Chapter 3

The door of the guest room closed behind her—after she promised Mike she’d meet him downstairs in ten minutes. Taylor wanted to ask for longer but her stomach’s growling had given her away. Sheer embarrassment had her practically closing the door in his face just so she could have a moment to recover.

The house—what she’d seen of it so far—was even more magnificent on the inside than the outside. She had only managed to see the two-story foyer and to catch a glimpse of the dining room to the left and the parlor to the right as she followed Mike up the stairs, but as she turned around and looked at the room that was going to be hers for the next two weeks, she felt like she had won the lottery.

The walls were painted the palest of pinks, and the entire back wall seemed to be dominated by the bed. The headboard was upholstered in a slightly deeper shade of pink and surrounded by an antique fireplace mantel that had been painted white. There was a mountain of pillows on the bed in varying shades of pink and white. As she stepped closer and ran a hand over them, she noticed all of the fabrics varied as well, with cottons and linen and satins and silks…it almost made her want to crawl in the bed right then and there.

On either side of the bed, over the petite nightstands, hung delicate crystal chandeliers. Her mind was spinning at the thought of sleeping in this room. Just standing in it made her feel like some sort of princess. She had never been a girlie-girl, but being here now, it kind of made her wish she was a little softer, a little more feminine.

“So not gonna happen.” She sighed and moved her luggage over to the closet and went into the en suite to freshen up so she wouldn’t be late for meeting Mike.

Mike.

Wow. She never would have seen that coming in a million years. For so long, Taylor had wondered what had become of him. Seeing him today was a shock to her system. They had met the summer after she had graduated high school. He was a friend of the boy she was dating. Mike had been older than they were, but her boyfriend always thought he was more mature than people their own age and, therefore, Mike was cool to be around.

And he was.

The three of them went everywhere together. It wasn’t until summer was nearing its end that she realized Mike was there to act as a buffer between her and Eddie who, it turned out, had been cheating on her the entire time they were together. It hurt when she found out, not so much about Ed’s cheating but how Mike had known and hadn’t said anything. She had thought they were friends, but she was wrong. And then one day he just stopped coming around.

Tossing thoughts of that summer out of her mind for now, Taylor focused on making sure she looked all right before heading back down the stairs and joining Mike for lunch.

She took her time, going down the curved staircase slowly, pausing to notice the crown molding and the beautiful paintings on the wall. For such an impressive house, what stood out the most was that it looked as if it were meant to be lived in and not just for show. That little bit of information was something she was going to tuck away for her article, and it made her like and respect Jonathan Wade just a bit more.

Mike was waiting for her at the base of the stairs. “I was going to come up and get you,” he said with an easy grin. “I didn’t point you in any direction when I left you upstairs.”

Taylor chuckled. “Believe me, after the way my stomach growled earlier, I would have found you.”

“C’mon,” he said, holding out a hand to her, “lunch is on the table.”

Taylor looked at his hand and then at those intense blue eyes and wanted to melt right there on the stairs. Probably not the best way to get reacquainted. Daring to be bold, she put her hand in his and—fireworks. That was the only way to describe it. Her body fairly vibrated at the feel of his large hand wrapped around hers. Where earlier it was a casual handshake, this definitely felt more like an intimate caress, and if Taylor didn’t get ahold of herself soon, she was going to do something completely inappropriate.

Like jump him.

Wordlessly—and praying he hadn’t noticed her odd reaction to his touch—Taylor followed Mike into the kitchen and came to a stop. Mike turned around and looked at her curiously. “Taylor? Are you all right?”

“We’re still in the house, right?” she asked as she stared at the room around her. It was Mike’s turn to chuckle. “I mean, I didn’t miss anything like us leaving and driving someplace else, right?” He still didn’t comment, only stood there and watched her with an amused look on his face. “This is just beyond anything I’ve ever seen.” She pulled her hand free, and while she missed the connection immediately, she was too busy touching all the surfaces and mentally making notes.

“It’s just a kitchen, Taylor,” Mike said, but his tone implied he knew it was more than that—like he wanted her to voice what it was that she was seeing.

“Oh, it’s so much more than that,” she said with awe. “This is…a dream. This is one of those kitchens even the laziest of cooks don’t mind making a meal in.”

“There are lazy cooks?”

Taylor looked over her shoulder at him and smiled, then raised her hand. “I enjoy cooking, but there are times when I don’t want to put the effort in. But in this kitchen? I don’t think I’d ever leave it. I think I’d stay in here and cook food for the next six months, and then still want to cook more!” She opened drawers and cabinets and the refrigerator and freezer and then marveled at the eight-burner gas stove. It was almost an orgasmic experience.

