This Time: A Dennison Property Story Series

Acknowledgements

I’d like to take the opportunity to thank my family for bearing with me while working on this book. For all the late teas we’ve had and putting up with me burning the midnight oil. To my husband for picking up the slack so I could finish writing and providing me with stationery and keeping the printer ink topped up.

I’d also like to thank my eldest son Alex for letting me use him as the cover Model and his friend Chris Hinds who took the photograph.

Dedication

I’d like to dedicate this book to my father, Geoffrey Holland. He passed away suddenly due to an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, in Feb 2007. He left behind a huge hole in our family, and I still love and miss him every single day.

You may not be here with us anymore, pop, but you live on through us.

This Time

A Dennison Property Story

Book 2

Chapter One

Alison Pope gave a sigh of relief as, after a very long three and a half hours, she finally stepped out of the CEO's office. She could finally relax after being bent forward for so long as she took notes. Stretching, she leaned backwards and tried to alleviate the nagging ache in her tired back before moving towards the lift.

The CEO, Blake Dennison had requested her to attend and take notes in his absence, even though she didn't work directly for him as she was from the legal department.

Blake had rushed out of the office earlier, Kitty, his PA in his arms as she’d taken ill in the office. So, needless to say, the office gossip mill was now turning.

Alison had been happy to help by stepping in. Especially after Len, her own boss, and head of legal, had taken the meeting. Originally, Jeff Haneran, who was second in command in accounts, had been set to take it in Blake's stead. Unfortunately, he’d hit a snag in his own department so Len had taken over. This had made it easier on Alison, as she found Jeff to be a little intimidating. Not that he'd ever done or said anything to her. It wasn't his height; at around just six-feet, or even his wide, fit, muscular build that was the problem. Len himself was a large man at around six-foot-eight, with shoulders like a line-backer, so no, his size wasn't the problem. It was the 'don’t mess with me vibe', which emanated from Jeff which put Alison on edge. He was an anomaly for an accountant as he was ex-services. Although he portrayed a laid back, easy charm with an ever-ready, cocky smile, those hazel eyes of his said something else entirely.

Now the meeting was over, Alison could happily head back to her own department; under the watchful eyes of Mavis Brown, her seventy-five-year-old mentor. She could be scary as hell, even though she was barely five-feet tall, and rail thin to boot. She wore her snow-white hair pulled into a tight bun at the back of her head, and could pass for anyone’s grandmother. She was reminiscent of a character in a children's book about a little old lady who could shrink to the size of a pepper pot. She still had a copy at home, one of the few things she had left from her mother, and she still adored the stories. The big difference between the fictional character and Mavis, though, were the eyes. The character had kind eyes, whereas Mavis's grey eyes were intelligent, although slightly cloudy, but they were always full of reproach. Well, they were whenever they landed on Alison. Mavis still believed married women shouldn’t work, although she wasn’t overly vocal about her beliefs. No, that would be too easy. She'd just drop hints about it, here and there. 'In my day, married women, especially those with young children, did not work. It was left to the men and single women to take up the mantle. The woman's job was to take care of the home'. The only problem with that was times changed, but obviously not for Mavis. Not that there was a lot Alison could do about her position. She had to work to keep a roof over her own and her daughter's head, as she was a widow. She also needed to put food on the table, because there was no one else would do it. If she was being honest, well with herself anyway, she wasn't saddened by her state, no, far from it.

As she passed by Blake Dennison's administrative assistant's desk, she looked up and spoke to Alison.

Everything go okay? Audrey asked kindly, phone cradled on her shoulder with her hand over the mouth piece. Alison wasn't sure how old she was but she was always well put together. Not a hair out of place, and make-up immaculate. She even made her job look easy, sitting there ruling the boss man’s world, with an air of calm efficiency. No frazzled state for Audrey, no. Not even after being left at short notice to run the show, and she was still looking at Alison expectantly.

Oh, yes, she’d been asked a question, so pulling her thoughts together she replied, It went fine. Thank you for asking. She then watched Audrey’s brow furrow, as if in thought.

Alison, how about coming to my husband’s art exhibit on Saturday evening? There’s going to be a few people from the office there, and it'd be good for you to meet up with us in a social setting. Then she waited patiently again, another sweet smile on her face. Alison was surprised, she’d not had much to do with anyone from the other offices, not that she was anti-social. It was just that her work hours were spent ensconced in an office with Mavis, and any spare time was spent in the crèche on the first floor, with her daughter.

