Chapter 3 The Pool Of Desire

MISSISSIPPI RIVER,

South Beach Biloxi Hotel.

Richard Rawlings sank deeper into the cool waters of the hotel's swimming pool, feeling the tension in his muscles easing, his eyes closed as he soaked up the sun's warm rays.

suddenly, he heard a splash and opened his eyes to see a stunning woman in a bikini entering the pool. Her curves and beauty left him breathless.

As she swam closer, he recognized her as Kate Spencer, the daughter of his mentor Admiral Rachel Spencer. He had once been deeply in love with her daughter,dated for a while until Scarlett came between them.

Richard felt a surge of attraction, his pulse racing as Kate drew closer. Her tantalizing figure and charming smile tested his self control.

Kate seemed oblivious to the effect she had on him, swimming closer with a bright smile.

"Hi Richard, enjoying the pool?"

Richard's heart skipped a beat when he heard her voice,a voice that had once filled him with desire.

"Kate... I didn't know you were around," he said trying to mask the shock and excitement in his voice.

Kate's piercing blue eyes sparkled with a playful glint. "oooh, Richard, you look surprised."

she said, a playful smile dancing on her lips as her long dark hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall.

"I thought you would be happy to see me after all these years." she moved closer to him, her bikinied figure just inches away.

"I came here to see my mum,she told me you were here, so I have been hoping to run into you."

Her voice was silky smooth, with a hint of seduction.

Richard maintained a respectful distance, shifted his gaze away from lingering on Kate's curves.

"It's great to see you Kate, but I'm a married man now."

His body betrayed him as he fought to keep his urges in check.

"A married man huh?" Kate's smile grew even wider. "Well, that doesn't mean we can't catch up."

She reached out and gently placed her hand on Richard's broad chest.

Richard could feel the heat of Kate's hand on his chest. Her touch sent jolts of desire like an electrical current through his body. Every fiber of his being seemed to be responding to her, drawing him closer despite his efforts to resist.

He thought within himself. "If I don't come up with something right now, all hell is going to break loose here and now."

Finally,an idea popped into his mind.

"Kate, I heard about your mum's retirement, I hope she's okay?" his voice tinged with genuine concern.

Kate's smile faded for a moment,

"She has been struggling," she admitted, her tone became sober. "She was diagnosed with cancer but there's hope." she quickly added.

"I'm so sorry to hear that," Richard said, his tone softening with empathy. "There's hope for a cure?"

"Yes Rich, there's a cure and we are already working on it."

Despite Richard's attempt to shift the conversation, she's not about to let him off the hook so easily.

"So sweet of you to ask about my mum," her smile widened, "but don't worry, she's strong."

"There's something I want to tell you Rich,"

she moved closer still,her hand moving towards his neck as she leaned in to whisper in his ear,

"something I think you'll find quite . . . . exciting."

Richard's pulse quickened as he felt the warmth of Kate's breath against his ear. His mind raced with possibilities and he knew he should pull away, but something in him couldn't resist the temptation in her words.

"oh no Kate, don't do this to me."

"I hear the news Richard, it's everywhere. You're the famous Ghost Rider that's turning the pirate world upside down."

She paused, biting his ear softly before adding.

"Aye Ghost Rider, when are you going to ghost ride me to the galaxies?"

Richard reached boiling point in no time, he couldn't take it anymore, his resistance crumbled, he surrendered to Kate's advances.

"Alright Kate," he breathed, "I give up, I really missed you, but I wouldn't wanna do anything to hurt Scarlett."

Kate beamed with satisfaction at his surrender, a triumphant grin playing on her lips.

"Oh Richard," she purred, "You look really handsome when you're tough. I missed you too Rawlings..."

"There's alot of catching up we need to do Richard but there's no time. My mum is ready to see you now." she sank deep into the pool and swims few distance away from Richard.

Richard sighs a breathe of relief, saying nothing, he quickly emerged from the pool while Kate steadied her gaze on his robust body, her eyes lingered on him for a moment, taking in every contour.

She couldn't help but appreciate the raw masculinity that exuded from him. With a killer smile she said,

"One more thing captain, I heard about your sea voyage tomorrow, I'm coming aboard your ship."

Richard couldn't help but chuckle lightly

"You've got to be kidding me, on whose authority Kate?." He asked with the hint of challenge in his voice.

"On my mum's authority captain."

Richard chuckled, impressed by Kate's quick wit.

"Well,it seems I'm in no position to argue with a matriarch's command. See you tomorrow Kate." A mischievous twinkle appeared on his eyes as he walked away.

"What have I gotten myself into?" Richard thought as he walked to his mentor's hotel room.

"Kate's back in my life, I almost lost it seeing her and now she's coming on my ship? I can't believe still have feelings for her after all these years. Why do I feel like she's up to something? why is she here?? why now?