‘And make sure you take me back to my hotel. I don’t want to stay here. I won’t be pressured.’
‘I promise to take you back to the hotel.’
They were walking up the path which would lead directly to the front door. How many times had she climbed over the brick wall and ran helter-skelter across the grass, sometimes dodging the sprinklers, other times strolling through them, especially on hot days? ‘Wow, the ground looks really dry.’
‘Water restrictions.’
‘I know, but I didn’t expect it to be this bad for some reason.’
‘We’ve had quite a few dry summers.’
They were almost at the door, and Eden’s grip tightened on David’s hand. She pulled him to a stop at the bottom of the steps. ‘It will be all right, won’t it?’
He took both her hands in his and gave them a little squeeze. ‘It’ll be fine. You’ll be fine. It’s time.’
‘Yes. It’s time.’ She could hear footsteps approaching the front door, and David held her gaze.
‘Best behaviour, now. No picking fights. This is a time for reconciliation.’
Eden didn’t say anything, but watched as the front door opened and she came face to face with her father.
They stood there, staring at each other for a brief moment, before her father shocked her completely by throwing his arms about her and embracing her so fiercely she thought she might pass out.
‘Eden? Is it really you?’
She clung even tighter to David’s hand, giving it pulsing squeezes.
‘You might want to loosen up there, Hal. She still needs oxygen,’ he drawled.
‘Oh, right. Sure. Come in. Come in.’ He stepped back, allowing them to enter the wide entrance hall. ‘David’s here,’ he announced to the house in general. ‘And he’s brought a special friend. We didn’t tell Todd,’ he said more quietly.
‘Why not?’
Hal shrugged. ‘He may not have been here if we had.’
Eden had expected the pain, she’d known it would come, but she hadn’t expected it to hurt this much. ‘I see.’
‘I’m sorry, Eden. That came out rather abruptly. Todd’s a busy man now. He has his own life.’ Hal tried to justify things as best he could.
‘It’s OK, Dad.’
‘It’s good to hear you call me that.’ Her father smiled and reached out to take her hand. It was then he realised that one of them was still being firmly held by David. He glanced quickly at one and then the other, before clearing his throat and leading them into the living room. ‘Come in. Please come in. Todd?’ he bellowed.
‘I’m coming.’ The sound of her brother’s voice made Eden tense all over again. True, her father’s reaction wasn’t what she’d expected—far from it—but how would her brother react?
‘Hey, David. Did you see the final score? Straight sets,’ Todd commented on his way into the room. When he saw Eden, he merely glanced at her before returning his attention to David, his face expressionless. ‘So? Who’s your friend?’
‘Todd…’ Hal growled.
The pain of rejection pierced her heart. ‘It’s all right, Dad. Todd’s entitled to his feelings.’ He’d certainly grown up. Her brother was indeed a man, and she’d missed it—missed his journey. She couldn’t blame him if he hated her.
‘No. This is a time for celebration. Time to kill the fatted calf.’ He put his arm around Eden and hugged her once more. Still she didn’t let go of David’s hand. It was as though they were fused together. He was her lifeline and she needed him. ‘I have my family together again.’ He let her go and smiled warmly, dropping a brief kiss on her head. ‘Where is your mother?’
‘I’ll get her,’ Todd offered, and quickly left the room.
Eden glanced at David, who nodded encouragingly.
‘Sit down, sit down,’ Hal invited. ‘Your hair is as gorgeous as ever, Eden. Your grandmother had hair that colour. That’s where you inherited your fiery spirit from.’
‘Really?’ She hadn’t ever heard that before.
‘Oh, yes. She caused havoc back in her day. Well, until your grandfather tamed her.’ Hal chuckled. ‘Having a family settled her down. You’ll be the same.’
Eden blinked. ‘Pardon?’
‘Drinks,’ Hal continued. ‘You both need a drink. What will it be?’
‘Iced water would be great,’ David said.
‘Eden?’
