Roses in June Page 6
“Thanks. You can take this directness too far, you know,” she said raising an eyebrow.
Gabe grinned. “You’re welcome.”
The storm grew closer, and Dawn stripped off her wet jacket. She found a nail on the wall and hung the jacket there to drip dry.
Gabe came up behind her, his strong hands running over her damp arms. “You’re soaked.”
She turned to face him. “So are you.”
His face was inches from hers, his gaze captivating her. What was it about his eyes that drew her in and swallowed her whole? Something flickered deep in his eyes again.
“I’ve never met anyone like you before.”
“You must have.”
“No.” He leaned closer, his forehead touching hers.
The storm outside mirrored the one consuming her. Lightning illuminated the whole room; thunder echoed a reply almost immediately as Gabe’s lips brushed against hers. Sparks shot through her, rivers of electricity making the hair on the back of her neck stand up.
Gabe pulled back, not saying anything.
“Think we got here just in time,” she said. She turned easing from his grasp and moved to the window, for an instant thinking she saw someone outside in the rain. “I used to hate storms. They have so much power and can cause so much harm…”
Lightning lit the room again, and Dawn jumped seeing Gabe right behind her. She hadn’t even heard him cross the room, the drumming of the rain drowning out his footsteps.
His hands ran down her arms. “Not still scared of storms, are you?” He pulled her against him, sliding his hands round her waist, holding her securely, his head leaning against hers.
“Not now.” She leaned back; his scent mixed with the dust and dampness. Her heart pounded in time with the rain, the storm’s intensity increasing. His breath was warm on the back of her neck, and she half hoped he’d kiss her again. Although after her non-reaction he probably never would again. He’d just taken her by surprise, and she didn’t know how to respond.
For now though, he seemed content just to stand there, holding her, watching with her as the intense storm raged outside.
She blinked hard. For a moment, it looked as if there was definitely someone outside, watching the cabin, but when the next flash of lightning came, there was no one there.
“So why teach?” he asked. “And not study volcanoes?”
She sucked in a deep breath. “A friend from uni went on a field trip to Iceland to study the lava domes. She got caught up in an eruption there. She and the others never made it out.”
“I’m sorry.” His grip tightened for an instant as he hugged her.
“After that, I decided teaching would be easier, but some days…” She broke off. “Anyway, that’s why I teach.”
Finally, the rain eased, and the storm ended.
“I should get you back,” Gabe said. “It’ll be dawn soon, and I was meant to get you back by midnight.”
“Yeah.” She winked at him. “I don’t want a detention for missing curfew.”
He helped her back into her damp jacket and walked her swiftly back to the center. “Goodnight.” He raised a hand and vanished into the darkness.
Dawn crept inside and sneaked down the silent hallway to the room she shared with Liz. She stripped off her damp things and slid into bed. The cold sheets had never been more inviting than they were now.
Liz turned over. “You OK?”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“It’s fine. I assumed you’d been up and down checking on the kids. That was some storm.”
“Yeah, yeah it was.” Dawn stared at the ceiling. She wasn’t going to explain until pressed. It was better no one knew how long she’d been gone. She laid there, her mind full of Gabe.
The storm might be over, but the one inside her was still going full blast.
~*~
Dawn was still tired seven hours later at the kayaking center. The kids had been most confused at breakfast wondering what kayaking had to do with geography. She’d merely grinned and told them geography or just plain fun, it was their choice.
She and Jonathan stood watching as the kids paddled and learned how to handle the kayaks on the fast flowing river, made all the more swift after the storm the night before.
He sighed as the film crew arrived and started setting up on the side of the bank. “They seem to be following us.”
“It looks that way.” She pushed down the flush of excitement. Did that mean Gabe was going to be here as well? Would he say anything? “I shall double check the rest of the visits to make sure they don’t clash with filming and if so, I’ll rearrange them. I think the kids have had their heads turned by a certain Mr. Tyler enough this week.”
“It might be an idea. And I don’t think the kids are the only ones enamored with him.”
“Don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said her cheeks burning.
“You can’t hide that blush, Dawn, I know you too well. Just remember that you are working. Your priority right now are those forty kids and not your private life. If you want to date the bloke on your own time, then go ahead. But don’t do it on mine or the school’s time.” He sucked in a deep breath. “So, are you sure I can’t persuade you to come on the water?”
“Quite sure. Someone has to count them at the other end.” She headed off to the end of the course, hands shoved in her pockets. She stood there watching the kids come down and insist on going back again.
“Good morning,” came a voice from behind her. “We seem to be making a habit of this.”
Dawn shivered. She’d recognize that voice anywhere. She turned and glanced at Gabe. No one had a right to be that good looking on so little sleep. “Yeah, we do.”
He frowned, almost as if he were picking up the vibe she was sending out. “Have I done something wrong?”
“No.” The word lay heavy upon her, but he was the last person she wanted to speak to right now.
If Jonathan saw her with him, he’d be less than pleased.
“You just seem a little off this morning.”
“It’s just…” She turned her attention back to the river and waved at the kids.
