He smiled bitterly now at the thought. Just another example of how little she’d actually known or cared about him. It had been a long time since he’d had to sell a house. He had offices all around the world with people who did that for him. Not that they actually sold many houses either, unless you counted medieval castles in Europe as houses. Now it was mainly New York skyscrapers or hotel complexes and even the occasional remote island. His customers consisted of the American elite, Russian oligarchs, and European royalty. No, it had been a long time since he’d really had to sell anything.
***
Shrugging out of his musings Norman brought himself back to reality. He should really stop and find out where the hell he was. Perhaps find somewhere to replenish his water. He rubbed the bridge of his nose trying to rid himself of a headache just between his eyes. After the argument, he’d thrown Celine out and then decided he needed to clear his head with a drive. The rest of the things was blur: He’d woken up just a few hours ago in a strange hotel room and a couple of empty whiskey bottles by the bed. Judging by his headache and dry mouth he’d obviously drunk both by himself.
Having nothing with him but the clothes he’d been wearing yesterday, he’d drank as much water as he could before checking out and hitting the road again. He’d no idea how long he’d been driving for now. He checked the clock on the dashboard; it was 3pm. Damn, he’d been driving for hours, and was who knows where. He definitely needed to stop and work out what to do next. He slowed down as he went past a sign.
Cahill Farm
Help Wanted.
Pulling the car to a stop, he checked behind him and saw nothing but an empty road. It was the same in front so he spun the car around and then pulled into a dirt road that obviously lead to the farm. It seemed like as good a place as any to stop. He’d go down to the farm, see if anybody was around and could give him a rough idea of the way home. There was something, though, giving him pause. His eyes kept going back to the Help Wanted part of the sign. Maybe this was his chance for a break.
The chance to spend a few weeks as just a normal guy again. No business meetings, no late night corporate dinners and definitely no model girlfriends. Could he? It had been such a long time since he’d taken any holiday and Mark could handle things for a few weeks without him. What was the worst that could happen? The more wary and fanciful part of his brain had answered. It could be home to a family of inbred cannibals who knock you out, torture you and then eat you. You’ll never be seen again. People will always be wondering about the billionaire bore and what happened to him. Deciding the chances of that were slim Norman started his car again and made his way down the pot-holed road.
Chapter 2
Amy sat in the far corner of the field and watched the car making its way up the drive. She didn’t know much about cars but even from here she could tell it was fancy. Who would be coming here driving a car like that?
She sighed and stretched as she got up. Looking around for her two companions who had wandered off.
“Rolo…… Tabatha…. Come on guys, it looks like we have a visitor.”
Rolo was, of course, the first one to come running up. His tail wagging and tongue hanging out as he greeted her like he’d been gone for years. She laughed and bent down to rub the big dog’s ears.
“Oh Rolo, you daft thing. Come on boy, let’s go and greet our guest.”
She set off through the field with Rollo running a few yards in front of her. She wasn’t worried about Tabatha; she’d appear when she was ready. All the time, Amy was watching the man as he pulled up at the farm house and got out of the car. She couldn’t tell much about him yet apart from the fact that he was tall and had dark hair. She really hoped it wasn’t another lawyer, since inheriting her uncle’s farm and all of the issues that had gone with it initially, she’d had enough of lawyers to last the rest of her lifetime.
***
Norman breathed in the fresh air as he looked around. The farmhouse was old, probably built around the 1900’s and was definitely looking a little worse for wear. The white paint was peeling and the porch looked like it could do with re-boarding. The whole place had an air of neglect about it. Maybe that was what the help wanted sign was for. If that was the case there really was a hell of a lot of work to do and it was clearly going to take more than a couple of weeks but wasn’t that what this crazy idea was all about? Trying a change of lifestyle for a few weeks?
He drew his attention back to the person approaching and was surprised to see a huge white dog bounding towards him. He froze for a second; he’d never seen such a large dog in all his life. Was it friendly?
“Well hello, aren’t you beautiful.” He put his hand out gently for the dog to sniff. “It’s alright; I’m not going to hurt you.”
“Rollo, sit”.
Norman was surprised to see the dog react straight away. He looked up from the dog. A young woman stood in front of him, in her late twenties he guessed. Simply dressed in denim cut-offs, boots, and a red t-shirt. He was struck by how pretty she was, her long brown hair held back in a ponytail, she had a slight tan and freckles on the brow of her nose. Soft brown eyes looked at him enquiringly, waiting for him to speak.
“Wow, that is one obedient dog or bear? I’m not sure I’ve ever seen one like it before.”
“That’s Rollo, and yes he’s a dog. The Great Pyrenees. He’s very good at doing what he’s told and an excellent guard dog.”
Looking at the size of him Norman was in no doubt that when necessary he could scare even the most determined of burglars off.
