by Joan Bramsch
Jeffrey's heart sank when he saw how animated she was talking about the challenge of running a hotel, an occupation he thoroughly understood and wouldn't follow on a bet. He'd had his fill of it when he was growing up.
"Don't you like to travel?” he asked. “To see new places, meet new people?"
Her lighthearted laughter deflated his spirits even more. “I don't have to go out to discover the world,” she said. “It comes to my door. Or at least to the hotel's door. No.” She shook her head. “I think I'd die a little if I couldn't stay in this business. This is where I belong, Jeffrey. It's in my blood now."
That was the last thing he wanted to hear. “Hotels are usually located in cities,” he grumbled. “I can't breathe in cities. Not for long, anyway."
He picked up a silken strand of her hair and feathered the curling tip. His sweet breath washed over Ann's throat and chin, and she licked her lips, trying to savor the taste of him. Did he know how it affected her when he played with her hair?
"That's the main reason why I built my offices on top of a mountain,” he added.
He blew again, and Ann had to bite the inside of her cheek to suppress a little sigh.
"Up there,” he went on, “I can experience nature constantly."
He twined the lock of hair around his fingers, occasionally grazing her neck in the most provocative and frustrating way. Ann knotted her hands in her lap and was unable to stop the small mewing sound that slipped from her parted lips.
Suddenly suspicious, she turned her head to look into Jeffrey's eyes. Nothing was there but a faraway preoccupied look. She watched him watch the wavy hair wind seductively around his fingers, and finally decided she could bet her pension that he was absolutely innocent of any underhanded motive. But if he didn't stop, she'd show him a little something about experiencing her nature.
"Living there is really wonderful,” he whispered. “I can leave anytime I want, walk out the back door, and head for the trails. It's pretty heady stuff."
He brushed a stray tendril away from her face, and she captured his hand. Nature Boy didn't have any idea what he'd been doing to her emotions, she thought. Talk about heady stuff! What would she feel like if he put his mind to it?
"I think we'd better head back now, Jeff. Mr. and Mrs. Mosey like to close up by ten."
He looked at her speculatively, as if puzzled by her non sequitur, then nodded in agreement.
Back at the deserted shopping mall, Ann suggested they make plans for the next day. She wasn't sure which was making her feel more guilty: spying on Jeffrey for Vanessa, or taking advantage of Vanessa's waiving the rule about no fraternizing between employees and guests to spend more time with Jeffrey.
"How about a game of golf?” she asked. “Do you play?” The coy question left a bad taste in her mouth.
"Only for business, usually,” he replied. “The best deals are often made on the course."
She could have gone all night without hearing that sort of an answer, she thought. Why couldn't he be just an ordinary fellow, free of suspicion? But his words caused her to put up her guard again. Was he recruiting from another company in the area?
Or was he headhunting within the hotel ranks? Lord, she wished she knew.
She waited with him until the taxi he'd called arrived. They decided to meet at the mall again at eight o'clock the next morning so they could get an early start.
"Don't be late, Annie,” he whispered, feathering a sweet warm kiss across her lips.
"I won't,” she promised, then pulled him back for another kiss. “Sleep well."
Chuckling, he opened his door and got out, then walked around to her side and leaned down to the opened window.
"Annie, you never want to end one of our evenings by teasing me,” he advised, his long fingers capturing her neck in a careful vise. “I tend to tease right back."
He commenced to kiss her senseless which, Ann had to admit, was just down the road from breathless and excited. She moaned as his insistent tongue plunged repeatedly between her parted lips, and wondered if the cab driver could hear her. But there wasn't a thing she could do about it. ,Jeffrey's strong hand kept her head imprisoned under his wild attack. As if she'd be fool enough to want to escape!
When he released her, she was gasping. “Jeffrey Madison. That was wholly unfair. I was not teasing you."
"I wasn't teasing either.” He smiled crookedly, then winked and blew her a kiss. “'Night, love. I'll have the driver follow you back to make sure you get there safely."
