Chapter SIX
WHEN David knocked on her hotel door that night, he wasn’t sure which version of Eden was going to be answering the door. Was it going to be Dr Eden—the dedicated paediatrician who also seemed to be a minor miracle-worker? Was it going to be nervous Eden—the one who really wanted to see her family, but wasn’t quite sure? Or was it going to be flirty Eden—the one who could tie him up in knots with one simple smouldering look from those amazing green eyes of hers?
He hoped it was either of the first two, as he was sure if she opened the door dressed in nothing more than a hotel robe, her come hither eyes inviting him in, he wouldn’t be held responsible for his actions.
After Eden had spent some time with Sasha, she’d returned to the paediatric ward ready to concentrate. He’d been most appreciative of it, and of her help. She saw things differently and seemed able to read people, knowing instinctively what sort of help they needed to ensure their recovery.
Young Chelsea was a prime example. When he’d walked into that room and seen Chelsea listening eagerly to the story Eden was telling, he’d been surprised at how different the child had looked. There had been no problems afterwards with Francie getting the drip in place, and when Eden had returned from visiting Sasha she’d had a large atlas beneath her arm.
‘Borrowed from the hospital library,’ she’d declared as she’d handed it to Francie. She’d assisted with Dart’s transfer to Room 2, and when David had enquired of Eden what her hunch might be regarding the young boy, she’d merely put a finger over her lips and shaken her head.
‘I never discuss my hunches,’ she’d whispered.
‘Why not?’
‘Because things always go wrong if I do.’
Her answer hadn’t made any sense to him, but he didn’t care. If she could solve the riddle of why Dart’s health was up and down like a yo-yo, then he’d leave her to her hunches.
She’d done an informal ward round with him, meeting the other patients on the ward, talking to mothers, cuddling some of the toddlers who’d held out their arms to her. It was as though she wore a perfume which made everyone she came into contact with relaxed and happy. It didn’t matter whether children were having serious treatment or were just in for a broken bone. They seemed to flock to her and she absorbed all of it, giving back twice as much as she received.
David frowned as he looked at the closed door, wondering why she hadn’t opened it yet. He knocked again, a little louder this time. Had she backed out? He’d been delighted when she’d said she’d visit her parents, even if she would only go if he went too. The last thing he needed was more time in Eden’s company.
‘Sorry.’ The door was opened a moment later. ‘I’m on the phone.’ She indicated the mobile at her ear. ‘Won’t be long,’ she said softly. ‘Sorry, Jett. You were saying?’
David walked in, looking around the room he’d carried her into last night. Now that the lights were on, he could see two suitcases, still half-packed, and other clothes lying about the room, over chairs and the end of the bed. Eden climbed onto the bed and sat cross-legged in the middle, leaning back against the pillows.
‘You’ll need to figure out what she’s all ergic to first. This reaction isn’t normal.’ She paused. ‘Yes, I understand you can’t stop all treatments, but at least ease off on perhaps two and see if the rash clears. Is it an eczema type of rash or—?’ She listened to her colleague, but watched as David seemed to prowl about the room.
‘Have a seat,’ she whispered. David shrugged, as though he wasn’t sure where to sit. ‘Just throw those clothes into the suitcase.’ She watched him do as she suggested, smiling when he placed everything neatly and gently on top of her bags. It was so…David.
‘What about zinc? If you stop two of her meds and put her on zinc?’ She frowned. ‘Of course there’s zinc. It’s one of the minerals we can get. At least requisition some, and you’ll get it in about a week’s time.’ She listened again, still watching David as he leafed through the hotel’s compendium. ‘Oh, David might know. Just a second and I’ll ask him.’
He looked up at her. ‘Problem?’
‘We have a patient—eight-year-old girl who’s developed a rash.’ Eden gave him the rundown on what medications the girl was taking and the other particulars he needed to know in order to help her out.
‘What about a straight course of antibiotics?’
‘Tried that. Worked for about two days and then the rash came back. Next?’
‘Steroidial ointment?’
‘Can’t get it for another two weeks. Next?’
‘Umm…Is she itching?’
‘Yes.’
‘I like your idea about zinc. Zinc is good for skin problems.’
