by Louisa Neil
Unfortunately for them both, kisses ended and reality came back into focus. As soon as she moved from his embrace, it was as if a switch was turned on inside her head. She went from warm and sensuous to hard and callous.
“Feel better now, Alan?” she had tossed at him. She hadn’t expected his reply of, “Yes,” with a stupid grin on his face and his low laughter following it. She stood in disbelief watching him. Alan knew he wasn’t making any points this way and didn’t care. It was the best he’d felt since meeting her. Riling up Rae seemed to be his delight these days. She moved quickly from him, muttering to herself about men. He let her get about fifty yards away before calling to her.
“Rae, I’m not sorry. I wanted to kiss you…and I want to do it again. Actually there are a lot of things I’d like to do with you and to you!”
She turned in disbelief of what she was hearing and was instantly struck by the handsome man who stood on the beach. Barefoot with the legs of his jeans rolled up, his long legs traced up to firm thighs. His stomach was flat, but she knew the muscle that lived beneath. It was toned and strong. The T-shirt he was wearing was from the gift shop. “Property of Breakwater Island Resort” was printed in bold lettering across the front. It snugged across his chest, and the sleeves stretched to accommodate his upper arms. His hands were tucked into his back pockets. What a sight, she thought, knowing he could derail her if she let him. Instead, she only gave him a wave of her hand. The words would have stuck in her throat. As she walked away, she was afraid she might walk back to him and throw herself into his arms instead of coming up with some nasty comment. He’d left the next day, and she was sorry on so many levels it was beginning to play with her sanity.
Alan arrived earlier in the day than he expected. The drive had been a leisurely one. He skirted the interstate system, taking the secondary roads on his trip south. The new truck was performing well, and he was familiar with all its traits by the time he reached the island. The old one-lane bridge that covered the mile span of water between the mainland and his goal was eaten up as he realized his hands had gone clammy against the leather-wrapped steering wheel. She’d be pissed, he knew. Royally, and he was willing to admit she did have a right. But coming back was the only way he knew to excise her from his mind. He hoped to see her differently this time.
Taking the familiar interior road to the main lodge, he gave Tommy his truck keys to unload his possessions and park it as he checked in. He’d requested a cabin again this time, Charlie offering the one closest to the perimeter during their call. He wasn’t surprised when Charlie met him at the cabin as Tommy was unloading his gear from the golf cart.
“How was the trip down?” he asked, extending his hand while Alan shifted his glasses to the other.
“Not bad. The new truck performed well. How’s life around here?” The two men held each other’s eye for only a second before both starting to laugh.
“I’m expecting it to get pretty colorful in the very near future.”
“I’m guessing you’d be right, unless you told Rae I was coming.” Charlie only shook his head. Alan wanted to be annoyed and found he couldn’t. He laughed again before adding, “You know, Charlie, it’s almost as if you’re luring me into the lion’s den.”
“The lioness’s bark is worse than her bite,” he answered with humor.
“As long as she’s barking at you and not me.”
“I’ll take the heat when the time comes. Until tomorrow, you’re free and clear. She went to Savannah for the day, won’t be back till late. You’ll have time to settle in and rest up before she realizes you’re here.” Tommy interrupted them with a nod as he left. Both men entered the cabin, both taking a look around. Charlie was satisfied that it was all in order. Alan was pleasantly surprised. While he knew this cabin was smaller, it still held a welcoming charm he was drawn to.
“Nice place,” he said as he dropped his keys and sunglasses on the coffee table. He gently placed the laptop next to them. “I could be comfortable here for a while.”
“Good. Rae doesn’t like to rent this cabin. She goes to all lengths to keep it vacant. I don’t know why.” Alan looked to the old man and laughed aloud again.
“Of course you do, you just want me to ask you why.”
“Michael stayed here.”
“And Michael would be?”
