Love Walked In Read online

  “What’s going on Michael. You seem distant.”

  “Nothing. I’ve got a lot going on right now. With work.”

  “You never did know how to sit back and relax. You should get away. Take a break. It’d do you good.”

  “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

  He pulled up to Camilla’s gate.

  “Well, thank you Michael. That was fun.”

  “Thank you. Look, sorry about tonight, if I seemed a little off.”

  They got out of the car and Michael went over and hugged her.

  “I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”

  “Another dinner-date?” she asked cheekily.

  “How about a donation to the Children’s hospital? I know you do a lot of work there, so I’ll double what you paid for me at the auction.”

  “Deal,” she said. They hugged again and Camilla headed inside.

  Michael started the car and sped away. Of all the places to take Jemma and propose, Nathan chose the very same restaurant where he was having dinner with his ex. That couldn’t be a coincidence. It was way too convenient and highly calculated. Nathan didn’t love Jemma. He thought of her as a possession and he was tightening his grip on her so that nobody else could have her. What right did he have to do this, when he was screwing his accountant? Michael couldn’t allow this to happen.

  Chapter Thirteen

  For the next few days Jemma tried to put Michael out of his mind. Nathan had proposed to her and she should have been feeling mad with happiness but instead, she felt empty. When she saw Michael with Camilla, it was like a slap in the face after the kiss they had shared. She felt stupid and irrelevant for being in that position and was embarrassed that she had indulged any kind of thoughts of passion about Michael Locke. She should have known better, after all, he was a billionaire playboy, used to taking any woman he pleased on a whim. If she had allowed it, he would likely have taken her on the trestle table. The fact that he kissed her, was likely nothing more than being in the right place at the right time. Jemma felt like she had been fooled into thinking he was one thing, when in fact he was the very opposite. The magazines portrayed him as the ultimate playboy billionaire, so it was only a matter of time before he revealed himself and it was better that she knew the truth now rather than later. Michael Locke was probably not giving her a second thought. It hurt. How did she read him so wrong?

  Chapter Fourteen

  The flower delivery was made on schedule on Monday morning and Michael was disappointed when Daphne appeared from behind the door. Much to the dismay of his secretary, Michael left the office without a word and headed to Florentyna.

  “Hello Jemma. How’ve you been?” Jemma was surprised to see Michael at the door.

  “Busy, you know, lots of orders and of course, lots to do with the fundraiser.” Jemma occupied herself, fussing absently with the buckets, avoiding Michael’s gaze wherever possible.

  “I’ve been wanting to talk to you about what happened the other night.”

  “What night?” she asked in a vacant tone.

  “The night at the Youth Centre.”

  “I don’t think we have anything to talk about. We’re both with other people so it’s irrelevant as far as I’m concerned.”

  “Jemma, can we just take a minute to talk.” Michael gently took her arm. Jemma obliged and they sat down.

  “Jemma. I’m not with anyone.”

  “Look Michael, your private life is none of my business.”

  “I know you’re upset, but I’m not dating Camila Reyes. We dated over a year ago. I was auctioned off at a charity fundraiser and Camila “bought” me for the evening. It was nothing more than that. The “date” which was technically not a date was planned weeks ago and we went out for dinner and I dropped her home afterward. That was it.”

  Jemma felt relief and panic all at the same moment. If what Michael said was true, she had been mad at him for no reason at all.

  “Oh, I thought you were together,” she replied softly, meeting his eyes.

  “No, not at all. Does it matter?” asked Michael, curious about her response.

  “Of course not. I just…” Jemma wanted to ask about the kiss but hesitated. Besides, she didn’t want to make more of it than it probably was.

  “You were mad at me.”

  Jemma’s stance became defensive. “I was not,” she quipped.

  “It’s okay if you were.”

  “I wasn’t mad at you. I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she replied firmly, getting up from the chair and busying herself once again.

  “Why are you marrying Nathan?”

  Jemma was taken aback by the question. “What does that have to do with you?”

  “Absolutely nothing, unless you’re having second thoughts.”

  “Second thoughts? Why would I be having second thoughts. I love Nathan.”

  “And the kiss? You felt it too Jemma. I know you did.”

  Oh my god she thought. Was Michael trying to validate the kiss? “You kiss me against my will and suddenly it’s supposed to mean something?”

  “Against your will? Is that what you tell yourself?” Michael laughed. “If I remember correctly, yes, I did initiate, but you were a very willing recipient to that kiss. And if it didn’t mean anything, why were you so upset when you saw me with Camila the next day?”

  Jemma felt trapped. She felt vulnerable, like he could see right through her.

  “I think you should leave Michael,” she said, turning to escape to the office. As she walked away. Michael moved in quickly and placed his body in front of hers. She took a deep breath and looked up at him. He was towering above her and as her eyes met his, his lips found hers and he kissed her gently at first and then hungrily forced her mouth open, meeting her tongue. She kissed him back, passionately, unforgivingly and wrapped her arms around him tightly. He felt so good against her body and she didn’t want to let him go, but as she felt herself falling deeper and deeper into his trance she was jolted by the feeling of him moving away from her.

