by Suzy Shearer
Kallie wondered what time it was. Walking out into the kitchen, she checked the clock on the stove—six fifty. It had gotten dark, with winter just around the corner. Now the wind had turned chilly, and she shivered.
Too tired to do anything else tonight, she picked up the new sheets and pillowcases. As Kallie made up the bed she realised she didn't have any blankets. It had completely slipped her mind when she’d bought the mattresses.
“Damn,” she muttered and hoped it wouldn’t get too cold tonight. Then she remembered the sleeping bag. She’d have to use it on top of the bed until she could buy blankets. Thank goodness she had it. Otherwise, she’d be sleeping in the towels.
Not feeling like eating much, she picked up a juicy-looking apple and grabbed one of her books of the shelf. She sat in the living room and read for a few hours until the words started blurring together. Getting to her feet, she wandered into the bedroom and looked out the wide windows, watching the trees bend and sway in the wind. She hugged herself. It felt so good to be home.
Stripping off her clothes, Kallie realised she hadn’t unpacked her suitcases. She’d just stashed them in the walk-in closet. She strode in, opened one, and pulled out her slinky long satin nightie. She headed to the linen cupboard, took out the sleeping bag, went back into the bedroom, and unrolled it onto the bed.
After climbing in, she zipped it up and lay looking through the windows. The wind blowing through the trees had been another thing she’d missed—drifting off to sleep to the lullaby of the forest. She lay listening to their song and very soon fell asleep.
The next morning Kallie tried to decide what to wear. She threw all the clothes from her suitcases on the bed and look critically at them all. She had a couple black dresses—rejected them. A pair of black slacks—no. A pair of shorts and two pairs of sweatpants—definitely not!
Damn it!
In the end she picked out a clean pair of jeans, a long-sleeved black button-down tunic shirt with a mandarin collar, and a pair of cream espadrilles. She packed everything away in her drawers and the wardrobe and then found a clean set of undies. She may try to deny it, but she did pick a very sexy black and red lace set—just in case.
After smothering hot fresh toast with creamy butter and sweet red strawberry jam, Kallie ate while looking out into the backyard. Marie had bought her some orange juice so she drank a glass rather than having coffee. Then she jumped in the shower, quickly shaved her legs, underarms, and did a quick trim before dressing.
She put a hint of eye shadow on to bring out her blue eyes and then a soft coloured lipstick—the twenty-four-hour kind. Her hair never needed much work. She often just raked her fingers through it. She found a casual black shoulder bag and slipped in her phone, wallet, keys, and sunglasses. Okay she was ready!
Going into the kitchen she checked the clock on the stove, a few minutes to eleven. Suddenly she felt so nervous.
Relax, relax.
Kallie tried to take a few deep calming breaths but they still didn't work. Then she heard a car pull up and practically wet herself.
He was here!
How on earth was she supposed to act?
She heard him knock on the door and walked down to open it. She closed her eyes and then opened them as she pulled the door, trying to act nonchalant. Alex had on a pair of black jeans with a dark green shirt. She stood admiring the view and then realised he couldn’t get inside.
“Oops come in.”
She stepped aside, and he walked down the hall to the family room. He handed her a bag. “You left these. Marie washed them for you.”
They were the clothes she’d worn on Friday. She blushed, thanked him, asked if he would thank Marie, and then took the bag and threw it into the bedroom. He smiled and then handed her the book she’d been reading.
“Not sure if you wanted to finish this.”
“I do. I was going to buy it. Thank you.”
“Now you don’t have to. So, Ms. Robins, ready to go car hunting.”
“Yes, please.”
Kallie put the book on the counter. Alex held out his arm and she quickly closed the back door, picked up her bag, and hooked her arm through his. He pulled the front door shut behind them. Then they went out to the car, and he settled her in before getting behind the wheel. They drove the track and headed down the mountain. Kallie was so aware of him, of his masculinity, of his strength, and of his authority. She tried to act natural but found it difficult.