“Ah,” Gabe voiced. “You’re working. That’s fine. Will it be all right if I give you a call? At the weekend maybe, when you’re not working.”
“Sure. We get back on Friday evening. I should give you my number…”
“I have it. I’ll call you.”
She frowned. “How?”
“You gave it to me, well gave it to Hardy, when you rang about the careers fayre.”
“Oh, right. Umm… I should…” She tilted her head towards the kids.
“Right, yes, and I should…” Gabe glanced over his shoulder at the director and film crew.
“OK.” Dawn angled herself so she could watch the kids and keep Gabe in her field of vision as he crossed over to the director. Then after a moment or two of conversation, Gabe climbed into the kayak. He rolled it twice before paddling up stream.
Jonathan touched her arm. “Dawn, are you with us?”
“Yes. I’m just—” She turned to look at him.
“Star struck?” he finished.
“He approached me, and I asked him to leave.” She took a deep breath as several kids ran over.
“Can we stay and watch the filming, miss?”
“Not today, Henry. We need to keep to the schedule, otherwise you’ll miss out on what we have planned this afternoon.”
“Like what?”
“Like what we have planned,” she repeated evasively.
“More walking?” Henry sighed.
Dawn grinned and looked at Jonathan. “Shall we tell them, Mr. Brooks?”
He returned her grin. “What, tell them we’re going bowling with burger and chips first? Nah, they’ll only be upset when we take them somewhere boring and geography related instead.”
“Seriously?” Henry asked.
Jonathan nodded. “Seriously. We’ve got to have some f
un on this trip.”
Dawn glanced at the film crew and caught sight of Gabe coming over the rapids like a pro. Would he really call? And if he did, what on earth would she say?
Weren’t all actors, all men come to that, only after the one thing? And did she want to get involved with someone like that? Someone with a girl in every city?
Before she did anything, she needed to know where he stood before the Lord, because if they didn’t both stand in the same place, then there was no point even considering the possibility of going out with him.
7
The rest of the week flew by in a hectic filming schedule. Gabe dropped into bed exhausted each night, and it was Monday before he realized he hadn’t rung Dawn as he’d promised. Mind you, she’d been less than pleased to see him that last time. Had he overstepped the mark during the storm when he’d kissed her?
She hadn’t kissed him back. In fact she’d backed away as soon as he’d ended the kiss. But she’d let him hold her until the storm ended. Talk about sending out mixed signals. He had no idea where he stood and praying about it wasn’t really helping either. Or at least he hadn’t gotten the really clear answer he’d wanted.
Gabe took advantage of the five minute break while they blocked the next scene and pulled out his phone. He turned it on and dialed.
Dawn answered almost at once. “Hello?”
“Hi, Dawn, it’s Gabe. How are you?”
“I’m fine.”
He paused. She still sounded stilted and odd. “Did I catch you at a bad time?”
“No, it’s lunchtime. I’m just sitting in the staff room doing a pile of marking.”
“OK. Umm, I was wondering… I’m in town on Thursday and Friday for a film premiere, and I was wondering if you’d like to come with me. As you haven’t seen any of my work, this would be a perfect opportunity for you to do so.”
There was a really long pause, and he began to wonder if she was still there.
“Which night is the film?” she asked finally.
“Friday. It’s in London and starts at eight. I need to be there by seven thirty. If you’d like to come with me, that is.”
There was another long pause. “I’d like that,” she said, her voice even quieter.
“That’s great.” Gabe took a deep breath. In for a penny, in for a pound. “Would you like dinner on Thursday?”
“Sure.”
“I’ll pick you up at seven. See you Thursday.”
~*~
Dawn hung up and pushed back into her chair. She had nothing to wear. Either to dinner or to a film premiere. Let alone knew what to do. She glanced at the clock and shoved the marking into her box. She headed down the hallway to her classroom. Closing the door, she sat behind her desk and rang Jonni.
Jonni Peterson, her best friend since their first day at school, they’d been inseparable until work had sent Jonni north and Dawn south. Now they only spoke on the phone, meeting up oh so rarely. The call hung for a moment then connected.
“Hello?” Jonni’s voice was the usual ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.
“Hey, it’s me.”
“Hey, stranger. What are you doing?”
“Not much.” Dawn sighed. “I wish you lived closer and could come over tonight.”
“Why’s that?” Typing echoed in the background as Jonni chatted.
“I need some advice.”
“So shoot. So long as you don’t mind me typing at the same time. Bryan wants this report done by one for a meeting.”
“I’ve been asked on a date.” Dawn swung her chair around to face the window. “Well, actually it’s two dates.”
“Say yes.”
“By Gabriel Tyler.”
“Say yes…wait a minute. The Gabriel Tyler?”
“Yes, apparently. Not that I’ve seen any of his stuff.”
Jonni’s typing ceased. “Wow, girl. How on earth did you meet him?”
Dawn explained quickly. “And he wants to take me to see his new film. On Friday. At the premiere. In London.”
“Say yes.”
Dawn rolled her eyes. “Can you say nothing else, Jonni? I’m drowning here. I have no idea what to wear, how to act or anything. You’ve been to one of these affairs, I haven’t.”
