The Edge of Eternity

by Amanda Stevens

  Not wanting to hear any more, Elizabeth slipped away from the door. Undressing, she hung her gown in the closet and put on her pajamas. By the time Paul returned, she’d already climbed back into bed.

  “How are you feeling?” He came over to stand at her bedside.

  “Much better.”

  “Do you want something to eat?”

  “No, thanks.”

  “How about some hot tea?”

  “I don’t want anything, Paul.”

  “Are you sure?” He glanced around, as if not quite sure what to do or say. His gaze lit on the fireplace. “It’s still a little nippy in here. Maybe I should start a fire for you.”

  “If you want.”

  He walked over to the fireplace and, kneeling, struck a match to the kindling. Once he had the blaze going, he straightened. “You’re all set.” He still seemed at a loss. Elizabeth wondered if his reticence had something to do with Dr. Summers’s warning. “I should probably let you get some sleep.”

  When he turned to leave, Elizabeth said quickly, “Paul?”

  “Yes?”

  She hesitated. “Do you know why I went out to the terrace tonight?”

  “You said you were feeling ill.”

  “I was. But I also saw you with Nina Wilson. You were both coming back in from the garden, and for a moment I thought…”

  His hand dropped from the door and he came back into the room. “Is that what this is all about? How many times do I have to tell you? There is nothing going on between Nina and me.”

  Elizabeth shrugged. “You keep saying that, but then…I see the two of you together. If there’s nothing between you, why doesn’t she just go away?”

  “I wish I knew,” Paul muttered as he walked back over to the fireplace. He adjusted a log, but Elizabeth had a feeling he was just buying himself some time.

  When he finally turned, he still had the iron poker in his hand. Firelight flickered over his face, giving him an oddly menacing demeanor. Elizabeth shivered beneath the cover. She couldn’t help herself. What if Frankie was right? What if she really didn’t know her husband anymore?

  “I think she’s after something,” he finally said.

  “Yes, that’s obvious.”

  “I mean money. I think she’s trying to set me up for a sexual-harassment suit.”

  Elizabeth stared at him in shock. “If you really believe that, why did you go outside with her tonight?”

  His features tightened in anger as he gripped the fireplace tool. “Because I didn’t have a choice. She threatened to go to the police and a file a complaint against you if I didn’t hear her out. The woman is trouble, Elizabeth. She’s manipulative and devious and she could very well be dangerous. I want you to stay away from her.”

  The look on his face sent a ripple of alarm up Elizabeth’s spine. “What are you going to do?”

  “I don’t know, but it’s not for you to worry about.” He replaced the poker and stood with his back to her for a moment.

  Elizabeth lay back against the pillows and stared at the ceiling. A premonition descended over her, and she couldn’t shake the notion that something bad was about to happen. “Paul?”

  He glanced over his shoulder.

  “Is there something else going on that I should know about?”

  The question seemed to annoy him. “Like what?”

  “Frankie told me that you’re having problems at work.”

  His eyes flashed. “And just how the hell would she know that?”

  “Is it true?”

  He came toward her slowly. “What exactly did she say to you, Elizabeth?”

  “She has an acquaintance who works for your firm. That person told her that you lost a lot of money recently when some of your projects fell through. Is it true?”

  He looked as if he wanted to deny it, but then he nodded, his expression grim. “I’ve had some setbacks, but I don’t want you worrying about that either.”

  “But I have a right to know,” Elizabeth insisted. “We’re still married. We still have joint finances.”

  He ran a hand through his dark hair. “You’re right. When we get home, we’ll sit down and I’ll go over everything with you. Including my concerns about Frankie.”

  “Frankie?”

  “If you’re really worried about finances, Elizabeth, I’d advise you to pay a little closer attention to the shop’s accounting practices.”

  “Meaning?”

  “You were away from the business for a long time. Now that you’re active again, it might be time to call for an audit.”

