“Hi,” she said.
After a slight delay Jake answered. “Hi yourself. How are you?
Her pulse rate quickened at the sound of his deep voice. “Better thanks…due to excellent nursing. Thank you for everything. Um… Are you enjoying the sun?” She thought she heard a deep sigh.
“Can’t help but love it. It’s a beautiful place. I had a late call from an old friend. He’s selling up here and so I didn’t want to miss out on the chance of giving it the once over and I’m smitten. I’ll tell you all about it when I get back. Just wanted to check all was okay with you.”
“Yes, it is, though I think we could all do with some of that sunshine.”
Jake laughed. “I’ll bring some back with me. Take care. Don’t work too hard. Bye for now.”
“He seems to be having a great time,” Suzy said, handing the phone back to a clearly bemused Lilian, who looked up at her with a wide grin.
“Nice that he cares enough about his staff to call,” she said.
Suzy nodded and returned to her office, her feelings about the man more confused than ever. Surely the call hadn’t been the reaction of a normal employer? Concern and a little interest was expected, but he’d gone much further than that, shown a compassionate side to him which she found absolutely endearing.
It’s strange, Suzy thought as she drove home later that day, how he manages to make me feel as though I’m floating on cloud nine! For when Lilian had said that he’d cared enough to call it had been hard to keep the smile off her face.
No doubt he would have done the same for any other member of his staff, but it didn’t stop the remembered thrill of hearing him, in that deep voice she was beginning to love, asking after her health.
She stopped at the shops and at the liquor store, collected a good bottle of New Zealand Chardonnay, and drove to India’s.
»»•««
Jake waited for the two-seater plane to arrive with slightly mixed feelings. Sad to leave the beauty of the island, he nonetheless couldn’t wait to get back to England―well, not England exactly, he told himself. It was surprisingly Suzy Porter who occupied his thoughts―a state of mind which continued to cause him acute swings of emotion. He dug his foot into the white powdery sand wondering what on earth had possessed him to call her. Having always considered himself a considerate boss, he’d never gone to the trouble of actually putting himself out over a member of his staff before, an unusual act on his part. And as for dashing round to her cottage to act as nursemaid, well that had really made him sit up and think.
But the thing was, and the memory made him smile, he had thoroughly enjoyed looking after her. She’d looked so miserable and forlorn with her damp hair plastered to her head, those usually clear hazel eyes dull with fatigue, and her reddened, constantly runny nose. In fact he’d had to restrain himself from taking her into her arms and stroking her back, rocking her.
Hell’s bells!
It had been a tremendous relief when Gavin Marshall called to tell him he was selling his home on Malinda island, giving him the opportunity to remove himself from her presence for a couple of days. It would do him good and clear his damn head. He squirmed with embarrassment when he recalled how he’d charged in and taken over in her own home. What on earth must she think of him, taking it upon himself to interfere like that?
And yet, just now hearing the softness of her voice on the phone, all those same feelings had flooded back and he’d once again experienced a need to protect her. He kicked idly at the overnight bag lying at his feet and stared across the white sand to the aquamarine sea. Picture postcard. How he’d love to bring her here. He heard the distant low drone of the aircraft, and as it appeared over the hill he walked to the small landing strip. An hour to Barbados and then the flight home. The thought put a spring in his step.
»»•««
“So, what happens next?” India said earnestly. “I mean, the guy comes round, lets himself into your house, looks after you, runs your bath, dries your hair, feeds you…does your washing, for goodness sake, and you say it’s just because he’s a considerate boss. Pull the other one, Suze. Are you going to succumb?”
“What?”
“Will you give in, go to bed with him? Clearly that’s his intention. Clever though, it sure is a different twist on seduction.” India giggled. “It’s a new one on me, washing a girl’s sheets to get around her!”
Suzy stared at her aghast. “Is that what you think?”
“Sweetie.” India leaned over to pat her hand. “Let’s face it, you’ve always been a little naïve where men are concerned. Remember Jonty, Jinty, or whatever his name was?”
