| The Courtyard Chapter 6 |
| Hanna rubbed the soft cloth over the carvings of the vanity table to buff it to a shine after having scrubbed it down with wood soap, then her eye caught her reflection in the mirror and she paused. Her hair was pulled back sharply in a pony tail, not the most flattering of styles for her. Most of her makeup had already faded from her face from the sweat of hard work and her blue T-shirt was covered with splotches of dirt and grime from her whirlwind cleaning spree. Her eyes rose to meet themselves again in the reflection and a tiny part of her died inside. She was a pitiful comparison to the elegant look of the cream colored suit that Brenda was wearing. Even with throwing herself into her work, she hadn’t been able to shake the image of Lance holding Brenda in his arms. Jodi had tried her best to reassure Hanna, but it did nothing to relieve her doubts. She felt like she was in limbo, just waiting for the outcome of Lance’s meeting with his old flame, and she hated that. She kept telling herself that she shouldn’t be waiting around for someone else to make a decision that would affect her life, but she didn’t know what else to do. She had made nor received any promises where Lance was concerned. That had seemed like the best avenue to take when it was just the two of them. The cautious road. She had known from the beginning what her heart was telling her, but she had ignored it, telling herself that it was too soon or that it was better to go slow, and now she risked losing the man she loved. If she were to go to him now and confess her feelings, it would just look like a desperate attempt to hold onto him. She should have pushed her fears aside when she had the chance, but now it was too late. She knew very little about Brenda except for the fact that she hurt Lance deeply. She could only assume that he loved her. Neither of them had shared much of their past relationships other than a passing comment or two. But wasn’t Brenda married? Hanna’s hand began moving swiftly across the wood when the thought occurred to her. That had been the reason Lance had broken off his association with her, but what if she had gotten a divorce? What if that was what she was here to tell him? Would Lance choose a former love over a new one? Hanna couldn’t even be certain that there was love involved where she was concerned. Lance had been just as reticent to declare his intentions as she had been. She shook her head at the thought. She was beginning to sound like the historical romances that she couldn’t resist reading on occasion. “What made you pick this room?” Hanna jumped visibly, turning with her hand over her heart to see Lance standing in the doorway. The last thing that she wanted was for him to know how curious she was about his conversation with Brenda and she ordered herself to calm down. As she braced herself against the vanity trying to appear casual, she sent a sweeping glance around the room. “It’s one of my favorites,” she returned in answer to his question. He smiled softly. “One of mine too,” he said. “In fact, I’ve already decided that this was going to be the master bedroom. Her eyes darted around the room once more and she suddenly felt like she was intruding on his privacy. “I had no idea,” she said awkwardly as images of Brenda flashed into her mind. Lance sighed heavily as he stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. “We need to talk.” “No we don’t,” she countered quickly, her eyes fixing on his like a frightened doe and she saw him hesitate. She was terrified of what he had to say and she was trying desperately to convince herself that there was nothing at stake between them. But, she knew that her heart would break whether or not the words were spoken. She simply chose not to hear them. “We didn’t have any commitment between us.” She offered him the out that she was certain he wanted. “You don’t owe me any explanations. I know that Brenda was important to you and I understand that,” she said in a rush, then drew in a steadying breath when she couldn’t quite read his expression. “She did come here to tell you that she’s getting a divorce, didn’t she?” He slipped his hands into his pockets as he looked at her curiously. “Yes she did,” he said simply as he tried to figure out why she was acting this way, then her words began to register with him. “You don’t think that I want to get back with Brenda, do you?” She nervously started to collect her cleaning supplies. “It’s none of my business,” she reiterated. “And, to tell you the truth, I’d rather not hear about the two of you.” He crossed the room in a few great strides and grabbed both of her hands to stop her. “Correct me if I’m wrong here, but I thought that you and I were in a relationship. I would certainly be curious if one of your old boyfriends showed up.” Her eyes snapped up to his as they began to mist over. She had kept her emotions under control for the