Chapter Seven
Genevieve’s father took hold of Finlay’s elbow. ‘Come and meet my friends. They’re all golfers and could do with some tips,’ he said. ‘I told them I know just the man.’
Genevieve’s heart was pounding in her ears. Everything that had happened since she’d invited Finlay to the party was insane. He’d kissed her hand, walked hand in hand with her and been so present. Their talk was like flirting, and she wasn’t backing off because the enjoyment was powerful. He was fun to be with. She couldn’t remember being this at ease with a man in a long time.
‘He is wonderful.’ Her mother sipped on her drink, watching Finlay with a dreamy smile. ‘Well done on finding him. How did that come about?’
‘Oh… He’s a friend’s brother.’ Maybe she shouldn’t have said that. Too close to home?
‘Ah.’ Hilary nodded with a slight frown, quite obviously trying to place him. The good thing was that her parents never paid much attention to her friends. Even when they’d been at school, Hilary hadn’t really befriended the other mums. ‘Which friend?’
Uh-oh.
Genevieve didn’t want to say. Her mum had thought his face was familiar and she might remember that a few weeks ago Hayley’s brother was engaged to Elise. Did Mum pay that close attention to what her friends were doing? She couldn’t risk it. Instead, she glanced around, feigning that she hadn’t heard and hoping to see someone she recognised or could comment on. Why was there no one? She lifted another drink from a passing server, aware her mum was watching her.
‘Pardon? Oh, by the way, I saw grandma earlier,’ she said before her mum could ask again. ‘She was looking well.’
‘That was kind. She’ll have appreciated it.’
‘I’m going to cook some meals and take them over. Something she can easily heat up.’
‘That sounds perfect. She’ll like that. She always says she sees you cooking on the internet. Is that what you’re focusing on these days?’
Genevieve didn’t bother replying. She just nodded and took another sip of prosecco. Her mum didn’t really understand what she did, so what was the point in explaining?
An older man approached and Genevieve took a large sip of her drink. He wasn’t quite her father’s age but Genevieve put him around fifty. Her stomach twisted. Here we go. This was exactly the kind of man she was used to having advance on her at parties like this. Men who were attractive enough and usually pleasant… but far too old. When they talked about having kids who were in their late teens or twenties, Genevieve wanted to curl up and hide. Her ideal partner needed to want kids now and not be ‘well past the baby stage’ or ‘ready for the next adventure’. While she was sure these guys would be fun to be around and could probably afford to let her live the highlife on endless holidays and cruises, she wasn’t there with them. Being a trophy wife was not her scene.
‘Hi,’ the man said and his voice was smooth and mellow. ‘Nice to see you again, Hilary.’
‘Alan.’ She took his hand in hers. ‘Delighted to see you here. How are the boys?’
‘They’re doing just fine.’
Genevieve edged towards Finlay, who was laughing with her father and his friends. Yes, she’d promised him endless food and drink, but he had a job to do and right now he wasn’t doing it and she needed him.
Alan turned his attention to her. ‘Is this your daughter?’ he asked her mum, though still keeping his eyes on her.
‘My youngest daughter, Genevieve. Cressida is my other daughter; she lives in Edinburgh with her partner. And Rafe is my son. Do you know him?’
‘I’ve heard of him, but we’ve never met.’ He smiled at Genevieve. ‘And are you enjoying the party, Genevieve?’
‘Sure.’ She tried to return his smile, but in moments like this, a squashing sensation overcame her. She tapped her toe to dispel it. She wasn’t twelve years old, wearing braces, with awkward limbs which either dangled uselessly at her side or knocked together underneath her. A beautiful and confident fifteen-year-old Cressida and handsome and very sure of himself eighteen-year-old Rafe weren’t hanging around to deflect the interest. She’d have to fend for herself, but did she have any more to say for herself than she did back then? When her camera was running and she was alone, she was like someone else. A confident person, talking to an army of unknown followers, but in situations like this, she was just a small fish who had to constantly explain herself. Her siblings had gone on to fulfil their potential, but she was still here. Still standing before her father’s business friends, hoping she wouldn’t have to explain what an influencer was… yet again. The only reason this man was interested was because she had an adult body he might find pleasure with. If she did end up with a man like him, he wasn’t exactly going to love her for her mind or the things they had in common.
