They’d talked of nothing serious. Nothing of her past or her future, only whether or not they should do the rifle range first or the big six. She’d loved watching his enthusiasm emerge. He had a dynamism like no one she’d ever met. Not recklessness—he was incredibly disciplined and energetic regarding his work, but he had a controlled zest that, once released, was infectious. And killer competitive spirit. In the final tally he won the most—offering her the obligatory oversized ugly plush toy alligator that secretly Jade was sure the operator gave him only because he’d spent so much money on the damn games.
‘Not going to fit in my cabin baggage, sorry,’ she’d demurred.
He’d laughed and given it to a family passing by.
And now, back in the hotel, he paused by her door.
‘Let me know if you need anything,’ he muttered.
And who was being unfair again now?
She stared up at him and that ripple of desire—of promise—made her shiver again. But she’d deny it still—not even say it to herself. ‘I think I can manage everything fine on my own, thanks.’
Amusement and appreciation flared in his eyes. ‘Maybe there’ll come a moment when you can’t,’ he whispered, teasing retribution. ‘Watch out then, Jade.’
And she couldn’t resist responding, ‘Is that a threat?’
He opened her door for her only to then step away. ‘More of a promise.’
He’d meant it only as a joke, another little lightening of the atmosphere after her earlier emotion. But for her, it was all warning.
CHAPTER TEN
‘IT WON’T TAKE LONG, but I need to check on her.’
‘Of course.’ Jade didn’t mind how long it took, she was fascinated to be meeting someone who’d had such an impact on him.
But Alvaro had been quiet on the drive and now they’d pulled up outside a suburban house, his tension was even more palpable as he checked his phone with a frown.
Jade hadn’t bothered even turning her phone on. The morning was too gorgeous and she was too intrigued. Now, as they got out of the car, she scooped up the box of tiny gingerbread houses and carried them up the path. Alvaro had no other gifts with him, which surprised her a little. But he’d just lifted his hand to knock on the door when it opened and an older woman stepped out. She gazed up at him for a moment then nodded. ‘Alvaro.’
‘Ellen.’
It was the briefest hug before the woman turned to scrutinise Jade with sharp interest. ‘Have you brought a friend with you?’
Her audible amazement sent warmth flooding through Jade. She felt outrageously pleased that a woman with Alvaro was an obvious rarity.
‘Ellen, this is—’ Alvaro shot Jade a quick query.
‘PJ,’ Jade swiftly stepped in.
But she didn’t want to lie to this woman. She’d discovered how much she hated lying. ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ellen.’
Warmth—and avid curiosity—swirled from the slightly stooped figure. Ellen was older than Jade had expected, but she guessed the lines on her face were hewn not just from hard work, but from smiles too. Because it also took only a split second for Jade to see that Ellen absolutely adored Alvaro.
Of course, she did.
‘Come in.’ The elder woman hustled them. ‘It’s too cold to loiter out here.’
Jade glanced at Alvaro’s bent head and saw the crooked smile he gave Ellen even though she’d already turned to lead them into her lounge.
Inside Jade didn’t know where to look first. There were shelves stacked with books and board games—not ancient battered editions, but new ones covering every genre, and a wide variety of non-fiction. There were puzzles too. The place had a literal warmth to it, with a cosy fire heating the large room and thick coverings on the floor. She caught Alvaro’s eye and saw his quick wink, heard his low murmur. ‘And the décor says...?’
That Ellen liked to welcome a wide range of people to her home. Jade had expected to like her—this was the woman who’d somehow ‘saved’ Alvaro—but seeing this, meeting her? She liked her all the more.
Jade held out the box of pastries to her. ‘We’ve brought a few—’
‘Alvaro,’ Ellen turned and scolded him. ‘You know that’s not necessary. You’ve given me far too much already.’
‘Don’t look at me.’ Alvaro spread his hands in mock innocence. ‘These are from PJ.’
Ellen swivelled towards Jade. ‘You’ll forgive me, but finding places to put all the things he’s sent me is impossible.’
This was clearly a source of ongoing banter between them, but Jade could play along.
‘These are miniature cakes, Ellen,’ Jade answered gently. ‘They are most necessary.’
Ellen stared at her for a second, then laughed. ‘Alvaro, you’ve found an ally.’
He just grinned. ‘What do you need me to do, Ellen?’
‘You couldn’t just sit down and talk to me?’
‘No.’ He’d already pushed up his sleeves. ‘Is that firewood delivery properly stacked?’
‘Oh.’ Ellen laughed again. ‘Go on, then, I know you have to see it with your own eyes.’
He glanced at Jade. ‘Want to come see—’
‘Of course, she doesn’t,’ Ellen swiftly answered before Jade could. ‘We’ll find a place to put these pastries.’
‘I didn’t bring her here to be subjected to an inquisition, Ellen.’ Alvaro looked to Jade. ‘You don’t have to answer any questions, there’s no penalty, just so you know.’
Jade felt absurdly shy but followed Ellen through to a large kitchen. She met people all the time in the course of her duties, but this sharp-eyed woman was important to Alvaro, even if he was reticent to admit how much. And that made her nervous.
‘You’ve known Alvaro long?’ Ellen asked.
‘I met him through work,’ Jade replied, smiling as the inquisition instantly began. ‘He’s been a good friend to me.’
Ellen’s gaze sharpened. ‘Has he?’
Jade maintained her smile and went for immediate diversion. ‘Where would you like me to put these? I don’t think they need refrigerating or anything, so I could just tuck them on that shelf over there?’
There was the smallest space because the shelves, like those in Alvaro’s own kitchen, were incredibly well stocked.
‘You see what I mean?’ Ellen laughed.