  “You’re not accusing Frankie of embezzlement,” she said incredulously.

  “I’m not accusing her of anything. However, if she’s mismanaged the shop’s assets, you need to make sure that you can protect yourself.” He came back over to the bed and stood looking down at her. “But I don’t think we need to get into all that right now either. Like I said, we’ll talk about it when we get back to the city. Right now you need to get some rest.”

  “I’m not tired.” Elizabeth wondered if he had purposefully deflected the conversation from his work problems to hers. “And even if I were, I don’t think I could sleep. Not with everything you’ve just told me. I need to know something, Paul. This distrust you have of Frankie…is it sudden or have you always felt this way about her?”

  He sat down on the bed. “I’ve had reservations about her character for some time now, but she’s your best friend and business partner. I trusted your judgment.”

  “What changed?”

  “Let’s just say my accountant’s warnings brought into focus some of the vague concerns I’ve had about her for years. At the very least, I think she’s capable of taking advantage of your trust.”

  “She thinks you’re the one taking advantage of me,” Elizabeth said softly.

  The anger flared again, so sudden it took Elizabeth’s breath away. She’d never thought of Paul as having a temper, but now she couldn’t help remembering the flash of rage in his eyes when he’d heard that Nina Wilson had followed her up to the waterfall. And a few minutes earlier, when he’d heard about Frankie’s accusations. Obviously the past eighteen months had taken a toll on him, as well. He wasn’t the same person either, and Elizabeth suddenly had the feeling that she was staring into the eyes of a stranger.

  “How am I taking advantage of you, Elizabeth?”

  She tucked a strand of hair behind one ear. “Frankie thinks the only reason you want to reconcile is because a divorce settlement would leave you strapped for cash.”

  “She actually said that?” A muscle worked in his jaw. “And what do you think?”

  “I’m not sure what to think. Sometimes I believe that you still love me. I even start to wonder if divorce is the right answer. And then—”

  “You see me with Nina. Or Frankie says something to you.”

  She nodded.

  A shutter came down over his face then. Elizabeth didn’t have a clue what he was thinking. “I wish you could trust me.”

  “I do. It’s just…”

  He took her hand and laced his fingers through hers. “Maybe I haven’t given you reason to trust me. I haven’t been completely honest with you, Elizabeth.”

  “About…Nina?”

  He squeezed her hand. “This isn’t about Nina. I told you earlier that I took a drive after my meeting with Boyd Carter. That wasn’t the whole truth.” He paused. “I went into town looking for Roland Latimer.”

  A tremor of fear shot through her. “Why?”

  “Because you said he frightened you last night, and I wanted to make sure that he left you alone.”

  “But you didn’t find him, did you?”

  Paul’s brows lifted in surprise. “How did you know?”

  She didn’t answer him.

  “Have you seen him again?”

  She still didn’t respond.

  “Elizabeth.” Paul took her hand in both of his. “He’s contacted you again, hasn’t he? He said so
mething else to scare you.”

  She turned her gaze to the swirling fog outside her window. “I don’t want to talk about Roland Latimer.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because he isn’t real,” she whispered.

  “I know that.”

  Her gaze flew to Paul’s. “You know?”

  “I talked to a local historian in town today. She told me that Roland Latimer has been dead for seventy years. He died in the fire that destroyed the original Fernhaven. The man you saw couldn’t possibly have been Latimer. Unless he’s a ghost.” When Paul saw her reaction, he tugged on her hand. “That was a joke.”

  She remained silent.

  “Elizabeth, honey, you can’t possibly think the guy you saw is a ghost. It was just someone from town pretending to be this Latimer character. Evidently a couple of the locals have been trying to frighten the staff. He probably saw you on the terrace last night and decided to have some fun. I doubt he’s dangerous, but if he keeps bothering you, we’ll call the police. Or better yet, I’ll take care of him myself.”

  “No!” She jerked her hand from his.

