by Elsie Davis
“I did offer you the bed in my mother’s room.”
“Yes, but when you offered, I didn’t feel right about it. But last night made me regret my decision.”
“At least in New York, you’ll have my king-size bed to get lost in.” Garrett grinned.
“It sounds heavenly. The idea of sleeping alone on a king does have a certain appeal.” April looked up at him as if for confirmation, the word alone a clear message.
“Yes, and it’ll be me on the couch.” He landed the point nicely, confirming he had no desire to sleep with her.
“You can’t guilt me into sharing your bed.” She quipped, the dimple on her chin a giveaway she was teasing. The idea did have a certain appeal, but it wasn’t what he’d been after.
“I wouldn’t think of it.” Garrett sipped his coffee but couldn’t hold back the grin threatening to escape.
Sandy started to fuss up in her room. “Guess that’s my call button for the next two weeks. Lucky you.”
Garrett chuckled as April left the room in a hurry, apparently unwilling to let him see her embarrassment, but she’d been too late. He had seen the attractive pink blush on her cheeks. It was endearing.
He picked up his coffee and headed for his mother’s office. The place still held a hint of Jessica’s perfume from yesterday when they’d worked together for hours going over his mother’s business accounts. Her arrival yesterday had come as a surprise, and her obvious interest in him made it difficult to accept the help she offered, but he needed it, knowing he was leaving in the morning. By the time they were through, he’d arranged for someone to check in on the house, to transfer the craft boutique sales data program to his computer system in the city and worked out a plan with Jessica about how to manage everything going forward.
Garrett still had a few more things to finalize before they could leave. He wanted to visit his mother’s favorite spot on the estate. There hadn’t been time before today, but now, with him leaving again, he refused to leave without going.
* * *
April got dressed quickly, not wanting to linger in her pajamas, especially not after Garrett had made fun of them. It was better than a granny nightgown any day. What did he expect her to wear, some sexy satin boxer shorts and a camisole?
She headed up the stairs to get Sandy and was shocked to find the older kids already up and getting dressed, practically ready to head out the door. They’d had a complete change of attitude since their talk, and it made her morning easy.
“Breakfast is on the table. Eat up before it’s time to leave.”
“Okay.” The pair of them raced down the stairs.
April shook her head, entered Sandy’s room, and made her way to the crib. “Good morning, sunshine. Ready to fly in a helicopter? I bet this is your first flight. I wonder if we can get you wings?” April grabbed Sandy’s fingers as she pulled at the butterfly pinned on her shirt, preferring not to lose the one thing she had left of her mother’s. She picked out Sandy’s clothes, helped her to dress, and threw a few last-minute items into a bag, including Sandy’s stuffed bunny she slept with every night.
Holding on to the rail with one hand, April carried Sandy downstairs.
The kids were still in the kitchen, wolfing down their breakfast. She put Sandy in her booster seat and gave her a piece of toast and fed her cereal, trying to keep her extra clean for the trip. They talked excitedly about their adventure.
It would seem everything had come together nicely despite the rush, with the exception that she hadn’t been able to return home and get more clothes. But she was going to New York, home of fashion and clothes galore. When else would she get the chance to splurge on herself, or have the extra money in her pocket to do it?
Rufus barked, letting everyone know someone was at the front door and sending her into a panic. She glanced at her watch. Yikes. If it was the chauffeur, the man was early.
Bryan jumped up to leave. “The man’s out front, and it’s time to leave.” He was having a hard time holding back his excitement.
“Take a chill pill,” Melanie huffed, following close on the heels of her brother, her arm bound in a sling and not bothering her in the least.
“Stop right there.” Both kids stopped and spun around.
“Bowls in the sink, please. And do you both have everything you used last night or this morning that you need to take in your backpacks? Chargers. Tablets.”
“Yes, ma’am.” They both were quick to respond, fidgeting, and glancing down the hall.
“You need to brush your teeth and pack your toothbrush.”
