She stopped in mid sentence, astounded and speechless. She should attempt a response, any response.

'Justin!' Caitlin swallowed, dropping down to her knees to hug him.

'Hey honey, how are you?  It's wonderful to see you here?' Caitlin hugged him again.

If Justin was here, Nicholas could not be far away.

Her anxiously beating heart was performing some kind of acrobatic maneuvers.

'I'm here to attend uncle Stuart's wedding?' Justin informed her.

"Uncle Stuart?" Caitlin repeated, bravely risking a glance in her parents' direction.  They seemed to be bemused.  Caitlin wondered if they'd been introduced to Justin already.

 'Do you know Uncle Stuart?' Justin continued.

'Yes, Stuart's my brother.' Caitlin smiled.

She wondered what was with the "Uncle" bit.

'Really?' Justin exclaimed. 'He came to Knightsbridge last week and asked me if I would like to carry the rings at his wedding.  And I said "yes."'

'Interesting!' Caitlin smiled.

She did not need to look, but every fibre in her body acknowledged Nicholas' presence behind her. From the corner of her eye, she caught her parents studying her reaction to Nicholas' presence. Until now, she gave no indication that she knew Nicholas was nearby.

 'Look Caitlin, Nick's here.  Aren't you going to hug him?'

Caitlin silently cringed, she could feel her cheeks flaming up like a ripe tomato

Her mom and dad tried hard to hide the smirk from their faces. Even though it was night, she was sure the rosy tinge of delight on her face was visible to all and sundry. Caitlin turned around then, to establish where he was standing. She stood up her eyes drawn to the admiring look on his face. He was gorgeously dressed in his tux.  His face smoothly shaved, he looked relaxed, confident and at ease.

'Hi,' she gave him a big warm smile for Justin's benefit then reached out to courteously offer him a hug.

 'Hi.' he responded, accepting the hug she offered. 

Caitlin felt electrical waves rip through her as she went into his arms. It was like being in heaven, feeling the strength of those arms circle around her body, drawing her against his wall of sheer masculine strength. He must have felt something too, for she heard a quick intake of his breadth, but as soon as they quickly disentangled, he was composed again.

 'You okay?' Nicholas asked, cryptically. His palms still casually on her shoulder blades.

Caitlin nodded, her eyes glued to his, unable to extricate, as much as she knew they had an audience.

'And Telstar?' he prompted.

Tongue tied, she wanted to nod again, then commanded her brain to offer an audible response.

'Much calmer now,' she offered.

Nicholas took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and offered it to Caitlin.

'Thank you,' she murmured, appreciating the refreshing, chilled drink. Caitlin was unaware exactly when her parents had slipped away. She was alone now with Nicholas and Justin. She reached out and clasped Justin's hand to hers. He offered her an adoring grin.

'How are you really holding out Caitlin?'

Professionally or personally?

 'Fine thank you and yourself?'

'Just as fine as you are,' he quipped.

'Very funny,' she smiled.

She needed some space between her and Nicholas, she had an uncontrollable urge to go back into his arms and feel his warm inviting lips __ .

'Do you mind, if I go say 'Hi' to Rebecca?' she asked.

'Will you come back to me?' he gave a dazzling smile.

Is he talking about right now, or their volatile love affair? Caitlin chose to direct her response to Justin,

 'I'm just going to say 'Hi' to some people, then I will take you for a walk. Would you like that?'

'I like,' he smiled.

She looked into Nicholas' eyes. They seemed to be transmitting a message to her. She found it so difficult to walk away. In a moment of weakness giving into temptation, she leaned over, her lips reached up and gently brushed against his. She heard him groan softly.

'Excuse me,' she whispered, escaping his mesmerizing eyes.

'By the way, what time are you supposed to be in bed tonight?' she turned her head back, asking Justin, who looked at Nicholas.

'I suppose you can be up till nine.' Nicholas allowed.

'Okay,' Justin smiled, smacking a high five with Nicholas.

 'See you just now,' she smiled at the both of them.

'I'm glad you made it before I left for the honeymoon,'  Rebecca greeted Caitlin.

'I love you too,' Caitlin hugged her friend.

 'I am a bundle of nerves.'

 'Why, all you have to do is walk down the aisle, say "yes I do."  What's so difficult about that?' Caitlin irritated her friend.

'I will return the compliment, when it's your turn,' Rebecca warned.

 'Know something I don't?' Caitlin ventured with a raised eyebrow.

'Wouldn't it have been wonderful, if we had a double ceremony?'

 'No way, you would steal all the limelight, and it would not be such a "big day" after all,' Caitlin rejected her idea. 'Besides, I'd need a groom.' Caitlin reminded her.

