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A Sentimental Heart Ch. 01

By: totallyatease



Author's Note: So here we go again, another slow burner (Groan) I hope that you enjoy it, and thank you for reading. 

*

(A cool head against a warm heart; which will win out in the end?) 

Prologue

"I insist that you stay," he told her firmly.

"But it's just as easy for me to go home for a couple of hours; and come back later for Peter and his friends!" she protested with a polite smile. "Besides what would I do with myself around here for the next few hours?"

He guided her inside the house with a firm hand and she didn't like to make a scene by struggling - besides, she seriously doubted that she would win anyway!

"There's a small sitting room you can use, I'll get someone to bring in a tray of tea -- or coffee if you prefer; and some food... and there's a television you can watch too; if you would like." 

The room he led her too, was delightful and Miranda couldn't hold back her little exclamation of pleasure as she looked around at the flowery room and the comfortable looking sofa.

"Oh well if you insist," she told him ruefully; and he smiled down at her for the first time.

"Good! You should be quite comfortable in here." He glanced around quickly as though checking the room, before looking down at her again, with that smile still in place.

She looked up at him and his smile; and then lowered her gaze again quickly. She was here to drop off her brother and his friends not to start lusting after the host for the evening.

"Thank you... I'll be fine," she responded huskily. "And coffee would be very nice -- if it's not too much trouble?"

"Not at all... there's plenty of extra staff on hand; hired especially for tonight..." 

He seemed to hesitate for a moment, almost as though he wanted to say something more to her; before turning abruptly on his heel and leaving her alone.

"I'll have a tray sent in for you," was his parting comment, thrown casually over his shoulder as he reached the door.

Miranda sank down onto the sofa with a shaky little sigh. "Oh dear," she murmured softly. 

Picking up the television remote, Miranda aimlessly flicked through the channels.

There was a discreet tap on the door and a waitress hired for the evening, came in carrying a tray. "I was asked to bring this in for you miss, and to tell you that if you were to want anything else; to just use that telephone over there, and press three." She placed the tray on the table in front of Miranda and with a friendly smile she left again, obviously with things to do; judging by the speed she was going.

The tray contained a large coffee pot complete with cup, cream and sugar and several small covered plates, and bowls, with sandwiches, cakes and snacks on or in them. Her channel hopping had stopped on the Friday night movie, which was a romance tonight. Miranda kicked off her shoes and curled her legs under her. Then she settled back with a contented sigh, all ready to enjoy her unexpected indulgence for the evening, a chance to wallow in a chick flick complete with tasty treats!

*

Marcus Phillips Junior -- acting host for the evening -- circulated with the easy smile and polite chit chat flowing nicely. All the time, he smiled and talked though; a part of his mind was suffering a crisis of conscience. He worried about the girl shut away in the sitting room at the back of the house. He'd left her there all on her own and it really grated on him as the host for the evening. He didn't dwell on the other designated drivers for the evening, who were all happily entertaining themselves, in the kitchens; or even attending this party. She had refused to come in to the actual party, saying that she wasn't dressed for it. She had only intended to drop off and collect at the end of the evening; and wouldn't feel comfortable mixing with all the other revellers. 

Personally he had thought that she had looked very nice in her black trousers and pretty blouse. But he didn't like the idea of coercing her into doing something that made her uncomfortable or unhappy. He had been floored by her smile and thought that to see her cry would upset him, and to be the cause of her distress would destroy him!

He walked around the room once more stopping here and there to talk for a little while. At one point he found himself talking to Peter Redmond and had to force himself not to ask him about his sister. He just couldn't seem to get her out of his head - and so finally he gave up the internal battle; and excused himself politely from the conversation he was at that moment engaged in.

*

Miranda was deep into the movie as it reached its climax, with the hero grabbing the heroine and kissing her passionately. She sat, with the tears running down her cheeks, riveted and uncaring of the sound of the door opening and then closing behind her. When Marcus stepped into view she almost hit the roof.

Her eyes were swollen and red, her nose was pink and her cheeks were blotchy from her tears. He thought that she looked absolutely beautiful. "I just came to make sure you were alright in here," he told her wryly.

Miranda smiled through her tears and blushed. "I'm wonderful thank you." She sniffed delicately. "Its ages since I've been able to indulge like this and I'm having the time of my life."

He glanced at the film guessing by the music what type it was. "I take it you like these slushy kinds of movies?" he asked, pulling a clean, and neatly pressed handkerchief from his pocket, and offering it to her.

"I'm afraid so; and not just films... books, songs, anything even remotely soppy; and I'm hooked!" she confessed with a self conscious laugh, as she dabbed delicately at her eyes. 

He was about to speak when the door was pushed open and Peter staggered in, followed closely by Rick and Craig. "Ok sis we're ready when you are." His slur was only slight but that didn't stop Miranda looking a little amused at the three of them as she stood up.

"It was nice to have met you Mr. Phillips, and thank you for your hospitality," she said formally as she held out her hand to shake his.

"The pleasure was all mine," his tone was equally formal, although his grey eyes twinkled nicely at her.

Miranda felt her heart skitter in her chest again, as she looked away from the masculine temptation in front of her. Marcus's hand tightened briefly on hers as she would have removed it and she looked back at him in surprise.

"My name by the way is Marcus, not Mr. Phillips," he told her quietly.

Did it matter? She wondered to herself as she left the house, they weren't likely to meet again so what did it matter?

'Marcus though', she thought dreamily to herself, what an absolutely gorgeous name -- for a gorgeously sexy man! 

As she loaded the car up with slightly tipsy young men she glanced up at the house. She could see the silhouette of a man in one of the upstairs rooms, Marcus! On impulse she lifted her hand and waved before climbing into the car and pulling away.

Marcus watched the car drive through the gates before turning for the door, to return to the party, determined to forget the dark haired beauty who had sat on his sofa - crying at silly movies. 

***

Chapter One

"Hey you'll never guess what!" Peter exclaimed as he walked into the kitchen.

Miranda turned from the sink where she was peeling potatoes. "Well let's see," she responded dryly. "The lottery ticket we never bought has come up on this week's lottery, making us millionaires; so that I can sit down and put my feet up, while the new cook you haven't just employed is going to make us an absolutely delicious meal that will simply melt in our mouths." She raised her eyebrow hopefully.

"Don't be daft..." Her brother laughed. "Marcus Phillips is stepping in to take over the running of the company and he's invited me to interview for the position of his personal assistant."

Miranda's heartbeat quickened at the mention of Marcus Phillips, despite the fact that they hadn't met again since that party six years ago.

"That's wonderful news." She stepped forward to hug her brother, sharing in his delight at this opportunity.

"I've not got the job yet," he warned a little more seriously "But it's a real feather in my cap just being asked to apply for the position."

"I didn't realise that you had that much to do with Mr. Phillips junior?" she queried lightly.

Peter looked thoughtful for a moment. "I've only had a few dealings with him. He's actually been working away a lot for the last couple of years. But he always came in to the office to check on things and keep up to date with its setup when he was home, and I always seemed to be the one who was sent to assist him." Peter was thinking out loud and Miranda couldn't resist asking.

"By his request or just coincidence?"

"Coincidence I think..." He frowned a little. "I can't think why he would have asked for me personally."

"Well that's exactly what he's done now isn't it?" 

"Yes but that's probably because I'm the person he's most familiar with by now," he argued.

"Well whatever the reason I'm sure that he would never have invited your application if he didn't think you capable."

"I certainly hope so, I don't know how many other people I'll be up against, but the fact that he asked me personally must mean I have a shot at it." Peter seemed to be asking for her encouragement as he felt the doubts begin to creep in.

"Absolutely," she declared with confidence. "He pretty much knows what he's getting with you already, so that must be what he's looking for?" she argued.

He grinned his relief at her kind of twisted logic, before turning towards the door. "Have I got time to take a quick shower before dinner?" he asked over his shoulder.

"I've only just started to peel the potatoes, so you've got bags of time."

**

"So, how did it go?" Miranda asked as Peter strolled into the kitchen.

He tried to keep a straight face and a glum expression, but the grin just broke through.

"The job's mine if I want it," he declared triumphantly.

"What? Just like that? What about the other applicants? Suppose there is someone more qualified, more, experienced?"

"There aren't any other applicants!" Peter told her excitedly. "At least not until I refuse it. Then they were going to advertise the position formally." Peter ran his fingers through his hair in disbelief. "Marcus told me that the time we'd spent working together told him all he needed to know about our compatibility - and my ability."

"This WAS a job interview and not a marriage proposal?" Miranda asked sarcastically.

Her brother didn't seem to hear her sarcasm though, as he continued as if she hadn't even spoken.

"He says that we'll work well together, that I won't need typing or shorthand, or any of those usual requirements of a PA. He says that there are enough typists already in the company." He took a deep breath and looked down at Miranda, his eyes bright with enthusiasm. 

"It sounds like it's a done deal?" Miranda asked a little over brightly, her pleasure though was genuine - since she knew what this meant for Peter and his future prospects.

*

It seemed that just as Peter's star was rising, Miranda's was fated to fall.

The very week that Peter started to work for Marcus, Miranda went in to work to be told that the company was closing down.

"We've been struggling for some time now..." Mr. Harding her employer told her regretfully. "I was hoping that things would pick up but they never did."

"Oh John!" Miranda sympathised. "I knew that things were quiet, but I didn't realise that they were that bad; what will you do?"

"Well, Miranda!" he sighed. "I'm ready to retire any way, but I'm concerned for you and the rest of the staff... what will YOU do?"

She smiled reassuringly. "Oh I'm sure that something will come up."

"And I'll at least give you all glowing references." He smiled a little apologetically.

Miranda laughed lightly. "That certainly won't hurt our prospects!"

*

When she went home later; and told Peter about her day; her younger brother was nothing but supportive towards her.

"You're so skilled, your speed typing and shorthand, the fact that you were Mr Harding's Personal Assistant, and your position was of such a confidential nature... I'm convinced that you'll walk into another job... Easy!"

"It might take a little time though..." Miranda fretted.

Peter smiled reassuringly at her. "With my salary increase, we can get by... for a little while at least... until you get on your feet again."

Miranda hugged her brother gratefully.

"Thanks Pete... but I refuse to be a burden to you!"

"Hey now! Who was the one who supported me... after mum and dad died suddenly like that, in that crash, and I was only half way through college... I should have given up; and gone out and got a job; but it was you who wouldn't let me!"

"Well we had this house, and the inheritance money more than covered your fees, and living expenses; and I was working... it made sense that you finished what they had worked so hard to give you!"

"Don't you make out it was so straightforward!" Pete over ruled her. "I know that it took weeks for all the legal stuff to get sorted and that YOU had to cover the mortgage payments -- and YOU had to phone the college and work out some payment schedules with them... You thought that you were protecting me... but I wasn't stupid or blind..." His eyes suddenly looked suspiciously moist. "There was nothing I could do to help you, so like a first rate wimp, I hid behind you and let you shoulder the responsibilities." 

"You were so young Peter... and you were still reeling from mum and dad!"

"And so were you! You lost your parents that day too!"

"Yes... well..." Miranda thought that this conversation was getting a little too heavy for comfort. "It all worked out in the end, the insurance finished the mortgage and so we own this place outright." She smiled as she glanced around her at their little three bedroom house, the house they had grown up in. "And I absolutely refuse to sit idle." She declared resolutely. 

"So what will you do?"

She tapped the paper in front of her. "I picked this up on my way home, they had lots of job vacancies in it, so I'm certain that there's at least one or two that I can apply for."

"So let's take a look then -- shall we?" Peter said brightly as he scraped his chair alongside hers.

She smiled gratefully at him, as she turned back the pages.

Half an hour later, Miranda was feeling more than a little bit depressed.

"Three possibilities!" she sighed in disappointment.

"Well three is better than none... and you only need one -- if it's the right one!" Peter encouraged.

"You're right Peter... I know that you're right." She sighed again but this time it was resignation. "Okay, I'll write a letter to each of them, and put a copy of my curriculum vitae in with them."

"Have you got one?" Peter asked suddenly.

"Yes... John Hardy let me do one at work and printed off fifty copies for me... he said you can never have too many..." she smiled fondly.

"Great! Give me one and I'll hand it in to the Personnel Department at work... they've got that huge typing pool, and I'll bet with your speeds, they'll want to just snap you up!"

"Thanks Peter... that's actually not a bad idea..."

Peter scowled a little irritably. "Well; it's way below your abilities, but you never know... it's a large company and there's definitely room to grow..."

Miranda wrote out her letters that very night and Peter took them to post the next morning on his way to work.

Miranda hated waving him off, knowing that she wouldn't be going off to work today.

"Oh well," she murmured resolutely. "This place is overdue for a spring clean anyway."

She spent the day cleaning the little house from top to bottom, until every bit of it shone like new.

It took her all day, but at least it kept her busy; and didn't give her time to dwell.

It was late afternoon, and she was just sitting down to a well-earned cup of tea, when she heard the front door open and then slam too.

"Peter?" she called out in surprise. "Is that you? You're home early... is everything okay?"

She was in the process of standing when her brother charged into the room, literally brimming with excitement.

"You'll never guess what?" he began.

Miranda smiled. "Well let's see..." she began playfully.

But Peter cut her off impatiently,

"I took your CV in with me, and I told Marcus that I was going to hand it over to Personnel... and he asked me why..."

Miranda felt her heart flutter in panic, maybe Marcus objected to members of the same family working in his company?

"Well, I had to explain!" he defended, misreading her look of agitation. 

Miranda sank back down into her chair as her knees buckled on her.

"Any way, he asked if he could take a look at your CV, and after he had he said -- and I quote! 'I think your sister will be perfect for a job vacancy in our offices'!"

"What?" Miranda's head shot up and her deep blue eyes lit up with hope.

"Yes!" Peter exclaimed excitedly. "He wants to come and talk to you... he wants to offer you a job... to start immediately... tomorrow in fact!"

"What?"

Peter frowned as he seemed to see her for the first time... "He'll be round in a bit... to talk to you tonight in an informal way where you'll feel more comfortable... what HAVE you been doing... you look an absolute Mess!"

"WHAT?"

Miranda was on her feet and heading for the door.

"Keep him entertained if he gets here before I get down!" she threw over her shoulder as she ran for the stairs.

She was tearing off her clothes even as she reached her bedroom, and even though she knew that she was pushing her luck she simply HAD to have a shower.

She wrapped a thick towel around her damp torso and pulled a brush through her raven black locks, she winced as more than one strand of hair was ripped from her scalp, but by the time she was done, it was back to its normal glossy curls hanging around her shoulders, and literally crackling with life -- and static!

She yanked open a drawer and pulled out undies and tugged them on.

She grabbed a pair of smart black jeans -- she was after all at home, and so didn't want to overdo it.

And pulled her favourite creamy cashmere sweater over her head. It was so very soft that she loved how it felt on her, and how it looked on her as well; since she knew that it made her look dramatic... in a soft and feminine kind of way.

She brushed on a light blusher, thankful that her creamy complexion was so clear that she needed only a very little.

Her eyes were her real vanity though. Deep blue, against her pale skin and dark hair, they looked almost purple if her mood was right... and it was certainly right tonight!

She had heard the front door go more than five minutes ago, and so before she could totally lose her nerve, she marched over to the door and glided down the stairs, looking for all the world as calm as anything -- despite her racing heart and shaking hands; and a slight look of panic in her expressive blue eyes.

Peter was entertaining their guest in the kitchen, and as Miranda entered the room and Marcus stood up to greet her, she was thrown back in time to that night six years ago...

He had not changed... Not one little bit... his brown hair was still as curly as ever, and his eyes were still that amazing quicksilver colour, and when he smiled at her he STILL made her heartbeat stop!

"Thank you so much for coming to see me Mr Phillips!" she gasped breathlessly.

Marcus frowned slightly. "Marcus.... Please..." he almost pleaded. "And since our need is quite desperate... I thought it would be good to get it resolved tonight!"

"Oh?" Miranda slid into the chair across from him, and only once she was sitting did he take his seat again.


A Sentimental Heart Ch. 01



"I've made you a fresh coffee sis... and I think that I'll leave the two of you to talk in peace." Peter was on his feet and through the kitchen door before Miranda could even murmur, 'ABANDONED!'

She looked across at Marcus with a slightly bewildered expression, and his eyes softened and his smile gentled and Miranda felt... safe.

"Let me explain..." he began lightly. "We have two levels of security at 'Phillips Pharmacy and Chemistry Ltd'. We have the general all-purpose lower levels, which is all dealt with by the typing and administrative pool. And then we have Mrs Rogers up on our floor... She is the firm's dragon -- been around for years, and she deals with all the sensitive confidential stuff..."

Miranda sipped at her coffee while her heart beat thumped along excitedly, this all sounded so... perfect... it had to be too good to be true!

"Anyway... we've been expanding quite a lot recently and Mrs Roger's had found it increasingly difficult to cope with the work load..."

He looked across at her and smiled again. "Your last job was one of confidentiality so you've proven yourself as -- trustworthy -- and your typing skill... well even Mrs Rogers was impressed with your CV."

Miranda looked at him blankly for a moment, and Marcus sighed. "And so Miranda I would like to offer you the job of Assistant to the confidential secretary who is Mrs Rogers."

"What just like that!" Miranda exclaimed in shock. "Should I at least meet with this Mrs Rogers to see if we can work together?"

Marcus pulled a little face. "I don't want her to put you off before you even start..." he muttered under his breath. 

"I'll tell you what..." he offered suddenly. "What about a month's trial... either way?" 

Miranda looked at him doubtfully. "Well... if you think I'll do?"

Marcus reached out suddenly to take her hand. "I think you're perfect Miranda!" he said softly as he shook her hand gently.

As their hands made contact, Miranda felt the static charge again, and as she looked at Marcus in shock, his silver eyes glittered dangerously.

He leaned forward suddenly -- and for one exciting moment Miranda thought that he was going to kiss her.

"I'll see you in the morning then."

He let go of her hand suddenly and stood up as though getting ready to run for his life.

"I hope that you'll be very happy with us... Miranda... I'll let myself out."

She sat there in a daze for several moments, until her brother Peter popped his head around the door curiously.

Miranda blinked up at him. "I've got the job!" she whispered in shock.

Peter grinned as he sat down where Marcus had been just moments before.

"Of course you have!" he chided her for being surprised. "I saw Marcus out and he told me, he said that he would leave it to me to show you where you'll be working, and to introduce you to 'the dragon'!"



A Sentimental Heart Ch. 02-03



Chapter Two

'The dragon' who was Mrs Rogers, turned out to be a middle aged lady of fifty plus, with iron grey curly hair, and watery blue eyes that peered suspiciously at you through her thick rimmed glasses.

She was a tall thin woman who towered over Miranda's own five foot four inches, and so gave that woman the chance to 'look down' on her.

Miranda could see why they referred to her as the dragon, but she felt herself warming to the cantankerous old bat, as she saw the mountain of paperwork that that lady had to face.

"I don't know how you've been managing on your own!" Miranda exclaimed with a touch of awe and admiration.

The older woman smiled stiffly at her, although her shoulders did go back with a touch of pride.

"I am very good at what I do Miss Redmond!" she informed her in a superior voice.

"I don't doubt that for one moment Mrs Rogers!" 

Mrs Rogers looked at her suspiciously for a moment as though she thought that Miranda was mocking her.... however all she could see, was absolute sincerity in this beautiful young woman's face.

"Yes... well..." she shuffled together a large pile of the work on her own desk, and thrust it at Miranda. "Here... that's your desk and computer over there..." she indicated the desk on the other side of the room, with her eyes. "Let's see what you can do with that lot!" 

Peter had already shown her, her desk; before Mrs Rogers had arrived this morning, and thankfully he'd also sorted out her computer log on and password, so that she could actually use the computer which had been assigned to her.

Miranda seriously doubted whether Mrs Rogers would have been so helpful with any of that!

Miranda sat down with a forlorn little sigh, this job was going to be... testing!

She began to slowly look through the files and folders and paperwork, and was relieved to see that without exception, it all had little post it notes attached, telling her exactly what she needed to do with each file.

For the most part it was hand written notes, and experiments that simply needed to be typed up.

And so after a little while, Miranda logged on to her computer and pulled the first file towards her.

By lunch time her back was aching a little; and her brain was numbed, but the pile of work had all been done.

She rubbed her lower back with a sigh of relief as she hit the return key, which sent the last document across to the printer. It had been a good morning, but now she was dying for a cup of tea -- and her stomach was beginning to make grumbling noises.

Mrs Rogers glanced across at her.

"Have you done ALL that?" she asked with a note of surprise.

"Yes." Miranda nodded with a smile. "It was pretty much all typing, and as my CV said - I'm VERY good at typing."

"I suppose that you are..." Mrs Rogers acknowledged begrudgingly. She opened her mouth to issue more instructions, just as Peter walked through the door.

"I thought I'd show Miranda where the café is and we could grab some lunch together?" he smiled charmingly at Mrs Rogers who just scowled back at him irritably.

"Oh very well... I'll see you in an hour Miranda!" she looked across at her pointedly.

Miranda stood up and grabbed her coat and bag. "Yes of course!" she exclaimed gratefully.

At the door though, she turned back uncertainly. "Can I get something for you Mrs Rogers?" she offered hesitantly. 

Mrs Rogers gave Miranda her first genuine smile. "Thank you for the offer, but I shall go out for my own lunch as soon as you get back."

"Would you rather go first?" 

The older woman's smile almost reached her eyes. "No dear... you go and get yours... you've certainly earned it!"

The café that Peter took her to was just down the road, and around the corner.

It was a bustling little place, with clean plastic tables, and brightly coloured chairs.

Peter led her to one near the windows which wasn't so much on the main traffic route, of people coming and going.

"What do you fancy Peter, this one's on me," Miranda murmured softly. "I feel the need to splash out a bit, although I'm most certainly too late to get paid this month, I've got my redundancy from Harding's Enterprise, and some money saved up, so the bills will all be paid -- with cash to spare..."

"This isn't exactly your five star restaurant," Peter chuckled, "but since you insist on paying... then who am I to argue?" 

They looked optimistically at the plastic menu.

"A portion of chicken and a jacket potato for me I think... along with a side salad; and we can share a pot of tea?" she looked questioningly at Peter who nodded in agreement.

"Yes, I think I'll go for the same; simple, cheerful and filling."

Miranda pulled out her purse and handed Peter a twenty pound note. "You go and order then, while I nip to the ladies room to freshen up a little, my hands feel like they are covered with ink powder from that printer."

By the time Miranda returned from the ladies, Peter was back at their table with a tray, two cups and a pot of tea.

"The food will be out presently, they said, so we might as well have a cup of tea while we wait."

He looked across at her hopefully, and Miranda sat down and arranged the cups and poured the tea.

"Ahh, that's just what I needed." She sighed after taking a sip of the strong brew. "I've not had a drink since first thing this morning."

Peter frowned across at her. "Didn't Mrs Rogers tell you about the little room just at the end of your corridor?"

Miranda took another sip of her tea. "We were so busy this morning I never thought to stop and ask... the poor thing she must be dying for a drink!"

"Huh! I'll bet you any money that's she's made herself one, whilst you're out on your lunch hour!"

Miranda was saved from replying by the arrival of their food.

They were both hungry, so for a little while they were silent.

"So how did you enjoy your first morning?" Peter suddenly asked cheerfully as he paused in his eating.

Miranda delayed answering whilst she chewed and swallowed her food.

"Well, it was for the most part straightforward enough... just basic typing, but the contents were fascinating. Formulas, tests and experiments, followed by results and conclusions, and further proposals for study... and ALL of it to be forwarded to Marcus for his inspection and agreement." 

"Yes that's where I come in!" Peter jumped in a little smugly. "I'll be reading through a lot of it, and gathering a summary for Marcus to look at; which we will then mull over between us, before passing it back down the line, with his decisions, and recommendations."

"Wow!" Miranda murmured impressed. "That's a fair amount of responsibility you're carrying, what happens if you don't understand it?"

He looked positively offended by her question. "I've been working here long enough, to at the very least get the gist of what happens up in the Research and Development Department... that was one of the reasons I think, that I was always assigned to Marcus in the first place."

They were silent while they finished their lunch, but as they were sitting over their last cup of tea, Peter suddenly looked across at her slightly anxiously. "So do you think that you'll enjoy working at 'Phillips'?" he asked, trying to sound casual but there was a slightly nervous edge to his voice.

"Well... it's still very early days..." Miranda murmured thoughtfully. "But, yes I think that I shall enjoy it... very much indeed."

His smile was positively relieved. "Oh good... Marcus asked me to check and make sure that you had no concerns or doubts."

"Did he... Did he really?" for the life of her Miranda could not keep the pleasure out of her voice, but luckily Peter didn't seem to notice anything untoward.

"Come on I suppose that we should be getting back," Peter sighed as he drained his tea cup.

Miranda glanced at her watch, "You're eager, we've still got twenty minutes of our lunch hour left?" she looked at Peter a little apprehensively. "Unless you only get half an hour for yours... I've not made you late or anything -- have I Peter?"

Peter's smile was reassuring and slightly sheepish. "No... Of course not, Marcus is very easy going; he knows that I would never abuse his flexibility... I just wanted to get back before one o'clock is all."

There was something in his tone, something slightly defensive that made Miranda look speculatively at him, but since he seemed reluctant to say anything more, then she felt that she didn't wish to push him.

"Come on then, let's get back." 

