Far From Perfect by Portia Da Costa Page B

possible. The urge to curse himself, volubly and savagely in his own tongue, grew stronger than ever.
    “Perhaps not,” he conceded, shrugging and wondering how she would take what he had to tell her next, “But your boyfriend has already agreed to it. He’s going to meet us at the restaurant, at the appointed time.”
    Anna’s mouth dropped open, and Nick could see that his latest fait accompli had completely sideswiped her. Just as it had done very much the same when he’d spoken to Johnson on the phone earlier.
    He recalled the Englishman’s surprise and mystification at being invited to dinner with his own girlfriend by another man. At first he’d blustered a little, but when Nick had subtly hinted there might be certainly high-paying contacts that might be put the way of Johnson’s law firm, he’d reluctantly capitulated.
    Too easy , thought Nick, his mouth twisting in momentary disgust. In Johnson’s place, he would have been round here without drawing a breath, demanding the full story, surging like a knight errant defending his lady. In Johnson’s place he would have categorically refused to allow another man to drive his girlfriend to the restaurant. Possibly emphasizing his point with the threat of physical violence.
    “Martin agreed to it?” Anna queried, her smooth brow puckering in disbelief.
    “Yes, he seemed to think it would be an excellent idea,” lied Nick, resisting the urge to point out that if she’d cared about the man at all she would have phoned him by now and be fully aware of what was going on.
    “Does he know what you want to meet him for?”
    “No, not precisely. I simply told him I had a proposal to discuss with him.” Nick studied her face, watching her every perplexed reaction. “I didn’t specify what type of proposal I had in mind.”
    “I still think it would be better to meet at Deverill Square.” She pursed her lips, clearly thinking hard. “Like I said, there’s no danger of Martin making a fuss. He’s a solicitor. He’s used to difficult negotiations.”
    “And so am I, if you recall. As my father’s troubleshooter it’s my business.” Nick clasped his hands and studied the knuckles of his left hand. “But if he should choose to criticize you for your decision to help me, I might have to take issue with that,” he finished with emphasis.
    Anna’s eyes flared like green fire. “You’re not seriously suggesting that you’d hit him if you don’t get your own way? For heaven’s sake, Nick, grow up.”
    “Of course not. What sort of barbarian do you think I am?” Nick replied coolly, although not without wondering exactly how he would feel if anyone were to hurt Anna in any way. It would be untenable. “But I am Italian, and we’re a volatile race. I can’t guarantee that I wouldn’t lose my temper.” For a brief second, he thought with bitterness of his parents’ marital rages.
    Anna let out a heavy sigh and put a long, slender hand to her face. She seemed almost oblivious to her own action, but it made Nick experience a poignant twist of longing.
    Oh, to feel her touching his face, stroking it with tenderness, with desire.
    The shrill bell-like ringtone of his mobile phone shattered his moment of silent yearning. Inwardly cursing, he plucked the unit from his pocket and flipped it open, intending to cancel the call without answering.
    “ No! Non ora! ” The words slipped out harshly when he saw the number displayed in the tiny back-lit panel, probably the very last one he wanted to connect to right at this moment.
    Please not now, he thought, pressing OK with a sense of heavy trepidation.

Chapter Five
    Watching the square outside, Anna wondered yet again why she’d agreed to this three-way dinner. It seemed pre-doomed to turn into a disaster, yet somehow he’d made it sound like a rational, civilized way to go about things. At the time.
    Now, she was dreading it. Letting out a sigh, she rubbed her temple in small circles with her