Luckily, she caught herself before she let out another moan. Pulling herself together, she turned and faced him with a sheepish smile. “Sorry. My entire apartment would fit in this kitchen. It’s a little surreal.”

Still amused, he said, “It is impressive, I’ll give you that. Come on, I know you’re hungry.” He motioned toward the farm-style table that was set up next to a large bay window overlooking the yard. Taylor sat where Mike indicated and soon they were next to one another with a feast laid out before them.

“Is someone else joining us?” she asked as she practically sat on her hands to keep from reaching out and taking one of everything that was on the table.

“Nope. Just us.”

“Seriously?” Her eyes went huge and when he nodded, she had to accept that after this, Mike would definitely know she was not soft and girlie. She was hungry and she was done waiting. “Then if it’s all right with you, I’m going to help myself.” And she reached out and took a couple of spoonfuls of tortellini salad and then helped herself to what looked to be a freshly baked ciabatta roll, right before getting a scoop of chicken salad. Sitting back for a minute, she scanned the table and speared some fruit from the fruit salad. When she eyed the platter of baked goods, she considered what was already on her plate and decided she’d still have room to sample them when she was done.

She had cut open the roll and was putting the chicken salad on it when she glanced at Mike. “The only thing I can say in my defense is that I didn’t eat this morning.” And then she picked up her sandwich and took a bite.

And moaned.

That was when Mike began to put food on his own plate. He had been having such a good time watching Taylor that he hadn’t wanted to look away. But now that she was clearly starting to relax and enjoy her lunch, maybe he felt he could do the same.

With more than half of her food gone, Taylor decided to stop and breathe. Very unladylike, but it was all so good! To stop herself from continuing to gorge, she put her fork down and looked at Mike. “So, I have to tell you,” she began, “seeing you today was a total shock. Was it just a weird coincidence or did you sort of help me get this assignment?” When Mike hesitated, Taylor rephrased her question. “Why don’t you tell me how you came to be working up here in Maine? Last I saw you was when we both lived on Long Island.”

He seemed to relax and wiped his hands on a cloth napkin before folding them on the table. “I’ve been up here for about six years now. I take care of the house and the property. It’s peaceful here. I didn’t think I’d enjoy the quiet so much. Now that I’ve been here and gotten settled, I can’t imagine being anyplace else.” He took a sip of the fresh iced tea before looking at her again. “What about you? Are you still actually on the Island or are you living in the city?”

She nodded. “In the city. I’ve got this tiny little studio apartment, but the rent is fairly reasonable and it’s close to the newsroom. It’s definitely a lot more crowded and louder than it ever was on the Island and there are times when it overwhelms me, but…I like it.”

He wasn’t so sure he believed her, but he left it alone for now. “And you’ve been with Newslink for, what? About three years now?”

She smiled at the fact that he seemed to know about her and had followed her career. “Yup. It’s not glamorous by any stretch of the imagination, but it pays the bills.”

“But is it your dream job? Is it where you see yourself in five years?” he asked, clearly interested in learning more about her.

“No, it is definitely not my dream job, but with the way journalism and trade papers are going, I feel lucky just to have a job in the field. I’ve gotten to meet a lot of interesting people and for the most part, it’s a good job. I just want…more.”

“In what way?”

She shrugged. “I want to write for a paper or a magazine everyone knows and respects. I want to have my work on page one instead of page seventeen.” Leaning back in her seat, she closed her eyes briefly and allowed herself to admit out loud what she normally kept to herself. “I want to write more than fluff pieces, and I know it sounds crazy, like some sort of cliché, but I do want to write the great American novel.” She opened her eyes and looked at him. “I know I probably shouldn’t say that, especially here in the home of one of the greatest writers in the world, but there it is.”

“There’s nothing wrong with what you’re saying, Taylor. I think it’s great that you have a dream and if I know you, you’ll find a way to make it happen.”

“I enjoy interviewing people. I love talking to them and hearing about their lives and the stories they tell. Maybe I don’t have to write novels, but maybe help people write their stories, their memoirs or biographies.” She shook her head and waved a hand at him. “Don’t mind me, clearly I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.”

“And still I say there’s nothing wrong with that. Not everyone figures it out in their twenties.”

“Thirty is approaching like a freight train,” she said and then laughed. “I always thought by now I’d be doing something…more with my life. You know?”

He nodded. “I may be in my thirties, but this isn’t the life I thought I’d have either.”

“I think you’re very lucky.”

His eyes went wide. “Me? Why?”

“Look around you! You take care of this incredible place and you get to walk around in peace and quiet and breathe in the fresh air. I look at you and I’m envious. You’re the first person I’ve ever met who looks…happy. I look at your face and I see a man who seems to have peace.”

