“Can anyone see me like this?”
“I don’t think so. Besides, the water spigot is behind the tent so it blocks the view. Here’s some soap and a washcloth if you want to clean off.”
“Thank you for being so prepared.”
“Eagle Scout.”
I grumble and become the speedy cleaner-upper and am back in my jeans in no time.
“I cannot believe I did something so dumb.”
“Uh, I’d have to agree.”
Sometime in the middle of the night, I wake to hear all kinds of noises—growling, scratching, and other creature sounds.
“Drew! Something’s trying to tear up our tent!”
“Huh?” a sleepy Drew asks.
“There’s something outside of the tent trying to get us! Wake up!”
“It’s nothing. Probably a raccoon. Go back to sleep.”
He conks back out, leaving me to fret, awake. Of course, the giant, man-eating animals threatening to shred our tent and eat us alive resume their activities. I know there are dozens of them right outside of that flimsy piece of fabric that affords me zero protection from the monstrous beasts. I pull the sleeping bag over my head, as if that will help. But the noises grow even louder.
“Drew! Wake up! I think there’s a grizzly out there!”
He sits straight up in the tent and his head wobbles around like one of those old timey bobble headed dolls. I think he’s still asleep. So I grab his arm and shake him.
“Waaakkkeee uppppp! There’s a bear out there!”
“What are you talking about?”
“Something is trying to eat us alive!”
One hand rubs his eyes. “Jesus. Cate, nothing is out there, other than pesky raccoons or maybe skunks.”
“SKUNKS! WHAT THE HELL!”
Immediately, I scramble for the tent exit. Only there’s a problem. I’m still zipped in my sleeping bag, and it’s one of those mummy styles that narrow at the feet. In my crazed state, I try to stand, but end up taking a three-inch step and face plant in the dirt right outside the entrance to the tent. Now, I’m frantically trying to get up and run from the so-called grizzly bear or skunks that threaten to eat or stink me to death. My arms flail and I can’t do anything because of the stupid sleeping bag. Two arms grab me and haul me backward into the tent. I’m a mermaid out of water, wrapped in downy fluff, thrashing around like a madwoman. That is until a strong and sexy body traps me under it, grabs my chin, and plants a searing hot kiss on my lips. Heat replaces panic, and my arms stop flailing and find their way around his neck, fingers winding into his thick waves. What’s that mewling? It’s only after he lifts his mouth off mine that I realize it’s me.
“Much better,” he says. “There is no bear, sweetheart. You’re perfectly safe in here with me. What do I need to do to prove it to you?”
“I-I don’t know. I’m really scared.”
“I know and I don’t want you to be. Let’s have a look around outside. Would that make you feel better?”
“Maybe,” I say, my voice squeaking.
“Okay. Let’s go.”
We get out of our sleeping bags, put our shoes on, and he grabs the flashlight. Then he does a thorough inspection outside of the tent and we don’t find a single thing. He turns to me, tucks a tendril of hair behind my ear, and says, “Honey, this is their home. The little creatures live here in the woods. Many of them come out at night to eat. They live on plants and things. They won’t hurt you, I promise. Sometimes they make noises when they feed and it sounds like they’re growling, but they’re not. They’re more afraid of you than you are of them. Would you be afraid of a rabbit if you saw one?”
“No.”
“Then you need not be afraid of these, either.”
“But a skunk?”
“Won’t bother you unless you threaten it.”
I hang my head, feeling rather idiotic.
He puts a finger under my chin, saying, “Hey, you didn’t know. This is your first time out here. It’s okay. Let’s go back to bed.” He takes my hand and I feel comforted, and not chastised. Wrapped in his arms, I fall into a deep hard sleep. By morning, I wake up surprisingly refreshed.
My stomach lets out the biggest roar and Drew chuckles in response. “I guess that’s my wake up call. Time to feed my girl.”
“Are you going to cook again?”
