The Corporate Escape (7 page)

“My heart doesn't seem to be listening to reason,” Paul said. “I can't seem to slow it down.”

“What is worse,” said Lynn, “I don't even want to try.

“This is an impossible situation,” Paul stated rationally. “We literally live on opposite sides of the world. We have separate lives in separate worlds.”

“The bright side,” said Lynn, “We're both successful Christians, with highly demanded skills. It is a positive that we have separate lives. At least we are both still single.”

Paul remained silent.

“We are both single, aren't we?” Lynn asked.

“Yes, of course. But single doesn't mean that there aren't commitments,” said Paul.

Lynn held her breath waiting for him to continue. Certainly her wasn't implying that there was someone he was in love with. She thought of Paula and Christine. Both had acted so totally possessive. No, he couldn't be in love either of them. Could he?

“We both have jobs we are totally committed to,” Paul continued. “You love your job, and I love mine.”

Lynn released her breath with a loud sigh. “As long as it is only your job you are in love with, I can cope with that!”

“Can you?” Paul asked earnestly, “I don't know that I could cope with yours.”

“That is just because you are a male chauvinist pig,” teased Lynn.

Paul did not smile. Instead he took both of her hands in his and stared deeply into her eyes.

“You are partly right,” he said. “That, and the fact that I want children. I want a wife that needs children in her life as much as I do. One that is willing to share in the sacrifices that having children demand. Willing to be dependent on me, so that our children can be dependent on her.”

Lynn was aghast. Her heart leaped in every direction. He had been examining their relationship at the same level as she had. She had thought of what it would be like to leave the land she loved. Leave her family and friends behind. Wondered if he would understand her need to work and be needed. Could she leave per job, country, family and friends?

She had tried to not dwell on the questions. They were ludicrous considering they had met only days before. Yet, now here he was confessing that he too, had thought these very deep thoughts. She was unable to answer him. It was too soon to confront the issue. Her heart would run away with itself if they talked of it more.

“Wife, children, sacrifices, dependencies...” Lynn said leaning on the car, “Don't you think this is just a little much for the Melbourne airport parking lot?”

“Sorry,” Paul smiled reassuringly, “I’ve been doing lots of thinking. It just all came out at once.”

“I understand,” Lynn said. “We have a lot to talk about. I’m just overwhelmed at the moment. I mean, I didn’t even know if you really liked me or not.”

Paul threw his head back in a roar of laughter. “Touche! But I warned you, my heart doesn’t seem to be able to slow down.”

“Warning duly noted,” Lynn smiled. “But you need to be reminded that I am the hopeless romantic of this group. I’m also an expert optimist. So don’t give me any problems unless you want me to solve them.”

“Duly noted,” Paul smiled.

“And don't give me false hopes,” Lynn whispered as Paul walked around to get in the drivers side of the car.

Their hotel in Melbourne was situated in one of the Shopping Centers. Paul booked a room next to Lynn’s. The view from their windows were spectacular. The full length windows reminded her of a hotel in San Francisco. She remembered the night the group from work stayed all night in the city, and wondered how her co-workers were doing with the contract.

This had been the longest week in Lynn’s life. San Francisco seemed so far away. Yet, Melbourne made it seem close, with it’s trams resembling the cable cars, and the view of Port Phillip Bay reminiscent of her own bay.

Lynn noted with some concern her total lack of homesickness. The sight didn’t lead her to miss California. Instead she felt an unusual comfortableness here, half way around the world at the top end of an unfamiliar street called Collins. She noted with some alarm that it was not Melbourne that lead to the contentment, but Paul.

Paul, with his silver blue eyes and dark black hair. Paul with his full red lips and straight strong nose. Paul with his high firm cheek bones and broad shoulders. Paul with his long muscular legs and gentle caring hands.

*****

The knock on the door brought the figment of her daydream into her reality. He stood at the door with a six pack of cola and a bucket of ice.

“A pre-dinner drink madame?” he inquired.

“I'd love one,” she replied.

He set the ice bucket and cola on the table near the windows and turned back to retrieve two glasses from the dressing area.