“Will you be going to Alaska for the bear documentary soon?”
“No. We’re just at the planning stage at the moment. Really tossing ideas back and forth. I’m actually off to Brazil at the end of October. Going to film the river otters.”
He began chatting about this upcoming trip and it delighted Kallie that he felt comfortable enough to share things with her. Finally they pulled into the car lot. He helped her out of the car, and they walked into the showroom. A man walked toward them smiling. He looked to be in his mid-fifties, with short, dark hair, and he was rather cute, like a cuddly teddy bear. Kallie hid a grin behind her hand as he shook hands with Alex. Alex introduced her and they walked out on the lot.
“So, Alex said you want a four-wheel drive Kallie.” He showed them four cars. “I’ve got these four ready to go.”
“Yes, Derek. I live on Spencer’s Mountain, so I really need something robust.”
Kallie looked around the outside of them. She didn’t like the soft top of the wrangler but loved the other. The Laredo and the Grand Cherokee looked pretty similar to her eyes. Derek unlocked them all, and she clambered inside each one. Once inside the Laredo she could see the difference with the luxury interior of the Cherokee.
“Want to take them for a spin?”
“Maybe the Cherokee and the hard-top Wrangler, Derek.”
“Okey dokey.”
Alex walked over to a low wall and sat down. Kallie sighed in relief. She couldn’t imagine driving a strange car with him. Derek led her to the Cherokee first, and she managed to start it and get it out the lot gates without stalling it. Unaccustomed to an automatic, Kallie felt nervous as Derek directed her through the streets and told her the easiest way to go. She drove around a few roads, parked between two cars then took off again. It handled really well, and she liked the comfort of driving it.
They arrived back in the yard, and Derek ushered her over to the Wrangler. It was manual, and she actually felt more at ease driving it. They went along the same streets, and she quickly discovered this was the car for her.
“I really like this one, Derek.”
“I thought you might. Actually it’s probably better for you especially since sometimes it will be on a wet muddy track. This one is a real workhorse. Don’t get me wrong, the Cherokee is, too, but I tend to think the Wranglers are a more honest four-wheeler, if you know what I mean.”
“I do. I like the Cherokee, but I’d worry about scratching the paint all the time.”
They pulled up alongside the other cars and got out. Alex stood and came over to her.
“How did you go?”
“I like the Wrangler. It’s more me.”
Derek stood between them. “So this model Wrangler Rubicon has heated seats, which will come in handy once winter hits, and the side mirrors are heated as well. It’s got the side steps as you discovered.”
Kallie giggled. She’d had to use them to climb in.
“It’s a six-speed manual transmission, V-six. This is the four-door model, the hard top. It’s in bullet silver.”
“Okay.”
“You want me to give you the technical specs?”
“Ah, no. As long as it climbs up mountains, that’s all I care.”
“It’ll certainly do that. Now, Alex said you need it yesterday.”
“Yes. I’ve moved back here but have no transport. I can’t keep expecting people to drive me wherever I want. And I have to drive down each day for work.”
“Well, as I said, this one’s ready to go. You could pick it up tomor
row afternoon. I can get all the paperwork done by then and everything lodged with the authorities.”
“Does it have an alarm?”
“It has an immobiliser. I can put an alarm in for you in the morning if you can wait until five or six to pick it up.”
“That’s fine.”
“Okay, come inside so we can fill out the paperwork.”
“I’ll need all the details so I can insure it, too.”
“I can handle the insurance for you if you like.”
“Good. Thanks, Derek. I’ll give you my insurance company’s details.”
The three of them went inside. Derek settled her in a seat, and then they discussed price. As a demonstration model, it had all bells and whistles on it, plenty of extras, but Kallie was rather ruthless, and she eventually got the price she was aiming for. She and Derek shook hands, and then he filled out all the necessary paperwork. She arranged for a bank transfer of the funds, and they sat talking for about half an hour until work called Derek away. He shook hands with them both and they went back to Alex’s car.
