by Nella Tyler
“Drake!”
“Hi. May I come in?”
She stepped back.
“Of course. I wasn’t expecting you.” Her robe was loosely fastened and she hugged it closer to her body.
He noticed the action and wondered what she wore underneath.
“My meeting finished sooner than expected so I decided to come see you,” he said as he entered the suite.
She shut the door.
“Oh. I thought you were room service with my dinner.”
“You guys are eating in?”
“I am. Ashlee and Beni have gone to dinner with Kai and Noah,” she said.
“Why didn’t you go with them?”
“I wasn’t feeling it. And I didn’t want to be a fifth wheel.”
“I would be happy to take you out to eat,” he offered.
She shook her head.
“No. I really prefer to stay in.”
“Do you mind a little company?” he asked as he moved to stand in front of her.
“No. Not at all. Let me change. I won’t be but a minute.”
He blocked her passage. She looked at him in confusion.
“What’s under the robe?”
“A bathing suit. I was going to soak in the hot tub after eating,” she said.
“There’s no need to change. I’ve seen you in a swim suit.”
“Yeah, but you haven’t seen me in this kind of bathing suit. And I would rather that you didn’t,” she thought.
“I’d rather change.” She tried to sidestep him but he moved with her.
“Why? There must be more to it. What don’t you want me to see, Meg?”
“Nothing. Let me pass,” she said firmly.
“Let me see what you’re wearing,” he countered.
“No.”
“Yes.”
She tried to pass him again and he blocked her way.
“Drake, please. Step aside.”
He grabbed her robe and yanked it open. He sucked in his breath.
“Drake!” She tried to close the robe but he held the sides wide.
“You’re beautiful, Meg.”
“Let go of my robe, Drake,” she insisted.
He did not comply.
“You’ve always wore a one piece. Why?”
“I’m not comfortable wearing a bikini in public,” she said.
He croaked what was supposed to be laughter.
“You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Do you realize how many women would give their right arms to look as you do in a bikini? You are stunning.”
Meg always thought her breasts were too small and her hips too curvy. She became good at wearing suits that would camouflage those areas.
“I lack fullness in the right places and I’m too curvy in the wrong places,” she sighed.
She snatched the robe out of his hands and wrapped it around herself tightly. He puts his hands on her shoulders.
“You everything in all the right places. Sports Illustrated would hire you for their swimsuit edition in a minute. You are gorgeous and every woman on the beach would envy you if they ever see you in that suit,” he said.
“They will have nothing to be envious about because I’m not going to wear this bikini,” she announced.
He dropped his head to nibble the side of her neck.
“Yes, you are. And I will be the proud guy beside you to warn off the men.”
“No.”
“Oh yes! You have a splendid body. Flaunt it for the world to see,” he encouraged.
“Even the men?”
“I’ll have no problem fighting them off,” he chuckled.
She began to giggle at their ridiculous banter. She knew she wouldn’t wear the swimsuit, but it was nice to hear his praises. Then there was a knock on the door. She backed away to answer the door. This time it was room service. The waiter rolled in the cart and Drake tipped him as he exited the room. Meg securely belted her robe closed then lifted the plate covers. She sniffed appreciatively.
“Mmmm! This smells so good. Will you join me? There’s a ton of food here that I’ll never be able to eat.”
“Absolutely. I’m starved,” he smiled.
“Good.”
She set the food the on the dining table then went into the kitchen to retrieve a bottle of white wine from the fridge, also taking two wine glasses from the cupboard and another plate. She returned to the room and set the plate and glasses on the table. He pulled out her chair and she sat down. She felt a little self-conscious when he didn’t move from behind her chair immediately. She realized that her robe was gaping away from her chest and he had a clear view to her breasts. She tightened her robe again and he took his seat. He looked at her and smiled knowingly. She bowed her head and said a quick grace. She then dished up his plate and then her own.
“I found something interesting when we returned to the hotel,” he said casually. He bit into his succulent rib. “Mmmm! This is really good.”
She was glad of the change of topic. She didn’t want to continue talking about how she looked in a bikini. She chewed a bite of pork.
“Uh-huh. What did you find?” she asked after she swallowed.
“A copy of the etching from the cave on my bed.”
“What!”
“A copy of the—”
“I heard you. I’m just flabbergasted,” she exclaimed. “Who put it there? And why?”
“Those are all the same questions that I have,” he said seriously. “What disturbs me most is that someone knew we were at the Likeke Falls and saw us go into the cave.”
“Someone was watching us? That gives me the creeps.”
“That makes me damned angry,” he retorted.
“Why would someone want to watch what we are doing? We are tourists; at least I am. And you are here on legitimate business. There’s nothing intriguing about us.”
“Apparently someone thinks otherwise. And they are betting that we saw the drawing in the cave. Why else would they put a copy of it on my bed?”
“But they couldn’t be sure that we saw the picture. We almost didn’t.”
