by Penny Henry
Travis took a deep breath. He didn't want to argue with this beautiful, fascinating creature. He decided to lower the heat and reason with her. He took a chance and used her first name. "Temple." No sharp correction came. He breathed more easily. "You could just be over reacting. There may have been things about Ben's life that you didn't know. Ben played it close to his chest. He took all the business decisions since you lost your dad. Am I right?"
Temple nodded. "That's the way we worked. Ben took care of me when daddy died. He looked after business. Just lately I've become more involved but I trusted Ben totally."
Travis pushed his luck to a smile. "I can understand that. But just perhaps, Ben may have had worries that you weren't aware of. Did he have any personal problems, debts maybe?" Travis knew he was on dangerous ground but it had to be said.
Temple shook her head fiercely. "Impossible. Ben lived with me. We had no secrets." She realized how bad it had come out and corrected herself. "I mean he lived at the house. We all lived together― You know exactly what I mean."
Travis couldn't resist a chuckle at Temple's expense. She blushed prettily and lowered her eyes. For one brief pause they shared a moment of intimacy. Temple raised her head to look into his puppy dog eyes and had to check herself from swooning like some rescued maiden into the arms of her handsome savior. If only things were different.
With all the effort she could sum up Temple dragged her mind back on course. "Ben lived for Hart Leisure. There are no skeletons in the cupboard. No drink, no drugs, just the occasional female companion - never anything serious. I'm sorry to disappoint you." How ironic, Temple thought, that it was on just such a rare night on the town that Ben had suffered his fatal heart attack.
Travis was quick to placate her rising indignation. "Please don't take offence, Temple. I'm just trying to help." He decided to try another track. "Elliot told me that Ben was considering expanding the commercial side of Hart Leisure. To do that, Ben would have needed to raise a good deal of capital. Could that be the explanation you're looking for?" Travis was relieved he had so far managed to contain Temple's temper. There was no sign of a storm brewing. So far the signs were looking good.
Chapter Four
Temple mulled over Travis' suggestion. Was it possible that Ben had disposed of the lease without her knowledge? Would he really have planned the tragic surprise? He had ribbed Temple mercilessly following the success of the billboard and television campaign. He had taken to calling her 'superstar' and promised to make her famous. But it was a joke. He had been proud of her. Ben would no more have sold the leisure complex from under her than he would have tossed her into the street. She looked again at the brown-eyed handsome man who stood opposite her in the quiet confines of Jill's office. Travis Campbell was a shrewd and successful businessman. He could have just about any woman that he wanted. Why was he paying her attention? Why was he trying so hard to convince her that Campbell Properties had struck a genuine deal with Ben Gilzean? Either Travis harbored his own suspicions or he was up to his neck in it himself.
"You can drop the act. It won't work," said Temple suddenly. She watched Travis' brow furrow. It was a perfect performance of a Good Samaritan snubbed, perplexed and disappointed. "We both know that Ben didn't sign that contract willingly. I don't know how you managed it but I won't give up without a fight. I won't simply go away because you say so." She faced him, hands on hips, her violet eyes mocking his incredulous expression.
Travis' face reflected the kaleidoscope of emotions that tumbled through his brain. The woman was truly impossible! "You silly girl," began Travis coldly. "I have explained the situation to the best of my ability. The legal contracts are signed. You will receive your money within twenty-eight days. When the deal is completed you’ll never have to set eyes on me again."
His last words hung in the air between them like an iron curtain. Neither of them wanted it to be that way. Both were too proud to admit it.
"That suits me fine," retorted Temple hotly.
Travis glared his frustration. "There’s just one more thing. If I hear of you repeating these insane accusations outside of this room... if so much as a whisper reaches my ears, I will personally sue you for every cent you have." His eyes bored into hers, hard as quartz and empty of warmth.
Temple was stunned by the vitriol in his voice. Travis Campbell was not a man to cross. But she was no patsy either. "I want the truth," said Temple loudly, “and I won’t quit until I get it.” She couldn't prevent the quaver in her voice. "You don’t know what you’ve started. Now get out of my office before I throw you out!"
They faced each other eyeball to eyeball, locked in a battle of wills when the door to Jill's office eased open.
