Pursuit For Lucidity (Crashing Waves) (9 page)

“
Okay, okay, Kathy, I get it.  I promise I won’t leave anything out.  Maybe we will meet up on Saturday or Sunday for some girl talk at brunch,” that sounded wonderful to me.

“
I can’t wait.  Call me,” she replied before we hung up.

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Friday morning, the texts started from Alex about how he couldn’t wait for that evening’s special dinner date.  I was starting to get anxious about his intentions.  Did he want more?  Was he planning a romantic and intimate evening?  I even wondered if I should cancel or make an excuse that I couldn’t make it, but I really wanted to see him and there was no way I was going to cancel.

Laura wanted to go out for lunch with me
, so I agreed, but decided I wanted to eat very light, since I might have a heavy dinner that evening.  I didn’t want to look like an inflated balloon in my new dress.  Walter was out of the office at an offsite meeting that day, so the workload was very light and there were no meetings to set up or take minutes in.

I
left work thirty minutes early just to get a head start, so I wouldn’t get stuck in horrible traffic.  I wanted to make a stop at the beverage store for a bottle of wine to take with me.  I chose a 2010 Merlot the salesman advised would be good for this evening.  I couldn’t wait to get home and take a very quick shower and curl my hair.  I didn’t want to look like I did every single day.  After I wore the dress with my hair curled and fresh makeup on, I was very pleased with what I saw in the mirror.  I slipped on my shoes and accessories and was headed to Malibu.

Chapter 4

I drove on Pacific Coast Highway, as Alex had instructed until I reached the private gate that led to his house.  I pressed the intercom button and Alex notified me that the gate would start to open within a few seconds.  A private flagstone road led up to a beautiful, extremely modern house at the top of a hill.  What a beautiful hillside on one side of the house and a view of the ocean on the other side.  The house was mostly windows and glass.  Alex was waiting in the driveway of his house as I pulled up and parked outside one of many garages. He looked amazing in his dark blue loose fit designer jeans and a tight, short sleeve grey t-shirt and flip flops on his feet.

He opened my car door and helped me out.
  “Wow, you look stunning,” he said as he walked me to the front door, stopping to kiss me before he led me into his home. “Welcome to my home,” he said as he took my hand and walked me inside.

“
You don’t look so bad yourself, doc,” I replied.  “Oh, this is for you,” I added as I handed him the wine bag.  “I don’t know how good or bad it is, since I’m not a big wine drinker, but I hope you will like it,” I said.

“
I like anything from you, Claire,” he said with a smile.

As Alex walked me inside his
house, I noticed that most of the walls looking out of the house were glass, magnifying the view of the ocean.  The foyer led to a very modern formal living room with ceilings as high as twenty feet if not higher.  The house wasn’t too cluttered with furniture, which made it seem even bigger than it was.  The floors were dark espresso wood and some kind of modern stone.  We made our way into the kitchen area, a chef’s kitchen, as I like to call it.  In the middle of the kitchen, was a very large island and the appliances were top of the line.

“
It smells so good in here, Alex.  What do you have cooking?” I asked.

“
This evening, mademoiselle, I will be serving filet mignon, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed asparagus, and cheese stuffed mushrooms.  Oh, and a mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette,” he recited.

“
I feel like I’m in a five star restaurant, Alex.  By the way, you have a beautiful home.  Did you buy the home like this or did you have it remodeled?” I asked.

“
Thank you, Claire.  I actually had a famous international architect design it for me.  I wanted it as modern as could be.  I will give you a tour before sunset, so you can see the beauty of the ocean view,” he answered.

I was so excited about the tour.  The master bedroom had walls of glass as well, wh
ich overlooked the ocean.  The restrooms were very modern with a lot of glass tile work and unique fixtures.  The other side of the house overlooked a beautiful hillside, where I noticed a few fruit trees.  The outside included an infinity pool and the best part of the house was that on top of one of the garages was a large rooftop sitting area that overlooked the ocean and even included an elevator.  It was the perfect home for entertainment.

“
Alex, it’s absolutely breathtaking up here.  I can only imagine the parties you have here.” I said.

“
Actually, it’s been so long since I’ve entertained here that I can’t even recall the last time,” he replied, gazing towards the ocean.  “Let’s go back to the dining room, so I can feed you.  I know you must be hungry.” He took my hand and led me back inside where I noticed music coming from the speakers.  It sounded like Coldplay.  I was relieved to discover that Alex and I had the same taste in music.  He led me to the outside dining area where he had set a table overlooking the ocean.

“
I thought we would dine out here, so we could enjoy the sunset together, Claire,” he said.

“
I couldn’t have thought of a better location.” I replied.

I noticed the music also played from the outside speakers.  Alex sat me down and started bringing
out the food, starting with the appetizer, which was salad.

“
This is really delicious, Alex.  I’m confident all your cooking will be delicious this evening,” I smiled.

The filet mignon was mouthwatering and so were the mashed potatoes and side dishes.  I was very pleased with the food Alex cooked for me that evening.  He opened the bottle of wine I had brought and we sipped it slowly.
  “So, did I please you with my cooking or do you feel sick from it?” he laughed.

“
I have to be honest, Alex, I really didn’t think it was going to be restaurant quality food.  I must say that I’m very impressed.”

“
Thank you, beautiful,” he replied.  Alex had a sad look on his face all of a sudden.  I was usually very good at reading people.  He didn’t seem to be his usual self. 

“
Is everything okay, Alex?  You don’t seem like yourself today.  If you’re tired, we can call it a night, I will understand.” I offered.

“
No, no, Claire, it’s nothing.  I’m good.  I apologize if I’m acting a certain way or sending wrong vibes, but I’m fine.  I just have some things on my mind, you know, work stuff,” he clarified. I didn’t really buy that, but I wasn’t going to annoy him with my assumptions.

