A Physical Affair

CHAPTER THREE

‘I WAS just going to introduce Keira to Sam,’ Daniel said defensively, and his uncle motioned that they accompany him towards the co-founder of Cassidy-Ford.

‘Daniel!’ Sam Ford wrapped his arms around his grandson and clapped him on the back.

‘Happy birthday, Sam,’ Daniel said sincerely. ‘This do is a little ostentatious, isn’t it?’

‘Not a bit of it. Quite fitting for someone who’s eighty years young.’ His grandfather laughed, his shrewd eyes taking in Keira as she stood tensely beside Eden Cassidy.

Daniel turned, but before he could make the introductions his uncle spoke.

‘Sam, meet Keira Strong, Daniel’s boss at Chloe magazine.’

Daniel’s jaw tightened as his gaze warred with Eden’s.

‘Pleased to meet you, Miss Strong.’ Sam took Keira’s hand. ‘You know my daughter launched that magazine just before Daniel was born? It was her brainchild, as a matter of fact. She put it on the publishing map so I suppose it’s only fitting that Daniel learns his ABC down there. I hear Chloe’s still ahead of its competitors.’

‘Yes. We seem to be keeping our hold on the top rung.’ Keira’s tongue felt thick in her mouth, every nerve-ending so very aware of Eden Cassidy’s hard body so close beside her.

‘And I know that takes plain old hard work,’ Sam continued, his eyes going perceptively from Eden to his grandson and then back to Keira. ‘How long have you been part of Chloe’s team?’

‘About five years.’

Eden Cassidy moved slightly and the material of his suit jacket brushed against Keira’s bare skin, making the hair on her arms stand on end. A shiver scurried from that transitory point of contact to blossom in the pit of her stomach and she shifted to disguise her reflex movement.

‘She’s a genius.’ Daniel’s enthusiastic voice brought her attention slowly back from its erotic spree. ‘Works like a slave and expects us general dogsbodies to do the same. I daren’t look as if I’m not busy or she finds me half a dozen things to be done. Honest, Sam.’

‘Your worst enemy is over-acting, Daniel,’ Eden said drily, and Sam chuckled.

‘Your uncle and I told you it wouldn’t be a bed of roses out there in the real world, Daniel.’

‘Ah, but I’m getting to smell the flowers, Sam,’ Daniel said with a smile, and his grandfather roared with laughter.

‘And I’m dead green with envy. Especially since I never had a boss with legs like that.’

Keira felt three pairs of masculine eyes rove over her and she raised her chin truculently.

Daniel met her stormy gaze and grinned sheepishly. ‘Another sexist comment like that, Sam, and I won’t have a boss either. I’ll be out on my proverbial ear.’

‘I don’t do the hiring and firing, Daniel,’ Keira heard herself say pompously, and cringed at her superciliousness. Where had her sense of humour gone?

‘Isn’t that Bob and Jean just arriving?’ Eden put in easily. “They’re your godparents and you haven’t seen them in ages, Daniel, so why don’t you go with Sam to welcome them while Mrs Strong and I test out the band.’ He turned to Keira and held out his hand. ‘May I have the pleasure of this dance, Mrs Strong?’

Before Keira could decline his invitation she was in his arms and he was guiding her expertly through the throng of dancers.

‘Is it too late to refuse?’ she asked him caustically, and his mouth twitched in a fleeting smile.

‘Would you have?’ His blue eyes gazed down at her and Keira almost missed her step. Eden Cassidy, of course, took her falter in his stride.

‘For the record, yes. I would.’

‘Then it’s fortunate I didn’t wait for your crushing rejection.’

His arm around her waist moved her imperceptibly closer to him and his hand was now resting on her bare back, fingertips nestling in the indentation of her spine. Keira’s senses focused on his touch, felt the warmth that flared into full-blown fire. Her whole body grew hot and she knew high colour flooded her face.

The band chose that moment to change tempo and lapsed into a bracket of popular romantic ballads. As the mellow notes flowed about them Keira’s perfidious soul seemed to be as one with his, and suddenly the intimacy of it made her knees want to fold beneath her.

Her breasts tingled where they brushed rhythmically against his hard chest, her nipples straining against the thin material of her bodice, her stomach muscles contracting as his thighs touched hers.

