Authors: Terri DuLong

Postcards from Cedar Key (17 page)

BOOK: Postcards from Cedar Key

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I
woke the next morning to the aroma of coffee and bacon filling my nostrils. Turning over, I glanced at the bedside clock.
Eight-thirty? God! I never sleep this late at home!

After using the bathroom, I slipped into a pair of sweats and padded down the hallway to the kitchen. What greeted me caused a deep whoosh of air to escape from my lungs.

Saxton stood at the stove stirring something in a cast iron fry pan. The orderly kitchen of the night before now looked like a four-year-old had been let loose unsupervised. The counter was covered with bowls, utensils, a carton of eggs, milk, and other assorted items. The kitchen table held pages of a newspaper in disarray, and the sink was filled with enough plates and bowls to require two loads in the dishwasher.

Saxton looked up, saw me, and smiled. “Good morning, beautiful. Since you were still sleeping, I ran down to Blue Ridge and got us some things so I could make breakfast.” He proceeded to fill a bowl with scrambled eggs from the fry pan, glanced at me again, and saw the look on my face. “Oh, don't worry about the mess. I'll have it all cleaned up in a jiffy. Go on out to the deck. I have the table all set for us.”

He went to the coffeepot, filled a mug, and passed it to me after leaning over to place a kiss on my lips. “Here you go. I'll be right out.”

I walked to the deck and let out a deep sigh. The sun was shining and just a hint of burning leaves filled the air. I sat down and took a sip of dark, rich coffee as I focused on my surroundings. Quiet. Peaceful. I felt another sigh escape me and glanced to the mountains that rose up to meet the blue sky.

“Hope you like scrambled eggs and bacon,” Saxton said, coming onto the deck with a tray. “I also got some homemade pumpkin muffins.” He started to sit down but jumped back up. “The juice. Got us some fresh apple juice.”

When he finally sat down, I glanced across the table and felt a lump in my throat. All of a sudden, the disaster in the kitchen didn't matter. He had gone to all this trouble for me.
For me.
I knew without a doubt that he was one of the sweetest men I'd met in a long time. Reaching across the table, I squeezed his hand.

“Thank you,” I said. “Thank you so much for this breakfast. It was a really nice thing to do.”

“I just hope it's good.” Saxton shot me a smile as he spooned eggs onto his plate.

I helped myself to bacon, eggs, and a muffin, and then took a sip of juice.

“This is really good.”

“It's from the apple orchard in town, Mercier's. We'll have to go there. Great place to shop and get cider and apples.”

Despite the mess in the kitchen, the bacon and eggs were cooked to perfection.

“I love these eggs,” I told him. “What'd you put in them?”

Saxton laughed. “Ah, a good chef never gives away his recipes.”

I joined his laughter.

“Did you sleep well?” he asked.

“I did. And I can't believe I slept so late. You should have woken me earlier.”

“Why? You're on vacation. You get up early every morning at home, so I thought you could use a break.”

“What time did you get up? You've already been downtown, shopped, and cooked breakfast.”

“About six. I called Doyle to check on Lola. He said she's doing just fine staying with him. He'd never admit it, but I think he likes having her around. I've left her at his house a few times when I've had to go on book tours.”

After I had cleaned my plate and even taken a second helping of the delicious eggs, I finished my second cup of coffee, stood, and stretched.

“That was really delicious, Saxton. Thanks again.”

“I'm glad you enjoyed it. Well, let me get everything cleaned up while you shower and get ready, and then we'll head to Murphy.”

“Oh, I'll help with the cleanup,” I said, feeling a bit guilty for being so tough on him.

“No, no. I made the mess. I'll clean it up. Now scoot,” he said, tapping my backside playfully.

When I reentered the kitchen it was like fairies had appeared in my absence. True to his word, Saxton had the kitchen back in shape.

He was hanging a dish towel on the rack and I walked behind him, slipping my arms around his waist.

“Good job,” I said. “There might be hope for you yet.”

He laughed and swung around to pull me into his arms.

His kiss mingled with the taste of toothpaste, and his aftershave had an intoxicating woodsy scent. This man was definitely hot, and at the moment, Murphy, North Carolina, was the last thing on my mind.

He broke away and cupped my face in his hands.

“If we don't stop . . . we may never leave this place for the entire day.”

And that would be a bad thing?

“Right,” I mumbled.

I gathered my tote bag and took his outstretched hand.

“Bringing along a picnic lunch?” he kidded me, pointing to my bag.

I smiled. “Hey, I'm a woman who's always prepared.” I peeked inside my large black leather bag. “Camera, makeup, guidebook, sunglasses, two bottles of water, and knitting. Yup, I'm all set.”

“You're a delight,” he said, laughing, and I followed him out to the car.

Saxton had been rightâMurphy was a cute little town that looked like a setting from a fifties television show.

The main street had older brick buildings, which had been restored to their original state, lining both sides. Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, it was the county seat of Cherokee County.