"I heard voices," said Jill nervously.
"Mister Campbell was just leaving," said Temple without breaking her stare.
Unexpectedly, Travis relaxed. He dropped his aggressive stance and brought an inquisitive smile to his face. He leaned forward and spoke in just above a whisper. "Would you really have thrown me out?"
"You'd better believe it, buster.”
Travis shook his head with a grin on his mouth. Warmth returned to his eyes. "I don’t think I've ever known a woman like you before. By the way, you look great."
Temple refused to be drawn. He was doing it again, playing her like a leaping fish. He was reeling her in before he let the line go slack, teasing her with false hope. He lifted one eyebrow before allowing his gaze to fall from her unsmiling features and drift over her tense body. Then his eyes returned to her reddening face. Temple felt her breath go short. Then the pounding in her breast kicked in.
"So I guess I'll be seeing you soon. The fine details,” he rapidly explained. “You said I’d be dealing with you...” Fine laughter lines creased at the corners of his eyes.
"I guess," whispered Temple, and automatically offered her hand in a parting gesture she never intended.
The warmth of his skin as he folded her hand in his own firm grip radiated through Temple's arm. Then the heat seeped into her body. It was all she could do to suppress a moan.
Jill coughed discreetly and the magic was gone. Temple pulled back her hand, horrified. It had only lasted a few seconds but Travis had almost managed to turn her round. Now his smile seemed to be mocking her. He had proved a point. There was an undeniable chemistry between them. It was a chemistry that Temple was determined to dissolve. She had to focus on the cold-hearted businessman beneath the easy-going cowboy who played a rhapsody of emotions on her heart.
"Goodbye, Mister Campbell."
"It’s been, uh, interesting, Ms Hart," said Travis with the secret smile still dancing on his lips. "My office will be in touch. I’ll look forward to our next meeting."
The look that Temple flashed at his back carried the cutting edge of a huntsman's axe. But even in her fit of icy pique Temple could not prevent her eyes from sweeping down to take in the narrow hips and tight rear of the man that held her future in his grip. She was more determined than ever to grab it back from him
Jill was watching Temple from inside the doorway. Her eyes were wide and staring like a skittish foal. She appeared wary of being in the same room as Temple in her present state of mind. Perhaps Jill had something to hide?
"Come in, Jill," said Temple. "It is your office, after all."
"I didn't want to chance upsetting you. Not after the way you handled Travis," said Jill cagily. She stepped round the desk to seat herself squarely opposite the chair that Temple took.
"Okay, Jill. I want to know everything that you know. Tell me what the deal was between Ben and Elliot."
Jill took a deep breath. She raised her delicate fingers and fussed with the high collar of the silk blouse that complemented her fresh white suit. Her red hair was pulled back and gathered behind her neck. She was looking like a college student discovered handing in someone else's homework.
"I… I'm not sure I can add anything to what you already know," said Jill hesitantly. She was not
her usual confident self. "Elliot had been pressing Ben to part with the lease for some time. Elliot was deadly serious but Ben took it all as a huge joke. You know what he's… sorry… you know what he was like. Elliot never stopped pushing. He was always dropping by and offering to take Ben to expensive restaurants. You know how Elliot works, don’t you? He was always coming up with tickets for the big games or the new shows. Ben made the most of it, of course. But I think Elliot was beginning to panic. He was afraid of missing his big chance."
"What big chance?" Temple’s curiosity was aroused.
"With Pegasus Hotels," said Jill without hesitation. "It was part of a deal he was trying to put together. I don't know all the details, but I know it depended on securing Hart Leisure’s prime location. I think Elliot stands to make a lot of money."
"But Elliot works for Travis Campbell. Surely Campbell Properties would be the ones to benefit?" said Temple. She didn’t pause to consider Elliot's 'grand scheme'. It wasn’t of any interest to her. It was what was happening to Hart Leisure that concerned her.
Jill shrugged her slim shoulders. "I really wouldn't know. You'd have to take that up with Travis Campbell."
