An Ozarks Christmas (Planned to Perfection Book 1)

by Angela Drake

  In a far corner, the band picked out a lively two-step. He watched as Jennifer and Dave joined the myriad of costume-clad guests on the dance floor, leaving Stephanie alone. His heart went out to her. She could still turn and leave but he knew she wouldn’t. She’d stay and see it through. He tensed as a tall, suave Rhett Butler took Stephanie’s hand in his, kissing it lightly. A wave of protectiveness raged through him. He struggled with the desire to strangle the cavalier Captain.

  She laughed at something Rhett said, touching him lightly on the shoulder with her folded lace fan. Butler bowed low and sauntered off in search of a Scarlett.

  Tapping her toes in time to the music, she continued to survey the room. Did she search for him? A basic animal instinct assured him of that fact and he grinned. Tonight would go just as he’d planned.

  * * *

  Every nerve in her body tingled. Brendan was here and he was close, very close. Surreptitiously she scanned the crowded ballroom. Of the many costumed gentlemen, only a small number could be him. Most were too short, too thin, too heavy, too fair, or a combination. After eliminating the obvious other possibilities, she had to conclude that he’d not yet arrived. Why, then, did she feel as if he stood behind her? Glancing over her left shoulder, she saw only a fall arrangement surrounded by gourds and pumpkins, but no Brendan.

  “I fear Scarlett is nowhere to be found, Senora.” Rhett reappeared before her. “May I have the honor of the next dance?”

  “It would be a pleasure, Captain Butler.” She smiled as she placed her slender gloved fingers in his large palm. Brendan could play hide and seek but Stephanie, coerced into this evening, would have a good time – with or without him.

  Several partners later, she found herself thoroughly enjoying the ball. Yet with all the trips around the room, not once did she see anyone who even resembled her mystery man? Well, she wasn’t going to be a wallflower for his amusement. Smilingly she accepted another invitation to dance.

  Several turns later, breathless and ready for a break, she thanked her current partner then turned to leave the floor, fanning herself as she did so. Glancing around the room still searching for Brendan, she failed to see the human barrier until it was too late.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I wasn’t look…”

  Her breath caught as she looked up into the face of Zorro.

  The masked man said not a word. With a formal bow, he then slipped one arm around her waist, drawing her against him. Capturing her other hand in his, he propelled her into the tide of colors swirling by.

  She couldn’t stop staring into the eyes she knew so well as she glided in his arms. The imprint of his hand seared through the satin of her bodice, radiating through to her soul.

  She felt light as air floating over the dance floor. The masked man propelled her gracefully around the ballroom to a period waltz. She was vaguely aware of the other dancers relinquishing the floor, leaving the two of them in a world of their own. As the song ended, he pulled her closer still. His breath, warm, teasing as he leaned down to whisper in her ear.

  “You look ravishing, Senora. Come away with me. Together we will explore what we both have been without for too long.”

  Goosebumps rose in the oddest of places as she struggled to comprehend what the masked man implied. The casual placement of her hand became a life grip as desire rushed over her. Before she could reply, she felt herself swept into his strong arms and carried from the ballroom amidst cheers and laughter.

  She squeaked out a feeble protest as Zorro strode out the door of the hotel. Gently, he settled her into a waiting limousine then climbed in, sitting across from her.

  Darkness prevented her from seeing him clearly, but her heart told her what her eyes could not. Indignation rose within her as she peered through the dim interior. Last she knew there were still polite ways to ask a girl out. Hauling her off the dance floor like a sack of potatoes was not one of them. Well if he wanted to play games, she’d go along. She had a thing or two in mind as well.

  “Where are we going?”

  The reply was nothing more than a finger to his lips and a slight nod.

  “I can’t be gone long, sir.” She fell into his game. “I have children to look after.”

  “They’ll be fine, Senora. I’ve made arrangements for their care. Tonight is ours.”