‘Anything else you can think of? Think natural medicines if at all possible. It’s easier to get our hands on them than pharmaceutical products.’
‘Do you think the rash is food related? Drug related?’
Eden checked with Jett. ‘Possibility of both,’ she returned.
‘The problem might actually be with the gut rather than anything else. If it’s food related, check what she’s eaten, and if it’s drug related, the acids in her stomach might either be reacting to it or might not be able to break it down properly.’
‘Yes. Yes. Good idea.’ Eden related this information to Jett, and within another minute or two she was off the phone. ‘Thank you. I appreciate it, and so does Jett.’
‘Is he a colleague in the Ukraine?’
‘He is. He’s the one who speaks the language most fluently, so we all tend to fight over him when we need things translated.’ She smiled. ‘I mean literally fight over him. One time Lauren and I had an arm each, and we were tugging poor Jett in two different directions whilst arguing over who needed him first and why.’
‘Who won?’
‘Tarvon. He’s a doctor from Tarparnii. He’s absolutely huge and he just put both hands on Jett’s shoulders and practically lifted him off the floor.
It shocked us all —especially poor Jett.’
Her grin was wide and bright, her eyes shining with the memory, and she looked stunning. For the first time since he’d seen her again she wasn’t wearing a skirt or dress. Instead she wore a pair of denim jeans and a pale pink knit top. The colour should be all wrong to wear with hair so deep and rich, yet Eden carried it off to perfection.
When he just stood there, looking at her, Eden’s smile started to change. ‘David?’
‘Hmm? Yes?’
‘Are you all right?’
He shifted and realised she’d caught him staring. It wasn’t the first time she’d caught him today, and he knew, as he found it difficult not to watch her every chance he got, it wouldn’t be the last.
‘Of course.’
‘You know, if you keep looking at me as though you want to eat me up, I might just have to let you.’
‘Now, Eden. Don’t sta—’
‘Start? Too late, David. This thing between us started over twelve years ago, and while we’ve both had our own experiences you have to admit it’s quite astonishing to find the chemistry between us still alive and kicking.’
‘It doesn’t mean we need to act upon it.’
‘We might if my heart-rate doesn’t settle down. Whenever I’m around you it’s as though it’s beating out a samba.’ She took a step towards him, closing the distance. ‘You wouldn’t want me to be having palpitations now, would you, Doctor?’
‘Eden.’
‘You’re a caring doctor. One who has his patients’ best interests at heart.’ She continued to advance slowly, her steps small but sure, until she came to stand before him. He wanted to step back, to put more space between them, but he knew she’d follow him around the small hotel room.
‘You’re not my patient.’ He looked down into her face, his voice deep and husky. If she’d had any doubts as to whether or not he wanted her to stop, they were dispelled in that instant. Hearing the repressed desire, seeing it in his eyes, noticing the way his hands were clenched into fists at his sides, as though he was trying desperately not to touch her, Eden knew he wanted to kiss her just as much as she wanted him to.
‘Do I need to make the first move?’ she whispered, her breath fanning over him, her all uring scent drawing him in. David placed his hands onto her shoulders, mainly to stop her from coming closer, to stop her from pressing her body against his—because if she did that, he knew he wouldn’t be able to resist. Holding her close last night when she’d been asleep had been torture enough. It was ten times more acute now that she was awake.
‘Eden. We can’t.’
‘Why not? You want to, David. I can see it in your eyes.’
‘Of course I want to kiss you, to see what it’s like, to see if the magic is still there, but I can’t.’ The grip of his hands on her shoulders intensified a little. ‘I can’t do that to you.’
‘I don’t understand. You admit you’re attracted, and we both want it. We like each other—we’re friends. We’ve been dreaming about this moment for a very long time, both eager for the command performance. I think we’re ready.’
‘I don’t.’
‘But you’ve just said that—’
David dropped his hands and stepped around her, making sure their bodies didn’t touch. He walked towards the door, putting space between them, his back to her.
‘David?’
He closed his eyes, hearing her confusion. It was just as it had been twelve years ago, when he’d been forced to break her heart. She’d said his name then, too. With the same tinge of hurt and confusion lacing that one word as it did now.
