by Groovy Lee
Gracie had just placed the breakfast platter on the table when Indigo walked in, dressed in a black Henley shirt and a pair of black pants; His hair still damp from his morning shower. Gracie’s brows lifted at the sight. Although he still looks fine in whatever he wears, seeing him in anything other than those immaculate suits of his is going to take some getting used to.
“Gracie,” he greeted as he took his seat at the far side of the table.
“Sir—I mean, good-morning.”
A smile lifted one corner of his mouth as he placed some toast on his plate, followed by a serving of scrambled eggs. “I know. It’s going to take some getting used to calling me by my first name. But, try not to slip in front of Ella.”
“Sorry,” she took her seat across from him.
“You look well rested,” his eyes darted over her face half-hidden behind a coffee cup. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yeah. I feel like a new person.”
“Good. You’ll need all your strength for our outing today.”
She tried not to show her rush of excitement at exploring the beautiful forest. She misses the walks in the woods she used to take with her grandmother back in Tennessee. As they ate, he suggested they should go walking along the beach first before they venture into the woods. But first, he wanted to introduce her to two other house guests. Of course, that had her curiosity peaking as to who that may be. She wasn’t aware of any other people around.
After clearing away the dishes, she finally emerged through the sliding glass doors onto the huge, cedar deck and was instantly amazed by the lush, deep green of the trees that surrounded the house, and along the well-manicured lawn that stretched out for the beach beyond. Indigo, who was talking to Ella and Mrs. Pritchard as they all sat in the lounge chairs, stood to her arrival.
“Are you ready for our adventure?” he asked.
“Don’t stay in the sun too long, you two,” Ella called from the comfort of her seat.
Gracie followed Indigo across the yard to a huge oak tree where a custom-made dog house stood beneath. She suddenly halted in her tracks, her brows furrowed by the strange scene before her. Indigo couldn’t help laughing at the way she just stood there curiously shocked.
“These are our other two guests. Have you ever seen anything like that?” he shook his head at the display before them.
A huge, shaggy black and white fur of a dog with a black spot covering his right eye, was bent low to the ground with its back side high in the air as if ready to pounce on the tiny light-brown mutt opposite it in an identical stance and ready to strike back. They seemed locked in time, staring into each other’s eyes waiting for the other to make the first move.
“That’s weird,” she said.
“They’ve been challenging one another ever since I bought Starbucks home, that’s the small one, and introduced him to Patches, the giant one. That’s all they do—stand and stare trying to make the other one back down first.”
“Do they fight a lot?”
“Oh, no. They’re rather fond of each other. It’s just a game they like to play.” He called out to them. “Patches, Starbucks.”
They quickly yielded and ran to their master. Indigo rubbed each dog with great affection as they jumped up on him with eager tails wagging.
“I thought I was dreaming of dogs barking last night,” Gracie mentioned.
“You weren’t dreaming. They’re Ella’s companions. Watch this.” He pointed toward her. “This is Gracie. Say hello.”
They instantly nudged at her, tails wagging excitedly as she rubbed at their fur.
“Now, go to Ella,” he ordered.
She stood watching in amazement as they barked and ran off toward the patio. “What kind of dogs are they?”
“All kinds. Come on,” he motioned for her to follow him. “The ocean awaits.”
An opening in the thick shrubbery that lined the back of the yard gave way to a spacious, sandy beach. White, foamy waves washed back and forth along the shore; Somewhere in the distance, she heard the lonely cry of a seagull. A behemoth of a boulder almost as big as a mountain stood half on the beach and half in the ocean in the far distance; It kind of frightened her at the sight. They walked along the edge just out of reach of the waves so as not to get their shoes wet. Pine, Spruce, and Maple trees lined the entire beach from one end to the other. There was nothing but water as she looked out over what seemed like the edge of the world.
“It’s really beautiful here. It’s a wonder you don’t live here year round.”
“I would, but the winters are too rough for my taste; And, it would be hard having to commute back and forth. I like being able to escape every summer away from the crowded, fast-pace of California. Then when it’s over, I go home looking forward to escaping the next summer.”
“Sounds nice.”
“I bet your friends are settled in their hotel by now. Are you disappointed that you’re not with them?”
“No, not disappointed, though I was really looking forward to that trip. But this is just as exciting,” she waved around her. “There will be plenty of time to go to London with them.”
He seemed relieved to hear her say that; glad that he didn’t totally wreck her summer. They continued their walk. “You know, my mother is crazy about you.”
“I’m glad. Because I really like her a lot.”
“So far so good, Gracie. Everything’s working out just fine. But, there is one thing I need to ask you.”
“What?”
“Well, I know Mickey is here in Montreal. Is that going to be a problem?”
“How did you know that?”
“Reid. He told me he’d be staying with him on his vacation.”
“I see. No, it won’t be a problem. I doubt if we’ll run into one another with me way out here and him in the city.”
“What if you do meet by chance? After all, you were engaged once.”
“I don’t understand,” she said to the questioning look on his face.
“Well, will that compromise our arrangement in any way? You know, old feelings may surface. That could be risky.”
