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Excerpt
Shattered
Dreams
Linde Lean
Chapter One
“Come in Miss. Smith,
don’t hover.”
Jenny lifted her eyes
to meet those of her prospective employer. Her breath caught in her
chest at the full impact of his striking emerald eyes.
As he raised himself
from the chair, in conventional courtesy, Jenny noticed his casual
dress. Faded blue denim pants and a white cotton shirt, unbuttoned
to mid-chest, very sexy.
Jenny entered the
study and sat down on the edge of the brown leather armchair. If she
sat back properly, her feet would not reach the floor. She already
felt nervous, and at a disadvantage, she did not want him to look at
her and think she was too young. She needed this job.
“Miss Smith, lets get
down to the practicalities. I don’t believe that this position will
suit you.” His businesslike tone did not distract from the
attractive huskiness of his voice. “The position is for a nanny for
my son, as you know. But you may be unaware that the position
requires that you reside on the premises and that the working hours
are from five in the evening, till quite late.”
Jenny felt the
disappointment acutely. She’d not anticipated that within seconds of
the interview, without having uttered a word, she would be found
unsuitable for the position. But she intended to try her hardest to
change his opinion. “That’s exactly what suits me about this
position.” Seeing the enquiring curve to his brow, Jenny
straightened her posture even further, and gave him a direct gaze.
“I received a bursary from the Cape Town University, to study Child
Psychology. I require a position that would enable me to go to the
University during the day and afford me the opportunity to study in
a quiet environment when I’m not on duty.”
Lifting a file from
the desk, he quickly scanned it, then pinned her with a direct look.
“Where are you living now?”
“On the premises of
the nightclub I currently work in.”
“I see. You don’t like
the job?”
“No, hostessing is not
my scene. Also study is almost impossible and the money pitiable.”
“Hmm…” He flipped the
file open again with understated casualness.
Jenny hoped he
wouldn’t hold her job against her. She’d been compelled to find work
and leave the orphanage when she completed her school year, two
years ago.
He raised his hand to
his jaw and ran an index finger over a stubble chin.
“When my PA invited
you for the interview, you were advised that I require you to spend
the weekend here, so that I can see how you interact with my son.”
This a confident statement.
“Yes,” Lifting her
backpack from the floor, she indicated it, “I brought my things
with. It’s just for tonight and tomorrow, am I correct, I’m to leave
Sunday morning?”
“Correct. Well, Miss
Smith, let me show you to your room.” He stood up.
“I’m sure the
accommodation will be more than adequate,” she advised. “I’d prefer
to meet Andy first, if you don’t mind?”
The smile he gave,
dazzled her and feeling flustered she stood up, and walked toward
the door.
As he allowed her to
precede him through the study door, Ryan’s hand briefly touched her
waist as he guided her out. Today, for some reason, the nervous
butterflies, which normally settled in the pit of her stomach,
bounded in her heart to settle low in her abdomen, causing an
unfamiliar tingle.
They headed towards
the imposing stairway and as they ascended the stairs Ryan
maintained his position just behind Jenny. Even with him a few steps
behind and lower than her, Ryan still dwarfed her five foot two
frame. When they reached the landing, he placed his hand on her
elbow, a thrilling vizier ran through her body. Lifting her head,
she noticed a hint of a smile play around his mouth, he was amused.
Had he guessed her reaction to him? Well if he had, he knew more
than her, as her feelings felt new and confusing to her.
This home was far more
opulent than any she’d ever seen. Her childhood was less than
perfect. She was left at an orphanage, in the Cape Flats, as a baby.
Now was her chance to make something of herself and getting this job
was the first step.
Ryan lightly tapped on
the door, and opened it. As he entered Jenny heard a squeal of utter
delight. “Daddy!"
Entering behind Ryan,
Jenny was just in time to see a little body came hurtling towards
Ryan, whom quickly and adeptly caught the hurtling form, and with
one fluid movement swung the little body, high up into the air.
Jenny stood transfixed
at the door, as the little boy, swung his arms out wide, making a
noise like an airplane, as his father twirled him around in the air,
his body almost touching the high ceiling. This was obviously, a
well-established ritual.
When Ryan brought Andy
down, holding him in his strong arms, against his broad chest, his
son eagerly gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Ryan indulgently
smiled at his son, whose delighted face was a mirror image of his
own, with the same black hair and emerald eyes.
The younger member of
the family features, also hinted at, and promised the same strong
features and strength of character, as the older one. Jenny could
see Andy’s obvious pleasure at seeing his Dad.
“I‘ve a surprise for
you….”
“What Daddy? What?”
His little body,
bobbed up and down with excitement, in Ryan’s arms.
Turning towards
Jenny, Ryan informally introduced her. “This is Jenny. She’s coming
to stay with us for a few days.”
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