by Nella Tyler
As I made my way to my car, I tried to push all the questions out of my mind. Friday was several days away. Until then, I would do my job to the best of my ability and help Luke with something if I was asked. In the meantime, I would do what I could to find out more about him. Friday would come soon enough and then maybe I would have a few answers.
*
Over the next few days, I settled into a routine as the maid. I was pretty much left to my own devices, as Luke had no other housekeepers or inside staff other than the chef, who only worked from ten o’clock in the morning until four o’clock in the afternoon. I arrived at seven o’clock in the morning and left at around four o'clock in the afternoon, as well, with roughly forty-five minutes to an hour for my lunch, during which I typically ran my own errands. The chef, a young man by the name of William, knew his stuff and was friendly and helpful.
The first time I entered the kitchen to do some cleaning up when he was there, he gently yet firmly informed me that the kitchen was his domain and what needed to be cleaned he would clean. After casting a quick glance around the kitchen, I realized that he was more than capable of keeping its spotless. The stainless steel appliances glistened without a single fingerprint to mar their surface. The countertops were kept neat and organized, and even the sink was kept spotless.
After the first couple of days when I tentatively ventured into the kitchen to eat my brown bag lunch at the small nook in one corner, he told me that he would be more than happy to prepare me a plate for my noon meal on the days I worked. I gratefully accepted his offer. His creations were imaginative, fresh, and delicious, certainly better than the PB&J and chips that I usually packed.
He had tsk-tsked the first time he had gotten a view of my brown bag, and from then on I had a plate of freshly cut vegetables, fruit, sometimes a salad or an imaginative sandwich. I caught him eyeing me once in awhile, but not the way that Luke did. Come to think of it, I hadn't seen much of Luke during the past few days. After that first day, when he followed me around so studiously, his eyes rarely leaving me, I wondered about it.
I wasn't quite sure what was going on with him. After all, until the point he asked me out on that date Friday night, I couldn't get him off my back. Then, the moment I agreed, he disappeared. Nevertheless, I was thankful. There was nothing more nerve-racking to me than trying to do my work with someone staring at me every minute. It made me jittery, uncertain, and yes, even sometimes gave me second thoughts. What kind of secrets was he hiding? What was he up to?
Luke’s critical gaze had been less on the tasks I was performing than on me. I didn't get the sense that he was dangerous, or a pervert or anything like that, but still it made me uncomfortable. In fact, it had been extremely difficult to focus on my job. Knowing that he was eyeing me sometimes made my pulse race. Glancing into his hazel eyes and acknowledging that smile made me tingle in places I hadn’t tingled in for a long time.
At this point, I didn't know what to think of Luke Benning. He was odd, no doubt about it. Since the day he had asked me out, he had spent most of his time ensconced in his upstairs office, which adjoined his bedroom. I had only found that out inadvertently when I had tried to enter the room to a vacuum and dust, only to find it locked. To my surprise, he called out from inside, telling me that he was working, there was no need to clean his office today – or any other day; he could take care of that room by himself.
That certainly gave me pause for thought. What was he doing in there? Something illegal perhaps? No…why would I think such a thing. He was working! It took a lot of work to manage money. Besides, it really wasn't any of my business. Every time I passed his office since then, the door remained shut and locked. I very rarely saw him in the house or wandering around the grounds. One day, I had been tempted and, finished with my dusting upstairs, had quietly stepped to his office door and pressed my ear against it. It was quiet, so maybe he was doing paperwork. Come to think of it, I still didn't know what he did for a living. Of course, with his money, he probably didn't have to make a living. Maybe he could live off his inheritance. I didn't know, and I didn't really care. My job was to keep the inside of the house spotless and I was doing my best to do just that.
Chapter 5
On Thursday afternoon, the day before our date, I was dusting at the end of the upstairs hallway. I heard a door open and glanced over my shoulder to see Luke appear in the doorway of his office. He stepped out and closed and locked the door behind him. I schooled my expression, but once again wondered what was so secretive about that room. He seemed startled to find me standing at the end of the hallway.
