“I was just thinking…”
“About?”
“It’s too personal,” she said with a soft smile.
“There’s only the two of us here. I promise I won’t tell anyone.”
“It’s not personal about me,” she grinned, “it’s personal about you.”
“Then you must tell me!”
“Perhaps later,” she murmured, and lifting her champagne flute to her lips, she sipped her drink.
Harry studied her. She was intriguing, and definitely distracting.
“I’m so sorry to have caused such a fuss,” Vivien declared, interrupting his thoughts as she entered the room. “Thank you for lending me this lovely suit. It feels heavenly. I’ll have it cleaned and returned tomorrow.”
“Absolutely not, it’s yours,” Harry declared.
“That’s very kind of you, but-“
“I insist. It fits you perfectly,” he interrupted. “I have several more sets. I keep them here for emergencies.”
“How are you?” Alana asked. “You poor thing, getting caught in downpour like that.”
“Fine. I’m fine, honestly.”
“Have some tea with honey,” Harry offered, gesturing towards the tray, “and I have a magic potion to ward off the evils of a cold.”
“I’ll gratefully accept that,” Vivien nodded. “This place is so beautiful, and my goodness, what a view. Even with the rain you can see beyond forever.”
“Beyond forever,” Harry repeated. “That sounds as if it should be the name of something.”
“You’re right,” Alana agreed.
“Are you up for a tour, Vivien?” Harry asked. “I’d enjoy showing you around.”
“Yes, please,” Vivien said eagerly, moving across to the tray. “I’ll just pour myself a cup and carry it with me.”
“I don’t know how much you wandered around here this afternoon,” Harry said to Alana, “but there might be some rooms you missed.”
“I didn’t wander at all,” she replied. “I took a nap.”
“Then it will be new for you as well.”
“I’m ready,” Vivien declared, holding her cup with both hands.
“Let’s start by going upstairs.”
“Upstairs?” Alana exclaimed. “There’s a second floor?”
“There is. It has a music room, a library, a gym, and two other bedrooms. Come, I’ll show you.”
As Harry led them through the extravagant penthouse, while Alana seemed to take it all in stride, Vivien was in awe. As a model she’d stayed in some of the world’s finest hotels, but she had never seen anything like it. It was a virtual palace on top of a building.
“I think I need a proper drink,” she declared as they walked back into the lounge. “Just how big is this place?”
“Big,” Harry grinned. “I do quite a bit of entertaining, especially with guests from overseas.”
“It must be amazing to live in a place like this,” she murmured
“It has its benefits,” Harry said casually, pouring a glass of champagne and handing it to her.
“Alana? Would you care for another?”
“Yes, Harry, thank-you, I would.”
“You said there was more to this meeting than just a get-together,” Vivien said, taking a sip of the bubbling wine.
“There is indeed,” Harry replied, “and I know I’m about to break with protocol, but I’ve never been one to follow the rules.”
“You’ve made a decision about Bare Beauty!” Alana declared.
“Good guess. Your agents will be receiving phone calls in the morning.”
Vivien felt her heart skip, and staring at him, she held her breath as she waited for the shoe to drop.
“While only one of you will be working for Bare Beauty, you will both be receiving offers, and you will both become household names, though you, Alana, already are one. Let’s say, it will elevate you even higher.”
“Don’t keep us in suspense, tell us,” Alana demanded.
“Vivien, you will be the face of Bare Beauty.”
“Ooh, thank you,” Vivien exclaimed. “I’m so thrilled. I can’t believe it.”
“And you, Alana, will become the face of Harrison Resorts and Hotels.”
“Nice,” Alana nodded.
Vivien looked over at the supermodel in shock. How could she be so calm? The Harrison Hotels weren’t just the most luxurious in the world, they were in unique and magical locations. It was a dream job, and certainly more prestigious than being the spokesmodel for a new cosmetics line, even if it was backed by Harry Harrison and designed by Gustav.
