by Kay Thorpe
Lianne entered the trendy café a few minutes ahead of time, secured a table and ordered a latte. Zoe appeared just as the waitress delivered the coffee, added her order, then leant forward with an intent expression on her beautiful features.
‘You did it.’
Lianne broke two tubes of sugar and stirred it in. ‘Excuse me?’
‘Slept with Tyler,’ Zoe said without compunction.
‘And you came to this conclusion…because?’
‘Sweetie, you’re an organised kind of girl. Spontaneous,’ she qualified with an infectious grin. ‘But organised. So when you phone me at four and suggest we get together at five thirty, I figure some thing’s going on.’ She paused for a few seconds. ‘Tell me I’m wrong?’
Lianne rolled her eyes as the waitress presented Zoe’s coffee.
‘The question is what I’m going to do about it.’
Zoe broke two sugar tubes into her cup. ‘Like you need me to spell it out?’
‘It’s not simple—’
‘Sure it is. You love him. He loves you.’ Her shoulders lifted in a shrugging gesture. ‘What’s the problem?’
‘Unresolved issues.’
‘So…resolve them.’
‘Dammit, Zoe. I was going to file for divorce!’
Zoe leant back in her chair and assumed a thoughtful expression. ‘Is that what you want?’
Life without Tyler? Lianne closed her eyes, then opened them again. ‘I want what we had. What I thought we had,’ she qualified.
‘Which you’ll have again, if you give it a chance and put what was, behind you.’ Zoe was on a roll. ‘Live in the present, not the past.’
‘Easy to say, when the past intrudes on the present.’
‘You’re going to allow a vindictive woman to ruin not only your marriage, but your life?’ Zoe queried gently.
Lianne retained a vivid memory of the cruel words and heartless taunts Mette had issued. Those she had been able to handle. It had been the gossip leaked to the social pages she had found difficult to cope with. Given Tyler’s public profile, the media had had a field day.
‘I can’t just slip back into the relationship and forget what happened.’
Zoe leaned across the table and covered Lianne’s hand with her own. ‘Your call, darling. But promise me you’ll think long and hard before you make it. OK?’
Lianne finished her coffee and settled back in her chair. ‘Let’s talk about you. The new man in your life, work—’
Zoe lifted a quizzical eyebrow. ‘Anything but Tyler?’
‘Got it in one.’
‘Joachim is Spanish, we’ve dated twice, he’s adorable, and I think I’m going to have sex with him.’ She gave a mischievous grin. ‘You want more?’
Lianne broke into husky laughter. ‘Definitely.’
It took a while, required a coffee refill before they were done, and it was after seven when they parted with a hug and the promise to get together again soon.
Tyler’s black Porsche occupied its customary space next to her own as she parked beneath her apartment block, and she pressed a hand to her stomach to ease her nervous tension as she rode the lift.
It was crazy to feel like this, she decided crossly as she keyed in the code and opened the apartment door. What should she say…Hi, honey, I’m home?
She deposited her laptop and followed it with her bag. The shower wasn’t running. Kitchen?
Lianne found him at the servery fixing a salad. Two steaks were ready to grill, and she could smell fresh bread rolls warming in the oven.
Her eyes skidded a little as she met his level gaze.
‘Have you eaten?’
There was nothing in his voice she could fault and she shook her head. ‘No.’
He’d exchanged the immaculate business suit for black dress jeans and a black shirt, unbuttoned at the neck, and he’d rolled back the cuffs. The total look was vaguely piratical.
There was an opened bottle of wine and two goblets on the servery and he caught up the bottle, poured wine in each goblet and handed her one.
‘Tough day?’
Personally, yes. Professionally, not particularly.
‘The usual.’
She looked tired. Strained, he qualified, and knew the reason why. It was the same reason she’d delayed returning home from work. He aimed to give her a few minutes.
‘Want to talk about it?’
Her eyes dilated, and he glimpsed the nervous wariness apparent.
‘Your day,’ he elaborated, and saw her expression clear.
