His Collar She Wore - BOOK 1 of The Collar Series

Chapter 1 - Unexpected Departure

As she climbed out the shower she heard the rumble of a heavy vehicle outside her house.  Not paying it much attention she pulled her towel off the rail, wrapped it round her head and slipped on her gown.

She was just about to switch on her hairdryer when the doorbell rang.  Hurrying down the stairs she wondered who it could be so early in the morning. Opening the door she was shocked to see a man dressed in a sea captain’s uniform.

“Morning Ma’am, your yacht awaits you.”

Totally perplexed, she looked behind his head to see a large boat on a trailer being towed by a monster truck.  Unable to believe her eyes she asked, “What on earth are you talking about?” 

He smiled and replied, “Mr Ballinger asked me to come and collect you, Ma’am”

“Oh my God!” she gasped “He did, really?” She stepped out onto the doorstep and looked behind the captain at the boat. "Excuse my ignorance but I don't see a yacht."

"No Ma'am." He said nodding in agreement. "I am to take you to the harbour and after launching this boat we will make our way to the yacht." He explained in detail.

 “Well, I need about half an hour to get ready.” She said stepping back inside, “And Cirrus is extremely presumptuous, to think that I will just drop everything at a moment’s notice.” She stated feeling rather disgruntled.

“You don’t have to bring anything Ma’am; everything is waiting for you on board.

“Well I need to get dressed and dry my hair at least.  I haven’t even had breakfast yet.” Melanie complained.

“Yes Ma’am, Mr Ballinger was actually aware that this might be a reason to delay your departure and he has already catered for all your present and future needs on board.” He said with a polite smile, “If you would just like to lock up and come with me, we can be on our way immediately.”

Melanie looked at him, completely dumb founded, she should have realized that Cirrus Ballinger, the new, rather bossy man, in her life now, would make sure she had absolutely no reason to keep him waiting.  But a sailing trip might be just what she needed, a nice break away from everything familiar.

Thanks to her father Cirrus Ballinger was now very much part of her life and in more ways than one, he had taken her father's authorative position in all she did.  But in a rather unexpected endearing way he had wormed his way into her heart and she had to admit she liked having him there. He had an irresistible romantic charm that made her weak at the knees.

 Thinking this might just be fun and not wanting to keep her Mr Ballinger on hold for too long, knowing how impatient he could be, she quickly grabbed her bag from the hall table and hastily threw in her phone and keys.  Having only just woken up an hour ago she had not yet opened any windows or doors and with a quick glance into the living room she pulled the door shut and locked it.