Three Minutes to Happiness (5 page)

“So you’re a love ’em and leave ’em type, are you?”

Her words sounded flippant, but her eyes were serious.

“I don’t lie. I have relationships, but not serious ones.”

“Monogamous?”

For the first time ever Finn felt seedy, admitting his lifestyle. “Not usually.”

Val’s eyebrows rose. “And your women…they’re okay with that?”

“It’s worked fine so far.”

Val crossed her arms. “Well, that’s a deal breaker for me. I’m not interested in a part-time lover.”

Disappointment settled in Finn’s chest. “So you’re looking for hearts and flowers, true love and marriage. Happy ever after. A tall order for a speed dating event.”

“I was dragged along too.” The corner of Val’s mouth tilted in a rueful smile. “My friend wanted to go, and didn’t want to be alone.”

“But you wanted to meet someone.” Maybe she had, maybe he wasn’t the only man she’d wanted to go on a date with. The thought sent a flash of some alien emotion through him.

“Not really.” Val rubbed her bare ring finger. “I think love is vastly over-rated.”

Finn touched her upper arm. “So we have something in common.”

Val nodded. “True love is an illusion.”

Finn thought of his mother. Her belief in true love was so strong she’d be shocked rigid at Val’s words. “I’m not looking for love.” His voice sounded harsh. “But I want to see you again.”

Val swallowed. “I’m not interested in being part of a harem.”

If only they didn’t have to be at this damn wedding. Finn wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her again. Go for dinner, stare into her captivating eyes, and discover more about her. They were both adults, neither of them were looking for happy ever after, and both obviously were under the spell of a powerful attraction that it would be a sin to deny.

Val glanced at the slim watch strapped around her wrist. “God, I have to take the rest of the photos, the guests will be going in for the wedding breakfast soon.”

Finn’s hand fell to his side. He took a step back and held his glass to her camera. “Take my photo.”

*****

Val’s legs shook as she made her way around the room taking portrait shots. Her mouth felt swollen from Finn’s kiss, and her skin tingled with his remembered touch. She’d walked away and hadn’t looked back, but felt his gaze on her every step away from him, as though a gossamer thread linked them together.

“Okay, say cheese,” she said to the loved-up couple in her viewfinder. “That’s great, thank you.”

She walked to Finn’s cousin’s table. It was incredibly unprofessional to be kissing a near stranger when she was supposed to be working. Maggie would be cheering, but if Simon caught a hint of it…Val drew in a shuddery breath. At least Finn had the sense to pull her in front of him in the alcove, shielding her from view as they kissed.

Her lips throbbed.

She touched a finger to them as memories crowded in.

What on earth was she thinking, letting him kiss her like that? She shook her head to banish the cotton wool it seemed to be filled with. She hadn’t been thinking. Had been so stunned by the sight of his eyes shifting from hazel-green to bright emerald and his seductive words that her mind had shut off, and her body acted on instinct. She wanted to taste him. Wanted to be held against every inch of his tall, rangy frame with a ferocity that left her breathless. She had never been so mind-meltingly attracted to a man before.

He’d been the first one to put distance between them. When she really should have remembered that she was working, and they were in a room full of people.

Finn’s cousin looked up.

“Hi, I wonder if I can take your picture, please?” Val held up the camera.

A tiny crease appeared between her eyebrows. “Oh, sure!” She gripped her companion’s hand, and at closer quarters Val recognized him from the speed dating event. “Don’t I know you from somewhere?”

“You were at the speed dating, weren’t you?” Steven asked, standing up and shaking her hand. “Val, right?”

His easy, open smile was a relief. “Right.” Val grinned back. She’d quite liked him, she remembered, but had instantly dismissed him as being too young.

“I’m Sorcha.” Sorcha stood too, and reached for Val’s hand. She glanced across the room. “You must have met my cousin too. Finn?”

Val nodded. “I just took his picture.”
After he kissed me senseless
. She felt her face heat, and brought the camera to her eye. “Okay, do you two want to stand closer together?”

Through the viewfinder, she noticed Sorcha glance across the room. She waved someone a come-on-over gesture. When her eyes met the camera, there was a light in them Val hadn’t noticed before. As if she’d spotted Val’s blush, and added two and two together to made four.

