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The Playboy of Harley Street
Anne Fraser
The Playboy of
Harley Street
Anne Fraser
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
Table of Contents
Cover (#u9defd08f-9338-5fe2-b0a6-4f88b7f84d39)
Title Page (#ue7599550-503e-54ab-94af-348bc04376b7)
Chapter One (#u019d6ab8-9321-5819-a062-2fc36c0e2c1e)
Chapter Two (#u48ec43f1-85fd-5ffe-a217-e73abdb02105)
Chapter Three (#u682f1e06-ea68-534a-b2a8-5ddbb14024ca)
Chapter Four (#u0391f0e7-0e79-51e1-a833-9411e95b09c0)
Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
CHAPTER ONE
KATIE SIMPSON looked around the luxury interior of the private jet and wanted to pinch herself. Dr Cavendish, the senior partner at the practice, had told her at her interview that she’d be expected to fly all over the world, but he hadn’t said anything about private jets.
Katie jiggled her legs impatiently. Where was Dr Lineham? They had boarded the small plane ten minutes ago and there was no sign of her colleague. Opposite her, their patient was playing a game on her games console, looking completely unfazed by her surroundings.
Lucy Hargreaves was eight years old and suffering from cystic fibrosis. Katie and Dr Lineham were accompanying her to Monaco so that she could watch her father, a British racing champion, in a prestigious racing tournament.
Katie swivelled round in her seat at the sound of footsteps clattering up the aluminium steps.
Dr Lineham at last—and not before time. For the second time that day, Katie was taken aback. Instead of the older man she’d envisaged, Dr Lineham was lean, with thick, tousled dark hair that curled over his collar, olive skin, high cheekbones and a wide, full mouth. His tall, broad-shouldered frame filled the doorway as he paused to finish adjusting his tie and do up the top button of his shirt. He looked more like a film star than a doctor.
�Damn London traffic,’ he muttered, before coming forward. He stopped next to Lucy and ruffled her hair. �Hi, Luce. You okay?’
Lucy glanced up, her eyes crinkled in a smile. �Hey, Dr Fabio. Where’ve you been? Late night out again?’
Fabio held a finger to his lips and pretended to frown. �Luce, don’t give away my secrets. For all you know, I’ve been in the hospital all night.’
He winked at the little girl and she giggled.
Oh, please, Katie thought. Couldn’t he at least pretend to be more professional?
Deep green eyes swept over Katie. She was aware of him taking in her dark suit and sensible shoes and shifted uncomfortably under his appraising look. She hadn’t known what to wear so had settled on the same outfit she had worn to her interview. Not that Dr Lineham had been there. Apparently he’d been away with a patient in Mauritius or some other exotic island.
�And is this our new physio, Lucy?’ His voice was as smooth as warm chocolate with just a trace of an accent Katie didn’t recognise.
�She says I can call her Katie,’ Lucy replied. �She’s been here for ages already. She knows how to play games on my console. I think she’s cool.’
�I’m pleased to meet you, Dr Lineham,’ Katie responded, trying to keep the disapproval from her voice. Despite being told at her interview that the practice was friendly and informal, it had been emphasised that all the staff took their duty towards their patients seriously. Katie expected nothing less, but now she wondered if one of her colleagues didn’t share that ethos. Imagine coming directly to work after being out all night! What was he thinking? He should have left home earlier if he didn’t want to be late. Like she had. An hour and a half before she’d had to, and if it had meant she’d had to hang around the airport for quite a while, at least she’d been on time.
And didn’t Dr Lineham need to check Lucy over or something? Katie was far from reassured by his casual approach. Between them, they had total responsibility for their patient.
Dr Lineham held out his hand and as Katie shook it, she was aware of the hardness of his skin, which didn’t quite fit with his groomed exterior. �And I am pleased to meet you too, Katie Simpson, but, please, call me Fabio.’
The way he said her name in an accent she still couldn’t quite place sent an unexpected frisson up her spine.
�You have to strap yourself in,’ Lucy reminded Katie, as Fabio settled himself into the seat opposite. �Just for take-off.’
Lucy was pale and underweight for her age but with a wisdom in her indigo-coloured eyes that belied her years. Dr Cavendish, the senior partner, had briefed Katie the day before about the little girl’s condition.
�Her CF is under control most of the time, but unfortunately she has had one or two bad chest infections and there is some scarring.’
�Should she be travelling?’ Katie had asked.
�It makes her happy. And after all the trip is only for two days and as long as she gets regular physio and Fabio is there with her, there’s no reason to think she won’t be absolutely fine. Our clinic is set up so that we can allow our patients to carry on with their normal lives as much as possible.
�For those patients that can manage it, naturally we see them at the practice, otherwise we attend them in their own homes or wherever they may be. Sometimes a patient may need us to travel with them and we do that too. We aim to be as flexible as possible.
�Mrs Hargreaves—Amelia—wouldn’t be letting Lucy go if she didn’t have medical support for her and absolute faith in us,’ Dr Cavendish continued. �Dr Lineham has been looking after Lucy for the last two years—a year before he joined us—and her parents have complete and justified confidence in him.’ He smiled. �Lucy has never seen her father race—at least, not apart from on television—so she’s adamant she wants to go. As you’ll learn, she’s quite a determined child.’
As the plane gathered speed for take-off, Katie gripped the armrests of her seat. Fabio, on the other hand, was casually flicking through a magazine as if he didn’t have a care in the world. His legs were stretched out in front of him and Katie couldn’t help but notice how the material of his suit trousers clung to his thighs, emphasising the defined muscles. He had loosened his tie and discarded his jacket and looked very much at home. Something about him sent a shiver of disquiet through her.
�Don’t be scared,’ Lucy said, placing one of her small hands on top of Katie’s.
Not good. The child comforting the adult. Katie forced herself to unpick the fingers of her right hand from the armrests and relax.
�I’ll be fine. Keep it between you and me, Lucy, but I’ve never flown in a plane this size before. It doesn’t even feel like a plane. I guess it just takes getting used to.’
Lucy had given her a quick tour before they’d prepared for take-off. There were twelve seats in groups of four with a table between them, a bar with fruit juice and snacks, and shelves with books and magazines. It reminded her more of a lobby of a hotel than a plane. The co-pilot, a slim, attractive woman who looked far too young to be flying planes, doubled up as the stewardess and had introduced herself simply as Fern.
As soon as they were airborne and the seat-belt lights switched off, Lucy put down her games console and showed Katie how one of the seats at the rear of the cabin could be made into a bed. �That way I can lie down while you do my physio.’
�Have you been to Monaco before?’ Lucy asked, as Katie worked on her.
Katie smiled. �I’ve spent three weeks in Europe and I’ve just returned from working in Ireland, but that’s about the limit of my travels, I’m afraid.’
�I haven’t been to Monaco either. But I have stayed on the yacht we’re staying on before when we’ve been on holiday. I like staying on yachts. Do you?’
�I did a trip on a riverboat with my parents when I was a little girl. It was wonderful. I loved it. It was so much fun. I remember my brother and I had to keep getting on and off to open the locks.’
At the memory, a stab of pain shot through her and her eyes filled. She was glad Lucy was lying on her stomach and wouldn’t see the tears threatening to spill. Would she ever be able to think of Richard without wanting to howl? She doubted it. She breathed deeply, trying to keep her voice level.
�Okay, that’s you.’ Katie helped Lucy sit up.
