Chapter 8

Despite her husband's protesting next morning she went to the beach house with a smaller staff, including Joseph of course, who popped out for a little shopping before they started their long journey to the sea side. At the beach house she always felt so relaxed and free, because the whole first floor was hers and only a security man was outside her door.

"Tom, could you help me?" she asked as she opened her suite's door.

"Of course Ma'am. What's the problem?"

"I would like to take a walk outside, so could you send Joseph upstairs?... While I'm away, you can relax a bit and eat something."

"Thank you Ma'am." smiled Tom gratefully and went downstairs for Joseph. The Queen was always caring with the staff, so everybody loved her.

A few minutes later she was walking on the beach with Joseph, just the two of them, but from afar they were watched of course. She wore some comfy clothes this time, an appropriate and unassuming outfit, but she was attractive no matter what she wore. Joseph loved this carefree side of her, feeling on her whole being that she finally could relax a bit and just enjoyed the moment. As they reached the end of the beach, there was a small luxury tent, stuffed with everything they needed for a pleasant day at the beach.

"I've ordered some food and drink, if you would be hungry."

"How thoughtful." smiled Clarisse, as they settled down with some cushions.

"But first, you should check that box in the corner," winked Joseph and he saw her sparkling eyes as she realized it was a present for her.

"That's for me?" She was like a little girl in the candy shop.

"Yes, I popped out for it this morning."

"That's so sweet. Thank you," she smiled and opened it. Inside the box there was a special drawing art set in a beautiful wooden case and a sketchbook. "It's beautiful Joseph... How did you know it? I've wanted one for ages, just didn't have the chance to get it unnoticed."

"So you like it?"

"Love it. Thanks so much," she leant closer and kissed him.

"You are always in your room, so I've thought you could draw outside as well... You know, getting some inspiration."

"I can't wait to try it out," she smiled and put it back to the box, what made him a bit puzzled.

"Then... why don't you try it out now?"

"Because you would be bored... when I'm drawing I cannot concentrate on anything else."

"That's no problem. I would love to watch you... but just if it's okay."

"Of course, it's okay." she smiled. "The process of creation is an intimate thing basically, but I like your effect on me, so you can stay," she remarked playfully.

"I'm glad to hear that," he chuckled and opened the cooler bag, checking what should they drink. "What would you say for a little champagne or... a lemonade?"

"Can you drink champagne?"

"Unfortunately not, until I'm in service."

"Right, then lemonade will be fine."

"Clarisse, drink champagne if you want. Don't bother with me."

"No, lemonade is fine, really." she stroked his cheek with a lovely smile. If he had not been in love with her, he would surely have fallen in love. It was an amazing side of her, no matter how high she was, she always cared for others. "What is it?" she asked, because he had a dreamy smile on his face.

"Nothing, I was just thinking..."

"..."

"That how sweet you are, and you do not even realize it."

"You gotta stop doing that..."

"What?"

"Saying things that make me wanna kiss you."

"I cannot see the problem, sorry." he chuckled as she wanted to slap him playfully, but he grabbed her waist and drew her extremely close, kissing her lovingly.

"... I've always knew that creation is a lonely activity," she smiled as they broke the kiss.

"I'll behave, I promise," he grinned and poured her a lemonade.

"Thank you... and now, silence please," she said with a grin and picked up her pencil.

The next hour passed by as a flash. He just laid there, his head on his elbow as he was admiring her. Admiring her beautiful blonde hair, what seemed lighter in the sun... her long and graceful fingers, with those skilled movements... and that absent minded smile on her face, while she was working. He thought she was concentrating hard, but she just enjoyed his presence so much...

"Well, I think it might be enough of drawing for a day," she glanced at his hand with a mischievous smile and Joseph finally realized that his hand was on her thigh all along, stroking it gently. "You know, I have limits also... so what would you say if we would go back to the house?"

To be continued...