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Because Adam had not been the only one still awake at 2:00 a.m. on the night of the party, staring blindly into the darkness and wondering if it would take a frontal lobotomy to finally rid herself of Zac Belisandro.
And telling herself she was being a complete fool was no help at all.
Yet what was the big problem? she asked herself defensively as she headed for her appointment. Zac had propositioned her. She’d turned him down.
He probably didn’t get many rejections but—what the hell?—he’d get over it like other men whose paths had crossed hers. End of story.
And she would spend no more time battling with demons who had no right to exist. No right—and, more importantly, no reason.
* * *
Of course she was doing the right thing, Dana told herself as she drove down to Mannion.
She’d held Adam off quite long enough. Now, on his big day when, after seven years, he’d finally taken possession of his house, she would give him further cause to celebrate by joining him there.
She was thankful it was all over. Adam had been undeniably difficult in the past few days, edgy and even morose at times, and, at others, determinedly almost aggressively amorous. It had required all her persuasive powers to keep him at a safe distance for a while longer.
But her resistance seemed to have paid off, because when she’d last seen him two evenings ago, he’d whispered, ‘When this Mannion business is completed, you and I are due for a serious talk.’
That, she thought, with a light jolt, suggested a proposal. A tad premature, maybe, but exactly what she’d been working towards, so she could hardly quibble. And Mannion would make the perfect setting for such a moment.
At first, she’d intended her arrival to be a complete surprise, but decided it was better to be cautious in case Serafina had opted to stay on for some reason instead of returning immediately to Italy.
Adam’s mobile seemed to be switched off, so she’d called the house, only to get the answering machine.
‘I’ve been thinking,’ she said. ‘Why don’t I bring down some champagne and an overnight case and congratulate you in person? If it’s a problem, let me know. I’ll be leaving around three p.m.’
She’d anticipated a call or a text, telling her he could hardly wait, but there was nothing. However, after a brief mental tussle, she decided to go anyway. After all, she’d booked out a day’s leave from work, and spent the morning in the beauty salon being waxed, massaged and toned, and having her finger and toenails painted in a soft coral to match her new dress.
She was naturally nervous at the prospect of practically presenting herself to him, gift-wrapped, but told herself not to be silly. Didn’t they say, ‘Who dares, wins.’
Well, yes, but they, whoever they were, also claimed that ‘the end justified the means’, which was not so appealing but probably nearer the truth. And the fact was, she needed some Dutch courage to aid her victory.
She’d hoped Adam would answer the door, but instead was confronted by a faintly surprised Mrs Harris.
‘Miss Grantham?’ she said, giving Dana’s overnight case a surprised glance.
Dana produced a confident smile. ‘The new master of the house,’ she said. ‘He is here?’
‘Well, yes.’ The older woman paused. ‘If you’ll wait in the book room, miss, I’ll tell him you wish to speak to him.’
More than speak, thought Dana, banishing the doubts quivering within her like butterflies as she followed the housekeeper. I intend to kiss him, drink a bottle of Cristal with him and, eventually, go to bed with him. No turning back now.
In the book room, she took the champagne from her case and placed it on the desk, turning with a smile as she heard someone enter.
‘Buongiorno, Dana mia.’ Zac closed the door behind him and strolled forward. ‘And welcome.’
‘You,’ she said hoarsely. ‘What the hell are you doing here? And where’s Adam?’
‘By now in London. He returned there after driving Serafina to the airport. He wished, naturally, to thank her for her past kindness and say a final addio.’
‘Final?’ Dana repeated. ‘Is she ill?’
‘She is about to undergo a hip operation but Adam’s goodbye was necessary because he is unlikely to meet with her again in the foreseeable future. He will be far too busy in Australia.’ He paused. ‘Or has he not discussed his plans with you?’
She stared at him, his words beating a tattoo in her skull. One word in particular. Australia...
