“What were you expecting?” I asked.
“Not sure, really.” She slipped off her shoes and walked barefoot on the polished wooden floorboards, a respectful gesture.
A plush white couch sat in the center of the room surrounded by armchairs, with Persian rugs strewn here and there. The modern art had been personally chosen by me to avoid unnecessary pretentiousness. Most of it was created by local artists, bohemians who’d fled to Florida to escape the rat race of other cities. Like Raquel, I was drawn to the earthy types.
The color scheme and furniture style were meant to have a calming effect. This simplistic theme was continued on the other side of the glass wall to include the infinity pool, where one could appreciate the ocean view.
Bridgestone belonged to my mother, and so many times I had asked her to let me sell it for her. I guessed those lonely hallways served as a form of punishment, though she didn’t deserve it, not really. She apparently drew some comfort knowing I kept my stables there, which meant I could be found on the estate most weekends, feeding and grooming the horses.
But this place was easily my most precious sanctuary.
Perhaps it would have been wiser to take Raquel to a hotel and not fill my home with memories of her. Yet, inexplicably, I felt compelled to have her here. Maybe she’d see the benefit of our friendship and learn to trust me. Maybe she’d open up and tell me all her secrets.
Raquel rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes as she walked around the living room. She picked up a photo of my mother and sister and studied it.
She turned the frame around. “Your mom?”
“Yes.”
She grinned at me. “I can see where you get your looks from.”
She put the picture frame down and glanced around the room. My smile faded when I realized she was looking for photos of my dad. She didn’t find any, but was polite enough not to mention it.
A worried frown appeared on her face. “You live here, don’t you?”
“Yes.
“Then I’m putting you out.”
“No, I have somewhere else I can stay.”
“I didn’t expect to be a guest in your home.”
I smiled at her. “I think you’ll like it.”
“I feel you here,” she whispered. “It’s got your touch.”
“In what way?”
“There’s nothing complicated about it. The room is serene.”
Her words sent a shiver through me because that was how I thought of her.
I countered with, “So, we agreed upon a month, right?”
“How will I repay you?”
“No need. Let me show you around.”
We took a tour of the rest of the home and Raquel looked adorably overwhelmed. It was the way she flitted a nervous glance my way when I explained that the tile in the kitchen had been imported from Italy, and the way she ran her hand over the carved wooden banister, showing her appreciation for the craftsmanship.
I had never minded living alone. I’d gotten used to it, but I felt some inner peace knowing she would breathe new life into this place just by being here.
We strolled down the upper floor’s hallway and she stopped to admire the small painting by Sandro Botticelli.
“Is that real?” She looked at me, wide-eyed.
“Yes.” I hid my amusement, and pointed down the hall. “My room’s at the end.”
I led her to another door, and opened it. “This is the guest bedroom.” I gestured for her to go in.
Raquel stepped into the room, her gaze sweeping over the generous bed with its white duvet and stacked pillows, and the antique nightstands on either side.
“Are you sure you don’t want to stay here?” she asked softly.
“My other place is fine.” Even as I spoke those words I knew it wasn’t an option. Not if I wanted to sleep. There’d be no chance of avoiding the relentless nightmares if I was under the roof of the place that triggered them. Too many shadows filled the dark hallways.
I’d check into a hotel. Throw money at the problem.
I reached into my jacket. “Here are the keys for the Mercedes. Now you have no excuse not to get to work on Monday.” I waggled my eyebrows.
“What about you?”
“I have a Range Rover in the garage.”
“Thank you.” She blinked at me. “You are being incredibly kind.”
“Give me your phone. I’ll enter my number.”
“You can write it down,” she said warily.
I held out my hand. “I promise not to peek at your latest Google search.”
She rummaged in her handbag and fished out her phone, unlocking it for me.
I took it from her and entered my number. “There,” I said, handing it back.
“Thank you.”
I led her back into the kitchen. “Eat anything you like. Down there is the wine cellar. Choose a vintage.”
“From your priceless collection?” she asked, with a smirk.
“Help yourself. But if I see you tucking into my imported Spanish sausage, we’ll have an issue.”
With a snort, she burst out laughing. It made me laugh, too.
The kitchen was one of my favorite rooms and I loved to entertain in here. The long table could seat eight people whenever I had friends over for a home-cooked meal, and the cellar stocked enough wine to keep the conversation flowing.
“Let me show you the other pool.”
She blinked in disbelief. “You have another one?”
“For when it rains.”
I led her down the winding staircase to the subterranean level.
We continued along a hallway and then stepped into the vast chamber that housed the indoor swimming pool. Lights glimmered off the water, and the blue and green tiles and low lighting enhanced its relaxing mood. I’d come up with some of my best ideas swimming laps in here.
I knelt and dipped my hand into the water. “I heated it for you in case you want to have a swim before you head into work.”
She looked suspicious. “How did you know I’d be staying here?”
“I didn’t.”
“But you heated it just in case?”
“I have an app.” I pulled out my phone and showed it to her. “Everything in here can also be controlled by remote. I turned it on before we left the restaurant.”
