Caitlin sighed once again, 'I wanted fresh air and some quiet.' She cast him a reproving look for interfering with her quiet time.

'Shouldn't you be with your girlfriend?' Caitlin spat and immediately regretted the immature remark. Nicholas cast a slow appreciative look over her slender frame.

'Full moon, starry sky, such a shame to spend it alone, don't you think?' he teased coming to sit next to her, ignoring the other loungers close by. 'So why did you run out on me Caitlin? We did not finish our dance,' he mocked.

Because I did not like the way my body was responding to you, she wanted to scream. 'I'm sure there is more than one willing partner to humor you Nicholas Brenthurst. So why don't you get back to the party. I want to be alone!' she demanded.

'No.' He responded rather too coolly.

'N-no!' she repeated, with considerable effort.

His eyes lowered to her sensuous lips. 'I find you rather attractive Caitlin,' he told her pointedly. 'And I know you feel some attraction too,' he spoke softly.

She swallowed, choosing not to respond.

'So I'd rather be here with you,' he taunted, his eyes full of desire roving from her eyes, to her mouth.

'You are a despicable man Nicholas Brenthurst. Are you always in the habit of such poor manners, deserting your girlfriend and then hitting on other women?' she flung at him.

He sighed audibly, 'If it's any consolation, it's a first for me,' he confessed, 'I just can't get you out of my mind ever since you ran into my arms yesterday.'

Caitlin gawked, 'I did not run into your arms that was an accident!'

So you couldn't get me out of your mind!

'What is a consolation?' she asked confused.

'That I leave a date unattended to,' he said taking her bottle and sipping from it. 'Besides Samantha is a friend of Stuart's, doing a modeling shoot in Cape Town, and she's on her way back to the UK tomorrow. I left as she was getting cozy with your plumber friend, so all's not lost' he supplied, running his fingers seductively over the calf of her leg.

Caitlin audibly gasped at his touch, choking on her saliva. Her eyes followed his hand as the erotic gesture sent explosive shivers through her body. Hadn't she wanted to know what those fingers would feel like caressing her body?

Be careful what you wish for!

It felt like floating on the clouds in slow motion, whilst a high energy force traveled through your body. He traced his palm above her knee, his eyes hypnotic as he slid his hand up her leg. If just the touch of his hand was wreaking such havoc, what would making love with him be like? She fantasized.

'Caitlin I want to kiss you,' he whispered.

She whimpered softly. He pulled her up into a sitting position and drew his lips close to hers. Meekly she submitted.  Her normally alert brain having switched off, when his fingers reached her thigh. She was helpless as her body yielded to his magnetic touch. Her starving lips parted. She saw the desire and the hunger in his eyes, knew his heart would be beating as erratically as hers was. Her body arched anticipating his touch, her lips wanting to be possessed. She swallowed waiting patiently. Caitlin sighed softly, it was torture the effect this brute had on her.
Rather desirable brute!

'You have the most beautiful eyes, I've ever seen,' he murmured.

Every fibre in her body was alert, waiting in anticipation. Then his lips were on hers sending spasms of delight all over her body. She groaned at the sheer pleasure of his tongue over her lips teasing her mouth open, their tongues met. It was like electricity running through her entire body, sending a tingling sensation all the way down to her toes. She heard his quick intake of breath at her unexpected response, his mouth hungry and demanding, pulling her closer, crushing her to him. His hands pulled her body close to his chest, her breasts pressed against his muscular chest.

Nervously her hands trailed over his shoulders and then up around his neck, her fingers caressed him, loving the feel of getting lost in the long hair hanging over his collar. She heard him groan his delight, his tongue became more possessive, his arms pulling her as close to him as possible. Exploringly his palms were now tracing the length of her back. He pulled away gently so they could come up for some air, still looking into her eyes, his smoldering, burning with passion. She wanted his mouth back on her lips, she could feel his ragged breathing caress her cheek, her lips parted in invitation again.

Nicholas touched the one strap of her dress gently sliding it down to reveal one beautifully firm breast, her awakened nipple stood erect, burning with desire. He placed his palm over her breast, his eyes following his hand as he gently traced his fingers over her nipple. His eyes closed delighting in the feel of the firm well rounded breast. Caitlin cried out at the erotic desire it excited in her, his lips moved to her neck, finding a pulse and igniting it with fire. Caitlin arched her neck drawing him closer, delighting in the sensation. The punishing lips found her breast and closed over the nipple, his tongue sending sensations like fireworks through her.

'Nicholas.' Caitlin groaned her pleasure her fingers digging into his shoulder.

He grazed her nipple gently with his teeth, she felt desire awaking in places, she never knew could be so aroused. Shyly she reached the buttons on his shirt, found an opening and slipped her palm onto his chest, he moaned loudly. Her fingers glided over the taut chest, experimenting where to pleasure the well toned torso. Her body cried out with exquisite pleasure as he continued to torture her with his erotic caressing.

'Nicholas,' she whispered again totally lost in his caresses, her lips causing havoc down his throat.

His mouth found hers again, they kissed passionately unable to get enough of each other, their lips not wanting to be separated.

'I want you Caitlin,' he murmured.

She stilled, his voice bringing her back to reality, 'Oh no!'

What on earth had possessed her to lose control and indulge in such gay abandon. 'Nicholas, I __I'm sorry,' she jumped up from the lounger, adjusting her strap.

She saw him look confused, fighting for control, his eyes still smoldering with desire. She was fighting for control herself, her wayward fingers wanting to find its way back under his shirt.
'Nicholas, I'm sorry, __ I __I'm not into casual affairs.' She informed him out of breath.

His eyes were now dark with anger.

'I do not even know anything about you,' she added, avoiding his eyes.

'We can easily remedy that,' he stood up, 'We can get to know each, if that's what you want.'

'No,' she spoke forcefully.

'What's the matter, afraid you're going to enjoy it Caitlin?'

She looked away embarrassed. She had never been kissed like that before, and no man had previously aroused her in that way. He took a step, closing the distance between them pulling her to him and imprisoning her in his arms.

'I know you want me,' he whispered angrily. 'Are you going to deny that?' he challenged his eyes glared into hers.

If only he knew exactly how close to the truth he was, she had never so explicitly wanted a man previously. She had always been able to stop things before they got out of hand. With him, she did not even know how or when it got as far as it did. Her throat felt dry, her eyes reflected panic. She licked her lip nervously in desperation, that action only seeming to rekindle the desire in his eyes, as his mouth closed over hers again. Her mouth wanted to open in response, it was like he was opening a floodgate but she just could not, indulge this way with somebody she knew would only spell trouble. All she knew about him was his name, and in a few days they would probably never see each other again. How could she surrender in such a wanton way to a total stranger, allowing him to touch her so intimately!

'No! I'm not doing this,' she pushed him away with super human strength she did not know she possessed and ran from him, leaving him frustrated standing at the pool.

