by Sharon Coady
Running his hand through his hair, he gave her his best smile as he shrugged his shoulders, his face turning what he assumed was a bright red. “Guess I should have known that.”
“Good night. I will see you in the morning.”
He nodded. “That would be nice.” He closed his door, changed into his PJ bottoms, climbed into the huge poster bed, and turned off his light. He put his hands behind his head and thought of everything that had occurred today. His mind kept going to her. If he could only pull that cord and tell her he needed her in his bed tonight. Roll over and go to sleep, Romeo.
Chapter Two
Easton slept better than he had in months. The mattress was the most comfortable thing he’d ever been on. Rolling over, he picked up his cell phone to check the time. Running his hand down his face, he looked again. Nine-thirty? He hadn’t slept this late in years. Throwing back the covers, he rolled off the bed, took a shower, and changed into sweats and a T-shirt, before making his way out of his room. He glanced toward Tegan’s room, thought about waking her, and changed his mind.
He jogged down the stairs and walked to the kitchen, whistling. Yep, eggs, bacon, toast, and coffee sounded good. Once he found all the ingredients and a bonus score of a green pepper and cheese, he decided to whip up an omelet. A large enough one so he could feed her as well. He was just finishing when he heard someone behind him.
“Morning, Tegan. I hope you’re hungry.”
“It smells wonderful but I ate earlier. Just some coffee would be good for me.” She took a coffee mug from the cabinet and poured herself a cup. “Would you like me to pour you one?”
“Please,” he replied, disappointed that she didn’t want any of the breakfast he’d made.
“I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.” She smiled and sat down at the table, taking a sip of her coffee. “Oh, this is good. Nice and strong.”
“Thanks.” He finished the eggs and turned off all the burners. He carried the platter of eggs and bacon to the table then went back to retrieve the plate of toast. “I’m sorry I didn’t ask you first. I feel like I wasted a lot of food here. Don’t know what I was thinking. Do you even like eggs?”
Tegan twisted a strand of her hair around her finger and lowered her eyes. “No, I don’t like eggs or bacon. More importantly, I’m supposed to make your meals.”
“I don’t expect you to cook for me. I’m capable of doing it myself, and I actually enjoy cooking. I don’t know what your role was working for my uncle, but I think we should discuss what it will be now.”
“I took care of him, cleaned, and cooked for him. That is what he hired me to do. But if you don’t like that, just let me know what it is you would like me to do so I’m earning my keep.” She gave him another one of those smiles that made is heartbeat pick up a notch.
“I’ve never had anyone take care of me before. I’m not opposed to you cooking for me, if you would allow me to do so on occasion. The rest of it, we can figure out as we go along.” He definitely didn’t want to see her go. He found himself thinking of different, simple jobs that she could do in order to keep her around.
“That’s fine as long as we agree it will be something I’ll actually eat.” She smiled again, while catching his gaze and winking.
He felt a jolt when his eyes met hers. He thought he saw desire flash through her eyes as he felt that pull to her again. He wanted nothing more than to stand up, close the space between them, and take her into his arms. He wanted to crush her plush lips with his and feel her heart race and her breathing quicken as he kissed her.
She smirked slightly as he continued to stare, giving him a knowing wink before taking another sip of coffee. Shit, she knows I want her. She was now his employee, which was something he needed to consider.
“And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go make your bed and straighten up your room. Did you unpack yet?” She stood and walked to the sink, rinsing out her mug.
He shook his head. “You don’t have to do that. I can get to it later.”
“It’s my job.” She walked out of the room and glanced back over her shoulder when she got to the door. “And I’ll get the dishes when you’re done.”
Wow, he didn’t think he’d ever met a woman like her. He thought back to how badly his father had treated his mother, and he’d never wanted to have a relationship for fear of it turning out badly. Now with her, he wasn’t so sure ruling out a serious relationship was a good idea. She was certainly giving him signals that she was attracted to him. He whistled as he washed up the dishes and cleaned the kitchen, a wicked smile plastered on his face.
Once everything was put away, he roamed through the first floor of the house, stopping in the library. He couldn’t believe the vast number of books his uncle had collected. He walked slowly past the bookshelves, stopping occasionally to read the title.
When he went to the next set of built-in shelves, he stopped and gawked at the titles. Here was a vast collection of books on fantasy. He pulled one off the shelf, opened the cover, and read the first page, astonished to find it was supposedly a non-fictional account of vampires. Shaking his head, he placed the volume back on the shelf, turned, and jumped. Tegan was watching him from the doorway.
“I see you found the library.” She smiled. “Your uncle loved collecting books.”
“I see that.” He motioned to the rows of books on the floor to ceiling cases. “He liked to read fantasy I see.”
She quickly lowered her eyes, her hands folded together in front of her. “He loved everything about the paranormal and fantasy. Have you ever thought about the chance there might be other worlds or other beings?”
He ran his hand through his hair. “No, I’ve never believed in any of that stuff. I know there are people who love those movies about vampires and hobbits. But I’m not one of them.” He motioned for her to join him. “What about you?”