As they left the little cafe, Miranda's eyes caught sight of a bright advertisement on the grassy island sitting in the middle of the busy ring road.

"Oh it's the end of summer concert at the park on Sunday... I'd forgotten all about that!" she exclaimed excitedly.

"So it is... of course we have to go... we've never missed one yet, so we'll walk down together as we always do," Peter declared firmly.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea Peter... I didn't know if you would still want to do it or not." 

He draped an affectionate arm across her shoulders. "You know that I wouldn't desert you... wouldn't leave you to walk all the way down there and back again on your own."

"And of course it's got nothing to do with all those pretty girls who will be there, and probably in a festive mood... has it?" she laughed lightly.

"Well... I never claimed to be a saint." Peter defended himself although he didn't argue the point.

As they got up to the top floor and were just walking down to Miranda's office, Marcus came out of his larger room at the far end; and with him was a young woman, with dark curly hair of about shoulder length and whose silver grey eyes screamed out that she was Marcus's sister... younger and very pretty sister.

She was quite tall, coming almost to Marcus's shoulder, and her slender curves were perfect for the smart, grey suit she was wearing.

She looked young and smart; and the picture of elegance and sophistication.

As Miranda studied her with interest she guessed her age to be about twenty two, making her a couple of years younger than Peter, and about four years younger than herself.

Miranda suddenly felt very short, and very plain, and rather old and tired.

"Hello there!" the girl smiled brightly although her eyes after sweeping quickly over Miranda seemed to latch on to Peter, who was standing silently beside her.

"I'd heard that Peter's sister was going to be working up here... I thought that I was going to miss meeting you, since I'm just about to go off for my driving lesson..." she glanced across at Miranda again and her smile widened cheekily. "I'm Amanda -- Marcus's baby sister, and the bane of his existence!"

She stuck out her hand, and Miranda placed her own in it.

"And I'm Miranda -- Peter's older -- tyrant of a sister!" she greeted playfully.

Amanda laughed lightly. "It's so very nice to meet you at last Miranda... I've heard so much about you..."

Marcus stepped up behind her. "It's getting on, Amanda you'll be late for your lesson if you're not careful," he prompted her firmly.

Amanda glanced back at him impatiently.

"Yes, in a minute Marcus..." she looked back to Miranda. "Since I haven't got time to chat now, how about if we meet up... you me and... Peter say... on Sunday evening... we could go for a drink and get to know each other?" she asked brightly.

"That would have been lovely." Miranda began apologetically. "But I'm afraid that Sunday is spoken for... maybe we could do Friday or Saturday even?"

Amanda scowled a little sulkily. "We have a family do on Friday... and it'll over lap into Saturday since we've got to travel down to London for it."

"Maybe some other time then... it's the end of summer concert this Sunday, and Peter and I, never miss it... we used to do it with our parents... so it's a bit of a family tradition."

"Oh I've heard about that!" Amanda exclaimed "it's over in the large garden park - next to the river."

"Yes that's the one." Peter spoke up for the first time, and his voice was full of enthusiasm. "You should try and get to it, it really is great fun, and when they do the fireworks at the end... well!"

Amanda opened her mouth excitedly, but Marcus cut her off. "It's nearly one o'clock, Amanda you really need to get going."

He grasped her arm firmly and literally began to pull her along.

"I'll catch up with you later... Miranda!" she called out cheerfully, although Miranda wasn't entirely convinced that it was her she was talking to.

"It was nice to meet you Amanda!" she called back; she turned to look up at Peter. "She seemed nice?" she said brightly.

Peter was gazing at Amanda as she walked down the corridor with Marcus. "Yes..." he murmured absently. "She is... very nice."

**

Miranda's afternoon pretty much went the same way as her morning had, although when she went back to her office, it was to find a new pile of folders on her desk and Mrs. Rogers was in the process of slipping on her coat.

Miranda sat down and looked across at her senior.

"Peter mentioned that there was a room where we can make ourselves a drink?"

Mrs. Rogers paused by the door and looked back a little guiltily. "Yes, I'd thought that someone would have mentioned it to you..."

Miranda smiled brightly. "What do you prefer Mrs. Rogers... Tea or coffee, and how do you like it... I'll make us a drink and have it ready for when you get back from your lunch."

"Oh that's very kind of you Miranda, but I'll have some while I'm out... don't you wait for me... have one when you're ready."

"Well... if you're sure?"

"Yes... now I'd better get on or the afternoon will be over before I get back."

Left alone Miranda glanced through a couple of the folders -- they were very similar to the lot from the morning.

She gave a little sigh, and then stood up determinedly. She marched down the corridor and found the little tea room, where she switched on the kettle and gathered together what she would need to make herself a mug of coffee.

She sang happily to herself as she waited, unaware that Marcus was standing just outside the room, listening with a little smile on his face.

'She had not changed', he thought to himself with satisfaction, the woman was still as soft and sentimental as before, she was still as beautiful and sexy as he had remembered, as he had dreamed about.

He walked away from the little room, with her soft singing still in his ears, and a half forgotten dream still in his memory.

Chapter Three 

As the week progressed, Miranda settled in nicely. She volunteered to make a morning and afternoon drink for herself and Mrs Rogers, earning herself a few brownie points with that lady.

And as word got out that Mrs. Rogers had a new, young and attractive assistant, the folders began to be hand delivered.

Their room became positively busy with people coming and going -- to 'just check that there was no problem with their notes' or they 'just wanted to have a quick word and emphasise the importance of this or that result'. 

"We seem to be gathering more and more work on our loads." Mrs. Rogers griped. "I'm pretty sure that at least some of this could go down to the main typing pool."

Miranda didn't know the protocols of this company so she just shrugged her shoulders and smiled.

"It is rather hectic..." she agreed, "but I think we can manage it between us."

The week came to an end and Miranda sent a last file to the printer with a little sigh of relief. "Well at least that's the last of it!"

Mrs. Rogers had already shut down her computer and had slipped her coat on.

"Yes, it's been a bit of a trial today, but we did finish it all." she smiled a little smugly. "I'm off now Miranda... you have a nice weekend, you've worked very hard this week so I think that you deserve a treat."

"Thank you Mrs. Rogers, I'm looking forward to my treat on Sunday -- the concert in the park." She smiled at the older woman. "Have you anything planned for the weekend?"

"Oh I just thought that I'd sort my garden out -- start to get it ready for autumn."

"That's sounds like a good idea; I suppose I could do something like that tomorrow..." Miranda murmured thoughtfully, as she leaned forward all ready to start a discussion on the subject.

"Well you never can start too soon with these things Miranda... but I REALLY shall have to be going now."

Mrs. Rogers gave her a little wave and had gone before Miranda could say anything else to delay her. 

She was a pleasant enough young woman; Mrs. Rogers thought to herself as she walked down the corridor, but she could certainly chatter on at times. 

Miranda collected the last of the printouts and placed them neatly in the folder, she was sat at her desk gathering them all together, when Marcus strolled in.

"Mrs Rogers has already left?" he asked lightly as if surprised, as though he'd not just seen her hurrying down the corridor.

Miranda smiled up at him. "Yes, she'd finished the last of her work so it didn't seem to warrant her staying any longer... and it is after five o'clock," she added almost defensively.

"Yes it is; so why are you still here?"

She stood up with the folders clutched protectively against her chest. "I hadn't finished yet... and Peter always pops in when he's finished, so we can travel home together."

Marcus smiled a little smile. "He's currently being interrogated by Amanda -- about that Sunday night thing you were talking about."

"Oh? Oh I do hope that she manages to get to it... it really is such a wonderful event!" Miranda exclaimed, as her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

Marcus stepped towards her -- almost involuntarily she thought hazily, as he seemed as surprised as her that they were suddenly almost nose to nose.

"You almost make me think that I should come too!" he whispered huskily.

Miranda felt his warm breath on her lips and a shiver of excitement shot down her spine. She closed her eyes on a little gasp and when she opened them her eyes were the deepest darkest blue that Marcus had ever seen.

"You should come... everyone should try and get to it -- at least once... I promise you -- you'll love it!"

He reached out a hand slowly and Miranda sucked in a breath of anticipation, was he going to touch her? Kiss her? Oh please....

The sound of Amanda's animated voice told them that they were about to be joined by the other two.

Marcus took the folders from Miranda's arms.

"What is this lot?" he asked calmly as he stepped back from her just as Peter strolled in with Amanda. 

"They are today's tests and results, to be passed on to Peter." Miranda could not believe how calm her own voice sounded, when her heart was racing and her hands were positively shaking. "They need to be placed in the tray by the door, and Peter will collect them first thing on Monday."

Marcus was frowning slightly. "This seems an awful lot of work, have you done ALL of this on your own?"

"It looks more than it is," Miranda hurried to reassure him, "and Mrs Roger's lot was twice as big." She pointed across to the tray, to show that it was already full to the brim.

She didn't add that it was slow going with Mrs Rogers, that that woman was slow to let go of things, to hand over to Miranda... to trust Miranda.

Marcus glanced at his watch. "We had better get a move on Amanda... if we want to reach London before this evening."

"I'm definitely going to try and get to the concert on Sunday Miranda... I can't believe that I've been missing out all these years!" Amanda declared enthusiastically.

"We'll maybe see you there then." Miranda smiled happily. "But in the mean time, I hope that you have a good weekend with the family... and all that," she added a little enviously.

Marcus glanced at her thoughtfully but he was obviously impatient to get going.




A Sentimental Heart Ch. 02-03



"Right I'll see you both on Monday... have a good time at your concert -- you both deserve a bit of fun."

He ushered Amanda from the room, pausing only long enough to dump Miranda's files in the out tray, as he passed, and Peter looked a little longingly at Amanda's departing back.

Miranda busied herself with tidying her desk up and shutting down her computer.

"Shall we go then?" she asked quietly as the room seemed to fall deathly silent and to suddenly feel very forlorn without Amanda's vibrancy and Marcus's sheer presence.

** 

It was a pleasant evening, but Miranda knew that once out on the grassy slope, with the sun going down, it would quickly feel quite cool.

She dressed in her fitted denim jeans, along with a pretty little blouse, and carried her padded jacket over her arm for the moment.

She was busy making up their little back packs, when Peter came into the kitchen.

"All set?" he asked with a cheerful smile.

"Yep... I've just finished." She held out his bag and Peter took it with a little laugh.

"I can't believe we still use these same bags!"

Miranda grinned at him. "Well they do only get used once a year; and they are absolutely perfect for our needs."

She slipped her bag onto her shoulders, even as Peter did the same with his.

"Shall we go then?" he asked lightly.

"Absolutely!" Miranda smiled, as the two of them left there little home and began the walk down to the park in question.

It was a pleasant walk, the sun was low at their backs, and the walk was all downhill.

It took them about half an hour, to get to the main entrance, where cars were slowly pulling into the car park, there were a lot of people on foot too, with bags and blankets and children.

The entrance was a narrow path running parallel with the car park; but which sloped up onto a wide bridge, which led them across the river and onto the grassy bank which led them to the open park.

It was packed with people, and it soon became apparent that some had come much earlier in the day, and had made a day of it.

"Miranda!"

A light female voice could be heard over the general chatter of the crowd, and both Miranda and Peter turned back to look.

"Amanda!" Peter called out, since he could see better over the mass of people.

Miranda couldn't see anything so she simply waited patiently trying not to be jostled by the crowd.

"Hello again."

The rich masculine voice sounding so close and so intimate sent a little shiver down Miranda spine.

"Good evening... Mr Phillips." She tried so hard to sound calm and casual, but she simply could not keep the huskiness from her voice or the surprised pleasure from her face, as she looked up at her boss.

Marcus Phillips frowned down at her slightly. "I seem to recall asking you to call me Marcus at some time or another..."

Miranda smiled up at him a little awkwardly. "Yes you did, but that was before I became your employee, and so I think that the situation has changed somewhat."

"We're not at work now..."

"Marcus!" Amanda called across to them. "Peter was just telling me that they usually have some things going off on the far side of the park..." she grinned charmingly at Miranda. "You don't mind if I steal your brother away for a little while; do you Miranda?"

Miranda laughed lightly. "No not at all... Peter will show you everything there is to see; I'm sure of it; go on and have a good time -- I'll be fine!" she reassured them lightly. 

"You can keep Marcus company for me... he really didn't want to come, but I dragged him along anyway." Amanda gave her a little wave as she slipped her arm through Peter's so that he could lead her away.

They watched as Peter and Amanda wandered off together, and Miranda sought desperately for something to talk about; unfortunately her mind went blank.

"So tell me Miranda," Marcus said softly. "Do you still like to sit and cry over the old movies?"

She blushed as she remembered their first meeting. "Yes I do;" she nodded, "what a strange and unfortunate thing for you to remember."

He allowed his gaze to drift away from hers as he stared thoughtfully into the crowd. "Yes it is, isn't it?" he murmured softly. His eyes fixed on hers suddenly and she stepped back.

"Can I buy you a cup of coffee?" he offered as he held his hand out to her.

"Thank you... that would be nice." She wasn't sure what she was supposed to do with his hand so she waited for some sort of indication.

He didn't indicate; he just took her hand in his and held on firmly. "So we don't lose each other in the crowds," he explained.

Miranda doubted very much if HE could ever be lost in a crowd, but she wasn't going to argue about it. His hand felt large and warm and comforting as he wrapped it around hers, but she was certain he could feel the little static charges they were igniting between them.

It was almost a relief when he had to let go so as to get the two cups of coffee off the vendor. He handed one to her and sipped at his own. The crowd was starting to jostle a little so Miranda leaned into him slightly. "Shall we go and sit down somewhere?" she asked at his look of surprise. 

"Where did you have in mind? The grass is probably still a little damp."

She didn't bother to answer at first just moved away towards the slope where people were beginning to gather. 

Half way up she turned and held her cup out to him. "If you could just hold that for me?" she asked as he took it automatically from her.

She shrugged the small backpack of her shoulders and opened it. Inside she had a small rug which she unrolled and sat down on. 

Marcus grinned as he handed her back her cup and sat down next to her.

"Just enough room for two," he laughed lightly.

The rug wasn't so very big and so they had to sit very close together.

"What was Peter going to sit on?" he asked her curiously.

"Oh he's got his own bag with a similar rug inside. They are meant for when you are gardening, to kneel on. But we save them especially for this." She swept her arm around her - indicating the venue.

"So you come regular then?"

"Every year without fail," she nodded with a small smile. "What about you? Have you never been before?"

Marcus shook his head regretfully. "Oh I'd heard about it of course, but I never really thought about what it was... and of course half of the thing about events like this, is the sharing it with someone."

"I suppose so," Miranda said vaguely although she didn't agree with this last comment.

"You disagree?" he laughed lightly, easily reading her thoughts.

"Well, I've never had anyone to share it with, but it has never stopped me from coming," she argued with an apologetic smile.

"Not even Peter?"

"Peter is my brother. Yes we come here together and we always leave together, but we usually split up as soon as he sees a pretty face!" she told him with a little laugh.

"How on earth will he find you in this crowd?" Marcus asked sceptically.

"Oh, he knows that I'll be sitting on the slope around about here so he'll come looking for me just before the fireworks start up. Nearly everyone will be sitting down at that point so it'll be easier for us to spot each other then."

As the orchestra started up for the second part of the show the crowd did indeed settle down; and it seemed the most natural thing in the world for Marcus to put his arm around her and for her to lean her head on his shoulder. She gave a contented little sigh as they sat and listened to the wonderful music as it soared out to them... The sun slowly set, and darkness enveloped them.

"Not long now," she murmured regretfully some time later. 

The evening along with the music was reaching its climax and sure enough the sky was suddenly lit up as the fireworks burst into life just on the other side of the river.

The fireworks didn't last very long and then suddenly all was silent.

"Ladies and gentlemen; thank you for coming tonight!" The voice over the speaker filled the silence. "Please be careful as you leave, as it is very dark in places. Anyone who has a torch with them would be advised to use it."

Miranda rummaged around in her bag again and pulled out a torch triumphantly. They stood up and she rolled the rug up again and slipped it back into her bag, she pulled on her padded jacket, and then she pulled her little backpack onto her shoulders and switched on her torch.

"So, were you just going to abandon me to the crowd?" Marcus laughed as he grabbed hold of her hand again.

She smiled up at him as they mingled with the crowd. "No of course not, I was just trying to sort myself out."

They trudged along with the crowd, with Miranda lighting the path for them and Marcus's strong hand making her feel warm and safe. They had just walked over the bridge when Marcus's mobile started to ring. 

"Hi Amanda... yes, alright... see you later." He was smiling as he put his phone back in his pocket.

"Is everything alright?" Miranda asked a little nervously certain of what was coming next.

"Yes... your Peter is taking Amanda for a drink and something to eat and then he'll take her home." He paused as he looked down at her, his silver grey eyes bright with amusement. "He asks if I would mind dropping you off on my way."

"Oh that won't be necessary." She cut in quickly. "Look there's a bus stop there and the bus will drop me off right outside our house." It was a slight exaggeration, but he didn't need to know that.

"On a Sunday night? Tell me... how often do the buses run on a Sunday night?" he asked sceptically.

"I've absolutely no idea." She shrugged her shoulders and laughed at the ridiculous situation she was creating. She looked up at him and smiled shyly. "If you wouldn't mind dropping me off on your way I would really appreciate that."

"Excellent!" He took her arm and started walking across to the car park. "I'm parked just over there."

It was a cool evening; and even with her padded jacket she felt the chill; but Miranda almost wished he'd not brought his car, so that they would have to walk, stretching the evening out a little more.

"I nearly didn't bother bringing the car." He echoed her thoughts almost exactly, with a little regret colouring his voice.

The car park was jammed full and the traffic was moving slowly. He unlocked his car and helped her inside before walking around and climbing into the driver's seat. "I'm afraid that we're going to be stuck here for a little while." He told her, although HE seemed quite happy about that.

"That's alright; I'm not in any great hurry to get home." She glanced across at him as he looked out at the slow moving traffic.

"Have you got anything else in that bag of tricks of yours?" He asked her carelessly as he turned to look at her.

Miranda opened her bag and pulled out a flask of hot coffee. "Just this," she told him with a guilty little blush, as she thought of the coffee she had allowed him to buy for her earlier.

Marcus grinned at her knowingly but held back the comment, which sprang to his mind. "Do you have a spare cup as well; or will we need to share?"

"Oh you always get two cups with these types of flasks." She nodded and the smile hovered constantly around her mouth. 

'For heaven's sake get a grip!' she told herself a little impatiently; 'you're a grown woman, so start to act like it... otherwise he'll think you're a bit on the edge or something worse.'

She unscrewed the flask and handed the top large cup to him and then gave him the slightly smaller cup as well. "Here you hold the cups while I pour it out," she instructed him firmly.

"Yes mum." He mocked her bossy tone.

"Oh do keep still!" she begged, "otherwise I'll spill it on you, and it is quite hot you know?"

He laughed at her again but his hands stayed rock steady as she carefully poured the coffee into the cups.

As they sat there quietly sipping, the cars around them began to break up as less and less vehicles were left. It seemed that once things got moving the car park emptied quite rapidly; and before long they were the only ones still parked there.

"It'll be mayhem out there on the first few roads so I can't see the point of moving too soon," he told her thoughtfully. 

"It always is," Miranda agreed with a nod. "We are able to walk down and walk back, so I suppose that we're lucky like that."

"You live quite close then?"

"About half an hour walk, and all uphill going back; but it's worth it," she said quietly.

"Next year I'll have to park at yours, and then I can walk down and back with the two of you." 

"So you enjoyed it then?" she beamed across at him. "Oh I'm so glad!" 

"I can tell you honestly; that I can't remember the last time I enjoyed myself so much." 

Miranda looked at him sharply, convinced that he was mocking her in some way. But as she met his eyes all she could see was a burning sincerity in his.

"Have things been so bad for you?" she asked softly, knowing that she was treading on dangerous ground - getting personal with him.

To her surprise he didn't move away or tell her to mind her own business or anything like that. He ran a hand through his hair and gave a deep tired sounding sigh; he looked out sightlessly into the empty car park.

"Not bad... just... empty, I suppose is the word." He looked across at her sitting silent and still; but he didn't seem to be seeing her at that moment. "I'd let work consume me for so long, that when I finally stopped and looked around me; it was to find that there was no one there anymore." He was almost talking to himself and Miranda had to bite her lip so as not to interrupt.

She wanted so badly to cry out and tell him that she was there, that she would always be there waiting for him to notice her.

"All of my friends," he smiled ruefully. "Both male and female, they'd all gotten fed up of waiting for me to look up, and they had moved on with their lives." 

"Surely they still had room for you though?" she couldn't resist asking. 

"It was..." he paused for a moment. "It was complicated," he finally said with a hint of bitterness.

"Oh?"

He looked at her as he came back to the here and now, and smiled cynically. "God you're pushy!" he told her mock severely.

"Sorry... I don't mean to be!" she replied anxiously. "It's always been a bit of a problem for me... getting involved in other people's problems... I'm dead nosey like that, you should just tell me to mind my own business!"

"No! Don't be sorry, and you're not nosey, it's nice that you are interested in people. I like it that you care about me and how I might be feeling." He looked down at his hands for a moment, and then smiled warmly at her. "It's been a long time since any one has shown any concern for me... don't ever be sorry for caring Miranda!"

He seemed to move closer to her and something in the way he looked at her, caused Miranda's heartbeat to flutter in panic. "Do you think that we should get moving now?" 

Marcus hesitated, he suddenly felt this overwhelming urge to... just shut out the world, the expectations, the responsibilities... to lock himself away with this amazing woman, and forget about everything else.

He looked across at her, his silver grey eyes dark with longing, and moved closer...



A Sentimental Heart Ch. 04-05



Chapter Four

He hesitated for a moment more, allowing himself to dream for a precious moment that things could be different, but then with a regretful sigh, he turned to switch on the engine and drove out of the car park as they began their journey in silence.

Miranda let out a slow and quiet sigh of relief, mixed with regret... she had seen the look on Marcus's face and it had frightened her with its intensity... but her pulse had quickened and her heartbeat had strengthened, and for a moment she had felt... so very alive! 

"I'm still not familiar with the one way system around here... so you'd better tell me which way to go." Was his only comment and though it wasn't said nastily, it was a little curt.

"Turn right at the next corner and then left on to the main road," she instructed unhappily.

Once on the main road she gave him a few more directions, which would lead them to the street where she and Peter lived together.

When he pulled up outside her house she made a grab for the door. "Thank you for bringing me home... goodnight!" she said in a rush -- already half way out of the car.

"I'll see you inside before I go." He was beside her before she got to her gate, and his hand was once again on her elbow in a 'don't even bother to argue with me,' kind of way.

"Very well, since you insist," she responded reluctantly.

"I'm glad that you understand that."

She heard the tone of amusement in his voice, and once again her heart did a little flip.

He waited patiently while she dug through her bag searching for her keys, and his closeness to her made her feel...

As she unlocked and opened her door she suddenly stopped and looked up at him. "Would you like to come and share some supper and a pot of tea with me?" she asked uncertainly, wanting to keep his company for a little while longer.

"What did you have in mind?" he smiled warmly at her and his eyes twinkled nicely, as he seemed to relax once more into that easy going young man she had spent the evening with.

"Nothing spectacular I'm afraid... just some cheese on toast," she told him apologetically, feeling embarrassed at inviting him to such a lame meal.

"I've not had that since I was a boy!" he declared happily. "My grandma used to make it for me, when I went to stay for the weekend."

Great! She thought to herself, I'm now lumped in there with his grandma and cheese on toast! Way to go on making a lasting impression!

He sat at the kitchen table watching her as she put the kettle to boil and prepared their supper. By the time she had finished she felt stressed and nervous and had to force herself to sit down opposite him and not run from the room.

"Why are you so jumpy Miranda?" he asked her as she let her eyes drift to her plate.

"Just tired I guess," she mumbled picking up her toast and biting into it defiantly.

They ate their supper in silence but over tea he began a gentle conversation, and she gradually relaxed and the tea and talk flowed nicely. He asked her about other times they'd attended the concert in the park, and the conversation drifted from there to her parents.

She kept to the facts of their deaths as much as she could, but Marcus heard the loss and devastation in her voice... the pressure that she had felt in taking on the responsibilities... for Peter's final education, keeping their home together...

Marcus felt his heart constrict as he thought about how alone she must have felt... he wished so much that they could go back in time and that he could have been there for her... to help her and hold her and tell her that everything would be okay... 

When she stood up to gather the pots Marcus stood too. "I'll just help you with the washing up, and then I'll leave you in peace."

"Thank you," was her weak response, as a wave of disappointment washed over her at the prospect of his leaving.

*

She walked him to the door where he bent and kissed her lightly on the cheek. "Thank you for my supper," he told her quietly.

"You are always welcome." She stood looking up at him not realising that everything she was feeling was right there in her eyes; clear for him to see.

Marcus paused to stare into those glorious eyes for a few moments, knowing that it would be so easy to fall for her, to seduce her... to become involved with her...

"You should go inside; it's getting cold out here," he instructed abruptly.

She was his employee, she was his assistant's sister; to become involved with her would... complicate things needlessly.

"Good night Miranda," he sighed regretfully as he stepped back from her porch, and turned to leave.

"Good night Marcus." She frowned at his back in confusion, sensing again a change in him; from the easy going man she had shared her evening -- and her supper with... now he had gone back to being her boss again.

She felt the change, but didn't quite understand the need for it.

Miranda closed her front door, and dropped the catch, Peter had his key, so would be able to let himself in.

