Читать книгу The Australian Affairs Collection - Margaret Way - Страница 81

CHAPTER TWELVE

WATER SPLASHED IN the basin and then Ethan was kneeling beside her, offering a damp cloth. She pressed it to her skin, letting the coolness soothe the heat from her humiliation. He’d kissed her and she’d practically thrown up on him.

Why? She’d eaten nothing, done nothing to trigger it. She shivered, couldn’t stop, couldn’t stem the shame churning in her belly.

‘Alina?’

She looked up into blue eyes dark with concern. For the child? A tiny pang of regret hit her heart.

‘I’m sorry, Ethan—so sorry. I’ve no idea what triggered that.’

He gently removed the cloth, tossed it into the sink, then cradled her to his chest.

‘Hey, I’ve got friends with children. Over the years I’ve heard plenty of stories about so-called morning sickness. Including the fact that it should be named any-time-anywhere-for-no-apparent-reason sickness. Feeling better?’

She touched the stubble on his chin, managed a rueful half-smile. ‘I think so.’

He helped her up, waited until she’d rinsed her mouth, then aided her walk back to the lounge. Sat beside her, his arm around her shoulders.

‘Do you want some chocolate to take away the taste? I brought a box home.’

‘Peppermint tea with plain biscuits will be more settling. I can get them.’

‘You stay put. You’re sure you’re all right?’

For his sake she nodded, forcing a smile.

His eyes narrowed as if he wasn’t convinced. ‘My book contains a whole chapter on morning sickness, and its triggers. I think I’d better reread it.’

She put her hand on his thigh. ‘Thank you for...for being there.’

‘Always.’ He kissed the top of her head. ‘I’ll be right back.’

Ethan went to the kitchen, turned on the kettle and sank against the bench, taut hands rubbing his face. He’d had to fight for composure in the bathroom; he still shook inside.

Seeing her sickly pallor as she’d hunched over the toilet had scared the hell out of him. Hearing the rasp in her voice had affected him in a way nothing had before. Because he’d feared for their baby? Or because Alina had been hurting? Both had ripped him apart.

On his return, he felt the taut knot in his gut ease at the tinge of colour in her cheeks. He gave her the tea and biscuits, scrutinised her as he drank his tea, the same flavour. If he had to he’d make herb tea his regular drink at home. Just in case.

‘I feel better. Thank you.’ She started to rise.

He stopped her, catching hold of her arm. ‘You’re sure?’

Her smile was steadier. ‘I’m fine.’

Alina went to the kitchen, where the salad she’d been preparing waited, not realising he was behind her until he spoke.

‘What can I do to help?’

Help? He hadn’t offered before. She’d never been sick before. ‘I can manage. You go do whatever you had planned.’

He hesitated, his cobalt eyes gleaming with an emotion she didn’t dare try to decipher. The new upheaval in her abdomen had nothing to do with her being pregnant.

‘Go. I can handle kebabs and salad.’

Why did it take so much effort to drag her eyes from him? She forced herself to concentrate on the half-finished carrot.

‘I’ll call you when it’s ready.’

The grunt he made was unintelligible and utterly male. It tickled the edge of her memory. Was quickly relegated to the clouds, where it belonged. She sneaked a peek as he left, wished she hadn’t.

His grey shirt was moulded to muscles toned to perfection from swimming and working out. Her gaze was drawn down past his trim waist to firm buttocks that flexed with each step. Her breath quickened. This was crazy. She was checking him out like a teenager.

Her knees shook. She flattened her hands on the benchtop for support, barely aware of the peeler handle digging into her palm. She craved ice-cold water, cursed the heat flooding her body. Daren’t risk walking to the tap.

He spun round, catching her off guard. ‘By the way...’ His mouth stayed open. His eyes widened. He grinned—a conspiratorial I-know-what-you’re-thinking grin. Moved slowly towards her, holding her spellbound with captivating blue eyes.

The music from the speakers reached a dramatic crescendo, heightening the atmosphere. It had hardly registered until then. Now it filled the space between them. The width of the room. The breadth of the kitchen island. The length of his arm.