last hour and she was starting to lose the battle. “Don’t you think that this is eating me up inside?” she asked. “Don’t you think that I want to ask what she is doing here? But you and I have never discussed where our relationship was heading or even if it’s exclusive or not. What right do I have to question you?” “Every right!” he returned firmly, then released one of her hands so that he could cup her cheek. “Hanna, don’t you know? I fell in love with you the moment I saw you standing out on my patio New Year’s Eve.” She drew in a sharp breath at his words, the pain written on her face evaporating as the first teardrop splashed on her cheek to be wiped away by his thumb. “What?” she asked shakily. She couldn’t believe that she heard him correctly. She had convinced herself that he would be going back to Brenda and was trying to spare them both from an emotional scene. He smiled once more as he released her other hand, then slipped his arm around her waist to draw her close. “I love you,” he repeated willingly. “I’ve wanted to tell you before, but we were both so damn set on taking things slow. Now I can see that it was a mistake. I don’t want you to have any doubts about me. Brenda or no Brenda. I want to be with you and only you.” Her eyes closed slowly as she leaned her head against his chest. “I was so afraid that I had lost you,” she admitted as her tears ebbed. The relief that filled her wouldn’t permit any tears. His arms tightened around her. “That’s the last thing that you need to worry about,” he assured her. “It’s okay if you still want to take things one day at a time, but I want you to know that I’m not going anywhere.” Her head rose from his chest as she looked up at him once more. “I don’t need time to know how I feel about you,” she said as she lightly brushed his cheek with her fingertips. “You’ve introduced me into a world that I could only imagine before. I never knew what it was like to need someone as much as I need you. Or to have my entire body come alive from just one look at you. Or to understand what it means to be cherished when I’m in your arms. You’ve given all of that to me and so much more. I’ve never knew what it was like to be in love until I met you.” Her fingers slipped into his hair as his mouth took loving possession of hers. Fear had been pushed aside and they shared in their devotion to one another. As the kiss ended, Hanna’s eyes rose to his with a sheepish look. “I almost hate to ask at this particular moment, but what did happen with Brenda?” He smiled as he laced his fingers behind her back. “Do I detect a note of jealousy now?” he asked teasingly. “You’re going to detect more than a note if you don’t start talking,” she warned half-heartedly, trying to regain their easy rapport after such an emotionally draining hour. “She came here to tell me that she was leaving her husband,” he said without embellishment. “And I told her that I wasn’t interested.” “Something tells me that it was a little more involved than that, but I won’t ask.” “The details aren’t important,” he said with a shrug. “The bottom line is that she lied to me. Trying to build a relationship is difficult enough, but without trust, it’s virtually impossible. I can forgive her for what she did, but I’m not about to pursue any further relationship with her, friendship or other. Besides, I have what I want right here so why would I invite trouble into our lives?” “Did someone say trouble?” Nicki asked as she floated into the room carrying a clipboard. “Here I am!” she announced with a flourish, then wrapped her arms around both of them still in an embrace. “I’m glad to see that the earlier excitement hasn’t affected you two love birds. I would hate to think that hussy was able to spread more of her destruction.” “I appreciate you trying to protect us, Nicki,” Lance said. “But next time, butt out.” He gave her forehead a swift kiss to take the sting out of his words. “It took me twenty minutes to calm her down after you got through with her. Just what did you say to her?” “Only the truth darling. Only the truth,” she assured him, then stepped back to give the room a swift glance. “Now don’t sidetrack me,” she admonished gently. “I didn’t come in here to talk about Brenda. I came in here to see if we can salvage these paintings, but that can wait until later if the two of you want some privacy,” she suggested hopefully. “And by the way, next time try locking the door so nosy people like me can’t get in.” Lance laughed at her refreshing honesty, then gave Hanna another squeeze before releasing her. “Thanks for the tip,” he joked, letting his hand slowly slip from Hanna’s as he started toward the door. “I need to run down to see what Greg is up to. He decided to tackle the plumbing so I need to make sure that we still have running water.” He stopped with his hand on the door jam to look back at Hanna one last time. He gave her a wink, then disappeared. Nicki hadn’t missed the gesture and she turned back to Hanna with a smile. