Gracefully climbing out of the car, he moves around the car and opens my door. He offers his hand out for me.
“Unless you prefer that I carry you?” He teases.
I put my hand in his and grab my small duffel from the back of the car.
“Maybe later after the wine.” I giggle.
“Promises, promises.” We make our way through the house.
The beautiful colors of the sky blaze through the massive windows and give the house an effervescent glow. There are large crystal vases filled with fresh stargazer lilies and white roses on various tables. On the kitchen island is a large bowl with pears, bananas, and apples.
“Is your mom here?” I ask.
“Not that I know of. Why?” He says as we make our way up the stairs.
“It just seems like company is expected. There are fresh flowers everywhere and bowls of fresh fruit.”
He shrugs. “I didn’t notice, but it’s probably just Mr. and Mrs. Smith. They know we’ve been coming here since they clean our unmade bed and dirty dishes so maybe they thought we’d be here this weekend.”
“Oh yes, the ubiquitous Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Do you think we’ll ever actually see them?”
“Probably not. My father pays the staff good money to take care of the house but he prefers they keep to themselves. He’s a man who relishes his privacy.”
“Oh.” I say.
“I told you my dad is a bit demanding and difficult to put it mildly.”
We get to the bedroom and Logan walks to the French doors and opens them. A soothing, mild and aromatic jasmine-filled breeze gently sweeps through the room.
“I’ll just grab my suit and meet you downstairs. Did you want some of that Chardonnay or would you rather something else to drink?”
“Chardonnay sounds great.”
He gives me a quick kiss on the lips and then heads back down the stairs. Grabbing my bag, I head into the bathroom to change. I take off my necklace and put it on the vanity.
It’s a welcome relief to pull off my cotton sweater and sticky bra. The sweater is a light one but it’s so warm out that it’s nice to take it off me. Once I tie on my triangle top, I pull my hair up into a topknot. Then I tug off my shorts and panties and pull on my bikini bottom. I look at my reflection in the mirror and suddenly I have an overwhelming sense of shyness. Maybe I should have brought my one-piece bathing suit. Ugh, too late now.
I grab one of the oversize white fluffy towels from the rack beside the shower and wrap it around me. Logan is in the kitchen when I make my way down the stairs. He is ridiculously fit with firm, broad shoulders, a flat stomach and defined abs that anyone would envy. He’s got the open bottle of wine tucked under his arm and two glasses in one hand. In the other hand he carries a small platter of cheeses, crackers and grapes.
“Can I help you?” I ask.
“No. I’m perfectly balanced.” He smiles.
“Perfectly.” I smirk, while I admire his physique.
“Are you smirking at me?”
“Maybe.”
We head out the large French doors from the living room and onto a stone patio with an enormous infinity swimming pool with a hot tub at one end. An infinity pool produces a visual effect of the water extending to the horizon. It is a stunning illusion.
There are large chaise lounge chairs with brown wicker bottoms and beige cushions that sit close to the house. Some of the chairs face the pool and the horizon while other chairs, including a daybed and a sofa are turned toward the house and a large stone outdoor fireplace.
Placing the wine and platter of cheeses beside the hot tub, Logan slowly strolls towards me. He takes my hands in his and stares into my eyes.
“You going to swim with the towel on?” He teases.
I blush as I drop the towel and look down at the ground. He takes my chin and lifts my head up to look into his eyes.
“What are you getting all shy on me for?” He smiles warmly at me. “You look beautiful.” He takes my hand and we walk to the pool. We make our way down the shallow steps. The cool water feels refreshing.
“Is it too cold?” He asks. “We can always go in the hot tub instead.”
“No. It’s perfect.” I smile.
Logan dives under the water and resurfaces at the far end of the pool. I pull out the elastic around my bun and tug it around my wrist. My hair falls around my shoulders and then I dive under the water. Meeting Logan at the other end, he wraps his arms around my waist just as I come up for air. We are gazing into each other’s eyes. His firm, cool skin is pressed against mine.