She stood listening to the sound of Marcus's car, as he switched on the engine, and then a moment later she heard as he drove away.

Miranda knew that she had to be careful around Marcus, she wasn't exactly experienced when it came to dealing with men; but she did know that she could trust him, and that if ever she had a need, then Marcus would be the one she could turn to. And she also realised that she felt drawn to him, and it would be only too easy for her to develop an emotional attachment to him, maybe even a dependency... Miranda had been independent for a long time now, and thought of needing someone else -- frightened her.

**

The next few weeks drifted along, and Miranda settled into her new job. Mrs Rogers was still as abrupt and surly as ever, but she was gradually handing over more and more work, and responsibility to Miranda; and Miranda began to feel more of an equal to Mrs Rogers, as she began to do more than just the typing.

All of this was helped by the great influx of work that they suddenly found themselves facing, almost on a daily basis. It kept them both busy all day every day and Miranda often left the office feeling 'brain dead'. She wondered how Mrs Rogers coped with it all!

It was nearing the end of October, and Miranda was in early on that Monday morning, feeling happy and energised after a relaxing weekend; and looking forward to the next weekend, since her and Peter had been invited to a Halloween party.

Mrs Rogers came into the office looking very grumpy. "I hate this time of year." She declared miserably. "It's cold and wet and gloomy all the time."

Miranda looked at her in surprise. "Oh I love this time of year! It's such a busy season what with Halloween and bonfire night not to mention the build up to Christmas!"

"Huh!" Mrs Rogers snapped. "Well you would, you're still young and pretty. You probably dress up for Halloween and really get into the spirit of the thing -- don't you?"

"Well I do try, and I do enjoy it yes... I love to see the kids, as they go out trick or treating!" Miranda smiled happily refusing to let the older woman's ill feeling discourage her. "And my old employer phoned me at the weekend, and invited me and Peter to a party he was planning -- for Halloween... he said that 'dressing up was an absolute must', and he would accept NO excuses!" she laughed lightly.

Their conversation was brought to a halt by the entrance of one of the men from the research and development department, he had a handful of files, and a slightly sheepish look on his face.

"They had a breakthrough on a joint project, and came in over the weekend," he explained apologetically. "They've got mountains of data; that they're sorting out, and almost all of it will find its way across to here."

It was a gloomy prediction, but accurate, and as the morning drifted along, both ladies found their desks buried with paperwork.

"This is the last of it." It was the same guy as from first thing, and he handed the last file to Miranda with a friendly grin. He hesitated for a moment, and his eyes glanced across at Mrs Rogers nervously before fixing on Miranda once more.

"There's a cocktail night, over the road, starts later this evening... most of us try and get to it... even the boss tries to make one once in a while! Do you think you'll be going?" he asked her awkwardly.

Miranda shot him a friendly grin, Peter had already told her about this monthly ritual, and they had agreed to go together. "I might be yes... if I can get finished here on time, and get home for some dinner and a change of clothes."

"I'll maybe see you there later then?" he returned her grin before turning to Mrs Rogers. "And what about you Mrs Rogers?" he asked jovially. "Will we have the pleasure of your company tonight?"

"Huh!" she snipped. "I'm far too old to be off doing things like that." She sniffed. "I leave it to you young ones to party away the evening - and on a week night too!"

She looked pointedly across at Miranda who just smiled again at the pleasant young man. "I'll see you later then!" she declared brightly.

The man left with a sly wink at Miranda, and Miranda settled back down to work again, conscious of Mrs Rogers' disapproving stare. 

"You've probably got some hot young man taking you?" she said abruptly and there was a hint of spite in the older woman's tone.

Miranda refused to let her get under her skin. "Well, I suppose some would think that my brother Peter is hot," she conceded with a smile.

"Well just make sure that you are able to get in tomorrow -- is all I ask of you!" Mrs Rogers sniffed again.

"Good morning ladies, would one of you be kind enough to type this up as soon as possible." Marcus strolled casually into the room; he looked at Mrs Rogers questioningly.

Miranda sucked in a quiet calming little breath, as she looked across at Marcus. He'd been the perfect boss these last few weeks, courteous, and respectful; and totally professional towards Miranda; and she began to wonder if that evening at that open air concert had all been a dream.

"I'm only in for a few hours this morning and I've plenty to finish before I can go, so you had better give it to Miranda." Mrs Rogers just managed to keep her tone respectful.

Marcus turned to Miranda who smiled politely at him. "Of course Mr Phillips I'll put it at the top of my pile." She indicated the mountain of files and documents on her desk all needing her attention.

"Do you need help with that lot?" he asked her formally.

"It looks worse than it is," she reassured him with another little smile.

"Very well then..." He put the papers on her desk with a little grunt. "As soon as you're able please Miss Redmond." He left the office without further comment and Miranda settled down to work, making sure that Marcus's was the next thing she put her attention to.

She was just printing off the last of it when Peter wandered in. "Any sign of that file Marcus bought in to you?" he asked her cheerfully.

"I've just sent it to the printer," Miranda told him indicating the pages the printer was even now spitting out.

"Excellent!"

She scooped up the last of them, and placed them neatly into the folder before handing it to her brother. "There you go!"

She sat down at her desk again and gathered up the next folder needing her attention. Peter looked as if he were about to say something, but seeing that she was snowed under, he simply said a cheerful; "thank you," and left again without further comment.  

Half an hour later, Mrs Rogers stood up and pulled her coat on. "Those other things will just have to wait until tomorrow," she grumbled, "or I'll be late with my doctor's appointment." 

"If you want to leave them on my desk I'll sort them for you," Miranda offered cheerfully. 

"You look like you've got enough to keep you going all day - and then some," Mrs Rogers observed reluctantly.

"So I'll work a little later - or I'll miss lunch." She shrugged indifferently.

Mrs Rogers hesitated for a moment clearly feeling uncomfortable. "How about if I ask the cob-shop over the road to send you some coffee and sandwiches; at about... say twelve thirty; and you could have lunch at your desk and carrying on with your work?" Mrs Rogers offered suddenly.

"That would be wonderful, thank you!" Miranda beamed up at the older woman. 

"Well, okay then." She put the paper work onto Miranda's desk keeping it separate from her own work pile. "But make sure you finish your own work first." She hesitated for a moment more, before smiling down at her. It was the warmest, sincerest smile she had given Miranda since they had started to work together; and Miranda took heart from it. "Have a good time tonight," Mrs Rogers offered in a more friendly tone.

The rest of the morning passed in a blur, but bang on twelve thirty there was a tap on her door; and a young girl came in with a covered beaker of coffee, and a pack of sandwiches. "I was asked to bring you some lunch up," the girl stated cheerfully.

"Thank you." Miranda smiled grabbing her bag. "How much do I owe you?"

"Oh the lady paid for them when she placed the order," The girl said as she turned towards the door, with a little shrug.

"How very kind of her!" Miranda murmured; touched by the older woman's unexpected generosity.

Between bites and gulps, Miranda kept working steadily; and by three thirty she had finished her own pile, and was able to make a start on Mrs Rogers' remaining work. Another half an hour, she thought with a sense of satisfaction, and she would be done.

Marcus strolled in carrying a small batch of papers. "Ah, almost done I see... good, if you could sort these out as soon as you can... Excellent." He put the papers down in front of her, and left again before she could even take a breath.

It was as if he'd burst a damn! The phone started to ring and it seemed like every couple of minutes something urgent was placed on her desk by some harassed looking assistant.

All too soon her nearly empty desk was buried under a mountain of paperwork; and Miranda didn't know whether to laugh or cry hysterically.

She bit her quivering bottom lip, and brushed away the harassed tear in her eye; and with a resolute sniff she pulled the next file towards her.

Marcus waited for nearly an hour for the expected documents, but when neither they -- nor Miranda appeared; he went looking for them.

"What the hell!" he exclaimed as he entered her office to see the piles of work on her desk.

Before she could respond the telephone began to ring, she snatched it up as if it was a snake. "No I'm sorry Mrs Rogers won't be back until tomorrow morning," she said down the line. "Well if you absolutely must have it tonight then you had better send it across and I'll see what I can do; but I'm not promising anything," she sighed, her voice filled with resignation.

"You're expecting to get this lot done by five?" he asked incredulously.

"I'm not expecting anything!" she protested. "Everyone else is."

"What is this lot?" he demanded.

Miranda shrugged miserably. "I don't know some typing, some proof reading and corrections. A couple of draughts to be finalised... ALL to be passed on to you, for your final approval, or recommendations."

Marcus didn't bother to answer her. He simply leaned across her desk and punched in his own extension number. "Peter! Call down to the typing pool and have them send someone up to your sister's office; and then you come and join us here." 

He replaced the phone and picked up the first folder. "Right then, let's sort out who needs to do what."

By the time that Peter arrived, with the woman from the typing pool hot on his heels; they had gone through the files and separated them all into four different piles. Marcus handed the first pile to the woman."You take these and get them typed up over there," he told her indicating Mrs Rogers desk.

The woman took the paperwork and with a little nod she went to work on the other side of the room.

"Peter you take these files, and start proof reading them, make sure that they are all clear and concise; so that my signature will be all I need to add to them." He handed the folders to Peter who took them and went and sat at the table in the corner.

Marcus turned to Miranda with a third pile of work. "This is the more sensitive stuff that only you and Mrs Rogers can deal with." He frowned thoughtfully for a moment. "A lot of stuff that comes in here could quite easily go down to the general typing pool... I think I need to broach this at our next meeting." 

Miranda was already starting to type up the notes and paid no attention to Marcus's mutterings. He glanced at her fingers tapping away at her keyboard; 'beautiful hands', he thought to himself, slender fingers with neatly filed and polished nails, but then everything about Miranda was beautiful...

He cleared his throat slightly in discomfort at his wayward thoughts; and picking up the fourth pile, he joined Peter at the table in the corner.

For the next hour the only sounds in that office, were the two ladies thumping away on the keyboards; and the printer occasionally spitting out their typed up documents.

Each time the printer stopped, either Peter or Marcus would go over and get the paperwork and place it on their table.

By six o'clock the job was done. Miranda arched her aching back and glanced to the corner, Marcus was watching her, his eyes bright and she blushed before looking down again at the file in front of her.

"Is everyone finished?" Marcus asked the room in general and as the three people all said yes, he stood up and said; "Excellent! Thank you for all your efforts people; you can all go home now." And he left the room before anyone else could even speak.

The lady from the typing pool stood up and walked over to them. "Right then, I'll say goodnight to you both," she said cheerfully.

Miranda smiled warmly at her. "Thank you so much for all of your help... goodnight."

Peter also said goodnight to her and the woman left the two of them alone. 

"So come on then sis', let's go and get some dinner; and then we can go to that cocktail party - just as we planned."

Miranda groaned "Do you mind if we skip it Pete? I'm absolutely beat."

"Yes I mind. We agreed that we would go, and it's important for you to meet people on a more -- social level... and I think that we deserve a treat." He smiled suddenly. "I'll tell you what; I'll order a take away while you grab a shower," he cajoled her.

"Oh no cooking! How could I resist such an offer?" she laughed as they left the office together.

*

Miranda decided to dress up a little for this evening out, she opted for a long black skirt with long thin pleats in it, and a shiny smooth finish to it.

When she turned around it fanned out slightly, making her feel light and feminine.

She paired it up with a deep blue top, which glittered when the light caught the tiny sequins which decorated it lavishly.

She dug out her pair of dark blue stiletto shoes, and brushed out her hair.

By the time she had done her makeup, Miranda was feeling, slightly glamorous, and all ready for a night out.

She didn't stop to think too much about why she had made such an effort for what was really just a casual night out with workmates.

She didn't allow herself to wonder if Marcus would make it to tonight's gathering, as he apparently sometimes did; or whether this would be one of those that he would miss out on.

She couldn't help herself when his face came to her mind; how he had looked when he'd told her of the emptiness he felt his life had now become.

"He needs someone to take care of him," she murmured softly as she picked up her small handbag and her coat.

"Aren't you ready yet Miranda?" Peter shouted impatiently from downstairs.




A Sentimental Heart Ch. 04-05



She left her room, and left her thoughts and worries for Marcus in there as well.

"Yes... I'm just coming now!" she called lightly as she skipped down the stairs.

They decided to take a taxi, so that they could both enjoy a drink, and by the time that they got to the bar in question, most of the other staff were already there.

*

Marcus had once again found himself talked into doing something he wasn't really inclined to do.

When Amanda had laughingly told Miranda that she was the 'bane of his life', he had not thought her to be joking, and more and more he was beginning to find it so very true!

He had always rather spoilt his younger sister, and now he suspected he was beginning to reap the rewards of his constant indulgences.

He had not been inclined to come to this gathering tonight; had not thought his presence necessary...

"Oh but you must come!" Amanda beseeched. "I don't actually work for the company, so I can't really go without you!"

"And WHY is it so important that you do go?" He demanded in exasperation, although he did have a sneaking suspicion about the why.

Amanda blushed and broke the eye contact, along with the dramatic look of pleading.

"I've not really had a chance to chat with Miranda yet..." she muttered a little defensively.

"And how do you know that she's even going to be there?"

She looked up at him earnestly. "Oh Peter said that they would be there!"

She looked away again quickly and the colour in her cheeks deepened.

Marcus had to admit that the thought of seeing Miranda again, on a more social level, did excite him...

But it was because of that sense of excitement that he was determined to stay away.

"Oh very well!"

He stood listening to the blood pumping through his veins as he looked across the room at Miranda...

She looked amazing!

She looked stunning!

She looked so incredibly beautiful that he knew; he just knew that he stood no chance when it came to resisting her!

Chapter Five

Miranda saw Marcus long before Amanda came rushing across to her.

"Miranda!" she exclaimed happily as she hugged her enthusiastically. "I'm so glad that you've come here tonight, we really do need to have a good long chat -- you and I!"

"It's good to see you again too Amanda," Miranda smiled in surprise at the other girl's enthusiastic greeting.

"Come along and sit down with me... Peter you can go and chat with Marcus for a little bit... see if you can get him to cheer up... he's being such a stuffy old bear again!"

She was leading Miranda to a table at the far side of the room, and all the time they were moving she was throwing instructions over her shoulder to Peter.

They sat in the far corner, and Marcus could see that Amanda was talking animatedly to Miranda, who smiled in bemusement as she listened to her.

"Can I get you anything to drink Marcus?" Peter asked as he joined him at the bar.

"No thanks Peter, I'm driving tonight, so I'll just stick with this one I think." Marcus smiled as he held up his half full glass of soda.

"What is Amanda drinking?"

"Oh, she's usually happy with whatever the cocktail of the night is." Marcus shrugged his shoulders carelessly.

"Great, Miranda can have the same!"

Peter ordered their drinks, and while he was waiting he chatted lightly with Marcus, although his gaze kept drifting across the room to the girls.

Peter paid the bar man and collected the drinks.

"Shall we join the girls?" he asked lightly.

Marcus picked up his own glass again and stood up with a little sigh of resignation.

He really had wanted to keep his distance from Miranda, but it seemed like that wasn't going to be allowed -- not without looking like a miserable old guy... or causing offense to her.

They joined the girls, and the evening drifted along; with Amanda carrying most of the conversation -- with Peter's enthusiastic input on occasion.

Marcus sat across from Miranda, with their knees almost touching under the table, and he could see her shiver and tremble once in a while.

It wasn't cold in here, and she looked warm enough; her eyes though, whenever she happened to look at him -- her eyes were bright and as always incredibly beautiful...

"You really will have to show me Peter!"

Marcus had been daydreaming, he blinked as his sister's excited exclamation, penetrated his brooding.

"Of course Amanda!" Peter grinned. "When would you like to go?"

"Well... what about now? It's only about ten minutes' walk from here -- isn't it?"

Peter looked across at the other two. "I was just telling Amanda about that new nightclub on Board Street... we were going to go and take a look... would you two like to join us?"

Miranda shook her head immediately. "Thanks Peter; but I really am beat, I thought I would just call it a night."

"And I only came along to keep you company Amanda... I'll drop Miranda off on my way home."

Peter looked both pleased and relieved that everyone seemed to be so obliging tonight.

"Great!" he stood up and held out his hand to Amanda who slid out from beside Miranda with a happy smile.

"It was good to have a chance to talk to you Miranda... we really shall have to do it again soon!"

"Bye... you two have a good time!" Miranda grinned and waved to them, and then looked across at Marcus bravely. "So are you ready to leave as well?" she asked lightly.

Marcus drained the contents of his glass, which was now tepid and flat. "Absolutely," he nodded standing up.

There were several other people still there, and though Miranda had spoken to some of them when she had first arrived, being with Amanda had made it difficult to talk to anyone for any length of time.

No one seemed to mind though, as they called out a cheerful goodnight -- and see you tomorrow -- and that sort of thing.

They stepped out into the coolness of the night, and Miranda shivered lightly, as she tried to juggle her bag and her coat.

"Here, let me give you a hand." Marcus held her coat so that she could slip her arms into the sleeves.

"Thank you." 

He was standing behind her... very close, and as she shrugged the coat onto her shoulders, he drew it together in front of her... his arms closed around her waist, and for a moment he pulled her back against him; so that he could breathe in her scent with a sigh of pleasure.

"Beautiful!" he murmured again huskily.

Miranda stood on that darkened, deserted street with Marcus wrapped around her and her heart hammering in her chest.

It would be so easy to just... turn around and surrender to the feelings he provoked in her.

She closed her eyes for a moment and then moved to do just that.

She looked up into his silver grey eyes and her lips parted on a sigh.

Marcus had never been so tempted in his life...

The door to the cocktail bar opened and several people piled out.

"Come on... I'm parked just around the corner!" Marcus growled out savagely, as the moment passed them by and they parted again.

** 

Peter answered the telephone with an absent minded; "Marcus Phillips' office - Peter Redmond speaking."

"Peter my dear boy; it's good to hear your voice again!"

Peter frowned as he tried to place the familiar voice on the other end of the line.

"It's John Harding here!"

"Mr. Harding... how are you sir?" Peter asked with genuine warmth for his sister's ex boss.

"Oh I'm enjoying my retirement... and very busy planning this party for the weekend! I'm ringing because I was hoping to have a quick word with Marcus... is he around by any chance?"

"Yes sir... I'll put you through to his personal line."

Marcus had his desk just across the room from where Peter sat, and so he picked up the phone on the second ring, with a quick smile of thanks to Peter.

"Mr. Harding, it's a pleasure to talk to you... it's really been too long!"

They talked casually for a little while, catching up with common business interests and so forth.

"And thank you so much for giving Miranda a job; I was so concerned for her!" John suddenly said seriously.

"It was to our benefit Mr Harding... Miranda is a wonderful asset to our team!" Marcus told him warmly. "I'm only sorry that she came to us due to the closure of your company."

"Well... these things happen in business sometimes, and I at least closed it down before going insolvent, so everyone got paid what was owed to them; and I received a nice nest egg to put towards my retirement." Mr Harding was nothing but philosophical about the whole thing, and genuine in his views, so Marcus breathed a little sigh of relief that that particular venture had turned out for the best -- for everyone concerned.

"Any way," Mr Harding suddenly declared, "the reason I rang... was to invite you to my Halloween party on Saturday... bring a guest... that sister of yours! If I remember rightly she always liked the opportunity to dress up a bit!"

"So it's to be a costume party then?" Marcus winced, as he prepared to refuse apologetically.

"Yes... I've already invited Miranda and young Peter along, and so you and Amanda can make it a nice little group for you all."

"Well... I'll ask Amanda, but it's a bit late in the day, so I'm almost certain that she's already made arrangements... she'll be popping in a little later... I'll ask her then and get back to you."

Unfortunately, about half an hour before Amanda usually paid her weekly visit, Marcus was called away.

"Can you tell Amanda about this party on Saturday and find out if she wants to go?" he asked Peter, "and then let Mr Harding know... and if you can leave a message for me as well... So that I know where I'm supposed to be on Saturday..." Marcus asked wryly.

Peter chuckled. "No worries Marcus... I'll sort it all out and send you an email later..."

*

When Marcus received Peter's email, he decided to be the good brother and considerate boss...

'Thanks Peter...

I'll be the driver on Saturday night, so we'll pick you and Miranda up at about six thirty!

Marcus. 

**

Marcus knocked at the door not quite sure what to expect. He'd gone for a dark cape and fangs and made a very sexy Dracula. The door was pulled open suddenly and there stood a dirty dusty ghoul; grinning manically in a suitably ghoulish fashion.

"Peter." Marcus nodded with his own grin. "Amanda is running late for whatever reason and said she would meet us there!"

"Good evening Count." Peter stepped back to allow Marcus to enter, but didn't close the door as Marcus had expected him to do. "You don't mind giving Miranda a lift do you? I've spoken to Amanda, and I told her that I would go and pick her up." He didn't even bother waiting for a response, just walked past Marcus; on the threshold though he turned back suddenly to yell; "see you at the party sis!" And with a wink and another grin at Marcus he left pulling the door too behind him.

Miranda had been upstairs putting the finishing touches to her witch costume. Satisfied that she looked properly haggish she skipped lightly down the stairs. "Peter did you...?" she paused as Dracula stepped into view. "Oh my!" she exclaimed softly. 

She had not seen Marcus since that evening earlier in the week, when they had come so close to... well she wasn't quite sure what would have happened on that street at that time of night, had those people not come out of the cocktail bar and disturbed them.

Marcus had stepped away from her both physically and emotionally, and after driving her home he waited only long enough to make sure she was safely inside before -- making a run for it! 

Now as she looked down on him she had to admit that Marcus really did play Dracula so very well, with those deep penetrating eyes, and that enigmatic look.

She flicked back her greasy tangle of wiry hair and gave him a wide grin. "So how do I look?" she asked.

He studied her wart ridden face with her broken rotting teeth and tried to reconcile it with the beautiful young woman who liked to cry at old movies. 

"You look..." he told her softly, his eyes bright and intense. "You look... absolutely... revolting!" He grinned again like a fool.

"Excellent!" she laughed as she moved to pass him.

Marcus stopped her by catching her around the waist and pulling her tight against him. 

"Since we're both in disguise tonight..." he murmured softly as his lips captured hers. 

As a first kiss, it was really something to remember. Her long rubber nose was pushed to one side, squashing her own nose quite painfully, and his fangs dug in to her chin a little bit. His lips however... his lips sent little shivers of excitement down her spine. His tongue dipped softly into her mouth and she groaned. His hands moved gently up to brush against the curve of her breast, and Miranda felt herself leaning into him, striving for more, aching for more!

Marcus drew back with a little sigh, and looked down into her face. He gently straightened her nose and stepped back.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked gruffly.

She nodded several times and swallowed. "Let me just get my broomstick," she whispered.

Marcus laughed and the tension that had been simmering between the two of them... dissolved. He went to open the front door while she walked through to the kitchen to get her bag and broom.

"All ready," she said behind him and he turned to look at her again. The long grubby black dress she wore totally hid the curves beneath, and the tall pointy hat that she had placed on her head made her beautiful face look long and beaky and all the more grotesque. Beneath it all though her beautiful blue eyes burned bright, with excitement. A woman had never turned him on as much as she did right then.

"Shall we go then?" 

Miranda seemed to hesitate for a moment as if she had picked up on some of his inner turmoil. She searched his face before she relaxed and smiled. "Of course... Count!"

* 

The party was in full swing when they arrived, and Miranda started circling the room immediately to catch up with people that she knew, but hadn't seen for a while. Every time she glanced around however; it was to find Marcus just behind her, making polite small talk with whoever was there. 

The general atmosphere was warm light and friendly, and the fun and hideous costumes, gave the party a surreal - magical feel.

There was a buffet style table of food, and it was an open bar, and the lively music in the other room allowed people to dance -- should they be so inclined. 

Miranda was so inclined; and several of her old work mates were as well, and so they spent a very pleasant half an hour or so wiggling and gyrating on the edge of the dance floor, to the fast and loud music.

As the music slowed in tempo, she felt his arm slip around her waist suddenly and Marcus leaned down to whisper into her ear; "would you like to dance?" 

She smiled up at him and nodded as he took her hand to lead her further onto the dance floor.

He pulled her to him, and they swayed slowly to the music - his cape sweeping around them to bind them closer together. It was a real sight as the dishy Dracula lowered his head as if to vamp the ugly old witch.

And for a while Miranda simply enjoyed the feel of being held in Marcus's arms.

The music died, to be replaced with a livelier beat again and the two of them separated. Taking her arm he led her to the bar and got them both a drink, and though he didn't say anything, she knew that for the rest of the evening he would stay at her side.

It was a magical night for her, as she continued to circulate and talk to people. Always Marcus was at her elbow and effortlessly he joined in with the conversations, and every so often she would feel his hand as it lightly brushed against her.

As the evening drew to a close Peter and Amanda sought them out. "We're going off to that night club again; they've been holding a special all this weekend - for Halloween... did you want to come with us?"

Miranda smiled but shook her head. "No thanks Peter; I've had a good time tonight, but I think that I've had enough."

Peter looked to Marcus who also shook his head, "I'll drop Miranda off on my way home," he smiled.

Miranda blushed but simply thanked him quietly and with a wave and a "goodnight!" from the other two they were left alone as other people began to head for the exits. 

He drew up outside their house and turned to her in the darkness of the car.

"Would you like to come in for coffee?" she asked him nervously.

Marcus shook his head regretfully. "I don't think that would be a good idea," he murmured.

