Kitabı oxu: «The Hot-Headed Virgin»

She’s feisty and independent – but he rouses a powerful passion in her…

The Hot-Headed Virgin

Three sizzling, compelling romances from three favourite Mills & Boon authors!

In May 2010 Mills & Boon bring
you two classic collections, each
featuring three favourite romances
by our bestselling authors

CLAIMED BY THE SICILIAN

by Kate Walker

Sicilian Husband, Blackmailed Bride The Sicilian’s Red-Hot Revenge The Sicilian’s Wife

THE HOT-HEADED VIRGIN

The Virgin’s Price by Melanie Milburne The Greek’s Virgin by Trish Morey The Italian Billionaire’s Virgin by Christina Hollis

The Hot-Headed Virgin
Melanie Milburne
Trish Morey
Christina Hollis

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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The Virgin’s Price

by

Melanie Milburne

Melanie Milburne says: One of the greatest joys of being a writer is the process of falling in love with the characters and then watching as they fall in love with each other. I am an absolutely hopeless romantic. I fell in love with my husband on our second date and we even had a secret engagement, so you see it must have been destined for me to be a Mills & Boon author! The other great joy of being a romance writer is hearing from readers. You can hear all about the other things I do when I’m not writing and even drop me a line at: www. melaniemilburne.com.au.

Don’t miss Melanie Milburne’s exciting new novel, The Mélendez Forgotten Marriage, available in July 2010 from Mills & Boon® Modern™.

To my sisters, Coralie Margaret McNamara

and Jessie Isobel Bohannon. Thank you for your love

and support over the years. I love you both very dearly.

CHAPTER ONE

‘I CAN’T believe he wrote that about me!’ Mia threw the morning’s newspaper down in disgust, her grey eyes flashing with rage. ‘It’s the first real acting job I’ve had and he completely rubbishes it. My career will be over before it even starts.’

‘I wouldn’t take it too personally,’ Shelley said as she reloaded the café dishwasher. ‘Bryn Dwyer rubbishes just about everything. Did you hear him on drive-time radio yesterday? He made a complete fool of the person he was interviewing. It’s how he gets the ratings he does. You either love him or you hate him.’

‘Well, I hate him,’ Mia said with feeling. ‘I just wish I could have the chance to tell him to his arrogant, stuck-up face.’

‘Yeah, well, you never know your luck,’ Shelley said as she placed the washing powder in the compartment of the dishwasher. ‘He was in here three mornings in a row last week, each time with a different woman. You should have seen the way Tony gushed all over him as if he was royalty. I nearly puked.’

‘In here?’ Mia’s eyes began to sparkle with hope. ‘Bryn Dwyer?’

Shelley straightened from the dishwasher. ‘Listen, Mia, just remember you’ve only just started and Tony only gave you the job in the first place because I put in such a good word for you. If you so much as—’

‘One cappuccino and a double decaf latte on table seven.’ Tony Pretelli, the café owner, slapped the order on the counter and scooped up a plate of raisin toast on his way past. ‘And make it snappy. Our favourite celebrity is here again this morning.’

‘Uh-oh,’ Shelley said as she took a quick peek over the counter.

‘Who is it?’ Mia asked as she peered over Shelley’s shoulder. She whistled through her teeth when she caught a glimpse of a tall man with dark brown shiny hair and broad shoulders sitting chatting to an attractive brunette. ‘Well, I’ll be damned.’

Shelley grabbed her by the arm. ‘Don’t even think about it, Mia. You know what Tony’s like. He’ll fire you on the spot if you do anything to upset a customer, celebrity or not.’

Mia unpeeled the waitress’s fingers and, giving her a sugar-sweet smile, reached for the coffees the barista on duty had just made. ‘I think I’ll risk it just this once. Anyway, it will be worth it to get back at that pompous jerk for giving me such a bad review.’

Shelley winced as Mia swept past with the coffees. ‘I don’t think I can watch this…’

Mia sauntered up to the table where Bryn Dwyer was seated with his back to her. It was a very broad back, she couldn’t help noticing, and even though he was wearing a pale blue business shirt she could see the bunching of well-developed muscles through the expensive fabric. His shirt cuffs were rolled up at the wrists, revealing tanned forearms sprinkled with dark masculine hair, and an expensive silver watch on his left wrist. His hair was neither long nor short or straight or curly but somewhere in between, and was styled in a casual manner that suggested his long, tanned fingers had been used as its latest combing tool.

She didn’t need to see his face; it had been splashed on the cover of just about every women’s magazine for the past month as for the second year in a row he had been awarded the Bachelor of the Year title. His prime-time radio slot and popular weekly column in a Sydney broadsheet gave him the sort of fame and fortune most people only ever dreamed of, but even without that, he was a multimillionaire from some clever property investments he’d made all before he’d hit thirty-two or -three years or so ago.

Mia gave her reflection a quick glance in the mirrors above the booth section of the café on her way past, reassuring herself that he couldn’t possibly recognise her from last night’s performance. With her shoulder-length blonde hair scraped back in a high pony-tail and no make-up on she looked just like an ordinary café waitress. She gave a mischievous little smile as she mentally rehearsed an Irish accent; even better—a visiting-from-abroad café waitress.

‘Top of the mornin’ to you both. Now, what do we have here—a cappuccino and a double skinny decaf?’ she lilted cheerily, as she hovered by Bryn’s elbow.

‘Mine is the decaf,’ the brunette woman said with a friendly smile.

Mia reached over to place it in front of her and then turned to the woman’s dark-haired companion, who hadn’t even bothered to acknowledge her presence. ‘And what is it that you will be having, sir?’

‘The cappuccino,’ he said without looking up from the document he was reading.

‘One cappuccino coming up,’ Mia said and proceeded to pour it into his lap.

‘What the hell…?’ Bryn sprang to his feet and tugged the fabric of his trousers away from his lukewarm groin.

‘I’m terribly sorry, how very clumsy of me,’ she said with no trace of sincerity. ‘I’ll get you another one straight away.’

‘I don’t want another one!’ He glared down at her and then, narrowing his eyes a fraction, asked, ‘Hey, don’t I know you?’

She gave him a vacant look and began to turn away. ‘Sorry, but I think you must be mistaken. I have never met you before.’

‘You’re that girl…’ he stalled her with a very large, very firm hand on her arm ‘…the toilet-paper advertisement, right?’

Mia unhinged his fingers and dusted off her arm, shooting him an imperious look. ‘I’m sorry, but you must have me mistaken for someone else.’

‘I never forget a face and yours is certainly very—’

‘You are fired!’ Tony Pretelli bellowed as he strode towards them. ‘Do you hear me, Mia Forrester? F.I.R.E.D. Fired. Now. Right now as of this very minute.’

‘Mia Forrester?’ Bryn frowned.

‘Sorry, Mr Pretelli,’ Mia said, momentarily forgetting to employ her Irish accent. ‘I didn’t mean to do it. It just slipped out of my hands.’

‘I saw you, Mia; it didn’t just slip out of your hands. You poured it on the poor man! Get your things and leave immediately,’ Tony snarled at her and then, turning to Bryn, softened his tone to an obsequious level. ‘Please accept my sincere apologies for the appalling behaviour of my staff—er—ex-staff member. I will see to it that she personally pays for the damage to your trousers. I’ll organise another coffee for you immediately, and can I tempt you with a slice of our house speciality? It’s a tiramisu and absolutely delicious—on the house, of course.’

‘No, thank you,’ Bryn said with a cool little on-off smile.

Typical. Mia gave a little snort. He looks down his nose at everybody. What a pompous jerk.

‘But I would like a private word with your—er—ex-staff member,’ Bryn added, training his dark blue gaze on her.

Mia’s eyes widened in alarm and she started to step backwards. ‘But I’m just leaving…’

‘Not so fast, Miss Forrester,’ he said, capturing her arm once more, his long fingers like a vice around her slim wrist. ‘I’m sure your ex-employer won’t mind if you humour me for a moment or two.’

Mia looked to Tony for help but he was already on his way back to the kitchen, shouting out another order from table five.

‘I think I’ll leave you to it,’ the brunette woman said to Bryn before sending Mia a pleasant smile. ‘I’m Annabelle Heyward, by the way, Miss Forrester. I’m Bryn Dwyer’s publicist.’