Eden Cassidy was an expert dancer and Keira’s feet followed his lead as though they had been dancing together for years. In a previous life perhaps they had, as some believed.

Her eyes settled on her hand resting on his broad suit-clad shoulder, her skin pale against the dark material, and she realised that should she move that hand mere millimetres she would feel the taut muscles in his neck, that she would be free to caress the strands of dark hair resting on his nape.

She tore her gaze away, concentrating feverishly on the innocuous knot of his tie. But then her mind’s eye conjured up the movement of his strong hands adroitly folding that so very masculine accessory and her breathing became even more ragged. And her recalcitrant senses careered way out of control.

Of their own volition her grey eyes rose to the jut of his firm chin, to settle on his mouth. His lips were thin, the controlled line suggesting he rarely laughed, and the faint shadowy hollows beneath his high cheekbones made Keira wonder if he might sometimes neglect his health in pursuit of his business commitments.

At that moment he sidestepped her to avoid another couple, the instinctive movement drawing her impossibly closer to him, and her blood seemed to bolt through her veins with runaway recklessness. Her complete nervous system went on imperilled alert. Keira knew she couldn’t have been more aware of him had they been naked, and she went cold and then hot again within the space of a split-second.

‘You know, I haven’t danced in years.’ Eden Cassidy’s prosaic words ricocheted into Keira’s lascivious thoughts, scattering them abruptly, and her eyes rose instantaneously to meet his in surprise.

The corners of his mouth lifted in a genuine smile, creating still more havoc with Keira’s quivering nervous system, and the deep resonant sound of his soft laugh played over her with a million tiny titillations of her nerve endings.

The resulting clefts that bracketed his mouth changed his harsh features dramatically, and as he lifted his head his blue eyes sparkled beneath the light of the chandelier, making him inconceivably more heart-stoppingly attractive.

‘Does your sceptical look mean you don’t believe me, Mrs Strong?’ That devastating smile still played around his mouth. ‘On my honour, it’s quite true. I never seem to find the time. Do you suppose Daniel’s right in repeatedly insisting I’m too wedded to my work?’

‘Only you can answer that,’ Keira replied as evenly as she could with her heartbeats still bouncing erratically in her breast. ‘But I should imagine Cassidy-Ford Publishing is a full-time job.’

“It is that. But I have very competent staff and I do delegate. As I’m sure you do, Mrs Strong.’

Keira glanced at him from beneath her lashes. Could he be fishing for information about the running of the magazine? Was he aware that Dianna filled less than her position on Chloe? Well, he wouldn’t hear it from her, Keira thought firmly.

‘Yes, I do delegate, but, as the editor, Dianna handles most of the work assignments. We all work very well as a team,’ she finished weakly, part of her wishing her editor hadn’t put her in such a position.

‘So where do you see Chloe going in the next year or so?’

‘Going?’ she repeated in surprise. ‘In exactly the direction it has been, I would have thought. And I don’t mean standing still. The magazine constantly flexes with the needs of its readers. While it’s so successful, why alter the format-or the staff?’ she added quickly, recalling the supposition caused by the appearance of the time-and-motion study man Daniel had reminded her about.

Eden’s eyes had narrowed on her. ‘You think that’s what I plan on doing?’

Keira shrugged. ‘I have no idea, although there have been a few rumours,’ she said carefully. ‘But I feel I should repeat what I said. Why interfere with a successful enterprise? Our staff work well together and I wouldn’t want to see that changed in any way.’

‘Loyal, too,’ he said quietly and grimaced. ‘Is there no end to your virtues, Mrs Strong?’

‘What…what do you mean?’ Keira swallowed nervously, feeling the timbre of the conversation shift just fractionally, giving it that heady sense of danger once again.

‘Obviously competent at her job. Loyal to her staff. As well as being-how did Daniel describe you?-a woman who’s as fantastic as she looks.’

Keira flushed. ‘I take pride in doing my job well,’ she began haughtily, highly embarrassed by the turn of the dialogue.

‘Oh, I know you do, Mrs Strong. My-’ he paused

and raised one dark brow ‘-snoops weren’t wrong about that.’

Their eyes met, held. Cool steel-blue and steady smoky grey. Keira’s were the first to fall.