Alison hated that she had to work and leave her there, the guilt sometimes crippling, since she also worked on her degree at home. It couldn’t be helped though, she needed to work, and gain her qualification. So, whenever possible she spent her lunch hour with Lilly.

***

Rob spotted his twin sister, Kitty, from the doorway of the art exhibition, as she waved frantically to get his attention. He couldn’t believe she’d guilted him into attending this thing.

Sighing, he pasted on a smile and grudgingly made his way through the throngs of people. Some wandered from piece to piece, while other hung around in groups, deep in discussion. He couldn’t stand these functions. All the pretentious people with no interest in the art or charity involved, but needing to be seen to be both. Hoping to get their picture or name in the tabloids, all in the name of exposure. He shrugged the negative thoughts away as he continued through them.

He caught the impression of differing sized, colourful framed canvases decorating the white walls. He didn’t stop to check any of them out, as he didn’t want to be here. He’d rather be relaxing with a bottle of wine, and some music after a hard week of in-house training.

He was staying at the hotel where he was setting up a training programme, and the staff were slow on the uptake. They were set in their ways and fighting him tooth and nail on all, and every change he tried to implement.

He had to skirt around a few people, and absently smiled his thanks as another group parted for him. Finally, he made it to Kitty, as she stood talking to a slightly shorter, older woman, and a tall dark haired man.

Hey, Kitten, he said picking her up and squeezing her. He heard someone suck in a breath, and his eyes rose and met the older woman’s over Kitty’s head.

Audrey, meet my big brother, Rob, Kitty said, by way of surprised introduction. Well, if the woman’s shocked expression and raised eyebrows were any indication it was. It seemed his sister had been keeping quite a few secrets from people around her, interesting.

The man with Kitty burst out laughing after making ‘score to me,' gesture to the older woman, much to her annoyance, if her scowl was anything to go by. Rob didn't have a clue what the joke was, and didn't ask, just left them to their fun. He was much more interested in why the man had his arm around his sister’s waist. Manners first, though, he thought as he dutifully lifted and kissed the older woman’s hand, as dictated by their father’s direction, and upbringing. Proper etiquette had been drummed into them from being little. Dukes, titled or otherwise, still behaved in the manner dictated by their station. The woman was probably in her mid-fifties by his guess. Petite, even more so than their mother. She wore her professionally coloured, auburn hair in a bob, and her make-up was tasteful and subtle. She’d aged well, he thought. Then became amused as he watched her blush to the roots of her red hair, as he lightly brushed his lips over the back of her hand.

I hardly think six hours constitutes older, he replied dryly to his sister. Then turned and suspiciously looked at the man holding onto to his sister. Tall and broad, built like a gym rat, and well dressed. His eyes were brown, much like his longer than fashionably cut hair. Not that how he looked was of any concern, no. What did concern him was the proprietorial manner he was displaying, especially where Kitty was concerned. Although she seemed relaxed with him.

Rob was pleased to see that she’d ditched the disguise of plain glass spectacles, tightly bound hair and ill-fitting clothes. He was curious whether this man was responsible for her returned sparkle. He found it strange, especially as she’d been ill only the other day. Now though, she looked positively radiant. He accepted the proffered handshake from the man, but any charitable thoughts he’d been having concerning him and his sister fled. Well, once he'd registered his name as he introduced himself.

This was Blake Dennison?

The Blake Dennison?

Kitty’s boss?

Oh, man, they needed to talk.

What the hell was she thinking?

He was furious that this man had used his age, and experience against his baby sister. Yes, he knew that was contrary of him, but he didn’t mind pulling the big brother card when it suited him. He turned furious eyes on his sister, and manners be damned. He wanted answers now. What the hell she was doing messing around with her boss? Had she not learned that mixing business and pleasure was a mistake from the last fiasco?


Mind your own business, Kitty hissed at Rob. Obviously understanding the reason behind his sudden change in demeanour. What the hell was the matter with her? She was his business, his sister, his best friend and confident. What the hell was she thinking?

What the fuck are you doing with your boss? he said in Italian.

"Basta Cosi." Kitty snapped, stamping on his foot in frustration. Rob pulled his foot out of the way, and took a step back before she could come in with a knee or elbow. That was usually her next move.

