Page 20 of Meet Me at Sunset

‘Well, I’m sure it was a mistake.’

‘I hope so. But there’ve been a few odd things recently. Paulo’s been spending a lot of time in Palma, especially at night – he’s rarely around for the evening service. Not that he needs to be – that’s not his job. But it just feels like … like he’s keeping secrets from me.’

Camille stiffened. She knew the importance of trusting your gut, and talk of secrets always put her on edge. ‘It’s not acceptable, Lucas. He’s your business partner, and he needs to be open with you. You must speak to him.’

‘I will, Maman.’ But Lucas looked uncomfortable, and Camille knew that he instinctively shied away from confrontation.

She was about to press him further when he turned down a slip road and they pulled up at the discreet entrance to S’Estaca. Lucas spoke into the intercom and the gates slid open. Camille forced herself back into professional mode, knowing that her focus needed to be on the meeting with Catherine. Her conversation with Lucas would have to wait until later.

‘Camille! Thank you so much for coming. And Lucas – I wasn’t expecting to see you too, but I’m thrilled you’re here,’ Catherine Zeta-Jones purred as she welcomed them into her home. ‘Michael and I had such a wonderful time at Il Paradiso. The food was exquisite.’

‘You’re too kind. It was an honour to have you there. But I’m not staying today, I’m just dropping off my mother.’

‘Oh, that’s a shame. I was planning a delicious lunch by the pool, and I’d love for you to join us. It won’t be as good as your food, of course, but it might be nice to eat something someone else has prepared for once …’

‘Well, I …’ Lucas could feel himself weakening.

‘We’ll eat in half an hour or so, so not long to wait. You’re welcome to make yourself at home in the meantime, and I’m sure Stephanie’s around here somewhere. Steph?’ Catherine called out, and her voice echoed around the expansive villa. ‘Besides, you can’t make your poor mother take a taxi back,’ she teased, as Lucas laughed.

‘How could I be so unchivalrous? Of course, I’ll stay. Thank you for the invitation.’

‘Perfect,’ Catherine beamed. ‘Now, Camille, I’ve pulled out some dresses upstairs where I love the shape on me, to give you an idea of silhouette.’

‘Wonderful. I’ve brought some fabric samples, and some initial sketches,’ Camille replied, patting her trusty attaché case.

‘I can’t wait to see them, I’m sure we’re going to create something divine. Ah, Stephanie,’ Catherine smiled, as she appeared in the doorway, wearing a denim mini skirt and a cropped vest, her long hair hanging loose. Lucas tried to ignore the way his heart rate accelerated when he saw her, the way his mouth felt dry as though he didn’t know what to say.

‘Did you call?’ Stephanie asked Catherine.

‘I did. Could you be a sweetheart and entertain Lucas for me until lunch, whilst Camille and I talk gowns upstairs?’

‘Sure.’ Stephanie turned to him with a grin, her dazzling blue eyes dancing with mischief.

Lucas couldn’t help but grin back, thinking how stunning she looked when she smiled; how – even dressed casually and with no make-up – she was one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen, with her luminous pale skin and tumbling copper hair.

Catherine and Camille headed for the stone staircase, leaving Lucas and Stephanie alone.

‘I hope you weren’t busy,’ he said, berating himself for saying something so banal.

‘Nothing that can’t wait. I was learning lines,’ Stephanie explained, indicating the thick script in her hands.

‘Don’t let me stop you. I can help, if you like?’ Lucas offered.

‘OK,’ Stephanie agreed. ‘Let’s go sit outside on the terrace. It’s beautiful there.’

Lucas followed her, unable to tear his eyes from her toned, slender legs as she walked, the way her mini skirt barely covered the high, rounded curve of her bottom. He found himself wondering what had happened between her and Paulo on their date – whether she had been attracted to him, and if she had let him take her in his arms and kiss her—

‘Isn’t it gorgeous?’

‘Hmm?’ Pulled back to the present, Lucas realized that Stephanie had sat down on one of the wide wicker sofas topped with thick cream cushions, and was indicating the view. They were on a small, terracotta-tiled terrace, with a pergola overhead, interlocking vines and lush purple clematis hanging down and perfectly framing the vista of the Mediterranean, as the cliff fell away sharply below them. ‘It’s spectacular,’ Lucas said, his hazel eyes never leaving her face.

He sat down on the other end of the sofa. Stephanie placed her script down on the table but didn’t open it.

‘So how did your date with Paulo go?’ he asked, unable to restrain himself any longer.

‘We had fun,’ Stephanie replied, and Lucas felt his heart sink. ‘He’s a bit of a playboy, I’m not sure I want to get too close to him,’ she continued, as jealousy and relief surged through Lucas. He knew it was ridiculous – he was in a relationship with Elle, and Paulo was his best friend, but since he’d met Stephanie two nights ago, he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her. ‘Sorry,’ she added. ‘I know he’s your friend and everything, but—’

‘No, don’t apologize, it’s fine. I don’t mind,’ Lucas insisted, offering up a silent prayer of gratitude that Stephanie was proving invulnerable to Paulo’s charms.