Shattered Heart (9 page)

Chapter 16

“Good Morning, Charli. It’s starting out to be a great isn’t it?”

“I guess, Lana. I’m not sure how great it is starting but it sure sounds like someone is having a good one. Any reason I should know? It wouldn’t be connected to the good mood I noticed Terrance in when I stopped by the Java House this morning?”

Smiling at me, “Possibly.” I always enjoy watching her at the beginning of a new romance. She has so many facial expressions. I turn around and look at Joan as she hands me a package marked fragile.

“Okay? Weird. Where did this come from, Joan?”

“Messenger brought it this morning. Did you ever open that other package from a couple of weeks ago?”

Exhaling deeply and squeezing my eyes shut, “No, I forgot it. I laid it over to the side and didn’t think anything else about it. I’m not sure where it is exactly.”

I walk into my office, deciding to open today’s arrival first. Sitting down at my desk, deja-vu hits me hard. Closing my eyes, I give myself a brief pep talk. Reaching over to my computer, I click on my favorite music app, find something to listen to. Just as, I pull out my box cutter to open the package an upbeat song that always makes me happy comes on.

I sing along softly, because that is the only way I would ever sing out loud in public even if I am in my office. I break the seal and what do I find? A box inside. Okay. I open that box and go through this process two more times. Really, how immature is this? I wonder is my friend Rose at the Java Hut playing a prank on me. This is about like something she would do. Finally, I pull out a small wooden chest. What in the world? I try to open it but it seems to be locked.

That is when I notice the ecru envelope. Opening it, I smile, the embossed card simply reads:
Bring the contents of the first package along with this to
The Museum and Gardens of Biscayne tonight. Your driver will pick you up from your apartment at seven.

Defiantly not Rose.
I
look around my office for the first package finally finding it inside a drawer under some papers. I open it and inside is a chest that matches the other one but only larger. I lift the chest out, take a deep breath, “Really?” I open this box to find a beautiful antique wine glass laying in a bed of midnight blue velvet again with a handwritten note enclosed. Try not to shatter this one. Smiling, I pick up my phone
, C … U… @ 7.

“
Charli, did you finish the Rowling and Peele travel package?” asks Lana as she comes into my office, sits down across from me. I shake my head just enough to clear away any thoughts about what is locked up in the small chest. “Huh? I’m sorry Lana what did you say?” “Did you finish the Rowling and Peele itinerary?”

“Yes, believe it or not, I’ve already emailed it. Why?”

“Peele contacted me just now and “assured” me he hadn’t received anything from Supreme Corporate Travel.”

“Well, it might be because I sent it to his partner, William Rowling. I doubt if they even talk? It’s no wonder that this retreat we have assembled is the final attempt to hold together a company that clearly needs to be dissolved. We’re a corporate travel company specializing in retreats not miracles. I’ll send it to Peele right now,” as I turn to my desktop.

“Just keep the sarcasm in the office, even though I agree with you.”
Looking down at my desk as she stands Lana sees the larger chest. “Charli, this is beautiful. Is it new? Where did you get it?”

Looking up, I smile, “Open it.”

She opened the box and sighed. “This is gorgeous, May I?” Nodding my head, Lana picked up the fragile stemware admiring the etchings. ‘”Charli, these are orchids.”

“I know, isn’t it stunning?”

“Ok, give it up where did you get this or do I even have to ask?”

With a smile, followed by a little lower lip biting, I shrugged my shoulders, “Houston.”

“I should’ve known. It is beautiful and I really don’t go for that “vintage” stuff.”

“Stop with the air quotes, that drives me crazy and you know it.”

“I know. By the way, the glass is beautiful too.” I ball up a paper and throw it. I can hear Lana laughing all the way back to her office.

