CHAPTER EIGHT
The Veterans’ Health Center, or VHC as it was known, was indeed a remarkable place. Fitted with a gymnasium, swimming pool, bar, billiard parlor, and a restaurant offering inexpensive meals, I could see the benefits it offered to its members. In addition, there were psychiatrists, psychologists, and doctors who offered their services for free. The generosity of Aidan Thornhill saw no boundaries.
My first impression of Bryce Beaumont was that he was a sleazy, self-entitled brat. Tall and well-built with dark eyes and hair, he was good-looking. Even so, he was more Tabitha’s type than mine. His ogling made my skin crawl. Patently, he’d mistaken my breasts for my face.
Earlier that morning, I’d set off in the company electric car. The engine was very quiet and the car was so effortless to drive that I found the whole experience novel. Although normally not fond of driving, I actually enjoyed it for once.
One of the pricklier aspects to this dream job, however, was visiting the facility in order to go over expenses. Peeved and blustery, Bryce Beaumont didn’t hide his annoyance.
“How about we grab a drink at the bar?” Before I could respond, Bryce led me out of his office.
“We service the needs of retired defense personnel. We have fifty thousand registered.” We entered the bar. “What’s your poison?” he asked, chuckling.
I noted a look of disappointment in his piercing eyes when I asked for a coffee. Did he expect to seduce me? Eek. Not a chance.
The more I grew acquainted with Bryce, the more I disliked him. To ward off the unease, I thought about the sexy gardener. I even dreamed about him the previous night—his impatient hands unbuttoning my shirt. I woke up hot and sticky, something I hadn’t experienced since Ian Wilson fondled me at school when I was sixteen. I still recall my broken heart when he left. After that, no-one affected me that way until the sexy gardener. I smiled to myself, acknowledging that he might not even be that. But with that strong, hard body of his, being a gardener would have suited him. Predictably, he kept intruding on my thoughts. Since that steamy encounter on the beach earlier, he was constantly there. He even made a star appearance while Toy Boy, my trusty vibrator, tickled me senseless
“So, Clarissa, do you enjoy working for Aidan Thornhill?”
“I haven’t actually met him. But I do love my new job. Everyone’s so kind. Greta is thorough, patient, and helpful.”
Bryce smirked while running his hands through his short, wavy black hair, his lips wide and suggestively carnal. He had chiseled features, and I imagined Tabitha purring at the sight of him. Of a solid frame, his legs struggling for comfort in tight-fitting jeans. I even made the mistake of glancing down, where his bulge was impossible to miss. Hell.
“She’s his aunt.” Catching my accidental glance at his hard-on, Bryce grinned lasciviously.
“Yes, um, Melanie told me,” I said, crossing my arms. The cold air- conditioning had my nipples pushing against my cotton shirt. Shit. That’s why he has an erection. I wish I’d worn a sweater.
“Watch that Melanie. She’s got a big mouth.” He sneered. “She’s a gossip and a troublemaker. Don’t believe everything she tells you.” He ordered another drink. “Are you sure I can’t offer you something harder?”
I shook my head. Oh my God, was that a double entendre? I wanted to run. And we hadn’t even looked at the reporting program yet.
By the way Bryce knocked back his liquor, I imagined he did everything to excess.
“Mr. Beaumont—” My voice was thin.
“Call me Bryce.”
“Bryce, I’ve got to get back.” I studied my watch. “Greta has asked me to show you a new accounting system…”
His body slumped, his face contorted with impatience. “Not another damn accounting system. What’s up? They don’t trust me.” His irascible tone went up a decibel. He’d become scarier.
Bryce must have read my fear, because his hard stare softened. “Okay, then, let’s get back to my office so that you can show me.” He raised an eyebrow.
Hell, what is he going to do to me?
When we got back to the office, he stood at the doorway and waved me through. “After you.”
To get through, I had to suck my bottom in tight, just missing his protrusion. Droplets of sweat dripped between my shoulder blades.
He approached his desk and placed a chair by his side, tapping it. “Come sit here, then.”
I placed the USB stick into the computer. We were seated too close for comfort. The whole while, his eyes were pitched at my breasts. It was so awful I nearly bolted.