‘Poor you,’ Mia muttered not quite under her breath as she took the older woman’s hand with her free one. ‘But I’m pleased to meet you. I’m sure you’re a very nice person despite the company you keep.’

‘Excuse me?’ Bryn’s dark brows met over his eyes.

‘I’ll call you later with the latest ratings, Bryn.’ Annabelle gave him a little wave as she left the café, her eyes twinkling in amusement.

‘Please let go of my arm,’ Mia said through clenched teeth. ‘Everyone is watching.’

‘I don’t care who is watching.’ He glowered down at her darkly. ‘I’d like to know why you think you can get away with tossing a cup of coffee in my lap.’

‘I didn’t get away with it,’ she pointed out with a pert tilt of her chin. ‘I got fired, remember?’

‘And so you deserved to be. What the hell is the matter with you? What have I ever done to you, for God’s sake?’

‘How can you ask that?’ she spat back, wrenching her arm from his, rubbing at her wrist where his fingers had been. ‘Not only have I been fired from here, but I’m also sure I’m going to be dropped from Peach Pie Productions because of what you wrote in this morning’s paper. It was my first real live theatre performance and you ruined it. The principal actor was sick and the director asked me to fill in for her and now my career is going to be finished because of you and your stupid opinion, which I’m sure is completely biased and—’

‘Oh, that Mia Forrester,’ he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Mia stared at him in outrage. What did he mean, that Mia Forrester?

‘So you got a bad review,’ he said dismissively. ‘Get over it.’

‘Get over it?’ She stepped closer and jabbed him in the chest with her index finger. ‘How about you get over this? You are the most arrogant, opinionated, chauvinistic smart alec I’ve ever met. You think you can say whatever you like or indeed write whatever insults you like but I am not going to allow you to get away with it. You have definitely picked the wrong person this time to make fun of. If I lose my understudy job over this, you are going to be very sorry. I will make sure of it.’

Bryn looked down at the little spitfire in front of him with increasing interest. When was the last time anyone had told him off, he wondered, really told him off, no-holds-barred? Most people—particularly women—bowed and scraped to his every whim, but she was something else again. She was all flashing grey eyes and swinging blonde pony-tail, looking more like a schoolgirl than the seductress she’d played so appallingly last night in Theodore Frankston’s new play.

‘You should stick to toilet-paper ads,’ he said. ‘Or have you ever thought about a career change?’

‘Have you ever thought about a personality change?’ she tossed back, her eyes like twin diamonds of sparkling fury.

Bryn suppressed a smile as he let his gaze run over her lazily. She had a neat figure, very trimmed and toned, and her skin had a healthy glow to it as if she was well used to outdoor activity. She wore no make-up but she had a fresh-faced beauty that was totally captivating. He couldn’t help thinking she might be just the type of girl his great-aunt Agnes would approve of. It would be the perfect solution to a problem that had been worrying him for quite some time.

‘Listen, Miss Forrester.’ He took her to one side out of the way of the hearing of table six. ‘I’m sorry you’ve lost your job here, but really, what’s a talented actress like you doing in a place like this?’

She scowled at him. ‘You didn’t call me talented in your article this morning. You said, and I quote: “A pathetic attempt at portraying a femme fatale from a clearly inexperienced actress.” Isn’t that what you said?’

‘It might have run something along those lines.’

‘What?’ She eyeballed him in fury. ‘You don’t even remember what you wrote about me?’

‘Look.’ He dragged a hand through his hair. ‘I had a deadline to meet and I’d been out and it was late…’

‘Are you telling me you were drunk when you wrote that column?’

‘Of course not.’ He glanced around to make sure no one had heard her fiery accusation. ‘Will you keep your voice down? I can do without bad publicity right now.’

Mia straightened to her full height which still left her at a distinct disadvantage to his six-feet-three. ‘Do you think I give a damn about your career when you’ve so cavalierly destroyed mine?’

He compressed his lips for a moment. ‘Look, I’ll strike a little deal with you.’ He took out a business card and handed it to her. ‘If you’re dropped from the play, give me a call and I’ll try and find some other work for you. OK?’

Mia tore the card into tiny pieces and, stepping on her tiptoes, reached to where his top button was undone and stuffed the pieces down his shirt. ‘Thanks but no thanks,’ she said crisply. ‘And I’m going to tell all my friends not to listen to your radio programme ever again. And let me tell you I have a lot of friends.’

Bryn watched her flounce back to the kitchen, where, after a short interchange with one of the other waitresses, she scooped up a shoulder bag and left via a rear entrance, her pony-tail still swinging in fury.

He looked down at the neck of his shirt where the sharp little edges were digging into his skin and smiled.

Yes, Great-Aunt Agnes would most definitely approve.

He reached for his mobile and pressed in a few numbers. ‘Annabelle, can you text me Theodore Frankston’s number and the name and number of Mia Forrester’s current agent?’

‘What are you up to, Bryn?’ Annabelle’s tone was full of suspicion.

He waited until he was outside the café before responding. ‘Listen, Annabelle, I’ve got a plan. You know how you said I needed to improve my image to encourage more female listeners? Well, this is a perfect way to do it.’

Annabelle gave a groan. ‘This isn’t another one of those publicity stunts that will make me cringe, is it? I really don’t think I can cope with the fallout if you get involved with yet another married woman.’

‘No, this isn’t anything like that. And by the way Summer Riley was divorced, or as good as.’

‘She was a slut, Bryn, and for the whole time you were involved with her your ratings slipped to an all-time low. Female listeners fell away in droves and we still haven’t got them all back.’

‘But that’s exactly my point,’ Bryn said. ‘If I play my cards right with this I could overhaul my image within a matter of days. Think about it. What could be better right now than me having a whirlwind romance with a struggling actress I’ve just savaged in the Press? Women will love it. It’s got that whole love-hate chemistry just like a Hollywood movie.’

‘I can’t believe I’m hearing this,’ Annabelle muttered.

‘No, listen, Annabelle,’ he insisted. ‘Women all over Sydney will tune in to hear how our relationship is going. It’s perfect!’

‘And how exactly are you going to convince Mia Forrester to have a relationship with you? Last time I looked you were wearing the cappuccino she tossed in your lap,’ Annabelle pointed out with more than a hint of dryness.

‘I have a strategy in mind that I think will do the trick. Text me those numbers as soon as you track them down. Ciao.’

A few minutes later Bryn phoned Theodore Frankston. It was a short conversation and very much to the point.

‘It was a rotten review,’ Theo growled when Bryn identified himself.

‘It was a rotten performance,’ Bryn returned. ‘That girl was totally wrong for the role. What were you thinking, Theo? You should get rid of her immediately before your reputation is damaged any further.’

‘And if I don’t?’

‘Then on air this afternoon I will warn my listeners to stay away from your play and stay at home and watch TV instead. Your little production company will lose all its sponsors before you can blink.’

‘She’s not going to like this,’ Theo grumbled. ‘I like the girl. She’s a bit raw but I think with a little more work she’ll improve.’

‘I like her too,’ Bryn said. ‘Leave her to me. I’ve got big plans for her.’

‘You’re an arrogant bastard,’ Theo said. ‘Has anyone told you that lately?’

‘As a matter of fact they have,’ Bryn said with a lazy smile. ‘And I liked it so much I can hardly wait until she tells me all over again.’

His phone call to Mia’s agent was even more productive. He’d met Roberta Askinthorpe at various social events and although they had flirted occasionally nothing serious had come of it, but he knew she would do anything he asked.

‘Long time no hear,’ Roberta cooed at him. ‘Are you ringing to apologise for that incendiary review you wrote about one of my favourite clients in this morning’s paper?’

‘Not exactly.’

Roberta laughed. ‘No, the Bryn Dwyer I know would never apologise for his actions. What was I thinking?’

‘I need you to do something for me, Roberta, but it has to remain a secret.’

‘Your wish is my command, you know that, Bryn, darling.’

‘I want you to temporarily take Mia Forrester off your books.’

‘Why do you want me to do that? She’s a real sweetie with bags of potential. I know Theodore’s play was a bit out there for her but Sabina was sick at the last minute. Anyway, every actor needs stretching occasionally.’