  “Elizabeth…my God, you’re shivering. What did he say to you? What the hell did he do?”

  Her hand crept to her throat. “You don’t understand.”

  “Understand what? Tell me.”

  She glanced at the window again. The mist curled and writhed against the glass. She couldn’t see Latimer, but she knew that he was out there somewhere.

  To get to her, he’d have to get rid of Paul.

  The notion occurred to her suddenly, and fear tightened like a fist around Elizabeth’s heart. She’d never been so terrified in her life.

  ELIZABETH’S REACTION mystified Paul. She couldn’t seriously believe that a ghost had approached her on the terrace of the hotel, and yet…it wouldn’t be the first time she’d looked for a supernatural answer.

  After their son’s death, she’d been frantic to find some meaning in the tragedy, and her search had taken her into some pretty dark places. The so-called medium who’d promised her a connection with Damon had been only too happy to take her money and string her along with nebulous messages from the beyond. But Paul thought she’d gotten over all that.

  Maybe not. Maybe Julian Summers was right. Maybe Elizabeth was still balanced precariously on that emotional tightrope. One misstep and she could topple over into the dark abyss that had claimed her once before.

  And this time we might not get her back.

  Paul didn’t want to believe it. She seemed so much better to him now. In some ways she appeared stronger than ever. It had taken real courage to pull herself out of that chasm, and he couldn’t think that she would allow herself to get sucked back in.

  But this business with Roland Latimer…

  Somehow he had to find the guy, Paul decided as he paced his room. Bring him face-to-face with Elizabeth and prove to her once and for all that he was just a flesh-and-blood man up to no good. Ghosts didn’t exist.

  Or maybe what he should do instead was get her away from this place.

  Paul walked over to the window and glanced out at the darkness. He’d had such high hopes that bringing her here would somehow rekindle their relationship. And in some ways it had. Old feelings had begun to resurface. Feelings that Elizabeth could no longer deny.

  But there was something strange and oppressive about Fernhaven. He felt it even now. The perpetual mist seemed to wear on his nerves, and Paul found himself anxious to get back to Seattle.

  Turning away from the window, he tried to plan out the following day. He had another meeting with Boyd Carter after lunch, and if everything went the way he hoped, he and Elizabeth could be on the road by late afternoon. They could be miles away from Fernhaven by the time darkness fell. By tomorrow night they would be safe and sound in their own home.

  What then?

  Paul had made her a promise. If she still wanted a divorce when they returned, he wouldn’t stand in her way. Was he prepared to keep his word? Despite Dr. Summers’s warnings, could he just let her walk away without a fight?

  His thoughts growing gloomier by the moment, Paul took a quick shower and climbed into bed. He closed his eyes and tried to will himself into sleep, but it was no use. He was too restless. Throwing off the cover, he swung his legs over the side of the bed, thinking perhaps a walk would help clear his head.

  But as he reached for his clothes, a sound from Elizabeth’s bedroom stopped him cold. He’d almost con vinced himself that he’d imagined it, but then the sound came again, a low, urgent moan. She was having another nightmare.

  He strode barefoot and shirtless through the living room. Her door was ajar, and as he pushed it open, a frigid draft struck him across the face like a slap.

  Shivering in the cold, he stepped into the room, his gaze going immediately to the bed.

  To Elizabeth.

  Paul could hardly breathe.

  The fire had died down, but the embers cast a faint glow over the room. She lay on top of the covers, her hair fanned against the pillow, her legs splayed as her hands moved intimately over her body.

  She was naked, and the sight of her almost stilled Paul’s heart. He hadn’t seen her that way in months. He’d forgotten how incredibly beautiful she was, slender and lithe, her skin like porcelain.

  She groaned again, but not from a nightmare, he realized in shock. She was sexually aroused.

