Designing Passion (2 page)

***

Airports had never been her favorite places. Tawny glanced at her watch as she tapped her foot repeatedly.

“There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you.” Sitting up with some relief, she glared at her tardy friend. “I’ve been going out of my mind. I thought you stood me up.”

Laura dropped into the chair beside her, let her bags fall onto the floor, and exhaled.

“Oh, honey, I had trouble getting a cab, got stuck in traffic, but I’m here. Why would I stand you up?”

“I don’t know, I thought maybe you weren’t really having a—meeting—a—oh, you know what I mean.” Her ears and cheeks flushed with heat as she tripped over her words.

“Oh, believe me Tawny, you are not the only one who needs some fun. You won’t be going anywhere without me!”

“Flight 325 is now boarding at Gate 41,” the overhead speaker boomed.

“Wow, I made it. Let’s go.”

“Uh—Laura?”

“Yeah?”

“Where exactly
are
we going?”

“I’m not sure. Madame Eve booked a private flight and didn’t reveal the destination. Exciting, isn’t it?”

“Exciting? Right.” With a grumble, she stood up collecting her bags, and draped them over her slumped shoulder.

“Oh, lighten up, it’s gonna be great.”

They stepped into the surreal atmosphere of the small aircraft. The cabin’s décor screamed royalty. Tawny and Laura took in the plush crimson seats, full bar at the back, and dimmed lighting. Classical music played softly in the background. The low hum and vibration of the engine provided an oddly soothing white noise. Tawny’s stomach fluttered.

“We will be taking off shortly, ladies—can I tuck away your bags for you?” A charming, deep voice caught Tawny’s attention. The handsome blond man at the end of the row held out his hands for their luggage. A second attendant, a stunning redhead, led them to their seats.

“May I offer you a glass of champagne to begin your vacation?” Her pleasant smile evoked a grin from Tawny.

“Yes, please.”

“Honey, have you got anything stronger? I’m not much of a flyer,” Laura chimed in.

Tawny gawked at her with raised brows. “Really? You’re nervous?”

“Maybe, a little…okay, I’m shaking in my Jimmy Choos.” Laura held up one foot and eased off the stylish stiletto.

“Well, that puts my worries at ease.”

“Here you go, ladies. Look over our in-flight menu, and you have a selection of movies. Our flight will last five hours, so let’s get you comfortable.”

The pampering had begun. Surprisingly, Tawny began to enjoy herself—a little.

***

“Welcome to Calla del Castillo, Mr. MacKenzie.” A familiar voice shook Wyatt from his awestruck daze. He spun around, following the sound.

“Jackson? You son of a gun, what the hell are you doing here?” Wyatt shook his head in disbelief as he eyed his dark-haired friend and paused a moment to admire the petite and extremely attractive blonde at his side. “Where exactly are we? No one would tell me anything on the plane. You know I’m not a big fan of surprises.”

“Wyatt, my friend, life is too short to stay mad at your well-meaning comrade.” He chuckled. “We are in La Savina, Formentera a small island off the coast of Spain. Remarkable, isn’t it?” Jackson waved around the colossal foyer. “Let’s get you checked into your suite and perhaps in an hour or so, you can join us for dinner and a drink. You must be tired and hungry after your long flight.”

“I could use a hot shower and something to eat.”

The concierge stepped forward, completing the check in. He handed Wyatt the room key card and a sealed manila envelope.

“What is this?”

“Your itinerary, sir.”

“Itinerary?” A sigh of annoyance escaped before he could temper his response.

“No worries, dear friend. Tonight you can wind down and see the sights. Tomorrow…your journey to ecstasy will begin.”

Wyatt eyed the poised man with exasperation at his lack of discretion and then caught the bashful expression worn by the attractive woman at his side. Her cheeks had grown bright red as she watched the floor, almost concealing her wide grin with dangling tendrils of flaxen—dear God, she knew what Jackson had planned. Wyatt was mortified.

On his walk toward the elevator, his design appraisal kicked in. Spanish Renaissance inspired décor featured handcrafted ornamental moldings around the gold framed doors. He admired endless rows of richly colored floor tiles laid in decorative patterns and deep, earthy tones of chestnut and mahogany brown that accentuated the Gothic-inspired furnishings of red strategically placed throughout the massive hall. The floor, the walls, the carvings, and the art highlighted the prestigious atmosphere. He approved.

