Chapter 6

The air was bracing, but that was exactly what she needed. Last night was a dismal failure as far as work was concerned. She had sat in front of the blank computer screen and dividing the time glancing at her notes without finding the incentive or the creative juice needed to start.

Usually when she was doing a story, she would dive into the person's life, studying it from every angle and deciding where to start. With Axel Lakeside, she had hit a blind spot. She didn't know him – yes, there had only been one meeting and that had gone to hell.

He had shown her only two sides – the cynical hard-bitten businessman and the compassionate and loving son who holds his mother in very high esteem. In her experience, a man who loves his mother holds a certain attraction that was unmistakable.

There were certain aspects she needed to start her story, and she did not have it. She had listened to the mayor who hadn't a clue as to the man himself but was speaking out of the sides of his mouth, just to be heard. Rosalyn had shared snippets of when he was a boy, but just generic material that was boring and predictable.

No doubt, his mother and sister would be able to clear some things up. They knew him better than anyone else and the family was a close-knit one. Talking to the man had left her in a state of utter confusion.

She was also afraid that she was attracted to him. Last night had been spent tossing and turning in her bed as images of him flashed across the periphery of her mind. She was focused or she usually was, but for the life of her, she could not seem to concentrate on anything. Especially after their meeting yesterday.

She rose this morning and decided that a run would clear her mind. She had gone several miles, going at a rapid pace as if trying to outrun her troubled thoughts. Coming to a stop, on a slight incline that offered a stunning view of the sleepy town, she leaned one hand on the thick trunk of an oak tree and did some stretches.

Breathing in and out, she switched legs, clasping it at the ankle and doing a hard stretch. She was so caught up with her routine that she did not hear the footsteps on the carpet like grass until he spoke.

"You are trespassing."

Spinning around so fast, she almost lost her footing, only just managing to keep her balance. The object of her confusion was standing a few inches away from her, his sleeveless shirt sticking to his broad chest and shoulders, patches of sweat darkening the center of his chest.

He seemed oblivious to the sharp air or the breeze whistling through the trees as he watched her with that piercing intense way of his.

"You scared the crap out of me!"

"What are you doing so far away from the cottage?"

"I wanted more space, and I did not think anyone would be up this early." She looked around at the clump of trees and wildflowers growing everywhere. "I had no idea this was your property."

"Most of it is." He turned away, trying to get the sight of her nipples imprinted against the tight nylon of her running top. Her face was damp with sweat, her lips bare of any artifice but was alluring as hell and he was hard.

Christ! His hands clenched into fists as he tried to get control of his rampaging desire. He had to leave or run the risk of hauling her into his arms and crushing those lips of hers. He wanted to feel her damp body aligned to his and peel off the top that was hugging her slender frame like a glove.

"You should be more careful of your surroundings." He told her abruptly. "River Glades is a sleepy little town, and the crime rate is practically nonexistent, but there is a first for everything."

His eyes raked her from head to the tips of her scuffed tennis shoes before moving back to her face. "If this is the way you operate where you are from, I am surprised you are still in one piece."

Stung by his implied criticism, she glared at him. "I run every morning and am always conscious of my surroundings." She pointed to her ears. "I am not even wearing ear buds."

"Yet, you were shocked at the sound of my voice." He pointed out mockingly. He really should leave, but something was holding him back.

"That is because you were as quiet as the proverbial mouse. I am glad we happened on each other. Is it possible for me to have some time with you this afternoon?"

His heart picked up speed as he stared at her for a few pulsing seconds. It was on the tip of his tongue to suggest they go back to his place and get naked.

Before he could give into the temptation, he shook his head. "I don't have time."

"What about tonight?" She rushed on. "I could come over after dinner…?"

"No."

She blinked at the harsh sound of his voice. "Mr. Lakeside, I was sent here to do a story on you and so far, you have shaved off minutes of the time agreed…"

"I am a busy man." He told her coldly, feeling like a complete jerk for what he was doing. It's not her fault that he could not stop thinking about her and wanting her naked underneath him.

She just stopped herself from stamping her foot in frustration. The man was impossible. "And I am not? I am only here for a week…"

"You will get your story." He told her tightly. "But I am not going to stop what I have to do in order for you to get it."

"I thought you were here on vacation?"

He gave her a mocking look. "Was that what your research told you?"

"Yes." She snapped. "Look, I know that this wasn't something you wanted to do…"

"What gave it away?"

She wanted to hit him. Instead, taking a deep breath, she tried again. "I promise to take as little as your valuable time as possible. All I am asking is that you meet me halfway." She was completely unaware what those words were doing to him.

He wanted her to meet him halfway too but for a completely different reason. This was getting ridiculous. He hadn't been with a woman in weeks and that could be what was driving this insane desire to have her.

"I will be in touch." He turned away and had gone only a few steps when she called out to him.

"What?"

"When?"

"Whenever I find some time." He practically ran away from her, his body primed and uncomfortable. He would have to meet her – somewhere public.

