The Beckoning of Beautiful Things (The Beckoning Series) Read online

  Chapter 2

  In her bedroom, Marissa scrutinized the clothes she had chosen and laid on the bed. She picked up a Vivienne Westwood toga top that her sister Jill always liked on her. The long-sleeved, asymmetrical hemmed, purple and light brown pullover had a high neck in the front and a low dip in the back, revealing her shoulders and upper back.

  Sober romped in with his squeaky Kong ball. He looked at her expectantly and squeezed the ball between his powerful jaws. He dropped it at her feet and barked. Marissa picked up the slimy ball and regarded her dog. “Who’s better than a part-time boyfriend?” she asked the mutt. “You are. Want the ball?” He stood up and barked. She opened her bedroom window wide and threw the ball out in the yard. Sober sailed gracefully over the low window ledge and raced out to retrieve the ball.

  She turned her attention back to her clothing choices. “Sexy, sexy, sexy,” Jill had told her when she’d seen the Vivienne Westwood garment. “Wear that and get rid of the surfer dude for once and for all.” Both her sisters liked Jason. They just thought she should trade up for something more permanent and ambitious. “He’s going to be a child for the rest of his life,” Jill had lamented last week. “You need a man.”

  Is Daniel what my sisters would call a man? Something about the man intrigued her. Something about him aroused the hell out of her. Something about the man was as dark as a moonless night. She couldn’t put her finger on it but it was there, in the back of her mind like a glowing cinder stuck to her skin.

  A couple hours later, dressed in the toga-style top, brown leggings, comfortable leather flats, with her hair piled loosely atop her head, Marissa paced in the front room. Sober Dober laid on the rug in front of the fireplace, watching her every move. “You want me to sit down?” she asked the dog. She sat at the edge of the couch, picking her fingernails. Sober gave up watching and rolled over with a groan.

  At 6:50, the doorbell rang, and she yelped. Sober’s head popped up out of slumber, scrambling to his feet.

  She ran her palms up and down her leggings and nervously made her way to the front door. When she opened it, a pleasant looking gentleman in his mid-50s wearing a crisp black suit greeted her warmly.

  “Ms. Engles?” he said, extending a bouquet of sweet peas and irises in her direction. “I’m Javier. These are from Daniel. He picked them for you this afternoon.”

  She took the proffered flowers and buried her nose in the cool, papery blossoms. “Mmm. They’re lovely. Won’t you step in for a moment while I put these in a vase?”

  “No, thank you, I’ll wait here.” He glanced at her dog.

  Marissa tracked his gaze. “He won’t hurt you. I have to crate him anyway.”

  “Thank you, but I’ll wait here. Boss’s instructions.” He folded his hands and smiled at her.

  When the flowers were put away and the dog crated, she stepped out into the cool evening and followed Javier to the car. As he reached for the door, Marissa asked, “Mercedes-Benz S-Class?”

  “Why, yes, it is.”

  “I just did an ad for one in the Seattle’s Finest magazine.”

  “I see,” he replied, holding the door open for her. “Please,” he said, nodding towards the Barolo Red car.

  The car was so clean it looked brand new. She ran a hand along the polished surface. It was like touching cool silk. Mom and Dad would have driven something like this. That life of opulence and joy was behind her, buried in the distant past. Way outside my comfort zone, she mused. She’d never picked anyone as compelling as Daniel. She swallowed back her resistance and settled in the plush, off-white, richly-grained leather backseat and waited.

  Javier closed the door behind her, committing her to the date.

  After Javier got in the driver’s seat and started the engine, she said, “I do ad layout. I’m an ad specialist and graphic designer.”

  “I see,” Javier replied.

  “I’m pretty good at it.”

  His eyes regarded hers for a moment in the rear-view mirror, and he nodded.

  “I studied graphic arts in college,” she continued. “I’m an artist.”

  “Very good.”

  “Did you have to train for your job?” she blurted. Seeing his frown, she corrected herself. “I’m sorry, that was nosy. I’m just nervous, that’s all.”

  He seemed to warm toward her, and he gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t be. Mr. Navid is a very kind man.”

