Heart of Ice (5 page)

“He's got some balls – I'll give him that.” Geoff said as he walked into the office.

“He won't have when I've finished with him.” Kathy said. “Had you heard about this Sarah?”

“What?”

“Andrew Cross.”

“What about him?”

“He's coming here. To Milners.”

“Why?”

“He says he owes it to the workforce to explain the reasons for closure.” Kathy rolled her eye. “I reckon he must have a death wish.”

“When is he coming?”

“Day after tomorrow. I nominate Sarah to be our representative on the stage with him.”

“Seconded.” Geoff said.

“Thirded. Is that a word?” Jody had joined them.

“Forget it. I've done my bit. It's someone else's turn. Anyway, I'm doing something on Friday.”

“You're a hopeless liar,” Kathy said.

It was true. Sarah couldn't lie for toffee.

“I'm still not doing it. You'll have to find someone else this time.

Chapter 8

By the time Friday arrived, Sarah was a nervous wreck. All of her efforts to duck the meeting with Andrew Cross had failed. Everyone had insisted she was the only person for the job. Sarah still remembered how she had been humiliated by him the last time they had shared a stage together. At least this time it wouldn't be on live TV.

“You will be fine.” Kathy put her arm around Sarah. “You've got us to back you up this time.”

That much was true. Sarah wondered if Andrew Cross realised what he was letting himself in for. It was one thing arguing your case in the comfort of a TV studio; it would be something altogether different to sit in front of a hostile audience. They didn't come much more hostile than Kathy and Jody.

“I'm okay.” Sarah didn't sound very convincing. “I just want to get it over with. What's the time?”

“Four twenty. Not long now. I'll see you later.” Kathy disappeared in the direction of the works canteen where the meeting was to be held.

Sarah still didn't understand why Andrew Cross had agreed to do this - he hadn't needed to. It was probably a PR stunt. He would no doubt have arranged a photographer to capture the event, so he could show what a reasonable man of the people he was. Sarah was certain nothing was going to change the outcome – Milners would still close. He had made that abundantly clear when they had last met.

Everyone else had made their way to the canteen. Sarah was the only one still in the office. Her mouth was dry; her palms were sweaty. How would she feel when she actually saw him again? She wouldn't have to wait long to find out – his limousine had just pulled through the main gates. Now her heart was racing too. At this rate, she would probably pass out before she got on stage. Her office was on the first floor; she had a perfect view of the car as it pulled up outside the canteen across the way.

A few of the workers on their way to the meeting stopped to admire the car. When the back door of the limousine opened, Sarah pressed her nose against the window to get a better view. When he stepped from the car, he stopped and exchanged words with some of the workers. His smile suggested they were taking it easy on him, and saving their slings and arrows for the meeting.

“Oh well.” Sarah took a deep breath. “Here goes nothing.”

*******

  As expected, the meeting was a lively affair. Andrew Cross had not invited a photographer. Whether he had anticipated the levels of acrimony was difficult to gauge, but he didn't shy away from even the most difficult questions. There was a lot of anger in the audience, and a few people crossed the line and became abusive. They were in the minority – the vast majority kept their anger under control. Andrew Cross gave full and detailed answers, but didn't offer even a grain of hope for the future of Milners. By the end of the meeting, Sarah felt that at least a percentage of those who attended now understood the current problems were the result of failings by the previous owners. Not everyone was convinced, but then some were never going to be. Kathy for one.

By six O' clock, the meeting had ended. Sarah and Andrew Cross were the only people still in the canteen. They hadn't had the chance to speak before the meeting began.

“How do you think that went?” He appeared unscathed by the ordeal.

“As well as you could have expected. There's a lot of anger.”

“I could see that.”

“Are you surprised? It's people's lives you are wrecking.”

His expression took her by surprise. He looked – hurt.

“Okay. I know the business was in trouble before you came along, but that doesn't really make any difference. These people are going to be out of work in a few weeks time. Nothing's changed. I don't really know why you came.”

“To see you.”

Sarah took a few seconds to process his reply.

“What?”

“What else could I do? The flowers didn't work.”

“So this was all a charade?”

“Not at all. I was happy to answer all of the questions, and pleased for an opportunity to explain why I have to close Milners.”

“Would you have come anyway?”

“If it hadn't been for you? Probably not.”

“You're unbelievable.”

“Why? Because I'm attracted to you?”

“This is crazy. I have to go.”

She turned away, and was about to make her way off the stage when he grabbed her by the arm.

“Tell me you didn't feel anything the other day.”

“I don't know what you mean.” She couldn't look him in the eye.

“Look at me.” His tone was gentle.

When she did, he bent forward and kissed her.

*******

“What will I say if someone sees me with you?” Sarah had been holding the menu for the last five minutes, but was too busy checking there was no one she knew in the restaurant to actually look at it.

“You worry too much.” Andrew had a huge grin on his face. “I'm really not the bogeyman.”

“Everyone in that meeting is a friend of mine. How do you think they would feel if they knew I was having another meal with public enemy number one?”

“Another? So you mentioned our first date?”

