Free Summer Magic by Sydell Voeller Page B

Estelle had been talking about?

    "Mornin', Lisa. Sis."   As he stepped inside, his masculine physique seemed to fill the doorway. He wore off-white khaki slacks and a light blue, open-collared shirt with the sleeves cuffed up.

    Michael broke into a dazzling smile, his eyes fixed on Lisa. "Wow! You look terrific!   Where'd you get that outfit?"

    She returned his smile. "Quick shopping trip. Estelle helped me. I've been saving it for something special." Lisa's heart raced.

    "My sister has good taste, eh?"   He shoved his hands into his hip pockets and rocked back on his heels.

    Lisa's gaze dropped from Michael's suntanned face to a thin gold chain encircling his neck. The sunlight, slanting through the trailer window, touched it, causing it to glimmer.

    "I...I hope I'm not interrupting anything," he went on as he looked first at Estelle, then Lisa.

    “No, of course not."   Estelle got to her feet also.

    "Good."   He cleared his throat. "So, Lisa. Ready to go?"

    "Yes. Just give me a minute or two to help Estelle clean up here."   She began collecting the dishes with more flourish than necessary.

    "Oh, Lisa!   Don't bother. I'll take care of this." Estelle's eyes shone with eagerness as she hurriedly waved them off.

     

    *****

     

    Galveston. A city of romance. Everywhere Lisa and Michael turned there was a multitude of enchanting sights and sounds--the huge five-acre railroad museum, a restored merchant sailing ship, the Grand Opera House, and mile after mile of sandy beaches surrounding the island city.

    Later they sat atop a horse-drawn tram that toured the east end of town. As they clopped along past stately old Victorian homes and perfectly manicured front yards, the sun shone hot against their backs. The sweet smells of tropical flowers drifted on a gentle breeze.

    "This is wonderful," Lisa told Michael with a sigh, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Already I'm beginning to feel so relaxed."   His nearness. His smile. His gentle laughter. Yes, the magic was flowing through her again, this time more vividly that ever.  

He nuzzled her hair with the tip of his chin, his hand grazing her cheek. "Just what the doctor ordered," he murmured, turning her to him. "A day in the sunshine. Sealed with a kiss."

    In the space of a heartbeat, his lips brushed hers with an unfathomable tenderness that made shivers of delight ripple through her. He pulled her nearer, holding her gently against him while he played the kiss on. Then with obvious restraint, Michael broke the contact and eased back.

    “Thank you, Michael," Lisa murmured.

    “Thanks for the kiss?" he teased, tossing her a devilish grin.

    “No, silly."   She poked him playfully in the ribs. "Thanks for bringing me here today. You were right. This is exactly what I needed."

    The tram swayed from side to side with the rhythm of the horses' clopping. A car revved its engine. From farther away, a police siren shrilled, rose to full pitch then faded away.

    Michael stretched, then asked, "When we're done with our tour, you still want to head over to the beach?"

    "Oh, yes!   Let's do that."   Her eyes strayed to a group of people standing on the corner. Recognition gripped her. Her stomach turned over. "Oh, no..." she groaned, nudging Michael in the side.

    "What's the matter?"

    "I think...I think I see Claudette. And Rita."   She jerked her head in their direction. "There with those other people."

    Michael frowned as he followed her gaze. "So it looks like they came anyway," he said under his breath. "Taking a little tour of their own."   His tone sharpened. "Hopefully a walking tour."

    The tram slowed to a halt not far from where they were standing. To Lisa's horror, Claudette and Rita clambered aboard. They reminded her of Christmas shoppers as they threaded their way to the back, arms laden with an assortment of packages.

    "Room for us, too?" Claudette asked without preamble. Before Michael could answer, they plopped down in the opposite