The Soft Whisper of Dreams

by Christina Courtenay

  He chuckled, and the sound of his voice was strangely exciting. The skin of his chest felt smooth and soft against her back, and her breasts tingled when his forearm accidentally came into contact with them. She attempted to break free with one hand, but touching his muscular arm with its fine covering of hair only sent further shivers through her. She could feel a blush begin to spread across her face and down her neck, and for the sake of her sanity she decided to give up the ball.

  When Alex swam off with his trophy held high in triumph, she dived under the water to cool her heated face. This won’t do – get a grip, woman! She knew from experience that it would be madness to become involved with a man like Alex, and she never wanted to go down that road again. Once had been enough with David, the lying, cheating, son-of-a— Maddie stopped that thought. He wasn’t worth even thinking about; she’d had her fingers well and truly burned.

  But it was tempting. Alex was extremely tempting. ‘Irresistible’, Kayla had called him. ‘We’ll just see about that,’ Maddie muttered.

  ‘Kayla, I need to go into town tomorrow. Could I borrow a car please?’ Maddie was lying on the beach next to her friend in the small secluded cove which belonged to Marcombe Hall, soaking up the sun’s rays. There was a fresh breeze from the sea, making it a much more pleasant experience than trudging around hot country fairs.

  ‘I can take you. I have to go to Dartmouth tomorrow anyway.’ Alex was sitting on a rock a few yards away, staring at the sea. He had appeared oblivious to their conversation, so his offer took Maddie by surprise.

  ‘Oh. Well, that’s very kind, but I was actually thinking of going to Totnes. Besides, you don’t want to wait around for me.’

  ‘It’s not a problem. And you’ll find all the same shops in Dartmouth, I’m sure. Or were you going somewhere in particular?’

  ‘Uhm, no, not really.’ She tried to think of some other excuses as to why she shouldn’t go with him, but nothing came to mind and it would have been rude to refuse.

  ‘I’m not in a hurry, and we can grab a bite to eat when you’ve finished shopping.’ He looked her straight in the eyes and she stared back, mesmerised. He had the bluest eyes she’d ever seen, even more vivid than those of his brother, which Kayla had enthused about when she first met Wes. Their dark hair made the clear colour of their eyes appear even more intense. In Alex’s case, this was highlighted by the fact that his mane was blue-black, whereas his brother’s was dark brown.

  Almost shoulder-length, Alex’s hair fell in layers swept off his forehead and he ran his fingers through it, making Maddie long to do the same. She shook herself mentally. What the hell was wrong with her? She was sure he was only interested in one thing and she had sworn never to sleep with any man again unless he was prepared for commitment. Somehow Alex didn’t strike her as the right sort. He looked like the archetypal player and Annie’s words the other day had confirmed it.

  ‘Well, thank you then,’ she capitulated, unable to come up with any more excuses. ‘What time do you want to leave?’

  ‘Would ten be all right?’

  ‘Sure. Ten it is.’

  They set off on the dot and Alex commented on her punctuality. ‘I thought women were always late,’ he joked and she liked the way his eyes twinkled when he smiled.

  ‘Normally I would be,’ Maddie replied, ‘but I was afraid you’d leave without me, so I got up extra early.’

  ‘No, no, I wouldn’t do that. I’m a gentleman, or at least I was brought up to be one.’ His face took on a grim expression and Maddie realised it must be difficult for him to adjust to life outside prison again. Against her will, she suddenly felt sorry for him.

  ‘I’m sure you still are,’ she said and he quirked an eyebrow at her. ‘What I mean is, you must try to forget this business with prison now and put it behind you. You are what you want to be. It’s the future that counts.’

  He slanted her an enigmatic look. ‘That’s what I try to tell myself, but I can’t help feeling that people look at me in a different way now. Perhaps it’s just my imagination, but it’s as if there is a huge sign on my chest that says “former criminal, beware”. Silly, isn’t it?’