"Hello, Molly," he said. "How are you doing today? Getting along okay here?"
"Yes, sir," I replied. "Everything is just-"
"Call me Luke, Molly," he said. "I don't stand much on formality."
"All right…Luke."
"Are you just about finished with what you're doing?"
I glanced down at the little end table with the vase of fresh roses and nodded. "Yes, can I help you with something?"
"I would like to show you something," he said, gesturing downstairs. "Would you care to go for a little walk with me?"
What could I say? I was curious, yet strangely hesitant. I nodded, shrugging. I glanced down at my watch. "Can you just give me about ten minutes to finish up, put away my supplies, and then I can meet you downstairs in the foyer?" He said nothing for a moment and I wondered if I had committed a faux pas. Then he smiled and nodded.
"Certainly." He turned to make his way down the hallway and downstairs. "I'll meet you in the study or the den when you're finished."
He seemed to genuinely respect the fact that I wanted to finish up my chores. While I had been slightly hesitant to make the request, I didn't want to give him the impression that I wasn't serious about my job or the hours that I was getting paid to complete my tasks. Nevertheless, I quickly finished up my tasks, carefully put away the vacuum and cleaning supplies in the closet downstairs off the kitchen, and then, brushing out my clothes, I made my way to his den.
I approached the room, which I thought more of as a miniature library and entertainment room than a more formal study. Yes, it had a desk, but the desk was perfectly clean and looked little used. I should know; I dusted it every day. One entire wall of the den was lined with books of varying topics. Some of them toward the top shelves looked like antiques. I had to use a small stepladder to reach and dust off the upper shelves, but I had often glanced at the titles as I brushed my feather duster over them, wondering what it would be like to own so many wonderful books. There were numerous fiction titles by famous American authors, a few in French, a couple in German, and a variety of scientific and nature volumes, as well. On the other wall stood the television and a number of cabinets that remained empty.
Not for the first time, I wondered how much of the stuff in this gorgeous house belonged to Luke and how much had been left here by its previous owner. While I certainly didn't know much about Luke, I doubted that anyone so young could have amassed such a book collection, especially if he had only recently come into money. Then again, what did I know?
I paused in the doorway and saw Luke sitting in the soft leather chair behind the desk. It was turned so he was able to look out the window toward the backyard. The window offered a really gorgeous view of the flower garden and the stone walkway that disappeared behind a tall hedge. Taking a deep breath, I calmed my nerves and knocked on the threshold.
Chapter 6
The chair spun around and Luke glanced at me in surprise. Had he forgotten? The next instant, a smile brightened his features. He really was a nice-looking man, and for a second, I felt a twinge of pity for him. He seemed so much like a fish out of water. I wished I could just come out and ask him some questions, but didn't want to intrude on his privacy.
He immediately stood. "Ready?"
I nodded, curious about what he wanted to show me. I was pleased to see that he appeared to have been working, or at least, reading th
rough a sheaf of papers encased in a plain brown folder. He placed the folder in the desk drawer, pulled a key from his pocket and then locked the drawer. I kept my expression blank.
Then, with a smile, he slipped the key back into his pocket and moved around the desk. He gestured for me to follow him and we made our way down the hallway and through the kitchen. He offered a brief wave to the chef, who nodded, glanced between the two of us, and then shrugged and went back to his business, stirring something that smelled absolutely delicious on the stove.
Luke opened the French doors leading into the backyard, allowed me to step through, and then closed them softly behind us. He offered me his elbow, and I glanced at it for a moment, then up into his eyes, and then placed my hand on his arm. It was firm, solid, and muscled beneath my touch. Well, I certainly hadn't expected that. He slowly made his way down the stone path. He obviously knew where he was going, although I wasn't quite so sure. I hadn't yet explored the back portion of the estate.
