Harry (Members From Money Season 2 #142)

Chapter 1

“I love touching you here.”

“You love touching me everywhere.” She whispered huskily.

“True’ His smile was charming and wolfish at the same time. “You have a mole right here; did you know that?”

“Considering it’s my body, then yes.”

“Well, it’s my body now.” He leered. “I enjoy looking at you. God, I love you.”

“I love you too.”

She woke up startled, the top she had donned to go to bed completely drenched, her heart racing out of control.

“It was a damn dream. Stupid of me to still have them. Damn him to hell!” She had sworn that she was finished with crying, but the tears simply leaked out of her eyes and she could not control the sobs.

“This has to stop.” Her voice sounded loud in the otherwise silent room. A glance at the clock showed that it was far too early to get a start on her day. It was only 3.00 am on a Saturday morning.

Usually, she was off duty on the weekends from the real estate agency she ran along with her best friend, but she had missed so many days after her relationship had ended that she just had to play catch up.

“I hate that handsome Irish bastard and wish that I were brave enough or had enough fight in me to take him down. Darling, he broke your heart.”

“He made it plain what he was about. It’s for me to accept it or move on and I am trying to move on.”

“That was two months ago, and I have to tell you as your best friend and partner in business, that you look like hell. Still beautiful of course, but you have lost weight. Darling, you are disappearing before my very eyes.” Michael had tried hiding his concern, but it had shown. “You should come back to work and try and meet someone.”

“No…” She shook her head with a weak laugh. “No more relationships. Not now. I cannot bear going out on a date. Not yet.”

Shaking off the memories, she reached for the towel on the bed and mopped her face. She missed him. Everything reminded her of him. His scent was still lingering, that masculine seductive cologne he favored. The way his dense dark hair would get in the way whenever he was kissing her. And God!

The man knows how to kiss. Harry McGibbon knew how to do everything, except make a complete commitment. What the hell was she thinking? That she and the heir to a multi-billion- dollar fortune would fall in love and live happily ever after? She thought bitterly.

His mother had never approved of the relationship and had made it plain from the start.

But she had looked past that because she was in love and love conquers all, right? Wrong.

He didn’t want children. He had told her about some of his lousy childhood and she had sympathized, and thought she could get him to forget and move on.

But it was not the case. Shoving off the bed, she reached for her robe and shrugged it on. It was plain she was not going back to sleep now. Ever since they had broken up, she had been having a rather grim time sleeping through the entire night.

“Tea,” she muttered, passing a hand over the big twists she had managed last night. She had promised Michael she would be there to sort through some paperwork with the Livingstone estate.

The place was in a mess and in litigation with the various heirs fighting over the reading of the will. It had come down to where the place, the beautiful property was going to be sold and the various antique furnishings were to be sold in selected auctions.

“I’m okay! I’m okay.” She kept repeating it as she called for lights when she stepped inside her cozy yellow and green kitchen. Putting the kettle on, she dug through the pantry and selected Jasmine tea.

Her stomach was behaving crazy since the past two weeks, but she was not surprised. Everything was off. She had spent the first two weeks weeping at every turn and unable to do her job.

“Over a fricking man.” She muttered as she grabbed the bottle of honey. Not just any man. She had fallen in love for the first time in her life, with a ‘bad boy billionaire.’ Harry McGibbon had sauntered over to her at that party and separated her from her date when he commandeered a dance.

She had been annoyed by his high-handed attitude, but before the dance ended, he had her full attention. She had done something she had never done before and left the party with him to go to his apartment. She knew who he was of course, who didn’t. He was always in the papers. ‘

Bad boy Harry (AKA Bobby) McGibbon was involved in another brawl’. Or ‘Bad boy Harry McGibbon wins the annual drag race three times in a row.’ And – ‘Harry McGibbon involved with actress so and so. How long will this affair last?’

Michael had warned her against getting involved.

“Bang the handsome, rich Irishman, but do not make the mistake of falling for him. It’s heartbreak road, darling. He doesn’t stick to anyone for long.”

