Designing Passion (3 page)

“Without a doubt.” He continued writing.

“Then perhaps, my friend, you can tuck these ideas away for a night or two, do some more exploring of
this
castle and get further inspired.” Jackson pulled at the still sealed envelope sticking out of Wyatt’s planner.

“Oh, yeah, I—uh—yeah.” Embarrassment returned as he shot a cautious glance at Leah.

“Have you read your itinerary yet?”

“Uh—no—”

“It’s okay, she knows.” Jackson’s amused laughter filled the air, furthering Wyatt’s horror.

“Oh, God.” Hiding his humiliation in the palms of his hands, he shook his head in disbelief.

“Wyatt, please don’t be embarrassed; it’s nothing to be ashamed of.” The tenderness of her sweet voice forced his gaze back to her. “That’s actually how Jackson and I met.”

“Oh?
Oh
.” Wyatt caught on.

“It’s a long story, but Madame Eve knows her business.”

“What does she have planned for you. Wyatt? Eve is surprisingly magical in her matchmaking abilities.” Glancing at Jackson, Leah squeezed his hand.

“Well, I—we don’t need to….”

“Oh, I didn’t mean about the intimate part, but about the place you’ll meet?”

With no dignity left to lose, Wyatt tore the envelope open. Examining the paper, he looked up, bewildered. “A masquerade?”

“Oh, yes!” Her sudden animation caught him by surprise. “We’re hosting an extravagant gala tonight. Renaissance inspired. The ballroom will be bursting at the seams with masks and roses.” Leah motioned with waving hands at the workers rolling carts of boxes into the back of the room. “We’re having champagne and dancing, and it’s a full moon tonight, expected to be a clear, cool evening where we can dance under the stars.” Her dreamy expression revealed her starry-eyed aspirations for this event.

“Wyatt? You look so serious. Is there a problem?” Jackson queried.

Jaw tensing, Wyatt worked to appear devoid of emotion. “I don’t understand. If this is just a one-night stand, why go through all the motions? Why so much build up for someone I’m never gonna see again.”

“You’re thinking too much. The idea is to have fun, a good time with no strings attached and no worries. We’ll be there, in costume, if you need moral support.” The robust chortle divulged Jackson’s lack of sympathy to his distress.

“What my husband is trying to say—” Leah interceded, grabbing Jackson’s hand and squeezing a little, “—is that the mystery of meeting a masked stranger for a discreet rendezvous could make things more interesting, don’t you think? You work hard, Wyatt. A little fun, anonymity, a little adventure is a good thing.”

Squirming in his seat under her dissecting gaze, he couldn’t deny her point. She presented the same challenge,
adventure. Damn
.

“I guess you’re right, Leah. I know I seem ungrateful, it’s just, well—” He hated surrendering, “—where do I get a costume?” Sinking into his seat, he gave in to her.

“My understanding is that Eve has already taking care of everything for you. Let’s go see my friend, Isabel, and get you all set up” Leah stood up, held out her hands for both men and escorted them out of the restaurant.

***

The entrance to the ballroom was swathed with red roses and hung with an array of elegant masks. The foyer and ballroom glimmered with hundreds of candles. The air was perfumed with the fragrance of the blooms. The intoxicating aroma lifted her spirits and heightened her anticipation of what was about to transpire. Almost enough to distract Tawny from the exceptional panic that consumed her—almost.

Frozen on the spot, she stood at the entrance of the masquerade, unable to enter. Her shortness of breath returned. At first, she suspected her form-fitting corset provided the catalyst, but taking a quick inventory, she concluded its comfort level sufficient. No, the violent butterflies that wreaked havoc in her stomach had to be the culprits.

In another moment of doubt, she stepped backward as masked couples in costume passed by, entering the gala. Tawny scouted out the vast, bronzed mirror along the foyer wall, stepped in front of it, and stood in awe. The black and lavender gown with its magnificent layers of lavish purple materials and trims of black lace was quite extraordinary. The bodice accentuated the deep, squared neckline that cradled her breasts, showing more of them than she was completely comfortable revealing.

Okay Tawny, stop being such a coward. You can do this
. With a deep exhale, she gathered her courage, secured her mauve and black lace mask to conceal her identity, and strolled into the ballroom.

