Celtic Knot

by MacLeod, Shannon

  * * * *

  The following morning Lily was first to stir, and was momentarily confused by her surroundings. They lay side by side, his muscular arm protectively holding her close. She marveled at how well their bodies fit together, that lying with Ian like this felt like the most natural thing in the whole world. She stretched languidly and eased off the bed, doing her best not to wake him. Missing his warmth, she shivered and tiptoed to the bathroom. It’s almost noon, she realized.

  She surveyed her reflection in the mirror, noting the mussed hair and the satiated smile on her lips, to see if there was any difference in her face now that she had completed her rite of passage into womanhood. Her gaze dropped lower to the tiny flecks of blood on her thighs. She frowned and stuck her head out the bathroom door, but Ian was already up and out of the room. With the door closed, she just begun to search for a washcloth when she heard a quiet knock.

  “Just a minute,” she said, her emotions a strange brew of excitement, uncertainty, embarrassment, and happiness.

  “Would you like a shower?” Ian called through the door.

  “Yes, please.” She peered doubtfully into the huge shower filled with massaging shower heads and more knobs than she knew what to do with. “How does it work, exactly?”

  She laughed when the door flew open and he crossed the bathroom in three long strides to turn on the water for her. He seemed unselfconscious about his nakedness, she noted, wishing she were just a little more at ease with her lack of clothing. The large glass block shower boasted six massaging shower heads and the steam rose as the water heated. He held the shower door open for her and grinned. “If milady requires assistance with those hard to reach places, I’d be delighted to offer a hand...or two.”

  His enthusiasm was infectious, and she accepted his outstretched hand and stepped into the soothing shower then impulsively pulled him in behind her. She luxuriated in the gentle feel of his hands on her body as Ian lathered and massaged every inch of her skin with a large mesh puff and clean-smelling spearmint soap. He moved her hair out of the way, and pulling her against him, washed her back while pressing kisses into her neck.

  After he had finished, she shyly held out her hand for the puff, and began to wash his back in the same manner. He moved as she directed, and otherwise stood still as she lathered his entire body, even when it became obvious his interest in more than their mutual hygiene was growing by the minute.

  By the time both were squeaky clean, nothing was visible in the steamed up mirrors. Ian turned off the water and shook like a big Irish setter, spraying huge droplets everywhere, to Lily’s shriek of delight. He pulled down a towel slung over the door and quickly dried off. “Hold still, you,” he ordered, stepping from the shower. He took her hand to assist her out, waiting to dry and wrap her in another big, fluffy towel. “Just a second.” He disappeared into the bedroom, reappearing several moments later. He had slipped on a pair of cotton drawstring sweats and brought a similar pair of shorts and a t-shirt for her.

  She brightened at the emblazoned logo. “Ooh, Horizon! My favorite band,” she said, fingering the soft cotton shirt.

  Smiling, he helped her into the clothes then stood back to admire his handiwork. “I think I prefer you naked, but I have to say you look mighty fetching in my clothes. Come on,” he said, taking her by the hand, “I bet you’re hungry.” He led her into the kitchen, where the coffee had just finished brewing. He pulled a plate of cut fruit out of the refrigerator and set it next to a plate of sweet rolls on the breakfast table then poured them each a mug of the steaming brew. Taking her seat, Lily helped herself to cream and sugar as Ian smiled at her over the rim of his cup. Sunlight streamed through the large nook window, casting a bright natural glow over the kitchen. After a moment of deliberation, Lily selected a fat strawberry and popped it into his mouth with a smile. He caught her hand as he swallowed the succulent fruit and pulled her into his lap.

  “I just want you to know I desperately want to make love to you again, but…” He ended with a small shrug.

  She knew, all right. Her muscles stiffened in protest as they cooled from the hot shower. “Last night was wonderful,” she admitted, her cheeks flaming “but I’m a little…sore.”

  He nodded in understanding. “The spearmint soap is good for muscle aches and you have my solemn vow I won’t touch you until you command me to. Be warned, though–if you give the order, be prepared for what will follow.”

