Page 20 of Lela's Choice

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SIX HOURS LATER, LELAsat in the lobby, letting herself be distracted by the passing parade of people. A group in stunning traditional Indian dress gathered a short distance from her, the women’s saris in jewel colours: greens, crimsons and blues embroidered in gold. She glanced briefly down at her simple, summer sheath, a swirl of Monet-style greens and blues, pallid and shapeless in contrast to the vibrancy of the full-length saris. The women greeted one another and their dresses rippled and swirled. Were they attending an embassy or private social function?

“You’re looking far more relaxed.”

Turning towards his voice, she studied his casual burgundy jeans, black T-shirt and the lightweight cream sweater hooked around his shoulders. While his unconventional ties had provided a hint of the maverick within, stripped of his business suit he was somehow more male, more virile, more of a threat to her equilibrium. A whiff of his fresh aftershave and his slicked-back, damp locks told her he’d recently showered. Her nostrils quivered in response to the tangy scent. He’d be gorgeous naked. Rattled, Lela’s mouth went dry. And, okay, following him up the hill, she had noticed he had a fine butt and ...

“Maybe I should amend that?” Had he noticed her stalled breath and wide eyes on him?

Lela swallowed, then ran her tongue over parched lips, flustered when his eyes followed the movement. “I had a nap, among other things.” Hastily, she rose to her feet.

“I like the dress,” he said.

“Colourless and without form.”

“In the interests of ongoing clear communication, let’s workshop this. I don’t think that answer is rude, undiplomatic or unladylike. You’re either not used to receiving compliments or embarrassed. A simple thank you works best.”

“Thank you, although my response was a classic case of dress envy.” She gestured towards the other group.

He studied them. “Saris in jewel colours and of that quality are mesmerising. Makes you think every woman should wear one.” He brought his gaze back to consider her. “Strong colours would suit you too, but I like the subtlety and elegant cut of this dress. And you have legs.”

“Basic anatomy, MacGregor.”

Grinning, he peered over her shoulder at the sofa where she’d been sitting. “Did you bring a jacket? It could get cooler later.”

“A shawl in my bag.” She waved a small bag at him.

“Let’s go. The restaurant’s in the old city. I hope you don’t mind another walk.”

“I’d enjoy it. I’m still working out the kinks from the flight.”

He slipped a hand under her elbow and guided her out the front door and towards the steps.

“I don’t need help finding my way.” But his touch, like his scent, was reassuring in the nicest possible way.

“Another tip on communication. Accepting help isn’t always about needing it. It’s another one of those building blocks of relationships.”

Lela paused at the top of the first flight of stairs and turned to face him. His hand dropped to his side. “We’re still negotiating terms for working together.”

“See, a relationship.” Leaning closer, he sniffed discreetly at her hair. “Is that a wisp of chlorine underneath the Givenchy?”

“Did you see me in the pool?”And where did you pick up a knowledge of women’s perfumes?

“I confess, your honour. I was working on the balcony, and you caught my eye.”

“Further confirmation I have legs?” She tilted her head to one side.

“Guilty as charged. I still like the dress. Why do you prickle up defensively when I comment on your appearance?”

“It’s irrelevant to what we’re doing.”

“True, but like accepting help, genuine compliments improve human interactions,” he said. “And because we know you like to understand cause and effect, my sister wears Amarige.”

“Shouldn’t we keep moving?” She peered around him, unaccountably pleased to have an explanation for the perfume. His sister, not a girlfriend. Not that his choice of lover—male or female—was any of her business, but her research hadn’t turned up an intimate partner.Not that I was looking.“It looks like a long way to the top.”

“Eighty-nine steps. There are some drawbacks to building a hotel into the side of a hill. Having trouble?”

She glanced towards the top. “Only with you, MacGregor. Flattery won’t gain my cooperation.”

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