Somewhere In Sevenoakes Read online

  SOMEWHERE IN SEVENOAKS

  By: Sorell Oates

  Copyright © 2013 Blue Ribbon Books

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.

  For questions and comments about this book, please contact us at [email protected]

  CHAPTER 1

  Maddison set her drink on the bar and twisted her left wrist to subtly read the face of her watch.

  ”Clockwatcher!” boomed a voice in her left ear.

  Whilst grimacing internally, she forced a watery smile externally.

  ”How come you're keen to get home this fine Friday evening?” quizzed her robust, red-faced boss.

  Generally speaking, Maddison had a lot of time for Geoff, the financial director of the medium-sized firm of chartered surveyors she worked for in the heart of London's West End. Although in Maddison's opinion Geoff spent far too much time having boozy lunches with clients, which accounted for his permanently flushed cheeks and red bulbous nose, his accounting skills and superb business head were to be admired. He'd hired Maddison as an Accounts Junior at eighteen, eight years on he'd trained her to a standard where she was able to cover his role when required and undoubtedly would take over the position full time when Geoff was ready to retire. At that precise moment in time, despite her affection for her merry mentor, she was close to murdering him for drawing the attention of the entire accounts department to her eagerness to leave the Friday night drinking session.

  ”Don't worry, I'm not rushing off quite yet.”

  ”I should think not," grinned Geoff,” I can't think an empty studio flat would hold much appeal for a pretty, young thing your age in London on a Friday night. You should be making the most of your age and status Maddison. Don't waste your time on being broken-hearted over a man who never deserved you in the first place.”

  Maddison inhaled deeply to maintain her poise. Geoff may have meant well, but reminding her work colleagues of her failed engagement had her reliving both the rejection of the break-up and the humiliation of having to disclose publicly to her workplace that the wedding was cancelled. The announcement came after the company had held a large party, laying generous gifts on her and her now ex-fiancé.

  ”Geoff, it was two years ago. Rest assured I've moved on from then.”

  ”But you've not been with another boy since!” he declared boisterously.

  ”My private life is private Geoff,” she mumbled into her glass of red wine.

  ”How come you're checking your watch then? Worried the cats are missing you?” joked her friend Helen.

  ”I hadn't realised my personal life or lack of one, was still the talk of the office,” said Maddison good-naturedly.

  ”We're teasing,” reassured Helen, squeezing her hand.

  ”And we enjoy your company. I don't want you rushing off when the next round is on me,” remarked Geoff.

  Maddison's body relaxed. Deep down she knew her workplace really did value her contribution to the company and more importantly, she knew how fond they were of her; it was their approach she was uncomfortable with. Secure in the knowledge her colleagues only wanted the best for her, she permitted herself to appreciate their intent as opposed to the delivery.

  ”Geoff, I'm never going to turn down a drink when you're paying. I'll have another glass of red please – large,” she winked.

  Geoff headed to the bar, taking with him all the various drinks, orders of the accounts department stored solidly in his brain.

  ”As for my felines, Helen, the reason I choose to have cats as pets is because of their independence. Like me, they don't need constant care or attention. I'm uncommitted and able to stay out with you as long as it suits me. Tonight it suits me fine.”

  ”I know you're Miss Independence, Maddy. I know you've climbed every rung of the career ladder through sheer determination and hard work, but even cats like to be pampered now and then. A little affection or tender loving care doesn't make you any less efficient at work,” said Helen seriously.

  ”I'm aware of that,” Maddy lowered her voice to confide solely in her friend Helen. ”It's a distraction I can do without for now. Work keeps me focussed and gives me direction in life. It's what I need.”

  ”It was two years ago,” chided Helen. ”Isn't it time to move on? I mean with a new man, not another kitten.”

  ”Helen, seriously, I have moved on. Rick made a joke of me for four years. I was young, silly and in love. Because I was open with my feelings, he took advantage and spent almost the entire relationship cheating on me. I was too blind to see what was going on. When I did find out,” she let the sentence hang in the air momentarily. ”Suffice to say, no one wants to discover that four years of their life was built on a lie. I wasted those years on a guy who didn't respect me. If I'm to be brutally honest I don't know if he even loved me. I chose to be with him. It was my fault. I didn't want to see what was happening. Scratch that, I don't think I ever wanted to see the truth. It was easier to pretend he loved me and my life would be a big, white wedding, with a happily ever after.”

  ”I'm sorry Maddy. I was being insensitive. Of course what you went through was traumatic.”

  ”Helen, I'm fine now. All I'm trying to say is, to jump straight back in the saddle would have been silly. If I learnt anything from that particular episode, it's to take your time getting to know someone. To leap into a relationship without any knowledge of the measure of the man is careless. You're practically inviting someone to make a fool of you. Okay, I may have been single for two years but I've been promoted as high as I can within the company, become a qualified accountant, I have a mortgage, good friends and two lovely cats,'' she concluded self-depreciatingly.

  Helen laughed.

