Jed Hunter's Reluctant Bride

by James, Susanne

  He turned away, annoyed that his ex-wife had crept into his thoughts. It was Cryssie whom he had to win over, and getting to her through her family seemed the way to do it. Because he knew that they would always come first. He shrugged. He didn’t care which route he used, just so long as he got there in the end.

  His mobile rang suddenly, interrupting his reverie.

  ‘Jed? I want to speak to you…I must speak to you…’ Cryssie said, and hearing her voice made him smile.

  ‘Of course…When?’

  ‘Now—tonight. I need to speak to you…in private.’ There was a pause. ‘It’s important.’

  He grinned to himself. Of course it was!

  ‘I’ll pick you up in about forty minutes.’ He hesitated, thinking quickly. ‘There’s a country pub I know. Where we won’t be disturbed,’ he added.

  Cryssie’s knees trembled as she put down the receiver. How was he going to take this! She knew very well that he didn’t like having his plans overturned but—well, for once in his life he was going to have to accept it. And what about her? she asked herself, her shoulders drooping for a second. Was she really letting this opportunity slip away for ever? And—much, much more vital—could she close the door on a relationship that she had never dreamed would ever come her way? Every time they had been close, and he had touched her, had left an indelible mark on her consciousness, her memory. She swallowed hard on the lump in her throat.

  She made her excuses to Polly, who glanced at her anxiously.

  ‘Are you going to see Jed?’ she asked.

  ‘Umm…yes, I think so,’ Cryssie replied vaguely, hating the way she was always having to be evasive to Polly—and to everyone else. Well, that was all going to stop! If she could gather up all her strength to face her employer with the unpleasant facts, she might be able to return to the straightforward and uncomplicated life she’d lived before she’d met him.

  Presently, as they drove into the countryside, he glanced across at her. ‘I’m very flattered that you seem so anxious to see me, Cryssie,’ he said. ‘I hope you’ve been doing a lot of thinking!’

  Cryssie closed her eyes for a minute, to stop the tears she felt from actually materialising. And why was she about to cry? she asked herself. Was it for Jed, or Milo, or Polly…or for herself? She was honest enough to admit that this time her tears were purely selfish.

  Jed drew up outside a small pub almost at the end of a narrow country road. It was well-lit and inviting, and as he went in before her Cryssie wished that time would stop, and that there wouldn’t be any need for her to inform him of the drastic step she was about to take. Not just because she knew he would be absolutely furious, but because she was practically being ripped to pieces by her divided loyalties. To her colleagues, to her family, but mostly to him!

  He found a quiet corner table for them in the lounge bar, and looked down at her curiously as he pulled out a chair for her to sit down. ‘Would you like a glass of champagne?’ He smiled at her mischievously. ‘I hope this is to be a celebration!’

  She didn’t look up. ‘You choose,’ she said dully, and he turned at once to go to the bar.

  Presently he returned, with a glass of champagne for her and an orange juice for him. Cryssie immediately took a gulp of her drink before glancing up and looking at him for the first time. Those intense windows of his soul had their usual impact, and she blurted it out before losing her will-power. ‘I cannot work for you, Jed. Nor marry you. I’m sorry. Something has happened which makes it impossible. It’s over between us. Please don’t say anything to make me change my mind. Please!’

  Now the tears began to flow, and he let her weep silently for several seconds. ‘You will give me the privilege of an explanation, I hope, Cryssie?’ he said flatly.

  Taking another clean tissue from her bag, she dabbed at her eyes and nose, realising that she must look a complete mess. She hadn’t even put a comb through her hair since she’d come home from work. She looked up, her eyes red and swimming, and suddenly the words poured out while he listened.

  ‘A few days ago,’ she began, ‘Dave and Joe—two of the senior members of staff—called us all together with a serious proposal. They want to start a co-operative and for us to continue trading under another name—“New Hydebound”. Dave’s got a relative who’ll let us use a restored barn on his land where we can set everything up. There’s good dry storage space for supplies, and a sort of office space for the computers.’ She paused to drink some more wine before adding quickly, ‘And they seem to have done their homework. They’re getting a loan from the bank and putting up their houses as collateral.’

