Murdoch

by C J Matthew

  Chapter 12

  Annalisa

  Annalisa curled up on the sofa across from Vic. The VP’s townhouse was exactly what she’d expected a top executive at Muirdris to own. And it was walking distance to work. Was her secure space in this building?

  The only puzzling pieces of décor, like which one doesn’t belong? All the paintings, prints, etchings, even woodcuts featured forests and woodland scenes chock full of small wild creatures. Maybe Vic was related to Snow White.

  They’d watched the press conference and subsequent questions and answers session, televised live on a local TV channel. Murdoch had been perfect. He looked good enough to eat. Sounded sexy as hell. Maybe she was a trifle biased. He’d certainly come across as strong yet humble and caring and grateful.

  Vic’s phone beeped. “A text from Murdoch. Crowd is wicked crazy. I’ll pick up HR Lance, bring him there. After Lance, we finish shopping. Or eat, then shop. Up to you. XXOO.”

  Vic‘s eyebrow arched.

  Certain her warm face was pink with blushing, Annalisa hurried to say, “I’m sorry we’re intruding. We’re shopping for my replacement phone.”

  “You must be going nuts without it.”

  “I am.”

  Vic rose and said, “Do you think Ryan will come inside this time?”

  “I have no idea.” It was her turn trying to read Vic’s expression. The woman was a sphinx.

  Vic gestured to the hallway. “Would excuse me? If I’m entertaining Murdoch and the head of HR, I need to do a quick tidy-up.”

  Starting to push up from the couch, Annalisa asked, “Can I help?”

  “No, relax, put your feet up,” Vic said. “I’ll be back in a couple minutes.”

  Alone in the quiet living room, Annalisa sipped lukewarm coffee and considered Murdoch. What was her next step? She’d forgiven him for lying about his identity. And she admired the heck out of his desire to stick with it until they found the conspirator selling protocols. Still, on the personal front, despite what he said, he was definitely rushing her. Maybe because once she returned home, she’d be thousands of miles away? Still, what was this thing between them? Emotions changing and moving at light speed. Was that a good thing or bad? Damn it. She had a reputation for logical thought. Right now, her brain was acting like a tilt-a-whirl. How could she be this crazy about someone she didn’t know all that well?

  Before she’d arrived at any earth-shattering decisions, the doorbell rang. Crap. Now she got to bare her personal life to Muirdris’s head of the HR department.

  Interrogation over, back in the Escalade, Annalisa chose to return to the village near Murdoch’s mansion for dinner and then gown shopping. Murdoch made several calls he assured her would smooth their way. Seemed the man was determined to spoil her.

  By the time the remains of their salads were whisked away, and the main dinner course arrived, she’d managed to seriously relax. “You were amazing at the press conference.”

  Murdoch shook his head. “It was a mistake to let that reporter bait me into answering a question about fuel consumption on our older vessels.”

  “What are you supposed to do? Ignore him?”

  “Ignore or say no comment. Or re-direct the question. Remind everyone how great the mileage is on our new ships. And our commitment to the goals of the Paris Accord.”

  “I thought your answer was inspired.” She waited to hear him say her judgement didn’t count. Instead, he kissed her hand and said, “Yours is the opinion I care most about. So, I’m happy.”

  After dessert, Murdoch texted Ryan to pick them up.

  Stepping outside was like walking to a frozen meat locker. “Smells like snow,” Murdoch observed, bundling them into the car. “Ryan?”

  “I know, more heat.”

  Then, instead of driving Ryan leaned over the backrest and announced, “Ran into Chief O’Malley at the Thai place. He’s full of good news. The State police arrested a man they believe stole the truck and rear-ended Annalisa’s rental car.”

  “Good news,” Murdoch said. “We should celebrate. Who is he?”

  “Wait, there’s more,” Ryan continued, “No positive ID yet, however, the guy’s talking pretty weird. Based on a couple things he let slip, he could’ve also planted the car bomb in the Muirdris parking garage.”

  “Two for one? That is great news.”

  Ryan held up a finger. “Until they know for sure this is the guy, O’Malley strongly recommends we continue all our precautions for Annalisa.”

