November Harlequin Presents 2(269)
The rain had caught them by surprise, and Cryssie’s hair hung in wet curls on her shoulders, while Jed’s was plastered thickly to his forehead. He ran his fingers through it, shaking his head like a dog, and Cryssie couldn’t help laughing. ‘Hurrah for English weather,’ she said, and Jed grinned down at her.
He knew she couldn’t care less about having her appearance mucked up, and he was beginning to realise that her total lack of vanity was a very appealing trait. He was not used to that kind of female!
They arrived back at the flat, and Cryssie flopped down on the sofa, half closing her eyes for a second or two. ‘Wow,’ she murmured. ‘London’s terrific—but tiring.’
Jed switched on several table-lamps, which gave the room a distinctly cosy glow, and glanced across at her. ‘Do you want to lie down for a bit? There are a couple of phone calls I need to make, then I’ll fix us a drink before we order our supper.’
Cryssie thought of that comfortable-looking bed, and succumbed! ‘Just for five minutes, then,’ she said, thinking that he probably wanted to phone in private.
In the bedroom, she slipped off her jacket, skirt and shoes, and stretched out on the soft covers. It was heaven! Letting her thoughts drift for a moment, Cryssie found herself wondering just how many women had shared this bed with Jeremy Hunter. He said he usually used the place for business purposes, but it was obviously also ideal for bringing home whichever female took his fancy at the time.
She opened her eyes lazily, letting her gaze wander around the room. Strangely, it had a more feminine feel than the rest of the flat, with satin cushions dotted about, and some dainty pictures on the wall. Without really thinking what she was doing, Cryssie slid off the bed and went noiselessly across to the adjoining small dressing room. Carefully, she opened the door to one of the fitted wardrobes—and her suspicions were confirmed! Hanging there was a beautiful pink satin dressing gown, and a pair of soft, fluffy mules, decorated with sequins, lay carelessly on the shelf beneath.
Shrugging, Cryssie quietly clicked the door shut and climbed back onto the bed. Jeremy Hunter had other reasons for acquiring this place—so what? she thought. He was a free man, and anyway—she had no reason to care one way or the other!
She closed her eyes for a second, trying not to think about the man at all. But with him just a few feet away it was easier said than done, and she knew she was restless. But presently her thoughts settled down and she began to relax…
On the other side of the wall Jed lounged in the chair, his long legs stretched out in front of him. He’d ordered their supper to arrive in an hour. He fingered the glass of whisky he’d poured himself thoughtfully. Only time would tell whether their association could reach a different level which would be acceptable to them both. Because he was coming to realise that he wanted that—more than anything he’d wanted for a long time. But could he change the mind of this woman who’d emphasised that she was not in the market? He ran a finger across his lip, then poured himself another whisky.
There was no sound from the bedroom and, putting down his glass, he quietly went across and opened the door—just wide enough to see Cryssie, fast asleep, curled up on his bed. Lying there in just her shirt and underwear, with her hair loosened in careless fronds on the pillow, she reminded Jed of that other occasion. But this time he had to admit to feelings of a different nature…He knew so much more about her now, and he sensed that there was much more to discover. Yet it came as a major shock to realise that she was actually capable of arousing him, and he cursed under his breath at his disturbed emotions as he let his gaze linger on her sleeping form.
He went right into the room then, and stood by the side of the bed. Suddenly her eyes flickered open and she sat up, automatically drawing the cover over her shoulders.
‘Heavens! Did I fall asleep?’ she asked.
‘You did. And our meal will be up in about ten minutes. Do you feel like it?’
‘Of course!’ Cryssie slid off the bed, picking up her clothes. ‘I’ll be quick,’ she said.
She went past him into the bathroom, her heart racing. As she’d opened her eyes she’d thought for a breathless moment that he was going to try and seduce her. Because there had been something in his expression, something in those smoulderingly black eyes, that had made her tingle with apprehension—or with something else! It was essential for both of them that she got fully dressed now, and back to official mode! This was the perfect setting for a romantic liaison. She shuddered as she allowed her mind to run along these forbidden lines, then quickly completed what she was doing and went back into the sitting room to join him—just as the doorbell rang to announce the arrival of their supper.