LITMIR.BIZ

       CHAPTER THIRTEEN

      THE fantastic red rock formations around Sedona just seemed to suddenly rise out of the Arizona desert, as startling and as stunning as The Olgas rising out of the desert in the red centre of Australia. Sunny was amazed by what was wrought by time and nature, and the likeness to parts of the Outback.

      She had a marvellous view of it all from the plane before it set down at the airport, which was surprisingly situated on top of a hill overlooking the township. They were met by Will Templar’s chauffeur who loaded both them and their luggage into a very plush Cadillac. It was a very scenic drive, down the hill, through the town which seemed to be spread around a T-junction, then up another hill and finally into the driveway of a huge sprawling house built of stone and wood.

      It commanded a spectacular view in every direction, and there were big windows and furnished porches to take advantage of it from both inside and out of doors. A large swimming pool occupied one side of the grounds with what looked like sophisticated barbecue facilities under a roofed area nearby. Everything projected a casual lifestyle, not a formal one, which set Sunny more at ease.

      They were met at the front door by a middle-aged Mexican woman whom Bryce introduced as Rosita Perez, adding that Rosita ran the household.

      She beamed at Sunny. ‘You are very welcome. Very welcome. Such wonderful news!’ Her dark eyes twinkled at Bryce. ‘Señor Will wants fajitas for lunch. It is a good sign.’

      Sunny smiled and nodded. She didn’t know about fajitas but the warmth of the greeting helped to calm the butterflies in her stomach.

      ‘Where is he?’ Bryce asked.

      ‘On his favourite balcony. I have set out drinks and dips there. Go on….’ Rosita shooed them forward. ‘…he is waiting.’

      They walked through a huge living room; big stone fireplace, big furniture in wood and black leather, brightly patterned scatter cushions and rugs featuring Indian motifs.

      ‘What are fajitas?’ Sunny whispered.

      Bryce grinned. ‘Dad’s favourite dish. Spicy meat and vegetables wrapped in a kind of tortilla.’

      ‘How spicy?’

      ‘Not too spicy.’ His eyes teased her concern. ‘There’ll be other dishes for you to choose from, so don’t worry. You’ll get fed.’

      ‘Being nervous makes me hungry.’

      ‘The avocado dip Rosita makes is great. So is the corn one. Get stuck into them,’ he advised, his eyes positively laughing as he opened one of the glass doors to the designated balcony.

      Sunny took a deep breath and stepped out.

      It was a very wide, spacious balcony, holding a dark green wrought-iron-and-glass dining table, with six matching chairs cushioned in green and white. There were occasional tables, as well, serving groups of sun loungers upholstered in the same colours. However, the drinks and food Rosita had mentioned were set out on the dining table.

      The rustle of a newspaper being put down was the first indication of Will Templar’s presence. She swung her gaze towards the sound and caught the movement of legs being swung off one of the loungers…long legs encased in light grey trousers. Behind her the door closed and she sensed Bryce stepping to her side as the man on the lounger rose to his feet.

      Her first thought was, this will be Bryce thirty years from now. The likeness between father and son was striking, despite the older man’s white hair and the illness that had stripped him of extra weight that would have normally filled out his face and powerful frame.

      They shared the same impressive height and strong facial features, as well as the air of being in command of their world. Will Templar’s heart condition certainly hadn’t diminished that, Sunny thought, and fancied these father and son meetings could sometimes develop into the clash of the Titans.

      ‘Sunny, this is my father,’ Bryce said casually. ‘Dad, this is my wife.’

      In the face of such an intimidating authority figure, all her sales training leapt to the fore, pushing her into taking the initiative. ‘Hi,’ she said warmly, smiling as she moved forward to offer her hand and focusing directly on his eyes, which to her surprise were a silvery grey, different to Bryce’s. ‘I’ve been looking forward to meeting you, Mr. Templar.’

      He took her hand and held it, seemingly amused by her brashly open approach. ‘Impressive. A sunny disposition…’ His gaze flicked to Bryce, one brow lifting. ‘…and the legs of a showgirl.’

      ‘Ignore that, Sunny,’ Bryce returned dryly. ‘My father has a fixation on showgirls.’

      Will Templar laughed and pressed her hand reassuringly. ‘My son made the claim of beauty and brains. Since both are in evidence, I just thought I’d add my observations to the list. A very great pleasure to meet you, Sunny.’

      The feeling of being patronised instantly raised Sunny’s hackles. ‘Is this a case of let the fun begin between you two?’ she challenged. ‘Shall I just sit down and eat while you get on with it?’

      ‘Sassy, too.’ Will Templar grinned, patting her hand in approval. ‘I think I’ll let you entertain me instead.’

      ‘If you’re not careful, Dad, Sunny may very well eat you for lunch.’

      ‘I did notice her teeth, my boy,’ he retorted good-humouredly. ‘A smile to dazzle you with before chomping.’

      ‘Beware the bite,’ Bryce tossed back at him. ‘Mine, too.’

      ‘I do love a good fight,’ Will Templar confided to Sunny, wrapping her arm around his as he drew her towards the table. ‘Especially when I win.’

      ‘I’m the winner here,’ Bryce declared, his eyes hotly assuring Sunny she was the top prize to him.

      ‘I can see that,’ his father conceded. ‘But who spurred you on to take a wife?’

      Again

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