Irresistible Temptation (9 page)

'I'm going nowhere.' He walked in, and closed the door behind him. 'Look, maybe I was a bit harsh…

'Maybe?' Olivia choked out a savage laugh. 'Oh, not you. You're devoted to the integrity of your work—remember? Being judge, jury and executioner all rolled into one, and most impressive—as long as you're not on the receiving end.'

She swallowed. 'And I suppose it becomes such a habit it spills over into your private life too,' she added furiously.

'Not,' he said slowly, 'that anyone's ever told me.'

'They wouldn't dare.' The tendrils of her hair felt damp against her neck, and she was acutely conscious that the robe was her only covering.

Declares mouth tightened. 'I can appreciate you may be having financial difficulties,' he said, after a pause. 'London prices are always a shock to anyone moving up from the provinces. However…'

'However—nothing.' Olivia lifted her chin. 'And kindly don't patronise me. I didn't come here on a wing and a prayer. And I'm not some indigent, looking for charity either,' she added heatedly. 'I'm perfectly able to pay the rent Sasha's asked for. But I'm temping at a rental agency, and my concern is that she's not charging enough. That she doesn't realise how much the market average has risen. That's what I wanted to talk to her about'

She paused, glaring at him. 'Not that it's any concern of yours.'

'You forget, I sent you to her. That makes me responsible.'

'Oh, let's hear it for the Good Samaritan.' She was trembling. 'Now, please leave.'

'Not until we've sorted this out' He picked up the towel and held it out to her. 'You're getting cold. Go and dress, then we'll talk.'

'And why should I?'

'Because I don't want you catching pneumonia and laying it at my door,' Declan retorted. 'Off with you, now.'

She gave him a mutinous look, then headed for the bathroom, grabbing jeans and a sweatshirt as she went.

She dragged on her clothes, then brushed her hair back from her face with severity, confining it at the nape of her neck with an elastic band.

For once he'd be confronted by a woman who wouldn't dress—or undress—to please him, she thought, giving her reflection a curt nod of approval.

Declan was lounging in the armchair, but as Olivia came back into the room he rose to his feet.

'I turned down the light under the pan on the stove,' he said. 'I didn't want your dinner to burn.'

'Checking that I can afford food?'

Declan lifted his hands in a resigned gesture. 'Let's call a truce, for God's sake. All right—I misjudged your motives over the rent; I admit it'

'But in light of all my other vices you thought you were justified.' Her voice was bitter. 'How was it you saw my letter anyway? What were you doing round at Sasha's? Spying on me, I suppose?'

'Don't over-estimate your importance,' Declan told her curtly. 'I help Sasha every month with her household accounts. Book-keeping isn't her strong suit.'

'I'm not surprised—when she doesn't even charge economic rents.'

'She may not have the soul of an accountant,' Declan said, after a pause, 'but she possesses a kind heart in abundance. She charges what she thinks people can manage to pay. She likes to have the rooms occupied. Making a profit isn't her prime concern.'

'But how can she afford to do that?' Olivia objected. 'She must have outgoings—building maintenance. Does she work?'

'She doesn't act on the stage any more,' he said. 'But she's still in demand for radio, and voice-overs.'

'Oh, I see.' Olivia wasn't sure that she did. 'And does she earn enough from that?'

'Probably not But she has a private income in addition.' Declan raised his brows. 'Is there anything else you'd like to know?'

Olivia flushed. 'You think I'm prying, but I just want to make sure she's not missing out by keeping me here.'

'You don't need to worry,' he said laconically. 'And, after all, it won't be for long—win it?' The cool eyes flashed silver at her.

Olivia's throat felt suddenly constricted. 'No—I hope not,' she muttered, hating his derisive smile. She frowned slightly. 'But I still don't understand your involvement.'

'You don't have to. Let's just say I'm an old friend.'

'She's very lucky.' The words were spoken before she knew it The colour in her face deepened uncontrollably. 'I mean, you lead such a busy life. It's surprising you have the time.'

'I can always make time for people I love.' He spoke quietly.

Their eyes met, and held. Olivia felt her breathing shorten as her whole body tensed in sudden, inexplicable excitement.

Such a brief distance between them in physical terms, she thought, swallowing. Yet in reality they stood on either side of an uncrossable abyss.

She wondered crazily what would happen if she took a step towards him—and another…

Her lips parted to speak, although she had no idea what she was going to say. Then the heated silence was pierced—destroyed by the shrilling of her mobile phone.

'Oh.' She dived for it Pressed the answer button.

'Darling.' It was Jeremy's voice. 'I've just realised I'm free tonight Why don't we have dinner?'

She could think of a whole number of reasons, not the least being her casserole, which was filling the fiat with its beguiling aroma. And not being taken so completely for granted featured prominently too.

She paused her eyes going again to Declan, who had risen from his seat He looked back at her, brows lifting, mouth twisting scornfully.

It was that look which did it Which decided her to ignore the fact that she was obviously an afterthought and take Jeremy up on his invitation after all.