  ”What about the sex? Are you seriously telling me balancing books and calling in bad debts is better than romance and great sex?”

  Maddison pretended to mull the question over, tipping her head to one side as she chewed the corner of her bottom lip.

  ”Well, it is pretty rewarding when you see the books balance at the end of the month,” she jested.

  Geoff returned, placing a huge glass of red wine in her hand. Maddy thanked him and took a gulp.

  ”Truth is,” she whispered in Helen's ear, ”it mightn't be difficult to get the sex but finding a man whocan deliver the romance to accompany it isn't easy.”

  ”Here, here,” agreed Helen, tapping her refilled glass with Maddy's.

  Maddison let herself get lost in discussions revolving around everyone's plan for the weekends. Rather than risk checking her own watch again, her eyes drifted towards the clock hanging over the bar. It was past 9pm. She'd missed her regular train, which meant she'd missed the man of her dreams.

  The man who shared her train was dreamy; making her daily commute the best part of her day. She allowed herself a private moment in the heaving pub to reflect on his gorgeousness. He wore tailored suits modelled on his tall, muscular frame. His long legs would stretch out in the carriage, almost brushing against her own. His bowed head with short cropped blonde hair and stormy blue eyes, permanently read material she guessed to be related to work. His tan hands gripped his phone, one thumb scrolling through endless emails. It was the last five seconds of their shared journey that were the best. He'd draw back his legs sharply as his stop approached, reach for his briefcase, stand to his full six foot three, then flash a smile directly at Maddy and nod before heading out with the crowd of rush-h
our commuters to change trains. To Maddy he was beautiful. It was those perfect white teeth, chiselled bone structure, lean frame, and expensive, elegant suits that had her heart aflutter. He was a man she'd love to get to know better. Having stayed and accepted the extra drink off her employer, she'd missed the 7.40pm train which her beautiful stranger routinely took home.

  Knowing she wasn't going to see him till Monday morning had her mood sink slightly. Taking in the warm, friendly faces of the team she managed, Maddy decided to enjoy their company and the effects of the alcohol until the bar-staff called for last orders.

  James rested against a platform wall at London Bridge station, drinking a bottle of still water. His mind was cloudy from the celebratory drinks that had been flowing in his office since 4pm that afternoon. He'd been part of a team of lawyers on a large business merger which had successfully gone through that afternoon, bringing in a significant amount of money for the firm. The employers had put on a spread of food and drinks to thank the staff for their hard work. The treat was well received, with everyone letting loose; happy the deal was settled.

  James had previously spent the entire week fretting about the case. When the good news came through, he consented to join in the social function. Normally he chose to exclude himself from such events and was now regretting his attendance. It was out of character for him to socialize at work. Having narrowly escaped bedding a new secretary, he remembered why he took that particular professional stance.

  It wasn't that the girl hadn't been pretty. She was attractive with blonde hair cascading down her back, blue eyes, and a skirt that was far too inappropriately short for proper office attire. Under normal circumstances he would've kept the secretary at arm’s length, but under the influence of one too many glasses of champagne, and flattered by her attention, he'd encouraged rather than discouraged her. It was only when she'd followed him to his private office, flung her arms around his neck, drawing him in for a kiss that his resolve weakened and he'd responded warmly. When she surfaced for air she verbally raved over his position, power and income. James was literally sick in the stomach when she brazenly stated what a fine specimen of a man he was and how perfect they'd be together. He knew the secretary wasn't into him personally. She sounded far more interested in what lifestyle he could afford her if the two of them partnered up romantically.

  James was thirty-two and had enough life experience to know that when most women heard he was a lawyer, their eyes would flash excitedly guessing his bank balance. In his particular field, James had an unblemished reputation and was considered a key man to have on board for arranging mergers and acquisitions. He was proud of the work he did and what he'd accomplished, but attracting a score of potential gold-diggers over the years had him dubious of excessive, over-the-top female attention. The secretary he'd managed to avoid by departing the office without a farewell only served to reinforce his caution with women.

  As the train pulled in, he dragged himself sluggishly on board. Although late, he was glad to have missed the rush hour. He strode down to his preferred seat, eyes widening in pleasure to see his favourite regular commuter. She caught the same train, morning and evening, as he did. He knew she lived in Orpington, a one-stop before his home in Sevenoaks. Because he got off a little earlier in the mornings than she did, he wasn't sure where she worked geographically.

  James couldn't help but smile as their eyes met. He knew his smile stretched wide across his face, reaching his eyes in genuine pleasure at having spotted her. Without ever having exchanged a word, he sensed she was his ideal woman. Physically she was striking. She was above average height, five foot seven, which flattered her hourglass figure. It was hard for him to keep his eyes focused on his phone when he was wanting to visually take in her femininity. Her ample bosom, tiny waist and curvaceous hips had his mind wandering as to what she'd be like out of her work clothes. He loved that she dressed in a suit but chose to wear a skirt as opposed to trousers. In doing so she balanced professional with sexy. Her legs were toned and shapely; possibly accentuated by the extraordinary high heels she wore daily. Body aside, it was her face he found most engaging. She had thick, dark brown hair cut in a bob and her eyes were the darkest, deepest, brown he'd ever gazed into. The dark features set against flawless porcelain skin made her absolutely striking. From her outfit, he was certain she worked in an office, but wondered if there'd ever been a time when she'd done modelling.

