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  “Tell me the truth, did you dream of us together making love?”

  Natalie touched her lips, “Yes” she said in a soft voice looking at the snow

  “Why am I here? Why did I follow you? Why did I look into your beautiful eyes when we ran into you? Why are you having me questioning every thing?” he said still holding onto the sink

  Natalie needed to get out of here before she loses control. She needed to sit down. She slid down the wall trying to think. Natalie took off her jacket and placed it on the sack. She took off her boot to check her bandages. She had to do something to keep from thinking of Leon and his kisses. She took off the bandages and tried to stand on her foot without it. It felt better until she took a step then she began to fall forward. As she fell arms came from the side and caught her. He picked her up in his arms and held her. She looked into his eyes and saw pain in them. She did not know why she touched his face but she did. Leon lean forward and began kissing her again. This time her hands wrap around his neck, making little space between them. He laid her on the floor as he touched her body. Their bodies fit like a hand and glove. She tried to hold back but the passion built up too much. She wanted him. Their mouth explored each other with hunger. His hands roamed her body making him crazy. His mouth was on her neck sending waves through her.

  “Leon!”

  “Natalie!”

  Leon stopped as he listened to the voices of the rescue party. He looked at Natalie as she heard her name being called. He gave her a final kiss as he helped her up. He went to the door and opened it. He went to the sack pulling out a portable pole. He extended it then he held it out to the open space. He heard footsteps running to his position. Leon looked back at Natalie and smiled.

  It took them thirty minutes to pull them out. Natalie was pulled up first. Leon poured both liquids out against the snow. He poured water on the fire as he grabbed both sacks and climbed out. He looked back at the cabin they began the climb down the trail.

  “Roger, Tim” said Jeff, “We found them. The woman sprained her ankle but everything is okay.”

  Tim went into the waiting area of his office and told Mercedes and Marcus the good news.

  “Thank you, God” yelled Marcus

  Mercedes started to cry. They hugged each other and waited by the front door for their fiancées. They paced the floor for thirty minutes when they seen a crowd of people coming towards the office. A rescuer opened the door as two guys brought in a stretcher with Natalie lying on it. They set her down. Marcus felled down and hugged her. His back was to Leon as he walked in as Mercedes hugged him. He held her but kept his eyes on Natalie. Natalie locked eyes with Leon as they hugged their fiancées. Natalie saw the desire in Leon eyes. He smiled as he saw hers. Marcus pulled back and looked at her.

  “Are you all right? What happen?” he asked touching her face

  She smiled and looked passed him to Leon who was talking to Mercedes.

  “I wanted to walk the trail before we left to go home. I rented the supplies and walked up the path. I got to the cabin and saw someone behind me. Leon must of thought about the trail also. I was turning around to come back when I tripped on a log. The next thing I know snow was coming down and Leon grabbed me out the way and kind of toss me into the cabin. He bandaged my ankle and tried to keep me from freaking out.” said Natalie looking into Marcus’s eyes

  Marcus held her then got up to face Leon. Leon held Mercedes in front of him as Marcus stood in front of them.

  “Thank you for rescuing my lady.”

  Leon looked at him and smiled. He looked towards Natalie as the medic worked on her ankle.

  “She fought me all the way. Her thoughts were getting back to you.” said Leon as he shook Marcus’s hand

  Natalie felt strange. She saw her fiancée shaking hands with a man that stirred her mind and body. Natalie had to get out of here and fast.

  The medic finished rebinding her ankle, “We can have the hospital check you out. We have an ambulance on its way to transport you.”

  Natalie lay back on the stretcher. She covered her eyes with her arm. She felt drained and confused. She thought about the kiss they shared. She laid her other hand on her stomach. She was deep in thought when someone touched her hand. She jumped up and looked into Marcus’s face.

  “It is only me baby.” he smiled as he kissed her cheek

  She looked around and Leon was gone. She felt alone now. She looked at Marcus and smiled.