“Here’s to you both,” Harry said lifting his glass. “I am delighted to have you join the Harrison family.”
“I haven’t said yes,” Alana said dryly, raising her eyebrows. “I said, nice. I’ll have to look over the offer and discuss it with my agent.”
“Of course you will,” Harry chuckled, “so let me revise my toast. To you both, and I am delighted to welcome you, Vivien, to the Harrison family, and hope I’ll have the opportunity to do the same for you, Alana.”
Vivien rose to her feet, and smiling happily she raised her glass. As they sipped their wine, Charles appeared carrying a tray of hors d'oeuvres, setting it next to the tea tray on the large, marble block coffee table.
“I have taken the liberty of placing your clothing in a bag,” he said to Vivien, “along with an umbrella and the elixir Mr. Harrison wanted you to have. You’ll find it by the elevator. Would you care for more tea?”
“No, thank-you,” Vivien replied, then turning to Harry she said, “I’m so grateful, Harry. So grateful and so excited. I wish I didn’t have to leave, but I think it’s about that time.”
“I understand,” he said warmly. “You have a dinner party to attend. Charles, would you please call down and have a car ready in the garage for Miss McKay? And a pair of regular shoes as well. Do we have something?”
“Yes, sir, I believe we do. Size eight?”
“Uh, yes,” Vivien nodded.
“I’ll leave them by the elevator.”
“What can you tell me about this new commission Dominic has?” Harry asked, as Charles disappeared. “He must be pleased.”
“I don’t know anything about it, except that it’s important,” she replied as she placed her champagne flute on the table.
“What a shame you can’t stay,” Alana remarked, walking across and picking up one of the bite-sized morsels.
“Yes, I wish I could,” Vivien agreed, “but Dominic’s plans had already been made.”
“I’ll walk you to the elevator,” Harry offered. “I’ll be right back, Alana.”
“Bye, Alana, I’ll see you in the morning.”
Harry guided Vivien into the hallway, and smiled as he noticed her admiring the artwork on the walls.
“Is that an original Matisse,” she asked, “and a Renoir? I didn’t play close attention on the tour you gave us.”
“It is, I have a fairly decent collection,” Harry replied.
“Wow. I think I’d have to wander this place for hours to truly take it all in.”
“I’m glad you like it here,” he said, lowering his voice.
She felt him staring, and returning his gaze, for a fleeting moment she thought she saw something behind his eyes. Was it possible? Did he want her?
“The elevator,” he said softly. “We’re here.”
“So we are,” she mumbled, feeling slightly unnerved.
“It’s been lovely having you here,” he smiled, and picking up her hand, like a gallant knight, he brought it to his lips.
“It’s, uh, been lovely for me too,” she heard herself say, and feeling almost giddy, she started through the open doors.
“Don’t forget this,” he added, handing her a black canvas tote bag and a pair of leather moccasins lined in sheepskin.
“Oh, of course, my clothes,” she said quickly, feeling strangely embarrassed.
“Push the button marked
B1. The car will waiting as you step out. No need to rush through the rain again.”
“Thank you, again,” she said, “for everything.”
She pushed the button and the doors began to close, and just before Harry disappeared from sight, he lifted his hand in a gentle wave.
“My gosh,” she muttered, “what the hell was that?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Umbrella in hand ready to be opened, Dominic was standing just inside the front door waiting for Vivien’s car to arrive. She had called and told him everything that had happened, and though he was genuinely thrilled that she had landed the Bare Beauty job, and happy she was about to start the new campaign for the new Spank Me Now clothing line, he wished she could have had a couple of days at his peaceful cottage to unwind. She’d barely had a moment to catch her breath since arriving in London.
Spotting the limousine’s approach, he left the shelter of the flat, and popping up the umbrella he hurried out into the rain. The car rolled to a stop, and not waiting for the driver he opened the door and held it over Vivien’s head as she climbed out, taking the tote bag from her as she did.
