“Yes. Very thorough. Don’t worry, Helen, there’s nothing wrong.” He placed a hand on her arm, reassuring her. But it had the opposite effect, the blood rushed to her face, and her insides squirmed with desire. Max saw everything.
“Then what’s wrong?” she asked, moving away from him, trying her best to look natural, but the air didn’t want to go into her lungs and she sounded breathless.
“Maybe you should leave this to me Mr Pierceson. I’ll talk your idea over with Helen, and then she can let you know her decision.”
“Sure. I’ll be in my office. But I’m on a tight schedule.”
“I realise that.” Max said sharply, and Helen was instantly on her guard. There was definitely something going on here.
Oliver left, closing the door behind him. Max left her chair and came to stand in front of Helen.
“OK. Why do I feel like something is going on and I’m the last to know?” Helen asked.
“Apparently this Clarkson deal is getting more complicated.”
“He told you about the CEO?”
“Yes. Not that it’s anything to do with me, but he wanted to sound off against someone who knew his uncle. You know, I know, things about this bank that others don’t.”
“The mole?”
“Yes.” Helen was referring to an incident a few months ago where an employee was embezzling money. Max had persuaded the old Mr Pierceson to let Helen help, and she had been rewarded with enough money to pay her mortgage arrears.
“Does Oliver know about that?”
“Oliver ... no he doesn’t.” Max’s frown deepened. “Look, Helen. He plans to fly out to his uncle, to conduct the meeting. He has, what I would consider, legitimate concerns, and wants to alleviate any stress his uncle might be put under.”
“I thought he would. So I guess this means you don’t need me any more. I thought perhaps you would allocate me some typing work, but of course if there’s nothing left for me to do...”
“No, Helen, that’s not what this is about.”
“Oh?” Her fears returned. “So what’s the matter, Max. You look as if someone’s died ... oh, that’s not...”
“No. The thing is Helen, he wants you to go with him.”
“Go with him where?” Helen looked confused.
“To Monaco.”
“Monaco. That’s ridiculous, I can’t leave Jess and Laura.”
“That’s also why he came to see me. He was trying to find out if there was anyway he could persuade you to go.”
“I can’t.” She shook her head adamantly.
“Well, you could.” Max looked up at Helen, gauging her reaction before continuing. “Dan and I could look after them. With your mom’s help too, we’d manage. The girls would see it as an adventure.”
Helen shook her head again. “No. I can’t leave them.”
“I would agree with you. But you’ve been under so much stress with everything. Why don't you take a few days away and put things in perspective.”
“Perspective. Do you think I’m struggling to cope?” Helen clasped her hands together. “Is that what you all think?”
Max held Helen’s hand reassuringly. “No Helen, not at all. We all think you’re doing an amazing job. But you’re at a crossroads, and I know you’ve been struggling to decide what to do. Why not take a step back and think about what you want?”
“I don’t need to go away to do that.”
“Helen. It’s Monaco, go and have a break, you deserve one. The weather will be warm and sunny, you’ll feel like a new woman.”
“I can’t leave them.” Deep down the thought frightened her. What if they enjoyed their time with Max and Dan too much. It would be more fun than being with their boring old mother
“Hey, come on. It’ll do you all good. They’ll be so excited about you going away.” She hugged Helen. “And when is the last time you went on an adventure?”
“I can’t,” Helen said quietly.
“Why not?”
“I’m scared,” she finally admitted.
“That’s why you need to go. Step out of your comfort zone, Helen. You did it this week coming to work here. Now do it again.”
“I haven’t done anything on my own for so many years. I really am scared.”
“You won't be alone. Oliver Pierceson will look after you.”
“I’m just his secretary, not very good, and temporary. Remember?”
Max smiled to herself, and Helen wondered what she was thinking when she said, “I can assure you he will be very attentive.”
“What does that mean?”
“I don’t know. But I really think you should go and find out.”
Max was being so cryptic, and it only made her nerves worse. There was no way she could leave the girls. Oliver could get someone else to go with him. That thought hit her, and caused her to rethink. A strange feeling, jealousy, reared it’s head. That was ridiculous. He was not hers, she had no claim on him. All she was to him was a temporary secretary.
“When is he leaving?”
“Not until this evening. So you can say goodbye to Jess and Laura. Dan and I will stay at your place, or they can come camp out at Dan’s.”
“Dan’s OK with this?”
Max smiled. “He will be.”
“You haven’t asked him?”
“You mean I haven’t told him.”
“Max, I don't want to upset him.”
“You won’t he wants what's best for you. We all do.”
“And you honestly think that going through with this is the best thing for me?”
“I do.”
“I’ve always trusted your judgement Max. But this time I’m not so sure.”
“Look, go and speak to Mr Pierceson. Then decide.”
“OK. I’ll do that now.” She left Max, and walked self consciously to Oliver’s office. In her head she thought everyone was staring at her, that she they all knew she was going on some clandestine adventure with Oliver Pierceson. She shook it off, no one would think that. It was obvious he would never have any thoughts for her other than business.
