The Blindman's Wife Page 2

  Zola heard the small footsteps of Mrs. Bradford, and went and sat in the straight back chair that was in front of the black mahogany desk. So his mother wasn’t the one looking for an assistant, she was looking on behalf of her son. Maybe she should just escape while she could and not wait around to see the outcome of this impromptu interview. Besides the man was dead set against having an assistant. Six assistants in a month! That was almost two a week. He had to be the king of the ogres.

  She was about to make her escape when she came face to face with the very attractive petite lady she had seen in the photo. She smiled awkwardly.

  “Hello.”

  *

  “Hello going somewhere?” Cynthia Bradford asked smiling at the young woman in front of her. She was about to make her escape no doubt. She wondered how much of the conversation with her son she had overheard. Maybe she should let the poor girl go she looked like she would break at one of Liam’s barks. He would eat the poor child alive. She was deciding whether to let her go when she saw the square set of her shoulders. Well, well it seemed like the little deer may have a backbone after all. She may have seemed fragile, but she had a feeling that this one had guts.

  She could be good for her son, thought Cynthia. He needed someone to keep him on his feet, and if for some reason something else developed, it would be a bonus. She knew Liam was still mourning his dead fiancée but she wouldn’t mind if something or someone could catch his attention to pull him out of whatever rut he was determined to stay in.

  “No, I was just about to take a seat.”

  “Good lets’ begin. I am betting I don’t have a resume of yours, did you walk with one?”

  “Yes, sorry about the short notice I just saw your ad today. Here you go,” Zola handed over her resume.

  “Thank you it’s no problem at all. Today hasn’t been a busy day for interviews,” Cynthia said, pretending to look thoroughly over the resume. The girl was qualified and in her mind had already decided to hire her, but she wanted to see how well this frightened deer coped under pressure when the headlights were shining down on her. An idea struck her; she could easily kill two birds with one stone; she smiled sweetly. She was desperate since everyone seemed to think her son wasn’t worth the hassle, but she still had to be sure.

  “This job is more than being an assistant to my son; it's also about being a friend.” God knows he needed more of them with the rate he was going she thought silently. “Of course, I’m prepared to pay a sufficient amount of money to the qualified person. So tell me Azolah, that’s such a pretty name by the way. Why do you think you are qualified for this job? As I am sure you heard my son could be a bit difficult.”

  Cynthia watched as Zola thought about her question carefully before she answered. She had a feeling Zola was afraid she would hurt her feelings if she told her what she really thought of her son.

  “Please call me Zola, as to the answer to your question, I am a mother of a two-year-old Mrs. Bradford, so I know what it’s like to deal with boys like your son. From what I’ve heard, it seems like your son isn’t acting his age. Currently, he seems to be acting more like my son Wyn when he doesn’t want to take his bath. What he needs is a time out.”

  Cynthia laughed for the first time in weeks. She was right; this was the woman to keep her son in line. She could see that Zola was an honest woman. She didn’t know how many women would have had the guts to say what she just said. She wasn’t trying to lie her way into the job or her son’s bed.

  Being the head of a multi-billion dollar conglomerate wasn’t an easy job when looking for a life mate. There were always lies and deceit involved. She wondered if Zola knew who her son was. Cynthia looked at the girl in front of her. She was cute, almost pretty about five feet two inches. She had curly black hair that looked hard to tame and beautiful skin that looked like it was made of the best cocoa. Her eyes were her best feature, large, expressive and light brown almost the colour of honey.

  Her nose was straight, Cynthia wondered if she’s biracial. She could tell the young woman was self-conscious about her looks the way her hands kept going to pat her hair. She might not be skinny or as beautiful as Maddy had been, but she wasn’t overweight or hard on the eyes either, far from it. She guessed Zola Kurtis didn’t make the effort or maybe didn’t have time or money to spend on frivolous things like makeup or spa treatments. She had potential with a few application of make-up and maybe a straightening iron for those unruly curls, and she would be pretty, a knockout even.

  “The job is yours.”

  “Just like that, I get the job?” Zola asked suspiciously.

  “Yes just like that. One more thing if you don’t mind my asking, why are you so willing to put up with my son’s behaviour?”

  “My son and my mother. My mother was in an accident that left her in a wheelchair and needed to be cared for. A week from now, my son will be having an operation to close a hole in his heart. I need the money so I can take care of them.” She answered honestly.

  “I’m sorry, are your parents divorced?”

  “No, they were never married. My father left for Pakistan when my mother was six months pregnant with me. He was Pakistani and had an arranged bride waiting for him back home. Being black didn’t help my mother much either, but I guess you can’t help who you fall in love with. It’s just mum, Wynter and I. We make do.” She was obviously not ashamed of her background.

  “I see.” Cynthia looked at the young woman who sat in front of her and thought that she was very mature for her age. She also suspected that she had been through a lot. Some people just shouldn’t have to make do. Some people couldn't help who they fall in love with, unless of course, someone could bring them together.

  “The job is temporary for now and will turn into a permanent one if all goes well. We need someone who can live here on the estate. I must warn you my son is blind. He was in an accident a couple of months ago, and the trauma caused his blindness. The doctors say it is temporary. So the position may call for you to do some things other than the usual office duties.”

