Be Mine Forever_Darcey's_Book 2

by Mary Lynn Cooper

  For an instant she grew worried she was commenting too much about his life, but he turned towards her with warmth in his eyes and a soft smile on his mouth.

  She continued, “Perhaps, once in a while, the people in our past speak of us, too. Makes you wonder how much or how little they do. I do hope it’s all but fond memories they speak of, at least when they speak of me.”

  “I doubt she does. I wasn’t all that deserving of praises. Not the old Leo. Well, not always, but with Isabelle, towards the end of our relationship, I could have handled it better.” He put the papers back on the table in front of him and stretched his long legs. Leaning back on his seat, he then turned his head to study her. “Now, let me ask you, why would she choose to go to Harvard when her boyfriend is attending Cambridge?”

  She shrugged. “Did you ask her?”

  “If you were her, would you choose me or chase your dream?” He stared at her with a very serious expression.

  After an awkward silence, she replied, “Can you not have both? I mean, she could’ve gone to Cambridge with you, right?”

  “It has been a decade since we broke up. I don’t even remember the details. I do remember getting so cross with her for standing me up in Paris. Then I—“ He paused and pressed his lips together before adding, “Then I broke up with her.”

  “Oh!”

  “But, really, say it happened to you, and you find the man of your dreams, what would your choice be? Would you choose him, or choose your dreams?”

  Images of Nathan instantly flooded her mind. She remembered the choice she made. Did she really choose her dream over Nathan? Was her dream more important than him?

  “No!” she blurted out.

  “Huh?” Leo gave her a quizzical look.

  “I mean, I wish I wouldn’t have to make that choice. But, if I had to, I would choose whatever would make him happy,” she replied softly.

  His raised eyebrows told her he didn’t understand her. She repeated herself, “I would choose what would make him happy.”

  “But what if being with him is what makes him happy? Although a gentleman would probably let her go because he doesn’t want to step between her and her dreams.”

  “Is that what you did? You let her go because you were afraid you would get in the way of her plans and dreams?” Her heart broke for him. And for herself.

  He shook his head, leaning further back as he looked up towards the ceiling. “I was young. I thought that, well, if she wanted to go to Harvard, since she always wanted to go there, who was I to stop her? If we didn’t break up then it would only be harder for us in the long run. And I would hurt her later on. Worse, she would’ve actually gone to Cambridge if I asked her.”

  She smiled. “Why, Leo, I never knew this cooped up romantic was inside of you, simply waiting to make his appearance!” she teased, hoping to lighten up the conversation.

  He smiled tenderly before sitting up and pressing the call button to summon the flight attendant. “Shall we eat? Soon we will be in Tokyo. Are you excited?”

  “I am indeed. I get to go to Ryokans, Onsen, have sushi, experience a tea ceremony, learn Kendo, pottery, ikebana, origami and I wish to see a real Geisha.”

  He chuckled. “Don’t forget Karaoke!”

  “Sure, as long as you sing along,” she challenged.

  He shook his head. “I’ll be attending a few dinner parties and meeting some clients. I wonder--” He paused while his eyes searched her face.

  She gave him a questioning look.

  “I wonder, would you like to come as my guest or my date?” he asked slowly.

  Her heart beat faster. Was he asking her out?

  When she didn’t reply, he added, “I mean, it would lend me confidence to know that someone else is there. These men usually have their wives and girlfriends with them. But, no pressure. Please accompany me, should you desire to, if you have time to spare. I don’t want to get in the way of your itinerary. But if it’s too difficult for you, don’t worry about it. I’m sorry to have even brought it up.”

  She bit her lower lip, choosing her words carefully. “I think it would fine. I’d learn more about the Japanese culture if I actually speak to locals. I’m guessing most of your companions would be the crème de la crème of Japanese society. Talking to them would make me understand their lifestyle more. I’d get to use their choice of leisure and travel in my articles.”

  He gave her a grateful smile. “Do you have an idea how amazing you are?”

  A thrilling sensation shot down her spine as his grey eyes touched her face from across the aisle. “I agreed because you have been kind and we are friends, Leo. Bribery and compliments aren’t necessary.”

