“The twins. That explains your mood swings,” I teased.
“Me? Mood swings?” he scoffed, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. Self-effacing. The man had it going on.
“And blue is the traditional corporate color.”
“You’ve well-read and a member of Mensa. That will help this week when we’re entertaining. The dinner parties will benefit greatly from your addition.”
“We do what we can to please,” I quipped back.
“We’re up there,” he announced and straightened up in his seat. I took in the view. Holy shit came to mind for the second time that night. And probably bought on credit like everything else in L.A., so don’t be too impressed, my guardian angel quipped. She had a point. The city was all about the illusion of money with pawn shops even for the supposed ultra-rich. The thought calmed me down, as it was meant to.
High atop the steepest hill in the classy West Hollywood gated community of North Beverly Park sat a stone castle right out of the English medieval countryside. I blinked at the mirage. The castle was lit up bright as day. A split second later I recognized it from a photo search on the internet for “castles”. It looked as if it could take a full-scale war and come out standing, with thick walls of stone and mortar. I understood why he had created a fortress—losing his parents.
“I have no words, Adam, it’s—it’s incredible.”
“You’ll be safe here.” His expression turned to one of pride.
I had no doubt I’d be safe from intruders, but what about from him?
Chapter Three
I trailed after Adam. The place was beyond anything I could have imagined, elaborately furnished in the medieval tradition with great rooms filled with suits of armor, swords and huge murals and oil paintings of battles and deeds of courage with knights on rearing steeds and maidens fair in long, flowing gowns. Oddly, it suited Adam. He looked even more confident here, in his home. He gave me a complete tour, pointing out all the features he took particular pride in.
“I want you to feel at home here. Please, think of my home as yours.”
“Thank you, I will,” I promised and made myself stop fidgeting. Next I’d be chewing on my fingernails, a habit I was trying to break.
“I’ll walk you to your suite. It’s down the hallway from mine.”
My heart lurched at the idea of sleeping under the same roof as this man. I imagined him naked in bed. Did he sleep naked? I did. Freedom.
We walked a full circle and were back to the huge staircase that dominated the castle’s main hall, and climbed the steps to the second floor.
“This way.”
He walked by my side, not as close like he’d done for the tour, almost as if he didn’t want to accidently touch me now. Was he as attracted to me as I was to him? Not likely. It was an arrangement, pure and simple.
He opened the door for me and I walked inside. Wow, very, very nice.
“Will this meet your needs?” he asked unnecessarily.
“Yes, of course,” I reassured him, loving the wonderful old-fashioned room with its spectacular great bed shadowed by hanging embroidered draperies. Fit for visiting royalty.
“Your things will be delivered early in the morning. What time do you rise?”
“Seven-ish, usually.” He was all business. I was annoyed all over at missing an opportunity for a kiss. I’d love to know if his lips felt as warm and plush as they looked. I blushed. Yeah, only business, I scoffed to myself. But it was me and not him wanting to make the first move. A true turning of the tables.
“Good, we’ll have breakfast together and discuss your schedule.”
“Well, thanks. I guess I’ll see you in the morning.”
“I’ll have your first check prepared for you. Goodnight, Sunday.”
I liked the way he said my name, as if he was thinking of a real sundae made with ice cream and fancy toppings.
“Good night, Adam.”
He closed the door. The air left my body. I went and plunked myself down on the window seat and peered out into the night. Just what the hell was I doing? This place was so out of my realm of anything I could have imagined. This was not a world I would ever fit into and I had to remember that.
A light knock made me start upright. Adam!
“Come in,” I called and hurried to the door. It wasn’t Adam, but the motherly woman I’d been introduced to on the tour. Mrs. Macintosh.
“Would you care for anything, Miss Stark, a cup of cocoa or such?”
Cocoa? The idea had merit.
“Sure, that would be lovely. Do you have miniature marshmallows?”
