AllFreeNovel
Share Us
To my surprise, he smirks and then his expression changes. “Good.”
“What do you mean, good?”
“It means I approve. Bring her to dinner on Christmas Eve. We would like to meet her.”
“You would.” I’m surprised by the sudden change of atmosphere and my grandfather sighs heavily. “It’s not good to be alone. Your grandmother is beside herself. She was even thinking of inviting Patricia’s granddaughter over and locking you in a room until you proposed to her.”
He chuckles at the horrified expression on my face because Patricia’s granddaughter is ten years older than me and a vicar.
“As if that’s a good idea.” I shake my head as he laughs out loud. “It would be entertaining to watch, though. I’m almost disappointed.”
Now the tense atmosphere has gone, I relax a little and as our conversation turns to business and the healthy profits the store is enjoying in the run up to Christmas, I focus on my work and what I thrive at doing. Making money.
CHAPTER37
JESSICA
The first thing I do when I open my eyes is stare at a ceiling that isn’t my own. It takes me a moment to remember where I am and as the memory hits me of what went on here last night, my cheeks burn. Tentatively, I slide my eyes sideways and spy a note placed on the pillow, and my heart sinks.
I knew it.
Bleary-eyed, I sit up and snatch the note and for some strange reason my heart performs a happy dance of joy.
Morning gorgeous, I’m missing you already. I’ve been summoned to the office by my grandfather and that’s the only reason I’ve left. I can’t wait to see you for lunch as we arranged. FYI, I regret nothing and can’t wait to carry on where we left off. xxx
The door slams downstairs, which makes me sprint from Robert’s bed like a gazelle and grabbing his dressing gown, I head outside the room and lean over the bannisters to try to steal a glimpse below. I see an older woman carrying a basket, and my heart sags in relief when I remember that Robert employs a housekeeper.
“Hello.”
I call out so I don’t scare her, and she looks up in surprise as I shout, “It’s ok, I’m Jessica, um, Robert’s well, um, girlfriend.”
She waves and calls back. “Pleased to meet you. I’m Mrs Grant. I’ll get the kettle on.”
By the time I’ve thrown on some clothes and dragged a brush through my hair and teeth, she has two mugs of steaming coffee ready and a huge smile on her face.
“I must say, I’m surprised. You are the first person I’ve ever met here, except for Mr Harvey, of course, and I’ve only met him once.”
“How long have you worked here?” I slide onto the bar stool and grasp the coffee as if I’m an addict.
“Five years.”
“Say what?” I stare at her with wide eyes, and she laughs. “I met him at the interview and after that our paths never crossed. He is out when I work, and we communicate through WhatsApp.”
“That’s…”
“Perfect.” She smiles. “It suits us, and we get along, virtually, anyway.”
“So, you don’t really know anything about him.”
“I wouldn’t say that, dear.” She winks. “When you are responsible for a man’s washing, cleaning and shopping, you quickly form an opinion.”
“I suppose.”
I take a swig of my coffee and hate asking the next question. “Does Robert entertain here much?”
I realise I’m going to hate the answer when she fidgets on the spot.
“There have been a few occasions when there’s evidence of an overnight guest.”
