| The Courtyard Chapter 4 |
| Hanna turned her car up the long drive as she nervously drummed her fingers against the steering wheel. She was looking forward to seeing the old Spanish villa that she had been hearing so much about, but that didn’t even compare to her excitement at spending the afternoon with Lance. The day before had seemed interminable when they were unable to find time to be together, but it helped to make the trip to the villa that much sweeter. In her case, absence definitely made her heart grow fonder and, when he had called to ask if she could drive out to his house to meet him, she had agreed without hesitation. It wasn’t until later that she realized that she would more than likely be meeting his children and apprehension set in. She had never been around children before and she wasn’t quite sure how she was suppose to act. In a moment of desperation, she called Toni who has a plethora of nieces and nephews. Toni was her saving grace. She calmed her down, then advised her to simply be herself. “That’s easier said than done,” Hanna whispered to herself when the house came into view. As she neared, she could see someone out under the verandah at the side of the house and her heart leapt. Lance was kneeling down in front of the swing housed there and she maneuvered her car to park a few yards away from him. Her heart flipped over again when he turned to toss her a wave, but it wasn’t from his notice. The sight of his youngest daughter sitting on the swing getting her shoes tied released the butterflies in her stomach. “I’m not ready for this,” she whispered as she shut down the engine, then, drawing a deep breath, she stepped out of the car and slowly crossed over to them. “Now you know to stay away from the pond, right?” Lance asked his little girl and she rolled her eyes at him. “Yes Daddy. I know,” Carol returned as she looked up at Hanna curiously. “And don’t bug Sarah. She’s not feeling well and needs to get some sleep.” “Is it okay if I pick her some flowers?” she asked a little shyly, darting a glance at the woman standing behind her father. “I think she’d like that. Just give them to Gertie and she’ll put them in water for you.” With that said, Lance stood and turned to give Hanna his attention. “Hi,” he said softly. “I see that you found the house without any problems.” “Actually, I missed the turn and had to double back, but I didn’t drive too far before I realized that I had passed it,” she returned honestly as she looked down at the little girl now attached to her father’s leg. Lance looked down at Carol who had her arm wrapped around his thigh and her eyes were fixed on Hanna. “Carol, hun, this is Hanna,” he introduced his daughter and she gave a tiny wave with her fingers. “Hello Carol,” Hanna said softly as she bent down to speak with her. “I think it’s really nice of you to pick flowers for your sister.” Carol smiled broadly, then turned her face into her father’s body. Lance reached down to pick her up and she automatically wrapped her thin legs around his waist. “Why don’t you go inside and tell Gertie that I’m leaving.” He smiled at her when she glanced over at Hanna again after giving him a nod. “Give me a kiss,” he said and received a darting blow to his nose as his daughter crashed her lips into his, then slid down the length of his body on her way to fulfill his orders. Carol only took a few steps, then she stopped to look up at Hanna again. “You’re pretty,” she said, then turned and ran to the house. Hanna chuckled softly as she watched the little girl bolt through the door screaming Gertie’s name at the top of her lungs. “She’s adorable,” she said. “She has good taste too,” he replied as he wrapped his arms around her waist, then gave her a more intimate kiss. He licked his lips curiously as he looked back at her. “You taste like blueberries.” She smiled awkwardly. “You know, you have a way of picking up on the little details that I’d rather you didn’t notice at all,” she said in gentle reprimand. “I was running late this morning and grabbed a pop tart as I was headed out the door.” “Anxious to see me, were you?” he asked hopefully. “You already know far too much about me already and a woman has to have some secrets,” she said evasively and gave him a brief hug. “Ah, a woman of mystery,” he teased lightly. They kept one arm around each other as they walked toward his car parked on the other side of hers. “I love the flowers, by the way,” she said with a smile as she gazed up at him. “I’ve never gotten white roses before.” “I didn’t want to take a chance on you forgetting me when I couldn’t see you yesterday.” “I don’t think that you have to worry about that,” she returned. “No