A Leap in Time (7 page)

“That sounds tragic, Lexi. I’m sorry you were betrothed to such a horrible scoundrel. If you’re not otherwise engaged, you should stay with us for a few days. My family hosts an annual summer feast at our home and almost everyone attends. You’ll have a great time and maybe you’ll meet someone new. Selfishly, I would love for you to stay. It sounds like you’ve been through a terrible ordeal. Is he in Pompeii?” She had a way of watching me that was a bit unnerving. Maybe it was my own paranoia induced by my constant blatant unapologetic lying right to her face.

How do I handle her invitation without offending her?

It sounded like Catina came from a fine family in high standing. It might not be a bad idea to consider her invitation. Then again, all my white lies could land me on the chopping block.

“Thank you for your kindness. I’m not sure if I can stay, Catina. I’ve already imposed on your family’s kindness and generosity—”

“Nonsense. It’s unsafe for you to travel to Rome without an escort. You will stay with us. My brother Julius and his friend Marcus will be at the party tomorrow. They’ll gladly escort you back to Rome—they’re going anyway.” She popped a grape in her mouth, content with her plan.

“Catina really, it’s truly unnecessary.” I tried to sound calm, but my voice deceived me.

“Don’t look so worried. You’re most welcome here, and my parents would be honored to host you. Besides, with all the people that’ll be here, I doubt they would notice either of us.” She smiled reassuringly.

My head was spinning. With my luck, I would be trapped here until the volcano erupted becoming an artifact for my friends to view at the museum.

“I promise you’ll have a grand time. My brother is very charming and his friend Marcus is even more so. Together, they’re a mischievous pair in a harmless sort of way. You’ll adore them and they’ll be delighted to escort you back to Rome at the end of the month.”

“End of the month? That’s three weeks away!” My voice came out shrill and much louder than I intended. “I’m sorry. I’m feeling disoriented and very vulnerable. I didn’t realize how difficult this would be. I don’t even know what day or month or year it is.”

The look of concern on Catina’s face and the tears welling in her eyes told me she was buying my story. Good. “I’m so sorry, Lexi. I know we don’t know each other at all, but we could become great friends. The gods bring people into our lives for a reason. I am convinced our meeting was blessed by the gods. I rarely go to the market in the mornings. Maria takes care of purchasing the food and household needs. Today I needed a walk and there you were looking ill and helpless. You see, we were meant to meet.”

She took a deep breath and came to sit closer to me on the lectus. “Lexi, I’ve been through a similar hardship.” She sighed. “I was betrothed to a man six months ago. After a yearlong courtship he decided marriage wasn’t for him. I felt devastated and embarrassed. He’s since been betrothed to another woman of similar background from our social circle. I guess it wasn’t marriage he had a change of heart about, it was marriage to me.”

This poor girl was actually crying. What had I done? My lies were opening wounds for this kindhearted beautiful woman who only meant to help me. If she knew what a fraud I was, she’d have me hung.

“I’m so sorry. Men can be very cruel. It’s his loss. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet someone wonderful at the summer feast. You seem fond of Marcus. Maybe he could be a potential suitor.” I smiled encouragingly while the tears streamed down her face. Before I could stop myself, I was reaching over to hug her.

I felt torn. A part of me didn’t see the harm staying one additional day for the party. The whole point of coming back was to figure out why the painting had engulfed me in the first place. Besides, I was really liking Catina and wanted to get to know her a little more. The clearheaded part of me wanted to get out of here before something went wrong.

What would Charlotte and Kate think if I didn’t return as promised? Would they panic and call Mrs. Ashton? Would they get my parents involved? I didn’t want to give them reason to worry more than they already were.

“Lexi, please stay for the feast. Then you’re free to make your way to Rome. I wouldn’t stand in your way. I promise.” She pulled back from my hug to wipe her eyes. Her magenta colored tunic looked beautiful on her. For the first time I noticed the layers of ruffles that delicately brushed her slim ankles.

I found myself saying, “Yes.”

Now I needed to figure out a Plan B so I was still home by dawn on Sunday. If I sneak away tomorrow before dusk, I can still be home before the weekend ends and all will be normal again.

