Sarah Randall - His Irresistible Darling

“Ah right, that makes sense now,” he said, nodding. “Mr Ansari was also gushing about the wonderful painting his daughter and new son-in-law had received. I didn’t have a clue what he was talking about but assumed it was down to you. Thank you.” He bowed his head in concession. “Again.”

***

Wow, actual praise from Jumal; she thought about asking him to say that again so she could record it on her phone.

“It’s what you pay me the big bucks for, right?” she said, grinning at him. In reality, the terms of her placement from Leeds university meant that she wasn’t to be paid for her time with JAA Enterprises, but her expenses could be met and Jumal had paid for the rental of a luxury apartment for her in an exclusive gated community with a membership to the gym and spa; he’d also leased her a cute, nippy convertible, which she loved. She’d briefly tried to say “no” to Jumal’s offers; she had her own money from her inheritance and share of the family business. But she quickly realised that you never said “no” to Jumal Aldabbagh.

“And the plans and arrangements for the polo match, how are they coming along?”

“Great thanks. I’ve got some fab prizes for the auction. Your friends are very generous, even your nemesis. You know the cheeky sod had the nerve to try to get me to go out on a date with him in return for his donation,” she said, her eyes wide as she shook her head. “I think he’s still holding a grudge from that beating your team gave his last time. He doesn’t seem to be a very good loser. I swear even his horse looked pissed off.” She laughed but quickly stopped as she noticed Jumal’s cool stare and tight lips.

“Jumal? You okkaayy?”

“Huh? Oh sorry. I was just distracted by er, something—er so yeah Yves is extremely competitive, always has been, no matter what sport we were playing, and he takes his position as captain of his polo team very seriously. He takes everything personally,” he mused with a shake of the head.

“Well, the caterers, venue and entertainment people are all happy with the arrangements so I’m sure it will be a huge success for the charity.” She paused before continuing, “So, will Faridah be joining you?” She was going for nonchalant but not entirely sure if she’d succeeded.

“No,” he answered abruptly.

Okkaayy—was there trouble in paradise or was it just wishful thinking on her part?! “Oh well, not to worry. I’ll be there to cheer your team on,” she said, happily clapping her hands together but quickly dropped them to the floor. “Hey, what’s that look for?” she challenged at the scowl on his face.

***

Jumal was still trying to recover from his fury following Pip’s disclosure about that suave bastard Yves. He’d save his revenge for the polo pitch…

“Well…” He paused choosing his words carefully so as not to upset her too much when they were in such close confines. “Will you at least try to moderate your, er…exuberance this time? Some of the more elderly ladies were quite shocked when you pulled that wooden rattle out of your handbag and started swinging it around like a lasso, making that racket!” He remembered having to fend off many complaints from the pompous polo membership after her last attendance. He’d only just managed to convince them not to forbid her further attendance.

She threw her hands in the air, exasperated. “So what was I supposed to do, just clap? BORING! Your team had just scored a last-minute goal, winning the match, and Yves’s face was a picture!” She grinned, most likely at the memory.

“Clap, yes, that’s exactly what’s in order. No screaming,” he lectured, as he counted each one off on his fingers, “no yelling obscenities at the other team—” he ignored her widening smile as she was clearly recollecting her behaviour at the last match “—no whistling or—” he paused again “—flashing any parts of your body.” He pursed his lips.

He saw her smile fade as she crossed her arms tightly under her chest, sulking. Unfortunately for him the action only served to push her pert breasts further into fleshy mounds barely contained by her Booster Bra… Was that black lace peeping out?!

He had to force his eyes away from her porcelain skin.

“Fine,” she said, her eyes wide, hands now held up in mock surrender. “I’ll be as dull as the rest of them. Best behaviour. Promise,” she said, crossing her heart with her fingers.

Jumal felt like he was caging a wild bird or like a parent berating his child. He hated the reminder of the thirteen-year age difference between them. He didn’t like it. Not one bit.

Despite her promise, he didn’t believe she could restrain herself. Not because she didn’t intend to, but it simply wasn’t in her nature. It wasn’t Pippa.

He needed to lighten her mood again and he was shocked by this newly developed inner need to put a smile back on her face.

“So, are you excited about your birthday party?” he asked, confident that would bring a smile to her angelic face with its perfect translucent skin. Although he thought she’d gained a few more freckles over her nose and cheeks… He pondered how he’d noticed…huh.

He was pleased that his plan had worked as she looked up and smiled. “Yep. James is flying in from home, so it’ll be lovely to see him again and Melina is sorting it all out.”

An ache in his jaw was the telltale sign that he was grinding his teeth. Who the hell was James and what was his interest in Pippa? Why was she smiling at the mention of this man’s name and, more importantly, what was her interest in him? The guy must be pretty serious about her to fly out all this way. The bloody woman attracted men like bees to a honey pot. He finally managed to tune back into what she was saying.

“She’s such a star. I just wish Matt and Ana could’ve made it—” she shrugged her shoulders “—but with Harry being so young and all it’s just impossible.”

The engineer’s voice stopped him from making further enquiries about this James imposter.

“Hello there, we’re really sorry for the delay but we’ve sorted the problem now so it will just be another five minutes and we’ll have you out, Mr Aldabbagh.”

True to his word, the main light came on in the lift at the same time it started to descend. He quickly jumped up and helped Pippa to her feet and held her jacket out for her again. She in turn picked up his suit jacket and brushed it off before handing it back to him as the doors finally opened. He heard her take a deep breath as she turned to him. “Thanks for keeping me calm in there. I know I was a pain but you really helped.” She pursed her lips. “So, er…just thanks.”

“You’re welcome. I enjoyed your company.”

He had to smile as Pippa nudged his shoulder with hers, a huge smile on her face. “Yeah right.” She chuckled. “You’re such a bad liar. I know you came close to smothering me in the lift with the stress ball.”

***

Jumal opened his car door for her before striding round to the driver’s side and speeding out of the underground car park, anxious to get Pippa home and out of his car. He could smell her scent on his jacket and knew that it was going to linger in his car for the next few days and drive him crazy. Correction: crazier. He’d have to have it valeted again despite the fact it was spotless.

She looked over at him with a quizzical look on her face as they sped through the deserted city streets and out to the low-rise buildings of the suburbs. “What?” he asked.

“You know the way to where I live?” she asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

“Of course,” he replied, like it was obvious that he’d know where all his employees lived. “I went to see it before I rented it for you. I had to make sure it was appropriate.” He shrugged his shoulders, dismissing her question, but hoped she’d just accept his response and assume that his role as boss meant that he’d know where all his staff lived…right?