“Why should Bryce get married?” Caroline went on bitterly. “He gets everything he wants from women without a wedding ring.” Cursing herself for being such a blind fool, she blinked away the tears burning at the back of her eyes.
“Why don’t you leave, get a job somewhere else? You’re only heading for heartbreak staying on there,” Kerry said.
“I know I’m an idiot, but I can’t help how I feel. Bryce Harrington is like an incurable disease. I’ve tried to fight my feelings for him, but I can’t.” She didn’t want to talk about it any more, so she changed the subject. “Did you tell Trevor what Andy said?”
“Yeah, for all the good it did.” Giving a resigned shrug, Kerry trotted out to the kitchen to make them each a cup of hot chocolate. As soon as Caroline finished her drink she retired to bed. She was absolutely exhausted.
***
When she arrived at work the next day, Bryce was already in his office. Switching her typewriter on, she started typing a letter she had repeated several times yesterday because of Amanda’s call.
“Oh, you’re in.” Bryce’s voice startled her. “About time, too.”
No good morning, how are you? Nothing.
“I’m not late. I don’t start until nine and it’s just after eight-thirty.”
“Don’t quibble, girl, I’ve got some urgent work I want to dictate.”
She picked up her notebook and, feeling sad and dispirited, trailed after him. The phone rang. He grabbed it. “What! Don’t gabble, man. Strike! For God’s sake, get them back on the job. Offer them anything you like. I want that estate finished by Christmas.” He banged the receiver down. “Now, where were we? Oh yes.” He took a couple of deep breaths and started dictating.
Caroline didn’t know whether she was slow and clumsy or whether he spoke too fast because he was angry, but she kept having to ask him to repeat some of the words.
“What’s wrong with you? I’ve had a gutful of incompetent staff. This is a business I’m trying to run, not a place where you can loaf at my expense.”
“I’ve apologized.”
“I don’t want your apology. Just do what I pay you for.”
“I can’t work if you keep yelling at me, it makes me nervous.”
He lost his temper at this point and shouted at her. His tongue was a circular saw cutting her into tiny pieces.
When she couldn’t stand his ranting a moment longer, she turned to flee in the middle of his tirade. He leapt from his desk. His arm snaked out and he clamped his hand on her shoulder.
He spun her around. “Don’t walk out on me when I’m speaking.”
“What the hell is going on?” Geoff Davies marched into the office.
At the sound of the older man’s voice, Bryce dropped his hand and stepped back a pace.
“Are you all right, my dear?” the older man asked, his eyes full of concern.
“Yes, thanks. Excuse me.” She turned and fled. Out in the tearoom she sat on a chair and sobbed.
The pressure of Bryce’s fingers on her shoulder had been slight, but she felt as if her heart had been clawed into slivers. The phone rang but she didn’t care. It could ring for all eternity. After several rings it stopped.
How long she remained huddled in the chair with her head in her hands she didn’t know. Someone touched her shoulder. She raised her head and stared into Bryce’s face. A muscle convulsed in his jaw, and his tan receded.
“I’m sorry, Caroline. I lost my temper. Don’t cry any more. I’ll order a cab to take you home.”
Her lips trembled, she couldn’t speak. Shock and hurt had rendered her mute.
“My God, I didn’t mean to upset you. The last twelve hours have been absolute hell, and I took it out on you. Please, don’t cry.”
He put his arms around her to draw her to her feet and she buried her face in his chest. His hands ran gently, soothingly over her hair.
“You’ve got pretty hair, soft, silky,” he murmured. “I like the smell of it, too. Don’t cry any more.” He took her chin in one hand, raised her damp face and started brushing the tears away with his fingertips.
“Oh, Bryce, why are you so mean to me?” she whispered tremulously.
“I don’t know. I’ve always been hot-tempered. I guess as you’re the closest person to me, you cop it.” He held her firmly. “You’re a sweet girl,” he whispered. The words washed over her like a gentle breeze and she wanted to stay in his arms forever, but couldn’t. When she pushed at his chest, he let her go.
