them on.’
His smile as he raised his drink ignited trails of heat along her veins, threatening the solid barriers she’d sworn to maintain.
‘Here’s to many more home-cooked dinners together.’
They clinked glasses. Alina let her water slide, cool and refreshing, down her throat.
‘It’s on the understanding that you tell me if it’s not good or not to your taste. If I take over the housework as well it’ll fill my days. I’m rethinking the courses idea.’
‘I’m locked into a cleaning contract, so that’s a different proposition. Anyway, in a few months you might be grateful for the help.’
And with the purchase he’d arranged today she might also reconsider.
She pondered his statement as she cut into her steak. ‘You may be right. It’s not easy work, but it pays the bills. Losing their hours here may cause hardship for someone.’
‘You discuss what you’d like done with whoever comes. I’ll notify the company that you have the authority.’
‘Thank you.’
So she’d also done cleaning during her nomadic life, had not been too proud to accept domestic employment. Showed consideration for other manual workers. Every conversation gave Ethan more insight into her—thankfully without her realising how much she revealed.
‘Are you a sports fan?’ she asked. ‘I know Leon and Louise were Sydney Swans supporters and watched the games on the internet. You don’t appear to have much free time.’
‘We never missed a home game when they were here. I’m still a fully paid-up member of the club, and get to go occasionally. It wasn’t the same without them, and the Starburst Group has been growing, demanding more time. I often wind down at night watching whatever sport’s being televised. Clears the mind.’
He asked which countries she’d been to as they ate fruit and ice cream for dessert. She revealed that she’d become fluent in Spanish, Italian and French, got by in other languages, and considered it no big deal. His Spanish was basic, so to him it was an enviable achievement.
He made hot drinks while she stacked the dishwasher.
Alina struggled to keep awake during the short late newscast. Had to stop herself from falling against his shoulder and nodding off.
‘Do you mind if I go to bed? I’m not usually so tired... It has to be the change of environment or the pregnancy, so hopefully it won’t last long.’
‘We’ll check if you need extra vitamins on Monday. You go and rest.’
‘Thank you.’
Admitting her failure at clothes shopping when he’d been so complimentary about her meal seemed a backward move. She’d try again tomorrow.
She had no idea that her disappointment showed in her face, but Ethan noticed, and couldn’t resist drawing her into his arms for comfort.
‘Dinner was delicious, Alina. I know this isn’t easy for you, but I promise we’ll work out any problems that arise. Tell me if anything bothers you and I’ll try to put it right.’
Her eyes were bright as she accepted his vow, and without conscious effort he bent his head to kiss her, moving his lips softly over her mouth. He felt a slight movement in her lips, heard a muted sound from her throat. Reluctantly raising his head, he encountered bemusement tinged with sadness.
He relaxed his hold, stepped back and tried to keep his voice stable. ‘Sleep well, Alina. I should be home earlier tomorrow.’
Watching her go, he cursed himself for his lack of restraint. Tonight they’d really begun to connect, and he feared she might rebuild her barriers overnight. He cursed his parents for the hang-ups that governed his thinking, tainted his ability to feel deep emotion with others apart from Louise and Leon.
His short, raw, ironic laugh was spontaneous. Those two had had no qualms about showing their love—privately or in public. Eye contact, touching, kissing—all had been as natural to them as breathing. He’d never, ever seen either of his parents show any tenderness for each other, never seen a sympathetic gesture like the one Alina had given him tonight.
Not wanting to dwell on why kissing Alina made him feel less alone, he reasoned doing it when they could be seen would substantiate their story of a short and overwhelming passion. But it had to be believable—from both of them. No holding back, no tension. He was a grown man, well able to curb any sexual urges.
* * *
Today had been better. Alina placed her special purchases on the coffee table before carrying the other bags into her bedroom. She’d still avoided high-fashion boutiques and exclusive salons, but with her more positive attitude she’d had some success.
In a big department store she’d found two summer dresses and a lightweight jacket to go with either of them on cooler days. The shoes and bag she’d bought also went with both. She had limited her new underwear purchases, knowing she’d soon outgrow them.
After showering and changing she settled in the lounge to be productive. She had a cup of tea, a block of nut chocolate and a home renovation show on the television. There was plenty of time before Ethan was due home.
His consideration might be because of the baby she carried, his attention and kisses might be to make their relationship more believable, but she had to admit she found them nice. Nothing more. She hadn’t been cared for since she’d fled from Australia, too cowardly to face anyone or anything that raised painful memories.
Mentally planning tonight’s dinner, she opened her present to herself...
SUBDUED NOISES CAME from the lounge as Ethan opened the front door—the earliest he’d been home for months. Putting his briefcase and packages down, he strode in. He hadn’t let Alina know he was on his way, meaning to surprise her. Instead he was the one who stopped short, spellbound by the vision in front of him.
Alina was ensconced on the settee, her eyes lowered, completely absorbed in the material in her hands, her tucked-up legs hidden by a flowing pleated floral skirt. He took in the sleek line of her neck, the satin glow of her cheeks, the sweep of her dark brown lashes. A perfect picture of natural beauty, and for the rest of this year she was his to admire.
He stepped forward, willing her to look up, anxious not to startle her. Her own subtle aroma enhanced her new perfume, making his nostrils flare, stirring his blood. She sensed his presence, gave him a shy glad-to-see-you smile that zinged straight to his heart.
With two paces, completely forgetting his mental declaration of self-control, he was beside her, his arms around her. He bent his head, glimpsed the reticence in her eyes and somehow managed to pull back. Couldn’t stop his grip intensifying, though.
‘Ouch.’ His left leg jerked. He massaged his thigh and chuckled. ‘I’ve been slapped a few times. Never stabbed.’
Alina paled, staring at the small metal needle in her fingers. ‘I...I’m