“Yes, I can see why nobody would want to mess with him. Anyway, I’m sorry to disturb you, I was wondering if the owner was around and if I could speak to him?”
“Well, you can certainly talk to me. I’m the owner.”
Norman was taken aback for a second. That had been the last thing he’d expected to hear. How had she ended up owning a run-down farm?
“Oh, ok. Well, I saw the Help Wanted sign and I’m looking for some work and thought I’d see if there was still a position available?”
Now it was Amy’s turn to be surprised. “I’m sorry; you’re here about the job?”
“Ummm... yes”.
She took a second to look at the man standing in front of her. He was definitely tall as she’d seen way back in the field and handsome, in a dark haired, Regency gentleman kind of way. His eyes were an icy shade of blue but were red-rimmed, he’d clearly not had much sleep. He was dressed in suit trousers and a shirt, although they were crumpled. It was obvious they were expensive and his dark leather shoes definitely hadn’t been near a farm before. She looked him up and down and then looked pointedly at his car.
“You don’t look like the kind of guy in need of a job.”
“No, I don’t suppose I do really. I guess I’ve been going through a bit of an early mid-life crisis. I quit my job, sold pretty much everything I had and then spent all the money on this car. Since then I’ve been driving around taking on jobs where and when I can. It’s giving me a chance to gain some clarity and perspective.”
Amy frowned, she wasn’t sure if she believed him, but she desperately needed the help and he was the first person who had turned up in weeks. The last guy had seemed far too much like a mass murderer and she’d had to turn him away. At least this one didn’t seem to be a psychopath, that was something. But one never knows.
“Well, it’s hard work and doesn’t pay much. I can only really offer board, meals and a small wage. I’m after help with the practical kind of things. There is some work in the fields that needs doing, there are several things in the house that need fixing, and one of the barns is leaking. I’m looking to get the farm up and running again but I can’t really do that until these things are sorted. Is that the kind of thing you have some experience in?”
“Sounds like just the kind of thing I’m looking for. I have experience in the building trade so I should be able to help you with most things.�
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She looked at him suspiciously, she really couldn’t work him out. Experience in the building trade? How exactly did a man looking like him, driving a car like that end up here looking for work and willing to do it for practically free? Still, she really was desperate.
“Ok then, you’re hired.”
“Oh, wow... that’s great, thanks. I can assure you, you won’t regret it. We’ll have this farm ready in no time.”
Amy couldn’t help but smile at that, he obviously hadn’t seen much on his drive up here.
“Hold those horses cowboy. How about I fix you something to eat and drink then I’ll give you a bit of a tour. We’ll see how enthusiastic you are after that.”
***
Norman looked around as Amy led him through the house and into the kitchen. His first impression had been correct, it was definitely old and definitely run down. He was sure that some of the shelves in the kitchen were still the original wood. It was a nice size, though, with a stone floor and whitewashed walls. A huge fireplace was at one end with a rocking chair in front of it complete with crochet blanket. It felt a bit like he’d stepped back in time. An old wooden dining table took up most of the middle of the room, the blue paint showing signs of wear and many meals. He blushed slightly as he realized Amy was looking at him, no doubt wondering what he was thinking.
“Sorry, I’m just taking it all in. It’s quite a big house for one person.”
Norman realized then that he’d been assuming that Amy was on her own -- why else would she need help? He ignored the part of him that was actually hoping that was the case. Oh no, Norman, none of that, no more girls for the moment.
“I suppose it is, but I have Rollo and Tabatha here with me and I enjoy being on my own.”
Norman sensed that she didn’t want to discuss it too much. Of course, he understood that he hadn’t exactly told her everything about himself either. He did feel a little guilty about lying to her but it had seemed like a good idea, he didn’t want too many questions asked and just wanted to be treated like a normal guy.
“Tabatha?”
“Oh, Tabatha’s the cat. She’s around somewhere or other and she’ll no doubt greet you at some point. I hope you don’t mind waking up to the occasional mouse at the foot of your bed.”
“I’m sure I can handle the odd dead mouse or two.”
Amy laughed and Norman was instantly struck by how pretty she was, her brown eyes sparkled and she seemed to come alive.
“What is it? What’s so funny?”
“It’s just that Tabatha doesn’t always kill them. There have been several times when I’ve woken up being tickled by a mouse running over my feet. I have to admit I was just thinking that I might not tell you and then see how you reacted.”
Norman laughed too. “Well I’m glad you decided against it, I’m not sure you or my masculinity could have handled my girlish screams first thing in the morning.”
“Well, this is a very old house, with plenty of creepy crawlies. I’m sure I’ll get to hear you screaming at some point. Anyway, can I fix you drink? Would you like some iced tea? It’s rather hot outside and you look like you could do with some cool refreshment.”
“Yes, please. I have to admit I haven’t had anything to drink in a few hours, really starting to feel it now.
