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That sounded like a very good start. ‘I’m happy for you, Gabriel.’
He nodded, a smile playing around his lips. ‘Could I make things up by taking you to dinner?’
‘Don’t you want to have dinner here tonight?’
‘I said I’d be coming back next weekend. Dad’s going to stock up on the eggs for my return.’ He shot her a smile. Clearly his mother had repeated her views on eggs and omelettes to him. ‘I asked them if they minded, and they said it was the least I could do.’
‘All right, then. Smart or casual?’
‘I’m thinking about a little place I know a little way along the coast. It’s right on the beach so you might like to get a little sand between your toes. Forget about blending in, though, you were never very good at that.’
The look on his face told her that it was a compliment, although Clara wasn’t sure how. ‘Are you telling me that I’m no good at my job?’
‘I’m telling you that you’re far too beautiful to blend in, Clara.’ His gaze held hers for a moment in a frisson of warmth. Then he turned, walking into his bedroom to get changed.
* * *
By coincidence, they both wore white. When he led her out of the house, opening the passenger door of a small, open-topped sports car, Clara felt as if she were entering another world. One where she could pretend, for just an evening, that she was the kind of woman who belonged on the arm of someone like Gabriel.
The restaurant was set on a stretch of private beach, with large tables, beautifully arranged and placed far enough apart to ensure privacy. It served the best food and the best wines, with no waiters eager to reclaim the table as soon as you’d finished your coffee. Gabriel was well known here, and addressed most of the staff by name.
But although it seemed unlikely that she was the first woman he’d brought here, Gabriel made her feel special. Listening to her as if she was the only person under the stars that glimmered above their heads. His dark eyes seemed only for her tonight.
‘Thank you, Gabriel. It was a wonderful evening.’ The house was quiet when they arrived back, Alessia and Leo obviously having decided on an early night, and Gabriel led her up the steps to the balcony and unlocked the French windows.
‘Would you like a nightcap? Or shall we say goodnight?’
This was the one and only night they’d have this opportunity. Tomorrow they’d be going back to London, and she and Gabriel would go their separate ways.
‘I...don’t want to say goodnight.’ Not now. Not until tomorrow.
His eyes darkened suddenly as he took a step towards her. ‘I promised you that I wouldn’t make a pass at you if you came here with me. It’s taken an impressive amount of willpower on my part.’
‘And on mine. But I don’t work for your family any more. Would it be all right if I made a pass at you?’
‘It would be a lot better than just all right...’
She wound her arms around his neck, kissing him. His body responded as if she’d pressed a switch, hardening against hers as he kissed her. Clara tugged at his shirt, tearing it open and pulling it from his shoulders.
‘Wait...wait.’ He groaned as she ran her tongue across his nipple, drawing back from her. ‘After a month of foreplay, perhaps we should take it a little slower.’
‘You think so?’
Suddenly he laughed. ‘We’ve both waited long enough.’ He picked her up, carrying her through to his bedroom.
* * *
They undressed each other, their fingers trembling. It wasn’t easy to give Clara the kind of attention she deserved. Seeing her naked, her body strong and yet slim, almost made him come right there and then. When he laid her down on the bed, his fingers brushing her breasts, her body arched as if he was already inside her. He somehow remembered to open the drawer of the bedside cabinet, fumbling with the condom, before she whispered to him that she couldn’t wait any longer.
He kissed her, smoothing her hair out on the pillow around her head. It felt dizzyingly wonderful to be inside her at last, as if the piece that the cave had ripped out of his soul had been filled and he was finally whole again.
She stilled suddenly, staring up into his eyes. They’d reached the eye of the storm, desire whirling around them, leaving each small movement enough to render them both breathless.
‘Clara...’ Her name sounded so sweet on his lips. The realisation that it was the only one he ever wanted to speak hit Gabriel hard.
‘This moment, Gabriel.’
He understood. One moment that could never be repeated, but which would last for ever. Unchanging and exquisite.
