Flight Of Fantasy

by Parv, Valerie

  It took every ounce of self-control not to throw something at him. ‘I doubt if there’s any more of the same kind,’ she said meaningfully.

  He was not to be outdone. ‘There’s plenty more where that came from.’

  ‘You lovebirds have a language all your own,’ she heard Bob say with a laugh as she hurried away, her face fiery. Keeping up the pretence was harder than she’d imagined, only because his experienced touch had a way of breaching her defences. She tried to picture him with Dana but instead of the expected surge of hatred she was surprised by a very different sensation.

  This had to stop, she told herself fiercely. Slade was a skilled lover, a virtuoso compared with her amateur experience. She mustn’t mistake the chemistry he was deliberately orchestrating between them for anything other than an act to fool Bob Hamilton.

  By the time she returned to the table with a plateful of food she had no interest in eating, the two men were deep in conversation, catching up on each other’s doings since their last meeting. They rose as she approached the table, until she waved them down again. ‘Don’t let me interrupt. I’m sure you have lots to talk about.’

  About to excuse herself and slip away, she was arrested by Slade’s grip encircling her wrist. Inexorably, she was forced back to her seat. ‘You can’t go yet, darling. Bob was saying how anxious he is to get to know you better.’

  ‘The outback is a little short of beautiful women,’ Bob said with a shy smile. Instantly she warmed to the doctor, although her mind was contemplating ways to ensure that Slade choked on his precious melon.

  Couldn’t he see that the more time she spent with Bob, the greater was the risk that he would suspect the truth?

  A sidelong glance showed how unconcerned he was, or else Slade had more faith in her acting ability than she had. There was no alternative but to stay. ‘I believe you work with Aboriginal children,’ she ventured.

  ‘A group of us medicos run clinics in areas where even the flying doctors find it hard to function, although things are getting better all the time.’

  He nodded to Slade. ‘Thanks to your husband here—damn, I still can’t get used to that idea—I’ll be taking back some self-contained video equipment and educational tapes which will be a great help to our isolated communities.’

  ‘You never mentioned such a project,’ she reproached Slade. It didn’t lessen her personal animosity towards him, but it did prove that he had another side, one she was unlikely to be permitted to share.

  He gave a faint smile. ‘It’s no big deal. Part of my reason for attending this conference is to explore the potential of video education to bridge Australia’s vast distances.’

  Bob winked at her. ‘So you see, the money I won from our bet will be put to good use in the outback.’

  ‘I should congratulate you on winning,’ she said, then hesitated, wondering if congratulations were appropriate.

  ‘It’s OK,’ be said, sensing her discomfort. ‘I’m not bemoaning my single state. I’m too busy with fund-raising and running the clinics. Besides, there’s this nurse in the flying doctors...’

  ‘You mean if I’d only waited I’d have won the bet?’ Slade said in mock-despair.

  Bob nodded amiably. ‘There’s nothing definite between us, but you never know. Anyway, you couldn’t keep a beauty like Eden waiting. Someone else might come along and snap her up.’

  ‘Not much chance of that,’ Eden admitted, her smile self-deprecating.

  Fortunately, Bob misunderstood. ‘It was Slade or no one, right?’

  ‘He did rather sweep me off my feet. One minute I was fancy-free, and the next I was Mrs Slade Benedict,’ she said, enjoying Slade’s cautionary look which was quickly masked.

  His eyes flashed a brilliant warning as he rose to his feet. ‘I think that’s enough for one morning. We have a conference session to attend.’

  ‘But Bob hasn’t had any breakfast yet.’

  ‘I ate on the plane.’ The doctor uncoiled from the chair. ‘How will you spend your morning, Eden?’

  ‘I have some letters and postcards to write so I’ll find plenty to do.’ Such as packing, she added to herself. Now that she had done her duty, surely Slade wouldn’t expect her to stay any longer?

  ‘Then we’ll see you at lunch,’ Slade said smoothly, giving no sign that he remembered her plan to leave today. ‘Enjoy your morning, darling.’ Before she could prepare herself, he claimed her mouth in a swift but thorough kiss which left her momentarily speechless.

