Arousing Innocence

By J G Cooper

More than just a love story. This novel tells the story of two people of opposing interest and moral values thrown together in circumstances that neither had expected. What follows is an compelling attraction that neither can fight or control. A multi billion dollar business and the future of a little girl is at jeopardy. Can business be mixed with pleasure or is that a recipe for chaos? Both need to make adjustments which leads to confusion, doubts and sexual tension punctuated with humorous repercussions. NB This novel has been professionally edited and was previously published under the Title of Confused thoughts.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J G Cooper
• Release date: May 24, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310753626

J G Cooper

My husband and I have written this book together. After starting it myself, my husband thought that Andrew's views needed to be told and I will admit he has a much better sense of humour than I do. Andrew's Confused Thoughts are very amusing at times. We estimate that there will be at least three books in this Series for all to be revealed. We hope you enjoy their story.

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Arousing Innocence

The Hodgers Series

Book one

Arousing Innocence is the professionally edited and revised story previously published as Confused Thoughts

By JG Cooper

Copyright © 2013 J. & G. Cooper

All Rights Reserved

Distributed by Smashwords

Cover art by http://SelfPubBookCovers.com/Daniela

Ebook formatting by www.ebooklaunch.com

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be resold, 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’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The Authors acknowledge the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referred to in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with or sponsored by the trademark owners.

A special thank you to our Niece, Jen Clarke, and friends, Shireen Mathers and Judy Cook, for proofreading and editing.

Without you all, our book would not be what it is, thank you again.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

PROLOGUE

"I would like you to stay for the night please Andrew."

"Oh Katie, you know I never stay the whole night with a woman. The couple of nights that I did stay with you were through duty, and respect for your father. They were for company and comfort when you were upset. We didn’t do anything else, like I think you are now suggesting."

"Then stay for an hour or two."

"Katie, we have had a lovely dinner and I do enjoy your company…but, let’s not spoil the evening. Please believe me when I say that you are important to me, just not in that way. You are the majority share holder in Hodgers and I’m the CEO; how could you not be important to me? Can we not keep our business and personal lives separate and still remain friends?"

The stabbing mental pain was unbearable; I needed someone to just shoot me, there and then.

"Yes of course, I managed to say, I apologize for my foolishness. I’m just not thinking clearly at the moment, because I’m a little lonely and lost being back in New York. I know you have better things to do with your time than pander to me…and better offers…"

"Katie please don’t do this to yourself," he said, and I felt the warmth of his strong yet gentle hand on my shoulder, and the tingle in my spine, as his thumb brushing the bare skin of my neck.

"It’s not you Katie, it’s me. You are an attractive woman, in your own way, but we are not right for each other. You are also extremely wealthy; there will be a man out there for you, who has different tastes to me; be patient. Now I really must go. Perhaps tomorrow we should discuss Mick driving you home each night, after all, he is paid well to be your minder. Or maybe, we could find you a driver that you find…interesting. Perhaps that could be a solution for you, if you know what I mean…"

With anger flaring at his nonchalant suggestion of arranging a sex partner for me, I lashed out slapping his face. Could he not see that I was falling in love with him, or possibly, already had? The jerking motion of slapping him, however, woke me from my sleep. I sat bolt upright and looked around. There was nobody there, as always, I was alone in my bed. It was only a dream, I told myself, as my heart continued to pound and the sting of rejection hung in my consciousness. It was only a dream. He has not rejected me, I said aloud. How could he reject me, if I haven’t voiced my feelings yet? Rejection can only come after I do, came my unbidden subconscious response. I had avoided saying anything to him because of my fear. Fear that he would run and then I wouldn’t even be able to enjoy his company for dinner and such. Was an all or nothing gamble worth taking? The thing was, I could no longer deny, to myself, the feelings that I had for him. I needed to feel his touch, his lips on mine, his hands running down my back…and then all over my body…or mine, all over his. He was frustrating to the extreme, always so caring, gentle and considerate. He didn’t have to spend the time with me that he did; that was his choice. I had seen his eyes on me and the way that they followed my movements; he had to have some interest. I had even seen the bulge in his pants more than once, but then, as he always did, he remained a gentleman and kept his distance, with nothing more than a friendly yet professional smile. His reputation was not as a gentleman! He was a philanderer, a lover to scores of women, yet, except for that first night when I screwed it up, he made no advances towards me. Was my dream right? Was my dream not a dream at all? Was it a premonition?

