Chapter Eight

It was the evening of the Fashion Council Christmas party. Carefully Daniel parked his Ferrari outside Melissa’s house. He figured at least his wheels had style, even if the rest of him didn’t. To him, much as a spade was a spade, a suit was a suit. He knew enough to know whether it fitted him or not and thankfully had enough money he could shop at stores that helped him put outfits together. His interest ended there. Still, maybe after tonight he’d feel differently.

He rang on the bell and Melissa opened the door almost immediately. Stupidly, he wasn’t prepared for the vision in front of him. Was it her beauty, her class or her vulnerability that cut him off at his knees? ‘Wow,’ was all his numbed brain could manage.

Un-stylish and monosyllabic his compliment might have been, but she looked pleased with it nonetheless. ‘Thank you. And yes, it is one of my own designs.’

Made of the soft draping material that appeared to be her signature, the long layered dress she wore cascaded softly over her body. In a vivid scarlet, it reflected against her skin, giving her cheeks a soft blush. Daniel thrust his hands into his trouser pockets in a protective measure, though he wasn’t sure it would be enough to stop him from reaching out and kissing her. Hell, he wouldn’t stop at kissing, either. But it wasn’t what Melissa wanted from him.

‘William is over at Alice’s already. He’s having a sleep over, so we’re good to go.’ She paused, her eyes sliding over him. ‘You know you look pretty good yourself. You can really wear a suit.’

He almost felt himself blushing. ‘Thank you, though it’s only fair I should warn you I’m a jock at heart. I see a jacket on a rail and I might pick it up. I see a racket on a rail and I’ll not only pick it up I’ll practice shadow moves, pluck at the strings, twirl it in my hand and, if it’s really exceptional, I might even buy it lunch.’

She let out a soft laugh as she bent to pick up her shawl. ‘Duly noted. And speaking of rackets, I’ve got a bit of a problem with William’s letter to Father Christmas. When I spoke to him about it last he told me he’s got one wish, which I presume is the racket, but he’s also thinking of a second wish. And he’s adamant he’s not going to show me the letter.’

‘Ah.’ Why had he not thought of that? ‘How about I ask him about it at training next week? Maybe he’ll show the letter to me, or at least tell me what he’s thinking.’

‘I hope so. I’d hate Father Christmas to disappoint him. It’s only a few weeks to go and if the other thing he wants is one of those over-hyped, impossible to get toys the shops always run out of—’

‘I’ll use the famous McCormack charm and wheedle it out of him,’ he cut in.

She rolled her eyes. ‘Thank you.’

‘So, have you got any plans for Christmas yet? Do you usually see family?’ The moment he said it the lingering amusement drained from her face and Daniel wanted to retract the second part of his question.

‘No.’ She fussed with her shawl, draping it round her shoulders. ‘I don’t have any brothers and sisters and the last time I spent Christmas with my parents was when I was sixteen. It was a chore for all of us.’

‘Sorry, I remember you saying they were pretty distant. That was a tactless question. I didn’t mean to put a damper on the evening.’ Determined to be a better date from now on, he held out his arm with a flourish. ‘Would you do me the honour of accompanying me to a Christmas fashion extravaganza, Ms Melissa?’ He opened her front door and nodded over to his car, which looked pretty damn good under the street light. ‘Your carriage awaits.’

He was gratified to see her jaw drop. ‘So, you really do have a Ferrari.’

‘I do indeed. I’m a walking sportsman cliché.’

She laughed softly. ‘In that case Prince Charming, I’ll be delighted to go to the ball with you.’

The party was held in a swanky London hotel and as Melissa stepped inside she felt a flutter of anticipation. A giant Christmas tree filled the lobby and silver and purple decorations glittered against the lights. For the first time she began to feel a prickle of Christmas spirit. The season might not hold many fond memories for her but now was the time to put all that behind her and look forward.

Clutching at Daniel’s arm she shared a brief smile with him before raising her chin, squaring her shoulders and walking through to the ballroom – and straight into a mass of people. Immediately she faltered, her heart thumping hard against her ribs. Daniel squeezed her arm and continued to lead her through.

‘I need a drink,’ she whispered, and he laughed.

‘A pint of Dutch courage it is.’

