HOLDING HANDS, ELENA and Jake sprinted through driving rain to the café. Once under the shelter of the rosy pink awning of Café La Vie, a greenhouse garden oasis in the city, Elena and Jake looked at each other and burst out laughing. They were both drenched. Even her hoodie hadn’t offered much protection against the driving rain.
Hurrying inside, the wind slammed the door shut behind them, rattling the botanical prints on the walls. Her friends had bought the old Victorian home and renovated it, turning it into a fashionable café and inn near the harbor.
Elena pushed her hood back and rubbed rain from her eyes. “Hi, Allison.” They stood dripping water onto the floor. The lithe blond woman at the front desk looked up in alarm.
“Elena! My God, you’re soaked. I’ll get some towels for you.” Allison bustled to a closet and returned with an armload of towels.
Accepting them, Elena and Jake began to dry off while other guests rushed out past them with umbrellas.
“Everyone is trying to get home before the brunt of the storm hits,” Allison said.
“Might be too late for that,” Jake said, soaking up the rain they’d tracked in.
“You might be right,” Allison said. “The airport is closed, and the ferries and water taxis are staying put.”
Elena pushed her fingers through her damp hair. “Then we’re not going anywhere for a while. Maybe it will let up while we have lunch.” However, she realized it wasn’t likely. She should have listened to her mother’s warning this morning. “Is Zach in the kitchen?”
“He is. We’ve already sent the kitchen staff home.” Allison reached for menus. “We’re usually fully reserved for lunch, but not today.” She showed them to a table.
A little drier but still shivering, Elena sat down.
“Cold?” Jake pulled his chair next to hers, put his arm around her, and rubbed her arm. She snuggled into the curve of his warm body.
“What sounds good to you?” Jake held a menu, and they read it together. “Duck confit salad, chilled seafood tower, pumpkin bisque…”
“Hmm, yes, yes, and yes.” Everything sounded delicious, and Zach was an excellent chef.
“I forgot I’m with a lady who likes to eat.”
Jake ordered, and Allison brought out a bottle of red wine and bread for the table, followed by the bisque. “This should warm you up,” she said.
The last of the lunch crowd had left, so Elena asked Allison to join them. “Share a glass of wine with us?”
Elena and Allison caught up while Zach brought the rest of their lunch to the table. As they ate, the lightning and thunder intensified.
“Wonder when this will let up?” Elena dipped a piece of Zach’s crusty homemade bread into olive oil. She was hungrier than she’d thought.
Zach drew a hand over his chin. “This is one of the worst storms we’ve had in years. It’s supposed to get a lot worse.”
With the city shutting down, Elena was worried. “How can we get back to Bondi Beach?”
“I don’t think you can,” Allison said. “I heard the streets are flooding, so no one is going anywhere. We’ve just had a room cancellation. You’re welcome to stay here tonight.”
Overhead, the glass panels of the greenhouse roof began to leak, dripping onto their table.
Zach stood up. “I was afraid of that.”
“I’ve got towels and buckets,” Allison said, starting to rise.
“I’ll give him a hand,” Jake said, getting up to help him. The two men began to place buckets in strategic spots.
Allison shot Elena a look of concern. “This could flood, so we’d better move into the main house. It’s built higher up.” She led Elena through a doorway and up steps into the old Victorian home.
“You’ve done even more than the last time I saw it,” Elena said, glancing around the high-ceilinged salon. The walls were painted a muted shade of rose, and fresh flowers graced the entryway. Any other time, she’d love to stay here for a relaxing weekend, but she was worried about the storm.
“It’s been a long process. We renovated the guestrooms, too.” A smile lit Allison’s face. “Jake seems awfully nice, and I’m glad he’s helping Zach. How long have you been dating?”
“Not long.” Certainly not long enough to be checking into an inn together. She trembled from the chill and damp clothes. “Do you have another room, too?”
“We’re full except for this cancellation.” Allison reached behind the reception desk for a key. “This is one of my favorite rooms. Top of the stairs to the left.”
Elena studied the old skeleton key in her hand. They were both adults. They could figure something out.
Frowning, Allison touched her hand. “There’s a couch if you’re worried about him. Or you could stay with us in our suite. It’s a little small, though. For now, we’re renting out the larger rooms.”
Elena shook her head. “No, it’s fine.” It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him—it was her own feelings she didn’t trust.
“Problem?” Zach came in, followed by Jake. They must have been outside, because both men were soaked.
“We’re just getting settled,” Allison said. “You’ll find robes there, and I can dry your clothes if you’d like.”
