A Physical Affair

CHAPTER SIX

DANIEL knocked tentatively and entered Keira’s office. ‘I just saw Eden leaving. So how was lunch?’

‘Fine.’ Keira shrugged non-committally.

‘Eden has gone, hasn’t he?’ Daniel said. ‘Or is he likely to turn up again?’

‘He’s gone as far as I know,’ Keira said without intonation, feeling as though she’d been through an emotional wringer and not sure she wasn’t still trapped in one. ‘You just missed him.’

‘Good.’

Keira sighed. ‘Look, Daniel, if this is going to be long and involved I haven’t got the time to listen and commiserate, so could you be brief or preferably save it for tomorrow?’

‘Did he rub you up the wrong way again?’ asked Daniel sympathetically, and Keira frowned.

‘No. Not that it’s any of your business, but your uncle didn’t rub me the wrong way. I simply have stacks of work to get through. A point I’ve been fruitlessly trying to make all day.’

‘Cat was here,’ Daniel said with high drama. ‘I’ve told her all about you and I wanted her to meet you. You see, we’d arranged to have lunch today and then Eden turned up just when I was expecting Cat. I nearly had a heart attack.’

‘If you brought it all out in the open you wouldn’t have to sneak about,’ Keira told him tiredly. ‘You should have taken the opportunity to introduce them.’

‘Not likely. But at least once I knew Eden was in the building I knew where he’d be.’

Keira raised her eyebrows.

‘Well, if he was in the building and you were in the same building then I reckon it would be a fair bet that he would be somewhere near you.’

Keira was unable to prevent warm colour flooding her cheeks. ‘You’re being ridiculous,’ she stated, and made a slash on the page with her red pen.

‘Not as I see it. The penny dropped a while ago when I was watching you two together. So, what happened between you and Eden at the weekend?’

‘What makes you think anything happened?’ Keira asked without looking up.

‘The fact that you’re both trying to pretend nothing happened. I only mentioned you at dinner last night and Eden nearly snapped my head off. This morning I said something about Eden to you and you were almost as bad.’ Daniel sat down, looking seriously into Keira’s eyes. ‘Eden didn’t make a pass at you, did he? When I left you alone with him on the patio? You seemed a little distracted after that.’

Keira felt her flush deepen. ‘Daniel! Enough already! I was tired, that’s all.’

‘Ahh!’ Daniel nodded knowingly.

‘Ahh nothing.’ Keira looked pointedly at her wrist-watch. ‘It’s after five. I hope you won’t have the nerve to claim overtime.’

‘Overtime? I’m deeply offended. You know I’m not a clock-watcher, Keira.’

‘No. You’re a real little trouper, Daniel. Now, would you please buzz off and let me get on with my work?’

‘OK. I understand you don’t want to talk about it but I kind of feel responsible, you know. If I hadn’t talked you into going with me at the weekend-’

‘Daniel,’ Keira appealed, and he stood up.

‘All right. I can take a hint. But I think I should sort of-you know, warn you.’

‘Warn me?’ Keira gazed at him levelly. ‘Warn me about what?’

‘Well, about Eden. Over the years he’s had more than his share of women.’ Daniel grimaced. ‘But none of them have lasted for long. Except for Megan, I guess,’ he added with a frown. ‘But you’re different, Keira. I just wouldn’t want you to get hurt.’

Keira drew herself up in her chair, ignoring the pain inside that told her she knew what Daniel was saying was true. ‘I’ve no intention of getting involved with your uncle,’ she said through clenched teeth, and Daniel had the grace to look a little disconcerted.

‘I just wanted to say there’ve been plenty of women in his past.’

‘Everyone has a past, Daniel.’

‘I know. But earlier I thought you and Eden were- you know, aware of each other.’

‘Your imagination must have been in overdrive.’ Keira made a show of shuffling the pages in front of her.

‘Well, you have to admit he’s good-looking. And he’s rich. Women drop like flies around him.’

‘Charming, Daniel. You have a way with words.’

‘You know what I mean, Keira.’

‘All I know is that a moment ago you were warning me off and now you’re singing his praises.’

‘I have this theory that maybe all he needs is a good woman to save him from himself, or whatever it is good women save a man from,’ he added with a grin.

‘I’ll let that remark pass, only because I sense a deliberate provocation.’

‘So why not you and Eden, Keira? Seriously. I think you’d be great together.’

‘Daniel-’ Keira glared at him and he backed off a few paces.

‘OK, I know. Subject closed. So I’ll see you tomorrow.’