“Right, that’s great.” Val turned, desperate to escape.

“Could you just take a picture of me and Finn?” Sorcha’s voice dripped sugar. “I’m sure the bride would like a picture of her cousins together.”

“Of course.”

She felt his presence as if she were made of steel and feeling the pull of a magnet.

“Finn, let’s get a photo,” Sorcha said. “How weird Val is the photographer!”

“I’m just helping the photographer out,” Val glanced at Finn. He was staring at her in a way that made her completely flustered. Could everyone see? Could everyone tell—

“Yes, it’s weird.” His deep voice set her senses into uproar again.

Sorcha grinned. “I knew I was right. You two…” Her finger pointed to Finn and then Val. “You ticked each other, didn’t you?”

Words dried in Val’s throat.

“Don’t embarrass Val, Sorcha,” Finn muttered.

Val forced what she hoped was a professional smile. “Do you want to stand closer together?” It was easiest to just focus on work.

“Are you…”

“Sorcha.” Finn moved closer. “Butt out.”

Val snapped a couple of shots. “I’m sorry. I have a few more photographs to take.” She stepped away.

“See you later.” Excitement flickered in Sorcha’s eyes.

As she walked to the next table, Finn followed. Val couldn’t run in heels, so turned and fixed him with an out-with-it glare.

“I’m sorry about that.” He leaned close so his words wouldn’t be overheard. “She’s young, and pretty romantic. I hope she didn’t embarrass you too much.”

“It’s fine.” She breathed in his scent, woodsy and masculine.

A bell rang. “Ladies and gentlemen, could you please make your way in to the dining room?” called a waiter.

“I’d better go.” She had one more table to photograph. And scant minutes to do it, the couple at the table were already on their feet and looking to the exit. Val stepped forward. “Can I please get a quick photo?”

Her skin prickled as Finn touched her shoulder. “I’ll catch you later.”

Val concentrated on the couple before her through the viewfinder.
No way.
She didn’t turn around, didn’t see him walk away, but knew he had because the tension holding her in its grip eased moments later. She thanked the couple, and made for the nearest exit.

Simon was handling the rest of the photographs from here, which would give her time to evaluate the shots she’d taken. To get her heart rate and wayward emotions under control.

To escape the wolf in wolf’s clothing.

Chapter Five

The speeches seemed to go on forever. There was no sign of Val.

Finn drained his coffee. Where was she? The photographers couldn’t have left yet, there were still photographs of the couple cutting the cake and leaving to take. In the three minutes they’d spent talking at the speed dating event he’d learned absolutely nothing about Val. And, for the first time in years, he ached to know more. Where did she live? Why did she not believe in love—had she had a bad experience in the past? The bride and groom made their way to the three-tier white iced wedding cake, which was covered in red sugar roses.

Simon entered the room to take the photographs. But no Val. Frustration burned in Finn’s gut. Everyone still sat at their tables, applauding as the bride picked up the ornate cake slice. Her new husband’s hands cupped hers as they sliced into the cake together, pure joy glowing from their faces.

A look his parents had every time they saw each other. What must it feel like to love each other so much it radiated from your skin, glowed from your eyes, and was so tangible to all that came within your orbit that it made them feel as though they were invisible?

Applause burst out as the couple grasped hands and walked out onto the dance floor in the center of the room. Music swelled, and they started to dance. They were captivated by each other. Oblivious to the roomful of friends and relatives watching them
. Throwing their lives away and settling for love
.

Irritation gnawed at Finn’s insides.

He stood and strode to the doorway. Val couldn’t have gone far.

*****

Simon had his laptop set up in an empty room off the lobby, and was reviewing the photographs Val had taken. She held her breath as he flicked through them.

“These are good.” He glanced away from the screen for a moment. “I couldn’t have done better. I think we’ve got all we need.”

The pent-up tension that had stiffened Val’s spine eased at his words. He’d allowed her to take pictures before, but this was her first big challenge. Her first step into the career she longed for. It had been so important that Simon was happy with her work. “What’s left to take?”