  As he stepped away, her hand went to her mouth in stunned surprise. The kiss had been for Bob’s benefit but her throbbing response didn’t seem willing to recognise the fact.

  She was glad that Slade didn’t require her presence at the conference this morning because she badly needed some time to herself. The feelings he aroused in her were too confusing, for a start. Knowing that it was all an act on his part didn’t seem to help.

  Why did he have to involve her in his wretched charade? It wasn’t fair of him to ruin the first holiday she’d had in years. She could have survived without the luxuries which surrounded her, she thought, surveying the elegant furnishings. The cost to her peace of mind was simply too high.

  Frustrated, she got out some hotel stationery and composed a letter to her mother which the nurses would read to her. Needless to say, Slade didn’t rate a mention. Then she wrote a postcard for Fiona, addressing it to the nurse’s family address in Scotland. Those duties done, she changed into her swimsuit and headed for the hotel pool. By the time she had swum several lengths of the serpentine waterway, she felt better and returned to the suite to dry her hair and style it in time to meet Slade for lunch.

  Her choice of a flutter-sleeved dress with blouson top, fitted waist and gathered skirt was more romantic than she would have wished, but it was the most suitable dress she had with her.

  With her hair dried and fluffed out around her head, she was ready to face Slade again, telling herself it was the last time she would be forced to pose as his wife. By this afternoon she would be on her way home to Tasmania.

  ‘Over here, Eden,’ Bob’s booming voice greeted her as she scanned the sea of tables occupied by the conference attendees.

  ‘Did you have a good morning?’ she asked when she made her way over to him. There was no sign of Slade.

  He grimaced. ‘Too many speeches for a country doctor’s liking, but your better half did a good job with his keynote address.’

  Automatically she glanced around. ‘Where is Slade?’

  ‘He was buttonholed by some of the delegates wanting to pick his brains. He’ll be along soon.’

  She should be thankful for his absence but Eden was oddly conscious of the empty chair beside her. Her edginess made Bob smile. ‘You newly-weds hate being out of each other’s sight, don’t you?’

  ‘I didn’t know it showed,’ she confessed. Bob would be surprised if he knew that what she missed most about Slade was the sparks of constant antagonism which somehow added spice to every encounter.

  ‘It shows all right,’ Bob acknowledged. ‘I’ve never seen Slade so smitten with anyone as he is with you.’

  How well Slade must have played his part to convince his old friend so thoroughly. ‘You must have known each other a long time,’ she said to deflect his interest in their make-believe love match.

  ‘We went to high school together, then university. I wanted to be a professional footballer while Slade swore he’d end up running a harem. Now look at us. The only ball I play is in a dusty outback paddock, and Slade’s become a one-woman man.’

  Slade might be a one-woman man for the purpose of this trip, but he wouldn’t stay that way—if he even lasted the trip, she thought, remembering Dana Drury’s late-night visit to his suite.

  Speak of the devil! ‘It is Dr Hamilton, isn’t it?’ a distinctive voice cried as the lady herself arrived at their table. ‘Let’s see, it was the bicentennial programme I did on “men with a mission”.’

  Bob gave
an embarrassed grin. ‘I’m surprised you remember one interview when you do so many, Miss Drury.’

  ‘I have a memory like an elephant when it concerns the programme,’ she assured him. ‘Maybe we can get together for an update during the conference.’

  ‘You should do something about the new educational videos Benedict Communications is producing,’ he offered.

  Dana patted his shoulder. ‘I know all about them. I’ll be doing some of the presentation.’

  ‘I’m delighted to hear it. They’ll be even more popular,’ he boomed, earning a gratified look from Dana.

  Eden kept her head lowered, hoping that Dana would overlook her presence at the table, but Bob had no such qualms. ‘Here’s your real story,’ he said, grasping Eden’s hand as she stifled a horrified gasp. ‘Have you met Slade’s new wife?’

  For a moment the room went still but Eden felt sure it was only her overworked imagination. She didn’t imagine the intensity of Dana’s interest, however. ‘His wife?’