“Our finest crystal,” he teased. “Only the best for our American friends.”

“You are too kind,” she replied. “What did I do to deserve such warm hospitality?”

“Come sit on the couch with me and I'll tell you,” he motioned.

Lynn joined him on the couch and waited until he had poured the cola in to the glasses. He handed one to her and lifted his in a toast.

“To my optimistic romantic,” he said. “May her problem solving skills not fail us now!” They clicked glasses trying to continue the joviality of the moment.

Lynn knew, that much too soon, the conversation was to turn very serious again.

“How about a French dinner,” Paul asked.

“Mais oui,” she teased, “A quelle heuer?”

“I made reservations for 8:30,” he replied smiling. “And since it is here in the hotel, we have plenty of time.”

'Here it comes' she thought, 'Too heavy questions with too few answers.' They sat in silence for a long while. Both inspecting the other with their roaming eyes. Paul twirled her hair in his fingers while his other hand traced her jawbone.

“You are so beautiful,” he stated quietly. “Every time I see you it's like I've forgotten how truly lovely you are.”

“So, you have a short memory?” Lynn teased to hide her embarrassment.

“No,” he replied, “It's just that my mind can't believe that you are as perfect as you appear.”

“Ah, the cynic appears.”

“Perhaps,” he said. “I may be a little apprehensive.”

Lynn knew she was falling in love with Paul. He was sensitive as well as strong. She was unable to determine how much she could confess. And how hopeful she should allow herself to become.

“I haven't cared about anyone in so long,” she stated cautiously. “It's scary.”

“But wonderful,” he added.

“I thought I was the optimistic romantic around here!” she smiled.

“You are,” he replied, “I'm the realist. It is real, and it is wonderful.”

He leaned forward and captured her lips. Tentatively at first, and then with more intensity and passion. He pulled her close and could feel her begin to melt into his arms. They felt as if they were merging into one. Blending their thoughts, their desires, their hopes.

Lynn molded herself into his arms and clung to his broad shoulders with abandon. The urgency of her kiss was intensified only by the honesty of it. She loved him, and she wanted him to know.

“Lord, help me,” he said aloud, as he pulled back from their embrace. “I want you Lynn. I feel more desire than I knew was possible. I'm sorry. I almost lost control.”

“Me too,” Lynn replied honestly. She didn't move. She was too intrigued by the desire, mixed with restraint, she saw in his eyes. He wanted her, yet, his faith would keep him from fulfilling that desire. He knew the passion of the moment could only increase their pain in time.

“Forgive me Lynn,” he said tenderly. “I'm only human. And you make me feel more of my manliness, than any woman has in years.”

“I believe it is called lust,” smiled Lynn. “And we are both guilty.”

“I think it is more than that,” Paul replied.

Lynn's heart leapt in her chest. She felt the twinge of hope in the edge of her mind. She felt the surge of love swell in her heart. Yet, Paul didn't continue. Lynn's confession of love remained locked in the doubts of her mind.

*****

The restaurant was quiet. Paul smiled to himself as he watched Lynn's silent prayer of thanks before the meal. Dinner was superb. Their conversation centered around their plans for the coming days. Neither spoke further of their earlier encounter, and Lynn fell asleep with a smile of remembrance of their brief good night kiss at her door.

The next two days passed quickly. Lynn and Paul toured most of Melbourne between Paul's meetings. They visited the Victorian Arts Center, saw the National Museum of Victoria, took a city cruise and toured Captain Cook's Cottage. They strolled, hand in hand, through the spectacular Royal Botanical Gardens, and Lynn shared with Paul her thoughts of him in Christchurch.

Both evenings were spent at dinner theaters. On Thursday evening, Paul mentioned that Lynn should see Canberra. When she confirmed that she would like to, they decided to drive to Sydney via Canberra. Paul decided on the spot to not return on Friday as planned.

Lynn was expected in Sydney on Tuesday, and Paul needed to be back Monday. The long weekend trip would be a wonderful escape for Paul, and Lynn looked forward to the adventure.