“Yes, ma’am.” They sprinted out of the room, the thud of their footsteps racing up the stairs sounded like a herd of elephants. Moments later, the herd of elephants raced back down the stairs just as April finished cleaning the dishes and tidying the kitchen.
She carried Sandy into the living room just as Melanie opened the door, letting Rufus charge past her.
“Great. She let the dog out, now what do we do?” Bryan’s frustration with his sister was evident.
“I couldn’t help it. I’ve only got one arm to use, thanks to you,” Melanie whined.
“Wasn’t my fault.” Bryan instantly became defensive, and just like that, April knew what was coming. It was a sibling thing.
“Was too. You wanted to climb the dumb tree.”
“Knock it off you two. Bryan, grab his leash and see if you can call him. I’ll be right back down to help.”
She would deal with things one at a time. And first on her list was getting Sandy’s teeth brushed. Then she’d deal with the dog. It’s not as though he’d run off far, the monster dog overly attached to the kids.
When they finished, she pulled open the door and started to drag the luggage out onto the front porch, wondering where Garrett was. It was two minutes to eight.
“Here, ma’am, let me get those.” The chauffeur appeared relaxed in his polo shirt and slacks as he picked up the first two bags.
“Oh, thank you. That would be wonderful.”
And just like clockwork, Garrett appeared in the hall. “What can I do to help?”
“Little late for that question. Yesterday, help would have been even more appreciated.” Teasing with a little truth mixed in. Yesterday, his help would have been great, but she wasn’t sure if it was because she’d needed it, or because he’d been closeted away all day with the darling Jessica, whose interest was all too obvious, leaving April a bit jealous and confused about why she should be feeling that way. It would do her no good to start imagining her and Garrett together.
Imagining always led to trouble.
“I’m sorry. I was so tied up in my mom’s affairs, I didn’t think to see if you needed help. You always seem to have everything under control. I got a lot of work done, so I appreciate it.”
“Guess that’s why you pay me the big bucks,” she teased.
“Do you need any help now?” He glanced around to see what was left.
“The driver already took care of the bags. I think you timed it that way on purpose.”
Garrett’s smile deepened, but he shook his head. “Not me,” he added innocently.
“To answer your question, yes, we need help. You can get the dog. Melanie accidentally let him out, and he’s outside running around, which isn’t a bad thing before a long trip. I’ll get the kids in the car if you can get the dog.”
“Or we could just leave him here and let Jessica take care of him. My place isn’t cut out for a dog.” Garrett’s comment didn’t sound as if he were joking.
She shook her head. “Or not. Pick your battles, mister, and this isn’t one of them. You’ll learn that soon enough.”
“It was worth a try.” He shrugged and headed out the door, intent on rounding up Rufus.
Within minutes, kids, adults, and the dog were successfully in the limo. The kids were kept occupied looking out the window and playing car games all the way to the airport. Garrett and April ended up next to each other, and the
smell of his cologne lured her into taking deep breaths and savoring the spicy mix. It was all man. Warm and sexy.
Garrett looked at her and smiled. The kind of smile that made her heart do a topsy-turvy roll before she turned away. Don’t start getting any ideas. He’s just nice because you’re doing him a huge favor.
“Yuck, gross. The dog just drooled on me.” Melanie brushed the spit off her arm and wiped it on her pants. At least she didn’t wipe it on her brother.
“Just wash your hands when we get to the airport. He’s probably hot.” April tried to console her.
On the drive, Bryan talked nonstop about the helicopter ride, the kid a fount of information on the subject. His dad had given him a model helicopter for his birthday eight months ago, and it was the last connection he remembered. Bryan treasured the model chopper he and his dad had built together. And now, Garrett was giving him a new treasure—a real ride in one.
April’s palms were sweaty, and she rubbed them on her pants, trying to hide her fear of flying. She gripped her purse tighter as they pulled into the airport and drove past the main terminal area toward the heliport and their ride. The helicopter was bigger than she’d imagined and seeing it up this close made it more real.
