by V. Vaughn
I sit up and twist to face him as I imagine all he’s experienced in life. “The technology you’ve seen must blow your mind.” I lift up my hands as I say, “Horses, telegrams, and outhouses to cars, cell phones, and indoor plumbing. Do you have any idea how lucky you are?”
He scowls. “Lucky?”
“Yes, lucky.” Alexander lifts his eyebrows in question. I say, “With my heart, I’ll be fortunate to see the age of thirty.” His brow furrows, and it occurs to me that less than twenty years must feel like only a couple to him. I touch his chest. “Hey. I’m going to pack a lot into those years. I’m going to live large, remember?”
Alexander forces a smile. “Then we’d better get started on your plan to live large.” He opens up his arms and embraces me tight.
I gaze up at him, and the warmth in his eyes fills me with happiness. I say, “I think I’m going to like being Kitty Kane.”
9
“Good morning,” I say to the older woman who comes toward me on the sidewalk that offers a view of the ocean all the way into town. She greets me with a smile, and I detect the scent of her sunscreen as we pass. I’m out for my walk and headed to the local coffee shop, which is exactly one and a half miles from the Hart house according to the mileage tracker on my phone. A decaf salted-caramel latte is my incentive to get out for my exercise.
The morning after I revealed to Sebastian I knew my heart belonged to a woman who loved him and that I can still feel her emotions, he was all business. He has continued to keep our relationship professional for the past week, and I haven’t seen Alexander at all. I’m a little hurt by it. I hope he’s not staying away from me because of Sebastian, but I fear that is exactly why he’s kept his distance.
I glance out at the ocean and think I’ll never tire of it as I watch the movement of the waves. Getting out of the house is my chance to practice being Kitty Kane. Sebastian told me I was to inform people I’m a friend of the Hart brothers and that I’m staying with them as I work on my writing. I’m to be vague about it, because not everyone will be impressed when they find out I’m supposedly the author of erotic romance. And I’m not to disclose any details about Sebastian and Alexander other than to say they’re nice and very private people.
I lift my sunglasses to perch them on the top of my head before I push open the door of the coffee shop. The small space seats about twenty people and is furnished with mismatched chairs and tables I think were purchased at yard sales. A woman typing away at a laptop is in the back corner, while an older man reading a book is seated closer to the front. I glance at the colorful chalkboard with the menu choices in case I can be tempted to try a different drink today.
“Decaf salted-caramel latte?” asks the guy behind the counter. I look at the man whom I guess is a few years older than me. He’s got dark, sun-bleached blond hair that falls to his shoulders, and is tan. He’s wearing faded jeans with a hole in the knee and a T-shirt with a surfboard company logo on it. This is the kind of guy who would make my friend Kristi swoon, and the old me would have found him attractive too. But these days I’m drawn to pale men who are unable to enjoy the sunshine.
“You know what? I’m feeling kind of crazy,” I say. “How about the hazelnut cream decaf latte instead.”
He winks at me. “You’re a wild one.”
Heat rises to my cheeks at his flirting. “I—” I give myself a mental eye roll since he likely teases every woman this way, and I imagine what an erotica author should say. I speak in what I hope is a suggestive tone. “You have no idea.”
He smiles at me before grabbing the milk to make my latte. My newfound sauciness makes me brave, and I pull out my phone to take a picture of the guy to send to Kristi. I pretend I’m taking a photo of the sign, and when he glances at me I say, “So I can decide what to get tomorrow.”
As the milk steamer hisses, I wander over to the seats by the window. I grin when I send the picture to Kristi along with a text. “My new morning habit. Oh, and I drink coffee now too.” When I’m done, I gaze outside. Tourist season will be here at the end of the month, and in the few days I’ve been walking here, I’ve already seen the changes of a town waking up from winter slumber. A ladder clangs as a man places it against the store across the street, and I notice his paint-splattered pants.
“Coffee?” I turn to discover the guy came out from behind the counter to bring me my drink. I take in his dark-blue eyes, which remind me of the ocean as I hold the cup. It’s warm in my hand as he says, “I’m Aiden.”
