Chapter Twenty #2
I almost said no, but I knew it would be silly to miss such an opportunity of meeting other people who might be interested in the work I was doing. I really wanted to know what Dante thought of my work, too, and when he suggested bringing my portfolio I couldn’t help but show my excitement.
‘I would love to have your opinion, thank you, though I must admit I’m very nervous at the thought of showing you my work. I don’t usually allow myself to have nights out because I’ve still got some catching up to do … I was ill last term, but I’m making good progress.’
‘Well, hopefully after tomorrow you’ll be feeling more inspired. Hey, perhaps you’ll even find tonight stimulating enough to wake up tomorrow aroused to new revelations.’
I didn’t understand just what he meant, but he leaned in to whisper in my hair, saying he’d love to dance with me.
I felt that fluttering again, and as he took my hand and led me out of the room and down the hallway to another, set aside for dancing, I didn’t resist. The room was lit only with candles and reminded me very much of those other dances I’d been to in another time, yet I couldn’t help thinking what Cassy or Jane would have thought if they’d seen me being pulled into the arms of a man I’d only just met.
The champagne was making me feel rosy inside and my mind seemed happy to blur the past with the present.
It was easy to imagine I was dancing with Harry so that when the music slowed and Dante drew me closer, it felt completely natural to rest my head against his shoulder and give in to feelings I’d thought were completely buried.
I allowed myself to be totally lost in the music and the moment.
***
When Dante offered to give me a lift home I didn’t hesitate, especially as Imogen had disappeared into the night with her new friend. I’d been worried, but Piers promised me that Imogen was in the company of a perfect gentleman who would see her home safely.
‘And let me assure you, Dante is one of the loveliest people I know,’ he added, kissing me on my cheek when I said I was leaving. ‘Just enjoy yourself, and make the most of his connections. He’s well worth knowing, and I can tell he really likes you. I’m sure he’ll grow on you too.’
I didn’t say anything in return, just kissed him back, trying to ignore the looks passing between him and Simon. It was a little too obvious that they wanted something to happen with Dante, but I couldn’t blame them. I must have been really miserable company for the last few months.
When we walked out under a perfectly magical night sky sparkling with diamond stars, it came as no surprise to see Dante’s pillar box red, Porsche 911 gleaming in the moonlight.
As if he’d be driving anything else, I thought.
He opened the door and I settled myself inside on the soft leather seat, feeling a little like I’d been elevated to the status of royal personage and would wake up to find I’d been a princess all along.
And as we roared through the London streets, it felt very exciting to be with someone so urbane and stylish.
I glanced sideways at him and liked what I saw.
Dante was almost too good-looking, his hair perfectly waving down to his collar, his white shirt dazzling against his tanned skin.
He turned to smile at me, but he didn’t speak, just turned up the volume on the music, so I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes to enjoy it.
My head was spinning a little with the effects of the champagne, but I was feeling so relaxed.
I hadn’t felt truly happy for a long time and in that moment I felt something near happiness.
When we reached my flat, he turned off the engine and shifted in his seat, turning to face me.
‘Piers said you were just my type,’ he said. ‘He was right; but you’re so much more than just a stunning looking girl. I see a beautiful soul too.’
I was feeling light-headed from the champagne, but even so I couldn’t believe what Dante was saying. No one had ever called me stunning or beautiful like that before.
‘I don’t know what to say,’ I said, and thought how awkward I must sound.
‘You don’t have to say a word … just be yourself. Let me look at you and soak you up.’
I sat there feeling very self-conscious, and couldn’t look at him for a moment. When I did, he was looking at me so intently that I felt completely overwhelmed. His eyes flickered from my eyes to my mouth, and when he leaned forward, still gazing intently, I knew he was going to kiss me.
But, suddenly everything was moving far too quickly and it all felt so totally wrong.
His fingers were in my hair and his lips on mine.
His mouth was soft and gentle, as he coaxed me into kissing him back, waiting for me to respond, but I just couldn’t kiss him properly and I broke away as soon as I could.
I just kept thinking about Harry - I couldn’t get him out of my head, and how very differently I felt about him, remembering our first tender kiss that came at a time that felt just right.
It made me feel sordid sitting in that smart car, and I knew I’d been completely won over by Dante for all the wrong reasons.
I’d been so impressed by his appearance of sophistication, his photography career and his car, that I’d let myself get into a situation I didn’t want to be in.
I wished then that I hadn’t danced with him or let him hold me so closely, and I realised I’d made an utter fool of myself.
How could I have let my guard down so much, and how on earth were we going to have a professional relationship if I’d allowed him to kiss me?
And I knew that just wasn’t going to be possible.
‘I had a lovely evening, Caroline,’ he said, moving away just a little, but still tracing a finger down my cheek and along my jaw line. ‘And I like kissing you very much.’
He was gazing at my mouth again, and I knew I had to act quickly or he’d be kissing me again.
‘I enjoyed it too, Dante … I haven’t been out for a while, and it was lovely to forget all about my work and get to know you …
a little. I just want to say thank you for inviting me to your studio …
this is so difficult to say, but I don’t think I ought to come tomorrow, after all.
I’ve so little time left of my course, and I think it will be better if I concentrate on my studies. ’
My heart was in my mouth when he leaned forward again and kissed me on my cheek.
He smiled, and I saw it was going to be okay.
I was sure he couldn’t be a complete wolf ready to devour me in one sitting or Piers would never have introduced us, but I also felt he was probably thinking he’d never met anyone quite as na?ve.
‘Perhaps we can meet up when you’ve finished your degree … no strings attached,’ he added, putting his hand over mine and squeezing it. ‘And I hope you’ll invite me to your showcase. I know lots of people who could be very helpful, and I’d love to introduce you to them.’
With that, he took a crisp cream card from a silver case he fetched out from the dashboard and put it in my hand.
It had his name, address and phone number, and as he got out to come round to my side of the car to open the door, I felt even more horrible than before.
He was being so nice, and I thought how I’d probably kick myself in the morning for being overly dramatic about the whole evening.
He held out his hand, and I took it, staggering slightly as I got to my feet when the fresh air hit me.
‘Let me see you inside,’ he said. ‘I promise I’ll step right out again the moment I know you are safely home.’
He did more than that, seeing me safely upstairs, and opening the door for me when I struggled with the key in the lock.
Dante really is a lovely guy … but I know in my heart he just isn’t for me.
***
I’ve woken this morning with a searing headache, and there have been several cringing moments thinking about the night before, but I feel better now Piers has phoned me and we’ve discussed it all.
Apparently Dante phoned him to say he is completely besotted, though how that’s possible after one night I don’t know, but thankfully he realises I am probably in love with someone else.
And I know the real truth of that statement.
However hopeless the case, I cannot just switch off my feelings.
I’ve since drunk a gallon of water and had another sleep, and now I’m awake again I feel quite refreshed.
It’s wonderful to think it’s Saturday with the whole weekend stretching ahead.
Imogen wants to tell me all about Alexei, and the fact that he’s arranged to see her again.
I know Piers will be pleased that at least one of his matchmaking schemes has gone to plan, and I shall listen to it all over a bacon sandwich and a mug of tea, while images of Harry keep surfacing in my head.