matter what I do, I just can’t seem to get you off of my mind.” “I like the sound of that,” he said with a gleam was he opened the car door for her. After she was safely inside, he walked around to the driver’s side and they were on their way. “Is Sarah all right?” she asked politely. “I heard you say that she wasn’t feeling well.” “Yeah, she’s okay. She just has a touch of the flu.” “Do you want to postpone this trip to a later date? I’d hate to think that I took you away from one of your kids when they weren’t feeling well.” “Don’t worry about it. Sarah doesn’t like to have anyone around her when she sick. Besides, Gertie just gave her some medicine so she’ll be out for awhile. She probably won’t even know that I’m gone.” “Where’s Willie at today?” she asked, continuing on the topic of his children. “He went to a ball game with a friend,” he answered succinctly, then glanced over at her. “You weren’t expecting to see them today, were you?” he asked a little hesitantly. “Actually, I was terrified at the thought,” she returned honestly and released a soft laugh. “I’ve never really been around kids before,” she confessed. “You don’t have anything to be nervous about,” he assured her as he reached out to take her hand. “My kids will love you. Just don’t pay any attention when Sarah’s head starts spinning around.” “Oh now that made me feel better!” she returned sarcastically and smiled as he gave her hand a squeeze. “I’ll tell you what. Why don’t I give Gertie a call on my cell phone and we can have a barbecue when we get back. That way you will have protection when you have to face my kids for the first time.” “Protection?” she asked with a lift of her brow. He chuckled softly at her apprehension. “Relax!” he ordered. “I was just joking. This isn’t a test, Hanna. Kids like to be treated like adults. You just can’t use big words.” “So a college education isn’t a plus in this situation,” she assumed and he laughed once more. “You really are nervous, aren’t you?” “Terrified,” she corrected, then laughed with him. “How can kids be more intimidating than adults?” He brought her hand up to his lips and gave it a sound kiss. “I think it’s great that you’re so concerned about making a good impression with them. But you don’t have anything to worry about. You’ll do fine.” The drive to the villa was a short one and Hanna was in awe from the moment that it came into view. A number of trees dotted the grounds with wild flowers swaying gently in the breeze, but the house itself was what captured and held her attention. The size alone was enough to take her breath away. At the crest of a hill, she was able to see that the house was square with a large dome at the center and a glint of color caught her eye. “Is that stained glass in the dome?” she asked incredulously. He gave her a smile. “No comment,” he returned mysteriously. “I’m not going to ruin it for you by telling you anything. I want you to see the house for yourself.” The three story house was made of stucco and stone, the former of the two in sad disrepair. Large chunks had fallen away from the sides into the bushes below, but it still couldn’t take away from the beauty of the home. As Hanna stepped out of the car, her eyes fell upon the windows lining the front. They were six feet in height and half as much in width with an intricate diamond design of glass in green and beige framing each. Then her eyes fell on the main entrance as they approached. The double doors were arched at the middle with iron studs creating a similar diamond pattern in the wood. The same green and beige design decorated the thin windows at either side. “I can’t believe the detail,” she whispered as she brushed her hand against the smooth wood while walking into the huge foyer. Her eyes shot up the two stories of space, then down to the ornate tiles on the floor. The furniture and paintings hanging on the walls were covered in dust cloths so she wasn’t able to view them, but that only helped to accentuate the magnificence of the anteroom. Attention was paid excessively to every detail. Huge brass candelabras were fastened to the walls in strategic spots to alight the hall in the days of old and wood paneling was used sparingly so as not to detract from the intricate pattern of the floor. Lance watched her face as he took her from one room to the next. The library had elicited a breathy sigh, the sitting room and appreciative smile, then the dining room had her peeking under dust cloths. Every room received her special attention and he was seeing the villa as if for the first time through her eyes. “This is all so incredible,” she said with a shake of her head as they entered one of many