by Dara Girard
“I believe I just told you.”
“Right now? Here?”
“If you’d given me your number, I would have been more discreet. Is that a ‘yes’ or ‘no’?”
She would accept for the sake of appearances. The more she prolonged the conversation the worse the situation would be. “Of course Mr. Winfield.”
“James. You can call me James.” He gave her the time then said, “I’ll pick you up.”
“But you don’t know where I live.”
He only smiled and she realized it wouldn’t be hard for him to find out. “Until then,” he said before he left.
Tansy turned in her chair and stared at Michelle wide eyed.
“It’s probably for business,” Michelle said before she could say anything, organizing papers on her desk that didn’t need organizing. Her hands shook, her mouth felt dry. She didn’t know what she was doing. Was this real? Had he really asked her out? Had she really said yes? Why had he been so public about it?
“He told you to call him James.”
“Yes, well…”
“I’d be careful,” the Mini Cooper woman said with a shake of her head. “Interns get their hearts broken all the time.”
“By the likes of Cory,” Tansy said. “Never him. It’s never happened before.”
“There’s a first for everything.”
“What were you doing?” Joanna demanded when James joined her in the backseat of their black Mercedes. Graham sat at the wheel and started the car. As he pulled from under the embankment the rain pounded the windscreen.
“I was talking to someone.”
“And who was that?”
“Someone interesting.”
“Well that couldn’t be your cousin then. I’ve seen bobble head dolls with more substance.”
“Cory has his charms, but you’re right. It wasn’t him.”
Joanna frowned at him. “You look satisfied about something.”
“I am.” He was more than satisfied. He was on top of the world. He had found her again. Michelle. He hadn’t been able to take his eyes off her as she did her presentation and hardly heard a word she said. But he knew it would be intelligent and he liked her poise. When their eyes first met in the conference room he felt her recognition. She knew who he was and he wouldn’t allow her to pretend that she didn’t. This time she wouldn’t escape him so easily. He hadn’t meant to walk up to her desk at first, but something had pulled him there and when her startled brown eyes met his he was enchanted once again. Eager to be by her side. It had been a calculated risk to make his intentions known so publicly, but he felt as if something else had taken over him and possessed him to do it. To stake his claim.
“James!”
He turned to his mother with a start. “Sorry?”
“I was talking to you.”
“I wasn’t listening.”
“Congratulations on stating the obvious.”
He sighed. “I’m sorry.”
“You know you frighten me when your mind wanders like that. The doctor says—”
“I’m fine, I was just thinking about something.”
“Or someone.”
His mother didn’t need to know anything about his dinner date. “It was nice to be back.”
“You don’t even work there.”
No, he had a virtual office and usually worked wherever he was at the time. And that varied. He scheduled his life around doctor visits and appointments. He envied his cousin’s set routine. In time he would have an office of his own. “It’s nice to be back all the same.”
“What has gotten into you?”
It was maddening. It was crazy. It was wonderful. But he couldn’t deny it—
He was in danger of falling in love.
Chapter 16
She felt like a princess. Michelle sat in the plush pink booths among the candlelit dining room of the exclusive Mayfair restaurant, finishing her chocolate ganache cake and ginger ice cream feeling as if she were in a fairytale with her own handsome prince. A prince who gazed at her as if she were dripping in diamonds, as beautiful as an exotic flower, and was a treasure he wanted to keep. The conversation had flowed, as if they’d known each other for years. She learned he was an only child, homeschooled, born in England but raised both here and abroad, settling the past ten years in the States. He’d come to England to recuperate after a surgery he wouldn’t describe or elaborate on and she didn’t ask questions because she didn’t want to pry.
It didn’t take Michelle long to learned that James preferred to listen rather than talk, especially about himself, and she felt comfortable sharing about her immigrant parents, the place where she’d lived all her life, her two sisters and what she was studying at university.
“How is it working at Winfield Design Studios?” he asked her.
She hesitated. She didn’t want to tell him the truth. Cory was family after all. “It’s a wonderful learning experience.”
James grinned. “A true diplomat. I was really impressed by your presentation.”
“Yes, well Cory let me take the lead.”
James laughed. “You don’t need to pretend with me. We all know that the only ideas in my cousin’s head are the ones someone else put there and I say that with affection.”
“Hmm.”
“But I won’t force you to say anything bad about him.”
“What do you do?” Michelle asked eager to change the subject.
“Not much.”
“You can’t be as lazy as your cousin,” she said then covered her mouth ashamed, realizing her mistake. “Wait, I didn’t mean that.”
“Yes, you did. And don’t underestimate Cory’s role. He gives the right image and perception, which serves the company. I am more of an idea person, strategizing new ventures behind the scenes or advising on where we need to cut our losses. I basically spot problems and seize opportunities. I still have a lot to learn but the family trusts me. By the way, I forgive you.”
“Forgive me?”
