Roberta Leigh - No Time For Marriage

by Roberta Leigh

  Blankly Sharon looked round at him, and seeing his glittering eyes move from her to the dance floor, realised that he thought her distress was caused by seeing Pete and Tassy dancing cheek to cheek.

  'I couldn't care less what Pete does,' she said stiltedly. 'He means nothing to me.'

  'Is that why you entertained him in your room earlier this evening?'

  'I entertained him for five minutes!' she flared, temper making her forget she had vowed not to defend herself. 'He came to bring me some flowers—for no other reason. So put your salacious thoughts in the trashcan!'

  'And what were the flowers for?' Kane demanded. 'For services rendered?'

  'Oh, you're a hateful swine!' Fury rose like a tidal wave. 'Just to satisfy your morbid curiosity about my private life, Mr Morgan, he merely brought them as an apology for this afternoon.'

  'I'd have thought you owed him the apology. You were the one who forgot you had a date.'

  'I didn't forget.'

  Having said as much as she had, she decided she might as well set the record straight. Let Kane ignore her from now on if he wished, but there was no reason for him to think her a tease.

  'Pete pretended we ha'd, because he thought I wanted to make you——' Heavens, she daren't use the word 'jealous' or Kane would guess how she felt about him—'because he thought you were on the make and he wanted to protect me from you.'

  There was a tense silence and before Kane could reply, Pete and Tassy rejoined them. Unable to bear any more false bonhomie, Sharon glanced at her watch and stood up.

  'Afraid you'll have to excuse me, folks. We've a cruise group arriving at midnight and I have to settle them in.'

  'You certainly work unsocial hours,' Pete grumbled.

  'It's part of die job—and I love it. No, don't come with me,' she said as he went to rise. 'I'll be too busy to talk to you, anyway.'

  Before he could protest, she hurried away, head high, body moving seductively beneath the soft silk of her dress. Only when she was out of their sight did her step falter, and she momentarily gave way to the misery caused by Kane's wounding remarks. He professed himself a good judge of character, yet he was way off beam in his assessment of hers. Unless he was deliberately blinding himself, unwilling to see her as she was in case he fell in love with her? It was a startling thought, and she instantly rejected it. Love did not come into his calculations. All he wanted was sex and momentary gratification.

  Pushing him from her mind, she went to her room to change into a denim skirt and blouse, then down to the lobby to greet the new arrivals. It was an hour before everyone was settled, and the last couple she saw to their suite invited her to join them for a coffee. Too strung up to sleep, she accepted, and they regaled her with details of their cruise and a glimpse of some of the lovely things they had bought en route.

  It was nearly two o'clock before she left them. The corridor was deserted as she walked to the elevator, though music and voices could be faintly heard coming from some of the rooms. This was the second time in a matter of days she had been on Kane's floor, and she quickened her step. She reached the elevator and pressed the bell, then knowing she had a moment to wait, moved to the table opposite to break off some sagging blooms from the display of flowers that stood in it. As she did, she glimpsed a flash of white as Tassy emerged from Kane's suite.

  Half-hidden by the foliage, Sharon knew the girl had not seen her, and she braced herself, wondering how to react when Tassy reached her side. But surprisingly the girl went in the opposite direction and disappeared through the service door. Talk about discretion! She obviously preferred walking down ten flights to being seen entering the elevator from a specific floor! Yet Sharon's amusement was tinged with bitterness that Kane should look down his nose at her because he thought she was having an affair with Pete, when he himself was doing exactly the same with Tassy. Or didn't he believe that what was sauce for the goose was also sauce for the gander?

  In her room she undressed and went to bed, even though she knew she was still too het up to sleep. It was a good thing she had seen Tassy just now, for it had at last put paid to the dreams she had foolishly continued to cherish deep in her heart, even when her head had told her how hopeless they were of materialising. Tassy and Kane. Yet if not Tassy it would be another girl. A man like Kane would never find a shortage of bed companions; and since that was all he wanted…

  'I hate you, Kane Morgan!' she muttered into her pillow, and as the tears came, hopelessly admitted she did not mean a word of it.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  The following day Bud Cameron returned, and was full of praise for the way Sharon had handled the various problems that had arisen during his absence.