  They rode along in silence. She thought about asking again where they were going, but knew that the destination was all a part of his scheme.

  Leaning back against the seat, she looked up through the open sunroof. The night was clear and beautiful. Millions of stars twinkled overhead. From the recesses of her mind, came the unbidden information that each star supposedly represented a loved one lost. She sent a silent prayer that Matthew would understand what she was about to do.

  * * *

  Traveling the short distance to the resort. Brendan watched in silence. With the exception of a mild protest, she’d taken his unspoken plan in stride. The evening breeze from the sunroof played with loose tendrils on either side of her face. She wore a relaxed smile… familiar and comforting. What he wouldn’t give to see that look every day for the rest of his life. Tonight had to work.

  Gravel crunched beneath tires as the limousine came to a stop before the secluded cabin. The driver opened the door and Brendan got out, turning to extend a hand to Stephanie. Entwining his fingers with hers, he led the way up onto the covered porch and opened the cabin door.

  Stepping aside, he guided her ahead of him. She stopped just within the foyer, barely allowing room for him to enter and close the door. Resting a hand on her shoulder, he waited as she took in the room before them.

  Polished pine floors blended to knotty pine walls and a beamed vaulted ceiling. A native slate fireplace nestled along one wall. A warm fire glowed from behind the brass and screen guard. An overstuffed chair, ottoman, and sofa in earth tones created the invitation to relax before the hearth. Large peach roses flowed from a crystal vase on a low occasional table.

  The sitting area blended into a small but efficient eat-in kitchen. A chilled bottle of sparkling cider nestled in an ornate silver ice bucket along with two fluted crystal goblets. The manager had followed his instructions to the smallest detail.

  Slowly, she walked around the room, dipping her head to smell the roses, trailing her hand across the mantle, finally stopping before the dinette table. She looked at him and smiled.

  “Would you care for a drink Senora?” He walked towards her. Her smile brought to mind a lighthouse beacon showing him the way home after a long journey.

  “Please.” Her gaze never left him and he found the task of opening the bottle of cider and pouring without spilling a trial. Brendan poured each of them a glass and handing one to her, he motioned to the sofa.

  With a rustle of her gown, she tucked one leg under her as she sat down, exposing the other almost to the knee. He sat in a similar fashion, facing her. Gulping the cider as if it were stronger libation, he set his glass on the end table. Reaching for her glass, he placed it with his.

  Leaning forward, he caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. Slowly, as if petting a newborn kitten, his fingers developed a rhythm of their own. She closed her eyes, leaning into his gentle touch. He heard her sigh as she began to relax. How he’d missed her. Just the feel of her silky skin turned him inside out. This is what he’d waited and worked for all those months in treatment. To be here now…and forever.

  From her cheek, he began a slow, tantalizing journey, pausing at sensuous spots along the way. Spots that he knew from another time. He brushed his thumb against her lips, feeling the tip of her tongue as she moistened them.

  Ever slightly, he dipped his face to hers, applying the faintest of a kiss to the corners of her mouth. Long sustained hunger overtook him as he claimed her lips fully with his own. His tongue slipped past the moan of pleasure as she came to him in complete surrender to the emotions buried deep within.

  Rising from the sofa, he pulled Stephanie up and
led her to the spacious bedroom. An ornate, Victorian brass bed stood against one wall. A large Jacuzzi tub fit nicely beneath a picture window that offered a spectacular view of Beaver Lake.

  “Steph?” He turned to face her, the question barely a whisper.

  Unspoken, she slid her hands up his chest under the bolero, pushing it out of the way. Her gaze never leaving his face as the jacket became a pool at his feet. He smiled in amusement as she grasped the placket of the shirt and ripped it open to the waist. He felt branded where her fingers grazed as she pulled the shirttails from their haven.

  As his shirt floated to the floor, Brendan tangled his fingers through her hair, loosening the comb. With devilish intent, his angel trailed fluttering kisses across his ribs and down his belly. The muscles convulsed at the torture. He heard her laugh softly with the control she possessed. Pulling back, he tilted her chin, losing himself in the passion-filled sapphire pools.