He nodded. “For not taking my card.” He shook his head. “You don’t have to explain. I don’t care. I’m glad you’re here now. Although I’m a little disappointed that my pedigree is what convinced you.”
Michelle stiffened insulted. She didn’t want him to think she was a status seeker. “And I forgive you.”
“For what?”
“For giving me a bogus number.”
“Bogus?”
“Fake.”
“I know what bogus means.”
“I…” She paused, embarrassed to admit the truth. “I came back to find you, but you were gone. Then I saw your card on the ground and…” She looked down at her ice cream. “I did call you.” When James didn’t respond she glanced up at him. He stared at her, motionless in a way that made her uncomfortable. She lowered her head and hardened her tone. “You think I’m lying.”
“No.”
The single dark note in his voice made her look up again. “Good because I’m not.”
“When did you call me?”
“Soon after,” she said trying to appear nonchalant. “Perhaps a day or two.” That night. She’d called him that night but she didn’t want to sound overeager.
“I see.”
“Yes, and a man answered and told me I had the wrong number. I tried again thinking I’d dialed wrong but the same man gave me the same message.” She looked at him. “I felt such a fool. I thought maybe…I was angry at you for toying with me and…” She let her words trail off when she realized her wasn’t listening. He didn’t look distracted but it was clear he was thinking of something else. He absently stroked the stem of his dessert fork in a methodical, repeated manner. “I guess it doesn’t matter now,” Michelle said, more to herself than to him.
“Would you like anything else?” he suddenly asked, sounding like a polite host.
“N-no,” she stammered not sure of his change in tone. “This is fine. Thank you.”
James nodded in the same abse
nt way before he stood and said, “Excuse me for a minute,” and then left the table.
Incensed. He was incensed. James walked outside into the bustling London evening and called Graham on his cell phone. “I have a few questions to ask you,” he said in a calm voice once the line was picked up, “and I only want one reply. Yes or No. Understood?”
“What’s this about?”
“Yes or No. Do you understand?”
“I think you—”
“If I have to repeat myself, start looking for employment elsewhere.”
“Yes, sir.”
James swore. “Cut that out. You know I hate when you call me that. Is my mother around?”
“No.”
“Good.” James took a deep breath. “Did I recently get a phone call from a certain young woman?”
“Your mother—”
James closed his eyes and said through tight teeth. “Yes or No?”
Graham sighed. “Yes, but—”
“Has following instructions become difficult with age?”
“No, sir.”
“Are you trying to annoy me on purpose?”
“No, si— sorry.”
“Divided loyalties are difficult. I understand that. The choice is yours. Do you still work for me?” James had changed the dynamics of their relationship, without his mother’s knowledge, when he’d turned fifteen and no longer felt he needed a caretaker but an ally instead. He secretly paid Graham, as a reminder, from the proceeds of a lucrative property he’d inherited from his grandfather.
“Yes, but can I elaborate?” When James met his question with silence, Graham felt it was safe to proceed. “I thought you were being hasty and your mother was worried enough after you’d cancelled the latest surgery. I wasn’t sure—” He stopped when he heard James clicking his tongue. “What?”
“You’re confusing me with an idiot. I know exactly why you did it. So I’ll offer you only one warning. Do something like this again, interfere with my personal life in the smallest way, and our arrangement is over. Am I clear?”
“Yes.”
“I forgive you. Now make sure this is the best holiday I’ve ever had.”
“How?”
“Stay out of my way.”
“Is everything okay?” Michelle asked when James returned to the table.
“It is now. I apologize about the wrong number. My assistant confused you for someone else. A woman who has harassed me in the past. It won’t happen again.”
“Does that happen often?”
“What?”
“You being harassed by women?” For a moment he looked flustered, and the expression surprised Michelle enough to make her laugh. “Never mind. Don’t answer that. I’m teasing.”
He discreetly motioned to a waiter. “How long are you in London?”
“Six more weeks.”
“Mind if I reserve every one of them?”
“Every one? You might get tired of me.”
“I won’t. I’d like to see you again as much as possible.”
Michelle folded her arms. “I can’t say yes because I’m not sure I want to spend that much time with you.”
James lowered his voice, a seductive smile dancing on his lips. “I’ll have to be more persuasive then.”
“Yes.”
“It will be a targeted campaign.”
“Okay.”
He leaned towards her, making a promise. “And I will win.”
She unfolded her arms and leaned towards him. “We’ll see.”
“Free tomorrow?”
She laughed pleased he wanted to see her again so soon. “Yes,” she said and suddenly six weeks didn’t feel very long at all.
Chapter 17
James walked past the living room where his mother sat flipping through the pictures of a glossy magazine.
“Where did you disappear to?” she asked him, without looking up, as he headed for his room. When he didn’t reply she raised her voice. “I am talking to you.”
He paused then stared at her lowered head. “Don’t interfere with this.”
“With what?”
“Just don’t.”