“Me?” She shrugged. “I am very open to the idea that there may be things out there just beyond our reach. Things that cannot be explained.”
“Seriously?” He chuckled. “So you like sparkling vampires?”
“I don’t think I’ve heard about those before.”
Leaning back in the chair, he shook his head. “You mean you never saw those movies?”
Tegan tilted her head. “No. I do not usually watch movies. Your uncle and I both preferred to read. Sometimes, we would sit in here for hours reading quietly.”
“Do we even have a TV here? Come to think of it, I haven’t even seen one. Although, I have to admit, I haven’t looked.”
She laughed. “Come with me, I can show you where we do have one.” She turned and walked out of the room.
He followed her out of the library, down the hall, and into the living room. She walked to one of the sofas and sat down. He sat down beside her and glanced around. “Where is the TV?”
“It’s just there over the fireplace.” She picked up a remote and turned it on. “See?”
“Holy smokes. I didn’t notice it until you turned it on. Do we have cable?”
“Yes. We don’t have anything special. As I said, your uncle and I mostly read. He did like to watch the channel with the history on it.”
“Yeah, I like that one as well.”
“So, you like history?” She raised her left brow and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
He threw his head back and laughed. “Yeah, I do. Some of the shows on there are loosely based on things that may or may not have happened. But they are fun to watch.”
She seemed confused. “Why would they make history about things that did not happen?”
“Because people like to hear about things that could have happened and pretend that they are real. It’s why Hollywood makes so many movies.”
“So you would not be open to the chance that something like witches would be real? Didn’t they have witches in Salem?”
“Yes, they claim they did. It was never proven. I think those young women were wrongfully accus
ed and put to death by unfounded fears.” He pushed his hair back and sighed. “I know there are some people who believe they are witches, but I have a hard time even believing the stories about Vikings. And we have actual proof concerning those.”
“I see,” Tegan said, giving him another one of those take-his-breath-away smiles.
Chapter Three
A few days later, he sat in the library thinking about Tegan. She was very sweet and he liked spending time with her. She was always available to sit and chat with him, answering the many questions he had about his uncle. Maybe he’d start reading some of his uncle’s favorite books with her after all.
After meeting with the bank yesterday, he was surprised with the vast amount of holdings and money his uncle had left him. He’d be able to live very comfortably for a very long time. Glancing back at the books, he figured when he had the time, he would get one down and see what his uncle’s fascination had been, but first he wanted to look through his uncle’s desk.
He opened the top drawer. Inside of the first ledger, he found an envelope addressed to him. Taking a deep breath, he opened it.
Easton,
If you are reading this then you decided to come and see the home I left to you. I hope you have been by the bank and know I left you enough to be comfortable for many years.
I want you to know, I chose you to be my beneficiary because I know what a hard life you had living with your stepfather, and I am sure your mother would have wanted this for you. She was a special person. I cared about her very much.
By now, I hope you have met Tegan, the beautiful young woman who has cared for me and been my faithful companion. I pray you will keep her on, as she is a gentle soul and a kind person who will take wonderful care of you and the house. She will have a lot to tell you, you only need to ask. She will only speak the truth, nephew.
I thought long and hard before putting this on you, but I know in my heart your mother would want you to move on from that evil man. I was always glad to have known you. I just wish I had been allowed to visit.
Your loving Uncle Lawrence.
He folded the letter, placed it back in the envelope, put it back inside the ledger, and slid everything back in the drawer. He leaned forward, placed his head in his hands, and massaged his temples. What did he mean about not being allowed to visit? It doesn’t matter because I’m not asking my stepfather.
He heard a soft knock, glanced up, and saw Tegan standing in the doorway. It seemed she was waiting to be invited into the room from the way her head was tilted to the side. “I’m sorry to bother you, may I come in?”
He waved his hand and motioned to the small sofa beside the fireplace. Why was it old homes seemed to have fireplaces in every room? he wondered as he stood and walked over to the sofa to join her. “How long were you standing there?”
“I just arrived.”
“I just got done reading the letter my uncle left for me. I’m confused about what it said.” He held up his hand when she looked like she was going to speak. “He said he wished he could have seen me often, but he wasn’t allowed to visit.” He paused when he saw her tilt her head, eyebrows raised. “Do you want me to show you the letter?”
“No. I believe you. I am sorry the letter added to your confusion, but I hope you stay here with me. I think we would get along very well.” She lowered her head.
“Well, don’t you think we are already getting along very well?” Sitting back, he crossed his arms over his chest and smiled.
“I do think so. I think we should spend time together going over the books and accounts. That way I can answer any questions as they come along. I don’t want you to rush anything, but there is much to do, and I would like for you to know what has to be paid and when.” She tucked her hair behind her ears. “I can tell you a lot about this old house. ”
“Okay. I’d like that.” Easton reached over and took her hand again, feeling that little electric shock. “I’m sorry I keep shocking you every time we touch.”
