Blind Witness (16 page)

“She’ll follow Charlie. I’ll get them saddled.” He left her to get the tack.

“What’s the name of your other horses?” She continued to pet any horse she could reach.

“Butterscotch,” he said, coming up with a saddle. “I call her Scottie. It fits her personality better. A friend of mine got her for his daughter, but she couldn’t handle her. So I helped him find a different horse and kept her.” He told her about the other horses until he led Charlie and Daisy Mae from the pasture.

“Ready for a leg up?” He directed her to the mare, helping her find the stirrup. Rachelle swung easily in the saddle. “Nice,” he said, and got on Charlie.

“This is great. I can’t believe it.”

“Well, let’s ride.”

For forty-five minutes he led her through the trees until he reached the area he wanted. “Ready for lunch?”

“I’m starving. Being out in the fresh air has my appetite going.”

Being with Rachelle had his appetite going too, but he was hungry for her, Britt thought as he came to help her down. Wrapping his hands around his waist, he wondered what she’d do if he took a bite out of her. “Good, let’s eat.”

He handed her the blanket he had brought, picked up the basket, and then caught her hand leading her a few feet away. Later, Rachelle sighed after taking the last bite of her croissant sandwich. “This was perfect.”

“I could use a nap.” He shifted so he was lying stretched out with his head on her thigh. When she didn’t move, he crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes. He opened them again when he felt her caress his cheeks. The smile she had for him was incredible. With a sigh he closed his eyes again and let her gentle strokes lull him to sleep.

****

Rachelle couldn’t believe the feel of the man leaning against her. There was something special about being able to just touch him. Careful not to disturb him she settled back into the thick grass and let her fingers study his face. He had such wonderful cheek bones. His was a strong face. It surprised her how easy it was to bring it up in her memory, but it was there in fine detail. His jaw was getting a touch rough with stubble. His lips were curved in a smile. He was happy, she thought just before following him into sleep.

Rachelle felt the velvet touch on her cheek. It glided over her lips then made its way over her chin in a tantalizing path down her neck. The weight on her stomach shifted, and the velvet stokes took up its trail again. This time she caught the fragrance of roses.

“Waking up with you is getting to be a habit,” she mumbled contently.

“A good habit I hope,” Britt answered continuing the rose’s trail.

“I think so.”

“Good, because you make an excellent pillow and are much better than a teddy bear.”

She smiled then it faded. “Britt.”

“What is it, sweetheart?”

“I need to tell you something before you get the wrong impression especially after the last couple of nights. I …” She found the words difficult to get out now that he was waiting. Taking a breath, she forced the words out. “I don’t sleep around, just so you know. So you don’t expect …”

“I know, I could tell.”

“Well, it’s a little further than that. I’ve never. I mean ever.”

She felt his hand cup the cheek the rose had just caressed. She shivered with awareness.

“It’s okay Rachelle.”

“I thought I should tell you, so you’d understand.”

“I do understand.” In his mind, he added that it was okay, because he planned to be the only man to ever make love to her. “Come on, we better get back.”

“Did you two have a nice picnic?” Mae greeted them as they entered the kitchen.

“Wonderful, Britt took me for a ride on the horses. It had been so long since I’ve ridden. I loved it.”

“It’s been awhile for him,” the housekeeper commented. “Bet you enjoyed it too.” She looked at him and grinned.

“So right you are.”

“Melissa is back. She’s glad you showed up. She was worried since you hadn’t called.”

Britt winced. “Things have been a little hectic, but I should have.”

“You’re right, you should have. You work too hard.” The voice came from by the doorway. “It’s good to see you take a day off finally.”

“Melissa,” he greeted his stepmother as she came forward to give him a kiss on the cheek. As usual Melissa looked as if she just stepped out of a fashion magazine. She wore a pair of basic black pants with a cream cashmere sweater. Her platinum hair barely touched her cheek, accentuating her high cheekbone and smoky eyes.

“I was beginning to wonder if you were going to show,” she chided him. “But your tux is back from the cleaners and hanging in your closet.”

“You didn’t doubt I’d be here for a minute.”

“You’re right, I figured you would. You’re like your father. He didn’t like black tie affairs either, but he looked incredible in a tux.”

Britt just laughed. Melissa Clairbourne had several faults. She was shallow, didn’t know much about real life being born with a silver-spoon, but her love for his father wasn’t one of her failings. Neither was her charity work. She cared about raising money for the children’s hospital and could run a charity function like no other.

Britt took her hand leading her two steps to Rachelle. “I’d like you to meet Rachelle Harris.” He caught Rachelle’s hand bringing it up. “Rachelle, this is my stepmother, Melissa
Clairbourne.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Rachelle said, clasping the hand as it brushed hers.

