Never Too Late

by Alyssia Leon

  “But he was with you last night.” She jabbed a finger in Nate’s direction. “He told people at the pub that Martin came looking for you yesterday.”

  Molly shot Nate an exasperated look.

  “It’s all I said. I swear,” he said, ducking his head sheepishly.

  “You don’t need to say more.” Belinda rounded on him. “I know exactly what’s going on.”

  “No, you don’t.” Molly glared at her. “And I don’t want to hear any of your innuendos. Go home and wait for Martin to speak to you himself.”

  Belinda smirked. “Innuendo? Oh, it’s more than innuendo, dear. It’s hardly a stretch to believe Martin was in your bed last night. You’re open for all takers, aren’t you? Why, everyone knows you’re sleeping with Jake Hennessy, hoping he’ll marry you and give you Barrowdene. It’s the joke of the village.”

  Blood pounded in Molly’s ears as sheer fury left her gaping. Her face burning, she uncrossed her arms and balled her hands into fists at her side. “You… you evil hag. You better shut up. Now!”

  Belinda laughed. “Did that touch a nerve? Of course it would, because it’s the truth, and do you know how I know it? It was your dear Brian who told everyone. I guess he got tired of playing second fiddle.”

  Molly reeled back in shock. Brian said that? This last betrayal of his hit like a lead bullet to the heart, stripping all fight from her.

  Nate caught hold of her slumped shoulders from behind. “That’s enough, you hear?” he said to Belinda. “We don’t need any more of this cock an’ bull. Get yerself away.”

  “Tell Martin he’ll find his belongings on the road,” Belinda said with a dismissive look. “If he’s off a mind to pick them up, that is.” And with that she got back in the Range Rover and fired up the engine.

  “Yer not to listen to any of that hogwash, gal.” Nate said, his hands comforting on Molly’s shoulders as Belinda drove off.

  She shook her head, agonizingly aware of the transfixed crowd around them, and unable to look at anyone right then. “I’m sorry, Nate. I need a moment, okay?” she whispered.

  Nate released her. And head down, arms wrapped tight around herself, she turned and pushed past people to make towards Rose Cottage.

  Kitty, looking concerned, opened her mouth to say something as Molly passed, but with a quick shake of her head, Molly walked on. Nothing anyone had to say would help. Not anymore.

  19

  Molly stood in one of the newly decorated upstairs bedrooms. The smell of paint lingered in the dark around her as she gazed out of the tall window at Barrowdene’s drive below.

  She’d kept the room lights switched off, not wanting to be seen by the people milling outside. It was just past eight in the evening and groups of villagers, dressed in their Sunday best, and mostly on foot, were making their way through the house and around the back to the south garden. Nate had grudgingly allowed Norma’s team to set up their marquee there when they’d made it back after finishing their first misplaced job of the day.

  But Molly only had eyes for Jake and his guests. He’d just returned from London, with four other sleek cars following his BMW, and parking beside it in front of the house.

  Men in evening jackets had climbed out of the driver’s sides and held open doors for women arrayed in the type of skin-showing sensual dresses she’d only seen in magazines, and teetering on sky-high heels, they balanced on their men’s arms as they navigated the gravel covered ground.

  Jake wasn’t alone either. A voluptuous dark-haired vision of fashion clung to his arm as everyone stood by his car talking. Her barely-there gold heels glinted under the bright light of the outdoor lamps, and the peachy glow of her shoulders and cleavage was emphasized by the short black and gold dress she wore. The woman leaned into Jake, her hand stroking across the sleeve of his light suit jacket as she shared his laughter, and Molly frowned.

  She glanced down at her own dress, the white sundress with roses he’d first seen her in. She’d left her hair loose tonight and slipped on a cropped blush-pink cardigan to cover her shoulders exposed by the slim straps of the dress. She wasn’t planning on standing out in any way, but as she looked at Jake and his sophisticated companion again, her heart tugged painfully.

  No, this was better. There would be less gossip if he was here with someone else. Someone far more glamorous than her. At least this way she’d be spared the damnation of having him hear the whispers that she was only sleeping with him for Barrowdene.

