Little Secrets #4

Little Secrets

Chapter #4

Lacy decided that he probably didn’t have his swimming trucks with him at the present time.

“Maybe a swim another time?” She asked, wrapping her towel around her hair and grabbing her dress off the lounger and throwing it over her arm.

“Did you want to some in for a drink? Or something? Dad should be back soon.” Lacy asked, giving Christopher a backwards glance.

Christopher looked at her with a smile. “Of course, Miss Addington. I’d be delighted.” There was a touch of humor to his voice.

 

As Lacy led the way towards the house, Christopher following behind her, she realised that he was probably watching her and the way she walked, and that made her blush down to her toes and gave a secret smile to the ground. She led the way inside and dropped her dress on one of the barstools along with the towel that had been wrapped around her head. As Christopher walked in, she made sure to put the kitchen island in the middle of the kitchen between her and him.

“What do you want to drink?” She asked, keeping her voice even and level, almost robot like. ‘Please don’t  notice,’ she thought, hoping and wishing.

“What are you having?” Christopher replied, as equally even and level as she had been. Then flashed her a bright smile, letting her know he was on to her.

Lacy quickly got out two glasses, and some ice, and topped up the glasses with the organic apple juice that had been made the day before from the garden.

“Freshly made.” She said, handing one across to him, “Well, yesterday anyway.”

Christopher just smiled at her and held up his glass in mock ‘cheers’ to her.

“Here’s to you.” He said, and put his glass down, after taking a sip.

 

“How do you know my dad?” Lacy asked, him, curiosity in her voice.

“Well....” He paused, “Your dad is well known for the work he does, landscaping and things like that. I just found him on a recommendation from one of my colleagues, and it’s just taken off. Mostly just little things about the garden I’ve been consulting him on, like which flowers will go best, and if the rock wall is stable enough to plant behind it. “There seemed to be an edge to his voice; as if daring her to ask more.

Lacy let the subject drop and they fell into an awkward silence, drinking juice around the kitchen island.

“Don’t think you’re off the hook either.” Christopher’s voice intruded on her thoughts.

“What?” Lacy replied, startled.

“Off the hook for me showing you around the history of this place.” Came the reply, from a very bemused Christopher, “You haven’t been listening to a word I’ve been saying have you?”

“What?” There was a pause, “No....” She said, and blushed.

“Well, I said I was hoping to show you around tomorrow,” He looked at her intently, “If that is okay with you of course.”

“Well, um.... I think so....” She trailed off. She had planned to go to the movie tomorrow to see one of the new films that was on but realised that he wasn’t asking her, he was telling her. Besides, the sooner she did it, the sooner he would be away from a while.

 

He took a step around the counter faster than she realised, caught up in her thoughts and within seconds he was right beside her, her hands in his, pulling her closer into an embrace. She buried her face in his shirt, and realised it smelt nice, and his hands and arms were providing just enough pressure to keep her still, to let her know that he was there for her, without being smothering. “I’ll be here when you need me.” He murmured, kissing the top of her head. She blinked hard, and her eyes swam back into focus.

“....We can even go see the old sailing ship, and go on board if you want. I know the man who owns it, and I can get us onboard....” He trailed off, “You weren’t listening to me again. I can tell in your eyes.”

Lacy was trying to keep her thoughts to herself, after realising that what she has just experienced had just been a day-dream. He was dangerous. She wanted him, that much was obvious, even to her; but she had to keep her distance.

“I’m sorry.” She smiled, blushing, “My mind is somewhere else today.”

“I hope it’s somewhere good, somewhere nice.” He said, with a twinkle in his eye.

“One would hope.” She replied. “I don’t mean to be rude and all but...”

“But you have to kick me out.” He finished the sentence for her, “I understand.

“Thank you...” She said, showing him to the door, “I’m really sorry.”

Lacy was aware of the scent of him, the same scent she smelt in her day dream, and how much she’d felt the longing.

“Don’t apologise. Really.” Christopher replied, looking at her. “Tomorrow, we can either start at the museum, or down by the docks and take a sailing ship cruise. I can show you the old lighthouse on the opposite point, and the history of the wreckers’ around there if you want.”

Lacy was acutely aware of the lack of clothes on her body, after all she was only wearing her bikini, and looked at the ground.

“Lacy? It’s up to you? Really, it is.”

 

What should Lacy choose? The land based exploration of the town’s history or the more interesting sea-voyage across the harbour and the lighthouse tales?

 

 

© Samantha Millar

Until next time,

Atra du evarinya ono varda,
(May the stars watch over you)

Samantha.