The Guardian′s Forbidden Mistress
The Guardian's Forbidden Mistress
Miranda Lee
He couldn't resist her innocence. . . Nick Coleman was one of Sydney's most eligible billionaires. Love 'em and leave 'emthat was Nick's mantra. But he couldn't do that to Sarah; he had promised he would act as her guardian and protect her. Yet he wanted her, badly. . .Sarah was soon to claim her inheritance. She'd be a sitting duck to predators looking for a rich, innocent girl. Perhaps it was Nick's responsibility to personally teach her how wicked and seductive a man could be. . . .
Miranda Lee
THE GUARDIANS FORBIDDEN MISTRESS
TORONTO NEW YORK LONDON
AMSTERDAM PARIS SYDNEY HAMBURG
STOCKHOLM ATHENS TOKYO MILAN MADRID
PRAGUE WARSAW BUDAPEST AUCKLAND
CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
EPILOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
SEVEN years later
A frown formed on Sarahs forehead as she watched Derek turn from the crowded bar and slowly make his way back to their table, a full champagne glass in each hand.
In the time it had taken him to be served, shed begun to worry about having accepted his invitation for a Christmas drink.
Sarah comforted herself with the thought that in the six months Derek had been her personal trainer, hed never made a pass, or crossed the line in any way, shape or form.
But there was a definite twinkle in his eye as he handed her a glass, then sat down with his.
This is very nice of you, she said carefully.
Sarahs heart sank when he beamed back at her.
I am nice, he said. And no, Im not coming on to you.
I didnt think you were, she lied before taking a relieved sip of the bubbly.
Yes, you did.
Well
Derek laughed. This is just a little celebratory drink. One you deserve after all your hard work. But do be careful over the Christmas break. I dont want you coming back to me at the end of January in the same shape you were in six months ago.
Sarah pulled a face at the memory. Trust me. I wont ever let that happen again.
Never say never.
Sarah shook her head as she put down her glass. Ive done a lot of thinking while youve been working my blubbery butt off these past few months, and Ive finally come to terms with the reason behind my comfort-eating.
So whats his name? Derek asked.
Who?
The reason behind your comfort-eating.
Sarah smiled. Youre a very intuitive man.
Derek shrugged. Only to be expected. Gay men are very simpatico to matters of the heart.
Sarah almost spilled her wine.
You didnt suspect at all, did you?
Sarah stared across the table at him. Heavens, no!
I dislike guys who advertise their sexual preference by being obvious, or overly camp. Other gays sometimes guess, and the odd girl or two.
Really? Even now that she knew the truth, Sarah couldnt detect anything obviously gay in Derek. Neither could any of the women who worked out at the gym, if the talk in the female locker room was anything to go by. Most of the girls thought him a hunk.
Whilst Sarah conceded Derek was attractivehe had nice blue eyes, a great body and a marvellous tanshed never been attracted to fair-haired men.
So now that you know Im not making a beeline for you, Derek went on, how about answering my earlier question? Or do you want to keep your love life a secret?
Sarah had to laugh. I dont have a love life.
What, none at all?
Not this last year. Shed had boyfriends in the past. Both at university and beyond. But things always ended badly, once she took them home to meet Nick.
Next to Nick, her current boyfriend always came across as lacklustre by comparison. Time after time, Sarah would become brutally aware that she wanted Nick more than she ever did other men. Nick also had the knack of making comments that forced her to question whether her boyfriend was interested in her or her future inheritance.
Yet Sarah didnt imagine for one moment that Nick undermined her relationships for any personal reasons. That would mean he cared who she went out with. Which he obviously didnt. Nick had made it brutally obvious since becoming her guardian that he found the job a tiresome one, only to be tolerated because of his affection for and gratitude to her father.
Oh, he went through the motions of looking after her welfare, but right from the beginning hed used every opportunity to shuffle her off onto other people.
The first Christmas after shed left school, hed sent her on an extended overseas holiday with a girlfriend and her family. Then hed organised for her to live on campus during her years at university, where shed specialised in early-childhood teaching. When shed graduated and gained a position at a primary school out in the western suburbs of Sydney, hed encouraged her to rent a small unit near the school, saying it would take her far too long to drive to Parramatta from Point Piper every day.
Admittedly this was true, and so she had done as he suggested. But Sarah had always believed Nicks motive had been to get her out of the house as much as possible, so that he was free to do whatever he liked whenever he liked. Having her in a bedroom two doors down the hallway from his was no doubt rather restricting.
A well-known man-about-town, Nick ate women for breakfast and spat them out with a speed which was breathtaking. Every time Sarah went home he had a different girlfriend installed on his arm, and in his bed, each one more beautiful and slimmer than the next.
Sarah hated seeing him with them.
Last year Sarah had restricted her home visits to Easter and Christmas, plus the winter school break, during which Nick had been away, skiing. This year she hadnt been home since Easter, and Nick hadnt complained, readily accepting her many and varied excuses. When she finally went home on Christmas Eve tomorrow, it would be nearly nine months since shed seen Nick in the flesh.
And since hed seen her.
The thought made her heart flutter wildly in her chest.
What a fool you are, Sarah, she castigated herself. Nothing will change. Nothing will ever change. Dont you know that by now?
Time to face the bitter truth. Time to stop hoping for a miracle.
His name his Nick Coleman, she said matter-of-factly. Hes been my legal guardian since I was sixteen, and Ive had a mad crush on him since I was eight. She refused to call it love. How could she be in love with a man like Nick? He might have made a financial success of his life in the years since theyd first met, but hed also become cold-blooded and a callous womaniser.
Sometimes Sarah wondered if shed imagined the kindnesses hed shown her when she was a child.
Did you say eight? Derek asked.
Yes. He came to work for my father as his chauffeur on my eighth birthday.
His chauffeur!
Its a long story. But it wasnt Nick who started my eating binge, she confessed. It was his girlfriend. The one who was there draped all over him last Christmas, a drop-dead gorgeous, super-slender supermodel whod make any female feel inadequate.
A depressed Sarah had eaten seconds at Christmas lunch, then had gone back for thirds. Food, shed swiftly found, made her feel temporarily better.
By Easterher next visit homeshed gained ten kilos. Nick had simply stared at her. Probably in shock. But his new girlfrienda stunning-looking but equally skinny actress this timehadnt remained silent, making a sarcastic crack about the growing obesity problem in Australia, which had resulted in Sarah gaining another five kilos by the end of May.
When shed seen the class photo of herself, shed taken stock and sought out Dereks help.
Now here she was, with her hour-glass shape possessing not one skerrick of flab and her self-esteem firmly back in place.
Amend that to two girlfriends, Sarah added, then went on to fill in some more details of her relationship with her guardian, plus the circumstances which had led up to her coming to the gym.
Amazing, Derek said when she stopped at last.
Whats amazing? That I got so fat?
You were never fat, Sarah. Just a few kilos over-weight. And lacking in tone. No, I meant about your being an heiress. You dont act like a rich bitch at all.
Thats because Im not. Not till I turn twenty-five, anyway. My father made sure in his will that I wont get a dime till I reach what he called a mature age. For years I had my educational and basic living expenses paid for, but once I could earn my own living I had to support myself, or starve. I was a bit put out at first, but I finally saw the sense of his stand. Handouts dont do anyone any good.
That depends. So this Nick fellow lives in your family home, rent-free?
Well, yesMy fathers will said he could.
Till you turn twenty-five.
Yes.
When, exactly, does that happen?
What? Oh, next February. The second.
At which point youre going to turf that blood-sucking leech out of your home and tell him you dont want to see his sorry behind ever again!
Sarah blinked, then laughed. Youve got it all wrong, Derek. Nick doesnt need free rent. He has plenty of money of his own. He could easily buy his own mansion, if he wanted to. In actual fact, hed offered to buy hers. But shed refused.
Sarah knew the house was way too big for a single girl, but it was the only connection she still had to her parents, and she simply could not bear to part with it.
How come this Nick guy is so flush? Derek asked. You said he was your fathers chauffeur.
Was being the operative word. My dad took him under his wing and showed him how to make money, both on the stock market and in the business world. Nick was very lucky to have a man like my father as his mentor. Sarah considered telling Derek about Nicks good fortune with Outback Bride but decided not to. Perhaps because it made Nick look as though he hadnt become successful in his own right. Which he had. Have you ever been to Happy Island on a holiday? she said instead.
No. But I know about it.
Nick borrowed money and bought Happy Island when it was going for a song. He personally supervised the remodelling of its largely derelict resort, built an airport on it, then sold the whole shebang to an international equity company for a fortune.
Lucky man.
Dad always said luck begins and ends with hard work. He also advised Nick that hed never become rich working for someone else. Which was why Nick had set up his own movie production company a couple of years back. Hed already had some success but nothing yet to rival Outback Bride.
Your dads right there, Derek said. I hated it when I had a boss. Thats why I started up my own gym.
You own The New You?
Derek gave her a startled look. Dont tell me you didnt know that either.
No.
He smiled, showing flashing white teeth. Talk about tunnel vision.
Sorry, Sarah apologised. I can be like that. Im a bit of a loner, if you havent noticed, she added with a wry smile. I dont make friends easily. Guess it comes from being an only child.
Im an only child too, he confessed. Which makes my being gay especially hard on my parents. No grand-kids to look forward to. I only told them a couple of years ago when Mums pressuring me to get married got a bit much. Dad hasnt talked to me since, Derek added, the muscles in his neck stiffening.
Thats sad, Sarah said. What about your mum?
She rings me. But wont let me come home, not even for Christmas.
Oh, dear. Maybe theyll come round in time.
Maybe. But Im not holding my breath. Dad is a very proud and stubborn man. Once he says something, he wont back down on it. But back to you, sweetie. Youre simply crazy about this Nick fellow, arent you?
Sarahs heart lurched. Crazy describes my feelings for Nick very well. When Im around him, I just cant stop wanting him. But he doesnt want me back. And he never will. Its time I accepted that.
But surely not till youve had one last crack at him.
What?
You havent been working your butt off because some anorexic model said you were fat, sweetie. Its Nick youre out to impress, and attract.
Sarah didnt want to openly admit it. But of course Derek was right. Shed do anything to have Nick look at her with desire. Just once.
No, not once. Again. Because she was pretty sure shed spotted desire in his eyes one Christmas, when shed been sixteen and shed come down to the pool wearing an itsy-bitsy bikini that shed bought with Nick in mind.
But maybe shed imagined it. Maybe she was just desperate to believe hed fancied her a little that day, despite his actions to the contrary. Teenage girls were prone to flights of fantasy, as were twenty-four-year-olds, she thought ruefully. Which was why shed spent all week buying the kind of summer wardrobe that would stir an octogenarians hormones.