“I think we can round some up,” the middle-aged woman replied, smiling and looking official in a black-and-white uniform. She had a kind face, a tidy no-frills appearance. Adam hired good people.
“Thanks.” I smiled and watched her leave. I trailed around the room, waiting for the woman to come back, noting where everything was. Spied the bathroom and checked it out. Huge and well-equipped. Not a true medieval castle, thanks goodness, with only a garderobe off the side of the tower. Now that would suck.
A light knock and my cup of chocolate arrived, hot and steamy, and covered with a fluffy layer of melting marshmallows.
“We didn’t have the small kind so I cut up some larger ones. I hope this will do?”
“You didn’t have to do that!” I was scandalized at the trouble I’d put the woman to.
“No trouble at all. Would you like anything else?”
“No, this will be fine. Thanks again, Mrs. Macintosh.”
“Please, call me Martha. Everyone does.”
“Then please call me Sunday.”
“That’s a pretty name. Suits you.”
“Actually my mama named me Sunday Rose and my sister Sara Rose. She always loved roses, though lord knows they were hard to grow where we lived. She tried and tried, with very little success.” Normally I never talked about home and here I had mentioned it twice in one evening.
“Well, welcome to Dragonstone, Sunday Rose.”
“Thanks. I’m looking forward to my time here. Have you worked here long?” I thought the question prudent. It would give me insight into Adam’s business dealings. People work longer for those they like and respect.
“Not long. I was just hired a few weeks back.”
Hmm, not incriminating in itself, but still, not a great sign.
“Is Mr. Drake good to work for?” I asked, figuring I had nothing to lose. I had my own interests to protect after all.
“Yes, he’s a good man. He pays well and treats his staff like family.”
“That’s nice.”
“Mr. Drake said you will be with us for the week. That you’ll hostess his parties?” she inquired, her expression open and kind.
“Yes, I’ve agreed to fill in for the week.”
She nodded amiably. “I guess you’re filling in for Allison Weller. They just broke up a couple days ago.” Her voice lowered as she spoke.
I knew it! I patted myself on the back for my understanding of human nature. “Were they together long?”
“Not long, a few months at most. I think it was mutual—the breakup, that is. They weren’t a good match in my opinion though I shouldn’t be judging it. Who knows what goes on behind closed doors and it’s really not my concern.”
I liked her answer. “Yes, I have to agree.”
“Well then, good night, Sunday Rose. Don’t let the bedbugs bite.”
Her quaint expression startled me and I returned her smile. Exactly what my mother used to say to Sara and me.
I took my cocoa over to the window seat and sat down. The walls had to be two feet thick, for the window seat was actually located within the wall itself. I remembered the story of his parents with sadness, though a sense of serenity came over me as I looked out over the city of angels. It appeared a bastion of fairyland magic with the twinkling lights to prove it. If it was only for now, so be it. Nothing lasts forever anyway. Just ask my
mother.
I slept better than I had in years. No nightmares. I had worried that someone would hear me screaming from a bad dream, though it was unlikely within the thick walls. I experience the same nightmare over and over. Walking up a winding set of steps in the semi-dark. Each turn of the spiral staircase ricketier and more perilous until I’m standing on a narrow ledge. My body is buffeted by cold winds. A gust hits me in the chest and I’m falling, falling, falling… I think the dream means I have no sense of a safety net—no fallback position if I should fail to achieve my dreams. But you self-analyze at your own peril, according to my wise and wonderful psychology professor.
While I was showering, muffled noises emanated from my bedroom, but I ignored them, engrossed in the enjoyment of having a rainforest shower. Totally refreshed, I toweled off with the fluffiest towel imaginable with a prominent D and S logo embroidered in intertwined lettering. A box of cosmetics in every conceivable color was available in a drawer of the vanity. Adam had reassured me everything in his home was mine to use. I even found a black velvet hairband to keep my hair in place. I left the rest free to flow down my back. What to wear?