It was too dark to see his face and so she was more than a little surprised when his arm snaked around her and pulled her close again. She let out a little squeal which was cut off when his mouth made contact with hers. His hand gently cupped her face as his lips moved against hers the way they had earlier; and again she let out a soft little groan and leaned into him to return the kiss.

They were both breathing a little heavier when Marcus finally moved away from her and she whispered softly; "are you sure you wouldn't like to come in for coffee?"

Again he shook his head. "If I step through your door, neither of us will be having coffee," he warned her pointedly. "So do you still want to invite me in?"

She swallowed as his meaning dawned on her. "No... I don't think I do." 

It was her turn to be regretful and Marcus let out a sigh. "No I think we both have the same idea about working together and sleeping together."

"Yes," she groaned, "it would be a mistake."

Marcus opened the car door and climbed out. He walked around the car to open her door and help her out. "I'll just make sure you're safely inside." He told her as he put his hand on her arm and walked down the path with her.

She unlocked the front door and looked up at the man towering over her. "Goodnight Marcus," she said softly.

He bent to kiss her quickly on the mouth before stepping back. "Goodnight Miranda. I'll wait until I hear you lock the door."

Miranda stepped inside and forced herself to shut the door on him. She dropped the catch and stood listening. It seem like an eternity later when she suddenly heard the slam of a car door and then the engine as he started it up and drove away. 

She let out another little regretful sigh before turning to climb up the stairs. They both knew that their working together really did prohibit any other relationship between them, but that didn't stop her wishing.

She knew that working so close to Marcus was getting more and more difficult because she knew that she was falling in love with him.

She stopped halfway up the stairs, as she realised suddenly that it wasn't that she WAS falling in love with him... she already had... head over heels... and in way over her head, passionately, and irrevocably - in love with Marcus Phillips... She always had been, she realised with dismay; ever since that night, when they had first met and he had smiled down at her for crying at a silly romantic movie. 

"Oh dear!" she sighed softly.



A Sentimental Heart Ch. 06-07



Author's Note: It's been like forever -- getting this to you and I can only apologise for that. But now for what it's worth, here are the next two chapters -- I do hope that you enjoy them.

A sentimental heart

(A cool head against a warm heart; which will win in the end?)

Chapter Six

Marcus Phillips drove to his home with his concentration on the road, but his mind on Miranda.

He remembered how he had felt when he had kissed her. He remembered how she had felt in his arms... his imagination kicked in, as in his mind he took the next steps with her... 

This of course was a mistake.

It didn't take much to imagine Miranda and him, wrapped in each other's arms, kissing and touching and stroking...

By the time he drove onto his driveway, and climbed out of his car, his body was hard and aching with desire for her.

She had always been at the back of his mind, locked away in a corner... an elusive... feeling, impression or... something!

When Peter had told him of Miranda's job situation, he'd felt a vague prickling, and then when he was scanning her CV; he'd found the words leaving his mouth before his brain had even processed the thought.

Seeing her again, when she had first walked into their kitchen...

He stopped with his key held in his hand, all ready to unlock his front door.

This feeling of... desire... need... lust? Maybe he was making more of it than there actually was; maybe it could burn itself out? Maybe if he could find the opportunity... get Miranda alone... Spend some time together -- just the two of them; He didn't doubt that given the right circumstance, he could seduce Miranda... maybe he could indulge with her and get her out of his system?

He paused for a moment more; as his mind began to plot and plan, finally with a little smile of satisfaction, he pushed the key into the lock and entered his home.

**

Miranda went into work with Peter that Thursday morning feeling a little bit dejected.

She had harboured some vague plans to go out and do some shopping; they had had to pay out last month, on some new guttering for their home, which had left them both limping into payday, existing on homemade sandwiches for lunch; and plain filling meals when they got home, Miranda did a lot of things with potatoes, they were cheap and they were filling... and by the end of the month they were both sick to death of them.

They had been paid at the end of October though, and Miranda had decided to treat herself, some new clothes were definitely a must for the new season and her new job and... Well she didn't dwell too much on why else she might suddenly wish to splash out.

Late Sunday evening though, Peter had come home looking very annoyed.

"The car's just died on me!" he groaned. "Luckily I was just turning onto our driveway, when the engine cut out."

Miranda looked up at him in dismay. "Well we knew that it was on its last legs... that mechanic told us we would be lucky to get another year out of it..." Miranda mentally said goodbye to her new clothes as she smiled reassuringly up at Peter. "Oh well, I suppose we had better start looking for a replacement."

The next few days Peter had scoured the papers and the local dealers -- looking for something to suit their needs.

"It's not going to be cheap," Peter had told her on the Wednesday evening. "If we're going to get a reliable car, then it's going to cost."

"Yes I suppose so," Miranda sighed. "Have you seen ANYTHING yet though?"

"Well..." he began cautiously, "there were a couple of possibilities... over at that second hand dealer on Bridge Street... He said he would even take our old car, and give us a bit of a discount... but the one that I was looking at, that I think would be perfect, needs a couple of bits sorting on it... the guy reckons next week or the week after..."

"Well whatever you think best Peter... I know next to nothing about cars so I'll trust your judgement on this."

"He said that if I pop in tomorrow with the money, then he'll put it to the top of his job list... he'll get the M.O.T sorted on it, and then we can get our car insurance shifted.

"How much?" Miranda asked quietly.

Peter gave a little grimace. "Well... with our old car thrown in... he said four and a half thousand."

"That's yours and my wages... and then some!" Miranda exclaimed. 

"But we'll be sorted for the next few years I think!" 

Miranda gave another little sigh. "What with the guttering last month... and now this... well we're going to have to dig into the savings some more; to help us get through the month... and it's going to be more potatoes and sandwiches..."

She sat down at her desk with a little sigh, knowing that Peter would be sorting out the car as soon as he got the chance. Miranda had transferred some cash into the joint account that they used for food, and anything to do with the upkeep of the house.

She had given Peter the debit card, and she had notified the bank about the need to buy the car, and therefore a large sum of money would be leaving that account...

It meant living basically again for the next few weeks, but that couldn't be helped, still it was all rather depressing, and she felt just a little bit fed up as she settled down to work.

She had seen next to nothing of Marcus since the Halloween party, since they had kissed, and... well they had acknowledged their attraction to one another.

Her eyes grew distant as she slipped into a little daydream of them not working together, and allowing their feelings to run their course...

Marcus strolled casually into their office. "I'm going to Hong Kong for several meetings and I'll need one of you with me." He looked at Mrs Rogers. "Sort it out between you and let me know by the end of the day, will you?"

He left the room without once looking in Miranda's direction and she never bothered looking up from the folder in front of her.

"Well..." declared Mrs Rogers thoughtfully, she narrowed her eyes at Miranda before continuing. "I suppose you would like to go?"

Miranda forced a smile. "Actually I hate flying and would rather not -- if you don't mind." 

Mrs Rogers' smile relaxed into a more normal one. "Well then I'll go... just this once." Her voice rose as she went into lecture mode. "But I won't always be able to step in for you, so you are going to have to get over your flying problem. Travelling with one of the management is part of the job description -- you know?" 

"Yes I know Mrs Rogers; and I really do appreciate you doing this for me. I promise that the next time, I will go and not create a fuss." 

Mrs Rogers smiled at her again. "You're a good girl Miranda, just a little bit overwhelmed I think, by your position in this company." Miranda was certain that Mrs Rogers didn't mean to sound so condescending.

Marcus sat in his office waiting for the confirmation that Miranda would be travelling with him. Mrs Rogers was getting along in years; and he was confident the she would pass this over to her junior. 

Peter walked into the office with a little smile. "I've just come from Mrs Rogers... she said to tell you that they've discussed it between them and feel that it should be Mrs Rogers travelling with you."

"Thank you Peter, sort it out will you... but go and have your lunch first... didn't you have something you needed to deal with?" Marcus didn't even blink, his mind already working out counter plans and strategies. 

"Yes... Actually there is something I need to do -- thanks Marcus." Peter regarded him thoughtfully for a moment, but didn't comment further.

An hour or so later Peter came back into the office and began to make arrangements for the business trip on the following Sunday.

Marcus was busy on the telephone when Peter first got back, and so little was said. 

He was just about to arrange the flight tickets, when Marcus suddenly looked across at him thoughtfully.

Peter paused in the act of picking up the telephone as he became aware of the way Marcus was watching him. He squirmed uncomfortably, certain he'd done something wrong and was about to get a reprimand.

"You know how important this trip to Hong Kong is?" Marcus spoke quietly.

"Yes Marcus, we've been working on this project for weeks now, and I know exactly what's involved with it." Peter nodded once in acknowledgement.

"And do you think that you could handle it, if you were to go instead of me?" again he spoke quietly and Peter felt his confidence blossom.

"Yes Marcus... I'm certain that I can deal with this assignment, more than competently."

"Then you need to arrange the tickets for yourself and Mrs Rogers... and make any other arrangements that you might need to make as well."

Peter stood up. "Thank you Marcus, for trusting this to me. I won't let you down."

Marcus smiled wryly. "I do trust you Peter... remember that."

* 

Miranda arrived home after working a little later that evening, due to her covering for Mrs Rogers again; to find Peter already home; and the washing machine already on a cycle. She dropped her bag and keys on the kitchen table and looked at her brother questioningly.

"You'll never guess what..." he said with a wide grin. 

"No, so just tell me." She returned his grin tiredly as she picked up on his excitement.

"Marcus has passed the Hong Kong assignment over to me. I'm flying out on Sunday!"

"Oh Peter! That's wonderful news!" She leaned forward to hug him. "Do you need anything? Can I help you with something?" 

She was all calm practicality and Peter gave her a grateful look. "I've put some clothes to wash, but they'll need ironing; and I've dug out the suitcase, but it's a little bit grimy..."

"Peter! This is a business trip; you'll need something a lot smarter than that battered old thing! If you travel with that; then no one will ever take you seriously." She was tapping her foot as she thought about their budget. They were both drained financially what with the guttering and the car... She had already had to dig into their rainy-day money, and she had been hoping to make do until payday -- which was still quite a way away! 

"I've got that credit card that I never use... with the money we'll get on pay day... and I'm sure you'll get travel expenses..." she was murmuring to herself and Peter waited confidently for her to come to his aid. She looked him in the eye and smiled. "It's late night shopping tonight, so come on -- let's go do some shopping!"

Peter laughed and grabbed his coat without arguing.

It was a successful shopping expedition and they came back laden down with parcels and shopping bags and a very smart looking suitcase with a twenty year guarantee on it.

"I'm beat!" Peter grinned as he sat down at the kitchen table, while Miranda put the kettle on. 

"Me too," she smiled. "I think we deserve a treat tonight so let's order a Chinese takeout, or something."

"That sounds like an excellent plan," Peter agreed enthusiastically. "But can we afford it?"

Miranda shrugged as she rummaged through a draw. "I've held on to some cash for bus fares and so on, but with you away, and I can just as easily walk... the exercise will do me good after sitting at that desk all day..." she dug out a menu, and held it out to her brother. "You phone up and order the food Peter, while I go and grab a shower."

She was just shrugging into her rather unglamorous but wonderfully comfortable dressing gown, when she heard the front door and a moment later the murmur of voices.

"Ah food!" she smiled to herself as she left her bedroom to run lightly down the stairs.

She walked towards the kitchen to come to a mortified halt in the door way.

Marcus was sitting at their kitchen table sipping a mug of coffee. 

"You don't mind do you Miranda? There's always too much for just the two of us and Marcus hasn't had a chance to eat yet either."

She glanced at Marcus who seemed to be terribly amused about something. 

"No, if you're certain you would like to stay?" she murmured uncertainly, "you're more than welcome."

He eyes met and locked on to hers briefly. "Thank you Miranda," he responded quietly.

There was another knock and Miranda went to fetch her purse whilst Peter answered the door. She walked back to find Marcus paying the delivery boy and closing the door with a polite thank you.

"How much do I owe you?" she asked firmly. 

He looked as if he was going to argue with her, but one glance at her tightened lips, and determined look, and he gave a sigh of defeat. "Twenty two pounds and fifty pence," he informed her quietly.

"And you didn't tip him? You must have given the exact money because I didn't see him give you any change?"

"Don't fuss Miranda, give me the ten pounds in your hand and we'll call it an even split."

"But..."

"Don't argue Miranda," he spoke quietly but his eyes suddenly had a dangerous glint to them.

"No Marcus," she replied meekly, handing him the money.

He took it with a wide mischievous grin. "Now that's how I like to hear you..."

"Come on you two I've got everything out already!" Peter called impatiently from the kitchen.

They sat at the kitchen table with their plates loaded with food, which smelt absolutely delicious. 

Miranda concentrated on the meal and allowed the two men to shoulder the burden of the conversation.

Apparently Marcus had come round specifically to talk to Peter about his forthcoming trip, and whilst she understood the importance of it, she failed to see why this couldn't have waited until tomorrow.

She shot him a puzzled look a couple of times but always looked away again before their eyes could connect.

She was aware of Marcus looking across at her on more than one occasion, and she found this constant scrutiny almost unnerving.

"Why don't the two of you go and sit in the living room while I wash these plates?" she suggested lightly, feeling the need of a little space.

"Okay sis." Peter agreed immediately standing.

Marcus looked like he was going to argue with her and she panicked. "Please!" she begged him softly.

He looked at her in surprise at the tone of her voice, but simply nodded and then left the room with Peter. Five minutes later she heard the front door open and then close again; and shortly after that Peter strolled into the kitchen.

"Marcus said thanks for his supper and he'll see you in the morning." A polite little comment, so why did it have to sound so much like a threat to Miranda's ears.

** 

She got into work early the next morning only to find that Marcus must have been there even earlier. Already there was a memo from him in her email inbox. A single glance told her he'd sent this to all the senior staff at Philips Pharmaceuticals. It read as followed: it has come to my attention that the use of the skills of Mrs. Rogers and Miss Redmond has been open to abuse by my senior colleagues. I find it necessary to remind you that these ladies are there only for the most sensitive of projects, and not to save your legs from walking down to the typing pool, nor to hurry up your receipt of your projects back! Also as you may be aware my assistant Peter Redmond will be going to Hong Kong for two weeks and he will be using the services of Mrs. Rogers during that trip. Miss Redmond will be stepping in as my PA whilst Peter is away. Therefore the office of Mrs. Rogers and Miss Redmond will be closed until further notice; and all work will be carried out by the typing pool. 

It was signed simply with his initials and Miranda found she was shaking by the time she had finished reading it. 

Well! She thought to herself, he could have at least asked her! And if he so couldn't do without a personal assistant; then why send Peter away?

She thumped the nearest folder down in front of her and began to type furiously; her fingers punching out every letter on the keyboard.

"What did the keyboard do, to deserve such abuse?" 

She looked up into that smug face, who once again seemed to be enjoying a joke at her expense. 

"Can I do something for you Mr Phillips?" she asked politely if a little snappily.

"Where is Mrs. Rogers this morning?" His humour left him and he came further into the room, allowing the door to close behind him.

"She's taken the day off to prepare for this trip," Miranda told him quietly.

"Yes... well, perhaps I should have given you both a little more warning." He murmured apologetically. 

"I'm not going anywhere," she said with a small shrug of her shoulders. 

"No... but you will be covering for her."

Miranda gave a brittle little laugh. "You've pretty much closed down this office for two weeks, so there won't be much to cover."

"That's the hope," he agreed with a little smile. "By the time your office is open again the senior team will be used to using the typing pool and not put so much pressure on you and Mrs. Rogers."

"Is that why you're doing it?" she asked in surprise. "You don't really need me to cover for Peter... do you?"

"Well I have got used to him dealing with rather a lot of things for me," he told her cautiously. "I suppose I could make do on my own for a little while, but what's the point of that; if you are there -- and more than capable of doing the job." He looked at her as a thought occurred to him. "Unless you have some sort of objection to being my PA for a short time? I can assure you Miranda; that I'm not a tyrant."

"No of course not!" she exclaimed defensively. "I just wondered that's all. It'll be nice to do something -- different... for a little while." She nearly said 'something more challenging' but caught herself at the last.

Marcus looked like he was reading her mind and she squirmed uncomfortably. 

"Good then that's all settled," he said instead. He gave her another thoughtful look before turning back to the door. 

After the door closed behind him, Miranda let out a little sigh of relief. Gosh it was going to be awkward working with him for two weeks. She had never forgotten her reaction to him when they had first met. Indeed she still responded in the same way, except that now as she got to know him better, so her response became more intense. He was a tall good looking man, no woman in her right mind could hold out to that lethal brand of sexiness, which he just oozed. However as she got to know him as a person, she realised that he was actually a really nice guy. Someone she could talk to (when she forgot about the lusting after him) that is. 

She shook her head in exasperation at her own weakness and bent her attention to the work on her desk.

It was going to be a long fortnight with Peter away, and the lack of a car. 

The car dealer, who was sorting out their new car, had phoned to say that the part he needed had been delayed... possibly for another week or more. In all likelihood, Peter would be back from his trip before the vehicle was ready for collection.

Miranda knew that she would be spending the next two weeks relying on public transport or her own legs to get her anywhere; but she didn't mind too much, she rather enjoyed walking.

She had no idea of the plotting and planning that her boss was up to, just so that he could spend some time with her.

She had no idea of how tempted she would become -- to just throw caution to the four winds and throw herself at Marcus...

 

Chapter Seven

(Depressing thoughts and disturbing dreams)

Miranda waved Peter off on the Sunday morning, and spent the rest of that day tidying the house.

She knew that she would feel little inclination to do these chores during the week; and so she decided to get the house into as good an order as possible, so that she would only have to do the minimal amount, once she got home from work.

It also kept her busy, so that she didn't dwell too much on how silent the house had suddenly become.




A Sentimental Heart Ch. 06-07



Peter had spent the last few evenings out with Amanda; who had been extremely upset to learn that her young escort was being sent away for a couple of weeks. She had been determined to see as much of him as possible, before he left, and Peter seemed just as keen to spend time with her...

But now he had gone, and Miranda, for the first time in ages, was truly alone...

The evening was quiet and peaceful, and more than a little bit lonely for Miranda, and she worried that it was a forerunner of how she would cope with Peter's absence.

Peter had always lived his own life, with his own friends and interests; pretty much as she did, but Miranda hadn't realised how much she had grown accustomed to his presence in the home -- even when he wasn't even there!

She realised that Peter wouldn't want to share this house with his sister forever, and the day would come when he would want to move out... move on.

She would be left behind, a virtual old maid before her time, dried up and washed out and left on the shelf!

"Oh for heaven's sake get a grip!" she snapped in exasperation.

She decided to go for a nice long soak in a hot bath, hoping to relax a little, she lounged in the water for much longer than she ought to, and so consequently stepped out looking something like a wrinkled old prune, which didn't do much for her gloomy thoughts. 

She dried herself with a thick fluffy towel, and then dropped it into the laundry basket a she walked through to her bedroom.

Miranda studied her damp body in her full length bedroom mirror.

"You'll soon be too old to care!" she gave a depressed little sniff, as her eyes slid sightlessly over her reflection.

She couldn't see how tiny her waist was, only how wide her hips seemed to look. 

She couldn't see how full, and inviting her breasts were; only that her back seemed too small to handle the weight of them properly.

Her legs were long and slender, but Miranda worried that her thighs were too thick, that her skin was too pale...

She looked up at the glossy mass of her dark hair, searching morbidly for those telltale grey highlights.

"I know that you're in there!" she mumbled petulantly, when she failed yet again to spot any.

She looked at her clear features dispassionately, not seeing the beauty which others saw.

Her eyes were her one vanity, her beautiful deep blue eyes, with the thick lashes and smoothly arched brows.

"Oh well!" she sighed with a little shrug, as she turned her back on her reflection and walked across to her bed.

She reached across for her nightgown, and then on impulse stopped.

With Peter away, she didn't need to worry about modesty, she could...

With another little shrug she climbed into bed.

The covers felt slinky and sensual against her naked flesh, and Miranda switched off her bedroom lamp, and lay back down to sleep.

Sleep was slow to come. 

Thoughts were milling around, all jumbled up and confusing; the only constant in the chaos seemed to be one Marcus Phillips, boss and disturber of her peace of mind.

Miranda sleepily focused on her boss's image, and all of that other jumble seemed to just fade away...

"I want you Miranda... and I don't care if we do work together! I don't care that I am your boss... or that you are my employee... if I'm taking advantage of the situation... of you..." his dark eyes smouldered as he looked down at her. He stepped towards her, and pulled her hard against him. "If I'm taking advantage of you Miranda... I don't really care!"

His lips claimed hers in a heated kiss, and Miranda hung on to Marcus for fear of falling.

His lips felt so good against hers. His breath was warm and enticing, and as his tongue touched hers, she groaned weakly.

"Yes!" he growled against her mouth. "You want me just as much... Don't you!"

"Oh yes, Marcus I do!" Miranda whimpered in her sleep.

She arched her back and moaned as she felt his hand cupping her breast, the sheets, were his clothes -- brushing against her as he held her tightly to him.

He kissed her mouth and stroked her skin... her naked skin, as she stood before him with -- absolutely nothing to shield and protect her.

"Beautiful!" he declared huskily. "Amazing... incredible!"

"Yes Marcus!" she whispered sleepily. "I do want you... I love you!"

Her hands moved beneath the covers as she dreamt of Marcus touching her.

"I shall kiss and touch every part of you Miranda, I shall stroke and caress you until you are mad with desire... until I know every inch of you; and later you shall do the same to me, I will know every inch of you, and you shall know me as well..."

"Oh god Marcus... yes!"

**

Miranda awoke the next morning drenched in sweat and with an ache in her gut that cried out for fulfilment.

She dove under the shower, and came out shivering.

She dressed and munched her way through breakfast, aware of a vague sense of...

She gulped back her coffee and a short time later she left the house, and walked down the road to the bus stop.

* 

Miranda stepped off the bus and tightened her coat around her.

The cold November wind cut right through her, and she shivered as she strode down the road.

She had barely taken a dozen steps when a car pulled into the kerb just in front of her.

"Good morning... Mr. Phillips!" she greeted the owner with a bright smile.

"Good morning Miranda... get in -- will you."

"Oh but..." 

"Please Miranda -- don't argue."

Miranda hesitated for a moment longer as a dream drifted through her mind.

Marcus strode around the car with a little sigh and held the door open for her pointedly.

'Well at least she has the grace to look guilty!' he thought to himself as he saw the colour flood her cheeks, and her eyes avoided his awkwardly.

She glanced quickly up at him before scrambling into the car, only to have him close the door on her and then stride around the vehicle quickly -- almost as though he were afraid that she might try and exit it again!

Miranda gave a little sniff of annoyance as he climbed in beside her.

He buckled his seat belt and switched on the engine without saying another word to her, and a few minutes later they were pulling into the car park at 'Phillips Pharmaceuticals'.

'It would have been quicker for me to have walked it!' Miranda couldn't help the irritation that washed over her, and the look of reproach that she shot him, was more than a little bit over the top -- given the circumstances.

He smiled coolly at her and raised a brow in question.

Miranda's dream drifted through her mind again and the colour rushed to her cheeks -- he had looked at her in such a different way in that dream...

Marcus watched the blush as it came and went -- he wondered silently what had caused such embarrassment -- wondered if she was really as nervous of him as she seemed to be...

He frowned in concern and Miranda stepped away from him -- almost defensively, and the look she shot him...

And in the end it was probably that one look that clinched it for Marcus. He decided that by the time that this week was over he would have Miranda in his bed -- or hers! He would make it so that she would come to him -- she would make the final move -- even if he did all the seducing to get her there!

** 

Miranda had been secretly... apprehensive, about working with Marcus, doubtful of her ability to cope with his demands... insecure about her skills...

She needn't have worried.

Marcus was truly professional and remarkably patient... and Miranda was actually very good at her job.

His needs were simple -- if numerous, and Miranda's first day working with him flew by.

"Well that didn't go too badly now -- did it?" Marcus drawled almost mockingly as Miranda shut down her -- Peter's -- computer with a little sigh of relief.

She shot him a slightly guilty look as the colour drifted into her cheeks.

Marcus couldn't remember ever having known a woman who blushed as much as Miranda did.

He thought it made her look beautiful, with that lovely pink in her cheeks and the way her blue eyes darkened and sparkled all at the same time.

He saw a little quiver of her lip and realised that he'd been staring.

"You're without a car this week -- aren't you?" he said standing up as though nothing untoward had occurred. "I'll give you a lift home."

"No please... that's not necessary!" Miranda exclaimed, clearly flustered.

He looked at her in surprise. "Maybe not Miranda... but I choose to -- so don't argue with me... please."

His tone was firm and unyielding and Miranda sighed in defeat.

'Pathetic fool!' she chided herself silently as she slipped into her coat. 'You're so weak all it takes is one look and you're at his feet in a heartbeat!'

She realised that he was watching her closely and shot him a questioning look.

His smile was all seeing, and all knowing and Miranda swallowed in horror that he might have been reading her thoughts.

"Ready when you are!" she declared brightly.

"Let's go then!"

They managed to reach the office door at the same time, and as Miranda's hand touched the handle -- so did Marcus's.

The static shock that shot up her arm caused her to jump back startled; and her gasp was clearly audible.

It was the final straw for Marcus who had watched her flitter around his office all day like a butterfly on speed! His decision earlier that day clicked in his mind and everything else became a foregone conclusion.

"I don't care that you're my employee!" he growled out softly, as he pulled her into his arms to kiss her on the mouth.

