CHAPTER FIVE
Stocked with everything I needed and much more, the pantry was full. For someone accustomed to lonesome cans of beans and half-empty boxes of cereal, this was novel. There was enough food for a year. I was well prepared for a catastrophe. The fridge, likewise, was filled with all the yummy food one would pine for, especially late at night while lazing about on the sofa. Then there were the staples: milk, juice, cheese, ham, and even olives. I couldn’t believe how generous my new employers were. Not only was I being paid a decent higher-than-expected wage, but my clothes and my personal needs were being seen to as well.
A knock came at the door. Greta stood before me, wearing a whisper of a smile. It was the warmest I’d seen from her to date, not that she gave me a bad vibe.
“Good morning, Greta,” I said, all smiles.
“Good morning.”
I stepped away so she could enter.
Greta looked about the room. “I trust Linus helped you with your cases.”
“He was extremely helpful, thank you,” I said, recalling him carrying everything from my car to the cottage. “I also discovered that you filled the cupboards. It’s such a generous gesture and most unexpected.”
“Stores are far from here,” she replied in her usual cool tone. Her eyes did a quick sweep of my outfit and settled on my French roll.
“I hope this is suitable,” I said, touching my bun.
“It’s fine. Is your hair long?”
“Ah, yes, it is. Is that a problem?” I asked with a lopsided grin.
“Not at all.” She shook her head. “I was just curious. Most girls go for the shorter styles these days. I prefer longer hair myself. It’s easier to style.”
“That it is. My friend helped me this morning. She’s rather adept at styling hair. I’m more of a ponytail girl. Will that be acceptable?” I could feel a little drip down my arms. All the scrutiny was making me uneasy.
“You can wear it how you like.”
She looked at my suitcase lying on the floor unopened. “Are you ready to start?”
“Yes… raring to go.” I nearly saluted, but deeming it too clichéd, I resisted the urge.
The aroma of baking, as I passed through the kitchen, was so alluring my stomach grumbled.
“Have you eaten?” Greta asked. Her ability to read my mind was starting to freak me out.
“No, only coffee, I’ll make up for it at lunch.”
“We have freshly baked muffins. I’ll get Melanie to bring you one, along with some brewed coffee. How do you have it?”
“Milk and two sugars, thanks.”
I’d forgotten how sensory commanding my new office was. I sighed silently as I stepped into the pink haven.
With ocean views and artwork all vying for my attention, I had to concentrate hard as Greta instructed me. My first task was to process guests’ payments and email receipts. Noting my bewilderment at the $1000 price tag, Greta said, “These events are very popular. With only five hundred tickets, they get snapped up quickly.”
“I see,” I said, reading the list of charities that Thornhill Holdings ran. There were seven in total. Amongst those were foundations for retired members of the armed forces, homeless shelters for women and children, and even dog shelters. I formed a favorable impression of my elusive, generous boss.
“Once you’ve done that, you need to study the spreadsheet to ensure it tallies with that figure.”
Although I was kept very busy, the work was simple to grasp.
“I’m ready for the next task,” I said as Greta re-entered the office.
“Excellent. You’ve exceeded expectations. After lunch, we’ll go over entertainment and catering.”
“I can grab a sandwich and keep working if you like.”
She studied me with her cool blue eyes. “No, you’ve made exceptional progress. I expected this to take a full day. There’s no need. Melanie will get you some lunch. You can either eat in the dining area, or outside.”
I looked out the window and opted for eating outdoors. Tranquil, inviting, and kissed by a hot sun, the sea glistened. I promised myself a swim after work.
“We like to feed our staff. There are always plenty of leftovers to take home should you wish. While you’re here working, lunch, coffee, and cakes are on us.”
“That’s very generous,” I said, smiling so much my face hurt. I’d grown awfully fond of Greta.
The steak sandwich had my tummy groaning with delight. I had never tasted anything so delicious. The meat was so tender it melted in my mouth.
I felt as if I was in Southern Europe as I sat under the old willow outside my cottage. A soft breeze swaying the wispy branches worked as a fan. My legs were stretched out on a chair, giving my feet respite from my new spiked heels.
The sun caressed my face as I closed my eyes. I never wanted to leave. For once in my life, luck had touched me.
A puffing sound roused me. I looked up, and there was Rocket, his hungry eyes on my lunch. I gave him my leftovers, and within a blink they’d gone. To show his gratitude he licked my hand.
“You’re such a glutton, like all doggies,” I said, patting him. “Such a cute boy, though.”
“Rocket!” hollered a deep, husky voice.
I turned and saw the tall man from the day before standing close by.
“I’m sorry about this. He doesn’t normally do this.” He pushed back his collar-length hair, and immediately, my skin tingled. “He’s taken a liking to you, which is rather unusual.”
He was dressed in a t-shirt, and his broad shoulders and shapely biceps were impossible to ignore. Although sunglasses and a baseball cap obscured his face, I sensed he was hot. He had a towel draped over his shoulder and wore shorts that hung loosely over his athletic thighs.
“That’s okay,” I replied, putting on my best smile. “I love dogs. I had one just like him growing up. They’re such great companions.”
He glanced at my discarded shoes.
