United State of Love (15 page)

Brian regarded Tex’s outstretched hand for a moment before wiping his own on his apron and accepting the gesture, saying, ‘It’s Mr Stephens.’

‘Of course, sir.’ Tex looked evenly at Brian Stephens, thinking it was handy being from Texas at times, as Brian Stephens had no idea if he was being facetious using the word sir, or whether he was just using it in a respectful, American way.

‘Well, let’s sit down,’ he said. Tex observed the older man lower himself into the carver style chair that really was too big to be at such a small table. Bad planning. Once Brian Stephens had settled himself, Tex began.

‘I just really wanted to introduce myself properly. I didn’t see you at the open evening the other night so didn’t have the chance to chat.’

‘Hmm, well, I was busy. Lots of customers. Didn’t get cleared up until late.’

‘That’s great that you’re busy.’ The opening was easier than he thought. ‘You know, that was one of the things that struck me about Arundel when I did my market research.’ Tex relaxed his shoulders purposefully in a non-threatening manner. ‘I could tell immediately that there were enough customers to go round and that your establishment and mine wouldn’t really overlap. We wouldn’t be competing against each other.’

‘Is that right? How did you work that out then?’

‘Well, for a start, your tea rooms offer the quintessential British tea and cake. Afternoon tea is such a British thing and so suitable for a historic town like Arundel. The tourists must love it, all the history, the quaint shops, the ambiance of the place. So having afternoon tea just makes perfect sense.’

Brian puffed his chest like a proud lion. ‘Oh yes, we offer a beautiful selection of cakes and sandwiches. I’m not saying we’re the Ritz but we have our standards.’

Tex smiled approvingly. ‘Absolutely, and with that in mind my restaurant, although just a couple of doors down, couldn’t even begin to compare or, indeed, compete.’ It was hard work, but Tex could see Brian Stephens’s initial hostility gradually dissolving, especially when he went on to say that he was focusing on the evening sitting, that’s where his main business would be and there’d be no overlap at all. As for daytime customers, he would be offering a light lunch, brasserie style, and he envisaged a totally different clientele to Tarrant Tea Room.

When they parted company with a much warmer handshake, Tex felt he had completed what he had set out to achieve. He had brought the matter of the fire up and, give Brian his due, he had been suitably outraged and sympathetic in a way that a fellow businessman would understand, and Tex was convinced graffiti, vandalism and arson wasn’t this man’s style.

So, that left two possible candidates. Castle Curator or Evil Ex.

Anna could barely believe her eyes. Coming towards her table at the charity ball was Nathan. Automatically, her eyes looked beyond her brother, seeking out Zoe. If she had been shocked to see Nathan, then she was stunned to see the tall, willowy figure of Christine appearing at his side. Nathan pulled out a chair for Christine to sit down and took the one next to her. Anna looked round the table. Tex on her left, Jamie on her right, then Yvonne. Duncan Hughes, a high-profile chef, and his wife, then Tex's maître d', Edward with his wife. Next to them were Nathan and then Christine, who sat next to Tex to complete the circle. No spare seat. No Zoe.

‘Good evening everyone,’ purred Christine, smiling round the table to the greetings of the other guests. ‘Christine Bennett, art adviser to Tex.’ She touched Tex’s arm lightly, leaning into him, smiling. Anna wasn't sure if it was a smile or a grimace on Tex's face but, ever the gentleman, he just gave a slight nod in acknowledgement. ‘And this is my friend Nathan,’ Christine continued. More touching of arms. ‘He's also my personal trainer.’

‘Christine's date couldn't make it, so she asked me to step in at the last minute,’ offered Nathan by way of explanation, not meeting the accusing eyes of his sister.

‘He's my knight in shining armour,’ said Christine, still with that smug look on her face.

‘Isn't he just,’ muttered Anna.

Tex reached under the table and squeezed Anna's clenched fist. She could feel the anger and disappointment raging inside her. What was Nathan playing at? Loyal, dependable, honest, married, father of four, Nathan. Never in her wildest dreams did she think he would be unfaithful and so blatant. After everything that she had endured with Mark. All those times Nathan had been outraged by his brother-in-law, surely he wasn’t at it himself now. The pain at remembering Mark’s infidelity swept through her. Were all men the same? Were all men ruled by what was between their legs? She stole a glance at Tex. Was he the same? Oh, please not.

Anna moved her hand away from Tex's and rested it casually on the table, aware that Tex had turned to look at her. Probably wondering why she had rejected his gesture. He said nothing but took his empty hand away and rested it on the back of her chair. She could feel his thumb gently and slowly caressing her bare back. His touch sent an internal shiver through her. She took a deep breath – she must trust her instincts and believe in Tex. Not all men were the same.

