Chapter Five: Lanier Island
Carol had been hesitant to get on the bike with Daryl for the short trip to the island. All because Merle was just being … well, Merle. When he'd found out she was leery of riding, he'd made it a point to bring her to the campus on his own bike, laughing like a madman the entire way. Gotta get used t' it if y' plannin' on stickin' with us Dixons, darlin'! He'd had a grand old time scaring the life out of her, the fiend. She'd called Daryl immediately and made him promise he would bring her from now on if he wouldn't allow her to drive her own car. There was just no way she was getting back on the bike with his brother. Daryl had been livid, but it hadn't phased Merle in the least. Y' know I ain't gonna let nothin' happen t' my brother's girl. Gawd knows it took him long enough t' find y'. Daryl had smacked him upside his head and she'd had to get between them … again.
She was more than a little thankful Daryl didn't ride like Merle. He was careful and didn't take any chances. Carol was able to relax, her body molding against his. That had to be the best part. She actually had a solid reason to touch him. It was so wonderful to be able to hold onto him, to press her face against the warmth of his nape and know he wouldn't take any chances with her safety. It was exhilarating! But halfway through the ride, she stopped focusing so much on the scenery, her mind wandering back to the affection he'd shown her that morning.
Carol had barely slept the night before, guilt causing her chest to hurt. She had been ready to call off the whole thing, not wanting to make Daryl uncomfortable. She didn't give a damn what Ed thought! She couldn't stand the idea of what this might be doing to her friend. He'd suffered so much in the course of his young life, and she didn't want to add to it. Which was why she'd been so stunned when he'd adamantly refused to give up on their plan. He'd completely opened up to her for the first time, making himself vulnerable, sacrificing his own personal comfort to give her what she needed. And at his insistence, she'd taken it all, everything he'd given so willingly.
Her face flamed, but she couldn't ignore the molten heat coursing through her veins at the memory. It was a dream – albeit a naughty one – come true to be in his arms. She'd really thought she'd ruined everything between them last night, but he'd taken it in stride. If she were going to count what had happened that morning, at least. And she was. How could she not? She'd strolled into the kitchen, looking like something the cat had dragged in, and he'd kissed her good morning. That had woken her up! So, he'd wanted a little more practice. She couldn't blame him. Daryl was serious by nature. He didn't know how to fail, and this was no different.
The kiss he laid on her as he'd pulled her from the truck, however … Her toes curled up in her boots at the mere thought. God, that man could kiss! How did he not have women beating down the door to get at him? And he was merely pretending with her! It made her wonder what it would be like if he really wanted a relationship with her, and she was hard pressed not to squeeze her thighs around his hips. She really didn't think she had it in her to hold back her very real feelings for him if he kept this up. What if she lost control and blurted out those three little words which seemed to always be hovering there on her tongue? The only reason she'd kept her silence so long was because she was afraid of losing him, losing their friendship. She groaned. God, she was in so much trouble.
Daryl's fingers lacing with hers over his stomach pulled her from her reverie. "Hey, y' a'right back there? Y' ain't fell asleep?" he chuckled, giving her hand a squeeze before returning his to the handle bars.
"No, I'm good," she yelled over the rushing wind. She took in their surroundings, seeing as they were coming off the bridge onto the island. "Oh, wow! This is incredible."
The bike slowed as the speed limit dropped, the road cutting a winding path through the densely wooded area. It was cooler beneath the trees, and she shivered, wondering what the weekend would bring. As they moved closer to the resort, she gasped, her eyes widening at the landscaping. "Daryl, look at the flowers! Aren't they beautiful?"
Daryl nodded, a small smile toying at his lips at her childlike delight. Cherokee Rose bushes lined the road leading to the resort's main entrance. His girl had been in love with the blooms since he'd taken her hiking last summer and he'd told her the story behind the state's signature flower. Perhaps he could talk with the innkeepers and have them put a bouquet in her room, he thought.
It was easier to talk now at the slower speed. They passed the resort, taking the road further towards the north side of the island near the coastline before he asked, "So, what all are we gonna be doin' this weekend?"