To hell with Declan Malone. Let him think what he wanted.

'That would be wonderful.' Deliberately, she let her voice caress the words, her answering glance defiant 'I can hardly wait'

She heard Declan make a small, angry sound in his throat, then he turned sharply and went to the door, slamming it behind him.

'What was that?' Jeremy demanded.

'Nothing.' Olivia said, crossing her fingers. 'Nothing at all. Oh, darling, I'm so glad to hear from you.

And that, she thought, was at least the truth.

But she didn't want to examine too closely why she felt that Jeremy's call could have been a lifeline, thrown at exactly the right moment.

Because she didn't need saving, she told herself resolutely. She was fine, and well in control of the situation— wasn't she?

Jeremy took her to a restaurant on the King's Road—much patronised by young trendies, he informed her, with a trace of patronage himself.

Olivia, who'd rapidly changed into a shift dress the colour of wheat, topping it with a dark brown and white striped jacket, felt seriously overdressed amongst the grungy colours favoured by the rest of the clientele.

Again, it wasn't the most romantic rendezvous he could have chosen either, she thought rather sadly. It was brightly lit, noisy and overcrowded, and the food was ordinary in the extreme.

But then, as he said, it was the kind of place where you came to be seen, she rationalised, as she dutifully ate her burger and the rather stingy portion of fries which accompanied it.

While they drank their coffee, Olivia handed over the details of the flats she'd picked up that day, and Jeremy received them with raised eyebrows.

'You don't waste much time,' he commented in a slightly aggrieved tone. 'I was going to start looking next week.'

It just seemed such a splendid opportunity.' Olivia heard and despised the placatory note in her voice.

'Hmm.' He scanned the sheets rapidly. 'Actually, I've heard of these people. They've a good reputation. I'll bear them in mind.' He folded the papers and put them into an inside pocket of his jacket 'But don't you think you should find a permanent job before we go any further? I mean, temping isn't the most stable of livings.'

'I've already thought of that.' Olivia smiled at him.

'I don't see why I shouldn't continue what I was doing in Bristol—training people in computer systems.'

Jeremy gave her a pitying loot 'I doubt you'd find much call for that in London. People are pretty clued up here, not like the provinces.'

That's what you think, thought Olivia, remembering Colin Sutton's anguished expression.

'Although you might find something in office administration, when you've a little more experience,' he added kindly. 'Don't try to run before you can walk, Livvy.'

Thanks for the encouragement, Olivia thought forlornly.

She said, 'You're probably right' Then, to the hovering waitress, 'No more coffee, thanks.'

Olivia had hoped they'd walk along the King's Road for a while, talk, recapture some of the old magic, but Jeremy immediately hailed a taxi.

'You can show me this flat of yours,' he whispered ardently, his lips brushing her ear as the cab drew away.

'You said it wouldn't be safe,' Olivia reminded him, very conscious of the driver's presence.

'To hell with that.' His voice thickened. 'I'm not waiting any longer. Oh, God, Livvy…' He took her into his arms, kissing her passionately, while one hand stole beneath her jacket to stroke her breasts.

She was passive in his arms, neither resisting his advances nor particularly welcoming them either, wishing with all her heart that he'd waited until they were alone. Especially when his fingers slid under the edge of her skirt.

'Jeremy.' She pushed away the exploring hand. 'He'll see.'

'Don't be such a prude,' he teased. 'Cab drivers see this every day.'

'Not from me they don't,' Olivia told him with hauteur.

'Have it your own way,' he said with a touch of impatience. 'But you'd better loosen up a little when we get back.'

She flinched inwardly. This was going to be their first time together. She wanted it to mean as much to him as it did to her. Not just some graceless coupling as thanks for an indifferent meal.

Slowly, she unlocked her door, while Jeremy paid off the cab.

'Well, this is it.' There was a nervous tremor in her voice as he followed her in. She moved towards the kitchen, trying not to hurry. 'Would you like some more coffee?'

'There's only one thing I want,' he said softly, his smiling glance traversing her body, stripping her naked. 'Don't play hard to get, Livvy. Not now we're finally together.'

'We've been apart for several months,' she reminded him, her throat tightening. 'Maybe we should get to know each other again first'

'The best way to renew acquaintance is in bed,' he told her throatily. He pulled her towards him, slipping her jacket off her shoulders and tugging down the zip of her dress almost with the same practised movement 'X want to look at you, darling, every sweet, desirable inch of you,' he muttered huskily.

She backed away, holding on to her dress, trying to laugh. 'Now wait a minute...'

'That's all I've ever done—from the moment we met' He sounded petulant, even angry. 'But enough's enough. Tonight you're going to come through, Livvy.'

She'd reached the wall. Her back was against it There was nowhere else to retreat to. And Jeremy had reached her, fumbling with his clothing.

'As there doesn't seem to be a bed,' he said, grinning wolfishly. 'This will have to do, my love.'