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    Oh Those Eyes!
    Oh Those Eyes!
    Oh Those Eyes!
    Ebook197 pages2 hours

    Oh Those Eyes!

    By Bridgitte Lesley

    ()

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    About this ebook

    Claudia Jones, previously known as Samantha Peters, decided it was high time to head home. In the six years away she had given birth to a little boy who she adored. She hadn’t wanted the father of her son to suffer a tarnished reputation because of their actions. The gossips would have destroyed his career, reputation and the family name. But Claudia was scared. She was scared that if he did find out about Jimmy he would lay claim to his son. Claudia and Arthur Cartwright had a history that went back. They were always at the rodeo together. They had fallen in love year’s back even though there had never been a relationship. Claudia had returned home to live her life, not to stake her claim. Soon enough little Jimmy met his Grandfather. And his father was next. Claudia hadn’t realized after all this time that Arthur felt the same way as she did. They were still madly in love. They would end up together as a family, eventually.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBridgitte Lesley
    Release dateJul 24, 2013
    ISBN9781301427116
    Oh Those Eyes!
    Author

    Bridgitte Lesley

    Hello from Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa!Having survived an attempt at being murdered, I have plunged myself in to my writing. After my gruesome ordeal, I live life from day to day. Appreciating every minute and moment. Yes, I have the scars from an axe being driven in to my head repeatedly. I suffer from PTSD and OCD. But, I am here to tell the tale. And I have a lot to tell!I am currently revamping my older titles and will be adding a few. In a nutshell, you will find a mix of romance, adventure, lots of witty banter and a happy ever after. All round, expect a feel-good read.Thank you for reading and for your support!Bridgitte

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      Book preview

      Oh Those Eyes! - Bridgitte Lesley

      Oh Those Eyes!

      By

      Bridgitte Lesley

      Version 1

      Published by

      Bridgitte Lesley on Smashwords

      Oh Those Eyes!

      Copyright © 2012 Bridgitte Lesley

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only and may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Your support and respect for the property of this author is appreciated.

      This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or locations is purely coincidental. The characters are a production of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously.

      * * * * *

      Oh Those Eyes!

      * * * * *

      CHAPTER 1

      Claudia quietly sat staring into space. Her thoughts drifted to the day that had changed her life. She remembered the first time she had made love, clearly. Everything he had done. Everything he had said. Claudia had just turned eighteen. He was so caring and gentle. So tender. She had been in love with him for such a long time. It had been years. She had just taken her fourth lasso award and was heading home. Her Mum’s car had run out of gas and she had started walking. He had pulled over and asked whether she needed a lift. Claudia remembered the feeling when he had stopped. They had headed over to the Cartwright ranch. He filled a container with gas for the car. They put it on the back of the truck and he wanted to get something from inside the house and they had both headed inside.

      Claudia had waited in the lounge and he had come back and had taken one look at her. He had gently pulled her into his arms. They had both lost control and landed up in his bedroom. It had been a first for them both. Claudia remembered the moment that they had made love. He had asked her first and she had given her consent. She could remember the feeling as his hands had travelled over her body. Branding her body with the heat. Searing her soul with his passion and his kisses. When he had said ‘I love you’ it was with passion and love. She had replied saying she loved him. When he had made love to her he made her feel loved and cherished. It was as if she was the only woman in the world. He had given her his heart and his soul. Claudia whispered as she opened her eyes. I love you so much. It really hurts. Still.

      Claudia closed her eyes and her cell phone suddenly started to ring. Claudia quickly took the call. She closed her cell phone and stared into space. She was stunned. She sat in silence. Julia walked over. Claudia? Claudia smiled. She almost whispered. I can’t believe this! Julia smiled. What is it? Claudia grinned. I have an interview tomorrow. At Cartwright’s International. Personal Assistant. I am on the short list. Julia roared with laughter. She whispered. Cartwright’s International? Claudia nodded. Tomorrow. At ten. Julia beamed. Oh Claudia, if you get this job you will be able to move out and have your own home. And you and Jimmy won’t have to be all squashed up with me anymore. I really, really hope you get this job. It’s good to have you home. But I know you want your own place.

      Claudia smiled and nodded. She leaned down and picked Jimmy up. Oh Jimmy, if I get this job we can have our own home. Would you like that? Jimmy smiled as he gave Claudia a huge grin and a hug. Mom, can I have a house with my own bedroom? Claudia nodded. But I have to get this job first sweetheart. Claudia smiled as she looked at her mother. Mum, I really love living here but we are cramping your style. Julia smiled and shook her head. It’s nice to have you home. Heavens knows why you went traipsing to another part of the country. And stayed there for all these years. Claudia nodded and smiled. You know why Mum. Julia nodded. But why did you have your whole name changed? I battle to make sure that I call you by your new name. Claudia sighed. Mum, it’s not really changed. I chose it and that’s what I use. If someone checks on the records they will see my real names. It will come up with my identity number. Julia nodded. And Jimmy? Jimmy smiled. Grandma. My name will always be Jimmy!

