"I suppose, but why pretend it's continuing when it was never real?"
Andre shrugged. "We'll cross that bridge when we reach it."
Weren't they already at the bridge? Kate couldn't understand his reluctance to talk about their fake engagement.
"I've scheduled the Caspian to close for two weeks over Christmas this year for any redecoration and refurbishment required to complete our new image. I want this in place for next season."
Kate sat down and buttered a piece of toast. "I'm glad you're pleased with what we came up with for the Caspian. It was fun wasn't it, brainstorming together again?"
"I suppose in the end it was a joint project. Does that mean I only have to pay you half the fee?"
"We never talked about a fee," Kate retorted.
"Let's say it was bed and board."
"So which part do I have to give up?"
Andre laughed.
"Look upon my help as part of your birthday present."
"I thought you'd forgotten my birthday. You hadn't mentioned it."
"Neither had you." Kate leaned toward him and tapped the back of his hand. "A thoughtful person would have dropped me a hint so I didn't forget."
He turned his hand quickly, caught Kate's fingers and meshed them with his own. "I think you deserve a reward for coming up with the Caspian idea," he said, in a low intimate tone. Her heart rate picked up, and she tried to calm herself.
"Let's have a special dinner tonight. We can celebrate your success and my birthday at the same time. Mrs. Cooper will baby-sit so we have a little time to ourselves."
"Sounds nice," she said.
"Good." He gave her hand a quick squeeze, then released it. "By the way, don't worry if you see Jerry Markham this afternoon. He's here to write an article about the Caspian. He's going to interview me. I'd like a photo of the two of us together to go with the piece. I thought it would be nice to have one of us taken this evening when we're dressed for dinner."
An icy chill raced up Kate's spine."That creep! Why choose him? Aren't there other journalists who could interview you?"
"I know him, Kat. It was the easiest way. And you might not like him but he gets his pieces in the major newspapers."
"You could have waited till I'd gone before you invited him back." Her stomach clenched and she put down her toast, unable to believe Andre could be so insensitive after all she'd been through. He claimed to have told Jerry the truth about Keiko to get the journalist off her back yet a few days later he'd invited the man back.
Andre came around the table and put his arm over her shoulders. "Don't worry. This time we're making use of him. He's only staying one night, and Keiko won't be involved."
"I'm not comfortable with this, Andre. I don't want to see him, and I certainly don't want to pose for photographs. You dress up and have your photo taken. I'll stay here."
"But it's my birthday dinner, Kat. Are you going to make me dine alone?"
She rubbed her eyes and sighed out a frustrated breath. Perhaps she was overreacting, but why Jerry? Okay, he was an old acquaintance of Andre's, but still.
"I promise he won't be intrusive. You'll hardly know he's here," Andre cajoled. "It will be wonderful publicity for your career to have your name and photograph in the paper with the article about the hotel."
And now Andre was pushing her career in her face again. Kate rested her chin in her hand and resigned herself to seeing Jerry. "If that man comes near Keiko, I'll hold you responsible."
"He won't, Kat. He's coming here simply to write about the hotel."
Kate nodded, but nothing would convince her Jerry Markham didn't have his own agenda. She couldn't believe Andre was this naive.
***
Kate sat on a kitchen chair she'd placed on the slab of slate outside Andre's front door. Her gold chiffon dress was pulled up over her knees to catch the last rays of sun on her bare legs. She tipped back her head, closed her eyes, and breathed in the sweet fragrance of the pink climbing roses around the door.
Her relationship with Andre kept shifting beneath her feet like sand. She wasn't sure how he felt about her or even if he wanted her to stay or leave. And now she had the added worry of Jerry Markham again.
At seven thirty, she stirred from her contemplation at the sound of muted voices approaching. Andre came through the gate into his garden with Mrs. Cooper at his side.
By eight, he had showered, changed into a silver-gray suit and white silk shirt, and they were walking over to the hotel for dinner.
As they walked side by side along the narrow path beneath the trees, Andre brushed his hand against the diaphanous material of Kate's skirt. "Nice dress. Do you like it?"
