by Katie Dowe
“Maybe she should postpone the wedding.”
“It’s up to her. I have watched them together and think that they are good together. Life is a risk, darling, and we either take the plunge or sit on the sidelines observing those who do.” Emma reached for his glass of wine and took a sip.
“If he hurts her-”
“I know.” She waved the glass with a smile. “You are going to play big brother and beat him to a pulp. I think poor Jeffry already knows that.”
“Good, then I don’t have to remind him.” Theodore grinned at her.
“What about you?”
“What about me?”
“You have not been in a relationship in more than a year. What’s going on?”
“Nothing is going on. I am just not interested right now.”
“I used to tell myself that I am way too young to be a grandmother but over the last few years I find myself hankering for the cries of a baby,” she said wistfully.
“No doubt Eleanor will grant your wish.”
“No doubt.” She looked at her son curiously. “I am also hoping you will too.”
*****
Ebboni took off her shoes and stockings and rubbed the insole distractedly. She had stopped at the fast food restaurant and gorged on fried chicken and baked bread along with fries and an iced coffee and now she was paying for it. She was so full that she was finding it hard to move from the bed into the bathroom. She did not indulge in eating fast food but once in a while she would satisfy her craving for it. She smiled suddenly as she remembered that before her father had taken ill they would go to the fast food place and sit and eat and talked.
“Your mother would have a fit if she could see us doing this,” he had said to her one night as he bite into the succulent chicken.
“She used to fry chicken during the holidays, especially Fourth of July,” she had reminded him.
He had nodded with a gentle smile. “She would fry chicken for the entire neighborhood. Her corn bread was a winner and people would come from all over to eat at the old table we had outdoors.”
“I miss her.”
“I do too, honey.” He had reached over to pat her hand awkwardly. Her father had never been a very demonstrative man, leaving that to her mother who handed out hugs and smiles as if she had invented them. But Ebboni had known very well how he felt about her mother. He had never kept it a secret and had inadvertently excluded her from the tight circle that included only them. After her mother had died he had tried to make up for it but had not succeeded too much.
Thinking about her dad brought back the sharp focus of how much she was swimming in debt and had no idea what to do about it!
*****
“Mr. Amberville, is everything okay?” Amanda the supervisor for the building asked a little anxiously.
“Everything is fine, Amanda,” he told her warmly. “You and the staff are to be lauded.”
“Thank you, sir,” she said in a pleased tone. “Now what can I do for you?”
“Could you change Ms. Lancaster’s shift?”
He smiled a little at the silence that followed.
“Of course, sir. I will have to call her and tell her of the changes. You want her on the three to eleven shift?”
“If that’s okay?”
“Of course. I will call her right away.”
“Please leave my name out of it.”
“Of course, sir. I will just find something to tell her.”
“Thank you.” He hung up the phone and leaned back in the chair. It had been two days since they had been in town and he had been trying to find a way to get her alone so he could talk to her. He had been in meetings with the people who owned the building they were trying to acquire and when he came back today she had already left. He had felt the frustration inside him when he noticed that there had been someone else at her desk. He had seen her this morning but she had been busy and he had had to leave before the afternoon. They would be going back home soon and he need to make a move before they did. He hated doing what he did but there had been no other way. He knew that Amanda was very discreet and would not breathe a word of what he had said to her.
He looked up as his mother came into the room. “I was thinking we could take in the movie in the theater downstairs, darling. It has been ages since I have sat in a theater and actually enjoyed a movie without a lot of stuffy rich people sitting around me.”
“You happen to be one of them,” he reminded her with a smile.
“Exactly,” she said with a smile. “Let’s live a little.”
Chapter 3
Ebboni had almost said no. She had worked the three to eleven shift one or two times but had never really liked it. Nothing much happened at the time of the night. The residents who lived there were either retired or businessmen who traveled all around the world for businesses. She had almost fallen asleep one of the nights she had worked and had been a wreck for two days straight! But she had to go where she was asked and Amanda had sounded a little apologetic for calling on her suddenly. “I am afraid the place needs your expertise tomorrow night, my dear.” She had not said exactly what it was but then again she did not need to.
The place was as quiet as a tomb when she went in. Mignon, who had worked her usual shift, handed over everything to her. “The Ambervilles have been out for most of the day,” she whispered in an aside. “The son is quite hot, isn’t he?” Her dark eyes twinkled and she wet her full brightly painted lips. She was half Puerto Rican and had been trying discreetly to find herself a husband ever since she started working there two years ago. “And he is single too. I wonder if he is gay.”
“Are you finished?” Ebboni’s gaze was dark with disapproval.
“I am just kidding,” she said swiftly. “He is way out of my league anyway.”
Ebboni did not answer and the girl left.
Ebboni set about doing her work, making quick notes in her system and noticing that there had been a complaint about one of the laundry rooms. She called maintenance and had it sorted out in no time. She knew these people and understood that they paid a hefty fee to live in the lap of luxury and expected to be pampered and taken care of.