bedrooms. “All of the rooms are huge. Even the servant quarters are like suites at the Hilton. Just look at this place,” she said, spreading her arms wide as she walked further into the room. “A king size bed, a fireplace, a vanity, even a sitting area and there’s still so much room in here that it could be a dance hall. Everything in my apartment could fit in this one room!” He laughed as she spun around in demonstration, then he pulled the dust cloth from the vanity so that she could run her hands over the design etched into the cherry wood. Her eyes marveled at the antique beauty. “Whatever you paid for this place, you certainly got your moneys worth.” “Five hundred,” he supplied. “Five hundred thousand?” she asked in shock, then he gave her a nod. “I’m surprised that someone didn’t steal it out from under you at that price especially considering the cost of real-estate around here.” “I got lucky. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. The guy was in a hurry to unload it and I couldn’t pass it up. I felt like I was robbing him in broad daylight when his solicitor told me the ridiculously low price.” “I really hate to say this, but Nicki was right. This would be an excellent place to have parties.” “Spoken like a true San Franciscan,” he returned. Hanna looked toward the window, a glint of color from outside catching her eye. “Wait a minute.” She paused as her brow furrowed. She looked back at Lance as she pointed to the window. “Isn’t this room on the inside of the house? How can there be windows on the inside?” When she started over to see where the colored light was coming from, Lance quickly stopped her by grabbing her arm. “Oh no you don’t. You’re not going to spoil the best part of this house by sneaking a peek,” he said as he wrapped her up in his arms. “More surprises?” she asked as she rubbed her hands over the solid ripple of his shoulders and biceps. She loved the feel of his body under her touch. “You had better be careful, Mister Kline. I may just become use to being spoiled.” “And would that be so bad?” he asked in return. “I can think of a hundred different ways to spoil you and I plan on using every single one.” “Promises, promises,” she joked lightly, then reached up to brush away a smudge of dust that had found its way to his cheek. Her thoughts were instantly captured by the smooth, yet rough surface of his skin, then her fingers trailed over to his lips in exploration. When she became conscious of what she was doing, she looked up into his eyes and her breath caught in her throat from the fire that she could see burning there. Her fingers slipped back to the curls of hair at the nape of his neck as her gazed dropped to his lips. She had been almost afraid to touch him before, but she couldn’t explain why until that moment. Her fingers ached to discover every texture of his skin and hair, her entire body reacting in kind. She had never been more aware of the fact that she was a woman. When his mouth descended to hers, his lips slowly drained her of her very soul as touch combined with taste to rob her of every thought except for the man in her arms. His hands pressed into her back to bring her closer and she felt a familiar ache deep inside. Every muscle strained to become a part of him, her heart racing, setting the pace throughout her complete being. As Lance ended the kiss, his breathing was a ragged as hers and he brushed his lips across her cheek. “At this point, I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to be standing in a bedroom,” he whispered suggestively against her ear. “I know,” she returned breathlessly, but couldn’t resist tasting the edge of his jaw, her fingers tightening in his hair. She could feel every ripple of his muscles beneath his shirt and it was sweet torment to run her hands over his shoulders once more. “We’re not ready for this yet.” He nodded in agreement, but his arms tightened around her in protest. He wanted her as badly as she wanted him, but she was right, it was too soon for them. He had known from the moment that he met her she would be someone special in his life and he wanted to experience each precious moment with her. He leaned back slightly so that he could see the wide range of emotions flitting across her features. As he caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers, she leaned into his touch and he nearly lost his resolve. “You are so dazzling that I just can’t keep from touching you.” She nodded in return as she fought to regain her composure. “But we’re doing the right thing,” she said weakly, hoping that his will was stronger than hers was proving to be. “Neither one of us can afford to be rushing into