She had fought against his rugged charms, tried to appear immune, but they had both found something irresistible in each other and within the space of six months the attraction had quickly turned to something so powerful that it had swept them along its wake and had them deciding to move in together.

His mother had been against the relationship and Janelle had been scared. “She’s your mother and if she doesn’t like me, this relationship is going nowhere.”

He had brushed it aside in his inimitable way with a careless grin. “I don’t care about that. I just want you.”

The shrill sound of the kettle had her jumping. Sliding off the stool, she went to turn off the stove. Her stomach was jittery and would not settle. She had lost weight, which she could not afford to do. It was time to get her life back.

*****

Harry hissed out an impatient sigh when he caught sight of the woman lounging on his porch, one foot tapping impatiently. Madelyn McGibbon looked steamed, which was not a particularly good sign. “Here, boy.” He whistled for Shep, his dog who came to a screeching halt in obedience to his call. “Good boy. We have company.”

He murmured, running his fingers through the adoring dog’s dense fur. “And she looks upset. Let’s go hear what’s this is about, shall we?” Keeping a hand on the dog’s collar, he exercised the quiet authority, knowing that his mother was not very animal friendly.

He had gone for a run, which had taken him more than an hour as he tried to get rid of the demons plaguing him, to no avail.

“Darling, I have been waiting for more than half hour!” Madelyn’s cool gray eyes took in the worn tank top, the threadbare gray sweats and tennis shoes that had been around for three years.

It was comfortably broken in and he frankly did not give a rat’s ass about fashion. His thick dark hair was carelessly combed back into a ponytail that straggled past his shoulders. And he was pouring sweat. Something else his mother found distasteful. Good, he thought grimly. This should hasten her along.

“You should have called.”

“I did.” Her lips pursed and she held back a shudder as he bounded up the steps and dropped down on a chair with comfortably worn leather. Reaching over to open a minifridge which was conveniently placed next to the chair, he took out a bottle of water and twisted the cap off.

“I had my phone on vibrate.” Wildly beautiful blue eyes tracked to the well preserved and lovely face of Madelyn McGibbon. “What’s this about?”

“I’m worried about you.”

“Why?”

Madelyn tamped down the impatience and frustration that threatened to spill over. She had not approved of his choice, but at least he had been happy when he was with that girl. Now he was getting into trouble and reverting to his usual behavior. “You’ve not been to the office lately.”

“I have been working from home.” Swallowing water, he used his free hand to dig into Shep’s fur, causing the animal to whimper in delight.

Madelyn cast a slightly derisive look at the dog before staring at her son. He had the look of his dad, blue-black hair and wildly beautiful blue eyes that could become quite intense at times.

She had eventually fallen in love with Richard and had been taken in by his charms. Her mind shied away from thinking about the man who had broken her heart and broken his son into pieces by his abuse. And she could not help but feel guilty. Because of him, Harry was hurting and unable to fully function.

“Darling, I am not complaining. Your contribution is excellent as usual and thorough. But there are meetings….”

“But you do so well as CEO.”

“Interim CEO. The company belongs to you.”

“A technicality!” His mouth tightened. “I am not CEO material.”

“Darling…”

“Enough, mother.” He rose lithely, six foot three inches of lean muscles and sheer beauty that not even the raggedy clothing could hide. “I am tired and hungry and am going out for a bit before turning in. If there is nothing else…?”

“The party!” She rose as well, determined to keep a lid on her temper.

“What party?”

Her lips firmed. “I asked my assistant to send you a reminder. The real estate event being held at the Royalton, tomorrow.” Determination was stamped on her face. “You are required to be there.”

Harry knew better than to push the envelope and nodded curtly.

“I will.”

“It is a black-tie affair. I have instructed Romano’s to send something over in the morning.”

“I don’t need you picking out my clothes!”

Her eyes drifted over what he had on derisively. “Apparently you do. Eat something darling, you look a little too thin.” With a wave of one elegant hand, she was gone.

“Not now, Shep.” His tone was unnecessarily sharp, causing the animal to slink away.

Cursing loudly, he snapped his fingers and had the animal rushing forward. “It’s not your fault that I’m in a stinking mood.”

