Trust Me (53 page)

“I
don’t know if I will ever get used to that,” she said with a frown, causing him to laugh as he wrapped his arm around her waist.

“You’ll
get used to it eventually. Money is really great at first; it’s like water to a drowning man. You have it, so you buy all the things you’ve denied yourself. Then you discover one day that you have everything you need, so you start buying what you like and eventually you get only what you want. When I started making money, I went crazy; I bought a car, new clothes, lots of fancy things and lots of things I’d never dreamed of owning. It kept going like that until one day I had everything I wanted or needed. Now I rarely go shopping and I only spend enough for what is needed to survive. Spending money on just me got rather boring, so I shop for the people around me, for those I love. You’ll get to that point as well, trust me.”

“Sounds
like a long road.”

“I’m
not going to lie; it will take a couple of years. However, once the house is finished, and we’re settled into our new lives; you'll realize you’re there.”

“Until
then, I want you to slow down, please?” She came to a halt in front of a bookstore, placing her hands on his strong arms. “Spending isn’t something I’m used to doing, so it will take me time to adjust. I am not a very formal person. I'm simple and that’s how I like it. I don’t buy expensive jewelry or lavish furniture and I don’t eat out at restaurants that cost two hundred dollars a plate. I like Burger King and I shop at Wal-Mart. I own a fourteen-year-old car and I ride the same bicycle I had when I was a teenager. That’s just how I am.”

“We’ll
go slowly, I promise, but just for the record, I like Burger King as well.” Sandra laughed, hugging his neck then turned to see where they were. They were standing in front of an older style bookstore that looked quite inviting and very intriguing as several people were lined up to have books signed by a new author.

“Want
to go in?” Creighton asked and she nodded.

They
stepped through the door and found themselves in a different world from the one they had just left. The shelves were crowded with older books on one side, newer ones on the other. There was a section in the corner for children to sit and read, with mismatched furniture and a bookcase of coloring books and toys, as well as new and old reading books. Two long simple tables and a dozen chairs of faded wood were sat up for reading and research. There were three older computers on a wooden counter in the center of the shop while four worn sofas sat in various locations throughout. Near the front of the store was another counter with a large coffee machine and a glass display of pastries at one end, a newer computerized register at the other. A rather attractive young man stood behind it making coffees for the customers at one end and checking out their purchases at the other.

Sandra
looked around, admiring the window displays of up-and-coming writers and the smell only books; it was like being home. Creighton watched her with admiration while a young couple pushed their way through the crowded shop, apologizing for bumping into them and hurrying toward a table set up at the right side of the store. Sandra turned toward the commotion and saw a very attractive blonde-haired woman leaning against a bookcase behind a long table, signing the stack of books in front of her, shaking hands with the many patrons who approached her. Creighton followed Sandra’s attention and gasped.

“It’s
Miriam!” he said in a shocked tone.

“Hayloft
girl?” Sandra asked, watching his dumb founded nod. He snagged her hand and pulled her through the crowd of people, ignoring the irritated looks and French comments as he moved to the front of the line.

Miriam was quite lovely with shoulder length blond hair, bright blue eyes and a perfect white smile. She wore a short purple dress with flared skirt, fitted bodice and long sleeves. She had a simple diamond cross hanging around her neck on a silver chain, diamond hoop earrings and six inch black mule pumps. Her legs were bare and her makeup expertly applied with neutral eye shadow, blush and lipstick. Sandra could see why Creighton had been attracted to this girl; she was stunning.

“Miriam?” Creighton called out as they neared her side, bringing the woman’s bright blue eyes off the book she was signing to find the person calling her name.

“Creighton
Ashford!” she shouted with a bright smile, hugging him tightly when he approached. Sandra noted several people around them whispering when they heard the man’s name, but he didn’t seem to notice.

“What
are you doing here?” he asked her when she pulled away out of his arms.

“I’m
promoting my new book,” she answered and reaching for a book on the table.

The
hardback book was thick; the cover black with silver writing that read
A Sex Maniac’s Journal
. Creighton chuckled as he read the title.

“
Dr
. Miriam Bachmeier?” he asked.

“I’m
a sex therapist now,” she told him and smiled wide when he laughed.

“Why
doesn’t that surprise me?” he asked, noticing the woman’s eyes flicker to Sandra. Creighton turned and pulled her closer to his side.

“Miriam,
I’d like you to meet my fiancée Sandra Dennis. Sandra, this is Miriam Bachmeier, an old neighbor of my family’s.” Sandra smiled at the woman but more at the way he introduced her. Miriam didn’t miss the casual explanation as she shook Sandra’s hand.

“Old
neighbor?” she asked turning her attention back to Creighton.

“Sandra
knows everything,” he told her and the blonde-haired woman turned with a surprised expression. “One can’t commit to a lifelong relationship, unless you have complete honesty. Besides, she’s benefited from your private lessons.” Sandra blushed as Miriam laughed.

“I’m
very happy to hear you’re still practicing what you were taught,” she said. “So why are you here? A long way from Yorkshire, don’t you think?”

“We’re
here on holiday, celebrating our engagement.”

“I
think it’s wonderful you’ve found someone so…beautiful.” Sandra blushed when the woman looked at her from head to toe and back up to admire her tight green pullover.

“I
never thought you of all people would get married. You just didn't seem the type to settle down.”

