Travis. This was dangerous.
Someone had brought beach balls, which were tossed high in the air. Much chasing and jumping followed, showing off several figures to advantage. But none were quite as fine as Travis’s figure, Charlene thought with appreciation.
Following the ‘stage directions’, they held hands to walk along the water’s edge, chased each other, laughed into each other’s faces and generally gave an expert performance.
His arm about her was strong and delightful and she was emboldened to raise her hand and lay it against his chest. She could feel the faint beat of his heart against her fingers and knew there had never been a moment as sweet as this in her life. Perhaps there never would be again, so she would remember and treasure this for ever.
‘How are you managing?’ he asked, leaning down so that he could speak quietly.
‘I’m enjoying it. I said I’d do anything and I meant it.’
For a moment something flickered in his eyes. ‘Anything at all?’
‘What do you think?’
‘I wish I knew what to think.’
From nearby, Joe, always keeping watch, complained, ‘You both look too serious. Say something to each other.’
‘You’re treading on my foot,’ Charlene told Travis fervently.
‘Something nice,’ Joe corrected.
‘You’re the most handsome man in the world,’ she declared.
‘Now you’re just making him laugh,’ Joe protested.
‘What do you expect?’ Travis demanded, grinning. ‘How can anyone keep a straight face like this?’
Some journalists and photographers appeared.
‘Hey, Travis, tell us about your lady. All Los Angeles is talking about her.’
‘Then you don’t need me to tell you,’ he said in a voice that sounded slightly uneasy.
She wondered if he feared to offend her by saying too much and was sure of it when he patted her hand, murmuring, ‘Don’t worry.’
‘Aw, c’mon. Just a quote. How did you meet?’
‘We bumped into each other in the studio,’ she said. ‘I’d lost my way and he…he found it for me.’ She gave a mysterious smile. ‘Maybe. Now, I think that’s all, don’t you?’
As they resumed their walk she said, ‘I hope you don’t think I said too much.’
‘That was brilliant!’ Joe spluttered. ‘The perfect story. You’re really good at this, isn’t she, Travis?’
‘Yes,’ he said quietly. ‘She is.’ He glanced over his shoulder at the paparazzi still in pursuit and said in a harassed voice, ‘Don’t they ever give up?’
‘They’re waiting for you to kiss her,’ Joe informed him. ‘Get on with it.’
He slid quickly away lest he be caught in the picture.
‘He’s right,’ Travis said.
‘Of course he is.’
‘I’m sorry.’
‘We have to be professional,’ she assured him.
The sun was beginning to set, throwing a golden glow over the sand and making the water glitter. As if united by the same thought, they strolled a little way into the sea and paused, gazing into each other’s faces.
Gently he pushed the hair back from her face.
‘Time to be professional,’ he said, and lowered his mouth.
She’d thought herself braced against the impact but knew instantly that nothing could have guarded her from the feel of his lips. Gentle, hesitant, then firm, pleading, enticing, commanding.
It was all an act, she reminded herself wildly-mostly on the surface to fool the cameramen, and just a little between them to provoke her into the right reaction. Nothing for real.
But it was hard to remember while she was held so strongly against his chest, his bare legs against hers, his arm behind her head, holding her close.
Feelings chased each other through her in confusing whirls. Pleasure, excitement, a feeling that life had opened up new possibilities. But also fear, because she knew she was on the verge of losing control. She wanted him more-and more-and any moment now-
‘That’s it, gentlemen,’ came Joe’s voice out of the mists. ‘Mr Falcon just wanted a pleasant day, without you invading his privacy. Time you went.’
Nobody was fooled but they had what they wanted, and they began to drift away.
‘Are you all right?’ Travis asked softly.
‘Yes, I…I’m all right.’
‘I’m sorry about this. It’s not what you signed up for.’
‘Everything’s fine. I’m not going to make trouble, I promise you. Sensible and level headed. That’s what we agreed, and that’s what I’m giving you.’
He hesitated a moment, as though something had taken him by surprise. But then he gently released her, saying, ‘Of course. I know you always keep your word. It’s time we were going home.’
Now they would be alone and something more might happen between them, she thought happily. But Joe intervened like an awkward demon, announcing that he’d booked a table for them at one of the city’s most glamorous restaurants.
So the performance continued that evening under glittering chandeliers. They talked but it meant nothing. Charlene had a sense that he was keeping slightly distant, as though wary after the day’s events. She could be patient. Perhaps when they got home he would speak more freely.
But at last he closed his eyes and said, ‘I think I’ve had too much to drink. We should get home before I have an embarrassing collapse.’
He left with his arm around her shoulders, murmuring, ‘You don’t mind propping me up, do you?’
She patted his hand. ‘It’s what I’m here for,’ she said tenderly.
Charlene looked forward to taking him home, seeing him warm and comfortable, even perhaps happy. That was really all she asked. That he should be happy.
There was no hint then of what was to come, and how it would devastate him.
CHAPTER TEN
AS SOON as they reached home Travis put on the television, as he always did, to catch up with the news. Almost at once he tensed, staring at the screen.
‘Isn’t that-?’ Charlene gasped.
‘That’s my father,’ he confirmed, turning up the sound.
Dazed, Travis sat down on the sofa, his eyes fixed on the screen. Charlene sat beside him, trying to imagine how this would be affecting him.
It seemed that Amos Falcon had been in New York for three days, during which time he had attended meetings and socialised with men as wealthy as himself. The only thing he hadn’t done was contact his son in Los Angeles.
Suddenly she felt Travis grow even more tense. Another man had appeared on the screen. He was in his thirties, had a facial resemblance to Amos and seemed on the best of terms with him.
