She sat frozen. Her father, her begetter, her own flesh and blood had lied to her, again. And she’d fallen for it, again. Damn him! Did he really want to drive her to paranoia? Yet, something was wrong here because she’d tried using the telepod and the stupid invention hadn’t worked.
Seven months ago, in spite of her dad’s convincing speech about sealing the way, she’d felt compelled to check. Of course she tried the telepod, but she never left the basement. As he hadn’t even asked for the silver necklace, but given it to her to wear, that had been her first and final attempt.
“Are you sure?” she asked.
Garrett seemed to consider how to break the news, his gaze following the expressions of her face. “Yes, and I’m living proof of it. If I recall correctly, William’s exact words were ‘I changed the locks.’”
“I’m gonna kill him.” She stood, hands flat on the table, using them to bear her weight, and leaned toward Garrett to make her point. Without caring about sticking her breasts under his nose, she stamped her foot. “I’m gonna kill him!”
“I trust William had a rational motive to undertake such a drastic course of action. I appreciate your ire, Miss Richardson . . .”
His voice trailed off while he suddenly appeared unable to look away from her so close breasts. “However, I pray you, could you please cover yourself?”
What? At last noticing his uncomfortable air, she got the implication of her suggestive position. “Oh gosh, sorry. Dad drives me so mad sometimes.”
She sat back down, in the process moving her breasts away from Garrett’s nose. Did she hear a sigh of relief? Sipping her tea as a way to cool her temper down, she mulled over the situation.
Her father had treacherously lied to prevent her from crossing over. He had no idea whether she’d search the mansion in San Francisco or attempt a trip to London, but he wanted her cut off from Garrett. To top it all, her dad also concealed his whereabouts. So what was the worst thing she could do to him?
What would infuriate him? What would wreck his carefully laid out plans? What kind of payback would be the most effective? A quirk of a smile lighting her face, she picked up the spoon off the floor. Oh, yes. “Dad is in Los Angeles for the whole day, but don’t worry he’ll be back home early tonight. Meanwhile, my dear Lord Burnes, you and I are going sightseeing today.”
Although he kept a straight face upon hearing her suggestion, awkwardness came off him in big waves. “I fear I have to decline—”
He interrupted himself and pressed his lips together when she glared at him and raised a rigid finger.
“No, I don’t want to hear any objection. Come on, Garrett, don’t tell me you’re not a little bit curious about this world? Don’t you want to see for yourself what San Francisco has become?”
He seemed to toy with the idea for a short while. A man like him, a scientist and kind of an adventurer couldn’t pass on such a fantastic opportunity. In all likelihood, the reason that prevented him from accepting her invitation was the fact that they’d be alone for hours. Yup, all alone.
Her pulse quickened. Already excited at the thought of spending some time in his company, she looked him straight in the eye.
“I know what you’re thinking but everything is different now. We can be friends for a day, there’s no harm in that. Let’s forget about the past, about why you’re here, and just have a good time.”
He knew what she was referring to. As though he discerned sincerity in her words, his features softened a little. “I must admit the thought of discovering your strange world is rather tempting. How could I not?”
His agreement had her mind dancing and whirling through a shower of delight. Impatient to get going, she stood and grinned. “And would you believe it? It also means I’ll get dressed.”
“I am registering disbelief.”
Although he appeared more relaxed, she needed to make sure he wouldn’t back out at the last minute. “Besides, you owe me one.”
For the first time since his sudden arrival, he looked at her with utmost seriousness, clearly remembering their last encounter seven months ago. The night his love had filled her for hours.
“For you,” he said, “I could do no less.”
“All right, I’ll be quick. Give me five minutes and I’m all yours.”
She came back shortly, looking forward to his reaction when he discovered her girlish outfit: pink miniskirt, light sweater, pink sneakers, and loose braids.
“Look at me, Garrett, I’m all . . . covered.”
“So to speak,” he replied in a low tone, eyeing her bare legs. Yet instead of voicing his disapproval, he offered his arm like a nobleman going to a royal ball and a light smile quirked the corners of his lips. “Would you care to accompany me?”
Trying to act ladylike, she took his arm and led him to the garage. On such a nice, warm day, only her father’s Aston Martin gray convertible could fit her mood.
Garrett gave her a hand to remove the top before he sat on the passenger seat, all the while watching the car with wonder. Once settled, he studied the dashboard and passed his fingers over the steering wheel. “How fast does it go?”
Good question. Given that she used cars solely as a means of transportation, her guess was as good as any. “About two hundred miles per hour, but you’ll have to ask Dad if you want technicalities. I only know how to drive it.”
“Good God, that’s fast indeed.”
“Yeah, though according to the rules we aren’t allowed to drive fast. So mostly it’s just show off.”
He raised an eyebrow at her remark while appreciating the leather interior and the comfortable seats. “Shall we go, Miss Richardson?”
“Buckle up, Lord Burnes, and enjoy the ride.”