“Oh, wow.”
“I think you have everything you need, right?”
“Yes, only I feel terrible about throwing you out of your home.”
“You’re not. I’m spoiled for choice when it comes to places I can stay.” I leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “Sleep well, Raquel.”
In her presence, the ghosts from my past retreated and the loneliness eased. I’d grown used to a solitary life, but whenever we parted the feeling of isolation grew more intense. It was as though she filled spaces I didn’t know existed within me.
With confidence that Raquel would enjoy her stay, I left her to get comfortable and headed out.
I double-checked the front door to make sure it was locked and then strolled toward the garage. Off in the distance came a rumble of thunder. A storm was headed this way. I’d be caught in the imminent downpour if I didn’t hurry.
I actually loved storms, but I didn’t enjoy driving in them. They cleansed the air and inspired me with their frenetic energy.
An unfamiliar wave of happiness rushed through me.
I’d never allowed myself to get close to any one woman before, but my heart was whispering that there was something special about Raquel. Maybe I was wrong about her.
Love…this wasn’t a sport I pursued or would ever come to know—it just wasn’t in my DNA. Yet with Raquel I was driven to protect her as though that sentiment moved between us with all its flux and mutability.
My fondness for her was my weakness.
My subconscious was warning me I was playing chess with a master, and when she chose to make her move, I couldn’t afford to be distracted by my emotions.
Ra
quel Wren was an addiction I didn’t need in my life.
I raised my gaze skyward in frustration, realizing that I’d left the keys to the Range Rover sitting on the hallway table. Turning, I walked back to the house and pressed my palm against the panel to unlock the door.
Forgive her, whatever she is doing in there. Walk away and don’t let your reaction control your destiny.
I went back inside.
I COULDN’T BE WOOED BY the man who was the biggest threat to my future—I’d come too far and risked too much.
God, how did I end up here?
Astor’s home was the most opulent place I’d ever stayed in. To be honest, I wasn’t going to miss sleeping on the floor, either. And damn…seeing his kinder side tugged at my heartstrings, causing me more than a twinge of guilt.
I couldn’t get over that view—an infinity pool that led your gaze out onto an endless blue ocean. I strolled closer to the wall of glass to better see the pool bathed in a soft blue florescence. If I had been invited here under different circumstances, I could have savored every second of this luxury. My gut wrenched at my deceit.
Still, this was an advantage I had to make the most of. I was going to find his bathroom and check out Astor’s colognes to see if there was anything in there resembling mine.
My thoughts turned back to him and I wondered how he felt about me being here. I’d sensed he really wanted to do this and that made me feel a little better.
Off on the horizon dark clouds rolled closer. Soon the sky would open up and a downpour would cleanse the air.
To the left of the pool was a row of sun loungers, and I imagined Astor barbequing and entertaining friends. No doubt he was an amazing host. He’d certainly gone above and beyond to heat the pool downstairs, and I wondered if the one out there was heated, too. A swim would dissolve this post-wine haze.
I located a panel on the wall. With a punch of a button the glass door slid open and a burst of warm air blew in. The heat from the tiled patio soaked into my soles as I padded toward the water.
I knelt and dipped my fingers into the blueness, just as Astor had done downstairs. Goodness, how rich did you have to be to own two of these?
I whooshed my hand through the warmth and it felt good against my skin. With the high wall on either side of the vast property, and the dim lighting, the neighbors wouldn’t see if I took a dip.
I grabbed one of the plush towels from the corner stack and lay it on a nearby lounger for when I got out, then stripped off my dress and underwear.
Naked, I threw another wary glance around and then waded in until I was fully immersed, my body quickly acclimating to the heat. Pushing myself off to swim toward the other side, I wondered if spies ever felt a tingle of remorse for deceiving those around them. Here I was enjoying Astor’s place and yet my ulterior motives were complicated.
I made it to the other side of the pool and kicked off, continuing with sweeping breaststrokes, doing laps while admiring the two-story property that was worth millions. If I lived here I’d never want to leave. I loved the way Astor had decorated his home. There was stillness within the walls, a Zen-like atmosphere that reminded me of him.
Don’t let your guard down and be seduced by all this luxury.
Turning to swim in the direction of the seacoast, I marveled at the infinity pool that concealed the boundary between here and the ocean. I let out a sigh of happiness.
A crack of thunder came from a mile away and I cursed the weather for turning so quickly. I’d get out soon. Swimming during a storm was a bad idea, but I had another lap in me before I’d have to climb out.
Lightning zigzagged across the night sky.
I heard a crack and a hiss…
A loud splash came from behind me. Turning, I saw the blurred shape of a man cutting through the water fast toward me.
My scream was muffled as he grabbed me, my head going under the water for a few seconds before he lifted me up and shoved me unceremoniously out of the pool onto the terrace, bruising my arms and knees. Panting, my heart pounding in my ears, I pushed myself up ready to sprint away—I had to make it to the house and lock him out.
I froze, throat tight with panic, realizing it was Astor.
