Dare to Dream (7 page)

“You’ve changed,” he said as the understanding settled within him.

“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

“We’ll have to see, won’t we?” He took her hand. “Come on, let’s get you back to your place or you won’t be about to wake up in…” He checked his watch. “Three hours.”

Desiree groaned at the prospect as they walked back hand in hand to the truck. She stole a glance at him from the corner of her eye and her stomach did that little flip thing and she thought how good her hand felt in his.

Chapter 13

I
f Desiree didn’t know better she would swear that a new day came early for the first time in history. But although her body and her eyes felt as if they were filled with lead, her spirit was light and her heart beat with anticipation.

She glanced out of the window at the pale light that peeked through the puffs of clouds. Stretching her long limbs, she pulled herself out of bed and stumbled toward the bathroom.

If Lincoln was remotely like the man she remembered, he would be exactly on time and he would always get that tight look between his eyes when she wasn’t ready.

She smiled as she turned on the shower. If she also remembered correctly she was always able to ease him into compliance with a few well-placed kisses behind his ears and along the cord of his neck. Preferably on the right side.

Desiree stepped under the spray of hot water. Yes, it worked every time. Truth be told, most times she was late on purpose just so that she could keep her skills in top form.

Lathering her skin with honey and almond body wash, she quickly finished up, then rinsed her locks before getting out.

Taking her time, she smoothed body lotion on her arms, legs, hips and thighs and a little extra on her feet and ankles. If there was one thing she couldn’t stand, it was ashy feet.

Briefly she stood in front of the closet. Decisions, decisions. Finally she selected an ankle-length gauzy skirt in a pale peach with lemon-yellow splashes, and a yellow handkerchief top that tied behind her neck and around her waist and offered just enough to tantalize the eye without being too suggestive. She added silver teardrop earrings, a hint of lip gloss, peach espadrilles, and she was ready. She squeezed a quarter-sized amount of hair oil in her palms and ran her hands through her damp locks to give them a nice shine.

No sooner had she stood in front of the mirror to take a last look than the knocking on the front door nearly made her jump a foot into the air.

She looked at the door, then herself in the mirror. What was she thinking? She didn’t look like a woman going out to see the sunrise. She looked like a woman attempting to attract a handsome man or at the very least jockey for a hot date.

The knocking came again.

Momentary panic and indecision kept her rooted in place. Maybe she could pretend she wasn’t there. If she didn’t answer, he’d eventually go away—mad but away. Or maybe she could take everything off, put on her robe and pretend to be sick.

“Desiree! I know you’re in there,” Lincoln shouted from outside.

She squeezed her eyes shut and stomped her foot in frustration. What was she going to do?

“Breakfast is getting cold and you’re going to miss the sunrise,” he singsonged.

Desiree blew out a breath. This was silly. There was nothing between her and Lincoln. They were just two old friends sharing the beauty of a sunrise. No commitments. No strings. What did it matter what she had on or what he thought about it?

With that very weak rationale, she pulled herself together and went to the door.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” she said the instant she opened the door. “I was in the bathroom.”

Was he staring? He couldn’t be sure. But if he was, he didn’t care. She was food for the eyes and he was a starving man.

“It was worth it,” he murmured, his voice deeper than normal as his gaze strolled over her body.

Heat splashed over her and every nerve ending stood at attention. She remembered that look all too well. It was how he looked at her just before…

“I…uh, I’ll wait in the truck,” he said, suddenly nervous and uncertain if he would be able to keep from stripping her naked and taking her right there and then if he didn’t get away quickly.

Desiree blinked rapidly and held on to the door handle for support. Her thighs trembled and her nipples had hardened to sensitive peaks, blatantly announcing her instant arousal.

How in the world was she supposed to get through spending hours with this man when her body went on high alert just at a glance from him?

She shook her head to clear it, turned and picked up her straw bag from the bed. Well, if there was ever a time to run, it would be right about now, she mused. But the truth was she really didn’t want to.

