The Millionaire Falls Hard

by Fredricks, Sarah

  'Hey, you're closer to me than any brother could be, I don't want to jeopardise that. It's just come as a shock that's all.' Jake paused. 'When do I get to meet her?'

  'Not until I'm sure she won't prefer you to me.' Phil chuckled. Over the years, a few of Phil's dates had made it clear they would prefer it if Jake took them out. Jake never had done of course, he had too much love and respect for Phil to do that. Phil might be over six foot and be considered a reasonable catch with his dark brown hair and eyes set into chiseled features, but he knew he was in the shadow when he stood beside Jake.

  'Just make sure I'm your only choice for best man when the time comes.'

  'There's no one else I would want by my side Jake.' said Phil, relieved that he was accepting it. He'd have to tell Jake more, probably over a few beers once they got to their hotel, but he felt so sure of his feelings for Lynne and pretty certain that she felt the same way, that now was probably the right time to share it with his friend.

  Jake let Phil get back to his figures. Well that was a turn up for the books. He never thought Phil would want to settle down, any more than he thought he did. A woman with a kid too, it must be serious. So long as she made him happy otherwise she'd have him to answer to. She'd better learn that Jake would always fiercely protect his buddy.

  He glanced over to where Carrie was sitting. So she was the infamous Carrie was she. Roderick Gemmell had told him all about her when he'd bought the Estate and none of it had been particularly complimentary. Now he thought back to that conversation, he remembered that Gemmell had challenged her right to be on the land, suggesting she'd come by it illegally. Maybe he should get his lawyer to check it out. He also recalled Gemmell saying she lorded it around as if she fancied herself as some kind of lady of the manor. Well, if her exhibition towards him by the loch was anything to go by, Gemmell was spot on with that one.

  He felt his body stirring again as he gazed at her. Hell, why did he react every time he saw her. He must be seriously sex starved, and that was something he would have to rectify soon. He didn't like it that he was attracted to someone like her, not only was she not to be trusted if Gemmell was to be believed, she also had a kid. What had he just said to Phil for goodness sake! He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths.

  When he opened them again it was to find Carrie staring at him. He set his mouth in a grimace and scowled as he tried to feign indifference. He wondered what she was thinking as she openly stared, and was amused when his knowing glance caused her to look away.

  Now it was one sided, he sat there looking at her through hooded eyes. Her body language with her companion suggested that she wasn't close to him. Jake was a master at reading body language, it was one of his strengths that made him a highly skilled negotiator in his business deals. Unless he was totally off kilter he would lay a bet that Carrie and her partner weren't getting on too well. They didn't turn into each other when they spoke; Carrie didn't look at ease.

  That observation made Jake feel better. If they weren't getting on, maybe they'd split up, leaving the field clear for him. He couldn't yet reconcile himself with having an affair with a woman who was a fake but his body reacted so strongly to her he realised that he would have no peace until he was sated. In fact his body felt so starved of sex that the idea of a hard and fast affair sounded just the thing. If she was the person Gemmell suggested, he certainly wouldn't have a conscience and feel the need to take her gently. It was a long time since he'd done fast and furious and his body aroused painfully at the thought of it.

  'You're going on a difficult business trip and you're behaving like a lusting teenager in your first throws of sexual encounters! For pities sake man, pull yourself together!' Jake gave himself a stiff talking to, put his head back, and closed his eyes to take his mind off her. He was too shot to pieces to think about the difficult meeting he was facing in London and found his thoughts turning instead to the two wire haired fox terrier pups he was picking up at the weekend.

  He'd always wanted a dog but London hadn't been the right environment for them. However, now he was living in the country he was indulging one of his desires. He'd gone for two, so they would be company for each other. Fortunately his housekeeper was willing to look after them when he was away on business. He'd fallen in love with them the first time he'd seen them. They reminded him a bit of the teddy bear he'd cherished as a small boy. The pups were just so inquisitive and full of life. He was going to enjoy training them and having them for company.