‘Er…fine…water’s fine.’
‘Great. Be right back.’
To Eden’s astonishment, her father left the room to go and get them drinks. Where were the servants? The butler opening the door? The maid getting their drinks? Within twelve months of them arriving at this enormous house her father had insisted her mother needed help, and help they’d received. The ‘help’ had increased slowly over the years, until her father had employed a household staff of ten to potter around after them, waiting on them hand and foot. It had been too much for Eden to bear back then, but now there didn’t seem to be a member of staff anywhere. Perhaps it was late? Maybe they’d gone home?
‘I don’t understand,’ she whispered. ‘Where are all the servants?’
‘We don’t have permanent staff any more,’ her mother’s cool, modulated voice came from the doorway and Eden immediately looked her way. Gretchen Caplan was sophistication at its best. If anyone had been born to have money, it was her mother. She was a woman who’d always carried herself with flair and poise, and now, dressed in casual pants and shirt, was no exception. ‘We have a house-cleaner, of course, but that’s only once a week.’
Eden stood, and so did David. ‘Hello, Mum.’
‘Eden.’ Her mother nodded. ‘Please sit. Be comfortable. David, lovely to see you as always.’
‘You too, Gretchen.’
Todd re-entered the room, and a moment later Hal returned with the drinks, handing them out with forced joviality. Eden felt uncomfortable, as she was sure did everyone else. She took a sip of the water and forced a smile, one hand still clinging tightly to David. She was sure she was cutting off his circulation, but he wasn’t saying anything so she pushed that thought from her mind.
‘So,’ her father drawled into the tense silence, ‘tell us what you’ve been doing. Working hard?’
‘Yes. I’ve been…ah…overseas. Working in small villages and orphanages.’ She shrugged. ‘Being a doctor.’ She wasn’t sure what else to say.
‘You’re back for Sasha, I take it?’ her mother said.
‘Yes.’
‘It doesn’t matter about the reason,’ Hal added. ‘She’s here.’
‘It took Sasha to be almost at death’s door to make you come home? What? Couldn’t be bothered making it back for her wedding?’ Todd sneered.
‘That’s enough.’ David’s tone was quiet, yet firm. ‘All four of you are starting to drive me mad. Regardless of the reason why Eden is back in Sydney, the point is she’s back. She has her own life and she’s not accountable to any of you, just as you are not accountable to her. Now, you’re either going to let the past be the past or let it interfere with your future for the next ten years.’ He shook his head. ‘Honestly, when they were handing out stubbornness this family certainly received its fair share.’
‘Hear, hear!’ Hal agreed, his tone now more sincere, more relaxed than before. ‘Forgive and forget—and I certainly hope you can forgive me, Eden. I said some horrible things to you the night you left, and it’s plagued me ever since.’ He leaned forward and took her free hand in his, his voice shaky with emotion. ‘Whatever reason it is that’s brought you home, I’m just glad you’re here, girl, and that I finally have the chance to say I’m sorry.’
A lump formed in Eden’s throat and tears welled in her eyes. ‘Dad…’ For the first time since she’d entered the house, she let go of David’s hand so she could properly embrace her father. ‘I’m sorry, too. Sorry for what I said.’ She turned to her mother. ‘Sorry for making you worry.’ She looked at Todd. ‘And sorry for deserting you.’
/> Todd stood there, hands shoved in his pockets, before shaking his head and stalking from the room. Eden quickly looked around at David, who merely shrugged.
‘He’ll come round,’ Gretchen offered as she too embraced her daughter—but not with the exuberance of her husband. ‘I’m relieved you’re safe, Eden.’
They stayed another ten minutes before the headache pounding against her skull couldn’t be ignored any longer. After promising to see them soon, Eden and David said their goodbyes.
It wasn’t until they were seated in his car, heading back to her hotel, that Eden started to cry. She knew she needed to release the pressure building inside her, to let the emotions out. She’d never been good at bottling things up.