‘I have something else for her to do.’

‘But how will I explain it to her?’

‘Use my review as an excuse,’ he suggested. ‘It doesn’t have to be permanent. You can take her on again later. I just need her to be without work and representation so she will agree to work for me for the time being.’

‘I must say, this sounds very intriguing,’ Roberta said. ‘Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for the girl?’

Bryn laughed off the suggestion. ‘Come on, Roberta, you know me better than that. I’m not the falling-in-love type.’

‘Perhaps not, but Mia Forrester is rather a pet,’ Roberta pointed out. ‘I wouldn’t want to see her get hurt. What have you got planned?’

‘Stay tuned and you’ll find out,’ he said. ‘But remember this is between you and me.’

‘I’ll do it but I’m warning you it’ll cost you dinner some time.’

‘You’re on,’ he said. ‘Dinner it is.’

‘In Paris,’ she added.

He smiled as he hung up the phone.

CHAPTER TWO

THE telephone started to ring as soon as Mia entered her flat. She stared at it for a moment, wondering if she just ignored it she could put off the inevitable for a little while longer.

‘Are you going to get that?’ Gina, her flatmate, called out from the bathroom, her voice muffled by the sounds of tooth-brushing.

Mia picked up the phone. ‘Mia? Is that you?’ her younger sister Ellie’s voice sounded in her ear.

‘Hi, Ellie. Where are you calling from? Are you still in South America? This line is terrible.’

‘I know…’ Ellie said, breathing hard. ‘Listen, Mia, I’m in trouble. Big trouble.’

Mia felt her insides drop between her knees. ‘What’s wrong? Where are you? What’s happened?’

‘I’ve been arrested.’ Ellie let out a little sob.

Mia’s eyes widened in shock and her grip on the phone became white-knuckled. ‘Arrested! What on earth for?’

‘You know that rainforest-logging protest rally I’ve been involved with in Brazil? Well, I got arrested and I need bail money wired over to get me out of here.’

‘Oh, my God!’

‘Please don’t call Mum and Dad,’ Ellie said. ‘I don’t want to ruin their holiday with Jake and Ashleigh.’

‘But we’ll have to call them!’ Mia insisted.

‘No, Mia, please. Dad would have a heart attack on the spot, you know how his doctor told him to take things easy since that last scare.’

‘But what about Jake? He’d gladly help out financially. I just know he would.’

‘No, Mia. Please don’t tell Ashleigh and Jake about this. Ashleigh will be hysterical and it will upset the kids. Promise me you won’t tell.’

Mia was all too aware of her sister’s fierce pride and had no choice but to reluctantly agree. ‘All right, I promise.’

‘Thanks, Mia. Just send me some money via my credit card. I’ve luckily still got that and my passport, although my backpack with my return ticket has been stolen.’

‘How much money do you need?’

Ellie told her and Mia’s stomach threatened to hit the floor this time. ‘I’ll send it as soon as I can,’ she said. ‘It might take me a couple of days to find that kind of money. I have a little in my account but not quite that much.’

‘It’s all right, I’ll manage until you can get it to me,’ Ellie said. ‘I’m so sorry about this. Please don’t tell anyone about it. Not even Gina. I don’t want people to worry for nothing. This will all be sorted out in no time and I can’t bear the embarrassment of having to explain it all ad nauseam when I get back.’

‘What about the Australian Embassy? Should I call them and get them to help?’

‘No, just do as I said, Mia,’ Ellie said. ‘Once that money’s in my credit-card account there’s a guy here who can help me. It’s how things work over here.’

‘I’m so worried about you…’

‘Don’t be, Mia. I’m fine, truly. Look, I’ve got to go. The guard’s making a fuss about the length of the call. I had to bribe him with my last chocolate bar. I’ll call you when I’m free. Love you.’

‘Love you…’Mia stared at the dead phone, her heart sinking in despair. The amount of money Ellie needed wasn’t huge but things had been tight lately and now, with her café job over, if Theodore didn’t keep her with the company things could get rather desperate.

The phone rang again while she was still holding it and she answered it to find Theodore on the other end informing her of his decision to drop her from the company. He cut the conversation short as soon as she began to protest.

‘Sorry, Mia. My investors are threatening to pull out on the deal after that review. Goodbye.’

She couldn’t believe it. Her first foray into live theatre had come to an ignominious end. One bad review and she was back to waiting on tables full-time, except for the fact that, because of this morning’s encounter with Bryn Dwyer, she no longer had any tables to wait on. And with Ellie’s life in danger thousands of kilometres away she had to have money and fast.

She took a deep, calming breath. Right, I just have to find another acting job, she told herself firmly. No matter how small or demeaning it was, she had to find work.

She quickly dialled her agent but the conversation, like the one she’d just had with Theodore, was brusque and just as disheartening.

‘What’s wrong?’ Gina asked on her way past a short time later. ‘You look like you’re about to murder someone.’

‘I am,’ Mia said, gritting her teeth as she searched for her car keys. ‘I’m going to track down the person responsible for making me lose two jobs in one day and tell him exactly what I think of him.’

‘You’ve been dropped from Peach Pie Productions?’ Gina’s eyes went wide.

Mia tossed one of the sofa cushions aside to retrieve her keys. ‘Not just the company but the café as well, and as if that weren’t enough my agent just made some pathetic excuse about being too busy to represent me any more. Grrrrr!’

‘But why?’ Gina asked. ‘I thought you were brilliant last night, no matter what the review in this morning’s paper said.’

‘So you saw what he wrote, did you?’ Mia asked, scowling furiously. ‘God knows who else has seen it and completely written me off as an actor. I can just imagine what everyone is saying. I’m probably the laughing stock of the whole of Sydney by now. No one will ever offer me a role again and as for getting a new agent, who is going to take me on now?’

Gina did her best to be reassuring. ‘Try not to worry, Mia, all actors get bad reviews from time to time. It comes with the territory. Maybe a new agent will be a good thing in the long run.’

Mia ground her teeth without answering. Her worries about Ellie made her anger towards Bryn Dwyer escalate to boiling point. He was responsible for this and he was going to pay—big time.

‘But why did you lose your job at the café? I thought Tony liked having someone nearly famous working there part-time?’

She gave her flatmate another furious scowl. ‘Because I tipped a cup of coffee in a customer’s lap, that’s why.’

‘You mean…’ Gina gave her a wide-eyed look ‘…on purpose?’

Mia lifted her head in proud defiance. ‘He had it coming to him for writing such a horrible review.’

Gina’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. ‘You mean you tipped a cup of coffee in Bryn Dwyer’s lap? Bryn Dwyer, the Bachelor of the Year and multimillionaire playboy prince of radio?’

‘That’s the one.’

‘Oh, my God, your career is over.’

‘Not if I can help it,’ Mia said determinedly, jangling her keys in her hand.

Gina gave her a worried look. ‘What are you going to do?’

‘Like I said—I’m going to see him and tell him exactly what I think of him. He told me to call him if I was dropped from the company, but I’m going to see him in person.’

‘Do you think that’s such a good idea? He probably has bodyguards or something. He had a stalker before. I remember reading about it in all the magazines. A crazy woman was following him for months, turning up wherever he was, threatening him all the time. His minders might think you’re just like her and going to do him some harm.’

Mia gave her a glittering look over her shoulder as she opened the front door to leave. ‘I am going to do him some harm,’ she said. ‘And I don’t care who tries to stop me. The upsized egotist Bryn Dwyer has finally met his match. You just wait and see.’

The studios of Hot Spot FM were in the leafy suburb of Lane Cove. Mia parked in a side-street and approached the security check-in point.

‘I’m here for a live interview with Bryn Dwyer,’ she informed the attendant assertively. ‘Mia Forrester. I’m an actor.’

The man looked down at his schedule for a moment. ‘I’m afraid I don’t have you marked down on my sheet. Are you sure your interview is for this afternoon?’

‘Yes, I spoke with Mr Dwyer this morning over coffee,’ she said and, taking a risk added, ‘He asked me to come and see him in person. Perhaps if you could call his studio and check, I’m sure he will verify it for you. We’re—er—old friends.’

