Page 70 of The Estate
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
Cal pulled into the estate’s parking area and grabbed his phone. He knew it was too early for a reply from Trace, but he really was hoping she answered. Granted, there were no events this weekend, so she was technically off the clock. He had no right to expect a response. For all he knew, she was traveling somewhere for the weekend.
He rotated his head and rolled his shoulders and tried to relax his clenched jaw. He couldn’t shake his growing concern about the gala. Ever since Jake mentioned the caterer yesterday, Cal had been fighting the impending sense of doom. Hopefully Trace would drop him a quick text today, and they could have a detailed meeting tomorrow. He didn’t want to step on toes, but he needed to reassure himself that everything was being handled.
Inhaling deeply and exhaling, he reached for that optimistic attitude he told Rachel he’d adopt for the foreseeable future. Just thinking about her made him smile. He enjoyed himself immensely yesterday; hitting it off with her friends, Adam and Jake especially. While his impromptu invitation to host her friends at the estate was unlike him, he couldn’t help but acknowledge that part of his motivation was spending more time with Rachel.
Getting out of his car, he surveyed the front of the house, cataloging the bushes that required trimming, the leaves that should be clearing away. He’d already scheduled the landscaper to come out mid-week to mow and mulch, ensuring everything looked perfect for the gala.
After he walked through everything with Trace tomorrow, he would come out and do a little cleaning of the front hydrangea beds. Some of the blooms had faded from their vibrant blue and purple, but the good weather ensured there were still plenty of bright flowers left on the plants.
Hearing tires on the gravel drive, he swiveled to see who was coming. He should have known Rachel would be here early. Waving, he watched while she parked across from the entryway. His breath caught seeing her exit the car.
Her blonde hair was down, tumbling softly around her shoulders, just as it had been on Friend’s Weekend. He liked how the wind picked up tendrils, making them dance in the breeze. But what really drew his eye was her outfit. She was in a simple white V-neck tee and jeans, but he couldn’t seem to look away.
From the slightly over-sized shirt that skimmed her body, hinting at the curves underneath, to her rolled bottom jeans and plain white tennis shoes. It was a mixture of simplicity that was elegant and yet cute. Both the girl he wished to spend the day with and the woman he wanted in his arms.
He’d certainly thought about holding her close. Ever since that kiss, he couldn’t stop himself from wanting to pick up where they’d ended. Her soft lips against his, the way she’d tasted, the feel of her pressed against him—all memories that haunted him now.
He was fighting a losing battle to repeat the experience. But this time, he wouldn’t let her scamper off. No. He’d enfold her in his embrace and keep her right where he wanted her. He’d take his time and explore her the way she deserved. He’d kiss her until her knees were too weak to walk away. Then he’d kiss her again.
He reached her car just as she pulled two large ceramic dishes from the backseat. Taking them from her, he blinked in surprise at the aroma.
“Since it was Lisa’s birthday, we wouldn’t let her contribute, but she did ‘help’ me make some desserts,” she replied to his unasked question.
“And by help, you mean…” he said.
Rachel tossed her head back and laughed, the sound filling him with warmth. He loved her voice, but hearing her uninhibited laugh echo around him was like holding a winning lottery ticket.
“I mean,” Rachel finally replied. “Technically I put the ingredients together for the lemon bars while she sat at the kitchen island and micromanaged the entire process.”
“Seems like a solid plan,” he smirked.
“You barely know her, and you get it,” she cried. “I should have known better than to go back to Lisa and Lottie’s after lunch yesterday. Clearly a trap.”
“Clearly,” he agreed. “But,” he inhaled deeply. “I think we all win in this case. Thanks for taking one for the team.”
Rachel smiled and reached back into the car. He was happy to see she brought a sweater. They intended to eat on the patio andwhile it was a beautiful sunny day, sometimes the wind off the ocean could drop the temperature unexpectedly.
Turning back, she said, “I didn’t thank you for inviting everyone today. I feel bad that we’re invading your place.”
“Please, don’t feel bad,” he answered. “I had a blast with your friends. They’re a fun bunch.”
“Yes. They are. I’m glad you had a good time. We can be,” she hesitated briefly. “We can be a lot, and I threw you into the deep end.”
“Nonsense,” he said as they began walking toward the door. “You met my friends. If they aren’t the definition of ‘a lot’, I’m not sure who is.”
“They are delightful,” she assured him.
“Glad you think so,” he said, balancing the dishes on one hand while he fished for his keys in the other.
Rachel shook her head and grabbed the dishes from his arms. “If you destroy these desserts after I endured Lisa’s task master instruction, there will be hell to pay.”
“Noted,” he answered as he swung the door open and ushered her in. With exaggerated care, he took the dishes from her, making her smile. “Does anything need to be refrigerated?”
When she shook her head, he walked through the foyer into the sunroom, placing them on a side table there.“I figured we’d eat on the patio,” he gestured with his thumb.
“One of my favorite views,” she replied.