Charlie opened his mouth to answer, but a familiar feminine voice inserted, “None of your business. End of discussion!” Rae stood framed in the cabin doorway, the natural light from behind her giving her an eerie appearance. She took several steps into the room and faced both men down. Charlie looked away, suddenly very interested with his unlit cigar. Alan held her glare and forced the smile on his lips to remain hidden.
“Hello, Rae. How have you been?” he asked, hoping to transition them from an awkward moment. He was careful to keep eye contact and watched as she fought to stay in control. Her hands fisted at her sides, and she shut her eyes for only a second before getting herself in check.
“Alan, it’s always nice to see a repeat customer.” Her choice of “customer” was deliberate, and all three of them knew it. “Charlie, there seems to have been a problem with my trip to Savannah. Would you know anything about it?” Her voice was calm and pleasant, almost sweet, Alan thought, but he knew, she was spitting mad underneath.
“Me, no. What was the problem?” She eyed him carefully before answering.
“We can discuss it when we’re alone. No need to inconvenience Mr. Lexton when he’s trying to settle in.”
“Yeah, later.” Charlie moved slowly from the room, his body heading to the doorway that Rae still blocked. “I’ve got a few things to take care of, if you’ll both excuse me. Alan, I’ll see you at supper.” He moved beside his daughter very carefully, conscious not to touch her in any way. Her look to him as he passed read simply murder. He let his legs carry him quickly back toward the compound. Rae leaned against the door, folding her arms across her stomach.
“To what do we owe the honor of your presence?”
“I liked it here. Found I had some extra time on my hands, decided I’m come back for the fall hunting season.”
Rae gasped. “That’s weeks away.”
“Suppose I’ll just kick back and wait, then.” Alan stood his ground. He didn’t back away or try to find something to occupy himself with. Instead, it was a face-to-face standoff. The room between them was much smaller than he originally thought, as he caught a whiff of her scent. Clean and fresh, with a hint of pine and citrus. He allowed himself to take a deep breath, and held it. When he opened his eyes, she was staring at him. He wanted to close the gap between them and found himself doing just that. Alan reached behind her and pushed the door closed, enveloping them in a darker setting. Still, she hadn’t moved, and Alan found himself taking the last step toward her. His hand reached to her cheek, and her eyes went wide. He jerked back his hand and realized it was this place that set her on edge as well as his presence here.
“Who was Michael? And is this where he stayed?” Alan wanted to fold her against his body, for her and himself. He wanted to feel her against him again, to hold her to him. He saw the hatred blanket her face, and he knew he’d been right.
“Michael is none of your business. As for the cottage, I usually keep it empty because I like to come here occasionally to unwind. End of discussion.”
“Where did you take him, Rae? Where was your special place?”
“That’s none of your business. If you want to spend time here as a guest, I don’t have a problem. If you’ve come back to…” Words failed her, and she stopped midsentence.
“I’ve come back, Rae. And I’m here to stay for a while, so get used to it.”
“Like I said, a paying guest is always welcome as long as they understand the house rules.” She challenged him with her look. “And since the house is mine, I make the rules.”
“With the resort, I agree. But as for me and you, that’s a topic we haven’t even begun to ex
plore. And, Rae, just so you’ll know, we’ll both make those decisions, together.” She looked livid at what he was saying. Throwing her hands up in the air, she turned to leave. He had her in his arms before her hands came back down. Instead, they landed on his shoulders, his face close to hers. “Rae, I’ll accept a fight because I think we’re worth it. But don’t push me too far.” His mouth captured hers, and for the first time since he’d known her, he gave her a punishing kiss. It spoke of his pent-up anxiety and the need he’d carried for her. Fighting him back for possession of the kiss, she clung to him, pulling him closer to her, her fingers tense on his shoulders as he deepened his kiss.
Alan felt the moment she gave in to him and lightened his lips against hers. From hard to soft, from punishing to cherishing, their kiss revealed too much about each of them. It was Alan who pulled away, his chin resting on her forehead.
