Granddad's House (On Geneva Shores) (18 page)

“No. You’re my guest. You go first.”

When she slid the spoon into her mouth and tasted the confection, her eyes closed and he imagined how her lips might feel cooled by the dessert then heated by her desire when he kissed her … His pants began to feel tight.

He sighed. “My turn.”

For the next several minutes, they took turns eating the dessert. She set down her spoon. “You finish it. I can’t eat another bite. It was spectacular. Thank you for suggesting it.”

“You missed a piece.” He grinned, and reached up to push a tiny crumb between her slightly-parted lips. When her lips closed around his finger and touched the tip with her tongue, his heart rate began to thrum in his head.
Friend now, something more than that later?

She drew back at the look he gave her. He reached for her hand and held it. After a long minute, she started to pull away.

“Friends can hold hands, can’t they?” But he wanted to do so much more than hold her hand.
I wonder if she can tell I’m under her spell.

“Yes, I suppose they can,” she replied, and the tension he’d felt in her hand seemed to melt away.

When they left the restaurant, they strolled along the boulevard before returning to his vehicle. He drove her home, taking the most circuitous route he could think of, pretending to get lost twice so that he could prolong their time together. When they finally returned to her house, he stopped the car, regretting that the bucket seats prevented him from pulling her close. Instead, he walked her up to the porch and followed her in. Before she flipped on the lights in the compact living room, he reached for her.

“It’s time I checked something,” he murmured. 

She hesitated before allowing him to pull her closer. “What’s that?” she asked, her voice breathier than before. Her eyes were huge as she looked at him.

“Your kiss—to see if it feels as good tonight as it did that other time.” He moved his mouth down to hers in what felt like slow motion, savoring the way she seemed to be holding her breath.

When their lips met, he felt its impact in his gut and heat radiated throughout his body, exploding in his brain. When he brought her closer and pressed his mouth more firmly to hers, it was as if he was a drowning man who had finally reached the surface. He couldn’t get enough of her. He wanted more.

Her lips parted, her tongue brushing his, and he took it as an invitation to taste her, to explore and she seemed to be doing the same with him. When he finally let her go, her dazed look mirrored how he felt. But he didn’t want to frighten her off. Much as he wanted to explore the rest of her magnificence, he forced himself to pull back. When he didn’t try to kiss her again, she almost looked disappointed.

“Thank you for a very nice evening, Olivia.”

“Dinner between friends.” Her voice was huskier than usual.

“Between friends.”

He backed toward the door, unable to stop gazing at her as she walked with him, aware that her eyes were on him, seeming to memorize his form. When he bumped into the closed door, she slid back into his arms.

“May I give you a good-night kiss—to thank you for a lovely dinner?” she whispered.

When she did, he thought steam was going to come out of his ears, he felt so hot, so hard. He remembered what her grandfather had said, that Ned took her for granted.
The fool.
This woman is one of a kind. I’ve got to… I want …
But will she let me?
And when?

She stroked a spot just behind his ears with a feathery touch that left a trail of fire on his skin, a touch so intimate he wanted to preserve it to experience it again and again. Then she backed away, gave him a little smile, and opened the door when he somehow managed to stand aside. He walked to his car, not quite sure how he got there without tripping on the stairs. She had turned on the porch light. Was she waiting for him to leave? Watching him from behind the blinds?

He sat in the car for several minutes while he waited for his heart to slow. Was this what his father meant when he’d said that love made all the difference in a physical relationship? Hell, he hadn’t even made love to her and it felt like he already knew her in the biblical sense. Or maybe he was just imagining what it would be like, how she would respond, and how they would pleasure each other until they couldn’t stand it another second.

He’d wanted to explore the rest of her body that had teased him all evening in that gossamer fabric. He’d almost set aside his decision not to try when she’d pressed up against him in a full body hug. He was sure she wanted more and knew full well he was more than ready to give it to her. He couldn’t have imagined that. Was that why she gave him that last kiss?
Good night, indeed. He wouldn’t sleep a wink.

Chapter 10

Olivia paced in front of the kitchen window, watching two birds chasing each other off the feeder, feeling a bit like what that first bird must be feeling when dive-bombed by the other. Push him away, pull him back. Why couldn’t she get Beau James out of her mind? He was a client, and she’d violated one of her most important rules.

Olivia opened the door as Sally stepped out of her little green Volkswagen bug. “You look fabulous,” She called. “Love that long braid of yours.”

Sally twirled, her braid curving around her in the breeze. “It’s almost as long as when I contributed to the wig maker for Ma. I’m feeling pretty good, too.”

“Tell me why you’re so happy.” Olivia handed her a tall glass of iced tea and walked back into the kitchen.

“Judd finally apologized, the coward. After I heard him out, I told him to get lost. It felt so good to do that.”

“He was a real jerk, saying you were sure to get breast cancer just because of your mother’s death.” Olivia gave her a hug.

Sally seemed to be scanning Olivia’s face. “So, tell me why you wanted me to come over.” Her grin broadened. “Let me guess. The hunk kissed you again. Or you kissed him again.”