‘We could maybe grab a dance later,’ he said with a smile.
‘I…um… Well, I…’
Finlay turned and spotted Alan. ‘Hi.’ He moved in beside Genevieve and put his arm firmly around her waist. She tried not to faint at the touch. This was what she’d wanted forever, and it was actually happening. Finlay was hers; he was protecting her and she could enjoy it. For a few hours anyway.
‘Ah, I’m sorry,’ Alan said. ‘I didn’t realise you were with someone. Put the dance on hold for now.’ He gave Finlay a brief once over then shifted his focus. ‘Hello, Geoff.’
‘Alan.’ Geoff wrung his hand.
Genevieve couldn’t hold in the sigh that burst from her chest. She sagged into Finlay and he didn’t let go. Warmth seeped from his palm, through her dress and into her soul.
Is it wrong to be enjoying this so much?
How she’d cry come morning, but no one would ever know except Mitzi. And Mitzi really was her best friend – the best listener and completely nonjudgmental.
‘Are you ok?’ Still holding her close, Finlay put his other hand on her upper arm, moving her slightly so she was facing him.
‘I am now.’ The words came out on a shaky breath.
He kept his eyes on her and she tried to talk to him without actually speaking. If she kept looking, she could will the message over and let him know how much she appreciated him being here. And more than that. She liked his company. She liked him. He thought she hated him but she’d never done that. Distancing herself and putting up a front was self-preservation.
But she wasn’t supposed to like him. Not really. She couldn’t. And this was just pretending. She was good at that. Really good. She’d convinced thousands of online followers she was a happy single girl living the dream. But it wasn’t true.
Finlay dropped his head even closer and for a heart-stopping second, Genevieve thought he was going to kiss her. Her heart trembled. ‘Can I eat something now?’ he whispered.
She managed a little laugh and the movement brought her head close to his lips. ‘Of course.’
‘Thank you.’ He swept his hand gently around her face, curving it up to look at him again. Such a swoony moment. She almost obliged by fainting on the spot. She held her breath. ‘You’re the best girlfriend I could ever wish for.’ Releasing her, he turned to the buffet table and picked up a plate.
Genevieve shook her head, taking slow, deep breaths, and trying not to appear weird or look like she was having a seizure. Just act normally. Her mum was standing not far off, still chatting to Alan, her dad, and some other friends, but her eyes were moving back and forward between her own conversation and watching Genevieve and Finlay. Mum smiled a very satisfied smile and took a sip of prosecco. Finlay made his way along the buffet table and Genevieve edged closer to her mum.
‘He is adorable,’ her mum said, stepping away from Alan and her husband.
‘Who?’ Genevieve glanced at Alan.
‘Finlay, of course. I absolutely love him. He just said you were the best girlfriend he could ever wish for. He’s a keeper, all right. I already feel like he’s perfect for you – so steady and sensible.’ She looked him up and down as he stretched over the buffet table and spooned olives onto his plate. ‘Not to mention very handsome and fit.’ She gave Genevieve a little nudge. ‘And I see he has a healthy appetite.’
‘Mum!’
Her mum chuckled. ‘Just hang onto him.’
‘I’ll try but it’s too early, you know? To be sure about anything.’
‘I’ve got such a good feeling about it.’
Genevieve’s insides plummeted. How would the conversation go in a couple of days when she had to tell her parents she and Finlay split up or confess this hadn’t been real? She picked up a plate from the buffet and chose some food.
‘I should mingle,’ her mother said. ‘I see James Charlton over there. Your dad said James wanted to talk to you. Apparently, he’s got some contract thing to discuss. It’s nice to see the two of you are still friends, even though things didn’t work out.’
‘What?’ James was here. With a contract? Could this be the moment she’d been waiting for? Should she abandon Finlay and find out?
Her mother moved off to chat with James, and Genevieve tapped her toe. Should she go now?
‘This is so good,’ Finlay said, polishing off a salmon blini, and coming to her side again.
‘Have you tried these?’ A woman close by pointed to a plate of spring rolls.
‘Oh, not yet.’ Finlay wandered over to get one. ‘Two secs.’