Though it was a gorgeous morning, Ann was not feeling chipper as she drove back to the shopping mall. In her mind she replayed her earlier meeting with Vanessa. It hadn't turned out exactly the way Ann had planned. After she'd made her report and her boss had applauded her resourcefulness, Ann had tried to withdraw from the assignment.
"I'd rather not do this anymore, Mrs. Cummings. I'm beginning to like him."
Vanessa had instantly jumped up from her chair and begun her pacing. “Maybe our suspicions are wrong,” she'd said. “But I need your help to find out. Oh, please, Ann. Don't back out now."
It had seemed so important, there was nothing else Ann could do. She agreed to continue her surveillance. Vanessa had then rushed her right out of the office, not giving Ann a chance for more discussion. She suspected the hurried dismissal had something to do with the phone call Vanessa had received and put on hold while Ann was there.
Jeffrey tossed his clubs into the trunk of his rented car, slammed the lid down, and glanced at his watch. “Damn,” he muttered. “I'm going to be late."
The whole day had started off wrong, he thought as he sped down the hotel drive. First, he'd called his mother to report in. She'd put him on hold. Although it couldn't have been more than a minute or two, it had seemed as though he'd sat there listening to dead air for at least an hour. It was just that he was eager to be with Ann.
When his mother had come back on the line, he'd insisted on seeing her. In the flesh. He wanted to be assured she was feeling all right and wasn't pulling one of her tricks.
She had agreed to see him. “But you'll have to come after midnight, when the hotel is quiet,” she'd added. “I don't want anyone seeing you come up here. Do you still have your key?"
It had taken him another five minutes to find the key and inform his mother that he'd see her after midnight as she directed.
"Her and her damn cloak-and-dagger intrigue,” he grumbled as he passed another car. “I could have been there by now."
Finally he pulled into the mall and found a parking spot near Ann's Corvette. “Hi, Ann,” he called. He took a deep breath and decided nothing else was going to upset him today. “Been waiting long?"
"Just a few minutes,” she replied, pushing her large-framed sunglasses onto her head as she watched him get out of his car. “You look like you're ready for the links.” Her gaze slid up and down his attractive frame. He was dressed in gray slacks and a red knit shirt. “Love your shirt."
He kissed her hello, then scrutinized her own outfit. She was a knockout in a short golf dress and matching headband. “I followed a hunch this morning. I was betting you'd wear red too.” He smiled as he recalled the red bathing suit she'd worn the day before. “You do look good in red."
She grinned. “Thanks. Are you ready to go?"
They decided to take his car, since its large trunk could easily accommodate both sets of clubs. At the golf course they had to wait before they could tee up at the first hole, but it was only a brief wait.
Much to Jeffrey's surprise, Ann really gave him a run for his money. It was partly his fault, he silently admitted while he tried to concentrate on his last shot. During the first five holes he'd laid back, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, and, quite honestly, never expected any real competition from his partner. By the seventh hole she'd had him sweating, and by the eighth they were tied for par. The lead went back and forth until they were again tied at the eighteenth hole. He got a birdie, but Ann had to sw
ing from the edge of the green.
He made his putt without any trouble, but vowed never to underestimate Ann Again. She was a fine player. When she needed two strokes to make her shot, he was truly sorry.
"You played a fine game, Annie,” he said, draping his arm over her shoulders. “I thought for sure you'd make that shot from the back of the cup. Tough break."
"Yeah, well, we couldn't both win,” she said stoically.
They hefted their golf bags and walked in silence for several yards. Then Jeffrey came to a halt and turned Ann to face him. She lifted her gaze to meet his, and he peered searchingly into her eyes.
"What is it?” she asked, concern shadowing her face.
"Annie...” he began. “Annie, if I thought for a minute that you'd thrown the game, I'd ... I'd be very upset with you."
"Jeffrey, that's the most ridiculous idea I've ever heard,” she said, staring at him incredulously. “Can you really picture me, of all people, arranging things so the big wonderful man can win the game? Really, Jeff, I'm surprised you'd even entertain such a thought. Besides, I had five dollars riding on that game, and I was taught never to throw away money."