  Forcing himself to a control he didn’t feel Brendan dipped his lips to hers. They parted invitingly and her tongue touched his. She kissed him with a hunger as he guided them to the bed.

  With a slow, deliberate movement she ran the tips of her fingers along his chest. He felt his muscles ripple like waves beneath her exquisite torment. In that moment he realized this is the way their times together should have been. Things would be different now. He would be the man she deserved.

  Holding her in the aftermath of lovemaking, he kissed her tousled hair. Quiet tears dampened his chest as she buried her face close to him. His arms encircled her protectively. It wrenched him to the core for her to go through this but he knew it was a part of the acceptance. Tonight she’d taken the first big step in putting her life with Matthew behind her. With a loving caress, he let her cry until her breathing told him she slept.

  “I love you Stephanie Douglas. I always have and always will.” She mumbled something in her sleep, snuggling closer. With a sigh of contentment, he slipped off to join his angel in satiated slumber.

  Chapter 9

  Stephanie took a drink of the lukewarm tea. Wearing Brendan’s billowy costume shirt, she sat on the porch swing in the predawn hour gazing out across the cloud-like mist covering the lake. The view calmed her thoughts. Thoughts of what she had done last night. They’d made love several times throughout the night. Finally groaning in resistance, Brendan playfully pinned her to him with an arm of tempered steel. Within moments she’d felt his even breathing against her neck.

  She knew last night hadn’t been a dream. Either she’d died and gone to heaven, or been propelled into hell, she wasn’t sure which exactly. She did know she had crossed the bridge of no return and she had decisions to make. She loved him beyond reason, always had if she’d be honest. Love and trust went hand in hand and that meant he was entitled to know everything. Giving him her all meant no secrets. How was she going to tell him?

  “Tell me what?”

  She jumped at the question, unaware she’d voiced her own. Looking from his devilish grin down to his toes, her eyes widened at the sight of him.

  “Brendan, you’re… I mean.”

  His laughter echoed across the valley.

  “Naked? My angel, if we made love here on the deck, your cries of pleasure resounding through the trees, not a soul would know.”

  He sat on the swing next to her as if he were fully dressed for dinner. Putting an arm around her shoulders and drawing her close, he dropped a kiss onto her temple. She closed her eyes, reveling in his nearness. Curling up within the circle of his arms was as comforting now as it had been last night and all those years ago. Would it still feel the same in another ten? Maybe the better question is if he’d still be around? She wanted to believe that once he learned the truth, it wouldn’t matter.

  “You’re very quiet.” He spoke just above a whisper. “Not regretting last night, I hope.”

  In answer, she reached up to entwine her fingers with his across her shoulder brushing her lips where they met.

  Following their first explosive reunion and a brief nap, they’d moved to the Jacuzzi tub. Amidst the musky vanilla bubbles, they’d touched, teased, and tantalized one another. Renewed discoveries took them to another level of intense passion, sending water onto the floor. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so content.

  “What would you like to do today? We have the whole day.”

  “As much as I’m enjoying this, I really need to go home. Max has never woken up without me there.”

  “He’s fine, sweetheart. The kids stayed at Jennifer’s last night. He adores her.”

  “I know. Jen’s really been a big help. I don’t know what we’d have done without her when we came down here.”

  “When did you know she was my daughter?” With his free hand he drew an invisible pattern on her exposed thigh nearest him.

  “Within a couple months of coming to Eureka Springs. I had stopped by her office to discuss reserving the ballroom for my first client. I must have been staring at the picture on her desk because she interrupted what she was saying to tell me who you were.

  “Why didn’t you let on about us?”

  “What was I supposed to say? ‘How nice. Oh by the way, I’m the one who picked out that puppy you got for Christmas that year’.”

  She felt him jerk away.