  'Things aren't usually as frenetic as this,' he assured her. 'But what with the cruise passengers arriving and all the building contractors here, our staff are stretched to capacity.'

  'It doesn't do staff any harm to work flat out on occasion,' she said. 'It keeps them on their toes.'

  'Some have been on their toes so long, they feel like ballet dancers!' Bud Cameron ran his hand through his hair, making the sandy strands stand on end. 'Still, I think the pressure will soon be easing. On my way in just now, I saw all the executives heading for taxis, and I overheard one of them saying they'd been called to Bonlam's house for a final meeting.'

  Sharon was delighted. With luck, Kane would soon be out of her hair and she could get on with the business of living. The business of loving was a thing of the past, she vowed. Twice bitten would make her ten times shy!

  Frequently during the rest of the day she kept looking to see if any of the men were back, but it was well after five before a fleet of taxis deposited them at the main entrance. Everyone was so grim-faced as they trooped into the lobby that she had no need to ask if they had fared well, and when most of them asked for their bills to be prepared, she knew the Minister's decision had indeed been made.

  Deliberately Sharon loitered in the Reception area, telling herself she was only there in case she was needed, yet knowing she was prompted by curiosity to know as soon as possible which company had won the lucrative contract.

  The sight of Pete, grinning from ear to ear as he walked in with his entourage of Japanese, gave her the answer, and though pleased for him, she could not help a momentary pang of disappointment for Kane— which showed what a fool she was!

  'We've won,' Pete cried exuberantly, catching her by the arms. 'Our costs were lower than anyone else's, can you believe? You must help me celebrate, sweetheart. I've got to call Tokyo first, but I'll be right back.'

  Sharon had little time to ponder on what had happened, for a new cruise group were arriving within the hour, and she had to ensure that the tours they had booked through the hotel were all in order. Nonetheless, her mind wandered frequently to Kane, and how he must be feeling. He had been so positive his new concrete would cut his costs sufficiently to make it impossible for anyone to compete against him, that he must be bitterly disappointed to be proved wrong.

  'You're wanted at Reception, Miss Kingston.'

  A bell boy was at her elbow with the message, and she hurried back to the front desk. To her surprise Kane was waiting for her there, his expression black as thunder.

  'I want to speak to you privately,' he said abruptly.

  'I'm busy.'

  'I don't care if you're entertaining the Queen! I mean right now.'

  Because he looked ready to make a scene, regardless, Sharon led him into the small office that had been allocated to her. She sat behind the desk and motioned

  Kane to a chair. But he ignored it and stood facing her, his eyes blazing.

  'What were you doing in my suite last night?' he demanded.

  'What?' She could not believe she had heard correctly.

  'You heard me. What were you doing in my suite?'

  'I don't know what you're talking about.'

  'Don't give me that,' he shouted. 'Who else has a- master key to all the rooms?'

  'Mr
Cameron, the manager. But no one else.'

  'Well, I'll absolve him,' Kane retorted, 'but not you. Someone got at my papers last night, but I didn't notice it until this morning, as I was preparing to leave for the meeting.'

  'And you think it was me?' She was incredulous.

  'Damn right I do! The whole file was rifled through, and the formula for the concrete—which was in a locked deed box—had been prised open.' He leaned across the desk, his hands planted either side of her, so that she could not rise. 'Bonlam just told me the Japanese costs were five per cent lower than ours, because they'll be using a special concrete which Wilburg has formulated.'

  Kane's face lowered to hers, and Sharon saw a nerve beating frantically in his temple.

  'Do you hear that, you thieving bitch?' he thundered. 'Wilburg couldn't formulate a chocolate eclair! So he got you to steal my formula!'

  The blood rushed to Sharon's face and rage, equal to Kane's, tore through her. 'Are you seriously saying I sneaked into your room and stole the specifications?'

  'That's it exactly! So quit acting the innocent. If I could prove what you did, I'd have you behind bars! My only consolation is that you and Wilburg deserve one another!'