      Claudia got up in the morning and put a navy suit on with a white blouse. She slipped into her navy thigh high’s and sat in front of the mirror. She checked every detail. She wore her hair straightened with a hair straightener when it was loose. She dyed it a blue black shade, and had her brows professionally dyed. She was no longer a blonde. Her hair was styled properly. She pulled it up into a tight chignon and put the clips in place. Claudia applied her make-up carefully. She looked perfect. She slipped her stilettos on and headed to the kitchen. She had butterflies which were flapping in her stomach. Relax Claudia. If you didn’t have a chance you wouldn’t have been short listed. Claudia nodded. Will you be all right with Jimmy today? Julia nodded. Of course. Claudia nodded. She walked through to Jimmy who sat on the floor with his Legos. Bye bye sweetheart. You be good. Jimmy smiled. Knock their socks off Mom. Claudia grinned and shook her head as she walked out. Bye Mum. Julia chuckled. You heard him. Knock their socks off!

      Claudia hopped into her little car and drove over to the offices and walked up to the receptionist. Hi, my name is Claudia Jones. I’m here for an interview. The receptionist nodded and smiled. Take a seat please. Claudia sat down. She was already nervous. She hoped they wouldn’t be too long. Her nerves were shot! An elderly woman walked down the passage looking rather proud of herself. Claudia looked at her as she walked out of the door. Jenny smiled and shook her head. Claudia stared after the woman. Her hopes sank deep into the pit of her stomach.

      Another woman walked down the passage. Miss Jones? Claudia nodded and smiled. Please come through. Claudia followed and they walked through to the boardroom. Claudia smiled as she looked at a panel of five men. She took a quick glance at every one of them. Please take a seat. Claudia took a seat.

      Mrs. Drake smiled. The position is our most senior position on the admin side. Hence the panel interview. Claudia nodded. No problem. Mrs. Drake sat and explained the details of the position. You will not only be the Personal Assistant to the Managing Director, but you will have a few Secretaries who will report directly to you. And reception, naturally. Even though they work for their own Directors you will be in charge of them. Claudia nodded. The Directors have a few questions to ask. Would you mind? Claudia smiled and looked at the five men.

      The oldest gent looked at Claudia. Claudia looked at him. He was very smart and looked about fifty. I have seen your CV. But I like to ask questions face to face. I prefer it that way. Claudia nodded. Sure. He nodded and looked at Claudia. Why did you leave town? Claudia sighed. I needed a change in scenery. And do you do that often? No. I’ve come home. To stay? To stay. It says here you currently live with your mother. I do. For the time being until I can get myself settled in my own home. You have your own transport? I do. And you have a son. One dependant. Yes I do. Six years of age? Yes. You’re not married? Claudia looked at the gent. Yes. I have a son. He is six years of age. No I am not married. And that’s the way I like it. The elderly gent nodded. His father. Is he going to join you? No. He’s not. His father will not be joining us. I am a single mother. He nodded again. You prefer it that way? Claudia nodded. That’s the way I like it. He nodded again and smiled. Full of spunk aren’t you? Claudia smiled and nodded. The gent nodded and looked at his colleague. Thank you Miss Jones. Over to you Stan.

      Stan nodded. We work strict hours here. I’m sure you do. What if your little boy gets sick? Claudia nodded. Do you have children? Stan nodded. Two. Six and eight. Your wife, does she work? Stan nodded. She does. And if your children get sick? Stan nodded and smiled. I get your point. Claudia nodded. I would try and get someone to look after my son. My last resort would be taking time off. Stan nodded and put his hands up. I get it. Claudia nodded.

      Peter smiled as he looked at Claudia. If we did a reference check. What will we find? Claudia nodded. No fines. A clean slate. But I would be listed under another name. But I go by the name of Jones. By choice. Peter nodded. That must be a little confusing. Claudia shook her head. Not at all. I will inform personnel of my name if need be. The rest, well, I prefer Jones. My personal choice. Peter nodded. I wish I could do that. Claudia smiled. It’s quite easy. Peter grinned and chuckled. Why would someone do that? Claudia smiled. Gosh, just for the excitement and confusion of it all. They all chuckled.

      Arthur sat and stared at Claudia. He felt as if he couldn’t breathe. I have seen you somewhere before. When did you leave town? Claudia looked at Arthur. She looked over his shoulder and stared at the wall. Oh I finished my final year of schooling and then decided to move away. Arthur nodded. You didn’t have any ambition to study? Claudia nodded and looked away from Arthur. I did. Which was? To become a Veterinarian. A Veterinarian? Claudia nodded. Why didn’t you follow your dream? Claudia looked at Arthur and shifted her eyes and stared just over his shoulder. I fell pregnant. I couldn’t follow my dream. I found that I suddenly had a whole new responsibility. Being a mother. My focus shifted. Arthur nodded. You look so familiar. Claudia looked down at her hands. I lived here all my life. It’s quite normal that we would have crossed our paths when we were younger. Arthur nodded. How old are you? Twenty four. Have you ever been to a rodeo? Claudia shook her head and looked away from Arthur. Don’t you think you are a little too young for this job? Claudia smiled and looked at everyone and then at Arthur. She looked straight into his steel grey eyes. At, what, twenty nine, you’re old enough to be a Director! But as a Personal Assistant I’m too young? Claudia got up. Good day everyone. I think this interview is over. I expected an interview. Not an interrogation. Arthur stared at Claudia with his mouth open.