“Hi, Helen. Come in and close the door.”
“Max has told me about the trip to Monaco.”
“Yes, I asked her to. I thought she might be more persuasive than me.”
“I’ve finished all of the notes, you have everything in front of you. Couldn't you take someone else or use your uncle’s PA?”
“Not so easily. You’ve gone through everything with me. On the plane we could talk over the points I’m concerned about.” He looked at her, his eyes, for once, unsure. “If I was dealing with one of my clients, I would have other members of my team to go over this with. As it is, you’re the only other member of my team.”
“All I’ve done is take notes.”
“And absorbed them. You would be a great asset to me on this.” He stood up, and moved to stand in front of her. “There’s no pressure. If you decide not to come with me, then there are no repercussions. My offer still stands, I only hope after this my uncle still values my opinion.”
“He will, Oliver. You’re only acting in his best interest, and that of the bank.” Without thinking she reached out and rubbed his arm in a show of support and understanding. His eyes flashed to his arm, and she quickly pulled it away. “Sorry. Out of order, I know.”
“No. It’s who you are Helen, I see that.”
“Yes, too soft for my own good, which is why I don't think I’m the best person to have around during this deal. I don’t like arguments or confrontations. And I’m beginning to think that is how this is all going to end.”
“I promise not to shout.”
“That’s not what I mean.”
“Please, Helen. I need you.”
In any other circumstance those words would have been all she needed to hear. That this man in front of her, the man she was inexplicably attracted too, needed her. But he only wanted her for business, where as she wanted him for pleasure. So much pleasure.
“I can’t,” she said, shaking her head, but her resolve was thin.
“This might be the only chance you get to see Monaco. I’ll even throw in dinner at a fancy restaurant.”
“That is enough to put me off. I have nothing to wear to fancy restaurants.”
“OK. But surely there is another way I can persuade you to come with me?”
If only he knew what her mind jumped too. And that was the thing that persuaded her. If he walked out of her life now, she would always be wondering what if. But if she went with him, she would learn very quickly how incompatible they were, and how totally out of her depth she would be with a man like Oliver.
“I’ll go, with you Oliver. On one condition.”
His eyebrow lifted, and he gave her a crooked smile. “A condition. I offer you Monaco, and you ask for a condition. I’m intrigued. Go ahead.”
She felt a little stupid now, her condition was probably not what he expected. “That you go and speak to your uncle first, and calmly explain your worries to him. I’d hate for his health to deteriorate and you blame yourself for it.”
His face clouded, and she knew she’d upset him. Perhaps she didn’t have to worry about going on this trip anyway. She had a feeling she was about to be uninvited.
Chapter Fourteen - Oliver
The relationship he enjoyed with his uncle was none of her concern. He had shared too much with her, a woman he had only known two days. Yet her sincerity was plain, and the courage she had summoned to issue him her condition was evident. She also knew she had upset him. Her fingers moving in their tell tale sign of her nerves, and she leaned away from him. Perhaps wishing she could take the words back.
Before he spoke, he looked inside himself, and realised she was probably right. He had been planning on going to his uncle and telling him his fears, not explaining them tactfully, but laying down his concerns heavy handedly. He was too used to arguing his point, rather than allowing discussion.
For a man such as his uncle who had run this bank for so many years, that would have been upsetting and somewhat degrading, even if they were alone. Oliver was about to go into a sick man’s room and tell him he was wrong.
“I appreciate your concerns, Helen. I will take them on board and revise my actions.” He had firmly put up a wall between them, and the way she released her breath confirmed that she had seen it too. Intriguingly, she looked relieved that he had taken a step back from her emotionally. What had she expected of this trip? More importantly what had she expected from him?
“Are you sure you want me to go with you? You really might be better with a secretary with more experience at keeping her mouth shut.”
“No, Helen. I want you to come with me.” He couldn’t tell her that part of his reasons for insisting on her company, had been because he wanted to spend more time with her. He had hoped he could convince her that he was a good man, capable of being everything she wanted. But how can you convince another person of something you don’t quite believe yourself?
“What time do we leave?” she asked, and he couldn't tell if she was relieved or disappointed he hadn't changed his mind. His ability to read her body language seemed to be disappearing, leaving him confused and out of his depth. A long lost sensation for Oliver.
“The flight leaves at eight fifteen. I have some loose ends to tie up here, but I suggest you spend the morning going over your notes. I need you to double check all the facts, and then go home. Pick your children up from school, sort out your luggage, do whatever you need to do. I’ll pick you up at seven.”
“OK,” she answered, but looked far from it.
“Helen. I need to know now if you plan to go through with this. Please don't let me down at the last minute.”
“I won’t. You have my word.”
“Then I’ll see you later.” She turned to leave, walking as though in a daze, and he still wasn't sure she wouldn’t have last minute cold feet. “And Helen.”
She turned back to him, her hand on the door handle, a startled expression in her eyes. “Yes, Mr Pierceson.”