‘Just a second.’ The man pressed some numbers and had a brief conversation with the producer before he turned back to her and handed her a security pass through the booth window. ‘Here’s a security tag.’ He activated the boom gate for her and added, ‘Go right through, Miss Forrester; it’s studio number five, the third one on the left. The producer will let you know when it’s time for your interview. Mr Dwyer’s been expecting you.’

Mia walked through with forced casualness while her brain was shooting off in all directions. What did he mean, Mr Dwyer was expecting her? How had he known she’d be storming over here to have it out with him?

The two-part studio was where the boom operator had indicated and one of the crew opened the door at her knock and ushered her through. Mia could see Bryn sitting in the transmitting studio next door, his headphones and mouthpiece in place. As if he sensed her presence he swung his chair around and mouthed ‘hello’ to her, his eyes glinting with something she couldn’t quite identify.

She pursed her lips and, although she was seriously tempted to give him a very rude sign with one of her fingers, somehow she resisted the urge and sent him a frosty look instead.

‘He’s got one more song until the news and weather and then he’ll be able to speak to you,’ the producer informed her from where he was sitting behind his computer console.

‘Thank you,’ she said and took the chair he offered.

She could hear the sound of Bryn’s deep, mellifluous voice as the show was broadcast around the studio. There was a seven-second delay, which she found a little unnerving because inside the glassed-in section she could see he had stopped speaking to swivel his chair to look at her again.

She gave him another cold look but just then she heard his voice announce his next guest.

‘Right after the news and weather I will have with me the utterly gorgeous Mia Forrester, whom I met for the first time this morning when she accidentally spilt a cup of coffee in my lap. Hey, all you out there in radio-land, I’m in love.’

Mia’s eyes went out on stalks as she sat forward on her chair, her stomach tripping over itself in alarm. What on earth was he doing?

He gave her a quick, confident grin and his voice continued, ‘So call me after the news, all you lovers out there in listener-land, and tell me about your most romantic meeting.’

‘On air in three minutes,’ the producer informed Mia as he flicked another switch on his console.

‘But I—’ She clamped her mouth shut when she saw Bryn’s lazy smile. All right, she thought. I’ll do it. I’ll go on radio and tell him exactly what I think of him. You just see if I won’t.

She was led into Bryn’s soundproof studio, fitted with a pair of headphones and seated opposite him in front of a microphone. She could hear the news segment coming to an end and then Bryn smiled as he spoke into his mouthpiece.

‘Thank you for joining me in the studio this afternoon, Mia. This is Hot Spot FM and I have with me here the beautiful Mia Forrester, whom I met by accident this morning. And I can tell right my life will never be the same again. I’ll take caller number four, who wants to tell us about how she met the love of her life. Hello, Jennifer from way out at Campbelltown. Tell us about your romantic meeting.’

Mia swallowed as a young woman’s voice sounded in her ears. ‘Hi, Bryn and Mia. I met my husband when he ran into the back of my car at the traffic lights. I was so furious with him but after I’d vented my spleen I suddenly realised how gorgeous he was. He asked me out and the rest, as they say, is history.’

‘Thanks, Jennifer, what a great story. Now we have Andy from Castle Hill on the line. Hi, Andy; how did you meet the love of your life?’

This time a male voice sounded in Mia’s ears. ‘I met my fiancée when she waxed my legs in preparation for a triathlon I was competing in.’

‘No kidding?’ Bryn said, winking at Mia. ‘So how many waxes did it take to ask her out?’

‘Five, but it was worth the pain.’

Bryn laughed. ‘Way to go, Andy. Who says men have no sense of romance? Now I think it’s Mia’s turn to tell you about how she met me this morning. Mia?’

Mia met his dark blue gaze and tightened her mouth. ‘I met Bryn Dwyer in the café where up until this morning I was employed part-time. But as a result of my—er—spilling a cup of coffee in his lap I lost my job on the spot and—’

‘And lost her heart as well, isn’t that right, sweetheart?’

‘I—’

‘You know the number.’ Bryn cut her off as he addressed his listeners. ‘Call in and tell us if you agree with the concept of love at first sight.’ He took the first caller.

Mia listened with one ear as she tried to make sense of what was going on. Was this some kind of joke? What the hell was he playing at, pretending he’d fallen in love with her?

The switchboard was buzzing with incoming calls and the producer gave Bryn a thumbs-up sign from the studio next door, his face beaming.

‘Now we have Sharon from sunny Seaforth, who has a question for Mia,’ Bryn said. ‘Go ahead, Sharon.’

‘Mia, did you feel an instant attraction for Bryn or did it take a few minutes before you realised you were falling in love with him?’

‘I…’ Mia caught the gleam in Bryn’s dark gaze and sent him a blistering glare. ‘No, not instantly…it was more of a slow realisation that here was a man who would stop at nothing to get his way and—’

‘See how well she knows me already?’ Bryn cut her off again. ‘How about a question from Corinne? Go ahead, Corinne.’

‘Mia, I was wondering if you are worried about falling in love with one of Sydney’s notorious playboys. What if he lets you down?’

‘I don’t think he’ll let me down,’ Mia said, finally catching on and hatching a vengeful little plot of her own. She gave Bryn a beguiling smile and added, ‘Not now that we’re planning to get married as soon as possible. He proposed to me this morning and I said yes.’

Within seconds the switchboard was jammed with calls and the producer gave the signal for the next bracket of music to be played.

Mia waited until she was sure they were off air. ‘What the hell do you think you’re doing? I’m not in love with you!’

‘I know,’ Bryn said, leaning back in his chair to survey her outraged features. ‘But the listeners don’t know that and neither does my producer.’

‘You mean…’ she glanced at the still beaming producer in the studio next door and then back at Bryn ‘…you mean they think it’s…real?’

‘Of course they think it’s real.’

‘Are you crazy or something?’

‘Not crazy, just hungry for more ratings.’ A segment of advertisements began to play as he continued, ‘I thought since you ruined a pair of Armani trousers this morning the very least you could do was give my ratings a boost by pretending to be in love with me for a week or two.’ He pressed another button. ‘But that bit about marriage was total overkill. It’ll be all over the papers tomorrow.’

Mia felt her heart give an extra beat. ‘The papers?’

‘Yep. Journalists love this sort of stuff. Celebrity playboy meets perfect match.’ He smiled a white-toothed smile. ‘But we can go along with it for a while. What do you think?’

‘I think you’re a jerk, that’s what I think. I lost my job because of you.’

‘I told you you’re wasted in the café; you could do much better than that.’

‘Not the café, although that was bad enough,’ she bit out through clenched teeth. ‘I was dropped from Peach Pie Productions this morning. Theodore Frankston saw your review and decided to pull me out completely. Then I spoke to my agent who told me she was too busy to represent me properly but I know it was because of your stupid review.’

‘Too bad.’

‘It’s worse than bad. I have bills to pay.’ And I need a heck of a lot of money to get my sister out of trouble, she wanted to insert but stopped herself just in time. ‘I’ve not long moved into a flat with a friend. How am I going to meet my commitments when I no longer have a job and no agent to find me a new one?’

‘Ah, but you do have a job,’ he said. ‘I just gave you one.’

She frowned at him in confusion. ‘What are you talking about?’

He leaned forward in his chair until his knees were almost touching hers. Mia hadn’t realised how very dark his eyes were until that moment and she felt her tummy do a funny little moth-like flutter as she was pulled into their deep, oceanblue depths.

‘I want you to act the role of my devoted fiancée,’ he said. ‘I would have settled for girlfriend but, since you mentioned the M word in front of two-point-four million listeners, I’m afraid we’ll have to run with that role instead.’

‘Your fiancée?’ She gasped. ‘You want me to pretend to be your fiancée?’

He flicked a glance at the monitor and pressed another button before he sat back in his seat. ‘You’re an actor, right?’

She gave him a resentful look. ‘Yes, but according to this morning’s paper not a very good one.’

‘Here’s your chance to prove me wrong,’ he said. ‘If you can convince the Press and my listeners that you are indeed in love with me then I’ll take back everything I said. I’ll pay you, of course. What was Frankston’s company giving you?’

She told him and he gave a snort. ‘What a joke. No wonder you didn’t put your heart into that role. I’ll pay you four times that much, plus expenses.’

