by Lee, Groovy
CHAPTER SIX
The next morning, a still wounded Taryn stood in front of her dresser mirror analyzing herself in the short, black biking shorts she pulled from the back of the drawer. She turned left then right, trying to ascertain whether this was a good idea. It never occurred to her there would be any use for the Lycra material stretching around her thighs, and accentuating her backside. At first, they were exercise apparel, now they’re a piece of prized arsenal. She smoothed at her canary-yellow top and smiled.
Today it begins: Sweet vengeance. Michael’s rejection of her had her fighting with the pillow all night—the sheets won. Last night may have been nothing but a mind game to him, but she was ready to give her all, her heart included. And he just walks away? Well, it’s on now. Next time, she’ll be the one to walk away—that is, unless he’s made entirely of concrete. And just how thick is it? He acts as if he’s unfazed by her as a woman with that take-it-or-leave-it smugness, and she means to test its strength. (Childish?) Maybe. But, her feminine ego is bruised and needs healing. A silent moment for courage, then she paraded out of the room.
She had just finished pouring milk into Remi and Rachel’s cereal bowl when he strolled in. She turned from putting the carton away just in time to catch him staring at her smooth legs for a shocking second before greeting the girls.
“Would you like breakfast?” her honey-laced words floated to him.
“Yes, please,” he said, his eyes grazing once more across her figure.
She took the eggs out of the refrigerator, and went to the stove. As she stood breaking a couple into the skillet, a triumphant smile began widening across her face.
“Aren’t you going into work today, Michael?” Remi asked, twirling her spoon in her bowl of Fruity Loops. “You’re not wearing a suit.”
“No,” he tugged her ponytail. “I’ll be in the library working today.”
“Can I come and watch?”
“Well, Chris and I will be pretty busy, Remi. Tell you what,” he added quickly when disappointment registered in her eyes. “When I finish, how about we go and get some hamburgers for lunch?’
“Yaay.”
“Mummie, can we go outside and play, now?” Rachel asked having slurped the rest of her milk from her bowl.
“Yes, but stay away from the pool.”
“Momma, don’t forget to ask Michael,” Remi added as she slid from her chair.
Taryn looked over and squinted at her. The plan was to wait patiently and give him time before making major changes to his home. But of course, keeping quiet is not one of that girl’s strong points. Remi’s eyes widened as she ran to catch up with Rachel, slamming the patio door behind her. Taryn slid the hot eggs onto a plate, added toast, then took it and the carafe over to him.
“What are you supposed to ask me?” he took the napkin she offered.
“The girls want to know if they can have a swing-set. I said I’d ask you first.”
“You don’t have to ask me,” he picked up the decanter and poured the black liquid in his cup. “If they want a swing-set, then get them one.”
She could tell he was still in a mood by that stiff reply, but that wasn’t going to deter her. “Oh, this is not your ordinary swing-set,” she swiveled around and with slow, alluring steps, moved to her side of the table with unquestionable confidence that he was watching every inch of her until she sat down. “This one does everything but fly for you. It has six poles that have to be concreted into the ground. That backyard is beautiful. If you don’t want all those holes in your property, I understand. They’ve got plenty of toys to occupy their time; They don’t need a set that enormous.”
He exhaled sharply and looked away to his breakfast. “Like I said, if they want the swing-set, get it. Holes in the yard are natural. There’s more than enough money in the household account to cover the cost.” He stirred a teaspoon of sugar into his coffee. After a few sips, he placed his cup down and eyed her. “I get it.”
“Get what?”
“It’s not holes in the yard that’s such a big deal; It’s having to use that part of the account. In fact, I bet you’ve barely touched a dime of it. Am I right?”
She looked away and began stirring at her coffee. “Maybe—maybe not.”
His laughter was more of a scoff. “You’re so afraid that the more of my money you spend, the more you’ll feel obligated to share my bed. I bet I’m right about that, also.”