Caitlin did not feel like dancing nor did she desire the company of the other guests, she used the back entrance to get to her suite. She took a cold shower, wanting to get the imprint of Nicholas out of her system. She looked out her balcony and saw by now some of the guests had taken the party to the pool. 'Thank heavens!' she was not still there with Nicholas. Imagine if she and Nicholas submitted to their desire to make love right there. She would have died from embarrassment. There was a pool party of note in progress now. She saw Nicholas and Stuart now undoing their clothing stripping to their underpants. She caught her breadth at how fine his torso was. Broad shoulders well toned muscles, flat board stomach, his sexy legs beautifully toned like a professional athlete. She remembered the feel of the well toned muscles, her fingers longed to touch them again. She groaned loudly. She had to put some distance between her and Nicholas Brenthurst, Caitlin sneaked downstairs.

'There you are,' exclaimed Tommy, 'I've been wondering where you've disappeared to, I thought I needed to send a search and rescue team,' he teased.

'Tommy, how about we take a drive to our spot on the beach. This party has kind of fizzled out, don't you think?'

She held a bottle of red wine in the one hand and a bottle of chilled white in the other, urging him to choose.
'Why did you change,' he enquired 'You looked stunning in that number?'
Because I wanted to erase all the traces of Nicholas Brenthurst.

'I was hot,' she offered 'besides I think this is more comfortable for the sand and the sea' she smiled, giving him the keys to her SUV. '

Are you sure you do not want to join the others, they look like they're having a ball of a time?'

'Lets you and I go have a whale of a time, at the beach,' she suggested provocatively.

'I do think the lady is flirting with me, Tommy responded, 'although I have no complaints' he smiled planting a kiss on her cheek.

'Okay let's be on our way,' she distracted him stuffing a juicy grape in his mouth.

Tommy picked up the picnic basket she packed, as Caitlin grabbed the bottles of wine, the both of them giggling to the SUV.

'So what's with the midnight escape to the beach?' Tommy threw at her.

Did he know? she wondered.

'Nothing to escape Tom, I always have access to swimming pools in Johannesburg, so I want some of the tantalizing ocean before I head back.'

Tomorrow, if I could. To escape from a man with dark tormenting eyes ... whom she wanted to make love to her. The reason you're with Tommy, is to get away from Nicholas, so how about banishing him from your mind?

Tommy drove to the spot they always hung out at, their very own seaside cottage. It was a beautiful spot with two huge palm trees, their branches growing almost atop of each other, with enough places on the sand in between the trees for two people to comfortably get close. It was early spring, not many people frequented the beaches until the middle of spring. Tonight, as far as their eyes could see, they had the beach all to themselves. Tommy opened the bottle of white wine, they watched the angry waves crushing on the rocks, it was high tide now Caitlin loved watching the waves during high tide. She wondered if she would have time to watch anything, if it was Nicholas next to her. Their bodies so aroused all they would have time for was to discover each__. Stop it! She tried hopelessly to banish his image from her mind.

'So Tommy Bradford, why is a handsome, eligible man like yourself still unattached?' she forced her mind to her present companion. 'Why isn't there a lady to stand by you and support you in all your dreams?' she bit into a delectable strawberry, putting the rest in his mouth.

He chewed preparing a response.
'When I find a woman that can be a companion like you and one I am prepared to spend the rest of my life with then I will marry her,' he offered. 'Now it's your turn Caitlin, you're beautiful, intelligent, fun to be with, sexy, did I say beautiful__?'

'Oh Tommy,' she sighed, 'I don't know. There are good looking, intelligent, eligible men in Johannesburg, more than any woman's fair share,' she informed him, taking a long swig out of the bottle, 'somehow the men I associate with only seem to be interested in fast sex and not to committed relationships. I want more than that.'

I think I want Nicholas Brenthurst!

'I want to be able to hold hands and walk in the park,' she continued dreamily. 'I want to spend lazy Sundays in bed. Be able to chat about sweet nothings, and to have leisurely lunches, go to the theatre ... I'm looking for the kind of man, that will share all that with me, know any suitable applicants I can interview?' she teased, taking another swig from the bottle.

Could Nicholas Brenthurst fit all the criteria? He'd set her heart and soul on fire when she was in his arms. 'May I put in an application?' Tommy challenged.
'What!' she exclaimed alarmed.
Now that she had been kissed by Nicholas, how could any man fair in comparison to that? She looked into Tommy's eyes and knew he seriously wanted her to consider his challenge.

Caitlin reached out experimentally, putting her arms around his neck. Tommy crushed her in his arms, she could taste the wine they had shared, she responded to his urgent demand, but there were no fireworks, none of the earth shattering, explosive chemistry that was there between her and Nicholas.
There I go again, unjustly comparing poor Tommy to Nicholas.

Caitlin pulled away, looking into Tommy's eyes.

'I regret to inform you,' she made a show of sighing, 'your application has been unsuccessful,' she sympathized, seeing he was still trying to recover.

'Are you sure?' he pleaded, rather disillusioned.

'I'm afraid so,' she hugged him, not too concerned that she had just exchanged her very first kiss with Tommy, after knowing him for close on twenty years.

Actually, she was on a roll tonight. Two men.  Two very different kisses. She knew which she would choose at the drop of a hat. Caitlin snuggled up in front of Tommy making him wrap his arms around her.

'Are you cold, Caitlin?'

'Just a little, but I don't want us to leave just yet, do you mind Tom?' she pleaded.

She did not want to go to bed, she knew she'd be tossing and turning and Nicholas Brenthurst will be invading her thoughts and depriving her off sleep. She felt safe with Tommy.

'This is wonderful Tom,' she whispered. I feel safe with you. I only hope you are enjoying my company.'

'Are you kidding, I'd rather be having passionate, unadulterated sex with a willing female that freezing on the sand here.' He joked.

Caitlin turned around to look into his eyes, 'Please tell me you do not mind Tom, I just need to be with you right now,' she pleaded.

'Hey it's okay sweetheart, I'm here for you,' he comforted her. 'You know very soon the sun will be out, I hope you haven't forgotten the challenge you accepted. Everybody will be at the gorge in full force in a couple of hours.'

Luckily she did not need much sleep, sometimes four hours of sleep was sufficient for her mind to be awake and revitalized. 'Tom, do you think we can just lay here for an hour or two before we head back. I would just need a shower and a caffeine fix and I will be as right as rain for my suicidal jump,' she proclaimed.

'Are you sure sweetheart, it will get a bit chilly once your body temperature drops.'

'Yes I'm sure Doctor Bradford,' she smiled. 'Now how about you shut up for a little while and just hold me,' she whispered.

Tommy snuggled close so she could be warm enough, he threw the little picnic blanket over her legs and feet.

'Mmm....this is heaven!' she whispered falling asleep in Tommy's arms with her back to him tucked into his chest, and his arms around her keeping her warm.

