LIGHTNING ILLUMINATED THE old Victorian stairway as Elena and Jake made their way downstairs. A flash rendered the salon in stark relief and she gripped the bannister.
A crack of thunder quickly followed, shaking the house.
The storm was getting worse, and as much as Elena loved being alone with Jake, she felt better that they were all together.
“Wow,” Jake said. “That was pretty impressive.”
“Hurry down,” Allison called out, pouring red wine into a pair of goblets. Candle flickered around the room, and a fire blazed in the corner, while music from a portable stereo made the atmosphere less scary and more festive. Looking apprehensive, another couple clung to each other on a sofa. Zach was busy spooning bouillabaisse into large soup bowls. “Figured we might as well make it a party.”
“That’s what I love about Australia,” Elena said. “No matter how dark things are, it’s always time for a party.”
“What else can we do?” Zach said. “We’ve already got the sandbags on the perimeter. If the water rises, we’ll take the party up to our room. Or yours—your choice, mate,” he added with a hearty laugh. “Have a seat.”
Elena shot a look at Jake to make sure he was okay with the Aussie sense of humor, but he was fine. She slid her arm around him, and he planted a kiss on her forehead. This was all she’d ever wanted in a relationship. Someone she felt comfortable with, who was also smart, exciting, fun, and great with her family—the whole package. And a great kisser, she added to the list. He’s the whole package, for sure.
Zach placed steaming bowls of seafood in a spiced broth on the low coffee table before them. The scent of toasted garlic flatbread made Elena realize how hungry she was again. Zach still wore his white chef’s jacket, and his blond hair that had been longer when they were younger was now cropped short. He touched his wine glass to theirs. “Welcome to the land of Aus,” he said, his shortened pronunciation sounding like oz.
Another flash of hail littered the side of the house, and everyone instinctively ducked. “No worries,” Zach said. “She’s stood for a century. She probably won’t succumb tonight.”
Allison folded her legs under her on the sofa. “So, Elena, you didn’t tell me you were dating anyone, let alone someone as fabulous-looking as Jake. We’re not besties anymore?”
“Some things I like to keep to myself,” Elena said, hugging Jake. She heard a little slur in Allison’s voice, but then, she was also feeling pretty relaxed from the champagne…and dessert, she thought to herself with a smile.
Jake grinned, glancing between Allison and Elena.
“Well done, you,” Allison said. Turning to Jake, she added, “If you’re wondering why we’re all a bit bonkers, we went to school together. The old Bondi gang, that’s us.” She raised her wine glass, chuckling.
Waves of thunder rolled across the city outside as if for emphasis.
“Allison and I are like sisters,” Elena said. “We were inseparable for years.”
“We’re awful proud of this one for getting out and going after what she wants,” Zach said. “We had an Academy Awards party so all of us could ogle Penelope Plessen and Elena’s diamonds on the big screen.”
Allison topped off the other couple’s glasses. Bringing them into the conversation, she said, “Elena designed the jewelry Penelope wore that night. Did you hear about the robbery?”
Noticing Elena’s downcast eyes, Allison pressed her hand against her mouth. “Oh, I’m sorry, Elena. You probably don’t want to talk about that.”
Elena lifted her shoulder and let it fall. “It’s okay. It happened.”
Jake took her hand and squeezed it. “I’m helping her find the perps,” he said with a straight face. Then he winked at her.
He sounded so much like a tough character out of Law and Order, Elena would’ve laughed out loud if her loss hadn’t been so painful.
“Impressive,” Allison said. “Well, we always knew Elena was destined for greatness. She’s descended from an Indian princess, after all.” As soon as the words slipped out, Allison clamped her hand over her mouth.
“Allison!” Elena glared at her.
“I’m sorry,” she said, wincing. “I know I promised.” She made a zipping motion across her mouth with her fingers.
Horrified that her friend had uttered a secret she’d told her in strictest confidence years ago, Elena managed a feeble laugh. “We made up a lot of stories back then.”
Jake chuckled and changed the subject, asking Zach about where he’d learned to cook.
