Libby’s smile fell at the same time her heart rolled over. This wasn’t a date. This was lunch with a client. A handsome client with incredibly strong features and soft grey eyes that seemed to be inviting her in.
Shifting in her chair, Libby collected her food menu, although she suddenly felt so flustered she couldn’t concentrate on the words.
Alex collected his menu too, and after a time commented, ‘I rang my brother.’
Her gaze shot up and menu went down. ‘Jacob?’
‘Think I told you we haven’t seen each other since he left all those years ago.’
‘That must have been hard. Your oldest brother leaving without a word.’
‘I don’t think he had any option.’
When he beckoned the waiter over, Libby leaned forward. Elbows on the table, she laced her fingers and rested her chin on the bridge. After that day in his amazing garage when she’d learned Alex knew of her surfing history, she’d been taken so off guard, had felt so undercut, she vowed never to talk personal again. And she’d stuck to that.
But so what if the fact she’d had an accident happened to come up? It would make no difference to her attitude or commitment to their sessions, and shouldn’t she give Alex the benefit of the doubt that he would still value her abilities as a physio? As a human being?
And what harm could come from hearing more about the mysterious Wolfe clan? In truth, she was beyond intrigued. A father nobody missed. A brother who’d escaped in the dead of night. Eight siblings in all, one of whom was Alex’s twin, the sister who’d contacted him before his terrible crash.
After Alex ordered a bottle of cabernet sauvignon, Libby said, ‘You and your brother must have had a lot to talk about.’
‘It was a little awkward speaking again after so many years. I was only fourteen when Jacob left. But we’d always got along.’
He wove a fingertip aimlessly over the pearl etched on the menu, perhaps wondering if he ought to divulge anything more. For a moment she thought she glimpsed pain lurking in the shadows of his gaze and words of support rose up. Yes, she was curious but they could talk about something else if the past hurt too much to discuss. She understood, more than he might ever know.
But then he swept up his water glass, took a sip and met her gaze again.
‘Wolfe Manor has been declared structurally unsafe and a danger to the community,’ he said. ‘Jacob wants to repair the damage. No easy feat.’
Repair the damage … Libby had the feeling Alex was speaking about more than fixing some dilapidated ancient house.
‘Does Jacob think it’s salvageable?’
‘Rising damp, holes in the roof, crumbling brick, grounds grown wild. Vandals did a number on it too. But apparently Jacob’s an architect now. He plans to refurbish the manor completely, then sell it on.’ His jaw tightening, Alex seemed to look inward. ‘Frankly, I can’t see how he can set foot in that place again.’ His gaze cleared as it darted over her shoulder and his chin kicked up. ‘Here comes the wine.’
As the waiter presented the label for Alex to acknowledge, Libby pressed her lips together. These weeks she’d tried to keep a professional distance between herself and Alex. He was the kind of man any woman could get distracted by. And in only a few moments of conversation, she was looking at him not as a client or even a world-renowned top athlete but a real person, with regrets and fears as well as the courage to overcome them.
She wanted to hear more about the ghosts that seemed to inhabit Wolfe Manor. She imagined streams of cobwebs, fallen-down stairs, skeletons in every closet. But how much more was Alex prepared to divulge?
Wine poured, Alex raised his glass. ‘Here’s to my speedy recovery.’
‘Here’s to a healthy future.’
He grinned over the rim of his glass and sipped.
‘What other news did your bother have?’ she asked, savouring the wine’s oaky flavour while lowering her glass.
‘Now this is interesting.’ When he tipped forward, his shoulders seemed to grow as the space between them closed. Libby’s nerve endings began to hum. Thank heaven they would never kiss. She might go up in flames!
‘Another brother, Lucas, is involved with Hartington’s.’
‘The big UK store?’
Alex nodded. ‘The venue which was supposed to host the company’s centennial party pulled out at the last minute and Lucas ended up hosting the bash on the Wolfe Manor grounds. The place was apparently surrounded by scaffolds, but they’d restored a good portion of the lawns to their former aristocratic glory. Another brother, Nathaniel, was there on the night.’
