Anne Mather

by Sanja

  'Bless you,' said Adam, and Mrs Jones chuckled as she went out.

  Nero, who had settled himself in front of the fire also, now smelt food and Caroline allowed him to eat some of her sandwiches.

  'You'll make him fat,' remarked Adam with a grin. 'He's been badly spoiled by the Joneses.'

  Caroline shrugged. 'I know.. .but his eyes positively implore for more. He's very persuasive and very lovable.'

  'Lucky Nero,' said Adam rather dryly, and drank his tea.

  When they had finished with the tray, Caroline placed it on the table near the door.

  'Ought I to take it through?' she offered anxiously. She wasn't used to having everything done for her in such a manner, pleasant though it might be.

  'No,' he drawled lazily. 'Come and sit beside me and tell me all about yourself.'

  Caroline's heart pounded as she seated herself beside him, intensely aware of his thigh only inches away from her own and of his head turned her way, eyes watching her, as he relaxed against the red brocade. The lighting from the standard lamp was not bright and Caroline hoped he was unaware of how much he disturbed her.

  'There's not much to tell,' she murmured quietly, gazing into the fire. 'My parents died when I was very young. An aunt brought me up and then I moved in with Amanda six months ago.'

  'Very exciting,' he remarked with a smile. 'No romance?'

  The intimacy of this situation washed over her and she shook her head, not trusting herself to speak. How could she make light-hearted conversation about a subject so newly apparent?

  Adam moved slightly, until his thigh was touching hers, and cupped her face with one hand, forcing her to look at him. His eyes scanned her features intently, and she was sure he must be able to hear the thudding of her heart. She trembled violently, and jerked her face away before he could read what must be in her eyes. She felt his fingers playing with her hair, touch- ing the nape of her neck, disturbing her emotions, so that she was forced to look at him again. Then, slowly and deliberately, he leant forward, and placed his mouth against hers, exploring its softness expertly, until her lips parted involuntarily, and the kiss hardened and lengthened into something much more demanding. Caroline had never dreamed a man's mouth could arouse such sensations, and it was with a sense of loss she felt him release her and get up, with almost savage movements.

  Caroline remained where she was, unknowingly provocative in her untried innocence.

  Adam angrily kicked a log in the fire with his shoe, and stood staring down into the flames.

  'Why don't you say something?' he muttered. 'Like, for instance, what about last night's lecture?'

  Caroline sighed. 'Are you sorry you kissed me, Adam?' she asked softly.

  Adam swung round. 'You know what I want to do!' he groaned violently. 'Me! The so-called platonic adviser of last night!' He frowned angrily. 'And I thought I could bring you here and take you back without incident.' He ran a hand over his hair. 'I must have been mad!'

  Caroline shook her head. 'Stop torturing yourself, Adam,' she said quietly. 'It was my fault.'

  Adam breathed swiftly. 'Caroline, don't make it any harder!'

  Caroline rose to her feet, slim and unconsciously, alluring before him. 'Why need it be hard?' she murmured. 'You sound as though you want to forget it, and neither of us could do that.'

  Adam stared at her for a moment, and then pulled her into his arms. 'Caroline, this is foolish!' he muttered, but he was trembling, too, and Caroline slid her arms round his neck, destroying his attempt to act sensibly. His mouth found hers again, and now his kisses were the passionate demand of a man for a woman, and Caroline responded without thought of resistance. This was Adam, and she loved him, and she wanted to make him aware of it. Adam's self- control was slipping dangerously low; the warmth and intimacy of this charming room were weaving their own spell, and they seemed alone in a wonderful world of their own making.

  And then, suddenly, a car door slammed, breaking the stillness. A man's and woman's voices could be heard loudly as they came to the front doors, the sounds echoing harshly in the frosty evening air.

  With a groan, Adam reluctantly released her, putting her away from him, running a hand through his short, curling hair. Caroline heaved a sigh, and pressed the palms of her hands to her cheeks.

  'Who is it?' she whispered, her cheeks burning from their lovemaking, her full young mouth bare of all lipstick. Adam's eyes softened as he looked at her, then he lifted his shoulders helplessly.

