by Suzy Shearer
This was the lifestyle. A multimillion dollar view, a life of luxury, and the unknown faced her. Who would ever believe her if she told them?
Finally, relaxing properly for the first time since she’d boarded the train early yesterday morning, Laura ate and drank in the scene before her. Even the pain in her wrist couldn’t diminish her joy. When she finished eating, Laura picked up her mobile and rang Peter Bailey’s number.
“Hello, could I speak with Peter Bailey? Laura Keell here.”
“Certainly, Miss Keell. One moment and I’ll put you through. I hope you’re feeling better.”
“Yes, thank you.”
A couple of minutes later, Peter’s voice came down the line.
“Laura! Hello, how are you?”
“Fine, Mr. Bailey.”
“Peter, call me Peter. How’s the wrist?”
“Broken. I’m in plaster.”
“Oh dear, is there anything I can do for you?”
“Actually, yes. I don’t want to keep the apartment, so I was wondering if you knew any agents I could use to sell it. In the letter my father wrote he said he was considering selling.”
“Are you still in Sydney?”
“Yes, I didn’t get away from the hospital till late last night. I’m at the apartment now. I’ll stay here while I get things sorted.”
“Excellent. Yes, you are right, your father was going to sell it and had made a few enquiries with various agents. I actually have the name of the one he was going to choose. If you like, I can give him a ring and see if he can see you.”
“Oh, would you? Yes, please. This is a strange town to me, and I have no idea where anything is, or where to start looking for agents. By the way, my father’s house in Kurmond, where on Earth is that?”
Peter gave a laugh and said, “It’s at the foot of the Blue Mountains. It is a lovely area and the house is delightful, very beautiful. Your father had me out there a few times with my wife for a meal or two when it was first built.”
“He wrote that he hoped I would live there with him.”
“Yes, it was his wish. I’m so sorry the two of you never met. I’m very sure you would have liked each other.”
Laura could hear the genuine sadness in his voice and felt her throat close. She gulped before speaking.
“I want to move there. I know I haven’t seen it, but I feel it would bring us closer. I want a new start, a fresh life, and this would be the perfect way to do it.”
“Stuart would love to know you were living there.” The happiness in Peter’s voice was unmistakeable.
“I think so, too.”
“So you’ll sell the Sydney apartment and move up to Kurmond?”
“That’s the plan. I have a tiny unit in Canberra that I’ll sell as well.”
“Right. Give me twenty minutes and I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thanks, Peter.”
Laura hung up feeling things were moving. She’d have to arrange to have her father’s clothing removed and perhaps the furniture. Maybe she could sell it furnished? Wait and see what the agent says.
Fifteen minutes later, Peter rang back.
“I’ve spoken with the agent. His name is Brian Wilson, like the Beach Boy, and he’s asked if he could call on you at ten tomorrow.”
“That would be fine, Peter.”
“Excellent. How’s the arm feeling?”
“Sore still. The doctor told me it would be sore for a few days. It’s still badly swollen and they were concerned, so it only has a temporary plaster on it. I have to watch my hand for the next few days to make sure the blood supply is okay, then see my doctor when the swelling’s gone down to have it replastered. Apart from that, six to eight weeks and I’ll be back to normal.”
“I think you should make Tobias pay your expenses, Laura.”
“Well, Medicare covered it, and anyway I have private insurance.”
“What about your jacket and top? I saw the paramedic slit both sleeves.”
Laura gave a chuckle. “Well, the jacket’s now in the rubbish bin at the hospital, and the top is heading for the same fate.”
“In that case, I think Tobias Duncan should pay for them, don’t you?”
“Honestly, it’s fine, don’t worry.”
“No, I insist, Laura. I’ll send him a bill for six hundred dollars.”
“Six? The jacket only cost me one-fifty, and the top was forty dollars.”
“In that case, I think we should charge him the six plus another four hundred for pain and suffering.”
Laura burst into laughter.
“Peter, that’s crazy.”
“Nonsense, he can well afford it and it will remind him to be careful in the future. To be honest, Laura, you were very lucky you didn’t tumble down those stairs. I looked at them this morning, they are very long and steep. I know you would have been seriously injured, if not killed had you fallen down them.”
She gave a shiver as she replied, “I know. It scared the heck out of me when I realised how lucky I was.”
“Extremely lucky to just have a broken wrist, I think. Right. Well, it’s all arranged. The agent will see you in the morning and I’ll send Mr. Duncan a bill for one thousand dollars.”
“I think you’re a wicked man, Peter,” Laura said with a giggle.
“You have no idea. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“Will you act as my agent in the sale please?”
“I’d be honoured to, Laura.”
“Thanks, and if you don’t mind, later I’ll talk with you about money. I want to invest some of it, well most of it, and my father suggested you would be able to steer me in the right direction.”
“That I can certainly do. We’ll talk on the phone next week and arrange a meeting to discuss things.”
“Thank you, Peter, goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Laura.”