Jake dangled the plastic shopping bag they’d left at the table. “Fortunately, you’ve got dry clothes.” Taking care not to get her any wetter than she already was, he kissed Elena’s cheek. “Come on, let’s get you out of those wet clothes.”
Elena couldn’t help herself. She burst out laughing and tapped his chest. “You have no idea how that sounds.” Not that it’s a bad idea…
“Don’t I?” He grinned and kissed her while Allison and Zach laughed.
“Come join us later for a glass of wine,” Zach said. “Since no one can go out, I’m making supper for everyone. You’ll find candles and torches in the room in case we lose power.” When Jake looked confused, he grinned. “That’s ‘flashlights’ for you Yanks.”
When they reached the door to the room, Jake opened it and offered her his hand. Slipping her cold, quivering hand in his, Elena caught her breath as she stepped inside.
“Allison outdid herself,” she said, taking in their surroundings. Decorated in shades of blush pink and white, the room was the epitome of Victorian luxury. Fresh lilies and roses adorned the entry table.
Through rain-streaked windows, Elena could see the Sydney Harbour Bridge stretching into dense, blackened clouds. A seating arrangement with mauve pillows anchored a brick fireplace where a low gas flame flickered. Jazz music filtered through the room. So soothing, so romantic. The atmosphere seeped into her like a salve, easing the stress she’d been under.
Coming up behind her, Jake enveloped her in his arms and nuzzled her neck. “How do you do it? You’re spectacular, even all wet. But just because we’re here, doesn’t mean I expect anything of you.”
Elena turned and flung her arms around him. As her lips found the warmth of his, her shivering lessened.
Jake pulled away. “Elena, I’m serious. I respect you and if you don’t—”
“I’m serious, too. You’re sleeping on the couch.” Laughing nervously, she led him to the small loveseat in front of the crackling fireplace. With his tall frame, she realized it was a ridiculous proposition.
“You’ve got to be kidding.” Jake put his hands on his hips. “But okay. The floor’s good, too. You get the bed.” Stepping in front of the fireplace, he peeled off his soggy sweatshirt. “Robes in the closet, right?”
Watching, Elena could only nod. What a physique... Broad chest, hard body, narrow hips.
“You should change. I’ll bring one for you, too.”
After he left the room, she whirled around and bit down on her finger to keep from crying out. How was she ever going to sleep with him in the next room? Recalling the passion of his kiss earlier today, she knew it would be nearly impossible.
Having changed into a dry robe, Jake sauntered back in and handed her one. “Are you okay? You should really get out of those wet things. You’re still trembling.” He stepped toward her and rubbed her arms.
“I will in a minute.” But first, unable to resist the temptation, she moved the terry cloth to one side and slid her fingers over the upper part of his chest that peeked out. Exploring, she closed her eyes, imagining what it would be like. She drew her hand back, but he caught it and kissed her fingertips. Her resolve was melting. Was it him, or a desire to be free from the strain of all she’d been through the past week, even for a few hours?
Jake tipped her chin up and brought his lips tentatively to hers.
Responding, she felt herself craving his touch, needing him to soothe her frayed nerves. She slid her hand over his chest again.
With a moan, he enfolded her in his arms, peppering her damp face with kisses.
Outside, the storm was intensifying, matching the blood pumping through her veins. While her emotions warred, the scale tipped as her need for him outweighed her reticence.
“Help me get changed?” She led him into the bedroom and pulled him onto the plush duvet-covered bed.
With a deliberate motion, he smoothed her damp hair from her forehead, and then drew his hands alongside her cheeks, cradling her face between his hands. He stared at her for a long moment with an expression she could only describe as one of adoration. Catching her breath, she drew her lower lip between her teeth.
“Just wait,” he murmured, his voice deepening. “I want to remember you like this, right now, forever.”
Reaching up, she ran a hand through his wet hair. His eyes were intently focused on her, and the emotion in his face was nearly overwhelming. This feels so real, so right. Wordlessly, she met the intensity of his gaze, no longer caring about anything but living in the moment.
“Let’s take our time.” He lowered himself onto her, exploring her lips, her neck, and her shoulders.
She lifted herself up to shed her wet clothes. Feeling his bare skin pressed against hers was the most incredible sensation she’d ever felt. Sighing with pleasure, she ran her hands down the length of his back and hips.
Easing her under the duvet onto a silky cotton sheet, he paused for a moment, raising his dark brows. “Are you sure this is okay?”
She nodded her assent, needing to feel cared for, needing his caress. He continued his exploration of her shivering body—only now she quivered with anticipation.