Melissa looked perplexed at Britt for a moment. “It’s nice to meet you. I saw your picture in the paper the other day, but I didn’t know you were dating anyone.”

“Oh, Britt and I−”

Britt cut her off. “Have only been seeing each other a short time.”

“I should warn you, Tiffany invited Maureen to stay the night. She’s coming out with them this evening.”

Britt groaned inside. “I hope she doesn’t think I’m going to be her escort.”

“You know your sister,” Melissa said.

“Yes, I know her.” Britt wasn’t happy at all. He knew his stepsister meant well, but the pushing her best friend at him continually was getting to be too much. Maureen might be eagerly willing, but he was not in the least interested. “I wish she’d listen to me.”

“If you’re concerned about me don’t worry. I’ll stay in my room out of the way,” Rachelle put in softly.

“No, you won’t. Whatever gave you that idea?” Britt objected.

“I … I don’t really fit in here. I don’t know anyone.” She tried to reason.

“You know me, and I want you by my side.” He caught her arm, letting his hand slide down to hers.

“I didn’t bring a dress appropriate for the evening.”

“I know. I didn’t give you the chance to stop by the dry cleaners or your apartment, so I figured I’d take you shopping.”

“But I.”

“I’m not letting you object. You are my choice. Melissa, don’t you have someone coming to do your hair and make-up?”

“Of course, Laura’s coming.”

“Do you think she would have time to do Rachelle’s, too?” It was hardly a question.

“I’m certain, but I’ll call her immediately to let her know.” She left the room leaving them alone.

“You’re all set,” he said in finality. “We’ll go shopping, and then out to dinner.”

“You really like to direct my life,” she said with a sigh.

“Does it bother you?”

“A little, I’m used to fighting since my accident to prove I can take care of myself. But I will admit it has felt good having you taking care of me lately.”

“I do care about you.” He squeezed her hand.

“I know.” She smiled.

“But you’d like me to ask instead of dictating.”

“Yes.”

“All right then, what would you like to do?”

“Well, I feel funny about having you take me shopping but I will need help, so I can accept that but … instead of going out to eat, could we come back here and eat like we did for lunch? Then maybe we could swim, listen to music or even watch a movie if you’d like.”

“You like listening to movies still?”

“Yes, it’s interesting what your mind comes up with for scenes and if the actors are familiar, it helps me picture them.”

“There’s a movie or two I wouldn’t mind seeing. We could light a fire even though it’s not going to be cold tonight.”

“There’s always air conditioning,” she laughed.

“Right.”

“You don’t mind?”

“Let’s see, sharing you with a crowded room of people, where you’re slightly tense or having you relaxed back in my arms all to myself. Hard choice.”

“Who said anything about in your arms?”

“A man can always hope.”

“Well, maybe a little cuddling would be acceptable.”

“Cuddling, I like the sound of that. How about it?” He lowered his lips to kiss her in way of finishing the question. Britt drew the kiss out until a moan escaped from her.

“What was that again?” she whispered when he drew back.

He slid his arms around her and kissed her again.

****

Shopping with a man was a new experience for Rachelle. Just inside the door she stopped. The music that greeted her, suggested very high class. The feeling was backed up with the scented air. Rachelle got the feel the shop was far outside her means. “Britt, I don’t know about this.”

“Don’t worry. This is where Melissa and Tiffany always shop for their gowns.”

That confirmed it for her. She could handle buying a new gown but nothing in the price range that would be here. “I can’t afford to shop here,” she said firmly, not at all embarrassed.

“You’re not, I’m buying,” he answered back.

“But I can’t let you pay that much for me.”

“We’ve already had this discussion. I pick out the dress. You pick where we eat and what we do.”

“But I can’t allow you to do that.”

He stopped her with a finger against her lips. “Stop saying that, just think of it as a bonus for all the stress you’ve been caused because of me.”

When her lips started to move, he stopped her. “Agree.”

“Mr.
Clairbourne, how are you, sir?” The shopkeeper came up before Rachelle could object again.

“Fine, thank you.” He removed his fingers from her lips.

“My name is Georgia. May I help you?” the woman asked anxiously.

“We need a dress for tomorrow night.”

“Yes, yes.”

Rachelle heard the woman’s hands clasp together.

“What did you have in mind?”

Rachelle decided she had no choice, but she could lay down some guidelines. “Nothing flashy, I’d like it to be on the conservative side. Black is always practical.”

“You already have a beautiful black gown. I was thinking something lighter. But you’re definitely right, nothing too flashy, just classy.”

“Why don’t you come this way and we’ll …”

Rachelle heard the catch in the woman’s voice as she realized she was about to say see. “I’ll show you where the selection is.”

It was getting real easy to move with Britt.

“I’d say a size six.”

“Usually,” Rachelle said, feeling slightly embarrassed.

