He turned the engine back on. “But you can keep hanging on. I don’t want to accidentally throw you.” His smirk left her wondering if he was teasing or serious.
The machine lurched forward. Elisa let out a screech and flung her arms back around his waist. After that, they continued on at a steady pace. What a sneaky….
She didn’t finish her thought. The scenery was too stunning to be annoyed for too long. They soon came upon a stand of bare maples mixed with spruce. She pointed and he nodded, turning in that direction. Once he parked close to the woods, she climbed off and went to explore. Duncan had tied a small chainsaw to the sled and he brought that with him as he followed her.
Elisa breathed in deeply, the air was filled with the sharp pine scent and crispness of the snow. Most of the snow had caught along the bare branches, which made walking easier. She was glad for Duncan’s sake. He showed care where he stepped, but she worried about him pushing himself too hard and paying for it later.
“I can trim the bottom limbs off this one,” he pulled on one of the branches, checking to see if the needles came off easily. “It looks and feels healthy.”
“Okay. I’m going to keep looking around unless you want me to help?”
“No, explore away. I have this.” He yanked the cord to start the saw and went to work removing branches.
Her heart pounded with her delight. This was such a fun afternoon. She’d meant it when she said that this would be a wonderful place to live. In the summers she bet the woods were spectacular. There were probably deer and elk wandering free. But hopefully not any bear. If there were, hopefully, they’d all be hibernating by now. She watched the ground to see if she could spot any prints in the soft, wet ground.
A squirrel darted across the maple branches. That’s when she spotted something that brought a wide smile.
“How many do you think you need,” Duncan asked, setting the saw down to collect and bundle the ones he’d removed. “If you need more, I should find another tree. We don’t want to strip this one.”
Elisa spun to face him and pointed upward. “Is that mistletoe growing in that tree?”
His gaze traveled upward as he came closer. His mouth also turned up in a crooked grin. “Why yes, as a matter of fact, it is. You know what that means, don’t you?”
She didn’t even have a chance to answer before his hands cupped her face and he placed a gentle kiss on her lips. That little kiss sent her senses reeling and before she could stop herself, her arms were around his neck as she kissed him back.
A groan of pleasure rumbled in his throat as he returned the kiss with equal passion. Shaking off his gloves, he wrapped her in his embrace as his kisses followed the line of her jaw and he buried his face against her neck. For a long time, he simply held her close.
Elisa was so overcome with her rampant emotions, she held onto him as if her life depended on it. This wasn’t supposed to have happened. Except, he’d kissed her back and still hadn’t pulled away from her.
He stroked her loose hair, finally pulling back enough to press his forehead to hers. “I have an admission to make. I’ve been wishing desperately that we’d have another snow storm so you’ll be stuck here longer.”
She laughed and kissed him again. “Me too, if we’re being honest and admitting things.”
His lips moved across her cheek like warm butter until they brushed against her ear. “I don’t want you to walk out of my life come Monday. Can’t you stay longer?”
She shook her head. “I do have another job I’m supposed to fly out to.” Kelly seemed intent on getting rid of her as soon as possible. She had to go along with what her boss said or risk getting fired.
That might not be a concern Duncan Grimwood might ever have, but it was a big one for her.
“I understand,” He put a little more distance between them, though he kept her contained in his arms. “Can I come to see you? Maybe take you on a date so we can get to know each other more? See where, or if, there’s a possibility of…us?”
She studied him for a long moment. Everything she’d ever heard about him said he was a wild-man and a playboy. But that wasn’t the Duncan Grimwood she’d met this weekend. His sincerity made her wonder. She nodded. “Yes, I’d love that. We can see where it goes.”
He hugged her once more, then released her and pointed upward. “You cannot put that in my house. I would be in all kinds of trouble.”
She smirked, “You’re right. If that’s how you kiss women under the mistletoe, maybe it’s better—”
“That was all you, woman. I’ve not kissed anyone like that in…well, I’ve lost count of how long.”
“Right.” She gave him a gentle shove, relieved to be back to their bantering. Maybe it would give her heart a chance to slow down before it pounded its way out of her chest. “I want a couple of these branches. I don’t suppose you have any birch on your property?”
“Yes, I’ll take you there next. I might need to buy a team of horses to pull all this back. When I said I wanted a winter wonderland, I really was thinking plastic and tinsel.”
Elisa rolled her eyes and shook her head. “I’m not sure if there’s any hope for you, Duncan Grimwood.”
His smile flickered for a moment before he said in a somber tone, “Hope is what I’m hanging onto. Because of you. You reminded me that I’d abandoned it. I found my way back, though. Thank you, Elisa Lucken.”
She dropped the sticks she’d been gathering and hugged him again. Good thing physical touch was his love language. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to ever let him go.
Chapter Eleven
Duncan rushed around Margaret’s kitchen, opening the oven to check the roast she’d defrosted for him. With her seasonings, it smelled wonderful.
“Move it, bub,” she ordered, waving her oven mitts in a shooing motion. “Let me take care of this. It needs to sit for a few minutes. Go get yourself dressed. You can use our guest bath. Sam should be done setting everything up in the rotunda. I’ll help our girl pick something suitable to wear.”