Libby’s mind wound back. That Christian name gelled with Alex’s surname and then exploded in her head.
‘Not Nathaniel Wolfe the actor? The movie star who won that big award a couple of months ago?’
‘One and the same. There was a scandal surrounding his West End debut.’
‘I read about it.’
‘He hid away on a privately owned island off the coast of South America.’
‘Nathaniel owns an island?’
‘No. Another brother, Sebastian.’
Near overwhelmed, Libby blew out a breath. ‘The Wolfe kids did well for themselves.’
‘Despite all odds.’
Again Libby saw that shadow darken his gaze, drag on his mouth, and she shivered. Just how bad had his childhood been?
‘Anyway,’ he went on easily, pretending to himself that his past didn’t worry him when it was obvious that it did, ‘seems Nathaniel fell in love with the woman he kidnapped—’
She frowned. ‘Oh, now you’re making it up.’
He raised a hand—Scout’s honour. ‘And at this centennial night they announced their plans to marry.’
Emotion flooded her throat and a mist came over her eyes. Silly to have such a strong emotion, but that evening sounded like a fabulous fairytale ending. One any girl might dream of. If she were ready for that kind of thing. If she’d found the right one.
‘I hope they’ll be very happy,’ Libby said with the utmost sincerity. ‘Are you invited to the wedding?’
‘I have a previous engagement.’
Questioning, she angled her head and realised he was talking about a race. But she didn’t want to put a damper on their conversation, ask about dates and then get into the old ‘you might not be fit to drive’ argument. Today she didn’t want to discuss that at all.
The waiter appeared, refilled their near-empty glasses and enquired, ‘Are you ready to order, sir?’
‘Five minutes,’ Alex replied, and pulled a mock guilty face as the waiter walked away. ‘Guess we ought to make some decisions.’
Libby glanced at her watch and gasped. ‘Where’s the time gone?’
‘Seems you won’t make it back to the office in an hour.’
‘That speech won’t go away.’
‘Precisely. It’ll be there tomorrow. So let’s enjoy what’s left of today.’
When he raised his glass, she hesitated but then lifted hers too. Just this once, who said life had to be all work and no play?
CHAPTER SIX
HE AND Libby took their time with their meals, savouring the exotic flavours and brilliant bay views. A dessert wine was ordered to go with pineapple tarts to end off. Now as the waiter took the empty dessert dishes, Alex moved to fill his companion’s glass again, but Libby held up both hands.
‘Thank you, but I’ve had more than enough.’
‘You’re not still pretending that you’re going back to work,’ he chided.
‘But it’s only—’ She checked her watch, then, amazed, glanced around the near-deserted restaurant. ‘Four o’clock?’
Alex smiled. He hadn’t known hours could melt away so quickly either.
Libby was a different person away from her work—not cool or reserved at all. They’d talked about the places they’d travelled. The different aspects of their chosen sports. He’d learned more about her background, growing up on Sydney beaches with parents w
ho cared about her and her dreams. Even now he couldn’t imagine what it must be like to be the product of a happy home. Made him wonder for the first time about being a parent himself.
What kind of father would he make? Would he be overly protective because of his unhappy history or would the shadow of William Wolfe try to descend upon and direct him as it once had his older brother?
During their recent phone conversation, Jacob had opened up. He’d explained how he’d become increasingly agitated after the court case involving the death of their father and had jumped down poor Annabelle’s throat that last day he’d spent at Wolfe Manor twenty years ago. Jacob had been afraid that if he stayed, he’d become the monster their father had been.
If Alex had been Jacob, he’d have run too. Better than filling his siblings, who had looked up to their oldest brother, with loathing and fear. He supposed they all had their crosses to bear, scars from their childhood at Wolfe Manor, but perhaps none more than Annabelle. While Jacob had been there to save her that dark night, Alex had been the brother who had unintentionally sent his beautiful twin to face a horrible fate. It was all so many years ago and yet lately the memories had become more vivid. Harder to escape or play down.