“Thank you for this, Alex. I really do appreciate it.”
“It’s no trouble. We’ll go and have something to eat.”
“If it isn’t any bother.”
“None. I told Marie we’d be back for lunch.”
She wasn’t sure what to say, so she stayed silent. Mr. Dom was definitely surfacing. Driving through the city outskirts toward Alex’s home Kallie saw a florist shop ahead.
“Can you stop for a moment please, Alex?”
“Sure. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing I’d just like to get some flowers for Marie. She did so much, and I just want to thank her.”
He laughed. “As long as you don’t try and poach her away.”
“No chance of that. Won’t be a minute.”
Kallie went into the shop. The almost overpowering aroma of flowers was heady as she selected freesias and hyacinths in shades of purple and mauve and then some soft pink stock to complement them. The assistant arranged them into a large display with greenery and soft green ribbons. Leaving the shop she saw a relaxed Alex leaning against the side of the car in the sun with his arms crossed. She could get so used to seeing him. He pushed off the car as she approached and opened the back door.
“Did you buy the shop out?”
“Not quite.”
“No roses?”
“No. I always think people give roses when they don’t know what else to give. They’re kind of impersonal in my opinion.”
She caught a sudden odd look Alex gave her as she put the flowers on the back seat and wondered what it meant. He helped her back in the car and they took off again.
“So what are you favorite flowers, Kallie?” For some reason his voice sounded strained.
“Mine? Gee, I love lots. I love peonies and violets, plus all the ones I just bought.”
“Do you have a favourite colour?”
“A colour? Yes, I love green.”
Chapter Twelve
Alex helped her out of the car and handed her the bouquet of flowers.
“Marie is probably in the kitchen or else outside gardening. I have people come in to care for the grass and plants, but she loves to potter about in her herb garden.”
Alex led the way. He glanced outside and pointed to Marie. She’d just stood and had a handful of fresh herbs that she’d picked. He opened the door for Kallie and let her go to Marie alone.
“Hi, Marie. These are for you. I just wanted to say thank you.”
“Oh, Miss Robins, you shouldn’t have!”
“Nonsense. You bought me all those groceries. It was just lovely to be able to open the fridge and the pantry and find them stocked.”
Marie had buried her nose in the flowers. She looked up at Kallie. “Thank you. These are lovely, and you have my favourites in there, too—freesias.”
“I love them, too!”
They walked back into the terrace, and Alex joked with Marie about leaving him.
“I’ll have to make sure I buy you flowers now,” he teased.
“Oh, Mister Alex!” She chuckled and blushed.
Marie thanked Kallie again and left. Alex pulled out a chair for Kallie.
“Won’t be a minute. Just relax.”
He return a few minutes later with two glasses of white wine, handed her one, and then sat down in a chair alongside her.
“I like sitting out here whenever the weather allows it. It’s relaxing, almost as nice as being on my balcony.” He pointed to the side of the house. “I’ll show you later.”
“Alex, I really appreciate all the trouble you’ve gone to for me.”
“Nonsense I’ve actually liked doing it. Tomorrow afternoon I’ll bring you down to collect your car.”
“Heavens, Alex, I can’t keep expecting you to do things for me.”
“Well I imagine once you have your car, I won’t be doing as much, if anything.”
“I guess so.”
Marie came out to them. “Are you ready to eat, Mister Alex?”
“Yes, thank you, Marie.”
Kallie smiled at Marie. “Thank you again for washing my clothes, Marie. I forgot all about them.”
“It’s okay, Miss Robins.”
Marie beamed at her and left the terrace. A few minutes later she came back with a large tray. She placed cutlery and serviettes on a table next to them then left. When she returned she put a plate in front of each and wished them bon appétit before leaving.
Kallie admired the delicious looking grilled chicken with avocado and fresh vegetables on her plate. It had a lovely creamy mustard and honey sauce drizzled over it, plus some of the herbs she’d just picked. The very appetising smell made Kallie realise how hungry she as she started to eat.