“I’ve missed you, Rae. Please give us a chance to see where this could lead?”
“It can’t lead anywhere. I live here, and you live in Chicago.” Her arms slid down to his chest, her hands tightening on the cloth of his shirt. “Don’t you understand I don’t have a choice?” His fingers nudged her chin up, forcing her to look at him.
“But I do, Rae. I have a choice of where I want to live.” Panic was the only word to describe what he saw on her face as he spoke. “Just give us some time, please?” She pulled away from him, tugging her jacket into place.
“You’re welcome here as a guest, but anything else is strictly out of the question. Have I made myself clear? I won’t be intimidated in my own home, Alan. I’ll ask you to leave if you make me feel uncomfortable.”
“Heard and acknowledged. Your home, your island, you’re in charge.”
“Enjoy your stay on Breakwater Island,” she told him as she grasped the door handle. Pulling it toward her bathed them both in a shower of sunlight. Rae almost reached up to touch his cheek, then caught herself. She moved efficiently from his cabin and took the main path toward the lodge. On her way, she pulled the radio from her pocket.
“Base, come in. This is Rae.”
“Base, here. What’s up Rae?”
“Find Charlie and tell him I want him in the office immediately.” There were several seconds of static before the voice on the other end of the radio answered her.
“Ah, Rae, he just left.”
“He what? Where did he go?” She was walking faster as if she might be able to catch him, but she knew it would be an exercise in futility. “Base, where did he go?”
“Went into Brunswick for the evening. Got Tommy to drive him. Sorry, Rae.”
“Thanks, out.” Rae felt the weight of the radio in her hand and seriously thought to smash it on the ground or at least drop-kick it into the forest. However, she did neither as she knew what it cost to replace the unit. Instead, she dropped it back in her pocket and went to the stables. She saddled her favorite bay and took off to the restricted side of the island. Once there, she tied the horse’s reigns to a tree branch and wandered the field. Somehow, she knew this land was going to be a problem for her.
Chapter Six
Rae skirted the main dining room the next morning. She paused to grab a mug of coffee before slipping away to the privacy of her office. What she hadn’t expected to find was Alan waiting for her, his feet propped on her desk as he scanned pages in a file before him.
“I figured if I called and asked for an appointment, you’d find an excuse.”
Rae let out a breath of exasperation. She made a point of pausing before him and used her hand to lift and then drop his legs to the floor. “This isn’t your office, Mr. Lexton. Who let you in?”
“Charlie did a few minutes ago. He said you wouldn’t mind my waiting for you.”
“He was wrong. He has no right to let anyone into my private space. Do you understand me?”
“Yeah, it’s early, you haven’t had your coffee yet, and you’re not in a good mood.”
“My mood was fine until I came in and found you waiting.” She moved to the back of the desk and took her seat, pausing to put her coffee mug to the side. “Is there a problem with your cabin?”
“Not at all, I like the feel of the place.”
“Then why are you here, besides to annoy me.” She folded her arms on the desk in front of her.
“I just want a few minutes of your time.”
“My time is precious. Talk quick.”
“Okay, I’ve come to ask you to take a look at some information I gathered.”
“Let me guess, information on how to turn Charlie’s idea of a fish farm on the unused land into a reality.” She sat back and sipped from her mug.
“Yes. I have a lot of interesting stuff here. If you’d just lose this antagonistic attitude and take a look, you might see it is a feasible idea.”
Rae studied him, letting out several huffing breaths before she stood and walked to a file cabinet in the far corner. In the top drawer, she pulled out several files, thick with pages, and made a production of dropping them on the desk directly in front of Alan. “Why not read my information first, then we’ll talk about looking at yours.”
“This is all on the fish farm?” He sat forward, put his slim file aside, and started to glance at the pages in front of him.
