Dirk stopped when he started to walk down the hall. He slipped in her room and got her dirty clothes, then threw hers and his in the washer nearby.
In the kitchen he watched the sun rise over the ocean. Gentle waves broke across the shore. He peeked in the fridge and found all the ingredients for a fabulous breakfast.
Humming to himself he prepared pancake mix, fried bacon, and beat eggs for an omelet. Hopefully the coffee perking might send an aroma down the hall and wake sleeping beauty. If not, in a few more minutes he’d knock on her door.
Dirk had turned his back to pour orange juice in two glasses when he felt eyes staring at him. He turned and smiled.
“Good morning, morning glory.”
Chelsea had put on a yellow bathing suit with a short robe over it. Her hair was tousled, and her face clean and clear of any makeup. She looked about twenty instead of the thirty years old he knew her to be.
“It smells good in here.”
“I’m hungry, and thought you might be, too.”
“Starved.” She walked around him and drank all the juice in one of the glasses.
“Want more?”
“No. I’ll pour our coffee. Do you mind if I take mine out to the veranda?”
“Go ahead. I’m almost finished here. They have a rolling trolley in the corner.” He motioned to the left. “I can bring everything out at once on that.”
“See you soon.”
He couldn’t resist watching her stroll outside. Her curvy body and especially long, slender legs were a sight to admire. The smell of bacon about to burn brought his attention back to his cooking. He quickly threw chopped vegetables and cheese into the omelet and put toast in the toaster.
In the cupboard he found syrup for the pancakes, grabbed butter, and served up the food. The trolley was full when he had placed all the dishes on it.
Chelsea was staring at the sea. She’d put on sunglasses and had drunk most of her coffee. Dirk sprinted back for the coffee carafe.
“Hopefully I haven’t forgotten anything,” he said as he sat across from her.
“I hope not, too. That’s enough food for six people. Are we expecting company?”
“The jet will land, drop off our suitcases on the tarmac, and fly off. I’m afraid you are stranded with only me for company.”
“It’s going to be very boring for you. I’m not in a mood to socialize.” Her face paled. She turned to look toward the sea.
“You can be alone as much as you want, but I’ll be here if you’d like to talk. It doesn’t have to be anything serious.
“I’m sure there’s lots we don’t know about each other. You being from a farm in Wyoming is something you never told me. At least not until that brief encounter when I caught you trying to sneak over the fence onto our ranch. Remember when you hoped to interview Lily? We have the time now for you to share with me all about your childhood, your growing up on the farm, and how you went off to explore the world, or not.” He took up his fork and started to eat, relieving her of the necessity of replying.
* * * *
Chelsea turned back to glance at Dirk. He was pouring syrup on his pancakes. His black hair shone in the sunlight. When he reached across to fill her coffee cup, her eyes lingered on his tanned chest and broad shoulders.
“Excuse me for coming to the table without a shirt. I never do that, but I just couldn’t put on that dirty one.”
“That’s all right. I got lucky and found this wrap in the closet. I’m glad clothes for us will be here soon.” She dipped her head and started eating. He might think she was staring at him. She had been for a second. Looking at him had briefly let her forget the last few days, but she wasn’t ready to let any man too close.
“I can move this table more into the shade. I don’t want you to get sunburned.”
“I found sunscreen in the bathroom and slathered it on. I’ll be fine for a little while. I’m going for a walk after breakfast. I spotted a path that goes from here to the beach. There’s a large straw hat in my bedroom. I’ll borrow it.”
“While you’re gone I’ll pick up our clothes. See that spot on the horizon? If I’m not mistaken, that’s the jet coming our way. We can see it land from here.” They both watched as the dot became a plane and then turned to line up with the landing strip.
Chelsea pushed back from the table. “Thank you. That was a very good breakfast. I’m going to get the hat and head down the path.”
“Sure you don’t want company?”
“Not today.” She felt his stare as she went into the house.