Some three hours later, Caitlin stirred saw from the clouds, it was almost daybreak. She turned around and saw Tommy fast asleep. He slept like a little baby content, and happy, she extracted herself gently from his arms. She wondered what Nicholas would look like when he was sleeping deeply.
Stop it! she chided herself, the idea of a swim found appeal. Pulling of her tights and top, she took on the ice cold breakers, the beach was secluded not a single soul in sight. She embraced the chilling water, an excellent swimmer, swimming with her dad and Stuart, from the age of three, loving the ocean, she could spend hours in the water, if undisturbed. After half an hour of vigorous swimming, she felt she could face the new day.
Here I come, suicidal gorges, Nicholas Brenthurst, and whatever other challenge the day may present. After that swim she was ready for the day, not even in need of the kick she normally got from her caffeine fix.

By now the sun was attempting to make an appearance, she got out of the water.

Caitlin's thoughts were back on Nicholas. She wondered if he'd spent the night at her parents' home. There were sufficient guest suites to accommodate at least six people.

They walked into the kitchen with their arms around each other giggling, Tommy teasing Caitlin about her needing him last night to keep the imaginary gremlins away from her. Just one gremlin. Caitlin was about to put the picnic basket on the table, when dark eyes with an insolent glare bore into her face, taking in her appearance.
You'd swear I was his adulterous wife!
She ignored his murderous look. He was reading the morning newspaper, coffee mug in his hand. She looked beautifully fresh and radiant, with her hair attractively tousled whilst still wet, as if she'd just come out of the shower.

'Good morning,' they both greeted Nicholas in unison.

'Good morning,' he stood up and responded for Tommy's benefit she guessed.

Caitlin placed an arm on Tommy's shoulder, drawing his attention. 'I'll take a shower first,' she suggested.

'Are you sure you don't want me to scrub your back?' he teased unaware of the tension between Nicholas and Caitlin. She looked past Tommy's shoulder, and saw the dark scowl on Nicholas' face.

'I thought you can't wait to throw me down the gorge,' she quipped.

'Okay off you go then,' he dismissed her, turning to talk to Nicholas. As she walked out, she could hear Nicholas relating an anecdote from last night at the swimming pool. So the cold war was reserved for her only. Tommy came in some fifteen minutes later with coffee for her.

Caitlin was dressed, styling her hair. 'Mmm thanks, I am starving,' she complained, 'are you going to be long?'

'Ten minutes tops, go and give Nicholas company, he had to drop Samantha off at the airport this morning.'

She wanted to refuse, but it would seem impolite and unlike her to refuse, without offering any justifiable explanations. Caitlin sprayed o  some of her favorite scent and prepared to face her nemesis.

He was seated at the breakfast table. Thankfully Caitlin's mom and dad were chatting to him and they were all smiling. She was glad she would not have to be alone with him. He stood up as she entered, pulling a chair next to him for her to sit. She would have preferred a chair far away from him.

'Thank you,' she offered politely. As she slid into the narrow space, her leg brushed against his, making the blood rush to her face.
Don't look in his direction.

'Did you all have a good time last night honey?' her mom asked conversationally.

'Yes mom the party was wonderful.'

'You missed all the fun at the pool last night Caitlin,' Nicholas threw casually. Was he trying to stir? Her mom and dad raised their eyes questioningly.

'Tommy and I spent what was left of the night at our beach apartment,' she gave him a beautiful smile.

His glance her way was stony, before it changed for her parents benefit. Her mom and dad laughed, they knew her beach apartment well. Nicholas looked from her mom to her dad.
'Don't ask,' Gregory Sinclair grinned at Nicholas. 'Tom's upstairs still in the shower mom,' Caitlin continued to wax lyrical. Her mom smiled happily, to Nicholas' chagrin.

'Have you jumped off that gorge before?" Caitlin asked Nicholas, tired of his cold war.

'Not this particular one,' he smiled briefly, 'but I did try the one in Mpumalanga, which is not as deep as this one, although just as exhilarating. 'I remember a friend of ours, old Charlie, was all excited to take the plunge, all macho and wanting to be the first to jump. He was asked whether he wanted to jump forward looking down, or did he want to step backwards and just free fall. Charlie wanting to be the macho man opted to jump forward. But when they released him, seeing how deep the drop was, he started to swear all kinds of expletives, even a sailor would be shy to hear. But needless to say he landed safely at the bottom, with only his ego bruised.'
They were all laughing when Tommy joined them.
Remember to choose the backward fall.

Katherine's eye's visibly lit up when she saw Tommy.
Caitlin risked a look at Nicholas, he did not like the pleased as punch look her mom had adorned.

'Darling how lovely to see you,' Katherine smiled as Tommy kissed her cheek. Caitlin knew her mom had been pining for her to marry Tommy and settle down here nearby her. Caitlin was certain that her mom and Nicholas both assumed that she and Tommy had spent a night of passion together.

'So just how did you spend the rest of your evening Miss Sinclair?' Nicholas asked her softly as if on cue. Caitlin looked across the table and saw Tommy and her mom and dad, rather engrossed in their own conversation.

'Use your imagination,' she goaded him further. An angry storm cloud gathered in his eyes.
'Does he make your body explode with desire when he touches you?' Nicholas taunted.
Caitlin felt her cheeks burn as she recalled Tommy's kiss, or its lack of effect.
'I did not think so,' he accurately read her scarlet face.

'Spend the day with me on my yacht,' he invited softly.

She raised her eyebrows at him. What was wrong with him?
She wanted him to believe that she had spent the night with Tommy, and he was still hitting on her!
Well why not agree, seeing he consumes your every waking thought?

'No,' she rejected him, gulping down her scalding coffee.

'Why Caitlin?' his tone though soft, commanded a response.

She breathed heavily, 'I'm only here for a few days, before I return to Johannesburg, so if you don't mind I'd rather not complicate things.'

'Are you sexually involved with Bradford?' he pushed, 'the both of you were quite a picture when you walked in earlier.'

'It's none of your business, who I sleep with,' she spat.

'Whom,' he corrected, his eyes mocking.

'Shall we have some breakfast?' Tommy offered perfunctorily.

Suddenly she seemed to have lost her appetite. 'Are you sure it's safe to have breakfast before throwing oneself off a cliff?' she asked. They all laughed, teasing her for looking for excuses to avoid the jump.

'Just have something light,' Nicholas unexpectedly suggested.

Her mom agreed quickly, 'Yes, honey you do not want to start the day on an empty stomach. 'I'll tell Sarah, to pack a huge picnic basket, then after __ her mom faltered, 'Later you can all have a hearty meal', she smiled encouragingly at her daughter.

Caitlin walked to the breakfast buffet, she knew she could not eat, not with the anticipated jump and then Nicholas boring his eyes in her direction. She was contemplating the hot buffet, when Stuart finally put in an appearance placing a peck on her cheek.
'Finally decided to grace us with you presence then,' she teased her brother, seeing from his eyes that he was none the fine for the weather, 'Quiet a party, I'd say' she needled him.

'Shush, don't speak so loud,' he pleaded.

'Mmm,' she responded adoringly to her brother.

'Let me get some nourishment in perhaps then I will feel better,' he winked, slapping bacon, eggs, and toast on his plate, and immediately getting into an animated conversation with Nicholas and Tommy at the table.

Caitlin forced herself to a plate of fruit and a glass of orange juice, then picking up the morning newspaper, she sneaked away to the library. She'd have about half an hour to herself before they could leave to the gorge.