English only, don’t be so rude, Kitty snarled, before giving him a saccharine sweet smile. He took another step back for safety, as the sweet smile was never a good thing from his riled sister. Crap, her words registered with him. He’d been so agitated by his discovery; he’d reverted to Italian. If the shocked look on her companions’ faces were anything to go by, he’d let yet another secret out of the bag. He rubbed his hand over his face in agitation, and grimaced. He must be more tired than he realised, to make such a stupid mistake.

He watched this Blake person from the corner of his eye as he curled his fingers around Kitty’s waist. Bringing her in closer to his side, before bending to whisper something to her. Rob couldn't catch it and his eyes slit in annoyance as he again gave the guy the once over. Was this yet another man who was going to use and abuse his sister for what he could get out of her?

Over his dead body. Never again was his sister going to be hurt by a player, and this guy had player written all over him, from his expensive clothing to his laid-back manner. He would know, he had that dubious title himself.

He re-thought his view a moment later though, when this Blake kissed her neck in a soothing manner, then turned back to him, and spoke, while looking him right in the eye.

Yes, she’s my personal assistant, but me dating her, and her position are not relative. I have never dated an employee before… ever.

You could tell how uncomfortable explaining his position was for him. Which raised his estimation in Rob’s eyes, as it took guts to admit to having a weakness. Kitty was most definitely a weakness for him he realised as he watched him tuck her protectively beneath his shoulder. Interesting, maybe this one was different after all. Then again, he’d withhold judgement for now, until he had more knowledge. If only to keep the peace.

Okay, fine, I’ll stop the big brother act, he conceded, as a grin split his face. He tugged on the ends of his sister’s hair playfully. His grin turning to raucous laughter, with his amusement. He could practically see the steam coming from her ears, she was so annoyed with his antics. She punched him in the arm in retaliation, and, man, it brought a lump to his throat. He’d missed this over the last couple of years. This tit-for-tat, tormenting of each other. He loved his sister more than life, and it had caused him physical pain to see her so unhappy and lost. But maybe things were about to change. He fervently hoped so anyway as it lifted his mood immensely to see her so animated.

God, I really don’t know what women see in you, Kitty hissed at Rob in disgust, then took a sip of her drink. Audrey snorted by his side giving him the once over.

Please, the man’s gorgeous, what’s not to like? She parried and grinned at him mischievously. He bowed low over her hand in thanks.

See a woman of great taste, Rob winked at Blake over Kitty’s head, willing to play it up further just to torment her, and see the fire burning in her for a little while longer.

You really have a death wish. Blake said laughingly to Rob, as Kitty relaxed back against him and smiled. Now that was nice to see, he’d never seen her look so relaxed with a man before. Maybe he was the one she needed. He’d missed her sense of self, and of fun these last couple of years.

Let Audrey show you around and introduce you to her fabulously talented husband Dan, the artist, Kitty said.

Rob held out his elbow for Audrey and waited while she took him up on the offer. She tittered like a schoolgirl as she took the proffered arm as they made their way over to her husband.

Dan was just finishing up a conversation with an enthusiastic collector as they arrived, and he looked suspiciously towards Rob. It seemed there was another possessive man in the room. He held out his hand and introduced himself. Dan smiled and shook it, but Rob watched in amusement as he then pulled Audrey down onto the arm of his chair, wrapping an arm possessively around her waist.

There seemed to be a lot of mental thumping of chests going on tonight, as these men staked their claims.

Rob spent a pleasant couple of minutes with them as Dan told him all about the ideas behind the exhibit. He was enthusing over all the positive feedback, and the number of sales from tonight alone. The charity was going to receive a nice cheque to help towards their research. If not for a cure, then at least into finding alternative methods of getting about, other than being reliant on a wheelchair. Rob was just beginning to relax, as he was enjoying listening to Dan. He was articulate, and knowledgeable, and Rob could tell that the charity meant everything to him. Not that he could blame him, as he'd explained about all the help he’d received himself from them after his own accident. Which explained why he was more than happy to give back, and in turn help others.

Rob turned his head slightly, when out of the corner of his eye, he spotted his sister and ‘lover boy’ move across the room. They stopped at the side of a young brunette whose hair was coiled into a neat chignon at the back of her head. She was wearing a pretty, just above the knee, semi-fitted sheath dress. The fit only allowed tantalising glimpses of the body hidden beneath. With each movement, it hugged the mouth-watering curves before settling back into place.

