Caulder waited by the door. He declined the offer when she invited him. “I need to get back home and get some things together. My publicist will be over tomorrow and I don’t want her to think I live like a pig.”
“Do you?”
“No.” He tossed his gaze to the floor. “Sort of.”
“Now a big, strong guy like you isn’t embarrassed over some little pig sty.”
“Not really.” He smiled. “Can I count on you being there about two then?”
“Sure, I think I can make it. Shall I bring dessert and maybe a bottle of wine?”
“I think we’ll stick to coffee. She doesn’t drink and I don’t have it out when she’s around.”
“Kind of you. You keep showing a gentlemanly manner. I’m beginning to learn a different side of you.”
“There’s a whole side you still don’t know. You will one day.”
“I’m looking forward to the day.”
“Well, good night, ma’am, I mean Velia.”
“Have a good night cleaning your pig sty.” She closed the door but pulled it back open. “Wait, I don’t have your address.”
He walked up the porch steps. “Yes, it would help.” He pretended to scribble on his hand. He glanced at her and smiled.
“Step inside. I’ll get some paper.” She reached into the desk drawer in the foyer and handed it to him. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of this.”
“You would have called.” He handed her the address. “MapQuest it if you have to. I’ll be there all day if you want to come earlier.” His gaze didn’t leave hers. He smiled and placed his hand over his chest. “My heart might thump a little harder sharing half a day with you at my place.” He glanced away when she paused. “Well, for the second time tonight, I bid you farewell. Or…” He took her hand and kind of half smiled. “Good night, good night, parting is…” He looked to the floor when he didn’t get a reaction. “Well, you know,” he said, shoving his hair back. “Okay, I’ll leave.”
“So I say good night till… And that’s all I’ll say.” Velia smiled her sweetest smile, not because she planned to, but because she couldn’t prevent it. He touched her soul. Once again, Caulder did something to strum a chord in her heart.
“You should step outside and gaze at the stars. It leaves me peaceful, reminding me of home.”
I’ll try to on my way home.” She smiled when she looked at him. “I will definitely take a peek. I wondered why you would go out specifically to look at the stars.”
“Well, the main reason, ma’am, is because they’re there and because I can.”
* * *
Changing clothes three times only added to her anxiety. At noon Velia prepared to leave.
She did a search for directions and found it to be in the better, or even the best part of town. She had to keep reminding herself he had money and had probably made enough to last him a lifetime.
The route to the destination in the Catalina Foothills looked easy enough to find. She drove along admiring the desert landscape, the saguaro cacti standing like soldiers in the sand and pointing to the sky with finger-like limbs. Feathery palm trees dotted the landscape, looking out of place with the dry terrain. Low-level clouds speckled the deep blue sky. The sun shone bright.
Living in an environment covered with dust was all new to Velia since she had never been to Arizona before, let alone driving to the mountains, or at least the foothills of the Catalinas. It held beauty in its own way. Out of the ordinary for her because where she came from the only sand to be found adorned the shores of an expansive lake.
“How did he find a place way out here anyway?”
Her map didn’t help at all once she pulled off the highway. She didn’t remember it saying turn left at the tallest cactus, or turn left again when you see the certain peak in the mountains, or turn right if you start going through sand; especially the map didn’t say to turn around if you started climbing in elevation, which at this time she became uncomfortable not knowing if she should turn around. A short ways further, she turned her car around in the first safe place she came across. Dust clouds billowed up around her as she tried to get a grip and focus. She told her phone to dial Caulder. “Where are you?”
“I’m right here.” He paused. “Where are you?”
She clenched the steering wheel. “I don’t know!”
“Do you see a mile marker?”
“A mile marker?” She tapped her fingernails against the steering wheel. “I don’t think so? Um, no.”
Glancing out the window, he said, “Never mind.” He pulled his boots on and turned to his guest. “She’ll never see a mile marker there.” Leaving the house he went out to the end of the driveway, scanning the area with binoculars. “You need to turn around, Velia.”