She turned a page making no effort to look up at him, her tone sounding disinterested. “I have to know what you’re talking about before I can agree.”
“I’m going to be busy the next several weeks.”
“You can’t push yourself too much. You know how you can be. You get excited. Over work yourself and then—”
“I won’t.”
She tossed the magazine aside and looked at him with frustration. “You always say that.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“You push and push and then collapse.” She tapped her chest. “And I’m the one who has to pick up the pieces. To nurse you back to health.”
“It’s different this time. I won’t…have an issue. Not with her.”
His mother paused, pursing her lips. Her tone and gaze sharpening. “Who?”
James silently swore, he’d said too much. “Just someone.” He took a step back. “Good night.”
“Don’t you dare walk away from me.”
James kept walking.
She rushed after him and grabbed him by the shoulders, her nails seeming to sink through his jacket like claws. “Who is she?” Joanna spun him around with a vicious urgency. “I will not let anyone hurt you. I will not risk you—”
He grasped her arms, pulling her away from him. Her grip hurt, but he knew she didn’t mean it. She was frightened. “Mum—”
Her eyes shone with unshed tears. “You have to be extra careful. You’re still so young. You can’t be too carefree. Don’t think only of yourself, but of me and how much this family depends on you staying well. You can’t risk a relationship. Not only because of—”
“I know what I’m doing.” He held her gaze and lightly kissed her balled fists. “Don’t interfere.” He turned and left.
Joanna returned to her seat, her tears quickly drying up. James was becoming wise to her. Tears had worked so easily in the past. He would gather her close and soothe her, promising her whatever she wanted. Don’t interfere. She curled her lip. That wasn’t going to happen. She picked up her cell phone and sent a message to Graham instructing him to meet her. Seconds later he stood in front of her ready for orders. He still stood like an officer and would look sexy in uniform. But even though he could appear ‘tried and true’, when he had been a cop she knew he hadn’t been an honorable one. He was as bent as they come, but smart. She liked smart. “James was out with a woman. Find out who she is.”
“I suspect we already know.”
“Who?”
“The young woman from the castle.”
Joanna gripped the arm of her chair. “That’s impossible. I thought you told me you intercepted her phone call.”
“I did. They met another way.”
“How is that even possible…” She paused as she remembered the presentation from this afternoon. “I thought she looked familiar. How frustrating. I should have paid more attention.”
“He’s a man now.”
Why did everyone feel the need to keep reminding her of that? She knew that truth better than anyone. Had she not felt the strength of his arms around her when she hugged him? Heard the depth of his voice? Seen the maturity in his gaze? When he was a teenager she’d seen how the gaze of others had changed ordinary attention to interest. But no matter how he changed on the outside, James would always be her little boy. Someone who would always need her. Because he was different. She had to guide and protect him no matter what.
“I’m sure that if we leave them alone, this will disappear on its own,” Graham said. “He knows what he has to do and his family matters to him. Let the leash go a little.”
Graham was right. If she tried too hard she’d push James away right into this young woman’s arms. But if he got too cocky, she’d remind him what was at stake. “Okay, we’ll give them a little leeway. For now.”
C
hapter 18
James Winfield// 23:04
I found her.
Martha Winfield// 23:04
Don’t be hasty. Can you be certain?
James Winfield// 23:04
Yes. Still in New York?
Martha Winfield// 23:04
I am.
James Winfield// 23:04
When will you be in London?
Martha Winfield// 23:04
I have no need to be in London.
James Winfield// 23:05
I think you’ll want to meet her.
Martha Winfield// 23:05
Why?
James Winfield// 23:05
Because I plan to make her my wife.
Martha Winfield// 23:07
I’ll make arrangements to be at the cottage. Don’t do anything until I get there.
James Winfield// 23:07
You have until the middle of August. Love you.
Martha Winfield// 23:07
Spoiled boy. XX
Chapter 19
He’d convinced her.
After only one more date with James, a drive along a country road followed by a picnic, he’d convinced her that she wanted to spend all her time with him.
After three weeks, Michelle couldn’t imagine a life where he wasn’t in it. She was so happy it frightened her. Could this much joy be real? She had spent as much time as she could with James after work and they devoted as much time as they could together from Friday night until Sunday. He took her to see the White Cliffs of Dover, the British Museum, Stonehenge and they travelled along the Thames. The dark broody air that had once swirled around him—the boredom and disinterest—seemed to have disappeared, replaced by a man who seemed to take pleasure in the tiniest thing—from buying her a bouquet from a street vendor to sharing a sundae on a lazy summer afternoon.
And yet, at times, Michelle sensed something was wrong with him; that her pace was sometimes too fast for him. Once she saw beads of sweat on his forehead after climbing a simple hill, but when she tried to talk about it, he changed the subject. He wouldn’t let her mention his surgery or need for rest and recovery. He would only smile and say “You’re the best remedy for anything that ails me,” and talk about something else.