‘Talk to me. Tell me why we can’t at least see where this incredible thing between us might lead?’
‘Because I know where it will lead, Eden. I’ve been down that road and it wasn’t pretty.’
‘What road? Your parents aren’t involved in your life any more. They can’t control what you do.’
‘It’s not my parents I’m talking about. I’m talking about serious relationships.’ He turned then, looking at her, holding her gaze. ‘You’re too special to Sasha, too special to your family and too special to…’ He stopped and swallowed before continuing, his tone a little more intense.
‘You’re too special to me.’
‘For what? What are you talking about? It’s good that I’m special to you. Isn’t it?’
‘Eden, I’ve had one failed marriage.’
‘Marriage?’ Her eyes widened at the word.
‘I’m not a safe bet when it comes to serious relationships. We’re both better off right now if we just ignore whatever exists between us and leave it at that.’
‘David? You’re not talking sense.’
‘To kiss you would only draw us both in further. We know that. This thing between us is strong, stronger than anything I’ve ever felt before, and that in itself is reason enough why we shouldn’t pursue it.’ He laughed without humour and raked a hand through his hair. ‘If my feelings for you are greater than they were for my ex-wife, then we’re both in for a bucket-load of pain, and I don’t want to hurt you.’
‘I’m too special?’
‘Exactly.’
‘What happened in your marriage, David? Talk to me. Tell me. We’re friends first and foremost. Surely you can trust me?’
‘It’s not a matter of trust, Eden.’
‘I think it is. What went wrong? You know, it could have just been that you were married to the wrong person. You said yourself that you were sort of pressured into marriage by your parents, so it can’t have been right in the first place. I’m different. I’m special, and you have stronger feelings for me. That’s a good thing. Right?’ She took a step towards him, but he equalled it by taking one back. ‘And besides, your parents don’t even like me, so there’s no way they’ll ever pressure you to marry me.’ She shook her head. ‘Not that I’m suggesting we get married. Nor am I trying to pressure you into marriage—or anything else for that matter.’
‘You’re not? You’re not trying to pressure me into kissing you?’
She shook her head sadly and sighed. ‘No. I don’t want to pressure you to do anything, David. I would, however, prefer it if you wanted to kiss me. Or even if you wanted to talk to me, to tell me what happened to break up your marriage—because from what you’re saying I’m getting the feeling that it was much more than the reasons you’ve stated.’
He looked away and shook his head. ‘I should have remembered I’m with a woman who can read other people like a book.’
‘Hey—it’s instinctive. It’s like a gift. I didn’t ask for it. I’ve had it most of my life.’ She shrugged. ‘I just understand people.’ She smiled at him a little sadly. ‘Most of the time.’
‘Yet you’re still trying to find out who you are.’ His words were a statement of fact.
‘And it appears you have the gift too.’
‘No.’ David shook his head. ‘I just know you, Eden, and I see a lot of unhappiness behind your eyes.’
‘Then why not help me with that by kissing me? That would definitely make me happy.’
He was thankful the tension in the room had returned to a more reasonable level, and he gave her a lopsided grin. ‘This is you not pressuring me?’
‘I’m not pressuring. I’m cajoling. They’re two very different things.’
David stood there for a second before sliding his hands into the back pockets of his jeans. She hadn’t missed the way he’d looked when he’d strolled into her room. Casual black jeans, white shirt and dark jacket. Simple, solid, and downright sexy. Even now her fingers itched to touch him, to feel the firm contours of his chest beneath her splayed hands.
‘Don’t look at me like that.’ His words were combined with a gravelly thread of want and desire, and it was then Eden realised she was giving him the once-over with her eyes.
‘Sorry. I can’t help it that I like looking at you.’
He clenched his jaw tightly. ‘We need to go. Your family is waiting.’
Eden closed her eyes. ‘Don’t remind me.’
‘If you don’t want to go, if you’re not ready yet, you can always cancel,’ he suggested, trying to be helpful.
‘No. I need to do this. It’s like ripping off a sticking plaster. The sooner I do it, the sooner it’s over and done with. It’s the right thing to do, regardless of the unwelcome reception I’ll no doubt receive. I need to do this for my sake, for my peace of mind.’