  Natalie propped her feet up on the sofa looking out the window, as Marcus ran out to get something to eat. There was a knock on the door. Natalie did not want to get up.

  “Come in” she yelled

  Natalie’s back was to the door as the person opened the door. Natalie turned around and froze; Leon walked in and closed the door. He walked towards her as she sat back on the sofa. She could not think. She did not feel any air in her body. Her mind screamed to her head to breath. She took a small breath as he sat next to her. He touched her face and smiled.

  “How are you?”

  His deep voice made her body shake.

  “I am fine. I have to keep my feet elevate but it is nothing serious.” she said moving her leg

  Leon put her leg back on the pillows and caressed her feet. Waves of electricity went through her body. She stared at him.

  “Marcus will be here any moment.” she said in a far away voice

  “I know, I saw him leave.” he said moving back to her face, “I just wanted to tell you. I will cherish what we shared. I know you love Marcus. I have to respect that. I do not have to like it but I have to respect it. I just want you to be happy. When I leave this room, you will not see me again.” he said touching her face, “I want you to know I will never forget you.”

  Natalie looked into his eyes. They were serious and in pain. She touched his face. He took her hand and kissed it. He leaned towards her and kissed her lips. They shared a passionate kiss. Leon left her side and walked to the door. He opened it and walked out. Natalie felt like a brick hit her. She went to the door. When she opened the door, Marcus was there with food.

  “You are supposed to be resting.” he said as he closed the door

  Natalie looked at him as she hopped back to the sofa. She did not realize that she was crying.

  “Natalie, are you in any pain? Why are you crying?” asked Marcus as he touched her cheek

  Natalie nodded. She could not trust her mouth to speak what her heart was feeling. She sat back on the sofa and looked at the fire. Marcus brought her a pill and water. Natalie took it and lay back on the sofa. She closed her eyes wishing this had never happen.

  “Natalie, I forgot to tell you, I saw Leon and Mercedes. They told me that they were going back to Florida. Leon has a business that needs his attention. He said when we get married he will give me the suit for the wedding.” smiled Marcus as he fixed a tray for Natalie

  Natalie felt the weight of that brick getting heavier. She pretended to be asleep. Marcus brought the tray to her but she was asleep. He put the tray on the table and covered her up. He went to the bathroom. Natalie heard the door closed. The tears began to fall. She was confused and lonely. She cried herself to sleep and dream of Leon.

  4

  Natalie was glad to be home from Colorado. She was met by Teri and Olivia as she limped through the front door. Marcus put her suitcase in her bedroom. He came back into the living room and sat by Natalie. She looked at Olivia. Olivia was seven years younger than Natalie but everyone swears they are twins. The only difference is Olivia is lighter and has longer hair. Olivia looked at them and felt something had happened.

  “What is going on here?” asked Olivia

  “Sis, Marcus ask me to marry him.” said Natalie with a smile, “And I said yes.”

  Olivia looked at them then looked at the ring. The warning bells began to ring in her head. She looked up at Natalie and smiled. Natalie smiled back as best as she could.

  “Congratulations.” said Olivia as she hugged h
er sister and Marcus

  Teri looked at the trio as if they just acted in a play.

  “I have to go home and check on some things then I will be back to tuck you in.” he said as he kissed her

  Natalie smiled as he got up and left, “I love you.” she said smiling

  “I love you too.” he said as he closed the door

  Olivia waited until she heard the gate closed. She told Teri to go to her room for a minute.

  “Mommy, can I have a cookie?”

  “You can have one.” said Olivia watching Natalie

  Teri took a cookie and ran to her room. Olivia looked at Natalie as she took off her jacket.

  “Please tell me you are joking?” asked Olivia sitting back on the sofa

  “No, I am not.”

  “Nat he is no good. He took you up to the mountains so his lies would not catch up to him.”

  “Olivia, please do not start with me. I am in no mood to argue with you.” she said limping to her room

  Olivia watched her and followed her, “What is with the limp?”

