Desire Part Two (The Desire Series Book 2)

by Ava Alexia

  “Welcome home, Whit,” he beamed.

  “Thank you, Tamblin. Tam, this is Madison McClain,” Whit introduced her. “She will be my guest for the next several weeks. She is an excellent interior designer here to oversee the Edelston project.”

  “Hello Miss McClain. It is a pleasure to meet you,” Tam greeted her.

  “Hello Tamblin. The pleasure is mine,” Maddie said. “And please, call me Maddie.”

  “If you will call me Tam,” he smiled engagingly.

  “Deal,” Maddie agreed amiably.

  “Please enter. All is in readiness for you,” Tam offered.

  Tam stepped aside to allow them to enter. Maddie was thunderstruck by the splendor that awaited her. The foyer was huge with a large round oak table in its center with a magnificent chandelier suspended above it. Bright, dazzling sparks danced from the ornate lamp to bounce off of the Italian marble flooring.

  “I’ll show you to your room. Tam will you assist Raul with the bags?” Whit asked.

  “Certainly,” Tam answered.

  Whit grasped Maddie hands and pulled her toward the circular grand staircase.

  “There’s an elevator but I think you could use the exercise after that adventurous ride. Maddie grinned at him then took the steps two at a time. Whit easily kept pace with her. When they arrived to the landing Whit grinned at her.

  “Nice. I’ll have to take you hiking. There’s a gorgeous waterfall that I think you will like,” he said.

  “I can’t wait to see it,” she smiled.

  He guided her down several halls. By the time they reached her bedroom Maddie was thoroughly confused.

  “I’ll never remember the pattern of this maze,” she complained.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll always come get you,” he responded.

  He opened the bedroom door and swung the door wide.

  “After you,” he said gallantly.

  Maddie walked into the room and again caught her breath. The room was unbelievably fabulous with pale green walls and cream crown molding. The draperies were white with small green swirling vines and red and yellow roses. There was a sitting area to one side of the room that was tastefully decorated with a comfortable dark green sofa and matching love seat with two taupe colored Pigoli armchairs. Maddie looked behind her and saw the massive four poster bed. She couldn’t help but imagine the things that she and Whit could do in that bed. He must have read her thoughts.

  “There are fantastic nights ahead for us,’ he murmured.

  She gave him a scolding look but knew that he was correct. She looked forward to those nights as much as he. She wandered over to the glass doors and opened them. She stepped out onto the terrace and could see the ocean. She laughed delightedly.

  “I can see the ocean,” she sighed.

  He joined her on the terrace.

  “Yes. Almost all of the bedrooms have an ocean view. The scent and sound of the water is wonderful to fall asleep to,” he remarked.

  Maddie breathed in deeply.

  “If I’m not careful I’ll never want to fall asleep to anything but the ocean and its wonderful scent,” Maddie murmured.

  “That could be arranged,” he whispered.

  He embraced Maddie from the back and squeezed her gently. Maddie relaxed against his chest and closed her eyes. There he goes making another insinuating remark. What was he implying and did he mean it? She decided not to analyze it and accept it at face value. That was her motto during this trip: go with the flow and be happy.

  “You must be tired. Why don’t you take a nap and I will wake you in a couple of hours,” he suggested.

  “I am a bit tired. What about you? You must be just as weary as I,” she asked.

  “I need to attend to a few things and then I will rest,” he said. “Come. Let’s get you onto bed.”

  Maddie allowed him to lead her to the huge bed and settle her among the pillows.

  “Sleep well. I will see you later,” he said softly.

  “Alright,” Maddie mumbled.

  She seemed to fall asleep as soon as her head hit the pillows. Whit watched her sleep for a few minutes then turned to quietly leave the room.