  “That’s what I’m talking about Jemma.”

  Jemma felt dizzy and nauseated by the situation. “What do you want from me Michael? I won’t cheat on Nathan.”

  “That’s not what I want from you Jemma. You know how I feel about you and I won’t share you with him.” The comment blindsided her as she tried to understand what he was saying.

  “I’ve wanted you from the very first time I walked through this door. I’ve tried to respect the fact that you were with someone, but as far as I’m concerned, Nathan Cross does not deserve to have you.” Michael buttoned up his coat. “You need to choose Jemma. It’s either me or Nathan.”

  Jemma was already dizzy, but now she felt as if the room was spinning around her. She walked into her office and sat behind her desk. She thought about the proposition Michael had laid in front of her, to choose between him and Nathan. How could she not have known that the reason he gave her the opportunity at Locke in the first place was because he liked her. She naively put it down to him being a nice guy, as the thought that this handsome, wealthy real estate tycoon would look anywhere in her direction, was beyond her frame of thinking. And he’d liked her from the very first night they met. The revelation came as a surprise to Jemma. When she thought about Michael, she felt excitement and passion and her heart raced wildly. But he was a risk, a risk she felt afraid to take. Besides, he was the one who said he found it hard to find the ‘right one’ so what were the chances that it would work out with her. He could tire of her overnight.

  Michael hadn’t planned on giving her an ultimatum and reflected on the effectiveness of his plan. Nathan had the advantage of two years on him and as far Jemma knew, he was committed to her. Nathan’s recent proposal only served to validate his feelings for her and from her perspective, rolling the dice on the underdog, which was in this case Michael, was a heavy risk.

  She was not part of Michael’s world, but that world didn’t really know who
he was on the inside, partly because he didn’t expose that side of himself to anyone, until he met Jemma. Fame and fortune was overrated and now that he had everything he could need materialistically, he wanted someone to share it with. He chose Jemma and knew that if she would have him, he would do everything in his power to make her happy and he would never let her go. The ball was in her court. She would have to decide.

  For the next few days, Jemma couldn’t take her mind off Michael. She was committed to Nathan but as she recounted her interaction with Michael, she became more and more convinced of his feelings for her.

  Nathan had noticed Jemma’s initial hesitation to his proposal and her reaction to seeing Michael with Camila. She was obviously upset which meant that Michael had somehow gotten to her. Nathan was annoyed by the situation and turned to Raquel for solace more frequently.

  Michael’s private detective gave him daily reports on Nathan’s activity which showed frequent visits to his accountant’s house. Michael was pissed. He had just proposed to Jemma and was still in bed with another woman. He sifted through the pile of photographs that had just landed on his desk. Just one photograph would be all it would take to get rid of Nathan Cross for good.

  Chapter Fifteen

  On Monday morning, Michael was surprised when he answered the door to his office and found Jemma standing behind it.

  “Good Morning Michael.”

  “Jemma, come in. It’s been a while.”

  “It has,” replied Jemma, walking into the office.

  “Michael, I’ve given a lot of thought to what you said, and I’ve decided to stay with Nathan.”

  Her words cut like a knife through his heart.

  “I’m sorry.” Jemma looked into Michael’s eyes waiting for a reaction. There was none, his gaze, stone cold. Her skin prickled and an air of discomfort filled the space between them.

  “Look,” Jemma finally said, “This is a little awkward. I can send Daphne in next week, or you can cancel the contract. Cynthia Tang is doing a great job for the fundraiser so she can lead the committee. I…”

  “No.” Michael replied firmly. “Look, you started this thing with the Youth Centre, you should see it through. Then we can part ways.”

  “I’m really sorry.”

  “Yeah,” said Michael coldly. “You already said that.”

  The chances were never in his favour that Jemma would choose him, but the rejection hurt nonetheless. Jemma had made her decision.

  Chapter Sixteen

  With the date for the fundraiser approaching rapidly, meetings were held twice weekly. For the most part, their interactions at the meeting were cordial, but if they found themselves together, the awkwardness was apparent. Michael, in trying to distance himself from Jemma, found himself being cold towards her. However, as time passed, he concluded that he left Jemma with no other choice than that which she had made, so it wasn’t really fair to hold that against her. Eventually his attitude toward her softened. Jemma noticed the change and was grateful.

  The day of the event arrived, and it was all hands-on deck at the Youth Centre, as the space was prepared for the banquet. Tables and chairs were set up and along with fine linens and table settings, the space started to transform before their eyes. Jemma arrived with her contribution of flowers for the event and stayed close to Cynthia who was in combat mode, determined to ensure that the night went perfectly.

  “Is Cynthia okay?” asked Michael watching as she was busily ordering one of the waiters to tuck in his shirt.

  “I think so. Although, I’ve never seen her this way. I guess she has a lot riding on this event with all the exposure.”

  “She certainly does.” Michael said folding his arms and leaning back against the wall.

  “Jemma, I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for the event. I know you took the job reluctantly, but it wouldn’t have been the same without your input.”

