An Inconvenient Desire by Alexia Adams

Author:Alexia Adams [Adams, Alexia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: F+W Media
Published: 2014-10-12T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

“Can I make a suggestion?” Olivia asked as the shopping trio took a break to enjoy a cup of tea and a sandwich at a small café on the Strand.

“Of course, Olivia,” Stephanie answered. “I’d love your advice.”

“I don’t know you very well, but you haven’t liked anything we’ve seen so far. How about something entirely different?”

“What do you have in mind?” Jonathan’s sister leaned in as if they were discussing a state secret or an illicit assignation.

“I have a friend who owns a vintage dress store in Victoria. She has clothes you won’t find anywhere else. If you don’t mind secondhand, you could find something stunning there.” She held her breath. Some women hated the thought of wearing used clothes. But throughout the morning’s shopping, Stephanie had come across as down-to-earth and not the least bit pretentious. Olivia liked her very much.

Jonathan’s mother, Patricia, was great, too. Although petite, like Stephanie, she was a force to be reckoned with. As soon as the grandmother had seen Hannah, she’d picked her up, ignoring the toddler’s pleas for “Bibya.” Within an hour, Hannah contentedly snuggled with her nanna while Stephanie searched each store for the elusive outfit.

“That sounds like exactly what I want. Let’s go there right after lunch.” Stephanie’s renewed vigor elicited a groan from her mother.

“I’ll take Hannah back home for a nap. To be honest, I’m worn out as well,” Patricia said. “You and Olivia go and have fun.”

“Are you sure?” Olivia hesitated. After all, Jonathan paid her to look after his daughter.

“Absolutely. And I trust your taste; you won’t let Stephanie choose anything outlandish.”

“Mother, as if I would … ” Stephanie protested.

Three hours later, Olivia wished she’d been the one to take Hannah home for a nap. She was exhausted after another sleepless night battling her desire for Jonathan and worrying what his colleagues would think of him bringing his nanny-girlfriend to a work function. What if all they talked about was banking? She’d studied up about art so she didn’t come across as a complete ignoramus. But banking was beyond her. Jonathan had once spent ten minutes explaining the derivatives market and she hadn’t understood a word. And she didn’t trust her acting ability to hide her complete lack of interest. Of course, she could spend the evening remembering a naked Jonathan emerging from the pool. Although her drool may give her away.

A shriek of joy startled her out of her thoughts.

“This is it! This is exactly it!” Stephanie jumped up and down in the small changing area of Dress Again, the secondhand clothes store. The pale blue wool suit had a knee-length pencil skirt and a jacket with a wide collar. The color brought out Stephanie’s eyes and highlighted her fair hair. “And it’s less than half of what I budgeted!” she exclaimed after looking at the price tag.

“Thank goodness.” Olivia released an exaggerated sigh of relief. “I think you’ve tried on everything in the store in your size.” Despite her worries about meeting Jonathan’s family, she’d had a fun day with his sister.

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