Friday morning Lynn was up early. She was dressed and packed by 8:00 AM. She met Paul in the lobby when he was checking out. She had called ahead to her hotel in Manly and found they would be glad to start her reservations on Sunday instead of Tuesday. The drive out of the city was a lovely one. Lynn felt comfortable and content. She and Paul would have three entire days to get to know each other better.

Paul felt as if he knew Lynn as well as any other person he called a friend. Although her commitment to her work troubled him, he admired her success. He felt a bit unsure on how to deal with his feeling on her career. And she seemed unwilling to talk with him about any details of her job. He knew few women, from Australia, that had careers. Not many of the women he knew worked, and most of those he knew that did, were secretaries. Except of course for Katherine. Yet, she was like a sister to him, and he had never felt threatened by her need to work. Lynn teased him about his views about career women, but she recognized that many Australians were less success and career oriented than most Americans.

It appeared to Lynn that the Australians valued their leisure time, and even Paul's ambition was a bit of an anomaly. She understood his difficulties, therefore, in accepting that she was as committed to her work as he was. She was certain part of his lack of understanding was that he hadn't seen her in her work environment. She was on vacation, and was determined to enjoy the time off, and had promised Jeff to not discuss her work. She was aware that her atypical desire to play, was inspiring the same in Paul. And, causing some of his confusion. Yet, Paul reassured her that he needed time off, as much as she did. Lynn, however, could not help but feel a bit guilty.

Such was the content of their conversation for the best part of the morning. The trip to Canberra would take them almost 8 hours. They stopped for a quick lunch in Wodonga and continued towards Canberra.

Lynn was lulled by the music on the car’s stereo, and soon was napping. By the time she awoke, they had arrived. Lynn was embarrassed and apologized for her rudeness. She couldn’t believe she actually fell asleep in the car. She didn’t realize how tired she was, and how little solid sleep she had since she met Paul.

It was late afternoon, when they checked into their Hotel. They were given keys to their separate rooms, and allowed each other an hour to dress and meet back in the lobby. Lynn was truly upset with herself. A beautiful afternoon with wonderful scenery and the best company a woman could ask for, and she had slept. What a waste. She was still irritated as she returned to the lobby.

Paul found her reaction amusing. He had enjoyed the peaceful drive. And found her sleeping company strangely endearing. His mind had wandered to thoughts of their future. He envisioned a vacation much like this one, where not only Lynn, but their children as well, were sleeping in the car. The thoughts had mesmerized him and the impact was unshakable. For the first time in his life, Paul found he was dreaming of a future with one particular woman. He had gazed at her, in calm slumber, and been more impacted than any conversation they could have had.

He felt the need to take care of her. He sensed a vulnerability in her that he longed to protect. This vitally independent woman at his side, had shown him a part of her that he hadn't seen before. He was fascinated by the many facets of her personality and the depth of knowledge and experience she possessed. But today, her unprotected slumber had enlarged his vision. He saw more potential in the contentment, than he did in her ambition.

Lynn was unnerved by Paul's amusement at her irritation. He seemed almost aloof in his dismissal of her nap that afternoon. She was concerned that perhaps he was becoming bored with her and found the reprise from conversation advantageous. She spent most of their dinner in introspection, trying to determine the cause of the uneasiness.

Paul was still contemplating the discovery of the depth of his emotions for Lynn. He failed to notice her lack of conversation. That only added to Lynn's discomfort. As they returned to their rooms, Lynn found the silence too much to bear.

“I guess I wasn't very good company, either this afternoon or this evening,” she confessed. “I'm sorry.”

Paul realized the lack of substance in their conversation for the evening, yet felt unable to divulge the emotions of his heart. They were too new, too unsettling.

“I feel it was my fault tonight,” he said. “I was so consumed with my own thoughts, that I didn't have much to say.”

“I shouldn't have dragged you away from work,” Lynn stated misunderstanding his preoccupation. “I know when I have other things I should be doing, I get rather distracted.”

“Lynn, you didn't drag me away from my work. This was my idea. Remember?”