I wrapped a towel round myself and went to investigate the large walk-in closet. Staff had been busy in my bedroom while I’d showered, which accounted for the muffled noises. The bed had been made and the room had a big bouquet of fresh roses prominently displayed on the antique credenza. I had a sudden wish to give them to my mother. They would have thrilled her. I stuck my nose in them and breathed in their heady, intoxicating fragrance.
Best of all, I found the closet organized with my new wardrobe. I felt a surge of satisfaction as I gazed at all the beautiful outfits just waiting for me to choose them. Pick me! Pick me! I pulled on slim dark-wash jeans, another flowing midnight-blue silk shirt-style blouse with corset-style vest to match, and fancy leather ankle-high boots that made me feel über-sexy.
The gigantic grandfather clock in the hall struck seven bells as I strode past it, heading for the dining room Adam had pointed out to me on the tour.
“Good morning, Sunday,” Adam greeted me. He was seated at the head of a huge hand-carved antique table that could house two dozen people easily. Everything he had looked larger than life and suited him all too well.
“I trust you slept well?” he inquired as I slipped into a seat on his right, like a princess in a fairy tale. Would I ever be queen? The thought came unbidden into my mind and made me wonder. A career as a doctor, that’s what’s right for you. So many children need your help.
“Yes, very well indeed, thank you.” I was about to say more when a woman hurried into the room. She was young, in her mid-twenties, and gorgeous. Shiny black hair, striking blue eyes, and a toned body with curves highlighted in all the right places by her tight-fitting clothes. Her slim black leather pencil skirt and silky white shell cut down to expose the tops of her breasts left little to the imagination. The outfit was accessorized with to-die-for stiletto heels and a gold clincher belt that circled her tiny waist. I felt dowdy in comparison. I hoped she was as nice as the two people I’d met in Adam’s employ last night.
“Jessica, glad you could join us.”
She settled down across from me, giving me a tight smile.
“Jessica McLean, I’d like you to meet Sunday Rose Stark.”
I returned her smile as she studied me.
“Ah, yes, your temporary employee.”
Well, two out of three ain’t bad. In a week’s time she could have him all to herself again. Adam’s expression remained noncommittal as he corrected Jessica.
“I just want this to be clear. At all times this week you will consider to Sunday to be an important part of our team and assist her with whatever she needs.”
Whoa. Now that surprised me. Jessica had been nicely put back in her place, though he had made more of my hostess job that strictly necessary. Very nice indeed. Adam was looking like a white knight this morning, fresh from a shower with his hair still damp and charmingly disarrayed. He looked good enough to eat. I pulled myself back into the game to realize Jessica was being addressed by him and it contained information I needed.
“The group that we are hosting will be arriving later this afternoon on their private jet. I’ll send the limo to pick them up. I want to spend an hour now with Sunday going over the information she’s going to need to shine at the event planned for this evening. I’ll be leaving by eight fifteen and I expect you to help her with further preparations. Then meet me back at the office to take care of things there.” Adam was in full command.
Our food arrived on a trolley cart and one of the maids who helped Martha asked us what we wanted from the buffet she uncovered for our perusal. The food was steaming under engraved silver lids and my mouth watered with anticipation. I was starved, having skipped dinner the night before. In no time I was chowing down and I looked up to see Adam grinning at my enthusiasm. I glanced at Jessica who was barely picking at her food. I had made a faux pas.
“I was hungry,” I began by way of explanation.
“It’s refreshing to see a woman eat,” Adam reassured me.
“But I hope you’ll be more circumspect tonight with all our illustrious guests.” Jessica narrowed her eyes as she spoke and sent daggers glinting my way.
That suppressed my appetite big-time. I laid down my fork and drank some of the delicious fresh-squeezed orange juice. Imagine this kind of luxury becoming common. I couldn’t. Not really. I was raised in poverty and my best way out was getting an education no one could take away from me.