‘You won’t be unwelcome.’ He could see painful memories of the past wash over her, and his protective instinct reared its head again.
‘How do you know? I mean, I’m presuming you’ve told them I’m coming round, right? There would be no point in going to see them if they weren’t home.’
‘They know you’re coming and they want to see you, Eden. Your reception won’t be a cold one,’ he repeated.
‘How do you know?’ she asked again, even though she had an inkling of what the answer might be.
‘I see your father quite a bit.’
‘Is that so?’
David nodded. ‘We play tennis together once a week.’
‘Tennis? You play tennis?’ The image came of him in white shorts and shirt, running around on a court, his muscles bunched and rippling. No wonder he was so toned.
‘You’re missing the point.’
‘I hope you don’t,’ she joked, but he merely gave her a look which she knew of old meant that he wanted her to be serious. ‘Sorry. Nervous humour.’
‘They all miss you, Eden. Especially Todd. They’re all stuck in their daily grind and they need a little light in their lives. You can provide that.’
‘But you will stay with me the whole time, won’t you?’
‘Yes.’
‘Promise?’
‘I promise.’
‘Pinky swear?’ She held out her little finger to him and David couldn’t help but smile at the gesture. He’d seen her and Sasha do their ‘pinky swear’ promises for years. He slipped his little pinky around hers and squeezed, ignoring the way the simplest touch of his skin against hers made his heartbeat pound double-time.
‘Pinky swear,’ he repeated, before quickly letting go. ‘So…ready?’
Eden nodded. ‘As ready as I’ll ever be.’ She collected her purse, ensuring she had the hotel keycard inside, before David held the door open for her. They walked to his car in silence, Eden’s thoughts fixed on the memory of the last time she’d spoken to her father.
Before she’d packed her bags and left, there had been some harsh words spoken, some unforgivable things said. They’d often argued way back then, mainly about the lifestyle her parents had been sucked into and how she had the right to disagree with them. Then she’d been asked to leave.
So she’d squared her shoulders and marched forward into her life—alone. She’d paid for herself to go to medical school, the hard way—
without help from Mummy and Daddy. She’d paid off her student loans and was now debt free, doing what she did best—helping other people.
She remained silent on the drive, feeling the warmth of David’s glance on her every now and then, pleased he wasn’t trying to force her into talking. As he turned into Cherry Tree Lane, the street she’d live on for eight years, Eden felt a tightening in the pit of her stomach. He slowed the car down, coming to a complete stop as he parked at the kerb. She looked over at number 17—her parents’ mansion—which was only partially visible due to the large brick wall and iron gates which ringed the property.
‘Eden? Are you OK?’
‘I think so.’ She kept on looking at the house. Funny, she remembered it being bigger. ‘It seems so strange being here.’
‘You know, I’ve never asked, but did you get along with your parents before their big lottery win? Was it just their instant multi-millionaire status which annoyed you?’
‘We got along fine before their win. Well, I was only ten. It was when we moved to this elite neighbourhood that things started going wrong. We didn’t fight, per se, but I guess I baffled them more than anything. There they were, giving me everything I’d ever wanted, everything money could buy, and they couldn’t understand why I wasn’t happy, or why I’d give half of the presents away to others who had nothing. Sometimes, especially during my teenage years, they’d look at me with such puzzlement—as though to say, “Where did she come from?” Todd, however, was more their mould. A real chip off the old block, with a tiny bit of my zaniness thrown in.’
Eden sighed. ‘I guess when I left, he saw that as total desertion.’ She shrugged. ‘But, to answer your question, for the most part even after the big win I thought I got along fine with my parents. They probably wouldn’t agree, as I think I caused them plenty of headaches.’
‘You caused me a few, too.’
She smiled at his words. ‘All I know is I was glad it was you who came down to the local police station to bail Sasha and I out after we were arrested for protesting and not my dad. I doubt I ever would have heard the end of it.’
‘You’re just lucky they were all out of town at a charity event and I knew the guy behind the desk at the police station.’ David shook his head, remembering. It had been a week before he’d left—a week before his father had decided to change their worlds. ‘Why were you arrested again?’
‘For chaining ourselves to the front of a heritage building they were going to knock down. And I’ll have you know that building still stands. I saw it when I came into town.’