Suzy waved a hand, laughing. “Okay. I have to hold my hands up there. But he was pretty believable.”
“And the guy from Brazil who allegedly owned a winery?” India raised a quizzical eyebrow.
“He was rather sweet.”
“And he liked wearing your dresses?”
Suzy sighed. “I know, I know, I’ve not always been the best judge of character when it comes to choosing men, but Jake Mason is nothing at all like either of them. You’ve met him. You know.”
India nodded. “I can’t deny it, from my recollections he’s a sexy, great looking guy, Suze. All I’m concerned about is that you look and talk as though you’ve already fallen for him and you haven’t known him five minutes.”
“Is that what you think? Hey my friend, let’s get one thing straight.” Suzy laughed shakily. “I might be very attracted to him but I certainly haven’t fallen for him or anything like that. It’s only lust. No way, India. Anyway, he’s off on some exotic island right now, probably with a long-legged blonde, or maybe…” Suzy stopped, bit her lip. “Maybe it’s with that reporter, Amanda. I met up with her, remember, I told you, she interviewed me? She seemed pretty keen on him. That’s the trouble with me, isn’t it? I’ve always wanted to fall in love with a wonderful bloke, get married and have babies, but I’ve never managed to find the one.” She bit her lip seeing India’s amused smile. “Well, you have too, haven’t you? Is there anything wrong with that?”
“No,” India said. “Not for you there isn’t. But for the foreseeable future I’d rather be throwing pots!”
“You are such a romantic,” Suzy said laughingly.
»»•««
On Wednesday morning Suzy was first at the office and opened the door wide. The sun shone and a pleasant breeze wafted through ruffling the paperwork on Ann’s desk. She smiled looking around the room, marveling at how quickly she’d stepped into the managerial role, rather than that of daughter of the owner.
“I think I’m doing okay, Granddad,” she said to the stern unsmiling portrait on the wall behind her desk
“I’d second that.”
Suzy spun around. Jake was standing in the open doorway, his jacket slung over his shoulder, a large grin on his face.
“Jake! I…we didn’t know when to expect…we thought you’d be back much later.”
“I managed to get a cancelation on an earlier flight. How are you?” He studied her face. “I have to say you look a darn sight better than the last time I saw you.”
Suzy smiled. “Well, perhaps that’s due to the excellent nursing I had. I didn’t show my appreciation properly for all you did, so, thank you, Jake. It was very thoughtful of you to look after me so well.”
He stared at her for a moment. His eyes appeared to soften but just as quickly his jaw clenched and he looked away. “You’re good. That’s all that matters. Now, I had a text from the site, the first two houses are ready for you to inspect, you know, see how you want to dress them? If you could call over this afternoon, Alan will let you in.”
“Of course.” Suzy felt flustered. Where had the warmth gone from their conversation? What had she said wrong? A tiny spurt of annoyance rose in her.
Two can play at your game, mister!
He stretched. “I’m off home for a much needed shower. Catch you later.”
“Sure.” Suz
y turned away. When she looked up, he’d gone.
At her desk she banged the drawer shut as Ann walked through. She grinned, going to hang her jacket in the cupboard.
“Just caught sight of Jake. He was scowling. Didn’t he have a good time?”
Suzy smiled tightly. “I think so, though I didn’t ask too many questions. I’ll be out this morning for a couple of hours, Ann. I’ll be on my cell if you need me. Two of the new houses are ready for dressing, I’m looking forward…”
She stopped at a tap on the open door. Looking past Ann, who’d turned around, she saw the figure of a well-dressed fair-haired man standing there. Immediately the smart suit and highly polished shoes, sparkling white shirt and gold watch showing from crisp white cuffs, intrigued Suzy. All rather over the top, she thought, though his smile was warm and welcoming.
“Good morning,” he said in an accent she couldn’t quite place. “I’m looking for Miss Suzy Porter. I’ve found Porterhouse,” he said as he waved his arm around, smiling broadly, “so I assume Miss Porter can’t be far away.”
