‘Which obviously didn’t work. Couldn’t they see how happy they were? How much he...he adored her?’ Her voice faltered over the last few words.
‘That didn’t factor in their thinking. Our wedding may not be conventional, but I’d like it to be an occasion you’ll remember fondly. There’ll be no one there who might upset you in any way. Telling them afterwards gives them no choice but to accept that we’re married.’
‘I understand.’ She began to slip the ring off. He stopped her.
‘Keep it on at home. For me.’ He brought her fingers to his lips for a second, then stood up. ‘I’ve also got something to help occupy your time. Close your eyes.’
Alina had no fear of natural darkness. It was her own internal black world that tormented her. So, as soon as she sensed him leave she covered her eyes with her hands and opened them.
Shame at the way she’d swayed forward for his kiss, had almost succumbed to him, fizzed in her stomach. At the time she’d seemed to be weightless, floating, with no power over her limbs or her actions. She didn’t resist. Didn’t participate.
When he’d sprung away the bewilderment had had her blathering like a drunk, made worse by his shocked expression and deliberate retreat, putting distance between them. He’d recovered first, bringing normality back to the conversation, seemingly putting their embrace behind him.
That was what she had to do—act like a mature woman. She took long deep breaths, calming her stomach. Her defensive shields were solid. Mind you, if they began to crumble...
‘Keep them shut.’
He’d returned.
‘Or covered.’
Must be looking at her.
She heard some clunks, and the drag of the coffee table. The cushions dipped as he sat next to her. Now her stomach sizzled with suspense.
‘This is for you.’
She stared in astonishment at the red laptop with matching mouse and butterfly motif pad. Alongside lay a hardcover notebook plus a boxed set of pens. Her hand flew to her mouth.
Grinning broadly, Ethan gently lowered it, then lifted the computer’s lid. ‘The password’s “bluesheen” at the moment.’
‘You bought this for me?’ Her incredulous gaze swung from his face to the laptop. Twice. She’d never had a computer of her own. Not with the nomadic life she lived. Though lately she’d been considering one of those lightweight notepads.
‘All yours. Complete with bag so you can take it anywhere.’
She touched the keyboard cautiously, her fingers tripping across the keys. He caught one and pressed it on ‘start’. The screen lit up and her eyes eagerly followed the process.
This was hers. Really hers. She turned to the man watching her with dark, hypnotic eyes. Swayed towards him again. Stopped. Touched his arm.
‘Thank you.’
She was lost for words.
So was Ethan for a moment. His heart pumped and the lump in his throat threatened to choke him. He’d seen the intent to kiss him in those sparkling violet eyes, and perversely he rued her change of mind.
‘You’re welcome. Mouse or touch?’ The connection for the wireless mouse was already in the port.
‘I’ve always used a mouse. I’ll have to learn to touch.’
Learn to touch him?
His chest tightened. He obviously hadn’t listened to his own pep talk.
She quickly bent forward and began to type in the password; her hair only partially covering her reddening skin. He wasn’t fooled by the action, and surmised she’d had the same thought.
‘Why “bluesheen”?’ The catch in her voice spoke volumes.
‘Came out of the air.’ She’d been wearing blue the day they met. ‘Easily changed.’
‘I love it. What are all these icons for?’
Her eyes shone with excitement, heightening his own pleasure.
‘Finding out is part of the fun. I’ve added the internet, an email account and cloud backup.’ He opened the notebook. ‘All the passwords are written in here, plus relevant names with phone numbers—including my IT guy, who set it up. He’s offered to give you one-on-one lessons if you like. I’m not too bad—he’s brilliant.’
‘Why? You know I won’t be staying, so why are you doing this?’
He shrugged. ‘Don’t argue—just accept it. You can enrol for online courses...there’s plenty to choose from.’ He lightened the mood by joking. ‘Imagine all the lists you’ll be able to create. And you know you’ll enjoy finding recipes.’
‘You may not think so when you have to eat my weird concoctions.’ She smiled back.
‘I’ll take my chances.’
His mobile rang. Bad timing. She was more at ease with him now than she’d ever been. Muttering a light curse, he wrenched the offending instrument out of his pocket, checked the caller. With a grimace he stood up.
‘I have to take this. Do you have dinner planned?’
‘Yes, but not started.’
‘Save it for tomorrow. I’ll book somewhere quiet where we can talk.’ He got to the end of the lounge and glanced back, his dazzling smile sending heatwaves to every region of her body.
‘You really do look exquisite, Alina.’
Another genuine compliment that gave her confidence another boost. It was hard to believe he’d bought her such a thoughtful gift she’d use in so many ways. The expense hardly registered with him. The time and effort he’d taken meant so much more.
Shutting down the laptop, she watched each process avidly, wanting to take in every little detail before carefully closing the lid. When she packed everything into the bag she found a charger and a set-up manual.
She’d intended to try shopping again tomorrow—now she’d rather stay home and browse. Anything she didn’t understand would go on a list to be shown to Ethan. Although at least one session with his IT specialist was a must.
After putting her embroidery into a craft bag, she went to her room to give her minimal make-up a light touch-up.
As she walked along the hall the muffled mingling of running water with what sounded like a mistuned radio came through his door. Curiosity made her stop and press an ear to the wood. The slightly off-key singing persisted, too indistinct for her to recognise the vaguely familiar song.
The shower stopped. She scurried away, her cheeks burning. If he caught her would he be angry or amused?
She couldn’t get that tune out of her head...couldn’t remember the title. Couldn’t ask him.
* * *
For Alina the family-owned restaurant with its discreet booth tables was ideal. She hadn’t asked the name of the suburb; that would be making it a memory for keeping. Though, perversely, she knew she’d never forget the tasty meal, the restful music from the live band...her attentive escort.
Couples were moving on to the small dance floor and she watched them with envy. She had once known how it felt to be held tenderly, barely moving in a traditional lovers’ slow shuffle. Without warning, images of all the women Ethan might have entertained here broke into her daydream. Stunning. Polished. Fashion connoisseurs who’d dance faultlessly.
‘Hey.’ His deep voice cut through her thoughts