Desire Part Two (The Desire Series Book 2) (9 page)

“Ah! Simone. You get more beautiful each time I see you,” Whit grinned.

He held open his arms and she moved into them.

“It’s so good to see you. I can always count on a boost to my ego whenever I see you,” she laughed.

“Tis not flatter but truth,” Whit swore.

Simone pulled out of his arms.

“But true beauty is sitting at your table,” Simone smiled as she gestured to Maddie.

“Yes, so she is. Simone, Sean this is Madison McClain. Maddie, two of my best friends on earth, Sean and Simone Bradbury,” Whit introduced.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Maddie said genuinely.

“The pleasure is ours,” Simone said kindly.

“How on earth did Whit get so lucky as to meet someone as dazzling you? I hope you’re making him earn every moment of your time,” Sean said outrageously.

Maddie laughed.

“Whit has proven to be quite gallant,” Maddie grinned.

“Chivalry can be his persuasive weapon of debauchery. Be warned, my fair lady,” Sean teased.

“Madison knows better than to listen to the likes of you,” Whit laughed. “Sit with us and join us for coffee. Have you eaten?”

“Yes, we’ve had supper. We are stuffed to the gills but would absolutely love some coffee,” Simone said.

“Tam, coffee please,” Whit said.

Tam nodded and left the terrace.

Sean pulled up chairs for Simone and himself.

“How in the world did you know I was in Aruba?’ Whit asked.

“We called your New York office and was told you were out of town,” Sean said.

“Your secretary was quite mum about your whereabouts. We couldn’t pry a word from her as to where you were,” Simone said.

Maddie looked at Whit curiously. She wondered why Tina had been so shut-mouthed. Obviously Whit had told her not to reveal his location. But why? Was he hiding something?

“So how did you find him here?” Maddie asked.

“We took a chance that Whit would be here. He loves this place,” Simone answered.

“And I recalled Whit mentioning a project on the island. I thought he might come here to see about it,” Sean said.

“Of course, we called Tam to ensure that you were here before coming,” Simone smiled.

“So Madison, how do you like the island?” Simone asked.

“It’s beautiful although I haven’t seen much of it so far. We only arrived this morning,” Maddie said.

“This morning! Why you haven’t had time to see anything at all. We can show you around the island while you are here. It really is a paradise,” Simone enthused.

“I would love that. But I am here to work,” Maddie smiled.

“Work?” Sean asked.

“Yes. I’m an interior designer and I’m overseeing the Edelston project,” Maddie said.

“So you work at Whit’s newly acquired company,” Simone said.

“Yes,” Maddie responded.

“Maddie is an exceptional designer and I wanted the best working the Edelston project,” Whit said.

“I see,” Simone said shrewdly.

Maddie was suddenly uncomfortable. Simone acted like she had completed a jigsaw puzzle that illustrator Maddie and Whit’s love life.

“I hope you really do,” Whit said abruptly.

“I do,” Simone quipped. 

Maddie looked at Whit and Simone in confusion. It seemed as though they’d had a conversation that only the two of them understood. Whit and Sean began talking and Simone leaned over to clasp Maddie’s hand.

“I’ll explain that exchange between Whit and I later,” Simone whispered.

She smiled sweetly at Maddie and Maddie smiled tremulously. The evening turned out to be a raucous affair as Whit and Sean teased each other mercilessly. Maddie and Simone became immediate friends and made all kinds of sightseeing plans. Simone knew the island extensively and couldn’t wait to show Maddie some of her favorite places. It was late when the couple left. Whit and Maddie stood on the portico and waved them off. They re-entered the house and Whit shut the door as Maddie leaned against the wall in exhaustion.

“I think I could fall asleep standing in this very spot,” she mumbled.

“We can do better than that,” Whit said.

Maddie had no idea what he meant until she felt herself being hoisted in his arms.

“Whit!” she exclaimed.

“At your service,” he grinned.

“I wasn’t angling to be picked up,” she said.

He began walking up the stairs.

“It’s my pleasure to carry you. Besides, you weigh less than a feather,” he said.

“I doubt that,” she replied.