He led the way into the kitchen and poured some of the dog’s favorite food into a bowl before heading straight to the cabinet to pour himself a drink. The central air kicked in just then, making him shiver and reminding him he needed a shower.

Taking the drink with him, he wandered over to the window to stare out at the sun going making its appearance and shining brilliantly on the flowers just east of the pool house. What was she doing now? He wondered achingly. He had just stopped himself from calling her – well for the past two months.

He had to get over her – put her behind him, put the entire mess out of his mind. They were incompatible. He would not change his bloody mind, and he could not expect her to live with him, knowing that he could never give her what she so desperately wanted.

Even if she had agreed to the terms of the relationship, he would have known it to be a lie. She had lost her parents when she was just leaving college, a tragic accident that had left both of them dead and her fervent wish was for a family of her own.

Tossing back his drink, he relished the sting inside his stomach. She was better off finding someone who could give her the family she craved. That someone was not him.

And as much as he still cared for her – hell, the truth was that he had never loved anyone, the way he loved her. But it would pass. He would go somewhere again, try, and get her out of his bloody mind and that was that. Tossing back the rest of the drink, he slammed the glass down and went upstairs to take a shower.

*****

“Darling, you look ghastly.”

“Thanks.” Janelle shrugged off her light jacket and hung it on a peg, before going towards her desk. “I can always rely on you to make me feel worse than I already do.”

“I will always be honest.” Michael Davenport was a dapper man with a sense of style that was unmistakable.

His thick honey blonde hair was impeccably styled, and his long lashed green eyes had a worried look in them as he followed her into the office. Even on a Saturday morning, he was wearing tan dress pants and a rose pink -beautifully - styled sports jacket over a ruby red shirt.

“Are you coming down with a cold?”

“No. Just…” Plopping down on the chair, she passed a hand over her forehead. “My appetite is not the best, since lately.”

“And we know who’s to blame for that.” He hitched a hip on the edge of the desk, a disapproving look on his handsome face. “Have you spoken to him since he got back?” She shook her head. “What difference would it make?”

“You need to get back out there. He has!”

“Has he?” She tried to make it sound as if she did not care, but the pain of that statement went through her like a sword.

“He’s very photogenic.” With regret, Michael slid the society rag towards her where, featured on the front page was Harry and an up-and-coming actress. He had his arm around her waist and the pose was very intimate.

Sucking in a sharp breath, she continued to stare at the glossy photo. “Bastard!” She whispered.

He waited until she had recovered some of her composure before whisking the offensive magazine away and dumping it inside the trash can. “You don’t have to attend the function tomorrow.”

She stared at him puzzled. “What function? Oh crap.” Covering her face with her hands, she felt her stomach muscles quivering. How much more was she supposed to endure?

“I had completely forgotten about it.” Lowering her hands, she stared at her unadorned nails and considered. Looking at him, she shook her head. “I am not going to cower and hide. It is an important form of networking and we both need to be there. I will not let you down.”

Reaching across the desk, Michael took one slender hand in his. “I blame myself.”

She let out a rueful laugh. “Why on earth would you do that?”

“I was the one who pressured you into going to that damn party where you first met him.”

She shook her head, expression sober. “I don’t regret loving him.” She bit her lip as she contemplated her emotions. “It’s a wonderful feeling when it’s returned, and it is – or was. What we had was special and I knew he loved me.” A sigh escaped her. “I was the one who broke it off, remember?”

“Because he doesn’t want children. Are you certain he won’t change his mind? If he loved you…?”

“No!” Her hand gripped his. “I cannot use that argument because it wouldn’t be fair. He has his reasons and not because they are not in agreement with mine, does not make it any less significant.

I just have to live with the fact that we will never be together and try and move on.” Tugging her hand away, she squared her shoulders. “I am going to need a fabulous dress.”

Michael beamed at her. “That’s the spirit and I know just the place. It just so happens that I have a hankering to splurge.”

“Michael, no. I cannot let you pay for it.”