He smiled, and Ann .thought it was the nicest smile she'd ever seen. He seemed quite pleased about the whole thing.
"I don't want your money, Annie."
"You may not want it, Mr. Madison, but you will take it. I always pay up on my bets."
"You're no welcher, I know that.. I'm just saying I wish you'd forget about it.” He took her hand and smiled down at her serious features. “I'll bet you would have told me the same thing."
"Probably,” she said, “but that's not my style."
"Nor mine, Annie."
She laughed. “Well, Mr. Madison, it seems we're having a Mexican standoff."
"Let me think about it,” he said.
They continued their walk toward the clubhouse in silence.
Ann was feeling great as she relived the morning. A good game, played fairly. A friendly argument. A few laughs. Just like a regular couple, she thought. Then she wondered where that idea had come from, giving her head a little shake.
"Okay,” Jeffrey finally said. “You buy lunch today."
"What? Oh, lunch. Now, where in the world are we going to get two lunches for five dollars?"
"I know just the place,” he said, giving her a quick kiss. “I'll take you there after we shower and change."
Dressed in faded jeans and comfortable knit shirts, Ann and Jeffrey sat near the river at an umbrella table in the city park, dining on chili dogs with everything on them and old-fashioned root beer in iced mugs. Later, walking along First Street, they window-shopped and munched on chocolate chip cookies. By five o'clock they were both so tired they didn't think they could walk another step.
"Refreshment time,” Jeffrey announced, dragging Ann toward a restored pre-World War II ice cream parlor.
"I'm going to melt before we get there,” she wailed.
"Come on, love,” he said encouragingly. “Three more steps and you'll be in air-conditioning."
Once inside the cool shop, he led her to a little round table and two matching ice cream parlor chairs.
"Here, honey, sit down,” he said. He eased her into one of the chairs, then slipped into the other one. “Now, what would you like to have?"
Ann allowed herself one silent moment of insanity, and thought, You! Then she shook her head and grinned. “One bathtub, filled to the brim with ice,” she said, laughing.
Solemnly, Jeffrey gazed around the empty cheerful room. “Sorry but I don't think they have anything that large. I do see a big pitcher on the shelf behind the soda fountain. Would that do?"
"I suppose I could dip myself in it one limb at a time."
His gaze softened with concern. “You are hot, aren't you?"
Was she ever! she thought. Although Jeffrey had been affectionate today, most of his caresses had been casual-taking her hand as they walked, dropping brief kisses on her cheek or forehead. Rather than diminishing her sensual awareness of him, those light touches had heightened it, and she was feeling unbelievably aroused-and frustrated!
"I'm a little warm around the edges,” she said, “but I'll be all right in a minute."
"Hi, neighbors. I'm Wally.” The red-haired soda jerk wore a white cap balanced at a jaunty angle. He grinned and placed two frosty glasses of ice water on the table, then handed them each a menu. “I'll be back in a flash to take your order."
Ann leaned forward to whisper to Jeffrey, and he leaned forward to listen. “Are you sure we didn't step back in time when we came in here?” she asked.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he started to strut and talk about the ‘bee's knees,'” Jeffrey said, chuckling.
They straightened in their chairs when the smiling waiter returned.
"Well, what'll it be, folks?” he asked, pencil poised above his order pad. “We got anything your little hearts desire.” He grinned from ear to ear. “That is, anything in ice cream treats."
Jeffrey glanced at the menu and quickly made his choice. “I'll have a banana split."
"We got a special on the deluxe today,” Wally said. “You interested?"
Jeffrey gazed for a moment at Ann, who was studying her menu, and thought that he was more interested than Wally would ever know. “Why not?” he said. “Be creative."
"And you, miss?"
"Would you mind telling me what goes into a deluxe banana split?” she asked.
Wally gave her another toothy grin. “I was hopin’ you'd ask. This is gonna knock your socks off. Ready?"
Ann closed her menu and gave him her full attention. “Ready."
