by Rose, Alison
‘Any news? Where’s Greg?’
‘Good question.’ Paul looked grim. ‘I’m about ready to bust his ass when he shows. If he shows.’
‘Has he ever done anything like this before?’
He shook his head. ‘Never. That’s what makes it so damned annoying. If he’d had a problem, he could have come to me or Dad and we’ve have helped. It’s not like him to take off. But he won’t do it again.’
‘Someone said he might be having woman trouble. It must be a pretty drastic problem if he’s done a runner like this. Are you going to sack him?’
‘Sack him? Do you mean slap him? Hell, yeah.’
‘Of course I don’t mean “slap” him. You can’t do that. I’m sure even American employment laws don’t allow for corporal punishment. I asked if you were going to fire him.’
Paul sighed. ‘Maybe. It depends on what he has to say for himself. If I hadn’t gone on tonight we would have had to cancel the show. That’s too serious to overlook.’
‘And you have no idea why he did it?’
‘Nope.’
‘Or where he went?’
‘Nope.’
‘Or …’
‘Hey! This conversation is off the record, Armstrong, so quit already.’
‘But …’
‘Finish your drink, then we’ll dance again,’
‘Why? You’ve treated me like a kid sister all week.’
‘Did that bother you, honey?’ he looked down at her, a pleased look on his handsome face.
I’m admitting nothing, buster! ‘Of course not! And I’ve told you not to call me …’
Paul didn’t wait for her to finish. ‘Damn, but you’re annoying,’ he said, covering her lips with his own, tasting her sweetness even as she stiffened in resistance. Annoyance fought with sweet, sweet temptation.
‘But you’re so sweet,’ he whispered against her mouth. He ran his tongue along her bottom lip, tempting her unbearably. She let out a soft groan as she melted against him. ‘You’ve bothered me since the moment I saw you,’ he confessed, sending her blood pressure through the stratosphere. ‘Trying to resist you is hell.’
‘Really?’ she breathed, trying to think straight. ‘Are you trying to change the subject?’
‘Oh yeah.
‘But why …?’
He kissed her again, and Kate gave up trying to have a rational conversation.
‘It doesn’t matter,’ she sighed, running her fingers across his broad shoulders and pulling him closer. ‘Do that again.’ I may be crazy, but I can’t help myself. I know he’s only doing this to distract me. He’ll be back to treating me like someone’s little sister tomorrow! And it’s probably just as well that he does, all things considered. But tonight … Tonight I want his kisses. Tonight I want to be in his arms. Tomorrow … Well, I’ll worry about that when it comes.
She didn’t even notice when their parents left the nightclub a few minutes later.
Chapter Fifteen
‘I hope you know where we’re going,’ said Alex as Johnson guided her out of the nightclub to the waiting limo. ‘Kate organised my hotel room for this evening. I have absolutely no idea where it is.’
‘That is a problem,’ he nodded solemnly. ‘I guess I’ll have to take you back to my place and look after you.’
Alex pretended to consider the option. ‘I could just ring her on her mobile and get the hotel address. You must be tired after all that physical activity on stage.’
‘You could. But don’t do it on my account.’ He grinned. ‘I’m wired, baby. I’ve been known to stay up most of the night after a gig. I was hoping we could enjoy some … conversation.’ He leaned closer.
‘Do you usually take a girl back to your hotel for … er … conversation, after a gig?’ She moved back slightly, waiting for his reply.
‘The truth?’
‘As God is your witness,’ she confirmed solemnly. She needed to know. Johnson sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
‘OK, Reverend. The truth is that I’m no saint. I’ve sometimes gone with women after a gig. But never when I was married, and never when Paul was with me as a kid. Sometimes I’ve been with a woman and we just talked. Sometimes we had sex. And as God is my witness I have regretted it every time.’
‘Why?’
‘Because I went with them for the wrong reasons.’
‘What reasons?’
‘Because I was horny. Because they made it so easy.’
She looked at him from beneath her lashes, waiting.
