by Teddy Hester
Her harsh pronouncements are nothing I haven’t said to myself a million times. She’s just speaking truth. “I’ll pack. It won’t take long.”
Before I get two steps, my phone vibrates. “It’s my brother, Tony.” I take a deep breath and try to dredge up cheerful Mick. Then I swipe across the phone’s surface and answer the call. “Hello? How are the newlyweds?”
Tony’s deep voice resonates through the phone. “Having a ball.”
“He means that literally!” his wife announces, followed by her throaty giggle. I glance at Menuett and continue to the stairs.
“Say that a little louder, Madcap. I don’t think they heard you in Russia.”
“Guess where we are!” Cleo demands.
My Spidey-sense tells me I’m probably not ready for what I’m about to hear. Already shaken from the conversation with Menuett, I continue up the stairs, but I’m holding onto the rail for support.
Tony comes back on the line. “Sorry about that. Cleo’s intent on sampling as much of the local alcohol as she can hold down. I hadn’t meant to spring it on you like this, but, we’re in Germany.”
Yeah, Spidey-sense is always accurate. “What the fuck?”
“Watch your language, young man!” Inebriated Cleo tries to sound tough, but her lecture loses impact when followed by a string of drunken giggles. My brother has his hands full. But she ran him a merry dance before they married, so why would anybody expect things to be different now?
“Sorry, Cleo. I forgot about your tender sensibilities. What I meant to say was—What the bloody fuckity-fuck are you two doing here?”
“Can we get together?” Tony asks, back in charge of the phone.
Dammit! Why’d this have to happen now? Normally, I’d love to spend some time with my brother and his bride, but I need to have Menuett to myself for the rest of the time I’m here so we can work through things before I go to the States. “Where exactly are you?”
“Mom said you were in Trier, so that’s where we came.”
I can’t say no, so I only have two options: invite him here, or give up on Sternau for now and go to Trier. Working out a relationship in front of Tony would be tricky. “Let me meet you there. It’s a two-hour drive. Will Cleo pass out before then?”
A shriek almost splits my eardrum. “Come say that to my face, you jerk!”
Scuffles and a thud come from their end. “Tony?”
I hear him chuckling. “She fell off the stool. I’m carrying her up to bed. We’re at a hotel called the Mercure. See you soon?”
“Sounds like a plan. I’d say have a good night, but I think that ship already sailed.”
“Way out to sea.”
CHAPTER 14
Menuett
“I’m ready,” he says, bag in hand.
I’ve been sitting in the kitchen, in the dark, the fire the only witness to my self-flagellation. I didn’t need to be unkind to Mick. His suggestion that I go with him to meet Moon’s widow took me by surprise. Brought up flashes of what I saw at the crash site. Things I didn’t want to see and really didn’t ever want to share with anyone. Sitting with a weeping woman, knowing what I know about her husband’s death. I can’t think of anything less appealing.
And then he tells me how he feels about me. I should be ecstatically happy, shouldn’t I? Isn’t that what every woman wants to hear from a gorgeous man?
We’ve only known each other a little less than a month. But it’s been every waking hour for a month. Much as I fear it or might want to deny it, I know I have feelings for him. And whenever he’s near, all my thoughts and attention are on him. I also desire him and more of his kisses. More of him.
Losing my parents made me shun developing deep feelings for anyone ever again other than Birgitte and Alfred, but Mick’s been hacking at my walls. His declaration rattled me. I didn’t need to take it out on him, though. He’s been through enough. And now here he is at the kitchen door, waiting for me to kick him out.
“Mick, what I said to you wasn’t fair. I apologize. You are more than what I said. You make me feel good about myself. Make me feel special. I’ve seen you do that for others, too. Wherever you are, you make things better. That’s major. Much more than the other things I said. It’s unforgivable that I forgot that for even one minute.”
He hasn’t moved an inch, but the intensity in his eyes has increased. I hope it means my words—the kinder ones—are reaching him.
