Breakfast at the Beach House Hotel

by Judith Keim

  Emotionally drained, I went into the bathroom to repair the damage, feeling as if Rhonda had been gone for weeks, not two days.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  I opened the door to Manny’s hospital room a crack and peeked in. Manny’s brown, weathered skin was unusually pale as he lay among the white bedding of the hospital bed. One of his legs, encased in an adjustable, lightweight cast, lay on top of the sheets. I tiptoed inside.

  As I approached the bed, his eyes flickered open. “Buenos,” he murmured, staring at me with glassy, medicated eyes. “What are you doing here?”

  Tenderness filled me. “I could ask you the same question. What happened?”

  “Ay! Dios Mio! As I drove down the road, a big branch came loose above us. I stepped on the gas to get out of the way, and when I tried to put the brakes on, I skidded right into a tree.”

  I took Manny’s hand in mine. “I’m glad you’re okay. Just relax and get well.”

  “What about my job? Will I lose it?” His eyes peered at me fuzzily, but he wore a pleading expression.

  “How can you fire family?” I gave his hand an encouraging squeeze. “Of course, you’re not going to lose your job. We’ll just have to take on some extra help for a while—until you’re back on your feet.”

  “Even with a cast on, I can do lots of things.” Manny squinted as if trying to focus on me while fighting a drug-induced sleep. “You’ll see.” He closed his eyes.

  As I turned to go, Consuela walked slowly and stiffly into the room. Seeing the purple bruises that marred her features, my eyes filled with tears. I reached out and hugged her gingerly.

  “How are you doing? I’m so sorry about the accident.”

  “I’m sore, but I’ll be fine,” she said with her usual determination. Then, her face crumpled. Tears ran down her cheeks, leaving silvery trails behind. “You heard about Ana? It’s her back. It’s broken.”

  A lump filled my throat. “I’m so sorry. As soon as Rhonda comes back, we’ll see what we can do to help the family. I understand she won’t be able to work for some time.”

  Consuela grasped my hand. “I can come back to work right away. I’m sore, yes, but I can work. Rosita, too. She’s home now. And my daughter can help. She needs the job. Okay?”

  “That’ll be fine, but don’t push yourself, Consuela. You’ve been through a lot of trauma. Just come back to work as soon as you can. We need you.”

  Leaving Consuela, I went to check on Mrs. Keene. She was sleeping. Mr. Keene napped in a chair beside her bed. I tiptoed away from them.

  When I returned to the hotel, the lights had come back on. Soft, soothing music played on the sound system, and things seemed to be running smoothly. Jean-Luc had made it in and was prepping the dinner.

  Tim greeted me. “Ana’s neighbor is going to come in tomorrow to help with the laundry. Paul will bring her when he comes.”

  “Good,” I smiled, grateful that tomorrow would be easier. Best of all, Vaughn was due to arrive that night.

  While Tim set to work with the vacuum cleaner, I sorted through the piles of laundry in the laundry room. Maybe, I thought, taking a load out of the washer and putting it in a dryer, it was time for a professional laundry service. I’d talk to Rhonda about it.

  As it was turning dark, I made the rounds at the hotel to make sure our guests were settled for the night. Two of our part-time kitchen staff had made it in to help Jean-Luc prepare dinner. Most of our guests had decided to stay on site after Jean-Luc announced the menu selection—Filets of Beef with a cracked pepper crust, Roasted Oriental Chicken, Rack of Lamb with a mustard crumb coating, or Pistachio-Encrusted Pompano.

  Mr. Keene returned to the hotel and informed me that Ethel would stay in the hospital for a couple more days. We gave him an early dinner so he could go to bed.

  Tim set up a rollaway bed in the office for him to be on hand if anyone needed anything during the night.

  Tired to the bone, I wished him goodnight, plucked a single white rose from the arrangement in the front hall, and left to go home.

  I dragged myself inside my house and prepared for the evening. First things first, I reminded myself and went into the bathroom to draw water into the soaking tub. I took off my grubby clothes and tossed them in a hamper. As I lowered myself into the hot water, I leaned back against the end of the tub. The water caressed my body, loosening muscles that had tightened with tension, making me feel deliciously lazy. I lay there remembering my first meeting with Vaughn and how I’d felt watching him kiss someone else professionally on the show. How I’d wished it’d been me. And now he was coming to see me. It seemed such a fantasy.