Elena let out a little breath, relieved that he hadn’t pursued Allison’s comment. She hoped that would be the end of it.
In time, the rain lessened, and Elena and Jake said goodnight to everyone and returned to their suite. Elena tried to act as though nothing had happened, but she could tell that Jake sensed a change in her.
That night, Jake slept with his arms around her, while she curled her body into the curve of his long frame. Whatever she was, wherever she had come from, mattered little to her in that moment. She’d discovered a precious connection with Jake. Whatever the past, her future lay ahead. It was unwritten, yet she wondered if she must reveal the truth the women in her family had shielded for generations in order to pen the future she desired.
Sabeena’s secret.
She didn’t want to keep anything from Jake. But was it time? Was it safe?
This weight she carried—it wasn’t her secret to share. Or was it? Had the edges of these rocks that had tumbled through time to her not been worn smooth by the labor of her ancestors?
Elena lay awake thinking. This secret she carried had guided her life in a way none of her friends could imagine. She was a modern woman. She believed that she alone created her own destiny. Lana and Honey had taught her that. Yet, was she far enough removed from the bondage of the past that the tentacles of history could not reach her?
Or, more important, was her grandmother?
By the next morning, the skies had cleared and rays of sunshine bled through the edges of the draperies Jake had drawn against the icy hail.
Elena stretched luxuriantly, thinking about the connection she’d found with Jake between the sheets the night before. Smiling to herself, she pulled the covers to her nose, reliving the delights they’d discovered between them.
“Hey bright eyes, good morning.” Jake stepped from the bathroom, his hair damp and a towel tucked around his hips.
“Hmm, good morning. So last night wasn’t a dream?”
He crossed to the bed and raised her to him, enclosing her within his muscular arms. “It was the best dream I’ve ever had. And I hope it never ends. Think we can order another storm today?”
“I think I feel one gathering on the horizon right now.” She teased his lips with her tongue until he could no longer resist her, and once again, she let herself be carried away with their passion, thinking of nothing else but the desire that united them.
Finally, spent once again, Elena flung herself against a mound of pillows, happiness washing over her like the waves at Bondi Beach.
With that thought, she opened her eyes. “Although I wish we could hide in this cocoon forever, I need to go home and check on my dad.” She’d texted them yesterday to let them know they were safe during the storm.
“I understand.” Jake rolled next to her. “Let’s have lunch before we leave.”
“Is it already that time?”
“You slept until noon, princess.”
Elena shot him a look, but by his innocent expression, it didn’t seem he’d meant to instill any special meaning into his choice of words.
After enjoying a thorough, luxurious drenching under the ceiling-mounted rain-shower, Elena toweled off and put on the new indigo dress they’d bought yesterday. Peering into the mirror, she wondered if the emotional shifts she felt inside were somehow visible on the outside.
She was still Elena Eaton, and yet, she’d become even more so. Confident, loved, and loving. She felt a new dimension of her life opening before her. One she’d hoped for, but had almost given up imagining might be possible.
Jake appeared behind her. Resting his hands on her shoulders, he tenderly kissed her neck. “You’re the most fascinating woman I’ve ever known. And ever hope to.”
She ran a hand over his and turned into his arms. What mere words could express the feeling in her heart? Grazing his lips with hers, she heard his stomach rumble again.
“Shh,” he whispered, feigning embarrassment.
Smiling into his lips, she said, “Who’s hungry?”
Jake took her by the hand and they went downstairs.
“Good afternoon,” Allison said, her eyes twinkling.
“Room for two in the café?” Jake asked.
“Absolutely. I saved a table for you,” Allison said, showing them the way.
Every table was filled with people enjoying themselves in the sunshine that filtered through glass panels overhead. Inside, the scents of saffron, garlic, and oregano tantalized, while outside, lush foliage, the soaring Sydney Harbour Bridge, and cloudless blue skies filled the view.
Jake stopped by the kitchen to say hello to Zach, who was leading a small team in lunch preparations, and they began to chat about the menu.
