by Suzy Shearer
“I just don’t know, Stacy. I mean I know he excited me even when he was being obnoxious and rude. When he ordered me to take his car, to have dinner with him, I was imagining kneeling at his feet. But, Stacy, the man is horrible at least the man I met is.”
“We’ll have to make sure you meet the Alex I know.”
“Anyway how on earth could you make someone who’s so adamant they won’t get emotionally involved fall in love?”
“We’ll have to figure that one out.”
“I don’t think we need worry. I told him I never wanted to see him again.”
Lucia came in and asked if she could serve lunch. Stacy said yes, telling her they’d eat in the family room rather than in the formal dining room. They both stood, and then she and Kallie walked into the room. Kallie looked around. It was such a lovely room, and she could see the surf from the large windows that filled one side.
Lucia served them then left. They ate leisurely, Stacy changed the subject, and they talked about Kallie moving back into the area. Stacy seemed very interested in learning about her home.
“I’ll be glad to get back, although I’m not looking forward to having to take all the deliveries. I guess it will be like I’ve moved into a new place.”
“So did you have everything in storage?”
“Yes. I rented it out empty, except for the old fridge I had. I sold off a lot of things but the rest went into storage. I’m just hoping all my linens and bedding survived all these years. Originally we were only going overseas for two years at the absolute most, but it kept getting extended. Then Peter got sick. Things were out of my control.
“Anyway I can move back in Friday. The house has been painted and carpet laid. The people putting in my new kitchen have told me it will be finished on Wednesday. My furniture and most of the storage stuff are being delivered Friday morning, which gives me time to sort things out. I’ve arranged to start back at work in another three weeks.”
Kallie grimaced. “Then I have to buy a car. I should have done that already, but it slipped my mind. Each time I think about it, I do something else and forget. I need one to get to and from work, and I’ll need a four-wheel drive because of where my house is.”
Stacy laughed. “I know! Maybe you should ask Alex to help you move and pick a car.”
“Shut up!”
They both laughed at the idea of Alex moving furniture. The rest of the afternoon flew passed. The girls discovered they shared some common interests and enjoyed each other’s company. Kallie reluctantly left around four, but she’d promised to come for dinner through the next week. Stacy said she’d ring to arrange the day, and then Aldo drove her back to the Hilton. She went back up to her suite feeling much better than she had earlier.
Still it had posed more questions than answered. The man she’d met was obviously not the man Stacy—and Dan, for that matter—knew. That man sounded like the sort of man she could easily fall in love with but that man sounded totally out of reach for a sub—in fact, completely out of reach for any woman. Maybe it was just as well she’d told him to go to hell.
* * * *
When Dan got home that evening Stacy could hardly wait to tell him about the conversation she’d had with Kallie. “I know she likes him despite the fact he treated her so rudely. She told me she’s attracted to him and he excites her.”
Dan grinned at his wife and then proceeded to tell her what had happened with Alex that morning.
“You’re joking? Heavens, hon, he’s never shown any interest like that in a woman.”
“I know. Our Alex had got it bad, and it’s scaring the hell out of him.”
“What do we do now, Dan? I mean these two should be together—not the arrogant, cold Dom but our friend, the warmhearted, loving one who we know is buried deep inside him.”
He pulled Stacy to him and held her tight. “I don’t know, sweetheart. I honestly don’t know. Anyway he’s away until Wednesday evening.”
“Kallie’s promised to come to dinner one day next week. Maybe we get them together again on Thursday.”
“What if he is the same as he was last time, sweetheart? Let’s admit it, he was obnoxious.”
“I know.”
“I was so fucking angry with him I just wanted to punch him,” Dan said. “But you know what really surprised me? He said the only reason he didn’t speak was because he was worried he’d say the wrong thing and she’d get the wrong impression of him.”
“What? He’s never worried about a woman’s reactions before. Oh, Dan, he’s got it bad.”
“I’m afraid so, and he had no idea how to cope.”