“You’ve got a staunch supporter in Geoff. He just about blew my head off after you left.” He gave a rueful smile. “Are you okay now?”
“Yes. I don’t need to go home. I’ll go to the washroom and tidy myself up.”
“Are you sure?” He sounded so concerned, tears sprung to her eyes.
“Yes.” Her lips quivered into a sad little smile as she turned away.
After she left the room, Bryce lit a cigarette and drew on it savagely. What the hell was wrong with him, attacking the girl like that? It wasn’t her fault that his mother’s nagging insistence on him taking a wife and producing the appropriate offspring got him down. God only knew how far he would have gone if Geoff hadn’t intervened. He cursed under his breath. If she wasn’t so placid he wouldn’t let fly or bully her so often, he was honest enough to admit.
He stalked back to his office, puffing moodily on the cigarette. Throwing himself into his chair he brooded. It had been an unmitigated disaster inviting Amanda Cleveland to his parents’ home last night. The only thing he could say in favor of his mother was that she didn’t start badgering him until Amanda left the room with his father to view the Harrington art collection.
His mother appeared quite taken with Amanda. He could almost hear her now.
“Think of it, darling. Her father has a knighthood, such a perfect wife for you.”
He was attracted to her, but only in the most carnal way. He couldn’t see himself married to anyone just yet, let alone her. She was a selfish, willful creature who suited his purposes - help him get rid of Shereen.
Why did women have to get possessive after a few dates? He never led any of them to believe he was interested in a long-term relationship or marriage. He clenched his fist on the desk. If it weren’t for the fact that he enjoyed the battle to remain at the top of the business world, he would throw everything in and become a recluse somewhere. He gave a wry grin. Living alone wouldn’t be a problem, but celibacy might be.
He heard the typewriter start up. Thank God, Caroline had returned. He couldn’t help wondering about her. She didn’t have much money to spare, her clothes and apartment proved that, yet she always wore an air of quiet dignity. She spoke well, as did the young officer she’d been with the other night. He had private school written all over him.
The military academy only took the best candidates, even with the war in Vietnam. He either had to be brainy or have family connections, probably both. How did Caroline meet him? More importantly, what were her feelings towards him?
He didn’t know why, but he hated to think of her becoming involved with the young man. It must be because he didn’t want to lose a capable secretary. That was why it concerned him so much. He didn’t dare dwell on any alternative.
It was Caroline’s birthday tomorrow. He would make amends for losing his temper by giving her a birthday present. Women always reacted well to an expensive bribe. Maybe he could take her out to dinner, as well. After all he’d done to hurt her, it was the least he could do.
He had been debating about asking Amanda to dine with him, but decided against it. She would keep until another time. It was far more important to make amends to Caroline. He would have to control his volatile temper, too. Feeling happier now for having solved his dilemma, he started on some statistical work he’d been deferring for weeks.
Caroline worked steadily, now recovered from her weeping episode. The sensible part of her mind castigated her for not resigning on the spot. The romantic sid
e of her nature was prepared to suffer any indignity to be near Bryce. What a weak, pathetic person she had become. She was fast fulfilling her mother’s prophesy about never amounting to anything, never being able to attract a man.
When she’d finished the typing, she took it into Bryce. He glanced up as she entered.
“Put them there, thanks.” He bent his head and scrutinized a long line of figures, so she started out of the room.
“Caroline.”
“Yes.” She swung around
“Are you okay?”
She nodded.
“Don’t go yet, I want to ask you something. Would you have dinner with me tomorrow night?”
“Dinner? With you?”
“You’ve no other engagements?”
She shook her head.
“Good. I’ll pick you up at seven. I know of a cozy place we can go to. You don’t need to dress up for it, either.”
“Sounds nice, thank you.”
“You might as well go home now. There’s nothing else needs doing here.” He inclined his head in dismissal.
