Chapter 8

Eight

E than never gave up.

A motto that had got him through a horror childhood, the nightmare of his teens, and had taken him to the top of the restaurateur game.

Right now, what was at stake was as important as scavenging for the next food scrap to fill his howling belly or opening a new restaurant in New York.

Tam had blossomed the last few days, becoming a woman who smiled and laughed and raised her face to a scorching Indian sun. She ran through ancient forts. She sampled the spiciest dishes and called for more chilli. She played with little children who dogged their steps when the train stopped, bestowing smiles and hugs and her last rupees.

He wanted this woman with an unrelenting fierceness that constantly clawed at him.

She’d let down her guard and their attraction escalated. He could see it in the newly sparkling eyes, the quick look-away when he captured her gaze, the smile never far from her lips. No matter how much she wanted to pretend they didn’t have a spark, this attraction wasn’t diminishing. Not if he had anything to do with it.

In the business arena, he was notorious for his ruthlessness; his take charge and take no prisoners attitude. He didn’t have much time left with Tam and he needed to make something happen—now.

He hoped she’d still talk to him after she discovered what he’d done to expedite their situation.

She stood at the bow of the boat, a vision in a white dress scattered with vivid pink and red flowers, her hair loose and flowing around her shoulders, fluttering in the breeze. He’d never seen anything so beautiful, so vibrant, and his desire for her slammed into him anew.

Yeah, he was through waiting. He’d waited years already and now there was nothing standing in his way.

She glanced up at that exact moment, her smile tentative, and he strode towards her.

“Are you sure we’ve got time to cruise the lake and check out the entertainment complex on the island?”

He glanced at his watch, noting the time with satisfaction. “Plenty of time.”

The glib lie slid from his lips and he didn’t regret it, not for a second. Udaipur’s Lake Palace was one of the most romantic hotels on earth and if he couldn’t convince her to confront their attraction here, it wouldn’t happen anywhere.

She smiled again and he quashed his yearning to slip a possessive arm around her waist, his heart slamming against his ribcage and his blood thickening with the drugging desire to make her his.

“I hope you’re right about the timing, because we wouldn’t want to miss the train and be stuck in this place.” She waved towards the tranquil lake, the Palace on the far shore. “I mean, staying in the hotel wouldn’t be a hardship but stuck with you? That would be tough.”

Ignoring the flicker of guilt he was instigating such an outcome despite her flippant joke, he propped his elbows on the railing and leaned back. “Are you actually teasing me?”

She glanced at him from beneath lowered lashes and he could’ve punched the air with elation that she’d lightened up enough to spar with him. “Maybe.”

“If this is the reaction I get for suggesting a simple boat ride, I’m going to do it more often.”

The light in her eyes faded as her gaze left his to sweep the horizon.

“I’ll be busy relaunching my career when we get back to Melbourne and you’ll be busy being the hotshot businessman, so I think any boat rides down the Yarra are wishful thinking.”

Was that her way of saying what happens in India stays in India? That if she eventually capitulated and acknowledged their attraction—or as he was hoping, did something about it—things would come to an abrupt end when they got home?

“In that case, let’s make the most of our time cruising here, huh?”

“Okay.”

He didn’t push the issue and it earned him a grateful glance, but he didn’t want her gratitude, damn it. He wanted her to look at him with stars in her eyes.

“Can I ask you a question?”

She could ask him to take a flying leap and he’d ask how high. “Sure.”

“You and Richard were mates. Why didn’t I see you at the dinner parties he was so fond of or the foodie functions he liked to preside over?”

What could he say? That he’d wanted her so badly he’d kept his distance for fear it would distract him from doing his job? Or worse, cause a serious problem between him and Richard, affecting their business?

Yeah, like that would go down a treat. If she was wary of him now, she’d run a mile if he told her the truth.

“Opening Ambrosia kept me busy. I never had enough hours in the day.” He avoided her shrewd stare by looking over her shoulder at the Palace shimmering in the distance. “Business, you know how it is.”

“Yet by all accounts, you have plenty of time to date. Hmm…” She tapped her bottom lip, drawing his attention to its fullness; like he needed reminding. “I guess what the rumour mill says about you is true.”

“What’s that?”

“You’re a seasoned playboy and Melbourne’s number one eligible bachelor.”

“Playboy, huh?”

Her teasing smile surprised him, warming him better than the fiery vindaloo he’d sampled at lunch. “I bet you’re proud of it.”

He pretended to ponder for a second before shrugging, feigning bashfulness. “That’s an impressive title. Would you like to help me live up to my reputation?”

He expected her to leap overboard at what he suggested, but once again she surprised him by quirking an eyebrow, her smile widening.

“And become yet another statistic?” She shook her head. “Nope, sorry, no can do. But don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll have loads of dewy-eyed bimbos lining up when your plane touches down at Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne.”

He chuckled, only slightly disconcerted that she’d described his usual dates to a tee. “Are you implying I’m shallow, Miss Rayne?”

“I’m not implying anything. I’m stating a fact.”

She joined in his laughter and he marvelled at the transformation from reserved widow to relaxed woman. He’d always thought her beautiful but when she was like this—laughing, relaxed, bantering—she was stunning.

“Lucky for me, the boat’s about to dock.” He pointed at the shore. “I don’t think my ego could take much more of your kid-glove treatment.”

She smirked. “There’s plenty more where that came from.”

“I stand duly warned.”

As they disembarked, Ethan didn’t have a care in the world. The woman he wanted was definitely warming to him and they’d have several days together away from the train to get to know each other a lot better.

He thrived on this: making things happen, being back in control, and it felt great.