Chapter 17

Leaving my apartment, I was sure to bring both packages. I feared for my emotional health if I left either behind. If I have learned anything about Mr. Houston Donovan these last few months, I know to be in my lobby at the designated time. Houston or whomever picks me up is always prompt. Just as I exited my building, a sleek dark blue luxury sedan pulled up.  I was surprised when Nash wasn’t the driver. A man, perhaps a few years older than Nash came around opening my door. “Mam, I’m Jeffery and I will be your driver this evening.”

“Thank you Jeffery.” As we sped down, I-95, I thought about my life and how happy I am. If a fortune teller had predicted that I would have met a very wealthy man, fell in “something” with him, I would have belly laughed, as my brothers say, because I would have thought she was crazy.  The pathway of life sure can take a great many turns, mine definitely has. Wow, who would have thought I would be where I am now? My brothers. I sit and look out the window biting the inside of my cheek. I need to call both of them. It’s been awhile since I have talked to either of them. I haven’t received a text or an email. Except for the text about me being at the ballgame. I suppose staying in touch isn’t the Walker way. I think that would have made Mama really sad to know that the three of us have grown so far apart over the years. Nope, I am not going to do this. I could easily make myself depressed very quickly. This is a night that I am excited about. Obviously, Houston has put some thought into it. Before, I know it we are turning into the long drive. I need to ask Houston how we can use this wonderful estate after hours and have it all to ourselves. Whatever he does to get this place makes me feel really special.

As the car stops, about mid-way up the tree lined drive, I look over to my left noticing the shadow of a man stepping out from behind one huge, old tree. He opens the door and gets in. Before, I can say anything, Houston breaks out into the biggest smile. He takes my hand and pulls me onto his lap all in one swift movement. Smiling back, looking into his eyes, he pulls my head to him taking my mouth in a passionate kiss as we continue up the drive. The driver stops in front of the main entrance and soundlessly exits the vehicle.  We sit lost in each other as my hands move down his strong, well defined chest. Breaking our heated connection, “Charli, you’re going to have to get off my lap or we will never get out.” Moving into the seat beside Houston, I exhale deeply. “Would that be such a terrible thing?”

“As much as I want you at this moment, I take all precautions to prevent my employees seeing me ravish my girlfriend.”

Girlfriend,” nodding my head. “Am I your girlfriend?”

“I certainly hope so. Do you consider me your boyfriend?”

“Honestly?”

Yes, honestly?”

“I am not really sure what I think of you as, you are many things to me. I definitely think I would call you my somebody but I think we are just a little too old to be girlfriend/boyfriend.” Nodding his head in agreement, we exit the car.

“Jeffery, this is fine. I will let you know.”

“Very good sir.”

We begin to walk away, “Sir, Ms. Jensen” stopping we turn, realizing Jeffery is holding the cloth bag I had placed my chests in.

“Ms. Jensen, You left this bag.”

I almost laugh because he looks funny standing there holding a black/pink paisley printed bag. “Thank you, again, Jeff.”

“Yes, sir.

Looking over at me with those eyes that scream, I want to you, Houston teasingly says, “Really Charli? One thing for you to bring, you almost leave it.”

“No, it was two things and I was distracted.”

“Cheeky!” Swatting my behind and trying to appear as if he was mad, I took him by the arm, looked up and batted my eyelashes in a very dramatic way. We laughed as we walked across the pathway.

“Where are we going?”

“Just a little further up this path and you will see.”

We were just walking arm in arm, enjoying the beautiful surroundings. It was almost as if we were the only people in the world. For that moment in my mind, that’s what we were- the only people in existence.

“Charli, do you trust me?”

“Yes, I told you, you’re my somebody.”

“Remind me later, we need to discuss what that means but for now, I want you to close your eyes.”

Closing my eyes, my heart is beginning to race. The beating even more rapid when I feel something soft and satiny go over my eyes, changing the darkness to complete blackness, a blindfold.
Raising my hands to my face, I feel the soft satin fabric. Thoughts begin tumbling through my mind. Wondering what will come next. Then it dawns on me, I really do trust him. I might have just said it a minute ago to him but it is a fact. Smiling, I reach out for H.