Clearly because he had too much time on his hands.
With renewed energy, he set the bottle back in its ice bucket. ‘What say you give me a lesson?’
Libby was folding her napkin. ‘Lesson?’
‘Surfing.’ He cupped his right shoulder. ‘Might be just what the ol’ boy needs.’
She held his gaze before pushing her folded napkin away. ‘There’s lots of professionals who teach for a living.’
‘I was thinking more for fun.’
A diversion. Like today.
She sent a mild censuring look. ‘We’ll stick to our regular exercises.’
He persisted. ‘After listening to your surf tales, I’m obviously missing something pretty special.’
And he couldn’t think of anyone he’d rather have teach him. He couldn’t think of anyone he’d rather see in a bikini. Or out of one, for that matter.
Although he understood Libby’s attire during their sessions was meant to match her professional demeanour, those long white drawstring pants she wore weren’t terribly flattering. Once in a while a sensible pair of shorts wouldn’t hurt; a not so sensible pair wouldn’t either. Unfortunately he couldn’t see a change of wardrobe during work hours. Which meant he’d need to suggest some outing that would invite a less … restricted look.
Yes. He wanted to see more of Libby and, after today, he believed she’d like to see more of him. Most importantly, this spending time outside of work-related matters had eased his mind about China. The open, supportive Libby he’d come to know today wouldn’t hold him back. And rather than pushing his point and possibly getting her back up, now he thought it wiser to simply keep her onside. When the time came, just as she’d accepted today’s invitation to lunch, she would also give his shoulder an early checkmark.
After signing the bill, Alex escorted his lunch date outside. They passed a wall displaying the restaurant’s logo—a shimmering pearl bedded in a clamshell.
‘If you were known as a mermaid,’ he said, his palm coming to rest against her lower back, ‘I’m betting pearls are your bling of choice.’
As she’d done earlier, she wound away from his touch. ‘I’m not so much into jewellery.’
He cast a doubtful look. ‘I thought every woman was into diamonds, at least.’
‘Not this woman.’
Her smile was almost tight, which, after such a relaxing lunch, made him wonder.
Obviously she thought she needed to explain. ‘It’s not that I don’t think gems are pretty. As a matter of fact, I think pearls are beautiful. I just don’t own any. I’m more of a practical type.’ She held up her wrist. ‘I own a watch.’
Examining the piece, he frowned to himself. A sports dial, not at all feminine. He supposed some females weren’t into rings and things. Or would Libby be flattered, like most women, to be given a stunning necklace, bracelet or something even more special?
As they slid into the limo, Alex stole a glance at his companion’s hands while she excused herself to check her mobile for messages. Those fingers had been on display practically every day for two weeks. He’d known she wasn’t engaged. That had come out in Eli’s initial research. But was she seeing anyone on a more casual basis?
When his gut kicked, he scrubbed his jaw.
Well, why wouldn’t she be? She was an extremely attractive, highly intelligent woman with a great deal to offer a man. And if she were indeed seeing someone, her usual ‘I’m only about work’ demeanour—the way she avoided his casual touch—made more sense. As for accepting his invitation to lunch today … An important client showing up out the blue? He hadn’t given her much choice.
He swallowed a curse.
Just when he’d felt better about this whole situation. But the day wasn’t over yet. Still time to find out more.
‘It’s going on four-thirty,’ he said, when she slid her phone away. ‘Too late to go back to the office.
And you can’t drive after the wine. I’ll drop you home.’
Libby gazed off, no doubt considering her options. Clearly seeing the merit in his suggestion, she nodded and gave the driver her address, which was less than five minutes away. When the limo pulled up, Alex swung out, then helped her onto the footpath. With an almost shy smile, she looped her bag more securely over a shoulder.
