by Lee, Groovy
“Good-morning,” she tried to hide her nerves behind her ordinary, everyday manner.
“Michael cooked us breakfast,” Remi’s mouth as usual was crammed with toast.
“I see,” she took the empty seat at the other end of the table.
“For a moment there, we thought you were going to sleep the entire day,” he said just before he tilted his coffee cup to his lips and sipped.
“I’m sorry I overslept. I meant to be up in time to cook for everyone.”
“There was no need. We did pretty well for ourselves, didn’t we, girls?”
“Yeah.”
Taryn picked up the decanter sitting in the middle of the red-speckled table, and poured herself a cup of the steaming elixir.
“I thought we could go for a drive today to get you familiar with the area. Afterwards, we could go to the beach for a picnic—unless you’re still recovering from the busy day you had yesterday, and would rather stay in.”
She glanced up from spreading marmalade across her toast. “No, I’m fine,” she couldn’t help smiling at eyes so warm and alluring. “I’d love to see everything.”
“Yaaay,” the girls wriggled in their seats.
After breakfast, they all piled into his silver Explorer and was piloted out of the driveway, through the neighborhood, and onto winding roads embellished by opulent mountains thick with trees and foliage. Their first stop was the ultra, shopping mall where every department store imaginable waited to fulfill your needs. (Taryn was instantly hooked) They picked up some picnic items from the super grocery store connected at the end of it. Afterwards, he took them to an isolated beach for lunch. Remi and Rachel stripped to their bathing suits and waded in the ocean, screaming each time a wave touched their thighs. Michael sat with his arms coiled around his legs, a can of soda dangling from one hand and watched. Taryn was reminded of the first time she laid eyes on him in St. Petersburg; He was sitting that exact same way with the sun glistening on his black hair.
She realized she’d been staring at his physique longer than intended, so she switched her attention to the thick sand around her and began making patterns with her finger. The basis of their conversation mostly revolved around: “Do you want diet or regular soda? Did you sleep well last night?”, followed by stretches of silence. She exhaled her disappointment. They’re married, for heaven’s sake; They should be able to converse like adults minus the clumsy quiet.
“When do you go back to work, Michael?”
He peered around at her, half-smiling. “Monday morning. I told my staff that since there’s so many projects to finish, we plan to honeymoon later in the year. That way, they won’t get too curious as to why I’m back so soon.”
“Oh.”
“By the way. Do you remember me mentioning my cousin Chris?”
She nodded.
“He wants to meet you. Are you ready to entertain company for dinner? Say tomorrow night? If that’s too soon, we can plan for later.”
“Tomorrow’s good. Can’t wait to meet him.”
“He’ll probably bring an escort.”
“That’s fine.”
That hush fell again where they eyes held for a moment, then he smiled and looked away to the girls. Taryn was giving it her all, but it seems that a natural rhythm between them will take time. Still, a comment he made once has been nagging at her. And, she feels she should broach the subject and get it out of the way now that they’re married.
“Can I ask you something?”
He shifted around on the blanket to face her, his legs stretched out as he leaned back on his hands. “What?”
“That day you offered marriage, I said you deserved to share your life with someone you loved. But, you said that chance walked out on you a long time ago.”
The way his brows lifted, and the turn his mouth made, alerted her to the fact that she’d found his thorn. But still, she has to know the truth.
“And?” he pressed.
“Well, were you engaged once? I think I have a right to know.”
He looked passed her to the rocky cliffs in the far distance for a few seconds then sighed. “You’re right. And yes, I was engaged once. A lifetime, ago.”
“Was it to that model I saw you with on TV? Raven?”
“Heaven’s no. Her name was Karen Knoxford.”
He fell into an uneasy silence that lasted too long for her comfort. “I see,” she said and looked back to her traces in the sand.
“Karen was ambitious, and wanted to make her mark on the world before she committed herself to anyone. Her career meant more to her than I did. We didn’t see eye to eye on what was more important and what wasn’t. There was a big argument. We broke off our engagement. She went her way, and I went mine.” He was looking at her now, clearly bothered. “She’s not here in California,” he answered the other question she thought best to drop. “The last I heard, she was in England somewhere.”
“And if she comes back?”
He shrugged. “I doubt it. But, what if she does?”
Surely, he can get the sense of what she’s asking. Maybe, he does and just doesn’t want to answer that loaded question.
“Nothing,” she replied, and looked over to see Remi running toward them.
“Michael, come and help us build a castle. Please?”
Without another word, he got up and went off with her. Taryn’s eyes wandered over his physique as he walked away. (Karen Oxford) Sounds Ivy League. So, she’s off to make a mark on the world. Does she expect Michael to be waiting until she returns to mend things? So what if she does, he had answered. Taryn blew out her frustration. After all, she has a right to know the extent of his feelings for his ex-fiancee. Would he take her back in a second if she reappeared? That would certainly end their deal, wouldn’t it? She brushed irritably at her designs in the sand. Whatever he decides is more than fine with her. She could walk away right now and only feel it for a little while. He did her a favor, and she did him one. That’s it.