Daniel’s presence, his unswerving confidence, had a steadying influence on her and slowly she started to relax. Stupidly she’d thought of herself as the new girl, but now she realised she might be new to design, but to fashion she was an old hand. A smile of recognition here, a small wave of hello there, and it wasn’t long before designers and other people she’d worked with in the past came to talk to them. Of course having Daniel by her side, looking incredible in his dark navy suit and pale pink shirt, drew many interested eyes, too.

Including one pair she’d hoped not to have to look into.

‘Melissa.’ Lawrence nodded as he approached her, a slender dark-haired woman with a hard face and endless legs hanging onto his arm. A woman she recognised only too well.

As if sensing trouble the others slipped away, leaving just the four of them. Involuntarily Melissa shivered. A beat later Daniel’s arm slid protectively around her waist.

‘Lawrence, this is Daniel.’ She turned to Daniel, who stood straight and tall by her side. ‘Daniel, this is Lawrence, my ex husband.’

The two men exchanged a formal handshake.

‘This is Evangeline. My fiancé.’

Melissa experienced a jolt of surprise. How had she missed hearing of their engagement? Clearly sensing her shock, Lawrence smiled smoothly. ‘There’ll be an announcement in the press shortly.’

‘Well, congratulations.’ She forced herself to smile at the soon to be Mrs Raven. She’d expected to feel sympathy for the next woman Lawrence lured into his clutches, but this one deserved everything that was coming to her.

‘I hear you’re up for the newcomer award.’

As Lawrence’s piercing black eyes glittered back at her she focused on the warmth of Daniel’s arm against her back, his rock solid presence by her side. ‘And I hear you’re the guest speaker.’

He looks almost weedy next to Daniel, she thought on a bubble of laughter. While Daniel’s skin glowed with a healthy vitality, Lawrence, now in his late forties, looked pale and his skin was beginning to sag. Daniel’s hair was short, thick and healthy. Lawrence’s hair was long and where it had once flowed dramatically over his shoulders like a black curtain, now it was going grey and thinning.

Just as she was starting to enjoy the comparison, Lawrence brought her crashing back to earth. ‘We need to talk about when I’m going to see William.’ His eyes bored into hers. ‘I haven’t forgotten, you know.’

Automatically she stiffened. ‘I’m not prepared to discuss that here.’

‘When then?’

Daniel’s hand pressed into her side, reassuring her. Steadying her. ‘I’m not going to be pushed into giving a time now.’

‘You can’t stop him from seeing his son, Melissa,’ Evangeline cut in.

‘I’ve never stopped him,’ Melissa countered coldly, anger fizzing through her, burning through the nerves. ‘He’s chosen not to see William.’

‘How often have you seen your son in recent years, Lawrence?’ Daniel’s voice was mild and reasonable but Melissa heard the edge.

From the way his eyes narrowed, so did Lawrence. ‘Not as often as I’d have liked.’

‘Is that because Melissa has prevented you from seeing him?’ Again, the tone was measured, the question polite.

Lawrence hesitated. ‘No,’ he replied shortly. ‘Sadly my work schedule has been such that I’ve been abroad a lot recently.’

‘But I presume you’ve had contact? Phoned, Skyped, sent postcards?’

Irritation flooded into Lawrence’s eyes.

‘You don’t have to listen to this boorish man, darling.’ Evangeline tugged at Lawrence’s arm. ‘Your relationship with your son is none of his business.’

Daniel’s answering smile was cold and humourless. ‘I agree. I do think a lawyer would be very interested to know how much of an effort Lawrence has made with his son though. If, indeed, he wants to go to all that bother to see William again?’

A muscle twitched in Lawrence’s jaw and his mouth twisted cruelly. ‘So says the tennis player.’

‘Ah.’ Daniel arched his eyebrow. ‘Were you a fan?’

Anger flashed across Lawrence’s features. He had the look of a man who wanted to throw a punch, but knew he couldn’t. The place was too public, his opponent over a decade younger, and infinitely stronger. Without uttering a reply, he grabbed Evangeline by the arm and marched away.

‘It would seem I’ve upset your ex husband,’ Daniel mused, watching them stalk off.

Feeling a rush of relief, mixed in with a whole heap of gratitude, Melissa reached up and kissed him on the cheek. ‘Thank you. That was beautifully done.’

‘My pleasure. Let’s just hope it’s the last you’ll hear from him. Ever.’ His expression turned serious. ‘Do you have a good lawyer?’