  Smiling, I recalled making love with him. An undeniable wave of desire surged through me. It had been as wonderful as I’d dreamed it would be. Even better. I’d wanted him from the beginning. His sexy, warm smile had touched me in a way that was new to me. As I thought of the way he made me feel, I still found it hard to believe someone as famous and handsome as Vaughn could possibly be interested in someone like me.

  After I emerged from the tub, I toweled myself off and spread my favorite lotion over my skin, delighting in the flowery essence of its perfume. In anticipation of Vaughn’s touch, I sprayed the matching perfume on my wrists and between my breasts and slipped on a silk robe. I set aside a pair of sea-blue linen pants and a matching silk shirt. He’d once mentioned he liked me in blue. Just before his arrival, I’d put them on.

  In the kitchen, I set out wine glasses for the chardonnay chilling in the wine cooler, took French brie cheese from the refrigerator, and placed it on a serving platter. Crisp French bread sat on the counter ready to be sliced and warmed. I washed greens for a nice, light salad. Vaughn had told me he enjoyed a light, late meal like this. I set the table and placed the white rose in a crystal bud vase in the middle of it, adding a bit of romance to the scene. Satisfied, I went into the living room.

  The ten-o’clock news showed pictures of the unpredictable storm. It had caused havoc up and down the west coast of Florida but had just missed the Keys. Glad Rhonda and Will were safe, I switched over to a concert on the public television network and sat back to listen, counting the minutes until Vaughn arrived.

  ###

  “Ann!” a soft voice called to me in my dreams. “It’s Vaughn. I’m here.”

  I stirred and held out my arms, still caught in a fantasy world where Vaughn’s lips pressed down on mine, filling me with soaring happiness.

  “Hey, sleepyhead! Wake up!” Vaughn’s amused voice startled me.

  I opened my eyes. My arms were wound tightly around Vaughn’s neck, and he was smiling down at me.

  Suddenly shy, I released my grip on him. “I thought I was dreaming!”

  “I like it when you dream,” he whispered and gave me a lingering kiss.

  I lay there, so happy to see him that tears sprang to my eyes.

  “Hey! What’s this?” He wiped the corners of my eyes tenderly.

  “I’m so glad you’re here.” I sat up. “I’m sorry. This isn’t starting out as I’d planned. It’s been an unbelievable time with the storm and the accident.”

  He drew me to him, making me feel so protected. “I know,” he murmured. “Tim filled me in on the details when I stopped by the hotel.”

  His gaze traveled down the length of me, and I realized my robe had fallen open, revealing the fact that I wore nothing underneath it.

  I started to rise. “The supper ...”

  “Mmm, I’d rather have you,” he murmured. He stretched out beside me and kissed me. His lips felt so good, tasted so good.

  He stroked my body in all the right places. I lay back among the cushions, thrilled to be alive, in this place, with this man. I’d dreamed of it for so long.

  We went from the couch to my bedroom, becoming reacquainted all over again. As we made love, the need to talk evaporated. Our hands and lips and tongues did it for us. I couldn’t get enough of him. When he finally entered me, I was trembling with need, a need h
e was happy to fulfill.

  Sated, I lay in his arms, pleased I’d given him as much pleasure as he’d given me. I now believed in soul mates, because I was certain I’d found mine.

  Later, I stirred in bed, confused by my inability to shift positions. In the dim early morning light, I stared at the length of the man who’d entrapped me with his long legs. His strong, familiar features were relaxed now, smooth with contentment. Smiling to myself, I touched his dark curls, deceptively silken to the touch. Vaughn roused long enough to pull me closer, shifting, so my body was molded into the curve of his. I felt him harden against me and filled with satisfaction at having such power over him.

  I slept briefly, and when I awakened, pink fingers of color in the sky beckoned through the open blinds with the promise of a better day. I gently touched Vaughn’s earlobe with the tip of my finger.

  “It’s going to be a beautiful day,” I whispered into his ear.