Desiree joined Lincoln at the truck and he nearly tripped over himself getting her door open and helping her inside. She thought it was cute.

“So, did you get any rest?”

“Not enough.” She laughed lightly.

“Sorry for keeping you up so late,” he said as he made the turn and headed for the beach.

“Oh, I’m not complaining. I…enjoyed it.”

Lincoln stole a look at her. “So did I.” He paused and changed the direction of the conversation. “If you roll down your window you can hear the birds getting ready for the day.”

Desiree pressed the button at her side and the window glided down. The smell of the ocean immediately filled the car, followed by what sounded like music.

She turned to him and grinned. “Wow. Nothing like mornings on the beach. It’s beautiful.”

“But not as beautiful as you,” he said softly.

Desiree lowered her gaze. “Thank you.”

Lincoln reached for the radio and turned it on before he said something else that was out of line.

“Are all the cabins full?” she asked, needing to hear his voice and not that of the radio announcer.

“Yes, our last guest arrived yesterday afternoon. Business has been pretty steady. It’s a busy time of the year.” He pulled to a stop. “Look.” He pointed toward the horizon. “That’s what I’m talking about.”

The sun poked its head above the horizon, tossing incredible rays of dazzling color across the water. Behind it the sky was still inky in color but began to lighten by degrees as the ball of light slowly ascended and filled the sky. It was pure magic. And watching, one felt insignificant up against the awesome power of the Almighty.

Desiree pressed her hand to her chest, overcome by the splendor before her. This vision was a testament, a clear indicator that each day was a blessing, a new beginning, a chance to start over.

“Thank you, Lincoln,” she whispered.

Chapter 14

T
hey walked slowly along the beach, barefoot, carrying their shoes in their hands and talking softly as the world gently came to life around them.

“When you’re not here, where are you?” Desiree asked.

“Oh, I travel, check out new real estate opportunities. I haven’t really settled in one place in a long time. I do have an apartment in Manhattan.”

She turned to him. “You do? I…we’ve never run into each other.”

“I know. Even though Manhattan is only an island it’s a pretty big place, easy to get lost in.”

She glanced down at her feet, watching the sand sift between her toes as they walked. “Did you know where I was?”

“No. I stopped looking, as much as I didn’t want to.” He pulled in a breath and glanced at her. “I thought it was best. Was it?”

She was thoughtful for a moment. “It’s what I said I wanted.”

“Was it really, Desiree? Did you really want to erase me out of your life as if I never existed, as if we never existed?”

“I couldn’t handle seeing you, Linc. I just couldn’t. I had to find a way to move on, to build a new life.”

There was so much he wanted to say to her. He wanted to tell her how desperately lonely he’d been, how unhappy. He wanted to tell her that together they could have accomplished so much, that the love they had for each other could have overcome anything. But he wouldn’t. At least not now. They’d been together less than an hour and already they were talking about their pasts, breaking the promise they’d made to each other.

“Hungry?” he asked, switching subjects.

She laughed, relieved that the conversation had taken a turn. “Starved.”

“I have everything to fix that. Come on.” He took her hand and led her back to the truck.

He opened the back door and pulled out a blanket. “Here, take this.” He handed the blanket to Desiree, then reached inside and pulled out an electric-blue thermal bag. “Just what the doctor ordered. There’s a great spot over there.” He pointed toward a cluster of trees just above the beach. “I hate getting sand in my food,” he said by way of explaining why they wouldn’t be eating on the beach.

“Fine with me.”

She followed him up the slight incline until they reached the spot he’d pointed out. Desiree spread the blanket on the grass and Lincoln began unloading the items in the bag: warm, homemade biscuits, fresh fruit, piping-hot coffee, a carafe of freshly squeezed orange juice, tins of jams and jellies, linen napkins, fancy paper plates that looked like the real thing and actual forks and knives, not the plastic ones.

“Wow. I’m impressed.” She sat on her haunches and looked over the fare. “Did you toil all night putting this together?” she teased.

