‘Bring them on.’
His smile as he raised his drink ignited trails of heat along her veins, threatening the solid barriers she’d sworn to maintain.
‘Here’s to many more home-cooked dinners together.’
They clinked glasses. Alina let her water slide, cool and refreshing, down her throat.
‘It’s on the understanding that you tell me if it’s not good or not to your taste. If I take over the housework as well it’ll fill my days. I’m rethinking the courses idea.’
‘I’m locked into a cleaning contract, so that’s a different proposition. Anyway, in a few months you might be grateful for the help.’
And with the purchase he’d arranged today she might also reconsider.
She pondered his statement as she cut into her steak. ‘You may be right. It’s not easy work, but it pays the bills. Losing their hours here may cause hardship for someone.’
‘You discuss what you’d like done with whoever comes. I’ll notify the company that you have the authority.’
‘Thank you.’
So she’d also done cleaning during her nomadic life, had not been too proud to accept domestic employment. Showed consideration for other manual workers. Every conversation gave Ethan more insight into her—thankfully without her realising how much she revealed.
‘Are you a sports fan?’ she asked. ‘I know Leon and Louise were Sydney Swans supporters and watched the games on the internet. You don’t appear to have much free time.’
‘We never missed a home game when they were here. I’m still a fully paid-up member of the club, and get to go occasionally. It wasn’t the same without them, and the Starburst Group has been growing, demanding more time. I often wind down at night watching whatever sport’s being televised. Clears the mind.’
He asked which countries she’d been to as they ate fruit and ice cream for dessert. She revealed that she’d become fluent in Spanish, Italian and French, got by in other languages, and considered it no big deal. His Spanish was basic, so to him it was an enviable achievement.
He made hot drinks while she stacked the dishwasher.
Alina struggled to keep awake during the short late newscast. Had to stop herself from falling against his shoulder and nodding off.
‘Do you mind if I go to bed? I’m not usually so tired... It has to be the change of environment or the pregnancy, so hopefully it won’t last long.’
‘We’ll check if you need extra vitamins on Monday. You go and rest.’
‘Thank you.’
Admitting her failure at clothes shopping when he’d been so complimentary about her meal seemed a backward move. She’d try again tomorrow.
She had no idea that her disappointment showed in her face, but Ethan noticed, and couldn’t resist drawing her into his arms for comfort.
‘Dinner was delicious, Alina. I know this isn’t easy for you, but I promise we’ll work out any problems that arise. Tell me if anything bothers you and I’ll try to put it right.’
Her eyes were bright as she accepted his vow, and without conscious effort he bent his head to kiss her, moving his lips softly over her mouth. He felt a slight movement in her lips, heard a muted sound from her throat. Reluctantly raising his head, he encountered bemusement tinged with sadness.
He relaxed his hold, stepped back and tried to keep his voice stable. ‘Sleep well, Alina. I should be home earlier tomorrow.’
Watching her go, he cursed himself for his lack of restraint. Tonight they’d really begun to connect, and he feared she might rebuild her barriers overnight. He cursed his parents for the hang-ups that governed his thinking, tainted his ability to feel deep emotion with others apart from Louise and Leon.
His short, raw, ironic laugh was spontaneous. Those two had had no qualms about showing their love—privately or in public. Eye contact, touching, kissing—all had been as natural to them as breathing. He’d never, ever seen either of his parents show any tenderness for each other, never seen a sympathetic gesture like the one Alina had given him tonight.
Not wanting to dwell on why kissing Alina made him feel less alone, he reasoned doing it when they could be seen would substantiate their story of a short and overwhelming passion. But it had to be believable—from both of them. No holding back, no tension. He was a grown man, well able to curb any sexual urges.
* * *
Today had been better. Alina placed her special purchases on the coffee table before carrying the other bags into her bedroom. She’d still avoided high-fashion boutiques and exclusive salons, but with her more positive attitude she’d had some success.
In a big department store she’d found two summer dresses and a lightweight jacket to go with either of them on cooler days. The shoes and bag she’d bought also went with both. She had limited her new underwear purchases, knowing she’d soon outgrow them.
After showering and changing she settled in the lounge to be productive. She had a cup of tea, a block of nut chocolate and a home renovation show on the television. There was plenty of time before Ethan was due home.
His consideration might be because of the baby she carried, his attention and kisses might be to make their relationship more believable, but she had to admit she found them nice. Nothing more. She hadn’t been cared for since she’d fled from Australia, too cowardly to face anyone or anything that raised painful memories.
Mentally planning tonight’s dinner, she opened her present to herself...
CHAPTER SEVEN
SUBDUED NOISES CAME from the lounge as Ethan opened the front door—the earliest he’d been home for months. Putting his briefcase and packages down, he strode in. He hadn’t let Alina know he was on his way, meaning to surprise her. Instead he was the one who stopped short, spellbound by the vision in front of him.
Alina was ensconced on the settee, her eyes lowered, completely absorbed in the material in her hands, her tucked-up legs hidden by a flowing pleated floral skirt. He took in the sleek line of her neck, the satin glow of her cheeks, the sweep of her dark brown lashes. A perfect picture of natural beauty, and for the rest of this year she was his to admire.
