Enjoy reading --Heart Of Stone-Complete-Page 14

There was a sudden flurry of activities outside Sara's office .Located in the heart of the luxurious New Hampshire inn; it gave her ready access to all phases of the operation. From the open doorway she had a partial view of the front desk, which gave her a feeling of coming and going of the guest's .Across the hall was the housekeeping department .The office next to her belonged to her brother, Perry Hall, the manager of the inn, and her boss.

When Mrs. Adamson, the dining-room hostess went hurrying past Sara's door, her curiosity was thoroughly aroused. Something unusual was going on. Even though she had actually worked in the White Boar Inn a short three months, Sara felt the accelerated tempo of the inn's pulse, a tense quickening of interest.

The unbalanced ledger sheet on her desk was forgotten as she speared the lead pencil through her chestnut hair above her ear and rose from her chair. Bookkeeping was invariably the last department to know anything if she allowed routine to run its normal course. Since Perry was her brother, she didn't choose to sit back and wait to be informed, she had been isolated from the mainstream of life for too many years to let it continue that she had rejoined it.

In the hallway, she glanced towards the front desk. Her blue eyes noted the expressions of harried excitement in the faces of the usually unflappable pair manning the registration counter. It was rare indeed for the arrival of an important personage to create such a disturbance, since the inn catered to the wealthy and the notable. Besides, every room was already taken, occupied by guests on hand to view the autumn splendor of the white mountains, and there were reservations all the way through the winter season to spring.

Puzzled by unknown cause of all this barely subdued commotion, Sara absently finger the scarab pendant suspended by a gold chain to nestle in her neck, the loose weave of her white roll neck sweater providing backdrop for the jewelry, the slight frown remained in her expression as she walked the few steps to her brother's office and paused within the frame, not wanting to interrupt her brother's consultations with Mrs.Adamson.

"Get a bottle on ice right away,' he was instructing the woman, who was hastily making notes on a note pad. Perry too was consulting the papers in front of him, not glancing up to see her in the doorway. His hair was rumpled as if he has run his fingers through it many times. Fix a tray with selection of cheeses and fresh fruits to go with it. You'd better recheck the wine cellar and make sure you have an ample supply of his favorite wines in the stock, too. Alert your staff. I want them on their toes in case he decides to dine in the restaurant this evening. I don't want--- flowers!' Perry interrupted himself to exclaim.' I nearly forgot the damn flowers.' He punched the buzzer to summon his secretary.

For once the young girl appeared within seconds .She looked pale and anxious, more timid than usual. Despite her youth, Connie was highly skilled and competent. Her chef flaw was a marked lack of self-confidence, which was blatantly in evidence at the moment.

"Yes, Mr. Hall?' she asked him .her small face pinched into tense lines of unease and framed with dark hair.

His upward glance took note of Sara on the doorway, but did not acknowledge her presence in his office beyond that. 'Call the florist; if they can't have bouquet of roses delivered here within ninety minutes, I want you to pick them up.'

"Yes sir .' her head bobbed in quick agreement, but she didn't make any move to follow through the order.

Perry, who was usually extraordinarily patient with his self -effacing secretary, sent her an irritating look. ' You're not going it done standing there. Connie, go on!'

"I know, but------she wavered uncertainly.

What is it?' he demanded in short temper. I haven't got time to coax it out of you.'

Sara's gaze wandered over her brother's face in surprise. Six years older than hers, he rarely allowed stressful situation to shake him. He has been more than just a brother: he had been her idol for as long as she could remember. Life hadn't been easy for him...or for her, either. Their mother died when Sara was only four. Perry had played surrogate mother to her, fixing her meals and keeping house while their father worked long hours, skilled only as a ski instructor and bartender, to make ends meet.

