Free Obsession (The Talisman series) by Sofia Grey Page B

cheating on me, not Suki. Elvira’s infidelity had been bad enough. I really didn’t think I could cope if Suki did the same. Dad’s advice to choose a virgin bride-to-be had been sound. Suki had relied on me for her entire knowledge about sex. In the same way I’d introduced her to the delights of Russian vodka, I’d painstakingly tutored her between the sheets. Indeed, she wouldn’t be able to speak so knowledgeably on her show if it wasn’t for my guidance.
    All the same, I had another two reluctant ticks to add to my list. Today was supposed to be a day off, yet she claimed to be working. I’d check her mileage when she came home since I’d already noted what it read the day before. And more telling, I’d found her rings, abandoned on the dressing table. She normally took them off at night, but she usually put them back on in the morning.
    For some reason today, she didn’t want to advertise the fact that she was married.
     
     
    4.5 Josh
     
    Suki was terrified of me, or something about me. Fear and stress rolled off her in waves so tangible I could practically touch them. I sat down to make myself appear less threatening, tried to avoid staring at her and struggled to keep my hands to myself. She’d melted so delightfully into my arms just a short time ago, yet now, I was akin to the bogeyman. I was confused.
    I’d seen her swaying, her legs crumbling beneath her, and I’d run across the sand to help. But right this minute, I wasn’t sure what to do.
    Abruptly, I sensed a change and snuck a look. Her eyes were locked on the horizon, her emotions subsiding to a hot swirl of embarrassment. “I saw you earlier, I’m apologising for that . I was half asleep.”
    I fought the grin threatening to escape. “Oh. I didn’t mind.” It didn’t explain her gut-wrenching fear though.
    “ I’m married. I don’t make a habit of crying on strange men.”
    “ I should hope not.” I kept my voice light and teasing, hoping she’d smile at me. Instead, as she waved her left hand at me, she pulled a face.
    “ Damn, I left my rings at home.” Her eyes met mine now, brown and warm. Anxious. “Can we forget it? Please?”
    I had no wish to upset her any further. “Sure.” I gave what I hoped was a reassuring nod. “Do you feel better now? Should we go and find Anita?” She hesitated. I tried again, at my most charming. “We’re just ships passing in the night, or rather, the middle of the afternoon. I doubt if I’ll ever have the opportunity again, but if I did,” I slipped in a cheeky grin, “we wouldn’t be strangers anymore, anyway.”
    Her lips were curving up at the edges, and I pressed on. “So if you ever need a shoulder to cry on again—which I’m sure you won’t—you’ll know I am qualified for the task.”
    “ Hmmm. Do strange women cry on you often?”
    “ Absolutely.” I gave a firm nod. “All the time. It gets embarrassing in Tesco. Droves of ‘em.”
    This drew a tentative giggle. “So how do you train for something like that? Do you have lots of sisters?”
    “ Yep,” I lied. “Three sisters. My shoulders have been constantly damp for, oh, the past ten years or so.”
    At last, she laughed, relaxing more by the minute. “Well, thank you for the kind service you provided. It was much appreciated.” Dimples flashed briefly as a smile lit up her face. I caught my breath.
    From cute to beautiful in the space of a heartbeat.
    “Anita called you Mr. Summers?” It was a question. I smiled back.
    “ Call me Joe.” I had to think for a moment which name I’d given Anita. “Do you, ah, live round here, too?”
    “ No, I’m just visiting.” She hesitated a moment. “I’m Suki.” I know , I wanted to reply. Sensibly, I kept my mouth shut. She peered into the distance, hands restless in her lap, abandoned shoes on the sand. “Here comes Anita now, with Jon. I’ll go and reassure them.”
    I scrambled to my feet before she could get up, and held out a hand towards her.