Page 22 of Axel
Ellie had enjoyed herself and the food had been surprisingly good. She had been to Ireland during one of her photo shoots and thought the place was lovely.
Tom had brought back that particular memory with his little pub. The entire experience in the pub was pleasant. She ended up drinking another pint before reminding him that she was driving.
“You could always leave your car and walk. It’s not very far from where you are staying. I could accompany you.”
She had refused of course, realizing that he wanted more than just to see her to her door. She had left with the promise that she would be back, and she was going to keep that promise.
Getting out of the car, she pulled the jacket, which was completely inappropriate for the strong breeze that had sprung up, snugged against her chest. Even the leather was no proof against the stiff wind. Inhaling the clean air, she made a hasty retreat up the steps and inside the warmth of the cabin.
She had added some firewood to the living room fireplace before she left, and the place was comfortably warm. Shedding her jacket and taking off her ankle boots, she sat on the sofa and stared at the mesmerizing flames.
She was far from sleepy. Slipping off her skintight pants, she padded into the room she had designated as her office and booted up her laptop.
Chapter 6
The air was bracing, but that was exactly what she needed. Last night was a dismal failure as far as work was concerned. She had sat in front of the blank computer screen and dividing the time glancing at her notes without finding the incentive or the creative juice needed to start.
Usually when she was doing a story, she would dive into the person’s life, studying it from every angle and deciding where to start. With Axel Lakeside, she had hit a blind spot. She didn’t know him – yes, there had only been one meeting and that had gone to hell.
He had shown her only two sides – the cynical hard-bitten businessman and the compassionate and loving son who holds his mother in very high esteem. In her experience, a man who loves his mother holds a certain attraction that was unmistakable.
There were certain aspects she needed to start her story, and she did not have it. She had listened to the mayor who hadn’t a clue as to the man himself but was speaking out of the sides of his mouth, just to be heard. Rosalyn had shared snippets ofwhen he was a boy, but just generic material that was boring and predictable.
No doubt, his mother and sister would be able to clear some things up. They knew him better than anyone else and the family was a close-knit one. Talking to the man had left her in a state of utter confusion.
She was also afraid that she was attracted to him. Last night had been spent tossing and turning in her bed as images of him flashed across the periphery of her mind. She was focused or she usually was, but for the life of her, she could not seem to concentrate on anything. Especially after their meeting yesterday.
She rose this morning and decided that a run would clear her mind. She had gone several miles, going at a rapid pace as if trying to outrun her troubled thoughts. Coming to a stop, on a slight incline that offered a stunning view of the sleepy town, she leaned one hand on the thick trunk of an oak tree and did some stretches.
Breathing in and out, she switched legs, clasping it at the ankle and doing a hard stretch. She was so caught up with her routinethat she did not hear the footsteps on the carpet like grass until he spoke.
“You are trespassing.”
Spinning around so fast, she almost lost her footing, only just managing to keep her balance. The object of her confusion was standing a few inches away from her, his sleeveless shirt sticking to his broad chest and shoulders, patches of sweat darkening the center of his chest.
He seemed oblivious to the sharp air or the breeze whistling through the trees as he watched her with that piercing intense way of his.
“You scared the crap out of me!”
“What are you doing so far away from the cottage?”
“I wanted more space, and I did not think anyone would be up this early.” She looked around at the clump of trees and wildflowers growing everywhere. “I had no idea this was your property.”
“Most of it is.” He turned away, trying to get the sight of her nipples imprinted against the tight nylon of her running top. Her face was damp with sweat, her lips bare of any artifice but was alluring as hell and he was hard.
Christ! His hands clenched into fists as he tried to get control of his rampaging desire. He had to leave or run the risk of hauling her into his arms and crushing those lips of hers. He wanted to feel her damp body aligned to his and peel off the top that was hugging her slender frame like a glove.
“You should be more careful of your surroundings.” He told her abruptly. “River Glades is a sleepy little town, and the crime rate is practically nonexistent, but there is a first for everything.”
His eyes raked her from head to the tips of her scuffed tennis shoes before moving back to her face. “If this is the way you operate where you are from, I am surprised you are still in one piece.”
Stung by his implied criticism, she glared at him. “I run every morning and am always conscious of my surroundings.” She pointed to her ears. “I am not even wearing ear buds.”
“Yet, you were shocked at the sound of my voice.” He pointed out mockingly. He really should leave, but something was holding him back.
“That is because you were as quiet as the proverbial mouse. I am glad we happened on each other. Is it possible for me to have some time with you this afternoon?”
His heart picked up speed as he stared at her for a few pulsing seconds. It was on the tip of his tongue to suggest they go back to his place and get naked.