* * * *
Chelsea took her time walking down the curving path that led through gardens with blossoms of every color. There were also sections of flowering trees and ones baring fruit, lemon, lime, and oranges. The air was fragrant with all the various scents. The war zone was miles away. It seemed like two opposite worlds. The dark, gray, dusty world she’d left behind, and this jewel-like fantasy island where they’d landed. She realized her true life was somewhere in between, held in suspension temporarily.
When Chelsea got to the beach, she kicked off her flip-flops and wriggled her toes in the warm, white sand. Waves crashed against the shore and seagulls dove for food. She tossed her short robe aside and walked along the edge of the water. The air touched her skin softly, and the breeze blew lightly through her short curls. None of this seemed real. It was too beautiful to truly exist, but it did.
She settled in a shady spot and leaned against a palm tree. Peace settled within her. She closed her eyes and, for the first time in years, meditated.
“Are you OK?” Dirk’s voice brought her back to reality. “I saw you from up at the villa. When I checked later, and you hadn’t moved for a long time, I got worried.”
His spicy scent tickled her nose. He stood tall and strong beside her. A really handsome man, but not one of the cardboard, can’t-have-a-hair-out-of-place types. No, he was naturally good-looking, in clothes or out. And he didn’t appear to be aware of his effect on women when he walked into a room. She’d seen it happen the first time she met him in a bar in Italy. Her heart had beat fast, and she, along with every other woman nearby, stared at him. When he smiled, you could almost hear the women moan.
“Are you in a trance? You haven’t answered my question.”
Chelsea shook her head to clear her thoughts. “Sorry. I’d been meditating.”
“Did it help?”
“I think so.”
He put his hand out and pulled her up, then wrapped her arm around his and began to walk. “Let’s look for shells before we have lunch at the villa.”
“Is that all you think about, eating?”
“Until I get caught up from the past few days, yes.”
“A typical male.”
He ignored her comment and picked up her wrap and put it on her. Then he led her down the beach in the opposite direction from where she’d walked. They stopped frequently to pick up shells of all sizes and colors. Dirk had the pockets of her wrap and his hands full when they got back to the house.
“I’ll rinse the dirt out of them here by the house. You better go on in. You’ve had a good deal of sun today.”
“I was in the shade the majority of time,” Chelsea said as she waved and strode up the two terraces and into the living room. A shower would be nice to get off the salt and sand.
Inside her bedroom door was a suitcase. Clothes at last. She put the case on a chair and opened it. Janice had enclosed a note.
Hi Chelsea, Welcome to our vacation home. I hope you enjoy yourselves. I bought you some underwear. I hope it fits. Dirk guessed at your jean size. I guessed at the rest. There are some new things, and some older jeans and shirts of mine that I thought you might want to wear exploring. Oh, and I bought a sundress I saw and couldn’t resist. Treat the place as yours, and stay as long as you like. Hope to meet you some day. Janice
What a lovely gesture. She blinked her eyes to keep back the tears. What was wrong with her? She’d nev
er got weepy in the past.
She pulled the clothes out of the case. Janice had guessed right on the sizes. And the old jeans and shirts would fit, too. Although the jeans might be a tad short. She’d shower, and then dressed in proper clothes she’d feel more herself.
From the bottom of the suitcase she pulled out a dress with a heart-shaped bodice and full skirt. The material was a mixture of colors from green to blue. They blended together. It was perfect for her. Tucked in a side pocket of the suitcase were light-blue sandals and a tiny note. For a romantic evening.
She’d wear the dress once just before they left. She was looking for peace, not romance. Her heart beat faster at the thought, and her stomach clenched. But it would be so easy to slip back into the casual fling they’d had in the past.
Chelsea didn’t know what she wanted, but she knew she didn’t want that. Not yet, anyway. She hung the dress in the closet and sat the shoes on the floor under it then put the rest of the clothes in the closet or drawers. Heading toward the bathroom, she carried an older pair of jeans and a soft, gray cotton shirt. She’d get her bra out of the washer and dry it. That apparently was one item Janice didn’t try to guess the size.
