by Rhian Cahill
She wasn’t sure what she’d expected, really, but it certainly wasn’t this. Wade had gone to a lot of trouble to make the evening special and she couldn’t deny the little flutters of delight trembling in her belly. He’d done this for her. Even after she’d refused him repeatedly and he’d virtually had to blackmail her into going out with him. Her gaze left the amazing view and settled on the man in question. He set down the tray and pulled a bottle of wine from an ice bucket she hadn’t noticed. With a skill she envied, he popped the cork and poured the sparkling wine into two glasses.
Realising she would look like an idiot if he turned to find her still standing in the house staring, Em quickly moved forward. By the time he’d returned the bottle to the bucket and picked up both their glasses, she’d reached his side. She took the flute he held out to her and tapped the glass to his when he offered a toast.
“To breathtaking views and splendid company,” he said.
She didn’t have anything to add, so took a sip and savoured the tart bubbles exploding on her tongue. The champagne was expensive. Emily didn’t drink often, but she knew quality when she tasted it.
“Here.” Wade pulled out a chair. “Sit. Let’s eat and enjoy the view.”
Emily slipped into the most comfortable outdoor chair she’d ever had the pleasure of using. The soft cushions cradled her back, bottom, and thighs in a firm but supple grip. She sighed as she settled into her seat and took another sip of her wine. It really was the most delicious champagne she’d ever tasted.
“Try this.” Wade held out a small square of bread topped with chopped tomato, onion, and a mix of herbs she couldn’t name. Before she could take it from him, he brought the bite to her lips. “Open up.”
Left with no choice, Em parted her lips and let him feed her. Rich flavours flooded her mouth as she chewed. She hadn’t had tomatoes so delicious in a long time. The blast of heat from the sweet Spanish onion only added to the delight. Emily swallowed and took another sip of her drink.
“Oh my God, that’s amazing. What is it?”
“Bruschetta.”
“That’s not like any bruschetta I’ve eaten.” Emily reached for another piece.
“It’s the home grown ingredients that make it special.”
Her hand stopped halfway to her mouth. “You grow your own food?”
Wade laughed. “No. Mrs Marcella down the street does. My housekeeper buys all the fresh produce she can from her.”
“You have a house keeper?” Who was this man? “I thought you owned an alarm company.”
“I do. But it’s a little more complicated than fitting alarms like the one we installed at your centre.” He picked up another delicious looking morsel. “Here, try this one next.”
“What is it?” She quickly ate the second piece of bruschetta.
“Thai chicken salad in crispy wonton cups.”
“Wow. Your house keeper can cook.” Emily took the nibble he offered.
Wade smiled. “She doesn’t cook my meals. Her job is to clean the house and stock the cupboards with whatever I put on my shopping list.”
“Then who made these?”
“I did.”
Emily stilled. “You cook?”
He grinned, but didn’t answer.
“Did you cook dinner too?” Em couldn’t help it. She was intrigued by the idea of man who knew his way around a kitchen this well.
“No. But I could have.” He popped a wonton in his mouth and chewed.
“So what are we having for dinner then?” Emily took a sip of her wine and was shocked to find her glass almost empty. If she wasn’t careful, she’d be drunk, and Lord knows what she might let happen with her inhibitions lowered. She moved her glass away when Wade went to top it up. “Not yet. I need more food in my stomach first.”
“You don’t have to worry about driving home. You can afford to indulge.”
“Driving isn’t what I’m worried about.” Emily selected another wonton. “Are you going to tell me what we’re having for dinner?”
“I’ve ordered mains and dessert from a local restaurant. They’ll be delivered at eight-thirty. We’ll enjoy our meal and finish off with the nine o’clock fireworks display.”
“Perfect vantage point.” Emily gestured out over the water to the Harbour Bridge in the distance.
“It is. Which is why I couldn’t think of a better place to spend the evening with you.” He took a sip of his champagne. “So tell me the Emily Warner story.”