  Murdoch, his arm around her shoulders, asked, “It that okay with you?”

  “Yes,” she smiled. “I appreciate the security.”

  Murdoch glanced up to Ryan. “Next stop, we’re looking for a ship christening gown for Annalisa. Both of the high-end shops in the village are expecting us. And Ryan, I think you should come in with us. The temperature is still plummeting.”

  “I will. Thanks.”

  Inside the first boutique, Annalisa discovered that in Murdoch’s world smoothing the way meant an owner unlocking her store after closing it for the evening, pulling five gowns that met his criteria, and readying the dresses for Annalisa to try on.

  She sat with Murdoch on an ornate love seat. The owner said, “Let me show you what I’ve selected, and you decide which ones you’d like to try on.” She held up number one, a dazzling white gown with a fitted beaded bodice and flared skirt.

  “Sorry, no,” Annalisa said. “It looks too much like a wedding dress.”

  “You’d look spectacular in white,” the owner said, “Your skin is such a golden tan.”

  “Could I see the green one? It reminds me of the ocean.”

  The shop owner held up a gown in a mermaid cut. Annalisa’s heart sank. The fitted fabric from waist to knees was never going to fit over her hips.

  “It’s beautiful. And slinky. Do you have it in one size larger?”

  “No, I’m sorry. Would you like to try it on?”

  “Before we go there,” Annalisa said, “tell me the price of the dress.”

  “It’s an original. One of a kind at $14,990.”

  She didn’t gasp, didn’t even flinch. Lots of fabulously wealthy people lived in southern California, working in the entertainment industry, big business. Extremely rich people who could afford haute couture pricing. She swallowed. People like Murdoch.

  “Annalisa?” Murdoch took her hand. “Don’t worry about—”

  She stood, tugging him up with her. “Ma’am, please excuse us. We’ll only be a moment.” Turning back to Murdoch she whispered, “Could I have a word with you? In private?”

  Dropping his hand, she marched to a far corner of the store. “Stop doing this,” she demanded, her voice low and flat. “It feels like you’re trying to buy me. You must know I can’t afford my half of that dress. It—”

  “You’re angry at me because I want you to have nice things? Like a beautiful dress to wear on a special occasion? That’s not trying to buy you. That’s trying to make you happy.”

  “Listen carefully. Spending money isn’t the best route to happiness. I’d be just as happy with a $1000 dress. I understand it’s a special occasion. I know I need to look great standing next to my billionaire boss. But if I have to wear a $15,000 dress? It’s not going to work. Actually, I don’t ever need or want anything that expensive.”

  “I don’t understand. Why wouldn’t you want—”

  “I know you don’t get it; don’t get me. That’s the really sad part.” She bowed her head for a moment. He didn’t say a word. “Why don’t I explain my price range to the owner? Let her find different dresses for me to try on?”

  Murdoch walked away from her, across the thick carpet without a backward glance. Annalisa returned to speak to the boutique owner and smash the woman’s hopes for a huge sale.

  Chapter 13

  Murdoch

  Murdoch waited by the front display window while Annalisa told the shop owner what she wanted. The woman glanced his way, He gave her a quick
nod and she disappeared into the stock room presumably in search of economical gowns. A few feet away, Ryan’s head peeked around the edge of a decorative divider.

  “Can we talk?” the security chief asked in a low whisper.

  “Sure. What’s on your mind?”

  “It’s none of my business, but— “

  “Crappy start, Ryan, just spit it out. We’ve been friends for a long time. I’m not going to sack you now.”

  “Just making sure. Honestly, I’ve never seen you like this. Bouncing back and forth, from one extreme to the other. You finally volunteered for a press conference and stepped off the podium looking like a fucking rock star. At the same time, you’re making truly horrible personal decisions about Annalisa. What the hell’s going on with you?”

  “It’s all her. I’m crazy about her and the woman has me tied up in knots. She’s in danger because of a Muirdris issue she uncovered in California. I’ll tell you all the details tomorrow morning. The rest, like the press briefing…” Murdoch trailed off.

