by Dilys Xavier
There was no doubt in her mind she had enjoyed his amorous attentions, and why not? Between the farm, the horses, and her diligent application to her college work, she had given herself little time to enjoy flirtations. Not, she thought, that she had ever met anyone at college with whom she wanted to flirt. They were all such boys. And that lack of experience meant she was quite naive in the art of love-making. But she had thrilled at his touch, so yes, she would let him kiss her again, but for her own reasons and to gain her own ends. Maria frowned as such thoughts flew through her head. ‘This is a man of the world; am I playing with fire?’
Phillip parked the car, and took her arm to guide her inside. Keenly aware of Phillip's continued attention, Maria suddenly felt embarrassed. ‘The weather's gorgeous,’ she said, making pointless conversation,.
‘So are you,’ he whispered, close to her ear, with a genuine smile of admiration. ‘Look, there’s a vacant table over there.’ He moved swiftly before anyone else took it. Almost as soon as they sat down, a waitress hurried across to take their order.
Aware that her pulsing blood was deepening her colour again, Maria fingered the cutlery on the table before her. The confidence of this mature man, who had stepped quite uninvited into her life, was now paramount in her thoughts, and in comparison, she felt like a nervous schoolgirl. Thoughts continued to race through her head. How many women had he said these words to? How many had he kissed in the same way? And was gorgeous Davina Wright, also receiving his embraces? Silently, she admonished herself for thinking like this, when she should be enjoying a day in the beautiful countryside. What he did should be of no concern of hers. Yet, it was.
‘Tell me,’ Maria said, thinking of something else to say, ‘what do you do with your leisure time?’
‘Leisure?’ Phillip echoed, laughing, ‘What's that?’ A quirk played around his mouth, ‘Horses are my life. Apart from training them, I do little else.’
‘I can hardly believe that,’ Maria said, a touch of humour in her voice as she scanned the handsome features across the table. She looked levelly at Phillip as impulsive words left her lips one after another. ‘But surely, there's a woman in your life?’ With keen curiosity to her tone, she continued, unperturbed by his silence, ‘Has there ever been a Mrs Carter?’
Phillip flicked the air with his hand, and he leaned across to speak. ‘I've told you once. No. If you really must know, I value my freedom too much. I am master of my own soul,’ he said, tautly, and with a faint grimness to his tone, ‘and that’s the way I like it.’ He paused for several seconds, watching Maria’s reaction. ‘I note you enjoy freedom too, despite the attention I see you and Gary giving each other.’ His face reflected an awkwardness she had not seen before.
I asked for that, Maria acknowledged silently. I should have known better.
But Phillip compounded the matter by adding, ‘I'm extremely happy with my life, so please don't be concerned for me.’
Maria's expression changed immediately as she flung him a warning glance. ‘Make no mistake, I’m not concerned about how you live your life,’ she said, contritely. ‘I was merely making conversation and I picked the wrong topic. I apologise,’ she said. ‘Of course your life is private; I wasn’t prying.’ Annoyed for putting herself in this predicament, she glared as she threw the words at him. ‘But please be aware that I'm not used to virtual strangers making a pass at me.’
Maria hoped she was making Phillip feel awkward now, but all he did was raise his brows and look away, which annoyed her further. She wanted to put him in his place there and then, but it didn’t seem to be working. ‘Furthermore,’ she added, ‘if I want to be kissed, I’m quite capable of conveying my willingness.’
‘You did! And it was good,’ Phillip said, grinning so widely that her immediate instinct was to slap his face.
Not to be outdone, she continued. ‘And as for Gary and me, our relationship is…. ’
Phillip's raised hand checked her immediately. ‘None of my business; don’t want to know,’ he said sharply. ‘Your affairs are yours, as mine are my own.’
Maria tightened her mouth. Of course, he's right. We don't owe each other explanations. There was silence between them as the waitress placed their meals on the table. Thankful to have something to concentrate on, Maria ate silently. Even the buzz and clatter of the busy restaurant seemed to hush as they ate without further conversation, exchanging a word or two only when necessary. Obviously, Phillip had got the message. So had she.