Her shoes and costume were amazingly comfortable; the regal brocade dress weighty but luxurious. The jacquard silk chemise caressed her bare, silky-smooth thighs. She’d even discarded traditional pantyhose in favor of lavender garters that held sheer silken hose snugly in place.

“Senorita Reeve, please allow me to escort you.” A gentleman held out his arm, waiting for her to accept. At the familiar voice, she perused his powdered white wig and gold and fuchsia mask. A smile emerged when she realized his identity.

“Alejandro!” A sense of relief washed over her. He knew her secret, too, after her afternoon chatting in the comfort of his salon; she had already surpassed that embarrassment. Now she didn’t feel completely alone. The journey to meeting her match came with yet another perk.

“Darling, look at you, I knew this costume and hairstyle would be exquisite. You look elegant, and sensual.” His Spanish accent added to Tawny’s enjoyment of his flattery.

“It’s a good thing I’m wearing a mask, or you might see me blush, sir.” A nervous giggle slipped out at the appearance of his mischievous grin.

The ballroom looked vast but charming. The pale yellow, flickering glow of the candles intensified the sheer enchantment of the evening. The cool, salty taste of the ocean air drifted into the room, drawing her attention to the open glass doors facing the sea.

“Would you like to see the lanai before the sun sets, Tawny?”

“The lanai?” Recollection of Laura’s evening plans sparked her curiosity. Maybe she could catch a glimpse of them. To her dismay, she had forgotten to put on her watch, and scanned the room for a clock. Seeing none, she turned to her chaperone.

“Alejandro, what time is it?”

“It is eight forty-five; there are still a few minutes of light left.” He ushered her across the room past the gathering congregation of masked revelers. The classical music in the background grew a little louder, muffling the chatter.

The cool breeze swept her loose curls across her neck as she stepped over the threshold to the lanai. A few clouds rolled by, parting and revealed the sunset at the edge of the waterline. In awe, Tawny walked to the concrete banister that led to spiraling stone steps off to the side. A glance across the sea bestowed the breathtaking vision of the endless azure waters brimming with the reddish-orange glow of the setting sun. The curling waves cascaded along the shore as she observed the sedate ambiance of the talc sand.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so beautiful. If nothing else comes of tonight, at least this is a memory I can cherish.” A feeling of serenity washed over her. Elicited by the view, the costume, the anonymity of the evening? Or was she actually starting to enjoy herself?

“Tawny, darling, it’s almost time.” The excitement in his voice brought the reality of the moment crashing to the surface again.

She glanced around for Laura, wishing for moral support. Tawny’s eyes darted up and down the stone walkway to a small table for two placed near an outdoor fireplace.

In a panic, she raced to the shimmering light of the fire, only to find the table abandoned with drained wine glasses and half-eaten pasta the only sign of its recent occupancy. The tapered candles sputtered in the gentle wind. Laura had already gone, and the time to meet her date had come. A dash of nausea overwhelmed her for a moment.

“It’s nearly nine, Ms. Reeve; will you join me in a toast?” Alejandro escorted her back through the door, stealing away two bubbling champagne flutes from a passing server.

“A toast?”

“Yes, to a remarkable evening and an exquisite lady.” Placing the glass in her hand, he raised his, gently clinking them together.

The chocolate brown eyes that admired her through the mask evoked a shy smile as she dropped her chin a little, still catching his gaze. She took a sip of the sparkling drink. The delectable sweetness triggered an insatiable thirst, prompting her to sip, and then clumsily gulp, until the entire glass emptied.

“A connoisseur.” He collected the crystal from her trembling hand. “You’ll be fine, sweetheart.” Alejandro faced her, primping her plunging neckline, and smoothing her dark tendrils to perfection. Tawny frowned at him. He cupped her cheeks with his palms. “I’ll be standing by the door if you need me and believe me, you won’t need me.”

“Thank you.” With a squeeze of his hand, she offered a beseeching gaze of gratitude before letting go.

Her eyes quested across the ceiling. There, in the middle of the dance floor, the rose covered chandelier dangled, beckoning her.

The crowed had grown thick. Wading through the vibrant and extravagant costumed couples heightened the pangs of anxiety rolling through her stomach and chest. Working to breathe slower, she stared up at the red roses as a few petals glided down around her.