“Oh. Thanks.” It takes me a moment to realize he probably wants my name in return. I hold out my hand. “Kitty.”
Mischief dances on his face as he squeezes my fingers. “So many lines I could use, but I bet you’ve heard them all.”
Considering my days are filled with reading sexual adventures, I’d probably find anything he could come up with tame. “I probably have.” Since Aiden hasn’t walked away, I think he wants to get to know me better, but because I can’t share much, I think it’s better to avoid the conversation.
I lift my coffee to take a sip and savor the sweet flavor that hits my tongue. “Delicious.” I step over toward the door as I say, “Thanks. Have a great day.”
Aiden calls out, “You too, Kitty. See you tomorrow.”
I can’t stop smiling as I walk back home. I know it’s silly, but my town was small, and everyone I encountered knew me as the girl with the bad heart. I think my fragile state scared off any chance I had at a relationship, because boys didn’t flirt with me there. So the idea that a guy in a coffee shop is interested in me makes me happy. Even my heart must like the attention, because she seems to be basking in it too as warmth flows through me.
When I get home, I’m not ready to go inside to the necessary darkness, and I make my way to the backyard, where I can watch the waves crash on the rocky coastline as I finish my drink. A sailboat is off in the distance, and when the whine of a motorboat ruins the peaceful image, I recall that Alexander told me he’s more than one hundred years old. He’s seen so much change in his years, and I long to ask him questions about what his life has been like. I miss him. I wonder what he’s been doing while I’m reading. I take one last deep breath of the salty ocean air before I turn to go inside. Even though I don’t punch a time clock, I make sure I put in no less than eight hours of reading a day, and I need to get started. When the heavy door thuds shut behind me, I take a moment to adjust to the dim lighting.
Sebastian must have heard me, and he strolls toward me from the direction of his study. “Margaret. How was your walk?” He stops in front of me and closes his eyes as he breathes in through his nose. I’ve come to realize he’s living vicariously through me when he does this. “You smell like the sun.” He frowns. “No salted-caramel latte today? You had something hazzlenut.” He grins at me when he opens his eyes. “You’re branching out.”
I think about how I flirted with Aiden and smile. “Yes. I am.”
“Hmm.” Sebastian holds out his hand. “May I have your phone, please?”
I stiffen, because while he said he was going to monitor my communications, he hasn’t checked my phone since the first time. Heat rushes to my face as I realize he’s going to see what I texted Kristi this morning. I sigh as I reach in my back pocket to retrieve my cell. I’m tempted to explain, but my heart fills me with defiance. It makes me think she wants to get a reaction out of Sebastian, and it amuses me. I slap the phone in his hand. “Have at it.”
I watch Sebastian’s face as he taps on the screen, and when his eyebrows rise, I smile. He glances at me with a cold look. “I see you’re making friends in town.”
I shrug in an attempt to appear indifferent.
Sebastian nostrils flare the slightest bit. He’s jealous! My heart does a little dance of joy. “It says here this boy is a new habit for you.”
Even though my heart continues to skip with glee, I’m the one that has to deal with my boss’s anger, so I say, “It was a joke for Kristi because Aiden
is the kind she goes for.”
“Aiden?”
I refrain from rolling my eyes and say, “You can’t seriously be j—” My heart suddenly conveys dread, and I realize that while she was having fun at Sebastian’s expense, I shouldn’t push it. I sigh. “You know I walk to the coffee shop. I see that guy every day, and he’s nice to me. Am I not allowed to make friends?”
“It’s not a good idea, Margaret. You can’t tell them anything about your life.”
I glance around at the dark interior of the entryway, and the urge to throw open the drapes is strong. I realize I’m lonely here, and it’s only going to get worse if I’m not allowed to have friends. In the past week, my social contact beyond my walks has been Bertha glaring at me too many times to count and daily conversations with Sebastian about story structure and character motivation as he teaches me about the construction of a novel. Anger simmers in me as I ask, “So you’re it for my social life?”
“Are you seeking companionship?”
“Yes. I’d like to have someone to talk to. That’s what people do. They work, and then they have fun with their friends.”
“I see. I’ve been neglecting you. Come to my study after you have your dinner, and we’ll do something for entertainment.”
