The main room was large and the ceilings were high and vaulted. A large, beige couch stretched the expanse of one wall, littered with pillows. At one end, the wall was filled with ceiling to floor windows with an elegant dining room table dramatically placed to take advantage of the landscaping and view outside.
Wandering down the hall, I entered into the kitchen, which was large and modern with stainless steel counter tops and appliances. The double doors were open and led out to the upper patio, which offered an impressive view of the Indian Ocean. I took a step out on the patio, stopping to rest my hands on the dark wood of the railing and inhaled a deep breath of sea air.
Glancing down, the level below had another deck that was scattered with sun beds around a large gradual-depth pool. There was a covered area with a large sofas and lounge chairs that surrounded a large fire pit. I could picture myself straddling Stefan on the couch, the sound of the waves crashing and the breeze from the sea brushing over our naked skin. I unconsciously shivered at the vivid image in my mind.
“I take it you like it here?” Stefan's voice startled me, bringing me out of my silent musings. He had been following behind me, watching in silence as I walked from room to room.
“Like it? It's unbelievable,” I murmured in amazement. Stefan walked to stand behind me, leaning over to wrap his long arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder. I leaned back against him, a tiny smile breaking over my lips as he lightly kissed my cheek.
“It is just a house. I like it much better now that you are here,” Stefan's lips murmured against my face. I twisted in his arms to look at him, his arms still wrapped loosely around me. His eyes were covered with sunglasses and the sea breeze lightly ruffled his blond hair. I couldn't resist the urge to run my fingers through the thick golden strands, his silky hair gleaming and warm from the sunlight.
“Why is it that we've been staying at my house when we could have been here? This place makes my villa look like a shed,” I asked curiously. Stefan drew in a deep breath, tilting his head back. His lips parted to speak when a piercing voice cut into the peacefulness of our conversation.
“My, my. Look what the cat dragged in. Stefan and Josie! What a wonderful surprise.”
Lukas. I suddenly understood why Stefan had chosen to stay at my house.
“Does that answer your question, vackra?” Stefan's mental voice had an exasperated edge to it. “He is my immortal version of your Georgia.”
Swallowing back a giggle at Stefan's internal aggravation, I turned my head to glance at Lukas. He was shirtless with his hands on his hips and was dressed in a pair of ridiculously small red speedos. I quickly buried my head in Stefan's chest, letting out a groan. I could add that to my list of things I never needed to see again.
“Lukas, do you not have something else to do?” Stefan's question sounded more like a command. His voice was intense and his body shifted to stretch to his full height.
“Actually, I don't. I thought I'd join you on the beach today. Josie and I can get to know each other. We can people watch and gossip. We'll have so much fun!” Lukas chirped as he glided down the steps to the pool, smoothly diving in the water. He was like a torpedo, barely rippling the surface of the pool.
“Are you going to tell me why Lucas is here?” I asked, turning my head to look up at Stefan. He still hadn't answered my question about how Lukas fit into his life.
Stefan let out a long sigh. “Give me a moment. I need to check on a few things, change, then we will talk.” He was a blur as he disappeared inside of the house. Plopping down into one of the deck chairs, I closed my eyes and mentally willed Lukas to keep swimming. The last thing I wanted to do was to be subjected to his exaggerated chatter.
“I'm so glad you and Stefan made up. He was a pissy little bitch for days. I was ready to kick his ass or stake him to stop his moaning.” Lukas' voice lisped from the chair beside of me. Surprised from his silent approach, I jumped and drew in a deep breath to try to slow my racing heart.
“Damn it Lukas, you scared the crap out of me! Warn a person that you're coming.”
Lukas was dripping wet, his ice blue eyes covered with sunglasses. Pursing his lips, he raised his eyebrow in amusement. “I keep forgetting you startle so easily. Maybe I should clap when I approach. Now hurry up and tell me what happened before he comes back outside and ruins our gossip time.”
“It was a misunderstanding. It happens.” I tried to keep my voice noncommittal, shrugging my shoulders slightly. I closed my eyes again, hoping he would catch on that I didn't want to talk.
Relaxing my head against the deck chair, I sent out a mental plea to Stefan. “What are you doing in there? Hurry up, he has me cornered.”