“All settled Miss Harris?” Mae’s mellow voice greeted her.
“Yes, thank you, and call me Rachelle, please.” Rachelle missed Mae’s glance to Britt and his nod.
“Can I fix you something to eat?”
“Actually, I was wondering if you’d mind fixing us a picnic lunch. Rachelle and I are going to take a walk around the grounds, and I thought we’d stop and enjoy ourselves. That is if you’d like?” He squeezed Rachelle’s hand.
“That sounds wonderful.”
“I’ll have it ready in five minutes.”
“Perfect,” Britt said, “I’m going to run up and put on some jeans. Rachelle, would you like to wait outside?”
“No, I’ll wait here. If that’s okay?”
“Of course,” he placed her hand on the counter and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I’ll be right back.”
Rachelle edged to the side. When her hip bumped a chair fastened there, she settled into it. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“No, I have all the fixin’s ready. The day before an event I always keep a tray ready, because I never know who will be around and when.”
“Do they hold these often?”
“Twice a year, the summer fundraiser and a Christmas social, it’s a combined party and charity event for gathering gifts and toys. Mrs. Clairbourne does a real nice job with them. She raises a lot of money. People find it easier to give, just to be invited.”
“You sound like you’ve been doing this awhile.”
“I’ve been here twenty-eight years. I started out just a part time cook, but it grew over the years. Now I oversee the house. I have people that come in to help with the cleaning and caterers for the social events. It’s a wonderful job, and I have a wonderful place to live. It would be nice if Britt was around more. He lets too much of life pass him by, though maybe that’s changing. You’re good for him. He looks happy.”
“I wish that were true. I know with all that’s happening he’s under a lot of stress, and I’m afraid I’m just one more worry. My blindness is a complication for him.”
“That’s not what he feels for you. Take it from me. I’ve known him a long time. He cares for you.”
Rachelle could feel the color rise in her cheeks and was helpless to stop it.
“So you care for him, too. That’s good. He was a good boy, a touch on the lonely side as his wealth cut him off from people at times. Still, he grew into a good man, though he’s remained lonely because of his sense of responsibility and drive to build Clairbourne. It’s time he found someone to make him happy, so he won’t be alone anymore.”
Rachelle was still at loss for words when she heard Britt walked back into the kitchen.
“Please, tell me you’re not telling her secrets of my youth,” he said with mock distress.
“Only the real juicy parts, someone has to warn her.”
“Thanks a lot,” he said with exaggerated dryness.
“You’re welcome. Here’s your lunch. You two enjoy yourselves.”
“Thanks, Mae.” He gave the woman a squeeze before helping Rachelle from the stool and snagging up the basket.
“The sun feels so nice,” Rachelle exclaimed, stepping outside. Turning to the warmth, she tilted her face up.
“It’s a beautiful day, clear blue sky.”
“Describe it all to me. I want to picture it.”
“Well.” He put the basket down, stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “The house sits on a small rise. Straight ahead and to the right, about three hundred feet away is a grove of trees that stretches out almost a mile. There are also a few scattered trees across the lawn and a small stream that trickles through it.” Taking her hand he pointed out. “It comes from that direction. There’s a foot bridge over there. Though, you can step over it almost anywhere. Up this way, where the stream starts, there are a couple small ponds with fish and water lilies and some plants, flowers and bushes around them. They continue over this way, where there’s a swimming pool. It’s behind the house on the right corner. Tan and reddish tile connects it to the house. There’s stairs leading down to the pool from the upper floors to give easy access. So if you want to go down to the pool later.”
“That would be nice. I haven’t been swimming for a long time.”
“We’ll go.” He kissed the side of her cheek. “Back to the yard, there’s a rose garden stretching to the left. It was left over from my grandmother. My grounds keeper really lords over it. There are about thirty different varieties. It smells beautiful, you’ll love it. Beyond there are the stables.”
“You have horses?”
“Five. My sister keeps them exercised. I don’t ride much anymore. Right now, I’m wondering why.”
“Can we go see them?”
“Why not.” He dropped his arm to her waist, snagging the basket back up, and headed her that direction.
“Oh, smell the roses.”
“I told you.”
“You said nice, this is much better. There must be a hundred bushes.”
“Approximately, hold it a moment.” He picked a flower. “For you.”
“Oh,” she touched the soft petal. “What color is it?”
“Pink and white with touches of yellow.”
“A Peace Rose?”
“I don’t know their names. I just like how it smells.”
“Me, too.” She laid her head on his shoulder as his arm came around her again. She held the rose so they both could smell it. Picking the flower was a sweet gesture but the sweetest was he removed all the thrones before handing it to her.
Rachelle lost track of where they were going. It wasn’t much further before she caught the scent of the stables.
“We’re here. Since the weather is nice, we keep the horses in the pasture instead of the stalls.” He directed her to the fence.
Rachelle stretched her free hand out through the boards, keeping the one with the rose tight over her heart.
Britt made a clicking sound.