Half an hour later, I stood at my car. Despite the fact I told him there was no need, Bryce had tagged along, all the way to the bitter end. Just as I was leaving, he said, “I’ll see you at the ball next week, then.”
I fumbled in my bag, searching for my keys. I regarded his smarmy face, realizing my sense of unease was lost on him. He was either a sociopath or dim-witted.
Blowing out a tense breath, I felt my chest finally expand as I drove into the sanctuary of Thornhill Estate. After leaving the car with Linus to recharge, I rushed back to the cottage for a cold shower. My underwear was drenched, not from arousal but from fear and loathing.
I changed and headed for the kitchen, where Melanie carved up roast beef.
“Are you hungry?” she asked, her face cheery as usual.
“That I am. It’s been quite a morning.” I sighed, refreshed after my shower.
“Roast beef, potatoes, pumpkin, and broccoli. How’s that sound?”
“Yummy. Thanks, Melanie. You’re really kind,” I said, recalling Bryce’s scathing remarks about her.
She passed me a plate filled to the brim. I smiled with gratitude and ate with the gusto of someone who’d been through a trial.
“I met Bryce Beaumont this morning,” I said, chewing away.
Her mouth contorted. “I bet he tried to hit on you.”
Nodding, I pulled a face of dread.
“He’s a nasty son-of-a-bitch,” she said.
“Does he always act this way with the female staff?”
Melanie nodded. “Amy, the PA before Cherie—the one you replaced—was loose, so to speak.” She raised an eyebrow. “She liked to drink, and I’m sure she had a fling with Bryce. But then, she had issues.”
“What do you mean?”
“She had it bad for Aidan, which mind you, isn’t hard to imagine. He’s strikingly handsome, you know.” Her eyes twinkled. “Anyway, one night at the ball, she got so drunk she jumped all over Aidan. After that, they fired her.”
“So why do they keep Bryce on?”
“Good question. I wouldn’t even be surprised if he’s stealing from them.”
“Then why persist with him?” I asked.
“Bryce and Aidan were in the services together. I’ve heard a whisper that he’s got something on Aidan.” She lowered her voice.
“How do you know all this, Melanie?”
“I’ve been here from the beginning and”—she shrugged her shoulders— “one hears things.”
When I returned to the office, I found Greta waiting for me. “I trust you traveled well?”
“I explained the new program,” I said, keeping it vague.
“Good.” She moved away, and my breath returned. Then, catching me unawares, she turned. “Did he come on to you?”
I swallowed. My voice croaked. “Ah… not really.”
“Not really?” She knitted her brows. “You can tell me.” Her attitude towards me had changed since meeting my father.
“Well, he did appear overconfident, and I suppose he was forward, but I handled it.” I stared down at my hands as my armpits dampened.
“How did he react to the new system? Was there any resistance?”
“Some. But he agreed to co-operate.” My wavering voice betrayed me. Watching her eyes narrow, I could tell that Greta was unconvinced.
“Okay, then.” She stared out the window, ruminating.
“It’s such an impressive organization. The foundation does such great work,” I added with enthusiasm. “I’ve read that many returning soldiers suffer.”
My attempt at brightening the situation worked. Greta had swapped her concerned frown for a soft and respectful expression. “Yes, Aidan has a kind heart. He works tirelessly to ensure that everyone’s taken care of.”
After Greta left, curiosity had me visiting Thornhill Holdings’ charities. An impressive website, if not vague, given that it contained no photos of Aidan or information about him. Still, I admired someone who didn’t blow his own trumpet, another fine point for my elusive boss.
As I kept reading, I learnt that apart from the health services to returned members of the military, Thornhill charities included: shelters for abused children and women, rehabilitation facilities for liquor and drug addicts from impoverished backgrounds, lost-dog homes, protection for endangered wildlife, college scholarships for underprivileged children, and free renewable energy for the poor. That last one was left of center. I clicked on it and discovered that Aidan was building wind-farms and solar energy farms throughout the country. They’d be designed to feed into poor households and not-for-profit charities. I worked for one of the nicest guys on the planet!