“Oh, yeah. You are getting the full camping breakfast.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” I feel pampered but bad that he’s doing all the work.
He looks at me earnestly. “You can tell me you’re having a good time?”
“Last night freaked me out, but I’m honestly having a good time with you.”
He smiles, then proceeds to make coffee, bacon, eggs, and pancakes.
“I can’t believe you did all this.” I say around a mouthful of pancakes in syrup. “It’s so good.”
“Eagle Scout.” That grin of his makes me want to kiss him.
I shake my head at him. Then I say, “Thank you for putting up with me last night. I guess that’s what you meant when you asked me if I was squeamish.”
“Sort of. That, and if you minded getting dirty.” He reaches over and wipes my chin. “Just a bit of syrup you got going there.”
“Jeez. First the marshmallow, and now this.”
“You look cute with stuff all over your face.”
“Just what a girl wants to hear.”
“Okay. How’s this? You’re sexy enough to lick, Cate.”
Oh, boy. “And will you follow through with that?”
Asking wasn’t necessary. Drew always follows through. He scoops me up and zips us back into the tent. Later that morning, we pack up and head home. Well, head back to my home. Once there, Drew walks me to my apartment. He sets my bag down and holds my hand.
“All week I look forward to our weekends together. I had a great time.”
I fall head first into his blue irises. “I did too. Peed-on unders and animal noises excluded. I’m sorry it’s over.”
“I didn’t mind either of them.” He pushes strands of wayward hair behind my ear before cupping the back of my head to kiss me. This time the kiss is slow and I feel something tighten within me. And it isn’t just my hormones. I feel it in my chest. This man has turned out to be everything I never thought I could have. As the emotions well up I feel something pool in my eyes.
When he pulls back to look at me, his expression turns into concern.
“What’s wrong, Cate?”
I shake my head afraid of what I might be beginning to feel. “Nothing. I think something got in my eye.” I’m not lying—the unshed tears still burn there.
His eyes focus on me and I smile. He leans in and blows across my eyes. “Better?”
I blink back the tears and nod. “I’m going to miss you. I wish you lived closer.”
“I’m going to miss you too, my camping girl.” He licks his lips and pauses as if he wanted to say more. “Next weekend?”
I nod, not strong enough to admit I’m falling hard for him. I can only hope that if he doesn’t feel the same, I don’t break when I hit bottom. He presses a sweet final kiss to my lips before he turns to leave.
“Next weekend,” I say more to myself as he walks away.
Eleven
Present
Rolling over in bed, I encounter a wall of pillows.
“Hey,” Jenna’s says, her head popping up on the other side of the wall. “I’m not ready to get up.”
Her whine makes me smile because I’ve missed this girl so much. Only my grin turns into a frown as my head throbs. I can’t remember how much wine we consumed last night. My confusion doesn’t stop the playful jab that comes from my mouth.
“You talk in your sleep. You know that?”
“I do? What did I say?” she asks anxiously.
“Something about Brandon.”
Her faces lights up. “Don’t mention that name when we meet Kenneth tonight.”
“Who’s Kenneth?” My nose wrinkles up.
She waves a hand in the air as she falls behind the pillows to hide herself. “I met him at the country club a few months ago. I don’t get to see him often. He lives here most of the year, but his family home is in Charleston.”
“You haven’t told me about him.”
She doesn’t come up to face me. “You know. It hasn’t been serious, just a few hook ups. I think he’s smitten with me. He comes from all the right stock. Still…”
I decide not to press her. She hasn’t mentioned him before, but I’ll trust what she tells me.
“You kick, you know? That’s why I have these pillows here.”
“I do not,” I whine.
“You do too. I swear I might have been better off on the couch. At least I wouldn’t be black and blue.”
I almost believe her until she bursts out laughing. I toss a pillow at her.
“It would be stupid for one of us to sleep on the couch when I have this queen-sized bed.” I push up to my feet, not really ready to get up for the day.
Our conversation, like my brain this morning, drifts from topic to topic.
