Explaining it to Roxanne, he then said he was going to take her to his house where she'd be safe. "I need to go to the bank and get some money."
As they left the bank, Roxanne couldn't seem to get her mouth to stay closed. She stared at everything. All the automobiles and the noise and so many people rushing to get someplace. She saw nothing at all to remind her of the Wild Rose she was familiar with.
Collin haled a taxi and as he helped Roxanne into the back, he told the driver that he'd get a twenty-dollar tip if he drove slowly.
"You got it, Mack. First trip to town?"
"No, but it's been awhile."
The cabby just shrugged and took off at a reasonable rate of speed. Roxanne twisted first one way and then the other, trying to see everything all at once. Collin could feel her excitement and was pleased. He'd thought she'd be frightened.
When the driver turned down a shady tree lined road, Roxanne's excitement bubbled over. This was a wondrous place. The houses were lovely with lush green yards and abundant flowerbeds. It was enchanting.
She turned to Collin, her blue eyes sparkling. "Oh, Collin! It's a beautiful place. Do you live on this street?"
"Yes, my drive is just up ahead. The house sits back off the road a little."
The driver turned into a paved drive lined with large green bushes and Roxanne craned her neck to see the house. It was a large two-story house with an open porch across the front. Covered in soft, red brick with white trim, the house was surrounded by green lawns and brilliant flower gardens.
After paying the driver and getting out of the cab, the two stood and gazed at the house. Collin couldn't believe he was finally home after five long years. His heart ached with happiness. Pulling Roxanne close to his side, he looked into her glowing eyes and lowered his head to give her a gentle kiss.
"We're home, my sweet. I hope you like it."
"It's so beautiful, it takes my breath away. I can't wait to see it all, but Collin, we really need to talk."
"Okay, lets go in and get comfortable."
They hurried up the flagstone walk and across the porch to the door. There were two large flower urns sitting on either side of the large wooden door and Collin reached in amongst the flowers of one of them to find the hidden key.
"I hid this key on a hook inside this urn when I first moved in. I never thought I'd have to use it, but I'm glad now that I put it here."
Opening the door, he led her into the tiled entryway. It opened into a large foyer with potted plants and a table against one wall. On the table was a beautiful ceramic bowl used to hold keys. Also on the table sat a ceramic vase filled with daisies. They looked fresh and Roxanne gently touched the petals.
"They're still fresh, Collin. It seems impossible doesn't it? I adore daisies."
"Not so impossible. Mrs. Ramsey comes four times a week. I'm sure she put them there yesterday."
"Mrs. Ramsey?"
"My cleaning lady. Come on, I'll show you the rest of the house."
Roxanne followed him from room to room. The house was lovely with polished hardwood floors and beautiful area rugs. There was an office that also doubled as a library and had walls lined with books. The kitchen had Roxanne gasping in awe. It was so bight and sunny with the most amazing gadgets.
Collin demonstrated the garbage disposal, the fridge with the ice and water dispensers on the door and all the other kitchen utensils. Roxanne was enthralled by it all, but she loved the toaster most. She'd always been fond of toast and to think she only had to put the pre sliced bread in, wait a moment or two and the toast came popping up perfectly done. It was amazing.
Collin was having so much fun showing her how to use the different things, he almost forgot about Wellman.
"I guess we'd better have that conversation now." He led Roxanne back to the office and they settled on the sofa.
"Collin, I know you want to talk about Brad and keeping me safe, but I have something else I'd like to speak to you about."
"Sure go ahead, we're safe here. Who knows, Wellman may be so upset at being flung into the future that he'll concentrate all of his energies into getting back home."
"I think that's exactly what he'll do. But I don't want to talk about Brad. I want to talk about what happens now.
"Now we relax and enjoy a little alone time."
"I shouldn't be here alone with you, Collin. It isn't proper."
"It's different now, Darlin'. There are no rules about couples being alone together."
