Xavier

by Miranda P. Charles

  “I disagree with Aaron,” Chester said. “I don’t think your lack of profile compared to them is a big issue. Your Eyes and Ears already has a strong following in the over-forty demographic because of me and Veronica. With Veronica’s imminent departure, this is the opportunity to have a co-host who could pull the younger demographic into the show. Besides, I believe you’re closest to having Veronica’s on-screen presence. Your compassion and strength shine through with just your delivery.”

  “Thank you,” she murmured.

  “Fortunately, someone else seems to agree with me—Trevor Clarence. Have you heard of him?”

  “I’m afraid I haven’t.”

  “I’m not surprised. His legal entity owns sixty percent of our production company. He’s originally from Adelaide and spends half of his time there, so he’s familiar with you. He wants to see you before he decides if he’ll lend his weight to your case.”

  Eve’s mouth dropped. Had she heard him right?

  “So what do you say?” Chester prompted.

  “Yes, of course. I’ll be waiting by the bus stop at three.”

  “Great. We’re going to his house. That’s where he’ll meet us.”

  “Okay, thank you, Chester. I really appreciate this.”

  “My pleasure. I really believe in you. My gut tells me you’re the best choice as Veronica’s replacement. See you soon.”

  Eve took a huge breath as Chester hung up. Wow. That was totally unexpected. And incredibly exciting.

  She should go and do some Googling on Trevor Clarence. But that meant not having time to go back to A to X Fitness. Pity.

  But then, again, she still had a chance at the Your Eyes and Ears co-host role. She might be moving to Sydney. And she’d promised Xavier a date if she did.

  She grinned. A promise was a promise.

  “We’re here,” Chester said.

  Eve stared at the imposing gates of Trevor Clarence’s Vaucluse home while Chester pressed a button on a security panel to announce their arrival. The solid metal gate slid slowly to the side, giving Eve her first glimpse of the long driveway and the breathtaking mansion standing proudly at the end of it.

  She took deep breaths to calm down her nerves, which had increased exponentially.

  The details she’d found online about Trevor Clarence were scant—strange for a person who was clearly very wealthy. A couple of websites did suggest that he was an extremely private individual who shunned media attention, and that the guy had sold his multimillion-dollar IT company three years ago. At fifty-five, he’d chosen to retire from “the daily grind”. He still held a financial interest in the company that produced Your Eyes and Ears and owned a couple of commercial properties.

  She’d tried to find out more from Chester, but Chester hadn’t been forthcoming, only stating that he’d prefer to let Trevor himself answer Eve’s questions.

  Anyway, here she was, feeling unprepared for her meeting with the person who could change the course of her career. It still stunned her that Trevor Clarence was extending an opportunity to her that he hadn’t appeared to have offered to the other candidates. Even if she didn’t get the job, she was already grateful for the boost this gesture had given her.

  “Impressive, huh?” Chester said, staring up ahead at the house as they slowly drove towards it.

  “It certainly is. So is there anything else I should keep in mind before I meet him?”

  Chester shrugged. “He’s really easy-going, so just call him Trevor, not Mr. Clarence. And have at least one glass of wine. He’s a wine connoisseur and very proud of his collection. He loves opening hundred-dollar bottles for his guests and expects them to like them as much as he does.”

  “Wow.” She doubted she was considered a guest, though. She was only here for a job interview.

  Soon they were parked by the double front doors. Two men in black suits, clearly security personnel, were waiting to welcome them. They were rather good-looking.

  But not as hot as Xavier.

  She hid her smile at her thought. Handsome as the security guys were, they definitely had nothing on Xavier.

  “Good afternoon,” said one of them as he helped Eve out of the car.

  She smiled her thanks. “Good afternoon.”

  “Trevor’s ready to meet with you,” said the other, pushing one of the front doors open. “I’ll take you to him.”

  Eve glanced at Chester as they followed the man inside. Chester didn’t seem to know the security guys, so he probably didn’t come to his house that often.