You and Eden. Keira shook her head quickly as Daniel left her. It was pointless weighing up the pros and cons of a prospective relationship with Eden Cassidy. She knew exactly what it would involve. A physical fling, undoubtedly exciting, and then the uncertainty as he cooled off before the painful parting when he tired of her. No, if she’d needed any reminding then one of Daniel’s comments had jogged her memory.

Eden Cassidy had had a lot of women. And Keira wasn’t going to add herself to the list. She wasn’t interested in just an affair.

Apart from that, he was her boss, a boss who’d just offered her the job of a lifetime. And as she’d accepted the position she had no intention of jeopardising it in any way. Especially by becoming involved with the head of Cassidy-Ford Publishing.

To do that she’d have to be out of her mind. And the last thing she needed was complications in her private life, earth-shatteringly exciting complications though they might be. Right now she would need to focus all her attention on making the magazine’s resurrection a success.

And as attractive as Eden Cassidy undoubtedly was, well… Keira sighed and passed her hand tiredly over her eyes. Attractive? He was the most magnetic man she’d ever met and she couldn’t deny she was physically aware of him, that the feelings he stirred within her she’d never felt quite so strongly before. The fact remained that he would always be out of her league. She’d just have to keep reminding herself of that.

Unable to prevent herself, Keira picked up the job structure list Eden had left with her and she began pencilling in some suggestions. Glancing at the time, she shook her head and began to tidy her desk. She knew she’d never get any more work done this evening so she might as well go home, begin early in the morning when she was fresh and, hopefully, had regained her concentration.

It took a full two days for word about the new magazine and Keira’s promotion to become common knowledge around the office.

However, at least Keira had been able to discuss it with her editor before the rumors began. Dianna had sought Keira out and they’d talked about the upheaval of Keira’s subsequent replacement and how it would affect Chloe. Although the meeting hadn’t been overly painful, that Dianna was not pleased about the changes was obvious.

This morning Eden and Denver Clarkson were coming to see Keira to discuss some of the more pressing arrangements regarding the staffing of the new venture.

When a knock sounded on the door Keira took a steadying breath before responding. Daniel strode purposefully over to the desk and leaned across to take Keira’s hand.

‘Take me with you, Keira,’ he beseeched earnestly. ‘You know I’d do anything for you, I’ll work like a slave. Anything.’

‘For heaven’s sake, Daniel. Don’t you know that walls have ears? You don’t know who could be listening.’

‘Everyone knows Eden’s due to arrive so they’re all at their various desks making industrious working noises.’

‘Yes, well, let’s just say I’m over-sensitive. I’ve suffered more than enough repercussions since that party I should never have let you talk me into attending. And trying to explain why I went with you…’ Keira expelled an expressive breath and Daniel laughed.

‘It was the good old Cassidy charm.’

Keira pulled a face at him and he grinned delightedly.

‘Anyway, so what do you say?’

‘About what exactly?’

‘About the new magazine. Can I work with you on Natural Life! You said you were pleased with my work, that I showed promise.’

‘I am and you do,’ Keira acknowledged shortly. ‘But I thought you liked it here on Chloe?’

‘I do, but I want to stay on your team.’

Keira regarded him thoughtfully.

‘Want me to go down on bended knee and beg?’ Daniel made to carry out his threat and Keira held up her hand.

‘Don’t you dare, Daniel Cassidy. There’s no need for any theatricals. And before you waste any more of my time, I’ve already decided to have you with us.’

‘You have? That’s great.’ Daniel beamed. ‘Can’t live without me, huh?’

‘You’re pushing your luck,’ Keira replied wryly. ‘Now, we’ve both got work to do. How about showing me what a willing slave you are instead of talking about it? And close the door as you leave.’

‘For you, boss lady, I’d climb the highest mountain. Walk across the desert.’ He turned and gave her a salute. ‘And swim the deepest ocean,’ he added with a laugh, closing the door before Keira could retaliate.

The door opened again almost immediately and, an easy smile still lifting the corners of her mouth, Keira looked up, expecting to see Daniel again, but in his place stood a tall, now familiar figure filling the doorway.

‘Do you elicit such great loyalty from all your staff or is it just peculiar to the Cassidys?’ Eden asked softly as he leant one broad shoulder against the door-jamb.

‘Your nephew has a strange sense of humour,’ Keira replied, his sudden appearance setting her thoughts scattering like leaves in an autumn wind.

‘So it would seem,’ Eden said caustically, and straightened. ‘And it appears he spends a considerable amount of his day in your office.’