anything.” “Right,” he said with more confidence as the space between them expanded only fractionally. Both were reluctant to end their embrace, but then he remembered what had prompted the close encounter. “Come on. I have one more thing to show you,” he said, not quite allowing their embrace to end as he kept one arm around her shoulders. When they arrived at a set of double doors on the main floor, Lance turned to her once more and took her hands into his. “Close your eyes,” he ordered. Hanna laughed in return. “You’re kidding, right?” “No, I’m serious,” he said, but his smile wasn’t helping to be convincing. “Trust me, Hanna.” She sighed as she gave him a sideways look, then obediently closed her eyes. Her hands were freed for only a second and she heard the doors opening. She was so tempted to peek, but she just couldn’t bring herself to spoil his surprise. The temptation grew when she heard a soft crunch under foot. “Don’t look,” he said quickly when her head dropped in curiosity. “It’s just a little bit further.” She took several more tentative steps, then found herself abandoned when he released her hands. “Don’t leave me,” she begged with a smile as she blindly reached out for him. “Open your eyes,” he said softly. The first thing that she saw was him standing a few feet in front of her, then her eyes immediately turned to the tiled courtyard. Brilliant blues, emerald greens, striking white and various other colors formed steps and landings. Plants grew in profusion from their confined spaces and a majestic fountain stood as the center display. She was just about to utter her first words when the silent drifting of pale red petals caught her eye and her gaze wandered up the walls which were completely covered in bougainvillea from the courtyard to the stained glass dome at the top. Even the small balconies overlooking the yard below were lined in the delicate flower. Her hand moved up to her lips as she slowly turned, taking in every stunning inch in sweeping wonder. “Promise me that you won’t change a thing in here,” she said, her voice almost reverent in awe, her eyes misting over as she looked back at him. “You can do whatever you want to the rest of the house, but please don’t change the courtyard,” she begged as she stepped up to him to move her hand from her heart to his. “I won’t,” he whispered, his words catching in his throat. He hadn’t expected to be so overwhelmed with emotions from her reaction to the courtyard. But he knew that she would fall in love with it just as he had the first time he saw it. She turned quickly when the first tears threatened to fall, but she didn’t escape his embrace from behind. She folded her arms over his at her waist as she leaned her head back against his shoulder. “I can’t think of a thing to say,” she admitted as she took in the view once more. “Words are useless to describe this place. It’s like something out of a fairy tale. It’s almost...magical.” He pressed his cheek against hers as he breathed in the sweet air. “I’d say that describes it pretty well. Hanna looked more closely at the petal covered floor and at how the plants overran the man made shelves, then turned quickly in Lance’s arms, a fresh spark in her eyes. “Let’s clean it up,” she suggested eagerly. “We can sweep the petals up and trim back the plants and give the tile a good polishing. “Right now?” he asked in amazement. “Right now,” she repeated with determination. “I’m sure that we can find some brooms around here somewhere. Maybe we can even find some gardening equipment.” “I didn’t bring you up here to work,” he began to argue with a shake of his head. “I know, but I want to. It will be fun and just think of everyone’s reaction when the get to see it next weekend,” she said with a note of question in her voice. He laughed softly as he shook his head once more. “You certainly have strange ideas of a good time,” he teased her lightly. “Okay,” he agreed and had a bouncing ball of energy in his arms for exactly two seconds, then she turned to search out the tools they needed. * * * “Have you seen the villa yet, Gertie?” Hanna asked as she scrubbed off the dirt from her first attempt at gardening in the kitchen sink. She gave a nod, her focus remaining on the tomato that she was slicing. “All of us went up there when Lance first considered buying it. The kids decided on the spot that each of them would get a wing all to themselves and I wasn’t about to argue especially since I was ordered to stay in the forth wing. Not having to listen to Sarah’s stereo or Willie’s video games sounds like heaven to me.” Hanna laughed as she dried her hands on a dish towel left at the edge of the sink. “The kids could get lost