It was approaching some minutes to eight before she heard him. “I see we are going to have to promote you for being so hardworking.” His deep attractive voice caused her head to snap up. He was dressed casually in a white tee and faded denims with his dark brown hair tousled. He looked far different from the heir to the vast fortune and more like any ordinary man who had been out for a stroll. But she knew differently. No matter what he had on, the old money was stamped firmly on him and he could not be mistaken for anything other than the billionaire he was!
“Mr. Amberville,” she greeted him pleasantly with a professional smile. “Everything okay?”
“Actually no.”
A frown creased her brow as her heart constricted a little bit. “What’s the problem?”
“It’s not a problem.” He had walked over to her desk and was leaning against it. “At least nothing to do with the work that you are doing here. It has to do with the building we are trying to purchase. Is there any way you could give me a few minutes of your time? It does not have to be right now. When is your break?”
Ebboni tried to keep the puzzled expression off her face. “At nine.”
“Good. Would you met me in conference room one?”
“Of course,” she said with a nod.
She watched him stride away, her thoughts muddled. She did not have much time to ponder on his request as a resident came over to her and they started chatting.
*****
“Is this okay, sir?” the girl asked anxiously as he came into the conference room and looked at the table spread with what he had requested. He was not sure what she preferred so he had ordered something light from the kitchen.
“Yes, thank you,” he said with a nod. The girl stifled the relieved sigh and started to leave. “What’s your name?”
“Kimberly, sir.”
“Thanks, Kimberly, good job.”
She nodded and scurried out of the room.
He walked over to the table and looked at the jug of lemonade and the thin sandwiches set out attractively on the tray. There were even slices of apple pie and some cookies. He did not want it to appear as if it was a date. He was not ready to make his move yet. He intended to take it slow and not be obvious about it. His head snapped up as she came into the room and closed the doors behind her.
“Care to join me?” he asked her casually. “I had an early dinner and I am feeling a little hungry.”
He smiled inwardly as he watched the struggle on her exquisite face. “Thank you,” she finally said.
“Have a seat and let me serve.”
This time the hesitation was longer and then she took a seat.
“I admire the work you do,” he said conversationally as he handed her a plate and a glass of lemonade. “I sat on one of the chairs in the foyer and saw in amazement the different issues you deal with. You were made for this job.” He took his plate and glass of lemonade and came to join her sitting opposite so he could view her expression. “You never seem to have a down moment.”
“The trick is to remember that you are dealing with people who have issues of their own.” She sipped the delicious lemonade gratefully.
“And one might say that being rich means that you don’t have issues,” he said with a quirk of his thick brows.
“I am not stupid enough to believe that,” she countered.
“It is not a matter of being stupid.” He ran a long slim finger down the moisture gathered on the glass. “It’s just the thinking that when people have a lot of money their problems automatically dissolve into thin air.”
“Do they?” she asked as she looked at him. She was starting to feel very comfortable around him. He was not bad for a very rich guy!
“No.” His look was openly amused. “They escalate.”
She looked at him for a moment, fascinated by the change in the color of his eyes. They were more blue than grey now and she had a feeling they changed with his mood. “Why did you want to see me?”
He was a little disappointed that the casual part of their conversation was over. “Tell me about yourself,” he said suddenly.
“Why?”
He shrugged. “I am curious. I read your file and saw that your dad died a few years ago. I am sorry.”
She nodded. “He was suffering quite a bit so I guess it was for the best.”
“And your mother died a few years before?”
He made her so at ease that she did not ask him why the personal questions. Or maybe it was the delicious pastries getting to her or maybe it was the unfamiliarity of working this hour of the night. “Yes. He did not survive long after that. They were very much in love.
“It must be such a wonderful feeling to know that you are loved.” His voice had softened and the hypnotic quality had a profound effect on her. She squirmed a little bit.
“It’s very rare.”
“I have friends who swear by true love,” he continued.
She was definitely starting to feel uncomfortable but before she could say anything he spoke again. “My parents did not share that kind of love. It was more of an arrangement.”
“I see.” She wondered why he was telling her all this. It seemed too personal.
“What do you want in life, Ebboni?” he asked her softly.
She shrugged a little. “To be happy and debt free.”
“You are in debt?” he asked her with interest.
“Who isn’t?” she asked lightly.
“People with money. What kinds of debt?”
Ebboni got to her feet. “I have to get back to the desk.”
He got up as well and walked over to her. “Tell me.” His voice was hypnotic as he stared down at her.
“It’s-”
“Before you tell me it has nothing to do with me let me tell you otherwise. You are employed to the company and I would like to think that I am the kind of employer who cares.” He could smell her faint exotic perfume and see the fine hairs at the sides of her face. He could also feel the heat radiating from her body and the rising heat coming from his.
She shook her head and stepped back. “I will manage.”
He reached out and took her arms, pulling her back. “Tell me,” he whispered softly.
“Student loans and medical bills,” she found herself whispering back.
