‘You’ve always been obsessed with her.’
‘I was once, I suppose, but I got over that ages ago. No, I wanted to get her away from Dempsey because no one should be treated like he treated her. And because she’s your sister, and you were so worried about her.’
‘Oh,’ Lillian said. Deep inside, a small flame of hope had kindled.
‘Lindy, when you said that—when you said you’d always loved me—’
James turned to face her, taking her other hand.
‘You really shook me up, you know. Until that moment…well…it was like I had blinkers on. I thought…well…I thought it was just a kid’s crush and you’d got over it ages ago. Like me with Wendy. I mean, you had lots of boyfriends when you were on tour, didn’t you? But when you said that, I was totally confused. You’ve always been very important to me, you know. You’re the woman I always turn to, more than Susan or my mum, but suddenly you weren’t my little sister any more, and I didn’t know where I was. And then your mum died and there was the funeral and everything, so it hardly seemed like the right time to be talking about you and me. And then all this business with Wendy. I wanted to talk to you that evening at the coffee bar—’
‘I know,’ Lillian said.
That had been a horrible moment. She had been terrified that he was about to say he could only ever be her brother.
‘I’ve got brothers. I didn’t want another one,’ she said.
‘And I’ve got a sister, and I don’t really need another one. Not the way I need you, Lindy. I realise now why I never got the least bit serious about any of my girlfriends. None of them measured up to you. They weren’t as bright or kind or clever or funny as you, and they certainly weren’t as pretty as you. In fact, there’s no one quite like you—’
Lillian was gazing at him, drinking in his words, watching his face, watching his lips as he spoke. All the time he was speaking, an almost painful excitement was building and building inside her.
‘Lindy—darling—’
They moved into each other’s arms as easily as breathing. Their lips met, gently, tentatively at first, a kiss of discovery, then deeper and more passionate, sending Lillian spinning into a breathless spiral of pleasure. When they finally broke apart they smiled at each other in wonder, not quite believing what was happening. James ran a gentle hand over Lillian’s cheek, smoothing back her hair, running his fingers across her ear.
‘My sweet girl,’ he murmured. ‘Why didn’t we do this before?’
Lillian just smiled and kissed him again, wanting nothing but to be close to him, to feel his eager mouth on hers and his hands caressing her body. The tensions of the day evaporated until there was just the two of them at the hot centre of their own small world.
‘Funny that Wendy sort of brought us together. I’ve always been so jealous of her,’ she admitted.
‘Jealous? Of Wendy?’ James sounded genuinely surprised.
‘Yes. She was always so much prettier than me. And you were besotted with her. I hated her for that.’
‘Daft girl. Wendy’s just a—a—an iced cake. All pink and sugary on the top and nothing much underneath. You’re so much better in every way. And, now that we’ve found each other, I’m never going to let you go.’
Lillian smiled. ‘Found each other? You mean you found me. I always knew that you were the one.’
‘Yes, well, you’re obviously much brighter than me. It took me a lot longer.’
It was so amazing and wonderful but, now that it had happened, it seemed inevitable.
‘I love you,’ she said.
There was a deep happiness in saying that, and knowing she could say it safely.
‘I love you too. I think I have for a long time. I’ve been an idiot. A blind idiot.’
Lillian traced the line of his jaw with her fingers. ‘It’s all right. I forgive you.’
The ugly streets of the little town were transformed into a place of magic and wonder as they wandered along with their arms round each other, talking about the past and the future, and stopping every so often to kiss and look into each other’s eyes. It was only when the church clock struck eleven that they realized how long they had been out. Around them, lights were going out downstairs windows and on in bedrooms.
‘I suppose we’d better get back to Eileen’s. She’ll be wondering where we’ve got to,’ James said reluctantly.
‘Mmm—’ Lillian laid her head against his shoulder. ‘We’ll have to tell her how we’ve been taking her advice.’
‘About following our dreams? Yes, I think we’d better do as she says about that one,’ James agreed.
All the characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all the incidents are pure invention.
All Rights Reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises II B.V./S.à.r.l. The text of this publication or any part thereof may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storage in an information retrieval system, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.
This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated without the prior consent of the publisher in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
MIRA is a registered trademark of Harlequin Enterprises Limited, used under licence.
First published in Great Britain 2010.
MIRA Books, Eton House, 18-24 Paradise Road,
Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1SR
© Patricia Kitchin 2010
ISBN: 978-1-408-90501-2
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