Ellie watched him leave with a frustrated look on her face. Leaning against the tree trunk, she closed her eyes and took a shaky breath. Her objectivity was all shot to hell, and she need to get to the rest of the interview before her emotions took over completely.

*****

"Caitlin, hi."

"I hope I am not disturbing you."

"No, of course not." Putting aside the iPod she had been scrolling through, Ellie pushed away from her desk and went to get herself something to drink.

She had come back from her run, took a shower and had something to eat. She had been trying to find an appropriate start to the article and so far, had come up with nothing. "I am happy you called. When can I meet with you and Cathy?"

"That is what I called about. How about this afternoon? You could come and have dinner with us. That way we can kill two birds with one stone."

"Are you certain I won't be imposing?"

"I am looking forward to having you. Say about six? We could get the interview out the way and then sit down to dinner."

"That sounds wonderful. I am afraid I am not getting anywhere with your son."

The woman sighed softly. "Axel does not like to talk about himself. And I think that is a good thing. He is not filled with pride and does not think himself above people less fortunate."

"All I want from him is his perspective and how it was growing up here."

"I am sure Cathy, and I can answer any questions you have."

"What can I bring?"

"Absolutely nothing. Just an empty stomach to enjoy my famous roast."

"I am looking forward to it. Thanks, Caitlin."

"You are most welcome my dear." She paused slightly. "Axel is not the easiest person to get to know, but I am sure he will come around."

"Hopefully, before I have to leave." Ellie said lightly, before saying goodbye and hanging up. If Axel Lakeside continued to put obstacles up, she was going to have to go around him. One way or another, she was going to get her story.

*****

"Mom, what are you up to?" Cathy came breezing into the kitchen, the scent of roast beef assailing her nostrils.

"You are home early." Caitlin stirred the sauce on the stove top and took a taste. A pinch more of the black pepper, she decided.

"I decided to leave right after the last bell. Papers to grade. I gave a pop quiz that no one saw coming and I could see that they were not in the least bit ready." She had slipped out of her boots and shed her coat inside the vestibule.

Her mother was conscientious about leaving things for the maids to pick up, but sometimes she indulged herself. She was never going to take having them around for granted of course, but as soon as she stepped through the front doors, Elaine, one of the maids was already there to pick up her things. It still felt weird.

"What are you up to?" She repeated her original question.

"I already told you I invited Ellie to supper. I told her to get here by six, so we could have cocktails and the chance to interview us." Putting the lid on the pot, she wiped her hands on her apron.

"You are already dressed."

"It's almost six."

"I suppose there is time for a quick shower."

"Go ahead. By the time you return, the meal will be ready. We are eating out on the patio."

Cathy lifted her brows but did not say anything as she left the room.

Taking off the apron, Caitlin hung it on a peg with several others and took the time to gaze around the large room. There were several windows that gave her a view of the gardens she delighted in. Pots of herbs were on the box seat above the double sinks.

"Ms. Caitlin? Shall I take out the vegetables?"

She smiled at the uniformed maid who had come up behind her. "Thank you, Grace. The table is already set, and the wine is in the cooler. The roast is ready and so is the sauce." Running her hands over her chic lavender suit, she headed out to the patio to make certain that everything was in place.

*****

Ellie told herself that she was being ridiculous. She had not been invited to a fancy restaurant and it wasn't a date. But she had spent twenty minutes deciding what to wear to dinner and had finally selected the slinky ruby red sweater dress with the cowl neck. Standing in front of the full-length mirror, she stared at herself critically.

The material was cashmere and was so soft against her skin, it felt like she wasn't wearing anything. It was weightless and fitted her curves like a second skin. The color was a stark contrast to her skin and the material drifting from her neck showed an enticing glimpse of her breasts.

Just a glimpse, enough flesh to make someone curious. And she was afraid of the someone of whom she was thinking. It was a bad idea. He might not be there and even if he was going to be, she should not be thinking about dressing to be noticed by him.

"Oh, who am I kidding?" She whispered. She wanted him to notice her. It had gone past just wanting to write a story about the man and had graduated to the desire to feel his hands on her skin. She had been fighting her feelings, but now it was out in the open. She was attracted to Axel Lakeside.

"There, I have acknowledged it." With a serrated sigh, she stepped back from the mirror and went to get her jacket. His mother had not indicated he would be there and so far, he gave the impression that he wanted nothing to do with her.

She was not looking for a relationship of course, but nothing was wrong with having a fling and giving into one's baser instinct. They were both adults and it wouldn't stop her from writing the article.

Shrugging on the jacket, she made certain she had her notepad, pens, devices and everything she needed to get her information down. She was not going to push it. If he resisted her, keep her at arm's length, then so be it. Taking a deep breath, she scooped up her keys and headed for the door.

*****

Cathy met her at the door, wearing a stunning white and gold Angora sweater over gold pants. Her thick coffee brown hair was loose and flowing freely down her back.

"Come on in., she was ushered into a wide vestibule, where a maid hurried forward to take her jacket.

"I have seen photos of the grounds and the interior of the house, but nothing quite prepares you for the actual thing, does it?"

"My dear, welcome to our home." Caitlin came forward with hands outstretched.

