Chapter Thirty
Marc finally kicked off his blankets and got out of bed. His attempts at sleep were futile. Roughly pushing his hand through his hair, he began to pace around the room.
Unless he was imagining things, the signals he’d received tonight from Julia were definitely in his favor. But he had no clue how to act on them. What he felt like doing had caveman overtones, so he had to cross that off his list.
Maybe what he really needed to do was go stick his head under cold running water. Marc smiled ruefully. But the thought of water made him realize he was thirsty. Holding up his arm to the light of the moon, his watch read 1:55 a.m. If he got a drink in Julia’s bathroom, he might wake her up, so after slipping into his jeans, he quietly made his way downstairs.
In the kitchen, Marc got a glass from the cupboard and filled it with tap water. After quenching his thirst, he put the glass in the dishwasher and wondered what to do next. He went into the living room and opened the wooden mini-blinds covering the sliding glass door.
Moonlight and shadow alternated stripes across the room. He opened the door a crack to let in a bit of fresh air. A cool breeze blew over his skin. Was he arrogant to think Julia had nudged open a way to another chance? He snorted. Why would she after the way he had treated her? After the way he had assumed everything in their relationship? He'd never given her a chance to speak her mind.
No, he'd made the decision that it couldn't work. Just like that, he'd ended it.
He knew he didn't deserve a second chance with Julia, but with all his heart, he desired one.
A noise caught his attention. He held his breath when he saw Julia enter the kitchen and reach into the cupboard for a glass. After debating whether or not to make his presence known, he softly called her name.
She let out a little gasp. He heard the sound of shattering glass. Marc pushed away from the wall. “Don’t move.”
Julia started to say something, but let out a squeak instead. He entered the kitchen as far as he could without stepping on splintered shards of glass.
“Where do you keep your broom?”
“Next to the refrigerator,” she said in a hoarse voice.
Marc grabbed the broom and meticulously swept the entire kitchen. After dumping it in the trash, he noticed a red puddle pooling under Julia’s bare foot.
“You’re cut.”
Licking her lips, she nodded. “As soon as you’re done, I’ll just hop over to the bathroom and get cleaned up.”
“It’s my fault for startling you. Since there could still be glass embedded in your skin, let me carry you.”
“That’s not necessary—”
Before she could protest further, Marc scooped her up and carried her into the hall bathroom. Pushing the door open with his knee, he brought her inside and set her on the counter.
“Thanks,” she said, her voice wobbly. “But I can take over from here.”
Ignoring her words, Marc switched on the light and bent down to examine the bottom of her foot.
***
Julia knew her cheeks flamed scarlet. Mortified by the sudden turn of events, she bit her lip. To be seated on a bathroom counter like an injured child wasn’t a scenario she imagined in her hope for a reconciliation with Marc. His hand was warm where he cradled her foot. Then she felt a sharp jab of pain, making her jump.
“There’s a piece of glass in your skin. Do you have any tweezers?”
Julia wanted nothing more than to hop off the counter and escape to her room. But she knew it would only make her look more foolish. She released a silent sigh. “There should be a first-aid kit under the sink. I think there are some tweezers in it.”
Marc located the kit and found a pair amid the rolls of gauze and packets of ointment. “This might hurt a little,” he said, probing her foot to dislodge the glass.
It hurt all right, but not nearly as much as her pride. She'd lain awake in bed, trying to muster the courage to go talk to Marc—to have the conversation she feared. To find out once and for all where she stood with him.
And then she'd stepped on glass. Perfect.
Julia patiently endured his doctoring, momentarily distracted from the pain by watching the play of muscles across his bare shoulders.
A short time later, he stood and showed her the piece of glass pinched between the tips of the tweezers.
The glass was such a small chunk, it was almost ridiculous how much pain it caused.
“I think I got it all, but tell me if this hurts.” Marc lightly ran his hand along the sole of her foot, watching her expression for any reaction. Julia lowered her eyes, finding his touch anything but utilitarian. She shook her head. “You got it all. Thank you.”
“Just a minute. I doubt you want blood all over the place.”
Her agony was drawn out while Marc washed and dried her foot. Then, with an adhesive bandage from the first-aid kit, he covered her wound and washed his hands in the sink. Julia sensed his attention upon her while he dried his hands on a towel.
“You shouldn’t put any pressure on your foot.”
Before she could object, Marc once again picked her up in his arms. He took her out of the bathroom and settled her onto the couch in the living room. Julia couldn’t bring herself to look at him. She felt, rather than saw him ease down next to her on the couch. He stretched his arm along the back of it while her heart roared in her ears.
Goodness, where do we go from here? Sorry about being a klutz. Say, do you want to give us another try? At this point all she wanted was to crawl under her covers and forget that she was a blundering fool.
“Julia.”
Reluctantly, she lifted her eyes, finding Marc's expression serious. Earnest.
“I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t worry! It was just a glass,” she said, looking away.
He tipped up her chin with his thumb until she had no choice but to meet his gaze. “Not about the glass, Julia. But about...everything.”
Oh. “Everything?” she said faintly.
