The Australian Affairs Collection. Margaret Way

in an appropriate setting in each window. Alina’s fingers gripped Ethan’s as they entered. She had no doubt how she’d be perceived, how the sales staff would wonder what he saw in her, why he was with her. She received an encouraging squeeze. What she needed was a little of his innate self-assurance.

      Inside, there was room to move easily around the minimal racks of clothing, or along the walls containing full-length gowns. The blonde woman who came to meet them was everything Alina wished she was: poised and perfectly groomed, yet clearly approachable. She dispelled any fears with her genuine smile.

      ‘Welcome to Maralena’s.’ She held out her hand to Ethan. ‘Mr James, please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Louise always brightened our day when she came shopping, whether she purchased or not.’

      ‘Thank you, she’s very much missed. Please, call me Ethan.’ He drew Alina forward. ‘This is Alina Fletcher, her friend from Spain.’

      ‘I’m Marlena—I tweaked the name a little for business. I’m pleased to meet you, Alina.’

      She shook hands, then stood back, giving her new customer a quick and thorough appraisal. Unlike Sophia’s critical gaze, it was a professional assessment which didn’t bother her at all. To her surprise, the eyes that met hers were approving.

      ‘It will be a pleasure to help you, Alina. Do you have any particular style in mind? Any colour preferences?’

      All doubt dissipated, as if Alina’s whole body gave a sigh of relief. She’d found the help she so desperately needed.

      ‘I have a list of what I think I need.’ She sensed Ethan’s lips curling. Was tempted to nudge him in the ribs with her elbow. ‘I’ve been backpacking through Europe for a long time, so I’m out of touch with what’s in fashion.’

      ‘What suits you is more important. Do you have a time limit today?’

      ‘No.’ Emphatic from Ethan. ‘Take all the time you want.’

      A few minutes ago Alina might have begged him to stay. Now she had no qualms about placing herself in Marlena’s hands.

      She put her hand on his arm, drew him aside. ‘Thank you, Ethan, this is just what I’ve been hoping to find. You can go back to your office now. I’ll be fine.’

      His eyes narrowed. He didn’t seem convinced.

      ‘Did you leave work unfinished and come home because you thought I was upset?’

      ‘No, because I knew you were.’

      ‘I’m not now. The quicker you get back, the earlier you’ll come home.’

      He grinned. ‘Can’t fight feminine logic. Okay, I’ll go. Call the hire car when you’ve finished.’

      ‘I promise.’

      He kissed her, slow and tender, seemingly oblivious to anyone else in the shop. Her fingers tightened on the strap of her bag, her other hand lifted to cradle his neck. Her lips moved in unison with his.

      She felt his muscles tense. Wasn’t this a kiss for show? To her it seemed the perfect place. Maybe he didn’t, so she broke away.

      ‘I’ll see you later.’

      ‘Mmm...’ He blinked and his head jerked. Still holding her, he nodded to Marlena. ‘Take care of her.’ With a final squeeze of her hand, and a husky, ‘Tonight...’ he walked away.

      ‘Okay, Alina, let’s see your list.’

      She was escorted into a dressing room. Within minutes she’d confided her lack of success and doubts of her fashion abilities to an empathetic Marlena.

      * * *

      Ethan’s mobile rang as he walked into the apartment building a few minutes before seven. Things were settling into place, with the agenda set for a breakfast meeting with his new management team in the morning. Once they were clear on their roles he’d be able to reorganise his working hours.

      ‘Good evening, Father.’

      ‘Ethan. I believe you have a new girlfriend?’

      ‘Yes.’ He wondered what spin his mother had put on today’s events.

      ‘We’d like to meet her. Does dinner on Saturday night suit you?’

      ‘I’ll check with Alina.’

      ‘We’ll look forward to seeing you. Goodbye, Ethan.’

      He stood in front of the elevator, staring at his mobile, his gut twisting in regret. He had more cordial conversations with the people he spoke to regarding aspects of renovation or trading with his hotels. Was he destined to be as impersonal as his parents, considering he had their combined DNA?

      The idea appalled.

      He stabbed at his floor number, tapped his thigh on the journey up and strode purposely to the door. Alina came through from the lounge as he dropped his briefcase on the floor. His mind registered her sweet smile in the same instant as he wrapped her in his arms, burying his face into her silken curls, breathing in their citrus aroma. He relished her warmth, her softness, the way she stood still in his embrace, her only movement being to slide her arms around his waist.

      Seconds ticked by. Holding her wasn’t enough.

      He lifted his head. ‘Hi.’

      Their kiss was gentle, a mutual giving and taking. So soul-soothing he kept it short rather than risk pushing for more. This was new—something to build on. She was beginning to trust him as a man. He was beginning to reassess who he was.

      She leant back in his arms to study his face.

      ‘You caught up?’

      Warmth radiated through him. This felt right. This was the way homecoming should always be. ‘As good as. How did you go?’

      ‘Two outfits which I love. One’s here, the other needed some alteration, so I’ll pick it up on Friday.’

      ‘Only two?’ He grinned down at the face she pulled and kissed the tip of her nose. ‘Whatever you feel comfortable with, Alina.’

      ‘The new season stock’s arriving in a week or two. By then I’ll be bigger. Common sense says to buy what I need as I need it.’

      His laughter shook his body. ‘Since when did common sense become aligned with fashion shopping?’

      ‘Hey!’ She swatted his arm playfully, then froze as she realised what she’d done, eyes widening in shock.

      Alina couldn’t believe what she’d done. One second he’d been teasing her, the next she’d reciprocated. Completely spontaneously. Without thinking, she’d hit him, as if they’d been friends for a long time. The incredulous look on his face made it worse.

      ‘I...’ She tried to break free, suddenly found herself being lifted and carried backwards, to be plonked unceremoniously on the kitchen island. His hands gripped the bench either side of her. His impassive features gave no indication of his thinking. It was like their first meeting, but without the angst filling the room.

      ‘Ethan, I—’

      ‘Alina Fletcher,’ he cut in. ‘I do believe you are starting to let your true self sneak out from its constrictions.’

      She dropped her head. He lifted it with his finger, his thumb grazing her skin. His eyes sparkled with amusement, daring her to act again. The very fact that she wanted to scared her, holding her back. She trembled, held her breath. Then, as if of its own accord, her hand lifted, her fingers covering his on her chin.

      The air around them seemed hot and heavy. She couldn’t think straight His eyes darkened. His lips curled. Did his body sway closer? Did hers?

      He abruptly withdrew his hand, pushing himself upright, shaking his head. ‘A cool dip in the pool before dinner?’

      Her body flopped.