  'And you deserve having your ideas stolen! How could you be stupid enough to leave them in your hotel bedroom!'

  'They were in my wall safe,' Kane snapped. 'I took them out at midnight to glance through them, and left them in my desk because I wasn't going to leave my room any more.'

  Nor his bed either, she thought grimly, remembering Tassy coming from his suite at two o'clock that very morning. Anguish swamped her rage and momentarily she was too overcome to speak. Not that it would have done her any good, for Kane was still ranting on, his skin ashen beneath its tan.

  'I never went anywhere near your room last night!' she stated, cutting across him. 'Ever since you came to Pattaya you've behaved like a madman with me. One minute you're friendly, the next I'm top of your hit list! Well, I won't stand for it any longer. Unless you retract your accusation I'll ask the Avonmore Group for legal advice. I'm not a thief and I won't allow you 10 call me one!'

  For answer, Kane swung on his heel and stormed out, the furniture trembling as he crashed the door shut.

  Shakily, Sharon leaned back in her chair. Her anger against Kane abated as quickly as it had risen, for she understood exactly how he felt. Months of negotiations wasted and thousands of pounds lost. It was an expensive business to prepare detailed specifications for such a massive project, and to lose out because one of your rivals has stolen the very invention on which you based your entire quote…

  Thoughtfully she went over everything Kane had said. She knew she wasn't guilty, so it had to be someone else. And that raised a whole host of questions.

  Unable to bear her own company, she left her office, almost knocking into Pete, who was heading towards it.

  'I was coming in search of you,' he said. 'I thought you'd like to help me celebrate.' He noticed her expression. 'You look as if you've lost a dollar and found a cent.'

  'I feel like it. I've just had an awful scene with Kane.'

  'I bet he's in a foul mood,' Pete grinned. 'He thought he had the contract sewn up. Still, he has no business taking it out on you.'

  'It was more than a bad mood. He accused me of stealing his new formula and giving it to you.'

  'What?' Pete lost his smile. 'The guy's crazy!'

  'Crazy or not, he believes I went to his room and looked through his papers.'

  'Well…' Pete seemed lost for words. 'I must say that's a novel approach,' he said finally. 'Accuse your rival of cheating instead of admitting you lost out because you quoted too high. We underbid him and he's obviously a lousy loser!'

  'No, Pete, it's more than that. He said you were only able to cut your costs because you announced you had a new concrete.'

  'So we have. Construction companies are always searching for ways to strengthen building materials. Our formula may be similar to his, but no more than that. And as for accusing you… Do you want me to go and hit him?'

  'That's the last thing I want.'

  'At least let me talk to him.'

  'I'd rather you didn't.' To have two guests at the Avonmore fight over her—which was what would happen—would do nothing to enhance her reputation with the Group. 'It's best to forget the whole thing,

  Pete. As you say, he's feeling sore and will hit out at anyone he can. I'll—I'll try to forget the whole thing.'

  'I still think you should let me go and talk to him.' Pete stopped as he saw her expression. 'Very well, have it your way. But come and have a drink. You deserve it.'

  Meekly she went with him to the bar, and after a champagne cocktail felt better able to cope with the tumultuous emotions Kane's accusations had aroused. She could not understand why he should make a scapegoat out of her instead of doing the rational thing and reporting the matter to the management. Unless he enjoyed believing the worst of her!

  Vaguely she heard Pete talking about his future. He was returning to Japan for a while, but would then be coming back to Thailand.

  'I hope you'll still be here,' he said.

  'I've a six-month contract. But I may ask to go home earlier.' Her voice trailed away and she averted her head, unwilling for him to see the tears that had rushed into her eyes.

  'Hey there.' Pete gently turned her chin. 'You're not worrying about what Kane said, are you?'

  'I can't help it. No one likes being accused of dishonesty.'

  'If it comes to it,' Pete said grimly, 'I could accuse him of stealing our formula! As I said, they're remarkably similar!'

  'Then why did you ask me if I knew anything about his?'

  Pete looked taken aback. 'Did I?'

