Free Irresistible Temptation by Sara Craven Page B

what would happen if she took a step towards him—and another…
    Her lips parted to speak, although she had no idea what she was going to say. Then the heated silence was pierced—destroyed by the shrilling of her mobile phone.
    'Oh.' She dived for it Pressed the answer button.
    'Darling.' It was Jeremy's voice. 'I've just realised I'm free tonight Why don't we have dinner?'
    She could think of a whole number of reasons, not the least being her casserole, which was filling the fiat with its beguiling aroma. And not being taken so completely for granted featured prominently too.
    She paused her eyes going again to Declan, who had risen from his seat He looked back at her, brows lifting, mouth twisting scornfully.
    It was that look which did it Which decided her to ignore the fact that she was obviously an afterthought and take Jeremy up on his invitation after all.
    To hell with Declan Malone. Let him think what he wanted.
    'That would be wonderful.' Deliberately, she let her voice caress the words, her answering glance defiant 'I can hardly wait'
    She heard Declan make a small, angry sound in his throat, then he turned sharply and went to the door, slamming it behind him.
    'What was that?' Jeremy demanded.
    'Nothing.' Olivia said, crossing her fingers. 'Nothing at all. Oh, darling, I'm so glad to hear from you.
    And that, she thought, was at least the truth.
    But she didn't want to examine too closely why she felt that Jeremy's call could have been a lifeline, thrown at exactly the right moment.
    Because she didn't need saving, she told herself resolutely. She was fine, and well in control of the situation— wasn't she?

CHAPTER FIVE

     
    Jeremy took her to a restaurant on the King's Road—much patronised by young trendies, he informed her, with a trace of patronage himself.
    Olivia, who'd rapidly changed into a shift dress the colour of wheat, topping it with a dark brown and white striped jacket, felt seriously overdressed amongst the grungy colours favoured by the rest of the clientele.
    Again, it wasn't the most romantic rendezvous he could have chosen either, she thought rather sadly. It was brightly lit, noisy and overcrowded, and the food was ordinary in the extreme.
    But then, as he said, it was the kind of place where you came to be seen, she rationalised, as she dutifully ate her burger and the rather stingy portion of fries which accompanied it.
    While they drank their coffee, Olivia handed over the details of the flats she'd picked up that day, and Jeremy received them with raised eyebrows.
    'You don't waste much time,' he commented in a slightly aggrieved tone. 'I was going to start looking next week.'
    It just seemed such a splendid opportunity.' Olivia heard and despised the placatory note in her voice.
    'Hmm.' He scanned the sheets rapidly. 'Actually, I've heard of these people. They've a good reputation. I'll bear them in mind.' He folded the papers and put them into an inside pocket of his jacket 'But don't you think you should find a permanent job before we go any further? I mean, temping isn't the most stable of livings.'
    'I've already thought of that.' Olivia smiled at him.
    'I don't see why I shouldn't continue what I was doing in Bristol—training people in computer systems.'
    Jeremy gave her a pitying loot 'I doubt you'd find much call for that in London. People are pretty clued up here, not like the provinces.'
    That's what you think, thought Olivia, remembering Colin Sutton's anguished expression.
    'Although you might find something in office administration, when you've a little more experience,' he added kindly. 'Don't try to run before you can walk, Livvy.'
    Thanks for the encouragement, Olivia thought forlornly.
    She said, 'You're probably right' Then, to the hovering waitress, 'No more coffee, thanks.'
    Olivia had hoped they'd walk along the King's Road for a while, talk, recapture some of the old magic, but Jeremy immediately hailed a taxi.
    'You can show me this flat of yours,' he