Mountains of Dawn

Tanya had settled into bed, pillows piled high behind her, a small pot of tea on her bedside table. The novel in her hands couldn't hold her interest, each page and paragraph read several times, then read again when she realized she had no idea what had happened in the book. It was after nine o'clock when the phone rang. She jumped, startled, although she had been expecting Kevin's call. The house seemed too quiet, too empty, and her nerves were on edge.

"Hello?" she said, suddenly afraid the voice that would answer her would be the voice of a stranger.

"Tanya? I hope you weren't upset by my guest's behavior?" Kevin's voice asked.

"He was a bit strange," she replied, "but really-he flattered me." She laughed a slightly nervous laugh.

"He never stopped looking at you, and that job offer-along with the offer of his guest wing, and himself as a guide-" Kevin's voice nearly sputtered. "How can I say it? Forward? Daring? He nearly made a pass at you, and in my presence!"

Tanya giggled. "Why, Kevin, you do sound jealous. And really, Kevin, he couldn't know that you and I are a couple, now, could he?"

"No, he couldn't. Did he try anything while I was on the telephone?"

"No. No, he talked of wine and vineyards, and asked questions about this area. It seems his family had vineyards somewhere around here, a long time ago." Tanya yawned. "And you are, aren't you? A little bit jealous?"

"Yes. You know I am. I'd never share you, never give you up. You looked gorgeous today. Any man would enjoy looking at you, having you to hold-" Kevin's voice whispered in her ear, sending chills down her body.

"You aren't planning to go to Rome to paint a portrait, are you?" he asked, a tinge of anxiety behind his words.

"Oh, Kevin, I wouldn't know what to do without you," she said, no hesitation in her voice. "I wouldn't go there in a million years, not unless you were with me."

He was silent for a moment. She listened to his soft breathing and felt comforted, safe. Again, she yawned.

"My little sleepyhead," he said with a chuckle. "Good night, Tanya."

"Good night, Kevin. I love you."