Читать книгу The Australian Affairs Collection - Margaret Way - Страница 80

CHAPTER ELEVEN

ETHAN HAD LOST track of the number of times he’d been racked with guilt these last several weeks. There’d been days when it had been as prevalent as breathing.

He’d given Alina a credit card, assuming she’d enjoy shopping. A lot of the women he knew—including his mother—considered having unlimited credit their due right, an essential element in their pursuit of looking stunning on the arm of their partner at any public or private function.

Alina was different. No demands, no preconceived notions. Absolutely no idea how beautiful she was.

He placed his hands on her waist, lifted her onto the side of the pool, and checked his watch.

‘We’ll meet in the lounge in, say, thirty minutes?’

‘For what?’

His pulse hiked at the endearing way her brow wrinkled and her eyes narrowed, as if she expected a reprimand.

‘A shopping trip. If I’m the one you’re dressing for, I guess I ought to help in the selection.’

His reward was a beaming smile and sparkling eyes—worth any amount of waiting outside changing rooms or carrying umpteen promotional bags. The single experience he’d had accompanying a female shopper had left him disinclined for a repeat, but this was for Alina.

‘You mean it?’

He ran his finger down her cheek. ‘I told you—I take care of what’s mine.’

She was on her feet in an instant, grabbing a towel on the way to the door. He followed, hoisting himself from the water, giving himself a quick dry-off before retrieving his clothes.

* * *

It wasn’t working. Ethan felt way out of his depth, wished he’d offered to find someone else to help her. He knew when a woman looked chic, understood the way it transformed her inner attitude. The selected clothes weren’t having that effect on Alina. They were in the third boutique, and she’d modelled the tenth outfit.

The assistants had been helpful, yet there was an edge to their attitude he couldn’t fathom. Was it him? His obvious antipathy to this environment? Was it sweet, shy Alina, who hadn’t looked comfortable at all, posing awkwardly as if she’d rather be anywhere else?

If she lifted her chin, held her shoulders back and stood proud, the effect would be so much better. He groaned inside. He’d promised to help her—failure wasn’t an option.

‘This isn’t working, is it?

Her voice echoed his thoughts as she came up behind him, wearing the dress she’d left home in. He swung round, ready to protest.

Alina stopped his words with two fingers on his lips, ignoring the tingles her action generated.

‘You’re uncomfortable with it all, and I’m as helpful as seagulls at a beach picnic. I can tell what clothes aren’t right on me. Others...’ She shrugged. ‘I have pictures in my head of women attending special events, can’t put myself there. Maybe if you lend me some of your confidence it’ll solve the problem.’

He gave her a crooked grin and took her hand. ‘Not such a good suggestion, huh? I overestimated my expertise with all this. Louise was never a fashion slave, she—’

His eyes lit up, and his smile turned into a heart-stopping grin.

‘I’m an idiot. Though, in my defence, I’ve had a few distractions.’ He brushed his lips over hers. ‘You being number one. Wait here.’

He was back in a few moments, after talking to the head saleswoman. As they left he pulled his mobile from his inside pocket.

‘Got your notepad and pen?’

By the time she’d found them, his call had been answered.

‘Thanks, Tanya...we’re getting there. How are you? Definitely—we’ll make it soon. Right now, I need the names of a couple of boutiques Louise patronised. It’s for someone special who’s recently moved to Sydney.’

He repeated three names and numbers for Alina to write down, promised to arrange a foursome dinner soon, then said goodbye.

‘Don’t know why I didn’t think of her earlier.’ He gently flicked her chin. ‘Like I said—distractions. She recommends the first one, says the woman there has an uncanny knack of finding the perfect outfit for her customers. Let’s ring—find out if she can see us today.’

* * *

Maralena’s displays were simple, yet very effective, with one model in an appropriate setting in each window. Alina’s fingers gripped Ethan’s as they entered. She had no doubt how she’d be perceived, how the sales staff would wonder what he saw in her, why he was with her. She received an encouraging squeeze. What she needed was a little of his innate self-assurance.

