by Maggie Brown
The balcony was empty when she looked up again.
She hurriedly pulled on her clothes and started toward the house. Winter was at a bench as she passed by the kitchen, so she poked her head in with a breezy “See you soon,” before walking upstairs to her bedroom.
Winter’s clothes fitted well enough, the T-shirt very snug over her chest. She self-consciously flattened down the front with her palm. Her grandmother referred to her as her little Irish colleen, but she was hardly small anymore. More a strapping tavern wench of Irish folklore.
After a last flip of her hair with the brush, she started back downstairs. The top of the rail slipped silky smooth against her palms as she descended the sturdy oak staircase. With a brief stop to admire the polished timber floors and antique furniture, she thought how welcoming the house felt. It wasn’t its old-world charm so much as the feeling of being completely protected from the outside world. Safe. So different from her life.
Winter acknowledged her with a welcoming nod and a “Hey there. The outfit looks great on you.” Her tone was light and casual but a tinge of pink coloured her cheeks.
“It fits perfectly,” she replied and flashed a smile as she peered at the pan on top of the stove. “Whatever your cooking smells divine and I’m starving.” However awkward, it was easier to pretend the kiss last night hadn’t happened and Winter hadn’t seen her naked this morning.
“I’m sure you’ve worked up an appetite with all that exercise. We’re having eggs benedict with sweet potato fritters.”
“That sounds heavenly. I rarely have a cooked breakfast…coffee and toast mainly.”
“I always make a decent one. My mother drummed into me it should be the main meal of the day. And besides…I like to cook,” said Winter.
“You wouldn’t have a kitchen setup like this if you didn’t. Or herbs growing in a box on the windowsill.”
Winter merely smiled and reached for the flipper. “Sit down…the eggs are ready. Tea or coffee?”
“Black coffee, please,” Pandora replied, then continued after they settled down to eat. “Tell me about yourself.”
“Now you’ve put me on the spot. There isn’t much to tell. I lead a quiet life and work takes up most of my time.”
“Come on. Everyone has something they like to do.”
“I actually enjoy my job, believe it or not. It’s very satisfying.” When Pandora merely cocked her head and waited, she continued with a shrug. “Okay. I enjoy reading, watching movies, and painting.
“So, what about you, Pandora?”
“Me? I like movies, music, and jogging in the mornings.”
“You’re a very talented singer which I envy.”
“I’ve always loved to sing, even as a child. I won a scholarship to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music after high school.”
“Really? Did you ever take your singing further?” asked Winter.
Pandora shrugged. “No. Circumstances changed at home. I had to put my music dreams on hold because I didn’t have the luxury of waiting for the big break. I needed a regular income, and I was only one of the many hopefuls trying to get noticed. This gig is the first time I’ve sung in public for years, although I’ve kept up practising religiously.”
“That’s a real shame. You’ve a wonderful voice.”
“We all do the best we can. Now there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.” Pandora gestured in the direction of the front door with her coffee cup. “I’ve noticed you have quite a sophisticated surveillance system. Even a camera in the hallway. Why is that?”
“It’s a necessity in my line of work. I see highly sensitive material. I bring documents home occasionally.”
“Tell me about your work.”
“Ours is a major international legal firm,” replied Winter, looking more relaxed now she was on familiar ground. “I negotiate business transactions in the multimillion-dollar range, so you can appreciate confidentiality is essential.”
“I take it then that you’re not the junior help.”
That brought a smile to Winter’s face. “No, I’m a partner.”
“Impressive. What do you do if you come across any criminal activity?”
“On two occasions I’ve had to terminate an agreement.” Winter looked at her curiously. “That’s not a question people usually ask. Normally as soon as I describe my work their eyes glaze over and they change the subject.”
Pandora chuckled. “I bet. Could you trace money laundering?”
“I could, but it would take time. Usually criminal organizations have networks where they can hide the cash by having a lot of other money in circulation. Casinos, shops, and,” Winter looked at her with a gleam in her eye, “clubs like the Silver Fox.”