‘Another one of Eden’s victories?’
‘Yes.’
‘So it was all worth it then?’
‘Absolutely. Although I think being put in a gaol cell was almost the final straw for poor Sasha. For years I’d been dragging her along with my crazy antics, but while we were sitting on the small bed in the cell she looked at me and said, quietly and calmly, “You’re my best friend, Eden, but being in here does upset me a little.”’ Eden laughed at the memory. ‘Poor Sasha. She wasn’t in tears or hysterical or anything, but she was mildly upset about being in there in the first place. After that she only came along to my protests when she agreed with them, and never again were we locked in a gaol cell together.’
‘Well, that’s good news.’ She had her hands clasped together in her lap and he could tell by the way she was talking non-stop that she was nervous. ‘It’s time,’ he said softly. He’d given her a few minutes in the car, not wanting to rush her, but he knew if she had her way they might sit in the car all night long.
‘Yes.’ She nodded, but didn’t move.
David climbed from the car and came around to open her door. still she didn’t move.
‘Eden?’
‘Hmm? Oh, right. Time to go in.’ She unclasped her seat belt and stepped from the car as childhood memories began to return. She looked up and down the street, noticing the size of the trees and how much the bricks in the wall had aged. ‘Don’t you think it’s odd that Cherry Tree Lane doesn’t actually have any cherry trees in it?’
‘I do,’ he replied as he shut the door after her and locked the car.
‘Who thinks up these street names?’
‘Someone who thought it sounded pretty.’
‘I suppose so.’ She stood on the footpath, noticing the oldfashioned street lamps shining bright beneath the starry sky which was starting to darken. Eden closed her eyes for a moment, breathing in deeply, the scents of her childhood returning.
‘All right, all right—enough stalling.’ David took her hand in his, giving it a small tug. ‘You’ve looked, you’ve smelt. Time to move.’
She opened her eyes and grimaced at him. ‘No fooling you, is there?’
‘No, and you’ll do well to remember that. Now, come on.’
Her legs felt like lead as she walked stiffly beside him. ‘Remember you promised to stay with me?’
‘I will.’
‘You won’t leave me alone with anyone?’
‘Not unless it’s what you want.’ They were almost at the gate, where she knew David would press the intercom button and announce their arrival.
‘What if they don’t let me in? Don’t tell them I’m here. Just say it’s you,’ she said quickly.
‘They know you’re coming, Eden.’
‘Fine.’
‘Can we please just make it to the other side of the gate?’ David pressed the button and announced his name. A moment later an electronic buzz sounded and the gate opened.
‘And make sure you take me back to my hotel. I don’t want to stay here. I won’t be pressured.’
‘I promise to take you back to the hotel.’
They were walking up the path which would lead directly to the front door. How many times had she climbed over the brick wall and ran helter-skelter across the grass, sometimes dodging the sprinklers, other times strolling through them, especially on hot days? ‘Wow, the ground looks really dry.’
‘Water restrictions.’
‘I know, but I didn’t expect it to be this bad for some reason.’
‘We’ve had quite a few dry summers.’
They were almost at the door, and Eden’s grip tightened on David’s hand. She pulled him to a stop at the bottom of the steps. ‘It will be all right, won’t it?’
He took both her hands in his and gave them a little squeeze. ‘It’ll be fine. You’ll be fine. It’s time.’
‘Yes. It’s time.’ She could hear footsteps approaching the front door, and David held her gaze.
‘Best behaviour, now. No picking fights. This is a time for reconciliation.’
Eden didn’t say anything, but watched as the front door opened and she came face to face with her father.
They stood there, staring at each other for a brief moment, before her father shocked her completely by throwing his arms about her and embracing her so fiercely she thought she might pass out.
‘Eden? Is it really you?’
She clung even tighter to David’s hand, giving it pulsing squeezes.
‘You might want to loosen up there, Hal. She still needs oxygen,’ he drawled.
‘Oh, right. Sure. Come in. Come in.’ He stepped back, allowing them to enter the wide entrance hall. ‘David’s here,’ he announced to the house in general. ‘And he’s brought a special friend. We didn’t tell Todd,’ he said more quietly.