  “Let me guess. You’re finally becoming the man we all knew you could be, just by living up to her expectations?”

  “You make it sound damn simple.”

  “Nah, love is never uncomplicated.”

  “How do I get the woman a ball gown for tomorrow night? Why would she turn down my offer to buy one for her?”

  “Because this isn’t the 19th century? Or the 20th.”

  Murdoch furrowed his forehead. “I support equality, her right to vote, that—”

  “Back up,” Ryan had both his hands up. “It’s not about politics with you two. Problem is, you’ve been pushing too hard and making her less and less happy that you’re extremely rich.”

  “What can I do about—?”

  “In my opinion, Annalisa cares about you and she sees you as an okay guy. But, thanks in big part to all that money, you have a reputation for messing up. You’re rich, why bother putting in the work? Besides, Murphy can do it better, faster, cheaper. With one hand tied behind his back.”

  “Can’t he?”

  “So can you, my friend. And, big point, the money is not the real cause of your problems, but she thinks it is. Solution, you need to go ahead and become that better man, despite the money.”

  “And I’m going about that all wrong?”

  “Yep. By throwing money at her, you’re hoping to win her faster. Instead, you’re reinforcing every one of her fears. Demonstrating that because you’re so rich, you haven’t developed any real feelings.”

  Murdoch pursed his lips. “Annalisa would rather I put in the time and effort instead of using my money.”

  “Bingo.” Ryan slapped him on the shoulder. “I realize it might go against your nature—”

  “What?” Did Ryan know what he secretly was? Or even suspect?

  “Just saying,” Ryan backpedaled. “Changing your attitude might not be so easy.”

  “And yet, the faster I chain down my urges to spend buckets of money on Annalisa, the faster she’ll accept the real me.”

  “Considering your need for speed, you might consider jumpstarting that campaign.”

  “Suggestions?”

  “It needs to be something big. A clear demonstration of how you feel—”

  “Without directly spending any money on her,” Murdoch finished for Ryan, smacking his new confidant on the back. “I know exactly what to do. And I can start right now.” Grinning ear to ear, he asked Ryan, “Would you warm up the car and meet us outside?”

  “Want me to call the other store? Cancel your appointment?”

  “Yes, thanks.”

  Murdoch strolled back to the small sofa, leaned over to Annalisa. “I think it’s time to regroup. Start over on the plans for the Christening ball, what do you say?”

  “How can you do that? It’s tomorrow night and I still need a dress.”

  “Will you meet me in the big dressing room? After I apologize to you, we’ll discuss the ball.”

  “No apology’s neces—”

  “In the room that says Bridal. I’ll be with you in a minute.”

  He found the owner in the stock room, begged her forgiveness. “We’ll be back another time, give you more notice.”

  “Anytime, Mr. Rudraige. Tap on my office door when you’re ready to leave.”

  He stopped in the fitting room doorway. Annalisa sat ramrod straight on a little flowered chair. “I sincerely apologize for trying to saddle you with a dress that costs more than you’re comfortable paying. Please believe me, I’m not trying to buy you.”

  Stepping into the room, he softly closed the door. “For many generations my family, the men, have shown their love by giving gifts. It’s our custom, a tradition, to literally shower the woman he loves with the most expensive gifts a man can afford. I’m not sharing this background with you to give myself an excuse, but because it may be a difficult pattern to break. I might need reminding if I start to screw up again.”

  “Murdoch? You just said, the woman he loves. That tradition can’t possibly apply to—”

  “Please, let me take one step at a time. Now do you understand where my excessive behavior is coming from? Can you believe that from now on, I’ll do my very best to change? And accept my apology for making you uncomfortable?”

  “Well, yes. I can understand diverse customs. Acknowledge that people view money and gift-giving very differently. I admire your determination to change and accept your apology.”

  “Good.” Whew. He had made it past a tough part. Now to explain fated mates. Tomorrow, he’d introduce her to his sea dragon. Was that rushing her?

  He sank down onto a stool, closer to Annalisa and at eye level. “The Celtic clan Murphy and I come from believes in love at first sight. And we’re told that each one of us has a soulmate.”