“Poor Kallie is so confused about her feelings and who Alex is. I think she’s stressing about her reactions.” Stacy said, “On top of that she’s moving into her home on Friday. Dan, I think we should help her. It’s got to be a horrendous task for a woman alone to manage.”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll arrange for the day off. Let’s get her to dinner on Thursday and ask her if we can help on Friday.”
Stacy pulled his head down and kissed him. “Thank you.”
He winked at her. “Maybe we can figure out how to get them together. Let me think about it.”
Chapter Seven
Alex really enjoyed his time away even if it was only four days. He knew he’d been in a miserable mood when he left home so it actually surprised him how much he’d enjoyed himself.
The other two guests had been an older couple in their late sixties, both retired schoolteachers from Italy. They were interesting and funny, and Alex thoroughly enjoyed their company. Thankfully it had shaken him out of his depressed mood.
He had taken lots of photographs and now looking forward to showing Dan. He also managed to get a lot of information. The guides the tour company hired were exceptional. He’d spoken with them about hiring all for a documentary if he went ahead with it, and they had expressed interest in the idea.
There were three of them. One day two of them had been with the tour and on the other day’s just one. They were indigenous to the area, having lived there for many generations. Alex found himself asking questions about their traditional life and about how the climate and tourism were having an impact on it. When Alex noticed the other couple plying the guides with lots of questions about their way of life, too, Alex realised people would be interested in learning more. He’d talk to Dan, but he was already planning the documentary in his head but widening it to include the indigenous population. When he flew back home he did feel better, more rested, and clearer-headed, except for the one thing that really mattered—Kallie.
Unfortunately his brief time away hadn’t made the slightest difference. She was still foremost in his mind. Her face swam through his dreams, and he found himself wishing she were beside him when he saw the polar bears or when he was photography something amazing.
Yet he knew, somehow, he would have to forget her and get on with his life. If this was what it felt like to get emotionally attracted with someone, then he was glad he’d never experienced it before. It hurt.
When he returned to the office on Thursday Dan greeted him warmly, and they sat and talked about his trip for about an hour. Alex wanted to download all the photos from the SD card to a computer, so he told Dan he’d play them through for him once he’d done it. They agreed to go down to the boardroom and look at them around three o’clock.
Alex spent the morning downloading and then sorting the pictures. They would need editing, but at least Dan would get a good idea from them. When he went down to the boardroom, Dan was waiting for him, drinking a coffee.
For the next hour they looked at the photographs. Both men were impressed and talked about the feasibility of making the documentary about not only polar bears and climate change but how it was affecting the local people.
“These photos are amazing, Alex. You’re right. It would make a great documentary.”
“I agree, and if we extend it to encompass the whole climate change and its
effects it will be more interesting and even more relevant.”
Around five thirty Dan yawned, stood, and walked to the door. “I’m off. We’ll have to look at the logistics of a polar bear shoot, but it looks promising.”
“Ah, okay. I think so, too.” Alex stood. “I’ll see you in the morning, old friend.”
Dan paused at the open doorway. “Oh. No you won’t. I won’t be in tomorrow.”
“Oh okay.” Alex winked and leered. “Having a dirty long weekend with Stacy?”
Dan breathed out noisily. “Actually we’re helping a friend move.”
Alex felt confused. “Move? Who’s moving, one of the staff?”
“If you must know, it’s Kallie. She’s moving back into her house tomorrow. All her stuff’s been in storage. The removalists are returning it, and Stacy offered us to help her. It’s a lot of work for a woman to do alone.”
Alex looked stunned. “You’ve seen her?”
“No. Stacy has.”
Alex shook his head. “Fuck, fuck, fuck!”
“What?”
Regretfully he said, “I can’t get her out of my head.”
“I thought that was the whole idea of the trip away.”
“It was, but it hasn’t made any difference. I’d love to help, to see her, but I promised I’d keep away from her, and after the way I behaved…” He shook his head. “Well I have to keep away and forget her somehow.”
