The journey back was a nightmare. Because it was Sunday, there were engineering works taking place, and the train crawled along in between long pauses in the middle of nowhere.
It was mid-afternoon before she arrived back in London, and took a cab to her flat.
She would change, she thought, and do some food-shopping. Or perhaps even book a table at the neighbourhood French bistro, because it might be better to be with other people.
She paid off the cab and turned towards her door. And stopped, a sudden prickle of awareness edging into her consciousness.
She turned nervously, and saw him walking up the street towards her.
For a moment they stood facing each other. Cory bit her lip, expecting anger—recriminations.
But all he said, quite gently, was, ‘Why did you run away?’
‘Perhaps because I hate saying goodbye.’
‘Then don’t say it. Unlock your door and invite me in, and listen to what I have to say.’
‘There’s no need to say anything.’ Bravely Cory lifted her chin. She thought, Don’t apologise. Oh, please don’t tell me you’re sorry, because that I couldn’t bear. ‘It happened,’ she went on, ‘and it was wonderful, and now it’s over. And we both get on with our own lives.’
Rome shook his head. ‘It’s not that simple, Cory.’
‘If you’re still thinking there might be a baby, it’s my problem and I’ll deal with it.’ She gave him a travesty of her usual smile. ‘There’ll be no paternity suit. I won’t ask you for anything.’
‘I wasn’t thinking that,’ he said slowly. ‘Of all the many thoughts I had on that hellish, lonely drive back, the prospect of becoming a father didn’t even feature. Not that I’m against it in principle,’ he added. ‘But I feel it would be better for us to have some time just with each other before starting a family.’
She stared at him, her eyes enormous. She said, ‘I think one of us must be going mad. What are you talking about?’
He sighed. ‘I hadn’t planned on doing this in the street,’ he said, ‘but I’m asking you to marry me, Cory. To be my wife. Will you?’
SHE said, ‘I still can’t believe this is happening. We—we’ve only just met…’
Rome pulled her further into his arms. ‘If we’re strangers,’ he murmured. ‘I don’t think I’d survive being a close friend.’
They’d almost fallen into the flat on a wave of joy and laughter that had turned in seconds into a passion that would not be denied. He’d lifted her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom, mouths clinging, hands already beginning to tear at zips and buttons.
Now they lay sated and relaxed in each other’s arms.
‘Anyway,’ he added softly, ‘I think that in some way we’ve always known each other. Always been waiting to meet.’
She sighed. ‘Then I’m glad I went to that charity ball. I didn’t want to, you know.’
‘Nor did I.’ There was an odd note in his voice.
‘And then we kept bumping into each other.’ Cory giggled. ‘Quite literally at times. I should have known it was fate.’
Rome was silent for a moment. Then he said, ‘Cory, can I ask you to do something for me? Something a little strange which I can’t explain just now.’
‘How mysterious you sound.’ She planted a row of tiny kisses on his throat. ‘What is it?’
He hesitated again. ‘I don’t want you to tell anyone about us—at least not for a while.’
Cory looked up at him, her eyes wide with bewilderment. ‘You mean—not even Gramps? But he’ll be so happy for us, Rome. It’s been his dearest wish for me to meet someone and fall in love. And I want the two men in my life to like each other. It’s important to me.’
He said, ‘It matters to me, too. But I have my reasons, even if I can’t tell you what they are.’ He grimaced slightly. ‘And your grandfather may not be as delighted as you think. I’m no great catch for his only granddaughter.’
Cory was silent for a moment. ‘Gramps is quite old-fashioned,’ she said at last. ‘I think he’d like it if you formally asked his permission.’
‘I plan to,’ he said. ‘But we have to wait for a little while. Will you do that for me?’
‘Yes,’ she said. ‘You know I will.’ She gave a wondering laugh. ‘Love at first sight, and now a secret engagement. This is all a dream, and soon I’m going to wake up. I know I am.’
‘Don’t say that, Cory.’ His voice was suddenly harsh. ‘Don’t even think it.’
She looked up at him in surprise. ‘Rome—are you all right?’
‘Yes.’ He kissed her, his mouth tender on hers. ‘For the first time in my life, I believe I am.’
‘And you really can’t share this mystery with me?’
‘Soon,’ he said. ‘I promise. I have some things to sort out first.’
‘But I might be able to help.’
‘I’m afraid you can’t, mia cara.’ His voice was regretful. ‘Not this time.’
Her answering smile was faintly troubled. ‘I understand.’
Only, she wasn’t sure that she did. Only an hour ago she’d stood on the pavement, locked in Rome’s arms, oblivious to everything but the joy opening inside her like a flower. The certainty that this was where she belonged.
She wanted to shout her happiness from the rooftops. But she couldn’t. In fact, she couldn’t tell a single soul. And she didn’t know why.
She was aware that Shelley would say instantly that this was one mystery too many, and demand an immediate explanation before committing herself. That this was the reasonable—the rational course.
But I love him, she thought. And somehow reason and rationality don’t seem so important any more.
There were so many things she wanted to ask him, so many gaps in her knowledge, but she supposed she would just have to be patient—and trust him.
He began to kiss her again, his fingers warm and arousing on her breast, and all doubts and vague uncertainties slid away as she turned to him, rapturous and yielding.
Later they had dinner at the bistro, and then watched an old film on television.
Cory had taken it for granted that Rome would be spending the night with her, but to her disappointment he told her he was going back to his own flat.
‘I’m going away on business for a day or two,’ he said. ‘I need to pack and make an early start.’
‘Must you go?’ She couldn’t disguise the sudden desolation in her voice.
He pulled her closer. ‘The sooner I go, the sooner I’ll be back,’ he reminded her.
‘I suppose so,’ She paused. ‘What’s your flat like?’
She was hoping he’d say, Come back with me, and help me pack.
Instead, he shrugged. ‘Dull—impersonal. Rather like a hotel room. You’d hate it.’
‘I’ve nothing against hotel rooms.’ Cory sent him a mischievous look. ‘On the contrary. But if you really dislike it, you don’t have to stay there.’ She paused.