Bride of Convenience

Chapter 14

MORNING came, and Julia felt crap she didn’t want to see the newspaper and all the gossip it would hold. She didn’t want to get out of bed, let alone go to work and face all those people sniggering. To make matters worse, Julia had cried herself to sleep after Harrison had left. She had no idea how he found out about Adrian, but he knew, and only a few people knew. Perhaps he used some of that power and money to find out. He had no right. It was none of his business.

Julia arrived at work looking very professional Paul was due to fly out this morning, and she had to make sure all the arrangements were set for his trip to Australia. Wow, what she would give right now to be back down under. Julia missed Australia like nothing else. She braced herself because she knew as soon as she exited the lift people would have their pity stares out. I’m sure the papers would be splashed with photos of Harrison and Katrina some crap like old love reunited. Funny thing was that last night when Harrison had hinted that she was jealous she was fuming, however, she started to think he was right. Contract or no contract that was her man and some woman had her sights set on him, and she couldn’t shake the fact that made her steaming mad.

The morning was a mad rush she had managed to ignore the pity stares and the occasional snigger as certain people loved to see when others were down. She refused to pick up a newspaper but come morning tea her phone was ringing off the hook somehow her private line or Paul’s private line had gotten into the hands of reporters, and they wanted some headlines. Paul was being an absolute gentleman taking off the pressure by even taking some calls himself. He got to the point of having enough and blocked his line so it went straight to voice message and he told Clare at reception if any call came through that wasn’t related to business she would be back in the mail room, so things settle down. Julia was shocked when the phone started ringing again. She picked it up.

“Julia, Harrison here I need you to come to my office immediately.” His loud voice demanded down the phone. It would be a cold day in hell before she stopped everything and run to his side. She couldn’t do her job correctly with him demanding she drop everything at a minutes notice. She would probably be fired, but he was just going to have to wait.

“Excuse me, Harrison, Paul is about to fly out, and everything would be fine if it wasn’t for the tremendous amount of calls we have been receiving from the press this morning but it isn’t, and I am running behind to get him organised. So I will be at least another half an hour before I can attend your office. So if you are free, then I will be in your office at 11.30 precisely.” She was shocked at how strong she sounded. He mumbled fine and hung up. She got Paul organised and sent him on his way, and she headed for Harrison’s office.

She knocks quietly hoping he wouldn’t there, but he must have been waiting and told her to come in. She entered and for what seemed like the millionth time admired his corner office and the view it showed. Shutting the door behind her and sat in the seat opposite his desk. He looked highly stressed there was a vein at his temple that seemed to be throbbing madly.

“I imagine you have seen the papers?” He started.

“Somehow I have managed to avoid them.” She answered

He threw three on his desk the most popular ones. She thought this situation was going to be difficult but had no idea how it would make her feel, she was more concerned about fore filling the contract.

“Harrison turns down Australian Meek Brunette for American Bombshell Babe!”

“No meek brunette can hold this man, seems his up to his old tricks with his old flame!”

“Love loses and lusts wins! Harrison makes his choice.”

The pictures were not as bad as she thought just a couple of the kiss Katrina had given him and a shot of the dance, not the worse there could be. Then there was a shot of Julia and Harrison leaving an occasion two weeks previously wrapped in each other's arms right next to the picture of Harrison and Julia exiting the event with no contact whatsoever.

She had never been shot down so bad before Meek Brunette loses. Of course, Katrina was a babe, but Julia didn’t think she was last nights leftovers she could hold her own, and maybe Julia didn’t have legs that went all the way to her armpits, but she was kind, caring, loving and that counted too! Just perhaps not to these people. Then he spoke she didn’t know what she expected, but this wasn’t it.

“I’m so sorry, you were right. I really didn’t consider how this would look. Katrina has something a little dangerous when it comes to me she seems to be able to manipulate me very well. I’m not trying to make excuses here because I do realise what I did was inexcusable. For what it’s worth I’m truly sorry, and if you let me, I would love to make it up to you. However, if you want to terminate the contract, I will understand as well.” His piercing blue eyes were staring right through her. She was scared to speak not trusting her voice at all. He got up and walked over to her and put his hand over hers. As always she was receptive to his touch. She felt it right then and knew she should have accepted the out of the contract because no matter where this went she was sure to be crushed because Julia had just realised she had fallen for Harrison.

“I’ll stay, how are you going to fix this.” She asked.

“I have an idea, and I will need your help if that is ok?” Surprising as it was, as stunningly beautiful as he was nothing compared to his deep sexy voice when he spoke kind words she felt a stir of commotion in places she hadn’t felt in some time.

He told her to go home and prepare for a fantastic night. He said he would pick her up at seven in the limo and they would go out to eat. On the way home from work she kept replaying that sexy voice in her head. Why, oh why had she fallen for him? Of all the people he was precisely what she didn’t want, someone who was powerful and wealthy was she going to make the same mistake her mother did? She didn’t want to be second to someone’s business. She shook herself it didn’t matter this wasn’t going to last. It had been nearly three months already soon they will be married and then she had six months left, and it would be all over. She may want to stay, but he had made it quite clear that it was a contract and that would be it. Also after last nights display, she knew he didn’t share her feelings. He didn’t want meek he wanted bombshell. Well, she had him now, and that would have to do she would need to protect her heart from him and try to keep everything straight and forward for the contract only. She felt strong and determined until another thought came to her how she would do that on their wedding night? Would she be able to keep her emotions tied down? When he touches her hand her world is on fire, what will happen when he kisses her breast or when he is inside her? She felt hot and flushed. She tried to put those images out of her mind and went for a cold shower. Choosing very carefully she selected a deep red gown it was one of the outfits she had brought without the help of Stacey. The dress was exquisite the lady wouldn’t let her leave the boutique without buying the matching diamond and ruby necklace. As she latched it on to her, she was very thankful for the shop assistant. Sweeping her hair up, as usual, it was the best way to control it she selected a few curls and let them hang on the nape of her neck.