Lianne took a sip of wine, savoured it, then let it slide easily down her throat. ‘Setting work in motion, paperwork, phone calls.’ She effected a slight shrug. ‘Michael senior is dedicated to providing you with one hundred per cent efficiency.’
Tyler leaned a hip against the servery and sampled his wine. ‘I’m pleased to hear it.’ His gaze locked with hers. ‘Anything else?’
‘We had unprotected sex.’ The words came out in a rush, and she saw his eyes narrow fractionally.
‘That’s a problem?’
She was angry with herself, him…both of them for disregarding common sense. ‘I haven’t taken the contraceptive pill since…for months,’ she added after a slight pause.
‘There’s a chance you could fall pregnant?’
‘I don’t know.’ Did he have any comprehension how many times she’d done the maths in the past ten hours? ‘I don’t think so.’
‘But it’s close,’ Tyler deduced gently.
‘I can’t be sure,’ Lianne responded wretchedly, and steadied her nerves with another sip of wine. It was an excellent vintage, smooth on the tongue, slightly sweet, pleasant bouquet.
‘Do you know how delighted I would be if you were to fall pregnant with our child?’
Oh, dear heaven. Six months ago she would have been of the same mind. But now?
Her hand shook a little. ‘I’m going to file for divorce.’
‘No,’ Tyler refuted softly. ‘You’re not.’
She tried for stormy and failed miserably. Seconds later she gave a faint gasp as he took the goblet from her nerveless fingers and placed it together with his own on the servery.
Then he caught hold of her hand and pulled her in.
‘What are you doing?’
‘This.’ His mouth closed over hers in a soft, seeking exploration that met with initial resistance, then she sank against him and held on as he went deep, taking what she’d been hesitant to give.
When he lifted his head she had little indication of anything other than the shimmering sensuality existent.
She didn’t think she was capable of uttering a word, and a gentle smile curved his generous mouth.
‘Go shower while I cook, hmm?’ He traced a finger over her lower lip, then released her.
Lianne looked at him in dazed silence for a few seconds before turning away to do as he suggested.
The hot water spray had a soporific effect and, towelled dry, she donned jeans and a singlet top, then padded barefoot into the kitchen.
Food. The tantalising aroma proved a reminder that she’d eaten nothing since lunch, and she sat opposite Tyler, caught up her cutlery and proceeded to do justice to the succulent steak.
It was crazy to feel so…insecure, she reluctantly acknowledged. She was good at the art of conversation, so why couldn’t she think of a rational thing to say?
‘There’s nothing you want to run by me?’ Tyler queried with deceptive mildness.
Lianne cast him a careful look. ‘As in?’
‘Whatever’s bothering you.’
‘Why should you think something’s bothering me?’
‘Do you particularly want to play twenty questions?’
She replaced her cutlery and pushed her plate aside.
It irked that he read her too well. Worse, he inevitably seemed to be one step ahead of her.
‘Last night—’ She paused imperceptibly. ‘Shouldn’t have happened.’
One eyebrow rose.
‘You consider it a mistake?’ His voice was gentle, with an edge of something she didn’t care to define.
It had been earth-shattering, and so special she hadn’t been able to think straight all day.
‘I don’t want you sharing my bed.’
‘Because…?’
‘It’s just sex.’
‘Very good sex,’ Tyler qualified solemnly.
Lianne could feel the anger deep inside take root and begin to grow. ‘So let’s continue where we left off, and forget the mischief and mayhem Mette caused?’ Someone had taken hold of her tongue and was bent on letting it run on unchecked. ‘You might conveniently be able to forget the scurrilous tabloid misconceptions drawn at the time. The inferences and implications, the “no smoke without fire” quotes. I had my every expression noted, examined, speculated upon, together with the constant media demand for comment on the—’ she lifted each hand and formed quotation marks ‘—situation.’
Tyler regarded her steadily. ‘I made a statement to the press at the time.’