'Oh, take your pick, Bradford, Brenthurst, McKay. You're definitely not short of partners.  I'm sure they've all popped the question,' Rebecca taunted her.

Caitlin blushed, looking away.

'I'm going to miss you Caitlin.' Rebecca offered in reconciliation.

'Hey you're getting married, not emigrating, we will still see each other.  Where is that brother of mine, by the way?' Caitlin tried to search for Stuart.

'Oh, somewhere.'

'Have you had something to eat?' Caitlin asked.

 'Yes, I've been nibbling away all evening,' she grinned guiltily.

'Come walk with me while I check out the buffet,' Caitlin pleaded. 

She sampled a piece of barbecued chicken.

'Caitlin, I'm so nervous, I don't know if I'm going to sleep tonight.'

'Well seeing you're going to be sleeping in my bedroom, I think I'm going to medicate you, so that I bloody get some sleep.'

Rebecca stopped dead in her tracks as if Caitlin would really dose her to bed. 'I'm kidding, relax!' Caitlin threw her hands up defensively.

'Look there's Stuart,' Rebecca pointed. Caitlin followed her finger and saw Stuart together with Nicholas and Justin.

'That little boy is so gorgeous,' Rebecca purred, her hand going to her own stomach.

'Stuart met him somehow through Nicholas, and asked him to be our ring bearer. Don't you think he is the most gorgeous thing Caitlin?' Rebecca caught Stuart's attention and waved.

'Yes he is rather precious,' Caitlin murmured, nibbling from her plate.

Rebecca looked at Caitlin studiously trying to analyze her response on Justin.

'Cait, how are you sis?'  Stuart kissed her on the cheek. Nicholas said you were held up.

'Hey,' Caitlin responded hugging her brother, one hand attempting to steady the contents of her plate. 'I was for a while though thankfully, I was able to get away.' 

'Have you met our Ring Bearer, His Highness Justin Taylor?'  Stuart enquired.  Amazingly that was Caitlin's first impression of Justin.

'He does look like royalty doesn't he?' she smiled, responding without really admitting just how well she knew Justin. 

Rebecca ruffled his hair, 'You are one handsome young man.' she complimented him.

 'Thank you Aunt Rebecca,' Justin accepted the compliment. 

Caitlin raised her eyebrows in Nicholas' direction.  His face was a cool mask. 

'So how about we take a walk Justin?' Caitlin invited.

'Can Nick come with?' Justin pleaded.

Caitlin looked in his direction secretly thrilled for the opportunity for them to be alone.

'If he would like to.'

'He likes,' Justin made the decision for Nicholas.

Rebecca stared as Justin clasped his hand into Caitlin's as they walked away. Nicholas tagged along, his hands in his pockets.

'So what's with the "Aunt Rebecca and Uncle Stuart?"' Caitlin asked curiously.

'Nick said he does not have a brother, but that Stuart is as close to a brother as he could have. So I figured he could be my Uncle Stuart.' Justin explained.

Caitlin cast her eyes to Nicholas' face. He was studying the ground as they walked and did not reciprocate her glance.  She was oblivious to all the invited guests around them chatting and smiling and trying to get her attention, neither did the fragrant aroma of the numerous bouquets of flowers  reach her nostrils,  all she could smell and feel and see and taste was magnetic presence of the man who engulfed every sense of hers that all she wanted was for him to quench the overwhelming flame of desire that threatened like an erupting volcano.

 'Where are we going?' Justin asked, hearing the waterfall.

 Caitlin had not realized that as she led them on their walk, she was nearing the lake. She wondered why Nicholas was so quiet.

 'There's a waterfall and a beautiful lake just a few feet up ahead. Would you like to see it?'

 'Yes please,' he was ecstatic.

 'Okay mind your footing though, it's slippery,' Caitlin warned.

Caitlin thoughts went back to Nicholas.   He did not seem bored, or as if he did not want to be with her.  He seemed to her relaxed, reflective, and content.  There was a full moon, sufficient lighting around that made the place look romantic and even at night it was breathtakingly alluring.  Nicholas moved closer to Caitlin, his shoulders brushed hers as he offered Caitlin his hand.

'Thank you,' she murmured, looking into his eyes.

She felt a tremor, and her nerve ends ignite as their hands touched. Caitlin wanted to let go, but he did not release her fingers. She was not displeased, for her body was painfully aching to be in contact with his.

'This is amazing, so picturesque.' Nicholas smiled looking around, taking in the beauty of the place.  I've not seen this part of the estate before.'

She was glad he liked it. 'My own secret little rain forest,' Caitlin smiled.

Nicholas placed his handkerchief on Caitlin's favourite rock for her to sit on, then lowered himself next to her placing Justin on his lap. Justin raised his arms upwards and wrapped them around Nicholas' neck.  Caitlin choked.