‘OK! Because I was lonely, dammit! I know that didn’t make it right, but have you any idea how hard it is to meet a decent woman in this business?’
She put a soft hand on his cheek, feeling the heat of his embarrassment, appreciating his honesty. ‘I can imagine. I know how hard it is for people to see me as a woman. I’d say that our respective jobs isolate both of us from potential relationships.’
‘I don’t have any problem seeing you as a woman, Sandy,’ he covered her hand with his own and rested his forehead against hers.
‘No, I don’t suppose you do. But I have a feeling that you can’t quite get your head around my being a priest. ‘
He sighed. ‘It’s not easy. I’ve even dreamt about it. Man, I woke up in a cold sweat.’
‘Tell me about it.’
‘I walked into a church, where I saw a woman priest who was a dead ringer for a special lady that I find very attractive. I sat down at the back where she couldn’t see me, imagining kissing her, and waiting for a lightning bolt to strike me dead.’
‘I doubt if God would react so violently,’ she chuckled, ‘although a few of the congregation might have done so.’
‘Yeah, I figured it would’ve been a bad idea. Which is why I snuck right out again.’
The car slowed again and this time it turned into the long drive of a country hotel. Alex hadn’t even noticed that they’d left the city. The driver brought the car to a halt, and then opened the door for his passengers to alight. Alex recognised him as the man who had picked them up at the airport. She gave him a bright smile as she left the car, and he bowed slightly in acknowledgement.
‘Your bags have been delivered to your room, ma’am,’ he informed her. ‘Have a good evening.’
Johnson was at her side urging her towards the grand entrance.
‘Thanks, Derek. We’ll see you tomorrow. G’night.’
‘Night, sir,’ and then he was easing himself back into the car and driving away.
‘Johnson. What’s going on? Where are my bags?
‘In your room, honey, just like Derek said.’
‘Here? No. I thought Kate was going to book us into the Travel Inn.’
They entered the lobby just as Alex spoke, and she stopped, hand on mouth, just inside the doorway. To her relief, the lobby was almost empty, although a well-dressed couple were passing by the door. The elegant woman looked askance at them before moving on. Alex remained where she was, her only movement her eyes, which sought Johnson’s. He grinned and put an arm around her, pulling her close.
‘You do know that the words “Travel Inn” are blasphemy in these hallowed halls, don’t you?’ he asked softly. ‘Now they’ll have to lock you in the tower to make sure you don’t upset the lords and ladies who have come here to escape the common people.’
Alex threw her head back and laughed. Johnson joined in, enjoying her uninhibited enjoyment of the moment.
‘I once said “knickers” in front of the bishop,’ she confided.
‘Now that’s a story I’ve gotta hear,’ he laughed, leading her to the lift.
She held back, serious again. ‘Johnson, about the room.’
‘It’s all taken care of. There’s a room upstairs with Kate’s and your name on it, and you’re free to go to it any time you like.’ He pressed the button to summon the elevator. ‘I have the key in my pocket. I’ll take you there now.’
The lift doors opened and they entered. Johnson turned to her
, his hand hovering over the numbered buttons. ‘Your room is on the second floor, mine’s on the third. We can go to one and spend some time together, or I can leave you at your door. It’s your choice, baby.’
Alex stared at the numbers, torn between wanting to be with him, and feeling that if she did her whole life might change. She wasn’t sure she was ready for that. When she looked up at Johnson’s handsome face his expression was blank. Only the tensing of his jaw gave away his anxiety.
Before the lift doors could close another couple joined them. They moved to one side as the man pressed number 2, and stood side by side in silence as the car ascended. The lift stopped and the doors opened. The couple walked out, leaving them alone again. Johnson put his hand out to keep the door open.
‘Well, Sandy, is this your stop?’
She looked out and saw the couple halt at a door. Before they entered the room, the man tenderly kissed the woman. The thought of walking out of the lift and into an empty room, alone, was suddenly unbearable. She took a step backwards; her back touched the rear wall of the lift.