  He laughed, a very pleasing expression filling up his face. “But it’s true. You are beautiful and you felt good in my arms.” He gave her a certain look. Was it desire? If he only knew the havoc he was causing on her nerves that very moment.

  Could anyone simply remain friends with the likes of Leo Warwick? she thought.

  “Warwick, please behave.”

  “But I haven’t said or done anything. And yet you’re blushing.” His smile deepened.

  She tried to make her tone stern. “We’re friends and I enjoy having this conversation with you, I won’t lie. But you were well aware of my situation when I met you.”

  “I know, I know.” He put a hand up. “Look, I’m sorry, but I hope one day you’ll give me a chance. I’m betting on that little gleam of hope.” Daylight flowing in through the windows caressed his eyes, making them sparkle like the sea on an unforgettable summer’s day. He was one gorgeous man, she had to admit.

  Agatha stepped inside their quarters, her hair as annoyingly perfect as the evening before. “Mr. Warwick, Miss Vaughn, what can I get you?”

  “I need a cold drink for Miss Vaughn,” Leo replied. “She seems flustered around my company.”

  Chapter 23

  “Hello, I am Mei-Sensei. I will be teaching you all the art of Ikebana or flower arranging,” said the lady with the simple yet chic hairstyle. She was dressed in a silk kimono and spoke softly and calmly like most Japanese women. The flower arranging sensei then gave a short description and history of one of Japan’s famous pastimes. All the students were given flowers and pots and ceramics to arrange their flowers.

  Darcey paid close attention, carefully placing the flowers she had cut into a bunch.

  “Interesting,” the teacher commented.

  “I’m sorry?”

  “It is said that the way we arrange the flowers is a reflection of our heart. The key to ikebana is minimalism. To prepare with a relaxed mind and, most of all, with a peaceful heart.”

  “I, uh--I was trying to put a little colour and coordinate the balance of the flowers and stems,” Darcey explained.

  “Indeed, your arrangement is beautiful. But what does it mean? Could it be that you’re trying to focus on putting so much colour and technicality? Why not just express your heart? I suggest you stop over-thinking what I or other people think, just follow your heart.” She gave Darcey a knowing smile and then went to check on the other students.

  “Follow your heart,” Darcey murmured. Memories of a breakfast Nathan once made her rushed in without warning. That particular morning he had picked flowers from his garden. He then used one of the larger wine glasses as a vase.

  “Breakfast for the most beautiful girl in the world,” Nathan had said.

  “Pancakes! Oh and some flowers.” She gave him a peck on the cheeks. She studied the flowers. They were cut from their stem and placed on the wine glass with water.

  “You killed these beautiful roses. You should’ve left the stem and let me arrange it. Luckily, you only cut three.” She lightly tickled his belly.

  “Three roses. You know what they mean. I love you. Can’t you see my heart, the simplicity of this arrangement?” He had smiled mischievously.

  “Did you take a flower arranging class?”

  “No, but do I sound like I
did?” He grinned.

  “You are the sweetest man in the world.” She gave him a hug.

  “If I had tulips I would pick those and tell you: To the most beautiful Two lips in the world.”

  “Oh, Nathan! Boarding school trained you well.”

  “I beg to differ. I’ve always been a romantic. I once made some for my mother.” His face had taken on an instant sombre look as he uttered the words.

  “Sissi must have been pleased.”

  He shook his head. “No, actually she was cross that I cut her flowers when they hadn’t all bloomed. She didn’t even get to try the pancakes my sister and I made, she was flying somewhere.”

  Darcey kissed him gently on the lips. “Nate, you are the sweetest two lips in the world.”

  “Now, that is better, Miss Vaughn,” the gentle voice of the teacher brought her back to the present. “Now, you have just expressed you heart.” She gave Darcey a kind smile. “In Ikebana, and in everything, always be true to your heart.”

  Darcey nodded thoughtfully as she blinked back tears.

  *****

  Later that evening, she wanted to explore Tokyo and sample more of the delectable cuisine her favourite restaurant had to offer. She invited Leo to a small sushi bar tucked in a secret alley. They agreed to meet at the closest major intersection and she led the way to the hidden gem. It was in one of the busiest districts of the city. Fortunately, she knew the head chef. The restaurant sat only seven people at a time.

