The Guestbook

by Andrea Hurst

  “To spring,” she said, raising her glass.

  He smiled and clicked her glass. “To spring,” he agreed. “It takes a while to get used to the cold, but you will. By next winter you’ll barely need a coat.” Ian put his arm around her shoulder.

  Lily cuddled into his shoulder, savoring the warmth of his body. She wondered where she would be next winter. Hopefully the divorce would be long over and her life would have some direction. She sipped her cocoa and watched the flames through the glass door of the stove. There was nothing more she could want in this moment.

  Ian brushed the top of her head with a kiss. “I have an idea you just might like.”

  She looked up into the dark pools of his eyes. “Yes?” she whispered.

  He lifted her chin and pressed his soft lips to hers. The kiss was light, sweet like the first sip of a good wine. “I know a place,” he said, “where even you will be warm.”

  Her mind wandered to the large bed upstairs in the Rose Suite, its satin apricot duvet over the feathery down comforter. She imagined his long, lean body next to hers.

  “There is a natural hot springs just a ferry ride away over on the Olympic Peninsula. I could whisk you over there tomorrow for a long, hot soak.”

  It was not what she was expecting, but it was very tempting. A small part of her was disappointed that her fantasy of the suite did not manifest. But the thought of a day of soaking beside Ian in warm, temperate waters in a beautiful natural setting was very appealing. “Sounds glorious.”

  Ian walked over to the stove and put more logs in the fire. The ashes were molten red and sparks flew as he placed in the new logs.

  “What time shall we leave tomorrow?” Lily asked.

  He settled back beside her on the couch. “We should probably get an early start, say eight AM?”

  Lily checked the antique clock on the mantle. It was almost eleven now, and the drink and warmth had worked its magic. She was ready for sleep. “That’ll work if we call it a night now.”

  He took her hand as they walked to the door. The moment right before a man left was always awkward, before she knew if he would kiss her goodbye. He pulled her close, his eyes caressing her face. Slowly, his lips found hers. Drowning in sensation, Lily deepened his kiss. His lips tasted of chocolate and cream, and his intoxicating smell of woods and musk had her melting in his arms. His fingers stroked her neck, lingered through her hair, as his tongue danced in her mouth. Encircled in his arms, she could hardly breathe. The bliss of losing herself so completely was new and enticing.

  “You are so beautiful, Lily,” he whispered, pulling back and taking her hands in his. “I best go and let you get some sleep.” His eyes were filled with longing.

  Reluctantly she let her fingers drift from his. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Sleep well,” he said, “and don’t forget a bathing suit.”

  When the door shut behind her, Lily leaned back against it for support, then let out a long sigh. She wasn’t sure she would sleep at all now. And if she did, she knew where her dreams would take her.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Ian maneuvered his dark blue Volvo wagon onto the small Kitsap state ferry. A dockworker wearing a bright orange vest raised his weathered palm, indicating that Ian should halt his car. Ian turned off the ignition and zipped up his jacket. “Would you like to go up on deck? The ride’s about thirty minutes, and the view’s better up there, too.”

  Lily tightened the knot on her wool scarf and exited the car, leaving her canvas bag in the backseat. “I love ferry rides,” she said, skipping up the metal staircase. She yanked ineffectively on the heavy door to the deck.

  Ian reached over her and opened the door, waving her to enter first. “Be my guest.”

  The ferry’s horn boomed as it began its lumbering voyage across the Puget Sound to the Olympic Peninsula. Lily pressed her nose up to the icy window at the bow of the ship. She hugged her coat closer to her body. “The Olympics are blanketed in snow,” she said, giving Ian a questioning look. “Won’t it be cold up there?”

  He walked up behind her, put his hands around her shoulders, and rested his chin on top of her head. “The elevation of the hot springs is pretty low. We might see a little snow on the ground, but the waters are a steady 103 degrees.”

  “It’s getting into and out of the water I’m worried about,” she said with a shiver.

