Love Walked In Read online

  Seeing Jemma approach, Josie turned towards her. “Such a wonderful idea to bring the donors to us. I’m sure you will do a wonderful job with this event.” Josie hugged Michael and headed out with the others.

  “Well. What do you think?” asked Michael.

  “There’s a lot of work to do but Cynthia has some great ideas. I think it’s going to be fabulous.”

  “Yeah, so do I. Come on, I’ll walk you out.” Jemma stepped out in front of him and they headed towards the door.

  “Mr. Locke,” a deep voice called as they reached the door. They turned to see the janitor.

  “Hey Bill. Good to see you.”

  “You too. Mr Locke, I think there may a problem in the kitchen. The crew was working on the plumbing today and there’s a small leak in one of the pipes.”

  “Did you call anyone?”

  “I was just about to sir.”

  “Okay, I’ll go and take a look.”

  Jemma followed Michael into the kitchen as he took off his jacket and searched in a toolbox for a wrench.

  “Probably just needs tightening,” he said placing the wrench to the connector. “It looks pretty minor.” Jemma stepped closer to get a better look and as Michael started working the wrench, a jet of cold water shot out unexpectedly towards Jemma causing her to scream and jump back in shock.

  “Shoot!” exclaimed Michael, trying to turn the connector the opposite way causing more jets to fly

  out in all directions. Michael searched for a shut off valve by which time his shirt was completely drenched. As he shut off the water, he looked towards Jemma who had water dripping from her blouse.

  “I guess it wasn’t minor.” They burst into laughter as Bill entered the room.

  “Sir?”

  “We’re okay Bill. I’ve shut off the water so we should be good for now. As soon as the crew gets in tomorrow morning, have the foreman call me first thing. I want everything checked and double checked.”

  “Yes Sir.”

  “Why don’t you head on home Bill. I’ll lock up.”

  “Thank you. Good night sir.”

  Michael looked back at Jemma. “Your blouse is drenched,” said Michael noticing the lace trim of her bra through the white fabric. “I have a blanket in my car. Give me a minute.”

  Jemma headed back to the meeting room and turned on the space heater that sat in a corner of the room. The damp fabric of her blouse left her feeling cold, so she removed it and as she did, Michael entered the room. With her back turned, he approached and placed the blanket over her shoulders.

  “Thank you.” she said, pulling the blanket tightly around her. Michael pulled a chair toward her and motioned for her to sit down while he draped her blouse on the back of another chair to dry.

  “This should dry in no time.”

  “What about you?” asked Jemma. “You got it a lot worse than I did.”

  “I’m fine,” Michael replied, unbuttoning his shirt and laying it out to dry. Jemma couldn’t help but gaze at his body which was strong and toned. He looked perfect, she thought, as he took a seat beside her.

  “I’m really sorry about this Jemma.”

  “Don’t worry about it.”

  “I’ll be having words with the contractor tomorrow.”

  Michael hunched forward toward the heater, with his elbows on his knees.

  “I’m starving. What do you say we make the most of this and have dinner together?”

  Jemma checked her cellphone. It was eight thirty. Nathan was out entertaining so wouldn’t be back until late.

  “Why not.”

  Michael pulled out his cellphone and ordered from a restaurant nearby and they sat huddled by the heater waiting for the food to arrive.

  “I missed something,” said Michael looking around the room. He left briefly and returned with two candles.

  “There, lighting is everything.” he said, shaking out the match as the flames started to flicker. He turned off the overhead lights. “That’s better.” The food arrived shortly afterwards.

  “I don’t imagine this kind of scenario is a common dining option for you?”

  “No, not for a long time, but it’s been just as long since I’ve had good food in the presence of such wonderful company, so I think it worked out.” Jemma blushed and looked down at her food. It was a subtle compliment, but she obviously didn’t take compliments well. He found it endearing.

  “This Chinese food is excellent.”

  “Isn’t it? It’s a little hole in the wall mom and pop shop but I don’t think I’ve tasted food this good even at the five-star restaurants I go to. I’ve been to places where they do a Chinese fusion kind of thing and one place I went to serves all these delicacies like chicken feet and pigs brain.”