“Your weight is negligible,” he replied.

Maddie was too tired to argue. She looped her arms about his neck and laid her head on his chest. It actually felt very nice to be carried by Whit. She was secure in his powerful arms and knew she was safe. They arrived in her bedroom and he deposited her on the huge bed. Maddie looked around the room and saw his robe and pajamas lying on the chaise. He would be spending the night with her. So he was going to continue what had already been established in New York. Although their relationship was new, they had spent quite a few nights together. And Whit had always spent the entire night. She liked falling asleep and waking up in Whit’s arms. And it could only be even more extraordinary being in such a splendid place as the island. They both changed into sleepwear, Maddie a short nightie and Whit wore pajama bottoms only. They got into bed and Maddie relaxed in Whit’s arms. They slept.

Chapter 6

As Whit drove up the Edelston driveway Maddie was in total awe. If she thought Whit’s home was magnificent then this place was a masterpiece. Maddie had never imagined that a person could actually live in such luxury and splendor. She was beginning to wonder if her designs would do it justice. It was a daunting task that awaited her and as she gazed at the beautiful façade in the distance she began to second guess her abilities.

“Do not allow qualms to instill misgivings about your skills, Madison. You are well equipped for this undertaking,” Whit reassured her.

He had read her mind once again. Uncertainties had crept into her psyche. This project was bigger than any she had ever handled. Would she be able to pull it off? This project would make or break her career. Would she be able to function and excel under such pressure? She could only hope so.

“The house is so formidable. I wonder if I’m up to the task of its decoration,” Maddie said worriedly.

“Do not let the size of it intimidate you,” he said. Whit parked the car in front of the multi-vehicle garage then turned to look at her. “Break the house down into sections and focus on one at a time. Before you know it the entire house will reflect your vision.”

“I will do my best, Whit,” she murmured.

“And that will be more than enough,” he responded.

He got out of the car and came around to open her door. As they approached the house they saw a man walking across the lawn. The man waved at them. Whit smiled and waved back.

“Who is he?” Maddie asked.

“The man you are designing for; Matthew Edelston,” Whit said. “We’ve been colleagues for over seven years. I consider him a friend.”

Maddie looked at Whit in consternation. He may not have realized it but he’d just added an additional ton of pressure on her. She was not only furnishing an extraordinarily fabulous house but it was for his friend. How much more stress could she take? 

“Whit!” Matthew Edelston exclaimed. The two men hugged. “I was hoping I would still be here when you arrived.”

“I’m happy that you are. You can meet the lady who will be turning your home into a work of art,” Whit said cheerfully. “Matt, meet my designer extraordinaire, Madison McClain.”

Maddie wished Whit had been a little less effusive in his introduction of her. She clasped Matt’s extended hand.

“It’s such a pleasure to meet you, Mister Edelston,” Maddie greeted.

“It is my good fortune indeed to make your acquaintance. Please call me Matt,” Matt said. “I feel like I already know you from Whit’s excellent description of you.”

Maddie looked at Whit.

“You’ve spoken of me to him?” Maddie asked Whit.

“Only in the most glowing of terms; and I can see why,” Matt grinned.

Maddie blushed prettily.

“Your home is exquisite. I am anxious to see inside,” Maddie said.

“Then inside we shall go,” Matt said.

Maddie walked between the two impressive men. They were quite similar in physique. Both were tall, slender and muscular. But that is where the similarities stopped. Whereas Whit had dark hair with blue eyes, Matt had very thick blond hair with dark grey eyes. Maddie could imagine his eyes changing color with his emotions. Matt was very tanned and he wore horseback riding breeches. Maddie made a mental note to ask him about his riding. They entered the house from a side door and Maddie was astounded. The room was empty of furniture but Maddie was enthralled by the woodwork and crown molding. Its craftsmanship was second to none. She slowly wandered about the room totally oblivious to Whit and Matt. She immediately began envisioning the pieces she would put in the room. She couldn’t wait to get started. She took a notepad from her purse and began making notes.

“She’s gorgeous. How did you get so lucky?” Matt asked.