  'I think it's John,' he replied. 'My son. And it seems he's brought a guest.'

  CHAPTER THREE

  C aroline gasped at his words. 'Adam!' she exclaimed. 'I—I should go. Could—could I leave without them seeing me?'

  Adam frowned down at her. 'Why should you want to do that?' he asked coldly.

  'Well, I mean. ..' Caroline groped for words. How could she explain that she might embarrass him by her presence? After all, she was such a nobody.

  'You're ashamed of being here with me in what might be termed a "compromising situation",' he accused her, his voice like a whiplash.

  Caroline grimaced, and shook her head. 'Oh, Adam, you're completely wrong,' she denied, sliding her arms round his arm and clinging to him. 'It's you I'm thinking of. I don't care about myself, but you're his father.'

  Adam looked relieved, and bent his head momentarily to hers, his mouth brushing her lips. 'Then maybe it's just as well they have arrived,' he murmured softly. 'We almost forgot I'm old enough to be yours.'

  Caroline looked angrily at him. 'Stop talking like that,' she cried, pressing herself against him, 'age doesn't count between us.'

  Adam had no time to answer this because there was the sound of footsteps and the door burst open to admit a tall, slim, dark young man and a dazzling blonde.

  'Here we are, Dad!' the young man was carolling when he saw Caroline, still in possession of Adam's arm. 'Oh!' he exclaimed abruptly, halted and looked absolutely astounded. In the awkward pause that followed, Caroline found John's eyes appraising her insolently, while the girl seemed to find Adam fascinating.

  Adam released himself from Caroline gently and then crossed the room to greet his son.

  'How long are you staying?' he asked, and then turned to the blonde with his casual smile. 'And you are. ..?'

  'Toni Landon,' the girl supplied eagerly. 'I've heard such a lot about you, Mr Steinbeck. I'm so thrilled to meet you in person.'

  Adam merely nodded. He was completely in control of the situation and Caroline marvelled at his composure. She realised his business training gave him all the confidence he needed.

  'We're staying until tomorrow night,' said John, looking at his father. 'That is, if we're not intruding.'

  Adam raised his shoulders slightly, ignoring the remark, and turning, drew Caroline forward deliberately.

  'I want you to meet my son John and his friend Miss Landon, Caro,' he said, smiling. 'John, Toni, this is Miss Caroline Sinclair.'

  His method of introduction was not lost on John and Toni and they exchanged a puzzled glance. Who was this girl? And why did she look at Adam like that?

  It was nearly six o'clock and they were all relieved when Mrs Jones came bustling in to find out what was going on; who was staying, etc. After a discussion, she went off to show Toni Landon to her room while John joined his father on the couch. Caroline perched on the edge of an armchair feeling utterly miserable now. Their time together had been so short and she resented the intrusion. Already she was feeling possessive towards Adam.

  As Adam and John talked she allowed her mind to drift back over the events of the afternoon. If only John and his girl-friend had not arrived at such an inopportune moment. Who could tell whether Adam would ever allow himself to act that way again? His code of honour might be too strong and besides, he might not want to be put into such an intimate situation.

  Mrs Jones brought more tea, beaming at John. He too, was obviously well liked by the buxom housekeeper and Caroline felt quite alone. S
he took over the business of pouring the tea, however, but when she handed a cup to John she could sense his antagonism towards her. His eyes were cold and unfriendly and Caroline felt even worse. She realised what a shock it must have been to discover her here with his father, virtually alone in the house and obviously not unaware of the fact. He must feel curious, she supposed, and puzzled at this turn of events.

  At last, he too rose to go and wash, and Caroline and Adam were left alone again. Adam's eyes were caressing and Caroline left her chair to be near him on the couch.

  'Oh, darling,' she breathed, sliding her arms round him, revelling in the feel of his lips against her silky hair. Then with a sigh she said: 'I think I ought to go.'

  Adam frowned. 'Why?'

  Caroline shrugged her slim shoulders. 'Surely you want to be alone with your son?' she said awkwardly.

  'Oh, yes, with that girl trying her best to monopolise the conversation,' remarked Adam dryly. 'No, thank you, honey. Leave her to John!" He let the pad of his thumb caress the back of her hand lightly. 'You're going to stay and have dinner, as planned, and then afterwards I'll drive you back to town, okay?'