Frustrated and tied, I dragged myself out of bed to get a drink of water. Two thirty in the morning and I have to work tomorrow, today, and I’m wandering around my suite drinking water, I thought vaguely. I needed to act like the twenty six year old independent woman that I was; not some infatuated love sick teenager. I needed to talk to the man and tell him how I felt! If he rejects me, then maybe I can get over him knowing the truth. If he doesn’t reject me…well…ohhh, how wonderful would that be??? OH my goodness! Then another problem struck me. Could I live with being just one of the women in his life? I was not comfortable with that thought. But then, what was the alternative; nothing ever? I already had nothing, and I wasn’t happy with it, as I sat in the gloom drinking my water. Maybe all the others just weren’t or aren’t right for him; all the actresses, models and general glamours. Perhaps what they say about beauty only being skin deep is true. And besides, I no longer think that I am unattractive…Mick and Chantelle even say that I’m beautiful. In time he may find something in me that he can love…or is that what they all thought?

The big picture was far too hard and confusing. I didn’t even know if he had any real interest in me. Everything in its own time, I decided, and first, I had to find out if he had any sexual desires towards me. The question was though, how exactly did I do that? Hey stud, when you have a spare night in your hectic sex life, you could take the time to show me how it’s done, didn’t seem right, but at least I smiled thinking about it. No, at dinner I would be an adult and simply tell him that I found him attractive and see where it led. Very attractive, and see where it led; edible perhaps?

My mind wandered, with a little mischief seeping in.

Maybe we could have a few glasses of wine, or a bottle, with dinner and I could ask him to stay, just to talk, and have more wine. I could get him drunk, although, I would get drunk quicker than him. I know! I could get an indoor pot plant to put at the end of the sofa, and when he’s not looking, keep tipping my wine into the pot plant. Then I could just pretend to be tipsy and start touching him and flirting. I must have a look on the internet and learn how to flirt. That could work! And if he rejects me, at least I can blame the wine to try and smooth it over. Will he reject me even if he is drunk???

Maybe I should just find out where I can get some Rohypnol and date rape him!

I knew it was silly, however, a giggle, thinking about how ridiculous the whole idea was did brighten my mood.

******

CHAPTER ONE

KATIE

Katie Hodgers? The man’s deep voice startled me. I jumped up, looking at him and then at the children out in the vegetable garden with me. I hadn’t heard him approach even though I was always careful to keep my eyes and ears open. Who was this man? He had a semi-automatic rifle over one shoulder, a handgun on his right hip and a lethal looking knife on his left thigh. He had called me by my real name.

Don’t be frightened, he said I have a message for you. Can we speak in private?

I told the children to take the vegetables to the kitchen, to Folami, as I kept my distance from the man who hadn’t moved from the position where he first spoke.

My name is Jake Summers, ma’am. I’m afraid it’s not good news, he said as he stepped forward and handed me a letter. I opened the envelope and felt my legs go from under me as I read the words. This can’t be right! I didn’t recognize the name on the bottom of the letter but it was on Hodgers Corporation paper. Just then I noticed Obi walking hastily towards me.

What’s going on here? he asked.

I told him quickly what was in the letter. Ignoring Jake, he took my hands and helped me to my feet again and encased me in his arms.

Jake was not interested in Obi consoling me. He was in a hurry.

You have to come with me now. You have a flight booked from Nairobi in a couple of days so we have to move fast. I have a vehicle hidden on the outskirts of the village so we can get as far as possible before night fall. It would not be wise to travel with lights but we will have a half moon around midnight and we can start to move again then by moonlight. We will be met at the border tomorrow night and they will take you the rest of the way to Nairobi. I know this is hard Miss Hodgers but you have to trust me. We must move now!

With his arms still around me, Obi whispered, I know this man. You can trust him. I knew that, as an American, it wouldn’t be good if we were captured. It was easier to blend in at the orphanage but traveling was another story altogether. What choice did I have? I grabbed a cloth shoulder bag with a change of clothes and a couple of personal items. After hugging Folami, Obi and the children and telling them I would see them all again, I was taken by the hand and led out of the village. Jake was a man of few words and the first part of the journey was an uneventful blur. Everything was happening so quickly and my mind was still back in the vegetable garden looking at the letter in my hands.

