Blazing Obsession Read Online Free PDF Page A

pathetic!”
    For the first time since we’d met, her eyes glistened. The self-confidence she’d displayed last night at the party and at my pad evaporated.
    She reached inside her bag for a tissue. I leaned across and hugged her shoulder.
    â€œIf he knew about me spending the night with you, I don’t know what he’d do.”
    She drew a deep breath and, as she exhaled, said, “Sorry to get like this. I really enjoyed myself last night, you know. I’d forgotten how wonderful it is to be cared for and appreciated.”
    â€œHow did you get hooked up with Nick?”
    â€œA question I often ask myself. I suppose he was the first guy who ever paid any attention to me. I thought the way he treated me was normal. And when Georgie came along, I felt trapped. Didn’t want to do anything to upset our family.”
    â€œBut you divorced him.”
    â€œI had to. It got so bad. His rants got worse, became more physical. I didn’t want Georgie to see that. I surprised myself, having the strength to do it.”
    â€œSounds like you’re not much better off now.”
    â€œNo, but at least I’m not having to put up with him every day of the week. And Georgie’s not seeing us fight all the time.”
    â€œThat’s true.”
    I looked at my watch again and said, “Let me sort out a cab for you.”
    I turned to her and said, “Are you going to the gym on Tuesday? I’d love to see again.”
    â€œAre you sure?”
    â€œYes, of course.”
    â€œThanks for a lovely time.”
    Standing outside the pub, waiting to hail a cab, we kissed and hugged continuously. I hoped it would never arrive but it did. From the kerb side, I watched the taxi until it disappeared out of sight. The image of her woeful facial expression framed by the taxi’s rear window remained in my head for a long time.
    She’d be seeing Nick within the hour.

CHAPTER TWO

    November – December 1995

    On the following Tuesday night, after working out, we met up in the gym’s cafe.
    As we sipped our Diet Cokes, a token of our fitness regimes, I said, “Everyone says how lovely you looked on Saturday night, how nice you are and what a great couple we’d make. Did you get any comments?”
    â€œOh, one or two, like, ‘I suppose you’ll be up for promotion soon’. And, of course, the other managers told Bill about it. He’s seen it all before. Thing is, all they know for sure is we sat down, had dinner and danced together. Big deal! I told them to get a life.”
    I smiled and said, “Listen, Lynne… this may sound soppy, I know it’s only been a matter of weeks but…I think we’re meant for each other. I dunno, it just feels right. I want to see more of you. In fact, don’t laugh, but I think I’m a little bit in love with you.”
    She didn’t laugh, but feigned surprise, although I suspect she’d already guessed how I felt.
    â€œJames, I… I don’t know what to say. I feel the same way… really I do. But there are too many problems.”
    Using her fingers to emphasise each point, she said, “One, I have Georgie to think about. I don’t know how he’d react. He loves his dad. Two, Nick’d go berserk if he knew there was another man in Georgie’s life and three, the rumours and innuendo in the office can’t be good for either of us, but especially for you.” She reached for her glass, took a sip and sat back in her chair.
    I stared into her extraordinary eyes and said, “I don’t have all the answers right now. But if you’re happy to keep seeing me, I’ll come up with something.”
    â€œOh, I don’t know.”
    â€œWell, for starters, I’d love to meet Georgie. See how we get on.”
    â€œIt’s a big step. Georgie’s bound to tell Nick, then there’ll be trouble, believe me. He’s a thug. I wouldn’t wish