  “Love at first sight? I don’t know. Those instances are more likely to be cases of instant chemistry. I must admit, the idea of having a soulmate somewhere out there is intriguing.”

  He took one of her hands. Turning it over, he lifted it to his lips, and kissed the center of her palm.

  “I knew I loved you, Annalisa, the minute I lifted you out of the crushed car. I know you’re my soulmate.”

  She opened her mouth. He gently squeezed her hand to stop her. “Let me say, most hu…um, people would say it’s too soon to decide I’m in love. Then again, the soulmate part helps. I know you’re the one.”

  “Oh lord. That explains so much. No wonder you keep trying to spend buckets of money on me.”

  “Exactly.” He grinned. She gave him a hesitant smile back. Then her lips turned down, and she whispered, “Tell the truth. Are you disappointed I can’t say it back to you?”

  “Only a little. I can also appreciate other traditions and different customs. Could I have my you’re forgiven hug?” He waggled his eyebrows at her, longing to see the sweet smile light up her face again.

  She waggled right back. “Just a hug?”

  “I’ll take anything you want to give. Honestly, I’m happy with forgiveness, understanding, and a hug.”

  Standing up to embrace him, her smile was back. And just as quickly vanished. Again. Love with a fated mate was a damn roller coaster.

  “Murdoch, what about a dress for the ball?”

  That he could handle. “Sweetling, from here on, I intend to consult you on every important decision. Starting right after I implement this one.” He moved aside, tapped a number in his phone. “This is for you,” he mouthed to Annalisa. “Eliminating the need for an expensive dress.”

  He spoke into the phone, “Liz? It’s Murdoch. Sorry to call so last minute. It’s about the Ball. I need you to send a group text and follow it up with an email to all the ticket holders. We’re offering a new, alternative dress code as an option for tomorrow night. Either the traditional black tie, or dress jeans and a sweatshirt. Yes…yes, let me finish. Ji will award a $1000 prize for the most obscure college sweatshirt, and another grand for the losing-est sports team logo
on a sweatshirt. Make the announcement and thanks, Liz. See you tomorrow night. I’ll bring the prize money in cash.”

  After he’d texted the news to Ji, before he could pocket his phone, a laughing Annalisa walked straight into his arms. Damn, his plan was working.

  “Murdoch,” she whispered. “Hug me quick.” She curled her arms around his neck and tangled her fingers in his hair. He hauled her tighter against him, savoring the voluptuous curves as they pressed to his body.

  Lowering his chin for a kiss, he discovered Annalisa was shaking with laughter. He tipped his head back. “What?”

  “You are the most spoiled man on the face of the Earth.”

  Chapter 14

  Annalisa

  The interior of the Escalade was toasty warm when Annalisa slipped into the back with Murdoch right behind her. Through the tinted side-window, she gave the long-suffering boutique owner, busy locking up the store, a goodbye wave.

  As the car pulled away from the curb, Murdoch slid an arm around her shoulders but instead of resuming their kiss, he frowned. “Want to explain now what was so funny?”

  “Can Ryan hear us?” she mouthed.

  “Hey Ryan,” he raised his voice. “How about turning on some background music?”

  “Will do.” In the front, Ryan chose a jazz station, increased the volume and tipped the rearview mirror aside.

  Seemingly satisfied they’d achieved as much privacy as possible, Murdoch turned back to her, keeping his voice to a whisper. “Look, I’ll admit I might be a little spoiled, but the worst in the world?”

  “You listened to my objections about spending money on me. Said you understood. And on the surface, your idea to expand the ball’s dress code so I’d be comfortable? A really sweet gesture. But then, without a blink, you decided to spend two thousand dollars to make it happen? For a few hours in jeans?”

  “It’s a fun contest for the people attending the—”

  “Two thousand?”

  “Think of the thousands I’ll save by not buying that dress.”

  “You know that’s beside the point.” She watched as changing expressions zipped across his chiseled face. He was trying to see her logic, her side. When his eyes widened, her heart swelled. Murdoch might not agree, but at least he got it.