  “I’ll make sure you’re warm,” he said, kissing the top of her head.

  “I’m sure you will, but how about a cup of hot cocoa for now?”

  “Not a problem. One cup of hot cocoa coming right up, the best the snack bar has to offer.”

  She watched him walk down the ferry aisle. What was she doing here alone, with this incredibly striking man whose kindness was warming her heart? Just standing next to him left her feeling disoriented. The proximity of his lips left her longing for more sweet kisses. But the timing was wrong, not now, not yet. She really should get right back on the ferry in Port Olympia and go home…alone. She turned back to the window and watched the ferry glide through the twirling currents. The sun flashed through the fast-moving clouds, painting patches of color across the gray waters. It was not that long ago a similar ferry brought her to Madrona Island. She could not have made a better decision. Things were still uncertain, but for now, the waters were calm and she was building a new life. Enjoy the moment, she urged herself silently.

  A splash of orange sunlight tinged the water before muting to a coppery gray. It reminded her of herself. Water had no color of its own, it could only reflect. She was discovering who she was now without being a reflection of Brad. She had no wish to become a new reflection of yet another man.

  Ian returned with two paper cups, steam rising and filling the air with the aroma of milk chocolate. The impact of his smile erased all the thoughts of caution that had just paraded across her brain.

  “It’s a bit watery, but tasty,” he said handing her a cup.

  She inhaled the warm Hershey’s aroma and took a sip. “Thank you, Ian, this is just perfect.”

  The landing dock emerged as they rounded the last bend of the journey. “All passengers, please return to your cars,” boomed over the loud speaker. They proceeded down the steps, fighting the cold winds coming off the currents, and hurried into the warm protection of the Volvo wagon. Ian started the motor, turned up the heater, and waited for the all clear to exit. Lily gripped the armrest, anticipation building in her stomach.

  Tall evergreens lined the narrow two-lane road that hugged the coast. Charming little towns sandwiched between wide-open meadows lush with winter vegetation dotted the landscape. She could imagine how beautiful it would be in the spring when everything was blooming. Following the sign indicating the turn off for Cedar Hot Springs, Ian guided the car up the narrow hillside road. “Ready for a little adventure, Lily? We’re almost there.”

  She hesitated. Was she? “Sure, yes, ready.”

  “Good,” he said, stealing his eyes off the road to glance at her.

  As the road climbed in elevation, Lily stared out the window at the half-frozen waterfalls trickling down the hillsides. They proceeded across an ancient-looking wooden bridge flanked on both sides by overgrown ferns and gnarly bare branches. “What an enchanted place.”

  He grinned. “Just wait.”

  The road curved sharply to the left before entering a narrow driveway leading to the Cedar Hot Springs Lodge. After parking the car, Ian walked around to open Lily’s door. He tossed the backpack with their swimsuits and sundries over his shoulder and took her hand.

  Glass doors at the entrance of the massive lodge opened to a lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows sporting a view of the cedar and pine forest. A high wood-beamed ceiling added to the openness of the space. In one corner, a river rock fireplace was ablaze with a roaring fire. After registering for day passes, they retreated to the dressing rooms to change into their swimsuits. Wrapped up tight in the plush terrycloth robe provided by the
lodge, Lily walked outside toward the warm springs. Ian was sitting on the edge of a stone-lined pool, his legs dangling in the water. A few people were soaking on the other side of the pool. He waved her over.

  She was so nervous about revealing herself in a bathing suit that she almost slipped on the steps as she made her grand entrance. Hair piled high in a clip, she dropped her robe to the deck and descended quickly into the bubbling water. The sting of circulation from the heat melted rapidly into comforting warmth. She peeked discreetly at Ian’s body. His olive-skinned shoulders were sculpted with sinewy muscles, and his skin was slick from the steaming spring. Water beads glistened across his smooth, firm chest.

  She could feel Ian’s eyes on her pale skin as she had waded over to join him in the bubbling water. His smooth skin was a stark contrast next to her porcelain complexion.

