“Yes, but aftereverything that’s happened … and now this. I am bad luck. I must’vesmashed a few mirrors to have this much bad luck.”
“I don’t buy it. Sureyou’ve had some bad luck lately. But that does not mean to say youare bad luck. And you were not to blame foryour house going up in flames. That was down to someone else. Notto speak ill of the dead, but that guy was going to cause moretrouble for you if he was still around, Chloe. Think yourself luckyyou were not in the house when he decided to break in. I bet Toddis thinking the same thing.”
“I know you’re right.And I am not sorry he’s gone. Actually it has taken a weight off mymind. I still want to be independent, but I am not as afraid ofaccepting help from Todd. He sort of said he wanted to marry me …well, in not as many words, but that was what he meant.”
Samantha pulled overto the kerb, turned off the engine, turned and stared wide-eyed atChloe. “He what? And you are only telling me this now! We have beenout of the office for fifteen mins and you are only telling me thisnow? And what do you mean not in so many words? Tell me hisexact words.”
“He said he loved me,and he hoped to be on bended knee when he said it one day. Bendedknee only means one thing to me. He didn’t outright propose, but Idon’t think the time was right for that.”
“So back up the track.Did you tell him about going back to Paris before or after he saidhe wanted to get down on bended knee?’
“Before.”
“And how did you reactwhen he told dropped that bombshell?”
“I told him I wasanxious but a little excited.” Chloe failed to keep the excitementout of her voice. “I’m imagining what it would be like.”
“So he has told you heis thinking of a future with you and marriage is on the cards. Youhave to know that Todd would not say that if he didn’t mean it, andif he hadn’t thought it through. I think he told you so you wouldtake some time to get used to the idea. Let’s be honest, if heasked you to marry him now, I don’t think he’d have the answer hewanted.”
“I think you areright. You know him better than I do. If he wanted me to thinkabout it, then it’s worked. Because I can’t think of anything elsenow.”
“Well, for the nexthour or two could you concentrate on what you need to buy for abasic wardrobe, and I will wield Todd’s credit card with gusto, andsplash out on some pretty dresses and shoes to make youswoon.”
CHAPTERTWENTY
Living with Todd had its goodpoints, no denying that. It had also been easier this time around.The ebb and flow of the day had formed a routine and one weekflowed into the next without incident. Most nights Todd cooked forthem both. Although it had been a while since she had cooked foranyone other than herself, Chloe enjoyed occasionally experimentingwith some French recipes. If the weather permitted they ate on theterrace. Sometimes they walked to a local restaurant, or had aquiet drink in the pub after work, with Sam and Malcolm. Chloecouldn’t remember feeling so at peace with herself and those aroundher.
She had started work withJosephine, the interior designer assigned to teach her and guideher in the right direction. Although internship had been a steeplearning curve, she found it exhilarating and fascinating to watchthe shell of the house become a thing of beauty. The next big taskwas accessorizing the interior. She couln’t wait to put her specialmark on this house. It called out for love and attention, which shewould happily provide.
While searching the web forcarpets to match the dove-grey paintwork in the study after a longand tiring day at Portsea, Chloe found her thoughts drifting toTodd. An image of how he had looked this morning at breakfast, ofhow he had laughed when she recounted the mix up with the kitchencabinets and the workmen who wouldn’t take no for an answer andwanted to install them, flashed into her mind. His blue eyes hadtwinkled with fun, spreading the tiny laugh lines around the edges.She had reached out and touched her fingertips to them. He hadkised her hand.
Their lovemaking had also takenon a different tone. It had become languid and easy, andinterestingly her arousal had intensified. Chloe only had to thinkof Todd to want to be in his arms, to want to feel his lips againsthers, his heart beating fast under her palm, his eagerness wedgedbetween them. She had gone over all the evidence multiple times andthere could only be only one answer for the change that had comeabout of late.
She was in love. And it scaredher to death.
Daniel held the office door openand allowed a little girl to enter ahead of him. This miniaturediva came complete with designer jeans, a pink top with splashes ofpurple sequins, and matching pink sandals. Her soft blonde wavyhair had been styled into a high ponytail. A pair of tinysunglasses sat atop her head. She would have looked perfect on anycatwalk for mini celebrities. Gorgeous couldn’t begin to describeher.
“Oh my goodness. Whois this lovely young lady, Daniel?” Chloe stopped sorting paintsamples, totally taken with this pint-sized fashiondevotee.
“Bianca, say hello toChloe.” Daniel deposited his daughter beside Chloe and headed forhis desk in the corner of the office.
“Hello. Do you workfor my daddy?” Bianca stared intently at Chloe.
“No, I work with yourdaddy. Don’t you look gorgeous? Did you pick these clothes yourselftoday, or did Mummy dress you?”
“Mummy picked themout, and Daddy helped me fix my hair.” Bianca fluffed up herponytail. “Mummy says he is better at ponytails than me. But I’mlearning to do my own hair.”
Chloe patted the seat beside her.“I’m impressed with Daddy’s hairdressing skills. Do you want to sithere with me while your daddy finds whatever he is looking for?What are you looking for, Daniel?”
“I thought I had asigned contract in my briefcase
