New Year’s Kisses (3 page)

“Is that what I think it is?”

He grinned. “Yeah. Over eighteen feet of cinema perfection complete with surround sound stereo. Plus the room has been insulated with special acoustic materials to optimise the whole set up.”

“I’m not sure whether to be impressed or shocked that you have this kind of set up.” She turned to face him. “You’re not just an alarm guy, are you?”

Wade sobered, the smile slipping from his mouth. “Yes and no.” He scrubbed a hand down his face. He’d wanted tonight to be an introduction to who he was, but with each step he revealed more about himself than he had to anyone in a long time. “My company is successful, more than, but my parents left enough that neither my sister nor I ever have to work again.”

“Oh.”

He waited for more. Usually this was the point where a woman began to fawn all over him, something he hadn’t had a stomach for even before he became richer than God. But Emily surprised him. Again. She walked over, placed her hand in his, and squeezed gently. With no more than that, she proved his instincts right. Emily Warner wasn’t like any other woman he’d met, and he’d be a fool to let this opportunity to woo her into taking a chance on him slip by.

She tugged on his hand. “Show me the rest.”

Wade led her from the room, her hand snug inside his. The warmth and weight of her flesh threatened to take him back up that slippery slope of arousal, but he was determined to take his time. To do this right. He wasn’t ready to face the building emotions this woman provoked, but he was more than willing to explore them one step at a time. Sex would muddy the waters, and possibly scare her off.

“As I said, I’ve changed little. My mother used to redecorate regularly, so most of what they left is still in date to some degree.” Wade paused in the middle of the living room and looked at the well-worn leather couch. “Then again maybe it’s time to get some new furniture.”

“No. You’re mother obviously had great style and the lived-in furnishings stop the place from being ostentatious. The whole house, while I grant you is overwhelming, still manages to be welcoming. It’s inviting and the touches of personal knick-knacks adds to the come-in-and-take-a-load-off vibe.”

He looked at her. “Wow. All that from a few pieces of furniture?”

Her cheeks flushed pink and she ducked her head a little, hiding her eyes. “It’s just the way I feel, like I’m a welcome friend who’s come to visit.”

“You are a friend and you’re welcome any time.” Wade turned towards the stairs. “Come on, let’s head upstairs.”

Before their feet hit the first step the gate intercom buzzed and he was forced to change direction. “That will be dinner. I need to let them in. Why don’t you go back outside to wait?”

“You don’t need help bringing everything out?”

Wade rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand. “As much as I want to use any excuse I can to keep you by my side, the last thing I want you to do is carry your own dinner to the table.”

“But—”

He placed two fingers over her lips. “Don’t argue. Let me spoil you a little. I’m not asking any more than I’d expect if I’d taken you out to a restaurant.”

“Are you sure?” Her lips brushed against his fingers, her breath warm against his skin. Wade’s lower regions stirred.

“I’m sure. Go.” When it looked like she’d argue further, he turned her in the direction of the patio and gave her a little nudge. “Please.”

She glanced over her shoulder. “Okay, but I get to help after we’ve eaten.”

Wade smiled. “If you must.” She really wasn’t like any other woman he’d known. All the women he’d dated in the past would have revelled in being indulged. Good thing he’d never felt the desire to cater to the whims of anyone other than Emily.

Emily stared at the harbour as dusk settled over the city. Lights twinkled up and down the shoreline and a plethora of boats anchored in the cove slowly came to life with their own brand of sparkle. She took a deep breath – savoured the warm summer air sprinkled with a liberal dose of salt. Sydney’s famous harbour was in the throes of the biggest night of the year and for once Em found herself with a front row seat that didn’t include her couch and dismal sixty centimetre TV.

The cool breeze blowing off the water combated some of the oppressive heat of the day, and the dropping of the sun lowered the temperature further, but it was still a balmy evening and, unless a stiff wind picked up, it didn’t seem likely that she’d be getting cold anytime soon. Em tilted her head back and gazed up at the clear sky. No clouds marred the darkening surface and while the city lights diminished the brightness of the stars, she could still make out some significant clusters. She found the Southern Cross and what her mother referred to as the Saucepan, but other than that Emily was clueless as to what glittered high above her.

