Carmen’s heels clicked as she walked down the corridor to join Estelle. She glanced into the open office doorways as she passed, waving in greeting when she caught anyone’s eye.
“Came back last night, as planned.” Carmen smiled. “I gave you my word. I’m determined these property negotiations aren’t going to interrupt my day-to-day working schedule.”
Estelle looked at her thoughtfully. “We can manage. This is an important family obligation you’re dealing with. The world won’t fall apart if you take some time away from the business.”
“I know that.” Carmen knew what she was thinking. Estelle had been the managing director of Objet d’Art for many years, and had worked with Carmen’s mother before her. She was always nagging Carmen to take some time off and have a proper holiday. When Charles Carruthers passed on and his will presented an issue that had to be dealt with, Estelle had once again suggested Carmen take time away. They were dear friends as well as close business associates. In many ways, the employees at Objet d’Art HQ were Carmen’s family now.
Estelle stepped closer and scrutinized Carmen, smiling as she did so. “I must say, the country air seems to have done you good. You have quite the healthy glow about you.”
Carmen’s thoughts immediately flitted to Rex. It wasn’t just the country air. She’d just had the most stimulating weekend of her life, at Rex’s hands. “The Oxfordshire countryside is very good for a girl’s complexion, as you’ll soon see. Once I get the house in shape you’ll have to make plans to visit.”
“Sounds heavenly.”
“Bring the kids, they’ll love it.” It was what Carmen wanted most of all, Burlington Manor filled with visitors and happiness.
Estelle pouted. “Can’t I leave them at home?”
Carmen chuckled. “Believe me, if you bring them with you they’ll have so much to explore you won’t even know they’re there.”
“It’s a deal, then.” Estelle nodded at her coffee cup. “Give me a mo. I’ll bring you your espresso.”
“Thanks.” Carmen headed into her office.
Was it really only a couple of days ago that she was last here? It felt as if so much more time had passed. She deposited her personal belongings on the table inside the door and strode over to the desk. Before she sat down, she glanced out at the view, as she always did. The offices were in a busy part of Kensington, in an old Georgian building that had been divided up to create practical commercial offices in the 1980s. Sylvia Shelby had invested in the building and the company now owned all of it, occupying one-third and renting out the rest of the space. The interior had been remodeled twice since then, and had a much lighter, airy feel than Carmen’s first memories of the place, when she was brought in here as a child to see Mummy’s office.
It was a very different type of Georgian building to Burlington Manor but the similarity always struck her, poignantly. It was the reason Sylvia Shelby and Charles Carruthers had met, their appreciation for Georgian architecture. Sylvia had gone to a lecture at Oxford University. Charles had been there to talk about Burlington Manor. At the coffee session afterward, they chatted. Charles had invited her to visit the manor and their shared interests had become the foundation of a beautiful relationship.
Now Carmen was dividing her time between the two places, so similar yet so different. Like Rex and me. The notion made her smile. There had been familiarity, but there had also been so much to learn. They’d both changed in between, and there were aspects of each other that they never knew about. So much more to discover, perhaps.
Despite the fact they were sleeping together, she felt as if they were scratching the surface. They were definitely at odds, and keeping each other at arm’s length while they negotiated. Did I really sleep with him for Burlington Manor? On the one hand, it was an inconceivable method of doing business. She considered herself morally upstanding in such matters. On the other hand, he was right. They had to burn out the attraction they felt for each other all those years ago, that which had been left unfulfilled for so long.
It certainly wasn’t unfulfilled now.
Carmen had begun to face the fact that the nature of the exchange was thrilling her. Aside from the sexual fulfillment, and the end reward—the manor itself—she felt empowered. Gloriously female, somehow. It never would have occurred to her that offering herself, and exploring her sexuality under such circumstances, would make her feel enriched, but it had. She felt more powerful, more feminine and more aware of herself in every way.
Was that what Estelle had noticed?
Do I have a healthy glow? Carmen stepped into her adjacent bathroom and checked her reflection. Well, it wasn’t every weekend she spent at the hands of a sexual master, and Rex Carruthers had totally proved himself in that department. As she allowed herself to linger on the pictures of him she’d already stored in memory, the week ahead suddenly stretched endlessly like a barren wasteland. Her body already ticked faster in anticipation of Friday night and their next encounter. It was going to be hard to keep her mind off it, but she had to be practical. This was her life, and the arrangement with Rex was short-term.
She had to keep a handle on that because once he was satisfied he’d be gone in a heartbeat. Like he had all those years ago when he’d got bored with the manor and everything it entailed. For a while there, she felt sure he was beginning to bond with the place again. When they had walked the grounds, she’d noticed him looking around with fondness. His lineage was perhaps making him feel a tad guilty. By the end of the weekend, however, he only seemed concerned with her and their ongoing arrangement.
“Friday night,” he’d repeated as they said their goodbyes, and it had sounded like a promise, “we’ll pick up where we left off.”