‘No, Johnson,’ she said softly. ‘I’ve been invited to visit a friend in a room upstairs. If it still stands, I’d like to accept the invitation.’
He moved his hand and stabbed the button for the next floor. ‘Yes, ma’am. You sure are welcome.’ With a smile, he turned and took her in his arms and kissed her thoroughly.
All too soon, the lift stopped and the doors opened again. They reluctantly ended the kiss, and walked along the corridor to his room. Alex was glad of his arm around her waist – the combination of his kisses and her decision to see where the evening would take them had left her trembling and light-headed. They entered his suite and before the door shut behind them he had turned her in his arms and was kissing her again. The sound of a door opening in the corridor registered on the edge of her consciousness as she wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders and lost herself in the excitement of his embrace. A few seconds later, a discreet cough at the open entrance to the suite brought her head up. Johnson gently cradled her face against his chest, protecting her.
‘Uh, sorry, boss. I was just checking that everything’s OK.’ Johnson gave him a level look. ‘I guess it is. You all have a good night, OK?’
‘Get outta here, before I forget that I like you, Charlie,’ Johnson growled good-naturedly. ‘And close the door behind you.’
He held her against him. She was unable to look round because of the gentle grip of his hand on her head. The door closed with a soft click, leaving them in darkness, before he released her and turned on the lamp on a nearby table. Alex was glad that he hadn’t switched on the brighter overhead lights. Right now she felt a little foolish and out of her depth, and she was reluctant for Johnson to see the uncertainty on her face.
‘Who was that?’ she asked.
‘One of my security team,’ he responded, walking into the room. He must have sensed her ambivalence, and gave her some space and time to relax by moving around, turning on other lamps, and then the stereo. A soft jazz melody filled the room as he came back to stand in front of her. ‘Would you like a drink? I’ve got some wine, or something stronger.’
She hesitated. ‘Actually, I was just thinking that something to eat would be nice. I forgot to eat anything earlier.’
‘No problem.’ He took her hand and led her to a large leather sofa facing a fireplace. She sank into its plump cushions reluctantly.
‘I mean it, Johnson, I’m starving. Will the restaurant still be open?’
‘No need. We’ll call room service.’ He picked up a leather-bound menu, opened it, and offered it to her in the manner of the best maitre d’ in the finest restaurant. ‘May I recommend the club sandwich and fries? They will perfectly complement the bottle of Merlot I spy on the table over there.’
‘Perfect,’ she sighed. ‘Get on that phone, quick, before I waste away.’
They drank wine and chatted while they waited for the food. Alex was amazed once again at how easily they fell back into the easy camaraderie of their earlier friendship. And she was also aware of the thrill of sexual attraction between them. This too was familiar. Their teenage romance had been electrified by the sparks that flew, but never allowed to actually consume them.
A knock at the door heralded their food. The waiter entered wheeling a trolley holding silver domed trays. Johnson tipped the man and sent him on his way as Alex stared intently at the flames of the fire which he had lit earlier. As soon as the door closed, she began to giggle.
With raised eyebrows Johnson watched her, a smile on his handsome face. ‘What’s up? Lost your appetite?’
‘No chance! Just bring that trolley over here, Brand! I have to see how fancy a few sandwiches and chips look under silver.’
He pushed the trolley nearer and lifted the domes with a flourish. The beautifully garnished food sent Alex into gales of laughter. Johnson joined in, dropping down on the sofa next to her.
‘Damn! I’ve missed this! Why doesn’t anyone else find something like a club sandwich so funny? You always had the craziest sense of humour.’
‘Oh come on! How can you take it seriously? A few slices of bread and some ordinary fillings, and they encase the thing in silver! I am not going to ask how much they are charging you for that, Johnson. Nor am I going to offer to pay, because I doubt if I could afford the cucumber garnish in this place.’