It has to be a mistake; Dad is a healthy 51 year old man.

I was only pulled back to reality when Jake stopped in a thicket that he was happy with, when it was becoming too dark to see.

We’ll hold up here until the moon rises, was all he said.

We both got out of the vehicle and he walked around to my side, handing me a canteen of water, saying, If you’re hungry there’s food in the back, help yourself, and he disappeared into the darkness. I was thirsty but had no appetite.

When he returned, some time later, he went straight to the back of the vehicle and put what looked to be some bread, cheese and some kind of cooked or cured meat on a tin plate. He then pulled a large cylindrical shaped canvas bag out of the back with his free hand. Walking towards me he said, You should get some sleep, and dropped the bag at my feet.

Who are you Jake Summers? I asked, feeling an unusual level of discomfort.

Just a man making his way in the world, was his reply.

What more can you tell me about my father?

Precious little; I was attending to other business when I received news through an associate, that Hodgers’, had been trying to contact me for a few weeks. When I returned to my home base, the note I gave to you was waiting for me, in a letter asking me to call them. I spoke to a man by the name of Childs. The only thing we spoke about was how soon I could get you to Nairobi and that is it, I’m afraid.

There must be more to it than that. Why would Hodgers’ contact you when they are looking for me?

Because of what I do, Ms Hodgers, He replied, offering no more.

And what exactly do you do Mr Summers? I asked feeling as though I was playing a game of cat and mouse.

I solve problems for people Ms Hodgers, people who appreciate my services. Make of that what you will but you are safe with me.

And how did you know where to find me?

Very little happens in this part of the country that I don’t know about. Now I suggest you get some sleep, was his monotone reply.

The rolled-up thin foam mattress that he had given me was enough to make the hard ground comfortable but sleep did not come easily, even as tired as I was.

Eventually, I did actually doze off for a little while, only to be awoken by a gentle shake and a deep voice, It’s time for us to move Ms Hodgers.

The moon was casting a soft light over the landscape and a strong breeze was blowing from the east. Jake was pleased with that; he said it would help defuse the noise of the vehicle. It was a very bumpy ride as he took me on a seldom-traveled route to avoid being seen. I believed there were rebel solders in the area. When the sun rose he stopped the vehicle and refueled the jeep from the jerry cans in the back before taking a pair of binoculars and disappeared for half an hour.

We’re going to have to sit tight for a little while, he said when he returned. He pulled the jeep into a thicket of brush and added more branches to camouflage the vehicle. He then pulled me further away to thick undergrowth to hide. We lay there for at least an hour. Jake had a distinct odor about him; not entirely unpleasant though and it suited his formidable appearance. Lying flat in the brush, it was hot and very uncomfortable but it wasn’t the first time I had hidden somewhere during the last two years. The group that we were hiding from finally came into view and passed us without a sideways glance. When they were well gone I breathed a sigh of relief and brushed myself off. Jake disappeared again for another half an hour. When he returned he got straight back to business. With no explanations we were on our way again.

About forty minutes later he picked up a small hand-held transmitter radio. Extract two. Do you copy? Out. In reply came a barely audible response.

Extract one, have soft signal. All clear ahead for next 30 klicks. There were several more of these exchanges, some telling us to take cover, others to proceed. No names were mentioned so I had no idea who was on the other end.

We stopped twice more to evade troops and it was just after dark on the second night that I noticed some blinking lights in the distance.

There’s your next ride, he said. Traveling is safe from here.

Relaxing a little, I noted that my next companions were not as scary-looking as Jake. They introduced themselves as John and Marcus. Like Jake, they were both Americans. I thanked Jake for keeping me safe and said goodbye before he headed back the way we had come.

The rest of my trip was more comfortable because we were able to stay on the main roads and John and Marcus managed to get me to the airport with one hour to spare. A well-dressed man from the American Embassy met me at the airport. He had an envelope for me containing my tickets, some cash and a new passport. I hadn’t even thought of a passport! I was glad someone was on the ball. I had enough time to freshen up in the rest room; I changed my clothes to ones that looked exactly the same as those that I took off, except they were clean.

