She blinked water from her eyes. “I made you smile in the rain.”
“Yep, you did. I didn’t know that was what you had in mind.”
“Nor did I.”
“What were you going to do?”
“When I need you to smile again when it’s raining, I’ll show you.”
He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her, felt his happy cock stir in his pants, and wanted to keep kissing her forever. The thought jolted him. He’d been too long without sex, and that was all this was. Too long without a woman in his arms. Though he’d never felt this level of attraction before, not even to the woman he’d been supposed to marry. If I had, I’d have missed this.
The kiss was long and sweet and sexy. Jago slid one hand between them to cup her breast, and the hardness of her nipple under his palm made the breath catch in his throat. Ellie shuddered against him and gasped into his mouth. Invite me in. Please. He slipped his hand higher, and his fingers snagged on the string. Is that a ring?
Ellie jerked away from him. “I need to go.”
Jago was left staring at a closed door. A ring? Was she engaged? Married?
ELLIE LEANED BACK against Henry’s door and listened until Jago had walked away. That had been close. She needed to find somewhere else to put the ring. That wasn’t the only thing that had been close. She wanted to make love with Jago. Every molecule of her body told her they were meant to be together, but she couldn’t see how that could be.
The curse of the Kewen laid upon her ancestors and now on her was that the oldest child had to go to Faerieland to find a mate and then return to this side to continue the search. If Ellie found the Kewen, they’d all be allowed back in Faerieland. Where did Jago fit in that?
What if she didn’t go back? She swallowed hard at the thought that she might have to choose between him and her family.
Chapter Eight
Ellie walked up to the hall, unlocked the door, and headed for the kitchen. She put down the three containers of cookies she’d made an hour ago, washed the dirty mugs, and emptied the cupboards of the clean ones. Hopefully there’d be enough to give everyone a drink. Now all she had to do was wake Jago. She felt much better after a night’s sleep, although the color she’d lost from her eyes yesterday hadn’t fully returned.
She smiled at the checkerboard floor in the hall, remembering the way Jago stepped from black to white. Had he and Denzel played games on it? Slid down the banisters? Asher would have come down the stairs on a tray. He was fearless and stupid. Micah would have played chess with her on the floor using her soft toys and his collection of planes.
“Good morning, intruder. How did you get in?”
She turned to see Jago by the double doors of his room. He was dressed in tatty ripped jeans that hung loose on his hips and a paint-splattered shirt, his biceps stretching the material. His hair was a mess, he needed a shave, the bruise around his eye had turned yellow, and yet he looked so dangerously attractive that the muscles of her sex clenched and tingles rippled down her spine. Plus she forgot what he’d just asked her.
Oh yes, that was it.
“Henry gave me a key. I was on my way to wake you. I forgot to tell you who’s coming this morning.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Presume that means it’s not me.”
Her face went hot.
Jago stepped toward her. “You’ve invited people? Who?”
The unmistakable sound of vehicles pulling up on the gravel filled the hall, and Ellie sighed. “I think they’re here. Open mind, remember? Don’t get all cross.”
Jago followed her out, and when he pressed up tight behind her and she felt his hard cock nudging her thigh, she couldn’t stop a low moan escaping.
“What’s all this?” Jago asked.
Two people carriers with Knaresden College written on the side parked in the turning circle. Stan Booth exited one of the vehicles and headed over.
“Good morning, Stan,” Ellie said. “This is Lord Carlyle.” When she turned, Jago had yanked his shirt out of his pants. “Lord Carlyle, meet Stan Booth. He’s the head of the construction skills department at Knaresden College.”
The two men shook hands. While Stan looked ecstatic, Jago appeared annoyed. Students milled about on the gravel, sorting out bags and tools.
“I suggested a symbiotic relationship between Sharwood and the college,” Ellie said. “You need work done. The students need somewhere to practice.”
Jago growled at her side. “This is a grade-two-listed building.”
“They’ll be under supervision, of course,” Stan said. “I wouldn’t let them get away with shoddy work. I can’t tell you how excited we are to have this opportunity. I was only going to bring a few students today to scout things out, but they all wanted to come and get started, if that’s all right with you.”
Stan introduced the expert plumbers, painters, joiners, and plasterers who’d be in charge, and Jago sucked in a breath. Ellie hoped his mood improved fast. She ought to have told him sooner.
“Would you like to show us round?” Stan asked. “We can draw up a plan and see how we can help each other.”
Jago opened his mouth and closed it again.
“The bedrooms,” Ellie whispered.
“Yes. I’m very grateful. If you’d like to follow me.” Jago raised his eyebrows at her as he passed.
“Tea and cookies in the kitchen,” she called. “Freshly made this morning.”
Once the gaggle of chattering students had followed Jago up the stairs, Ellie went to find Henry. She’d not seen him since the meal last night. He and Gavin were working on the yew hedge. Henry switched off his trimmer and came over to her.
“I heard the vehicles. I assume they arrived,” he said.
“Lots of them. Jago looks shell-shocked. I didn’t have a chance to warn him. How did you get on with Diane?”
Is he blushing?
“Fine. More than fine.”