He sobered suddenly. ‘Is money a problem, honey? If it is …’
His words brought tears to her eyes. She stilled and raised a hand to his cheek. ‘Oh, Johnson, that is so sweet. But you don’t have to worry about me. I have more than enough for my needs. I just find the grandness of this place so at odds with the real world.’
He shrugged, a little disconcerted. ‘This is the real world for me. Tell me about yours.’
‘I will,’ she promised. ‘But first I’ve got to eat. Just keep your hands off those chips, Brand. They’re mine!’
They fought amicably over the food, and ended up feeding each other titbits as they laughed and teased their way through the meal. Eventually, their hunger for food was satisfied.
‘So’, he began conversationally. ‘Are you going to tell me about your life?’
Alex swallowed the last bite and delicately wiped her mouth with the linen napkin provided. This evening she had had more fun than she could remember having in years, and the thought of going home tomorrow, back to the same routine, the same problems, depressed her. But she didn’t know what else she could do. She had responsibilities, people who depended upon her. And Johnson had a life so far removed from her own that it was unlikely that they would ever have another time like this again.
‘Sandy?’
She brought her attention back to him with a start. ‘Sorry,’ she apologised. ‘I was miles away.’
‘Should I be offended?’
‘No. I was thinking about you.’
‘So far away?’
‘That’s the point, isn’t it? My life and yours are very different.’
‘Does that matter? I thought we were having a good time tonight.’
‘Yes, we are. I’m having a lovely time. But compared to yours, my life is … I don’t know … parochial I suppose.’
He looked confused. ‘Can you explain that?’
She sighed. ‘I suppose what I’m trying to say is that I’ve been so pleased to see you again, to spend time with you, to enjoy your company. But I know that your world is much bigger than mine, and that you’ll be off again soon, travelling the world with your music.
‘My life isn’t like that. I’m a little fish in a little pond. My world is centred in the village, in the church. I get trips into Bristol to see the bishop occasionally, and the odd day in London with Kate, but most of my time is spent within a few sparsely populated miles.’
‘Are you happy there?’
‘Of course!’
He looked sceptical. ‘So “parochial” is good, huh?’
What cou
ld she say without sounding like a moaning Minnie? During her marriage her life had been full and satisfying. But, she realised, since David’s death, life had been routine. She had been killing time, filling her life with work, keeping so busy that she hadn’t given herself time to think. Meeting Johnson again had shown her in full Technicolor just how staid her life had become. It distressed her to think that her dedication to her calling might actually have been a selfish means of keeping her loneliness at bay rather than a true vocation. Oh, she still loved God, and wanted to serve him. But she was beginning to think that perhaps God didn’t need her quite as much as she needed to keep busy.
She slanted him an irritated look. ‘Most of the time, yes.’
‘So what’s the deal here, Sandy? Are you satisfied with a life serving God? Does He give you everything you want out of life?’
‘Perhaps not everything I want,’ she said wryly, ‘but he certainly provides everything I need.’
‘Sort of “our Father knows best”?’
‘Exactly!’ she agreed with a smile.
‘Aw, come on! You’ve got to do better than that. Using God as an excuse to hide away in the country doesn’t cut it with me. What happened to your dreams? You were going to take London by storm! How did you get from planning to be the foremost business woman in the City to a country parson?’
‘Oh my Lord! I’d forgotten that!’ she cringed. ‘I was determined to worship at the altar of Mammon, wasn’t I? I wanted to be a high powered executive, a superwoman. But when I got home Gran was so lost, so frail, that I knew I had to put my plans on hold and put her first. I spent a year nursing her, and by then I realised that people were far more important than money. The irony of it was that my grandparents had been very careful with their money and left me a small fortune. I didn’t need to work, but I was desperate for something to do after Gran died to fill the emptiness her death had caused.’
‘So you became a priest?’
‘Not immediately, no. I went to work at a homeless shelter in London.’ She closed her eyes for a moment, remembering the despair and hopelessness she had encountered there. ‘It’s a long way from here,’ she gestured to the opulent lounge they were sitting in. She smiled sadly, turning her gaze on him.