‘I guess I should apologise for that.’ She fought to keep her voice dispassionately normal. ‘But I was provoked, wouldn’t you say?’

‘What happened to your husband?’ he asked quietly, and his change of subject and the concern in his tone tore down Keira’s defences.

‘He was killed in a car accident,’ she replied flatly.

‘It must have been difficult for you.’

‘Yes. I…’ Keira sighed. ‘Dennis and I were separated at the time. We had been for a couple of years. But it was still a terrible shock.’

They danced in silence for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts. Keira tried to bring Dennis’s face into focus but his boyish features blurred in the process. Dennis had been handsome, but weak. So totally different from the man whose strong arms held her in his grasp. With flawless timing Keira’s body reminded her of the rock-hard wall of Eden’s chest, his long legs, and… There was, she admitted resignedly, no contest.

But what was she doing making a comparison anyway? she asked herself angrily. It wasn’t as though she had ever been interested in replacing Dennis. And if she had been, there was no way she would consider a man as high-powered, as prominently profiled as Eden Cassidy. She’d have to be insane. Wouldn’t she?

Keira pulled her wayward thoughts to a jarring halt. A man like Eden Cassidy would have no interest in an average-looking nobody like her.

She glanced up at him again and the look in his blue eyes that split-second before he masked his thoughts belied her speculation. She knew in that revealing moment that she did hold some interest for him.

Keira swallowed quickly, her mind trying to rein in her galloping senses. Interested he may be but she’d lay bets his concern wasn’t altruistic, but brutally obvious.

Eden Cassidy, head of the prestigious and prosperous Cassidy-Ford Publishing and Keira Strong, assistant editor and virtual employee. One of thousands. Keira could almost laugh. It sounded like a fairy-tale. And she’d given up believing in them a long time ago. Nor was she even vaguely interested in indulging in a sordid affair with a wealthy libertine.

She had to get away from him. Where was Daniel? Her eyes ran over the crowd around them and only then did she notice even more speculative looks slid furtively their way. And she could imagine just what they were all thinking of her now. First the nephew, now the uncle. She must be providing a banquet of food for gossipy thoughts. She’d have to excuse herself.

At that moment she spotted Daniel through a break in the crowd. He was craning his neck above the dancers and, catching sight of Keira and his uncle, he began to make his way towards them.

A slight frown furrowed his brow when he reached them and he looked quickly from one to the other.

‘Megan’s looking for you,’ he told his uncle without preamble. ‘Something about a fax from New York or something. It sounded important,’ he added quickly, for good measure.

Eden grimaced and slowly, far too slowly as far as Keira was concerned, he relinquished his hold on her and gave her a slight bow. ‘Duty calls,’ he said derisively. ‘I’ll leave you in Daniel’s capable hands. For now,’ he added softly, for Keira’s ears only, as he turned and left them.

Keira danced with Daniel, who seemed just a little less exuberant, a trifle more subdued. Or so it appeared to Keira, who had to acknowledge she now felt much the same. However, during the course of the evening he politely introduced her to his family and some of his uncle’s and grandfather’s friends.

At supper, as lavish an affair as the rest of the celebration had been, Daniel attentively plied her with delicious food and the one glass of the very best champagne she allowed herself.

Eden Cassidy circulated conscientiously, Keira knew, for her body seemed automatically tuned to his movements about the large ballroom. Throughout the evening she would find herself beginning to relax and then he would cross her line of vision, or their eyes would meet through a break in the crowd, and her muscles would tense involuntarily. And not for the first time she fervently wished the evening well and truly over.

The only time Eden had taken to the dance-floor had been with Keira, and just when she was convinced she was to have the dubious honour of being his only dancing partner she saw him guiding the tall and impeccably gowned Megan Donnelly on to the floor.

They made a striking couple. In her high heels, with her hair piled on top of her head in a smooth chignon, Megan was almost as tall as Eden, and as Keira watched, unable to draw her gaze away, they spoke softly and easily to each other as they danced.

Yet they didn’t look as though they fitted together. Somehow the picture wouldn’t jell. Not those cold blue eyes paired with that controlled, willow-slim body. Keira found herself trying to imagine Eden and Megan in a passionate embrace and the picture that was conjured up did nothing to waylay the icy little knot in her stomach as it grew tentacles that reached up to squeeze her heart.

