‘You're not saying much,’ said Jamie. ‘You're being unusually quiet about your latest femme fatale.’
Tex shrugged indifferently, as if it were no big deal. Normally, he wouldn't think twice about sharing the details with Jamie, sometimes more detail than others, but today he didn't want to.
‘Let's just say we did not go out for a walk,’ he said at last, more to keep Jamie happy than the need or desire to share the information.
‘I knew it!’ chortled Jamie. ‘Mind you, I give Anna her due, she did hold out on you for a bit. Made you work for it. I hope she was worth the wait.’
Tex gave a small nod in the affirmative. Yes, she had certainly been worth it. He didn't, however, want to share it with Jamie, or anyone for that matter. It had been beautiful and satisfying at many different levels but most of all, Anna had trusted him and he didn't want to break her trust.
‘She's not your usual type,’ carried on Jamie.
‘Which is?’
‘Tall. Brunette. Long hair. Sophisticated. Busty. Although having said all that, Anna is pretty hot, in her own sort of elfin way. Nice bum but a bit flat-chested.’ Jamie took another swig of his beer, as he considered his summing up.
Tex bristled at the idea of Jamie thinking about Anna in any sort of sexual way. Jamie didn't miss his unguarded expression which screamed ‘hands off’.
‘Hey, don't look so alarmed. I mean I could, of course, easily charm Anna away from you, but seeing as we've been friends so long and I'm more than happy with my dear wife, I'll leave her to you.’
‘That's very kind of you, Jamie. I will be eternally grateful for your sacrifice.’
Tex grinned at his friend. He knew he didn't have anything to worry about with Jamie, who was as madly in love with Yvonne as he was when they had first met. Tex also knew Jamie was only window shopping. Sure, they had discussed the attributes and failings of many a woman, mostly Tex's girl of the moment, but Jamie had never even come close to being tempted. Jamie affirmed Tex's belief in there being a someone for everyone; some people found The One straight away, others took a bit longer, while some never found it. He had, of course, had something like it himself once. With Estelle.
Estelle’s smiling face drifted to the front of his mind. He no longer felt the pain, the rawness, that he had known for several years after her death, but there was still a heavy sadness. Forcing memories of Estelle to the abyss of his mind, Tex conjured up images of Anna and yesterday afternoon. Surprisingly, this wasn’t quite as difficult as was customary.
‘I was going to invite Anna to the awards dinner on Friday,’ Tex said, taking a sip of his beer. ‘I have a spare ticket.’
Jamie raised his eyebrows. ‘You were? I mean, you are?’ He nodded in an approving way. ‘Good for you. About time you did more with them than just sleep with them.’
Tex shrugged in an attempt to seem nonchalant. ‘We get on well. She’s interesting.’
Jamie nodded again, this time slowly as he eyed Tex with more than a hint of amusement on his face. ‘Interesting. Right. I would probably use the word complicated. In an ex-husband, who isn’t really an ex and who happens to be living with her, sort of way. Oh, and let’s not forget the teenage son. All that testosterone flying around. Interesting, maybe. Complicated, definitely.’
Tex couldn’t actually deny Jamie’s summing up, and under normal circumstances he would have kept well away from anyone remotely complicated. Ever since Estelle had passed away he had ploughed all his time and energy into the business and reaped the rewards by gaining a Michelin star. His restaurant was his wife, the women who now passed in and out of his life, his mistresses. So why now having slept with Anna, did he still feel as if his thirst for her hadn’t even begun to be quenched?
The Tarrant Tea Room was surprisingly busy when Tex paid a visit the following day. Anna was working there and although he could have called in to chat to the owners earlier in the week, he was conscious that he had purposefully put it off until today.
There she was in her white blouse, black skirt, complete with little black and white gingham apron, looking very cute as she took the order from an elderly couple. As she turned, she saw him and broke in to a broad smile.
‘This is a surprise.’ She came over, but Tex noticed she stayed just out of touching distance. Perhaps she could read his mind and decided the tea rooms was not the appropriate place for a lustful greeting. He had spoken to her on the phone four times since Sunday, but this was the first time he had actually seen her since then.
