Her own words suddenly made hot tears spring to Cryssie’s eyes. Of course she would love to have children of her own one day, who would grow up alongside her little nephew. But the bitterness of her past had tainted such plans for ever, had killed any trust in the honey-tongued male sex. She had believed every false word whispered to her during her six-month affair with the head of department in her very first job—a job she’d walked away from as soon as she’d realised the mess her life was becoming. And when she’d been offered employment by the elderly, kindly Lewis brothers she’d made another unconscious decision as well. That never again would she fall for the charms of a predatory and handsome employer who would use her not only in a business sense but in every other personal and emotional way too.
Jed observed her closely as she spoke, noting her misting eyes and the brief tremble of her lower lip. This woman was obviously intelligent, thoughtful…But there was an elusiveness about her which he found curiously heart-warming. She was clearly able to take care of herself, yet there was a simplicity about her that he found rather charming…and surprisingly sensually stimulating. Well, it was New Year’s Eve—which might explain the sudden stirring in his loins!
‘Your life plan sounds a very open-and-shut case for a young woman of your age,’ he remarked casually. ‘What do you have against the marriage contract?’
‘Nothing,’ Cryssie replied shortly. ‘Just the long and winding road to reach that point. Never worth the trouble. Better to avoid it altogether.’
‘So…You’re happy to make do with second best?’
‘What do you mean by that?’ Cryssie said quickly.
‘Merely that all your maternal instincts seem directed towards someone else’s child. Bit of a waste, really. And no child needs two mothers.’
‘You can look at it whichever way you like,’ Cryssie said tightly. ‘I’m completely happy with the decisions I’ve made.’
He picked up his glass and looked at the barely drunk champagne. He’d heard about her life plan—but as for his own? Well, they certainly had one big thing in common, he and his dinner companion. No wedding bells! At least not until his pride had recovered from the mega-bashing it had experienced. His main preoccupation was the continuation of the family empire. He’d managed to convince his parents that he could actually be trusted to take up the reins, allowing them more time for themselves at last, and he was enjoying the challenges of each day, plus the undoubted satisfaction of being in almost total control of a successful and respected business where his word was law.
CHAPTER THREE
IT WAS almost midnight, and the atmosphere in the crowded restaurant was heady and expectant. After the meal was over, a young up-and-coming group had entertained the gathering with popular numbers, and one or two couples had attempted to dance in the rather restricted space. During a lull, Cryssie had noticed that the manager had come up to Jed and murmured something in his ear, then moved away to speak to one or two other couples.
It was so warm and comfortable sitting here, Cryssie thought contentedly. Wining and dining had a lot going for it! She could get used to this sort of life! She watched the manager moving between the tables, and saw people glancing at their watches. Of course—the traditional countdown would soon begin. She supposed they’d all have to hold hands and sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’! How embarrassing would that be? A horrible thought suddenly struck her, and she glanced at Jed, who must have been watching her, because their eyes met almost immediately. She swallowed, offering him a faint smile. What if everyone started kissing each other as they watched the widescreen television, switched on in one corner of the room, and listened to Big Ben strike at midnight? Wasn’t it sort of expected on this occasion? Oh, no, please not that! she thought wildly. She would crawl under the table and die if she had to come into that close contact with her boss! But how could she act Miss Prim and Proper? It would look out of place, and very humiliating for Jed, if she cold-shouldered him and stood there like a lemon while everyone else in the room was slobbering over each other! This was one of those moments she was definitely not up to!
But she needn’t have worried—Mr Know-it-all was equal to the situation, and when midnight finally arrived, and everyone jumped to their feet and cheered, and started singing the ancient song, Jed was immediately by her side, raising his glass in a toast.
‘Happy New Year, Cryssie,’ he said, above the noise. ‘Let it be a good one for all of us.’
And that was it. The moment had passed, and she hadn’t had to do anything! Jed was back in his place, smiling darkly across at her with that infuriatingly superior expression on his face which spoke volumes—and which implied that he knew exactly what she’d been thinking!