Читать книгу The Holiday Escapes Collection - Сандра Мартон - Страница 68

CHAPTER SEVEN

‘ESTELLE…’

Gordon was lovely when she told him what had happened. Well, not all of it. She didn’t tell him about her conversation with Raúl, just that he had been trying to avoid a woman and had kissed her…

It was a terribly awkward conversation, but Gordon was writing her a cheque, so as not to embarrass her in front of his driver, and Estelle simply couldn’t accept it and had to tell him why.

‘Frank and I have three free passes.’

Estelle blinked as Gordon smiled and held out the cheque.

‘We have three people each who, should something happen, wouldn’t be construed as cheating with.’ He gave her a smile. ‘It’s just a game, of course, and it’s mainly movie stars, but Raúl could very easily make it to my list. No one can resist him when he sets his sights on them—especially someone as darling and innocent as you.’

‘I feel awful.’

‘Don’t.’ Gordon closed her hand around the cheque. ‘My being in competition with Raúl Sanchez Fuente could only do wonders for my reputation, if word were ever to get out. It might even be the reason for our breaking up and me realising just how much I care for Virginia.’

‘I’m sorry.’

‘Don’t be,’ Gordon said, and gave her a kiss on the cheek. ‘Just be careful.’

‘I’ll never see him again,’ Estelle said. ‘He doesn’t know anything about me.’

‘Mere details to a man like Raúl—and he takes care of them easily.’

Estelle felt the hairs on her arms stand up as she remembered that she had given him her name.

‘Just do your hair and put on a ton of make-up and we’ll head down for breakfast,’ Gordon told her. ‘If anyone says anything about last night just laugh and shrug it off.’

It was a relief to hide her blushes behind thick make-up. Estelle put on a skirt that was too short and some high wedges, and tied her hair in a high ponytail and then teased it with a comb and sprayed it.

‘I feel like a clown,’ she said to Gordon as she checked her reflection in the mirror.

‘Well, you make me smile.’

Raúl had gone, and all Estelle had to endure were some daggers being thrown in her direction by Araminta as they ate a full Scottish breakfast. She was relieved not to see him, yet there was a curious disappointment at his absence which Estelle chose not to examine.

Finally they were on their way, but it was late afternoon before Gordon dropped her at her home.

‘Think about what I said,’ Gordon reminded Estelle as she climbed out.

‘I think I’ve had my excitement for the year,’ Estelle admitted as she farewelled him.

She let herself step into familiar surrounds and released a breath before calling out to Ginny that she was home.

‘How are you feeling?’ Estelle asked as she walked into the lounge.

‘Awful!’

Ginny certainly looked it.

‘I’m going to go home for a couple of days. My dad’s coming to pick me up—I need Mum, soup and sympathy.’

‘Sounds good.’

‘How was it?

‘It was fine,’ Estelle said, really not in the mood to tell Ginny all that had happened.

Ginny would no doubt find out from Gordon, given how much the two of them discussed. Estelle was still irritated that Ginny told Gordon about her virginity but, seeing how sick Ginny was, Estelle chose to save that for later.

‘Gordon was lovely.’

‘I told you there was nothing to worry about.’

‘I’m exhausted,’ Estelle admitted. ‘You didn’t tell me about Gordon’s sleep apnoea. I got the fright of my life when I walked in and he was strapped to a machine.’

Ginny laughed. ‘I honestly forgot. Your brother’s been calling you. A few times, actually.’

The phone rang then, and Estelle’s heart lurched in hope when she saw that it was her brother. ‘Maybe he’s got that job.’

He hadn’t.

‘I found out on Friday,’ Andrew said. ‘I just couldn’t face telling you.’

‘Something will come up.’

‘I’m not qualified for anything.’

Estelle could hear the hopelessness in his voice.

‘I don’t know what to do, Estelle. I’ve asked Amanda’s parents if they can help—’

His voice broke then. Estelle knew the hell that would have paid with his pride.

‘They can’t.’

She could feel his mounting despair.

‘Something will come up,’ Estelle said, but she was finding it harder and harder to sound convincing. ‘You’ve just got to keep applying for work.’

‘I know.’ He blew out a long breath in an effort to compose himself. ‘Anyway, enough about me,’ Andrew said, ‘Ginny said you were in Scotland. How come?’