“That wasn't a date! This isn't a date.”

“Are you sure?”

Sarah was no longer sure of anything. She had been adamant she would have nothing to do with Andrew Cross. And yet, here she was with him in the most exclusive restaurant for thirty miles.

“I agreed to have dinner with you – that's all. Don't read any more into it.”

“I'll settle for that...” He hesitated. “...for now.”

By the time they were on coffee, Sarah had let down her guard a little.

“So who is Sarah Jackson?” He said.

“Nobody.”

“I don't believe that for a moment. How did you end up working at Milners?”

“It just kind of happened. It was meant to be a stop-gap.”

“Until what?”

“Until I found something better or...” She shook her head.

“Or what?”

“It doesn't matter.”

“Please. I'm interested.”

“I was with someone at the time. We had talked about having a family.”

“It didn't work out?”

“Not for me.”

“I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stir up bad memories.” He put his hand on hers. “Still, his loss is my gain. What are you doing this weekend?”

“I don't know. Why?”

“Come to my estate for the weekend.”

“Estate?” She pulled a sour face.

“Okay. Come to my place for the weekend. Is that better?”

“I can't.”

“Why not?”

“I've already promised to babysit for a friend on Sunday night.”

“Is that a lie?”

“No. It was arranged ages ago. Jody's one of the women in my office. It's her mother's golden wedding anniversary.”

“You could come over on Saturday morning and travel back on Sunday afternoon.”

“What if they find out?”

“They?”

“The same people who wanted to tear you apart in the canteen.”

“I won't tell them if you don't.”

“Where is this...estate?”

“In North Wales.”

“Wales? How am I going to get to Wales?”

“We aren't talking Australia. It's only a few hours away. I'll send a car for you obviously.”

“Obviously.”

“So is that a yes?”

“It's an '
I'll think about it
'.

Chapter 9

“Waste of bloody time.” Kathy was perched on Jody's desk. “I don't know why he bothered coming.”

“I reckon it was a publicity stunt,” Geoff said. “It makes him look like the good guy.”

“Do you know what pisses me off?” Kathy didn't wait for suggestions. “The way he tries to blame it all on Milners, like it's got nothing to do with him. Excuse me, but I didn't see any redundancy notices before Andrew bloody Cross appeared on the scene.”

“What do you reckon Sarah?” Jody said.

Sarah had deliberately tried to avoid being dragged into the discussion, but now she had been put on the spot.

“I'm not sure. The figures he had on Milners don't make pretty reading. He reckons this would have happened anyway.”

“And you believe him?” Kathy said.

“Maybe. I don't know.”

Kathy leaned against Sarah's desk. Sarah shuffled her papers, looking anywhere except at Kathy. She was sure if she made eye contact that Kathy would know.

“What are you planning to do Sarah?” Kathy said.

“Sorry?” The question threw Sarah for a moment. 

“When they give us the boot. What will you do?”

“I hadn't really thought about it.”

“You'll be okay. You went to university didn't you?” Jody said.

“Will you stay around here?” Kathy asked.

It was beginning to feel like an interrogation.

“I don't know. I guess I'll have to go where the work is.”

“You can't leave Oakhampton,” Jody said. “You're one of us now. Besides, you can't leave Stewart.”

“Stewart?” Kathy's ears pricked up. “Are you two an item now?”

“No we're not.”

“You should have seen the flowers he sent her Kath. They must have cost him a week's wages.”

“Good for you Sarah.”

Sarah knew denying there was anything between her and Stewart was futile. Kathy and Jody had made their minds up. At least it saved her having to explain the flowers.

*******

Sarah insisted that the car pick her up from a service station on the edge of town. Andrew had called her paranoid, but she hadn't wanted to take the risk of being seen by anyone from Milners. How would she have explained away being seen climbing into a limousine? If the cab driver had thought her request to be taken to the service station strange, he hadn't said so.

The limousine picked her up at ten O' clock on the dot. She had expected Andrew to be in the car, but the driver explained he was already at his estate. She tried to relax and enjoy the journey, but Sarah's mind was working overtime. When David had cheated on her, it had felt like her whole world had ended. At the time, she had thought she might never trust a man again. Who was she to talk of trust? Wasn't she betraying the trust of her friends and work colleagues by meeting Andrew? What did he see in her anyway? She would have been lying if she'd denied she was flattered by his attention, but there was still a niggling doubt somewhere in the back of her mind. Was this all some kind of game to him? He was wealthy, good looking and charming – he could have his pick of women. He said he was attracted to her. Could she believe him? If she did, would she be hurt again?

When he had said 'Estate', he hadn't been joking. She could see the house in the distance. The limousine had just passed through the large, ornate metal gates, and was making its way up a long driveway bordered on either side by immaculate lawns. In front of the house, set in the centre of a huge courtyard was a beautiful fountain. As the limousine came to a halt, Sarah spotted Andrew at the top of the white steps which led to the main entrance. By the time the driver had opened the door for her, Andrew was standing next to the car.

“Welcome to Mayland.”