“Actually…no.” He laughed. “I left a note for our chef when I came in last night to put something together for me. I take it that you like everything.”

“Mmm-hmm,” she mumbled over a mouthful of biscuit, slathered in apple butter. She reached for a napkin and wiped her mouth. “Do all of your guests get treated so well?”

“We try to make everyone who comes here feel special.” He gave her a long look. “Some more special than others.” He glanced away and reached for the juice. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

“It’s okay. Really.”

They were silent for a while as they ate, simply relaxing and taking in the sights. There were other early birds who had taken to the ocean for a swim, while others roamed the length of the beach below.

“Do you have plans for the rest of the day?” Lincoln asked.

“Hmm. Not really. I thought maybe I would go into town and check out some of the shops.”

“I could show you around…if you wanted me to.”

She smiled. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

“Then it’s a date, or rather a deal. I can pick you up around one if that works for you, just in case you want to rest for a while.”

“Perfect.” She yawned, then stretched out on the blanket with her face toward the sun, absorbing the warm rays.

Lincoln looked down at her and was again captivated by her innocent beauty. She wasn’t what one would consider cover-model pretty. But to him she was the most beautiful woman in the world. A simple smile from her would lighten his day, the sound of her voice would linger in his mind for hours. She was intelligent and fun, sexy and talented. Everything a man could want in a woman. But there was also Desiree’s other side, the one who withdrew, shut him out, who would rather face her challenges alone than with a partner. It was that part of her that he’d tried unsuccessfully to penetrate. Yes, they’d both changed in the years that they were apart. Had that part of her changed, as well? He could only hope.

Desiree closed her eyes, enjoying the moment, taking in the atmosphere and the sounds around her. It was all so perfect, she thought. It was a morning that they’d talked of and dreamed about often while they were together. Lincoln had always been so thoughtful and considerate of her needs. He seemed to sense what she wanted even before she did. And yet there was still a part of her that she’d never completely turned over to him. She’d always been afraid to totally let go and give in to the powerful emotions that she’d felt for Lincoln. It was almost as if she were trying to protect herself from getting hurt, even though deep in her heart she believed that he would never hurt her. Ironically, it was the barrier she’d set up that helped her get through her loss and gave her the strength to walk away from him.

But now, being in his presence again, she realized how wrong she had been and how much time had been wasted. Yet, she was still uncertain if she could cross that final line and let him totally into her heart and mind, into that corner of herself that felt less than whole. He saw her as perfect, totally wonderful and capable. In truth she wasn’t and if she let him into her life and her heart once again, how would he react when he knew the truth. She didn’t want to risk that. So, she would make the most of the time they had together, and when it was over she would go back to her life and he would go back to his.

That’s simply the way it had to be.

Chapter 15

C
arl slowly hung up the phone. The fire marshal wanted to investigate the fire further before making a final determination. That was troubling.

He had a meeting with the accountants in two hours. The insurance adjusters needed his signature and his investors wanted to know what he planned to do about their money. Everything would fall apart if anything out of order was discovered. He didn’t want to contemplate what he would do then.

He ran his hand across his clean-shaven jaw. And he still had no idea where Desiree was. He pushed back from his desk and stood. There was one person who would know. He should have gone there first.

* * *

The knock on Rachel’s door caused her to look up from examining some stones laid out on a black velvet cloth on her desk.

“Come in.” She held a finely cut opal up to the light.

“Hi, Rae, sorry to disturb you. There’s a Carl Hampton here to see you. I told him you were busy, but he says it’s urgent.”

Slowly Rachel put the stone down. “Everything is urgent with Carl,” she grumbled. “Tell him I’ll be with him in a minute.”

“Sure,” Felicia said and closed the door behind her.

Rachel collected the stones and returned them to the case, then put it in her desk drawer and locked it. The last person she wanted to see or talk to was Carl Hampton. He could only want one thing. She was sure it wasn’t a pure social call. There was something about Carl that rubbed her the wrong way. She couldn’t tell Desiree often enough what a mistake it was to have gotten involved with him in the first place.