No! Keira remonstrated with herself again. She couldn’t be so foolish. And she couldn’t allow this nonsensical fantasy to develop any further. Eden Cassidy was way out of her league and she didn’t want or need the resulting turmoil such ridiculousness would definitely engender.

‘Hey, Dan! Cat! How’s it doing?’ A young voice broke in on Keira and Daniel as they stood talking, having decided to take a break from the dancing for a while.

They both turned as the young man, obviously a contemporary of Daniel’s, joined them. His jaw dropped comically as Keira faced him and he realised his mistake.

‘Oh, sorry. You look just like… Um, I thought you were someone else,’ he mumbled. “Thought it was funny Cat was here. Oh.’ He stopped talking, his expression registering what had apparently been a warning look from Daniel.

Keira bit back a smile as Daniel heartily made the introductions.

‘Keira, this is Rick Jansen, a friend of mine. Rick, meet my boss, Keira Strong.’

‘Your boss. Wow! Um, pleased to meet you.’ Rick shook hands with Keira, his admiring eyes moving surreptitiously over her. ‘So old Dan really does have a job?’

‘Yes, I’m afraid he does. At the moment,’ she added teasingly for Daniel’s benefit.

‘I’ll need to see it to believe it,’ Rick continued. ‘And you’re his boss? Um, any vacant positions going?’

‘None you could handle,’ Daniel gibed back. ‘Ignore him, Keira. No class.’ He glanced at his wristwatch. ‘And only four or five hours late. That should tell us something.’

‘Car trouble.’ Rick shrugged. ‘Still, we thought we’d at least wish Sam all the best before we headed back to the city. And apart from that, I’m starving. Gina-my girlfriend,’ he added for Keira’s information, ‘is scrounging us some leftovers so I’d better go find her. Catch you later, Dan. OK?’

He disappeared as suddenly as he had appeared and Keira turned back to an obviously disconcerted Daniel.

‘Gee, is it hot in here? Or is it just me?’ He loosened his tie. ‘What say we get some air?’

‘I’m fine, Daniel,’ Keira began and he looked at her imploringly.

‘Ten minutes, Keira. And I need some company.’ He took her arm and led her through the open double doors out on to the wide, brightly lit patio.

They strolled over to the cement parapet and leant against the still-warm balustrade. Two large potted umbrella trees threw shadow about them, partially obscuring them from the doorway.

‘Nice and cool out here, isn’t it?’ Daniel said, his voice a little uneasy, and Keira sighed.

‘Lovely,’ she said pointedly.

‘I’d give anything to get out of this monkey suit,’ Daniel hurried on, undoing the button at his collar. ‘Give me casual dress any day. Or night.’

‘But not at your grandfather’s celebration, which,’ Keira added, ‘he seems to be enjoying immensely.’

Daniel relaxed a little and laughed. ‘Sam always does. And how about you, Keira? It hasn’t been as bad as you thought it would be, has it?’

‘No. I suppose not,’ Keira replied carefully. Apart from those earth-shattering moments in Eden Cassidy’s arms. And the continuing earth-shattering moments that followed at regular intervals.

‘Aren’t you glad I asked you? Or is that going a bit far?’

Keira laughed softly. ‘Perhaps. But I’m still hazy about why you asked me. And it wasn’t because you could talk to me like a sister, was it? Or to pique your uncle, I hope.’

‘No. Not that. Well, not exactly. I did ask you because I felt we get on pretty well and…’ Daniel stopped and sighed. ‘I suppose I do owe you an explanation. I’m just not sure where to start. It’s sort of complicated, you see.’

‘Would it help if I asked the sixty-four-thousand-dollar question?’ Keira said perceptively. ‘So who’s Cat?’

‘Just a friend.’ Daniel shrugged and Keira sensed in the semi-darkness that he was going pink about the ears. When Keira made no comment he shot a sideways glance at her and she shook her head.

‘Something tells me she’s much more than that, but far be it from me to invade your privacy.’

‘It’s not that, Keira. It’s just…’ Daniel stopped again and sighed loudly. ‘I met Cat at an inter-school debating contest when we were sixteen. Actually, she’s a month older than me. I told you I prefer older women! And she does look a lot like you, which is how Rick came to put his foot in his mouth in there. Cat has fair hair, same length as yours, but her eyes are sort of hazel.’