Marc's fingers moved from her chin and trailed gently down her throat. “I’m sorry for saying things couldn’t work out between us.” He paused, seeming to struggle to find the right words. “I...had reasons for doing that, reasons at the time I considered noble.” He gave her a self-deprecating smile. “I now realize I’ve been nothing more than an arrogant jerk.”
“Please don’t say that,” she whispered. “I...I think we were both a little confused.” Feeling very daring, she reached out to touch his hand.
Marc turned it over and pressed a kiss against her palm. When he looked at her, he drew in a ragged breath. “Do you think you can forgive me...for not giving you a say? For hurting you like that?”
She melted. “Of course.”
Marc kept hold of her hand. “Can I ask you another question?”
“Okay.”
“Are you in love with Spencer Meyers?”
That was easy. “No, Marc. I’m not in love with him.”
His grip on her hand lessened, but when his dark eyes sought hers once again, she saw anxiety there.
“Julia.” A muscle jumped in his jaw. “Is there a chance...we could start over?”
Aware of the sound of her irregular breathing, of the warmth of his fingers around hers, more than anything, she wanted to say yes. But one reservation remained. Schooling her expression, she took a deep breath. “Why?”
Marc leaned forward, cupping the side of her face. “Because I love you, Julia, with all my heart. I have...for so long.”
She sought the truth in his eyes—and found it. Julia leaned close, tilting her face up to his. “I love you too,” she whispered.
Marc claimed her mouth in a languid, searching kiss that left her shaken. She savored the feel of his lips as they explored her face and throat before returning to her mouth to devastate her all over again.
Chapter Thirty-One
“I suggest we get ready and leave for your dad’s place now,” said Marc, raising his
lips from hers some time later.
Julia dazedly focused on his face. His eyes were clouded with desire—a look she knew was reflected in her own eyes.
His voice was husky. “It’s a little too dark, we’re a little too alone, and you’re way too kissable.”
She smiled and inhaled to replenish her starved lungs. “Good idea.”
He grinned. “You have to let go of me first.”
“Oh!” Julia blushed and released her stranglehold on him.
Marc stood and helped her up off the couch.
An hour later they were on the road, and after stopping for hot coffee to go, Julia sank deeper into the leather passenger seat of the car and watched Marc drive. Could this be real? Maybe she should pinch herself.
Marc got on Interstate 5 and drove straight through to L.A. She was pleased when from there, he chose to cut over to Highway 101 instead of staying on the more sensible freeway. The winding road and spectacular coastal views as the sun rose were worth the longer driving time. From San Luis Obispo they drove Highway 1 on to Monterey.
It was a magical time being cocooned in the car together, the night shadows dissipating before a lightening sky tinged with pink and gold. She closed her eyes for a moment, thanking God for bringing her and Marc past the barriers that had separated them. She knew they still had issues to resolve and that difficult choices lay ahead. But for the moment she just wanted to soak up his presence after the long weeks without him by her side.
They stopped a few times along the way, the early start affording them the opportunity. Marc exposed several rolls of film of the changing coastline and took several pictures of her as well. By the time they reached Monterey, mellow rays of afternoon sun slanted through the branches of the cypress trees lining the rocky coastline which overlooked the glittering Pacific Ocean.
***
Marc pulled into the drive of Julia’s dad’s house, a bungalow within walking distance of the beach. The cedar siding and shingles had weathered to a silvery-gray and boasted two twig chairs on the small deck. Window boxes bloomed with red geraniums and leggy rhododendrons rambled about the structure.
A man stood in the doorway as they climbed from the car. He was tall and solidly built, with sky blue eyes and dark blond hair liberally sprinkled with gray. Julia went into his waiting arms and hugged him tight. Marc waited to be introduced, glad she was on good terms with at least one parent.
Julia turned. “Dad meet Marc Dorin. Marc, this is my dad, Rick Farris.”
Marc shook his outstretched hand and Rick ushered them into the house. They sat down to an early dinner of grilled salmon, baked potatoes, and tossed green salad, talking into the evening over chocolate brownies and cups of coffee.
Marc decided to give father and daughter a chance to be alone, so pleading very real fatigue, he went into the guest room prepared for him. The look Julia gave him as he said goodnight was almost as sweet as her kiss.
***
The next morning, Marc awoke at seven and after getting dressed, he went in search of Julia. In the living room, he found her father sitting on the couch with an open Bible on his lap.
“Good morning,” he said. “Help yourself to some coffee.”
Marc poured himself a cup in the kitchen and returned to the living room. “Is Julia still sleeping?” he asked.
“No, she’s out on the beach.”
He looked longingly at the French doors, out to the white mist and sand beyond. Sipping at his coffee, he tried to be patient.
“Marc, I have a question for you.”
He looked at Julia’s father expectantly and had a feeling what that question might be about. From the short time he’d talked with Rick, Marc had seen the deep concern for Julia in his eyes.
“Do you love my daughter?”
“Yes, I do.”
“How serious are you?”
Resisting the urge to tug at his collar during this age-old interview between protective father and prospective suitor, Marc smiled instead. “Very serious. I want to marry her.”