“Have you forgiven me?” His lips twitch up into a smile.
I hesitate for a second and then return his smile.
My earlier bout of shyness has vanished and I’m pleasantly surprised to feel how comfortable I am wrapped up in his arms with very little between us. His skin against my skin is an intoxicating mixture. Pulling his hands around my waist, they slide around my back so that I am flush against him. I move my hands up into his wet unruly hair and slowly pull him to my lips.
“I’m taking that as a yes.” He breathes. He returns the kiss and as it deepens, I tremble in response.
He pulls back abruptly. “You’re shivering. Why don’t we go into the hot tub?”
My hands move from his hair down the back of his neck to his firm shoulders.
“I’m fine. I think you’re the cause of my shivering not the water temperature.” I smile.
His hands move under the water. Then he glides them down my legs, pulling them so that they clasp firmly around his waist. I have him in a tight leg lock. He gently caresses my face between his two hands.
“You’re not fine. You’re freezing.” He kisses me softly.
“Here slide onto my back.” He says as he shifts me under water so that my front is now against his back.
“Keep your legs tight around my waist and grab a hold of my chest. Okay?” He whispers.
“My pleasure.” I whisper.
“There you go distracting me again.”
I giggle.
“Try not to laugh or you might swallow some water. Ready?”
“Ready.”
With one swift push, we are moving through the water. I have my own personal Logan speedboat and at that moment I can’t think of any better way to travel.
When we resurface in the shallow end of the pool I release my legs and let go of my grip around his chest. Quickly Logan’s hands are around my waist spinning me around so that we are facing each other.
“Thank you for the ride.” I smile and shiver again.
“The pleasure was all mine.” He leans down and gives me a quick kiss on the lips.
“Come. Let’s warm you up.” He takes my hand in his as we head out of the pool and into the Jacuzzi.
We ease our way into the warm, inviting water. I lie back on the seat while Logan moves towards the bottle of Chardonnay.
“Wine?” He asks.
“Thank you.” I say as I briefly close my eyes. The pulsating jets massage my body as I relax in the soothing, heated water.
Logan hands me a glass of wine while he slides into the seat beside me. We are sitting side by side our legs touching each other. He puts his wine glass out to mine to make a toast.
“To your new job.” He smiles as he clinks my glass and takes a sip of the wine.
I turn to him quickly. “What?”
“I thought you were going to come work for me? So you could earn some money and I get to see you more. It’s a win-win for both of us.”
“Oh, right.” I take a sip of wine. “Now what kind of job are you offering me, Mr. Prescott?”
“I can think of quite a few positions that I need to fill.” He smirks.
“Sounds amusing…I mean interesting.” I giggle.
“You shouldn’t laugh at your future boss.” His tone is serious.
“Future boss? I think you mean potential boss. I haven’t accepted any of your job offers.”
“R
ight. I’m getting ahead of myself.” He turns so that he’s facing me. “Let’s see. I could use a good tutor. How’s that work for you?”
I take a sip of wine. “A tutor? You have over a 4.0. Besides we have different majors, different classes. I don’t think you need a tutor. What’s your next job offer?”
“Personal trainer?” He smirks.
I smile at him and roll my eyes.
“That’s a no?” He asks. “How about a bodyguard or a personal nurse? Better yet, a French Maid?”
“Are these job offers or fantasies?” I giggle.
He smiles. “What kind of job are you looking for then maybe I’ll know what to offer you?”
“I have one right now so I’m not looking at the moment unless you are planning to coerce Mrs. Sutton into firing me.”
“That’s a thought.” He murmurs.
I raise an eyebrow at him. “You wouldn’t dare, would you?”
Setting his empty glass of wine down on the side of the Jacuzzi, he then takes mine from my hand and sets it next to his. He leans down to kiss me and as I lift my lips to meet his, we passionately kiss.
