Chapter Three
As soon as I arrived home I called Sophie to tell her my news. Holding the receiver away from my ear as she squealed in delight. I laughed as I told her about my day. Still finding it hard to believe myself. One of the most important men in the city wanted to dine with me. A mere boutique manageress who he had only met earlier in the day.
I stepped into the shower, feeling the hot spray against my skin as I lathered myself with shower gel. After dampening my hair I ran shampoo through my long black locks. Reluctantly leaving the warmth of the shower to towel myself dry.
Opening the door to my closet I pondered on what to wear. It was a chilly evening, but I wanted to look my best for Harry. Finally I opted for a knee length patterned dress, its delicate shades complimenting my dark skin. I slipped into a pair of black heels and chose a matching purse to complete the look.
In front of the dressing table mirror I carefully applied my make-up. The colors used drawing attention to my deep brown eyes. After drying my hair I tied it high, enhancing my cheek bones.
Once ready I nervously waited for Harry’s driver to arrive. Harry hadn’t told me where we would be going for the evening. So I was unsure of what to expect as the intercom announced the driver’s presence.
My mouth fell open in shock as I reached the street below. A stretch black limo was waiting for me. The driver waiting patiently as he held open the door. I slid onto the plush leather seat, making myself comfortable as the car pulled away from the curb.
Sometime later and the limo turned onto a sweeping driveway. The large iron gates we had passed through closing behind us silently. I could hear the gravel crunching under the weight of the car as it came to a stop before the impressive mansion.
The walls were painted white, with imposing columns on either side of a large oak door. There were an array of windows, each with shutters and balconies to enjoy the views of the grounds. Tall trees sheltered the property from prying eyes, still full of lush green leaves. Flowers filled the beds, casting a variety of color amongst the foliage.
I took the hand of the driver as he helped me from the limo, smoothing my dress as he led me to the main door. A butler greeted me warmly, ushering me inside as the driver excused himself. My heels clicked loudly upon the marble floor as I followed the butler across the hall. Entering a large lounge, the elderly man announced my arrival.
Harry was waiting for me before a large open fire, a glass of champagne in his hand. He flashed me a large smile as he crossed the room to greet me. Planting a gentle kiss upon my cheek and motioning toward a seat. Quickly he offered me a drink, which I sipped at delicately as I took in my surroundings.
There were paintings upon the walls, depicting scenes of hunts and elegant gentlemen. Portraits of horses with beautiful women side-saddle upon their backs. Delicate ornaments adorned some of the surfaces around the room. While books and reference journals filled the tables.
“I hope you don’t mind dining here with me. It is just so much easier than eating out,” Harry explained.
“I can imagine that is a problem for you,” I agreed.
“You have no idea! There is no chance to relax and enjoy a meal when people are always approaching you. Then there are the security issues to consider. Curtis won’t allow me to go anywhere unless he has checked it out first. It can grow tiresome sometimes,” he continued with a heavy sigh.
“Eating here is fine Harry. You have a very beautiful home,” I answered in awe.
As we talked I began to feel more at ease. I had expected Harry to perhaps be a little aloof. Yet he was down to earth, speaking to me as an equal. I found that we had the same sense of humor. Often breaking down into laughter as we sat getting to know each other.
We both turned as the butler reappeared, politely announcing that dinner was served before retreating again. I linked my arm through Harry’s as we headed into the dining room. It was decorated in rich shades of red. The large oak table seating over twenty people. Harry held out my chair, taking his own seat at the head of the table.
My stomach rumbled as my starter was placed before. The delicate aromas filling my nostrils. Harry filled our glasses, giving a toast as the crystal clinked against each other. Taking a small bite of the food I couldn’t hide my pleasure at the sumptuous taste.
“Don’t your family join you for meals?” I asked curiously.
“Rebecca is on a date. And my parents have their own wing and usually prefer to eat there.”
I nodded with understanding. I imagined that the mansion could sometimes be rather imposing. Although Harry seemed to be a level headed person, his home was very lavish. It was clearly his pride and joy. He also clearly ran aspects of his business from home. So he needed to make the right impression to potential investors and business colleagues.
Throughout the evening I found Harry’s company engaging. Discovering that we had a lot in common was enlightening. I hadn’t expected to find that a billionaire could possibly have an interest in someone who simply worked in a boutique. Yet he appeared to be interested in everything that I had to say. Often nodding in agreement when talk came to things such as politics.