“Not much to tell.” She shrugged. “I own Kiddies Inc and the business takes up most of my time.”
“No. Tell me the whole Emily story.” He picked up the bottle and topped up her glass. “Where did you grow up? Go to school? Do you have any brothers or sisters? That story.”
“Well, I’m an only child of an older single mum. Never knew my father and mum died when I was seventeen. I’ve been on my own ever since.” Em didn’t like to talk about that time in her life, so she quickly moved on. “I worked fulltime while putting myself through night school. I earned two degrees and saved every cent so I could open Kiddies Inc. I actually bought out the previous owner and rebranded the way I wanted, so I had an existing client base. I can’t tell you how much easier that made things.”
She brought her glass to her lips to stop herself from babbling. Her mouth had a habit of running away whenever she was nervous and, right now, with Wade’s undivided attention focused right on her, she was more nervous than she’d ever been. And that included the day she’d signed on the dotted line of a million-dollar business loan.
“You’re completely alone? Who did you spend Christmas with?”
“Oh, I’m not alone. I’ve got lots of friends. Granted I don’t see them as much as I’d like, but I still have people in my life. And I always spend Christmas visiting the children’s hospital. I help hand out the presents donated by the public.” Emily covered her mouth with her hand. Why had she told him that? No one knew about her trips to see the children.
“You’re a really surprise package, Emily.” He glanced at his watch. “Dinner should be here in about ten minutes or so. If you’ve had enough, I’ll clear this all away so we’re ready for our main course.”
Em looked at the last remaining wonton and sighed. “Yeah, if I don’t stop now I won’t be able to eat much of dinner. I don’t want to risk filling up and missing dessert.” She got to her feet. “Let me help.”
Wade let Emily follow him into the kitchen, but he refused to agree to her carrying anything. It all stacked neatly on the tray anyway, and it didn’t require two of them to cart it inside. Not that he’d say no to her accompanying him in the most mundane pursuits. She intrigued him. He’d watched her while they’d installed her centre’s alarm system and, as it was his company that supported the callouts when the alarm was triggered, Wade had frequently been in the position to observe her transition from cool business to gentle and nurturing. He was in no doubt she loved every one of those kids with every fibre of her being.
He couldn’t say it was her looks that drew him. Although she was a knockout, the first glimpse he’d gotten of her was less than attractive. She’d been finger painting and had every colour of the rainbow in small hand-sized splotches from her face to her arse. The fact that she hadn’t felt the need to preen before showing him and his crew through the building had further pricked his interest. And now, dressed in the sexiest peace of black cloth he’d ever laid eyes on, she blew his mind and gained the attention of certain parts of his anatomy. Parts that would become obvious in their awareness if he didn’t put a lid on his libido.
Glancing at the microwave he noted the time and decided a little distraction was in order before he made a complete Neanderthal of himself and pushed her up against the nearest wall to take the kiss he was dying to steal. Of course he had plans for their first kiss, and their second. Their third. Fourth. Wade smiled. He planned to seduce her slowly, and what better way than New Year’s Eve when kissing the person in front o
f you was mandatory?
Wade offered her his hand. “Come on, I’ll give you a quick tour of the house before dinner.”
“I suppose we’re starting the tour in your bedroom?”
The kicked up corner of her mouth and the twinkle of mischief in her eyes made him laugh. He welcomed the lightening of tension in his gut. “If I thought for one second I could convince you to take a trip though my bedroom this early in our relationship, I’d offer. But you’re not that easy, Emily, and I wouldn’t be as interested as I am if you were.”
He reached for her hand and wove his fingers through hers. Without giving her time to comment on his revealing remark, he tugged her out of the kitchen and into the hall. She wasn’t interested in hearing just how interested he was. Emily Warner had barriers he doubted she knew about, but he saw them. He’d also seen how she dropped those walls completely with the children at her work and he wanted that. Wanted her to look at him with her heart and eyes open and take what he offered in return. And Wade had a bone deep belief he was willing to give her anything she asked.