Carol beamed. Without the threat of Ed stalking her – Daryl had already promised to stick close to her side – she was actually looking forward to this retreat. "Michonne will have an itinerary for all the guests upon arrival, but from what she's told me, there's going to be a lot to keep us busy. And don't worry, Daryl; we won't have to spend too much time with the group."
She didn't see his smile as he pulled into the small parking lot to the right of the bed and breakfast. He would suffer through the group activities, but he was really looking forward to having her to himself. He was sure on an island this large, there would be lots to explore.
He removed his helmet and helped her off the bike, a steadying hand on her arm as she wobbled a little from the long ride. He gave in to a stretch and a loud yawn before he unstrapped their bags from the back of the bike. He'd been surprised she could fit a weekend's worth of necessities in a single backpack after seeing how much stuff she'd had laid out on her bed the day before.
Daryl shouldered them both, despite her protests, and followed her inside. The clerk smiled at them from behind the desk. "Good evening. Welcome to Lanier Inn," he greeted. "If you'd like to sign the register, I'll get you checked in."
Carol signed the book. "Our reservation is under Professor Marks' name, I believe."
The clerk checked his computer, his brows drawn. "Yes … um, Miss Mason … here you are. There was a slight problem with your room, but the retreat coordinator … a Miss Michonne Miller, she assured me you would be fine with the new room."
Carol arched a brow. "What was wrong with the original, if I might ask?"
"You were to be sharing with Miss Peters, but she is bringing her sister. So, you were bumped up to one of our suites to accommodate you and your guest."
She hadn't wanted to share with the other girl anyway, she mused. And now that Daryl had decided to come with her, it was only logical to share with him. "That's fine. Thank you."
The nervous little man flickered his gaze over to her companion, taking in the leather and denim and the brooding frown, and swallowed convulsively. "I'll … um … ring for someone to show you to your room. J-Just a moment."
Daryl snorted, trying not to laugh. He was used to his rough appearance unsettling most people. Not that he cared. It was just another way to keep people from getting too close. Carol took the small portfolio from the clerk containing their keys – actual keys instead of those plastic cards she hated – a list of the amenities available, a map of the island, and a copy of their itinerary.
They followed the matronly woman who appeared to show them to their room, leaving her at the door with a polite 'thank you' before Carol let them inside. Her jaw dropped at the sight of the queen-sized bed dominating the small space. Holy shit! "There's got to be a mistake!' she squeaked, her eyes wide as they swung from the bed to Daryl.
He frowned, wondering what was wrong now. This was supposed to be a vacation, and she'd been tense from the moment they'd arrived. "Looks okay t' me," he said, brushing past her to set their bags down on the bed. "Thought it'd be bigger though, since th' man downstairs said it was a suite."
"I think that's because we have our own bathroom and don't have to share with the other guests." Her hands fluttered in agitation before her as she got back to the cause of her upset. "But, Daryl, there's only one bed! There were supposed to be twin beds!"
The ramifications plowed through him like a jackhammer. They'd have to share. He sent up a silent prayer of thanks to whichever deity might be listening. "I promise I don't snore," he snarked, sending an amused smirk her way. His stomach fluttered with a mixture of nerves and desire as he thought of her curled up against him in that big bed.
She gaped at him. "But –"
"It ain't no big thing, Carol Ann," he assured her, plopping down on the edge of the mattress to test its softness. "Y' don't want t' share or somethin'? Ol' Ed would think it mighty strange if we aren't sharin' a room."
"No, that's not …" she sighed, raking a hand through her auburn curls. "I don't mind sleeping with you … er … sharing the bed, I mean. I just don't want you to be uncomfortable. And screw Ed Peletier! He can go jump off the pier … preferably in the shallow end!" she added, her ire rising.
Daryl shook his head, reaching for her hand to pull her down to sit next to him. "Would y' fuckin' relax already? Let's have a look at that itinerary an' see what we got to look forward t'."
Carol's brows knitted in confusion. "You're taking this mighty well."
He flopped back onto the duvet and locked his hands behind his head. "Ain't ever really had a vacation. Kinda want t' enjoy it, y'know? And this is a really nice room, Carol. Beats th' hell out of a tent."
