No Other Love

Home > Other > No Other Love > Page 13
No Other Love Page 13

by Jean Adams


  Without giving himself time to change his mind again, he picked up the phone and punched in her number. It rang three times before she answered. “Jenna Blake.”

  “Jenna, it’s Lucas.”

  “Oh, hi.”

  “I’ve managed to rearrange my schedule. I can go with you if the offer’s still open.” He caught his bottom lip in his teeth.

  It didn’t take her long to answer. “Oh, that’s great.” She sounded flustered. “I’d hate you to miss it.”

  “Okay. We’ll make a night of it. Make it our own private farewell.”

  She hesitated, then, “That’s fantastic.”

  He put down the phone and drew in a deep breath very aware he was heading for the worst fall off his life, but unable to do anything about it.

  ****

  Saturday night, Lucas collected Jenna at around six thirty, having decided they’d eat dinner first. This time she could really appreciate how handsome he was in his tux.

  “Do you like Greek food?”

  “Love it. Haven’t had Greek in a while.”

  “Great. There’s an authentic little taverna quite close to the theater if you’d like to eat there. Hope you didn’t have any chicken for lunch,” he teased.

  She laughed. “Nope. Laid right off that.”

  Apart from never having seen an opera in her life, neither had she ever eaten a Greek meal. She hoped she could fake it and be convincing.

  Despite her impending departure next week, it was all a part of Lucas’ life she wanted to share.

  If he liked opera, she’d try not to yawn too much while it was in full swing.

  She could do it. All she had to do was grin and bear it.

  ****

  Niko’s Place was like nowhere Jenna had been before. The moment she walked through the door she could hear Greece. Taste Greece. Feel Greece. At least how she imagined Greece might be.

  The lilting strains of bouzoukis lifted her flagging spirits, especially since the closer the days sped by to when she’d leave Los Angeles, the lower her spirits sank. But the time when she’d have to leave rushed toward her like a speeding train.

  That wasn’t supposed to happen. She was supposed to be looking forward to her next posting. Embracing change. This time next week she’d pack for her journey home, prepare for her new adventure. She should be over the moon, but she wasn’t. The closer departure loomed the more dejected she felt. But she had to act out the part, or Lucas would think she was crazy. He never missed a chance to let her know how excited he was for her.

  Everything in the restaurant was geared for patrons’ relaxation. Subdued lighting and candles on the tables, all added to the ambience.

  Because it was still fairly early, they were greeted by Niko himself and in the best Greek tradition, Jenna was invited to inspect the kitchen.

  A little embarrassed by the unexpected gesture, Jenna decided to wing it. “I’ve never had to do that before.”

  Lucas didn’t seem to notice her surprise. “They don’t all do it these days, but it’s so you can see how clean the kitchen is and give your nod of approval.”

  Jenna gave her nod and a delighted Niko escorted them to a table for two in the center of the room. She closed her eyes, absorbing the music and atmosphere.

  “What are you doing?” Lucas couldn’t hide the amusement in his deep voice.

  “Imagining myself basking in the sunshine of the Greek islands, in the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea, while I await my aperitif.”

  Lucas laughed, a spontaneous sound that rumbled up from his chest. “You should be writing travel brochures.”

  “Maybe I’ll try it sometime,” she agreed with a smile. “Mmm. And is that fresh bread I smell?”

  “Sure is. They bake their own right here.” He inclined his head toward the kitchen swing doors. “And here comes ours.”

  Warm pita bread was served as an appetizer, together with a selection of delectable olive oil dips.

  Niko handed them the menus and Jenna scanned the contents to exclaim excitedly, “Oh, Lucas, listen to this! A medley of grilled fish, king sized prawns, calamari, and scallops. I adore seafood.”

  Lucas laughed suddenly. “Me too. You know, I just appointed you Chief Tourism Ambassador for Greece.” He put down the menu. “Think I’ll have the same.”

  Now that all the preliminaries were over, Jenna knew the time had come for talking. About the future. Which meant that the past, this night, would be behind her. She swallowed some wine to get her throat working. “So what are your plans?” How she said that without choking she had no idea.