What a picture the three of them made, if only it was real. 

Caitlin looked away attempting to mask her feelings.

 'You okay?' Nicholas asked, perceptively sensing that she was not.

She just nodded, not trusting her voice.

 'Now why didn't we bring a bottle of wine and some refreshments for our tiger here?' Nicholas reflected, ruffling Justin's hair.. 

Caitlin noted his royal use of the word 'our' in reference to Justin.

'I didn't think we'd end up here,' Caitlin murmured breathlessly.

Nicholas' eyes locked with Caitlin's, he smiled adoringly. Her heart did a quick somersault. Her eyes widened, her irises became a big pool of blue saucers.

'How's Simon holding on?' Nicholas asked gruffly.

Caitlin blinked, she knew he asked a question, she also knew her brain was processing a response, she just had to figure out how to make her voice work.

'Things are looking much better now,' her voice sounded strained to her own ears.  'When I left his office, there was celebration and champagne doing the rounds,' she smiled. 'I think, this incident is going to die a very quick death.'

'My compliments on the press conference by the way.  You did good. Walking encyclopedia of note!' He praised her.

'Thank you,' she gushed, secretly pleased that he took an interest in the goings on at Telstar. 

Justin slid off Nicholas and climbed on to Caitlin's lap.  He crooked his now sleepy head on her shoulders, with his one arm around her neck. Caitlin did not want to, but her eyes raised themselves to Nicholas. The exact emotions that stirred in her heart were reflected in his eyes. They gazed into each others' eyes for eternity until Nicholas bent his head placing his lips on hers, planting a gentle kiss on her inviting lips.
She closed her eyes. She could feel the glow of the moon on her face even with her eyes closed, she could hear the cascading waterfall, but it was not as loud as the thudding drum beat of her racing heart. 
His lips came back caressing hers, for a second time. Caitlin moaned softly, pressing her lips closer against his, there was not much they could do with Justin still in her arms. Nicholas reluctantly drew his lips away, but draped his arm around her neck drawing her closer as if she was a flyweight.
They basked in the companionable silence, no desire for conversation. She felt the strength of his muscular thigh rest against her leg. She cradled Justin in her arms, as his eyes became droopy.

'I think it's somebody's bedtime,' Nicholas spoke softly, noting Justin's sleepy eyes. 
He stood up.  Carefully lifted Justin out of Caitlin's lap, and helped her to her feet, then led them away from the lake. Nicholas hoisted Justin up onto his shoulder, to a sudden awaking chuckle from Justin. He made light work of doing a balancing act, supporting Justin with one hand on Justin's leg and the other firmly clasping Caitlin's fingers. Caitlin walked with Nicholas to their rooms. Justin was in the little room adjoining Nicholas' room.

 'Call me if you need help in the morning,' Caitlin offered to Justin. 

'Okay,'  he mumbled sleepily.

 'So how did Jessie allow you to come here?' she whispered in his ear.

Justin blushed, 'I'll tell you tomorrow,' he mumbled, avoiding Nicholas' eyes.

 'If your private conversation is over, say goodnight, young man.' Nicholas mocked.

"Good night young man."' Justin repeated innocently.
Not finding humor on Nicholas' face, Justin succumbed.

Caitlin looked away, trying to keep a straight face.

'Good night Caitlin. I love you.'

Caitlin caught the raised eyebrows of Nicholas, before they disappeared. 

'Good night Justin. I love you too,' she kissed his cheek.

Perhaps Nicholas needed some time alone.

'I'm just going to dad's study for a few minutes,' Caitlin informed Nicholas.

'Aren't you going to kiss Nick goodnight?' Justin yawned sleepily.

Caitlin suppressed a second grin. 'Nicholas is not going to bed and neither am I. I'm going to make some phone calls. I'm will see Nicholas again outside.  Goodnight to you, young man!'

She put in a call to Simon.  Claudia answered the phone. 

'Caitlin how are you?' she emphasized.

'I'm doing great, the question is, how is Simon holding up?' 

'He's doing much better, and you're doing a great job Caitlin.'

 'Thank you, give my love to Simon. Till later then.'
She ended the call. Caitlin called her junior executive, Tanner next. She clicked onto Telstar's website while she waited for him to pick up. She scanned the indices reflecting their performance against their competitors.

'Hey Tanner,' she greeted a response to him. 'How're we doing?' she enquired.
He reeled off some trading figures. Giving her an indication of where they were before close of business, and where they were now, all international factors considered.
A quick knock and the door opened, as Caitlin was writing as fast as Tanner was reeling off his numbers. She did not bother to respond to the knock. Nicholas walked in casually, poured himself a drink as he waited for Caitlin to finish her call.  He came and sat on the desk in front of her, sipping his scotch.  Her eyes trailed up to him. There much not much room between her chair and his huge frame.  Caitlin rolled her chair back a bit. It only gave Nicholas more room to get comfortable.

