by Bella Grant
Around seven, Charlotte woke up to someone rocking her shoulder gently. At first she thought it was her mother, but when she rolled over, she saw Braydon’s face smiling down at her.
“Probably should get up. Presentation is in less than two hours,” he said.
She stared at him, confused, before his words clicked and she jumped out of bed, hurrying past him and into the bathroom. “Why didn’t you wake me up sooner?”
“You needed sleep. Your mom is doing fine, by the way. Milly arrived early this morning, helped her take her meds and eat breakfast. Just take a deep breath. I’ll meet you downstairs.” He headed for the door; she ran over to him, kissed him fiercely, and disappeared into the bathroom.
She heard the bedroom door close on his laughter as she hopped into the shower. Charlotte got ready in record time, checking her reflection one last time in the mirror before she was good to go. Her slacks and sweater looked as professional as she could be.
“Coffee, dear?” her mother asked as she walked into the kitchen, trying to keep her nerves from spiraling out of control.
Charlotte took the cup from her mother and tried not to look at Braydon. She was too worried about screwing up and looking at him made her lose focus. So many things ran through her mind, she could hardly keep them all straight.
“And have fun this weekend. I want lots of pictures… If you get around to taking any.” Her mother winked.
“What do you mean? Did you tell her where we’re going?”
Braydon shrugged. “She should know if her daughter is going away for the weekend.”
“So where are we going?”
He glanced down at a watch that wasn’t there and sighed. “Alas, we are running behind. Guess you’ll just have to wait.” He gave Victoria a kiss on the cheek, making her mom blush.
“At least tell me, Mom,” she asked, but her mom shook her head.
“Nope. Now go knock ’em dead.”
“And don’t worry about her,” Milly said as she came in from the sunroom. “I’ll be here all weekend, along with Liam and the nurse. Your mother is in good hands.”
“Has he told you about Liam?” Charlotte asked quickly.
Milly frowned, looking a bit worried. “No, why?”
Charlotte shrugged as she headed towards the door and whispered, “He’s Irish, full-blooded.”
Milly laughed. “Well then, let’s see how he does with a Scot around.”
Milly’s and Victoria’s laughter followed Charlotte down the hall. Braydon waited by the front door. He looked at her long and hard and gave her a gentle kiss. “You’ll do fine. Terrance will be right beside you, and I’ll be in there, too.”
She nodded and tried to put on a brave face. “Right. It’s going to be fine, utterly fine.”
***
Braydon glanced at Natalie’s desk on his way in and paused. Her things… They were all gone. He looked around, searching for anyone else, when Debbie walked by. “Where’s Natalie?”
“Oh, I thought she told you,” Debbie said. “That’s odd. She quit yesterday. Packed up her things last night and high-tailed it out of here. Don’t worry, the board is already working on finding you a new assistant. Here’s those papers from Farley Global Enterprises with a note from Quin Farley attached. Faxed over this morning.”
He took the file, thanked her, and walked on, leading Terrance and Charlotte to the conference room. Natalie must have liked him more than he thought. Or she’d just been using him. He used to think that, on some level, they were friends. Apparently not.
“Are you all right?” Charlotte asked, putting her hand on his arm.
“Yes, I’m just perfect. Now then, when you go in, keep your head high, make eye contact with all of them, and whatever you do, do not back down. It’ll be over before you know it.”
“Will we know today?”
He shook his head at Terrance. “You know how these suits are. I doubt it.” When they reached the glass room, he looked inside to make sure everyone was present and noticed an extra body on the far side of the table. When the man turned, Braydon cursed.
“What’s wrong?” Charlotte asked, panicked.
“Ronan’s here. I’m just wondering why.”
It wasn’t as if he shouldn’t be. Since he was technically a partner of sorts, he was allowed, and actually expected, to show his face at meetings like this. Braydon hadn’t expected him today, though. It might not be a bad thing, but then again, if he decided against it out of spite due to his dislike for Braydon, he’d never forgive himself.
“Just go in there and give your presentation,” he told them. “Everything will be fine.”
Neither one believed him, but this was not the time for an explanation. He hurried inside the conference room and quickly called them all to order.
“What is the purpose of this meeting?” Dean snapped. “I have very important calls to make.”
“I’m sorry. I know you are all very busy, but an opportunity has arisen that I think we should take an interest in,” Braydon said as he sat down at the head of the table.
“If this is for another one of your crazy ventures, I will see myself out,” Darrell said.
“Maybe you should just keep your mouths shut and let him explain.”
Braydon nodded his thanks to Todd and cleared his throat, waving for Charlotte and Terrance to come inside. “This is Charlotte and Terrance. They have come to show us what our money could do if invested in saving several local orphanages that, until recently, were privately funded by Charlotte’s family.”
“Oh, spare us from the pleas of children,” Dean mocked.
“I would like to hear this presentation,” Ronan said sharply. All eyes turned to him, but no one stared as hard as Braydon. “Why should we not? These are the children of our city. Please,” he said after waiting for a nod from Braydon. “We will listen to what you both have to say.”