“I’m not ready to go with you to meet Nina. I’m not ready to commit to my feelings for you. But I don’t want you to go. Please stay.”
“Because of Alfred?”
“That, and other things. I really do need you and want you here, Mick.”
His gaze drops. “I can’t.”
It’s like a slap, but I deserve it, after my early treatment of him. “I understand. Let me get the keys.”
“My brother and his wife are in Trier.”
More DePauls? Seeing Mick with his brother might give me more insight into who he is. Give me more time to get used to the feelings I have for him that have been growing every day. “How long will they be here?”
“Probably not long. They’re on their honeymoon.”
Don’t think about it, just do what’s in your heart, Menuett. “Invite them to stay here. For as long as they want.”
He draws his brows together in confusion. “In Germany?”
“At Sternau. With you.”
His head swings back and forth. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“They’re your family, Mick. I’ve gone my whole life without family other than dear Birgitte and Alfred. If I had a brother or sister who could come for a visit, I’d love it. Family trumps our situation.”
“It’ll be too awkward. They’re going to assume we’re a couple.”
“They’ll think you’re convalescing at the house of the woman who took you to the hospital after your crash.”
He stares over my shoulder, lost in thought. “Maybe. It might work.”
“Of course it will work, because it’s the truth. They don’t need to know anything else.”
A smirk breaks the serious face he’s been wearing. “You don’t know Cleo.”
*****
It was clumsy at first, but by the time we made the two-hour drive home, I was in love with Tony and Cleo. She’s audacious and Tony loves it. When she argued with him and said sassy things, I was shocked that Tony took it in stride. But when he’d had enough or when she went one step too far, all he had to do was give her a look or say her name in a special way, and she instantly backed off. No, it was more than that. She sort of deflated, drained of excess energy, and all that was left was her adoration of her husband.
When Mick saw me studying their dynamic, he leaned over and whispered, “Don’t get any ideas.”
I tried out one of Cleo’s best moves: peeping at her man through her lashes. Mick gaped like a fish and said, “No. That’s what I mean. Just no. That’s a ploy for a devil like Cleo. Not for an angel. Don’t let her corrupt you.”
We laughed about it, but I filed that move away for later. A tool like that could come in handy someday. Maybe I’ll pick up some more tips from her during the visit.
*****
It’s after eight in the morning, much later than I usually get up, and my body’s clamoring for coffee. I start down the stairs thinking I might bake a strudel to go with breakfast since we have guests.
We have guests. I can’t suppress at tingle at the thought. To think in terms of “we” is a big enough shock to grapple with, and now the “we” has guests. I’ve rarely had guests at the estate since my parents died. A couple of girls from school, and that’s about it. I let myself imagine what it might be like with a family the size of Mick’s. If they all came for holiday, Sternau could see a lot of activity. It would be exciting to hear laughter and music here again like there was all the time when I was growing up.
A nice fantasy. One I’ve held more than once. But in this cas
e, it presumes that Mick and I really are a couple. He might be ready—he certainly sounded like it last night in the moonlight. Half a lifetime ago. This is all so new to me, I need some signposts to remind me where I’m heading. A lifebuoy I can hold onto and catch my breath. I need time with him.
A pan bangs in the kitchen. Who’s up? Whoever it is, my nose tells me they made coffee, and right now, that’s my top priority.
“Is that my angel I hear?”
My nickname. Is it ridiculous that his voice makes my legs feel like cooked spaghetti? “You’ll want to watch the ‘angel’ stuff around your brother.”
“Nah. They’d think it was weird if I didn’t use an endearment. Besides, you did rescue me and keep me from harm. You’re my guardian angel.”
Sounds reasonable, if my heart wasn’t skipping beats from the way he looks this morning. Leaning back against the counter, his long legs crossed at the ankles, a white t-shirt stretched across buff pecs, he lets me soak him up with my eyes. When my gaze raises to his, he sets down the mug he’d been sipping and opens his arms. My feet move to propel me over to him. At the last moment, I shake my head. “Better not.”