  'Yes. Don't you remember?'

  'Can't say I do. I think you misunderstood me—or else I put it badly. What I meant was that we'd developed a new mix, and I wondered how close in concept it was, to Kane's.'

  Though not completely satisfied with this answer, Sharon did not argue. She had been so alert to Kane's position, so defensive about him, she could well have misinterpreted what Pete had said.

  'Maybe you've been spying on each other,' she said wryly. 'Most big companies do, if they get the chance!'

  'You'd make a beautiful spy, darling,' he smiled. 'Let me know when you want to apply for the job!'

  'I like my present one too much. Which reminds me, I'm still on duty. Thanks for the drink, Pete.'

  'See you later?'

  She nodded, reluctant to commit herself, and returned to the Front Desk, where she was kept busy until early evening, dealing with new arrivals.

  After a cool shower, she took a taxi to the village. It had been a traumatic day and she found it relaxing to wander around the little shops and see the smiling Thai women, who by this time recognised her and shyly tried out their English on her—while she reciprocated with her hard-learned Thai! Eventually she found herself outside Lala's shop. The dressmaker was in the window, putting a dress on display, and she saw Sharon and waved.

  'You've come to try on your dress?' she asked.

  'Is it ready for a fitting then?' She was not in the mood, but did not wish to appear rude.

  Lala nodded and Sharon followed her into a cubicle and tried on the half-finished silk dress she had chosen with Kane. He was right about pink suiting her. It gave her skin the lustre of a pearl. Yet she doubted she would ever wear the dress, for it would serve only to remind her of a man she had to forget.

  She was turning to leave when she noticed a piece of embroidered white brocade on the counter.

  'That was woven especially for Miss Bonlam,' Lala said, seeing her eye it.

  'It's beautiful.' Sharon traced the gold threads with her finger. 'She wore it the other night when we had dinner together.'

  'Ah, yes. I forgot you knew her. You will be seeing her again this evenings maybe?'

  'I'm not sure. Why?'

  'If you do, can you give her this?' Lala reached b
ehind the counter and lifted out a key. 'Miss Bonlam's maid brought in the dress this morning to have a pocket mended, and we found it in the hem.'

  Incredulously Sharon looked at the heavy brass key. It was an exact facsimile of the master key for the top four floors of the hotel!

  With trembling hands she opened her bag to see if hers was on the bunch, then recollected she had left it in the safe in her office.

  'You say this was found in the hem of Miss Bonlam's dress?' she asked, to make sure she had heard correctly.

  'Yes, Teri—the seamstress who found it—called me over to show me. There was a small hole in the pocket and I think the key must have slipped through the lining and settled in the hem. All my dresses are fully lined in pure silk,' Lala explained, 'so the key wouldn't have fallen on the floor.'

  'Does Miss Buntam know you've found it?' Sharon asked.

  "Not yet. I called her this morning, but she was out.'

  Sharon picked up the key and studied it again. It could not belong to the Avonmore. She was letting her imagination run away with her. Nevertheless, she had a strong inclination to check it against the one on her bunch.

  'I'll take it with me and see Miss Bonlam gets it,' she informed Lala. 'If she calls you in the meantime, tell her I have it.'

  Still perplexed, Sharon left the shop. She had lost all further desire to wander round the village, and spotting a taxi cruising by, she hailed it.

  If this key was identical to her own it would open up a whole new avenue of suspicion; one that could lead to the downfall of several important people. It was an exhilarating, yet frightening thought.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  The ride in the taxi helped Sharon calm down, and the calmer she became, the greater grew her certainty that the key now in her possession was one of the hotel's master keys. But why had Tassy had it? Logically there were two reasons. The girl was either in league with Kane to get into Pete's room by herself and look through his files, or with Pete to get sight of Kane's!

  Yet had Tassy wanted to go through Kane's files, surely she could have done so during her frequent visits to his suite? There must have been many occasions when he had left her alone in the sitting room. Of course if she had wanted to photograph the documents she would have needed more time, as well as the safety of knowing she was not going to be disturbed. Hence the key.