�That was quick,’ Lucy said. �You’re much better than the person who normally does my physio.’
Kate smiled. �Maybe because I’ve had lots of practice. My young cousin has cystic fibrosis too. I used to do her physio when they lived near me.’
�Want another shot at my game?’ Lucy asked when they were seated again. �I don’t mind sharing.’
She really was an extremely likeable little girl. �No, thanks, sweetheart, but it’s kind of you to offer. I think I’ll read for a little while.’
Katie tried to concentrate on the magazine she’d bought in Departures, but somehow her eyes kept on straying over towards her colleague as he chatted to Lucy. Dr Fabio Lineham was the most extraordinarily gorgeous man she’d ever set eyes on. And she bet he knew it too. No doubt he had a phone full of women’s phone numbers. She started guiltily when he caught her flicking a glance at him and she made a show of being deeply engrossed in reading an article. Until she noticed the title—'How to Entice Your Man into Your Heart and Between the Sheets'. She slapped the pages shut when Fabio left Lucy playing her game and sat down beside her.
�So, Katie, I think we should get to know each other, seeing as we’ll be working together.’
He smelled divine. A mixture of spice and lemons. Her heart gave a little run of beats and for some reason she felt the air had been sucked from the atmosphere, leaving her feeling breathless.
�What would you like to know?’ Katie asked, relieved that her voice didn’t give her odd reaction away.
�Everything.’ He glanced at his watch. �We’ve a couple of hours to go yet.’
�There’s not much to tell, really.’ At least, there wasn’t much she wanted to tell him. She liked to keep her professional and personal lives separate.
�I’ve been working as a physio for four years. I specialised in sports injuries before moving to paediatrics.’ There. Keep it to work. That was safe ground.
�I know that. It was all on your pretty impressive CV. By the way, well done on that paper you contributed to the British Medical Journal.’
The paper wasn’t listed on her CV and she was surprised he knew about it.
�I enjoyed reading about bioethics and physiotherapy. It’s not something I knew much about.’
So, he hadn’t just glanced at it but read it. She looked at him more closely. Perhaps she shouldn’t make up her mind so quickly? Didn’t she hate it when other people did that? Just because he was good looking—strike that, amazing looking—it didn’t mean he wasn’t a good doctor. She relaxed a little.
�I’d like to know about you,’ he added. �Not just your professional résumé.’
She stiffened. Perhaps she should trust her instincts after all? She was right about one thing. He was the kind of man who couldn’t bear to pass up a chance to flirt with anyone of the opposite sex. He was gorgeous and knew it. She distrusted men like that. Not that she had any experience of his kind of man.
�Not much to tell, really,’ she said.
�Ah, I’m sure there is. What do you like to do in your spare time?’
Katie looked at him out of the corner of her eye. �I exercise when I can. Swimming mostly. And I go out occasionally.’
�No boyfriend?’
It was none of his business. This was taking polite interest a step too far.
�No,’ she replied shortly. �Tell me about you.’ It was a safe ploy. Men like him liked nothing better than to talk about themselves.
To her surprise, he shook his head. �Oh, no, you don’t. I asked first.’ He smiled and her pulse did another little run of beats. �Tell me about the swimming. Do you go often? What else do you do to keep fit?’
The approval as his dark green eyes swept across her body brought a flush to her cheeks. Really, if she hadn’t just met him, and he wasn’t her boss, she’d be tempted to … What? Tell him to stop looking at her? It wasn’t necessarily his fault her body was behaving in this disconcerting, alien manner.
�I swim almost every day. It’s a habit I got into as a child and have somehow managed to keep up. I find it relaxing. Nothing to do except think about finishing the lengths. No noise. Just mindless rhythm.’ At least, that was how it used to be. These days any silence was filled with memories of Richard and terrible, overwhelming pain, loss and guilt. No matter how hard she pushed herself, no matter how many times she pounded up and down the length of the pool, she could never exhaust herself enough to sleep without having stomach-churning, terrifying nightmares.
She forced herself to concentrate on the present. �What about you?’ This was more like it. Two colleagues exchanging polite small talk. �I take it you’re into the party scene?’ She couldn’t resist it.
Fabio leant over, his warm breath fanning her neck. It took every ounce of her willpower not to instinctively pull away from him as sparks danced down her spine. �Don’t tell Lucy—she likes to think I lead an exciting life of parties and balls, but …’ he dropped his voice to a conspiratorial whisper �… actually, I had to attend a formal dinner last night but was called out in the middle of it to attend to a patient. I had to admit her to hospital and we were there most of the night. I didn’t have time to go home and change.’
�Oh.’ So she had got him all wrong. She felt a tell-tale flush colour her cheeks.
He resumed his normal tone. �But to answer your initial question, I love all sports.’
�He goes BASE jumping,’ Lucy interjected from across the way. She’d obviously been listening to their conversation while playing her game. �It’s how he met my dad. Dad used to do it too but Mum made him give it up. She said it was too dangerous and that it was bad enough him being a racing driver without that as well.’
What could be more dangerous than driving a racing car?
�What’s BASE jumping?’ Katie asked. �I can’t say I’ve ever heard of it.’
�It stands for Buildings Antenna Spans and Earth. I looked it up in a book,’ Lucy replied.
Katie was none the wiser.
�Earth actually stands for cliffs,’ Fabio said. �You find a cliff with sheer sides and jump off it.’
�You jump off cliffs?’ Katie couldn’t keep the incredulity from her voice.
Fabio shrugged. �It’s not as dangerous as it sounds. I do wear a parachute.’
�I couldn’t imagine in my wildest dreams throwing myself off a mountain with nothing but a flimsy bit of material strapped to my back.’ Katie shivered. �Bit of an extreme way to get a high, isn’t it?’
�Some people get their thrills from a bottle. I guess I get mine at the top of a mountain.’
It was the way he said it that made Katie look more closely at him. There was a far-away look in his eyes, a sudden seriousness that intrigued her. Suddenly she wanted to know what attracted him to such a dangerous sport.
Fabio seemed to give himself a mental shake.
�But we were talking about you. Where do you live? And what about your family? Are they nearby?’
Katie swallowed. �I stay in North London, not far from where I was brought up. Dad was an accountant. Mum used to work as a nurse in the local hospital.’
�Used to?’ Fabio looked at her sharply.
Oh, God, she always dreaded this question. It made people embarrassingly uncomfortable and they usually quickly moved the conversation to safer ground. Not that she could blame them—what was there to say? �They died in a plane crash when I was thirteen.’
There was no disguising the shock and genuine sympathy in his dark green eyes. �I am so sorry. That must have been hard, losing both of them.’ Fabio touched her hand lightly.
�It was.’ Her heart thumped against her chest. She guessed what was coming next.
�What about brothers? Sisters?’
Katie flinched and shook her head. He’d already elicited much more information than she was comfortable with—and what could she say to this virtual stranger about her brother? Especially when she was still so raw she could barely acknowledge the truth herself?
�No. It’s just me.’ Even as she said it, she hated that she couldn’t yet bring herself to mention her brother. But she couldn’t. Not without wanting to cry.
She needed to turn the conversation back to safe ground. Anywhere but on her family life. Forcing a smile, Katie turned to him. �And you? Where are you from? Not England, I’m guessing.’
�So where do you think, then?’ he asked with a crooked smile.
