Inspired

By Bridgitte Lesley

Leigh Cashmere had reached a point in her life where she had it all. Every little investment had paid off. She owned an entire street of buildings. Her business was a thriving concern and she was so proud of her achievements. But she was so lonely. What was the point in having everything and you could not share it with anyone. Lancaster Kane had just rented his premises. This was his dream come true. His ultimate goal in life was to own his own restaurant. He had worked so hard to achieve his goals. Everything had come to fruition. Lancaster stood on his balcony. Standing with his cup of coffee and enjoying the peace and the quiet of the early morning. Out of the blue he noticed the most amazing woman he had ever seen. Sitting on her Harley on the street below. She was absolutely beautiful. But who was she? Where did she come from? Where was she going? Sitting on her bike gazing up and down the street. What was she doing there at that time of the morning?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bridgitte Lesley
• Release date: Jan 24, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310712463

Bridgitte Lesley

Hello from Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa!Having survived an attempt at being murdered, I have plunged myself in to my writing. After my gruesome ordeal, I live life from day to day. Appreciating every minute and moment. Yes, I have the scars from an axe being driven in to my head repeatedly. I suffer from PTSD and OCD. But, I am here to tell the tale. And I have a lot to tell!I am currently revamping my older titles and will be adding a few. In a nutshell, you will find a mix of romance, adventure, lots of witty banter and a happy ever after. All round, expect a feel-good read.Thank you for reading and for your support!Bridgitte

Book preview

Inspired

By

Bridgitte Lesley

Version 1

Published by

Bridgitte Lesley on Smashwords

Inspired

Copyright © 2011 Bridgitte Lesley

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only and may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Your support and respect for the property of this author is appreciated.

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or locations is purely coincidental. The characters are a production of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously.

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Inspired

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CHAPTER 1

Leigh Cashmere pulled up to the traffic light on her Harley Davidson. It was just after six on a Monday morning. The streets were empty, peaceful and quiet. There wasn’t a person in sight. The traffic light turned green. She eased over the light, pulled into a parking space and switched off her motorbike. She slowly pulled off her helmet and shook her hair into place. She took her helmet and put it between her legs and rested her arms on top of it. She looked up and down the street and smiled to herself.

Yes. She whispered as she patted her hands on her helmet.

Yes, yes, yes. She sat a while longer and took in the quiet street before the hustle and bustle began. This is what she had worked so hard for.

Leigh crossed her arms and looked down the street, then down at her helmet. She smiled to herself, thinking ‘If only I could share this with someone. Share the excitement of achieving an immense goal’. Leigh grunted. She tapped her helmet again and smiled.

One day. She whispered. She sat listening to the tic, tic of her motorbike as it cooled down. Staring down the street she smiled to herself.

Lancaster Kane stood on his balcony in nothing but a pair of shorts, holding a mug of coffee. This was the time of day he appreciated the most. When there was peace and quiet. He had the perfect home. His new restaurant ‘Baby L’s’ was his dream come true. His apartment was above his restaurant. Lancs, as he was called by family and friends, took another sip of coffee and looked down towards the street.

He scanned up and down and looked towards the traffic light where he had heard a hum. He saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, sitting on a Harley. She had jet black hair, groomed. It fell into place even though she had obviously just taken off her helmet. She wore leathers from top to toe, with a crisp white blouse beneath her jacket. Not rugged leathers, but they fit as if they were designed and made for her. She had on a pair of black stiletto ankle boots that peeped out beneath her trousers. A neat package. Not your regular biker. She was elegant and graceful. She sat up straight and didn’t slouch. He looked at his watch. Half past six. What was she doing, sitting tapping her helmet with her hands? She was smiling. Was she waiting for someone? Possibly. He looked her up and down. Perfection. He felt a tremor run through his body. Not a shiver, but a thrill. Just one look and he was hooked.

For the past few years Lancs had been celibate, by his own choice. What was the point of falling in and out of bed just for sex. It had to mean something real. For the first time in many years he felt his arousal. He could feel the blood pumping through his veins. Just looking at her stirred his body. He ran his hand through his hair nervously. Even his hand shook. Lancs could feel his heart rate soar.

Leigh looked up. He waved at her and smiled. She looked at him and waved back, smiling. Wow and what a smile. A morning person, definitely, he thought to himself. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She was absolutely beautiful.

Leigh stared in awe. He was gorgeous. All man. He had black hair, and was built like a real man. Not an ounce of fat. He was tall, had strong arms, good legs, and his shoulders were broad. He had a stunning smile. A real smile. Not one of those pasted on, show me all your teeth kind of smiles. It was a genuine smile. Leigh could feel her insides warming up. If she kept ogling she thought she might end up a puddle of mush on the pavement. Her insides felt as if they were melting. She smiled again. A tune from the past came into her head ‘roll me over, in the clover, roll me over, lay me down and do it again’.