"Yes." Her response was rather abrupt due to her troubled mood, but she did like the dress far more than she had when she tried it on in the store. Perhaps she was getting used to wearing this type of outfit rather than the long, loose garments she normally favored. She wore the white sandals with diamante detail as well and the result had pleased her when she examined herself in the long bedroom mirror.
"You don't sound very enthusiastic. It's not because I bought you the dress, is it?"
"No, don't be silly." She linked her arm through his, feeling guilty at dampening the mood on his birthday. "I'm just not keen on wearing it for Jerry Markham."
Andre stopped and stepped around to face her. "You're not dressing up for Markham, Kat. You're dressing up so you feel good about yourself." Then he grinned, a wicked flash of white teeth against his tanned skin. "And you're dressing up for me." He touched his fingers to the small wave of chiffon that formed the cap sleeve. "It definitely works for me."
For long moments they stared at each other and something hot and elemental burned in his eyes, echoed along her nerves, something she had never felt before. She loved Andre, had always loved him, but this need, this desire that seared away her good sense was new and unknown. Her childish love had transformed over the past few weeks to something far deeper.
"Come on, we'd better get going," he said and taking her hand, led her out of the woods to the back of the hotel. He showed her to a round table set for two at the secluded end of the swimming pool. Their view of the Caspian was framed by an archway adorned with a tangle of fragrant honeysuckle.
Andre held her chair and she sat. He bent closer, his breath warming her ear. "Here comes Jerry now. One photo, then they'll leave us in peace."
Despite telling herself not to worry about Jerry Markham, a rod of cold steel shot up Kate's spine at the sight of the man. If he called her Frosty Kate, this photo opportunity would be over before it started.
Andre placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed. "Five minutes. That's all." He briefly shook hands with Jerry, and the photographer took a few moments to position lights and reflectors. A waiter appeared with champagne, opened the bottle and filled their glasses. Kate stared at the small golden bubbles leaping from the bottom of her champagne flute, making a dash for freedom. She took a sip and the mad rush of eager escapees tickled her tongue.
Jerry Markham stood with his feet planted wide and his hands on his hips surveying them. "Andre, mate, cuddle in closer to the lady. Hold up your glasses."
Andre scooted his chair beside hers, so their thighs touched, and lifted his glass. Kate took another quick sip of champagne to fortify herself and raised her drink.
"Come on, Ms. Frost, nobody's died, darling. Pretend this is your wedding day, the happiest day of your life. Give us a flash of the engagement ring."
Unconsciously, Kate had curled her left hand so the engagement ring didn't show. Although Andre had told her to wear the diamond for the photos, she didn't want the lie of this fake happiness displayed in the newspaper for the entire world, including her mum, to see. It was a reminder of what she yearned for, what she had always yearned for. This engagement charade was nothing but a cruel joke at her expense.
Andre leaned closer, the smooth fabric of his jacket brushing her shoulder. The subtle scent of his aftersha
ve tempted her memory back to thoughts of his kiss. Suddenly all her hormones hyperventilated.
The camera flashed. Kate blinked in the light. Jerry issued a few words of instruction and the camera flashed again. "Okay, we're done. I'll let you know when the piece is going in, Andre. Enjoy your dinner."
After the photographer had removed the lights and Jerry had gone, Kate expected Andre to move his chair to its original position—he didn't. With his thigh pressed against hers, he laid his fingers across the back of her hand. "See, it wasn't so bad, was it?"
Kate tried for a dismissive shrug, but only succeeded in rubbing her bare shoulder on Andre's sleeve. A sleeve filled with hard muscular arm.
"Now we can celebrate the real reason we're here." Kate raised her glass and when Andre followed suit she touched his with a clink that echoed like a fairy bell over the still surface of the pool. "Happy birthday," she said.
"Thank you. And congratulations, Kat. This could be the first step toward a new career for you. If the publicity works, you'll be in demand."
Kate didn't want to go there now. She simply wanted to enjoy her dinner. "Can we not talk about work? I know you think I should seek out the big time and be more career-minded, but right now my top priority is Keiko." She met his gaze and held it, determined to make him grasp how serious she was. "She'll only be little once."