“Twenty-five percent deposit exchanged,” she’d said, trying to match up to his cocky attitude. “Three more weekends and the manor is mine.” She reiterated the terms to see if he reacted.
“Three more weekends,” he repeated, looking her over as if he was anticipating everything that might occur between them. “I look forward to it.”
He stood by as she got into her taxi, and then he climbed into his Maserati Gran Turismo, ready to depart. The Maserati had overtaken her taxi a while later. The fact he hadn’t lingered at the manor after she’d gone reassured her that this was just a diversion for him and he had no long-standing doubts about selling to her.
The erotic nature of their relationship was the biggest surprise. She’d always known he would be a good lover, but the kinky dynamic that had developed between them was something she’d never experienced. It was a sexual nirvana that would be hard to forget, after the affair was over. Then again, she’d never forgotten him all these years, anyway.
Had she always had an obsession? If she was honest with herself, yes. But he was right that this was what they needed, to burn that old flame out. For Rex it was simply a game, and he would walk away. She just had to stay focused on the fact it was a trade-off for the house. She would remain emotionally safe, if she stuck to the plan.
“Espresso delivery for Carmen Shelby,” Estelle called out from the office.
Carmen emerged from the bathroom. “Thanks. I need that.”
When she took up her seat, Estelle lingered. “So, did this Rex Carruthers agree to sign over his share?”
Estelle had gleaned the briefest outline of circumstances from Carmen after the reading of the will. It was enough to keep her fascinated.
Carmen reached for her coffee cup. “More or less. He wants to spend a few weekends there, to say goodbye to the place. That’s all it is.”
And me. Say hello, wave goodbye. That’s all it is.
* * *
REX PARKED HIS Maserati in his designated spot outside the workspace he rented for his business in Croydon. The rest of the lot was already full. He was running a bit late, because he’d been busy making
plans for the following weekend.
Climbing out of the car, he locked up and headed to the entrance. The building was simple and unassuming on the outside, but inside, Rex had created an energized environment for the small team of Slipstream staff. When he’d first hired them, he’d asked them about their most inspiring moments from Formula One racing. The two design engineers who were the core of the company listed three events each. By the time they started work, Rex had installed larger-than-life photographic prints of their favorite memories on the interior walls.
Rex often wished he could do the same on the outside of the building so that it would appeal to potential clients on first sight, but that wasn’t very practical. It was what went on inside the building that was important. Pretty soon he wanted to open up the place to visiting clients. It was on the to-do list. Right now, he had other things on his mind.
Like Carmen Shelby.
He had a lot to prepare for the following weekend. He wanted to help Carmen enjoy their time together more. He wasn’t worried about the sex. She really let rip then. All the barriers came down and it was spectacular to witness. However, she was often tense around him when they were chatting, or negotiating. She’d been most at ease while talking about the way things were in the past, when times were happy in the house. It would be good to recreate that, even if only for a short time. It would also be good to bring some atmosphere back into the old place.
“Morning, Jerry, how goes it?”
“Rex, good morning.” Jerry looked up from his workstation with a grin.
“You look pleased with yourself,” Rex commented.
“We’ve got news. Nikhil Rashid has taken the bait.”
“Aha, that is good news.” Rashid was an up-and-coming racing enthusiast, a wealthy investor and the sort of client they wanted to hook at an early stage. Rashid was looking to put together a Formula 3000 racing team and had contacted them about his design needs. “He’s ready to talk business?”
“Yes, he phoned in just after you left last week. I almost called you to let you know, but I knew you had a lot to deal with, what with your father’s estate to see to.”
“No worries.”
“He said he’d like to book a meeting, two weeks from Friday.” Jerry paused, and held up his hands. “Don’t worry. I said we’d go to him.”
“Excellent work.” That gave them plenty of time to perfect their presentation and organize the best display for their components. “We’re going to be busy,” he added.
In one sense it was great news. In another it was unfortunate timing. Aside from wanting to spend every moment with the lovely Carmen, he’d realized he was going to have to look into his father’s paperwork. Mrs. Amery had informed him the library at Burlington Manor was sinking under the weight of old ledgers and accounts. His father had used the library as his office throughout his life, and he rarely threw anything away. Rex didn’t want Carmen to have to deal with that when she took the place over.
He was also dealing with the unremitting challenge of breaking down the boundaries of the deal he’d set up. He wanted to get Carmen to see him in London. He’d asked her before they’d parted, but she’d refused, claiming she’d be too busy. It was a need that just wouldn’t go away, though. Why was that? Because he liked the idea of being with her, not just more often, but also after their negotiations for the manor were over. He decided she would be happy there, but he didn’t like the idea of a line in the sand after which he’d never see her again. As much as he wanted her installed as the mistress there, cutting all ties with her was becoming increasingly unrealistic.
Another greeting drew him back from his thoughts. Lance, the second engineer, emerged from the catering area with two large mugs. “The kettle’s still warm, boss.”
“Cheers. How are things with the little one?” Lance had become a father for the second time, three weeks earlier.
