Whisked Away by Her Millionaire Boss

‘No.’ Sarah shook her head. ‘That part of my life is over and I want it to remain forgotten—it’s not something I want Jodie to know about. It was bad enough that a social worker was involved in our lives for two years, making sure Jodie was “safe”. The fear that Jodie would be taken from her had been all consuming; even now caused her skin to clammy with dread. ‘I’m a different person now, thanks to Jodie. Becoming a mother turned my life around for the better.’

‘Then tell her that. Tell her the truth, Sarah. Not all of it right now, but a little. I am truly sorry for what you went through because of Kevin, but it’s better for her to know—because not knowing eats away at you inside, and in the long run it will affect your relationship with her because she won’t understand why you won’t tell her.’

‘Did it affect your relationship with your mother?’

‘Yes, it did. I was desperate to know. I raged at her, threatened her, tried every manipulative ploy I could conjure up. I tried charm and persuasion too, but in the end I had to accept that she won’t tell me. I realised that I was simply making her life even more miserable than it already was, so I let it go. And maybe she has her reasons. But from what you’ve told me about Kevin, from a personal viewpoint, I would rather know for sure that my dad was a lowlife than not know anything at all.’

Sarah tried to think. Her whole mind was awhirl. Of course she had thought about how Jodie must feel about her dad, but hearing the raw emotion in Ben’s voice made her question her decision not to tell her about him. It made her wonder whether, in a way, it had been a selfish one, or one born of cowardice. Yes, she wanted to forget that part of her life, to paint over the past, but that meant expecting Jodie not to want to know a part of her, even though it was a part of her past and not her future.

‘I’ll think about everything you’ve said. I promise.’

‘I can’t ask more than that. And, listen, please know that I think you’re a fantastic parent. Jodie is lucky to have you. Now,’ he said, ‘let’s enjoy the rest of dinner. There’s a cheesecake for dessert.’

* * *

The following morning, Ben opened his eyes and immediately knew something was different. He lay in bed for a moment, staring at the ceiling as the events of the previous day came back to him. Sarah and Jodie were in the house. He couldn’t hear them, and was pretty sure he had awoken naturally, yet there was a different feel to the air. As if the house was revelling in having visitors.

He was being ridiculous.

Quickly, he swung his legs out of bed and headed for the shower. Afterwards, at the entrance to the kitchen, he stopped and blinked. Jodie was sitting at the table, spooning up cereal. Sarah was at the counter buttering bread—presumably for a packed lunch. The counter was cluttered with items, and mother and daughter were discussing the day ahead. It was a domestic scene that was likely being played out all across the country, but here, in his own house, he was part of it.

‘Good morning,’ she said.

‘Good morning. Have you got everything you need? I’ve asked my driver to take you to school, if that’s easier.’

‘Cool!’ Jodie’s face lit up.

Ben nodded at Sarah. ‘Lots of luck at the interview. I’ll look forward to hearing all about it later.’

‘Thank you.’

* * *

Ben had spent a ridiculous proportion of the day wondering how Sarah’s interview would go, was going and had gone. He arrived home that evening with a daft sense of anticipation, to find her and Jodie waiting in the kitchen.

‘Well, how did it go?’

‘It was brilliant. Ellen was so lovely and she offered me the job on the spot. Three days a week, Tuesday to Thursday, to start with. I loved it. I really did. And I start tomorrow.’

Her enthusiasm was palpable, and it could be seen in the way she swirled around the kitchen making coffee.

‘I bought cake to celebrate. So sit down and enjoy. It’s triple chocolate.’

Ben felt his lips curve up into a grin. ‘I am really, really pleased.’

Without though

t he walked towards her, spanned her slender waist and whirled her round, catching the scent of berry shampoo and joining in her gasp of laughter. He caught a glimpse of Jodie’s expression, registered the hint of speculation in her gaze and placed the girl’s mother down.

Whoa. Rein it in...dial it down.

‘That’s fantastic news, isn’t it, Jodie? I am very lucky to have someone as talented as your mum working in my organisation.’

Emphasis on working.

He could not, would not want Jodie to get the wrong idea. His gaze met Sarah’s and he knew her thoughts mirrored his. He could see it in her eyes.

‘I’m sorry,’ he mouthed, his back to Jodie now, and she gave her head a small shake to indicate that he shouldn’t worry.’