  As they stepped inside the charming and old-fashioned Japanese sushi bar, a member of the staff greeted them and showed them their seat by the bar. While they waited for her friends, she had the chance to observe Leo. He was extra gorgeous in his crisp white shirt and black trousers. The azure shade of his silk tie gave his grey eyes a magnificent blue hue. She found herself staring at his eyes a tad too long until she felt he was starting to notice.

  She cleared her throat. “You like sushi, right? No allergies?”

  “No, Japanese food is excellent. I can’t wait.”

  “Konnichiwa!” Darcey exclaimed as soon as she saw the familiar faces of the head chef and his wife.

  “Konbanwa, Darcey-san,” the beautiful lady replied, bowing deeply. Darcey caught a twinkle in the elder woman’s eye as she turned her gaze towards Leo.

  “This is Leo Warwick, a friend of mine. Leo, this is Hiromi and her husband, Kei. He’s the head chef. I met them a couple of years ago.” Turning back to the charming couple, she took out a present from her large purse. “Oh, before I forget, here are some tea and chocolates from that Fortnum Mason shop you love so much.”

  “Arigato gozaimasu,” the couple said in unison.

  “Welcome to Japan. Here are fresh unis to start,” Kei reached behind the counter and served them a dish of succulent sashimi. The uni shimmered against the restaurant’s soft lighting.

  Leo began to ask the chef what it was like working in one of the most popular sushi bars in all of Tokyo. While the men were clearly enjoying discussing the merits and pressure of work, Hiromi turned to Darcey with a big smile on her porcelain-skinned face. “Darcey-san, I can’t believe you’re back. It’s so nice to see you. And with a very handsome boyfriend!”

  Darcey almost choked on the sashimi she was relishing. “Oh! But he’s not--“ To her surprise, Leo reached under the table and squeezed her hand. She decided to let Hiromi’s mix-up slide, but confusion ransacked her mind. Why did Leo squeeze her hand like that?

  “This is delicious,” Leo commented.

  “This restaurant is Tokyo’s best kept secret,” Darcey told him with pride in her voice. “It’s known for their principle of using only the most premium ingredients. Kei himself has won a dozen culinary awards for pushing the boundaries of current culinary practices. Notice how his seasoning enhances the subtle flavours of the food, without overwhelming the main ingredient?”

  Admiration filled Leo’s stunning eyes. “You certainly know the workings of the industry you write for. Kanpai.” He smiled as he raised his glass of sake.

  She grinned and toasted him. The high-quality wine cascaded down her throat like luxurious vicuña wool against smooth skin. She placed her shot glass on the table and returned his smile. “But really, the secret is love.”

  An eyebrow raised. “Really now?”

  “Mr. Takemae and his wife were each other’s first love. Isn’t that right, Kei-san?” She grinned at the chef who was busy preparing another beautifully arranged dish behind the counter.

  “Hai. Hiromi was the first person I made bento for.” Kei carefully cut some tuna with skilled hands.

  “You see, Leo-san,” Kei went on, “the secret is perseverance. Hiromi kept saying no to me. No, no, no. She was very popular with the other men, but I made her bento every day.”

  Leo laughed and Darcey felt a warm and pleasant sensation in her stomach. It’s just the sake, she told herself. Or was it?

  Before she knew what was happening, Leo leaned towards her and whispered, “If I made you breakfast every morning, would you fall in love with me?”

  Heat immediately rushed to her face.

  Fortunately, the couple didn’t hear a thing. Hiromi smiled at Leo as she assisted her husband with his work. “Leo, tell me, how did you meet Darcey?” She poured them more warm sake and placed a fresh plate of sashimi on the table. It was a million leagues lovelier than the flower arrangement Darcey witnessed earlier that day. She picked up her hashi to taste the spread. The sumptuous yellow fish tail was begging to be devoured.

  “Itadakimasu,” Leo replied.

  Darcey couldn’t hide another smile at his display of Japanese respect. She was eager to hear Leo’s version of how they met. She took another sip of sake with hopes that she could blame her blush on the wine, not when Leo was the cause of her feeling flushed.