“Here we go.”

She sat up and turned in Wade’s direction. He walked towards her, a uniformed waiter in tow, and Emily suddenly realised this wasn’t your average restaurant delivery. Wade took the seat beside her while the man placed their meals in front of them. Rich spicy aromas assaulted her. Leaning forward, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“Oh my God, that smells divine.” Em opened her eyes and reached for her serviette only to be beaten by the waiter who draped the white linen across her lap.

“Wait until you taste it. You’ll never eat ocean trout from anywhere else ever again.”

“I’ll have to take your word for it. I’ve never eaten trout before.”

The waiter topped up their wine glasses. “Will there be anything else, Sir?”

“No, that’s all for now,” Wade said.

“I’ll have dessert ready to serve in twenty-five minutes.” The waiter bent in a slight bow before returning to the house.

“He’s making dessert here?” Emily asked.

“Not completely, but he’ll be putting the final touches on it so it’s as fresh as you’d get if you actually ate at Morgan’s.”

Em froze in the process of picking up her knife and fork. “Morgan’s?
The
Morgan’s?”

“Yep, I grew up with the owner. He still lives a few doors that way.” Wade pointed along the shoreline to Emily’s right.

She couldn’t catch her breath. Wade had so much. Had grown up with so much. And here she was, the product of a one-night-stand who’d lived on the poverty line her entire childhood acting as though she fit in here. Her heart slammed against her ribcage, her pulse pounding as though she’d run a marathon. “I shouldn’t be here.” Finger shaking, she put her hands in her lap.

“What? Why?” Wade dropped his own utensils on his plate. “Are you allergic to seafood? I never thought to ask.”

“No. No, it’s not that.” She licked her lips, swallowed over the lump in her throat. Her words a bare whisper, she said, “I don’t belong here.”

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about.” He reached for her hand but she pulled away. “Why don’t you belong?”

“We’re from completely different backgrounds. You shouldn’t even look at me, never mind ask me out on such an extravagant date.” Surely he could see she didn’t belong. “I grew up poor.”

“And?” Wade’s fists clenched on the table, his jaw bunched, a muscle twitching on the left side, and his brow furrowed, pulling his dark eyebrows together.

“You’re rich!” How could he not see the problem?

He leaned back and crossed his arms over his wide chest. “Careful, Emily, your snob is showing.”

Air rushed through her teeth as she sucked in a breath. “I’m not being a snob. I’m pointing out that we come from different social circles.”

“No, you’re saying we shouldn’t share an enjoyable meal and watch the fireworks, because you grew up poor and I grew up rich. That’s snobbery in my book. Admittedly it’s the reverse of what I’ve seen all my life, but it’s still prejudice against the way we grew up.”

When he put it that way… Her face heated. She hadn’t meant to be judgmental. If anything it was her own insecurities showing. She’d always had feelings of inadequacy, something she’d worked hard to overcome by proving she was good enough, by getting the things in life others took for granted: a good education, a well-paid, well-respected job, and a level of acceptance from her peers she’d never received as a child. With one miscommunication she’d managed to offend him in a way she was all too familiar with.

“I’m sorry. It’s not what I meant,” she murmured, her head bowed.

“Then explain what you mean. I don’t want to think poorly of you, Emily, but right now I have to admit to doing just that.”

Em looked up and found Wade studying her, his hazel eyes penetrating in their concentration. Her mouth was dry and her hand shook as she reached for her glass to wet her throat. He deserved an explanation, only she wasn’t sure she was ready to reveal that scar to a man she barely liked. No, that was a lie. She more than liked him. And that was the rub.

Admitting how she felt would open her up for things she wasn’t prepared for. A relationship with a man was the last thing she had time for, except, if she were honest, she’d concede that they were already in the middle of an association rapidly descending into relationship territory.

“Emily?” He reached out and ran the tip of his index finger down her cheek. “Our dinner is getting cold. How about we forget it for now and just enjoy this delicious meal?”

Her throat too tight to get any words out, she nodded. Wade smiled, and, relieved, Emily offered a small one of her own. He picked up his utensils and gestured to her plate with his fork. Taking the hint, she took a deep breath to settle her still turbulent nerves and followed his lead. It didn’t take long for the awkward moment between them to pass. There was no way to remain silent when faced with the decadent meal he’d ordered.