"It's very lovely out here," I commented. In fact, the beauty of it took my breath away. Flowered borders and well-tended beds of roses in full bloom filled the air with a lovely scent. Nearby was the arbor, completely covered with trailing vines of jasmine. Everything was very well cared for and landscaped, and it was obvious to me that no expense had been spared in this area of the property.
"No, it's not just lovely, it's gorgeous," I amended.
He nodded in appreciation. "Thank you, Molly. I'm trying very hard to bring it all together, but I can't help but think that it needs a woman's touch."
There it was, I thought. Was he flirting? I realized that he wasn't when he looked down at me, his expression serious.
"If you have any suggestions, I'll be open to them. My mother had the green thumb in the family, and while I have a good eye for color and placement, I leave the details up to the gardener. Then again, the gardener mentioned that if I had any suggestions, to feel free. So, I'm passing the suggestion box on to you, as well. After all, you work here now, and I hope you will be able to spend at least some of your time every day out here, weather permitting."
"Thank you very much," I said. We continued to slowly stroll along the stone pathway, and I admired everything we passed. It seemed as if every shrub native to the region was to be found in the garden area, which rivaled my own mother's garden.
"My mother loves to garden," I commented. "In all honesty, I can say that she would envy this one."
"Really?"
I nodded, saying nothing more. After all, there were boundaries, weren't there? I wasn't sure where we were going, but I enjoyed being outside walking, which I didn't get a chance to do as often as I'd like anymore. Besides, he smelled good and was keeping a polite distance. So, not flirting, just friendly.
We continued walking, and soon the stone path disappeared behind the tall hedge. "Where are we going?" He smiled down at me.
"You'll see."
I did and gasped in delight. There, behind the hedge and toward the back of the estate, was a massive swimming pool. Because it was surrounded by the hedge and with lush, green shrubbery, my first impression of it was an island paradise. From here, not even the house could be seen. The pool was pristine, outlined with the same flat stones that lined the pathway. Each side at the shallow end had four circular steps leading down into the pool. A number of lounge chairs were situated along one side of the pool and in the far corner was a cute little cottage or bungalow structure which I can only assume served as the pool house and changing rooms, mainly due to the fact that there were open spaces at the top of the wall and beneath the roof to allow circulation. It was absolutely delightful!
When I glanced up at him to mention that, I was startled to find him gazing down at me as if an expectation.
"You like it?"
I offered a half laugh. "What's not to like?"
"Would you like to go for a swim?"
The question caught me off guard. Maybe I had been wrong. Maybe he was flirting. Maybe he wanted a maid that did more than clean. Suddenly, I felt less sure and more uncertain. After all, we couldn't even see the house from here. What if he got some funny ideas? What if-
"You can if you'd like, you know," he commented.
I tried to think of a polite way to decline without being offensive or giving him the impression that I was having second thoughts about him altogether. "I'm…I'm not prepared."
"I've got that covered," he said. He moved to the bungalow, which had doors on either side with an open bar in the middle. He moved to the left side, opened the door, and without stepping completely through the entrance, reached inside to the right and seconds later turned toward me, holding in his hand a one-piece dark blue swimsuit.
For a second I didn't know what to say. Perhaps there was a collection of swimsuits hanging inside, ready and waiting for guests who didn't have one. Then again, the thought of wearing someone else's bathing suit didn't sit too well with me.
"I took the liberty of buying you one," he said, smiling. "Hopefully, it's the right size."
To be quite honest, I wasn't sure whether I was flattered or creeped out – especially as the bathing suit looked to be my size. I wasn't sure what to do. I had never been in such a position before. I didn't think that he was flirting, but if he wasn't, what was going on here?
"I hope you're not offended?" he asked, with concern in his eyes.