Inside, there was room to move easily around the minimal racks of clothing, or along the walls containing full-length gowns. The blonde woman who came to meet them was everything Alina wished she was: poised and perfectly groomed, yet clearly approachable. She dispelled any fears with her genuine smile.

‘Welcome to Maralena’s.’ She held out her hand to Ethan. ‘Mr James, please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Louise always brightened our day when she came shopping, whether she purchased or not.’

‘Thank you, she’s very much missed. Please, call me Ethan.’ He drew Alina forward. ‘This is Alina Fletcher, her friend from Spain.’

‘I’m Marlena—I tweaked the name a little for business. I’m pleased to meet you, Alina.’

She shook hands, then stood back, giving her new customer a quick and thorough appraisal. Unlike Sophia’s critical gaze, it was a professional assessment which didn’t bother her at all. To her surprise, the eyes that met hers were approving.

‘It will be a pleasure to help you, Alina. Do you have any particular style in mind? Any colour preferences?’

All doubt dissipated, as if Alina’s whole body gave a sigh of relief. She’d found the help she so desperately needed.

‘I have a list of what I think I need.’ She sensed Ethan’s lips curling. Was tempted to nudge him in the ribs with her elbow. ‘I’ve been backpacking through Europe for a long time, so I’m out of touch with what’s in fashion.’

‘What suits you is more important. Do you have a time limit today?’

‘No.’ Emphatic from Ethan. ‘Take all the time you want.’

A few minutes ago Alina might have begged him to stay. Now she had no qualms about placing herself in Marlena’s hands.

She put her hand on his arm, drew him aside. ‘Thank you, Ethan, this is just what I’ve been hoping to find. You can go back to your office now. I’ll be fine.’

His eyes narrowed. He didn’t seem convinced.

‘Did you leave work unfinished and come home because you thought I was upset?’

‘No, because I knew you were.’

‘I’m not now. The quicker you get back, the earlier you’ll come home.’

He grinned. ‘Can’t fight feminine logic. Okay, I’ll go. Call the hire car when you’ve finished.’

‘I promise.’

He kissed her, slow and tender, seemingly oblivious to anyone else in the shop. Her fingers tightened on the strap of her bag, her other hand lifted to cradle his neck. Her lips moved in unison with his.

She felt his muscles tense. Wasn’t this a kiss for show? To her it seemed the perfect place. Maybe he didn’t, so she broke away.

‘I’ll see you later.’

‘Mmm...’ He blinked and his head jerked. Still holding her, he nodded to Marlena. ‘Take care of her.’ With a final squeeze of her hand, and a husky, ‘Tonight...’ he walked away.

‘Okay, Alina, let’s see your list.’

She was escorted into a dressing room. Within minutes she’d confided her lack of success and doubts of her fashion abilities to an empathetic Marlena.

* * *

Ethan’s mobile rang as he walked into the apartment building a few minutes before seven. Things were settling into place, with the agenda set for a breakfast meeting with his new management team in the morning. Once they were clear on their roles he’d be able to reorganise his working hours.

‘Good evening, Father.’

‘Ethan. I believe you have a new girlfriend?’

‘Yes.’ He wondered what spin his mother had put on today’s events.

‘We’d like to meet her. Does dinner on Saturday night suit you?’

‘I’ll check with Alina.’

‘We’ll look forward to seeing you. Goodbye, Ethan.’

He stood in front of the elevator, staring at his mobile, his gut twisting in regret. He had more cordial conversations with the people he spoke to regarding aspects of renovation or trading with his hotels. Was he destined to be as impersonal as his parents, considering he had their combined DNA?

The idea appalled.

