Secrets on Cedar Key (23 page)

I
n the almost two weeks that Worth and I had been back from Paris, we'd managed to have a few nights together. A couple of times I spent the night with him in his cottage at the Faraway, and one evening we went to Safe Harbor to relax with wine and ended up spending the night. But we were far from settling into any kind of regular routine of being together.

So when he asked me to come with him to his home in Ocala on Saturday afternoon and spend the night, I jumped at the invitation. Bella was arriving the next day, the boys the day after that, and then Fiona. Who knew when we'd have time to be alone together in the near future?

I allowed my head to rest back on the car seat, eyes closed, soaking up the warm December sun, which touched my face in the open convertible, and listened to Pachelbel's Canon on the CD player. After a few minutes I felt Worth's hand on my knee and glanced over at his handsome face. His eyes were focused on the road, but I caught the smile on his lips.

“Happy?” I asked.

“Very much so, and you?”

“I am.” I liked so many things about being with Worth, but one of the best was the easy feeling he created when I was with him. Over the years with Andrew, a lot of our time together had been stressful, brought about by Andrew's moods and always resulting in an undercurrent of tension. But it was so different with Worth—I didn't have to be careful what I said or how I expressed an opinion. I was coming to understand that if I didn't agree with him, that was okay and not cause for anger or harsh words on his part. I liked this easy feeling, this being myself, this sharing of time and love with another person.

“I have a surprise for you when we get to the house,” I heard him say and sat up straighter in my seat.

“You like surprises, don't you?” I asked.

“I like giving you surprises, yes.”

“And you're not going to give me a hint, are you?”

I saw the devilish grin on his face and knew the answer was no.

Just before we pulled up to his driveway, Worth's cell phone went off. He answered and I heard him laugh before saying, “Yeah, it's fine. She'd probably enjoy that.” There was a pause and he said, “Okay, great. Bye.”

“That was Doyle,” he explained. “He said he had some Christmas cookies that Suzette was drooling over and wanted to be sure it was okay if she had one.”

I smiled. “He's a good dog sitter.”

“He is, and with Doyle taking her, it gives us a bit more alone time.”

I followed him into the house, with him carrying my overnight bag. Strange, how at almost fifty-seven years old this still felt a bit risqué, and I smiled. It might be risqué, but it also felt right.

“Lunch and some wine first,” he said, depositing my bag near the staircase and heading to the kitchen.

I looked out to the patio area and noticed that the sun had disappeared and the sky was becoming overcast. “Are we eating in or out?”

Worth opened the fridge and removed a bottle of champagne along with various plates before glancing outside. “I think we'll be okay out there. The table's under the roof in case it rains.”

I nodded and went to the cabinet to remove dishes and to the drawer for silverware. I was beginning to feel quite at home in this kitchen and smiled because I thought that was a very good thing.

I had the patio table all set and walked back into the kitchen to hear the pop of the champagne cork. “I love that sound.”

“Me too.” Worth filled two flutes with the amber liquid. Passing me one and holding his up, he said, “Merry Christmas, Marin. I know it's going to get pretty hectic over the next week, so I want today to be our special Christmas together. I love you . . . and I'll always love you.”

I raised my glass and said, “Merry Christmas, Worth. I'm glad our paths have crossed, and I love you too. You mean the world to me.”

He took my glass, placed it on the counter, and pulled me into his arms before touching his lips to mine. It still surprised me that the closeness of him caused me to feel a heat radiating through my body that I wasn't used to. I felt the pressure of his hand on my back increase as our kiss deepened. When we pulled apart, I felt lightheaded and tingly, blowing out a deep breath.

“That was nice,” I said.

His lips touched mine again and he nodded. “It was very nice, but . . . I guess we should have lunch before we get too carried away.”

I laughed as I picked up my champagne flute and followed him to the patio.

Over a delicious lunch of quiche and salad, our conversation never wavered. Something else I loved about Worth—his ability to talk about a variety of topics and make all of them interesting.

Just as we were about to have coffee and cognac, the first raindrops began to hit the pool, creating ripples in the water, and the temperature began to get cooler.

“Why don't we take this inside?” he said. “We can sit in the living room and I can get a fire going.”

I laughed. “I know what a romantic you are, but don't you think it's too warm for a fire?”

“Nah, it's only about, what? Sixty degrees?” He placed the tray with our coffee and cognac on the table in front of the sofa and proceeded to get a fire going in the fireplace as I curled up on the huge pillows on the floor.

Once he got the fire roaring, he sat beside me on an adjacent pillow.

I took a sip of coffee and literally felt my body relax. That was another thing I noticed when I was with Worth—whatever stress I might have been feeling magically vanished.