She sighed, feeling foolish. ‘No. I wasn’t all that interested in the divorce settlement. As long as I had custody of William I really didn’t care what else happened. Lawrence suggested a lawyer and I went along with him because it seemed the easiest thing to do.’ She shuddered. ‘I certainly wouldn’t want to use him again.’

Daniel squeezed her waist and moved towards the bar. ‘I’ll put you in touch with Peter Price. He’s a good man as well as being a damn fine lawyer. If he can’t take care of it, he’ll know a man who can. Now, I think a glass of champagne is called for.’

‘And the best newcomer is …’ as the compere opened the silver envelope, Melissa thought her heart was going to fly right out of her chest. Oh God, was it being too greedy to ask that it be her name? She was already doing so well, she didn’t need the award.

And yet still she gripped her hands together. She didn’t need it, but oh, how she wanted it.

‘Melissa Stanford.’

She froze, utterly numb. Had she imagined it? Surely she had.

Strong hands gripped hers. ‘Get your beautiful arse up on that stage.’

Blinking she spun to face Daniel. One glance at the huge grin on his face and she knew she’d done it. She’d gone and won the bloody award.

Laughing, crying, she rose unsteadily to her feet.

The rest of the evening was a blur of champagne and smiles. Of pressing hands, congratulations and so many compliments her head was spinning by the end of it. When she was finally on the way home, cocooned in the soft leather of the Ferrari and slightly drunk on champagne, very giddy with delight, she felt wonderfully, gloriously, happy.

‘What’s so funny?’

She glanced sideways at her handsome companion. ‘I’m not laughing.’

‘Maybe not, but you’re making a sort of humming, giggling sound.’

‘I think that’s because I’m a bit tipsy.’

‘Ah.’ He slid her a smile. ‘It’s not because you’re reliving the moment they read out the name of the best newcomer?’

She hiccupped. ‘Maybe.’ There weren’t many moments in her life when she could remember being as happy as this. Only the birth of William sprang to mind and even that had been tough because she’d had nobody to share it with. Tonight, she’d had Daniel.

‘Feeling pretty pleased with yourself, huh?’

She eyed him under her lashes. ‘As a matter of fact, I am. I won an award, faced Lawrence without bursting into tears and now I’m going home in a gorgeous supercar driven by a reasonably attractive man.’

He barked out a laugh. ‘Surely the driver warrants the gorgeous status, too. It’s only fair.’

His eyes sparkled, his grin flashed and Melissa felt her breath come out in a rush. ‘Okay. I’m being driven home in a gorgeous supercar by an almost equally gorgeous man.’

Daniel shook his head, muttering under his breath. ‘Upstaged by my car? What’s the world coming to?’

A short while later he parked outside her house and cut the engine. As he turned towards her the moonlight bounced off the sharp planes of his cheekbones, making him appear dangerously attractive. ‘Are you going to invite me in?’

She wasn’t so drunk that she misread the burning intent in his eyes. The sensible thing to do was to say no, but for once she’d had enough of being sensible. She didn’t want the evening to end and if that meant playing with fire for a short while, then she was up for it. ‘Sure,’ she replied with an ease she didn’t altogether feel. ‘I think I can muster up a cup of coffee for a man who’s just driven me home in a Ferrari.’

Daniel chuckled and eased out of the car. ‘Flash sports car. It gets the girls every time.’

Melissa gently pushed the car door shut. ‘I said you could get a cup of coffee. It doesn’t imply that you get the girl.’

Draping a casual arm around her shoulders, he walked them up to the steps. ‘Message received. Though you can’t blame a man for trying.’ He kissed her lightly on the forehead. ‘I won’t give up trying.’

Flustered, Melissa fumbled with the keys. His strong hand covered hers, plucking them out from her fingers and swiftly opening the door. ‘You haven’t had as much to drink as me,’ she mumbled in defence as she weaved her way in.

‘True. Alcohol and Ferraris don’t mix.’

She smiled. ‘You said that when we went out for lunch together. Only then it was tennis and alcohol not mixing.’

‘Always good for the male ego to know his date was listening.’ Daniel shrugged off his jacket and walked through to the sitting room where he draped it carelessly over the back of the sofa.

‘It wasn’t a date,’ Melissa reminded him, watching as he undid the top button of his shirt and yanked down his tie. ‘Why don’t you make yourself at home,’ she remarked with a heavy dose of sarcasm.