  *****

  The bed was wonderful. Maddie didn’t believe she had ever had such a good sleep. She yawned and stretched lazily. She thought she could stay where she was forever. She lay quietly and listened to the waves crashing the shore. How meditative were the sounds. She lost herself in the rushing lyrics of the water. So in tuned was she to the sounds of the ocean that she didn’t hear Whit come into the room. He quietly entered and softly closed the door. He was standing by the bed when she finally sensed that he was there. Maddie opened her eyes and smiled at him. She extended her hand to him. He took it and settled on the bed, pulling her close to his side.

  “Did you have a good nap?” he asked.

  “Yes. This bed is wonderful. I could sleep in it forever,” she said.

  “Good. But you should get up. I want to give you a tour of the house while it is still light,” he said.

  “Alright, in a few minutes. Will you stay here with me for a little while?” she asked softly.

  “Of course,” he responded. “I’d like nothing better.”

  They laid on the comfortable bed in companionable silence listening to the sounds of the ocean. Just lying next to a woman and not engaging in sex was a new practice for Whit. He found that he was totally relaxed with Maddie and enjoyed just being with her. It was an experience that he had never been inclined to have with Raquel. He wondered what Raquel was cooking up for revenge. Not for a moment did he think that she would ride off into the sunset without making a stink. Raquel was too vindictive for that. She was planning something but at least he wouldn’t have to deal with it until he returned to New York. He and Maddie remained where they were for a half an hour before stirring. Whit left to make a few phone calls while Maddie changed her clothes. He soon returned to her bedroom to take her down to the salon. Whit gave her the tour of the house and promised that he would take her about the grounds the next day. Maddie thought the house was incredibly exquisite and readily told him so.

  “Your home is simply spectacular. You must be extremely proud of it,” she said sincerely.

  “Thank you. I am very proud and grateful to be able to live in such a place,” he said quietly. “It’s one of God’s precious miracles that He bestowed upon me and I am thankful.”

  “What a lovely way of thinking of it,” she responded.

  They were standing on the terrace overlooking the huge pool and the expansive gardens beyond. Maddie had never been in a place so picturesque.

  “Think of this place as your home, Madison. You can do as you want, when you want and there will be no one to say naught. It is my wish that you feel comfortable here,” he said.

  He was very British in his address to her and she loved it. She adored his British mannerism. They made him who he was and she never wanted him to change.

  “Thank you, I will,” she smiled warmly.

  “Tomorrow I will show you the grounds then take you to the Edelston site. It is only a short distance away, perhaps five kilometers,” he said.

  Maddie converted the distance to be a little over three miles.

  “Great. I’m eager to see both,” she said. Her stomach growled and Maddie rubbed her stomach and looked at him ruefully. “What’s a girl got to do to get a meal around here?”

  “Merely ask,” he grinned. “Come. We will eat on the terrace. The table is ready for us.”

  Maddie glanced down to the end of the terrace and saw an elegant table for two awaiting their arrival. It was marvelous. Whit really was the consummate romantic. He held out his elbow to escort her to the table. Grandly pulling out her chair he seated her graciously. He attended her so gallantly that she felt like a precious jewel. No man had ever made her feel so special. Dinner was a lovely time. They spoke of nearly every topic under the sun. There was never an awkward moment of silence for neither was
shy about voicing their opinion. They were in the middle of a spirited debate about Impressionist Art when Tam interrupted them.

  “Excuse me, Whit but you have guests,” Tam said.

  “Guests? Who is it?” Whit asked.

  “I….I…uh...I can’t say,” Tam stuttered.

  “What do you mean you can’t say? You know better than to announce guests without knowing who is calling,” Whit snapped.

  “Keep your shirt on, old man and stop yelling at my good man Tam. I told him not to tell you. I wanted to surprise you.”

  A tall, robust, blond and handsome man stood in the doorway.

  “Sean!” Whit exclaimed.

  Whit quickly rose from his seat to hug his burly, mountain of a friend. Sean was very tall and husky with dark blond, longer hair and merry hazel eyes.

  “It’s good to see you,” Sean laughed as he pulled back from Whit.

  “Damn! It’s been an age. How have you been? And where have you been? I lost track of you after you left Africa,” Whit said.

