Buttoned-Up Secretary, British Boss (9 page)

She looked up. ‘Oh? What’s that?’

‘You’re the first woman I’ve ever been with—honestly, the first woman—who never wears any jewellery. Well, I’ve never seen you with any,’ he added.

Sabrina smiled quickly. ‘I do have some,’ she said. ‘And I used to wear some, now and then. But I made it my own unwritten rule never to have any on when I was on duty…in my other life,’ she added. ‘When in the company of patients, it seemed more appropriate to keep a low profile, to be sort of anonymous, to avoid distractions. The only noticeable person in any session should be the client—well, that’s my opinion,’ she added apologetically.

He nodded slowly. ‘I take the point,’ he said, thinking he should change the subject—quickly. He didn’t want Sabrina—or himself—to think of her professional career; there was still so much
he
needed her for. But he knew the time was bound to come when she’d want to take off again.

And he wasn’t going to tell her that, even as a small child, he was suspicious of anyone over-dressed. He’d never liked all the bangles and beads his mother was never seen without, nor the suffocating smell of the scent she insisted on spraying all over herself.

‘What about perfume?’ he ventured, instinctively thinking that Sabrina Gold was quite fragrant enough without it anyway. ‘Does that come in the same category?’

‘It does,’ Sabrina replied, putting down her fork at last and sitting back.

It was dark by the time they left the restaurant, and as they walked back along the streets they could hear the sound of loud, gaudy music.

‘Where’s that coming from?’ Alexander asked curiously.

‘Oh, that must be the fairground—it’s right over there in the municipal park,’ Sabrina said. ‘I’d forgotten that it always arrives in time for the half-term school break. Perhaps the warm weather has encouraged them to come earlier this year.’

‘I haven’t visited a fairground for ages,’ Alexander said almost longingly, and Sabrina looked up at him in surprise.

‘I can’t imagine it would be your kind of thing,’ she said.

‘Well, you’re wrong there,’ he said. ‘Let’s go over and take a look…just for a few minutes?’

It didn’t take long to reach it, and Sabrina could see at once that Alexander was like a boy again as they wandered amongst the crowds. The place was buzzing, with all the usual rides at full tilt; the nostalgic smell of the generators filled their nostrils.

‘Fairgrounds have been around for generations,’ Alexander said, drinking in the atmosphere. ‘I hope they never go out of fashion. They’re part of our history.’

At the far end was the ferris wheel. Suddenly Alexander took hold of Sabrina’s hand, pulling her alongside him towards it.

‘Come on, let’s be daredevils.’ He looked down at her. ‘Are you game?’

Sabrina could hardly believe this. Was this her
boss
here with her, helping her into the seat, securing the safety straps around them both? But she was having fun, she thought to herself, feeling ridiculously childlike. And, noting Alexander’s expression as he gazed out into the night, as the giant machine took them ever
onwards and upwards, she knew that he was having fun too.

They reached the highest point, and as the wheel paused briefly to take on more customers, they could see the city’s lights spread out beneath them like a magic carpet of stars. For Sabrina, it seemed an intoxicating moment, and she took a deep breath.

Then, just as they began moving again, a strong breeze caught them unawares, momentarily lifting Sabrina’s dress right up, making her shiver. Immediately, she felt Alexander put his arm around her shoulder and pull her towards him. She instinctively responded, nestling into him, feeling her body ache for something more…

‘I told you you’d need a wrap,’ he shouted above the din of the music, still not letting her go.

‘I didn’t expect to be this far up in the stratosphere!’ she shouted back, trying to pull her skirt down again. But she knew he’d seen her naked thighs, the edge of her underwear, and she bit her lip. This whole day was turning out to be surreal, she thought.

They eventually came back down to earth, and started to stroll back, neither saying much. Alexander looked down at her.

‘Are you OK, Sabrina?’ he asked.

‘I’m fine,’ she assured him at once. But she knew she wasn’t fine at all. Despite having had a fantastic evening, she was full of guilt. She’d been enjoying herself with her boss far too much, and when he’d drawn her into him up there in the night she’d realized how much she loved the feel of him close to her, loved the masculine scent of him teasing her nostrils. And she knew this was wrong, wrong, wrong! How was she allowing such thoughts to intrude on her official status as his secretary? This could be a dangerous game, she thought, because she knew
that her time with Alexander McDonald was going to be short—and inconsequential.

As they got back to the house, he said suddenly, ‘Oh, I forgot to talk to you about something, Sabrina…’

This was obviously going to be the proposition, she thought, not looking up.

‘Oh?’ she said.

‘Yes. I think I’m overdue for some respite time,’ he said. ‘At my place in France. It’ll still be nice and warm there, and I’d like you to come with me. I’m already starting to think about the next project, the next big idea, and fresh surroundings might provide some fresh inspiration.’