Andre returned her gaze, equally intent and serious. "I know you want to spend time with her. That's why I'm suggesting you develop a reputation so you can go freelance. It will allow you to work at home and still earn a decent income. If you're going to look after Keiko on your own, you need money. I hate to think of you scrimping."
So that was his reason for pushing her on her career. He obviously had no plans to make her role as fake fiancée real. He was simply encouraging her to stand on her own two feet. A burn of disappointment made her catch her breath, but as the feeling faded she acknowledged he was right. She did need to earn more money if she wanted a comfortable life as a single mum, and she enjoyed the type of work he was suggesting. But even so…
"I really don't think I'm cut out for a job where I have to sell myself, and that's what I'd be doing. I'm not good with people. They don't usually like me," she added. Even Andre had admitted he was relieved to get away from her when they were younger.
"Rubbish." Andre sat back, his mouth a firm line. "You were a hit at Edmund's party. It's all down to your attitude. You're perfectly capable. I think you're just scared of the challenge. Look, you can't waste this opportunity. I won't let you! The public reaction to your Caspian design will be good. You'll get a buzz. I guarantee it."
Part of Kate wanted to agree simply to please Andre. But if she tried to present herself as something she wasn't, eventually the fancy crowd would see through the disguise and discover she was a fake. "The reason I was okay at the Delacroix's party is because I had you by my side. I wouldn't normally move in those circles."
"Maybe not, but most of the people at that party own businesses and they look for quality in their suppliers. If you do good work and present a professional front, they won't give a monkey's what your background is."
"I don't know, Andre. Can we just drop it for now?" She wiped her damp palms on her napkin and sipped her champagne. This subject made her uncomfortable and it seemed to be all he wanted to talk about. She couldn't understand why he kept pushing and pushing. "When will the Caspian article come out?" she asked, in an effort to move the conversation on.
The expression in his eyes indicated he recognized her ploy, but he let it go. "You heard what Jerry said. He'll let me know. Soon I hope. I have other publicity plans you and I need to discuss tomorrow. The newspaper article will set everything in motion."
A waiter appeared and served their hors d'oeuvres. When the man had gone, Andre leaned forward and touched her arm. "What's this birthday present you've got for me?"
Her muscles eased with relief at the change of subject. "That would be telling. You'll have to wait until we get back to the cottage to find out."
At the flare of heat in his brown eyes, she realized how he'd interpreted her comment and a warm, melting sensation gathered low in her belly. She thought of setting him straight, telling him about the painting she'd done of his cottage and the crystal dragon she'd bought. But as her gaze slid over his face and rested on his lips, the words wouldn't come. He desired her. She'd sensed it the night they kissed and seen it on his face. And she desired him. Would it be so wrong to indulge her fantasies this once?
Lifting her napkin, Kate held it against her lips to hide the longing she was certain showed on her face. The waiter returned with their main course and, as darkness fell, lit two candles in a medieval iron holder on the table.
Small lamps near the pool blinked on. The surrounding garden retreated into the night leaving an island of warm, soft light around them. "Eat up," Andre said softly as Kate fiddled with her meal.
"I'm not really hungry." Thoughts of food had wiped from her mind. All she wanted was to feel Andre's arms around her, his lips against her skin.
He gripped her hand and stroked small circles on her palm with his thumb. "Shall we wander back to the cottage then?"
Hand in hand they retraced their steps along the woodland trail. Andre's presence hummed through her, sensitized every nerve in her body. The heady fragrance of flowers and trees filled the air. Insects buzzed in the warm summer evening, bats dived with a delicate whoosh of wings, and Andre's hand enclosed hers—large, warm and more sensual than it should be.
As they neared the cottage, the shadows beneath the canopy of trees deepened. Andre pulled her to a halt and stepped in front of her. Moonlight filtered through the branches lending his face a pale mysterious glow, his eyes night dark, veiled, unreadable. He stroked back a few errant strands of hair from her face, traced his fingertips across her cheek. "How about a kiss for my birthday?" he asked, his voice low and husky, barely more than a whisper. Without waiting for a reply, he lowered his head and touched his lips lightly to hers.
