The Riviera. Karen Aldous

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ eyes closed as she made a disapproving face, her head nodding from side to side.

      Kelly laughed. ‘Oh, I can see you’re gonna be a real charmer with the girls, young Thierry. He knows how to woo the ladies, Mommy.’

      ‘Oh, no, anything but follow in his father’s footsteps. How are you, Kelly?’

      Kelly stepped back with her hands on her hips and swept back her now blonder hair.

      ‘Over the worst, I hope. Jack’s looking forward to seeing Thierry. Take him straight in, Jack is in the lounge. I’ll help Cal with the bags and then I’m sure you’ll want a drink.’

      Thierry ran to Jack as soon as he spotted him and Lizzie was so pleased to see Jack’s face light up and his arms stretch out ready to catch him.

      ‘Hey, bro. Good to see you,’ Jack said lifting him straight onto his lap.

      It was such a sweet moment and Lizzie became quite choked. Cal’s son was so good with him. And the term ‘bro’ was pretty endearing too. She watched for a moment as Thierry introduced Jack to his figure, Raphael Turtle.

      ‘Well, while Cal’s taking your bags upstairs, what would you like to drink?’

      Lizzie turned to face Kelly behind her. ‘Oh a coffee would be lovely.’

      ‘How do you like it?’

      ‘Oh just white, no sugar please.’

      ‘Pop your coats in the hall,’ Kelly said as she dashed off to the kitchen.

      Lizzie, feeling rather like a spare part with Thierry’s attention diverted and Kelly rushing around after her, did as she was told and then went to join her in the kitchen.

      ‘It’s a beautiful place. It’s yours and Reuben’s I understand?’

      ‘Yes, we moved here when we first came to Nan. Great for the beach but I was too far from civilisation. Jack and Reuben loved it here but Main Street is far more practical for me and school each day. It’s only six miles but, no we rent it out most of the year now.’

      ‘Don’t you use it in the summer?’

      Kelly tucked a mug under the coffee machine and, throwing in a capsule, hit the switch. ‘We have done on the odd occasion it’s not let. It earns too good an income and we can cycle out with the kids now. Yes, there are bikes here and a child seat. Toys, beach boards, balls, fishing gear – anything you can think of really. Help yourself.’

      ‘Thank you. It’s very kind of you to let us use it.’

      ‘Haw, no problem.’ Kelly lowered her voice and passed Lizzie her coffee. ‘It’ll be good for Jack. Hopefully it will distract his mind and little Thierry will give him something different to focus on.’

      ‘Such a shame it’s too cold for swimming. Thierry’s just taken his first strokes.’

      ‘Well, there are wet suits, but the community pool will be better suited. It’s close to town.’

      Lizzie nodded, placing her hot coffee on the worktop.

      Kelly beamed pearly-white teeth. ‘Cal, coffee’s here. Just how you like it, and I’ve made some of your favourite bites. They’re in the fridge, I’ll get them out,’ she told him as he sauntered in.

      Lizzie caught Kelly’s eyes fixed on Cal like she was seeking approval.

      ‘Thanks. Presumably smoked salmon bagels. Will Thierry eat…?’

      ‘Oh, I’ve made the boys ham and cheese,’ Kelly cut in. ‘So, I’ll be off. Just ring if you need anything. Bye. I’ll go say goodnight to the boys.’ She pecked them both, Lizzie on the cheek and Cal, Lizzie noted, on his lips.

      Lizzie clasped her fingers around her coffee mug, gripping it tight. ‘Bye and thanks, Kelly.’ She forced a smile and followed Kelly with her eyes as Cal’s ex unhooked her coat in the hall and dashed through to say goodbye to Jack and Thierry.

      She focused her attention back on Cal munching away at the beautifully prepared food.

      ‘You’d better eat something,’ Cal said with flirty eyes. ‘You’ll be needing the energy.’

      Lizzie felt heat race to her cheeks.

      ‘Ahem, I haven’t gone yet!’ Kelly mused, zipping up her coat. ‘Enjoy your, erm, sleep.’

       Chapter 8

      ‘Alone at last,’ Cal said sliding over and cupping Lizzie’s chin, gently brushing back the warm chestnut hair from one side of her face. ‘Your face gets more and more beautiful. I’m so glad you’re here.’ he pressed his lips to hers. Lizzie immediately caught his familiar breath and melted straight into his kiss.

      ‘Bye, you lovebirds,’ Kelly called as she dashed out the front door.

      ‘And,’ Lizzie cleared her throat as she squeezed his waist, ‘Just our two little treasures to wrap up first.’

      Cal clutched her tighter. ‘Only if I let you go. God, you not only look gorgeous, you smell even more delicious than a warm apple pie. And that is the best smell in the world.’

      ‘Do you know, as soon as you grabbed me at the airport, your body scent hit my nostrils. It must be your pheromones. Strong pheromones at that. I don’t think I’m going to be able to control myself, she confessed watching his pupils enlarge. His hunger was evident, making her weaker by the millisecond. This man really was the most desirable being on earth, she thought. How on earth Kelly left him for Reuben, she’d never understand. And she wondered if Kelly did now regret it. When she’d met Reuben a few months ago he looked much older than she imagined. Luckily for her though, Cal was hers and that was all that mattered.

      ‘Oh dear, two uncontrollable adults. It will be a problem for me too. I don’t know how I’m going to keep my hands off you either this week, if I keep inhaling you Truly Scrumptious!’

      ‘I remember that name.’

      ‘Yes, that’s what you should have been called.’

      ‘And you can be Caractacus Potts. He was handsome, clever and a lovely father to boot.’

      ‘OK. I won’t disagree with you there. Let’s go and play Mummies and Daddies.’

      A snigger shook inside her. Bonkers, the pair of them but she was loving bonkers more and more. It was definitely keeping her tired body awake. Sliding out of his arms, she strolled into the living room almost hurtling over the boys playing cars on the floor.

      ‘Well, little man, five more minutes and we’ll get you changed for bed,’ she told Thierry. ‘Is it OK to go up and see his room?’

      ‘Crikey, yes. Come. I’ll show you,’ Cal said.

      Cal led her upstairs and into a beautifully furnished twin bedroom. Typically New СКАЧАТЬ