by Ciara Lake
Tabitha cleaned the layers of dust which covered nearly every surface. There was still a staleness to the air even after being aired out. Tabitha took her time dusting her mother’s knickknacks. Now, after so long, she could enjoy them without crying. To her surprise, she’d managed to do a lot of cleaning in a few hours.
Tabitha was dancing and singing to her music as she cleaned. Stopping, she tilted her head to the side. “Was that the doorbell?”
The cat jump up on the window sill and pushed the drape aside to look out. Tabitha walked to the window and peeked out. A tall, dark-haired man waited at the door. He pushed the doorbell again. All she could see were his shoulders and top of his head.
“Hello.” Tabitha knocked on the window. “Wait, I’ll be with you in a moment.”
He stepped back from the door and gazed up at the window, but she ducked back before he saw her. “Okay. Take your time, I’ll wait.”
This is just great, I look a wreck. Why did I agree to answer the door, and who is he? She rushed to grab her purse. Quickly, she applied lipstick then brushed her tangled hair.
“I guess this will have to do.” She pinched her cheeks to add color. Not too bad for a lazy morning. She rushed to the front door, but just before she opened it, she stopped to take a deep breath. When she opened the door she glanced down to see if the glass door was locked between them. It was.
She looked up at her visitor and smiled. “Hello, how can I help you?”
Dear Lord, it’s the man from the grocery store. She had to look up at him as he was exceptionally tall. He was so handsome it made her heart race, but this time she couldn’t run away.
“Hello.” He smiled. “I’m Jax Aquila, the neighbor.” He pointed in the direction of the house next door. “I was just checking on things. This house has been empty for some time.”
“Yes, it has. I haven’t been here in a while. It’s was kind of you to check. I appreciate it.” She pushed her hair back over her shoulder. It was one of her nervous habits. There was no doubt he was looking her over, and it made her self-conscious. “I wasn’t expecting a visitor.”
“Do you remember me from the grocery store? You ran over my feet?” He smiled. The rain was blowing, hitting him in the face. His hair was wet, and his long bangs hung down onto his forehead. He pushed them back out of his eyes.
He stepped closer to the door to help shield himself from the rain. She could see him very well now. His eyes were royal blue, and they seemed to have an unnatural light behind them. They were exceptional. His gaze was penetrating. They stood looking at each other for an uncomfortable moment.
Finally she spoke. “Yes, I do remember you. I’m sorry.”
“Please don’t apologize. I heard the people who owned this place passed away.”
“They did, I’m their daughter.”
“I see, forgive me for questioning.” He gave her a hesitant smile.
“No, not a problem. It’s good of you to check up on the property. I appreciate your neighborly concern. Have a good day.” Tabitha moved to shut the door.
“What’s your name?” he asked quickly.
She paused. “Tabitha.”
“Tabitha?” He cocked his head to the side. Suddenly he seemed very curious.
“Yes, I’m Tabitha Lock.” I swear his eyes changed color. But that couldn’t have happened. Here I go again, seeing things that aren’t there.
He stared at her for several seconds.
“Thanks again for checking on things.” She started to close the door again.
“Wait.” He stepped closer to the door.
“Yes.” She reopened the door.
“Is your electricity on yet?”
“No. It’s been out since I arrived yesterday.”
“Would you like to go into the village for lunch? I was there earlier, they have electricity. I was told it might be a while before we get it back on. But the local restaurant is open and their lights are on.” He put his hand on the glass door’s handle. Surprising, the door clicked and popped open. Tabitha stepped back.
“I don’t know.” She shook her head. “I thought the door was locked.” She looked at the door handle.
“Oh, sorry.” He let go of the door. “I don’t mean to scare you. It just came open.”
“I’m not scared.” She pulled the glass door shut and re-latched it. “I’m sure it was locked. I don’t understand what happened.” She examined the lock, then shrugged.
“If you aren’t by yourself, we can all go to lunch.” His smile was less forced.