  He pronounced the last name as Na-veed, in crisp, measured tones. “I see,” she replied, repeating his earlier response. “Or I hope I will see.”

  “You will. He’s been preparing all afternoon for you. Ever since he arrived from his errands.”

  A thrill shot up her spine. All afternoon? He’s been preparing all afternoon? A wide grin split her face. Javier regarded her in the rear-view, nodded once, and then fell silent the rest of the way.

  As they wove through the streets of West Seattle, they headed toward the prime real estate section of West Seattle – the waterfront. They turned off of SW Juneau and wound their way up a curvy road called Pacific Place. Off of Pacific, Javier turned right up a private driveway flanked by two stone lions. He guided the Mercedes up the tree-lined road. Marissa’s eyes widened. Bronze sculptures of voluptuous women frolicked in the trees. Their large, curvaceous bodies peeked out from behind stands of conifers. They cavorted among colorful blossoms bursting from rhododendron and azaleas. They smiled, threw their heads back, and laughed. They danced, completely naked or scantily clothed. Marissa could almost hear the lively songs they danced to. They beckoned to her to get free and join them. Instead, Marissa shrunk into her seat, suddenly feeling very small, homely, and insecure.

  Javier’s eyes met hers in the rear-view. “Mr. Navid is a collector of beautiful things. He likes to surround himself with reminders of joy and beauty.”

  Marissa’s head inclined in response.

  “Do you like the statues?”

  She coaxed her voice from her lungs and croaked, “Yes, they’re very beautiful.”

  Javier’s eyes looked at her intently. “He adores beauty in all its forms.”

  “You should just take me home then,” she exclaimed. Her cheeks blazed, and she slunk down in her plush seat, wishing the cushions could swallow her whole. She caught a glimpse of a smile on Javier’s face, and she wished she were somewhere, anywhere, but here. This had been a mistake. She’d been caught up by excitement and agreed to something completely out of her league. “I don’t think I can do this,” she said to her lap.

  “I think you can,” Javier replied.

  Her head whipped up to see Javier’s sparkling brown eyes, twinkling with what looked like kindness. He pulled up a huge circular driveway and stopped in front of an enormous home. No, that wasn’t right. It was more of a mini-palace. A multi-storied mansion, she wondered how one man could live here all by himself. That’s easy. He doesn’t live alone.

  Marissa’s eyes grew, and she shook her head. She’d done ads for this type of house. She remembered wandering through homes like this as a child, with her mother and father by her side. Her mother would be smiling and laughing, soaking in the adoration all around her and her father would stand elegant and tall, proud of his family. After they died, she’d never stepped inside such a home again.

  “Are you ready?” Javier asked.

  Marissa’s head shook back and forth. “No,” she mouthed. Her third eye throbbed, and she rubbed it with her palm.

  “Take a moment and breathe. You’ll be fine.” Javier opened the car, got out, and stepped towards her door.

  When he opened the safety of her enclosure, she peeked out at the asphalt. It split apart with a loud crack before her eyes, a gaping slit snaking towards the road below, opened wide to darkness. Tendrils of purple wafted up from the depth like slowly undulating smoke. Red lights flickered below. Grotesque snarls snaked into her ears.

  “Ms. Engles?”

  She blinked rapidly and the asphalt reappeared. “Did you see
that?”

  “See what, dear?” he asked, his face perplexed.

  “This was a big mistake,” she said to Javier. “I’m not feeling well. I’m seeing things. Please, I’d like to go home.”

  Chapter 3

  “You can do this, Ms. Engles. He’s a good man.”

  “I’m really not feeling well. I’m seeing things.”

  “It’s probably nerves. I get that way sometimes.”

  “You do?”

  “Absolutely.”

  She sighed and squared her shoulders. Somberly staring at Javier’s eyes in the rearview mirror, she said, “I’m ready.”

  “Good. You’ll be fine.” He smiled, got out, and opened her door.

  Her face flushed, she shambled up the steps to greet her host. Wearing soft linen slacks and a short sleeved blue and gold checked shirt, he regarded her with the same expressionless, somber reflection of the stone lions at the entrance to the driveway. She faltered, caught herself, and continued up the steps as Javier drove away. Her eyes darted back to look at the retreating car. She sighed and continued up the steps.

