Rekindling Love (British Billionaires Series) (17 page)

The plan is in action, thought Susan as she wandered after him.

Sitting opposite one another it was virtually impossible not to drown in Susan's green eyes. They were so striking against her features that Rupert was unable to draw himself away from her face.

“
This isn't the time and place to talk about Saturday night.”

“
I couldn't agree with you more,” said Susan nonplussed.

The juice bar was crowded with the rich residents of the nearby neighborhood. Strutting like peacocks in their designer sportswear, they carefully selected juices that wouldn't impinge on the minimal level of body fat they were determined to maintain.

“
That having been said, it wasn't this crowded or public on Saturday night, so I'm not sure why we couldn't talk about it then.”

“
I don't remember you inviting me in.”

“
You were angry.”

“
No. I was jealous.”

“
Of what?”

“
Of Dylan.”

“
Please don't tell me Saturday night was about staking a claim on me or getting one over Dylan,” she said, her anger bubbling.

“
Susie please. You chased after me. I didn't know what was going to happen,” his voice was hushed.

“
That's true. Dylan and I are friends.”

“
I believe you. I think I might have wanted to be more than just friends with you.”

Studying his dark blue eyes there wasn't a trace of deceit in them. The designer stubble and short cropped black hair would have given him a thuggish look, had he not carried himself with ease and grace.

“
Nice to know it only takes losing five stone for me to become girlfriend material.”

“
It's nothing to do with the weight. It's to do with the woman you are.”

“
You weren't exercising that philosophy fifteen years ago.”

“
I thought you said the past should be left in the past.”

“
I did.”

“
Maybe if you stopped hurling it in my face when we meet, we could progress at a faster rate,” he said amicably.

“
You're basing that on the assumption I want us to progress.”

“
I am. Because if you didn't want to progress, you wouldn't have risked coming to the gym and running into me. You certainly wouldn't have chosen to start your cardiovascular workout on the treadmill adjacent to mine.”

She giggled becomingly. “It was rather transparent on my part.”

“
If it's any consolation I tried the same,” he divulged.

“
In what way?”

“
I've taken to attending the sunrise sessions to catch you. Unfortunately, you've been a no show thus far.”

“
There's no way I could force myself twice a day,” said Susan thoughtfully. “Why catch me at the gym? You have a number for me; you know where I work and live.”

“
You also said it was beneficial if you were without me.”

“
They were words spoken in the heat of the moment.”

“
How was I to know that? I don't have any intention of ever hurting you again.”

“
You keep saying that, Rupert, but then you do hurt me,” she chided gently.

“
I know. I can see that. I have my sister on my back, constantly berating me for not treating you better.”

“
That's sweet of her.”

“
You've not been exposed to the sharpness of her tongue.”

“
No?”

“
Have you?” he asked curiously.

“
No. She came close though and it was in respect of you.”

Rupert waved a hand. “Ignore her. She's over-protective.”

“
I think it's great the two of you are close. Being an only child, I wish I had someone to watch my back and stick up for me.”

“
It has its ups and downs,” he paused. “Why I'm being very long-winded here is because…” he hesitated.

Susan saw him inhale and shut his eyes. It was as if he was rehearsing the lines in his head before voicing them aloud.

“
Just because I didn't talk about it Saturday night, it doesn't mean that what happened didn't mean anything to me.”

She sat back sharply in her chair. That comment had come from nowhere. It was unexpected. Had it meant something to him? Did she mean something to him?

“
It's about you and I finding the time and place to discuss it,” he continued. “Dissect it. I want to tell you things. Words or feelings that are resting heavy on my heart,” his voice was considerably lower. “But on a street or in a juice bar doesn't feel right. You were there when I told you about Lucas and Leith. We need to be somewhere where it's only us two. Where we both feel safe and secure to talk openly.”

“
Is that your way of inviting me to your place?” asked Susan with a raised eyebrow.

“
Not at all. It's not what would be considered neutral territory.”

“
Where then?”

“
You get a break from rehearsals this week?”

“
Naturally. I finish Saturday night; I'm back in Monday for dress rehearsals and the opening night preview is Monday night.”

“
Seems like only yesterday you had me in this gym searching for your non-existent lost phone.”

A wry smile was on Susan's lips. “Yes, well. Least said, soonest mended.”

“
Hollow words if ever I heard them,” he said smugly. “Certainly your behavior contradicts that particular saying.”

“
I'll let that one slide Locke-Smythe.”

“
Because I'm right?”

“
There may be an element of truth in it,” she agreed, smirking.

“
I'm impressed you don't take yourself too seriously.”

“
Oh, I learned a long time ago not to take myself too seriously. If I had, I would never have survived high school. Better to be the fat, funny girl with a sense of self-depreciating humor, than to let others get their snide and barbed jokes in first. Had I not been prepared with a quick wit at the expense of my own weight I would never have survived my education.”

Rupert shifted in his chair, downing his mango smoothie. Susie followed suit.

“
What would possess you to drink wheat grass?” he needled, using her drink as a means to redirect the conversation.