The trouble was Nick wasnt an octogenarian. He was only thirty-six, and he kept his male hormones well and truly catered to. Sarah already knew that the actress girlfriend had gone by the board, replaced by an advertising executive with a penchant for power-dressing.
Sarah might not have been home personally for several months, but she rang home every week to talk to Flora, who always gave her a full update on Nicks comings and goings before passing the call over to Nick. If he was home, that was. Often he was out, being a social animal with a wide range of friends. Or contacts, as he preferred to call them.
I presume you spend the Christmas holidays back at home? Derek asked, cutting into her thoughts.
Yes, she said with a sigh. I usually go home as soon as school breaks up. But I havent this year. Still, Ill have to make an appearance tomorrow. I always decorate the Christmas tree. If I dont do it, it doesnt get done. Then I help Flora prepare things for the following day. The lunch is partially catered for, but Flora likes to cook some hot food as well. Flora is the housekeeper, she added when she saw Derek frown at the name. Shes been with the family for forever.
I have to confess I couldnt see your Nick with a girlfriend named Flora.
Youd be right there. Nicks girlfriends always have names like Jasmine, or Sapphire, or Chloe. That was what the latest one was called: Chloe.
Not only that, Sarah went on waspishly, they never help. They always just swan downstairs at the last minute, with their fingernails perfect and their minuscule appetites on hold. It gets my goat when they sit there, sipping mineral water whilst they eat absolutely nothing.
Mmm, Derek said.
Sarah pulled a face at him. I suppose you think Im going to get all upset and make a pig of myself again.
Its highly possible, by the sounds of things. But what I was actually thinking was that you need someone by your side at this Christmas lunch. A boyfriend of your own.
Huh! Ive brought boyfriends to Christmas lunch before, Sarah informed Derek drily. In no time, Nick makes them look like fools, or fortune-hunters.
And maybe they were. But possibly they were too young, and totally overawed by the occasion. What you need is someone older, someone with looks and style, someone successful and sophisticated who wont be fazed by anything your playboy guardian says and does. Someone, in short, whos going to make the object of your desire sit up and take notice. Of you.
I like the idea, Derek. In theory. But even with my improved looks, I dont think Im going to be able to snaffle up the type of boyfriend youve just described at this late stage. Christmas is two days away.
In that case let me help you out. Because I know just such an individual who doesnt have anywhere to go on Christmas Day and would be happy to come to your aid.
You do? Who?
Youre looking at him.
Sarah blinked, then laughed. You have to be kidding. How can you be my boyfriend, Derek? Youre gay!
You didnt know that till I told you, he reminded her. Your Nick wont know it, either, especially if Im introduced as your boyfriend. People believe what theyre told, on the whole.
Sarah stared at Derek. He was right. Why would Nickor anyone else at lunchsuspect that Derek was gay? He didnt look it. Or act it.
So what do you think? Derek said with a wicked gleam in his eyes. Trust me when I say that nothing stimulates a mans interest in a woman as well as another mans undivided attention in her.
Sarah still hesitated.
What are you afraid of? Derek demanded to know. Success?
Absolutely not!
Then what have you got to lose?
Nothing at all, Sarah realised with a sudden rush of adrenalin. At the very least she would not feel alone, as she often did at Christmas, especially during that dreaded lunch.
This year she would not only be looking her best, but she would also have a very good-looking man by her side.
All right, Sarah said, a quiver of unexpected excitement rippling down her spine. Youre on.
CHAPTER TWO
SARAHS positive attitude towards Christmas lasted till she pulled her white car into the driveway the following morning and saw Nicks bright red sporty number parked outside the garages.
Darn it, she muttered as she pressed the remote to open the electronic gates.
Shed presumed Nick would be out playing golf, as he always did every Saturday, come rain, hail or shine. Come Christmas Eve as well!
If shed imagined for one moment that Nick would be home, shed have put on one of her sexy new sun-dresses this morningprobably the black and white halter-necked one that showed off her slender shoulders and nicely toned arms. Instead, she was sporting a pair of faded jeans and a striped yellow tank-top. Suitable clothes in which to decorate a Christmas tree. But not to impress a man, especially one who had a penchant for women who always looked as if theyd just stepped out of a beauty salon.
Still, with a bit of luck, she might be able to sneak up to her bedroom and make some changes before running into Nick. The house was, after all, huge.
Built in the 1920s by a wealthy mining family, Goldmine had been renovated and revamped many times since then. Its original stone walls were now cement-rendered white, with arched windows and lots of balconies, which gave it a distinctly Mediterranean look.
Because of the sloping site, the house looked double-storeyed from the road, but there was another, lower level at the back where the architecture incorporated a lot of glass to take advantage of the homes harbourside position.
Actually, there werent many rooms in the house that didnt look out over Sydney Harbour, the view extending across the water to the bridge and the opera house in the distance. On the upper floor, all the bedrooms had individual balconies with water views, the master bedroom opening out onto a walled balcony that was big enough to accommodate an outdoor table-setting.
The enormous back terrace had the best vantage point, however, which was why it was always the place for Christmas lunch. Long trestle-style tables would be brought in, shade provided by huge canvas blinds put up for the day. Only once in Sarahs memory, when the temperature soared to forty degrees, had the lunch been held inside, in the family room, the only room large enough to accommodate the number of guests who swamped Goldmine every Christmas Day from midday onwards.
The tradition had been started by Sarahs father and mother soon after theyd bought the house nearly thirty years ago, a tradition her father continued after her mothers death, and which Nick seemed happy to honour in the years hed been living there.
Of course, the cynic in Sarah appreciated that Christmas lunch at Goldmine was more of a business lunch these days than a gathering of family and long-term friends. Most of the guests at the table would be the people Nick did business with, valuable contacts whose priorities were where the next few million were coming from.
Sarah was under no illusion that Nick was any different from the types he mixed with. He liked money as muchpossibly morethan they did.
This last thought reminded Sarah of what Derek had implied over drinks last night: that Nick was taking advantage of his position as her guardian to live, rent-free, in her harbourside home. Although shed defended Nick in this regard, Sarah had to concede that living in Goldmine was a huge social advantage. Not so much because of its sizesome of the neighbours homes were obscenely largebut because of its position. There was no doubt that having such an address had benefited Nick no end in the business stakes. Which was why he wanted to buy the place.
The gates finally open, Sarah drove through and parked next to Nicks car. She frowned over at it, still perplexed that he hadnt gone to golf today.
Thinking about golf, however, reminded her of the Christmas present shed bought him. It was a set of miniature golf clubs, with the club heads made in silver, the shafts in ebony and the bag crafted in the most beautiful red leather. Shed bought it on eBay and it had cost several hundred dollars, more than she usually spent on him.
The moment shed seen it, shed known Nick would like it.
But would he think it odd that shed bought him something so expensive?
She hoped not.
Sarah grimaced when she realised he might think it even odder that she hadnt bought her new boyfriend anything at all. Which she hadnt. She and Derek had discussed when he was to arrive tomorrow and what to wear, but they hadnt thought of presents.
Sarah sighed, her confidence about this subterfuge beginning to drop.
Not that it mattered all that much. She couldnt seriously expect to achieve the miracle of having Nick suddenly look at her and be carried away on a wave of uncontrollable desire. Why should that happen now, after all these years? It wasnt as though she hadnt dolled herself up for him before. She had. With absolutely no results at all.
The truth was she obviously wasnt his type. Even with her normally lush curves pared down to the bone, shed never look or act like the kind of girlfriend Nick inevitably chose and obviously preferred: not only super-slim, but also super-chic and super-sophisticated.
A kindergarten teacher just didnt cut it with Nick, even with a future fortune attached. If anything, that she was her fathers heiress was probably a turn-off for him. Nick would not like any reminders that he wasnt entirely a self-made man. Or the fact that shed known him when he was a nobody.
With every new girlfriend, Nick came with a clean slate.
Sarah had no doubt he hadnt told this latest girl, Chloe, that hed ever been in jail. Or that his wards father had been a very generous benefactor. She felt sure Nick always represented her father these days as a long-term friend, thereby explaining his guardianship of her.
Sarah accepted these brutally honest thoughts with a mixture of emotions. There was disappointment, yes. But also a measure of relief. Because it made her realise that to harbour hopes of attracting Nick this Christmas was a case of desperation and delusion. It wasnt going to happen.
Whilst this realisation brought a pang of emotional painno one liked to have their longest and fondest dream dashedthe acceptance of reality also began to unravel the tight knots in her stomach. What she was wearing today no longer mattered. She could relax now and act naturally with Nick, which she would not have done with her previous pathetic agenda.
Sarah might have called Derek right then and there and cancelled his coming tomorrow, if she hadnt already told Flora when she rang last night that thered be an added guest for Christmas lunch; her new boyfriend, Derek. Although Nick had been out at the time, Sarah had no doubt that Flora would have told Nick this news at breakfast this morning. Flora was a dear lady, but inclined to gossip.
No, there was nothing for it but to go through with this charade now.
Youll probably be glad, come tomorrow, Sarah told herself as she climbed out of the car and walked round to open the hatchback. Nicks new girlfriend sounded like a right bitch, if Floras character assessment was to be believed. When Sarah asked what she was like, Flora had said she was up herself, big time.
Just as good-looking as the last one, Flora had added, but more intelligent. And doesnt she know it! Still, she wont last any longer than the others. Six months is tops for our Nick. After that, its out with the old and in with the new. If that boy ever settles down, Ill eat my hat.
Sarah pulled a face as she lifted her two bags out of the boot.
She would, too.
Nick was definitely not a marrying man; never had been and never would be. He wasnt into romance, either. Catering to his sexual needs was the name of his game where women were concerned.
Once Nick got bored with his latest game-partner, she was out.
Hed once admitted to Sarah when shed been about twelvetheyd just watched a very sweet romance on TV togetherthat he could never fall in love the way the characters had in that movie. Hed confessed rather grimly that he didnt have any idea what that kind of love felt like.
Sarah presumed his inability to emotionally connect with women had something to do with his loveless up-bringing, a subject shed overheard being discussed by her parents not long before her mother died. Apparently, Nick had suffered terribly at the hands of a drunken and abusive father, running away to live on the streets of Sydney when hed been only thirteen. After that, hed been reduced to doing some pretty dreadful things just to survive.
Sarah never did find out exactly how dreadful, but she could guess.
Just after turning eighteen, Nick had finally been arrestedfor stealing carsand had been sentenced to two years in jail.
It was during this term that hed finally been shown some kindness, and given some practical help. By a man whod spotted his natural intelligence, a man who, for years, had generously given up many hours of his time to help those less fortunate.
