Callum saw his sister’s cheeks redden slightly. ‘I’m glad you both came.’
‘Now,’ Keith said, ‘there are a few things I’ve always wanted to know about filming these stunts you do in films. Would you mind me asking you about them?’
Tasha gave Callum a knowing look and he had to stifle a laugh, aware Riley would like nothing more than to talk about himself and his work.
He watched the pair of them walk over to the nearest table and sit down to chat.
‘I thought that went well,’ Tasha said quietly.
‘Yes, it did. I have to admit I’m relieved.’
‘He seemed to know who Riley is.’
Callum wasn’t sure why Tasha was surprised. ‘I think most people know who he is, Tasha.’ He indicated the nearest French doors to the terrace. ‘Shall we go outside for a little while and chat while Grandad and Riley are talking? Knowing my grandfather, they could be a while and he won’t want me interrupting him to tell everyone to help themselves to the food.’
Tasha laughed and pointed to several of Callum’s relatives loading food onto their plates from the buffet table. ‘I think any announcement is already a bit late.’
‘Good. They don’t appear to need me in here for now.’ He smiled at her. ‘Shall we go while we have the chance?’
She nodded. ‘I’d like that.’
16
TASHA
She only just managed to hide her delight at Callum’s stunned reaction when he saw her arrive at the party. She accompanied him outside, glad he had suggested they do so.
It was a relief to get away from Riley for a while. She wondered what people would think if they knew what a diva that man was to deal with. First his suit hadn’t been right for how he wanted to present himself to others that evening.
‘They will be expecting a film star,’ he snapped. ‘And that’s what I intend giving them.’
‘You’re not the star of tonight’s show though, Riley,’ she had retorted before she managed to stop herself.
He had been shocked but then turned on his heels and went back to his room to change, yet again.
By the time they left for the party he had spent several minutes preening in front of the living room mirror until he was content that the Ralph Lauren chinos and shirt his stylist had recently sent over for him gave him a look he was satisfied with.
If he wasn’t her boss, she would have left him earlier and made her way to the party without him. Tasha supposed that if nothing else this job as his assistant was teaching her patience. Becoming aware that Callum was speaking to her, she turned to him.
‘Sorry, I was thinking about something that happened earlier.’
He frowned. ‘Everything all right?’
She sighed. ‘Yes, thanks. Just the usual Riley stuff.’
‘I’m not saying he seems spoilt,’ Callum said, his eyes widening, ‘but I can imagine he isn’t easy to work for.’
‘He isn’t.’ She shook her head. ‘Anyway, I’ve spent far too long waiting for him already today and don’t intend wasting any more time at this wonderful party thinking or talking about Riley Sharp.’
‘Good idea.’ He held out his hand. ‘Shall we take a walk in this incredible garden?’
Why not, she thought, taking his hand and enjoying the feeling of her hand in his as they strolled across the lawn past fragrant flower borders and breathing in the sweet scent of roses, lavender and rosemary in the warm evening air as she walked.
‘I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere this perfect. I’ve certainly never stayed anywhere as idyllic as this place.’
‘Not even with your boss?’
She shook her head. ‘No, Riley prefers modern places and would much rather stay in the city than the country.’