“Wow, that’s huge.” Bryan’s excitement was the opposite of the gut-clenching nerves April was experiencing.
“That’s an Airbus H160. It holds up to twelve passengers. I figured we needed plenty of room for everyone and everything, including the dog. That beast takes up a lot of space.” Garrett chuckled, reaching out to pat the beast on the head.
Bryan jumped out of the car the second it stopped.
“Hold up, Bryan,” Garrett called out as the kid started toward the helicopter. The blades were turning at a low speed as part of the warm-up process. “You need to hold someone’s hand as we make our way to the chopper because the wind force generated by the turning blades is enough to knock you over.” Garrett took his hand.
“Naaa. I’m tough.” Bryan grimaced and tried to pull away, not wanting to be babied.
Garrett didn’t let loose his hand. “It’s easier if you crouch a bit and stay low.” Bryan quit resisting and walked beside him to the chopper door. He lifted Bryan up inside and then returned for Melanie, followed by Rufus, who didn’t seem to be a fan of the noise. Garrett took the leash and pulled the dog toward the helicopter.
“Come on, Rufus, don’t be afraid.” The dog followed but only because Garrett kept pulling to guide him forward.
The chauffeur and another man loaded the luggage. Garrett came back to help April and Sandy. “Here, let me have the baby. I can give you a hand up and then hand her back to you.” He spoke loud enough to be heard over the whirring of the blades.
“Thanks.” April handed Sandy over, but she was having trouble taking a step forward.
“Are you okay? You seem nervous about this.”
“I’ll be fine.” She nodded and started forward, determined not to show her fear. She had to be strong. To show weakness allowed people to take advantage of you.
He climbed in behind her and started to systematically buckle the children in their seats, double-checking everything. Satisfied everything was in order, he moved to work on April’s safety straps. “Take a couple of deep breaths. You’ll be fine.” He clicked the buckle in place.
“Is it that obvious?” April asked, her voice still tense.
Garrett pulled tightly on the end of the straps to make it secure. “To me, it is, but your secret is safe. I fly this way all the time, and I swear you’ll love it. Just give it a chance. Remember, it’s an adventure.” He winked at her, chucking her chin with his forefinger.
She took a deep breath and exhaled, trying to heed his advice. The whirring sound got louder, and the helicopter started to vibrate. Seconds later, they were going up. Higher and higher. Bryan and Melanie had their faces pressed to the glass, and even Sandy seemed impressed. Only April remained tense, but even that lessened as the pilot pointed out a few things for them along the way, his voice crackling through the headset they all wore. Garrett’s constant reassurance went a long way to easing her tension, and by the time they arrived two hours later, even April was enjoying the ride.
“Welcome to New York City.” Garrett’s warm words were directed at the entire group, but the twinkle in his eyes was just for her.
Chapter Seven
April had never been to the city before, and as the chauffeur drove the limo through the streets, she felt like they were just one of the many ants hustling around with what appeared to be total chaos, but each with an agenda. People were everywhere, and everyone seemed to be headed somewhere important, rushing about the way they did. Horns honked. The cars stopped and started on a dime. Street vendors called out, selling their wares. There were even musicians and acrobats performing, looking to make a few bucks. The buildings stretched upward, touching the sky, hundreds of them. Or more like thousands.
The kids were loving every minute. It was a fun place that never rested. The permanently on merry-go-round. Fascinating and daunting all at the same time.
The driver pulled in front of a large building and stopped.
“This is where I live. Sutton Hill. It’s on the south side of Manhattan.” Garrett grabbed hold of the dog’s leash and pushed open the door. He exited the limo and turned back to help her while keeping a firm hold on Rufus.
The older kids piled out, both stopping to look around and then up at the tall buildings all around. April took Sandy’s hand and held on tightly to keep her safe. A man dressed in uniform met them at the limo.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Bradley. Welcome back.” The man was probably in his late twenties and quite fit, judging by the way he began loading their luggage on the elevator cart as if the cases weighed next to nothing.
