by Leah Murray
`Just relax, will you,’ he said and she took another halting breath as she felt him run a hand through her hair. Her heart was beating madly in her chest, the air between them buzzing with tension. Relax? Yeah, right.
`Maybe if we get this over with you can calm down and enjoy the rest of the night.’
`Get what over –’she broke off as he met her gaze, lifted a finger and ran it down her cheek, across her lips.
Oh God. Now? He couldn’t kiss her now. She wasn’t prepared for it. Not yet. She needed the work up of the dinner, the alcohol to give her false courage.
`Jo. Relax.’
Her breath caught again as she watched him lower his head, felt his lips against hers. Despite herself, she closed her eyes and leaned in, opened under the gentle pressure of his tongue. She moaned softly, reached a hand up and ran it through his hair, pulling him closer and feeling him respond to her touch. The heat of him burned against her as he moved a hand at her waist, rubbing up towards a breast as he explored her mouth. Suddenly he reached behind her, pulled her hard up against him in a primal move that sent a jolt of lust rushing through her but the movement also crushed her arm against his chest and she winced at the sudden pain in her injured shoulder. She suddenly came to her senses and pulled away.
Will stepped back, his breathing ragged. `Bloody hell,’ he said after a moment and she nodded, her head still spinning.
She wasn’t sure if it was the effect of the wine or the sheer desire his kiss had inspired in her. Hell, a man who could kiss like that really ought to come with some sort of warning. She swallowed nervously, met his gaze.
`Sorry, got a bit carried away there,’ he said with a sheepish grin. A curl of hair flopped over his eye and she couldn’t help but smile at the way he managed to look innocent, adorable and threateningly masculine all at the same time.
Feeling the heat in her cheeks, knowing it was a dead giveaway, she decided to go with honesty. `Right, well. If that was meant to make me relax it didn’t work.’
He smiled, stepped back. `We better get going while we still can,’ he said.
She nodded, carefully edged around him and stepped into the passage, pausing to get her jacket and bag from the table next to the staircase. She jumped at the touch of his hand at her back and he laughed, shook his head.
`That must cause a lot of problems for you.’
She frowned. `What?’
`Being all nervy and jumpy. I thought vets had to be calm and hard to fluster.’
`It’s not my usual state, trust me,’ she replied, annoyed. She pulled open the front door, stood waiting for him to step outside.
He leaned down, surprised her by pressing his lips to her forehead.
`I know, I’m simply enjoying the ego boost, don’t mind me.’
She inhaled sharply, annoyed there was no suitable object in sight that would be capable of inflicting serious damage. `Arrogant damn male,’ she muttered, pulling the door shut and following the sound of his laughter down the stairs to his car.
`What on earth are you doing now?’ she asked, turning in surprise as he pulled up outside a grocers.
`Getting something non-alcoholic for you to drink. I’ve only got wine but I think you’ve had enough for tonight.’
`But I thought we were going to a restaurant or something?’
He winked but didn’t reply, climbed out the car and headed into the supermarket.
She shook her head then reached up and pulled down the visor, checking her make-up in the mirror. She was annoyed to see a flush of red under the spattering of freckles across her cheeks. Definitely too much wine. How could she not have noticed how much she’d been drinking?
It had been nerves. The whole damn day her insides had been a tangled mesh. And now, after that … that …. hell, she couldn’t even call it a kiss. That was pure seduction, practiced, expert.
It spoke volumes, probably went a long way to explaining the arrogance. She grimaced, hating the idea of being yet another in a long line of females.
About to flick the visor back up, she caught sight of a black wagon parked a few spaces behind them and her heart leapt into her mouth. She only allowed herself to breathe again when a rotund man and his equally plump family piled out of the car, headed across the road into the local fish and chip shop.
The driver’s door opened across from her and Will climbed back in, handing her a bag before starting the car and backing out the park.
She opened it, saw the grape juice and smiled slightly.
`You bought me grape juice.’
He shot her an amused glance. `Closest thing to wine I could find.’
