Sophie had heard that she had lost her husband to a farming accident when she was a young wife and had never bothered to remarry. She was completely committed to Hunter and the ranch.
“I was just looking at the festivities.” For some insane reason, Sophie felt like apologizing for being idle. Mrs. Lowe did not tolerate tardiness and kept the maids on their toes. She noticed every dust and smears on the mirrors and could tell if a painting had been shifted during dusting. Her light blue eyes were trained on Sophie’s face and she wondered uncomfortably if the woman could see right through her.
“You had best run along and get ready. We are all expected to attend the festivities.” There was a slight curl of her lips as she made no doubt as to what her thoughts were on that. Since Sophie had been here at the ranch, she had never seen the woman take a day off, even though she was entitled to two. Sophie herself had not taken advantage of her time off either but had spent time going over recipes.
“Thanks Mrs. Lowe.” She said quietly as she turned to go up the stairs.
“Ms. Witter?”
She turned on the third step to see the woman with her hands folded in front of her and staring at her. “Yes?”
“Are you adjusting? We have not had a chance to speak since you have been here. I had my doubts about your employment, but I have to say that the meals are a drastic improvement.”
Sophie stared at the woman in surprise. “Thank you, Mrs. Lowe.”
The woman nodded and turned on her heels and left. Sophie stared after her sensible frame as she went towards the hallway before making her way upstairs. She had almost reached her suite of rooms when she practically bumped into him.
“Easy.” He steadied her.
She felt breathless. His hands were still on her bare arms and he smelled as if he was just coming from the shower. There was a tangy scent coming from him that was titillating. “Sorry, I did not know you were here.” She said inanely as she stood in the circle of his arms, with the tray between them.
“I came in the backdoor a few minutes ago. The guests have started to arrive, and I have to get down there,” his eyes scoured her face and drifted to the tray. “Is that your first meal?”
“I had something this morning and was so busy, I forgot to eat lunch,” She shifted a little as she felt the warmth of his fingers seeping into her skin.
“Do you often do that?” He asked her with a frown.
“Today was an exception. I am taking very good care of the baby….”
“I am also concerned about you taking care of yourself. You have enough staff to delegate.” He reminded her.
“I delegate. I am just going to eat something and take my nausea pills before I get ready.”
“How is it….?” He started to ask when they heard footsteps coming up the stairs. He released her abruptly and stepped back just as the uniformed maid came towards them.
“Excuse me Mr. Hunter,” She said politely. “Ms. Marie has been asking for you. She said we should take her bag up to your suite.”
He swore silently as he felt the curious stare from Sophie. “I will be down in a few minutes. Send her bag up.”
“Yes sir.” The maid turned and made her way back along the passageway and down the stairs. The silence was strained and for some reason, Hunter felt uncomfortable.
“I have to go and eat….”
“It’s not….” He broke off abruptly, not sure what he had been about to say. “Go ahead.”
She hesitated a moment and then with a nod, walked swiftly towards her suite. She went into her bedroom and closed the door, walking forward to put the tray onto the table next to the sofa. His girlfriend or his lover had arrived and was staying in his suite. She sank down onto the velvet sofa and realized that her appetite had fled. She had foolishly thought that he cared when he asked about her well being But it had all been for the baby she was carrying. Her being pregnant had not stopped him from inviting his lover to the ranch. He was so uncaring that it meant nothing to him to have the woman he was involved with and the one who was pregnant for him because of a one-night stand under the same roof. But he had been honest and told her that he had no intention of changing his lifestyle because of what had happened. She could not blame him, could she? Oh yes, she could! She thought with a blaze of anger.
*****
“Darling…! There you are!” Marie fluttered forward in a cloud of Chanel and swirling silver and green dress the green matching her eyes perfectly. Her thick auburn hair was parted at the side and swept to one side, revealing alabaster skin, made perfect by the expensive creams she used. Her perfectly made up face glowed with wealth and health and diamonds sparkled at her lobes and around her neck. Hunter could not help but compare her to the simple but exquisite beauty of the woman he had left upstairs.
“Marie,” he gave her a perfunctory kiss on her cheek before holding her at arm’s length. “I am sorry to keep you waiting.”
“Darling, I was properly entertained. Your very efficient housekeeper put me in this wonderful sun room, and I have been enjoying the scenery as well as the delicious cucumber sandwich.” She studied his face. “You look tired.”
He smiled despite himself and felt a tinge of regret that he was going to have to part ways with her. Apart from the sexual attraction, they had a lot in common and shared a love for the Opera and basketball. He had idly entertained the idea of investing in a team and had brushed the idea away. There were certain times when he wanted to just get away from the rough and tumble ways of the men who worked with him and enjoy the arts and everything else that he did not get to partake of whenever he was in residence. He had a theater room that was well stocked, but he never enjoyed taking in a movie by himself. Marie had enjoyed it with him in the past and he was regretting that would not be happening again.
“I am a little.” He guided her to one of the chairs and took the one opposite to her. “But you are looking lovely as usual.”
She preened, her lily-white hands drifting towards her face. “Do I?” She murmured. “I have been having a spot of troubles over the last couple of days.”
“Nothing you cannot handle I am sure.” He got to his feet and went over to the table. “Would you like some more lemonade?”
“Thanks darling. It is delicious as are the sandwiches. I am afraid your chef tops Francoise by far when it comes to making these delightful sandwiches. Maybe I can ask her the secret.”