The clock above the fireplace struck midnight as I arrived home sometime later. It had been such a wonderful evening I hadn’t wanted it to end. I changed into my nightclothes and slipped into bed. Although I felt exhausted, my mind was still racing with thoughts of Harry. The image of him swimming before my eyes as finally I drifted off to sleep with a smile upon my lips.
Chapter Four
At work the following day the girls were keen to hear about my dinner date with Harry. Although I tried, I couldn’t hide my excitement as I told them of the night’s events. They were in awe as I described how his driver collected me in a limo. Explaining in detail the mansion that I owned and dining there.
Harry and I had organized to meet at the weekend and I was eager to see him again. As soon as I woke this morning my mind had been filled with thoughts of him. Recalling our conversations and how we had laughed together.
I couldn’t stop smiling as I served the customers. Not because I felt that I should, simply because I was so happy. Even though I had only been alone with him for one evening, I had felt an instant attraction to Harry.
The door to the boutique opened causing me to turn to the sound. A young man came inside, holding a large bouquet of flowers. With a furrowed brow I stepped forward to greet him.
“Miss Moore?” he asked politely.
“Yes, that’s me,” I replied cautiously.
“These are sent with Mr Forester’s regards.”
A smile spread across my face as I accepted the gift that Harry had sent. Feeling the girl’s eyes boring into my back as they looked on. I inhaled deeply to take in the sweet aromas. Thanking the delivery driver before he left.
“It looks like someone has an admirer,” Izzy gushed as she rushed toward me.
My cheeks flushed as I accepted her embrace. I hated to admit it but I was flattered by Harry’s attention. With a swell in my heart I picked out the card, opening the envelope to read what was written inside. A broad smile spreading across my face as I saw the romantic remark that Harry was patiently waiting to see me again. I was shocked to realize that I felt like a little school girl again. Full of excitement at the prospect of building a relationship with him.
As predicted for the next few days the boutique was rushed with customers. All eager to know what the infamous Mr Harry Forester had bought for his sister so that they could get the same. I was grateful to be kept busy. Meaning that I had no time to dwell about seeing Harry again.
So before I knew it, it was the day of our second date. Harry hadn’t told me what he had planned for us. Just telling me to dress casually as we wouldn’t be leaving the estate. I chose a pair of leggings and a loose blouse, along with a pair of flat heeled shoes. Grabbing a jacket I headed down to the ground floor to meet the driver.
My nerves began to mount as we drew closer to the estate. I had spoken with Harry on the phone since our first date. Always with a smile on my face as we told each other how our day had been. Imagining his clear blue eyes and handsome face as I listened to his smooth voice.
Harold the butler opened the door for me as soon as I arrived. Leading me into the lounge. As I entered the room Harry held out his arms and I happily went to him. Sighing heavily with his strong embrace. Pleased to be close to him again.
“I have missed you Clarissa,” Harry whispered as he kissed me gently.
“Me too,” I murmured in reply.
With his hand in mine he led me to the patio doors. Gazing out into the grounds I saw two horses tethered to the fence. Shocked I turned to face Harry.
“I thought we could ride around the grounds before dinner,” he said with a smile.
“That’s a wonderful idea.”
We raced outside giggling childishly as we mounted the horses. It had been years since I had ridden, but it all came flooding back when I took the reins. Spurring the horse into a gentle trot as I followed Harry’s lead.
It was a warm evening, with only a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves of the trees. Birds sang happily within their branches as the sun shone brightly overhead. Harry appeared thoughtful as he rode. Taking in the beauty of the grounds while the horses trotted along.
“Are you alright?” I asked with concern.
“Yes. Sorry Clarissa, it’s just been a hectic week,” Harry smiled.
I nodded with understanding. Not wanting to push the issue further I allowed a comfortable silence to fall between us. Leaving Harry to his thoughts while we rode in peace. He looked tired and clearly was concerned about something, but it wasn’t my place to force him into telling me. Knowing that he would once the time was right.
Following our ride we settled on the patio. Sitting at the table Harry opened the bottle of wine that Harold had left in an ice bucket to chill. Passing me my drink he raised in his glass in a toast.
“To another wonderful evening with a beautiful lady,” he said grandly.
Blushing I hit my glass against his gently. Taking a sip of the cool liquid while looking at Harry shyly over the rim. He gazed at me tenderly, reaching across the table to take my hand.