“Thank you,” she called back to the driver as Dominic herded her forward.
“Your hair, it’s still wet,” he remarked as they made it inside. “Go and dry it right away.”
“Honestly, Dominic, it was such a scene,” she declared as they headed down the hallway to the bedroom. “You have no idea.”
“Next time I tell you to take an umbrella, you will!” he exclaimed.
“You’re right,” she replied as she dropped on the bed. “Good grief, I’m so happy to be home.”
“I’m sure you are,” he said sitting next to her and giving her a hug. “You dry off and I’ll order our dinner.”
“Thanks, that would be great,” she sighed, leaning into his shoulder. “I’m starving. The butler brought out a tray of incredible looking hors d'oeuvres, but I knew if I started eating them I’d never stop, and I’d already been there too long. The tour took forever.”
“His place is that big?”
“Like I said on the phone, it’s ridiculous. Amazingly ridiculous,” she said wistfully, and looking around her room she suddenly saw it as a tiny hole-in-the wall. “This whole flat would fit into his living room, well, the living room that you step into off the elevator. He has several living rooms.”
“I’ll order the food,” Dominic said, kissing her forehead, “and an early night for you. You’re exhausted.”
“I feel exhausted,” she agreed, looking up at him as he rose to his feet. “I’m not even sure I have the energy to hold the hairdryer.”
“Do you want me to dry your hair for you?”
“Really?”
“Bien sûr,” Dominic nodded.
“I don’t know what that means, but you nodded, so I’ll take it as a yes.”
“It means, of course,” he grinned.
“That’s the best offer I’ve had all day,” she smiled, “except for the Bare Beauty job of course.”
“I’ll call for the food, then come back and take care of you. I’m going to order that Tom Kha Gai soup. Ginger and chicken, this will be good for you.”
“That sounds perfect,” she sighed, flopping on to her back.
She watched him leave, then closed her eyes. She felt totally worn out, and as she laid still, trying to find the energy to go into her bathroom, the images of Harry’s penthouse and the life he led began to float through her mind.
Charles was at his beck and call, he ate the finest food and drank the best wines that money could buy, genuine masterpieces were hanging on his walls, and limousines and private jets transported him everywhere. It was a life of unlimited luxury, and as she recalled the look in his eye, and how he had kissed her hand at the elevator, an epiphany washed over her. Harry Harrison wanted her. Could it be that the lifestyle, and Harry, were hers for the asking?
When Dominic walked back into the bedroom he thought she was asleep, and was about to leave when she fluttered open her eyes.
“Did I wake you?”
“No, not really, I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I can hardly move.”
“Where is your hairdryer, ma chérie?”
“Second drawer on the right in the bathroom,” she mumbled, then struggling to sit up, she managed to prop some pillows behind her back.
Returning with the dryer and a hairbrush, Dominic plugged it into the socket by the bed and sat down next to her.
“I’m worried about you going to sleep with damp hair after being so cold,” he said softly.
“I think you’re right,” she yawned, “and I’m so glad you’re doing it. I swear, I don’t have the energy. Like I said, I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
“Too much all at once,” he remarked. “This shouldn’t take long, it’s half-dry already.”
Pushing the start button, he ran his fingers through her hair it dried, and he’d been right, it only took a few minutes. He was about to brush it for her when the doorbell rang.
“Put on a warm nightie and get into bed,” he said firmly. “I’ll bring dinner in here, and then you’re going to sleep, no arguments.”
“You won’t get any,” she replied. “I don’t think I could walk down the hallway even if I wanted to.”
As she half-heartedly ran the brush through her hair, she stared at her open suitcase. Just the thought of packing was too much, but she wasn’t being picked up until ten o’clock in the morning. She could do it when she woke up. Slowly moving from the bed she pulled off the cashmere leggings and sweater, and pulled on a long-sleeved, knee-length flannel nightie. When Dominic arrived with a large bowl of steaming soup, and his own dinner, a beef dish covered in spicy gravy, she’d just settled into bed.