If she only knew, he thought. “Well, I am happy here. I get to make my own hours for the most part and the biggest demands are the ones I make on myself. I still don’t know how it happened—I feel like it all sort of dropped in my lap.”

“That’s amazing. I can’t imagine what it must be like to work for someone like Jonathan Wade. I’m really nervous about meeting him. I mean, I don’t know anything about him other than his books and now I’m here for two weeks and I just wish…”

“You have nothing to be nervous about, Taylor,” he reassured her as he placed one of his hands over hers. Their eyes met this time—he had felt it too. The connection. The spark. Clearing his throat, Mike did his best to act as if nothing happened. “Trust me. You’re going to be fine.”

Taylor wished she could believe him, but right now the only thing she could focus on was the touch of his hand on hers. She had to get over this. It was crazy. She’d held hands with dozens of guys and it wasn’t such a big deal. Why it suddenly turned into one with Mike, she had no idea. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Taylor knew she needed to break the connection, but couldn’t seem to do it. Instead, she decided to distract herself with talking about something safe.

“This house is amazing. That room I’m staying in is like something out of a fairy tale. It’s made for a princess. Does Mr. Wade have a daughter?”

Mike smirked, and it was as if he knew she was fishing without knowing she was fishing. He shook his head. “No, Mr. Wade doesn’t have any children.”

“But…the room? It’s far too beautiful to just be a guest room. I can’t believe he’d go through so much and put so much effort into a room that probably never gets used.”

“It doesn’t get used a lot, but he entertains from time to time. The house was like a project. It was custom-built to a very specific set of—well, specifications, and it’s been a work in progress ever since.”

“Are there any parts of it that aren’t done?”

“Every room has been done and is decorated and does get used, but every now and again they’ll get a little facelift or a complete makeover.”

“Wow,” she said in amazement. “A facelift in my place is getting new slipcovers for the ratty old sofa I have.” She chuckled. “It’s the most comfortable sofa I’ve ever had, but it’s ugly as sin. Every once in a while, I have to change the slipcover to make it look pretty again.”

“Hey, if it’s comfortable and it works for you, then more power to you.” He liked this, this casual banter that seemed to encompass everything and nothing all at the same time. “So, tell me how you ended up in the city.”

“It just made sense. I went to college at Columbia and I lived in the dorms. I interned all over town and made some good connections. By the time graduation rolled around, I knew I wanted to stay in the city. There wasn’t too much waiting for me back home. My mom had moved in with her boyfriend and it just made more sense to stay where I was.”

“At least you found a place you could afford. I hear the rents are crazy.”

She nodded. “I’m subletting from someone, but it’s not someplace I want to stay permanently.”

“Where would you like to live?” At his question, she laughed and shook her head. “What? What’s so funny?”

“I’ve been living in the city for so long that I never thought about living anyplace else. But once I got here? Suddenly, it was like my eyes were opened and it was very easy to start dreaming about living in the country.”

“You could. There are definitely more places like this that are more affordable than what you’d find in the city.”

“Yeah, but…work.”

He squeezed her hand. “You’re going to write a book, remember? You won’t need to commute to an office.”

“Right. And I’m going to get that six-figure advance to live on so I can make that happen. I wish.”

“Stranger things have happened, Taylor. Trust me.” They sat in companionable silence while they finished their lunches. Taylor, unable to stop, helped herself to a brownie and a cookie, and when Mike saw her eyeing a second cookie, he chuckled.

“What? What’s so funny?”

“It’s refreshing to sit with a woman who actually eats. And I mean something more substantial than a salad. I’m glad you’re enjoying the food.”

“Like I said earlier, I hadn’t eaten breakfast, but in general, I do enjoy eating. I do a lot of biking and luckily I have a good metabolism, so it hasn’t caught up with me yet.”

“Biking, huh?” She nodded. “Well, there are some great biking trails nearby, but even just out on the roads around here, you won’t find a lot of traffic to disturb you. We’ve got a couple of bikes out in the garage so feel free to use them while you’re here.”

“Seriously?”

“Sure. No one else is using them and it’s not like you’re going to be working all day, every day, for the next two weeks, right?”

“I hope not!” she said. Once she settled down, she would need to get started with her work. Clapping her hands together and rubbing them, she looked at Mike. “Okay, so I’m supposed to work all this week with Mr. Wade’s assistant. Your name was on the paperwork and I know you manage stuff for him here on the farm, but I’m guessing there’s probably someone else I’ll be speaking with, right?”

Mike was confused for a moment, but instantly recovered. “Taylor, I’m Mr. Wade’s assistant. I’m the one you’re working with. There’s no one else. Why would you think that?”