After the picnic utensils were packed away, and swimsuits were covered over with street clothes, he drove them to the edge of the city and pointed out a few of the sights along the horizon. Then he took the girls to their favorite fast-food place to let them order dinner to their hearts’ content.
“Go upstairs and get ready for your baths”, Taryn said to them when they arrived home an hour later. “I’ll be up as soon as I put these things away.”
“Taryn,” he called to her just as she was about to take the cluttered picnic basket into the kitchen. He opened his wallet and held something out for her to take. “Here’s a temporary credit card for you and the girls to buy whatever things you might need until the permanent one gets here. It has a sizable limit, so besides toys, food, and clothes, you can purchase whatever you need for the house, in case you ever decide to redecorate.”
That teasing laughter was so comforting. Except for the warmth in his eyes whenever he looks at her, it was the first time today he’s gone beyond a smile. She felt rather selfish all of a sudden as she looked fixedly at the silver plastic in his hand. He’s really living up to his end, doing his part as a provider. A credit card for this, an account for that; All for her and her girls. He’s given her free reign of his money and his home without asking anything in return.
“Thanks,” she murmured.
“Well, if you’ll excuse me, I have some calls to make. Then I’ll probably turn in. What about you?”
“The girls and I have been dying to watch that enormous TV in the living room—if that’s okay with you.”
There’s that laugh again. Her heart jumped. If it had a tail, it would be wagging uncontrollably right now.
“Don’t let it captivate you too much, or you’ll find yourselves still sitting in front of it this time next week.”
The laughter between them faded slowly as his eyes gleamed over her face, then rested on her mouth for a long moment before he said good night and started up. A rush of shame warmed through her as s
he stood watching him head for his room—alone. Since the day they met, he’s done nothing but give of himself.
He practically paid for everything in Florida. He even proved himself to be a true and valuable ally when he stood by her side against the Gant clan, and rescued her from a terrible court battle. And what has she done in return? Nothing, zilch, nada. He’s not asking a lot of her—Well, only that she moves into his room and be his wife completely. He said he’d be patient and not look for companionship elsewhere. That counts for something—doesn’t it?
“Michael,” she said before all good sense fled.
He turned from mid-way up the stair to look down at her.
She inhaled for courage. “You’ve done so much for the girls and me—well,” she swallowed to keep her throat from constricting further. “I—I’m ready to fulfill my part of the bargain.”
His eyes widened for a brief second followed by a suspicious glint as he descended the stairs, one slow step at a time, until he came to the last one. She swallowed again as he soaked in every curve of her.
“Meaning?” he finally asked when he was thoroughly finished.
“Meaning, I can move into your room tonight if you want.”
A moment of repressed silence hovered as he contemplated her words. And during that silent moment, every inch of her tingled in anticipation of him whisking her up in his arms, and carrying her off to his bed. But first, she has to calm him down long enough for her to put the girls to bed.
“Thanks, but, no thanks, Taryn.”
Her heart plummeted. “I—what?”
“I said no thanks.”
“I don’t understand.”
“No, you don’t,” was his firm reply. “This isn’t about bargains. When you come to me, it has to be because you want to, not because you feel obligated in some way. The only bargain we made was me helping you keep your girls, and you getting the tabloids off my back.” His eyes now reproved her from head to toe before continuing. “I don’t need sexual favors from you.”
She fell humbled and lowered her eyes to the sparkling marble at her feet. It seems no matter how hard she tries, her good intentions only serves to aggravate him. He probably thinks her offer was some kind of a mercy mission. She looked up to apologize.
“Good-night,” was his final say, leaving a shameful Taryn alone to deal with the indescribable twists he’s taking her through.
It’s not going to be easy, but they’ll eventually come to an understanding—a give and take. She was grateful he rejected her impromptu proposal, though. Everything is happening so fast. The idea of sharing his bed, coupled with nights of making love, still causes tremors. She’s willing, but will she ever be ready?
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
“Remi, I asked you not to bring that turtle to the table,” Taryn stood at the breakfast table early Monday morning pouring orange juice into each of the girls’ glasses, before returning to the counter to prepare Michael’s toast.
“But, Momma, Mr. Green-Jeans is lonely up there in my room all by himself,” she picked the tiny reptile up from her lap and held it in her hand to examine.
Taryn brought the decanter to the table and placed it beside the platter of sliced cantaloupe, strawberries, and grapes. “Just don’t bring him to the table again.”
“He’s making me lose my appetite,” Rachel grimaced with disgust, generating a saucy reply from Remi’s protruding tongue.
“Good-morning, everyone,” Michael came into the kitchen.
At once, Taryn’s eyes locked on his entire physique dressed in a black suit with a pale-yellow shirt and matching paisley tie, his hair brushed to perfection, his eyes…. “Do you want one or two pieces of toast, Michael?” she wheeled from his masculine allure and busied herself with the bread.
“I’ll just have coffee and some of this fruit, Taryn,” he sat down and poured the dark liquid into his cup. “My ten o’clock conference has been moved up an hour. If I leave now, I’ll just make it.”
“Michael, do you work in a tall building?”
“Very tall, Remi,” he said between sips.
“How tall?”
“Oh, at least four times as tall as this house.”