Nick was put into a special education programme for inmates that this man had funded, and became one of their most successful graduates, achieving his higher-school certificate in record time.
That man had been her father.
Sarah!
Sarah almost jumped out of her skin at her name being called.
But when she saw who it was, she smiled.
Hi there, Jim. Youre looking well. Floras husband had to be over sixty by now. But he was one of those wirily built men who aged well and always moved with a spritely step.
Got a lot of luggage there, missie, he said, joining her behind her car and staring down at her two very large bags. Home for good, are you?
Not yet, Jim. Did you get me a good tree?
Yep. A beauty. Set it up in the usual spot in the family room. I put the boxes of decorations next to it. And Ive hung up the lights out the back.
Great. Thanks, Jim.
Jim nodded. He wasnt one for chit-chat, unlike his wife.
Jim was happiest when he was working with his hands. He loved keeping the extensive grounds at Goldmine spick and span, not such a difficult job after her father had come home from a visit to Tokyo a decade ago and had all the more traditional flower beds and lawns ripped out and replaced with Japanese-style gardens. Now there were lots of rocks and gravel pathways, combined with ponds and water features, all shown to advantage by interesting trees and plants.
Jim hadnt been too thrilled at first with the lack of grass and flowers, but hed grown to appreciate the gardens unique beauty and serenity.
Jim picked up Sarahs bags without her asking and started heading along the curved path towards the front porch, putting paid to her earlier plan to sneak in unnoticed through the garages.
To be honest, Sarah still wished she looked better for Nicks first sight of her. It would have been rewarding to see the surprised look on his face.
Sighing, she grabbed her carry-all from the passenger seat, locked the car and hurried after Jim, who by then had dropped her bags by the front door and rung the doorbell.
I do have keys, she said, and was fishing through her bag in search of them when the door was wrenched open.
Not by Florabut by Nick.
If ever Sarah was glad she was wearing sunglasses it was at that moment.
Not because of Nicks reaction to her, but because of her reaction to him.
Shed been so caught up with worrying about her own appearance that shed forgotten just how devastatingly attractive she found him, especially when he was wearing as little as he was wearing today: just board shorts and a sleeveless white surf top, the colour highlighting his beautifully bronzed skin.
Sarahs thankfully hidden gaze travelled hungrily down his body then up again before fixing on his mouth.
If Nicks black eyes hadnt been so hard, and his other features strongly masculine, his mouth might have made him into a pretty boy. Both his lips were full and sensual, curving around a mouthful of flashing white teeth, their perfection courtesy of the top-flight dentist her father had taken him to as soon as hed been let out of prison.
If Sarah had any criticism, it was of his hair, which she believed he kept far too short. Still, the buzz-cut style did give him an intimidating look that probably worked well for him in the business world.
Well, hello, stranger, he said, his dark eyes sweeping down to her sneakered feet, then up again.
Not a hint of admiration in his expression, however, or even surprise. No reaction at all. Zilch.
His lack of reactionshed been expecting some sort of complimentexasperated Sarah. What did she have to do to make the man notice her, damn it?
Thanks, Jim, he said, bending to pick up her bags. Ill take these now.
Yes, thanks, Jim, Sarah managed to echo through clenched teeth.
Jim nodded, then moved off, by which time Nick had picked up her luggage and turned to carry it inside.
Sarah wanted to hit him. Instead, she gritted her teeth even harder.
Suddenly, she couldnt wait to turn twenty-five. The sooner she got Nick out of her life, the better. He was like a thorn in her side, niggling away at her. How could she have what she wanted most in lifewhich was children of her ownif he was always there, spoiling things for her? How could she feel completely happy when she kept comparing every man she dated to him?
Out of sight would be out of mind. Hopefully.
Sarah closed the front door after her, smothering a sigh when she saw Nick heading for the stairs with her cases.
I can take those up, she said, desperately needing a few minutes away from the man to regain her composure.
As much as Sarah had subconsciously always known that nothing would ever come of her secret feelings for Nick, finally facing the futility of her fantasies was a soul-shattering experience.
He hadnt even noticed that shed lost weight!
All that work. For nothing!
Its no trouble, he threw over his shoulder as he continued on up the stairs with the bags.
Sarah gritted her teeth, and hurried up the stairs after him. Why arent you at golf?
I wanted the opportunity to talk to you, he tossed back at her. Privately.
About what?
He didnt answer her, instead charging on ahead with her bags.
About what, Nick? she repeated when she caught up, frustrated by his lack of reply.
He ground to a halt on the top landing, dropped her bags then turned to face her.
Flora, for one thing.
What about her? Shes not ill, is she?
No, but she cant do what she used to do. She gets very tired. This last year, Ive had to hire a home-cleaning service to come in twice a week to do all the heavy cleaning for her.
I didnt realise.
If you came home occasionally, Nick pointed out drily, you might have noticed.
It was a fair comment, evoking a large dose of guilt. Sarah recognised shed been very self-obsessed this past year. But shed been on a mission. A futile mission, as it turned out.
IIve been very busy, she said by way of an excuse.
With the new boyfriend, I take it? came his next comment, this one quite sarcastic.
Sarah bristled. I have a right to a social life, she retorted, taking off her sunglasses so that she could glare at him. You have one.
Indeed. But it doesnt take over my whole existence.
His critical tone was so typical of Nick when it came to her having a boyfriend, his condemning attitude often sparking a reckless rebellion in her that had her running off at the mouth.
Today was no exception.
Derek and I are very much in love. Something you could never identify with. When people are truly in love they want to spend every minute of every day with them.
Im surprised you came home today at all, then, he countered quite sharply. Or will your lover be dropping by later?
Sarah flushed. Dereks working today.
Doing what?
He owns a gym.
Aah. That explains it.
Explains what?
Your new shape.
So he had noticed! You say that like theres something wrong with it.
You looked fine the way you were.
Sarahs mouth dropped open. You have to be joking! I was getting fat!
Dont be ridiculous.
Sarah rolled her eyes. Either the man was blind, or he cared about her so little that hed never really looked at her before.
Maybe you just didnt notice.
Nick gave an offhand shrug. Maybe I didnt. Still, I suppose its not up to me to tell you what to do.
Im glad youve finally realised that!
Meaning?
I couldnt count the number of times youve interfered in my life, and my relationships. Every time I brought a boyfriend home in the past, you went out of your way to make him feel stupid. And me to boot.
I was only doing what your father asked me to do, Sarah. Which was to protect you from the money-grubbing creeps in this world.
They werent money-grubbing creeps!
Indeed they were.
Ill be the judge of that from now on, thank you very much.
Not till your twenty-fifth birthday, madam. I have no intention of letting you fall into the hands of some gold-digging gigolo at this late stage. I wouldnt be able to sleep at night if I did that.
Huh. I cant see you ever losing any sleep over me.
Then youd be dead wrong, sweetheart, he grated out.
Their eyes met, with Sarah sucking in sharply at the momentary fury she glimpsed in Nicks face. It came home to her then just how much hed hated being her guardian all these years. No doubt he would be very relieved when she turned twenty-five next year and his obligation to her father was over.
I havent given you that much trouble, have I? she said, her softer voice reflecting her drop in spirits.
As much as she accepted Nick would never be attracted to her, shed always thought that, underneath everything, he liked her. Not just because she was her fathers daughter, but because of the person she was. When she was younger, hed often told her what a great kid she was. Hed said she had character, and a good heart. Hed also said she was fun to be with, proving it by spending a lot of his spare time with her.
Of course, that had been a long time ago, before Nick had become a success in his own right. When that started to happen, hed begun to ignore her. Then, after her father died, the rot had set in completely. It was patently obvious that she was now reduced to nothing more than a responsibility, a responsibility that he obviously found both tedious and exasperating.
Does he know how rich youre shortly going to be? he demanded to know.
Sarahs mouth thinned. Here we go again, she thought angrily.
Yet there was no point in lying. Better she answer Nicks questions now than to have him put Derek through the third degree on Christmas Day.
He knows Im going to be rich, she bit out. But he doesnt know the full extent of my inheritance.
Hell know once he shows up tomorrow. People who live in this street have to be multimillionaires at least. It wont take him long to put two and two together.
Dereks not a fortune-hunter, Nick. Hes a very decent man.
How do you know?
I just know.
My God, you know nothing! he flung at her. Your father thought he was protecting you with his will. Instead, he set you up for disaster. He should have given most of his money away, donated it to some charity, not left it in the hands of a girl such as you.
What do you mean, a girl such as me?
He opened his mouth to say something but then obviously thought better of it. Instead, he picked up her bags and carried them along the hallway to her room, the stiff set of his shoulders very telling. After dumping her cases just inside the door, he retreated back out into the hallway.
Well continue this discussion later, he said in that deceptively quiet manner he always adopted on the odd occasion when he was in danger of losing his cool.
Over the years Sarah had learned to recognise this tactic of his. Nick hated losing his temper. Hated losing control. He preferred to act like the consummate ice-man, both professionally and personally. Shed rarely heard him yell. He didnt even swear any more, as he once had.
But his body language could speak volumes. So could his eyes.
Though not always. He did have the ability to make them totally unreadable. But not straight away. If you were watching him closely, you could sometimes glimpse what was going on in his head before he drew the blinds down.
Well have morning tea in the kitchen, he pronounced, then well adjourn to my study and talk.
Not about Derek, Sarah retorted. I have no intention of listening to you criticising someone you havent even met.
Fair enough. But I have lots of other things to talk to you about, Sarah. Important issues connected with your inheritance. I want to have everything settled before Christmas.
But I dont turn twenty-five till February, she protested. We have the rest of my summer break to settle things!
No, we dont. I wont be here.
Where will you be?
Im spending most of January on Happy Island.
Sarahs heart sank. She knew Nick had a holiday house there. But he rarely used it at this time of year.
Flora never said anything about that when I called.
The subject probably didnt come up.
Theres still the week between Christmas and New Year, she argued, feeling very put out with Nicks choosing to go away for so long.
Yes. But Im having a guest stay during that week. And you have your new boyfriend, who you freely admit you wish to spend every minute of every day with. Better we settle everything whilst we have the chance.
But I have to decorate the tree today.
I just want a couple of hours, Sarah. Not all day.
What about tonight? Cant this wait till tonight?
Im going present-shopping tonight.
Sarah sighed. Wasnt that just like a man to go present-shopping at the last minute?
Come on, he said abruptly. Lets go downstairs.
I need to go to the bathroom first, she said quite truthfully.
Fine, he replied with another offhand shrug. Ill go ahead and tell Flora to put on the kettle.
Sarah shook her head as she watched Nick go. Derek didnt know what he was talking about. Dolling herself up tomorrow and sucking up to a pretend boyfriend wasnt going to make a blind bit of difference. She was nothing to Nick but an obligation that he obviously wanted over and done with. It was clear to Sarah that he couldnt wait for her twenty-fifth birthday to arrive.