“I did turn around. I’m going the other way now.”
“You need to turn around again. Continue up the mountain about a mile and you’ll see a small paved road to the right. Turn there.”
Velia did as he instructed. She wasn’t sure how much she liked driving up a curvy mountain road, and when she saw the paved road to the right, she was less sure—it looked like a cliff…
He called again. “Keep coming.”
“How do you know I need to keep coming?”
“I’m watching you. Turn left and drive slowly because you’re coming to a curve.”
“How in heaven’s name did you find this place?”
“I know the owner. Pay attention to what you’re doing.”
“No problem.” She ended the call and gripped the steering wheel with both hands. When she came around the turn Caulder stood waiting in the gravel driveway. The house looked like a mansion. Bright red roofs glowed in the sunlight, and she couldn’t count how many wings it had. It was a two-story beauty nestled high in the hills. The landscaping was magnificent. This had to be someone famous or very rich, or rich and famous. “Who lives here?”
“I do for now. Come in, Chelli’s already here.”
“Oh, she probably thinks I’m a bumbling idiot.”
“Then she would have to call herself one.”
“Good, I feel better. Let me get my portfolio.”
Caulder carried it in while she carried her camera bag and desserts. The beige and cream marble foyer led into a huge great room painted in pastel blue. Southwestern flair decorated the rooms throughout. A tall, ceramic horse stood in the corner, although she bet herself it wasn’t ceramic—probably something expensive. A painting of a Native American chief sat atop the fireplace. She followed Caulder into the kitchen where Chelli sat at the bar with a cup of coffee or tea. When Velia saw her, she wondered how they had met. Even with the woman sitting on the high stool, you could tell she was tall. Her long, shapely legs were crossed and seemed to go on forever.
Long platinum waves fell to her shoulders—reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe—with full lips adorned in crimson. Through sultry, heavily mascaraed eyes, she studied Velia, and then stood and reached for her hand.
“It’s great to meet you, Chelli. I guess we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.”
“Not necessarily. I don’t travel to those filthy shows with Caulder. I just promote him so he can travel a lot. I understand you accepted the job to go along on his tour and do the photographs, videos, whatever it takes. Can you do some writing to go along with some of the photographs? Maybe do a blog so people can keep up with his travels.”
“Sure. I love blogging anyway. I think it will be good for Caulder to add to the blog sometime. His fans would love to communicate with him.”
“Yes, those little groupies can actually type. Make sure you moderate the comments because you might be surprised at what they write when they’re incognito.”
“Yes, I’ll be sure to.”
“Velia brought some of her special desserts. She’s a great cook. She proved it yesterday when she did a fifty-year anniversary party for her friends.”
“Thank you, Caulder.” Velia hoped she didn’t blush.
�
�It’s true.” He held up the coffee pot. “Want some?”
“I’d love some coffee. If you’re ready for dessert we can bring them out.”
“Oh, no. We’re having lunch,” said Chelli. “Caulder had to promise me lunch to get me all the way out here in this godforsaken desert.”
“I think it’s beautiful. I moved here almost a year ago.”
“You came here by choice? Lordy, girl, you better protect that pretty skin.”
Velia ran her knuckles over her cheek. “Oh, I do. Well, I had to go somewhere. I threw a dart at a map and this is where it landed. Tucson, I mean.”
“Why on earth did you do something like that? Where did you come from?”
“She came from Chicago and she doesn’t like to talk about why.”
“I’m sorry to pry.” She glanced at Caulder and smiled.
“You’re fine, but Caulder’s right. I don’t like to talk about it right now. It’s still a raw spot.”
“We’ve all had those, honey.” She pulled her mirror out of her purse, adjusting her hair and checking her lipstick. “Lord knows Caulder has had his raw spots. We all have in this family. We’re all praying he can settle down again.”