They arrived back to where he’d parked the Aston Martin. ‘We could leave at the end of the month,’ he went on. ‘It takes less than a day to get over there. We’d be away for perhaps two weeks…How does that grab you?’

Sabrina sighed inwardly. She’d never heard anything before about his home in France. She hesitated before replying.

‘I’m not sure I could agree to that, Alexander,’ she said. ‘My sister will be back soon.’ Sabrina crossed her fingers as she spoke. Making her sister an excuse could be a convenient ploy sometimes—because that was what it was. Sabrina’s immediate reaction, not wanting to go to France, was less to do with Melly and much more to do with not wanting to be alone with Alexander away from work. Especially in
that
romantic part of the world. Her emotions tonight had been sufficient warning, surely?

‘Well, give it some thought,’ he said casually. ‘I shall be going in any case. And I would hope that you
can
come,’ he repeated.

They made their perfunctory goodnights, and Sabrina let herself into the house, her mind in turmoil. Everything had been going so well, she thought, until Alexander had insisted on them riding on the wheel. How could she have let Alexander’s unexpected touch cause such a titillating thrill of erotic excitement run through her? Because he
had
excited her. For those few, brief moments her body had ached for him. She shook her head angrily. Was she really that susceptible?

As the Aston Martin sped through the now almost-deserted streets, Alexander felt a sudden burgeoning sense of optimism. He admitted that he did enjoy the company of lovely women, something he’d deprived himself of for a very long time. And his secretary had shown him just how much he’d missed it.

He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel as he waited for the lights to change. Although Sabrina hadn’t seemed particularly enthusiastic about his request that she should go with him to France, he knew that his powers of persuasion would probably win her over. She was so genuinely eager to help him with everything he asked of her, he could probably convince her that the trip would be good for both of them. One of his reasons for taking her was to give her a holiday, to give her a treat, to give her the chance to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings which he himself always found so therapeutic. And if anyone deserved a holiday, both from emotional and business ties, then surely it was Sabrina Gold.

And who better to spoil her and give her a really wonderful time than Alexander McDonald?

S
ABRINA
woke early the next day. As her eyes flickered open, she saw that the hands on her bedroom clock pointed to six a.m. and she snuggled back down for a minute, smiling to herself, remembering. She had dreamed the most wonderful, colourful dreams for most of the night, it seemed.

Then she sat up slowly, hugging her knees, a slight frown knitting her eyebrows. That off-duty time with Alexander had added a whole new dimension to what they had, she thought. She wasn’t going to think of it as a relationship, because that word embodied something far too significant, too meaningful. But neither could she deny that a sea change had happened—at least to her. For the very first time since he’d been her employer, Alexander had shown her something of his very personal self…Could she ever forget his touch, his caress?—that intimate caress? That was what it had been. As that fairground ride had swung them slowly backward and forward in the night-time breeze, he had held her to him possessively, keeping her warm and safe, not wanting to let her go. Another memory which would last her for a lifetime.

But what about this morning, when they came face to face? Would she be able to act casually, noncommittally?
And would Alexander even remember the incident which had given Sabrina such erotic dreams?

One thing she had already made up her mind about: she was definitely not going with him to France. It was not only about leaving Melly by herself; it was because Sabrina could not afford her plans to be altered in any way, and she knew that being alone with her boss in one of the most romantic countries in the world could spell danger. How easily she had allowed her mind to wander last night. How easily she had succumbed to the briefest expression of physical contact with a man! Her frailty of determination had surprised her, and she shook her head briefly. She must see that she continued to remain single-minded, looked out for herself and Melly, and did not let any interruptions rock their boat.

Getting out of bed, she went across to the window and drew aside the curtains. There was another working day ahead of her; she bit her lip thoughtfully. She would tell Alexander straight away that she would not be going with him. How was he going to take that? And would he still pay her if she wasn’t by his side? That was a worrying thought…But, then, she’d be here, wouldn’t she? To answer the phone, check the Internet, maybe send any additional stuff over to the publisher if necessary, be a general dogsbody and keep the place ticking over…And Alexander could always send her any instructions he might have for her by email. Distance was no deterrent to progress these days.

By the time she got to number thirteen, Sabrina felt rational, cool, calm and collected—even though she was dreading having to tell Alexander her decision.

She waited a few moments for someone to answer the door; Maria had clearly already left, and presumably Alexander was out too—or maybe still asleep! Then she
opened her purse for the key she’d been given, and let herself into the house.

She was beginning to feel almost as much at home here as in her own place, she thought as she went up the stairs, though she’d only ever seen the kitchen, bathroom and study. Pausing briefly, she glanced along the landing. There were three or four doors to other rooms on this floor, and presumably the same number on the one above. What a place for Alexander to rattle around in all by himself.

