"I'm sorry. I just don't want you to get hurt."
"That wasn't his intention, it's still not. He has this rule, which I feel is sensible, of not sleeping with employees. He thought I would be working for the bank, and he wouldn't be, so it was OK."
"And what changed?"
"His uncle decided he was too old to run the bank and turned it over to Oliver."
"Just like that he gets handed a multimillion pound company?"
"It's not as if he hasn't got his own fortune."
"How much is he worth?"
"Dan. It doesn't matter."
"It might not to you, but I want to know you aren't going to be left in poverty again."
"Thanks, so you think I'm not capable of holding onto a man?" Helen said. She seemed to be spoiling for a fight with her brother.
"Dan's just worried about you, that's all," Max said soothingly. "If he'd had his way he would have called you every hour on the hour while you were away. He cares about you. You know that,"
"I know. Sorry Dan. It's all been a bit fast, and confusing. But I can't live the life of a nun forever. It happened." She shrugged.
"And that's it. Wham bam, move on."
"No. Well at least that's not what he wants. Oliver wants to make this work."
"Oliver Pierceson wants to be a family man. I think I've heard everything now," Max said.
"Is that so hard to believe?" Helen asked.
"A little. He has a reputation. That's all."
"I know. But people can change can't they Max?"
"I did." Max smiled. "Listen. You look dead on your feet. Go to bed, we'll speak to morrow and you can tell me all about it."
"That reminds me. Oliver wanted to speak to you over the weekend, before you go into work on Monday."
"Sure, I think it would be a good idea for me to have a chat with him."
"Just remember he isn't the villain here. I want to give the relationship a chance."
"I understand, Helen. I guess your relationship is none of my business. As long as he doesn't hurt you."
Dan began to object, but Max cut in. "Helen is an adult Dan. Who deserves our support in whatever she chooses to do with her life."
Helen only hoped she was behaving like an adult and not some lovestruck teenager.
Chapter Fourteen - Oliver
He had tried to resist calling her, but eventually he accepted he was never going to sleep unless he did.
He switched off the TV and grabbed his phone. For a second he sat staring it at it. What would he say?
Placing it down next to him, he went and poured himself a drink, staring out over the London skyline. The lights twinkling like stars. If only he could wish upon them and have Helen here with him.
Hearing her voice would have to be enough for now. He retrieved his phone and scrolled through until he found her number. With one last pause, he hit dial.
It rang. He immediately had a rush of nerves. An unusual sensation for Oliver. Not since his first solo business meetings had, he felt anything other than confidence. That confidence slipped away, until she answered.
"Hi. Oliver?" she sounded sleepy.
"Hi. I woke you. I'm sorry."
"No, I'm glad you did."
"How are you? Settled back in?"
"Yes. Thanks. I should warn you that Max knows about us. I think she's interested in speaking to you. More about the bank. But I know they're concerned."
"Concerned. Why? Do they think you're in danger of being corrupted by me?"
"Something like that. I think it's the nature of your reputation that concerns them."
"My reputation. Oh, so they're worried that I'm going to break your heart."
"Something like that."
"You know that's not my intention. Do you want me to reassure Max?"
"No. It's OK. I want this to be between you and me. I think that with you two working together its going to be better if the two are kept separate. If you agree?"
He laughed quietly. "That sounds like a good idea."
"What's so funny?"
"We sound like a proper couple, making decisions together."
"Are we a proper couple?"
"Yes. I hope so."
"It's so hard to believe when you're not here with me."
"I didn't know whether you would tell them.”
“I don’t want you to be my dirty secret.”
He laughed. “I don’t mind the dirty bit.”
“Get your brain out of the gutter. You’re the billionaire. Aren’t I supposed to be your grubby little secret? You have all the money and know rich and famous people. I’m a nobody.”
