Free Seduction Never Lies by Sara Craven Page B

his chair.
    She looks—almost triumphant, thought Tavy in total bewilderment. But why?
    It was an awkward journey, with Charlie at the wheel, and all of them seated in the rear of the car, Jago in the middle. There was plenty of room, but Tavy found herself trying to edge further away just the same, squashing into the corner, and staring fixedly out of the window at very little, as she tried not to hear what the others were saying.
    And she could well have done without that faint trace of musky scent in the air, released by the warmth of his skin and reviving memories of her own that she could have dispensed with too.
    While even more disturbing was the imminent risk of his thigh grazing hers.
    ‘Ted Jackson.’ Fiona’s voice had lifted a disapproving notch. ‘I do wish you’d talked to Daddy before hiring him. His wife is the most appalling gossip, but Ted can match her, rumour for rumour. You won’t be able to keep anything secret.’
    ‘I doubt I have any secrets left,’ said Jago. ‘The tabloids did a pretty good dissection of my life and crimes while I was still with the band.’
    ‘They say your quarrel with Pete was over a woman.’
    ‘I’m sure they do,’ he said. ‘However, I prefer the past to remain that way and concentrate instead on a blameless future.’
    ‘That sounds terribly dull,’ Fiona said with a giggle. ‘Everyone needs a few dark corners.’
    ‘Even Octavia here?’
    Tavy heard the smile in his voice, and bit her lip hard.
    ‘Oh, no,’ said Fiona. ‘The Vicar’s good girl never puts a foot wrong. An example to us all.’
    Her tone made it sound a fate worse than death.
    ‘How very disappointing,’ he said lightly. ‘Yet people like the Jacksons can be very useful. For a newcomer to the district, anyway. You can find out a hell of a lot quite quickly.’
    ‘Well, on no account hire him to build you a swimming pool. We had endless problems and in the end Daddy had to sack him, and bring in someone else to finish the work.’
    ‘That won’t be a problem,’ said Jago. ‘I have no plans for a pool.’
    ‘But you must have, surely. There’s that big disused conservatory at the side of the house. It would be ideal.’
    ‘I have other ideas about that,’ he said. ‘And when I want to swim, I have a lake.’
    ‘You must be joking,’ said Fiona with distaste. ‘That’s a frightful place, all overgrown and full of weeds. You should have it filled in.’
    ‘On the contrary,’ he said. ‘I find it has a charm all of its own. And when it’s been cleared out, I intend to use it regularly. With its naked goddess for company, of course,’ he added reflectively.
    Bastard, thought Tavy inexcusably, wondering how many bones she would break if she opened the car door and hurled herself out on to the verge.
    On the other hand, there wasn’t far to go, and she was bound to be dropped off first, she thought, steeling herself, which would leave Jago and Fiona at liberty for—whatever.
    Instead, she realised Charlie was taking the left fork for Hazelton Parva, and the White Gables stud, and groaned silently.
    ‘You will come in for coffee, won’t you,’ Fiona asked when they reached the house, adding perfunctorily, ‘You too, of course, Octavia.’
    Jago shook his head. ‘Unfortunately, I have to get back to my hotel. I have early meetings in London tomorrow. I’m sorry.’
    ‘Well, I suppose I must forgive you.’ There was a pout in her voice, as Charlie opened her door for her. Jago got out too, walking with her to the front entrance.
    Tavy turned her head and her attention to the semi-darkness outside the window again. She did not want to see if Jago Marsh was kissing Fiona Culham goodnight. For one thing, it was none of her business. For another...
    She stopped right there, finding to her discomfort that she did not want to consider any alternatives.
    Then tensed as she realised he was already back, rejoining her in the car. Her heartbeat quickened as she shrank even