Luke Adams Boxset 1

by Dawson, H A

  Her niggles vexed. Steven did not appear to want to admit to his betrayal. Maybe he didn’t think it mattered how many women he saw at once. They were both too old to use the excuse of uncontrollable teenage hormones as had been Darren’s defence when she had once highlighted his unscrupulous behaviour. Steven’s behaviour was inappropriate and she deserved a modicum of respect.

  The doorbell sounded. She hurried along the hallway, her irritations on the tip of her tongue, and opened the door with a stony silence. Upon seeing Steven, who looked more handsome than ever wearing navy blue trousers, a yellow cotton shirt and a patterned tie, a warm glow oozed from her body. Her displeasure was gone, and a grin stretched across her face.

  He reached across to her shoulders and planted a kiss on her cheek. ‘Where have you been all week? I’ve stopped by every day.’

  She tightened. ‘I’ve had to pop out.’

  ‘I thought you must have been avoiding me.’

  She turned away, reaching for her woollen coat and handbag. ‘No.’

  ‘I spoke to Teresa about the accident.’

  ‘What did she say?’

  ‘She acted strangely. I’m worried about her. She wouldn’t say what happened.’

  ‘Do you think it was Geoff?’

  ‘No, but I’m certain it was no accident. When I mentioned the grease, she lost her temper. I’ve never known her to be like that. She insisted that neither of us goes around there. When I asked her why she wouldn’t say. I . . .’ He folded his arms around his body. ‘I got the impression it was more you than me.’

  ‘So why are we going out tonight? I don’t need her doing any favours.’

  ‘I know that, in fact, I said as much.’ He reached for her hand and gave it a little squeeze. ‘She said they wanted to. She said she likes you. They both do.’

  ‘They have a funny way of showing it.’

  ‘I know. It’s all very peculiar.’

  ‘Is she normally like this with strangers?’

  He hesitated and his voice dropped. ‘No, I don’t think so.’

  ‘It’s going to make tonight awkward.’

  ‘It won’t. I’ll make sure.’

  She looked up, caught the compassion in his eyes. ‘I wish you hadn’t told me.’

  ‘I wanted to be honest with you. I don’t want any secrets.’

  Stiffening, she averted her gaze.

  He eased aside her hair and nestled his face onto the back of her neck; his lips dropped like butterflies along her neckline and the tips of his hair fluttered across her skin. Fighting an overwhelming yearning, she pulled free.

  He gave her a questioning glance. She was not ready to confront him regarding Queenie; at the same time, she could not remove the image of his body entwined with hers. It dominated her mind, stilled her voice. It grappled. It drained.

  ‘You look and smell gorgeous by the way . . . irresistible.’

  As irresistible as Queenie? Leanne bit her lip and headed to the door. She was being childish, petty.

  They sauntered to the car. Steven smiled sweetly. Half-heartedly, as she wondered how long she would be able to keep up the pretence she smiled back. With her body stiff, her gaze concentrated, she climbed in the vehicle. He started the car, reversed onto the lane, and headed back into the village. He turned into the new housing estate.

  ‘I thought we were going to meet at Teresa’s house,’ she said.

  ‘Change of plan. Teresa said she would pick us up.’

  ‘So you’re not driving?’

  Grinning, he turned off the engine. ‘No. I might walk you home afterwards, unless . . .’ He leaned towards her, his warm breath moistening her face. ‘I feel like a teenager again.’

  ‘As randy as,’ she said, unbuckling her belt and hurrying out of the car.

  He grinned.

  ‘Look, they’re here.’

  He was sat in the car, dejected, and it reminded her of the movie Grease when Sandy walked out on Danny. For her, the power was satisfying, but her annoyance was greater. Was he the same with Queenie, and whomever else he dated? She would not be his latest trophy. She might be lonely, but she was not desperate.

  The Green Dragon was once a sixteenth-century coach house with oak beams, flagstone floors, and log fires. At the rear of the property were fantastic views of a meandering river and woodland, both set in an undulating landscape. During daylight, the vista was visible through the restaurant windows; at night, the illuminated courtyard was the only view offered.