"We are not a couple. We are friends who've gone through a traumatic experience together."
"We're a lot more than that, my darlin'. We're lovers."
Roxanne blushed and took an unsteady breath. She didn't know if she'd ever get used to this modern way of speaking so bluntly.
"I know I allowed you to make love to me. I don't regret it, but it was wrong and must never happen again. I want your word as a gentleman that you won't try to…to…" She faltered.
"You don't want me to assume that just because I made love to you once that you're eager to repeat the experience. And you want me to promise to keep my distance. Is that right?"
"Do I have your word?"
"No, I told you before, I'm no gentleman. I want you, you want me, what could be more natural than the two of us having what we want?"
Roxanne jumped up off the sofa and turned to face him. "You truly are a rogue, Collin O'Neal, and I do not want you!"
"That's not what you said at the cabin."
"How dare you throw that in my face?"
"How dare I? I dare because you're being ridiculous."
Collin stood and walked toward her. She stepped backwards until her back was against the wall. He leaned in so close she could feel his breath against her lips as he spoke.
"I can prove how much you want me, my dear Miss Ingram. Would you like me to demonstrate just how fast I can have you trembling in my arms, begging me to take you?"
Roxanne's body suffused with heat and she flicked her tongue over her dry lips. Collin's eyes followed the gesture and Roxanne knew he was going to kiss her. She wanted that kiss and yes, she wanted him, but she couldn't let him know how much. Drawing herself up to her full height, she looked him in the eye.
"You are mistaken, Mr. O'Neal. I don't want you. Now please let me pass. I'm very tired and would like to lie down for a while."
Collin noticed her pallor under the purple bruise on her jaw and his anger was swept aside by tenderness and compassion. This conversation could wait. Moving aside he made a bow and a sweeping motion with his arm.
"Of course, My Lady. Second door to the right at the top of the stairs."
Roxanne hurriedly moved by him and out of the room. As soon as she'd gone, he went to the liquor cabinet and poured a generous measure of whiskey. He'd been looking forward to being alone here with Roxanne, but hadn't counted on her turning prudish. Cursing loudly he downed the drink in one gulp.
Roxanne flopped onto the bed, breathing deeply. It was so hard pretending she felt nothing when Collin was close. For a moment, she wanted to go back down and admit to him just how much she did want him. Good sense reasserted itself and she stayed put.
There was no doubt that Collin desired her, but that wasn't enough. She wanted marriage, children and a man who loved her beyond anything. Was she asking too much? Perhaps, but if she relented and Collin eventually grew tired of her, it would be a blow she might never recover from. It was best this way.
* * * * *
Roxanne was up early the next morning. She'd tossed and turned for most of the night. Knowing Collin was just a few doors away and denying herself the pleasure of his touch had been much harder than she'd imagined. Desperately needing a cup of coffee, she made her way downstairs. As she passed the office door, she noticed Collin sprawled on the sofa. A half empty bottle of whiskey on the floor beside him. So, he's decided to take up drinking.
Going into the kitchen, she filled the coffee maker as he'd shown her and watched as the
fragrant brew filled the pot. Savoring her first cup, she noticed the blender and grinned with mischief.
Collin jerked awake and grabbed his head. It felt like there was a jackhammer going full blast inside his brain. Holding his head steady, he made his way to the kitchen.
"What in God's name are you doing?" He yelled. "Stop that infernal racket!"
Roxanne turned off the blender and glanced innocently over her shoulder at him. "I'm sorry. Did I wake you?"
"Cute." He knew from the look on her face that she'd done it on purpose. "I'm going to take a shower."
Roxanne could barely hold her laughter in until he'd left the room. She went about preparing breakfast with a big smile on her face. Not being able to decide what to fix, she ended up preparing a little of everything.
Collin grinned as he wrapped the towel around his waist. The shower had cleared his head and he decided to pay Roxanne back. Going down the stairs and into the kitchen, he stood in the doorway and watched as she placed enough food on the table to feed a small army.