His interest was piqued by the understated sophistication and sensuality she portrayed.

If you'll excuse me, I think I see someone I know,' Rob said to them. He wanted to investigate his stunning find before she got away.

You're welcome, now go enjoy the rest of your evening, Audrey said with a smile. Dan shook the hand Rob once again offered, before turning to make his way over.

Alison had walked nervously into the art exhibit, feeling very out of her element. She’d been unsure about coming, but because Mrs. Wood from downstairs had offered to look after Lilly she’d decided to show up anyway. She didn’t go out often, since she didn’t like to leave Lilly. What with working full time and doing her degree work from home their time together was precious. As Lilly was already asleep, though, it eased some of her guilt. Plus, if she'd stayed home she’d have only been sat on her own, either watching mundane terrestrial television or working. The clincher had been receiving yet another threatening letter through the post this morning. She’d needed something to help get her mind from it.

She didn’t have many dressy clothes in her closet, but she did have a couple of dresses that she'd 'kept for best'. Her Nan, rest her soul, had always told her she should have a couple of sets of clothes that she kept for ‘Sunday best.’ That was how her grandmother had always described saving a few items of clothing for a surprise event.

She’d pulled out the mid-blue sheaf, with the matching three- inch heeled pumps, and had tidied her hair up. She’d even put on some mascara and shell pink lipstick.

To cover her discomfort Alison made her way along the beautifully vibrant, and warm paintings displayed on the wall. All eye catching, but the one she stood in front of now reminded her of a warm autumn day. The colours reminiscent of the changing leaf colours on the trees, just before they shed for the winter. She was so engrossed in the painting that she jumped when she was tapped on the shoulder. Once her heart rate slowed down, she pasted on a friendly smile before turning. Her smile dimming slightly in shock as she found herself face to face with Kitty, the CEO’s PA, and said CEO himself, Mr. Dennison. Oh, hell, she thought. It didn’t bode well for your job, to upset the boss and his PA.

Oh, hello. She smiled shyly at them, trying to rally her nerve, as she spotted a black-haired man walked up behind them and stop. He had the most amazing eyes, a spectacular shade of antique gold. Actually, she’d been watching a teen vampire film only the other night. His eyes were exactly the shade of the vampire family in the film which only drank animal blood. She’d never seen eyes quite that colour before. Well, not unless they’d been photo-shopped, or they wore coloured lenses. She dropped her lashes, refusing to meet his enquiring gaze. Instead she ignored his presence, as she tried to listen intently to what Kitty and Blake were saying to her. He’d insisted on being called Blake on several occasions, but she still wasn’t comfortable with the idea. Blame Mavis’s brainwashing for that. She’d insisted on the tradition of showing respect by recognising your superiors and their position.

I read the minutes of Thursday’s meeting, Blake said, oblivious to her discomfort. You did brilliantly, and I for one think Len’s going to be lucky to have you once Mavis retires. Alison was pleased he was happy with her work. I mean, who didn’t enjoy impressing the boss. Not that the bosses at Dennison were ogres. Far from it, they were all laid back, approachable men, only a few years older than herself, and she enjoyed working for them, as they were friendly and polite. She was so lost in thoughts of work that she’d almost forgotten about the handsome stranger, when suddenly a deep, male, husky voice spoke up.

Hi, I’m Rob, Kitty’s twin brother, Rob said. Then he held out a hand and waited patiently for her to meet his gaze, and accept. He’d seen the flash of the most beautiful eyes as he’d walked towards them. He was finally rewarded as she lifted her long, slightly sooty lashes, and met his glance. He nearly lost his voice. Her eyes were stunning, bright lavender, the colour of fresh blooming heather. Extremely unusual and so large they seemed to dominate her small, oval face. She looked shy, sweet, and lost. He watched her roll her pink shiny lips inwards as if unsure how to proceed. That tell-tale sign cemented his original thought about her being shy. She was like a breath of fresh air compared to all the women he usually mixed with. There was very little artifice about her. She was naturally beautiful, with high dark, arched brows over those stunning eyes. A cute button nose, rosy cheeks and a small, determined, pointed chin. Above that, though, was a very kissable Cupid’s bow mouth.

She reminded him of a porcelain doll. A living, breathing, flesh and blood version. His pulse spiked as he was slammed violently with instant lust when her small soft hand briefly touched his own. He had to clear his throat before he could speak again, due to the visceral sensation.