Suddenly, she felt the same way. She was sick and tired of letting her feelings for Nick distress her. Sick and tired of secretly pining for what would never be.
Time to move on, girl. Time to get yourself a life. One that doesnt include Nick!
CHAPTER THREE
FLORA was in the kitchen, cutting up the caramel slice shed made that morning, when Nick walked in with a face like thunder.
Wasnt that Sarah at the door? she asked.
Yep. She wont be long. You can put on the kettle.
Flora turned to pop the caramel slice back in the fridge before switching on the electric kettle. Its good to have her home, she said. Isnt it?
Nick scowled as he slid onto one of the four stools fronting the black marble breakfast bar. Speak for yourself, Flora.
Come, now, Nick. Youve missed her. You know you have.
I know no such thing. Ray was out of his mind to make me that girls guardian. Ill breathe a huge sigh of relief when February comes round, I can tell you.
I suppose it has been a big responsibility, Flora agreed. Especially considering how much money shes going to inherit. What do you make of this new boyfriend of hers? Do you think hes on the up and up?
Who knows?
Its strange that she hadnt mentioned him before last night, dont you think? It makes me wonder whats wrong with him.
Ive just been thinking the same thing. I guess well just have to wait and see.
I guess so, Flora said. So how does she look?
What do you mean?
She told me last night that shed been exercising and had lost weight. Dont tell me you didnt notice.
Yeah, I noticed.
And? Flora asked, exasperated with Nicks reluctance to elaborate. He was just as bad as Jim sometimes. Why was it that men didnt like to talk? It would be nice to have Sarah home, just so she had someone to chat with occasionally.
I thought she looked fine the way she was.
Isnt that just like a man? They never want the women in their life to change. Aah, there she is, the girl herself. Come over here, love, and give old Flora a hug.
Sarahs heart squeezed tight when Flora enveloped her into a tight embrace. It had been a long time since anyone had hugged her like that.
Thered been no hug from Nick this morning. Not even a peck on the cheek. He never touched her, except accidentally.
Her gaze slid over Floras shoulder to land on the man himself. But he wasnt looking her way. He was staring down at the black bench top, looking highly disgruntled.
Probably wishing he were at golf.
Oh, my, Flora said when she finally held Sarah out at arms length. You have lost quite a few pounds, havent you? Still, now you can have a big piece of your favourite caramel slice without feeling guilty, she added before turning away to open the fridge. I made it for you first thing this morning.
You shouldnt have, Flora, Sarah chided, but gently.
Nonsense. What else do I have to do? Did you know that the whole of the Christmas lunch is being catered this year? Nick says its too much for me. All Im allowed to do is make a couple of miserable puddings. I ask you!
She rolled her eyes at Sarah, who was thinking to herself that Flora had aged quite a bit this past year. Her face was very lined and her hair had turned totally grey.
Not that Im complaining, Nick, Flora went on. I do know Im getting older. But Im not totally useless yet. I could easily have baked a leg of pork and a turkey. And some nice hot veggies for those who dont like salad and seafood. Still, enough of that. Whats done is done. Now, sit up there next to Nick, Sarah, and tell us all about your new boyfriend whilst I pour the tea.
Sarah smothered a groan, but did as she was told, though she didnt sit right next to Nick, leaving one stool between them.
What would you like to know? she asked with brilliant nonchalance.
How old is he, for starters?
Sarah realised she had no idea.
Thirty-five, she guessed. One year younger than Nick.
Nicks head swung her way. Handsome?
Very. Looks like a movie star.
Was she crazy, or did Nicks eyes glitter when she said that?
How long have you been seeing each other? Flora asked.
Sarah decided to use the truth as much as possible. We met shortly after last Easter. I hired him as my personal trainer.
Nick made a small scoffing sound.
Sarah ignored him.
Why havent you mentioned him before? Flora asked.
Sarah winced. She should have realised shed get the third degree about Derek, from both Nick and Flora. Again, she decided to stick to the truth as closely as she could.
We havent been boyfriend and girlfriend all that time, she replied. Thats a more recent development. He asked me out for a drink one night after my workout, one thing led to another andwell, what can I say? Im very happy.
Sarah smiled, despite the lurch within her chest.
And very healthy, too, Flora said with a return smile. Dont you think so, Nick?
I think she looks like she could do with some of your caramel slice.
Sarah found a laugh from somewhere. Thats funny coming from you. All your girlfriends have figures like rakes.
Not all of them. You havent met Chloe, have you?
I havent had the pleasure yet.
You will. Tomorrow.
How nice.
Youll like her.
Oh, I doubt it. I never like any of your girlfriends, Nick. The same way you never like any of my boyfriends. Ive already warned Derek.
Should I warn Chloe?
Sarah shrugged. Why bother? It wont change anything.
Will you two stop bickering? Flora intervened. Its Christmas, the season of peace and love.
Sarah almost pointed out that Nick didnt believe in love, but she held her tongue. Sniping at Nick was not in keeping with her resolution to move on. But hed really got under her skin with his remarks about her being skinny.
When Flora presented a plate full of caramel slice right in front of her, she couldnt really refuse. But she did take the smallest piece and proceeded to eat it very slowly between long sips of tea. Nick chose the biggest portion, devoured it within seconds, then had the gall to take a second salivating slice. The lucky devil had one of those metabolisms that allowed him to eat whatever he liked without getting fat. Of course, he did work out with weights every other day, and swam a lot.
Although thirty-six now, he didnt carry an extra ounce of fat on his long, lean body. Really, other than some muscling up around his chest and arms, Nick hadnt changed much since the day theyd met.
Physically, that was. Hed changed a good deal in other ways, matching his personality to suit whatever company he was in, sometimes warm and charming, at other times adopting a confident air of cool sophistication and savoir-faire, both personas a long way from the introverted and rather angry young man hed been when hed first come to live at Goldmine.
Though he was never angry with me, Sarah recalled. Never. He had always been sweet, kind and generous with his time. Hed made a lonely little girls life much less lonely.
Oh, how shed loved him for that!
Sarah much preferred the Nick of old to the one sitting beside her today.
In the beginning, when hed launched himself into the business world, shed admired his ambition. But success had made Nick greedy for the good life, feeding on hedonistic pleasures that were as fleeting as they were shallow. Other than the holiday house on Happy Island, he owned a penthouse on the Gold Coast and a chalet in the southern snowfields. When he wasnt working at making more money, he flitted from one to the other, always accompanied by his latest lady-love.
Whoops, no. Amend that to latest playmate. Love was never part of Nicks lifestyle.
Her father had always said how proud of Nick he was. Hed lauded Nicks work ethics, his intellect and his entrepreneurial vision.
Sarah could see that, professionally, there was much to be proud of. But surely her father would have been disappointed, if hed been alive today, at the way Nick conducted his personal life. There was something reprehensible about a man whose girlfriends never lasted longer than six months, and who boasted that he would never marry.
No, that was unfair. Nick had never boasted about his inability to fall in love. Hed merely stated it as a fact.
Sarah had to concede that at least Nick was honest in his relationships. She felt positive he never spun any of his girlfriends a line of bull. Theyd always known that their role in his life was strictly sexual and definitely temporary.
Glad to see youre still capable of enjoying your food.
Nicks droll remark jolted Sarah out of her reverie, her stomach contracting in horror once she realised shed consumed a second piece of caramel slice without being aware of it.
She kept her cool, however, determined not to let Nick needle her further.
Who could resist Floras caramel slice? she tossed at him airily. Next Christmas well get back to having a smaller Christmas lunch, Flora, and you can cook whatever you like.
You wont keep your fathers tradition going? Nick asked in a challenging voice.
Is that what you think youve been doing, Nick? she countered. When Dad was alive, Christmas lunch was a gathering of true friends, not a collection of business acquaintances.
Is that so? I think perhaps youre mistaken about that. Most of your fathers so-called friends were business contacts.
Nick was right, of course. But people had still liked her father for himself, not just for what they could get out of him. At least, she liked to think so.
But maybe she was wrong. Maybe shed seen him through rose-coloured glasses. Maybe, underneath his bonhomie, hed been as hard and cynical as Nick.
No, that wasnt true. Hed been a kind and generous man.
Not a brilliant dad, though. During her years at boarding-school hed often made excuses for not being able to come to school functions, all of those excuses related to work. Then, when she came home for school holidays, shed largely been left to her own devices.
If she was strictly honest, things hadnt been much better when her mother was still alive. A dedicated career woman, Jess Steinway had been totally unprepared for the sacrifices motherhood entailed upon the arrival of an unexpected baby at forty. Sarah had been raised by a succession of impersonal nannies till she went to kindergarten, after which Flora had taken over as carer before and after school. But Flora, warm and chatty though she was, had mostly been too busy with the house to do much more than feed Sarah and make sure she did her homework.
No one had spent quality time with her, or played with her, till Nick had come along.
She turned her head to look at him, a wave of sadness washing through her. Oh, how she wished he was still their chauffeur, and she the little girl who could love him without reservation.
Tears pricked at her eyes, right at that moment when Nicks head turned her way. She quickly blinked them away, but not before she glimpsed regret in his.
Sorry, he muttered. I didnt mean any disrespect for your father. He was a good man and a very generous one. Christmas was his favourite time of year. Did you know that every Christmas he gave huge donations to the various charities round Sydney for the homeless? Because of him, they always had a proper Christmas dinner. And no one, especially the children, went without a present.
Sarah frowned. I didnt know that. she knew about his good work with young prisoners. And hed given lots of money to cancer research and cancer support groups. There were a few hospital wings named after him, too. But hed never mentioned his Christmas donations. I hope his estate is continuing with that tradition, Nick. Do you know if it is?
It wasnt written into his will, so I do it in his name every year.
You?
Dont sound so surprised. I am capable of generous gestures, you know. Im not totally selfish.
II never said you were.
But you think it. And, generally speaking, youd be right.
Dont be so modest, Nick, Flora piped up. You should see the huge plasma television Nick bought Jim and me a few weeks ago, for no reason at all except that he thought wed like it. It has surround sound and its own built-in DVD. You can tape any number of shows and watch them later, when you have time. Jims in seventh heaven, watching cricket and tennis at all hours of the day and night.
.
.
, (https://www.litres.ru/miranda-lee/the-guardian-s-forbidden-mistress/) .