‘Expenses?’

‘Hang on a minute.’ He turned his headphones back on and began to speak on air. ‘You heard it first on Hot Spot FM. Bryn Dwyer the confirmed bachelor is in love with a little lady who has promised to be his wife. You know the number. Give me a call to congratulate me. This is one very happy man.’

Mia sat silently fuming. This was getting ridiculous. Surely he didn’t expect her to take him seriously?

She chewed her lip for a moment.

It was a lot of money he was offering. Besides, it might only be for a week or two, maybe a couple of months at the most. And it would certainly solve Ellie’s problems, which was her biggest priority right now. And she was an actor, so it shouldn’t be a problem playing the role, but still…

She stole a covert look at him as he chatted with another caller. He was smiling, which made his eyes crinkle up at the edges in a rather attractive way.

‘So what do you say?’ he said as he went off air again.

‘What if I don’t agree to this?’ she said, not wanting to feed his ego by sounding too keen.

He shifted his lips from side to side as if he was thinking about a suitable plan of action. Mia felt distinctly uneasy. She felt as if she was now under his control and she didn’t like it one little bit. She had come storming to the studio to tell him what she thought of him but somehow he had turned the tables on her.

‘There were witnesses to your assault on my person this morning,’ he said into the little silence. ‘And, like you, I have a lot of friends, several of them with impressive law degrees. All it would take is one phone call and you could be in very hot water, even hotter than the liquid you tossed in my lap.’

Mia’s throat moved up and down. Surely he wouldn’t press charges if she didn’t fall in with his plans?

She met his midnight-blue eyes and swallowed again,

Yes. He would.

She lowered her gaze. ‘You mentioned something about expenses…’

‘Yes. You’ll need to have nice clothes and get your hair done occasionally. I don’t expect you to pay for that out of your own pocket. I’ll make sure you have a substantial clothing and grooming allowance. So have we got a deal?’

‘How long do you expect me to play this role for you?’

‘Not long; a week or two, maybe longer.’

She narrowed her eyes at him. ‘How much longer?’

‘What say we give it a month at the most and then we’ll call it off?’

‘What will happen to your ratings then?’

He gave her another grin. ‘They’ll probably increase due to my heartbroken state. Everyone will feel sorry for me being dumped.’

Mia rolled her eyes.

‘I’m off air in thirty minutes,’ he said, flicking another switch. ‘Wait for me in the cafeteria and we’ll go somewhere where we can have another chat about the deal. But in the meantime, don’t let the cat out of the bag. I don’t want anyone at the studio to suspect this is a stunt.’

‘What about your publicist?’

‘I’ll tell her only what she needs to hear but no one else is to know, not even your family and friends.’

‘I can’t lie to my family and friends!’

‘You’re not lying, Mia. You’re acting. There’s a difference.’

She opened her mouth but he went back on air before she could get a single word of protest out. She blew out a breath of frustration and, snatching up her bag, made her way to the cafeteria she’d seen on her way in.

CHAPTER THREE

MIA was almost relieved when Bryn finally joined her half an hour later. She’d been practically besieged by staff rushing up to congratulate her on her impending marriage to Sydney’s crown prince of the airwaves.

‘Sorry about that,’ he said as he led her to an office down the hall. He smiled at her as he pushed open the door marked with his name. ‘See what a sensation you’ve caused?’

‘I’ve caused?’ Mia swung around to glare at him once they were alone inside. ‘If you hadn’t rubbished me the way you did none of this would have happened.’

‘You were the one who told everyone we were engaged,’ he pointed out.

‘I only did that to get back at you for saying we’d fallen in love this morning.’ She gave him a disparaging glare and added, ‘As if I’d ever fall in love with someone like you.’

‘I don’t know why you’re so upset,’ he said. ‘Your season with Theodore would have ended in two weeks anyway—then what were you going to do? Wait on tables until something else turned up? I’m doing you a favour, Mia. I’m giving you the sort of exposure most wannabe actors would give a right arm for. Your face will be on every national paper tomorrow. The Press will want interviews, magazines will carry your picture on their covers and before you know it every film or theatre producer in town will be begging you to audition for them. You’ll have agents falling over themselves to represent you.’

Mia frowned as she thought about it. It certainly would get her name out there, but at what cost? How would she ever explain it to her family?

‘I don’t like the idea of being used as a marketing ploy, especially without consultation with me first,’ she said. ‘And I don’t appreciate being blackmailed.’

‘Yes, well, I don’t appreciate having my groin soaked with hot coffee,’ he returned with a glint in his eyes.

Mia’s eyes went to his groin. He was leaning against his desk, his long legs outstretched, the fabric of his trousers pulled tight over his…

She wrenched her gaze away and forced herself to meet his laughing blue eyes. ‘I’m sure no permanent damage was done and even if it was I’m sure the rest would do you good. It’s a wonder it hasn’t dropped off by now from overuse.’

‘Maybe you should check it out just to make sure it’s still on active service,’ he suggested with a lift of an eyebrow.

She gave him a withering look and folded her arms across her chest. ‘I don’t think so.’

He laughed and pushed himself away from the desk to stand right in front of her. He tipped up her chin with one long finger and looked into her eyes. ‘You’ve got such an expressive little face. I can’t stop looking at you. Those big grey eyes of yours remind me of a stormy afternoon sky, one minute dark and brooding, the next flashing with lightning sparks of fury.’

Mia held her breath as he began to trace his thumb across her bottom lip, back and forth, back and forth until she could feel her mouth tingling. She knew she should have at least made a token effort to move out of his reach but somehow his touch was totally mesmerising. Her heart began to hammer behind her chest as he placed his hand on her hip and brought her even closer.

‘Wh-what are you doing?’ she croaked.

He held her firm, his long fingers splayed over the slim curve of her hip, his mouth tilted in a little smile. ‘I thought we should get this bit over with in private. That way when we have to do it in public it won’t feel so strange. It’s like a rehearsal, if you like.’

‘A rehearsal?’ She gave a quick nervous swallow. ‘A rehearsal for what?’

His head came down, hovering just above hers, his warm, hint-of-mint breath brushing over her lips as he said in a deep, spine-tingling voice, ‘We need to rehearse the kiss scenes we’ll be expected to play in public.’

Her stomach gave an unexpected lurch. ‘K-kiss scenes?’

His mouth moved a little closer, his chest so close now she could feel the deep rumble of his voice against her breasts when he spoke. ‘Yes, you know—where I put my mouth on yours and you kiss me back.’

‘I know what a kiss scene is but I—’ Mia began but before she could get the full sentence out, his mouth had come down and settled firmly on hers.

It was a shock to feel his lips moving over hers so persuasively. She’d had every intention of fighting him but somehow as soon as those firm, warm lips connected with hers she felt an electric charge rush through her as if some sort of visceral energy was passing from his body to hers. Before she knew it she was responding to him, her mouth opening at the first sweep of his tongue. He entered her mouth with a toe-curling thrust that sent a riot of sensations through her body from her breasts to her thighs. It was madness but she just couldn’t help it. She kept reminding herself how much she hated him but what she was feeling in his arms took over the rational, cool-headed, thinking part of her brain. Every part of her body reacted to him. She could feel the prickling tension in her breasts as he brought her even harder up against his chest and deepened the kiss. She could even feel her inner thighs quivering at the thought of what was pressing so insistently just above them. She had never been so thoroughly kissed in her entire life and this was just a rehearsal! God knew how she would cope with the real thing.

But none of this is real, she told herself sternly. It’s an act, a publicity stunt for him to increase his ratings. It has nothing to do with reality, nothing to do with real feelings and responses.

It was an act.

Bryn lifted his head and looked down at her flushed features. ‘Wow, I think I might have to take back everything I said in my column. That was an Oscar-winning performance. No one would ever think you weren’t in love with me after that.’

Mia eased herself out of his hold, her eyes flashing with rage. ‘If you think I’m going to be manhandled by you whenever you feel like it then you’re in for a big shock.’

‘It’s only a performance, just like any other,’ he said. ‘Besides, you kissed the leading man last night, not very convincingly in my opinion, but then maybe he had bad breath or something.’

‘He did not have bad breath.’

‘Then what was the problem? Didn’t you like the guy?’