  Her nerves came back. Had she really made that much of an impression on Trevor Clarence? She was finding all this a little surreal.

  They turned a corner and arrived at a big open-plan room tastefully furnished with a leather lounge set, a ten-seater dining table and an amazing kitchen with a huge island. The wide bifold glass doors leading to a balcony were closed—probably due to the cool weather—but the sky was clear outside, and the views of Sydney Harbour were magnificent.

  A blond man in casual clothes placed the wine bottle he was holding on the coffee table and walked over to them with a smile.

  Eve recognised him as Trevor Clarence. He looked a tad older than the picture she’d seen on the internet.

  “Hello, Eve,” Trevor said, extending a hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”

  “The pleasure’s all mine, Trevor. Thank you for this opportunity.”

  “You’re welcome.” Trevor greeted Chester, then gestured for both of them to take a seat on the sofa.

  “So, Eve,” Trevor said, grabbing the bottle of red and pouring the wine into three crystal glasses, “I heard that Aaron doesn’t think you’re suitable for the role.”

  She smiled. “He did give me that impression during my interview.”

  Trevor chuckled. “Well, for me, you have the most charisma out of all the candidates. While you all passed the on-screen chemistry test with Chester, I think you’re the most capable of making the viewers feel with you. To me, that’s of primary importance with shows like Your Eyes and Ears. I’ve watched you enough to know you can be straight to the point and hard-hitting, but you also have a soft side that can elicit empathy. There’s no point to the show if the hosts can’t make the viewers care. You might not have the kind of following the others already have, but I do believe you’ll pull in new viewers that the show hasn’t been able to reach before. You’re younger and certainly a fresh face—no offence, Chester.”

  “None taken. Fifteen years on the show will give you these lines.” Chester touched his forehead.

  Eve chuckled along with Trevor.

  “Anyway,” Trevor said, “I believe that with the right platform, you’ll easily draw in more of your own following. In a nutshell, I think Your Eyes and Ears needs you, and you need it in return. Which is why you’re the perfect co-host for the show.”

  Gratitude surged within Eve. This sounded promising. “Thank you,” she murmured.

  Trevor handed them their wine. “Cheers.”

  Eve clinked her glass with the men’s and took a sip. “This is beautiful,” she said.

  Trevor beamed. “Glad you like it. Carmichael Shiraz 1999.”

  “Yes, exceptional,” Chester said, before taking another big gulp.

  “Have some cheese and crackers,” Trevor offered, indicating the tray on the coffee table.

  Chester didn’t hesitate, placing a large chunk of camembert on a cracker and popping the whole thing in his mouth.

  Eve reached over and cut herself a smaller slice, aware that Trevor was scrutinising her. She ordered herself to relax. One thing she’d learned was not to look intimidated, no matter how she felt inside. In a competitive industry, the one who didn’t wither under bold inspection earned respect.

  “Why Your Eyes and Ears, Eve?” Trevor asked after a long moment. “Is it because it’s the number one public affairs program in the country?”

  “That did influence my decision a great deal,” she said, meeting his gaze. “B
ut it wasn’t my main reason. Frankly, I can’t wait to personally shine the spotlight on heartless con artists preying on people who can’t fight back against them.”

  Trevor cocked his head. “Do I detect more than a professional interest in this?”

  Eve stared at her glass. “My aunt overdosed on prescription drugs a year and a half ago, after she lost her life savings to a man who befriended her in church, and proposed marriage within three months. She’d suffered from anxiety and depression for most of her life, and that pushed her over the edge. She wasn’t the first victim of that con artist. He’d stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and kind from women whose hearts he’d also broken. While my aunt was the only one I know who took her life because of him, I’m sure he’s destroyed the happiness and financial security of plenty others—and will continue to do so until he’s caught. So…” She took a sip of her wine. “I honestly can’t wait to help expose the likes of him to the unsuspecting public. I know that Your Eyes and Ears has also helped the police catch perpetrators when their victims found the courage to talk after seeing their cases on TV.”