She leaned her head back and made a show of thinking. �Portugal.’
Fabio wiggled his hand in a side-to-side gesture. �Hmm, not quite. Brazil.’
Brazeel. The way he said it made it sound so exotic.
�That’s a long way from your family.’
�My mother lives in Brazil most of the time, it’s where most of her work is. My father died when I was in my teens.’
�I’m sorry,’ Kate said simply.
�His mother is a film star,’ Lucy piped up again. The child had remarkable hearing.
�Hey, don’t you give all my secrets away, Luce,’ Fabio protested.
Katie sneaked a sideways look at Fabio. It made sense he’d have an actress as a mother. That was probably where he got his stunning good looks. She raised an eyebrow, inviting him to elaborate.
�You might have heard of her. The actress Camilla Salvatore?’ The way he said his mother’s name, rolling the consonants around his tongue, his Brazilian accent becoming stronger, made Katie’s toes curl, even as she wondered what had caused the bleak look in his eyes.
Camilla Salvatore—who hadn’t heard of her? If Katie remembered rightly, she had been a model before becoming an actress, the wife of the equally famous Tom Lineham, who had been huge in the 1980s and whose hits were still popular even now.
Tom Lineham! God. That made Fabio his son.
Fabio must have read the dawning realisation in her face. �Yes. �Fraid so. They’re my folks.’
Katie’s head was spinning. The couple had been international celebrities. She remembered reading somewhere that Tom Lineham had died and that there had been some mystery surrounding the circumstances, but wasn’t that always the case with celebrities? It was hardly something she could quiz his son about. It wasn’t surprising she hadn’t made the connection, between Dr Fabio Lineham and Tom Lineham. It had never crossed her mind that two famous people would have a son who had become a doctor. Why had he anyway? It seemed an unusual choice for the child of extremely wealthy parents.
�Yet you became a doctor,’ she said.
He looked amused. �As opposed to what? Being in the movies? A singer? Lolling about, living off my parents’ money?’ He smiled wryly. No doubt he was used to this reaction. �I’m a lousy actor and my voice is worse.’
�So all this …’ she waved a hand around the interior of the plane �… is pretty much old hat to you.’
�’Fraid so,’ he said again. �I didn’t even know there were commercial aircraft until I was thirteen or so.’
Poor little rich boy.
A flicker of a smile crossed his face. �That didn’t come out too well, did it? But I’m not going to apologise for the way I was brought up. There was money, yes. But as for …’ He stopped suddenly but not before Katie thought a flash of pain in his eyes. Almost immediately it was gone and the mask was back in place. �One thing I’ve learned, Katie Simpson. Never apologise for who you are. Or what you were. Never look back. It’s the here and now that matters.’
What did he mean by that? For a second she wondered if he knew about Richard. But that was impossible. She hadn’t told anyone. She was beginning to get the unsettling sensation he could see inside her head.
�And, before you ask, no brothers, no sisters—only a cousin who lives in California.’ Maybe he could read her mind.
�So what made you choose physiotherapy?’ Fabio said, before she could question him further.
�My young cousin has CF. Like all sufferers, she has to get physio regularly. She’s one of the lucky ones, though.’
Her cousin had escaped the relentless round of chest infections that most CF patients were susceptible to throughout their lives.
�What about you? Why did you become a doctor?’ Katie tried to turn the conversation back to him. She was reluctant to share any more details of her life with this man. He already knew more about her than she wanted him to know.
�Pretty much the same reason as you—personal experience. I was ill as a child—nothing too serious. I found it really interesting what everyone was doing around me and decided I’d like to be on the right end of a needle.’ His words trailed off and Katie thought something shifted in his eyes before his mouth widened in a smile. �Seems we have more in common than just being colleagues.’
Katie was pretty sure they didn’t have much in common. Apart from the fact they had both lost their fathers, his upbringing couldn’t have been more different from hers. He was rich, sophisticated and probably used to socialising with the kind of people she’d only read about. Furthermore, the way he looked, the confidence that seemed to ooze from every pore, made her feel gauche and unsophisticated. He had no right to make her feel like that.
�I doubt that.’ As soon as the words were out of her mouth she realised how abrupt she sounded. �I’m sorry, that didn’t come out the way I intended.’
�That’s okay,’ He gave her a puzzled look. He was probably wondering why she was so prickly. She wasn’t sure herself. Ever since he’d stepped on board, she’d felt flustered.
She picked up her magazine again, making it obvious she preferred to read than chat.
Fabio gave her a long look before settling himself back in his seat and closing his eyes. He opened one briefly to look at Katie. �Give me a nudge when we’re about to land, would you? It was a hell of a late night last night.’
Before Katie could reply, the rhythm of his breathing changed and within seconds he was sound asleep.
CHAPTER TWO
AS SOON as the plane touched down, the co-pilot returned to open the door and release the stairs. As they left the plane, Katie saw the statuesque blonde slip a piece of paper to Fabio. Her contact details, no doubt.
Lucy let out a squeal of delight and almost ran down the steep steps towards a slim, elegant woman and a stocky man, who had to be her parents from the delighted expressions on their faces.
Lucy’s father swung her into his arms and held her tight, whilst her mother smothered her with kisses.
Katie hesitated at the bottom of the stairs, reluctant to intrude. Tears clogged her throat as she watched their emotional family reunion, suddenly stricken by a sense of loneliness and longing.
But she couldn’t let her personal feelings overwhelm her—she was here to do a job—and perform it professionally. Forcing herself to breathe slowly and evenly, Katie regained her composure. Besides, what would it be like to have a child not knowing how long she’d be with you? Unbearable. As bad as having a son or brother or any loved one in a war zone. Life had taught her one thing. Happiness wasn’t guaranteed and even this couple, for all their fame and fortune, weren’t immune to the roll of the dice. Katie prayed Lucy’s parents would have their daughter for a long, long time to come.
�Fabio.’ Amelia walked towards them, hand held outstretched. She seemed pleased, even relieved to see him. He bent to let her kiss him on both cheeks. �How lovely to see you again,’ Amelia said. �We can’t thank you enough for coming.’
Amelia looked elegantly cool in a vanilla-white trouser suit with just the merest pink lace of her camisole peeking out. She was made up but no amount of make-up could hide the fear and sadness in her eyes. She turned to Katie and held out her hand. �Miss Simpson, I can’t tell you how delighted I am that you could come too. Lucy has been dy …’ she bit her lip �… longing to see her daddy race, but we couldn’t bring her. Until now. I’m told that you are an expert in the field of physio for CF.’
�I’m happy to be here too, Mrs Hargreaves. I gave Lucy her physio on the plane. Didn’t I, Luce?’
�Please, do call me Amelia.’ She knelt beside her daughter. �Did you sleep on the plane, sweet pea?’
�Yes. A little.’
�Hey, Fabio!’ Mark called out. �Great to see you again.’
Katie watched as the two men greeted each other warmly, hugging and slapping each other on the back. Fabio clearly had a stronger relationship with the family than most doctors did with patients and their families.
After introductions all round, Mark gathered Lucy up into his arms again. �Sorry I have to leave you straight away, sweetie, but there’s a team meeting I have to attend.’ Giving his wife a lingering kiss, Mark sketched a wave and jumped into a low-slung sports car, then roared away.
�I’ll take you to the yacht,’ Amelia said. �The firm my husband races for has given us sole use of it for however long we need, whenever we need it. There’s plenty of room. I hope you’ll be comfortable.’