“You always forget that I started out as a nobody. It was my uncle who pulled me out of obscurity. If it weren’t for him, I’d have a similar life to yours, living pay check to pay check. So don’t put me high up on a pedestal Helen, it’s a long way to fall.”
“So will you come out with us on Sunday?”
“I'd love to.” He was pleased she had thought about it and decided to let him in to their lives so soon. "I just didn’t know how quickly you wanted to introduce me to your children.”
“They’ve missed me, Oliver. Between work and the girls, I’m not going to get to see you unless you meet them and they accept you. I’m not talking about a full on relationship with them, not yet. But perhaps if you come with us to the park, just to say hello. Then I thought you could come around for dinner on Thursday.”
“Dinner with the relatives. It must be serious.”
“I am being serious, Oliver," she said firmly.
“So am I, Helen. I miss you so much already.”
“I miss you too, Oliver.”
“You should sleep. Good night, Helen.”
“Night,” she said, and he heard the catch in her voice.
“I love you.”
He heard the slow release of her breath as she struggled to contain her tears. “I love you too, Oliver. Very much.”
After she had ended the call, he lay awake for some time thinking over the conversation. Their relationship had exploded. He only hoped that they were both being honest with themselves. Was she attracted to him because of the potential security he offered her and her family? Was he attracted to her because she offered him the family life he had missed out on as a kid? The life he had sworn not to recreate himself.
Then the image of her face, her smile and her lips came to him. Closing his eyes with a smile on his face, he knew the answer. It went deeper than that. Much deeper, wider and longer than any superficial attraction. Damn it. He was in love. Who knew he had it in him?
Chapter Fifteen - Helen
Saturday had been difficult. There were so many jobs to catch up on, laundry, grocery shopping and housework. The time she had spent away with Oliver seemed to be slipping away so quickly. Leaving her feeling dejected. How could a man like him want to fit into a life like this? She wasn’t free to go away with him whenever he wanted; she was tied to this life, a life she loved.
It was all a dream. A dream she should end right now before he met Laura and Jess. Before they formed any kind of emotional attachment to him. The last thing she wanted was to cause anyone any heartache. Except for herself. Her heart would do more than ache if she let him go now without giving them a chance. But she was used to sacrifices.
A knock on the door made her jump. He was here.
She opened the door, he looked as nervous as she felt.
"Hi," she said, lowering her eyes. Why did it feel so hard? They had slept together, been very intimate together. Yet introducing him to her daughters, to her normal life, was more personal.
She was about to show him the real Helen. Normally it took time for that to happen. There was no way she could try to be someone else, someone other than Helen. Because her children would see right through her, and set her straight.
"How are you, Helen?" he asked, perhaps concerned at her inability to relax now he was here.
"Nervous," she admitted.
<
br /> "Me too. This is worse than any business meeting I've ever attended. So much rests on them liking me. In business you can always go and find another deal, but I don't want to go and find another you."
She smiled tentatively. "They'll love you. Let's go in and say hello, and then you can suggest the park. They'll be so excited. Then buy them ice cream and they'll be putty in your hands."
"That easy?" he asked brightening.
"You wish." She laughed. "But it will be a start."
"Right." He straightened his shirt. Giving her a brief wink before he said, "OK. I'm ready."
She closed the door behind him, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek as he walked by. He stopped, and dragged her into his arms, not that she protested. He kissed her, fierce and passionate, and then released her. "I needed to get that out of the way or else that will be all I'll be able to think about."
She reached out for his hand, and lifted it to press her lips against it. Turning it, she pressed it to her cheek, closing her eyes at the feel of his skin against hers. "I've missed you," she said quietly.
"I've missed you too, Helen."
With her heart lighter, she opened the door to the living room and went in. Laura was brushing her doll's hair, while Jess was playing with Sparkle and Jeremy. Neither of them looked up, not realising they had a visitor. Helen trembled slightly as she opened her mouth to speak. How would they react to a strange man in their house?