David didn’t say a word, but just quietly passed her his handkerchief. By the time they arrived at her hotel she was only sniffing intermittently.
Again he came round and helped her from the car, linking his hand with hers as they headed inside. The silence continued as they walked to the lifts, rode up to her floor. When they stood outside her door, Eden jerked her thumb over her shoulder, indicating the room behind them.
‘Do you want to come in? I could make us a cup of tea.’
David shook his head. ‘I think it’s better if I go.’
‘Are you sure? You were fantastic. Thank you so much for being there, for supporting me. I couldn’t have done it without you.’
David shook his head. ‘I don’t know about that. I’m really proud of you, Eden—and I don’t mean that to sound condescending or anything like that. Going to see your family, breaking the ice—it was a big deal. And for the record, I think you would have managed just fine even if I hadn’t been there.’
‘I disagree.’ She put her hands on his shoulders and looked intently into his eyes. This man, this man who was so special to her on so many levels, this man who had held her hand had given her strength. It wasn’t the first time David had done that for her and she instinctively knew it wouldn’t be the last. ‘You were a good friend tonight, David. To all of us, but especially to me.’ Standing on tiptoe, she kissed his cheek. ‘Thanks.’
His hands came to rest at her waist. It was an automatic reaction to stop her from overbalancing when she leaned up to kiss him. He didn’t remove his hands. Neither did she. David looked down into her upturned face, his gaze settling on her full and waiting lips.
Was he going to do it? Was he going to kiss her? Eden’s breathing grew faster. Butterflies took flight in her stomach as she stayed completely still. She needed David to make this decision, to make this move. He’d been so adamant before that it wouldn’t work between them, despite how much he wanted to kiss her.
Would he give in? Would he listen to his heart or his head? He glanced at her eyes, seeing total acceptance there. She was his. For this moment in time she was all his, and it was a moment he’d been longing for far too long to ignore any more.
‘Eden.’ Her name was barely audible on his parted lips, and she saw the raw heat, the full strength of his desire in his eyes as his arms tightened at her waist, drawing her closer.
This was it. It was finally going to happen. David was going to kiss her.
CHAPTER SEVEN
IT WAS as though he’d travelled back in time, to the first time his lips had pressed against hers, only this time he was not going to pull away. He was going to stay and he was going to enjoy it.
He lowered his head, coming closer to hers, drawing in her essence with every pounding heartbeat. He wanted to commit the minutest detail to memory, because he knew what they were about to do was wrong. Even though he knew the kiss would be earth shattering, it would no doubt be the last and final time he could hold her like this, could touch her like this, and he’d need something to keep him warm on the long, lonely nights which would stretch before him when she was gone.
The memories of her kisses, of the happier times they’d spent together, had helped him through the terrible sickness he’d suffered nearly seven years ago. Eden. The way she’d smiled. The way she’d felt in his arms. His mouth against hers. And now he was going to kiss her again.
When he was close enough, their lips parted, their breaths mingling…David closed his eyes, needing to concentrate completely on just what her mouth would feel like this time. Would it be different from all those years ago? Would the pleasure be as great now they’d both had so many life experiences? Would it be even better?
There was no time like the present to discover the answers. He touched his lips to hers.
The softness of her mouth captivated and enticed him, her scent winding itself around him, drugging him with its sweetness. This was real, this was now, and he wanted time to stand still so they could live in it for ever. It was as though she had been made for him, and deep down his heart begged him to acknowledge that truth.
Slowly, ever so slowly, he savoured the flavours of her, delighting in each one. The tart, the sweet, the seductive. She was everything he’d ever dreamed of, and he wanted to take his time exploring the lusciousness of Eden. His body taut with repressed desire, he gently slipped the tip of his tongue between her lips, knowing she would open to him—and she did.
