by Kaira Rouda
“Of course,” Blake said. “When we are not working.”
“Of course,” she echoed feeling like he was reminding her of her purpose, as if she could forget the whole reason she’d agreed to come on this crazy scheme.
“What can I get you?” Blake asked and headed behind the bar. “Bloody Point Bloody Mary?”
“What’s a Bloody Point?” Samantha asked.
“Son, you haven’t told her the family secret,” Blake’s father Richard said, as he walked into the room and wrapped Samantha up in a big hug. “Nice to meet you young lady. You are sure a beauty. Come here Blake. Give your old man a hug!”
Samantha watched as Blake’s dad hurried to hug his son. It was like foreshadowing, Samantha realized. Blake would look just like this man, 30 years from now, and it was an impressive sight. Blake’s father was slim with the same Putnam blue eyes but with gray hair instead of blonde. He was wearing white golf shorts and a bright orange golf shirt, the Putnam Industries colors. He looked fit, and happy and in the prime of his life.
“So my dear, have a seat and tell me all about yourself,” Richard said, settling into the oversized leather arm chair across from her while Blake finished making the drinks. “I hope you’re making me one, too, son.”
“Of course, dad,” Blake answered, “Tell her about Bloody Point.”
“Right. The history of this island is actually quite tragic,” Richard said as Blake placed a Bloody Mary glass in front of each of them and took a seat next to Samantha, sharing her chair. He was really putting on a show now, Samantha smiled but found it difficult to concentrate because she was distracted by Blake’s proximity. She felt the heat of his thigh through his khaki pants, and she felt a warm sensation deep inside. She took a big sip of her Bloody Mary, wondering if she could handle this at all.
“Bloody Point, the piece of land where we’re sitting but also the tip of the island right out there was named for the bloody ambush that took place back in 1781,” Richard said. “It was just after the Revolution and of course, as always, this island still kept her secrets, and her secret residents. In this case it was the Tory Loyalists – those folks loyal to the British and in most cases related to the first British Land Grantee Thomas Cowte back in 1707. For some reason these Tories got together and attacked Hilton Head’s Skull Creek Plantations in 1781.”
“What is with all these names, creepy,” Samantha blurted before she could stop herself, trying to focus on the story, and not on Blake.
“I know, it’s very rugged here on Indigo Island,” Richard said and took a big drink. “Well after the Tories attacked them, the Revolutionary War Patriots of Hilton Head formed the Bloody Legion and retaliated by attacking the homes on this island. Apparently these row boat skirmishes, as they were called, happened all during the Revolutionary War. Only that sound out there separated the Indigo Island Royal Militia from the Blood Legion of South Carolina over there on Hilton Head.”
“Ok dad, I’m sure Samantha’s not the history buff you and I are,” Blake said, his dimpled smile busting out.
“Actually, I am,” Samantha answered, noticing the approving nod sent her way by the elder Putnam. “I was a history major at Vanderbilt.”
“Beautiful and smart, too,” Richard said. “So how long have you two been an item?”
“About six months,” Blake said, smiling down at her and pressing his thigh more closely against hers. “Right Sam?”
“Right,” Samantha said, as her stomach fluttered. She didn’t have to fake her embarrassed giggle.
She took another drink of her Bloody Mary.
“Are you a tree hugger, too?” Richard asked, and Samantha felt Blake stiffen next to her.
“What do you mean, Mr. Putnam?” Samantha asked.
“My middle son here thinks our family business is killing the environment. He doesn’t believe our new policies are making any difference. That’s why he started his own thing,” Richard said.
Interesting, Samantha thought, but said, “Yes, I am concerned about the environment and all the toxins in our food and water and even in cosmetics. I guess I would consider myself a tree hugger, but I don’t want to imply anything against your business. I don’t know enough. I do know what Blake has started with the genetic testing business will be revolutionary, hopefully saving lives and improving the environment for future generations.”