“Hold onto my arm. I want to lead you the remainder of the way. I won’t let you bump or hit anything.”

Nodding my head, I move forward. After about twenty-five steps, I hear the soft lap of water mixed with music. A small smile creeps onto my face as I think about how romantic this is. As we move closer, I believe I recognize what is playing. It sounds like something from the 1940’s that I had commented about once when we were music surfing on our phones after a long night of hot, sweaty sex.

“Stop.” Houston stands behind me tenderly kissing my neck knowing how that drives me utterly crazy. Trying to turn around but he won’t let me, as his kisses move across my neck to the other side. Tilting my head allows him easier access. I begin swaying and moving in time to the music against him. Tracing my ear with his tongue, finally whispering, “Charli, you drive me wild.” His comment spurs me on, beginning to move even more to the tempo of the music, reaching up I run my hand through his gloriously soft wavy curls.  Taking about a half step back, separating our bodies, “You know, I like a good lap dance but this is one time I want you to slow down, tiger.”

“Rarrrr.”

Still swaying to the music, Houston removes the blindfold.
Taking my
eyes a few minutes to adjust to the remaining light but when I could really focus before me is a stone and patina aged gazebo jutting into the water. That explains the sound water.

“Oh, Houston! It’s magnificent.”

“I thought you might like it.”

“Be careful walking out. There are some small loose stones here and there in the walkway.” Walking into the gazebo, I am speechless. The beautiful scene in front of me defies anything I imagined. In the center, is a round wooden table (antique I am sure) set for two with two crystal candle sticks each holding a navy candle. (My man and his navy.) Directing us to the table, I notice one wine glass is absent. Reaching into the bag, he withdraws the chest containing my glass. After handing me the glass, he pours each of us a drink.  We toast and drink to each other. Dancing to the soothing sounds of a pan flute, my hands explore Houston. With his 6’4” frame against my 5’6” we fit together like a tight fitting glove. As we gracefully move to the music, I am at peace with myself more than at any other time. I have no idea how long we stayed that way.

“Charli, are you hungry? I’m starving.”

“Now that you mention it, I am a wee bit hungry. I know, don’t say anything, I think the music is influencing me. I’m pretty sure I have never said “wee bit” before in my life.” Smiling, Houston says, “Baby you can say wee bit as much as you like. Pulling me into him, our mouths meet in a tender yet passionate kiss.”

Turning, I see sitting on the table two covered dishes. “Wow, either you have some powerful magic to cause food to appear or I was really lost in the music while we were dancing.”

“As much as I would like to lay claim to having magic, the food was delivered while I was enjoying holding a very beautiful, sexy woman in my arms.” After our meal, several people swiftly and silently remove the table and place settings. Replacing them with two deep cushioned, white loungers while I stand by feeling as if I am Princess of the Nile.
Looking down,
I see a navy and gold design in-bedded into the gazebo floor. The pattern is very familiar. I look at it for a moment trying to place where I have seen it. Then, I remember! I look back and forth between Houston and the design a couple of times to be sure. “This is the pattern that is on the floor of your shower, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

Looking down at it and back up to him one more time I ask, “Why is it the same?”

“I really had planned on us sitting here, enjoying the night and the lapping of the water but now I feel after that meal we should walk. How about you?” As confused as I am, I agree movement would be better than sitting at the moment. “Ok, H. let’s walk.
” Placing my hand in the bend of his arm, Houston leads us out of the gazebo, to a path that skirts the banks of the water.

Chapter 18

As we walked, he began with a deep breath, “This estate originally belonged to my great, great, grandfather on my Mother’s side, Nigel Houston.” Stopping for a minute, I looked up and laid my hand onto his muscled chest. I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face. “That’s where your name comes from, then. I assumed it had something to do with the city.” Wrapping his arms around my waist, Houston replied, “That’s what everyone thinks.” With a small laugh he continues on, “When I was in college, I would make up some grand story about being conceived while my parents were visiting Houston, Texas.