He stepped forward, willing her to look up, anxious not to startle her. Her own subtle aroma enhanced her new perfume, making his nostrils flare, stirring his blood. She sensed his presence, gave him a shy glad-to-see-you smile that zinged straight to his heart.
With two paces, completely forgetting his mental declaration of self-control, he was beside her, his arms around her. He bent his head, glimpsed the reticence in her eyes and somehow managed to pull back. Couldn’t stop his grip intensifying, though.
‘Ouch.’ His left leg jerked. He massaged his thigh and chuckled. ‘I’ve been slapped a few times. Never stabbed.’
Alina paled, staring at the small metal needle in her fingers. ‘I...I’m sorry. I...you...I was sewing. You made me forget I...’
He took the offending weapon and placed it on the coffee table alongside an array of coloured thread. ‘My fault. I was distracted by the entrancing sight on my settee. Didn’t allow for hidden danger.’
She blushed at the compliment. ‘It’s not sharp. Do you want to check if there’s bleeding?’
The nervous tremor in her voice, plus the remorse in her eyes, acted like a dousing of cold water. He’d shocked her, shamed himself. This macho being, acting on impulse, wasn’t him. He couldn’t explain even to himself, didn’t know why.
He moved away, dragging his fingers through his hair, trying to concentrate on the essential reason for her presence in his apartment. Five days ago he’d had no idea she existed. To her he was the preferred solution to a situation she didn’t want long-term.
Boardroom strategy—that was what he needed. He had to get back to his original plan. Convince everyone they’d been lovers. Keep his distance in private. Best soluti
on for everyone—especially the woman observing him now with dark, cautious eyes.
He picked up the cloth stretched over a round wooden hoop from her lap. Various shades of green thread had already been woven into the outline of a country cottage garden.
‘Interesting. Pretty scene.’
‘Small, light, fits into my backpack and challenging enough to keep me occupied in the evenings.’ She took it from him and laid it on the table. ‘It’s absorbing—stops me from thinking too much.’
‘And you have a weapon handy if you’re attacked,’ he teased, standing up and pulling her to her feet. ‘New dress? Beautiful.’ His scroll from head to foot was deliberately quick, yet he still felt an appreciative clench. ‘Good shopping trip?’
Her smile faded. ‘Not my favourite occupation. Having no idea what size I’m going to be in a few weeks doesn’t help. How was your day?’
‘Busy. I received a delivery today. Let’s sit down.’
She tensed as he reached into his inside pocket and brought out a small black box.
Taking her left hand in his, he slid the amethyst ring onto her finger. ‘Perfect fit.’
She stared down at their joined hands. Her posture slumped.
‘Alina.’ Her head came up. He had a quick glimpse of sorrow, then it cleared. ‘Remember why we’re doing this. Who it’s for.’
‘I know.’ She freed her hand then crossed her arms, hugging her body. ‘It’s... All this isn’t what I expected.’ Her mouth tried to form a smile. Didn’t quite make it. ‘I won’t let you down.’
So brave, so determined to do the right thing, no matter how heart-wrenching her memories. So delightfully confused by her physical reaction to him.
Basic instinct urged him to hold her, protect her from more pain. But it wouldn’t work for either of them. She wasn’t going to stay. She had emotional baggage that his expectations of her were exacerbating. He had an agenda, an empire to build. He’d have a young child completely dependent on him.
He accepted he’d never be as approachable as his sister. She’d rebelled outwardly against their parents’ attitude, defied them to marry the man she loved, and emigrated to escape their continued interference. He’d channelled everything into developing his company, determined never to emulate his parents and end up in a cold, loveless marriage.
Better to stay a bachelor, to enjoy female company without emotional entanglements. Strict rules and no pain when it ended. Becoming a single father at this stage might throw his life out of whack, testing him to the full, but he’d cope, adjust and succeed.
And on the topic of interference, Alina needed to be aware of a major factor.
‘My parents won’t be invited, so please don’t wear the ring in public until after the wedding.’
She frowned, not understanding his meaning.
He explained. ‘I’ve gathered Louise mentioned their attitude on social standing and—unbelievable in today’s world—“breeding”. They take snobbery to a new height. You’re in or you’re out, no middle ground.’
His gut clenched as he recalled their fights with Louise, their turning on him when he had defended her and Leon.
‘They were never happy with Leon being my best friend because, although he was wealthy enough to give his children the best education affordable, his father had begun his working life as a bricklayer. His building firm is my main contractor, always will be. When Leon asked their permission to marry Louise they practically threw him out, forbade him from seeing her.’
‘Which obviously didn’t work. Couldn’t they see how happy they were? How much he...he adored her?’ Her voice faltered over the last few words.
‘That didn’t factor in their thinking. Our wedding may not be conventional, but I’d like it to be an occasion you’ll remember fondly. There’ll be no one there who might upset you in any way. Telling them afterwards gives them no choice but to accept that we’re married.’
‘I understand.’ She began to slip the ring off. He stopped her.
