Dangerous Affection

Chapter Sixteen

Later that afternoon, she’d parked her sports car in a spot just about a five-minute walk away from thecoffee shop.

Glancing at her watch and seeing there was still ten minutes to go before her agreed meeting time with Shaun, she turned off the engine and pressed back against the headrest.

All things considered, she wasn’t entirely sure why she’d agreed to meet him. The signs were already there – in the buzz that zipped through her veins like lightning, in the way her logical thoughts and confident manner were disrupted – that this guy was something special.

Joanne was only too aware she’d stepped inside the danger zone she’d promised herself she’d keep away from. The question was, could she indulge in a little dalliance and be strong enough to keep him at arm’s length? She was still a couple of years off the end of her ten-year no-relationship period, and she knew she’d do well to keep this at the forefront of her mind.

She checked her handbag, satisfied her phone was in there.

It’s not too late to cancel, the cautionary voice in her head whispered, but she swiftly pushed it away.

She was entitled to a little fun, wasn’t she? And that was all this needed to be.

This feeling… this attraction, it was powerful. It was nice to feel alive inside again, and she found she didn’t want it to end just yet.

Besides, she was in a far better place now. She felt like a whole new person.

On the rare occasions she allowed herself to venture back in her head, it felt like a complete other life. A life that was almost completely buried.

At precisely three minutes to six, she picked up her handbag, got out of the car and walked to the coffee bar. She’d be a couple of minutes late. Not enough to appear rude but just right to avoid looking over-keen.

She could see, through the smoked glass front, that the place was about half full. She spotted at least three small round tables free.

She opened the door and inhaled the heady smell of freshly ground coffee beans. The whoosh of the steamed milk and the gentle buzz of cordial conversation instantly loosened her tight shoulders.

She scanned the tables with a faint smile on her face, ready to wave to Shaun and make her way over. But it soon became apparent that he hadn’t yet arrived.

She felt a wave of irritation. Joanne Dent wasn’t accustomed to being kept waiting. At the same time, a faint thrill rumbled inside her at the fact that he wasn’t a pushover who felt intimidated by her.

Heading for the table furthest from the door, she passed the serving counter and a small glass-fronted display unit. She glanced at the mouth-watering dainty pastries and wholesome-looking salad wraps inside, but she wasn’t tempted. Her stomach, although empty after she’d skipped lunch, felt raw and unable to deal with solid food.

What a silly state she’d allowed herself to get into. They were meeting for coffee, for goodness’ sake, she reminded herself. This wasn’t a romantic date.

Her bottom had barely reached the wooden chair when the entrance bell chimed and Shaun’s six-foot-two – she’d already estimated – frame filled the doorway.

She raised her hand and he smiled, and in a few long strides he was there at the table. He wore a close-fitting black T-shirt and jeans. She glanced down to see that his feet were clad in blue suede boat shoes with white stitching, and no socks.

Joanne felt overdressed rather than smart.

She stood, and he leaned forward and very lightly kissed her cheek. His lips felt like a firebrand against her skin and she sat down again quickly, feeling slightly dazed.

‘I didn’t get drinks,’ she managed. ‘I wasn’t sure what you’d prefer.’

‘It’s OK, I’ll order,’ he said, reaching into his back pocket for a wallet. ‘The espresso macchiatos are really good here, if you like your coffee strong. I’ll get us a couple of pastries, too.’

‘Perfect.’ She nodded, appreciative of the way his back narrowed into a neat waistline as he turned back towards the counter.

When you were a single parent, you got used to making all the decisions, big and small. You couldn’t really discuss things with a child; you just had to get on with sorting life out for the two of you.

So Joanne found it refreshing when Shaun didn’t defer to her. She liked the way he assumed control.

She busied herself fishing in her bag for a tissue for something to do while she willed her cheeks to lose some of the heat she could feel burning there.

Merely a minute later, Shaun was back.

‘They’re bringing the order over.’ He smiled, pulling out the chair right next to her rather than the one opposite.

‘Great,’ she said, breathing in his now familiar citrus scent. ‘Have you come here straight from work?’

‘Yeah, I’ve been doing a photo shoot with international athletes at Loughborough University.’ He grinned, looking down at the table and shaking his head before looking back at her. ‘Sorry, it’s just… it makes a change from photographing lost dogs who found their way home, you know?’

‘Local news is a bit like that, I suppose,’ she laughed. ‘I could probably put some contacts your way. If you make sure the magazine photos favour me.’

‘You don’t need special favours, you look perfect the way you are.’

It was a cheesy line, but she swallowed it, flushing with pleasure.

A young man wearing jeans and a white T-shirt with a long black apron appeared carrying a tray.

‘Two espresso macchiatos and two Danish?’ He began to put the glass cups down without waiting for an answer. The coffee and milk were cleverly layered in graduated colours and finished with steamed milk topped with froth hearts.

Joanne picked up the small silver spoon on her saucer and scooped up a small whip of creamy froth with a sprinkle of brown sugar. Then she took a sip of the strong, nutty brew and looked at him over her cup.

‘I hope things sort themselves at home for you. The situation sounds difficult.’

Shaun took a bite of apricot Danish, chewing for a few moments before swallowing and answering.

‘It’s what we both want.’ He shrugged. ‘It’s just Maisie I worry about. I have to make sure she’s OK.’

‘I’m sure she’ll be fine,’ Joanne said, looking at her pastry but not touching it. ‘Kids are surprisingly resilient.’

She thought about Piper. Strong, confident and competent at most activities she put her mind to. They didn’t talk about her father. Joanne wasn’t sure why that was, but to her relief, Piper had never asked. It felt like an unexploded mine under her feet – she knew the day would come and it probably wasn’t far off.

‘Emma has always insisted that Maisie is more sensitive than your average child,’ Shaun said, picking up his pastry again. ‘But I agree with you. She’s probably stronger than her mum gives her credit for. I guess we’ll soon find out.’