A large dark mahogany desk and matching cupboards lined up her dad's library, filled with a variety of books on different subjects. Large charts were spread out across the table with engineering designs. The settee looked appealing, Caitlin climbed on, put her legs up close to her chest and opened the paper, scanning the business indices from force of habit, as she indulged in her breakfast of fruit. Her eye caught an article, reporting on unconfirmed rumors of a possible merger between two leading wireless data providers for mobile networks in the continent. So the cat was out of the bag she thought wondering if her colleagues had seen the article. She made a mental note to call her boss later that night, when they returned. She was still engrossed in the article, when the door opened.

'And she reads too!' he quipped sardonically, dropping on the settee, making a habit of constantly invading her space, not that she would complain.

'Didn't think that I possess the literary capacity?' she shot at him.

'So tell me, what does the socialite do when she is not having extended lunches or scouting the designer fashion boutiques in Johannesburg?'

Caitlin glared at him in astonishment. Did he think she just lived off a generous trust fund from her father perhaps!
'I have a busy schedule fitting in all the men in my life,' she flung at him.

She saw the dark clouds return then momentarily disappear from his eyes.

'Let me get this straight, you think the sum total of my life revolves around extended lunches and visiting designer fashion boutiques?' she spat at him astounded.

'So correct me then,' he challenged a hint of laughter in his eyes and immediately Caitlin knew he'd thrown the comment, just to bait her.

'Tell me about yourself Caitlin,' he whispered running his thumb down her cheek, tracing the outline of her lip.

His touch was like a magnetic field, drawing her to him, she leaned her face towards him, urging her wanton lip towards his caress. She anguished between the desire to savor his erotic caress, or respond to his question as his hand slipped into her hair, setting it free. Her body was leaning towards the former when sanity prevailed. She pushed his hand away getting up, and shaking her mane of hair away from her face.

Taking a deep breath she informed him, 'I'm a venture capitalist, I work for a mergers and acquisition consultancy. I have a master's degree in economics. My expertise is in determining the potential of acquisitions, looking at relevant environments, scrutinizing financial data, interfacing technology, ascertaining knowledge gaps, etcetera. That in a nutshell is my contribution in making or breaking conglomerates,' she informed him matter of fact, without a trace of self righteousness. 'Doesn't leave me much time for extended lunches or the luxury of painting the town red,' she threw at him. 'Not that I personally consider either a desirable pastime.'

'Why did you not join the Sinclair Foundation?' he enquired, ignoring her jibe, seemingly impressed with her portfolio.

'My father's business is limited to the construction and engineering environment. I had my own career aspiration, her eyes holding a faraway look. 'I wanted to expand my horizons wider than that.'

She smiled as she pondered over the joy and the passion that excited her about her career. 'And I want to be respected for my expertise and the value I add,' she looked at him, bringing herself back to the present. He gazed at her, his eyes reflecting admiration.

'You know, I have already met the likes of the condescending chauvinists, who look at you in the boardroom and think, "oh, sexy body and nothing between the ears!"'

He grinned at her description of herself as sexy, she was not vain, but she knew she was blessed with good looks at that men found her exceedingly attractive. 'I was not going to put up with sexist diatribe in dad's company.'

'Point taken,' he grinned.

'Is the interrogation over?' she questioned him.

'Are you and Bradford an item?' His voice was quiet, but it did not hide his anger.

'I think the interrogation is over,' she made to walk away.

His hand lightly clasped her wrist, she could have pulled free. She stayed, unable to move, and very slowly raised her eyes to his, a fire awakening inside her. Desire filled his eyes, as his fingers caressed a path from her wrist up her arm. She felt the heat from his hand travel over her body.

'Let me go,' she whispered weakly.

Instead he pulled her into his arms, his head bent close to her lips. His warm breath caressed her lips, 'tell me that again,' he challenged.

She opened her mouth to speak, swallowed when no words came out. Her palms were coiled casually on his chest, she wanted to look away, but his eyes would not allow it. Her palms opened and pressed against his chest. She saw a nerve twitch on his cheek, 'Nicholas,' she murmured softly.

He cursed, bringing his lips over hers. Her hands went around his neck, pulling him lower. He pressed against her, his taut muscles causing havoc against her body. His mouth was possessive, taking all she was willing to give. She was sweet, tasting of a combination of peach and melon. His tongue was creating erotic sensations with her tongue, then moving to her throat.

Footsteps outside the door alerted her of company. Caitlin pushed away quickly. 'I have to go,' she spoke in between gasping for breath. She was picking up her plate as the door opened, to a smiling Tommy. At the corner of her eye she saw Nicholas rake his fingers through his hair as she escaped.

Caitlin was a bundle  of nerves when they got to the gorge. She regretted being duped into the challenge. Rebecca was all pumped up, excited about their adventure.

'Where did you disappear to last night?' she complained 'We missed you.'

'No you did not,' Caitlin retorted. 'You were all over Nicholas Brenthurst, you disgusting female!' she scolded her friend.

Like you did not sample the subject in question!

'Oh can you blame a girl?' Rebecca groaned unashamedly. 'All that testosterone, if only I can get him in my bed, can you imagine being, in those sturdy arms, being caressed by those lips__'

'Shut up for heaven's sake!,' Caitlin hissed.

It was bad enough that her mind was consumed by the same thoughts, having already had her appetite whetted, she did not need the graphic details from Rebecca. Grinning her friend pulled her to the queuing line. At the corner of her eye, Caitlin stole a glance at Nicholas being harnessed. Michael and the rest of the men all fussed over Caitlin, checking her harness, encouraging her, teasing her at the look of sheer panic on her face. Stuart, put his arm around his sister.

'You can do it Cait, piece of cake right,'

'Right, piece of cake' she responded automatically, as if being sentenced to death row.

Caitlin took a few steps forward to look down the gorge, 'How deep is it?' she asked the guide nervously.

'One hundred and six meters,' he supplied as if commenting on the weather.

'One hundred __!'
Caitlin panicked and covered her face with her hands. 'Oh no, I can't do this.' She wanted to throw in the towel, as her brother and Rebecca about to jump, threw their arms in the air in sheer excitement, as they plunged down the gorge. After thirty agonizing seconds, she peeked through one hand expecting the worst, but they had landed safely and were being assisted out of their harnesses by another guide. They were waving and shouting and encouraging the others down. Caitlin was measuring her steps backwards away from the gorge, contemplating a safe exit strategy.

'Don't look down,' a soothing voice comforted her, just close your eyes and imagine you are only just jumping from a chair, it will be so quick, before you know it, you will be down there. And see, if in any event the harness becomes undone, you will only fall safely into the water.' Nicholas encouraged in a soft voice.

Caitlin looked from his eyes to the bottom, as Nicholas nodded for Tommy and Michael to jump ahead. When it was their turn Nicholas gripped her fingers and led her to the ledge. She resisted, wanting to run in the opposite direction, he would not release her fingers.

'So when do you go back to Johannesburg?' he enquired casually.