"You get three scoops of ‘cream, one flavor or mixed, in chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla. You picks. The toppings are luscious: hot fudge, butterscotch, and ‘berry. Then it's trimmed with whipped cream, chopped nuts, and a cherry."
Ann and Jeffrey applauded enthusiastically.
"Bravo, Wally,” Ann said. “That was wonderful. You ought to be on the stage."
"Ain't it the cat's pajamas?” he said. “I worked up the routine last week. Sure has increased business."
Jeffrey looked around the empty room.
Wally caught the unspoken message. “Hey, folks, you're here, ain't cha?"
"We certainly are, Wally,” Ann said, laughing. “I'll follow my friend's lead and ask you to create something special for me too."
"Holy cow,” he exclaimed. “Two ‘Wally Specials’ in one day. You ain't gonna believe this, folks.” He snapped shut his order book and two-stepped back to the counter.
"I'm sure we've entered the twilight zone,” Ann said.
Jeffrey's only reply was to lean forward and hum the first few bars of the program's theme song. Then he glanced over his shoulder at the young man, who was, indeed, strutting his stuff. “Annie,” he whispered, “get a gander at that performance."
She made a face at his choice of words, then turned to watch Wally. He was extraordinary, she thought. He didn't just scoop the ice cream into the clear glass dishes. He actually threw the scoops up into the air in a large arc, behind his back and over his shoulder. After the toppings were ladled on and the whipped cream piled in billowing mounds, he sprinkled on the nuts, then tossed a cherry into the air and held the dish up so that the cherry landed in the middle with a gentle plop.
"You're a true aficionado of soda fountain art,” Jeffrey said when Wally set the banana splits before him and Ann.
"And I ain't bad makin’ banana splits either,” he said. “Enjoy!"
"Mmmm, don't they look delicious?” Ann said. She lifted her spoon, ready to dig in. “Trade you my cherry for some of your nuts,” she said, picking up her maraschino cherry by its stem.
Unfortunately, at the same moment Jeffrey was taking a long drink from his water glass. Upon hearing her words he spewed water into his napkin and coughed for a full minute. His choking so alarmed Ann that she sprang from her chair and began beating him on his back.
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"Jeffrey,” she cried. “Are you all right, honey?"
Red-faced and almost unable to speak, he croaked, “Sure, Annie, I'm fine. A piece of ice slipped down my throat.” He wheezed. “Lord, it felt as big as an iceberg."
"Well, just sit quietly for a minute and you'll feel better,” she said, taking her seat again. “Do you?"
He lifted his bloodshot eyes questioningly.
She sighed patiently. “Want to trade?"
"Yes,” he said soberly. “That is, if you're sure."
"Silly,” she said, placing her cherry next to the one on top of his dish, then helping herself to a spoonful of chopped peanuts. “I wouldn't have offered if I weren't sure."
It was more than a few minutes before Jeffrey could eat his banana split.
Outside, the temperature had cooled with the setting sun, and they strolled hand in hand through the twilight to the car. Before they got in, Jeffrey leaned against the door, his legs spread wide, pulled Ann into his arms, and gave her one of the most adult kisses she'd ever experienced. When it ended, they stood for a few moments, body to. body, just feeling, savoring the powerful attraction pulling them together. It pulsated between them like a live thing that had a mind all its own.
"I can't get enough of your kisses,” Jeffrey said. “I want to hold you in my arms forever, kiss you endlessly, give you pleasure that never stops.” He traced her full lips with a trembling finger. “Annie, I think I'm falling in love with you."
Were her ears deceiving her? she wondered. Had Jeffrey said he was falling in love with her, Ann Waverly of Weir, Kansas? Her eyes grew wide with surprise. Yes, he'd said it.
"I think I'm falling in love with you too,” she whispered.
"Are you sure, honey?” he asked, trying to read the answer in her smoky eyes.
She shook her head slowly. “No, I'm not absolutely sure, but then, I've never felt this way before."
"The feeling's new to me too. I just know I want to be with you all the time."
"Do you think that's love?"
He chuckled, and the rumble from his chest vibrated straight into her heart. “If it's not, it sure must be a close relative,” he said.