Three Weeks Last Spring

by Howard, Victoria

  Walker made no response. An icy chill ran through his veins as he listened intently as Ridge proceeded to tell him about Michael. No wonder Skye had looked like a scared rabbit the first time he saw her. And then, he had to go and do something really dumb like not trusting her and keeping her at the cabin. She must have been terrified.

  "So you see there is no way I'm letting you anywhere near Skye," John continued. "I helped her pick up the pieces after Michael and I helped her pick them up again seven months ago. I'm not going to stand by and let you, or any other man, destroy her again. Is that clear?"

  The cold knot in Walker's gut tightened another notch. "I'm sorry she's had some bad experiences, but that's life. It's never an easy ride. If I'd known about Michael, I would have handled things differently. But I didn't. All I want is the chance to talk to her. If she wants me to leave, I'll go, but only after I've heard the words from her."

  "What makes you think Skye will want to see you? You haven't made any effort to keep in touch. Why, is it so important now?"

  "I've had my reasons for not contacting her, reasons which I'll explain only to her."

  "You should know that things have changed. I've asked Skye to marry me."

  Walker’s worst nightmare had come true. "I see. And has she accepted?"

  John smiled confidently. "She will."

  What had started as a small seed of inner torment grew and grew, until overwhelmed by jealously and anger Walker leaned forward grabbed Ridge by the shirt, almost pulling him over the desk.

  "We'll see about that! I'll find Skye with or without your help. And until I've spoken to her, I wouldn't book the church just yet, if I were you."

  "If and when you catch up with her, make sure you ask her about Laura," Ridge shouted as a final shot. He slumped back in his chair, straightened his tie with a shaking hand, as the door to his office slammed shut.

  For a moment he thought Walker would hit him. Thank God Skye hadn't been here. He didn't want her upsetting, not when she was so close to accepting his proposal. But, he knew he couldn't afford to drop his guard, especially now that Walker was in London. Thankfully, her phone number was unlisted and it was four days before she was due back in the office. After the dinner tomorrow night, she'd be safely out of town for the weekend.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  In the months following her return, Skye had planned for this day. The long phone calls to her solicitor, meetings with the Charities Commission, and now the whole country knew about her Foundation. Tonight there would be an inaugural dinner in the glittering ballroom of the Dorchester Hotel, were she hoped to relieve the aristocracy of some money to boost the funds she had already set aside from her share of the profits from the new software.

  When she told John about her idea, he whole-heartedly supported her. Tonight he would stand by her side as her escort, even though she knew he still hoped she would change her mind and accept his proposal.

  The chauffeur opened the door of the limousine and Skye stepped out on to the red carpet. Photographer's bulbs flashed.

  "I hadn't expected this."

  "Relax, Sweet Pea." John patted her arm. "I imagine they are more interested in getting a photograph of the Royal who's attending. Although, I have to admit seeing you in that dress, she'll look positively dull by comparison. Having an HRH on the board of directors was a good idea. After tonight, you can sit back and let her take all the media hype."

  "I couldn't cope with this every day of the week." Skye lifted the hem of her evening dress a fraction, and climbed the stairs to the ballroom.

  It was barely twenty-four hours since Walker had confronted Ridge and despite his best efforts he still hadn't contacted Skye. He stared at his reflection in the mirrored hallway of the Dorchester Hotel, made a final adjustment to his bow tie, and flicked any imaginary speck of dust off the shoulder of his jacket. He looked far more confident than he felt, as he climbed up the grand staircase towards the ballroom.

  He waited until the after dinner speeches were over before gatecrashing the party. He merged with a group of people returning from the restrooms, and entered the ballroom. Once inside, he took a glass of champagne from the tray of a passing waiter and wandered around smiling at couples that passed him.

  He knew from past experience that as hosts Skye and her escort would be seated along with other distinguished guests, and security surrounding them would be tight. His chances of reaching the table were non-existent, so he chose a position close to the dance floor, were he could watch and wait. Sooner or later, Skye would have to leave the table and that would be his opportunity to confront her.

  For ten, long agonizing minutes, he scanned the room. At last, he saw her. Her black silk dress was simple and understated. The fabric followed her every curve until it reached her ankles, were it swirled around like a cloud. Her rich auburn hair was pulled back into a neat chignon at her nape, highlighting the delicacy of her features. Her smooth creamy skin glowed with rose undertones. She wore little jewelry, just a pair of diamond studs in her ears. Walker could only stand and stare.

  John, Skye noted, was escorting the leggy blonde who sat next to him onto the dance floor, no doubt in the hope it would make her jealous. She really would have to talk to him, but not tonight. Tonight was her night and nothing was going to spoil it. She looked over the shoulder of her dance partner, a portly gentleman whose size was only matched by that of his wallet, and caught a glimpse of a tall figure striding purposely towards her. Her nerves tensed and she briefly closed her eyes in disbelief. When she opened them again, he’d gone. She let out a long slow breath. Her fear had been premature. She was mistaken. It wasn't Walker, just someone with his colouring. As the final chords of the waltz died away, she thanked her partner and walked back to her seat. A hand descended on her right shoulder and spun her round.