  “Pigs brain? Oh my goodness. That sounds terrible! Did you actually eat it?”

  Michael frowned.

  “You did? No way.”

  “Funny enough, some of the dishes taste okay but I’m definitely more comfortable eating the run of the mill stuff.”

  “So, do you cook?”

  “I do.”

  “Really? I thought you might have a cook or something.” She looked at him waiting for further elaboration. Sitting there half naked and muscular, she couldn’t quite picture him slaving over a hot stove.

  “I make eggs… and pasta and I make a great sandwich and …eggs.”

  Jemma laughed. “That’s not exactly what I meant.”

  “Okay, you’re right. I do have a chef come in to cook for me a few times a week, but I do cook from time to time.”

  “Eggs?” Jemma laughed.

  “Okay, so I don’t really cook, in the proper sense of the word, but I used to cook when I was younger, before all of this, but as the Locke Corporation grew, it just became easier and more practical to have someone else do it. Now I have people come in to clean my place and take care of the laundry and cook.”

  “Makes sense,” said Jemma. “Did it take a while to get used to the money?”

  “It did. When I was growing up, my parents were comfortable, but they would have to make decisions on how to spend their money. So often, it was about choice, like shall we do this or that, but when you have money, there is no debate on how you want to spend it. You just spend it. It felt strange at first but after a few years, it becomes second nature. The best thing is when you get to spend it on projects like this.”

  “Your parents would be really proud of what you’ve accomplished. When this place is up and running, it’s going to be amazing.”

  “Yeah.” Michael sat back thoughtfully in the chair. “What I wouldn’t give to be able to show them. In all of this, they’ve been my beacon, guiding me through everything. I miss them. Hattie and her daughter, even the volunteers, became the closest thing I have to family. Despite all the fame and fortune, it’s the people I knew before that are the people that matter most in my life. What about you? Do you have any family?”

  “My dad died five years ago, but my mom lives in the area.”

  “Are you close?”

  “Yes, we are. She’s actually visiting her sister in England right now.”

  “She’s British? That’s the slight accent I detect in your voice.”

  “Yes. We moved here when I was ten. I remember I hated it at first and the kids at school would make fun of me because of my accent. I worked hard to get rid of it so I would blend in better. Obviously, I didn’t master the accent completely.”

  “You’re pretty darn good,” answered Michael mimicking an English accent, “but I detect a hint of the accent when you speak.”

  Jemma laughed. “That’s terrible.”

  “It is isn’t it?” replied Michael, laughing. “So, how does your mom like your boyfriend?”

  “Nathan? She likes him.”

  “You don’t sound very convincing.”

  “Oh no, she does. For some reason, I think she felt he was bit of a ladies’ man the first time she met him. He is quite charming after
all.”

  Jemma’s mom was certainly more perceptive that Jemma thought Michael.

  “But they get on well now.”

  “So how did you and Nathan meet?”

  “I met Nathan at a party. I had a friend who was working for a developer and she would get invited to a lot of events, so I went with her from time to time. I’d seen Nathan around, but it was a while before we were formally introduced. We hit it off and the rest is history.”

  “Well, I hope he deserves you,” said Michael quietly.

  Michael got up from his seat and checked on their clothes. “All dry,” he said, putting on his shirt and buttoning it up. He picked up Jemma’s shirt and held it out for her to slip into. She turned her back to him, lay the blanket down on the chair and slipped her arms into the blouse. She looked beautiful, with the glow of the candle flame flickering across her half naked body. She started buttoning up her blouse and turned around to meet his eyes.