The charity event was being held at Albury Park in Surrey, a beautiful Grade II listed Tudor mansion, which boasted being a backdrop for the film
Four Weddings and a Funeral
, amongst others. For today a large marquee had been erected in the glorious grounds, surrounded by beautiful wooded parkland with the River Tillingbourne tripping along the edge. The evening was to raise awareness and money for hearing-impaired children, a cause close to Tex's heart. It also served as the opportunity to give several awards to local businesses. Tex's maître d', Edward, had been nominated for a customer service award and although he didn't win, Edward said he was pleased just to have been shortlisted. Tex mumbled something about it being a fix and the judges being incompetent, while Jamie laughed that it was probably because Tex hadn't used his charms to persuade the head judge, Heleana Upper.

‘You obviously haven't been up her! Get it? Heleana Upper. Oh well, never mind.’

This had earned him a dig in the arm from Yvonne, while she spoke loudly over him, remarking what a lovely dress Anna was wearing. Again there was the reassuring squeeze of her hand from Tex. This time she didn't take hers away. Of course Tex was going to have a history with Jamie and Yvonne that went a long way back, something she had never been part of. She must try to relax. Perhaps have another drink? It seemed to be working for Jamie.

The meal finished and cleared away meant the main event, the charity auction, could go ahead. The donations had been generous and the bidding even more so, the alcohol making the raising of arms and shouting out of amounts more frequent and bolder. Jamie managed to outbid the room on a meal for four at Tex's restaurant, which Tex found highly amusing.

‘You, my friend, are one hell of an idiot at times. You have just paid three times the cost of the meal and if you'd come, I wouldn't have charged you a penny anyway.’

‘I know, mate,’ slurred Jamie, trying to focus properly while dangling a glass between his forefinger and thumb. ‘All for a good cause and all that. You never know, I might invite you along as my guest. Now that would be ironic.’ He finished his champagne and on finding the upturned bottle in the ice bucket, signalled the waiter for another.

Anna was hoping that now the bidding was over and the band had struck up, she would get a chance to collar Nathan. No such luck. Christine was dragging him up to the already busy dance floor. Anna scowled after them.

‘She's just playing games,’ Tex said. ‘Don't worry.’

‘I know that. You know that. I just hope Nathan knows it.’

Tex put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into him, kissing the side of her head.

‘Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?’

Anna grinned. ‘Once or twice.’

‘Every time I look at you, you are more beautiful than the time before.’

And she did feel good in her short, electric blue dress. One shoulder bare, the satin draping over her other shoulder and a small frill running down and across her bust and round to the back. Most of the women had gone for a long evening dress, but Anna had opted for an above the knee, tighter-fitting one. It suited her small build and height, although the three-inch platform shoes she wore made up for it. Simple and unfussy, but effective.

Tex stroked her bare back again and whispered in her ear, ‘What I really want to do is to take you back to my apartment, discard your satin dress and admire your satin skin instead.’

‘All in good time,’ Anna smiled at him. ‘You don't look so bad yourself.’ Dinner jacket, hair brushed back, the fringe slightly falling forward in that cowlick way it did. Freshly shaved. Smelling heavenly. Looking downright sexy.

A rather stout chap who worked in the catering industry, his shirt buttons straining at the navel, joined them at the table to talk to Tex. He had obviously been told vertical stripes were more flattering; however, the same person had failed to tell him that the broad blue and white deckchair look wasn't really doing the trick. She feigned interest as he talked about the downturn in the economy. Boring business chat. Anna got the impression that Tex wasn't too interested either but he was being polite, listening and responding just enough so as not to appear rude.

Fortunately, an increasingly drunk Jamie plonked himself down at the table again, telling ‘Big Boy’ to shuffle up, and tried to make a serious but somewhat unsuccessful contribution to the discussions. Giving Jamie a contemptuous look, Big Boy made his apologies and left.

‘I feel I should high-five you for that,’ said Tex to Jamie, ‘but I don't trust your co-ordination.’

‘What was he trying for?’ slurred Jamie. ‘A free lunch?’

‘He looks like he has plenty of those,’ replied Tex.

A slower song was now starting up. ‘A chance for you all to catch your breath,’ the lead singer announced.

‘Come on,’ said Tex, standing up and taking Anna's hand.

She obliged willingly. It would give her the chance to hold and be held. To feel his body against hers. To feel his broad shoulders under her hands and to feel his touch on her. They held each other closely and danced slower than the music demanded. Lost in the moment, Tex kissed the top of her head. Anna tilted her head back to catch the kisses on her mouth. Small kisses turning into a longer one. A small moment of bliss shattered by a very wobbly legged Jamie bundling into them, Yvonne, not quite so drunk, hanging round his neck like a pendant.

‘Get a room,’ slurred Jamie, louder than necessary, sending both him and Yvonne into fits of laughter.

‘Piss off, Dixon.’ Tex grinned back at his friend. Anna gave a small giggle, it sounded funny Tex saying that with a southern drawl.

‘What was that? Piss off! How very English of you,’ Jamie laughed. ‘Did you hear what he just said, Yvonne? He told me to piss off.’

‘Oh, the cheek of it!’ cried Yvonne.

‘Actually that's not a bad idea,’ came a female voice behind them.

