“There you are!” came my stepfather’s unmistakable voice, his tone mildly admonishing.
Turning around, I watched him approach. Sunglasses masking his expression, he was every bit the mature playboy in his dark, designer suit and crisp, white shirt, unbuttoned at the collar. His deep brown hair, overlong for his age, was slicked back, the hint of gray at his temples the only real sign of his advancing years.
“Daddy,” I said dutifully in greeting.
He threw me a derisive glare. “What is the point in having you schooled in dressage to have you turn out like some tramp?”
I opened my mouth to deliver a sharp retort but promptly shut it again, Emma’s apologetic gaze stopping me in my tracks. She needn’t have bothered feeling bad on my behalf. I’d given up on a kind word from him long ago.
“I’ve been looking for you everywhere,” he said, his focus returning to Emma. “I have some friends that are eager to meet you.”
“Sorry, darling,” she said, closing the distance between them and giving him a chaste kiss on the cheek. “I totally lost track of time, Abi has done a wonderful job looking after me.”
“I should hope so, it’s the least she could do since this lot costs me a fortune to run. Speaking of which” — he gestured to my straw-covered clothing in disgust — “have you been mucking out again?”
I shrugged. “I like doing it.”
“For God’s sake, Abi, that’s what I pay people for! Do you always have to be such an embarrassment?” He threw his hand in the air in exasperation and turned to Emma. “Come, they’re waiting for us.”
Taking Emma by the elbow, he flicked his gaze back to me just long enough to state, “Dinner’s at seven and make an effort!”
I scowled at his retreating form, angrier than I can remember, the realization dawning that it was down to how he had belittled me in front of Emma that had upset me most.
Well, make an effort I would. But not for his benefit...
• • •
Six-thirty came and I was pacing the floor. Having spent the last two hours fussing over my appearance, I was now early and a bag of nerves. Striding to the bedroom mirror for the umpteenth time, I assessed my reflection.
I’d opted for a black, sleeveless jumpsuit with a deep plunging neckline. It was borderline indecent really, but the exquisite cut and fabric screamed designer and made it perfect for tonight’s affair. I’d curled my hair and pinned it in a tousled up-do. My face, tanned from being outdoors so much, had a healthy-looking glow, the blue depths of my eyes popping amidst the smoky effect of the eye shadow I’d applied and my lips glistening with a baby pink gloss that matched Emma’s cute, if impractical shoes from earlier in the day. Just the thought of her sent butterflies through my tummy. I was anxious, yet beyond excited about seeing her again.
A knock at the door drew my attention.
“Come in.”
Lily, the housekeeper, entered, her step faltering slightly as she took in my appearance. “Why, Miss Sawyer, you’re simply stunning!”
I smiled at her genuine compliment. “Thank you, Lily.”
“Your father is asking for you to join him and Miss Jones for pre-dinner drinks.”
“Sounds lovely,” I said, trying to ignore the surge of nerves that gnawed away at my insides. “I’ll just get some shoes.”
“Very well, Miss Sawyer.” She turned on her heel and left the room.
I slipped on a pair of sparkly flats and followed closely behind her, checking my appearance at every opportunity on the way, trying to reassure myself that I looked good.
No amount of mental encouragement could have prepared me for my encounter with Emma though. As I entered the room and caught sight of her before the fireplace, a rush of desire flooded me along with a feeling of total inadequacy. Even from behind she was breathtaking. She wore a full-length red dress, the back to which was practically non-existent as it dipped to form a curve just above her pert behind before dropping gracefully to the floor. Her hair fell in loose waves across her back, teasing me with flashes of her bare skin and sending my mouth dry.
As she turned to greet me, my inner turmoil heightened at the appreciation I could see mirrored in her eyes. What must have been a second passed, yet it felt like an eternity as our eyes openly enjoyed one another.
“Abi,” she said eventually, placing her drink on the mantle and sweeping toward me.
I smiled in response but my legs refused to budge. As she came to stand before me, she took hold of my arms and leaned in to kiss my cheek. Her touch ricocheted through me like a fire bolt, her perfume filling my senses, intoxicating me and drawing my head inwards to bring her lips closer to my own. The move was so subtle it was doubtful that anyone else would notice, but as my gaze locked with hers, I could see she had.
“Seems you can look halfway decent after all, Abi.”
My stepfather’s words shattered the moment and I almost leapt from Emma’s embrace.