  “Don’t thank me yet. The real test is yet to come.” Jemma looked at her watch. “I’m going to head home and get ready. I’ll see you later Michael.”

  The guests started to arrive at six thirty and Michael and the board members were on hand to greet them. As the Centre Managers and counsellors mingled with the guests, Michael looked around for Jemma.

  “Cynthia, has Jemma arrived yet.”

  “She’s on her way.”

  Within seconds, he caught a glimpse of her entering through the main doors. She was stunning in a sleeveless floor length mulberry coloured dress with a deep plunging neckline. Michael felt like he was looking at an angel. Jemma caught Michael’s gaze as she entered the room. He looked even more handsome than usual in his tuxedo.

  “Jemma. You look beautiful.”

  “Doesn’t she?” Nathan appeared from behind Jemma. “Michael, good to see you,” he said holding out his hand.

  Michael shook it reluctantly.

  “So, this is what’s been occupying Jemma these past few months,” he continued, looking around the room. “You’ve got all the high rollers in tonight Michael. You should make a killing.” Michael didn’t much care for the familiarity of Nathan using his first name.

  “Nathan, I need to talk to Cynthia. I’ll be right back.”

  As Jemma walked away, both men looked after her.

  “Jemma’s pretty special, don’t you think?” asked Nathan looking at Michael. “Did she tell you we set a date?”

  Michael didn’t respond.

  “We’ll be sure to get you an invite.”

  Michael looked at him, grinning ear to ear with his cheesy smile. “You don’t deserve her, you know.”

  “Oh… and you do?”

  “How’s Raquel? I hope she’s worth it.”

  Michael walked away leaving Nathan visibly shaken. How the hell did he know about Raquel. Jemma returned and noticed Nathan’s demeanor.

  “Nathan, are you alright? You don’t look so good.”

  “I’m fine Jemma. I just need a drink,” he said, heading for the bar.

  “Nathan,” she continued, following closely. He ordered a whiskey and downed it quickly.

  “You know what Jemma, I have a ton of work at the office. I’ve gotta head off.”

  “But Nathan,” she argued.

  Nathan headed out before she could continue.

  “Nathan,” she called after him. Jemma was disappointed. Nathan knew how hard she had worked on the fundraiser and she wanted him by her side this evening. Michael had insisted that she give an opening speech which she was incredibly nervous about and Jemma wanted Nathan there for support. Michael watched the interaction from the other side of the room and seeing the distress on Jemma’s face, went to join her.

  “Jemma, what’s wrong?”

  “It’s Nathan. He had to leave.”

  She looked up at him. “I’m so nervous about this speech. I just wanted him to be here.”

  “Jemma trust me. You are going to do great. I promise.”

  “I’ve never given a speech before. Well I have, but I was in grade school at the time. I think tonight’s audience is far less forgiving.”

  “Have you heard the thing about picturing the audience in their underwear?”

  “Not helping,” she said with a sigh.

  Cynthia had taken the mike and was asking people to take their seats, so Michael made his way to the stage to address the audience.

  “I’m glad you could all make it here tonight. Many of you have been loyal patrons and supported the Locke Foundation for many years. Although I run the foundation, all the work, everything you see here tonight has been carefully planned by a board of volunteers who are committed to ensuring the success of this centre. So without further ado, I’d like to introduce Jemma Wright.”

  Jemma made her way to the stage and as she took to the podium, Michael hugged her reassuringly.

  “You’ll be wonderful,” he whispered in her ear. She smiled back at him, grateful for the encouragement.

  “Ladies and gentleman. Although this is
not the usual venue for the many fundraisers you are used to attending, we chose to invite you here because we wanted you to see the facility first-hand. The room you are in right now, will next week be transformed into a recreation room for youth and at-risk kids who are currently living on the streets of this city. Many of you have already met some of our counsellors and center managers. Later this evening, you will hear from some of the youth who have experienced life on the streets and whose lives have been transformed by places such as this. Your contributions will help fund the running of this centre as well as provide resources to get these kids equipped with the skills they need to make it out there in the world.”

  As Jemma looked around the room at her audience, she started to feel at ease. She had her cue cards in front of her, resting on the podium, but she had rehearsed the speech what seemed like a million times and to her surprise, the words rolled off her tongue with ease. Michael had taken his seat in the audience. Jemma was a natural, he thought. She was cut out for this work. Her delivery of the speech was flawless, and she spoke with such passion and feeling and the fact that she was easy on the eye only added to her appeal. She was positively stunning, he thought, as he looked on in awe. As Jemma spoke, she looked confidently at her audience. The sight of Michael with his eyes set firmly upon her, gave her reassurance and the audience applauded as she made her way off the stage.

  “You were absolutely amazing Jemma,” said Michael.

  Jemma was grateful for the vote of confidence. Despite everything, Michael had been there for her and she was grateful for that. However, her thoughts were still fixed on Nathan and his sudden departure.

  “Jemma, it’s over. You can relax now.”

  “I know. I just…” Tears started rolling from her eyes. “Nathan was supposed to be here.” Jemma stopped herself and wiped the tears from her eyes.