He stiffened as his heart momentarily thudded. ‘I didn’t need to talk to anyone about it. I handled things in my own way and didn’t need to look for sympathy. Let’s drop the subject, shall we?’
Imogen knew it wasn’t the time or the place to persuade Seth to talk some more about his heartache at losing the love of his life, but she wanted to.
Yes, it must be painful beyond imagining, but how was he going to move on if he didn’t lay the ghosts of the past to rest and concentrate on creating a new and more positive chapter in his life? After all, he had grieved for ten long years, and Imogen was going to play a major part in this new phase of his life when they got married. She wanted to help make things good for both of them if she could.
Thankfully, their food arrived at exactly the right moment to prevent the atmosphere from souring, and Seth was diverted as he enthusiastically told her about the exquisite cuisine. He loved the artistry of the creation that went into it, he explained, and Imogen soon intuited that whatever he applied himself to—whether it was selling the most desirable cars in the world or choosing a beautiful dress for his girlfriend—he would do so with the confidence only gifted to the lucky few.
As they sat and enjoyed their food he continued to impress her when he relayed the story of the building’s history and why it had become so famous throughout the world. But even as he transfixed her with the breadth of his knowledge she couldn’t help but be fascinated by the man himself. She was learning to love the rich bass tone of his voice, the way his incredible sapphire eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled...the way they drew her in and made her not want to look anywhere else.
By the time they got up to leave Imogen was not just heady from the wine she’d drunk, but mesmerised by the magical time she’d spent with Seth...
* * *
She’d fallen asleep on the car journey home.
Seth had done likewise when he’d brought her home from Evergreen that first time, and had ended up spending the night on her couch after he’d surrendered to the emotions that had welled up in him when Imogen had given him the letter. Now she had let her own guard down and done the same.
She was surprised when he asked if he could accompany her into the house. He was acting as though he enjoyed spending time with her.
Thinking she should at least make him some coffee, she agreed. Flicking on the lamp just inside the door, she remarked, ‘I’m sorry I fell asleep like that... I think I drank a little too much wine.’
A faintly teasing smile touched the edges of his mouth. ‘You relaxed enough to enjoy yourself. That’s not something you should regret.’
‘I had a wonderful time.’
‘So did I.’
Closing the space between them, Seth reached for her hand and drew her in against his chest. The throb of her heart turned hot and heavy. In fact it thumped so loudly she was convinced he must detect it.
His gaze was intrigued as he asked huskily, ‘Do you still feel like adhering to the idea of no intimacy between us, Imogen?’
Pausing, because his arms had gone around her waist and she was only too aware of how seductive his strong, fit body felt next to hers, she breathed out a sigh. She knew her naturally pleased response to him might easily betray her true feelings about that...
Intoxicated by the wine she’d drunk at dinner, and the dangerous attraction that was building inside her, Imogen strove hard to think clearly. ‘I think it’s sensible to have some boundaries in place as far as that’s concerned. After all, this isn’t a real relationship. It’s a partnership that’s come about purely for convenience. That being the case, we can’t afford to make it more personal and spoil it.’
She started to pull away, but Seth surprised her by holding her fast. She felt the warmth of his breath drift across her face, scented his masculine cologne and turned worryingly weak. The provocative blue eyes watching her suggested that he was amused and aroused at the same time.
‘What’s wrong with us enjoying a little intimacy? We shouldn’t deny our natural needs. It might even make the arrangement more compelling if we gave in to them.’
‘And it might also complicate things...big time.’
Frowning, Seth drawled lazily, ‘Just exactly what are you afraid of, Imogen?’
His questions were getting too close for comfort and, wanting to divert him, she retaliated. ‘I might ask you the same question. Is it honestly true that you never feel like engaging your emotions? Why is that? Is it because you’re afraid you’ll get hurt?’