My Forbidden Mentor (31 page)

He’d caught her off guard with his ravishing physical display of possession. Thankfully he had stopped, for she might not have. She shifted to find him watching her. She only smiled as she stepped past him to enter her room.

He thought he’d made a big mistake by his actions a moment ago but he couldn’t help himself. Not knowing their future together and the presence of another man in her life, even if he was her driver, posed enough of a threat to make him act drastically, but then she had surprised him by her reaction. She didn’t fight, she didn’t fall apart, and she didn’t say anything, until now.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, John, if you’re free?”

“To say goodbye?” John asked with reservation.

“No. To spend time with you.” She needed to clear the air with John. It had to go one way or another and right now it seemed in limbo. She couldn’t handle limbo with a man like John.

John couldn’t hide the look of shock appearing on his features, yet the shock didn’t override his eager mannerism. “Where and when?”

“When are you free?”

“In the afternoon.”

“Would you be interested in going to the theater tomorrow night?” She had always wanted go.

Stumped, he didn’t reply right away. For all his life a woman had never asked him to the theater, and it sounded like Miss Howard had done just that. “Yes, yes I would,” he stumbled out.

Her straightened lips curved into a generous smile. “Fabulous. I’ve always wanted to go.”

He handed her the key. “Does this mean you are extending your trip?”

“Perhaps. I haven’t decided yet.”

“I see.”

They exchanged a lengthy gaze of internal longing. They used to talk about practically everything with each other and would feel comfortable about it, but now, neither could speak a meaningful syllable. Their feelings were closely guarded for pain had stabbed once into their short but illustrious relationship.

“Are you picking me up or am I picking you up?” John offered, unable to withstand the pressure of their quiet stance.

“I only asked for your company John. The rest is up to you.”

“What time?”

“How about five o’clock?”

“I’ll pick you up at five in front of your hotel then.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“I am as well.”

“Until tomorrow?”

“Until tomorrow. Goodnight Melissa.”

“Goodnight John.”

Upon entering the hotel John went over to a clerk to request bath water. “I need a bath drawn.” He thought about his present condition and clarified, “Make it cold.”

The clerk made his own suggestion. “There are more pleasant ways of relief, Lord Blackburn.” The clerk winked, his eyes shifting to a particular part of the hotel in reference.

John wasn’t interested. “Not tonight. Just bring the cold water, please,” and with that he headed for his room.

The clerk shrugged his shoulders as John strolled away.

The next morning found Melissa knocking at Jack’s door. He hadn’t come to her room so she figured he was still asleep, but then she heard his lazy voice, “Melissa?”

“Yes, Jack, it’s Melissa.”

His voice became louder, seeming to approach the door. “Melissa, forgive me.” The door creaked open a few inches. “I can’t go with you today. I don’t feel well this morning.” His eyes were half open, his hair disheveled and his robe hung loosely around him.

Noting his condition, she understood. “I understand Jack. You’d better get some rest then.”

His arms crossed over his chest and a slight smile appeared. “You’re not upset with me?” he asked, regretting his change of plans but sleep was his only comfort right now.

She returned his smile. “Not at all. Just get better, all right?”

“Thank you, I will.”

Melissa left and went about her business.

By afternoon, Robert had arrived in Sheffield. On his way to finding John at the track Robert spotted Melissa walking down a pathway toward the entrance of the hotel. The carriage stopped and he fled from it, dashing to catch up to her. “Melissa,” he shouted, waving his hand.

She turned, recognizing the voice before seeing the face that belonged to it. “Robert?” she replied in surprise.

Robert briefly explained the reason he had come to Sheffield, careful not to alarm Melissa. He would explain in more detail when they found John. Nevertheless she needed to be informed of his suspicions regarding Vanessa.

Within twenty minutes of their meeting John appeared and was strolling towards them. His expression of surprise upon seeing Robert changed to dreadful concern after Robert gave a brief overview of his reason for being there.

Robert suggested that they find a private place to talk. Melissa suggested her hotel room but John thought his would be better. “Let’s go to mine,” he said, attempting to keep plenty of distance between Melissa and Jack McGuire.

“What’s wrong with my room? It’s right here,” Melissa pointed out.

John spoke his mind. “Jack won’t be around.” His voice was stern and his eyes narrowed when speaking.

Robert was flabbergasted to hear the name mentioned between John and Melissa and immediately inquired, “Jack?”

Oblivious to Robert’s state change, John and Melissa carried on with their discussion. “I at least need to change so we’re not late for the theater, John,” she declared, as she planned to dress very elegantly tonight.