“I have to get a picture of the bride and groom leaving, and then we’re done.” Simon unplugged her camera and closed the laptop. He leaned back on the chair, stretching out his long legs. “Over the next few days I’ll put together a file of the photographs for the final selection.” He reached for her hand and squeezed it. “Good work. I couldn’t have done without you today.”

Val felt her face flush.

“You work well under pressure. We really could have done without the last minute addition of the ‘portraits of the room’ though.” Simon rubbed a hand across his eyes.

“We did it, that’s the main thing.”

Simon nodded. “I have a meeting on Monday with Enchant magazine. They’re considering me for a shoot in Mauritius.”

Wow. Being the photographer for one of Enchants shoots would propel Simon into the big league. But he had a full appointment book for the next few weeks; he couldn’t handle everything. Val breathed in.
This could be it.

“How are you…” The words stuck in her throat. Her fingers curled into her palms. She was Simon’s assistant, nothing more. Did she have the guts to step out of her comfort zone into the limelight? The prospect of not being able to pay the rent gave her an extra push. “Your appointment book is full. I could cover for you while you’re away.”

Simon’s eyes widened. “I thought you only worked photography three days a week?”

Val’s mouth twisted with a wry smile. “Not any more. I’ve stopped working at the bookshop. I have rent to pay.” Her shoulders lifted and dropped. “You know how it is.”

“That would be fantastic. If I get the Enchant job, I’ll have to leave pretty quickly. I thought I’d have to close the studio for three days next week, and rearrange, but if you could cover that would solve all of my problems.” Simon kneaded the back of his neck with his hand. “The last thing I want to do is disappoint customers, but opportunities like this only come around once in a lifetime, I have to go for it.”

Happiness bloomed in Val’s chest. Simon didn’t pay very well, but going full time, even temporarily, was a step in the right direction, and the extra studio work would stave off the threat of impending doom, for a while anyway.

“I’ll see you Monday, then.”

Val reclaimed her camera. The photographs had been backed-up onto the laptop, but she’d back them up too when she got home. “Thanks, Simon.”

“Thank
you
. Today was great. I never would have managed it without you.”

Both turned at the sound of the door opening.

“Ah, there you are.” Finn stalked over, like a big cat in grassland.

Simon’s eyebrows rose in silent query. He glanced from Val to Finn. “Finn. I didn’t know you and Val knew each other.”

Confusion muddied Val’s thoughts.
Simon knows Finn?
She hoped Finn wouldn’t embarrass her by revealing how they’d met. The last thing she wanted was for her employer to know about her private life.

Finn smiled. “Val and I are old friends.”

“Oh.” Simon’s gaze flicked to Val. “Val didn’t tell me.”

“I wanted to see if she was finished for the evening.” His smile would charm birds from the trees. “And if she’d come and dance with me.”

Val’s mouth was as dry as a bone lying in the middle of the Sahara. She twisted the lens cap of her camera.
So says the man who can’t dance.

“I’m not really dressed for it. I don’t think it would be appropriate, I’m working.”

“You’re finished for tonight.” Simon patted her back. “And I’m sure the bride and groom wouldn’t mind if you joined the party.”

Finn nodded at the exact moment that Val shook her head. “It would be unprofessional, and I wanted to get an early night.”

He stepped close. “Just one dance. Then I’ll walk you to your car.”

There was no way of refusing without making a scene, and she really didn’t want to discuss the rest of her evening in Simon’s earshot.

“Leave your camera with me. You can’t dance with it around your neck,” Simon suggested. “I’m going to work on the photographs for a while before the bride and groom get ready to leave. You can pick your camera up before you go.”

Val placed her camera back on the table. “Okay.”

Finn reached for her hand, but she carefully avoided his touch. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Simon flicked the laptop open again. “Whenever.”

Alone in the corridor, Finn turned to Val. “I don’t really want to dance. There are too many people in there. Why don’t we have a drink in the bar?”

He angled his elbow as if expecting her to link her arm through his. Anger flooded Val. He was take-charge to the point of manipulative. Obviously unaware that she’d only left with him because she didn’t want to make a scene in front of Simon. She glared at his elbow until he tucked it close to his body again. “I don’t think so.”