  She put a hand on his arm and regretted it instantly. A thrill raced through her as she felt his powerful forearm move beneath her fingers and she had to force herself not to jerk away immediately. ‘It’s all in your mind, Alex. None of us even give it a second thought, I promise.’

  ‘Thanks. I’m doing my best to forget it. At least I don’t have to go looking for a job, which is lucky. Any prospective employer would be bound to ask about the three missing years on my CV.’

  ‘What are you going to do then?’ Maddie knew she probably shouldn’t ask, but she had always been curious about other people and her tongue often ran away with her.

  ‘Didn’t Wes tell you? I’ve bought some holiday cottages which I’m going to do up and rent out. I’ll manage them myself and in time I hope to build up quite a little empire.’

  ‘That sounds great, but where did you get the money for that?’ She saw his eyes cloud over and realised she’d said the wrong thing. ‘I mean, I know you didn’t steal it, so did you get a mortgage?’

  Slightly mollified he replied, ‘No, there was some money in a trust fund for me, but Wes always refused to hand it over before.’ He smiled ruefully. ‘Sensible guy, my brother. Three years ago I would have squandered every penny on boats, fast cars and ... well, things like that. Fortunately he thinks I’ve changed and can be trusted with it, so that’s what I used, plus the money Wes received from the sale of my yacht.’

  ‘You sold your boat? But I thought you loved the sea?’ Kayla had told her of his passion for sailing, and she had no trouble whatsoever in imagining him at the helm of a boat, staring into the horizon with narrowed gaze. Now that he had shed the prison pallor and acquired a tan, he resembled his gypsy ancestor even more and Maddie couldn’t resist clothing him in pirate’s gear in her mind. Frock coat, tricorne hat, linen shirt with lace at the wrists and slightly open at the neck, showing off his tanned chest … She felt a slight flush staining her cheeks and turned towards the open window to cool off.

  ‘Oh, I do, but that particular yacht brought back too many bad memories.’

  ‘Well, if I was lucky enough to own one, I wouldn’t sell it unless as a very last resort,’ Maddie said wistfully.

  ‘You like sailing? I didn’t think there was much opportunity for that in London,’ he teased.

  She raised her eyebrows at him, but didn’t rise to the bait. ‘Actually, yes I do love sailing and would like to learn how, but I’ve only ever been a passenger a couple of times.’ She shrugged. ‘It made me wish I could go more often though. It was heaven.’

  ‘If I want to go sailing Wes has promised to lend me his boat. It’s not as big as mine was, but it’s not a bad little craft. Perhaps you’d like to come with me some time?’

  ‘Sure. I’d love to.’ The words tumbled out before Maddie had time to think about it and she regretted them almost instantly, but it was too late to take them back.

  The rest of the journey was spent discussing his plans for the holiday cottages. Alex seemed really interested in her views on decorating, which was gratifying, and Maddie was happy to be of assistance.

  ‘After all,’ he said, ‘you girls know a lot more about these things than we do, so if you don’t mind, I might consult you when I get to that stage.’

  ‘Of course, feel free. As long as I don’t actually have to put up wallpaper – I’m rubbish at that.’

  The little town of Dartmouth was very picturesque. Maddie had been there before, and therefore the steep hills which surrounded the town came as no surprise, but she was struck again by the pleasant atmosphere. Alex let her out near the city centre where a green oasis gave some respite from the heat.

  ‘Is this okay?’ he asked.

  ‘Yes, fine. I know my way around. See you later.’

  The shops and pavements were crowded, but Maddie was in no
hurry. After she had bought what she’d come for she wandered slowly along the tiny streets, gazing idly into shop windows. Since she had at least another half an hour before she was due to meet Alex at the Three Kings pub for lunch, she walked around the marina, gazing out to sea and studying all the various boats moored there.

  The people around her were mostly tourists. The summer months were a busy time of year for this part of the country, especially when the weather was as glorious as it had been for a while now. Maddie played a game with herself trying to guess which of the people were actually locals and which were not. The Devon dialect was of course a dead giveaway, but not everyone living in Dartmouth spoke like that. She thought she could detect the locals by their determination, however. They didn’t amble along staring around them; they had a purpose.