She opened her mouth to refute that, but just sat back in her chair and remained silent. (Did he forget last night?)
“You have my permission to order it, Taryn, and put as many holes in the yard as you please; Or shall I do that? You know—so you won’t be so beholden to me?”
There was a hint of a harsh chuckle as he focused on his breakfast and the newspaper. After finishing her second cup of coffee, and having grown tired of the authoritative hush from across the table, she went to stand at the patio doors to see about the girls. The sound of his chair scooting back made her glance around.
“I’ll be in the library,” he tossed his napkin on the table. “When Chris arrives, I’d appreciate it if you show him in. And, don’t bother about lunch. I promised the girls we would go out.” Without waiting for a response, he proceeded across the hall.
“Yes, sir,” she whispered as she saluted toward the now closed doors. “Anything you say, sir.” After a deep breath, she went about clearing the breakfast mess.
She had just finished arranging the dishes in the dishwasher when the doorbell chimed into the kitchen. Chris let out a low whistle when she opened to door to him, causing her to feel shameful at her too short attire.
“Well, well, well,” he stepped inside and kissed her on the cheek. “Now, I know why he wanted to stay home today.”
“Stop it,” she closed the door and led him toward the library. “Michael’s in his study. Can I get you anything? Coffee?”
“Yeah, I could use a cup.”
Chris went into the library, while she continued into the kitchen. She took out a serving tray, two empty cups and saucers, the rest of the hot coffee, and arranged everything on top. When she entered, Michael was seated behind his desk examining some papers, while Chris reclined in a chair opposite him explaining the paragraphs. She sat the tray down on a clear spot. Michael thanked her, and Chris shot her a wicked lift of an eyebrow as she left out.
After peeking out at the girls once more, she finished cleaning the kitchen then went upstairs to pick up the mess they’d left lying around in their rooms. When she came out of Rachel’s room, her eyes were drawn to the end of the hall to the master bedroom which always garnered a deep breath to settle her mental angst. Though she’s always been too intimidated to go and have a look inside, this time she dared to tread into His-Highness’ lair.
Her stomach stirred, and her forehead grew moist, as she entered to cool colors of beige and dark-blue. At once, her glance went to the king-sized mahogany bed across the room. She walked over to inspect, her fingers tracing the intricate details of one of the huge posters reaching for the ceiling. She studied the spacious bed, visualizing him lying there at night sound asleep. Does he wear silk pajamas? Does he sleep in the nude? (Will she ever take that step and find out?) She smoothed her hand along the plaid comforter then scanned the room for anything that needed tidying. The maroon sweater dangling from a chair in the corner caught her eye. She held the garment close to her chest, allowing the scent of him to embrace her before heading for the closet to put it away. The huge space, coupled with the color-coded suits, shirts, and ties, had her circling in wonder. She has to search through endless hangers just to find one dress. After hanging the sweater in a spot where it seemed to belong, she continued to look around until she noticed a sketch pad sticking out of place where a row of his shoes were.
She went over and picked it up. It was her intent to mind her manners by not being too noisy, but her curiosity reigned, causing her to peek inside. Drawings of the countryside and sketches o
f buildings were an impressive tribute to his artistic talent as she flipped through each page. But, one drawing in charcoal pencil had her curiosity gearing up even more. Her heart did triple beats at the woman with long, black hair and thick bangs over dark eyes smiling back at her. She didn’t have to guess—it’s Karen. No doubt, it’s Michael she was smiling at as he captured an intimacy so deep in her eyes, one shoulder peeking from beneath a shawl. (How attractive.) So, this is the woman who has his heart; The one he really wants to share his bed with.
She slid the pad back in its secret corner, concluding it best not to dwell on his feelings, or why he still has her picture. Last night, he accused her of using him as a substitute for David. If she ever decided to be his wife completely, wouldn’t he be guilty of the same thing?