He watched her some more as she turned and went over to the fridge. Taking a moment to enjoy the sight of her long tanned legs. Her shorts were tiny and only just covered her bottom. He couldn’t help but feel a little aroused as she bent over to get the cold jug of iced tea off the fridge shelf. He suddenly had an almost irresistible urge to touch her, feel how soft her skin was under his fingers and hear her moan as he trailed them further up her thigh. At that very moment, a thought of yesterday’s fight crossed his mind again. Damn it, Norman, you can’t think things like that about someone you’ve only just met.
Deliberately turning away he moved closer to the window so that he could look outside. It was a gorgeous view of fields enclosed by woodland. Closer to the house a large oak tree stood in the garden, a hammock hanging from it. He could just imagine how nice it was to sit out and look over the fields. Far away from the hustle and bustle of his life. Despite the fact that he was used to a far more glamorous lifestyle, now he had a sense that he was going to like it here. Provided he didn’t let himself get too carried away with his feelings for his new boss.
Chapter 3
One of the things that Amy loved most about the farm was the mornings. It was so refreshing to wake up and actually be looking forward to the day ahead. Yes, it was a day of hard work and grafting but it was satisfying work, work that took her one step closer to her dream. Ordinarily she’d get up and spend half an hour, wandering around the garden in her pajamas with her coffee. Better not do that this morning, though, it was Norman’s first morning here and she didn’t want to scare him off straight away.
She looked at Tabatha who was curled up at the foot of the bed still asleep and gave the cat a little poke with her foot.
“Wake up sleepyhead, it’s time for breakfast. Swiftly followed by your mid-morning snooze of course”. Tabatha stretched and padded over to her, head butting her in greeting. “Good morning, my gorgeous girl.”
Amy spent a few minutes lightly stroking her and relaxing to the sound of purring. She had to admit that she was slightly nervous about today. It was the first time she’d employed anybody to work on the farm with her and she wasn’t entirely sure what she was supposed to do. She looked over at the cat, hoping for inspiration or maybe even an answer.
“Where shall I start Tabatha? Hmmm? The same place I usually do, with a list? You are a genius cat! Don’t let anybody else tell you otherwise.”
Feeling a bit more confident Amy quickly got dressed and headed out into the kitchen in search of her trusty notebook that was already getting full with the list of jobs that she found, it seemed to be a new one every day. She’d cross one off and have to add another three. Hopefully, things would go the other way round now that she had Norman to help her. Speaking of Norman, he was awfully quiet. She’d expected to hear some kind of movement from him, but actually, the house seemed empty.
She looked out of the window and found that his car had gone also. She called out, just to make sure he hadn’t moved it.
“Norman? Norman are you up yet?”
Nothing but silence greeted her. Great! Typical man -- makes a promise and then does a bunk in the middle of the night! Surprisingly, she didn’t feel too disappointed. In a way, she really couldn’t imagine Norman getting on with the work. But as difficult as it was for Amy to admit, some sort of sadness started to arise from the depth of her heart.
Well, she thought to herself, I guess it’s just me after all, I suppose I’d better still get on with the list, those jobs aren’t running away.
After about half an hour Amy had completed compiling her list of jobs for the day and was just rinsing her coffee cup when she heard a car outside. Looking out of the window she was surprised to see that it was Norman, so he hadn’t left after all. Where had he been? She made her way outside to greet him.
“Hey Norman, have to admit I’m surprised to see you. I saw your car had gone and thought you’d changed your mind.”
She felt her breath catch in her throat slightly as he turned around to greet him. He seemed far more relaxed than yesterday. He was dressed in dark blue jeans and a plain white t-shirt and she couldn’t help noticing his tanned muscular arms, he obviously hadn’t been lying when he said he had experience of building work. You didn’t get muscle like that just from working out.
“I’m sorry, that wasn’t my intention. I got up early and thought you might like some pastries for breakfast.” He held up the white paper bag he was carrying. “I’m afraid I don’t know the area well so hopefully these are ok.”
She looked the bag he carried with a very familiar logo.
“Oh goodness, did you go to Fanshaw’s?
They are my absolute favorite bakery. You certainly know how to get on the good side of your boss. Please tell me you got an apricot crown?
Norman smiled at her obvious joy. She’d had a face like thunder when he’d gotten out of the car, no doubt from thinking that he’d abandoned her. Thank goodness he’d lucked out on the pastries.
“Well, I didn’t know what you liked so I got a selection. I figured that we’d be working pretty hard throughout the day and would need something to keep us going.”
Amy took the bag from him and made her way back to the kitchen.
“I’ll put a fresh pot of coffee on and we can eat these while I take you through the list of jobs I’ve made up for today. It’s quite extensive but obviously, we’ll just get through as much as we can and carry the rest over until tomorrow.”
***
Bad Boys Rule Page 59