  It was as she was standing still, eavesdropping on a large group of Americans outside a tea room, that it happened.

  Someone bumped into her quite hard and she turned to frown at the person since he or she didn’t bother to apologise. Her gaze took in the irritated face of a dark man with a heavy beard, and her body froze as if rooted to the spot. She felt as if she recognised his face, although she was sure she’d never met him, and for some reason he terrified her.

  ‘Look where you’re going,’ the man snarled at her, before hurrying off muttering, ‘Bloody tourists everywhere you go. There’s never any peace.’

  Maddie stared after him, her mouth hanging open, and a strange feeling of dread began to build up inside her. She had the distinct impression she’d seen that man before, but where? Who was he? She was seized by a sudden urge to find out and set off after him. She followed the man at a discreet distance down the road, as if she was a private eye in an old black and white movie. If she hadn’t felt so shaken, she’d have been laughing, it was so ridiculous, but as it was, she walked with grim determination.

  The man strode along quite quickly, so she had to hurry to keep up with him, but luckily he didn’t go far. Towards the end of the street he turned left, into a small lane leading up a steep hill. It began with some steps and continued as a winding road, leading eventually to a little cul-de sac. At the far end of this stood a chapel of some denomination or other, and the man entered a garden to the left of this building. Without a backward glance, he walked into the house, slamming the door forcefully. Maddie came to a halt some twenty yards down the road.

  She was never sure afterwards how long she stood there, but after a while an elderly lady came up and asked her if she was lost.

  ‘Sorry? Oh, no, it’s just that ... actually, can you tell me who lives in that house over there next to the chapel?’ She pointed.

  ‘Why yes, it’s Mr Blake-Jones, the minister. Did you want to see him about something? Are you a member of his sect?’

  ‘Sect?’

  ‘Yes, the Saint Paulians they call themselves I think.’

  ‘Er, no, I’m not one of them. Don’t worry, it’s okay. I’ll come back another day.’ Maddie looked at her watch. ‘I’ve just remembered I’ve got to meet someone in five minutes. Thanks for your help.’

  She sprinted down the street as if all the demons of hell were on her tail.

  Chapter Six

  Alex drummed his fingers on the table and checked the time once more. Maddie was late and he was impatient to see her again. He cradled the ice cold soft drink in his hands and tried to calm himself.

  He had only known her for less than a week, but it seemed irrelevant. She intrigued him, mesmerised him, and he desperately wanted to become better acquainted with her. Acquainted? He almost laughed out loud. What a stupid word that is. Hell, he wanted more than that, much more. He wanted to know her in every way, including the biblical sense, no doubt about it. And he didn’t have a clue how to achieve this. She had signalled very clearly that he was to stay at arm’s length.

  It was ironic. Three years ago he could have had any girl he chose. With his looks and self-assurance it had been so easy and he’d never even thought twice about it. Girls were there for the taking. If they happened to say no, it was no big deal, he simply continued on to the next one. But now his self-assurance was gone. And he didn’t want just any woman, he wanted Maddie. Only her. Why this should be so he didn’t know, but he was becoming more convinced about it every day that passed.

  This is crazy! She just happened to be the first woman I saw when I got out of jail. But that didn’t matter.

  In order to test his theory, he passed the time by studying all the females in the pub to see whether any of them would spark his interest. As it was lunchtime, the taproom was fairly full and he could see at least three very pretty young ladies from where he sat. He looked at each one in turn, noting their faces, their figures, the way they smiled and flirted, how they were dressed. Not one of them made him feel even mildly attracted. Unfortunately, the opposite seemed to be the case. The prettiest of the three immediately came sauntering over and Alex could have kicked himself. He shouldn’t have shown any interest at all.

  ‘Alex? Alex Marcombe, is that really you? Long time no see!’ The girl leaned forward to kiss the air either side of his face, showing him a huge amount of cleavage in the process and enveloping him in a cloud of strong perfume. She giggled flirtatiously. ‘I’m Jenna, remember? Olivia’s party down on the beach a couple of years back?’