'Have you forwarded those figures to Mr. Preston?'

'Yes, he was rather pleased,' Tanner smirked.

 'I'm pleasantly surprised myself.  Can you send that to me electronically?  I'll forward the report through to him tomorrow morning. Oh, one more thing Tanner before you close shop tonight, can you look at the figures on our website, it's still reflecting this morning's performance. Let's make sure the weekend media report accurate statistics.'

'Will do,' he replied.

 The call ended, Caitlin still held the receiver in her hand, not looking at Nicholas. He slowly took the receiver replacing it and lifted her so she was standing in front of him. The back of his fingers reached out, caressing her cheek.

'I need a minute,' she swallowed nervously.  'I must send an email to Giles Preston.' She turned back to the keyboard. He leaned down, pressing his lips against her earlobe.

How am I supposed to concentrate?

 'Will you stop,' she pleaded.

'Your one minute is over,' he reminded her, his lips trailing down her throat.

'If you stop being distracting. I'll be able to finish.'

With great difficulty, she managed to send the email, hoping her email was more coherent than her thoughts, for her brain felt like one fuzzy maze of blurs.
She shut off the computer and stalled.  Her senses finely in tune with every action of Nicholas'. He lifted her to her feet again, holding her in his arms, slipping his hands into her hair, patiently watching her face as he caressed her.

'Justin asleep?' she mumbled, trying to make conversation.

'Showered and asleep,' he confirmed.

She ventured a look to his eyes, 'you'd make a good father.' she whispered, honestly.

'You would make a good mother,' he responded, 'think we should do it together?' he proposed with a teasing grin.

Caitlin made to escape the dangerous territory they were wading in, but Nicholas pinned her in his arms. He was seemingly enjoying this while she was a bundle of nerves under his scrutiny.
How was it that she was able to deal with a boardroom full of men with nerves of steel, yet this one male was able to ride roughshod over her emotions?
Her throat felt dry, nervously she reached for his glass and sipped his scotch, wrinkling her face in slow motion at its unpalatable taste.

He grinned, 'should I pour you some wine?'

'I'd like to go outside,' she pleaded softly.

Seductively, Nicholas traced his thumb over her lip, causing her to lose the last shreds of control she was holding onto. Caitlin closed her eyes unable to endure his erotic teasing.  He was not even kissing her, yet he excited and stimulated desire in her most innermost parts. He pulled her closer so that their bodies were touching. Caitlin sighed audibly, she could feel his heart pounding against hers. So close was he, his warm breath fanned her face. He placed his finger under her chin, forcing her to open her eyes. His eyes were filled with the same desire raging forcefully inside her. He lowered his head, his lips close to hers, yet not touching.

Oh God! How much of this must I endure?

Was he teasing her?  Did he want her to admit that she wanted to be kissed? Caitlin boldly reached for his lips, but he would not budge. Her eyes pleaded, but got no purchase. His eyes were mocking, challenging her to admit, what she wanted.  She would have to grovel if she wanted to be kissed. Caitlin moaned her displeasure.

'Nicholas!' she urged softly.

'Yes Caitlin.' His eyes mocked mercilessly.

 She inhaled deeply, biting on her lower lip. 'Please kiss me,' her voice was a husky plea.

He responded immediately, his mouth claiming hers, his tongue not needing an invitation.

 'Mmm, kissing you and tasting my scotch, is pure heaven,' he groaned his pleasure.

Caitlin closed her arms around his neck.  His erotic kiss firing her blood with flames of wanton desire. He wrapped his tongue around hers, plundering, arousing, demanding, as he heard her groan her pleasure.

All her nerve ends were singing harmoniously in concerto, as he brought her body alight with his possessive kiss. His erotic caresses sent her into a frenzy. She slipped her hands inside his jacket, her palms, tracing up his back, caressing over his shoulder blades. Nicholas cupped his palms to her cheeks, his mouth ardent as he deepened his kiss, their lips delighting in an unchoreographed tango. He pressed his body to hers. Her lips circled around his tongue, driving him wild with desire. Sliding his lips down her cheek, he nibbled on her throat, setting a pulse there throbbing as he continued to arouse her.

'Nicholas,' she groaned his name pleasurably, leaning her body tightly into his. He opened the button of her silk blouse, his lips caressing on her supple breast, his tongue finding her erect nipple and sending flames of fire throughout her body.

'Oh Nicholas,' she pulled his head closer, her fingers caressing wildly through his hair.