Caitlin was aware that he was trying to distract her from thinking about the jump. It was their turn, and Caitlin held tightly onto Nicholas' fingers, the harness was released and Caitlin shut her eyes willing herself to be calm.

As they jumped she was separated from Nicholas. She felt the air escape from her lungs as she free flowed to the bottom, the rope swinging to the left and to the right as it descended. It freaked her out that she was not in control. About twenty meters from the ground she opened her eyes, saw that Nicholas was already down unpacking his harness, his eyes monitoring her descent, awaiting her.

The others were clapping their hands and encouraging her. The guide caught at her harness, Nicholas held out his hands for her, and Caitlin flung herself into his arms holding onto him tightly, her heart beating wildly, and not from the pleasure of being in his arms.

'Wasn't that fun?' Rebecca squealed.

'Piece of cake right Cait?' Stuart beamed.

They were all reveling in the adrenalin rush. 'Yeah.  piece of cake,' she mumbled looking into Nicholas' eyes, still trying to recover.

The others were oblivious of her inner turmoil, only Nicholas was perceptive enough to know how much she actually panicked.

'So how about we do it again?' Michael proposed excitedly.

'Not on your bloody life!' Caitlin injected, hitting him with her backpack.

'Ouch!' he exclaimed, all confused at Caitlin's attack on him.

'

You did well,' Nicholas smiled into her eyes.

Pride swelled in her, Caitlin wanted to be rewarded by rushing into his arms and to feel his lips passionately over hers. Instead she opened a bottle of chilled water, and consumed almost half of it.

'How about a swim,' Tommy suggested, placing his arm around her waist.

Everybody was in agreement. Caitlin got out of her shorts and shirt, exhibiting a bright blue two piece costume. She looked striking with her bouncy long golden locks complementing her costume. Casting a glance at Nicholas, she saw his eyes admire the swell of her breasts and cast an admiring glance at her slender shapely legs. She looked at his beautifully toned torso, not an ounce of fat, just beautiful muscles and a well toned flat board stomach.

'Let's dive in', Rebecca pleaded impatiently, looking stunning in aqua green two piece bikini set.

There was an unspoken truce between her and Nicholas since his assistance at the gorge. It turned out to be a beautiful day and she was starting to enjoy the pleasure of being in the company of Nicholas. They were unable to deny the attraction between them, constantly seeking out each other's eyes, their bodies exchanging erotic signals. The sun was beginning to set, Caitlin was perched on a rock watching Stuart, Rebecca and Tommy, trying to dump each other under the water. Rebecca was so agile, they just could not seem to hold her down. Laughing softly at Rebecca's antics, she was interrupted by an arresting voice.

'Have dinner with me tonight Caitlin.' Nicholas interrupted her, the smile leaving her face as she searched into his eyes.

No! common sense urged her to shout out.

Why not? It's just dinner, her heart argued.

Caitlin wanted to be with Nicholas, even though she knew that giving in to her desire would bring its share of pain. She heard from Stuart that Nicholas lived in Cape Town, but that he also had a home in picturesque Houghton, about half an hour from her place in Johannesburg.

Nicholas was the type of man who used women and discarded them like disposable goods. She should be weary of Nicholas. She met many like him, in the circles she mixed with, but up until now, she was able to stay aloof. What was it about Nicholas Brenthurst that made her lose all self control and left her wanting.

'Oh Caitlin, when you look at me that way, I want to take you in my arms and make love to you,' he groaned.

She blushed, lowering her head, unable to continue looking at him. He placed his fingers under her chin, lifting her face to look at him. She looked into his eyes shyly.

'Will you have dinner with me?' he pleaded.

'Yes,' she murmured, noting his quick intake of breadth.

'Great I'll pick you up at seven,' he said. 'How about I show off my culinary skills and treat you to a juicy steak at my holiday apartment?' he bragged. 'It has the most beautiful panoramic view of the ocean and the best evening view of the city skyline.

'I'm looking forward to it,' she responded honestly. Her brain was sounding warning bells, which her heart ignored.

'Nick! Nick, come on down,' they heard Rebecca scream at them. 'The water's beautiful.'

He waved at her in acknowledgement, and before Caitlin could remonstrate, he picked her up, dumping her in, and diving in himself.

'Nicholas Brenthurst, how dare you!' she gulped.

Rebecca swan to Caitlin. 'It's so unfair,' she complained. 'Here I am trying, every trick in the book to get his attention, and he only has eyes for you.' she shoved a finger at Caitlin with mock anger.

'Ouch! That hurts you little vixen!' Caitlin cried out as Rebecca giggled.

Caitlin relaxed in her foam bath, eagerly anticipating the evening ahead with Nicholas.

Generous amounts of lavender scented bath water tingled over her body, Closing her eyes she reveled in the tantalizing scents, her mind straying to Nicholas. Did he have a girlfriend in Cape Town? Was there somebody in his life? She was curious as to how he spent his time recreationally, wondered about his parents and if he had any siblings. Washing her hair, and rinsing herself off in the shower, Caitlin wrapped herself in a large bath sheet, dried her hair, gently brushing it until it shone like gold, leaving it all down tonight. Casting a final look at herself in the mirror, she looked like she belonged on the cover of Vogue magazine, her strikingly beautiful body glowing after the luxurious bath. She had five minutes to spare, and thought she'd wait downstairs for Nicholas. As she walked down the stairs she heard laughter and voices, and was surprised to see Nicholas was already waiting.

He was looking gorgeously attractive in a black lounge shirt and faded blue jeans hugging his muscular frame, his hair still wet from a recent shower. Oh, he looked so dangerously handsome, she wanted to reach out and wrap her arms around his beautiful body. She longed to trail her fingers onto the mat of hair on his strapping chest. He stood up as she entered, taking in her striking appearance, admiring the way the sexy tones of green and brown paisley design curved around her hourglass figure.

'Good evening', he greeted courteously, 'you look beautiful.'

'Thank you Nicholas, good evening.' Her smile informing him, she was rather receptive to his compliment.

'I'm sorry, where you waiting long?'

'No, don't be,' he said "I'm early, it's not yet seven, thank you for being punctual.'

'Would you care for a glass of wine before we leave?' she offered.

'I've had a scotch already,' he declined, 'Shall we?' he offered his arm.

He escorted her to his car, opening the door for her to slide in before closing it again. He hurried to his side and climbed in the driver's seat. Their eyes locked, desire reflecting in both their eyes.

'Caitlin,' he reached for her bringing his mouth hungrily over hers, his tongue earnestly seeking fulfillment. 'Caitlin you look adorable,' he groaned dragging his lips over her soft skin, his lips pursuing hers again urging her to respond. Unable to resist his sensuous taunting, she kissed him back.

Oh, how am I going to get through this evening? she wondered.

'I think we better get going, I promised you a dinner,' he seemed to talk to himself. 'Caitlin, I could not wait to see you again, I tried to pass the time looking at some nagging work related issues, but I was so consumed by thoughts of you, I just could not give the work the attention it deserved.'

She chanced a cursory glance his way, not wanting to admit she felt the same as he did. 'I got here fifteen minutes early, waiting for a respectable time to enter,' he confessed.