Before Elena sat down, Allison leaned in and whispered, “I was an idiot last night for saying…you know.” Her fair complexion reddened with embarrassment.
“It’s okay.”
“It was the wine talking.” She tucked a blond strand behind her ear, casting her eyes down in embarrassment. “I need to cut back, but I swear I’ve never mentioned a word to another soul, especially my lousy brother, Shane. I’m just so proud of all you’ve done.”
“I believe you, and it’s all right.” Elena clasped Allison’s hand, forgiving her friend. She’d almost forgotten that in a fit of teenage rebellion against her parents, she’d confided in Allison. All these years, Allison had never betrayed her secret. One slip up she could forgive. “I haven’t shared that with Jake yet, so let me be the one, okay?”
“I won’t say another word. Ever. To anyone.”
Elena hoped Jake had forgotten about Allison’s comment. It wasn’t even a relevant part of her story. She was simply Elena of Bondi Beach.
“Tell your family hello for me,” Allison said. “Running this place, we don’t get to the beach much anymore.” With excitement etched on her face, she leaned in. “And we want to start trying for a baby.”
“That’s wonderful,” Elena said, pleased for her.
“So you see, I do plan to cut out all alcohol.” Allison smiled broadly.
“I wish you the best. You’ll make a great mother.” She hugged her friend before Allison excused herself to see to another guest.
“Lunch will be here shortly.” Jake eased into a chair beside her.
Elena crossed her arms in mock outrage. “One night of passion and you think you can just take over my life and start ordering my food for me?”
Grinning, he replied, “I know what you like. Besides, it was Zach’s idea,’ he added, jerking his thumb toward the kitchen.
“Don’t push it off on him.” Smiling, she reached for his hand. “Can’t wait. I love surprises.”
Soon Zach begin to send out a variety of small dishes, from butternut squash soup to tangy mussels and a crunchy seaweed salad, to a crab and fruit salad loaded with kiwi, mango, and berries. Just when she thought she could eat no more, a silky dark chocolate mousse with raspberries and passion fruit sauce appeared.
“I feel thoroughly indulged,” she said as she scooped a bite.
“By me or Zach?”
Elena cupped her hand in her chin. “I’ll have to think about that. Can you cook?”
Entwining his fingers in hers, he said, “You just wait. You have no idea.”
“Oh really?” she asked, baiting him.
“You know those cooking classes for men that Lance has been offering at Bow-Tie?”
She laughed. “I heard about them.” The classes were good publicity for the restaurant, and Lance and Johnny had involved some local celebrities, then shared profits with the Big Brothers charity group. She had a similar idea for something that would benefit the women’s charity she volunteered with.
“Stefan and I went. We actually learned a lot.”
“Penelope did mention something.” Elena furrowed her brow. “By the way, do you know if Johnny has been cleared of suspicion in the robbery?”
“He has, and I’m glad.” Jake traced a lazy circle on her hand.
“What a relief.” She’d been concerned for Johnny and Scarlett.
Giving her the last bite of the chocolate mousse, he said, “I like having friends over to the house to cook and watch a game, or hang out by the pool. Maybe we could invite Stefan and Penelope, along with Lance and Johnny. ”
“And Verena and Scarlett. Surely if Johnny was investigated, you know he’s dating my friend Scarlett.”
“The attorney.” Jake smiled. “Her name came up several times, and she sounds quite accomplished. I hope to meet her soon.”
Elena liked that he was planning for when they returned and including her friends. From her volunteer work at the shelter, she knew that when men wanted to separate women from their friends or family, it was a red flag for the potential of mental or physical abuse.
However, the thought of returning to California also jolted her back to reality. Orders from her website had been piling up—fortunately. Her father was greatly improved, and eventually she’d only be in the way of her parents. They’d already promised to take time off in the winter to come for a visit, and the doctor thought Gabe would be well enough to travel in a few weeks as long as he promised not to lift suitcases.
She’d also have to face the consequences of the robbery—whatever they might be. It was more important than ever that she talk to Grams for advice.
Her future with Jake might rest on it.