Olivia felt her body temp climbing and nodded. “Right on both counts.”

“And?”

“Better than last time. I couldn’t believe it.” She squinted into the late afternoon light.

“Tell me every pornographic detail.”

“Sally, please.”

“So what’s holding you back, if those kisses were so great?”

“You know why. He’s a client.”

Sally gave a dismissive wave. “You’ve already broken that rule. Where’d you go for dinner?”

“El Gaucho. I had the shrimp, and half a glass of wine. He had two glasses and the steak.”

“I take it you didn’t get sick again.”

She shook her head. “Then we shared the cherries jubilee. It was to die for. You and I are going there one of these days. You will
love that dessert. Every spoonful was divine.”

“You’re stalling.” Sally sipped her tea.  “Get to the good stuff. Lip-locking.”

“After he took me home, he said something about testing or checking or something. I don’t remember his exact words, but then he planted one on me.” A lump caught in her throat. It still took her breath away thinking about it.

“You’re very pink,
Livvy. What did you do? Pull him upstairs?”

Maybe I should have.
She took a quick sip. “He was kind of walking backwards towards the door and when he bumped into it, I gave him a good night kiss. He looked sort of … I’m not sure if stunned is the right word, but he had this funny look on his face when we came up for air.”

“You let him leave?” Sally was incredulous.

She nodded, wondering again why she had.

“Well, why didn’t you—you know—haul him back inside?”

“I don’t work as fast as you, Sal. He’s a client. I still feel guilty. Like I took advantage.”
But I couldn’t help myself.
“If he weren’t a client, I might have … It’s hard to concentrate on our business deal when … well, when I’d like to explore a personal relationship.” She took another sip of tea. There. She’d admitted it to Sally. And herself.  But it didn’t make her feel any better.

Sally waved for more information. “Go on.”

“The thing is, Granddad really likes him. He didn’t like Ned at all. And he asked me to take Beau up to The Mountain. He’s never been there.”

“Your granddad likes him?” Sally gulped down the last of her tea. “He’s giving you permission, girl. That’s good. When are you going?”

“I don’t know. Beau hasn’t asked, and I’ve been thinking I probably shouldn’t offer until after the sale is over and Granddad is moved. We actually have two offers on his house now. Beau wasn’t happy about that, but he knew it was a risk. The permits for his deal are dragging things out.” She sighed. “I wish his deal would die. The second offer is with a family, just perfect for the house, although Granddad keeps saying he thinks the house would make a great B&B. But he did find where he wants to live.” She realized with a start that she’d neglected to call the agent. Something she had to do soon. Before that corner unit sold. 

“Back to beautiful Beau. Do you really like this guy?”

She felt herself heating up again. “There are times when he drives me up the wall, but I have to admit I do. If only we weren’t in the middle of a transaction.”

“How much longer do you have to wait for him not to be a client?”

“Thirty days.”
And whenever I think about him, I wonder if he’s counting the days, too.

“So, mark off the days on the calendar like we used to do before Christmas. The minute his deal is closed or dies, call him up and head for The Mountain. They don’t call the Inn Paradise for nothing, right?” Sally laughed. “Are you going to do it with him there?”

Olivia felt her face flush and imagined how red her cheeks must be. “Never. Those rooms have really thin walls. I used to work there, remember? And, I—I don’t want to make a mistake, like I did with Ned.”

“This guy is no Ned,
Liv. You aren’t still seeing him, are you?”

“No. He came to one of my open houses, and tried to—I was afraid he was going to rape me, but Beau showed up and escorted him downstairs.” Her mind skittered back over that little scene and she gave an involuntary shiver.

“Did you report what he tried to do?”

Olivia shook her head. “I called and told him I would if he showed up again. I was just glad I was able to get away from him. He used to be so mild. He really shocked me.”

“But, Livvy. You should have reported it. What if he tries that again?”

“I don’t think he will. Besides, I think he left for Boston.” She patted Sally’s arm. “And I didn’t correct Ned when he thought Beau was a cop. That was actually kind of funny.”

“Hmm. Well, answer me one more question and I have to go—to get ready for an interview. I’m tired of being stuck writing the social scene. The paper in Evergreen advertised for a regular news beat. I’m going for it.” Sally rose and placed her cup in the sink. “Does Beau have a brother, one who’s single?”

She nodded. “In the Marines—Afghanistan.” Olivia placed her cup on the table. “Want me to find out when he’ll be home?”

“That and what he looks like. I’d like something to look forward to now that Judd is out of my life.”

“I’ll see what I can find out.”

Sally drove away and Olivia returned to the kitchen, her body humming. Maybe Sally’s calendar suggestion would help. At least it might make things seem like they were moving faster.

The next day, she reached the agent representing the builder of the condo complex.

“Olivia. Sorry I didn’t get back to you. I’ve been really busy. What do you want to know about those Commodore Park units? All but three are sold now.”

As if I hadn’t figured that out.
“I took a look at the one on the corner. Any offers on it yet?”