  Natalie sat on the bed, “I tripped and sprained my ankle.”

  “Was Marcus with you?”

  “No”

  “Nat, tell me why your smile does not reach your eyes?” said Olivia as she sat next to her

  Natalie needed to tell someone. She told Olivia what happened, even the kiss with Leon. Olivia’s mouth fell open as Natalie told her what he said before he left. Natalie covered her eyes with her arm.

  “What are you going to do?” asked Olivia leaning over Natalie

  “I do not know. I am confused. I really like Leon but I am in love with Marcus. Leon makes my body feels vibrant. It is like my skin has a mind of its own.”

  “Natalie, you can not marry Marcus.”

  Natalie looked at Olivia rolling her eyes. She looked at her ceiling and wished that she was not in the middle.

  “Maybe this will make Marcus think about what he wants.” said Natalie

  “Are you trying to convince you or me?” said Olivia as she got up

  “That is the second time someone asked me that question. I am not trying to convince anyone.” said Natalie sternly as she sat up

  Olivia stood up, “I am happy for you then.” she said as she closed the door

  Natalie looked at her reflection in the mirror, “What the hell you looking at?” she asked the reflection.

  The salon was busy when Natalie walked in. She greeted her customers and talked to the stylists. She went to her office looking through the paperwork. She looked at bank statements and receipts from last week. Natalie did not come out of her office until it was almost closing time. She grabbed the deposits and the receipts. She put them in her bag. She left her office and said goodnight to the people who remained in the salon.

  “Natalie, there is a call for you.” said the receptionist

  Natalie walked to the front desk. She picked up the phone.

  “Natalie Atkins speaking.”

  No one answered. She repeated it again and still no answer. She looked at the phone and hung up.

  “Did they say who they were?” asked Natalie

  “Yes, he said his name was Leon.”

  Natalie froze. Her heart seemed to jump out of her chest. “Did he leave a number?” she asked trying to sound unconcern

  “No”

  Natalie smiled. She waved to everyone and left the salon. She got in her car as her body went limp. She put her head on the steering wheel and tried to breathe calmly. She sat back in the seat and looked out her windshield. She saw someone standing looking at her. He did not move. She opened the car door and stood there looking at him. It was Leon. She could feel it in her body. He looked mysterious in the moonlight. Natalie wanted to go to him but her body could not move. There was a noise from behind her. She turned to see what it was. It was one of the girls leaving the salon. Natalie turned back but he was gone. She closed her eyes shaking her head. She got back in the car and drove off.

  This was the routine for two weeks. A call to the salon and saying nothing, Leon stood in the same spot every night watching her. They looked at each other as they try to fight off their desires. Leon tried to stay away but his heart fought against him every time.

  After he left the resort his mind stayed on Natalie. He missed her kisses and her touch. When he got back home, he looked her salon up and memorized the number. He memorized the location of the salon. He does not know how long he will be able to stay away but he must try for Natalie sake.

  The following week Natalie did not get that call or see him through her windshield. She began to miss him. She threw herself into her work. She began taking new clients and getting back into the groove of things. Marcus had made efforts to prove his love for her. He spent more time with her and paid more attention to her needs. When they made love, it was more passionate for Natalie for she would image it was Leon. Natalie knew it was wrong but that is the only way for her to cope.

  Marcus was in a good mood. It has been two months since he asked her to marry him. He wanted to make it official. Her birthday was coming up in May. He planned a surprise party for Natalie and invited all their friends and family. He even invited Leon and Mercedes. Mercedes thought it would be a great idea but Leon did not want to go. Mercedes did not let this go. She knew there will be a lot of important people there who could make Leon’s business grow. Final Leon gave in and they planned on going. He did not know if he could control himself.