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Miranda Lee
He couldn't resist her innocence. . . Nick Coleman was one of Sydney's most eligible billionaires. Love 'em and leave 'emthat was Nick's mantra. But he couldn't do that to Sarah; he had promised he would act as her guardian and protect her. Yet he wanted her, badly. . .Sarah was soon to claim her inheritance. She'd be a sitting duck to predators looking for a rich, innocent girl. Perhaps it was Nick's responsibility to personally teach her how wicked and seductive a man could be. . . .
Miranda Lee
THE GUARDIANS FORBIDDEN MISTRESS
TORONTO NEW YORK LONDON
AMSTERDAM PARIS SYDNEY HAMBURG
STOCKHOLM ATHENS TOKYO MILAN MADRID
PRAGUE WARSAW BUDAPEST AUCKLAND
CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
EPILOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
SEVEN years later
A frown formed on Sarahs forehead as she watched Derek turn from the crowded bar and slowly make his way back to their table, a full champagne glass in each hand.
In the time it had taken him to be served, shed begun to worry about having accepted his invitation for a Christmas drink.
Sarah comforted herself with the thought that in the six months Derek had been her personal trainer, hed never made a pass, or crossed the line in any way, shape or form.
But there was a definite twinkle in his eye as he handed her a glass, then sat down with his.
This is very nice of you, she said carefully.
Sarahs heart sank when he beamed back at her.
I am nice, he said. And no, Im not coming on to you.
I didnt think you were, she lied before taking a relieved sip of the bubbly.
Yes, you did.
Well
Derek laughed. This is just a little celebratory drink. One you deserve after all your hard work. But do be careful over the Christmas break. I dont want you coming back to me at the end of January in the same shape you were in six months ago.
Sarah pulled a face at the memory. Trust me. I wont ever let that happen again.
Never say never.
Sarah shook her head as she put down her glass. Ive done a lot of thinking while youve been working my blubbery butt off these past few months, and Ive finally come to terms with the reason behind my comfort-eating.
So whats his name? Derek asked.
Who?
The reason behind your comfort-eating.
Sarah smiled. Youre a very intuitive man.
Derek shrugged. Only to be expected. Gay men are very simpatico to matters of the heart.
Sarah almost spilled her wine.
You didnt suspect at all, did you?
Sarah stared across the table at him. Heavens, no!
I dislike guys who advertise their sexual preference by being obvious, or overly camp. Other gays sometimes guess, and the odd girl or two.
Really? Even now that she knew the truth, Sarah couldnt detect anything obviously gay in Derek. Neither could any of the women who worked out at the gym, if the talk in the female locker room was anything to go by. Most of the girls thought him a hunk.
Whilst Sarah conceded Derek was attractivehe had nice blue eyes, a great body and a marvellous tanshed never been attracted to fair-haired men.
So now that you know Im not making a beeline for you, Derek went on, how about answering my earlier question? Or do you want to keep your love life a secret?
Sarah had to laugh. I dont have a love life.
What, none at all?
Not this last year. Shed had boyfriends in the past. Both at university and beyond. But things always ended badly, once she took them home to meet Nick.
Next to Nick, her current boyfriend always came across as lacklustre by comparison. Time after time, Sarah would become brutally aware that she wanted Nick more than she ever did other men. Nick also had the knack of making comments that forced her to question whether her boyfriend was interested in her or her future inheritance.
Yet Sarah didnt imagine for one moment that Nick undermined her relationships for any personal reasons. That would mean he cared who she went out with. Which he obviously didnt. Nick had made it brutally obvious since becoming her guardian that he found the job a tiresome one, only to be tolerated because of his affection for and gratitude to her father.
Oh, he went through the motions of looking after her welfare, but right from the beginning hed used every opportunity to shuffle her off onto other people.
The first Christmas after shed left school, hed sent her on an extended overseas holiday with a girlfriend and her family. Then hed organised for her to live on campus during her years at university, where shed specialised in early-childhood teaching. When shed graduated and gained a position at a primary school out in the western suburbs of Sydney, hed encouraged her to rent a small unit near the school, saying it would take her far too long to drive to Parramatta from Point Piper every day.
Admittedly this was true, and so she had done as he suggested. But Sarah had always believed Nicks motive had been to get her out of the house as much as possible, so that he was free to do whatever he liked whenever he liked. Having her in a bedroom two doors down the hallway from his was no doubt rather restricting.
A well-known man-about-town, Nick ate women for breakfast and spat them out with a speed which was breathtaking. Every time Sarah went home he had a different girlfriend installed on his arm, and in his bed, each one more beautiful and slimmer than the next.
Sarah hated seeing him with them.
Last year Sarah had restricted her home visits to Easter and Christmas, plus the winter school break, during which Nick had been away, skiing. This year she hadnt been home since Easter, and Nick hadnt complained, readily accepting her many and varied excuses. When she finally went home on Christmas Eve tomorrow, it would be nearly nine months since shed seen Nick in the flesh.
And since hed seen her.
The thought made her heart flutter wildly in her chest.
What a fool you are, Sarah, she castigated herself. Nothing will change. Nothing will ever change. Dont you know that by now?
Time to face the bitter truth. Time to stop hoping for a miracle.
His name his Nick Coleman, she said matter-of-factly. Hes been my legal guardian since I was sixteen, and Ive had a mad crush on him since I was eight. She refused to call it love. How could she be in love with a man like Nick? He might have made a financial success of his life in the years since theyd first met, but hed also become cold-blooded and a callous womaniser.
Sometimes Sarah wondered if shed imagined the kindnesses hed shown her when she was a child.
Did you say eight? Derek asked.
Yes. He came to work for my father as his chauffeur on my eighth birthday.
His chauffeur!
Its a long story. But it wasnt Nick who started my eating binge, she confessed. It was his girlfriend. The one who was there draped all over him last Christmas, a drop-dead gorgeous, super-slender supermodel whod make any female feel inadequate.
A depressed Sarah had eaten seconds at Christmas lunch, then had gone back for thirds. Food, shed swiftly found, made her feel temporarily better.
By Easterher next visit homeshed gained ten kilos. Nick had simply stared at her. Probably in shock. But his new girlfrienda stunning-looking but equally skinny actress this timehadnt remained silent, making a sarcastic crack about the growing obesity problem in Australia, which had resulted in Sarah gaining another five kilos by the end of May.
When shed seen the class photo of herself, shed taken stock and sought out Dereks help.
Now here she was, with her hour-glass shape possessing not one skerrick of flab and her self-esteem firmly back in place.
Amend that to two girlfriends, Sarah added, then went on to fill in some more details of her relationship with her guardian, plus the circumstances which had led up to her coming to the gym.
Amazing, Derek said when she stopped at last.
Whats amazing? That I got so fat?
You were never fat, Sarah. Just a few kilos over-weight. And lacking in tone. No, I meant about your being an heiress. You dont act like a rich bitch at all.
Thats because Im not. Not till I turn twenty-five, anyway. My father made sure in his will that I wont get a dime till I reach what he called a mature age. For years I had my educational and basic living expenses paid for, but once I could earn my own living I had to support myself, or starve. I was a bit put out at first, but I finally saw the sense of his stand. Handouts dont do anyone any good.
That depends. So this Nick fellow lives in your family home, rent-free?
Well, yesMy fathers will said he could.
Till you turn twenty-five.
Yes.
When, exactly, does that happen?
What? Oh, next February. The second.
At which point youre going to turf that blood-sucking leech out of your home and tell him you dont want to see his sorry behind ever again!
Sarah blinked, then laughed. Youve got it all wrong, Derek. Nick doesnt need free rent. He has plenty of money of his own. He could easily buy his own mansion, if he wanted to. In actual fact, hed offered to buy hers. But shed refused.
Sarah knew the house was way too big for a single girl, but it was the only connection she still had to her parents, and she simply could not bear to part with it.
How come this Nick guy is so flush? Derek asked. You said he was your fathers chauffeur.
Was being the operative word. My dad took him under his wing and showed him how to make money, both on the stock market and in the business world. Nick was very lucky to have a man like my father as his mentor. Sarah considered telling Derek about Nicks good fortune with Outback Bride but decided not to. Perhaps because it made Nick look as though he hadnt become successful in his own right. Which he had. Have you ever been to Happy Island on a holiday? she said instead.
No. But I know about it.
Nick borrowed money and bought Happy Island when it was going for a song. He personally supervised the remodelling of its largely derelict resort, built an airport on it, then sold the whole shebang to an international equity company for a fortune.
Lucky man.
Dad always said luck begins and ends with hard work. He also advised Nick that hed never become rich working for someone else. Which was why Nick had set up his own movie production company a couple of years back. Hed already had some success but nothing yet to rival Outback Bride.
Your dads right there, Derek said. I hated it when I had a boss. Thats why I started up my own gym.
You own The New You?
Derek gave her a startled look. Dont tell me you didnt know that either.
No.
He smiled, showing flashing white teeth. Talk about tunnel vision.
Sorry, Sarah apologised. I can be like that. Im a bit of a loner, if you havent noticed, she added with a wry smile. I dont make friends easily. Guess it comes from being an only child.
Im an only child too, he confessed. Which makes my being gay especially hard on my parents. No grand-kids to look forward to. I only told them a couple of years ago when Mums pressuring me to get married got a bit much. Dad hasnt talked to me since, Derek added, the muscles in his neck stiffening.
Thats sad, Sarah said. What about your mum?
She rings me. But wont let me come home, not even for Christmas.
Oh, dear. Maybe theyll come round in time.
Maybe. But Im not holding my breath. Dad is a very proud and stubborn man. Once he says something, he wont back down on it. But back to you, sweetie. Youre simply crazy about this Nick fellow, arent you?
Sarahs heart lurched. Crazy describes my feelings for Nick very well. When Im around him, I just cant stop wanting him. But he doesnt want me back. And he never will. Its time I accepted that.
But surely not till youve had one last crack at him.
What?
You havent been working your butt off because some anorexic model said you were fat, sweetie. Its Nick youre out to impress, and attract.
Sarah didnt want to openly admit it. But of course Derek was right. Shed do anything to have Nick look at her with desire. Just once.
No, not once. Again. Because she was pretty sure shed spotted desire in his eyes one Christmas, when shed been sixteen and shed come down to the pool wearing an itsy-bitsy bikini that shed bought with Nick in mind.
But maybe shed imagined it. Maybe she was just desperate to believe hed fancied her a little that day, despite his actions to the contrary. Teenage girls were prone to flights of fantasy, as were twenty-four-year-olds, she thought ruefully. Which was why shed spent all week buying the kind of summer wardrobe that would stir an octogenarians hormones.
The trouble was Nick wasnt an octogenarian. He was only thirty-six, and he kept his male hormones well and truly catered to. Sarah already knew that the actress girlfriend had gone by the board, replaced by an advertising executive with a penchant for power-dressing.