I feel ridiculous. What if he sees me and leaves?
The nagging voice in the back of her head drowned out the clatter of the room. Tawny glanced at the doorway, finding Alejandro watching her and nodding with a smile. Inhaling deeply, she pulled her shoulders back and her chin up, composing herself. A sudden tap on her shoulder startled her and she swung around.

A tall, striking man stood before her, clad in a black velvet, knee length coat and holding in his hand a single white orchid.

Tawny perused his luxuriant costume; he wore his chestnut brown hair slicked back into a ponytail. Thick, lush curls brushed his wide jacket collar and ivory ruffled shirt. A somewhat modernized version of the Venetian Colonial costume had the brocade vest and form-fitting, knee-length trousers with a codpiece, which drew her particular focus to how it accentuated his endowment. A spasm of longing rushed through her core as she watched the amber-green eyes fix on her from behind the obscuring black mask.

“I believe this is for you?” Offering the flower, he bowed in a debonair fashion, fitting of the attire he wore.

“Uh—thank you,” she stuttered receiving the orchid. He collected her other hand and tenderly kissed the back of her fingers, his seductive gaze mesmerizing.

“You are—” Unsure of how to begin, she paused, shaking her head and huffing with embarrassment.

“A friend of Madame Eve’s.” He offered a grin with a raised brow.

“Yes, a friend.” Relief stretched across her tense shoulders.

“Would you care to dance, my lady?” Holding out his hand, he watched her like a wolf to the sheep.

Apprehension flooded through her, but she fought her way through the murky ambivalence. “I would be honored, sir.” With a slight bow, she followed his lead, engaging in dance and moving swiftly, swirling and stepping in unison to the tempo of the lively baroque style melody. Getting lost in the music didn’t take long, and the night of fantasy was underway.

From half an arm’s length away, Tawny studied her companion’s perfect, luscious lips, tanned skin, and striking features. His eyes astonished her; there was something familiar but captivating about them. The intense heat of his hand at her waist magnified through the majestic material, quickening her arousal. The grip of his hand over hers awakened the desire that had been dormant for so many years.

Part of Tawny wanted to skip the façade, the anticipation overwhelming. A curious glimpse down, revealed the most wonderful bulge, so tempting, so inviting, it was all she could do not to reach down and caress it.

Almost ready to succumb to him at first command, her knees grew weak when he pulled her closer; leaning in, he spoke in her ear. “Would you like to go for a walk and get to know each other?” His deep voice entranced her.

“Yes, I would.” A shudder of excitement rolled over her.

He took her hand and led her out to the lanai. The clicking of her heels against the stone echoed down the spiraling steps. He didn’t speak, his firm grip and fast pace becoming a turn on. Something about a stranger taking charge stirred her interest.

Browsing the landscape over the waist high stone wall, she observed the extraordinary glow of the clouds partially covering the full moon. The last glimmer of her perfect sunset began to fade into the water line.

“I was wandering the beach this morning; it’s beautiful. There’s a place I would like to see. Are you up for a little sex-ploration?” His smoldering eyes sent a slight spasm of excitement through her—if his gaze was enough to titillate her, oh what a night she was in for.

“All right.”

At the foot of the staircase, Tawny stopped, removed her sparkling pumps, and carried them in her free hand. The cool grains of beach sand caressed her feet and buried her toes as she walked alongside him.

“What place?” Relishing the strength of his hand wrapped around hers, she stepped quickly to keep pace with his long legs.

“Down the beach is the tower and courtyard of the original castle this hotel was modeled after. It’s quite beautiful if you would like to see it?”

“That sounds wonderful.”

The thought of being out of sight of Alejandro brought about uneasiness, but she had developed a greater comfort level than she anticipated with her date. Her excitement grew.

Her weighty skirt flapped in the brisk wind, while the splashing sound of the heavy waves lapping against the sand and the rocks commanded her attention. A few stray seagulls walked solemnly along the waterline, scavenging through the swept up piles of sopping green seaweed. A flock of the squawking birds farther down the shore circled a larger prize, pulling and grabbing, then flew away with their bounty.

As an incoming wave of water and foam washed over Tawny’s toes, the ebbing tide left a starfish sprawled helplessly in its wake.