  He opened his eyes and smiled lazily at me. “I’m not ready for the day; the night was too fantastic.”

  I laughed and disentangled myself from him. “I promised Tim I’d be over there before breakfast. I’ve got to go. But if you want to stay here, do. We can meet up later.”

  I turned away, but I wasn’t quick enough to escape his grasp. He sat up and drew me onto his lap.

  As I leaned against him, I loved the feel of his skin against mine and inhaled the manly smell of him. I recalled how easily his softness had turned hard and demanding, and wondered how I could possibly leave him even for a short time.

  He nuzzled my neck. “I’d dreamed of spending another night with you, but I had no idea that it could be even better from what I remembered. You’re something else.”

  Satisfaction spread through me. I stroked his cheek. “You’re not so bad yourself. In fact,” I teased, “I would say you’re the best.”

  “Compared to what?” His dark eyes twinkled with mirth.

  I chuckled. Making love with Vaughn was very special, and we both knew it. The words he spoke, the things he did to make me cry out with pure, ecstatic release were responses that couldn’t be compared to anyone else.

  He kissed me, and I leaned into him, realizing I couldn’t leave him after all.

  A while later, I climbed out of bed, laughing when Vaughn grabbed my hand. “I mean it this time, Vaughn. I have to go over to the hotel to make sure everything is set for breakfast. Jean-Luc promised to come in, but I need to know for certain things are okay.”

  “Does your work always come first?” Vaughn teased, patting my bare behind.

  I grinned. “I’ve just proved that it doesn’t. But seriously, I do need to go over there. C’mon! I’ll race you to the shower.”

  I stood under the hot running water of the shower and reveled at the sight of a naked man in the bathroom with me. My body came alive as I soaped the areas Vaughn had so easily aroused. I was almost afraid of what he could do to me. I became a woman obsessed in his arms. Robert had never been as free and creative in his lovemaking as the remarkable man who stood at my sink.

  We dressed and headed out. A light breeze rustled the leaves of the plantings around the house. The last of the gray storm clouds skittered across the sky, leaving a pale blue behind. Soon, the sun would change the sky’s color, brightening it to a tropical hue.

  I moved with the ease of a well-loved woman and glanced over at Vaughn, strolling beside me. He was a wonderful man, sure of himself, careful with others, kind, and tender. As if he’d read my thoughts, he caught my hand and lifted it to his lips. He gazed into my eyes and gave me a sexy, crooked smile.

  I blinked. I’d seen him look exactly like that before—on television—causing thousands of women to swoon over him.

  I frowned and stopped. Was this whole scenario as real to him as it was to me?

  “You okay?” he asked, giving me a curious look.

  “How do you separate reality from the acting you do on television? I’d hate to think what we had together might seem unreal to you.”

  “Did I give that impression?” His voice was deceptively soft, though I knew him well enough to know I’d touched a nerve.

  “Nooo,” I admitted.

  He held both of my hands in his and looked down at me, his expression grave. “I need to know I can be me with you. Not the mayor of that crummy little town he lives in. Not the television star. Just me—Vaughn Sanders from Chicago, Illinois, the kid growing up who was too tall, too skinny, and too ungainly to do sports. That’s why I became an actor. What I say to you and what I do to you comes from me—nobody else. Okay?”

  I realized how difficult a career like his could be, and how it could affect his whole life. Reality was the thing that kept an actor grounded, while at the same time, it was his ability to go beyond it that gave him his success. I knew now how important it was for him to keep that balance.

  I stretched up on my toes and kissed him tenderly on the lips. “Yeah, it’s okay with me, Vaughn Sanders from Chicago, Illinois.”

  His eyes brightened, and the frown on his face disappeared. “Good.”

  We entered the hotel, and I headed for the kitchen while Vaughn went to look at the pool. At the entrance to the kitchen, I stopped in surprise.

  “Consuela! I didn’t expect to see you here!” I gave her a careful hug. “How are the others doing? Any word?”

  She smiled. “Manny called me this morning. He’s feeling better. He’s talking about coming home. Already, he’s asking when he can come back to work. The doctor says it will be a while, but he doesn’t know Manny. Rosita is going to be okay, too. They think Ana will walk again, but it’s going to take her time to heal.”