He obviously did, his delight sending shivers down her spine. She drove easily along Bridgeway to give him the opportunity to take in all the sights, Sausalito small streets, the Marina, Angel and Alcatraz Islands glittering in the deep blue waters of the bay. Careful to keep her eyes on the road, she pointed.
“Garrett, do you see across the bay over there? That’s Bay Bridge, with Oakland on the other side.”
He was riveted to the scenery. Although he didn’t make any comment, she sensed the extent of his amazement as well as his propensity for discovery and adventure. How could such an open-minded, ready man stand a lifetime defined by restrictions, conventions, strict rules, and duties? Not to mention plain boredom.
Before driving to San Francisco, they needed to run an errand for him. She parked the car at the Village Fair shopping center, the place being pretty quiet for a Saturday morning, and killed the engine.
“Come on, Garrett, let’s go shopping.”
His body language showing his unwillingness to move, he looked at her without a trace of humor. “I believe I can survive without shopping.”
Not here, you can’t. Stifling a grin, she touched the lapel of his three-piece suit, glad he’d left his top hat on the kitchen stool. “I’m sorry to break the news, but you can’t walk around dressed like this. Don’t be a baby, it will only take a few minutes.”
He still didn’t look convinced, making no move to get out of the car. Unfazed, she turned her head to grab her handbag off the back seat. “Listen, I promised to show you a whole new world and you’ll see it. But you have to blend in.”
“Forgive me, Miss Richardson, I leapt to erroneous conclusions.”
With that, he opened the passenger door and got out of the car.
She followed suit but took a second to gaze intensely into his dark eyes. “It’s okay. Just remember, Garrett, today is ours.”
Expecting him to grumble a while longer, his abrupt smile lanced her heart and his heartwarming words burned her soul.
“As you wish, my lady.”
He looked dashi
ng in a formal suit, he was downright provocative in tight blue jeans and a casual shirt. The inside of her thighs heated up when he came out of the fitting room and a pang of desire lashed her.
“Great, now you belong to my twenty-first century.”
She fought off an imperious need to be held in his arms. Out of the blue, she wished she had the right to kiss him, to lean against his chest. Instead, she paid for his clothes while he observed his reflection in a mirror.
“By all means, it’s an uncommon sort of attire. However, I shall accustom myself to it.”
He already seemed at ease as he walked by her side to the parking lot. To make the most of the scenery, she followed the coast down Alexander Avenue, then Highway 101 to the bridge. When he saw the red, symbolic structure splitting the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, he exclaimed his surprise in his very-British seducing manner.
“Good heavens!”
Chapter 3
“That’s the Golden Gate,” Tracy informed him with pride, although her knowledge of historical treasures and constructions dated back to her years at the university. “I think the bridge was built in the thirties. It isn’t the longest in the United States but definitely the most beautiful. Can you imagine that tourists from all over the world come to see this place?”
“They’re right,” he said. “I’ve never seen such a feat of engineering.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
Smiling, he feasted his eyes on the landscape as they left Sausalito behind and crossed over. On the other side of the Golden Gate, she drove along the coast, past the Presidio of San Francisco and the Marina District.
Traffic wasn’t light. She didn’t mind for once, discovering her familiar surroundings in a different light, seeing them through his eyes. They finally reached Fisherman’s Wharf and she parked the car near Pier 39.
Her skin warmed and tingled as Garrett opened wide eyes, surprised by the changes that might occur in a century or in a parallel world. “Fisherman’s Wharf. I never imagined I’d see the day.”
Once out of the car, they walked side by side. She grinned and pointed out places while they strolled around all kinds of restaurants, museums, small shops, and huge stores, street performers and musicians, cable cars, children riding bikes or roller skating, people chatting with animation, tourists taking pictures.
“In this century, Garrett, The Wharf is one of the most popular attractions.”
She took him to Ghirardelli Square for lunch, both of them hungry and inspired by the magnificent waterfront views. As they’d agreed on avoiding sensitive topics, conversation wasn’t easy.
She was dying to know what he’d been up to all these months, yet she was loathe to break the pact. They shared delicious seafood in silence, Garrett observing his surroundings with the careful eye of a scientist.
Soon after the meal was over, she leaned forward. “The afternoon is just beginning. Are you ready for more sightseeing? I have something in mind for you.”
“I would fain do it.”
He answered in such a courteous manner that her heart missed a lot of beats. Did that particular organ have a rhythm when he was around? She’d never been into formal behavior and language before meeting Garrett, but his respectful tone, posh accent, and the way he sometimes bowed his head never failed to touch her.
If Timothy had spoken like that, she’d have called him obsequious, ridiculous, and probably on the verge of being pathetic. When Garrett did it, her stomach churned and her flesh erupted in delicious goose bumps.
Taking a long breath to steady her fluttering heart and too rapid pulse, she winked at him. “Then you got yourself a deal. Come with me, big boy. I’ll show you something you won’t forget.”
“Big boy?”