Temple wasn't entirely convinced it would be a good idea at the moment. She pressed Jill for more details. "What else was there, Jill? What other pressure was Elliot putting on Ben?" She knew she had to confront her hidden fear that Ben had been trapped in a secret lifestyle that he had been too ashamed to admit.
Jill pursed her lips. It was obvious that she was wrestling with something. Her hands returned to her neck, adjusting and readjusting the offending collar.
"Tell me, Jill. You’re holding something back. Tell me what it is," said Temple, half-afraid of hearing what Jill had to say.
"Girls," Jill blurted out. "Elliot was introducing Ben to showgirls." Her shocked face turned an unflattering scarlet. She had confided an unspeakable secret.
Temple surveyed the prim and efficient business manager for a moment. Jill had led a sheltered life. She was a devout Christian. She had studiously avoided the unproductive distractions of college and business-school and tried to live a blameless life. Apparently she had succeeded. A broad grin lit up Temple's face and she laughed out loud. It was a ringing pretty laugh that made her feel good inside. "Oh, Jill," Temple managed to squeeze out between gulps of air. "Ben was a grown man. He was as susceptible to a pretty face as the next man. Do you really think that the occasional night spent with one of Elliot's lady friends would have swayed his judgment?"
Jill didn't have to think about it. "Actually no, I don’t. Elliot was so frustrated that Ben wouldn't take him seriously. Nothing he tried had any effect on Ben whatsoever."
Jill's embarrassment was fading and Temple was getting back some control of her laughter. Good old Ben. He hadn't let her down. He was just been being― Ben. Temple was relieved but still perplexed. Elliot had got his way in the end. Just how he had managed it she had yet to discover. But discover it she would. If only to throw it in Travis' face! The mere thought of Travis sent that same crazy mix of emotions coursing through her gut. Her stomach flipped and her heart picked up a beat. Just thinking of his lean body as he had walked away from her stoked the furnace that had flickered into life the moment she first laid eyes on him. By sheer willpower Temple subdued the rising heat and turned her attention back to Jill.
"And where exactly, did you stand in all this, Jill?" asked Temple calmly.
Jill colored up again. "I... I just passed on the messages. I made a few arrangements and restaurant bookings. You know how charming Elliot can be. But nothing of importance, I swear."
Temple believed her - to a point. But it didn't stop her from reprimanding the flame haired business manager. "You had no business running errands for Elliot. What did he promise you?"
The bluff worked. Jill lost all hope of retaining any dignity. "He told me there would be an opening for me with Pegasus Hotels when the deal went through. In the… in the Group Marketing division, working out of Miami."
"And you believed him?" said Temple; knowing full well that Jill wouldn't have been able to resist the temptation. Obviously Jill's Christian principles didn't extend to her ambition. But she hadn't really caused any damage. Ben had been his own master. Jill may have been foolish and disloyal but she was never vindictive.
"I suppose this means I'm fired," said Jill miserably.
"No, you're not fired," said Temple tiredly. "You'll be out of a job soon enough if Travis Campbell gets his way. And at the present time that's a highly likely outcome. You’d just better hope that Elliot is as good as his word." Temple stood up and casually posed a question. "By the way, Jill, what happened to the cancellation notice?"
"We didn't receive anything," responded Jill without an element of doubt. "I just assumed that you had been notified direct. Campbell Properties are regarded as a very efficient company. It would be most unlikely they'd miss something so important."
That was exactly what Temple had been thinking. She stretched her arms before straightening her jacket and smoothing her skirt. "I have appointments with our lawyer and the accountancy firm this afternoon," she said. "Take care of business, Jill. You’re still working for me."
Temple turned to leave. She desperately hoped that Bob Laidlow might be able to offer some legal loophole they could use to gain themselves time. She was willing to listen to anything that offered a glimmer of hope. Her hand was on the door lever when Jill called out.
"Temple." Jill's voice carried a kind of croak. "Thanks."
Temple smiled her acknowledgement and pulled open the door. If she didn't come up with something soon, there would be nothing to thank her for. She shut the door and lost herself in thought. She had a sense she was losing her optimism.
“Hey!” Temple turned her head. A guy was coming down the passageway with a huge grin on his face. “I thought I recognized you.”
