by Sharon Kleve
****
That night in her lonely bed she couldn’t sleep thinking about Rob. What was it about him? Gwen lay with her eyes wide open, staring up at the ceiling.
Rob was tall and very handsome. He was brave and caring and considerate. She counted his better qualities. He was protective and made her feel safe in his company. He could cook and made the best coffee she’d ever tasted. He was the most perfect man she’d ever met, but there was a darker side to the man she barely knew.
He was arrogant, and expected his way all the time. He thought he knew her but they’d only spent a couple of days together. He had an appalling ex whom Gwen was certain wasn’t planning on going away any time soon. Melissa would be a definite thorn in anybody’s side.
Why was she even thinking like this? Rob Denning was her driver and Janis had employed him for the weekend only. Early Monday morning he’d be on his way again, out of Gwen’s life and she could get back to normal once more.
But Gwen wasn’t sure she wanted her normal life back. Rob had broken through her defenses, and it didn’t seem to matter what she threw his way, he took it in his stride. When others cowered at her rages, he took them and held them and somehow defused them. Never once had he held them against her.
She knew she didn’t want him to go. She realized that she had fallen in love with him. But as her history proved, love wasn’t enough to keep someone with her. She had one more day to enjoy his company, and then she would watch Rob Denning walk out of her life forever.
Chapter Eleven
“Are you busy?” Rob called from the doorway. He wore a soft blue T-shirt and faded jeans and looked good enough to eat. Gwen turned from her laptop to soak in his fine look.
“Not really,” she said, and brushed her hair from her face. She’d left it loose today, and apart from brushing it after her shower; she’d done nothing with it. “I’m stuck on a scene and can’t get past it.”
“Fancy an outing? It’s a lovely day and my lazy cousin just informed me that he’s too ‘busy’ to take Sasha for her walk.” Rob shrugged but Gwen read the lie in the movement. “If she doesn’t get out, she has a tendency to eat the furniture. I thought we could pop over to see the baby and then pick up Sasha.”
“Which baby?” Gwen asked at the same instant she realized it was Sam’s baby he spoke about. Her heart sank. “I’m not very good with babies,” she blustered.
“It will be a quick visit. Sam asked me to drop a few bits off. You’ll be fine.” Rob nodded. “I’ll treat us both to lunch at this great little pub I know.”
“Well, I suppose so,” Gwen muttered as Rob disappeared into the corridor without waiting for her agreement.
****
Thirty minutes later, they pulled up in Rob’s car outside Sam’s little flat. Rob nodded as he leapt out to open Gwen’s door. She looked stunning in a pair of dark blue jeans and a tight pink T-shirt. Her fair hair was loose and fell adorably to her shoulders. Did she know how sexy she looked? His eyes were glued to the sway of her hips as she walked in front of him to the green front door.
“Gwen?” Sam stood in blue striped pajama bottoms and a faded gray T-shirt. His hair stuck up all angles like a drunken soldier on parade. “I didn’t realize Rob would bring you too.”
“I’m sorry…” Gwen stuttered. She’d never thought she wouldn’t be welcome.
“No, that came out wrong,” Sam reached out to grab her wrist before she could turn away. “Come in. Shelly will be glad to see you.”
The flat was bright and airy, tall windows lining the hallway that led to the living room. Lively watercolors hung in every available space and Gwen remembered Sam mentioning Shelly’s passion for painting. Sam led the way through to the back of the flat.
“Shelly,” he called as though in warning. “Look who has come to see us.”
“Oh, hello Gwen,” Shelly stepped out of the small kitchen with a tiny dark-headed baby in her arms. She wore, like Sam, striped pajamas and a scruffy T-shirt. She looked tired with dark circles under her eyes, although the glow of motherhood couldn’t be denied.
“Let’s see the little one. Gwen’s been talking of nothing else,” Rob flashed a big smile, as he seemed to instinctively reach out and take the tiny baby from Shelly’s arms. He stepped closer to Gwen, an expectant look in the rise of his eyebrows.
“You’re expecting me to…” Gwen started to protest but she was pressed into a slouchy chair and the baby somehow ended up her arms. “I don’t think…” she said as she gazed down into the baby’s innocent face. It was then she stopped protesting, and stopped her next words as Honey gazed back with huge blue eyes and a trusting stare.
“You’re a natural.” Rob perched on the arm of the chair, his thigh touching the length of her arm.
“She’s beautiful,” Gwen sighed, the baby’s warm weight a delight to her senses. It felt right, natural, and she started to wonder what she’d been missing. She lifted her head to smile at Denning, a dreamy expression on her face.
“You should make one of your own,” Shelly said, noting the closeness between the bad-tempered Gwen and the new driver.
“I’m not mother material,” Gwen stated, as though she didn’t want to believe her own words. She would have to find a suitable husband first.
“You look like a perfect mother to me,” Rob leaned forward, his breath brushing the top of her head. His words sounded like a promise.
****
“She’s a little excited,” Rob warned as he opened the back door of the car to let in the huge bundle of dog.