  His erection had completely calmed down by the time the flight was called. Without a glance, he proceeded to board the flight, finally turning his attention to the difficult meeting in London. He spent the flight discussing tactics with Phil and, satisfied that he'd prepped himself for the meeting, looked forward to being able to enjoy a few beers later in the evening.

  *

  'So, are you going to spill the beans, my friend?' Jake and Phil had enjoyed steaks in the hotel restaurant and were now settled down with a beer each in the lounge bar. There didn't seem to be many people about for a Thursday evening.

  Phil took a deep breath and explained how he'd felt when he'd first seen Lynne in her garden. 'I've never been a believer in 'the girl next door' scenario and yet, there I was, completely blown away by 'the girl next door''!

  'I've gone along with your view of relationships and women because I'd never met anyone that did it for me, and to be honest, I was beginning to think I never would. I certainly didn't expect to meet anyone in a small town when it had never happened in London.'

  Jake sat there quietly, listening to the one person who meant more to him than anyone else in the world pour his heart out about what he really wanted from life. To say he was shocked didn't come close. He had always thought Phil felt the same way as him about this whole crap of happy ever after, the perfect woman. He felt lonely as the thought struck him there would be no more double dates and comparing notes afterwards. As that feeling subsided as quickly as it came, he had a stab of jealously at what Phil was describing. He didn't want to analyse that and pushed it away, concentrating again on what Phil was saying.

  '…and she's interesting to talk to and great fun to be with.'

  'And I'm not interesting and fun enough for you, is that what you're saying?' probed Jake.

  Phil realised he hadn't listened to some of what he'd said. 'I don't doubt your skill in bed Jake, but somehow I don't think we would be too compatible in that compartment,' he teased.

  Jake laughed. 'So what's this Lynne like in bed then?'

  'Mind blowing. And that is all you'll ever get on that front.'

  'Wow, you really are serious about her, aren't you? We've always shared experiences. Who am I going to talk to now?' Jake asked in jest.

  'Well Jake, I could seriously recommend finding yourself a woman that you want to spend the rest of your life with and settling down and then you wouldn't need to share experiences.'

  'Never, Phil. You know that's not for me.'

  'Never say never my friend.'

  With that, Phil drained his beer and went off to his room leaving Jake to his thoughts.

  Chapter 3

  Carrie was still on cloud nine as she went over the conversation she'd had with her agent again. Her latest children's books were definitely to be become a major film franchise. This was a serious turn of events that would put her up there amongst the best in the world. When she thought back to her childhood and turbulent start to adult life, she could hardly believe that she'd turned out so well. Who would have thought it? She certainly wouldn't if she'd been asked ten years ago.

  She hugged her knees to her chest as she sat on the bed at Rob and Sylvie's house, the friends she was staying with for the weekend. She couldn't even remember how she'd got from her agent's office in central London to their period house based in the north of the city. She was floating and loved the feeling. She didn't remember ever feeling this happy or fulfilled. It far outshone her first publishing deal and her first TV
series. It even pushed the nightmare of the threats out of her head for a while.

  She hadn't seen Rob and Sylvie for a couple of months and it felt so good to be with them and share her news. They were two of her dearest friends and amongst the few who knew what she'd been through in her life. Rob was a successful west end star and recording artist who also dabbled in song writing. A multi-talented man who'd met his soul mate on stage. Sylvie still did stage work but was happy to let Rob have the limelight. Carrie had met Rob first at a charity function and they'd hit it off spectacularly. When she'd met Sylvie, she'd agreed that she was absolutely perfect for Rob.

  How wonderful they were as friends proved itself in the fact they hadn't batted an eyelid when she'd arrived with Alan beside her. Of course, they knew him as they were such frequent visitors at Carrie's but she was slightly surprised that they'd taken his presence in their stride.

  *

  Over dinner that evening, Carrie filled her friends in on what had been happening.