'And I thought you were all heartless like those boulders,' she teased lightly, pointing to the concrete stones lined up on the shipyard they passed.

'Interesting analogy,' he commented.
'Do you miss the city life, when you're here?' he asked conversationally.

'After a while yes,' she responded. Especially when I feel emotionally threatened. 'I enjoy it for a few days then get withdrawal symptoms, wanting to get back to the concrete jungle. I enjoy the adrenalin rush, I get from what I do, it's challenging and very rewarding.

'Speaking of adrenalin,' she swallowed, 'Nicholas thank you for being supportive at the gorge.'

He reached out placing his hand on hers. 'You can call me Nick, nobody calls me Nicholas, not even my mom who christened me,' he smiled.

It was the first reference to a family member. Caitlin detected a close relationship between Nicholas and his mom.

'I quite like your christened name.' She savored it mentally.

'I'll respond to anything you call me,' he teased.

She raised her eyebrows. What if she called him something uncomplimentary? He read her thoughts and they laughed together.

'I'll stick to Nicholas.'

'Be my guest,' he smiled his eyes still on the road.

'You know, I was so ready to quit at the gorge, but then I would have been ostracized by Michael and Rebecca for going cold turkey.'

'I observed your movements in the opposite direction,' he grinned.

She shook her head in remembrance of her earlier panic. 'One hundred and six meters, My God, I cannot believe it! I'm glad it's over and there is nothing that will ever entice me to attempt that again. I'll gracefully eat humble pie,' she conceded.

He threw his head back laughing. He had an adorable laugh, she observed. 'It wasn't that bad, and it was fairly safe! Do you know, you can be run over by a motorist at any given time, yet we rationalize about that jump.

'True,' she commented, feeling a somewhat misplaced sense of security about being on terra firma. She could not believe she and Nicholas were having a civilized conversation.

'We're almost there now,' he informed her, 'about two minutes away.' He turned into a service road, it was a bit dark not much street lighting to assist him. Nicholas drove skillfully and brought the car to a halt.

'We're here,' he smiled.

He turned the ignition off, went around to her side, holding the door and assisting her out. Guiding her arm, Nicholas pointed to his suite, and then pointed to the skyline, a view of the lighthouse, and another stand alone cottage perched higher up, shaped like a spaceship. The air was warm, the sea breeze bringing a welcome draft. The fancy bungalow, in the exclusive area of Kenton that he was renting in, was built almost overlooking where the breakers crashed against the rocks. He pointed to the top, 'I'm right up there, wait till you see the view from there, its breath taking' he exclaimed.

It was tastefully decorated, no expenses spared. White Italian tiles, soft leather couches, in baby blue and the walls, a dusty pink, blending with the white of the tiles and the blue leather. The décor was all, state of the art luxury. On the far corner stood an office setup, overlooking the expansive views of the city at night and the ocean. It must look beautiful in the day. She noted the files, and drawing charts all scattered across the desk. It looked like he hastily abandoned it in frustration. He opened the balcony for Caitlin, and led her to observe the view. She caught her breath, appreciating the panoramic view of the area. On three sides, the vast ocean was visible as far as the eye could see, the remaining side had a beautiful view of the city and true to his word at night it looked spectacular, when lit up against the black evening sky.

'It's breath taking,' she smiled, looking up at him.

He held his breath, unable to tear his eyes away from her gorgeous face. His fingers yearned to run through her glossy hair, as the light reflected over her, casting a glow over her hair and striking figure. Nicholas led her in again. He had a table laid out for two. Candles ready to be lit. Quite the Romantic! He poured Caitlin a glass of chilled white wine.

'There is only one way to enjoy a juicy piece of T bone steak, barbecued on coals right!'

'Oh yes, absolutely, but please it must be well done, I do not want it talking back to me from my plate' she pleaded.

'Okay,' he nodded, 'rare for me and well done for the lady.'

He threw coals onto the barbecue stand, lit the firelighters, and went to prepare two huge T bone steaks. Caitlin admired him unashamedly as he washed them, marinating it with lemon, some sauce, adding a sprinkle of herbs. Nicholas related to Caitlin, the very first time he experimented with cooking himself a steak that he'd left it so long on the heat that it was rock hard, and not even an electric carving knife was able to cut up the meat. Caitlin laughed softly. He had gone to bed that night with a bottle of peanut butter for dinner. And from that day refused to eat peanut butter, he'd opt to starve, than face peanut butter again. He quickly tossed a salad. Caitlin was mesmerized, at how efficient he was in the kitchen, as if he was a professional chef. Testing the heat on the barbecue stand, he placed the steaks on and very quickly the aroma was whetting her appetite.

'Mmm, that smells heavenly,' she sniffed.

'I think so too,' he laughed in agreement, occasionally dipping the meat into the marinade and placing it back onto the fire. He filled her glass again,

'Dinner is almost done,' he informed her. Dimming the lights, Nicholas lit the candles, opened a bottle of dry red wine to compliment the steak. She stuck to her white wine. He toasted their first meal, and hoped they could do it again. Caitlin was not sure if she was in support of the toast which did not go unnoticed, instead she opted to slice a piece of the juicy steak, putting it to her mouth. Nicholas waited for her to comment. Her taste buds appreciated the succulent, well cooked steak.

'Oh! This is divine,' she murmured, 'have no fear, if you lose your day job you can always be a chef,' she teased.

He bowed mockingly in acknowledgement. They laughed and chatted about music, the theatre. Both enjoyed autobiographies, history and art. Caitlin told him she enjoyed watching cricket, and if she got to watch television, loved the Discovery Channel. They found they both shared a passion for the outdoors, loved hiking and being one with nature.

After dinner Nicholas stacked the dishwasher, as Caitlin help him clear the table. He put on some music on the stereo system. She probed about his family. He consented to the probing, stoking his "get to know each other" proposal. Nicholas told her, that he was born in Bradford, England. His parents moved to South Africa, when he was six. They lived in Houghton, in an estate near Johannesburg. He has a younger sister, who is a photographic journalist and lives and works in Johannesburg, but is abroad currently. His company is based in Johannesburg, but he frequently commuted between Johannesburg and Cape Town, as work mainly kept him in the Cape in the last two years, being involved in a huge infrastructure project building gas pipelines, as an alternate source of energy to combat electricity shortages. He filled her in on how he'd come to meet Stuart on their current project. There was a lull of silence, neither of them wanted to break, just basking in each other's presence.

She could get used to this. He was enjoyable company, when he laid down his sword. She found him intelligent, knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects, and with a quick sense of humour.

'Would you like to dance?' he invited after a while.

Caitlin looked into his eyes, remembering, that she interrupted their dance previously. He lifted her to her feet before she could respond, sliding his arms around her waist, the romantic music playing softly, they basked in each other's arms, in comforting silence. His cologne tickled her nostrils, sending a sensual signal through her body. Against her better judgment, she raised her face up to look into his eyes, he held her gaze. She needed to exhale, but her body forgot how that worked. She saw the desire building in the dark smoldering eyes. It reflected what her own inner turmoil was battling.