“
It’s dessert time,” he said, eager to change the subject.  “Tonight we will be serving fresh berries over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream,” Alex said as he headed inside to bring out the dessert.  After dessert, I helped Alex put the leftovers away and load the dishwasher.  As I was rinsing the soiled dishes, I felt Alex put his arms around my waist from behind me and start kissing my neck.  Oh no, I thought. I hope this doesn’t lead to what happened that past weekend.  Alex noticed that I had become a little uncomfortable and whispered into my ear, “I’m not going to do anything you don’t want to do.  I just want to kiss you,” he confessed.  I turned around, put my arms around his neck and started to kiss him back.  He stopped as he had promised when he noticed I started to feel uneasy.

“
Let’s go relax on the roof, it’s nice up there.”  He took my hand and led me into the elevator.  I really liked this huge space filled with modern furniture and a bar area.  There was also a fire pit in the center.  It was dimly lit, which filled the atmosphere with a relaxed feeling.  Alex brought more wine and a blanket for me, since it was getting a little chilly up there.  He sat next to me on the cozy sofa and covered the blanket over me.

“
I can do this every day with you, Claire.  I feel so relaxed after such a difficult week at work,” he said.

“
Difficult to say the least.  This week almost killed me.  I’m so glad it’s Friday night and what a perfect way to start the weekend with a gorgeous man cooking a gourmet dinner for me.  Thank you, Alex,” I said as I raised my glass to his.

“
You’re very welcome, beautiful.  Anything for you,” he replied.  Alex took both our glasses and set it on the coffee table.  He sat back next to me and pulled me closer to him.

“
Alex, if we sit any closer to one another it will be exactly like Taryn Simmonds rubbing her body all over you at the meeting the other morning,” I noted.

Alex began to laugh, “What?
Claire, I already told you the three things I do not like about that woman.  She’s too blond, she’s too blue, and she’s way too orange.  How could I even compare the two of you?  I don’t think you know how attractive you are, with your hair so long and silky, your flawless skin, your perfect body, and not to mention my favorite part, your green eyes.  Women like Taryn turn me off.  So, if you’ll do me a favor, please don’t ruin the moment by bringing her up during such a romantic evening,” Alex pleaded.

His justification was enough to keep me quiet.
I rested my head on his shoulder and listened to the waves crashing against the shore.  My eyelids were getting heavier and heavier as Alex played with my hair.  I somehow drifted off to the land of sleep.

I was running, being chased again.  I ran as fast as I could until I saw the white van again and ran faster until the shadow behind me approached quickly, grabbing me until I awakened with a scream.

“What’s wrong? Did you have a bad dream?  I didn’t want to awaken you, since you looked so peaceful, asleep on my shoulder.  You’re drenched in sweat!  What did you dream about?” Alex looked frightened.

I was out of breath and needed
a moment to collect myself.

“
I’m okay, just a nightmare I have frequently.  I’m sorry if I freaked you out,” I said as I stood up, and decided it was time to leave.  “Alex, I need to leave now,” I said as I noticed my heart palpitating and my pulse quickening.

“
No, you shouldn’t leave yet.  You look like you’re having a panic attack.  I think you need to take a moment and just relax,” he said, with a worried look on his face.

It began
to worsen, the pulse, the palpitations, and the sweating increased.  I began to feel a sensation of a lump in my throat.  Oh no!  Why was this happening
now,
I thought.  Alex took me to the elevator and inside the house where he had me sit on the living room sofa with my feet elevated on the ottoman.  “You’re going to be fine, Claire. It’s probably a panic attack triggered by the nightmare,” he assured.

“
I know what it is, Alex.  It happens often.  I have been practicing a lot of yoga and meditation and it seemed to have been helping, but I guess not.  Maybe you’re right, maybe the nightmare triggered it.  I feel better now, I can drive,” I assured him.

“
Why don’t you stay here?  You can have my room and I will sleep in one of the guest rooms. I promise I won’t try anything.  I’m not sure it’s a good idea for you to drive this time of night given your anxious condition,” he said.  “You live more than thirty minutes from here, Claire.  If it would make you feel more comfortable, I could drive you home and we could figure out a way to get your car back to you tomorrow.  Whatever you decide is fine with me,” he offered.

I thought about asking him to drive me home
, but it would take over one hour round trip and Alex had much more alcohol than I had.  What a sweet gesture, I thought.  I decided to stay.  After all it was almost one in the morning and it would be senseless to drive so late on Pacific Coast Highway or ask Alex to go out of his way.  “Okay, I will stay, but only with the arrangement you offered. I don’t want to intrude and take your room. I will sleep in the guest room,” I offered.

“
No, no, I will take the guest room.  Besides, the master bedroom has the best view of the ocean, so when you wake up in the morning you can enjoy that.  It will relieve your anxiety.  Follow me. I will give you a t-shirt to sleep in.  I’m sorry I don’t have any nightgowns,” he said, making me laugh.

Alex handed me a dark blue t-sh
irt.  “Alex, I feel really bad you are going through so much trouble.  Wouldn’t it have been easier if I just drove home?” I asked.

“
No, that’s not a good idea after what happened to you tonight,” he answered, leaving no room for argument.  He hugged me and planted a quick kiss on my lips.  “I’m not going to dare start kissing you because then I won’t be able to behave or sleep in the guest room,” he added.

“
Goodnight, Alex.  Thank you.”

“
Goodnight, beautiful.  I will make breakfast in the morning,” he added.

He’s also going to make breakfast?  Where did I find this man?  Any why hasn’t any woman swiped him by now?  I cha
nged into the t-shirt that Alex had given me and crawled into bed.  His bed was so comfortable, I was sure I wasn’t going to be able to get up early the following morning.