Page 20 of Journey to You

“Okay.”

He didn’t push the issue and it earned him a grateful glance, but he didn’t want her gratitude, damn it. He wanted her to look at him with stars in her eyes.

“Can I ask you a question?”

She could ask him to take a flying leap and he’d ask how high. “Sure.”

“You and Richard were mates. Why didn’t I see you at the dinner parties he was so fond of or the foodie functions he liked to preside over?”

What could he say? That he’d wanted her so badly he’d kept his distance for fear it would distract him from doing his job? Or worse, cause a serious problem between him and Richard, affecting their business?

Yeah, like that would go down a treat. If she was wary of him now, she’d run a mile if he told her the truth.

“OpeningAmbrosiakept me busy. I never had enough hours in the day.” He avoided her shrewd stare by looking over her shoulder at the Palace shimmering in the distance. “Business, you know how it is.”

“Yet by all accounts, you have plenty of time to date. Hmm…” She tapped her bottom lip, drawing his attention to its fullness; like he needed reminding. “I guess what the rumour mill says about you is true.”

“What’s that?”

“You’re a seasoned playboy and Melbourne’s number one eligible bachelor.”

“Playboy, huh?”

Her teasing smile surprised him, warming him better than the fiery vindaloo he’d sampled at lunch. “I bet you’re proud of it.”

He pretended to ponder for a second before shrugging, feigning bashfulness. “That’s an impressive title. Would you like to help me live up to my reputation?”

He expected her to leap overboard at what he suggested, but once again she surprised him by quirking an eyebrow, her smile widening.

“And become yet another statistic?” She shook her head. “Nope, sorry, no can do. But don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll have loads of dewy-eyed bimbos lining up when your plane touches down at Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne.”

He chuckled, only slightly disconcerted that she’d described his usual dates to a tee. “Are you implying I’m shallow, Miss Rayne?”

“I’m not implying anything. I’m stating a fact.”

She joined in his laughter and he marvelled at the transformation from reserved widow to relaxed woman. He’dalways thought her beautiful but when she was like this—laughing, relaxed, bantering—she was stunning.

“Lucky for me, the boat’s about to dock.” He pointed at the shore. “I don’t think my ego could take much more of your kid-glove treatment.”

She smirked. “There’s plenty more where that came from.”

“I stand duly warned.”

As they disembarked, Ethan didn’t have a care in the world. The woman he wanted was definitely warming to him and they’d have several days together away from the train to get to know each other a lot better.

He thrived on this: making things happen, being back in control, and it felt great.

Nine

“What do you mean we missed the train?” Tamara stared at Ethan in open-mouthed shock, his calm expression only serving to rile her. “You said we had plenty of time.”

He shrugged, and checked his watch again. “I made a mistake. Sorry.”

“Sorry? Is that all you can say?”

As the concierge glanced their way, she lowered her voice with effort. “This is ridiculous.”

“Look, it’s no big deal. We get a couple of rooms for the night, then make arrangements to catch the train at the next stop.”

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