by Robyn Grady
Jezz slowly stood. ‘I got a phone call from Jon Sturts Friday. You know we’ve been in touch a bit because of my music background. Anyway, he asked about you.’
‘Jonathon?’ Serena’s mind stumbled back. ‘Why didn’t he phone me himself? What did he want?’
Jezz blinked a few times. ‘Serena, he wants you.’
Those words…they didn’t make sense, not in that context. There was some mistake, a misunderstanding. ‘Jonathon wants me? Wants me for what?’
She thought of the flowers. David’s words…‘he’s a charmer’…and a hot prickling flashed over her skin.
She backed up. ‘But I’ve never given him any indication I was interested. I’m not. Could never be…’
‘He doesn’t want you that way.’ Jezz reached for Serena’s arm. ‘Jonathon asked about your performance here. Whether you were as good as he believed. Of course, I said you were better than brilliant. Only need to read the papers and talk to your clients to know that. We’ll have that award David needs, nothing surer.’
So, that was where this was headed. ‘Jonathon wants me to work for him?’ Jezz nodded. Serena let loose a laugh. ‘But I can’t. I wouldn’t. I love what I’m doing here. David still needs me. I can’t leave.’
Her heartbeat hitched. Was that true? Was that her final decision? If he wanted her here indefinitely, she would forgo the idea of working overseas? How could they ever reach a compromise? A long-distance affair? But that wouldn’t satisfy either of them.
At one point she’d decided David was so wealthy, he could hire a manager to supervise the agency. But, while that might work for a vacation, a man like David Miles wouldn’t hang off someone’s coattails, no matter who it was. He’d want his previous life back and be where he wanted to be, do what he wanted to do. Her heart broke to acknowledge that, but it was true, and she couldn’t blame him. She felt the same way.
Jezz returned to her seat. ‘Jon Sturts is a beat away from sacking his person in London. He needs a replacement. Someone with tenacity, intelligence and sparkle. It’s the top job. No supervision. Mayfair apartment provided. He wanted me to run it by you first. Try to convince you. He told me the salary figure, I’m sure just to boast. It’s a small fortune.’
Serena shook her head, but her mind was still frozen. ‘David gave me this chance. He believes in me.’
Yes, he’d knocked back another of her ideas recently, one she’d had high hopes for. But she hadn’t been convincing enough, that was all.
Her head began to swim.
Then last Thursday he’d pulled the plug on a national radio interview. He’d said it was bad timing. She still believed it had been spot on. He’d held her hand and told her not to be disappointed—she was still the best account exec he’d known. He meant it. He must. She was good at this, really good at something, finally.
So, why in her heart did she feel as if he’d begun to hold her back?
Jezz sat forward. ‘Jon said if you were interested, he’d slot you in, pronto. That the better man will have won and David would cope.’
Better man? My God. ‘What did you say to that?’
‘If he wants to keep his baritone, best not to run into David anytime soon.’
‘Someone mention my name?’
Serena jumped at the sound of that deep voice. She spun around and he was there, smiling and striding up to her. ‘David.’ She patted the moisture broken on her hairline. ‘You scared the daylights out of me.’
‘You’re white.’ He frowned and brushed the hair from her cheek as he joined her. ‘Are you ill? I think you should lie down.’
Maybe she should. Maybe she should hide under the covers and block her ears. She didn’t want to be around when David found out about this. She didn’t want to listen to those whispers about being held back.
Sounding overly chirpy, Jezz spoke up. ‘Serena thought reading papers in the park sounded like a nice way to spend Sunday. You kids should get moving before the whole day’s gone. Serena, hon—’ she sent a meaningful look ‘—we’ll talk later.’
They said goodbye to Jezz, but, walking down the corridor, Serena still felt sick to her stomach. In three months she’d gone from ‘junior’ to ‘in charge’ to ‘star’. Who would have dreamed it possible? Remarkable and, in so many ways, not what she’d anticipated. She’d wanted to prove herself, and she’d done it. A fantastic position, a full-time man. But now she was faced with the truth.
