CHAPTER NINETEEN

 

RANDI TRIED to focus on preparing a salad but kept looking outside, watching Trevor at the grill.  After a quick tour of the house, they had returned to the patio to toss around ideas for the project.

The plan was to enjoy a relaxing dinner, fine-tune those ideas and spend the day tomorrow developing them. Trevor had yet to pressure her into deepening their relationship.  Other than the kiss near the pool, he hadn’t made any moves towards intimacy.

She on the other hand, had plans of her own.  She smiled as she thought about the bikini she wore beneath her favorite denim shirt style maxi dress.  It was comfortable for working and presentable should anyone stop by the house.  It also buttoned down the front and would be easy to unbutton and step out of when she tempted him for a swim.

She put the salad in the fridge and prepared the asparagus for grilling.  A relaxing dinner with stimulating conversation followed by seduction in the pool.  Sounded like a plan she thought as she refreshed her cabernet then took the bottle out to the patio to fill Trevor’s.

“You know,” she handed him the asparagus and sat at the bar, “if I had a house like this, I’d never want to leave.  I can’t imagine Susan travelling as much as she does.”

“She blames their travel on the business and takes advantage of every opportunity to go anywhere new.  But she’s also told me every time she comes home, she appreciates it more.”  He closed the grill and joined her at the bar.  “So,” he sipped his wine, “you could get used to a house like this?”

“What woman wouldn’t,” Randi exclaimed.  “And I’d love to see Susan, compliment her on her decorative eye.  This house has certainly given me ideas to share with my clients.”

“The steaks should be ready in a few minutes.  What do you say we add the asparagus to the grill, light some candles and watch the sun go down while we eat?”

Fifteen minutes later they were doing just that.

The rosy horizon reflected across the lake on the back end of the property.  When they strolled down to the bank earlier, Randi had noticed that several of the other homes had piers with boats.  She saw the lights of one of the boats as it slowly coasted through the water.

Rather than a pier, Susan and Chuck chose to leave six large oak trees across the back of their property.  They not only provided shade in the late afternoons but an impressive backdrop for the setting sun.

“You know, I really like your idea about renovating the mill better than creating another resort.  I hope Greenwillow Associates will agree.  Do you think they will?  Where did that name come from, anyway?”

“Kevin Green and his wife Willow Banks were friends with my parents.  They started the Investment company thirty years ago.  They have three kids, about my age, that serve with them on the Board.  Kevin and Willow want to retire and this project is supposed to be their swan song.  A legacy for the kids to take over.  Kevin came to me with this idea after he and Willow stayed at Snowridge.  I like his idea and want to help him but I’ve never wanted to duplicate my resort.  At least not here in Atlanta.  That’s why I’ve put a lot of thought in it and feel this will be a better investment of their money for here and provide stability and longevity for the kids.”

“Good idea.”  Randi lifted her wine to him.  “We need to incorporate as many businesses as possible into the plan to make them see the potential and services people will want to travel to or live with.  You know, make the entire project like a small community.  Who wouldn’t want to live where almost everything is at your fingertips?  That seems to be the trend of today’s millennials.”

“Yeah.  I think I like your idea of creating the mall in the lower levels and making the upper levels of each building different.  Hotel rooms in the main building, apartments in another and vacation rental units in the third.”

Randi smiled.   “When I do the sketch, I want to put names on each of the stores so they can envision the possibilities.  You know, like Marcie’s Wine Shop, Ginny’s Bakery, Cliff’s Music Store?  And sketch wine bottles, pies and cakes and musical instruments in the front windows.  I think if we offer as many suggestions – book store, coffee shop, candy shop, antiques and collectibles, travel agency, small grocery store, for instance, the better they can envision the feasibility of the project.”

“Don’t forget the restaurants.  Fast foods for those who are on their way to work or want something quick.  A sports bar would be good for those who are looking for casual dining and the finer restaurants for those who want more intimate settings.  With three buildings, they could offer more than one of the sports bars and upscale restaurants.”

“With a food court,” Randi added, “maybe in the main building.”

Trevor stared at her, then asked, “Do you think you can put all this together in time?”

Randi smiled.  “Sure.  Once I plug in the logistics and measurements, it’s a matter of deciding square footages, then sectioning off the different stores.  Once we come up with the design for a hotel room, unit and apartment, we can section those off and determine the number of each.  That’s where you come in.  You know the necessary materials and basic costs for that.  I really like the high ceilings and think we can make them unique.”  She leaned back in her chair and sighed.  “Tomorrow’s going to be a full day.”

Trevor pushed his plate away, topped off their wine to empty the bottle and nodded towards the pool.  “What do you say we give the boys a call then maybe we should make use of this time and enjoy ourselves.”

“Good idea,” Randi reached for her cell phone and dialed Ginny.