  She paused, biting her lip until it hurt. ‘And I’m forced to go with them—because it would be almost impossible without Rose and me. Between us we’ve always done the cataloguing, ordering, invoicing—all the technical stuff a newcomer would take months to grasp. And the accounts have always been my job.’ She didn’t dare look him in the eye. ‘So how could I say, well, you all carry on, because I’ve got a super job lined up with the Hunter group—I don’t need New Hydebound?’ She shook her head helplessly. ‘If I did that, the whole idea would almost certainly stall.’ She gulped, closing her eyes briefly. ‘As for your other…offer—well, that’s irrelevant now, isn’t it? I’ve simply got to throw my lot in with this idea, help to make it work.’

  Jed gave a snort of angry derision. ‘And what makes you think you can succeed where the Lewises so dismally failed?’ he began.

  ‘It’ll take time,’ she said quickly. ‘But we’ve got a sound customer base, and everyone likes to support something new, support the underdog.’ She looked away. ‘I think it was when Frank, who’s in charge of stock control, shed tears because all is not lost after all that my mind was made up.’

  ‘Very touching,’ Jed remarked dryly.

  ‘I will return all the money you’ve already paid me as soon as I can,’ she said, swallowing hard as she spoke, and wondering when she was going to be able to do that!

  ‘And what are you all going to live on until these big orders start rolling in?’ he asked sarcastically.

  ‘Well, the final bonuses you’re paying will be sufficient for the time being,’ she began, ‘and—’

  ‘Hmm. Perhaps I shouldn’t have been so hasty or so generous,’ he said, and Cryssie looked up at him sharply.

  ‘You did promise…’

  ‘Of course,’ he agreed curtly.

  ‘I just cannot deny them this chance,’ she said miserably. ‘I can’t let everyone down.’

  ‘You’re not so worried about letting me down!’

  ‘I am worried!’ Cryssie protested, the tears threatening again.

  ‘And apparently not too upset about Milo and Polly’s prospects either, are you?’ he began, and she flared up at his words.

  ‘Don’t you dare keep bringing them into this,’ she said, so fiercely that one or two other drinkers looked up in surprise. ‘Anyway, somehow or other I’ll make sure we have enough to get by!’ She drained her glass. ‘I’ve never had to rely on anyone before. And as for you, Jed, and your needs—losing my services isn’t the end of the world. You’ll find someone else to do exactly as you want.’

  ‘I don’t want someone else. I want you,’ he said slowly. ‘And I can’t believe your lack of logic, Cryssie. Go on—admit it. You know very well what’s best—the step you should really be taking—yet you persist in clinging to your over-developed sense of loyalty to an out-dated organisation that’ll be wallowing in debt again before you know it!’

  Cryssie stood up, knowing that this wasn’t going anywhere and that there was nothing more to say. She knew he was furious and upset, and she couldn’t really blame him—because she’d well and truly scuppered his plans on all fronts! And Jeremy Hunter did not like that!

  They drove home and he stopped outside her door, switching off the engine. She knew that he was angry with her, and that anger seared her flesh with a burning heat. What she most wanted in all the world was for hi
m to hold her, to comfort her, to tell her that he understood the problem and that somehow it would all come right. But he didn’t do any of those things, only waited for her to get out of the car and leave. And, with the tears starting again, that was what she did. And this time he didn’t even bother to get out and open the door for her.

  In the house, Cryssie sank down onto the sofa and buried her face in her hands. What had she ever done to deserve all this trauma? she asked herself.

  A light hand on her shoulder brought Cryssie back down to earth, and she looked up quickly to see Polly standing there in her nightdress.

  ‘Cryss—whatever is the matter?’ she asked gently, and for the first time in her memory Cryssie found herself in the unusual position of being comforted by her younger sister.

  ‘I haven’t bothered to tell you this before, Poll, but Jeremy Hunter is dismantling Hydebound in favour of a new hotel he wants to build on the site.’ She blew her nose for the hundredth time. ‘But the even more worrying thing is that the staff intend going it alone somewhere else. And I honestly don’t know if it can work. But I must agree to go with them, even though Jed has offered me another position with him. But I can’t take that, can I? I can’t let the others down!’