  "I think the next dance is mine, don’t you?" Walker said.

  Skye gazed up at his tall figure and studied his lean dark face. He was so handsome in his black evening suit that her breath caught in her throat. She found herself being guided back into the throng of couples. She nearly tripped on the hem of her gown, and would have done so, if the arms holding her had not tightened around her waist.

  The orchestra struck up once more and her body took on a will of its own picking up the tempo of the beat. Her feet found the correct steps, as Walker whirled her around the dance floor. Her emotions swirled, like the fabric of her gown. In a split second, she felt shock and excitement, the heat of desire where his hand rested against the bare flesh of her back, and then anger and pain.

  "Just who do you think you are barging your way into this function? It's strictly invitation only and I don't recall placing your name on the guest list. How did you get in here?"

  "Whatever happened to ‘hello, Walker, nice to see you’?"

  "Sarcasm doesn't suit you, nor does it impress me. I'll ask you one more time. How did you get in here, and why have you come?"

  "I'll answer your question—money is a great door opener, even here in England. I just waved my chequebook at the guys on the door and they were more than happy to accept my donation and offer me a glass of champagne. As to why I'm here, you know why I'm here. God damn it, Skye, you walked out on me and I think I have a right to know why!"

  "I walked out on you? That's rich coming from the man who kept me locked up for three days."

  Deliberately, Skye brought the heel of her shoe down on his foot. He didn't even blink.

  "Nice try, but I'm not letting go of you, until you and I have talked. Are you going to play nice and ask me about my donation? It was very generous."

  "What was it, Walker, a need to salve to your conscience?" Skye shot back and feeling him tense under her hand, she knew her barb had found a home. "The Foundation doesn't need your money. And I certainly don’t wish to talk to you."

  "You always did have a temper, and a sharp tongue. It's about time someone tamed it." He lowered his lips to hers, his intent plain for her to s
ee.

  In that instant, Skye wanted to lash out and hurt him as much as he'd hurt her and she didn't care who heard her. But discretion got the better of her.

  "Don't-even-think-about-it!" she warned.

  "Perhaps you're right. This isn't the place—I prefer a more intimate setting when making love to a woman, but then you know that."

  Skye's head snapped back. She glared at him, stunned by his bluntness.

  "I will talk to you Skye, and you will listen," he said. "We can either have our conversation here, where we stand a good chance of being overheard or on the terrace, it's up to you." When she didn't respond, he abruptly caught her by the elbow, and firmly escorted her from the ballroom.

  Skye hurried to keep up with his long strides. "Bullying tactics again, Walker? Do you get your kicks giving women bruises?"

  He stopped dead and jerked her round to face him. "Be careful, Skye. Push me any further and I'll forget we're in polite company and give you the argument you're looking for. All I want is a few minutes of your time and whether you like it or not, you're going to give them to me."

  Twin stains of scarlet appeared on her cheeks. Already heads were turning to watch them. Her embarrassment turned to raw fury. Damn the man if he wasn't right. She couldn't afford a scene, at least not here.

  "Five minutes. After that, I return to my guests and you walk out of here and out of my life."

  "Still issuing stipulations? Sorry, Skye, but I'm not buying into them. I'll leave when I'm good and ready and not before."

  "Damn it, Walker! I made my terms perfectly clear back in Seattle. You settled my invoice. There is nothing further to discuss. I suggest that you let go of my arm and go back to the States or wherever you came from."

  "Yeah, you did. I even recall agreeing to some of them, but not all. If my memory serves me right, you didn't even hang around long enough to see if we found the guy responsible. In fact, you high tailed it out of Seattle so damned fast you didn't even bother to pack. Were you that desperate to get away from me that you couldn't wait a day? And, aren't you the least bit curious as to why I've waited seven months to come after you?"

  "No."

  "I don't believe you. Just as I don't believe that things are over between us." He crushed her to his chest, something intense flaring in his eyes. Slowly he stroked her back and felt her pulse quicken beneath his fingers. "Don't deny it, Skye. You want me as much as I want you." His gaze travelled across her bare shoulders to the curve of her breasts.

  Skye's fists bunched at her sides, she had no intention of falling under his spell once more. But despite all her determination, her body relaxed against his as it responded to his slow caress. Confused by her unexpected reaction to his touch, she tried to deny the pulsing knot forming in her stomach, and the trembling in her limbs, but couldn't.

  "Please, just say what you have to and then go."

  "As you've already pointed out, this isn't the place or the time to have our chat. I'm staying at the Savoy. I'll expect you for lunch. Dr. Ridge, I wondered when you'd make an appearance."

  John's face was like thunder as he acknowledged Walker with barely a nod of his head. "Are you okay?"

