If he let me keep my job, I promised myself I’d always remember to ask for I.D. before starting a discussion with any man.
I let out a small laugh at the thought, then said, “I wanted to live and breathe Jane Austen novels for a while. And while there are reenactments and teas from her novels in the states, nothing is quite like being part of the authentic world, at least in terms of scenery.”
He stared at me, and I swear he saw right through me. “What exactly does that mean you do?”
Work for you. I cringed then tapped my foot and bobbed my head like I was happy and said, “Well, many weekends and all my vacation days are spent participating in reenactments.”
His eyes had a twinkle to them as he said, “So you follow your dream.”
This time, I smiled. He was right that I flew around the globe to have fun. “I suppose I do. What about you? What dreams are you chasing?”
I glanced ahead and saw his car. Swarms of butterflies took off in my stomach.
He’d hate me in a moment, but right now his voice had a sweet, soothing sound that made my insides beg for more as he said, “I always wanted to fly into outer space and dive deep into our oceans to uncover frightening but good-for-humanity secrets no one’s ever imagined before.”
This had to be how he charmed every woman on the planet. I took out the key from my back pocket and asked, “So you grew up wanting to be an astronaut and a deep-sea diver?”
I massaged the back of my head and wished he was someone who might be in my orbit a little longer, but knew it was just another pipe dream as he said, “Yeah, but really, I just find ways to fund my ideas.”
We stood in front of his car again, and he stopped, looking around as he rocked back and forth on his feet. “We’re here?”
My face was hot and probably blotchy. I clicked the button of his car for full effect and then held out my hand to shake his. “Yes, Mr. Grannd. I’m Stephanie Steel, and to pay for my dreams, I work in your headquarters in London.”
He stopped moving. “As my chauffeur?”
I opened the driver’s door and showed him the key. He pointed me to the passenger side as I said, “Not normally. But to be honest, the extra money for driving this car to London tomorrow was going to pay my rent and an upgrade on next year’s Jane Austen costume.”
He got in the driver’s side once I was in and said, “You know my name, so call me Charlie.”
Inappropriate. I looked down at my hands. I really didn’t want to look for a new job on top of everything else on my plate and said, “That’s probably not appropriate.”
He kept driving, though he glanced at me as he said, “Sure it is, Stephanie. And now we’re back, let’s get that beer.”
Seriously? My skin was jumpy, and I had a zap in my veins I didn’t understand, as I said, “You sure you want to be seen with the help?”
He laughed, then said, “I’m intrigued, to be honest.”
We made it to the inn, and he drove behind it to a parking area as I shook my head. “I shouldn’t, though.”
He laughed again as we parked but didn’t move to get out. “Because I’m your boss?”
I turned and my hand fell in his. There was rush of adrenaline from his touch, but I ignored it as I said, “Yeah, and I don’t want you thinking you can buy me.”
He squeezed my palm like he knew my reaction to him and said, “It seems I already have.”
My lips ached for his touch, and the air around me was tinged with his intent to kiss me. I jumped and unlocked the car to get out as I said, “Good night.”
He followed me out of the car and said, with the hood between us, “No, wait. I don’t mean anything offensive. Just sip a beer and tell me more about Jane Austen.”
Well, maybe if I was sure he wouldn’t fire me, I’d sleep better. I stood and waited till he was next to me, my heart beating faster with every inch he came closer.
No book ever made me feel like this, but I asked, “Why have you never read her books?”
We headed inside as he asked, “What did she think of Scots?”
I adjusted my necklace as he walked me to an empty table, and I continued like nothing was wrong. “She never talked about Scottish guys. She mentioned Gretna Green as a clandestine destination for couples following their passions.”
He snapped his fingers like he’d come to a decision. “I want to go there with you tomorrow.”
Two beers were delivered, and I was sure he’d ordered them before our little adventure. Once the waitress left, I whispered, “I wasn’t told I would be driving the boss.”
He finished his sip then asked me, “Can’t you think of me as a guy you just met that you want to kiss?”
I chuckled but shook my head. “No one in England will believe that.”
He scooted closer and whispered, “We’re not in England, lass.”
“No one in the world, then.” I sipped my beer and ignored the warmth in his eyes I couldn’t explain then said, “Since my sisters married well, I’m sure you’d fit in with their types, so I guess we can be friends, but only friends when we’re not at work.”
He put his beer down and scooted his chair closer to me, picking up my hand as he said, “I never like absolutes.”
My hands trembled, but I didn’t move away as I asked, “What do you mean?”
He rested his hands on my sides and said, “Stephanie, I’m going to kiss you now.”
My eyes closed in spite of my objections and I puckered, but I asked for one last moment of sanity. “Are you sure—”
Then his lips met mine.
No one ever made me forget like this. Ever. I curled my hands around his neck and murmured against his mouth, “Well, damn.”
He traced my spine until my body was mushy and warm, ready to do whatever he wanted, when he asked, “What?”
I ignored the urge to have one more taste and said, “I don’t want to actually start liking you, Charlie.”
Then he took that wall I’d tried to erect around myself and demolished it when he kissed me again.