‘I’ll just—’
‘Genevieve!’ The woman who’d spoken to Finlay turned to her and beamed. ‘So wonderful to see you.’ Genevieve recognised her as a well-off local woman named Flora MacDonald. The fact she shared a name with the Jacobite heroine of old wasn’t lost on anyone – especially her. She played on it and was well-known for being a little eccentric. Her dress was somewhat hippyish with a long burgundy skirt, draped shawls and bright beads. Geoff Harrington invited her to everything, claiming she was a close friend of the family, but Genevieve knew his real motive. Flora was famous for throwing her cash into all sorts of projects and Geoff was always on the lookout for investors.
‘Is he the young man your father’s been telling me about?’ she whispered, indicating Finlay with a nod.
‘Um… Yes.’ Genevieve looked between her, Finlay, then back to James… Where had James gone?
‘Good, because I have got exactly the thing for you,’ Flora said, placing a heavily ringed finger on Genevieve’s arm. Genevieve examined her face, trying to work out her age. Maybe fifties? It was hard to tell. She looked in some ways older and in other ways younger. She had no children and, as far as Genevieve knew, no partner.
‘For me?’
‘This will be right up your street.’
‘Indeed?’ A lucrative sponsorship wouldn’t go amiss. Could this be her lucky day? She might get a deal with both James and Flora?
Flora leaned in conspiratorially. ‘I’m opening the castle for a couples’ only retreat this summer.’
‘Oh?’
This was another strange thing about this woman. She lived in a castle, though Geoff scoffed at it a little in private. Only a small part of the original keep remained and the rest of it was a relatively modern house – and not even particularly pleasant architecture, according to him.
‘Yes. Ever since I bought Storminch I’ve thought it was the perfect place for it,’ Flora went on. ‘I’ve had a wing completely overhauled, installed an enormous four-poster bed and a giant wet room. There’s a balcony with a hot tub, loch views and access to a private garden. Meals will be provided. How does it sound?’
‘Absolutely amazing.’
‘I knew you’d love it now that I hear you have a boyfriend.’
‘Um, yeah. I’m sure I would.’ She knocked back some more champagne. No point in telling Flora she wouldn’t actually be using it anytime soon because her boyfriend was fake.
‘This food is great,’ Finlay said, rejoining them.
‘It really is,’ Flora said. ‘So, you’re the boyfriend Hilary was telling me about. And what is it you do, young man?’
‘I’m a P.E. teacher.’
‘Oh dear. That was my least favourite subject at school.’
Finlay smiled. ‘Yeah, it gets a bad rap, but I try to make it fun.’
‘I’m not a big sports fan.’ Flora nibbled on a sausage roll. ‘Though I do like rugby.’
‘Me too,’ Finlay said. ‘I coach the junior team, though I’m not sure it’ll keep going after the summer.’
‘Oh, why not?’
Genevieve cast him a warning look. He really couldn’t mention he was off to Dubai and blow their cover.
‘Lack of funding. We’ve scraped by the last few years but it mounts up and it’s not fair to charge too high because that makes it elitist, which is something we’re trying to eliminate from sport.’
‘Ah… Of course. That is a pity.’
‘Flora,’ Hilary said, distracting her and Genevieve frowned. Where had James gone? ‘Did Geoff tell you about Cressida’s latest venture?’
‘No…’ Flora smiled at Hilary, before turning back to Genevieve and Finlay. ‘Lovely to chat to you both.’
Hilary winked at Finlay and Genevieve shook her head. What on earth were her parents doing? The way they were telling everyone about Finlay seemed like they were the ones putting on an act. Not that they were ever rude or mean to people she’d dated in the past, but there was always that awkward first meeting when conversation was a bit slow. None of that this afternoon though. They were acting like Finlay was already their son-in-law and they’d known him forever.
‘Have you taken one of everything?’ she said, checking out his plate.
‘Pretty much, and two or three in some cases. Sausage?’ He held up a mini cocktail sausage.
‘No thanks. I’m not keen on them.
‘Do you like cheese?’
‘Who doesn’t?’
‘There you go then. I’ll sacrifice a cube for my favourite girl.’ He lifted one from his plate and popped it into her mouth.
Genevieve covered her lips and chewed it quickly. ‘Listen, you better lower your voice or tone down the mushy stuff.’