Trevor glanced at her dress and noticed that a couple buttons had come unbuttoned while they ate.  He smiled when he glimpsed the lavender material.

She put the phone on speaker so the two of them could talk.  While the boys rattled on about all they had done, Randi caught Trevor staring at her dress and smiled. As the conversation wound down, she stood and unbuttoned more buttons.  Watched Trevor gulp when she stepped out of the dress.

“Looks like you already had a plan,” he uttered huskily.

Randi smiled.  “I was a girl scout and be prepared was our motto.”

Trevor swallowed, his eyes feasted on the curves of her body.  He’d already seen her naked but tonight was different.  She was more seductive.  More alluring.  More enticing.  He stood and reached for her, pulled her into his arms.

Randi smiled, watched him as she moved her hands up his arms, along his shoulders and thru his hair.  She pulled his head down for a kiss.

Trevor held her close and deepened the kiss.  His hands caressed her bare back, pressing her closer to his fevered body.  As the kisses became more passionate, he leaned down and lifted her in his arms.  Carried her towards the pool.

“Aren’t you going to change?”  Randi asked when he put her down and pulled his shirt over his head.

“Who needs to bother when you’ve got the whole place to yourself?”  He stepped out of his shoes.  “And don’t think you’ll be keeping your suit on either.”

Randi backed away from him.  “Trevor, we can’t swim in the nude,” she exclaimed.  “What if people see us.”

“Look around.  Do you see any houses?”  He reached for the snap of his jeans.

“But how do you know someone won’t be watching from the woods?”

Trevor stepped out of the rest of his clothes and kicked them aside.  “If they can manage to get past the security then I guess they deserve a peek.”

He grabbed her and fell into the pool.

Randi yelped when they landed in the cold water and came up gasping.  “Trevor Graystone,” she tried to reprimand him but his mouth covered hers and they went under again.

She turned her face up to the skies and laughed out loud when they came up a second time.  “This water is so cold,” she exclaimed. 

Trevor was speechless.  He was struck by her natural beauty.  Wet hair was plastered against her head and the moonlight shimmered off her bare shoulders. He smiled.  “I’ve never heard you laugh like that.  It’s nice.”

Her eyes sparkled when she stared into his. Lowered her head and kissed him.

“Let’s have some fun,” he said.  “Didn’t I see you playing Marco Polo with the boys that afternoon at the pool?  Before we officially met.”

Randi frowned.  “Was my father in your office that day?”

Trevor nodded.  “We’d already sorta met, remember?  You literally fell into my arms that morning.”

“Only because you scared me.”

His hand skimmed her back, unhooked her top. Since he held her against him, he was pretty sure she didn’t realize it.  He reached for the tie behind her neck and slowly untied it.

“I watched you step out of that hot tub and couldn’t keep my eyes off you.  Your father pointed you out and I had to turn away for fear he would see the lust in my eyes.”

“Stop.  You’re just saying that,” Randi laughed and nudged away from him.  Her eyes opened wide when she felt the cool water against her bare breasts and her top floated away from them.  “Trevor, you did not,” she exclaimed.

“What do you say we play a little Marco Polo?  If I win you shed the rest.  If you win, I put mine on.”

“You don’t have your suit.”

“Whatever, I don’t plan to lose.  What do you say?”

“Okay.”  She grabbed the top and tossed it out of the pool.  Quickly moved away and smiled.  “You go first.”

Trevor closed his eyes and smiled.  He’d give her a few seconds, then he’d pounce.

Since he was the better swimmer, Randi tried to put as much distance between them as possible.  She was sure he wouldn’t play fair.

“Marco,” he said menacingly.

“Polo,” she answered in a normal voice and quickly realized her mistake when he lunged towards her.  She managed to dodge him and swam further away.  When he called out again, she answered more softly.

Trevor laughed but didn’t move.  “Do you know how sexy that sounds?”  When he called out again, as softly as she, she crawled to the right before answering.  Trevor anticipated her move and successfully grabbed her ankle as she tried to swim around him. She squealed as he pulled her into his arms for a kiss.

Randi went under and managed to slither out of his grasp.  “My turn,” she laughed when she surfaced and jolted away from him, daring him to pursue her.

Trevor gave her a smirk and floated backwards while he waited for her to close her eyes.

Eyes closed, Randi listened for any sudden movements.  She was sure he wouldn’t play fair.  “Marco.”

“Polo.” Trevor responded quietly.

Randi frowned.  It was different when the shoe was on the other foot, he spoke so softly she couldn’t decide which direction to turn.  “Marco,” she repeated.

“Polo,” Trevor chuckled to her right.  When she quickly reached out, she came up empty.

“Almost got you.  Marco,” she murmured, then gasped when he answered near her ear.  Her eyes flew open and she saw that his face was inches from hers.

“You peeked,” he threatened softly. “And cheaters pay dearly.”