"Laura, Jess." They both looked up; first, their eyes rested on Helen and then went straight to Oliver. "This is Oliver." She tried to keep her voice steady.
"Hello, Oliver. Thanks for the gifts from Monaco," Jess said. Then turned back to Jeremy who was pouncing on the piece of string in her hand. "Let Sparkle play too, Jeremy."
Oliver stood still for a moment and then took another step into the room. "So this is Jeremy. You're mom told me all about him. He looks like a bundle of fun."
"It's he is. But he's a bit naughty and doesn't share very well with Sparkle."
"Sparkle is my kitten," Laura said. Putting her doll down she went over to where Sparkle was wiggling her bottom ready to pounce. "Do you want to stroke Sparkle? She doesn't bite like Jeremy does."
"I would love to stroke Sparkle. She looks so soft," Oliver said, waiting for Laura to pick up her kitten and bring her to him.
"Mommy bought them for us."
"Aren't you lucky? I never had any pets when I was growing up."
"Nor did we before. Daddy didn't like them. He said they were too messy."
Jess giggled. "He might have been right. They do make a mess. Especially when they wreck the toilet paper."
Laura collapsed into giggles. "That was funny we thought Sparkle was trying to wrap Jeremy up because he's so naughty to her. He hides and then jumps on her."
"It must be a boy thing. Because I'm sure your Uncle Dan used to do similar things to me when we were kids."
Jess giggled. "Uncle Dan is funny."
"Isn't he just," Helen said. "I don't think he's ever grown up."
"That's what Max said."
"Did she? I sometimes wonder if she knows what she's let herself in for." Helen said smiling. She loved her brother so much. Not many uncles would play dress up with their nieces. "Do you want a cup of tea, Oliver?"
Oliver turned from where he was busily tickling Sparkle under her chin. "Yes, Please."
She raised her eyebrow at him and nodded slightly. He took the hint and added, "Perhaps then we could go to the park. It's such a nice day."
"Can we?" Laura asked excitedly. "I know Mommy said she had a lot of chores to catch up on, but I would love to go to the park. Please Mommy."
"I guess we could squeeze it in if you help me tidy your bedroom later."
Jess groaned. "If we have to."
"That's settled then. Oliver and I will be in the kitchen. We'll leave in half and hour so start putting your toys away then go and get ready. Make sure you've brushed your hair Laura. If you combed it as much as you combed Jasmine's it would be much easier to keep from getting tangled."
"Thanks for letting me stroke Sparkle, Laura," Oliver said.
"That's OK. I bet you wish you'd had a kitten when you were a boy. Or did you have a pony?"
"No. No ponies, no pets at all."
"Oh, only Mommy said you were rich. So I thought you would have had a pony."
Helen blushed. Oliver chuckled. "I wasn't rich when I was a boy. I made my money when I was a grown up."
"Oh," Laura sounded disappointed.
Helen went to Laura and kissed her head. "Come on. Get your toys put away and we'll go and have some fun at the park."
With that, she led Oliver into the kitchen. For the first time noticing how shabby it must look to him. Busying herself, she filled the kettle with water and began to set out the mugs. Making sure, she didn't use any with chips in.
"Did I do OK?" he asked.
"Yes, perfect. I just want them to get to know you before I tell them that we're dating. I really want to take it slow. For them."
"I understand. I will keep my hands meticulously to myself."
"Sorry," she said.
"Don't apologize Helen. You don't need to. None of this is your fault. It's just the way our lives are. It'll be fine."
"OK," she said firmly. "No more worrying. I aim to enjoy today. Tomorrow I go back to work. So I want to make the most of today." She made the tea, passing a cup to Oliver.
"Thank you," he said. "Do you have any more thoughts towards work? I feel like this is the point when I'm supposed to apologise for messing that up for you."
She shook her head. "No. I would rather have you in my life than a job at the bank. We'll survive until I find something else."
"If you need anything..." He let the sentence hang between them.