She’d planned on a job overseas and nothing permanent. Suddenly she had an opportunity for ‘a’; what did she do about ‘b’? Had she even left herself a choice?
‘Maybe we should go home and rest.’ David’s arm linked around her waist. ‘I can put you to bed and—’
‘Make love to me?’ That could only make her feel better.
‘I was going to suggest aspirin, but the former works better for me personally.’
She moved to loop her arm through his. ‘Let’s get some fresh air first. We’ll grab every newspaper and maybe some warm scones.’
She could agonize over it till her hair turned grey. For now she was here with the man she loved, doing the job she loved almost as much. She would face Jonathon when the time came…decide about the overseas issue when she needed to.
Her heartbeat hiccuped.
Had her mother thought the same about her passion? That eventually she’d get back to competing?
David kissed her hand. ‘Hope you’re feeling okay by next weekend.’
Serena filed away her negative thoughts. Why not live for now, even for a while? ‘What do you have in mind?’
‘A romantic trip into the mountains. A secluded resort, a beautiful meal, some music, maybe a cosy fire.’
She laughed. ‘A fire in December? We live down-under, remember?’
His mouth hooked to one side. ‘Maybe we should do the tropical island weekend getaway. How do sultry nights, warm water lapping your ankles and powder-fine beaches sound to you?’
‘Fabulous. Which island?’
‘Mauritius?’
She gaped. ‘Off the coast of Africa?’ She dug a knuckle into his ribs and he jumped back. ‘You’re crazy.’
‘You’re right. We’d need at least a week there and we can’t spare the time. The Barrier Reef is the more sensible option.’
‘Are you serious?’
‘It’s so busy around here, and I don’t see it easing up. If we don’t steal some time, we’ll never get it. Besides—’he hooked her arm more securely through his ‘—I know you’d enjoy getting away from here for a while. See a few places. Experience some new things.’
Serena’s heart felt full to bursting. He was thinking of her, knowing she wanted to travel. He couldn’t give her exactly what she’d planned. Was he making up for it the best way he knew how?
Maybe they should talk about it. But maybe that would only stir up a pot that was a ways from boiling over yet. Maybe she should just stop thinking and enjoy this time. Forget about plans, or his proposal knock-backs, or mistimed opportunities.
Maybe she should simply think about them.
David rubbed his temple as they walked past Accounts. ‘I went over that proposal you gave me Friday.’
Serena perked up. She loved that idea—an interactive auction on Hits leading up to Easter. An event bigger and brighter than anything she’d tried before.
‘The auction at the launch gave me the idea,’ she said as they moved into her office to collect her bag. ‘We could sneak thirty seconds at the front end of commercial breaks. Promote one item at a time and provide a number for bids. The total amount raised would be announced during an Easter special. The media would pick it up without us needing to pay for time or space and the proceeds could go to helping some worthwhile cause like natural disaster relief. It would give the show’s profile another unexpected edge and the publicity would be incredible.’
With a crooked smile, he stopped and turned to concentrate on her eyes. ‘Hey, slow down.’ He brought her hands to his chest.
‘You’re moving too fast.’
Her back stiffened. Too fast? ‘It’s time to move. This show is the most watched programme in the country. Everyone from six to sixty is tuned in. With some more hard work, we could do amazing things.’ Brow low, he started walking again. Good. He was listening. ‘I’ll need to get the best memorabilia. Promote the pants off it. Invite everyone, particularly overseas parties, to bid. We’d need a Web site…’
Serena could have talked for hours about the possibilities, the endless scope. When she’d finished they’d reached her office and his expression hadn’t changed.
‘That all sounds very nice,’ he said.
Was that a patronizing edge to his tone? She moved over to her desk and began sorting out files for tomorrow’s early meeting. ‘It’s not meant to be nice, David.’
She swallowed the quiver in her voice. This wasn’t the right time. Perhaps she should drop this discussion for now.
But, damn it, she couldn’t.
The files thumped back down on the timber. ‘This event could be phenomenal. This is supposed to make a difference.’