He pulls me onto his lap so I’m straddling him. His one hand is in my hair while the other pulls me hard against him. My hands slip around his wet, hot body clasping his firm upper arms. I don’t know if it’s the kiss, the heat of the hot tub, the wine or the overwhelming combination but my head spins and then abruptly everything goes dark.
My head rests on Logan’s shoulder when my eyes blink open. I slowly become aware of my surroundings and realize what happened.
“Emilia?” Logan’s voice is full of worry.
Trying to regain my equilibrium, I keep my head still on his shoulder.
“Are you okay?” He whispers.
“I’m fine.”
“You aren’t fine. I’m going to get you out of here, okay?” He anxiously asks.
“Okay.” I murmur.
He slowly moves one of my legs so that I am no longer straddling him. My legs are now side by side as I sit on his lap. He cradles me as he rises from the hot tub.
“You know I enjoy carrying you. You don’t need to faint on me.” He smiles as he carries me towards one of the outdoor daybeds closer to the house.
I gaze up at him. “It’s not my fault.”
He carefully lies me down on the daybed and then he grabs the white fluffy towel from the ground.
“Here. Lean forward.” He says as he wraps the cozy towel around me. He sits intently watching me.
His hand strokes my face. “You sure you’re okay? And please don’t say you’re fine.”
“Just a little dizzy.” I struggle but refrain from adding that I’m fine.
“I don’t need to take you to the hospital?” He warmly smiles.
I shake my head.
“Can I get you something? Water?” He asks.
“No, thank you. It’s really not fair…you know.” I tease. “Your kisses are quite swoon-worthy.”
“So it was the kiss?” He smirks. “You sure you’re not feeling dehydrated from the hot tub and the wine?”
I shrug my shoulders and smile.
He puts his arm around me and I rest my head on his chest.
“You sure I can’t get you anything?”
“No. I’m good.”
In that moment he jumps up from the daybed and looks towards the ocean.
“Let me make a quick adjustment.” He says as he lifts the daybed with me lying on it and turns it so it now faces the horizon instead of the house. Then he lies back down on the bed besides me.
“Now, that’s better. We can’t miss the sunset after I got you excused from work early.”
“You mean excused totally not early.” I giggle.
I snuggle into his side. My head rests under his chin and I can feel him breathe in my hair as he kisses the top of my head.
“You sure all that Shakespeare isn’t causing you to regularly swoon? Maybe you should switch your major, something less dramatic.”
“Or maybe I should just drop out and work as a French maid.” I tease.
“Now you’re talking. I know someone who is looking to hire one too.”
We both laugh. Then we lie in silence as we look out at the incredible panoramic view of the Channel Islands and the magnificent Santa Barbara coastline. Slowly the sun makes its descent into the horizon. Creating a cascading orange glow that fills the still air; the sky is simply breathtaking. In an instant, the sun dips and magically disappears beneath the ocean.
“Let’s go inside and get you out of these wet clothes.” Logan says as he leans down and kisses me on the forehead. He pulls me close and lifts my legs so he’s cradling me again.
I giggle. “Logan, I’m…” I start to say fine but I know how it irritates him. It’s too late. He quickly pulls me up and moves to stand.
I start again. “Logan, I can walk.” I’m looking up at him with amusement.
“I don’t want you swooning on me again so just humor me and let me carry you.”
“So this is for your benefit, not mine?” I ask.
“Pretty much. This way I get to admire you in this bikini up close and personal.” He smiles down at me.
“I’m enjoying my view as well and it’s mighty fine I have to say.”
When we reach the bedroom at the top of the stairs, Logan puts me down. I notice his quickened breathing and light sweat on his brow.
“No need for you to work out since you have me to carry around all the time.” I smile.
“I can think of other ways to stay in shape with you that would be even more fun.” He breathes.
Then he grabs and pulls me tight against his body. The delicious feeling of his skin against mine makes my blood boil. I’m gazing up at him when his lips find my lips. I am lost in the moment when he abruptly pulls back from me. He cautiously examines me.
