United States of Love: HarperImpulse Contemporary Romance

by Sue Fortin

  ‘Join the club.’ It was Zoe. She stood in the doorway, hands in her coat pockets.

  The briefest of scowls crossed Nathan's face at his wife's remark but he carried on talking. ‘And it’s Tex?’

  ‘That’s right.’

  ‘Not ideal, if you want my opinion.’

  ‘Well she doesn't,’ butted in Zoe, coming to Anna's defence. ‘People meet their partners through work all the time. What's the difference?’

  ‘Oh, is that someone’s phone ringing?’ Anna stood up, hoping that her comment would head off any argument. Everyone stood still and silent for a moment.

  ‘I can't hear anything,’ said Zoe. ‘Mine’s in the kitchen. I'll just go and check.’

  Anna had got the twins off to bed by nine, and when Tex phoned her briefly from his Guildford restaurant, just hearing the timbre of his voice sent a ripple of pleasure through her. The fire dominated most of the conversation but despite this, Anna didn’t mention the petrol can. She needed time to think about it properly and to somehow broach the subject with Mark.

  ‘I’m sorry but I need to get back to work,’ said Tex after ten minutes. ‘Are you free tomorrow? I thought maybe we could go to Arundel for tea and cake somewhere. I know how fond you English are of that.’

  After they had hung up, Anna wondered whether tomorrow was going to be the day she and Tex took things further. The thought made her stomach feel fluttery, but she realised that the nervousness had now been replaced by excitement and anticipation.

  Anna was surprised when Nathan and Zoe returned home just two hours after leaving.

  ‘You're back early,’ she said as Zoe tiptoed into the living room, trying not to let her heels clatter on the wooden floor.

  ‘I'm shattered. I'll be up early with Emily in the morning so I really need to get to bed.’ Zoe slipped off her shoes. ‘Everything all right?’

  ‘Yes, fine. Not a sound from any of them. Hi, Nathan. Nice evening?’

  ‘If you're referring to the restaurant, wine and food, then yes, it was nice.’ Nathan’s steely eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at his wife.

  ‘But the company was crap is what he's trying to say,’ said Zoe returning an equally bad-tempered look. ‘I could say the same myself, actually. Anyway, I'm knackered. Thanks ever so much for everything today, Anna.’ She gave Anna a fleeting hug. ‘I really must go to bed. Night.’

  ‘Night, Zoe.’ Oh dear, this wasn't good.

  ‘So what's the score with Mark at the moment?’ asked Nathan, pushing the door shut behind Zoe. Anna quickly brought her brother up to date with events, his eyebrows raising now and again, the occasional tut and shake of the head.

  ‘He’s going back to the States this week so that will be a relief. It's been cosy to say the least. It'll be nice to have the house just to myself and Luke again. Bliss.’

  ‘How's Luke taking it all?’ Sitting in the chair by the fireside, Nathan flicked through the TV channels.

  ‘Not sure. He hasn't said too much. He's going to miss his dad. Just when they were building up a relationship, Mark clears off. You know he's selling the house?’

  ‘Really? Where does that leave you?’

  ‘I could oppose it or I could let him sell it. I don’t know what to do for the best really.’ This wasn’t that far from the truth, Anna consoled herself. She really didn’t know what to do but she didn’t want to appear to be giving in to Mark’s demands too readily, Nathan might get suspicious and start asking questions, the answers to which she had no intention of sharing with him, let alone mention the photos, the thought of them repellent in every way. So for now she would lay the ground for moving on as if it were her choice. ‘I’ve actually been wondering whether it’s about time I got a place of my own. Became more independent.’

  ‘About time you sorted out a divorce as well. Then you can be totally free.’

  ‘One thing at a time, but yes, that will be the next step.’ Anna stood up. ‘Anyway, I'd better go.’ She wanted to get away before Nathan started digging for any more information or pushing her for a commitment. ‘Stay there. I'll see myself out.’

  ‘Okay, sis.’ Nathan put out his hand and caught Anna's as she walked past. ‘Thanks for tonight. Look, don't worry about me and Zoe. It's been so long since we've been out together, I think we've forgotten how to do it.’ He smiled reassuringly and then added jokingly, ‘That amongst other things.’

  Although Anna did acknowledge to herself that eleven o’clock at night probably wasn’t the best time to quiz Mark about the petrol can and the fire, she also knew that she had to at least try and find out if there was any truth in her suspicion.

  Mark switched the television off and, placing the remote precisely and slowly onto the coffee table, looked up at Anna from the sofa. ‘So, Mr Garcia has had a fire at the restaurant, has he? Too bad.’