“Then somehow they know that we did. If they were watching us, they saw us looking at it,” he said.
“Then they want us to investigate it. Figure out what the drawing means.”
“I think so. And if that’s the case, then we are somehow connected to its meaning,” he mused.
“But it could have been anybody who saw the drawing.”
“But I received a copy of it. They want me to follow up on it.”
“This is fascinating,” she declared.
“Do not fantasize this. It could very well be more dangerous than titillating. I think you should back off from it,” he said decisively.
She laid her fork on her plate.
“You’re kidding, right?”
“I’m very serious. I don’t want you getting involved in something that could hurt you.”
“We’re in this together. It’s our secret, remember? We agreed to solve it together. Besides, I’m the one who actually saw the drawing. I should be involved,” she retorted.
“Coincidence.”
“I don’t believe in coincidences. Everything happens for a reason. I was supposed to find that drawing and discover its meaning. I’m not backing off,” she declared stubbornly.
“This is no time for you to be obstinate.”
“And it’s no time for you to be a bully,” she countered.
He looked at her hard. She returned his stare steadily. He sighed.
“Fine.”
She grinned.
“I knew you would give in. I’m a tenacious, Irish girl.”
“I should have known you were Irish from your red hair,” he stated.
“All Irish people do not have red hair.”
“Only because they color it,” he snorted.
“Don’t be a sore loser,” she giggled.
“I don’t lose. I get even.”
He was out
of his seat and scooping her into his strong arms before she could blink. He carried her to the patio. Meg realized his intention and began to struggle.
“No, Drake! Put me down!”
“Gladly.” He dumped her into the Jacuzzi then laughed as she came up sputtering. “Don’t ever say I don’t do as you ask.”
He laughed uproariously. Meg looked at him murderously.
Chapter Five
“Ugh!” Meg was spewing fire as she stood in the tub. He laughed all the more harder and she slapped water at him in her fury. She kept it up and essentially soaked him.
“Hey!” He quickly pulled his shirt over his head and kicked off his loafers.
“Don’t you come in here,” Meg ranted.
He ignored her and climbed into the hot tub. She tossed more water on him and he grasped her hands to still them.
“Let me go,” she blustered.
“Not until you calm down. After all, you deserved the soaking,” he chuckled.
“I did not.”
“Yeah, you did. And who better to deliver your penance than me?”
“I could slap your smug smile to Timbuktu,” she snapped.
“I’m told it is quite a nice place. Rich in minerals such as gold. One could be quite wealthy there,” he mused.
“Ooh!” she exclaimed. She tried to snatch her wrists out of his clasp but he only held them tighter. “Let me go.”
He shook his head.
“I rather like holding you. Sit with me.” He sat down and pulled her down beside him. He put his arm about her shoulders and held her securely. “Now. Isn’t this cozy?”
As much as Meg wanted to deny it, she silently agreed with him. The jetted water was warm and relaxing. Her muscles were tired and aching from their earlier hike and the soothing water seemed to wash the weariness from them. She rested her head on his broad shoulder and allowed her body to go limp. Drake felt the tension ease from her and knew her resistance had vanished. He felt her terry cloth robe as he slowly rubbed her arm. He frowned.
“You should remove your robe to better enjoy your time in the tub,” he suggested. Her doing do would benefit both of them. He would like nothing better than to admire her bikini-clad body. But he was unsure if her modesty would prevent her. He was surprised when she leaned forward and removed the robe and tossed it onto the floor of the patio. She then sat back and smirked at him. He raised his eyebrows in question.
“You thought I wouldn’t take it off.”
“I did have my doubts,” he admitted.
“I surprised you,” she smiled smugly.
“You’ve been one huge and very pleasant surprise from the moment I met you.”
“I bet I was. How many women do you have to rescue from a moving baggage belt?” she said with chagrin.
He laughed softly.
“When I saw you struggling to get up only to fall back again, I knew I had to know you. And you haven’t disappointed,” he kissed the top of her head. “You’re special, Megan Mahoney. And I want to know you even more. I want to know everything about you.”
Megan realized that she wanted the same thing. Maybe she wasn’t ready for the intimacy that he wanted, but she did want to know this handsome man better. Not only was he incredibly good-looking, but she instinctively felt that he was a man of integrity and honesty. Something she desperately needed in a man. Doug had failed that test miserably. She looked up at him.
“And I want to know you as well.”
He tilted her chin up and tenderly rubbed his thumb over each of her lips.
“You are so lovely. You’re my Irish beauty. Your eyes are so green. It’s like I’m staring into the summer grasses of Ireland.”
“You are very kind,” she murmured.
“I am very honest. A lot of women would be as green as your eyes with envy after seeing you. Lady, you’ve got no reason to be uncertain of yourself,” he said.
“Well, you are certainly good for my ego.”