I curled my fingers in his short, thick blond hair. His sweet lips met mine, and I forgot everything.
His voice was soft as the kiss ended and he asked, “Why not?”
Right now, I was alive in a way I’d never been before. But I let him go and pretended we were fine as I picked up my beer and said, “Because sex can’t happen between us.”
He stroked my ring finger. “Why? Are you married?”
The tickle of laughter in my throat almost burst out. The adrenaline in my veins made me act out of character as I said, “No.”
If I didn’t get out of here now, though, I’d do something stupid, like fuck my boss. So I gulped my drink until he said, “Good, neither am I. We can be true to our desires...if that’s what you want.”
Get up now. I swallowed and followed my own advice. I bounced to my feet and said, “Good night. If you’re serious about leaving with me tomorrow, I’ll be in the car at eight a.m.”
His answering grin made me burn to throw caution to the wind as he said, “So you’re saying you’ll drive my car to London without me if I don’t get up on time.”
Busted. I let out a breath. I was never very good at confrontations, but I stood tall and firm tonight. “Absolutely. I have the paperwork to show the police I’m just doing my job.”
He tilted his head like he saw straight through my lie. We both knew if he said noon, I’d comply, but he only said, “Then I’ll see you first thing in the morning.”
The knot in my stomach loosened and I pivoted to go. As I walked away, I knew he was staring at my ass. If he was another man, a normal man, I’d have made different choices tonight. But there is zero possibility that I will complicate my life even more.
Chapter 4
Charlie
I retired to my room but decided to run a background check on my employee in the next room. Then, I took a shower and decided to air dry, so Little Charlie was allowed to hang properly witho
ut being scratched by my swinging kilt while I checked my app.
My jaw dropped as I leaned against my small desk to support myself. I seriously hadn’t expected Stephanie to have such interesting contacts. My brother would be happy to have a connection with these wealthy men from various industries.
This meant I needed to be smart. Stephanie wasn’t a one-night stand where I’d knock on her door and get in her pants. I needed her to want to spend more time with me. She’d be perfect. I called my brother and strode across the room to look up at the stars. As his phone rang, I told myself, “You just got more interesting, Stephanie Steel.”
A moment later, the phone dinged and I squared my shoulders. I hated having to ask permission like a child, but I needed to know if she passed inspection.
I said, “Logan, there you are.”
I hit send to text her information to Logan so he’d have the background check. My brother’s phone beeped as he said, “It’s late, Charlie. Do you need me to come get you?”
I swear one of the stars above twinkled. I’d spent hours as a boy staring up and wanting to go see one up close. But for now, I simply said, “No, I just want to chat.”
“That’s odd.”
His comment shouldn’t sting, but he did sound exactly like our father, reminding me how he always hated my plans. I tugged my ear and said, “Earlier today, you said that if I show up with a woman—”
“—I said for you to be in a real relationship,” Logan interrupted.
I nodded. “Aye.” I needed the bank, so I ignored my urge to just follow my instincts because I wanted the woman. But I needed that bank, so it was important to ensure she was exactly what Logan wanted for me, too. The deal would guarantee the funding for my flying car project. “But right now, I want to know if Stephanie Steel, an American on my staff, would be acceptable. I just sent you the background report.”
He let out an audible breath like he usually did when reading. I waited and actually had pins and needles in my arms at the prospect that soon she’d be mine, though I wasn’t sure until Logan said, “Her family connections are excellent, though she does work for you.”
Yessss! My heart pounded. “I didn’t know that when I met her.”
“Very well. If you can bring her to me in a month, and you both seem happy and in love while you stay here the entire weekend, I’ll invest a little in your bank.”
I gave the moon in the sky a thumbs-up as I said, “You have a deal.”
We hung up and I jumped into my bed. Stephanie had mentioned something about rent and some horrible roommate. Before I closed my eyes, I grabbed my phone and texted Jeffrey, my HR head. Promote Stephanie Steel to my personal assistant and have her pay tripled.
I turned off the phone. My orders would be fulfilled. And soon, I’d have more than a kiss to send me off every morning.
I heard swallows outside my window and knew it was dawn. I jumped out of bed, and instead of wearing my clan kilt, I put on a pair of black pants and ambled down the stairs.
Once there, I ordered a proper Scottish breakfast for two for whenever Stephanie arrived. I didn’t have to wait long, as her hair practically floated behind her as she came down the last step. I waved to get her attention and stood as I said, “There you are.”
She adjusted the backpack she’d worn last night and came toward me. “I came down early to have a little breakfast.”
I kissed her cheek and held her chair for her. She took off the backpack as I said, “Same here. So let’s get you some tattie scones, lorne sausage and white pudding.”
Her nose wrinkled as she said, “I’m not that adventurous with my breakfast. How about eggs, and maybe some toast, and of course tea?”
I chuckled and said, “Let’s get you a little of everything, and then you can tell me what you think.”
I called the waitress over and added Stephanie’s choices. Once the waitress left, she said, “Okay, since you are paying for my food either way because the voucher ends up coming out of your pocket.”
The waiter brought everything over. I took her hand while the waiter set out our meals, and the second we were alone, I said, “Put the vouchers away and taste this.”