'Caitlin!' he cautioned, bringing her sharply back to reality.

She held onto him. With difficulty restoring her breathing to normality. She leaned her forehead to his, urging her unbridled emotions to subside. She hugged him tightly to her body. She could see him trying to make the same effort to still his body.  She lifted her head, looked into his eyes. Her fingers reached up, tracing over his face. She kissed his lips softly and inhaling deeply she whispered, 'Let's go outside.'

Hugging her to his body one last time, before releasing her, he clasped her fingers into his, as he led her outside. Caitlin tried to remove her hand from his when they were outside, but he refused.

'Nicholas please__' she pleaded.

'I want to hold your hand,' he stubbornly refused to release hers.

'Nicholas not tonight, be reasonable please,' she begged.

'I am not your closet lover. Deal with it,' he instructed her.

'Can you choose another day to make your statement,' she pleaded.

 'I think it's time they all know,' he said stubbornly.

'Know what, for crying out aloud!' She gave him a scathing look.

Caitlin had no choice, but to walk with her hand clasped in his. Caitlin's mom first noticed them walking hand in hand. She wished her mom would take that smug look of her face.

'Well, what do we have here?' Stuart was delighted, reading into the handholding.

'I don't believe this!' Rebecca exclaimed. 'And where have the two of you been, you've been missing for hours?'

'Planning our honeymoon,' Caitlin tossed without smiling.

Nicholas leaned over, placing a kiss on her cheek. 'We're going to Florence,' he winked at Stuart.

Caitlin wanted to kill him.

 'Nick tell us about this instant family of yours. Caitlin and Justin seem to have a rather strong bond. And so do you and Justin,' Rebecca demanded.

'We were going to tell you all after the wedding,' Nicholas said with a straight face.

Caitlin punched Nicholas in the stomach and stormed away.

'Wait for me!' Rebecca demanded, running after Caitlin.

This is all she needed now. She will never hear the end of it from Rebecca, and Stuart will not stop needling her either. 

'Oh heck!' 
Why could she not rein in her emotions, then she would not be in this predicament. She recalled rather all too vividly how she begged him to kiss her. 

'What's going on?' Rebecca demanded, catching up with Caitlin.

 'Shouldn't you be in bed, you need to be up early?' Caitlin tossed at Rebecca.

'I'm not Justin, don't try to talk me down,' Rebecca scowled. 

'Is Justin really yours and Nicholas' kid?' 

'Rebecca!'

'What!' Nicholas said as much.'

'How the hell could I have been pregnant for a whole nine months without you knowing it?' Caitlin yelled storming into the house, with Rebecca in toe.

 'I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions.'

She ignored Rebecca's apology, pouring herself a generous amount of brandy and climbed onto her bed.

'Caitlin, and that amount of alcohol, I'm getting worried,' Rebecca cautioned.

'You're worried about one glass?' Caitlin laughed. 'You and I have finished more bottles in a single sitting. I'm celebrating your wedding.' Caitlin added swallowing on the potent stuff and wrinkling her face, as it burned its way down her throat.  This was sweet nectar, compared to his scotch.

'Tell me, what's going on between Nick and you?' Rebecca pleaded.

'Nothing, he just infuriates me.'

And when I'm in his arms, I'm reduced to nothing as well.

'Nothing? Rebecca exclaimed, Justin reaches out to you, like you're his mother.  Nick is giving you the look, like you're his wife! I'm your best friend why can't you tell me what's going on?'

'Rebecca, I love you, but please I can't talk about him right now,' Caitlin begged.

Rebecca studied her friend, feeling more confused by the minute. 'Tell me about Justin then,' she persisted.

'What about him?' Caitlin stalled.

'Who is he?  What is this bond between the three of you?  Where does he come from? Who are his parents dare I ask?'

Caitlin gulped from her glass, going through the motions again. She could see Rebecca was waiting patiently. And patience was not a virtue of Rebecca's.

'Caitlin?'

'Okay, stop nagging woman, you're giving me a headache, my poor brother!' 

"Who is he?" Caitlin repeated, playing for time before she could respond.
'His name is Justin Taylor,' Caitlin started. 'I'm not his biological mother, and Nicholas is not his biological father. I am sure you know about the orphanage that Nicholas is involved with?'

Rebecca nodded.

'Justin's mother died giving birth to him.  It seems for many months attorneys did try to trace family that could claim Justin, but nobody did.  Eventually he was entrusted as a ward to the orphanage.  Some months back, Nicholas invited me to visit the orphanage.' Caitlin had that faraway look.