He paid the bill, and followed Maria to the Ferrari. Once belted in safely, the Ferrari moved away silently, weaving through the winding lanes like a sleek water snake. Grim-faced and looking anything but pleased, Phillip vented his feelings on the vehicle. Maria felt sad that what might have been a lovely day had turned into a fiasco. She regretted the outing was ending on such a low key, especially since she believed her money worries were now probably over, giving her every reason to be happy. As far as My Chance was concerned, she felt sure she had won the day, but Phillip had yet to find out.
Mindful of the dangers on the narrow, twisting roads, Maria's foot automatically sought an imaginary brake every now and again. ‘There’s no need to travel at this pace,’ she scolded. ‘These roads are dangerous. I'd like to get home in one piece, if you don't mind.’
‘I’m perfectly capable,’ Phillip emphasised, his lips curled. ‘So be a good girl and let me concentrate, will you?’
Annoyed with the condescending way he had spoken, Maria breathed deeply to calm herself. Her eyes narrowed. He's so arrogant, treating me like I were a schoolgirl. I could slap him.
Minutes later, Phillip slowed his pace where the road widened at a picnic bay. He pulled in, and turned to look at her. ‘We've made a mess of what could have been a great day, haven't we?’
‘We have.’ Maria's voice was cool and decisive. ‘But it doesn’t matter.’
‘I'm sorry,’ he said simply. ‘Will you forgive me, forget, and start again?’
Maria felt it unlikely there could be any new start to such a touchy relationship. She shrugged. ‘If it's at all possible.’
‘Agreed. Then we'll go to Chepstow, cross the bridge, and look for a nice place for dinner. Will that suit you?’
‘No thanks.’ Her voice was emphatic. ‘I'd prefer to go home now. I'm not in the mood for soft lights and music.’
Phillip's head lifted at the refusal. ‘As you wish,’ he said soberly. ‘Maybe some other time?’
‘Maybe,’ she replied. It didn't take long to reach Manor Farm. Maria got out of the car quickly, but so did Phillip. He put his hand firmly on her wrist before she took flight for the front door. ‘Before you go, Maria, I want a word or two with you.’
She looked up into his eyes. ‘About what?’
‘About the deal on My Chance,’ he said. ‘I understand your grandfather is leaving the final decision to you. Initially, I had no idea the colt was yours, and I'm sorry for any worries I might have created.’ Some bitterness showed in his voice, as though he felt that dealing with Charles Cable would have been more to his liking. ‘You know how much I want that youngster,’ he said, in a steady voice that was polite, yet defiant.
Maria opened her mouth to speak, but had no chance before he went on.
‘I don't care how much; name your price. I want him.’ His lips were a determined straight line. Maria had not seen this side of him quite so clearly before, and more than ever now, she disliked his persistent approach. It was as much as she could do to resist telling him that he had no chance of buying the colt now, but until the win was safely in the bank, she would say nothing.
‘Don’t you think of anything else but horses? she demanded crossly. ‘You’ll just have to wait. I must think carefully about it,’ she said, playing for time. ‘What you don’t know about is the very special interest I have in My Chance. He’s more than just a horse to me, but I doubt you’d ever understand that, or how and why, so there’s no point in going into a long tale about it. On to
p of that I must add that I won't be hurried, bullied, or cajoled.’
Phillip turned thunderously dark eyes on her. ‘I fail to understand. I really do.’ He gave a gasp of exasperation. ‘You want to sell the horse; I make a handsome offer, but with no result. Why are you hedging? I wish I knew what this is all about. Will you tell me?’
Maria was at a loss for words. She shrugged, but remained silent.
‘That's no answer,’ he said impatiently. ‘It looks as though you intend to keep me dangling. Enjoying it?’
Anger surged through her at his words. ‘I never asked for an offer for My Chance. I never said I wanted to sell him. And I have never, ever, wanted to part with him.’ Her limbs were quaking as she stormed towards the farmhouse before Phillip had a chance to reply. She swung around. ‘It’s Gramps who wants the sale. Not me.’
