Page 22 of Roark
It had become a mantra rolling through his mind during his shower, and now he figured he’d say it out loud for stronger emphasis.
He went downstairs, wondering if Tamika had gotten up this early just to sneak out of the house before he awakened. But why would she have done that? It wasn’t as if they’d actually had sex last night and she was somehow embarrassed and wanted to avoid the awkward morning-after confrontation. Shaking his head, he cursed the thought and his wretched mind for not being able to push sex with her completely out of focus.
When he was standing in the first-floor foyer, about to enter the parlor, laughter drifted from another direction. Unfamiliar with all the rooms in the clubhouse, Roark wasn’t sure where the laughter was coming from, so he simply followed the sound.
“This doesn’t fit too bad.”
He heard Tamika’s voice before seeing her and immediately stopped walking. It was coming from ahead, around a curving wall.
“Not entirely. But we can get your exact size delivered to the manor in less than an hour.” That was Lily. He remembered her high-pitched voice from yesterday.
“I don’t think it’ll be necessary. I have suitcases of clothes back at the cottage that I hadn’t even unpacked yet.”
“But wasn’t there a fire at your cottage yesterday? Mr. Donovan tore out of here in a flurry to get to the hospital to find you.”
“He did?” Tamika asked, confusion clear in her tone.
Roark frowned as the member of his staff continued to run her mouth. “Yes, indeed. He was sitting in the restaurant one minute and running out demanding his car the next. I had no idea where he’d gone until I got to the front desk and Geoff was looking at a news broadcast on his tablet. Such a shame—I pass that cottage when I’m on my way to see my mum.”
“Yes, it was…is…lovely. I’m going back there this morning to see how much damage was done. Hopefully, not much, and I can get my bags and head to a hotel.”
“I don’t think Mr. Donovan will let you go to a hotel. Besides, the manor is much better. And the clothes are no problem. Have you ever heard of CKDavis Designs?”
“No.”
“Well, Camille Davis is actually Camille Davis Donovan. She’s married to Mr. Donovan’s cousin, Adam. They’re Americans like you.” Lily spoke in a matter-of-fact tone that held a hint of pride.
From where he stood in the hallway, Roark wondered if all the staff at the Manor were required to know everything about him and his family.
When Tamika remained silent, Lily continued. “We keep a good number of her pieces here. The lingerie I selected last night is part of that line. I believe another cousin’s wife collaborated with Camille on those particular pieces. Her name is Tia, and she used to be a runway model.”
“Wow, he’s got one hell of a family.”
“Oh, yes, the Donovans are a vast and talented brood. My family was so proud of me for getting a job here at the manor. And when we got word yesterday that Mr. Donovan was coming here for the first time, we were elated.”
“Let me get this straight. Roark ran out of here to get to the hospital to see me last night. Then he called you and told you to find me some clothes?”
“Yes, well, he called Geoff, and Geoff called me. But that’s how it happened.”
“And you knew what size I wore?”
“I recalled seeing you with Mr. Donovan yesterday morning and took a guess. Geoff said you’d probably go right to bed after such a harrowing time, so I just grabbed nightwear and that jogging outfit you’re wearing now. But I see that’s a little big. I can order whatever you like from the catalog, and they’ll have it delivered in a jiffy.”
“Ah, I’d rather just get my own clothes from the cottage. And speaking of which, I’ll get going now.”
Roark moved from the spot he’d been rooted to. He turned around the curved wall and was immediately in the spacious gourmet kitchen. The strong smell of fresh-brewed coffee hit him immediately. He probably hadn’t noticed it before, since he was so into their conversation. Eavesdropping like some kind of child. “We’ll go to the cottage together. I’ve already arranged for some agents to meet us there.” He talked as he walked in and went straight to the granite-top counter, where he spotted the coffee machine.
“Oh, good morning, Mr. Donovan.” Lily hopped up from the chair where she’d been sitting next to Tamika. “I can get the coffee for you.”
“It’s not necessary, Lily. I’ll get it. And thank you for everything you did last night.”
“It was no problem, sir. I was just telling Ms. Rayder that the clothing comes from your cousin’s collection and we can order anything she’d like to be delivered directly to the manor very quickly.”
He nodded as he poured coffee into a mug, but didn’t turn around to face either of them. “She should do that. Just in case.” In case her mother’s cottage had been damaged as much as his mother’s house had been after the fire. Suri still wasn’t able to return to their family home, but as soon as the Fire Brigade released it as a crime scene, Roark planned to have a construction crew in Hyde Park to begin renovations. He wanted it to be better than before.
“Very good, sir.” Lily’s gaze moved easily from Roark, back to Tamika. “If you give me your email address, I can send you the direct link. All you have to do is select what you want, and the order will immediately be sent to the warehouse in London and then shipped to us posthaste.”
Lily was efficient and attentive, but Roark still wanted her to leave. He wanted to talk to Tamika alone. “She’ll put in an order this morning, Lily. Now, if you don’t mind I’d like to speak to Tamika for a moment.” He did turn then so he could look at her and try to convey this wasn’t an order of any sort. He’d never treated staff like they were beneath him and didn’t plan to start now. Lily was already staring at him when he faced her. Roark waited a moment before offering her a smile. “Great coffee, by the way.” He didn’t bother asking how she knew he liked a strong French roast blend.
