One-Click Buy: November Harlequin Presents

by Susan Stephens

  ‘I’m sorry, Jed. It’s nothing to do with me what you keep in your bedroom—or anywhere else for that matter,’ she said.

  He shrugged. ‘I haven’t opened that particular door for two years,’ he said. He paused. ‘It was my wife’s wardrobe—mine’s the other one. I didn’t realise she’d left anything there. She obviously hasn’t missed it,’ he said sarcastically. ‘She had about a dozen others to choose from, I seem to remember.’

  Cryssie was staggered! His wife, had he said? That was news to her! Why had she opened that wardrobe! She should mind her own business and leave her boss to his! She cringed at her crass behaviour!

  By now she had stood up, and he came across to look down at her. She could see a pulse beating strongly in his neck, and he thrust a hand through his hair in an agitated gesture. He moved over to pour himself some more wine. ‘I was married to Ella for just over a year. Just long enough for us to really get to know each other,’ he added savagely. ‘But I’m afraid our terms and conditions didn’t exactly tally.’ He drank from his glass, his face becoming a picture of anger and regret as he spoke. ‘I’ve not seen or spoken to her since the divorce, and it’ll stay that way. The remaining contents of that wardrobe will be given to a local charity shop tomorrow. I’ll leave a note for the cleaner.’

  When she could find her voice, Cryssie said, ‘Life would be so much simpler if we could look into the future—see the way ahead.’

  On that point they would surely agree, she thought. How many times she’d wished she could turn the clock back!

  He looked down at her for a long, thoughtful moment, and then, almost in slow motion, he reached out to draw her towards him, circling her waist with his arm and pulling her close. She didn’t protest, or try to resist him, because she knew instinctively that he was going to kiss her—and, yes, yes, yes, she wanted him to! What harm could there be in one sympathetic, empathetic fusing of their lips?

  And then she was totally helpless, under his control, and he was pressing his mouth on hers in a way that was both tender and yet fiercely passionate. Not like that other time, she thought, her head swimming with desire. This was a dream moment like none other she’d ever experienced, and she found herself drifting into a state of near semi-consciousness, letting him take her over, his breath fanning her flaming cheeks.

  ‘Cryssie,’ he murmured in her ear. ‘I want you. I need you…’ And, almost lifting her from her feet, he half carried her towards the bedroom.

  Suddenly, as if a wake-up call had sounded, and remembering the last time he’d held her like this, Cryssie stopped and dragged herself away from him. ‘No!’ She gasped out the word as if it hurt her, and he stared down at her, his eyes blazing like hot coals of incandescent fire.

  ‘Why, Cryssie?’ He paused, realising at once that he’d jumped the gun, been in too much of a hurry. ‘Don’t spoil the day! It would be the perfect ending…’ he murmured.

  ‘You need to know, Jed, that I don’t engage in short-term affairs—let alone one-night stands!’ She paused, listening to her own heart thudding in her ears. How close she had come to repeating the past!

  He reached for her again, and she knew he was going to use all his persuasive powers to make her change her mind. But for once she had the upper hand.

  ‘I haven’t forgotten another occasion, Jed, when you—’ she began, and he interrupted breathily.

  ‘Yes—and you drove me to that, Cryssie! I was so frustrated at your…idiotic stubbornness….’

  ‘Oh, I was in no doubt as to your motives, Jed!’

  ‘You just made me so mad at your refusal to…to see sense!’

  ‘Well, I’m seeing sense now,’ she said, moving right away from him, her legs trembling. ‘And I really must…I want to go home now.’

  As if by magic he asserted himself again. ‘Then that’s what we’ll do,’ he said flatly, as if what had just happened between them had been nothing.

  Cryssie hoped he was fit to drive, because he must be over the legal limit, she thought. But she knew Jeremy Hunter wasn’t likely to endanger either of their lives. That would upset his business plans!

  A chauffeur-driven limo took them home in comparative silence, and she knew he was disappointed at her refusal to allow him to make love to her. But she was glad that she’d not given in to him! She’d proved to herself that she was in total control of her life—of their lives—hers, and Polly’s, and Milo’s.

