Authors: Nancy Hopper
“
No, not anymore.” she answered quickly. She didn’t want to talk about Gary.
“
I think there’s child care available.” he offered.
“
Thanks, but that’s all right. I need to be with them this evening, I’ve been out all day.” she answered coolly.
“
Are you skiing again tomorrow?” he asked doggedly.
“
Perhaps.” she answered coldly.
“
You want me to go away, don’t you?” he chuckled. “All right, I’ll go away – if you tell me your name, and let me take you to the conference tomorrow night.”
Tasha sighed tiredly. “Please understand, I’m just not interested.”
The man chuckled in a way that made her feel he didn’t believe that. He looked at her for a long moment, and decided it was time to cut to the chase. But, he had to be careful. She was the skittish kind.
“
Listen; can I ski with you tomorrow?” he asked gently. “Let’s see ... Tanya? No, that’s not it. Ta ... Tasha. Right? Actually, it’s Natasha. Natasha Suzette. And none of your friends at the resort could have told me your middle name, because they don’t know it.
You hate that name so much, you didn’t even put it on your wedding announcements. The only place it’s recorded is on your birth certificate, your social security card and your school records.”
“You were named for a sister of your father’s who slapped you silly once when you were just a little girl, and you’ve refused to use the name Suzette ever since.”
The blood drained from Tasha’s face. “Who told you that?” she whispered.
The man laughed at her knowingly. “Don’t you know who tells me all I need to know?” he asked innocently. “You know darn well that none of your local wannabe’s told me anything about you, and I think you know already, I’m not the kind to ask them.”
"Now, lady, why don’t you let me take you home tonight, and I’ll pick you up at eight in the morning. We’ll ski all day, go to dinner, and then we can go to the conference. What do you say? Unless you’d rather change your mind, and go tonight. Come to think of it, tomorrow is too far away. It's got to be tonight.”
Tasha sighed, and stared wearily up into his eyes. “You don’t plan to give up any time soon, do you?”
He smiled at her, with something akin to pity and embarrassment in his eyes. “I can’t.” he said lightly. “He’s very insistent.”
Tasha bowed her head. What was she supposed to do? This man was interesting. He knew her name. She looked up at him almost defiantly. “All right. We’ll do it tonight and get it over with, then. Once you see that I’m not interested, will you leave me alone?”
He laughed at her. “All I have to do is get you there. The rest is up to Him.” he agreed.
“
Then you can pick me up at ...”
“
I’ll have to follow you home, get you ready and leave right away. I have to be at the Cedars at six-thirty.”
“
Okay, let’s get going then.” she said tightly. She turned and gave him a burning look. “You may as well just leave your car here, and ride with me.”
She finished off her drink, picked up her gloves and goggles, and walked toward the stairs. The man went to consult with his friends, and joined her at the door leading outside.
He grinned at her guilelessly, and put a hand on her back as they walked. She moved quickly forward to escape his touch.
It wasn’t far to her car, as she was parked up front in preferred customer parking. She wordlessly unlocked the passenger door for him, and then climbed into the driver’s seat. Her ski boots slipped off easily and were replaced by her soft leather boots, in a flash. She stashed her ski boots behind her seat, and they were off.
Tasha was uncomfortable with this man around. She didn’t like having him so close beside her in the car. It’s like the car couldn’t hold all of him — he simply filled it to bursting, somehow, with his presence. She didn’t like the feeling of his eyes on her, watching and probing into her depths.
“
What’s your last name, Tasha?” he asked, stifling a yawn.
“
Don’t you know?” she asked sweetly. "I'm surprised Jesus didn't tell you that, too."
“
No. No, I don’t know.” he admitted, a smile lurking.
“
Charles-Taylor.” she answered blankly. She didn't want to get into a battle of wits with this man.
“
Are you from Salt Lake?” he asked lightly.
“
For now.” she answered briskly.
He looked at her appraisingly, and decided to let it go. Something told him to be very careful. She was about to the end of her rope, with him.
His eyebrows went up when she pulled into the garage of the Charles house. Though made of logs, it was about as classy a place as could be found at the resort. Perhaps, in all of Utah.
Wordlessly, Tasha led him through the garage, up the stairs and into the house.
“
Mommy!” two children chorused happily.
“
Hello, sweetheart! Hello, darling!” she murmured, kissing each of them, and hugging them close to her.