‘Lunch was a lovely surprise. Thank you.’
‘I’ll see you to the entrance.’
Other than her pupils dilating, her expression remained unaffected. ‘There’s really no need.’
‘You’ll offend my sense of chivalry.’
She blinked as though she wasn’t sure if he were joking. While he kept a straight face—he always walked his dates to their doors—she thought it through, finally gave in to a shadow of a smile and walked alongside him toward her building. Once they reached the glass security door, however, she pulled up to her full height and faced him.
End of the line.
‘Well, here we are and, uh—’ she peered around him ‘—your driver’s waiting.’
‘That’s what I pay him for,’ he said. ‘Driving and waiting.’
Done with pretext, she eased out a breath. ‘I know what you’re thinking. We’ve had a nice few hours and you’d like me to invite you up.’ She shook her head. ‘Not a good idea.’
‘I disagree.’
Her amber eyes flared. ‘Neither of us want this to get complicated.’
‘Who said it has to be complicated?’
Growing more nervous, she wet her lips. ‘We have a working relationship we need to maintain.’
‘This is working for me.’ He stepped closer and his head lowered, close to hers. ‘How about you?’
He hadn’t set out to kiss her, but his mouth found hers, nevertheless. Then he told himself to keep it light, no more than a lingering brush of his lips over hers. But as they touched, an overwhelming need to explore broke through and instinctively his hands found her shoulders and winged them gently in.
White heat unfurled high on each thigh as the heavy beat of his heart echoed through his veins. He urged her nearer, until her breasts pressed low against his chest and, as he kneaded her flesh, the tight beads pushing against her blouse rubbed and hardened more. His tongue ran over her teeth and when her mouth opened wider, inviting him in as she dissolved, Alex forgot they were in public, in broad daylight, doing what should be enjoyed behind the privacy of closed doors. He forgot everything except the wonderful way Libby felt in his arms and his desire to know more.
He was taken off guard when her palms spliced up between them and, groaning, she pushed away. Short on breath, Libby avoided his gaze as she flattened a hand against the entry door to steady herself. ‘Why did you do that?’
‘You have to ask?’
Other than the deep rise and fall of
her chest, she didn’t move. Her cheeks scorched red, she merely lifted her gaze and glared at him. ‘Alex, don’t ever do that again.’
‘Because you’re my physio?’
Pressing her glistening lips together, she nodded deeply. ‘Exactly. And …’ She rose up a little. ‘I’m not after a relationship right now.’
He smiled softly. ‘That’s a shame.’
A flame leapt in her eyes and for a moment he thought she might reconsider and ask him up but then she punched a number into the security pad and, in a blink, disappeared inside.
On his way back to the limo, Alex went over every second of that delectable kiss as well as the steps which had led him to this unique point in time. He’d gone from admitting that Libby Henderson had grown on him to openly confessing he wanted to broaden the scope on their relationship. This morning he’d merely wanted to get to the bottom of what lay behind her ice queen act, as well as confirm that she was still onside with regard to his plans for China. And yet now he found himself enjoying a woman’s company like he never had before. Hell, he’d even winced at a spike of jealousy when he’d thought of Libby with another man.
Not good.
Standing guard by the limo, the driver opened the back passenger’s door. Rubbing the back of his neck, Alex climbed inside.
He couldn’t remember being rejected by a lady since tenth grade. Hands down it wouldn’t matter so much if it weren’t this particular one, because the bald-faced truth was that Libby had done more than grow on him. She’d burrowed under his skin. Was playing more and more on his mind. And that was a condition he was less than happy to entertain; he had enough on his mind as it was.
He needed to avoid unnecessary complications. Ipso facto, this state of affairs had to cease and desist. If Libby wasn’t interested in having him hold her, getting involved, as of this moment that went double for him.
CHAPTER SEVEN
THE next morning, Libby strode into that lavish Rose Bay home with her head down and nothing but work on her mind. Or that’s what she needed Alex Wolfe to believe.
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