She sighed into the kiss, loving the feel of his mouth on hers, and glad she finally had another memory to add to the ones which had managed to get her through some of the worst times in her life. Always when things were bad she would think of David and the happy times they’d spent together. Now…now she had more. She’d never been a greedy person, but she wanted him to kiss her again and again and again…for ever. She doubted she’d ever be able to get enough of the way he made her feel, the way her insides seemed to liquefy, her knees turning to a boneless mass at the slightest of touches from him.
He’d started the kiss in a slow and sensual way, and she’d been happy to go with that, but the raging torrent building inside her was threatening to rush forth and overflow if he kept up this pace. He was torturing her by so slowly and tenderly kissing her mouth, the tip of his tongue occasionally slipping between her lips, raising the overwhelming awareness which existed between them.
Inch by inch she brought her hands up his chest, her fingers splayed as she tried to memorise every contour of his amazing physique. He moaned at the contact and she captured the sound into her mouth, taking the opportunity to gently nibble on his lower lip.
Stretching her arms up and winding them about his neck, she inched forward, her body now pressed hard against his chest. This time his groan was deeper, and as though something had snapped he plunged his tongue into her mouth. She reciprocated, opening up to him, needing him as much as he needed her.
At the ripe old age of nineteen he’d thought himself capable of resisting Eden, and when she’d kissed him, although the contact had been brief, he’d fought the attraction, knowing nothing could come of it. Now, at the age of thirty-one, he’d presumed himself more than able to kiss her and still hold onto some semblance of control.
He’d been wrong.
Where on earth had he got the idea that he’d be able to remain in control of his senses when she responded to him so ardently, so completely, so perfectly?
She was like a drug, and he knew after only kissing her for a few seconds that he was definitely addicted. He’d wanted to know what it would be like to kiss her as the woman she’d grown into, not the teenager. Now he knew. And all he wanted to do was keep on kissing her again and again and again. For ever.
The hunger continued to rage between them, but there was also the need for oxygen, and in another moment he wrenched his mouth from hers, pressing small kisses to the corner of her delicious lips as he sucked air into his lungs. She did the same, and when she started to press kisses along his jawline and around his neck so she could nibble on his earlobe a shiver ran through him. He heard her deep chuckle in response.
‘We are perfect for each other,’ she murmured.
‘You said that years ago, too.’ David shook his head. ‘Can you now see why I had to leave Sydn
ey?’ he muttered as he buried his face in her neck, breathing in deeply. ‘You were so young. We were so young. I knew it was getting serious between us. Too serious.’ His deep, whispered words washed over her as she continued to spread little kisses over his skin.
Eden eased back a little to look at him, her eyes now a dark green filled with desire. ‘So you gave in to your father because of me?’
‘Yes. At first I wasn’t at all happy with the idea of leaving. I wanted to be with you, and although I know I hurt you, in a way I meant what I said to you that night in the garden. We were young, Eden. Both of us. Filled with teenage ideals.’ David looked down at her, unable to let her go just yet. The way she felt in his arms was right. He had no idea why, it just was. She was Eden. His Eden.
‘You don’t think it would have worked between the two of us back then?’
‘We would have both gone to medical school. No doubt ostracised by our families and left without a penny to our names. It would have been difficult, and you might have grown to hate—’
Eden put a finger over his lips, effectively silencing him. ‘Shh. It was just a question, and we were young. Because you left, our lives have gone in completely different directions. We’ve had a lot of different experiences which we might not have had otherwise.’
‘Yet here we are.’ He rubbed his fingers gently up and down her back and Eden snuggled deeper against him. He wanted to kiss her again, to devour her luscious mouth, bring her body as close to his as he possibly could. He needed her…really needed her…and until that split second he hadn’t realised just how powerful that need was.
What had he done by kissing her? By ignoring the voice of reason? By giving in to his desires? He would hurt them both far more than he had in the past. She would be in town for a while. He couldn’t quit his job in order to put distance between them. He’d have to see her at the hospital, at Sasha’s house, but hopefully they’d be able to remain civil towards each other…at least until she returned overseas to her next PMA assignment.
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