“All of it, from feasibility studies to EPA standards to FDA requirements for dealing with a food item. There is also information on the fiberglass tanks that would be required, the circulation systems to keep the water flowing and clean. There’s even numbers on what it would cost to ship the hauls to market by boat and by plane.” She went back to her seat, the span of the desk between them, and lifted her mug to her lips. “It’s not that I haven’t listened to Charlie, Mr. Lexton. It’s that the numbers don’t work for us here. Maybe if we were on the mainland and closer to delivery ports, but we’re not. Those files don’t include the percentages of failure of new businesses or the work needed to get the space ready for the tanks. It also doesn’t include what the hell we’d do with all those fish if a storm hits. And believe me, they do hit. Several times per season, some worse than others, but storms hit. Sometimes they’re hurricanes, other times just the backlash of nor’easters, but they hit.”
Rae watched Alan’s face as he listened to her. “So you see, I haven’t just ignored Charlie’s wishes for the project. I’ve thoroughly researched them. The numbers don’t add up to a success, at least in the first five years. I’m not willing to risk the capital it would take to give Charlie a hobby and wait five years to find out if it turns into a success. My time frame is very different from his.” She paused and tried to control her tone. “I have a resort island to oversee and maintain. This is not a viable option to expand the business we already run.”
“Wow,” was all he managed to utter.
“And one more thing to think about.” She waited until he looked at her. “While Charlie is all gung ho on this project, it’s for right now. I say this with love and affection and years of knowing him. He has a short attention span. He’s not the man to oversee this operation every day of the week. He’ll get it started and put more people on my payroll to run it. Quite frankly, I don’t think this is the right time for the project.”
“He made it seem like you’d just ignored him on this.”
“Very convenient from his perspective. Look, I know this will sound horrible, but it is the truth. You came here to get away after selling a lucrative business. You were the prime candidate to get caught up in the project and had the bank account to follow through. Did you happen to mention to him you were bored or debating what to do with your future?”
Alan glanced at the files in front of him and shook his head.
“Look, I appreciate the time you’ve put into this idea, and I’m sorry Charlie got you all worked up thinking it would give you a purpose in life. Nevertheless, this is my island, lock, stock, and every bill, payroll check, and insurance payment. Charlie doesn’t have the right to start any project without my approval.
I won’t give my approval on this.”
She stood and waited for him to do the same thing. “I’m sorry he wasted your time. If you really want to start fish farming for profit, I suggest you find a tract of land on the mainland and put your heart into the business there.”
Alan seemed stunned by her frankness. “Are we done?”
“Yeah, I guess so.” He turned to leave and hesitated. “May I borrow your files, look over your research?”
“Of course, as long as you’re not hatching any other plan to put this business on my island.”
“You’ve made yourself very clear on the subject. I’ll return these when I’ve had a chance to go through the information.”
“Good day, Alan.” Rae went back to her seat and turned on her computer, dismissing him. She knew he hesitated a few seconds longer, then finally gathered up all the information she’d accumulated and his file. He left with no words, and she was intensely relieved. Rae sat back in her seat and hated herself for what she’d done so callously. But with some people she had to be blunt, for they just didn’t accept pleasant refusals.
Rae figured Alan Lexton would be gone within the week. Now that she’d made it clear Charlie didn’t have the authority to make this deal a reality, Alan would move on. And just in time, from her perspective. After yesterday at the cabin, she knew he’d be dangerous to keep around. He made it all too easy for her to forget her rules. Just because he was a man and she was attracted to him didn’t guarantee anything more than a few nights of sexual gratification before he’d leave, too. And she’d be back where she started, alone and needy, using dildos to satisfy herself.
Alan skipped the evening meal with the guests. Instead, he ordered supper delivered to his cabin. Sitting on the sofa before the fireplace, he had all the information Rae had handed over spread out around him. He took a sip from his beer, realized it had gone warm, and put it aside. He had to admit, she had done her research, much more than he had. He noted the last of her information was less than two months old.