“You’re so good to me,” she said gratefully.
“Hush. Finish it up and then I’m leaving you alone to go to sleep. I wish you could take a couple of days before going off to work. I still cannot believe you’re taking off to go to France in the morning, and the Chateau, of all places!”
“If I’m being honest, I can’t either, and I’d love to take a couple of days before starting, but Gustav has already waited too long. At least I won’t be at some cold, dreary, misty ruin somewhere. It sounded great when you first said it, but the way I feel right now, that’s the last place I want to be.”
“Oui, so things are working out,” he smiled.
“I’m sure I’ll be as good as new after a decent night’s sleep.”
“Of course you will,” he said reassuringly.
He hoped he was right, but she was obviously wiped out, and after being caught in the storm and getting so chilled, she was ripe to catch the flu.
“Harry gave me a bottle of something to help prevent a cold,” she said, as if reading his mind. “It’s in the tote bag with my wet clothes.”
“When we finish eating I’ll fetch it, and I’ll get those clothes to the cleaners tomorrow.”
“You’re amazing,” she said softly. “How did I get so lucky?”
“Ma chérie, I am the lucky one, and I know you would do the same things for me.”
“I would, in a heartbeat.”
She finished her soup, and after Dominic had administered the mysterious tonic, he hugged her warmly and switched off the bedside lamp, then softly closing the door behind him, he ambled back to the living room.
The night was quiet, the rain a consistent drumbeat, the perfect backdrop to sketch, and pulling out his pad he opened it up to Vivien’s portrait, determined to finish. Losing himself in the lines and shadows, he let the magic happen, and it was almost midnight when he laid down his pencil. His eyes were sore, and he could feel a slight cramp in his hand, but he was deeply satisfied. Yawning heavily he rose to his feet, stretched his arms above his head, then turning out the lights he crept into the bedroom and slipped between the sheets. Vivien didn’t move, nor did she make a sound.
“Mon Dieu,” he mumbled. “My
poor girl, you must have been so very tired.”
While Vivien had been sleeping, and Dominic was finishing his sketch, in the penthouse at Harrison Towers, Harry and Alana had enjoyed a sumptuous meal in the small dining room, finishing off a bottle of champagne in the process.
“I think,” he said, leaning across the table, “I’d like to show you one of my very special rooms.”
“What makes it special?” she asked, already knowing the answer.
“I think you’re being coy?” he said, lowering his voice.
“Coy? About what?”
The more time Harry spent with Alana, the more difficult she was to read. It was usually the opposite, especially with women. He could see right through the lovely Vivien. She was completely transparent. Her soft, submissive nature positively radiated out of her, and her genuine warmth was almost visible, like a glowing pink aura that floated around her.
“Alana,” he said, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair, “you are as wily as you are beautiful. What kind of room do you think it is?”
“A room that houses sparkling jewels against black velvet?”
“Hah!”
“Is that a yes? Was I right? Is it a room that has treasures?”
“Oh, it definitely has treasures, but not the sparkly kind, although…”
“Although, what?”
“There are some items that sparkle, and some that glint.”
“You’re being much too enigmatic,” Alana declared.
“That’s a big word for such a beautiful woman.”
“Show me or don’t, it’s up to you,” she quipped, ignoring his remark.
“You are too testy,” he scolded, shaking his finger at her. “I told you what I do with brats.”
“I’m not being a brat,” she declared, glaring at him.
“Yes, you are, and you know you are, but enough of this game. Come on, follow me.”
“Finally,” she huffed, throwing up her hands. “Why do I think I’m going to be staring at ingots of gold?”
“Ingots?” he grinned. “I haven’t heard anyone use that term in eons.”
“Would you have preferred blocks of gold, or bars of gold?” she asked, walking her out of the dining room and headed to the stairs.
A Promise of Passion Page 36