Chapter 4
The drive down the Pacific Coast Highway was mesmerizing to a woman who had lived most of her life on the other side of the country, even if she had travelled all over the world.
"Jennifer?"
"Hmm?" she replied absently.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, it's just so beautiful. If I lived in California, I'd have a house that looked out over the ocean and just sit and stare at the water. There's nothing more relaxing."
"I'm glad to hear you feel that way."
"Oh? Why is that?"
The car turned into a short driveway that was lined with wood fencing and large shade trees, which served to completely conceal the entrance. "Because we're at just such a house."
"This is yours?"
"I've owned it for a few years, but just finished renovations on it last month. Would you like to see inside?"
She followed him to the section of fence that was actually a gate, and then into a small courtyard.
He opened the door and stepped to the side to let her enter. "Jonathan, this is gorgeous!"
Jennifer walked to the wall of glass at the back of the house, and stood mesmerized by the water and waves that spanned the horizon. Jonathan came to stand behind her, "There's an even better view on the upper deck, want to see?"
"Actually, would you mind if I borrowed your shower? I'm feeling a little grimy from the gardening earlier. I won't be but a minute."
"Of course, and no hurry. While you clean up, I'll get everything ready so we can eat." He ushered her up the stairs and showed her the large master bath. "Make yourself at home. Do you need a t-shirt or anything?"
"Sure, if you don't mind."
"I'll leave some options here on the bed for you, just come out when you're ready."
"Thanks Jonathan, I won't be long."
After he had set out a few shirt and short options, Jonathan headed down to the kitchen to set up their special evening. He'd decided the upper deck was the best setting, and to be honest, was his favorite spot in the house. He loved that the cottage looked nondescript from the road, but inside it was all about the view of the ocean. After a rough day at the office, he would often come out here, usually grabbing a bite to bring with him, and sit out on the upper deck and watch the sunset. The lower deck was for people watching, and being seen. But the upper deck, with long horizontal planks of wood at either side, provided complete privacy, and an amazing ocean view.
Jonathan finished setting out the vase of flowers in the middle of the table when he heard the door from the master bedroom open and then close.
"You look much more comfortable; do you feel better?"
"Yes, I hope I'm not too casual," she smiled as she looked down at the oversized t-shirt and cotton shorts.
"Not at all, you look ready for a relaxing evening, which is just what I intend to provide. Now, I have one more more trip downstairs, for the wine, so enjoy the view, and I'll be right back."
"Can I help?"
"I've got it, just relax. I won't be but a minute."
Left to her own devices, Jennifer was drawn to the low glass wall with thin railing that lined the entire upper deck. She coached herself to relax and enjoy the moment, but instead her mind raced over the last several days. Jonathan Hart was everything she wanted in a man, and she was wildly attracted to him. There, now that wasn't so hard to admit. The question was what did she want to happen next? Could she just relax and enjoy whatever the evening would bring?
"You hungry?" a soft voice whispered behind her, interrupting her thoughts.
She turned and found a glass of red wine at the end of an outstretched arm.
"Thanks," she took a sip and followed him toward the prepared table. "This looks amazing!"
"It's good Italian food from a local favorite. I hope you like garlic."
"I love it, do you?" she flirted.
His head popped up in surprise as his gaze met hers. His eyes crinkled as he smiled, "It's one of my favorites."
From that point on the conversation flowed freely, with frequent laughter and comfortable lulls. At one point Jonathan mentioned, "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Max let me know that the hotel called earlier and said they didn't have a room for you this evening."
Jennifer leaned back in her chair, "You know I don't believe you, right?"
"Scout's honor, I swear!" he said laughing, "though if I was you, I'm not sure I'd believe me either."
"So I guess it's another night at the Hart compound?"
"Compound?! That makes it sound like a prison. It wasn't that bad, was it?"
"No, of course not. By the time we get back to town, it will be late anyway, so if you don't mind if I stay another night, I'd greatly appreciate it. Again."
"Not at all, but I'm glad to hear you say that, because we have something on the agenda to do out here before we can head back."
"Oh?"