Randi laughed.  “I don’t think so.”  She tried to paddle backwards, then squealed when he snagged her foot and pulled her towards him.

He went under and she felt both of his hands grab her bikini bottoms and pull them down her legs.  He surfaced with a smile on his face and her suit dangling from his finger.  Holding it above her head out of reach, he tossed the suit in the direction of her top.  The other hand moved down her lower back to pull her against him.

Randi felt more brazen without the suit.  She wrapped her legs around his waist, brushed her breasts against his chest.

“Hmm,” Trevor hummed when his hand cupped her bottom, nudged her against his arousal.  They briefly stared at one another before his lips covered hers.  When Randi rocked against him, he moved his fingers between them to stroke her.  She arched back, almost moaned at the sudden flurry of pleasure that surged throughout her body when his finger entered her.

“Look at me,” he whispered as he continued to stroke her.  “I want to see you when we go over.”

She raised her head, stared into his eyes and caught her breath when he pushed himself into her.  Mesmerized with sensual emotions, she held on as the water swished around them with each thrust.  She cried out in pleasure then collapsed against him as he emptied into her.

Randi rested her cheek against his. She was unable to move and still held him inside her.  She felt his heart pound against hers, listened to the water slap between them with each deep breath he took.  “That. Was. Amazing,” she sighed.

Trevor chuckled.  “Yeah, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at that maxi dress the same way either.  Do you realize how seductive you were when you unbuttoned that dress and stepped out of it?”

Randi chuckled, started to push away but his hands held her in place.  Still reeling, she hugged him with her legs but fell back, her head and arms floating carefree.  The night air felt cool on her exposed breasts until his mouth closed around one.  She felt him come alive and limply rested on water when he took her for another ride.

 

She watched him while she rested in the lounge beside the pool.  Trevor wanted to do his laps and she said she’d rest, then go inside.

The sun had long since disappeared but the soft lights and moon reflected on the water. 

He’d told her to check the long tub near the outdoor sofa and she’d been surprised to discover lush towels and robes inside.  She snuggled in the robe while watching his muscular arms propel him through the water.  No wonder he stayed so fit she thought between early morning jogs and evening swims.  Her body still tingled from their love making. 

Tim never made her feel this special.  Not even when they were first married.  It suddenly occurred to her that she was so grateful she and Trevor had found one another.  Fate seemed to have brought them together and she could get used to having a man like Trevor in her life for a long, long time.

She smiled, got up and headed towards the house.  Maybe she needed to make this night more memorable.

 

Trevor caught a glimpse of her leaving during one of his strokes and saw her heading for the house.  He was convinced more than ever fate had brought her to him.  It amazed him that they had managed to miss each other all those months he was in Edmondsville but stumbled upon one another at Snowridge.

The more he was around her and her boys, the more he wanted her in his life.  This afternoon he realized they had the makings of a strong partnership. Now, he had to move slowly, didn’t want to scare her away.  Didn’t want her to think he was down-playing her own business.  She had worked hard to develop her business and there was no reason why they couldn’t mesh their professions.

Yes, he had to say he was glad he had run into the little lady in unit thirty-eight.  He intended to become an important part of her life and could get used to having her in his life for many years to come.

 

Randi smiled as she entered the bedroom.  Crisp and the old world came to mind the first time she entered the room.  They had opened the windows and the breeze billowed through the hand smocked sheer organdy panels.  The white woven cotton quilt trimmed on three sides with ruffles of light cotton sheer glowed from the light of the lamp made to resemble weathered acanthus leaves on a square pedestal.

The weathered French styled headboard mounted on the wall had to have been a panel from a winery with the hand carved antique ivory clusters of grapes and blooms.  Three rows of beige, blue and brown pillows were arranged across the top of the bed with an antique ivory bench at the end of the bed.

The European touch continued with the chandelier that hung over the bed.  The center was of twisted hand-carved wood with curved arms for candles and wooden grape clumps hanging around the center.

She stared into the floor to ceiling weathered and framed mirror that leaned against the wall.  Her crinkled white chiffon gown with soft orange and red hibiscus buds in the pattern may not be as seductive but she liked it anyway.  The white satin neckline and ruffled hem made her feel feminine.

She glanced behind her and saw Trevor watching her from the door.

“I’m sorry I don’t have anything more seductive but I haven’t had a need for anything sexy for many, many years.”

“You’re sexy in anything you wear,” he said as he moved into the room and stood behind her.  She shivered when he softly brushed his hands up her arms then across her shoulder to brush his lips against her neck.  “Why don’t you let me get a quick shower and show you how sexy you are.”

Randi smiled.  “I’ll be waiting.”

Trevor took a quick shower and smiled when he saw that she had pulled the quilt back and waited for him in bed.  He got in bed, reached to turn the light out and saw that she was sound asleep.