Did he ever feel lonely? she asked herself, before dismissing the idea. Alexander McDonald was a complete entity. He’d never need anyone to keep him company. The only reason she’d been asked to go with him to Lydia’s party a couple of weeks ago had been made very clear at the time. And now his wish that she should go with him to France was for the same thing: he would find her useful to him. Any need was purely self-centred and work-oriented.

Shrugging briefly, Sabrina went into the study and as usual went straight over to open the windows. It didn’t take her long to realize that Alexander must have been working late into the night—the unmistakable litter on his desk said it all. Glancing at her own, she saw a pad with his familiar scrawl on it; obviously the next part of chapter forty, she thought. Great! Because she was longing to know how the convoluted plot was going to unfold…

By now it was obvious that she was alone in the house. Alexander must have left very early—probably an extra gym-session. He hadn’t bothered to open the mail, so for the next twenty minutes Sabrina checked what was in the post, then booted up their computers and made a note of the emails she knew Alexander
would want to follow up. He was so selective in who he agreed to correspond with, she thought, it was surprising he had a friend left in the world. But he obviously did have, because there seemed to be so many who never gave up trying to contact him.

Suddenly, starting to feel over-warm, Sabrina went back downstairs to get herself a drink. For some reason, she hadn’t wanted any breakfast earlier, having made do with a mug of tea, but it wasn’t coffee she needed now—it was water. Cold, cold water. She went over to the tap to fill a glass, realizing that she was suddenly desperately thirsty. She drained it almost immediately, then reached over for a refill…

Now Sabrina knew that something strange was happening to her. Instinctively, she clutched the edge of the sink to steady herself, aware of her heart beating at a furious rate. She felt odd; her head was swimming, and the room seemed to be shifting under her feet…perhaps she was still at the fairground! But this wasn’t funny, and she wasn’t amused as panic began to set in. Things were not normal and she was no longer in control. She tried to take deep breaths, hoping she wasn’t going to be sick in Alexander’s immaculate kitchen.

With her legs now decidedly shaky, Sabrina went across to sit down carefully on one of the high stools…Cross that; within just a few seconds her life seemed to be out of her own hands. Gently, she placed her forehead down on the granite surface of the unit, grateful for the momentary respite it gave her.

Then she heard the door open and from a very, very long way away she heard Alexander’s voice.

‘Sabrina! What…What is it?’

Raising her head carefully, she looked up to see him
striding over towards her. He was so unbelievably tall today, she thought, like…like a giant…

Then, just before he could reach her, Sabrina lost it completely and she began to slip from the stool, falling gracefully towards the floor. But before she actually hit the ground Alexander’s strong arms were around her. She felt him lift her up towards him, felt the reassuring strength of his body enfold her, heard him call out her name urgently again and again, until, in a wonderful dream-world of unreality, Sabrina slowly drifted into unconsciousness.

Presently, when she finally came to her senses, Sabrina found herself flat on her back, gazing up at an unfamiliar ceiling. It took at least ten seconds before she realized what had happened to her and where she was.

She was on Alexander’s king-size bed—well, she presumed it must be his—and he was leaning over her anxiously. As her eyes focussed on his, he gave a slightly awkward grin of relief.

‘Ah, good. You’ve decided to return to the land of the living,’ he remarked.

‘What on earth…? What on earth happened?’ Sabrina began, struggling to sit up, but he restrained her gently.

‘Lie still. It’s OK, Sabrina.’ He paused, resting his hand on her forehead for a moment. ‘I think you’re beginning to cool down a bit.’ He stared at her solemnly. ‘Does this sort of thing happen to you very often?’

‘What
did
happen?’ Sabrina demanded. ‘I was only…I remember getting myself a drink of water—and then I don’t remember anything else.’

‘Well, you collapsed fairly dramatically, that’s what happened,’ Alexander said. ‘I came back just in time to
catch you.’ He shook his head briefly. ‘You gave me the fright of my life.’

‘Why? Were you afraid I was going to die before we’d finished the book?’ Sabrina said, attempting a shaky smile. He didn’t smile back.

‘Why did you come in this morning, if you didn’t feel well?’ he said.

‘But I
was
feeling well!’ Sabrina protested. ‘There was nothing wrong with me at all. And I can’t remember if I’ve ever fainted before.’ She swallowed, aware that her head was beginning to thump painfully. ‘The only thing was, I didn’t want any breakfast this morning, that’s all. And then upstairs in the study I started to feel very thirsty…and the rest you know.’

But what she’d really like to know was how she’d managed to get up the stairs. Alexander read her thoughts.

‘I’d thought you were coming round, once or twice, in the kitchen,’ he said. ‘Then I’d lose you again. So I thought I’d better get you up here to lie down for a bit.’

‘How did you…?’

‘I carried you, of course. You certainly weren’t going anywhere under your own steam,’ he replied flatly.