“If you wear those to bed, I know now why you aren’t getting laid.”
I glance down at my oversized tee-shirt and fuzzy sleep pants with tiny pigs printed all over them.
“What’s wrong with pigs?” I ask.
She sits up and as I make my way toward the door to go to the bathroom, I add, “Ducks aren’t any better.”
She starts making quacking noises and I have a nostalgic moment. It’s so strong I have a wild moment of wanting to move back to Charleston so I’ll have more moments like this.
“Don’t go all lezzy on me. Don’t get me wrong, a little girl on girl action never hurt anyone. But you’re looking at me like you should look at dick.”
I feel my mouth turn into a pout as I change course and throw myself at her. “I missed you so much,” I say as I land on the bed and crush her in a hug.
“Okay, okay, I missed you, too.” She squeezes back and then I let her go. She sits up and props herself against the headboard.
“I know you told me everything last night, but we really didn’t talk about it. I’m still mad at you for not telling me until now.”
I sigh and glance at my cuticles, which suddenly need my attention.
“Don’t you mutter at me,” she says.
I can’t remember saying anything.
“You ended up in bed with Drew and you say you didn’t do the dirty with him. And the way you were all disheveled at the door. I would have sworn you had sex with him if you hadn’t said otherwise. And you wonder why Louise is rusty.”
“Louise isn’t rusty. Sex is like riding a bike.”
“In your case, a rusty bike, considering how long it’s been.”
I fall back into the wall of pillows. “What am I going to do?”
“I can’t answer that for you. Part of me thinks that he’s obviously still crazy about you and you would be crazy not to jump at that chance.”
“How can I? Why doesn’t he hate me?” I bury my face in my hands.
“Hun, he may be able to blame you for leaving. But he knows damn well why you left.”
I press the heels of my palms into my eyes. “Every time I look at him, the guilt, it hurts.”
She lets out a heavy sigh. “I haven’t said this before because you had too much going on then. And you didn’t need advice like this. But you need to forgive yourself. You did what you thought you had to do. He’s obviously not mad at you. And it can’t be easy for him either. If he’s willing to give it a shot…”
“He wants me to call him Andy, like that somehow wipes the slate clean and gives us a brand new start.”
“Drew?” she asks. I nod and she adds, “When I saw him I swear it was like seeing a ghost.”
I glare at her. “Too soon?” She wears an I’m sorry expression.
“A ghost, really?” I wave a hand.
“I’m sorry, Cate. Drew – Andy—what the fuck, he’s here now. You have to decide what you want and maybe going out tonight is the answer.”
“How is that?
“There will be plenty of men—”
I cut her off. “How will that help?”
She holds out a hand. “Wait. Plenty of men, rich men—”
“Money doesn’t move me, Jenna.”
“Will you let me have a word?”
I sigh, then nod.
“If you keep an open mind, and you meet someone that interests you, then you know you’re ready to move on. If you keep hiding out, how will you know if he’s the answer or not?”
She has a point. “Fine, but I’m not sleeping with anyone.”
“You don’t have to.”
“What? You’re giving up your love quest for Louise?”
“I’m not giving up. I’m giving you a pass for tonight. Plus, I have a feeling the man of your dreams will be there tonight.”
“Are you saying that because Drew won’t be there?”
“I’m saying it because I have this feeling in my gut. Plus it doesn’t hurt tomorrow is Halloween. Something’s in the air and tonight’s masquerade ball is a grown up version of a Halloween party. Lots of tricks and mischief. Time for you to give up some of your treats.”
Her eyes spark to life and I know that look. I groan. I also know if I don’t get out of here, she’ll make plans for us to go to the spa or something. So I get to my feet and make a beeline for the bathroom. As I shower, I think she’s right. I haven’t given anyone a real shot since him. And maybe it is time for me to spread my wings and find out if this bird is ready to fly.
A few hours later after coffee and breakfast at a café near my apartment, a delivery arrives. A woman artfully carries several bags into my apartment.
