Charon's Crossing

"Well, yes. I was concerned, darling, when I couldn't reach you and you hadn't phoned."

"So you called Beverly?"

"Is that so terrible? She was concerned too. She said you hadn't called her, either."

"Of course I hadn't called her! Why would I? If we talk to each o

ther once a month, it's a lot."

"Still, she was worried about you being all alone down here."

"Well, there was nothing to worry about." Kathryn glared at him as she tossed her hair back from her face. "As you can see, I'm fine."

"Very fine," Jason said softly. He reached out and cupped her face in his hands. "Deliciously fine."

Matthew groaned. "Spare me," he muttered. "Must I really listen to this?"

Kathryn stamped her foot. "Will you shut up?"

Jason's hands fell to his sides. "If that's how you feel," he said coldly, "I'll turn around and go back to New York."

"A fine idea," Matthew said, rising to his feet.

"A terrible idea," Kathryn said quickly. Slowly and deliberately, she put her arms around Jason's neck. "I'm not ill and I haven't had too much sun, but I have been without you for far too long. The last thing I'd want is for you to leave me now." She smiled, leaned forward, and pressed her mouth to his. "You see?"

Jason hesitated. Then he drew her tightly to him and kissed her back. She shut her eyes and did her best to let the moment carry her away, but it didn't work. Whatever she was supposed to feel—passion, excitement, arousal—-just wasn't there.

But how could it be? She wasn't alone with Jason. They were embracing with an amused audience of one watching every move.

"Relax, darling," Matthew said softly. "You're like wood in his arms."

Kathryn's eyes closed more tightly.

"No little sighs, no sounds coming from the back of your throat as they do when I kiss you."

She linked her fingers tightly at the nape of Jason's neck.

Matthew's voice turned husky. "Did you know that your skin warms whenever we kiss, and that you rub ever so gently against me?"

A strangled sound rose in Kathryn's throat. She pushed free of Jason's embrace, her face flaming.

"You—you have to let me catch my breath," she said.

Jason, eyes still dark with passion, reached out for her.

"I like you better when you're breathless," he said with a little laugh.

"I know, but—but let's get your things upstairs. Elvira will be here before we know it."

"Who?"

"The woman who's helping me clean the place."

Jason sighed and picked up his overnight bag. "Well, I'm glad to hear you've got someone giving you a hand, Kathryn. This place is a mess."

"It was, but we've made lots of progress."

"No wonder you've got rats."