‘Hey. You okay?’ He looked for any sign of unease and was pleased to note the absence of anything resembling regret.
‘I’m fine, thanks. What are you doing here? I didn’t think English tea and scones would be your thing.’
‘I’ve come to see Brian actually.’
Concern settled on her face. ‘About the fire?’
He nodded. ‘And to just try to reassure him about the restaurant not being a threat.’
‘Okay. I’ll go and get him.’ She headed off towards the back of the restaurant.
Tex had to force his eyes away from her neat butt that was resurrecting more than just the memories of Sunday afternoon, all of which were highly inappropriate for the current setting.
Anna returned a few minutes later. ‘Do you want to take a seat, Brian will be along soon. Can I get you a coffee?’
Tex followed her over to a small two-seater table by the window, purposefully taking the seat in the corner. He rested his hands on her hips as he squeezed behind her, pausing momentarily to breathe in the fresh vanilla smell of her hair that he was becoming increasingly addicted to.
‘Stop it,’ she hissed, although he could tell she was smiling. ‘You’ll get me sacked and yourself arrested for lewd conduct.’
He let out a sigh before muttering in her ear, ‘It would be so worth it though.’
‘I think you need a bucket of cold water.’ She smiled warmly, her lovely mossy green eyes sparkling as he held her gaze for a moment, smiling back.
‘So you’re Nico Garcia,’ said the plump man standing in front of the table.
Tex stood up and held out his hand. ‘That’s right, but people usually call me Tex. Brian is it?’
Brian regarded Tex’s outstretched hand for a moment before wiping his own on his apron and accepting the gesture, saying, ‘It’s Mr Stephens.’
‘Of course, sir.’ Tex looked evenly at Brian Stephens, thinking it was handy being from Texas at times, as Brian Stephens had no idea if he was being facetious using the word sir, or whether he was just using it in a respectful, American way.
‘Well, let’s sit down,’ he said. Tex observed the older man lower himself into the carver style chair that really was too big to be at such a small table. Bad planning. Once Brian Stephens had settled himself, Tex began.
‘I just really wanted to introduce myself properly. I didn’t see you at the open evening the other night so didn’t have the chance to chat.’
‘Hmm, well, I was busy. Lots of customers. Didn’t get cleared up until late.’
‘That’s great that you’re busy.’ The opening was easier than he thought. ‘You know, that was one of the things that struck me about Arundel when I did my market research.’ Tex relaxed his shoulders purposefully in a non-threatening manner. ‘I could tell immediately that there were enough customers to go round and that your establishment and mine wouldn’t really overlap. We wouldn’t be competing against each other.’
‘Is that right? How did you work that out then?’
‘Well, for a start, your tea rooms offer the quintessential British tea and cake. Afternoon tea is such a British thing and so suitable for a historic town like Arundel. The tourists must love it, all the history, the quaint shops, the ambiance of the place. So having afternoon tea just makes perfect sense.’
Brian puffed his chest like a proud lion. ‘Oh yes, we offer a beautiful selection of cakes and sandwiches. I’m not saying we’re the Ritz but we have our sta
ndards.’
Tex smiled approvingly. ‘Absolutely, and with that in mind my restaurant, although just a couple of doors down, couldn’t even begin to compare or, indeed, compete.’ It was hard work, but Tex could see Brian Stephens’s initial hostility gradually dissolving, especially when he went on to say that he was focusing on the evening sitting, that’s where his main business would be and there’d be no overlap at all. As for daytime customers, he would be offering a light lunch, brasserie style, and he envisaged a totally different clientele to Tarrant Tea Room.
When they parted company with a much warmer handshake, Tex felt he had completed what he had set out to achieve. He had brought the matter of the fire up and, give Brian his due, he had been suitably outraged and sympathetic in a way that a fellow businessman would understand, and Tex was convinced graffiti, vandalism and arson wasn’t this man’s style.
So, that left two possible candidates. Castle Curator or Evil Ex.