He looked concerned, and I got the distinct impression that he didn't date much. I took another look at the bathing suit. Not wanting to insult him, and because it was tasteful and a one piece at that, I guessed I didn't see any harm in taking him up on the offer. After all, it was quite warm out, and he was keeping his distance. Not to mention that we were going out on a date tomorrow after work. I smiled. "I think it's perfect," gesturing toward the swimsuit.
"You can change in there," he gestured over his shoulder toward the door he had opened just moments earlier. “I've got a pair of trunks in the men's side on the other side.” He smiled. "Oh, and there's a small bathroom on the other side of the bungalow if you need it." He paused. "Meet you in the shallow end in a few minutes?"
Still feeling a bit uncomfortable, I nevertheless offered him a smile. I wasn't sure where this was going, but then again I wasn't getting any dangerous vibes from him. I nodded and stepped into a changing room. Several moments later, I heard the door on the other side of the little structure close.
Chapter 7
When I stepped out of the changing room and saw Luke standing by the side of the pool in a pair of swimming trunks, I stared. My heart skipped a beat. I felt a tingling down in my nether regions. I already knew he was a good-looking guy, but I had no idea that underneath those casual clothes was such a hard body. Broad shoulders, defined biceps and triceps, tight buttocks, and when he turned around, I felt my stomach do a flip-flop. He didn't just have a six-pack, he had a twelve-pack and gorgeous pecs. I could see every muscular attachment to his ribs. Damn, he was hot!
For a few moments, I felt incredibly self-conscious. He was in such good shape. While I considered myself in decent enough shape, I didn't work out. I liked walking and hiking, but hadn't had much of a chance to do that lately. His gaze, as it passed over me, looked appreciative, though. My full bust line, narrow waist, and hips fit the bathing suit he had chosen to perfection. If I didn't know any better, I would've said he had taken my measurements when I wasn’t looking. Then again, he had spent enough time watching me that he could have pretty much guessed my measurements.
"You look great," he told me.
"Thank you, the bathing suit fits perfectly," I replied. I almost blurted out that he looked pretty good, too, but then decided to keep my compliments to myself. I wasn't sure why, but I had to be careful not to overstep the boundaries between employer and employee. I still wasn't clear of his intentions, but since he was not making any overt advances or suggestions laden with innuendo, I got the impression Luke was just being friendly.
That got me wondering whe
ther he had any friends in this new circle of moneyed existence. I knew how difficult it was for “new money” to be accepted into communities where “old money” had existed for generations. In fact, some of the families with old money had owned land in the Raleigh area since the early 1600s.
I wished I could bring up the topic of Luke's situation, but it was certainly not my place. Which was too bad, really, because I think I could've offered him some help, some ideas, some tips, and a few suggestions.
I watched as he dipped his toes into the water before planting his feet firmly on the first step. It was quite amusing and endearing. He glanced back at me and grinned.
"Ever since I was a little kid, I always had to test the water first. The temperature has to be just right, not too cold, but not too warm, either. To me, there's nothing worse than jumping into cold water. I think there are better ways than that to give myself a heart attack."
I laughed and moved to the side of the pool, following him into the water. While I didn't exactly test my toes, I also got into the water one step at a time. In fact, when I was a little girl, I had gotten into the pool so slowly that my parents grew exasperated. I would take the steps one at a time and then hang onto the edge of the pool as I acclimated myself to the water, allowing my body to lower an inch at a time until it came up to my shoulders.
While Luke wasn't exactly doing that, he was taking his time, wading back and forth in the shallow end, the water lapping at his waist. I took the next couple of steps until the water came to my thighs. "No need to explain, Luke, I do the same thing. My older sister always just jumped right in, but no matter how hot it was, I just couldn't bring myself to do it."
He smiled. Neither one of us said anything for several minutes, just enjoying the cool, refreshing water. The water came up to my waist now, and I gently waved my hands in the water down by my thighs, getting used to the temperature. The evening was still quite humid, but the temperature was coming down a bit. Before long, however, the silence grew awkward.