‘I intend to,’ he replied with a cocky grin.

Leaving him to make himself comfortable on her sofa, she went to make his coffee. Realising she wasn’t quite as steady on her feet as she should be, she pulled out a second cup. Now she’d invited him in, it was probably wise to keep her wits about her.

When she headed back into the sitting room she found him nestled back against the sofa, shirt sleeves rolled up, top few buttons undone and one leg casually crossed over the other. He looked entirely relaxed and utterly gorgeous.

Placing the cups on the coffee table she perched on the other end of the sofa. ‘Phew, what an evening.’

Eyes that had looked sleepy sprang open and suddenly Melissa was very aware that they were alone. There was no little boy upstairs to act as chaperone.

Daniel shifted his large body, moving deliberately closer to her, and her breath hitched. And that was before she stared into his eyes. Dark, like Lawrence’s, but there the similarity ended. Daniel’s weren’t cold or hard but gentle and seductive. Blazing with a promise that had her shivering with arousal.

‘Come here,’ he ordered softly, reaching out an arm to draw her towards him.

Instinctively she did as he asked.

‘You can feel this chemistry between us just as well as I can.’ His warm breath fluttered against her neck as he ran a slow finger down her cheek. ‘I think it’s time we moved from being just friends.’

She drew in a deep, shaky breath. ‘I’m not sure I can.’

His finger moved to her lips, tracing their outline with seductive gentleness. ‘Surely you’re not going to let a bastard like Lawrence stop you from being with another man again?’

‘Yes, no … maybe.’ Her brain wouldn’t work. Champagne, or Daniel?

He placed the softest of kisses on her lips and her bones started to melt. ‘We would be good together, you and I,’ he whispered lazily, intense brown eyes locked onto hers.

She could have pushed him away at that moment. He left her the gap to do so, but she chose not to. Seconds later the choice was taken away from her as his lips swooped on hers. Like a predator finding its prey, his mouth hit its target and all gentleness vanished. With heat and passion he devoured her, pushing her back against the sofa as his tongue plundered. Champagne fog was replaced with a sexual haze and she was aware only of the hard lines of his body and the fierce heat radiating from it.

His hand crept under her dress, the warm, slightly calloused palm unerringly finding her breast. As it fluttered over her nipple, the sudden sensation of skin on skin jolted her out of her trance. ‘God, Daniel, no.’ She pushed at his rock-like chest.

Instantly he sprang back, breathing heavily. ‘Christ, Melissa.’ He shut his eyes and fell back against the sofa. ‘I’m not sure how much longer I can keep doing this.’

‘This?’ Her breath was as shallow as his.

Slowly he opened his eyes. ‘Being with you but not being able to touch you. It’s killing me.’

The tortured look in his eloquent eyes told her he wasn’t exaggerating. Oh God, why couldn’t she be a normal woman? One who could just lie back and enjoy a handsome man making love to her? She wanted it, she knew she did. But she was too scared of where it might lead.

Daniel rubbed a hand over his face, making her heart ache. He’d been so wonderful tonight. So patient with her over the last few months. She shouldn’t have given in to temptation and let him kiss her, it hadn’t been fair of her to give him such mixed signals. But oh, how she’d enjoyed it. ‘I’m sorry, Daniel. I just can’t.’

He let out a short laugh. ‘You can, Melissa. You choose not to.’

His words needled, creeping under her skin and rubbing at old wounds. ‘You don’t understand. How can you? You’ve never been hurt before. You don’t know what it feels like.’ The emotion of the evening, the joyous high to the wretched low, was too much. She burst into a flood of tears.

Watching her, Daniel felt wretched. She’d been so happy, and now he’d gone and ruined it. What the hell was wrong with him? ‘Shh.’ Taking her in his arms, he cradled her against his chest. ‘I’m sorry I pushed. It’s in my nature, I guess. I see what I want and I go for it. Perhaps if you told me what you’re so scared of, it would help me to understand, though I can’t promise to back off. You’re too damn appealing.’

For a few heartbeats there was silence, and he wondered if that was all he was going to get. But then he felt her lips move lightly against his chest. ‘I’m scared of getting it wrong again,’ she mumbled. ‘Of falling for a man I believe to be one thing, only for him to turn out to be someone else entirely.’

He let out a long, deep sigh. ‘So you’re going to put us all in the same bastard box are you?’