His smile is gentle. “Don’t work so hard at it, Menuett. Give in to your impulse. It’ll feel a lot more natural to everyone.”
It’s a fair point. I’m making myself uncomfortable trying to avoid my normal reactions to Mick. Since the purpose for inviting Tony and Cleo to stay was to find out more about who Mick is and to consider committing to a real relationship, I shouldn’t put extra barriers in the way.
I gingerly attach myself to his body, my cheek pressed against his chest where I can hear and feel his heart beating slow and steady. He anchors me in a deep, long hug, passing his strength and need to me so I can take it in, put my touch on it, and send it back to him.
“This is nice.”
I feel the rumble of his chuckle. “I think so, too. Remember, this is a maiden voyage for both of us. Just let the waves carry us along and see where we end up. Deal?”
Always negotiating position, always charming. “I don’t know what’s real.”
He tips my face up with one finger hooked under my chin and pours emotion from his eyes. “This is real. We just need time to get used to feeling it.” His lips search and find mine, reminding me that there are many things I do like about this man.
“Make-out time already? Seems like we just did that, husband.” Holding hands, Cleo and Tony join us. She turns and grabs both sides of his head to draw it down for her kiss.
It’s juicy and carnal and much more than I can handle yet. “Coffee,” I whisper at Mick. He shoves a fresh mug in my hand.
“Enough, you two. Stop embarrassing yourselves and have some coffee. Mugs are up here.” Mick points to the cupboard, then gets out of the way. “You don’t want to get between them and their first cup of coffee,” he warns me in a stage whisper.
Will they let me sit back, drink coffee, take in the show? I’m unsteady on my feet right now, not sure which way is up or down. I could use a distraction while I get my bearings.
“What’s on the agenda?” Cleo asks after she sucks down half her mug.
Mick glances at me before he speaks. “Our normal routine is to have breakfast and then go check on Alfred.”
Tony pours himself a second cup and joins us at the table. “That’s the caretaker with the broken leg?”
“Alfred’s been my legal guardian since I was twelve.”
Cleo’s found the coffee and is measuring out scoops to make a fresh pot.
“Got it. Then what?”
Mick frowns at her brusqueness. “Then Menuett has an estate to run.”
In a bright blue sweater set that matches her eyes, Cleo lounges by the coffeemaker. “Good for you, girl. I own my own business, too—”
“Two of them, as a matter of fact,” Tony interjects.
She grins at him and blows him a kiss. “Is there any chance that we can ditch the guys sometime today and compare notes?”
Mick nods and looks over at Tony. “Yeah. I have a couple of things I want to talk to you about, so let’s just put that in the schedule. Sound good?”
*****
We all wanted to enjoy the beautiful spring day, so I decided to kill two birds with one stone and saddle up some horses to ride through Sternau. They’ve had the scenic tour, planned to end up at the prospective air strip.
“This is the place I wanted to show you, Mick.”
Mick, Tony, and I halt our horses to take a look around. Cleo’s meandering, but keeping us in sight.
The field’s been cleared, leaving a big, open, flat plot, with nothing else nearby. I love riding Steffi here, imagining my ancestors doing the same thing on their horses hundreds of years ago. It’s one of the few ways I have of connecting with my family.
Mick scratches his chin and nods. “It might do.”
My heart does a little dance. I knew he’d like the looks of this area.
Tony leans back on Gunnar. “Relatively flat and isolated. Let me guess. An airstrip?”
Mick grins. “Yep.”
Tony shakes his head and laughs under his breath. “And let me make another guess. This is what you want to discuss mano a mano?”
“Gee, you’re smart.”
Tony’s caramel-colored eyes narrow as he looks at me. “Is this your idea?”
I bet he’s used that intense glare to intimidate a lot of people. He’s caught me off-guard, but I’ve had occasion to develop and use an intimidating demeanor, too. My chin comes up, my shoulders square, and I let go of my tension so I won’t tremble with it as I stare him down.
Be like water, I heard in a martial arts movie one time.