“I’ve changed little from when my parents were alive, but this room.” He pushed open the door and grinned. “Vee calls it my man cave.”
Emily step inside and glanced around. “Well, I can see why it might deserve that tag. Who’s Vee?”
“My sister, Valentine.” He strode passed her to the control box on the back wall. “Check this out.” Pushing a few buttons he waited for the panels that covered the cinema screen to retract.
“Is that what I think it is?”
He grinned. “Yeah. Over eighteen feet of cinema perfection complete with surround sound stereo. Plus the room has been insulated with special acoustic materials to optimise the whole set up.”
“I’m not sure whether to be impressed or shocked that you have this kind of set up.” She turned to face him. “You’re not just an alarm guy, are you?”
Wade sobered, the smile slipping from his mouth. “Yes and no.” He scrubbed a hand down his face. He’d wanted tonight to be an introduction to who he was, but with each step he revealed more about himself than he had to anyone in a long time. “My company is successful, more than, but my parents left enough that neither my sister nor I ever have to work again.”
“Oh.”
He waited for more. Usually this was the point where a woman began to fawn all over him, something he hadn’t had a stomach for even before he became richer than God. But Emily surprised him. Again. She walked over, placed her hand in his, and squeezed gently. With no more than that, she proved his instincts right. Emily Warner wasn’t like any other woman he’d met, and he’d be a fool to let this opportunity to woo her into taking a chance on him slip by.
She tugged on his hand. “Show me the rest.”
Wade led her from the room, her hand snug inside his. The warmth and weight of her flesh threatened to take him back up that slippery slope of arousal, but he was determined to take his time. To do this right. He wasn’t ready to face the building emotions this woman provoked, but he was more than willing to explore them one step at a time. Sex would muddy the waters, and possibly scare her off.
“As I said, I’ve changed little. My mother used to redecorate regularly, so most of what they left is still in date to some degree.” Wade paused in the middle of the living room and looked at the well-worn leather couch. “Then again maybe it’s time to get some new furniture.”
“No. You’re mother obviously had great style and the lived-in furnishings stop the place from being ostentatious. The whole house, while I grant you is overwhelming, still manages to be welcoming. It’s inviting and the touches of personal knick-knacks adds to the come-in-and-take-a-load-off vibe.”
He looked at her. “Wow. All that from a few pieces of furniture?”
Her cheeks flushed pink and she ducked her head a little, hiding her eyes. “It’s just the way I feel, like I’m a welcome friend who’s come to visit.”
“You are a friend and you’re welcome any time.” Wade turned towards the stairs. “Come on, let’s head upstairs.”
Before their feet hit the first step the gate intercom buzzed and he was forced to change direction. “That will be dinner. I need to let them in. Why don’t you go back outside to wait?”
“You don’t need help bringing everything out?”
Wade rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand. “As much as I want to use any excuse I can to keep you by my side, the last thing I want you to do is carry your own dinner to the table.”
“But—”
He placed two fingers over her lips. “Don’t argue. Let me spoil you a little. I’m not asking any more than I’d expect if I’d taken you out to a restaurant.”
“Are you sure?” Her lips brushed against his fingers, her breath warm against his skin. Wade’s lower regions stirred.
“I’m sure. Go.” When it looked like she’d argue further, he turned her in the direction of the patio and gave her a little nudge. “Please.”
She glanced over her shoulder. “Okay, but I get to help after we’ve eaten.”
Wade smiled. “If you must.” She really wasn’t like any other woman he’d known. All the women he’d dated in the past would have revelled in being indulged. Good thing he’d never felt the desire to cater to the whims of anyone other than Emily.
