Before she had time to process this statement, Seth reached down and wrapped his hand round hers. The touch of his flesh was dizzying. Then he gently but firmly pulled her to her feet.
‘I’m offering you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Do you want to let it pass you by and regret it for years to come?’
‘I’ve had my fair share of regret, without adding any more to the list. But if I was to do this I’d need to do something useful to earn my keep besides just being there for you.’
He was still holding on to her hand, and the touch of his firm, warm skin was indisputably battering down her defences.
His response to her remark was sure and unhesitant.
‘Make no mistake. You’ll have plenty to keep yourself occupied. Living with me is going to open up a very different lifestyle to the one you’ve been used to and you’ll have to adapt to it. It’s a world where money is no object...where people literally spend millions on houses, cars and haute couture. It’s a completely different world. For instance, when you travel with me on business you’re going to have to be able to converse with some very influential men and women as we socialise. As my wife, you’re going to have to reflect everything I stand for and act accordingly.’
Imogen immediately started to disengage herself from his hand. Whilst the prospect of learning to live in the kind of world he described might be an amazing opportunity, and one that would undoubtedly help take her mind off her past disappointments and sorrows, it also frightened her right down to her bones.
She started to shake her head. ‘I don’t think I could do it, Seth. You’d best find someone else.’
‘Why? Are you telling me that you never want to be challenged? Do you always want to stay safe and predictable?’
The remark stung. ‘That’s not fair. You’re asking me to make a momentous change to my life. You’ve heard what I’ve been through. Surely you can understand why I’m unsure?’
His lips split into a smile that was nothing less than dazzling. ‘It’s okay to be unsure. It’s only human. But to let that stop you taking a risk is just plain foolish.’
‘I know I’ve made some bad decisions, but that doesn’t mean I’m foolish. I’ve given my trust too easily, that’s all.’
‘You haven’t trusted yourself—that’s why. You think that other people know better, and of course that’s not true. You need to see that you’re equally capable of making good decisions.’
‘I’m sure you’re right. But I need some more time before I answer your proposition. Will you give me that?’
‘How much more time?’
‘I—I don’t know...’ She knew her uncertainty must show on her face, but Seth wasn’t going to let that stop him from pressing home his point.
‘How about telling me tomorrow?’ he said. ‘I’d planned to take you out to dinner anyway. We’ll go somewhere classy and intimate.’
‘I’d rather talk in private rather than having our conversation somewhere public.’
Narrowing his gaze, he fired an out-of-the-blue volley with a melting grin that was just about the sexiest thing she’d ever witnessed. He might as well have poured gasoline into her blood and set it on fire, Imogen thought.
‘In truth, so would I, beautiful. I’ll come here, then. We’ll postpone dinner and just talk. What time shall I call round?’
‘If you can drop by tomorrow afternoon I’ll let you have my decision then.’
Lightly shaking his head with a rueful smile, Seth moved towards the door. ‘I’ll be on tenterhooks till then. You can count on it. Expect me around one, then.’
Suddenly dismayed, in case her request had driven him away for good, Imogen clutched at her belly. ‘You’re leaving...just like that?’
‘The sooner I leave, the sooner you’ll have time to think things over. I’ve already indicated to you that it won’t be easy for me to wait. Anyway, I think it’s time we said good-night, don’t you?’
Imogen hardly registered the fact that Seth had moved towards her, he’d moved so stealthily. However, she most definitely registered the warm and seductive touch of his lips as they brushed against her cheek just before he turned round and left...
* * *
Seth spent the most horrendous night, unable to sleep. Even as he scanned through the internet or watched television as a means of distraction he knew nothing would still his disquiet and impatience that Imogen hadn’t immediately accepted his offer of marriage.