November Harlequin Presents 2(270)

He’d already set a table in front of one of the sofas, with cutlery and a couple of napkins and two wine glasses, and Cryssie stood watching as Jed allowed the waiter to bring in the covered dishes. It all smelt fabulous as the man placed everything in front of them, and Cryssie realised that she was actually starving!

When they were alone, Jed brought over a bottle of wine from the drinks cabinet and poured some into their glasses. ‘It’s been good today, Cryssie, even if the meeting didn’t go ahead.’ He looked at her broodingly for a second. ‘Let’s drink to the next time.’

Cryssie lowered her eyes as she drank, knowing that she had enjoyed every minute being with Jeremy Hunter.

The meal was fantastic, and they both ate hungrily. ‘I’d love to know what this sauce is made of,’ Cryssie said, scraping around the plate with her fork.

‘Mmm—it’s a firm favourite here. I’ve ordered it more than once for people I’m entertaining,’ Jed said, pouring some more wine. ‘And no one’s complained yet.’

Cryssie leaned back and gazed across at him, feeling warm and comfortable, all her inhibitions deserting her.

‘Who does the gorgeous dressing gown in the wardrobe belong to?’ she asked casually. ‘Or is it just meant for the woman of the moment?’

Jed looked at her blankly for a second. ‘I didn’t know there was one there,’ he said.

‘Oh, come on! This is your place! You must know what’s in it! There is a beautiful pink lady’s dressing gown, complete with fancy mules. She must be very high-maintenance, Jed! It’s fortunate you’re so successful in business!’

Jed’s face had hardened as she spoke, and Cryssie was suddenly afraid that she’d said too much—overstepped the recommended mark, let her barriers down. It was none of her business!

He strode out of the room, and she heard him open the wardrobe door in the bedroom, then bang it shut angrily. When he came back, the knitted brows were drawn fiercely together, and for a moment Cryssie felt startled. She’d upset him this time, and he was angry! And she knew what might happen when he became angry!

‘I had no idea that thing was still there—’ he began, but Cryssie interrupted.

‘I’m sorry, Jed. It’s nothing to do with me what you keep in your bedroom—or anywhere else for that matter,’ she said.

He shrugged. ‘I haven’t opened that particular door for two years,’ he said. He paused. ‘It was my wife’s wardrobe—mine’s the other one. I didn’t realise she’d left anything there. She obviously hasn’t missed it,’ he said sarcastically. ‘She had about a dozen others to choose from, I seem to remember.’

Cryssie was staggered! His wife, had he said? That was news to her! Why had she opened that wardrobe! She should mind her own business and leave her boss to his! She cringed at her crass behaviour!

By now she had stood up, and he came across to look down at her. She could see a pulse beating strongly in his neck, and he thrust a hand through his hair in an agitated gesture. He moved over to pour himself some more wine. ‘I was married to Ella for just over a year. Just long enough for us to really get to know each other,’ he added savagely. ‘But I’m afraid our terms and conditions didn’t exactly tally.’ He drank from his glass, his face becoming a picture of anger and regret as he spoke. ‘I’ve not seen or spoken to her since the divorce, and it’ll stay that way. The remaining contents of that wardrobe will be given to a local charity shop tomorrow. I’ll leave a note for the cleaner.’

When she could find her voice, Cryssie said, ‘Life would be so much simpler if we could look into the future—see the way ahead.’

On that point they would surely agree, she thought. How many times she’d wished she could turn the clock back!

He looked down at her for a long, thoughtful moment, and then, almost in slow motion, he reached out to draw her towards him, circling her waist with his arm and pulling her close. She didn’t protest, or try to resist him, because she knew instinctively that he was going to kiss her—and, yes, yes, yes, she wanted him to! What harm could there be in one sympathetic, empathetic fusing of their lips?

And then she was totally helpless, under his control, and he was pressing his mouth on hers in a way that was both tender and yet fiercely passionate. Not like that other time, she thought, her head swimming with desire. This was a dream moment like none other she’d ever experienced, and she found herself drifting into a state of near semi-consciousness, letting him take her over, his breath fanning her flaming cheeks.