“Sean asked the same thing. I guess it is fate,” Whit said.

“So you are serious about her?” Matt questioned.

“Very much. More than she knows I think,” Whit answered.

“Well, I couldn’t be happier for you. You deserve to have a good woman in your life,” Matt said. “What about Raquel?”

Whit looked sharply at Matt.

“What about her?” Whit asked.

“Rumor has it that she is on the warpath. Raquel does not handle rejection well, you know,” Matt said.

“Raquel has always known what our association amounted to. It has run its course and I have moved on. She needs to do the same,” Whit said tartly. 

“I would guess that she has forgotten that tidbit,” Matt snickered.

“Well, she had better face reality for I’m not going to marry her,” Whit retorted.

Sean was suddenly serious.

“Will she try to get her father to force your hand?” Sean asked.

“Possibly. She implied as much,” Whit answered tautly.

“You know I would lend you the money if I had it to spare. But all of my capital is tied up in real estate projects right now,” Sean said in remorse.

“I know you would. Don’t worry about it, Sean. I will figure something out,” Whit replied.

“Well, be warned. It’s only a matter of time before she surmises where you are. She will come. You can bet your last nickel on it,” Sean cautioned.

“You’re right. And she will make as much trouble as she can. But it will not matter. She will not get what she wants,” Whit concluded.

“But when she’s done, will you get what you want?” Sean asked soberly.

Whit was saved from answering due to Maddie’s timely approach. She excitedly told them of her plans for the room. Sean was impressed with her concept.

“I’m as excited as you. Let me give you a tour of the house,” Matt said.

The three of them moved off into another room for the grand tour.

*****

Several days had past and Maddie was deep into the decorating of the Edelston house. So far had gone well and Maddie was pleased. One warm evening she sat in the garden on a stone bench before a gushing water fountain. It had been a long day and she’s wanted to unwind before supper. She stared at the splashing water as she organized her thoughts regarding the Edelston project. When Matt had given her and Whit an extensive tour of the house Maddie had caught her bearings. The intimidation she had felt upon seeing the house had gone and now all she felt was enthusiasm for her task. When she had returned to Whit’s house she immediately began making phone calls to art galleries and furnishing houses to find the perfect pieces. She could see the completed house in her mind’s eye and she was highly motivated to see it come to life. She had taken Whit’s advice and broken the house down into manageable sections. The architecture of each room gave her new ideas and added unique twists to the concepts she already had. What a grand showcase the house will be when she is finished. The Edelston house will be featured in every home furnishing magazine and television show there was. And her name will be synonymous with its décor. Maddie giggled delightedly at the thought of possibly getting her own television show on HGTV. That would be unreal. She stood and turned to go back to the house when she heard raised voices. She stood still and listened. She heard a female voice and Whit’s lower tones. The woman was extremely agitated as her voice was almost screeching. Maddie wondered who she was and why was she so angry. Although she could hear loud voices they were still indistinct. Maddie moved closer to the house to better hear.

“How dare you leave me hanging, as if I’m yesterday’s trash? Do you not know with whom you’re dealing?” the female yelled.

“I know exactly who and what you are, Raquel, and I want no part of you,” Whit snarled.

Maddie had never seen Whit angry. This was another side of him that was alien to her.

“You think to dismiss me without so much as a ‘by your leave’? I think not. Father will have plenty to say about this,” Raquel spat.

“I will deal with Howard in my own way. I will not be coerced into doing something that I detest because I owe him money. Find another man to manipulate,” Whit said coldly.

Maddie gasped. She had never thought that Whit would owe money to anyone. He seemed so powerful and financially secured. But how did he get there? Everybody had to start somewhere. Obviously he needed money at some point to build his empire; and this woman seemed to be connected to that money source. Maddie took another step forward and stepped on a small branch. It snapped loudly.

“Who is that? Who’s there?” Raquel asked sharply.

Maddie knew she had to step forward. She walked up the terrace stairs and entered the double doors.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you. I had been out in the gardens and was coming back to the house,” Maddie explained.

“And you decided to eavesdrop; you nosey tramp,” Raquel attacked.

Maddie gasped.