  Caroline smiled. 'If you really want me to stay, I'll stay,' she agreed willingly. 'But I'm hardly dressed for dinner, am I? Goodness knows what Miss Landon will wear!'

  Adam grinned. 'Caro, my love, you look adorable to me, and I'm the only one you should concern yourself with.'

  Caroline chuckled. 'You know you are,' she whispered. 'Oh, Adam, it's so delightful here. I wish they hadn't come.'

  Adam's eyebrows ascended. 'Really?' he murmured softly. 'Even though you know what would have happened?'

  Caroline shivered. 'I don't think I would object to anything you did,' she confessed quietly. 'I wanted to please you. . .not have you telling me how much older than me you are. Did you really care. . .before they came?'

  'No,' he muttered, shaking his head. 'And you did please me, honey.' His mouth met hers and her lips parted automatically. She slid one arm round his neck and caressed the nape where his hair was crisp and vital to the touch. 'God. . .I want you,' he groaned fiercely, his mouth drawing the very strength from her body.

  Suddenly, without warning, the door opened and Toni Landon came in. Immediately Caroline released herself from Adam's arms, although his fingers round her wrist prevented her from getting up. Caroline was aware that Toni had witnessed their embrace and that she looked absolutely astounded. It obviously amazed her, as it had done Caroline, that a man like Adam should be interested in a girl like Caroline, even if she was very attractive and had hair like heavy spun silk.

  'I'm sorry to intrude,' remarked Toni lightly, but she crossed the floor to the fireside swiftly, obviously not intending to withdraw even so. She was now dressed in a cyclamen caftan. Her blonde hair, which she wore short and curly, gleamed in the lamplight and her cheeks were pale and smooth as alabaster. As she looked half-contemptuously at Caroline's ruffled hair and make-up-less face, Caroline wondered how Adam could regard her so disinterestedly. She was, after all, a woman of his world, whereas Caroline herself was a stranger to his society. Then Caroline found Adam's eyes on her, eloquent with meaning, and her heart pounded uncontrollably.

  'Have you been here all day?' enquired Toni, looking at Adam with admiring eyes. He looked so big and broad and powerful lounging on the couch, like a tiger, relaxed yet ready to spring. She was quite aware of what Caroline saw in Adam, his whole personality emanated masculinity, and that, together with his attractive physical appearance, was a challenge to any woman. What she couldn't understand was why a man like Adam, with his opportunities and the choice of almost any woman, should choose a nondescript person like this girl!

  'No. . .we came down this afternoon,' replied Adam, taking out his platinum cigarette case and offering it to Toni. 'Do you smoke?'

  'Yes, thank you.' Toni accepted a cigarette and watched Adam as he placed two in his own mouth. He lit hers and then his own from the adjoining lighter and handed one to Caroline, who smiled at him as the touch of his fingers sent shivers down her spine.

  'Are you at university?' queried Adam of Toni, drawing on his cigarette.

  'Oh, no, I live in Radbury,' replied Toni, smiling. 'I've only known John for about two months. We met at a party, when he could drag himself away from his studies.'

  'I rather think that wouldn't be too difficult,' remarked Adam dryly, and Toni laughed.

  'I believe you've been out of the country,' she continued, retaining his attention.

  'I've been to the United States,' nodded Adam. 'I haven't seen much of John since the summer vac.'

  'And did you see much of the States while you were there?' asked Toni interestedly.

  'It's not my first visit,' replied Adam, allowing a sliver of ash to fall into the hearth. 'I've seen most of the more well-known parts in my time. I think I prefer California, most of all. Life can be very pleasant down there.'

  'I'm sure it can,' exclaimed Toni. 'How I envy you. I'd adore to travel all over the world. As it is the Continent is my limit.' She sighed. 'I adore this place. John tells me you designed it yourself. Are you an architect?'

  'Hardly,' he answered with an amused expression. 'I'm glad you like it. I like it, too, but I'm afraid I can't spend as much time here as I would like. My work keeps me pretty busy.'