Chapter Three
Emily stared at the harbour as dusk settled over the city. Lights twinkled up and down the shoreline and a plethora of boats anchored in the cove slowly came to life with their own brand of sparkle. She took a deep breath – savoured the warm summer air sprinkled with a liberal dose of salt. Sydney’s famous harbour was in the throes of the biggest night of the year and for once Em found herself with a front row seat that didn’t include her couch and dismal sixty centimetre TV.
The cool breeze blowing off the water combated some of the oppressive heat of the day, and the dropping of the sun lowered the temperature further, but it was still a balmy evening and, unless a stiff wind picked up, it didn’t seem likely that she’d be getting cold anytime soon. Em tilted her head back and gazed up at the clear sky. No clouds marred the darkening surface and while the city lights diminished the brightness of the stars, she could still make out some significant clusters. She found the Southern Cross and what her mother referred to as the Saucepan, but other than that Emily was clueless as to what glittered high above her.
“Here we go.”
She sat up and turned in Wade’s direction. He walked towards her, a uniformed waiter in tow, and Emily suddenly realised this wasn’t your average restaurant delivery. Wade took the seat beside her while the man placed their meals in front of them. Rich spicy aromas assaulted her. Leaning forward, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
“Oh my God, that smells divine.” Em opened her eyes and reached for her serviette only to be beaten by the waiter who draped the white linen across her lap.
“Wait until you taste it. You’ll never eat ocean trout from anywhere else ever again.”
“I’ll have to take your word for it. I’ve never eaten trout before.”
The waiter topped up their wine glasses. “Will there be anything else, Sir?”
“No, that’s all for now,” Wade said.
“I’ll have dessert ready to serve in twenty-five minutes.” The waiter bent in a slight bow before returning to the house.
“He’s making dessert here?” Emily asked.
“Not completely, but he’ll be putting the final touches on it so it’s as fresh as you’d get if you actually ate at Morgan’s.”
Em froze in the process of picking up her knife and fork. “Morgan’s? The Morgan’s?”
“Yep, I grew up with the owner. He still lives a few doors that way.” Wade pointed along the shoreline to Emily’s right.
She couldn’t catch her breath. Wade had so much. Had grown up with so much. And here she was, the product of a one-night-stand who’d lived on the poverty line her entire childhood acting as though she
fit in here. Her heart slammed against her ribcage, her pulse pounding as though she’d run a marathon. “I shouldn’t be here.” Finger shaking, she put her hands in her lap.
“What? Why?” Wade dropped his own utensils on his plate. “Are you allergic to seafood? I never thought to ask.”
“No. No, it’s not that.” She licked her lips, swallowed over the lump in her throat. Her words a bare whisper, she said, “I don’t belong here.”
“I don’t understand what you’re talking about.” He reached for her hand but she pulled away. “Why don’t you belong?”
“We’re from completely different backgrounds. You shouldn’t even look at me, never mind ask me out on such an extravagant date.” Surely he could see she didn’t belong. “I grew up poor.”
“And?” Wade’s fists clenched on the table, his jaw bunched, a muscle twitching on the left side, and his brow furrowed, pulling his dark eyebrows together.
“You’re rich!” How could he not see the problem?
He leaned back and crossed his arms over his wide chest. “Careful, Emily, your snob is showing.”
Air rushed through her teeth as she sucked in a breath. “I’m not being a snob. I’m pointing out that we come from different social circles.”
“No, you’re saying we shouldn’t share an enjoyable meal and watch the fireworks, because you grew up poor and I grew up rich. That’s snobbery in my book. Admittedly it’s the reverse of what I’ve seen all my life, but it’s still prejudice against the way we grew up.”
When he put it that way… Her face heated. She hadn’t meant to be judgmental. If anything it was her own insecurities showing. She’d always had feelings of inadequacy, something she’d worked hard to overcome by proving she was good enough, by getting the things in life others took for granted: a good education, a well-paid, well-respected job, and a level of acceptance from her peers she’d never received as a child. With one miscommunication she’d managed to offend him in a way she was all too familiar with.
