CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The next morning, while drinking my third cup of coffee outside on my charming porch, I realized that for the first time in weeks, I could be idle. It had been a hectic few weeks. And although I loved Tabitha to pieces, I was not up for an inquisition. I put off talking to her about Aidan till later. Otherwise, I’d never hear the end of it.
Since arriving at this fairy-land, I’d been itching to stroll about the grounds and find an appealing scene to draw. More than anything, I loved to draw and paint. It had always been part of my life back at home with my father. My desk had been a makeshift easel. Watercolors and ink my preferred medium.
After coffee and a hard-to-resist slice of cake from the ball, I gathered my sketchpad and pencils and set off for the rose garden, which was ensconced in a curvy, wrought-iron enclosure.
As I entered the temple-like dome, a statue of Venus rising out of her shell captured my interest. How could it not? Modelled on Botticelli’s painting, a fountain cascaded at her feet. Roses were trained to grow around her body, adding to its charm. They also crept over the archways and around the domed structure. I loved walking through there late afternoons when the damp air captured the heady floral aroma.
I settled on a marble bench shaded by a languid willow. For my subject, I decided on the rose-laden structure. If that went well, I would then tackle Venus.
Losing all sense of time, I paused to study my sketch. It was such a sticky hot day. I had to keep wiping my brow. A gentle breeze gifted me with an intoxicating scent of roses. As I inhaled the perfume I gave in to a moment of reverie.
The sudden sound of footsteps brought me back down to earth.
“I told you to stay away from her.” It was Aidan’s voice. He sounded agitated. Hearing no other voice, I guessed he was on the phone.
“I don’t give a fuck about your threats. You’re not to go near her.”
I wondered if I should let Aidan know I was there. But curiosity got the better of me and kept me put.
“I’ve warned you. Another stunt like last night and you’re out…” His voice had such a threatening rasp I gulped. My mind cast back to Aidan’s physical handling of Bryce the previous night.
“It’s none of your business what I think of her, you fucker. You’re to stay away from her.”
Hmm…was that me he referred to?
I was about to move, but he’d caught sight of me as he passed the willow. I quickly looked down at my sketch, pretending to be absorbed in my work. I peered up. And channeling what little acting skill I possessed, I raised my eyebrows in surprise.
“I’ve got to go,” he said abruptly. He tucked his phone into the pocket of his knee-length shorts and approached me. His intensity dissolved, and a charming smile brightened his handsome face. “Miss Moone.”
He stood so close he stole my breath. I snapped my sketchpad shut and squinted in the sunlight. “Please call me Clarissa. I would prefer that.”
Aidan’s focus shifted to my sketch pad. “You’re drawing, I see.”
“I’m trying,” I said in a nervous warble. “It’s so magical out here. The rose enclosure is my favorite part of the garden.”
“I like it as well. It’s one reason I bought the house. The rest of the grounds are also impressive. I’ve had the botany society here on the odd occasion,” he said, looking pleased.
If he was trying to impress me, it was working.
“They’re a fascinating, eccentric bunch. If I’m here, I join them. They’re like walking encyclopedias.”
For some reason, the idea of Aidan ambling along with a bunch of spectacled professors amused me. “I haven’t had a chance to walk the grounds entirely.”
“Then why don’t I show you around?” he asked charmingly.
I took my time in answering, not by design but because he had this uncanny ability to rob me of my senses. “Why not, then? The only plan I have is to swim.”
Dressed in shorts, a loose T-shirt, and flip-flops, I regretted not wearing a summery dress.
“I’d love to check out what you’ve been doing,” Aidan said, staring at the sketch pad in my hands.
I squirmed. “It’s not very good.”
His lips curved up at one end. “I’m sure it’s better than anything I could do.”
“I’m out of practice.” I hoped he’d give up, but he remained standing there, obstinately so, with his strong arms crossed. Giving in, I passed it over to him. Aidan studied the drawing for a long while.
“It’s beautiful—so pure,” Aidan said almost to himself. “You undersell yourself.” Aidan had removed his sunglasses. A hint of tenderness reflected back from those undressing eyes of his. “Clarissa, something tells me you have many talents.” His lips curled divinely, and he stretched out his arm. “Come, let me show you something. It’s hidden. Nobody knows of its existence.”