He pulled her closer until she could feel the beat of his heart against her breasts. His muscular thighs molded against hers, like a perfect fit. Caitlin sighed, looking away unable to deal with the attraction between them.

In one sweeping move, he pinned her against the wall, bringing his mouth over hers, forcing hers open. Caitlin gasped. Nicholas possessively sought her tongue. She was just as hungry for his lips, his kisses, his possession, willingly responding. He inhaled deeply the lavender scent, on her body. Her fingers opened the buttons of his shirt, sliding onto his muscular chest, caressing over the fine dust of hairs. Her fingers traced over the well toned muscles. A deep growl escaped his throat. His mouth took possession of hers again, as he pressed his body tightly against hers, his fingers caressing her soft skin, all over her body. His mouth was hungry demanding a response, his lips relentless, making her explode with desire.
Caitlin clung to him, torn between surrendering to her desire for the moment and common sense. She knew, if she did not stop now, she was going to end up in his bed, and next week she would be nursing a broken heart. Was this supposed to be a holiday romance for him? It was ridiculous. She did not engage in casual flings. She wanted defined boundaries and commitment in any kind of relationship. She and Nicholas seemed to be led by an uncontrollable physical attraction. She was old fashioned and left it to the man to initiate a courtship.

With Nicholas living in Cape Town and she in Johannesburg, a thousand five hundred kilometers apart, she was not going to indulge in any frivolous affair with him. It would be best if she could nip this in the bud, somehow her heart cautioned her that she was too late. She tried to pull away, Nicholas would not relent. His mouth was on her throat, his tongue seductive and persuasive. Weakly Caitlin clung to him even as her brain cautioned her to disentangle herself. His experienced hands cupped her breast, while his thumb caressed her aroused nipple. She groaned his name against his lips, feeling herself losing control. When did he unzip her dress? She wanted him, she longed for him to touch her in those places that ached to be fulfilled.

Get away, her mind cautioned again. She wanted to, get away that is. No, her body did not want to, but she knew she should.

'Nicholas stop!' she pleaded, getting out of his arms with difficulty.

His mouth inches from hers, sought her eyes. His desire still imprinted in his own eyes. 'Why?' he challenged huskily. 'You want me.' his voice came out roughly. 'Your body is crying out for me to make love to you,' he dared her to deny it.

'I don't want to do this Nicholas,' was the only response she offered.

'What games are you playing Caitlin?' he demanded angrily.

'Games? I__ look I think it was a mistake to accept your dinner invitation. Obviously you meant dinner and sex. That was not my intention,' she informed him, taking the risk of meeting his eyes.

'Surely, you're not going to pretend the naïve, sweet innocent act, are you?' he flung.

Was he so used to women succumbing to him and not denying him his pleasure?

'I am not going to pretend to be anything Nicholas! It was not my intention to go to bed with you tonight.'

He did not need to know that she has never been to bed with any man. Let him assume she was sexually experienced if he wanted to, that was his prerogative. She whipped her mobile phone out, with the intention to call a taxi. She fumbled, her mind blank. She could not even remember the name of any local taxi company.

'What the hell are you doing?' he questioned, seeing her trying to dial out of her mobile.

'I'm calling a taxi, what does it look like?' she spat at him,' her green eyes flashing angrily.
'And have your parents thinking I'm not a gentleman!' he snatched her mobile switching it off. 'I will take you home,' his eyes were filled with contempt.

'Don't bother. May I have my phone back!' she rejected his offer of a lift. 'Obviously your male ego is so unaccustomed, to a woman being immune to your charms, you forget what being a gentleman means.'

Immune right! She derided him. '

What the hell is that supposed to mean?' he demanded.

'I thought when a lady says stop, a gentleman respects her wishes,' she answered.

'I would hardly call the way you respond in my arms "immune", would you?' he challenged softly.

Her flushed face giving him his answer, she lowered her head.
'If you did not want me, why did you kiss me, Caitlin?

She squirmed uncomfortably.

'Why were you responding to me, when you were in my arms?'

Arrogant brute!

'I may have responded to your kisses and participated __' she could not go on, 'but it does not mean I want to go to bed with you,' she blurted hurriedly.

'You just wanted to tease me, is that it?'

Her eyes sought his wanting to deny that accusation. How could he think that?
'There is a special name for women like you __'

Her hand flew out to strike him, but with lightening speed he caught her hand before it made contact.
'I wouldn't if I were you,' he cautioned.

Her eyes blazed her anger.

'I will drag you to my bed to exact my punishment, and I can assure you, you will be a willing participant,' he threw her words back at her.

Caitlin felt her face grow red. He was the most insufferable, arrogant__

'I would like my phone back please, I've had enough of you to last me a lifetime,' she pounded her hands on her curvaceous hips.

'You will get it when I drop you off,' he replied, picking up his keys.

How did the evening get to this stage? It had started so beautifully. So much for getting to know each other if this is all his one track mind was interested in. Well she was not interested anymore. He was just like every other obnoxious pig, she shied away from. He just proved it.

She hastily escaped out of the car before he could remove his own seat belt, not allowing him the opportunity to escort her to the door. Instead she used her own entrance to her suite.

Caitlin was seething with anger when she got to bed. Even after a steaming hot shower, sleep did not come easy that night. She tossed and turned. Her body still aching with desire, needing a special brand of fulfillment, after being so aroused. How could her body behave so disgracefully, after the hurtful things he'd hurled at her? Her sleep and her dreams were invaded by Nicholas' dark eyes, burning with the same desire, just like hers.

It was early hours of the morning, the sun signaling day, when she finally dozed off. She distantly heard the bedside phone ringing and thought it was in her dream until its persistence awakened her. Still groggy and full of sleep, she mumbled into it.

'Caitlin honey,' her dad greeted in the phone. 'Sorry to disturb your beauty sleep we're in the library. Do you think we can have some of your time?" he enquired.

Caitlin looked at the clock nine o' clock. She didn't often sleep later than six. But then, she had only really dozed off at about five that morning.

Fully awake now, she replied, 'Give me ten minutes dad, and I'll be there.

She brushed her teeth, a very quick shower, threw on a pair of faded denims that hugged her hips and legs, and hastily threw a sweater over her head. Her feet bare, she went in search of her dad. Opening the door she was rather surprised to find her father, Stuart, Professor Damien Clarke, and Nicholas standing around the table, their heads bowed studying some charts.

'Dad, I did not know you had company!'
She was embarrassed to find Nicholas there. Memories of the night before came flooding in. She tried to get rid of the feeling of being in Nicholas' arms, of his lips on hers, and the argument that had ended their evening together.
'Good morning sleepy head,' her brother greeted, 'very unlike you to be sleeping the morning away,' he teased.

Her eyes found themselves magnetically drawn to Nicholas. His face was unreadable. No recollection or evidence visible that they were together last night, or that their evening ended in disaster. Stuart was fully dressed in a dark blue business suit, Nicholas in a charcoal trousers, white shirt sleeves rolled up to the elbow. His tie hung loosely around his collar, she guessed it was his jacket hanging on a nearby chair, as it matched the trousers he had on. 'Good morning dear,' her father greeted. 'You do know everybody around the table.' Her father smilingly dismissed her comment about him having company.