  Jed’s mouth was firmly set as they sped along the motorway. He’d never been turned down by any female ever before, but somehow it didn’t get to him as much as he’d have thought. Because he knew he’d have his way in the end. The woman had proved that she was no push-over, yet for those timeless moments he knew that she had wanted him as much as he had desired her.

  He glanced across at her covertly, and his gaze softened. This was not going to be easy, he thought—but he enjoyed a challenge. A grim smile edged his mouth. His idea, concocted almost overnight, would suit them both. All he had to do was make her see his point of view!

  Finally, they drew into Birch End Lane, and Cryssie opened her door almost before the driver had stopped the engine.

  ‘Goodnight, Jed,’ she said shakily. ‘And—thanks for the—for the…ride…’ she added enigmatically, getting out and slamming the door.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  JED’S BRAIN had been working overtime as he wondered how he could find a legitimate excuse to be alone with Cryssie without raising any suspicions. He knew she was desperate for the rest of the staff at Hydebound not to know anything at all about her new position in his business life, so when he did call in at the office his attitude with her was always strictly cool and formal.

  Since their day in London a few weeks earlier, he just hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind, and he knew that he was becoming obsessed with the woman—or rather obsessed with the need to put his plan into action as soon as possible. Too much time was passing—valuable time that was being wasted! And all his instincts told him that he was letting things go off the boil. Because, in spite of her insistence that she didn’t want the complication of a man on her scene, he simply didn’t believe it. The heady memory of their few moments of closeness convinced him that she was sexually alive, and vulnerable. She was a sensitive, warm-blooded woman, and he knew enough about the subject to be certain he was right.

  The other factor that was making it almost impossible for him to get her alone was that he knew weekends were a no-go area. She valued her time with the family too much. But he knew he must wangle it somehow, or he’d be back to square one.

  Then, one Saturday morning, something unusual came up which made it essential that he should visit one of their properties—and even though he knew she wouldn’t be too happy about it he was determined that she’d do as he wanted.

  Down in the kitchen, Cryssie was making the first pot of tea of the day when the telephone rang. She heard Jed’s all-too-recognisable voice and her heart leapt automatically. She was being forced to live two lives at the same time, she thought, and it wasn’t easy! Her mind would keep going back to the moment when he’d almost succeeded in seducing her, and when she allowed herself to dwell on it—which she was honest enough to admit she regularly did—she could actually feel his lips burning into hers, could recall the strength of his arms around her. Yet at work she was having to act out another scenario altogether, and every time she had to face him—especially if others were there—her hands actually shook. Between a rock and a hard place seemed an apt description of her position, she thought, though Jed was very good at keeping his thoughts private! No one would ever guess what was going on behind those black mesmerising eyes.

  ‘Cryssie?’ he said now. ‘Sorry to give you such short notice, but could you be spared for the day? I want you to go with me to Wales—I need to visit one of our hotels. There’s a bit of a problem there.’

  Cryssie frowned. Weekends were a time for housework and catching up on everything. And taking Milo out somew
here. ‘Well—it is rather awkward…I’m usually up to my eyes in domesticity on Saturdays—’ she began, but he interrupted.

  ‘I’m sorry—but I need to sort this thing out, and we can’t go on a week day because it would raise a few eyebrows, wouldn’t it, if you left your desk?’

  Cryssie had to admit that that was true, but she had hoped that her new job wouldn’t really begin until after Hydebound had finally closed—which was now a mere two months away.

  She knew straight away that of course she would fall in with the man’s wishes—she had too much to lose if at this early stage she started making excuses. It was not such a big deal, after all. Polly would simply have to be persuaded to venture out and take Milo to the cinema that afternoon by herself—Cryssie had already bought the tickets.

  ‘What time do we have to go?’ she asked.

  ‘Nine o’ clock—that gives you a whole hour,’ he added helpfully.

  Swallowing her mug of tea, and grabbing a piece of toast, Cryssie quickly prepared a breakfast tray for Polly and Milo and took it upstairs.

  ‘Poll—I’ve got to go out for the day. There’s a meeting at work…Sorry—can you take Milo to see that film? I shan’t be late home.’