“New shoes,” I said with a goofy smile. Will I ever learn to act dignified around good-looking men?
He nodded, lingering. Hmm…is he checking me out? “Anyway, sorry about Rocket.”
“Not an issue. I could walk him after work,” I said, giving Rocket a farewell pat.
“I’ll bear that in mind. Thanks for the offer.” He hovered again. I sensed he might have been staring into my eyes, but I wasn’t sure because he wore sunglasses.
Is there a spark? Or is that just wishful thinking?
Elegant and self-assured, he had an easy stride that made it hard for me to look away. Perhaps he was the gardener. His light-brown, wind-tousled hair was streaked gold in the sunlight. I fanned my face. I had developed an instant crush.
Hot and flooded with raging hormones, I returned to work despite taking only thirty minutes for lunch. There was much to do. And I wanted to make a good impression. There was no doubt Mr. Sexy Gardener had affected me. The pleasant throb between my sticky thighs was evidence enough. Now, why didn’t I meet guys like him back in the city?
As I passed through the kitchen, I caught sight of Melanie. “Do you want a slice of cake? It’s chocolate.”
This is cake city.
“Sure, why not? Thanks. The food is extremely yummy.”
“Would you like coffee as well? I can bring it up for you if you like.”
“That would be amazing. I can make it if you’re busy,” I said.
She frowned, shaking her head vehemently. “No way. I wouldn’t dream of it. That’s part of my job. Just press the green button on your phone anytime, for anything: juice, coffee, food, or cake.”
My jaw-dropped. “I can’t believe this setup.”
“It’s great, isn’t it? The Thornhills are really generous.”
“Are there just two of them here?” I asked.
“Yep. Greta’s Aidan’s aunt. She’s more like a mother to him, even though he’s still got one.” A weird expression coated her dark eyes. It seemed as if she’d revealed something she shouldn’t have.
“Aha. Well, it’s fantastic being here.” The desire to ask more questions was so great I had to work overtime not to.
“Have you met Aidan yet?” Melanie asked.
“No,” I replied.
“A word of advice: don’t fall in love with him.”
What?
“I’m not planning to,” I replied meekly.
“Then you’ll stay on longer than the others.”
I was about to respond when Greta entered the room. “Thanks,” was all I could utter. How many have there been? Maybe that was why the contract stipulated that I wear modest clothing. I was suddenly glad I hadn’t worn a fitted shirt.
Although Tabitha saw my D-cups as a blessing, I didn’t. Tight blouses drew too much unwanted attention. I wouldn’t have minded, of course, if it came from men like the sexy gardener, however.
“You can take your full lunch break. There’s still thirty minutes,” said Greta, glancing over at the florid French clock—one of the many objects I’d been admiring all morning.
“No, it’s okay. The gala’s only two weeks away,” I said.
Greta’s eyes rested on my chocolate cake.
I asked, “Is it okay having this here while I work?”
“Of course, it is. Grab anything that takes your fancy. And there are always leftovers. Make sure you help yourself when you leave this afternoon. It will save you the need to cook.”
“You’re really generous. I’m touched.” Oh no, tears threatened. With my period due, my mood was sensitive. Not one to miss much, Greta cast me a sympathetic smile.
I breezed through my first day at work. I suggested a string quartet in the garden for twilight cocktails, followed by a band playing jazz classics for dinner in the ballroom. Greta loved the ideas, much to my delight. From PA to event manager, I loved this role so much that when five o’clock came around, Greta had to push me out of the office.
The first thing I did when entering the cottage was to change into a loose cotton skirt. My legs were pleased to be naked and stocking free. I shouldn’t have allowed Tabitha to talk me into them—they were really uncomfortable. Speaking of the devil, I had to return her calls. She’d already called me twice.
“At last. I’ve being dying to speak to you,” said Tabitha over the phone, all high-pitched and excitable.
“I’ve only just finished now,” I said, putting my feet up on the coffee table.
“How was it? Did you meet him?”
“No, I didn’t. The work’s easy. The food’s amazing, and my cottage is very comfortable. But I have to get Dad’s car back to him. He called and said he needed it.”
“What are you up to?”
“I’ll drive it over now and get him to drop me back,” I said, my shoulders sagging at the thought of a longish drive.
“Then you can drop in,” said Tabitha.
“I won’t have the time, sweetie.”
“Steve’s coming over later,” she said with a thin voice.
“I suppose he’s left his wife again?”
“This time, he’s promised to.”
“If only I had a dollar for each time he’s said that,” I said.
Steve had been Tabitha’s boss when she waitressed. She was only eighteen when they first got together. I disliked him. But according to Tabitha, he was super in bed and had an enormous penis. One thing was for sure: I wouldn’t miss the stomach-churning moans and the vibration of Tabitha’s bed against the wall.
“Don’t be like that, Clary. He’s in love with me.”
“Whatever. If you want, you can pop over for dinner on Thursday. The food’s amazing here. How’s that sound?”
“That sounds exciting. I guess I can wait till Thursday,” said Tabitha, sighing.
“Enjoy your booty call,” I said, checking the time.
“Don’t call it that,” Tabitha snapped. “I’m needy at the moment. My best friend’s left me.”
“Come on, Tabs. Don’t do that.”