‘Yes.’ She couldn’t prevent the bitterness entering her voice. “‘I’m a happily married man, and I love my wife”.’
‘You neglected to mention the…“There is no affair. My relationship with Mette is limited to a family friendship”.’
She’d asked the question at the height of their row. Now she asked it again. ‘Did you sleep with her?’ ‘No.’
The image of Mette’s sinuous body entangled with his acted like a stake through her heart. ‘How do I know you’re telling the truth?’
His eyes were incredibly dark. Anger? Remorse? She couldn’t tell. ‘You have my word,’ he said quietly.
‘The jury is still out on that one.’ She’d reached this point numerous times during the past few months. Zoe’s words of wisdom echoed inside her head and she closed her eyes in sheer frustration, only to open them again and stand.
In silence she collected the china and cutlery and transferred them to the servery. Then she rinsed and stacked them into the dishwasher, cleaned the grill and wiped down the sink.
When she turned, he was there. She hadn’t heard him move, hadn’t sensed it.
Tyler caught hold of her chin between thumb and forefinger and lifted it so she had to meet his gaze.
‘I’d known Mette all my life,’ he said quietly. ‘We shared a friendship via family association. Our respective parents endeavoured to matchmake and while Mette got caught up in it, I never did.’
Lianne looked at him in silence. Trust, it was all a matter of trust.
The sudden peal of the phone sounded loud, and she moved away to answer it.
Her mother, stating she’d be in the city the next day and suggesting they meet for lunch.
Lianne did a mental preview of the day. In the morning she was due to view two residential properties with Tyler, and she wasn’t due in the office until two.
She confirmed a time and place and assured she’d make the reservation. Maternal devotion was second to none. So, too, was Lily’s desire for updated news. No need to guess on whom or why.
She replaced the receiver and stepped around Tyler. ‘I’m going to have an early night.’
Tyler let her go. He had emails to compose and send, phone calls to make. A few hours, then he’d call it a night.
It was after eleven when he slid in beside her and gathered her close.
Lianne stirred, instinctively aware she was no longer alone, and she came sharply awake at the feel of his warm male skin, the steady beat of his heart against her cheek.
‘I don’t want you here.’ It was a token protest, and she struggled a little as his lips brushed her forehead.
‘Go back to sleep.’
‘Tyler—’
‘Shut up,’ he bade gently. She curled one hand into a fist and batted it against his shoulder.
‘You should go.’
He lifted a hand and trailed it down her back. ‘Believe it won’t be anywhere without you.’
She relaxed against him, too enervated to fight. ‘You don’t play fair.’
CHAPTER TEN
THE Mount Eliza property was first on the list…a large modern double-storey cream cement-rendered mansion, whose spacious interior was designer decorated and so impeccable it didn’t look as if anyone lived there.
‘No?’ Tyler queried when they completed the inspection, and Lianne weighed her words carefully.
‘It’s magnificent.’
‘But?’
‘It has a sterile feel. Little character.’
The real estate agent looked vaguely shocked and began extolling all the advantages, only to have Tyler thank her and conclude the inspection.
Toorak was an older, well-established suburb with stately homes whose age and style set them apart from the more modern structures.
Leafy trees lined the streets, providing a gracious air, and Lianne almost held her breath as Tyler eased the Porsche between an open set of wide gates into a gently curving driveway.
The grounds were beautiful, lush green lawns, immaculate flower beds and topiary. But it was the house itself which drew her interest.
Established, aged, but impeccably kept, double-storey brick, a dark red tile roof, it seemed to reach out and touch her. 149
The agent led the inspection tour, and Lianne fell in love with the interior, the beautiful floor coverings, furnishings…it was perfection. As to the furniture…genuine mahogany antiques, exquisite artwork adorning the walls. It had character plus.
Tyler didn’t need to ask what she thought. Her pleasure was clearly evident in her expressive features.
‘Beautiful,’ she accorded quietly, out of the agent’s hearing. ‘Everything. There isn’t one detail I would change.’
