Lexie stood in front of the enormous modern fireplace. Dwarfed by its marbled splendour she reminded him of something from a movie set, an Agatha Christie mystery maybe. She wore a black silk dress, but rather than the expected sexy thing that would have clung to her curves, this dress hung elegantly from her diminutive frame and hinted at, rather than displayed her curves. The colour set off her dark violet eyes and copper hair to perfection, but it was the changes wrought in that curling mass that made the biggest impact. Gone were the unruly riotous curls, she’d had it cut and somehow it seemed not to be so thick. Instead it hung lightly around her face and shoulders in soft waves and as he moved into the room towards her he caught glints of paler gold threaded through it that softened the whole effect. Geth realised she was looking at him, both girls were, expecting him to react, to say something, Lexie’s violet eyes were large and dark, filled with something akin to apprehension. Deliberately lightening the moment, he smiled.
‘Well now, if this is the result I’ll have to send you two shopping more often.’
Then dropping a swift kiss onto Lexie’s mouth he moved to pour himself a whiskey before heading off to change.
‘Well, he was impressed, I can tell.’
Mared was triumphant, Lexie was not so sure, but even as she wondered, she hugged her defiance silently inside. As the days passed and he realised that she had taken his words quite literally and that everything she’d bought was black, he would come to see that she was not giving in to him, not at all, and that once this charade was over she would cut him out of her life, for good!
‘Don’t look so glum’, Mared remarked, ‘you are going to celebrate your engagement to a most eligible bachelor at the most fabulous restaurant in London, before jetting off to romantic Montreal,what more could a girl want?’ Now I’m off, I have to get ready for my own hot date, just don’t tell Geth will you? He still thinks I’m in school! I will see you next week at the farm and we can swap notes, just don’t tell me anything too personal, yuk, the thought of anyone wanting to get up close and personal with my big brother is just guaranteed to make me more than a bit nauseous, it’s a sibling thing I think! Bye.’
Before Lexie could react Mared had planted a quick kiss on her cheek and was through the door laughing. Left alone for the first time since she’d got out of bed that morning, Lexie felt the strength drain out of her momentarily, it had been a roller-coaster day and it was not over yet, there was still dinner and then the flight to cope with. She was just grateful that by the time they reached Montreal it would be in the small hours and surely all Geth would want would be to crash out and sleep in preparation for his meetings. At least she hoped that would be all he had in mind. How she would cope with anything more was beyond her, what had Mared called it, ‘getting up close and personal?’ Well if he thought he’d bought himself those privileges, she was just going to have to disabuse him, and fast. Though just how she was going to do that escaped her right now and with that thought, she moved to pour herself a small gin. Topping it up with a generous amount of tonic and adding some ice for good measure, she curled up on the huge sofa to wait, sipping from the heavy crystal glass, in the hope the alcohol would fortify her.
She was still sitting there deep in thought when Geth returned. He stood silently in the doorway for a moment and as he watched, she raised the glass to her lips but before drinking she let a small sigh escape, and for a fleeting moment, no more, he felt the unfamiliar stab of something akin to guilt. Then, not letting himself analyse it further, he moved into the room to stand looking down at her.
‘Ready cariad?’
He extended a hand to help her to her feet. Lexie looked up, smiled and put the glass down on a small table before taking his hand. He led her out to the waiting car, keeping her close to his side with one hand firmly around her waist. She moved on automatic pilot, letting him take control and guide her seemed easier, as he pulled her close and kept her there, she found the warm pressure of his hand on her waist comforting. By the time they reached the car, she had rallied enough to move away from him, defiantly belting herself into the seat and putting as much space between them as the confines of the big limo would allow. To her surprise Geth didn’t react, he just belted himself in with a wry smile and they sat in silence for the duration of the short journey.
As the car turned into Upper Brook street just off Park Lane, Lexie could see the buildings on each side, each and every one an imposing sight, this really was the affluent side of the city. Then as the car came to a halt and the chauffeur opened the door behind him, Geth unclipped both their seat-belts and she had no choice but to acknowledge him again. Looking up into his eyes she managed a ghost of a smile, which he returned before unfolding his long legs onto the pavement and turning to extend a hand to assist her to follow him. Lexie was still concentrating on making her exit from the car, acutely aware of the warmth of the hand that enfolded hers. So the explosion of light and noise took her completely by surprise. What felt like a crowd, but was actually only half a dozen of the cities paparazzi, mobbed the car.
Cameras flashed and voices shouted, competing for her attention and turning her word into a nightmare of harsh lights and sounds. For a moment Lexie panicked and instinctively turned to Geth, needing to be close to his strength, seeking his protection. He felt small hands reach for his chest and as she moved to shelter against him he wrapped his arms around her, deliberately creating the safe haven she sought. Keeping her close he moved from the pavement, guiding her up the steps to the restaurant door, before turning good naturedly to the following group of journalists.
‘Hey guys give us a break will you? You’ve succeeded in scaring my lady into silence, not an easy task I assure you. Now if you give us peace to have our meal then by the time we leave I will have convinced her you don’t really bite and we will give a short interview.’