“Try and stop me,” he retorted cheerfully. Easing off the desk, he clapped his hands in glee. “let’s finish up here and go shopping.”

*****

He was in his element and despite her reservations and utter weariness, she allowed him to prod and poke at her with the help of the very eager saleswoman who was a friend of his.

“What about this emerald, green one?” Marcie, who was also the owner of the exclusive and extremely expensive clothing store came out with the dress draped over one arm.

“Or this bronze?” She eyed Janelle’s caramel complexion, the thick natural curls, and dark brown eyes with just a touch of envy. “I have to admit that any color would suit that flawless skin of yours.”

“I think the bronze is stunning,” Michael murmured approvingly. They had been whisked into a private area of the store by Marcie who had immediately handed the floor over to her staff.

Champagne had been served and small plates of canapes and fruits. Janelle had the champagne in her hand and was taking tiny sips but had no stomach for the rest.

“What do you think Janelle?”

“It’s fine.”

“I could find some accessories to match and of course you’re going to need shoes.”

“I have shoes. Dozens.”

“New dress, new shoes.” Michael nodded to Marcie. “Go, do your thing darling. There is no need for her to try the dress, it’s going to fit just perfectly.”

Marcie beamed at him, no doubt anticipating the charges piling up.

Waiting until the woman was out of earshot, Michael turned to her with a worried frown. “You look wiped out.”

“We did a lot today.”

“No!” He shook his head. “Are you certain you are not coming down with something? I know your allergies can be pretty awful at times and the stress…”

“I think that’s what it is,” she interjected hastily.

“You should pay a visit to the doctor. You really don’t look at all well.”

“I’m just tired, really.” She forced a smile and took another sip of the champagne. But he was right. She was listless and weepy all the time.

Yes, the breakup was part of it, but she had a feeling there was more going on. Her appetite was shot, and she wasn’t sleeping through the night. Her stomach felt as if it was being rubbed raw and she was tired all the time.

“How about I treat us to dinner?”

“No. You’re already doing enough.”

“Darling, I insist,” Michael said firmly.

*****

He smoked and smiled grimly as the thought filtered through his mind that his mother would be horrified that he had picked up ‘the dreadful habit’ again. Going out tonight had been a dismal failure.

The bar he frequented had been less than appealing. It was somewhere he usually felt comfortable going because no one bothered him. He was just Harry to the patrons.

Not Harry McGibbon. No one hassled him, but then again, if they did the first time, they were never tempted to try for the second time. He knew how to handle himself very well. Hadn’t he been forced to learn? He thought bitterly. His old man hadn’t used his fist, but his words had done the damage. And a hell of a lot of it too.

Richard McGibbon had enjoyed being the king of the proverbial castle. His glance tracked over to the stone manor that had been in the family for several generations. It was too big for one person, but there was a proviso in the will that prevented it from being sold. It could be given away, donated to charity, but never sold.

He had been trying to persuade his mother to turn it into a museum or something like that, but she insists on clinging to the pile of stones like a lover.

He had no love for the place. Too many bad memories. He would have stayed in Ireland where he still had some cousins and an aunt, but he owed it to her to come back and help out. Besides, he could just stomach being here because the old man was dead.

Leaning his head back, he squinted against the fragrant smoke and studied the star-studded sky. His expression turned wistful, and he could feel the familiar ache staring inside his chest and moving further down.

“I could do this all night.” Her sultry voice was so clear, he could almost imagine her sitting next to him.

“I can think of something else we could be doing.”

“You’re always thinking about sex.”

“Who said anything about sex? Now whose mind is in the gutter now?”

“You can honestly say you don’t feel the need to strip me naked and have your way with me?”

“Now look what you’ve done.” He growled before pulling her on top of him.

The smoke was inhaled too swiftly and caused him to choke and sputter. Shep jumped up from his fitful nap and wandered over to put his face on his master’s knees, eyeing him woefully as if wondering what was wrong.

“I’m fine, buddy,” Harry grinned sheepishly. “Just some extremely uncomfortable memories, taking root. How about a last-minute run before we turn in?” The dog wagged his tail excitedly in response.