Page 50 of A Night with Damien Spur

‘Anyway, Ireallyhave to leave, Nicholas. Please let me get on with my life.’

She didn’t wait for him to say goodbye.

***

Damien arrived a few minutes later.

‘It’s really kind of you to take me to the airport. You really didn’t have to,’ she said.

‘Don’t be silly. Why not?’ He wheeled her suitcase to the front door. ‘That’s what I’m here for.’

Bit smarmy,said the Voice.

‘You’re such a charmer,’ said Sophie.

There you go– she liked it, Damien said to himself.

Okay,the Voice replied. But you need to say somethingsensible. Make her feel comfortable and secure.

Damien opened the boot of his navy-blue Jag and placed her case next to his sports kit and tennis racquet.

‘Love tennis,’ Sophie said. ‘Would be great to have a game when I get back. Since I’ve been with Nicholas, I haven’t really been playing that much.’

‘Good idea. I’m looking for a mixed-doubles partner.’ He shut the boot and, sweeping round to the passenger side, opened the door for her.

She sat on the seat and swung her legs inside. Damien stole a quick glance at her graceful limbs. She was wearing leopard-skin ballerina shoes.

Better not start.

‘To be honest,’ he said, ‘it’s a novelty for me to have a female friend who’s not a lover. And I must say I enjoy it. There’s a lot to be said for a platonic relationship between a man and a woman. No sexual tension. No jealousy.’

‘I agree,’ Sophie said. ‘No expectations.’

It was Sunday and the traffic wasn’t too bad. Damien kept an easy pace. No point in rushing. More time to chat.

‘I really hope you have a great time in Bordeaux.’ He patted her hand in a friendly sort of way. ‘Get Nicholas out of your mind. Maybe meet someone else. You deserve it.’

That’s a good one, the Voice said.I didn’t mean you to go that far. Who are you trying to kid? You know that Sophie Fox is just up your street.

Damien wasn’t sure how he was going to temper his feelings. But the noble part of him was ready to help her.

And she trusted him.

On the way to the airport, Sophie spilled the beans about Nicholas and Damien listened.

‘He just manages to manoeuvre me. Brings out my lust. He’s never had an affair before. Little innocent Nicholas, I’m the one who corrupted him. And then after we make love, hefeels guilty. Talks to me about his wife as if I’m his therapist.

Says it does him good. Even offered to pay me! I think if I’d said yes, he would even have taken me up on it.’

Damien shot her a horrified glance. ‘Sophie! Do you know how lovely you are? Why are you punishing yourself?’

‘Because I’ll never get over Daniel,’ she said, and burst into tears.

‘I’ll stop at the next lay-by.’

‘It’s okay. I’ll be all right. I need to get on with my life. Thank you for being so kind to me. You’re such a good man.’

Damien paused. He gulped.

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