  “We met at a party,” Leo explained. “And I felt like time stopped for a second. She had me at her first insult.” He instantly laughed at his own joke and reached over to give Darcey’s hand another squeeze under the counter.

  Hiromi gasped. “How charming!”

  At the very same time, Darcey exclaimed, “What?!”

  Leo chuckled some more. “She claimed my brothers and I were trouble. I could have sued her for defamation, but when I laid eyes on her, I thought she was an angel.”

  To her utmost embarrassment, Darcey forced a laugh yet it came out as a snort. A light dribble of sake escaped her lips. “Oh! Gomenasai,” she apologized to the couple. To Leo she retorted, “Please, you’re drunk on good food and, may I add, you’re a lightweight after merely two shots of sake. Excuse him, Hiromi, Leo hasn’t tried sushi this good. I believe he’s actually hallucinating.”

  The beautiful older woman nodded but her eyes were smiling, as if she had the world’s juiciest secret. She wasn’t taking the bait. “Darcey, I think I know when a man is telling the truth about a woman. Leo-san looks at you like someone seeing their first ever Sakura bloom.”

  There was an awkward air that swept over them. Leo seemed to have reverted back to his usual aloof demeanour in an instant. He averted his eyes away from the women and focused on the feast before them.

  Darcey was only thankful the chef was busying preparing a plate for the other customers. After several seconds of silence, and with Hiromi glancing at her with mischievous and knowing looks, she couldn’t take the awkward stillness any longer. “I thought the Japanese were very much less direct in expressing their romantic notions.” She kept her tone light, hoping to ease her embarrassment.

  Hiromi nodded. “Hai, but we’re very caring towards the people we care about. You’re right for the most part, we keep things inside. It is for this reason the government encourages us to express our romantic intentions more often. Where I am from, the town of Nagareyama in Chiba Prefecture, lovers can send in an application with a love declaration to create a legal declaration of their relationship.”

  Leo nodded. “You never stop learning new things in Japan.”


  To Darcey he seemed interested. Or was he feigning it, she thought. He never struck her as someone who’d care even a bit for romance.

  “This salmon sushi is totemo oishii. Try one.” She didn’t know what else to say. All the teasing was making her feel uncomfortable. This was Leo Warwick. She didn’t have feelings for him. Right?

  Leo picked up a piece with his chopsticks and chewed slowly. “That is delectable,” he said.

  “Isn’t it?” Darcey replied, hoping her voice sounded calm. She reminded herself to breathe and talk casually.

  I shouldn’t be acting like this with him. He’s a friend!

  Hiromi wore a satisfied smile as she passed by to serve a couple behind their seats. She patted Leo’s shoulder as she made her way back to help her husband. “It seems to me, Leo-san, you won’t need to apply at any government office to declare your intention towards my friend. You just need to take Darcey to the first Sakura blooms. And don’t forget to send us a wedding invitation. I have always wanted to go to an English wedding!”

  Darcey knew Hiromi was only teasing but there was no mistaking she was blushing. The heat on her cheeks were beyond palpable. Leo himself was at a loss for words. He smiled at Hiromi and gave a small chuckle, the first nervous laugh Darcey had ever heard escape from the eldest Warwick’s lips.

  “Ah, young love,” Hiromi gushed before she excused herself.

  Darcey was once again glad the chef was too busy to hear teasing. Kai placed a fresh plate on the counter. “Here is eel sushi.”

  He then explained how the consistency of the rice, the sweetness and spiciness of the wasabi, and the size of the fish all created a symphony of pure balance in the dish. His next words filled Darcey with more awkwardness. Kai had been listening after all!

  “For me, Leo-san,” the chef said, “making sushi is like love. You need to wait for the right one. Then you make it last. Like creating the perfect sushi, it can be difficult, but it will be worth it in the end. Trust me, I know.” He turned to his wife and placed an arm around her shoulder. Hiromi glowed.

  Is that the secret to her perfect skin? Darcey thought. True love? She almost ached to touch a small pimple that had grown under her right jaw, thanks to the stress of travelling.