  Her sister opened one eye, and grunted her appreciation as breakfast was put down beside her. ‘Okay,’ she said sleepily. Then, ‘There always seems to be something going on at work these days.’ She paused, adding thoughtfully, ‘Will Mr Hunter be at this meeting?’

  ‘Oh—I—yes, of course. He’s collecting me soonish, because we have to visit somewhere away, I believe.’

  Polly sat up and glanced at Cryssie. After Jed’s unexpected arrival at the house the girl had been unusually interested in Cryssie’s working life—and especially her dashing new employer, wanting to know everything about him. Cryssie had made a point of answering all enquiries vaguely, as if she wasn’t interested enough to give the matter much thought. ‘Well, I’m sure you’ll have a more exciting day than me,’ Polly murmured.

  Just then Milo wandered in, clutching his Runaway Rascal doll and Cryssie bent down and hugged him, explaining that she couldn’t go with them to see the film because she had to go to work.

  ‘I don’t want you to go,’ the child protested. ‘Please, Cryssie, don’t go.’

  ‘I have to, sweetheart—but tomorrow we’ll do something special. Perhaps we could go swimming, and then out for a pizza? Is that okay?’

  At exactly nine o’clock Jed arrived. The one hour he had so reasonably allowed Cryssie to get ready had been sufficient for her to shower and wash her hair. She had dressed in her one really decent tweed skirt, and in the honey-coloured cashmere sweater that Polly had given her for Christmas—a purchase from Latimer’s, where Polly loved browsing when she felt fit enough to go out. But the same fawn jacket had to do to complete the outfit—it was the only winter-weight coat Cryssie possessed.

  They got into the car and set off. This thing didn’t drive along—it glided, Cryssie thought. She couldn’t help smiling to herself.

  ‘Something amuses you?’ Jed asked, glancing across at her briefly.

  ‘I was just comparing this with the old car that dear Great-Aunt Josie taught me to drive in,’ she said.

  ‘Doesn’t matter—as long as you passed your test.’

  ‘I did. First time,’ Cryssie said at once. ‘Our great-aunt was a bit old-fashioned, but she knew a thing or two, and she passed a lot of it on to us…me.’ She paused. ‘We lived with her after our parents were killed in an accident. We were just children at the time.’

  There was silence for a moment, then Jed said quietly, ‘That must have been a very tough deal…I’m sorry…’

  Cryssie shrugged. ‘Well, you know…kids are resilient. And Josie was always kind to us.’ She paused. ‘I’m glad she was no longer around when Polly got pregnant.’ She looked across ruefully. ‘So, you see, all the worrying has been passed on to me.’

  Jed didn’t reply to that.

  He cleared his throat. ‘Did you manage to sort things out at home? Will Milo forgive me for taking you away for the day?’

  Cryssie smiled faintly, and nodded. ‘He’s going to see the latest kids’ film this afternoon, with Polly.’ She turned to look at Jed, her chest tightening. His powerful masculinity exuded from him with every movement he made, and a tremor ran through her which she tried to stifle. She waited a few moments before going on. ‘What exactly is happening today?’ she asked, returning her gaze to the road ahead.

  ‘Something I hope I’ll be able to sort out,’ he said. ‘But I thought it might be useful for you to come along and look the place over—see the sort of enterprise I’m involved with for future reference.’ He paused. ‘I’ve been so caught up with things at Hydebound I’m afraid I’ve let one or two other matters slip, so I’ve got some catching up to do. I haven’t had time to put in an appearance at this hotel for a bit, and I like to keep my finger on every button where possible.’ He frowned impatiently. ‘It’s something to do with the staff, by the sound of it, and I could do without that at the moment. It’s bad enough trying to make a decent profit these days, without blasted personnel problems.’

  ‘Personnel are people—human beings with feelings,’ Cryssie said at once. ‘If something’s wrong, there’s bound to be a good reason.’

  ‘I know that,’ Jed said, ‘and that’s what I’m hoping to find out.’ He frowned. ‘It can be difficult to get to the heart of a situation…People don’t always say what they mean. To me, at any rate.’ There was a brief silence, and then, without looking at her, he said, ‘It’s good you’re coming with me today. And, by the way, I shall pay you your first new paycheque next week…Obviously it won’t go through the office accounts at Hydebound.’

