by Kristen Echo
“He’s not my friend,” Gwen shot back. She’d briefly explained their history, hoping the knowledge would sway her daughter to decline the invitation. It had backfired. Wes was eager to meet her ex-boyfriend and hear what he had to say.
“Whatever.” Her daughter rolled her eyes and buckled her seat belt. “I thought you said we were going out for dinner with him?”
The driver settled into his seat and glanced back at them. “I’ve been instructed to bring you to Mr. Northcote’s estate. It’s not too far from here. There’s a variety of beverages available in the mini fridge if you’re thirsty and snacks if you’re hungry. Would you prefer I close the partition?”
“You can leave it as is and thank you,” Gwen replied. She put the phone away and then turned towards her daughter. “We’re not even going out to a restaurant. You’ll be super bored since all I plan to talk about is work. I can do that over the phone. We can go back—”
“Not a chance, Mom.” Wes grabbed a bottle of water as the limo moved forward towards their destination. “Despite your best efforts, I want to meet this guy. I’ve met all your other boyfriends. Except my dad.” She shrugged her shoulders like it didn’t matter.
As much as Gwen wished she’d moved on quickly after dating Spencer, that hadn’t happened. The giant gaping hole in her chest had taken the distance two provinces provided and years to heal. When she met Wallen, she felt like she’d finally moved past the hurt. He was much older, worldly, philanthropic and passionate. She’d found love and this time it was real. When the pregnancy test came back positive, he’d been overjoyed. Unfortunately, a month before she gave birth, he was killed in a car accident. He never got the chance to hold his daughter and see her grow into a beautiful young woman. After him, it had been years before she had the courage to date. To be honest, she never fully put herself out there again.
“You hated all those men. What makes you think this one would be any different?” She pursed her lips and raised an eyebrow.
“For starters, none of them bought you anything. Not that a man has to buy your affection, but it wouldn’t hurt you to date someone who isn’t digging his way out of the gutters. You can’t help everyone.”
“Ouch,” she replied, rubbing the pretend wound over her heart. “And I’m not dating Spencer. We dated. Past tense. I won’t repeat… never mind, he’s not interested in me that way. He’s helping an old friend find a job. End of story.”
Wes rolled her eyes again. “Keep telling yourself that.” She put on her headphones, ending the conversation.
Muffled beats filled the silence. With furrowed brows, Gwen dismissed her daughter’s overzealous imagination. Men like Spencer weren’t interested in dating women in their forties. He probably dated young models and actresses. Not that she cared.
“Let’s get this over with,” she mumbled.
No way Spencer was interested in rekindling anything. At least she hoped not because that ship had sailed and had sank to the bottom of the ocean. Yet, as every mile brought them closer, her stomach flipped like they were riding waves. She felt ready to vomit when the limo passed an iron gate and turned onto a sprawling, circular driveway.
The grounds were perfectly manicured. Trimmed shrubs, freshly cut grass and colorful flower beds greeted them. It was impressive without being pretentious or gaudy.
“Welcome to the Northcote estate,” the driver announced as he parked in front of Spencer’s mansion.
The two-story home cast a shadow over the entry. At the top of the steps leading to the front door, stood Spencer. He was holding the hand of a young girl with long blonde curls. The pair smiled brightly as she stepped out of the car.
“I’m glad you could make it.” Spencer winked, and her heart skipped a beat.
Gwen shuffled forward, making room for Wes to emerge. “Thanks for having us. It’s good to be here,” she replied, taking her arm for support.
Her daughter whistled as she took in the opulence. She removed her headphones, draping them around the back of her neck. The girl never went anywhere without music. “That’s not what you said… ouch!”
Wes looked at her mom and rubbed the nail marks in her forearm where Gwen had pinched her. A smirk followed. “Nice place. I’m Westlyn,” she said, marching forward up the stairs and dragging Gwen with her. She held out her hand to greet the child first, but the young girl shied away, hiding behind her father’s back.
