Chapter 2
Author's Note: Hi Everybody! Thanks very much for my lovely beta Rach for doing this chapter sooo fast! Thanks dear! And a usual big hug to everyone who left me a review! I'm really happy about your comments. So I'm sending a hug to negschainshaw, Kristi-Julie, VictoriaGr, zephniey, risingdancer, tabby-fanny, beMMADfabulous, AlternativeRocker, Vluy, bluegirl-783 and to my dear Ursa.
The packing did not take too long and they thoughtfully arranged everything before they started their journey the next day. This time Joseph's car seemed a better choice than the usual limo, after all it was time for a holiday, and that way Clarisse could finally sit on the front, feeling like an equal not just a puppet in the back seat. So the journey was pleasurable, although neither of them spoke too much. Joseph was lost in his own thoughts, smiling about how lucky he was.
He loved his usual holidays, always at the same time of the year, but he also felt a bit uncomfortable at these times, because he had to leave her. Fortunately, now everything was perfect. He was on a holiday… with his Clarisse. It was all he'd ever dreamed of, being with her, just the two of them, completely alone. Maybe they would finally have a little time for each other. He was happy to be with her, doing anything, but finally he… they had a chance to be alone. And it was important. At the palace someone always interrupted them when they were walking peacefully in the garden or shared a moment a bit more intimate than usual. He was not stupid, he well knew that Clarisse realized he loved her, and he also knew her feelings for him. They just needed a little peace and quiet to… to settle things.
And Clarisse? She was utterly happy to finally be able to spend a few days far away from everything with the man she loved. But she was also scared, in a good way of course. Scared of the possibilities of these days ahead, because she well knew that her life might change forever…
"Is everything ok?" asked Joseph with a smile, driving down the highway.
"Of course." she smiled, only to herself but he caught her eyes for a moment. Everything was so cozy, as if it was just an ordinary day in a long and happy marriage.
"A penny for your thoughts?"
"I was just wondering… This holiday, I was so in need of this." Clarisse smiled then. "Oh, sorry Joseph, I ruined your holiday and now it sounds like I'm rubbing your face in it."
"No. Don't worry about that," he protested. "On one hand I love my holidays, that's true, but on the other hand I love nothing more than being with you… wherever you are." He added the last bit softly, while his gaze burned into her.
Her answer was a radiant smile. She wanted to tell him so many things, so many things about how much she loved him, but somehow she never dared to admit it.
"What is your plan for these days?" he asked, waking her up from dreamworld.
"Sorry?"
"Any plans?"
"Oh." She chuckled. "Actually I'm full of plans. Swimming, relaxing, sunbathing… you know whatever we want."
"Whatever we want…" He repeated the last bit teasingly, when she suddenly realized how it sounded.
"I meant, just because I want to swim you do not have to. I know you have to be with me, but we can discuss it. So perhaps we can swim at times and at other times we can go for a walk on the beach if you want."
"I think we won't argue about that." He smiled, getting lost in her eyes for a moment… which was a bit dangerous actually.
"Joseph!" She cried. "THE ROAD!"
"Oh sorry!" he laughed, relieved, as he quickly pulled the car back to the road. "I was just…"
"Oh my God!" She laughed too. "I think I should not capture your attention…"
"During driving, don't do that again, but later..." He chuckled and it seemed better to not look at her for the rest of the journey, what did not last too long, because after twenty-some minutes they had arrived…
"Thank you." She smiled as he helped her out of the car. "This place hasn't changed a bit."
"No it hasn't," he agreed cheerfully. "But maybe a little fresh air would be fine inside, the last time we were here…"
"It was nearly two years ago. Yes, you're right. I will open the windows, especially the French windows in the living room."
"Your favorite place in the house."
"Hey, yours too."
"That's true." He smiled, and it was true indeed. They danced there for hours last time, but unfortunately nothing happened, because they were not alone. Clarisse had just lost her husband and Joseph tried to comfort her. They were dancing on the terrace, first arms length, but soon he drew her to his embrace and she was snuggled up in his arms. That was the most romantic night of his life. She was so close to him, resting in his arms peacefully, swaying to the soft rhythm of the music, while he just inhaled her scent and tried to put her at ease by kissing her hair. "Gosh…" he sighed, flooded by the memories.
"Is something wrong?"
"No. No. Just go inside while I will take the luggage in." He winked and she rushed in happily.
They both knew it would be a holiday they would never forget…
To be continued…