  ‘Where did you go last night that would warrant you running out of petrol?’ demanded Anna, irritated by his laconic attitude, although it was nothing less than she expected.

  ‘I don’t have to report my every move to you,’ responded Mark. ‘That’s something that we might have done as a married couple, but you seem to have made it clear to me that is something we are not.’

  What a bastard! He was enjoying this. He knew she had no idea if he were telling the truth or not.

  ‘You have to admit, Mark, it’s all pretty suspicious. I think the police would call it incriminating evidence. Beyond reasonable doubt. All that sort of stuff.’

  ‘Now neither you nor your Yankee boyfriend would want to involve the police, would you? You especially. Not when you know what’s in that envelope in my briefcase.’ He sat back on the sofa looking very self-satisfied.

  Anna felt a ripple of fear begin to knot in her stomach. She closed her eyes for a second to salvage her initial thoughts. Opening them again, she said, ‘What did you call him?’

  ‘What? Your boyfriend?’

  ‘Yes. What did you just say?’

  ‘Yankee boyfriend?’ Mark gave her a look that clearly said he thought she had gone mad.

  ‘Yankee boyfriend,’ repeated Anna. ‘Don’t tell me that was you too.’

  Mark shrugged. ‘I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.’

  ‘The graffiti. The vandalism. It said, “Yank Out”. Jesus, Mark, you just said the selfsame thing. And Tex thinks it’s the tea rooms.’

  ‘So now you’re accusing me of vandalism, graffiti and arson. You really have a high opinion of me.’

  ‘Well, you’re not exactly crowning yourself in glory, are you?’

  ‘Think what you like, Anna, but if I find out who did the graffiti, I’ll buy them a drink.’

  Chapter Nineteen

  ‘Have you eaten?’ asked Tex as he released Anna from his embrace. ‘I've made a light salad.’

  ‘What and spoil the tea and cake you promised me?’

  ‘We could go out later. You should eat. It is not good to miss meals, especially lunch.’ He looked seriously at her. ‘Come, sit, we will eat now and go out for your tea and cake later.’

  Anna allowed herself to be led to the breakfast bar, taking the seat that Tex indicated. She was actually quite hungry. Having avoided Mark this morning by going to the gym and from there getting herself ready before heading over to Arundel, food had been the last thing on her mind.

  ‘If you insist,’ she said lightly.

  ‘I do.’ Tex opened the fridge, took out a bottle of wine and poured two glasses. He gave one to Anna.

  ‘Only the one for me, I've got to drive home later. Plus I need a clear head for the morning. Jamie's asked me to go to London tomorrow and Tuesday. A client of his has a business meeting and needs me there to help with the translation.’

  ‘Are you staying overnight?’

  ‘No. Can't really because of Luke. Having said that, he'd probably be okay. He is sixteen but I always worry that there's going to be some wild house party or he won’t get up for school. Or both! It will be a bit of a pa
in travelling up both days, but I think it works out cheaper than having a hotel for the night.’

  ‘You can always stay at my apartment in Guildford if ever you’re working there. It would cut your journey time down considerably.’ Tex put a chicken and bacon salad in front of Anna, along with a basket containing a selection of bread rolls.

  ‘Oh, right. Thanks.’ Anna wondered idly if Tex had two bedrooms in his Guildford apartment and found herself hoping he only had the one.

  Playfully, Tex nudged her elbow with his as he sat down beside her. ‘What you thinking?’

  ‘Nothing.’ Anna tried to sound casual but rather suspected a sudden flush of colour to her face was betraying her. She looked intently at her salad.

  Tex gave a little chuckle. He leaned into Anna so that their shoulders were touching. ‘I have two bedrooms in Guildford.’

  How did he do that? Read her thoughts. He was teasing her now, flirting a bit, and Anna was enjoying it.

  ‘That's good to know. Wouldn't want you to be too uncomfortable on the sofa.’ She took a large sip of wine, already feeling a bit giggly. Tex topped up her glass. ‘You're not trying to get me drunk are you, Mr Garcia?’

  ‘Me? No!’ exclaimed Tex in mock indignation. ‘A gentleman wouldn’t do that.’

  ‘Are you a gentleman then?’

  ‘Do you want me to be a gentleman?’ His eyes were dancing with amusement.

  Anna cocked her head to one side, as if considering his question carefully. ‘Ask me again later.’