  “Shall we?” He dropped his body into the water and reached his hand out to her.

  “Ahhhh, it’s so warm and wonderful,” she said. They sat on the submerged benches lining the pool. Every muscle in her body melted; she leaned back and closed her eyes. A lone raven cawed in the distance as the steam and mist danced across her face and hair.

  She opened her eyes and let the smell of the cedar forest and cold, fresh air fill her. White patches of snow lined the hillside rich with evergreens and ferns. “Thank you for bringing me here, it’s wonderful.”

  “I’m glad we came on a Sunday. It’s not very crowded because everyone is going home today.” Ian put his arm around her and lightly massaged her shoulders. “These waters have healing properties. The Native Americans believed they could heal ailments of body and soul.”

  “I can see why, I don’t remember the last time I felt this relaxed.” The other couple in the pool climbed out, leaving Ian and Lily the only ones there. Lily wasn’t sure mixing these luscious waters and Ian’s steaming body was such a good idea. But her defenses were melting right along with the tension in her muscles.

  Ian’s moist male scent in such close proximity, and his scantily clad body, shot up the temperature of the pool a bit too high. She rose up to allow the winter air to cool down the flush across her face and neck. She could feel Ian’s penetrating gaze caress her body. She shyly stole a look at him. For a moment, the impulse to run overwhelmed her. Everything felt too perfect and her gun-shy heart rebelled.

  “Is the pool too warm for you?” Ian inquired.

  She shook her head, “No, no, it’s wonderful really.” She slid back under the water, closed her eyes, and let the springs blissfully saturate every cell of her body.

  Ian brushed a wisp of damp hair from her forehead. The gesture jolted her back to the moment, back into his mesmerizing eyes that were focused directly on her lips. His fingers caressed the skin of her cheek, lingered on the surface of her mouth. Resistance melting, her lips parted in longing and anticipation. The gentle kiss was disarming, her ardent response coming from a place she’d never known before.

  With a rapid intake of breath, she pulled back. Time was suspended, everything around her blurred as she fought to regain control. “I think I need to get out,” she said, scrambling up the steps. “The heat is making me a bit light headed.” She wrapped herself in the terrycloth robe and pulled it tight.

  Ian was right behind her, helping to secure the sash. He braced her shoulder to steady her. “Let’s try some food and drink. It might help.”

  Relieved to move away from the pools, she readily agreed. It was after two in the afternoon, and she’d not eaten since breakfast, early that morning.

  After exiting the dressing room, back in her warm clothes, Lily entered the dining room. Her composure was now restored. Ian, dressed in a teal-blue sweater, was waiting at a table by the window. Her breath caught at his good looks.

  “How are you feeling?” he asked.

  “I’m feeling much better now, thank you.” She sat down and picked up a menu.

  “Glad to hear it.”

  She watched him scan his menu. His hair was still moist and curling a little at the base of his neck. He looked up, and the sight of his crooked smile made her bury her face back in the menu. One minute she couldn’t take her eyes off him and the next she felt like a shy schoolgirl.

  A waiter appeared and announced the specials. “I can recommend our winter warm up: cream of potato leek soup, salmon in puffed pastry and mixed winter vegetable frittata.”

  “Sounds perfect,” Lily said.

  “Make it two,” Ian followed. “Would you like a glass of wine, Lily?”

  She nodded and the waiter pointed to an exquisite bottle Oregon Pinot Gris on the wine list.

  “A perfect complement,” Ian said, ordering a bottle.

  The daylight was dimming outside, and remnants of the deep scarlet and gold sunset reflected through the trees and across the small patches of snow along the ground. Busboys lit the candles on the table while the waiter poured their wine.

  Lily took a sip of her wine. It was floral, but not too sweet. Time seemed to slow as each course came out and they polished off the bottle of wine. Classical music played in the background as night fell. She did not want this to end.

