Harper's Fate

by F. C. Clark

  ‘Morning, Luke,’ she says as she walks past me.

  Shit. I turn to face the music – or, in this case, assess the mood of my man.

  Luke leans against the doorframe, one hand in his trouser pocket and the other rubbing his jaw.

  ‘Kate, shall we go upstairs and choose something a little more appropriate for you to wear?’ His eyes are dark and challenging.

  I fold my arms contemptuously.

  ‘Only because I have to clean and move furniture – and not because you’ve told me to.’

  He moves towards me, closing the distance between us.

  ‘Bet your arse I’m telling you. Do you think I would leave you here dressed like that with all this male attention focused on you?’ He runs his hand through his hair, a sign of frustration. ‘I would also like to point out that under no circumstances are you to move any furniture – your ribs haven’t healed yet. I can send Max to help you. Do I make myself clear?’

  ‘First of all, the men you’re referring to are your employees – I think it’s safe to say they won’t hit on your girlfriend, and I’m sure Max has better things to do with his day.’ I smile and walk past him, heading towards the stairs.

  I enter my room, to see the destruction for the first time. It looks a mess but nothing looks damaged; it just needs a clean-up. However, Luke, standing at my doorway, will have to be dealt with first.

  ‘Have you come up here to help me change?’

  Matching eyes lock: dark and pissed-off meets dark and daring.

  He sighs. ‘Kate… What am I to do with you?’ He enters the room and closes the door behind him.

  I remove the tie and unbutton Luke’s black shirt, throwing it on the bed, adding to the mess. I walk towards him wearing his boxer trunks and a strapless bra.

  ‘I think you’re late for work. It doesn’t look good for your employees to see this sort of behaviour from their boss.’

  Within seconds he has pinned me up against the wall, locking my arms above my head. His mouth brutally attacks my lips, while his tongue moves against mine. Luke’s breathing rapidly escalates as he loses himself to me.

  He pulls away.

  ‘Fuck, you drive me mad. Why do you insist on pushing me? Is it a game for you?’

  ‘No,’ I pant.

  He releases me. My hands slide into his hair, pulling him towards me, as our mouths make contact in another electric charge.

  I pull away, breaking the connection.

  ‘This scares me – you scare me. I don’t know what to do with these feelings. I’ve never felt like this before.’

  He places his forehead against mine.

  ‘Luke, I really struggle when you tell me what to do.’ I sigh. ‘It brings out the worst in me.’

  He places his hands on the wall either side of my head.

  ‘Kate, I want you in my life. I can’t cope with men leering at you… The thought pushes me to a place I can’t visit. ’ He bows his head.

  What is he talking about? Visit, where?

  I tilt his face to meet mine. ‘I didn’t mean to push you. I know I’m nothing like your ex-girlfriends; I can’t help saying what I think.’ My hand tenderly brushes against his jaw. ‘Luke, if you walked out on me, it would break me. I told you, I’m all or nothing.’

  ‘Stop. No more. I will not walk out on you – and I will take all of you.’ His features soften slightly. I’m guessing dealing with a testing girlfriend is not part of his usual routine. ‘I can’t argue with your comparison to my previous partners – you are most definitely nothing like them. I knew you would challenge me the first time I met you. But the sooner you move in with me, the better. I can have you all to myself – within reason.’ We both know that’s bullshit.

  My hands slip inside his suit jacket, pulling his toned body to meet mine. My soft lips stroke his, layering tender kisses. Instantly his body begins to crumble; my hands cup his arse, drawing his hardness to meet me.

  Luke breaks free.

  ‘Jesus, Kate, you’re killing me… I need to get to work.’

  ‘Yes, and I need to tidy this hellhole up.’

  Luke moves away.

  Amazingly I find some denim shorts and a vest top.

  ‘Is this to your liking, sir?’ I curtsey.

  ‘Amusing as ever – however, I think a full-length skirt and polo neck would be far more fitting.’ He laughs.

  I throw a cushion at him. ‘Go to work, boyfriend, or I will cause you some serious damage.’

  I walk with Luke out of the house; he kisses me with passion, marking his territory in view of his staff. Respect my girlfriend or be fired. His behaviour is so animalistic that, secretly, it turns me on.