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that the most eligible bachelor in San Francisco has just gone off the market.” Hanna fought to hide her smile, but she couldn’t. She had never been happier in her life and the warm glow inside simply radiated from her. “I’d have to admit that I wouldn’t mind if that particular rumor got started.” “With pleasure and I know the first person that I’m going to call,” she returned with a wicked gleam in her eye. “Nicki, I’m beginning to think that you like starting trouble,” she said a little cautiously. “Not starting it,” she corrected. “Ending it,” she said firmly. “If more people would just speak their mind instead of hiding behind political correctness then most of the problems in the world would vanish.” “Since you work in a very public business, aren’t you worried about your reputation?” “Being an opinionated shrew is exactly the reputation that I want,” she returned, then laughed at her look of surprise. “It works out perfectly for me. It lets people know where they stand right up front. It tends to intimidate as well so I can bluff my way through almost any situation which is an asset when working at the gallery. Business men love me because I’ll come right to the point. Artists love me because they know that I can make them the best deal. Even snobs love me because I tend to sound just like them.” Hanna laughed at her reasoning. “Since you put it that way, I guess you do have the reputation that you need. I never really considered that the art world could be so dog-eat-dog, but I guess it is.” Nicki nodded, but her response was cut off when a piercing scream from somewhere in the house reached them easily through the open balcony doors overlooking the courtyard. They rushed to the railing to see where it had come from when it sounded a second time. When they saw several people racing across the courtyard, both Nicki and Hanna were out the door in pursuit. By the time that they reached one of the downstairs bedrooms, several people had gathered and they had to push their way through to see Marcy huddled on the floor with her husband, Matt, cradling her. Hanna’s first instinct was to rush to her friend’s side, but then she caught the look of amusement on Matt’s face and hesitated. “What happened?” she asked, glancing around the room to see that Matt wasn’t the only one holding back a laugh. Marcy glanced up at her friend uncertainly. “I opened the closet door and I was attacked,” she hesitated as she glanced up at Lance holding one of the culprits. “By a bunch of rabbits. I thought they were rats,” she defended herself quickly, but the harnessed laughs erupted around the room. “Oh honey,” Hanna said softly forcing back a laugh herself as she walked over to help her stand. Lance cleared his throat as he waved to the people in the room. “Okay everybody, spread out. We need to catch all of the babies before they find another victim.” When Marcy shot him a heated glance, he had the good sense to look sheepish, but he couldn’t stop his amusement from showing through when everyone else started chuckling. * * * The rabbit incident was only one of the stories rehashed over dinner that evening. Edward had set an elegant spread in the largest of two dining rooms and everyone was able to enjoy the story told by Matt who had witness the entire event. Marcy, though still a little embarrassed, was able to join in on the good-natured ribbing that she received. The other story was more discreetly making its way around as everyone speculated on the visit by Brenda that afternoon. A few of the people there had known Lance and Brenda when they dated and they imparted the scandalous details to willing listeners, occasionally with embellishments of their own. Curious glances were sent down to Hanna and Lance at the head of the table, but it was obvious that Brenda wasn’t the topic of their conversation. They spoke with the people around them, joking and laughing, but it was their quieter moments, ones where the spoke softly with each other and touched often, that had everyone hearing wedding bells. When Lance stood with his wine glass in hand, the room immediately fell into silence. Expectant glances darted between Hanna and Lance as they exchanged a private joke before he spoke. “I want to thank everyone for coming here today,” he began with a lift of his glass. “The house is really starting to look beautiful with all of the hard work everyone has put into it and each one of you will be at the top of my list for the next party held here at the villa.” “As long as it’s not a cleaning party!” Greg called out, causing a ripple of laughter. Lance gave him a mock toast, then rubbed at his aching shoulder. “I’ll have to agree with you on that one,” he returned easily and received a smattering of applause through the continued titter. He became serious again as he concluded his