“Just so,” said Pandora. “Then what would they do with it?”
“Convert the cash to bank drafts and assets which they can resell legitimately. They set up shell companies to buy property, false loans, and so on.” Winter tapped a finger on the table. “You think the club is being used to launder money?”
“It would explain those thugs turning up every two months. Either that or drugs.”
“All the more reason for you to be careful of Boris.”
Pandora gave a hint of a smile. “Don’t worry about me. No…it was Michael I was thinking about. If there is criminal activity there, the police probably would have an eye on the place. If he’s known to be a frequent visitor, he may be caught up in it. Worst-case scenario, he may be called in as a witness.”
“Damn,” Winter ground out, going pale. “Then this plan of ours better work. His mother will have a stroke if he’s anywhere near that sort of trouble. And the blame will be heaped on me.”
“That’s hardly fair. You have nothing to do with it.”
“Yes, but tell that to Gussie,” Winter said with a resigned shrug. “She’s asked me to help. I’m the fix-it girl in the family and supposed to pull a rabbit-out-of-the-hat when there’s trouble. Usually Gussie only asks for financial help occasionally, but she’s like a lioness protecting her cubs when it comes to her kids. This has her unusually rattled.”
“How big is your family?”
“My mother has four sisters and one brother. I’m an only child but I have twelve cousins. None though on my father’s side, hence my inheriting this house. She was my paternal grandmother.”
“I take it then you’re the only one with financial expertise?”
“Unfortunately, yes. If they want advice, I’m the first port of call. Mind you, when I warn some of them to go easy on the credit cards that’s ignored.” Winter dabbed her mouth with the serviette. “What say we continue this later? Would you like a tour of the house and garden?”
“I’d love it,” Pandora agreed. The more she got to know Winter, the more she liked her. For so successful a woman, she was remarkably humble. It was no wonder her family leaned so heavily on her—she radiated competence and trust. Smart too. She couldn’t imagine anyone besting her in business.
Winter turned to her with a smile. “Let’s go.”
Pandora nodded her approval as she wandered around. In an early century time capsule, the house was a charming picture of old-world sophistication. Where there had been obvious updates—she guessed to replace aging electrical wiring and plumbing—the original materials had been faithfully reproduced. All five bedrooms were roomy and she particularly liked the way a verandah circled around the second floor to give each bedroom a balcony.
When they stood for a moment to gaze down on the swimming pool, Pandora couldn’t resist murmuring, “Great view.”
Winter said nothing, though fidgeted from one foot to the other. They walked back down the stairs out to wander through the garden. Winter filled her in about her family while the plants soaked up a gentle spray from sprinklers. Pandora had to laugh when she described the idiosyncrasies of her numerous relations.
“I’ll be interested to meet them all at the party,” Pandora said.
Winter let out
a sound that might’ve been a laugh or a choking groan. “Oh, they’ll be dying to meet you. Gussie in particular.”
“Ah…I’m the infamous siren that seduced her son. She won’t be exactly welcoming, will she?”
“Uh-huh. Don’t expect a kiss on the cheek. Let’s say harpy might be a more accurate word.”
Pandora winced. “Not very flattering.”
“Nope. But she won’t make a scene. Too refined for that. She’ll show her disapproval more subtly.”
“Then Jessie and I will have to be very convincing.”
Winter seemed to deflate at those words. “Don’t worry. Jessie knows how to put on the charm. She’s hard to say no to.”
Pandora watched her closely as she asked, “You think I won’t be able to resist her?”
“Just let’s say I’ve seen her in action too many times.”
“You’ve never had a crush on her yourself?”
“God no,” said Winter in surprise. “Apart from the fact she’s never indicated she’s ever been interested, I’ve never been attracted to her. As a friend she’s awesome, as a lover no way.”
“Not even as a friend with benefits.”
At this, Winter looked genuinely horrified. “I don’t believe there can be such a thing. Even if a relationship is supposedly that casual, someone eventually ends up getting hurt. You can’t have sex with someone long term and not have some intimate feelings for them.”