‘I was at a wedding.’

‘Whose?’

‘I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow.’

‘Tomorrow?’

‘I want to speak to you about something.’ As a car tooted outside, Ginny stood. ‘Andrew, I’ve got to go,’ Estelle said. ‘I’ll call in tomorrow.’

Estelle didn’t know how to tell Andrew she had some money for him, but anyway she knew that one month’s mortgage payment would only be a Band-Aid solution. She was relieved that Ginny would be out for a few days because she really wanted some time to go over what she was considering.

The library was offering her more hours. Perhaps she could defer her studies and move in with Andrew and Amanda for a year, pay them rent, help out with little Cecelia, maybe even take Gordon up on his offer… Yes, she was glad Ginny would be away, because she needed to think properly.

‘Your dad’s here,’ Estelle said.

‘Thanks so much for last night, Estelle,’ Ginny said, grabbing her bag and heading out of the door, waving to her father, who had climbed back into the car when he saw her.

Ginny was too dosed up on flu medication even to notice the expensive car a little further down the road.

Raúl noticed her, though—and a frown appeared on his face as he saw Virginia, Gordon’s regular date, disappearing into a car driven by another older male. After Raúl’s father’s revelations he was past being surprised by anything, but there was a curious feeling of disappointment as he thought of Estelle and Virginia together with Gordon.

No.

He did not like the images that conjured, so he settled for the slightly more palatable version—that Estelle hadn’t picked him up at Dario’s; instead Estelle and Virginia must both work for the same escort agency.

He needed someone tough, Raúl told himself. He needed a woman who could separate sex from emotion, who could see what he was about to propose as a financial opportunity rather than a romantic proposition.

Except his knuckles were white as he clutched the steering wheel. Since last night there had been an incessant gnawing in his stomach when he thought of Estelle with Gordon. Now that gnawing had upgraded to a burn in the lining of his gut.

Estelle would be far better with him.

Was he arrogant to think so? Raúl pondered briefly as he walked up her garden path.

Perhaps, he conceded, but he was also assured enough to know that he was right.

* * *

‘What did you forget…?’ Estelle’s voice trailed off when she saw that it wasn’t Ginny.

Raúl preferred the way she’d looked last night on the balcony, but her appearance now—the short skirt, the heavy make-up, the lacquered hair—actually made things easier.

‘What do you want?’

‘I wanted to apologise for what I said last night. I think it was misconstrued.’

‘I think you made things perfectly clear.’ She drew in a breath and then gave a small nod. ‘Apology accepted. Now, if you’ll excuse me?’

Her hand was ready to close the door on him. There was just a moment and Raúl knew he had to use it wisely. There was no time for mixed messages. He knew he had better reveal the truth up-front.

‘You were right—I didn’t want you to go back to Gordon, but not just because…’ The door was closing on him so Raúl told her exactly what he was here for. ‘I wanted to ask you to marry me.’

Estelle laughed.

After the tension of the last twenty-four hours, then her brother’s tears on the phone, and now Raúl, standing absolutely immaculate in black jeans and a shirt at her door with his ridiculous proposal, all she could do was throw her head back and laugh.

‘I’m serious.’

‘Of course you are,’ Estelle answered. ‘Just as you were serious last night when you told me just how much you don’t want to marry—ever.’

‘I don’t want to marry for love,’ Raúl said, ‘but I do need a bride. One with a level head. One who knows what she wants and goes for it.’

There was that implication again, Estelle realised. She was about to close the door, but then she looked down to the cheque Raul was holding—one with her name on it—and she saw the ridiculous amount he was offering. He surely wasn’t serious. She looked up at him and realised that possibly he was—that he could pay for her services. As Gordon had.

Estelle gave a nervous swallow, reminding herself that whatever happened, whatever Raúl thought, she must not betray Gordon’s confidence.

‘Look—whatever you think, Gordon and I…’

‘Should that be, Gordon, Virginia and I?’ He watched her flaming cheeks pale. ‘I just saw her leave. Are you both dating him?’

‘I don’t have to explain anything to you.’

‘You’re right,’ Raúl conceded.

‘How did you know where I lived?’

‘I checked your bag when you were dancing with Gordon.’

Estelle blinked. He was honest, brutally honest—and, yes, she couldn’t help herself. She was curious.