People, especially those of the female kind always thought it was a unique way for my parents to name me. I have to admit, it was a much better story than being named after your great, great, grandfather.” Nodding my head in agreement, he pulls me closer and runs his hands down my lower back.

“It has been my experience, especially when I was younger that some people make jokes and laugh at you when they find out you share your name with a city.”

Placing his hands on my behind and pulling me into him, he simply said, “I never thought about that. Shall I track them down and require they give you an apology?” Shaking my head no, and grinding my hips into him, I respond, “My full name, which I legally changed, is Charlotte Katheryn Jensen.” Houston continued pulling me into him as we both enjoyed this sensual movement, “Then why not Charlotte?” Frowning, I look up into those sensual yet understanding eyes. “I hate the name Charlotte. I was always teased as a little girl. Kids were forever asking me about my “web.”

Taking on a sassy childlike voice, I said, “Charlotte, what ya gonna write in your web? Where does your silk come from?”

Raising his hand to my face in such a gentle caress, “I am so sorry you went through that when you were younger. Lifting his right hand and saying, “for future reference, I promise I will never ask where your web is or anything about it.” Smiling wickedly, “I might ask you where you want to be when you have your next orgasm.”

“Well, H. let me answer that right now, for future reference, anywhere you want me to be is just fine with me.” Rubbing his chin, pretending to think, “I can think of some very interesting places.” He has that mischievous smile that gives him an almost sinister yet totally sexy look. Taking a step back from him, I look up into those eyes that are alive with desire, “My parents named me after the city they met in, Charlotte, Missouri. I don’t know why I just blurted that out to you.”

“I have no idea either but I am glad you shared that bit if information with me. “Let’s continue our walk, Charli Jensen formally known as Charlotte Katheryn Jensen. For the record, I am thankful your parents met in Charlotte, Missouri.”

Stepping in front of me, Houston grasp my shoulders and pulling me into him, he said, “I have to admit I would have changed my name from Charlotte to Charli, too” as he kissed my nose. Carrying on with this playful old southern stuff, I replied in my best belle voice, “Why, Mr. Houston, I do declare. You are just a little scoundrel, aren’t you?” With a slight lift of his brow, “Ms. Charlotte if you only knew.” Ending our little tribute to the South with great laughter and continuing our walk, realizing I had missed this type of thing, having someone to joke and laugh with. Even our laughter seems to compliment each other. His deep baritone against my soft singsong laughter, sounds right. It has been awhile since I felt this comfortable to share anything about changing my name. I really didn’t mean to tell him but it just came out.

“How do they feel about that?”

Looking just a little confused, I ask, “They who?” but deep in my heart I know who he is referring to.

“Your parents, Charli. How do they feel about you changing your name?”

Stumbling just a little, I’m not holding onto him any longer but Houston quickly supports me placing his arm around my waist. “Oh, they don’t know.” I could feel the old familiar lump in my throat as the topic of my parents came up. Taking a deep breath, I know exactly where this conversation is headed. I don’t want to go there not tonight. “They are both deceased.” Feeling the lightness of just moments before drifting away I look down at my hands, “I don’t want to talk about it or them.” Beginning to blink my eyes rapidly, I was determined not to cry. Almost begging Houston, I requested, “Please Houston, don’t ask.”

Somehow, understanding that this wasn’t the right time, placing his hands on both sides of my face, gently tilting it up for our eyes to meet, he solemnly answered “OK, I won’t. But know I am so sorry. If I could change your loss, I would.”

“Thanks.” As a tear ran down my cheek, raising his right thumb to wipe it away. Taking a deep breath, and smiling a sorrowful smile, I leaned into his hand.              “I’m sorry, Houston, I didn’t mean to be short.

Breaking the moment of what he correctly interpreted as my anguish, “You can’t help that, it was in your genes” he finished with a fake laugh.