'When I laid eyes on Justin, he had that angelic face,' she smiled in remembrance. 'Such beautiful manners for one so young, I just took to him.' She looked into Rebecca's eyes.  'And he took to me. We met again and became friends, end of story. Now the interrogation is over,' Caitlin finished.
'You should get an early night's sleep,' she reminded her friend.

Caitlin could see, Rebecca had a million more questions, her lips almost pursued another question, but wisely she did not. There seemed to be an unspoken truce to keep the conversation on safe territory. Caitlin was not in the mood for conversation, she hoped Rebecca would drift off to sleep very soon. And she was in luck, just after midnight Rebecca drifted off to slumber land.

Caitlin paced around the room, her mind consumed by thoughts of Nicholas as she switched on the percolator. She had wanted the ground to open up and swallow her when he insisted on holding on to her hand, and that possessive kiss for all to see.  He was so adamant and did not bat an eyelid, when her family all ganged up on them. How was she ever going to face them again?

Caitlin did not know how she was going to deal with Nicholas in the future. When they were in the same room together the chemistry between them was off the Richter Scale.
How could a man get her so sexually aroused, without even touching her?  In her dad's study, he'd awakened her desire for him so much that every nerve and fiber in her ached for him to kiss her. What ever happen to the poised, sophisticated Caitlin Sinclair? She was basically reduced to putty in his hands. Correction, she did not even need to be in his arms! No other man had ever wielded such power over her. Caitlin covered her face with her hands.

'I just do not have the ability to resist him. How am I going to save myself from being embarrassed in the future?'

Where could she escape to? He invaded her professional life. He invaded her private life.  There was just no place to hide.  Under his spell, she did not know how to say 'no' to him. Feeling claustrophobic in her room, she opted for some fresh air.

It was quiet around the house. Everybody seemed to have turned in for the night. Caitlin was drawn to the pool. It was peaceful.  She could just faintly hear the distant waves hit against the rocks. She raised her head, deeply inhaling the night air. A chill seemed to sweep in from the ocean.  Caitlin rubbed her fingers over her arms, wishing she'd slipped on a sweater.

'If you come and sit next to me, I can warm you up.'

She swung around.  'Nicholas! I thought everybody had retired for the night.'

She saw him lazily spread out on one of the loungers still fully dressed in his evening suit. Even the tie was still fully knotted.

'Can't sleep Caitlin?'

I'm sure you know who's  keeping me awake you devil!

 'Come and sit next to me,' he pleaded softly.

Lying there, he looked so gorgeously inviting, all of him spread out there on the lounger. Without even touching him, her fingers sensed the heat of his body, the comforting strength of his muscles. Nicholas removed his jacket, holding it out for her invitingly.
She held her breath, slowly walking to him, every fiber within her wanting to be with him. She stood in front of him staring down at him, the moon glowing over his strikingly handsome face.

He stood up, guided her arms into his jacket. She felt the warmth of his body, her nostrils teased by the scent of his musky cologne from his jacket. He lowered his frame onto the lounger again, extending his hand out to her. She exhaled slowly, placing her hand in his sliding next to him, as he shifted his frame to accommodate her, drawing her against his body, her head resting comfortably on his arm.
She gazed into a pair of eyes that looked like soft velvet, the full moon fell over his handsome features. Caitlin's one hand lay between them, whilst the palm of her other arm lay casually on his chest. His lips softly touched hers.

 'My beautiful Caitlin,' he murmured.

Her hand reached up to his face, her fingers soft and gentle, caressing him. They gazed adoringly into each others' eyes. A quickening energy urged her on, and she lifted her head, her mouth covered his. A cry left his throat as he responded to her kiss.  Her hand slipped under his neck, drawing closer to him.  His lips were soft, burning desire on hers. She parted her lips, her tongue slowly finding its way into his mouth. Unhurriedly, her tongue wrapped around his. She breathed deeply, her tongue on a voyage of discovery, sending erotic pleasure all over his body. Nicholas hoisted Caitlin onto his chest. His fingers slid into her hair caressing her mane of locks. His eyes gazed adoringly into hers. She trailed her lips down his neck, her teeth nibbling gently on a pulse that throbbed at her touch.

'Caitlin darling,' he groaned.

She lifted her head, smiling her delight at the endearment, wanting to look into his eyes. They were dark like chocolate, filled with naked desire. Nicholas shifted his frame, laying her on her back. He opened the buttons of her blouse, his lips finding and expertly unhooking her bra, his lips suckled her nipple, his moist tongue sending a tremor through her body.

'Nicholas!' she whispered out her pleasure, her fingers pressing against the nape of his neck. He looked into her eyes, smiled adoringly. She reached for him wanting his mouth on hers again. His lips were ardent, as he kissed her hurriedly, wanting more of her, all of her. His fingers slipped under her blouse, she felt a fire race all over her body, his urgent desire for her becoming evident. Caitlin pulled away, looking into his eyes, trying to still his desire. His heart was beating wildly against her chest, his ragged breathing fanning her face.