“Thanks, Ted. It’s good to be back.” Garrett turned toward her and the kids. “I’d like you to meet April St. James, and this is Bryan, Melanie, and Sandy Williams. They’re going to be staying with me for quite a while. If Miss St. James needs any help, I’d appreciate it if you’d help her in any way you can when I’m not around.” Garrett handed him some money.
The man smiled his appreciation. “Absolutely, Mr. Bradley. Thank you.”
“Oh, and the first order of business, can you call the building dog walker and get him to add Rufus to his schedule? Just text me with the times he has available. Twice a day, I would assume.” Garrett looked at her for confirmation.
April nodded.
“Yes, Mr. Bradley. I’ll get right on it. The dog walker’s name is Wade.” Ted reached out and patted Rufus on the head. “You’ll approve of him. He understands dogs, and they all take to him like he’s their new best friend.”
“Perfect.” They all headed up the steps and inside the building. The lobby was crisp and clean, the white-tiled floor nothing April would want to keep clean considering the traffic that would come through here.
They didn’t have to wait long for the elevator. Garrett scanned his key card, and the elevator began to climb endlessly, finally coming to a stop. The kids were still running on high energy, but she could tell they were slowing down. The trip had worn them out. Lucky for her, it would be an early bedtime for them, and she wouldn’t be far behind them. Travel had a way of wearing out young and old alike.
“Here we are.” Garrett pushed open the door, stepping back to hold it open and let them pass through. Bryan had taken charge of Rufus, the dog minding him quite well, at least for the moment. A new place would likely need to be explored, every inch of it.
“Hold on to him tightly, Bryan. He’s got a lot of pent-up energy, and it’s a new place he’ll want to explore. I’m sure we need to dog-proof and Sandy proof the place.”
“I’ve got him.” Bryan waltzed right in, confident in his abilities to handle the dog. Melanie was right behind him, and Sandy stuck close to her sister.
April was stunned by the luxurious appearance of Garrett’s home. Everything was crisp and cl
ean and ultra-contemporary with lots of white, tan, and black. It all perfectly complemented and matched, but it was void of all personal effects. There was no warmth or character to reflect the man who lived here in the design. The place appeared as though it could grace the centerfold of House Beautiful magazine and not a place someone actually lived in.
“Whoa,” Melanie exclaimed.
“You can say that again,” Bryan dittoed the sentiment. “You live here?”
The kids raced into the living room, Bryan tugging on the dog’s leash to make him follow. “Look at this.” Bryan pointed out the window.
“You gotta see this,” Melanie echoed her brother’s sentiment.
April was impressed by the view as well, but she was more concerned about Rufus knocking something over. The dog started to bark and pulled at the leash, trying to drag Bryan in the direction of the hall.
Garrett started toward Bryan. “Can’t you keep him—”
“Garrett, you’re home. I wasn’t expecting you this early.” They all swung around to check out the newcomer. A beautiful woman stepped into the living room, having come from down the hall where April expected the bedrooms were.
The woman’s dark-blue pencil skirt and light-blue silk blouse fit her shapely figure without more than an inch to spare, emphasizing every curve. Her shirt was unbuttoned just to the point of indiscretion, revealing the swell of her ample bosoms.
“Brooke, what are you doing here?” Garrett obviously knew the woman but hadn’t expected her. Not that it meant much if she had a key to his place.
Rufus broke free from Bryan. “Rufus, no!” April shouted.
There was no stopping the dog as he charged toward the woman. Rufus jumped up, his front paws landing on Brooke’s silky blouse, almost knocking her over.
Brooke screamed. “Garrett, get him down.”
“Rufus, no.” Garrett charged forward, grabbed the dog by the collar, and pulled him back. He led him toward one of the bedrooms, pushed him inside, and closed the door.
April knew he was furious but opted to remain silent. Brooke brushed fur off her blouse, inspecting it for damage. She brushed her hair back from her face, letting her chin rise a notch as she looked them over, disdain written on her face. “What is the meaning of this? Who are these people?”