Sabrina let her thoughts dwell on the scene for a moment. She knew she didn’t carry any excess weight, but still it couldn’t have been an easy task for Alexander to lift her bodily and take her up that long flight of stairs. Or perhaps it was no problem at all for someone with his strong frame and wide shoulders, his muscular biceps…

‘I’m going to take you home straight away,’ he said. ‘And you’re not to come back in to work until you feel absolutely OK again.’

‘But I’m sure I’m going to feel OK
now
,’ Sabrina protested. She hated being ill; she wasn’t used to it. And, anyway, there was only room for one patient in any household, and it had never been her.

He looked down at her thoughtfully for a moment. ‘I hope we…I hope I haven’t been expecting too much of you lately, Sabrina—not working you too hard,’ he said. ‘I can go on for hours without a break and sometimes forget that others might need to take things at a slower pace. Sorry, but you really should tell me if you’re feeling tired.’ He hesitated. ‘I’ve never thought of myself as a slave driver—the only head I’ve ever beaten with a stick is my own—but maybe I am and haven’t realized it.’

Sabrina smiled wanly. ‘This is not your fault, Alexander,’ she said. ‘And you’re not a slave driver. If I’d thought you were, I would probably have given you a sign of some sort.’

In a minute or two, Sabrina attempted to sit up again, then began to have the horrible suspicion that there was more to her situation than she’d thought. The glands in her neck were beginning to feel stiff and painful, and there was a strange, unfamiliar taste in her mouth.

‘Oh dear,’ she said faintly. ‘I don’t feel so good after all, Alexander.’

‘No, and you don’t look it,’ he replied bluntly. He paused, gazing down at her, unfamiliar feelings of tenderness rippling through his body. He came to a sudden decision.

‘I’m not going to take you home after all,’ he said. ‘You’re going to stay here—at least for the weekend.’

As Sabrina started to protest, he went on firmly, ‘Everyone’s talking about this horrible virus that’s going around like wildfire. And although I’m no medical
genius it looks to me as if you might have it.’ He put his fingers gently either side of Sabrina’s neck ‘Does that feel tender?’ he asked.

Sabrina sighed. ‘It does,’ she admitted reluctantly. ‘But honestly, Alexander, it’s better if I go home.’ She paused. ‘I’m quite used to looking after myself, and you don’t need me around.’

Oh, but I think I do
, Alexander thought.

‘Why go home to an empty house?’ he demanded. ‘Your sister won’t be there, so you won’t have her to worry about. Why turn down the chance for someone to look after you, for a change? Someone to make you hot drinks, maybe even bring you scrambled eggs in bed?’ he added.

But he knew he wasn’t thinking only of her. He was thinking of himself. He wanted to look after Sabrina, wanted to take care of her. Why had he never felt like this about a woman ever before? What had stopped him having those feelings?

In spite of not really wanting to fall in with his plan, Sabrina did suddenly feel drawn to the idea. He was probably right about her having picked something up. She looked at him, her eyes huge now in a face which looked pale and wan.

‘But if I
have
caught this virus, wouldn’t it be better for me to make myself scarce? Aren’t you afraid of catching it?’ she asked.

He grinned properly now, sensing that he was going to get his own way.

‘Not a chance of that happening,’ he said cheerfully. ‘For some reason, I always manage to remain impervious to bugs of all kinds.’

But, rather worryingly, not impervious to the winsome charms of my present secretary
, he thought.

Sabrina bit her lip. She obviously had nothing with her, no night clothes or toothbrush, and she hated being unprepared. Once again, Alexander read her thoughts.

‘Sorry I haven’t anything in the way of female attire to offer you,’ he said. ‘But you’re welcome to borrow my T-shirts—which will reach your knees, I should think, so they shouldn’t be too uncomfortable And there’s a new pack of toothbrushes in my bathroom cabinet. Anyway,’ he added, ‘there’s enough of everything for you to make do.’

By now, the idea of not having to go back home was becoming more attractive by the second. Sabrina knew without any doubt that whatever she had was not going to go away easily. She sighed, smiling up at him briefly.

‘Well, if you’re sure I shan’t be, you know, interrupting your creative flow, Alexander, or be in the way…’

‘Let’s forget my creative flow for five minutes,’ he replied firmly. ‘Let’s think about you, just you, for a change.’

The next twenty-four hours passed in a blur of semi-misery for Sabrina as she alternated between spells of uncomfortable sleep and fits of coughing that made her chest hurt. She felt very hot and very cold by turns, her subconscious mind an outrageous mix of noises and disruptive sounds. And all the time she was barely aware of Alexander silently coming and going into the room to place fresh water by her side, and to gaze down at her almost ghost-like appearance.

He had decided not to move her from his bed, and had used one of the spare rooms for himself. But he’d been so concerned about Sabrina that he’d hardly slept at all, tiptoeing in and out to check up on her.