by Brenda Drake
“Look,” she said, pointing out a fountain that resembled a tall, silver hydrant. Water ran from the attached faucet into a hole in the ground below it. “Do they just let it run like that all the time?”
“Yeah,” he said. “They call it a nasoni. Meaning ‘big noses,’ because the faucets are arched and long like one.”
She stood over the fountain trying to figure out what to do. “Do you just get on your knees and put your mouth under it?”
He was actually contemplating letting her try that. Instead, he plugged the spout with his finger causing water to come out of a hole on top and spray into the air. He covered the spray with his mouth and drank.
“That’s clever.” Holding her ponytail to one side, she took a long drink. Water glistened on her puckered lips. The sun lit up the fiery highlights in her hair. He wanted to slow down that moment as they do in movies. Savor it. She was beautiful, water misting her face and giggling whenever her finger would move from the spout and water would shoot up, almost hitting her.
When she finished drinking, they took turns filling their empty water bottles.
“So how far until we reach the bus?” she asked. “I thought you said it was few blocks away.”
He consulted his map again. “We went down the wrong street.”
She spun around surveying the street. “How did that happen?”
“The streets all look the same to me.”
“Maybe we should ask for directions,” she said. “Or try GPS?”
“I did ask for directions,” he said, pointing at his phone’s screen.
“Oh. Then maybe a real person.”
“We probably wouldn’t understand them.” Slipping his phone back into his pocket, Andrei headed up the street. “It’s this way.”
“So, are you that type?” Daisy said as she dragged her feet.
“What type?”
“The kind that doesn’t ask for directions.” She smiled as if she’d come up with the perfect joke. Which made her adorable.
“Are you that type?” Now he was smiling.
She gave him a confused look. “What type?”
“The kind who uses the ‘men won’t ask for directions’ cliché.”
Her lips tugged at the corners as she tried to keep from smiling. “Well, it’s true. I’d ask for directions.”
“Prove it. Put your money where your mouth is.” He nodded at a man approaching them with a newspaper under his arm. “Go ahead and ask him.”
The man had a scowl on his face. His steps were quick and sharp.
“Um, maybe not him,” she said.
“You scared of him?”
“Yes. Terrified.”
He chuckled. “Guess I win then?”
“We were betting?” She walked single file behind him, so the man could pass. “You didn’t say anything about a bet.”
He stopped and turned to face her. “It’s an easy wager. A kiss.”
She took a step back. “There was no wager. You have to say what the bet is before the thing you’re betting on happens. No bet.”
This time, he took a step forward. “I thought it was implied.”
“No, it wasn’t.”
Another step closer. “So, you’re the type that doesn’t pay her debts.”
“I do, too.”
“Then you’re afraid.”
“I am not.”
“What’s stopping you?”
“Nothing.”
“Then I’m going to collect my winnings.”
“Fine.”
Before she could back up again, he took another step and cupped her face in his hands. She started to say something, but he stopped her with his lips on hers. He kissed her for a good long moment, savoring her soft mouth. Enjoying her response in the way she kissed him back and the way her body leaned into his. He released her and looked into her eyes.
“Best bet ever,” he said.
Her smile lit up her face. “There was no bet.”
“What do you say we get out of this hot sun?”
He didn’t wait for an answer, taking her hand in his and leading her down the street. Their hands knitted perfectly together. He’d follow her wherever she went. Whenever she was near, his heartbeat was out of control. His mind wasn’t his own.
There wasn’t anything holding him back. This was it for him. She was it. He wanted to get to know her more. To learn the physical part of her as he had learned the intellectual.
She’s the one who wanted to be a florist. The one who spent her weekends volunteering for needy causes. The one who would risk her life to help others. He knew that one.
But it was no longer enough for him.
There was a side that girls only showed their lovers. He wanted to know that one.
Chapter Eleven
Daisy
The Grand Hotel in Zermatt had to be expensive. Everything in the lobby was polished. The light coming from the massive chandeliers glistened over the large floor tiles and the marble and wooden furniture. Daisy straightened, trying to look classier than her clothes and backpack suggested.
Andrei placed his open hand on the small of her back causing her already shaky nerves to spike. “Go ahead. You can do it.”
She glanced at him. “Yeah, you could, too.”
“You’re his girlfriend,” he said, smiling as he coached her for the zillionth time. “Stopped by to see him while on your hiking trip. Simple.”
“How do we know you aren’t his type?”
His smile slipped. “I hadn’t thought of that. Okay, new plan. You’re his friend. Classmate.”
An older couple, meticulously dressed, walked by and gave Daisy and Andrei a once-over with disapproving looks on their faces.
Daisy straightened her shirt. It was wrinkled and looked slept in it, which it was since they’d been on a train for ten hours. “You could be his classmate.”
“We’re at a stalemate,” he said.
Daisy shook her head and sighed. “Okay, I give.”
She crossed the lobby to the reception counter. A girl with sandy-blond hair pulled back in a tight bun forced a smile.
“Hello,” Daisy said, assuming the girl would understand English since this was a resort that received people from all over the world.
