I feel my heart constrict.
“There’s this one artist, for instance. Harriet Boucher. I am totally and utterly besotted with her.”
I giggle. “Should I be worried?”
He picks up my hand and kisses my fingertips. “She’s old.”
“How old?”
“I don’t know, I think in her nineties. I’ve been searching for her because I know my time to find her is running out.”
“What do you mean?”
“I own all but three of her paintings that are out in public. But there are more that I don’t own, and they’re probably all in storage somewhere. I want to find her before she passes so that I can make her an offer and ensure that they aren’t lost.”
I frown. “What’s so good about these paintings?”
“Everything.” He smiles. “I know it sounds ridiculous but I have an affection for them that I can’t explain. I stare at them for hours and still I need more. It’s like they speak to me in an otherworldly way.”
I smile as I listen.
“I have a connection to the artist.” He shrugs as if embarrassed, bends and picks another little pink field flower and passes it to me.
“Thanks.” I take it from him.
“I don’t know what it is. Perhaps we knew each other in another life.”
Goosebumps scatter up my arms as I stare at him and, unexpectedly, I well up, and blink to try and hide my tears.
“What’s wrong?” He frowns.
I shrug, embarrassed. “Nothing.” I give a subtle shake of my head. “That’s just . . . probably, the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard anyone say. You need to find this old woman so you can tell her in person.” I smile dreamily. “I can’t imagine how happy you will make her heart.”
“Most people think I’m crazy.”
“I think it’s . . .” I pause as I search for the right word. “Magical.”
He smiles shyly. “I don’t know about that, it could be one big wild goose chase.”
“Well, you were chased by ducks.” I widen my eyes to accentuate my point. “Kind of the same thing . . .”
He goes to grab me and I pull out of his grip and take off up the hill. He lets out a roar and chases me and I laugh out loud.
It’s been a great day, the best.
Whoever named this estate was right on the money. I am totally enchanted.
Monday morning, 11 a.m.
I sit in the boardroom along with my colleagues, waiting for Elliot for our monthly meeting. After the most incredible weekend in history, I’m floating on cloud nine.
Elliot walks in, back ramrod-straight and in a perfectly fitted blue suit. His dark hair is messed up to a perfect just-fucked look and his eyes find mine across the room. “Morning,” he says as he closes the door behind him.
His presence instantly takes over the room, power personified.
My stomach flutters. Good grief, I’m totally fan-girling over this man.
In my defense though, there’s a damn lot to fan over. I’ve never met anyone quite like him.
“Good morning.” I concentrate on keeping a straight face and acting normal.
He puts his computer down on the large boardroom table. “How was everyone’s weekend?” he asks as he looks around.
“Good thanks.” They all start to answer and chat.
“How was yours?” I ask.
His eyes find mine and he gives me the best come-fuck-me look I have ever seen. “Exceptional.”
My heart skips a beat.
I bite the inside of my lip to stop myself from openly swooning at his feet.
Get a hold of yourself Kate, slow it down.
He begins to read through the meeting notes from last month and my stomach contracts with a sharp pain.
Oh no.
My period.
I close my eyes. Damn it. Not now.
The meeting continues as pain throbs through me, and perspiration wets my skin.
Elliot is standing at a whiteboard talking with a marker in his hand.
My stomach twists hard and I drop my head.
Oh . . . this hurts.
His eyes come to me and a trace of a frown crosses his face as he talks.
He continues but I feel the hot release and stand in a rush. “I’m sorry, I have to leave,” I whisper through pain.
“Is everything alright?” He frowns.
“I’m unwell.” I rush for the door. “I’m sorry, I’ll catch up in the notes.”
I make it down to my floor, grab my handbag, and practically run to the bathroom.
I don’t have time for this crap.
ELLIOT
I dial Kate’s office; it rings out. Where is she?
I exhale heavily and get back to my report, something is wrong. I dial her floor manager. “Hello Peter, can you put me through to Kathryn, please.”
“She’s gone home sick, sir.”
I frown. “Ahh, okay.” I hang on the line as I roll my pen underneath my fingers on my desk. “Did she mention what was wrong?”
“Stomach problems.”
“Thank you.” I hang up.
I dial her cell phone. “Hi El,” she answers softly.
“Are you alright?”
“Yeah, sorry to leave early.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Just my period, I’ll be okay.”