  ‘Dinner will be at seven – be good.’ I tease him, knowing neither of us wants to leave the other.

  ‘I’m always good. Kate Harper, you are the only problem I have to deal with.’ He rubs his chin. ‘Now, how to deal with this beautiful problem – tonight should be fun.’ He laughs, flashing his Sutton smile, making me melt as he gets into the back of the Bentley and disappears.

  Clearing up has taken the entire day, and has been a double-edged sword. Organising is my passion, but I hate that our house has been burgled. At last the house looks like our familiar girlie sanctuary – with a few minor adjustments. My room is finished. Thankfully my shoes and bag are still here. I sit on my bed, realising this is my last night here living with my sister. Luke has already shown his controlling nature: moving in with him will affect my freedom to come and go as I please. I know there’ll be many Harper–Sutton battles ahead. Bring it on, Mr Sutton…

  Mum opens my door, halting my thoughts and the emotions that are attached to moving out.

  ‘Kate – tea, and your mail.’

  ‘Thanks, Mum.’

  ‘OK, darling. I’ll let you get on.’ She leaves.

  I drink my tea, and feel a pain in my ribs. Maybe Luke was right – moving furniture is not helping the healing process. I rummage through the mail and notice a large white envelope. Holy shit, I forgot about my interviews. My fingers begin to shake as I wonder what could be inside. I take a deep breath and tear open the envelope. Anxiously, I scan the letter.

  Oh my God, I got the job – the one I wanted! I could cry, probably from elation that I’m now in full-time employment – a nine-to-five girl. I fall back on my bed, excited at the prospect of new horizons.

  Luke! I need to call him. I grab my mobile and search my contacts – boss. I shake my head and laugh. Now, Mr Shit-hot Businessman, I have a job too. OK, I would think his mobile is the best number to use. I hit send and wait. This is the first time I’ve called him. It rings a couple of times.

  ‘Kate, are you OK?’ He sounds troubled.

  ‘I’m fine – am I disturbing you?’ I now doubt myself for calling.

  ‘No, do you need something?’

  ‘I wanted to tell you first. I got the job, the one with the American company. I start in a few weeks.’

  ‘That’s great news. Well done.’

  ‘Thank you. How’s your morning?’

  ‘Long. I think the rest of the day is heading that way too. I miss you.’

  Shit, I wasn’t expecting that. ‘Just think of me while you’re sitting at your desk.’ I giggle.

  ‘If I do, I’ll be beating your door down in half an hour.’

  ‘Goodbye, my sex god – and, Luke, I miss you too.’

  ‘Until tonight.’

  I hold the phone and my job offer to my chest. Am I more shocked at the job offer or Luke’s sentiment? Does he really miss me?

  The house becomes quiet once again. Mum leaves with armfuls of washing; Harry disappears to buy groceries; and the security team has completed all the jobs Luke wanted them to do. Music on, candles burning, furniture moved – at last the house is transformed. Then there is a knoc
k at the door.

  I open the door to a man holding a beautiful bouquet of pale pink roses. I place them on the kitchen table and take the card from the centre. One guess who sent these!

  Dear Kate… No longer my cook, but my girlfriend,

  I am so pleased for you – you deserve the world and more. Let me give it to you.

  Luke… No longer your boss, but your boyfriend x

  My eyes fill with tears at his simple words, which have a huge impact on me.

  I press redial. It goes to voicemail. I find the direct line to his work office, and ring him there.

  ‘Stella Trevant speaking.’

  Oh, I wasn’t expecting Stella, but then I wasn’t sure who was going to answer.

  ‘Hi Stella, it’s Kate, how are you?’

  ‘Very well, and how are you?”

  ‘I’m fine. I was trying to get hold of Luke, but his mobile went to voicemail.’

  ‘I’ll put you straight through.’

  ‘If he’s busy, don’t worry.’

  ‘Kate, I have strict instructions from Luke: if you call, I’m to put you through. My darling, I do believe you’re top of his priority list.’ I assume she must know of Luke’s new interest in me.