“It’s all right. I think it is both of us.” She looked up at him. “Let’s get those books out so I can show you the bills your uncle paid. He went over everything with me when he started declining so I could help you.” She stood and motioned for him to follow her to the desk. She removed a key from her pocket and opened a locked door on the right side. “Your uncle liked his financial information locked up. It was only the two of us, and I have the key as well, but he still kept it locked. It was one of his eccentricities that I loved.”
“It sounds like you really did appreciate him and his quirks. Thank you for taking such good care of him.”
“He took care of me as well. He was like a father to me.” A tear slipped from her eye, and she wiped it away.
Easton ran his thumb over her cheek, leaned in, and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. Realizing what he’d done, he took a step back. “I’m sorry if I overstepped.”
Tegan smiled, touching her lips where his had been a moment before. “It’s okay. I wasn’t expecting it.” She glanced up at him. “I have something to show you. Would you come with me?”
“Sure.” He followed her out of the room. She continued past the kitchen and made her way up the great stairway to the second floor. He followed her down the hall past his room to her door.
“This way Easton,” she said as she pushed her door open and stepped through into the room.
He felt his heart catch as he stepped through to join her. He looked around her room, a simple, almost bare room with just a dresser and a bed. “My uncle had you live in such a sparse room amongst all this finery?” He took a step toward her, feeling an ache in his heart.
“No, he did not make me live like anything. He let me live how I chose.” She pulled open a drawer in her dresser.
“What did you want to show me?” He shook his head, wondering what was going on.
“I have something that I have been saving for you.” Her hands stopped and she pushed the drawer closed.
“Saving for me? How can you have something you’re saving for me?” He inhaled the scent of her hair; it smelled like magnolias. He felt something pass through them, a pull as if their souls were touching. He dropped her hand and backed up a couple of steps.
Tegan was watching him, her head tilted and her brow furrowed. “Did you feel that?” she asked as she took a tentative step toward him. “You are meant for me. He was right, you are the one.”
“What are you talking about?” He’d felt something but he didn’t know what it was. When she reached out and touched him again, a memory of his father shoving his mother down hit him. He remembered the look of fear in her eyes and the hatred in his. No, he didn’t want a relationship right now. Maybe never.
He had only known this woman for a few days, but she had somehow literally touched his soul and it scared him. “Tegan, I have to go for a while.” He felt her tense up. “I’ll be back, I promise.” He turned and walked out of her room not looking back. Easton had a sinking feeling if he looked at her face, he wouldn’t be able to leave.
He hurried to his room, slid on a pair of jeans, and grabbed his keys. He’d drive into town and find a place to have a drink. Maybe if he got away from here, he could clear his head. He didn’t like the feelings he was having for her one bit.
Easton drove through the streets, not knowing where he was going as thoughts raced through his mind. How could he feel so drawn to someone he just met?
Pulling his Jeep over into the parking lot of a local bar, he turned off the ignition and pondered for a moment if he should go in or not. The thought of a cold beer got his ass moving. When he got inside, the music was loud and the place was filled with locals laughing and talking. He made his way to the bar and found an empty stool between two older men. “What do you have on tap?” he asked the bartender when the man nodded to him.
“Pretty much anything you want. I’m Carey. I don’t think I’ve seen you in here before. You new to this neighborhood?”
He mov
ed the bowl of peanuts in front of him. “Yeah, my name is Easton.” He reached for Carey’s outstretched hand. “Nice to meet you. What would you recommend?”
“We’re a microbrewery so we make all our own beer. We have a pale ale that is creamy and crisp with some fruity flavors.”
“What do you have that is regular beer?”
“Nothing, we have our own beer here so you can’t get anything you buy at a gas station or liquor store. Would you like to try something?” Carey was looking at him with his eyes narrowed and a smirk on his lips.
“Sure, why not. Just give me something light. In color not diet.” He glanced around while he waited for the bartender to bring him back a glass of whatever he considered to be a good light beer. The bar was black, shiny, and slick. Candles that were lined up every foot along the entire bar flickered, their reflection mirrored in the surface. Most of the people in the bar appeared around his age and were wearing either suits or button up Polo shirts. The women were all in dresses with high heels, not a strand of hair mussed. He felt out of place. His thoughts went back to Tegan, perfect, beautiful, crazy Tegan. My Tegan. Whoa, where did that come from?
Carey sat the beer down in front of him. “Let me know what you think.”
He picked up the beer and took a swig. “Pretty damned good. What’s this one called?”
“That one is mine, I call it CC’s Honey. Worked on that recipe for about two years before the owner let me brew a batch here, and it’s been a big hit.”
He downed the beer and stood. “How much do I owe you?” He pulled out his wallet waiting for the bartender to answer.
“Seven-fifty,” Carey answered, already pouring a drink for another customer.
Easton pulled out a ten and tossed it on the bar. “Thanks.” He turned, made his way out of the bar to his Jeep, and without thinking, he headed back to the mansion. He felt a sudden urge to get back to her. He had never felt a hunger like he felt for Tegan; a hunger he couldn’t place.