‘Are you going to ask me in or do I stand and speak here?’

‘I don’t think so.’ Common sense told her to close the door on him, but as she stared into black eyes curiosity was starting to win. Things like this—conversations like this—simply didn’t happen to Estelle. But, more than that, she wanted to find out more about this man who had been on her mind from the second their eyes had locked.

‘I ask for ten minutes,’ Raúl said. ‘If you want me to leave then, I shall, and I will never bother you again.’

He spoke in such a matter-of-fact voice. This was business to him, Estelle realised, and he assumed it was the same for her. She chose to keep it that way.

‘Ten minutes,’ Estelle said, and opened the door.

He looked around the small house. It was typical student accommodation, yet she was not your typical student.

‘You are studying?’

‘Yes.’

‘Can I ask what?’

Estelle hesitated, not keen on revealing anything to him, but surely it could do no harm. ‘Ancient architecture.’

‘Really?’ Raul frowned. Her response was not the one he’d been expecting.

She offered him a seat and Raúl took it. Estelle chose a chair on the opposite side of the room to him. He wasted no time getting to the point.

‘I have told you that my father is sick?’ Raúl said, and Estelle nodded. ‘And that for a long time he has wanted to see me settled? Now, with his death nearing, more and more he wishes to see his wish fulfilled—he has convinced himself that a wife will tame my ways.’

Estelle said nothing. She just looked at this man she doubted would ever be tamed; she had tasted his passion, had heard about his appalling reputation. A ring on his finger certainly wouldn’t have stopped what had taken place last night.

‘You might remember I told you my father revealed he has another son?’

Again Estelle nodded.

‘He has said that if I do not comply, if I do not settle down, then he will leave his share of the business to my…’ He could not bring himself to call Luka his brother. ‘I refuse to allow that to happen.’

She could see the determination in his eyes.

‘Which is why I have come this evening to speak with you.’

‘Why aren’t you having this conversation with Araminta? I’m sure she’d be delighted to marry you.’

‘I did briefly consider it,’ Raúl admitted, ‘but there are several reasons. The main one being she would not be able to reconcile the fact that this is a business transaction. She would agree, I think, but it would be with hope that love would grow, that perhaps a baby might change my mind. It will not,’ Raúl said. His voice was definite. ‘Which is why I come to speak with you. A woman who understands a certain business.’

‘I really think you have the wrong idea about me.’

‘I am not here to judge you. On the contrary, I admire a woman who can separate love from sex.’

He did not understand the wry smile on her face. If only he knew. It faded as he continued.

‘We are attracted to each other.’ Raúl said it as a fact. ‘Surely for you that can only be a bonus?’

Estelle blew out a breath; he was practically calling her a hooker and yet she was in a poor position to deny it.

‘We both like to party,’ Raúl said. ‘And we like to live life in the fast lane—even if we know how to take things seriously at times.’

He was wrong about the fast lane, and Estelle knew if she admitted the truth he’d be gone. But, yes, she was undeniably attracted to him. Her skin was tingling just from his presence. Her mind was still begging for a moment of peace just to process the dance and the kiss they had shared last night.

He interrupted her wandering thoughts.

‘Estelle. I have spoken with my father’s doctor; it is a matter of weeks rather than months. You would only be away for a short while.’

‘Away?’

‘I live in Marbella.’

Now she definitely shook her head. ‘Raúl, I have a life here. My niece is sick. I am studying…’

‘You can return to your studies a wealthy woman—and naturally you will have regular trips home.’

He looked at her, with her gaudy make-up and teased hair. He chose to remember her fresh-faced on the balcony, recalled the comfort she had given even before they had kissed. He should not care, but he did not like the life she was leading. Suddenly it was imperative for reasons other than appeasing his father that she take this chance.

‘I do not judge you, Estelle, but you could come back and start over. You can live the life you want to without ever having to worry about the rent.’

Estelle stood and walked to the window, not wanting him to see the tears that sprang in her eyes because for a moment there he had sounded as if he actually cared.

‘You certainly won’t have to host dinner parties or cook for me. I work hard all day. You can shop. We’ll eat out every night. And there are many clubs to choose from, parties to attend. You would never be bored.’

He had no idea about her at all.