  Lucas cleared his throat. “I thought I’d spend some time at my sister’s place on Poros. It’s all set up with Internet connection and printer so I can work there just as well as anywhere.” He laughed suddenly, but it sounded forced. “Have laptop, will travel.” His gorgeous smile spread over his face.

  He sounded so happy about it she realized he probably wouldn’t miss her one bit.

  “That’s fantastic.” She tried to sound cheerful, but the end of the week loomed ominously.

  “I’ll take off there for about a month.” He took a drink of water. “I’d be there now, but I didn’t want to miss your going away party next weekend. It’ll be a blast.”

  “Can’t wait to get rid of me, huh?” His words had hit her like a punch to the stomach. She blinked furiously. “Goodness. The time’s going like an express train.”

  If he noticed the moisture in her eyes, it didn’t show. “Time has a way of doing that.”

  The seafood meal was all it promised to be, after which they headed off for the short walk to the theater.

  Once inside the auditorium, Jenna was fascinated by the elegance of the occasion. The colorful gowns of the women, the men in their tuxedos.

  Lucas settled Jenna into her seat. “Sit tight. I’ll go get a program.” He returned a few moments later, with not only an elegant program but also the tip of a colorful peacock feather in a presentation box, and handed it to her. “Memento.”

  “Oh, it’s beautiful. Are they giving these away?”

  “Don’t ask questions.”

  “Thank you.”

  The Pearl Fishers was totally enjoyable even though Jenna had a few preliminary doubts before the curtain went up. As soon as the overture began, however, she settled back, enjoying everything from the colorful costumes of Ceylon, and the music, to the drama of the story, a sad tale of the love of two men for the same woman. Somehow the love story hit her deep in the solar plexus. What was she so upset about? It was only a play after all. But it wasn’t the story that brought on tears. As she sat in the auditorium, cocooned in darkness with Lucas sitting beside her, she had the oddest feeling that this was probably the last time she’d ever be alone with him.

  “I enjoyed that,” Lucas said as he took her arm to walk back to the car. “Thanks for the invite.”

  Her heart squeezed painfully. She’d always remember this night and her first, her only visit to the opera with Lucas. She cleared her throat. “Me too. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

  “Tell you what,” Lucas announced as they arrived back at the condo, “tomorrow’s my birthday. What say we do lunch? Make a weekend of it.”

  Clutching at straws, Jenna jumped at the chance. What a bittersweet weekend this was turning out to be. “I’d love to.” He had called it their own private farewell. She’d treasure it forever.

  His big hand cupped her elbow as he guided her across the street. “Pick you up around midday. We’ll drive up into the mountains.”

  She beamed. “Sounds wonderful.”

  “Good. See you tomorrow then. ’Night, Jenna.”

  He turned and walked back to his car. Not even a goodnight kiss? Good grief. Couldn’t friends kiss goodnight? Had he been hurt so badly he couldn’t even bear the thought of kissing another woman at this point in his life? No wonder he’d backed off when she hit on him. Maybe he thought she’d do it again. But Jenna had learned he
r lesson well.

  Unable to stop her eyes from tearing up, she watched him walk back across the road and whispered into the night, “‘Night, Lucas.”

  Dragging in a deep breath, she watched him drive away. Well, that had told her to keep any silly ideas she might be harboring to herself. Perhaps it was just as well. If he’d wanted to kiss her he would’ve done it.

  “Come on, Jenna. Only a week to go. Pull yourself together.”

  Didn’t you promise yourself no man would ever derail your plans? You set yourself goals long ago. Your plans are going well. Don’t abandon everything you’ve worked for, for a beautiful smile and a very kissable mouth.

  The way she was feeling right now, one thing would probably have led to another. She could’ve ended up in bed with him and then what? Got pregnant, just like her mother? That definitely isn’t what you had in mind for yourself.

  As she prepared for bed she gave herself a swift reality check. This was a test of her resolve. She’d have to toughen up if she wanted to marry into the aristocracy. She could do it. She was just a week away from getting what she wanted. She couldn’t, wouldn’t do anything to sabotage her goals when she was this close.

