Chapter 10: Brian
I found Lydia reading by the poolside the next morning, dressed in a simple pair of navy blue shorts and a stripped blue and white sleeveless tank that managed to make her seem like the sexiest female in the world.
But then I only had eyes for her anyway. She didn’t notice me until I was standing right above her, my shadow momentarily blocking the sunlight over her open pages.
“I always did have a thing for bookworms,” I said, a teasing note of humor in my voice.
She looked up with a ready smile, promptly taking off her clear, black-rimmed glasses and looking slightly embarrassed. She did seem genuinely happy to see me and suddenly I regretted keeping away from her the day before. I’d missed her but had felt she needed some space.
“Hello, Brian. How was your night?” she asked cordially, straightening from her lounge chair.
“Fine, thanks.” I grinned. “And yours?”
She closed her book and fiddled with the edges self-consciously. “You must have raided the whole resort’s gardens to accomplish that surprising feat of yours. I’m impressed.”
She seemed to struggle with keeping back a smile. Then suddenly she beamed and I felt that shaft of lightning strike me right through the chest. I’d never have imagined a simple smile could hold such power in its beauty and radiance.
“It’s becoming clear you actually do know my tastes, more than I realized. I love roses. Especially pink and white ones,” she said with the smile that clenched a fist of longing tighter and tighter around my heart.
I hadn’t seen this coming. I wasn’t even sure I was ready for it but it was heading straight for me all the same and I had a choice of leaping out of its way or letting it ram right into me.
“I see you didn’t mention my little note,” I said, my smile slightly wry. “Was it really that nonsensical?”
“I wouldn’t call it that,” Lydia said, then waved her hand airily. “Not that I actually recollect its contents.”
“Liar,” I returned with a good-natured grin. I lifted my eyes skyward. “The day’s just right for some sightseeing. Unless you’d prefer to spend this gorgeous weather reading at the poolside.”
“Well...” Lydia looked doubtfully at me.
“I know the area really well. I could show you around a few great spots – the ones you wouldn’t find listed in the tour guide.”
“Oh really? Sounds dangerous,” she sniffed, looking away almost primly yet not before I caught a hint of a smile.
I chuckled deeply. “I can tell you don’t trust me, so the solution’s simple. We could ask Brandi along. I’m sure she’d enjoy the outing.”
“Oh, I’m sure she would,” murmured Lydia and this time she didn’t conceal her small smile. Then she turned back to me with a speculative look. “You’re not busy today?”
“You know what they say, all work and no play.” I shrugged. “Luckily, I’ve got some time off. And I want to devote it all to you.”
My teasing smile sobered moments and I sought her eyes with a steady gaze. “I meant everything I said in my note.”
She tossed her book aside in a gesture of impatience. “Look Brian, I’m sure we’ve been over this before...”
Lydia’s head would have turned away but my hand beneath her chin gently guided her to face me again.
“I don’t mind laying myself bare,” I told her calmly. “I’m not afraid to say how I feel.”
“And if I don’t feel the same way?” she replied, jerking back from my touch.
My hand fell. For a few moments there was silence and then I began speaking again.
“I wish this was something I could control. I really don’t want to fall in love. Not with you...or anyone,” I said thoughtfully. “I’ve always prided myself for going this far in life without jeopardizing myself emotionally. Never really got my heart broken. If I’m not careful you’ll be the woman who ruins that record.”
She seemed to stare at me like she couldn’t decide if she should take me seriously or not.
“Is that some sort of challenge?” she asked with another one of those disarming smiles. “Because I’m not sure it’s much fun being a heartbreaker. I haven’t got the opportunity to be on the giving or receiving end. Like you I think I’ll work on keeping my record intact. Which means your heart’s perfectly safe from my evil clutches.”
Suddenly, she leaned forward and laid her hand on my forearm. The soft warmth of her fingers almost felt like I was being branded by her touch. I wanted to grab that slender, prettily manicured hand and kiss the smooth knuckles.
But she squeezed briefly before withdrawing as she said, “I like you, Brian. I really do. So I’ll forget all the stuff you’ve been saying especially since last night. I just want to enjoy my vacation. You’ll have to promise to do your best to help me. Won’t you?” Her smile teased me.
My deep sigh of resignation followed the conviction that she meant what she said. What could I do but back off, or risk losing what friendship we had? And that’s what she was undoubtedly offering; friendship. I’d be a fool to give up any little chance of being close to her, even though always at arm’s length.
“Of course. You know I will,” I said, my answering smile tilting my lips while I ignored the throb of regret in my chest. “Now, about that tour – what time can you be ready for?”
Lydia wagged a warning finger at me. “Well first I have to make sure Brandi can make it. I need a chaperone and she’s the best bet. I feel compelled to warn you though that she may have set her sights on you.” Her beautiful brown eyes twinkled.
My eyebrows arched in genuine surprise. “Really? Would never have guessed,” I said while chuckling. Then we exchanged phone numbers and I agreed to wait to hear from her.