`Where are we going?’
`Secret.’
`Oh come on. I hate secrets.’
He raised an eyebrow, glanced across at her and she turned her head and focused on the scenery, decided it was easiest to ignore him for now.
Although it was past seven, the sun was still up, washing over the dark green of the forest-clad hills flanking the narrow road they followed uphill, heading up the coast towards St Germans. She wondered where he was taking her, was very surprised when he pulled over to the side of the road and stopped the car. She looked around, saw nothing but the hills and the road and frowned.
`Where are we?’
`Little place I know,’ he said, coming round to help her out then opening the back door of the Land Rover and pulling out a blanket, a lantern and a basket.
`Will! Where are we?’ she asked again, intrigued and, somewhat surprisingly, not all that wary.
`You’ll see soon enough. Got the juice?’
She nodded, watched him press the button on the keyring to lock the car as he balanced the basket against a hip, then she followed him into the woods.
A short walk later she drew in an awed breath as she stepped out from the cover of the trees and onto the beach of a small cove.
`Wow, this is awesome,’ she said, entranced by the serenity and easy charm of the spot. She turned to see Will watching her and he smiled, put down the basket and blanket.
`I knew you’d like it. Beats some crowded over-priced restaurant, doesn’t it?’
Jo nodded, overwhelmed with a rush of anticipation. This was no ordinary man she was dealing with, she knew that for certain now. But it wasn’t just the undercurrent of danger, there was something else, something in him that called to her, something that she couldn’t ignore.
`So you’ve planned a picnic for us then?’ she asked with a smile. `I hope you didn’t do the cooking.’
Will shook his head. `I really should be insulted at that you know. You haven’t the faintest idea of what I can or can’t do.’
Jo laughed. `I think it’s a fairly good guess on my part that you don’t go near a kitchen unless it’s to stick something in a microwave.’
He smiled then shrugged. `Okay, true. But don’t worry, this is courtesy of Julia and she’s a whizz in the kitchen. Probably the reason I don’t need to be.’
She sat cross-legged on the blanket, grateful to be wearing slacks, as Will began unpacking the basket.
`Wow. A real feast,’ she said with a smile.
Will nodded, grabbed a couple of wine glasses and filled them with juice then handed her one.
They sat in silence for a moment, both staring at the sea.
`Sorry about before,’ Will said suddenly and Jo turned to face him with surprise. `Don’t worry about it,’ she said.
`It wasn’t planned.’
She wondered why it would bother him if she thought he had all of his moves planned out. `I didn’t mind,’ she said, and Will grinned.
`I could tell.’
She swallowed, put her glass down and frowned at him. `Look, this whole arrogant thing has to stop, okay?’
He laughed. `What did I say wrong? I merely said I could tell you enjoyed it. Does that bother you? Would you rather I pretended I didn’t know?’
Jo glanced away, uncomfortable with the logic. `I don’t like the idea that you think
you can just snap your fingers and I’ll come running.’
Will frowned, suddenly serious again. `Why would I think that? I’m counting my blessings right now, trust me. Plus, I’m starving so why don’t we make a start on the food.’
She watched him unwrap the plastic foil over the chicken, put some meat on her plate and dish up the salad and bread. Then he cut the meat into spear-able pieces for her. She was touched by the gesture. `Thanks,’ she said as he slid the plate over before dishing up for himself.
They ate in silence and there was a tension in the air. Will appeared to be avoiding her gaze and Jo turned to him. `I didn’t mean to insult you,’ she said after a few minutes.
Will turned to her and smiled, shook his head. `I wasn’t insulted. I’m more interested in why you are so sure I’d think that.’
Jo twirled the stem of the glass. `I don’t know. Why wouldn’t you? I haven’t exactly been playing hard to get.’
`Good. Despite what I said the other day, I don’t like games, Jo. I don’t see the point.’ His voice was serious and Jo stared at him, amazed at the turn of conversation. So much for light first-date chatter.