He reached for my hand, encircling it in his, and I smiled. “This is nice,” I said.

“It is,” he agreed.

I let out a sigh of contentment.

“Have you given any thought to our long-term arrangements?” he asked.

“Not really. I have no idea how long Fiona plans to stay down here, but I wouldn't think it would be longer than a couple of weeks, if that. I mean, I think she really wants to meet Jason and John more than me, and they're only going to be here for five days. She may be gone before I even move into my new house.”

I felt his nod against my shoulder. “True. Well, would you have any problem with me staying at your new place once Fiona leaves? I could stay there during the week, and then on the weekends . . . we could come here.”

I smiled. “Sounds like the best of both worlds to me.”

“Good,” he said, getting up. “I have something for you.”

He left the room and returned with a small box beautifully wrapped in Christmas paper and ribbon.

“My surprise?” I asked.

He sat beside me and shook his head. “Well, maybe one of them. The one I was referring to will come later. This is your Christmas present, and even though it's still a few days away, I wanted to give it to you now. Alone.”

I carefully removed the paper to reveal an imprint from a jewelry shop in Paris and looked up at Worth, who shot me a smile.

Opening the box, I saw a gorgeous gold bracelet with a gold charm of the Eiffel Tower dangling from the center. “Oh, Worth! It's just beautiful.” I held it up to the light of the fireplace, and that's when I noticed . . . Were those diamonds arranged down the side of the tower? Oh, my God, they were! I knew without a doubt that this was the most expensive piece of jewelry that I'd ever owned.

“Do you like it?” he asked.

“Like it? My God, I love it. But . . . I'd be so afraid to lose it or . . . have something happen to it.”

He let out a laugh. “Don't be silly. What's the sense of having something you love, really love, if you can't enjoy it. Here,” he said, reaching for my wrist. “Let me fasten the clasp so you can wear it.”

I extended my arm and saw the look of pure joy on his face as he attached the bracelet to my wrist. “Perfect. It's perfect for you. Our time together in Paris was so special that I wanted you to have something meaningful to remember those days . . . and nights.”

As if I could ever forget. I threw my arms around his neck. “Thank you, Worth. Thank you so much, but I'll always remember our time together in Paris. You don't need to worry about that.”

I thought of the cable sweater and matching scarf that I had knitted for his Christmas present and felt embarrassed. I had it tucked away in my overnight bag, but after the extravagant gift he'd just presented me with, mine seemed shabby in comparison.

“What's wrong?” he asked.

Add another thing to the reasons why I loved Worth. He had this uncanny ability to simply look at my face and decipher my emotions.

“I have your gift with me, but . . .”

“But?”

I held up my wrist. “After this extraordinary gift from you . . . I'm afraid mine can't compare.”

He pulled me into his arms. “Don't be silly,” he said against my ear. “Please. Don't feel like that. I didn't buy you this bracelet because of the cost. I bought it because I wanted it to have special meaning for you. Please accept it with my love.”

He was right. I
was
allowing price to come before his sincere reason for choosing this particular bracelet. I nodded and got up, heading to my bag in the foyer.

I returned and passed him the gaily wrapped box. “Merry Christmas, Worth. I hope you'll like it.”

I swear the grin and expression on his face reminded me of a five-year-old as he ripped off the paper and opened the box. He removed the pale blue sweater with twisting cables down the front and held it up. “You made this for me?”

I nodded.

He reached back into the box and removed the matching scarf.

“And this?”

I nodded again, and that's when I noticed the moisture gleaming in his eyes.

He took a deep swallow and said, “This is the nicest thing anybody has ever done for me.” Pulling me into his arms, he whispered, “Thank you, Marin. I love it and I love you. So very much.”

He was definitely right. Price had nothing to do with a gift, if it was given in love. I had made many knitted items over the years for Andrew and the boys, and I couldn't recall ever witnessing such deep sentiment from the recipient.

“I'm glad you like it,” I said against his ear. “And I love
you,
Worth. You are the love of my life.”

He pulled away and fingered the sweater. “When I wear this, I will feel like your arms are wrapped around me. Thank you again.” He replaced the sweater and scarf in the box and stood up.

“Okay,” he said. “That other surprise I had for you? You have to give me a little bit of time to arrange it.”

I looked up with what I was sure was a bewildered expression on my face.

He laughed, and I saw a mischievous gleam in his eye. “Enjoy the rest of your cognac. I'm going upstairs and I'll be back to get you shortly.”

I shook my head and smiled. What on earth was this man up to?

About fifteen minutes later Worth walked into the room, reached down for my hand, and led me upstairs to the master suite.

“Close your eyes,” he said, not letting go of my hand.

I did and felt him guiding me forward.