They all piled into the back of a stretch limo. The limo was another first for Katie and she sank back in the leather seat.
As Lucy chatted away to her mother, Katie stared out of the darkened rear windows of the car. She had heard about Monaco. With its international reputation for being the playground of the rich and famous, who hadn’t?
It was like being on a film set. Sleek sports cars purred around. She didn’t know the names of most of them, but they could have come straight out of a James Bond movie. Most of them were open to the sunshine and were driven by men and women who looked as if they’d just stepped out of the pages of a glossy magazine or starred in that same movie.
Fabio found himself tuning out from Lucy’s excited chatter, watching Katie instead. Every now and again, her eyes would light up and then just as quickly she would bite her lip and look anxious. It was extraordinary—and curiously refreshing—to see every reaction reflected in her face. Most women he knew thought it gauche to show emotion, especially to reveal that they were anything but bored by their surroundings. Katie Simpson intrigued him.
Not that she was his cup of tea. She was prim and serious in her buttoned-up suit, and there was that disconcerting shadow in her eyes. He liked his women sophisticated and, well, to put it frankly, not too deep.
And there were definitely deep layers to Katie Simpson. He had yet to meet someone who didn’t enjoy talking about themselves but it was obvious that she was the exception to the rule. There were times on the plane when he could have sworn she was hiding something. Back there on the tarmac, he’d seen sadness wash over her face as she’d witnessed the Hargreaves’ reunion. Was she recovering from a broken heart? A jilted lover, perhaps? It was a possibility. So that sealed it. Even if she had been his type, he would never have an affair with a vulnerable woman who was on the rebound. That was a complication he could do without. And he didn’t do complicated.
Despite the evidence of wealth everywhere, nothing could have prepared Katie for the actual size of the yacht.
Moored alongside several others, it wasn’t the biggest in the bay, but it was still larger than anything Katie had ever seen. More like a small cruise ship than a pleasure boat.
�I’ll show you to your cabins,’ Amelia said as she led them up the gangway. �Then, if you think Lucy’s up to it, I promised I’d take her to the track. Mark is due to start a practice session in an hour.’ Her anxious eyes found Fabio’s. �If you think it would be okay for Lucy to be there? You will come too, won’t you?’
Fabio touched her on the shoulder. �Lucy’s doing really well at the moment and of course we’ll come to the track. That’s what we’re here for.’
�You’re such a worry-wart, Mummy,’ Lucy said. �I keep telling you I’m okay. There’s no way I’m not going to watch Daddy.’ The little girl’s mouth was set in a firm line. This was the determined side to Lucy Dr Cavendish had told her about. Determination was good.
�I guess all mothers and fathers worry about their children,’ Amelia said lightly. �Even when they’re all grown up. It’s part of loving someone very much.’
It was true, Katie thought, her heart twisting. Unfortunately all the worrying in the world didn’t stop bad things from happening.
Amelia hooked her arm through Fabio’s, leaving Katie to follow in their wake. To her surprise she felt a small hand slip into hers. She looked down to find Lucy looking up at her.
�Don’t be sad,’ she said. �I’ll look after you.’
Katie squeezed Lucy’s hand. No doubt the little girl was used to seeing the hurt in adults’ eyes. Katie gave herself a mental shake and forced a smile. For as long as she was there, she would make certain Lucy had one less adult to worry about.
�Sure,’ Katie replied. She dropped her voice and bent to whisper in the little girl’s ear. �This is a bit bigger than the boat I was on as a little girl, you know.’
Lucy giggled. �It’s not that big, silly.’ She pulled on Katie’s arm. �Come and see.’
It was that big. There was a hot tub surrounded by padded seating and a raised deck for sunbathing. To the stern was a covered area where, Lucy explained, they had breakfast. A number of white-uniformed staff drifted around with trays of cool drinks and Katie helped herself to a glass of chilled freshly squeezed orange juice. It was the perfect cure for her tight, aching throat.
After showing her the top deck, Lucy led her down some steps.
The inside was even more spectacular. An enormous lounge with what looked like a working fireplace was furnished with soft white leather couches and antique pieces, including a polished rosewood table that held a silver decanter and crystal goblets. The dining room was equally impressive. A chandelier hung over a French-polished dining table with matching chairs. It was big enough to seat sixteen. Katie hardly had time to take it all in as Lucy kept pulling her along until they came to a door. Lucy opened it with a flourish.
�This is your cabin. Dr Fabio’s is right next door. And mine is across the passage, next to Mummy and Daddy’s.’
Cabin wasn’t the word Katie would have used to describe the room. There was a double bed, a sitting area with a television and a marble bathroom with a full bath and shower. Katie, with Lucy still watching her reaction, stepped out onto a small balcony. The marina was crammed full of yachts, most of which had people on the decks either sunbathing or sipping drinks while they chatted. Katie couldn’t be sure, but she thought she recognised at least one famous actor.
�Wow!’ she said to Lucy. She couldn’t think of anything else to say.
Suddenly the little girl seemed exhausted and she sank back on Katie’s bed. Katie was instantly alarmed. The long journey plus the excitement had taken it out of the child.
�Tell you what,’ she said. �While I unpack, why don’t you have a nap on my bed before it’s time to go to the race track? Then, if you don’t feel better, I’ll ask Dr Lineham to come and have a listen to your chest.’
�I’m okay,’ Lucy said. �But I will have a sleep. Don’t say anything to Mum, will you? She’s happy right now.’
Katie’s heart went out to Lucy. Along the way she had become used to pretending for her mother’s sake.
Lucy was asleep in seconds and Katie was covering her with a blanket when there was a knock on the door. She answered it and put her finger to her lips when she saw Fabio standing there. He’d changed out of his suit and into a pair of light trousers and an open-necked, short-sleeved shirt. Katie felt over dressed in her jacket and trousers.
He glanced over her shoulder and, seeing Lucy, tiptoed into the room. �I was just looking for her,’ he whispered. �How’s she doing?’
�Exhausted, I think. I suggested she have her nap here, where I can keep an eye on her. I think it’s all been too much for her. The journey, the excitement of seeing her parents, as well as the prospect of watching her father race.’
Fabio scrutinised Lucy’s face while feeling her pulse. He straightened and smiled at Katie. �She’s okay. Rest is good. I’ll let Amelia know where she is.’
�I’ll stay with her until she wakes up,’ Katie said. �Tell Amelia not to worry.’
Fabio nodded his head in the direction of the balcony and Katie followed him outside. He closed the door behind them.
�It’s important we let Lucy do whatever she feels able to,’ he said. �It’s what she wants. Understandably her parents would prefer to wrap her in cotton wool, but Lucy has let me know in no uncertain terms that she wants to be treated as if she were any child.
�She doesn’t want us to treat her as if she’s a patient,’ he continued. �She prefers to think of us as being friends of her parents, people who are here because they want to be, rather than because she’s ill. I like to think of all my patients in terms of the family and not in isolation.’
That explained Fabio’s informal and apparently casual attitude. Katie found herself revising her opinion of him once again.
�She’s a brave girl,’ Katie said. She looked around the marina, taking in the wealth all around. �My guess is that her parents would give every penny they have to have her well.’