She faced him, her brain in a quandary as warnings of danger sparred with reminders of his kisses. He halted at that arm’s distance, his eyes now sombre, his features composed. A façade. She noted his rigid stance, the way he’d fisted his hands.

‘Are you game to try again?’

She heard the caution in his voice. The kiss? He’d initiated it; she was the one who’d allowed it to become more intimate. This time there’d be no intoxicating flavour of wine or coffee. She guessed he’d used mouthwash, had seen him drink peppermint tea. Just in case.

Until Tuesday’s highly emotional embrace in the pool his kisses had been mostly tender—a gentle way of gradually familiarising her with his touch. Their intimate kiss, though interrupted, had been a giant advance in their relationship. A definite declaration that he found her attractive. Desired her.

There’d been no mention of their sleeping together, but she couldn’t deny her body responded to his virility, couldn’t stop his image invading her thoughts. Oh, Lord, had her nausea been triggered by guilt, by feelings of infidelity?

He quietly waited for her answer. They both knew there was only one way to resolve the issue.

‘Yes.’

Her single husky word had him enfolding her and gently covering her mouth with his. The music faded. The air around them crackled. Time stood still. His lips moved slowly, persuasively over hers. His hands stroked unhurriedly, without pressure. He kept space between their bodies.

Her fingertips inched up his chest until they touched his skin. His body trembled. His earthy Ethan aroma filled her lungs, clouding her brain. Dominating her will. Freeing her will. Her fingers twisted into his hair. Her lips parted.

Ethan held his breath, every muscle tensed in a supreme effort not to sweep his tongue inside to explore the sweetness he’d sampled earlier. Being restrained with a woman was a new experience for him. Mutual attraction led to equally satisfying sex. No strings. No commitment.

This was different. For indefinable reasons. After the initial spontaneous jolt everything he’d done had been influenced by the fact she was pregnant. Or had it? When they were apart she was in his head. When they were together he couldn’t stop looking, touching and inhaling her essence, fresh as spring.

He slowly traced a line with his tongue around the soft, moist inside of her lips. She gasped, taking in his breath. Quivered under his roaming hands. His body hardened and he shuffled his feet, widening the gap. Sliding his tongue in deeper, he cautiously stoked hers, fully prepared to stop at the slightest hint of distress.

There was none—only a timid response that almost had him hauling her closer. There was no sense of time. It felt as if he were standing on the edge of a precipice, knowing there was something wonderful waiting if he’d just let himself fall. With a rough shuddering breath he lifted his head to gaze into clear, shining eyes.

‘I guess it was one of those inexplicable pregnancy things, huh?’

Her spontaneous laugh zapped his already strained senses.

‘Seems like it.’

To double-check, he kissed her briefly, firmly. ‘So—you feel okay?’ His pulse kicked up even higher when she flick-licked her bottom lip and smiled, as if she’d tasted something delicious.

‘Go—or you won’t be eating dinner tonight.’

He went, deeming it an option he’d happily choose.

* * *

On Saturday morning Alina paced restlessly round the apartment. Something was itching at her brain—wouldn’t surface, wouldn’t go. She’d booted up her computer. Closed it down. She’d changed, walked into the gym, turned, walked out. Changed back into jeans and a top. Curled up with her embroidery, packed it away after a few stitches. Every room was tidy; everything was clean.

She glanced at the kitchen calendar and the notation for tonight: Dinner with parents. An unavoidable ordeal to be endured. She was convinced they wouldn’t be adding her to their regular guest list unless they wanted Ethan there too. And he’d given her the impression he’d happily miss most of their organised events.

A picture flashed into her head at the sight of today’s date. She quickly blocked it out. She didn’t do special days.

Tenuous, ghost-like memories nipped at the edge of her mind, wouldn’t be dismissed. Tears welled in her eyes as memories crashed back. Her mother-in-law’s birthday. Mum. Unlike Sophia, she’d welcomed Alina, drawn her into the family and loved her as a daughter. She’d be lucky if Sophia tolerated her for the time she was here.

Ethan had family and friends for support. She didn’t begrudge him any of them; he’d need all the help available next year. She had no one. Unless...