“Yes. It’s my idea.” The air crackles with the energy expended in this face-off. He doesn’t know it, but I can do this all day. I may be young, but a nobleman’s blood runs through my veins. I cut my milk teeth on deportment.
The seconds tick.
His face turns stony, his jaw granite.
More seconds tick.
A kaleidoscope of butterflies sails behind him in the distance.
Mick clears his throat.
Tony exhales and cuts him off. “Don’t worry. She passed.” He relaxes, arms crossed at the wrist, resting on the pommel. “You’re strong and self-contained. I like that.”
“Congratulations, Mr. DePaul. You passed my test, too.” When will you men learn that what’s good for the gander is good for…the lovely swans in their midst?
Tony throws back his head and startles the horses with his laugh. “Okay, Mick, we’ll talk. But I’m warning you—this will be incredibly expensive, and if you go through with it, we’ll have to look for ways to make it pay.”
“Oh, it may not happen anyway. Menuett says German regulations for private flight is draconian and labyrinthine.”
“I think Leo knows some German lawyers. Give him a call.”
“And we’ll need a hangar. Someplace secure where we can also store fuel and a couple more golf carts.”
“So, that means you’re gonna call Jack, too?”
“Makes sense.”
Uh-oh. I have a feeling I know where this is heading. I’m going to have the entire DePaul family here before long. My gaze travels to Mick. As usual, one side of his mouth curled up tells me he’s been watching me process.
“You okay with all this, Angel?”
A series of clip-clops announces Cleo’s arrival on the scene. “Who’s Angel? What are we okay with? What did I miss?”
*****
Sure enough, within two days, all four DePaul brothers are under my roof. All of them big, handsome, and confident. Tony’s the only one married, but the lawyer, Leo, brought a woman named Juliette, who’s Cleo’s best friend. With so many new names and faces, I can’t keep up. That works, too, though, because Jack’s a loner. His wife couldn’t get away from work to come on this trip, so he and I sit together a lot and watch, not saying much. Mick knows the house so well, he orche
strates meals and snacks and keeps beverages flowing. I guess that means I’m not a good hostess, but sometimes I just have to take a break from all the bustle.
They like the coziness of the kitchen and bring chairs from the dining room to put around the little breakfast table near the fireplace so everyone can sit and chat or snack. After I help Mick put a drink in each person’s hand and plates of finger food covering the table, I retreat to the window seat with Jack.
He’s different from the other brothers. Still just as handsome, but his personality is darker. Some of the jibes he’s thrown when forced to participate have a wicked sharp edge. And his eyes are more golden than caramel. They’ve been observing me, studying me.
Out of the blue, during a time when the chatter and noise are fraying my nerves, he says, “Take me someplace you haven’t taken any of the others. Show me something about you.” The way he stares makes me feel like nobody else is in the room, and there’s nothing more interesting on the planet than I am. I almost feel him binding me to him with golden cords, and instead of scary, it feels…cool, like I’m a part of his secret world.
There’s a place I’ve longed to retreat to ever since Mick arrived, and I never had the time. “Come with me.”
We slip out past the others and through the anteroom door to the outside. The rush of fresh, crisp air is invigorating. We walk briskly past the garage and the stables to the forest. There, most of the sunlight is swallowed by spring foliage. Jack takes my elbow.
“You want to turn back?” I ask.
He shakes his head, so I weave farther into the wilderness. With no warning, suddenly we’re in a secret garden oasis. Jack surveys this jewel box, and a smile hovers around his lips.
“Beautiful.”
A little pool bubbles, fed by an unseen source. Dwarf trees with deep pink blossoms line the water’s edge like lacy parasols. A break in the canopy invites friendly rays of light to hallow the spot. A stone pathway disappears into the forest on the far side of the pool. Following the bank, I lead Jack to the pathway.
Almost magically, a stone building looms, protected by ancient trees and undergrowth. Up two steps, and I unlock the studded wood door and enter, Jack behind me. “Leave the door open so there’s a little light.”