  Leanne felt as though she was stepping back through time as she headed down some concrete steps, aided by a handrail, and into the restaurant. The room was small and elongated, with wooden tables along the length, a log fire set upon a plinth at the opposite side, and a drinks bar near the entrance. She removed her coat, inhaling the fresh scent of sandalwood, and hung it on the coat rack.

  ‘Your dress is stunning,’ Teresa said.

  ‘Thanks. I like it.’

  She nudged Geoff. ‘Don’t you think?’

  There was admiration in his eyes. ‘Yes. You look lovely.’ He turned to his wife. ‘Almost as gorgeous as you, my sweet.’

  He leaned across and kissed her cheek. She turned her head, whispered something in his ear, and wrapped her arm around his middle.

  Unwilling to be an observer in this intimate moment, Leanne averted her eyes and continued to absorb the relaxing ambience, but not for long. Within moments, they were guided to a table and encouraged to sit down.

  Leanne sat opposite Steven and next to Teresa. After making casual conversation, the menus arrived. The food on offer was home-cooked English cuisine, from the more exotic such as guinea fowl, to chicken in a fine sauce. Each dish sounded delicious, and her mouth watered with expectation.

  ‘This is our treat Leanne,’ Geoff said, ‘make sure you have exactly what you want.’

  Her eyes flickered between Geoff and Steven.

  ‘You too Steven,’ he added.

  ‘I . . . no one said,’ she replied.

  ‘No arguments. We haven’t given you a good impression. We’ve had our problems.’ He reached for Teresa’s hand. ‘But we’re getting there.’

  He placed it to his mouth and kissed it. Teresa’s eyes glistened, their issues apparently forgotten.

  Geoff turned back to Leanne. ‘When you’ve been married as long as us, you’ll have your problems too. It’s all part of the enjoyment. Life would be dull if it always ran smoothly. Don’t you agree?’

  Reluctantly, as she knotted her hands, she agreed. It had never been dull with Phillip and they had rarely had issues. Her chest swelled. This time last year, she would have never envisaged living this life. How quickly things changed.

  ‘What do you like to do in your spare time Leanne?’ Geoff asked.

  ‘My time’s taken up with my son.’

  ‘I hear he was over at the weekend.’

  ‘Yes, it was great to see him. It’s strange being apart from him.’

  ‘Steven tells me he’s a fine young man and a credit to you.’

  ‘Thanks. He is a sensible sort and quite mature for his age.’

  ‘He’s sixteen, is that right?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Has he any idea what he wants to do when he leaves school?’

  ‘Not really. I have been pressing him about it. He enjoys geography and in particular cartography, so I think he might get into that. When he was little, he would often draw maps of the area.’

  ‘Interesting. Is he going to university?’

  ‘Yes. There are quite a few courses he could do - earth sciences, geology, surveying – it’ll take a bit of deciding.’

  ‘How is he going to find out about them?’

  ‘I’m hoping through the school. Otherwise, I will spend some time on the Internet researching the jobs and entry requirements.’

  ‘Good idea. At least you don’t have money worries. That must be a huge relief.’

  Teresa glared at Geoff.

  ‘It’s okay,
’ he said to his wife. ‘Leanne understands what I’m saying.’

  ‘Of course, and yes you're right. I don’t know what I would do if I had to find that amount of money. I wouldn’t want him getting a loan.’

  ‘Quite right.’ Geoff turned to Steven. ‘You’re in the same situation, aren’t you?’

  ‘Yes. It’s a worry, for sure.’

  ‘I admire you both,’ Geoff said, ‘having teenagers must be stressful. I doubt I would manage as well as you.’

  ‘I’m sure you would,’ Leanne said, ‘it comes naturally. You want to do the best for them in every way and sometimes that means dealing with your own emotions differently . . . or even hiding them altogether. I don’t think I could have coped with my recent losses anywhere near as well without Tyler. I would have wallowed far more.’

  ‘I like your honesty.’

