Page 36 of The Fatherhood Affair

‘I had a few days away,’ she explained to Sharon. ‘There’s no problem with my memory now. I’m about to get back to work.’

‘You are at work,’ Damien muttered. He was really moving quickly now. She hoped the bed wouldn’t start squeaking.

‘That’s wonderful! I might have another commission for you if you’re interested.’

‘How exciting!’

‘This is just the preliminaries,’ Damien promised, his eyes laughing as she squirmed around him.

‘Is there any chance of you coming in to my office this morning?’ Sharon asked.

‘I’ll find out.’ She put her hand over the receiver. ‘Is there any chance of my meeting my editor this morning?’ she whispered urgently.

‘Possibly...possibly...’ He was getting too worked up to concentrate properly.

‘Possibly,’ Natalie answered.

‘I have the manuscript here,’ Sharon pressed. ‘Another children’s book. I’d like to discuss it with you.’

Excitement was swelling through her in waves. Both of them must climax soon. ‘Would an hour...from now...be all right? I’ll be able...to come then.’

‘I expect you to come before then,’ Damien put in purposefully.

‘Great! Bye for now.’

‘Thanks, Sharon.’

Impossible to replace the receiver. It fell from Natalie’s hand as she succumbed to the pleasures of the moment, riding a crest of sweet exultation until Damien had delivered all he had promised.

Afterwards they showered together, which was a splendid way to extend the glorious intimacy they had shared.

Damien offered to drive her to the publisher’s offices and took a great deal of pleasure in watching her dress for her meeting with Sharon. Once they were on their way, it occurred to Natalie that they hadn’t made any arrangement for getting together again.

‘Will I see you later today?’ she asked, aware he was dressed for business, as well.

‘I think I should take you out to dinner tonight. We mightn’t eat otherwise.’ The glint of lust in his eyes was an intoxicant in itself. ‘Would you be ready by seven-thirty?’

; She laughed. ‘With bells on.’

There wasn’t time to tell him about their child now. But tonight... Natalie wanted to hug herself, her happiness soaring beyond anything she’d ever known... Tonight was going to be the best night of her life!

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

NATALIE breezed into the building that housed her publishing company. She felt on top of the world and full of zest for the prospect of taking on a new creative project. It was only when she stepped out of the elevator on Sharon’s floor that her buoyant spirits suffered a slight puncture.

This was where she had seen the woman in the yellow suit. Natalie frowned. She was sure she had recognised that woman. The image of her wearing black was very strong. It vexed Natalie that she couldn’t place her. She had the feeling it was not a happy association. Which probably meant that the woman had been one of Brett’s side interests.

Natalie brushed aside the cynical thought. It was hardly reasonable anyway. How would Brett get to meet a high-powered lady in the publishing world? Natalie had certainly not introduced her to him. She’d had no connection to this publishing company until well after Brett’s death.

There had to be some other answer.

She announced her appointment with Sharon to the receptionist and was waved on with a nod and a smile. Sharon eagerly welcomed her, and they very quickly got down to business. The story submitted by the author was a fantasy adventure, set on a fictional planet far from Earth. The description of its inhabitants and their environment allowed Natalie a great deal of creative licence and her imagination caught fire with what could be done.

Sharon specified the number of colour plates she wanted for the book. She also wanted the cover design to extend over the front and back of the hardcover edition, and be intriguing as well as spectacular. She had the feeling this book could become a big seller.

Satisfied that Natalie’s ideas for illustrations would enhance the story, Sharon had no hesitation in moving on to discussing a new contract.