"Expecting company for breakfast?"
"No, I just couldn't decide what…" Roxanne turned to face him and the cup she was holding slipped from her fingers and hit the floor with a crash.
Her eyes moved from his dark hair, still damp from the shower, to his handsome face with the smile firmly in place. They continued their path down his bare chest to the towel around his middle, the very tiny towel. Roxanne took an unsteady breath. She couldn't have looked away from him even if the house had been on fire.
"Something wrong?"
She didn't answer and he walked to where she stood. Roxanne reached her hand towards his chest, then realizing what she was doing, lowered her arm and stepped back. Collin grinned and bent to pick up the broken cup. Then he turned and left the room. Roxanne let go of the breath she held and sat down just as her wobbly legs gave out.
When Collin returned to the kitchen, he was fully dressed in a pair of dark gray trousers and blue shirt with the sleeves turned up on his forearms. Roxanne was glad he was dressed, but it didn't seem to matter. He looked so good he still left her breathless.
"This smells delicious." He sat at the table and she poured him a cup of coffee, grateful that her hand was steady.
"I need to make some phone calls today. You're going to need some clothes and I have to check in at the office to take care of some business." Collin helped himself to eggs and sausage. "These eggs are very good. Did you enjoy learning to use all the kitchen gadgets in here?"
"Thank you and yes, I did have fun. This kitchen is a marvel."
"So you think you may get to like this modern time period?"
"Well, I love the kitchen."
"I hope we can find some other things for you to like."
"You're not worried about Brad anymore?"
"I'm worried, but I think he'll probably be too concerned with trying to cope after being thrown forward in time to even think about us. That doesn't mean I don't intend to try to find him."
"How will you do that?"
"I'll call some people I know at the police department and have them keep an eye open for him." Collin stood and began to clear the table. "I'll help you clean up and pack all this food away in the fridge."
"I can do that, you go make your phone calls."
"I don't mind helping."
"Truly, I'd rather do it myself."
"Okay then, I'll be in the office if you need anything." Before he left, he showed her how to use the dishwasher. This was one modern convenience she could learn to love wholeheartedly. Once she had it loaded she went out to enjoy the back garden.
Collin finished making his phone calls and was much relieved to find that his law firm had not fallen into ruin during his absence. He spoke with his personal assistant, Edie Burns. She assured him everything was fine, but was eaten up with curiosity about where he'd been for the last two weeks. She also told him he needed to come to the office as soon as possible to catch up on some briefs.
Collin had some very good people working for him and part of his success was due to being able to delegate responsibility to those under him. He had faith that he could have come back to 2006 instead of 2001 and his law firm would still have been flourishing, but was very glad he hadn't had to put it to the test.
He went looking for Roxanne and found her in the garden. She was turned away from him, leaning over the ornamental fishpond. Collin grinned. She was having a conversation with the fish and she'd never looked more beautiful.
He wanted to go and take her in his arms. This playing the gentleman was going to be even harder than he'd thought. He didn't know how long he'd be able to keep his hands off her. Then he had a brilliant idea. He'd get her to come to him. He knew she wanted him. He'd simply entice and tempt at every opportunity until she gave in and begged him to make love to her.
Smiling in assurance that his plan couldn't fail, he strolled confidently to where she stood.
"There you are, Darlin'. How are the fish this morning?"
"Oh." Roxanne straightened and turned toward him, embarrassed to have been caught talking to fish.
"I was just enjoying the gardens."
When Collin moved close, she backed up until the back of her knees bumped against the tiled wall of the pond. He moved closer and Roxanne caught the scent of his aftershave, a spicy, masculine fragrance. She breathed it in appreciatively and had a sudden urge to burrow against his chest.
Collin leaned forward, brushing against her as he looked into the pond. "I think Henry likes you."