“Ha, Ha. Wise ass. Take that,” as I swat his chest and childishly stick my tongue out.
Focusing the conversation back on this wonderful place, “I’ve wondered how we could come in here after hours so many times without any difficulties. Now, I understand but wait a minute, if your family doesn’t own it any more, I still don’t get it.”

“No one actually owns the estate now. My family is a major contributor to the foundation that maintains it.”

Casually nodding, I reply, “So the old saying “money talks” is at work here?” Barely shaking his head with almost a grimace on his face, Houston replies “Yes, I’m afraid so, Charli.” “I’m not a big fan of the belief, if you got it flaunt it. However, in this case I suppose flaunting it is allowing you to enjoy beauty. On a personal note, from what I have seen, and I’m pretty sure I’ve seen it all. Baby you’ve definitely got it. I definitely get to enjoy your beauty.” Winking at him, I added, “Oh, you’ve got the money also.”

“Charli, I really don’t feel as if I flaunt my wealth but I do use it, my beauty. I do use it.” Ending our walk, in a moonlight garden which obviously was his plan, I stood taking in the romantic scene in front of me. For most of this night, I’ve felt as if I were a princess on a stroll with her prince this is the perfect place. Guiding me to an outdoor sofa in the middle of lush green foliage and orchids, “Shall we sit?” Houston asks. Smiling and nodding yes, I look around to see twinkling candles surrounding us continuing the fairy tale feeling I have experienced all night.  Reclining back onto the many cushions lining the back of this massive, outdoor daybed, I sit spell bound as Houston continues with a gleam in his eye that almost makes me uneasy. I’m not fearful for myself but fearful for Nigel’s tale.

Nigel disgraced his family by falling in love with his best friend’s Mother. That scandal would have destroyed his family, since the McKenna’s and the Houston’s were not only friends but business partners in multiple successful ventures, as well. Nigel’s father chose the family’s social status and business over him, sending him to America. Apparently, even back then, business sense ran in our veins. Upon arriving in this foreign land, he used some of his funds to start a small shipping business. It grew because Nigel had the family’s Midas business touch.  Surprisingly, when his Father died, he inherited a huge sum of money.”

Drawing a breath in, I interrupted Houston. “He inherited money from his Father? Don’t you see H. his Father loved him after all? Right?” Looking up into the darkness of the sky commenting, “Baby, I never thought of it that way. I suppose he did love Nigel or he wouldn’t have left him anything.” Touching Houston on the leg, hopefully encouraging him to continue with his story knowing there has to be more, “and?” He pulls me close, and I lay my head on his shoulder. Seeming lost in the story he says, “Anyway, he used his inheritance to expand his shipping business, GlynisRun, as well as to purchase land. I believe that, I inherited my keen business instincts from dear, old great, great, Grandfather Nigel.”

Sitting stunned for a moment, processing all the information Houston has just shared with me about this young man and a tale of love gone wrong. Coming to my senses I ask, “Houston, what did you say the shipping business was named?”

Solemnly, he answers, “GlynisRun.” I am sitting there, speechless, staring at a beautiful flower, processing what I’ve just heard. Holy cow! I know he’s wealthy but not like that. Not GlynisRun wealthy.

“Charli? Are you alright?”

Holding one finger up, I manage to say “Just give me a minute, I’m absorbing this.”

With a small laugh, he says “Need some processing time?” All I can do is nod. After a bit, I finally squeak out, “You have got to be kidding me? GlynisRun is your company?”

“Yes Charli, it is one of them.” With a look of confusion, I’m sure, on my face I ask, “Did you say one of them?”

“Yes, one of them. I actually own over fifty companies and stocks in quite a few more.” Taking a deep breath as if he is fearful of where this conversation might end, he sheepishly ask, “You’ve heard of GR, then?”