  He had thought he'd have missed her by catching a late train. It was as if fate was conspiring to bring them together. The carriage was almost empty. It was on the tip of his tongue to say something to her. James shut his eyes mustering the courage to introduce himself. Taking a deep breath, he braced himself to make a move. It flashed in his mind that, given it was a Friday, this gorgeous young woman had probably been on a date. Even if she hadn't it was unlikely she was single. As his brain waded through rationality and the concept of destiny, he realised the train had arrived at her stop. She rose and left the train without catching his glance. James stood up to go and followed her.

  CHAPTER 2

  Maddy had always known James would be amazing in bed.

  Wordlessly, he'd kissed her in the kitchen, having taken the glass wine from her hand to place it in the sink. James' lips enveloped hers. His breath was warm and moist. A soft, inquisitive tongue probed her mouth. The startling connection had her deepening their kiss; lost in the moment. He was minty and moist to taste. Maddy herself felt moist between her legs as James continued kissing her vehemently. She hadn't wanted to make things easy for James but her desire for him prevented her from keeping a cool head.

  Normally self-conscious about her height and curves, she loved James' towering stature. With great ease he manoeuvred her into her bedroom. He broke the kiss, searching her eyes taciturnly, linking with her on an emotional level. His hands went to her shoulders as he pushed her down on the bed. She rolled, as graciously as she could, to the centre of the mattress.

  Silently James stood at the end of the bed, his blue eyes devouring her mentally before physically doing so. Uttering a growl, James got on the bed and crawled up to Maddy. The weight of him on her was delicious. The combined experience of domination and security was divine. That he'd already removed his jacket and tie, made it easier for her to undo the buttons of his shirt. She ground her hips in delight as his unbuttoned shirt revealed an olive-skinned chest, with defined pecs and a rock-hard stomach. As she ran her hands over his broad shoulders, she let her nails graze his back.

  James' hands slipped up her stockinged thighs. With deft hands, he undid the stockings from their garter-belt; his touch cool on her skin. Expertly he reached under her waist and unzipped her skirt, tugging it down to reveal black panties. She breathed in, hoping her recent fitness fad had toned her stomach. As he worked her skirt and stockings down, he moved with them, his tongue flicking out to taste her skin as he revealed her naked legs.

  Once the articles of clothing were removed, she saw him grinning wolfishly up at her. He splayed her thighs, taking his time to caress the insides of each one. He knelt between her legs, moving his hand under her blouse. When his hands moved over her bra, Maddy heard James' breathing become noticeably heavier. He cupped her breasts, yanking down the bra to release her pendulous breasts. His thumb and index fingers of each hand caught a nipple, tweaking them to make her moan. The exquisite sensation had her whimpering. She spread her legs desperate to have him inside her.

  Continuing to kneel, he unbuckled his belt, then unzipped his trousers. She was surprised to see he wasn't wearing any underwear. His cock sprung out, looking long and delicious. Maddy wanted to wrap her mouth around it. The minute she raised herself slightly, James shook his head. She instantly laid flat again, letting him take complete control of the situation.

  He removed her blouse, smiling at the sight of her bosom. James took a breast in his mouth, sucking hard on a nipple, making Maddy wetter between her legs. As his mouth taunted one nipple, he let a hand st
roke her other breast; squeezing and pinching it. His blue eyes were transfixed by her overtly sexual response to his touch.

  Releasing the breast, James moved his head southward. His breath made Maddy's skin rise in goose bumps. His teeth bit on the elastic of her panties. She wanted to scream out as he tore them down; ripping them clean off her in the process. Maddy couldn't ever remember having someone take her with such lust. She'd never felt more womanly, more wanted or more wanton.

  Fully naked and exposed, Maddy was subject to James' scrutiny but saw only admiration in his eyes. Grabbing her ankles, he dragged her down the bed, throwing her legs over his shoulders. Tilting her pelvis, he put a hand on his cock, slipping it between her legs. Maddy could feel the helmet, sliding between her lips. He guided the head onto her clit; rubbing it over and around it. She felt close to the brink and bit her lip, not wanting to climax before he'd even penetrated her. Sensing where she was in the proceedings, James exerted slightly more pressure as his erection teased her nub, bringing her ever closer to orgasm. She did her best to squirm away from him.

  James watched Maddy distance herself from him on the bed before launching himself forward, covering her body with his. Her bare breasts were against his smooth, well-built chest. He pinned her wrists slightly above her head, then returned to kiss her. He shrugged his trousers off, freeing him to work his hips between her closed legs. Smitten, Maddy couldn't keep her legs clamped shut. She wanted him inside her, needed him to be in her. His hard-on pressed against her entrance.