Anna turned round as Christine, giving Jamie a shove in the back, bustled her way between everyone, attaching herself to Tex while somehow managing to propel Nathan towards Anna. ‘Ladies excuse me.’

‘It's all right,’ said Anna to Tex before he could protest. She was aware that Jamie was drawing attention to them and she couldn't pass up this opportunity to speak to Nathan. Holding on to her brother's arm, she frogmarched him as discreetly as she could towards the exit.

‘What the bloody hell is going on?’ demanded Anna.

The garland lights that festooned the surrounding trees, lighting a path towards the house, swung gently in the evening breeze. The shadows flicked across Nathan's face, not totally shielding the guilt. He shuffled from one foot to another.

‘Nothing's going on. I’m just accompanying my client to an event. Christine was stood up. I'm doing her a favour, that's all.’ He jutted his chin out, the way he did whenever he was arguing a point.

‘Does Zoe know?’

‘Of course she does. Not that she cares anyway.’

‘But Christine – she's your client.’

‘That's rich coming from you.’ The guilty look making way for indignity.

‘But you're married.’

‘So are you.’

‘Only technically.’

‘I might just as well be “only technically” married myself.’ Nathan stuffed his hands in his pocket and turned away to look at the gardens.

Anna felt a wave of sympathy rush over her, quickly followed by concern. She moved to stand beside him and slipped her arm through his. ‘Are things that bad?’

He looked down at her arm and patted her hand. ‘That's more physical contact than I've had with Zoe in months.’ There was sadness in his eyes.

‘It won't always be like this. It's probably because of having a baby. It can make some women feel a bit, well, you know, like they don't want sex for a while. Zoe has got a lot on her plate.’

‘So she keeps telling me.’ Nathan shrugged off Anna's arm, rubbing his face up and down in the palms of his hands. ‘She's not the only one though. Why do you think I'm here? Because I want to shag Christine? No, I'm here to keep my client happy so I don't lose any business. So I can build up a more expensive client base. That way, I can provide better for my family. I may even be able to get some help in for Zoe, if she wasn't being such a bloody martyr, that is.’ He sighed loudly. ‘Anyway, Christine's quite good company.’

Anna raised her eyebrows and started to refute this but changed her mind. ‘Just be careful. Don't be too flattered by it all.’

‘I hardly think you're the best person to advise me about relationships. You haven't exactly got a great track record.’

‘Below the belt,’ retorted Anna as she followed Nathan back towards the marquee. True as it might be, it was cutting.

He paused at the entrance. ‘Look, I'm big enough and ugly enough to look after myself. I do the big brother routine, not you.’ He smiled warmly. ‘Honestly, Anna, don't worry about me. Everything's fine.’ He gave her a quick peck on the cheek before turning and milling his way back towards the table, where Christine now sat drooling over Tex. Smiling and giggling. Anna was right, that woman was trouble.

Sitting back at the table with Tex, she made polite conversation with her other dining companions, Tex chatting easily to Duncan Hughes and Edward about some new television programme Duncan was in the middle of filming. Jamie and Yvonne were still on the dance floor. Him entertaining a small group that had gathered around to watch his Michael Jackson dance moves, Yvonne, laughing and shaking her head adoringly at her husband.

When Christine excused herself to go to the Ladies, Anna got up too. Tex might have been in deep conversation, but he didn't miss anything. He caught Anna's wrist as she walked behind him. Anna leaned forward, draping her arms over his shoulders, linking them round his chest, she dropped a kiss to his ear.

‘Don't worry,’ she whispered before heading off in Christine's direction.

Anna rested against the vanity unit, arms folded, waiting. Christine looked startled to see her standing there but she regained her composure almost instantly. Flicking her long brunette waves over her shoulder, she sidestepped Anna and stood in front of the basins and began fluffing her hair.

‘You look like you want to say something. Cat got your tongue?’ She turned the tap on, rinsing her hands without looking at Anna.

‘Stay away from my brother.’ Anna hoped her voice sounded firm and steady. Christine gave a derisive laugh.

‘Or you'll do what? Tell tales on me out of school?’

Anna didn't actually know what the
or else
bit was of her warning, she hadn't got that far in her mind.

‘He's married. He has four children. Just leave him alone.’

‘Your brother is an adult. What he does is up to him. I didn't force him to come here tonight.’ Christine began flicking her hair again, pulling a strand that was on the wrong side of the parting. ‘Obviously coming out with me was a much more attractive option than staying at home with his wife and four children.’

‘You're just playing games.’ Anna's breathing was getting faster as she became increasingly more frustrated and angry by Christine's indifference.

‘I don't think your brother needs or wants his little sister speaking for him,’ said Christine as she turned and faced Anna, one hand on her hip, the other leaning on the sink.

‘Just stay away from him,’ repeated Anna.

Christine leaned closer to Anna. When she spoke it was low and almost sinister.

‘Stay away from Tex and we might have a deal.’ She gave a smile that turned into a snarl, stood up straight, knocking Anna's shoulder with her own as she walked out of the toilets.

That woman was such a cow. She needed stopping but Anna had no idea how.