“You don’t say.” Gwen laughed as Sasha leapt into her lap, tail wagging and tongue trying to find an inch of skin she hadn’t already licked.
“Sasha, get down!” Rob bellowed but the dog was immune to anything he said. “You can sit in the front if you’d prefer.”
“We’re just fine here,” Gwen waved her hand.
“Don’t blame me if she licks you to death,” Rob grumbled, not liking having to share Gwen with anyone—not even a dog.
Rob drove to a wooded area with long green grass and lots of trees, and watched as Sasha bounded out of the car and into the tree line. The sun shone in a beautiful blue sky and the day promised to be a scorcher.
“How will you get her to come back if she doesn’t listen to you?” Gwen climbed out of his car, her eyes lit with mischief.
“She does listen to me,” Rob protested, but Gwen simply smiled because she knew better. “Okay, I confess, I have a secret weapon. She loves these. She can hear the wrapper from miles away.” He held up a packet of doggy chocs and waved them at Gwen. Moments later, Sasha appeared and launched herself at Rob who staggered back under the onslaught of her huge paws. Only when he ended up on the damp grass, did Gwen burst out into laughter.
“How’s that working for you?” she chuckled as the huge dog tried to gobble up the treats and the flailing man. “Sasha, sit!”
To her amazement, Sasha did as she was told and Gwen couldn’t hide a triumphant smile.
“She likes you.” Rob pulled himself from the grass, brushing at the green stains on his jeans without much success.
“You need to put them into soak before you wash them or the stain will set,” she warned, tapping her leg to bring Sasha to her side as she walked off with a gleeful swagger.
“I didn’t think you’d know anything about laundry,” Rob said as he caught up with her.
“I haven’t always been rich enough for a maid.” She shook her head as she bent to pick up a stick to throw for Sasha. “I even had a washing machine once. It was old and very temperamental, but we had an understanding, and as long as I didn’t overwork him, he cleaned my clothes wonderfully.” She glanced up into his gorgeous eyes, reading the humor there. She returned his smile because it was impossible not to and her heart fluttered in her c
hest as her face warmed and she looked away again. It was difficult not to be affected by the fineness of his looks, and although she purposely watched Sasha chasing through the grass, she knew he studied her.
“Well, Ms. Lancaster, I’m starting to see a different side to you.”
“I’m not totally useless.” She looked at him and yes, he was staring at her as though he liked what he saw. He caught her arm, stopping her in mid-step before he leaned toward her. Was he going to kiss her?
“Is there something I can help you with?” he asked, his mouth close to the top of her head. All she had to do was lift her head and her lips would touch his. How soft would his lips feel? “There’s a look in your eyes; it worries me. I want to help you.”
“I don’t need help,” Gwen spluttered, stepping away from him, the moment ruined by his words. She couldn’t tell him her secret, he wouldn’t understand and she couldn’t bear him to think badly of her—not now.
“Okay,” Rob shook his head but didn’t pursue it. He watched her run after Sasha, her denial a little too heated but he wouldn’t gain anything by pushing her. This was their last day together, and for a reason he couldn’t explain, he wanted her to enjoy their time together and maybe even miss him a little while he was gone.
****
“That was lovely,” Gwen eased back in the comfy leather chair, barely stifling a yawn, her hand raised to cover her mouth. Her tummy was full of delicious food and lots of sweet white wine. She looked over into Rob’s amused face as he gallantly tried to ignore her fatigue.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. Paula and Mike are old friends and they always manage to rustle up something quite extraordinary.”
“You seem to know an awful lot of people,” she muttered, her hand dropping to scratch Sasha’s head as the dog slept beneath her chair, her soft snores punctuating the silences in their conversation.
“Not as many as you, I’m sure. I’m not a famous writer.”
But that wasn’t what she meant. Yes, she knew a lot of people, but none who would cook a meal for her after their pub closed its kitchen. Truth be told, she didn’t know anyone who would cook her meal—not out of friendship, anyway. She’d always paid for her food, but Mike, Rob’s grinning friend refused any payment. He’d produced a filling meal of roast chicken, fresh veggies and the most delicious chocolate gateaux she’d ever put in her mouth. She felt she’d died and gone to chocolate heaven.
The pub was empty as they sat in a cozy inglenook by the crackling fire, which despite the warmth of the day seemed perfect in the quaint fireplace. The hiss of the wood as it burned and the soft scent of the smoke, only added to the ambience of the meal. Mike and his plump wife disappeared upstairs, and left Gwen and Rob to their food after they’d suggested they help themselves to any drinks they wanted.
“Fancy a brandy to finish off the meal?” Rob stood, dropping his napkin onto the table as he lifted the empty dessert plates.
“No thanks. I’ll fall asleep if I have anything else. I’m stuffed.”
Rob returned from the bar with a brandy glass with an inch of a golden liquid which he swirled around. Gwen watched the careful movement of his hand. The brandy was the only alcoholic drink he’d enjoyed that day, saying that he preferred to stick to cola since he was driving.