Five years ago, when Sara was seventeen, it had seemed that the world would become their oyster. Perry had obtained a scholarship to attend a prestigious post graduate law school and Sara had been accepted by a prominent women's college. Then a freak skiing accident had left their father paraplegic, and Perry had given up his scholarship to take the position of assistant manager of this inn, while Sara stayed home to take care of their father. And four months ago father died. In many ways, his death had been a blessing ---for him and for them.

Sara hadn't completely adjusted to the freedom from responsibility that had matured both of them beyond their years, while it deprived them of pleasure of youth. The night course she had taken in accounting, to supplement their income by doing housekeeping at home for small businesses, had provided her with the experience to take the post of bookkeeper at the inn when her predecessor had retired with a few grumblings about nepotism, because her brother had become the manager in the last year.

She liked working in the inn, being with people and being part of things. Most of all, she liked working with her brother. She had come to respect his competency in a position the duties of which were far ranging and varied. Perry always appeared to be totally in control whether dealing with a crisis in the restaurant kitchen or organizing the staff. This was why Sara was surprised by his harried attitude at the moment. It didn't seem in character.

"It's just that---I was wondering---Connie was stumbling over reason for her hesitation.

I don't have all day. Please get to the point.' Perry ordered.

"It's your appointment.' His secretary began, intimidated by his abruptness.

I told you to cancel them.' His moth thinned with impatience.

Yes, but---- She bit her lower lip .

Perry appeared to mentally count to ten in an effort to control his temper. But , what , Connie?' he asked with forced evenness.

"You're supposed to speak at luncheon this noon.' She rushed to explain, ' It's been on the agenda for two months. They couldn't possibly get anyone to take your place at such late notice.'

Perry groaned. "Is that today?'

Yes, sir' Anxiety tortured Connie's expression. What should I do?'

Do? There's nothing you can do,' he sighed. 'I'll have to attend the luncheon, but cancel everything else. And get those flowers.'

Yes, sir,' With a nod of her head , the girl disappeared inside her adjoining office,

Returning his attention to the woman in front of his desk, Perry raked a hand through his hair again, you know the routine. Mrs. Adamson. I trust you to handle it.' He cast a glance at his wristwatch, in a effect dismissing the hostess.

Sara stepped to one side so the woman can exit through the open door. From the conversation she had overheard, she had general idea what was happening. With the exception of private suite, the inn was fully reserved exclusively for the owner or his personal guests. Before she had a chance to ask whose arrival was anticipated, Perry was addressing her.

"Whatever your problem is, Sara, it will have to wait---unless someone has absconded with the receipts, In that case, I don't want to know about it for three days,' he declared with tired shake of his head.

I don't have any problem.' She assured him. I'm just trying to figure out what's going on. Who's coming? The place is in quite uproar----if there is such thing.'

Sighing, Perry rocked back in his swivel chair. Eyes the same blue as her own, skimmed her slender figure in its white sweater and green tartan skirt. A faint smile touched his mouth when his gaze returned to her face with its soft frame of sleek chestnut hair.

"Asher is making another one of his impromptu visits. He called a half hour ago to say he'd be here by two this afternoon. He is driving up from Boston,' he explained, as tension etched lines in his strong face.

Aha!' Sara mocked him to ease his concern. Now I understand why everyone is jumping at the slightest sound. The big man himself is coming to inspect his property.'

It's alright for you to joke about it. Canfield expects the best and I am the one who has to explain why. If he does not get it.' Perry rubbed his fingers again.

I don't know what you're worrying about,' Sara walked to the back of his chair and let her hands knead the taut cords between his neck and shoulders. 'Don't forget, I've been keeping the books for the past three months. I know how very well inn has been doing. Asher Canfield can't possibly have any complaints about your work or how you run the inn.'

We have done well.' He admitted, relaxing under the massage of her hands. If that trend continues through the winter ski season, we should have our best year ever.'

That proves my point, doesn't it?'

The point will be proved only when it's accomplished.' Perry reminded her. "In the mean time, Asher is going to judge by what he sees on this trip.'