Duncan kissed her cheek. “I love you. Is Sam starting the fire now? The cold can still seep through the windows. I don’t want her to freeze.”
“I’ll make sure she wears something warm.” Margaret gave him a firmer shove toward the doorway. “Stop fretting. She’s going to love this surprise, I promise you. From the way you’ve been grinning all afternoon, I’d say there will be more than enough heat in that room to keep you both toasty.”
Duncan’s mouth dropped. “Margaret! We’re friends.”
“You don’t fool me. You are quite smitten with her. I’ll wager my Christmas bonus that come Monday, you’ll not let her leave without making a plan to see her again, will you?”
Margaret had him there. He was already thinking of places he wished to take her on future dates. She’d agreed to see him again! Since returning from their excursion, he’d been beside himself with happiness. His future was full of brilliant colors again, instead of looking bleak and gray.
He offered a quick nod, then hurried out of the kitchen before she could make a fuss over his admission. Still, her excited cry of glee followed him down the hall. She was right, he was completely smitten with his weekend guest and hoped they’d soon be much more than friends.
It didn’t take him long to change into his suit and tie. Next week he’d need to go in for a haircut. He’d need to look his best at the Gala to quell all the rumors going around about his mental and physical state.
He still needed his cane but hoped to soon be completely free of the brace. His leg was feeling better, and he had not even irritated it while they were out today. That was promising.
The best part was he hadn’t woken up the past couple of days thinking about taking a pain pill. And since his little chat with God, his perspective on life had improved considerably.
By the time he returned to the kitchen, Margaret had set their meal on the serving cart. He wheeled it to the veranda, then followed the walkwa
y to the rotunda. The closed in glass-walled room overlooked the pool and had a wonderful view of the valley behind the manor.
At one time it was full of plants, but only a few remained. Luckily most were roses. He’d cut a few to add to the small round table.
Sam stood on a stool, adjusting the overhead lights. “I changed out those that had burned out. You should be good to go, Romeo. The fire is going and I see you’ve already taken care of the tray. You should have everything you need. Even the speakers are still in good shape out here.” He turned a couple of dials built into the walls surrounding the doorway and soft violin music filtered in.
“Perfect.” Duncan patted Sam’s arm as he left.
At the door, Sam turned and smiled at him. “Good to see you alive again, Dunc. We’ve missed you. I think…” he paused, looking unsure of his next thought.
“What Sam? You think what?”
He shrugged one shoulder. “I was thinking that the Good Lord hasn’t forgotten you. Even if it might feel that way sometimes. He still seems to have His hand on you. Which gives me greater hope for the others out wandering around.”
Duncan nodded. “I agree, and I’m thankful for it, Sam. I’m also seriously thinking that it’s time to try to draw them back home. I’m going to try to get them all here for Christmas.”
“Good boy. Well, I see a beautiful angel heading this way. I’m out of here.”
Duncan’s breath caught. Just what had Margaret found for Elisa to wear? What had she told their guest? Sam held open the door for her and motioned Elisa inside. Duncan straightened, making sure his coat was buttoned right and tie in the right place.
She hesitated a moment, buttoning the ivory velvet jacket she wore over her shimmering floor-length dusty pink dress, the color that matched her blushing cheeks. His sister had probably designed that one for an awards ceremony or a posh gala, but Elisa looked breathtaking in it.
“Oh my,” he gasped. “You…” Where had his words gone? And why did his tongue feel as if it tied itself in a knot? “Stunning isn’t descriptive enough.”
Her smile caused a twinkle in her emerald eyes. “Well, you’re looking pretty stunning yourself, Mister. You should always wear a tux. All the time. Every day.”
He smoothed down his jacket, throwing out his chest a little. “Think so?”
“Um hum.”
Heat crept up Duncan’s neck at her wide-eyed gaze. “Come on,” Duncan offered his arm when he reached her side. “Let’s get you out of the cold.”
When they reached the rotunda, she looked around in confusion. “What’s this?”
“It’s my little way of thanking you for all the hard work you’ve accomplished over the weekend. The house looks amazing, Ms. Lucken. You have an eye for beauty. So, since you said that one of your love languages was acts of service and quality time, I prepared a special meal for you. I hope you’d not mind if it’s only the two of us this evening.”
Her gaze traveled over the small circular table all decked out with the best china he could find. A hearty fire burned in the fireplace. Visible through the glass wall, a nearly full moon hung amongst thin, wispy clouds.
“Everything is…wonderful. And whatever is under that tray cover smells amazing. You really cooked it all yourself?”
“I had help. As usual.” He chuckled and pulled the chair out for her. “But I’m serving you tonight.” He moved the tray closer and lifted the lid. Steam poured out to reveal Margaret’s roast and vegetables. Duncan cut the meat into thick slices, then took her plate. “Potatoes? There’s also carrots, asparagus, and sweet potatoes if you prefer those.”
“I love it all. A little bit of each?”
His smile widened. A girl after his own heart. After filling his own plate, he poured them each a half glass of wine. The water glasses were already in place. Once he sat, he held out his hands. “Blessing first.”