‘After my father’s death, after a suitable pause, we will admit our whirlwind marriage cannot deal with the grief—that with regret we are to part. No one will ever know you married for money. That would be written into the contract.’

‘Contract?’

‘Of course,’ Raúl said. ‘One that will protect both of us, that will lay down all the rules. I have asked my lawyer to fly in for a meeting at midday tomorrow. Naturally it will be a lengthy meeting. We will have to go over terms.’

‘I won’t be there.’

He didn’t look in the least deterred.

‘Raúl, my brother would never believe me.’

‘I will come with you and speak to him.’

‘Oh, and he’ll believe you? He’ll believe we met yesterday and fell madly in love? He’ll have me certified insane before he lets me fly off with a stranger—’

‘We met last year.’ Raúl interrupted her tirade. It was clear he had thought it all through. ‘When you were in Spain. It was then that we fell madly in love, but of course with your brother’s accident it was not the time to say so, or to make plans to move, so we put it down to a holiday romance. We met again a few weeks ago and this time around I had no intention of letting you go.’

‘I don’t want to lie to him.’

‘You are always truthful?’ Raúl checked. ‘Does he know about Gordon, then? Does he know—?’

‘Okay,’ she interrupted. Because of course there were things her brother didn’t know. She was actually considering it—so much so that she turned to him with a question. ‘Would your family believe it?’

‘Before I found out about my father’s other life I chose to let him think I was serious about someone I used to date. It was not you I had in mind, but they do not know that.’

It could work.

The frown that was on her brow was smoothed, the impossibility of it all was fading, and Raúl knew it was time to leave.

‘Sleep on it,’ Raúl said. ‘Naturally there is more that I have to tell you, but I am not prepared to discuss certain things until after the marriage.’

‘What sort of things?’

‘Nothing that impacts on you now—just things that a loving wife would know all about. It is something I would not reveal to anyone I did not trust or love.’

‘Or pay for?’

‘Yes.’ He placed the cheque on the coffee table and handed her two business cards.

‘That is the hotel my lawyer will be staying at. I have booked an office there. The other card contains my contact details—for now.’

‘For now?’

‘I am changing my phone number tomorrow,’ Raúl said. ‘One other thing…’ He ran a finger along her cheek, looked at the full mouth he had so enjoyed kissing last night. ‘There will be no one else for the duration of our contract…’

‘It’s not going to happen.’

‘Well, in case you change your mind—’ he handed her an envelope ‘—you might need this.’

She opened it, stared at the photo that had been taken last night. His arm was on the chair behind her, she was laughing, and there was Raúl—smiling, absolutely beautiful, his eyes on her, staring at her as if he was entranced.

He must have known the photographer was on his way, Estelle realised. He had been considering this even last night.

Raúl had rearranged the seating—she was certain of it now.

She realised then the lengths he would go to to get his way.

‘Did you arrange for Gordon to be called away?’

‘Of course.’

‘You don’t even try to deny it?’

He heard her anger.

‘You’d prefer that I lie?’ Raúl checked.

She looked to the mantelpiece, to the photo of her brother and Amanda holding a tiny, frail Cecelia. She was so tired of struggling. But she could not believe that she was considering his offer. She had considered Gordon’s, though, Estelle told herself. Tomorrow she had been going to tell her brother she was deferring her studies and moving in with them.

She had already made the decision to up-end her life.

This would certainly up-end it—but in a rather more spectacular way.

She went into the kitchen with the excuse of making coffee, but really it was to gather her thoughts.

Bought by Raúl.

Estelle closed her eyes. It was against everything she believed in, yet it wasn’t just the money that tempted her. It was something more base than that.

A man as beautiful as Raúl, for her first lover. The thought of sharing his bed, his life—even for a little while—was as tempting as the cheque he had written. Estelle blew out a breath, her skin on fire, aroused just at the thought of lying beside him. Yet she knew that if Raúl knew she was a virgin the deal would be off.

‘Not for me.’

He was standing at the kitchen door, watching as she spooned instant coffee into two mugs.

‘I’ll leave you to think about it. If you do not arrive at the appointment then I will accept your decision and stop the cheque. As I said, tomorrow my phone number will be changing. It will be too late to change your mind.’

It really was, Estelle knew, a once-in-a-lifetime offer.