  While Carrie had been in her room they'd speculated on all sorts of reasons why Alan was with her, that perhaps he was ill and had been down to see a specialist, or perhaps that he'd had a major fall out with Moira. The most outrageous had been that Carrie and Alan were now an item. Much as they liked Alan they thought he was all wrong for Carrie and far too old for her. They both felt sure that they would know when Carrie was with the right man, she was such a passionate person that sparks were bound to fly. Despite her protestations, they both felt that Carrie was born to be loved by a good man. The longer Carrie insisted on keeping herself to herself though, the more concerned they were becoming that it would never happen.

  As Carrie covered the latest events, they looked at each other, knowing what the other thought: they would have laughed at some of their wayward thoughts if the reality hadn't been so shockingly awful.

  'Have you no idea who's behind the letters?' asked Sylvie.

  'None. But as they're more frequent now, we're hoping whoever it is slips up before anything serious happens,' Alan replied.

  'If we can do anything to help, you know we will. But for now, let's give you a break from your thoughts and get round the piano.' Rob had always been sensitive to Carrie's needs and had just suggested the perfect solution to reinstate the previous celebratory atmosphere.

  They enjoyed an hour at the piano, with Rob sharing some of his new material and encouraging Carrie to sing some duets with him. Alan and Sylvie were an enthusiastic audience. Carrie didn't kid herself that she was good enough to have been a professional if she hadn't had her writing, but singing was her favourite pastime and she loved the times she got to sing with Rob.

  'One of these days, you will join me on stage for a duet Carrie. You should be proud to show off to the world your angelic singing voice.'

  Carrie laughed at the idea. She had absolutely no notion of just how lovely she sounded when she sang, but Rob recognised the purity in her voice. Unbeknown to Carrie he was working on a song with his musical director that he thought would showcase her voice perfectly. All he had to do was finish it and then convince her to sing it with him. It would make a wonderful present for her when all this nasty business was over.

  Over a night cap, and after Alan had retired for the night, Sylvie asked if Carrie had met the new owner of the Estate.

  'Yes, I've met him.'

  'You don't sound as if you approve of him.'

  Carrie shrugged. 'So long as I don't bump into Mr. 'high and mighty' Calderwood too often, I'm sure we'll live harmoniously as neighbours.'

  'Mr. Calderwood,' Rob repeated. 'I read that Jake Calderwood had bought land in Scotland, you don't mean him do you?'

  Carrie was surprised. 'How do you know him?'

  'He's often at the same celebrity events we go to. Normally as an escort for some leggy blonde who wants to be seen out with the best.'

  Sylvie joined in. 'Mmm, you know when Jake Calderwood has arrived in a room. He just oozes sex appeal. If I wasn't so in love with Rob, I'd be interested in making a play for him myself.'

  'Do I need to tie you to the bedposts my darling?' asked Rob.

  'Not especially, but I wouldn't complain if that was what you wanted to do!' Sylvie laughed.

  Carrie was mildly embarrassed by her friends' overt desire for each other, but also felt a stab of longing for the relationship that seemed so elusive to her.

  Rob returned to Carrie's comment. 'What do you mean by 'high and mighty'? He's always struck me as a perfect gentleman.'

  'Huh! He made it very clear that I was trespassing on his land.'

  'Whilst I've spoken with him, I don't know him very well, but from what I've heard of him, that really surprises me. You must have caught him on an off day.'

  'What have you heard about him?' Carrie couldn't help but be curious.

  'According to a friend who knows him well, he's generous with his time and his money. He's brilliant at business of course, with offices around the world. You must have seen him on that political debate programme on TV. He runs rings round some of the politicians. He advises the government on domestic and international trade as well. Oh, he's a man worth knowing by all accounts. That's why so many unattached celebrities want to be seen out with him.'

  It seemed that for someone who didn't know Jake very well, Rob was full of information.

  Sylvie then surprised her with more snippets of her own. 'I've heard that he's just dynamite in the bedroom. Can't you just imagine what that gorgeous, muscular body would look like naked beside you. Those broad shoulders that taper down to a slim waist, and those hands with his long fingers. Oh, you can feel those hands doing the most wonderful things to the most intimate parts of your body. He's all male.'