'Nicholas.' she whispered contentedly, running her fingers through his hair, smiling into his eyes.

'When you call my name that way Caitlin__' he groaned, not finishing his sentence. He laid his elbows on either side of her shoulders, returning her erotic smile. They seemed to be content not to talk, talking always led to arguments.
'We should get some sleep,' she suggested.

'We should,' he agreed unconvincingly, placing his lips softly on hers.

She grinned shyly.

 'You look so gorgeous right now,' he murmured, the moon glowing over you. Your eyes are so, so beautiful, so full of passion. I wish I could take a picture of you right now,' he spoke softly.

 I'm seeing exactly the same thing, my darling!

She did not want to say anything to change the atmosphere instead she pulled him to her, hugging him. She looked past Nicholas' shoulder inhaling deeply, her eyes drawn to the picturesque moon.

 'I don't want to let you go,' he groaned, 'but you need some rest,' he slid off effortlessly, helping Caitlin up. 

He slid his arm around her waist, as he walked her to her room.

 'Hold me,' he demanded. She smiled holding him around his waist, as they walked silently, each with their own thoughts.

'Good night,' she whispered, outside her door.

'You mean good morning,' he pulled her into his arms kissing her again. She snuggled into his arms, kissing him back, their desire being aroused all over again.

'We shouldn't go there,' he warned against her ear.

'Good night,' she whispered again, opening her door.

'Sweet dreams,' he murmured, kissing her lips one last time and pushing her in, as he shut the door.

 Caitlin leaned against the door. A smile pasted on her face.

Oh Nicholas, my darling if only everyday could be as beautiful as the last hour.

She was in seventh heaven, she did not think she could fall asleep. She still had Nicholas' jacket on. He's going to have to splash out on a new wardrobe, at this rate.  A collection here, as well as at the penthouse. She placed his jacket into her closet, before climbing into the shower.

Rebecca was in deepest dreamland, and in a few hours she will become Mrs. Stuart Sinclair.
Would she be able to sleep now?  Her heart was singing with joy, a smile permanently plastered on her lips. Surprisingly, she did manage to fall asleep, perhaps her contented heart and rested brain embraced sleep. 

 It was early hours, the sun was just beginning to welcome the day.  Caitlin heard the melody of the humming birds. She did manage to get about four hours of sleep.

The smile back on her face again this morning, she sprung out of bed, showered, switched on her laptop. She'd let Rebecca sleep for at least another two hours.  Coffee in hand, she went through her emails.  There was a message from Giles Preston. He read her report, noted her recommendations, however he proposed an alternate course of action and asked Caitlin her thoughts on it. Caitlin pondered on it. Giles Preston was not one to make rash, ill conceived decisions. She could live with his alternative, at least he was consultative. She reworked her proposal, consulted some international sites to inform her stance.

'Hey, good morning,' a sleepy voice called from the bed.

'Good morning, Caitlin got up from her computer, and poured Rebecca some coffee.

'Thanks Hon don't you ever sleep?'

'It's such a beautiful day and the serenading birds dragged me out of bed,' Caitlin smiled, happily.

Rebecca was amazed at her friend's bubbly mood this morning. The shrill of the telephone distracted Caitlin for a second.  She should not have bothered, Rebecca dived for it. 'I see not much has changed since our university days,' Caitlin grinned. 

'"Asleep?"  you got to be kidding, she's pounding away at the keyboard.'
Caitlin heard Rebecca speak into the mouth piece.

'For you,' Rebecca called. 

Caitlin looked at her wrist watch, she could not believe it was almost eight o' clock.

'Hello?' Caitlin greeted into the mouth piece.

'Good morning Caitlin,' Justin's voice greeted her.

'Good morning honey, you're up already?' Caitlin smiled into the handset.

'Are you coming down just now?' Justin asked hopefully.

'I suppose, I could be down in five minutes,' Caitlin's heart was doing the acrobatic thing again.

'Okay see you now,' Justin hung up.

 'What time do you plan on getting up Your Highness?' Caitlin raised her eyebrows at Rebecca.

'I'm tired', she groaned. 

'You can sleep tomorrow. Today you have to get married.'

Rebecca covered her head with her pillow. 

Caitlin sighed, 'Okay, I suppose I could let you sleep for an hour more.' Caitlin relented.

'I love you Sinclair,' Rebecca murmured.

 'Aren't we Sinclairs lucky?' Caitlin remarked. 'I'm going down for a while, I will see you in an hour.'

