Page 40 of Before We Were Famous

The living areas featured a gold and navy printed carpet with burgundy-covered chairs, mahogany timber tables, and a pure white ceiling bordered by gold. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling – enormous crystal drops, shimmering with little soft lights.

Edgar waited for me and smiled when he saw my reaction.

‘I guess I forget how special it is when it is all I’ve ever known,’ he said, with a shrug. ‘Wasn’t Wuthering Heights like this once?’

I shook my head and gave a small laugh. ‘No, far from it. It was big but dark and moody, and Dad and Mum had filled it with contemporary art and modern pieces. Not like your nod to the classics.’

Then I saw the pool through the glass doors. It featured a fountain and statues at each end.

‘Wow.’

‘Yeah, I thought we might take a bottle of champagne out there and go unwind. Don’t worry if you haven’t got your swimmers with you,’ he teased. ‘I thought we could skinny dip and get back to nature.’

‘Our birthday suits?’

‘Exactly,’ he agreed and took the stairs two at a time to the upper level. I followed in hot pursuit, trying not to stop to admire everything around me.

Edgar did lead me to a separate room and bathroom.

‘I’m happy to share my bed, but just in case you want some privacy, this is your room and bathroom,’ he said. That was a relief.

‘Thank you, I would like that,’ I said. It was amazing. I had a panoramic view of the gardens and a distant view of the moors from the bedroom window. Wuthering Heights was on the other side of his mansion, which was a little disappointing. I was hoping I could see my home.

‘So,’ he said, ‘why don’t you get changed and meet me downstairs for a drink anda dip.’

I nodded. ‘On my way.’

He turned to me just before he left and pulled me closer, and then touching my face and with one hand on my back, Edgar gave me a long and sensuous kiss. For a moment I had to remind myself to remain standing.

He pulled away. ‘I’m a little serious about you, Ms Earnshaw,’ he said, looking into my eyes.

My heart forgot to beat for a few seconds as I stood mesmerised by him. He didn’t wait for an answer, pulling away and departing by gently closing the bedroom door. I was always a little shocked by Edgar’s rare show of affection, they were so few and far between. I never really knew how he felt about me, while Heath was so open in his love for me. Edgar’s words just now caught me by surprise. I felt a rush of excitement. I guess until now I hadn’t really believed he was thinking long-term with me. I thought he might be getting back at Heath by dating me or I might just be a distraction; I wasn’t sure he didn’t have a new girl every film. But I thought back over the things he had said today and the way he had looked at me and held my hand. I think this was real.

I stood still, recovering from that kiss and then I looked around, exhaled and took in the huge room. It was all white and gold with the most enormous bed.

Imagine being a permanent part of Edgar Linton’s life.

Imagine if I was a famous actor and he was an awarded director.

Imagine us!

Move,I told myself, before I lost myself in my daydreams.

I opened my bag, pulled out my swimsuit and an almost see-through wrap dress that I brought to go over the top of it, and got changed.

This was going to be the most amazing weekend ever. Weirdly, it felt like Wuthering Heights was another world away, not in the same village.

*****

I arrived at the pool deck and looked for Edgar. The outdoor entertainment area was to die for – the hedges were groomed to within an inch of their life, the bronze statues of female figures draped in long robes holding lanterns were so beautiful – I couldn’t wait to see them lit tonight, and the pool was enormous and so inviting. Then I felt a splash and Edgar pulled himself up to the edge of the pool, and gave me a grin as he splashed me again! He looked golden and gorgeous like the statues; his hair was wet and slicked back and his eyes were as bright and blue as the water he was immersed in.

‘Are you wearing anything in there?’ I asked casually, not getting too close.

‘Let’s just say I have a lot less on than you,’ he teased.

I gasped.‘Are you naked?’ I feigned shock.

‘I am so naked. Strip and get in,’ he said, running his hand through his wet hair.

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