“You don’t have to worry. I certainly don’t intend on seeking him out. There are no old feelings left to surface if we do. It’s over. He’s not the man for me.”
She saw a strange look of relief cross his face before he turned to look out over the ocean again. After strolling a little distance more, he suggested they should head back. They retraced their steps back to where Ella and Mrs. Pritchard were still perched in their chairs now engrossed in trying to solve a difficult word puzzle. Indigo slid the patio door open for Gracie to proceed him.
“Ready for our walk in the woods?” he asked once they were inside.
“Ready.”
“This way,” he motioned toward the front door.
After closing the door behind them, he led the way down the steps, across the driveway, and onto the dirt road that wound its way through the thick forest. The branches overhead shielded them from the sun; A light breeze flipped at the leaves. He soon turned onto a path leading deeper into the woods, twisting around trees and bushes of every shape and size in different arrays of green. At times, they had to step over the thick hedges and undergrowth that had grown in the middle of the path. Once they stood and laughed quietly while a mother pheasant and her chicks darted across in front of them and disappeared in the underbrush.
Gracie listened with great interest as he pointed out the types of different wildflowers in their amazing colors of deep purples and blues. She half-wished her grandmother was there with her to experience the beauty and peace of it all. But, the idea of being alone with Indigo in this paradise was something she didn’t want to share with anyone at the moment. Each day something new, more human about him surfaces. She’s curious about what other part of him has been hidden from her these last three years. Who would have guessed he took such an interest in nature of all things? They came to the mouth of a cave partially covered by thick g
rowth.
“Careful,” he took her hand as they entered. “You could lose your footing easily in here.”
The inside was damp and cool. Gracie could barely see in front of her. Eventually, they began elevating downward. She tripped over some loose stones and was grateful for the strong hand wrapped around hers to guide her. Finally, they began to level out.
“Mr…Indigo, do you know where we’re going?” she asked, her voice echoing off the walls.
“Trust me,” was his simple reply.
“It’s so dark in here. How do you know you’re going in the right direction?”
“Just trust me.”
That answer just wouldn’t suffice. She had to know what they were doing in this dark, damp place that had the potential for a claustrophobic attack any minute now.
“Where are we going?” she insisted.
“Wait and see,” he was just as insistent.
She braced her hand against the damp, slimy wall of the cave to steady herself and drew it back quickly. “Oh—gross!” she wiped it on her pants.
“Women,” he teased and continued to pull her after him.
Much to her relief, the passageway was getting brighter and brighter as they continued on to the end of their journey. Once her eyes adjusted to the light, they widened in surprise at the breathtaking scene before her: A deep, underground lake lie in the distance; Its bluish-green water sparkling like a gem from the sun’s rays streaming across it from a large opening at the far side of the cave.
“Oh, my,” was all she could say.
“I knew you’d like it,” he smiled with such pride. “I discovered this by accident the first year I moved here. It’s been my secret hideaway ever since. No one else knows about it but you.”
She felt honored he would share his special place with her.
“Not even that old pirate’s ship.”
“A pirate’s ship? Where?”
“Right over there,” he pointed to one corner of the lagoon where a ship right out of a Pirates’ of the Caribbean movie sat quietly retired. The mass was broken in two, the wood was well-worn with age with a big hole blasted in its side, and yet it still managed to stay afloat through the burden of time.
“Have you been on it, yet?”
“No, I’m not ready to disturb her.”
“Do you think there’s gold, and maybe the bones of the pirates still on it?”
“Maybe,” he chuckled. “We’ll check it out one day.”
She couldn’t believe he included her in his adventure to board it one day. She looked away from his touching gaze to the sparkling water below. “Are there any sea creatures in there?” she asked, the thought of Moray eels and snakes made her grimace.
“No,” he was openly amused by her curiosity. “Only shellfish and corals.”
She stepped closer to get a better look.
“Watch out,” he warned.
But, it was too late. A loose rock beneath her feet gave in to her weight, hurling her down into the cold water below. The shock of the icy water on her warm body made her gasp when she torpedoed to the top.
“Are you all right?” his face held deep concern as he knelt down and offered his hand to her.
“I’m fine,” she said, her trembling hands wiping the water from her eyes so she could see.
“You sure?”
“Yes. Just a little wet is all,” she said between chattering teeth.
When he was convinced she was okay, the concern quickly left his face and he burst into laughter. Gracie failed to see the humor.
“Here, take my hand,” he could barely say.
When he held it out to her, she saw the perfect opportunity to repay him by clutching his hand in a tight hold, bracing her feet against the rocky wall, and pulling him in with her. He plunged down beside her in the deep, cold water.
“Gracie!” he yelled breathlessly when he surfaced, gasping from the frigid cold.
“Now who’s laughing?”
She dove from the hand that reached out for her, and a game of tag ensued. He caught her once, but she faked a cramp which garnered his sincere sympathy, and she managed to escape. He tricked her by pointing to a non-existing snake causing her to scream out and swim for the ledge. A full hour past before they finally emerged from the damp, cool cave into the heat of the bright sunshine peeking through the thick branches of the trees. The warmth of the rays felt good to Gracie as she stood shaking, drenched to the bones.