“Wow.”
“Thanks, Taryn,” he sat his empty cup down and stood. “Did I mention Chris is bringing a date tonight?”
“Yes, you did.”
“Is there anything you want me to bring home for dinner?”
(Home for dinner) How those words echoed with endearment; As if they’ve been a family for a lot longer than four days.
“No,” she said, feeling an eager spot in her heart from such a secure notion that this may work.
“Then, I’ll see all of you tonight.” He paused for a moment, their eyes uniting from across the room.
Taryn could only hold his gaze for a few seconds before she smiled briefly and turned back toward the stove.
“Michael,” Remi beckoned. “Aren’t you going to kiss Momma good-bye like they do on TV?”
(Oh, no, she did not just say that) Taryn’s eyes widened, a warm flush sailed from the top of her head to the pit of her stomach. She held a deep breath for a second before turning around, a veneer of calm in her features. But, as soon as she caught sight of him walking across the floor toward her, her strength began to crumble.
“If you think I should, Remi. Good-bye, Honey,” he stressed for her sake.
Taryn braced as he leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers in the softest of caresses. The girls clasped their hands to their mouths and giggled. When it was over, she could only stand and try her best to breathe normally.
“See you tonight,” he whispered with a seductive lift to his mouth.
“I’ll walk you to the car,” Remi jump out of her seat and took his hand.
Taryn wondered if she should talk to Remi about private and intimate moments. But what can she say? They’re man and wife. In her eyes, there should be intimate moments of good-bye kisses. She wouldn’t understand a deal. Just then, Remi came back in and resumed her seat.
“Mummie, do I have to eat all of these eggs? You put too much on my plate.”
“No, Rachel, you don’t.”
Remi guzzled away her orange juice and slapped the empty glass on the table. “If you don’t want them, I’ll feed them to Mr. Green-Jeans.”
“Turtles don’t eat eggs.”
“Do, too.”
“Do, n…”
An earsplitting squeal hit the air, followed by a chair scraping against the floor. Taryn dropped a dish back into the soapy dish water and spun around to investigate.
“Remi put her turtle in my plate.”
“Remi Ayumi Kimble,” Taryn marched over to the table.
“Well, she didn’t want them.”
“You take that turtle upstairs and put him back in his aquarium this instant.”
She popped out of her seat and turned on Rachel who was now hiding behind Taryn. “Now, look what you did. You got me in trouble.”
“Did, not.”
“Did, too.”
Remi started after Rachel who released another high-pitched scream and took off with her sister and Mr. Green-Jeans in close pursuit. Taryn stood with her eyes shut tight, one hand massaging a temple. The day isn’t half way through, and she already needs to be medicated.
The girls did nothing but bicker, scuffle, and slam doors well into the afternoon. After chasing her headache away with a couple of aspirin, she separated them to their rooms so she could focus on dinner.
The few days they’ve been married, she’s learned that Michael, though not a vegetarian, is big on salads and fruit. So, she stood preparing a garden salad and crab salad as part of tonight’s menu. She was slicing a crisp cucumber into a bed of bite-sized lettuce and tomatoes when the sound of shattering glass drew her attention toward the library across the hall.
She wiped her hands clean, then went to inspect. Just as she reached the doors, Remi ran right into
her.
“Remi,” she held her by the arms. “What are you doing in there? And, what was that crash I heard?”
“I didn’t mean it,” she cried, her eyes wide with panic. “I was just looking around. I didn’t mean to break it.”
“Break what?” Taryn half peered inside. “Weren’t you told to stay out of Michael’s library? It’s not a playroom. Where‘s your sister?”
“She’s still in her room.”
“Come and show me what’s broken.” With a firm hand on one shoulder, Taryn guided her back into the library. Remi pointed passed the cluttered desk to the wooden stand with the pedestal top positioned in the far corner. On the floor beneath it lied the glittering fragments of what was once a crystal vase. Taryn closed her eyes, that stubborn headache was pulsing back to life. Michael had specifically cautioned the girls to be careful around that vase. She went over to examine the pieces more carefully.
“I didn’t mean it.”
“Go get the broom and shovel.” Taryn bent down and gathered up the big pieces in her hand. (How is she going to explain this?) Seconds later, Remi was back. Taryn placed the big pieces in the shovel then swept the small ones into a pile.
“Momma, is Michael going to spank me?”
Taryn looked up from sweeping the rest of the slivers of glass into the shovel to see puddles swelling in her daughter’s eyes, her bottom lip quivering. “I’ll talk to him, o.k.? Maybe, I can get him to agree on taking away a privilege. You know you should be punished for this, don’t you?”
Remi nodded then clamped her arms around her waist.
Taryn transferred the shovel to her other hand and hugged her close. No doubt, Collen’s temper must be revisiting at this moment. It didn’t matter the cause—spilled milk, too much noise, a toy left in his path—going after them was his answer for everything. Standing in between them and barring him from touching the girls only made things worse, but at least they were spared most of the time. Now, her baby’s afraid that the past will call on her. Hopefully, this won’t be a matter of contention with Michael; That for now, he’ll leave the disciplining of the girls to her.