He stabbed at his floor number, tapped his thigh on the journey up and strode purposely to the door. Alina came through from the lounge as he dropped his briefcase on the floor. His mind registered her sweet smile in the same instant as he wrapped her in his arms, burying his face into her silken curls, breathing in their citrus aroma. He relished her warmth, her softness, the way she stood still in his embrace, her only movement being to slide her arms around his waist.

Seconds ticked by. Holding her wasn’t enough.

He lifted his head. ‘Hi.’

Their kiss was gentle, a mutual giving and taking. So soul-soothing he kept it short rather than risk pushing for more. This was new—something to build on. She was beginning to trust him as a man. He was beginning to reassess who he was.

She leant back in his arms to study his face.

‘You caught up?’

Warmth radiated through him. This felt right. This was the way homecoming should always be. ‘As good as. How did you go?’

‘Two outfits which I love. One’s here, the other needed some alteration, so I’ll pick it up on Friday.’

‘Only two?’ He grinned down at the face she pulled and kissed the tip of her nose. ‘Whatever you feel comfortable with, Alina.’

‘The new season stock’s arriving in a week or two. By then I’ll be bigger. Common sense says to buy what I need as I need it.’

His laughter shook his body. ‘Since when did common sense become aligned with fashion shopping?’

‘Hey!’ She swatted his arm playfully, then froze as she realised what she’d done, eyes widening in shock.

Alina couldn’t believe what she’d done. One second he’d been teasing her, the next she’d reciprocated. Completely spontaneously. Without thinking, she’d hit him, as if they’d been friends for a long time. The incredulous look on his face made it worse.

‘I...’ She tried to break free, suddenly found herself being lifted and carried backwards, to be plonked unceremoniously on the kitchen island. His hands gripped the bench either side of her. His impassive features gave no indication of his thinking. It was like their first meeting, but without the angst filling the room.

‘Ethan, I—’

‘Alina Fletcher,’ he cut in. ‘I do believe you are starting to let your true self sneak out from its constrictions.’

She dropped her head. He lifted it with his finger, his thumb grazing her skin. His eyes sparkled with amusement, daring her to act again. The very fact that she wanted to scared her, holding her back. She trembled, held her breath. Then, as if of its own accord, her hand lifted, her fingers covering his on her chin.

The air around them seemed hot and heavy. She couldn’t think straight His eyes darkened. His lips curled. Did his body sway closer? Did hers?

He abruptly withdrew his hand, pushing himself upright, shaking his head. ‘A cool dip in the pool before dinner?’

Her body flopped. Gratefully, she seized on his suggestion. ‘Yes. Yes.’

‘Don’t sound so eager to run, my sweet.’ He swung her to the floor, keeping hold for a moment. ‘And don’t be afraid to show the woman you really are. I like what I’ve seen so far.’

Not trusting her voice, she gave a quick nod before turning away.

He stopped her with a gentle hand on her arm. ‘My father’s invited us to dinner on Saturday. I’m so angry with my mother I’m inclined to say no.’

‘Delaying the inevitable? I think I’d rather face it now.’

‘The way you did with me? I won’t let them demean you, Alina.’ A softly spoken declaration that demanded compliance. A firm hold she didn’t want to break. Commanding blue eyes that enthralled.

‘You were receptive,’ she said. ‘They’re bound to think I’m trapping you. You’re not the type to lose control and forget protection.’

Ethan never had. Even in his testosterone-driven teens he’d always been disciplined. Now, being with Alina every night, inhaling her essence, having her within easy reach, he appreciated how overpowering desire could be.

Anger ground in his gut. At his parents, who judged everyone by high, rigid standards and dismissed any contrary opinions. At himself for allowing them to influence his life, his behaviour. At the fates who had taken his sister’s life when the best times were just beginning.

Yet those same fates had brought Alina and his future son or daughter to Sydney. To him.

Taking a short step forward, he manoeuvred her into his arms. In the simple act of holding her and stroking her hair he found solace as he reassured her.