Rick took a long drink of his coffee, seeming to consider his answer. At length, he set his mug on the oak coffee table and spoke. “I don’t make it my habit to overly interfere in my children’s lives, but Julia’s been to hell and back and I don’t want to see anyone playing fast and loose with her heart.”
Marc took a moment before answering. “I understand and I agree.”
The French doors opened and Julia poked her head into the living room. “Anybody up for a walk? It’s wonderful out here.”
Marc set his mug on the table and stood. When he glanced at Rick, the older man waved him on. “Go ahead. I have some reading to do.”
Wondering if he’d just passed some kind of test, Marc joined Julia out on the deck. Together they went down a path leading to the beach and strolled along the water’s edge through thin bands of fog drifting in the air. He slid his arm around her and pulled her close. When she looked up at him, he lowered his head and gently captured her lips with his.
He wanted to ask her so many questions—to find out what had really changed between them. Despite her affection, did she ever want to marry again after her bad experience? Were their disparate lifestyles a problem? Did he have what it would take to care for her as she deserved?
Marc tabled the inquiry for another time. Their separation was still too fresh. And maybe she needed time to think things through. If Julia could do anything, it would be to look at a situation from every side. Too bad he was just realizing that now.
After they returned to the cabin, Rick drove them to the airport in San Jose and assured Julia he’d take care of returning her car to the firm for her. They exchanged goodbyes and Julia encouraged him to make the move to Oregon soon.
Once Marc and Julia were seated on the airplane, she turned to him and squeezed his hand. “Don’t worry. He was impressed.”
***
“Should I call?”
“Who should you call, dear?”
Sara looked over at Brian. “Julia was due back hours ago. I’m starting to get worried and thought I might call the airline.”
“I already did,” Brian said. “Their plane came in on schedule at two this afternoon.”
“But it’s eight o’clock. Why isn’t she home?”
Brian shrugged. “You’re the romantic. You figure it out.”
Sara furrowed her brow. “You mean...you think that—?”
“I thought you told me you were praying for their reconciliation,” he said equably. “Isn't it reasonable to think there's a chance they worked things out?”
Sara came to stand over her husband where he sat on the couch. She put her hands on her hips. “Look who's been the busybody? What other plans do you have up your sleeve?”
Brian pulled her down beside him. “This,” he whispered, and proceeded to thoroughly kiss his wife.
***
The following morning, Sara hovered over Julia ‘helping’ her unpack from her trip. Julia knew her sister-in-law was dying to know every detail. Since her return, she could sense Sara trying to read her expressions for any hint of what had happened over the last week.
Julia wasn’t sure how much information she wanted to reveal. In a way her reconciliation with Marc felt fragile. Irrational as that was, she worried about saying too much. She’d been sure of Marc’s affection before, and then he broke things off. What if he had a change of heart again? No, that didn't make sense. They'd reconciled. All that remained was working out the details. Julia berated herself for over-obsessing as she followed Sara back to the main house to eat dinner. She heard the phone ring just as she stepped through the back door.
Sara grabbed it and answered. With a grin on her face, she held the phone out to Julia. “It’s for you.”
Julia put the phone up to her ear and when she heard the sound of Marc’s voice, her reservations vanished.
“I tried your cell, then got impatient.”
“Dead battery. Sorry.”
> Are you all settled in?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“I miss you already.”
“The feeling is mutual.” Julia looked over her shoulder to where Sara ostensibly busied herself with loading the dishwasher.
“I’d like to take you with me to the Deschutes this weekend. Any interest?”
Julia smiled. It sounded heavenly. “I could be persuaded,” she teased.
“I’ll pick you up at eight Saturday morning.”
“I can’t wait.”
A pause. “I love you, Julia.”
Julia caught her breath and gripped the phone more tightly. “I love you, too.”
After saying goodbye, she absently replaced the receiver on the cradle. Turning around, she found Sara wearing a satisfied smile.
“Who was on the phone?” she asked with an arched brow.
Julia knew Sara had recognized Marc’s voice. “Um, that was my accountant calling to let me know I’m entitled to a hefty refund from the IRS this year.”
“Sounds like you got something mushy going on with that so-called accountant of yours.”
Before Julia could make a comment about eavesdropping, Sara enfolded her in a warm hug. “I always knew you two were perfect for each other.”
“Who, the IRS agent?”
Sara released her and swatted her arm. “You and your brother. Two peas in a pod.”
Thirty
“I never get tired of this view,” Marc said, pressing Julia close to his side.
“It’s lovely,” she agreed.
The Cascade Mountains loomed snow-capped and majestic in the blue haze of the spring day. Aside from drawing her attention to the beauty around her, she suspected Marc was giving her a chance to catch her breath after their long trek through the rugged trails along the Deschutes River. She appreciated his thoughtfulness. Her heart beat like a rabbit’s and a few times she’d been slowed by dizziness. When she felt recovered from the exertion, she leaned up and kissed him lightly on the lips.
Lights and Shadows (Oregon In Love) Page 21