“Good afternoon.” Either it was her accent, or the girl wasn’t thrilled to talk to Daisy.
“I, um, I wanted to ring the Van Burens’ room.”
“The Van Burens?” Her eyes felt icy on Daisy. “And you are?”
“Uh, a classmate of Joost’s. You see, I was just passing by and thought I’d stop in and say hello. Maybe have a cocoa with him.”
Ah! Stop. Just Stop. That is way too much information. She’s going to suspect something’s up.
Andrei stepped over and rested his elbow on the counter. The girl sat up, her icy stare melting. “Hello”—he glanced at her name tag—“Agnes. My sister here is a little tired. We’ve been hiking. Can you ring for Joost Van Buren?”
Her eyes shifted from Andrei to Daisy. “Your sister?”
“Yeah, hardly any resemblance, right?” he said. Oh, he was smooth. Daisy would give him that. “We have different fathers.”
“Oh.” She smiled at Andrei. “I’d ring them, but they’re out on the slopes. They should be back soon. Mrs. Van Buren has a scheduled spa treatment in a few hours. There’s a cheese restaurant in that direction. You could wait there. They have wonderful fondue.”
“Thank you,” he said and winked at Agnes, which made her cheeks flush a little. “Come on, sis.”
When her back was to Agnes, Daisy rolled her eyes at Andrei. “Seriously. I have no words.”
He laughed, following her across the lobby. “What?”
“I bet you she’d give you their key if you asked.” Daisy adjusted her backpack. “Disclosing Mrs. Van Buren’s schedule has to be against policy.”
“Maybe things are different in the Alps?”
“Sure. Lack of oxygen.” They found the restaur
ant and browsed the menu posted by the door. “We can’t eat here. It looks expensive.”
He rubbed his chin. “It’s not bad. We have the money.”
“We need to conserve.”
“We have enough.” He walked up to the host. “Two, please.”
The man showed him to a table. He was so tall, Daisy was worried he’d hit his head on the low-hanging lights. After studying the menu, the waiter arrived at their table and shifted impatiently as Daisy tried to decide on something to order. Something cheap.
“We’ll have the Swiss cheese fondue,” Andrei said, obviously getting impatient, too.
She waited until the waiter was out of earshot before scolding him. “That was rude. How do you know I wanted that?”
“You were taking too long. Trying to find the least expensive item on the menu, weren’t you?” He took the linen napkin off the table, unfolded it, and placed it on his lap.
“Maybe.” She’d never admit his pick would’ve been her first choice. “Just don’t do it again. I can order for myself.”
“I’m sorry.” His hand rested on her knee, and she jumped a little in her seat. “I promise in the future not to be an ass and order for you.”
She couldn’t think with his hand just lingering there. Ever since that kiss, he kept touching her. He was probably just teasing. After all, he said the kiss was settling a bet. But man, was he good at seducing girls with that lazy smile and those smoldering eyes.
Daisy finally found her voice. “Wow, that almost sounded sincere.”
“You’re rubbing off on me.” He squeezed her knee before releasing it.
The waiter came back, placing a glass of water and a pint of beer in front of Daisy. The fondue followed shortly, and the white gooey sauce was like heaven on her tongue. A boy about their age came into the room, glancing around as if he were looking for someone. Tall with light hair and a sharp jaw, average looking, but the confidence in his movements made him attractive. She recognized him from the chess club photo on his school’s website. Joost Van Buren.
She kicked Andrei under the table.
“Ouch.” He shot her a puzzled look.
Without a word, she nodded in Joost’s direction. Her heart fluttered fast, her palms sweaty. What was she going to say now? After thinking about it, the rehearsed scenario wouldn’t work. Because why would his friend, Harry, send her to the Alps to do a reading for him?
Andrei scooted his chair out, stood, and walked over to Joost. The two exchanged words, and Daisy felt uneasy when they both looked at her and came over to the table. She needed something to do. Just sitting there staring at them was awkward. She lifted her glass and took a big gulp of water.
When they reached the table, Andrei placed his hand on her shoulder. “This is Daisy.”
“Hullo, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Daisy,” Joost said with an accent that sounded like a cross between British and something else. “I’m thrilled you were able to stop in Zermatt and that we could do this thing while you’re here. As I was telling Andrei, we have a gathering this evening, and I’d love it if you both came. We can grab a moment to do it at some point, I’m certain. Well, I don’t want to disturb your meal. See you tonight?”
Daisy swallowed the mouthful of water she was holding in her mouth before answering. “Um, okay.”
“Catch you later,” Andrei said and sat down after Joost walked off.
“Care to fill me in?” she said. “What did I just agree to?”
“He’s going to your university in the fall. You write for the university’s blog and want to do a piece about him and his chess scholarship. They wanted you to do the piece before the new year started. You’re a sophomore.”
His story sounded unbelievable.
“And how did I know he was here?”
Andrei grinned as if he were so proud of himself. “You already met Harry, and he mentioned Joost was in Zermatt. You were going to be hiking in the area with your boyfriend, a.k.a. me, and thought you’d stop by to see if he could do the interview now.”