“Mother and baby are doing well, and I’m beginning to get used to minimal sleep patterns.”
“Good man. I wouldn’t want to find you asleep over your desk, though, so if you do need to take time off, flag it up.”
Lance nodded. “We’ve got a lot going on here right now.”
The entrance door clicked open again and Ayo joined them, several bags of take-out sandwiches clutched in his hand. He grinned when he saw Rex. Rex gave him a high five. Ayo—who more than lived up the West African meaning of his name: joy—could light up a room with his smile.
“Is Bertha ready to go?” Rex asked.
Bertha, their demo machine—a stripped-down racing car with which they could show clients their parts in action—was Ayo’s responsibility. “Too right. I need to hire the trailer, but otherwise she’s ready for her big show.”
“Good stuff.” Rex looked at his three teammates. “I’ll be here as much as I can during the lead in, but I have to be back at my dad’s place in between times.”
Rex quickly calculated. If the meeting with Rashid was two weeks from Friday, that might impinge on his plans, but he’d have to fly with it. They’d been working toward this potential contract for a long while, and he would somehow make it fit together with his time with Carmen.
He couldn’t afford to lose a second of that.
CHAPTER EIGHT
ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON, Carmen darted along the platform at Paddington station, her heart racing. Once she’d boarded the train for Beldover and located her seat she got comfy and tried to relax. It was impossible.
The train pulled out of the station. She crossed her legs high on the thigh and closed her eyes, hoping that the rhythmic swaying of the carriage would help her relax. All it did was make her aware of the anticipation that had been building inside her all week long.
She let her thoughts wander. She’d been doing that a lot.
Scarcely five minutes had gone by that week without her thinking about Rex, and what they’d done—and what they would do when they were alone again. At night she couldn’t sleep for thinking about him, her body wired and restless as she remembered every detail.
As the train passed out of greater London and into the Oxfordshire countryside, she kept glancing at her watch. By the time it finally pulled up in Beldover she was already at the carriage door, bags in hand.
Andy Redmond was there to meet her.
She climbed into the taxi eagerly. There was no point in denying it; she could hardly wait for her time with Rex to roll around.
It was with dismay, then, that she found the situation different.
As the taxi approached the house she saw that the front door stood open and several cars were parked outside.
“Mr. Carruthers didn’t want me to say anything before we got here, but I took a carload up from the station earlier on,” Andy informed her, adjusting his flat cap so that he could address her in the rearview mirror. “He wanted it to be a surprise for you, the party.”
A surprise party. Carmen’s heart sank. “How lovely,” she lied.
She didn’t like not knowing. What the hell was Rex up to?
“Mr. Carruthers has made a block booking at the bed-and-breakfast in the village for your out-of-town guests,” Andy continued. “Just like the old times, it is.”
Why did that annoy her so? Because she both did and didn’t want it to be like old times. She wanted the house and the happy memories, but she was surprised that Rex wanted it to be like old times. Maybe it was part of him saying goodbye to the place. Whatever it was, it unnerved her.
Besides which she was massively disappointed that they weren’t going to be alone that evening. Anticipation had been building all week, and she’d given up ignoring it. There was simply no denying that she was horny as hell and dying for him to take her in hand again as soon as she got to the manor. On the train journey, she’d unleashed her imagination, which now meant she had to walk into the
house and face a crowd of people while keyed up and ready for something entirely different.
Damn you, Rex.
The car drew to a halt. When she went to get her purse out to pay Andy, he put up his hand again. “Mr. Carruthers has booked me for the whole evening and paid in advance. I’ll be ferrying some people back to Beldover later on.”
Rex had thought of everything. She climbed out of the car and stared at the house. The front door was wedged open and she could see figures milling about inside. Music spilled from an open window in the front sitting room. She tried to brace herself, to be prepared and not look too devastated, but with every step she took toward the door her unease grew.
How could Rex do this without consulting her? It was fifty percent ownership each at the moment, and he’d effectively organized a party in her home. And what did it mean? That he was bored with things already? Did he want to stir things up by showing he owned the place, too—or, worse still, had he changed his mind and this was a signal that he was here to stay?
She climbed up the steps to the house, pressed her lips together tightly and adopted an amenable smile, in order to stop herself going in there and ordering them all out—whoever they were. Most likely Rex’s racing set, people she wouldn’t feel comfortable with at all, taking over the manor. This was typical of him, though. Unpredictable Rex had pulled the rug out from under her feet again. She’d actually been looking forward to this weekend, anticipating being with him, and he’d gone and ruined it.
Andy tucked in behind her and deposited her weekend case inside the door. Carmen turned to thank him and as she did he waved beyond her. She glanced back, and saw Rex. There was a group of people chatting to him, but he must have been watching out for Andy to arrive with her in tow.
As Andy headed out, she saw Rex give his excuses in order to make his way over to her. He embraced her with his hands around her shoulders and kissed her on both cheeks.
The Burlington Manor Affair Page 11