In one swift motion, he flung his bags across the massive, king-sized bed. Rifling through his things, he mumbled under his breath. “Business before pleasure. I can’t believe she knows what he’s—” He stripped down on his way to the bathroom and stopped short of the doorway, marveling at the inviting steam shower with multi-directional massaging jets. Oh, this was a sacrifice he could force himself to make, for a “well-meaning comrade”.

***

The drive up the winding road revealed a hint of the breathtaking scenery.

“Oh my God, it’s a castle, Tawny, and right on the water.”

“Thanks for the play by play.” Watching the view of the sea allowed her to avoid eye contact; hiding her fear had become a daunting task.

“Oh, stop being such a poop.” Laura opened the window, letting the warm air flow through the back seat and across their faces. The ocean breeze teased strands from the confines of Tawny’s hair clip.

As they pulled up to the front door, she admired the soothing, trickling of the cascading water fountain. She canvassed the magnificent array of colorful and fragrant flower beds, and nodded to two liveried porters.

“Good evening, ladies, and welcome to Casa del Castillo.” The smiling older gentleman waiting by the entrance held out his hand to assist Tawny out of the car.

“Wow.” Stunned, she followed her belongings on the porters’ rolling rack into the hotel, unable to mask her astonishment at the glorious castle.

***

“Well, Tawny, I guess this is it?”

“Separate suites—I thought we’d be in the same room.” Unable to hide her frown, she burrowed through her purse for a tip.

“Well, duh, did you really think we would share a room for—the whole trip?”

“Ugh!”

“Okay, sorry You’re touchy today.”

“Ms. Reeve, we are ready to take you to your suite.”

“Thank you.” She followed the uniformed man, trying to hide the moisture spilling down her cheeks.

“Wait a minute,” Laura commanded from behind her.

Tawny stopped, staring straight ahead, discreetly wiping away the wetness on the sleeve of her teal silk blouse.

“You forgot your itinerary, dear.” Laura’s smug tone irked her, and she held out her hand. She’d set it down on a table in her dismay.

“You’re gonna have a great time, and so will I. Here’s my room number. Call me when you get settled in; we can grab a bite to eat. My itinerary shows nothing scheduled tonight.” Laura rubbed Tawny’s shoulders with quick but tender hands.

“Fine.” She walked briskly to the elevator still trying to hold back the rushing wave of frustration and sadness that overtook her chest.

***

Tawny tipped the man and locked the door as he left. In an instant, she tore the camel envelope open and inspected the itinerary.

“Spa treatments? Hair salon? Esthetician? Costume shop…
masquerade ball?
”

The list overwhelmed her until she reached the nine p.m. time slot:
Meet your match under the rose covered chandelier at the ball. He will be holding a white orchid
.

Tawny had never experienced hyperventilation before, but her inability to catch her breath and fast-paced gasping clued her in. Clutching the envelope and papers in her hand, she rushed to the chaise and sat down, reaching for the phone. Her trembling fingers fumbled for the right numbers.

“Laura? Oh God, I can’t do this.”

***

The tea had grown cold before she swallowed the last of the herbal brew.

“Are you any better now?”

Still somewhat slumped over, Tawny placed the cup down on the antique table and settled back into the posh, purple armchair.

“Yes, I know I’m a pain. I’m sorry; it became so real all of the sudden. Seeing the time and place and picturing….”

“Believe it or not, I had a similar reaction when I read mine. Mind you, I didn’t almost pass out from lack of oxygen.” Laura’s light-hearted laughter was a welcome sound.

“I guess I did overreact, a little. Wait, you have the same itinerary?” A rush of hope flowed through her.

“Oh, no honey, I’m meeting my—date,
on the lanai at seven p.m .for a romantic dinner for two by the outdoor fireplace; wine, roses, and a night of earth-shattering sex
.” Laura’s brows rose and a crinkle formed between them while her lips curled up at the sides.

“Uh, your list said earth-shattering sex?”

“No, of course not. It said
evening rendezvous
.” She clasped her hands together with fidgety fingers intertwining. “Okay, shall we order room service? Or brave the five-star restaurant downstairs? I hear they have an incredible lobster bisque.”