‘Are the rumours true then Mr Mathias?
Geth turned without answering and moved Lexie in front of him through the now open restaurant door into the plush elegance of one of London’s most exclusive establishments. As the door closed out the clamouring press he gently clasped her trembling shoulders to move her out of the circle of his arms.
‘Ok cariad? They’ve gone, at least for now, I’m sorry, I should have warned you, my PR guys let the news leak about an hour ago. They can be nerve racking I know, but you will get used to it I promise. When we leave here later just stay close to me and just do as I say and it will be fine.’
Lexie took a moment to let the warm quiet ambience of the place chase the panic from her brain, then looking up at Geth she gave him a small smile and let him lead her into the restaurant, where they were soon seated at the best table it could offer. Calming greens and plush dusky pinks created a stunning backdrop for the elegant pure white of the table settings. Subtle lighting gave the place an intimate feeling and the quiet, efficient service underlined the opulence of the place. Lexie gave all her attention to the extensive menu, wondering how on earth she was going to chose what to have. Page after page of mouthwatering dishes made the task seem gargantuan, but when Geth, seeing her indecision, offered to order for them both she declined. No need to let him think he is in absolute control, she thought. Eventually she decided on a starter of lobster salad with mangoes, avocado, basil and lime, followed by roast saddle of rabbit with crispy potatoes. Geth also ordered the lobster salad to start but then opted for a steak. As Geth ordered and approved the wine, Lexie watched him from under lowered lashes, it was obvious he was completely at home in this setting, he looked like the million dollar man he was, it only served to make her wonder again at his insistence on this ridiculous charade.
‘Penny for them cariad,’
Lexie hesitated as his voice broke gently in on her reverie, then reaching for her now filled glass, she took a deep breath and smiled back at him. She was in the most amazing restaurant which would normally be way out of her reach, sitting opposite a gorgeous man, his diamonds sat sparkling on her
finger and she was just about to be whisked away to a city and country she had always longed to see but had never imagined she would ever be able to afford. Mared was right it would be madness not to make the most of this and that was what she would do. Enjoy this right here right now for what it was, an incredible opportunity she would never have again, and be damned to what might follow, she would cope with that one thing at a time. Geth watched, on guard, as she obviously tussled with her thoughts, then breathed a sigh of relief as she lifted her glass, tilted her head slightly to one side questioningly and smiled at him. He followed her lead and raised his own glass slowly, waiting, letting her take the initiative, and when she lightly clinked their glasses and murmured a quiet toast, ‘ here’s to us, at least for a while’, he returned her smile, and Lexie felt again the little twist of response deep in her gut as his smiling eyes held hers.
The wine was delicious, reminding Lexie of the few days she’d spent cycling through France on a cheap student break. The warm mellow sun of a late French summer seemed to shine from the glass and she could taste the remembered breeze scented with herbs and fruits in its full flavoured richness. The food needless to say was like nothing she had ever eaten before and she marveled at how such dainty portions, beautifully presented, could hold such depth of flavour. Throughout the meal Geth was charm itself, he kept her chatting, drawing her to speak of the things that filled her life. Occasionally offering a little information about himself, his work and his family. Once their empty dishes were removed Geth ordered L’Assiette du Chef, which turned out to be a selection of the chefs favourite desserts and a selection of French and British farmhouse cheeses, to finish the meal. Lexie was entranced by the array of perfect miniatures she was presented with, and Geth smiled indulgently as he watched her. As she slowly tasted one unctuous little pot of Apricot and Cointreau souffle he felt his guts kick in an almost painful reaction to the contrast between the innocent pleasure mirrored in a pair of deep violet eyes and the sensual erotic movement of the silver spoon as it slipped, oh so slowly, between dusky pink lips. Thankfully the table hid the evidence of his sudden arousal, giving him time to regain control.
Just at that moment, the Maitre d’ appeared flanked by a pair of waiters bearing an elaborate silver ice bucket, a magnum of champagne and a pair of crystal flutes. He proceeded to pop the cork with quiet efficiency and as the froth settled into its sparkling golden, foam topped perfection, he offered the compliments of the establishment on this joyous occasion, to a stunned Lexie. Geth, smiling just sat back and watched as she gave gracious thanks and sipped her wine with a soft glow of pleasure. ‘Oh my’ she thought silently, heaven, absolute heaven, but a niggling little voice in the back of her mind would not be silenced ‘but what will the price be?’ it questioned.
All too soon, they meal was over and it was time to leave. The private jet that would carry them to Montreal was waiting, Geth explained.
‘We’re flying from a small private airfield near London at 11 pm, the flight is a little under seven hours so with the time difference, Montreal is five hours behind London, we will land at 1 am. We should be at the apartment by 2 am that way we get a few hours to rest before the day begins. I have a breakfast meeting scheduled tomorrow and then after an hour or two in the office, I’ll be back to take you with me to a lunch meeting. After that we have the rest of the day free to spend as we please.’
Lexie felt a little faint, despite the fortification of the excellent wine, it was time to leave this pleasant part of the fairy-tale behind, to face not only the press but whatever geth had in mind for the night to come. Taking a deep breath she rose.