John, who hadn’t a clue as to her extensive plans, took the opportunity to keep her away from Jack and ordered, “We’ll get your clothing and you can change in my room.”

Melissa gave John a familiar look, one he’d grown accustomed to, and was thankful when Robert spoke. They had more important items to discuss than where to get dressed.

“Jack who?” Robert inquired, with more insistence. They both switched their view to Robert at the same time.

Melissa answered first. “Jack McGuire, my driver. Do you know him Robert?” she asked. Robert pushed away from the wooden post he’d been leaning on, mumbling to himself.

John and Melissa looked at each other in total confusion at Robert’s reaction and watched his expression change from one of awe to satisfying joy.

“Robert, what the hell is going on?” John implored.

“We need to go to John’s room and talk, the sooner the better.”

John reached inside his pocket and pulled out a key. “Robert, take Melissa to my room, number one ninety-six. I’ll fetch her clothes.”

Melissa was disappointed. She hadn’t wanted John to see the dress she’d picked out. “Why can’t I go? You’re not certain which dress to get.”

John ignored her plea and held out his hand, his fingers motioning for her key. “I won’t know which dress because I plan on retrieving all your items.” A generous smiled curved upon his lips.

Melissa stalled a mere moment longer, then conceded and handed over her key. “You’re going to pay for this John Blackburn.”

The stern look on her face didn’t faze him and his grin told her so. His confidence soared and he knew that he’d enjoy her paying him back. John proceeded with a cocky grin as he entered the hotel, making his way to her room.

Robert and Melissa strode down the main dirt road to John’s hotel. “Robert, how do you know Jack McGuire?”

Robert preferred to wait for John. “I don’t really know him Melissa, but let’s wait until John comes back and then all of us can discuss it together.” When he noticed the worried look on her face, he tried consoling her. “Everything will be fine. Please don’t worry. It’s just a hunch, and the three of us will get to the bottom of it.”

He thought changing the subject would help. While taking her elbow, he helped her onto the wooden planks adjacent to the many shops and pubs. When they neared the entrance to John’s hotel, he remarked, “You and John seem to be getting along.” His observation wasn’t unwarranted. Genuinely pleased for both of them, his instinctual feeling told him that when they cleared up this mess of Vanessa’s, John and Melissa would most likely get married.

Melissa threw Robert a sideways glance before responding. “Yes, we are, although I believe there are more issues to resolve between us.” Melissa stepped through the glass door Robert held open for her.

As they advanced towards the stairs Robert replied, “Surely they can be worked out.”

She debated on speaking frankly with Robert. “Robert, can I confide in you? I don’t wish this repeated to John.”

Striding down a long corridor of rooms, Robert eyeballed a room number on one of the doors before shifting his focus to Melissa. “Of course you can. What is it?”

Melissa’s focus came in direct contact with Robert’s green eyes. “John has never told me precisely how he feels about me.” She paused, debating on how much to reveal. “I know he cares but I need more.” Robert slowed his pace, listening intently. “Perhaps that’s asking too much, but that’s the way it has to be for me.”

Robert’s gaze averted temporarily so he wouldn’t miss their room. Finding it, they stopped in front of the door. He looked back to Melissa, giving what insight he could. “Melissa, I’ve known John since we were boys. You know that. I’ve never seen him act the way he’s acting with anyone but you. He’s definitely hooked.” Robert half turned to unlock the door and pushed it open. Robert gestured for Melissa to enter but before she did her hand went to his arm, gaining his full attention.

“I’m in love with him, Robert. He knows that. But he hasn’t told me the same. What do I do?”

Robert felt for the poor lass. John was never good at expressing himself emotionally, but then there had never been a reason to before now. Robert spoke honestly. “Talk to him. Tell him how you feel again, this is new territory for him, and be patient.”

Stepping into the room with Robert directly behind her, she thanked him for his generosity. “Thank you Robert for consoling me. I will talk to him.” She gave him a smile and turned to walk toward the window, staring into the busy downtown street of Sheffield.

As John picked up the last item he needed to take with him Jack’s head suddenly appeared through the open door. Jack’s immediate view was John’s cheerful face and his expression didn’t diminish when he saw Jack. In fact, he beamed even more. Jack spoke first.

“Where’s Melissa?” he asked, as a guardian should, curious now that John seemed to be carrying all of her belongings.

Nothing could distract John right now. His beautiful lady was back where she belonged. Nevertheless, John took great joy in telling Jack that Melissa’s plans had indeed changed. “Melissa is no longer staying here. She’s staying with me,” he explained, adding, “In fact, I will be taking her home.” John’s arms were full, juggling various items of Melissa’s while locking the door.

