CHAPTER 4

Peter places our stuff inside the car with such easiness. I watch his hard, tanned body that seems accustomed to heavy jobs, moving swiftly. He's hot, I guess.

Well, it's impossible not to admire the God's creation sometimes.

"I think I'm going to love this vacation," I think out loud, and all eyes turn towards me. "Well, I'm referring to this place."

"Really?" Sam murmurs, giving me one of her dubious looks.

I'm serious, though.

We hit the two-lane asphalt as soon as we dive away from the city. Sam has been striking a conversation with Peter, as I busy myself with the fascinating view through the half-scrolled window.

"So, are you related to Liam?" I hear Sam asking him.

"No," says Peter. "Sir Liam is my boss."

Attempting to stay oblivious of the two, I grab my camera from the handbag, and start clicking some pictures.

"How long will the ride take?" Again, she continues tormenting the poor guy.

"About one hour," he answers.

"Oh boy," she mutters, exhaling heavily.

She hates long rides, and I absolutely love this one.

Ignoring their voices, I focus my attention on the enchanting snow-capped mountains, and the enormous landscapes covered with serene shades of green. The sight is extremely breathtaking.

I stay awake the whole ride, watching some interesting farm houses, cows and horses grazing into several pastureland we pass by, and two cowboys riding their horses that make me grin like a fool. I think I'm a bit crazy for men in horses because I'm dazzled at the sight of their backs alone. There's something wild about cowboys that I perhaps need to explore. Goodness, what am I thinking now? A sigh lurches out of my lips as I clear my sultry thoughts.

Now we're entering some dusty road in which two fields are separated, bordered with a railing fence that seems to be long. This area is pretty beautiful, also, with yellow and white flowers adorning the green grass.

With the sky so clear, and the wind breezing like an ocean, I can't complain about anything.

"You seem to like this place already, Ms. Kira," Peter says calmly with a faint smile, handling the steering wheel with so much ease.

"Kira, please." I smile back. "And yes, this place is absolutely splendid." I fail to conceal the excitement, and he seems to quite understand.

"It won't be long, we're almost there," he says coolly.

"Oh, that's great." I hope there'll be food, I'm starving and I pray my tummy won't shame me as it usually does. Unfortunately my food goddess is hardly away from her throne.

We ride for extra five minutes, until I finally see a big and beautiful two-storey house, surrounded with a well-trimmed garden and trees capable to draw one's smile without any reason.

"Oh, finally." Sam stretches up, sounding like she'd dodged a bullet. "Are you good, Kiki?" She's now getting off.

"Never been better," I answer while putting my camera inside my shoulder bag.

Peter helps me with the suitcase as I get off, my eyes refusing to stay still in one place. Obeying their wishes, I end up seeing two people emerging from the house, probably to regard our presence. One of the two is a guy, a very good-looking guy in a denim shirt and blue jeans. And the other is a woman, dressed elegantly in a scarlet sweatdress, with some black wedge boots that complement her glossy, black hair.

Sam immediately jogs towards them, or him, smiling like a child facing the Christmas tree full of Santa's treats. The man smiles handsomely at her as their glances collide, but it doesn't last long as our eyes meet. His face turns expressionless, momentarily, making me frown a bit.

Well . . .

"Welcome, Samantha," he utters once he's resumed a bit of his seemingly rare smile.

"Thank you, Liam," Sam replies with her best smile.

Oh, Liam. Nice name. My subconscious seems to finally awake after the short nap. I get stuck in my feet, watching Sam and her Liam exchanging smiley greetings, until the woman throws a mirthful glance my way, a reminder of my impoliteness.

I pace over slowly, holding the strap of my bag as though my life depends of it. Now I'm starting to wonder if I did right by coming here. I mean, if I think

properly, I don't really have any business here, right? Anyways, I'll just forget it and seize the day.

The woman, who's indeed beautiful even from a distance, hugs Sam happily. I can hear her charming voice as she speaks, and it draws my smile right away. It's that strange feeling of liking someone you know nothing about, in the very first glance and other details like their smiles.

"I'm so glad to meet you," she tells my friend.

"Me, too," Sam replies, her grin impeccable.

Well, someone is so whipped.

"And this one?" the woman queries, her smile intact, and they all face me.

Here goes nothing. Getting closer, I utter, "Hello."

"Oh, this is my best friend, Kira," Sam says pointedly. "Kira, this is Liam and his mother."

"Oh, pleased to meet you." I move towards the mother.

"Kira," she mutters. "What a lovely name. Welcome to our home, darling, I'm Eleanor." She now hugs me, and it feels so heavenly.

Her warmth is so motherly.

"Thank you." I grin, maybe stupidly grinning.

"Liam Darcy," the man says while moving near. "Welcome." He extends his hand towards me, his gaze piercing through my eyes so intensely.

Relax, Kira, he's not so intimidating.

Liam's emotionless voice makes me uneasy for some unknown reasons. Ignoring my unhealthy thought, I shake his hand. Astonishing, I immediately experience something like an electric shock.

It's nerve wracking!

I wince, and we quickly split hands. He frowns, then folds his palm instinctively and subtly inspects it; we both do, before staring back at one another in a strange way. I think he too felt what I've just felt, but what the hell has just happened? Is it real or some kind of imagination?