Later, coming out of her bedroom door, she faced Dirk as he came out of his at the same time. His eyes roamed from her head to her bare feet.
“Glad to have something to wear?” he asked.
Chelsea was immediately conscious of not having on her bra. She didn’t look down for fear her nipples were hard pebbles against the soft material. A heated flush went over her face.
“I’m going to put our clothes in the washer into the dryer.”
“Sorry I forgot them after I put them in to wash.”
“No problem. I’ll put yours on your bed when they’re dry.”
“Shall we adjourn to the kitchen and make sandwiches? Or since it’s the middle of the afternoon, we could do an early dinner.”
“I’m fine with sandwiches, if you are. I’m not very hungry.”
He motioned for her to lead the way. It felt awkward. Their conversation was stilted. They’d never lacked for something to say or do when they’d met on their leaves overseas. It was her fault. He was following her lead in more ways than one.
Dirk turned on the light. “It’s cloudy outside. See the storm clouds in the distance, and the air is chilly.”
She had glanced in the cupboard. “Here’s tomato soap. I’ll make grilled cheese sandwiches and have the soup with it. It’ll hit the spot while we watch the storm go by.”
“I’ll leave you to it. I’d better close some windows and doors.”
It didn’t take long to fix the meal. She sat the food on a low table by a couch. Sitting there they could see all around and watch the storm begin to rustle the palm fronds, and then howl around the house. The sky went from gray to darker and lightning flashed close by. One big boom had Chelsea jumping toward Dirk. He held her close as the storm whirled around the house on the top of the hill.
“When I was little, storms scared me. My mother said not to worry, that the thunder and lightning were warriors in fierce battle, but the good guys would always win and the sun would come back out. I imagined superhuman men with huge swords and shields. Every boom from the lightning meant a warrior had hit the other’s shield. When it quieted I pictured the two shaking hands and walking off in opposite directions.” She glanced up at his face. “I had a wild imagination.”
“My brothers and I were always fighting battles. Sometimes I got to win, but usually my older brother, who was taller than the rest of us, managed to slay us all and win the hand of the fair maiden.”
“And who was this maiden?”
“My sister. She insisted on playing that part. That’s why we didn’t really care that he won all the time. She’d put on long dresses and wear a tiara. It was the only time she acted like a girly girl.” He grinned. “She had a time putting up with all five of us. Do you have siblings?”
“A brother who took over the ranch when Dad couldn’t keep up with it anymore. He thinks I’m crazy for moving to the big city, and then going overseas. My folks built a smaller house for themselves. It’s in a far corner of the farm, a good distance from the original home we grew up in. Dad still helps out on the easier jobs.” Chelsea quit talking and realized she was still sitting close against Dirk, and his warm arms were wrapped around her. Intrigued by their conversation, she had let herself relax and stay where she felt safe.
She stared at his sensuous mouth and a spark of desire flared in her belly. As his head lowered she was held spellbound by the hunger in his eyes. His lips brushed lightly across her mouth. Without a thought, she opened for him, and his tongue dove inside to taste and tantalize and send sparks of heat sizzling up her spine.
Chapter Five
Chelsea’s mouth was sweet and warm. Dirk’s tongue slipped inside and leisurely tasted the soft interior. He heard her moan, and she cuddled closer. Her luscious breasts touched his chest, sending heat rushing from his center outward. He stretched out on the sofa pulling her body tighter along his. His hard, aching cock pulsed against her abdomen. He put pressure on the small of her back, bringing her lower body closer.
Her sweet citrus scent swirled around his head. She’d always favored the cleaner, fresh fragrances over the more flowery ones that a lot of women wore. It was one of the things he noticed about her when they first met. Of course after he’d looked up and down her slim but curvy body, he wanted her.
