AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She said sedately, ‘I hope Barbie will be equally pleased—when she arrives.’
‘It should be any day now.’ He parked outside the main entrance and switched off the engine, turning to face her. ‘She seems to fascinate you,’ he remarked. ‘Why don’t you ask me about her?’
Tavy shrugged defensively, ‘Because she has nothing to do with me.’ And because I don’t want to risk hearing the answer.
She went on, ‘I wouldn’t want her to find another vase of dead roses, that’s all.’
‘Is it?’ There was an odd intensity in his voice. ‘Is it really all, Octavia.’
‘Yes,’ she said with curt emphasis. She reached for the door handle. ‘And I’m sure you have somewhere else to be, so I’ll see everyone on their way and lock up.’
‘We’ll both do it,’ he said. ‘Then I’ll drive you home.’ Adding, as her lips parted, ‘And no argument.’
She drew a deep breath. She said stonily, ‘Just as you wish.’
His grin was unforgivable. ‘If only that were true,’ he said, and swung himself lithely out of the Jeep.
Once inside, Tavy found there were emails and phone messages to deal with, enabling her to regain her composure.
I shouldn’t get lured into that kind of exchange, she thought, feeling that slow ache of wretchedness building inside her once again. It’s stupid and futile, and I’m simply making myself unhappy, when I have neither the right nor the reason to feel anything of the kind.
Or to hope. Only—to remember.
And, in spite of herself, her hand lifted and her fingers touched her trembling mouth.
The workmen departed, and Tavy made her rounds to check that the house was secure for the weekend, moving deliberately slowly, in the hope that Jago might eventually tire of waiting and go on his way.
But no such luck, because, when she emerged, he was leaning against the Jeep, talking to Ted Jackson, their faces serious and preoccupied.
As she hesitated, Ted lifted a hand in farewell and walked off to his van.
As Tavy got into the Jeep and fastened her seat belt, Jago said abruptly, ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’
‘Tell you what?’
That I’ve committed the ultimate, disastrous folly by falling in love with you? That every minute of every hour I spend with you is an unflagging battle to hide it, especially when you smile and flirt with me, because nothing in my life has taught me to deal with this situation. Except that I know the pain of being away from you would be even worse.
And the most scaring thing of all is that whenever we’re alone, I think of your mouth—your hands—touching me. Possessing me. Taking me for ever. While, when we’re apart, you fill my dreams in ways I never imagined.
He’d turned in his seat and was staring at her. ‘About next Wednesday’s meeting with the Archdeacon. Ted says there are notices all over the village, yet you haven’t said a word.’
‘But you aren’t here during the week.’
‘Not usually,’ he said. ‘But next Wednesday I shall make a point of it. Like it or not, I’m coming to live here, Octavia, and the parish church is an important part of village life. Of course I want to be involved in a discussion over its fate.’ He added crisply, ‘For your father’s sake, if for no other reason. I’ll have a word with him presently, when I drop you off at the Vicarage.’
‘He’s away,’ said Tavy, and could have bitten out her tongue.
‘When will he be back?’
‘Some time tomorrow,’ she returned reluctantly. ‘He—he’s visiting an old friend. Someone who might be able to help.’
‘Occasionally new friends can be just as useful.’ He paused. ‘I’m really sorry, Octavia. It explains why you’ve been so quiet—so withdrawn today. You must be worried sick.’
She stiffened. ‘Withdrawn? I wasn’t aware of it.’
‘No,’ he said, tight-lipped. ‘Probably not.’ And started the Jeep’s engine.
When they reached the Vicarage, she said quickly, ‘You can drop me here at the gate.’
‘I could also drop you into a fast-flowing river,’ he drawled, easing the Jeep up the drive. ‘Don’t think it hasn’t occurred to me.’
Tavy sat back mutinously. I should offer him coffee, she thought, but I’m not going to. I shall simply thank him for a pleasant day, go in and shut the door. Firmly.
Then the door in question came into view, and she leaned forward with a gasp of pure horror.