  Whilst Rob cleared up the drink he'd spluttered at his wife's graphic account of another man, Sylvie winked at Carrie and calmed her comments 'Not that he puts himself about. He may be photographed frequently with a different woman on his arm but there's really very little bedroom gossip about him.'

  Carrie wished she hadn't asked now. Despite her marriage and Charlie's conception, she was inexperienced in the bedroom and the comments embarrassed her. But somehow her mind had betrayed her and she'd been able to picture those hands caressing her body from her breasts down to her most secret part. She coloured slightly at her thoughts. Rob had recovered sufficiently to notice Carrie's discomfort. He realised Sylvie had been very clever. Carrie wasn't as immune to Jake Calderwood as she made out. He made a mental note to invite himself up to Scotland to see Carrie in Jake's presence.

  *

  The weekend had been wonderful. Carrie had slept well, eaten well and laughed for what felt like the first time in a long while. She'd felt safe and cocooned at Rob and Sylvie's, not leaving the house until it was time to go to the airport. She recalled how, yesterday, all her private thoughts had been about Jake Calderwood and she hadn't thought about the threats. Not that thoughts of Jake were very calming, quite the opposite, they always seemed to bring her out in a cold sweat, particularly when she recalled the way Sylvie and Rob had spoken about sex. She just didn't understand the effect Jake was having on her. She'd never responded like this to any man, having thought they were all like her ex. Not only did she not know him very well, what she did know of him she didn't like much. Yet there was something there, pulling her, she couldn't deny that.

  As the flight returned her to Scotland and closer to her current reality, she felt herself tense. All the stress of the last couple of months flooded back to her. Oh, how she wished she could have just stayed at her friends' house until all this was over.

  The moment she walked in the door, she sensed something had happened. It was the same feeling she'd had when she'd spoken with Moira, who'd looked after Charlie, at the weekend. Moira came out of the kitchen with a look of apprehension in her eyes that she didn't quite hide before Carrie saw it. Moira seemed over bright as she made Carrie a cup of tea.

  Moira wasn't sure which bit she was more nervous telling
Carrie about, the fact that Charlie had spent time with Jake Calderwood or her misinterpretation of his telephone call. She recalled that phone call vividly.

  'Hello, I've got Charlie here.' She may not have reacted quite so strongly if he'd said his name, but he must have made an assumption that she knew who he was, the arrogant swine!

  She closed her eyes now at the horror of her thoughts. She remembered screaming and Steve, Charlie's protection officer, running towards her and taking the phone from her. She'd felt so stupid once she'd realised it was a completely innocent call but it made her realise just how easy it might be for someone to snatch Charlie, even with protection.

  She took a deep breath and filled Carrie in on the weekend's excitement.

  As she listened to Moira, Carrie felt guilty for having enjoyed such a stress free weekend. How could she have left Charlie at a time like this and thought he'd be safe.

  'How did he end up at the manor house? Did Jake take him there? Did he harm him in any way?' Carrie rushed out her questions not waiting for an answer. She just felt bereft and helpless at what she was hearing.

  She listened again as Moira explained how Charlie had spotted the puppies and without thinking had just taken off after the landrover on his bike. Apparently Jake had been very good with Charlie, showing him how to handle the pups, stroke them and feed them. Charlie had decided that as they looked like two of his teddy bears, they should be called Skippy and Pongo. On hearing this Carrie snorted at the idea that Jake would entertain such names for his dogs, particularly coming from a child he didn't like.

  Moira finally reassured Carrie that Charlie had been fine, and had come back raving about Jake as well as the dogs. It didn't make Carrie feel any better about the man but she did feel slightly less guilty for her own weekend.

  *

  Jake turned off his computer, stood up and gave his body a long stretch. He'd been intensely studying some key documents that Phil had sent him earlier on in the day and it was later than he realised when he'd made the last of his notes for the negotiations the next day. His body felt stiff having been hunched up for nearly four hours. He decided to go to the kitchen where he'd left the puppies and spend a bit of time winding down with them before bed. They seemed to have settled in brilliantly and he was pleased with his decision to get two. They were already showing their personalities - one more courageous and dominant than the other.