“Here we are then.”

“Not the red one, and let’s eliminate the orange also,” Britt said beside her.

“Yes, please,” Rachelle added.

“What about this lovely gold sequined?” the woman suggested.

“Is it yellow toned?” Rachelle asked. “I don’t look very good in yellows.” She was still while the dress was held up to her.

“Umm, you’re right. The gold is not a great color on you,” Britt rejected it also.

“There’s this stunning aqua crepe. The color ought to be perfect.”

“Color’s nice,” Britt said, “but I don’t know if I like the cut.”

“What’s it like?” Rachelle asked and the woman answered.

“Stunning, trim fit. It cuts across the breast with a push up bra to give the best to your figure. It would look perfect on you.”

“No, thank you, it doesn’t sound like me. Do you have anything with shoulders?”

“Of course, I have this halter with the intricate bead work.”

Immediately Rachelle thought of showy.

“Or I have this.”

“Yes, that’s more like it.” Britt exclaimed and Rachelle turned to him.

“Britt?”

“It’s a whitish material with a blue shimmer to it. I guess it’s what you would say, slim cut, with a slit that would go to your thigh. I don’t think it would be too high. Its sleeves . . . puff out kind of, and then get narrow at the elbow. The neck doesn’t look like it will be too low either. I’m not sure what you call it.”

He helped Rachelle trace the lines of the dress. “Want to try it on?”

“I guess.”

“This way,” the woman led the way, carrying the dress.

Britt stayed as her guide until they reached the dressing room.

“Do you need a hand?” Georgia asked as he released her.

“I can manage,” Rachelle assured her, stepping into the dressing room. She fumbled through removing her clothes and sliding the dress over her head. The material felt incredible as it slid over her body, smooth and silky. It hugged plenty but it wasn’t tight except for the constrictive sleeve which made it so she couldn’t reach around to get the zipper past halfway up. Standing there frustrated for a moment she finally steeled herself. “Umm, Britt.”

“Yes,” his voice came from just the other side of the door. Rachelle wasn’t sure if she was relieved or more nervous.

“I need help with the zipper.”

****

Britt almost groaned aloud as the image came to his mind. His first instinct was to join her and take care of it, but with the heat rising in him, he thought better of it. He didn’t want to raise any more speculations about him and Rachelle than him buying her a dress would cause. “I’ll get the sales lady.” It only took a motion for the woman to come.

“May I help you?”

“Yes, she needs help with the zipper.”

The woman nodded, and after a light tap on the door, she stepped in. “Oh, spectacular,” she gasped. “That’s wonderful on you.”

“Except that I need a little help with the zipper.”

“Certainly,” the woman lifted it the last six inches. “Mr.
Clairbourne will love it.”

“You don’t think it’s too much for me?” Rachelle ran her hands over her sides.

“Oh, no. It’s perfect.”

“I’ve never had a man pick out clothes for me before. My sister usually helps me and she knows my taste, but she’s out of town.”

“Well, Mr. Clairbourne has excellent taste. The gown is lovely on you. The coloring, as is the fit, is perfect. Let’s show him.”

Timidly Rachelle stepped from the room. “Britt.”

She heard his footsteps approach. “Beautiful.” His voice was a low growl full of appreciation.

“She has a wonderful figure to dress and very beautiful coloring.”

“Very.”

“You like it?” Rachelle asked, still self-conscious. Her hand fluttered up in front of her. Britt caught her fingers bringing them to his lips.

“You look lovely in it.” He kissed the pulse point on her wrist making her heart race.

“It’s … it’s not too bold … or flashy?” She had trouble getting the words out after the feel of him on her skin.

“Not at all.” Britt found it hard to take his eyes off of her. He knew Rachelle had a good shape and would draw attention, but oh wow. She was beautiful. He forced himself to swallow. “It is very elegant. Trust me. It’s you.”

“All right, if you think so.”

“I do. Why don’t you change, and we’ll go find some shoes to match.”

“I guess I can’t get by with a simple pair of flats, can I?”

Britt laughed. “Don’t worry. Remember. I already promised I’ll be right by your side.”

“So you can help me up when I fall on my face.”

“I promise I won’t let you fall.” He took her hand, bringing it to her lips. “Unless it’s for me,” his voice was low so only she could hear it before brushing his lips over her knuckles.

Rachelle figured it was already too late for that. She was in love with Britt
Clairbourne. Wise or not, her heart was his forever.

Hours later, she couldn’t have been happier, relaxing against him on the couch. They had spent about an hour in the pool, then going with the earlier thought, he built a fire, turning up the air conditioner wasn’t necessary. They sat in the middle of the floor and ate the dinner Mae prepared for them before moving to the couch to watch the sequel to a movie that had been one of her favorites about two years before she lost her sight.