She put on her jacket that she’d hung on the back of her chair and went out front.

As always, Carl was impeccably dressed in an obviously expensive steel-gray suit, a pale gray shirt, and a burgundy-and-gray striped tie. His thin mustache was trimmed to perfection, outlining his equally thin upper lip with his blue eyes as cold as a February morning.

“Carl. This is a surprise.”

“Is it?” He walked toward her. “I would think you’d be expecting me.”

“Why in the world would I be expecting you?”

“Enough with the pleasantries. I need to talk to you.”

“Funny, I thought that’s what we were doing.” Rachel folded her arms.

Carl cut a look in Felicia’s direction. “Alone.”

Rachel pursed her lips. “Fine. We can talk in my office.” She led him to the back but didn’t offer him a seat. He took one anyway. “What is this about, Carl?”

“It’s about Desiree. I need to talk to her.”

“I’m pretty sure if Desiree wanted to talk to you she would have contacted you by now.”

His face flushed crimson. “I don’t think you or Desiree understand the seriousness of what’s going on here,” he said, struggling to control his spiraling temper. “I am up to my eyeballs in debt and paperwork. I have investors that want answers.”

“You’re a seasoned businessman, Carl. I’m pretty sure that you’re insured up to your eyeballs, as well.” She braced her hand on her hip.

He clenched his jaw and raised his chin. “The fire marshal called me today.”

“And?”

“They want to investigate the fire further before signing off. There seems to be some idea that it may have been arson.”

Rachel’s heart thumped in her chest. “Arson? That’s ridiculous.”

“They don’t seem to think so. If it’s discovered that it was arson, I can forget the insurance money that I’ll need to pay off the investors until we find out who did it, if ever. Not to mention what I’ll lose on the property.”

“I still don’t see what this has to do with Desiree,” Rachel said, hoping she’d disguised the worry in her voice.

“I need to talk to her. I need to find out if she heard anything, saw anything or anyone suspicious. And I need to find out if she’s going to be able to paint—to put enough pieces together for a show. At least I’d be able to appease the investors if I could guarantee that much before they call in their notes.”

In the time that Rachel knew Carl, she’d never seen him ruffled. If he was this upset and it wasn’t a ploy to get to Desiree, then maybe she should consider taking it seriously.

“I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll get a message to Desiree and hopefully she’ll contact you. Fair enough?”

“Thank you. Please try to impress upon her how important this is.”

“I’ll do my best but I won’t guarantee anything.”

Carl nodded and walked out.

Rachel sat at her desk going over what Carl said. What if it was arson? But the real questions were who and why?

Reluctantly, Rachel picked up the phone and dialed The Port.

“Good afternoon, I’m trying to reach one of your guests, Desiree Armstrong.”

“Just a moment, I’ll ring her room.”

Rachel listened to the phone ring on the other end until the automated voice mail service kicked in. She left a message.

“Hey, Des. It’s me, Rae. Just checking on you, girl. Hope you’re having fun. Give a sistah a call when you get a minute.” She hung up wondering if she should have been more insistent about having Desiree call her back. But at the same time she didn’t want to worry her. She sighed deeply. Desi would call, and when she did they would talk, really talk.

* * *

“Where to first?” Desiree asked, as Lincoln helped her into the Navigator.

“I thought I would show you some of the boutique shops. I know how much you like vintage clothing. There are a couple of really nice galleries.” He stole a glance at her. She didn’t react. “And then I thought we could take a tour of the museum.”

“I’ve heard about it. It’s a landmark, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it has a lot of historical significance to the African-American community.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Then dinner if you like,” he said, his tone hopeful. “B. Smith’s is perfect. You’ll love it.”

Breakfast, even lunch, was one thing. Dinner inevitably took things to another level, Desiree thought. Was she ready?

“Sounds good. If we’re not too worn out by then,” she added with caution.

“We’ll take the day as it comes.” He turned to her. “Remember, no strings, no commitments.”

“Right.” She wondered how long that would last.