I laughed then took one of the tattie scones and dipped it in the melted butter.
Her eyes widened as she said, “Don’t—”
I shoved it in her mouth for a small nibble and said, “Butter makes the tattie scones a little better.”
She chewed her small bite and said, “It reminds me of a tater tot.”
I blinked and let her eat her own as I studied my own plate, though I asked, “What?”
She shook her head then tried a second tattie scone, which meant she liked it. As she finished, she said, “Nothing. Something in America we eat for breakfast.”
I winked at her. “So our cultures aren’t that different.”
We finished eating without much more conversation. She downed a few cups of tea, and somehow got me to focus on my food instead of being busy plotting and planning what I hoped to achieve next.
Peace was nice for a change. As she finished her last sip, she sat back and said, “Mr. Grannd—”
“Charlie, Stephanie,” I interrupted her. I needed her to want to be close to me, but at the same time she made me wonder if maybe a long-term relationship with a woman who both let me dream and somehow calmed my racing mind might be good for me.
I picked her backpack up off the floor to carry it for her. She crossed her arms for a moment, like she was getting ready to argue with me, but then she said, “Let’s get to the car.”
“Excellent.” I walked beside her, but as I put the bag in the back, she took the driver’s seat.
I didn’t argue, instead saying, “I can’t wait to ask you more questions.”
We both put on our seatbelts and she asked, “What kind of questions?”
She started the car, and I relaxed in my seat, opening the window as I said, “Like, would you consider moving in with me?”
She jerked the car to a stop. “No.” She gripped the wheel hard and stared at the street, not me, as she said, “I’m driving you to pay the rent.”
“Yes,” I even nodded, and she started driving again. Then once we were on the street, I shrugged and added, “And while I’d apply to be your roommate, I feel you’re a bit prejudiced about me.”
Her voice squeaked as she asked, “I’m prejudiced?”
The fresh air against my face felt and smelled good as she drove us down the street, though I rested my head on the seat and said, “Where I’m concerned, aye.”
We headed onto the main road, and she picked up speed as she finally stopped holding the wheel so hard. “So you remember the troubles I told you about before I discovered who you are.”
I gave her my best smile and hoped she’d learn to relax around me soon. “Just consider this. If you move into my townhome, it solves your rent situation and you’ll make it easier for me when you take me to one of your reenactments.”
She tapped her toes, with her fingers curled around the steering wheel, but otherwise sat stiff and quiet in a way that made my hair stand on end while I waited for her to speak, until she said, “You can’t want that, Charlie.”
Right. This wasn’t a sprint but a long-term game we were playing here. The last girl I remember having in my life was more of a blur at this moment. And Stephanie’s kiss was vibrant and memorable and deserved to be cherished. I swallowed and waved my fingers out the window to feel the sting of the speed as I said, “I want to know you, and that includes what you’re into.”
Her face got some color as she remembered to breathe, then said, “I’m all about the past and you’re the future. We have nothing in common.”
I inched closer to her and whispered in her ear. “Except chemistry. Or did you not feel that connection when I kissed you?”
She flinched and swerved the car. So I relaxed and immersed myself in the vibrations.
She didn’t say anything for a while.
> Then we passed a sign and I said, “Gretna Green is coming up.”
“Yeah,” she said, sounding withdrawn.
I obviously hadn’t impressed her. She wasn’t like other women. I met her look when she glanced at me, though, then said, “I can’t wait to hear you talk about it.”
For a second, I didn’t think she’d let down her walls, but then she asked, “Why are you so interested in me? And don’t just say ‘it’s chemistry’.”
Good. Finally. I kept it cool and didn’t move a muscle because I didn’t want to spoil the moment when I asked, “Is chemistry a bad thing to talk about with you?”
She let out a sigh, but it sounded the same as before. Then she said, “We have nothing in common.”
If she was like me, we probably wouldn’t get along at all. I unbuttoned the top button of my shirt and asked, “Was your ex into all your historical stuff?”
Her face turned beet red and said, “Yeah, he was. He’s an actor.”
“Actors are not known for loyalty. I’ve met a few.” I leaned back, hands behind my head, and said, “Tell you what. I’ll call it market research, and maybe I can make a three-D version so anyone interested in living a Jane Austen life can experience it without having to move to London.”
This time, she smiled and said, “Is that what you want from me?”
I stared at her breasts and she angled her head like she was hiding her expression from me. Then, I said without blinking, “Oh no, I want you in my bed. Don’t get that confused. But we can do more than that if you let me in.”
She took the exit and followed the signs for the Gretna Green stop, but then she said, “Charlie, I can see why you get everything you ever go after.”
“Why is that?”
She pulled into a parking spot as she shook her head. “Because you are so damn inviting.”
As she turned off the engine, I reached out and brushed her shoulder as I said, “So you’re finally going to kiss me?”
She played with her necklace as she gazed at me. “Is that what you want?”
“Yes.” I said, then unbuckled my seatbelt.
Scottish Seducer: Opposites Attract: Jane Austin fangirl and the Scottish Billionaire (Steel Series Book 6) Page 3