Her eyes went wide. “It’s just…I mean, you said…”

“Yeah, I mean…I told you I manage the property and all. I just figured you would know that I—”

“Oh my gosh, I’m sorry!” she said hurriedly, and then put her hand over his. “I didn’t put the two together. I just thought you were the guy who handled all the big stuff around here. You said you managed the property and it’s quite expansive, so I didn’t think you’d also have to take care of the business stuff, too.” Her earlier image of an old stuffy butler came to mind and she broke out in another fit of laughter.

“Now what’s so funny?” he asked, mildly amused himself.

“It’s just…” she began and then started to laugh in earnest again. “All this time I’ve been trying to picture in my mind the people I’d be meeting here. And I guess I had Wade’s assistant in my head as being a really old guy! Like in a suit…like a stuffy old butler!” She saw Mike wasn’t laughing along with her and instantly sobered. “Sorry. I don’t know why I thought it, but I did. I hope I didn’t offend you.”

He shook his head. “No, no—no offense taken. I forget that when you’re as isolated as Wade is, people will form opinions and judge you simply because they don’t have anything else to go on.”

“I wasn’t judging, Mike,” she said a little defensively.

“No, I get that. But this is the first time I ever gave a thought to what people must think about this whole situation. Tell me the truth,” he said as he leaned forward, “when you were offered this job, what were your first thoughts?”

“Seriously? I almost fainted. I couldn’t believe I would get offered the opportunity to interview Jonathan Wade. I thought it had to be a mistake.”

“Okay, but beyond the professional aspect of it, what did you picture in your mind when you were told you were coming up to the farm for two weeks?”

“I didn’t want to do it,” she said honestly. “I told my editor I wasn’t comfortable with the whole thing, that I wanted to have at least an assistant with me.”

“Why?”

Now she looked annoyed with him. “Are you for real? I’m a single woman being told I have to travel all the way to a remote farm to stay with a man nobody has ever seen and nobody knows anything about except for his body of work. And on top of that, I’ll be working with his male assistant.” She gave him a level stare. “What woman in her right mind would consider such a thing?”

“And yet you’re here,” he responded with a hint of sarcasm.

“Only because it was made very clear that if I didn’t come, I’d pretty much be sealing my fate.”

“Wait,” he said as he sat up straighter, “that wasn’t part of the deal. In no way was your job supposed to be used as a bargaining chip. You have to know that, Taylor. That wasn’t something that was done on this end.”

She held up a hand to calm him. “I know that, but you don’t know my boss. She’s seeing this interview as the thing that’s going to put Newslink on the map.”

“It will.”

“Oh, I know. But if I didn’t do it, it wasn’t like they could send in another reporter to get the story. The contract was very specific that it had to be me.” She paused and considered her next words as she met Mike’s eyes. “Why?” she asked, her voice going a little softer. “Why me?”

Mike held her eyes, but he didn’t answer right away. He couldn’t. The time wasn’t right. When he noticed Taylor was starting to squirm in her seat, he smiled. “I guess that’s something you’ll have to wait and ask Mr. Wade.”

She sagged dejectedly in her seat. While she knew Mike was probably not at liberty to share the reasons why she was the one here, she had hoped that due to their former friendship he’d be willing to give her a hint.

Her disappointment was obvious and Mike knew he should do something to make it up to her. “Tell you what, how about we work off a little of this lunch by taking a tour of the farm? Would you like that?”

It wasn’t quite what she was hoping for, but considering she was here because she had a job to do and part of it was doing research on her subject, Taylor supposed it would be wise to start learning about him—starting with his property.

This was the most bizarre assignment she had ever had, and nothing was going in the order she was used to working in. Going with the flow was one thing, but she felt like she was completely battling the tide here.

“Sure,” she finally said. “That sounds great.” She rose and began clearing the dishes.

“Taylor, what are you doing?” Mike asked, taking a plate out of her hands.

“Cleaning up, why?”

“You’re a guest here. You don’t have to do that.”

She playfully pushed his hands away. “Oh, please. I’m nobody, and if I’m going to be here for two weeks, living in the house and all that, I’m perfectly capable of picking up after myself.”

“Yeah, but—”

“Not another word. I don’t expect to be catered to while I’m here. So let’s get this cleaned up and then I’m just going to freshen up. Remind me to grab my camera and my recorder from the car, please.”

For a moment, Mike could only stand back and stare. Ten years ago, he had known she was different—someone who was honorable and gracious and…special. She chatted about the plane ride as she cleaned and loaded the dishwasher and Mike found himself completely enthralled with her all over again.

Two weeks may not be long enough.