He climbed out of the pool and leaped toward me, scooping me up in his arms and hurriedly carrying me into the house. I gasped as a blast of cold air hit my wet skin. He put me down and I staggered backward, falling onto the couch.
“You okay?” He was out of breath.
Thunder rolled and a bolt of lightning lit up the sky.
The worry that I’d stained his sofa with chlorine was followed by the realization that Astor was behaving like a madman. The embarrassment of being naked was overruled by my anger.
I pushed to my feet. “The chance of being struck by lightning is a million to one!”
“Tell me you’re okay?” He stood there dripping water onto the rug.
I looked around for a throw. “Your couch is ruined.”
Astor stepped closer. “Fuck the couch.” Still looking panicked, he ran his fingers through his hair, probably realizing how much he’d scared me.
Outside a flash of glittering sparks caught my attention and I sidestepped him to take a better look. I stared wide-eyed at the neighbor’s downed power line that had been snapped by a lightning strike. The thing was snaking violently near the pool, looking like a wild anaconda.
Astor followed my gaze and winced at the sight of sparks shooting in every direction. With another whip the cable jolted high and then bounced into the center of the pool, thrashing jolts of electricity in every direction.
The garden lit up.
“Oh, my God.” I was unable to turn away, or breathe, or think. My body trembled uncontrollably. If Astor hadn’t come back…
In a daze, I felt him lift me in his arms. He carried me up the staircase and then kicked a door open. It was his room, but I couldn’t see properly, my vision blurred from the adrenaline coursing through my veins, causing me to shake.
“You’re in shock.” He put me down. “I have to warm you up.”
He grabbed my wrist and pulled me into the bathroom, guiding me into a marble-tiled shower. Falling water tumbled over me and I blinked through the downpour as I watched him strip off his shirt and throw it on the floor.
He joined me beneath the chrome faucet. “Body heat.” He pulled me against his firm body and rubbed my arms.
Pressing my cheek against his chest, I exhaled in relief. “It could’ve gotten you.”
“Takes more than that.” He gave me an amused smile.
He’d saved my life and risked his own for me. The thought of all I’d done to him these last few weeks…all the lies, all the deceit, screeched guiltily across my conscience.
“I’m sorry.”
“Nothing to be sorry about,” he soothed. “It was a freak accident.”
“I was about to get out of the pool…”
“Don’t give it another thought.” He pressed his lips to my forehead. “You’re safe now.”
“Astor…” I have to tell you something.
Have to confess why I’m in your life.
“Shush.” He rested his thumb against my lips to quiet me.
Opening my lips wider, my tongue darted out to taste his skin. I drew his thumb into my mouth and suckled it, the sensation as comforting as it was sensual. I let go, crushing my cheek once more against his firm chest, his provocative scent filling my senses.
I want this.
I wanted him.
It felt like fireflies would burst out of my solar plexus. I licked his chest, causing him to groan. In a flash of power he gripped either side of my head and went to kiss me.
His mouth so close…
“Raquel,” he whispered. “I have to make a call.”
“What?”
“I have to warn my neighbors about the cable. Have them turn off the electricity. Make the area safe.”
“Of course.” I stepped back.
Hi
ding my embarrassment, I watched him grab a towel and wrap it around himself before strolling out. I spun round and raised my face to the streaming faucet, squeezing my eyes shut in shame. He’d wanted to warm me up and I’d come on to him like a hussy. I covered my face with my hands as though it might help hide my humiliation.
My joy from earlier came crashing down.
When I heard the bathroom door open behind me, I summoned my courage, turned, and forced a smile. “Everything okay?”
A towel was wrapped tightly around Astor’s waist, his body sprinkled with droplets of water. His abs were chiseled and his dark complexion mesmerizing. His masculine beauty made me more self-conscious of my nakedness.
Astor stepped forward and rested his forehead against the glass. “Their power’s off. A technician’s on the way.”
“Good.”
“Raquel…”
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry.” He tipped his head toward the shower. “It was impulsive of me to get in there with you.”
“I liked it.”
“I brought you here to feel safe. I broke your trust. After everything you’ve been through that was wrong of me.”
“Everything I’ve been through?”
“Your divorce. Losing your business. Your home.”
My eyes stung with the tears I was holding back.
“And you work for me,” he added. “I have a responsibility and I shouldn’t take advantage.”
“It’s fine.” I didn’t trust myself to say anything more.
He gave me a kind smile. “It’s not that I don’t want to open this door and walk in there…that would be easy.”
“Right.”
“And to taste your lips again.” He squeezed his eyes closed.
To feel his mouth on mine was everything I wanted. All the pain, all the heartache, all the deceit, all the hope I’d once chased after no longer mattered in this moment. He was all man standing there with a sheen of water shimmering off him, his hair as black as night, framing that perfect face, his features softening as he smiled my way with those endearing dimples, his hazel eyes filled with empathy.
Perhaps he was waiting for me to speak, but I had nothing to say, not really. All I could do was find a way to cope with the ache I felt below that had me trembling with need. I reached down to cup myself to soothe this yearning.
Perfume Girl Page 14