  Tex insisted on clearing away, shooing Anna out of the kitchen. She wandered out through the sliding patio doors and onto the balcony, which wasn't huge but big enough for a circular metal bistro table and two chairs. Anna leaned on the railings with her glass of wine, gazing out at the river, watching the tourists strolling over the bridge, cameras and camcorders hanging from their necks. They stopped, pointed at, and took photos of the imposing castle rising above the rooftops and the cathedral standing proud over the town from its position at the top of the hill. Anna tilted her face skywards to soak up the warm rays of the sun. She really shouldn't have any more wine, and combined with the lunch, she didn't fancy a walk now, and certainly didn't think she could manage cake.

  Tex joined her on the balcony, slipping his arms around her waist, nestling his chin into her shoulder. Anna could feel the warmth of his body against her back. She let out a small murmur of contentment and closed her eyes, leaning back into him and resting her head against his. She relished the feeling of being in close contact with him; it made her whole body tingle. Absently, Anna ran her hand along the bare forearm that held her, seeking out his hand, their fingers entwining.

  He kissed her shoulder through her blouse, then her bare neck and finally her ear. She felt the butterflies in her stomach going crazy and her breathing becoming deeper as he squeezed her more tightly, pressing his hips against her. It felt like the excitement was physically creeping up through her windpipe, trying to burst out of her madly pumping heart. This was decision time. This was the moment where she either stopped things before they got out of hand or allowed it to go further. It was a one-horse race really. Every part of her body seemed imbued with a feeling of desire.

  Anna twisted around in Tex's arms and, putting one arm around his neck, holding the other out so that she didn't spill the wine down either of them, kissed him on the mouth. Not a quick or tentative peck, but a full-on, open-mouthed, tongue-exploring kiss.

  Tex let out a groan and gently pulled away. Anna let him take the glass from her and place it on the table, then as he took both her hands and began to walk backwards into the living room, Anna followed, her eyes never leaving his.

  Once inside, Tex began to kiss her again. Anna felt as if her body had a mind all of its own. She arched towards him, offering herself to his now showering kisses. First around her face, then down her neck and towards her cleavage. His hand was warm on her back, keeping her pressed towards him, while the other spread wide at her waist, travelling up her side, thumbing her ribs.

  He pulled away looking directly at her. ‘Yes?’ His voice was soft.

  Anna nodded, a small smile of self-consciousness flicked across her face.

  Tex held her gaze. ‘You sure?’

  ‘Yes, I’m sure.’ A whisper.

  Again holding his hands, Tex led her into the bedroom.

  He stopped at the edge of the bed and cupped her face in his hands. His lips touching hers like little static shocks. He paused, barely breaking contact with her mouth. ‘You okay, baby?’

  All Anna could do was nod, as a small moan of desire left her throat.

  Their lovemaking was passionate and needy. Anna felt as if a wild, wanting alter ego had taken hold of her. It may have been a long time but all her worries seemed to dissolve at once. Her nerves had been calmed and long-forgotten emotions and feelings stirred. She felt like she was a woman again. She wasn't a mum, she wasn't a wife – she was a lover. It felt good. It felt right.

  Afterwards, Tex had held her tightly in his arms, their bodies pressed against each other. He had murmured that she was beautiful and had kissed her reassuringly on her forehead and stroked her hair.

  When Anna awoke about an hour later, she was still in Tex's arms, his fingers caressing her shoulders and neckline.

  They made love again, this time more slowly, taking their time to explore each other’s bodies. Caressing, stroking, squeezing, holding, kissing, tasting. All so gently and tenderly. They finally fell, tired but satisfied, back onto the bed, her face buried in his chest, his strong arms holding her tightly. Tex’s lovemaking had been so munificent. Closing her eyes, relishing the feeling of contentment he evoked in her, Anna felt cared for and considered, something she didn't think she had ever truly experienced before.

  ‘When you say you didn't do anything on Sunday, do you actually mean you didn't do anything, as in nothing at all? Nothing happened with Anna?’ Jamie took a large swig of the pint Tex had just put down on the pub table and then smacked his lips together. ‘Cheers, salut and all that. I mean, if that's the case, then you're slipping, mate.’

  Tex didn't answer, instead leaning back in his chair he surveyed the emptiness of the pub. An old man cradling half a bitter was perched on a bar stool, his Jack Russell terrier dozing on the cool flagstones, dreaming of chasing rabbits, an ear or a leg twitching now and again. A couple of workmen were playing pool, their high-vis jackets and hard site hats bundled on a chair. Tuesday lunchtimes in the Three Bells obviously wasn't the hub of all social activity in Arundel. Or maybe it was. He was, after all, in the sleepy Sussex countryside.

  ‘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?