  His body reacted instantly to the knowledge, and for the space of a heartbeat he could do nothing but drink in the sight of her. Her head moved restlessly against the pillow as one hand flattened against a breast and the other hand…

  The cold brought him sharply back to his senses. It was then that he realized the terrace doors were also ajar. She must have gotten too warm earlier and opened them for some fresh air. But Paul couldn’t imagine her leav ing them open. Not after their discussion about Roland Latimer.

  He hurried over to shut them, making certain once again they were locked. Pulling the drapes across the glass, he turned back to the bed.

  Elizabeth lay perfectly still now. He walked over and stood staring down at her, not wanting to cover her and yet knowing he should. It was freezing in her room.

  As he reached for the blanket, her hand snaked out and caught his wrist. The strength of her grip took Paul by surprise.

  “Don’t let him in,” she pleaded.

  Her voice sent a chill up Paul’s spine. “It’s okay. It’s just me. Everything’s fine.”

  “He won’t go away unless…”

  “Unless what?” Paul wasn’t even certain she was awake. Her eyes were open, but they didn’t appear to be focused on him. She didn’t sound like herself either. She sounded…

  He didn’t want to think about how she sounded. How she looked. The way her eyes seemed to glow in the darkness.

  “You have to save me from him,” she whispered urgently. She rose on her knees then, and as the blanket fell away, Paul drew a ragged breath.

  He couldn’t tear his gaze from her nakedness. He wanted her at that moment as he’d never wanted her before.

  One pale hand slid around the back of his neck and drew him to her. “Make love to me,” she murmured against his lips. “It’s the only way….”

  She kissed him then with a ferocity that stole his breath. That swept away whatever vestiges of control he’d been trying to cling to.

  Falling back against the bed, she pulled him down with her. He lay over her, kissing her desperately as his fingers threaded through her hair.

  When they finally broke apart, he tried to rein in his emotions. He’d caught her at a vulnerable moment. He didn’t want to take advantage of her.

  But the way her body felt against his, the way she looked up at him through hooded eyes…

  “Maybe we should slow things down,” he murmured.

  “No! It has to be now,” she said frantically. Her fingers slipped inside his pajama bottoms, searching, finding, stroking.

  He groa
ned. “Elizabeth…”

  She tugged at his clothes. Paul peeled them off and kicked them aside. Then he was over her again, his heart pounding against hers.

  “I can feel how much you want me,” she whispered. “I want you, too.” Her hand closed around him, guiding him into her.

  Paul wanted to take it slow. They hadn’t been together for months. He didn’t want to hurt her, but she wouldn’t allow him to be gentle. He’d never seen her like this. It was as if…

  No, he wouldn’t think about that now. He wouldn’t let doubts consume him. Not with Elizabeth naked and aroused beneath him.

  Her nails raked down his back, and then she grasped his hips and arched her back, drawing him deeply inside her. She pushed him away, then pulled him back in again and again and again until Paul could no longer fight her frantic rhythm. He gave himself over to her, matching her tempo, holding back only when he felt himself nearing the edge. He didn’t want it to end. Not yet…

  But even a momentary respite was too much for her. She pushed him off, rolled him onto his back and climbed on top of him. Sliding over him, she stared down at him for the longest moment. Then, throwing back her head, she began to move.

  The sight of her that way…hair cascading down her back, breasts gleaming in the dim light, her slender hips moving against his…

  Paul exploded inside her. He couldn’t hold back. Not one second longer. The climax shook him to his very core, and a moment later, when Elizabeth collapsed, shuddering, on top of him, he wrapped his arms around her and held her as if both their lives depended on it.

  Chapter Twelve

  When Paul woke up alone the next morning, he wondered for a moment if he’d been dreaming. He was still in Elizabeth’s room, in her bed, but somehow it didn’t seem possible that they’d spent the night together. There had been times during the long, lonely months of their estrangement when Paul had thought they might never share an intimate moment again.

  And in all honesty, he couldn’t say that it had ever been quite like that for them. Elizabeth had always been passionate, but last night she’d seemed so different.