I realized that I was more scared than I had ever been. I had been in some tight situations over the last five years, but as I headed for New York I had all kinds of thoughts running through my head. The first three years that I was with the UNICEF team I had been relatively safe. It was after a day that I would rather forget, that I was separated from my team and rescued by Folami and Obi. We had no choice but to flee at the time and days later, it was still to dangerous to try and return to the UNICEF base. Folami and Obi ran an orphanage in a moderately hostile area and the work they did with the children was pleasing to see. I was happy with them and with my olive skin and dressed in the tradition of all the women from that area, it was enough to allow them to pass me off as one of their own children. From that point of time, I stayed with them and lived my assumed role as their daughter and helped them at their orphanage. It had been a real risk for Obi and Folami to take me in and I would never forget them. I was able to get word through to my old unit to let them know I was safe, who I was with and that I wished to stay with them. I also asked them to let Father know I was okay, but they would have lost track of me after that. How Jake had found me I didn’t know and the connection between him and Hodgers Corp was also a mystery to me.

I sat on the plane, shock and disbelief clouding my mind. For the previous two days, I think I had been running on auto-pilot but now being safe and alone the reality of the situation was hitting home. Father was gone! Turning my head, looking out the window, tears that I couldn’t hold back any longer were flowing. I wanted to believe it was a mistake.

The message Jake had delivered to me was short but shocking. ‘Sorry to have to inform you that your father has passed away. It is urgent that you return as soon as possible.’ My father, Nicholas Hodgers, had been a very fit and healthy 51 year-old. I found myself unable to think about the reason or cause for his sudden death. He had never wanted me to leave and it was heartbreaking that he wouldn’t be there when I returned to New York City.

When I turned 21, I felt I had to escape. My father had remarried and I just did not feel I could stay in the family home. I had been just five when my mother died of cancer. Father had met Catherine while I was away at college. I knew what my new stepmother was the minute I met her. She certainly was not in love with my father. I called him whenever I could, but it had been a while since I had been able to get to a phone without putting others in danger by trying to call the States. I knew I had a new sister who was now 4 years old. Her name was Helen and Father was so happy to have another daughter.

I loved him very much, but we just had different ideas on how I should live my life. To me, money was just a means to help others; for Father, it was his life’s challenge to make as much as he could. The last time we’d discussed it, I understood he was worth about 3.5 billion dollars with Hodgers Corp and his own personal investments. And that was five years before, when I left it all behind.

It was a 14-hour flight but I don’t remember much of it. I know that the hostesses and one or two passengers asked if I was alright or tried to offer comfort. I thanked them for their concern but there was nothing I wished to talk about. The time drifted away between periods of tears and sleep; at least when I was asleep, I didn’t have to face the reality that would soon be hitting me right between the eyes.

So there I was, on a plane, nearing the end of my flight home still in my usual Somali attire, covered from head to toe, with my face also hidden. At least I was unrecognizable until I could get some ordinary clothes to wear. Maybe someone else could go shopping for me, I thought vaguely.

I wasn’t sure how I was going to handle being back in the fast pace of New York City. There had been a note with my package at the airport in Nairobi from an Andrew Childs, saying he would meet me on arrival. I had no idea who he was. It was also his name that was on the message on Hodgers Corp stationery that told me of my father’s death. I guessed he was one of my father’s business partners.

ANDREW

The evening before Katie Hodgers was due to arrive back in New York I was at home. My date cell jingled, Hello. Andrew, I answered.

Long time, no see, stranger! It’s Greta, she said in a seductive voice.

With pleasurable flashbacks I replied, It has been a very long time; it’s so good to hear your voice. How is life in Hollywood?

Apart from missing you badly, I’m doing alright I guess. I have scored a couple of small parts. Although, nothing you would have seen yet, but they will be released soon.

Congratulations! I’ll look forward to seeing you soon, even if unfortunately, it’s only on the big screen.

You don’t have to wait that long, if you don’t want to. I am actually on Ellis Island at the moment. We were only going to be here for the afternoon, doing a photo shoot with the Statue of Liberty in the background and flying back this evening. We went over time though, and we are now staying at the Harbor Lights Hotel on Battery Place. That is, unless you would like me to spend the night with you. You haven’t seen me since my enhancements and I would love to show them to you.

That does sound like an excellent idea, however, I will come to you. I have so much going on here at the moment you can hardly walk in my house, I replied, looking at my tidy, organized home.