She shook her head again. "No. I don't want to complicate our lives any more. We'll manage."
"We're ready," Jess said as she and Laura spilled excitedly into the kitchen.
"OK. Toilet?"
"Check," Jess said. "Coat, check."
"Shoes, check," said Laura grinning.
"Then I think we might be ready to go once we've finished our tea. Do you want a drink before we go?"
"Yes, please."
The next few minutes were taken up with getting drinks and some snacks to take with them. Helen put it all into a backpack, and slung it on her shoulder, glancing at Oliver and smiling. "Ready?"
"Of course," he said, but once more, he looked nervous.
Making sure she had her door keys, she ushered them all out. Feeling like a mother hen rather than his sexy secretary. Laura and Jess walked together in front. They knew the way, stopping for Helen to cross them over the roads as they went. It gave Oliver and Helen a chance to walk side by side, talking quietly.
"I spoke to Max yesterday."
"What did she say?"
"Mostly it was about business. She's coming into work early tomorrow to help contain any fallout. Although it appears the office grapevine has been working overtime. Most people already know what's happening. At the moment, we've decided to play down how permanent my position is. She agrees that Bob isn’t going to be content to stay at home all day once he feels better."
"Is he feeling better?"
"Yes. They have his medication sorted now, so he's beginning to feel like his old self. He's been on the phone to both Max and myself. Giving us his advice. And I use that term loosely."
"He's still the boss then?"
"Oh, most definitely."
"Did Max ask about us?" Helen desperately wanted to know if they had been talking about her.
"We touched in it briefly. She just wanted my reassurance that I wasn't playing with you. She cares a lot about you Helen. You and your children. I swore to her that my intentions are nothing other than honourable."
He sounded so sincere and faintly old fashioned. She liked that. She liked it a lot.
"Can we go on the swings?"
"Yes. Are
n't you lucky Oliver is here, it means we can push you both?" The two girls ran off happily. "I usually have to split myself in two."
"Then I have some use today."
"Always." She grinned at him happily and ran off too, glancing over her shoulder to see him sprinting to catch up. She cried out happily when he reached her and lifted her up off her feet. He had said hands off, but she didn't care. She felt like a kid, and no one else was watching. Or so she thought.
Chapter Sixteen - Oliver
"I don't think ice cream has ever tasted so good." Oliver was leaning back on the bench licking his ice cream.
"It's the sprinkles," Laura said.
"No. It's the chocolate sauce," Jess said licking hers happily.
"Maybe it's the company," said Helen smiling at Laura who had managed to get some on her nose.
"I think it's everything. This is one of the best days I've had for a long time," Oliver said. He meant it. The fresh air and activity had relaxed him. He felt refreshed and could see why Helen loved her kids so much. They were great fun.
"Better than Monaco? Mommy said you went on a boat on the sea."
Oliver looked up at Helen and winked. "Yes. Better than Monaco."
"Have I ever been on a boat?" Laura asked.
"No. You haven't," Helen answered.
"Can we when you start your new job?"
Helen was silent for a fraction of a second before answering. "Even when I get my new job I won't be able to afford Monaco. But we'll see if there's a boat we can go on along the coast. I expect there is."
He wanted to tell them he would take them out on all the boats they wanted. After he could show them the most beautiful beaches in the world. But he remembered his promise to Helen.
Instead, he brushed his fingers across hers, the lightest of touch. She looked at him and smiled. Thanking him for not making promises. Although there was no way, he would let them down intentionally. He honestly enjoyed being part of this family.
Sitting on a park bench, with cold ice cream and trees above them giving them shade. It was the most perfect day.
"We need to get home," Helen said. They had finished their ice creams and walked around the park twice. Then come back to feed the ducks bobbing on the pond. But now the afternoon was drawing to an end and he would have to go home to his hotel room. There were some final preparations he had to get through before tomorrow.
His Secretary: BBW Romance (Her Second Chance Book 2) Page 6