Chapter Twenty
Anna could barely believe her eyes. Coming towards her table at the charity ball was Nathan. Automatically, her eyes looked beyond her brother, seeking out Zoe. If she had been shocked to see Nathan, then she was stunned to see the tall, willowy figure of Christine appearing at his side. Nathan pulled out a chair for Christine to sit down and took the one next to her. Anna looked round the table. Tex on her left, Jamie on her right, then Yvonne. Duncan Hughes, a high-profile chef, and his wife, then Tex's maître d', Edward with his wife. Next to them were Nathan and then Christine, who sat next to Tex to complete the circle. No spare seat. No Zoe.
‘Good evening everyone,’ purred Christine, smiling round the table to the greetings of the other guests. ‘Christine Bennett, art adviser to Tex.’ She touched Tex’s arm lightly, leaning into him, smiling. Anna wasn't sure if it was a smile or a grimace on Tex's face but, ever the gentleman, he just gave a slight nod in acknowledgement. ‘And this is my friend Nathan,’ Christine continued. More touching of arms. ‘He's also my personal trainer.’
‘Christine's date couldn't make it, so she asked me to step in at the last minute,’ offered Nathan by way of explanation, not meeting the accusing eyes of his sister.
‘He's my knight in shining armour,’ said Christine, still with that smug look on her face.
‘Isn't he just,’ muttered Anna.
Tex reached under the table and squeezed Anna's clenched fist. She could feel the anger and disappointment raging inside her. What was Nathan playing at? Loyal, dependable, honest, married, father of four, Nathan. Never in her wildest dreams did she think he would be unfaithful and so blatant. After everything that she had endured with Mark. All those times Nathan had been outraged by his brother-in-law, surely he wasn’t at it himself now. The pain at remembering Mark’s infidelity swept through her. Were all men the same? Were all men ruled by what was between their legs? She stole a glance at Tex. Was he the same? Oh, please not.
Anna moved her hand away from Tex's and rested it casually on the table, aware that Tex had turned to look at her. Probably wondering why she had rejected his gesture. He said nothing but took his empty hand away and rested it on the back of her chair. She could feel his thumb gently and slowly caressing her bare back. His touch sent an internal shiver through her. She took a deep breath – she must trust her instincts and believe in Tex. Not all men were the same.
The charity event was being held at Albury Park in Surrey, a beautiful Grade II listed Tudor mansion, which boasted being a backdrop for the film Four Weddings and a Funeral, amongst others. For today a large marquee had been erected in the glorious grounds, surrounded by beautiful wooded parkland with the River Tillingbourne tripping along the edge. The evening was to raise awareness and money for hearing-impaired children, a cause close to Tex's heart. It also served as the opportunity to give several awards to local businesses. Tex's maître d', Edward, had been nominated for a customer service award and although he didn't win, Edward said he was pleased just to have been shortlisted. Tex mumbled something about it being a fix and the judges being incompetent, while Jamie laughed that it was probably because Tex hadn't used his charms to persuade the head judge, Heleana Upper.
‘You obviously haven't been up her! Get it? Heleana Upper. Oh well, never mind.’
This had earned him a dig in the arm from Yvonne, while she spoke loudly over him, remarking what a lovely dress Anna was wearing. Again there was the reassuring squeeze of her hand from Tex. This time she didn't take hers away. Of course Tex was going to have a history with Jamie and Yvonne that went a long way back, something she had never been part of. She must try to relax. Perhaps have another drink? It seemed to be working for Jamie.
The meal finished and cleared away meant the main event, the charity auction, could go ahead. The donations had been generous and the bidding even more so, the alcohol making the raising of arms and shouting out of amounts more frequent and bolder. Jamie managed to outbid the room on a meal for four at Tex's restaurant, which Tex found highly amusing.
‘You, my friend, are one hell of an idiot at times. You have just paid three times the cost of the meal and if you'd come, I wouldn't have charged you a penny anyway.’