Caulder tossed her a sideways glance. Apparently he didn’t want to talk about it either. “Oh, you’re related? I didn’t know.”
“Related by marriage.”
“Can we get down to business, ladies? Neither of you need to be leaving here in the dark. The sunset is nice, but you need off the narrow road while it’s still light. Trust me. It’s sinister around here at night.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Blacker than black itself.”
“I think I have an idea what you want for Caulder. I can definitely get the photos you need, and I’ll help with the blog and promoting him as best I can on my end. As long as you do the business end of the deal, I’ll take care of shooting his handsome face.”
“Sounds like you found the right woman, Caulder. You be nice to her.”
“Chelli, I’m always nice to the ladies.” He glanced at Velia. “Aren’t I, ma’am?”
“Yes, you are.” Velia smiled back. “He’s a real gentleman.”
An elderly man came to the doorway. “Lunch is served, Mr. McCutchen.”
“Thank you, Ramon, we’ll be right there.”
“Tortilla soup awaits, ladies.” He folded his arms and Velia looped hers through the right and Chelli looped through the left. They went to the patio and sat beneath a sizeable umbrella. Margaritas were already in front of them. Velia took a sip. “Mm, this is delicious.”
“They’re virgin.”
“Still delicious. I wouldn’t want to drive down that hill if they weren’t.”
After they finished their soup, they were served a salad with fresh field greens, honey chipotle dressing, Roma tomatoes, and red onions. “Mm, so tasty. Who’s the chef? Who lives here, for goodness sake?”
“I told you I do for now. I’m considering purchasing the place. Nothing more than a little dive to kick back in when I’m in town.”
“I see.”
“Don’t let Caulder surprise you. There is much more than meets the eye.”
“I’m learning more about him each day.”
“Ready for the main course, sir?” Ramon came by with a pitcher of margaritas. He wore khaki pants and a short-sleeve, white polo shirt.
“Yes, I do believe we are.”
Ramon returned with two helpers and sat pecan-crusted crab cakes in front of them, with fire-grilled tuna, braised, garlic sirloin cooked perfectly and served with rice and black beans.
* * *
After lunch they moved to the backside of the patio for dessert where they watched the sous-chef prepare their sweet ending to a scrumptious meal.
Velia enjoyed herself, glad she came. “The coconut and lime make great syrup for the fruit. Everything is so delicious. You call me a good cook?”
“I didn’t cook it. There’s a big difference.”
“I was raised with food being an important part of our family. I had to pick up something after having it around all my life. Have you ever seen an Italian family get together?”
“Not in person.”
“Caulder had butlers and maids. He didn’t have to do anything for himself.”
“Hey, not fair. Quit telling on me.” He pulled out Velia’s chair, and then Chelli’s and escorted them to the main sitting room in the house.
Chelli didn’t sit. “I’d love to stay and visit some more, but I need to get to the airport tonight and my time is getting short. I really need to go.” She touched up her lipstick and pressed a puff of powder against her cheeks before stuffing it back into her Coach bag. “Where are my keys?” She looked all around, and when she found them, she turned and thanked Velia for doing the tour with Caulder. “Maybe he’ll settle down and get a championship this year.” She winked. “And go on with his life.” She chuckled and patted his shoulder.
He escorted her to the car. Velia watched through the window when Caulder hugged her and then planted a kiss on her cheek. He waved and watched until she pulled out onto the road. He stood on the edge of the rock overlook and continued to watch. Velia went outside to stand beside him. “It sure is beautiful here.”
“You should see the sunset. Too bad you have to leave.”
“Yes, it is, but I’m not going to drive down that hill at night. Lord, I don’t think I like it in the daytime.”
Caulder grasped her hands. “Stay and go home tomorrow. I want to share this with you. See the million stars in the sky. Watch the moon rise. Watch the sun set with me.”