For Miranda, his words were so similar to the ones in her dream; that reality and dream world, merged for a second. And for a second she clung to Marcus as though he was a lifeline, and her lips matched his passion for passion.

But the second reality came crashing back, and her lips stilled against his; then Marcus pulled away.

"Come on," he murmured regretfully. "I'll take you home."

He was the perfect boss -- the perfect gentleman, he drove her home and he dropped her off at her front door, and left again immediately.

"I'll pick you up at seven in the morning!" he threw over his shoulder without giving her the chance to argue.

And so it went on, for the next few days, he picked her up in the morning and drove her to work, and they worked together all day, but at the end of the day, as they were about to leave the office he would take her in arms and kiss her.

And every time he kissed her, Miranda found it harder to resist him, their lips locked together for minutes longer each time.

Miranda found herself working with Marcus all day, and dreaming of Marcus all night; and all that the morning brought, was a cold empty knot in her stomach, and an ache in her heart.

She 'limped' her way to Friday thinking that maybe today, she would find the power to resist what they had both agreed would be a mistake -- but deep down inside she knew... she hoped that he would persuade her.

His kiss that evening was more demanding than any before. Almost as though he knew that this was his best opportunity to try to seduce her.

Tonight he didn't use just his lips to arouse her, but his arms and his hands, also moved and caressed her.

"I want you Miranda!" he groaned against her mouth. "I want you so very badly!"

She tensed and a little whimper escaped and Marcus moved away from her immediately.

"Come on... I'll take you home."

They were silent all the way to her house, but the tension that was building between the two of them was palpable.

Marcus got out of the car, and after helping her out of the vehicle; he walked her to her front door -- a gentleman to the last.

He waited patiently whilst she searched for her keys and then unlocked her door.

He thought that she was going to step inside without even a goodnight, but once over the threshold -- she turned back to him.

"Would you like to come inside for a drink?" she asked shakily.

He shook his head. "No not for a drink... but I would like to come inside Miranda?"

The question was implicit -- he demanded her acknowledgement and he waited for her reply.

Miranda licked her lips nervously, and her eyes fell away from his, before coming back suddenly and locking on, with a steely determination that totally threw him.

"Would you like to come inside, Marcus?"



A Sentimental Heart Ch. 08-09



Chapter Eight

Marcus stretched out beside Miranda and watched her as she slept.

The sun wasn't even up yet, and he could hear the wind howling outside.

That wasn't the reason that he wanted to stay right where he was though... Why he wanted to stay here in Miranda's bed...

She was lying on her stomach, her head turned so that she was facing him.

Her dark hair was sprawled across her white pillow, looking like the wing of some large bird.

Her lids covered her incredible blue eyes, but her lips still looked swollen from their heated kisses.

He was still more than a little amazed by her.

She always seemed so nervous around him, but last night...

In her dreams, he always seemed so much in control; he was masterful and demanding of her...

But in reality... now that she had found the courage to invite him into her home, he seemed hesitant, as though not entirely sure of himself – or the situation.

After the heat of her dreams, Miranda found it all more than a little bit disconcerting!

They stood in her hallway, and neither of them seemed to know quite what to do next!

Miranda gave a little sigh, it had all been too long for her; she'd not been involved with anyone since before the death of her parents, since she had taken on the responsibility of Peter and his education.

Peter was an adult now, and independent; and she felt free once more, to pick up the threads of her life again. But Miranda had been on her own for too long now, and the whole idea of dating and all that that entailed... well it all seemed to be too much of an effort – if she was being honest with herself...

She looked up at Marcus and the thought that; HE was more than worth the effort, slipped through her mind.

She smiled at him in what she hoped would be a seductive smile; and Marcus's eyes dilated, and she saw him swallow.

Not much of reaction, but enough to nurture her confidence, as she stepped nervously towards him and reached up to wrap her arms around his neck.

"You said that you didn't want to come in for a nightcap..." she whispered softly. "So why did you come inside?"

Marcus's eyes darkened further still, and she could feel the tension in him.

"I came inside for you Miranda... I want you!"

She smiled again, partly in relief – but mostly with such a sense of euphoria, that for a moment her head swam. "Good... because I want you too!"

He didn't need any further encouragement it seemed, as his mouth found hers again and he kissed her hungrily.

His arms went around her waist and he pulled her hard against him, letting her feel just how much he wanted her.

Miranda's mouth went slack for a moment, but then he felt her smile again, against his mouth as she moved against him suddenly.

Marcus' hands cupped her bottom encouraging her to rub and to move, against his sensitive groin – it felt so incredible!

But it wasn't enough!

Soon he needed more, and so with a soft growl of impatience, he swept her up into his arms, loving her startled squeal, and headed for the stairs, with a determined stride.

"Which way!" he muttered breathlessly, even though she was as light as a feather and as easy as a child to carry... the effect she had on him was – overwhelming.

"Straight up – first door on the left."

He chuckled at the tone of her voice – it sounded so... self-satisfied?

Her bedroom was small and feminine with the faint aroma of her perfume hanging around it.

The days were short, and darkness had fallen before they'd even finished work for the day.

He dropped Miranda to her feet in the door way, and waited there whilst she moved to draw her curtains and switch on her bedside lamp – rather than the main overhead one.

It gave the room a cosy romantic feel, and Marcus smiled a little cynically; right now the mood was not so much romantic – the mood was in fact a little more basic than that!

She turned to him, and hesitated.

"I want to see you..." he muttered still on the threshold of the room. "I want you surrender to me Miranda... to drop your defences and lose your inhibitions – I want you to do – because I tell you to do!"

He stepped into the room but kept back from her.

"I want you to undress and bare yourself to me... will you Miranda... will you submit to me?"

Miranda's dreams flittered through her memory and she slowly began to undress.

She slipped her jacket from her shoulders allowing it to fall to the floor – discarded and forgotten.

Her hands moved to her blouse – where she slowly began to work the buttons, starting at the top and working her way down, she pulled it from the waistband of her skirt, and allowed it to slip from her shoulders.

The blouse followed the jacket – down to the floor – discarded and forgotten.

Marcus could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins, as he studied her with hungry eyes...

The tininess of her waist; and the soft swell of her breast – covered now only by the lace trimmed fabric of her bra.

The colour was a deep dark blue that almost matched the shade of her eyes, and he couldn't quite believe that this beautiful stunning woman was about to become his...

She reached back to unfasten her bra.

"No!" 

Miranda had been lost in the soft hazy memory of her dreams, where she was his for the taking... to do only what he wished... commanded or desired.

She blinked and looked across at him as reality came back.

"The skirt next... please."

She was surprised that she didn't feel awkward or embarrassed, but once she had conceded to Marcus... yielded to the desires and the emotions he incited in her... everything seemed to click into place for her... it was time... time for her to start living again – rather than just existing. 

She smiled softly as she saw the expression on his face...

She would never feel awkward or embarrassed around Marcus again.

She unzipped her skirt and slowly shimmied it over her hips, wriggling them a little bit too excessively as she watched Marcus through lowered lashes.

His reactions to her were so gratifying, that he was going to her head like alcohol.

She allowed the skirt to pool around her feet and then stepped out of it... where she left on the floor – discarded and forgotten.

Marcus could not take any more.

She stood before him in just her bra and the tiniest of briefs, and he knew that he could not hold back any longer.

He strode across to her in three long, urgent strides, and grasped her arms to yank her against him.

"Mine!" he muttered just before his mouth crushed hers in a merciless kiss that set out to invade, overwhelm and brand her as his woman.

Miranda clung to him shakily as she weathered his onslaught, he was her dream lover made real... and then some!

She found herself lying on her bed with no real idea of how she actually got there; Marcus had this ability to make her feel as though she was floating...

He stood over her tearing off his clothes as though they were burning him.

His apparently desperate rush flattered her – even while it unnerved her... It had been a while for her, since she had last made love with a man... she did so hope he would be gentle with her... would be able to slow down a little and give them time to gain some pleasure...

Marcus had removed the last of his clothing and was about to join her on the bed, when he caught the slight look of worry on her face.

He smiled reassuringly as he lay beside her.

"I want to touch you... I want to learn what pleases you..." he kissed her gently and his hand glided down her skin, and Miranda relaxed even as she sighed with pleasure.

"Oh... yes... please!"

Marcus had never realised how controlled he could be, as he spent the next hour or more exploring Miranda's body...

He had kissed her gently on the lips, before moving to her throat, her shoulder, her collarbone...

As he met the resistance of her bra, he pushed the strap down her arm.

His hand slipped beneath her to find the clasp, and with a quick flick...

The garment seemed explode; to allow her breast to spill out, where he instantly began to lick, kiss, and occasionally nibble on them.

The little noises that Miranda was making in reaction to him; were almost addictive!

If he licked the flesh of her breast, then she made a little whimpering sound; if he kissed the tip of her nipple, she would groan and gasp and squirm a little... but when he took that hard little nub into his mouth, and allowed his teeth to gently graze the edge...

Well!

Her body stilled and went rigid, her eyes rounded wide and dilated... and the funny little noise, that came from the back of her throat... well it was intoxicating... he could listen to that all night!

He took the nipple into his mouth again and began to suck hard, and his hand stroked down over her abdomen, over her navel; and down to slip under the elastic of her panties...

Again she gurgled and whimpered and moaned at him, and her legs opened to allow him access.

His finger pushed down over the soft spikey hair, to slip between the lips of her very wet pussy.

"Oh... yes... pleeease!" she gasped again, as her hand grasped his wrist to encourage him further in.

He paused over her hard clit, and she shivered as he gently massaged it, with a slow circular motion.

She shivered and trembled, and she sucked in a breath that forced her chest up; almost suffocating Marcus as his nose and mouth became filled with her soft, warm, flesh – due to the sudden upward thrust of her breast.

His head came up reluctantly and Miranda looked at him beseechingly.

"Please... Marcus!"

He knew then that she was ready; he knew then that he could not endure any more of his self imposed abstinence....

"You want me babe?" he asked with a sexy little smirk. "You're ready for me?"

"Yessss.... oh yessss!"

His leg was already lying half across hers and so it was the smallest of movements that put him between her legs, although they got into a bit of tangle; as he tried to removed the lacy scrap of material, that was still barring him from his ultimate pleasure.

Miranda lifted a leg awkwardly in an attempt at helping, but in the end Marcus grew impatient, and with a firm grasp and a sharp tug... 

Miranda's panties were torn from her.

She gasped and shivered and Marcus watched with excitement as she enjoyed her first orgasm with him.

"Pleeeeease Marcus!"

He slid into her like a hot knife through butter – and as her velvety warmth enveloped and welcomed him, Marcus felt he'd come home!

In his whole life... nothing had ever felt so very right – as being here with Miranda... as being inside Miranda... making love to her was something he knew he would need for the rest of his life... his very survival might be at stake here!

His smiled whimsically as his lips found hers once more and slowly and gently at first, he began to move...

Hours later he slept a dreamless sleep of exhaustion, his mind his heart and body so totally at peace that he couldn't even think anymore.

His sleep for a while was deep, but as the initial exhaustion left him and his sleep lightened to a slumber, he slowly became aware again...

Someone was touching him?

His mind was confused; he couldn't remember where he was.

Someone was stroking his chest.

He knew that he should remember; he knew that he should open his eyes and then everything would become clear...

But he was just so relaxed!

Someone was kissing his skin... nibbling and licking and touching...

The phantom touch moved slowly down, until it reached his rock hard dick, where her soft, warm lips closed around him.

Marcus's eyes shot open, he stiffened for a moment as the memories of the night before came screaming back.

She was sucking and licking and at any moment now he was going to cum...

She wouldn't stop, and Marcus was caught in her web of lust and desire, and it didn't take much for him to succumb to her persuasion.

His release when it came was made so wonderful, because it had taken no effort from him at all; he had simply lain back and let it happen.

"Amazing woman!" he mumbled. "Lovely... wonderful... sensational woman... my woman!" 

He pulled her close to him, and together they dozed once more.

The next time he awoke the sun was streaming through the curtains and he was alone in Miranda's bed.

Miranda had stirred as the sun began to rise. She turned as she felt the still unfamiliar presence of Marcus beside her.

She was still a little shocked by herself... by that need to explore his body whilst he had slept... that need to pleasure him, even in his sleep he had responded to her featherlike touch, his voice low and husky, and so very sexy.

The fact that he was getting so much pleasure from her hesitant fingers, had emboldened her to do more; and before long she had been kissing, and licking... and finally sucking on him in a way she never would have thought herself shameless enough to do!

She had known that he was close to fulfilment, and had stayed with him until his release.

Again she had never thought herself capable of such... brazen behaviour... maybe she was having a midlife crisis?

She moved from the bed slowly so as not to disturb her sleeping lover – lover?

He was her employer, and they had both agreed that this would be a mistake.

She slipped into a robe and left him in bed, to sleep.

She needed some space, a little time to think, and come to terms with the person she now realised she was... a shameless hussy!

She cringed as she imagined what he would think of her now; would he expect her to do it again?

Would he be disgusted with her?

Oh god! What had she been thinking, to violate him in such a way!

But he had seemed to be getting so much pleasure from her!

She walked through to her kitchen, and put the kettle on to boil, her thoughts all muddled and growing worse by the moment.

At the ripe old age of – not quite thirty, Miranda had discovered her sexuality – and it shook her to her very foundations.

Right now she didn't know quite whether to sit down and burst into tears of humiliation... or march back up those stairs and re-join Marcus in her bed... to wake him with her kisses, and the touches he seemed to love so much; and demand he make love to her – and keep making love to her, until this ache in the pit of her stomach was gone forever!

The kettle boiled for a moment, before switching off and Miranda stood staring at it blankly as she heard the tell-tale creak of the stairs.

Oh god! She thought in panic she was so not ready to face him yet!

She lurched over to the kitchen sink as a feeling of nausea suddenly rose up in her.

The kitchen door swung open and she was aware of him coming up behind her, would he make his excuses and leave in embarrassment? Would he demand that she explain herself? Would he ask her to resign her position in his offices, feeling that they could not work together anymore?

Miranda leaned over the sink weakly, watching in fascination as the water ran from the cold tap.

His hand on her arm; caused her heartbeat to falter and then start up a frantic beat.

"Good morning," he murmured huskily as his arms circled her waist and he nuzzled at her neck, slowly turning her around.

He smiled before kissing her gently on the lips, and Miranda once more melted into his embrace.

She didn't care... as long as he kept on kissing her like that, then she didn't care what he asked of her, she would do anything and everything, and she would do it happily.

She was nothing more than his own personal little sex slave, and Miranda did not care...

*******

Chapter Nine

He couldn't quite believe it!

She always seemed so demure and passive...

Who would have thought that she would be such a...

It had not taken Marcus very long to realise that whatever he asked, whatever he could dream up... Miranda was game for a go!

"I've always had this fantasy..." he murmured huskily and Miranda looked across at him eagerly, her eyes bright with anticipation.

He wondered just how far she was willing to go, and hesitated for a moment so that he could soothe his racing heart and control his breathing, she was just so damned hot! He could not get enough of her, and the fact that she seemed to be as hungry for him...

"I always wondered what it would be like to..."

Her eyes dilated, and her lips parted as she waited for him to finish.

"Never mind... it's nothing," he looked away from her.

Marcus suddenly felt uncomfortable and ashamed of himself... playing this game with her.

She was never anything but sincere towards him, and here he was treating her like some sort of sex toy!

His parents would be ashamed of him!

Miranda came and knelt at his feet.

"Tell me," she invited huskily. 

"It was nothing," he insisted awkwardly.

"It was nothing that you always wondered about?" she mocked him lightly.

She wasn't going to let him off the hook; she would keep on at him until he said something.

"Let's take a shower together!" he blurted out the first thing that came into his head.

"Okay!" she was on her feet and tugging him to his, before he could even come to terms with what he'd said.

God she was just so damned sexy!

He realised then that he would never get enough of her... would never be satisfied enough to walk away...

Marcus sat on the edge of the bed and fastened the cuffs to his neatly pressed shirt.

Miranda had insisted on washing and ironing his clothes before allowing him to climb back into them, and in truth Marcus had been more than happy to stay naked with Miranda whilst his clothes were in the washing machine.

They had had a lot of fun over the last couple of days, but he thought that the shower would be one thing, he would not quickly or easily forget.

He was smiling as he pulled on his trousers, his mind full of how she had looked with the water streaming down her flesh, how she had washed him, from tip to toe, and lingered in places that had him gasping and groaning, and pulling her to him to so that he could kiss her hungrily on the lips, even as he thrust into her with a slick wet slurping noise.

He held her against the cold tiles and screwed her senseless whilst the water poured down over them!

Miranda walked into the bedroom holding out his mobile phone. 

"It's rung a couple times now, so I thought it might be important," she explained as he gave it to him.

Even as he took it from her, it began ringing and lit up with Amanda's name and number.

Marcus scowled impatiently as he pressed the button.

"Yes?"

"Oh god Marcus!" Amanda's devastated voice whispered down the phone, followed by a high pitched; "Where have you been, why haven't you answered?"

Marcus frowned as he tried to fight down the knot of panic.

"'Manda? What's happened?"

Miranda stood and watched helplessly as the man she had always thought of as strong, and in control – totally fell to pieces.

"What is it? What's happened?" she asked anxiously as she walked across to him, and cupped his face with her hands, forcing him to look her in the eyes.

"It's my father," he murmured in a strangled tone. "He's suffered a stroke... and they're not sure that he's going to make it!"

Miranda's eyes filled with tears as she remembered a time when she had lost her own parents.

"Oh Marcus... I'm so sorry!"

He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight – seeming to need that contact... as though he was drawing on her strength.

Then he pushed her away gently. "I have to go... I'm needed at the hospital..."

She could see the mask as it slipped into place – covering his grief and anxiety and portraying the strength his family would need from him – but which Miranda knew was fake.

"Let me drive you to the hospital Marcus!" she begged. "You're upset and worried about your father and your family – you're in no shape to drive... please Marcus... let me drive you there!" 




A Sentimental Heart Ch. 08-09



He didn't answer immediately – and Miranda thought that he was going to refuse her... but in the end he sighed and his shoulders sagged.

"Thank you Miranda... I would really appreciate having you with me," he told her huskily.

Miranda was not the most assertive of people; she was placid and easy going, inclined to let others make decisions if she thought them more knowledgeable.

She was however calm in a crisis, and a soothing presence to the man sitting silently beside her.

She was an excellent driver and handled his sleek little convertible, confidently and casually and he was able to concentrate on his concern for his father... and his family.

She stopped at some traffic lights and her hand rested briefly on his thigh.

"I'm sure that your father will be okay Marcus... they are so good at treating strokes these days..." she tried to reassure him gently.

His hand covered hers for a moment in mute gratitude, but as the lights changed to green she had to put it back on the steering wheel, and try to ignore the warmth from his hand, which left her tingling for the rest of the journey.

**

They walked down the silent corridor, and entered a small square waiting room.

"Marcus!" Amanda cried out as she ran across to throw herself at him, and sob hysterically into his shirt. "God Marcus... I just didn't know what to do!"

As Marcus held his sobbing sister, in his comforting embrace, a tall elderly lady joined them.

She was slender to the point of being thin, with silver hair weaving through what would once have been a glorious head of raven locks.

Her eyes though red from weeping, were the same soft brown as Marcus's – and Miranda recognised the woman as being Marcus and Amanda's mother immediately.

"Marcus!" she exclaimed in a tightly controlled voice.

"Mother... I came as quickly as I could." He moved Amanda slightly so that he could embrace his parent as well.

"I know that you did... thank you." Miranda heard her murmur as she returned his hug gratefully

"Has there been any more word on how he's doing?"

His voice was as controlled his mother's and Miranda wanted to cry for them, since it seemed they were both determined not to, seemed to be determined to be strong!

"He's stable... the doctor will be out shortly to give us an update."

"Let's all sit down then."

Miranda followed the little group as they sat back down in the waiting area, and as she sat just a little apart from them, Amanda suddenly seemed to realise that she was there.

"Miranda!" she exclaimed in surprise. "It's good to see you... but why are you here?"

Miranda blushed awkwardly... she did not want to lie to anyone... and she didn't feel the need to lie to anyone... but this was hardly the place and the time to admit to having a relationship with Marcus...

"Miranda was kind enough to drive me here... she realised that I my concentration wasn't at its best so we both thought it would be safer if she drove." Marcus told his sister and his mother, expressionlessly.

"Oh," Amanda said vacantly, and then she opened her mouth to ask more questions, but was forestalled by her mother.

"That was very good of you my dear... I'm sure that we are all very grateful to you..." she smiled warmly. "And I would be grateful to my son if he would be good enough to introduce us to each other – rather than forcing us to skirt around each other awkwardly."

Her tone was light and teasing, but her eyes didn't quite match the tone, and Miranda's heart filled for them, and her eyes met hers full of sympathy and understanding.

"I'm sorry mother... this is Miranda Redmond she and her brother both work at 'Phillip's Pharmaceuticals' – with me."

"Ah yes her brother Peter..." Mrs Phillips nodded as she glanced sideways at her daughter. "Amanda has spoken of him... but not..."

"Miranda only joined us recently..." Marcus cut in, "and Amanda has only met her once or twice – I believe?"

Amanda nodded in acknowledgement, and any further conversation was cut off by the arrival of the doctor.

"Phillips family?" he asked quietly, and when they all nodded, he came and sat down next to Mrs Phillips and took one of her hands in his.

"I'm afraid that your husband is very ill Mrs Phillips... but he is stable and – although the next few hours could be critical... we think that he has a very good chance."

Miranda felt herself on an emotional rollercoaster as she listened with the rest of them to what he had to say.

The beginning of his sentence had her preparing for the worst... the middle of his sentence had her gulping back tears – but by the end she was actually daring to hope.

Mrs Phillips must have felt similar as she gulped back some tears, and gave a watery sort smile at the doctor.

"Thank you doctor... can we see him now?"

He patted her hand understandingly, and smiled at the group in general.

"The nurses are just making him... more comfortable... then you can go in... but no more than one or two at a time please."

He stood up and began to walk away, only turn back after a few steps. "A nurse will come and take you to him – in just a little while."

The three of them sat close together, and Miranda sat a little apart – not able to join them in their thoughts, but understanding of their feelings and wanting to be of any help that she could.

The nurse came out and smiled at them all. "If you'd like to follow me?"

The little trio looked at each other. "Amanda will you stay here with Miranda for a little while... I'll come back once I've seen how he is."

As mother and son both followed the nurse, Miranda moved closer to the other girl, and took her hand in a gesture of comfort.

"I'm certain that he'll be okay – given a little time," she murmured reassuringly.

Amanda's lip quivered, but she tried to emulate her mother and her brother and show a brave front.

"I'm sure that he will be too."

She smiled gratefully at Miranda, who did the same, whilst thinking silently to herself – that all this empty smiling that everyone was doing; wasn't actually fooling anyone – but they all did it any way!

The day ticked along, with Marcus and Amanda occasionally changing places, and Miranda either comforting whoever she was sitting with, or fetching cups of tea and coffee.

As the afternoon drifted into early evening, Marcus re-joined her, looking tired and drained as his sister left them; and he allowed his mask to slip.  

"Thank you for staying with m...us," he said as he sank down next to her on the bench.

Miranda took his hand in hers and looked into his eyes for a moment.

"I'm worried for your mother," she told him quietly, not wanting to sound quite so blunt but unable to hedge around her concerns. "I've not seen her since she went in there hours ago... she must need... refreshments... sustenance... rest?" 

She saw what little colour he had, drain from his face. "I was... so worried about dad... that I have to admit that I never really thought about it."

She squeezed his hand supportively. "Tell her... and Amanda that I'll drive them anywhere they need to go... I know that Amanda is still taking lessons, and I assume that your mother came in with your father... in the ambulance?"

Again the look he gave her, showed that he clearly hadn't given it any thought at all.

Impulsively he reached across to kiss her on the cheek. "Thank you Miranda... for staying... for... for everything."

They sat in silence for long moments, just waiting for Amanda to come back out, and once again Miranda offered support and comfort in the only way that she knew how. She took his hand in hers and gave it a gentle squeeze, and the look that he gave her told her it was enough, that he was grateful for the contact.

He saw Amanda walking back and went to meet her... to talk to her for a few minutes.

She nodded her head, and he hugged her and then walked back onto the ward.

Amanda came and sat down next to Miranda. "He's going to try and persuade mum to go home for a little while... to try and get some rest... he'll stay here with dad," she said after a moment.

"They'll probably tell you all to go home and get some rest... and come back tomorrow..." Miranda murmured absently as she glanced up at the clock on the wall and seeing that it was now past six o'clock.

Amanda looked at her thoughtfully. "That sounds like the voice of experience?"

Miranda opened her mouth to answer, but then just shrugged her shoulders. "I've been in something like this situation before... yes..."

"When your parents were killed?" her voice was soft and sympathetic, and somehow more mature than Miranda could ever remember her sounding before. "Peter told me a little about it... he said that you were wonderful then too..."

Miranda could feel the tears clawing at the back of her throat – and stood up thankfully as Marcus and his mother came back out.

Mrs Phillips looked tired and pale... but extremely composed as she smiled at Miranda gratefully.

"Marcus says that you will drive us home?"

"Yes of course Mrs Phillips."

"Thank you my dear... I need to take some tablets which in the panic I forgot to put in my bag..." she turned to look pointedly at her son. "But then if you wouldn't mind – I'd like to come back for a little while... if only to say goodnight to him..."