‘I know, mate,’ slurred Jamie, trying to focus properly while dangling a glass between his forefinger and thumb. ‘All for a good cause and all that. You never know, I might invite you along as my guest. Now that would be ironic.’ He finished his champagne and on finding the upturned bottle in the ice bucket, signalled the waiter for another.
Anna was hoping that now the bidding was over and the band had struck up, she would get a chance to collar Nathan. No such luck. Christine was dragging him up to the already busy dance floor. Anna scowled after them.
‘She's just playing games,’ Tex said. ‘Don't worry.’
‘I know that. You know that. I just hope Nathan knows it.’
Tex put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into him, kissing the side of her head.
‘Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?’
Anna grinned. ‘Once or twice.’
‘Every time I look at you, you are more beautiful than the time before.’
And she did feel good in her short, electric blue dress. One shoulder bare, the satin draping over her other shoulder and a small frill running down and across her bust and round to the back. Most of the women had gone for a long evening dress, but Anna had opted for an above the knee, tighter-fitting one. It suited her small build and height, although the three-inch platform shoes she wore made up for it. Simple and unfussy, but effective.
Tex stroked her bare back again and whispered in her ear, ‘What I really want to do is to take you back to my apartment, discard your satin dress and admire your satin skin instead.’
‘All in good time,’ Anna smiled at him. ‘You don't look so bad yourself.’ Dinner jacket, hair brushed back, the fringe slightly falling forward in that cowlick way it did. Freshly shaved. Smelling heavenly. Looking downright sexy.
A rather stout chap who worked in the catering industry, his shirt buttons straining at the navel, joined them at the table to talk to Tex. He had obviously been told vertical stripes were more flattering; however, the same person had failed to tell him that the broad blue and white deckchair look wasn't really doing the trick. She feigned interest as he talked about the downturn in the economy. Boring business chat. Anna got the impression that Tex wasn't too interested either but he was being polite, listening and responding just enough so as not to appear rude.
Fortunately, an increasingly drunk Jamie plonked himself down at the table again, telling ‘Big Boy’ to shuffle up, and tried to make a serious but somewhat unsuccessful contribution to the discussions. Giving Jamie a contemptuous look, Big Boy made his apologies and left.
‘I feel I should high-five you for that,’ said Tex to Jamie, ‘but I don't trust your co-ordination.’
‘What was he trying for?’ slurred Jamie. ‘A free lunch?’
‘He looks like he has plenty of those,’
replied Tex.
A slower song was now starting up. ‘A chance for you all to catch your breath,’ the lead singer announced.
‘Come on,’ said Tex, standing up and taking Anna's hand.
She obliged willingly. It would give her the chance to hold and be held. To feel his body against hers. To feel his broad shoulders under her hands and to feel his touch on her. They held each other closely and danced slower than the music demanded. Lost in the moment, Tex kissed the top of her head. Anna tilted her head back to catch the kisses on her mouth. Small kisses turning into a longer one. A small moment of bliss shattered by a very wobbly legged Jamie bundling into them, Yvonne, not quite so drunk, hanging round his neck like a pendant.
‘Get a room,’ slurred Jamie, louder than necessary, sending both him and Yvonne into fits of laughter.
‘Piss off, Dixon.’ Tex grinned back at his friend. Anna gave a small giggle, it sounded funny Tex saying that with a southern drawl.
‘What was that? Piss off! How very English of you,’ Jamie laughed. ‘Did you hear what he just said, Yvonne? He told me to piss off.’
‘Oh, the cheek of it!’ cried Yvonne.
‘Actually that's not a bad idea,’ came a female voice behind them.
Anna turned round as Christine, giving Jamie a shove in the back, bustled her way between everyone, attaching herself to Tex while somehow managing to propel Nathan towards Anna. ‘Ladies excuse me.’
‘It's all right,’ said Anna to Tex before he could protest. She was aware that Jamie was drawing attention to them and she couldn't pass up this opportunity to speak to Nathan. Holding on to her brother's arm, she frogmarched him as discreetly as she could towards the exit.
The Little Shop of Afternoon Delights Page 82