  A click, and the bedroom door opened behind her. She turned to see Nan peek in.

  “There you are!” Nan came in, closing the door. “I swear I’ve been searching up and down this house for you. Why are you hiding away in here?”

  “I’m not hiding,” Molly muttered, turning back to the window.

  Nan joined her and peered with interest at Jake’s group outside. “So he brought friends. That’s good. The more the merrier.”

  Molly stared at Jake. He looked even more glorious tonight, with the light glinting off his honey-gold hair and caressing the set of his firm jaw. He grinned at something the woman said, his bright eyes merry as he gazed down at her and the closeness between them tore at Molly’s heart.

  Nan touched her hands.

  Startled, Molly looked down to see she’d been clasping them tight in front of her all this time. With a breath she relaxed and pried her clammy fingers apart.

  “You look beautiful,” Nan said, catching her hand and weaving their fingers together. “But it won’t do any good unless you believe it.”

  “It won’t do any good, anyway.”

  “Now, this might not be what it looks like.” Nan nodded towards Jake and the woman. “It’ll only feel worse if you hide away and worry yourself into a hole. You’re the hostess. Go meet everyone and be proud to show off this house and your work.”

  Molly’s feet remained rooted to the spot. How could she go downstairs and face him and this new woman as if she didn’t care?

  She pulled her hand from Nan’s. “I don’t think I can face anyone right now.”

  “Is this because of Belinda?” Nan asked with a frown. “She hasn’t shown up here yet, but let me tell you, if she dares create a scene again, I’ll have the whole of Appleby know that Martin has run off with Francine and it’s nothing to do with you.”

  “It’s not about Martin,” Molly said, wringing her hands. “It’s… oh, I don’t know what it is.” She fell silent and watched Jake direct the woman and the others with him towards the house.

  “I know the talk. Only a fool would believe you’re trying to get Jake to marry you for Barrowdene.”

  “Then this village must be full of fools, because everywhere I look, I see it on everyone’s face.”

  “He won’t believe any of it, child.” Nan placed a comforting hand on her arm. “Have patience. These silly rumours die away with time. They always do.”

  “But I don’t have time. None of us do. Those people with him have come to buy Barrowdene. He’s leaving, Nan, and nothing will be the same for any of us again.”

  “Is that so?” Nan looked out the window again, her hand falling away from Molly’s arm. After a pause she nodded. “Well, what’s to be, will be, won’t it?” She smiled and took hold of Molly’s hand once more. “We’re not ones to hide away and let others decide who we are. You have nothing to be ashamed of, so hold your head high and be proud of the love you gave, not just to Jake, but to this house and everyone in it. And if you truly love Jake, be there for him when he needs you. Barrowdene is what it is because of both of you, Molly. Go down there and show it off.”

  Molly stared at her, tears pricking her eyes. Nan’s hand felt so small and fragile in her own. Right now, it wasn’t about her anymore. It was about Barrowdene, and Nan, and Nate, and everyone who loved the house.

  “Let’s put on a good show, Nan.”

  Nan grinned. “That’s the spirit. Let’s show these people what a fine place Appleby is and how they won’t find a more beautif
ul house anywhere in the world.”

  Jake’s group was in the grand reception room when she went downstairs. It was a blue and white paradise, with a soft sea-blue carpet, peacock colours in the hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper, and eye-catching scrollwork on the white cornice.

  Several heads turned nearby when she entered. The room was full of villagers she recognized and nearly everyone was standing around chatting with a drink in hand—wine, cider, ale, and everything else under the sun. Raised brows, curious looks, and friendly smiles greeted her. She returned the smiles and ignored everything else, tilting her chin a little higher in defiance as she passed.

  Jake stood with his back to her by the white ornate fireplace at the far end, talking to a couple of men who’d arrived with him. He stood tall and commanding in his stone-beige suit, laughing with those around him, a tumbler of whiskey in one hand, his dark-haired companion hanging off the other. The woman gazed up at him, her perfect ruby-red lips parted, hungry.