“It’s good to know that I’m good for something,”
“I imagine that you are great for a lot of things. Maybe that’s why you were given the copy of the drawing. Someone feels you will be able to solve it,” she considered.
“Giving me that drawing only created more questions for me. Who? What? Why? All questions without answers,” he grumbled.
“Perhaps. But I believe you will find the answers—with my help, of course.”
He laughed.
“Of course. How could I ever unravel this tangle without you?”
“You couldn’t. And don’t you forget it,” she teased. She then moved to the side of the tub and pressed a button. Soft jazz music came on. She then went back to sit within Drakes arms. She looked down at his khaki shorts. “Are you okay in those soggy shorts?”
“Are you suggesting that I come out of them,” he said lightly.
“No. I just wondered if you were comfortable. They’re khakis, not swim shorts,” she said quickly.
“I’m fine, Meg. Thank you for caring,” he replied softly.
They then sat quietly and listened to the music. Drake liked the fact that they could be together without having to talk. He enjoyed silence at times to just be. Some people say that it is at these quiet times, the angels will speak to you. Well, he certainly needed them to speak to him now. He didn’t understand what was happening with the drawing. And he wasn’t sure where things were going with Meg. He just knew that he liked her a lot, and definitely wanted to sleep with her. He could use a little advice from the angels to gain some clarity on both issues.
*****
“How was your evening?” Megan asked. She sat on the foot of Ashlee’s bed and munched on a breakfast bar.
“It was blast. We had dinner then went dancing. Kai is a great guy,” Ashlee said. She stood at the mirror brushing her sunshine-blonde hair.
Meg looked at Ashlee through the mirror. There was something in her voice that said more than her words.
“Is there a problem between you?”
“No. We get along really well,” Ashlee replied.
“Then why do I hear a ‘but’ in your voice?”
Ashlee laid the hairbrush on the dresser and turned to face Meg.
“I think he really likes me.”
“And that’s a problem?” Meg asked a little bewildered.
“No. Maybe. I’m not sure,” Ashlee sighed.
“You’re not sure how you feel about him, are you?”
Ashlee shook her head.
“No.”
“And that’s all right, Ash. You just met the man two days ago. You’re not going to fall in love with him in that length of time,” Meg reasoned.
“Maybe not, although it isn’t impossible to do.”
“But it’s not probable. Give yourself time. You’re going to be here for two months. That’s plenty of time to know if he’s special,” Meg offered.
Ashlee moved to sit beside Meg on the bed.
“Is Drake special for you?”
“We’re not talking about me. We’re talking about you.”
“You made your point and it has been taken. Now what about you and Drake?”
“What about us?” Meg hedged.
“Are the two of you an item?”
“Like you, I’ve only just met the man,” Meg sidestepped.
“I know. But somehow it seems different with the two of you. It seems as though you’ve been together forever. Like that’s the way it’s supposed to be.”
“That’s ridiculous, Ash.”
“But it’s true, Meggie. You and Drake are supposed to be together,” Beni said as she wandered into the room. She pulled the papasan to the bed and sat down, tucking one of her legs under her.
“That’s crazy. How could you say such a thing? He and I have known each other for two minutes,” Meg scoffed.
“Two minutes plus twenty years,” Beni said knowingly.
“Wake up, Beni. You’re having one of your fanciful dreams,” Meg responded.
“It’s no dream, Meg. It real. Drake loves you, even if he hasn’t realized it yet. And you feel the same about him. You just not emotionally ready to accept it yet,” Beni said confidently.
“You’re nuts!” Meg replied.
“I know it doesn’t sound reasonable or sensible. But that doesn’t mean it’s not true,” Ashlee said.
“And just because you want it to be true doesn’t mean that it is,” Meg challenged. “Drake and I are just beginning to know each other. We are friends at this point and nothing more.”
“Have you guys kissed?” Beni asked.
“Yes.”
“Friends don’t kiss,” Beni replied.
“Have you—”
“No! We haven’t slept together and we’re not going to,” Meg said quickly.
“I was going to ask if you’ve spoken about your pasts. But having sex is obviously on your mind,” Ashlee grinned. “You want to, don’t you? Don’t try to deny it. He is just too hot. I know you want to be in his bed.”
Meg could have cut her tongue out for jumping the gun. Now that Ash and Beni were on the scent she would never be able to stop the questions.
“We are not rushing anything. I need to take this slowly and he’s okay with that,” Megan said quietly.
“As we say in Spain, de hombre honorable,” Beni said. “He is a very special man. A keeper. Remember that, Meggie.”
Meg stood.
“I’m still hungry. This nutrition bar wasn’t enough. Let’s get some breakfast.”
“Sure,” Ashlee said.
Beni and Ashlee rose to leave the bedroom with Meg. They knew that the conversation was over. Meg would not continue to talk about it.
“Oh wait. I forgot my purse,” Meg said. “I won’t be a minute.” She hurried to her bedroom.