  Her eyes grew misty. “Annie, I have it all figured out. Maria brought me here. I thought we could show her what Ana used to do. Then I’ll take over for Rosita when Jean-Luc comes in. Paul is bringing Ana’s neighbor in for the laundry. Her name is Lourdes. She’s real nice.”

  “Sounds good.” I was pleased she’d taken such initiative.

  Maria walked into the kitchen, carrying a tray of dirty dishes. I smiled at her. “Thank you for your help. I understand you’ll be with us every day now.”

  She nodded. “Si. Gracias. My parents and I are grateful for your help.”

  “I’m so sorry about Ana, but I’m very glad to have you here.” Maria was a taller, thinner version of Consuela and quiet like her father.

  After grabbing a quick bite to eat with Vaughn, I spent a good hour with Maria, showing her exactly what we wanted to be done in the rooms. “Lourdes will come to take care of the dirty sheets and towels.” I checked my watch. “She should be here soon.”

  “Don’t worry, Annie, I’ll see that things are done right,” said Consuela, joining us. I believed her. No one would get away with less than excellence with her.

  Downstairs, I skimmed through emails and checked in with Tim at the reception desk. He gave me a sly smile. “Go home and enjoy your guest, Ann. I’ll call if anything important comes up. After yesterday, today will be a gentle breeze.”

  I groaned at his sense of humor, and we both laughed, sharing our relief that the bad weather had disappeared in a blaze of sunshine. Our guests were outside enjoying the pool and the beach.

  Paul and Lourdes drove in the driveway as Vaughn and I walked toward my house. I waved and brushed aside any lingering concerns about the hotel. Things were in order, and I was nearby if anyone needed me.

  The rest of the day passed in a haze of lazy happiness. Vaughn was a relaxing companion, content to read or help me out with a word or two on the New York Times crossword puzzle. Each time I glanced over at him stretched out in a lounge chair by the pool, I had to remind myself that he was really here beside me and not a figment of my imagination.

  Later, as we sat on the steps in the cool water of the pool, sipping bubbly water, making small talk, a man in uniform came into view and continued on his way.

  Vaughn smiled. “I’m glad you have those guards around. I’m pretty sure m
y photographer friend didn’t make the trip this time, but it’s still a good feeling to know a security guard is keeping an eye on things.”

  “The scandal with you was a horrendous experience for me,” I said. “It continued long after you left. How can you stand losing your privacy like that?”

  “It’s not easy,” Vaughn admitted. “You do your best to arrange your life, so you aren’t in the limelight all the time. That’s why it’s so important to me to find someone who’s content to live simply.”

  I nodded thoughtfully. “I can understand that.”

  “Any idea how crazy I am about you?” Vaughn drew me to him, and even in the coolness of the water, I could feel heat building between us.

  He grinned. “I can prove it to you right here.”

  I laughed and pushed him away. There was no way I was going to disrobe in my pool, not with the memory of scandal so sharp in my mind. “Beat you to the end of the pool!”

  He set his bottle of water down, and I took off. He caught up with me at the end of the pool and grabbed me to him. He grinned. “You can’t get away from me!”

  I threw my arms around his neck and wrapped my legs around his torso. “You don’t understand,” I whispered in his ear. “I don’t want to.”

  I felt his body harden.

  As we stood in the water, his lips came down on mine. When we finally drew apart, we both were breathing fast. “I want you with me. We’re good together.”

  His lips settled on mine again, and lost in the urgency of his kiss, I felt as if we were the only two people in the world.

  Vaughn pulled away. “Let’s go inside.” His voice was husky.

  Smiling, we climbed out of the pool and hurried into my bedroom.

  ###

  As I dressed for dinner, I reflected on the afternoon. It had been one of the most pleasant times I’d ever had. I’d only had to take two phone calls from Tim, allowing me plenty of time with Vaughn. He was right. The two of us were good together.

  I heard Vaughn moving about in the other room and smiled. He made me feel young and vulnerable at the same time I felt wise and worldly. His gentleness, his easy-going manner, and his eagerness to share his ideas with me were so endearing.