‘Why?’ He bit into the cocktail sausage.
‘Because my mum thinks you’re so amazing I should be marrying you. I can see her being disappointed if we’re not engaged by tomorrow morning.’
Finlay laughed. ‘I’m sure she’ll get over me. More cheese?’
‘Go on then.’ She held out her hand.
‘There you go, darling.’
She threw him a look but her heart flip-flopped. Why couldn’t he be real? Her mum was right; he was adorable.
‘Oh, come on. Don’t kid me on that you don’t like it. Not even a little bit?’ He grinned.
‘Listen, there’s a man here… He, um, might have an offer for me.’
‘What? Like his hand in marriage or something? Am I redundant?’
‘No, but…’ The crowd at the door moved outside and a man and a woman came in. She was very pretty with long blonde hair and a sleek black dress. He was handsome and smartly dressed. Genevieve held her breath.
‘Oh no,’ she muttered.
‘What?’ Finlay moved in beside her. ‘Is there another sugar daddy on the radar?’
‘No. It’s Gavin Sinclair, the CEO of Glenbriar Distilleries.’
‘And? Oh… Is he the man with the offer?’
‘No. Dad once tried to set me up with him and I had a totally cringy meeting with him a couple of Christmases ago.’
‘Is that him there with the blonde woman?’
‘Yes. She was with him when Dad dragged me along to meet him. They’re engaged now. It’s just so embarrassing.’
‘Why?’
Genevieve didn’t even know for sure. Perhaps it was something to do with the fact his fiancée was so similar to her in age and even looks. She’d managed to capture the eligible CEO while Genevieve hadn’t snared anyone. It must be over a year since she’d even had a second date with someone.
‘Oh no. They’re coming over.’
‘Well, don’t worry,’ Finlay said. ‘It’s not like he’s going to come onto you now. If he does, he’s a total bastard.’
‘He won’t do that. It’s just—’ They were too close to continue and Genevieve smiled at them. ‘Hi,’ she said brightly, like they were old friends.
‘Hi,’ Gavin said. ‘Nice to see you again.’ He glanced across at her parents. ‘And in better circumstances this time.’
‘Oh definitely. That was a bit of a nightmare the last time, wasn’t it?’
He smiled. ‘It was somewhat unexpected.’
‘And I hear the two of you are engaged.’
‘Yes. Not long until the wedding.’
‘Aw, that’s lovely to hear.’
‘I’m not sure you properly met Felicity the last time, when—’
‘My parents tried to set us up?’
‘Yes. Felicity was my PA back then and we weren’t together, but it was awkward.’
‘Just a bit.’ Genevieve smiled at her. ‘Nice to meet you properly. And, so you know, I never had any interest in Gavin. It was all my parents.’
Felicity laughed. ‘It’s ok. The whole thing was pretty mortifying, especially in my reindeer jumper.’
‘Oh gosh, I’d forgotten about that.’ Genevieve covered her mouth. ‘Oops.’
Felicity glanced at Finlay.
‘Sorry,’ Genevieve said. ‘This is Finlay. My—’
‘Boyfriend.’ He shook hands with Felicity, then Gavin. ‘Nice to meet you.’
‘And you,’ Gavin said. ‘Are you also in the energy business?’
‘No. I’m a P.E. teacher.’
‘Oh gosh,’ Gavin said. ‘Respect to you. Anyone who braves school pupils deserves a medal.’
‘Yeah, it has its moments.’
Gavin had his hand on Felicity’s back and though it was possibly territorial, it looked natural. In fact, together they appeared perfect, relaxed and in love. Genevieve frowned. Love radiated from them. What did they see when they looked at her and Finlay? Two individuals making a poor mockery of what they had for real?
Finlay moved closer and put his arm around Genevieve’s shoulder. She melted a little. Had he somehow picked up on how lonely she felt? Felicity’s head tilted a little and it looked like she went to say ‘aw’ but smiled instead.
‘Have you had food yet?’ Finlay asked, holding his laden plate aloft with his free hand. ‘Honestly, this stuff is so delicious.’
‘That’s why we came in,’ Gavin said.