  Feeling shy, her eyes drifted across the menu as she pondered Geoff’s behaviour. He was different to their previous meeting, and she had to agree with Teresa and Steven that his rudeness was due to the drink. Covertly, she glanced towards him, noting his fingers interlocking with Teresa’s and his eyes exuding warmth and passion. They seemed happy, far more so than Teresa or Steven had suggested and far more than she believed possible.

  They placed their orders and continued to make easy chatter, talking about the education system, job prospects and government policies, although nothing personal. When the subject did drift towards family values, Leanne moved the conversation on, still hurt by Teresa’s strong negative opinions regarding her search for her mother. No one appeared to notice.

  With the main course completed, Teresa departed to visit the washroom, swiftly followed by Geoff.

  Leanne turned to Steven. ‘They seem to be getting on well tonight.’

  ‘Yes. They do seem cosy.’

  ‘Is it an act?’

  ‘That’s cynical.’

  ‘It’s just that they are fondling each other like they’ve just met. How long have they been married?’

  ‘Thirty or so years.’

  ‘I thought as much.’ She paused, thoughtful. ‘It still bothers me that she doesn’t want me around at her house.’

  ‘You’re making too much of it. She likes to be organised and doesn’t like people dropping in unannounced.’

  ‘But she’s okay with you.’

  ‘Most of the time I warn her.’

  ‘You do?’

  ‘Yes, I’ve been thinking about that. I remember her being a bit odd with me when we first met. I think it’s just one of her eccentricities.’

  ‘So you think I’m being a bit paranoid.’

  He reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. ‘A little. Give her a chance. She’s a nice woman when you get to know her.’

  She pulled it free and reached for her near-empty glass of wine. He looked annoyed. She avoided his penetrating gaze and looked to the bar area.

  Geoff exited the washroom, headed to the bar and ordered a drink. He was chatting to the bar attendant when Teresa appeared. After they had received drinks, they stepped away and paused to hold a conversation. Teresa seemed a little perturbed or irritated by something, and Geoff was trying to placate her.

  ‘What’s going on?’ Steven asked.

  ‘They have just stopped for a chat. It doesn’t seem too amicable.’

  ‘I meant with us.’

  ‘Nothing.’

  He frowned. She looked away.

  ‘What do I have to do to make you pay me attention?’ he asked. ‘I feel as though you’re trying your best to avoid any kind of interaction with me.’

  ‘I haven’t.’

  ‘Every time I speak to you, you seem to start a conversation with Geoff or Teresa. What have I done wrong?’

  ‘I’m trying to get on with them. I thought that’s what you wanted.’

  Steven harrumphed.

  Finally, he had noticed something was wrong. It was a satisfying moment. Maybe soon he would admit to being out with Queenie.

  His mouth opened then shut, as though he was about to speak. Not wanting to progress the conversation any further, she glanced across the room to Geoff and Teresa, who were striding back to the table. Upon their arrival, she passed them a warm smile.

  ‘Enjoying your meal?’ Geoff asked.

  ‘Yes,’ she replied. ‘It’s a great little place.’

  ‘Now you understand why it’s one of our favourites.’

  ‘I’d love to come during the day. Didn’t you say there were some good walks out the back?’

  ‘You like walking?’

  ‘Yes, I do.’

  ‘It’s far too strenuous for me. I’m more of a beer and TV man.’

  ‘There’s a man who’s here most weekends,’ Teresa said. ‘He does a lot of painting.’

  ‘What does he paint?’

  ‘Sometimes landscapes, sometimes fine work, like insects or tiny flowers. He’s talented.’

  ‘Does he sell them?

  ‘I don’t know.’ She paused, pensive. ‘It could be an opportunity for you. You could sell it in your craft business. If it’s any good that is.’

  Geoff’s eyes widened and he leaned forward. ‘You have a craft business?’

  Teresa spoke first. ‘I did tell you.’

  ‘No, you didn’t.’

  ‘I don’t have a business,’ Leanne replied, ‘but I’ve been involved with one before and I am thinking of starting one up.’

