She met his gaze straight on. "Well, that’s certainly a different come-on.”
"My lady love, your speech has become unfamiliar to me.” His dark brows drew close.
Claire rolled her eyes. "Okay. This game has gone on long enough. I’ll tell Fred you did a great job playing the part. Although I don’t know why he concocted such a wild scheme in the first place.” She started toward the door, but at the same time something pulled at her. A longing deep inside told her to stay. She shook it off. "I really have work to do.”
A few minutes later she again found herself waiting for Fred to finish registering guests before she addressed him. She worried her lower lip with her teeth as she tried to think how to approach him. If he was the one behind the ruse, he’d be ready for her questions. She thought for a long moment, even paced the floor while waiting.
In the end, when Fred was once more alone, she just blurted it out. "Of all the nerve. Why the elaborate deception? Is it something you and Mr. Archer dreamed up to check my intelligence? Maybe put me in the mood for adding a romantic flare to the hotel?”
He frowned, but his voice was patient. "Is something wrong, Ms. Jacobs? Your room is not up to standard?”
"Don’t play innocent with me.” She felt her cheeks flame in anger. "Why the phony Lord Archer? Was the locked door part of the joke? If you’re not satisfied with my work, there are easier ways to fire me.”
"Fire you? I’m quite sure I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He came around the desk and grasped her elbow. "Come to my office and we’ll discuss this.”
She jerked free of his hold. "I’m not going anywhere with you. Tell me what you know of Lord Archer.”
"He was a soldier in the King’s army and he wore his scars proudly. And he died a tragic, sad death.”
He turned toward his office and she reluctantly followed him inside. Just like Lord Archer’s bedroom, this room needed no improvement.
He pulled out a seat for her and sat opposite, behind his large oak desk. "Now, tell me what troubles you, Ms. Jacobs.”
Though embarrassed, she started with the dreams and ended with Lord Archer’s love-struck ghost. Fred listened quietly while she spoke.
"Perhaps the heat in the closed-off tower affected you?” He held up a hand when she opened her mouth to protest. "You’ve been working too hard. Go back to your room and I’ll have some of our special herbal tea sent up. Rest a bit, then we’ll check out what’s in the tower. I’m sure you’ll feel better after tea and rest.”
Dismissed like a hysterical teen. How dare he! “Rest and tea be damned. I plan to go back to that tower and find the wires and mechanisms you used to pull off the prank. I’ll...”
Fred picked up the phone and called housekeeping. After a short conversation, he turned to Claire. "I’ve sent for Brenda to take you back to your room. You’re too shaky to go alone.”
So that was it. A prisoner. Well, as soon as Brenda left her at her door, she’d sneak to the tower.
A few minutes later a grandmotherly woman dressed in a black uniform collected Claire from Fred’s office and helped her to her room. Claire had to admit the woman was far from a jailer type. She was friendly and chatted while she drew back the covers, then ran water in the bathtub. "A good long soak and a nap will fix you up, my dear.”
"I don’t need a nap. I’m supposed to be working, not vacationing.”
"Oh, I’ve heard Mr. Miller talking. He’s pleased with your drawings. I even heard him talking to Mr. Archer on the phone. Said you were just the one they’d been looking for.”
As Brenda started out the door, room service arrived with a white cloth covered cart. Pink tapered candles circled a bouquet of deep red roses on one side of the cart and a silver tea service on the other. The young man parked the cart near the bed, lit the candles, and hurried out before Claire fished in her purse for a tip.
She had to admit, it did look lovely. She gave in and poured herself a cup of tea, then sipped the hot brew slowly. The strong smell from the burning candles mixed with the sweet scent of roses and pungent taste of the herbal tea disoriented her. Maybe she was tired. She set down the cup and lay back on the bed.
She knew she was asleep, but had the harsh sense she was awake, walking along the beach. Someone followed her. She turned. "Stop. Go back.” Why did he continue to follow?