  “What’s wrong with that?” His voice trembled as he turned to face her.

  “If she didn’t know, then you wouldn’t find out I was here.” She felt the tears well up. She couldn’t remember crying this much since Matthew’s death. “I just prayed that when you did visit your daughter, I wouldn’t have cause to run into you.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I still loved you. I didn’t need that complication in my life…still don’t.”

  “What about last night? Doesn’t that change things between us?”

  The plea in his voice tore at her heart. She wanted to tell him it changed everything, but how without divulging the secret that became heavier each day he was here?

  “Last night was incredible.” She leaned back against his shoulder, hoping the strength she desperately needed would flow from him.

  “But?”

  “Everything I do has to involve my children. Kimberly and Max are my life and our life is here.”

  “I know that. Haven’t you figured out how I feel about you and the kids?”

  “I know how you think you feel, but caring about them and being a solid form in their life are two very different things.”

  “You mean my touring, don’t you? Steph, I can’t change who I am or what I do. Entertaining is my job. It’s how I would provide for our family.”

  The undertones of the conversation closed in around her. She stood and walked past him to the railing, searching to divert the subject.

  “You know what I’d really like to do today?” She turned to him, attempting a smile.

  “What? Anything you’d like.”

  She saw a shadow cross his face. They weren’t finished with the subject. And as badly as he wanted to continue, she knew he wouldn’t. For that, she loved him all the more.

  “Shop. I can’t remember the last time I went to the grocery store without children. And I’ve been thinking of new furniture for Max’s room. Care to give me a masculine opinion?”“I’d be happy to, but first…”

  Before she fully realized his intent, he was standing again and gathering her into his arms all in one swift movement and carried her back inside the cabin.

  * * *

  “Jen, how much can you tell me about Steph’s life prior to Eureka Springs?”

  He and Steph had spent the day as she’d requested. They had found the perfect furniture befitting a young boy leaving his baby years behind. By this time next week Max would be sleeping in a real twin bed decked out in Bob the Builder bedding. After scheduling the furniture delivery, they’d nearly filled the back of the jeep with their stop at the grocery store. For the afternoon, they’d been a ‘couple’. She’d asked h
is opinion on furniture and they’d agreed on many things. Later, pushing the cart through the supermarket as she made savvy choices, he felt as if he’d come home.

  “She doesn’t talk about herself much. I know that she and Matthew were very happy and that Matthew….”

  “Matthew what?” Brendan watched as his daughter twisted a strand of hair around her finger. He remembered Kimberly doing that. The two must spend a lot of time together for them to have the same habits. Knots formed in the pit of his stomach. Was there something about Matthew that Stephanie hadn’t told him? He’d pictured them as the perfect family.

  “He was a great dad for Kimberly.

  Brendan felt the zing. He knew Jennifer missed that part of her life. Debbie had chosen not to marry. He’d never understood why.

  After finishing school, Debbie worked for her uncle, a prominent attorney. Taking Debbie under his wing, she’d worked as his personal secretary. As her uncle climbed the legal ladder, he’d taken her with him - all the way to the Governor’s Mansion. Garrett had been a good man, caring for Debbie and Jennifer in Brendan’s stead.

  “I’m sorry Jen.” He tucked his thumbs into his front jean pockets, balancing the chair he sat in on two legs. “I can’t make up or redo any of the mistakes I made.”

  Jennifer unceremoniously plopped into her desk chair. Kicking off the gray pumps, she stretched and wiggled her toes as she ran long, slender fingers through her hair.

  “I know Dad, and it’s okay. I grew up and came to terms with all of that a long time ago.”

  He watched as she leaned forward. Picking up a small photo frame, she handed it to him. Taking the frame, he gazed at the three smiling faces of Stephanie and the kids.

  “I just hate to see you make the same mistake. Kimberly… and Max needs a father. They want you.”

  Gently, he placed the frame back on the desk. “I’m working on it, okay?”