Relieved the awkward moment had passed and she was her feisty self again, he smiled. “Not even close.” He pressed the glass to his lips and tipped the refreshing water into his mouth. “You’re the only woman I’ve ever met who won’t back down. You aren’t afraid of me. You aren’t in awe of me. You may or may not give a shit about me.I have no idea.” Clasping her hand, he caressed her silky skin with his thumb. “You’re independent and strong-willed to a fault. It’s your way or no way.Thatis your sexiest, most appealing quality. It drives me wild. When you flipped me off at Sullivan’s, I—”
“Colton, don’t.”
“Brigit, you’re very smart, crazy beautiful, eager for a challenge, sexually insatiable and different from any woman I’ve ever met.”
“You havegotto stop talking.” She pivoted and yanked the bottle from the ice bucket. With trembling fingers, she topped her flute. He stepped close and their arms brushed. Desire coursed through him. Without glancing at him, she filled his glass.
“What’s wrong?”
She shuddered in a breath and pursed her lips. For reasons he couldn’t begin to understand she’d become guarded as hell. Time to lighten the mood. He gestured toward the organ. “Why don’t you hop up there and try it out?”
“No way.” Now visibly shaking, she rubbed her arms.
He picked up her jacket and shrugged it over her, then with two fingers gently hooking her chin, he tipped her face toward him. “Doing what terrifies us makes us stronger when we achieve the impossible. I believe in you.”
His encouraging smile wasn’t enough to evoke one from her. Her eyes were wide, like a caged animal. “I’ve never played in front of anyone. Only my mom and dad…a lifetime ago.”
“To ensure I can’t hear, I’ll stick my fingers in my ears.” He tossed a nod in the direction of the instrument. “Go on, you can do it.”
Walking toward the three-step staircase like she didn’t trust her legs, she got as far as the first step. He offered his hand and she placed hers in his. Her fingers were ice cold and her hand trembled. Pain pummeled his chest. He wanted to comfort her, tell her she didn’t have to do it. But she’d feel triumphant if she could conquer her fear. And he believed she could. He held her hand until she reached the safety of the platform, then let go. Alone with her demons, she sat on the bench.
“Before you play—” He handed her a wipe, then pulled out a chair and sat.
The player organ housed four rows of keys, too many knobs to count and four pedals. After cleaning her fingers, she placed them on the lowest keyboard and played a few notes.
You can do it.
Her shoulders rose as she inhaled a deep breath. She struck a chord, then tapped out a melody. And then she cut loose. Her emotion, through the music, filled the cavernous room while the echoes danced in the shadows.
Colton sat spellbound. When she finished, an all-encompassing peace surrounded them in a protective cocoon she had spun.
* * *
For the firsttimein years, tranquility soothed Brigit’s restless soul. Since the death of her parents, she’d always played alone. With Colton’s encouragement, she’d overcome a childhood roadblock.
Feeling triumphant, she rose and walked the short distance to the staircase and waited. Two easy strides and he offered his hand. This time, when she touched him she felt his strength and his belief in her. On the last step, they stood eye to eye. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Without a second’s hesitation, he captured her face in his hands and he kissed her. Soft, tender, and deliciously worshipful.
Did he realize the incredible gift he’d just given her? She did, and she’d never forget it.
With walkie-talkie in hand, Colton requested Will’s assistance. After escorting them to the cavern with the small pond, Will left.
Brigit and Colton stood in peaceful silence admiring the still waters of Dream Lake. The glassy surface reflected the long, bony finger-like stalactites hanging from the ceiling, creating an illusion that the water’s depth was far greater than a shallow pool. Nature’s majestic sculptures had designed a breathtaking sight, a wondrous work of art that filled the room with serenity. The fantasy lured Brigit into seeing something that simply wasn’t there. But if she believed it, it must be real. Mustn’t it?
Staring into the quiet liquid, she reflected on how her contrived life was as much of an illusion as Dream Lake. Hidden beneath her beguiling surface were secrets, lies, fear, anger, pain, and so much loneliness. And when the harsh light was shone, and the truth revealed, the illusion would be dispelled. Reality would turn everything dark, murky, and ugly.
How she envied Dream Lake.
39
A PAINFUL PAST
At first, Brigit hadtried ignoring the feelings, and then she’d tried fighting them. In the beauty and stillness of Dream Lake, she silently acknowledged the truth. She was falling in love with Colton. Completely and unconditionally. Instead of feeling joyous, emptiness ripped at her heart. Once he knew her secrets, his rejection would bring unbearable heartache. But how much longer could she withhold the truth?
Will escorted them back to the Stalacpipe organ room and left. Covered dishes had been placed on the white tablecloth—cherry tomato, mozzarella ball and herb skewers, fried chicken bites, roasted potato salad with scallions, and cucumber and sugar snap salad.
“Everything looks great.” Brigit pointed to the array of foods. “Did you do this?”