When she wiggled her hips against his cock, Dirk knew he was in trouble. He had to either pick her up and take her to his room to make love, or stop now and make sure that’s what she wanted. His desire battled with the teachings his mother had given all her sons. You were always a gentleman.
Gradually, he pulled back. “I think we’d better slow down unless you’re sure you are ready for me to make love to you.”
Her warm body lay still under him. She’d looked down, and long black lashes covered those gorgeous green eyes. He knew her answer when she put distance between them. Her teeth bit the side of her lip.
“Sorry. I’m not ready for a fling.”
“I don’t want a fling.”
She glanced up. He stared intently at her, hoping she understood what he said.
Chelsea didn’t comment. She straightened, gathered their dishes, and headed to the kitchen.
Dirk raked his hand through his hair and walked to one of the sliding glass doors. Outside, the hard rain had turned into a light mist and it was getting dark. He stepped out on the veranda and walked down to the next terrace. Damn with being a gentleman. He wanted to go back, pick her up, and carry her into his room. Then he’d taste every spot on her delectable body and plunge his cock into her sweet pussy. He could convince her. But he wouldn’t. That wasn’t his way. He’d bide his time and hope when they left she’d agree to his plan. If she said yes to his offer, he’d have much more time to convince her to his way of thinking.
He took off his shirt, shorts, and underwear and dove into the pool’s cold water. He took long strokes across the pool from one end to the other. No need to count the laps. He’d stop when his raging desire for her cooled.
* * * *
Chelsea took her time in the kitchen. She rinsed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher, then scrubbed the counters and checked the freezer to see what other food they had for tomorrow’s meals.
Being in Dirk’s arms, and lying against his warm body gave her a sense of being safe. But as she’d said she wasn’t ready for anything else. She glanced around the kitchen. There was nothing left to do
She walked out of the kitchen to an empty living room. Dirk was gone. The sliding glass doors were partially open. She quietly stepped through the narrow space and walked to the edge of the veranda.
Below Dirk was poised at the end of the pool. He was naked and the light from the just-risen moon etched his tall, muscular body in its faint glow. She wished she was a sculptor and could mould his figure from a dark pi
ece of shiny wood. His black hair blended with the night, but the breeze blew strands around his head. His strong face appeared carved out of walnut. She held her breath at the beauty of his body.
Heated desire coiled inside her lower abdomen. She wanted him. But he’d said he didn’t want a fling. For a man like him that meant he was looking for commitment, a family. And she didn’t know what she wanted for the rest of her life.
Tomorrow she’d ask him to take her back. Staying here was too dangerous to her emotions in a completely different way than the fear that stalked her dreams.
He dove in and took long, even strokes across the water. He’d be an easy man to love. But in the end could she settle on a ranch and be a good wife? It was a big risk. Not one she was ready to make.
Chelsea reluctantly turned and walked to her bedroom. She didn’t want him to catch her staring. Once inside her room, she locked the door. If she woke frightened and jumped up to run to Dirk, she hoped the locked door would wake her enough to stop her.
She tossed and turned on her bed. Dirk’s footsteps sounded loud in the quiet house when he came down the hall to his room. He stood outside their bedrooms for several seconds. She held her breath and released it when he opened his door and shut it.
Her body ached for him. If he’d knocked, she’d have unlocked the door and opened her arms to him. She wasn’t sure if she was glad or sad he was such a nice man.
Sleep eluded her as she tossed and turned and slept in short snatches through the long night. When the first faint light crept around her curtains, she showered, put on a bathing suit, and strolled down the curvy path to the beach. This morning the waves were small, and the sky clear. All the rain, lightning, and thunder had passed over.
Chelsea sat, pulled her knees up, and watched the sun rise over the horizon. Seagulls dove for their breakfast as a few wispy clouds floated along under the blue sky. The color this morning reminded her of Dirk’s eyes. Darn, the man had gotten under her skin and into her every thought.
Cameron, Paige - A Fling with the Billionaire Cowboy [Wives for the Western Billionaires 5] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 4