  Immediate jealousy lanced through Molly and she gritted her teeth, but mindful of Nan’s words, she quickly schooled her features into unaffected detachment. If this was Jake’s way of moving on, then she would withdraw with as much dignity as she could muster. No way was she going to beg for his love.

  One of the men standing with Jake saw her and grinned. His white teeth flashed against his dark umber skin and his light-copper eyes sparkled mischievously in his rugged handsome face. His black hair and neat beard were cropped close, and he had the same tall muscular build as Jake that made his dark suit sit on him like an invitation to sex. She grinned back, recognizing the biker from the pub.

  He needed no further encouragement and came towards her. “You’d better introduce me to this pretty little thing, Jake. I missed the opportunity last time.”

  Jake turned, and his eyes flared with barely contained fire on seeing her. As if without thinking, he shook off the clinging vamp and was by Molly’s side in a few strides, and slipping one possessive arm around her waist, he pulled her in close before the other man reached them. “This is Molly,” he said, frowning at the other man. “Molly, this is Damon Solarin. My business partner.”

  Molly bit back a gasp. This was the man Lilayni loved. The attraction was immediately obvious. They were a perfect couple physically. What on earth could have parted them?

  Damon grinned, mischief dancing in his sparkling eyes again. “I thought you might be Molly.” He nodded towards Jake. “He’s been on about you like a parched man worshipping beer. Nice work on the house by the way.”

  Heat ran up her cheeks and she couldn’t bring herself to look at Jake. He’d been talking about her to his friends. Hope swelled in her chest and spread despite her attempts to play it cool, and she thrilled in the way Jake held her. She couldn’t keep her joy from shining through in the smile she gave Damon. “Thank you, but I just contributed a few ideas. Other people did all the work.”

  “Ideas are where it’s at.” Damon glanced around at the room’s decor. “I can tell this wasn’t Jake’s work. Not quite the same as a six hundred foot glass tower. This takes a gentler touch.”

  “Clever girl. You have quite the talent.” The woman in black and gold sauntered over to them, hips swaying seductively with each step of her practiced walk as she came and positioned herself near Jake again. She looked older than Molly had first thought, perhaps in her early thirties, but with the kind of buxom, smouldering dark beauty that would make many a younger woman jealous. Her accent was cut-glass, not fully British, but she knew English perfectly enough that Molly clearly understood she wasn’t talking about the house.

  “Molly, this is Elka Blom. She’s interested in Barrowdene.” Jake said. “You’ll want to talk to Molly, Elka. She can tell you more about this place than I can.”

  Elka smiled, a curve to her red lips that didn’t reach her china-blue eyes. “I’m sure she’ll be very useful.”

  Molly gritted her teeth. The other woman’s assessing gaze was still on her, taking in her mass of curls and her simple dress, probably wondering how Jake could be holding on to such a nondescript creature when someone as stunning as herself was in the room. Suddenly the thought of someone like Elka Blom owning Barrowdene set her nerves on edge. “Do you have children, Ms. Blom? Is that why you’re interested in a family home?”

  “Children?” Elka’s eyes widened and she daintily clasped a red-tipped manicured hand to her chest. “Absolutely not. I’m not married.”

  “Elka’s husband died six months ago, Molly,” Jake said. “He was a business associate of my father.”

  “I am so sorry,” Molly said, wishing she’d kept her big mouth shut.

  “It’s fine.” Elka brushed off the apology with a wave of her hand, and turned to smile up at Jake. “But I am happy to have such good friends to look after me. And now that I have seen it, I like this house of yours. Don’t you think it would make the perfect investment?”

  “An investment?” Jake looked at Elka, his eyebrow raised as if he was seriously considering it.

  Molly glanced at him in shock. All their work on Barrowdene to make it so beautiful, would he really sell it to a woman who would let it gather dust like a forgotten masterpiece stored in an attic.

  Damon’s thoughtful gaze was on her, and she looked away to hide the sudden sadness she couldn’t keep from her eyes. Barrowdene deserved so much more. It deserved a family that would adore it, and children who would play and grow up in it. It deserved love.