It sounded ridiculous now.
“And how does a tarot reading come into play here?” she asked.
“We hang out, get him comfortable, you do your thing, and we leave.”
She wiped her mouth with her napkin. “I need the items on that list Miri texted me.”
“We’ll get that stuff after dinner and grab a cheaper room at one of those smaller hotels.” He had all the answers.
“Okay. And what school is it?”
“Oxford.”
“Of course.” She didn’t look like anyone who would go there. “How did you even know what university to say I went to?”
“I never said. Just waited until he mentioned where he did.”
“I don’t know anything about Oxford. Do you?”
He held my gaze for a second and shook his head. “Not a thing. Only what I’ve seen in the movies.”
“That’s just great.”
This was going to be one interesting, if not uncomfortable, night.
Daisy fidgeted in the dress she’d brought along in case a fancy dress was needed. It was cream chiffon with a V-neck, thin straps, and a full skirt. The wrinkles took forever to get out with the hotel’s iron. She carried a small, quilted purse with a floral design. A great piece that was light and didn’t take up much room in her backpack. Too bad her dressy sandals were in her suitcase back at Andrei’s house in Amsterdam. Her ballet flats were a little scuffed, and she hoped no one would notice.
Andrei’s eyes met hers. “You look amazing.”
A smile tugged at her lips, and she stood straighter. “Thanks.”
The Van Burens’ party was set up like a wedding reception. Everything including the tablecloths, chairs, and flowers were white with gold accents.
She leaned closer to Andrei. “What is this gathering?”
“Not sure. Too fancy for what I’m wearing.” He glanced down at his casual pants and dress shirt. “I needed a suit.”
Joost spotted them from across the room and rushed over. “I’m pleased you made it. I had a place saved for you at a table. After dinner, we can sneak off. Consume some beers and talk.”
“I hope this is okay, man,” Andrei said, tugging on his shirt. “Not much room for a suit in my backpack.”
“You’re fine.” Joost smiled brightly, eyes dancing over Andrei’s well-fitted shirt.
Daisy was sure Joost thought Andrei could dress in anything and be fine. The boy had been caught in Andrei’s spell.
Daisy cleared her throat. “What are you celebrating?”
“My nana’s eightieth birthday,” he said as he escorted them to their table. “The old bird still has it. She was on the slopes today.”
He pulled a chair out for Daisy.
“Really? That’s amazing.” She sat down.
Andrei took the seat next to her.
“All right, I’ll be back soon,” Joost said and hurried off to a table at the front of the room.
The seats around the tables slowly filled with people, mostly older men and women. A few kids her age and some younger ones were in the mix. Waitstaff rushed around serving several courses of food, removing dishes, and pouring refills of wine. Daisy was getting dizzy and switched to water.
After a very rich chocolate dessert, Joost returned to their table. “Let’s get out of here.” He grabbed the three-quarter filled bottle of wine from the table and nodded for them to follow him.
As Joost was grabbing glasses from the bar, Daisy and Andrei waited by the door.
“He has a crush on you,” Daisy said.
Andrei flashed her a smile. “I know.”
“You’re pretty sure of yourself.”
“You’d rather I lie.”
“I’d rather you be humble,” she said.
His hand dropped onto her shoulder. “Confidence is a good thing.”
What’s going on with him? All of a sudden he wants to touch me all the time.
Whatever wa
s happening between them confused her. Was she supposed to reciprocate? They so needed to talk about it, but Joost was too eager to be with them. Or rather, Andrei.
He brought them to the pool house. The furniture was white and comfortable. Daisy stretched out on a chaise lounge.
Joost poured the wine into three glasses and handed Daisy one. “So what questions do you have?”
Daisy sat up. “Oh, yeah, that. Maybe we could just have fun tonight and meet for breakfast tomorrow.”
“All right,” Joost said, swaying a little. He took a long sip from his wineglass.
“We should pace ourselves.” She placed her drink on the glass end table beside her and laid back on the chaise again, crossing her legs at the ankles.
A laugh burst out of Joost. “You sound like my mother to my dad.” He shook the bottle of wine. “Looks like we’re out. I’ll be back with more in a flash.”
Andrei put his glass down and sat beside Daisy on the chaise, watching Joost disappear through the pool atrium’s door.
“Why aren’t you doing the interview?” he asked.
She scooted over to give him room. “For one, I know absolutely nothing about chess. Two, he doesn’t care about that right now. And three, he looks buzzed already.”
“Makes sense.” His eyes skipped over her body and stopped on her face. Her breath caught in her throat. Did someone turn up the heat or did she only just then notice how muggy it was in the pool area? “How can I help?”
“I need you to give me a lead-in,” she said, a little on the breathy side. “Like, say you’re bored, and you want to do something else. But make it natural, not forced. I’ll offer to do tarot readings. When I tap my glass with my nails, that’s your cue.”
“All right.”
The door opened, and Andrei jumped up and sat in the chair beside the chaise.
When Joost came in, he carried two bottles of wine with Agnes trailing him. “This is—”