`I don’t much see the point in it myself. Still, that doesn’t mean I’m automatically available. I’m simply taking it one step at a time. For the moment, I’m enjoying it.’
He grinned. `Care to try again?’ he asked, shifting closer. He had been sitting slightly across from her, to her right, with his elbows resting casually on his raised knees. But now his shoulder was hard up against hers and she could feel the warmth of him all along her side. Suddenly aware of how isolated they were, she swallowed nervously and he laughed, nudged her gently with his shoulder then stood up, reached out a hand.
She hesitated then placed her hand in his and he pulled her to her feet, circled her with his arms. He reached up, brushed her hair away from her face and smoothed it down her back, following the movement with his eyes. Then he looked back down at her and smiled.
`Don’t look so nervous. I’m not going to bite,’ he said, grabbing her hand and leading her down to walk along the shoreline. She stared out at a couple of boats on the horizon, the white of their sails highlighted against the pink-orange sky tinted by the last rays of the setting sun.
`What time does the tide come in?’ she asked suddenly.
`Don’t worry, it’s out now. Next high tide is midnight.’
…
He watched them from the cliff, saw her throwing herself at the guy and almost retched with the resulting nausea. How dare she? She knew she was his, had been from the very beginning.
She would pay for this betrayal. He’d make sure of it. Cursing, he lowered the binoculars and started the long walk back to his car. No point watching anymore, he’d only torture himself with the memories. She was a no-good cheating whore.
He spat in disgust. So she thought she’d escaped. Well it wasn’t that easy. Oh No. Nobody did that to him and got away with it.
He’d be waiting for her when she got home. Would teach her what happened when she threw herself at other men.
CHAPTER 5
Will walked her to the door.
`Thanks for a great night,’ Jo said, raising a hand to shield her eyes from the headlights of a car driving past.
`Glad you enjoyed it,’ Will said. He hesitated. ‘I’ve drawn the short straw and have to work a couple of long shifts the next few days but I have the day off on Thursday. Interested in seeing some sights?’
`What do you have in mind?’
`I’m still thinking about it. I can come pick you up around eight, what do you think?’
Jo smiled and nodded. She watched him walk back down the path to his car and waved as he drove away. Then she turned and shut the door, fumbled for the light switch, suddenly unnerved by the dark, empty house. She felt a sense of relief as the room flooded with light. Whiskers stalked over towards her and Jo smiled, bent down to pick her up. She carried the cat one-handed upstairs to the bedroom, switching off the downstairs lights as she did so.
`I had the most amazing night Whiskers’ she said to the cat, putting her down on the bed and rubbing her face against the white fur, smiling at the low purr.
She got ready for bed, turned the lights off and lay staring at the ceiling, unable to erase the smile of contentment from her face.
…
She drifted off into a deep sleep, didn’t hear the man climbing the stairs to her bedroom or feel him standing at the bottom of the bed, staring down at her for a long time.
Eventually he simply went back downstairs, kicked out at the cat as it arched its back and hissed at him. He fingered the key in his pocket, the one he’d picked up on the beach.
Damn that fool Hempsey. How could he have stuffed up something as simple as getting her off the beach and into a car? He gritted his teeth against the sudden surge of anger and took a deep breath, pondered what to do next. No, he’d been rash before. It wasn’t time to punish her yet. He must wait until everything was in place, stick to the original plan.
As they said, revenge was a dish best served cold.
CHAPTER 6
WILL WALKED INTO WORK THE next day, whistling. He didn’t realize how odd that was until Gus appeared at the doorway to the office, his eyebrows raised in surprise.
`Had a good night then?’ he asked, smirking, and Will frowned.
`Yes and not the way you’re thinking so don’t even go there.’
Gus’ eyebrows shot even further up, if such a thing was possible. The smirk disappeared, was replaced by a warm smile.
`Well, well, good to have you back,’ he said, coming over and slapping Will on the back.
Will frowned again. `What’s that supposed to mean?’
