An Elusive Desire by Anne Mather

Author:Anne Mather [Mather, Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781488742910
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises, Australia Pty Ltd
Published: 2014-05-20T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

‘So what did you talk about?’

It was later that day, and Nicola had cornered Jaime after lunch and insisted she accompany her on a shopping trip into Vaggio su Ravino. Now, they were seated in the little tea-rooms overlooking the small square of the town, and Nicola was presently forking the last morsel of Jaime’s unwanted pastry.

‘Oh—this and that.’ In all honesty, Jaime was finding it difficult to remember exactly what they had talked about, and her conscience was not eased to discover that Nicola showed no obvious trace of jealousy. On the contrary, the other girl seemed well pleased that Rafaello had apparently changed his mind, and although she must have been disappointed that Jaime had not taken advantage of her opportunities, she had not reproached her for it.

‘I suppose it must be strange for you and Raf to spend time alone together,’ Nicola ventured now, summoning the waitress to order another pastry. ‘I mean—after all these years.’ She paused. ‘I knew he wouldn’t be able to resist you.’

‘Nicola!’ Jaime felt the blood rushing up under her skin, but the other girl only shrugged.

‘Don’t look so shocked, Jaime. I’m not suggesting there’s been any indiscretion—–’

‘I should hope not!’

‘—but you have to admit you still find Raf attractive, don’t you?’

‘For goodness’ sake, Nicola!’ Jaime glanced impatiently round the small restaurant, but the other girl only made a resigned grimace.

‘Well, it’s true,’ she exclaimed. ‘Just because you’ve chosen to deny your femininity, it doesn’t mean you’ve taken a vow of chastity, Jaime.’

‘No, it doesn’t.’ Jaime drew a deep breath. ‘But nor is my life so devoid of human relationships that I need to turn to another girl’s husband for consolation!’

‘Oh, Jaime!’ Nicola accepted a sugared confection, oozing with cream, on to her plate. ‘I’m not suggesting you’d consider having an affair with Raf. I’m just being realistic, that’s all. Anyway,’ she licked her lips delicately, ‘if you and Raf do become friends, just think how much easier it will be for you to talk about me.’

Jaime cupped her chin on her knuckles. ‘You really are convinced that I can persuade Raf, aren’t you?’

‘If anybody can,’ the other girl agreed.

‘And if he refuses to talk about it?’

‘You’ll find a way.’

‘Nicky, I may not be able to.’

Nicola’s attention was briefly distracted from her plate. ‘If you care about me, you’ll do it.’

Jaime shook her head. ‘It isn’t a question of caring.’ She halted and then went on more slowly: ‘When was the last time you tried to talk to Raf?’

‘I don’t know.’ Nicola poured herself more tea. ‘Yesterday; last week; what does it matter? I’ve told you—–’

‘I can’t believe he’s so intractable—–’

‘Oh, can’t you?’ Nicola’s lips twisted. ‘How would you know? Have you asked him?’

Jaime sighed. ‘Nicola, listen to me—–’

‘No, you listen to me.’ Nicola leant tensely towards her. ‘I’m afraid, Jaime. I half believe Raf only married me to punish me.’

‘That’s ridiculous, Nicola!’

‘Is it? Is it? I sometimes think he doesn’t care about me at all.’

Jaime lay back in her chair, defeated, and Nicola consumed the remainder of the pastry.

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