Jack backed away, responding to John at the same time. “I’ve been scheduled to take her home, Lord Blackburn.”

With key in hand, John juggled again while strolling down the hall. “I will pay you extra if that’s your concern, so you may leave anytime now.” John casually stepped by Jack, striding ahead down the hall.

Jack followed close behind, saying, “I’m not concerned with the money, Lord Blackburn.”

John stopped at the top of the stairway, turned toward Jack and asked, “What is your concern, Jack?”

Jack felt dwarfed by John. His towering figure was very intimidating and he was caught off guard by John’s abruptness. “Melissa. I feel responsible for her. My passengers are my responsibility until their destination is reached.” Jack knew that John probably wouldn’t believe his reason but it was the truth for Jack: Vanessa would have his hide if he didn’t return with her best friend.

John knew better and thought the time had finally arrived to firmly set Jack in his place. “Jack, I’m responsible for Melissa now. She’s with me and always has been. She’s no longer in need of your assistance. Now if you’ll kindly excuse me.” John glided down the stairs with ease. Upon reaching the bottom he looked up to see Jack still standing where he’d left him. By the time John approached the front desk to return the key Jack had turned around and was heading back to his room.

After returning to his own hotel room John carefully laid Melissa’s belongings on the bed, then joined Robert and Melissa at a small round table.

Robert proceeded with the information Rose gave him and then added his own insight on the situation. “Because of what’s already gone on with Vanessa, I wouldn’t put anything past her.” He gave Melissa a sympathetic look. “She seems bent on having John for herself, even if he doesn’t want her, and as for Jack McGuire, I don’t believe it’s a mere coincidence that he’s here.”

John and Melissa both looked to each other, their minds spinning the same weaving pattern of thought. If Jack McGuire was Vanessa’s protégé, then the games had only begun.

They all decided to have supper and devise a plan against Jack and Vanessa. So they did just that and afterward, Robert went to his own room and Melissa and John went to theirs.

Melissa began organizing her belongings, which John had casually tossed on the bed.

John came up next to her, settling his shoulder against the bedpost. “Would you like my assistance?”

As her view switched to him her smile was faint. “No, I’ve got it.”

John stood there watching as she laid her clothing across the bed in an organized manner. Observing her, John realized how much he’d missed her company, how much she added to his life. My perfect partner, he thought as he watched her bending over the bed. He loved the way her hair swayed forward with each motion and her hands, so soft, straightened each piece of clothing. There was heavy concentration in her face. Her hazel eyes were focused, accompanied by a tense jaw and lips pressing together. The fact that he missed making love with her only enhanced his feelings. Be patient, he told himself. Right now she seemed so fragile thanks to a woman set out to destroy him. His brows creased as he thought of Vanessa again. He’d finally found a woman he could spend the rest of his life with and his past was determined to haunt him, a past that needed to be extinguished.

Melissa detected John’s gaze upon her. Normally she would be self conscious about it but her revolving mind kept thinking about Vanessa. How incredibly foolish she’d been to believe her over John. John hadn’t given her any reason to doubt him, only his past lover had. She’d let Vanessa come between them, She’d let that evil woman have her way by letting her create the friction that continued to exist between her and John.

Enough of this, Melissa told herself, I’m not going to let Vanessa ruin my evening. I’m going to the theater and I’m going to enjoy myself. Following her last thought she looked toward John, whose handsome face made her realize what really mattered. She was going to the theater with the man she loved.

John grinned at Melissa’s sudden mood change. He’d been thinking of a way to distract her without throwing her on the bed and having his way but she seemed to have remedied the situation for herself.

“Where can I put my clothing?” she asked in a soft, quiet tone.

He pushed away from the bedpost, gesturing toward the dressing area. “Anywhere you like. There should be room in the closet.” He stepped over to the edge of the bed and sat, waiting for her to finish.

After hanging her clothing she let him know her intentions. “I’m getting dressed now so you need to busy yourself.” She was not sure what John might pull in his seductive state, but just in case he decided to check her progress, she thought she would make him aware ahead of time that she was on to his desirable nature, but her purpose had the opposite effect. John took note of her tone and lifting from his seated position on the bed he strolled over to the dressing area where she was. Her back faced him as her fingers were struggling to release the tedious hooks along the backside of her day dress. He came up behind her, easily lifting her hands away so he could help her. She jerked so radically that his hands lunged forward, catching her by the waist.

Turning to look over her shoulder she said, “I wasn’t aware that you were there.” Her face flushed and grew warmer when she realized the reason for feeling the intense heat searing both sides of her waist.