"Grab your glass and I'll grab the bottle." He nodded to the lounge area, "Go sit over on the sectional, make sure you have a good seat that faces the water."
Jennifer did as instructed, though she gave Jonathan a few questioning looks while he grabbed some things.
"I promise you'll love this, it's why I fell in love with this house."
As he walked over to the same spot she was sitting, she watched him unload his supplies. First, of course, was the bottle of wine that they'd started during dinner, which he set down on the coffee table, and then he had a large blanket which he tossed next to where she was seated.
"I think the best way to do this is to let me sit in the corner, and then you sit in front of me, but stay facing the water."
She moved over so he could sit in the corner of the sectional, but had no idea where he wanted her to sit. Until he got settled, when it became plainly obvious.
"So we're going to cuddle on the sofa while we watch the waves roll in? You know this is the rich man's version of running out of gas on a country road, right?"
Jonathan laughed, "Has anyone ever told you that you are a very suspicious woman?"
"Am I wrong?"
"Yes, on both counts. We're going to both face the ocean, which means you lean back on me so we can both see. But, if I'm so irresistible that you can't help but cuddle, that's not a problem for me. And, we're not going to watch the waves, we're going to watch the sunset, all the way down as it slips past the horizon. Have you ever done that? It's an amazing sight to see."
Jennifer rolled her eyes, but sat down where he said, and leaned back against his very warm, very solid chest. Once her feet were perched on the cushions, he pulled the blanket over her legs and then a little higher over his own legs which were settled on either side of hers.
"I hope this doesn't start a very bad habit, but I'm going to have to admit that I shouldn't have teased you, this is a particularly comfortable position to be in."
"Say it like this, 'I was wrong Jonathan, and you were right'."
"Don't hold your breath, mister."
They both kept quiet for a while, content to watch the water and listen to the birds call. Once the sun touched the top of the water, Jennifer settled back and relaxed fully against Jonathan, letting her head fall to one side as she became more and more comfortable.
"Hey, you still with me?"
"Mmmm, yes, just very, very relaxed."
She felt him adjust the blanket and pull it up over her arms. This man was a confusing mix of contradictions. She'd learned earlier this evening that his childhood had been challenging, with most of his youth spent at an orphanage, but without a doubt he was a man with a caring and confident nature. He was quiet at times, but seemed comfortable in every situation she'd seen him in. As the sun gently slid into the water, she tried to let go of the introspection and enjoy the moment as he'd suggested.
"It's like a goodnight kiss from Mother Nature."
Jennifer laughed, "That's a very romantic way to think about it." She turned and let her outer leg drape over his, to which he responded by pulling her up and on to his lap.
"Hey, I'm a romantic guy."
"Yes, you are, and you deserve your very own good night kiss." Her words surprised him, she could tell, which only served to give her the confidence to lean forward for their first kiss. Feather soft lips brushed mildly surprised masculine ones, though he quickly returned the embrace. Her sigh coincided with his deepening of the kiss, and for several moments they were lost in each other.
She pulled back slowly, but their eyes connected and held. He couldn't help look down at her lips and she smiled in response.
"Jennifer Edwards, I have some very bad news for you."
Already used to his flirtatious tone, she replied with a smirk, "What's that?"
"It is highly likely that you've just experienced your very last first kiss."
"Really? You're that confident?"
His tone grew serious. "I know it's scary, but yes, I really think you are the woman I've been looking for all of my life. You're beautiful, and smart, and kind, and very, very sexy."
"Hmmm, I think you're a little biased, but who am I to disagree with a man who is gorgeous, and caring, and intelligent, and very, very, very sexy?"
He leaned in again for another kiss, and once again long moments passed before they came up for air.
"We need to head back soon, but I'd love it if you would come back here with me sometime."
"I'd love to, it's a very special place," then she slid off his lap, standing to go gather her things for the trip back to the city.
H2H2H2H2H2H
"Mr. H! I was starting to get worried."
