“No. My relationship with her father is none of her business. She was young and vulnerable, not ready to hear my rendition of his life.”
“That doesn’t sound too Christ-like. Perhaps I was wrong to think you were different from the general religious crowd.”
“Ah, yes – I recall your convictions in that area,” he said in a thoughtful tone. “You are very black and white – call it as you see it.”
“I consider that a good quality, Trevor. Here you sit and freely unload your heart to me, Chrissy’s friend. Perhaps Chelsea is jealous of the relationship you had with Chrissy…before she got all bent out of shape and left for South Carolina. Instead of your anger, maybe you should try to become a listening ear.”
Trevor pushed his chair back from the table and gazed thoughtfully out the window. Melanie remained quiet.
Eventually, he resumed the conversation. “Forgive me. I obviously know Chelsea better than you. Even if hurt and jealousy play a role in her rudeness, the rebellion burns deeper. She was always jealous of anything out of reach. Her father spoiled her, and she did not handle his death well. With her mother also out of the picture, I’ve tried to compensate and introduce her to a world she must earn for herself. But my efforts have lacked results. It is not a shortage of love for the girl on my part, so far, her soul has been unreachable. That’s the way I read my niece, and I will be hard-pressed to change my opinion at this stage of her plan.”
Melanie’s breath quickened. “Yes! A plan? Are you aware of a plan that involves material gain?”
“Most definitely, but I don’t let her close enough to the books to have any real influence over my business decisions and finances.”
“Perhaps another reason for her jealousy?” Though she said this quietly, it dropped like a bomb.
His voice raised in irritation. “Is it not enough that Chelsea has labeled you a druggie, a liar and perhaps a murderer? That she has forced the same precinct you worked for in Georgia to investigate you as a suspect in her outlandish charges? Do you take pleasure in someone bashing your character?”
“Certainly not, but I’m innocent, Trevor, and believe that the system will find the truth.” She hated the gulf she felt expanding between them, and apparently, so did he.
“Discord between us would satisfy Chelsea to no end, and I won’t let her have that victory.” He covered her hand with his. “Please, Melanie, let’s not talk about the case anymore tonight.”
She could not help but fall prey to his tender, pleading eyes. “Agreed. We have a date. Best not be late for church, Mr. Knight.”
Blessings come in all shapes, sizes, and often disguises. Love searches for lonesome hearts.
Chapter 14
The evening was still young when they returned from Bible study. High humidity had turned the weather into a sweat bath. Heat hung in the air like an ominous cloud. Inside, the air conditioner hummed to keep the household cool, but Melanie didn’t want to spend the hours before sleep pacing inside her room.
Still sipping her Oreo-flavored milkshake, she proposed an alternate plan. “Do you swim in that pool of yours or just entertain there?”
“I can swim.”
“Up for some laps before we retire?”
“That sounds better than going back inside my office and working until midnight. You have a date.”
Melanie swallowed hard. “I didn’t mean to imply that the swim was a date.”
“Why not? If I recall, you labeled going to church as a date. This is merely an extension of that. First the spiritual, and then the physical.”
“I suppose.”
“Melanie, you aren’t much younger than me, and you’re quite eligible to pursue, should we wish to travel that path together.”
Melanie attempted to avoid debating the latter part of his comment, feeling certain her giveaway blush would contradict any defense her objections might offer. “Let’s start with a swim.”
Trevor chucked as they headed for the stairs to change.
“Seems we are doing a lot of startups, Miss Braxton, but you will find me a very patient man.”
“I’m a quick change. Bet I can beat you to the pool,” she challenged to keep them on a more playful topic.
“No doubt you will,” he said as they mounted the steps. “Our time spent in the House of God appears to have given you a boost of energy.”
“Thanks for inviting me. It was the push I needed to examine my spirituality. I always figured that membership and attendance were enough to gain entry into the Kingdom.”
“Many are wrapped up in the man-made part of religion, but truth has a way of reaching a seeker’s heart.”