‘Why not?’
Hall shrugged. ‘He may not have been here if we had.’
Eden had expected the pain, she’d known it would come, but she hadn’t expected it to hurt this much. ‘I see.’
‘I’m sorry, Eden. That came out rather abruptly. Todd’s a busy man now. He has his own life.’ Hall tried to justify things as best he could.
‘It’s OK, Dad.’
‘It’s good to hear you call me that.’ Her father smiled and reached out to take her hand. It was then he realised that one of them was still being firmly held by David. He glanced quickly at one and then the other, before clearing his throat and leading them into the living room. ‘Come in.
Please come in. Todd?’ he bell owed.
‘I’m coming.’ The sound of her brother’s voice made Eden tense all over again. True, her father’s reaction wasn’t what she’d expected—far from it—but how would her brother react?
‘Hey, David. Did you see the final score? Straight sets,’ Todd commented on his way into the room. When he saw Eden, he merely glanced at her before returning his attention to David, his face expressionless. ‘So? Who’s your friend?’
‘Todd…’ Hall growled.
The pain of rejection pierced her heart. ‘It’s all right, Dad. Todd’s entitled to his feelings.’ He’d certainly grown up. Her brother was indeed a man, and she’d missed it—missed his journey. She couldn’t blame him if he hated her.
‘No. This is a time for celebration. Time to kill the fatted calf.’ He put his arm around Eden and hugged her once more. still she didn’t let go of David’s hand. It was as though they were fused together. He was her lifeline and she needed him. ‘I have my family together again.’ He let her go and smiled warmly, dropping a brief kiss on her head. ‘Where is your mother?’
‘I’ll get her,’ Todd offered, and quickly left the room.
Eden glanced at David, who nodded encouragingly.
‘Sit down, sit down,’ Hall invited. ‘Your hair is as gorgeous as ever, Eden. Your grandmother had hair that colour. That’s where you inherited your fiery spirit from.’
‘Really?’ She hadn’t ever heard that before.
‘Oh, yes. She caused havoc back in her day. Well, until your grandfather tamed her.’ Hall chuckled. ‘Having a family settled her down. You’ll be the same.’
Eden blinked. ‘Pardon?’
‘Drinks,’ Hall continued. ‘You both need a drink. What will it be?’
‘Iced water would be great,’ David said.
‘Eden?’
‘Er…fine…water’s fine.’
‘Great. Be right back.’
To Eden’s astonishment, her father left the room to go and get them drinks. Where were the servants? The butler opening the door? The maid getting their drinks? Within twelve months of them arriving at this enormous house her father had insisted her mother needed help, and help they’d received. The ‘help’ had increased slowly over the years, until her father had employed a household staff of ten to potter around after them, waiting on them hand and foot. It had been too much for Eden to bear back then, but now there didn’t seem to be a member of staff anywhere. Perhaps it was late? Maybe they’d gone home?
‘I don’t understand,’ she whispered. ‘Where are all the servants?’
‘We don’t have permanent staff any more,’ her mother’s cool, modulated voice came from the doorway and Eden immediately looked her way.
Gretchen Caplan was sophistication at its best. If anyone had been born to have money, it was her mother. She was a woman who’d always carried herself with flair and poise, and now, dressed in casual pants and shirt, was no exception. ‘We have a house-cleaner, of course, but that’s only once a week.’
Eden stood, and so did David. ‘hello, Mum.’
‘Eden.’ Her mother nodded. ‘Please sit. Be comfortable. David, lovely to see you as always.’
‘You too, Gretchen.’
Todd re-entered the room, and a moment later Hall returned with the drinks, handing them out with forced joviality. Eden felt uncomfortable, as she was sure did everyone else. She took a sip of the water and forced a smile, one hand still clinging tightly to David. She was sure she was cutting off his circulation, but he wasn’t saying anything so she pushed that thought from her mind.
‘So,’ her father drawled into the tense silence, ‘tell us what you’ve been doing. Working hard?’
‘Yes. I’ve been…ah…overseas. Working in small villages and orphanages.’ She shrugged. ‘Being a doctor.’ She wasn’t sure what else to say.
‘You’re back for Sasha, I take it?’ her mother said.