      Claudia smiled and picked up her bag and looked at everyone and turned to Mrs. Drake. Normally, Mrs. Drake, if you are having a panel interview, and you want to be professional, you introduce yourself and each of the delegates taking part in the interview. By name, and title. You don’t fling anyone in to a panel interview without the introductions. Mrs. Drake nodded and smiled. I apologise. Point taken. Claudia nodded and looked at all the men. As for you, when a lady steps into the room you stand. When a lady gets up, you stand. The elderly gent got up. Claudia. Claudia looked at him. Sir. He smiled. It’s Craig. Craig Blaire. Managing Director. And it is my pleasure. Craig put out his hand. Claudia smiled as she put out her hand and shook his hand firmly. Manners maketh man. Craig nodded and smiled. Claudia nodded and smiled. She directed her comment to Craig. Thank you for your time. She walked to the door and stepped out of the boardroom. She quietly closed the door and headed towards reception. She let out a deep breath.

      William looked at everyone. I didn’t even get a chance to say a word. Craig shook his head. Maybe that’s a good thing.

      The receptionist smiled as Claudia walked down the passage. Miss Jones? Claudia smiled. Yes pumpkin. I hope you get the job. There have been two other ladies. And quite frankly I don’t think any of them will make the grade. You even look the part. Claudia smiled. She shook her head. Somehow I don’t think so. I walked out of the interview. The receptionist grinned. You did what! Claudia nodded and smiled. She whispered. Let’s just say I blew it. And my son is not going to be happy. He expects to have his own bedroom in his own home. Soon. Jenny put out her hand. I am Jenny Cartwright. Nice to meet you. Claudia smiled. You’re related to the Cartwright’s? Jenny nodded. My brothers were in that meeting. William, Arthur and Peter. Dad couldn’t make it today. Claudia nodded. Do you recognise me? Jenny shook her head. I don’t think we have met. Claudia nodded. Well, I have been away for a few years. And you must be what, about eighteen or thereabouts. Jenny nodded. Do I know you? Claudia smiled. Must be someone else. Jenny nodded. That happens so often. Claudia smiled. Well, it was nice to meet you Jenny. Jenny nodded. It’s such a pity. Claudia shook her head. One of those things pumpkin. Maybe for the best. But then, looks can be very deceptive.

      Claudia smiled as she walked out.

      Craig stared at everyone. It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. She’s right. Mrs. Drake nodded. She is. That was wrong. It was rude. And it was wrong. How would you feel if you didn’t even know who you were talking to? They all nodded. Craig looked at everyone. I don’t know about you but I would hire her. Peter nodded. So would I. She’s straight. Honest. Says her bit and she doesn’t pull punches. Arthur nodded. I’ve seen her before. Craig nodded. Of course you would have. She probably went to school with you. Arthur nodded. Possible. But who has a child and raises him on her own without the father? Craig nodded. We don’t know her circumstances. There’s a reason for everything. And I think everyone has the right to their own privacy. What does it matter? Arthur nodded and smiled. She is beautiful. Peter chuckled. She is. Mrs. Drake nodded. What do we do? Neither of the other two candidates is really suitable for this position. And Miss Jones really stood out. I actually like her.

      Craig nodded. I am going to make a call here. I am going to hire her. William, Arthur, Stan and Peter all nodded. Agreed? Peter chuckled. Yes. Arthur nodded. Yes. William shook his head. Yes. Stan nodded. Craig smiled. If I can have her file. Mrs. Drake handed the file to Craig. Have you done a reference check yet? No. It is one of her conditions. With appointment pending we can go ahead and do a reference check. And then she will provide her real particulars. Craig raised an eyebrow. Okay. I’ll get her details.

      They all left the boardroom and walked over to reception. Jenny frowned. What a pity. William chuckled. Maybe not. Jenny whispered. Are you going to hire her? William nodded. Craig wants to. She’s really nice. Peter nodded and smiled. Very. Arthur was very quiet. There was something about Claudia that had struck a chord. Jenny smiled. She makes you feel so, I don’t know. Comfortable. She just has this easy, calm, soothing manner. Arthur smiled. You are right. There is something about her.

      CHAPTER 2

      Craig headed to his office and shut the door. He took Claudia’s CV and looked through it. It had her previous employment address and a reference with a telephone number. He picked up the phone and dialled. Mister Walters. This is Craig Blaire. From Cartwright’s International. Do you have a minute? I would like to do a reference check on Claudia Jones. Aaah Miss Jones. What a gem. But you better handle her with care. She has been through a lot with that little one of hers. Mister Walters. Her son, is he sickly? Heavens no. But she never had anyone to support her. So sometimes she would come in later in the evening and do her work. So, she is dedicated? "Oh heavens. Absolutely. She pulled this company up by its socks. We sure do

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