She shifted toward the horses when she heard the sound of approaching hooves. Britt slid his hand down her arm directing her to feel the velvet of the horse’s nose.
“This sweet lady is Daisy Mae.”
Rachelle laughed as another horse butted her arm. “Let me guess, Little Abner.”
“Nope, Charlie.”
“Charlie?” she asked, in disbelief.
“Actually, Sir Charles the third. He came with the name. I just shortened it to Charlie, besides, he’s kind of a funny pest, but he’s a good ride.”
“And Daisy Mae?”
“I named her. I tease Mae I named her for her, but actually we have a patch in the pasture where these little daisies grow wild, and as a foal, she always used to lay in it to sleep. She’s a good horse, nice, gentle. She just turned fourteen.”
“Could I ride her?” Rachelle turned to him.
Britt only hesitated a second. “If you’d like. You don’t have to for me. I can come down later.”
“I’d like to. I haven’t been on a horse since I was a kid. You’ll have to guide her though.”
“She’ll follow Charlie. I’ll get them saddled.” He left her to get the tack.
“What’s the name of your other horses?” She continued to pet any horse she could reach.
“Butterscotch,” he said, coming up with a saddle. “I call her Scottie. It fits her personality better. A friend of mine got her for his daughter, but she couldn’t handle her. So I helped him find a different horse and kept her.” He told her about the other horses until he led Charlie and Daisy Mae from the pasture.
“Ready for a leg up?” He directed her to the mare, helping her find the stirrup. Rachelle swung easily in the saddle. “Nice,” he said, and got on Charlie.
“This is great. I can’t believe it.”
“Well, let’s ride.”
For forty-five minutes he led her through the trees until he reached the area he wanted. “Ready for lunch?”
Being with Rachelle had his appetite going too, but he was hungry for her, Britt thought as he came to help her down. Wrapping his hands around his waist, he wondered what she’d do if he took a bite out of her. “Good, let’s eat.”
He handed her the blanket he had brought, picked up the basket, and then caught her hand leading her a few feet away. Later, Rachelle sighed after taking the last bite of her croissant sandwich. “This was perfect.”
“I could use a nap.” He shifted so he was lying stretched out with his head on her thigh. When she didn’t move, he crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes. He opened them again when he felt her caress his cheeks. The smile she had for him was incredible. With a sigh he closed his eyes again and let her gentle strokes lull him to sleep.
****
Rachelle couldn’t believe the feel of the man leaning against her. There was something special about being able to just touch him. Careful not to disturb him she settled back into the thick grass and let her fingers study his face. He had such wonderful cheek bones. His was a strong face. It surprised her how easy it was to bring it up in her memory, but it was there in fine detail. His jaw was getting a touch rough with stubble. His lips were curved in a smile. He was happy, she thought just before following him into sleep.
Rachelle felt the velvet touch on her cheek. It glided over her lips then made its way over her chin in a tantalizing path down her neck. The weight on her stomach shifted, and the velvet stokes took up its trail again. This time she caught the fragrance of roses.
“Waking up with you is getting to be a habit,” she mumbled contently.
“A good habit I hope,” Britt answered continuing the rose’s trail.
“I think so.”
“Good, because you make an excellent pillow and are much better than a teddy bear.”
She smiled then it faded. “Britt.”
“What is it, sweetheart?”
“I need to tell you something before you get the wrong impression especially after the last couple of nights. I …” She found the words difficult to get out now that he was waiting. Taking a breath, she forced the words out. “I don’t sleep around, just so you know. So you don’t expect …”
“I know, I could tell.”
“Well, it’s a little further than that. I’ve never. I mean ever.”
She felt his hand cup the cheek the rose had just caressed. She shivered with awareness.
“It’s okay Rachelle.”
“I thought I should tell you, so you’d understand.”
“I do understand.” In his mind, he added that it was okay, because he planned to be the only man to ever make love to her. “Come on, we better get back.”
Chapter Eleven
“Did you two have a nice picnic?” Mae greeted them as they entered the kitchen.
“Wonderful, Britt took me for a ride on the horses. It had been so long since I’ve ridden. I loved it.”
“It’s been awhile for him,” the housekeeper commented. “Bet you enjoyed it too.” She looked at him and grinned.
“So right you are.”
“Melissa is back. She’s glad you showed up. She was worried since you hadn’t called.”
Britt winced. “Things have been a little hectic, but I should have.”
“You’re right, you should have. You work too hard.” The voice came from by the doorway. “It’s good to see you take a day off finally.”
“Melissa,” he greeted his stepmother as she came forward to give him a kiss on the cheek. As usual Melissa looked as if she just stepped out of a fashion magazine. She wore a pair of basic black pants with a cream cashmere sweater. Her platinum hair barely touched her cheek, accentuating her high cheekbone and smoky eyes.
“I was beginning to wonder if you were going to show,” she chided him. “But your tux is back from the cleaners and hanging in your closet.”
“You didn’t doubt I’d be here for a minute.”
“You’re right, I figured you would. You’re like your father. He didn’t like black tie affairs either, but he looked incredible in a tux.”