“Hmm. I’ll have to get back to you. Gordon’s been watching things for me while I was gone. You’ve been inside so you know they’re the latest in design. Did you check out the kitchen—all the latest
gew-gaws? I hadn’t heard much about the architects we hired to do up the plans, but I think they’re going to get lots more work. Arnie, the general contractor, really likes them.”

Olivia fiddled with the tie on her peasant blouse.
“I can see why. What about options regarding price? Any wiggle room there?”

“You know better than that, Olivia. Put your offer in writing and we’ll see what the builder says. But you know he prefers to stay at full price and maybe throw in something extra instead, if dollars are the issue. And don’t bother with a contingent offer. He wouldn’t even look at the last one that came in.”

“Even in this market, Pitt?”
Get real with me, you nincompoop! Don’t you remember when I helped you out last year? This is for Granddad!
“Come on. Give a little here.” She bounced an eraser in the shape of Mickey Mouse on the desk in front of her. Where had she picked it up?

“I’m not sure I can. Will your buyer be getting a mortgage? We already have a relationship with two different lenders. They might shave off some loan costs if you go with them and the down payment is more than twenty percent.”

“Not sure yet. I’ll have to get back to you. Could you have Gordon call me if you get an offer on that corner unit? That’s the only one my client is interested in—even though it’s ten higher than the other ones.”

“I’ll let you know. See you around, Olivia.”

So much for limited information. She made a mental note to call Gordon herself, and walked down the hall to Bruce’s office.  She waved at him when he was on the phone.

Minutes later he ambled into her office in his red Converse’s and perched on the arm of the chair. “You rang?”

“How are your clients—the ones for Granddad’s house? Are they willing to hang on for another thirty days?”

He nodded. “They’ve seen a couple of other places they also like, but yours is in a better school district and those gardens in the back have the wife swooning every time she mentions it. And I just found out she wants to make the carriage house into something her folks can use. She’s thinking the old folks may need to move in with them in the next couple of years. I took them over the other night just to look at that building. Cute little apartment upstairs. The husband thinks it could be expanded without too much trouble, maybe with an elevator or lift or something so their old folks won’t have to do stairs.”

“That’s good to know. I’ll call you right away—about the other deal.”

Bruce left, and she speed-dialed.

“Granddad, we have another month before Beau’s deal dies and the other one goes into first position. I want you to think about something.”

“What’s that? Quick, like a bunny. Name the tallest peak in North America that’s not in Alaska.”

“Mount Whitney.”

“Good girl. What was your question?”

“No question, but would you consider making an offer on that condo before your house sale closes?”

“Why? I was going to pay cash.”

“I know, but if you think you have enough money in the bank to make an offer now, maybe with a smallish mortgage, you could pay that off as soon as your house sells and be sure to get the condo.  There are only three left. I’m worried that the corner unit might be sold out from under you.”

“Oh. Well, that’s not good,” he said over the television in the background. “I didn’t like the others. Not enough backyard or enough sun, and the corner one means I only have one really close neighbor. Let me think about it and get back to you.”

“Do that, Granddad. Love you.”

“I love you, too. You’re coming over on Saturday for dinner, aren’t you?”

“Of course.”

“Good. I want to show you something—of your
grandmamma’s.”

“I’ll come over right after I’m done at the office.”

An hour later the phone rang.

“Olivia,
It’s Melanie. I need your help on something. Can we talk?”

“Sure. Where are you?”

“I’m coming in. Only two blocks away.”

When Melanie sat down in Olivia’s office, she brushed her hair away from her face. “
Would that I could look like you do—always so cool, in control, never rattled.” Her fingers tapped nervously on the arm of the chair.

Olivia smiled at her. “I have my moments. What’s up? How’s that listing going for your friend, Helen?”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” Melanie leaned back into the chair and took a deep breath. “Something really weird is going on there. It freaked me out at my open house today. I decided to try one in the middle of the week, to pick up parties going home.”

“How’d that work?”

“Pretty well. We had a bunch of people stop in, not just neighbors like the last time. Helen baked bread and took it with her for the boys’ picnic and I brought cookies, so the place had a nice homey smell. But when I was talking to a couple on the main floor, I heard a noise, more like a crash, upstairs. So I excused myself, and went up to investigate.” She ran her other hand through her hair.

“You’re shaking, Mel. Let me get us something. Will a soda do?”

She nodded. “Thanks.”

After sipping on the cold drink, Olivia nodded to her. “Go on. Tell me what you found.”

“That’s what was weird. The smaller of the two dressers in the master bedroom was pulled away from the wall and a drawer was on the floor. That must be what I heard, and Helen’s clothes were everywhere. I started to pick them up when the doorbell rang again, so I closed the door and went back downstairs. That lady said she wanted to come back for a second look, with her husband, so I got her name and number and gave her my card. Then I went back upstairs to pick up the mess and I was in the middle of doing that when Helen came home.  She was as surprised as I was, but she said maybe the cat did it.”

“Must be a big cat,” Olivia replied.