Sarah might not have been home personally for several months, but she rang home every week to talk to Flora, who always gave her a full update on Nicks comings and goings before passing the call over to Nick. If he was home, that was. Often he was out, being a social animal with a wide range of friends. Or contacts, as he preferred to call them.
I presume you spend the Christmas holidays back at home? Derek asked, cutting into her thoughts.
Yes, she said with a sigh. I usually go home as soon as school breaks up. But I havent this year. Still, Ill have to make an appearance tomorrow. I always decorate the Christmas tree. If I dont do it, it doesnt get done. Then I help Flora prepare things for the following day. The lunch is partially catered for, but Flora likes to cook some hot food as well. Flora is the housekeeper, she added when she saw Derek frown at the name. Shes been with the family for forever.
I have to confess I couldnt see your Nick with a girlfriend named Flora.
Youd be right there. Nicks girlfriends always have names like Jasmine, or Sapphire, or Chloe. That was what the latest one was called: Chloe.
Not only that, Sarah went on waspishly, they never help. They always just swan downstairs at the last minute, with their fingernails perfect and their minuscule appetites on hold. It gets my goat when they sit there, sipping mineral water whilst they eat absolutely nothing.
Mmm, Derek said.
Sarah pulled a face at him. I suppose you think Im going to get all upset and make a pig of myself again.
Its highly possible, by the sounds of things. But what I was actually thinking was that you need someone by your side at this Christmas lunch. A boyfriend of your own.
Huh! Ive brought boyfriends to Christmas lunch before, Sarah informed Derek drily. In no time, Nick makes them look like fools, or fortune-hunters.
And maybe they were. But possibly they were too young, and totally overawed by the occasion. What you need is someone older, someone with looks and style, someone successful and sophisticated who wont be fazed by anything your playboy guardian says and does. Someone, in short, whos going to make the object of your desire sit up and take notice. Of you.
I like the idea, Derek. In theory. But even with my improved looks, I dont think Im going to be able to snaffle up the type of boyfriend youve just described at this late stage. Christmas is two days away.
In that case let me help you out. Because I know just such an individual who doesnt have anywhere to go on Christmas Day and would be happy to come to your aid.
You do? Who?
Youre looking at him.
Sarah blinked, then laughed. You have to be kidding. How can you be my boyfriend, Derek? Youre gay!
You didnt know that till I told you, he reminded her. Your Nick wont know it, either, especially if Im introduced as your boyfriend. People believe what theyre told, on the whole.
Sarah stared at Derek. He was right. Why would Nickor anyone else at lunchsuspect that Derek was gay? He didnt look it. Or act it.
So what do you think? Derek said with a wicked gleam in his eyes. Trust me when I say that nothing stimulates a mans interest in a woman as well as another mans undivided attention in her.
Sarah still hesitated.
What are you afraid of? Derek demanded to know. Success?
Absolutely not!
Then what have you got to lose?
Nothing at all, Sarah realised with a sudden rush of adrenalin. At the very least she would not feel alone, as she often did at Christmas, especially during that dreaded lunch.
This year she would not only be looking her best, but she would also have a very good-looking man by her side.
All right, Sarah said, a quiver of unexpected excitement rippling down her spine. Youre on.
CHAPTER TWO
SARAHS positive attitude towards Christmas lasted till she pulled her white car into the driveway the following morning and saw Nicks bright red sporty number parked outside the garages.
Darn it, she muttered as she pressed the remote to open the electronic gates.
Shed presumed Nick would be out playing golf, as he always did every Saturday, come rain, hail or shine. Come Christmas Eve as well!
If shed imagined for one moment that Nick would be home, shed have put on one of her sexy new sun-dresses this morningprobably the black and white halter-necked one that showed off her slender shoulders and nicely toned arms. Instead, she was sporting a pair of faded jeans and a striped yellow tank-top. Suitable clothes in which to decorate a Christmas tree. But not to impress a man, especially one who had a penchant for women who always looked as if theyd just stepped out of a beauty salon.
Still, with a bit of luck, she might be able to sneak up to her bedroom and make some changes before running into Nick. The house was, after all, huge.
Built in the 1920s by a wealthy mining family, Goldmine had been renovated and revamped many times since then. Its original stone walls were now cement-rendered white, with arched windows and lots of balconies, which gave it a distinctly Mediterranean look.
Because of the sloping site, the house looked double-storeyed from the road, but there was another, lower level at the back where the architecture incorporated a lot of glass to take advantage of the homes harbourside position.
Actually, there werent many rooms in the house that didnt look out over Sydney Harbour, the view extending across the water to the bridge and the opera house in the distance. On the upper floor, all the bedrooms had individual balconies with water views, the master bedroom opening out onto a walled balcony that was big enough to accommodate an outdoor table-setting.
The enormous back terrace had the best vantage point, however, which was why it was always the place for Christmas lunch. Long trestle-style tables would be brought in, shade provided by huge canvas blinds put up for the day. Only once in Sarahs memory, when the temperature soared to forty degrees, had the lunch been held inside, in the family room, the only room large enough to accommodate the number of guests who swamped Goldmine every Christmas Day from midday onwards.
The tradition had been started by Sarahs father and mother soon after theyd bought the house nearly thirty years ago, a tradition her father continued after her mothers death, and which Nick seemed happy to honour in the years hed been living there.
Of course, the cynic in Sarah appreciated that Christmas lunch at Goldmine was more of a business lunch these days than a gathering of family and long-term friends. Most of the guests at the table would be the people Nick did business with, valuable contacts whose priorities were where the next few million were coming from.
Sarah was under no illusion that Nick was any different from the types he mixed with. He liked money as muchpossibly morethan they did.
This last thought reminded Sarah of what Derek had implied over drinks last night: that Nick was taking advantage of his position as her guardian to live, rent-free, in her harbourside home. Although shed defended Nick in this regard, Sarah had to concede that living in Goldmine was a huge social advantage. Not so much because of its sizesome of the neighbours homes were obscenely largebut because of its position. There was no doubt that having such an address had benefited Nick no end in the business stakes. Which was why he wanted to buy the place.
The gates finally open, Sarah drove through and parked next to Nicks car. She frowned over at it, still perplexed that he hadnt gone to golf today.
Thinking about golf, however, reminded her of the Christmas present shed bought him. It was a set of miniature golf clubs, with the club heads made in silver, the shafts in ebony and the bag crafted in the most beautiful red leather. Shed bought it on eBay and it had cost several hundred dollars, more than she usually spent on him.
The moment shed seen it, shed known Nick would like it.
But would he think it odd that shed bought him something so expensive?
She hoped not.
Sarah grimaced when she realised he might think it even odder that she hadnt bought her new boyfriend anything at all. Which she hadnt. She and Derek had discussed when he was to arrive tomorrow and what to wear, but they hadnt thought of presents.
Sarah sighed, her confidence about this subterfuge beginning to drop.
Not that it mattered all that much. She couldnt seriously expect to achieve the miracle of having Nick suddenly look at her and be carried away on a wave of uncontrollable desire. Why should that happen now, after all these years? It wasnt as though she hadnt dolled herself up for him before. She had. With absolutely no results at all.
The truth was she obviously wasnt his type. Even with her normally lush curves pared down to the bone, shed never look or act like the kind of girlfriend Nick inevitably chose and obviously preferred: not only super-slim, but also super-chic and super-sophisticated.
A kindergarten teacher just didnt cut it with Nick, even with a future fortune attached. If anything, that she was her fathers heiress was probably a turn-off for him. Nick would not like any reminders that he wasnt entirely a self-made man. Or the fact that shed known him when he was a nobody.
With every new girlfriend, Nick came with a clean slate.
Sarah had no doubt he hadnt told this latest girl, Chloe, that hed ever been in jail. Or that his wards father had been a very generous benefactor. She felt sure Nick always represented her father these days as a long-term friend, thereby explaining his guardianship of her.
Sarah accepted these brutally honest thoughts with a mixture of emotions. There was disappointment, yes. But also a measure of relief. Because it made her realise that to harbour hopes of attracting Nick this Christmas was a case of desperation and delusion. It wasnt going to happen.
Whilst this realisation brought a pang of emotional painno one liked to have their longest and fondest dream dashedthe acceptance of reality also began to unravel the tight knots in her stomach. What she was wearing today no longer mattered. She could relax now and act naturally with Nick, which she would not have done with her previous pathetic agenda.
Sarah might have called Derek right then and there and cancelled his coming tomorrow, if she hadnt already told Flora when she rang last night that thered be an added guest for Christmas lunch; her new boyfriend, Derek. Although Nick had been out at the time, Sarah had no doubt that Flora would have told Nick this news at breakfast this morning. Flora was a dear lady, but inclined to gossip.
No, there was nothing for it but to go through with this charade now.
Youll probably be glad, come tomorrow, Sarah told herself as she climbed out of the car and walked round to open the hatchback. Nicks new girlfriend sounded like a right bitch, if Floras character assessment was to be believed. When Sarah asked what she was like, Flora had said she was up herself, big time.
Just as good-looking as the last one, Flora had added, but more intelligent. And doesnt she know it! Still, she wont last any longer than the others. Six months is tops for our Nick. After that, its out with the old and in with the new. If that boy ever settles down, Ill eat my hat.
Sarah pulled a face as she lifted her two bags out of the boot.
She would, too.
Nick was definitely not a marrying man; never had been and never would be. He wasnt into romance, either. Catering to his sexual needs was the name of his game where women were concerned.
Once Nick got bored with his latest game-partner, she was out.
Hed once admitted to Sarah when shed been about twelvetheyd just watched a very sweet romance on TV togetherthat he could never fall in love the way the characters had in that movie. Hed confessed rather grimly that he didnt have any idea what that kind of love felt like.
Sarah presumed his inability to emotionally connect with women had something to do with his loveless up-bringing, a subject shed overheard being discussed by her parents not long before her mother died. Apparently, Nick had suffered terribly at the hands of a drunken and abusive father, running away to live on the streets of Sydney when hed been only thirteen. After that, hed been reduced to doing some pretty dreadful things just to survive.
Sarah never did find out exactly how dreadful, but she could guess.
Just after turning eighteen, Nick had finally been arrestedfor stealing carsand had been sentenced to two years in jail.
It was during this term that hed finally been shown some kindness, and given some practical help. By a man whod spotted his natural intelligence, a man who, for years, had generously given up many hours of his time to help those less fortunate.
Nick was put into a special education programme for inmates that this man had funded, and became one of their most successful graduates, achieving his higher-school certificate in record time.
That man had been her father.
Sarah!
Sarah almost jumped out of her skin at her name being called.
But when she saw who it was, she smiled.
Hi there, Jim. Youre looking well. Floras husband had to be over sixty by now. But he was one of those wirily built men who aged well and always moved with a spritely step.