  'I expect it does,' nodded Toni enthusiastically. Then with a faint shrug, she turned to Caroline. 'And what do you do, Miss Sinclair?'

  Caroline flushed. 'I work in an office,' she replied quietly, not stating whose office. 'I'm a shorthand- typist. How about you?'

  Toni gurgled with laughter. 'Gosh, I don't work,' she exclaimed maliciously. 'I had my season last year and I'm just having fun at the moment.'

  Caroline forgot her manners for a moment and replied, just as cattily: 'How boring! What do you do with yourself all day long?'

  Adam's fingers tightened round her wrist for a moment, and then before the astonished Toni could think of a reply, he released Caroline and rose to his feet. Crossing to the cocktail cabinet nearby, he said:

  'What can I offer you to drink, Toni?'

  Toni stood up also and crossed to his side, leaving Caroline alone by the fire. 'Have you some vodka?' she asked, smiling up at him.

  Caroline stared into the fire. Already she could feel the twinges of jealousy in her stomach and the thought of this girl being alone here all day Sunday with Adam and John appalled her. She was obviously aware of Adam's attraction and appeared to be quite willing to relinquish John if his father was prepared to take his place.

  After giving Toni her vodka, Adam poured a sherry for Caroline and a whisky for himself and then returned to the couch. His eyes were amused as he handed Caroline her sherry and for a moment her earlier happiness returned.

  A few minutes later John reappeared, washed and changed into a dark lounge suit. He helped himself to a Martini and then seated himself on the arm of Toni's chair.

  Conversation veered from John's studies at university to the state of the weather, Caroline making a remark only rarely. John, it was obvious, resented her presence and Toni considered her ill-dressed and boring. She was sure that it had not been for her, Adam too would have changed into something more suitable for dinner. Only his nearness made her remain in the room when every instinct in her body cried out for her to leave, immediately.

  Dinner was served in a white-panelled dining-room whose golden brocade drapes were drawn back to reveal the fountain, illuminated now by multi-coloured lights. Caroline caught her breath as she gazed at the fairy-like scene and realised anew how far removed from her small world was the world of Adam Steinbeck.

  The long refectory table gleamed with silver on white damask and a centrepiece of hothouse roses made a startling splash of colour. The meal that followed was delicious, but Caroline might have been eating sawdust for all the enjoyment she got out of it. She was out of place; she had no real right to be there, not like Toni, who knew what it was all about.

&nbs
p; She was glad when it was over and they returned to the lounge to have coffee, liqueurs and cigarettes. Caroline and John now occupied armchairs, while Adam and Toni shared a couch. Caroline was aware that Toni had manoeuvred things this way and was past caring. She just wanted to get away and go home. She didn't care if she was adopting a defeatist

  attitude. She hated the unveiled hostility.

  At half-past nine, Adam said: 'I think it's time Caroline and I set off for town. Will you excuse us? I expect I shall be back in a couple of hours, John.'

  'Okay, Dad. Mind how you go. The roads are icy.'

  'Right, see you later, then.'

  'Yes, Dad. Goodnight, Miss Sinclair.' John's voice was cool to say the least.

  'Goodnight, John, goodnight, Miss Landon,' she replied smoothly, and preceded Adam from the room.

  Outside the air was freezing and since dinner a thick fog had descended with the suddenness that these things adopt. Even the fountain had been turned off and beyond it nothing could be seen.

  'Hell,' muttered Adam, scraping the ice from his windscreen. 'What a night!'

  He slid into the car beside her and breathed deeply. 'Caro darling, would you mind very much if I asked you to stay the night? It would be crazy trying to drive to London in this. Besides, tomorrow is Sunday, after all.'

  Caroline sighed resignedly. 'I suppose not,' she replied wearily. 'Oh, Adam, I wouldn't have minded at all if we'd been alone, but now.. .' Her voice trailed away and he was aware of just how upset she was.

  He slid his arm round her and pulled her to him. 'Darling,' he murmured softly. 'Ignore them. John's resentful, I know, but Toni Landon is nothing to us. Hell, John has a different female in tow every time I see him. Do you think I care what either of them think? God, Caro, this is my house and I want you to stay. You have as much right here as anyone, believe me. But what can I say to them really? They're only spoiled