Keira lifted her chin. ‘No more than anyone else does,’ she stated firmly, and Eden’s lips thinned.

‘From memory, he’s been here every time I have.’

‘And he usually has a valid reason for being here. He does work on this magazine, you know.’

‘But he’s not supposed to be working exclusively for you.

‘He doesn’t,’ Keira bit back, and he gave an exclamation of disbelief.

‘Anyone would think-’

‘No,’ Keira broke in on him. ‘Anyone wouldn’t. Only you seem to read evil intentions into it when there’s really nothing there. Unless there’s something about Daniel I don’t know.’

‘What are you talking about?’ he demanded tersely.

‘Well, you must have some reason for your unfounded suspicions. Does Daniel make a habit of pursuing older women?’

He eyed her coldly. ‘Not until now,’ he said levelly.

‘And, as I’ve told you before, he still isn’t. Look, can we leave this? I’m beginning to find the whole subject distasteful and if you persist in bringing it up every time we meet then I’ll begin to suspect there’s something else behind it all.’

‘Like what?’ he snapped, and Keira shrugged.

‘How about plain out-and-out jealousy?’ she suggested, surprising herself with her frankness.

‘Jealousy?’ he repeated ominously. ‘Are you implying?’ He bit off an expletive and his lips compressed. ‘I am not jealous of my nephew.’

‘And I’m not so sex-starved that I’d be driven to chasing a teenage boy to engage in what, in my opinion, is a highly over-rated activity.’

As the words came out of her mouth Keira wished she could draw them back inside. But before Eden could make what Keira expected would be a disparaging comment there was the sound of footsteps in the hallway and he turned slightly.

‘Morning, Denver. Come on in.’ Eden stood aside for the other man, his expression now devoid of its previous displeasure. ‘You know Mrs Strong, of course.’

Denver Clarkson was a slightly built man on the wrong side of fifty, his sandy hair thinning on his head. Although Keira had been aware of him since she had joined the staff of Chloe, she had rarely come into contact with him. His dealings had usually been with Dianna. Now he pushed his steel-framed glasses up his sharp nose and held out his hand.

‘Nice to see you, Mrs Strong. I believe congratulations are in order.’

‘Thank you.’ Keira had regained some of her composure and managed to smile at him before motioning for the two men to sit down.

‘All your diligent work has paid off,’ Denver commented easily enough as he seated himself, but Keira felt a small sense of disquiet in the pit of her stomach.

‘I suppose it has,’ she replied reluctantly, wondering if she was imagining the almost imperceptible disapproval in his light tone, in his ingratiating smile.

‘We’ve had our eye on Keira for some time,’ Eden put in, and Keira did not miss the sudden pursing of Denver Clarkson’s lips when Eden used her Christian name.

‘Yes, she’s always shown promise,’ Denver agreed affably enough. ‘Well done, my dear.’

For the next couple of hours they discussed various aspects and policies of the new magazine and by the time the two men stood to leave Keira’s head was spinning. But she had to admit she hadn’t felt so elated in ages. She really was looking forward to this new project, and the faint feelings of lethargy she’d been experiencing of late had totally disappeared.

Setting aside her notes, she stood up, moving around her desk to see the two men to the door.

‘Congratulations again, Mrs Strong, and good luck with this new enterprise.’ Denver held out his hand again. ‘No doubt we’ll be interacting far more often in the future. I’m sure we’re going to get along just fine.’

‘Thank you. I’m looking forward to it,’ Keira said politely, suspecting Denver Clarkson was thinking nothing of the kind. She hoped he wasn’t going to be the drawback in this otherwise ideal opportunity.

Denver looked at his watch. ‘I have a progress meeting with some of the union reps in ten minutes.’ He pulled a face. ‘Perhaps you’d like to come along, Eden, try to talk some sense into a couple of the young hotheads. I think Doug Craigie and I would both appreciate it.’

‘Sure. You go along, Denver. I’ll join you presently. I have a couple more things to discuss with Keira.’

‘Of course.’ Denver smiled, his pale eyes going from his boss to Keira before he left them, closing the door quietly behind him.

What could Eden be thinking about, singling her out like this? Keira coloured in embarrassment. Couldn’t he see the speculation in the other man’s eyes? Now he was only adding fuel to what was obviously Denver Clarkson’s misconception about their relationship.

Was that what everyone in the corporation would think when they heard, what those who knew were already thinking? Perhaps this was the real reason for Dianna Forester’s coolness towards her. Because Keira now realised she hadn’t misinterpreted Denver’s earlier veiled disapproval of her. Denver and Dianna, and who knew how many others, thought she’d slept her way into the job.