  “I see. I’m sorry about your son; it must be difficult for him not being able to see anything that was happening around him. I don’t mind the extra work, Mrs. Bradford. You won’t find a harder and honest worker than me.”

  Cynthia wasn’t surprised Zola empathized with her son's situation; they were both on the same wavelength. She understood what it was like to have a loved one lose something that they once held precious.

  “There is a guest cottage on the estate; it has two bedrooms, you will be staying there. I hope it will be enough room for you and your family.” Cynthia said.

  “Yes thank you. You mean I can bring them with me as well?” Zola asked a little surprised.

  “Of course, you can my dear, what did you expect?”

  “Honestly, I wasn't sure, thank you.”

  “Well let’s meet my son. We might as well get this over with. Don’t let him get to you. He is a nice man, but this blindness has him frustrated. He is a bit temperamental so if he tries to fire you, don’t take him seriously he doesn't have the power to do so. Please be a little patient with him, his bark is worse than his bite.”

  *

  “Sure it is,” Zola muttered doubtfully. From what she had heard from their previous interaction, she wondered if this man was ever in a good mood. Moreover, she doubted that his temper had ever actually been described as "a bit" or "mild".

  As they neared the room, Zola began to get a little nervous. Her palms were sweating, and she had to wipe them on the skirt she was wearing several times. Was this job worth it? She asked herself silently. Something inside her told her it was.

  When Cynthia opened the door, the first word that came to Zola’s mind was dejected. Everything about him screamed it. He sat shoulders hunched and what she could see of his blank expression through the windows’ reflection made a sense of sadness washed over her. A man in his prime should not look so
old and full of sorrow. The handsome man she saw in the photo shared no resemblance to the one sitting before her. He was still very handsome, but it was like all the light and life had left him. He seemed like an empty shell.

  He sat in a corner in front of a large window overlooking the beautiful garden. It was a pity he couldn’t see it; maybe it would have done something to brighten his mood. At first, she doubted she could help him. To her, it seemed as if he had already accepted his fate. He reminded her of herself after her mother’s accident. She was still angry with the driver a year later, so she understood why he felt the way he did with just a few months of grieving.

  “Liam dear, I would like you to meet Zola Kurtis. She is going to be your new assistant.”

  As he turned in the direction of his mother’s voice to face them, Zola’s breath stalled in the back of her throat. She hadn’t expected to feel the jolt of desire that ripple through her. Was that what it was back in the office? She was stunned at the discovery that it had her moving a foot back to the door. She wanted to run for the exit but stood her ground. Her foot hit the small coffee table on her right and the glass that was sitting on it fell and shattered. As it hit the floor, Zola jumped and made an embarrassed squeaking sound. She couldn’t help it; it just escaped her lips.

  “A little jack rabbit are we?” he barked with an unpleasant smile. ”This should be an interesting working relationship.”

  Zola didn’t bother answering him.

  “Now Liam, that’s no way to talk to Zola,” his mother chastened.

  “It’s okay Mrs. Bradford; I’m not afraid of your son. I feel sorry for you. You have to put up with his a….” she stopped and exhaled. How could her body betray her by reacting to this wretched man?

  “Put up with what Miss. Kurtis? Don’t stop now that you are all fired up, please continue,” he taunted.

  “I was about to say I don’t know how a wonderful woman like your mother ended up with a jackass for a son. Frankly Mr. Bradford, I think you are acting like a complete spoiled brat. You should be ashamed of yourself. How old are you anyway forty, forty-five?”

  “Thirty-four,” he gritted “now look here missy—”

  “No, you look here. You have been through a traumatic ordeal I understand that. But you should count yourself lucky because you’re still alive and healthy. There are people out there who aren’t that lucky. You’re not the only blind person on this planet nor are you the only one hurting. You should be grateful you have your mother’s complete support.

  “Get over yourself and move on, at least you have a chance to recover your sight. Tell that to those who don’t have that luxury or who were born blind. Tell that to someone who had never once seen the sun come up or his or her reflection in the mirror. When you can do that, then you can start feeling sorry for yourself. Otherwise, stop treating the people who want to help you like they were your personal punching bag.”

  Silence greeted the room.

  “You would do just fine. You have spunk now leave me alone I’m sure my mother must have a few last minute plans for you.”

  Zola looked at him; the gall of this man was astounding. “You…”

  “Now dear, we don’t want you to get Liam all in a snit again, come along let’s leave him be before he changes his mind.”

  As Zola was walking out with Mrs. Bradford, she couldn’t help but look back at the man. As he turned to face the window again, the light from the window lit the side of his face, and he seemed to be sitting up straighter than when they had entered. He was still very attractive, with grey splashes of hair at his temples. Looking at him made her blood pump through her veins faster than water rushing through a pipe. It must be due to their heated conversation that had her feeling that way. It had to be; there’s no way after close to three years of celibacy she was suddenly attracted to this man. Him! Of all people! No.Way.In. Hell was she going to allow that.