“
It's healthy. They call it 'Liquid Sunshine' because it's chock-a-block full of vitamins, boosts your immune system, helps combat aging, aids skin and hair care, great for stabilizing blood sugar and blood pressure and an effective detox. Everything surrounding the drink is beneficial in my line of work. Having a night off-stage is not the same as having a day off work.”

“
I can imagine,” said Rupert ruefully, remembering how easily he could take a day off work when hung over.

“
Of course its appealing feature is that aids weight-loss.”

“
I knew you'd take us back there somehow.”

“
Rupert, I'm not taking us anywhere, but you are if you want us to discuss Saturday night.”

“
You'll come then?”

“
Where?”

“
It's a surprise.”

“
My problem is you make comments like that and it's hard not to be bitchy. What I want to say is the last surprise I had from you psychologically traumatized me for life, so you'll excuse my reluctance to consent. I can see, though, my humor as a defense mechanism is wearing on you. I guess I should sit down and shut up,” she admitted.

“
Hopefully thrashing it out on the weekend will reduce your inclination to use humor when you feel touchy about something.”

“
Is that your goal then?”

“
No. I wouldn't change a thing about you.”

Not now, she thought.

“
What's the plan then?” Her question implying her consent to adhere to his surprise.

“
Let me know what time you finish rehearsals and I'll pick you up afterward Saturday night.”

“
It's a deal then,” she offered a hand to shake.

Rupert slapped her palm with his large hand and shook to secure the date

“
I'd give you a peck goodbye, but that wheat germ doesn't half make for bad breath,” grinned Susie.

At no stage in the proceedings of taking Susie out had it crossed Rupert's mind that he would see her prior to Saturday evening. The two were inexplicably drawn together.

Susan abandoned the agreement to do mornings at the gym. Rupert was pleasantly surprised to see her Thursday evening. They worked out on the cardiovascular machines. Done with aerobic exercises, Susan was willing to assist Rupert in his half hour anaerobic workout with weights. She'd lug over and add the additional weights he required and spot him where needed.

Workout complete, they drank and chatted in the juice bar. A closed soul, Rupert wrote off his work as boring. He was inclined to discuss mutual friends or the accomplishments of his employees than ever refer to his own merits in conversation. Showing a keen interest in Susan, he couldn't get enough about her theatrical tales – the tantrums, tiaras and triumphs.

Offering to take Susan for lunch on Friday, she answered impulsively. The “yes” was out of her mouth before she processed the idea it might constitute a date.

He showed up punctually on Friday. Susan was stupefied seeing him in a conservative, subtle, pin-stripe black suit. Saville Row tailored no doubt, there was no sign of his casual and sometimes daring approach to fashion. Laughing as Susan blurted out the observation, he assured her as the Company Director of the New York office he was forbidden from any variation of the norm in terms of the dress-code. Maintaining the history and image associated with the company, as its main ambassador, Rupert was to represent the established brand in working hours.

Somehow the buzz-cut and chiseled cheekbones made him less authentic as a lawyer. It was as if he was a catalog model showing off the goods, rather than wearing them with a genuine purpose. Flattered, he confessed he was always waiting to clock-off to chill out and enjoy everything that made New York, in his humble opinion, the most exciting city.

Eating at the exact cafe she normally ate in with Dylan was a strange sensation for Susan. In a bizarre way she felt as though she was betraying Dylan. Was this restaurant sacred to Dylan and Susan as friends? Was eating with Rupert, exercising with him genuinely part of the master plan? Was her guilt because she was no longer spending time with Rupert to construct his demise, but to let him learn to love her again?Lunching, Rupert acknowledged they must seem an odd couple to outside observers. Rupert in his conservative suit, Susan in her funky, brightly colored urban dance-wear. His choosing to use the word “couple” sent shivers up her spine. Lost in conversation, she was finding it more and more challenging to remember she was manipulating Rupert to visit her lair. She was the black widow spider to the innocent male, devoured after sex. Susan was to trap him in her sticky, seductive web.Parting ways; they didn't even have to confirm their evening health club session. Rupert was first, loitering until Susan joined him. Running through their usual routine, to return to the juice bar to divulge and discuss their respective afternoons.

“
Big day tomorrow,” said Rupert.

“
Indeed. Neutral territory. I'm dying in anticipation to know where.”

“
Well, you'll have to wait, Ms. Thompson. Bring an overnight bag and don't give me that look. It's separate bedrooms.”

Susan didn't know whether she was crushed or relieved to hear it would be individual sleeping quarters.

“
You know I have rehearsals first thing Monday?”

“
Of course and nothing I've planned will infringe on them in any way, shape or form. You'll be fighting fit for dress rehearsals, in a positive mood. It'll be the best opening night you've ever performed.”

“
That's a mighty big call to make.”

“
I'll place money on it.”

“
I didn't know you were a gambling man.”

“
I'm not, generally speaking, but on this I am.”

His eyes twinkled, mixing confidence and challenge. Susan's heart beat as he stared at her. It was racing faster than it ever had at school. There was a sense of equal footing between them. The spark was definitely there, but hadn't she thought that at school?

