head at how boldly he threw caution to the wind, just hugging her and comforting her in front of Katie. There were also other staff, passing by the offices, who  noticed them. That was Nicholas Brenthurst for you. He made no apologies for who he was or his actions.

And I love him so much.

She hoped people will just assume it was all to do with Simon's situation.  Caitlin went into the interview in excellent spirits. She was confident, poised and ready. Initially it was not planned that she should take listeners' calls, but she felt in rather good spirits, and allowed the station an hour. She reassured and soothed shareholders who considered dumping their stock. She had to aggressively convince Telstar's clients that their business was in capable and efficient hands.

Thankfully, every quarter in the last three years reflected figures to be in the black in the balance sheets, and Caitlin used that to full advantage to justify her case to all of Telstar's clients and investors alike. The interview over, Caitlin went in search of Simon.

'Kid,  at the rate you're going, I don't think I'm going to have a job to come back to!'

'I did it all, just so you do come back Simon,' she hugged him.

'There's seems to be a lot of hugging going around.' Simon commented knowingly.

'Listening to corridor talk again!' she laughed for the first time that day.

Simon's door opened and three or four of the board members, considered as Simon's allies, and some of Caitlin's staff stormed in, champagne bottles in their hands, in a celebratory mood. They clapped and saluted Caitlin.

'Wow! Caitlin, you were awesome in that radio interview,' one said.

'The way you reeled off all those stats and numbers, without any notes,' another exclaimed.

'Well I'm delighted to say we recovered the six percent from this morning and we're up two percent!' Tanner, her junior executive shouted, above all the raucous.

'I am going to have a good weekend,' Caitlin grinned.

'And you deserve it Kid!'

'What time is my flight?' Caitlin asked Katie, some time later.

'I've moved it to five o' clock'

'Okay, so if I do get on that flight, I should be home by eight, perhaps I will still make the dinner party,' Caitlin calculated.

'Nicholas left a message for you,' Katie informed her quietly.

Was there a reason her heart started to perform acrobatics?

'He said he was leaving at five, if you wanted a lift, you should call him. Katie studied her boss for a reaction and got none.

'Any other invitations?' Caitlin asked 'Dinner invitations or perhaps marriage proposals?'

'Do you two get any work done?' Sandy grinned, as she took her leave.

Caitlin waived goodbye, as she started the report she needed to give the Chairman.

'I was hoping you would take Nicholas up on his offer, seeing you're both leaving at the same time now,' Katie said conspirationally.

Caitlin looked at her curiously, pondering on her bold comment. 'Is that why you moved my flight to five o' clock?'

Katie gave her a sheepish grin.

'You know for a while I suspected perhaps, you fancied Nicholas.' Caitlin ventured.

'Don't we all?' Katie admitted. 'He's very good looking. So hot!'

Isn't that so similar to Simon's analysis?

Katie continued, 'But what chance is there, when he fancies you?' she grinned. Caitlin waited for the final analysis that would reflect on her feelings for Nicholas, but none came.

'Caitlin, you keep your feelings so close to your heart, so I don't know how you feel, but why don't you give Nicholas a chance. He really cares about you.'

Caitlin pretended to give all her attention to the report.

'So how did the two of you initially meet?' She enquired, relentless with her questions.

God, there was going to be no way of getting rid of her!

Caitlin drummed her fingers on the table then responded, 'I literally bumped into him at my parents' home.'

'And it was love at first sight!' Katie prophesied.

'I thought you don't know how feel,' Caitlin threw at her.

'I couldn't believe how bold Nicholas was hugging and kissing you right here in the middle of the office.'

'Are you going to allow me to finish what I need to, or do you plan on keeping me here the entire weekend?' Caitlin tried to get rid of her.

'I'm happy for you Caitlin,' she grinned.

'I fail to see why!' Caitlin threw at her, pretending ignorance.

'Deny it all you want, Miss Sinclair, but very soon, you're going to submit to the irresistible charm of the gorgeous Nicholas Brenthurst.'

I think your prognosis is a little too late.

Just then Giles Preston called.

Saved by the bell.

'Caitlin, how's that report coming along, do you think we can see it this afternoon.'