‘Good.’ He thanked the agent, then led Lianne to the car.
It wasn’t until they were heading in to the city he thought to relay, ‘We’ve received an invitation to dine with Eleanora Postlewaite tomorrow evening.’
‘Oh, my,’ was all she could think to say, and incurred his enquiring glance. ‘Eleanora is the equivalent of Melbourne’s social royalty,’ she managed drily.
‘Showtime,’ Tyler concluded, and heard her sigh.
‘Definitely.’
It was almost midday when Tyler dropped her off adjacent to the restaurant where she was to have lunch with her mother.
Lianne entered the restaurant to find Lily already seated, menu displayed, and condensation beading tall glasses of iced water.
They greeted each other warmly, and a waiter appeared almost as soon as Lianne slid into the seat opposite.
‘I know you only have an hour, darling. I’m going to order the Caesar salad.’
‘Make it two.’ She caught sight of a few brightly emblazoned carrier bags at Lily’s feet and she sent her mother a teasing look. ‘Dad shouldn’t let you loose in the city on your own.’
Lily gave a delighted chuckle. ‘I’ve booked a facial and a manicure this afternoon. Tomorrow I plan to do Toorak.’
‘Big spender, huh?’
‘There’s the most beautiful childrenswear shop on Toorak Road,’ her mother said dreamily. ‘I want to get Shantel something special.’
‘You’re spoiling her.’
‘A grandmother’s prerogative,’ Lily assured her as the waiter presented their salads.
Any minute now her mother would mention Tyler. Sixty seconds and counting…
‘Tyler’s appearance must have come as a surprise.’
Twenty-five seconds had been all it took. ‘You could say that,’ Lianne responded lightly, and caught Lily’s speculative look. ‘Let’s make this easy,’ she offered with an impish grin as she held out one hand and began ticking off each consecutive finger. ‘I don’t know how long he’ll be in Australia, or what his plans are. He’s staying at my apartment, and, yes, we’ve had sex. I’m re-thinking the divorce.’
‘Well, darling. That’s interesting.’
‘The sex was too much information?’
Lily offered a gleaming smile. ‘I’m glad.’
‘About what? The sex?’
Her soft laugh held a wicked tinge. ‘Of course.’
‘My unshockable mama,’ Lianne mocked, and turned her attention to the salad. Wait for it…
‘There’s just one thing,’ Lily ventured. ‘All I want for you is to be happy.’
‘Thank you,’ she said gently.
They talked of other things, family, caught up on mutual friends, and all too soon it was time for Lianne to leave.
‘Maybe we can do this again,’ Lily opined wistfully. ‘Soon?’
‘It’s a date.’
‘I’ll call you.’
Lianne spent a busy afternoon catching up with assigned files, and had almost completed the requested notations when Michael senior entered the office.
A long lunch?
‘Lianne. My office in five minutes?’
More instructions, she assumed as she checked her watch and made a mental note of the time.
At precisely five minutes past four she knocked on the heavy panelled door and was bid, ‘enter’.
‘Come in, my dear, take a seat.’
My dear? She selected a padded leather chair and sank into it.
‘I thought we should clear the air.’
Good grief, had she done something wrong? Was Michael Sloane senior about to prove office rumour correct and heap anger and reprehension on her hapless head?
‘Tyler has chosen to impart certain information.’ He sank back in his chair and regarded her carefully. ‘You are, in fact, Lianne Benedict…Tyler’s wife.’
Lianne felt the colour drain from her face. ‘His estranged wife,’ she corrected.
‘He mentioned there had been a misunderstanding.’
She would kill him. ‘An understatement. And it’s personal.’
‘Of course, my dear. I was not apprised of any details.’
She went straight to the point. ‘Do you require my resignation?’
He looked vaguely shocked. ‘No. Most definitely not.’
‘Perhaps it might be best if my position as your legal assistant was given to someone else.’
‘It does pose a conflict of interest. Tyler has indicated his Australian property portfolio is complete for the time being. However, I have other work I can assign to you.’