“I’m Spencer and this angel is my daughter, Connie.” He shook Westlyn’s outstretched hand. “Don’t take it personally, but she won’t shake hands. I’m surprised she joined me out here to be honest. Connie’s not fond of new situations. She takes a while to adjust to new faces as well.”
“Well, it’s great to meet you Connie. You don’t have to shake my hand if you don’t want to.” Wes let go of Spencer’s hand and dropped on one knee to be eye level with the young girl who was still hiding. “I’m not a big fan of it either. It’s too formal. I prefer to fist bump or just a wave. You know?”
Gwen smiled at her daughter and the thoughtfulness of her actions. She followed her lead and kneeled next to her. “Hi Connie, I’m Gwen. I like hugs better than handshakes. Sometimes meeting new people can be a bit much. I’m really glad you came out to greet us.”
Connie peeked around her father and eyed them. Her big blue eyes were so innocent. “I like hugs. I like the violin too. My sister plays in a band and she’s good. We go see her play sometimes when it’s not too late. I play the piano, and I always practice before dinner. Want to hear?”
“I would love to hear you play.” Gwen rose to her feet.
Connie let go of Spencer and raced into the house. “Follow me.” Her little legs moved quickly.
Spencer laughed and held the door open for them. “We’re right behind you. Slow down, sweetie.”
Wes ran after the young girl, leaving Gwen alone with her ex. “She’s lovely and she has your eyes.”
“I see more of her mother when I look at her, which is a good thing. I should mention that Connie has Asperger’s and works best with routines. Your daughter seems good with kids. Not many people can get her to talk in a first meeting.”
“She loves kids. Her first job was at a daycare,” Gwen said, stepping into the foyer which was larger than their previous apartment in Vancouver. The walls were lined with framed artwork. She recognized a few famous pieces and doubted they were replicas. She knotted her fingers, afraid to touch anything.
Spencer grabbed hold of her hand and threaded their fingers. “Your daughter is the spitting image of you when we met. Absolutely beautiful. Do you have any other children?”
They walked towards the melody drifting down the hall. “Only Westlyn. She’s my world,” she answered as they entered a large room with a baby grand piano in the center. The acoustics were phenomenal. Connie sat on the bench and her fingers floated across the keys. Wes stood next to her as a hauntingly beautiful song filled the room.
After the third perfectly played tune, Gwen nudged Spencer’s shoulder with her arm. She’d been so caught up in the music she hadn’t noticed they were still holding hands. “How old is she?” she whispered. “She’s so talented.”
“She’s nine going on nineteen,” he answered, pulling her towards the door.
He glanced over his shoulder. “Connie, play one to two more tops, then meet us in the backyard. I will take Gwen and Westlyn on a quick tour.”
Wes shook her head. “If it’s all right, I’d like to hear her finish? I promise I’ll follow Connie outside when she’s done.”
“That’s fine. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy,” he replied, opening the door.
Gwen stepped into the hall. He followed and his hand settled on the small of her back. She shivered as he stepped even closer. His scent tickled her taste buds. He smelled enticing. She needed to get away from him.
“Are we headed outside?” Her voice sounded husky and unlike her. She cleared her throat. “I mean, can we get some air?”
/> “I had planned to show you the main floor, but we can head out,” he replied, closing the door behind them. They were alone again. Spencer didn’t seem to notice her hesitation and pressed forward.
“Do you play?” she asked, hoping to keep their conversation casual.
His lighthearted chuckle did funny things to her stomach. “Can’t hold a tune or play a lick. Both my girls got their musical prowess from their mother. It’s a shame she never got to witness their talent while she was with us.” He smiled wistfully.
“When did she pass? If I’m being too intrusive, don’t answer,” she added as they continued down the long corridor.
“I don’t mind. I’m rather outspoken on the subject. My wife’s battle with anxiety and then post-partum depression took her from us nine years ago. Shortly after Connie was born, she ended her own life. She was an amazing woman, but she held so much inside. Mental health is fragile. I believe it’s a topic that needs to be discussed. If her passing has any silver lining, it’s the number of people we’ve helped since.”