'Yes sir, I should be done in about ten minutes.

'Out of here,' Caitlin demanded, 'I've got to finish this report.

'Okay, enjoy the wedding, I shall see you on Monday.'

She was issued an aisle seat in Business Class. She did not mind much, that she did not have a window seat, there was not much one could see in the dark in any event.

'One minute to take off.' The pilot announced.

She was making good time, she'd be home, just about seven thirty. Caitlin thought she'd be seated alone, but somebody chatting to the flight attendant, requested the seat next to her.

'Miss Caitlin Sinclair?'

Caitlin looked at her new neighbour.

'Hi, Peter Simms, Cape Business Times.' He handed her a business card.

Sister edition to the Johannesburg Business Times.

'How do you do?' Caitlin extended her hand in greeting.

'Would you like something to drink Ma'am?' the steward offered Caitlin.

'A glass of white wine, thank you.' Caitlin accepted.

'Mr. Simms?' The steward enquired of her neighbour.

'Scotch for me thanks.' 'I'd say that was a decent recovery Telstar managed this afternoon!' he commented.

'Rather pleasing yes.' Caitlin murmured.

'How is the market going to treat Telstar in the next forty eight hours?' he enquired.

Caitlin would have loved some peace and quiet. Instead, typical journalist that he was he had hijacked the seat next to her, and now she may have to be subjected to a barrage of questions. And as Acting CEO, she supposed she was on call, twenty four seven to the media.

'Is this conversation on or off the record?' Caitlin smiled an enquiry.

'Can't promise I won't quote you, ma'am,' he warned.

"Be accessible to the media" Giles had instructed.

'Well then, I suppose, I'd best put on my official hat then, hadn't I?' Caitlin responded.

He nodded acceptance.

She responded with caution. 'We gained two more percentage points this afternoon. That's huge considering we dropped six points when we made the announcement of the CEO's suspension. There was respectable trade for Telstar, before the Stock Exchange closed for business today. So I think we're holding our own, for now.'

'You're still on official duty?' he followed up.

'Do journalists ever sleep?' she quipped, avoiding his question.

Caitlin wondered if Nicholas was there already. If he did leave at five, he should have been at Kenton already. He'd have none of the added delays of commercial airlines. Secretly, she was thrilled that she was going to see him soon. But she will just have to play it by ear, because he was as temperamental as a wave that tosses a boat to and fro. Caitlin smiled, that aptly describe Nicholas, definitely like the ferocious half in her Tempest portrait.

The Kenton was alive and buzzing when she got there. She could not even find a square inch of parking. Caitlin was glad that parking attendants were on duty. She handed her keys to one of the attendants.

Hi I'm Caitlin Sinclair. If you find a spot close by please slot me in. 'I'm going to ask the house manager to collect my luggage so don't park too far away okay?'

'Sure thing ma'am, I think there's a parking close to the entrance there that's vacant.'

'Thank you' Caitlin smiled, making her way to the garden, where a huge white marquee was pitched to accommodate the large guest list. Caitlin tried to find her mom or Rebecca, but actually her heart was searching for Nicholas. There were rows and rows of tables with people seated. There were many more groups standing all over the shore. At last Caitlin spotted her mom.

'Mom,' Caitlin yelled to her mother's surprise.

'Caitlin you're here!

She hugged her mom. We got messages that you will be rather late.'

Her mother faltered on the 'messages.' She knew Katie had called with one message. Perhaps Nicholas had also filled them in. Her dad spotted her, and came to greet her.

'Hey dad,' Caitlin kissed his cheek while her dad held her in a bear hug.

'How are you Caitlin?' Her dad asked cautiously, mindful of Nicholas' proposal and Caitlin's outburst of the previous week.

'I'm good dad,' she smiled reassuringly.

'We're glad you could get here at a respectable hour,' her father smiled, the nervous tension between them dissolving.

'So am I, I did not want to be stuck at the airport on a Friday evening. That can be torture,' Caitlin wrinkled her nose.

'Well honey if you were working for the firm, you could have had the day off today,' her father needled.

'I'm not complaining about my job dad___.'

'Caitlin!'  A pair of arms flung themselves tightly around her legs.

            -End Chapter Nine-