Britt just laughed. Melissa Clairbourne had several faults. She was shallow, didn’t know much about real life being born with a silver-spoon, but her love for his father wasn’t one of her failings. Neither was her charity work. She cared about raising money for the children’s hospital and could run a charity function like no other.
Britt took her hand leading her two steps to Rachelle. “I’d like you to meet Rachelle Harris.” He caught Rachelle’s hand bringing it up. “Rachelle, this is my stepmother, Melissa Clairbourne.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Rachelle said, clasping the hand as it brushed hers.
Melissa looked perplexed at Britt for a moment. “It’s nice to meet you. I saw your picture in the paper the other day, but I didn’t know you were dating anyone.”
“Oh, Britt and I−”
Britt cut her off. “Have only been seeing each other a short time.”
“I should warn you, Tiffany invited Maureen to stay the night. She’s coming out with them this evening.”
Britt groaned inside. “I hope she doesn’t think I’m going to be her escort.”
“You know your sister,” Melissa said.
“Yes, I know her.” Britt wasn’t happy at all. He knew his stepsister meant well, but the pushing her best friend at him continually was getting to be too much. Maureen might be eagerly willing, but he was not in the least interested. “I wish she’d listen to me.”
“If you’re concerned about me don’t worry. I’ll stay in my room out of the way,” Rachelle put in softly.
“No, you won’t. Whatever gave you that idea?” Britt objected.
“I … I don’t really fit in here. I don’t know anyone.” She tried to reason.
“You know me, and I want you by my side.” He caught her arm, letting his hand slide down to hers.
“I didn’t bring a dress appropriate for the evening.”
“I know. I didn’t give you the chance to stop by the dry cleaners or your apartment, so I figured I’d take you shopping.”
“But I.”
“I’m not letting you object. You are my choice. Melissa, don’t you have someone coming to do your hair and make-up?”
“Of course, Laura’s coming.”
“Do you think she would have time to do Rachelle’s, too?” It was hardly a question.
“I’m certain, but I’ll call her immediately to let her know.” She left the room leaving them alone.
“You’re all set,” he said in finality. “We’ll go shopping, and then out to dinner.”
“You really like to direct my life,” she said with a sigh.
“Does it bother you?”
“A little, I’m used to fighting since my accident to prove I can take care of myself. But I will admit it has felt good having you taking care of me lately.”
“I do care about you.” He squeezed her hand.
“I know.” She smiled.
“But you’d like me to ask instead of dictating.”
“Yes.”
“All right then, what would you like to do?”
“Well, I feel funny about having you take me shopping but I will need help, so I can accept that but … instead of going out to eat, could we come back here and eat like we did for lunch? Then maybe we could swim, listen to music or even watch a movie if you’d like.”
“You like listening to movies still?”
“Yes, it’s interesting what your mind comes up with for scenes and if the actors are familiar, it helps me picture them.”
“There’s a movie or two I wouldn’t mind seeing. We could light a fire even though it’s not going to be cold tonight.”
“There’s always air conditioning,” she laughed.
“Right.”
“You don’t mind?”
“Let’s see, sharing you
with a crowded room of people, where you’re slightly tense or having you relaxed back in my arms all to myself. Hard choice.”
“Who said anything about in your arms?”
“A man can always hope.”
“Well, maybe a little cuddling would be acceptable.”
“Cuddling, I like the sound of that. How about it?” He lowered his lips to kiss her in way of finishing the question. Britt drew the kiss out until a moan escaped from her.
“What was that again?” she whispered when he drew back.
He slid his arms around her and kissed her again.
****
Shopping with a man was a new experience for Rachelle. Just inside the door she stopped. The music that greeted her, suggested very high class. The feeling was backed up with the scented air. Rachelle got the feel the shop was far outside her means. “Britt, I don’t know about this.”
“Don’t worry. This is where Melissa and Tiffany always shop for their gowns.”
That confirmed it for her. She could handle buying a new gown but nothing in the price range that would be here. “I can’t afford to shop here,” she said firmly, not at all embarrassed.
“You’re not, I’m buying,” he answered back.
“But I can’t let you pay that much for me.”
“We’ve already had this discussion. I pick out the dress. You pick where we eat and what we do.”
“But I can’t allow you to do that.”
He stopped her with a finger against her lips. “Stop saying that, just think of it as a bonus for all the stress you’ve been caused because of me.”
When her lips started to move, he stopped her. “Agree.”
“Mr. Clairbourne, how are you, sir?” The shopkeeper came up before Rachelle could object again.
“Fine, thank you.” He removed his fingers from her lips.
“My name is Georgia. May I help you?” the woman asked anxiously.
“We need a dress for tomorrow night.”
“Yes, yes.”
Rachelle heard the woman’s hands clasp together.
“What did you have in mind?”
Rachelle decided she had no choice, but she could lay down some guidelines. “Nothing flashy, I’d like it to be on the conservative side. Black is always practical.”
Blind Witness Page 14