  She’d share Lucas’ birthday with him tomorrow, they’d laugh, talk, walk and have a wonderful lunch.

  Then she must ease back before the week ended.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Jenna’s doorbell rang. “Goodness, it can’t be that time already.” Jenna checked her watch. It read five minutes past eleven. “Lucas is early.” Strangely, she didn’t mind and hurried to open the door, pulses racing.

  Her heart dropped to her stomach like a stone. “Roger!”

  The Earl of Kendal stood at her door holding the biggest bunch of red roses she’d ever seen. His smile stretched from ear-to-ear. He took a step forward. “Hello, old girl. Here, these are for you.”

  Schooling her face into what she hoped was a mask of delight, she glanced quickly along the road. Lucas would be due in a little under an hour. “What beautiful roses. But what are you doing here?”

  “What a question.”

  Jenna gaped. “But—”

  “Well, are you going to invite me in?”

  “Yes. Yes, of course. Come in.” She stepped aside to admit him. He stopped halfway to kiss her. She ducked to avoid the anticipated kiss and it landed smack in the middle of her cheek.

  “I’ll, um, put these in water. Take a seat. Can I offer you a coffee?”

  “Thanks, but I’d prefer tea.”

  “It’ll have to be a quick one because…Well, actually, Roger, you’ve caught me at a bad time. I’m going out in about an hour. He’s probably booked a table and—”

  Roger frowned. “He?”

  “My date.”

  His face tightened. “Is it the man who was here last weekend?”

  She straightened her back in a defensive pose. “Well, yes.”

  “What was that all about?”

  “We had a date, but when he arrived to pick me up I was sick. He stayed to look after me.”

  “You don’t owe him anything for that.”

  She tutted. “I never said I owed him. It’s his birthday. We’re going for lunch.”

  “But I’ve only just got here. You wouldn’t leave me all alone in a strange city, would you?”

  She laughed for the first time since he’d arrived. “I’m sure you’d manage. I’ll just go and, um...” She turned and went into the kitchen.

  Roger followed her.

  “Come on, old girl. He won’t mind too much if you don’t go. Say you forgot and double booked yourself.”

  Irritation swept through her blood at Roger’s suggestion. “You should’ve let me know you were coming. I can’t just go breaking dates.” She sounded scratchy, but his showing up unannounced threatened her special weekend. Hers and Lucas’. “Anyway, you didn’t say why you’re here. Are you on business?”

  He laughed. “Hardly. No, I decided I’d come out for the week and escort you home. Make sure you’re all right after last week’s little bout of food poisoning. I’m getting tired of you keep turning me down. I intend to marry you, Jenna. On a long haul flight I’ll have you all to myself. I’ll have time to work on you.”

  She stared at him. “Work on me?”

  “I’ve asked you twice to marry me and both times you turned me down flat. This time I have no intention of taking no for an answer.”

  She hadn’t done all that work on herself just to accept the first proposal she got, earl or no earl. She’d done it because…

  Well, why had she done it? Because she’d wanted to marry into the nobility. To be a lady. And here was a nobleman who’d asked her to be his wife. Twice. He was handsome and he was charming. Could a girl ask for anything more?

  Besides, Lucas had made it very plain he wasn’t interested in being anything more than a friend.

  No, she shouldn’t think about Lucas in those terms. She should get over it and the quickest way to do that was by planning to marry another man. A lord.

  Quickly, she ran the title through her mind. Lady Jenna. Jenna, Lady of Kendal. She smiled. Hmm. It did have a nice ring to it.

  Lucas’ dark, brooding good looks floated into her mind. Her heart kicked, but she resolutely pushed away the vision of his wonderful smile.

  She owed Roger the truth even if he didn’t want to accept it. “I’m sorry, but my answer is the same. You see, I’ve been given my next posting. I’m going to the Bahamas.”

  “I won’t be put off, Jenna.”