‘Actors don’t have to like the person they’re playing opposite, which is just as well, as I can’t think of a person I hate more than you.’

‘What a professional challenge this will be for you, then,’ he observed with a mocking smile playing about his mouth. ‘Convincing the public you’re in love with me when all the time you really hate my guts.’

‘I can do it,’ she bit out with pride-fuelled determination. ‘I’ll show you I’m not the inexperienced, pathetic actor you apparently think I am.’

‘Good,’ he said. ‘We’ll start with public performance number one this evening. I’ll send a car for you at seven. Wear something glamorous and sexy.’

‘I don’t have anything glamorous and sexy.’

He reached for his wallet and, opening it, peeled off a thick wad of notes and handed it to her. ‘Buy something.’

Mia stared at the money without touching it.

‘Go on,’ he said. ‘It’s part of the deal, remember?’

‘I don’t want your disgusting money. I’d rather wear rags than take anything off you.’

He tugged her towards him and with a deftness that left her completely breathless he tucked the wad of notes down the front of her cotton top right between her heaving breasts.

‘When I say go and buy something sexy and glamorous I mean it, Mia. Got that? You’re playing a role for me and I expect and indeed am paying you to give a brilliant performance.’

Mia gave him a fulminating glare as she retrieved the money out of her top and stuffed it in the back pocket of her jeans. ‘I might have to act my heart out in public but when we’re alone I’m still going to hate you with every bone in my body. Got that?’

‘Loud and clear,’ he said, holding the door open for her. ‘Come on, I’ll walk you to your car.’

‘I can find my own way.’ She made to brush past but he put out an arm to stop her. She jerked back from the feel of his muscled arm against the softness of her breasts.

Her eyes locked with his and her heart gave an extra beat at the diamond-sharp glitter in his dark gaze.

‘Don’t fight me, Mia, because when I fight, I fight dirty. You’d be wise to remember that.’

‘Tell me something I don’t already know,’ she tossed back. ‘You’re an unscrupulous playboy with nothing better to do with your time than manipulate people to do what you want. How pathetic.’

‘I’ll tell you what’s pathetic,’ he said, a thread of anger beginning to tighten his voice. ‘Your little attempt at pay-back this morning was a childish impulse that clearly demonstrates how ill-suited you are for anything other than those ridiculous toilet-paper ads you’ve done in the past.’

Mia clenched her fists by her sides. ‘Why don’t you just go ahead and sue me? Go on. I dare you.’

‘Don’t tempt me, little lady. How long do you think it would take you to find another job if I tell the truth about what really happened this morning? There isn’t an agent who would take you on and you damn well know it. You reputation as a hot-headed little prima donna would make anyone think twice about representing you.’

Mia tried to outstare him but something about the rigid set of his jaw warned her against pitting her puny strength against his. He was a man used to having things his way and anyone in the way would be ruthlessly disposed of with whatever means he had available. She knew she would never find work in the industry again if he put his mind to it. He had connections and in the acting world that meant everything. One bad word and her reputation would be ruined. One bad review was enough. How much worse would it be if he took it into his mind to totally alienate her future career prospects?

She lowered her eyes and though it irked her intolerably she made no demur as he took her hand and led her out of his office through the building and the grounds until they came to her car.

‘See you tonight,’ he said, stepping back from the car as she started the engine.

‘See you in hell,’ she muttered darkly as she backed out.

Bryn watched her roar away in a clang of clutch and gears, her smooth cheeks still bright pink with outraged colour.

Once she was out of sight he ran his tongue over his lips. He could still taste the summer-strawberry flavour of her soft mouth where it had been pressed against his. Even his chest felt as if she were still up against it, her slender curves fitting so neatly against him as if she were tailor-made for him. Holding her close had triggered a deep pulse of desire that even now he could feel thudding insistently in his blood. He couldn’t remember a time when he’d felt so turned on by a woman.

He gave himself a mental shake. He didn’t believe in love at first sight. He didn’t believe in romantic love at all. The term ‘love’ was all too often used when the word ‘lust’ would have been much more appropriate. Lust at first sight; now, there was a concept he could get his head around.

He was in lust with Mia Forrester.

That was more like it.

Lust he could handle.

But even so, a tiny frown closed the distance between his eyebrows as he turned and walked back to the studio building.

CHAPTER FOUR

‘OH, MY God, is it true?’ Gina gasped as soon as Mia walked through the door of their tiny flat in Neutral Bay. ‘I listened to you on the radio. Are you really engaged to him?’

‘Um…well…you know…I…it…we…’

‘It’s just soooo romantic!’ Gina gushed. ‘I thought you hated him and now you’re going to be married. Talk about a whirlwind affair. Can I be bridesmaid?’

‘I’m not…sure what plans we will be making about that just yet,’ Mia said, hating Bryn all over again for making her lie to her closest friend. ‘It’s all happened so fast. My feet haven’t touched the ground yet.’

‘How did it happen? I mean, did you just suddenly realise he was the man of your dreams? Was it truly love at first sight?’

Mia had to dig deeply into her acting repertoire to sound anywhere near convincing. ‘I went there to tell him what I thought of him but as soon as I saw him sitting there…I couldn’t control my reaction. It was…unbelievable.’

‘God, I wish some gorgeous guy would sweep me off my feet like that,’ Gina said. ‘And think of how rich and famous he is. You’ll never have to worry about the rent again.’

‘His money doesn’t matter to me in the slightest,’ Mia lied.

The truth was, Bryn Dwyer’s money was the only reason she was doing this, to help Ellie, otherwise she would have told him exactly where to put his stupid fiancée role with considerable relish. She’d already deposited the wad of money he’d given her into her sister’s credit-card account, which had in some way made her feel a little less compromised about what she was doing in playing the role he’d assigned her. At least it would tide her sister over until she could get her hands on some more.

‘I’m sure his money doesn’t matter to you but every little bit helps,’ Gina responded pragmatically. ‘So when are you seeing him again?’

Mia glanced at her watch and felt her stomach clench in panic at how she was going to be ready in time. ‘In about two hours.’

‘Two hours?’ Gina looked aghast. ‘But you haven’t even done your hair!’

‘Can I borrow that black evening dress of yours?’ Mia asked as she kicked off her shoes and released her pony-tail.

‘Which one? The one with the diamanté halter-neck or the one with the split up the thigh?’

‘Which do you think is sexier?’

Gina scrunched her face up as she thought about it. ‘Definitely the split—besides, you’ve got the legs for it.’

Mia stared at her reflection an hour and forty-five minutes later. There was no trace of the struggling and out-of-work actor now. In her place was a sophisticated vision in close-fitting black satin, her blonde hair scooped up in a casual but still elegant twist on top of her head, the glittering drop earrings she’d borrowed off Gina giving the final touch of glamour.

‘Wow…you look fabulous. Bryn is going to fall in love with you all over again when he sees you,’ Gina said.

Mia stifled a cynical little laugh. Bryn Dwyer didn’t seem to be the type to fall in love with anybody but himself. The Press had been full of his numerous relationships, none of them lasting more than a week or two. And no wonder, she thought uncharitably. With his ego the size it was, there wouldn’t be room for anyone else’s in any of his relationships.

‘That’s him!’ Gina whispered as the doorbell sounded. She scooped up the evening bag she’d lent Mia and ushered her towards the door.

Mia flicked a loose tendril out of her eye and opened the door to find a man dressed in a chauffeur’s uniform standing there.

‘Good evening, Miss Forrester. My name is Henry. I’m Mr Dwyer’s driver. I have been instructed to take you to him for this evening’s event. He had another commitment but told me to tell you he will meet you there.’

Mia saw Gina’s eyes go out on stalks but she herself was not so impressed by such opulent wealth. She hated unnecessary displays of prosperity and couldn’t help feeling Bryn had done it deliberately to remind her of his power over her. She inwardly fumed as she wondered what his other commitment had been—no doubt a quick dalliance with one of his numerous lovers.

She gave the driver a pleasant smile and followed him out to the stretch limousine and turned around in her seat to give the awestruck Gina a little fingertip wave once Henry had settled her inside.