�And you’d be right. But they can’t.’ His expression relaxed. �They’re really glad to have you here, you know. They wouldn’t have risked bringing Lucy out here unless they knew she could have professional physio on hand whenever she needs it. A lot of parents do the therapy themselves, but Amelia hates doing it. She’s scared she hurts Lucy.’
�I can appreciate that, but I think we should encourage her to give it a go. I won’t always be around to do Lucy’s physio—at least, not as often as she needs it. Besides, once they learn how to do it and get confident, many parents become really good at it.’
He studied her as if he were truly seeing her for the first time and she shifted uncomfortably under the intensity of his gaze. �You’re a surprise, Katie Simpson, do you know that? I get the feeling that if anyone can persuade Amelia, it’ll be you.’ He looked as if he was about to add something but then he turned to leave. �We’ll be up on deck if you’re looking for us,’ he said.
By the time Katie had finished unpacking her few belongings and taken a shower, Lucy was awake again. Realising that her suit was totally inappropriate, Katie changed into a skirt and cotton blouse. They went back on deck to find Mark had returned and Fabio was chatting to both him and Amelia.
As soon as Amelia saw them, she rushed over to her daughter and hugged her tightly.
�Did you have a good sleep, sweetie?’
Lucy nodded. �Katie let me use her bed.’
�Daddy is going back to the track to practise. Do you want to come and watch? Or would you rather stay here and wait to see him in the race?’
�Mummy, I said before, I’m coming and you’re not to fuss,’ Lucy said. �I’m okay.’ She softened her tone and smiled at her father. �I can’t wait to see Daddy practise.’
Mark scooped his daughter into his arms. �And so you will. C’mon, then. Let’s get going.’
The race track was only a short drive from the yacht, so close they could have walked, although it didn’t seem to occur to anyone to do so. No doubt they were scared of tiring their daughter unnecessarily. As soon as Katie was out of the air-conditioned car, she smelled oil and rubber.
�Hey, Fabio. If you fancy a spin around the track, I’m sure I could arrange it.’ Mark said.
Mark had to be kidding.
But Fabio didn’t seem think so. A broad smile spread across his face. �Fancy it? That’s putting it mildly. I’d give my right arm for a go in one of those monsters you race.’
Mark laughed. �I knew you’d be up for it. Okay, then, let’s go and get you suited up.’
The two men left them to go and change.
�Can Mark do that?’ Katie asked. �I mean, let Fabio have a shot at driving the car? Surely there are rules?’
Amelia smiled. �You’ll soon learn that one thing neither Fabio nor my husband care about are rules. They’re both adrenaline junkies.’
�So I heard on the plane,’ Katie said. �Lucy said that they met BASE jumping?’
�God, yes. I made Mark give it up as soon as I watched a video of him and Fabio doing it. It’s a crazy sport. They throw themselves off these huge cliffs and wait until they’re almost halfway down before they open their parachutes. So many people die, it’s practically outlawed in some places.’
God, it sounded even more dangerous than Fabio had made out.
Lucy was skipping ahead of them, but to be on the safe side Katie lowered her voice.
�Aren’t you scared something will happen to Mark when he’s racing?’
Amelia’s expression darkened. �I’m terrified every time he goes out on that track, believe me, but he wouldn’t be the man I love if he didn’t do what he does. I couldn’t stop him anyway. All I can do is pray that he’ll stay safe.’ She smiled briefly. �But it’s not as dangerous as people think. At least all the cars are going in the same direction and there are ambulances and people with fire extinguishers on standby the whole time. On the whole, I’m happier with Mark racing than BASE jumping.’ She shuddered. �Now, that terrified me.’
It wasn’t exactly reassuring. Having a husband who was a racing driver must be close to having a brother in the army in Afghanistan. Why was it that some men needed to face danger to feel alive? Didn’t they realise the agony they put their loved ones through? But people didn’t choose who they fell in love with. Amelia had still fallen for Mark despite his chosen career, and Suzy had never tried to stop Richard from doing the job he loved either.
Katie vowed that when she fell in love it would be with someone she knew she had a good chance of growing old with.
At the race track, they were made welcome. They were offered a seat in the viewing area and a cool drink, but Lucy was keen to visit the pits, so that was where they headed.
The area was crowded with mechanics fiddling with engines and chatting. Fabio and Mark were already there, suited up in similar overalls. Fabio looked in his element.
�I’d rather race,’ he was saying to Mark. �I know you’ll beat me hands down but, hey, I’ll never get another chance to race you again.’
�You wouldn’t see me for dust, mate.’ Mark’s expression turned serious. �These babies are worth a small fortune, Fabio, and with your track record you have to promise me you’ll stay under a hundred and twenty. Keep behind me, but not too close. I don’t want you taking me out by accident. And we’re only doing two laps. Okay? Use the first to get used to how the car handles.’
A hundred and twenty! Were the pair of them out of their minds?
Fabio’s eyes glittered. �I’m not crazy, you know. I’ll take it easy, I swear.’
The men were helped into the narrow cockpits of their separate cars. With his helmet on, only Fabio’s eyes were visible. There was no mistaking the excitement in them. Katie seriously doubted he’d be able to keep himself or his car under control.
She was almost tempted to excuse herself—she really had no interest in watching her colleague fulfil a boyhood fantasy but for some reason she couldn’t bring herself to leave.
The noise of the cars revving up would have been deafening had the staff not handed out ear defenders to everyone. With one final roar of the engines and the screech of burning rubber, the two men were off and within seconds had disappeared from view, already travelling at speed.
Less than two minutes later the cars came back into view, hurtling down the track towards them. Even with the sound muffled, Katie could still hear the tremendous whine of the engines, and she could feel the ground vibrating beneath her feet. The smell of burning fuel filled the air, adding to the sense of drama and excitement. Despite herself, Katie leant forward, hands clutched with tension as she tried to make out who was in front. As they roared past, Lucy was jumping up and down with excitement.
�Go, Daddy, go!’
Before Katie knew it, they were back and Fabio was climbing out of his car.
�Thanks, mate,’ he said to Mark. ��That was some adrenaline rush. I wish I’d tried it sooner. Maybe I should take up rally driving instead.’
Fabio obviously had nerves of steel. He looked as unruffled as if he’d just been for a Sunday drive. Totally at ease in his black and red jumpsuit, the helmet casually tucked under an arm, he oozed sex appeal. He caught her looking at him and dropped his lid in a wink. Her heart gave another awkward thump and she looked away quickly.
At least she had a colleague for a little while longer. But what was he thinking? They were here to work, not have fun.
Another roar of an engine and Mark was off again. Fabio turned to Amelia, Lucy and Katie.
�Your dad is some driver, isn’t he, Luce?’
�He’s the best,’ Lucy agreed. �I just know he’s going to win the race.’
�Of course he will,’ Fabio said. �If you’ll all excuse me, I’ll go and get changed.’
�Why don’t we get some lunch upstairs, Lucy?’ Amelia suggested. �We’ll be able to see Dad better from up there.’ She turned to Katie. �You’ll join us? Mark’ll be at least another couple of hours out on the track. They have to be sure the car is handling just right before the race.’
�When is it?’ Katie asked.
�Tomorrow. Then he’s off to Istanbul for the next one in a couple of weeks. Depending on how Lucy is, we might go to that one too. If you and Fabio are free to come too, that is?’ Amelia watched her daughter who had skipped on ahead. �You don’t know how good it feels for us to be able to spend time as a family.’ She paused and bit her lip. �We don’t know for sure how long Lucy might be with us, so we want to spend as much time together as possible.’
