Desire #1 Read Online Free PDF Page B

Geraldine’s reception desk, but I was clearly unsuccessful. She gave me the evil eye as I scooted past her workstation.
    I mumbled goodbye as she pursed her lips in disapproval, and I rushed out of the office area and into the relative safety of the main house.

Chapter 5
    The rest of the afternoon passed slowly. Every so often I would turn to the staircase expecting to see Benjamin Easton. But I didn’t see him. I tried to convince myself I didn’t mind, but every time I heard footsteps approaching I held my breath, but on each occasion it turned out to be Carter or Mrs. Wicker.
    I didn’t see Colin Easton again either. I guessed he’d gone off to lick his wounds. Benjamin hadn’t treated him very kindly. I’d been a little preoccupied, but even I noticed that he seemed to be looked upon as some kind of poor relation.
    As I applied a thin coat of varnish, I wondered whether I should attend the charity function on Saturday evening. Under normal circumstances, I would have jumped at the chance to pitch to potential clients. The party would be teeming with rich art lovers.
    I didn’t know what Benjamin expected of me. Was he interested in me? I mean, I knew he desired me, that much had been blatantly obvious this afternoon, but was he interested in getting to know me?
    I chewed on my lip as I pried open the lid of another small tin of varnish and stirred the thick liquid. My biggest concern was the way he found me so easy to read. I didn’t want anyone asking questions or raising suspicions about my past. Benjamin Easton was the type of man who liked to be in control, would he be content with my breezy explanation? I didn’t think so. It was probably better to cash the cheque and leave. Start over again somewhere.
    I blinked back tears and shoved the lid back on the varnish. Dammit, I didn’t want to start again. I was tired of running.
    ***
    I didn’t see Benjamin Easton the following day. The disappointment built in my chest as the day drew on. I tried to concentrate on the project and keep my mind occupied, but as I was just working on the final stages, there wasn’t much to do. I could have finished up by lunchtime, and left my invoice with Mrs. Wicker, but I hung on hoping I might see Benjamin again.
    Mrs. Wicker came into the Great Hall to admire my work.
    “It’s just beautiful isn’t it?” She gazed up at the mural.
    Soft pinks and the plump, dimpled flesh of the cherubs gave the room a warmer feel. It was such a small part of the hall overall, but it made a difference.
    “It will look marvellous tomorrow night at the charity function. Mr. Easton said he wanted an uplighter focused on each side of the mural. It will be an impressive sight. Have you got much more to do?”
    I shook my head. “Almost finished. I thought I’d take my sandwiches down to the beach below Cliff House while I wait for the last layer to dry.”
    Mrs. Wicker’s eyes widened slightly. “It’s a beautiful beach, but watch out for the tide. It can turn in an instant down there. People have been trapped by the tide, so be careful.”
    “I will.”
    “Benjamin and Colin used to play in the caves when they were little boys. I told them time and time again they were dangerous, but they never listened.”
    I smiled. “I suppose little boys enjoy danger.”
    I longed to ask Mrs. Wicker more about Benjamin Easton, but I was scared my clumsy questioning might be reported back to him.
    “How long have you worked here, Mrs. Wicker?” I asked, sticking to a safe subject.
    Her eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled at me. “It’s coming up to thirty-five years.” She shook her head. “I can hardly believe it has been so long.”
    “So you worked for Mr. Easton’s father?”
    “Yes, but not for long unfortunately.”
    “Oh?”
    Mrs. Wicker glanced over her shoulder, probably to make sure Carter wouldn’t catch her gossiping.
    “Benjamin’s father died a young man, in a plane crash. So I actually worked first for