As we strolled along holding hands, glancing in shop windows, I had to admit the town did remind me of a Norman Rockwell painting.

“There's a coffee shop across the street,” Saxton said. “Feel like a cup and we can sit outside?”

“Sounds great.”

When I entered the shop it was like stepping back to my childhood days in Salem. A hardwood floor, shelves stocked with jars of penny candy, a Formica soda fountain with stools, and a friendly proprietor with a huge smile.

“Welcome to Murphy,” she said.

“Thanks,” Saxton told her. “Can we get two coffees to go?”

“Absolutely. Where're you from?” she asked as she proceeded to prepare it.

Watching her get the coffee brought a smile to my face and made me realize it wasn't the fifties after allâshe took two pods of coffee and inserted them into the Keurig coffee brewer.

“Cedar Key, Florida,” I heard Saxton tell her.

“Well, here you go,” she said, passing two cups across the counter as he paid her.

We found a table outside where we sat soaking up the wonderful autumn sunshine.

“You know,” I said. “This might not be such a good idea, this vacation getaway. I could get used to this very easy.”

Saxton laughed. “Good. That was the point. I'm on deadline for March, so when we get back I'll have to buckle down and get some writing done. But in the meantime, we'll enjoy it. Do you want to have lunch or do an early dinner?”

“I'm still full from breakfast, so an early dinner might be good.”

“Great. We'll go into Blairsville later. There's a couple good Italian restaurants there.”

By the time we got back to the cabin it was close to eight o'clock. I was loaded down with shopping bags with Christmas gifts I'd been able to find. The Essence of Rose in Blairsville had wonderful locally made candles that I knew Chloe and Suellen would love. And I found the perfect necklace for Grace at the shop next door. We had a delicious Italian dinner at Antoinetta's, and by the time I plunked onto the sofa and kicked off my shoes, I was ready to relax.

“Whew, this touristy stuff can be tiring,” I said.

“How about a glass of wine? I have some Sangiovese.”

“Sounds wonderful,” I said, stifling a yawn.

Saxton uncorked the bottle, poured two glasses, and joined me on the sofa.

“Here's to a fun day.” He touched his glass with mine.

I nodded and took a sip. “Delicious, and it was a fun day. I really enjoyed it. Where to tomorrow?”

He laughed. “You're a glutton for punishment, huh?”

“Well, I don't want to miss anything.”

“Tomorrow we can hit Blue Ridge. Have lunch in town, you can browse the shops, and then we can go to the apple orchard.”

“Sounds like fun. What time does the tour bus leave?”

Saxton leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Whenever you say. Sleep in and enjoy it while you can.”

I had to admit that sounded mighty appealing.

“One of these evenings we have to take advantage of that hot tub out there,” he said, waving a hand toward the deck. “You did bring a swimsuit, didn't you?”

“I did. Why don't we have dinner in tomorrow evening and just relax in that hot tub?”

“Good idea. We can get dinner to go at Taste of Naples, another great Italian restaurant.”

Even though it was just after nine, I had a hard time keeping my eyes open. I took the last sip of wine and stood up.

“I hope you don't mind, but I'm wiped.”

Saxton took the glasses and put them on the kitchen counter. “I am too,” he said. “This mountain air is good for sleeping.”

He walked with me down the hallway and paused outside my room. Leaning toward me, his lips brushed mine as he pulled me into an embrace.

“Good night, Berkley. Sweet dreams. I'll turn off the lights and check the doors.”

I stifled another yawn and nodded. “Thanks again for a great day,” I said, before walking into my room and closing the door.

I
was awakened the next morning by the ringing of my cell phone and answered to hear Jill's voice.

“You weren't still sleeping, were you? Or
otherwise
engaged?”

I rubbed my eyes and saw the clock read 8:05. “Get your mind out of the gutter,” I told her as I swung my legs to the side of the bed.

Jill's laughter came across the line. “Oh, Berkley, don't be such a prude. You're on a getaway with a handsome guy. What? You're sleeping in separate beds?”

“As a matter of fact, we are.”

I heard the gasp from Jill. “No! Seriously?”

“Yes. Seriously,” I said, heading to the bathroom. “Hold on. I need to pee.”

I placed the phone on the bedside table and could still hear Jill chattering away.

A few minutes later, I retrieved the phone. “I'm back. What's up?”

“What's up? You tell me. You
were
joking about separate beds, right?”

“No, I was perfectly serious. The cabin is a two bedroom, two bath. I have my own space. What's wrong with that?”

“Well . . . uh . . . nothing. I guess. If that's what you want.” I could hear the surprise in her voice.

Was
this what I wanted? I honestly wasn't sure.

“Saxton booked a two-bedroom place,” I told her, as if trying to justify the situation.

“Right. And it's certainly up to you if you choose to spend this time with him like a nun. I'm just surprised. I thought you told me that you agreed to have an exclusive relationship with him. Which I understood to mean that you were attracted to himâthat there was a chemistry going on there.”