Got a lot of luggage there, missie, he said, joining her behind her car and staring down at her two very large bags. Home for good, are you?
Not yet, Jim. Did you get me a good tree?
Yep. A beauty. Set it up in the usual spot in the family room. I put the boxes of decorations next to it. And Ive hung up the lights out the back.
Great. Thanks, Jim.
Jim nodded. He wasnt one for chit-chat, unlike his wife.
Jim was happiest when he was working with his hands. He loved keeping the extensive grounds at Goldmine spick and span, not such a difficult job after her father had come home from a visit to Tokyo a decade ago and had all the more traditional flower beds and lawns ripped out and replaced with Japanese-style gardens. Now there were lots of rocks and gravel pathways, combined with ponds and water features, all shown to advantage by interesting trees and plants.
Jim hadnt been too thrilled at first with the lack of grass and flowers, but hed grown to appreciate the gardens unique beauty and serenity.
Jim picked up Sarahs bags without her asking and started heading along the curved path towards the front porch, putting paid to her earlier plan to sneak in unnoticed through the garages.
To be honest, Sarah still wished she looked better for Nicks first sight of her. It would have been rewarding to see the surprised look on his face.
Sighing, she grabbed her carry-all from the passenger seat, locked the car and hurried after Jim, who by then had dropped her bags by the front door and rung the doorbell.
I do have keys, she said, and was fishing through her bag in search of them when the door was wrenched open.
Not by Florabut by Nick.
If ever Sarah was glad she was wearing sunglasses it was at that moment.
Not because of Nicks reaction to her, but because of her reaction to him.
Shed been so caught up with worrying about her own appearance that shed forgotten just how devastatingly attractive she found him, especially when he was wearing as little as he was wearing today: just board shorts and a sleeveless white surf top, the colour highlighting his beautifully bronzed skin.
Sarahs thankfully hidden gaze travelled hungrily down his body then up again before fixing on his mouth.
If Nicks black eyes hadnt been so hard, and his other features strongly masculine, his mouth might have made him into a pretty boy. Both his lips were full and sensual, curving around a mouthful of flashing white teeth, their perfection courtesy of the top-flight dentist her father had taken him to as soon as hed been let out of prison.
If Sarah had any criticism, it was of his hair, which she believed he kept far too short. Still, the buzz-cut style did give him an intimidating look that probably worked well for him in the business world.
Well, hello, stranger, he said, his dark eyes sweeping down to her sneakered feet, then up again.
Not a hint of admiration in his expression, however, or even surprise. No reaction at all. Zilch.
His lack of reactionshed been expecting some sort of complimentexasperated Sarah. What did she have to do to make the man notice her, damn it?
Thanks, Jim, he said, bending to pick up her bags. Ill take these now.
Yes, thanks, Jim, Sarah managed to echo through clenched teeth.
Jim nodded, then moved off, by which time Nick had picked up her luggage and turned to carry it inside.
Sarah wanted to hit him. Instead, she gritted her teeth even harder.
Suddenly, she couldnt wait to turn twenty-five. The sooner she got Nick out of her life, the better. He was like a thorn in her side, niggling away at her. How could she have what she wanted most in lifewhich was children of her ownif he was always there, spoiling things for her? How could she feel completely happy when she kept comparing every man she dated to him?
Out of sight would be out of mind. Hopefully.
Sarah closed the front door after her, smothering a sigh when she saw Nick heading for the stairs with her cases.
I can take those up, she said, desperately needing a few minutes away from the man to regain her composure.
As much as Sarah had subconsciously always known that nothing would ever come of her secret feelings for Nick, finally facing the futility of her fantasies was a soul-shattering experience.
He hadnt even noticed that shed lost weight!
All that work. For nothing!
Its no trouble, he threw over his shoulder as he continued on up the stairs with the bags.
Sarah gritted her teeth, and hurried up the stairs after him. Why arent you at golf?
I wanted the opportunity to talk to you, he tossed back at her. Privately.
About what?
He didnt answer her, instead charging on ahead with her bags.
About what, Nick? she repeated when she caught up, frustrated by his lack of reply.
He ground to a halt on the top landing, dropped her bags then turned to face her.
Flora, for one thing.
What about her? Shes not ill, is she?
No, but she cant do what she used to do. She gets very tired. This last year, Ive had to hire a home-cleaning service to come in twice a week to do all the heavy cleaning for her.
I didnt realise.
If you came home occasionally, Nick pointed out drily, you might have noticed.
It was a fair comment, evoking a large dose of guilt. Sarah recognised shed been very self-obsessed this past year. But shed been on a mission. A futile mission, as it turned out.
IIve been very busy, she said by way of an excuse.
With the new boyfriend, I take it? came his next comment, this one quite sarcastic.
Sarah bristled. I have a right to a social life, she retorted, taking off her sunglasses so that she could glare at him. You have one.
Indeed. But it doesnt take over my whole existence.
His critical tone was so typical of Nick when it came to her having a boyfriend, his condemning attitude often sparking a reckless rebellion in her that had her running off at the mouth.
Today was no exception.
Derek and I are very much in love. Something you could never identify with. When people are truly in love they want to spend every minute of every day with them.
Im surprised you came home today at all, then, he countered quite sharply. Or will your lover be dropping by later?
Sarah flushed. Dereks working today.
Doing what?
He owns a gym.
Aah. That explains it.
Explains what?
Your new shape.
So he had noticed! You say that like theres something wrong with it.
You looked fine the way you were.
Sarahs mouth dropped open. You have to be joking! I was getting fat!
Dont be ridiculous.
Sarah rolled her eyes. Either the man was blind, or he cared about her so little that hed never really looked at her before.
Maybe you just didnt notice.
Nick gave an offhand shrug. Maybe I didnt. Still, I suppose its not up to me to tell you what to do.
Im glad youve finally realised that!
Meaning?
I couldnt count the number of times youve interfered in my life, and my relationships. Every time I brought a boyfriend home in the past, you went out of your way to make him feel stupid. And me to boot.
I was only doing what your father asked me to do, Sarah. Which was to protect you from the money-grubbing creeps in this world.
They werent money-grubbing creeps!
Indeed they were.
Ill be the judge of that from now on, thank you very much.
Not till your twenty-fifth birthday, madam. I have no intention of letting you fall into the hands of some gold-digging gigolo at this late stage. I wouldnt be able to sleep at night if I did that.
Huh. I cant see you ever losing any sleep over me.
Then youd be dead wrong, sweetheart, he grated out.
Their eyes met, with Sarah sucking in sharply at the momentary fury she glimpsed in Nicks face. It came home to her then just how much hed hated being her guardian all these years. No doubt he would be very relieved when she turned twenty-five next year and his obligation to her father was over.
I havent given you that much trouble, have I? she said, her softer voice reflecting her drop in spirits.
As much as she accepted Nick would never be attracted to her, shed always thought that, underneath everything, he liked her. Not just because she was her fathers daughter, but because of the person she was. When she was younger, hed often told her what a great kid she was. Hed said she had character, and a good heart. Hed also said she was fun to be with, proving it by spending a lot of his spare time with her.
Of course, that had been a long time ago, before Nick had become a success in his own right. When that started to happen, hed begun to ignore her. Then, after her father died, the rot had set in completely. It was patently obvious that she was now reduced to nothing more than a responsibility, a responsibility that he obviously found both tedious and exasperating.
Does he know how rich youre shortly going to be? he demanded to know.
Sarahs mouth thinned. Here we go again, she thought angrily.
Yet there was no point in lying. Better she answer Nicks questions now than to have him put Derek through the third degree on Christmas Day.
He knows Im going to be rich, she bit out. But he doesnt know the full extent of my inheritance.
Hell know once he shows up tomorrow. People who live in this street have to be multimillionaires at least. It wont take him long to put two and two together.
Dereks not a fortune-hunter, Nick. Hes a very decent man.
How do you know?
I just know.
My God, you know nothing! he flung at her. Your father thought he was protecting you with his will. Instead, he set you up for disaster. He should have given most of his money away, donated it to some charity, not left it in the hands of a girl such as you.
What do you mean, a girl such as me?
He opened his mouth to say something but then obviously thought better of it. Instead, he picked up her bags and carried them along the hallway to her room, the stiff set of his shoulders very telling. After dumping her cases just inside the door, he retreated back out into the hallway.
Well continue this discussion later, he said in that deceptively quiet manner he always adopted on the odd occasion when he was in danger of losing his cool.
Over the years Sarah had learned to recognise this tactic of his. Nick hated losing his temper. Hated losing control. He preferred to act like the consummate ice-man, both professionally and personally. Shed rarely heard him yell. He didnt even swear any more, as he once had.
But his body language could speak volumes. So could his eyes.
Though not always. He did have the ability to make them totally unreadable. But not straight away. If you were watching him closely, you could sometimes glimpse what was going on in his head before he drew the blinds down.
Well have morning tea in the kitchen, he pronounced, then well adjourn to my study and talk.
Not about Derek, Sarah retorted. I have no intention of listening to you criticising someone you havent even met.
Fair enough. But I have lots of other things to talk to you about, Sarah. Important issues connected with your inheritance. I want to have everything settled before Christmas.
But I dont turn twenty-five till February, she protested. We have the rest of my summer break to settle things!
No, we dont. I wont be here.
Where will you be?
Im spending most of January on Happy Island.
Sarahs heart sank. She knew Nick had a holiday house there. But he rarely used it at this time of year.
Flora never said anything about that when I called.
The subject probably didnt come up.
Theres still the week between Christmas and New Year, she argued, feeling very put out with Nicks choosing to go away for so long.
Yes. But Im having a guest stay during that week. And you have your new boyfriend, who you freely admit you wish to spend every minute of every day with. Better we settle everything whilst we have the chance.
But I have to decorate the tree today.
I just want a couple of hours, Sarah. Not all day.
What about tonight? Cant this wait till tonight?
Im going present-shopping tonight.
Sarah sighed. Wasnt that just like a man to go present-shopping at the last minute?
Come on, he said abruptly. Lets go downstairs.
I need to go to the bathroom first, she said quite truthfully.
Fine, he replied with another offhand shrug. Ill go ahead and tell Flora to put on the kettle.
Sarah shook her head as she watched Nick go. Derek didnt know what he was talking about. Dolling herself up tomorrow and sucking up to a pretend boyfriend wasnt going to make a blind bit of difference. She was nothing to Nick but an obligation that he obviously wanted over and done with. It was clear to Sarah that he couldnt wait for her twenty-fifth birthday to arrive.
Suddenly, she felt the same way. She was sick and tired of letting her feelings for Nick distress her. Sick and tired of secretly pining for what would never be.