Caitlin was glad she took the time to shower, she wished she'd known the extent of the company, she would have put on a pair of sandals at least. Being a non executive member of her dad's company, she assumed there was some business matter he wanted to discuss. The last person she wanted to see this morning was the supercilious and disparaging Nicholas Brenthurst in her father's study.

Nicholas observed her now familiar battle stance, the stiffened shoulders, her beautifully proud delectable chin summoning courage. The intelligent eyes alert but fiery only, when trained in his direction.

'So why have I been summoned?' she asked her father deciding to ignore the fact that she was bare footed.

She willed herself not to steal another glance at Nicholas. His eyes were trained on her, taking in her sexy legs adorned in the figure hugging jeans and the fact that she was bare footed. She mentally chided her body not to respond to his presence.

'We want to run something by you,' her dad answered, rather businesslike, interrupting her thoughts. Caitlin commanded her brain to pay attention.

'I called old Damien to invite his comments, but he was adamant that we should consult you,' her dad added.
Caitlin nodded, acknowledging her dad as he spoke, helping herself from the percolator. 'Stuart and Nick have put together this proposal to upgrade a gas pipeline in Eastern Europe from the Ukraine going up to Lithuania, carrying gas from Russia. It was a fairly simple exercise for Nick to come up with the total budget and infrastructure costs, and together Stuart and Nick finalized the business plan, and have already submitted it for approval. We thought we had all our ducks in a row, but now unforeseen operating costs have escalated to a point where it will not realize our projected return on investment.
Here's the problem.  Recently we have witnessed increased political tension, that is a cause for concern. The pipelines may be a target for sabotage, and the business plans must now include a maintenance plant, that is going to increase operational costs by at least twenty eight percent,' he paused.

'This is where Damien thinks, you come in,' he finished.

Damien nodded his head, convinced he was correct. How can we now build provision for the maintenance costs and ensure profitability without added risk?' He queried.

Caitlin wondered if this was the 'nagging work related issues' Nicholas referred to the last evening, on the way to his place. She needed to study the operating cost and what direct costs impacted on the project. She saw the documents she would need to peruse were in front of Nicholas. She needed them, but he seemed to make no effort to offer her the documents. Her eyes slowly raised up to find his.

'May I?' She enquired, picking up the documents.

Sheer erotic coded signals passed between them as their eyes locked. Nicholas quickly nodded, though she observed his eyes darken, before they shuttered. She smelt the musk scent of the expensive cologne he wore. She could remember the feint taste, when her tongue __.

Concentrate on the matter on hand!

Looking through the documents, she was not surprised that Nicholas had expertly identified all the potential risk factors, there was nowhere she could attempt to shift any costs to make any significant impact.

She could feel him staring down at her dainty feet. Pretending to be focused on what she was reading, Caitlin walked away to stand next to her dad. At the corner of her eye, she saw a glint of amusement on his face, which quickly disappeared, at her seeking solace next to her dad.

To hell with you Nicholas Brenthurst!
She gave her attention back to the paperwork. The funds had to come from another source, she decided. She tried a few permutations nothing seemed to provide a significant impact to the costs.

'If there was some other manner to get a cash injection that will get it off the ground.'
She heard Nicholas next to her. She did not even know when he had come to stand next to her. She looked into his eyes amazed, that they were thinking on the same wave length.

'What currency is it fixed on?' she asked Nicholas casually.

'Euro.'

'Do you have neutral financiers, who would have a vested interest in the success of this project?' She asked.

Her dad and Stuart exchanged confused looks. Professor Damien's eyes seemed to light up in anticipation. Nicholas folded his arms across his chest and responded.

'The US, Britain, Russia will want to see this venture being successful.'

'Okay let's do the math,' Caitlin picked up the morning newspaper, looked at the Dollar exchange rate, and scribbled on the corner of Nicholas' document. She looked at Nicholas, and they could all see she had reached some conclusion.

'I would hedge the funds,' she ventured looking directly into his eyes.

Then staring at the rest, they were waiting for her to continue.

'Against the US Dollar?' Nicholas verified, his concern at the potential risk.

'Yes, the rate has not fluctuated much above any significant percentage point in the last six months,' she informed him, mentally recalling on a weekly basis the average percentage it had fluctuated by.

'I would propose you outsource the operations of the maintenance plant. Change the legal tender to be Dollar based.'

There was a white board pinned to a wall. Caitlin went to it, and drew three columns. She scribbled a not too conservative percentage, that she would want to hedge for the next two years. You will invest in the maintenance plant for three years. In order to outsource the operations of the maintenance plant, you would need to lay down some venture capital from the derivatives that the hedging will attract and it will free enough capital, to sustain the plant costs.

'Brilliant!' exclaimed Professor Damien. 'Yes, the only way to improve the cash flow will be from the derivatives that the hedging will reproduce,' he summarized.

'I love it!' exclaimed Stuart, excitedly seeing the light.

'Excellent,' her dad smiled, glad that a result was achieved.

I'm only interested in one response. Her eyes avoided Nicholas, as she carefully replaced all the documents back onto the table.

'I agree, brilliant!' Nicholas echoed the professor's sentiment, respectful admiration in his eyes as he came to her and planted a kiss on her cheek.

After the heated argument they had exchanged last night, he was at it again!' She looked around, and everybody was so excited, at the final outcome, that nobody battered an eyelid at Nicholas' inappropriate gesture. Not knowing how to respond, she merely quipped, 'This round was free, next time I'll send you the bill.'

She walked away, before he could respond, still trying to come to terms with his kiss, as she left them to finish their discussions.

Caitlin was absorbed in her final preparation for the presentation she was to deliver to the Board that afternoon. The last three nights, she and her team had been burning the midnight lamp to throw all sorts of permutations into the equation to ensure they had the exhausted all possible alternatives for her presentation. The number crunchers were threatening to assassinate her if she dared throw anymore curve balls for them to overcome. Her attention to detail and the high standards she demanded from herself and her team did not allow her to readily accept their proposals without first scrutinizing it with a fine tooth comb before she afforded it her stamp of approval. Caitlin's integrity was respected by those who knew her in the industry. She resonated with governments' certain stance in hostile situations in standing ones ground.

A sudden commotion outside, her door being flung open, distracted Caitlin from her deep thoughts.

'I'm sorry Caitlin!  He would not take no for an answer, and demanded to know where your office is__.'

Speaking of hostile situations. Caitlin's heart did a somersault at the sight of Nicholas Brenthurst. What on earth was he doing here! He looks so devastatingly handsome! Their eyes locked. Her thoughts instantly went to the last time they embraced, their hungry lips insatiable, their bodies so in tune to one another. The uncontrollable attraction between them overtaking all rational thought. Strangely her last thoughts were not on the scathing argument they had exchanged, but rather the chemistry between them. She lowered her head momentarily shutting her eyes, failing to block the image directing her thought process.

-END CHAPTER TWO -