“What’s this?” I ask Jenna, hiding behind the closed door of my bedroom because I don’t want to ask in front of the impatient looking woman.
“It’s the Belfour treatment,” she says like that’s the answer to everything. When I fold my arms over my chest, she flutters her lashes and sighs. “Kenneth is providing my dress and yours although he doesn’t know it yet.”
That’s Jenna for you. She’s going to stick the guy with the cost for my dress too. “Jenna, I can’t.”
“You can because if you don’t go, I don’t go.” She shrugs like that’s the end of it.
Only it is, because protesting doesn’t work. I’m forced back into the living room as the woman unzips gorgeous dress after gorgeous dress from individual garment bags by well-known high end designers. There are shoes and clutches as well, specially selected for each outfit. There is even lingerie. The woman, whose nose couldn’t be any higher in the air, finally leaves after showing us everything and promising to pick up whatever we don’t want the next day.
“Come on, pick one and then we can check each other out.”
I point to the bags. “No, you first. This is your day, Cinderella. Your fairy godmother just left.”
Her mouth purses. “I’m not Cinderella at this ball. I have my Prince and it’s time you find yours, or at least one to try out for the night.”
“Fine, but Cinderella doesn’t pick first. Her evil step-sisters get the best dresses.”
She looks aghast, pointing at herself. “I’m evil?”
“Yes, yes you are.” I laugh. “You’re the one that wants me to get dolled up and laid by some stranger as long as he can get to my glass slipper.”
“Well, true.”
She makes a fuss spinning around and leaving the room in a flourish with all the bags. She tries on the gowns and settles for a royal blue dress with lacy appliques that hide certain body parts while revealing skin in a way that is going to make Kenneth’s jaw drop.
“Here, try this one.”
She hands me a pure white dress. It isn’t the one I would have picked, but she reminds me that Cinderella doesn’t get a choice. So much for my big mouth. The gown dips l
ow in a plunging neckline. If not for a sheer piece of fabric across the middle, I would pop out of it. Still, I won’t be able to wear a bra and by the clingy look of the dress, I might not be able to wear underwear either.
After getting into it, I know I will have to go totally bare underneath the dress. When I walk out, Jenna excitedly claps. “That’s it. That’s the one.”
“I haven’t tried on anything else,” I complain.
“You don’t have to. Your body is perfect for it.”
I hate to admit it, but the dress is stunning. There are no price tags, but I know the dress costs a pretty penny based on the store name printed on the business card the woman handed us before she left.
After changing back into our own clothes, we walk down the street to one of my favorite restaurants and eat a light lunch. Jenna’s afraid if we eat too heavy we might be too bloated to fit our dresses well and I have to agree. The fabric on both is unforgiving. Every curve and rut will show.
Later, I shower and spend an hour flat ironing my hair to add some curls as Jenna helps me create a half up and down do. I can’t help but feel like a princess when a limo arrives to pick us up. The ball is at a place I am unfamiliar with, so I’m glad for the ride. We are ushered out in red carpet style fashion, and even stop to pose for pictures before we enter. I recognize the Speaker of the House, who stands behind us. Although that is kind of cool, I wonder if all the men will be silver foxes or if some younger guys will make an appearance tonight.
Inside, a pleasant melody plays and some people dance as others mingle. But it’s too quiet and I can’t put my finger on it.
I slip on the white mask trimmed in silver with a feather plume on one side that was in a separate bag inside the garment bag for my dress. Jenna slips on her royal blue mask covered in black lace.
“Jenna,” says a man with striking features and hair dark as midnight.
“Kenneth,” she says with a squeal and practically leaps into his arms.
They only have eyes for each other for a moment and I kick myself for not asking more about him because I’ve only been caught up in my own life.
“Kenneth, this is my best friend, Cate McKnight. Cate this is Kenneth Belfour.”
The Cruel and Beautiful Series Boxset Page 15