“What?” I whisper.
“Just making sure you’re okay. I don’t want you passing out on me again.” He smirks.
“Oh. So what’s your prognosis, Dr. Prescott? Your patient has fully recovered?”
“I think it’s too soon to tell.” His hand softly caresses my cheek. “You seem to be improving but I will definitely have to examine you more thoroughly later. Why don’t you take a shower and I’ll meet you downstairs?”
I giggle. “You are a man of many talents. I had no idea.”
“Yes. I look forward to sharing them all with you. Now stop distracting me.”
After I shower and dry off, I pull on my heather grey sweatpants and a white t-shirt. I find a blow dryer in the cabinet underneath the vanity and quickly dry my hair.
When I head downstairs, I find Logan, wearing grey sweatpants and a white t-shirt, in the kitchen. He’s near the stovetop, mixing something in a stainless steel pot.
He walks towards me, giving me that slow, sexy smile. I feel my insides melt as he puts his hands around the small of my waist. He leans forward and kisses me on the forehead, breathing in my hair.
“You smell good.” He whispers.
I smile up at him. “You sure it’s me and not whatever it is that you’re cooking?”
“It’s you.” He smiles. “How about some clam chowder? Mrs. Smith left some in the refrigerator. She makes a killer homemade chowder.”
“Sounds delicious.” I say as he takes my hand and pulls out the barstool for me to sit.
“Would you like some wine or are you still feeling woozy?” He asks.
I laugh out loud.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” He smiles.
“Sorry. I don’t know why but that word gives me the giggles. Bryn said it earlier today and it just reminded me.” I shrug.
“What word? Woozy?” He asks as he moves to ladle the soup into the bowls.
I nod, trying to stifle my laugh.
He places the soup on the two placemats on the island. Then he walks to the refrigerator and pulls out a bottle of wine. He pours two glasses and then sits beside
me. He raises his glass towards mine and makes another toast.
“To you not passing out on me anymore.” He smiles and clinks my glass.
“I’ll drink to that.” I smile.
We both eat the soup in silence for a couple minutes. It’s creamy and warm with small chunks of potatoes and clams, mixed in with bits of celery and carrots.
“My compliments to Mrs. Smith. The soup is out-of-this-world.” I smile and take another sip of wine.
“It’s one of my favorites.”
“That was really sweet of her to make it for you.”
“For us.” He smiles.
“I want to meet them.” I say between mouthfuls.
“Right now?” Logan asks with amusement.
“No. But tomorrow?”
Logan shrugs. “You have to get to work or did you decide to quit and come and work for me?”
I roll my eyes. “Maybe in the morning before we leave or next time.”
“Next time?” He asks inquisitively.
I look at him with wide eyes. I can’t hide my hurt feelings.
“I’m kidding you. Sure. If you really have your heart set on meeting them.”
I sit back in my chair and watch Logan as he finishes his bowl of soup.
“You’re done?” He asks.
“I’m stuffed. It’s very filling. I’ll just sit and admire the view.” I wink at him.
“Are you flirting with me, Miss King?” He teases.
“Maybe.”
He pushes back his bowl and wipes his mouth on the napkin.
“What do you think we should do about that?” His eyes blaze at me.
“We could make out?” I giggle at my boldness.
“I think my patient is feeling much better.” He says as he stands and takes my hand in his. We move towards the couch and then he turns so that I’m facing him.
His fingers softly brush my hair off my shoulder. I gaze up into his dazzling blue eyes as his fingers move from my shoulder, up my neck, along my jawbone to my chin. In the blink of an eye, we somehow move onto the down-filled couch. I am pinned underneath him with my hand in his hair and the other touching his back.
His one hand caresses my face while the other slowly moves under my shirt. He kisses me softly along the same path his hand took earlier, from my shoulder, up my neck and along my jawbone.
Running from Romeo Page 26