“Mm,” Ann said, her glance flickering over the man. She walked back through to her own desk as Lilian came into Suzy’s office to hang her coat.
Suzy saw Lilian’s eyes also fleetingly glance at the man and smiled to herself. Lilian had already sized him up as I have, she thought.
“I’m Suzy Porter,” she said.
“Well, hi. I’m sorry, this must seem very intrusive. May I introduce myself?”
“Please do.” Suzy smiled.
“Thanks. My name’s Darren Hall, I’m pretty new to this area, and as the owner of a small high quality furnishing company, Arighi’s, am hoping to drum up some business. I heard that you’re in charge of furnishing Jake Mason’s new housing development, so wanted to present my card. I do,” he added, “specialize in upmarket furniture sourced from around the world.” He handed the card over.
“Arighi Furnishings,” Suzy read. She smiled. “Sounds very Italian.”
“My father’s family were from Verona. He had a great eye for quality. I hope I’ve inherited it.”
“Well, Darren, it’s interesting that you should call right now as I’m on my way to look at two of our finished properties. But I’m puzzled, where did you hear about my connection with the new housing development?”
“Ah.” He touched his nose. “In this business we soon learn who’s doing what where.” He grinned. “Competition is fierce so I follow my father’s maxim. He always said, ‘It does no harm to try and be first in.’”
“Quite. Well, without any promises on my part to commit to you, perhaps you’d care to accompany me. Do you have any brochures…samples, etc.?”
“Always prepared. Another favorite family motto of dad’s.” He grinned again and Suzy found herself thinking what a pleasant open face he had when he smiled, though she supposed some might consider it a little too eager.
She smiled, picked up her keys, and was about to throw them into her bag when Darren said, “Don’t bother with those, let’s go in mine. I have some stuff in the back which might interest you.”
“Hm…mThat’s kind of you, though I have to say I don’t usually jump so easily into stranger’s cars! Perhaps you’d leave your card with Lilian?”
“Sure,” Darren said. “Not a problem.
“Okay then,” Suzy said, dropping her keys back on the desk. She walked to the cupboard and collected her jacket.
»»•««
On the drive Darren chatted easily. He was amiable without being overly friendly and Suzy found herself relaxing. He had a quiet, well-modulated voice which she found attractive.
“I’ve been trying to pin down your accent,” she said. “It’s difficult.”
“Ah, well. That dash of Italian of course, Mother was Irish and I’ve spent a lot of time in the Middle East.”
Suzy smiled. “That explains it.”
“And you, Suzy? Not your accent, but the interesting background. Porter’s amalgamated with Mason’s. Quite a coup for your family name I would imagine. He’s going up in the world.” He swung onto the site as Suzy directed him.
“Mm. You do seem to be very well clued up on events around here. Do you know Jake?”
“Only of him, never actually met him.” Darren smiled, his eyes narrow, and he reached for his shades. “Who hasn’t heard of Jake Mason?”
Suzy pursed her lips. “Quite! Can you stop here? I’ll get the keys from Alan.”
She jumped from the van and walked to the site office. Alan looked up.
“Hi, Suzy. Jake said you’d be over.” He handed her two keys. “Number 2 on Orchard Crescent, and six on Cherry Tree.” He glanced past her at the car.
“A furniture specialist,” she said. “I’m hoping to pick his brains.”
Alan laughed. “Go for it,” he said.
Chapter Nine
On the drive back to the office Suzy was in a jubilant mood.
“I’m thrilled with the choices for both houses, Darren. Your samples and brochures show furnishings of the highest quality and impeccable taste. I was like a kid in a candy shop, but I’m happy with my final decisions.”
“Good. I think they’ll look great in situ. That cane suite is just ideal for the cottage conservatory, isn’t it? It comes from Java and is superbly made.”
Suzy grinned and bit her lip. “That was a substantial check I wrote out,” she said.
Darren looked at it sitting on the dashboard, with the name and signature of Jake Mason, and a wry smile played around his lips.
“I never thought I‘d be doing this,” he said.