  “We left Africa and traveled to Greece and then Switzerland,” Sean said. “Our extended honeymoon became even more extended.”

  “And where is Simone?”

  “I’m right here.”

  A slender, petite brunette stood in the terrace doorway. Maddie saw her gentle smile and light brown eyes and thought she was gorgeous. There was a soft breeze that caught Simone’s long cinnamon colored hair and blew it behind her. The picture she presented was a photographer’s dream. Simone caught Maddie’s eye and smiled at her. Maddie instantly liked her.

  “Ah! Simone. You get more beautiful each time I see you,” Whit grinned.

  He held open his arms and she moved into them.

  “It’s so good to see you. I can always count on a boost to my ego whenever I see you,” she laughed.

  “Tis not flatter but truth,” Whit swore.

  Simone pulled out of his arms.

  “But true beauty is sitting at your table,” Simone smiled as she gestured to Maddie.

  “Yes, so she is. Simone, Sean this is Madison McClain. Maddie, two of my best friends on earth, Sean and Simone Bradbury,” Whit introduced.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Maddie said genuinely.

  “The pleasure is ours,” Simone said kindly.

  “How on earth did Whit get so lucky as to meet someone as dazzling you? I hope you’re making him earn every moment of your time,” Sean said outrageously.

  Maddie laughed.

  “Whit has proven to be quite gallant,” Maddie grinned.

  “Chivalry can be his persuasive weapon of debauchery. Be warned, my fair lady,” Sean teased.

  “Madison knows better than to listen to the likes of you,” Whit laughed. “Sit with us and join us for coffee. Have you eaten?”

  “Yes, we’ve had supper. We are stuffed to the gills but would absolutely love some coffee,” Simone said.

  “Tam, coffee please,” Whit said.

  Tam nodded and left the terrace.

  Sean pulled up chairs for Simone and himself.

  “How in the world did you know I was in Aruba?’ Whit asked.

  “We called your New York office and was told you were out of town,” Sean said.

  “Your secretary was quite mum about your whereabouts. We couldn’t pry a word from her as to where you were,” Simone said.

  Maddie looked at Whit curiously. She wondered why Tina had been so shut-mouthed. Obviously Whit had told her not to reveal his location. But why? Was he hiding something?

  “So how did you find him here?” Maddie asked.

  “We took a chance that Whit would be here. He loves this place,” Simone answered.

  “And I recalled Whit mentioning a project on the island. I thought he might come here to see about it,” Sean said.

  “Of course, we called Tam to ensure that you were here before coming,” Simone smiled.

  “So Madison, how do you like the island?” Simone asked.

  “It’s beautiful although I haven’t seen much of it so far. We only arrived this morning,” Maddie said.

  “This morning! Why you haven’t had time to see anything at all. We can show you around the island while you are here. It really is a paradise,” Simone enthused.

  “I would love that. But I am here to work,” Maddie smiled.

  “Work?” Sean asked.

  “Yes. I’m an interior designer and I’m overseeing the Edelston project,” Maddie said.

  “So you work at Whit’s newly acquired company,” Simone said.

  “Yes,” Maddie responded.

  “Maddie is an exceptional designer and I wanted the best working the Edelston project,” Whit said.

  “I see,” Simone said shrewdly.

  Maddie was suddenly uncomfortable. Simone acted like she had completed a jigsaw puzzle that illustrator Maddie and Whit’s love life.

  “I hope you really do,” Whit said abruptly.

  “I do,” Simone quipped.

  Maddie looked at Whit and Simone in confusion. It seemed as though they’d had a conversation that only the two of them understood. Whit and Sean began talking and Simone leaned over to clasp Maddie’s hand.

  “I’ll explain that exchange between Whit and I later,” Simone whispered.

  She smiled sweetly at Maddie and Maddie smiled tremulously. The evening turned out to be a raucous affair as Whit and Sean teased each other mercilessly. Maddie and Simone became immediate friends and made all kinds of sightseeing plans. Simone knew the island extensively and couldn’t wait to show Maddie some of her favorite places. It was late when the couple left. Whit and Maddie stood on the portico and waved them off. They re-entered the house and Whit shut the door as Maddie leaned against the wall in exhaustion.