  “Here, let me just…” Michael reached toward her and rearranged her collar. Jemma felt his warm hand brush against her neck and a chill ran through her. The candles flickered gently, and the warm glow of the flame illuminated her face. Michael was mesmerized by her eyes and he gently drew his arms around Jemma’s waist as he lowered his face to kiss her slightly parted lips. Entranced in the moment, Jemma relaxed her neck and leant further into him allowing him to take her more fully with his mouth. A surge of heat rushed through her and as her body melted into his, she felt a yearning rise within her as he kissed her with more passion and tenderness. The power of his kiss sent her legs almost collapsing beneath her and as she steadied herself, she opened her eyes, loosened herself from Michael’s grip and stepped back. Her face was flushed.

  “I’m sorry,” she stammered, trying to regain her composure. Jemma felt a sense of unease at what had just happened. “I have to go. Nathan will be waiting.” Jemma grabbed her coat from the seat of the chair and hastened to leave.

  “Jemma, wait.”

  “I can’t. I need to get home. I’m sorry.”

  Michael looked on after her. “Good night Jemma,” he said softly.

  Jemma returned home and drew a hot bath. On the way home, she struggled to stay focused on the road as flashbacks of the intimate embrace filled her mind. As she sat simmering in the hot water, she recalled Michael’s half naked body as he dried off in front of the heater. Why did he kiss her? Michael knew she was committed to Nathan, so why would he engage her in that way. Her agitation soon morphed into anger, anger that Michael would cross a line and put her in this position. She tried to justify the kiss in her mind. It all happened so quickly. It was the wine. It was unexpected. But beyond the excuses, what she found hard to come to terms with was the fact that she enjoyed it. She loved Nathan, but if she was honest with herself, she had felt drawn to the tall, dark, handsome billionaire from the start, since the very first time he’d walked into the store. But Michael was someone she had never imagined she could be with, not in a million years, so she didn’t indulge the thought.

  She crawled into bed, tired from the day. Nathan returned soon afterwards and got into bed beside her. He snuggled close to her and she could feel his hardness against her. She caressed his hair and kissed him gently. It felt so good to be in Nathan’s arms. She sat on top of him and kissed him passionately. Within seconds, he was inside her and Jemma sat up and felt the full length of his cock penetrating her deeply. She pulled off her night dress and Nathan reached out to caress her breasts. Jemma rotated her hips gently on top of him as Nathan guided her hips up and down rhythmically on his hard cock. Nathan felt himself building to a climax as Jemma moaned softly. She came and then he too exploded inside her. Jemma fell on his chest and he held her tightly in his arms.

  Chapter Twelve

  Nathan had planned the evening meticulously and he and Jemma headed to the restaurant for their reservation at eight. His friend who owned the restaurant had said that Michael had a reservation for seven so he and his date should be into the wine and well into their conversation by the time Nathan and Jemma arrived. Jemma looked beautiful that night in a deep red off shoulder cocktail dress that flattered her figure perfectly. Upon seeing her all dressed up at the house, Nathan came close to cancelling the dinner and peeling off her clothes instead, but he resisted the urge as the opportunity to open Jemma’s eyes to Michael Locke’s true colours was the immediate priority.

  As Nathan strolled into the restaurant holding Jemma’s hand, he was greeted by the maître d’ who led them to their table. The restaurant, as always, was busy and boasted many celebrities on a regular basis. Nathan noticed Michael and his date who seemed to be finishing their main course. His date was Camila Reyes, a Brazilian actress who Michael had dated for a time. With her tall, trim, hourglass figure, her gorgeous mane of long brown hair and exquisite face she was almost goddess-like.

  “I can’t believe you managed to get us in here at such short notice,” whispered Jemma as they took a seat at their table. “There’s always a waitlist for this place.”

  “Anything for you my love,” Nathan replied, taking Jemma’s hand and kissing it softly.

  “You look beautiful tonight Jemma.”

  “Thank you Nathan. You look pretty handsome yourself.” They enjoyed some cocktails as they waited for their food. Nathan noticed Camila get up from the table and excuse herself. As she walked by, Nathan quietly commented, “That’s that actress, Camila… I can’t remember her name.”

  “Reyes,” added Jemma as she looked toward the figure walking past them. “She’s even more gorgeous in real life.” Jemma continued, returning her gaze back to Nathan.