The night called. Had Caulder fallen for her? Would it be leading him on if she stayed? “Caulder we…what do you expect from me? I mean, you…” Velia kicked a clump of sagebrush as it blew across the driveway. “Never mind.”
“I expect nothing more than a business, and maybe a friendly relationship with you, nothing more right now.” He shifted to the right in order to block the sun from penetrating her eyes. “It feels so good to have female company with no pressure. I like you as a person and enjoy being with you. I’m not trying to hit on you if you’re worried.”
Feeling a chill, she wrapped her arms around herself.
“Come inside and think about staying tonight. I have a huge guestroom here. You’ll be totally separated from the rest of the house. You’ll have your own Jacuzzi and even your own breakfast if you choose, although I’d love to share the morning as well. Before long, we’ll be so busy we might not get to say good morning or good night.”
“I’d want to call Alice, so she doesn’t worry. You know with the Justin thing she might.”
“Of course.” He took her elbow and escorted her into the house. “The phone is over there.” He pointed to the table near the foyer. “I’ll give you privacy.”
Velia watched him walk out of the room. A tall form of man and she loved standing beside him. His thick locks seemed to have grown since they met. His eyes seemed bluer. His backside tighter. She picked up the phone and called Alice, ignoring the whimsical tune in her voice. Her mind and thoughts went into overload. She and Edward would have something interesting to talk about the rest of the night.
Caulder walked in when she hung up. “Everything okay?”
“Yes, but I fear she and Edward think something is going on.”
“Something is. Two people enjoying themselves! Now, how about a glass of wine, and we’ll sit by the campsite out past the patio, away from the lights.”
“Okay.” She smiled, happy with her decision to stay.
“I’ll be right back.”
Velia stepped out in the back and noticed how quickly twilight settled over the mountains. Caulder brought her a fleece jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. “Thanks, it’s getting chilly.”
He smiled and flooded his gaze over her body. Her nipples tingled, and she knew they protruded against her thin material. If she knew it then so did he. His smile didn’t lie. She stuck her arms in the slee
ves and zipped the fleece. “Aren’t there wild animals out here?”
“Yep. We’re fine.”
“I don’t want the chance to use my pistol for the first time here with you in the shadows.”
“You can be a real Annie Oakley.”
“I’m already a good shot. I think I found my calling.”
“Tomorrow, before you leave, we’re going to have a challenge.”
“You shoot?”
“Do you think I wear a cowboy hat for nothing? Of course I shoot. Did you ever shoot skeet?”
“No, but I watched my father and his friends.” Velia giggled. “Who you fooling, you ain’t no real cowboy.”
“Damn, you’re good.” Caulder laughed. “It’s time you tried.” He grabbed her hand. “Come on, the sun is setting and I want you to see this.”
Caulder lit a fire in the pit and they sat in comfortable, wooden deck chairs with a glass of red wine and the bottle between them. “Here it goes. Watch before it drops off the face of the earth. Look, there it goes, going, going, almost gone.”
They relaxed in quiet until the burning ball dropped all the way below the horizon leaving a flaming orange sky in its wake. The foreground glowed, amazingly changing colors before their eyes. The tall cacti stood silhouetted against the blazing backdrop. Shadows became more prominent against the mountains, and the sky turned red behind them, leaving the rock face glowing. It wasn’t long before the sky darkened to deep purple, midnight blue, and then black. Caulder opened the second bottle of wine. “This one is for the zillion stars you’re about to see. And if we’re lucky, we might see a shooting star or two.”
“I love shooting stars.” Velia gazed at the darkness above. “I love the sky when it’s littered with twinkles. I never saw this in Chicago, even atop the Hancock Building.”
“I’ve seen it a lot. That’s why I want it now. In Pennsylvania, we have lots of property and we’re away from city lights. Yep, always had twinkles in my sky.”
Velia laughed, feeling comfortable beside this near stranger. “I also love the full moon. I’m a moon child you know.”
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