  "You remember Mr. Walker, John. He's very kindly made a donation to the Foundation." Skye gave John's hand a warning squeeze in the hope that he would follow her lead. The last thing she wanted was for the evening to turn into a bar room brawl.

  Ridge's eyes narrowed. "Is that so? I'd say that's the least he can do. Although, I wouldn't have thought it was necessary for him to bring it in person. Never heard of bank transfers, Walker?"

  "Yeah, I've heard of them, but some things are best done in person. Besides, Skye and I have a lot of catching up to do and telephones are so impersonal, don't you agree?"

  "I've already told you—any business you had with Skye is finished. Now unless you want me to call security, I suggest you leave."

  "What is it with you, Ridge? You always want to call for help. What were you, the playground wimp?"

  Ridge's mouth tightened.

  Skye stepped between them. "That's enough! People are beginning to stare. You will not ruin this evening, is that clear? I said is that clear?"

  Walker thrust his hands into his pockets. He would have liked nothing better than to punch Ridge on the nose, but Skye was right. There was too much at stake, and stooping to Ridge's level wouldn't earn him any brownie points.

  "John?"

  "Perfectly."

  Skye let out a long sigh of relief. "Good. I see that people are starting to leave. I think you should go back inside, I'll follow you in a moment."

  "Only if you'll let me show him the door first." And this time, I'll make sure he gets the message that he's not welcome around here, John added silently.

  "I can handle this. Now please, go back inside and see to my guests."

  Ridge glared at Walker and then pointedly raised Skye's left hand to his lips and kissed it. He turned on his heels and walked back towards the ballroom.

  Walker raised his eyebrow questioningly, catching her hand before she had chance to lower it to her side.

  "Very touching. That's quite a rock you're wearing. I assume there's something significant behind it?"

  Skye colored, all the hurt and anger she had suffered at Walker's hands came flooding back. She held her head up high, her blue eyes boldly meeting his.

  "John's asked me to marry him, and I've agreed. Aren't you going to congratulate me?"

  "I'll be damned if I will. You know you don't love him, not in that way." Walker bent his head, his mouth seeking hers.

  No longer worried what people might think, Skye twisted in his arms, and tried to push him away. The more she struggled, the more demanding his lips became. His arms held hers tight by her side as his tongue traced the soft fullness of her lips, sending shivers of desire racing through her. Suddenly, she stopped struggling, her lips parted of their own volition and she returned his kiss.

  Abruptly Walker let her go. "Don't forget Skye. Lunch. Tomorrow. Twelve-thirty at the Savoy. Don't be late, I don't want to have to come looking for you again."

  Shaking and with her mouth burning with fire, Skye watched as he turned and walked away from her.

  She hardly paid attention to John on the drive home, until he asked the one question that had been on her lips ever since Walker had tapped her on the shoulder.

  "—how he got by security is a mystery. Without an invitation, he should have been stopped at the door. In fact, when I get into the office on Monday I shall make a formal complaint to the security company. The man's a menace! And I can't imagine why he's come here, can you? I hope you didn't give him any encouragement to stay."

  "Oh, Walker. I have no idea why he's over here either." She'd done nothing but consider the reasons and implications of Walker's unexpected return. She rested her head on the cold glass of the window and tried to concentrate on what John was saying, but the combination of a little too much champagne and Walker's demanding kiss had left her mind and emotions reeling.

  "Skye? Are you even listening to me? I asked if you'd given him any encouragement."

  "What do you mean encouragement? If you think I rang him up and said ‘Hi! I'm throwing a party, come on over’, think again."

  "Then I don't understand why he's chosen now and tonight of all nights to turn up, do you?"

  "Do we have to talk about this right now? It's been a long evening and I'm tried, my feet hurt and I just want to go home."

  "Skye, I'm sorry I've been a fool. I should have realized that he was the last person you wanted to discuss. So how did you get rid of him in the end?"

  With a long and exhausted sigh, that she hoped would be recognized for what it was Skye turned, and faced John in the semi-darkness of the limousine.

  "You know, you're right. I don't want to talk about Walker. In fact I don't want to discuss this evening at all. So quit with the questions." Whatever her feelings for Walker were, she wanted to keep them to herself.


  John rambled on incessantly until the limousine came to a halt in her driveway.

  "If it's all the same to you, I'd rather you didn't come in. It's late and we're both tired."

  "Are you sure?"

  Skye merely nodded.

  "At least give me a goodnight kiss."

  Skye hesitated, and then leaned across with the intention of kissing him on the cheek, but at the last moment John turned his head, so that her lips brushed his. She quickly moved out of his grasp before he could deepen the kiss. Suddenly the thought of John touching her was repugnant. She stepped out of the car and hurried towards her front door.

  Leaned against the door for a moment, she tried to gather her strength. It took several seconds for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. It was only when her limbs stopped trembling and she felt sufficiently calm that she climbed the stairs to her bedroom. She undressed in the moonlight, climbed into bed and pulled the blankets up to her chin.