“This has to be the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten.” Emily picked up her wine for a sip before she dove back into the amazing fish. “I’ve never been a big fan of fish, but consider me converted.”

“At the risk of sounding conceited, I told you so.” Wade forked up the last mouthful of his meal and placing his cutlery together across his plate, leaned back in his chair.

Emily smiled. “You did. I shouldn’t have doubted you.”

“There was doubt?”

“Yes.” She grinned as she slid another bite into her mouth.

“Let that be a lesson to you.”

She chewed and swallowed. “Oh, and what lesson was that exactly?”

“I’m always right.” He smiled. “And you’d be wise to listen to me in the future.”

“I’ll take that under advisement.” Sitting back, she rubbed a hand over her full belly. “I can’t eat anymore and I think I’ve already hit overload stage.”

“We can wait until after the fireworks for dessert if you like.”

“That depends on what’s on the menu.”

“Let me see…I believe it’s something called Death by Choc—”

“Say no more. We’ll have dessert now.” Emily began to stack their plates, but Wade’s hand on hers stopped her.

“No you don’t. Our waiter will clear the plates before bringing out dessert.”

“Oh. Sorry. I forgot he was even here.”

“That’s the idea.” Wade glanced at his watch. “Now you have approximately eight minutes before show time. If you need to use the bathroom, you best hurry.”

“Good idea. I’d hate to miss one of the highlights of the night.”

“Through that door” – Wade indicated the far end of the patio – “you’ll find the outdoor bathroom.”

“Outdoor bathroom?”

“It’s so I don’t have to track chlorine water through the house after a swim.”

“There’s a pool?” Emily’s head swivelled from side to side but she couldn’t see anything beyond the patio.

“On the next level down. The one below that has access to the dock and boat.”

“Dock? Boat?” Em swallowed. Wade was rich far and above anything she’d thought. Pushing to her wobbly legs, she placed her napkin on the table. “I’ll just go freshen up.”

She made her escape, the magnitude of Wade’s wealth sinking into her bamboozled mind.

Wade hadn’t missed the myriad of emotions flashing through Emily’s eyes when he’d mentioned the lower levels of the yard. He should have known better than to talk about anything that pointed to his obvious wealth after her earlier comment, but he didn’t want to censor himself around her, didn’t want to be anyone other than himself. No matter how he looked at it, there was no way to leave out his money. He’d just have to show her he wasn’t the sum total of his bank accounts.

He glanced at his watch as the waiter headed back with their dessert. Brent would see the man out once he’d served this last course, so Wade could sit back and enjoy the rest of the night with Emily. If she ever returned from the bathroom. At this rate she’d miss the fireworks and he’d miss his first opportunity to kiss her. Movement caught his eye and he turned to see her walking towards him at a clipped pace.

“Sorry.” She retook her seat and slipped her napkin back in her lap. “How close are we?”

“Under a minute.”

“I cut that fine.” She grinned and Wade’s stomach clenched.

“Yes, but you made it back in time for the best part.” He scooted his chair closer to hers. “As you can see, dessert is served and…” He held up his arm, checking the time. “In…ten, nine, eight, seven, six–”

“It’s not time for the countdown yet.”

“Two, one. Happy New year.” Wade leaned over and planted his mouth on hers as the sky lit up with a kaleidoscope of colour, light, and sound.

He kept it simple, a little pressure, a little tongue. Her mouth gave under his and a warm puff of air mingled with his breath as she sighed. Wade held on to his sanity by a thread so thin he felt the weakness of it. There’d be no turning back if he didn’t pull away now. With a monumental effort, he tore his lips from hers. Their panted breaths merged as they struggled to find solid ground once more. Damn. The woman would fry his brain before the night was done. Neither of them took notice of the loud booms or flashes of colour that made up the nine o’clock family fireworks display. They were too consumed with the explosions detonating between them.

“It’s not New Year yet.” Emily’s laboured breathing broke up her words.

Wade smiled, thrilled to know she was as affected by their kiss as him. “It is on Christmas Island.”