“Okay. You can open your eyes now.”

When I did, I saw we were standing on the threshold of the room that contained the Jacuzzi, and I gasped. The entire room shimmered with candles, which had been placed all around the tub, on the vanity, everywhere—all different sizes, creating a seductive glow. On one end of the tub was a large vase of yellow roses. On the opposite end was a silver ice bucket cooling a bottle of what I had no doubt was Piper-Heidsieck. Coming from speakers in the ceiling was the haunting voice of Edith Piaf. The fragrance filling the air was a mixture of patchouli, sandalwood, and musk, and the tub jets bubbled enticingly.

“You did all of this?” I couldn't quite believe my eyes. The romance of it was overwhelming, but to know it was Worth's idea made it all that much more incredible.

“I did,” he whispered against my ear as I felt him unzip my jeans while placing short bursts of kisses on my lips. “I thought we could enjoy this special time . . .” He paused to lift my sweater over my head. “Together.”

I felt him slide my jeans to the floor as his lips found mine again. His kisses intensified as he unhooked my bra, and it too found its way beside the jeans. Heat radiated through my body as he now slid my panties to the floor before placing his mouth on my breast. Just when I was sure I couldn't control my desire for him another moment, he stepped back, gave me that sexy smile of his, reached for my hand, and led me to the steps of the Jacuzzi.

“Now . . . I will show you what true relaxation is,” he said, as that devilish grin returned to his face.

O
n the drive back to Cedar Key the following morning, I allowed my mind to recapture snippets of the night before. I knew without a doubt that I had never experienced such a seductive and fulfilling time with any man. Worth was definitely unique. In the ways he gave pleasure and the way he enjoyed pleasure. I smiled to myself as he drove along SR 24 and soft music filled the car. Teenagers and young people think they have the edge on sex, but I would disagree. Perhaps they do with just
sex,
since hormones are raging and lust is uppermost in their minds. But I had come to know that there is a distinct difference between sex and making love. And what Worth and I shared as an adult couple was a genuine connection of two people, not only in love but in sync.

“Thinking good thoughts?” I heard him say as he reached over to rub my leg.

I smiled. “Always. I was thinking about last night. Thank you for that. It was wonderful. All of it.”

“It was my pleasure,” he said, and I knew he meant that.

We maintained a comfortable silence for the rest of the drive. As we approached the Number Four bridge, I looked to my right and saw that it was high tide. The rain of the day before was gone and sunlight glittered on the water.

Worth reached for my hand. “I'm going to miss you,” he said.

Although we would be in each other's company over the next week, I knew what he meant. “And I'll miss you too.” I let out a sigh. “We might have to devise creative ways to be together,” I told him, and this brought forth Worth's laughter.

“Well, this sports car doesn't have a backseat, so, yeah, we might have to get mighty creative.”

I laughed at the thought.

 

Worth dropped me at my mother's before going to pick up Suzette with a promise he'd be back in time for dinner. He wanted to give me some girl time with Bella, which I thought was considerate.

Toulouse was curled up beside me on the sofa as I sat knitting. Shortly before two, I heard a car pull up out front and looked through the window to see that Bella had arrived. “She's here,” I called to my mother before going outside to greet her.

Bella had just gotten out of the car and was stretching.

“Long drive?” I called as I went toward her, pulling her into a hug.

“Nah, it was a good trip, but I'm happy to be here,” she said, before standing back and taking a good look at me. “You look terrific. Paris must have agreed with you—in addition to maybe something else?”

I let out a laugh and said, “Ah, yeah, you could say that. A certain Worthington Slater might be responsible.”

That caused Bella to pull me into another embrace. “Good for you. And when do I get to meet this special man?”

“He's coming for dinner this evening.” I bent toward the backseat window to see Bella's three Scotties sitting patiently. “Aww, Silas, Sammy, and Sylvia are adorable. Come on, let me help you unload the car.”

“They have their leashes on, so you can take them and I'll get my luggage.”

My mother and Oliver greeted us at the front door. The four dogs circled one another and did the requisite sniffing, and then Oliver ran to get his ball, dropping it right in front of Sylvia.

Bella came in behind me and laughed. “I think that was Oliver's welcome. Where's your little Toulouse?” she asked, going to give my mother a hug.

“Welcome, Bella. I'm so glad you could come to stay with us. I think Toulouse scampered off to the bedroom. You know where the guest room is. You can go put your luggage in there.”

I unclipped the leashes just as Bella walked back into the living room carrying Toulouse.

“I found him,” she said. “And he's gorgeous.” Sitting on the sofa, she called her three Scotties to her. “Now, this is Toulouse and he's only a kitten, so I expect you all to be on your best behavior.”