Hurrying back to her desk, she tried to keep a lid on her excitement. She told herself to not get too carried away. He was only taking her out to make up for his mean treatment earlier, but she didn’t care. The reason didn’t matter. He was taking her out. She would gladly go anywhere with him. You fool. You pitiful fool, falling for such a bribe.
She tidied up her desk, left the office, and on the bus going home daydreamed about going out with Bryce. What would she call him? She would love to be able to call him Bryce again, but didn’t dare, unless he suggested it. She wouldn’t call him Mr. Harrington either, she decided with a sudden spurt of spirit.
On arrival home she made a cup of tea before going into a cleaning frenzy. She wanted the apartment to look its best in case he came in, and she wouldn’t have much time on Wednesday to clean it up. The fact that it was her birthday made it all the more thrilling.
“You’ll never guess what happened.” Caroline ambushed her friend the moment she stepped inside. “Bryce is taking me out for dinner tomorrow.” She didn’t mention about the happenings of the day.
“I hope you know what you’re doing.” Kerry had never met Bryce, but her friend disliked him. She shouldn’t have complained so often about his arrogance and moodiness. Her constant complaints about the way he carried on made things sound worse than they really were.
If she hadn’t been in love with him, she wouldn’t have given his behavior a second thought. At least he didn’t use foul language or throw things at her like one executive she’d heard about. A girl she’d attended secretarial college with worked for some lecher who kept squeezing her breasts and pinching her on the backside, yet she stayed with him because the job paid well. At least Bryce acted like a gentleman in that respect.
Chapter Seven
Wednesday dawned warm and sunny. Caroline worked steadily, trying to keep her excitement in check. Bryce dashed in and out of the office several times, but apart from a brief good morning, only spoke about business matters.
Mr. Davies, Bryce and his father were members of an eight-man board who held their monthly meetings on Wednesdays. She always took down the minutes.
“How are you, Caroline?” Alexander Harrington greeted her with a cheerful smile. “Did you enjoy the business dinner?”
“Yes, thank you.” It wasn’t the business dinner she remembered from that evening, but Bryce’s fiery kisses.
She ate lunch at her desk then started typing up the minutes for the last meeting of the year. Just before clock-off time, Bryce poked his head around the door.
“You haven’t forgotten our dinner date, have you?”
Forgotten it? She had thought of nothing else. “No, I haven’t forgotten.” She smiled at him.
“Good, you can go now. I’ll pick you up about seven.”
She rushed home, had a shower and washed her hair. By this time Kerry was home, and she not only helped Caroline put her hair up in a topknot, leaving a few wispy strands to form a half fringe, but loaned her a pair of gold prism drop earrings. The pale aqua dress she chose to wear had a double-ruffled lace collar, pin-tucked bodice and flared skirt, and sported cut-out shoulders with delicate scalloped edges.
“You look terrific,” Kerry enthused. She was a supportive friend even if she didn’t like Bryce.
Caroline paced the floor. Suppose he didn’t turn up? Right on seven o’clock someone knocked on the door and she hurried toward it.
Kerry signaled her to take it slowly. “Keep him waiting for a bit,” she mouthed. “You don’t want to seem overeager.”
Caroline counted to twenty before opening the door. Bryce’s hand was raised, ready to knock again. Devastatingly handsome, he wore a chocolate brown suit with a cream silk, open-necked shirt. This man was movie star material.
“Come in.” Her heart skipped a beat at the appreciative gleam in his eyes. He liked what he saw. Her appearance hadn’t let her down. She stepped back a pace so he could enter the apartment.
“Kerry, this is Mr. Harrington.”
“Bryce,” he put in smoothly. We’re not in the office now. How are you, Kerry?”
“I’m o.k.”
Caroline was shocked when her friend stayed where she was, with a jean-clad leg hooked over the arm of the couch.
“If you’re ready, we’ll go. Goodnight, Kerry,” Bryce said.
“Have a nice time, Caro.”