You only have to reach out. There’ll be no recriminations, only love and understanding.

Her thumb trembled as she scrolled through her phone for the name and number. A short tear-choked conversation later she grabbed her handbag and ran out the door, heading for the one person she could tell anything. Though she wouldn’t reveal the whole truth.

* * *

Where was she? Ethan drummed his fingers on his office desk, forced himself to focus on the computer screen, rereading figures he hadn’t taken in before. They were good. His mindset wasn’t. He exited the program, scowling. Why hadn’t she returned his calls?

He hadn’t been concerned when she hadn’t answered her mobile or the apartment phone at first, assuming she was in the gym area. Now, however... He checked his watch for the umpteenth time. Ten past twelve—over two hours since his first call.

He rotated sideways, staring at the city skyline, seeing only her face, wondering why she’d been so subdued this morning after they’d spent two enjoyable evenings together. Maybe it was one of the mood swings detailed in his book.

He grabbed his phone again, hesitated with his hand in mid-air. It rang, vibrating in his palm. Wrong caller ID. After quickly dealing with the matter, he went to the coffee machine. With refilled mug in hand he paced the floor, trying to convince himself it was normal trepidation given her condition.

In truth, she’d triggered something inside him from the moment they’d met—something incomprehensible. She didn’t fit his long-term plan in any way. Grieving and haunted, she was determined not to stay in Australia. He wouldn’t stop her leaving, though he’d give her support for as long as she wished. He wasn’t perfect, but the child she carried needed a parent as hang-up-free as possible. And right now he needed her to answer her damn phone.

Grabbing a printed report on his Gold Coast hotel, he sprawled on the long sofa, his mug and mobile on the low table by his side. Normally he’d have been elated that the renovations were on schedule and under budget.

Startled by his ringtone, he almost knocked over his coffee in his haste to grab his phone. His adrenaline spiked when he saw the caller ID. He sucked in air, tried to project a calm he definitely didn’t feel.

‘Alina.’

‘Ethan, I’m sorry.’

Her distressed voice chilled his heart. Feigned calm flew out of the window. He was on his feet, striding to grab his jacket as he spoke.

‘What’s wrong? Where are you? I’ll come for you.’ Hell, he felt as desperate as he sounded.

‘No! It’s nothing. I’m an idiot, that’s all.’ Breathless. Anxious.

He stilled. Wished he was there so he could see her face, read how upset she really was. ‘Tell me.’

‘I went to visit my husband’s aunt. We sat in the garden and my bag was inside, on her sofa. I missed all your calls.’

Spontaneous laughter surged up his throat and burst out at the simple explanation. She was all right. She was safe. He perched on his desk, torn between pure relief and self-reproach for worrying so much.

‘It’s not funny. I’ve got six messages from you.’

Her slightly miffed tone was endearing.

‘I’m just glad you’re okay. Where are you now?’

‘Sitting on a bus.’

He wanted her here, wanted to hold her. Wanted to shake her for scaring him. Kiss her until she melted in his arms.

‘Why were you calling?’ she added.

‘My father rang, asking if we could arrive half an hour earlier tonight.’

She was always ready on time—he could have called when he left the office. Then he wouldn’t have had two hours of angst. Or heard her sweet, apologetic voice.

‘No last-minute reprieve, huh?’

‘I’m afraid not. You’re sure you’re okay?’ He sure as hell hadn’t been, two minutes ago.

‘I’m fine. I’m truly sorry for worrying you, Ethan.’

‘Worrying me? You, my sweet, are putting me through emotions I can’t even name.’

He ended the call, huffing the air from his lungs as he tossed his phone onto his desk. He wasn’t normally prone to panic. If there was a problem he coolly and methodically searched for a solution.

Was this new apprehension going to be part of his future? A normality of being a parent? He’d probably be overloaded with advice and disaster stories once his friends found out about his impending fatherhood. Knowing they’d be there for him and his child, he’d take it all in the spirit it would be given.

Alina had said she had no family, and yet there was this aunt—her husband’s aunt. And maybe other relatives? How close was she to them? Close enough to want to re-establish contact. Why deny them before? Why turn to them now?