I sigh, because Sebastian’s idea of fun can’t possibly be mine. My heart wants me to go, though, because I feel her excitement about spending time with him. I say, “I’m not a child. I’ll be fine.”
“Margaret. You’re right. You do need engaging leisure time. Come to my study later.”
I don’t think being alone with Sebastian is a good idea considering how my heart is practically begging me, so I ask, “Can Alexander join us?”
Sebastian blinks as if he’s surprised by my question, and he takes a moment to answer. “He’ll be there.”
“Thank you.” I glance down at the empty coffee cup in my hand. “Is there anything else?”
“No. I’ll see you this afternoon for our meeting.”
I nod at him and make my way to the kitchen to dispose of my garbage before retreating upstairs. When I get to the kitchen, I glance at the window and walk over to it. I pull back the blackout shade and look outside. The view is of the side yard, and I notice a birdbath with tulips that haven’t bloomed. While it hasn’t been confirmed, I’m sure the myth about vampires and sunlight is true, and it seems odd to me that the Hart brothers would bother with bulbs they can’t enjoy.
Yesterday, I tried to get information from Sebastian about what being a vampire is like, but he shut me down by saying I’d learn about them over time. I suppose he doesn’t want to share too much with me in case I don’t work out. However, I think Alexander will answer my questions, and I smile as I imagine seeing him tonight. My good mood returns as I climb up to my room to indulge in romantic fantasies written by the Hart brothers.
10
My only company is the hum of the refrigerator as I shovel in my tasteless dinner of fish and soft vegetables to satiate my hunger. I suppose Bertha wasn’t hired for her cooking skills considering the Hart brothers don’t eat food, but she takes the heart-healthy diet to the extreme. There aren’t any salty snacks in the cupboards, and she doesn’t seem to believe in dessert. I’m not sure Bertha’s seen a saltshaker either, since I scoured the cabinets and couldn’t find one. I’m going to have to speak to Sebastian to see if I can start cooking my own dinners, because I’m a firm believer in food tasting good.
Once I’m finished with my meal, I grab an apple from the bowl on the counter to curb my desire for sugar. Sweet juice explodes on my tongue when I bite in, and I let out a small sound of pleasure at the taste. Ever since I asked Sebastian if Alexander could join us tonight, I’ve been smiling. My need for the playful brother has only deepened in his absence. Reading stories of love and passion has my imagination in overdrive, and Alexander Hart is the hero in my fantasies as well as my dreams. I lick my lips as I recall the kisses we’ve shared, and my belly flutters with the hope I’ll get more tonight.
The apple core thuds in the garbage can where I toss it, and I make my way up to my room to freshen up. I glance at the closed study doors as I pass by them. I can’t hear anything and wonder if the men are already in there. Once I’m upstairs, I open my closet to search for something a little nicer to wear than my yoga pants and sweatshirt. I have a vast array of beautiful skirts, slacks, blouses and dresses, which I’m required to wear for my meetings with Sebastian, but when I’m in my room reading, I go for comfort.
I select an olive-green crewneck sweater and pull on a pair of soft jeans that are snug on my hips. I take in my appearance in the full-length mirror. Even though I can’t do strenuous exercise, I’ve got good genetics, and my body is soft in a feminine way Kristi envies. My jeans show off my round bottom as well as my narrow waist. I take a moment to apply some mascara and blush before I descend the stairs, prepared for an evening of fun.
Alexander greets me in the entryway with a big smile on his face. He’s wearing jeans and a tight long-sleeve shirt that shows off his athletic body. “Maggie. I’m told you’re looking for some excitement.”
“That I am. What’s the plan?”
“Sebastian won’t let me take you to a seedy bar, so I brought it to us.” He tilts his head toward the hallway. “Come see.”
Seedy bar? I knew it was a good idea to involve Alexander. Our feet pad softly over the plush oriental carpet that leads to a part of the house I’ve never seen. After getting caught my first day exploring the second floor, Bertha scared me away from any places I don’t belong. When we get to the end of the hall, Alexander opens a pair of doors that reveal a large room with what appears to be a marble floor and stately windows that have velvet drapes hanging from the ceiling to the floor. It makes me think this is a ballroom. A portable bar is off to the side, and I notice a pool table with red felt. The wood is dark and ornate, unlike the tables I’ve seen in my small hometown bar. The items look out of place, and I wonder if Alexander had them delivered just for tonight.