Hearing him talk so openly about his wife’s condition and depression made Gwen wonder if she was doing enough for Wes. Those wounds were still so fresh, but it was important to talk about them. Too many people suffered in silence.
They stopped when they reached the doors. The sunshine beamed onto her legs, warming her. The light added some much-needed brightness to the somber turn their conversation had taken. “Do you donate in her honor like Cherie did for my dad?”
“There is always more I could do, but I set up a foundation. We support numerous mental health initiatives.” He opened a set of French doors, leading out to a three-tiered deck. “It’s supposed to be a beautiful evening, and I planned for us to dine outside. Is that all right?”
The backyard was an oasis. In the distance, she spotted a pool with a waterfall, a hot tub big enough to fit eight people, a tennis court, a large fire pit and several seating areas. There was so much to take in.
Gwen licked her dry lips. “More than okay,” she answered.
He took her hand, leading them towards the pool. “Let’s stretch our legs before we sit. Is Westlyn’s father still in the picture?”
The sun beat down on them, and his touch was like a furnace, spreading heat. She wiped the sweat from her brow. “No. He died in a car accident before she was born. I like to think he’s watching out for her from heaven.” Over eighteen years had passed, and she still missed him.
“I’m sorry. Being a single parent couldn’t have been easy. Did you have a lot of support where you lived?”
She shrugged her shoulders. “Not really, but we made it work.” She didn’t want to talk about the hard times. Not with him. “You’re a single parent and it didn’t seem to hold you back. Look at everything you’ve accomplished. You’ve sure come a long way from the college dreamer I knew.”
“I had a lot of help.” He filled her in on his startup company and how he turned his first million into several. He explained his continued growth. Trusting his gut, he surrounded himself with the right people and made the right investments. He made it sound easy. Spencer never let any obstacles get in his way. She admired his determination.
After a quick walk, he led them towards a table set for four under a pergola overflowing with flowers. She followed him and welcomed the shade. When he pulled out a chair, she sat at the round wooden table. He sat next to her, sliding his chair closer.
“So why didn’t you have more kids? I recall you were keen on a having over a dozen.” He bit the corner of his lip. The smoldering look caused her insides to liquify.
She crossed her legs. “After Wes’s dad, the right man never came along. I met far too many jerks instead,” she added. “You only mentioned the two girls, do you have more?”
“Well, Caroline is married to our team Captain, Nicolas. So, I’ve recently gained a son. Though, I considered him family before he went behind my back and dated my eldest.”
“I sense a story there. Care to share?” She reached to the center of the table, grabbed the pitcher of lemon water and poured a glass. Without asking, she poured a glass for him too.
He tossed his head back and laughed. “It’s their story and Caroline loves telling it. I’ll let her fill in the details.” He sipped the water and sighed. “Thanks for the drink. Do you remember my dream to play in the NHL?”
Like it or not, she remembered every moment of the months they dated. “Every boy dreams of playing. I distinctly remember you saying you’d either play, coach or own a team one day. I think it’s cool you’re living your dream. Not many people accomplish that.”
“I lacked the talent to play and I wouldn’t have made a good coach. I fought tooth and nail to buy the team when the opportunity came up. Those guys are like my sons. We’re one big family,” he said, draping his arm across the back of her chair. His fingers grazed between her shoulder blades.
The touch sent a signal directly to her core. A ripple of arousal trickled through her. Slow and sensual. She chugged the water and placed the empty glass on the table as she leaned forward.
“Speaking of work, were you able to touch base with anyone in need of a social worker?” She reached into her purse and placed the phone on the table. “Oh and this belongs to you. Thank you for the offer, but I won’t be keeping it.”
“We’ll see about that.” He matched her posture, leaning his elbows on the table. “We have all night to talk shop. Tell me more about yourself. I want to know everything.”