Miranda could see Marcus was about to say something... and so jumped in before he could.

"I'm sure that your husband will rest better if you do."

**

The drive to Mrs Phillips' home was a relatively short one, but since mother and daughter were silent for the entire ride, it gave Miranda time to dwell on that last look that Marcus shot her.

She had been following the two women from the hospital, when she turned back suddenly to find Marcus standing at the other end of the corridor – he must have followed them after saying goodbye to them all.

She opened her mouth to ask if he needed something more – but he just held up his hand as though to silence her.

For a moment they just stood staring at each other – as though they were the only two people left in the world...

"Miranda...?"

Amanda's hand on her arm and her questioning look drew her attention away for a moment – and when she looked back he was gone.

She was in love with Marcus – and that look had been one of... what?

Was she seeing more because that was what she wanted to see?

Was this just the heat of the moment with Marcus's father being so ill, and Marcus was just latching on to something... someone... anyone?

All she knew was that look, had set her heart racing and her hopes spiralling – and Miranda hoped very much that they would have the opportunity to talk... honestly and openly with each other... once things had settled down again... once his father was out of danger... soon... she hoped very much that they could talk – soon?

**

Marcus sat in the waiting room composing himself – before going to sit with his father again.

His feelings for Miranda were developing much too rapidly for his peace of mind... if she knew what he was thinking she would probably run a mile.

He looked at her and saw the whole package – he saw fifty years down the line with kids and grandkids and him and her old and grey and still as much in love as they were now...

"Idiot!" he exclaimed softly. "You can never get it right – can you?"

He stood up shaking his head at himself. Miranda was the most wonderful woman he'd ever met – she deserved better than him! She deserved someone who would put her first – always... and Marcus had never been renowned for that – he'd lost friends and lovers over the years, because of single-mindedness when a project caught his attention.

He had become a successful business man – had developed Phillips' because of his tenacity and tunnel vision.

He couldn't change what he was – and he knew that like the others... one day Miranda too would resent him for it... would leave him because of it.

He couldn't bear it – if she was to walk away from him too... would have to take steps to protect himself from that!

"It was just sex... nothing more... thank you for all your help... but it was just sex!"

He kept muttering it until he almost believed it – the next step was to get her to believe it!



A Sentimental Heart Ch. 10-11



Chapter Ten

He knew that Miranda was watching him -- with hurt and confusion.

"I'm staying over at mum's house tonight, so it makes sense to drop you off first Miranda." He glanced at her quickly through his wing mirror.

"Yes, of course... thank you." Her blue eyes latched onto his for a moment, through that mirror, hurt and questioning. 'What happened... what did I do wrong?'

He fixed his attention on the road ahead, and set the car in motion...

*

Marcus walked her to her front door and waited patiently while she dug through her bag, for her keys.

Only when the door was open did he speak.

"I wanted to say again... thank you so very much for everything that you've done for us today... and I need to ask more of you -- I'm afraid..."

Miranda looked up at him in surprise. "Yes of course, anything that I can do to help!"

She felt so pathetic, as her eagerness showed in her voice, and her eyes sparkled with hope.

"I need you to go into the office tomorrow, and get a hold of your brother -- I need you to get him back here on the next available flight..." he paused for a moment and his expression became preoccupied, so that Miranda just knew that he was running over the next few days in his mind, and what he should have been doing.

His eyes fixed on her suddenly. "I'll need you to hold the fort as best as you can -- for the next day or two..." he winced at the look of hurt that once more shadowed her face -- he knew that he sounded cold and impersonal, and that she was bewildered by his change of attitude towards her...

"I would appreciate your discretion Miranda -- for the next couple of days. I would rather the whole world and his brother didn't know of my family's casualties and catastrophes -- until I'm able to talk about it myself!"

She nodded her head and blinked away tears. "Yes of course M... Marcus; leave it all to me... you just concentrate on your family -- on your father."

"Thank you Miranda!" he smiled warmly at her for the first time since she'd arrived back at the hospital, with his mother in tow...

"You needn't have come back mother," he murmured gently whilst casting a reproachful glance at Miranda. "They've settled him down for the night, and so he won't even know if we're there or not."

"But I will know Marcus..." she stated firmly, although her bottom lip quivered dangerously. "I just wanted to kiss him goodnight," she whispered.

Twenty minutes later, mother and son were sat in the front of Marcus's little car, and Miranda was squeezed into the back... and Marcus had not addressed her once, since their return to the hospital...

I'll just let you get inside, and locked up; before I leave," he told her now in that painfully polite tone.

"Goodnight Marcus!" Miranda said in a brittle tone, as she quickly stepped over the threshold, and turned and closed the door before he could even respond.

She dropped the catch, and stood listening for the slam of his car door.

Seconds later she was rewarded for her patience, and the roar of the car's engine started up, and then faded as he drove away from her.

**

Miranda spent a sleepless night tossing and turning in her bed, and crawled from it the following morning feeling like hell in human form.

It hadn't helped that the moment she'd stepped into her bedroom, all she could smell was the very faint aroma of Marcus's aftershave.

Her bed was still unkempt; the covers were all rumpled up, and evoking images of her and Marcus in that bed... in each other's arms, touching... kissing... making love in such a gentle loving way, that his coldness this evening, had been like a slap in the face.

She didn't understand.

Couldn't understand what had happened, between her leaving him at that hospital, and returning less than an hour later.

She dragged herself to the shower, and then dressed for work, and let herself out of the home that she shared with her brother.

It was a busy day for her -- fielding questions with; "he's away for a few days on personal business... I'm not at liberty to divulge anything more... he'll be back in due course..." and empty phrases like that.

She slipped into her jacket at the end of the day, with a little sigh of relief, and picked up her bag just as her mobile beeped at her.

She pulled it from the front pocket of the bag and pressed the button to view the text.

"Just about to board the plane, see you some time tomorrow."

"Oh thank you Peter!" she whispered gratefully.

*

Miranda had a nice relaxing soak in a warm bath, when she got home; and then rather rebelliously -- since their funds were still tight, decided to order out.

There was an unopened bottle of wine sitting in the fridge, and she had already had two glasses by the time that her food arrived.

She ate some of the food, but then found herself pushing it around her plate pointlessly, as she wallowed in memories of her time with Marcus; and fantasised about how he would come knocking at her door -- proclaiming his love for her and tell her that she had been mistaken over his attitude -- that he'd just been worried about his father...

She downed another glass of wine, and curled up on her sofa dreamily, deciding that her dishes could wait until morning... that there really wasn't any need to rush over anything...

That third glass of wine may not have been such a good idea, but it had certainly left her feeling more relaxed than she had felt for the last couple of days.

The sudden rattling of her letterbox had her glancing at the clock on the wall, even as she scrambled off the sofa. Now who on earth would be knocking on her door at nine o'clock in the evening...

Marcus of course!

"Oh... just a second!" she closed the door briefly so that she could take the safety chain off, and then pulled the door wide. "Do come inside."

'He looks tired,' was her first thought as she took his coat.

"How is your father doing? Can I get you a drink... have you eaten recently?"

He smiled down at her, although it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"He's holding his own thank you, and the doctors are quietly optimistic... and yes please, a coffee might help to keep me going... but I don't quite remember..." he trailed off as she looked up at him, and her breath fanned his face.

Warm and inviting... and the smell of alcohol was -- noticeable -- to say the least! 

Something flashed in his eyes and Miranda stepped back instinctively.

"Go and sit in the living room, and I'll fix something for you... it's no trouble honest!" she hurried to say as he opened his mouth as though to argue the need.

His shoulders sagged wearily. "That's very kind of you... thank you Miranda."

He could hear her moving around in her kitchen, and Marcus sat on the sofa and let his head rest back, and his eyes close for a little while.

He'd missed Miranda today, after spending so much time with her recently and the way she had been, when he'd first heard about his father...

It was as though she had taken all of his fear and pain, and just absorbed it into herself, sending back only calm and reassurance.

At a point when he had been unable to function... to think or to act -- for himself or his family; Miranda had stepped into the breach, and had guided him along.

Today had been a long and tiring day, but his father was over the worst, the doctors were hopeful that -- with the proper care and attention -- his father could make an almost full recovery... although he would never be the same man again -- not the strong and vital man, that he had been before the stroke...

"It's not much I'm afraid..." Miranda placed a mug and a plate on the table in front of him, and sat down in the chair on the other side.

"It's plenty... thank you Miranda... you are very kind," he knew that he kept repeating himself but it was all he could say to her -- at this moment in time.

He picked up the plate and slowly began to eat the food, and it was only as he swallowed the first mouth full that he realised, just how hungry he was.

He throat went dry, and he had to reach for the drink, to wash down the food that had lodged there.

Even now Miranda was thinking for him, guessing that he would have spent the whole of the day at the hospital, and not thought of hunger or resting... or much else.

He'd heard Peter say how wonderful Miranda had been, when their own parents had died so suddenly; but he was only now beginning to understand what he had been talking about.

Miranda in her quiet understanding way; was a rock to hang on to.

She gave everything she had, and asked for nothing in return, and again he felt a rush of emotion for her.

But this was not the time for that.

"I've heard from Peter," she said suddenly. "He was just about to board his plane and he said that he'd be back sometime tomorrow."

"That's good to hear," he remembered why he'd sent Peter on this trip in the first place, to give himself the opportunity to spend some time alone with Miranda.

To try and sort out once and for all, these confusing feelings that he seemed to have whenever he was around her.

"Has it been very bad at the hospital today?" she asked quietly. "And how is your mother... and Amanda?"

He swallowed some more of the food and looked across at her.

"They're both doing okay thanks... tired and still worried about dad, but mum is being strong for Amanda and Amanda is trying to be brave for mum..."

"It's difficult for you all -- I know," she sympathised softly.

Her words were simple and probably said a thousand times by a thousand people, but the way that Miranda spoke -- the way that she looked at him...

Again he felt a warm rush of -- something, and he felt himself relaxing.

"It must be the food," he muttered softly to himself.

"Sorry?" Miranda leaned forward and her brow furrowed in puzzlement.

"Nothing," Marcus sighed tiredly. "Just thinking out loud is all."

She reached out to pick up his empty plate and mug, and then stood up.

"You look so tired," she said with concern, "will you stay here tonight, try and get some sleep?"

Her voice was hesitant and uncertain, and he realised suddenly that she was wary of him, that she feared his rejection.

As though he could ever reject her!

He smiled and this time it did reach his eyes.

"I'd like that Miranda... very much."

Of course sleep was not the primary activity that night.

Oh for the first few hours, Marcus slept the sleep of the dead, lying next to the warm and comforting body that was Miranda.

But a few hours deep sleep was enough to revive him, and waking up next to her was just too much temptation.

She murmured softly as he gently rolled her onto her back, and kissed her cheek, her lips her chin.

He saw her lids flutter, and he leaned up and over her expectantly... but then a smile drifted and wobbled its way across her mouth.

"Just a dream," she sighed sadly, "go back to sleep Miranda, and dream."

He watched her in fascination as her breathing slowly deepened, and sleep once more claimed her.

So tonight he was to be her dream lover!

He remembered the other night when she had touched and caressed him whilst he had slept, and a little smiled tilted his mouth.

Tonight it was his turn! 

************************************************* 

Chapter Eleven

Not for the first time, Miranda was dreaming, but oh it was such a dream!

She was dreaming of Marcus, he was with her in her bed; he was touching her flesh and kissing her skin.

She groaned huskily but refused to open her eyes -- to wakeup fully, only to find that she was alone -- again...

"Just a dream," she murmured again, and a tear of regret rolled down her cheek.

"Wake up Miranda..." his voice was so close, she could feel the warmth of his breath."

"Wake up!" he urged again as he leaned over her, and his lips found hers, to massage and manipulate, to encourage and seduce.

The pressure was butterfly light, and for a little while she resisted his persuasions.

But his hands began to stroke down her body, and cupped her breasts, and the bolt of sheer pleasure had her eyes wide open and her back arched, as she woke up fully and found that he did not disappear with the last waves of sleep.

She smiled up at him with pure delight, and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.

"Oh Marcus... I do love you so!"

He captured her lips and kissed her deeply, as he dismissed the feelings her declaration had provoked.

His lovemaking had a note of urgency to it, that Miranda met head on, and actively encouraged, as he thrust hard into her and pulled her closer, holding her tighter. 

He rolled over suddenly taking her with him so the she was lying down the full length of him, and as her legs slipped down to rest alongside his, he again thrust up hard, cupping her bottom so that she had no choice but to meet his thrusts.

He was buried deep into her, so deep that she felt she would explode... tear apart.

And in a way she did, when his climax came and he flooded into her, Miranda screamed out her own orgasm, feeling so whole... so complete, she fell down on top of him to cry and sob all over him, she had thought that he no longer wanted her...

They were meant to be together, she knew it; and somewhere deep inside him -- Marcus knew it too, he just hadn't realised it yet!

*

He made love to her twice more as the night gave way to morning, and each time it was with a need that had her heart swelling, and her hopes singing; and when he finally fell to sleep again, it was with Miranda wrapped tight in his arms, holding her as though he never wanted to let her go again.

**

She was busy making breakfast when he joined her in the kitchen the next morning, and as Miranda turned to smile at him, she saw the change.

He never quite met her eyes, and his smile never quite reached its summit.

His lips curved but they dropped again almost immediately, and the message was loud and clear.

Last night had been a mistake... he regretted what had happened, even though he had repeated it -- twice more!

She placed the food in front of him, and sat across from him with a bowl of cereal.

"Thank you," again, even though he looked at her -- his eyes never quite met hers.

He ate down his breakfast as fast as he could -- without showing ill manners. And the cup of tea washed it down nicely.

He glanced at his watch as he stood up.

"I should be going now," he murmured apologetically.

Miranda followed him to the front door.

"I hope that you find your father feeling better today... Marcus."

He turned as she said his name. "Thank you... and thank you again for all that you did... and for last night."

His tone was husky and again there was that faint note of apology there.

"You're welcome Marcus... anytime."

He pulled open the front door and stepped out onto the path.

"Goodbye Miranda -- take care of yourself, and ask Peter to give me a call when he finds the time."

"Bye..."

He was already through the gate before she had her breath to utter that one feeble word.

She closed the door sadly knowing that she had said the wrong thing last night... one little sentence, and now she just knew that Marcus now felt under pressure from her, awkward and maybe even obligated towards her.

"Oh why did I tell him that I love him... now it's going to be impossible working with him, I'll need to find another job;" she murmured softly, "we both agreed that working together would be difficult if we developed a personal relationship..." She smiled to herself suddenly, as she stopped at the foot of the stairs. "Maybe that's the answer?"

She walked upstairs to take a shower and prepare herself for another trying day of fielding questions, without betraying Marcus's confidences.

It was still quite early in the morning and her shower was a leisurely one, where she gently ran her hands down her body, following the path of Marcus's kisses... his hands, his tongue.

There were small marks here and there, around her nipples and at the top of her thigh, where his worshiping had become a little more -- enthusiastic.

She smiled softly as she tenderly stroked over his 'love-bites'.

* 

It was another difficult morning, and Miranda stayed at her desk through her dinner, having called down to the local cob shop, and asked if they could bring something up for her.

Peter came strolling in at just after two o'clock, and it was all she could do not to rush over to him, and fling her arms around his neck -- and then sob all over him.

"You look tired," she observed sympathetically.

"It was a long flight, and it'll probably take me a couple of days to get back to normal again," he shrugged his shoulders dismissively.

He strolled over to Marcus's desk and sat in the chair tiredly. "I dropped Mrs Rogers off, on my way in... I don't think you can expect her back until after the weekend though -- she looked exhausted, poor thing."

He paused for a moment before looking directly at her. "Has there been any word on A... Marcus's father?"

"The doctors think that he has a good chance, that with the right treatment he could make a very good recovery."

"That's something then... and have you seen anything of Amanda?"

"A little," she admitted slowly, "she was with her mum and they were both trying to be strong, each for the other," she smiled a little smile, as she pictured the mother and daughter together... so much alike, and yet so very different.

"Marcus asked if you could call him, when you got the chance," she said as she stood up.

Peter picked up the phone and began thumping in a number that he obviously knew very well. 

"Hi Marcus, its Peter here... yes I've just got into the office..." 

"I'll go and make us a cup of tea," Miranda murmured as she picked up her mug and left the room.

The pressure came off Miranda -- once word got around that Peter was back; but as the afternoon wore to an end she worried for him, he looked so very tired.

"I think that we should treat ourselves to a taxi tonight," she said as she slipped her jacket over her shoulders.

**

The week continued in the same vein, the staff at Phillip's Pharmaceuticals, knew that something had happened with Marcus -- they just didn't know what, and so people were on edge and more than a little bit snappy.

Most of it went Peter's way and Miranda watched how he shrugged it off and dealt with the person sharply, making sure they knew their place and dealing with their problem competently -- more than competently in fact.

As the weekend approached she noticed the change -- once they knew that Peter was running things, and seemed to be more than capable -- they started to relax again -- figuring that they'd be told what they needed to know -- when the needed to know it.

It was Friday afternoon when Marcus came strolling in, and about half an hour after Peter had nipped out for some lunch; and Miranda was typing up some documents.

"Good afternoon Marcus," she exclaimed in surprise, "How is your..." she trailed off as she didn't want to appear indiscrete in the work place -- not after his specific request for her to keep his personal business -- private.

"He's doing very well thank you Miranda -- I'm sure that Peter has kept you informed of his progress?"

She nodded her head, a little and forced a smile that hid the hurt -- that now she was forced to get any information, second hand and begrudging from Peter.

Peter had been in touch with Marcus on a day to day basis -- keeping him updated of any problems and decisions, which he'd made or dealt with.

And Peter had also been disappearing for a couple of hours each evening, 'popping out for a bit,' was how he put it, without any further explanation.

Miranda knew that he was out with Amanda, but figured it was none of her business -- if he didn't wish to talk about it.




A Sentimental Heart Ch. 10-11



She also gathered that Amanda was talking to him about her father and her mother... and Marcus; but as he didn't wish to talk about Amanda then she couldn't very well ask about the rest of her family.

Her information therefore was mostly coming from any discussion she happened to overhear between Peter and Marcus... and any offhand comments, which Peter may have given.

"He's told me a little, but since he's not comfortable discussing you and your family..." she shrugged her shoulders.

"Well then... my father is doing very well thank you Miranda -- in fact the doctors are contemplating allowing him to come home, at some point next week," Marcus told her in a quiet, painfully polite voice -- that just grated along her fragile nerve ends.

"Will you hire a nurse -- do you think... to help your mum..." 

His eyes glinted with some emotion, and Miranda's voice trailed off. 

"I never really thought... yes... yes that might well be the answer..." he murmured thoughtfully, he looked away for a moment before fixing her with his dark eyes again. "I came in to have a word with Peter, but since he's not here..."

"He's just popped out for some lunch," Miranda cut in. "He should be back any minute now... I could make a coffee for you -- if you can spare the time?"

Miranda blushed at how pathetically eager she was for his company -- how pathetic she must sound to Marcus.

"Thank you Miranda," he laughed suddenly and it made her jump, it sounded so... forced. "I keep saying this to you -- but it is the simple truth, you are very kind."

By the time she came back with the two steaming mugs, Peter was back as well, and the two men were deep in discussions about something or other to do with the company.

Miranda handed Marcus one cup and then gave hers to Peter.

"I'll just go and make a fresh one for myself," she excused herself quietly.

She fled the room and the opportunity to sit and stare adoringly across at Marcus -- or suffering the pains of being ignored by him.

She hung out in the small kitchenette instead, sipping at her coffee -- and waiting for Marcus to go striding by.

She was just rinsing out her mug when the telltale shadow fell.

It slowed and came to a halt, and she turned around to find him staring at her, and standing much to close for comfort.

"I shall be coming in to work as normal on Monday," he said formally, "and with Peter back as well, you'll be free to return to your own office... your own desk."

"Very well, Marcus," she said quietly -- not allowing any emotion to show through.

"I'm on my way to the hospital now, so..." she really wished that he didn't feel so uncomfortable around her -- but he obviously did!

She opened her mouth to say something, but found herself sick of mouthing the same old platitudes.

"Don't forget to look after yourself as well, Marcus -- don't push yourself too hard," she advised instead.

His smile was slightly mocking. "I won't Miranda..." he hesitated as though he wanted to say something, but was fighting the need; before finally sighing with what sounded like frustration. "I'll be off then... goodbye."

"Goodbye Marcus... I..." he had gone before she could say the foolish words she had been about to say.

She could just see how it was going to be between them from now on, and after their intimacy -- their closeness, Miranda was not sure that she could deal with Marcus treating her like some -- casual employee. 

"Yes it's definitely time to get another job!" she muttered as she turned back to the sink.

**

"I think that we should hire a private nurse," Marcus announced suddenly on the following Monday morning, he was dressed in a smart suit and after dropping his mother off at the hospital, and popping in to say hello to his father -- he planned to return to work.

His mother looked across the breakfast table at him in surprise. "I... don't know Marcus..." she began hesitantly, "I think... that I'd rather nurse him myself..."

He stretched out his hand to pat hers, as he smiled at her reassuringly. "I know mum... and there is no reason why you can't help... but don't you think that dad would have a better chance of a full recovery -- if he was nursed by a professional?"

A tear trickled down her cheek. "Well if you think that it would be for the best... but won't it be frightfully expensive?"

Marcus gave a little sigh. "It's not like we can't afford it -- and it won't be for ever... shouldn't even be for very long really -- if his nursing is done properly... I contacted a private nursing agency yesterday and explained our needs... and they think that two nurses on a split part time shift each would be beneficial..."

"Two strangers -- coming into our home?"

"Two qualified professionals -- coming in to help dad make the best recovery that he can," Marcus corrected.

His mother thought about it for a moment -- as she thought of her once vibrant and strong husband -- now a shell of his former self. "I'd very much like to get my husband back," she whispered tearfully.

They sat for a while in silence -- each of them thinking their own thoughts.

It was as they were sipping their coffee, that his mum suddenly gave another sigh, and then looked across at him purposefully.

"Your young lady... Miranda isn't it..."

"She's hardly my young lady!" Marcus cut in as the colour flared across his cheekbones, clearly showing his discomfort to his observant parent.

"Well any way, she was very helpful to us... to me... and well... I'd like to invite her over for dinner one evening -- to say thank you to her properly..." as her son opened his mouth as though to argue with her, she continued determinedly. "See to it for me please Marcus... when you go into work today."

He hesitated for a moment and she sipped contentedly at her coffee, as though the discussion was at an end.

"Very well mother."

She hid her smile behind her cup, he sounded just as he had when he was a child; doing something because he'd been told to do it -- but not because he particularly wanted to do it.

His tone just oozed reluctance, and she thought that it was a little excessive -- since she hadn't told him that he had to be there...

"I think that dinner with just the two of us might be nice..." she murmured thoughtfully, "I could find out a little more about... that brother of hers -- since Amanda seems to have such an interest in him."

*

Miranda had been sat at her desk for over an hour when Marcus came breezing in.

"What no Mrs. Rogers yet?" he asked as he glanced across at the empty desk.

Miranda shrugged her shoulders lightly. "Oh, I'm sure that she'll be in before long, did you need her for something?" she asked politely.

He glanced over his shoulder before walking fully into the room.

"Well, as a matter of fact I wanted to have a quick word with you..."

"Oh?" who would have known from her cool expression, that her heartbeat had just gone into orbit?

"Yes... I've a message from my mother actually... she would like to invite you over to dinner one evening -- as a thank you for all that you did the other day."

"Well... that's very kind of her -- but it really isn't necessary..." she began doubtfully.

Marcus held out his hands. "I'm just the messenger here Miranda -- and the only message that I'm expected to take back is... which evening is best for you?"

"Well, in that case... how about tomorrow?"

Marcus nodded his head in agreement. "That sounds perfect, now... how will you get there?"

Miranda dismissed her empty purse as she smiled up at him in reassurance, "Oh I can get a taxi easily enough."

"Very well then, I'll inform my mother and tell her to expect you about six thirty?" 

His eyebrow went up in casually enquiry, and Miranda thought of the rush to be; home, changed and on his mum's doorstep for six thirty...

"I'll be there," she promised lightly.

"Excellent,"

Mrs Rogers came trudging into the room at that moment and Marcus turned to address her.

"Good morning Mrs Rogers -- it's good to have you back."

**

It was a scramble to get there, but Miranda found herself on Mrs Phillips doorstep at bang on half past six.

"Ah there you are!" Mrs Phillips declared warmly as she pulled the door open.

It was a little bit awkward to start with -- but Mrs Phillips was every inch the perfect hostess, and the food that she served up was mouth wateringly delicious... and a couple of glasses of wine helped to relax Miranda and loosen her tongue...

"So it's just been you and your brother for the last few years?" Mrs Phillips murmured sympathetically. "That must have been very difficult for you -- as the older sister?"

Miranda shrugged her shoulders with a little smile. "Peter is a grown man -- and more than able to take care of himself..."

"Now -- maybe... but five years ago?"

"He was always a responsible sort of person -- but it was a horrible time for both of us..."

Mrs Phillips was a warm and soothing hostess -- and under her gentle but persistent promptings -- Miranda found herself telling her -- more than she perhaps wanted to. She was also sly enough to allow snippets of Marcus's past to pop into their conversations... 

"And there can't have been much opportunity for either of you to... how do you put it these days -- date?" she asked now as she deftly swung the topic back to Miranda and her brother.