She slid her hands into his, and he thanked the Lord for the people who helped him prepare this meal. Then he added a special thanks for Elisa and asked God to bless and lead them in where they should go. After saying amen, he added, “I’m hoping He’ll lead us into something wonderful, in case you’re wondering.”
“I think God is hearing the same thing from both of us.” Elisa tasted the roast and closed her eyes. “That’s so good. I need to get a couple of recipes from her.”
Duncan peppered Elisa with questions about her future plans. Where did she see herself in the next year and beyond? He even dared to allow himself to dream, though it all still seemed a little foggy. “I’m not sure what to do with the family stores,” he admitted when it was his turn to share.
He loved how intently she listened to him, encouraging him to explore the possibilities of each decision. She didn’t seem to grow bored with the topic, either, which truly surprised him.
Eventually, he was able to direct the conversation back to her. “Elisa, if you had nothing limiting you, where would you like your career to go?”
She sat back in her chair. “Isn’t that the million-dollar question?” With a tilt of her head, she smiled. “I don’t want to tell you.”
* * * *
Elisa smiled at Duncan’s startled expression. He was such a dear. If she told him that she dreamed of starting her own company, she feared he’d want to find a way to help her. There was no mistaking that they both had already developed some strong feelings for each other. But she didn’t want to rush into things.
“I like the job I have. I’m hoping to advance to a leadership position. For now, I’m learning everything that I can from Stewart Decor. I’m happy.”
She wondered how much time had passed as they sat talking over their empty plates. Shifting in her seat, her legs begged to be stretched, but she didn’t want to disrupt this peacefully intimate moment.
Elisa was falling for this side of Duncan Grimwood. A nagging question pestered her, poking at her happy little bubble: which side of him was the true man? The angry, sullen one she’d first met, or this bright-eyed and smiling man who spoke with cautious enthusiasm about the future?
She wished another blizzard would blow through so she’d have more time to find out. Monday would come too soon. Then she would have to return to her work, and Duncan…what would he do? Return to his solitary life, or embrace his future and fight the obstacles standing in his way?
Duncan stood and collected their empty plates. “We’ve been sitting here for over an hour. Why don’t we take a stroll around the house, then return later for our dessert?”
Elisa also stood, glad to distract his interest from her career path. Maybe later down the line, if they remained friends, then she’d share her desire to have her own company.
Although she enjoyed decorating, she loved when she was able to work an event. Planning out weddings and big parties were fun and challenging. Either way, Elisa felt that she had a long way to go before she was ready to even consider going out on her own.
Only time would tell how all this worked out between them. Maybe she would never fit into his world. How would his socialite friends take to someone like her who had probably been contracted to work for them at one time or another?
As they walked arm in arm into the house, through the family room door, he said, “I’m going to be sure to do some serious bragging on you when Ms. Stewart arrives Monday.”
Elisa tried to hold in her cringe. Hopefully, Kelly wouldn’t be too put out over all the changes. She forced on a smile. “I’m glad you’re happy with what we’ve accomplished. That’s what truly matters. It’s your home. Knowing that you’re pleased makes me happy.”
The music from outside continued to play once they were in the main house. Duncan led her to another section of the Manor that she’d not seen yet. More beautiful paintings hung along the walls of the hallway.
“This is the last family portrait we had done before Mother passed.”
It had to have been done nearly ten years ago. Duncan looked like he was still in college with his smoot
h face and short cropped hair.
“You and your older brother—” she pointed to a tall man with fair hair the same shade as Duncan’s. “Colton, right?”
He nodded.
“You both favor your father. Your sister and younger brother both look like spitting images of your mother. She looks so regal, Duncan. How you must miss them both.” The younger two both had raven black and more rounded features. “Your father looks so dignified in his navy uniform.”
“Before he married my mother, he was in the navy and rose to admiral. Then he was injured and ended up retiring early. He never spoke much about those years, but always wore his uniform proudly.” He slid his arm around her back and led them on down the corridor. “I think Colton got his love for the sea from Father. He’s always sailing off to somewhere with his twin girls.”
Elisa couldn’t imagine such a life but thought that it must be amazing.
“We’re entering the part of the house that my parents once inhabited. Father’s room is still as it was when he passed. Suzette started to clear away his clothes, but then she couldn’t…” he shrugged. “She was closest to our father. His loss hurt her deeply. It wasn’t too long afterward that she moved out for good, telling me I could have the house to myself.” He breathed out a derisive laugh. “Like I wanted it. The only reason I’m still here, truly, is because of Margaret and Sam. And because I was recuperating from the accident. Nobody bothers us out here. There’s enough security to keep the paparazzi at bay. Those who have been stupid enough to get through found themselves spending several days in jail with a hefty fine for trespassing.
“It’s become a safe place, I suppose.”
Elisa looked up at him, thinking it had become more than simply a safe place for Duncan. “As long as it doesn’t become a prison. You seem better. You’re not even walking with your cane tonight.”
My Beastly Billionaire (The Grimwood Legacy Series Book 1) Page 12