“What about a one-night stand?”
“That’s entirely different if you’re into that sort of thing. You’re not friends, so haven’t a vested interest in the person.”
Pandora eyed her curiously. “You don’t sound like you do that either.”
“I prefer getting to know someone and letting it go from there. I like sex to mean something.” Winter turned to look her fully in the face. “Do you date anyone in particular?”
“No. Do you?”
“I haven’t since my breakup. Why don’t you, Pandora? I can’t imagine you would lack invitations.”
Pandora hesitated, taken aback by the question. It was her own fault for getting too personal. She struggled for an answer then merely replied, “I date of course, but not at the moment.” Noting that Winter wasn’t going to drop it, she looked around for something to change the subject. She pointed to a small building nestled amongst the trees. “What’s that cottage?”
“It’s just a guest bungalow.”
“It looks cute. May I see inside?”
Winter stiffened and seemed flustered. “I’d…I’d prefer it if we didn’t go inside. Maybe some other time.” Then she strode off quickly, disappearing into the house.
“Of course,” called out Pandora, hurrying to catch up. What the hell was that all about? The bungalow had clearly hit a nerve. She’d have to ask Jessie about it later.
In the lounge, Winter greeted her with a smile as if nothing had upset her. “Take a seat and I’ll get us coffee.”
“Sounds good.”
When she returned with the cups and some chocolate cookies, Pandora eased back in her chair. “I guess we’d better discuss how this bogus romance with Jessie is to be played out. She’ll be here soon.”
Winter’s face tightened a little. “I think we can leave that to her. She’ll make it convincing.”
Pandora had no doubt she would. She also knew Winter would retreat into herself with Jessie there. “She’ll play the part admirably, I’m sure. It’s right up her alley.”
Winter plopped a spoonful of sugar into her cup, then looked up with a frank gaze. “Are we going to discuss the kiss last night or just ignore it?”
Pandora blinked, clearing her throat nervously. She hadn’t expected that one. “Do you want to discuss it?”
“You know, Pandora, you are infuriating how you answer a question with a question. You’re not avoiding this one.”
“No, I guess I can’t.” She reached over and took her hand. “It did mean a lot to me. We seem to connect and I think you’re terrific. But…well…I’m not in the position to take it further. If we have a night together, I sense it wouldn’t be enough for us. Not for me anyhow. It’s better to nip it in the bud before we start anything.”
Winter gave a self-depreciating shrug. “Well, thanks. That’s the gentlest blowoff I’ve ever had. And no doubt Jessie will be more your style if it’s only casual you’re after.”
“That’s not how—” The chime of the doorbell cut her off.
Winter rose abruptly. “That’ll be her now.”
Pandora could only watch in dismay as she hurried from the room.
Crap. She had really stuffed that up.
Chapter Twelve
Great! Jessie looked spectacular.
Winter sucked in a breath. Gone were Jessie’s careless outfit and nose studs. Today she looked classy: designer jeans, a frayed pocket shirt jacket, polished knee-high boots and a touch of makeup. When she slipped off her sunglasses, under her mascara-tipped long lashes her blue irises were sparkling. Done up like this, she was the very definition of a desirable alpha woman. Winter’s shoulders slumped. Not only was she incredibly hot, she was a successful doctor. How the hell could she compete with that?
“Hi, babe,” said Jessie, flashing her a broad grin.
“Hey. Come on in.” She took the six-pack of beer tucked under Jessie’s arm and moved aside to let her enter. “Pandora’s in the lounge so go on through. I’ll just put these in the fridge and get you a coffee.”
When she returned, the two were chatting comfortably. She sank down in the chair, content to listen. It didn’t take her long to realize Jessie was making an extra effort to be charming. It was also becoming clear to Winter that this was rapidly turning into a hopeless situation for herself. With Jessie at her scintillating best she was fast losing any chance with Pandora. Yet it was heartening to see her best friend actually showing a real interest in someone. However much it hurt, she figured it was probably for the best. No way she would be able to keep the interest of a captivating woman like Pandora for any length of time. She’d probably bore her to death.