Bryce closed the door behind them with a thud. It didn’t take a genius to know he was angry at Kerry’s snub. She was disappointed Kerry hadn’t even tried to hide her animosity.
They walked down the passageway and out into the street to where the Jaguar was parked. The sight of such a prestigious car would have set a few neighborhood tongues wagging. Her heart gave an excited skip.
Ever the gentleman, Bryce helped her into the car with a hand under one elbow. They didn’t speak as they drove along. She was too nervous and he seemed preoccupied.
After driving for about fifteen minutes he parked the car outside a double-storied terrace house, built from bluestone blocks.
“Good evening, Mr. Harrington.” The manager greeted them at the door and ushered them inside. Obviously Bryce was well known. How many other women had he brought here?
A waiter escorted them to a table set for two in a secluded corner. Once seated, Caroline glanced around with interest. Hurricane lamps hung from the ceiling. The lighting was subdued and intimate, discrete ambience surrounding them.
“What a terrific place.” She smiled her pleasure and he squeezed her fingers.
“You look beautiful tonight, not at all like my efficient little secretary.” A play with words, but the my made her heart sing.
A bottle of vintage champagne arrived and they drank from crystal flutes.
“Happy birthday, Caroline.” They clinked glasses.
She sipped her drink, enjoying every cool, delicious mouthful. “This is the nicest champagne I’ve ever tasted.”
He gave a soft, intimate chuckle, causing her heart to flutter like a caged bird.
They both chose avocados with walnut mayonnaise as an appetizer. When the band struck up a slow romantic number, he asked her to dance. She floated into his arms when they reached the tiny dance floor. He held her close and she once again thrilled at the touch of his hard, muscled thighs brushing against hers. Closing her eyes, she rested her cheek against his chest, swaying in time to the music. If this turned out to be a dream, she never wanted to wake up.
His breath stirred her hair, and she smelled the subtle male scent of him, some expensive citrus aftershave and the faintest whiff of tobacco. If only the music would go on forever.
“Have you gone to sleep on me?” His breath brushed her ear.
She laughed “It wouldn’t take much to rock me off, the music is so relaxing and you’re nice to lean against.”
He chuckled. “I must remember that. So, I’m nice to lean against. You’re ref
reshingly different.”
They returned to their table. Before the main course had been served, he pulled a small, neatly wrapped box from his pocket and gave it to her. “Happy birthday.”
“Thank you, but I didn’t expect a present. I don’t remember mentioning my birthday.”
“Your army friend told me on Saturday night.”
She undid the package to reveal a jewelers box. Inside, on a plain gold chain rested a black opal.
“It’s beautiful, but I…I couldn’t accept an expensive present like this.”
“Why not? I thought you must have liked black opals, since you chose one for my mother.”
“I do. They’re exquisite.”
“Please accept them from me. Don’t worry about the expense. I can afford it.”
Her eyes filled with tears.
“You’re crying?”
“Yes,” her voice wobbled. “No one has ever given me such a beautiful gift before. I’ll treasure it always.”
When the tears overflowed and ran down her cheeks he leaned across the table and wiped them away with his thumb, a gentle action that was almost her undoing. She had to force herself not to grab hold of his hand and rest it against her heart.
The main course, roast duckling cooked with cherries, was accompanied by a salad. It tasted sensational and she enjoyed every bite. What an unforgettable night. She felt as though she was floating on a silver cloud, bound for paradise.
Between courses, they danced. The night flew on golden wings. They finished off with Irish coffee. As they danced the last bracket, she sighed with pleasure.
“This has been the most wonderful night,” she breathed.
He molded her body closer to his and held her there with a hand on either hip. She could feel his mouth nuzzling the side of her throat. What exquisite pleasure, deadly dangerous, but exquisite.
“We’ll go now. It’s nearly closing time,” he said huskily as he led her back to the table so she could pick up her gold evening bag. He peeled off several twenty-dollar notes and dropped them in the dish for the waiter to collect.
Make Love Not War Page 7