Oh Lord. She thought. I think I may have muddled those words a little. She smiled. Best she leave before she climbed off of her bike and shimmied up the drainpipe. Leigh put her hand in front of her mouth and stifled a giggle.

Leigh turned the key, put on her helmet, pulled down the visor and pulled back onto the road, smiling. Lancs watched as she rode off. He drank his coffee and followed the hum of the Harley. He watched her as she reached the next traffic light. She stopped, looked into her mirror and waved back at Lancs without turning her head. He smiled and waved. She turned left and made her way home. He listened for a while and heard the hum vanish.

Lancs made his way back into his apartment. The radio was on and he caught the next tune coming on. Mungo Jerry’s Long Cool Woman Dressed in Black. He sang with the tune. His thoughts wandered.

That she is." He said to himself. He could not get his head clear. He closed his eyes and saw her sitting there on the Harley, in the empty street, smiling. Lancs shook his head and spoke out loud.

I’m singing. I’m smiling. When last have I felt like this? Never, Lancs, never.. He shrugged and smiled. It had been quite a while.

Lancs had grown rather serious in the last couple of years. Pushing to reach his goals, planning for the future, achieving the dream, ‘Baby L’s’. His private life had been rather neglected. That was the problem when one was focused solely on achieving a goal. Now that he had achieved his goal maybe it was time to give a little more focus to his private life.

Lancs made his way to the kitchen for yet another cup of coffee and then headed to the shower. He stepped into the spacious cubicle and felt the warm water cascade over his body. He closed his eyes. He couldn’t block the image of her. Lancs slowly shut off the warm water and let the cold water cover his body. Never before had he had such a reaction to a woman. He smiled to himself as he stepped out of the shower and dried himself off.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. He whispered. He would have to find out where she was from, where she was going, who she is. She looked as if she belonged in the neighborhood. He wondered how she fit in. What was she doing sitting staring down an empty street? Why was she there? He just hoped she would be back. He had so many questions about her. He couldn’t stop the questions. They appeared like the bullets being fired from a machine gun. Endless.

Leigh parked her bike and climbed off. She took her helmet off, bent forward and shook her hair back into shape, out of habit. She put her key into the lock and entered her duplex. She made her way to the kitchen for coffee. She sat in her kitchen and stared off into space, sipping her coffee. She closed her eyes and saw him, standing on his balcony, drinking coffee. He was exquisite. If you could admire a man because he was beautiful, she had. He looked like a movie star. Even better. He was real! Tall, dark and oh so handsome. Just like her dream man would be. Well, one could only wish. Leigh licked her lips and made huge kissing noises in the air.

Mwah, mwah, mwah. Yum, yum. Leigh licked her lips and giggled.

Leigh downed her coffee and did a little jig in the kitchen singing one of her favorite tunes ‘I feel good’. Leigh walked over to the lounge and lay on the couch. All she had time for was a quick nap. She would be signing the last of the leases of her properties today. Leigh closed her eyes and conjured up his image. She groaned and smiled. Her insides did a little jump.

CHAPTER 2

Leigh woke up from her short nap and headed out to Kyle’s office. She had bought not just one or two office spaces, but an entire street of shops, offices and apartments on a main road, on either side. It cost Leigh a huge chunk of money. She had bought the properties in one swift cash deal. The previous owner had put the properties on the market as separate units. Leigh had put in an offer for all the units, to be sold together in one negotiation. Leigh offered cash, but at a much lower price. After much haggling the owner had accepted.

The properties would pay for themselves. They were established. A few of the tenants had been there for years. Some of them were new. The properties included a hair salon, a few speciality shops, and the only change was a new restaurant opening shortly. ‘Baby L’s’.

Leigh had appointed Kyle as her rental agent. She paid him a handsome monthly fee to handle queries, negotiations and any loose ends. Her time was limited and she needed someone she could trust to handle the management of her properties.

Leigh had just signed the last lease. Kyle had finalized all the negotiations with the new restaurateur. Signing on the dotted line above the words ‘Doc cc’ meant the world to her.

Leigh sat in Kyle’s office.

Remember, Kyle, I need you to manage the rentals, with the least amount of change. And the most important of all, no-one gets to know my identity. Leigh reminded Kyle. Kyle nodded and grinned.

Sure. But as your big brother I still don’t get it.

Leigh smiled.

Kyle, if anyone knows that I own the entire street it will be a very uncomfortable, embarrassing situation for me. Most of the tenants are friends. Imagine sitting down at my favorite hair salon and being treated differently. I don’t need anything to change. Kyle nodded.

Leigh smiled.

Besides, if I date someone I don’t need him thinking about what I own. When I marry it will be for love, not the possessions, perks or benefits. No-one gets to know. Not a single soul. Not Mum or Dad either. This is my business and it’s going to stay that way. You need to handle the entire portfolio as if I was one of your other clients. All I need is a folder at the end of the month with the facts and figures. I will be there to sign any leases but you need to manage the rest. And if you really need something urgently you can always e-Mail me, but make sure you use my ‘Doc cc’ e-Mail. You can even page me. Or call me on my cell phone if it is an emergency.