  “And what would that be?” Lily asked, widening her eyes innocently.

  Ian laughed. “Ah no, beauty, I won’t tell you. I’m counting on curiosity to bring me the cat.”

  Lily put her hand to her face in mock dismay then brightened. “Stay right here,” she ordered then ran to the great room to her purse. Upon returning, she eased down on his lap and handed him the foil-wrapped package.

  “What’s this?” he questioned.

  “A birthday gift,” she said. “I meant to give it to you last night, but I must have gotten…sidetracked.”

  “You didn’t need…” he began, but she put a finger to his lips, then changed her mind and kissed him instead. A moment later, she asked, “So…are you going to open it?”

  Ian’s eyes fluttered open. “What?”

  “Your present–are you going to open it?” Lily reminded him.

  “I have a present?” Ian appeared confused. “Aw, darlin’, you can’t possibly expect me to think clearly when you’re kissing me so.” At her urging, he tore open the wrapping to find the long silver chain. “It’s beautiful, sweetheart, thank you,” he said, but she stopped him before he could put it on.

  “Wait,” she said. “There’s something that goes with it.” With a long meaningful look into his beautiful eyes, she decided to throw caution to the wind. “We haven’t known each other that long, but...the connection I feel with you is…like we’ve known each other forever. I want you to have this,” she said, and strung the small silver ring from her right hand on the chain.

  Ian picked up the simple band and read the inscription inside:

  For True Love Only Will I Wait

  “I put that ring on when I was thirteen years old. I know I’ve never been in love before …until now.” She slipped the chain around his neck. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. “So now,” she said, muffled against his neck, “have I completely terrified you?” Me and my big mouth, she chided herself when he didn’t answer. Gone and blown this whole thing all to hell…

  * * * *

  While Ian’s body was present and accounted for, his mind was lifetimes away…

  “No pearls,” the girl whispered, absently fingering the chain that hung limp around her neck. It had all been a blur, the last few days. Since the arrival of the centurion bearing the awful news, nothing else mattered. She tolerated the hushed whispers of the servants and the overwhelming concern of her parents with a numb detachment. “Do with me as you may–I will not marry,” she said. “I await the return of my beloved.”

  “The message bearer saw him fall to an enemy sword with his own eyes,” her father had said, not unkindly. “We will make for you another suitable match…”

  “I will have no other,” she replied serenely. “He promised to return to me and to that vow I shall cling to my death, whenever that may be, and through whatever lies beyond.”

  The following day, she lifted her chin and shielded her green eyes against the sun. The Temple of Cybele loomed before her, massive stone columns flanking the gate. She quickly tucked the chain inside her stola before any of the other novices could see and gathering her cloak around her, murmured a prayer into its protective folds.

  “Would that I serve you well, my Goddess, and I shall pray with all my heart that someday you will return my own love to me as you restored your beloved Attis…”

  * * * *

  It seemed like an eternity before he spoke, ending her internal tirade. “You do terrify me, beloved,” he whispered, “because you make me feel things I…d
idn’t think I could feel. My surrender to you is unconditional, my lady. I am yours.”

  Giving him a brilliant smile, Lily snuggled up against his chest. Ian kissed the top of her head and stared off, unseeing, out the nook window.

  13

  Lily still wore Ian’s clothes when he drove her home later in the afternoon, and it took several attempts before he could pull himself away to leave. “Without a doubt, this was the best birthday I’ve ever had,” he said, holding her tight against him. When he finally made it to the parking lot Lily blew him kisses from her bedroom window and he staggered comically as he pretended to catch them.

  After he left, Lily checked her voice mail. “Where are you?” Beth railed. “I’ve worried myself into anemia. Okay, not really–I know you’re out with Prince Charming. You better call the minute you get this or…” She switched on the Rom accent ”…I get out zee ancient Gypsy curse book.”

  Lily laughed out loud at the plaintive message and stretched out on her bed to call her friend back. “Whatcha doing…” Beth asked, answering on the second ring.

  “Oh, nothing much…” Lily said airily.