‘We’re supposed to make advertisements. You’re an account executive, not Mother Teresa.’ Expression softening, he offered a sympathetic smile. ‘Why don’t we leave the world relief to those who do it best?’
She could hardly believe it. She’d spent days on the proposal. ‘Is that it? End of discussion?’
His arms wove over his chest. ‘I admire your lateral thinking and generous spirit, but this just won’t work. Too much, too soon. This campaign is picking up speed. We need to walk before we can fly.’
She shouldn’t feel this desperate. Maybe he was right. But, ‘It wouldn’t be impossible. Just a challenge. How do you know for sure it won’t work?’
‘Experience, for one thing,’ he stated. ‘Logic, another.’
An icicle dripped down her spine. ‘Are you suggesting I lack good judgment?’
Serena heard herself and knew she should zip it. But, hell, she also knew this idea had real merit. She could make it happen. She simply needed some support. The same faith he’d shown her in the beginning.
Kernels of doubt popped and took shape.
The more she succeeded the more he seemed to want to dismiss her ideas.
Trying to blink her agitation down, Serena crossed to the other side of the room. When she turned around, her Go Girl mug seemed to goad her from its coaster on her desk.
She clenched her jaw, found her strength and a diplomatic tone. ‘I understand you’ve been in this game a long time…’
He sent an arch look. ‘You make me sound like Methuselah.’
‘…But this is my campaign, and with the evidence of public approval to back me up—’
‘Whoa. Slow down.’ David held up a hand and joined her. ‘You’ve done a terrific job, and I’m grateful. But this isn’t only your campaign, Serena. At the end of the day, it’s mine. You’re here to follow my directions. I love your enthusiasm—’ he’d said that before ‘—but you go only as far as I deem reasonable. That’s the only way this will work.’
His words, their love, her future, all pressed in. ‘You decide what’s best? I don’t get a say?’
He shrugged. ‘That’s a little harsh. But, yes, that’s the way it has to be.’
Overseas. Opportunity. Prove yourself. Believe.
The world became deathly quiet but for the ringing in her ears. She opened her mouth and the words spilled out.
‘Then maybe we should call it a day.’
David held that breath.
Call it a day? What the hell was that supposed to mean? She was tired? Wanted to go home?
She’d decided to leave him?
That last thought was so absurd, he wanted to laugh. ‘What are you talking about, call it a day?’
‘I’ll tell you…when you let go of my arms.’
He glanced down. His fingers dug into her flesh. Exercising the muscles strained at the back of his neck, he stepped away.
She chewed her lip, avoiding his eyes. ‘I know you’re happy with my performance here.’
‘I’ve shown you every way I know how.’
Her gaze shot up. ‘Please. I need to get this out.’
He’d really upset her. He’d seen her naïve, saucy and spirited sides before. Looked as if now he was in for ‘righteous indignation’.
It wasn’t terminal. She could talk about this auction world charities idea. He’d listen, then placate her. Take her out to dinner. Show her how much he loved her. Tell her how much. He’d wanted to these past weeks. No excuse other than a stupid reluctance to leave himself open—vulnerable.
But more and more it became clear. The past was past. Now was what mattered. Serena needed to hear those words as much as he needed to say them. She had his heart, fully and irrevocably. This relationship wasn’t an affair but a prelude to their future.
‘I’ve learned so much, grown so much since you gave me this opportunity…’
She talked on and he listened, even as he wondered how she’d look in a flowing white gown, ashen hair tressed up, big eyes brimming with happiness.
‘Never in my wildest dreams,’ she said, ‘did I believe I was capable of so much, so soon. A big part was you and Jezz guiding and encouraging me, and I’m so grateful for that. But lately…’ she winced ‘…I feel as though you’re holding me back.’
What?
Ridiculous. She had it all wrong. Reassurance and T.L.C.—that was what she needed.