“
Who’s he?” they asked curiously. Their big eyes were turned up toward the stranger in amazement, their curly heads tipped back to look up so far.
“
This is Mr. ... ”
“
Rain. But you can call me Tim.” he said to the kids, smiling and showing matching dimples in each cheek. “And your names are?” he asked with interest.
“
I’m Naomi and this is Lucas.” the older child answered importantly.
“
I’m glad to meet you, Naomi and Lucas.”
“
And this is Lucinda, our housekeeper and nanny.” Tasha added, as the elderly cook came chasing after the children.
Tim took Lucinda’s hand, and smiled at her.
Lucinda looked up at him as if she’d been transported to heaven. “Are you staying to dinner, Mr. Rain?” she asked sweetly. “We are having Lasagna, and green salad, Minestrone soup and green beans. I have chocolate mousse pie for dessert.”
Tim raised an eyebrow and looked at Tasha, clearly tempted. “I was going to take Tasha to dinner at the Cedars, but Ma’am, you almost change my mind.”
Tasha smiled politely. “It is five, already. If we ate here, I could see the kids for a few minutes, and it would probably save you some time.”
He smiled at her, understanding. “Then we’ll do dinner out another night.” He laughed at the stricken expression
that
idea put on her face. “Is there somewhere I can wash up a little?”
Lucinda took over. “Mr. Rain, we have a lovely guest room and bath. Why don’t you follow me, and you can shower or do whatever you’d like. Perhaps you’d like to rest a few minutes, while Miss Tasha gets ready. Where are you going tonight?” she asked, as she led him upstairs.
Tasha watched them disappear worriedly “Is your grandpa coming home tonight?” she asked the children.
“
No, he flew to New York today.” Naomi answered sadly.
“
Oh. Okay. Well, you two, I promised Mr. Rain that I’d go with him to a conference this evening. I hope you won’t be too lonesome.”
“
We’ll be okay, Mama. I have to go to bed early because I have ski school tomorrow, and Lucas has his ski classes too.”
“
You guys are very good to me. Thanks for understanding.” Tasha whispered, kissing their foreheads. She took them to her rocking chair and cuddled them both in her lap for a time, watching the sun set against the mountains.
When Timothy Rain had finished his shower, taken a twenty minute nap, and put his clothes back on, he went downstairs and found that he was right on time. Lucinda was setting a very lovely table in the dining room.
She smiled and motioned him to have a seat in an armchair against the wall. “It is so lovely to see Miss Tasha in the company of a good man, at last. Mr. Rain, thank you! See that she has a good time, tonight.” Lucinda pleaded.
“
She doesn’t go out much?” he asked curiously.
“
Never. Not since she lost her husband.” Lucinda corrected.
Tim’s eyebrows went up. “I see.” he said, though he didn’t.
“
She loved him so deeply. She has not ever wanted to keep company with another man. It is a shame though, she’s such a lovely, and very young woman.”
“
Yes.” Tim agreed simply.
“
You will be careful, won’t you, Mr. Tim?” Lucinda asked worriedly.
“
What do you mean, Lucinda?” he asked softly.
“
You will see that she has a nice time, and -- and go carefully with her, won’t you?” Lucinda asked tightly. “She seems aloof, but she is very tender and sensitive. She has had a hard time recovering from his loss.”
Tim laughed. “I will be a perfect gentleman, Lucinda. Actually, this is not a romantic outing, at all. But I do hope that she will enjoy herself.”
“
Oh.” Lucinda said, with obvious disappointment. “I am so sorry! I didn’t mean to interfere. I should not have implied.”
“
Not at all.” Tim assured her with a chuckle. He wanted in the worst way to ask Lucinda a few more questions, but he heard steps on the stairs, and bit back his curiosity.
Tasha appeared, wearing a sweater suit of mossy forest green, with a shell in a lighter shade of green underneath the cardigan. Her boots were of forest suede with a nice heel, and she had Emeralds in her ears that matched her eyes. Her hair was pulled back into a French roll that was both sophisticated and attractive. Tendrils of shining black hair softened her lovely face. Her green eyes were flashing with a deep fire.
Tim looked at her with a bit of surprise. “Don’t you look nice?” he asked, with a grin.
“
Thank you.” she answered smoothly. She sat down at the table, and took a sip of water. “Have you called the children, Lucinda?”