“Mm, this is yummy!”
“Glad you like it. Marie tends to spoil me.”
They finished their meal in comfortable silence. When Marie had cleared away their plates and given them coffee Alex stretched out his long legs.
“Tell me more about you Kallie. Your name, is it Greek?”
“Yes, it is. It from the myth of Callisto, whom Zeus loved. Kallista can be spelled with either a C or a K, so I’m the K version, and most people call me Kallie or Kall.”
“I like it. It suits you.”
“Thank you.”
“How did you end up doing narrations?”
“I actually studied sound engineering. When I was in university I got a job at Sonic Max. One day the person who was supposed to come to record a commercial voice-over didn’t show. They asked me to do it. The rest, as they say, is history.”
“I have to admit your voice is amazing. I could listen to it all day. It has this mix of qualities, warmth, sensuality even a little huskiness. It’s unbelievably sexy.”
Kallie laughed. “So I’ve been told.”
“So you finished your studies.”
“Yes, I actually got my PhD.” She gave a giggle. “Did a thesis on the dynamic compression of popular music in relation to live sound and recorded acoustics.”
“So as well as being beautiful you’re talented and very smart.”
“Not sure about that.”
“And now you own more than half?”
“Yes. I get paid very well for what I do. It made sense to me to invest in something I knew, so right from the start I bought shares. Now as you said I own more than half.”
They had finished their coffees but were comfortably chatting about recording studios. Alex invited her to see the ones they had set up at Nat Doc. Suddenly he stood and held out his hand for her.
“Let me show you the view from my balcony.”
Kallie allowed Alex to pull her up, and Alex kept hold of her hand as he walked through the atrium and into the master foyer.
“This side of the house is built behind a dip in the land, so although it’s the same level as the ground floor, it actually has a better view.”
He led her through the
master bedroom. With one wall all glass to take advantage of the view she watched as Alex slid the glass aside to walk out onto his large covered balcony.
The view was just spectacular. “Oh wow, Alex. This is amazing!”
Alex stood behind her and pointed. “If you go along the beach for about two kilometres you end up in Dan’s.”
“I didn’t realise how close you were. You can’t tell from the road or even from here.”
“No, we left all the natural bush between us, actually made tracks through there. We both love running or cycling through.”
“You do? I love to do those as well. Once I get settled I’ll buy myself a new bike.”
“You’ll have to bring it down and use the tracks with us.”
Kallie looked ahead. She could see the foamy white tops of the surf crashing against the sand, could hear the pounding waves as they hit the beach. Windblown, grass-covered dunes led back toward the house, and she could see where Alex’s gardens met them. It looked so inviting, Kallie wanted to take off her shoes and race through the sand to paddle.
She looked around the balcony. More marble. Kallie thought he must have bought up all the marble in one quarry to use in his house, but she had to admit it looked stunning, so clean and fresh. She did notice it wasn’t pure white but had faint gray veins and swirls through it.
He had an outdoor setting with low chaise, as well as chairs and a table, and Kallie got the impression he enjoyed sitting out here whenever possible. The clear glass balcony meant nothing detracted from the view. They stood admiring the vista for a while, and then Alex offered to show her a little more.
They walked back into the enormous bedroom, around seventeen by twenty feet and painted off-white except for one deep mushroom- coloured wall. Another wall had a television set into it with a built-in gas fireplace underneath. Nothing detracted from the elegance of the room with its bed and two couches, a coffee table between them. The mauve sort of mushroom-coloured couches and bed linen complemented the feature wall, which also had a large abstract painting hung on it. It was a very masculine room, sparse and light, but Kallie like its understated elegance.
There were two doorways. One led through to the bathroom with an enormous tub in the centre and looked out over a vast window. The shower looked big enough for at least four people. Off to one side as was a sauna with the toilet on the other.