  ‘Of course you can, Cryssie!’ Polly said. ‘Leave them all to it and look out for yourself. If you’ve got the chance of something else you should grab it with both hands!’ The girl’s brow furrowed at the thought that their income might suddenly be threatened.

  ‘No, I can’t be the only one to throw cold water on the idea. It could be a last-ditch stand for some of them.’ Cryssie got up. ‘I must go to bed now—even if I don’t manage to sleep. And don’t worry, Poll. I’ll make sure we don’t starve!’

  As he drove back to Shepherd’s Keep, Jeremy Hunter’s expression was dark. So, Crystal Rowe was quite prepared to ignore his requirements and her family’s needs—plus the offer of a gilt-edged future—in favour of a daft lame-duck notion in order to satisfy her over-heightened sense of doing the right thing! By everyone but him! His eyes narrowed as he sped along the almost deserted roads. Whatever she said, he was determined to have her—on his own terms. But she was just as determined. He knew that. He and she were a pigeon pair, he thought grimly.

  Then a slow smile spread across his masterful features, which were strongly outlined in the reflective light from the powerful instrument panel in front of him. All right then, he thought, with more than a hint of satisfaction. He had no intention of being thwarted at this stage of his life by a mere slip of a girl who didn’t know what was good for her! Arriving home, he accelerated into the drive and crunched to a stop in front of the big oak doors. There were winners and losers in any skirmish, he thought, and he’d make damned sure which one he’d be! Whatever it took!

  Chapter 12

  The next day, the atmosphere at Hydebound was charged with a tangible electricity as realisation of the step they were taking dawned. The employees’ plan for the firm was still very new, but already everyone was imagining how it would get started, and whether the transition would prove more difficult than they expected. Although the concept was generally approved of, there was an undeniable anxiety underlying the optimism. What if it all went wrong? Were they up to the mammoth task of going it alone? And what would be the reaction from Jeremy Hunter when he heard about it? Not that it would be any of his business now, everyone argued.

  Cryssie kept her head down during all the discussions, offering only vague comments, but knowing very well that when Jed put in an appearance she was going to have great difficulty in not betraying her feelings. She was now exactly where she had been on New Year’s Eve, when he’d first arrived on the scene, she thought dully, with all her emotions at basement level. She was just another member of staff, with no special privileges, no expectations—and no pressures. But how could she pretend that everything that had happened between her and the man was nothing—of no importance? It had been the most highly coloured episode of her entire life—dazzlingly, blindingly, so! And its impact had left her feeling as if she had been put through a mangle.

  That Friday Cryssie was alone, sitting at her desk sifting through some of the final invoices, when her internal phone rang.

  ‘Come into my office, please.’ Jed’s curt voice sent her heart straight into her mouth. She hadn’t even realised he’d arrived! His interest in the place had seemed to be getting less and less as the end was approaching.

  ‘Do you want to see any…files…records…?’ she asked, trying not to let her voice sound as pathetic and little-girly as it seemed to her.

  ‘No. No…thank you.’

  Cryssie made a face to herself. He was in masterful mode!

  She entered his office without knocking, and he got up from his chair to face her. His hair was in need of a trim, she thought involuntarily, with long boyish fronds curling into the nape of his neck below his crisp white collar. But he looked even more fatally handsome than ever, and Cryssie had to look away quickly. Could it only have been two days ago that they’d sat together in the pub while she’d given him the decision he hadn’t wanted to hear? It seemed more like two years!

  Now, she gazed at him steadily, and his own expression was equally determined. He didn’t ask her to sit down.

  ‘I’ve got some important news I think may interest you,’ he said, coming straight to the point as usual, and Cryssie’s mouth went dry. What was coming this time?

  ‘I thought you ought to know that we intend converting part of the fourth floor of Latimer’s to accommodate Hydebound, so that it can continue trading,’ he announced. He was in Managing Director mode, not expecting any interruption—and he didn’t get any because Cryssie was dumbstruck! ‘It’s actually been under review by the family before,’ he went on, ‘but we’ve now come to the conclusion that it would probably do very well. Initial costs will be absorbed by the rest of the store, and your loyal customers will soon get used to coming into town to buy their specialist leatherwork.’