“Well, young lady, you are very impressive for a tree hugger,” Richard said, his eyes twinkling. “You two seem well suited, and you know, Blake, your mother and I didn’t date for more than six months, if you can believe that! Now, 37 years later we’re still going strong,” Richard said. “When you know, you know. It just doesn’t work any other way. You two seem to know. I best go clean up or your mother will kill me. She’s been planning these wedding festivities for a year. Can’t say I’m sorry it’s finally here, it’s about to kill me. You two have my permission to elope.”
“Dad,” Blake said, but the older man just laughed and walked out of the room.
Samantha sank back into the cool, comfortable chair and stared out at the sparkling ocean just beyond the front porch, across the sandy beach. Blake stood up and carried their glasses over to the bar. She hadn’t really thought about the Putnam’s reaction to her, just about her not messing up.
“Sorry, my dad’s a romantic. You did great. Thanks for sticking up for me. You really don’t need to,” Blake said. His hands were stuffed into the pockets of his khakis, his white button down shirt wrinkled but sexy in an island life sort of way.
“Oh, I thought the battle info was very entertaining,” Samantha said, stretching her arms up above her head, before bursting into laughter. The Bloody Mary had gone straight to her head.
“You know what I’m talking about!” Blake said, a small smile escaping. “All of his conversations with me revolve around joining the family business or getting married. He does it every time. Any time I have a date, he tells me she’s the one.”
Samantha stood and walked to the window. She should be relieved that Blake’s dad wasn’t taking her seriously but for some reason, his words stung. She had believed his father when he said he noticed the chemistry between them. She felt it. Blake must be completely emotionless. How many other women had come here just like her? How many others did he use as dates so he could continue to feel nothing?
“Well, you don’t have to worry about me pressing the topic, right? That’s why I’m here. I’m here to do my job,” Samantha said. “I’m going to go walk on the beach if that’s ok, sir?”
“Alone?” Blake asked, but she had already left the room.
*
Blake was relieved when Samantha left to walk the beach on her own. He cherished the opportunity to be alone in his favorite room in the home, but Samantha had seemed upset even though he had sat by her, made her a drink, even talked with her like a real date. Maybe he should walk with her though. His family would expect that.
He grabbed his suitcase from the foyer, quickly changed into his running gear. He jogged to the right, the direction he’d seen Samantha walk as she left the plantation. As he ran, he marveled at how she affected him. She was smart and kind, but she definitely had a confidence that wouldn’t allow people to walk on her. He admired that, but it made him a little uncomfortable. He needed her to follow the plan. Already his body was ignoring the plan. She was beautiful, but it was more than that. And whenever he touched her, his body kept ignoring that she was off limits. If she hadn’t been an employee….
She was, though. And he had to remember that at all times. Having separate bedrooms would definitely keep his libido at bay. He ran a little faster, surprised he hadn’t caught up to her yet. Maybe she was doing a little running of her own.
When he spotted Max and Samantha together on the beach, he was irritated. Max was wasting no time, typical. But when he saw Max touch Samantha’s face, he felt a burn of anger that was foreign to him. He saw Samantha pull away from Max, but Max leaned closer. Blake put on a
burst of speed.
Seven
Samantha walked quickly down the beach, her shoes in her hand. The fresh air felt wonderful and the ability to walk along the deserted beach was heaven. Blake Putnam, however, was hell. How dare he be so dismissive to everything she said? He didn’t have all the answers. He couldn’t even hang out with his family and enjoy himself. He had a father and a mother who loved him. And siblings. All she had was her mother, still grieving and trying to make ends meet working as a receptionist for their local vet. Blake Putnam was definitely brilliant, and her boss, but he needed a lesson in humanity.
“Hey gorgeous,” someone jogged up behind her.
“Hello Max,” Samantha said, wishing she could be alone.
“At your service. And please tell me, what’s a catch like you doing with a cold bastard like Blake?” Max said matching her pace as they neared the tip of the island.
“What’s your problem with Blake?” Samantha asked, even though she’d been wondering the same thing.
“I asked you first, honey,” Max said, reaching over and brushing a stray hair from Samantha’s face.