“No.”
“No?” He looked surprised.
“No, there’s no one else here.”
“You’re all alone in this big house?” he asked in a teasing tone of voice as he grinned.
“Perhaps I shouldn’t have told you that.”
“It’s fine. I promise, I’m not dangerous.” He winked at her.
“That’s what the serial killer said to his victim.” She laughed. “Anyway, I’m not dressed to go anywhere. And. . . I really don’t know you.”
“We did meet in the grocery store, so you kinda know me.”
“I don’t think that counts.”
“Have I spooked you? If so, I’m truly sorry.” He took a step back.
“No. I’m not spooked.” She waved her hand. His gaze made her feel warm. Maybe I should be spooked. He could be the most handsome serial killer in the world.
“Well, I can wait for you to change. I have plenty of time.”
A quiver of unease raced through her followed by excitement. Something about him reminds me of the man I saw on the beach last night. It’s his build, his shoulders. Nope, that’s impossible. There was no man on the beach last night. It was a freaking dream. But he is like the man in my erotic dreams. A flash of heat rolled over her.
“If it’ll make you feel more comfortable we can drive separate cars and meet there. It’s a public place—perfectly safe. And trust me, I’m a law-abiding guy.”
“I learned a long time ago to be wary of a man who says trust me.” She laughed again. “Are you sure you’re not wanted in several states?”
“No.” He laughed too. “I’m a respectable business man from Vancouver.”
“Is there such a thing as a respectable business man?”
“You sure have a lot of faith in people.” He smiled wide. “The house next door is my vacation home. I come here often to get away from the city. They know me in town, I eat there a lot. Someone there can vouch for me.” He winked, and her stomach flipped with sudden excitement.
I think he’s perfect. How can I say no?
“I am hungry.” Her stomach growled as if on cue. “I can meet you in town.”
“Okay, I’ll be waiting at the Waterfront Restaurant. Do you know where it is?”
“Yes. I’ll see you there shortly.” Tabitha closed the door.
Her heart was in her throat. She leaned against the door, breathless. What am I doing? I’m going to lunch with a. . .a gorgeous man—no, a gorgeous stranger.
Tabitha rushed through the house to find her other bag of clothes. She changed into her black slacks and a pink blouse, then looked at herself in the mirror. Am I overdressed? Maybe I should go in jeans and a t-shirt. . .be casual. He was dressed casually. Maybe I shouldn’t go at all. Damn, I’m a nervous wreck. She plopped down on the end of the bed. No, this is good, I look fine, and I’m going. She brushed her hair, it hung free down her back, curling around her face. It’s just lunch with a neighbor. One who looks like my dream lover. Her stomach flipped then tightened uncomfortably. I haven’t been this excited about something in forever, maybe never. I guess danger is exciting. No, this isn’t dangerous, it’s in public, at a local restaurant. She leaned closer to the mirror to check her makeup. “It’ll be fine.”
Within twenty minutes, she was in her car. Before she opened the garage door she called Jessica.
“Hey, I just wanted to let you know I’m okay. I’m sorry I forgot to call you las
t night.” Tabitha held the phone with her chin.
“That’s okay, I’m glad you called now. Those storms have been really bad here. How about there by the ocean?”
“It’s still raining and the wind is blowing hard. We still don’t have electricity here, but Oceanside Village does.”
“I don’t have power either.”
“My neighbor stopped by to check on the house.”
“That’s nice.”
“I guess he noticed someone was here. I’m not really sure how, because the power has been off, so the house has been dark. But he noticed and wanted to make sure I wasn’t a robber or something. Did I tell you he’s gorgeous?”
“Is he?”
“Yes. He asked me to meet him for lunch in town, so I’m on my way. I thought I should tell someone. He told me his name is Jax Aquila.”
“The Jax Aquila?” Jessica sounded stunned. “The Jax Aquila from Vancouver?”
“You know him?” Tabitha checked her hair in the rearview mirror.
