Kate released a breath that was half relief, half indignation. ‘Thank goodness. I don’t want surprises.’
Lucy stared at Oliver. ‘So he came back,’ she said quietly. ‘And didn’t want anyone to know.’
Oliver nodded once. ‘That’s what it looks like.’
Then he glanced towards the front of the house, as if reminded of time. ‘I should go. My taxi will be here any minute.’
Lucy’s stomach dropped. ‘You’re leaving now?’
‘Yes,’ he said, and his gaze slid away from hers. ‘Thank you, Kate. All of you. For the hospitality.’
Kate stood. ‘What’s next for you, Oliver?’
He gave a polite shrug. ‘Work. As usual.’
‘Right. Well, I hope you’ll pop in again to see us.’
‘That’s not likely,’ he said, refusing to look around and meet Lucy’s gaze. ‘I’ve a flight booked for Australia tomorrow.’
‘Maybe when you’re back here then,’ suggested Kate, beginning to look doubtful.
‘I have no plans to return,’ said Oliver.
‘Oh.’ Lucy felt her head throbbing and was aware of everyone looking at her.
‘So, all the best, everyone and, if you’re ever in Sydney, look me up. I know some great hotels,’ he added. ‘They don’t have as much character as the Old Colonial, but at least they have all mod cons.’
There was some uncomfortable laughter. With the goodbyes said, Lucy and Oliver walked in silence until they reached the front gate where Oliver paused.
‘I’m sorry, Lucy.’
‘Hm,’ she managed, staring at the latch. ‘Me too.’ She looked up. ‘So that’s it?’
He nodded.
Then, before she could prepare, he stepped in and kissed her cheek — soft, restrained, devastating. Instinct made her turn, seeking his mouth, but he had already withdrawn.
‘Be happy,’ he said, and brushed his knuckles down her cheek with a tenderness that had no right to exist between them.
‘But of course you will,’ he added, voice roughening. ‘You’re here. With everything you need.’
‘Not quite everything,’ she said before thinking. Dan was right. She really should think before she spoke. ‘I won’t be happy,’ she said quickly, before he could speak or she could think and stop herself, ‘without knowing something before you leave,’ she added, as the taxi drew up outside the house.
He turned to her in query. ‘What is it you need to know?’
‘Why you changed your plans over the hotel.’ She stopped short of asking him if he’d done it for her. She still held on to a shred of pride.
‘Lucy,’ he said, shaking his head. ‘I told you. My business decisions are commercially sensitive.’
‘I don’t believe you. This is nothing to do with business, is it? If it were, you’d have knocked down the hotel and proceeded with your carefully thought out plans. That’s what made sense for your business. Which begs the question, what made you change your plans?’
He held her gaze a beat too long. Then his eyes slid away. ‘Don’t do this,’ he said quietly. ‘There’s no point.’
Lucy reached out and grabbed his hand. ‘There’s every point.’
He shook his head but made no move to retrieve his hand.
‘No, there’s not. I’m leaving tomorrow.’