“Okay, then,” I said.
After depositing the sketch pad on a table by the swimming pool, we headed to the mysterious destination. I so wanted to engage in conversation but assaulted by his alluring masculinity and not well-practiced at banter, I could barely walk let alone talk.
We finally arrived to a natural rock wall in an overgrown and untouched part of the grounds. “This has a very different aspect than the garden,” I said, admiring the vista of the wild scrub against the ocean background.
“Doesn’t it? So untamed, just as nature should be, wouldn’t you agree, Clarissa?”
He spoke with such a deep, seductive voice he made my name sound erotic.
Struggling to string together a coherent sentence, I settled for a nod.
“This is what I’d like to show you,” he said, pointing to the cave. I poked my head in, and a statue of the Madonna with candles at her feet came into view.
“Oh, a holy grotto,” I said.
“Are you religious?”
Was that a trick question? “Not…in the traditional sense,” I replied tentatively. I prayed he wasn’t a devout Christian and wished I’d come up with something more opened-ended like, I believe in a god, but don’t go to church.
“Are you a Buddhist, or something more esoteric?” He removed his sunglasses. I wished he hadn’t. His eyes were so impossibly blue, almost turquoise, that I had to fight hard to concentrate.
“No, I’m not, although I am fascinated by some of the rituals associated with religion. This, for instance, is moving.” I pointed to the icon in front of me.
“I agree. I often come here and light candles. When…” His voice drifted off.
“When?” I had to ask.
“A few troubled memories.” Aidan shrugged. “I wasn’t brought up in a religious house, but many of the neighbors were religious. Before joining the forces, I tried to keep an open mind.” He reflected. “Afghanistan changed me. I saw things that made me question religion. You know?”
I nodded. “I know.” Don’t I just. When my mother died so suddenly, I decided, at the tender age of eight, that a god would not do that—take a loving mother away.
His eyes drank me in. “I often come here to contemplate. I always leave calmer.”
“Yes, that’s one thing religion does, it offers hope and a sense of peace. On that front alone, it has an important role to play in society,” I said, directing my focus back to the Madonna.
“I agree. But I must admit I’m riddled with conflict, having witnessed the damage done to some of the guys in the force. There were some who joined to suicide for a cause.” Aidan’s tone was somber.
I frowned. “Martyrdom you mean?” A shiver ran up my spine, more from the chill in his face than his words.
He nodded. “Mainly those born homeless, who, as orphans, were placed in institutions run by the church. Many were abused. I soon learnt to recognize the look in their eyes—you know, like they’d seen the devil. One of them was my best friend.” He was staring at his feet.
“I take it he passed away,” I said softly.
He nodded, raising his face to mine. The pain in his face was profound. “Yes, in my arms. He took a bullet meant for me. Pushed me out of the way and wore it instead.” Aidan brushed his hair away from his face. “I’m sorry. This is getting a little heavy. I didn’t mean it to go there. It’s just that you have a calming way about you. That’s rare in the women I meet.”
Our connection had just deepened. “That’s touching.” My voice cracked. One could almost cut the frisson with a knife.
“We should go back, I suppose.” Aidan sounded uncertain as he regarded me.
As we walked back, Aidan asked, “And what are your plans for today?”
“Just a swim at the beach.” I wiped my brow. “It’s quite hot.” Especially around him.
“I had the same idea. Rocket’s hankering for a walk.”
Was that an invitation?
“He’s an adorable dog.”
“He’s aloof. Like his owner,” he said, grinning.
“You don’t strike me as that aloof,” I said in my thin uncertain voice.
“Depends on the company… I like talking to you.” Aidan stopped walking and faced me. “Very much.”
I could not find a fitting response instead my face burnt.
Aidan’s lips curled into a faint smile. “A swim it is, then. I’ll get Rocket, and we’ll go down.”
“I’ll see you there,” I said.
“I hope so.” Aidan tilted his head—a new gesture, but adorable nonetheless.
I was about to bound off when Aidan pointed to my sketch pad on the table. “Don’t forget your drawing, Clarissa. I won’t. I’m looking forward to seeing it in its completed form.”
I smiled tightly and floated off.