Miranda's blush was still in her cheeks when Marcus walked in, and he couldn't help but think how beautiful she was.

"I was passing and so thought that I would see if you need a lift back home?" he explained lightly. 

*

Miranda was silent beside him as she thought over some of the little titbits of information which Marcus's mother had 'let slip'.

Marcus glanced across at her thoughtful expression and gave a little sigh even as his attention remained fixed on his driving.

"I hope that my mother wasn't too... demanding?" he asked suddenly and Miranda blinked her way back to the present.

"No... Not at all... she was, very kind... very gracious towards me..."

"Yes... he agreed solemnly -- she's always like that... even when she pulling the information from you, she makes you feel like she's actually confiding in you!"

"Oh but she d..." Miranda cut off her heated reply abruptly, "I... I mean to say... that she didn't make me feel like that at all!"

He pulled up outside her house -- only to find it in darkness.

"What no Peter?" he asked glancing out of his car window.

"No... He's out with... friends and he won't be home until later -- he said."

Marcus felt a rush of adrenalin as he climbed out of the car and walked her to her front door.

All the time that she was fumbling through her purse Miranda was debating on whether or not to invite him inside.

She just knew for certain, that if he came inside then they would end up in bed together... and if she was to invite him in -- then he would take it as an invitation to make love to her.

She bit her lip as she thought about the job interview which she would be attending tomorrow... she'd seen the advert in the local job centre and had phoned up the company immediately.

The gentleman who she'd spoken to -- had heard of Phillip's Pharmaceuticals, and was eager to meet up with her for an interview.

She found her keys in her bag, and as she pulled them out she looked up at Marcus.

This could well be the last time that she would be alone with him...

"Would you like to come inside Marcus?" she asked hesitantly.



A Sentimental Heart Ch. 12-13



Chapter Twelve

He tenderly kissed her skin, loving how she squirmed and groaned in his arms.

His tongue delicately tasted her and she shivered and whimpered.

She had invited him into her home knowing full well that she was inviting him to make love to her, and the urgency she seemed to be feeling was intoxicating to him.

That she could seem so desperate for his touch!

"Oh yes Marcus!" she gasped out suddenly, "Yessss touch me there – like that!" she hissed.

She threaded her fingers through his hair and tugged savagely.

"I need you Marcus... I... need you inside me!"

And of course he was only too happy to oblige.

He spent hours lost in Miranda, separate from his troubles and his worries.

But of course it could not last.

He sat on the edge of her bed and slowly dressed, while Miranda lay watching him.

"Don't get up," he smiled crookedly. "Lie there, and try to go back to sleep... I'll let myself out, and drop the catch as I go."

"But I want to see you out, to say goodnight to you properly." She pouted playfully, but there was an edge of sadness to her that transferred to him.

He shrugged into his jacket and leaned over her.

"Say goodnight to me now, say it properly," he invited huskily.

She lay there for a moment staring up with her darkened blue eyes, she seemed to be memorising his features – as though she thought she might never see him again.

His breath pulled in sharply at the idea of them never seeing each other again, and slowly he let out a painful breath.

Miranda lay there savouring the warmth of his breath as it fanned over her – if only she could bottle him, keep a part of him with her for always.

She felt a little tear at the corner of her eye and reached up to wrap her arms tightly around his neck, and kissed him hungrily on the lips.

Marcus, accepted her onslaught with pleasure, and a freshly rising passion, but he knew that if he did not leave her now – he would be in serious danger of not wanting to leave her at all... not ever!

He gently pushed her back down onto the bed and stood up quickly.

"I really need to leave, you need to get some rest and I've things that I need to do before work tomorrow..."

"Is there anything that I can do to help you?" she asked eagerly, and his smile made her heart soar – only to plummet, when his frown wiped it away again.

"It's a personal thing... I don't want our working relationship to blur into our private lives..." he was thinking how stupid that sounded even as he said it, but to the insecure woman lying on the bed – trying to read his expression, and meanings into every word spoken – it was as though he was sending her another message entirely.

He was letting her know that what happened in this bedroom – was to stay in this bedroom; that when they went into work he was her employer – and nothing more.

"You should get going then," she told him sadly. "You need to rest too, and the night is wearing on."

He thought that she sounded tired, sleepily tired and so walked quickly to the door, resisting the almost overpowering urge to crawl back under the covers and snuggle up to her.

"Good night Miranda," he whispered softly before leaving the room.

"I love you," Miranda murmured to the closed door.

She heard him leave the house and a moment later his car engine roared to life, and then faded away again, as he drove home.

Miranda rolled onto her side and closed her eyes determinedly – tomorrow she would pop into the local job centre and apply for anything that might seem suitable.

It took her a little while but she was very tired and so sleep did eventually come and the night wore on.

Marcus let himself into his flat and made straight for the shower, he could still smell Miranda's scent on him and although he would have loved nothing more than to go to his bed smelling of her – he knew that he needed to get some sleep, and that that would be impossible if all he could think of was her. As though a shower could wash her away!

He knew that his feelings for her had developed into something more than just friendship – or lust.

He knew that he wanted to take their relationship to another level – and make it known to their families, he would talk to her and tell her how he felt about her, he would be honest and sincere, and she would be happy.

He pictured her smile, and that look she often gave him – her eyes softening with the love that she had declared. And the glow that seemed to start somewhere deep inside her, and build and grow until it seemed that it needed to shine out – otherwise she'd be in danger of exploding.

As the water washed away the physical evidence of her, his mind kept her fresh and alive.

He crawled into bed, with a happy feeling and an excitement about tomorrow, about seeing Miranda again, and starting a new phase of his life – a phase that he'd never thought that he had wanted, but now he realised that he needed it, quite desperately in fact... a life with Miranda beside him.

**

It was a hectic day with things seeming to go wrong all around them,

It seemed that now that Marcus was back, then all the petty squabbles, and problems – all seemed to come out.

Peter had been handling most things – very well, but it seemed that some of the staff had wanted to only deal with the boss.

It was a tiresome lot, but Marcus knew that if he did not deal with these things then they would just fester.

He had several abrupt meetings during the course of that morning, and he left his staff in no doubt that these trivial problems and disagreements would not be tolerated.

His temper was frayed by lunch time, and having sent Peter off for his dinner, he was sitting brooding in his office.

The light, almost hesitant knock on the door, had his temper brewing once more in anticipation of more annoyances.

"Yes!" he snapped out.

The door opened and Miranda's exquisite features peered around at him.

"What is it?" he felt like biting his tongue as his tone continued its sniping.

Miranda's brow furrowed slightly, but she stepped into the room.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, I... I was actually looking for Peter..."

So she didn't even want to see him, he felt a flash of jealousy, add fuel to his irritability.

"Your brother," he stressed the word, "has gone out to lunch already... I... is there anything that I can do?" he didn't add the childish; 'after all I am the boss!' but he saw her react to the implication.

She shook her head stiffly as she backed away from him.

"No... it's nothing that won't keep..."

"It is work related though?" he asked pointedly and watched in disgust as the colour came to her cheeks.

"It... it doesn't matter... I... I'll catch up with him later...so sorry to have disturbed you!"

She was gone before he could take it back, and he sat there for a full five minutes replaying the whole stupid scene in his mind, replaying and changing it to one where he said the right things and she smiled at him, in the way that only she did.

He came to the end and played it again and then again and then again but this time he played it honestly in his mind and saw the way his words and his tone had hurt her.

He was on his feet in a moment, as he lurched away the painful knot in his gut.

He would apologise right now...

"I'm sorry but Miranda has gone to lunch already," Mrs Roberts told him stiffly. "I'm sure that I can be of service though,"

"No... that's okay, I'll catch up with her when she gets back."

"Well if you're certain, she may be a while though, she asked for a longer lunch break, because she had an appointment – or something," Mrs Roberts' lips tightened with displeasure at this inconvenience to herself.

Marcus wondered off to the door with an impatient shrug of his shoulders.

"I'll come and find her later then... you are okay on your own, I take it?"

He asked the question but did not even bother to hang around long enough for an answer.

"Well really!" Mrs Roberts snapped as her own temper turned to peevishness, and resentment, all of which was targeted at Miranda.

**

Miranda walked quickly down the street and over to another tall block of offices. She had called into the local job centre, the day before and after looking at the clerical and admin board; she had pulled out her notebook and her mobile, and went and found a quiet corner prepared to make a couple of calls to the jobs advertised... or as many as it might take...

One was all it took, and with her determination on full throttle, she promised to be at their offices for an interview the very next day.

*

The owner of the company was very impressed with her CV – and Miranda was thankful that she had hung on to them, after accepting the job at 'Phillips'.

"You seem eager to move on?" he asked suddenly, as he fixed his gaze on her. "You've not been working at your current job for more than a few weeks?"

"No well it was on a three month trial both ways, and though it is a very pleasant place to work... I... I find that it doesn't stretch me as much as I had hoped that it would."

"Ah yes... I am familiar with Phillips, and I've met Mrs Roberts..." his lips twisted with humour, and Miranda thought what a nice looking man he was.

With swept back fair hair and steely grey eyes, he seemed young, although she guessed that he was in his late thirties – maybe even his early forties.

She guessed that he was a family man, having noticed the gold band on his finger, and a photograph on his desk with himself and an attractive young woman; and so her smile was a warm natural one.

"Yes... well..." she trailed off discreetly, and a little colour came to her cheeks as they shared a moment of humour over one Mrs Roberts. 

*

Miranda left the block of offices, with a spring in her step; she glanced at her watch, and decided that if she was very quick, then she could grab some lunch and maybe a pot of tea before returning to work.

She felt confident and... Free.

For too many years now, she had been drifting along without any real aim or purpose, in her life, always responding to the needs of the moment – rather than thinking about what she wanted, and planning for it, and working towards it... and that had to stop!

Miranda was feeling happy and optimistic, by the time she arrived back at work; it was just unfortunate that no one else seemed to be in that frame of mind.

Mrs Roberts was snippy, and resentful that she'd had to wait for Miranda to return before taking her own lunch break.

"I can't think what would have taken this long!" she muttered accusingly as she slipped into her coat.

She was almost at the door before turning back suddenly. "It's so late now I can't even see the point in coming back..."

Miranda smiled at her encouragingly. "I quite agree Mrs Roberts you go on home, and I'll finish up here."

"Yes well..." she seemed to run out of steam and once more turned for the door. "Oh and Mr Phillips was looking for you earlier..." she pinched her lips as she remembered how abrupt he'd been with herself. "He was very short – I can't think what you might have done to upset him, Miranda!"

As usual Miranda was not sure what she might have done to upset him either, and to be quite honest she was getting more than a little bit fed up with his blow hot, blow cold treatment of herself.

If he had need of her, then he would have to come and find her! She decided defiantly.

She finished the day's work and at five o'clock on the dot; she rather cowardly – bolted from the building, skulking down corridors trying to be invisible and only letting out a sigh of relief when she actually managed to escape the building – without running into... anyone at all.

She would have to face him tomorrow – would need to hand over the letter of resignation that she had typed out.

But tomorrow would be soon enough – or so she told herself.

**

Marcus stood glaring at her empty desk.

He'd been trying to get in to see her all afternoon – only to be thwarted at every opportunity.

Now when he finally managed it – she was already gone.

He turned and headed back for his office with a fixed smile on his face.

"Why don't you get going Peter...? I'm sure that you've things you want to be doing tonight?"

Peter glanced up at him, and a guilty little flush winged up his cheek bones.

"Well actually... I've been out rather a lot since I got back, and so I thought I would spend an evening in – have a bit of a chat with Miranda... catch up on things..."

'So he would not even be able to go round to see her tonight either!'

"Well, we're pretty much finished here, so you might as well get going..." Marcus forced the light tone out of his mouth.

Alone in his office he began to make his plans – how to let people know that he and Miranda were a couple – but without making a drama out of it.

She would be pleased; she would be happy that he thought that much of her... he was sure that she wanted this as much as he did... he was certain of it

**

It was difficult to persuade Peter that this move was for the best, he felt that she would be letting down the side, that it would be awkward for him...

"But this job was only as a favour to you in the first place Peter," Miranda stated firmly. "Believe me when I say, that I know that it wasn't on my own merit that I got this job – and before it was even advertised."

"I appreciate that you're probably right Miranda, but it was good of Marcus to come and see you that time, and give you this opportunity... it's like you're throwing his kindness back in his face!"

"Oh please Peter!" Miranda exclaimed feeling more and more frustrated. "Marcus is a business man through and through, it's all business with him, and I'm pretty sure that I won't be the first employee... or the last – to leave, 'Phillip's Pharmaceuticals'."

"Well... I suppose..." Peter mumbled. "But I just don't know what he will say?"

"He'll be fine," Miranda reassured her brother, 'he'll probably be relieved!' she told herself.

"Well... whatever..." Peter suddenly forced a bright smile. "What say we order out tonight – save you having to do the cooking?"

It seemed that Peter was making an effort to keep her company this evening, and at any other time Miranda would have been touched by his concern for her wellbeing.

Tonight however she really wished that her brother would just go out – as he had been doing ever since he'd come home from his trip...

She could have done with the space and time to get her head together. 

As the evening wore on and Peter remained home though, Miranda began to suspect he had something that he needed to get off his chest.

"Is everything alright with you Peter?" She cut in to his empty chitchat at one point, as the seed once it had been sown seemed to want to grow in abundance.

His slightly guilty look, pretty much confirmed it for her, and she found herself smiling encouragingly at him.

"Come on and tell me all about it – why don't you... I'm sure that you'll feel much better once you have."

He gave a grateful little sigh. "Well you see... it's concerning Amanda..."

"Marcus's sister?"

"Yes... you've met her a few times now, haven't you... what do you think of her?"

Miranda shrugged her shoulders, "I'm not sure... she seems nice and friendly... a little bit young perhaps – but time will take care of that for her, and after all there's nothing wrong with that – is there?" she looked across at her brother questioningly, but Peter was just looking uncomfortable.

"I don't know... I think perhaps that you're right, maybe she is a little too young yet..."

It was the 'yet' thing that caught Miranda's ear; but she was not comfortable about prying into Peter's private life, and so didn't press him for an elaboration... If Peter wanted to talk more then he would. 

It seemed like he didn't, and after a good half an hour of silence – Miranda decided that she'd had enough for one evening.

"I think that I'm going to have a soak in the bath, and then have an early night," she said suddenly.

Peter had been staring down at his hands, and he blinked up at her blankly for a moment, before understanding registered on his face.

"What? Oh okay... night then..."

"Good night Peter."

In the end though she felt a little too restless for a long soak, and within another half an hour she was in her nightgown and sitting on the edge of her bed looking at the envelope in her hand.

Her letter of resignation.

She would give it to Marcus the first thing in the morning, and she felt sure that she would see relief on his face.

She swallowed back the little knot of anticipated hurt, and straightened her shoulders.

It was work and business, and she would be a fool to try and mix their personal life into that.

She would hand over her letter the first thing in the morning, and she would finish that same day.

****** 

Chapter Thirteen

"What's this?" he narrowed his gaze on the envelope, which she had just dropped on to his desk.

"It's my resignation," Miranda stated calmly.

He picked it up and tore open the envelope, and it was only as he began to read the few simple lines, that he realised that he'd not really believed her.

"Why?" how he managed to keep the utter desolation, and sense of betrayal out of his voice, and keep his tone coolly curious – he'd never know.

"I want to thank you M... Marcus, for giving me the opportunity to work here, but... I think that it would be better for everyone if I just... moved on. I would appreciate it if you would release me from any obligation as of today... I've been offered a position at 'Fletchers and Craine..."

Marcus frowned up at her. "I know Bob Craine," he said sharply and Miranda gained the impression that he knew and did not like Bob Craine.

"That's nice," she said lightly. "A reference from you will have that much more value then."

"Huh!" he almost snapped, as he felt a wave of relief wash over him. "If they've offered you a position already, then why do you need a reference?" He was being petty – he knew it, but he just could not seem to help himself... she wanted to leave him!

Miranda looked at him in surprise. "The offer is of course pending a favourable reference from my current employer."

"I'll give Bob a call later today, and have a word with him." Marcus put her letter to one side, and bent his attention to the rest of his mail.

"So I can finish at the end of today?" Miranda asked pointedly.

She just couldn't wait it seemed, couldn't wait to leave him!

"Yes I'll make sure that your final wages are paid into your account by the end of the week and if you can finish up any outstanding work – then I see no reason to stretch this out... I'll leave you to inform Mrs Roberts." Now that was just mean – but he couldn't seem to help himself... she wanted to leave him!

He went back to his mail, and Miranda took the hint and walked back to the door.

She turned back suddenly. "You... you won't forget... will you Marcus – to give Mr Craine a call?" she asked hesitantly. 

He flicked a hand negligently – without even bothering to look up. "Of course not."

He heard the door open and then close, and only then did he sit back in his chair to glare across at that door.

His scowl stayed in place for a full minute; and then suddenly it smoothed out again, to be replaced with a thoughtful smile.

Bob Craine was an associate – and a good friend... his scowl came and went again.

It didn't alter the fact that she wanted to leave him though!

*

She had been back at her desk for just over an hour when the telephone rang.

"Phillips' Pharmaceuticals – Mrs Roberts speaking," she listened for a moment before pressing a button. "It's for you Miranda."

Miranda picked up the telephone. "Miranda Redmond?" she said absently. 




A Sentimental Heart Ch. 12-13



"Ah... Miss Redmond!" the voice was familiar and Miranda frowned as she tried to place it. "Bob Craine here... I'm afraid I've some rather disappointing news..."

Miranda sat and listened with a heavy heart to the man at the other end of the phone.

"Yes Miss Redmond, I'm very sorry that we are unable to proceed with your application, and appointment. We would like to thank you though for your interest in our organisation and maybe at some future point..."

"Thank you for calling me Mr Craine, I really do appreciate that you took the time and trouble." Miranda replaced the receiver and sat staring at it for a moment.

"Is there a problem Miranda?" Mrs Rogers asked pointedly, as her subordinate didn't seem to want to continue with her work.

Miranda looked across at the older woman. "No Mrs Rogers – nothing that can't be sorted – I'm sure of it."

She bent her attention to her work and allowed her personal problems to be swept aside for the moment. There would be time enough to fret over them all soon enough.  

*

Marcus sat in his office and waited smugly for Miranda to come meekly back and withdraw her resignation... to ask to keep her job and to be allowed to stay with him...

He should have known better!

**

Miranda worked through her day, trying to keep her head down and not draw attention to herself.

"I must say," Mrs Roberts spoke out suddenly, "that you have been very quiet this morning Miranda... I hope that you're not sickening for something?" she was almost accusing, and Miranda gave a guilty little blush.

"No... nothing like that Mrs Roberts, but there is something..." she trailed off as she tried to find the best way to break the news to her.

"Oh?" Mrs Roberts' eyebrows rose up sharply.

"Yes... you see... I... I've decided to resign my position here... effective from the end of today!" There she had said it now! It was off her chest and out in the open – and somehow more real for all that.

Mrs Roberts' face had gone slightly red, and she looked like Miranda had just given her the biggest insult of her life.

"Are you okay Mrs Roberts?" Miranda asked anxiously as the older woman just sat there silently.

Mrs Roberts just gave a little sniff and her eyes went back to her computer screen, as though ready to resume her work.

For the rest of the day Miranda was treated to a cold reproachful silence from Mrs Roberts, and it was with a silent sigh of relief that Miranda logged off her computer for the last time, having finished the pile of work that had been on her desk.

She was aware of Mrs Roberts watching her as she slipped into her coat, and it was only once she had everything, and was all ready to leave that she turned to face that lady.

"Well... I just wanted to say that it was a... honour to work with you Mrs Roberts..." she had been going to say 'a pleasure', but decided that she just couldn't stretch the truth that far. "And I'm sure that Mar... Mr Phillips will find a suitable replacement for me soon enough."

"I'm certain that he will too Miranda!" Mrs Roberts snapped back stiffly.

Miranda decided that the other woman was just not going to bend at all, and so she simply gave her an empty smile. "Then I'll say goodbye Mrs Roberts." she turned for the door not really expecting a response.

"What will you do now?" the question was such a surprise that Miranda turned back blankly for a moment.

"I've no idea!" she whispered, before turning and almost running from the room before her tears spilled.

*

Miranda was surprised to find Amanda waiting on her doorstep when she got home.

"Hello Miranda... I was wondering if I could... talk to you." Amanda greeted her a little uncertainly.

Miranda smiled brightly and tried to be reassuring – even though all she really wanted to do was to just curl up and cry her heart out. It didn't seem to matter what she did – or tried to do – fate just kept on smacking her in the face – or so it was beginning to feel like to her!

"Of course – why don't you come inside and I'll put the kettle on for the two of us."

Amanda sat at the kitchen table and watched Miranda as she moved around the room. She placed a steaming mug in front of her guest, and then sat down across from her.

"So what I can I do for you Amanda?" Miranda had been sitting waiting patiently for more than five minutes but it just seemed that Amanda didn't want to speak now that it came to it.

She looked up at Miranda awkwardly. "It's about... Peter..." she began hesitantly.

"Oh?" Miranda kept her tone light and casual despite the fact that she instantly felt uncomfortable with the possible direction of this conversation... she was remembering Peter's comments from the previous evening, and felt sure that there was a connection.

"We've been... seeing each other for a little while now... in the evenings and so on... since he came back from Hong Kong – well before that even!"

"You seem very... fond – of him?" Miranda enquired cautiously.

"I... I love him!" Amanda blurted out heatedly and then blushed in embarrassment.

Miranda smiled reassuringly. "And do you think that Peter feels the same way about you?"

Amanda looked away unhappily. "I'm not sure... I think perhaps... maybe..." she looked across at her hopefully. "Maybe he's talked to you about me?" 

Miranda shook her head regretfully. "I'm sorry, but no... but then Peter is very private about his personal life... and I'm not... I don't really think that I'm the logical choice for him to talk to about such things..." 

As she said it, she thought about her brother's circle of friends at the moment, Peter had been so busy these last few months, his circle pretty much comprised of; Miranda, Amanda or Marcus... if his problem was Amanda –and he didn't feel comfortable talking to Miranda, then that just left Marcus... who just happened to be Peter's boss – and Amanda's protective big brother!

"Poor Peter!" she murmured with a little smile.

"The thing is..." Amanda continued awkwardly, "I thought that it was time to take our relationship to the next level... and so the other night... I... I tried to... seduce him!"

Miranda picked up on the 'tried' immediately and Amanda looked so embarrassed that she couldn't help but surmise that Amanda's attempts had not met with success.

"I think that he does think a lot of you..." Miranda soothed. "I think that he worries you are still a bit young and... well... innocent maybe..."

They both fell silent for a while, but Miranda did want to help the younger woman – if she was able to.

Amanda looked genuinely upset and embarrassed.

"So what happened... with your attempt?" Miranda prompted softly – since Amanda seemed to need to talk about it.

She laughed bitterly. "He kissed me on the cheek and said that maybe he should take me home now!"

"Where were you?" Miranda had not really thought about the logistics of her brother's assignations with Amanda – but now that she did, she realised that since Amanda obviously still lived at home, and Peter shared this place with her – well then there really weren't too many places that the couple could go to – to be alone.

"We were in his car..." she cast a quick slightly reproachful glance at Miranda. "He's never been comfortable coming here, thought that it would be intruding on you... and we couldn't really go to my home... and not especially since my dad..."

Miranda felt a slight rush of guilt.

"I do understand that it must be difficult for the two of you," she sympathised. "But maybe it's for the best – for the moment... stopping the two of you from rushing into something before you're both ready..."

She didn't add that if her brother Peter had wanted to be somewhere alone with Amanda, then he would have arranged it by now... She was certain that Peter was deliberately keeping the two of them out in public...

"Do you think that you could talk to him?" Amanda suddenly asked, and Miranda gave a startled laugh.

"Oh no!" she spluttered, "I couldn't talk to my brother about something like this... any more than you could talk to your brother about it!"

Amanda shrugged dejectedly. "I suppose not," she muttered.

Miranda reached across to pat her hand sympathetically. "Maybe you just need to be a little bit more patient, but don't let him treat you like a casual friend, make sure that he sees you as a woman who desires him... don't let him off the hook?" It was Miranda's turn to shrug as she smiled apologetically. "I'm afraid I can't really offer anything more..."

'To tell you the truth I've enough problems of my own – with your brother!' she thought silently. 

She saw Amanda out a little later, and after doing a spot of housework, she decided to go and take a shower. As she moved around the house that she shared with her brother, she looked over it with fondness. It had been a good home for the two of them when they had needed it... but maybe now it was time for a change.

**

She was in the kitchen peeling potatoes when her brother came home.

"I didn't know if you would be eating here tonight – or not?" she smiled in greeting as he came in and sat down at the kitchen table.

As she looked over at him, she saw the faint lines in his face. 'He looks tired,' she thought to herself, 'he looks... unhappy?'

*

"I've been thinking Peter?" Miranda said as they sat down to eat the casserole that she had made.

"Oh... what about?"

"I think that I'm ready for a change... I'm thinking of moving away – to London maybe!" 

He chewed on a mouthful of the food she had cooked, before answering, 'he would miss her cooking' he thought, 'he would miss her common sense, and her soothing presence.' 

"Why London?" he asked casually.

She shrugged as she began to eat her own meal. 

"I only said maybe London... I shall look for a job out of town first, and wherever I get one, then that's where I'll move to."