Kate raised her free hand to his shoulder, closed her eyes, and floated on the blissful sensation of his lips, hot silk against hers. Whatever happened tomorrow, she wanted this, wanted to live her fantasy. He slipped his arm around her waist, drew her closer, and kissed her again, a summer kiss flavored with champagne and the fragrance of night-blooming flowers.
"Kate, sweetheart." His mouth touched her jaw, trailed tiny kisses down her neck to her collarbone. "There's only one thing I want for my birthday," he breathed. "To make love to you."
Chapter Nine
Kate was long past coherent thought. Sensible or not, she wanted to make love to Andre. She hadn't felt desired for so long. The night stilled in silent anticipation. The dense, dark shadows beneath the trees, heavy and intimate, wrapped her and Andre tightly together. She breathed in the heady fragrance of night, tasted his kiss on her lips, and whispered, "I want you too."
He drew back and looked down at her, his dark eyes hidden in shadow. "Are you sure, Kat?"
In answer, she slid her hands into his hair, pulled his head down, and kissed him.
They made slow progress along the last section of path. Every few steps Andre stopped to kiss her. When they reached the cottage, they were both breathless.
Andre pushed on the front door, his arm around Kate as though he could not bear to let her go, even for a moment. "Don't forget Mrs. Cooper," she whispered, her thoughts turning to Keiko.
Andre leaned his forehead against hers. "God, I'm glad you said that." Reluctantly Kate stepped back, and he smoothed down his ruffled hair. "Am I decent?" he whispered.
"Passably." She wiped a hand over her tingling mouth, hoping her lips didn't betray how well-kissed they'd been on the walk back. Kate blinked in the light as they went inside, and even though she was half-dazed with passion, her gaze flew straight to Keiko cuddled in Mrs. Cooper's arms on the sofa.
"I didn't expect you back so early. Did you have a nice dinner?" the housekeeper
asked, oblivious to the loaded atmosphere.
"Yes, thank you. Very nice," Andre replied, slipping back into the role of boss. Mrs. Cooper glanced at Andre and did a double take. Kate turned anxiously. Although he had straightened his hair, his cheeks were flushed, a languorous heat in his eyes. He radiated the sort of sex appeal that if bottled would make a fortune.
The older woman rose quickly, bustled across the room and deposited Keiko in Kate's arms. "I've just changed her diaper. She's a little angel. I've hardly had a murmur out of her." Mrs. Cooper picked up her bag, patted her hair, and shooting another curious glance at Andre headed for the door. "Good night then, Mr. Le Court. I'll see myself out."
As soon as the front door clicked shut Andre glanced down at himself. "Did I frighten her off? Have I got food on my face or something?"
"You look ruffled."
"Ruffled, hmm. Have you ruined my image, Ms. Frost?" He moved closer and wrapped his arms around both her and Keiko. He dropped a kiss on Keiko's fluffy, golden hair then kissed Kate's lips softly. "Come to my room when you're ready, sweetheart. I'll be waiting."
Andre sauntered across the room and disappeared up the stairs. Kate couldn't feel the ground under her feet. She was walking on air. Somehow, she made her way upstairs after him. Her insides buzzed. Hormones whizzed around, trailing sparks like fireworks set off in the box.
While her hands completed the mundane task of removing her dress and slipping on her bathrobe, her mind had gone on ahead and was already in Andre's bedroom, imagining what would happen shortly. The mad fireworks inside her made it difficult to keep still, but she managed to settle in the chair to feed Keiko.
After about ten minutes, Andre knocked softly and pushed open the door. He wore a rich burgundy robe that suited his dark coloring. He paused in the doorway and watched her for a moment. Suddenly self-conscious, Kate looked down at Keiko. Andre padded across the room with slow, languorous strides and folded his tall frame down to her level. "It's a miracle isn't it, how a baby is created and born?"
Unbreak My Heart (Childhood Sweethearts Reunited) Page 12