“The relationship aspect of abiding with Christ is a new idea. I used to think God sat on his throne in the sky looking down to judge every time I messed up – which is a lot. I like the idea that He walks and talks with me daily. I don’t have to work to earn a relationship with Him. He offers new life as a free gift.”
“Just like Christmas.”
“I love Christmas, but I suspect this year, the story might find a deeper connection in my heart.” They’d reached the top floor, and before they parted – her to the left and him to the right – he grabbed both her hands and spun her around to face him.
“Sounds like you might be joining the family after all,” Trevor said.
“The family of God?”
He grinned.
She surmised that he’d inferred the Knight family as well as God’s family. It pleased her to realize she was not appalled by such an idea.
“You’re teasing me,” he said, the reflection from the overhead chandelier infusing sparks in his eyes.
“Perhaps. I believe I heard one of your buddies tonight say that healthy competition hadn’t been outlawed in your church.”
“Such a cynical overview of a Christian’s existence,” he said.
“One that is fast departing,” she said. “I’m ready for that swim.”
He watched as she rubbed her hands together in excitement. “Are you trying to make this little swim a competition?”
“It’s always a competition, dear sir.”
Trevor checked his watch. “Ten minutes. I’ll bring the stop watch.”
Melanie arrived first and threw her oversized towel on a lounger. Underwater pot-lights streamed horizontally in multi-colored rays, casting a tranquil mood around the pool. The outside lights highlighted the surrounding vegetation. A maid hurried over to place a bottle of non-alcoholic, tropical fizz buried in ice and two long stem glasses on the poolside table. Melanie assumed that Trevor was taking the date idea to the max. She jumped when she heard his voice behind her.
“Ready to get beaten, Miss Braxton?”
Melanie stared openly while he took off his already unbuttoned shirt to reveal a tight, trim waist that rose to a muscled chest. He tossed the shirt on a chair. His entire body screamed physical fitness, and she wondered if her win would be as simple as she’d imagined. His bronze tan shone beneath the evening lights. In all, she was pleasantly shocked at the man standing before her.
A low voice interrupted her musing. She lifted her gaze to meet a mischievous smile that touched his blue eyes and turned on the twinkle in them to match the stars in the sky. Melanie felt a crimson glow rush up her neck to engulf her face. Really? She’d seen hot men before. He’d think she was a love-starved old-maid, for sure.
He never missed an opportunity. “Like what you see?”
She lowered her eyes, and concentrated on kicking off her sandals, suddenly nervous about removing her cover-up. Melanie replied casually, “Not what I was expecting, you being a behind-the-desk kind of man.”
“I do come out of the office on occasion, and I wouldn’t miss this swim for anything.”
“Well, we shall see how you feel when I leave you in my wake.”
Melanie turned to race for the deep end of the pool. At the diving board, she glanced back to see Trevor still standing where she’d left him, looking con
fident and tantalizing. Her breathing grew heavy. She sucked in the evening air, filled her lungs, and dove into the warm water, hoping to drown her humiliation and fiery skin in the cool water.
Melanie surfaced halfway down the length, but she refused to seek him out. Her strong arms plowed forward and she fell into an easy breast stroke. At the far end, she dove under and kicked against the cement wall to start the trek back. When she reached the diving board, she glanced up to find Trevor standing on the edge of the deep end, peering at her with his most competitive face, waving his watch.
“You cheated and jumped in too soon. Suppose now you’ll claim you did an extra lap and not accept my victory in this challenge.”
“I’m not tired.” Melanie pulled herself up and jumped to his side. “Ready to start the clock?”
Trevor chuckled. “You already won the wet t-shirt contest. Are you going to get rid of the unnecessary weight? Don’t want you to claim bulk as an excuse for losing.”
The shirt! In her attempt to escape his scrutiny, she’d left the shirt on, and it did nothing but enhance the navy bikini under it. As it turned out, wet clothes are hard to remove, and she stiffened when his hands covered hers.