“I can be ready in twenty minutes.”

***

Relaxing into the comfortable leather chair, she forced herself to remember how much she’d wanted to resist enjoying the extras Laura had requested for her. She hadn’t planned on a makeover, but she sat at the mercy of a comb and a sweet, flamboyant Spanish stylist. The fact that Tawny willingly confided in him her reason for being on the island and the unusual circumstances of her date left her surprised at her candid honesty. Was it the relaxing sensation of his soothing fingers massaging the fragrant shampoo in her hair, or his sweet disposition and his enthusiasm at the details of her soon-to-be sordid interlude? Either way, she began to enjoy herself and unwind a little.

“Sweetheart, you have lovely hair, but we must tidy it up. We haven’t been trimming nor treating it, have we? Oh, but I have an exquisite style for you. A little bit off here and there, some texture, frame your gorgeous face, and voila!” His expressive hands cradled and primped while he stood behind her demonstrating his creative vision.

She found it difficult to be annoyed with his enthusiasm, finding it touched a long buried part of her girlish soul. She’d avoided being the center of attention since her desolate teens. Her prolonged residency at the dreadful boarding school had taken care of any center stage tendencies she had a long time ago.

With hesitation, she winced at the mirror’s image of him holding up lengths of her dark hair, clipping and trimming what seemed to be inches off. The wet, freshly cut strands hung, cradling her face and shoulders. Next, the loud, hot dryer, as he pulled and straightened her wavy locks. “You did a great job, Alejandro. Thank you.” Tawny admired the sheen and the shapely cut. It hadn’t occurred to her how straggly she had allowed her hair to become. Somehow, the new cut seemed to perk up her enthusiasm—a little.

“Oh darling, we aren’t done quite yet, we’ll arrange an elegant up-do to go with your masquerade costume.”

“I haven’t got a costume yet.”

“Oh, but you do, and wait until you see yourself in it! Divine!”

His excitement compensated for her lack of eagerness for the time being.

“A little more luster, and, oh, perfection.” Alejandro posed beside her in the mirror, admiring both their reflections.

“Now, my darling, off to Dulce for manicure, pedicure, oh and let’s not forget the waxing—”

“
Waxing?
”

***

“Did you enjoy your brunch, my friend?” Jackson dabbed the corners of his mouth with the russet linen then flung it onto the table.

Settling back into his chair, Wyatt adjusted his pants button. “An incredible meal.” Heaving a sigh, he looked up and stiffened then drew back. “Uh—excuse me, Leah; I almost forgot where I was.”

“It’s not a problem, Wyatt.” The stunning blonde grinned and snuggled closer to her husband.

“Jackson, let’s talk about the design you want for the Rio hotel. You want it similar to this—castle?”

“A remarkable concept, isn’t it?” His dark eyes lit up as he leaned forward, speaking in a hushed voice.

“It’s great, but the prelims were more—modern, I thought you said this was on the right track?”

“You’re a high-concept designing genius; I know you can make it work. Some history, renaissance, exotic structure with more modern appeal to the vacationing population.”

“Okay, but the site I scouted out in Rio had no structure in place. Are we building the hotel from scratch?”

“Actually Wyatt, that’s the intriguing part. About twenty miles down the coastline you plotted out for me lies the remains of a 1715 fortress.”

“Yes, I remember it. I drove down and explored the ruins.”

“I had a feeling you would have. So you can envision the fortress before it fell to ruin?”

“Breathtaking, yes.” Catching onto Jackson’s train of thought, Wyatt grinned. “So just as this hotel is modeled after the ruins on the island, the Rio resort will take its inspiration from that structure.

“I knew you would understand.” Giving an animated nod, he turned to Leah. “You see, darling, I told you, all I need is to start the vision, and Wyatt can bring it to life.” A triumphant smile lit his face as he put his arm around his lady and squeezed her tight.

“I’ve emailed the pictures and specs, to you. Rebuilding the old structure in its resting place isn’t feasible, but recreating the historic design, incorporated with your unique and extravagant construction plans, will make it the most revered hotel in the world.”

Nodding and serious, Wyatt pulled out his planner and started jotting down a few things.

“You have inspiration now, right?” Jackson leaned toward him.