  Alex smiled and nodded, although he only had the haziest of memories of that night. ‘Of course. Jenna. Good to see you. Sorry, I’ve, er … not been around for a while, so I’m having trouble with names.’ A lame excuse, but it was all she’d get.

  ‘That’s okay, I’m the same. There’s, like, so many people around here. Can’t remember them all.’ She kept her gaze fastened on him and put one hand on his arm. ‘So are you around now? We should go out sometime, you know, for old times’ sake. I’m always up for a drink.’

  ‘Well, I …’ Alex was out of practice and didn’t know how to tell her no without offending her. But just at that moment, Maddie came hurtling through the door, flushed as if she’d just run a mile, and despite her obviously dishevelled state, his pulse started racing. She hadn’t even looked at him yet and still his body reacted. Alex cursed silently.

  I’ve got it bad.

  Maddie spotted him and came over to join him. ‘I’m so sorry I’m late, I forgot the time,’ she said, then glanced at Jenna. ‘Hope I’m not interrupting?’ She pulled out a chair and sat down, picking up the menu and studying it intently. Alex wondered what she’d been up to, but refrained from asking.

  ‘Not at all. Jenna was just leaving,’ he said, hoping it was true. Jenna was busy throwing Maddie an icy glare, but his words registered eventually. She turned to give Alex a huge smile and a kiss on the cheek, again bending over much too far.

  ‘I’ll call you, sweetie,’ she said. ‘I know where you live. Marcombe Hall, right?’

  ‘Er, at the moment, yes, but it’s ―’

  Jenna didn’t give him a chance to explain that this was a temporary arrangement. ‘No worries, I’ll find you,’ she promised, and Alex was sure she would. She had a steely look of determination in her eyes and for once he felt like the prey instead of the hunter he’d used to be. He didn’t like it. ‘Byeee,’ she cooed and sauntered off with a sassy wiggle.

  Damn. Alex could see that Maddie was on edge again now, and just when he’d got her to relax a bit in his company earlier. Typical.

  He took a deep breath and tried to sound normal as he asked Maddie, ‘Got all your shopping done?’

  ‘What? Oh, yes, thank you.’ She indicated the carrier bags she had deposited on the floor. ‘I found everything I needed.’

  Alex noticed a rather large bag with ‘Gillian’s Artists’ Materials’ written on the outside and seized on this topic of conversation. ‘Are you an artist?’ he asked, curious to find out more about her. Kayla had told him Maddie worked as a legal secretary, just like she herself used to do.

  ‘Well, not exactly. I just sketch for pleasure now and agai
n. I don’t really get much time for it, but now that I’m here on holiday for a while I thought I would have a go. There are so many pretty views around Marcombe.’

  ‘Yes, absolutely. Will you let me see the finished results?’

  ‘I don’t know about that.’ She looked enchantingly shy all of a sudden. ‘I’m really not that good.’

  ‘Please? I promise not to laugh. I can’t draw to save my life, in fact, I should think Jago is better at it than I am.’ He smiled at her and was pleased to see an answering smile on her face. Good, she was relaxing again. She had a generous, pouting sort of mouth that would be perfect for kissing. Alex almost groaned. I have to stop this or I’ll drive myself mad.

  ‘Okay, fine, but if you do laugh I’ll hit you over the head with my paint box.’

  He chuckled. ‘Sounds like a horrendous punishment. I promise to behave.’ Which was not what he wanted to do around her at all. Quite the opposite. With an inward sigh he picked up the menu.

  ‘Maddie, are you there? Can I come in?’

  Kayla knocked, but came into Maddie’s room before she received an answer. Maddie didn’t mind though. Her friend often popped in for an evening chat after she’d put her children to bed.

  ‘Come on in.’ Maddie was sitting by the open window, her chin resting on her arms, and she’d been lost in thought.

  Kayla walked over to sit down on the window seat next to her. ‘Hey, are you all right?’