Samantha smiled, realizing Judy’s ultra-hold hairspray had finally met its match in this hot humid island air. “Well, Blake and I –”
“There you are Samantha,” Blake said, appearing behind them, wearing jogging shorts and a tight T-shirt. He was amazingly fit, and Samantha’s heart raced to see him sweaty. He smelled amazing. It was all she could do to not bury her nose in his shirt like a laundry commercial. She laughed at the image, and her anger evaporated.
“Hey Blake. Jogging?” Samantha said. “What about your reputation as a desk jockey,” she teased, hoping to needle him. “I didn’t know you were one for jogging or fresh air.”
Challenging him was exciting.
“Oh sure you do sweetie,” he matched her mood, and she nearly bounced in excitement. “Sam’s just teasing Max. We jog most nights after work, don’t we?”
“Religiously,” she said. “Unless we have tantric yoga class. Have you tried that Max?” She had to bite her inner cheek to not laugh Blake’s face was so shocked. “It’s couple’s yoga, Max,” she sighed and stood closer to Blake.
Daringly she traced a finger down his arm. Solid muscle. A thrill shot through her. “It’s so magical. Almost like we’re circus performers, the way Blake holds me in the downward dog position.”
“For real?” Max laughed. “Blake’s as flexible as a steel beam. Yoga?”
“You’d be surprised what Blake can do,” Samantha leaned her whole body into him, and snaked her arm around his waist. “He can be amazingly flexible, but actually, our favorite thing to do is take long walks together, alone. See you around, Max.”
She turned around and laced her fingers through Blake’s and started to walk. Part of her was terrified of her audacity. Another part was entertained. She felt so alive baiting him like that. Throwing their non-existent relationship in Max’s face. And really what could Blake do? Still she held her breath, waiting for his reaction.
He didn’t say anything but walked with her. When she saw that Max had rounded a corner as he headed back to the house, Samantha dropped Blake’s hand and crossed her arms in front of her.
“Was he bothering you?” Blake asked.
“No, but you are,” Samantha said, taking a deep breath. She had to be careful, but this had to be said. “All I ask is that you treat me with kindness, ok? Nothing over the top, just common courtesy. Hold doors for me, be kind even when no one is watching, listen when I’m talking, be honest, tell me what’s going on, and in return I’ll make this weekend and the Daycon presentation a total success. And, what’s more, I will share my idea I’ve been working on for a while for a project that could blow Daycon away, and make Blake Genetics a lot of money. I’m ambitious Blake. You are too. I want you to respect me as a person.”
Blake turned away from Samantha, kicking sand with the toe of his running shoe.
“That’s quite a list,” he said, his voice tight. “Totally reasonable. Sure, I can do that, of course I can.”
He walked a few steps away from her, then circled back. His features were stiff as he faced her.
“I’m sorry, Samantha. I’m sorry. I’m tense here,” he smiled bitterly, and his expression was tighter than his voice, and Samantha felt like his obvious pain was stabbing her. “Tenser than I usually am. I don’t mean to be such an ass. But really? Tantric yoga?”
Samantha laughed but didn’t say anything. If he thought about it he would realize there were a lot worse things she could say this weekend to reveal the lie he was living.
“I have a hard enough time remembering our agreement, and you bring up tantric.”
It was as if he’d lit a flare and was waving it in front of her. There it was, the attraction right out in the open. He was being honest, just as she’d asked, but was she ready for that? Samantha smiled to herself and continued to walk, not wanting to reveal her excitement or to make things harder for him. But he had noticed her as a woman. He did find her attractive. And now she was imagining him doing tantric yoga, and it was as absurd an image as it should have been.
“I’m glad you’re into saving the environment,” Blake said, breaking the silence as they walked side by side along the shore. “It’s important. To say that my family of origin’s business is part of the problem is an understatement. Do you understand why it’s so uncomfortable for me to be around them? They’re so unconscious about it.”