A nervous laugh escaped. She’d already revealed far more than she’d intended to and yet he wanted more. He was acting like they had parted on good terms. This… whatever it was, confused her. “I’m not sure what kind of games you’re into but rest assured I am not—”
“I don’t play games, other than hockey. These days, I leave that to the professionals. It’s been over twenty years and I’m as attracted to you as the first day we met. You’re still gorgeous and smart. Gwen, I’ve thought about you often.” His hand covered hers.
“Don’t say things like that.” She didn’t believe a word of his lies and rolled her eyes. “Your charms worked once, but not anymore.” She pulled her hand free and rested them on her lap under the table.
“Again with the eye roll.” He leaned closer and her breath hitched.
The girls chose that moment to join them. She relaxed into her seat and exhaled. “Hey, ladies.”
Wes helped Connie with her chair before sitting across from Gwen. “Sorry we took so long. Connie wanted to show me her room and music collection. It’s really cool. We like a lot of the same bands. Mom, her sister plays in Altered Chords. They are my absolute fav. Can you believe it?” she shrieked.
Spencer beamed like a proud parent. “I’ll introduce you to Caroline one of these days. If you’d like, I’m sure she can get the band to sign something for you.”
Her daughter’s jaw dropped to the table and Gwen laughed. A few minutes later, dinner was served. Gwen counted over eight people working in the background as they ate. This wasn’t a typical backyard meal for her.
The next few hours flew by. Spencer was a total gentleman. He charmed Westlyn. Maybe her too. Gwen hadn’t laughed that much in ages.
Wes and Connie hit it off, and it was wonderful to hear them laugh. Connie’s autism was relatively mild on the spectrum though she had two staff who helped her with remedial stuff. One lady worked afternoons, and evenings and they’d recently lost their full-time day and weekend nanny. He was in the process of finding a new person and he questioned Wes a lot about her experience at the daycare.
Her nerves had settled some time before dessert. Being in a mansion surrounded by Spencer’s employees was far from normal, but she wasn’t uncomfortable. He treated everyone with respect. The billions in his bank account hadn’t changed him that much, and that surprised her.
Like when they’d met, she was mesmerized by his words and by his gaze. Those eyes had the ability to lure her in and make her f
orget all her worries. When Connie’s bedtime approached, she was glad she’d come. The four of them walked to the house together. The young girl hugged her goodnight and Wes went with her into the house. Spencer gripped her arm, keeping her back. He pulled her aside and away from the door.
“I want to see you again,” he said.
“We—”
Their lips collided. He pressed his mouth against hers and she gasped. His tongue moved with lighting quick efficiency, searching and finding what he wanted.
She had no idea what to make of the kiss or of him. The biggest confusion came from the way her body craved more. She melted against him and her tongue wrapped around his. He groaned and held her firmly, deepening the kiss.
With every ounce of willpower, she broke away. His kiss left her panting for air. “Stop. We can’t,” she breathed, removing his hands from her arms. The night had been perfect until he ruined it with that kiss. She refused to be his plaything twice.
His eyes widened as if he was surprised to be shot down. That probably never happened to him. Too bad.
“Tell me why not?”
She raced into the house without answering. Westlyn was in the foyer and Connie stood at the top of the steps. She waved at the girl. “Let’s go,” Gwen said, grabbing her daughter’s hand.
“What’s the rush? I never said bye to Spencer,” she protested.
“Thank you both for coming,” he said from behind them. They turned. “You’ll need this.” He slipped the cell phone into her purse.
“I told you—”
“That you’re looking for work and I’ve given out that number to a few of my contacts. You’ll need it. Trust me.” His smile made her want to smack him. And kiss him all over again.
She glared and kept her mouth shut. A simple nod was all she could muster.
“Thank you for the phone and for dinner.” Westlyn let go of her mom’s hand and held it out for Spencer. “I’m sure you’re looking for someone with more experience for the full-time gig, but if you ever need someone to watch Connie, I’d be game.”