Twenty minutes later, she was busy folding her last pile of clothes in the laundry room when she heard the patio doors open and the scurry of footsteps across the kitchen floor.
“Mummie, are you in here?”
“Yes, Rachel,” Taryn put the clothing aside to see about her. She stood in the doorway, at once noticing the muffled clothes, untied shoe strings, and wild-about hair.
“Has Michael come out of there yet? He’s been in there all day. I’m hungry.”
She laughed at such a desperate twist of her face. “He’ll be out soon, honey. Can you hold on a little while longer?”
“Can’t you go in and get him?”
“Tell you what, if he’s not out in five more minutes, I’ll go in and drag him out if I have to. O.k.?”
“O.k.”
Just then, Remi came barreling through the patio doors. “Mommie, is Michael out, yet?”
She was about to repeat herself when the library doors opened, and he and Chris sauntered out.
“Michael,” Remi rushed to him, followed by Rachel. “Are you ready to eat, yet? We’re hungry.”
He cast an amused glance over their faces. “I made sure Chris and I finished on time. Certainly wouldn’t want to keep our dates waiting, would we, Chris?”
“Just let me clean them up a bit, and they’ll be ready,” Taryn said.
“No need to,” Michael waved her off. “They look fine. There’s a small carnival on the boardwalk. We’ll eat lunch there, and a get on a few of the rides.”
A wild hail of yippees exploded through the room.
“Aren’t you coming too, Taryn?” Chris asked.
“No,” she answered, still stinging from the picture upstairs. “I’ think I’ll stay here and catch up on my day. Have fun, everyone.”
“Are you sure?”
She was touched by Michael’s concern, certainly a big change from his earlier mood. “I’m sure.”
“Come on, Uncle Chris,” Remi grabbed his hand and began pulling.
“We’ll be back in a couple of hours,” Michael managed to say as Rachel guided him out.
A quiet hour passed as she put some freshly dried clothes away, and vacuumed the upstairs. As she sat at the kitchen table eating a small salad for lunch, she tried finishing the letter to Nora, who had seen her on all four of the Hollywood news shows and wanted to know every minute detail in print so she could show her friends. She was laughing at Nora’s brazen question as to why she didn’t throw herself onto Mario and kiss his dimpled cheek for her, when the doorbell hailed a visitor. She was taken by surprise at David standing on the other side of the door.
“Come in.”
“Michael didn’t come into the office today, so I thought I’d better deliver these papers to him; He wanted them as soon as they were completed.”
“He’s not here. He and Chris took the girls to a carnival for lunch.”
“Oh. Well, then I’ll just leave them here with you, if that’s okay.”
“Sure. I’m sorry you came all this way and missed him.”
“I wouldn’t say the trip was a total waste,” his eyes perused her attire.
(Oh, God), she held her breath for just a second. She meant to change into something more presentable right after everyone left. “Uh—have you had lunch, yet?” was all she could think to say in return.
“No, I haven’t had time.”
“You can join me, if you like.”
“I don’t want to intrude.”
“You’re not intruding, David. I’d love the company.”
His smile widened by two degrees. “I think I will. Thanks.”
She led the way to the kitchen. David put his briefcase on the floor and sat at the table.
“You have two choices,” she announced as she stood looking inside the refrigerator. “Ham or chicken sandwich.”
“Ham is fine.”
She took the ham, along with a tomato and dressing, and put them on the counter. “How long have you worked for Michael?” she asked as she put the ingredients together.
“Three years, now.”
“Does your family live here?”
“No, they live in Australia.”
She cut his sandwich in half and placed it on a small plate. When she turned to take it to him, she was struck by the way his eyes lingered unashamedly over the length of her.
“Thank you,” he took the plate from her.
She went back to retrieve a bottle of water for him. “You know, there was no mistaking your accent. And by the way you dress, you lived on a ranch, maybe?” she handed it to him and settled in her chair.