Braydon had no idea what he was playing at but wouldn’t disrupt the meeting to confront the man. He seemed rapt as Charlotte and Terrance started the slideshow on the large flatscreen at the other end of the room and began to speak. All the board members listened, but Ronan leaned forward with interest, hanging on every word.
There had to be an endgame somewhere, but Braydon couldn’t see it. Instead, he tried to focus on Charlie, giving her encouraging smiles as she spoke. At first, her voice was a little shaky, but then she started talking about the kids, about how far so many of them had come since their arrival at the orphanage. How they had a safe place to be, the chance to go to school and some semblance of normal lives as they struggled to find their ways in the world. At one point, tears filled her eyes, but she held them back.
He hadn’t realized how much the children meant to her, and seeing her so full of love for them made Braydon realize he did, in fact, love this woman. She might have been rich, but she had never been just another high society woman, strutting around in diamonds and heels. She had a heart—a very large heart—that wanted nothing more than to save as many children as she could.
When Terrance finished presenting the final financial analysis, they both thanked the board for their time and waited.
“I hope you do not think that number is realistic,” Don muttered, shaking his head.
“He’s right,” Darrell added. “We would be throwing away millions of dollars, with no profit in it. I’m sorry, but this is not a good investment for us.”
“And why not?” Todd argued. “These children are the future of the city. Any one of them could become the next mayor, the next congressman or senator. Why should we sit back and do nothing? This woman has taken on this responsibility—alone—for as long as she was able. Now, she needs our help.”
“And what of this company? Are you all willing to take a pay cut for some kids?”
“How dare you say that?” Charlie snapped at Dean. “They are not just some kids. They are all smart, bright children who want to have a good
life like any other child. You sit here in your board room and think what happens to them doesn’t affect you?”
She was fuming, and Dean had the nerve to smirk at her. “Yes, I do.”
“You’re wrong. If these orphanages shut down, the city will be flooded with thousands of children who have to be taken in by the state. The state will need money to support them. Taxes will be raised to increase their funding, and you will feel that bite because you are at the top of the income bracket. Now,” she said, straightening her jacket as she took a deep breath, “who would you like to give your money to? The state, and be unable to see where it actually goes, or to the orphanages where every day something amazing can happen?”
The entire room fell silent at her words. Terrance gave her shoulder a squeeze, and Braydon nodded as a grin crept across his face. “I think the lady has a point.” He took the folder from Farley Global and slid it forward. “They already have backing from another wealthy company in the city, one that has agreed to match anything we put in. Another item to consider, gentlemen and ladies.”
A few of the board members raised their brows, and he watched Francis whisper to Dean. Braydon would have to remember to buy Quin a bottle of whiskey if they were able to pull this off because of him.
“I move to take the upcoming weekend to think it over and come back with a decision by Monday morning,” Francis said as she straightened in her chair. “All those in favor?”
“Tuesday morning,” Braydon corrected as he glanced at Charlotte. “I will be out of town until Monday.”
“Fine, then,” Francis said. “Tuesday. Show of hands?”
Braydon, Todd, Francis, Margaret, and Ronan raised their hands. At the last second, so did Don. Darrell and Dean shot him a look, but it didn’t matter. Braydon thanked them all once again for their time and said he looked forward to hearing their final decision Tuesday morning. He watched them leave one by one, not missing the look Ronan gave him. It wasn’t filled with anger or mockery. The man actually looked concerned, but for what, Braydon wasn’t going to stick around to find out. Charlie and he had a jet to catch.
He stood as she and Terrance made it to the door. “Are you ready for your trip?”
“Right now?”
“Yes, we’re leaving right now.”
“But I haven’t packed or anything.”
“Don’t worry, it’s all been taken care of. Now come on; I want to show you something.”
Chapter 19
As far as plane rides go, Charlotte thought it could’ve been much worse in such a tiny flying projectile. The jet ride had been smoother than she’d expected, and they’d landed in one piece. Braydon kept the windows covered as they made their descent, and she sighed in annoyance.
“You can’t even give me a little hint?”
“No, that’ll just ruin the surprise, and I’m not about to do that.”
The captain came on the intercom a moment later and announced they were about to touch down. The wheels bounced against the ground, and Charlotte reached for Braydon’s hand. He squeezed hers and grinned as the jet slowed and finally came to a stop. The captain announced their landing complete and appeared from the cockpit to let down the door. “Welcome to Ireland.”
Charlotte glanced from the captain to Braydon, undid her seatbelt quickly, hopped to her feet, and hurried out of the jet. “Ireland,” she breathed. “You brought me to Ireland for the weekend?”
“You needed to get very far away from everyone,” he said, coming up behind her. “Come on, then. We have a ways to go to get to the estate. Your passport is in your purse, by the way.”
“And you planned all of this for me?”
He leaned in and kissed her sweetly. “I’m hoping for us.” He offered her his arm, and together, they descended the few steps to the ground.
***
The drive to the estate was not long, but it was beautiful. Charlotte had never seen such open countryside, dotted with sheep everywhere she looked. They were outside of Cork, but at that moment, Charlotte didn’t care where they were. It was open and clear, and Braydon was by her side. They drove down a long drive into the middle of nowhere. When the trees parted, Charlotte’s jaw dropped at the sight of the two-story estate house made of old stone covered in ivy. There was a rustic greenhouse off to the right side, all glass and reflecting the late evening sun.
