Second Chances

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

The day after the christening, Casey slept in late. She didn't see much of her husband that day as Carter was closeted in the study with Jerry and John, discussing the latest developments in the Jakarta deal.

Tuesday morning dawned bright and sunny and Casey went back to rising early. She came down the main staircase around 8:30 and saw Charles at his usual post, polishing the furniture again. "Good morning, Charles."

He looked up with a warm smile. "Good morning, Mrs. Jacks. Have you and the young master recovered from Sunday's festivities yet?"

"Well, I think I finally caught up on my sleep, but I don't think I'll *ever* get all the thank you notes written for the christening gifts." She looked towards the dining room shyly. "Is Mr. Jacks eating inside today or is he down at the pool?"

"Neither, madam," Charles replied. He put down his can of wax and dust cloth and took Casey by the arm, leading her towards an unfamiliar set of patio doors. "Mr. Jacks and Mr. Cassidine met for a set of tennis and breakfast this morning. If you follow this path, and then veer to the left, it will lead you directly to the courts."

Casey pulled back a little. "Oh, well if he's got a guest this morning, I shouldn't intrude...."

Charles smiled indulgently. "Mr. Cassidine is a frequent visitor, Mrs. Jacks." Charles craned his neck to the left and pointed. "He lives in the house over that ridge of bushes. Mr. Jacks enjoys losing to him at tennis on a regular basis."

Casey giggled. "So, I wouldn't be interrupting some important business meeting....."

"I'm sure Mr. Jacks wouldn't mind your company at all." Charles had to shake his head as he watched the lady of the house nearly fly down the pathway. The staff was all betting how long it would take before Mr. and Mrs. Jacks finally realized how much they still loved each other and gave in to their feelings. Charles kept it to himself, but secretly was of the opinion that the new Mrs. Jacks should just throw Mr. Jacks down on the floor and ..... express herself.

Casey heard Carter laughing loudly even before he came into view. "When will I ever learn? I should just concede the match before we even begin!"

A husky voice matched Carter's laugh. "And will that be true in the business world also, my friend? When might I expect J&J Jacks to simply acquiesce to the fact that Cassidine Industries is the rightful leader of industry in Jakarta?"

Casey rounded a series of bushes in time to see Carter and a tall, sandy-haired man sitting down at a wrought-iron table near the tennis courts. "Nevah!" Carter replied dramatically, slapping the man on the back with jovial good humor. Both of them seemed to sense Casey's presence and turned to see her standing about 15 feet away. "Casey! I didn't know you were up this early!"

Carter had to fight that constricting feeling in his chest as his wife approached them. She had on some white capri pants and a mint green gauze top with a white tank shirt underneath. Casey had pulled her hair back into a ponytail again this morning, and Carter had to wonder why the old Casey had never worn her hair that way. It was a most becoming style – although, Carter also realized that the only reason he liked it so much was because he dreamed of taking it down, running his fingers through the thick strands of silk, and then kissing her until they both were breathless.

Casey was fighting her own sensual thoughts at the same time. If she thought her husband looked sexy in his swimsuit, it was only because she had never seen him in his tennis whites. The tight-fitting short shorts made a striking contrast with his tanned, muscled thighs. His short-sleeve, V-neck polo shirt clung to his chest with perspiration, and as he pushed his hair back off his forehead, Casey couldn't help but notice the corded muscles in his upper arms. In fact, she had dreamt about those same strong arms wrapping around her and pulling her to him in bed only the night before.