*******

“How long have you lived here?”

They were taking drinks in what Andrew had referred to as the main hall.

“Almost five years now. When you've finished your drink, I'll give you the tour. Unless you would prefer to see your room first.”

“I'd like to freshen up if that's all right?”

“Of course.”

When Sarah had eventually given way and accepted his invitation to visit the estate, she hadn't been sure what to expect. More to the point, she hadn't been sure what he would expect of her. So, when he had referred to '
her room
', she wasn't sure how she felt. Relieved? Disappointed?

Andrew accompanied her to the bedroom, but then left her to freshen up. They were to meet back in the main hall in thirty minutes. The room looked out over the rear of the building. Huge, well kept gardens stretched down towards a wooded area. To the right was what appeared to be stables. Her room reminded her of costume dramas she had watched on TV. At first, she hadn't been able to locate the shower. It was only by chance she stumbled upon it hidden behind what appeared from the outside to be a wardrobe door. Inside the large bathroom, a rolltop bath occupied the centre of the room. Beyond that was a large enclosed shower.

Her overnight bag was already in her room; the driver had brought it up while she had been in the main hall. What did one pack to visit a country estate? She had spent hours deliberating, and in the end had decided to travel light. After all, she was only going to be there for the one night. She had brought the new lingerie she'd purchased yesterday – just in case.

The tour of the house took just over an hour. Sarah was impressed by Andrew's knowledge of the history of the building.

“If you ever give up your day job, you could always get work as a tour guide.”

“Thanks. I hope I didn't bore you to death.”

“Not at all. The house is amazing.” She could have listened to his deep, sexy voice all day long. “The history brings it to life.”

“Shall we go outside?” Andrew led the way.

“This is beautiful.” Sarah said.

“I can't take credit for the gardens.”

“Don't tell me. Your sister is a landscape gardener as well as an interior designer.”

“No.” He laughed. “I do have gardeners though.”

“More than one?”

“Three – I think?”

“You don't know?”

“I have an estate manager who looks after that type of thing.”

“Of course you do.”

“Are you teasing me?”

“It's so easy.”

“Do you ride?” he asked as they walked passed the stables.

“No.”

“I will have to teach you.”

“I'm not sure about that.”

“You will love it – trust me.”

*******

Dinner was served in a small dining room furnished in a style much more modern than the rest of the house.

“Can I ask you a question?” Sarah said, once the meal was over.

“Shoot.”

“Why did you ask
me
to come here?”

“Don't you like it here?”

“That's not what I meant. Why me?”

“I enjoy your company, and I felt as though we had made a connection. That doesn't happen very often – hardly ever. Not to mention I find you incredibly sexy.”

“I just feel...”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Come on Sarah.” He got up, walked around the table, and stood next to her chair. “What do you feel?”

She turned to look at him.

“I feel like this might be some kind of game for you.”

He bent down and kissed her on the lips.

“Does that feel like a game? I don't know what I can do to make you believe me. Do you think I have a different woman here every week? Is that it?”

“I don't know anything about you.”

He pulled up a chair and sat next to her.

“I was married for six years, but that ended two years ago”

“Ended.”

“She... Susan left me for someone else. We're divorced now. I don't blame her – I was never around. We're still friends.”

“Children?”

“No, thank goodness. Since the split, I have seen a couple of other women, but neither went anywhere. That's it. That's everything.”

Sarah stood up, and they kissed again. When he pulled her to him, she didn't resist.

“I'm sorry I gave you the third degree,” she said later as they shared a drink. It was late – they had spent the whole evening talking. As midnight approached, she wondered what would happen next. Would he take her to his bed? Did she want him to?

*******

When she woke at seven the next morning, it took Sarah a few seconds to get her bearings.

Maybe it was just as well they hadn't spent the night together; it was too soon. And yet the disappointment weighed heavy on her. After he'd walked her to her room, he had simply kissed her goodnight. Had he been waiting for her to make a move? It was so long since she had done any of this; she had forgotten the rules.

The gardens looked even more beautiful in the early morning light. From her window, she could see a figure in the distance. The horse was galloping along the edge of the woods. As it turned and made for the stables, Sarah realised the rider was Andrew. Even though she was no expert, she could see he was an accomplished horseman.

The arrangement was that she would travel back late morning. She wished she hadn't agreed to babysit for Jody, so she could have stayed longer. As Sarah showered, the image of Andrew standing next to the swimming pool forced its way back into her head. How cruel her mind could be sometimes. Last night had been her chance, and she hadn't taken it. Would she get another?

Facing the tiled shower wall, with water cascading over her head, she didn't hear him until the glass door behind her slid open. When she turned around, he hesitated for a second until her smile reassured him. Their bodies touched, and his hands slipped around her waist. Water was pouring over both of them now as she tried to look up into his eyes. Their lips touched – gently at first. Her breasts pressed against his chest as the kiss became more intense. Ever since she had seen him climb out of the swimming pool, she had longed for this moment. How many times had she imagined her body pressed against his? Milners and Oakhampton didn't matter now; all that mattered was this.