Zander sat in the back of the limo, still chilled by what he’d unearthed this morning. He’d been rooting around in his drawer, searching for some shorts to bring to Oregon, and had found a pair of Trisha’s panties. Did she break into my apartment? How did they get there?
The discovery made him twitchy. Is she stalking me again?
Since her call the other day, he’d beefed up security at his office. He’d discreetly let them know to watch for the bitch and to not let her in under any circumstances.
And, to add to his anxiety, the entire six-hour ride to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Effie was quiet. She answered all of Zander’s well-intentioned questions in a creepy Stepford-wives kind of forced friendliness, but she didn’t seem at all excited for his little adventure. Was this another of his bad ideas?
He finally gave up trying to engage with her and chatted with Kent and Charlie, Kent’s girlfriend of the moment, instead—and imbibed in a whiskey or two.
He hadn’t mentioned Trisha’s call the other day to anyone, especially Kent. Kent knew too much about the craziness he’d endured.
And then, there’s that big motherfucking secret we share. Shame pooled in his gut at the memory.
Antonio pulled the limo into a secluded area several miles north of a tiny city called Lakeside.
“Okay, boss, we’re here,” he said through the intercom.
Zander rolled down his window.
A custom designed two-story cabin, tucked in a wooded area, awaited them. Gentle burbling from a nearby creek provided a soothing backdrop.
Zander had sent a team ahead to obtain and set up everything he needed for the three-day trip. His face lit up when he saw the dune buggies in the driveway.
“There we go,” he said to Kent, pointing out the window. “That’s what I’m talking about. Can’t wait to take a ride.”
“Hell, yeah,” Kent said.
“Boys and their toys,” Charlie said to Effie.
“Right?” Effie said, in her too bright way. Her face seemed pinched, same as it was when they had first arrived at Rock Nirvana.
Zander helped her out of the car, then pulled her aside, away from Kent and Charlie as they climbed out.
“Care to tell me what’s up?” he asked in a low, urgent tone.
The late afternoon sun warmed his back and arms.
“What do you mean?” she said, in her new chirpy voice.
“You seem to be play-acting,” he said, bluntly. “Did I do something? Say something?”
Her gaze dropped to the dirt. “Isn’t this how I’m supposed to behave?” She lowered her voice. “Based on our contract.”
He brought his finger to her chin and lifted her face. Then, he gazed into her gorgeous green eyes. “When did I ever say I wanted you to behave like some subservient individual who has no opinion? I like you for you, Effie.”
A long, deep sigh escaped her lips. “I have been acting kind of weird, huh?”
He placed his hand on her shoulder. “A little bit, yes. I decided to give you space to sort out whatever needed sorting. And, it didn’t seem appropriate to ask you questions in the presence of Kent and Charlie. Did you get whatever it was figured out?”
“I don’t know,” she said, glumly. “But, I don’t have to figure it out this weekend.”
His heart took a quick nosedive. Is she unhappy with our arrangement?
Her gaze drifted toward the cabin. “I thought we were going all tents and outdoor fire-pit camping?”
Zander stroked his jaw. “Yeah, I reconsidered. You said you’re not comfortable with the great outdoors, so I thought I’d ease you into it. This place has a hot tub, hanging beds, and all the comforts of home. There are hammocks outside if we prefer to sleep under the stars. The night sky out here is spectacular.”
“Hanging beds?” Her expression brightened. “Show me.”
He placed an arm around her and guided her toward the cabin, along the slate-stone pathway, while Antonio unpacked the car.
Kent and Charlie were nowhere in sight. Either they’d already started settling in their bedroom, or they were wandering around the property.
Inside, the house boasted high ceilings and a spacious, open concept floor plan. The walls and floors were lined with cedar. High windows let in light from every direction. Skylights illuminated the space from above. A polished twisted tree trunk, sans branches and leaves, had been placed near the winding wood staircase, which led upstairs.
Comfortable furniture had been arranged around the massive stone fireplace. An enormous kitchen island served as the centerpiece to the spacious room.
“Wow, this is gorgeous,” Effie said, twirling in a circle.
“I’m glad you like it,” Zander said. He took her hand and led her upstairs.
At the top of the landing sat one large bedroom. The walls above the cedar wainscoting had been painted blue. Ceramic art hung on the walls adding touches of color. A queen-sized bed, covered with pillows and soft bedding, hung suspended from the ceiling. Windows faced the forest and the creek.
Zander stepped toward one of the windows and unlatched it, pushing it open. Fresh-scented air wafted inside. He glanced at a ruby-throated hummingbird, which sipped from a feeder outside the window.
“Will this suit?” he said, indicating the room.
“Yes,” Effie breathed. “It’s gorgeous.” She flopped on the bed, setting it to gently swaying. “Oh, this is so cool. We’ll be rocked to sleep.”
Zander had other ideas to keep the bed rocking. “What do you need before we head out to the dunes?”
She exhaled, sharply. “Nothing, I guess. I’ll use the restroom and be ready to go.”
“You should probably dress in something else,” he said, eying her pretty red shirt and capri pants. “We’re going to get dirty. Our luggage should be up in a minute.”