“No, but I know who he is. Don’t you? He’s on the news a lot.”
“He is? Why?”
“Don’t you watch the news?”
“Not if I can help it.”
“He’s the one who’s behind the opening of the huge ocean conservation organization. Their grand opening was supposed to be this weekend, but it was postponed due to the weather and loss of power. Everyone who’s anyone was going to be there.”
“That’s impressive.”
“It sure is. He’s also one of the most eligible men in town. I’ve seen him on television, he’s a looker.”
“So you think I’ll be okay meeting him?”
“Yes, if in fact he’s who he says he is.”
“He certainly is handsome. He’s tall and really well built. He has black, shiny hair. The kind you want to run your fingers through.”
“With amazing blue eyes.” Jessica sighed.
“Yes. He has incredible eyes.”
“Sounds like him. Anyway, you should be okay in a public place. Ask to see his ID. There’s no shame in asking. It’s a dangerous world.”
“I will.” Tabitha pushed the button on the door opener. “Thank goodness the garage door operates on back up battery. Otherwise I’d mess myself up getting the door open and closed.”
“Yeah, good thing. You do want to look your best.”
“I’d better go, he’s going to think I’ve stood him up.”
“Call me as soon as you get back, and tell me all about it. I want to know everything.”
“I will.” Tabitha backed out of the garage and closed the door. “I’d better run, I’ll call you.” She hung up the phone and backed out of the driveway.
Twenty minutes later she was in the restaurant’s parking lot. She parked as close to the door as she could to avoid getting too wet. She got out of the car and rushed into the building. As soon as she walked in the door, she spotted Jax in a booth near the rear of the restaurant. It was a cozy place, a typical hometown eatery. At the moment it was very busy. The food smelled wonderful.
Jax stood up to greet her. He was even taller than she’d initially realized, towering over others. My, he’s impressive. Thank goodness I dressed up a bit, he’s changed too. He looks even better than before. He was now dressed in a long-sleeved polo, which molded to his strong arms, and nice fitting slacks. A flash of heat hit her as she assessed him. Her legs became unsteady as she approached him.
He inspected her as she walked toward him. His gaze traveled from her head to her feet. Then his stunning blue eyes locked with hers. A mixture of emotions gripped tight around her heart. I’ve never been so instantly attracted to a man. She became hot all over as she watched him walk toward her.
He stopped in front of her and grinned. “I’m glad you made it. I was hoping you wouldn’t change your mind.”
“No, I didn’t change my mind.”
They walked back to the booth, and he motioned for her to take a seat. Quickly, she sat down, feeling shy. It seemed all eyes were on them. After she was seated, he sat across from her. He moved with grace, like an athlete. His muscles were lean, long, like an Olympic swimmer. Mesmerized by his beauty, she coughed, nearly choking. Dear God, don’t choke in front of him. Then his knee bumped hers, and another heat wave hit her, making her feel faint.
“I’m sorry. My legs are too long for these booths.”
“It’s okay.” She moved her legs out his way. Still his legs were so close to hers she could not get away from him. Thoughts of her legs curling around his passed through her brain. It made her dizzy with lust.
A waitress approached their table, breaking the tension. She had a flirtatious look on her face as she swung her ponytail back and forth. “Hi, Mr. Aquila. Welcome back.” The waitress grinned too brightly. She didn’t even glance at Tabitha. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“Yes, I’ll take an ice tea,” Tabitha spoke up. The waitress glanced over at her with an irritated expression, and then she looked back at Jax.
“Me too.” Jax turned his attention to Tabitha. “I eat here a lot. Their seafood platter special is very delicious. Would you like to try it?”
“Sure.” Tabitha handed her menu to the waitress. “That was an easy decision.”
Jax gave the waitress his menu too. “It has a sampling of several things, but it’s just a suggestion. You can order whatever you wish, or course.”
“It sounds excellent to me. I’m starving.”
“Okay, I’ll have it right out.” The waitress glared at Tabitha.