"Thanks for having me." She clasped the woman's hands warmly, admiring her outfit. "I was just telling your daughter that the place is absolutely stunning."

"Thank you. We go this way. The view from the enclosed patio is spectacular." They made their way along a wide passageway and stepped through a library that led to the patio.

"The library is not just for show." Cathy said with a smile. "I use it as my research center as well as my office and mom is an avid reader."

Caitlin swept the doors open to an enclosed space complete with comfortable sofas, a small dining table with four chairs and pots of ferns, hibiscus and several other different plants, that Ellie could not identify.

"I have plants everywhere in the house," Caitlin admitted with a laugh.

"You should see her bedroom!"

Caitlin gave her daughter an indulgent look as she took her place at the head of the table. "I cannot help that I have a green thumb."

"Something smells wonderful." Ellie took her seat and pulled up her chair.

"I decided we will eat first and then talk."

"Perfect."

The dinner conversation centered around the town of River Glades and the various activities that was planned around Axel's visit.

"I hope you will come to the ceremony at the park tomorrow." Caitlin was saying. "It's our annual head into fall bonfire."

"An actual bonfire?" Ellie could not believe roast beef could be so tender or so delicious. It practically melted on her tongue.

"An actual bonfire. The weather is perfect for it too. There is a contained fire pit, a very large one of course and we just sit around and enjoy the stories and the sumptuous food prepared by several of the residents, mom included."

Caitlin nodded as she handed Ellie the puffy homemade bread dotted with raisins. "It is a wonderful way to know the people around you and it's fun for the children as well. They are back to school of course, but this is to give them a break from the pressure they face during the start of the school year."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"And the mayor will be making a speech."

Ellie laughed as Caitlin rolled her eyes.

"I had the honor of meeting the man."

"He gave you the ‘how proud we are of our esteemed resident'?"

Ellie's eyes twinkled. "Oh yes. He made it sound as if he was personally responsible for your brother's success."

"It's funny how people act differently whenever your status changes." Caitlin commented quietly as she dug into her baby potatoes. "I know I said we would talk after we eat, but I hope you don't mind having some of the conversation now."

"Not at all," Ellie encouraged, "please feel free to go ahead. Just let me get my recorder." She had brought her tote with her and placed it on one of the side tables. Excusing herself, she went to get it and took the recorder out.

"How does this work? You write everything we say?" Caitlin asked curiously as she watched her set up.

"No. I filter out what's not really important."

"How do you decide what's important and what's inconsequential?"

"I usually ask the person I am interviewing what they want to reveal and use my discretion. Now, we are all set." She gave the woman a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I am very good at what I do."

"I have read several of your articles." Caitlin told her. "I like the way you get to the heart of the matter."

"Thank you."

"Well," Caitlin cleared her throat. "I want to get to the heart of the matter, myself. You said initially that you were going to write a story based on my son's life here before he became a businessman."

Ellie nodded.

"I would like the readers to get to know the man behind the hype. Your son has taken the business world by storm and people love a good success story."

Caitlin nodded, a smile flirting her lips. "He was always so responsible and acutely aware of what is going on around him.

When my husband left us, I tried to shield my children- "She glanced at her daughter with a smile and Ellie felt a flare of envy as she witnessed the look that passed between them. It was obvious that mother and daughter were very close.

Something that was lacking in her own life. "You were a baby and had no idea what was going on. Axel was just a toddler, but he realized that something was going on. He would try to make things easier for me."

She shook her head. "Never getting into the usual scrapes, always around to help out with his little sister and do things around the house. After my husband left, he became the man of the house. Without question, he just took on the role."

She paused, and Ellie waited, realizing that she was gathering her thoughts.

"I never wanted to place that burden on him. He was a child and deserved to enjoy his childhood. But it was tough and I would be lying if I said I didn't welcome his help." She smiled lovingly. "And he was a very good helper. When he was old enough, he started cooking.

I was doing three jobs just to make ends meet and fortunately for me, the people I was working for, allowed me to drag Cathy along with me. Axel would come home from school and prepare dinner. I would come home, tired and worn out and there was dinner waiting for us."

"He never complained." Cathy picked up the story, sending her mother a smile. "His friends were shooting hoops in the park after school and he had to hurry home, make dinner and go back out to stock shelves at the local market."

"He had to grow up very fast."

The two women looked at her and Caitlin nodded. "I was angry and felt guilty that he had to do so, but he was always reassuring me that he was fine with it. And it made things a lot easier for me."

"For me as well." Picking up her wineglass, Cathy took a sip, a contemplative expression on her lovely face. "He is the best brother a girl could ever hope for…."

Ellie knew the exact minute, the topic of their conversation came into the room. She did not have to notice the delighted look on Cathy's face to tell. The atmosphere shifted as if he had sucked it all in, bringing a burst of life with him. And his cologne was making her senses tingle.

"Darling, I thought you would be in time to have dinner with us." Caitlin sprang from the table, seemingly unaware that he had paused just inside the doorway when he noticed their guest.

"I had no idea you had company."