“Okay, I want to speak to Sunday alone, Jessica. I’ll text you when we’re finished.” He was a succinct, precise man. You would have to be to run a business successfully.
She nodded and sashayed out of the dining hall, her heels echoing on the white marble floor. I confess. I wasn’t looking forward to spending time with her that morning.
“Okay, shall we start with the itinerary?”
I nodded. I wanted to earn my money fair and square.
Adam pulled open a folder. His sleeves were rolled up on his shirt this morning and a light dusting of hair on his arms drew my attention to his strong, muscled forearms. Yup, he did work out. I liked that, as I tried to stay in shape too. Being a doctor would be physically demanding, I was certain, standing for long hours in the operating theater.
His fresh morning fragrance drifted over to me and I breathed deeply of the feast. I caught him looking at me and I blushed, caught in the act.
“I’m looking forward to spending more time with you, Sunday. But this week will be too hectic with business and social events to promise much. Maybe when our business is finished?” The warmth in his eyes invited me as much as his words as he handed me the promised check.
“I’m studying to be a doctor, which is going to pretty much tie up all my free time for several years to come. It’s probably best to let this week just be our one week.”
I felt so grown-up giving the parameters. I blatantly ignored any misgivings and gave him a perfunctory smile as I looked discreetly at the check and tucked it into my pocket.
“Right. Then we’ll have to make the most of the time we do have. I want to show you my conservatory.” He closed the folder and I got up and followed his lead. We walked side by side to an area of the castle he had not shared with me the night before.
The conservatory instantly became my favorite place. Blooming, fragrant flowers as far as the eye could see. I breathed in the pure essence of life. I love flowers. They give me such hope for the future.
Adam took my hand, sending tingles of pure pleasure surging throughout my bloodstream. I had never felt more deliciously alive. We wandered hand in hand down the curving garden walkway, towering glass far overhead giving the space an infinity sensation. The gardens also had touches of intimacy. Garden benches were strategically strewn down the sides of the path under bowers of foliage, providing small alcoves to sit, meditate and read in complete privacy. Adam stopped at a gurgling wa
terfall and drew me down onto an ornate bench. The water misting the air and the flowers’ beauty and fragrance had awakened all my senses.
“I come here to meditate.”
“I’ve never experienced anything quite like it,” I truthfully replied, looking around in wonder and then catching his gaze as his deep-brown eyes searched mine. I swallowed hard, not wanting to break the spell.
Chapter Four
We stared long and hard into each other’s eyes, the murmuring stream of water masking the white noise of the world. We might have been the last two people on earth. And then it happened. He traced my lips with his forefinger and leaned over and captured them with his, his hand grasping the back of my head, holding it firmly in place. His lips seared mine as he pressed against me, breaching all my defenses. I responded without thinking, mirroring his movements. His breath and tongue invaded my mouth and I melted into his embrace.
His lips slid from my lips to my neck. His hands made their way to my swelling breasts and he caressed them through the thin lace fabric of my bra. I arched my back in response, moisture dampened my panties. I wanted him. His thumbing and tugging at my sensitive nipples sealed the deal as my clit began to throb. I had to have him inside me. No matter what the cost.
But he pulled away and his expression stilled, though the impressive erection pushing at his suit pants told another story. “Please excuse my behavior. It was unwarranted and unprofessional. I have no excuse.”
“It’s fine. I want you too,” I managed to whisper, dismissing his concern, my body still zeroed in on having its way.
“No, it’s wrong. You’re so young, for one thing. It wouldn’t be right.” His eyes became cautious as he said the words I didn’t want to hear.
“I don’t care.” I took his hand. I wished I could place it between my legs where he would find concrete evidence of my arousal, as concrete as the large bulge displayed to advantage in his pants.
“You would if you knew.”
“Excuse me?”
“My sexual preferences are not for the likes of you, Sunday.”
The Power of Sunday Rose Page 3