“I called my friend to tell her we were meeting for lunch. She suggested I ask to see your ID to make sure you’re really who you claim to be.”
“She did?” He chuckled. “Smart friend. It’s a dangerous world.” He reached for his wallet and handed her his license. “See, I’m truly Jax Aquila.”
She nodded and handed it back to him. “Good picture too.”
“Thank you. So do you feel better?”
“Yes, I guess I do.” Tabitha played with her rolled silverware.
“You guess?” He grinned.
The waitress arrived with their drinks, she served Jax first. She couldn’t keep her eyes off of him. She spilled Tabitha’s drink, the tea forming a puddle on the table in front of Tabitha.
“Sorry.” The waitress handed Tabitha another napkin as she left to take care of other customers.
Tabitha sopped up the mess, then sat the damp napkins aside. “I understand you’re part of a conservation organization?”
“Yes, I am. We were going to open to the public this weekend. It was to be a fund-raiser. But with these storms and the power going out, we had to delay the opening. So I decided to come here and enjoy the ocean.”
“This is a great place for a relaxing break. I was long overdue for a vacation.” Tabitha sipped her tea.
“What do you do for a living?”
“I’m a lawyer. I practice domestic law.”
“A lawyer? Hmm.” He drained his glass. His expression was blank. “So you’re a shark out of water?” He sat his glass down.
The waitress rushed over to fill his glass, leaving Tabitha’s wet napkins untouched. Jax ignored the waitress and continued to watch Tabitha.
“No, I’m not a shark.” Her tone was a bit sharp. “I help people through a very painful time in their lives. I look at it as a service to others.”
“A service with a great cost?”
“Yes, it does cost.” She nodded. “Everyone has to make a living. I take it you don’t like lawyers much?”
“I’m an environmental lawyer.”
“Oh, then why so critical?”
“I’m not critical, just curious about you.” He grinned as he unrolled his napkin. “But divorce law is different from what I do.”
“So saying I’m a shark out of water isn’t critical?”
“No.” He shook his head. “A shark’s a remarkable creature.” He grinned. “Anyway, I was only teasing you,
it’s my odd humor. After all, I run a sea conservation organization.”
“True.” She smiled. “Have you been divorced?” She finished her tea.
“No, I’ve never married. You?” He finished another glass of tea. “The tea is good. Nice and sweet, like I like it.” He relaxed back his seat.
The waitress must have had him on her radar, because she filled his glass back up as soon as he sat it down. Then she rushed off to grab her next order, leaving Tabitha’s glass empty as well as the wet napkins still on the table.
“Yes, it’s good tea.” Tabitha watched as the waitress waited on others. “No, I’ve never been married. You know, doctors cost too. They heal your body and-or your spirit for a fee. Everything costs in our society.”
“So true.” He nodded.
“It doesn’t make it bad or even less of a service because it costs.” Tabitha was defensive and he was hard to read.
“What made you choose it as a career? Isn’t it depressing seeing relationships fail over and over again?”
“There’s good and bad in all things.” She shrugged.
“True. But sometimes not true.”
She ignored his odd statement. “I wanted to be an attorney. I enjoyed the study of law. When I graduated I fell into doing divorce law. I’m good with people, especially people who are in pain.”
“You’re good at sharing sympathy and empathy?” He watched her closely.
“I’d like to think so. Why did you become a lawyer?”
“To do exactly what I’m doing. To help clean this world up one way or another. Especially the seas.”
The waitress stopped by again, all smiles for Jax, still ignoring Tabitha’s empty glass. “Your meals will be out soon.”
“Can you fill her glass of tea?” Jax pointed to Tabitha’s empty glass. “And clear away these wet napkins too.”
“Sure thing.” The waitress nodded and batted her eyelashes at him.
“How come I’ve not seen you here in Oceanside before?” he asked Tabitha.
“After my parents died I had a hard time coming back. There were too many memories. I thought it would make me sad to be here.”