Karen Aldous - The Chateau

Ollie beckoned with his head. ‘One thing you should know, my mother is a very forceful woman and she will get her way.’

‘Ha, that sounds like my daughter, Ollie. I bet your mother’s not a control freak like this little madam,’ Adrienne said with a smile.

‘Mum, I’m not a control freak,’ Gina squawked in mock annoyance.

Adrienne waved her palms in defeat. ‘Anyway, go on, go.’

Ollie led Gina up to the bow. His arm lightly leaning on her waist, instantly sending flurries of longing through her. Her body seemed to be highly sensitive lately.

‘Seems they want us out of their hair,’ he grinned, his hair blowing about his face. ‘It’s breezy out here though. Are you warm enough?’

Gina could hardly catch her breath and shrugged her indifference, swiping her hair back as it fell across her eyes. ‘Yeah, fine.’

‘Well, I’m hot, so you can snuggle up with me.’

Her eyes flashed. ‘Oh. I’m fine thank you,’ she nudged up the volume of her voice. That was an inviting suggestion but just as he was beginning to seem genuinely attentive and normal, she had to cringe at what seemed a really smarmy comment. Choosing to ignore it she kept the conversation polite. ‘I’m grateful. Your mother’s making such an effort to be friendly. I can’t thank her enough really. I’d have had trouble getting Mum up and out.’

‘My mother belongs to so many activity clubs that Dad’s not really interested in. And, living so close, it makes sense for them to get to know one another. They may have some interests in common which will get your mother out and occupied,’ Ollie said sliding his hand on Gina’s arm and squeezing it gently. ‘I wish I’d had more friends at home.’

‘Oh!’

‘I was always skiing or training. While we were in teams, I was more focused on winning than making friends. At school, I’d rather a book or studying than joining in with the boys.’

‘Not everyone needs friends, I suppose.’

‘I’ve since discovered I do.’ He lowered his head to her and his hand slipped back to her waist.

Gina caught the lust in his eyes and felt a squirm of delight run through her. She cleared her throat. ‘I hope my mother realises that too. That would be really great. I mean, I’ve asked her to come back to London with me but she won’t come. She’s rather stubborn.’

‘Give her time. Maybe, if she’s close to home, she’ll feel safe,’ he said pulling back and capturing her with his camera.

‘Oh God, Ollie, no. I hate my photo being taken.’

‘Like most people.’

‘I take horrific photos,’ she said, ruffling her hair with her fingers.

‘Looks good to me,’ he said, turning the screen around for her to look.

‘You were lucky. That’s not bad.’ She gave an approving nod while blocking out the light with her hand.

‘Max is a lucky one,’ he blurted then rapidly pursed his lips.

As her cheeks blushed, Gina laughed, clearing her throat. ‘Ha, then you don’t know me very well. You heard my mother.’

‘I like women who know what they want. There’s nothing worse than a person who can’t steer their own boat and depends on others to do it for them.’

‘True, but don’t you think some are a bit extreme. Too ambitious or take themselves too seriously?’

‘Of course, but I wouldn’t put you in that category. You obviously care about your mother and your family otherwise you wouldn’t be here. You’ve taken the time out of your business to help, to care. It’s getting the balance right.’

Gina raised her eyes. Maybe she wasn’t as extreme as she thought. Max was always accusing her of self-interest and being self-indulgent, especially when it came to wanting a child.

‘I do need to get back to my business, though. I’ll have to go in the morning. I’ll come back next week.’

‘Excellent, you’re enjoying my company, then?’ He clicked his camera again and sat back. ‘Fabulous, isn’t it.’

Gina peered at him in disbelief. He was obviously an intelligent man, why did he come out with these boastful remarks, she wondered, watching his casual easiness and, at the same time, finding herself admiring his hair being tossed by the breeze. His thick lashes harbouring the sunlight from his dark eyes as he changed the settings on his camera.

‘I think we should go back and join them,’ she said.

‘No, they’re fine. They don’t start serving lunch until twelve-thirty. It’s only twelve. We’ll be off soon. Do you fancy a drink? Beer?’

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