Page 63 of Strictly Business

But they both knew what an understatement that was. In many ways that short car journey had been a private symbol of faith and commitment for both of them.

‘And now,’ Liam said. ‘I’m going to drive you to my place. The doctor told me you still have to take things quietly for the next few days. You’re going to put your feet up and you’re going to allow me to pamper you with dainty morsels while you admire your engagement ring.’

She slipped her arm through the crook of his elbow. ‘Now that sounds like my kind of Saturday.’

CHAPTER TWENTY

SHE WAS sitting alone at the bar with her back to him, but she knew the moment he arrived. She saw his reflection in the mirror behind the bar and a frisson of anticipation danced across her skin as she watched him make his way towards her.

When he drew close their eyes met in the mirror – hers clear grey, his light blue. He smiled and she smiled back at him – a private exchange between a man and a woman in love.

When he slipped onto the stool beside her, she turned his way and warmth began to pool deep inside her. It was two years to the day since she’d met this man here in this bar, and his face was now as familiar as her own, but nothing could dim her desire for him.

‘Hi there,’ he said, his blue eyes making a leisurely, yet appreciative inspection of her sleeveless dress of smoky green silk. It was new and slinky and she was pleased that he liked it.

‘Hi,’ she said simply.

With his elbows resting on the bar, he leaned close and whispered in her ear, ‘Has anybody ever told you, you’re bloody beautiful?’

‘Mmmm,’ she murmured, the warmth spreading through her as she watched the flare of heat in his eyes. ‘My husband tells me all the time.’

‘Glad to hear it,’ he said, straightening once more. ‘So he should.’ He turned his attention to the glass she was holding. ‘What are you drinking?’

‘Angels’ Tears.’

He looked surprised. ‘Not a Screaming Orgasm?’

Her eyes sparkled cheekily. ‘I don’t need to buy one. My husband serves them up at home any time I want.’

This time the smile they exchanged was highly charged. But then she set down her glass and gave his arm a gently reproachful shove. ‘Maybe coming here wasn’t such a good idea, Liam. If you keep flirting like this I’ll have to take you home to bed and that would be a terrible waste of a night out, especially as I’m breaking-in new baby-sitters.’

He grinned. ‘So what are you saying? You want me on my best behaviour?’

‘No,’ she admitted, looking sheepish.

‘We can talk about this afternoon’s board meeting if you like.’

‘Not tonight.’

‘That’s a relief. I’d much rather –’

The barman arrived then and asked for Liam’s order and he chose a beer. They waited while the frosty glass was filled and Alice glanced at her left hand, at the slim gold wedding band and the beautiful engagement ring, an emerald surrounded by diamonds. She smiled, remembering that it had been a perfect fit the very first time Liam had slipped it on her finger.

‘Cheers,’ Liam said, clinking his brimming glass against hers. ‘Happy Birthday, darling.’

‘Happy Birthday, Liam.’

They shared a light, flirtatious kiss.

‘You know,’ Liam said after he’d taken a sip of his drink. ‘For years I used to dread this day.’

‘Too many bad memories.’

‘Yeah.’ He stared at his beer for a moment and then looked straight at Alice. ‘You’ve brought the balance back into my life, birthday girl. Apart from every other way that you’ve made mehappy, you’ve given me a host of reasons to always feel good about this anniversary.’

She placed her hand on his. ‘And you must know that you’re my all-time favourite birthday present.’

It was so hard to believe now that there’d ever been a time when she was afraid to risk a second chance at marriage. From the day she and Liam exchanged their wedding vows, surrounded by family and friends on a tropical beach at sunset, her second marriage had been different from her first in every way.

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