“Let me help.”
The joint effort did nothing to lessen the enormity of the tight, wet shirt being pulled over a dripping mass of tangled curls. They both ended in a fit of laughter and eventually sat on the edge of a lounger to catch their breath.
She felt his gaze on her. Usually, such scrutiny would bother her, but somehow, Trevor made his feel like a wonderful compliment. This proved too distracting, sitting under the stars with willing arms in which she could easily get lost.
Melanie disengaged from his close regard.
“Are you ready to be defeated, sir?” Melanie thought the reference to sir would create distance, but instead, his grin broadened, as if he’d guessed her deepest secret.
They moved to the edge of the pool, and Trevor pushed the button on the watch. They raised arms, and took a diving form, and counted, “Three…two…one…go.”
Water splashed over the cement platform as the two went under. She felt his arm brush her and then push away to allow them space to swim. Each time they hit the far side together, and each time the pace grew more intense. The competition invigorated her, and she felt alive.
Finally, Trevor yelled, “Last time,” as they began the final lap. Both competitors surfaced at the same time.
Melanie coughed her denial. “No way!”
Trevor pushed himself above the water and onto the side with little effort. Once on his feet, he reached a hand down to pull her up. She grabbed hold, and yanked him back in.
“This isn’t over yet, Mr. Physically Fit.”
“I’m afraid it is, Miss Competitive.” He pushed her head under and when she surfaced, he was standing on the edge of the pool with his hand extended once again.
“Truce, little lady? I kind of like the idea of us being equals in this first endeavor.”
“First?” Melanie gulped as he drew her upward with ease.
“Definitely. I demand a rematch,” Trevor said.
She laughed and moved to a safe distance, grabbed a towel, wrapped it around her body and knotted it in the front. He slapped the seat next to him. “Join me for a night cap?”
“Great idea. It will provide a good sleeping pill.”
“It is one hundred percent alcohol-free. Not one’s usual knock-out juice.” Trevor poured the red liquid into the glasses. “Do you usually retire at ten o’clock?”
“Well, not always, but I’m a working girl, and the last few days have been rather exhausting.”
“But officially, you’re still on holidays, right?”
“Right…sort of.” Melanie’s eyes clouded, and her hands trembled uncontrollably. She twisted her fingers together, but the unchecked change in demeanor did not escape Trevor Knight, who lifted her chin with his finger to meet his gaze.
Magnetism held her there, while fear glazed over his eyes. “Melanie, you’re hiding something from me.”
“Not on purpose.” How could she say that she found being close to him emotionally riveting without totally falling prey to his charm?
“I want to know everything about you. I’m afraid you’ve cast a spell over me, freeing me from a life of habitual boredom. I hope you’re feeling the undercurrents too.”
“No – I mean, maybe. But, like you said, you don’t know me. I could be a druggie or a liar or a horrible friend to your niece.”
“Chrissy? She loves you, and to my knowledge, has spoken highly of the woman who saved her from a life on the streets. Your last visit opened my eyes to your finer qualities, and I have no words to describe the feelings you have awakened in me during my time with you now.”
Melanie jumped to her feet, unable to take any more. “I’ve been dishonest. While we’ve openly suspected as to your family’s involvement in Chrissy’s disappearance, I’ve neglected to tell you that my family is involved, as well.”
Trevor raised his eyebrows and put down his glass.
“It’s my brother, Drew. Somehow, he knew I was in danger that night, and if not for his car arriving, I’m not sure I’d have gotten away. After I left you in downtown Langley, I watched Drew and a woman from outside my balcony window, who I know now to be Chelsea, searching my apartment.”
“Did you mention him to the police in South Carolina?”
“Yes, I came clean with them, and I will with the Georgia police force at two tomorrow. I’ve called everyone I know to see if they’ve heard or seen Chrissy. That’s why I seriously doubt the wicked-sister made contact while she was in Langley yesterday.” Melanie bit her lip, embarrassment filling her. “I was so afraid for Drew, but I know I can’t protect him this time. It goes against everything I believe in.”