Keira almost groaned. And Eden Cassidy wasn’t helping the situation.

Agitatedly she walked across and opened the door Denver had closed. ‘I really don’t want to keep you from the meeting,’ she began in a rush as Eden’s cool gaze went pointedly to the door she still held open.

Silently he reached out and just as casually closed the door again, bringing another rush of embarrassed colour to Keira’s cheeks.

‘What’s the problem, Keira?’ he asked, his level gaze holding hers.

‘I…I know you must be busy and I thought…Mr Clarkson said… The meeting sounds important,’ she finished quickly and took a deep breath, valiantly trying to steady her now racing heartbeat. Eden must know what was going on. How could he help knowing?

‘Denver’s handled countless similar negotiations on his own before.’ Eden relaxed back against the now closed door, one hand in the pocket of his grey trousers, his suit coat open to reveal the tailored matching waistcoat that hugged his broad chest. ‘I’m in no hurry.’

Keira’s eyes slid quickly over him, her flush heating her already warm face as a small smile played around the corners of his sensual mouth. She straightened, drawing herself together. There was obviously no point in beating about the bush. ‘I just don’t think this is a good idea, that’s all. You must see that,’ she added in a rush.

‘I’m afraid I don’t see. Perhaps you should be more explicit, hmm?’

‘Closing the door. Staying here to talk to me alone,’ Keira got out tensely.

‘Why shouldn’t I?’

‘People might... People will think…’ Her voice gave out on her.

‘Will think?’ he prompted.

‘That… Oh, don’t be obtuse. Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about. You must realise what they’re thinking. It was written all over Denver Clarkson’s face.’

Eden raised dark brows, infuriating Keira even more.

She turned, took a couple of paces away from him, her fingers agitatedly twisting the dress ring on her right hand. ‘You know they’re thinking I landed this job via the casting couch.’

‘And you know you didn’t,’ he remarked easily.

Keira swung back to face him, her grey eyes flashing angrily. ‘Yes, well, that’s the only good thing about this-this fiasco.’

‘It’s going to be rather difficult to tell everyone you turned me down,’ he said, the flash of humour in his eyes belying the seriousness of his expression. ‘But if you’d like I can give it a try. However, it may seem like a smokescreen, a case of protesting too much, methinks.’

‘Oh, for heaven’s sake! You may find this hilarious but I can assure you it isn’t a joke to me, Mr Cassidy.’ Keira lifted her chin. ‘I’m a private person and I rather value my reputation, both personally and professionally. Now if that’s something someone like you finds it difficult to understand, then I’m sorry, but I have to work with these people.’

‘I think you’re over-reacting,’ he said calmly. ‘Those who know you won’t believe it and, as I said before, you know the truth. And so do I,’ he added with a casual shrug.

‘Unfortunately that doesn’t do much in the eyes of the gossips. Especially when you act as perfunctorily, as irresponsibly, as you just did.’

A frown furrowed his brow as he straightened and she sensed he had tensed imperceptibly. ‘I really can’t see how closing an office door compromises your reputation.’

‘Closing it the way you did in front of Denver Clarkson was hardly prudent under the circumstances,’ she stated with a wave of her hand.

‘Good lord, this isn’t the Victorian era. We’re both single and adults.’ Eden faced her, hands aggressively on his hips now. ‘And I hardly think Denver Clarkson gives a damn what we do behind closed doors.’

‘Well, I do give a damn.’

‘Look, Keira,’ he appealed, reaching out to clasp her arm, and Keira started away from him.

His head went up then, his eyes darkening as his own anger surged to equal hers. In one fluid stride he’d followed her, his fingers finding and encircling her wrist, and she found herself propelled against the solid wall of his chest.

Her eyes widened in astonished alarm for short seconds, and then a far more potent emotion surged from deep within her. Suddenly every erotic response in her body found life, stood at full alert, the shock of the intensity of her awareness rendering her completely paralysed.

Part of her mind urgently told her to thrust him away from her, put a steadying distance between them. Yet most of her, those horrifyingly unprecedented feelings of sensual desire, craved for her surrender. Electrifying emotions seared through her to explode at every sensitised nerve ending, clamouring for her to match anything he cared to offer.

His own anger had diminished too. She recognised that same incendiary hunger in his darkened eyes, for it was like looking into the mirror of her own soul. And she knew without reservation that he wanted her just as much as she wanted him.