Romance of a Lifetime Read Online Free PDF Page B

Venice?
    On the very same day she too had come here. Was he following her? If so, why? She really couldn't believe in this much of a coincidence.
    And yet what possible reason could he have for wanting to follow her?
    He certainly couldn't be after any money lie thought she might have; he looked much wealthier himself than she would ever dream of being. Unless it was just a 'look'. Gigolos hardly looked like beggars, or they wouldn't have the opportunity to meet those rich and desperate woman that they preyed on so easily. Even so, she very much doubted that that explanation was true of this man…
    ' You don't seem surprised to see me again, Mr Craven,' she added pointedly.
    'Should I be?' he returned just as smoothly.
    Beth's mouth tightened; she wasn't about to carry on a ridiculously childish conversation with this man, would rather not be talking to him at all! 'Obviously not,' she bit out tartly.
    Marcus Craven shrugged, turning to look at the fast-receding gondola carrying the bride and groom, the wedding party having dissipated at their departure. 'What did you mean by your remark about them just now?' He nodded in their direction. 'It's quite common for the "happy couple" to leave that way.'
    She shook her head. 'You aren't telling me that was for real?'
    'Of course it was real,' he mocked lightly. 'Did you think it was just put on for the tourists?'
    Delicate colour darkened her cheeks. 'As a matter of fact, yes,' she admitted tersely, feeling rather foolish for her supposition in the face of his obvious amusement. But the vision of the bride and groom sailing off into the distance in a gondola had just seemed too pat, too unreal. Did people really have weddings like that in Venice? If she thought about it logically then there was no other way for the happy couple to make their departure. How utterly charming, and yes—romantic…

    Marcus Craven was watching her every expression. 'Don't worry,' he drawled at her softened expression. 'It has this effect on most people.'
    But not on her; she was the last person to be affected by such romantic nonsense!
    She gave him a cold look. 'If it's traditional…' she dismissed scathingly. 'I won't say it was nice to see you again, Mr Craven, because it___» it
    'Wasn't,' he finished drily, his eyes warm with humour. 'Maybe I can walk you back to your hotel?' he offered lightly.
    Considering it was only a few yards away that would be a waste of tune, but Beth didn't particularly want to reveal to him where she was staying. If he didn't already know! She was positive that their having met again in this way was no coincidence. That bothered her hi a niggling way, like an irritant that couldn't be shaken off.
    'That won't be necessary,' she refused abruptly.
    'It's no trouble.' His gaze gently mocked her.
    'I didn't for one moment believe it was,' Beth snapped, coming to the end of her patience. 'You seem to have a lot of spare time on your hands to do just as you like; some of us aren't so lucky.'
    Dark brows rose curiously. 'Are you over here to work?'
    Her mouth firmed. 'Not exactly,' she avoided; visiting her mother's boutique while in Venice was merely saving her mother the trip later in the year, not exactly working herself. 'Are you "here on business or pleasure, Mr Craven?'
    'If I'm truthful I'm not really sure any more,' he bit out tersely, seeming to relax with effort, although some of the tension remained in the smile he gave. 'But let's not think about that,' he dismissed. 'If you don't wish to return to your hotel just yet maybe we could have a cool drink somewhere instead?'
    Persistent didn't even begin to describe this man, Beth realised wearily. Why her? That was what she still didn't understand.
    She had never been led to believe that her looks were such that they would cause a man to be this insistent, and she was well aware of the fact that at the moment she didn't look her best anyway, her face and body too thin rather than fashionably so. Not that it seemed to