  Intriguingly, he was buzzing with excitement. ‘I can’t believe this. I have something that could interest you. I’m buying into a craft business near Norfolk with a friend and we want someone to run the place. Would you be interested?’

  ‘Norfolk? I . . . I could be.’

  ‘Alternatively . . .’ he gazed vacantly for a couple of seconds and then reached for his phone. ‘Hang on a minute.’

  He scurried to the bar area, and whilst he was chatting, she tried to get the idea straight in her head. Teresa and Steven both approved and told her it may be just what she needed. It was the new start she had been after, an exciting prospect.

  He returned bubbling with enthusiasm and displaying a broad grin. ‘I have an even better proposal, and Tony agrees. We want a third partner. It would mean putting some money in, but it would guarantee you had a say in the business. The only problem is you would have to act quickly. We are about to sign the contracts. The woman wants the sale complete this week.’

  ‘How much money?’

  ‘How does forty sound?

  ‘Thousand?’

  ‘Yes. We are doing this as an investment, and don’t have a clue with crafts, so we’d hardly be involved. It would give you a free run. I have the details in the car – I forget to drop them home - but as I said, I’d need an answer by tomorrow.’

  She glanced between Teresa and Steven. Their expressions told her they both considered it a fantastic opportunity. She was inclined to agree.

  ‘It’s all happening a bit quickly.’

  ‘If it helps,’ Steven said, ‘I can vouch for Geoff. We may not always see eye-to-eye, but I know he is a good businessman. He wouldn’t do something unless he believed it would make him money.’

  ‘Is it currently a craft shop?’

  ‘It is, and it’s doing well,’ Geoff said. ‘It has an excellent turnover. The woman wants to retire. It’s a private sale and she wants cash. Lord knows why, but it’s no problem. The contracts have all been verified. Everything is in order.’

  She scrutinised their expectant gazes. ‘But you don’t know me.’

  ‘I can smell the right people,’ he said. ‘I can tell you are straightforward and meticulous, and probably - correct me if I’m wrong – a fast learner. You’re the ideal candidate.’

  ‘It’s a lot of money to part with.’

  ‘I know it is, but I promise you . . .’ he leaned forward and locked eyes. ‘It is an excellent investment. It is in the right location, and there are possibilities for expansion. We’ve already worked out that we should get o
ur money back within the first year.’

  ‘I must say I am tempted, but I’m not sure where I’ll be living. I have Tyler to consider.’

  ‘Isn’t it about half way between here and your other home?’

  Leanne nodded.

  ‘Then it’s ideal.’ His tone grew stern. ‘I don’t want to push you, but I’d say it was meant to be. Do you believe in fate?’

  ‘I’m not sure.’

  ‘I’d say you should. This has to be the reason you’ve been drawn here. Chances like this don’t come around often.’

  ‘Can I sleep on it?’

  ‘Of course, but I’ll need to know first thing, one way or another.’

  ‘Thanks.’

  ‘I’ll leave the details with you. Make sure you remember to take them.’

  The remainder of the evening past in a blur and it was difficult for Leanne to concentrate on the conversation. All she could think about was the business opportunity. It was what she had wanted to do, and with two other partners involved in the deal, she would share the risk. Yet her doubts still flirted with her excitement. She did not know Tony Lawrence at all and she hardly knew Geoff and felt as though she should decline the offer. Yet, for some bizarre reason, she trusted them. It was a fantastic opportunity, and it was the new start she needed.

  The money was not an issue either. She had the inheritance and had no plans for it, and then there was Honeysuckle Cottage, a fantastically valuable asset. It would not be a massive loss if it went wrong. Should she be impulsive and say yes? She wanted to, she just wasn’t sure if she was brave enough.

  Steven wrapped his arm around her waist as they gathered by the bar to leave. His aroma wafted towards her, his warmth projecting itself into her body. She looked at him, deadpan.

  ‘I can tell there’s a lot going on inside your head. Do you want me to come back to your place to help you check the details?’

  Suddenly, she thought of him with Queenie and pulled herself free. Despite her high spirits, she still felt the hurt of his betrayal, and could not dissolve it in her mind. ‘No thanks.’