  “Ms. Engles,” Daniel said. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yes, fine,” she mumbled. “I, uh, I had a sudden headache. I thought it might be a migraine.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Is everything okay now? Can I get you anything?”

  “No, I’m fine.” Liar! Her face reddened even more. Liar, liar, liar! “I’m just a little nervous, that’s all.”

  “Don’t be. I’m glad to see you. But if you need anything – anything at all – please let me know.” He extended his hand.

  A sizzle of electricity shot up her arm. She snatched her hand back. “It’s you, isn’t it?” she said.

  His eyebrows arched in question.

  “You’re the electrical current, aren’t you?”

  “Perhaps it’s you.”

  “I don’t usually have that effect on people.”

  “What makes you think I do?” A slight smile curved his handsome face.

  She shook her head. “Okay, maybe it’s just what happens between you and me. Maybe we’re just pure combustion.” She smiled.

  “Could be.” He cocked his head slightly. “But look at us…we’ve already dispensed with formalities. I’m Daniel Navid. My apologies for not properly introducing myself earlier – I was pretty taken aback by our meeting.” He reached his hand back in her direction.

  She hesitated. “I’m not so sure.”

  “Think I’m a rattlesnake, ready to strike?” His smile widened. “Live a little.”

  “That’s what you said before. Live a little. I’m perfectly alive, I assure you.”

  “Well? What are you waiting for?”

  She took a deep breath and clasped his hand. This time, the vibrant touch rolled up her arm like a thousand butterflies fluttering along her skin with their wings. Her eyelids fell closed. There it is again…the sea…the goddess…she’s looking at me from beneath the sea. She opened her eyes, puzzled. Daniel watched her, his expression completely unreadable. She swallowed, licked her lips, and released her grip.

  He stepped aside and gestured toward the open door. “Please. Welcome to my casa.”

  Marissa inhaled, filling her lungs with courage, and stepped across the threshold. “Oh!” she exclaimed as she took in the enormous room. The great room ceiling was a mixture of angles and lines, gesturing to this corner or that one. It framed fine furniture arranged in cozy clusters. The furniture rested on colorful rugs in designs of the Zapotec Indians. Her parents had rugs like that when she was young. She used to arrange her dolls on the designs, pretending they marked the edges of the doll’s homes. “It’s beautiful!”

  Her eyes skipped along the various arrays before settling on the vista. Floor to ceiling windows stretched along the length of the room, overlooking the Puget Sound. The windows appeared to open with a push of the hand, pivoting on slender silver poles that went from top to bottom, piercing the center of the glass. Some of the windows angled outwards, inviting entrance onto the wrap-around deck. Marissa immediately made her way outside. Leaning on the railing, she turned her head from right to left, marveling at the dark crystalline expanse of water. Clouds lined the horizon, and the sun slid toward the horizon. Boats and ferries moved in the distance like tiny toys.

  “Breathtaking.”

  Daniel’s voice swirled around her back like a caress. Instinctively, she tugged at her top, trying to lessen the low “V” in the back. She bit her lip and waited.

  “Do you like it?” Daniel came up beside her and his arm brushed hers.

  “It’s beautiful!” She stared out at the shimmering water.

  “It sure is.”

  She could feel the burn of his gaze, searing into her profile.

  “Would you like something to drink? Dinner won’t be ready for another hour or so.”

  She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. “Yes. That would be lovely.”

  “Please sit. I’ll tell Karin we’re ready. Sit anywhere you like.”

  After Daniel left, Marissa regarded her seating choices. Facing the water lay something that looked like a teak, half-circle, day bed. Two small teak coffee tables stood to either side. Long, elegant rods extended from the smooth, wooden sides of the day bed, suspending turquoise fabric which draped over the top. The delicate fabric cascaded over the sides and down the back like a waterfall. Lined with cozy, colorful Zapotec-designed pillows, the seat could easily accommodate two persons, enveloping them in intimacy. She shook her head and scrutinized her other choices.