‘And she wouldn’t come tonight so you chose me as the look-alike substitute?’ Keira shook her head. ‘I’m not sure I like that, Daniel. And you’re taking quite a chance, aren’t you? What if the elusive Cat finds out?’

‘You weren’t a substitute, Keira. Not the way you mean.’ Daniel defended himself. ‘And Cat knows about you.’

‘I see. So this is a modern romance?’ she teased, and when Daniel would have protested she held up her hand. ‘I’m sorry, Daniel. That was a low blow. Perhaps you’d best finish your tale of woe.’

‘This is serious, Keira.’ Daniel assured her. ‘And you really are like her. Not just in looks. She’s intelligent, funny, straightforward. She doesn’t play games. Cat’s always Cat. We’ve been going out together on and off for about two years.’

‘Then why didn’t you bring her to the party tonight?’

‘You answered that before. She didn’t want to come.’

Keira raised her eyebrows.

‘We-that is, you see, she isn’t keen on meeting my uncle.’

‘No?’ Keira could sympathise with the girl. Or so she told herself.

‘No. And Eden wouldn’t be overjoyed at meeting her,’ Daniel added despondently.

‘Why not? I’m sure you’re underestimating your uncle,’ Keira heard herself add, and began to feel just a little hypocritical. Not hours ago she’d been convinced she’d believe anything about the arrogant Eden Cassidy. She was changing sides in the middle of the round. Except it wasn’t a game. ‘Unless Cat’s one of the giggling air-head brigade.’

‘Give it a rest, Keira.’ Daniel pulled a face. ‘And trust me on this. Eden would blow a fuse. Remember that strike on the Daily Post six months ago when the delivery guys went out?’

‘What could that possibly have to do with you and Cat?’ Keira asked, perplexed. ‘Unless she delivers your uncle’s newspapers,’ she couldn’t help adding lightly.

‘Of course she doesn’t,’ Daniel said testily. ‘She’s at uni. But who did all the negotiating?’

She frowned. ‘Doug Craigie, wasn’t it?’

‘The same. And the dispute before that? Doug Craigie. My uncle’s arch-enemy.’ Daniel paused melodramatically. ‘And Cat’s father.’

Keira straightened. ‘I see. And you’ve kept your relationship with Cat Craigie from your uncle and, I take it, her father, for three years?’

Daniel nodded. ‘It hasn’t been easy.’ He hoisted himself on to the balustrade, letting his hands dangle dejectedly between his knees. ‘Not that Cat’s afraid of meeting Eden. Hell, she’s the most courageous, most honourable person I know, apart from you, Keira. But she doesn’t want to start anything. I mean, Eden and Doug Craigie were at each other’s throats for days the last time.’

‘But they sorted it out in the end, quite amicably,’ Keira reminded him.

‘Yes, well, Cat and I would rather keep ourselves out of it.’

‘If you care about this girl, Daniel, then your uncle’s going to have to know eventually. You must see that.’

‘I know, Keira. And I am serious about Cat, you can believe that. She’s the only girl I’ve ever been really interested in and I see myself with her for the rest of our lives. But she’s just so damn stubborn about this.’ Daniel shook his head despondently and Keira reached out and patted his shoulder.

‘Although I don’t particularly care to be used as a smokescreen I think I understand, Daniel, and I’m sorry. Perhaps you should just leave it for now. I’m sure you’ll know when the time’s right to explain it to your family.’

Daniel nodded and pushed himself into a standing position, turning to Keira with a crooked smile. ‘I feel a lot better talking about it. Thanks.’ He took Keira’s hand in his. ‘You know, another time, another place, you and I…’ He stopped and Keira smiled.

‘I understand, Daniel. And I admire you for recognising the difference,’ she said softly. ‘You’re an exceptional young man.’

Daniel raised her hand to his lips.

At the sound of measured footsteps on the tiled patio Daniel dropped Keira’s hand and they both swung around as Eden Cassidy approached them. The harsh outdoor light was behind him, throwing his features into shadow, making his expression unreadable.

Keira stiffened and for short seconds that seemed like long minutes no one spoke. Then Daniel moved beside Keira and broke into hurried speech.

‘We were hot. From dancing. We came out for some air.’