"No need Max, we had a very nice evening." Jonathan's eyes watched Jennifer climb the stairs. Their drive back to Willow Pond Road had been lighthearted, without any mention of the intimacies they had shared at the beach. He knew she was tired, but he desperately wanted to follow her to at least say goodnight. And maybe kiss her one more time.
"I knew you would, she's good people, I can tell."
"Yes, she is, Max." He heard her bedroom door close near the top of the stairs, and headed toward the bar to make a drink.
"Where'd you go, boss, did she like it?"
Before Jonathan could respond, he was distracted by Jennifer calling his name from the top of the stairs. "Jonathan, could I see you for a moment, please?"
When he reached the top of the stairs, she was there with her arms crossed and led him into the guest room.
"Would you care to explain how the guest room closet magically became filled with an entire wardrobe in my size?"
"I have no idea!"
"Really? Because this sounds exactly like something you would do."
"Well, you do need the clothes."
"That's not the point and you know it."
"Jennifer, has anyone ever told you that you're adorable when you're angry."
"Don't try to charm me, Jonathan Hart! Are you going to admit to trying to control my life once again?"
"No, I'm going to take advantage of the fact that we're alone, and kiss you again."
"Jonathan—"
His kiss interrupted her exasperation, and within seconds she was equally focused on the brush of his soft lips and where his strong hands were wandering.
Two quick knocks interrupted them, quickly followed by Max joining them at the closet. "How'd you like your surprise, Ms. Edwards?"
"Max, you did this?" she asked, doubtful that Max wasn't covering for his boss.
"Sure! You hardly brought anything with you and Mr. H mentioned you were meeting with Mel again tomorrow!"
"You didn't need to do that, Max."
"I know, but that's what I do, take care of things around here."
"And you do a great job, Max. Now, Jennifer, I believe you have something to tell me?" Jonathan's smile covered his face and his eyes twinkled with expectation.
Jennifer completely disregarded Jonathan's question and turned to Max. "Thank you, Max. That was very sweet of you and I really appreciate it." She kissed him on the cheek and then headed back out into the hall.
"Wait a minute," Jonathan called. "Why is it 'thank you' for Max, but you look like you wanted to murder me?" He followed her down the stairs and into the kitchen.
"Because Max doesn't have ulterior motives."
"And you think I do?"
"We both know you do!"
"You're right, I do." He leaned against the island while she opened the refrigerator door. "I was thinking you were starting to like the idea of my ulterior motives?"
She closed the refrigerator door, and then moved on to the freezer door and started looking around.
"What are you looking for?"
"I wanted something sweet before I headed to bed."
"If you'll answer my question, I'll share my secret stash with you."
Jennifer stood in front of him, and studied his face. "Deal."
He grabbed a small plate out of the cabinet near the sink, and grabbed two large cookies from the cookie jar in the corner of the counter. He watched her smile at the offering, but he pulled back before he reached her. "Answer first, please."
"You scare me, Jonathan. You're like no other man I've ever met, and for the first time in my life, I realize something really big is happening to me that I have very little control over."
"Dealing with me acting like a bull in a china shop is probably not helping." He set the plate of cookies down and leaned back against the counter, pulling her toward him. "I don't want to say I'm sorry, because I wouldn't give back any of the time I've spent with you, but I didn't intend to make you feel uncomfortable."
"I know that, I do." She placed her hands around his neck, "I'm glad we've met and that we're getting to know each other, but I think in some ways, we have to meet in the middle. You're an executive in a large corporation, obviously successful, so making things happen comes very natural to you. But from an early age, I've had to set my own path, with some guidance from my father of course, but I've had to become comfortable with my own independence."
"I get that, but what are you trying to tell me?"
"Stop trying to impress me, I'm already impressed, okay?"
His smile widened, "Okay."
"Thank you for sharing your cookies."
"You are very welcome. Thank you for coming with me tonight out to the beach, it was very special to have you there."
She leaned forward and met him halfway for another kiss and felt him tighten his arms around her waist, pulling her even closer. They were both so absorbed in each other, neither heard the swing of the kitchen door.
In classic Max fashion, Jonathan and Jennifer pulled apart with the words, "Well that's one way to cook in the kitchen!"
To be continued…
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