“I can make them go away.” His head bent to hers, his breath fanning her face. She was tall but she only came up to his broad shoulders. When his lips sought and found hers she did not resist, caught up in the moment of madness. He took her lips with his lightly, playing with her full bottom lip before plunging his tongue inside her mouth. They were both unaware and uncaring that at any moment someone could walk by. He had left instructions that they were not to be disturbed. His groan filtered inside her mouth as he brought her closer to him, his arms pressing her nearer to him, her body molding to his. Ebboni forgot just for a moment where she was and who she was with as her body ignited as his tongue touched hers. She felt when her nipples hardened beneath the light jacket she had on and her fingers gripped his shirt as she returned the kiss. Then something clicked inside her and she tore her lips away from his and stumbled back, her eyes wide and horrified as she realized what had happened between them. “God!” She touched her swollen lips. “I am sorry-”
“No,” he said swiftly. “Think about what I said.”
“You want to pay off all my debts? What would I have to do?” she asked him tremblingly. She could not believe she had compromised her standards like this!
“Become my wife.” The statement was said in such a matter of fact tone that for a moment Ebboni thought she had not heard him right!
“What?”
“I need an heir!” Theodore struggled to be casual and to appear unaffected by the kiss but he was so aroused that he was going to have to run up to his suite quickly!
“And I am sure there are tons of women who would jump at the chance,” she told him coolly.
“I like you,” he said with a grin.
“Not grounds enough to get married. I have to go.”
“Think about it,” he called after her.
She turned back to him. “Nothing to think about. Goodnight, Mr. Amberville.”
Theodore sank back down onto the chair with a shudder. He had blown it and was hoping that it could be recovered!
*****
Ebboni had no idea how she made it through the rest of her shift! She kept expecting him to show up and she kept looking up each time someone approached! She had to call on all her professionalism in order to finish her shift. The end of her shift could not come quick enough for her as she made sure that everything was in order to hand over to the person taking over from her.
“Slow night, huh?” Rolando said with a smile as he made his way around the desk.
“You could say that,” Ebboni told him as she picked up her pocketbook.
“You are back tomorrow morning?”
“Yes.”
She made her way out swiftly and even when she reached the parking area she looked around swiftly as if expecting him to show up. She slid into her car and made her way out, deliberately putting the kiss from her mind. It had happened and she was going to have to deal with it but not now!
*****
“Darling, I had the most charming walk along the tree lined community. Even at that late hour of the night there were children playing in the streets. We are right on track when we decided to go for the building.” Emma Amberville waltzed into the living room where her son just freshly showered was having a drink. “This place is amazing! I almost think that we should relocate.”
“Mother, you have been here before,” he reminded her wryly.
“Just passing through. I never had the opportunity to explore by foot. It has potential.” She poured herself a glass of wine
and sat opposite him. “So what have you been doing?”
“What?” He looked at her startled as if he expected her to know what he had been up to!
“You left after dinner and I did not see you again.”
“I was doing my rounds,” he told her lightly.
“That Ebboni girl is quite an asset, isn’t she?”
He looked at her sharply but there was no hint of anything other than admiration on her very attractive face. “She is.”
“I was thinking that we could put her in charge of the apartments when we remodel them. One bedroom and two bedroom units would be perfect. What do you think?”
“You are thinking of putting her in charge? Why?” he asked her.
“You don’t think it’s a good idea?” she asked him curiously.
“Mother, we are just at the negotiating stage. Anything can happen in between.”
“And I am thinking ahead. What’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing.” He strove to be casual. “I just want us to get through acquiring the building before we start making plans.”
“Fair enough.” She rose gracefully. “I am turning in.”
“Goodnight, Mother.” He smiled at her.
He brooded into his drink the minute she left the room. He had come up and taken a long shower before going into the living room to do some thinking. He was leaving tomorrow and he was not sure what he should do!
*****
“Hello?” Her voice was groggy from sleep.
“I called you at ten and you did not pick up. Honey, you are getting from bad to worse.”
“Andrea,” she groaned and turning around she looked at the clock on the bedside table. Its blinking red lights showed that it was a quarter past one. She had come home and gone straight to bed without taking a shower. “I worked the three to eleven shift.”
“You did? Why?”
“Andrea, honey, I love you to pieces but I am not having this conversation now when I have to be up in a couple hours to go back to work.”
“Okay, honey, go back to sleep. We will talk tomorrow.”
Ebboni hung up the phone and stared up at the ceiling. She was wide awake now and knew she could not go back to sleep right away. He had kissed her! She shivered a little bit as she thought about it. He had not only kissed her but he had proposed to her. A marriage of convenience from one of the richest men in the world. She remembered when she was going through her bills she had thought about finding a rich husband but it had been idle thinking! She had to admit that when he had said it to her she had been so tempted. It would mean her bills would be paid, all of them! It would certainly mean that she would never have to worry about money again but at what cost? She closed her eyes wearily. He had probably said it out of impulse but somehow she had a feeling that Theodore Amberville the Third never said anything out of impulse!