  “She doesn’t hold a candle to you Jemma,” he continued looking at her tenderly.

  “You’re in a strange mood tonight Nathan. What’s with you?”

  “I’ve been thinking Jemma. I know I’ve been preoccupied with work over the past year, but I think it’s time we think about a date.”

  “A date?”

  “For the wedding… If you’ll have me.”

  Jemma looked surprised. “Seriously?”

  “Absolutely. It’s something I’ve wanted to bring up for some time.” He reached over for Jemma’s hand. “I love you babe. I fell in love with you the moment I saw you and I don’t want to wait to make you my wife any longer. If you’ll have me...” Nathan pulled out a box from his breast pocket. Jemma’s eyes widened as Nathan opened the box, exposing a beautiful diamond engagement ring.

  “Nathan, I don’t know what to say.”

  “Say yes.”

  Jemma’s gaze was distracted by Camilla returning from the ladies’ room.

  “Well,” urged Nathan. Jemma had always dreamed of this. She loved Nathan and the thought of being Mrs. Cross had crossed her mind more than a few times.

  Their moment was interrupted again by the sound of a cork popping followed by a loud burst of laughter and as Jemma looked towards Camilla, she felt her heart stop momentarily as she set eyes on Michael sitting across from her. Nathan noticed the vacant expression as the colour drained from Jemma’s face.

  “Jemma, Jemma. Are you okay?” Jemma looked back at Nathan.

  “Yes. Nathan, I’m fine.” Jemma paused trying to regain her composure. “The sound of the cork startled me, that’s all.” Jemma was filled with a flood of emotion, but it had nothing to do with Nathan and his proposal. Upset by the sight of Michael and his gorgeous lady friend. Jemma answered the only way she could.

  “Yes Nathan. Yes. I will marry you.”

  Nathan knelt on one knee beside Jemma and slipped the ring on her finger. Diners nearby, noticing Nathan’s gesture, started clapping and Michael, distracted by the applause, turned to see where the commotion was coming from. “Damn,” he said under his breath seeing Nathan kneeling in front of Jemma.

  Jemma was filled with emotion and as tears filled her eyes, she hugged Nathan.

  “Nathan, I need a minute.” she whispered softly in his ear. Jemma excused herself a
nd headed for the ladies’ room. Michael noticed her leaving and followed close behind.

  Jemma looked at herself in the mirror, dried her eyes and took a few deep breaths.

  “Jemma.”

  “Michael. What are you doing in here?”

  “I saw you rushing off and came to see if you were okay.”

  Jemma was mad. Why was he here? He should have been worrying about his date.

  “I’m more than okay,” Jemma replied confidently, holding out her left hand which was adorned with a sparkling one carat diamond. “We’re getting married.”

  “Congratulations,” responded Michael. “Is this what you want?”

  “Of course,” responded Jemma annoyed by the abruptness of the question. “Why wouldn’t it be!” Jemma picked up her purse from the counter. “I should get back to Nathan and you should get back to your date,” she retorted, brushing past Michael brusquely as she left. Michael felt defeated. The timing couldn’t have been worse with Jemma obviously upset about seeing him with Camilla.

  “Hey honey. Are you okay?” asked Nathan as Jemma returned to the table.

  “I’m fine.” Jemma reached for Nathan’s hands across the table.

  “Nathan, yes I will marry you.” Nathan leaned forward and kissed her. Michael returned to his table reeling from the sight of Jemma and Nathan together. He reached out for Camilla’s hand and headed out of the restaurant promptly.

  “So,” Camilla said, teasing Michael’s thigh as he drove.

  “Your place or mine?”

  “Camilla, that’s not what this night is about.”

  “But I bought you at the auction. Paid a fair price for a night with Michael Locke.”

  “It wasn’t a night. It was an evening and by the time on my watch, we’ve reached the end of the evening.” Noticing his serious demeanour, Camilla drew her hand away from Michael’s lap. It had been over a year since the break-up, but they remained friends. Although they fell into bed a couple of times afterwards, they just didn’t have enough chemistry to keep them together long term.