Stop it! Delete that last thought. Don’t dwell on Christine’s bitchy words.
Twenty minutes later she excused herself to prepare lunch, leaving them to have a quick dip in the pool. Jessie always loved a swim—she claimed that having the pool installed was the only thing she’d liked about Christine. Winter positioned the chopping board on the bench in front of the window so she would have a view of the pool. Thankfully, Pandora had donned one of the spare bikinis in the change room and not gone in “au naturale” as she had this morning. The sight of her naked had sent Winter into a complete dither.
The woman had a fantastic body.
As she periodically lifted her head from the salad preparation to watch them in the water, she thought about Jessie. In the early years, she hadn’t really given her behaviour much serious thought. They were young, focused on a good time rather than relationships. She was simply her best friend, the popular girl, the life of the party, who didn’t—or perhaps in hindsight couldn’t—commit to anyone romantically. She had always envied her for her easy success with women and followed faithfully in her shadow. Until she met Christine.
Jessie continued her wild life even as her friends began to pair off. But now in her mid-thirties, her behaviour seemed a little sad. She appeared driven to conquer, but after the sex the pursuit would end, and with the challenge finished, she moved on to the next.
Winter’s overtures to encourage her talk about her childhood had always been fobbed off, though Jessie had let slip some scraps of her early life in foster homes. They weren’t pleasant. Winter had given up asking when she began to date Christine and moved into different social circles. Now finally, when Jessie seemed to be actually showing more than a passing interest in someone, ironically it was a woman Winter fancied as well.
Life was a bitch sometimes.
Table set, Winter walked down to the pool. “Lunch is ready,” she
called out.
Pandora hoisted herself out, then sat on the edge with her feet in the water. “You use the room first, Jessie,” she said, and patted the tiled space beside her. “Will you sit down with me while she changes, Winter?”
Without a word, she slipped off her sandals. As soon as she sank down to join her, Pandora began to sing softly. Enthralled, Winter sat quietly to listen. The tune had a natural, sweet melody that washed over her like a gentle shower of rain. It was just perfect.
As the moments passed, she became increasingly aware of Pandora’s presence beside her: the woman’s raw sensuality was causing an uncomfortable breathlessness and a persistent throbbing in her groin. She wriggled self-consciously, slightly off-centre, her skin tingling with want. Not allowing herself to linger on the smooth tanned body and toned muscle—and especially not on the generous breasts barely covered by the bikini top—she raised her head to focus on one sculptured eyebrow.
The eyebrow quirked and their eyes met. When Pandora gave her the briefest of nods, it took Winter a ridiculous amount of self-control not to reach up to tuck an errant curl back off her forehead. But the instant Pandora smiled, she could no longer contain herself and did just that. Afterward, she ghosted her fingers down her cheek. As she lightly stroked, they automatically swayed closer until their thighs were pressed together. She looked back up, becoming lost in the intensity of her gaze, and with their eyes still locked, Pandora reached up to take her hand to press the palm against her cheek. Winter squeezed her eyes shut to relish fully the feel of the cool, soft skin.
But in an instant the intimacy misted away when Jessie called out from the back patio, “I’ve finished.”
A pang of regret was like a soft punch as Winter felt the hand withdraw, the body move away. The loss was so acute she had to wait to gather her emotions before she climbed to her feet. Then steadying herself before she went back inside to the kitchen, she watched Pandora disappear into the change room.
After dressing the salads, she placed the bowls on the dining table along with the platter of cold meat.
When Winter joined her on the terrace, Jessie was deep in thought, leaning on the railing with a beer in her hand. Although Winter wasn’t short, Jessie topped her by an inch, but was no longer the lanky girl she had first known. Regular sessions in the gym had toned her body to super fit status. Jessie turned to look at Winter and raised the bottle. “I helped myself. You want one?”
