Never Kiss the Clients Read Free

Preston as it turns out is old money, just as she suspected, however, not idle rich as she had guessed. He's a Cambridge professor with a history of developing start up software businesses and quietly selling them to major global players. And all very discretely which is why few people outside of his industry had ever heard of him.
    One news report caught her eye. He had recently sold his latest successful venture for an undisclosed sum, industry insiders believe it was in the $400 million ball park. Clearly, it was worth her time showing him Mayfair House.
    Very interesting. Then something else caught her eye. George reportedly has a keen interest in the arts. He collects art and he is a patron of both the theatre and the orchestra in Cambridge.
    Linda sat back in her chair, "Wow! Have you read all this?"
    "Yes, he's something else, isn't he? Almost too good to be true.
    He is married by the way, in case you were wondering. I checked."
    Linda pushed her hair back and nervously moved the papers about before lying, "Oh, I hadn't noticed. He's an ideal prospect for the property. I'll call him right away.
     
    *   *   *
     
    Linda stepped out of her shiny new Bentley at the door of Mayfair House just as George Preston pulled up alongside her in his Rolls Royce. His driver opened the door and the smiling professor climbed out looking splendid in his navy suit.
    He walked up to Linda and shook her hand. "Linda, Lovely to meet you again. Maybe we'll have more time to talk this time."
    Linda felt weak at the knees as she shook his hand, noticing his firm grip. "Great to see you again. Sorry about the other night at the champagne lounge, it was the end of a long, long day, I wasn't feeling too sociable." Linda sheepishly replied. He was taller than she remembered, definitely better built than she recalled and his steel blue eyes looked straight into hers when he spoke.
    "Linda, we've all had days like that. Think no more about it. Let's get straight to business, shall we? I've attended many functions at this property over the years and I've always loved this house and the gardens so I'll cut straight to the chase. Subject to a final review by my accountant I'm ready to make an offer. Let's go inside and chat about it in the library, shall we?"
    George led the way to the library, he walked quickly for a man of his age, he was clearly a young and energetic 52 year old. In fact, he looked quite a few years younger than he was. Linda noticed he wasn't wearing a wedding ring.
    They sat down in two antique leather chairs by the crackling fire before, nervously, Linda plucked up the courage to ask. "Will your wife be joining us today at some point or would you like me to show her around another day?"
    George relaxed into the leather fireside chair. "Oh, that won't be necessary. We recently divorced. I'm quite a private person as is she, and we made a point of keeping the whole matter out of the papers. It's a well kept secret, if you will."
    Linda's heart missed a beat and she felt herself blushing. She fidgeted with her jacket and hoped George hadn't noticed.
    "Don't be embarrassed about asking, please. You're just doing your job. I understand. Really, it's perfectly ok."
    Linda was speechless. For the first time in her professional career she was completely lost for words. She didn't know what to say. All she could tell was that her heart was beating way too fast for a business meeting. And, George did have lovely deep blue eyes.
    George continued, "Are you feeling ok? Do you want a glass of water?"
    "Oh, I'm terribly sorry, my mind was wandering, too much on my mind, you know. Is there anything you wanted to ask me about the property?" Linda did her best to snap back into her professional demeanor.
    George looked around the room before replying. "Right now, nothing comes to mind, I've stayed here many times as a guest on long weekends so I know the place inside and out. I'll get my accountant to talk to you later today and he'll do all