Ellie hid her smile. “What can the WI provide? What do we still need to do?”
“Diane’s on the village hall committee as well, so she’s sorted everything. Her son is going to stand at the gates with one of his school friends and collect tickets and money.”
“Her son?” Ellie didn’t try to keep the disappointment out of her voice.
“She’s divorced.”
“Great.” Ellie clapped a hand to her mouth. “No. Sorry. Not great.”
Henry roared with laughter. “You sounded just like me, except I didn’t actually say anything.”
She grinned. “So how are we going to get everything here?”
“She has that in hand too. A friend with a truck will deliver the lot on Friday. She’ll get a team together to serve the refreshments. She’s a wonder.”
“Henry, that’s fantastic! Well done.”
“Diane said she’d bring orange juice. We still need strawberries and cream.”
“I’ll handle that.”
“Is that everything?”
“Nope. We’ll need a map of the garden to hand out, maybe some means of people making comments on what they liked and didn’t like or what they’d like to see. And we have to have a children’s entertainer. Then that’s it. I think. Oh, and possibly spread the word that you’re looking for more volunteers to help in the garden on a regular or occasional basis, and there’s a paying job for a student or school leaver to take money on the gate after today.”
“What did your last slave die of?”
As Ellie walked away laughing, her mobile vibrated in her pocket. She pulled it out carefully so she didn’t dislodge the ring she’d tucked in there.
“Hi, Dad.”
“How are you getting on?”
“Really well. There’s a garden party organized for Saturday, and I have college students working on the house. The whole neighborhood has been incredibly supportive.”
Silence greeted her gushing outburst.
“You’re not there to enjoy yourself and put someone else’s world to
rights,” he said in a cold voice. “You’re there to find the Kewen and put our world to rights.”
Ellie cringed. “I’m sorry, but you know this is what we agreed. I needed a legitimate reason to be here. The flier worked. I’m just doing what they expect me to do.”
“What about what we expect you to do? Have you even been looking?”
“Yes, but this place is vast. It could be anywhere.”
“Do you want me to come and help?”
“No. Give me a chance. I’ve only just got here.”
“Don’t let us down, Ellie.”
She shoved the phone back in her pocket with an understanding of how Jago felt—the oppressive weight of other people’s expectations and the childlike worry that if she failed, she’d lose her father’s love, and after, that of her family. Once she’d made a few phone calls and found a children’s entertainer and a supply of cream for the strawberries, she’d make the Kewen a priority.
* * * *
Jago thought he must be dreaming. The upper floor of Sharwood was a hive of activity, teenagers’ laughter combined with clanking, banging, and hammering and the occasional loud bang or yelp that made him jump. He’d never thought to approach the local college. Ellie was a genius. A sexy genius. He had difficulty swallowing as he thought back to last night. Oh God. I want to do that again. Do more than that. But I need to ask her about that ring.
“How do you feel about that, Lord Carlyle?” Stan asked.
Oh shit, what did he say? Jago looked at the list Stan held out. “More grateful than I can say.”
“You’re lucky Ellie caught me at exactly the right time. Their exams over, it’s a matter of weeks before this lot break up for the summer. This is perfect to fill that gap. You might even find some will work during the holidays. The only issue is materials. When we’ve used up what we came with, I can’t supply any more for free, but I can get them at wholesale prices.”
“Give me a list of what you need, and tell me how much it will cost.” Though Jago had no idea where the money would come from. He’d have to sell something. His mother’s jewelry. Maybe he’d ask Ellie.
The prospect of not having to sell Sharwood suddenly seemed a lot brighter. When Preston decided to make him an offer he couldn’t refuse, it looked like he actually could. There was potential income from the television company, from the popup restaurant, and now he had work being done for cost. The chances of success seemed much greater.
He made tea and coffee and carried tray after tray upstairs along with the biscuits. Then he went looking for his miracle worker.
When no one answered his knock on the gatehouse door, Jago headed into the garden. He found Henry and Gavin working on the long border. Gavin was a young man from the village who had Down syndrome. He loved Henry and followed him everywhere. Henry was as patient with Gavin as he had been with Jago and his brother.
“Looking good,” Jago said as he drew near. “In fact the whole garden looks wonderful. I don’t know how you manage it. Well done, Gavin. Did Henry give you a hand?”
Gavin chuckled. “A bit.”
“Hey, cheeky.” Henry laughed. “How are things at the hall?”
“Brilliant. I think all the bedrooms will be rendered habitable. Although the guests will have to sleep on the floor. I have no idea where I’m going to get ten double beds.”
“You still have the house linen?”
Jago nodded. “I don’t know what state it’s in, though. It’ll definitely need washing and ironing.” He dragged his fingers through his hair. “Damn, I’ll need pillows too. And curtains. And towels.” He sagged again. “Soap, toiletries, breakfast the next day. The list is bloody endless.”
“We’ll have money after Saturday. If the number of people come that Ellie anticipates, we—”
“But I’ve already earmarked that for building supplies to complete the bedrooms.” He groaned.
“We’ll find a way. One step at a time.” Henry slapped him on the back.
“Have you seen Ellie?”
