He rid his mind of the exchange to concentrate fully on the woman who had stolen his heart the moment he’d laid eyes on her. He’d set out to hook Thatcham back then, to entice him to take a punt working for him on the side as a dealer. He’d tempted him with the girl, ensuring she worked for him and started up the affair that had been both their undoing in the end. Yes, everything had gone according to plan, even down to Thatcham neglecting to fulfil his duties to deliver the heroin at the appointed place the day of his murder.
He had no regrets, no remorse. He was a successful man, used to getting his own way. He wanted this woman, and nothing was about to stand in his way of getting her in his bed.
The restaurant was full, and the intimate atmosphere clearly appealed to Paula. She beamed as soon as she stepped foot inside the luxurious interior. He’d requested a seat in the corner booth. The maître d’ seated them and left them to peruse the sumptuous menu for the next five minutes.
“Crikey, it all looks splendid. I’m really not sure what to have. Any suggestions?” Paula asked.
“The turbot is my favourite. Do you want a starter?”
“My waistline says I shouldn’t, but what the heck?”
“What about the oysters?”
“Don’t they come with a bit of a reputation?”
He wiggled his eyebrows. “They do, which is why I love them.”
“And insist on ordering them with your lady friends?” She smirked.
“No, only you. Go on, be brave.”
“Okay. If I don’t like them then you’ll have to eat my share.”
“That won’t be a problem, I have an insatiable appetite where they’re concerned.”
He placed the order when the waiter reappeared and then reached for her hand across the table. Her skin was silky smooth and instantly caused a throbbing in his trousers.
“You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you. Have you had a good day at work?”
“It’s been eventful, let’s put it that way. It’s not over yet. I have to drop by to oversee a delivery at around ten later, if that’s all right with you?”
“Oh, does that mean our evening will have to end early?”
“No, not if you don’t want it to. You can come with me, and then we could…well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’ll see how the evening develops and go from there.”
Her face lit up.
They chatted about life in general whilst flirting at the appropriate times throughout the meal. For dessert he ordered a special pudding which consisted of a chocolate dome. It was accompanied by a hot fudge sauce.
“Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
He was chuffed to see the exhilaration lighting up her beautiful features. “It’s special. Wait until you see what’s inside. Go on…pour the sauce over the top.”
She eagerly did as he requested and gasped as the chocolate melted to reveal another glass dome. Inside of that was a velvet box containing a large diamond engagement ring.
“No. This can’t be happening.” She sat back in her chair, mesmerised by the ring’s beauty.
He fiddled with the clasp on the dome, removed the ring and, leaving his chair, dropped to one knee beside her and requested her left hand. He pushed the ring onto her finger and stared into her tear-stained face. “Oh my, tears of joy, I hope.”
“They are. You’re far too generous. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have found you.”
Diners on a few of the tables close by applauded. He kissed her and returned to his seat. A swift glance at his watch spoilt the moment for him—it was already nine. Another half an hour and they would need to make a move.
Why is it that the fun times always speed past and yet the bad times tend to linger? I wish I didn’t have to go to the damn port tonight.
“Penny for them?” she asked, admiring the ring on her finger.
“Not worth it. Just regretting taking the business decision to be elsewhere later. Speaking of which, another twenty minutes and we’re going to have to get on our way.”
“That’s a shame. Don’t feel bad about it, though. These things happen. As someone who used to be dear to me once said, ‘business never sleeps’.”
He couldn’t help wondering if the smart words had come from Ray’s mouth. He refused to ask and acquiesced instead. “So true. Drink up, let’s enjoy the rest of the bubbly, it would be a shame to waste it.”
“Maybe we could take it home with us.”
He tipped his head back and roared. “I’m sure they’d love that.”
A little while later, he grudgingly searched his watch for the time and tutted. “Time to go. I’ll settle the bill.”
He left the table and returned once he’d paid for the meal and added a hefty tip into the bargain. He held out an arm, and she slipped hers through it once she stood.
“I’ve had a wonderful evening, just what I needed.” She beamed, and he kissed the tip of her nose.
“It’s not over yet, darling.” Her smile captivated his hard heart, instantly melting it.
He’d never anticipated ever feeling such raw emotions about a woman, but here he was, a quivering wreck in her presence.
Anderton escorted her outside. The chauffeur had the back door open, awaiting their arrival. Anderton eased her into the seat, gave the driver brief instructions of where to go next and slid in beside her.
She placed a hand on his thigh, and a shiver of excitement rippled through him. One final hurdle to leap through for the day, and then he’d whisk the lady back home and…
Katy and Sean had followed Anderton to the restaurant. Katy