Kyle chuckled and looked at Leigh.

‘Doc cc’. It’s pure genius. I love it. Leigh chuckled.

Uhhmm, and you know where that comes from!

Both Leigh and Kyle got up. He gave her a big hug.

Leigh, I am proud of what you have achieved. Leigh nodded and a tear slipped down her cheek. He hugged her tight.

And now? Leigh looked down.

I don’t have anyone to share it with Kyle. I also want a husband, and a family. I am going to sit on the shelf forever. I also want a little Baby Emma. I feel so lonely sometimes. There’s no one to go home to. Leigh wiped her tears. Kyle gave her a big hug. She forced a smile and turned around and headed towards the reception area, greeted Kyle’s P.A., Jo, and headed out to the car park.

Leigh smiled as she thought of all the changes she had made in her life. All the goals that she had achieved. Leigh had bought herself a Harley Davidson a few weeks before and had adapted her wardrobe to suite the image, and the weather. She never got wet through when it rained. It suited her just fine. Tight leather trousers, matching jacket, and blouses. Her outfits were all hand made except for her blouses. One of her tenants, Genevieve, had a very up market boutique. It had taken a while but Leigh had persuaded Genevieve to create her leather suits. Leigh could afford to pay for quality. For years she had driven herself to achieve her personal goals. And built her bank balance to the extreme. She had achieved her goals.

Leigh smiled. Today she was in black. Black stiletto ankle boots and her crisp white shirt. She looked good and felt good. The whole package deal was yet another goal that she had set for herself. Leigh was goal driven. Everything was planned. She had a huge goal chart in her office at home with everything mapped out down to the last detail. The only area lacking was her private life. She had the goal in mind but time always played against her. This last goal that she had achieved was already ticked off. It would be a while for Leigh to start on her future goals. She had her eye on two duplexes next door to hers. The leases would be coming to an end in a few months’ time. Then she would make her offer to purchase. The money was already set aside.

Leigh strolled over to her Harley. She needed to calm herself a little. She paced up and down. This was a very emotional day for her. She hadn’t meant to come apart at the seams with Kyle. It had just happened. Leigh stopped and hopped on the Harley. She felt another tear roll down her face. There was no reason for the emotions or tears. Today was her big day. She wiped away the tear. She sat on the seat with her helmet in her hands, between her legs. She was on cloud nine. Every single shop had a tenant and every apartment was taken.

With the new restaurant opening soon there was no space available. Leigh sat and closed her eyes, took a deep breath and lingered for a few more minutes with a huge satisfied grin. Today was her day. Her plans had all materialized. She would enjoy every minute of it. Leigh quietly wiped the tears away. Maybe it was a mix of emotions. Excitement mixed with something else.

Lancs had an appointment with his rental agent Kyle. They had become rather close friends over the few weeks that it took to negotiate the lease for his new restaurant ‘Baby L’s’. It had taken a while to draw up the contract. Kyle had to liaise with the owners, who seemed to be available, however, sporadically. So often Kyle had made a call and reached an answering machine and had to leave a message. Any changes to the building had to be approved. It took a while to get approval for a huge fireplace that Lancs wanted built. He was eventually given his permission. Today was the day scheduled to sign on the dotted line. As he pulled into the parking area in front of Kyle’s office he saw the beautiful woman he had seen that morning. He couldn’t believe his luck.

He parked the car and sat and stared. She paced up and down. Then she sat on the Harley. She was wiping away tears, but smiling. He looked her over. She was rigged out in leathers that fit perfectly. They didn’t fit but molded her body. And what a body! She really looked classy. And so young. She looked as if she was in her early twenties. Whoever she was, she was obviously excited about something. The tears were a mystery though. He looked her up and down. From the sexiest pair of stiletto ankle boots, to leather trousers, jacket, and a mop of jet black hair. She was what dreams were made of.

Lancs watched her as she put her helmet on and noticed her graceful, slender hands. She had long fingers, and no ring. Well, he could not miss that fact. He sat, mesmerized. What he had seen from his balcony was even better close up.

She started the bike and turned to the left and spotted him. Lancs smiled at her and as she looked at him he could see her huge eyes move into a smile. He saw a glimmer of recognition in her eyes even though her face was hidden by her helmet. She looked down, turned the bike and looked at him again, and winked at him. She dropped her visor and promptly sped off onto the road. As Leigh rode off she chuckled to herself. What had come over her? She had never done anything like that before. Never ever! She chuckled again. Life had never been so good. And boy what a hunk. Wow! Her stomach came to life. Butterflies? And her heart rate had suddenly soared. Leigh felt a feint flutter in her stomach. She had to ask Kyle who he was. Maybe there was someone out there for her after all. Him!

Lancs felt a surge of heat come over him. A feeling he did not recognize. He had the same feeling this morning when he saw her for the first time. What was that feeling? He had a huge smile