“OK. Big hug coming down the phone. You need an evening gown, either sleeveless or with one of those bodice jacket things. Full length, mint green because that color suits you. Pearl necklace and earrings. And I know Staci’s has dresses that color in stock because I saw them on my way in this morning. The branch in Headley Cross should have them.”
“Thanks, hon. I’ll look on my way home tonight. So how’s Bryan?”
Jonni sighed. “He’s fine. Still keeps asking. Still keeps being told no. What is it with men and not wanting to wait until marriage? Not that he’s asked me to marry him. He just wants me to move in with him instead.”
“Maybe he’s not the right bloke for you.”
“Maybe Mr. Right lives in Australia?” Jonni suggested.
Dawn laughed. “And maybe he lives in the middle of the nineteenth century.”
Jonni laughed as well. “Either way I’m never likely to meet him. Anyway, enough of that. How was your field trip?”
“It was fun.” The bell went. “OK, gotta go.”
“Call me after your date.”
“It’s not a date, date.”
“It’s a date, date. Call me with the gossip. Love you.”
“Love you, too.” Dawn turned the phone off as the year tens trooped into the room.
~*~
Dot on seven Thursday evening, the doorbell rang. Dawn tugged her dress straight hoping she’d pass muster. She’d never been out to dinner with an Earl before or an actor and wasn’t sure which one of them was picking her up.
Gabe stood there. His brown hair neatly combed and blue eyes shining. He wore a pale blue shirt with navy tie, slacks, and jacket. “Hi.” He held out a bunch of yellow roses. “These are for you.”
“Thank you. Come on in.” She shut the door behind him and headed into the kitchen. “How’s the filming going?”
“Hectic. I’m back on set Saturday morning. How’s school? The kids glad to be back?”
“No. It’s stressful. Exam season is in full swing.”
“I remember that. Not anyone’s favorite time.”
Dawn put the flowers in a vase. “These smell heavenly. Probably why they reckon you are closer to God in a garden than anywhere else on earth. I love roses.”
“So do I. That’s why I chose them. And also because the color means friendship.”
“Oh?”
His gaze followed her every movement. “According to the florist, each color has its own meaning.”
“Neat. So the pink ones you sent?”
“Dark pink means thank you, gratitude, and appreciation. And I sent them because I really enjoyed the afternoon and evening of the careers fayre. I can see the attraction of conventions now.”
“I’ve never been to one of those either.”
“Do you even own a TV?” he teased.
“Yeah, just haven’t seen you on it.” She finished arranging the flowers. “There, done.”
“Lovely.” He checked his watch. “Shall we? I have a table booked for half past.”
She glanced down at herself. “Do I look all right? I didn’t know what to wear.”
“You look just fine.”
She grabbed her bag and followed him to the door. “Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.” Gabe held the door open for her.
“I hate surprises. How do I know if I’m dressed right?”
“Trust me, you are. It’s Lancini’s.”
Dawn looked at him. That answered her question as to which man was taking her out. It was Gabriel the lord, not Gabriel the actor.
~*~
Gabe had booked a quiet table at the back of Lancini’s. A two star Michelin French restaurant, it was his favorite place to eat in Headley Cross.
His heart raced with the slight touch, and he was grateful the dim lighting would hide his reaction.
The maître d’ greeted him with the usual smile. “Good evening, Lord Tyler. This way, ma’am.”
Gabe followed him, his hand still on Dawn’s back.
“Lord Tyler?” she hissed.
“The title has its advantages. I don’t have to book months in advance, and the maître d’ will keep any press at bay that saw us coming in.”
“The press?” Slight panic filled her for a moment. She hadn’t anticipated that, even though he’d mentioned the paparazzi before.
“The local rag likes keeping the natives happy with tales of what the toffs had for dinner.”
She grinned. “Something else your mother says?”
“Oh, yeah.”
They were almost to their table when Jeffery Palmer came over. “Lord Tyler?”
Gabe glanced around and sighed. He reached up and put a hand over the camera lens. “Please, not tonight. There will be plenty of opportunity for photos tomorrow evening in London at Leicester Square.”
“But my editor…”
“I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” The maître d’ intervened.
Gabe thought fast. “Tell you what, you can print two lines on the fact I was here with a friend for dinner. You can comment on what I eat, but you do not mention the fact my friend is a lady.”
“Will she be accompanying you tomorrow night?”
“If she is, you can have a picture then.” He turned his back on the journalist and took Dawn over to their table. “Sorry.”
The maître d’ followed with menus. “I’m so sorry, Lord Tyler.”
“It’s OK.”
“Can I get you some champagne?” the maître d’ asked.
Gabe shook his head. “Not for me, I’m driving tonight. Dawn?”
She shook her head.
Gabe thought. “A bottle of sparkling grape juice, please. And a jug of ice water.”
Dawn looked at the menu, scanning the page, her face falling as she did so.
“What’s up?”
“Nothing.” She bowed her head lower, her finger running down the prices to one side.
Gabe wasn’t convinced. “You’re not a very good liar, Dawn. What happened to being direct?”