  Two huge hammocks, their metal frames shaped like the big, curling waves that Jason liked to surf, flanked either side. If she sat in one of those, Daniel would have to sit in the other hammock, and she wouldn’t be able to see him with that day bed thing between them. Either that or he’d have to snuggle in beside her. Not a bad thought, but too soon. She smiled. Clearly, the furniture was designed for intimacy. Who sits here when I’m was not here? She perched at the edge of the curvy day bed, hoping she didn’t look too ill at ease.

  A few minutes later, Daniel joined her on the deck. “Relax, Marissa. Take in the view. Karin will be out in a minute with our refreshments.” He climbed inside the day bed opening, settled his frame opposite her, and encouraged her to lean back into the pillows.

  “Javier tells me you are a graphic artist.” He patted the red fabric bolster, inviting her to enter.

  “How could he tell you that? I only told him on the way up here, and he’s gone.” She scooted back slightly, her legs sticking straight out like a child’s. She stared at them as if they had betrayed her by propelling her backwards into this spider’s nest of an enclosure.

  “He called while I was in the kitchen with Karin. He found you as beguiling as I do.”

  Marissa’s head spun to look at him, a deep flush creeping up her cheeks. “Yes, that’s right, I work for PS Publishing.”

  He smiled reassuringly. “It’s a good firm to work for.”

  “How do you know?”

  “I have contacts all over the city.” He gave her a bemused smile. “This seat is far more comfortable if you lean back into the cushions. I should know. I spend a fair bit of time out here on the deck.”

  She turned to regard the enclosure, wondering if it was a trap of some kind.

  “Well?” Daniel asked.

  She couldn’t put her shoes on this fine fabric. He hadn’t. Instead he’d deftly kicked his loafers from his feet when he assumed his position on the lounge. She wiggled one foot and kicked the shoe off. It landed on the deck with a thwack.

  “That’s one,” he said. He looked at her encouragingly.

  She hesitated before kicking off the next. Carefully scooting back, she let the edge of the heel push against the cushion and the shoe toppled to the wood below.

  “And that’s two.”

  She settled stiffly into the cushions. She folded her hands primly in her lap and stared down at his foot. Thoughts fl
uttered in her head like birds. His ankle. I want to drape my hand on his ankle like I’m the shaft of his boot. I want to own him. I want to possess him. I want to stroke my fingers between his toes and along the arch of his foot. She released the grip of her hands and inched one along the seat. A giggle burst from her mouth. I have no self-control, I have no self-control, I have no self-control, I have no…

  “More amusement?” he asked. “I don’t recall any previous girlfriends finding me so funny.”

  Marissa’s eyebrows shot up. “Are there a lot of them?” She clapped a hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry. I’m really nervous.”

  “I can see that. What are you afraid I’ll do?” he asked kindly.

  “Nothing. I’m just nervous.” It’s more like what I want you to do. Her foot took up a jittery rhythm, wiggling to and fro.

  Footsteps struck the deck. “Mr. Navid?”

  “Just put them here, Karin. On the side tables…”

  A small, trim brunette in a blue dress appeared. She looked in at Marissa and nodded sternly. “Your refreshments.” She placed a tray on the table and reached for a long, slender wine class. “Would you like to taste, Mr. Navid?”

  “No, Karin, just pour away.”

  Karin plucked the cork out of the wine bottle and poured a generous amount of white wine in each glass.

  “Here you go, sir. Miss…” Karin handed the stem to Marissa and quietly whisked away.

  “She’s stern.”

  “A bit. She’s good at what she does.”

  Marissa’s hand shook as she held the stem.

  “Easy, there. I don’t bite. And there aren’t any others in case you were wondering.”

  “Any what?” she asked.

  “Any other girlfriends. I haven’t dated for a while.”

  “That makes no sense.”

  “And why is that?”

  “Because you’re so handsome.” The words tumbled from her mouth like small boulders cascading down the side of a hill. She groaned and fell back against the cushions, spilling wine out of her glass. A small shriek left her lips as the cold wine splashed on her neck and chest. “Oh, Engles!” she chided.