“I'm out of juice
,” she declared. “And I'm not prepared to let you sit here, teasing me and revealing nothing. That's mean.”

“
Come on, I'll walk you home,” said Rupert.

He froze. Where had that invite come from? He was supposed to be keeping his distance. He was supposed to be respecting her. He was supposed to be...Rupert had no idea what he was supposed to be doing. Falling in love was so uncommon to him, he'd forgotten what the feeling was like. He didn't recognize the signs. The last person he'd fallen in love with was fifteen years ago. Rupert no longer remembered that troubled teenager. He was so disgusted by the boy; he cut all cords with him. But in doing so, he'd cut any connection to real love. His heart was a desert. Yet in Susan's company it was flowering. Refusing to contemplate or self-analyze, he put the impulsive invite down to manners. It was evening, it was October, no matter how populated and well-lit Broadway was, a girl shouldn't be on foot alone. It was on his way, after all.

“
I'll meet you in reception,” replied Susan instantly.Dressing she realized she was confused. Why accept the offer? She didn't need a chaperone. Why did she feel girly and glowing? They were not feelings revenge would normally evoke. They were associated with a very powerful emotion surpassing revenge.

Whatever he was wearing, Rupert always looked cool. Forest green chinos and matching Vans low skate shoes, and he had a blue polo shirt on.

“
Don't you have a jacket?” she asked.

The question was banal. She hated that his beauty was so dazzling it stopped her brain forming coherent sentences.

“
Sure, in my gym bag, but I feel warm.”

“
You might catch a cold if you go from the warmth in here and walk straight outside. The weather is getting nippier.”

Rupert bent his head, his blue eyes meeting her sea-green set. “You, Susie Thompson have become far too English for your own good. Nearly a week ago you were cursing me with hell and damnation because I was discussing the exterior of 1600 Broadway, but the best you can manage is the weather. That is typically British.”

Laughing at herself, she knew the words were close to the truth.

“
Perhaps no matter how broad my accent remains, I'll always be a London girl at heart. It isn't the worst thing in the world?”

“
No, it's not. There's no reason why you can't have one foot in each city. It's easy in your profession.”Taking the steps to the sidewalk from the gym entrance; the air was balmy for an October night.

“
Indian Summer,” said Rupert. His voice was serious, his face contemplating their environment. Susan tucked her arm through Rupert's as they strolled along.

“
Look like you don't need that jacket after all,” she conceded, matching his sincerity.

He drew her closer.

“
Maybe we talk more about the weather back at home because our lives are boring in comparison to the liveliness of America.”

“
Or maybe you talk about the weather because it's so unreliable. The potential for change hangs constantly, letting people speculate as to which way the wind will blow and whether it will rain or not,” she countered, defending her favorite city.

“
Maybe. When do you finish tomorrow?”

“
My call time is 12 p.m., so I'll be done by no later than 7 p.m. I can call you if it runs late.”

“
Fine.”

As they fell into step, the conversation diminished.

“
Do you think— “started Susan.

“
Will you be—” began Rupert at the same time. “Ladies first.”

“
Do you think you'll be at the gym in the morning?” she asked.

“
I can make room for that. Am I going to get to sleep in?”

“
Nope, but I need to make sure you're worn out so you don't try any funny business tomorrow night.”

“
The way you've been going on about it since I mentioned bringing an overnight bag, I'm starting to feel as if you want something to happen.”

“
I certainly do not,” sallied Susan, mortified Rupert might be able to read her better than she was able to herself.

“
Me thinks the lady doth protest too much.”

The Shakespeare quote settled the two.

“
Here we are,” said Rupert grinning.

His stomach was queasy. He wanted her. Not sexually. Just to kiss her, out of a sense of deep affection and compatibility – what he would remember by the end of the weekend was actually love.Resisting wrestling her arm from his, instead Susan laced her fingers through his; when he dropped his arm they were holding hands.

“
Sleep tight, Susie Thompson.”

As he stepped away, she tightened her grip. Her strength couldn't compare to his, but the tug was enough to cause him to face her. Tipping her chin back with his free hand, gently his lips took hers. It was barely more than a brush. But for a second the two were in Brighton College, behind the stage curtains sharing their first non-stage kiss. It wasn't part of the
Hairspray
story, it was part of the Susan and Rupert story. Here they were in New York. The kiss was as tentative and glowing.

Susan's hand went to his waist, snaking up to his shoulders. It wasn't safe or secure for either party, but Rupert couldn't stop. Wheat germ or not, she tasted delicious. He wanted her badly. More than he'd ever wanted anyone. The rush of testosterone wasn't there. The rush of realization was. The kisses became longer, luscious, like teenagers on the journey of discovering their sexual awakening. There was no sex on Rupert's mind, only the pleasure of connecting with Susan and appreciating the taste of her lips.

He broke the kiss. Had it not been night, Susie may have caught a better view of the bloodshot eyes.

“
Rupert?” she asked.

“
Tomorrow Susie. Wait for me please.”

It was a cryptic farewell.