Laura hung up feeling things were moving. Tomorrow she’d talk with the agent and know whether she had to sell off the furniture. In the meantime, she’d rest up and try to get back to reality.
* * * *
“Toby? Peter here. I spoke with Miss Keell and she agrees with me to send you an account for one thousand dollars.”
“Miss Keell, the beautiful woman?”
“Yes, the very same.”
“Wonderful. How is she?”
“The wrist is broken and badly swollen. She’s staying in the city for a few days, so if you’d like to get a cheque over to me I’ll make sure she gets it.”
“I can take it, just give me the name of the hotel she’s staying at.”
“Ha ha very funny, my boy. I don’t think so.”
“Damn, okay, Uncle, I’ll drop it in later.”
“Goodbye.”
Tobias hung up with a huge grin. It wasn’t as much as he’d like, but at least he could contact her via his uncle. He quickly wrote out a cheque for the money and spoke with Alice.
“Where’s the nearest florist, Alice?”
“There’s one in the hotel opposite.”
“Great. Have Frank wait for me outside there.”
He raced out of the office and down to the entrance. Dodging the traffic, he darted across the road and went into the hotel florist.
“I’d like a large arrangement, please.”
“Certainly, sir. Do you have anything particular in mind?”
“I think I want all shades of light colours. In a vase.”
The assistant pointed out various blooms and vases. Tobias pointed to a large square, clear glass container and some flowers nearby.
“That one. What are those flowers?”
“They’re sweet peas, sir. Very beautiful with lovely fragrance.”
“I like them. Can I have them in that soft apricot colour, the pastel pink, and some cream?”
“Certainly. Perhaps some roses or carnations as well?”
She’d lifted out a few sweet peas in the colours Tobias had selected, then added the cream and very li
ght pink roses and carnations.
“Yes, that’s nice. I want plenty of flowers, please. Really fill that vase.”
The lady gathered more buds and flowers and took them over to a counter. She handed Tobias a card and pen.
“Perhaps you would like to write something while I arrange them for you?”
Tobias nodded his thanks, thought for a moment, and then wrote on the card before slipping it into an envelope. Ten minutes later, he walked out to meet Frank behind a huge bunch of flowers. He had to admit they looked and smelt amazing. After getting Frank to drive him to his uncle’s, Tobias carried the flowers up to Peter’s office. He was able to go straight in, and Peter gave a laugh when he saw him.
“For me? You shouldn’t have.”
“Very funny, Uncle. These are for Miss Keell.”
He put the flowers on the edge of the desk, then pulled out the cheque and looked over at his uncle with a sneaky look on his face.
“I can easily deliver them. I have Frank outside.”
“No, it’s fine.” Peter waved his hand dismissively and tapped his intercom. “Meredith, could you send Danny Brown in, please.”
Peter pulled out an envelope and put the cheque inside, he referred to a folder then wrote on the envelope front. A moment later, a young fellow came into the office.
“Ah, Danny, take these flowers and envelope to the address on the front please. As it’s almost four, you can go home after you’ve delivered them.”
When the boy left the room laden down with the flowers, Tobias quickly stood.
“I’ll leave you now, Uncle.”
“Sit down, Toby. You will wait here at least ten minutes before you go. I know your plan.”
Chagrined filled Tobias as he sat down on one of the couches. His uncle had seen right through him.
“Will you be home tonight, Toby?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss saying goodbye to Aunt Fiona. You and Aunt Maeve will be over for dinner, won’t you?”
“Yes. We’re going to the airport as well in the morning to say goodbye to Fiona.”
“I’m sure Aunt will miss her sister. Any chance she might move back here?”
“I wouldn’t think so, she has her children and grandchildren in England still.”
Twiddling his fingers impatiently for another ten minutes, Tobias jumped to his feet and bid a hasty retreat. Racing down to Frank, he asked him which direction the flowers had gone.
“Down toward the shore.”
“Damn. I suppose it’s too late now to find him.”
“I’d say so. You should have told me to follow them when you left. I could have rung you and come back.”
“I know. I just didn’t think of it.”
The only good thing to come out of today was Tobias now knew her full name—Laura Keell. He and Frank went back to the office where Tobias said goodbye to the staff. He’d already packed his bags and left the apartment. Frank drove him to his house and then left for the weekend.
Chapter Six
“Hello, Ms. Keell, it’s Arthur from the lobby. A boy is here with flowers and a letter for you.”
“Flowers? Wow, thank you, Arthur. Can you send him up, please?” Laura said into the house phone.
“Of course.”
A minute later, Laura opened the door to find what looked like an enormous bunch of flowers with legs.
“Miss Keell? I’m from Mr. Bailey’s office. These are for you,” said a muffled voice from somewhere behind the flowers.
Laura stepped to one side.
“Can you put them on the kitchen bench please?”