“Things
change when you find the right person.” Creighton smiled proudly as he glanced down to Sandra.

“I
heard you’re trying to buy my father’s old place?” Miriam said as an attractive brunette stepped to her side with a stack of books.

“I
am. The place is pretty run down and needs a lot of work, but I think it’s worth it. I just can’t seem to get the old man to commit to my offer.”

“He
was willing to sell after your first offer, until he found out it was you wanting it,” she replied as she signed the books. “His pride is in the way now, so you’ll have to use your unique negotiating techniques on him.”

“I
want that property,” Creighton said firmly.

“And
you should have it. It would be ideal for you; large enough for a family, close to your parents and brother and you always looked so good working on the farm; you have the perfect body for it. Don’t give up, a little more persuasion and he’ll cave.”

“I’m
coming close to rescinding my offer,” he replied as Miriam handed the books back to the woman. She looked at Creighton for a moment, as though she was contemplating something important and with a deep breath she continued.

“My
father is not in the best of health and he needs the money,” she said, lowering her voice. “Make your offer firm and final. He hasn’t had any others and he won't; nobody can afford to fix that place up. He won’t hold out much longer. Stand up to him and make him aware that you won’t be beaten down again.”

“I’m
not seventeen anymore,” he answered bitterly. “The offer I made was more than fair for the condition of the property and house; I offered more than he was asking in order to make a quick sale.”

“I
know that and he was pleased when he received it. However, when he learned who was offering, he became angry. His pride got in the way of common sense. He’s not going to hold out much longer; he can’t, just be forceful and strong.” Miriam took the book from him, signing the inside cover and handing it back.

“A
gift to an old friend.” She hugged him again. “Juliet is hinting that I need to go back to work,” she said in a hushed tone. “If she wasn’t so damned good in bed, I’d be irritated as hell.” Creighton and Miriam smiled while Sandra blushed.

“It
was good seeing you again Miriam,” Creighton said, tucking the book under his arm.

“Let
me know when the big day is and I’ll send you something special.” She winked at Creighton who again hugged her.

“We
have to go, but thank you for the book. Sandra loves to read.” Miriam turned to the woman next to him, her eyes returning to Sandra’s breasts staring a little longer than socially acceptable.

“It
was very nice meeting you Sandra,” she said with a smile. “I hope to see you again.”

“
Au revoir
,” Sandra said softly, shaking the woman’s hand.

Miriam
returned to her book signing as the couple made their way out of the shop and back onto the street. They walked together for a few moments before Sandra attempted to speak.

“She’s
really quite pretty,” she said, glancing up to the man next to her. He didn’t seem to be in the same mood he was in the store.

“Yes
she is,” he said briefly and handed her the book before removing his phone from his pocket. “Don’t turn jealous on me.”

“I
won’t,” she said quickly. “Actually I don’t think she was staring at you as much as she was looking at my chest.” Creighton turned and smiled.

“Do
you blame her?” He returned his attention to the phone, dialing a number and placing it to his ear. A few brief moments passed before the recipient answered.

“It’s
Ashford,” he said sternly. “Tell the old man I’m tired of waiting and I’m withdrawing my offer. You heard me, just do it.” Sandra couldn’t help frowning as she listened. Miriam said her father wanted to accept the offer and Creighton said he wanted the farm, so why was he backing out now?

“Don’t
you want it anymore?” she asked as he put the phone back in his pocket and took her hand again.

“I
want that property more than ever, but I will not be bullied. You heard Miriam say he was going to accept the offer until he learned I was the one making it. That offer was twice what it was worth. Now we’ll play the game my way. The old bastard is still put out that he caught his daughter and I having sex. We were teenagers, for God’s sake. It was over ten years ago; he needs to move on.”

“Would
you be able to move on if it were your only daughter?” He set his jaw and frowned.

“Probably
not,” he said as they neared the hotel’s entrance. Sandra stopped suddenly, forcing him to turn and look at her.

“Miriam
said he wasn’t in good health; he’s just trying to be a big man one last time. You need to be patient.”

“You
are amazing,” he said wrapping her in his arms. “But I have been sitting on this deal over a year. I wanted to gift you with a home as a wedding present and he’s dragging his feet on purpose. Plus, I’m not a patient person, remember?”

“I
remember, but I think it’s a mistake to withdraw your offer.”

“Trust
me?” he asked. “I know what I’m doing. This is the type of work I do for a living and it’s a very good living,” he said with a sly smile.

“Do
I dare ask how good?” she asked when they turned back and continued walking to the hotel.

“More
in one week than you make in five years,” he said boldly. “Once we’re married, we’ll sit down and go through the books together, until then I don’t want to scare you off.”

“So
I guess I won’t have to worry about working overtime to pay the mortgage?” Creighton laughed, wrapping his arm around her waist.

“You
don’t have to worry about working at all and I have a private accountant who pays my bills for me.”

“Not
work? But I like working. What am I supposed to do all day while you’re working to save the world from global warming?”

“What
do you want to do?”

“I
don’t know; I guess I haven’t thought about it. I mean, I don’t like the idea of spending the rest of my life barefoot and pregnant.”

“Why
don’t we discuss it over lunch? I’m starving.” Sandra sighed, but chose to drop the subject for now; though she had a feeling they were about to set the first stone to a brick wall, that would sit between them for some time to come.