It Happened in Sydney: In the Australian Billionaire's Arms / Three Times A Bridesmaid... / Expecting Miracle Twins. Margaret Way
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“And you want it?”
“What I want is a pleasant day,” she retorted, ultra cool.
“Of course you do,” he said suavely. “I apologise. You must be pleased your fame with flowers has spread far and wide. Liz over there with Marcus has been into your shop. Two of Rowena’s friends now present. Rowena, of course. She told me you provided all the very beautiful flowers for today?”
It was too much not to look at him. She felt compelled. He was wearing a dark blue and white striped casual shirt of best quality cotton, beautifully cut white linen trousers, navy loafers on his feet. His polished skin was tanned to bronze, against which his fine teeth showed very white. He could have posed for a Ralph Lauren shoot, she thought wryly. “I’ve worked hard to secure the best sources,” she said, with a touch of pride.
“I expect Paula will be next to pay you a visit.” It was a taunt really. Unworthy of him.
“Please God, no!” she said with a charming little gesture of her hands.
“Hello? Does this mean you don’t like her?”
“Do you?” She shot him a glance as cool and clear as crystal.
His expression turned sardonic. “I’ve adored her since childhood.”
“Then clearly I’ve overestimated you.”
He couldn’t help it. He laughed aloud.
It was such an engaging laugh it caused the guests to look in their direction to smile. David Wainwright was a great favourite.
“That’s very naughty of you, Sonya. And you the Ice Princess.”
“I never said I was a nice person,” she countered, not lightly, but with a hint of warning.
“Maybe I bring out the worst in you?” he asked. Her skin in the bright sunlight was as flawless as a baby’s. One could become enslaved by a woman like this. He would do well to heed the warning.
“Well, you do give it your best shot.” She paused, her tone changing. “Your girlfriend is on the way over.”
He didn’t turn his head. “I don’t remember saying Paula was my girlfriend.”
“I don’t remember saying Marcus was my man friend,” she returned sharply.
Paula Rowlands was not so much strolling as striding up to them. No doubt she was fuelled by the feline need to protect her territory, Sonya thought. “Here she comes. Hostility writ large upon her face. It must have been triggered by your laughing. It sounded too much like you were enjoying yourself.”
He let his eyes run over her. “Actually, Sonya, I was.”
Throughout the leisurely meal Rowena asked them to shift to different tables so everyone got an opportunity to speak to all the other guests. Sonya found herself having a delightful time. She had come prepared for undercover distrust; instead she might have been among friends. Of course she wasn’t obviously paired with Marcus. On the contrary she was treated as a free spirit. That was exactly what she wanted. Every time she sat at table with David Wainwright every nerve in her body flared into life. It was as if she were made of highly flammable tissue paper and his nearness set her alight.
A very pretty, chic young woman called Camilla Carstairs was especially friendly. They arranged to meet up for coffee midweek. Camilla promised to come into the shop. “I’ve heard so much about it, Sonya. The flowers today are amazingly beautiful.” Sonya found herself warming to such friendliness. She found out later, Camilla was the only daughter of “Mack” Carstairs, the trucking king.
After lunch the older couples retired to the house, while the younger guests remained outside or took strolls around the landscaped garden, an oasis of beauty and peace. A few ventured down to the turquoise swimming pool at the harbour’s edge. Though Sonya had been seated at times with Paula Rowlands, Paula had had very little to say to her. Now Paula intended to change all that. She detached herself from a small group that did not include David Wainwright. He appeared to have gone inside. Meanwhile Paula made a beeline for Sonya, calling out her name.
“Yoo-hoo, Sonya, wait for me.” She waved enthusiastically.
Here comes trouble, said the voice in Sonya’s head.
And it wasn’t wrong.
Paula, the very picture of friendliness, linked her arm through Sonya’s as though they were bosom pals. Immediately it put Sonya back on guard.
“When did this happen?” she asked lightly, resisting the urge to pull away.
“What happen?” Paula widened her eyes.
“A big turnaround comes to mind.” Sonya smiled.
Paula gave a laugh that was not reflected in her eyes. “Walk on with me,” she said. “I need to talk to you.”
“Sounds a bit like you need something to calm you more,” Sonya offered wryly. She was well aware of Paula’s seething jealousy.
“Ah, the little witticisms! “ Paula tried to pull Sonya along.
Stand still. You could be looking at pandemonium here.
Sonya obeyed her inner voice. “I really think you can say whatever it is you want to say right here, Paula.” The blue glitter of the water was all around them. A fairly strong breeze was blowing in, whipping at Sonya’s silk scarf. “Is something the matter?”
Paula pealed another laugh. There they were, the two of them enjoying a jolly time. “You’re becoming too friendly with Holt.” Paula came right to the point, her voice pitched low, but her eyes brimming with strong emotion. “I’ll go a step further. I believe you’re deliberately trying to take him off me.”
Some imp of mischief made her say, “I wish!” Unwise.
“Then you are?” Paula showed her outrage.
“I’m joking, Paula. Just a little joke.” Sonya backed off. “Look, why don’t you speak to David about your concerns?”
“David? David!” Paula sounded almost violent. “His name is Holt.”
“Surely that’s a nickname he was given as a child?” Sonya said. “I like David better.”
“You like!” Paula’s voice had turned into a croak. “Most people call him Holt. His mother is—”
“I know, the Holt heiress.” Sonya nodded calmly. “I suppose if I did a quick whip around I’d find you’re all staggeringly rich.”
“Indeed we are!” Paula’s face registered contempt. “And you the florist!”
“Is that meant to downgrade me? You merely sound a snob. I’m a very good florist as it happens. You can order over the phone. In fact, if you’re looking for work in very pleasant surroundings, I might be able to put some your way. I understand you don’t have a job.” She was beyond anger. She just wanted to get away from this jealous young woman.
It took a decided wrench to get her arm back, though she tried not to make it obvious to anyone who might be watching. Her back to the pool, she didn’t realize she was now standing too close to the edge. Paula kept her eyes so fixed on her, she might have been attempting hypnosis.
“The big difference between you and me, Ms Erickson, is I don’t have to work. You envy me. I know you do. I can’t blame you. I’ve got everything you want. Everything you’ll never get.” She spoke quite threateningly. “Remember, I’m watching you.”
From long practice, Sonya was able to keep a rein on her own temper. “Do you suppose that bothers me?” she asked coolly.
Colour mottled Paula’s cheeks. “It should! I’m in a position to make things go rather badly for you.”
“I’m supposed