Stolen Feelings. Margaret Mayo

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       CHAPTER TWO

      JULIE felt herself being held against a hard, masculine body by arms that were strong and supportive, and yet surprisingly gentle. She was led to a canvas chair in the shade and a glass of water pushed into her hand.

      She took a long, much needed drink and immediately her glass was refilled. ‘I shouldn’t have kept you out in the sun,’ Cameron said. ‘I’m used to it; I forget. It is easy to become dehydrated. You must drink plenty of liquids and take salt tablets if necessary. We always keep a supply.’

      ‘Thank you,’ said Julie.

      ‘Are you hungry also? When did you last eat?’

      ‘Not since my breakfast at seven, as a matter of fact,’ she told him, ‘but I can easily get myself something. I’m feeling much better now.’ In fact she felt normal again and stood up.

      But Cameron pushed her back down, and with a wry twist of his lips said, ‘I’d advise you to make the most of it. After this you’ll get no help from anyone.’

      He disappeared into the tent and came back with a bread roll, a chunk of cheese and an apple, and a glass of orange juice. Julie ate ravenously, though she wasn’t too pleased with the fact that Cameron sat watching her.

      ‘When did you say you expect Ian back?’ she asked, taking a bite from the rosy apple.

      He lifted his broad shoulders in an easy shrug. ‘Some time today, as soon as he’s fixed the engine, unless it’s not as simple as he first thought and I have to send out an engineer.’

      ‘And this man, Raul, will he do the cooking?’

      ‘Tonight, yes.’ His blue eyes were level on hers. ‘Also tomorrow, and then he’s taking a break.’

      She felt better now she had eaten, not half so prickly, and she grinned. ‘I hope you’ve all got cast-iron stomachs, because I’m not promising anything.’

      ‘Have I been landed with a woman who cannot cook?’ he growled suspiciously.

      ‘Oh, yes, I can cook,’ she said, still smiling, ‘but I’ve never done it for the multitudes before. It’s the quantities that are worrying me. You’ll probably have either too little or too much until I get into the swing of it.’

      He did not look amused, and as soon as she had finished eating he took her to the tent where all the records were kept. There were a couple of desks, a portable typewriter sitting on one of them, filing cabinets and an odd assortment of cupboards. ‘This is where you’ll be working for the time being.’

      Julie looked at everything critically.

      ‘We’re way behind with the notes already,’ he told her. ‘They’re all here, handwritten, but I’d like them typed out. You can start whenever you like.’

      She half suspected that he meant now. ‘Has your typist taken a break as well?’ she asked impishly.

      He allowed himself a faint, dry smile. ‘We all try to do our own, but it can be a bit chaotic. We need someone to restore order. I trust you’re capable?’

      ‘I guess I can manage,’ she said. For six years she had been secretary to the managing director of a large manufacturing Company—until they had been taken over and her services were no longer required. She had always been praised for her efficiency.

      ‘I want things brought up to date before we leave for Vulcan,’ he announced, his tone crisp and businesslike.

      It sounded as thought he had a lot of hard work lined up for her, thought Julie. ‘I’ll begin tomorrow,’ she said. ‘I’d like to rest now, if you don’t mind.’

      The truth was she needed to get away from him. He was the most physical man she had ever met. Despite his less than welcoming attitude, he still somehow managed to excite her. Even with Roger she had not felt this instant attraction. It was unreal—and fatal!

      He inclined his head. ‘Very well.’

      After half an hour, though, Julie became restless. She was virtually hiding from Cameron Storm and that was stupid. Surely she could handle these emotions without betraying herself?

      She emerged from the tent, and to her dismay he was out there, standing just a few yards away, not looking in her direction, seeming to be deep in thought, but as if he sensed her presence he turned, and their eyes met for a brief, tension-packed second.

      ‘I thought I’d take a walk into Puerto Ayora,’ she said, pasting a brilliant smile to her lips. ‘I shan’t have much time for shopping once I start work, and there are a couple of things I might need. Is it far?’

      ‘Too far to walk,’ СКАЧАТЬ