‘My decisions regarding the campaign aren’t about restraining you, Serena. They’re about balancing maturity and experience with talent and drive. You’ve had some successes. That can do wonderful things for anyone’s self-esteem. But sometimes…’ he cushioned it with a gentle tone ‘…sometimes it can interfere with objectivity.’
Eyes glistening, she raised her chin. ‘So, I’m full of myself now. I’ve lost all insight?’
He groaned under his breath. She was twisting things. That was not what he’d said. ‘You need to listen to me—’
‘No, you need to listen to me.’ Colour stained her cheeks. Her breathing was shaky, as were her hands. He hated seeing her upset.
He stepped forward, but she stepped back.
‘We each had our issues when we began this relationship,’ she said. ‘You knew I had a dream of working overseas. I accidentally let it slip when you gave me the job…I know you heard.’
Her travel plans? Yes, they’d worried him at first, but, ‘We can work that out.’
‘How? I need to prove myself, not to you, but for me. Part of that is doing what I always planned. You’ll achieve your goal—the gold award, success for your company. You’ll have your pride.’ She slanted her head. ‘What about my dream? Are my hopes less important?’
His blood turned cold. My God…‘You’re serious. You’re thinking about leaving? Just like that, out of the blue. Because I vetoed an idea?’ It was crazy!
Her eyes pleaded with his. ‘Not one idea. It’s more than that. I feel as if you’re not taking me seriously anymore. As if I’m turning into a prop or chattel. That’s exactly what I don’t want.’
Everything had been going so well. He’d fallen in love, opened his heart, and now she was threatening to leave?
He set his jaw. ‘What do you want, Serena? Tell me. I’ll fix it.’
She looked as if she hadn’t understood.
‘You don’t get it. It can’t be fixed. You’ve put your everything into your work, into here. I’ve put my heart into my goals, too, and they’re going to take me someplace else. We’re the same type of person. We want the same thing, just in separate ways that can’t ever meet.’
I love you, damn it!
The words burned his tongue. He choked them down. He needed to sort this out without bringing sentiment into the mix. That would only help her argument.
She was so serious, so pale. Exhausted?
That must be it. Overworked and overwrought. He should have been fi
rmer in making her have time off.
‘You’re not feeling well.’ He coaxed her towards the door. ‘We’ll relax, have a quiet day. Take tomorrow. Take the week. Jezz can step in. I’ll organize it.’
But she dug in her heels. ‘Why is it that your pride is so important, but my ideals are lumps of clay, waiting to be shaped into someone else’s mould?’
This argument wasn’t reasonable. ‘I never said that. I don’t think that way.’
‘Then why are you refusing to accept what I say? Why are you patronizing me? I’m not unwell. It’s not this one idea. It’s about what we each want. And they’re different.’
He took a breath. All right. She needed to take it further. So, he’d sort it out from here.
A hand shovelled through his hair. ‘Let’s put everything on the table then. What do you want to do?’
Her eyes grew round and glassy. ‘I’ve been offered a job.’
David’s concentration warped, then a white-hot surge consumed his body as his heartbeat exploded. His hands shook. Clenching them, he premeditated a target. ‘Jonathon Sturts.’
Serena pegged him square on. ‘He spoke with Jezz a couple of days ago about a position for me in London. A responsible position without supervision.’
‘Sturts went behind my back? When I get my hands around his throat—’ David growled at the ceiling.
Her fingertips found his shirtfront. The contact immediately soothed him. His gaze meshed with hers. Did this mean she wouldn’t take the job? Was this some game to give her an edge? She really didn’t play fair.
His hand covered hers. ‘We can work this out.’
‘How? You move to London too? I don’t know how long I’ll stay or where it will lead me. Are you going to leave your life here behind to follow me?’
‘That’s obviously not the answer.’
‘Because it doesn’t suit you? Maybe I should decline Jonathon’s offer, stay here and we could both grow to resent that decision and each other. We wouldn’t be happy. Then again, you might get bored after a few more months—’
When he dragged her to him, his arms around her had never felt more right. Her body—so supple and tempting, pressed close to his—told him, despite her words, that she wanted him too. Would always want him. And he would always want her.