“Not for a while. She er…” Henry exhaled.
“What?”
“She was talking to me, and as she walked away, I remembered something I needed to tell her, but she had a phone call. Seemed to upset her. I didn’t bother her, but something she said on the phone jarred with me. ‘This place is vast. It could be anywhere.’”
Jago frowned. “She’s looking for something?”
“It might not mean anything,” Henry said. “In fact, forget I told you. Apart from you, I’ve never seen anyone work so hard for Sharwood. She’s achieved more in a few days than I ever thought possible. It isn’t just what she’s done, it’s her enthusiasm. She’s like a little ray of sunshine, the sort who can see the positive in any situation.” He stared at Jago.
“Unlike me.”
“I’m not trying to underestimate what you have to deal with, but look at how much you’ve done, look at what you have here. Be proud of it. Glass half-full, not half-empty, Jago.”
Easy for him to say. “How did you find her?”
“A flier came in the mail. She was offering help with professional and personal goals. A combination of life coaching and business advice. I called her, and she persuaded me to invite her up. You know how persuasive she is.”
“Right.”
“I’m glad I did. She’s made us all feel better.”
Had she? Something inside Jago died a little. Had that been part of her plan last night? Suck him off and make him feel better? Was that why she’d not let him do the same to her? All part of the fucking service? Literally? Was she no different than the woman he’d nearly fucked in Harrogate? Henry had dug deep into his pockets again.
“How much are you paying her?” Jago spoke through gritted teeth.
“Nothing.”
His jaw dropped as his preconceptions dissolved. “Nothing? Who the hell would do this for nothing?”
“She wants a reference; that’s all. Oh and a place to stay.”
Suspicion shoved its way back. Jago stamped up and down. “We’ve been bloody conned.”
Henry caught hold of his arm. “How? She’s Mary Poppins and Mother Teresa rolled into one. She’s worked in the garden, brought all these people to the house, planned the open day, tidied your wreck of a room. What does she get out of it?”
“She’s going to run away with the money.”
Henry gave him a disappointed look and let him go. “For goodness’ sake, Jago.”
“Nobody does something like this for nothing.”
“If you think she’s after the money from this open day, then make sure you don’t give her the chance to get it,” Henry snapped.
Jago stomped back to the house. He needed to think, and he might as well work while he did his thinking. He took the stairs two at a time and made his way to the bedroom he’d started to paint. He’d told Stan to leave it for him to finish. When he opened the door, he recoiled in surprise. All the painting had been done, but not only that, the floor looked as though it had been sanded and cleaned. The rubbish had gone; even the windows looked polished. Bloody hell.
He backed out into the corridor and saw Stan walking toward him.
“I can’t believe you finished this room already,” Jago said.
Stan frowned. “We haven’t been in there. You said not to. Want to come and see what we’re up to?”
Had his lodgers finally pulled their fingers out and done something useful?
Stan showed him the work accomplished on the other bedrooms. Everyone looked so cheerful and busy, and he felt like crap and was annoyed with himself for feeling that way. But it was as though everything was racing out of his control. He felt like he had when he’d been a very junior doctor and there was so much to do, too many balls to juggle, and he couldn’t let one drop, or something terrible might happen.
He grabbed a sanding block and headed for the turret room. He needed to work and think without interruption.
His phone vibrated, and he
yanked it out and checked the caller’s ID.
“Hello, Mr. Preston.”
“Good morning, Lord Carlyle. I’ve had the preliminary report from my surveyors. Not good.” He tsked. “Not good at all.”
Jago bristled. “Glad to hear it. You don’t want to buy. I don’t want to sell. Good day.”
He switched off the phone and immediately worried he’d done the wrong thing.
* * * *
Ellie had been walking all day. With the ring clasped in her hand, she’d covered every inch of the formal gardens, gone up and down the lines of umbrella-shaped trees in the orchard, trailed along the herbaceous borders, dipped in and out of the shrubbery, followed the line of the yew hedge and the lime trees, and felt nothing. Well, nothing apart from admiration for the work of Henry and his predecessors, for the variety of blooms and foliage, for the banks of color at every turn, for a garden that was simply exquisite.
Henry introduced her to Gavin, his young helper, and also to James, who looked about seventy. It was hard to believe that between the three of them and presumably Jago, they kept these gardens looking so magnificent. There were still areas that needed work, and Ellie hadn’t been able to help herself tinkering as she walked round, removing weeds, trimming edges, tidying bushes.
The bad news was that she was as convinced as she could be that the Kewen wasn’t out here in the grounds. She had the ring in her pocket and had felt nothing. Though if the Kewen was buried, could it be too deep for her to sense? And she still wasn’t sure she’d feel anything. The reaction in the auction house could easily have been shock. The book could be wrong. What if there was no link between the pieces? Ellie brushed aside that thought. This was faerie treasure, faerie hoard. It was a wonder it hadn’t found a way back to Faerieland on its own.
She emerged scrambling from the wilderness garden to find Henry heading in her direction.
“What have you been up to?” he asked.
“Getting the layout of the grounds fixed in my head to help with drawing up a map.” It wasn’t entirely a lie. “Think we need signs?”
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