My head jerks around along with my body turning in one fell swoop. I probably give him my crazy look because all I can say is what I am thinking, “You’ve got to be kidding? Is there a person around that hasn’t see the little red headed boy standing on that hill of green grass yelling at that mysterious someone, “Catch, GlynisRun! If you can.”? We get deliveries every week from GR.” Sitting here just enjoying the calm we’re sharing, my head is back on his shoulder, our hands entwined as one the feel of our bodies touching as we sit side by side is enough.
Kissing the top of my head, Houston breaks the stillness of the night by explaining the meal that we shared. “The meal we enjoyed tonight is a traditional Scottish meal accompanied by pan flute music which also was inspired by Scotland as well.”

“Hmm.”

“When I was planning this little affair, I thought it a fitting tribute to Nigel tonight. Without his misfortune, we wouldn’t have this beautiful estate to enjoy.”

I have to agree that was a fitting tribute to him. The music was beautiful, H. The meal was delicious. Thank you for sharing Nigel’s story with me.”

“As the story goes, those goblets we drank out of tonight are from Nigel’s and my great, great grandmother’s estate. Grandfather Nigel had the pair crafted for Grandmother Penelope once they were engaged. However, he only gave her one, keeping the other for himself. The goblets were to remain separated until the two were united in marriage which would also unite the pair of goblets.” I sat there amazed at the romance of this story. “I sent you two hand carved wooden containers.” Remembering the mystery behind the second chest and how much it resembled the first, I guessed the second had something to do with Nigel, as well. “How could I forget the second one, it only came today. Let me guess, GR delivered it.” Of course it did my sexy lady. Who else would I trust with my valuables?”

After pondering this for about thirty seconds, I reply with one of those well duh attitudes, “I see your point. Who else?” Making a silly face, I ask, “Valuables?” Houston smiled, his I know a secret you don’t know smile and finally says, “I have no doubt that you would like to know what is in the smaller one.” Smiling and nodding my head, Houston stands and retrieves the chest from the bag. My eyes get big I am sure, “Let me guess your little elves brought that bag here because I know we didn’t.”

“You see, it is beneficial to have an extreme amount of funds. Things happen.”

“Ah, don’t you mean mega funds, apparently Mr. Donovan?”

Returning to beside me, H. gives me a quizzical look. “Really? As tech savvy as you are, I assumed you had completed a web search on me, by now and knew all about me.”

Shaking my head no, I am sure I have just shocked him. “Actually, I don’t like to find out about men I may be interested in through some cold and impersonal information on the internet. Call me old school but I like the surprise element.”

Nodding his head, looking over at me and stressing the word, “Men? Alright then. I was under the impression, I am keeping you busy enough. If you have time for “men” then perhaps I need to step up my game.”

Quickly smacking the side of his leg, I shoot him my shut up look. Calming down and all joking aside, I notice a certain look of astonishment or deep down maybe it was pride, he nods his head. Taking my hand in his, he squeezes it just enough for me to understand, he likes that. Me not knowing. We lounge back on this plush, splendid outdoor sofa, enjoying just being hand in hand. “I like it when you call me H.”

“Oh, good cause Houston is sooo long,” I say in a playful tone. Leaning over and grabbing my waist with his free hand, he finds my spot of weakness.

“I’ll teach you to make fun of me.” His fingers move across my ribs and I laugh. The more they move the harder I laugh. The harder I laugh, the harder I try to contain the very un-lady like snort my brothers used to tickle me to hear. Holding up my hands and begging, he gives me some mercy and stops. Regaining our composure, I couldn’t help but wonder what his competitors would say if they could see this side of him. Sighing as I rest my head on his shoulder, I want to remember this night.” I do have to admit something though.” I could feel his body tense.

“What is it? I sit up, turn to look at him and realize I’ve never seen the strange look he has on his face at this moment. “You know, that doesn’t mean that Lana didn’t check you out and give me some basic info.”

“Really? Just what did Lana tell you about me?”

With just a hint of mischievousness in my voice, “I really am not sure your ego can handle what they said.”