His robust laughter filled the room. “My western garb gives me away every time. You’re right. My father owns a horse ranch; I’ve been riding alongside him since before I could walk.”
“Do you miss them?”
He did a quick lift of his shoulders. “I do. I have three brothers who still help my father run the business. We talk constantly. But, I love my career here in the states. It’s the best of both worlds, really. When I tire of one, I can always go back to the other. What about you?” he asked before he bit off a corner of his sandwich. “Do you miss your old home?”
While he ate, she told him about Nora, Bobby, the death of their parents, and yes, she misses Nashville, but loves it here, too.
He sipped some water then wiped his napkin across his mouth. “Well, I, for one, am glad you’re here. Michael is a blessed man.”
Her nerves pricked from the fond way he was regarding her; And even though she wishes he wouldn’t compliment her so much, he was well-behaved and polite as they chatted from the kitchen to the living room over the next hour. She enjoyed his company, but was relieved when it was time for him to go.
“My job awaits me,” he said as they stood outside in the driveway under a splendid sun. “Thanks for lunch, Taryn.”
“You’re welcome. Come back again.”
“I think I will.”
The purring of a car caused them to turn and watch as Michael rolled into the driveway and switch off the engine. Remi and Rachel piled out and scrambled to her with colorful, plush animals bundled in their arms.
“Look, Momma,” Remi held up an aqua-blue rabbit almost as big as her. “Look at what Uncle Chris and Michael won for us at the carnival.”
She fingered the oversized, floppy ears and smiled. “That’s nice.”
“David,” Michael approached. “What are you doing here?”
“I came by to bring you those revisions you wanted, but you had already left. Taryn felt sorry for me, and invited me to lunch.”
In a split second, he was eyeing her. She looked away to where the girls were talking to a patient Chris about their new, stuffed buddies.
“And, did you make it to that video conference? Or were you distracted?” he looked at her again.
“On my way, boss. Well, good-bye, everyone,” David started for his car. “And, thanks again, Taryn.”
She was fully aware that Michael was, once again, unhappy at the moment, but didn’t let it bother her as she waved at David. Once his car hit the main road, she turned to ask how their day went with the most care-free smile.
“He’s been here all day?�
�� It was more of an accusation than a question.
“If you meant the entire time you’ve been gone? Almost,” she shrugged.
“And did he by any chance, leave the papers he brought? Or was he so intoxicated by your nearness that he forgot?”
For the sake of peace, she let that slide with a tolerant smile.
“Chris, can you take the girls inside?” he looked around at them still standing by the car.
“Come on, let’s take your animals and put them in your rooms,” he steered the girls toward the porch.
“But, I want to stay out here,” Remi insisted.
“Remi, do as Chris says,” Taryn ordered.
Michael waited until they were all inside before he continued. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to encourage his company. I’ve mentioned this.”
“No. Your exact dictate was, and I quote, stay the hell away from David, unquote.”
His jawline clenched for a second, then, “I apologize for my angry outburst last night. So, I’ll relay it in a more civil manner. You need to avoid spending a lot of time with him. In fact, it would be better if you just kept your distance—period.”
“Michael, he came all this way to deliver some papers, and you weren’t even here. I invited him to lunch out of kindness. I couldn’t let him drive all the way back without extending some courtesy.”
“Your sense of goodwill is touching, but unnecessary.”
“I’m not a child, Michael. And, I don’t need to be given rules as to whom I can and cannot see. David’s been a total gentleman and a good friend. That’s not a crime.”
He inhaled a restraining breath, then, “Can’t you see he’s attracted to you? And, this hand of friendship you keep extending to him only draws him to you more. Especially, if you extend it dressed like this.”
For the thousandth time that day, she regretted her choice of clothes. It seemed everyone, but the intended mark, noticed. “Okay, so I’ll just make sure I’m covered more the next time. Besides, I’m not concerned about David stepping over any boundaries.”