  Natalie smiled as Marcus drove her to a romantic dinner. He brought her a stunning off the shoulder short white sequin dress. She had her hair cut again in a short hairstyle and she dyed it black. She was beginning to feel like herself again. They drove up to the front door. Marcus handed the keys to the valet and helped Natalie out the car. She smiled at him as he kissed her lips. They walked in as the crowd yelled surprise. Natalie was definitely surprised. She kissed Marcus passionately. The crowd cheered for the birthday girl. She smiled and greeted people. Marcus held her close as they walked through the crowd. He got on stage and brought her up. The lights shined in her face as he began to speak.

  “I would like to thank everyone for coming and celebrating my fiancée’s birthday with me. I am happy to be marrying this beautiful, smart and sexy woman. I want to give you this before the party kick off.” he said as he got down on his knees in front of everyone, “I know I already did this but I have to do it again. Natalie Renee Atkins, would you do me the honor of being my wife?”

  Natalie looked at him trying to breath or trying to find a way out of this. The room became quiet. The silence seemed to last for hours. She looked into his eyes and touched his face. She smiled at him

  “Yes.” she said in a low voice

  The crowd yelled “Louder”

  Natalie blushed and yelled, “Yes!”

  The crowd cheered. Marcus wrapped his arms around her waist and began kissing her. She forgot about everyone in the room and she forgot about Leon. She was happy. Marcus looked into her eyes and winked at her.

  “You have to wait for your very special gift later.” he said against her lips

  “I can not wait.” she said kissing him again

  There were a pop and balloons burst through the stage. Natalie laughed as she was surrounded by balloons. Marcus helped her down as the people congratulated them. Natalie was at peace for now. They greeted everyone in the room. They sat down at the table and began to talk with their family and friends. Natalie looked across the room and locked eyes with Leon. He was sitting by Mercedes. His eyes were full of hurt. Natalie touched her necklace trying to look away but she could not. Olivia looked at Natalie and followed her glance. She had to stop her before anyone else picked up on it. Olivia got up and stood by Natalie. She pulled on her arm.

  “Natalie, come with me please.” said Olivia as Natalie looked at her

  Natalie excused herself and followed Olivia. They went into the restroom. Olivia checked the stalls before she started talking.


  “What the hell are you doing?” she asked standing close to her

  Natalie looked at her sister and began to cry, “I do not know. I was fine until I saw him.” she said crying into her hands

  Olivia hugged her, “Nat you can not marry Marcus if you are in love with someone else.”

  Natalie looked at her, “I am not in love with him.” she said, “I just can’t.”

  “Look sis you are older than me but I can see it in the way you looked at him and he looked at you.”

  “Oh god no.” she cried as she held onto the counter, “Why?”

  Olivia turned her around to face her, “First we need to clean you up. Then you will go back to the table and focus on Marcus. If you feel the need to look at him, just kiss Marcus.” said Olivia as she rolled her eyes, “That sounded gross.” she smiled

  Natalie laughed a little as she hugged her sister. They reapplied the makeup and went back to the party. Natalie did as Olivia suggested. Every time she felt those eyes she would kiss Marcus. She looked only at Marcus. She wanted to run away but she could not. Natalie found out it got easier as the night went on. The dj started playing a sexy song and Natalie asked Marcus to dance with her. He said maybe later. Natalie found one of her male friends to dance with her. They got on the floor and danced. Natalie laughed and smiled until she heard a deep voice.

  “May I cut in?” asked Leon

  Natalie’s friend bowed out and gave her hand to Leon. Leon held her close and started to Tango. Natalie did not know she knew how but Leon commanded and she followed. They looked into each others eyes. Natalie’s heart raced as he moved his body with hers. The desire was strong in his eyes as she felt exposed. He spun her around then dipped her low as he brought her up slowly. She felt his body tensed. He smiled at her. She wanted to kiss him but she heard clapping. She looked around and the whole room watched them dance. She felt embarrassed. She looked for Marcus to save her but he was still talking. She looked at Leon and nodded her head and went to her table. Her legs became as jell-o.