Cool air surrounds us when we step inside, and I turn to Sebastian as he says, “Good evening, Margaret. Can I get you a drink?”
While Alexander is dressed casually, Sebastian is not. Although I bet he thinks so since his dress shirt is unbuttoned at the collar. “Sure,” I say. “Do you have beer?”
“Certainly.” An opener clinks on the glass bottle as he removes the cap. “Have you ever played billiards?”
I smile at his antiquated term for pool and watch as he pours the beer into a glass. “A few times. I’m not very good, though.”
“Excellent,” says Alexander. “Sebastian hates to lose.”
“Really.” I take my drink from Sebastian and smile at him as I say to Alexander, “Then you should teach me to be good enough to beat him.”
Sebastian’s somber face lights up a little as if I’ve amused him, and he says, “You’ll need years of practice for that.” He lifts up a martini glass. “And I’ve got almost a hundred of those on you.”
I let out a snort at his joke. “Who knew Sebastian Hart had a sense of humor?”
He smiles at me now. “There’s a lot about me you don’t know, Margaret.”
I’m aware. And tonight I plan to find out more about the Hart brothers. I take a sip of my beer, and the cool liquid slides easily down my throat before I turn to the sound of balls thudding on the pool table. Alexander is racking them up, and I walk over to him. I notice open cases on the floor and see pool cues that appear to screw together. “Those look serious,” I say.
“We don’t do things in a small way around here,” says Alexander.
“I’ve noticed.” The pool cue Alexander put together for me is smooth in my hand when I take it from him. “What are we playing?”
“Cutthroat. Do you know it?”
I nod, because it’s one of the two games I’m familiar with. “Can I break?”
“Sure,” says Alexander.
I hit the cue ball with force, and I
’m rewarded with satisfying cracks when it connects with the other balls. I manage to get one in and call lows. The brothers focus on hitting each other’s balls in before getting to mine, and when it’s my turn again, there are only three of their balls left. I don’t see an easy shot. I walk around the table slowly, but I can’t figure out what I should try. I ask, “What should I do?”
Sebastian says, “Do you recall your geometry class?”
I fear I’m in for another lesson and roll my eyes as I glance at Alexander. He winks at me as I say, “Yes. I remember.”
“Think about angles.” Sebastian motions with his hand for me to move over to where he’s standing. “How can you get the ten ball in a pocket?”
I search for a clear path that will allow my ball to travel without hitting any others. I point as I say, “If I were as good at this game as you two are, I’d bounce it off the far bumper to come back and hit the one on our side and have it then rebound toward the far corner pocket.”
“Very good. Now plan the course.” I walk to the other side to determine where on the bumper I need to make contact, and then I return to where Sebastian stands. My heart skips a beat when his fingers grip my shoulders so he can place me where I should be. “Line up your shot, but don’t hit it yet.”
I do as he asks, and Sebastian leans over me to put his hands on mine. My heart fills with warmth, and to my surprise, the heat travels lower. His voice is soft in my ear as he says, “Loosen your grip.” I force the tremble of desire that rushes through me to stay hidden. “You want the cue to slide gently over your fingers for a smooth ride.” My mind takes his direction to a sexual place, and I inhale slowly to calm myself. He says, “Let’s do this together.”
Holy crap. I can barely think as Sebastian presses against me to guide my hands. Somehow, the ten ball goes into the corner pocket, and I’m sure it wasn’t my doing, because my focus was on what Sebastian’s fingers would feel like on more of my bare skin. When he releases me and backs away, I blow out a shaky breath as I place my hand on my chest in an effort to regain my composure. My cheeks are heated up with my arousal, and when I glance across the table, I see Alexander’s glare. My desire for Sebastian is quickly doused in ice water. Damn it. It’s Alexander I want, but my stupid heart just had a moment with Sebastian instead.