‘Well, we’ll leave you to it,’ Genevieve said. ‘Hopefully see you again later.’ She headed towards the wide-open glass doors leading to the garden, swiping another glass of prosecco as she passed a server. She’d lost track of how many glasses she’d had but she didn’t feel too bad. Sometimes prosecco went straight to her head but she seemed to be ok this time. As they reached the door, she glanced back at Gavin and Felicity. They were talking and pointing at the food, then Gavin dipped in and planted a kiss on her lips. It seemed to go on for an indecent length of time but Genevieve couldn’t look away.
‘Do you fancy him?’ Finlay asked.
‘No.’
‘But you did, didn’t you? That’s why it embarrasses you thinking about him.’
‘No.’ She let out a sigh. ‘I don’t think I ever really fancied him. He’s a nice guy but… Well, maybe I fancied the idea of him.’
‘You mean because he’s the CEO of a big company?’
‘Yes. I wanted to impress him and I was sure I could, but he wasn’t interested.’
Finlay let out a snort. ‘More fool him, but is that what you normally look for in a man? How many employees they have?’
‘It’s definitely what my parents look for when they’re scoping potential dates.’
She wasn’t sure what she was looking for anymore… or if she was really looking at all. The Vieve certainly wasn’t and mostly it was easiest to maintain that persona. She still quite fancied the idea of Gavin Sinclar but it was nothing to do with his career and everything to do with the way he was with Felicity. That was the kind of man she wanted. Someone who loved her just because – not because she was Geoff Harrington’s daughter or someone who would look good on their arm, but because she was a person in her own right, and that was important to them.
‘Why do you let your parents scope dates for you?’
‘It’s not like I have much choice and, as dates go, Gavin wasn’t too bad. He’s actually quite attractive.’
‘Oh yeah? You just said you didn’t fancy him.’
‘I don’t, but he does have some very attractive qualities. Like the way he… Well, the way he looks at Felicity, like she’s his whole world. They also work together. They’re equals. I know what I mean in my head but I don’t think I’m expressing it very well. I must have had too much prosecco.’
‘I know what you mean.’
If he did, he was a great interpreter because she’d waffled. ‘I just love the way he kissed her, like no one was watching.’
Finlay let out a little chuckle. ‘If I’d done that to Elise, she’d have pushed me off and been annoyed.’
Genevieve pulled a face. ‘I’m sorry to burst your bubble, Finlay. But that’s because Elise never really got over Aidan.’
‘Oh, believe me, I know that now. No need to drive that nail in any further.’ He shook his head. ‘Her loss, huh?’
Genevieve nodded. And she meant it because letting go of a man like Finlay seemed pretty stupid from where she was standing. ‘Definitely her loss.’
‘Thanks… and if I had a girlfriend who wanted to be kissed like no one was watching, then I’d do it.’
Her eyes locked with his again, as they’d done all afternoon. That’s where they wanted to look, and it was a sight that set a fire burning inside. ‘You do.’
‘I do what?’
‘You do have a girlfriend who wants to be kissed like that. She’s right here.’ Her heart started banging a tattoo in her chest. This could be one of the stupidest things she’d ever said or done, but it was true. The prosecco had nudged out words she’d never normally have said. But she wanted to kiss Finlay more than anything right now and she wanted him to kiss her back. So long she’d thought about it. How would it feel for real? Or at least kind of real.
He drew back slightly and looked her over with a frown. ‘Are you serious?’
‘It’s all part of the game, isn’t it?’ she said. A game she’d tried to play with James but it had never really worked. She vaguely remembered she’d been looking for him but that didn’t seem to matter now.
‘Isn’t it just?’ He moved closer and gently slipped his arm about her, holding his plate of food at her back. ‘Shall we?’
Her hand slid around his face, his stubbly beard grazing her palm, and she drew him close, her heart racing to the finish line before almost stopping completely. As his lips made contact with hers, her eyes closed simultaneously. The gentle chitchat and clink of glasses seemed to die away as she relaxed into the kiss. Her stomach flipped over and desire burned deep inside. He didn’t push or rush, just considerately moved his mouth with hers, lingering slowly on her bottom lip. His hand at her back anchored her to him while the other cupped her head firmly. She let out a sigh as molten heat filled her from the top down.
This. This. This.
This was the moment she’d waited for forever and it had finally arrived.