"Claire, don’t leave me. Wait.” His voice, deep and sensual, sent shivers down her spine. The wind sighed and a cloud danced over the full moon. A rose petal path led to the open French doors and she followed. When she reached the bedroom, she heard music. Lord Archer stepped out of the shadows. When he reached her, he knelt and took her hand in his. She saw the full moon rising behind him.
“Come with me, Claire.” His voice was deep, tender, almost a caress. His eyes searched her face. He rose and took her hand in his. “We must hurry.”
The warmth of his flesh was intoxicating. “We must hurry where? Why?”
A beam of moonlight revealed an adoring look on his face. “We must be united while the moon is high. I love you, Claire. I couldn’t bear to lose you again after being this close.”
“You think I’m the same woman you loved all those years ago? How could it be?” The idea intrigued her. A faint memory lingered around the edges of her mind. Could that be why she’d never found love with any other man? Had Aunt Lizy been right all along?
“I know you are, my darling lady. Fred promised me you’d return, and he’s kept his promise.” A flare of desire flowed into his eyes. Every time his gaze met hers, her heart turned over.
Confused, she started to walk away, but hesitated, torn by conflicting emotions. He smiled and sent her pulses racing.
He took a step toward her. “You do remember, don’t you?”
Something tugged at her mind. This man was touchable. Yet there was that microscopic glow around him. Was he a ghost? She glanced up at the moon. Tonight was his last chance. The wind whistled through the doors in a tormenting melody.
Fate pulling her forward, she could no longer deny herself his touch and wrapped her arms around his neck. He kissed her like she’d never been kissed before. She returned his kiss and knew she wanted more. She wound her fingers in his thick hair and whispered, “I love you, Robert.”
“I love you too, my darling lady love.” He began reciting the marriage vows and sealed them with a kiss before he slipped the ruby ring from his own finger to hers.
They clung to each other in desperation. He lifted her in his arms and carried her across the room where he gently laid her on the bed. She pulled him to her and began her own vows of love to him. She held him tight with a burning desire, afraid she’d lose him.
His breath was warm and moist and real against her face, and her heart raced. There was a bond between them.
With the moon rising higher in the sky, she was desperate to love him, to give him life. Excitement flamed in her and she pulled him closer still. She curled into the curve of his body, matching his urgency with her own powerful, unsated needs.
They loved in desperation-fighting time. Moving together as one, they joined in a burst of stars.
***
She woke in her bed, curled against her lover’s side, astonished at the sense of fulfillment she felt. Bright sunlight shone in the open doors, lighting Lord Archer’s face. Lord Archer? It hadn’t been a dream? She recalled the ecstasy of being in his arms.
Lying beside her, he looked so real. Certainly not a ghost. No ghost could’ve made her feel like he did? She ran her hands over his body, assuring herself he was real.
"Promise to wake me every morning like this?” His smile widened in approval.
"Cross my heart.”
"I can hardly believe we’re together at last. After more than a century of waiting, you’ve come back to me.” His arms drew her close, tightened around her and held her as if he’d never let her go. He pressed his lips against hers and sighed in contentment, then lay silent for a long moment, just holdin
g her.
"There was a time when I didn’t believe in magic,” Claire confessed. "I was wrong. It does exist, but only if you believe. Especially the magic of love. It’s the strongest sorcery of all, and it can work marvels. It conquered my fears. It saved your life.”
"And it brought you home to me.” Lord Archer bent his head and claimed her lips.
She pushed him away, panting. "I really must breathe.” She giggled.
"I waited so long for your return, my dearest. You are my wife, you know. My forever wife.” Putting a large hand to her waist, he drew her to him.
"Yes! I can’t believe I almost didn’t listen to my heart and memories. Thank God, Fred insisted I stay.”
"Someone mention my name?” Fred peeked into the room. "Pardon my intrusion, but I believe a wedding celebration is in order. The priest is on the way and the cake is in the oven!”