Catina shrieked so loud there was no doubt people down the street heard. Was everyone from Pompeii this welcoming of strangers? She just met me for God’s sake. The cynic in me was doubtful and suspicious of her intentions and the trusting part of me welcomed her enthusiasm. I found it refreshing.

“I’ll stay for the party on two conditions.” She looked at me as if no request was too big. “I need to borrow a dress and I need to leave by tomorrow before dusk.” She started to ask why, but I put my hand up to stop her. “Please Catina, don’t ask questions or press me to stay. I wouldn’t be leaving if it wasn’t important.”

“All right, I won’t ask any questions for now, but I would like to know the whole story when you’re ready. I know there’s much more.”

Surprisingly, I knew that someday I would be able to trust her with the whole story.

As if reading my mind, she said, “You can trust me,” while clasping both my hands.

If she knew only half the story, she’s have me committed to an insane asylum.

“Regardless of what you’re not telling me, I’m glad you’re staying. You’ll have a wonderful time and you’ll meet Marcus. I have a feeling you’ll enjoy each other’s company.” She busied herself with fluffing the pillows on the sofa where I sat. What was she up to?

“I don’t think I’m ready to start a new courtship right now.”

“My mother always says to keep an open heart so the gods can do their work.”

Mental note to self, look up gods when you get back home.

“Please forgive me for asking, but why haven’t you considered Marcus as a suitor? You seem very fond of him.

“I am—the same way I’m fond of my brother. And if Julius wasn’t already betrothed, I would play matchmaker with him as well.” She seemed to be telling the truth although I wasn’t sure why it mattered. Was I really going to be set up in Pompeii? I wouldn’t be here long enough for anything to happen.

“Don’t be so closed off. Not all men are like your previous betrothed. If I had to guess, I would say you have a restless spirit that needs constant adventure to feel alive. You wouldn’t be here on your own otherwise.” She smiled wistfully. “You’ll find Marcus to be very similar.” Catina patted the cushion between us. “Enough about that, let’s find you a dress. Come, you’ll share my bed tonight. I’m sure Mother has already designated the bedrooms for guests.”

She got up and pulled me to her room.

Chapter Eight

The sight of him took my breath away. The room and everyone in it faded as every fiber in my body was drawn toward this Adonis. He was beautiful in a godly way: six feet tall with muscles everywhere. His tussled brown hair—not short like the men in my history books—and heart-melting smile made him the sexiest man I had ever laid eyes on.

He looked like a modern guy disguised in Roman clothing. The slightest dimples pierced his cheeks every time he smiled. Forget being set up with Marcus, Catina needed to introduce me to this guy, immediately.

Sigh
. I couldn’t help but notice how animated he was when talking using his hands to emphasize a point. The couple chatting with him laughed every few seconds at something he was saying.
So he was hot and funny. Double sigh!
Every so often a lock of hair fell over his eyebrow and he nonchalantly pushed it back with his long, slender fingers. I caught myself holding my breath as I stared shamelessly. Please God, let Catina can play matchmaker with this guy. He’s worth bending the rules for…

Stop Lexi, get a grip
.

Is this what love at first sight felt like?

Despite my best and strongest resolve to stand still, my legs dragged my body toward him. My mind screamed for me to stop, think this through, but my brain had other plans. He was turned slightly in my direction, clearly enjoying the couples’ company.

He kept glancing at me from the corner of his eye unnerving me with his teasing smile. One would hope I’d behave more ladylike considering how important such things were in ancient society but, no—nothing seemed to stop me. I felt this unwavering need to tell him my life story, the real one. The cost for silly mistakes like this could potentially cost me my life, and yet, I was undeterred as I inched closer to him as if in a trance.

He shifted position, squarely facing me. I found myself staring into the most beautiful liquid green eyes. Right then and there, I knew there was no hope for me. He leaned in to say something to the couple, sending them into a fit of laughter before he started toward me.
Oh holy crap!

“Hello. I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you.” He sounded so authoritative and confident.

“Uh… Hello.” Did my voice actually quiver? He’s going to think I’m an idiot.