  Even with that vow and the fact he was a complete rude jackass; she couldn’t get his face out of her head. His intense eyes were the bluest she had ever seen, reminding her of a perfect summer’s day. The shadow of a smile that she had seen at the end of their conversation displayed his full kissable lips and exposed twin dimples in both cheeks. Her heart rate accelerated, stop it she reprimand herself silently he’s not worth the trouble.

  She turned to his mother, “I know he is blind, and he is your son Mrs. Bradford, but he is very rude. No wonder everyone else quit.”

  Cynthia laughed, “Call me Cynthia dear. I know there is no excuse for Liam’s behaviour, but before the accident he was a nice man. His life changed drastically that night, and so did everything good about him it seems.”

  “I understand…”

  Cynthia stopped and looked at Zola, “I don’t think you do dear. Liam wasn’t the only one affected by the accident. His fiancée Madeline Stevens was in the car. She died, and Liam never forgave himself for her death. It’s not an excuse, but that’s the only explanation I can think of for his behaviour. Somewhere in his head he is punishing himself.”

  “I am sorry to hear that, but I’m sure it wasn’t his fault,” Zola said sympathizing for the moment with the man who was obviously in pain about the loss of the woman he loved. She thought of the pictures in the office. “He must have loved her very much, is she the young woman in the photo?” did she just asked that aloud?

  “Yes, that is Madeline. She and Liam had been dating since university and were going to be married next month. Maddy had always wanted a June wedding. What made things worst was that Liam was the one driving at the time of the accident.”

  “Madeline’s parents and I tried to tell him he wasn’t at fault, but he won’t listen to us. At times, I’m afraid for him. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think he will take his life. I just think he would rather give up instead of fight. If I hadn’t promised to go on the cruise with my friends, I would stay.”

  “It’s okay Cynthia. I’ll take good care of him. You go and have fun on your cruise.” Maybe when you get back he’ll be better a man--yeah right, she scoffs silently.

  “Thank you, Zola; you don’t know how happy I am that you have decided to take this job.”

  “There is no need for thanks,” Zola said uncomfortably. “I should be the one thanking you for giving me a chance.”

  “Well, thanks anyway. Since I will be leaving in a few days maybe now would be a good time for you to move in.”

  “Thank you I think I will.”

  ***

  Liam's lips twitched before forming into a full smile. His new nursemaid was a spitfire. He wondered if she was fiery in the bedroom as well. He recalled how winded she had been after her speech. He wished he could have seen her face. He wondered if she was as beautiful as she sounded or if her skin was as soft as her sweet honeyed voice. He had also waited to see if she would back off like the others his mother had employed.

  When she didn’t, he knew he would enjoy having her around. If he was going to be stuck with an unwanted assistant, he needed one who had the guts to stand her ground with him. He didn’t want a "yes" person. As much as he liked her spunk, her tongue was another thing. Being able to stand her ground was one thing, but being cheeky was another. If she weren't careful, that mouth of hers would be her downfall. However, for the first time since the accident, he started to feel something other than anger and sorrow.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Zola and her family didn’t move onto the Bradford estate until two days after she was hired. She began her role as executive assistant to the insufferable man a week ago. If she thought working for her ex-boss was like being a slave, she was wrong. This man was a workaholic and pushed everyone around him to work as hard as he did. She was definitely earning every penny.

  She took a sip of her coffee and sighed; judging from how much he worked it's not surprising he was wealthy. She didn’t know just how wealthy he was until the day before when she had overheard one of the many businessmen, tal
king to him about his personal investments. He was the first billionaire she had met, let alone seen in person. Her ex Nick's family was rich, but they were no where near Liam Bradford’s level.

  She enjoyed her job, what she didn’t enjoy was having the man breathing down her neck every second like a dragon in heat. She had a feeling he knew some of the demands he made were impossible, yet she had always found a way to let him have his way just to shut him up. Every time she thought she couldn’t accomplish the task, she surprised herself and got it done, sometimes with time to spare. Her favourite pass time was shocking him into silence. Even then, he always found a way to say something that would throw her off guard, such as mentioning he liked her perfume. Not even his handsome looks could make up for his nasty attitude. He needed someone to adjust that temperament of his. Thank goodness, whatever it was she had felt the day they met hadn’t resurfaced …in the day anyway.

  Zola was beginning to think Liam Bradford was deliberately trying to get her in a compromising position so she could be the seventh of his assistants to go packing. She was determined not to only keep this job, but to not give him the satisfaction of firing her. She put Liam out of her mind as her son and mother entered the room ready to have their breakfast. They would always have breakfast together if Zola didn't have to start work before nine o'clock.

  “Morning,” she said, kissing her son as she got up to prepare his bowl of cereal and coffee and toast for her mother.

  “We can wait on ourselves sweetheart; you don’t have to play nursemaid to us,” her mother said accepting the drink.

  “I know Mum, I don’t mind. I enjoy making breakfast for you and Wynter. Anyway, I have half an hour before I have to walk up to the main house,” she moaned softly not realizing it until her mother spoke.

  “I guess things are still the same? The big bad wolf is still a pain in the rear?” her mother smiled amusingly.

  “Uh-huh,” was all Zola could say, there was no sugarcoating the way she felt about the man.