Katie touched her on the shoulder. �Hopefully she’ll be with you long enough to give you grey hairs. Children with CF are doing so much better now.’ And she was being truthful. These days, around half of children with CF could expect to live to their late thirties and improvements in treatment meant that babies born today with the condition could expect to live much longer. In the 1960s a child was lucky to survive much beyond his or her fifth birthday. Of course, Amelia would know all that. Not that it was likely to be of much comfort. No parent would want to dwell on the fact that it was possible they would outlive their child.
After lunch, they all returned to the yacht. Lucy was due another round of physio.
Before Katie started, Fabio checked his small patient over.
�Chest sounds good, Luce,’ he said, returning his stethoscope to his leather medical bag.
�Does that mean I can skip my physio?’ Lucy asked hopefully.
�Nice try, kiddo. But you know it doesn’t.’
�S’pose so. I need to use the bathroom first.’
While they waited for Lucy, Fabio turned to Katie. �There’s a drinks party this evening. I don’t know if Amelia remembered to tell you.’
The thought of spending an evening with strangers panicked Katie. Especially as it would no doubt be crowded with the outrageously rich and famous glitterati of Monaco.
�I won’t be expected to go, surely? If you don’t mind, I’d much rather have something to eat in my room and an early night.’ It wasn’t just the thought of spending an evening with stars—she just didn’t feel up to a party. Not that she wanted to share the real reason for her reluctance with Fabio.
�You don’t have to stay long.’ Fabio replied, leaning against her dressing table. �You never know, you might even enjoy yourself.’
�I doubt it. It’s just not my … scene.’ Damn! That made her sound even more gauche and unsophisticated than she already felt.
�If you’re worried about meeting some of the guests, believe me, they’re all just ordinary people under their confident facades.’
�It’s easy for you to say. You’re used to this world. I’m not.’ Oh, God, was he never going to give up? �Anyway I didn’t think to bring anything appropriate to wear.’
His look was appreciative. �I think you could wear anything and still look good.’
Katie flushed. As soon as she found herself warming to him, he resorted to the playboy charm. It must come as natural to him as breathing.
�I’m sure Amelia will lend you a dress if need be.’ He looked at his watch and turned to go. �I’ll let Amelia and Mark know that Lucy will be along after she’s rested.’ Then, whistling, he left Katie standing in her room, unable to think of anything to say.
CHAPTER THREE
FABIO stood on the deck with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice in his hand and looked around the crowd of partygoers. There was the usual mix of sports stars, singers and actors. He knew a lot of them from other occasions. Although he’d told Katie she would find the other guests interesting, in many ways he found it boring. It was the same old crowd, the same old parties, the same chat about who was dating who, who had clinched the bigger deal, whose career was on the up, and more salaciously whose was heading down.
He had thought about phoning the co-pilot and inviting her, but had decided against it. He was at work and didn’t like to mix business with pleasure. He’d wait until he got back to the UK before he called her.
Then he saw Katie step onto the deck. Her blonde hair, unleashed from the plait, was gleaming gold in the moonlight. Her eyes were wide with excitement, or anxiety—he couldn’t tell which, although he suspected the latter. As she stood on her own, separate from the crowd, twisting a lock of hair between her fingers, Fabio felt an unexpected rush of protectiveness.
A simple sundress exposed her delicate collarbones and revealed shapely, lightly tanned legs. Although she wore none of the ostentatiously expensive diamond jewellery the other women did and he knew enough about women’s clothes to know that her dress was no designer one-off, she outshone every other female on the yacht. Next to her the others looked overdressed and unnatural. He was stunned. Was this the same woman he had travelled with? As if sensing his eyes on her, she found his gaze and in that split second it was as if everyone else disappeared.
He pushed his way through the crowd until he was by her side.
�So you decided to make an appearance after all?’ he asked.
She smiled up at him, relief at having a familiar face to talk to evident in her grey eyes.
�Lucy made me. She said if I stayed in my room she wouldn’t come to the party either, so I promised I would come for a short while.’
Grabbing a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, Fabio passed it to Katie. She took it with a grateful smile. �I still feel as if I don’t belong.’
�Trust me, you’re already attracting attention. From the women as much as the men. They’re all wondering who you are. The men because they’re planning how to move in on you and the women because they want to know who the competition is.’
�Don’t be ridiculous.’ She smiled at him and he felt the strangest feeling—one he didn’t recognise—in the pit of his stomach.
�But I don’t care if I do look like Cinderella. I’m here to do a job and if I have to join in, that’s what I’ll do.’ Her smile grew wider and her eyes sparkled mischievously. �I doubt I’ll ever be as close to the rich and famous again, so I’m going to enjoy it. Now, won’t you tell me who is who? I don’t want to embarrass myself or offend anyone by not recognising people I perhaps should. Later, I’m going to write it all down in my diary so I can tell my grandchildren about it.’
Fabio’s pulse was still behaving oddly. All of a sudden he wanted nothing better than to be alone with Katie and find a corner where he could keep bringing that mischievous glint to her eyes. But he couldn’t. They were both on duty. And … he groaned inwardly … she was a colleague. Hadn’t he told himself earlier that an affair was out of the question? That it would only lead to trouble sooner or later? But that had been before, when he’d been sure she wasn’t his type. Seeing her now was like a punch to his solar plexus.
He had to ignore the feeling in his gut, or at least he should ignore the feeling his gut. He wasn’t at all sure he was going to be able to do so.
�Okay. See that couple over there?’ He indicated a man and a woman who were surrounded by fawning admirers. �You must recognise them. Every one in the world knows who they are.’
�Oh, my God, yes! They’re on the front page of most newspapers. The golden husband and wife of the film world.’ Katie replied. �I just find it hard to believe that it’s truly them and not a couple of look-alikes.’
�Come on, then, I’ll introduce you.’ He liked the way she wasn’t scared to show her wonder.
Panic flared in her eyes and she shook her head. �I’d rather not,’ she protested. �What on earth will I say to them?’
�I think you’ll find that they are more than happy to have an audience,’ Fabio said dryly, and taking her by the elbow guided her across to the couple.
As it turned out, Fabio was right. The couple were charming and did most of the talking. All Katie had to do was nod and smile in the right places. She’d been terrified when she’d first come up on deck. The yacht was packed with glamorous men and women: the women in designer gowns that shimmered as they moved, diamonds sparkling at throats and hands, or in shorter, figure-hugging dresses, exposing long golden limbs; the men in tuxedos, with crisp white shirts and bow-ties. Everywhere Katie looked she thought she recognised someone from the movies or television or the modelling world. Next to the expertly made-up women in their impossibly high designer heels, Katie felt completely underdressed in her last season’s sundress, her face made up with only the merest slick of lipstick and mascara.
When she’d arrived, she had spotted Fabio immediately. Even next to the recognisable faces of well-known heartthrobs from the sporting and film world he’d stood out. Looking relaxed and assured in his dinner suit, his dark head bent to listen to something a flame-haired woman was whispering in his ear, he was the best-looking man on board. He must have felt her eyes on him because he looked up. Their eyes locked and her heart crashed against her ribs. Despite what she’d promised Lucy, she had been on the verge of hot footing it back to her cabin.