Roxanne drew in a shaky breath. "Henry?"
"That one, the white one with the large red spot on his side. That's Henry."
She turned to see the fish and Collin moved his body against her back as he spoke softly next to her ear. "See, he keeps swimming up to the side. He loves the sound of your voice."
His warm breath caressed her ear as he spoke and sent little shivers of excitement racing through her body. "Speak to him again, Darlin'. You wouldn't want to disappoint him."
"Collin, I…" she turned in an attempt to put some distance between them. Her breasts came up against his body, hardening her nipples instantly. Suddenly it was much too warm despite the cool, early morning breeze.
"Are you all right, Darlin'? You look a little flushed."
"It's a little warm. I'd like to go in now."
"Of course." Collin stepped back and watched as Roxanne hurried down the flagstone walk and in through the French doors. Grinning, he reached to remove the top of a small urn and sprinkled the fish pellets over the top of the water.
"There you go, Henry, enjoy your breakfast. You earned it." Collin chucked. "But many more scenes like that and I'll be the one on my knees begging."
* * * * *
Collin spent the rest of the morning showing Roxanne the telephones and various other things. She knew about telephones, but the ones she'd used were very crude in comparison to the cell phone he gave her.
"Okay, you're all set. If you need anything while I'm at the office, don't hesitate to call me."
Roxanne assured him she'd be fine and breathed a huge sigh of relief when she was finally alone. She spent some time looking around the house and finally settled in the library with a book on US history. It was fascinating, like having a crystal ball to see the future, except she was here in the future looking back. It was a very strange feeling.
That was where Collin found her when he returned. "Catching up?"
"I didn't expect you back so soon."
"I didn't want to dessert you for two long. And I have someone coming in a little while with some clothes for you."
"Truly?"
"Yes, she should be here any time."
"She?"
"My personal assistant, Edie Burns. We've been close friends since grade school. We can trust her. She's worked on your case with me and she's pretty excited that you're here."
Roxanne knew it was silly, but she already disliked this Edie person and wo
ndered just what else she'd been assisting Collin with. She'd always hated it when the girl's in Boston had shown such unreasonable jealousy, but now she understood it completely.
When the doorbell rang, she stood and straightened her riding habit, following Collin to the foyer. Her mouth fell open when he opened the door and she hurriedly closed it, pretending she saw half naked ladies standing on the doorstep every day.
"Edie, you made good time. This is Miss Ingram."
Edie looked Roxanne over and then smiled warmly. "It's good to finally see you here. We've looked for a long time. Your family is going to be thrilled beyond belief. You just have to tell me where you found that divine, vintage riding habit. I've been looking for one for ages."
"I…"
"It's okay, Miss Ingram, you don't have to tell her. Mind your own business, Edie."
Edie pretended to pout. "Collin, you are such a rude man. I don't know why I put up with you."
"Maybe because I pay you to."
"Well yes, there is that. What in the world happened to the two of you and what does the other fella look like?"
"Never mind, it's a long story."
Roxanne watched this by play while she assessed Edie. The woman had the blondest hair, almost white and cut very short. Her face was painted like a harlot and her eyes were amazing, the color of the sea.
Roxanne assumed it was a dress she was wearing, but it looked more like a chemise. It was bright pink like her lips and didn't even cover her knees. At the end of her very long legs was a pair of high-heeled open toe shoes, also in pink. The woman had an awesome figure. She'd never seen anything like her, but she was so warm and friendly Roxanne couldn't help liking her.
Edie tossed her keys to Collin. "You can get the other bags from the car. I brought an outfit in for Miss Ingram." She turned to Roxanne with a smile. "I thought you might like to change. Collin said you'd lost all your clothes."
Roxanne took the bag Edie handed her and Edie took her arm. "Come on, I'll go upstairs with you while you change." Roxanne led the way upstairs to the large blue and white bedroom.
E. G. Parsons - Black Rock: Page 14
