Page 32 of Sweet Escape at Bayside
Chapter Nine
AS THEY SET up Andre’s art supplies in the studio, the coming together of their belongings reminded Violet of the night he’d set up space for her to share his crafting tent and art supplies in Ghana. It had felt just as good then as it did now.
“I couldn’t help but notice that the rest of the house looks like it’s been updated. Why did you leave this room unfinished?” he asked as he carried fluted bowls to another table.
“When we first arrived here, Lizza had arranged for renovations to be done by Justin’s family’s company, Cape Renovators. Of course, Lizza’s ideas were off the wall and would have completely ruined the character of the house. Rick is an architect, and with his help, Desiree and I redirected their efforts, but we couldn’t bring ourselves to renovate Lizza’s studio.”
“I thought she didn’t stay at Summer House with you and Desiree when you were little.”
“She didn’t.” Violet set her sculpting tools down and said, “But she had a studio in our house in Oak Falls.”
“What was it like back then?”
“I was only seven when we left, but from what I remember, it was what most people probably callnormal. We played, went to school, had family dinners…”
“With Lizza and Ted? She was around more then?”
“I think so. My memories are mostly of what I lost when we left—sweet, perfect Desiree and Ted, the only father I had ever known. What I remember about Lizza is very different from what Desiree remembers, so I’m not sure if my memories are fabricated fromwantingto believe them or not.”
“You were both so young, I’d imagine you’ve both spun some of your memories in one direction or another. Kids do that as a means of denial or survival. How do yours and Desiree’s memories differ?”
She stifled the urge to shrug. As much as she disliked revealing her memories, each hidden piece of herself she shared with Andre brought a lightening all around her.
“Desiree’s memories revolve around trying to get Lizza’s attention and Lizza being so absorbed in her artwork, she’d get upset when she was interrupted. I lived with Lizza for many years, and shedoesdisappear into her artwork. But don’t most artists?”
“Somewhat probably. But when we were together, you were at your calmest and most centered while we were working with fabrics, drawing, or sculpting.”
“I still am.”
“Actually, that calm was second only to the peacefulness that came over you when you were with children.”
It was true, but she hadn’t realized he’d noticed. “I do enjoy working with kids. The thing is, while I remember Lizza being consumed by her art, I also remember her leaving art supplies out for us to try whatever she was doing. If she was painting, she would set out blank canvases nearby with paintbrushes and paints open, inviting us to join her without verbally doing so.”
“You realize that could be the same memory perceived differently.”
“I know, and it’ssofrustrating. I swear people should have thought bubbles over their heads so those things don’t happen.”
“What would yours say?”
“Back off, usually.” She laughed and said, “My whole life all I wanted was to be with Desiree, and then when we were kids and spent a few weeks here with our grandmother, we clashedallthe time. She was a huge reminder of everything I’d lostandmissed. I took off on my own a lot, avoiding the obvious. She says she wanted to be freer, like me, and I would have given anything to be less free andwithher. But even as a kid I couldn’t muster the courage to stick around the inn. I know Lizza thought she was doing the right thing for each of us, but she put us both in our own emotional jails. Luckily, Ted helped Desiree learn to love and be loved.”
“Then who taught you?” He drew her closer, and she wound her arms around his neck as he said, “You are a loving person, babe.”
“Yeah, but I’m not so easy to love. I do mean things, like disappearing from Desiree’s life, from your life, and being snarky, and I curse and—”
“Youprotect yourselfin the only ways you know how because you’ve always had to, and youprotect otherswith sharp words and threats, because you’re a loving, strong,generouswoman. It just takes the right stubborn people to earn the keys to unlock theDaisyin you.” He pressed his lips to hers. “I’ve met a lot of your friends, and I think you’ve given away more keys than you take credit for. I’m one of the lucky ones.”
She felt her cheeks burn and said, “I’d hardly call you lucky. There are plenty of women who would have jumped at your proposal and not been afraid of disappointing you or losing themselves.”
“You could never disappoint me, and the only place I’ll let you lose yourself in our relationship is in the bedroom.”
She was glad for his levity. “Youarewicked inthatdepartment.”
“Speaking ofthatdepartment…”
Heat rose in his eyes, and he pulled her tight against him. His mouth covered hers, unexpectedly tender. His tongue swept and probed in an intensely slow, erotic rhythm, claiming a little more of her with every stroke. She held her breath, hoping he’d take even more, but his efforts remained soft and sensual. Just when she felt herself melting against him, he kissed her harder, more demanding. She went up on her toes, her body vibrating with desire as he fisted his hands in her hair, angling her mouth beneath his, and took the kiss even deeper.
She whimpered, and he smiled against her lips as he said, “Remember when all we did was kiss?”