I recalled Saxton's kisses. “Oh, there is. Definitely. I think I just need more time. I don't want what we have to just be about the sex.”

Jill's laughter filled the line. “I don't think you have to worry about that, Berkley. You've known each other for seven months.”

Hmm, she had a point.

“Anyway, I just called to see if you were having a good time and . . . to tell you that I'm definitely coming to Cedar Key for Thanksgiving. If that's okay with you.”

I pumped my arm in the air. “Yes! Of course it's okay. Oh, Jill, that's great. I miss you and it'll be great spending time together next month.”

“I was hoping you'd say that. I booked a flight into Gainesville, will rent a car there, and drive to the island. You said the airport is about an hour from Cedar Key?”

“Yup. Oh, no . . .”

“What's wrong?”

“Does this mean I'll have to cook a turkey?”

“Oh, God! You're right,” she said, and I know she was remembering a past Thanksgiving when I'd offered to make the bird. The only problem was, I'd forgotten to ever turn the oven on.

I laughed. “Now, now. You said I was forgiven for that fiasco, and I promise to make sure I
cook
the turkey this time.”

“Great. I'm flying in on Wednesday, the day before. I can't wait to see you.”

“Same here. I'll call you next week after I get home. Love you.”

I walked into the kitchen with the aroma of coffee greeting me again but no smell of bacon in the air and no Saxton. I peeked through the French doors and saw him engrossed in the newspaper. Filling a mug with coffee, I joined him.

“Good morning,” I said, leaning over to place a kiss on his cheek.

He looked up and a smile covered his face as he pulled me close. “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”

“I did.” I pulled up the chair beside him. “All this fresh mountain air is making me quite lazy.”

“Well, I hope you're all rested because I thought maybe we'd grab a big breakfast in Blue Ridge, rather than lunch, and then go to the apple orchard.”

“Sounds like a plan. I'll finish this coffee and hit the shower.”

Saxton was right. I did love the Mercier apple orchard. We had fun strolling the aisles together, and I was amazed at all the various products they sold. All kinds of preserves, different varieties of apples for both eating and baking, and one entire room dedicated to Christmas decorations. Their bakery was to die for, and three pies ended up in our basket along with all the other items.

After we filled the trunk of the car with our purchases, Saxton checked his watch.

“We have time to take a drive over to Ellijay, if you want.”

“Let's do it,” I told him.

I also fell in love with this small town. A few streets for shopping surrounded a small park area with a fountain in the center of town. We found a great place to sit outside and have coffee before we walked along, browsing in shops.

By the time we got back to the car and headed out of town it was going on four o'clock.

“We may as well go to the restaurant now and get our dinner to go,” Saxton said. “We can always heat it up later in the microwave.”

“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you,” I said, as I stretched out in the warm water of the hot tub. “Jill called me this morning and she's coming to Cedar Key for Thanksgiving.”

“That's great. I'm sure you'll be happy to see her. Have you heard from your aunt yet? You said she might also be there for the holiday.”

I reached for my glass of wine and took a sip. “Not yet. Oh, gee . . . I just realized . . . I was going to extend an invitation to Mr. Carl and Raylene too. So that would be six, and I don't have enough room in my kitchen to seat that many.”

Saxton patted my hand. “Not to worry. We can have the dinner at my place. Between the deck and the dining room, I have plenty of room.”

“Really? You wouldn't mind?”

“Not at all, and maybe we can invite Miss Maybelle too. Sometimes she likes to dine at the Island Hotel for Thanksgiving dinner, but we can ask her.”

“That would be great. Thanks. I'm glad we finally got around to using this hot tub. I'm beginning to feel like Jell-O in here. It's
so
relaxing.”

Saxton nodded. “Hmm, maybe I should get one installed on my deck. That is, if you promise to join me.”

“I promise,” I said, and as I turned my head his lips found mine.

“I like this,” he whispered in my ear as his hand caressed my body. “Being with you like this.”

“I . . . do . . . too,” I told him as I tried to catch my breath. This man had a way of kissing that notched up my desire to a level I hadn't felt in a long time.

“I want you, Berkley,” he said, his voice husky.

I knew it wasn't just the wine causing my body to react to his touch.

His kisses covered my nose, my cheek, my chin, before finding my lips again.

When he pulled away, he took a deep breath. “I didn't think I'd ever feel this way again. I wasn't sure I wanted to . . . but I've fallen in love with you, Berkley. I love you.”

All the years of being alone, all the years of thinking I didn't want to be involved with somebody, instantly vanished. I allowed myself to be in the moment. To feel this man beside me, to feel the passion he aroused in me and to feel the magic of not only loving, but being loved in return.

“I love you too, Saxton,” I whispered.

He stood up as he stretched out his hand. “Come on,” he said, and then wrapped a fluffy bath towel around me.

I followed him into the house, down the hallway, and into my bedroom.

BOOK: Postcards from Cedar Key

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