Muses in the Moonlight
Patty Howell
Calli’s long climb terminated atop the ridgeline and she’d barely broke a sweat. Although the day had been sweltering—after all it was July—a cool evening breeze whispered through the hardwoods and pines. The spot afforded an impressive view overlooking the valley where she’d been raised.
Once the place she’d called home, Allenvale, Pennsylvania, a small coal-mining town nestled into the Allegheny Mountains, had become an albatross...it presented too many unanswerable questions. Who were her parents? Where were they from? Why had they named her Calliope? Yet, most important...why hadn’t they wanted her?
Education and changing locale hadn’t settled her restless spirit. The Master’s in Anthropology hadn’t mattered one whit...it only opened the gate of her mind to more inquiry.
And Calliope? Her adoptive parents, whom she’d loved with all her heart, had told her the name had been printed in large block letters and tucked into the basket where she’d been found. Had her biological parents been patrons of mythology or had they been Allegheny Mountain people familiar with and lovers of the local folk music?
Her gaze shifted from the valley to the universe; her eyes roamed the cosmos seeking resolution to the barrage of mental provocations assailing her faculties. The stars were overshadowed by the huge moon that dominated the sky. It lay suspended from the heavens as though hanging from a puppeteer’s strings. Was it beckoning, or was it ridiculing?
“Are you mocking me moon?” she yelled. Shocked at the loudness of her own voice, she chuckled to herself, thankful no one had heard her ranting. “They’d certainly think me a bit teched in the head.” Her voice sounded subdued.
Calli jumped when a soft, deep voice replied, “Who would? And why would the moon make fun of you?”
She spun in the direction of the sound. A man rose from where he’d been crouched, leaning against a tree about fifteen feet away.
“How long have you been there?” Calli demanded.
“About an hour,” the stranger replied as he walked toward her. The moon shining on his face reflected a kind smile, and sparkling white teeth between his parted lips.
It’d probably be a good time to take off down the mountain. These hills were as familiar as the back of her hand, having climbed them thousands of times as a young child and teenager. And I’m faster than most things on two legs. So why are my feet fused to the ground?
“You didn’t answer my questions.” His voice resonated a gentleness reminiscent of her daddy’s.
She extended her hand awkwardly when he approached. “My name’s Calli Winson. Who’re you?”
He clasped her hand in his. “Jacob Isaacs. It’s nice to meet you Calli Winson.”
“Yeah, same here,” she said—while thinking I hope.
The moon cast light onto his face illuminating its masculine features, especially his eyes. Wise eyes, she thought. The deeply calloused hand, still holding hers, conveyed a disciplined strength that radiated to the core of her being.
“So what are you doing here, Mr. Isaacs?” Calli withdrew her hand and immediately stuck it in her pocket, begrudging the loss of the warm imprint it had embedded in the pores of her palm.
She turned away and again stared at the moon.
“Actually, I come here frequently,” he answered. “It’s peaceful and conducive to prayer.”
Calli glanced over her shoulder at him; a little scoff escaped her lips. “To pray? Is that something you’re ‘into’?” Immediately, a small stab pierced her heart. “I’m sorry,” she quickly added. “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”
***
“It’s all right,” Jacob said gently. Here indeed was a troubled, aching soul.
He pointed upward. “If you look closely, you can see the Sea of Serenity flowing beside the moon’s left eye.”
“Are you some kind of moon aficionado?”
“No, not really. Merely awed and appreciative of all God’s creation. Funny. Did you know you can buy a piece of the moon?”
“You’re kidding, right?” Calli asked, facing him.
“Not at all. There’s a place on the internet where you can purchase it. Only $31.25 an acre—the minimum you can acquire. For your money, you get an actual deed, a satellite photo, and geographic location.” He chuckled.
Calli burst into laughter. “Does it include a map with directions?”
He smiled at her spontaneity. “I don’t know about that. Did you climb all the way up?” he added, changing the subject.
“Yeah. I used to do it a lot as a kid. Some of the paths have changed, though it’s mostly the same.”