He won't have any complains.' Sara was certain.' Do you know this will be my first opportunity to meet this paragon of all manhood, Asher Canfield?' she realized. "You have worked here what? Five years? Everybody talks about him as if he was some God. Depending on their sex, they either tremble or quiver when they hear his name,; She laughed. ' I've heard him described as a ruthless tycoon or a gorgeous hunk of man. Now I'll be able to find out myself which is the real Asher Canfield!'

"He is both ,plus a few other things,' her brother took hold of one of her hands to end the rubdown and pull her around to side of his chair. Handsome is an attractive kind of way, he studied her for a quite second. I have this luncheon to attend, so I'll have to deputize you to stand in for me in case I'm not back when Ash arrives,'

Me?' Sara frowned her surprise.

"Somebody has to be on hand to welcome him. Connie practically cringes every time he looks at her,' Perry explained with wry grimace. And Vic is home sleeping after being on duty all night.' He added, referring to the night manager. I can't think of anyone else. Do you mind?'

Of course not. What do I have to do, besides being on hand to greet him?' Despite her willing agreement, Sara experienced a shiver of unease at some of the more formidable descriptions she'd heard applied to the inn's owner.

Show him to his suite and make certain everything is in order. Connie is getting the flowers and Mrs.Adamson will make a bottle of champagne on ice, along with some cheese and fruits in general, just see that he has everything, he wants.'

That sounds simple enough, she shrugged.

"Watch your step, Sara.' Her brother advised, suddenly serious.

She was confused by the warning, "I'm not likely to say anything that would offend him.' She was not out spoken type. Most of the time she was very tactful" able to curb her tongue despite the provocation.

"I know you wouldn't." He dismissed that possibility with a wave of his hand. ' I was trying to say that you should stay clear of Asher Canfield. He goes through women the way a gambler goes through the deck of cards. He's rich, good-looking and can be both persuasive and forceful. I'm told that he can be irresistible combination.'

I've heard a few stories about him,' Sara admitted.

I wouldn't like to see you mixed up with him, because I know you'd be hurt. Honestly Sara, I'm not trying to play the heavy- handed big brother,' Perry seemed to smile at herself .'It just that I know he's going to take over one look at you and get ideas. You haven't had all that much experience with men"specially his kind.'

Experienced or not , I think I can take care of myself .' she didn't mind that Perry was worried about her to try to protect her. A smile hovered around the corners of her mouth. Is that why you never brought home to dinner when I suggested it during his other visits?'

"Partly,' Her brother admitted. But mostly because Asher isn't your home-cooked meal type. He's smooth and finished like a diamond that's been cut into perfect stone,hard and unfeeling.'

"And diamond don't sit down at table set with ironstone flatware,' Sara concluded in understanding.

"Something likes that,' Perry agreed. Now, off with you ,' he ordered in a mock threat. I have to find my notes for the luncheon speech.'

She stared at the door and hesitated short of her goal. When will you be back"in case Asher asks?'

"Between half - past one and two.'

Maybe he'll be late,' she suggested and walked to the door.

Forty -five minutes later, Perry stuck his head inside her office to let her know he was leaving to keep his luncheon engagement. Take care of Asher if he arrives before I get back,' he reminded her, unnecessarily.

I will.' She promised. Good luck with the speech.'

He left and a few minutes later Sara closed her office to have lunch. Her appetite was all but nonexistent, so she has to chose a salad plate and picked at it for twenty minutes before one, she obtained the key to the private suite from Mary at the front desk and checked to be certain all was in readiness for Asher Canfield's arrival.

There had been no occasion for Sara to enter the private suite before. It consisted of a spacious sitting room, an equally large bedroom with a king-sized bed, and an enormous bath. Sara explored all with unashamed curiosity.