  ‘You bet. Australia’s most eligible bachelor is a married man at last.’

  Dana’s smile was brittle and didn’t quite reach her emerald eyes. ‘Now that is news.’

  ‘We’re hoping to keep it quiet,’ Eden said with a furious look at Bob. He was so delighted with the news that he wanted to share it with the whole world, but it was the last thing Slade would want.

  ‘A secret marriage and a hideaway honeymoon—this is a scoop,’ Dana went on as if Eden hadn’t spoken. ‘I suppose it was an office romance?’

  ‘Perhaps you should ask Slade for the details,’ she attempted.

  ‘I shall indeed,’ Dana said drily. ‘He and I go back a long way so he owes me an explanation.’

  Eden wondered whether Dana was referring to the story or to her own relationship with Slade. Either way, he would have some explaining to do when Dana caught up with him. Serve him right for starting this ridiculous deception.

  Nausea raced through her. This whole thing was getting out of hand and the sooner it was over the better. ‘Excuse me, I’ll be back in a moment,’ she said, leaving Dana standing as she made her way to the ladies’ room.

  Splashing cold water on to her wrists and forehead made her feel a little better. She was repairing her make-up when the door opened and Dana came in. ‘If it isn’t Mrs Slade Benedict,’ she said with exaggerated emphasis.

  Checking to ensure that they were alone, Eden gave her an imploring look. ‘Don’t say anything about this to anyone, please? We really do want to keep it quiet for now.’

  Dana’s smile was conspiratorial. ‘I understand. You could have knocked me over with a feather when Bob Hamilton made his announcement.’

  ‘I’m sorry if it was a shock to you.’

  “That’s the understatement of the year. Not once yesterday did Slade hint that he was married.’

  Eden felt a flash of compassion for the other woman. How must she feel now if she had allowed Slade to make love to her last night, believing he was free to do so? It was tempting to tell her the reason for the deception and ask for her help in keeping it from Bob. But the secret wasn’t Eden’s to share. Slade would have to make his own peace with Dana.

  She turned towards the door. ‘Thanks for being so understanding.’

  A grim smile lightened Dana’s eyes as she slashed lipstick across her full mouth. ‘There’s nothing to thank me for, Eden.’

  Maybe she had underestimated the other woman, Eden thought as she made her way back to the table. Dana had to be tough to survive in such a competitive industry, but she seemed to have a heart as well.

  Neither she nor Bob mentioned the incident to Slade when he finally joined them. Both men were too busy discussing the conference. Eden was happy to be left out of the conversation and ate her grilled barramundi in thoughtful silence.

  After the meal, Bob left them to attend another session and Slade offered to escort Eden back to their suite. ‘It isn’t necessary. It won’t take me long to pack,’ she insisted when Bob was out of earshot.

  ‘There’s no need to pack. You aren’t leaving yet.’

  ‘But we agreed...’

  ‘You suggested a plan. I don’t recall agreeing to it.’

  When they were alone in their suite, she shook off his arm. ‘I’ve done what you asked. Bob is convinced we’re married. What more do you want from me?’

  ‘It’s what I can do for you this time, Eden,’ he explained, startling her into silence. ‘I don’t intend to let you go home until you’ve had a proper holiday.’

  ‘As your wife,’ she second-guessed him.

  ‘Granted, you must continue to play the part, but is it so onerous? I gather you had a pleasant enough morning while I was at the conference.’

  Her mouth set into a mutinous line. ‘I suppose so.’

  ‘Then why not plan more of the same?’ The knuckles of his right hand grazed her cheek. ‘I’m not such an ogre that I would deny you the holiday you obviously need.’

  But only on his terms. ‘It seems I have no choice but to stay, since I can’t change my return ticket and you won’t make other arrangements,’ she said flatly.

  ‘Then it’s settled.’ Dismissing the subject, he poured a drink, shrugged when she refused one, and stretched out on a couch to study some notes from the morning session.

  Alone in her room, she closed the blinds and lay down, lulling herself to sleep by counting the ways she would like to get even with him.

