“Thanks, Maggie,” he said to the plump, smiling housekeeper who was dressed in her very spotless and immaculate uniform consisting of a black shirt and skirt.
“You’re welcome, Master Jayden,” the woman said warmly, her gaze resting on Alex, who was snuggling her face comfortably against Jay’s hard chest.
“Your girlfriend? She looks tired,” Maggie said. “I’ve arranged your room at your request. New sheets, duvet, drapes, sofa, and, of course, a beautiful vase with a bunch of red roses. Oh, so beautiful.”
“Thanks, Maggie,” Jay said, grinning.
“You’re welcome, Master Jayden.” The housekeeper nodded and shut the door. “Just so you know. Everyone is up.”
“Right.” He knew his family would be in the dining room, having their breakfast, and they’d be expecting him to bring Alex there for introductions. Not yet. He felt it just wasn’t the right time for that. Besides, he dreaded what would happen when Beth met Alex. He had no doubt Beth would jump on Alex and claw her to bits, figuratively speaking of course.
Hoping they were still blissfully unaware of their arrival, Jay paced toward the stairs.
“So she’s here!”
Jay groaned inside. He slowly turned to see his grandmother down the hallway. As usual, she looked elegant. Nothing was out of order on her person: perfect hair, face, and clothing. This morning she wore a pretty pink suit that fit her slim body gracefully. His mother, Gracie McCartney, came out from the dining room into the foyer just then. She was tall and slim. Her manner gave the aura of elegance and gentleness. Her blue eyes, very much like his, gazed at the sleeping Alex, who was oblivious to the presence of the people surrounding her.
“She is tired, I suppose,” Gracie said.
“Jay,” a voice echoed from the top of the stairs.
Jay glanced up and saw his sister Kelly. She was dressed in a pretty blue sundress, her blond curls resting about her shoulders.
“You’re back,” she said as she came down the stairs. “Thought you’d be late with you know who so demanding and all.”
Jay knew whom his sister was referring to. It was Sarah. Kelly knew he and Sarah were dating. But Kelly didn’t know they broke up. Now he saw the puzzled look in her eyes, questioning him as to what he was doing with another woman in his arms. Come to think of it, Kelly was right. Sarah was a spoiled little brat who always got what she wanted. Why he didn’t see it before was beyond him.
Kelly came to a complete stop at the bottom of the stairs once she saw Alex in Jay’s arms. She opened her mouth as though to ask Jay who this person was when Granny Beth said, “Why is she dressed like that? Why is she sleeping in your arms?”
“She has just arrived and she’s tired, Grandmother.”
“Well, she’d better be up before the dinner party starts,” Beth commented, gave one more glance at Alex in distaste, and strolled into the lounge with her nose in the air.
Gracie shook her head at Beth’s stiff attitude. “So this is your girlfriend?”
Jay managed to nod without flinching. He felt guilty lying to his mother. But he had no choice.
Gracie came to stand beside him and peeked at Alex. “She’s cute.”
He glanced down at the woman in his arms. Yup, Alex was cute when she was sleeping. She also looked peaceful, young, and very innocent.
“I bet she’ll sleep better in a bed than in your arms,” Gracie suggested.
“I agree,” Jay commented, laughing. “Better take her up, then.”
“Yes, yes. Don’t forget to wake her before afternoon tea,” Gracie said, walking into the drawing room. “We need to get to know her better before the guests arrive. By the way, you’ve told her there’s a party for her arrival, yes?”
Jayden groaned.
“Thought so.” Gracie chuckled. “Better do it soon.”
“Sure,” Jayden responded as he walked up the stairs.
Halfway up, he glanced down at his sister. Kelly eyed him suspiciously, telling him he’d better tell her what the hell was going on. Jay nodded in response to her silent demand. Kelly raised her brows and then went into the dining room.
* * * * *
CHAPTER 8
Alexandra had the most horrible headache ever. She flashed her eyes open and rubbed her temple, swearing silently. The bright sunlight didn’t help either. She squinted and gritted her teeth.
“Good afternoon, sleepy head.”
She snapped her eyes open, wondering who was in the room with her. She licked her lips and turned to look behind her. Jayden was standing just at the end of the bed, hands in the pockets of his trousers. His white shirt was unbuttoned halfway, showing off his muscular chest.
Oh my God! He was so handsome—just like a devilishly hot Calvin Klein model. She had no doubt he was wearing Calvin Klein anyway. Then she wondered why Jay asked her to be his fake girlfriend when he could have chosen someone prettier—someone like Mary St. Clair. But then again, Jay was gay. Because he wasn’t interested in women, he wouldn’t know which was hot, which was pretty, and which was plain like her. That explained why he wasn’t affected by Mary’s famous charm. God made him a perfect creature, but—
She shook her head and told herself to stop thinking stupid things.
Jayden chuckled and moved onto the bed. He came to sit beside her. “What’s wrong?”
Alex touched her temple again and frowned. “I’ve got the most horrible headache.”
Jay moved closer and peered into her eyes. “You poor thing.” Then he stroked her forehead gently, rubbing her skin so it would ease the tension within her. “You need some aspirin.”
“I don’t want any aspirin, thank you,” she said, her heart starting to do a hard-out disco dance. She could feel his warm breath against her skin. Her insides were exploding with hot, thrilling sensations. This wasn’t good. She couldn’t believe she was excited that a gay guy was paying her attention. How twisted was that!
“Why not? You’ll feel better after some.”
“Because I hate aspirin. I hate any pills. I hate swallowing them. I can’t swallow them properly, and they taste bitter.”
Jay chuckled. Then when he saw her seriousness, he stopped. “Hey, you okay?” he asked, now cupping her face so she would look up at him.
Alex nibbled her lip, her headache now forgotten. “Yeah, why?”
“Your face is red. I know you look flushed when you’re tired.”
Alex was staring at his sensuous lips as he was speaking. What is he talking about? Why am I staring at his lips?
Jayden laughed. “You poor thing. You can’t even think straight. You’re not even listening to me.”
That got her attention. She glanced up to his eyes and saw the mirth there. He was making fun of her. Stupid. Hot. Gay man!
She brushed his hands away and shifted out of bed. “Where am I? Are we at your house?”
Jay made himself comfortable on the bed. “You’re in our bedroom.”
Alex missed the word “our.” She simply nodded and wondered where the bathroom was.
“There.” Jayden pointed to a door to the left.