With long, powerful strides, he overtook her quickly. ‘You tease; you little witch,’ he said, grabbing her shoulders from behind. His strong fingers bit into her firm, young flesh as he turned her sharply to face him.
‘Take your hands off me, Phillip Carter,’ she commanded, trying to break his grasp. ‘You're hurting me.’ Her cheeks were red as she looked up into his eyes, dwarfed as he stood looking down at her, little knowing that her heart was thumping furiously with mixed emotions as she tried to wriggle free.
‘Oh, no you don't,’ he said huskily, folding his arms tightly around her slim body. ‘You stay just where you are, young lady.’ He lowered his face, and claimed her lips fiercely, again and again, as she struggled for breath, trying in vain to get free.
‘Let me go’ she demanded, between forced kisses. ‘You, you. . . ,’ But she was helpless in his arms.
Still holding her tightly, Phillip's kisses suddenly softened, his pounding heart pressed hard against her body and she closed her eyes to revel in the sensuous moment she had wanted ever since first seeing him. His heavy breathing revealed how much he wanted her. To her surprise, all antagonism melted away in the heat of the blissful moment as she submitted willingly to his passion. Then, releasing her as suddenly as he had taken her in his arms, Phillip held her away at arm's length and looked down at her. ‘You wanted that, didn't you? I could tell you wanted it. And you enjoyed it as much as I did.’
Maria's eyes narrowed, and furious with herself for giving in, she flicked his fingers away as though she were brushing off a speck of dirt. Taking small steps, with her eyes fixed on his face, Maria reversed until she was clear of him, her expression giving every indication of the anger she felt. She calmed herself and then spoke slowly with an accusing finger pointed straight at him. ‘Don't ever come near me again, Phillip Carter.’
Chapter Sixteen
Maria’s exhibition paintings were now finished, labelled, priced and ready to go, and there was just one more painting to be completed at Colacomby Stables. She was not looking forward to going there again, considering how strained feelings were between her and Carter. She shrugged as she considered whether to go straight away and get it over, or delay until they had both calmed down, but realised the sooner the job was done and out of the way, the better. Then she could disentangle herself from Phillip Carter for good.
‘I’ll be home as soon as I can,’ she told Gramps, ‘and don’t worry if you don’t see me until tomorrow or the next day. I’ll be hard-pushed to finish the job, but I’ll paint until the sun goes down.’
When she arrived at Colacomby Stables, John welcomed her effusively, but Phillip was out. Without wasting any time, she set to with the work on Celtic Whirl and was well away by the time the light was fading. As she began to pack away the brushes and paints, the Ferrari swerved up the drive. Phillip got out and waved to her from outside the entrance.
He strolled over and looked hard at the painting. ‘Oliver Long will be delighted with that,’ he said, as though no cross words had ever passed between them. ‘Is this the last of the commissions?’
Maria nodded, and continued to pack away her materials, while Phillip stood quietly by, saying no more. She had no desire to spend time talking with him; she needed to relax now after a whole day of concentrated effort. She shot him an impatient look. ‘I’m going inside now. John said he’d have a meal ready for me by seven, and it’s already six forty five.’
Carter made no reply, but strode on ahead of her and opened the front door. Maria strode quickly across the hall to go to her room, away from Phillip Carter, but he hurried after her, catching up quickly with his long strides. He positioned himself in front of her and lifted his hands in submission. ‘Okay, I know things between us are not good, heavens alone knows why, but I don’t like it. Whatever I’ve said or done to upset you, I’m sorry, okay? There, I’ve said I'm sorry. What more can a fellow do?’
Maria tossed her head. ‘You think saying sorry puts everything right?’ She gave a cynical smile. ‘It’s not as easy as that. You can’t walk all over people and get away with it simply by saying sorry. Words come cheap, don’t you know?’
‘My God!’ he said, in exasperation, pressing his fingers into his temples, ‘You really are annoying aren't you?’
Maria's eyes opened wide. ‘There you go again. Okay, so I’m annoying.’ Her voice was high with frustration. She tightened her mouth. ‘You've got a colossal nerve, haven’t you? You can't see yourself, but it’s high time you took stock of the way you behave. I wish I'd never met you. My life would have been much less complicated without you featuring in it.’