“Marcus, when did you arrive?” Catina’s voice rang from behind me and I couldn’t be happier for the interruption. Oh, for the love of all that’s holy. Of course this was the infamous Marcus. I guess the Universe wasn’t done intervening on my behalf.

“Just this morning…” His voice trailed as he locked his gaze on me again.

Catina smiled at him teasingly. In her best hostess role, she turned to me. “Alexandra, may I introduce you to Marcus Cassius. Our families are dear friends. Marcus, Julius and I grew up together and have many fond memories. Less on my part because Marcus and Julius tormented me mercilessly.” She giggled to herself and I immediately felt at ease. There was no mistaking her brotherly fondness for him. So this was Marcus.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alexandra. He took my hand. The fullness of his perfect lips on my knuckles was almost my undoing. A deep blush burned my cheeks.

“Please call me Lexi.” I willed myself to feel more at ease now that Catina was here.

“Are you here visiting Catina?” he asked.

“Yes. Until I make arrangements for my journey to Rome.” I tried to sound confident and matter-of-fact despite my buckling knees.

“Lexi insists on starting her journey to Rome tonight. Isn’t that completely absurd and unsafe, Marcus?” Catina was determined to keep me here.

Little did she know that with each passing second with Marcus, my resolve was dwindling.

“Let’s get something to eat. I haven’t had a thing since this morning. Come, Marcus.” Catina linked her arms through ours, escorting us to the garden where a huge banquet table was piled with roasted meats, cheese, assortment of fruits, bread, wine and nuts.

The electricity between Marcus and I was palpable. I tried to remain detached and ladylike by engaging Catina in small talk, but I couldn’t keep from scanning the room for his every movement. To my delight, I caught him watching me more often than not. Maybe he felt something too.

My feelings were unexpected and confusing. Maybe it was lust. Maybe it was lust and curiosity, or maybe both plus the forbidden fruit thing. Regardless, I didn’t care. Within a few short hours, I’d be home again and Marcus will become part of history in a city destined for doom.

“Lexi, are you having a good time?” Catina surveyed the guests who were flowing from the gardens to the atrium with an excited buzz.

“Yes, of course. It’s been wonderful meeting your family and friends. I haven’t met Julius yet. Is he coming?”

“Yes, he and Octavia should be arriving shortly.”

As the words left her lips, the most striking couple I’d ever seen made their entrance through the courtyard.

“Oh here they are. Julius!” Catina ran into his open arms for a hug. Julius was tall like Marcus and similar in build, but the similarity ended there. Julius had whitish blond hair cut very short and very much in line with the conservative Roman hairstyles I’d seen on the men here. The style complemented his round face. Unlike Catina, he had fair skin. His piercing hazel eyes settled on me.

The way he studied me made me squirm a little—all right, a lot—and I tried hard to stand with confidence. Undoubtedly he wondered about the identity of the stranger hanging around his sister. I smiled broadly, waiting for Catina to make the formal introductions.

Octavia was tall with long, curly black hair, hazel eyes and a brilliant smile that lit up her face. She wore the most elegant magenta colored tunic that was coordinated, from the hair combs adorned in gems right down to her beautiful sandals. No doubt she came from wealth and an elite social standing.

“They’re a wonderful looking couple, aren’t they?” Marcus whispered from behind me. I tried not to jump at the sound of his voice so intimately close.

“Yes.” My voice sounded breathless and a little jumpy so I sipped more wine in hopes of calming my jitters. I felt like a teenager swooning over her first crush. Pathetic and completely hopeless since I wasn’t a teenager and hadn’t been in years. Hopefully the wine will tame my rattled nerves.

To my horror, Marcus wore the most devious grin as if he could read every naughty thought playing in my mind.

“How do you and Catina know each other? I don’t remember her mentioning you before, but now she can’t stop talking about you.” His brilliant green eyes bored into my soul and for a split second, I almost told him everything.

Everything.

Just as I was about to speak, Catina walked toward us with Julius and Octavia in tow. “Alexandra, may I introduce you to my amazing brother Julius and his betrothed Octavia.”

Julius hugged Marcus and they exchanged a few pleasantries before he fixed his gaze on me again. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alexandra. Catina hasn’t stopped talking about you.” He held my gaze a few seconds too long. What was up with that?