Her teeth nibbled apprehensively at her lower lip as she regarded his relaxed posture. "I want you to enjoy it, too, Daryl. You don't know what it means to have you here with me," she murmured quietly, her features softening.
Daryl smiled tenderly up at her, that rare genuine smile he reserved only for her. "Ain't nowhere I'd rather be."
*.*.*
Daryl was out of breath as he raced back to the room, just in time to hear the shower cut off. Why his girl thought she needed a shower before going down to the lakeshore he wasn't quite sure. He'd run down to arrange a surprise for Carol, and now he had just enough time to change before heading outside. Michonne and Rick had arrived, and she was working hard, hosting a meet and greet in the lobby. He'd beat a hasty retreat back to the room before she'd seen him, thankfully. It made him anxious leaving Carol alone when he knew Ed had a room somewhere in the building … hell, on the same continent.
He rummaged in his bag, shaking his head ruefully as he stared down at the sand-colored swim trunks with a smattering of palm trees Carol had convinced him to purchase when they'd gone shopping. He would've been quite happy with a pair of cut-offs, but he'd wear them if it made her happy. Frankly, he didn't care what he wore as long as his back and chest were covered, out of the view of prying eyes. He pulled on a tank top the same sandy beige as his trunks and sighed. He didn't have anything to be ashamed of. He kept in shape, but that didn't mean he was comfortable with putting his scars on display. He'd show Carol if she wished to see – and that would be an exercise in control on his part – but only her. Even Merle – as close as they were – had never set eyes on his ravaged back. It was enough his brother knew they were there and felt guilty because he hadn't been able to stop their father's abuse.
Daryl had just slipped into a pair of sandals when there was a knock at the door. He cursed, hoping Carol hadn't heard. He was relieved to see the woman who'd shown them to their room earlier with the item he'd requested. He tipped her handsomely and sent her on her way, closing the door behind him in time to hear Carol's query from the bathroom.
"Daryl, who was that at the door?"
"Uh … nobody," he lied. "Just some poor schmuck who cain't remember his room number."
He set the surprise down on the night table on her side of the bed and turned as she finally came out of the bathroom. He ducked his head as her eyes raked him from head to toe, her mouth forming a little 'o' of surprise. "Oh," she breathed, a rosy blush settling in the apples of her cheeks. "Goddamn, I'm going to have to beat the women off with a stick," she groaned lowly, hoping he wouldn't hear. She cleared her throat. "You look great."
Daryl had heard her, a smug smirk forming at the corner of his lips, but he was at a loss as he got an eyeful of his own. The modest bikini she wore hugged her curves as if the garment had been made just for her. The halter top showed off the perfect upper swells of her breasts, and the boy short bottoms actually left something to the imagination. It was the same shade of green as the leaves from the palm trees on his trunks.
"I look stupid, don't I?" she frowned when he didn't say anything.
"Nah … y' look perfect. And for fuck sakes, we match. How th' hell did y' manage that?" he asked curiously.
Her blush deepened, a shy smile forming on her lips. "I've had this for years. I was actually surprised when we found those trunks, and …"
"What?" He was rather enjoying seeing her acting so coy.
"Well … it makes a statement, don't you think? That we're together?"
Oh, yeah, we're together, woman. He pointed at the little vase on the night table to stop himself from reaching for her. "I got y' somethin'. Thought it might brighten up th' room a little, an' I know how much y' love 'em."
Carol moved closer, her lips parted on a silent gasp. There were two Cherokee Roses surrounded by sprigs of baby's breath in the little vase, their stems held together by a sparkly gold ribbon. It was subtle, just enough, perfect … just like Daryl. "They're so beautiful," she breathed, feeling the tears burn behind her lids. "Thank you." He smiled shyly down at her and shrugged, and she couldn't resist threading her arms around his waist to hug him warmly. Who knew her wily friend could be so romantic?
"Y' ready?" he asked softly, having to clear his voice more than once. Is it gettin' hot in here?
"Yeah, I just need to get …" she moved to the end of the bed and wrapped a beige shawl around her waist sarong-style. "Now I am."
