thinking that I can hardly believe Iâm doing this... It seems so surreal.â
âBut youâre enjoying it?â
âYes, I am. Itâs made me realise how cautious Iâve become. Iâve shied away from doing anything remotely risky in case it backfires on meâeven having fun . I really want to try to change that.â
âThatâs good to hear. Weâre ahead of the game. Maybe enjoying yourself is just what was needed. Taking risks isnât so bad after all, hmm?â
Meeting his gaze, she flushed. Then she glanced away again. Maybe she had lowered her expectations for too long. What could be wrong in raising them a little? She might not fulfil her desire of meeting a like-minded soul who wanted a loving long-term relationship as she did, but perhaps being with someone like Seth would provide other things that would compensate. All she could do was wait and see what transpired.
* * *
After being shown to their elegantly dressed table beneath the glinting chandeliers of the dining room, Seth and Imogen took their seats. Seth schooled himself to relax. After all, what had he to worry about? Fate had dealt him a very unexpected but fortunate hand.
Not only had he been presented with the fortuitous opportunity to become the sheikh of Ayabadorâs supplier of classic sports cars, but he hadnât been back at home for very long before it had brought the pretty and delightful Imogen Hayes into his path.
Studying her across the table just then, he mused that she might well turn out to be the perfect companion for him. Although he personally didnât like the term, she would be exactly the âtrophy wifeâ that his friend Ash had suggested he find.
Not only was she pleasant to be around, but she was young and inexperienced enough to see the necessity of taking guidance from him from time to time, and he had to confess he liked that. She would definitely need his help in negotiating the glamorous world his work had made him a part of, and he hoped she would see it as the most incredible asset. And if she was ever intimidated or unsure, Seth would be there to help her.
âWhat an amazing place,â she remarked, glancing round. âItâs so beautiful!â
âI agree. Its reputation surpasses itself. The decor and ambience are superlative, and so is the cuisine. If youâve never experienced coming anywhere like this before, itâs a very fitting introduction.â
His glance swept over her once again. He privately thought that the lawn-green dress heâd bought her was the perfect foil for her innocent and youthful beauty. His eye for what was both stylish and classy hadnât failed him. Tonight the brunette was positively glowing. And although Seth guessed that a couple of their fellow diners had recognised him, he noted that they were appraising Imogen just as much.
Telling himself that it was inevitableâwho wouldnât enjoy looking at her?âhe smiled up at the attentive blonde waitress who had arrived at their table with the menus and asked, âCan you give us a little bit longer before you take our order? Then weâll select the wine.â
âBut of course, Mr Broden. The sommelier is already waiting to serve you, and if thereâs anything else youâd like please let me know.â
When they had chosen their dishes, and Seth had selected a suitable wine, he directed his attention back to Imogen. âIâve had the agreement for our marriage drawn up today by my solicitor,â he said, âand Iâve had a copy made for you to look over. When youâve read it, you can sign the original.â
The smooth skin between her delicately arched brows puckered. âI told my boss that I might be handing in my notice soon. She was very surprised when I told her why.â
âBecause youâre getting married or because itâs to me?â
âBoth. I had to tell her who you
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