Rebecca groaned in acknowledgement. Caitlin knocked on Justin's door. It flung open before she could finish knocking.

'Good morning,' Caitlin lifted Justin up into her arms, 'Don't you look handsome this morning,' she tickled his ribs.

'Thank you,' he giggled.

 'Are you hungry?' Caitlin asked.

'I'm starving, what's for breakfast?'

'We'll have to see what Maria's whipped up for us, although I'm leaning towards an omlettee, this morning,' Caitlin suggested.

 'Can I have two?' Justin asked.

Caitlin laughed. 'I think we better get you to the breakfast table as quickly as possible.'

 'Huh huh,' he agreed.

'Do you know where Nicholas is honey?' She gently lowered him back to the floor.

'Behind you,' his voice responded.

Caitlin swung around to see Nicholas leaning against the wall. His wandering eyes went over her, admiring the skimpy top, traveling down to her long slender legs on display under her very sexy shorts.  His eyes came back to her top, it rested on her cleavage.  Caitlin could feel the soft tips burning under her top, from the onslaught of his gaze. She wished she was still holding Justin.

'Good morning,' she smiled, hoping to deflect his scrutiny,  'you sleep well?'

 'Yes thank you,' he smiled back, coming to give her a hug, and taking his time seductively kissing her lips.

Justin interrupted them, tugging her hand, pulling her to the door.

'I need to be fed.'

'He's becoming bossy,' Caitlin laughed.

'Amazing the type of males you take a shine to,' Nicholas quipped.

 'I'll reserve comment on that,' she threw back.

Take a shine", just how much does he know?

'Can I have some waffles and cream, while we're waiting?' Justin pleaded to Caitlin, interrupting her thoughts. 

'All right, but can you save some place for your omlettee, it's going to be delicious.' Caitlin promised.

Nicholas leaned back in his chair, his face a polite mask as he studied Justin and Caitlin.  She could feel Nicholas' eyes blazing on her. She wondered where her parents were. They seemed to be keeping a low profile, very uncommon of them to deviate from their traditional practice of breakfast.  Caitlin served Justin a portion of waffles with the delicious chocolate and cream topping. Standing behind Justin her arms around him, she cut up his waffle.

'Mmm, this looks so delicious,' Caitlin groaned, unable to resist a piece.  She kissed Justin on the side of his temple, 'Enjoy,' she invited him.

She raised her head to find Nicholas' raised eyebrows staring at her.

'And that look?' she questioned him.

'I'm just fantasizing,' he gave her a devastating smile, 'what it would feel like for you to stand behind me that way and kiss me just like that,' he challenged.

'Let's not destroy your fantasy,' she disappointed him, going scarlet.

'Please humor me,' he teased.

Secretly, Caitlin thought the idea held appeal as well, 'do you think he deserves a kiss, Justin?'

'Yes,' Justin grinned at her, responding hurriedly before feeding his mouth a forkful of his waffle.

'Don't know why I bothered to ask you,' she laughed.  'Okay, hands on the table Brenthurst,' she instructed.

He obeyed instantly, not taking his eyes of her as she slowly made her way to him. Caitlin stood behind him, she slid her hands down over his chest, his rippling muscles responded to her touch under his silk shirt. His hands almost moved then remembered her instruction. She crossed her hands over his chest, bringing her head close to his face, his cologne stirring her senses.  She placed her lips on his earlobe for her own pleasure.  She heard a groan escape his throat. Then moving her lips to his temple, she planted a kiss there, catching his sharp intake of breath.  At the corner of her eye Caitlin saw her mom and dad walk into the room, as her lips left his temple.

'If I didn't know better, I'd say you orchestrated their arrival,' she whispered, moving away.

'Morning mom, dad,' she said, tucking into her omlettee. 

Nicholas and Justin stood up as Caitlin's mom was taking her seat. Caitlin could tell her parents seem to be progressively more affectionate towards Nicholas, and were looking forward to a speedy resolution where she and he were concerned.

'So tell me how did Jessie allow you to escape?' Caitlin whispered curiously, to Justin.

He juggled his omlettee from one side of his mouth to the other.

 'I told her I'd bring her back a photo, of me in my white tuxedo,' Justin whispered back. 

'And she fell for that?' Caitlin whispered back, stealing another piece of his waffle.

'Don't go giving Jessie any ideas,' Justin pleaded, with wisdom beyond his youthful age.

 'I'm beginning to question the company you keep, young man,' she cautioned, unsmilingly.

Their soft whispering attracted the attention of the others. Caitlin became aware that the others' conversation had stopped. Justin was oblivious as he tucked into his sumptuous omlettee.

'Caitlin, will you marry Nick?' Justin dropped his bombshell.

                                        
                                                       -End Chapter Ten-