Hell, he’d hardly learnt anything about her; she kept her guard up tight. That hadn’t been an issue when they’d met and agreed to marry for the child’s sake. Now she was real to him, she was special in a way he’d never felt before. He wanted to be the one she reached out to for support.

* * *

Alina wriggled uneasily on the bus seat. Unflappable, down-to-earth Ethan had been rattled until she’d explained. If that teenager texting with his head bent hadn’t bumped into her, she wouldn’t have thought to check her phone. An incident she’d skip mentioning. She accepted his reasons for being over-protective, preferred not to give him cause to be more so.

She replayed his words in her mind. He’d seemed genuinely concerned for her. The tenderness in his voice during that last remark had almost had her saying, Ditto.

Once he’d recovered from the initial shock of her pregnancy he’d been very supportive. He hadn’t pressured her for the details of her life she’d rather keep private. And, while his physical attraction to her was obvious, his manner had been conciliatory, letting her set the boundaries.

* * *

It was parent confrontation time. Ethan glanced at the dashboard clock and eased his foot on the accelerator. Alina sat quietly, hadn’t said much at all since he’d arrived home. There’d only been time for him to grab a quick shower and change before leaving. He’d still had the reality of her having relatives on his mind, hadn’t wanted to talk either. Even if he could figure out how to bring up the subject, now was not the time.

He glanced over. She was staring ahead, pale and rigid, as if being driven to the guillotine. Her left hand was hidden but he’d bet it was doing that finger dance. His heart wrenched. Sweet, brave Alina, with demons he could only imagine, was prepared to confront his ultra-judgemental parents for his benefit, and he was jealous because she’d called someone who’d be on her side.

Jealous! No, he couldn’t be. He flicked her another look, felt a deep surge of tenderness. Accepted the reality of that emotion, new for him.

Taking his hand from the wheel, he gently covered hers for a few seconds. ‘You are beautiful, Alina Fletcher. I’m proud to have you by my side—any time, anywhere.’

His reward was a tentative smile. He wanted more.

Alina toyed with her hair, smoothed her skirt over her slightly rounded belly. Was it too late to ask him to take her home? Too late. Too cowardly. They were the child’s nearest relatives, next to him. Maybe they’d mellow with age; grandparents often did. She’d be gone soon, so any adverse judgement on her shouldn’t impact on Ethan or the baby.

The vibes she’d picked up from Ethan had exacerbated her tension, turning the butterflies in her tummy to turbulent judders. She wished she were anywhere else—like on the Manly Ferry, steaming across the heads, wind blowing her hair, spray cooling her cheeks. And Ethan surrounding her, his chest at her back, arms at her sides. Shielding her. Protective.

Her eyes widened and she pressed back in her seat as they drove through the gates of the formidable James couple’s opulent home. It was a two-storey, luxurious mansion, like something out of a magazine, set in flawless landscaped gardens. The back area was as impressive as the front.

They pulled up. Reluctant to leave the security of the vehicle, she sat, vaguely aware of him moving around the front of the vehicle, opening her door and hunkering down beside her. Gentle fingers stroked her arm. Empathetic eyes met hers when she looked up.

‘Remember, this is all for show. The house. The decor. Their attitude. Real life is you, me and our baby.’

His hand splayed protectively over her stomach, radiating warmth with his touch, diminishing her fears. A little.

‘You won’t be left alone with either of them. They can insinuate all they like; they’ll only learn what we choose to tell them.’

Unbuckling her seatbelt, he helped her out. She gripped his hand, felt his flesh dent under her nails. ‘I’m worried I’ll let you down.’

He shook his head. ‘Impossible. You’re the bravest woman I’ve ever met. Our marriage, our lives, are exactly that. Ours. Don’t forget, it’s they who are on notice.’

Giving her that special Ethan smile, he raised her hand and pressed his lips to her palm. Electrifying quivers sped along her veins, through her, settling in her stomach. A lovely, if slightly scary feeling. She smiled back and he led her round to the front steps. She was thankful her flowing dress hid her condition, grateful for the strength of his fingers entwined with hers.