‘No, of course not.’ She lifted her head, cheeks glistening with tears. ‘But you have to understand, for a long time, Lawrence was my everything. Friend, lover, husband, family. I thought he was someone I could trust. A man who would love me, protect me, cherish me.’ With a quick flick of her hand she wiped at the tears. ‘He only wanted to own me though, to control me. When I didn’t conform, when I became pregnant and wouldn’t have an abortion, he decided to punish me. He … he had an affair.’ The words sounded so raw, he ached for her. ‘Not a discreet one either, but a blatant, slap-in-the-face affair. With the same blasted woman he’s now engaged to.’ Her grey eyes blazed with anger, though the hurt lying beneath it was all too visible.

‘That floozy he was with tonight?’

Her small smile told him she appreciated his description. ‘Yes, and believe me, she’s welcome to him. His rationale, he kindly explained later, was that since I’d ruined my body against his wishes, it was his right to sleep with someone else. Someone he still found attractive.’

Instinctively his arms tightened around her, as if he were trying to shield her when of course it was far too late for that. ‘Hell, he really did a number on you, didn’t he?’ He ran his hand up and down her arm, trying to soothe even though he knew the hurt was already far too ingrained. ‘I don’t know what to say. What he did wasn’t just cruel, it was stupid. Most men, and that definitely includes me, would be proud to watch their wife growing rounder with their child.’

When she remained silent, her eyes downcast, seemingly lost in her terrible memories, he tried a different angle. ‘You were right when you said I’ve not been hurt, at least not in the sense you mean. I do know what it’s like to love something and lose it though. When I knew I couldn’t play professional tennis again, I thought my life was over. Part of me wanted it to be over.’ He reached for her chin, holding her eyes on his. ‘I didn’t want to pick up a racket ever again, but I did and I’ve never regretted it.’

‘You’re stronger than I am.’

He shook his head. ‘No. I was lucky enough to have the backing of people who loved me. It was my family who helped me through it, telling me over and over not to give up on the sport I loved. I could learn to love it again, they insisted, but in a different way. And I have.’

‘You can’t equate tennis with a failed marriage.’

‘Can’t you? Doesn’t this all come back to fear? You fear getting involved in another relationship will lead to you being hurt. I feared staying around the game I loved, but not being able to play it at the top level again, would hurt me.’

Her expression appeared distant as she considered his words. ‘I don’t only have myself to be fearful for. There’s William, too. I damaged him by staying too long in a relationship that went sour. I don’t know if I have the strength or will to try again.’

For a long while Daniel remained silent, stroking her hair, holding her close. His heart ached to see her so upset, but he also worried for himself, too. His feelings were growing steadily deeper every time he saw her, yet the closer he got, the more she pushed him away. And if she didn’t even have the will to try …

Heaving out a sigh he kissed the top of her head. ‘Time for me to go home.’

She stirred against him, but didn’t raise her head from its snug position against his chest.

He tried again. ‘Melissa? Wake up sleepy head. I have to go home.’

‘Oh.’ Slowly she raised her head, looking up at him with clouded grey eyes. He felt another tug on his heart. ‘Sorry, I got too comfortable.’ She eased herself into a sitting position and immediately he felt the loss of her warmth.

‘I’m glad I’ve been of some use this evening,’ he returned dryly. ‘Even if it wasn’t the use I’d hoped for.’

Instantly her eyes darted away from him. ‘No. I’m sorry.’

He exhaled slowly and planted a kiss on her forehead. ‘It’s me who’s sorry. I’m a patient man, usually. But I need to warn you, I’m a determined one, too. I won’t give up.’

She surprised him then by cupping his face and giving him a quick kiss on the lips. ‘I hope you don’t.’ Her voice held an almost desperate edge. ‘I can’t make any promises, but,’ her eyes found his. ‘I like having you in my life, Daniel.’

Hope instantly surged through him, making his heart leap wildly. ‘I like having you in mine, too.’ Before he could say or do anything stupid to ruin the moment, he rose to his feet. ‘Goodnight. Sweet dreams.’

Picking up his jacket, he let himself out.

He didn’t drive off straight away. For a while he sat in his car, thinking about the evening. Thinking about Melissa walking upstairs to her bed, alone. It hadn’t ended as he’d planned but there would be other evenings. He would make sure of it.