toast. “You have begun a tradition that I hope will remain for a long time to come in my family’s home. Love,” he said, giving Hanna a glance. “Laughter,” he continued, lifting his glass toward Marcy. “And friendship,” he concluded lifting his glass to the crowd, then taking a sip from his glass in conclusion. “To friendship,” Matt returned as he raised his glass with everyone else, then a cacophony of voices followed his in the toast. Lance gave Hanna a tender peck as he returned to his seat, then the table was alive again with conversation. Some speculated that Hanna was intended to be a part of the family that Lance mentioned in his toast. Others wondered about the more intimate details of their lives and a few even voiced their disappointment that the toast wasn’t an engagement announcement. Lance and Hanna were completely oblivious to the gossip circulating about them. They had become absorbed in each other so much that they had missed half of the people leaving the table to search out other entertainment. Slipping out themselves, they wandered hand in hand to the courtyard and received a pleasant surprise. “It’s beautiful!” Hanna whispered in awe when she saw dozens of candles scattered in strategic places all through the courtyard. “This looks like some of Edward’s handiwork,” Lance commented, then the trickling of water caught Hanna’s attention and he followed her over to the small fountain at the center. “You got it working again,” she said with delight. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders as he looked down at her face. “I just love surprising you. You’re like a kid at Christmas.” “Do you ever get the feeling that people are conspiring around you?” Toni asked to interrupt their conversation as she walked up with her arm linked with Nicki’s. “Conspiring?” Hanna returned with a shake of her head. She hadn’t noticed anything out of order since Brenda’s visit that afternoon. Toni looked pointedly around them. “The candle light. The fact that none of the other people are in the most beautiful part of the house and, unless I miss my guess,” she paused for a moment as the silence was interrupted by another sound. “Music, compliments of?” she asked, giving Nicki a questioning look. “Marcy,” Nicki supplied guiltily. Toni shook her head as she looked back at the other couple. “I’m sorry about this Han. I’ve told Nicki time and time again to keep her nose out of your business, but she just has to play matchmaker.” Hanna looked up at Lance, placing her hand against his chest, then smiled softly up into his eyes. “That’s okay Toni,” she whispered distractedly, then turned to break the magic spell he was weaving on her. “Actually, I think it’s sweet,” she said and saw Nicki give her significant other an I-told-you-so look. “I feel like we have half of San Francisco rooting for us and it’s kind of nice.” “You know,” Lance whispered softly as he sent a suspicious glance around at the shadows. “With so many curious eyes watching us, maybe we shouldn’t disappoint them.” Hanna drew in a startled breath at his innuendo, then, when he stepped back and bowed gentlemanly in her direction, she understood what he had been referring to. He swept her up into his arms and began to waltz around the courtyard. Toni gave Nicki a forgiving smile, then a small peck on the cheek as they watched their friends for several moments before fading into the shadows themselves. When they grew tired of dancing, Lance found a seat on the steps and Hanna took the one behind him, sliding her hands down over his chest, then pulling him close to place a kiss on his temple. Lance wrapped his arms around her legs, his hands slowly rubbing over her shins to her knees. When her hands began to knead his aching shoulders, he let out an appreciative moan and leaned his head back against her. “That feels so good,” he told her huskily. “You’re going to put me to sleep if you keep that up.” She lowered her head so that her lips were next to his ear. “I’m sure the general population would love to hear us talking about going to bed.” “Did you hear that?” Lance said loudly as he sat up. “She’s talking about sleeping together.” Hanna quickly pulled him back into her arms as she shushed him, then they both started to giggle. “You’re a wicked man Lance Kline,” she told him. “And you love every wicked bone in my body,” he returned with certainty. “You’re getting a little cocky,” she teased him, then nipped his ear in punishment. “Don’t get something started that we’re not going to be able to finish,” he warned her and she glanced up at the shadows. “That’s true,” she said, but couldn’t resist nuzzling his neck. “The last thing we need is thirty-four people with their ears pressed against our door.” “Although, Nicki did take that into consideration and made sure that there wasn’t anyone rooming near the master bedroom.” She drew back to look down at his profile. “You’re kidding?” “No I’m not,” he said