Dragging his lips across her stomach, he moved slowly, deliberately, rhythmically.
Together they held each other, getting to know each other in the most intimate way. He touched her in ways she’d never dreamed—physically and emotionally. Even the way he whispered her name was musical.
Holding him to her chest, she ran her fingers along his broad back as if to memorize every sinew and muscle. He was the most perfect specimen of a man she could have ever designed.
Lost in each other, they were oblivious to the relentless rain that blotted out the daylight, ushering in an early evening. Hours later, they lay tangled in each other’s limbs, fully sated and yet still yearning for more.
Afterward, he got up to run a bath. When Elena followed him into the bathroom, she sat next to him, wrapped in her robe. Fluffy bisque and rose towels were piled everywhere, and a glass enclosure featured a rain-shower head suspended from the ceiling. Music was piped in, and orange citrus potpourri scented the air. She breathed out, feeling more relaxed than she had in a long, long time.
“This is exactly what I needed,” she said, twirling her fingers in the water. The wide oblong bath was large enough for the two of them.
She poured foaming bath oil into the running water he’d adjusted to just the right temperature, releasing the scent of sweet verbena. Crystal bowls of nuts, dried apricots, and chocolates lined the tub, along with an ice bucket with a bottle of chilled champagne standing ready. Allison had thought of everything for her guests.
“Get in, I’ll be there in a moment.” Jake stopped to light the candles that surrounded the tub before turning out the lights.
Elena eased her spent body into the swirling warm water amid mounds of bubbles billowing from gently throbbing jets. Laughing, she scooped up a handful of bubbles and blew them through the air to float down like tiny snowflakes.
Jake opened the champagne and poured two flutes. Sliding in beside her, he handed her a glass. “To you,” he said, smiling at her with the most wondrous expression. “And to your grandparents, who kept throwing us together until we stuck.”
While they sipped their champagne, they chatted about the adventure they’d had today, laughing at their experiences. Jake fed her cashews, almonds, and pistachios, and she reciprocated with dark chocolate bon-bons dusted with cocoa powder that melted in their mouths.
“You know we’re having dessert first,” she said, licking chocolate from her fingers.
“Yes, we did.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Life is short, you can never have too much dessert.”
When the water grew cool, they stepped from the bath and toweled each other off, snuggling back into the terry cloth robes before lounging in front of the fireplace.
Outside, rain continued to pelt the windows, while strong winds bowed palm trees and rattled the inn’s wood frame structure. Suddenly, a loud hammering noise against the house erupted.
“What the heck?” Jake stood and strode to the window. “Hail, and it’s big.” He pulled the shades and jerked the draperies across all the windows.
After returning to her and wrapping his arms around her, he said, “Elena, I have to be honest with you. When I stepped off the plane in Sydney, this was the farthest thing from my mind, but it’s the most perfect thing that’s ever happened to me. Thank you for believing in me, and seeing past my thorny exterior and lousy manners.”
His words touched her heart. “We both let our guard down, and I’m really glad we did.” She hoped it would last once they returned to the reality of L.A. She stroked his face and leaned in to kiss him, and as their lips met, the lights snapped off.
“That was one powerful kiss,” he said. By firelight, they lit a trio of candles on the coffee table.
A knocking sounded at the door. “Are you okay in there?” It was Zach. “Sorry, we just lost electricity. Probably won’t come back on any time soon. If you’d like to come downstairs, I’ve made a pot of bouillabaisse with salad and flatbread. And some good wine.”
Jake looked to Elena, who nodded. “We’d like that. We’ll see you downstairs.”
After Zach left, they dressed. Jake had draped his clothes on top of the old radiator so they were dry, while Elena put on her new indigo blue dress and swirled around.
“That color lights up your eyes,” he said, drawing his arms around her. As Elena arched her neck, he kissed her on her shoulders and worked his way up her neck.
Jake paused, lightly touching the discreet tattoo she had on her neck just behind her ear. “I’ve been meaning to ask you what kind of flower this is.”
“It’s a lotus blossom.”
“Beautiful. Did you know those are revered in the east?”
She tapped his nose. “Of course I do. The lotus is a symbol of divinity and enlightenment in India. Have you ever been there?”
He nodded, grinning. “Couple of years ago with my mom. We went to a Bollywood-Meets-Hollywood festival. We had a great time there.” A smiled danced on his lips. “Does India hold special significance for you?”
Elena caught her lip between her teeth. It had tremendous significance, and they’d taken a huge step today, but she wasn’t sure she was ready to bare this deepest part of her soul to him yet.
Instead, she simply said, “It does.”