When their glances clashed and he didn’t look away, she got the feeling that he would like to kiss her. Whether it was another of her fantasies, she couldn’t tell. And if he did kiss her, she guessed it would be a reassuring kiss and not the way he’d kissed her in Barcelona.
‘Food,’ he reminded her. ‘You must be hungry by now?’
‘Starving,’ she confirmed.
The tension between them released as he asked what she’d like and they talked easily about what to eat. ‘When we’ve finished you can go straight to bed.’
‘Yes, sir.’ She gave him a mock salute. ‘Any more instructions?’
‘That covers it,’ he said.
And…was she mistaken, or was that a glint of humour in his eyes? Either that or a reflection of the fire. Why couldn’t Luc get it through his head that she was a grown woman with feelings and emotions? Just because he was an emotion-free zone… Or was he? Sometimes she suspected that his feelings, long since bottled up inside him, were longing for a trigger to let them out.
CHAPTER EIGHT
DIOS!EACHTIMEhe saw her he wanted to do a lot more than kiss her. When he’d found her in the snow his world had tilted on its axis. The thought of losing her was insupportable.
‘Lucas?’
‘What?’ Her voice held a concerned note that made him feel bad for locking her out. If there was one person who could undo him it was Stacey, and those memories were better where they were, buried deep. Easing back on the sofa, he spread his arms across the back in an attitude of apparent unconcern.
‘You looked so tense,’ she remarked, frowning. ‘You were actually scowling—not that I haven’t seen that expression before. Is something wrong?’
Yes,you’rewrong, he thought. He should be looking to settle down and start a dynasty to perpetuate Da Silva Inc, but when that time came he’d choose a woman bred for the role, someone sparkling and superficial who he couldn’t hurt.
‘I’m hungry,’ he said with a shrug. ‘And you know what I’m like when I’m hungry.’
‘Bear? Sore head?’ she suggested. And then, without warning, she sprang off the sofa. ‘Come on, then…’ She held out her hand to take his. ‘Let’s eat. I’ll get no sense out of you until we do.’
He stood, but he didn’t make any attempt to hold her outstretched hand. Any contact between them was dangerous. He’d learned there was no such thing as an innocent kiss between him and Stacey, and she deserved a lot more than he could offer.
It was a relief to find himself at the breakfast bar where he could occupy himself with the business of eating rather than dwell on the prospect of sex with Stacey. She helped by chatting about details for the upcoming party, but every now and then she’d look at him with eyes full of compassion, and that wasn’t very helpful. She was waiting for him to confide in her, tell her things he’d never told anyone, things he hadn’t even confronted himself. Neither of them made any reference to their recent kiss, though, while she might have found it easy to put that behind her, he still brooded on it.
Eventually she sighed, as if she’d given up on him. ‘Sorry, but I have to get some sleep,’ she said, standing up to go. ‘You’ve been amazing. You saved my life.’ And before he knew what she was doing, she leaned forward to brush a kiss against his cheek. It was such a little thing, but long-hidden feelings squirmed inside him. No one kissed him like that. No one had for a long time.
‘Okay, goodnight,’ she said. ‘Try and get some sleep.’
‘You too,’ he encouraged.Before I yank you close and kiss the breath out of your body.‘You’ve had quite an ordeal today.’
‘Not as bad as the cat,’ she said dryly.
‘Ah, the cat,’ he murmured, remembering how tender she’d been with the animal. That memory dredged up more. His parents, his siblings. It was definitely time for Stacey to go. Carrying their plates to the counter, he kept his back turned. ‘We both need sleep,’ he agreed, but more sharply than he had intended. He felt bad for snapping, but memories were dangerous things. His were better left undisturbed.
When her footsteps faded, he stood in the great room surveying what he could see of the village. Snow had stopped falling, though it had left everything cloaked in white. His best guess was that they would be cut off from the village for a few days. A lot could happen in that time. Yes, a party could be held, and guests entertained. Anything beyond that he would put from his mind.
Rest? Rest was unlikely with Stacey in the next room. If the hotels hadn’t been full he’d have shipped her out, but they were where they were. He’d be shovelling snow in the morning, too busy to think of anything else, he reassured himself. Then he would liaise with his people to make sure they had everything covered for the party. The last he’d heard there were no more supplies getting through to the village. He could only be glad Stacey was so well organised.
Stacey…
There she was again. Each time he thought it was possible to stop thinking about her, she invaded his mind. He just had to face facts. The woman she had become was not simply more of a challenge than the tomboy she used to be, but a damn sight more attractive too.
Stacey’s usual upbeat mood was flagging as she flopped into bed. Why would Lucas never open up? Instinct told her he’d never move on until he did. And though building a monstrous business was huge credit to him, where was his personal life? Did he have one? Didn’t he want one? Or wasn’t he capable of building something requiring feelings and giving his all, and risking his heart?
You’re a fine one to talk.
Yup. That was a fair accusation. But this was about Lucas, not about Stacey.
Even with all the complications, she loved being with him. The rescue spoke volumes about him. He was a very special individual, and their relationship, such as it was, was very special to her. Sex had been extraordinary; far more pleasure, and infinitely more emotional investment than she had expected.