Bronzed-tipped double paned windows offered unparallel view of the White Mountains cloaked in their rust and gold autumn colors. Sunlight streaming through the glass laid a pattern of gold on the stark white floor of Italian ceramic's set in herringbone design. There was nothing about the sitting room that resembled New England except for the scene outside its window.

Sara took note of the bouquet of long stemmed roses on the coffee table. The arrangement had an oriental touch with bare branched rising above the blood red blossoms. A vintage bottle of champagne was on ice in a silver bucket. A tray of cheeses as well as an attractive bowl of fresh fruits was on the rattan table.

When Sara ventured into the bedroom, she stepped into thick, shrimp-colored carpeting. The same color was repeated dominated by black in the patterned bedspread and matching drapes.

Leaving the suite was like stepping into another world. The inn was luxurious, but it attempted to give its guests the flavor of New England. It was obvious that Asher Canfield had decorated the suite to please himself.

As she entered the lobby, she thought she preferred the wide spaciousness of the white painted woodwork and its massive fireplace with the welcoming warmth of the flames emitting the pungent aroma of wood smoke.

She stopped at the front desk to return the key. 'Any sign of Mr. Canfield, yet, Mary?'

T he mere intention of the owner's name seemed to unnerve the usually calm woman. "Mr. Canfield? No, not that I know of. Ben, have you seen him?' She suddenly didn't trust her own answer and sought the confirmation of the bellboy.

No, he hasn't arrived yet.'

I'll be in my office,' Sara said. 'Let me know as soon as he comes.'

She walked to her office and left the door open so she could be aware of the activities going on outside her four walls. There was electricity in the air and Sara was not immune to this .

Before she put her bag away, she paused in front of the small mirror on a side wall to freshen her lipstick. But the new coat of the bronzed pink on her mouth only accented the faint pallor in her cheeks. She stroked on a hint of blusher. By the time she was finished, she had certain freshness about her, although she looked twenty two. There was little part of wondering what it would be like Asher made a pass at her"a passing curiosity, no more than that, she insisted.

Sara!' Mary hissed from the doorway. He just drove up out front. He has a woman with him!'

Initially Sara smiled at the woman passing the information in such frantic whisper. Who would hear? But the last sentence wiped the smile from her face. Too late to remember that in the past, Perry had mentioned that Asher often brought his current girl-friend with him.

But what the procedure? Did the woman stays in his suite? There wasn't any choice, was there?

Was Perry informed that Mr. Canfield was bringing a guest?' she asked the desk clerk.

He didn't say anything to me about it ,' Mary replied with negative shake of her head.

"Mr. Canfield wouldn't expect us to...have a separate room for her , would he?' There was no longer any need of blusher on her cheeks. Mother Nature was doing an excellent job of providing color for Sara. I mean, He didn't give us any warning.'

He was coming through the door now ,Sara took a deep breath to calm her suddenly jumping nerves and mentally crossed her fingers. Be calm, cool and collected. He was only a man .

Only a man. That phrase Sara instantly revised the minute she saw the tall, dark haired man in the lobby. Lean and virile, very handsome looking. An expensive topcoat hung from over his dark suit.

Sara felt the awesome power of his attraction before ever she walked in front the counter to greet him. It was even more potent when he was looking at her intently. She switched her attention to the woman clinging to his arms. She had class and had sophistication.

Hello, Mr. Canfield. I'm Sara Hall.' She introduced herself, And offered her hand. ''I hope you had a pleasant trip.'

The grip on her hand was firm, his gaze narrowed, ' I wasn't aware Perry had got married. When did this happen?'

Perry is not married.' She replied in quick surprise, and then tried to explain. At least not to me. I mean ,he is not married to anyone.' She regained control of her wayward tongue, and managed a more controlled; 'I'm his sister.'

Ah, yes,' he seemed to step back , to withdraw somehow, yet he didn't move except to release her hand . ' I remember now that he mentioned he had a younger sister. Somehow I had the impression you were much younger.'

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