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In the middle of it all, Adam walked in tight-lipped, in marked contrast to Robina who was smiling radiantly beside him in a white dress with a tiered lace skirt and white flowers in her hair.
‘Dear child.’ Aunt Mimi’s voice rang out effusively above the buzz of conversation, bringing it to a virtual halt. ‘How lovely you look. Just like a bride.’
Oh, God, thought Dana watching Nicola and Eddie exchange resigned looks. The woman must have a death wish. And I suppose I should be grateful to her, judging by Adam’s expression. Yet, somehow, I’m not.
She wandered on to the terrace and chose some chicken salad from the buffet, more for the sake of having something to do than because she was hungry.
And it was here that Adam found her later, leaning against the stone balustrade and sipping a glass of Sauvignon Blanc as she watched half a dozen couples at the other end of the terrace moving slowly in the twilight to the music wafting from the drawing room.
He said quietly, ‘I’ve had about enough of this party. What the hell was Nic thinking of? I can’t wait to propose the toast and watch them all leave.’
‘Well, you’ll have to get used to it,’ she returned lightly, wondering where he’d left Robina. ‘Mannion was made for entertaining, and as Nic’s having her wedding reception here, think how many toasts that will involve.’
He grimaced. ‘I’ll cross that bridge if and when I come to it.’ He paused. ‘Dana, we need to talk, but it’s hopeless here, like living in a spotlight. Can I call you at work next week? Fix something up? Drinks, maybe, or dinner?’
She studied her wine, quelling the bubble of triumph within her. ‘Do you think you should?’
‘Why not? You’re a free agent, I presume.’
‘But you,’ she said, ‘are not. And I don’t want to cause a rift between you and Robina.’
He said with faint grimness, ‘You won’t. She’s a lovely girl and we’ve had fun, but it’s over. We want different things.’
Does she know that? Dana wondered with a touch of unease. However, that is not my problem.
Adam moved nearer. His voice dropped another level. ‘Do you know how bloody fantastic you look tonight?’
‘You mean the plan has actually worked? Or do I say—what, in this old thing?’
‘You knock every other woman in the room sideways,’ he said slowly. ‘I should have seen it years ago.’
But I thought you did...
For an instant she was jarred, but dismissed it as a niggle. Because the past didn’t matter when there was the here and now. And the promise of the future.
The familiar strains of ‘As Time Goes By’ came floating through the gathering darkness. Adam took the glass from her hand and set it on the balustrade.
He said, smiling, ‘I think he’s playing our tune. Come and dance with me.’
Dana went into his arms, feeling as if time had actually rolled back. That this was how it should have been seven years ago. But worth waiting for, she thought feeling the warmth of his hand on her bare back as they began to move slowly to the music.
She’d imagined this moment so many times. Known exactly how she wanted it to be. Dreamed of her response, skin, bone and blood, to his touch.
Yet the reality was different. Paramount was a kind of satisfaction at being held in Adam’s arms for all to see. And her emotional and sensual reaction would impact later when her hopes became certainties. All she needed was time. And privacy.
She closed her eyes, listening to the melody, trying to capture the right mood, only to be interrupted by Zac’s voice, coolly amused and much too close at hand.
‘It is time for the toast, my dear Adam, or do you wish me to act as your substitute?’
‘No, of course I’ll do it.’ Adam glanced round at the other pairs, still entwined, and raised his voice. ‘Back inside, everyone and let’s drink to the happy couple.’
As the terrace began to clear, Dana deliberately hung back, and was glad she’d done so when she saw Robina move to Adam’s side, sliding a possessive hand through his arm.
She felt a pang—not jealousy or even remorse. Perhaps it was sympathy mixed with relief that she was not responsible for the heartache heading Robina’s way. That Adam’s decision had been made when the weekend began.
He was in his element, very much the master of the house as he made his brief speech, his words warm, affectionate and amusing.
I wonder who’ll do this for us when we’re engaged, Dana thought as she raised her glass amid the laughter and applause. Perhaps Eddie.