`Hell, Will, this is the first time I’ve seen you this relaxed and happy in the last two and a half years. You’ve hidden away in that big house of yours long enough. It’s about time you had some company.’
`I’ve had company.’
Gus snorted. `Not her kind of company and you know it. I like the girl already.’
Will shifted, uncomfortably aware of the truth of what Gus was saying but not ready to admit it. He was relieved when Julia walked in.
`Hello there. How did it go?’ she asked from behind him and he turned, smiled.
`Great. Thanks for the dinner.’
She sent him a searching glance, nodded and smiled, but thankfully had the tact not to comment further.
Gus, on the other hand, had the subtlety of a ten-pound hammer.
`So when you seeing her again?’
Will rolled his eyes. `Thursday. Now let’s get on with it, shall we?’
The rest of the day passed uneventfully. He finished up with the stock take, spent some time with the books and hired a new waitress. Had to force himself not to pick up the phone and call Jo every ten minutes. That fact alone made him pathetically grateful that he had another two days to try and get himself back in control.
He tried not to brood over what Gus had said to him but the damage was done and he wasn’t sure he liked the implications.
One day at a time, he told himself, repeating it as a sort of mantra every time he felt his mind drifting back to Jo, remembering what she had felt like on the beach, the welcome warmth of her body against his, her floral scent, the sweet taste of her mouth.
Jesus. At this rate he wasn’t going to make it through the afternoon let alone the next forty-eight hours.
…
He arrived with a military promptness. Eight o’clock sharp. Jo opened the door to see him dressed casually in a T-shirt and surf shorts.
‘Hi,’ she said, her smile fading as he looked down at her black slacks and shook his head.
‘Sorry, but you’re going to have to get changed.’
‘Why? Where are we going?’
‘Sailing.’
Jo froze. She shook her head and took a step back. ‘Oh no. I can’t Will.’
He frowned. ‘Why not?’
Jo avoided
his gaze. ‘I can’t go sailing. I … I don’t go on boats.’
‘You don’t go on boats,’ Will repeated, clearly incredulous.
Jo nodded. ‘I have a sort of phobia,’ she said.
Will looked shocked. ‘So you are telling me you have never actually been on a boat? Not a ferry? Nothing?’
Jo nodded. ‘Not since I was a child.’
‘Bloody hell woman, you sure are missing out on some of the best things in life. Can you swim?’
Jo nodded. ‘Yes, but-oh no. Don’t even think about it.’
Will smiled, the dangerous predatory smile of a wild animal. ‘You’ll be fine. I’ve sailed here my whole life, I won’t let anything happen to you. All you have to do is sit still and enjoy the view.’
Jo shook her head. ‘No. You can’t make me do this.’
Will’s expression softened. ‘Jo, you only live once. Don’t waste your life hiding away. Trust me, I’ve walked that path and – ’ he broke off with a shake of his head. ‘Won’t you just trust me?’ he asked.
Jo swallowed, tried to think of some excuse. Somehow she knew though that there was no way Will was taking ‘No’ for an answer.
‘Go upstairs and change. Make sure you bring something warm, top and bottom,’ Will said, pushing her gently towards the stairs.
Jo hesitated, torn between facing a fear she’d had from childhood and a burning need to be closer to this man she barely knew. She didn’t understand it but she did know that sitting alone at home was not living. ‘Alright,’ she said at last, heading upstairs. She hesitated at the bottom of the stairs.
‘You’re going on a boat Jo, not to an execution,’ Will said with a laugh.
‘It’s windy, maybe a storm’s brewing,’ she said when they arrived at the marina.
Will shook his head as he helped her from the car. ‘No such luck, Jo. It’s only ten knots. This weather was made for sailing.’
Jo stood beside the car staring out at the forest of masts.
‘Where are we anyway?’ she asked.
‘Fowey. Now come on and take a look. If you really don’t want to go we can leave but I’ll get you out on the water eventually so you may as well face it today,’ Will said. Was that a tinge or irritation she heard? A subtle warning? Or was that just her nerves?