He sounded surprised, somewhat disgruntled, a crease slashing his brow. As a funny comment came to mind, she pushed it back with force, knowing he might not appreciate it. But she was taken aback when the words kept dropping from her lips without her permission.
“Don’t sweat,” she said. “It’s just a friendly expression and I promise it has nothing to do with the size of your . . .”
Damn it, was it really all she could think about when he was around? Or was she just babbling away because, in spite of her cool composure, she wasn’t yet over the shock of seeing him again after all those months? Whatever the reason, he heard her and his eyes widened.
Cheeks hot, she dipped her head down. First, she looked at invisible patterns on the tablecloth then she gestured toward the exit. “Please, don’t mind me. Come, let’s get out of here.”
Both embarrassed and reluctant to look at each other, they walked back to Fisherman’s Wharf to hop on a double decker bus. Not before the tour started did they let go of the awkward moment, enjoying the sun on their faces, taking pleasure in each other’s company, admiring the highlights of the city.
Garrett listened with attention to the live narrated tour. He remained quiet, clearly amazed to discover the modern streets of San Francisco, the markets, Barbary Coast, the City Hall, Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach, Lombard Street, and its eight sharp switchbacks. They hopped off the bus and headed to the parking lot by Pier 39.
He smiled at her with a twinkle in his eyes. “I’m ever so impressed. Thank you for showing me this beautiful city.”
“Nah, don’t mention it.” She flipped her hand. “I’m glad you enjoyed this tour, especially since it was good fun for me, too.”
He took a good look at the place before getting into the car. On their way back to Sausalito, she took the same road along the coast at his request. Impressed as he had been with the city, he couldn’t tear his eyes off the Bay and the Golden Gate. The magnificent structure glistened in the afternoon sun, long and proud.
She drove across the red bridge without paying too much attention to traffic. She couldn’t help but glance at the handsome man sitting beside her. The man she had loved an era ago, the man who was the best sex she ever had.
Yet she’d told him she wouldn’t talk about the past. She promised him this day would be theirs, no strings attached. Trying to dispel her horny thoughts, she got off Highway 101, intent on reaching her destination. He realized they weren’t heading back to Sausalito when she shifted gear.
“Where are we going?” he asked.
“The day isn’t over yet, Garrett, and I have a surprise for you. Actually it’s one of my favorite spots, and not far from home.”
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area charmed him. He pointed out flora and fauna, speaking in hushed tones as if nature deserved serenity, describing the landscape as if they were in the heart of wildlife corridors and refuges. She listened to his poetic words, enthralled by his romantic use of the English language. Her heart softened, her randy mood soon coming to knock on the door.
When they reached the parking lot, she had to fight the sudden impulse to take hold of his hand, remembering at the last second they weren’t a couple. Yet the need felt so natural, as easy as breathing.
Besides, she loved this place so much that she wished to discover it anew with a boyfriend by her side. But Garrett wasn’t her boyfriend, and never would be. He had made sure of that.
“Where are we?” he asked. He didn’t sound at all concerned, just curious.
With a tilt of her head, she prompted him toward the open beach. “This is Rodeo Beach. You can’t go back home without coming to this place.”
Garrett observed the dark brown sand, the pebbly red and green grains along the beach, the great rocks jutting out of the sea, the vast expanse of water sheltered by dramatic cliffs.
A sigh passed his lips. “Beautiful. I admit I haven’t crossed the bay in my world, however I shall do so when I return.”
Due to very light winds, the surf wasn’t rough that day. People were strolli
ng, reading, or sunbathing, children hunting for large shells and colored pebbles, dogs running around, barking or chasing each other. Not too far from where they stood, a beach volleyball game was on. When Garrett inquired about this strange game he’d vaguely heard about, she began to explain the basic rules.
“Tracy!”
After calling her name and with a huge grin on his face, one of the players dropped the ball. He then came running to hug her tight. “Hey pretty, long time no see.”
“Hi, Josh, sorry but I’ve been busy.”
At once, she sensed displeasure in the way Garrett shifted his body. He hardly moved, yet she perceived his annoyance when her friend greeted her. Was his hug too tight for Garrett’s taste? His smile too happy to see her?
In any case, a pang of joy surprised her, filling her with forbidden pleasure, biting at her rational mind. Could her lost lover be jealous?
She introduced him to her gang as a distant relative from Nebraska. Figuring Josh was about to challenge him, she felt quite certain beach volleyball wasn’t the most popular pastime in Nebraska.
Too late she recalled Garrett’s speech and manners weren’t in strict accordance with her assertion. She could only hope he wouldn’t open his mouth too often.
Then Josh handed the ball to Garrett. “You up for a game, man?”
Garrett took the ball in his hands before assuming a heavy American drawl straight out of a John Wayne movie. “I sure am.”
She burst out with laughter while looking at his stern features, unable to muster the giggles rising from her stomach. All her friends were watching her now, obviously wondering what got into her.