‘That’s all the more reason for us to convince them of the undeniable magnetism between us. If we show them we’re happy they’ll have to accept it.’

‘Are you happy?’ A muffled plea into his shirt.

He tilted her chin to gaze into lovely despondent eyes and swore silently. Didn’t she realise how much her being here meant to him?

‘How can I not be happy? You’ve given me the most precious gift I’ll ever have. You are giving a part of Louise back to me. Her child. You had easier options, yet you came to me not knowing how I’d react. You did know how my parents would.’

She took a long, shuddering breath, drawing his eyes to her full pink mouth. His body vibrated in response. She had no concept of what she was doing to him. He wasn’t sure himself.

‘Can we go this week? I’d prefer less time to dwell on it.’

His mobile rang before he could answer her. He grimaced at the caller ID. ‘I agree. I’ve got to take this, so I’ll meet you in the pool.’

He walked to his room, trying to focus on building regulations instead of smoky violet eyes and full, inviting lips.

Alina walked away, didn’t look back. His words had woven a soothing path through her mind, into her heart. Diminishing her qualms.

You’ve given me the most precious gift.

So similar to the phrase she’d heard from Louise when those two blue lines had materialised on that vital stick. Validation that she’d made the right decision to contact him now rather than after the birth.

* * *

Seven minutes to six on a Thursday evening and his desk was clear. Ethan felt pumped at an achievement he determined would become more routine than not. He conceded that the new promotions, which would become official at midnight on Sunday, made it possible.

He stopped on the way home for handmade chocolates to celebrate. Trying to quell the rush of anticipation, he entered the apartment, silently chuckling at the sci-fi epic music coming from the speakers.

Alina was preparing dinner at the kitchen counter. His eyes drank in her brunette curls, her enticing curves—soon to be curvier. Alluring. Desirable. This attraction was unlike any he’d ever experienced. Because of the situation? Her condition? His unexpected paternity? None of them explained that initial gut-clench when the only knowledge he’d had of her was her name.

She continued working, oblivious to his presence. How near did he have to be before she sensed him?

She had. The moment he’d opened the front door. Trying to quell her quickening heartbeat and ignore the prickling at the back of her neck was a futile exercise. There was nothing to account for her sudden heat rush.

Darn hormones. Why pick this pregnancy to play up? The first time—she couldn’t prevent the comparisons surfacing—there’d been occasional morning sickness, a few cravings, and manageable backache in the last trimester. She’d been blissfully content, cherished, and pampered by...

She gripped the vegetable peeler till it stung, fought the tears threatening to spill.

His cologne seeped around her. Still no sound or greeting. Was he playing games, waiting for her to acknowledge him? She put down the peeler, pivoted.

Her lungs seized up. Her mouth dried. She sucked in her cheeks and swallowed, trying unsuccessfully to form moisture. Ethan stood there, gazing at her as if she were priceless, unique. When he walked round the island, smiling at her, she couldn’t have moved if someone had tossed a grenade.

‘You were so engrossed I didn’t want to disturb you.’ He cupped her chin, restarting her lungs in a short sharp gasp. He drew her to him as if their future was limitless and she leant into him, wanting to be closer. Wanting whatever he was offering.

He kissed her lightly, then deeper when her lips moved under his. When they parted of their own accord he accepted the tacit invitation. The tip of his tongue found hers. Heat flooded every cell. She tasted a hint of wine, coffee, tightened her hold on his neck, hungry for more.

Her stomach lurched. She wrenched free, clapping her hand over her mouth. Holding an arm across her belly, she bent double, trying not to throw up.

‘Alina, what’s wrong?’

The anxiety in his tone penetrated her brain. The support of his strong arms steadied her.

‘Alina?’

The nausea hit again. Breaking free, she stumbled to the bathroom, crumpled beside the toilet bowl and dry-retched repeatedly. Didn’t have time to worry about privacy.