“It must’ve taken a while. It would’ve necessitated me leaving early this morning and packing a lunch,” he said lightheartedly. “All that to say I drove. I’m parked in the overlook area. Would you like a ride down?”
“Yes. Thank you. I guess I did come up rather late in the day. However, this was the only time I had. I’m leaving tomorrow.”
“I didn’t think you looked familiar.” Of course, she didn’t—I’d definitely have remembered, he thought as he stared at her lovely face. “I believe I’ve met practically everybody in the valley over the last couple years. So, you’re from out of town?”
“Yes,” she said succinctly.
He casually took her elbow and led her toward the car. She’s certainly a woman of few words, Jacob considered.
“What brought you back?” he asked as he opened the passenger door.
“Back?”
“You said you climbed this mountain as a kid, so I assume you lived in Allenvale at one time.” Climbing in the driver’s seat, he cranked the engine and swung out of the parking spot.
“Yes, I grew up here. My parents died ten years ago, and I returned to…to put flowers on their graves.”
Jacob sensed there was much more to the reason, but didn’t delve. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Well, it was a long time ago, but it seemed like only yesterday when I placed those bouquets earlier. Returning has brought a flood of memories.”
“I’m sure it has.” Jacob expertly maneuvered the descending switchbacks. “Where do you live now and what do you do?”
***
“In Silver Spring, Maryland...outside Washington, D.C. I’m an anthropologist at the Smithsonian. How about you? What do you do in Allenvale?” Calli’s curiosity piqued. He hadn’t tried to dazzle her by extolling his achievements. By this time, the men she normally associated with would’ve inserted their entire curriculum vitae into the conversation.
“I’m a pastor at Allenvale Community Christian Church.” He pulled onto the main highway into town.
She quirked a brow—her only comment, “You handled the mountain road with ease. I’m impressed.”
“Well, as I said, I go up fairly often. I find it therapeutic to steal away and bask in the seclusion of the mountain’s tranquility.”
I can’t believe my ears, she thought. “I understand that.” It’s the same reason she’d gone there so many years ago.
“So, Calli. Would you like to join
me for a cup of coffee before heading home?”
“Coffee? No thanks. I’d be awake half the night. I’d love a glass of wine though. Oh! I guess you don’t do wine, being a preacher.”
“Ha! That’s where you’d be mightily mistaken,” Jacob guffawed. “Wine it is.” He swung into the Moonlight Inn parking lot. “This seems appropriate for tonight.” He turned off the engine and hopped out.
Calli opened her door just as Jacob laid his hand on the handle. “Oh! I didn’t realize you were coming around,” she said, swinging her legs out of the Jeep.
Allenvale had changed remarkably in ten years; Calli barely recognized the town where she’d grown up. Where most coal towns had dried up or stagnated, Allenvale had prospered, which surprised her. For a moment, she panicked, wondering if her attire—jeans—was okay until she noticed Jacob also wore jeans.
***
“Let us have two glasses of pinot noir, please” Jacob addressed the waitress once they’d been seated.
“How long have you lived here, Jacob? Do you like it? You said you’re a pastor—you mean like a youth pastor?”
“A little over six years and yes, I do. I’ve grown quite attached to the town and the people. I’m the senior pastor, but there’re actually several pastors and I view us as equals.” Their drinks arrived. “Do you want anything to eat?”
“No, thank you. I had a late lunch.”
Dismissing the waitress he returned his attention to Calli. “So, how come you left Allenvale?”
***
Why did I leave? “After my parents were killed in the car crash, I felt...detached.” And lonely.
Jacob lifted his glass. “A toast. I pray you find what you came back for.” He stared into her eyes.
Calli cast her eyes at her glass still on the table. How could he possibly know she’d been seeking something all these years? She barely knew herself. She’d tried to break it down to its lowest denominator many times—without success. It’s as though this stranger pierced her soul and fathomed the long-buried desires of her heart. She picked up her wineglass and touched his without comment.
Blue Moon Enchantment (Once In A Blue Moon Series) Page 12