“To be honest, I don’t like your brother.”
“How do you know him?”
“Chelsea brought him here a while back. He was too snoopy and quiet for my liking.”
“Drew? Quiet? Are you sure it was my brother, Drew Braxton?”
“Quite sure. Chelsea was defending his actions and bragging him up like she somehow needed my permission to date the likes of him.”
“I’m confused about his role in this whole thing. He doesn’t need money. The only thing I can think is that Chelsea has bewitched him, which isn’t hard – Drew likes his women.”
Trevor filled Melanie’s glass and topped up his own. Passing it to her, he grinned. “Pretend it’s alcohol and drink some courage, my dear.”
“You give me courage, Trevor, and I thank you.”
Trevor gathered Melanie into his arms and she rested in the stability of the man. The rapid beat of his heart played havoc with her senses, and when they could bear the closeness no longer, he lifted her chin. Seeing the acceptance in her eyes, he lowered his lips onto hers and claimed her heart.
He pushed back. “I’ve wanted to do that since I met you.”
“I’m glad you finally did.”
“When this mess is over, can we pick up here, at this magical moment in time?” Trevor asked.
“When this is over, yes.”
He glanced at his watch and said, “Tell the police that my detective will report anything he finds directly to them. We need to wind this up, sooner, rather than later.” He stood and pulled Melanie to her feet. “Now, you should probably get some rest. I have enjoyed this evening with you, and thank you for trusting me to share your predicament. Let me walk you to your suite.”
Loyal friends stand by through the good times and bad.
Chapter 15
The next morning, Melanie awoke to a quiet house. She stretched leisurely and glanced toward the clock. “My goodness!” she said, throwing the plush comforter to the side and bolting from the cozy bed. It was after ten o’clock. She hadn’t slept that late in a long time.
She headed for the shower and stood under the pounding spray long enough to stimulate her stiff,
sleepy bones. Melanie debated her outfit for the day, forcing the thought away that she was dressing to impress the master of the house – even though she knew she was smitten. Hurrying through her daily preparations, she took care not to overdo the makeup for she remembered him complaining about the mask his niece Chelsea wore. He’d concluded by saying he liked a more natural look, like Melanie’s.
Her heart had caved-in the night before. Trevor was Chrissy’s uncle and should have remained off-limits. If her friend were there, she wouldn’t even dare daydream about the unexpected attraction. After all this was over, the magic was likely to disappear and she’d return to Langley alone – that seemed to be her lot where men were concerned. Trevor had, nevertheless, confirmed her doubts when it came to Chrissy being at the bottom of the river, and for that, she’d be grateful. Perhaps her friend was alive. Melanie would cling to that until evidence proved otherwise.
She opened the door and entered the quiet hallway, quickened her pace, and descended the stairs. Tilly greeted her at the bottom.
“Good morning, Miss Braxton. I’ll tell the kitchen you are up and ready for breakfast.”
“Please, tell them not to fuss. A toasted bagel and a coffee will do until lunch is served.”
“Cheese with your bagel, miss?”
“Thank you. That would be nice. I’ll be on the morning terrace.”
“Are you sure? The sun will be around there soon and…”
“I love the sun, Tilly, and the flowers are gorgeous. Tell the gardener for me, will you?”
“Yes, miss.”
The maid turned and left Melanie standing next to the wall with the family portraits. Trevor took center stage. So manly and sure of himself. His features were stern with the suggestion of a no-nonsense personality, yet now that she’d gotten to know him, she noted the artist had caught the hint of a twinkle behind the focused eyes. The ever-so-slightly visible dimple threatened to reveal the sense of humor his business face tried to suppress. His brow was slightly furrowed as if his shoulders bore the pain of the world. Yes, she would title this portrait, The Pain Bearer.
Search for Contentment Page 11