  The waiter approached their table with a large tray of tempting-looking desserts. Lily shook her head no. “Not another bite for me.”

  Ian laughed. “As incredible as they look, I have to pass too.”

  “Shall I get your check then, sir?” the waiter asked.

  “That would be fine,” Ian answered.

  Ian and Lily held hands across the table.

  “It’s getting dark and it’s a long drive back down the mountain,” Ian said.

  Lily looked out the window at the black night. The roads would be slippery, and they had been drinking. Not a good match at all.

  “We could see if they have a cabin available and leave first thing in the morning,” he continued. “All I have to do is call home and let Grandpa John and Jason know I’ll be home tomorrow.”

  Her heart leapt. She closed her eyes, imagining drifting off to sleep in Ian’s arms. She opened her eyes and searched his.

  “No pressure, Lily. I’ll sleep on the couch if you want.”

  The kindness in his expression confirmed what her heart told her; she could trust this man. “Yes, let’s stay.”

  ✦✦✦✦

  Ian made sure Lily was comfortable in a wicker rocker in the lobby, then proceeded to the reception desk to request a cabin for the night. The clerk handed him the key to the River Suite. Ian noticed the Cedar Hot Springs t-shirts for sale behind the counter and bought two extra-large shirts to act as pajamas for the night.

  “A souvenir?” Lily asked when Ian returned and held up his purchase.

  “A nightshirt,” he said, grinning. “Only the best for you.” He tossed it and she caught it mid-air.

  “How thoughtful,” she laughed.

  Hand in hand, they walked along the well-lit path and located the cedar and stone cabin with a wooden deck hanging out over the river rock bed.

  Ian unlocked the door, turned on the light, and laid his backpack on the small desk. The wood-paneled cabin consisted of a sitting area with a stone fireplace, a separate bedroom, and a large bath. French doors opened onto the deck facing out to the river.

  “How cozy.” Lily approached the fireplace. “There’s even a bundle of firewood.”

  “Is that a hint?” Ian asked.

  “I am fully capable of building one myself now,” Lily said.

  “Of course you are. Still, I’m happy to do it.” Ian knelt then laid some kindling down and struck a large match from a tin next to the fireplace. It caught quickly, and he placed some of the cut wood in angles on top of the licking flames. “This should warm things up a bit.” As if he needed that. Just one look at Lily and that was all the heat he needed.

  “Look at this,” Lily said, holding up two hand-carved walking sticks. “These are for us to use if we go for a hike in the forest. And a trail guide too.”

  Ian ran his
hand up the smooth dark wood of the walking stick, noting the precision carving and curved handle. “Excellent craftsmanship.”

  He watched Lily wander about the cabin. “There’s a coffee maker and fluffy towels in the bathroom,” she said, returning to the main room, curling into the cushy sofa and tossing off her shoes.

  “Would you like a foot massage?” Ian asked, sliding over next to her.

  She lifted her leg and placed her foot in his lap. “Sounds nice.”

  He watched her close her eyes and lean her head back into the sofa. Gently, he removed her socks then massaged each toe. His fingers slipped between the toes and worked their way down her foot. Faint sighs of contentment were the only sound as he stroked the soles of her feet.

  “Are you getting sleepy?” he asked.

  She opened her eyes, and he knew the answer to the question.

  “A bit,” she said, obviously trying to force herself awake.

  “Bedroom’s all yours,” he said.

  Ian watched as she entered the bedroom and closed the door behind her. The aging couch opened to a bed, the desk clerk had told him. He checked the small closet for extra blankets and a pillow and started to make up the bed.

  “You awake?” Lily stood in the door in nothing but the extra-large t-shirt.

  Ian nodded. His eyes feasting on the silhouette of her body beneath the thin shirt.

  “I can’t bear to think of you on that uncomfortable old sofa-bed. There’s a warm down comforter on the bed and plenty of space for you.”

  “I think I’ll take you up on that offer!” Ian tossed the scratchy wool blanket on the sofa and followed her into the bedroom.