‘I just need to freshen up.’
In the powder room she used the luxurious facilities, then after checking her hair and makeup, applying a little lipgloss and a generous squirt of her perfume, feeling as ready as she would ever be she returned to where Geth was waiting. He was chatting casually to the Maitre d. and turned to her with a smile as she appeared, looking calm and fresh at his side.
‘Ready?’ Just stay close to me, we will give the press a few words to fill their gossip columns, let them snap a few shots of us and the ring and it will be all over, so just smile ok?’
Lexie had to look up to smile into his eyes, then nodding briefly, Geth put his arm around her waist, pulling her close to his side and moved to the restaurant door.
For the second time that evening her world erupted into a cacophony of light and sound, but this time she was ready for it. Feeling comforted by the strong, arm wrapped warmly around her waist, she was able to smile at the lively crowd of jostling journalists. She listened as Geth spun them a story of whirlwind romance. Yes they were engaged he confirmed, no they had not known each other long, yes their families were ecstatic, no he could not give them a wedding date, yet, he said with a knowing wink that notched up their excitement. They posed for photographs, Lexie held out her hand so they could snap the ring and then Geth began to move them both towards the car that waited with its open door an invitation to a quiet haven. Just as she was about to breath a sigh of relief and escape into its calm interior, Geth stopped. Turning to look inquiringly up at him, she was taken completely by surprise as he pulled her into his arms, lowered his head and claimed her mouth in a searing kiss. The crowd went mad, cheering as camera flashed popped and Lexie was left in no doubt as what the front page pictures would be next morning. Finally, he released her, and as she fairly scrambled for the safety of the car, Geth threw a final cheeky wink at the laughing crowd before joining her inside.
Lexie had scrambled across the seat to lean defensively on the far door. The look on her face said it all. She was livid, all trace of the pleasant companionship of the evening obliterated by that final searing, possessive kiss.
You, you...’ she was unable to finish.
‘You what?’
He reached over to pull her back to him. Lexie tried to fight him but there was no hope, he was far to strong. She found herself in the circle of his arms as the car began to move, and as he lowered his head to kiss her again she was powerless to stop him. He kissed her slowly, taking his time to savour her, intent on coaxing a response from her. Lexie was just as determined to resist, but her brain would not work, slowly she felt herself lose the battle, as his wickedly knowing mouth moved against hers. Her last coherent thought was, why, why cant’ I stop this happening? Then with a little sigh of surrender she gave up and let the overwhelming need to kiss him back take over.
Geth felt her lose the battle, she sighed as she relaxed into his embrace. She stopped fighting and instead began to return his kiss. Her mouth opened for him and his grip on reality slackened. Her lips moved, seeking his and his brain gave up all control. Her sweet, slick tongue tentatively sought his and he was swept away on a tide of emotion more powerful than he’s ever experienced before. For a while he knew nothing but the feel and scent and taste of her. Long minutes passed before he regained control or at least something like it, and slowly put her away from him, buckled them both in and leant back against the seat, eyes closed as he tried to work out how he could lose it so completely with this girl.
Chapter 6
Slowly Lexie began to wake, she was warm and comfortable and really did not want to move an inch from the crisp cotton sheets and a thick quilt that enveloped her in a cosy cocoon. But something, some thought or memory she was not yet awake enough to properly recall, was niggling at the edges of her consciousness and preventing her from sinking back into the deep dreamless place she had been. Suddenly it all came flooding back and she sat bolt upright. She was alone in an enormous bed in Geth’s Montreal apartment, she realised with dismay, but where was Geth? Why was she alone, he certainly had not left her alone last night she remembered blushing. Slowly it all came back and she sank back onto the pillows with a sigh. The long flight from London had been made less tedious by the luxury of the private jet Geth had chartered and the solicitous attention of the crew. Geth himself had been uncharacteristically dis
tant, busying himself with his notebook and a sheaf of papers that were provided by his PA. So Lexie was left to amuse herself watching a film and eventually dozing fitfully, despite the comfortable seating and the generously proportioned sleeping space. Memories of the preceding evening, his proprietorial kisses and her inability to resist him kept flooding in and she emerged from the aircraft at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International airport feeling irritable and travel weary. It was even more galling then, to see Geth looking almost as fresh as when he’d boarded, he’d had less sleep than she, had worked through most of the flight, did the man ever look less than perfect?
They were guided effortlessly through airport security and were soon in yet another sleek limo heading for his Montreal apartment. Lexie sat quietly watching the lights of the city outskirts rush by, then all at once they were being ushered through the wide sweeping glass doors of the apartment building. Geth dismissed his security men at the lift door, making her frown, surely they were not continuing alone, but she soon understood as the lift opened onto an floor with exclusive access to the luxury apartment. Geth ushered her in and immediately shrugged off his suit jacket, discarding it carelessly on the nearest chair. Running his hand through his hair, he turned to her.
‘Lets have a nightcap to help us relax, shall we cariad?’
Lexie who was till standing just inside the closed door taking in her surroundings nodded silently and made her way to the huge cream leather sofa that dominated the centre of the room.
The Scent of His Woman Page 9