“Yes.”

“I promise I'll be better company tomorrow,” he teased. “If you promise you'll stay awake.”

“Yes, sir,” she smiled. “No more sleeping on the job around here, sir!”

Paul laughed with the woman he loved. He longed to know her feelings for him, and find if he was a real possibility to her, or simply a vacation distraction. The thought of that possibility brought a stab of pain to his heart. He could feel himself withdrawing.

“We have a big day ahead of us,” he said simply. “And I need to get some sleep. I didn't get a nap today.”

“I know,” Lynn said guilt filled.

“So be a good girl, and stop tempting me with those beautiful green eyes of yours,” he teased. “Otherwise, I will never be able to leave you, much less get any sleep.”

Lynn shut her eyes, “Kiss me quick then, and be on your way.”

Paul felt his emotions swelling again. She was the most beautiful woman he had known. Her lips were full, begging to be kissed. Even her teasing pucker, could not disguise her sensuality, or disintegrate his desire. Cautious of the sensitivity of his new emotions, Paul carefully placed one hand on her waist and one on her cheek.

Cupping her face in his hand, he softly touched his lips to hers. The electricity was there. The desire swelled. Lynn was again amazed at the impact of the touch of his lips on hers. She parted her lips slightly and heard the intake of air.

Paul moaned softly. His desire for her began to block the confusion his new found feelings had stirred. He loved her, he wanted her. Now and forever. That realization caused his defenses to return. He pushed her slightly away from him and devoured her face with his gaze. Her eyes were dark green, full of desire and longing. Her lips trembled slightly at the audacity of his lips retreating. He brushed them tenderly with his own.

“Good night, my love,” he said. “Don't forget to say your prayers.”

“Nor you Paul,” was all the breathless Lynn could reply. And she watched the answer to a lifetime of prayers walk slowly to his door.

Lynn and Paul had both slept fitfully. Each thinking of the other and trying to discern their emotions. Paul prayed for guidance, Lynn for understanding. When Paul called Lynn Saturday morning, to beg for another half hour, Lynn could hear the tiredness in his voice.

They met in the lobby at 9:00 AM ready for the day. They had both dressed coolly, as the summer day was predicted to be an unusual scorcher. Both felt invigorated simply by the sight of the other. Lynn was again taken aback, by the intense virility of the man before her. His physique was unbelievable. She gave an unconscious sigh at the sight of him.

Their day was full of laughter and joy. The sights were beautiful and the companionship electrifying. Lynn took almost four rolls of pictures, of Lake Burley Griffin, Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet, the old and new Parliament Houses, the Australian War memorial, Canberra Carillon, the National Library and Gallery, the various 50 embassies and, of course, her favorite sight, Paul.

Paul had his small digital camera with him, and he had captured Lynn in some of the most beautiful poses he had seen of her. Likewise, Lynn had snapped a whole roll of unknowing pictures of Paul's various moods. Both were thrilled with their accomplishments and aware of the others ignorance. It was almost as if each had given themselves the present of the other.

The evening was to be a special one. Paul had told Lynn to dress formally for a night of old fashion romance. Lynn was excited and intrigued. She once again wore the black silk dress she had brought with her, and the greenstone necklace she purchased in Auckland. The dry cleaner in Melbourne had done a wonderful job, and had packed the dress for her in tissue paper, so as to not impair the flow of the lines.

Paul was also wearing his attire from the fateful night they met. His black tuxedo accentuated the broadness of his shoulders and the slimness of his waist. Both were again mesmerized by the other.

Their intimate candle light dinner contained none of the discomfort of the night before. Both drank the other in with their eyes. The conversation was filled with dreams and emotions. Aspirations and desires. But, both steered clear of their feelings for the other. They let their eyes and caressing hands speak the volumes.

Their evening was continued at the Ballroom at their hotel. The elegant decorations, mixed with the Big Band sounds of the past, was the perfect setting for romance. Paul's love for dancing once again reassured Lynn of the uniqueness of the man across the table. He was a marvelous dancer and they made an exquisite couple.