  “Why do you want to marry me, Roger?” She just managed to stop herself reminding him he was a nobleman and she was a nobody. And she’d seen by the determined set to his jaw how serious he was. Goodness. He’d flown halfway across the world to get her to marry him. He was a man who usually got his own way so he must know what he really wanted.

  Lucas would never do such a thing. She took in a shuddering breath. Why are you thinking about Lucas at a time like this? He’s just a friend. A very close friend admittedly, but all the same. He hasn’t even hinted there’s anything between us. No, this is between you and Roger now.

  If Roger was so determined to make her his wife, he must really be in love with her. Not that he’d ever told her in so many words.

  But then, neither had Lucas. Lucas didn’t want her. He treated her like a sister. Not that it mattered.

  She gave herself a quick reality check. She could go to the Bahamas and all the other glamorous places in the world and never find another nobleman to take care of her. Give her the big white society wedding she’d always wanted.

  “Because, my pet,” he said, interrupting her thoughts, “you are quite simply one of the most stunning women I’ve ever met. When we go out I want to feel proud knowing I have the main prize on my arm.”

  Talk about flattery. She pushed Lucas out of her mind and laughed nervously. She didn’t need to go to the Bahamas. Her dream had come true sooner than she expected. “I hope I can live up to it.” A half smile teased her lips. “How can a girl refuse a proposal like that?”

  His handsome face opened up. “Are you saying you’ll marry me?”

  Such persistent gallantry. What woman wouldn’t be swept off her feet? It was what she’d always wanted, wasn’t it? What she’d been working toward all her life? She’d achieved what she wanted without the need to go to the Bahamas, or anywhere else. The hard part of her life was over. A new phase of ease was about to begin.

  She gave him a wobbly smile. “Yes, Roger. I’ll marry you.”

  “Splendid. You won’t regret this, old girl.”

  He paused to fumble in his jacket pocket, took out a small blue box and held it out to her. “Here.”

  No prizes for guessing what was inside. Jenna took it from his outstretched hand and gingerly opened it, as though it might bite off her fingers. Inside was a large sapphire surrounded by small diamonds. “Oh, Roger, it’s beautiful.”

  “Give it here. Let’s make it official
.”

  He took the box from her hand, took out the ring and slipped it on her finger.

  Immediately, Jenna felt as though someone had dropped a large stone into her stomach. Her world started spinning. But what was a girl to do when everything she’d wished for, worked for, suddenly presented itself? She wished she’d given herself more time to think.

  She wanted to talk to Lucas. But why? What would he say that would make things any different?

  “We’ll start getting your things packed up. Leave tomorrow.”

  Tomorrow! Goodness, sweeping a girl off her feet was one thing, but this was all moving too fast.

  “No, I can’t leave Claude in the lurch. I still have a week to go of my secondment. And my farewell party is next weekend.”

  “But now we’ve decided to marry it hardly matters any more, does it?”

  “It matters to me.”

  “Yes, but surely—”

  “No, Roger. I’ll see out my time here, even if it is only a week.”

  “I’ll talk to this, uh, what was his name? Claude?”

  She turned on him. “You will not. And my friends are going to a lot of trouble over my farewell party on Saturday.”

  “Don’t be silly, Jenna.” He sounded annoyed.

  “Please don’t rush me, Roger.”

  “Rush you. We’re getting married, aren’t we?”

  “Yes, but not next week.”

  He let out an obvious sigh of vexation. “Very well. I’ll collect my case from the hotel and move in here for the week.”

  Move in here? No! Panic raced through her. What was the matter with her? She wanted this last week to herself. To be in her own space by herself. “No, Roger. You stay at the hotel.”

  “But why?

  Yes. Why, Jenna?

  Because it’d probably mean sleeping with him now they were engaged. And heaven help her, she didn’t want to sleep with Roger. Not at the moment anyway. “Because, it’s a big step for me. I need time to settle in to the idea.”

  “Settle in?” He rolled his eyes. “Now listen here, if you’re thinking of changing your mind…” He stepped forward, took her in his arms and held her close against him. “Time we sealed this union with a kiss.” He kissed her full on the mouth.

 

‹ Prev