But before she could retreat, Fabio made a beeline towards her. Fleeing then would have made her look even more gauche than she already felt, and she was damned if she was going to let him see how unnerved she was, not only by the overwhelming number of beautiful people but the way the sight of him had stopped her breath. It had taken every ounce of her resolve to summon the smile she gave him.
Her heart was still pounding with excitement as the stars talked about their latest movies. If it hadn’t been for the music coming from a string quartet, she was sure everyone would have heard it beating.
�Your cousin Kendrick was the stunt co-ordinator on set, you know,’ Oliver Douglas, one half of the fabulous couple, was saying.
�And how is Kendrick?’ Fabio asked.
�Crazy as ever. He keeps pushing the boundaries as far as stunts are concerned, and the directors love him for it. So do we, don’t we, darling? It makes us, or at least me, look better.’ Oliver smiled at his wife with a self-deprecating grin. �We’re just surprised he doesn’t get hurt more often.’
�I guess as he didn’t manage to get himself killed when he was in the army, he’ll probably manage to keep himself in one piece on the set,’ Fabio said dryly.
Oliver frowned. �Didn’t he fly helicopters in Iraq or Afghanistan? Is it true he almost got killed rescuing some men who were pinned down by enemy fire? I heard something went wrong. That he went against orders and his commanding officers weren’t too pleased.’
�My cousin has never been one to let orders get in the way of doing what he feels is right,’ Fabio said. Although his voice was quiet, almost gentle, there was a steely expression in his eyes.
Katie’s blood ran cold. She didn’t want to hear about the army. She didn’t want to hear about war. She certainly didn’t want to hear about rescue operations that went wrong. Couldn’t they find something more pleasant to talk about? Their movies, for example. Their houses in exotic places. Anything except war. Images of her brother flooded her head. The two of them laughing at an old movie. He cajoling her to join him on a huge roller-coaster at a theme park, and laughing till he cried at how she’d screamed. Unlike her, he hadn’t been frightened of anything.
Now he was dead. He hadn’t been playing a part in a movie. He was gone and he was never coming back. As tears burned behind her lids, she clenched her teeth so hard it made her jaw ache. She needed to get away. There was no way she could contribute to this conversation. Her head was spinning, making her feel dizzy, and she swayed slightly. Would her feet even obey her commands?
Fabio was looking at her through narrowed eyes. He took her by the elbow and steadied her. �Would you excuse us? There’s someone I have to introduce Katie to.’
Without giving the couple a chance to respond, Fabio steered Katie away towards a quiet area of the yacht. She gripped the rail tightly, trying to stop her hands trembling, taking deep breaths as she waited for the dizziness to pass.
�What is it, Katie?’ Fabio asked. �You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.’
Katie couldn’t speak through her numb lips. She clenched her jaw, praying that tears wouldn’t come. Not here, not in front of all these people, not in front of this man.
�You’re shivering. Here.’ Fabio took off his jacket and draped it around her shoulders. It smelled of him. Lemon and spice.
�Thanks,’ she mumbled. She wished he would go away. Then she could slink back to her cabin and give in to the tears.
�Do you want to talk about it?’ His voice was gentle.
Please, she thought, don’t be nice to me. Anything else—flirt, whatever—just don’t be kind. If he was kind, it would undo her.
She gave a vigorous shake of her head.
�Okay, then, I’ll do the talking for a while.’ He indicated a man well over six feet five with silver hair, who was leaning nonchalantly against a polished railing. �See him? Do you know he used to be a baseball star before going into the movies?’
Fabio stood next to her, not quite touching, but almost. He carried on, his voice calm and soothing, until eventually she felt some of the tension leave her body.
�And the red-haired woman in the black dress?’ He tipped his head in the direction of a film star who had been nominated for several awards. �I heard tonight that’s she’s planning to divorce husband number five. I can’t imagine marrying once, let alone five times!’ He kept pointing people out, dropping in little bits of gossip and wry remarks until Katie had to smile.
�That’s better,’ he said, noticing.
�Thanks for staying with me.’ She cleared her throat. �And thanks for not asking me any questions. I’m going to go back downstairs and check on Lucy.’ She shrugged out of his jacket and held it out to him. �Please, go back to the party. I’ve monopolised you enough.’
He tipped her chin and looked into her eyes. �I’d rather stay with you. I can party anytime.’
The touch of his fingertip on her skin sent a spark down her spine. How could she go from thinking her heart was breaking to feeling like this all in a matter of a few minutes? How could this man have such an effect on her?
�No, please. I’m really tired, Fabio, but thanks.’
His eyes glinted in the moonlight. He leaned towards her and for one heart-stopping moment Katie thought he was going to kiss her. Instead, he brushed his lips against her forehead. It was just the lightest of pressure but enough to send a flash of heat through her.
�Sleep tight. I’ll see you in the morning,’ he said lightly, before walking away.
Katie was rooted to the spot as she watched him disappear into the crowd. Although she barely knew him, he was making her feel as if he was pulling her into his orbit, from where there would be no escape.
CHAPTER FOUR
THE next day everyone was up early and Katie found them all gathered for breakfast on deck.
A white-uniformed crew member pulled out her chair for her and asked her what she would like to eat. Katie looked at the side table, which was groaning with platters of fruit, pastries and cheese and cold meats.
�Coffee and a couple of those delicious-looking pastries, please,’ she said.
Fabio was reading the paper, clearly having long since finished his breakfast, and looked up in surprise.
�I know I shouldn’t,’ she said defensively. �But they just look so good.’
�Hey, I like a woman who enjoys eating. Most of the women I know, with the exception of you, Amelia, barely consume enough calories to keep themselves alive.’
The grin he gave her made her heart thump. She had been feeling anxious about seeing him after almost making a fool of herself the evening before, but he was clearly happy to pretend nothing out of the ordinary had happened and she was grateful to him.
Last night had been the first time she had slept without waking with tears on her pillow. Instead she had slept soundly, dreaming of dark green eyes and a full mouth. God, she realised, feeling a warmth rush through her body, she had been dreaming of being held in his arms, of him kissing her with a ferocity that made her heart sing. She looked away, terrified he could read her mind.
Even though she had clearly lost it. The dream had been so erotic—and so real—it made her blush to remember it. Perhaps it was transference or whatever it was called. Fabio had been so kind, staying with her until she’d got herself together—never mind what he must have thought of her odd behaviour the evening before. She cringed inwardly. So much for presenting a professional front at all times. The last thing she wanted was for him to think that she wasn’t up to the job.
Avoiding his eyes, she looked out to sea. The sun bounced off the water, making it sparkle. To her surprise the yacht was no longer moored. Some time through the night it had moved from the marina out into the bay.
�Daddy races today, but not until this afternoon,’ Lucy said. �Mummy and I are going to stay on board this morning.’ Lucy looked contented with her world.
�We thought Fabio could show you around the town. Would you like that?’ Amelia suggested, smiling at her daughter.
Katie glanced at Fabio, uncertain. After last night and her dream, she felt shy and awkward in his presence.
�Shouldn’t we stay here?’ she asked.
�I’m sure Amelia and Lucy would be glad of some time together,’ Fabio said. �But I’m sure they won’t mind if you want to stay and sunbathe. You can swim from the side of the yacht if you like.’
�Or you can do both,’ Amelia said. �Have a dip, then go and see a bit of Monaco before the race. It’s entirely up to you.’
Katie stared across at the clear blue water. The thought of cooling off was extremely appealing. There was only one problem.