with a chuckle and a shake of his head. “Huh,” she returned simply, then began to nuzzle his neck once more. “Maybe I’ll have to tempt fate then.” “Don’t tease me woman.” He squeezed her legs against his side when she started to laugh, then she hugged him again. “Are you guys still up?” Jodi’s voice echoed to them as the sound of their footsteps approached out of the darkness. Finally, Jodi appeared with her husband, Marcy and Matt in tow. “Everyone else went to bed and hour ago. What are you two doing sitting down here in the dark?” Hanna glanced around the courtyard and realized that the only light was coming from the ones in the fountain. “Oh my gosh! All of the candles have burnt out,” she said with a laugh, then looked up at her friends. “I guess we lost track of the time.” “I’d say.” Matt checked his watch. “It’s almost eleven. You’ve been out here for nearly four hours.” “But that’s what love does to you,” Marcy said whimsically as she wrapped her arms around her husband’s waist. Lance smoothed his hand along the length of one of Hanna’s arms draped over his chest. “It’s been known to cause a time warp or two,” he admitted and looked back over his shoulder at her. Jodi watched as both of them stiffly rose to their feet. “Neither one of you are going to want to get up in the morning if you don’t get some sleep.” “That’s all right,” Lance returned. “I’m sure that Nicki already made provisions for that as well.” He smiled broadly, grabbing at Hanna’s arms when they circled his chest to hold them there. “Bed sounds so good,” Marcy sighed wearily. Hanna’s brows rose suggestively as she began to nuzzle Lance’s throat once more. “We were just discussing that very thing,” she teased, then suddenly, he spun out of her embrace. “That’s it wench,” he said dramatically, then grabbed her legs and hoisted her over his shoulder. Hanna let out a startled squeal, then slapped at his backside. “Lance Kline! You put me down this instant!” “Not until you make good on your innuendoes, woman,” he returned, giving their friends a wink as he carried her off. Hanna began to laugh uncontrollably at the lunacy of their situation as he trotted up the steps. “That ought to give everyone something to talk about,” Lance joked as he sat her down on her feet once more outside the master bedroom. She fought to reign in her giggles as she put her hands against his chest. “I just had the picture in my mind of everyone rushing to their balconies, falling all over themselves to see what was going on when I yelled.” He laughed along with her, then reached up to brush her hair back from her face when their merriment faded. “All jokes aside,” he began with caution. “We’re talking about taking a very serious step here.” He raised her chin so that she would look into his eyes. “I want to make sure that both of us are ready for it.” She hesitated for a moment and he knew that he had his answer. “It’s not that I’m not ready,” she began. “But you don’t particularly like the idea of having an audience,” he interrupted, then gave her a smile. “I feel the same way, Hanna. We’re going to be nervous enough our first time together without having to wonder if someone can hear us.” She let out a relieved sigh as she slid her hands from his chest and around his waist. “What did I ever do to deserve a man like you?” she asked in appreciation. “I don’t know, but it must have been pretty bad.” She giggle at the lighthearted way he had and her love deepened. “Do you think that we would be tempting fate too much if we were to just sleep together?” She saw the slight jolt shake his body and smiled at the power she held. The same power that he held over her. “It’s just that, I don’t want to let you out of my arms when I know that I don’t have to tonight.” His arms tightened around her waist. “I know how that feels, but do you think that you can trust me to remain a gentleman?” he asked teasingly. “More than I can trust myself at the moment,” she countered with a smile. “That’s probably not a detail that we should be debating at this point in time,” he warned as he returned her smile. Then, as if by silent mutual consent, he turned and opened the door for both of them to enter. The thump of their shoes hitting the floor as they kicked them off was the only thing to break the hush of the house, then Lance watched as Hanna pulled back the comforter and sheets on the freshly made bed and slid in fully clothed. Lance slowly walked over to the bedside, then sat down on the edge. She leaned back on one elbow as she quietly watched him in the shadows, then he reached up to caress her cheek. “I love you,” he whispered softly. “I love you too,” she returned, then moved over slightly when he joined her in the bed. Their legs became tangled with each other as Hanna laid her head in the crook of his shoulder. Lance breathed in the scent of her hair as he wrapped his arms around her and closed his eyes to the rest of the world. * * * |