Temple furrowed her brow then opened her eyes wide as it fell into place. Oh shit. It was the guy from the bar. “Hey. Don’t tell me you’re a member here. You are, aren’t you?”
“I’m afraid I am. Isn’t this a happy coincidence?”
Temple wasn’t so sure. “Look, about the other night―”
He held up his hand to stop her talking. “It’s forgotten.” His smile was genuine and reached to his eyes. Temple immediately warmed to him. “How are you doing?”
“I’m fine now. I’m sorry about― Well, you know what.”
“I told you, it’s forgotten.” He held out his hand. “Hi, I’m Alan.”
“I’m Temple, Temple Hart.” His handshake was firm and held for the right amount of time. “I’m pleased to meet you, Alan. If there’s anything I can ever do for you―” She felt the pink rise in her cheeks. “I didn’t mean― I mean if there’s anything…”
Alan laughed and shook his head. “Please, Temple. Stop talking. You’re making it worse.”
Temple laughed with him. “You’re right. Let me at least buy you a drink. What do you say?”
“I’d appreciate that. What about here? I hear the boss is cute.”
“Yeah, she’s a real sweetie.”
They linked arms and strolled down the passageway. Temple felt young and light-hearted. Alan was a nice guy and just what she needed right now. He was also better looking than she remembered.
“What’ll you have, Temple?”
“An orange juice will do just fine, thank you, Alan.” She smiled at the female behind the bar. “On my tab please, Sally.”
“A juice for me too, please, Sally.”
They carried their drinks to a table and made fun of the last time they’d met with glasses in their hands. They were two young people getting to know each other without a hidden agenda. Alan wasn’t a regular. He worked for a cruise line out of Miami and used the fitness room when he was at home. Temple got lost in the conversation and blanked her troubles from her mind without once allowing her thoughts to stray to Travis. The afternoon dwindled into evening
. Too soon they realized they were alone in the bar. They had chatted as if they’d know each other a lifetime. Time had flown and the evening was coming to a close.
“I guess we’d better let you staff get finished,” said Alan as he picked up on Sally wiping tables but far too discreet to interrupt her boss.
“Heck, is that the time?” Temple was startled by the darkness that had stolen across the windows without her noticing.
“Come on. I’ll walk you to your car. It shouldn’t be too hard to find. Everyone else has left.”
Temple giggled and clung to Alan’s arm as they called goodbye and walked to the parking lot. Temple’s car was in its reserved space in the shadow of the building. Alan’s vehicle wasn’t too far away. They turned to face each other at the side of Temple’s car, holding both hands and looking into each other’s face.
“I’ve had a great night, Temple. It seems a shame I’m leaving tomorrow. I’d like to have got to know you better.”
“It’s not all gloom and doom. You’ll be back and you know where to find me.” She held to his hands and swung their arms from side to side like a fresh-faced teenager on her first date.
“I guess I’d better let you go.”
He leant in to kiss her cheek and by accident or design they lips met in a soft kiss. This time Temple knew what she wanted. Her hand snaked behind Alan’s neck and she pulled his mouth to her own. Their lips crushed together and Temple squirmed into his body. His knee eased between her legs and she pressed her damp groin against his thigh. They were in darkness and he moved her round to rest her back against the car’s bodywork. Her jacket was open and she and tugged up her blouse before taking his hand and guiding it to her breasts. Alan responded by pushing up her bra and lowering his mouth to a silken breast. His lips fastened on the stiff nipple. One hand held her breast to his face while his other hand roamed across her buttocks. He pulled her against his erection before sliding his hand round to rub his palm against the arch of her parted thighs. Temple opened her legs a little more and groaned as he drew up her skirt and his hand crept inside her panties. She squeaked a little bit when his fingers glided down to circle her clitoris before slipping up and down the wet crevice. He moved his hand slowly and Temple thrust her hips forward until he bent his fingers and entered her. She rocked back her head as his mouth nuzzled into the hollows of her neck and his fingers stroked her to murmuring pleasure. She pinched her lips together to stop from crying out as the strokes became deeper and faster and her trembling knees threatened to let her fall. She climaxed over his hand and leant back as the ripples raced through her body then softly ebbed away.