Unknown by Unknown Page B

turned pink under his approval. ‘And I just love Mrs Major’s room,’ she continued in a rush. ‘Do you think she’ll like it?’
    ‘Without a doubt. When we move in you must come up and let her congratulate you herself. I think you’ll get on well together.’
    Taryn lifted her brows at this profound statement, but declined to comment, concentrating instead on picking her chicken bone.
    Luke himself, unaware of her reaction, continued, ‘It’s strange you should choose pink. It’s always been one of her favourite colours. I remember ’
    ‘How about your room?’ cut in Taryn shortly, unable to stand hearing him talk about his wife.
    He waved his fork expressively. ‘Delightful—absolutely perfect—I can say no more. Your tastes are exquisite, my dear Taryn.’
    ‘You flatter me.’
    ‘No, I mean it. I can see that by the time you've finished I shall be unable to tear myself away.’
    ‘Then don’t,’ she said. ‘Surely your hotels will run themselves? You have managers?’
    ‘Naturally, but other people are not so conscientious as oneself. I like to keep them on their toes.'
    They finished their meal in silence after that, but it was a comfortable quiet and Taryn could not help but think how wonderful it would be to spend the rest of her life with this man. They understood each other so well; there was an affinity between them that needed no words. In fact, if he spoke now, it would ruin everything. This was how love should be —relaxing, undemanding, perfect union.
    Not until Luke waved a hand before her face did Taryn realise she had been staring at him.
    ‘Penny for them,’ he smiled.
    ‘They’re not worth it.’
    ‘Try me.’
    ‘They’re too private.’ She jumped up and began stacking their empty plates on to a tray.
    Immediately he began to help, but when his hand accidentally touched hers and she backed sharply away he said, ‘Taryn, something is wrong. You must tell me.’
    She turned away, but he caught her shoulders and forced her to face him. With one finger he lifted her chin until she looked into his eyes. ‘Now,’ he said sternly, ‘what is this all about?’
    But how could she declare her love—tell him that the thought of his wife tormented her? He had given no true indication that he returned her feelings. He found her good company, desirable even—as a woman, but he did not love her. She could not risk making a fool of herself, so instead she stiffened and said in a tight little voice, ‘You’re making a mistake. Why should there be anything the matter?'
    ‘I’m asking you that.’
    ‘Then I can only say you've got the wrong impression.’ She wriggled free. ‘I’m going to wash up now. Isn’t it time you were going?'
    ‘Now I know there’s something amiss. What is it? Are you afraid of me? Afraid I might take advantage?’ He watched her face closely and saw the involuntary flickering of her eyes. ‘Now we’re getting somewhere. Have I ever given you reason for such thoughts?’ He caught her arms and shook her roughly. ‘Have I?’
    ‘You know you haven’t,' cried Taryn. ‘I can’t help how I feel!'
    ‘Or is it that damn Mark fellow?’ he grated. ‘You’re classing me with him. I don’t suppose you objected when he put his arms round you; when he pulled you close and suffocated you with kisses, but you don’t want me to, is that it? Don’t you know I’m human the same as him? That I’m attracted to you the way he was?’
    Taryn shook her head dumbly. ‘You—you don’t understand.'
    ‘I understand only too well,’ he rasped. ‘Believe me, I’m getting a little sick and fed up of having your past lover rammed down my throat.'
    ‘You brought him up,’ retorted Taryn.
    ‘But he was in your thoughts, which is the same thing. I think I will go after all. I suddenly feel the need for some fresh air.'
    He had reached the door before Taryn spoke. ‘Luke, please—I didn’t mean to upset you.’ She hadn’t meant to say that either—the