“What do you think?” Braydon asked as they stepped out of the car.
“It’s fantastic. And we’re alone?”
His lips turned up in a smile. “Yes, we are entirely alone. Let’s get inside. The nights can get chilly, and a fire, I believe, is in order. Maybe even a hot bath.”
Charlotte nodded, liking the sound of the evening he had planned. She grabbed her bag and his, and they headed into the old building. The second she was through the door, Charlotte felt something wash over her—a strange sense of belonging, of being home. She’d never felt like that before and turned to stare at Braydon, confused.
“Something the matter?”
“No, it’s just… I think I’m really going to like it here.” She glanced around the open foyer and wondered what the rest of the place looked like. “Do you mind if I explore?”
He saw the excitement overflowing in her eyes and nodded. “Go explore—just don’t get lost.”
“Is it that big?”
“Maybe, and there could be one or two secret passages. I’ll get our things settled in and a fire going in the bedroom.”
He headed for the stairs with their bags as Charlotte set off down the hall and into the main living area. The hearth was large and made of stone and wood. There were carvings along the mantel, beautiful engravings that spiraled up to the beams in the ceiling. She left the main room and headed through the first door to the right. Shelves upon shelves of books surrounded her. The room was well lit with floor-to-ceiling windows on the far side except where there was another door that led to the greenhouse she’d seen. She let her feet take her to the glassed-in room, amazed by the plants growing from one corner to the other. Obviously, someone maintained the estate when Braydon wasn’t there. She turned to leave when she caught sight of something on the floor.
When she moved closer, she saw a single stone raised higher than the others. Charlotte stepped on it, and a grinding sounded to her left. She turned in time to see part of the inside brick wall slide away to reveal a dark opening and a set of stairs.
“Secret passageways,” she whispered and glanced behind her. Braydon was nowhere to be seen. “Let’s see where you lead, then.” She headed inside and disappeared up the stairs as the passageway closed behind her.
***
It had been a while since Braydon had seen Charlie. He swore at one point he’d heard her laughing somewhere in the estate, but when he turned around, she wasn’t there. He grinned, wondering if she was, in fact, wandering between the walls as he sometimes did when he came here.
Braydon had built a fire in the bedroom hearth, found every single candle he could, and lit them around the room and the tub that sat near the large windows overlooking the grounds. The estate was definitely impressive. All that was left was the wine from the cellar and the fresh strawberries and other special items he’d requested to be brought upstairs.
“Charlie?” he called as he made his way back up the stairs. “If you can hear me, knock if you’re stuck in the walls or yell if you can find your way out.” He stopped for a second and listened. Faintly, he heard a yell. “Everything is ready if you would join me in the master bedroom.”
“I’m already there,” she yelled down to him, and he jumped, nearly dropping everything on the stairs as she leaned over the railing, grinning down at him with those beautiful, stormy eyes filled with mirth as cobwebs clung to her hair.
“You, my dear Charlie, are a mess.” He laughed.
She watched him climb the stairs and said quietly, “You did say something about a bath…”
Braydon stopped
for only a second before he grinned, holding up the bottle of wine and the tray of strawberries and chocolates. “I did, didn’t I?” She smiled widely and walked backwards to the bedroom as he followed, his heart hammering in his chest. When she reached the doorway, she turned and headed to the large, claw-foot tub, turned on the water, and watched the steam start to billow.
“I’ve always wanted a tub like this,” she said. “Big enough to swim in.”
“I don’t know if it’s that big.” He laughed and poured a deep red wine into two glasses, handing one to her. “You are enjoying yourself?”
She ran her fingers through the water and nodded. “I’m glad you brought me here.”
“I can see the worry on your face,” he said. “Call Milly if you need to, but I’m sure your mother is fine. They would let us know if not.”
“I was just thinking about the presentation again, too. Do you think we’ll get it?”
He set his glass down, pulled her to her feet, and looked into those grey eyes growing darker by the second. “I think you need to stop stressing and let me take care of you for a weekend. We can worry about all that when we go home Monday morning.”
As the tub continued to fill behind them, Braydon took her glass and set it aside. He wrapped his arms around her, leaned in, and kissed her like he’d wanted to all day. His lips moved against hers, and she sighed, leaning into his touch. When they parted, he felt a spring tightening inside of him, amongst other things, and pulled her as close as she could get. The large, king-size bed was all the way on the other side of the room, but the settee was so much closer. Not stopping their kiss, he guided her to it, and they sat down together, arms locked around one another as the heat continued to build.
Charlie’s fingers fumbled for the edge of his shirt, pulling it up over his head to reveal his chest. She slid her fingers across his muscles and smirked when he shivered, certainly not from the cold. Her kisses moved from his lips to his neck, nuzzling him until he groaned, and she moved down his chest. Her fingers tugged at his belt, but he stopped them as he lifted her sweater over her head, tossing it aside to marvel at what lay underneath. His breath caught, and he cursed.