Free Irresistible Temptation by Sara Craven Page A

can appreciate you may be having financial difficulties,' he said, after a pause. 'London prices are always a shock to anyone moving up from the provinces. However…'
    'However—nothing.' Olivia lifted her chin. 'And kindly don't patronise me. I didn't come here on a wing and a prayer. And I'm not some indigent, looking for charity either,' she added heatedly. 'I'm perfectly able to pay the rent Sasha's asked for. But I'm temping at a rental agency, and my concern is that she's not charging enough. That she doesn't realise how much the market average has risen. That's what I wanted to talk to her about'
    She paused, glaring at him. 'Not that it's any concern of yours.'
    'You forget, I sent you to her. That makes me responsible.'
    'Oh, let's hear it for the Good Samaritan.' She was trembling. 'Now, please leave.'
    'Not until we've sorted this out' He picked up the towel and held it out to her. 'You're getting cold. Go and dress, then we'll talk.'
    'And why should I?'
    'Because I don't want you catching pneumonia and laying it at my door,' Declan retorted. 'Off with you, now.'
    She gave him a mutinous look, then headed for the bathroom, grabbing jeans and a sweatshirt as she went.
    She dragged on her clothes, then brushed her hair back from her face with severity, confining it at the nape of her neck with an elastic band.
    For once he'd be confronted by a woman who wouldn't dress—or undress—to please him, she thought, giving her reflection a curt nod of approval.
    Declan was lounging in the armchair, but as Olivia came back into the room he rose to his feet.
    'I turned down the light under the pan on the stove,' he said. 'I didn't want your dinner to burn.'
    'Checking that I can afford food?'
    Declan lifted his hands in a resigned gesture. 'Let's call a truce, for God's sake. All right—I misjudged your motives over the rent; I admit it'
    'But in light of all my other vices you thought you were justified.' Her voice was bitter. 'How was it you saw my letter anyway? What were you doing round at Sasha's? Spying on me, I suppose?'
    'Don't over-estimate your importance,' Declan told her curtly. 'I help Sasha every month with her household accounts. Book-keeping isn't her strong suit.'
    'I'm not surprised—when she doesn't even charge economic rents.'
    'She may not have the soul of an accountant,' Declan said, after a pause, 'but she possesses a kind heart in abundance. She charges what she thinks people can manage to pay. She likes to have the rooms occupied. Making a profit isn't her prime concern.'
    'But how can she afford to do that?' Olivia objected. 'She must have outgoings—building maintenance. Does she work?'
    'She doesn't act on the stage any more,' he said. 'But she's still in demand for radio, and voice-overs.'
    'Oh, I see.' Olivia wasn't sure that she did. 'And does she earn enough from that?'
    'Probably not But she has a private income in addition.' Declan raised his brows. 'Is there anything else you'd like to know?'
    Olivia flushed. 'You think I'm prying, but I just want to make sure she's not missing out by keeping me here.'
    'You don't need to worry,' he said laconically. 'And, after all, it won't be for long—win it?' The cool eyes flashed silver at her.
    Olivia's throat felt suddenly constricted. 'No—I hope not,' she muttered, hating his derisive smile. She frowned slightly. 'But I still don't understand your involvement.'
    'You don't have to. Let's just say I'm an old friend.'
    'She's very lucky.' The words were spoken before she knew it The colour in her face deepened uncontrollably. 'I mean, you lead such a busy life. It's surprising you have the time.'
    'I can always make time for people I love.' He spoke quietly.
    Their eyes met, and held. Olivia felt her breathing shorten as her whole body tensed in sudden, inexplicable excitement.
    Such a brief distance between them in physical terms, she thought, swallowing. Yet in reality they stood on either side of an uncrossable abyss.
    She wondered crazily