  If he’d just said that he was taking the whole place, lock, stock and barrel, on a trip to the moon, the effect could not have been more dramatic. Cryssie was almost knocked sideways.

  ‘Naturally,’ Jed said smoothly, ‘I’m calling everyone in this afternoon to let them know, and to find out whether anyone wants to resign. And, more importantly, to know who’s coming with us.’ He paused, his eyes glinting with satisfaction at the effect his bombshell had had on Cryssie. ‘And of course I expect…I’m anticipating…your opinion on the matter.’

  For a few moments they stared at each other in complete silence. Then he quirked one eyebrow, his firm mouth betraying the merest hint of amusement, and it made Cryssie fume inwardly.

  ‘Well? Are you in favour of the transfer, Crystal?’

  She waited a few seconds before saying bluntly, ‘I shall never forgive you.’

  He raised both hands in mock surprise. ‘Why? What is there to forgive? Aren’t I doing exactly what you—of all people—wanted?’

  ‘How could you do that to me? I still can’t believe it!’ she said angrily, colour rising in her cheeks. ‘You said that you and the family have been considering this…Why, then, didn’t you tell me the other night? Didn’t you think I’d be interested?’

  He came from behind the desk towards her, and she automatically backed away defensively. Suddenly she realised that she didn’t want to trust this man any more—anything he said or did, anything about him. He was unknowable!

  ‘Look, I’ve explained that moving Hydebound over to Latimer’s is something the family have discussed before,’ he said slowly, ‘but we talked it over again yesterday, and we’re in favour of giving it a go.’ He paused. ‘And I’m willing to bet that Hydebound stands a better chance of survival under the Latimer’s roof than by giving it a new name and sticking it in a field somewhere. Impressed though I was at the courageous notion,’ he added briefly.

  By this time Cryssie’s heart rate had begun to quieten, and she took a
long, deep breath. What was this man like? She leant against a chair for a moment. ‘And I take it that my own position is—’ she began. He interrupted.

  ‘Exactly the same as before. You are employed by the Hunter group, and whether you actually sit in the office at Latimer’s, or come with me elsewhere is neither here nor there. For the moment. And it’s no one else’s business, either.’ He smiled down at her darkly. ‘It’ll be easy for you now, Cryssie. No eyebrows will be raised when we’re together. They’ll all have what they want—their future security—and I’ll have what I want.’ He paused for a second. ‘I’ll have you.’

  Suddenly the simple truth hit Cryssie with such unbelievable force that she nearly fainted. Surely, she thought, Jeremy Hunter would not go to such lengths just to get his own way in the matter of acquiring the assistant he wanted! The idea was so preposterous that she almost laughed out loud—a hysterical giggle that she knew wouldn’t stop if she allowed it to start! The man was a monster if that was the case! It couldn’t be that important to him, she thought. Even if the Hydebound staff were equal beneficiaries of his determination. But she was beginning to know Mr Jeremy Hunter, and the way his mind ticked! She felt sure her intuition was correct. Nothing would stand in the way of his wishes—whatever it took!

  ‘I just don’t believe you, Jed,’ she said slowly. ‘I don’t believe you could have come to such an important decision virtually overnight.’

  He shrugged, and now he put a hand on her arm, making her flinch. ‘Believe what you like, Cryssie,’ he said quietly. ‘But before my hotel is up and running Hydebound will have recommenced operations under the Latimer’s banner.’ He treated her to another of his devastating slow smiles. ‘A good result all round—wouldn’t you agree?’

  Of course! It was just that—a good result, business as usual, ends neatly tied, Cryssie thought. She should have been feeling over the moon at the news, but she didn’t. She felt wary and disturbed, her mind a kaleidoscope of shifting patterns. There was so much she liked about Jeremy Hunter, but his self-centred, thrusting determination to get exactly what he wanted at all times could be a distinctly unpleasant characteristic—and one which she’d seen enough of to last a lifetime! But then she remembered how wonderful he’d been with Milo at Shepherd’s Keep, so obviously enjoying the little boy’s company. He’d changed from a hard-nosed business executive into a totally relaxed individual, reliving his own childhood. And what about everything else? When they’d touched, when he’d held her…She shivered visibly as her mind ran on like a runaway train.