Her brother frowned at her in confusion. "I thought... Last night you said that you'd been offered a position at a company here... local to here?"

"It fell through, the owner called me earlier today – he was very nice, very apologetic but it was still a rejection."

"So why don't you stay at 'Philips' then? I'm sure that Marcus would be more than happy to reinstate you..."

Miranda shook her head. "No... I don't think I'll do that Peter... I'd feel like I was messing people about..."

"You seem to have made your mind up, but what about this place... I mean half of it is yours?"

Miranda smiled reassuringly. "Where ever I end up, I'm sure that I'll be able to find a flat or something to keep a roof over my head... it'll just be me – so I won't need anything too big..."

"I suppose that we could put this house up for sale... and split the money – half each, it would be enough for you to find a smaller place and enough for me too... to put towards another place – maybe something a little bigger – large enough for a family... maybe..."

"But don't feel like you need to rush into anything Peter... I'm in no hurry for the money – I promise!" Miranda urged him solemnly.

Peter glance around him, "It's been a good place for us," he mumbled with a hint of nostalgia, "but I guess that everything has its time!"

It was so close to what Miranda had been thinking earlier that she felt the tears flood her eyes, and all she could do was nod in agreement. 

**

"I'll ask Marcus about a reference for you," Peter said casually as he slipped into his coat, prior to leaving for work the next morning. 

"Oh! No... That's okay peter... don't you worry about it, I... I wasn't really at Phillips for that long... I think that my old reference is more relevant... no don't you trouble him!"

Miranda had had time to think as the hours had ticked by last night, and she had lain in her bed thinking about Marcus, and their time together, and his treatment of her over the last few days; and she had had time to ponder over what might have changed between the job interview on the one day– and the telephone call rejecting her application on the following day.

She had left that other place feeling confident – sure that the position was hers for the taking.

And the only thing that she could come up with; was... Marcus!

He had not been happy at her leaving – had for some reason taken it as a personal slight against him.

She could not understand why he might be so petty and well – mean; but she could see no other reason for that telephone call.

Peter could see the stubborn set to Miranda's shoulders, and he knew his sister well enough to know that arguing with her was pointless; she had been making some decisions lately – and without even consulting him, so he merely gave a little shrug as he headed for the door.

"Well... suite yourself... I'll see you later then... oh, and don't cook anything special for dinner tonight – in fact don't worry about me at all – I'll be eating out tonight!"

"Okay..." Miranda said to the closing door. "See you later..."

She wandered around their house tidying it up, but since it was already fairly tidy, this didn't take long.

The day loomed long and empty in front of her – and then the evening promised to be just as lonely, and Miranda could feel herself sinking into a depression that was not going to help anyone.

"Oh this is just pathetic!" she snapped impatiently as she heard herself giving yet another forlorn sort of sigh. 

She grabbed her handbag and slipped into her coat and left the house, with a determined stride.

She would not sit around waiting for another moment!

The house stood silent and empty for a full fifteen minutes – until a car pulled up outside and Marcus strode down their path and knocked on the door forcefully.

He had waited until he knew that Peter would be in the office and had rung him to say that he would be late in this morning, but was available on his mobile should Peter have need of him.

He had decided after a long sleepless night to come here this morning, and make his declaration to Miranda – and not leave until she had agreed to leave with him.

Marcus did not want to spend another single night without Miranda in his arms.

When Miranda failed to come to the door he knocked again – feeling frustrated and impatient.

When it became obvious that she wasn't there, he cursed a couple of times before storming off again.

This was just getting ridiculous! Sneaking around like a couple of teenagers, not being able to find out what was happening with her because he had to be discrete! Well no More!!

He drove into work, working himself up into a fine old temper, and strode into his office where Peter sat working on something or other.

"Where is your sister?" he demanded angrily

Peter blinked up at him in surprise. 

"I'm sorry?" he asked confused.

"Don't be sorry – answer the question... where is Miranda?"

Peter shrugged looking very uncomfortable. "I left her at home this morning; she never said that she had any plans... well nothing for today anyway..." 

Peter's eyes narrowed with a dawning suspicion, something had changed recently in his sister – and he'd not been able to find out why she had changed – but now looking at his boss and the filthy mood that he was in – which was apparently to do with Miranda...

"She's making some changes in her life," Peter said quietly, "I don't think she wanted me to say anything – but she's making plans to move away."

The colour drained from Marcus's face and his anger went with it.

"What?" he demanded faintly as his plans and his life seemed to be crumbling around him. "What do you mean... where is she going?"

Peter shrugged. "She muttered something about London perhaps... we're going to put the house on the market..."

Marcus dropped down heavily into his chair. "She can't!"

"Marcus... are you...?" Peter began hesitantly, only to trail off as Marcus looked across at him with what could only be described as panic on his face.

"She can't leave... I'm in love with her... I'm in love with Miranda!"



A Sentimental Heart Ch. 14



Chapter Fourteen

(Conclusion... but is it the end?) 

"She can't leave... I'm in love with her... I'm in love with Miranda!"

Peter looked away uncomfortably after Marcus's heated declaration.

Suspecting his boss and his sister was one thing, but having Marcus laying his heart out on his sleeve like that, was just... well Peter was used to his boss being the cool calm and collected one, this side of Marcus was unsettling and discomforting for him -- he was not even sure what he was supposed to say in response. 

The ringing of his mobile phone was a welcome distraction and Peter turned away with a quiet sigh of relief, which he sucked back in again when Miranda's name flashed up as the caller.

"Hello!" Peter answered his phone cautiously aware of Marcus just on the other side of the room.

"Peter, I've been back down to the job centre!" Miranda said excitedly.

"Miranda!" Peter exclaimed involuntarily and then glanced guiltily across the room at Marcus, who was already on his feet and ghosting across the room.

"I've lined up a couple of job interviews, down in London -- for tomorrow!" she went on enthusiastically. 

Peter frowned at the racket the he could hear that seemed to be going on around his sister, he opened his mouth to ask her where she was, but Miranda was still talking.

"Any way I'm travelling up to London today, and I'll find a bed and breakfast or something to stay in overnight..."

Peter was painfully aware of Marcus hovering over him trying to hear the conversation.

"I just thought that I would call you so you don't worry and wonder where I've disappeared to!" she laughed lightly and a voice could be heard over some sort of loudspeaker. "Oh that's my train being called -- so I've got to go Peter... I'll see you tomorrow... and wish me luck!"

He didn't even get a chance to do that though, since the line went dead signifying she had cut him off.

Marcus stood in front of him. 

"Well?" he demanded heatedly.

Peter shrugged uncomfortably. "It's like I told you, Miranda is making plans to move away... down to London it seems, she's arranged for a couple of job interviews for tomorrow and is even as we speak -- boarding a train to take her down there..."

Marcus stepped back and his expression went blank -- as though all the fight had just left him.

"She's not gone yet!" Peter stood up and tried to be encouraging. "Even if she is successful with one of the interviews -- she'll still be coming back home tomorrow."

**

It was a successful day in London for Miranda. Both of the job interviews went well, and offered her a position -- pending favourable references. Miranda gave them the name of John Harding -- her boss before working at Phillip's -- as her primary previous employment, she mentioned working at Phillip's very briefly, and gave Mrs Roberts, and her telephone extension as the person that she had been working under. 

They both seemed to be happy with her explanation and impressed with her CV, and told her that she would hear within the week.

Neither position was due to start until the following month and so Miranda felt that she had time to chill out and worry about finding a place to live a little bit later... and to tell the truth, her heart really wasn't in to making that final commitment to move away from home -- from Marcus .

All the same she did pop into an estate agent -- who had a list of flats and bedsits available to rent, and so Miranda took a copy of the list with address and phone numbers on it.

She wasn't overly bothered about where she would live and the whole idea of coming down to London to work and to live -- still had a vague sort of feel to it -- as though it wasn't quite real, felt as though her future was just some sort of distant possibility. 

The interviews had both been fairly early in the morning, and she found herself at a loose end for a few hours, and so she decided to treat herself to a little shopping spree -- to cheer herself up and make this London trip worthwhile.

She found a nice looked clothing boutique just around the next corner and once inside she quickly spotted a long cream coloured fit and flare skirt that she felt would flatter her figure nicely, and a blue sweater, which would go well with it.

She took the clothes into the changing room and tried them on. The skirt made her feel feminine as it swirled around her legs; and when she topped it with the deep blue soft woollen jumper, she found that it matched her eyes almost to perfection, and clung to her breasts, almost invitingly.

As she studied her reflection in the changing room mirror she wished that she could wear this outfit for Marcus...

She knew that it flattered her, and she could imagine his eyes darkening as they travelled over her.

He would take her in his arms and exclaim over how soft she felt with this sweater covering her skin.

He would pull her against him and she would feel how aroused he was by her.

And then he would kiss her.

Miranda's lips parted on a shaky gasp and her eyes grew misty as her imagination took over.

She slowly began to remove the outfit -- imagining that it was Marcus who was undressing her, and as she slipped the clothes back onto their hangers, she felt a little shiver as a tiny orgasm swept through her.

She pulled on her own clothes feeling unsettled and embarrassed. She really did need to get a grip and get over Marcus -- and not start to loiter in changing rooms fantasising about him!

But she couldn't quite shake that feeling, and as she paid for the clothes and left the shop -- more than one man turned to look at her, and the unconscious signals that she was sending out.

Her train wasn't due to leave until two thirty and since it was only just half past twelve, Miranda went in search of some lunch; a nice leisurely lunch, which she could take her time over, and really enjoy.

She liked the look of a pub on the corner, which served food as well as drinks, and so she went inside and found a nice quiet corner to sit in.

It didn't take her long to realise her mistake, as she was approached by more than one man -- before she'd even had time to order.

A woman sitting alone and looking the way that she did, was just asking to be picked up -- or so it seemed to those men who came and sat down across from her, to ask if she was all alone -- if she was in need of some company, if they could get her a drink, or... something?

In the end Miranda found herself almost running from the establishment without even getting the chance to order -- let alone eat or drink anything.

She walked down the street keeping her eyes down to the ground and making sure that she did not make eye contact with anyone.

The fast food place was full of people -- children and families, and people who had just popped in for a quick bite, before returning to their work places; and when Miranda strode in -- she wasn't even looked at twice... or so it felt to her.

She went to the counter and ordered her food and a drink and having paid, she took her tray and went in search of a table.

The one that she sat down at just happened to be right next to a table with several burly looking workmen sitting at it, and Miranda was aware of more than one of them watching her, as she sat down and busied herself with her meal.

She absolutely refused to make eye contact -- to acknowledge them in any way shape or form, and in the end they got the message and resumed their own meals and their own conversations.

It was nothing like the pleasant leisurely meal she had hoped to enjoy, but it was sustenance... of a sort.

She took her time over her meal, but still it was over before it had really begun and so she left the place and made her way to the train station. 

An hour later she was sitting on her train making her journey home... to Marcus -- or that was how it was in her day dream -- the day dream that lasted for the entire two and a half hour journey.

*

It was later afternoon by the time that she got home, and she was feeling more than a little fatigued by her day in London, and so Miranda was rather dismayed to find Amanda waiting for her once more.

"Hello Amanda -- how nice to see you again?" she smiled tiredly at the younger woman.

Amanda blushed a little guiltily. "I know that you've probably only just got back from London, and I'm really sorry to disturb you like this, but..." she trailed off and Miranda bit back the nod of agreement as she sensed that the other woman needed to talk.

"That's okay, Amanda... my first thought was to put the kettle on for a hot drink anyway, so why don't you join me?"

Amanda nodded her thanks and so Miranda led her inside to her kitchen -- again.

She made them a hot drink and as she sat down across from Amanda -- Amanda began to talk, it seemed that she really did need to get something off her chest, and Miranda really wished that she had not come to her.

Peter was her brother and as Amanda hinted at things, her cheeks burned and her eyes dropped to her mug of steaming coffee.

Miranda could feel the heat coming to her own cheeks, and just knew that she would struggle to see her little brother in the same light ever again.

By the time that she saw Amanda out again -- Miranda felt exhausted.

Amanda had been vague and hesitant but she had alluded to enough that Miranda realised their relationship had become a physical one, it was just how physical? 

She knew that Peter wouldn't be back for at least another hour -- maybe longer than that.

She put the kettle on to boil again, and then sat at the kitchen table, nursing another steaming mug of coffee.

Things were really steaming ahead now, and she realised that there would be no going back.

She sat listening to the silence around her, something that she was going to have to get used to.

She felt the utter stillness of the place, the empty hollowness, and tutted impatiently as she gulped back her coffee.

She was just going to have to get used to being on her own, and the sooner that she accepted that then the better off she'd be!

She marched upstairs, taking her overnight bag, and her new clothes -- up to her bedroom, and decided to have a shower; she could still feel the grime of London on her...

"Oh for heaven's sake get a grip!" she snapped impatiently -- she was planning to make her home in London, so she had better get used to that as well!

All the same she still enjoyed a nice leisurely shower, and was back in her bedroom and drying herself when she heard the slam of the front door.

"Miranda?" 

"I'm just getting changed Peter I'll be down in a moment!" she called down to her brother.

She was feeling very depressed, as she sat down in front of her bedroom mirror, and looked at her tired face.

She was looking her years and then some -- she thought critically.

Miranda did not see her lovely complexion, the amazing blue of her eyes, her smile wasn't there but her lips seemed to want to tilt at the corners any way.

Her eyes held a soft wistfulness that just called out to others, but she didn't see that, she just saw the lines at the corners.

"You're getting old before your time!" she whispered huskily.

She brushed through her thick dark locks impatiently; pulling out the snarls and knots, and making it shine and crackle with life -- and static.

In a rather desperate bid to make herself feel better she pulled out her cosmetics and applied a slightly heavier amount than she would normally use.

The result was rather dramatic and definitely good for her morale.

She sprayed her body lavishly with body mist and perfume, and then slipped into the new clothes.

She stepped into her pretty high heeled shoes and after studying her reflection for a moment longer -- she strolled down the stairs and back into the kitchen.

"Hi there!" Peter had just finished pouring a drink for them both -- and turned towards the kitchen table. "I heard you moving around and thought you might be ready for a..." he paused to study her curiously. "Are you off out as well then?" he asked in surprise.

She smiled her gratitude for the drink. "What... oh no -- I just fancied making an effort... dressing up a bit..." she laughed lightly and gave a little shrug. "You know -- a girly thing!"

"Well I'll just have to take your word for that!" he exclaimed lightly, but for some reason -- Miranda thought that he looked... relieved.

"You're going out though?" she prompted shrewdly. 

"Yes... I've a hot date..." it was his turn to shrug self-consciously, and Miranda hid a little smile.

Peter seemed awkward and uncertain -- and following her visit from Amanda, she had more than a small inkling about what might be troubling him.

"With Amanda I assume?" she asked with a straight face.

"Yes..." he looked almost embarrassed about it and Miranda's curiosity was peaked. Their relationship seemed to more physical and less communication from what she could gather.

"You've been seeing quite a lot of her haven't you?" she asked carefully trying not to pry into her brother's private life, but unable to suppress the curiosity, it was mostly because of her conversations with Amanda, she silently justified.

"Yes... I have," he said slowly, "we were just friends at first; everything was just casual, 'can you give me a lift here', and 'I would really love to go there but I've no one to go with...'" he tried to mimic Amanda which was just laughable since he was a man and she was a woman.

Miranda smiled but she could see he was feeling awkward about something, "But it's not casual anymore?" she prompted. "You're worried maybe about dating the boss's little sister?" she wondered.

Peter looked at her in surprise. "I'd not even thought about that, about how Marcus might view my relationship with Amanda... he's more than aware that I've been taking Amanda out, and he's never shown any animosity towards the idea..."

"So what's the problem then, Amanda is over eighteen years, she's what, twenty three -- twenty four now?"

"Nearly twenty four," Peter confirmed. "But it's not just about Amanda -- it's about how she makes me feel..." he looked embarrassed and extremely uncomfortable, and as curious as Miranda was, she was beginning to feel just as uncomfortable with the discussion.

She kept her silence and her face was sympathetic and non judgmental.

If he wanted to talk, then she would listen.

"She brings out the better part of me -- I think, stops me getting too... insular."

Miranda couldn't help but nod her agreement -- she had seen such a change in Peter since he'd been going out with Amanda.

"But she can bring out some other sides to me that are... disturbing I think!"

The colour winged across his cheekbones and he couldn't seem to make eye contact with her, and she was again remembering what Amanda had hinted at earlier.

"Oh?" she asked guardedly, "And how does Amanda view these other sides of you... has she spoken about it to you?"

He gave her a quick slightly sheepish look before looking down at the ground again.

"I think that she likes it," he muttered huskily, "I try to make sure that she has a good time, at least she seems to enjoy..."

"I don't think that I want to hear any more Peter!" Miranda cut in hurriedly, as she guessed from the little that he'd said and his whole posture and her little conversations with Amanda -- that their relationship had moved on, and in a surprising direction. 

"No I suppose not, it's just that... I don't really have anyone to talk to about this sort of thing, and since you are a woman... well I rather hoped that you could give me a woman's point of view..."

"Well..." Miranda hesitated briefly, "Amanda did come and see me the other day... I guess that she needed someone to talk to as well... and she was waiting for me again today..."

"Oh... you never said anything?" he accused sharply.

"No well, I got the impression that she didn't want me to..." she shrugged her shoulders.

"So what did she say, what did the two of you talk about?"

"Well... the first time she came, she mentioned how she tried to kiss you and your reaction... but I get the feeling that that bit is all history now anyway -- judging by what you've just been talking about..."

"Yes... I can honestly say that we are truly beyond the just friendly not even kissing bit now, in fact it's all got rather complicated, and I'm a little bewildered by how it's all happening now..."

"Look Peter, I'm really sorry -- but I'm just not comfortable with this!" Miranda cut in again as she felt like he was going to tell her something really -- personal. "You have friends Peter -- so go and talk to one of them!"

He gave a forlorn sort sigh and his shoulders seemed to sag a little.

"I suppose so," he glanced at his watch and Miranda could almost see him donning another personality, she was again almost overwhelmed with curiosity as her easy going young and almost immature brother -- seemed to turn into a strong and domineering man.

She could see a sort of arrogance to him that she had never seen before; but that Amanda had told her about.

"I should be getting changed..." 

"Well I hope that you have a good time Peter,"

Peter gave a low short laugh, and there was a gleam in his eye that Miranda had never seen before, and she was not sure she wanted to decipher it now. "Oh I'm sure that I will have a good time!" he muttered. 

"Yes... well... as for me; I'm going to curl up on the sofa, and watch the movie that's on tonight."

Peter laughed but it was a more natural laugh this time. "You and your movies -- another slushy one -- I bet!"

She smiled and a little dimple appeared in her cheek. "Of course, I saw that it was on tonight and have been looking forward to it all week!"

"Well there's that bottle of wine still in the fridge... it's been opened and it would be a real shame to throw it away..."

"My thoughts exactly Peter." Miranda nodded with a dead straight face.

Peter drained his cup and placed it in the sink, before turning towards the door.

"As I said before, I'd better get cleaned up -- otherwise I'll be late!"

By the time he had showered and changed, Miranda was already curled up on the sofa and deep into her movie.

She heard her brother moving around, but remained where she was, as she sat riveted by the heroine's despair over her lost lover.

The tears were slowly trickling down her cheeks and she had a tissue scrunched up in her hand.

** 

Marcus parked his car on the roadside and strolled up the path, the front door opened just as he reached out to press the door bell, and he smiled at the other person in greeting.

Peter gave him a wink and an encouraging smile, as they passed each other in the doorway.

"She's sitting in the living room... go in and see her, why don't you?" he advised in a low voice.

"I'm off out now Miranda -- I probably won't be back tonight so don't wait up for me!" he called over his shoulder.

Marcus heard her soft absent minded, "Okay!" and the door closed with a slam.

He slowly and silently dropped the catch and then made his way through.

Miranda had been indulging in her favourite hobby, wallowing in a soppy movie and her eyes were red from crying, and bluer than he could remember seeing before -- other than that one night...

He was swept back to the first night that they met, when he went to check up on her and found her watching a silly little chick flick.

Her eyes had been red from crying then too, and Marcus realised that that had been the moment. When he had looked at her, and had fallen head of heels, deeply in love with her.

A rush of emotion swept through him, and the adrenalin poured through his bloodstream.

"You would as well, wouldn't you!" he accused her angrily.

Miranda blinked up at him in surprise -- at his sudden appearance and the nonsense he seemed to be talking. 




A Sentimental Heart Ch. 14



"I beg your pardon?"

He reached out and pulled her to her feet.

"You would... I can't believe that you'd even contemplate it!"

His arms were tight around her waist -- holding her firmly against his body.

"Marcus, I don't know what you're talking about -- you're not making any sense to me!"

"You're serious about it aren't you? You really plan to leave... to leave me!"

Her shoulders slumped and some of the light seemed to die in her eyes.

"I think that it's for the best."

"Best for whom exactly?"

"Everyone... me... you?"

"How could it be best for me -- I'm used to having you at the end of the corridor, I'm used to seeing you every day, I'm used to having you in bed with me -- I've missed that these last few nights -- I've missed you Miranda -- and now I hear from Peter that you are going to move away!"

Her eyes filled with tears, he missed having her in his bed, he missed the convenience of her -- like a comfortable old coat!

"You sabotaged my job!" she accused him.

"Of course!" he was remorseless about it -- smug in fact. "I wasn't going to let you anywhere near a man like Bob Craine!"

"He seemed... nice," Miranda pouted. "I liked him!"

Marcus laughed. "Well of course you did... everyone likes Bob Craine... especially the women!"

Miranda looked at him in surprise Marcus had sound almost... jealous then?

"Marcus?" she whispered uncertainly and his eyes softened.

"God you're beautiful!" he murmured huskily, as he pulled her tighter and then bent to capture her lips.

Miranda clung on to him and simply savoured the contact -- for a full minute, before pulling back abruptly.

"What do you want from me Marcus?" she demanded tearfully, she had tried to break away from him, and here he was raking it all up again for her! 

She would have pulled away altogether -- but Marcus was having none of that as he held on to her firmly.

"Everything!" he growled out savagely. "I want everything that you have to offer -- your body, your mind... and your heart!"

"Oh how I wish that you would talk sense Marcus!" Miranda exclaimed, as she fought back the hope that had leapt into her heart at his words.

"Amanda came to see me just after Peter had left, she told me that she had been to see you..." he was rambling along, and making very little sense still, but Miranda guessed that he needed to say this and so she remained silent and still in his arms.

"When my father took ill, you were there Miranda; when I couldn't think straight and my family needed me -- you were there to guide me, you have always been there just waiting for me to need you -- and never asking for anything in return..." his arms tightened again for a moment as he looked into her eyes, almost as though he was begging her to understand.

"I'm in love with you Miranda, I fell in love with you all those years ago, the first time that I set eyes on you -- but now as I've gotten to know you better, I've grown to love the woman that you are, you are the most wonderful person that I've ever met, and you would make me the happiest of men; if you would agree to take me on -- and make me a better man -- will you commit to me, pour all your energies into me, give up you future to me... will you marry me Miranda?"

His words -- so heartfelt -- so wonderful -- so...

She smiled up at him tearfully as every slushy mushy movie that she'd ever watched, become true and real for her.

"Oh yes Marcus... yes please, you see I love you too... so very very much!"

She had told him before that she loved him, but that had been in the heat of her passion and so Marcus had managed to shrug it off.

But now when she said it so simply and sincerely, Marcus wanted to shout out loud with joy, instead he rewarded her with the deepest, but gentlest kiss that he could manage... and by the time that he let her go again, they were both shaking.

"The fact that you are beautiful, and incredibly hot, is just a bonus that I have to make the most of..." he said almost conversationally. His eyes darkened though and Miranda felt her own excitement bubbling up in response. "Let me take you to bed," he whispered gruffly. "I have this need to make slow love to you."

She gave a little shiver as she silently led him up the stairs, it had only been a few days since their last encounter, but it seemed like a lifetime.

Once they were in her bedroom, he tenderly began to remove her clothes, stopping occasionally to touch her, or stroke her, or kiss her flesh as it was revealed to him once more.

He was so delicate, and so gentle with her, that by the time that she was naked, he had already driven her to one orgasm.

He had watched as Miranda's eyes darkened and her lips parted on a soft gasp, he knew that if he took that hard little nipple into his mouth that she would crumble.

He just could not resist, and her groan and her whimper, was the most beautiful sound that he had ever heard, he held her tight around her waist as her knees buckled on her; his support was the only thing keeping her upright as her climax robbed her off her strength for a few moments.

The bed was just behind her and he guided her to it firmly.

Miranda lay watching as Marcus quickly shed his own clothes before joining her on the bed, and as he wrapped his strong arms around her -- she knew that she was home, that all the empty years of just drifting along were over.

She smiled at him as another wave of happiness washed over her.

"Thank you for loving me!" she whispered softly.

Hours later Marcus rolled over on to his back, and gave a deep sigh of contentment, and then lay still.

She thought that he had gone to sleep -- he was so still.

"There is just one thing," Marcus said suddenly.

"Hmmm?" Miranda peered up at him sleepily, and for a moment he was tempted to just forget about everything else.

"Your brother said that he wouldn't be back tonight..."

"Hmm," she agreed with a little nod.

"So... just where was he going -- that was going to keep out all night?"

Her eyes opened wide and she peered nervously up at him.

"Oh yes... about that...."