Phillip's penetrating glare made Maria hesitate. He lowered his eyes and clenched his jaw before speaking, a little muscle rippling in his cheek as he chose his words carefully. ‘I see,’ he said quietly. ‘Maria, tell me honestly, do you really dislike me so very much?’ It was almost a plea.
It gave Maria a peculiar feeling of satisfaction, and yet at the same time made her feel a little sorry for Phillip Carter. She looked up at him, standing corrected like a naughty, lonely child. She even liked him a little for being man enough to apologise, but she knew she had to maintain her distance now, for more than one reason.
‘No,’ she said, ‘I don't truly dislike you. You do have some redeeming features.’ She hedged a little. ‘All the same, you are persistent. What you've said, and done, can happen once, or even twice, but three times? No. You should give more consideration to other peoples’ feelings.’
‘I must have been an idiot,’ he said, in a self-accusing tone, ‘to have risked your friendship by stealing your kisses before you were ready.’
‘And who said I would ever be ready for your kisses?’ she chided. Maria's slight smile of amusement seemed to give Phillip a little sign of encouragement. He took the painting gently out of her hands, and placed it carefully on the floor. ‘Shall we let bye-gones be bye-gones?’ he asked, with his usual fetching smile. ‘I value your friendship, and if it's only friendship I get, so be it; that's better than nothing.’
‘Do you really mean that, Phillip?’
‘Sincerely, I do,’ he said softly. ‘Don't worry about the rest of your painting gear; one of the lads will bring it all in for you.’ He was almost begging her now, and this was what she wanted. I want the conceited creature eating out of my hand, she thought, grimly.
‘Let's shake on it.’ Phillip took both her hands and held her gaze, but made no attempt to kiss her. His hold lingered, and Maria began to wonder if he had already forgotten his promise. She looked at him suspiciously, fearful that the natural female desire deep inside would betray her. ‘Please let my hand go, Phillip.’
‘On one condition,’ he said, half-closing his eyes in jest, ‘which is - you come out to dinner with me tonight.’
She ignored what he had said, and repeated her request with her eyes focussed on his. ‘Phillip, please let my hand go.’
He shook his head again, biting the attractive fullness of his bottom lip as his smiling eyes searched hers. He pleaded again in a softly, coaxing voice. ‘Only if you promise to come out to dinner with me tonight.’
M
aria hesitated for several seconds, her expression softening for a second. She wanted an evening out after a heavy day of work. She wanted to be with him, but was so afraid of the consequences, and of being hurt. ‘All right, but I have a condition as well, which is that you promise there’ll be no nonsense like – well, I guess you know what I mean.’
‘I promise. We'll go to a little place I know in The Cotswolds. It’s delightfully pretty and serves good food; I’m sure you'll like it’. He turned his head. ‘Jim,’ he called, ‘bring in the rest of Miss Cable's things.’ He gave his attention to Maria again and went on. ‘I'll make a reservation while you get ready.’
Maria couldn’t help but smile at his reaction, boyish, despite his maturity. It took only fifteen minutes for her to shower and change, and when she went downstairs, Phillip was dressed and waiting in the hall. He reached for her hand and walked her out to the car.
The Ferrari wound its way up the winding country lanes as they made their way through The Cotswolds. They travelled through a maze of pretty hamlets, and narrow lanes lined with dry stone walling over which beautiful countryside could be seen stretching away in the distance. Eventually, Phillip drove in through big cast-iron gates and up the drive of a beautiful country house built of Cotswold stone. ‘I know you'll appreciate the beauty of this place,’ he said, as they strolled towards the entrance.
Maria stepped inside feeling confident that she looked elegant enough in her silver grey and blue chiffon dress, to grace any man's arm. Her hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and her eyes held a sparkle. Gently cupping her elbow in the palm of his hand, Phillip guided her through the old gold and dusky pink decorated hallway and into the dining room of the exclusive country club. They were barely got inside when Maria heard a lively voice she thought she knew.