Page 24 of Axel
“What can I bring?”
“Absolutely nothing. Just an empty stomach to enjoy my famous roast.”
“I am looking forward to it. Thanks, Caitlin.”
“You are most welcome my dear.” She paused slightly. “Axel is not the easiest person to get to know, but I am sure he will come around.”
“Hopefully, before I have to leave.” Ellie said lightly, before saying goodbye and hanging up. If Axel Lakeside continued to put obstacles up, she was going to have to go around him. One way or another, she was going to get her story.
*****
“Mom, what are you up to?” Cathy came breezing into the kitchen, the scent of roast beef assailing her nostrils.
“You are home early.” Caitlin stirred the sauce on the stove top and took a taste. A pinch more of the black pepper, she decided.
“I decided to leave right after the last bell. Papers to grade. I gave a pop quiz that no one saw coming and I could see that they were not in the least bit ready.” She had slipped out of her boots and shed her coat inside the vestibule.
Her mother was conscientious about leaving things for the maids to pick up, but sometimes she indulged herself. She was never going to take having them around for granted of course,but as soon as she stepped through the front doors, Elaine, one of the maids was already there to pick up her things. It still felt weird.
“What are you up to?” She repeated her original question.
“I already told you I invited Ellie to supper. I told her to get here by six, so we could have cocktails and the chance to interview us.” Putting the lid on the pot, she wiped her hands on her apron.
“You are already dressed.”
“It’s almost six.”
“I suppose there is time for a quick shower.”
“Go ahead. By the time you return, the meal will be ready. We are eating out on the patio.”
Cathy lifted her brows but did not say anything as she left the room.
Taking off the apron, Caitlin hung it on a peg with several others and took the time to gaze around the large room. There were several windows that gave her a view of the gardens she delighted in. Pots of herbs were on the box seat above the double sinks.
“Ms. Caitlin? Shall I take out the vegetables?”
She smiled at the uniformed maid who had come up behind her. “Thank you, Grace. The table is already set, and the wine is in the cooler. The roast is ready and so is the sauce.” Running her hands over her chic lavender suit, she headed out to the patio to make certain that everything was in place.
*****
Ellie told herself that she was being ridiculous. She had not been invited to a fancy restaurant and it wasn’t a date. But she hadspent twenty minutes deciding what to wear to dinner and had finally selected the slinky ruby red sweater dress with the cowl neck. Standing in front of the full-length mirror, she stared at herself critically.
The material was cashmere and was so soft against her skin, it felt like she wasn’t wearing anything. It was weightless and fitted her curves like a second skin. The color was a stark contrast to her skin and the material drifting from her neck showed an enticing glimpse of her breasts.
Just a glimpse, enough flesh to make someone curious. And she was afraid of the someone of whom she was thinking. It was a bad idea. He might not be there and even if he was going to be, she should not be thinking about dressing to be noticed by him.
“Oh, who am I kidding?” She whispered. She wanted him to notice her. It had gone past just wanting to write a story about the man and had graduated to the desire to feel his hands on her skin. She had been fighting her feelings, but now it was out in the open. She was attracted to Axel Lakeside.
“There, I have acknowledged it.” With a serrated sigh, she stepped back from the mirror and went to get her jacket. Hismother had not indicated he would be there and so far, he gave the impression that he wanted nothing to do with her.
She was not looking for a relationship of course, but nothing was wrong with having a fling and giving into one’s baser instinct. They were both adults and it wouldn’t stop her from writing the article.
Shrugging on the jacket, she made certain she had her notepad, pens, devices and everything she needed to get her information down. She was not going to push it. If he resisted her, keep her at arm’s length, then so be it. Taking a deep breath, she scooped up her keys and headed for the door.
*****
Cathy met her at the door, wearing a stunning white and gold Angora sweater over gold pants. Her thick coffee brown hair was loose and flowing freely down her back.