  Beth giggled. “Cut the shit and get to the details, dear.”

  With a self conscious laugh, Lily admitted she had just had the most wonderful night of her life, but felt she was not as well informed as she might be. “Do you have any…books or things I could read that could give me…uh…tips on what I’m supposed to do?”

  Hysterical with laughter, Beth promised to scour her apartment for all the magazines with articles about sex she could find and they continued to talk until Lily could no longer keep her eyes open. Although still early, she stripped and folded Ian’s shirt and shorts, laying them at the foot of the bed. She pulled a nightgown out of the drawer, then missing his wonderful sandalwood scent reconsidered. When she turned around to put the shirt back on, she found Bella sprawled across the clothes. She tugged at the shirt, but the cat gave her a withering glare and refused to budge. “We’ll share him,” Lily said, jerking the shirt out from under the cat. “You can have the shorts.” She crawled into bed exhausted and surrounded by his scent, fell into a deep, restful sleep.

  * * * *

  The office was very busy the next morning–even for a Monday–and everyone but Lily was in a rotten mood. Irena snapped at her several times over insignificant things. Lucas stalked by her desk repeatedly but didn’t speak. Janice wasn’t saying much at all, mostly out of a good sense of self preservation, Lily thought. Around ten her cell phone went off with a text message from Beth.

  Got bag o magazines for you, will bring by work this afternoon

  Lily typed an immediate response.

  Excellent–thanks!

  She looked up to see Irena eyeing her suspiciously and at once turned her attention to her waiting customer. When her phone went off again a few minutes later, she stole a glance over at Irena before surreptitiously checking it. This time, however, it was Ian.

  meet for lunch? craving hot and spicy–you and chinese

  She laughed out loud then clapped her hand over her mouth to disguise the sound as a cough. “Excuse me just a moment,” she said. She forced herself to walk casually to the restroom, wanting to hug herself with excitement all the way there. Once inside with the stall door safely locked, she responded.

  Yes! Where?

  He fired back an answer.

  meet you 1pm Chinese restaurant on hwy 60 at west corner of mall?

  Flushing the toilet with her foot, she grinned and typed.

  Can’t wait–see you at 1PM

  His response made her toes curl in anticipation.

  counting the minutes til then, beautiful lady

  She smiled and went back to attend to her customer, hoping no one would notice she was walking on air.

  When she arrived at the restaurant, her heart fluttered at the sight of him leaning against his car waiting for her, his sun streaked hair loose from its usual tight plait and curling around his face like a windswept halo. He walked swiftly to open her door and gave her a quick kiss. She reached for him, but he pulled away from her with an embarrassed grin. “Oh no, darlin’, I’ve been working outside all morning. I’ll get your pretty dress all dirty.”

  Hand in hand, they went inside the restaurant and took a quiet booth in the back. “Would you like a drink?” Ian asked, handing the menus back to the waiter.

  “Just water, thanks.” On the way over, she had firmly decided that she was going to be cool, calm and collected during their lunch date. She realized at once the temptation was insurmountable. I can’t do it. There’s no way I can sit this close to the man and breathe normally.

  “Make it two.” He directed a regretful glance at the bar and sighed as the waiter darted off to fill their orders. “A cold pint would be nice but I’m on the ropes this afternoon, so I’d best not.”

  “What do you mean, on the ropes?” Lily asked.

  “I’m working on a high piece of wall, so rather than rig a scaffold I harness up and lower myself down. Not nearly as dangerous as it sounds, though,” he said in answer to her frown. “There are plenty of safety precautions. I believe it’s more secure than scaffolding on the higher levels.” He grinned. “Fell only the once, but it’s not an experience I’d like to repeat so I’m extra careful.”

  “You’d better not get hurt,” Lily admonished. “We have unfinished business, you and I.” With a coy smile, she slipped off one of her low-heeled pumps and ran her bare foot up the inside of his calf.

  His eyes darkened with desire. Reaching under the table he pulled her foot onto his knee and massaged it between his hands. “That hasn’t left my mind for one waking moment, my love.”