‘Yes.’
‘It doesn’t matter about the reason,’ Hall added. ‘She’s here.’
‘It took Sasha to be almost at death’s door to make you come home? What? Couldn’t be bothered making it back for her wedding?’ Todd sneered.
‘That’s enough.’ David’s tone was quiet, yet firm. ‘All four of you are starting to drive me mad. Regardless of the reason why Eden is back in Sydney, the point is she’s back. She has her own life and she’s not accountable to any of you, just as you are not accountable to her. Now, you’re either going to let the past be the past or let it interfere with your future for the next ten years.’ He shook his head. ‘Honestly, when they were handing out stubbornness this family certainly received its fair share.’
‘Hear, hear!’ Hall agreed, his tone now more sincere, more relaxed than before. ‘Forgive and forget—and I certainly hope you can forgive me, Eden. I said some horrible things to you the night you left, and it’s plagued me ever since.’ He leaned forward and took her free hand in his, his voice shaky with emotion. ‘Whatever reason it is that’s brought you home, I’m just glad you’re here, girl, and that I finally have the chance to say I’m sorry.’
A lump formed in Eden’s throat and tears welled in her eyes. ‘Dad…’ For the first time since she’d entered the house, she let go of David’s hand so she could properly embrace her father. ‘I’m sorry, too. Sorry for what I said.’ She turned to her mother. ‘Sorry for making you worry.’ She looked at Todd. ‘And sorry for deserting you.’
Todd stood there, hands shoved in his pockets, before shaking his head and stalking from the room. Eden quickly looked around at David, who merely shrugged.
‘He’ll come round,’ Gretchen offered as she too embraced her daughter—but not with the exuberance of her husband. ‘I’m relieved you’re safe, Eden.’
They stayed another ten minutes before the headache pounding against her skull couldn’t be ignored any longer. After promising to see them soon, Eden and David said their goodbyes.
It wasn’t until they were seated in his car, heading back to her hotel, that Eden started to cry. She knew she needed to release the pressure building inside her, to let the emotions out. She’d never been good at bottling things up.
David didn’t say a word, but just quietly passed her his handkerchief. By the time they arrived at her hotel she was only sniffing intermittently.
Again he came round and helped her from the car, linking his hand with hers as they headed inside. The silence continued as they walked to the lifts, rode up to her floor. When they stood outside her door, Eden jerked her thumb over her shoulder, indicating the room behind them.
‘Do you want to come in? I could make us a cup of tea.’
David shook his head. ‘I think it’s better if I go.’
‘Are you sure? You were fantastic. Thank you so much for being there, for supporting me. I couldn’t have done it without you.’
David shook his head. ‘I don’t know about that. I’m really proud of you, Eden—and I don’t mean that to sound condescending or anything like that. Going to see your family, breaking the ice—it was a big deal. And for the record, I think you would have managed just fine even if I hadn’t been there.’
‘I disagree.’ She put her hands on his shoulders and looked intently into his eyes. This man, this man who was so special to her on so many levels, this man who had held her hand had given her strength. It wasn’t the first time David had done that for her and she instinctively knew it wouldn’t be the last. ‘You were a good friend tonight, David. To all of us, but especially to me.’ Standing on tiptoe, she kissed his cheek. ‘Thanks.’
His hands came to rest at her waist. It was an automatic reaction to stop her from overbalancing when she leaned up to kiss him. He didn’t remove his hands. Neither did she. David looked down into her upturned face, his gaze settling on her full and waiting lips.
Was he going to do it? Was he going to kiss her? Eden’s breathing grew faster. Butterflies took flight in her stomach as she stayed completely still. She needed David to make this decision, to make this move. He’d been so adamant before that it wouldn’t work between them, despite how much he wanted to kiss her.
Would he give in? Would he listen to his heart or his head? He glanced at her eyes, seeing total acceptance there. She was his. For this moment in time she was all his, and it was a moment he’d been longing for far too long to ignore any more.
‘Eden.’ Her name was barely audible on his parted lips, and she saw the raw heat, the full strength of his desire in his eyes as his arms tightened at her waist, drawing her closer.
This was it. It was finally going to happen. David was going to kiss her.