�I didn’t think to bring my bikini,’ she said. �It didn’t occur to me.’
Amelia smiled. �Luckily I have a drawer full.’ She eyed Katie. �You and I are about the same size. You’re a bit shorter and smaller, but I don’t think there’s much in it.’
Fabio was studying Katie speculatively. �Didn’t you tell me you swim every day? I wouldn’t mind a swim myself and I’m sure Lucy will join us.’
�C’mon, Katie.’ Lucy added her entreaties. �Mummy doesn’t like to swim and it’ll be more fun if you and Fabio come in too.’
�Okay, then.’ Katie gave in. Exercise was good for Lucy.
After breakfast, Amelia helped Katie select a bikini. Although they were all more beautiful than anything Katie had ever worn, they all seemed slightly on the skimpy side, but seeing that she had no real choice she chose one that appeared to offer the most coverage.
By the time she’d changed and come back on deck, Lucy and Fabio were already in the water.
�C’mon, Katie,’ Lucy implored. �We’re waiting for you.’
Fabio was treading water. With his dark hair slicked down with the water, he looked different—more vulnerable, more human. And, if it were possible, even more sexy.
�Yes, vamos. Or do I have to come up there and get you?’ he threatened with a glint in his eye.
Katie had no doubt he would do as he said. She balanced on the edge of the yacht and taking a deep breath dived straight in. She gasped as she hit the cool water, but moments later it felt deliciously cool and refreshing.
She bobbed up within inches of Fabio. He was still looking at her with a gleam in his eyes. �That was some dive,’ he said appreciatively. His expression grew serious. �Are you okay?’ he said. His genuine look of concern rattled her. She didn’t want him to think she needed looking after. Last night had been a glitch. In future she’d be more careful to keep her feelings under control.
�I’m fine. I was tired, that’s all. It was a long day,’ she replied, keeping her voice matter-of-fact.
He looked at her searchingly for a moment. She was sure he didn’t believe her. Then, as if he knew he wouldn’t get more from her, the teasing look was back in his eyes.
�Want to race?’ he said.
Lucy had eased herself onto an airbed and was paddling towards them.
�If you race, I’ll be the judge,’ she offered.
Katie was about to refuse when she read the challenge in Fabio’s eyes. Her heart started pounding.
�Okay.’ She pointed to a buoy in the distance. �What about to that marker and back?’
�Done. I’ll give you a head start if you like,’ Fabio said with a smile.
�Not needed.’ Katie retorted.
�Okay, ready, steady, go!’ Lucy shouted, cupping her hands around her mouth.
Without waiting to see what Fabio was up to, Katie set off at a fast crawl. Each time she lifted her face to the side to suck in some air, she looked for him, but he was nowhere in sight. Good. She must be in front. But when she touched the buoy, she saw that he had been ahead of her and was turning back already. Damn. She increased her speed, putting every ounce of energy into making her legs and arms move faster. Soon she was alongside him, and then with a last effort past him. That would show him.
But just as Lucy, and the finishing line, was within easy reach, a hand grabbed her foot and she was tugged under.
Twisting out of his grip, Katie bobbed to the surface. Fabio had started swimming away from her and would easily cross the finishing line before her. The cheat! Well, two could play at that game and perhaps it would convince him that her emotional wobble the evening before was well and truly in the past. With a wink at Lucy, she let out a loud yelp and pretended to grab at her calf.
Fabio stopped swimming and turned towards her. He frowned when he saw the fake agony on her face. �Katie! What’s wrong?’
�Cramp,’ Katie groaned, sliding a look at Lucy, who hid her giggles behind her hand.
Fabio swam back towards her and his arm snaked around her waist. �Hold onto me,’ he said. The heat of his bare skin against hers was sending little bolts of electricity shooting through her, almost making her forget about the race. For a moment the world stood still as she looked into his heavily lashed eyes. Confused by the sensations running through her, Katie pulled away. �Got you!’ she yelled triumphantly. Kicking her legs as fast as she could, she swam towards Lucy. She ignored Fabio’s shout behind her, aware that if she stopped even for a second he would catch up.
�I win!’ Her ruse had worked. She grinned as Lucy high-fived her.
When Fabio arrived seconds behind her his expression was dark and dangerous. Katie’s pulse beat even faster.
Lucy slipped back in the water and swam away.
�You cheated,’ he said.
�You cheated first!’
�Ah, but winning is all that matters,’ he drawled. �At least as far as I’m concerned. I should warn you, I don’t believe in rules.’
He was still looking at her as if he was contemplating what to do to her. Her heart was behaving as if someone was drumming out a rock song on it.
�Maybe you don’t know me as well as you think,’ she said. Now she was flirting back.
Once more Katie was acutely conscious of Fabio’s nearly naked body only inches from hers, and to her dismay, something that felt very close to lust curled in her pelvis.
�I … I should go after Lucy,’ she managed, mortifyingly aware that her voice was husky.
The way Fabio was looking at her suggested he knew exactly what effect he was having on her. Damn the man and his gorgeousness.
�She’s fine, Katie,’ he murmured, holding her gaze, his eyes sparking with mischief. �Payback time.’
His arms shot out and holding her tightly against him he sank with her beneath the surface of the water. She fought to wriggle free, every thrust of her body bringing her closer against him and adding to the clamour of sensations sweeping through her. When they bobbed back to the surface, something shifted in Fabio’s eyes and his grin faded. Knowing she had to get away from him, Katie pushed him away and swam towards the yacht as if the hounds from hell were snapping at her heels. By the time she arrived next to Lucy she was breathless and she knew it wasn’t from swimming.
While she and Lucy splashed in the water, Katie watched her patient carefully for any signs of breathing difficulty. There were none.
Having taken possession of the airbed, Fabio lay on his stomach, using his hands to propel his way towards them.
When he reached them, he turned over and lay on his back, shielding his eyes from the sun with his hand.
Katie and Lucy looked at each other and with one accord they ducked under the water and came up next to him, pushing over his makeshift sunbed and tipping him into the water.
Fabio came up gasping and shaking the water from his eyes. He gave Katie and Lucy a wicked grin, before grabbing the child and tossing her into the air.
Then his hands spanned Katie’s waist.
His touch sent her already thumping heart rate into overdrive and she found herself looking into his eyes, almost unable to breathe again. His mouth was inches away from hers. Was he going to kiss her this time? She couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. But then with a look of what she could have sworn was regret he dropped his hands.
�We’d better get back to the yacht.’
Dismayed at the thud of disappointment she felt, Katie could only nod.
Back on board, Lucy went to have a rest while Katie changed into denim shorts and a white cotton shirt. For the first time in as long as she could remember, she felt almost light-hearted. The morning had been fun—if unsettling. Back there, in the water, when Fabio had held her, she’d had the strangest sensation of coming home, which was crazy. Men like Fabio were heartbreakers and she needed to remember that. Her heart was in bad enough condition as it was—the last thing she needed was more pain.
Back on deck, Fabio had also changed, his short-sleeved white shirt emphasising his bronzed chest.
�Are you ready for lunch ashore?’ he asked. Katie was perplexed. The yacht was still out in the bay and she wondered how they were supposed to get there. Surely Fabio didn’t expect them to swim?
�There’s a little boat we can use,’ Fabio said, as if reading her mind. �The crew are happy for me to take us, if you trust me, that is?’
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