‘Keep it on at home. For me.’ He brought her fingers to his lips for a second, then stood up. ‘I’ve also got something to help occupy your time. Close your eyes.’
Alina had no fear of natural darkness. It was her own internal black world that tormented her. So, as soon as she sensed him leave she covered her eyes with her hands and opened them.
Shame at the way she’d swayed forward for his kiss, had almost succumbed to him, fizzed in her stomach. At the time she’d seemed to be weightless, floating, with no power over her limbs or her actions. She didn’t resist. Didn’t participate.
When he’d sprung away the bewilderment had had her blathering like a drunk, made worse by his shocked expression and deliberate retreat, putting distance between them. He’d recovered first, bringing normality back to the conversation, seemingly putting their embrace behind him.
That was what she had to do—act like a mature woman. She took long deep breaths, calming her stomach. Her defensive shields were solid. Mind you, if they began to crumble...
‘Keep them shut.’
He’d returned.
‘Or covered.’
Must be looking at her.
She heard some clunks, and the drag of the coffee table. The cushions dipped as he sat next to her. Now her stomach sizzled with suspense.
‘This is for you.’
She stared in astonishment at the red laptop with matching mouse and butterfly motif pad. Alongside lay a hardcover notebook plus a boxed set of pens. Her hand flew to her mouth.
Grinning broadly, Ethan gently lowered it, then lifted the computer’s lid. ‘The password’s “bluesheen” at the moment.’
‘You bought this for me?’ Her incredulous gaze swung from his face to the laptop. Twice. She’d never had a computer of her own. Not with the nomadic life she lived. Though lately she’d been considering one of those lightweight notepads.
‘All yours. Complete with bag so you can take it anywhere.’
She touched the keyboard cautiously, her fingers tripping across the keys. He caught one and pressed it on ‘start’. The screen lit up and her eyes eagerly followed the process.
This was hers. Really hers. She turned to the man watching her with dark, hypnotic eyes. Swayed towards him again. Stopped. Touched his arm.
‘Thank you.’
She was lost for words.
So was Ethan for a moment. His heart pumped and the lump in his throat threatened to choke him. He’d seen the intent to kiss him in those sparkling violet eyes, and perversely he rued her change of mind.
‘You’re welcome. Mouse or touch?’ The connection for the wireless mouse was already in the port.
‘I’ve always used a mouse. I’ll have to learn to touch.’
Learn to touch him?
His chest tightened. He obviously hadn’t listened to his own pep talk.
She quickly bent forward and began to type in the password; her hair only partially covering her reddening skin. He wasn’t fooled by the action, and surmised she’d had the same thought.
‘Why “bluesheen”?’ The catch in her voice spoke volumes.
‘Came out of the air.’ She’d been wearing blue the day they met. ‘Easily changed.’
‘I love it. What are all these icons for?’
Her eyes shone with excitement, heightening his own pleasure.
‘Finding out is part of the fun. I’ve added the internet, an email account and cloud backup.’ He opened the notebook. ‘All the passwords are written in here, plus relevant names with phone numbers—including my IT guy, who set it up. He’s offered to give you one-on-one lessons if you like. I’m not too bad—he’s brilliant.’
‘Why? You know I won’t be staying, so why are you doing this?’
He shrugged. ‘Don’t argue—just ac
cept it. You can enrol for online courses...there’s plenty to choose from.’ He lightened the mood by joking. ‘Imagine all the lists you’ll be able to create. And you know you’ll enjoy finding recipes.’
‘You may not think so when you have to eat my weird concoctions.’ She smiled back.
‘I’ll take my chances.’
His mobile rang. Bad timing. She was more at ease with him now than she’d ever been. Muttering a light curse, he wrenched the offending instrument out of his pocket, checked the caller. With a grimace he stood up.
‘I have to take this. Do you have dinner planned?’
‘Yes, but not started.’
‘Save it for tomorrow. I’ll book somewhere quiet where we can talk.’ He got to the end of the lounge and glanced back, his dazzling smile sending heatwaves to every region of her body.
‘You really do look exquisite, Alina.’
Another genuine compliment that gave her confidence another boost. It was hard to believe he’d bought her such a thoughtful gift she’d use in so many ways. The expense hardly registered with him. The time and effort he’d taken meant so much more.
Shutting down the laptop, she watched each process avidly, wanting to take in every little detail before carefully closing the lid. When she packed everything into the bag she found a charger and a set-up manual.
She’d intended to try shopping again tomorrow—now she’d rather stay home and browse. Anything she didn’t understand would go on a list to be shown to Ethan. Although at least one session with his IT specialist was a must.
After putting her embroidery into a craft bag, she went to her room to give her minimal make-up a light touch-up.
As she walked along the hall the muffled mingling of running water with what sounded like a mistuned radio came through his door. Curiosity made her stop and press an ear to the wood. The slightly off-key singing persisted, too indistinct for her to recognise the vaguely familiar song.
The shower stopped. She scurried away, her cheeks burning. If he caught her would he be angry or amused?
She couldn’t get that tune out of her head...couldn’t remember the title. Couldn’t ask him.
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