So, where do you go from here, Cassie? an inner voice challenged.
She stood up, lifted her chin and squared her shoulders.
To Sydney, came the answer.
To the Regent.
And privacy.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The trip to Sydney was nerve-racking. At the beginning the pilot, Paul, kept sliding curious glances her way, making Cassie blush. She imagined that he was vividly recalling the scene he had encountered in the library, which did nothing for her composure.
Dan was broodingly silent for the entire flight, which didn't exactly help. He sat there, in his formidable pin-striped suit, thinking about God knew what, and precluding any attempt on Cassie's part for conversation.
On top of that, Cassie was terrified that they might crash. She hadn't realised she would be afraid, having flown a few times before in her university days. But this was so different. Before she had been in a regular-sized plane. The helicopter seemed too small. And too flimsy! Jason would certainly not be allowed to go up in it again!
She was so uptight, she couldn't even appreciate the aerial view of Sydney as they came in to land. Cassie just stared steadfastly forwards, gripping the sides of her seat with knuckle-whitening force. When the helicopter hovered to a halt on the helipad, her attempt to suppress a sob of relief was without success. Dan darted her a sharp look.
He sighed, but from that moment was solicitous and caring of her needs. He helped her alight and led her numbed body across the cement roof, then held her arm all the way down on the lift ride before propelling her through a busy foyer out into a waiting taxi.
Cassie climbed over into the far corner of the back seat, huddling into it like a frightened animal. Dan gave her another of his exasperated looks before putting an arm around her shoulder and firmly pulling her close.
Cassie slanted him a surprised look, but when she met a stubborn glare in return she gave in gracefully and settled into the crook of his arm. It was really a very pleasant and relaxing position, for his body made a warm haven against the surprisingly chilly Sydney air. Cassie had dressed in a green linen jumpsuit and had thought the long-sleeved style a good choice for a mild spring day, but the clouds had gathered over Sydney and a brisk wind was blowing.
Cassie gradually grew aware of much more than Dan's warmth. His taut thigh was pressed against hers, and she could hear his heart beating. It was going faster, she thought, than his outwardly bland appearance warranted, and making her fertile imagination hurtle forward to the moment when they would finally be alone, when he would take her in his arms and make love to her.
Dan's desire for her was the one thing she no longer sought to question in her mind. No matter how he felt in his heart, he did want her. That, she was sure of.
The Regent was all and more than she had thought it would be. No hotel gained such an international reputation lightly. But it was the service afforded Dan that impressed Cassie the most. It was 'Good afternoon, Mr McKay', 'Lovely to see you again, Mr McKay', 'Of course, Mr McKay', every step of the way. When he casually mentioned that he would like a salad lunch served in his suite the meal practically preceded them, wheeled in on an elegant trolley within seconds of their walking into their rooms.
Cassie was speechless for a second at the sheer extravagance of their accommodation. Dan's wealth came home to her with a jolt as her eyes took in the massive bedroom and sitting-room, and the exquisite marble bathroom, not to mention the spectacular view. This must have cost a fortune, she thought dazedly, and wandered over to stand gazing at the water and the Harbour bridge.
'It's even better at night,' Dan said, coming up behind Cassie to place curving hands over her shoulders. She forced herself to relax back against him, but her nerves were at screaming point.
What now? she worried. A chatty lunch, then a long shopping expedition, with her stomach in knots all the while? Oh, God, she couldn't eat a thing, and she no more wanted to go shopping than fly to the moon.
When an involuntary sigh puffed from her lips he turned her to face him. 'You're not tired, are you?'
She looked up into his tense face, and for the first time appreciated that Dan was under strain as well. His emotions were probably as confused as hers, she realised. Perhaps he thought, as he had the previous night, that she was unwilling. Maybe if she...
A nervous spasm claimed her insides, but a mad recklessness drove her to slide her arms up around his neck and lift herself up on tiptoe, her lips hovering just beneath his. 'Make love to me, Dan,' she whispered shakily. 'Now... Please...'
A frown gathered on his handsome face. 'Now?'
Her heart was thudding in her ears. 'Yes,' she whispered.
His face contorted in almost violent rejection as he wrenched her arms down and whirled away, stalking over to the corner of the room. He stood with feet apart, glaring fiercely through the window down at the traffic below, the rigid shoulders and clenched fists telegraphing his inner upheaval.