Toulouse sat quietly in Bella's lap, allowing the dogs to sniff him, before all three trotted off to join Oliver.

“So much for that,” I said with a smile. “I think the animal kingdom will be just fine during the coming week.”

“I have a pork roast in the oven,” my mother said. “And dinner will be at five-thirty. Why don't you girls get yourself some wine and go relax on the patio. I'm just going to get the vegetables peeled.”

“Oh, can't we help?” Bella asked.

“No, no. You two need to catch up and have a nice visit. I'm fine.”

I headed to the kitchen, uncorked a bottle of Beaujolais, filled two glasses, and joined Bella outside.

“Here you go,” I said, sitting in the lounge beside her.

She leaned over and touched the rim of my glass with hers. “Thanks. Here's to friendship.”

I nodded. “A very long friendship it's been.” I took a sip and smiled as I saw Oliver romping in the yard with the Scotties.

“So,” Bella said, drawing out the word. “Tell me about Paris. More importantly, tell me about Worth.”

“Paris was wonderful. As wonderful as I always remembered it. And Worth.” I let out a deep sigh. “He's pretty wonderful too.”

Bella swiveled on the lounge to face me. “I'm so happy for you, Marin.” She reached out to touch my bracelet. “From Worth? It's gorgeous.”

I nodded. “My Christmas present. He wanted me to have a special memory of our time in Paris . . . but I don't think I needed a bracelet for that.”

“He sounds pretty amazing.”

“I think he is. He's a good person, fun to be with, very considerate, not to mention extremely romantic . . . and I think he knows me better than any man has.”

Bella took a sip of her wine. “He sounds like the polar opposite of Andrew.”

“I guess he is.”

She reached over and patted my hand. “It wasn't that I didn't like Andrew, Marin. I just never thought he was the man for you. God knows, you certainly had a decent life together, you raised two wonderful sons, but . . . I always worried you had relinquished your passion when you met Andrew. That you didn't allow yourself to be the person you were meant to be, but rather conformed to what Andrew wanted.”

I took another sip of wine and nodded. “I think you're right. Being with Worth, I feel different. Everything feels comfortable and easy.”

“And it shows,” she said, giving my arm a squeeze.

 

Shortly before five, Worth rang the bell, and when I opened the door to see him wearing the blue cable sweater that I had knitted for him, I felt a huge smile cross my face.

“Hi,” I said as he pulled me into his arms and let his lips brush mine. “You wear that sweater well.”

“I'm glad you like it. A very special woman made it for me.”

I kissed his cheek. “And I'm glad I'm that special woman.”

He held out a beautiful bouquet of flowers. “For your mother.”

“She's in the kitchen with Bella. Come on.”

I made the introductions between my best friend and the man I loved and smiled as he gave Bella a hug, saying, “It's nice to finally meet you.”

“Same here,” she said, sending me a wink of approval.

“Thank you for the gorgeous flowers, Worth. I'll just get these in a vase,” my mother told him. “Why don't we all have a glass of that nice Beaujolais on the patio. Dinner will be ready shortly.”

Over dinner I noticed that Bella and Worth kept up a steady stream of conversation. There were no awkward lapses like had sometimes happened with Bella and Andrew. I smiled and wondered how it would go when my sons met Worth the next day.

“So you're all prepared to get Fiona at the airport on Tuesday?” I heard Bella ask, and I nodded.

“As ready as I'll ever be. Right now I'm more concerned about telling Jason and John tomorrow. After I get through that, then I'll worry about Fiona.”

Worth reached over to take my hand. “It'll all go fine. You'll see.”

“I think Worth's right,” my mother said. “The boys are adults now. This would be an uncomfortable situation if they were still young, but I think they'll understand that we all make mistakes.”

“And you don't know how long Fiona plans to stay?” Bella asked.

I shook my head. “I didn't want her to think she could only stay a certain amount of time. So I figured I'd leave it up to her.”

 

Later that evening after Worth had left and my mother had retired for the night, Bella and I sat curled up on each end of the sofa, sipping herbal tea, reminding me of when we shared our house in Gainesville.

“This is fun,” I said. “Having you here. I have some good friends on the island, but nothing compares with a best friend. Somebody who knows your history. Who knows you better than any other girlfriend.”

Bella nodded. “I agree. We do have a lot of history together over the years. But I never knew you to hold back on me.”

“What? What do you mean?”

“About Worth. You were spot-on in your description of him. It's easy to see what a great guy he is. It's also pretty obvious that he's crazy about you from the way he looks at you. But you neglected to tell me how handsome he is.”

I laughed. “Hmm, I guess maybe I did. I think he's a keeper.”

Bella arched an eyebrow and smiled. “You think?”