“
Yes, they are washing up now.” Lucinda answered.
“
What did my father say this morning? When will he be back?”
Lucinda sighed. “I’m not sure, Miss Tasha. He said he had business that came up suddenly. He isn’t sure but that he’ll be gone all week. He asked me to tell you to call Carson Withers in Aspen and invite him down for a weekend, also he wanted you to invite a Mr. John Littleton from Seattle to come for a time, and to arrange the transportation for both men. He said the gentlemen will be expecting your call.”
“
All right, I’ll do that. Are these business contacts, or friends?” she asked evenly.
“
Well, he didn’t say why they’re coming, but they’ve both come before, Miss Tasha. They have both done business with Mr. Brent in the past, so I suspect it’s some of both.”
“
Very well.” Tasha replied, and turned her eyes to Tim. “Would you care for a drink?”
Tim looked at her curiously. How urbane and smooth she seemed. How chilly and remote behind her sophisticated exterior. “No, thanks. But some ice water would be very nice.” he said gratefully.
Tasha nodded knowingly. "I'm sorry, you don't drink?"
Tim smiled. "Not much." he explained with a smile.
Lucinda went immediately for the ice water. While she was gone, the children clattered down the stairs and took their places at the table.
Tim sat where Tasha directed him to, at the head of the table. She was on one side, the children were on the other, facing her. Then Lucinda joined them at the other end when she’d finished serving and put her apron aside.
Tim nodded with satisfaction. He was glad to see Lucinda there with the rest of them.
Tasha turned her glittering eyes on him. “Mr. Rain, will you say a blessing?” she asked.
Tim looked at her with distinct pleasure. “Dear Lord,” he said in a husky voice, “I thank you for this lovely meal and the hands that prepared it. Bless Lucinda for her service, Father. Thank you for this family and the way they’ve opened their home to me.'
"I ask that you pour out your blessing on the conference tonight. Father, meet the heart of every one who comes, and bless also these children who are sharing their mommy tonight. I leave Your peace and blessing upon this home. And Lord, we bless you. Thank you for Your presence in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Tim tucked into the best food he’d ever eaten. Lucinda was a real pro, and he for one appreciated every bite. Tasha wasn’t a hearty eater, he noticed, which probably explained her perfect figure.
When it was time to go, she went up to brush her teeth and get her children ready for bed. Tim watched the ritual with interest, noticing that the love bond was very strong between the three.
“
I’m sorry I have to go tonight.” she whispered to Lucas.
“
That’s okay, Mama. Lucinda will read me my story. And we can watch the movie she got us.” he said enthusiastically.
“
Yes, it’s a new one!” Naomi chimed in. “And she said we can have popcorn, too.”
Tasha smiled wanly. “All right. Well, I love you. I’ll kiss you when I come home, even if you aren’t awake.” she promised.
“
G’night, Mama. G’night, Mr. Tim.” they chimed together.
He shook his head and smiled. “Good night, you two.” he said warmly.
Tasha was silent as she got her long, green leather coat and her purse. He followed her down to the car with increasing interest in the situation. What in the world had he stepped into, this time?
“
They’re great kids.” he said, as she backed out of the garage.
“
Yes.” she replied in a clipped voice.
He didn’t break the silence as she drove toward the resort. She obviously wasn’t interested in talking, and he wasn’t honestly that concerned about it. So, he looked at the scenery and let her retreat. Finally, she asked him where he was staying.
“
At the Cedars. I do need to run up to my room and change clothes, real quick. You can either come with me, or wait in the Ballroom.”
“
What would be better for you?” she asked. She could hear concern in his voice, and assumed it was the time that was causing the mild stress.
“
You could come up with me, if you don’t mind. That would save me registering you, and all that. If you go with me, none of that will be necessary.”
“
All right.” she agreed, though she didn’t fully understand.
Tim led her at a quick pace through the lobby, and into the elevator. He pushed the button for the sixth floor, and looked at her pensively. She kept her eyes on her toes, and didn’t make a sound.
He put his hand on her back, and kept it there as they walked down the hall to his room. She followed him inside with some trepidation. She was quite sure he was all right -- but she couldn't help second guessing her decision to come with him to such a place, just a bit.
“
I'll be just one second.” he reassured her as he closed the door. The phone rang, and he sighed patiently as he reached for it.