  “I think I could fall asleep standing in this very spot,” she mumbled.

  “We can do better than that,” Whit said.

  Maddie had no idea what he meant until she felt herself being hoisted in his arms.

  “Whit!” she exclaimed.

  “At your service,” he grinned.

  “I wasn’t angling to be picked up,” she said.

  He began walking up the stairs.

  “It’s my pleasure to carry you. Besides, you weigh less than a feather,” he said.

  “I doubt that,” she replied.

  “Your weight is negligible,” he replied.

  Maddie was too tired to argue. She looped her arms about his neck and laid her head on his chest. It actually felt very nice to be carried by Whit. She was secure in his powerful arms and knew she was safe. They arrived in her bedroom and he deposited her on the huge bed. Maddie looked around the room and saw his robe and pajamas lying on the chaise. He would be spending the night with her. So he was going to continue what had already been established in New York. Although their relationship was new, they had spent quite a few nights together. And Whit had always spent the entire night. She liked falling asleep and waking up in Whit’s arms. And it could only be even more extraordinary being in such a splendid place as the island. They both changed into sleepwear, Maddie a short nightie and Whit wore pajama bottoms only. They got into bed and Maddie relaxed in Whit’s arms. They slept.

  Chapter 6

  As Whit drove up the Edelston driveway Maddie was in total awe. If she thought Whit’s home was magnificent then this place was a masterpiece. Maddie had never imagined that a person could actually live in such luxury and splendor. She was beginning to wonder if her designs would do it justice. It was a daunting task that awaited her and as she gazed at the beautiful façade in the distance she began to second guess her abilities.

  “Do not allow qualms to instill misgivings about your skills, Madison. You are well equipped for this undertaking,” Whit reassured her.

  He had read her mind once again. Uncertainties had crept into her psyche. This project was bigger than any she had ever handled. Would she be able to pull it off? This project would make or break her career. Would she be
able to function and excel under such pressure? She could only hope so.

  “The house is so formidable. I wonder if I’m up to the task of its decoration,” Maddie said worriedly.

  “Do not let the size of it intimidate you,” he said. Whit parked the car in front of the multi-vehicle garage then turned to look at her. “Break the house down into sections and focus on one at a time. Before you know it the entire house will reflect your vision.”

  “I will do my best, Whit,” she murmured.

  “And that will be more than enough,” he responded.

  He got out of the car and came around to open her door. As they approached the house they saw a man walking across the lawn. The man waved at them. Whit smiled and waved back.

  “Who is he?” Maddie asked.

  “The man you are designing for; Matthew Edelston,” Whit said. “We’ve been colleagues for over seven years. I consider him a friend.”

  Maddie looked at Whit in consternation. He may not have realized it but he’d just added an additional ton of pressure on her. She was not only furnishing an extraordinarily fabulous house but it was for his friend. How much more stress could she take?

  “Whit!” Matthew Edelston exclaimed. The two men hugged. “I was hoping I would still be here when you arrived.”

  “I’m happy that you are. You can meet the lady who will be turning your home into a work of art,” Whit said cheerfully. “Matt, meet my designer extraordinaire, Madison McClain.”

  Maddie wished Whit had been a little less effusive in his introduction of her. She clasped Matt’s extended hand.

  “It’s such a pleasure to meet you, Mister Edelston,” Maddie greeted.

  “It is my good fortune indeed to make your acquaintance. Please call me Matt,” Matt said. “I feel like I already know you from Whit’s excellent description of you.”

  Maddie looked at Whit.

  “You’ve spoken of me to him?” Maddie asked Whit.

  “Only in the most glowing of terms; and I can see why,” Matt grinned.

  Maddie blushed prettily.

  “Your home is exquisite. I am anxious to see inside,” Maddie said.