“Look at us, we’re drenched,” Indigo pushed his damp hair back from his forehead.
“Soaked and dirty,” Gracie looked down at herself in disgust.
But then, her laughter died when she looked back up and saw that his eyes were lingering on her round breasts in the white, cotton shirt clinging to her like a second skin, her nipples harden from the cold. She crossed her arms in front of her and shuddered. Despite the sport’s bra underneath, she felt naked and exposed.
“Are you cold?” he asked, thinking it the reason for her shivering.
“A little,” she barely murmured, keeping her eyes averted from his.
He stepped closer and began rubbing her arms in gentle strokes. Her entire body went rigid from his touch. He reached up and smoothed her limp hair away from her forehead. She gave into the temptation and lifted her gaze to his. The deep look of passion in them took her breath away, the rapid beats of her heart pounded in her ears. She knew what he had in mind, and from the look in his eyes he wasn’t going to back away as he had done before. She wanted to turn and run, to get away from him and the pull of his intent, but she’s been dreaming about this moment since the day she sat eyes on him, and her feet just would not move. She was like a frightened animal held prey by his desire.
His hands held onto her arms and drew her to him. His mouth touched at hers cautiously, waiting to see how she would respond. When her eyes closed, it was a sign to him that she was willing. A hungry sigh escaped him as his lips clung eagerly to her weak ones. His exploration caused her involuntary urges to grow. One hand came up and held her by the neck, imprisoning her to him. He slid his other arm around her waist and pinned her closer to his hard body. All she could do was hold onto his strong arms to keep herself steady, as she reveled in the pleasure of him.
But somewhere in the midst of that whirlwind of pleasure, reality began unfolding, reminding her of the stipulations of his father’s will. (HEIR) Was he trying to enforce that part of it? Did he really think he could exercise that without her knowledge and cooperation? No. This was not part of the deal, and she was only leaving herself open to a lot of hurt and pain if she allowed it to continue. Though her body ached in favor of continuing, she knew she had to end this before he pulled them to the point of no return. She couldn’t give herself to a man who was only lost for the moment.
Her hands moved against his chest and pushed. He ignored her resistance, caressing her tighter, unwilling to pull his eager mouth from hers. When she persisted, he gave into her wish with great reluctance, ending the moment of sweet ecstasy. She looked away from his intense stare down to the small space of ground between them.
“Come on,” he almost ordered, finally breaking that awkward silence. “We should get back to the house.”
The outing was over; Their walk through the forest now a mere drudgery. Indigo showed no interest in pointing out the different types of wildflower or animal habitation they past. She didn’t mind having to keep up with his fast pace, she wanted to get back as bad as he. Something happened back there; Call it a revelation, an eye-opener. Back in California, when her thoughts would unknowingly drift to him, she wondered what it would feel like being in his arms and experiencing a kiss like that. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine it would tear down her very being and create such strange, wonderful feelings women only read about. This wasn’t supposed to happen. They’re here as man and wife in name only; Their relationship purely professional. Why did he have to step over that boundary between them and open up feelings she di
dn’t want to address?
Everything would have been so perfect. Now she’s been exposed to the unspeakable—her real feelings for her boss; feelings she’s forced to face whether she wanted to or not. Yes, she’s always felt something for him. But, it was always easy to ignore when he was just her employer. Then he had to go and talk her into an arrangement that’s harder to deal with each day that goes by. He had to kiss her like that and make it impossible to ever ignore those feelings again. And yet, he doesn’t feel the same for her. If he had a choice, Felicia would be standing here in her place right now. She was only a means to an end. Heather once asked her if she would be able to walk away from this emotionally unscathed. She would have to muster up will as hard as steel if she planned on succeeding.
Their walk back turned into a complete circle where they ended up on the beach in the back of the house. Indigo emerged from the woods to the top of an incline. He jumped down to the sandy shore then turned and held his hand out for her to jump down beside him.
“I’m sorry if I hurried you through the rest of our walk. But, I had to make it back in time to get Mrs. Pritchard to the ferry.”
“That’s okay,” she barely smiled, the frustration she had been harboring yielded quickly to his sincere apology.
Patches and Starbucks jumped and yelped when they entered the yard. Indigo went to see to them while Gracie proceeded toward the house. Mrs. Pritchard and Ella were seated in the front room waiting for them as she entered. A set of worn, leather luggage stood at the front door. Eyebrows lifted speculatively at her damp attire. Gracie could see the laughter bubbling inside Ella at what she thought must have happened between the lovebirds. She crossed her arms as a shield and excused herself to her room.
The time had come for everyone to say their good-byes to Mrs. Pritchard. As she left out the front door with Indigo, she made Ella promise to take her medicine faithfully. Gracie went into the kitchen to prepare lunch. She was cutting up the bell pepper for their salad when Ella stood to the other side of the counter and watched, a sly smile adorning her face.