  “I’m sorry to hear about your aunt,” Chester murmured.

  “Thank you.”

  “Well.” Trevor reached for his phone and called someone. “Aaron, it’s Trevor Clarence. How’s it going?… Good… I have Chester and Eve Marrin here with me… Yes, Eve Marrin. I asked Chester to set up a meeting with her. Anyway, Chester and I believe that Eve is the best person to replace Veronica. I know you don’t agree, but I’m asking you to reconsider… I know you’re the program director, Aaron, and I do trust you, but I feel strongly that Eve is a great choice.”

  Eve could make out Aaron’s voice on the other end of the line as he argued with Trevor.

  “Look, how about you trial her out for, say three months?” Trevor said in a calm tone. “Promote her to the viewers as Veronica’s substitute for the holidays, since she’d be starting in October and the three months would finish in December. If she doesn’t work out, then replace her in the new year. I don’t see a problem with that… Good, glad you like that idea… I’ll leave it to you to arrange the paperwork and call Eve when it’s ready to be signed… Perfect… Thank you, Aaron. Bye.”

  Eve gaped at Trevor.

  “We haven’t discussed remuneration,” Trevor said to her, “but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed when you get your contract for a three-month stint. It’s all up to you now. If you want the job permanently, you have to work extremely hard to impress Aaron.”

  Eve shook herself out of her surprise. “Thank you, Trevor. I won’t let you down.”

  “I don’t expect you to,” Trevor answered smugly. “But don’t announce this to anyone yet. Let Aaron run the timeline on when to let the public know who’ll be replacing Veronica. Give him that, at least.”

  “Okay. My lips are sealed until then.” She turned to Chester. “I want to thank you too. I’m so thrilled to be working alongside you.”

  Chester grinned. “You’re welcome.”

  Eve relaxed in her seat. She had less than two months to organise everything, including resigning from her current job. She ran the risk of being jobless after December, but she wasn’t going to worry about that right now. She intended to stay at Your Eyes and Ears permanently.

  In the meantime, she could use the rest of the weekend to start her search for a place here in Sydney.

  And see Xavier.

  She breathed deeply. Perhaps she could see him before he found out who she was and what show she was about to co-host. Just for a change, she’d like to go out with a man who didn’t seem to have any ulterior motives for wanting to go out with her.

  “Now, Eve,” Trevor said, “the anniversary of Ross Anton’s arrest is coming up in two months. I’ve been very interested in his case, having been a former Stirling Mortgage Brokers client, myself. It might be a good topic for you to cover on your first day at Your Eyes and Ears. Personally, I’d like to hear from other past clients who still feel betrayed by Ross and the Stirlings. Just don’t interview me for the show,” he added with a laugh.

  “That’s a great idea,” she answered.

  She was familiar with the Ross Anton case, even though most of the happenings had occurred in Sydney. The flamboyant businessman’s networking parties had been legendary, so when news of his arrest had come out, it had shocked many people. But the fact that he was also the business partner of Holly Stirling’s parents had made his arrest viral.

  Eve couldn’t wait to do some research. She didn’t know much about the Stirling family, as she wasn’t a fan of Holly Stirling, but she’d love to investigate the possibility that Gerald and Adele Stirling had pulled the wool over the eyes of the public. She remained sceptical that they’d known nothing about Ross Anton’s criminal side, so she couldn’t wait to sink her teeth into this now. She’d been a mere observer of this case in the past.

  But first things first. She’d ask Chester to drop her in the city on their way back. Hopefully, Xavier was still at work.

  Chapter 3

  Xavier came out of the men’s shower room, dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. He had fifteen minutes to kill before he had to meet a few friends for Friday night drinks—hardly enough time to get any significant admin work done.

  He went out to the main floor, smiling that it was still packed. That was a daily occurrence these days, but it never failed to give him a thrill.