  He turned to look at her, taking in her appearance in one swift glance. ‘And today we’ll drop down into Bath and visit a department store in Milsom Street—I know one of the buyers there—and purchase a warmer coat for you.’ He paused. ‘I noticed that you shivered just now, and the one you’re wearing is—’

  ‘Is not very nice at all,’ Cryssie interrupted quickly. ‘And I’ve had it for years. But when I see the price of them in the shops I can’t justify spending that sort of money. This one is perfectly serviceable,’ she added defiantly, ‘and, since I’m not at all interested in fashion, the fact that it’s not up to the minute doesn’t faze me in the slightest.’ She tried not to let her annoyance at his remarks show, but he’d better not think he was going to take over her life completely!

  He glanced at the dashboard clock. ‘There’s plenty of time to shop before we go over the bridge,’ he said casually.

  Cryssie gave him a sharp look. So he didn’t want to be seen out and about with her dressed as she was today! And if it meant forking out for a new coat it would be worth it to him, as a face-saving exercise. She pursed her lips to stop herself from making an ungracious retort as these thoughts filtered through her mind.

  As soon as they entered the long-established store, Cryssie was aware straight away of the attention that Jed attracted. He strode in front of her towards the ladies’ wear department, and spoke briefly to the first assistant he came across.

  ‘Is Ms Fletcher in today? Would you mention my name—Jeremy Hunter—and ask if she could spare us a few minutes?’

  Almost at once Ms Fletcher gushingly presented herself.

  ‘Jeremy!’ The voice was audible to everyone within fifty feet. ‘Why didn’t you ring to say you were coming? I’d have put out the red carpet!’

  Jeremy smiled darkly at the woman, and planted a brief kiss on both her cheeks. ‘Hello, Lucinda. Good to see you again.’ He paused. ‘My assistant wants to buy a coat to wrap herself in against this cold wind.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘Impress me—we’ve about forty minutes.’

  Cryssie was amazed—and aghast—at the man’s cheek…and at his influence! He’d not only told her and everyone else that she needed a new coat, he’d automatically assumed that she was incapable of c
hoosing one for herself! But, even though this fact irritated her, she could hardly blame the man. Any dress sense she might once have possessed had been swallowed up with the passing of time.

  She followed the woman to the changing room, and eventually a beautiful fine woollen coat of an Italian design and fabric was decided on, in a deep aubergine, with a cosy collar that could be pulled up around the face and neck. Cryssie knew it suited her as soon as she put it on. Lastly, she was told that a pair of black high-heeled leather boots were an absolute must. Surveying herself in the long mirror, Cryssie had to admit that she’d never looked as good in anything in her life.

  Jed’s quick appreciative glance at her as she went back said it all, and he reached for his wallet immediately—much to Cryssie’s embarrassment. She didn’t want him settling her debts—especially as he’d told her that she would soon have plenty of money of her own in the bank!

  Cryssie’s jacket and sensible shoes had been put into a large bag, it having been assumed that the new purchases were to be worn straight away, and together Jed and Cryssie left the shop. Cryssie’s head was in a complete whirl. Someone else was suddenly in control of her life, she thought. It wasn’t an unpleasant change to be looked after for once, but she felt anxious and concerned. Who knew where all this was going?

  Outside, she hesitated. ‘Could we find a toy shop?’ she asked, looking up at Jed. ‘I’d like to take something back for Milo.’

  ‘Good idea!’ Jed replied at once. ‘There’s a place just around the corner.’

  They spent longer in the shop than they’d intended, as Jed kept finding things to amuse him. Cryssie had already paid for the puzzle and book she’d chosen when he joined her at the counter with a computerized toy that made loud squeaks and buzzes every time he pressed the brightly coloured buttons.

  ‘I haven’t seen any of these in our stock,’ he said, ‘but I think Milo will like it, don’t you?’

  ‘Oh, yes…but you shouldn’t, Jed. I think you’ve spent quite enough on us today.’