“Maybe, but I know if you stick to your beliefs and tell them what you know, with kindness, they’ll be a lot more receptive,” Samantha said. “Your dad is bristling because you’re shoving all the wrong in his face. Maybe you should give him some positive feedback too. I’m just saying, from experience, it’s a lot easier to trust you when you’re open and friendly.”
*
Blake looked over at the beautiful blonde, who was his pretend date. She was smart, kind, and had shown him she wasn’t going to play dependent variable in his science experiment. She wasn’t proving to be as easily manipulated as he’d predicted. He needed her on his side this weekend. But what did she need from him now that they were here?
The realization shook Blake to the core. Samantha was in charge of how this weekend would turn out. She could choose to blow his cover at any moment. The reality caused him to stop.
“Blake? Something wrong?” Samantha said. “You have a weird look on your face.”
“No, no, everything is fine,” he said.
She was too perceptive. “By the way, I got a call from Bob Morrison with Daycon, and they are now expecting to have you in the meeting Monday,” Blake said, measuring his words, thoughts and ideas colliding in his brain.
“Wow, that’s great!” Samantha said. “I can’t believe they liked my ideas as much as you did.”
“They did. In fact, I was thinking if you are that adverse to helicopter rides, I could get you on the ferry tomorrow and fly you out of Hilton Head. You’d be back in Charlotte Saturday night with plenty of time to rest and prepare for the meeting.”
An egret flew above them as the sun sparkled on the sound. Blake had many fond memories of this island, and many fond memories of getting himself out of bad situations. This could be one of his best plays ever, he realized. Samantha was hard to keep at arm’s length, and they hadn’t even spent a day together.
“No, actually, I think it is good for me to experience everything here, with you. It will help me understand you better, represent you better when we do meet with Daycon. We haven’t even reviewed the presentation,” Samantha said. Blake noticed her blue eyes sparkling and a hint of a smile crossed her face.
“What about the helicopter ride? I know you hated that,” Blake said, frustrated she wasn’t agreeing to his new plan.
“Well, Charlie, your pilot, handed me a packet of motion sickness medicine to take before we head back, so I’m all set,” Samantha said. “Isn’t that great?”
“Great,” Bl
ake said, trying to sound enthusiastic. “I guess we better get back to the plantation.”
“Yes, we’d better,” Samantha agreed, walking ahead of him along the shore.
They walked back in silence. Blake was happy that way, in silence, deep inside his own head. His heart sealed deep inside. She’d be staying, and he was glad about that, especially since he’d regained control. She knew now that he could ask her to leave the island at any moment.
*
Samantha had enjoyed her walk on the beach, with and without Blake. She was surprised he was trying to get her to leave the island. It was like he’d been spooked by the teasing and the lack of control he had over her now that they’d arrived, and that made her feel a whole lot better. Samantha had even spotted a pod of dolphins and considered them a good luck sign. All in all, things were a lot better now than they had been this morning and afternoon.
Evalyn Putnam greeted them at the front door.
“Well there you two are. I’ve been looking for you. I thought you’d like to see your room for the weekend,” Mrs. Putnam said, ushering them inside.
“You mean rooms,” Blake said.
She smiled. “That heat just drives me crazy, but I guess it doesn’t bother you young people.”
Samantha followed Blake’s mother up the wide spiral stairway to the second floor, with Blake trailing behind. Samantha would have to talk to him about keeping up with her, she thought with a smile.
“Weddings always bring out the worst in folks,” Blake’s mom said as they neared the end of a long grand hall. “It’s an emotional time. Just keep your head down and let me know if you need anything, dear. Blake, why are you following so far behind, son? Your manners have become slack since you’ve moved up north.”
“Mother, I’m in Charlotte, I’m not even north of the Mason-Dixon line,” Blake said, catching up to them. “I’m just tired that’s all. Business, getting here, well, you know.”
“What I know is this is your sister’s most important life choice so you best be happy and supportive. I want to see you at your best, son,” Evalyn said, grabbing Blake by the arm and giving him a hug.