“Gwen, seriously, this has been a lovely day and I only want the best for you. Is there anything I can help you with? I’m good at keeping secrets, I won’t tell anyone. Cross my heart,” Rob reached over to touch the hand she’d left on the tabletop. He knew she stroked Sasha’s head and he read the comfort she got from that contact. How much love had this woman known in her life? He wanted to help but didn’t think she would accept it from anyone and especially him.
Gwen looked up and was immediately captured by the intensity of his gaze. Anticipation shone out of his face but there was another emotion she daren’t hope to see there for her.
“I’ve been getting photos,” she blurted out, not realizing she’d said the words aloud before they hit the air.
“What kind of photos?” Rob kept his hold on her hand although she tried to pull away. Contact was important now she’d made this breakthrough.
“They’re not good,” Gwen paused, and looked away from him as her eyes locked on the candle that burned down in the center of the table.
“Why are they not good?” Rob already suspected he knew the reason behind Gwen’s fear but needed to know the truth from her lips. He bristled a little at her words until he realized she thought his building anger was at her. “I’m not angry at you, I want to help you in any way I can.”
“I was young and stupid and I thought he loved me,” Gwen muttered, her voice breaking because now that she’d broken her years of silence, she knew she couldn’t hold it back any longer. But why did it have to be this man? He couldn’t help her. He was leaving in a few hours and she’d never see him again. But this was a torrent she couldn’t hold back if she tried. “I was seventeen and thought I knew it all. You do at that age, but really you don’t know anything at all about life. Well, I didn’t and I fell in love with this man. He was older than me and he seemed so nice and kind, and he promised he’d take care of me.” Gwen looked up into his face, the tears in her eyes begging him to understand.
“Go on,” Rob urged.
“The long and the short of it is that he took some photos of me, topless. He said he wanted the pictures for himself, but he sold them to a magazine and even boasted about the money he earned from them. He wanted more, wanted me to take all my clothes off, but I refused and ran away.”
“Good girl.” Rob nodded, although he wanted to find the bastard who’d done this and rip his head off. If he ever found out who it was….
“I started getting copies of the photos through the post. First it was just one or two and then they came more often.”
“Do you know who’s sending them? Is it the man who took them?” Rob kept his voice as neutral as he could, he didn’t want to frighten her into silence. This was too important.
“No, he died a few years back, it can’t be him,” Gwen glanced down at her hand to notice his hand covering hers, but she didn’t pull away. She liked the feel on his skin on hers.
“Did they want anything?” he asked, gently as though talking to a frightened child. He didn’t want to scare her any more than she was already.
“The last one had a note in it but all it said was ‘be careful.’ I don’t know what I’m supposed to be careful about.”
“Did you recognize the writing?” he asked but the shake of her head told him all he needed to know. “Will you let me see it? Maybe I can help.”
“I don’t see what you can do,” she whispered, already regretting that she’d told him. She should deal with this on her own. Maybe she could offer some money to get the negatives back. Surely they were only doing this for the money.
“Let me look and I’ll see what I can do.” He waited for her agreement. He was determined to find out who was doing this and to make them stop.
“Thank you,” Gwen said as she reached into the bag which sat at her feet next to the slumbering Sasha. Her fingers touched the brown envelope and she hesitated for just a moment. For a reason she couldn’t define, she trusted this man, and if anyone could help, it was him. At least, he could tell her if it was nothing to worry about.
Rob stared at the envelope for a long moment before he reached over to take it from her hand. He glanced up into her worried face, deep lines creased her brow and the sheen in her eyes told him she wasn’t far from tears.
“Are you sure you want me to see this?” He had to ask, the fear permeated out of her entire body and he wanted to know she was sure when he wasn’t.
“I’m sure most of the country must have seen it by now. My ex posted it in a soft porn magazine ten years ago.”
Rob
nodded slowly, although he was aware she wasn’t looking at him as her eyes dropped to stare at the flickering flame of the candle. His long fingers reached inside the envelope and slowly withdrew the photo with the handwritten note attached.
Gwen looked so much younger in the photo. Her blue eyes sparkled with innocence although the view of her body showed a woman’s curves. Her fair hair was longer, curling around her face and shoulders, tussled as though she’d just risen from the unmade bed in the background. Her pale arms were wrapped about her body although low to display her beautiful breasts to the onlooker.
Rob growled low in his throat, a rumble of possession he had no right to express. His green eyes took in every aspect of that photo, and apart from the fact another man had taken the shot, he couldn’t find anything wrong with it. Gwen was beautiful and he could feel a part of his body making itself known when it had no right to.
“I will found out who has done this and make it stop,” Rob promised as Gwen raised her head and his narrowed eyes reinforced his vow. He would make it stop. He never went back on a promise.
Chapter Twelve
“Gwen, are you awake?”
The light from the opened curtains struck Gwen as she lifted her head from the pillow. Groggily, she sat up as the headache made itself known and the muscles in the back of her neck tightened up.
“Rob?”
“No, it’s me, Janis. Dublin was fun, I must take you there. You’ll love it and there’s a place that’s just the perfect place for a setting for a book. It’s so romantic.” Janis sat on the edge of the bed.