“Okay,” she said, the whites of her eyes flashing briefly. “Is Antonio going to leave after he drops off the luggage?”
“He’ll stay in a guest house up the road a bit. He’s here to drive us wherever we need to go.”
Which, by Effie’s expression, might be straight back to Seattle.
He kept his game face on and stared out the window while they waited for Antonio.
Twenty minutes later, they stood outside in the bright, midday sun, next to the dune buggies, along with Kent and Charlie. They all wore lightweight jackets over their shirts, comfortable pants, and sneakers.
Effie had plaited her hair and placed a headband over her head.
Even dressed in adventure gear, she looked hot. She’d been working out with him at the gym, as well as at Rock Nirvana, and it showed.
He had a light backpack on his shoulder. He shrugged it free and fished a couple pairs of goggles out.
“For you,” he said, handing a set to Effie.
“Um, thanks,” she said, reaching for them.
“Trust me. We’re going to need them,” he said, pulling the strap over his head. Then, he retrieved a couple pairs of leather gloves. “Also for you.” He handed them to her. “Choose our ride.”
Effie rolled her lips between her teeth as she studied the dune buggies. “Blue, of course. It’s your favorite.”
Zander turned to Kent. “That leaves you with red.” He fished in his backpack for keys, then, tucked the pack between the seats, securing it with small straps.
He tossed a set of keys to Kent.
“Works for my hot-blooded self and me,” Kent said, snagging them. He hopped in the driver’s seat.
Charlie laughed and playfully growled.
Zander scoffed, then climbed inside the blue buggy. Effie crawled up in the seat next to him. He fit the keys in the ignition, and the engine rumbled to life.
“Where are we going?” she said.
“To the dunes, baby. This is the largest set of dunes in the world.” Zander grinned at her.
She smiled back at him, her eyes sparkling. “Ready.”
“Buckle up.” He tugged his seat belt over his shoulders and across his lap.
When she’d fastened her belts, Zander called to Kent. “Take the lead.”
“Oh, sure.” Kent chuckled. “You think you’re going to kick my ass just pass Three-Tree island.”
Zander cocked his head. “I might. You’ll just have to wait and see, won’t you?”
He followed Kent, winding along a dirt road behind the house. Zander kept glancing at Effie, to see how she fared. So far, still smiling. They meandered through the woods, then emerged into a world of endless sand.
Seagrass dotted the hills in places. But Zander focused on the miles of rolling dunes with tire tracks, waiting to be explored.
Kent accelerated along a long straightaway.
Charlie threw her hands in the air.
Zander chuckled. “Ready for some speed?”
“Sure.” Effie smiled.
Zander pressed on the gas, and the buggy surged forward with a roar.
Effie let out a yelp. She grabbed on the side railing, pressing her lips together.
Zander slowed, a little, wondering if she could handle the ride.
“You okay?” he yelled over the engine.
She nodded. “I’m fine. Go.”
She swept her free hand out in front of her.
Zander sped forward. He accelerated until he rode side by side with Kent.
Kent looked over and mouthed “Bastard.”
His face bore a huge grin.
Zander let out a, “Yeeha!” and took off.
Effie screamed, then laughed. “Oh, my God!”
Zander grinned. They sailed over a rise, catching air before landing.
Effie yelled.
“Hang on,” Zander said. He placed his toes on the brake and heel on the gas, partially engaging the clutch. When he released the clutch, he floored the gas pedal and let go the brake. The front of the sand buggy popped up into a sand wheelie.
Effie screamed, eyes wide.
But when he let the front down, she began laughing, her expression bright.
He slowed the buggy.
“Are you okay?” he said, eying her.
“This is awesome,” she said.
Pleased with her answer, he nodded and smiled. “Good. There’s more.”
Kent passed him, shook his fist at Zander, and laughed. Once he’d taken the lead, he popped his buggy into a sand wheelie, too.
Charlie threw her hands into the air again, a broad grin on her face.
Zander couldn’t recall the last time he’d felt this great. He stepped on the gas again and passed Kent. They soared over hills and dipped into bowls. Exhilaration surged through him. A sense of unfettered joy filled his body. Finally, they cascaded over the last rise, descending onto the shore of the Pacific Ocean. Zander stepped on the gas again, cranked the wheel, and did a few sand donuts as Kent and Charlie flew over the rise.
When he came to a stop, he studied Effie. With her hair all wild around her face, and her eyes bright, she’d never looked so beautiful.
“This is so much fun,” she said. “I’ve never laughed this much in my life.”
He leaned across the buggy, cupped the back of her neck, and kissed her, hard and deep. When he released her, he said, “I’m thrilled you like it. I took another chance, and it paid off. You’re gorgeous when you let go.”
“Thank you.” She dipped her head. “You’re giving me the world.”
Kent’s buggy roared in his direction. His hard-edge gaze fixed on Zander’s face.
Zander glared back at him. Fuck. Now what? He brushed aside his concerns, focusing on Effie, as Kent beelined in their direction, hellbent, no doubt, on stirring up trouble and judgment.