A few minutes later they were travelling across the Harbour Bridge into the city, the summer sun still high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the high-rise buildings. There were numerous yachts out, their white sails in perfect accord with the sail-like structure of the Sydney Opera House, which sparkled in the bright sunshine.

Within a short time Henry drove into the sweeping driveway of one of the premier hotels, where a host of paparazzi were already gathered in anticipation as one of the hotel staff stepped forward to open her door.

Mia had to rely on what she’d learnt in a role play workshop she’d done a few months back. She stepped out of the vehicle as if she were royalty, smiling graciously for the flashing cameras as she made her way across the red carpet to the ostentatious foyer.

The ceiling was dripping with crystal chandeliers, the marbled floor beneath her high-heeled feet was polished to perfection and huge, fragrant floral arrangements dominated the centre table in front of the grand, sweeping staircase.

A journalist thrust a microphone in her face. ‘Miss Forrester, tell us how it feels to have won the heart of Sydney’s most confirmed bachelor.’

She smiled sweetly and answered in a breathy tone. ‘It feels absolutely wonderful.’

‘You are the envy of the young and single female population of Sydney,’ another one said. ‘No one ever thought he would commit. Can you tell us your secret?’

‘There is no secret about love,’ she said. ‘It takes you by surprise when you’re least expecting it.’

‘Is it true you met by accident?’ a female reporter asked.

‘Yes…’ Mia gave a coy smile. ‘I accidentally spilt a cup of coffee in his lap.’

‘Is there any truth in the rumour that Mr Dwyer’s comments in this morning’s paper in regard to your performance in Theodore Frankston’s latest production precipitated your—er—little accident?’

‘No, of course not…as I said, it was an accident. It just slipped out of my hand,’ Mia lied with increasing confidence. ‘It was only when he stood up that I realised who he was and…well…I was overwhelmed by my feelings, as indeed he was too.’

‘There has been some suggestion that this is all a publicity stunt,’ another journalist said. ‘Do you have any comment to make?’

‘Yes.’ She looked towards the television camera, giving her lashes a little flutter before she continued in the same breathy tone. ‘I would like to say to all those sceptics out there that there is such a thing as love at first sight. Bryn and I are living proof of it. As soon as we met it was like…kismet.’ She was on a roll and continued with a hand pressed to her bosom. ‘I could almost hear the angels singing.’ She gave a dreamy sigh. ‘I can’t wait until we’re married. It’s like a dream come true.’

‘Er—thank you, Miss Forrester.’ The journalist turned to the camera. ‘Well, you’ve heard it straight from the filly’s mouth, so to speak. To those who’ve just tuned in, Sydney’s twice-in-a-row Bachelor of the Year has finally met his match. The official engagement of Miss Mia Forrester and Mr Bryn Dwyer has made headlines around the country.’

Mia turned as a hand touched her on the elbow.

‘This way, Miss Forrester,’ a hotel staff member said as he directed her towards the staircase. ‘Mr Dwyer will be here shortly. The ballroom is on the first floor.’

Mia picked up the tiny train on her dress and glided up the stairs as the cameras flashed behind her. It occurred to her then that she was quite enjoying herself. She hadn’t expected to but somehow she was relishing the role of Bryn’s fiancée. She was particularly pleased with her portrayal of a star-struck ingénue. Who said she couldn’t act?

The ballroom was decked out with pink and blue balloons and streamers, the arc of tables beautifully and elegantly set for dinner around a small dance floor.

The other guests had already assembled and were enjoying their pre-dinner drinks as the waiters began to lead them to their tables.

‘You’re on table one,’ the same staff member informed her. ‘Come this way.’

Mia followed him to the table where some of the guests were already seated. They sprang to their feet as she approached and congratulated her effusively.

‘Such wonderful news!’

‘I always knew he’d do it some day.’

‘But you’re gorgeous! No wonder he was instantly smitten.’

Mia lapped it up. She felt like a Hollywood movie star. She smiled and took each hand in turn, doing her best to memorise names and faces as each person introduced themselves.

‘Here, sit next to me.’ An older woman called Jocey Myers patted the seat beside her. ‘Bryn will be here soon.’

‘Thank you.’ Mia sat down and settled her gown around her.

‘He’s probably visiting his great-aunt,’ Jocey said in an undertone. ‘Has he told you about her?’

Mia wasn’t sure how to answer. She was supposed to be his fiancée. Surely a fiancée would know just about everything about the man she was about to marry. ‘Um…yes…’

‘She’s not expected to live much longer, poor dear,’ Jocey went on. ‘He doesn’t know I know. I only found out by accident, as my mother-in-law is in the same palliative-care unit.’ She leaned towards Mia conspiratorially. ‘No one at the station knows, of course; it just wouldn’t go with the image, now, would it?’

‘Er—no…’

Mia frowned as she took in the information about Bryn’s relative. She felt as if she’d done him a disservice, assuming he’d been off with one of his lovers when instead he had been sitting by the bedside of a terminally ill relative.

She thought of her own elderly relatives, the extended family that she so adored, uncles and aunts, great-uncles and great-aunts and her three remaining grandparents. They had filled her life with such amazing love and security and given true meaning to the word family.

Jocey tapped her on the shoulder. ‘Ah. here he is now.’

Mia turned to see Bryn approach the table, his tall, commanding stance turning every head in the room. He bent down and, before she could do anything to counteract it, pressed a lingering kiss to her mouth.

‘How’s my beautiful fiancée this evening?’

She gave him a tight smile without answering, but she sent him a message with her eyes which she hoped no one else could see.

His mouth tilted as he tapped her gently on the tip of her nose with the end of one long finger. ‘I can see you’re speechless with love for me. How adorably sweet.’

‘You lucky dog.’ One of the older men thumped Bryn on the shoulder on his way past to the drinks waiter.

‘I told you it would happen eventually,’ another guest said.

‘I thoroughly approve,’ one of the other women said. ‘You should have seen how she handled the media. A natural, if you ask me.’

‘How did you handle the media?’ Bryn asked softly as he sat down beside her.

Mia couldn’t help feeling a little ashamed of her earlier behaviour with the Press. She’d come across as an empty-headed, star-struck bimbo. If only she’d known he was visiting his dying relative. Now she just felt silly and childish.

‘It was a piece of cake,’ she whispered back.

‘Good girl,’ he said and reached for his glass. ‘I’d hate for this children’s charity to be spoilt by a bad Press release.’

Mia stiffened in her seat. Children’s charity? She glanced towards the podium, where a brightly festooned sign portrayed the emblem of the charity for kids with cancer. Bryn’s name was printed there as principle sponsor and another wave of shame passed through her from head to toe.

‘What’s wrong?’ he asked. ‘You look a little flustered.’

Mia bent her head and stared at her cutlery. ‘I’m not the least bit flustered.’

‘Why are you blushing?’

‘I’m not blushing,’ she denied even as her face felt as if it was going to explode with heat. ‘It’s hot in here.’

‘Let’s go get some air,’ he said and drew her to her feet.

She had no choice but to go with him. The other guests looked on indulgently as he escorted her from the ballroom, a couple of cameras flashing at them as they went past.

He waited until he’d led her into a quiet alcove out of the way of the Press. ‘I’m sorry I was late. I had something to see to.’

‘Why didn’t you tell me you were visiting your great-aunt?’

He frowned down at her, his dark eyes narrowing into slits. ‘Who told you about my great-aunt?’

‘Jocey Myers.’

His features darkened and Mia noticed his hands begin to clench by his sides. ‘She had no right to do that.’

‘I think she had the right to tell me the important details of your life and background,’ she said. ‘I can’t act this role if I don’t know who the other principle character is.’

‘You don’t need to know me. This is all an act. Just run with the script I gave you.’

‘The script you gave me has some very big gaps in it,’ she said. ‘I can’t do this convincingly if I don’t know who you are as a person. No one will believe I have fallen in love with you unless I can prove I know who you really are.’

Bryn thought about it for a moment. ‘All right, I’ll fill you in on some details but they are to go no further. Understood?’

She nodded.

‘Right, then.’ He took a breath and wondered where to start. ‘My parents were killed when I was seven. I hardly remember what they looked like now. My great-aunt Agnes stepped in and brought me up. End of story.’

