Chapter Seventeen
Bittersweet
The tree house was quiet. The Malones and Challenger had gone for a weekend visit at the Zangas', giving the Roxtons some personal space. As the sun seeped over the horizon, Roxton and Marguerite were lounging on the deck's cushioned bench picking at a tray of fruit nestled between them. Marguerite stretched her feet out, her toes grazing his thighs. "It's beautiful here," she mused. "I know when I first woke up I complained about this place, but…it grows on you rather quickly."
Roxton chuckled; squirming until his legs were sprawled straight across, pressed between her side and the back of the bench. "If only you remembered how much you hated this place." He grasped one of her feet, dragging it closer and resting it on his chest. "You were a constant complainer, my darling." He massaged the tip of her toes, working his way down to her ankle. "And obsessed with diamonds."
"Diamonds," her eyes lit up. "Who can blame a girl for loving diamonds?" His fingers gently dug into the soft flesh of her foot and she giggled, twisting her foot away from him and in the process knocking the tray of fruit off. "That tickles, John."
He froze, his eyes burning into hers with a merging of a thousand emotions. Tears prickled at the corner of his eyes, but his expression was more delightfully shocked than sad. "My God," he whispered, stunned. "I've almost forgotten how beautiful that sound is."
"What sound?"
"Your laugh. I haven't heard you laugh in so long." He got onto his knees, straddling her calves, and leaned forward, cupping her cheek. "I've missed that sound, Marguerite. I've missed it more than I realized until now. Please forgive me. Forgive me for not making you laugh sooner."
She ducked her head, swallowing the lump in her throat. "John…I…I want to forgive you, but will it mean anything? I don't even remember you."
He gingerly lifted her face towards him. "It will mean everything to me, Marguerite."
"Then I forgive you."
Their eyes melted into each other's and they both caught their breaths; staring at one another and feeling the tension sweep in. An invisible tug wound itself around them and Roxton leaned in slightly, bending his head by a hair's breadth, never breaking eye contact with the woman who watched him with exposed emotions of fear and yearning.
She tilted her head slightly – unconsciously. She leaned forward gradually, his lips beckoning her. Her mouth cracked open, a sigh escaping as he leaned closer and his warm breath caressed her lips. All thought vanished as the last centimeters between them disappeared and his lips cascaded over hers, starting tenderly and burning her inside. She wrapped her arms around him, tangling her hands into his hair and pressing him closer.
He groaned, embracing her and clutched her body to him, pulling her down on top of him. His mouth devoured hers and he licked his tongue over her lips, begging for her to open her mouth. Her slender hands tore his dress shirt from his trousers and then slipped her hands underneath, caressing his chest. His eyes flew open and he gasped, struggling to breathe.
Marguerite jolted from his sudden breathing attack, yanking her self away from him. "Are you alright?"
"Yes," he gulped. "I just…you just…we haven't…it's been a long time, Marguerite."
"Wha-oh," she glanced away embarrassed. "I see." She fidgeted in her seat before finally leaping up and bending down to retrieve the scattered fruit. "Challenger showed me a few of his inventions today."
Roxton shook his head, still reeling from the kiss. "What? Marguerite," he grasped her wrist, stilling her. He didn't have to say more. He saw the answer engraved in her eyes. She didn't want him. He slowly released his hold, looking away. "Must've been interesting," he forced as causally as possible.
She nodded, heading for the kitchen with the tray of fruit. "It was…sort of. Most of it went right over my head."
"Yeah. Well," Roxton scrambled to his feet. "I'm going to bed. Sweet dreams, darling. See you in the morning." He quickly vanished into his room.
Marguerite watched him disappear, her eyes brimming with tears.
End Chapter Seventeen
Velma-K-O: I briefed your name: hope you don't mind. Anyway, thank you a million for your sweet review. You truly are too kind. And some day I may take you up on that offer. Say, when are you going to update Love Hurts? LoveMR: Thank you so much. And, yeah, amnesia or no amnesia I think she would still be "sunny". smiles Zeusfluff: Aw, that is so sweet. But I'm afraid that my medical conditions are much more serious than the flu. Yet, I'm glad you are supportive. TheChosenOne3: On the day I received your review I was feeling blue, but you lifted my mood. Thank you so much. Fab: Thank you for your email. It was sweet of you.
DEAR READERS,
I can't tell you how much your reviews and support have meant to me. I truly am sorry I'm not as fast posting chapters as I used to be. I know it annoys me when people take a long time so it's hypocritical for me to do it. Yet, I want you all to know that it isn't on purpose. I love writing. I wish I could do it always. But circumstances out of my control have arisen and chapters will be sporadic. Sorry.
Angel LeeAnn