for weeks in that house. It’s enormous.” “You don’t have to sell me on it,” she quipped. “I fell in love with it the moment I saw how big the kitchen was. Of course all of those appliances need to be replaced. They look like something from the turn of the century.” “Lance doesn’t seem to mind the thought of cooking by fire,” she said, then laughed as she watched him through the kitchen window, stepping back quickly from the blaze that he created in the grill. “He’s a typical man. What the bond is between testosterone and charcoal, I’ll never know.” “Can I help you with anything?” she asked solicitously now that her hands were clean. “Actually, I think I have everything ready. I’m just finishing up on the salad. I’ll tell you what, it would be a big help if you ran that plate up to Sarah,” she suggested, gesturing to the ham sandwich sitting on the counter. “I got sidetracked and I haven’t had the chance to take it up to her yet.” Hanna took up the plate, then turned to Gertie a little hesitantly. “Do you think it’s safe?” she asked and got a curious look in return. “Lance sort of intimated that Sarah was a bit of a handful.” “If you mean she’s spoiled rotten, then you’ve got that right. But you won’t have anything to worry about. She’s usually pretty docile when she’s sick.” She gave her an playful wink, then gave her instructions on how to get to Sarah’s room. As it was, Hanna didn’t have any trouble finding her room. She only had to follow the sound of coughing and she was there. After giving the door a light tap and receiving a summons to enter, she slowly edged the door open and stuck her head inside. “Who are you?” Sarah asked as she sat up in her bed awkwardly, then pulled the covers higher to hide her night gown. “I’m Hanna Miller. A friend of your dad’s.” Her eyes narrowed as she watched her come into her room. “I’ve seen you before, haven’t I?” “At the New Year’s Eve party,” she confirmed with a nod. “I was standing with your father when Willie decided to take target practice on your white skirt.” She seemed satisfied with that answer for a split second, then her eyes narrowed again in suspicion. “Aren’t you the one dating my dad?” Hanna balked slightly at that question, then decided that it would be all right for her to answer. “We’ve been out a couple of times,” she returned vaguely, wondering what could be behind such a query. “You’re not going to start acting like my mother or something, are you?” She laughed at that as she handed over the plate. “To be honest with you, I don’t have any clue how to act like a parent so I’m not even going to try.” Her duty done, she started for the door once more. “I know what it’s like to have an adult invade my room so I’ll leave you alone and let you eat.” Sarah watched her reach for the door handle to close it behind her, then she had a sudden change of heart. “You don’t have to go,” she said through a bite of food. “It’s getting a little boring up here.” To Hanna, the invitation was like a small victory. She wasn’t sure of what she could expect from Lance’s eldest daughter, but she had planned on walking softly. She was encouraged that Sarah wasn’t verbally attacking her from the start. Taking a minute to glance around the typically teenage room, she centered on one of the posters. “Spice Girls,” she said in recognition. “Are you a fan?” Sarah nodded as she swallowed hard past her sore throat. “I have everything they ever put out, including the dolls.” “The dolls?” she returned, then walked over to view them sitting on Sarah’s dresser. “But I thought that you could only get them in Europe?” She hesitated a moment, surprised that someone of Hanna’s generation would know that, then gave a nod. “Dad had to special order them for me. Are you a fan?” She shook her head. “Not really, but I do like some of their songs. I’m more into the sounds of the seventies. You know, the Bee Gees, Abba, the Eagles.” “The who?” she asked in confusion. “The Who too,” she returned jokingly. “But I have to admit that I like their earlier stuff more than the later.” When Sarah continued to look baffled, Hanna headed for the door once more. “Okay. Now I feel really old.” Hesitating one last time, she looked back at the girl on the bed. “Your dad is about to start barbecuing if you want to come down for a bit.” Sarah shook her head as she worked on another bit of her sandwich. “No thanks. I have an aversion to ashes,” she said suggestively. “I think I’m going to finish this and go back to sleep. I’m really tired” Hanna gave her a nod, then released a long breath once she closed the door behind her. She had no idea that meeting children, especially teenagers, could be so nerve wracking. * * * |