“Well, can’t help you there, old man. It’s all up to you.”
With that Dan walked out. Alex sat back down again and laid his head on his arms on the desk. “Fuck!”
What the hell was he going to do?
He sat there at least twenty minutes trying to decide. In the end he got to his feet, picked up the laptop he’d put the photos on and went back to his office. He gathered his things then went downstairs. When he climbed in the car Charles put aside the crossword puzzle and looked back at him.
“Let’s go home, Charlie.”
He ate dinner on the balcony off his rooms. He had no idea what he ate. He wandered back and forth a few times and then went to his wardrobe. He changed into his usually “uniform” of loose pants, pulled on a long-sleeved black T-shirt, and then picked up a pair of runners. It was eight thirty. He’d talk to Dan and Stacy. Maybe they could suggest ways for him to forget Kallie. Heaven knew he had no idea how to do it himself.
He went down to the kitchen and told Marie he was going out and to not bother waiting up. She thanked him, wished him a good night, and walked along the covered walkway to their three-bedroom house Alex had built alongside the main house.
Alex walked down to the beach and tied on his runners. During the day he would run on the beach barefooted, but to do it at night was dangerous. He set off running along the sand toward Dan’s house. When he got to Dan’s he walked up the path, stopped and removed his shoes, and left them at the door. He opened the back door and padded through to the kitchen. He planted a kiss on Lucia’s neck and then pointed inside.
“They in the dining room still?”
“No, Mister Alex. I just made coffee, and they’re having it on the terrace upstairs. Shall I bring you up a cup?”
“Yes, thanks, Lucia. I’ll just go up and see them.”
Alex took the stairs two at a time then walked through the salon that led out onto the covered terrace. Dan was sitting on a couch, and Alex could see Stacy had just poured a cup of coffee and was about to pick it up. She had her back to him. He tiptoed across and grabbed her. She gave a tiny scream as he swung her around to face him. He planted a noisy kiss on her mouth.
“If I promise to pour your coffee every day will you move in with me?”
“Alex!” She sounded worried. “I didn’t expect you.”
“I know. Just thought I’d come and try once again to coax you away from Dan. You don’t mind, do you, Dan?”
“Not at all. I know my wife. You’d send her back within a day.”
“Dan!”
Dan grinned at her and blew her a kiss. Stacy looked to her right, slightly behind Alex and to his left. Alex turned his head to follow her glance and started. Kallie was sitting there staring at him in surprise.
“Oh. Ms. Robins. I’m sorry. I didn’t realise you were here. I’ll leave.”
He turned to walk away when Stacy called him back. “Don’t go, Alex!”
“I'm sorry, Stace, but my presence isn’t welcome by Ms. Robins, and I don’t blame her one iota. I made her a promise I would keep away, and that is one promise I intend to keep.”
Kallie looked over at him. When she spoke, her voice, though still sensual, was stilted. “It’s all right, Mr. Harrison. I understand these are your friends. I can’t possibly expect you to ignore them. I imagine I can tolerate your company for a while.”
Speechless, Alex looked at her and then gave a nod with his head as if bowing before finally saying, “Thank you, Ms. Robins.”
They stared at each other, no one spoke. Stacy sat on Dan’s knee, putting her coffee on a small table alongside him. Fortunately Lucia arrived with a fresh pot of coffee and a cup for Alex.
“Shall I pour it for you, Mister Alex?”
Alex shook himself and turned to Lucia. “No, it’s okay, Lucia. I’ll do it.”
He walked over and poured a hot coffee, topped it with milk, and then picked it up. Suddenly everyone spoke at once trying to cover the awkwardness. Dan started to laugh and Stacy joined in. Kallie grinned at them both. Alex wasn’t sure how to react. He felt so self-conscious and it was a very new feeling for him. Once again he was frightened to speak.