Suzy looked at him as he picked up and pocketed the check.
“What?” she asked.
“Taking money off Jake Mason.”
She frowned. “I don’t understand. He’s having something of yours so he pays for it.”
Darren shot her a quick look.
“’Course. Now, we need to sort out delivery dates. Will the end of next week be all right?”
“Sure.”
He double parked to drop her off outside the office and as she made to climb out he said, “It’s been delightful doing business with you, Suzy.” He placed a hand lightly on her arm.
“I would,” he said, “like to take you out to lunch. A small thank you for placing your orders with me.”
“Oh, really. There’s no need…”
“Suzy. A lunch between friends, no strings. Okay?”
Suzy smiled. “Okay.”
“I’ll pick you up tomorrow at eleven thirty if that’s convenient for you.”
“Well, now I don’t have to dash here there and everywhere sourcing stuff, I’ll have a little more free time on my hands, so yes, that would be great. See you at eleven thirty then. Bye. And thanks, Darren.”
“How did it go?” Lilian asked when Suzy walked in. She was sipping her afternoon cup of herbal tea. A faint aroma of cinnamon hung in the air.
“Excellent.” Suzy took her jacket off and hung it over her chair. “His range is superb, quality is too, and his prices are reasonable. On top of that he delivers earlier rather than later.”
Ann, busy at her desk, looked up. “Sounds like the perfect man,” she said.
Thinking of those narrowed pale eyes Suzy laughed. “I don’t think so, but perhaps I’ll find out. I’m having lunch with him tomorrow.”
“Well, now. He’s the quick worker!”
“Ann! It’s only lunch. Did we get that Thomson contract sorted?”
“Sure did. He agreed to the clause and signed it.”
“Good. I’m glad that one’s out of the way.” She glanced at Lilian and smiled, saying to Ann, “Shall we have a proper cup of tea Yorkshire?”
»»•««
The rest of the afternoon passed quickly. Suzy eyed the clock and wondered if she should order take out from the Italian restaurant. Cooking just didn’t appeal. She shifted papers across her desk, moved her bag. “Has anyone seen my…”She stopped as the door ope
ned and Darren dashed in. “Hey, Suzy.” He held up her bunch of keys. “These were on the floor of the car. I only found them by chance.” He handed them over with a smile. “Must dash, see you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Darren.” Suzy frowned at his retreating back and looked at the bunch of keys.
“I am sure I left them here,” she muttered to herself. “Lilian,” she called out, “Did you notice if I had my keys on me when I went out?”
“No, sorry, I only saw you with your bag,” she called back. “But thank goodness he found them. House and car?”
Suzy nodded to herself. “Yeah. And office.”
She was last to leave and locked the door, checking it was secure before walking to her car. Funny, she thought, how once you have something in your head it won’t go away―how it continues to niggle away at you, and it had, all afternoon.
For she felt certain she’d left the keys on her desk. But if she had, how could they possibly have ended up in Darren’s vehicle?
Shaking her head Suzy climbed into her car for the drive home.
»»•««
The following morning she was pleased to see Jake’s car already there when she pulled into the parking lot and it was with a sense of bottled excitement that she entered the office. Jake was coming from the kitchen, a cup of coffee in his hand.
He looked surprised. “You’re early.” He held up the cup. “Want one?”
“No thanks.” Suzy dropped her bag on the desk. “Not long since I had breakfast.”
“You’ll have had a decent cup then.” He smiled. “Neat machine you have in your kitchen.”
“Cost me too much money but it’s been worth every penny. I had,” she added, “a really good afternoon yesterday. I met a man called Darren Hall…he’s in upmarket furnishings, and I was delighted with what he had to show me. I’ve virtually ordered everything for both houses. I wrote out quite a big check.”
“Fine. No problem.” Jake rubbed his chin. “He found you, did he?”
“Sort of. He’d heard of you and the new development and wanted to get in first with his offerings. I think you’ll be impressed when you see the finished product.”
Honorable Intentions Page 6