Oh, god, this is awful. Alison thought. She couldn’t believe he was waiting for her to accept his hand. She was extremely uncomfortable around strangers, especially male strangers, but she couldn’t be rude. After all, he’d introduced himself as Kitty’s brother, so taking a breath she 'bit the bullet' and accepted. She was no good with men as they intimidated her, so hadn’t bothered with them socially since Kevin. She then suppressed a shudder at his memory. At the ripe old age of twenty-two she’d officially given up on the opposite sex. She hadn’t regretted it at all, not once in nearly three years. Not until now, that is. She was so far out of her depth she didn’t have a clue on how to deal with this startlingly handsome man. Taking a breath for courage, she took the plunge back into the world of social niceties.

I’m Alison. I work for one of Blake’s directors, she explained. She tried to smile, but was sure it was more a grimace, embarrassment colouring her cheeks with her social awkwardness.

She hated how her nerves got the better of her and made her blush and stammer her way through the introduction. On top of that, her hand now burned and tingled from the contact of his slightly roughened, large, tanned one. Removing hers from his light grasp as quickly as possible, as she desperately needed to get rid of the weird sensation in her hand. Not wanting to appear rude by wiping it down her dress, she stealthily hid it behind her back, and gave it a quick rub on her bottom to try to shake the odd feeling. Her palm was prickling from where his skin had gently skimmed her own.

She wasn’t sure how to proceed now. There was also an awkward silence which had settled over the group, probably down to her ineptitude, but she didn’t have a clue how to rectify it. Kitty saved her by speaking up, and Alison let out a relieved breath.

Excuse me, I won’t be a moment. I just need a quick word with my brother, Kitty said gently, and then to Blake added. Would you mind? pointedly looking towards Alison.

Alison didn’t mind, not at all, it had saved her from feeling even more gauche as Kitty walked away with her brother. She was then shocked further when Mr. Dennison—Blake, she reminded herself, placed his hand lightly under her elbow to lead her over to some sculptures.

Oh no you don’t, Kitty hissed at Rob, looking around to make sure they weren’t overheard. She’s not one of your playthings, she’s shy, sweet, and extremely lovely. She’s also not dated since losing her husband three years ago, she told him. Rob was pleased she was unattached, but felt a slight pang of envy for the man she’d been married to.

He listened only half-heartedly, as his sister ranted on at him as he tracked the movements of the petite brunette from the corner of his eye. Her face was rapt with interest as Blake explained something to her about the sculptures they were stood before, and Rob's mouth lifted at the corner.

I was just being friendly, he told Kitty, and she snorted.

This is me you’re talking to. I know the old octave lowering trick. Rob's brows rose as he laughed. He was shocked she’d noticed the struggle he'd had with his voice, but she’d gotten it completely wrong. It wasn’t for the reason she thought at all, far from it. He’d had to clear his voice, to swallow the appreciative growl which had tried to escape on hearing the soft, husky quality of Alison’s voice. It was reminiscent of silk felt running over naked skin, soft and sensuous. Much like the woman herself.

Those eyes were now burned into his memory; not only the beautiful colour, but the loneliness he’d witnessed in their hidden depths. It had mirrored his own feelings, speaking to something deep inside him. He was pulled out of his reverie as Kitty continued berating him. Had he only recently been thinking of how much he’d missed their closeness? He must have been mad; he wasn’t impressed just then, not when she spoke to him as if he were a recalcitrant child caught with his hand in the cookie jar after being told no.

Please, give me some credit, we spent way too much time together for me to miss any of your tricks, she said. I love you, Rob, I really do, but you would scare her to death. She isn’t equipped to deal with someone with your skills and reputation, she added. Now that pissed him off, what sort of man did she take him for? Had she not seen the depths of loneliness reflected in Alison’s eyes, or her shyness? Jesus, he was not a scum bag.

I’m not a complete bastard you know, he snapped. She just looked lost… there’s just something about her, he said. Then shrugging his shoulders, shoved his hands into his trouser pockets.

He couldn’t articulate his thoughts - wasn’t even sure what they were himself just then so how could he possibly explain them to his sister. Not that she seemed interested in what he was thinking as she just kept on berating him.

And what about the little plaything you’ve left warming your bed back at the hotel? Her brow raised like a bored school teacher with a misbehaving pupil as she waited for an answer.

Now he felt like a complete