Time to move on, girl. Time to get yourself a life. One that doesnt include Nick!
CHAPTER THREE
FLORA was in the kitchen, cutting up the caramel slice shed made that morning, when Nick walked in with a face like thunder.
Wasnt that Sarah at the door? she asked.
Yep. She wont be long. You can put on the kettle.
Flora turned to pop the caramel slice back in the fridge before switching on the electric kettle. Its good to have her home, she said. Isnt it?
Nick scowled as he slid onto one of the four stools fronting the black marble breakfast bar. Speak for yourself, Flora.
Come, now, Nick. Youve missed her. You know you have.
I know no such thing. Ray was out of his mind to make me that girls guardian. Ill breathe a huge sigh of relief when February comes round, I can tell you.
I suppose it has been a big responsibility, Flora agreed. Especially considering how much money shes going to inherit. What do you make of this new boyfriend of hers? Do you think hes on the up and up?
Who knows?
Its strange that she hadnt mentioned him before last night, dont you think? It makes me wonder whats wrong with him.
Ive just been thinking the same thing. I guess well just have to wait and see.
I guess so, Flora said. So how does she look?
What do you mean?
She told me last night that shed been exercising and had lost weight. Dont tell me you didnt notice.
Yeah, I noticed.
And? Flora asked, exasperated with Nicks reluctance to elaborate. He was just as bad as Jim sometimes. Why was it that men didnt like to talk? It would be nice to have Sarah home, just so she had someone to chat with occasionally.
I thought she looked fine the way she was.
Isnt that just like a man? They never want the women in their life to change. Aah, there she is, the girl herself. Come over here, love, and give old Flora a hug.
Sarahs heart squeezed tight when Flora enveloped her into a tight embrace. It had been a long time since anyone had hugged her like that.
Thered been no hug from Nick this morning. Not even a peck on the cheek. He never touched her, except accidentally.
Her gaze slid over Floras shoulder to land on the man himself. But he wasnt looking her way. He was staring down at the black bench top, looking highly disgruntled.
Probably wishing he were at golf.
Oh, my, Flora said when she finally held Sarah out at arms length. You have lost quite a few pounds, havent you? Still, now you can have a big piece of your favourite caramel slice without feeling guilty, she added before turning away to open the fridge. I made it for you first thing this morning.
You shouldnt have, Flora, Sarah chided, but gently.
Nonsense. What else do I have to do? Did you know that the whole of the Christmas lunch is being catered this year? Nick says its too much for me. All Im allowed to do is make a couple of miserable puddings. I ask you!
She rolled her eyes at Sarah, who was thinking to herself that Flora had aged quite a bit this past year. Her face was very lined and her hair had turned totally grey.
Not that Im complaining, Nick, Flora went on. I do know Im getting older. But Im not totally useless yet. I could easily have baked a leg of pork and a turkey. And some nice hot veggies for those who dont like salad and seafood. Still, enough of that. Whats done is done. Now, sit up there next to Nick, Sarah, and tell us all about your new boyfriend whilst I pour the tea.
Sarah smothered a groan, but did as she was told, though she didnt sit right next to Nick, leaving one stool between them.
What would you like to know? she asked with brilliant nonchalance.
How old is he, for starters?
Sarah realised she had no idea.
Thirty-five, she guessed. One year younger than Nick.
Nicks head swung her way. Handsome?
Very. Looks like a movie star.
Was she crazy, or did Nicks eyes glitter when she said that?
How long have you been seeing each other? Flora asked.
Sarah decided to use the truth as much as possible. We met shortly after last Easter. I hired him as my personal trainer.
Nick made a small scoffing sound.
Sarah ignored him.
Why havent you mentioned him before? Flora asked.
Sarah winced. She should have realised shed get the third degree about Derek, from both Nick and Flora. Again, she decided to stick to the truth as closely as she could.
We havent been boyfriend and girlfriend all that time, she replied. Thats a more recent development. He asked me out for a drink one night after my workout, one thing led to another andwell, what can I say? Im very happy.
Sarah smiled, despite the lurch within her chest.
And very healthy, too, Flora said with a return smile. Dont you think so, Nick?
I think she looks like she could do with some of your caramel slice.
Sarah found a laugh from somewhere. Thats funny coming from you. All your girlfriends have figures like rakes.
Not all of them. You havent met Chloe, have you?
I havent had the pleasure yet.
You will. Tomorrow.
How nice.
Youll like her.
Oh, I doubt it. I never like any of your girlfriends, Nick. The same way you never like any of my boyfriends. Ive already warned Derek.
Should I warn Chloe?
Sarah shrugged. Why bother? It wont change anything.
Will you two stop bickering? Flora intervened. Its Christmas, the season of peace and love.
Sarah almost pointed out that Nick didnt believe in love, but she held her tongue. Sniping at Nick was not in keeping with her resolution to move on. But hed really got under her skin with his remarks about her being skinny.
When Flora presented a plate full of caramel slice right in front of her, she couldnt really refuse. But she did take the smallest piece and proceeded to eat it very slowly between long sips of tea. Nick chose the biggest portion, devoured it within seconds, then had the gall to take a second salivating slice. The lucky devil had one of those metabolisms that allowed him to eat whatever he liked without getting fat. Of course, he did work out with weights every other day, and swam a lot.
Although thirty-six now, he didnt carry an extra ounce of fat on his long, lean body. Really, other than some muscling up around his chest and arms, Nick hadnt changed much since the day theyd met.
Physically, that was. Hed changed a good deal in other ways, matching his personality to suit whatever company he was in, sometimes warm and charming, at other times adopting a confident air of cool sophistication and savoir-faire, both personas a long way from the introverted and rather angry young man hed been when hed first come to live at Goldmine.
Though he was never angry with me, Sarah recalled. Never. He had always been sweet, kind and generous with his time. Hed made a lonely little girls life much less lonely.
Oh, how shed loved him for that!
Sarah much preferred the Nick of old to the one sitting beside her today.
In the beginning, when hed launched himself into the business world, shed admired his ambition. But success had made Nick greedy for the good life, feeding on hedonistic pleasures that were as fleeting as they were shallow. Other than the holiday house on Happy Island, he owned a penthouse on the Gold Coast and a chalet in the southern snowfields. When he wasnt working at making more money, he flitted from one to the other, always accompanied by his latest lady-love.
Whoops, no. Amend that to latest playmate. Love was never part of Nicks lifestyle.
Her father had always said how proud of Nick he was. Hed lauded Nicks work ethics, his intellect and his entrepreneurial vision.
Sarah could see that, professionally, there was much to be proud of. But surely her father would have been disappointed, if hed been alive today, at the way Nick conducted his personal life. There was something reprehensible about a man whose girlfriends never lasted longer than six months, and who boasted that he would never marry.
No, that was unfair. Nick had never boasted about his inability to fall in love. Hed merely stated it as a fact.
Sarah had to concede that at least Nick was honest in his relationships. She felt positive he never spun any of his girlfriends a line of bull. Theyd always known that their role in his life was strictly sexual and definitely temporary.
Glad to see youre still capable of enjoying your food.
Nicks droll remark jolted Sarah out of her reverie, her stomach contracting in horror once she realised shed consumed a second piece of caramel slice without being aware of it.
She kept her cool, however, determined not to let Nick needle her further.
Who could resist Floras caramel slice? she tossed at him airily. Next Christmas well get back to having a smaller Christmas lunch, Flora, and you can cook whatever you like.
You wont keep your fathers tradition going? Nick asked in a challenging voice.
Is that what you think youve been doing, Nick? she countered. When Dad was alive, Christmas lunch was a gathering of true friends, not a collection of business acquaintances.
Is that so? I think perhaps youre mistaken about that. Most of your fathers so-called friends were business contacts.
Nick was right, of course. But people had still liked her father for himself, not just for what they could get out of him. At least, she liked to think so.
But maybe she was wrong. Maybe shed seen him through rose-coloured glasses. Maybe, underneath his bonhomie, hed been as hard and cynical as Nick.
No, that wasnt true. Hed been a kind and generous man.
Not a brilliant dad, though. During her years at boarding-school hed often made excuses for not being able to come to school functions, all of those excuses related to work. Then, when she came home for school holidays, shed largely been left to her own devices.
If she was strictly honest, things hadnt been much better when her mother was still alive. A dedicated career woman, Jess Steinway had been totally unprepared for the sacrifices motherhood entailed upon the arrival of an unexpected baby at forty. Sarah had been raised by a succession of impersonal nannies till she went to kindergarten, after which Flora had taken over as carer before and after school. But Flora, warm and chatty though she was, had mostly been too busy with the house to do much more than feed Sarah and make sure she did her homework.
No one had spent quality time with her, or played with her, till Nick had come along.
She turned her head to look at him, a wave of sadness washing through her. Oh, how she wished he was still their chauffeur, and she the little girl who could love him without reservation.
Tears pricked at her eyes, right at that moment when Nicks head turned her way. She quickly blinked them away, but not before she glimpsed regret in his.
Sorry, he muttered. I didnt mean any disrespect for your father. He was a good man and a very generous one. Christmas was his favourite time of year. Did you know that every Christmas he gave huge donations to the various charities round Sydney for the homeless? Because of him, they always had a proper Christmas dinner. And no one, especially the children, went without a present.
Sarah frowned. I didnt know that. she knew about his good work with young prisoners. And hed given lots of money to cancer research and cancer support groups. There were a few hospital wings named after him, too. But hed never mentioned his Christmas donations. I hope his estate is continuing with that tradition, Nick. Do you know if it is?
It wasnt written into his will, so I do it in his name every year.
You?
Dont sound so surprised. I am capable of generous gestures, you know. Im not totally selfish.
II never said you were.
But you think it. And, generally speaking, youd be right.
Dont be so modest, Nick, Flora piped up. You should see the huge plasma television Nick bought Jim and me a few weeks ago, for no reason at all except that he thought wed like it. It has surround sound and its own built-in DVD. You can tape any number of shows and watch them later, when you have time. Jims in seventh heaven, watching cricket and tennis at all hours of the day and night.
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Miranda Lee
Тип: электронная книга
Жанр: Современная зарубежная литература
Язык: на английском языке
Издательство: HarperCollins
Дата публикации: 16.04.2024
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О книге: He couldn′t resist her innocence. . . Nick Coleman was one of Sydney′s most eligible billionaires. Love ′em and leave ′em–that was Nick′s mantra. But he couldn′t do that to Sarah; he had promised he would act as her guardian and protect her. Yet he wanted her, badly. . .Sarah was soon to claim her inheritance. She′d be a sitting duck to predators looking for a rich, innocent girl. Perhaps it was Nick′s responsibility to personally teach her how wicked and seductive a man could be. . . .