Back to formal names. “Bring something suitable for dinner. It doesn't have to be too fancy, but I might have to take the CEO out to dinner tomorrow night. So be prepared.”
“But surely you wouldn't want me at a business dinner with you?”
“I value your assessment of the man.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
She left, looking stunned at what she considered a complement. And he guessed it was coming from a man like him. But he meant it, she had read him just right where his uncle was concerned. Once he let go of the dislike of the way she had spoken to him, he realised she was right. He probably would have gone in all guns blazing, and he would have regretted it.
The more he thought about it, the more he wanted Helen Draper in his life. And in his bed. Now that brought up the only problem he could see with the whole thing. How the hell was he going to keep his hand off her when they were alone?
Chapter Fifteen - Helen
“Mommy!” Laura ran towards Helen, delighted to see her mom waiting for her after school.
“Hi, Laura. Let's wait for Jess and then we can get home. Did you have a good day?”
“Yes.”
“What did you do?”
“Play.”
“Did you learn anything?”
“Oh, yeah.”
“Are you going to tell me?”
“No. It’s a secret.”
“A secret. I think you’re allowed to tell me what you learned at school.”
“Sarah Stewart made me promise I wouldn’t tell.”
“Sarah Stewart? Why would she make you promise?”
“Because she said she wasn’t supposed to know her mom was getting them a puppy.”
Helen laughed. “So that’s what you learned?”
“Yes. But I shouldn’t have told you. I promised.”
“It’s OK, Laura. I won't tell. Here’s Jess.”
“Hi Mommy. I thought you were going to be at work. You didn’t get fired did you?”
“No. I didn’t get fired. Thanks for the support, by the way.”
“It’s only because you said you wouldn't be seeing us until dinner time, or maybe even bedtime again.”
“Well, that’s why I’ve been allowed to leave early.”
“So we can have dinner together? You must have the best boss ever.”
“Yes. We can have dinner together, but then my boss wants me to go on a business trip with him.”
“Really. Is that like a school trip? Are you going to the museum?”
“No. Not the museum. The trip is to another country.”
“Wow. Sarah Stewart went to another country for her holiday. Have I ever been to another country?”
“No. Not yet.”
“Have you?”
“Yes, a long time ago when I married your daddy.”
“On your honeybee?”
“Honeymoon.”
“Is there honey on the moon? I didn’t think there was anything on the moon.”
“OK.” Helen opened the front door, letting them in. Trying to understand children was sometimes equally as hard as trying to understand her feelings towards Oliver. “I’ll get you a snack, and then I’ll explain everything.”
Feeling slightly frustrated, Helen went to the kitchen, and poured them drinks. She had already been back and packed her suitcase, but it was upstairs on the bed, waiting for the outcome of this very important conversation. Her confidence was already slipping, the sight of her two daughters made it harder than she had imagined, but she had given Oliver her word she would go, and she wanted to keep her promise to him.
“Can I have a sandwich?”
“It’s too close to dinner. Why not have an apple and a yoghurt?”
“OK. Strawberry please,” Laura asked.
“What about you, Jess?”
“I’m not hungry, thank you. Are you going to finish telling us
why you’re home early?”
Helen looked at her oldest daughter, and could see by her expression that she wasn’t happy. Jess had taken the news about her father leaving particularly hard, and had clung to Helen more and more. This was going to have to be handled carefully.
Helen felt torn between her children and her work. Work that was not long term, but important to her. Entwined with this was the realisation that Oliver was important to her too.
She looked at the two children in front of her, and the feeling of guilt at wanting to have something more than the life they already had, was overwhelming.
“My boss wants me to go with him and help him. His uncle is sick and he wants to go and see him before a big business meeting.”
“Why do you have to go?” Jess asked.
“Because I’ve been working with him on it all week.”
“There must be someone else who can go?”
“Not really.” Helen was so tempted to drop it, and simply telephone Oliver and tell him she was sorry she couldn't go. She reminded herself couldn’t spend her whole life tied to her children, no matter how much she loved them. Dan and Max would give them a great time.
“Another country is a long way away.”
There, Jess had set out her concerns. The simple question. When will you be back? Will you come back or disappear like daddy did was written all over her sweet young face.
“Yes. It’s a long way. I’ll have to go on an aeroplane. I’m a bit nervous. But if I do this, then I’ll most probably get a new job, and we’ll be able to have special treats. Mommy would really like that.”
“When will you be back?”
“Friday night, or Saturday morning. I’m not sure yet.”
“And what about us? We can’t stay here on our own.” Laura asked. “What about Jeremy and Sparkle?” Laura’s bottom lip trembled as she stroked her young cat. Purring and rubbing against Laura, Sparkle rolled on the floor waiting to be played with.
“Max and Dan are going to look after you? And I’m sure they’ll look after these two troublemakers too.”
“Max and Dan,” Jess gasped, her earlier worries erased at the thought of all that time with her favourite uncle. “We could have the longest tea party ever.”
His Secretary: BBW Romance (Her Second Chance Book 1) Page 5