Mia frowned. ‘But surely—’

‘I don’t remember, OK?’ His eyes hardened as they lasered hers. ‘Now let’s go back and do what we’re here to do.’

‘What exactly are we here to do?’ she asked as she trotted to keep up with his long strides.

‘We’re here to raise a hundred thousand dollars for the Children’s Cancer Ward at St Patrick’s.’

She stared at his back as he started back towards the ballroom. ‘Wait!’ She tugged on his arm and he turned to face her. ‘What do you want me to do?’

He looked down at her mouth for a moment before he tore his gaze away. ‘I told you this afternoon. I want you to act the role of the devoted fiancée. Did you happen to cover that at stage school?’

She lifted her chin. ‘That was in Tricky Relationships 101.’

He threw back his head and laughed.

‘What’s so funny?’ she asked. ‘You don’t think I can do tricky relationships?’

He placed a casual arm around her shoulders as he led her back into the ballroom. ‘I’m beginning to think I’ve seriously underestimated your acting ability.’

‘I told you I can act,’ she said through a forced smile as someone stopped to take their photo.

‘So you did but up until today I hadn’t seen you do it very convincingly.’

‘I was going on instinct rather than experience in Theo’s play. I just needed more time to get my head around the role. I was the understudy, remember,’ she said.

He stopped in his tracks to look down at her, a small frown beetling his brows. ‘So what you’re saying is you’ve never actually been in love?’

‘Um…no…’ She shifted her gaze. ‘I’ve had a few close calls but nothing very serious.’

‘Have you lived with anyone before?’

‘No…’

‘Been engaged before?’

She rolled her eyes at him. ‘No, of course not. In case it has escaped your notice, most women these days prefer to be in love with the man they’ve agreed to marry.’

He gave her a thoughtful look that seemed to go on and on for endless seconds, his dark blue eyes steady on hers.

Mia began to brace herself for his next question. Here it comes, she thought.

The big one.

Have You Slept With Anyone Before?

‘I think you’ll enjoy the rest of the evening,’ he finally said. ‘Do you like dancing?’

It wasn’t the question she’d been expecting and it took her a moment to register what he’d asked. ‘Oh, yes…I love dancing…’

Bryn glanced down at her when she wasn’t looking his way. She had dressed beautifully for the evening, the clinging black satin showing off every toned curve of her slight frame. Her bright and intelligent grey eyes were highlighted by a smoky eye-shadow and eyeliner and her soft mouth glistened with a camellia-pink lip-gloss.

There was an ingenuous air about her he found incredibly alluring. So many women he’d been involved with in the past had been so street-smart and worldly he’d found it grating after a while. He knew his money and status had been the draw card in such relationships, but Mia had no interest in him either as a person or for what he could give her in terms of money or prestige. She was with him under sufferance and he knew as soon as they were alone again she would take the very first opportunity to remind him of it.

His gut gave a tiny twinge of guilt as he thought of the conversation he’d had with his great-aunt earlier that evening. He’d hated lying to the one person who had stood by him all of his life, but it had been worth it to see the sheer joy on her pain-ravaged face as he’d confirmed his engagement. He wasn’t sure if she would believe him at first but somehow she had. He’d told her as soon as he’d met Mia he’d found the woman of his dreams. It was after all more or less the truth. Mia Forrester was exactly the stuff male dreams were made of.

‘Oh, my darling boy!’ Agnes had clutched his hand in both of her frail ones in delight. ‘I’m so pleased. At first I thought it must have been a publicity stunt or a way to get me to change my will. I know you weren’t happy about my conditions but I couldn’t risk you throwing yourself away on someone who was only after you for your money. And, besides, your parents wouldn’t have wanted you to be this bitter for so long.’

Bryn inwardly grimaced at the thought of how his great-aunt’s will was written. It was a lot of money, not that he needed it personally, of course, but he wasn’t going to stand by and see the person responsible for his parents’ death inherit the lot. That was taking forgiveness way too far.

‘You’re exactly like your father,’ his great-aunt continued. ‘He fell in love with your mother the very first time he met her. It was so romantic.’ She gave a heartfelt sigh and added, ‘I have dreamed of this moment. I have wanted this for you for so long, for you to settle down with a nice girl instead of those money-hungry ones you usually date. I heard her on the radio with you this afternoon—she sounds so sweet. When can I meet her?’

‘I’ll bring her to see you tomorrow,’ he found himself promising, hoping his acting fiancée would agree to it.

‘That would be wonderful; I can hardly wait to see her. I’m sure she’s absolutely perfect for you.’

Bryn bent down and kissed her papery cheek as he made to leave. ‘Yes,’ he said, a funny flutter coming and going in his chest as he brought Mia Forrester’s feisty little heart-shaped face to mind. ‘She is perfect. Absolutely perfect.’

The first course was being served as they came back into the ballroom. Mia sat down with considerable relief when Bryn’s arm slipped from around her shoulders as he turned to speak to the person on his right. Having him so physically close was deeply unsettling, for ever since he’d kissed her that afternoon her awareness of him had lifted to an almost intolerable level. All her senses were finely tuned to pick up on his every movement or gesture. When she turned her head towards her left shoulder she could even smell his cologne on her skin where his arm had lain. She knew she’d have to get used to having him touch her in public but each time he did so she felt as if another part of her was being made more vulnerable to him.

She reached for her wine glass and felt his leg brush against hers. She tried to edge away but his hand came down on the middle of her thigh. The weight of his fingers felt like a scorch through the thin fabric of her gown. And her heart began to pick up its pace when he turned to speak to her, his dark blue eyes steady on hers.

‘Everything all right, sweetheart?’

‘F-fine…just fine…’ She moistened her lips and forced herself not to flinch away when his hand moved upwards a fraction.

He leaned closer to whisper in her ear, ‘Relax.’

‘I am relaxed.’

‘No, you’re not. You’re as tense as a trip-wire.’

‘Only because your hand is where it shouldn’t be,’ she said, smiling inanely as someone took their photo.

‘I’m your fiancé. I’m supposed to touch you.’

‘In public—yes.’

‘This is in public. In fact, it couldn’t be more public. There are at least five hundred people in this room.’

‘It’s not public under the table,’ Mia pointed out tightly.

He gave her a lazy smile and took his hand off her thigh to place it on the nape of her neck, his long, warm fingers toying with the silky tendrils of her hair. ‘Is that better?’

A shiver of reaction passed right through her from the top of her head to her toes. She forced herself to maintain eye contact, knowing that people were watching, but it was increasingly difficult to disguise her reaction to him. She hoped he would assume she was simply acting but something about his smile suggested he was well aware of the effect he was having on her.

‘Let’s dance,’ he suggested after a little silence.

Mia was glad of an excuse to move out of his embrace, but it wasn’t until she was on the dance floor with his arms pulling her into his rock-hard body that she realised she had just stepped out of a sizzling frying-pan and straight into the leaping flames of a fire she had no hope of controlling.

There wasn’t even room for air between their bodies as he turned her into a quick-stepping waltz. She was pressed to him from chest to thigh, the thin, close-fitting fabric of her gown no barrier to the searing heat of his body. Her breasts were pushed up against him and he took full advantage of it by dipping his gaze over their creamy curves.

Mia felt her skin tingle from the burning heat in his eyes, and her stomach did a nervous little flip turn when she felt the unmistakable evidence of his growing erection against her belly.

‘Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea…’ she said, trying not to blush but knowing she was failing miserably.

‘Why?’ He skilfully turned her in his arms and brought her even closer. ‘I’m enjoying myself.’

She gave him a caustic look while her back was turned to the tables. ‘No doubt you are but let me tell you I am not.’

‘I thought you said you liked dancing?’

‘This is not dancing, this is making out in front of an audience!’ she hissed back.

‘You want to go somewhere more private?’

‘I don’t want to go anywhere with you.’

‘Careful, Mia, there are cameras everywhere. We have a deal, remember? Now, stop looking at me as if you’re going to take me apart piece by piece and kiss me instead.’

She gave him a recalcitrant look. ‘I am not going to kiss you.’

His dark eyes held hers challengingly. ‘Yes you are.’

She elevated her chin defiantly. ‘Make me. I dare you.’

‘It will be my pleasure,’ he said and tugging her up hard against him brought his mouth down on hers.