Whispered Promises by Brenda Jackson

plane leaves this afternoon.” He gave her a wink. “Don’t look so nervous, Caitlin. This is all very informal. I’m merely here as a neutral party.”
    Dex made a loud noise that sounded suspiciously like a snort.
    Clayton laughed. “It seems my brother obviously thinks otherwise. Dex, how about joining us,” he called over his shoulder.
    Caitlin watched Dex turn from the window and walk toward them. Surprise flickered in her eyes when instead of taking the chair not far from where Clayton was sitting, he came and sat next to her on the sofa.
    He sat so close, the material of his jeans pressed against her thighs not covered by her shorts. Her heart skipped a beat. His nearness was having an arousing effect on her. The palms of her hands were damp and a tingling sensation began spreading throughout her entire body.
    â€œNow then,” Clayton said, eyeing them both speculatively. “Your father was right, Caitlin. Legally, you and Dex are still married. Therefore, to deal with your situation the two of you can either continue on with your marriage by picking up where you left off four years ago, or contact your own attorneys and file for a divorce. However, if you do decide to file for a divorce it won’t be as cut and dried as the last time because of Jordan. There will be the issues of child support and custody rights to deal with.”
    Caitlin spoke softly. “I don’t want to cause any unnecessary problems. There’s no need for much child support. The sale of Dad’s printing shop should bring in enough money for me and Jordan to live comfortably. And I do have a job in Fort Worth to return to in the fall.”
    She shifted nervously in her seat. “And as far as custody rights, I’ll agree to whatever visitation privileges Dex wants. I’d never do anything to deliberately keep him and Jordan apart.”
    Clayton nodded. He then fixed his gaze on his brother. “And just what is it that you want, Dex?” he asked.
    Dex stood slowly and walked back to the window. Caitlin had addressed the issues that would only be pertinent if they chose to get a divorce. “It would probably be a lot simpler if you were to ask me what I didn’t want, Clayton.”
    Clayton rolled his brown eyes to the ceiling. “Very well, what is it you don’t want?”
    Dex turned. His gaze held Caitlin within its dark scope. He couldn’t help noticing a slight shiver pass through her body with his close scrutiny. She looked as beautiful and radiant as the morning sun. The velvety softness of her cheeks reminded him of an African violet. The lips that he had so thoroughly kissed last night were now parted slightly as if in an open invitation for him to do so again. Her hair hung loose about her shoulders, and she looked incredibly sexy in the outfit she was wearing. He walked toward her slowly, coming to a stop directly in front of her.
    When he finally spoke, his words came out clear and firm. “What I don’t want is a divorce.”
    Shocked into silence, Caitlin’s eyes widened. “B-but why? What possible reason could there be for you to not want a divorce? Just last night you said our marriage was beyond repair.”
    Dex’s gaze slid from Caitlin to his brother. “If you don’t mind, Clayton, I’d like a few words alone with my wife.”
    Caitlin was stunned at the possessive tone of Dex’s voice when he referred to her as his wife. Although it appeared that legally she was, she never expected him to ever say it like he didn’t mind it. She thought he would be upset upon finding out they were still actually married.
    â€œIn other words, Dex—” Clayton chuckled, breaking into Caitlin’s thoughts “—you want me to get lost for a while.”
    A smile curved Dex’s lips. “Your ability to figure things out amazes me.”
    A few minutes later Clayton had left them alone to go upstairs