With a choice of gravel paths in front of her, she selected the one that led to the right. It took her through what felt like tropical vegetation, such was the density of trees and bushes. Majestic palm trees towered overhead, and oleanders showed off every shade of pink. In turn, she then came to an area that was more open and planted with cacti and succulents, some of which were in colourful bloom withjewel-like flowers.
Following the path yet further, it led her down a series of steps hewn out of rock with yucca trees either side. There were large prickly bushes too that she didn’t recognise, then rounding a corner, she suddenly found herself in a clearing overlooking a long thin swimming pool. It looked the sort of pool that was designed for somebody intent on swimming lengths to keep fit, rather than for merely cooling off in. Beyond the pool was a spectacular view of the mountain range that seemed to be within touching distance. It was one of the most impressive views she had ever seen.
When the taxi had delivered her here and she’d commented to Red how much she liked the location – his nearest neighbour was half a mile away – he had explained that he preferred to be on the edge of things, rather than in the middle of the town that was becoming too built up for his liking. She suspected that being on the edge of things was his modus operandi.
Taking her time over retracing her steps in the arid heat, she had just reached the terrace when her host reappeared.
‘Sorry I abandoned you like that,’ he said. ‘Now then, let me fix you a drink. How about some iced tea? Or being British, would you prefer hot tea? If you trust me to make it properly, that is.’
‘I’ll put you to the test another time,’ she said with a smile, ‘for now iced tea would suit me very well.’
He indicated acomfortable-looking sofa in front of aglass-topped coffee table in the covered area of the terrace that stretched the full width of the house.
Painted white and built on one level with large windows, the streamlined property was everything she might have supposed she wouldn’t like. But she did like it. She approved greatly of the strong clean lines of the architecture, and the boldness of the progressive mind that had created it. Sitting down in the shade, glad to be out of the sun, her back resting against the downy softness of a plump cushion, she thought how Stanley would love to design something so modern.
The rattle of ice cubes heralded Red’s return. When he was seated on the sofa next to her and had passed her a tall glass of iced tea with a sprig of mint, she said, ‘Thank you for inviting me here, and for last night; it was fun.’
‘It was my pleasure, I enjoyed sharing the desert with you. If it wasn’t for this damned leg of mine right now, I’d be off for a hike, as well as camp out overnight. There’s nothing better than waking up to watch the dawn break when you’re in the desert. It’s the best tonic I know.’
‘Is your leg troubling you today?’
He shrugged. ‘A new prosthetic always takes some getting used to. Give me a couple of weeks and I’ll be fine. But never mind that, we need to talk about you.’
She groaned. ‘Must we? I find myself so very dull.’
‘I’ll wager you’re the only one who does. I, for one, find you extraordinarily interesting.’ He raised his glass. ‘Here’s to you. One of the most fascinating women I’ve met in a long time.’
She tutted. ‘I advise you not to waste your breath onsmooth-talking me. You won’t come out of it well.’
He tipped his head back and laughed. There was something so free and uninhibited about the way he laughed.
‘Is that what you thought I was doing,’ he asked, ‘smooth-talking you? Now why on earth would I do that?’
‘To convince me we should work together. It’s why you’ve invited me here this morning to see your home and to—’
‘Hey, you mean a guy can’t show somebona fideall-American hospitality without there being an ulterior motive? Whatever is the world coming to?’
‘You know exactly what I mean.’
‘I do. But I believe the woman doth protest too much and really you just want me to cajole you some more, and then,’ he clicked his thumb and forefinger together, ‘we’ll be in business!’
‘Evidently I have not protested enough,’ she said, amused at his chutzpah. ‘As otherwise you will have given up trying to persuade me.’
He leaned against the back of the sofa and crossed one leg over the other. ‘Something you should know. I never give up on what I believe in. I’m relentless in that respect.’
She turned to look at him and held his gaze. ‘I’m sure you are.’
‘I’m told it’s one of my finer qualities.’
‘And what of your less commendable qualities?’
‘That would be telling.’
‘It would. That’s why I’m asking.’
He cocked his head. ‘Are you flirting with me, MrsDevereux-Temple?’
She continued to meet his gaze, determined not to blink or be the one to look away. ‘Certainly not.’