  It’s the second time today I’ve disturbed him; he’s going to think I can’t live without him. I can’t!

  ‘Kate.’

  ‘Hello, sex god.’ There’s some background noise. I push my ear to the receiver.

  ‘Kate, let me take you off loudspeaker.’

  ‘Oh, fuck…’ I place my hand over my face.

  Luke’s laugh bellows through the phone.

  ‘Tell me, are you blushing?’

  I nod at the phone.

  ‘Are you nodding, Kate?’ He finds this highly amusing.

  ‘Yes. I can’t believe I just did that… I’m so sorry – it didn’t occur to me you that you wouldn’t be alone.’

  ‘Gives the staff something to talk about,’ he laughs again. ‘I’m sure “sex god” is an improvement over some words they use for me.’

  ‘I’m so embarrassed. Did they hear me swear too?’

  ‘Yes, baby.’

  ‘I only called to thank you for the beautiful flowers and the note. I promise not to disturb you any more today.’

  ‘You’re welcome, and hearing your voice will never disturb me.’

  ‘I’m going to go now and die of embarrassment… Luke, I miss you.’

  ‘Back at you, Kate.’ I can hear him smile. I’m learning the different tones to his voice.

  At the end of the day, there’s a large joint of pork roasting in the oven, and all the trimmings – the smell is captivating. The table is laid and looks stunning. This is my piece of heaven, right here, right now: cooking for people I care about.

  One last check in the mirror: I’m in denim shorts and a pink beaded vest top. I’ve kept Roller Girl with me this evening, and allowed my hair to dry naturally, which suits my feminine outfit. My lip is healing nicely; I use just a touch of concealer.

  Returning to the kitchen, I’m lost in the world of food as Barney enters, greeting me with his usual peck on the cheek.

  ‘Something smells good, babe – I’m bloody starving.’ He makes himself at home, pouring some wine and sitting at the table, waiting for his meal to be served. ‘You all right? How’s lover boy?’

  ‘To be honest, I’m knackered.’ I place the meat on a cooling tray.

  ‘Is that because of lover boy or the house?’

  ‘Both.’ I shake my head.

  ‘They did make a bloody mess.’

  ‘I know; I still can’t believe it.’ I check the apple pie.

  ‘I take it everyone’s coming over for dinner?’ Barney registers the number of place settings laid out, assuming the pack will be all together tonight. My last night…

  Before I can answer him I hear the door open. Knowing Harry is in her room and Barney is seated at the table, with only Mum and Dad as extra key-holders, who has opened my door? Luke, standing in my hall looking shit-hot, answers my question. He ambles through to the kitchen, with two bottles of red wine, which he places on the worktop. How did he get in? He holds up a key.

  ‘Nick came to the office to give me a run-down of what he’d done today. He gave me a key.’ A mischievous Mr Sutton stands within kissing distance of me.

  I tilt my head. ‘He gave you a key, or did you ask for one?’

  ‘Does it matter? You have a key to my house.’

  ‘I have a key code, and the only reason I have a key code is because last week I was still working for you.’ I place my hands on my hips, looking displeased with his answer.

  ‘I assumed it wouldn’t be an issue, in case of emergencies.’

  ‘Really!’ I raise my brows. We’re both aware of the bullshit he is trying to sell. He moves nearer, knowing I’ll fall under his spell. His arms encircle my waist, ensuring complete capitulation.

  ‘Kate, I have a key; I don’t see why Luke can’t.’ Barney’s responses very rarely work in my favour.

  ‘Barney does have a point – and he’s not your boyfriend.’ Luke flashes a smile that shoots through my body. Another win for Mr Controlling Sutton. I seriously need to up my game-playing.

  ‘What’s the point of disagreeing with you? You never play fair, and – before you say it – you only play to win.’ He pulls me closer, placing his lips over mine, kissing me tenderly. It’s not a full passionate embrace, but just enough to create arousal.

  He leaves me breathless.

  ‘Something smells good.’

  ‘Roast pork.’

  ‘I wasn’t referring to the food, but that smells good too.’ I laugh.

  I break free to check the potatoes and pie in the oven.