I was looking forward to seeing Greta. She was a tall, strawberry blonde who I didn’t think needed a boob job. Bigger is not necessarily better. We agreed on 7:32 for dinner in her suite. The overnight stay—well that just complicates things; my way was better.

Until Greta’s call I had been debating whether I would call Rachael or Eva, or just kick back and relax and have an early night. It had been three days since I’d had sex though. That day was the first day I’d really taken it easy since Nicholas’ death, four weeks before. Life had been absolute bedlam, tying up loose ends, meetings upon meetings assuring business contacts that Hodgers Corp was functioning and would continue to function smoothly after Nicholas Hodgers. He had been a magnificent businessman, always the gentleman in his dealings with others. Nicholas and my father had been friends since before I was born, and after working with Nicholas I had also become very close to him. He would always have my admiration and respect. I missed him so much. Nicholas, however, would not have wanted anybody sitting around mourning him and certainly not to the detriment of the corporation.

We had finally contacted his daughter, the heiress to his 53 per cent share in Hodgers Corp, who was due to be landing in New York the next morning at 9:20.

I was concerned for what might follow. I knew she was very intelligent and obviously compassionate, spending the last five years doing charity work in hell. However, I also knew she had never shown any interest in the corporation.

What thoughts are running through her head these days? What thoughts will be running through her head with the majority control of Nicholas’ vast empire? I wondered.

Regardless of my fears in relation to Katie Hodgers, it was also Nicholas’ will that I be the caretaker and acting CEO in the interim. The blood-sucking bitch, otherwise known as Catherine Hodgers, Nicholas’s widow, had already lodged her claim to contest the will and I would do all in my power to prevent her getting her fangs into the corporation. Nicholas was far too much of a gentleman to ever really say anything against Catherine, so I don’t know if my suspicions were correct or not. I did know that little Helen was born a couple of years after I joined Hodgers and that love and happiness spread across Nicholas’s face at the mention of her or Katie. Catherine’s name had no such effect and the subject was usually quickly changed.

Traffic was only average, so I arrived at Harbor Lights with 23 minutes to spare and decided on maybe one drink in the lounge and a look around first. I liked to check out the competition. When I was traveling, sometimes I liked to even stay at hotels other than our own, just seeing how the service was, or if they were doing anything we weren’t. It seemed like a reasonable hotel and I enjoyed my drink, checking my watch occasionally, and taking a sneaky look at the cleavage of the blonde, three seats along the bar, occasionally as well. Who knows? On another night, I could have asked, and she could have gotten lucky.

It will be interesting to see what their food is like, I thought while standing outside Greta’s suite with one minute and seventeen seconds to kill before knocking.

I knocked and a few seconds later I heard, Exactly 7:32. That would have to be Mr Perfect. Greta was naked as a jaybird when she opened the door.

Hello Babe, this is a wonderful greeting. I love what you chose not to wear tonight, I said in the best husky voice that I could invoke and thought to myself, from memory I think I preferred her boobs before the upgrade, as Greta did a dance for me.

Greta purred, So you like them then?

Oh very much so, I replied, and then the kissing started as Greta put her arms around my neck.

I queried, So what if it hadn’t been me at your door?

I remember how punctual you are. Besides, if by some miracle it wasn’t you, then someone would have gotten lucky, but not as lucky as you’re about to get. I only ordered a couple of minutes before you arrived, so we have some time, Greta replied, stripping me on the spot. Before my pants were to my ankles, Greta had her tongue, lips and mouth, all over me. Oh she’s so good at that, I thought, as I looked down at her soft hair, as it flopped with the motion of delight.

Greta eventually worked her lips back up my body to my lips. Kissing and running my hands over her very trim figure, I maneuvered her to the sofa and sat her down. Kneeling between her knees, with my right hand I rolled on the rubber which I had grabbed from my pocket before my pants disappeared and I used my left to excite her, until I could see her, Brazilian, glistening with need. Slipping deep inside Greta, she moaned and wrapped her legs around my waist, pulling and moving in time with me. Her upsized tits wobbled appealingly, even though it wasn’t quite a natural wobble it was still nice to see. It was then that I realized, her tits were now much the same as Eva’s boobs, only Eva’s were natural and wobbled more freely. Greta’s tits had definitely been better when they were C cup boobs and all hers. Greta’s squirming and bucking, her squeals, moans and heavy staggered breaths became, Yes, yes, yes Andrew. My own urgency was building. Feeling her nails clawing my back, she groaned loudly, Oh God Andrew. Oh yes! Oh yes, as she jerked running wet and hot, contorting and falling back on the sofa jittering and whimpering. As all women do, she looked so good at that moment, flushed, breathless and lost. I liked that, she was mine when ever I asked.

