CHAPTER THREE

      IT WAS INEVITABLE the conversation around the table would eventually return to the hottest topic of the night: where had Leila and Raffa been for such a long time? Britt and Eva clearly weren’t convinced by the hotel lounge story.

      ‘So, what did you two find to talk about up in Raffa’s suite?’ Britt asked casually.

      ‘We weren’t in Raffa’s suite,’ Leila said patiently. ‘We were chatting in the hotel lounge, surrounded by other guests—’ She was just getting into her stride when her eyes widened with surprise as Raffa’s warm, strong hand covered hers in a cautionary gesture.

      ‘We were discussing the mining museum, as a matter of fact,’ he commented casually. ‘Leila’s got some great ideas,’ he went on without missing a beat. ‘And I was saying that, as I have one of the finest gem collections in the world, perhaps Leila should visit my island with a view to displaying a selection of her choice in Skavanga.’

      The silence was absolute. Everyone was stunned, including Leila. Raffa had just hit them with the conversation stopper of all time. Was that a serious invitation? Or was he still playing games?

      ‘Just say yes,’ he suggested, easing back on his chair as she looked at him.

      For once, Britt had nothing to say, and it was Eva who filled the gap in her usual blunt manner. ‘What are you suggesting?’ she asked Raffa suspiciously, flying in defence of her sister.

      ‘I’m suggesting Leila comes to Isla Montaña de Fuego to take a look at my jewels,’ Raffa responded quietly.

      ‘Why?’ Eva was keen to dig deeper before she let him off the hook. ‘Why does Leila need to visit your island? Can’t you bring the gems here?’

      ‘I wouldn’t presume to make a selection for Leila,’ Raffa explained smoothly, his black stare confirming this with Leila.

      ‘That’s right.’ Leila’s heart was going crazy as she played along. ‘I can’t wait to see Raffa’s collection. Everyone loves a big diamond, don’t they, Eva?’

      Britt and Eva quickly hid their ring hands under the table as Raffa added, ‘Leila sees a great future for the mining museum.’

      ‘You two have been chatting, haven’t you?’ Eva commented, relaxing back, defeated for once.

      As her sisters exchanged a look Leila wondered how long she could keep this up. Visiting Raffa’s island? As if! ‘Yes, Raffa and I have been talking,’ she confirmed blithely. ‘It’s only natural when we’ve got so much in common— The diamonds,’ she added when her sisters stared at her in disbelief.

      ‘Indeed,’ Eva murmured with amusement. ‘The diamonds. I’d almost forgotten them.’

      ‘Well, I can’t think of any other reason I’d visit the island—’ As she spoke Leila was conscious of digging an even bigger hole for herself, but somehow she couldn’t stop. ‘As soon as I slipped on the ice and Raffa caught me, I thought—what luck! This is my chance to put my business proposition to him—’

      ‘Your what?’ Britt interrupted.

      Fair enough. She’d gone too far. When were Leila Skavanga and business ever mentioned in the same sentence? Try never.

      ‘Leila made a very good pitch, actually,’ Raffa said, filling the gap. ‘Water, anyone? Sparkling...? Still...?’

      ‘Leila is brilliant at her job,’ Britt mused out loud as if she was actually convinced.

      ‘And has always seen her work as an opportunity to give a whole new generation an insight into the business that put the town on the map,’ Eva added, shooting a proud-sister look at Leila.

      Oh, no! Why were her sisters getting involved? She felt really bad now. If only they would stop being so helpful! Didn’t they realise this was all a joke? It so obviously was—

      She looked at Raffa, who was giving nothing away. But why pretend to invite her to his island? That was going a bit far, wasn’t it?

      She almost jumped out of her skin when he reached across to give her hand a reassuring squeeze, and realised she had to say something quickly to Britt and Eva or they would be completely sucked in. ‘He’s only joking about the trip—even Raffa couldn’t be such a glutton for punishment as to invite me to spend more time with him.’ She shared an amused look with Britt and Eva and saw them relax.