  More exhausted than she realised, she slept until almost dinnertime and was roused by the sound of the television set as Slade turned on the evening news. Rubbing sleep from her eyes, she stumbled out into the living-room to find the screen filled with the image of Dana Drury.

  ‘Tonight’s stories include the latest from Corn-Con, the communications technology conference being held on the Sunshine Coast, and an update on Queensland tourism. But first a roundup of snippets about the rich and famous.’

  Eden went cold from head to foot, hoping desperately that she was still asleep and dreaming. Dana wouldn’t, would she? She hadn’t actually promised not to reveal her scoop, Eden saw now, finally recognising the polite evasions which she had foolishly taken as assurances.

  ‘Hottest news is also from Corn-Con,’ Dana continued. ‘Australia’s most eligible bachelor has changed his status at long last. Slade Benedict is reported to be combining the conference with his honeymoon.’

  The room whirled about Eden and she grabbed the back of a chair for support. Dear heaven, Slade would think this was her doing. His attention was riveted to the small screen but his clenched hands and the rigid set of his jaw betrayed his fury.

  Her tension grew as Dana summarised Slade’s professional background and his meteoric rise to the ranks of Australia’s richest men. As she talked, a strange glow crept over Eden. She recognised it as a thrill of pride, something she’d never felt for Joshua, although he was successful enough in his own way. This was different. She wanted to tell the world that this was her husband they were talking about.

  Suddenly her hand flew to her brow. What was the matter with her? She was reacting as if Slade were really her husband when the publicity about their fictitious marriage was hardly cause for rejoicing.

  ‘Little is known about the bride, the former Eden Lyle, a researcher with the Benedict organisation,’ Dana went on. ‘But she is beautiful, as are all the Benedict women. Or should I say as were all the Benedict women when Slade was still fancy-free? In our next story...’

  Eden jumped as Slade snapped off the television set and turned on her. ‘I hope you’re satisfied now.’

  ‘It wasn’t my doing, Slade.’

  His eyebrows arched in disbelief. ‘Oh, no? Then you didn’t plan this to get even with me for denying you the promotion and spoiling your holiday?’

  ‘No, I didn’t. What on earth would I have to gain?’

  ‘Do I need to spell it out? The potential for blackmail is perfectly obvious.’

  Blackmail? She almo
st choked on the unfairness of this thought. Her momentary fantasy of marriage to him seemed even more foolish than before. ‘Blackmail never entered my head,’ she denied.

  ‘You make it sound as if I want to be known as your wife.’

  A challenging gleam lit his dark gaze. ‘Don’t you, Eden?’

  Even as she shook her head, denial pulsed through her mind. In other circumstances, she could have been very much attracted to Slade. He had a way of dominating her thoughts when she least expected it. Now, for instance. He had accused her of betraying his trust, yet she could still be distracted by his searching look which seemed to see into her soul, stripping bare her deepest yearnings.

  The moment lasted only seconds yet awareness leapt between them like a bolt of lightning. He knew, she thought forlornly. Recognising the attraction she was powerless to conceal, he had put his own interpretation on it.

  ‘You’re wrong,’ she said in an undertone, not entirely sure which error she meant to correct.

  ‘Then you didn’t talk to Dana Drury?’

  ‘Yes, I did, but not in the way you think.’

  He folded his arms across his broad chest. ‘Just what did you tell her?’

  ‘Nothing about us. I gave you my word.’

  ‘And I trusted you, Eden. You know how much this means to Bob Hamilton, or I wouldn’t have involved you.’

  ‘And I didn’t let you down.’

  ‘Then how did she come by the information?’

  Before she could explain, the telephone shrilled through the suite. As he reached for it she turned away but his fingers curled around her wrist. ‘Stay, we haven’t finished yet,’ he said.

  Stay and be pilloried for something she hadn’t done, she interpreted. Her efforts to squirm free were futile, his strength being more than a match for hers. She could do nothing but wait until he finished his call.

  In the interval, she studied his bent head as he concentrated. A lock of dark hair fell across his eyes, making her want to brush it back until she realised what she was thinking. Heat flooded through her. She had denied wanting to be his wife, but the attraction was too strong to deny.