  After lunch, the waiter cleared their plates and left the plastic tray bearing the check. “This one is mine,” she insisted, reaching for it. “It’s not fair that you always pay for everything.”

  “Not to worry, darlin’. First, I invited you, and second, chivalry won’t permit it and third…well, there is no third. Mine,” he said, neatly plucking it out from under her hand.

  Her mouth curved in a pout of disapproval when he put the check and cash on the tray and motioned to the waiter. “Ian, you’ve got to let me at least help,” she said in exasperation.

  “What time do you have to be back?” he interrupted, disrupting her thought.

  Lily glanced at her watch. “Ooh, I’ve only got ten minutes left,” she said, sliding from the booth. Outside, Lily threw both arms around him and held him tight, drenching her senses in his masculine smell of sweat and sunlight. A flash of silver at his throat caught her eye, and she warmed with pleasure to see he wore her gift.

  “How I do love you,’ Ian murmured into her hair. With a reluctant sigh she pulled away. Giving him one last tender kiss, she got back in her car and watched him in the rearview mirror as he stood by his car and waved ’bye.

  Back at work, Lily was ecstatic to find a large shopping bag stuffed to overflowing with Cosmopolitan and other women’s magazines in her chair. She flipped through them quickly before sticking the bag under her desk.

  “Beth stopped by,” Irena commented. “I thought maybe you were out with her…” Although the words were light, the tone insinuated she expected an answer.

  “No, I…met a friend for lunch,” Lily answered.

  “Anybody I–” Irena’s ringing phone interrupted her, much to Lily’s relief. She glanced up and was surprised to see Lucas watching her from the doorway. He stared for a moment then turned on his heel and went back into his office, slamming the door behind him.

  * * * *

  That evening, Ian desperately wanted to see Lily again but sensed she needed a little alone time. He tried to work on the portrait but finally gave up, admitting his heart just wasn’t in it. Wandering restlessly from room to room, an idea struck him. He opened the shallow drawer under his bookcase, pulled out a small package wrapped in silk and opened it with care, revealing the old Visconti-Sforza tarot deck once b
elonging to his grandmother. Taking a seat on the couch, he held them for a moment, deep in thought.

  He rifled through the deck, pulling out the Queen of Cups for Lily, the King of Cups for himself, and after a moment of deliberation, the King of Pentacles for Lucas. Captain of industry, my arse, he thought, but it’ll do. He placed the queen at the top of the coffee table, his king to her lower right and the king representing Lucas to her lower left.

  Eyes closed in concentration, he shuffled the cards with practiced ease,. When satisfied they were well mixed, he opened his eyes and placed three more cards on the table face down, one in between the queen and each king, and one between the two kings. He placed another card face down in the center of the triangle, then taking a deep breath, began to voice his questions aloud.

  “What lies between these two?” He indicated the cards representing Lily and Lucas. Turning it over revealed the ten of Swords. Over and done, so far so good

  “Mmm…and between these two?” Before turning over the card between Lily and himself, he hesitated for a moment. Two of Cups, love and partnership. He smiled.

  Ian reached for the third card in the triangle. “And last…what lies between these two?” he asked for the last time, pointing to the two Kings. He turned over the card and saw the five of Wands. “Competition and conflict,” he snorted. “Oh, there’ll be no competition, Lucas, but if you try to worm your way back into her good graces I promise you a war.” He turned over the remaining card, the one he had placed in the center as the Outcome card. It was Justice.

  There are forces at work here beyond our control. We’ll just have to trust everything to work out as it’s supposed to. He thought about that for a few moments then rewrapped the cards in their silk, offering up a silent prayer of thanks.

  * * * *

  With Bella entrenched on her lap, Lily sat on the couch engrossed in her stack of magazines, devouring one after another. She scanned the cover stories. What Men Really Want in Bed, Ten Secrets Men Wished Women Knew, etc. Some of what she read made her laugh, some made her whole body blush. “I don’t understand this, Bella,” she said, turning a magazine upside down and scratching her head. “How do people even get in that position?”