She followed the boy to the kitchen, then took the envelope he handed her. After saying goodbye, she let him out and relocked the front door. Opening the envelope first, she laughed as she saw a cheque for one thousand dollars, then she looked at the beautiful flowers. It was an amazing arrangement, so many beautiful buds and flowers, she carefully filled the stunning vase with water. It was beyond her to move it to another place in the house with one hand, but she could see it from all corners of the large room. The perfume coming from them was delicious. To Laura it smelt of summer days and raindrops. There was a small envelope attached and Laura pulled out the card inside.
Dear, Miss Keell:
Please accept my apologies. I really was a bull elephant.
If you could find it in your heart to accept my apology, would you allow me to buy you dinner as part compensation for my idiocy?
Yours, Tobias Duncan.
Underneath was a mobile number.
Now she had his full name. Laura couldn’t stop the surge of heat that ran through her body. The sexy Mr. Duncan wanted to take her out for a meal. Laura was tempted, but then realised he was probably just trying to get in her good books in case she decided to sue him or something. Regretfully, she put the card down.
It would be nice to see him under different circumstances, but she doubted her heart would cope with meeting someone as handsome and sexy as him, and then not seeing him again. Better to just ignore his invitation. She’d send him her thanks via Peter Bailey.
After taking a deep breath over the lovely flowers and drawing in their wonderful scent once again, Laura went back outside and sat down in the sunshine. Despite the fact she’d ended up injured, she couldn’t get Tobias Duncan out of her mind. Even his name gave her shivers. He was everything she liked in a man and more. It had been a long time since she’d been intimate. She’d had dates, enjoyed time with men, but no one had struck a spark, none had her gasping for more. Of course, she had dark desires that not many men would accept. Most would probably run in the opposite direction including, she feared, the delectable Tobias Duncan.
There had only been two men who got excited when they learnt her secret, but unfortunately sex with one was about as exciting as watching paint dry, and the other? Well Colin had left her high and dry when he’d discovered she couldn’t have children, and it had taken her years to get over his betrayal.
What was her secret?
It wasn’t anything bad, but for some reason it made men run away very fast. Laura loved to be in control, she wanted nothing more than a full-blooded, hot sexy man who would obey her every whim. One who would suck her toes if she asked, one who would let her spank his attractive bottom, paint her fingernails, shower her with attention. A man who would fuck her like crazy in every way she could think of, one who wouldn’t come until she allowed it. You only had to look at Tobias Duncan and the way he’d acted to know he was an “in charge” kind of guy, not the sort who would hand sexual control over to the woman in his life.
Yes—those desires of hers would have Mr. Duncan hot-footing it away from her as fast as possible.
The evening passed quietly. Laura cooked her steak with some frozen veggies. She indulged in a long bath, albeit with one arm hanging over the side. She then lay on the king-size bed upstairs in the master bedroom watching television until she fell asleep. Next morning, she had a quick breakfast of toast and tea then waited for the real estate agent to arrive. She’d rung down to the concierge to let them know she was expecting a Brian Wilson around ten. The name made her giggle thinking of the Beach Boys and their Brian Wilson.
Five past ten, and he arrived looking absolutely nothing like his namesake. Short, very slender and balding. She and Brian exchanged greetings then looked around the apartment. Fifteen minutes later, they sat at the dining table and talked.
“I had spoken with Mr. McClain about selling the property earlier. I’m sure you realise this is a very desirable location and apartment, Laura.”
“Yes, I can see that, but I’m moving to Kurmond and need to sell this, plus another small unit in Canberra.”
“Right. Let’s get down to business. Furnished or unfurnished?”
“Which would sell the best?
“To be honest it’s really hard to say, some people want the furniture because they only use the apartment part-time, others want it empty so they can decorate it to their own
desires.”
Laura nodded. “Yes I understand.”
“In saying that I think we should market it to the business crowd. They’re usually looking for something they can just walk into. The decor and furnishings here are the highest quality. On top of that they have the money and are willing to pay up quickly for convenience.”
“Do you think it will go fast?”
“In this location, I have no doubt. Now as far as the asking price goes, if you sell it as is with these lovely furnishings, I’m thinking we put it on the market at 4.75 million. Would that suit you?”
Laura had to hide her gasp of surprise with a cough then said, “Yes. Yes, it would.”
“Excellent. That figure gives us some manoeuvring room. Let’s do the paperwork and get things moving. I have a few clients who’ve express interest in something similar, so I have a feeling it won’t be on the market long. If we’re lucky it should be gone within a week or so.”
“Just how much do you really think we’ll get?”
“I’m pretty confident around the four and a half mill. My fees will be around one hundred grand and the rest is yours. Will Peter Bailey be your agent?”
“Yes, he will.”
“Great. I’ll send a copy of the paperwork to him.”
“I’ll be going back to Canberra possibly Monday, can I leave keys with you?”
“Yes, that’s fine. I’ll keep in touch and let you know whenever I bring anyone into the place. Do you have an estate agent in Canberra?”
“No, not yet. Does your company have a branch there?”
“Yes, we do have branches in Canberra and work closely together. If you allow me I can make arrangements for that sale also.”