  ‘So, Luke, how’s the world of Sutton Global? Are you busy making a shitload of money?’ Barney makes small talk, although I sense Luke is more uncomfortable than Barney.

  ‘Can’t complain, Barney, and yourself?’

  ‘Blisters, Luke – they’re a bitch. I’ve been dancing all day. Hence the slippers, mate; they’re not my usual footwear. Kate, don’t forget I need to order your tickets for the opening night.’

  ‘Let me know the date and we’ll be there.’ I guess modern ballet is not to Luke’s taste, but if he chooses to be in my world, this is my world.

  ‘Luke, I’ll take you upstairs so you can change… Barney, keep an eye on the apple pie, the timer is set for twenty minutes. Not too difficult for you?’

  He looks at me. ‘I think I can manage, you cheeky bitch. Take lover boy upstairs. Judging by the sexual tension in this room, you two won’t need twenty minutes.’

  ‘Very bloody funny.’ I throw the tea towel at him. ‘Twenty minutes – don’t get side-tracked.’

  Luke and I head upstairs to my room.

  ‘I can see you’ve been busy.’

  ‘It’s been a mammoth task, but, as you know, I love a bit of reorganising.’ I giggle.

  ‘Yes, I’m beginning to see the bigger picture. In fact, I remember one of your notes saying that you had some peculiar habits.’ He laughs as he slips off his jacket and shoes, making himself comfortable. ‘I’d like to take a shower.’ He unpacks jeans and a white T-shirt.

  ‘Yeah, sure, I’ll show you the bathroom.’

  Before I get a chance to move, he grabs me, locking his arms around my waist, holding me tight.

  ‘God, I’ve missed you today – and thanks for reminding me about the image of you at my desk. It took a few dull meetings to forget.’ He grabs a handful of my hair. ‘This was the only image I could think of after our conversation.’

  I laugh. ‘I’m sorry for calling you a sex god.’

  ‘I did receive some interesting looks this afternoon, either because I now have a girlfriend or the rumours have gone rou
nd that my pet name is “sex god”.’

  I reach for his face and kiss him with passion. As soon as my tongue meets his, I feel an intense magnetic charge. We break free from each other, knowing where this will lead if we continue.

  ‘Kate, you’ve turned my world upside down since Saturday. What am I going to do with you?’ He playfully nuzzles at my neck and begins to nibble my ear, keeping the mood light.

  ‘That makes two of us.’ I rest my head on his shirt, looking for comfort. ‘Shower… Barney has my timer and a wandering mind; I don’t like burnt apple pie.’

  I return to the kitchen. As the pack arrives one by one, this gives me the opportunity to catch up with their lives. Molly produces various scan pictures that we all coo over, even though no one except her can see a baby, just a mass of distorted blobs; nonetheless, we are very excited for her and Danny. I tell Kiki and Molly about Luke. Neither girl is surprised, but they are pleased for me.

  I begin to dish up the food in serving bowls, as Luke enters the kitchen. I sense he has descended wearing his business head. Meeting and greeting the pack again will test his ability to share me; another adjustment for him.

  I sit back, watching the people I care about devour the meal, while I harbour a secret: this is the last meal here at my home. More importantly, how will Luke cope when the pack turn up at the palace unannounced?

  ‘Kate, this is superb.’ It is Raymond’s first meal cooked by yours truly, ‘Harry said you were a good cook, and I hear no complaints from your boss.’

  ‘Actually, Luke’s my ex-boss. I no longer work at the palace. I received a job offer today.’

  ‘Kate, that’s fab. I’m so pleased for you.’ Kiki is the first to congratulate me. ‘I think we need to toast Kate’s success.’

  Kiki picks up a bottle from the table.

  ‘I’m guessing you brought the wine, Luke? Caymus is my dad’s favourite… Only the best.’ Kiki gives Luke a wary look. I sense she’s reserving judgement on our relationship for the time being.

  ‘Your father and I have something in common.’ OK, no fighting at the table. ‘Kate has more news to share with you.’

  Luke’s announcement puts my best friend in her place. Nonetheless, he could have warned me. I take a deep breath. My news will receive a mixed reaction – not a positive one from Kiki.