  It would be great to walk around and chat with his customers, but he was conscious of the fact that most would probably prefer to be left in peace while they worked out. Maybe he’d chat with his receptionist and find out how the day had gone. He had to tone down his friendliness, though. Rochelle was starting to flirt with him—

  His jaw dropped at the woman walking into the gym. Eve.

  He’d never seen her hair loose around her shoulders before, and she was in a business suit. Damn, no matter what she wore and how she wore it, she was hot.

  He made a beeline for her. “Hey, Eve.”

  The grin on his face grew wider at her beautiful smile. She looked happy to see him.

  “Xavier! There you are.”

  “Oh, you’re looking for me?”

  “Yes,” Eve said somewhat shyly. “I have some time for a drink, and I thought I’d see if you’re free, too.”

  “As a matter of fact, I am,” he said without hesitation. “I’m even ready to go now. Should I go grab my stuff?”

  “Sure. I’ll wait for you here.”

  “Okay. Don’t go anywhere without me.”

  “I won’t,” Eve said with a laugh.

  Xavier hurried to his office and rang Derek McCarthy—Richard McCarthy’s son, who’d become one of his best friends.

  “Dude,” Derek answered.

  “Hey, I’m afraid I can’t join you guys tonight,” he said while putting his laptop in his backpack.

  “Why?”

  “I’m meeting someone for coffee.”

  “Who?”

  “A customer.”

  “What? You’re going on a date with a customer? I thought that’s a no-no for you?”

  “It’s not that kind of date.”

  Derek snorted. “So you’re ditching us for a one-night stand?”

  He laughed. “That’s not guaranteed. Anyway, see you later.” He hung up before Derek could ask more probing questions. He’d never cancelled on his friends for a woman before. But, hell, he was damned excited to be going out with Eve tonight, even for just one drink—yes, even if that was all they did.

  He went back out and found her exactly where he’d left her, standing near the door and seemingly relaxed as she watched other people exercise. Perhaps he should offer her a free one-on-one session sometime over the weekend.

  An image of Eve underneath him on an exercise mat popped unbidden into his mind. Instantly, his cock started to get hard. Whoa, down, boy.

  He stopped to tell one of his male trainers to enjoy the weekend to distract
himself from his lustful thoughts. Then he approached Eve. “Ready?” he asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Anywhere in particular you want to go to?”

  Eve shrugged. “You choose, since I’m not very familiar with what’s around here.”

  Xavier thought for a second. He could take her to some of the more popular pubs, but they’d be packed at this time. He’d like to be able to have a decent conversation with her, so somewhere comparatively quiet would be ideal.

  He took her to the nearby five-star hotel. The bar area was busy, but not so much that they wouldn’t be able to hear themselves talk.

  “There,” Eve said, making her way to a corner table being vacated by a couple.

  A server was equally quick to clear it for them.

  They ordered their drinks and Xavier smiled at Eve. “I’m glad you came back to the gym.”

  Eve chuckled. “Me, too. I do need to request something from you tonight.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “New friends usually ask each other about their work, right? But can we not talk about ours?”

  He gave her a questioning look.

  “Well, you can talk about yours, if you like, but please don’t ask about mine.”

  “May I ask why not?”

  Eve pressed her lips together, hesitating.

  And he wanted to lean over the table and kiss her.

  He shook his head, forcing himself to peel his gaze off her lovely mouth.

  “I’m not trying to be rude,” Eve said hastily, appearing to misunderstand his gesture. “It’s not that I don’t want to talk about personal stuff, but I just… can’t.”

  He frowned. What was she trying to say?

  “We can have a drink and…” Eve waved a hand.

  His brows rose. Did she mean she wanted a one-night stand?

  His cock twitched, already gearing for some action.

  Eve covered her face in embarrassment. “Oh God, that came out wrong. Everything’s coming out wrong.” She took a deep breath and gazed at him. “Sorry. I’m kind of still in shock about everything, so my brain’s scattered. But I can’t talk about my job because I’m not meant to tell anyone about it yet.”