  Just then, Sophie appeared in the doorway, looking like a lost porcelain doll in her sky-blue summer dress, her dark hair in a side plait, and a nervous expression on her face as she glanced around. She saw Molly and her tense features dropped into a relieved smile.

  Grateful for the distraction, Molly pulled free from Jake’s hold. “Excuse me a moment,” she said, stepping away.

  For a second, he looked like he would reach for her again, but he saw Sophie and stopped. Molly didn’t wait for him to change his mind, and almost ran from the room without a backward glance.

  Jake watched Molly hurry away looking like she couldn’t get away from him fast enough. The others who’d come with him from London were milling around Damon and Elka now, and he took a step away from them towards the door as Molly disappeared with Sophie in tow.

  Ever since he’d set eyes on her this evening, he’d felt her slipping away. He had this urge to grab her, hold her close, and keep her by his side, but that wasn’t the plan, was it? He had business to finish. He needed to close on Barrowdene and move on. Molly couldn’t be part of that.

  He forced himself to step back, relaxing the death grip he had on the whiskey glass in his hand. He had to let her go, once and for all.

  “She’s really something.” Damon sauntered up beside him.

  Jake glared at him. “She’s not available.”

  “No, didn’t think she was, cause I can see your mind’s not on the sale.”

  “You’re implying I’m distracted?”

  “Distracted? That Monaco contract is due to start in two days and you haven’t even seen it yet. I had to get out there. Look, I’m due in New York tomorrow, and as much as I love you, bro, even I can’t be in two places at once.”

  Jake scowled, but Damon was right. What should have been a short break was threatening his focus. He shot back a slug of whiskey. “It’s nothing. Nothing that can’t be forgotten.”

  Damon guffawed. “Jake, this is me you’re talking to. You don’t pass my bullshit meter that easy. I’ve only seen you take your foot off the pedal like this once before. Is this a repeat of Sienna?”

  “Hell no!”

  “Someone’s gotta ask,” Damon said with a shrug. “And it might as well be me, since I’m one of the few people you won’t kill for bringing it up.”

  “And you’re in a position to talk?” Jake bit out. “What about Lilayni?”

  “Maybe, that’s exactly why I know what I’m talking about.” Damon gave him a direct look. “Whatever you’
ve got going on with that girl, bro, sort it out one way or the other, or you’ve no hope of leaving this place in one piece. Either you eat that cake, or you let someone else have it.”

  Jake stiffened. The thought of Molly with another man seared through his mind like a ripe hot branding iron. That wasn’t going to happen. Damon had read him right. He wasn’t ready to give her up just yet.

  “You men and your business. It’s always business.” Elka came and slipped an arm through his, smiling up at him coyly and tugging playfully. “Come and enjoy with everyone for a minute.”

  Jake didn’t even have time to blink before Damon caught hold of Elka’s other arm and twined it with his. “You’re right, Elka. Too much business. Let’s go look around the house. I can’t think of anyone more beautiful I’d like to spend my time with.” He pulled her off Jake.

  “Oh, but…” Elka glanced at Jake, flustered.

  With a smile, he raised his glass to them as Damon urged her away. They were barely out of sight before he placed the whiskey glass down and stalked off to find Molly.

  * * *

  “Sophie, you’re here on your own?” Molly caught her friend’s hands.

  “I came with Anna and Kitty, but they’ve gone off somewhere.” Sophie looked at her earnestly. “I need to speak with you.”

  Frowning, Molly glanced around. “Come on.” She pulled Sophie past several other rooms to the kitchen. It was thankfully deserted, and she closed the door behind them as Sophie sank into one of the chairs by the large table.

  “Gosh, so much has been happening, Molly. You have no idea.”

  Molly grimaced. “Actually, I might.” She pulled out a chair beside Sophie and sat down. “Is this anything to do with Belinda spreading tales about Martin and me?”

  “Martin’s gone with Francine! He called Belinda just as she was getting ready to come here tonight. It’s all such a shock. I don’t think he’s coming back, Molly. And poor Belinda… Mum’s with her now. It wouldn’t be good for her to be alone at a time like this.”