Fortunately, Stacy asked Alex about his trip, and he was grateful to her. As he told them all about it he could feel himself relax. He filled them in on what had happened and how much he’d enjoyed it. He knew he sounded excited and animated, but he couldn’t help it. This was his element, and he loved it. When Dan and Stacy asked him questions, he could feel everyone begin to relax from their earlier nervousness. Even Kallie appeared interested when he began to tell them about the polar bears.
“Did you actually see any bears close up?”
Alex had been standing, but now he pulled a chair around and sat, leaning forward with excitement. He couldn’t help it as he looked at Kallie. He spoke directly to her as if the others weren’t there.
“The tour company takes you by small boat through the Barter Islands. They, the bears, are so close on the ice you could reach out and touch them. Kallie, it was simply breathtaking.”
“Oh I’d love to see one in the wild.”
She sounded envious. Alex forgot about trying not to be a jerk. He could see she was definitely interested as he confessed. “It’s amazing, Kallie. I loved every second. They’re so huge! They’re majestic. We even saw the Northern Lights one night, and I got this amazing photo of the lights with a polar bear silhouetted against the sky.” He suddenly remembered the others and looked over at Dan. “It was fucking great, wasn’t it, Dan?”
“It was. You’ll have to show the girls. Actually there were some breathtaking photos in the ones you took, Alex.”
“The more I think about it the more I think we need to do the documentary.”
He and Dan began talking about it and what it would entail. They both got so absorbed in the discussion, firing ideas off each other as they always did when planning, that both ignored the women. Alex suddenly caught a look that passed between Stacy and Kallie. He realised he and Dan had been talking for about an hour. He’d forgotten Kallie was there.
No, that was wrong. Although continually aware of her presence he hadn’t been trying to impress her. Hadn’t been trying to act the cold heartless Dom but it did remind him he’d overstayed his welcome.
Regretfully he stood. “I think I should get back. I’ll leave you all. I’ve monopolised enough of your time.” He bent, kissed Stacy’s cheek, and patted Dan on the arm. He turned to Kallie. “Thank you for your tolerance, Ms. Robins. I really do appreciate it.”
“Y
ou’re welcome, Mr. Harrison.”
He walked to the doorway then turned back and looked at her. Her siren-like voice sang to him. She looked so beautiful sitting there. How could he just walk away? Could he take one more risk with her? He took the gamble, and his fingers crossed in his imagination. If he crashed on the rocks, so be it. This would be his last chance.
“I believe you’re moving back into your home tomorrow. I wonder if I could presume upon your tolerance a little longer and offer my assistance.”
He held his breath as she looked up at him. Confusion was obvious on her face as well as undisguised interest. She didn’t answer for a few seconds as if weighing up the benefits of having an extra person, even if that person was Alex.
Finally she said, “Thank you, Mr. Harrison. I’d appreciate all the help I can get.”
“Even mine?” he asked a little surprised that she’d said yes.
“Even yours.”
He smiled at her, and the smile she gave him in return made his stomach flip. “I’ll get the address from Dan unless you’d like one of us to pick you up in the morning?”
“I've arranged transport, but thank you.”
Alex nodded, said good night, and left. Almost leaping down the stairs Alex felt like shouting. He went back through the kitchen. Lucia looked across as he entered. She had just poured a coffee for herself and Aldo.
“I do love you, Lucia.” He kissed her cheek and left her giggling. With that he walked out, picked up his shoes, and stepped onto the path leading down to the beach. He walked along it and then looked back up at the lit terrace. Tomorrow. I'll see her again tomorrow.
In one way or another he had to get her to change her opinion of him. This would be his only chance. If this didn’t work then he would have to honour his promise and never see her again. Somehow he had to make sure he didn’t act like a complete bastard. He’d have a whole day to prove to her he wasn’t the arrogant prick she thought he was.
He laughed aloud as he sat on a bench Dan had at the edge of the sand and put on his shoes. Then he stepped onto the beach and began to run with sheer joy. He couldn’t believe the way he was feeling. He felt happy. He felt elated. He felt excited.