Not so hard with the nails, Babe. I’ve told you before, I said as I continued thrusting. Greta was squealing again, as if for mercy, and I so enjoyed that, as I felt the endorphins run through my body and she tensed, screamed and exploded again. I let myself go then as well, because surely dinner would be delivered soon.

Our pleasant dinner was only interrupted once by my cell, receiving confirmation that Katie was on the flight to New York. Greta and I chatted and enjoyed the food. We had sex again, not bothering to move away from the table. With Greta’s hot sweaty body and hard tits against my skin, she straddled my legs, gasping for breath and murmuring sweet nothings in my ear. Something about missing me and how complete she felt, or how we were made for each other; something like that.

Oh Greta, it has been lovely catching up with you too, but as I said over dinner, I have to meet Katie Hodgers in the morning, so I really should go. Tomorrow is going to be a big day.

Greta pouted, Can’t you stay with me for the night and leave early in the morning? I so miss our rendezvous and I have always wanted to fall asleep in your arms. Just this once please?

In my sweetest voice and trying for some regret as well, I replied, What a wonderful thought, but unfortunately I can not afford myself that pleasure. You know I will not be able to keep my hands off your beautiful body and new breasts. No, there is too much hinging on tomorrow going smoothly. I have to be on my game. I cannot put people’s futures at risk simply for my own pleasure. So as much as I would like to stay, I can’t.

She relented, Yes, I know you have a lot of responsibilities. I’m just being selfish. I’ll call next time I am in town and hopefully I can get more of you then.

Oh baby, I will be heartbroken if you don’t. Now I really must go, I replied before getting dressed and leaving.

I wondered if I should feel bad about telling little fibs, but when they get clingy I don’t like to hurt their feelings and the arrangement is always just for fun. So the end justifies the means. It was well worth the drive though; even with the oversize tits, Greta had a wonderful body and very pleasing lips. Conceitedly, I wondered, how lucky am I?

CHAPTER TWO

KATIE

It had been a long flight so my nerves were well and truly on edge when the captain announced our approach to JFK airport. It was around 9am. At least I had no luggage so it would be a fast exit through customs. I noticed him straight away. Although, he wasn’t what I was expecting; for some reason I had pictured someone older, maybe balding or graying hair, possibly a paunch. Maybe Mr Childs was busy and sent this guy to pick me up? He does have my name on his sign.

It faded into the background as I took him in. I’m not sure how long I just stood there looking. The man was around 6 feet 2 inches tall, dark hair, well built without appearing like a weigh lifter and the suit definitely didn’t hurt. His handsome face held me spellbound. He looked just rugged enough to avoid being a pretty boy. He could have been a male model or a high class body guard…or escort.

It should be illegal for someone to be that handsome.

When I got my legs to move again, I looked only at him. He noticed my approach and I couldn’t quite read the expression on his face, or in his intense hazel-to-green eyes. Can he actually see straight through me, as his gaze suggests? I felt disarmed, vulnerable and exposed even though I was covered from head to toe.

I think he was a bit confused by my attire. I was standing almost in front of him and he seemed stunned, looking me straight in the eyes. He only appeared to recover his senses when I spoke.

Hello, I’m Katie Hodgers.

He cleared his throat. Happy to meet you, Katie. I’m just sorry it had to be under these circumstances. You have my deepest sympathy; Nicholas was dear to us all.

Thank you, was all I could manage in reply.

Umm, do you have any luggage? I can get Mick to collect it for you.

There was a very large man standing to the side and back a little who looked like he should have been guarding the president. Now he has to be a bodyguard! But who is this guy? Why hasn’t he introduced himself? I wondered before replying to his question. I had to leave everything behind, not that I had much. So it’s just me.

I felt so stupid at that moment. Being near him was making my knees feel weak, or maybe it was from sitting on a plane for so long.

"I have a car waiting for us if you would like to follow me. I have also arranged a room for you at one of our hotels, Emily Towers. I hope that is to your liking. I wasn’t sure if you would rather go home, but from what your father told