Page 21 of Arrogant Heir
His eyes dance as he relives his rise to success.
‘I’d love to hear how you met your wife. I understand she was the daughter of a shipping and railroad magnate. That must be quite a story, too.’
Arthur straightens at the mention of his late wife. Just as he’s about to tell me how they met, we hear wheels crunching on the gravel drive.
Honey leaps up and barks and runs to the window. Her tail wags frantically, and she makes whimpering noises and rests her paws on the window ledge.
Arthur stands and moves to look out. ‘Damian’s home,’ he says, an unmistakable note of pride to his voice. He turns to me. ‘Let’s continue this another day, shall we? I’m keen to hear Damian’s news from London.’
I’m disappointed as he has me enthralled, and we were just about to get to the romantic part of the story. But he’s given me plenty to get on with and having another session with him will give me a chance to reflect on what else to ask him to fill in any missing pieces.
‘Of course,’ I say. ‘Thank you for your time. I’ve enjoyed it immensely.’
He reaches out and grips my hand. ‘I can’t thank you enough for the work you’re doing. Please join us for dinner this evening and we can talk some more.’
I’m flattered by the invitation and agree to come over later, thinking he wants a bit of company. Damian will be working like he always does.
‘It’ll just be us, I imagine,’ he says, confirming my thoughts.
I slip out the door and come face-to-face with Damian in the hall.
‘Ah,’ he says, pausing. ‘Ms Jackson, how are you?’
I’m taken aback by the friendly greeting, as it’s the most he’s ever said to me in a social context. Usually, he just mutters hello and points for me to take a seat and we get on with the work immediately.
‘Thank you, I’m doing fine. Just had a great session with your grandfather.’
He raises a dark eyebrow and his green eyes sparkle. ‘Helpful for the book, I trust?’
He must be in good spirits.
I nod. ‘Did you have a successful trip to London?’
‘Thank you, I did.’ He pauses. ‘You look well. The country air must agree with you,’ he says, staring at me until I feel like he’s just undressed me with his eyes and can see right into my soul.
I feel the heat infuse my cheeks and scramble for something witty to say. My brain is empty, and I have no words for him. Not even one, which is particularly frustrating for a writer. There’s something about him that renders me speechless. I stand there dumbstruck until he moves towards the library door.
‘I’ll see you tomorrow for our next session,’ he says.
‘Yes,’ I croak.
And he’s gone.
My heart is hammering, and I flee for the side door and burst outside where I inhale the cold air like it’s my last breath as I walk-run back to the safety of the cottage. My haven.
What the hell is wrong with me when I’m around him? I’m like a lovesick virgin. I’m too embarrassed to tell even Shani about the effect he has on me, so I keep it to myself and hope it will pass. It’s my shameful secret, and I don’t know why I’m acting this way. I’m mortified. He must have seen me blushing and think I’ve got a crush on him. This isbad, I chastise myself. I must work with him tomorrow and can’t hide away in here like a blushing schoolgirl.
I flop on the sofa.Pull yourself together, Jamie.
I sit there for ages thinking about what he said and why he said it. The conversation was brief by most people’s standards, but for Damian it was almost a speech. We’ve never exchanged so many pleasantries before that didn’t directly relate to the book. And he actually paid me a compliment!
After a while, my racing thoughts settle, and I resume writing my novel. As afternoon blends into evening, I glance out the window and see the pond cast in shadows. And it hits me I’ve written a dark, handsome hero who reminds me of someone I know…
And it’s not Simon.
CHAPTER16
Damian