Sympathising with Daniel’s awkwardness, Keira shifted her weight from one foot to the other, bringing her closer to the younger man, and she put her hand compassionately on his back. And she sensed Eden Cassidy was completely aware of her movement.

‘It is quite warm, isn’t it?’ Eden said easily. ‘It’s surprising you’ve got the patio all to yourselves.’

‘We were about to go back inside-’ Daniel had recovered his composure ‘-if you’re ready, Keira?’

‘Sure.’ Keira would have moved forward but Eden Cassidy stood his ground, directly in front of her, effectively cornering her between Daniel and the potted umbrella trees. She’d have to brush past him or make a show of stepping carefully around him.

‘The party’s going well,’ Daniel remarked, a little more at ease now that his uncle seemed to be no threat to him, and Keira had to repress the urge to push Daniel towards the doorway so that she could escape the unsettling presence of the tall man standing intimidatingly in front of her.

‘Yes,’ Eden replied perfunctorily as Daniel began to walk across the patio, with Keira right behind him.

‘Oh, Mrs Strong.’ Eden’s words stopped them both. ‘I’d like a few words with you. If you’ll excuse us, Daniel.’ He dismissed his nephew.

Daniel’s chin rose. ‘I’ll wait.’

‘I want to discuss business with your boss,’ Eden said unperturbed. ‘Privately.’

‘Look, Eden.’ Daniel faced him. ‘If you’re going to talk to Keira about me then I’m going to stay.’

‘There you are, Dan,’ Rick Jansen called from the doorway. ‘Gina and I are heading off. Think you could come and help me start my car? Battery’s a bit iffy so I’ll probably need a push to get it going.’

‘Go on, Daniel,’ his uncle said firmly. ‘We’ll see you inside.’

With a muttered exclamation Keira couldn’t catch, and was relieved she didn’t, Daniel ungraciously joined his friend.

‘A rather propitious interruption,’ Eden Cassidy remarked, and moved to lean his hip against the balustrade where his nephew had been sitting.

‘How could you do that to Daniel?’ Keira asked him before she could stop herself.

‘Do what?’ he countered easily.

‘Embarrass him. Come out here to check up on him. Spy,’ she finished harshly, and he raised one arrogant dark brow. ‘But on past experience I don’t know why I’m surprised.’

‘You don’t? Why so, Mrs Strong?’

‘Your bogus time-and-motion study henchman at the magazine last week for one.’

‘You’re misconstruing, Mrs Strong. Jonesy-’ he pulled a wry face ‘-Ken Jones, who’s worked for me for more years than I care to recall, was exactly what he said he was and his appearance had nothing to do with Daniel.’

Keira watched him, her brain turning over the implications of his words. Was Eden Cassidy planning on firing some of the staff at Chloe? she wondered again. And if so, who? She bit her lip. The magazine was running smoothly and efficiently as it was.

‘But I didn’t come out here to discuss the magazine or to keep what you’ve assured me are unnecessary tabs on my nephew,’ he continued. ‘I wanted to talk to you about a different matter, associated, but detached.’

Keira stood silently, her intuition suddenly setting warning ringing, some sixth sense telling her she wasn’t going to find anything to like in this different matter, associated or detached.

‘It does concern Daniel and I want to restate my caution about your association with my nephew.’

‘Mr Cassidy,’ Keira began, wanting to end the conversation before it got any worse. And she had an awful premonition it was about to do just that.

‘As you know,’ he continued as though she hadn’t spoken, ‘I’m strongly against my nephew’s involvement in a heavy affair at this stage. Not that there isn’t something to be said in favour of a young man sowing his wild oats with an experienced older woman.

‘However, Daniel doesn’t need complications of that kind distracting him when he should be concentrating on preparing for his university studies. So I want to suggest a solution.’

Was he going to offer her money? Keira wondered, as an ominous dread took hold of her.

‘You are an experienced woman, Mrs Strong, wouldn’t you say?’

Keira felt a flood of red course from her throat to her cheeks. Surely he…?

Deliberately he pushed himself upright, away from the balustrade, standing to face her, far, far too close to her.

‘You could use your-’ he paused slightly ‘-time to

better advantage. I assure you, I’d see you wouldn’t regret it. I’m an experienced man. Why waste your time with a boy?’