Daryl locked the door behind them and pocketed the key, clasping her hand in his, twining their fingers as they set off towards the stairs which would bring them two floors down to where everyone was still gathering before going to their rooms or out on the grounds. He was hoping they could avoid it. He didn't like crowds, and though their numbers were small, they were still strangers to him. They still had time for a bit of exploring before the bonfire and barbeque on the lakeshore that evening, and he wanted to spend time with Carol, not a bunch of co-eds he didn't know.
They'd nearly made it to the rear patio doors when they were caught red-handed. "And just where do you think you're sneaking off to, Carol Ann?" Michonne asked, having spotted her friend through the crowd which had moved from the lobby to the lounge.
"Um … out? We were just going to take a walk and see a bit of the beach before the party," she grinned mischievously at her former roommate.
"Seriously? You're going to leave me with this bunch … all by myself?" Michonne asked, her lips a moue of petulance.
Carol snorted. "Don't give me that! I know Rick is here with you."
Michonne rolled her eyes. "Marks forgot to bring the cooler with all the barbeque fixings, so Rick and Shane went back to town with a list and our professor's credit card. They should be back soon so we can get started." She cut her eyes towards the quiet man standing beside her friend. "Hello, Daryl."
"'Chonne," he nodded.
A grin curled smugly on her lips as she took in their matching attire. "Oh, this should prove to be interesting."
Carol sighed, seeing no escape for them any time in the near future. Daryl hadn't let go of her hand, so it was an easy thing to tug him in the direction of the lounge. "Might as well get this over with."
They were greeted warmly by the others, and Carol made sure to introduce her 'boyfriend' to them all. Jennifer Peters was there with her twin sister, Jessie, and she didn't like the avaricious gleam in either of their eyes as they got a good look at Daryl. Yep, a BIG stick. She could already feel the anxiety radiating off him in waves. She dropped his hand and wrapped her arm around his waist as she quickly steered him away from the girls. Carol had to let go of him, however, when Sasha greeted her with a hug. The girl immediately flopped back onto Bob's lap as she too was trying to familiarize her boyfriend with those in attendance.
Several students stood around the bar, chatting and mingling, Lori and Jacqui included, but they weren't the source of Carol's disquiet. She could feel eyes on her, and she knew it didn't bode well for her. Daryl stiffened at her side, the arm around her waist fraught with tension, a second before she glanced across the room to find Ed's malevolent gaze upon her.
She looked up at Daryl to see his gaze narrowed on the man. "Hey, it's ok as long as he keeps his distance, right?"
He growled, pulling her closer. "I'm thinkin' if I black both his damn eyes, he won't be starin' at y' all damn night."
*.*.*
Michonne herded them all outside as Rick and Shane returned with everything they'd need for a proper southern barbeque. There was a huge multi-leveled patio deck which held an outdoor kitchen, and Carol's eyes lit up, eager to help prepare the sides. She was glad they wouldn't have to go back inside to use the inn's kitchen. Daryl would have insisted she remain with him, and she really wanted to help. She couldn't see him being cooped up in the indoor kitchen when he'd much rather be outside. This way, they could both be happy … if not completely relaxed.
Before they'd come out, she'd talked him into having a drink at the bar, hoping a beer would help ease some of the tension she could see in his shoulders. This weekend was going to be difficult for both of them with Ed's unwelcome presence a looming storm cloud hovering over their heads. As she sat down at one of the tables, pulling a bag of red potatoes towards her to begin peeling, she could still feel his malevolent gaze upon her. She ignored it, determined not to allow him to ruin this for her … or Daryl.
A/n: And so it begins … the retreat, I mean. Ed's such a creeper – UGH! But he's necessary to the storyline. I promise not to torture y'all much longer. Next chapter the truth comes out *bring tissues*. I think it's wonderful and lovely, and I hope y'all think so as well. Huge thank you to my betas, BettyBubble and Geektaire. These ladies are so amazing. Really, if you haven't checked out their work, I highly recommend you do. Thanks to everyone who has left such lovely reviews! You don't realize how much they motivate me to keep writing. *hugs and love, dear readers*